Grandma Jen Joining the BlogWagon

Ok, so I fell off the Blogwagon

2009-11-03T12:18:00.001-07:00

If you are even still paying attention….
Spring & summer have past, and here it is November! I have had a busy, fun time and not so fun times. So much to tell but I am afraid I would forget something. The most important couple items are that:
You can find me mainly on Facebook now.
John, Jamie and our grandsons ditched us for Oregon.
Heidi and Mike are still working their butts off.
JP and Stephani are pregnant with their first!
A few weeks behind are Jen and Nate with their 2nd.
We have a chocolate lab puppy named Royal, he is 10-1/2 weeks.
Looks like we are keeping Cambry, our spare dog we have been “dog-sitting” for a year.
Ozzy is still the King Dog and it’s hunting season now. Joe and Oz are at it again.
I started working out again, sometimes even enjoy it! I have a personal trainer like I thought only rich people had, lol!

No promises but I will try to get back into blogging here and there. Don’t check back too often but, see you soon!

It Happened April 8th…

2009-04-08T10:59:00.001-06:00

1982 - Today is Marshall’s birthday. He was our friend’s son. He would have been 27 but he passed away in 2005 from heart failure. My thoughts are always with his parents and family today. Kevin and family have been celebrating his birthday still in San Diego and it is a great tribute. I believe it is important to continue to celebrate those we love even after their passing.

1999 - I quit smoking TEN YEARS ago today! If you met me post April 1999 you wouldn’t have even guessed I smoked. I harp on my husband all of the time to quit too...all of the time. We almost got a divorce even though we just got married not even a month before. I took Wellbutrin (same as Xaiban – sp?) to quit. You are to take it for 3-6 months and THEN quit. I took it for a day and then didn’t want a cigarette. But I was CRAZY while I was on the Rx! I have only had a drag and unfortunately a lot of second hand since then. Yippee for me!

2004 – JP married the girl next door, or down the street rather. They grew up in the same neighborhood, which we moved into just a couple years ago. Stephani is a great daughter in law. In fact, all of our kids spouses are awesome. We are so fortunate that we actually like all of them and they are great for Joe’s kids!

(I know I missed writing Jamie and John’s anniversary 03/03/03 and Jen and Nate’s 02/04/06. I never said I had it together! Happy belated anniversary post to you also)

Last 2 Weekends Report

2009-04-07T20:31:00.002-06:00

I can’t keep up. It isn’t that I am THAT busy but I have a lot on my mind and it is stopping me. Just me trying to figure out my life. I can’t keep up on my blog, FlickR or Facebook.
So here is a quick recap of the last couple weeks.
We went to St. George the last 2 weekends, I KNOW, SHOCKING! This last weekend was with JP and “our” dogs. I say “our” dogs since I am not sure if Benton remembers he has a dog. She is so cute and I love her, so if he forgets to come get her, I will be ok with her being my dog.
The weekend before JP, Steph, their doggies, and “our” dogs went. Both weekends the boys golfed. I shopped (Steph too) and I didn’t do much on both weekends but relax and enjoy. It is a fortunate life we have, I am grateful.
Last week we celebrated JP's 29th birthday on April Fool's Day (yes, his real birthdate). I got in trouble for not calling him to wish him happy birthday. Honestly, the reason I didn't and sometimes don't call the kids is because I am waiting for their Dad to call first. I guess I had better just call them!

Channeling Connie To Strike It Rich!

2009-03-23T22:56:00.002-06:00

We are in the 6th week of our 12-week bowling league and the 4th year in a row in a league. My new bowling gear paid off! I was bowling so well that instead of Joe bowling in “Strike It Rich”, he had me go. To play “Strike It Rich”, people put in $1 for 4 tickets, I bought $4 worth. My tickets kept being drawn and each time it was a chance to bowl a strike. It took me the forth try but I did it. It is hard enough not thinking people we are playing are watching and criticizing your bowling technique but to do it in front of 23 other people (family and friends for the most part) on the league and the staff of the alley watching you, that is another story! I tripled my money and won $12! It was the smallest pot so far this year I think.
Now to top it off, I bowled better this week than I ever have. I bowled above my average and I got better with each game, my score went up!
There are a lot of factors in my better performance the main factor is that I am learning HOW to play the game instead of absently throwing it down and hoping for the best.
I also have just decided to enjoy myself. It helps that more of the family are on the league.This week we played John, Jamie, JP & Steph. Alex and Max are fun to play with each week. Alex is so fun, and he knows how to work us adults to buy him “prizes” in the machines. Jamie bought him some M&M’s and a sticker (bumper sticker seen here and disclaimer for Mommy Jamie, the bottoms are pjs). I tortured him to wait until after the 3rd game. Keep in mind, that it takes about an hour a game. Poor kid! But he was good. I need to figure out how not to make it seem so long to wait for his rewards. I learned not to say “you need to be a good boy”, because he knows he is a good boy so he is thinking, “uh, hullo lady where the hell is it?!”. I think next time I need to at least reword to say “behave during our games”. I am sure it is hard to literally sit and watch us. He really is a good kid!
PS thanks Connie

Back-to-Back St. George Weekends

2009-03-22T21:59:00.003-06:00

Steph, JP, their dogs, John and Alex, joined us in St. George. Saturday morning we went and watched Adam (Charlie and Joyce’s son); he was competing in a Remote Control (RC) rock climb. He did really well. It was fun to watch and he did well. When we were told, he was racing his PC truck at a Park we thought it was at a regular park. Therefore, Stephani and I dressed in our flip-flops. It turned out we were at a park that you hike up the slick rocks. This was a first experience for Alex. He was a bit worried about the cliffs, like me. He is a great little hiker.
We BBQ’d with Charlie, Joyce and Adam. Adam had just cut the pork chops the day before, fresh meat to satisfy the carnivore Dillier’s.
All the boys sent golfing both Saturday and Sunday. It was Alex’s (another) first experience golfing. He took his cute plastic clubs. I wanted to go to take pictures but I knew my attention span would be worse than a child’s would. JP and John took some with Joe's camera (see FlickR). Alex was so good the whole weekend. I think we all had a great time too!
Joe, the dogs and I went to St. George Thursday night. Joe got in a practice round of golf while I went to Mesquite and got in a massage (with I think, our last points). I also used our “cash back” and gambled with it.
Saturday the tournament began. Charlie golfed okay and Joe golfed one of his best games, an 86. He was really quite pleased.
I did a lot of nothing but ventured into DI. I scored for $3.00: a bowling ball, retro bag, a needlepoint towel and really old school bowling shoes. Thank you Connie! Whoever you are! I hope I bowl well Monday night with your equipment. Even if I use them 2 times, they pay for my rental shoes. Besides, let's face it, bowling shoes are not that pretty anyway. I will probably buy some next league.
I rented “Dark Knight”, Joe and I finally watched it. It was great except the damn Red Box DVD skipped! I think we missed a few important things. We will have to watch it again later.
Sunday/today, I slept in and cleaned up a little while Joe & Charlie golfed again. I drove out to Sand Hollow where they were playing the tournament. It was very windy and sprinkled rain as I drove (to BFE and turn right). Just as I suspected, I did not mean to curse him, but I thought the wind would get in his head. Unfortunately it did. Both he and Charlie golfed poorly. It was gusty and cold all day. The sand pelted at them all day.
We went back to the condo, I made an In-And-Out Burger run. Colin arrived (he is staying in our condo about one time a month, he has clients in the St. George area).
We ate, relaxed and visited for a while. Joe and I just got home safely through several snow and rain showers. I made it in my normal time, just a smidge under 4 hours.

Butt Gravity

2009-03-13T14:57:00.004-06:00

I can't stop just sitting here in my new chair. Now I will never go anywhere. With joining Facebook I have a part time job saving rainforests, saving reefs and giving hugs. I haven't even figured out how to do pictures, etc.
Hey it is John's fault he invited me to join it and Joe's fault he gave me this chair. The house will never get clean.
I have to get up every once in a while to get a drink or go potty. Did I mention it has a cup holder too?

10 Years

2009-03-12T17:22:00.003-06:00

Just over 10 years ago we were engaged and planning a summer wedding. I was stressed, who to invite and who I did not want to invite. Weddings suck (I like going as a guest, just not planning one), it is an all or nothing type of deal for me. I wanted everyone to be there, well like I said kind of. The lines are hard to draw.
The date to leave approaching and the planning was wearing on us. Joe thought it was simple, if he had not met the people I was inviting at $50 plus a plate (not even including the bar), then they were not invited.
We also had planned a spring trip to Kaua’i. Being over 10 years ago, I cannot remember how it all came about. I had gotten my dress. It was a simple prom dress. Cheap for a wedding dress, but pretty. You only wear it once!
“We could just get married while we are in Hawai’i.” said Joe. I had a hard time. It was my first wedding after all. You always think your first wedding is to be like a fairytale. Well it turned out to be one! Other than jabs from my Mom and select friends that they were not there, but then it was our wedding. We would do it the same again!
I got Joe bowling shoes (highly romantic I know!). I also asked Stephani’s brother to copy our VHS wedding video to DVD.
I came home from working today and Joe pulled up in the truck with my present. Christian helped him unload a huge box; at first, I thought it was another big screen. It turned out to be a “Human Touch Massage Chair”.
Joe – “Here you go honey, this is your dinner at the Oyster Bar”
Me – “How about if you take it back, get the money, take me to dinner and then we can get me 20 real massages with the money” (I know, what a bitch he married! – I was joking)
Joe – (heartbroken)
Me – “ I love it honey thanks, I was joking. You get bowling shoes that I already gave you early”.
The thing is that I really did not want him to get me anything, I expected maybe flowers.
I was thinking that I would make him take back jewelry since he has given me so much and I end up wearing the same diamond earrings. The necklaces, diamond and pearl bracelets just sit in the safe. No taking back this one!
How sweet is this guy I married? He knew that I loved our friend Wayne’s chair and I hog it from Wayne every time we go to Vegas. It is practical and I do love practical! He knows it. I think (pretty sure) I will use this gift a lot!
I am excited to be with him for another 100 years...I mean 10 or more.

Last Weekend with the McDade’s, Jack’s & Pocock’s

2009-03-11T20:56:00.004-06:00

Thursday evening flight to Las Vegas, we were booked on the same flight with Tyler & Ann Marie. The McDade’s picked us up at the airport.
Tyler & Ann Marie were staying at the Venetian, they checked in and then we all had a drink together. Joe and Ann Marie danced which was quite entertaining. I played Black Jack with Mr. Jack. I got one 21 then it all went to Hell. It was a fun night out anyway.

Friday – Jared and Linda flew in. Tyler, Jared, Wayne and Joe went golfing. Just the Jack & Pocock’s went to dinner together then we went with the McDade’s. We went to the new M Resort Casino. It opened a week ago. We tried to get in to dinner ANYWHERE there but they were so busy with 3 or more hour waits. We took a quick look around then opted to go to the South Point and eat at one of their restaurants. We ended up at a steak house. We gambled a little after to digest our dinners.

Saturday – the guys went golfing again. Karen and I went to the Outlet stores in Primm. By the way, they sucked, don’t bother.
We all met up for dinner at a restaurant called Dal Toro at the Palazzo. It was a small, quiet restaurant (until we got there). They have a Lamborghini dealership attached to it. We all laughed so much, ate a lot oh and drank a bit too.

Sunday – They took an earlier flight and we didn’t leave until the evening. We went on a ride with the McDade’s. We tried to go to the dam but the traffic was backed up. We ate burgers at the Pit Stop. Then we went to Nelson, towards Needles. We passed a cemetery.
Karen is fascinated with them. We had to stop. This one was weird. There was one grave that looked as if it was sinking or someone dug their way out. We went to see the Colorado River, then caught our flight home.

It was a nice getaway weekend. And VERY nice not to have to drive 12 hours round trip. Thanks to Stephani and JP for watching the dogs/house!

Smokin' Seated Massages at Pat’s

2009-02-27T13:17:00.002-07:00

I have been at Pat’s BBQ all week doing seated massages for the staff. Pat and Lulu decided to give them to the employees for appreciation for all of their hard work. They are truly a great bunch of people, the staff, Pat and Lulu.

Each day I order a 2-meat combo to go. The portions are so generous I have half for dinner and then the rest for lunch the next day. No, I do not share with Joe. He gets the cornbread because I just really don't like cornbread.

I think I will go through BBQ withdrawals next week!

http://www.patsbbq.com/

Cadbury Mini Eggs

2009-02-25T18:53:00.004-07:00

I bought a 10 oz bag of these delights last night. The chocolate is so velvety, the candy shell the perfect crunch.

Thankfully they are only available during this time of year. You know, 2 months before Easter.

I thought I could pace myself. I have successfully devoured the whole bag within 24 hours. Well all except the ONE piece I dropped and Ozzy ate before I could stop him. No signs of brain damage yet (for either of us).

Let's see here....about 7 servings per bag, 190 calories and 8 g fat. Please do not do the total math for me...I know. I think they have hidden cocaine in them, something they are not claiming on the ingredients.

Damn you Cadbury!

Rule Broken

2009-02-23T11:19:00.002-07:00

Joe and I have had a rule since the grandkids came along. No overnight stays with Popa Joe and Grandma Jen’s until you are potty trained. I do not know really why it would matter since I could change poopie pants a million times. I grew up in a daycare that the minute I stopped needing my diaper changed, I started changing other diapers. Besides, when does a Dillier man ever change a diaper without some “deal” (right Jamie?)?
Honestly, I do not know why I have been so fearful of watching kids. Perhaps because the last time I officially “babysat” a child, not a doggie was approximately 22 years ago. Maybe it was that I had an overdose working in the family daycare business!
I have tried to make sure to see the grandkids at least 1 time a month since they were born. They get big too fast and I want to monitor their cuteness. Early last week before Lily’s birthday, I was gloomy that I had not seen Lily for a long time.
I called to wish Lily happy birthday. While chatting with Jen, she snuck in that Nate had a training retreat for his company in Vegas. I said we are going to St. George! The next thing you know I am watching Lily overnight!
Now do not get me wrong here. I adore all of these grandkids but poop and boogers are not my bag (but whose bag is it anyway?). That is rather why I skipped parenthood (well besides a few other things we will discuss another day). The whole time I am saying ok, sure, yes….I think, man, is Jamie going to be ticked at me!? I have not even watched her boys for more than 5 minutes!
Saturday I met Jen and Lily in Mesquite. I had a massage appointment in the morning. We do not cancel Grandma’s massages. We had lunch and then Jen loaded up the truck with Lily’s steamer trunks. I have never driven through the gulch so slow!
One of my biggest concerns watching kids is that #1 they will get hurt and #2 they will be inconsolable, #3 I will not be able to entertain them enough, # 4 I will lose my patience.
Both of us did really well. She was easy going and Ozzy entertained her mostly. We went through the carwash, walked to the park, she ate dinner well. When Joe came home from golfing, we ordered pizza. That is when it all went to hell. I carried the pizza in the kitchen, I turned towards the counter with Lily behind me and the dog pushed her into the wall to get the pizza. Oh great my fear realized. She was hurt, my #1 fear. I was literally one step away and my back turned for 30 seconds. She has a bump bruise in between her brows. Now none of the kids will let me watch their babies! Luckily, kisses, cuddles and a distraction calmed her quickly. I have not lost that touch anyway. She ate some pizza (yeah, more food!).
I put gave her a bath and brushed her teeth, we went to bed in the spare bedroom. Joe and I decided that I should sleep in the room with her. I am glad I did. She has been starting to get a cold. I was reading her a book when Mommy and Daddy called. She talked to Jen all right then when she heard Daddy’s voice she started sobbing. We ditched the phone and read more books and she fell asleep. I decided to just sleep on the air mattress with her. She woke several times during the night with her cough and some crying.
Sunday morning I started Cinderella while cooking breakfast. She ate and watched it with Joe while I went to shower. When I returned I found them watching golf. Joe went golfing and we watched Sleeping Beauty. Lily snuggled up to me and fell asleep. I got to watch the show until her parents came and interrupted me! Oh well, I am sure I will get to see it 500 times again in the next few years.
It was a fun visit! I miss her already!
Although I am not quite ready for more than one of them at the same time. Or if all things considered, if they can trust me with the precious cargo. I think that Grandma’s is open for business now.
Wow, sorry for the long post!

Birthday Afar

2009-02-18T18:55:00.002-07:00

Whooooooaaaahhhhh...happy, happy, happy, birthday, birthday, birthday, happy, happy, happy, birthday, birthday, birthday! Happy 2nd birthday Little DillChip! We miss you! Love, Popa Joe and Grandma Jen

Back Log

2009-02-18T18:49:00.002-07:00

So, yes I have been slacking here. Here is what I have been up to the last couple of weeks. If you really want to know read on (yawn).
The last 2 weekends of January, Joe and I went to St. George. The first of those weekends: I got rid of that damn cold! I think one part it ran its course and other part to the fact that I got out of the inversion! Joe golfed and I relaxed with a massage at Casablanca and both of us gambling (with money we do not have).
The following weekend JP dogged Stephani; no really, he dogged her with their 2 dogs, a dog she was dog sitting, then Ozzy and Cambry. Yes, FIVE dogs. Needless to say, she is a darn good sport! Joe and Keith were in a golf tournament Saturday and Sunday. JP helped caddy them. They took 2nd place in their flight; here is where I am not supposed to give additional information such as they were the 2nd of 2 teams in their flight.
While they were finishing up, Keith’s girlfriend Kim and I drove to Las Vegas. We were all going to meet up at Kevin’s annual Superbowl party. We had a bit of an adventure along the way at the Carp/Elgin exit (aka middle of nowhere and no services). Thank you Lord and Joe for having AAA and giving me a cell phone! Her front wheel well liner had knocked loose and was rubbing the tire. We finally got there and had fun. After the game we gambled again (with the same no money as the weekend before), we got home to the McDade’s just in time for their son Ryan to go to work, then Wayne.
The first weekend this month was a catch up weekend doing chores then getting together for Stephani’s birthday.
Last weekend we were going to go to St. George again but it looked to cold and snowy. We stayed home. I worked at a spa, which I have been working for a little the last couple of years for corporate chair massage. I am currently working as an “on call” therapist. I did five - 1 hour massages Saturday/Valentine’s and Sunday 1 hour then a 90 minute. For Valentine’s Day Joe gave me a dozen roses, I gave him a chocolate fish that said "you're a keeper" and made him a cholesterol heaven breakfast.
That brings us to today. I was going to run some quick errands, jumped in my car, turned the corner from our house and it died. I started it again, it died. I tried this for about 5 minutes. I decided to go back and backwards down the little incline. I thought I would turn when I got to the intersection. Nope not gonna run. Meanwhile I am at a perfect right angle on the intersection. Kelsey Ware helped push me out of the way. It was just TWO houses away from the house. SIGH, I put in the SECOND call to AAA this month and year! We are getting our moneys worth this year for sure! If you don’t have it, get it! But make sure you get the one that is just $2.50 more, otherwise you will find out the hard way like Stephani that it will give you 100 miles vs 5!

BYU Beer Koozies On Sale at Wal-Mart!

2009-01-22T16:23:00.004-07:00

Browsing the clearance isle at Wal-Mart, I came upon these. I suspect the buyer might have gotten confused which university teams is which. I mean really do they know anything about the fan base? Or maybe they are just supplying the University of Utah fans with white elephant gifts! By the way there were NO Utah Koozies!

Food, Floss and Fun (The Triple F’s and Triple D’s)

2009-01-20T14:35:00.003-07:00

Dear Guy,
Do you think; my husband, your wife and our families would notice that we are having a food affair? Not to mention car affair? If not, I will meet you at Pat’s BBQ or any kitchen as needed. You can drive any one of our classic cars there! We have the same passions! Muscle cars/CARS, cooking and meat!

I cannot believe I missed meeting Guy Fieri when he was at Pat’s BBQ last summer filming. I had a massage gig I was working, otherwise I would have been there…with my BBQ bib on!

It was just like New Year’s Eve, waiting for the ball to drop at Time Square. We had the BEST BBQ, fabulous entertainment by Roby Kap Band and Sister Wives, then the anticipation of the airing.

Besides my love of great food and libations…there is the BLUES. I forgot how much I love live Blues music. As my dear old friend, Dan Walker said many years ago “Blues are an inoculation to the soul”.

One of the many things and best things I heard tonight about Pat’s was how he supports the Blues Musicians Community.

Congratulations to Pat, Lulu and all of the staff!

http://www.patsbbq.com/ Go there soon!

The Never Ending Cold! (The True Story Of My Last Two Weeks)

2009-01-19T15:26:00.002-07:00

Thinking back to the weekend before Christmas I had a sore throat. It seemed to go away. However, since San Diego a few weeks ago, I have been suffering through a full on cold. It was bad here and there during the trip.
I thought at first I was over it. Then, a symptom or two would pop up, then another. They would not be all at once, well then there were those days. How can resting, drinking lots of fluids (mainly water or tea or another hot fluid drink – not alcohol) and resting some more not help me kick this thing? I have been eating okay, not really perfectly, but eating greens, citrus, fruits, sigh. I feel almost better and do things only to discover the next day it is still there, haunting me. Joe seems to be untouched by this, perhaps it is that he is the Dillier Super Mutant.
I have been able to avoid most people in fear of spreading my “love”. On the days I felt okay (the pseudo healthy days) when out and about, I have been extra careful to keep my hands washed or sanitized after touching my face, and not cough or sneeze on anyone.
I have managed to these few things in between: do a little house work, work on Christian’s rental, do some massage work, go to look at Pam’s foster (possible adoption – see pics on FlickR) doggie, go to a funeral viewing, go to Susie’s 40th birthday lunch, last night I even went to do some volunteer massages at Sundance.
Tonight I am extremely excited to go to Pat’s BBQ for a party to celebrate the premiere airing of Pat’s on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”. Tickets(at door)and more info go to http://www.patsbbq.com/ or call #484-5963. “beginning at 6:00pm for a special BBQ Buffet, and get ready for the broadcast at 8:00pm. The Sister Wives will be playing after the show.” Come down or watch the episode at 8 pm on the Food Network!

Our San Diego Trip with Heidi and Mike

2009-01-06T21:15:00.008-07:00

I guess I just don't want to write the whole thing and bore you all like normal. And I have no gumption to write so here is the bare bones summarization. We had fun, relaxed, ate and drank...but walked a lot.
Wednesday/New Year’s Eve – Dinner at Greystone, watched the fireworks on the bay in hallway with neighbors
Thursday/New Year’s Day - USS Midway Tour, dinner at Panevino
Friday – Sailed on “America”, Watched the Utah game at hotel bar, YES!
Saturday – La Jolla, Chargers Game with Kevin in his suite, YES!
Sunday – SeaWorld, Dinner in Coronado at the Boathouse, drinks at the Del
Monday – saw a SeaWorld dolphin in the bay, saw a seal in the bay, flight home

We returned to snow, laundry and work. Reality.

Happy New Year!

Oh and

2008-12-30T22:57:00.000-07:00

Go UTES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dillier Dogfest 2008 Tour

2008-12-30T21:12:00.003-07:00

The day after Christmas, JP and Stephani went with her family to Vegas. We have been dog-sitting Bailey and Molly. They were good puppies. Molly only ate 1 Christmas ornament! It was a duplicate of a large group of them, so no biggie. Besides, how could she resist that it was foamy and all glittery! But, she also helped clean up our yard. Apparently, we had a frozen dead rat. We live about a half block away from the river so we get some here and there in our yard.

Molly and Cambry are having fun taking turns, well…playing Dr. Dillier Dog. Yep, they are both female. Every once and a while we catch Cambry humping her dog bed. It is funny...in a disturbing way.

The girls wrestle and chase each other and get rid of their excess energy. Which Molly has quite a puppy surplus. Bailey and Ozzy seem to be okay with not having to entertain her. Bailey is still a bit protective of her though.

In general, dogs follow you wherever you go. Thus, ALL FOUR DOGS, follow you around. Like they follow you to kitchen to help clean any spills you might make or basement to make sure you do the laundry or to bed to keep you warm or my personal favorite, the bathroom. No really, it is amusing. They know they have you cornered and you have to pet them.

JP & Steph came home last night but I talked JP into leaving the pups another night. We are leaving tomorrow for San Diego for a long weekend. So now, it is their turn for the final night of the Dogfest 2008 Tour.

‘Tis The Season – A Quick/Boring Recap

2008-12-29T04:23:00.003-07:00

I scored a SECOND napkin with Parnell’s signature stating that I could have the company holiday party wherever I want! Yep, I have not officially worked for NACVA since mid 2006 but we have a lifetime invite to the holiday party from Parnell. The first napkin says I get anything I want from Parnell.
I got a sore throat the day after the NACVA holiday party.
My girlfriend Lezlie “hired” me to take portraits of her nieces and nephews as a Christmas gift to her sister and husband. If you are one of my contacts on FlickR, you can see them. (You can join for free and add me as a contact). I did all right. For some reason when asked to do it or making a conscience effort, I seem to freeze up. I do much better when I just take more relaxed or not staged. I think I am having some sort of Kiddie Kandids crisis, reminding me how much of the life was sucked out of my creativity working there.
I had a really bad day last week; I just cried all day and was feeling inadequate, blah, blah, and blah. A slight nervous breakdown I guess.
I have been busy doing, well, I cannot tell you exactly but I feel like I have been really busy. I think I have been mainly shoveling snow.
It was Grandma’s 94th birthday. I stopped by to visit her, I do not enough these days. She is so cute.
Pam’s birthday was Christmas Eve. I have always felt bad that her birthday falls then. It turns out she has been making out like a bandit (according to her).
For Joe’s office potluck Xmas Eve and our Christmas lunch, I made my Aunt Susi W’s recipe of turkey rolls. They were yummy but time consuming. Joe and JP brought home some duck and geese from their Idaho hunting trip. For Christmas, I cooked the duck and a goose. I overcooked the goose and I think I did well with the duck breasts. I was told they were good but I did not taste them. I hate duck (it tastes like liver, barf). I made an apple sausage stuffing and gravy for the goose. I was going to try the goose and stuffing but cooking the whole bird kind of creeped me out, it was an anatomy class flashback. I could not eat meat for about 6 months after my first class.
Alex came to me twice pleading his case. The first was for some juice and second to “can I open just one more little present”, those were his exact words. I wish I could have videoed it. He had the hand motions and those baby blues that get me to do almost anything (I think it is handed down from each Dillier generation). But the poor guy had nothing more. Next year I will wrap each thing individually as little as it might be. I should have this year. I forget how fun it is to open EVERYTHING. That is a problem with my lazy gift bag or basket thing.
JP got my name for the drawing and got me some good stuff on my list but my fav was the University of Utah sweatshirt. This came in handy to wear to my Uncle Paul’s 70th birthday party yesterday. He is a BYU fan.
Uncle Paul is working on reprinting the Wakefield family history book. When he asked me about 20 years ago if I wanted a copy, I scoffed at the price tag as well as the idea. It is to cover the printing and binding costs. I would think that if you looked at the copy costs it well than covers it. I am going to get a copy. (Hey Steph, random thought of the day – why do you all of the sudden start caring about your heritage when you get old? Why not when you are 20?)
Lastly, on this recap of the last week or so, I have insomnia, yeah! Not. This has plagued me a bit here and there since the good old hysterectomy. Nevertheless, the weird hot flashes are waking me up. The bottoms of my feet feel like I am standing on hot summer asphalt. My hands sometimes feel that way too. Like RIGHT now, and it is just after 4 am! My face is on fire too. I have had some hot face action happening and I chalked it up to the cold weather.
Well, it is time to try to go back to bed!

PS oh, I guess that wasn't quick now I look back at 10 am after a couple hours of sleep.

New Rule

2008-12-17T22:36:00.007-07:00

I was running errands in Joe’s truck today. One of my stops was at Ikea. As I entered the parking lot, JP called me. I picked up, driving to find a spot. I went all the way over to the last couple of lanes that were not full. No traffic, no one around. I pulled from one spot all the way through. I did not like my angle so I eased out. I was facing right, (not looking left) I turned right. The Mazda came from the left. She gets a new rear passenger door and we get a dented bumper.

The new rule is no more picking up my phone in the car. I kept thinking it was okay since I was in a parking lot. Nope, duh. There are so many things that go wrong in a car without cell phones. What if she had a child in that side of the car? I am just lucky that it was this minor and the woman is okay and so am I.

I went into Joe’s office to tell him at the end of the day. His processors begged me not to tell him until they were gone. I told him while one of his guys was in his office and hid behind him. Just the reaction I expected just less yelling. Thanks Pete!

Since getting a cell phone, it is second nature for me to just pick it up to either receive a call or dial someone. There is no need to answer while driving now. It is going to be difficult but I have to do it as a conscience effort. Does anyone else want to join me in not using their phone in the car?

P.S. It is like smoking, you know it is dumb, you know you shouldn't be doing it. If I can quit smoking, I can quit using my cell phone in the car unless parked.

Snow Day

2008-12-16T12:26:00.009-07:00

I just spent the last 45 minutes shoveling the 4 inches of snow the driveway so I could get out and do what I need to today. I was so excited because I was there when the snow plow went past. If that wet snow freezes you can never get rid of it. I shoveled it out of the apron of the driveway. I was so proud of myself.
The last 5 minutes it started snowing again but it was this weird dry cottage cheese snow. It has already snowed an inch at least. It is coming down hard and fast. I think it will be a while before I go anywhere now. Crap, I have so much to do at our rentals. I guess I will make some soup and start doing some chores at home!

Fast-Long Weekend

2008-12-01T10:56:00.002-07:00

Joe and I met all of the kids in St. George this last weekend. Well, except Mike (Heidi’s), Stephani (JP) and their dogs. Yep, eight adults, three children and THREE large dogs in 1-TWO bedroom condo. Needless to say, we had a full house of chaos. AND we all got along and had fun!

Nate, Jen and Lily drove up from Arizona and met us Wednesday night. Thanksgiving I made dinner. John, Jamie, the boys, and Fancy arrived with perfect timing for dinner.

Friday while the rest went golfing, Jen, Lily, Jamie and the boys went with me to the Dinosaur Track Museum. The actives were eating, entertaining the little ones (coloring, play-doh, walks), eating, watching movies, eating, a walk here and there, cooking, eating, laundry, cleaning, guys golfing, girls Target shopping, eating. Did I mention we got some eating done? We love that In and Out is there now but it still takes about a half hour to get your burger.

Friday night Heidi and JP joined us. Then Saturday John’s little family made the journey back.

I made everyone write on a “turkey” feather what they are thankful for. Here it is, think I will make this a tradition.

On the drive home last night, JP drove Heidi’s car and I drove the truck. We left a few minutes behind JP & Heidi but we got ahead of them because of their stops. Then they leapfrogged us in Nephi because we had a pit stop. Joe egged me on to catch up with them and I Danica Patrick(ed) my way to pass them finally at the point of the mountain. Joe kept calling Heidi and getting updates of where they were and saying, “My Super Mario driver is better than your Super Mario driver. I sped a lot but it kept me awake and we all made it home alive with no problems.

We are a bit sleep deprived but that is what the workweek is for right?

The Farm and Thanksgiving

2008-11-25T08:50:00.002-07:00

I wrote this originally in 1992 but I want to share some of my family memories of Thanksgiving. My grandparents owned property in Holladay, aka the Farm. We would go there for many holidays but always for Thanksgiving. My sister and I lived in the front house for a few years until I moved with Joe and Pam bought a house. The Farm property was sold recently and our family still misses it.

There was a lot of family history there. We had: tea parties, craft projects, Thanksgivings, Easter egg hunts, cooling in the yard on summer days and so much more. My Grandma would make these huge rolls that were so delicious. I wish we had asked her sooner how to make them. I tried a couple years ago and she could not quite remember the recipe since she had not made them for so long. She will be 94 next month and still darling. We all miss Popa, he had a gentle but genuine laugh. I cannot believe all of the work they would do for these gatherings.

I even cooked my first turkey there for one of our Thanksgiving dinners. I also remember they always bought the biggest turkeys. I think they were at least 20 pounders! Grandma gave me the heavy brown dishes we used there and I treasure them. I dream, as the grandkids get older they can have fond memories like me. I hope I am going to be a fun grandma like my grandma.

The Farm

The Farm, where some of my best family memories are found. I have not walked to the creek to throw rocks for several years now. Myrtle vines envelope the path to the creek that was once perfectly trimmed. When pale blue flowers bloom on the myrtle, I can be caught picking one and sucking the sweet syrup just as I always done.

Secluded by a small forest of trees, set back from the busy road, this property was surrounded by rural country, just a few years ago. Located so far out of town, my grandparents named it “The Farm”. With two houses on the large property, a figure eight shaped driveway circles the front house and pushes the back house closer to the creek. Ma-Betty (Grandma) and Popa (Grandpa) would retreat to “the Farm”, their haven.

I also remember summer days sitting in the cool yard of the back house with Ma-Betty and Popa. Reclined in butterfly chair they would talk about how quiet it was. Ma-Betty mentioned many times that she would like to move to the back house.

Thanksgiving Popa and Ma-Betty would bring the turkey (or the dead bird as they named it) out to the farm the night before. Sometimes my sister Pam and I spent the night on the bunk beds. Being the youngest, I had to sleep on the top bunk, but I always felt secure from rolling off because of the rough green wooden 2 by 2 pole across the side of the bed.

East of “the Farm”, where there is now a restaurant and a parking lot was once a field of tall grass. Before helping with the banquet, Pam and I would love to play in that field. We would gallop on our hands and knees neighing and bucking like wild horses.
On the morning of Thanksgiving, around 3 or 4 in the morning Ma-Betty would be up throwing the dead bird in the oven. By two o’clock, it was time to help Ma-Betty set the feast out. We never had to worry about not having enough food for everyone, there was always plenty. I would stand by the oven door as Ma-Betty opened it, the heat would wave into my face with an inviting aroma. The turkey was glazed to a perfect brown, wading in its own gravy. Popa started the buzzing electric knife to trim and I could never resist stealing a steaming piece. He would chuckle and then his hand with the knife would make a playful swat.

There were so many side dishes to go with the turkey, you could not fit them all on your plate. I would always bury the soft white meat with a large heap of potatoes and smother it all in gravy. On the side, I liked green peas creamed but always slightly lumpy, (just perfect in my opinion). I would never take any stuffing. Grandma would make it so sticky that only an adult could enjoy it.

If I was unfortunate enough to have someone to prepare my plate, it would be piled with squishy overcooked zucchini, awful orange colored yams and other dishes I did not care for. If I was too slow to finish my helping, I would be threatened to finish the entire pan. Of course, I could always look forward to the creamy, sweet eggnog, which satisfied my already gorged stomach.

After dinner we would settle back and cover the round wood and glass coffee table with shoeboxes full of old photographs. We would chat and giggle about the photographs for hours. There were snapshots of several trips I remember like the one of Pam and me running on a beach in Hawaii. Or the many pictures of our cabins at Bear Lake, the all time family favorite is of Popa wearing nothing but his “Pork-n-Beans” swim trunks and a pair of cowboy boots.

Today I live in the front house with my sister Pam. I walk the dog back around to the mouth of the path leading to the creek. But I always seem to stop because the myrtle vine growing wildly. We do not act like horses anymore, but most of the shoeboxes of memories are still there and always will be.

Things I Don't Notice

2008-11-24T21:56:00.003-07:00

Joe just informed me it was time for me to make his salad for him. Yep it is about 10 pm. He eats late. All the guy eats is a salad for dinner. It used to be more elaborate but he really doesn't care (or notice). All he wants is lettuce and cheese. I chop up Romaine and throw grated cheese on top. He wouldn't care if I bought it in a bag or use a fresh head of lettuce. He has to have it with Italian dressing. I make it with the Good Seasons Italian dressing mix and Balsamic vinegar.
In the morning he just needs Lipton Diet Ice Tea, raspberry or peach.
What brings all this up is that I went shopping today and got holiday shaped pretzels and they were on the counter.

Joe - what are these
Me - pretzels, holiday ones, see the shape? Don't eat them yet.
Joe - I don't eat pretzels. If you haven't noticed that I don't ever eat them.
Me - No, I din't notice, hum.
Joe - I do eat salads though.

Go Utes and Go Creative Cottage Boutique!

2008-11-21T23:20:00.003-07:00

If you are not going to the game, come to our holiday boutique! Get a massage and get some unique gifts for your holiday list.
The best way to get there is to go along from 9400 South - Highland Dr "until it ends", turn right on 9800 South at the flashing 3 way, turn left by the LDS church, go 1 block and turn left onto Blithfield. Saturday, November 22nd, 10 am to 7 pm, 1878 E Blithfield Circle (9885 South) in Sandy. It is it on the right side end of the circle. Call me otherwise if you can not find it.

Suckered Again

2008-11-21T09:19:00.004-07:00

There should be a sign on our front door that says “Long Term Dog Sitting Service, Just Drop Dog and Run”. JP and Stephani had us watch Bailey for a few months before they moved into their new home. Then Heidi and Mike had us watch Doobie for about a year before they moved into their new home.
Meet Cambry, who will be spending the next 6 months with us. She spent last night with us. It took her a while, she whined for Benton. Benton is JP’s friend. Or as I have always called him “Bay-Un”, use your Utah accent and you will get it.
Ozzy is still deciding if this is okay or not.
This morning while checking emails Ozzy and her shared the couch. Look at her front paws. Yep, just like Griz. How am I going to be able to give her back in 6 months?

Holiday Boutique Saturday November 22nd

2008-11-20T10:10:00.003-07:00

I might not have mentioned this to anyone since I did not believe I would be even close to ready for this…but on Saturday, I am going to be at a Holiday Boutique. Well, 2 days away and I am really not. Nevertheless, you know me, I have to wait until the last minute!

I will be offering seated massages 15 minutes for $17.00. I will also be selling my photos. I hopefully can get it together enough to also prepare note cards from my photos.

Please come if you are not already going to be tailgating and going to the Utah and BYU Football game. Utah is going to kick BYU’s butt so just come and get some holiday shopping done.

Some of the items available are handmade beaded jewelry, handmade blankets, handmade cards (note cards, birthday cards, etc.), scrapbook pages, paintings, handmade holiday décor, and lots of other local art. You can go to www.creationcottage.etsy.com 10 am to 7 pm, 1878 E Blithfield Cirle (9885 South).

I hope you can make it. Please send this along to anyone you know that might be interested. Thanks!

TWO Downtown Fieldtrips In 2 Days!

2008-11-19T22:45:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Stephani, Jamie, Max and I went to the Leonardo to see Body Worlds. I tried not to be apprehensive about seeing it purely because when in my anatomy class before, I could not eat meat for at least 6 months after. The cadaver lab was interesting and all but the smell was terrible. Even today the smell of some lotions, especially if older or cinnamon gum, especially Big Red…takes me back to class.
The exhibit captivated me. Once we got in there I was wishing I could spend a whole day in there studying everything. I learned so much. Yet as I lay in bed before falling asleep, I had more questions and desire to see more! They need a Body Worlds 4 and SOON! I really do not want to buy a video I will only watch once but I would love to see the “how they do it all” video. (PS see her blog for her funny version of events – again, I need to learn the linkybackthingie)

Today, I met my Mom and Pam at Paradise Bakery for dinner. I had never eaten there, it was good, loved the brownie! But, what made me the happiest was the bathroom. I always love auto: toilets/sink/paper towel dispensers but they had this foot pull thing to open the door…yesssssss!
From there we rode Trax down to the new library. My Mom wanted us to see an exhibit there that turned out to be not as exciting as she thought. But it was alright. I had not been inside it before tonight. So where are the card catalog drawers? Do you remember their smell? Now do not concern yourselves (especially my aunt/Grandma Sue who works at the library) that I do not read. I have just been buying or borrowing. Ever since massage school I have picked up a bit of OCD on things that people touch that I do not know….well, I have it with people I do know too! I updated my county library card to include SLC. I can borrow up to 100 items at a time now! Who does that and why?
We explored the shops and every floor. My favorite was of course the children’s floor. I loved their “Crystal Cave” and I think it is called “The Loft”. When I was little and going to that library all we had were books and chairs!

Eight Things

2008-11-13T18:36:00.004-07:00

I was tagged by Jamie (I have no idea how to do the underline and link back to her…yes I am illiterate).

Eight TV shows I like to watch:
1. CSI
2. CSI Miami
3. Boston Legal
4. Anything on the Food Network
5. Anything on the History Channel except Gangland
6. Jay Leno
7. Craig Ferguson
8. The Simpsons

Eight restaurants where I like to go to eat:
1. Pat’s BBQ - Pat's will be on the Food Network's Diners Drives and Dives January 19th, 2009. http://www.patsbbq.com/
2. Oyster Bar
3. Boulevard
4. Lumpy’s with a drink too of course
5. The Bowery Haven at Fish Lake
6. The Rim Rock in Torrey
7. Chez Paul or The Waterfront in Maui
8. Porcupine Grill

Eight things that happened today:
1. Picked up my car at the shop
2. Went to McDonald’s drive thru to save time but ended up spending more time there than in # 3. Got a McLatte and McParfait, they were McStupid.
3. Registered my car late at the DMV drive thru
4. Showered before NOON!
5. Went to Joe’s office to do seated massages
6. (went home and then)Ozzy and I walked to the Post Office to get the mail, then Joe’s office to pickup the other car.
7. Read emails and blogs, did this little ditty
8. Finally rented and got the deposit for a house rental (after waiting for them for an hour and meeting tonight with them/talking/texting for the last 3 weeks)! I hope that this is not going to set precedence for how rent is paid.

Eight things I am looking forward to:
1. The holidays
2. Going to see Body Worlds with Jamie and Steph
3. Doing fun things with the grandkids like making cookies, crafts and going places with them like St. George, Fish Lake, museums, zoos and DISNEYLAND
4. learning how to sew besides a button or mend a sock
5. Getting organized within this next year!
6. Getting a puppy????!!!!
7. Getting busy with massage work, selling photography stuff
8. Having a cocktail after dealing with my new renters!

Remember And Honor

2008-11-11T09:08:00.005-07:00

Happy Veteran’s Day and thank you all for your service!
This is Joe’s father, aka Pa. I never had the opportunity to meet him. He passed away years before I met my husband. I do not know all of his military history but this will be one of my projects this fall. I want to get it all documented for the family.
He had an album of his military service. It has his photos, letters, plus more photos, propaganda cards from captured prisoners from Germany etc. It is packed with amazing pieces of history!
This particular photo has his caption “My First Uniform Fort Knox”.

This is my Dad. I think he served in Korea in the early 60’s. There are so many questions you want to ask someone but you don’t and when they are gone it is lost forever. Stories that I might have been bored with when I was younger I crave for them now. I am going to ask my aunts and other family for more information.

No matter how you feel about war please honor our vets. Spend 2 minutes today at 11:00 am remembering all those who gave for our freedom.

Baby Steps

2008-11-10T19:00:00.004-07:00

Yep, been slackin’ a lot on the home/life organization project. After trying to put something away in the junk drawer, I did this…I thought I would take a picture to commemorate it. It has been almost 2 years since we moved in and I think that is the first time I have straightened it since then.
Now if I can do something like this once a day, that would be good. I am going to go a similar route to Jamie’s new plan of weekly goals for her PHM. I am going to pick a problem area that overwhelms me and at least straighten it/clean it out.
On this drawer I did: throw away items, put stuff in give away, put it in it’s proper place or reassign it’s new home. I have some things I still see there that I will rethink but for now, I am going to enjoy how pretty it looks.

Happy End to Furby AMBER Alert

2008-11-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

According to the family spokesperson, “the volunteers in the community and family, the Sheriff’s office all implemented an unbelievable and extensive search in the Aves area, even spanning the downtown area and it was much appreciated.” They found that the missing Furby, Lou Dell Furburino, aka Furbs, was looking for food in a kitchen cabinet and got lost behind a pan. He was severely dehydrated from the lack of dog slobber but happy to be home. When asked how he felt now that he was home he said, “mei-mei-un-eye, I love you”. His parent Doobs and grandparents are all well.

Lost Pet Please Help!

2008-11-06T23:35:00.009-07:00

Please look closely at the flyer (click or right click to make larger). If you have any information let me know ASAP. REWARD! Please help my Granddog Doobie!

Add To “My Hate To Do So I Do It Sloppy List”

2008-11-06T16:41:00.003-07:00

There are so many things that I think I want to do or know that it needs be done. Therefore, I attempt at it, then hate doing it, then get bored, then get pissed, then just leave it for Joe to fix. Not one of his favorite qualities about me but for some reason he still loves me. Whew!

I am going in a bit to work tonight at a convention doing seated massages and through the weekend. Let’s hope that when he comes home and sees I have started this project, then he will fix it.

I have never tried the shrink and seal window plastic. I wanted to use it for our less insulated game room. In hopes that at least sitting by the window we won't feel a cold breeze. I have used shrink-wrap for manuals and books before and I thought it was fun. This stuff is nothing like it. It is not shrinking! Maybe it is that I am not patient enough. I do not know if it would be easier if it were two people or not. I just know Ozzy is no help whatsoever. He will not even hand me the scissors!

UPDATE: Joe just came home early to watch the Utes game. He said it was okay. Whew! Oh and GO UTES!!! Remember to wear black for this game.

Voting Memories Or Lack Thereof

2008-11-04T10:31:00.002-07:00

I remember when I was younger, my grandparents would go vote. Upon their return, I would question them who they voted for and they were always so quiet. I am pretty sure Grandma is a Democrat and Popa was a Republican. Pam remembers Gram say; “we canceled each other’s votes”. But they did it! They voted.
Apparently, I have a bad memory because I thought that I have been a voter since I turned 18. I cannot remember voting the first time I was eligible though. Is it because it was so long ago? I am a bit disappointed in myself. Why didn’t I? I am pretty sure MTV was all over the vote. I loved MTV (back when they played music).
I even bragged to Heidi that I have been voting since I was old enough. But what I told her was that I remember specifically voting in 1992 Clinton vs Bush. I went to a church nearby my Mom’s house. The line went around inside and out of the church. I remember specifically voting for Clinton.
But the year in question is 1988, the Bush vs Dukakis election. I was 20 by election time. Is there a way I can find out if I voted? Aren’t there records somewhere? Would I really have voted for Dukakis? Did I black out?
Are these good confessions, I do not know.
Just go vote and don’t make fun of my voting or poor memory. At least I have voted the last 5 out of 6 elections for sure!
GO VOTE!

Belated Weekend Update - I know it is long sorry

2008-11-04T09:59:00.002-07:00

My chili was a bit of a disaster. First off it wasn’t as hot as I thought, that was okay. But I decided to try dry beans instead of canned. I thought it would be less mushy…oh they were the COMPLETE opposite indeed! My personal food critic JP told me pretty much I should keep my day job (everyone else was polite and lied, JP JUST HAS to be honest…love the little brat, no really, I do, he is JUST like his FATHER! Honest about my cooking).
I had soaked them for OVER 24 hours. I put them in the crock-pot for at least 8 hours. I knew I should simmer them after the soak, but OMG, they were cru-hu-uhNCEEEEEE! Everyone picked them out. I put in pintos in question, black beans, red kidney beans and white kidney beans or canelli beans.
Oh well, I know how to do it next time at least. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! My chili is usually (unless everyone is really just lying to me – hey, I like it) fabulous and best if I use elk meat. Yes, you people who think chili should be made with out beans, I make it with beans.
Nevertheless, it was a non-stop door knocking fest. We had a boatload or cruise ship full of trick or treaters! Joe even had a matching pimp who was maybe 7 years old if that. What parent thinks it is okay that their child is a pimp? What is next hookers?
I was an original, a witch. But I had Norma’s spider on my witch hat. It was a must to honor her. I had her lighted pumpkin and ghosts on my front porch. It was not even 1 percent of how she would decorate. Norma was my good friend’s mother who passed away this year. She was THE holiday decoration GODDESS! My Christmas decorations will be embellished with her touch!
All of the kids (except Jen, Nate and Lily in AZ) came over. We even had my all of our grand-dogs. Heidi was Sarah Palin. She told me she decided to be her because I told her she had Sarah Palin glasses. They are I swear! Mike wore a McCain mask and then loaned it to Ozzy. Doobie was a hotdog.
Heidi made Diane’s popcorn balls. I ate one the next day, and regretted not keeping them all to eat myself. Jamie made cupcakes and Steph brought the cutest pumpkin bread bowls.
Saturday, Mike’s son Andrew had a HS football playoff game in Lay’on…that is Layton for you out of staters. I consider him my future grandson since he is Mike’s (Mike is Heidi’s boyfriend) son.
It was amazing. I always watch games with complete faith until the last minute feeling in my gut that they will win. I feel they will win because I feel it.
Even if he wasn’t’ the star quarterback I would love the guy! He is so cute too, looks just like his pops. Oh, I mean good looking, guys aren’t cute. But Andrew is High School Musical cute (don’t tell him I said that he will never like me, oh and the girlfriend is too)!
I didn’t get to meet him since it was game time and well honestly the best time to meet someone is not right after a game …win or lose…well, especially if it was a loss.
I took pictures of the game. The energy was intense. I have not been on a field photographing for 20 years. This time it was different. I felt more pain watching the boys being sacked. I am an adult now and a body worker. I understand now how a simple football tackle can damage the body. The ooffs and thuds were so emotional to me. I do not know if I will be able to handle watching any of the grandkids at sports. I feel like I am going in to protection mode or as Joe likes to call it my Scrappy Doo to kick the other kid’s butts. But the pride I felt seeing him play was incredible!

Deadly Halloween Chili

2008-10-31T10:35:00.003-06:00

Happy Halloween! I made chili last night for tonight. I listened to the “Phantom” soundtrack while making it.
I used the crock-pot liners. They rock! How many times have you tried to clean a non-submersible crock-pot!
As always, I had supervision by Ozzy. Nevertheless, he did not do a very good job because I think I might kill the family with how hot I made it. I like it very spicy. I added too much chili sauce and jalapeños for the rest of the family. I will have plenty of sour cream and cheese. I will have to buy some milk too. And I had better find something to make for Alex to eat, mac and cheese at least.
I know what you are thinking too, Dillier boys add beans…disaster. Well it will be deadly chili for that reason too. It is not my elk chili but it will do. My true food critic is JP, he will tell me if it is okay.
Then Heidi asked me to make her a little veggie chili. I tasted it and thought, what is missing, it tastes weird…oh MEAT.
Just a little small batch for her, you know a bowl or two….well it turned into another crock-pot. I used my smaller one, which is big! Yep, there will be leftovers. Chili anyone?

I Voted Early

2008-10-30T17:35:00.003-06:00

It only took 40 minutes with wait time too. Not too bad I guess.

The sticker should say I voted for a "Douche Bag or a S#it Sandwich". It is a South Park Episode reference. If you haven't seen it I highly recommend it. I am sure John will let you watch his copy.

In Pure Spite of Jay Leno

2008-10-30T00:48:00.004-06:00

I have dressed up my loveable 10 year old black Labrador Ozzy. Jay Leno would be purely annoyed. But I did it for my enjoyment. To top it off, I took pictures and I made it into a Halloween card.

His papered name is Ozzy Dogbourne of Black Labbath. He IS the Prince of Darkness, I mean Dogness.

I could not help myself after I took the pictures (2 separate shoots). I realized I really wanted to use some of the same things in the metal star Ozzy pics for a pirate picture. I even printed a pirate map to put in it but I forgot to put it in the picture.

I had a blast doing it and Ozzy was so good the whole time. He was very bored though. He is the best dog ever!
See his photo shoot here http://flickr.com/photos/89746220@N00/sets/72157608494840900/

Happy Birthday 68th Dad

2008-10-28T10:06:00.001-06:00

I miss your stories and you.

Weekend of Cats, Witches and Reese’s

2008-10-27T13:09:00.008-06:00

This past weekend I went with my cousins (Carolyn, Susie, Barry, Jon, Ali, Emma & Dylan - oh and my cousin Giraffe is in the family pic too) to the Hogle Zoo on Saturday. It was “Boo at the Zoo” and was it ever a zoo to park, get in and get around!
We had fun in spite of some misadventures. Like ordering food at one of the concessions, waiting 25 minutes to find out they were out of rice for our rice bowls and it would take 30 minutes more OR 20 minutes for a corndog. We got our money back and walked around some more.
There are three people you do not want to let get too hungry: my daughter-in-law Stephani, Ali and of course, I have been known to get really ornery if I do not get to eat. (Sorry Steph and Ali, but we know it is true about ourselves)
We finally got to a concession where we just ordered fried food, so much for trying to stay healthy but it kept Ali and me from eating a zoo animal.
We saw a lot considering the bigger picture was to let the kids “Trick or Treat”. All of the kids were so good! We had a lot of fun with the cats. The leopard was lying down and when we walked up to the window it came right up and paced in front of it. It was a blast watching Emma and Katie squeal as it passed them. Barry got video of it.
We walked to the tiger, he was up on the bridge, and he walked back down to where the water window was and swam right up to us again! He then proceeded to pee (spray) right at Jon. We were grateful for the glass between us and the fact that he could have eaten us!
Barry went to go get the car that was on Sunnyside Avenue, he returned with a parking ticket. Where in the H#LL do they expect people to park for such a large event if they do not provide for it? EVERYONE parked on the street got nailed with a ticket. Both sides of the street, to above the zoo down to Foothill! Tell me again why I need to vote to renew the zoo? Perfect to do this a week and a half from Election Day.
I took a lot of pictures and yes, I know, I know, I am behind on posting to FlickR but I promise to catch up this week! (THEY ARE ON THERE NOW!)
When I got home there was a huge black cat watching me from the border of my neighbor’s house and ours. (I took a really cool picture you will have to check out on FlickR too)
As if Saturday was not eventful enough, Carolyn, Susie, Katie and I dressed up again to go to Gardner Village “Witches Night Out”. We met up with Lezlie and her granddaughter Grace. We had a blast wandering through the witches and some stores. Katie and Grace were darling and very good! I am excited to go back there with Alex, Max, Jamie and Steph tomorrow! (I will get all of the Gardner Vllg pics on FlickR soon!)
Yesterday I had some sort of black out due to Halloween candy. I had been avoiding getting the good stuff but I gave in and bought Reese’s Peanut Butter cups (my Kryptonite). I guess it is fortunate for me that it was a smaller bag. I ate all but 1 serving! The totals: 78 grams of fat, 1320 calories and hey, 6 grams of fiber! I just ate the last serving after lunch today, what the heck huh?

Once In A Lifetime Chance To Say Yes

2008-10-24T12:50:00.003-06:00

Eleven years ago today, Joe and I went down to our little Fish Lake cabin for the weekend. It started to snow and the closer we got to the cabin the deeper it got. This was back when Joe’s truck was a Toyota T100. By the time we made it up the road to the cabin the snow was above the headlights. We were plowing or pushing through the powdery light snow.

It was nerve racking! Even with a couple of road-trip drinks in my system, the mountain by the cabin looked extra treacherous. The thought of rolling down the steep mountain and wondering how long it would take people to find us or even know we were missing!

As Joe prepped the cabin, turning on the power, propane and lighting the fire, I completely unpacked the truck and put things in their place.

Everything indoors, I took off my soaked jeans and I put on my dry red thermals. I was wearing a seafoam green sweater. I stirred the fire, wiped my hair out of my eyes. Joe finally came in. He laughed, “What is all over your face?” I ran to the mirror and wiped off the fireplace soot.

Sitting in front of the fire, Joe bent down on his knee. He said a lot of sweet and mushy stuff I wish I could remember. I do not know if that it is time that has made me forget the words or if it was that I was in such an excited state of shock then those they didn’t stick.

As I glanced at his pants pocket with a square box he brought it out in to view. A gorgeous princess cut diamond ring bigger than I could have imagined him buying for me. Now mind you, we had looked several weeks before at this stone and some others but I had no idea that he was serious. I thought we went in for a watch battery. It seemed so ridiculous at the time.

I used his cell phone back when an analog cell phone could be used in the Fish Lake valley. I had to stand on a chair to get reception. I called my Mom and told her, I handed him the phone to talk to her and he said, “she hasn’t answered yet so I am not sure”. We made some other calls too like my Dad.

The other surprise was that in the truck he had somehow smuggled a bottle of Moet and Chandon champagne and two Mikasa crystal glasses…I unloaded the truck, how-huh-uhh?

I am so lucky to have such a romantic guy. He has been so wonderful and great to me. We have seen and done so many things together. Each time we would go do something we would just say to ourselves, “this is a once in a lifetime chance”, I can’t believe we get to do this, people only dream of doing these things”. Times have slowed down and our Rock-n-Roll lifestyle is not as jet set or funded nearly as well, but on the other hand, we are still having fun and I would still say yes.

Side note:
The next weekend we had a Halloween bash to celebrate which was a wild and crazy party. In addition, two weeks later we decided to go back to the cabin to celebrate. We brought Susie, Barry and Tyler. We brought cross-country skis and Tyler was going to hunt with Joe. When we got there – ZERO snow. It was fun anyway!
I also still have and wear those red thermals.

Too Busy, Feast or Famine

2008-10-19T10:49:00.004-06:00

It seems everyone I know is so busy. We all have so much going on lately. Everyone has so much going on you can hardly get together to do anything. The family will be getting together tonight to celebrate Jamie's birthday that was yesterday (also Max's 4 month birthday).

Life is certainly not boring lately. I am not complaining…? I have not even written thank you notes for my birthday last month!

Things have picked up with the massage gigs, in fact, I had a conference last week, plus two of my regular accounts. Next week I have one of my regular accounts and a 3-hour gig. But then I do not exactly have a lot going on after that. There are my regular accounts then one conference next month. It would be ideal to have one larger event a month.

Everything seems to happen at once, we are trying to rent one of our houses. It is not going as well as I thought it would. We have been cleaning, working on the yard, repainting, and doing repairs all weekend.

Joe and I did take time out yesterday morning to do something fun; Ozzy, Tyler and him went hunting then Heidi and I went to the downtown Farmer's Market. Then for the evening, we went to dinner to visit our out of town friend Holly. We had a late night out to dinner, it was fun catching up.

We do not even want to talk about what needs to be done at home! What a mess! Well, I must be off now to my landlord job. I guess my house will suffer one more day.

Jumping on the "Random Thought Of The Day" Bandwagon

2008-10-13T14:12:00.004-06:00

There is a strange parallel in the fact that Ozzy did not like hunting and John does not like hunting. But JP loves it and Griz did too. Is that why you have 2+ kids/dogs, it increases your odds?

Thanks Stephani for the idea of "Random Thought Of The Day".

My Cookie Bakin’ Dog Is Now A Real Hunt Dog

2008-10-11T18:03:00.005-06:00

Back when we first got Ozzy as a pup, we took him to this kennel where these lesbian-bull-dykes “trained” him. It cost a fortune and we really did not like their techniques. They seemed cruel. Ozzy came back from hunting school he seemed crazier and not at all interested in bird hunting. In fact Joe took Ozzy and Griz hunting and Ozzy ignored the birds.

Frustrated, Joe decided to leave Ozzy behind and take Griz who was a natural. He needed no training. He was Mr. Perfect the duck hunter. I did not care I had Ozzy to protect me and keep me company while Joe was gone.

In the fall I have this bizarre desire to cook and bake, nesting if you will. I would always bake cookies while Joe was gone for the weekend. Ozzy would sit in the kitchen and either beg or lay at my feet. Joe asked me what I did and I would reply, “Ozzy and I baked cookies. So we started to call him the cookie-baking dog.

Since Griz passed this last spring we have been debating on getting another hunting dog. We have not wanted to replace Griz. There is no replacing him. Joe has been bugging John to see how Fancy would do. He had this brilliant idea to try Ozzy at it again. Joe went to Idaho last weekend I told him no, you cannot take him and leave me alone.

However today, he was going up to Ambassador Duck Club that Tyler is a member of. Reluctantly after kissing Ozzy like he was going to kindergarten, I said goodbye to them both. Today was a drizzly and rainy day, ideal for duck hunting. Ozzy did really well; he brought back 14 birds and only missed 3. In fact Oz did so well that Tyler kept calling him Griz.

Joe and Ozzy enjoyed their hunting afternoon with Tyler. They are all planning on it again tomorrow. We will see how tired Ozzy acts tomorrow.

I can't believe Joe is stealing my dog after all of these years! He has been MY cookie-baker for 10 years now!

My Memory Loss Problem

2008-10-11T13:17:00.004-06:00

I used to joke that I forget because of all the drugs I did in the 60s. I mean really, I was at a Jefferson Airplane (yes, before Starship) concert at the Terrace Ballroom in 1968….granted I was not born yet.

I had a conversation on the phone with Jen yesterday. This was part of it, something like it anyway, since I cannot remember details.
Jen – I think I am going to print that cute picture of Lily and Fancy I took with your camera.
Me – No, I thought I took that
Jen – No I did, but if you want credit for those, I took them with your camera, no big deal
Me – I swear I took them

Well for that matter, there are many pictures people took with my camera in the Family 9 2008 set. I know Jen and Jessie both grabbed the camera here and there. So I should not take credit for them either. I do admit that I have taken way too many pictures. I haven't even posted all of my pictures taken last month to FlickR.

Therefore, I am imposing a new rule, if you take a picture with my camera, you have to write me a sticky note and post it to my forehead. OH and part two of that, if you are taking pictures with my camera… take some freakin’ pictures of me….preferably with me and my husband or grandkids!

One of the reasons I take pictures is something to remember by, I would like to at least look back at a couple pictures of me. That is also the reason I started the blog too. I want to keep track like a journal.

I do have some sort of memory loss problem though. I forget so many things. I sometimes wonder if it is because I am so busy or there is a real problem. It is not age as I have been having this problem for quite a few years now. I wish I could remember more things. The good things, but some of the bad, it makes you appreciate the good.

Oh Babies!

2008-10-10T19:19:00.004-06:00

My cousin Rebecca had her little boy on Monday. His name is James Michael. Her Mom Sue called our Aunt Ellen to tell her. Ellen had no idea she was pregnant. Hum, that is a funny story on both sides. I mean, they have talked at least once a month in the last 9 months.

Today, my girlfriend Danette had her little girl. Her name is Madeline “Maddie” Lucille. Danette had the long labor of 4 hours, I hear a collective green (with envy) gasp.

Everyone is healthy. The babies and their moms are doing great.

Our Baby Nate who is married to Jen had his birthday today, he is 27. Happy birthday Nate!

Now if I can get over to see them all in the next week that would be great!

Oh "MY" Weekend Fun?

2008-10-06T22:14:00.009-06:00

Joe went with JP to Idaho for the opening of Duck Season-Wabbit Season-Duck Season-Wabbit Season-Duck Season-Wabbit Season-oooh sorry a Looney Tunes flashback...it was the duck opener in Idaho.
I thought I could get some overdo organizing done, some visiting with friends, etc...nope...I got to clean our duplex rental. It was just as fun on Sunday as it had been on Saturday for me.The joys of being a landlord. What happened it that my ultra-super-duper, extra nice guy husband let these 3 early 20s boys rent it and th last 3 or 4 months, they couldn't pay our rent so he worked...and worked with them until finally they couldn't pay so we ended up using the security and pet deposits up for rent. I adore my husband and his kind heart. He tried to help them out and I don't know if they learned or appreciated anything he did for them. Because I KNEW I didn't want to rent to the little creeps! Anyhew I am back in charge of who rents.

We celebrated Mike's birthday on Saturday. He is just like Joe (sorry Heidi)he is a total kid and enjoys life. Oh and Doobs birthday too.

In other weekend news Christian and Gina got engaged in San Diego! Congratulations!

Promises, promises, promises...I will have MORE pictures on FlickR late this week. I hope to catch up soon!

Fancy Missing You Here

2008-10-03T20:03:00.010-06:00

We dog sat Fancy Face Bennett Dillier for John & Jamie when they went to California.

We drove John and Fancy back to their house after tailgating last night. Joe went on and on about how we could keep her during the whole ride. John told us that he more or less he would be in deep crap if he let us have her.

She is a darling dog. I am delighted they have her for so many reasons. I can imagine how much love she gave Diane. I tried to give her as much attention as I could, that is dually as Ozzy was demanding his share.

I got her a new id tag with Jamie and John’s numbers (her full name wouldn’t fit on the tag). I could not bring myself to take off the one with Diane’s number.
Ozzy and Fancy got along very well. Except we think maybe the first day we missed some sort of scuffle. She has an inch long scratch on her nose. I hope her new parents let me watch her again and don't think I didn't watch her good enough!

As a Dog-Grandma I do not have favorites and love them all…but Fancy is a real sweetheart. We will miss little miss Fancy Pants sleeping on our bed.

Again, I have a poop-load of pictures to post on FlickR so bare with me, it will be worth it!

Utes Pelt Beavers 31-28

2008-10-03T10:29:00.010-06:00

We went to the Utah Utes vs. Oregon State. I don’t like Thursday games for tailgating. Everyone is so rushed to go tailgate, you get stuck in traffic and you have to scarf down your food then scurry over to the stadium to see kick-off or as like to say for football “tip-off”. You do not have time to enjoy your beverages and you have to chug. Also now (I haven’t been to a game/tailgated for 3 or 4 years) at half time you are not allowed to leave and return! This is just directed at those of us who like to partake in alcohol at halftime!
John, JP, Stephani, Heidi, Mike, Russ, Joe and I tailgated at a different lot than we used to, not as many people. I made baked beans and a couscous salad, Heidi picked up wings from Fiddler’s Elbow, Stephani made a pasta salad & cupcakes. John made a b-double e-r –r-u-n. Steph left us to go babysit...and with all of the delicious (and cute) cupcakes she made.
John and JP sat in another section so Heidi and John were texting the funniest beaver jokes. I think it is best I don't post them.
Look who we found at halftime.
The game was a good start but the 3rd and most of the 4th didn’t look so good. People were starting to leave the last 2 minutes. What the… with 1:48 left in the game, 20-28…even a football dumb-dumb like me knows it could happen! Well it did! Thanks to Louie. That was all fun until we waited almost an hour to get out of the parking lot. More pictures will be on FlickR later this weekend. I still have a bunch from last month I am going through. I will try not to eat the remainder of the cupcakes now but no promises.

3 Calls In One Day

2008-09-30T19:45:00.002-06:00

I have been telling you how things have slowed down for me in my massage business. WELL...I got THREE calls today for massage gigs. Two I can do the other is a conflict with one of the others. So that is good and will pay my student loan & groceries. Now if we can just get our 2 houses rented we will be back on track!

Wake Me Up When September Ends

2008-09-30T13:25:00.003-06:00

Yea, it is a song by Green Day, “Wake Me Up When September Ends”. You should look up the lyrics. Unfortunately, it is a bit fitting with all that has gone on this month and this year.

I have never disliked September. September is my birthday month and I have always looked forward to it. This year was different. I turned FORTY! There is always one milestone birthday that hits you hard, this was it for me.

This whole last year has been very trying on me. I won’t bore you with ALL the details but here are the highlights of the lowlights; I haven’t done anything with my life, I didn’t get a real degree/didn’t try hard enough in college (didn’t give it the old college try), didn’t give birth/adopt a Chinese baby, didn’t volunteer enough/didn’t donate enough, didn’t get organized, didn’t get the yard nice, didn’t plant a garden, didn’t compost, ate too much cookie doe/chocolate chips, didn’t save enough money/spent too much on stupid stuff, didn’t do enough for people, didn’t visit grandma enough or other family, been too selfish, didn’t recycle enough, etc.

So how did I make it through this year? With the love of my husband, my family and friends, thank you! My 40th birthday UN-surprise party at Pat’s BBQ was fabulous (of course). Joe with the help of Susie and Lulu planned the party then surprised me with surprise appearances of some friends but best of all Lil’ Jen and Lily.

I get so emotional thinking about how fun of a surprise it was and then how they got to visit with Diane too. Diane was so generous in sharing her kids and grandkids with me. She let me call them my own. She was the best ex-wife a wicked stepmother could have for that reason alone.

Also later in the week, Susie, Barry, his sister & hubby visiting from Germany, my sister and I saw Paul Thorn at Pat’s. He is awesome! Go to my FlickR to see videos. (I suck at taking them)

The other fun thing was that my Aunt Ellen mailed me a funny getting old/40th birthday card every day for two weeks. I felt like Harry Potter getting a daily owl.

It really has not been that bad I guess for the big picture aside from the deaths in the family, and the scares with Max and Kate. My bad year looks quite nice to others. I have so much to be grateful for, I just need to refocus on that. September will always be special to me but as I get older, they are less about me. Damn it, I am getting old and I guess growing up finally. I will be damned if I act mature!

Goodbye September, I don’t know if I will miss you but I know I learned a lot from you this time.

Loss

2008-09-29T15:25:00.003-06:00

Forgive me father-blog for it has been three weeks since my last post. I have had internet/computer has had issues.

I haven't been ready to write either with all that has happened. We lost 2 family members on the same day. Our sister-in-law Tonya in Idaho lost a damn good fight to diabetes. We lost Diane with a blockage to the heart and suffered a heart attack, something we didn't even have a clue on our radar.
There was a lot of good and bad, many emotions and a lot of love in the past 3 weeks.
These last few months since May have been very emotional. There have been so many losses. I am not really ready to share all my feelings here just yet. I haven't had the words or just can not find them. I just know it hasn't been easy. I don't know how we didn't get to say to them so many things.

In remembrance of some love ones lost in September:
September 8, 2005 Anna Dillier (Joe’s sister)
September 13, 1966 Robert Allen Bennett (Diane’s baby brother, 7 days old)
September 13, 2008 Diane Bennett (Mom of our kids)
September 13, 2008 Tonya Dillier (our sister-in law, Gary’s wife)
September 22, 1998 Joyce Horne (Barry’s Mom)
September 22, 2000 Parley Love (my grandpa “Popa”)
September 22, 2002 Don Love (my uncle)
September 24, 2001 Richard John Pajares (Jamie's Dad)

We love and miss you all.

PS look at the comments on my previous post.

Weekend Update

2008-09-08T12:48:00.001-06:00

Friday morning Stephani, Bailey, Lulu and BB Queen met at my house to walk over to the Farmer’s Market with Ozzy and me. All of the dogs were extremely well behaved! Ozzy did not try to kill any ankle biters. I later did errands and then went to NACVA HQ to give seated massages to most of the usual suspects.

Joe, Ozzy and I went to Fish Lake Friday night. Saturday am Joe and Keith worked on the deck. They have been pouring the footings. Keith has a plan and Joe jokes that you could land a helicopter on it when it is completed. Keith drove down with his sister Jackie. They stayed at Kevin’s cabin because Kim and her son Griffin came down Saturday after his game or practice. They went to Loa to get more supplies for the deck.

We went to Richfield with Charlie and Joyce. Saturday was their 39th wedding anniversary. The boys went golfing and girls went shopping. We went to dinner after. We ate entirely too much because we had Mexican food.

Sunday morning, we were woken up by Keith calling to invite us to breakfast. Kim and Jackie had made ham, bacon and pancakes. Kim added cinnamon and fresh peaches to the pancakes. I ate three, again entirely too much food.
While Keith worked on the deck, Joe worked on the boat. Ozzy and I went on 3 longer walks throughout the day. Kim, Griffin and Jackie came by and enjoyed the sun with me on our cement part of the deck. They went home and Joe & Charlie went fishing. Since Joe got back late after dark we decided to spend the night and get up at 6 this morning. There were not as many deer around the cabin but as we drove out there were plenty deer. A lot of fawns!

As we drove through Sigard, we got caught behind a school bus. They stop at EVERY little kid’s house! I remarked on how in the city when I waited for the bus, there were at least 20 kids that converged on our stop. Maybe it is because in the winter it is so cold.

About the time we went through Santaquin and Payson, the SIRUIS dj commented about Gary Coleman running over some guy in a Payson bowling alley. The poor guy moved in the middle of poe-dunk nowhere to get away from people folling him around with cameras. He cannot even go bowling in peace.

When we got home our sweet neighbor across the street was doing yard work. I saw our garbage can was put out for us. I knew it was John. I yelled over to thank him and he told us he did another couple of favors too. Saturday he came over to bring us corn and tomatoes. Our garage door was open, apparently from when we left about 7 pm until whenever he came by on Saturday. He put the veggies in the garage and shut our door. Nothing was missing or out of place. They could have stolen at least one of the 2 cars with keys in the ignitions. Also on the front porch was a bag full of miscellaneous produce. I have 3 other neighbors who most likely gave it to us. Yep, we are lucky to have such a great neighbors and live in a great neighborhood!

An AfFAIR (fiasco) To Remember

2008-09-04T20:24:00.007-06:00

Being the dork I am I waited until the very last day (this last Saturday) and the very last couple of hours to take my photo entries to the Utah State Fair. It was in part due to that I had been working the days and times when you could enter.

After I worked the USANA conference, I went to the fairgrounds at about 3:15 pm. Standing in line, I had a conversation with the two people ahead of me about how the mounting should be…apparently I can't read.
“1. All entries must be permanently affixed to a mount board that is approximately 1/8" to 1/4" thick. The mount board can be a standard matte or foam core NO wood, masonite or cardboard NO framed, glass covered, or shrink-wrapped entries except as allowed in the Fine Art Photography PH6 NO hanging devices or other protrusions on the back or front of prints Front (over) "mattes" and edges/borders that are an integral part of prints are acceptable.” What I read…(besides, blah-blah-blah, the mattes you chose should be fine, just glue it.)

Therefore, I drove madly to the Wal-Mart on 13th South. Um, that is the biggest Wally World I have been in AND one of the scariest! I bought several frames, double sided tape and a water. Then I drove back to the fairgrounds. I threw the 3 prints into frames, Mickey Mouse style. I hope the one stays put. Meanwhile when I am doing this I am cursing myself for waiting this long and doubting myself and the quality of work for Fine Art category.

I wait in line again, I get up to the guy who is in charge of accepting the entries for the Fine Art category. I told the story to him that I had to run and buy the frames.
Him – You know that the Fine Art category is juried now? (I have no idea what the hell he is talking about, does that mean I am kicked out if they think it sucks? Btw, I still don’t know)
Me – uh, ok I guess, I am stuck with it now
We do all of the paperwork. I look down at my entry paper what he wrote. Lot 1 for all three prints.
Me- I meant for each of these to be in different categories.
Him – yes, Fine Art category there are no lots (divisions like action, pets, children, landscapes, etc (my heart sank)
You see the plan was that I was going to win 1st place in all lots (this was before all of the self-doubt, etc)Me – oh, I see
Him – oh, do you have your digital files of these?
Me – no! I was not planning on being in the Fine Arts division. My heart sinking again.
Him – we need it for all entries
Me - Can I email it?
Him – no, I don’t do email
Me - Can I bring it tomorrow or the next day or next? Sometime, anytime?
Him – do you know where the Wal-Mart in Taylorsville is?
So I took it to his house on Sunday. At least I hope he got it.I will go to the fair next week to see how it compares with it all or if they even hung my photos. I really would have made some different choices had I known. Like I would have skipped the “Cowboy Up” print.
Well, I guess I will give it a shot next year. It is not like I won't have another 1000 pictures I have taken in 2009 to choose from! They never called me to tell me to get this crap out of here so I guess it is ok. We shall see!

Patriotic but Lazy

2008-09-03T19:29:00.003-06:00

Today I finally took down the 4th and 24th of July decorations.

There really is a reason for it though. First, there was the main holidays already stated, and then there were the Olympics. I felt it my duty, my honor and privilege to leave them up for that, well then I kept forgetting to take them down. But THEN came Labor Day. How American is THAT? And what about the Democratic and Republican conventions?

I took down the ribbons and banner today. From my perch on the couch, I can see the front door, which is donning the lit American flag. Perhaps I will take it down and sing Taps in my head.

I might just put the flag back up for Patriot Day, September 11th. Or should I just enjoy it from the couch? I bet I could leave it up until we vote in November!

Post Surgery Update on Kate - BENIGN!

2008-08-28T09:16:00.006-06:00

Since my last post about Kate, I had a chance to talk a little to George. They needed the O+ blood for transfusion. They need a couple days to prep the blood. I can always be available in the future should there (hopefully not) be any more surgeries. I haven't donated blood for a while and I am wondering why. I will soon.

It turns out that they have been struggling this last year with Kate having bouts of vision problems and vomiting. Like George said, "who would put vision problems and vomiting together as a brain tumor?”

They checked in Tuesday night to Primary Children's. The best surgeons in the country are there and I would not feel comfortable knowing she (or any child) would be having surgery anywhere else.

Yesterday the surgery started later than scheduled due to the surgery ahead of Kate's. They did not start hers until 5 pm. It was supposed to start at noon. How nerve racking. Surgery in general you just want to get over as soon as possible. Especially poor little Kate not being able to eat.

An email from their friend who is keeping several of us in the loop.
"Hi Everyone, Definitely a long night for George, Heidi and Kate. Heidi said everything went well. The tumor has been removed and it is benign, great news. All of Kate's vitals are great, clear lungs, good heart rate. She's off to the MRI and they will have more information later today. Again, when Heidi calls me I will send out an email right away. They will let us know when visitors are permitted. It sounds like it will be at least a few days. Talk to you soon. Joie"

I will keep you updated as I hear.

Well, I am off to get ready for my day at the USANA conference doing seated massages (today through Saturday).

Wildlife Weekend

2008-08-26T10:03:00.003-06:00

Keith, Shasta, Joe, Ozzy and I went Friday night to Fish Lake. We saw two huge bucks (no really - tall, wide and lots of points) just outside of Scipio.

Saturday the boys prepped the cabin for painting. Ozzy and I went on a short walk. My camera battery was dead so I grabbed Joe’s. At least I had something when the osprey was flying RIGHT over my head. I could have gotten some killer pics, but got a couple of mini videos that will be on FlickR. It flew with us as we walked. It reminded me of when we were in Maui one time and the whales kept jumping as I walked the boardwalk. I loved it!

Then the boys went golfing and Joyce and I went shopping in Richfield. I decided to get Joyce off of the mountain before she really went cabin feverish. We stopped on the way back so I could take pictures of three wild turkeys. Hey! That is a sign that I am going to be a better bowler.

Then we came back and grilled up some brats (Joe and Charlie call them BraCTwurst...drives me crazy), steaks and fresh fish. It was a complete feast with: grapes, blueberries, honey-loupe (a yummy hybrid of cantaloupe and honeydew melons from the farmer’s market), farmer’s market bread from Volker’s, feast with pasta salad made from basil from our yard, farmer’s market tomatoes, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. We completed dinner with chocolate covered cinnamon bears.

Sunday Keith and Joe painted the cabin then went fishing at Mill Meadow with Charlie late in the afternoon into the evening.

About 5 minutes after they left, a doe and her fawn were in front of the cabin. They were chowing on our tender aspen at Skyliner Diner. I’ll have those pictures and a lot more late today and this week.

Ozzy and I went for a walk that ended up being just under two hours. It was late afternoon most people were gone so there were a bunch of animals out. We saw a lot more deer. There were spikes, does and fawn. They could have been the same 3 we kept pushing down the hill. Besides the deer, I saw: a variety of birds, chipmunks, squirrels, a rabbit, water snake, about 3 water rat things, a beaver in some rocks then a beaver swimming by the dam. I also watched some fish in less than a foot of shoreline water feeding on the bugs. They surfaced like sharks. I think they were just big carp. I also saw a fat – 3 inch caterpillar by our cabin.

They came home so late and with cleaning the fish, we ended up spending the night and leaving early Monday morning. The decision came because a big pretty moth landed on Joe’s shoe. We debated but the prospect of getting home after 1 am and possibly hitting a deer wasn’t what we all really wanted.

Besides, Joe named the moth Bob Jr. Which shouldn’t be confused with Bob the antelope hanging in the cabin. Bob the antelope will be another story another time. The moth hung out on his shoe for a long time. I want to say at least 45 minutes. He had to pry it off to come in the cabin. Although Joe was quite attached to it too. Either it was eating his shoe or laying eggs. Maybe we will have moth babies. At least they will be cute.

I Need Your Help Please Vote!

2008-08-25T16:52:00.009-06:00

Either something is up with Blogger or I am just a pure idiot. I have been trying to do a slideshow or copy and paste...arrgggh Very frustrating! Anyhew, see the voting tool on the right?

Or go to my FlickR page http://flickr.com/photos/89746220@N00/sets/72157605886832484/

Thinking of Little Kate

2008-08-25T11:31:00.007-06:00

(Domonique left & Kate on Right)
On the way down to Fish Lake, my long time friend Stacey called and broke some bad news. Our friends Heidi and George’s daughter Kate has been having some vision problems. Kate is only 8 years old. They took her in to get it checked out and one thing led to another and then to a MRI. It turns out she has a tumor the size of a tangerine. I believe it is on her brain stem.

My head was just swimming when she was telling me. I cannot believe it. She will be having surgery this week and they need O positive blood. I happen to be O+. They really needed it by last Saturday, I am hoping I can still help out by giving today or tomorrow. Please keep her in your thoughts and pray if it is what you do.

Last Friday - Revised with Punchlines!

2008-08-25T11:20:00.004-06:00

Friday morning Ozzy and I walked to Murray Park. We were met by Jamie and the boys at the Farmer’s Market.

It didn’t even occur to me that I would be put in charge of Alex, BY Alex. I knew I would help of course, but he does really well about sticking with you. I told him to hold my hand while Jamie got the stroller, the gear and Max out of the car. He made sure that I held his hand, well except to pick up and throw various round shaped fruits and veggies. He just can’t help it, it is a ball or looks like one!

We discussed how we miss the people from goat farm and their yummy flavored cheeses and the apple truck with the gala apples. Where are these people?! Don’t they know they got us hooked last year?!

We made our route, bought some tamales for lunch. Then we all piled in the mini-van. Ozzy thought it was Christmas! Much to Ozzy’s delight, Alex left a Hansel and Gretel trail of treats on the floor. Needless to say, if you need your car picked up of food, call on Ozzy. No raisins please as they are deadly to dogs.

Immediately when Alex comes in our house he goes for the toys. And Max went straight for boob. After his contentment of boobiness, he hung out on my lap. What a cute thing.

Sitting in the “game” room (the room contains a pool table, bar, big screen, big gun safe, and various taxidermy) with Jamie and the boys:
Jamie – (after a long study of them) do you have to dust those ducks?
Me – yea, but not lately
Jamie – how do you?
Me – just with a duster
Jamie – (after staring at the deer) are those elk?
Me - no, deer the elk are in the garage
Jamie – do you have to dust their nostrils? And how do you dust them?
Me – chuckling, hum, I guess I should but I just dust them regular and I have to get their antlers since the spiders like to make webs.
Jamie – (I can’t remember exactly what else but I am sure it was something to the effect of I don’t know how you do it).

I read Jamie's comment and realized OH CRAP! That was the true punchline! Yes, everyone Jamie asked - Is that a chicken?
Me - no, (laughing)it is a pheasant.
Jamie - it looks like a chicken

Then I gave Alex a nickle.
Me - Do you know what is it Alex?
Alex - A nipple!
Me - (laughing again)no, it is a nickle
Alex - A NIPPLE!!!!!

Catch Up - Update and Miscellaneous

2008-08-20T23:35:00.005-06:00

I realized that I have not written about the last 2 weekends. Joe, Ozzy and I went to Fish Lake both times. Last weekend, Christian and Gina went with us, the weekend before Heidi and Doobie went with us. Both weekends we had: great weather, great hikes and walks, great animal sightings (see FlickR).

We are up late every night watching the Olympics EXCEPT at the cabin because the reception is terrible for NBC. You can hear it but it looks like snow on LSD.

Instead of individual comments on family blogs, I am commenting here (I know somewhat lazy):

John, I expected a post on a review of the Star Wars ani-movie.

Jamie, let’s go buy you some pretty underwear! Don’t be so critical of yourself, you are doing just fine. YOU ARE A GREAT MOMMY. I wish I had some potty training advice but in place of, the advice I have is to just immediately jump in the shower each morning. Who cares about doing hair, just comb it, who cares about makeup, you are an au naturale beauty! I have found that if I don’t shower first thing… I don’t until 7 pm…only because I know Joe is coming home!

Stephani, I can’t believe the ABC gum! Yuck!
I meant to tell you after we dog sat, that I think your darling but crazy and very rambunctious puppy is a full time job, throw up or not. You are a super star for being so patient. Just think of all of the additional practice for your future rambunctious Dillier children!

Jen Marie, if anyone can have abs of steel you can, tell Nate to kiss my buns of steel, I mean buns of Jell-O for not believing in you.

Lauri, I have not been there to compare so I don’t know if Goodwood is as good as my favorite BBQ restaurant. Pat’s BBQ http://www.patsbbq.com is the best in my opinion and live music.
I am sorry you had a crappy day yesterday too. I think if was an overall doubt yourself day as I was in the dumps too!

Perhaps it was the remnants of the full moon just making us loony, question ourselves and test us.

Anyhew, kisses to all of the puppies/kids and especially their parents.

My Personality

2008-08-13T18:12:00.002-06:00

These sort of things amuse me so I thought I would share it with you.

5%, really? Who programs these? Do it and tell me what yours says. It is only about 20 questions.

Your Personality is Very Rare (INFP)

Your personality type is dreamy, romantic, elegant, and expressive.

Only about 5% of all people have your personality, including 6% of all women and 4% of all men
You are Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving.

How'>http://www.blogthings.com/howrareisyourpersonalityquiz/">How Rare Is Your Personality?

Gooey Patriotism

2008-08-11T21:45:00.004-06:00

I don't know if I am bragging or complaining...EVERY time hear the national anthem at a sporting event or I watch the Olympics and we win a GOLD ...I get all blubbery and tear up. I think I am just proud.
Go USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome Back Farmer’s Market and Rain!

2008-08-08T11:07:00.004-06:00

For exercise and saving gas, Ozzy and I walk almost every day to the Post Office to get the mail. The PO is by the park. It started last week but I was working. I didn’t remember about it until this morning. It started to rain on the way over. We got our mail and walked over to the market.

There wasn’t as much for some reason. I missed getting arugula from the Oriental guy. However, the bread guy was there! I got my fav, asiago basil. I didn’t want to carry too much since we were walking so I got a small amount of apricots and peaches.

The walk home I tore off a piece of bread and ate an apricot. My shoes were soaked but I wasn't nearly as wet as the first time Stephani, Molly, Ozzy and I went last year. We get some wet walks!

I miss my Farmer’s Market team; Stephani, Jen, Lily, Jamie & Alex! We need to plan on the next one and I’ll make you lunch after like last year. It isn’t the same eating the fresh stuff alone.

Last Month, Last Week and Weekend Update

2008-08-04T17:36:00.001-06:00

Times are hard here sports fans, I just lost one of my massage accounts last week. It was not a huge account, only once a month for a couple hours. I did make enough to pay my monthly student loan. This season isn’t nearly as busy as last year. As Joe says though “I am the yin and he is the yang, he had a good work week”.

Nevertheless, on that same note, I did work at a convention last week. I worked Wednesday through Saturday with Choice and Dave at the Stampin’ Up! Convention. We were extremely busy and very happy about it. There must be something wrong with me not to want to scrapbook. I admire all of the work but I can’t even keep up with digital anymore.

Sunday was a very lazy day to recoup. Joe sawed off half of the metal railing on our back patio deck. He added a long stair, now it has 3 steps instead of 2.

Sunday was also Ozzy’s TENTH birthday. I took him for a walk and cleaned up his poo for his birthday. What else would you get for the dog that has everything and has the best life?

As for my 1Y2OL project progress, well, it looks like I am overflowing last month’s project into August. I am just going about it all wrong and not sticking to the book. I cannot help myself. I have never been one to read a manual before operating anything, nor have I ever been able to get into shape by reading “Shape Magazine” or “Self” Hell, I didn’t even ever really study a book in school.

Well, I am off to procrastinate more now by doing something completely what I am not to do.

Heirloom or Crap Proposal

2008-07-30T22:42:00.006-06:00

Joe and I had a great conversation tonight, well kind of. It started with the fact that we canceled a family trip up to my Mom's family property at Bear Lake for Raspberry Days the weekend after next. We are going to go to Fish Lake instead. Allow the explanation to follow.

We canceled because George W. should declare it a disaster area. The lakeside property has been in the family for over 40 years. There are three cabins with about 2 to 3 rooms each. Then the property/house across the street they purchased in the 80’s has 4 bedrooms - 2 baths and a lot of common area, 2 garages. The property is for sale. Therefore, my mom, aunt, cousins and some of their friends have spent quite a long weekend emptying it...into the cabins (thank you).

So the PROPOSAL is that along with my organization of our house that I get rid of HALF of our possessions. So get ready, it could be one huge butt garage sale.

Side note: the more properties you have the more you spread around your crap!

As much as my husband's children don't think I care about them, I don't want them or anyone else in my family to have to pour through our possessions and decide what to do with them. Once more, I look back on my experience with my dad's sudden death and Ma's (Joe's mother). It was awful to look through his crap (and some good crap) and try to figure out if it was worth anything or worth keeping. Sometimes it is a fine line between an heirloom and crap. I am just recently trying to distinguish why I have an item.

I will explain each item that is indeed a family heirloom. Yes there will be a list. We have many things from both sides of my families and Joe's. I want to make sure they go to that side. OMG! I think I am starting my/our (our possessions) will! I guess it is never to early.

Are you going to go out with me tonight or should I just go fishing? A love story

2008-07-28T13:14:00.005-06:00

I was asked that question thirteen years ago this date. How romantic is that?! Back then was working as a temp at Freedom Mortgage and I smoked. On my smoke breaks, I would run into him. He really was charming but oh my he was old!

I thought I would avoid him but we magnetized to each other. I resisted and resisted to go out with him. I asked a friend “What do you think about Joe? Should I go out with him?” Julie said he was a really great guy and one of her best friends. To this day Joe insists that I only went out with him to screw up his fishing. Well, sort of, I just wanted to see how much he really wanted to go out with me. It appeared he liked to fish a lot so I set my lure (get it!? fishing humor?).

We went out that night I was extremely into listening to Blues and it so happened that night was the Snowbird Jazz & Blues Festival. We went there and on the way, we got lost. Who gets lost going to the canyon?

I tried my hardest to not like him by belching (I was really good then because I had a high intake of beer). Then we went into one of the buildings and I pushed him into the automatic sliding door bonking his head.

It was sold out, no tickets! But it was back in the day when you could grab a blanket, a cooler and sit on the grass behind their fence and just listen to the music. We had nachos and margaritas at the restaurant just above the music area. Then (Dillier kids ear/eye muffs) we sat and listen to the music and made out. We went back home and made out some more while True Lies played on his VCR.

(Ok you can open your eyes again)
From that night forward we have been together through some absolutely amazing adventures, some huge fights, some little fights, some boring times, exciting times. It hasn't been perfect but it has been real. But best of all we experienced it together. So here’s to another lucky 13 and beyond!

Rainmaker Weekend

2008-07-28T00:39:00.003-06:00

We went to Fish Lake Friday through Sunday again this weekend. JP, Stephani and their dogs joined us.

Saturday Joe & JP went to Richfield to meet Wayne to golf and sell JP & Steph’s pontoon boat. Stephani and I went for a walk down to the lake with the dogs. We had an enjoyable time. Then walking back up the hill it started to rain. We thought, oh, it wouldn’t get that bad. Nevertheless, by the time we got to Charlie and Joyce’s cabin we were sopping wet. In addition, just the last couple minutes before that it was hailing on us. Wow, that hurts! I had no idea how the elements could be so harsh. I suppose it was the false sense of security since we were so close to the cabins. We took shelter under the eaves of their cabin. Water was dripping off of our noses. Joyce was home and offered everything from blow dryers to coats and umbrellas. We thought we could wait it out and make it to the cabin after it let up. Oh, it never did. Joyce ended up giving us a ride to our cabin. It is only about the equivalent of two or three blocks but in the downpour, whoa. The three dogs and I were in the back while Stephani rode in the front with Joyce and my precious camera. We peeled off our sodden clothes and had some cocoa with big marshmallows on top.

When the boys returned we went to Torrey for dinner at the Rim Rock Restaurant. It is one of my favorite restaurants. Joe and I shared our much loved “Lee Van Cleef’s Spaghetti and Meat Boulders” (do you get it?, Spaghetti Western?), while Stephani and JP indulged in a steak and a hamburger. We followed dinner with each couple splitting an “ice cream sandwich”, Rim Rock style.

And we continued the rain theme by going to Grover’s Hale Summer Playhouse and seeing “The Rainmaker”. It was another great production. We were sad to hear that it was the last night of their last play of the year. It was very well done once again.

Sunday morning we slept in and went to the Bowery Haven for breakfast. Jeff and Sue the owners teased us about coming so late for breakfast. See, they quit serving breakfast at 11 am and we have the reoccurring habit of showing up at 10:50 am.

Our plan to go on a hike was drizzled out. There were huge rain clouds over the area we planned to hike in. Joe and JP were deeply saddened and dropped the plan and us girls like hot potatoes. They called Charlie to join them golfing again in Richfield.

Joyce, Stephani, the dogs and I went for a walk. We really thought we could make it before the rain came again. Luckily we did not venture as far this time and we were only partially wet. Joyce literally rain away from us when it started, apologizing in Joyce fashion of course.

In the afternoon, Stephani and I watched the X Files movie in prep for the new movie.

The guys returned again and we drove home through the Lion’s Trail again. We saw a lot of wildflowers, deer and elk…in the rain…damn Bill Starbuck!

Yappy Neighbor Dogs

2008-07-24T13:40:00.004-06:00

We have lived in our “new” house for a year and a half now. Ever since the day we moved in, we have listened to THREE yappy dogs that belong to the neighbors directly behind us to the west.

Now don’t get me wrong, dogs should bark here and there. I am embarrassed if my dog barks at the things for no reason. They should bark as a security measure or if you are playing, etc.

When Heidi’s dog Doobie was living with us, he really tried his best to reach them with his bite. Griz never really thought much of the effort and occasionally joined in and barked. Ozzy up to even yesterday, viciously barking and biting to catch them only for the little creeps to retreat back.

We have politely told the neighbors they should just have them debarked. She dismissed us disgustingly and said, “they are show dogs and you can’t do that it would disqualify us”. By the way, she dresses up these little idiots in the most stupid of outfits with hats.

It really does not matter if we are outside or inside, they bark, they bark at 7 am, 7 pm and all points between. I have had a mind to go over and ask her what kind of windows and doors they own because I believe them to be soundproof.

We really thought the novelty would wear off that they needed to bark at our dogs and us. I have really had terrible ideas on how to stop their barking. Poisoning, shooting, etc but I really don’t want to hurt them, I would be sick to really hurt them. Besides, it is not their fault it is their irresponsible and oblivious owners.

So last night as I sat on the back patio with my girlfriends, we were trying to have some dinner and conversation. The nitwit dogs barked for about 15 minutes. One of my last evil plans was to squirt them with the hose. I worried about what my neighbors would do and that I would piss them off. What? I am worried about them? What the …they have been pissing us off for 1-1/2 years!

I did it. I got up and squirted them with the hose. The wicked satisfaction of it all! It was fabulous! Then I went and sat back down and they started again. I told my friends “I wish I had a remote control for it”. I went inside to refresh my drink and when I returned my friend, Lezlie had taken our chairs and placed them around the waterspout. Each time they came up to the fence…they got a nice drink of water and a shower.

Today is a lot less noisy. I can hear them in the distance it seems. It sounds like they are switching it up to their neighbors on their south fence. Thank you Lulu, I owe you one.

Weekend Update

2008-07-21T00:55:00.001-06:00

Joe, Ozzy and I went to Fish Lake Friday night through Sunday night.

Saturday: Joe golfed with Charlie, Ozzy and I relaxed and went on a little walk or two. And, I bought (a while back) a Sansa FUZE and some portable speakers for when I do massage so I won’t need to over use my laptop like I have been.

I spent most of the time TRYING to figure out playlists for Rhapsody. Why oh why does every music system PUNISH me by making me do new playlists and ratings. They all want you to; Napster, Windows Media Player, and has taken me years to tweak my iTunes, now Rhapsody. Luckily they are pretty much the same but some on people! Tell me the secret to just import them instead!

Oh where was I, yes, then Saturday evening as we made our way to the Bowery Haven for dinner, we saw 2 spike deer. Handsome guys, I think we will name them Bob and Randy (after the Harmon’s of course).

Then after dinner we went towards Torrey (about an hour away), to Grover. We went to the Hale Summer Playhouse and saw “Man with the Pointed Toes (A Comedy with Real Kick)”. It was a great play! The actors did a superb performance. Joe and I commented on how much we love going to plays and why don’t we do it more…yes, hum. I think I am going to buy us a season pass for Christmas.

Sunday, we slept in again, we watched the British Open as I made breakfast. Joe went fishing with Charlie at Otter Creek. Joyce, Ozzy and I went on a long walk. I spent a lot of the day wandering taking bug and flower pictures.

We left later than I wanted to (hem-hem) I wanted to see the wild flowers up “7 Mile Canyon”. We did get to see them but not with the light I wanted. I didn’t get any good photos. It had rained so it was overcast along with the falling light. There were more wildflowers than I have seen for years at Fish Lake. I hope they will be there next weekend too. We followed the road further on through the “Lion’s Trail” which is the road over to I-70/Salina.

Another great weekend! Pictures late Monday on FlickR.

My Guitar Hero, My Husband

2008-07-18T16:41:00.004-06:00

This past winter Joe was at his son’s house and watched his friends play guitar hero with him. They were really good at the game. He told them, if you just practiced an instrument as much as this stupid game, you would be good.

Almost the next day, Joe went and rented a saxophone. I have heard him play before. He does pretty well still. He just gave his brother back his sax about a year ago.

Thursday nights for a few months have been Joe’s band practice night. Luckily for me they practice at Christian’s house. Christian does vocals, Dennis on guitar, Joe plays sax and the true glue of it all is Danny on the drums. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM-1ITZGBQg&feature=related or http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=10902066

So last night, Joe came home after brand practice with Dennis, Danny and their beers. They were just going to BS and drink a couple of beers in the garage. I really don’t understand why the garage. He pulls the Porsche out and puts chairs out. We have an acceptable backyard patio for BSing.

Then they brought out their gear and played. The next thing you know it is about 2 am. For a bunch of old guys, they sounded pretty good, at least Ozzy agreed with me.

I’ll let you know when “The Old Guys Garage Band” begins their world tour and what venues. I can get you a back stage pass.

(more pictures are on FlickR in a set)

Project July: It’s Worse Than I Told Myself! (a mid-month confession)

2008-07-14T22:46:00.002-06:00

I kind of knew I had a problem. I try and try to procrastinate with my other bad habit of Match 3 Games. But as time goes on with this organization project, reality that I had been avoiding for so long has reared it’s wicked head right in my face. I have known especially for the last few years that I had a problem but not an unmanageable problem.

My dysfunctional organizational behavior has been going on ever since Christmas Eve… oh, but not this last December. Yes, since about kindergarten I have learned that if you have company is coming over you just put it in a box and take it to the basement. Out of sight; out of mind. Now don’t think I am blaming all of this on my mother like everyone who has had a therapist does. She has her own deal, I am more than sure (not even going to talk about her). But one of the points in the book is to look at how you deal with certain aspects of things and how learned/observed behavior comes into play.

I have made some progress though. I rearranged my massage therapy room. I spent an afternoon moving EVERYTHING around, several times. I took out 3 pieces of furniture and traded out a a console, a cabinet & small dresser for a larger dresser. It looks a bit better and less tight of a squeeze. The only thing is that I am not sure if I like how I have my books, etc. I put them on the shelf under my massage table. I might end up changing it later but it should work. I got rid of a lot of papers too. There will be more organization work later on the papers.

I hung a lot of pictures in there (some with Joe’s help others with the help of Command Strips) and I hung some in the hall just outside the room. I even suckered Joe into hanging my pagodas and curtain rod in the little half bathroom that I had been asking him to do since we moved in. I have another set of pictures I want his help to hang in the hall; my goal is by the end of this week. This is NOT part of the program but hey, it is progress!

I still have a whole other ROOM to go. There are boxes of papers, OF course boxes of papers to go through in the upstairs spare room. This might take 2 months instead of 1. But the good thing is that if I get through the spare room I can get a jump on the other months. If it takes 2 months to do 1, so be it.

I am really not “doing it by the book” but if I can get through that room, the rest will fall in place or at least the worst will be over with! Rippin’ the Band-Aid off! Maybe it is the 2nd glass of chardonnay tonight, but I think I can do it.

Desperate Housewife Indulges Herself

2008-07-09T22:18:00.008-06:00

My husband went golfing early this afternoon/evening, stopped by home about 9:30 pm and picked up his sax for "band practice". So Ozzy Dogbourne and I made salmon earlier.

When Joe went to Alaska with Charlie last August they EACH brought back over 100 pounds of fish; salmon, red snapper & halibut. We just took the tail end...get it..?...anyway...we took it to Charlie & Joyce to smoke the rest last weekend. But I snuck one last big cut of King Salmon filet for ME.

I was going to make some for Joe and me but you see, my husband doesn't eat dinner really. He ALWAYS wants a salad for dinner...the same old salad. This consists of Romaine lettuce, grated cheese and Good Seasons Italian Dressing (in the cruet, my version with Balsamic vinegar), occasionally I might add any other salad items such as tomatoes or cucs.

So since I knew he would be gone and wouldn’t even care that I made something, I indulged myself. I couldn’t decide which way to make it so here are the three options (I drizzled all with olive oil, fresh lemon, sprinkled some red sea salt, fresh ground pepper, I used herbs clipped from my yard, wrapped up all in foil individually):

#1 I hit the salmon with garlic powder then hickory seasoning, and then I used my fresh rosemary, chives and Italian flat leaf parsley.

#2 My stand by always, it never disappoints: Salmon with Tarragon Mayonnaise (ok, Miracle Whip), this recipe is from “Pinch of Salt Lake” a Junior League cookbook. I used my fresh tarragon, chives and Italian flat leaf parsley.

# 3 this was my favorite and best by far: Maui Thai Basil Sea Salt from the Maui Culinary Academy (I bought last time we were in Maui), I threw in some fresh basil from my herb garden.

I took a sample of each preparation then I made a salad from a mixture of the leftover picked herbs and lettuce from my herb garden. How could that be better? I opened my finest bottle of Charles Shaw Chardonnay. I bought it at Trader Joe’s last month, this is aka 2 Buck Chuck. But it was really $2.95…it should be renamed 3 Buck Chuck. Ozzy and I sat on the back patio and watched the quail family in the yard, ok, I watched the quail and Oz watched me eat.

Ah, if I could eat this well every night. Honey, when are you going to Alaska again? I think I will go sit in the hottub now.

Golf, Fishing, Nature, Fireworks & a Rodeo in 1 Weekend?

2008-07-07T11:11:00.010-06:00

(I will post more pictures later on FlickR, I have a lot!)

Only with Joe do you do all this in one weekend. Here is the recap...we left Thursday night for Fish Lake packed tight in the truck with JP, Stephani, Joe, Ozzy and me inside the cab of the truck. In the truck bed you found: Bailey & Molly in one kennel, 2 sets of golf clubs, a cooler loaded with food, several containers full of linens for the cabin, 4 fridge packs of Diet Cokes, Gatorade...you are getting the idea. It looked as if we were staying for the summer instead of a 3 day weekend.

Joe, JP & Charlie went fishing for the evening after we unpacked.

The morning of the 4th, the boys headed to golf at Richfield with Charlie. We stayed behind, relaxed and walked the dogs with Joyce.

Then when they returned all 6 of us piled into the truck and headed to the parade in Salina. We got there as the parade started and watched it in front of Mom's Cafe on the corner of State and Main. After JP had his fill of candy and the parade ended, we went into Mom's for dinner. The two most important things to do when eating there are to #1 come hungry, #2 order a scone.

After dinner, we fit a lot tighter in the backseat (4 of us since the front has 2 bucket seats). We drove around the town to where Charlie went dove hunting this last year and to the elk farm.

We went to the Salina Rodeo. It wasn't my first rodeo...it had just been a while since I had been to one. I forgot a few things like: wearing my cowboy hat and really just how amusing they are to watch if you can forget how inhumane the whole thing is. It literally looked like everyone made it from Sevier County. I wish I had taken a picture of the hillside after everyone arrived. In the middle of the rodeo, there was a guy behind us who caught a little snake. Stephani and I were very happy that he caught it before it got to our bench. We were all VERY happy that it wasn't a rattler.

After the rodeo there were the best fireworks I think I have ever seen for the 4th or 24th. They were right above us, huge and went on and on! Our necks were hurting from craning up for so long.

Saturday morning we all slept in, it was delightful! We loaded up the truck with what looked like a weekend camping trip, food, chairs, all 3 dogs, then all 6 of us inside. We went for a hike until an afternoon rain storm pushed us back to the truck. We drove around exploring and looking for big game. We saw a lot of deer and then elk (I missed getting pictures of the elk).

The rain stopped, Joe and Charlie decided we would set up our dinner camp with a great view. The boys got a fire going and we got out the hot dog sticks and the spread for a fabulous evening dinner. We had an after dinner game drive home.

Sunday morning the boys went fishing again, Stephani and I slept in then relaxed (are you getting the pattern?).

An all around American dream weekend. We are so fortunate for what we have. Thank you to all who serve our country. We are so grateful.

Packrats Anonymous

2008-07-03T13:20:00.002-06:00

My name is Jen (Hi Jen!) and I have been a packrat all of my life, in fact before I was born. Now I am not making light of using the "Anonymous" premise by any means. My father was a recovered/recovering alcoholic before he died. But he was also a packrat, as was his father and so is the family. There are many a T.L. stories of what he hoarded. Example, printing presses, lawn mowers, cars, toy train SETS, a floor to ceiling and wall to wall - room of newspapers (yes these are ALL plural). Now don't think I am just picking on the Wakefield side, my mother, parents and her family is packrats too. Some parts of the family have it in check I must acknowledge.

My Grandma Betty's favorite story to tell was about in my youth; she came to my house and helped me clean my room. She found under the bed many items, her favorite were rocks, lots of rocks. I should have been a geologist.

I can share many more stories but this is a mere introduction to my secret world. Since moving in with my husband, I have pared down most of my collections of crap. I have the notion that I will use it or it is too nice to give or throw away. Part of my deal is that, my sweet mother raised me to use it up. She was a single mother raising 2 little girls.

Our family (mainly on Mom's side), were the original recyclers or was it white trash? We would wash the foil TV dinner trays and use them at our cabins at Bear Lake.

So what do I do about this? I do what anyone does, I buy, collect and hoard more crap...oh I mean I buy a book. The book is called "One Year to an Organized Life" by Regina Leeds.

I will keep you updated, at least monthly on my endeavors. July is "Fun in the Sun: Scrapbooks, Memorabilia, Greeting Card Collections and Your Address Book". I will return to it, it is a huge task for me and won't be easy. I hope to make it month #2 on my year.

Instead I am going to do "March; Organizing the Business Life". This has to do with paperwork mainly. For my purposes I will organize my papers, make a new office upstairs and reorganize my massage therapy room. This will lend itself to helping me get into July's task in the book. That is, if I don't end up going over.

From the book "Paper is the average adult's bogeyman". And boy-howdy, is that so true for me. I am going to dive into it and get the big problem areas out of my way first.

Whew, wish me luck!

So on that note, I’m headin’ out of town for the weekend! LOL! But I am going to be reading the book and doing the journal.

Cupcake Update

2008-07-02T21:37:00.004-06:00

(Read previous entry before this one)

I have had just a few small bites of the actual cakes, they don't seem to blow my skirt up.

But there is ZERO frosting left on any of them EXCEPT that yellow one. Damn good thing I don't like lemon flavored bake goods. I don't understand, I like lemon flavored candy?

Friends Are The Frosting On A Cupcake

2008-07-02T15:17:00.005-06:00

Last night I had my girlfriends over. We try to get together at least once a month. Everyone brought something. Lulu brought champagne and gorgeous cupcakes from So Cupcake http://www.socupcake.com/ .

These are their skeletons along with a straggler sweet roll from Amy. Luckily what we didn't sample as a group last night, some went home with others. But as you see there were just enough to get me in trouble. I have a frosting problem and should not be left alone with it. Honestly, if they were all chocolate they would ALL be gone.

The one at the bottom is safe, it was not cut yet. Hopefully Joe eats it tonight. I don't know if I can stand seeing it's perfectness any longer.

What Did You Want To Be?

2008-06-30T09:17:00.006-06:00

What did you want to be when you were growing up? What were your dreams? We lose sight as we get older. It scares us.

In 2 months, I will be 40! It still tugs at me, I always wanted to be a photographer.

I went to USU to study it. I took classes like The Zone System (Ansel Adams' system of light scale), I had a photojournalism internship at a newspaper. I worked as a child portrait photographer for years.

I had a professor that said "The more you shoot the more you see". Not every photo I take is good, but then there are some that I do that just keep me wanting to take more. If you get a chance go to my FlickR and look at my set named "My Best Of Album".

I'm not doing it professionally but I am enjoying it back in my life. I am more of a photographic historian now. I am not so artsie-fartsie. But still a Photohead. It will always be part of me as long as I can still see.

A couple weeks ago, I was clicking through the Chipping family Blogs, I found this on Oliver and Emily's Blog: http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=ithct48cqw

What was your dream? It is still there.

More Magic! Worth Every Cent!

2008-06-29T20:58:00.004-06:00

I have just recently purchased and used 2 products that kick butt!
#1 – I had spilled a Frosty (chocolate of course) on my almost new white work shirt. I washed it and even dried it. I thought I would give an oxygen spot remover a chance. But this time I thought I would try to be environmentally friendly. I bought “Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Oxygen Bleach Stain Remover is made with natural Sodium Percarbonate Mineral that promises to be tough on stains but gentle on the environment and your pet.”
I soaked the shirt in the sink overnight with it and it worked! It is about $8.

#2 – I bought this back a month ago and finally broke it out of its wrap. I found it at PetCo for about $8 to $10. “Magic Pet Hair Remover helps remove hair from pet beds, carpets, furniture, clothing and more. The Magic Pet Hair Remover can be easily washed with soap and water.” Just like the “Magic Eraser” for walls, floors, etc, it took a little elbow grease but it worked on the couch and the carpet on the stairs. Why didn’t I invent that?!

These are not paid advertisements (yet!). Try them!

Creepy Magical Seat With Mind of It's Own!

2008-06-28T11:10:00.006-06:00

Things that you COULD learn if you read the owners manual....we have had the Ford F150 King Ranch for over a year now. I never noticed before but today when running an errand, I unlocked the truck with my key set. The seat moved! To my preset that I thought that worked only when you push the button. So if Joe presets his seat with his key it will move.

The World’s Sweetest Dog is Now Gone

2008-06-27T23:18:00.005-06:00

Susie called me (I can’t remember the year):
Susie - We got a pug puppy!
Me - pug? Those are ugly and worthless! Ankle biters! Why?! They have big bulgy eyes!
Susie – You’ve got to come see her! She is so cute!
Me – Okay, I’ll be over.

Later, Susie handed me a margarita and a pug puppy. The puppy was no bigger than my glass. And I fell immediately in love with her.

I’ve had the honor of dog sitting for them a few times over the years as well as spending weekends at our cabins.

She was their first child. Being her aunt, she always got away with murder with me, always on my lap. We would give each other loves. I will miss her little snorts, watching her “Pug-a-tona” (Pug Daytona) around and “Puggy-back rides on Barry’s back.

Cosmo has been struggling with pancreatitis and diabetes onset by it for the last couple of months.

Little sweet Cosmo, Susie, Barry and Katie’s pug is gone, I can’t believe it. My heart has a tremendous ache, but always a spot for sweet “Schmo”. She is playing with Griz up in doggie heaven right now, sharing her camel toy with him like she always did.

I’m going to miss Cosmopolitan Martini Horne!

Apparently I Am Starving My Dog

2008-06-26T17:34:00.003-06:00

Ozzy is a healthy dog and a perfect weight for his age, etc. Ever since he was a puppy we chose to feed him one time a day in the evening, usually around 6 pm. This mainly came about because it is a hunting dog thing. You shouldn't feed then work a dog. It could make them twist their intestines and the result could be fatal. Yes, it turns out Ozzy isn't a hunting dog but he is very active, especially now that he walks with me almost daily.

Every day when I am around home, starting as early as 1 pm, Ozzy starts working on me. He wears me down until I give in. He follows me around the house. He stares intensely at me, softly whines then turns to a growl. Some days I give in early like 3 pm. Today I have held him off until just after 5:30 pm.

Doobie is staying with us and joins in too. Griz used to bat his eyes at me. They act like they are dying! What BRATS!

They're Home Again

2008-06-25T14:55:00.002-06:00

They got home yesterday and had a good normal night.

You can read more on Jamie's Blog http://www.dillier.net/ and
John's new Blog http://jmelee.typepad.com/the_dillier_man_blog/ .

Enjoy.

Homeward Bound?!

2008-06-24T10:41:00.002-06:00

With cautious optimism, Jamie and John are packing their stuff up at the hospital. The doctor told them that Max can go home today! Hopefully by this evening, the family of 4 (or 5 with Kitty) will be together under one roof to stay.

They have a few hoops to jump such as the regular required parenting checklist hospitals have to do when a newborn is leaving for home the first time. They have to show they can: change a diaper, correctly place the baby in a car seat/car, etc.

John brought the car seat up into their room to do another test. They want Max to sit in the car seat for an hour to see how he manages with it.

When they go home they will also be sent with oxygen for Max as a precaution. There will be additional tests later down the road (figuratively).

Here are some things I am sure they are looking forward to:
Going home/being home with Max and being joined by Alex!
They are beyond excited to be home with their kitty.
Their own bed instead of a chair.
No 24 hour interruptions from nurses and doctors.
The luxury of being woken up by Max for nursing or diaper changing.
Being a normal family again and getting into a routine.

Again, as much as we all want to run and be with them to celebrate, we are all going to try to stay away. They’ll need to figure out the visit schedule so they can get rest and be together.

Max's Test Results

2008-06-23T17:22:00.008-06:00

I missed John's call somewhere in the black-hole phone service in my house! I didn't call him back to make him repeat all of the information he already gave me on the message. Besides, he got to speak to his Dad. I called his siblings including Heidi who is on vacation with Mike's family.

Max's MRI came back normal, no signs of physical damage. The EEG showed slight abnormal brain activity but not enough to warrant putting him on anti-seizure medication. They will of course be watchful of future seizures.

The real test is life. No matter what, this child is going to be loved. I feel deep in my heart and gut that he is going to be ok-ok. I know he will be a strong and brilliant boy just like his parents and big brother.

Jen, Lily and I went shopping today. I can't wait to give this to him, so Jamie & John here is a picture. The socks are just a bonus that might match another outfit. He will look pretty damn cute in it I think.

Testing Day for Max

2008-06-23T10:51:00.002-06:00

Max has been doing better. He has been eating well from Jamie and trying to cry but he is struggling for his voice. More on that at http://www.dillier.net/
He is having tests today. He has already had an EEG and later a MRI. After the MRI and weaning him off of the nasal tube to room air, there is talk of going home as early as tomorrow. They (Jamie & John) are hoping to put off the MRI for a couple of weeks because he will have to go under sedation again.
Most of us are trying to stay away from the hospital so the 3 of them can rest and not excite Max. The exception is Barbara bringing Alex for visits that all of them need. It is hard not being there physically but I think/hope John, Jamie and Max know we are there for them.

Sunday AM Update on Max

2008-06-22T11:20:00.003-06:00

We are thrilled Max has been moved to his own room in the Infant Care Unit. He has been eating from his Mommy. When he eats he breathes a little fast still. Personally I think it is like when you are super hungry and you start to eat you get scarfing and forget to breathe.

There are comments from Jamie on some of my posts, take a look. Also she has been able to write a little on her blog, please visit http://www.dillier.net/

MAXIMUS! Milestones a Many!

2008-06-21T16:41:00.004-06:00

No Breathing Tube - Check
Eat Through Tube - ? (I know he is eating, so I am not sure if this is needed)
Open Eyes - Check - yes but now John wants to add eye contact when open
Cries - Check
No Nasal Tube - Check
Eat With Mouth (Boobies Boobies Boobies) - Check
Just added - Moving out of NICU into OWN ROOM - Talk of soon!
Ask for Car Keys - we can wait on that one for 15 years!

MAXIMUS! Milestone #1

2008-06-21T10:49:00.002-06:00

From comments on my last entry "John and I woke up to the best surprise this morning. NO NASAL TUBE! He is breathing room air now! This has made our whole day. I can't believe what a strong, tough little fighter we brought into the world. After this experience, I'm thinking we should change his name to MAXIMUS!" - Jamie

Waiting Room

2008-06-20T20:00:00.000-06:00

It turns out that what happened with the medication was this - they store the glucose bag right next to the epidural bag. Brilliant. I am withholding a lot of anger and several choice swear words.

He is doing pretty well. The neurologist has taken him off of the anti-seizure medication. It will be a bit until he comes out of that.

Here are some milestones John put on the white board in the family waiting room:
No Breathing Tube
Eat Through Tube
Open Eyes
Cries
No Nasal Tube
Eat With Mouth (Boobies Boobies Boobies)
Ask for Car Keys

Post Dr. Update

2008-06-20T13:13:00.003-06:00

Max's vitals are normal now and have been throughout the night. They have taken him off of the ventilator and he has a oxygen tube in his nose instead. They also have him on the "Billy-lights" for jaundice (very normal). The bad medicine has passed though and out of his system 75-80%. The biggest concern is brain damage. They will be doing neurological testing on Monday.
I am so angry! This little boy was just breathing fast. He was perfectly healthy. My Mom said it was her understanding that there was a TWO PERSON - double check system in place for medication. Words can not express how I feel. I am blocking out the bad as much as possible and staying within trust that he will still have a normal brain.
Keep love and hope in your thoughts, thanks.

Baby Max at Primary Children's Medical Center

2008-06-20T10:29:00.003-06:00

We where very proud of Jamie gaving birth to Max with no drugs - natural - NO epidural even. Yesterday a nurse gave him the wrong medication, the EPIDURAL drug, in his drip. Can you say LAWSUIT?!

He had a seizure in Jamie's arms. Jamie knew there was more to it than that. Their pediatrician immediately came to the hospital (as she should have) on her day off and figured it out. They took him by Life Flight to Primary Children's last night. This "has never happened before" so they don't know how long it will be for it to get out of his system. After the first 8 hours the dose cuts in half then after that it dissipates at a much slower rate.

John and Jamie are in doing very well and being strong considering. They did get a little sleep and ate breakfast. Max's vitals are all looking very good this morning. The Dr. is coming for rounds at 10 am. We should know more what the plan is for him today.

We left the hospital about 2 am. On the way home on Foothill there was a porcupine waddling across the street.

If he wasn't such a big strong baby to begin with, I don't want to imagine what would be going on now. We are all in disbelief and shock at how this could happen. Please send good healthy thoughts our way!

Max Breathing Update

2008-06-19T17:20:00.004-06:00

It looks like little Max is having very similar breathing issues like Alex did. And just as it was a fluke for Alex, it is the same with Max. With both boys they think they breathed in/aspirated some you know, stuff during birth. He is breathing so fast that he can't eat. So he is on O2 and an IV in his head and a feeding tube in his nose. Jamie said he looks more pathetically sick than he really is. It could be up to a week that he will be in the hospital. They are treating for infection there has been talk of possible pneumonia but who knows. The Dr. said he improved from last night. Meanwhile John is starting to get sick so he went home to rest. Alex is way confused why he can't hang out with his baby brother. Jamie is avoiding her Dr. in the hospital so she can at least hang on to be released tomorrow. I wish there was something I could do to help. We are just hanging back, out of the way, waiting.

Once, Twice, Three Times Grandparents!

2008-06-18T22:25:00.003-06:00

Welcome little Max James! You are so darling! I am going to just annoy people and tell them how damn wonderful you are and how much you are loved.
Another 18 birth date: Grandma Louise Dillier, Grandma Diane, Mommy Jamie, Cousin Lily. I really appreciate you keeping in the theme and adding to the magic/luck when I play roulette or the lotto! See my FlickR for photos: mrsjwd9 (yes, I can't figure out how to link or add pics, I know I am a dork, I will learn soon!).

Me Like Juice Power!

2008-06-18T17:01:00.003-06:00

Okay, just in time! I got a cord for my laptop. My laptop original power cord kept slowly not working anymore. It would work if it was turned a certain way, the trouble was I didn't know what that was! I also had an extra cord (an iGo Juice) but I had bent it and it broke off the connection so I ordered one the other day and got it this morning.

Not only was I going crazy without it and zero battery power, but we have Baby Max to discuss. I am on the way to the hospital to meet him now!

Fish Lake, Father’s Day, Fowl, Fawn & Fuel

2008-06-16T15:54:00.003-06:00

Despite being on Grandbaby watch, Joe and I went to Fish Lake this weekend.

We have gotten to see some cool stuff this time here. Don’t get me wrong we always see lots of birds, deer and misc creatures. Saturday we went to Richfield with Charlie and Joyce. The boys go golfing and the girls go shopping. On the way we saw a cow elk running along the side of the road. It is odd since we couldn’t see any other elk. They are true herd creatures. She looked healthy but just spooked. Then on the return trip, Joyce spotted a doe feeding her fawn just barely off the side of the road. We backed up and gawked at them. No pictures of either sighting, poo. I did get pictures of some deer, does and a spike. I also got some cool owl shots. Joe, Charlie & Keith went to Piute (sp?) to fish and got their limits and released about 50. They were huge rainbows!

Happy belated Father’s day to all. Father’s day cards always get me emotional. I haven’t actually looked at any for 7 years now. Just seeing them in the store makes me jealous of those who are choosing one.

On the way home we drove from Fish Lake to Salina with the truck beeping empty! We made it ok. Men and their damn tests.

Synopsis: Las Vegas

2008-06-12T17:58:00.001-06:00

Ok, it has been about a week so here is the catch up. It is long, sorry.

Thank you Jamie for not having Max while I was gone.

Mom and I drove Friday afternoon to Mesquite. In the Fillmore-Beaver area we hit a huge hunk of metal that came out of no where. It cracked the rental car bumper in 2 spots. We were lucky it didn’t fly up to the windshield and hurt or kill us! And no, I didn’t get their insurance.

I won in Mesquite, but not all at once. I used $260 in free slot play, so I walked away with about $1000 in winnings from it. I could do no wrong. I played ALL night, I stayed up. I told Mom I was just going to play for a while. I even left her a message that I would be in bed by 11 pm. But then, my decision came about 4:30 am to just not go to bed. I figured since I had appointments starting at 7:15 am; a massage, then a facial. I slept during my massage a little, probably most of it. That is highly unusual for me since I always try to learn techniques from other therapists.

After the spa I met up with my Mom. We checked out. Then everything caught up with me, mainly my tummy. I had a Cobb salad for dinner the night before then didn't eat until after my appt. I had some cheese and fruit, and then it kind hit me fast. My lack of sleep, lack of food, Crown & Diet...I had to go lay down in the shade by the pool for about an hour. I am feeling way crappy and Mom walks up.
Mom - “Here you go”
Me –What is it?
Mom – Margaritas!
Me – Are you kidding?! I have to drive to Vegas still!
Mom – You’ll be fine
Me – Whatever, let me try some…UGGGGHH, that is sick. (It was extremely sweet and the tequila must have been hanging out on the top). Thanks but I don’t think I will have anymore.
She drank BOTH of them and later stated, “I don’t think there was any alcohol in them, and I would have felt it”. This is true, seeing she doesn’t drink except a very small drink occasionally.

We drove to Vegas. We went to Trader Joe’s so I could get an orchid for my booth. I ended up getting 2, it was hard the narrow it down that far. They were all gorgeous and cheap! $12.99 for the biggest ones! I love Trader Joe’s. They have such beautiful produce, fun foods, not to mention great prices on wine. If they didn’t sell booze I am sure we could have them in Utah.

We went to the Wynn and I set up my booth at the conference. I brought WAY to much crap that I didn’t need and I ended up never using. But I would have rather had it and not needed it rather than the opposite.

We checked into Treasure Island, skipping the lines everyone else has to stand in. I go to the VIP room where you can make yourself a top shelf cocktail, have chocolate covered strawberries, you get the picture.
VIP Desk Girl – Checking in?
Me – Yes, Jennifer Wakefield
VIP Desk Girl – Your host has upgraded you to an Executive Suite
Me – Really? Why? Do I gamble that much?
VIP Desk Girl – oh, no, it is just availability
Me – um, uh, ok, just kind of scares me

We had a yummy dinner at ISLA the Mexican restaurant. I used ALL of my $500 Free Play, but kept about half of it.

Sunday, day 1 of conference
I was quite hopeful that today would be the slow day but it turned out that it was the busiest and I earned the most.
The things that took up a fair amount of room in the car were the vibrating foot massagers. They were a big hit! Thank you to Choice for loaning them to me!
It is very fun to meet the NACVA members after talking to them on the phone, shipping to them and making their files. They are a pretty nice bunch! I did learn at the opening reception, that one of the prominent instructors is a double dipper! I got to meet (in person finally) some of NACVA’s vendors that I have worked with in the past; Rita and Mel of Advocate Software. They are the world’s best. What a great couple! I miss working with them.
Dinner at Pho, the Vietnamese restaurant. Terrible service, the food was ok. Café Trang in SLC kicks their butt. Gambled and gave back some money to TI.

Monday, day 2 of conference
Last week one of my good friends lost her Mother. Norma was a beautiful, creative and giving woman. She went through a lot with her health especially in the last year. Her funeral was today. I feel awful I could not be there for Erin and rest of her family. I have been thinking of them a lot.
Today I made less but close to what I did the day before.
Dinner at The Social House, Japanese restaurant. I didn’t get a lot of different sushi rolls but it was good. Mom was quite hilarious with the chopsticks.
Mom - I am going to get slivers!
Me – you use the other ends, see
Mom- I get so confused, I want a fork
Me – no, just use this end
Mom to the server – can I get a fork?
Again, I gave back some money to TI but had fun. I did make up for the losses the night before winning some back on the penny “I Dream of Jeanie” machine.

Tuesday, day 3 of conference
It turned out to be THE slowest day. That was ok. As far as costs to get to the conference I had already broke even yesterday. I also ended up having to leave for a while because my Mom was sick. She was having one of her terrible episodes of Colitis/diverticulitis (don’t tell her I am telling you and the www). I tried to call to get a late check out and it was not possible due to the hotel being 100% booked. So I went to help her, check out, get the car, bring her and all to the Wynn. I worked for a bit more and then we left.
The ride home was very windy. So windy in fact the power was out in the whole town of Beaver. Luckily we bought gas in St. George otherwise we would have been stranded. FYI, the automatic flushing toilets have a battery pack. We got home about 10:45 pm.

Wednesday, at home and returning the rental car
On the way home I ran into several bugs like you usually do. Luckily it rained Tuesday night. I had parked under our snowball bush. There were a ton of dead petals all over the car. I ran the hose over the car again, threw more petals. Naughty I know. As I was doing this I kept thinking, what lengths would I go to in covering up an accidental murder? Too much CSI for me.
Ever since Friday when I hit the metal thing in the rental, I have not told Joe. The worst reaction from Joe that could happen is A LOT of F-bombs and yelling. He would never do anything more. I went into his office before returning the car. I thought I would break the news in his office so he wouldn’t yell so much. I took him out to look at it and he said “oh they will never notice”. I say “you really think so?” He said if they notice, we’ll just have to do a claim on our insurance.
Mom followed me to return the car at the airport (cheapest way online to rent). I pulled up the 2 rental agents waiting. I jump out of the car and wave Mom closer.
Me – hi, I am just returning the car, that is my Mom, I kinda have to hurry, she has to be to work soon (lie)
Rental agent dude – How was everything with the car?
Me – It was just fine, oh wait, there wasn’t even a drop of wiper fluid
Rental agent dude – Oh I am so sorry. (To the other guy, “add that to the maintenance notes”) Is there anything we can do to make up for that?
Me – Buy me a new car (giggle-giggle), well thanks see you later.
Rental agent dude – how was our customer service?
Me- fine, thanks
Me- getting in Mom’s car out of ear shot “Let’s get the Hell out of here before they figure it out!”

All in all it was a great trip. Mom and I had fun, I made money working and playing. I didn’t spend any money that was mine, it was all Casablanca’s and Treasure Island’s this time. I broke even with gas on cost for renting the car vs. driving the truck. MAYBE if I hadn’t upgraded I would have been $20-$30 less in gas. The upgrade was $40 more. But no wear and tear on our vehicles. The Sirius and cruise made it worth it.

Southbound I-15 in T-Minus 13 hours

2008-06-05T23:57:00.004-06:00

It looks like I am driving a rental car. The idea was for 2 reasons; not worrying about one of the old cars breaking down on my own and to save money on gas. If I took the truck it would be about $300 r/t, I am hoping even after the rental car to spend a lot less. But then, I upgraded so I could have cruise control....again I hope that saves on mileage. We will see. The thing it will really save on is wear and tear miles. I got a black Sebring. It has Sirius radio too.
My Mom is also coming along with me. I hope she doesn't get bored while I am working. My Mom, bored? In Vegas, right. She'll be at the mall across the street all day I am sure.