Confessions of A 30-Something Drama Queen

Lost and Almost Forgotten

2010-06-20T06:09:00.000-07:00

Have I given up on this thing completely, you might ask? Heck, I may be talking to myself at this point. I'm not sure if anyone still looks at this thing. I know I hardly do. Life is flying by! Wrigley turned 9 months old and man, he is the cutest stinkin' kid! Even though he's trying to help me type this thing.... don't do that bud :).... he keeps me hopping. Now that he's crawling and pulling himself up to things, he is into everything. I think one of the funnest things for me is to watch him play with Mojo. I'll have to get some photos because it really is the sweetest thing ever.

Here's a couple of pics from a couple of weeks ago. He really loves just doing things. He's so adventurous and curious and I hope that stays with him throughout his whole life.

Love your smile kid.
-Mom

Growing Fast

2010-04-29T19:20:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this kid is rounding third to 8 months old. He is so much fun and SUCH a ham. His personality is coming out of the wood work. He is such a joy and I couldn't as for a sweeter little man.

Bouncy, Bouncy

2010-03-18T18:20:00.000-07:00

I Love This Smile

2010-02-18T19:02:00.000-08:00

This Guy

2009-10-29T12:52:00.000-07:00

Keeps me pretty busy! What a cutie. He's getting so interactive. I'm sad I'll be going back to work soon, just when the really fun parts begin. But he already knows who his mommy is and that's all I need! :)

Wrigley Everett Smith

2009-09-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

Born 9/12/09 at 8:43 am. 7 lbs 5 oz 19 inches long. Details to come.

An End in Sight

2009-09-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

My doctor's appointment yesterday went well. Actually when I got there they said they didn't have me down for an appt that day- even though I know that's the date they scheduled me for. I think the receptionist forgot to put it in the computer. So we anxiously waited for a bit and my nurse, Michelle, came out and said Dr. Hinson had just left but was coming back. I was so relieved because this is my last week and with Dr. Hinson leaving town I had questions for her- like what do I do if he hasn't come by my due date? Do I have to wait for her to come back or do I go to the hospital? I mean, I've never had a baby before. I need reassurance!

Anyway, she checked me and I'm 80% effaced but still at a tight 2. I guess that means I'm making some sort of progress, even though it's slow. I've been having contractions, on and off, for the last couple of days. Some are stronger then others. But still not regular or consistent enough to be anything of concern or excitement.

Dr. Hinson will be out of town for work until the 15th. She called LDS and scheduled me to go in for the night of the 14th if he hasn't come by then and they will get me going so she can deliver me the day she gets back into town. I do feel better knowing that at the most, I only have a week from Monday and then things will be set in motion. I'm not reallly surprised he hasn't come yet; I think it was mostly wishful thinking. Either way, at least now I have a game plan. If my water breaks between now and the 14th then I'll just go in and deliver with whomever is on-call. And I hear the doctor is only in there for a short time considering how long you are in the hospital; the nurses do most of the work. So let's hope we have good nurses working.

Anyway, just wanted to give an update. I guess I should just try and rest as much as I can. I think if I end up working through the end of next week, I'll have Friday be my last day. That way I have the weekend and Monday day to get all the last minute things together and can rest up for the ordeal that's awaiting me. Either way, it's exciting and a bit surreal to think that little Wrigley is going to be here so soon. I think building it up in my head that he could come early has made me anxious and not enjoying my last little bit of pregnancy. So I'm going to try really hard to enjoy these last few days of having him so close to me and feeling him move and just the beautiful connection you feel knowing your flesh and blood is growing inside of you.
It's pretty damn amazing.

Lucky Number 10

2009-08-29T19:05:00.001-07:00

With only 12 days left till my due date I'm anxiously awaiting that "lucky number 10" and having my little boy here. He has dropped so much and the pressure is mounting- which I'm hoping is a good sign that he'll be here before the 10th. I'm dilated to a 2 as of my appointment last Thursday. My doctor informed me that she will be out of town the week of Labor Day so I'm really hoping he comes sometime next week. I don't know why but for some reason I'm more nervous about her not being there then I am for the actual delivery. Maybe it's because this is my first time giving birth, and I've been going to my doctor for the last 10 years or so, so I totally trust her. Either way, what's going to happen will happen. I just need to have faith things will work out for the best. Cross your fingers that the pressure leads to some water breaking.

In the meantime, here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure.

This is a diaper cake one of my co-workers made me for the surprise shower they had for me a couple of weeks ago. Inside the cake was a bunch of onsies and some little pants and wash cloths. There were some spoons, binkies, a brush and rattle toy tucked in the sides of the different tiers. It was really cute.

Pictures of the nursery.

A girl at my work gave me these letters to spell out Wrigley's name. They look really cute on the wall. The camera kind of washes out the green; it's darker then it looks here. I think it's a nice contrast with the colors in the bedding and the furniture.

Oh yeah, that's the name we've decided on. Wrigley Everett Smith. :)

Gratitude

2009-08-23T07:01:00.000-07:00

Over the last month I've had a few baby showers; one from my ward, one from Keith's mom's ward and a surprise one from my work. I just have to say how overwhelmed I have been at the generosity and support of so many people in our lives. Little Wrigley has been Hooked Up!!!

I'm getting ready to count down the days till this baby is here. I still have about 3 weeks till my due date. Hopefully he comes before then but 3 weeks isn't much time at all. I think we are pretty much ready, other then all the "spring cleaning" I wanted to do at home. I just need to pack my hospital bag and get the car seat installed and I think we're good to go.

I have been feeling so anxious lately about this baby coming- Mostly because I just want to see what he looks like! I feel him moving so much all the time now; he's getting big!! I'm pretty uncomfortable most of the time and the swelling in my hands and feet has reached an all time high. But if this is the worst it's going to get for my pregnancy, I think I can suffer through for a few more weeks.

Keith is getting really excited and I know he's going to be a great dad. We are so blessed to be having this experience and to be parents for the first time. Hopefully we won't screw it up too much. :)

See ya soon Wrigley. :)

So Close Yet So Far Away

2009-08-09T16:41:00.001-07:00

As I'm nearing the home stretch I feel there's still so much to be done, and yet I can't seem to get motivated to do anything. Slowly but surely I'm making progress. Everyone says I'll start "Nesting" a couple of weeks before the boy is born. Cleaning walls, windows, and whatever else that's suddenly become so urgent it just can't wait.

Yesterday we got our living room carpet and hallway cleaned, and the carpet patched where dear Mojo had a little too much fun. It looks brand new and I couldn't be happier with the results. Hopefully we can keep it clean and looking nice- and that Mojo's chewing phase is over, although I'm not convinced of that yet. Thank heavens for bitter apple. At least he respects that!

I do need to clean the walls and doors, baseboards and vacuum along all the edges of the bedrooms. I look around and think, I really should clean out the air vents, organize the pantry, make sense of this and that- just odds and ends that never really got put in a place when we moved in.

This heat is sucking my desire to do anything. Yesterday was a nice day. After they finished up with the carpets we left for a few hours to allow the floors to dry. When we got back we hibernated in our bedroom for the remainder of the night as the floors were still damp. With the windows and sliding doors open, and the low temps outside, it felt good in our house! I can't seem to get enough of anything cold. Like when I got to Costco and walk into the refrigerator section- normally I don't spend too much time inside but over the last couple of months every time I go in there I find myself scrutinizing over every item cuz it's just so nice to be that cold for a change.

I seem to sleep better with naps these days then I do at night. Maybe it's because I know I have to get up for work- or maybe it's because I'm just getting so anxious for this little guy to get here. To know that he's ok and to see what he looks like. It still seems so surreal that we are going to have a child- and yet I'm just so excited to meet him and hold him that I can hardly stand it- can hardly focus on anything. Our thoughts are consumed these days with all things baby. Even Keith is having a hard time getting into his Fantasy Football as he's preoccupied with the upcoming events.

Either way, I know he'll be here before I know it. 5 weeks will go by quickly and maybe even more so if he comes before then. I should enjoy my last few weeks of pregnancy. I do love feeling him move around and realize once this is over I'm sure I will miss this experience.

Identical Twin?

2009-07-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

I was looking at images online of Pembroke Welsh Corgi's and I came across this image. Is this Mojo's identical twin or what?! This dog looks exactly like Mojo, minus the little white patch he has on his back side. Why do I love Corgi's so much? They are so cute and fun. I love my pup!

Mirror Mirror

2009-07-11T06:53:00.000-07:00

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall... Who's the fairest of them all?

I'm pretty sure my dog is in love with himself. He always sits in front of the mirror eating bones or playing with toys. Sometimes he even gives himself a kiss by licking the mirror. He makes me laugh. I wonder how he's going to adjust when the baby is born. I think he will be ok. He's really good with kids and really all he wants is to be loved. But he's SUCH a pre-madonna sometimes. Maybe if we hadn't cut off his balls he'd have more of a back bone. :) Okay, that's rude. But true. I love the guy more then I probably should. He's certainly the funniest, cutest dog I've ever owned. Hee hee. (and the only one!)

I can hardly believe I have 9 weeks left until this baby is born- assuming I go to my due date. I asked my DR this week if she was planning to induce me on Sept 10th and she said yes (Hooray!!) if she hasn't already induced me. So I guess there's a chance I could have him earlier. I just hope I don't have him in August. I feel like there is still so much to do, at home and at work. It's going to be weird not going to work. So much of my life revolves around it. And it's going to be strange going back because by then I'll be so used to just being home with my little guy. But it all works out right? Gotta make that money and I'm grateful to have a job that I truly enjoy- if I do have to work- things could always be worse.

Anyway, he's been moving alot more and the DR said his head is down so that's a good sign. Hopefully by this point he's too big to turn and I won't have to worry about a c-section. But there's still quite a bit of time before he's ready to be born; anything could happen. I'm still trying to keep an open mind about either delivery method. I have been feeling, what feels like anyway, a foot pushing out on my right side, just under my boob and towards my rib. It doesn't hurt, yet. It's just so cool to feel him so much now. I was kind of worried earlier when I couldn't always feel him. But the DR said I have an anterior placenta and that can make it harder to feel the baby until close to the end. His heartbeat was so strong and loud and he seems to be doing well. I'm excited to meet him and see who he looks like.

Keith thinks he will look like him, because all of the babies on my side of the family (i.e. my niece and nephew, and even my oldest sister herself) all look more like their dads. It's true. So we'll see. I haven't actually seen any baby pictures of Keith. Is that weird? But he was a cute little kid and his mom tells me he had a lot of hair when he was born. Anyway, it's pretty exciting and I just love this little baby so much; I can't even imagine what I'm going to feel when he's here and I can see him, hold him, and watch him being his own little person. It's pretty amazing the whole process and I'm so grateful that I've been blessed to have this experience. Hopefully I can do what I need to to deserve this little guy and be a good mom. I think mostly it will just come with time and hopefully some help from the big guy upstairs.

Reality Check

2009-06-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

Is it normal to be this big at 26 weeks? I feel huge. I know, I know, I don't really look much bigger since the last pic and it's only going to get worse, with 3 months left to go. Still, a friend who is being induced tomorrow looks to be the same size as I am right now. I sure hope there is only ONE baby in there! Hee hee. Love ya little guy!

Oh My How "He's" Grown!

2009-05-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

Today at my doctor's appointment my doctor told me that I have a sceptis (not sure on the spelling). Basically it's a piece of muscle in my uterus that hangs down from the top- in some women it can completely connect leaving 2 separate sections. Mine isn't connected but she did say it can make it difficult for the baby to turn once he gets bigger. Which means, there's a good chance I'll have to have a c-section if he hasn't moved before he gets too big. We obviously won't know more until I'm further along. I'm not sure how I feel about that though. Any thoughts from you experienced birth-givers?

I can't believe I'm already in my 6th month. I gained 10 lbs since my last visit. Yikes! I guess I have been eating more sweets. But to my credit the baby really has grown over the last couple of weeks too. I just need to lay off the sugar and keep swimming. My doctor wasn't concerned since I had only gained about 4 lbs since I first went in. So no harm, no foul, right?! I hope so. :)

I'm feeling very large these days but things are moving along. We are planning to paint the main wall in the baby's room in week or so. Then we'll be able to put up the crib (got it on sale at Target), put up the curtains, and put the bedding on once we get the mattress and I think the room will be mostly done.

I can't say I'm real excited for the summer. I'm already so hot and usually have my fan at work on the minute I get to work. But hey, whatever gets me through the day... like ice cream, snow cones, pie, slurpees.... gee, I think I know where those extra pounds have come from!

First of Many Firsts.....

2009-04-26T19:19:00.000-07:00

Saturday night Baby Smith got his first present!! Thanks Dallin and Amy. I know he will love it and we are just so excited for this little one to join our family. You are great friends and I know our little guy will love you as much as we do.

We love the Cubs so it's only fitting his first present is this Mr. Potato Head Cubbie. I have a feeling Baby Smith is already a HUGE Cubs fan too!!

The Verdict Is.....

2009-04-21T16:11:00.001-07:00

It's A BOY!!!!!!

What's Your Flavor?

2009-04-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

Before I get into the post, I just have to brag about these beautiful flowers Keith had sent to me at work on Tuesday for our Anniversary. What a sweetheart!

Now...down to business. Tuesday I go in for my ultra sound. Yay!! Just wanted to take a poll to see what you think we are having.

A boy or a girl?

"What's your Flavor? Tell me what's your flavor...Oooh!"

2 Years

2009-04-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my 2 year wedding anniversary. It hardly seems like it's been 2 years already, and at the same time, it seems we've been together longer then 2 years. We went to see Wicked for our anniversary. Saw a matinee yesterday; it was fantastic. We had seen it in Chicago on our honeymoon. I thought the cast we saw yesterday was much better. Perhaps it's because it's the national tour; not sure. But, considering the stage they performed on is smaller then a regular broadway stage, and the cast was smaller.....it was incredible. The music is so well written and I'm always so amazed at the vocal abilities of the performers. We aren't doing much else for our anniversary. We splurged on the tickets and that was good enough.

My life has changed so much over the last few years. I'm so grateful to my husband. He is an amazing man and is so good to me. We have so much fun and he makes me laugh and smile every day. I'm one lucky girl.

Count Down

2009-04-08T18:08:00.000-07:00

We are T-minus 14 days till the Ultra Sound. Soon baby Smith will have a sex. I'm so excited to find out what we are having! Stay tuned for results....

On a sadder note, we probably need to get a new laptop. Not too long ago our current computer was infested with 30+ viruses and we had to have our laptop rebuilt. Well now it appears there's an internal problem that causes the computer to shut off...some wiring issue? not really sure. Our computer guy thinks it would be better to just get a new one. So we are in the market. It will be nice to have a new computer. This one I bought new in 2004 so it's not exactly a young'n. Anyway, if anyone knows where to find good deals on new laptops let me know!

Just Keep Swimming

2009-03-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

Today Carly and I finally made it back to the rec center to swim. It was so fun! I can't believe we haven't been there to swim in like 9 months. So sad. When we lived in Carly's basement we swam all the time. It was so much easier to go with a swim partner living in the same house. Before I got married I was swimming 3 times a week, on average, for about 1 1/5 hours each session. (Thanks Jessie for lending me your old boyfriend...If nothing else came out of that relationship I got free swim lessons from a really good swimmer.) I seriously love swimming. Not too many things will get me out of bed at 5:45am on a Saturday morning but I was all over it this morning. I felt like a little kid on the first day of school.

Needless to say, we are totally hooked again. I was nervous about going; it had been so long. But it turned out to go really well. We worked hard but took our time with rests in between. This will be great exercise for me throughout my pregnancy and afterwards, so I'm determined to keep going. I just need to remember not to overdo it. Sometimes it's hard to determine how tired you are because of the effortless feeling in the water. Swimming is so rejuvenating. Love it!

Humpty without the Dumpty

2009-03-26T18:17:00.001-07:00

Well I'm officially feeling like a big ole' Humpty Dumpty. Round. Clumsy. (Although I haven't fallen down....yet.) I know it's only going to get worse but did I seriously just spend 9 hours at work praying my zipper didn't fall completely down because I can no longer fit into most of my pants. Yikes! The nice thing about being the 3rd of 3 daughters to have a baby is I get to borrow my sisters maternity clothes. Kelly is sending me her maternity stuff and I'm just buying time until they come. But this is getting ridiculous! I finally broke down and bought my first pair of maternity clothes; a pair of pants for work and a shirt. Although my tummy is getting bigger I don't always feel the baby. I know it's still early. But I want to know it's in there. Wake up baby! I can hardly wait till we find out the sex.

Lazy Days

2009-03-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

Man I have not posted in so long. I guess I don't feel like there's anything exciting going on. Work seems to consume me these days, not that I particularly like that. Today I was sitting in a meeting thinking, I'm actually looking forward to having some time off in the fall when the baby comes just so I can have my house clean on a regular basis again, and do other things besides work. Blah!

On a lighter note, I had my monthly visit today. Wow, that sounds like I'm talking about menstruating. I didn't mean that. :) Anyway, heard the babies heart beat again. It's so amazing to me. It took the doctor awhile to find it and I was worried we wouldn't be able to hear it but she was more patient then me and then there it was. Strong and fast. We will be able to schedule our ultra sound appointment in about 3 weeks. I'm so excited to find out what we are having! Then the real planning can begin. It's still a little surreal at times. But I'm trying to enjoy my pregnancy and not wish the final product here just yet.

Anoop Dog in the HOUSE!!!!

2009-03-04T19:24:00.000-08:00

Need I say more?! I'm so excited he's getting another shot at the top 12 and let's hope he blows them out cuz he totally deserves to be on American Idol. Right?? Right!!

Oh, and P.S. Tatiana totally doesn't deserve another shot. She's not that good. She doesn't have the whole appeal and her outfits, well, I get sick just looking at her. Boo!

Too Young for an Identity Crisis

2009-02-18T16:27:00.000-08:00

So my sweet cousin pointed out to me that I need to change the name of my blog, since I'm no longer "Almost 30". I have no idea what to name my blog. Should I just change it to "Confessions of a 30-Something Drama Queen"? That makes me sound older then I am. Not that I have a problem being 30 but come on people. I'm not looking for unnecessary aging. I have absolutely no ideas here. So I was thinking you guys could give some suggestions and then we could vote.

Whatta ya think?

Milestone

2009-02-15T19:36:00.000-08:00

So today I turn 30 years old. I think 30 is going to be a good year. So far I've had a great birthday weekend. Friday night we went to Roosters with a bunch of friends, then had cake and ice cream at our place. Today mom and Grandpa came up with a cake and visited for an hour. Tomorrow is a free day from work (thanks to the President's) and hopefully the weather is nice. Maybe I'll catch a movie with the husband. Next weekend I'm having dinner with my family at The Cheesecake Factory (since Dad is out of town this weekend) so it will be an extended celebration. Everyone says they dread turning 30 but I'm actually excited for it. Maybe I got it out of my system when I turned 29. Either way, here's to what hopes to be a great year.

Time flies except when you want it to.

2009-02-09T18:37:00.000-08:00

I am so lazy. Has it really been a month since I posted? I suck. Well I'd like to say I've been busy doing something worthwhile but sadly I've just been working and ignoring the mess that is my house. I have been so tired lately. Just last week I finally have felt like I have somewhat more energy. But man, this fatigue is killing me. I went to a friends baby shower on Saturday. It was so fun to see all the cute baby things. I'm so excited to find out what we are having, even though that's still a couple of months away. I have my first Dr appt on the 20th. It seriously can't come fast enough!

Hip Hip Hooray!

2009-01-17T17:54:00.001-08:00

I love long weekends. Keith and I took work off yesterday for a good friend's wedding and with Monday off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day I'm feeling pretty lucky. Sure my house is a mess, I have laundry coming out of my ears, but I'm also enjoying some good ole R&R and my dog's in need of some serious attention. So I'm having fun playing with him.

Are you doing anything fun this weekend? I hope it's a good one!!

Drum Roll Please or Cats Out Of the Bag?!

2009-01-08T16:02:00.000-08:00

Well I'm sure many of you have heard. I was debating when to post about this but it's out there now so yes, I am pregnant. We are very excited. I don't have my first doctors appointment for awhile. It's still early but we're looking at sometime mid-September to deliver.

I'll keep you posted as I know more!!

Bump and Grind

2009-01-07T19:32:00.000-08:00

I'm not talking about the levi-lovin' I'm sure we are all familiar with. I'm talking about life.
Snowy Commutes.
Dirty Laundry.
Deadlines at Work.
Family Obligations.
Church Obligations.
Housework.
Grocery Shopping.
Personal Time. (what's that?)

This is life. But everything comes full circle. There is always something to balance us out.
The craziness of the holidays is over.
Work slows down just long enough for you to get caught up.
The kids, if you have them, go to bed on time and stay in bed. (Is this actually an issue?)
Scrubs come back to Prime Time and is actually worth watching.

So I guess the point of this rant is that even though life can be exhausting and the chores seem endless eventually something or someone comes along and makes it all worthwhile.

Here We Go Again

2008-12-27T16:39:00.000-08:00

Well this year has been crazy and full of events. Christmas was a whirlwind and very fun. I got to spend time with my sisters and their families. I'm secretly looking forward to life getting back to normal. I like New Year because I always feel motivated and dedicated to some cause of improvement in my life.

I can hardly believe this year is over. So much has happened for us. In January I had Lasik surgery on my eyes and we got Mojo the very next day. He was so small....and now he is so big! (at least to me) Times were rough as I learned to deal with having a puppy and training him (not that I've done much of that!) But it's been rewarding to see him as he has gotten older and listens more. He makes me so happy.

In May we went to NYC, Connecticut and Boston. That was a fun trip and it was good to see family. The following week we moved into our condo. What a blessing this has been. We absolutely love it here.

As the year has progressed we have been blessed with many wonderful experiences with family and friends. I just received a promotion at work and in this tough economy it's nice to have job security and to be doing something I enjoy. We feel very blessed and hope and pray that 2009 is as wonderful as 2008 has been.

Deepest....Darkest.....

2008-12-04T20:43:00.000-08:00

1. How long have you and your significant other been together? Almost 2 years.

2. How long did we date? Met and were engaged in 10 days. Engaged for 3 1/2 months.

3. How old is he? Thirty.

4. Who eats more? Some days it's debatable. But mostly he does.

5. Who said, "I love you," first? I did.

6. Who is taller? He is.

7. Who does the laundry? I do.

8. Who does the dishes? Lately he does. Loads and unloads the dishwasher and washes the pans by hand. What a gem.

9. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He does (unless I'm in the bed then to me I'm on the right side.)

10. Who pays the bills? We both do.

11. Who mows the lawn? The HOA.

12. Who cooks dinner? I do.

13. Who is more stubborn? He is but I have my moments.

14. Who kissed who first? I think maybe it was me. Wow!

15. Who asked who out? We were set up by a mutual friend.

16. Who proposed? He did.

17. Who is more sensitive? It depends on the issue. I'm definitely more emotional but he is sensitive about certain things.

18. Who has more siblings? He does. I have 2 sisters. He is the youngest of 3 girls and 2 boys.

19. What were you doing ten years ago? Going to school at Snow College.

20. Five things on my to-do list: Get ready for Christmas, clean my house, finish the laundry, entertain my dog and catch up on my sleep.

21. Things I would do if I was suddenly made a billionaire: ooh this is good...Keith and I talk about this all the time... we would give money to our parents and siblings, pay off our condo, car, etc, go on a serious vacation, buy a nice bedroom furniture set, invest it.

22. Three of my bad habits: Am somewhat of a perfectionist (can't let certain things go), am too hard on myself, try to please everyone.

23. Five places I have lived: 1. Riverton-UT, SLC-UT, Chester-CT, New Haven-CT, Centerville-UT.

24. Five jobs I have had: Worked in a Bagel shop, Personal Trainer, worked at Taco Time, Loan Processor, nurses aid.

25. Things people don't know about me: I took 7 years of private voice lessons and recorded 2 cd's, I was locked in a car trunk when I was young, I secretly crave chaos in my life (have a hard time sitting still), I would love to go to culinary school and become a chef.

I tag Jill, Carly, April, Jana, Amy and the sistas.

Top 10 Things That Will Get Me Through This Week

2008-11-25T18:38:00.000-08:00

1- A day reserved just for eating.
2- Husband is off work and cleaning my bathrooms.
3- Watching Mojo play with his new bed. (pictured below)
4- Finding out I passed my Notary exam.
5- Sleeping in 2 days this week.
6- The Christmas Season officially beginning.
7- Going to the Body World Exhibit.
8- Seeing the lights at Temple Square.
9- Hanging out with family and friends.
10- Making "Keith and Cami's Annual List of Spreading Holiday Cheer" List.

Show Me the Money!

2008-11-18T20:20:00.000-08:00

I got a promotion.
I moved to a bigger cubicle with a window.
I have a view overlooking the east side of State Street and South Temple.
I'm getting another week of vacation.
I'm getting a raise.

A day in the life of Cami.... Priceless.

Deck my Halls

2008-11-15T00:56:00.000-08:00

Keith and I have been busy setting up our Christmas decorations. Since I don't have any time off after Dec. 8th (other then Christmas Day) I'm trying really hard to get everything done before then so I can just enjoy the season and not be stressed. So I'm decorating early. We bought the cutest tree ornaments at Costco. Seriously...this picture does not do them justice. I love my tree! It is so sparkly!!I also got this cute advent calendar. It's really pretty and classic.

And these cinnamon pine cones....
And these Wise Men and Mr. & Mrs. Santa Clause that my Grandma made. So cute and I'm glad to have them to remember her by....

Keith has been collecting holiday village pieces since he was a senior in High School. He gets so excited about Christmas. It's intoxicating. I love it!

Each year he adds a new piece. (FYI...Target has some great village pieces. Check it out if you are interested...)

On Thanksgiving we will make "Keith and Cami's 2nd Annual List of Spreading Holiday Cheer" where we list of all the things we want to do during the holiday season. I can't believe the year is coming to an end so quickly but I'm excited for Thanksgiving and the Christmas Season!

Happy Holidays!!

Photo Tag

2008-11-03T16:22:00.000-08:00

Okay here are the rules. Go to your photos, pick the 6th folder and the 6th picture in the folder, then explain the story behind it.

Well, I had to improvise. Since our computer crashed my friend archived all my photos into one folder. Luckily, most of the pictures are labeled the same so I picked the 6th picture in what I think was the 6th folder. Enjoy!

This is a picture of me and Holly at Christmas 2004. I was home visiting from CT and we I was so happy to be home with my sis. Wow, I miss my cute short hair. Holly- yours is gorgeous!

I tag: Kelly, Holly, Jessie, Jana, April, Carly, and Shan

Redemption

2008-10-31T17:16:00.000-07:00

This week has been insane at work. As I've been trying to play catch-up after missing 5 days for Grandma's funeral and then taking on new responsibilities, while trying to juggle my current responsibilities until the new hire starts next month, life has been crazy and I've been feeling very overwhelmed.

Well, today, I finally got redemption for it all. Keith and I were able to get tickets to see Wicked for our anniversary. Tickets went on pre-sale for my work, for one day only. I signed up to get a promotional code and when the sale started at 10am it was nothing but chaos. The website was anything but functioning. It was seriously overloaded and the phone lines were always busy. Not only that but by mid afternoon, word had gotten out that there were no more then single seats available except for a Sunday show. So not only was I a little stressed and frustrated, I didn't have much time at work to really be dealing with all of that. We had a nice catered luncheon for Halloween and I had a stack of work I was trying to whittle my way through. With it being month end there was extra tasks that needed to be done before I could leave for the day. So I had pretty much given up hope that we'd get tickets. Maybe we could try after work, or maybe we could try and get tickets when they go on sale for the general public in December. But I was done.

Then it happened. I got an email from Keith saying he was able to get us 2 tickets together. I was so excited!! That totally redeemed my horrible week and I am just so excited to go with Keith. I have seen Wicked only one other time, in Chicago on our honeymoon. I'm very excited that we will be seeing it to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary.
Thanks Boo!

So Long but Not so far Away

2008-10-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends,
It's been a crazy couple of weeks. My laptop was invaded by about 26 viruses. Luckily Keith has a friend at work who willingly rebuilt our computer, which we compensated him handsomely. But it was so much cheaper then buying a new one and it's faster and better so it's practically like a new computer.

Also, a little sad news, but my Grandma passed away. It was really hard and I've never quite experienced anything like that. My mom, who is an only child, was on vacation when she died and Holly and I basically stepped in and helped my Grandpa with everything. I'm really glad we were able to do that and I'm so grateful for my family. I won't go into all the details but it was nice to spend time with family and reflect on memories of Grandma that I had forgotten about. And the graveside service was beautiful.

So back to life and work, it was good to have time off but it's nice to be back to a routine.
TGIF... LOVE Fridays.

Rainy Days and....Saturdays???

2008-10-11T13:58:00.000-07:00

Today Keith has gone to the BYU game with his friends. It's a late start so he'll be gone till about 10pm tonight. It's cold. I ran errands this morning and got some new running shoes. But now I don't feel like doing anything, even though there's cleaning and laundry to do. It's dark outside. I turned the heater on in my house. When did winter get here? I'm bored....

Curse you Ty for leaving your red vines and Haugen Daus on a stick at my house. I guess I just found something to do.

Oouuch Part Two

2008-10-11T00:50:00.000-07:00

This morning when I got to work my arm was really itchy. I pulled up my sleeve and my arm was an oval shape, bright red, swollen mass of yuck! It's got to be at least 3 inches in diameter. What?! Ouch! It itches sooooooo badly!! I took an Allegra-D and then ran to Rite Aid to get some Benadryl cream. The cream is really helping with the itching. But man, when is this going to go away? It's been over 24 hours now. I think I may be having an allergic reaction to this sting. I managed to survive the work day without passing out and my boss had 911 on speed dial just in case. But this is really miserable. How I blocked any memory of previous bee sting(s) out of my mind is beyond me. This is 10 times worse then a mosquito bite.

On a lighter, and stranger note, Keith and I were watching a movie tonight with a friend and halfway through the movie Keith gets a call from his dad telling us to get down to Dick's Market to help him buy some steaks. Um...okay.... I don't know if it's the narcotics talking from his recent hand surgery (had 3 bones and a ligament removed.... OUCH!), but he urgently persisted us to come and "bring as many friends as we can." Okay this is really weird. So we get in the car and drive over to Dick's. This is where things got beyond weird. The parking lot was chuck full and there were hordes of people going into and leaving the store. It was like the last day to shop before the store closes for a natural disaster. It was really so strange. We finally found a parking spot, pushed our way into the store and back to the meat counter only to discover Keith's dad was not there. He had already gone home. Apparently they were having "Midnight Madness" and huge sales. His dad wanted us to buy him some steaks because they were limited so many per person. Well when we got there we found out the steaks had been sold out for almost 30 minutes. But it had been less then 30 minutes since we'd received the call and left for the store. And the lines to check out went halfway down the store aisles; some even wrapped around past the bakery. There were so many people you couldn't get around at all. It was the strangest experience. Seriously, is the economy so bad that we are spending hours on a Friday night at the grocery for a few good deals? I mean people's shopping carts were overflowing. This one lady had like 12 bags of potatoes. Now is that really necessary?

Oouuch

2008-10-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

It was so nice outside today. Colette had a baby shower so I was on my own for lunch. Since I didn't bring a book to read I thought I'd just walk around and get some exercise. Well on my way back to work I felt this pinch on my arm, next to my elbow. There was a bee stuck in my arm! Hello! I flicked it off and then the pain really set in. I mean, I can't remember the last time I got stung by a bee. I felt so violated!!

That's what I get for trying to get exercise. :p

Hallow's Eve

2008-10-05T07:47:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post some pics of my cute new Halloween decorations. Some of these are from last year. Target has some super cute stuff out right now. I got the little cat, pumpkin, and ghost there, along with the Halloween bead tree pictured below. I wasn't going to buy anything and save my money for Christmas decorations. But as you all know.... I just can't help myself. :)

This last picture is of a pumpkin candle-holder; there's a hook in the back with a spot for a candle that you lower into the pumpkin. This was a house-warming present I just got from my honey's supervisor and one of our really good friends. It's sooooo cute! This picture doesn't do it justice. I absolutely love it!! And Halloween. It's the best. Can't wait to carve pumpkins!! We're going to line them up on our deck. :)

Someone's Having a Birthday

2008-10-03T11:45:00.001-07:00

Today is Keith's birthday. The big 3...0. I'm so excited for him to open his presents!! I took today off work to clean the house and get the food ready for his party. We are expecting a group of 50 friends and family. I hope he has a good time, which I'm sure he will. There will be lots of food and the BYU game on in the background. What more could he ask for? ;)

I love my husband.

Goblins and Ghouls

2008-09-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I LOVE Halloween. LOVE It!!!! Last weekend we had some friends over and watched 2 scary movies; The Exorcist of Emily Rose and The Amityville Horror. I know, I know.... probably not the best idea since I suffer from night-time hallucinations but I just can't help myself.

October is shaping up to be a fun month. Hubbie's 30th birthday is this coming Friday and we're having a huge party. Starting the month out right. One of our good friends just got engaged and a long, lost friend found my number and re-united me with her. I feel like a a cupcake; life is good.

Carving pumpkins
Halloween costumes
Friends and treats
Fall leaves and black cats

Just a few of my favorite things....

There is No Love in this Relationship

2008-09-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

I hate Mosquitos.
Mosquitos love me.
I thought with the cooler weather they had faded into the sunset.
And then we have one warm day and it's like I'm under siege.
I swear, I'm like a homing device for those little devils.
{sigh}

Hey, Hey, Whatta ya Say?

2008-09-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

I finally got over my moping and changed up my blog page. What do you think?

Can I say I'm so glad it's the weekend! Work is crazy busy but hopefully it'll pay off when I get my bonus next month! (ooh yeeaaah!)

I'm so excited for fall and Halloween!! It's such a fun time of year, as the weather is still nice but the leaves turn colors and start to fall. My husband's new ringtone is the theme music from The Omen. It just went off and sounds funny, like men chanting and singing in a cave or something. It makes me laugh.

Anyway, just wanted to say it feels good to have this blog a little more fun.
Ciao

Funky Slump

2008-09-08T16:31:00.000-07:00

My blog is so boring! I need a major face lift. I have attempted many times but nothing feels or looks right. I need ideas. I need HELP!!!

Life is crazy busy right now. For so long I wished to have internet so I could post. Now that I have it I am too tired to get online at the end of the day. The weekends are full of errands and cleaning and hanging out with family and friends. How do people do it and throw kids in the mix?!

Work is on overdrive. Everyday I feel like I'm treading water, trying to stay afloat as the work continues to pile up around me. The nice thing is the days and weeks go by quickly. The sad thing is my life is going by quickly too and I find myself wanting more but only getting older. Maybe it has something to do with friends moving away, starting new adventures and me feeling like my only adventure is whether or not my dog will have destroyed something when I get home. Not much of an adventure. Pretty pathetic actually. :)

All I know is there's got to be more then this provential life, right? hee hee. Love the Disney references. Thanks to all my friends who's blogs keep me going and living vicariously through you. If you stop by my cubicle and I'm no longer breathing you'll know I gave in to the chaos and numbers.

Football, Football, and more Football

2008-08-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, football season is starting. It's all my husband can think about, between the BYU game this Saturday and the 5, yes, FIVE... Fantasy Football league's he is in. I do love the fall and am excited for football season as well. Maybe not as much as he is, but it's cute how excited he gets about things. We were walking through Target the other day and he was pointing out all the fun things that will be coming to the stores with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Life is good.

Just Like New

2008-08-07T17:01:00.000-07:00

When you're a home owner it seems the things that plague your mind always comes back to money....and how so much of it goes into your house.

The carpet guy just left. And our carpet looks brand new. I mean, it is brand new. But now it's whole again. He repaired not one, not two, but FOUR different spots where Mojo tore up the carpet and after much heartache over my pretty new carpet looking not so pretty anymore, it's nice to have it back to normal.

And in my attempts to act like a grown-up (albeit, some days are better then others) I realize that money is just money. Although we love it and stress over it and spend most of our days working for it, I'm glad we have Mojo and in the end is carpet really worth all the yelling and crying and emotional rollercoaster rides? Probably not. Oh sure I'm just saying this because now it's fixed and it's like it never happened. And yesterday I had my head resting on my mascara stained pillow... well I guess today I'm more grown-up then yesterday. What can I say?

Thanks carpet guy. Really glad I didn't have to take work off for that. :)

Why Must I Deal?

2008-08-01T05:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got a phone call at work that went exactly like this....

Me: “Credit Management, this is Cami.”
Lady: “Monica please.”
Me: “There’s not a Monica that works in this department.”
Lady: “Is this Zions Bank?”
Me: “Yes. It’s the Credit Management Dept. Is that what you are looking for?”
Lady: “Private Banking?”
Me: “No. This is Credit Management. Do you know Monica’s last name? I can look up her number for you.”
Lady: “Williams?”
Me: “I don’t know. Is Williams her last name?”
Lady: “This is the number they gave me.”
Me: “There is a Monica Williams that works for Zions. Her number is 524-2343. You dialed 524-2345.”
Lady: “Okay”
Me: “Good-bye.”

I hang up.

Me: “Judas.” And roll eyes….now.

Premature Motherhood

2008-07-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

I love my dog. I do. I say this over and over like a mantra. "I love my dog."

Some days I feel like he's my kid cuz he takes so much of my time and energy. Somedays I love him more then others. Some days he disappoints. Some days I wish he could talk but then do I really want to know what he's saying? Nah. I just want him to listen to me! Is that to much to ask, considering I get up at 6am on the weekends to take you out and bathe you and wipe your butt if you have hang off from your dump and pick up your dump and give you toys, oh so many toys.... (I even have extra's of his favorite's stocked up in my pantry for when his current ones get too disgusting to touch)... I find myself talking about him with friends, talking about his poo and his behaviors; what he likes and what he dislikes. But he's just a dog, right? Is there something wrong this this?! :)

In the beginning he tried my patience. But he was so young; that wasn't really his fault. I was just learning the responsibility of it all. Now he tries my patience just because he can. Now he seems to do whatever he wants, whenever he wants. Not because he doesn't understand. Just because he wants to be naughty. (I know this because he used to listen to me!) Naughty pup! "Mojo! Stop eating Hedgie; he's not for eating!" Hee hee.

Sure he tore up part of my new carpet. Price of having a dog. Sure the other day he didn't poo once in a 24 hour time period then pooed 5 times in 30 minutes. On a day like that I wish I could just strap a diaper to his furry butt and call it good. Is it his fault his bowels are plugged up with fabric from my rug and fibers from my carpet? YES it is!!! And no matter how many times I tell him to get off the couch, he still gets up there and looks at me like, "Who are you to tell me what to do? The second you leave I'm gonna get right back up here so get used to it lady."

It's cool that I put him in time out when he's bad. He actually responds to this most of the time and it can calm him down if he's really hyper. Still....he's my baby and I feel bad when I have to punish him (most of the time). I find myself giving him little treats or some dry cereal in the morning even though I know I shouldn't and his dad refuses to give him people food. I just can't resist. I'm weak. I mean, how can you say no to a face like this?

In the end I wouldn't trade him for anything. He really is a good pup. (He looks like Yoda here, don't you think?)
He's so cute and is always excited to be around me, even on days when I'm not excited to be around me. He is a part of our family. He does the cutest things. Like when he follows me around the house or how he looks like a rabbit when he runs really fast. How he runs and jumps in the air trying to catch nats in his mouth or little fuzzies flying by. He has the cutest little bark when he plays, "rah, rah"... "rah rah" almost like "bam, bam"... "bam bam". He will run around the living room in a fury with his ears pointed back and his body so close to the ground. Sometimes he'll run into things or he'll try to jump on something and falls over. It's so cute! He makes me laugh so hard sometimes and always has the cutest look on his face; so innocent (and sometimes dumb). That's what really matters; the good times out-weigh the bad. We love you Mojo.

Btw.... What do you think of the new look? Yay? Nay?

Memories

2008-07-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a fun little game... Leave a comment on my blog of a memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you've known me for a short time, or a long time, anything you remember! Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. On your mark...get set...blog your memories!!

P.S. April...I tried to post a comment and it was rejected. Do you hate me or something?! Ha ha.
Actually I think now you have to comments to choose from. I'm retarded. :)

Ode to Jazzie

2008-07-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

This morning I had an email from my mother, aka Jazzie (given name, Jacquelynn but goes by Jackie). Don’t ask me how I coined her name Jazzie, cuz I honestly can’t remember. Perhaps Jessie would like to post a comment cuz I’m sure she remembers. (Sorry mom but it’s stuck for good now! You can print a retraction to this post on your own blog if you feel the need. I hope you don’t. :)

Anyway, said email was talking about things my sister Holly and I might want, otherwise were going to the D.I. Some of those items included a list of games. Of that list were:

Simpkins Jeopardy
Simpkins Battle of the Sexes

Tooo cute, Holly and I had to comment. Here’s how the conversation went.

Cami: “Simpson’s Jeopardy (mom you are cute…are you sure it says Simpkins? ;).”

Holly: “I love the Simpkins! That Hammer and Midge really crack me up. But not as much as Jazzy! hee hee.”

Jazzie: “So you can see that I’m not really into the kid with the square top head. What’s his name…Barf?”

HA HA!!!!
Mom, you are the best. We love you!!!

Got Milk?

2008-07-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

This has been the longest drought of my life. Like having a mouth full of crumbling Oreos and no milk to wash it down. Yikes! Well, I’m pleased to say, I “Got Milk!!”

Keith and I finally have wireless. YAY!! I’m so excited that I’ll be able to post regularly and, more importantly, catch up on all of your blogs. To all my faithful readers, thank you for hanging in there with me. I’m sure it was harder on you not having my funnies to read. Hee hee.

So, I just want to recap what’s been happening over the last couple of months. First of all, we have a new home!! Keith and I bought a condo here in Centerville. We closed June 6th and moved in that evening. I can’t believe it’s been over a month already. This is my beautiful kitchen. Isn’t it wonderful?! I can totally brag too cuz I’m paying for it! But seriously, we got a great deal. It’s brand new and we are the first to live in it and it’s just been amazing having our own place. We are so lucky and blessed to be able to get this after just 1 year of marriage. Feel free to stop on by.

Mojo loves his new home. Look how big he has gotten. I just realized I never posted any pictures of him when he was a pup. I guess technically he’s still a pup. 8 months old now. Well here’s a before and after picture, how’s that? He is so much fun and even though he’s caused me some anxiety on more then one occasion (New carpet? Not so new anymore!) I can’t imagine him not in our family.

At the end of May Keith and I took a trip back east to visit some family and go to NYC. It was Keith’s first time in the Big Apple. I think he liked it. I love NYC. It’s one of my favorite cities. Although I must say, going back after I’ve been to Chicago I’d have to say Chicago might be my new favorite. I love big cities.

We had a fabulous time. Keith’s brother, Ted, and his wife, Cel, came with us. Cel was a trooper, walking around New York , in the heat, 6 months pregnant. It was fun to have you there, I’m glad you guys came! We went to the Conan O’Brien show, saw Mary Poppins, went to Central Park, saw the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building and even went to a Yankees Game.

We then headed up to CT to stay with my great uncle for a few days. It was wonderful. I love CT and as many of you know, it’s definitely my 2nd home so it was good to go back. I wish I could go a couple of times a year. Mostly just hung out and relaxed in the country; went to Long Island Sound and drove around the small towns nearby; went to an Aquarium and Gillette’s Castle.
We also took a day and drove up to Boston to meet up with Keith’s oldest sister and her family. Keith has not had the fortune of seeing his sister in a very long time and I had never met her so we were very excited to go. His sister and her family live in Maine so they drove down to meet us. It was so fun and I’m so happy we could take time to do that. Our nieces are so fun and creative; the younger ones so energetic and playful. We hope to see them again soon. Come visit us girls!!

All in all it was a very successful trip. So many good times; too many pictures. Check out a few.

Well friends it is my day off so I suppose I should do something other then sit at my comuter all day. Hee hee. Keep on keepin’ on.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles?

2008-07-04T21:29:00.000-07:00

We have been on the move. Literally and metaphorically. We finally moved into our new condo. Yay!!! We absolutely love it and I couldn't be happier. I can't believe it's been almost a month since we did. Time flies. Speaking of flying, we also went back east on vacation over the Memorial Day week. What a fun trip!! 3 days in NYC, 1 day in Boston Ma, and 4 days in beautiful CT. It was the highlight of our summer and even though sadly I'll be sitting at a desk for the rest of the summer (bye bye vacations for me) it was totally worth it. I'll have to post some pics later. (Side note: still no internet but I'm hopeful it'll be up and running by August. Say a little prayer for me.)

For the last 3 weeks my older sister was here visiting with her family. Check out the Hewards blog for pics of my adorable neices and nephew. Yup. Both of my sisters had babies this year, only 2 months apart. So now I am an aunt 3 times around instead of once. I love being an aunt. It's the best! So when's it my turn you say? If I had a dollar for every time I've heard that recently I would be typing this from my own computer with internet instead of my in-laws. ;)

What's new with the Smith's? I suppose life will calm down a bit now that we have moved and suddenly have no money. But I'm not nervous about having a mortgage payment each month. I am nervous that on my next birthday (Feb. 15th) I'll be 30 and will have to change the title of my blog. How sad is that?! Any suggestions? I'm open to ideas. :) But seriously, it feels good to at least feel like we are accomplishing something in life and moving forward in adulthood. I don't think I mind getting older, although it seems harder to lose weight, so that's not so fun. But I'm excited for where our lives are going and this last year has been quite an adventure. We feel very blessed and fortunate to be able to afford our own place after only 1 year of marriage and are excited for our future there.

Well I suppose this blog is slightly boring but it's just refreshing and nice to be back on. I have felt so out of touch with the world these last few months as so much as changed with us. But life is good. No complaints. Although if any of you know a way I can get rich quick I'm all ears. Working is over-rated. Hey, I never said I WOULDN'T complain. hee hee.

P.S. We are planning a house warming party sometime in the next few weeks. We'd love for all to come that are able.

Till then, Sianara or however you spell it. Oh, and Happy 4th of July everyone!!
Luvs

It's been too long

2008-03-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

I don't even know if people will read this, i haven't been on in months. It's so hard without internet. but soon people. Sometime this year it's going to happen.

So much has happened over the last few months. In January I got Lasik, which is AWESOME!!! and I got a puppy. He's a Corgie and his name is Mojo. I'll have to post some pics. He's so cute and fun and 4 months old now. He's getting so big!

Keith and I are in the process of buying a condo. These are the same condo's we looked at last fall except the prices are much better and we are so dang excited!!! Space! Yes!!! It's a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom. It's so nice and we love it. They are finishing up the inside, painting, adding the cabinets, carpet, etc and we plan to close around the first of June.

Anyway, just wanted to let any reader out there know i am still alive and doing well. Just limited to my cyberspace time and access. :(

Take care and i'll try to get on here more often. Luvs to all my friends.

Gingerbread and Holly Berries

2007-12-08T15:11:00.000-08:00

Last night Keith and I made a Gingerbread house. So much fun! I don't ever remember doing this when I was little, so sad, but from now on I definitely will. Keith makes one every year. I love how Keith gets so excited about Christmas. It's infectious and he makes our home so enjoyable.

Carly made this super cute Gingerbread Train. I love it!

Today my mom and Holly and I made caramel popcorn and dipped caramel covered pretzels. Yum!!! These are my new favorite Christmas treats. This is the 3rd year we have made them and they are so delicious, I just can't live without them. To say the least, it took all day and we were up to our ears in chocolate and caramel. But it was totally worth it. Happy Holidays!!

Me dipping a pretzel. Oh yeah...don't break my concentration. It's all about the Chi.

After we dipped the pretzels we drizzled white and dark chocolate over the tops to make fun designs.

Love and Hate

2007-11-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

Ultimate Mahjong, oh how I love you. Even though I'm on vacation, I can't seem to tear myself away from the computer because you have put the ultimate spell on me. Luckily, I will be able to continue this obssession when I get back to Utah (thanks to Kelly for letting me borrow it.) Unfortunately, I already spend too much of my life in front of a computer. I guess I'll need to get a pillow for my bum. Ü

(Yes, I know, I should be ashamed. I should be, but I am not.)

Bowling and Dance Dance

2007-11-23T18:55:00.000-08:00

Today my family went to Bakersfield for a little In-N-Out burger (so good) and then to a local bowling alley. While we waited for our lanes we went to the arcade section where we played some hunting games and dance dance. Here you will see Chad & Holly battling it out with the "rifles" and my 6 month pregnant sister, Kelly, doing dance dance, and yes, she was awesome at it!

Bowling was fun, except that I sucked! But hey, I had a good time and now I know that a career in dance dance would be more profiting for me then bowling. :)

Gabby is so cute and fun! So is Holly!

Keith bowling.
I love my family.

Tagged: Times Two

2007-11-22T21:29:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I have officially been tagged by both April and Jana, so here goes....

(Sidebar: Jana and April, check out each other's blogs. Russells and Springerville....I think you two would get along great!)

6 Things....

1. I am borderline Obsessive Compulsive. When I set my mind to do something, I pretty much can't ignore it until I do it, even if I know that the end result will not make me happy. I usually end up annoying myself, because I know in the end it won't make a difference to me...I KNOW this going in, and yet I still can't help myself. I can't let little things go, like crooked pictures on the wall, or dirty laundry on the floor (spiders, ew!- it must be in a laundry basket. I have a serious fear of spiders but that's an entire blog all on it's own), or when I decide that I want to get something, anything, and I must drive to 4 different stores to find this thing, regardless of the time of day or night. You get the idea.

2. I thrive on being busy. Don't get me wrong, I can sit around with the best of them. But I'm usually knitting, or folding laundry or messing around with the computer. My mind is constantly thinking about what needs to be done, or what I want to get done, or just things....My mind is not easily turned off. It's really quite annoying and a bit on the pathetic side.

3. I love Yarn!!! I am so obsessed with knitting and if I go into a shop to get one little thing, most likely I will end up spending $30+ on yarn I don't really need but can easily find something to make with it. I usually have 3-4 projects that I'm working on at any given time. It's wonderful!

4. I am bilingual. My younger sister and I can speak gibberish to one another. We have this uncanny way of getting each other worked up to the point we are literally speaking in gibberish (a combination of words, laughter, and I don't really know, but it's fun)....we finish each other's sentences and can be in a fit of laughter carrying on a conversation. It's probably one of my most favorite things to do in life.

5. Music is my life. I am a singer and although I know I was blessed with talent, after 7 years of professional voice lessons, I still get nervous to sing in front of people. But I LOVE to sing and I love music. Music is so much a part of me, I would rather lose a limb then the ability to sing or hear.

6. I have always been able to make friends easily. Even with my own insecurities, I am one of those people that can be content being alone and also become friends with a stranger.

Okay, I...tag...Jessie, Holly, Kathleen, Mel, and Shannon

Rules:
1.The player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves - try to find 6 you haven't already posted about.
2. At the end of the post, the player tags 6 people and posts their names, and then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog for the rules.

Face Lift

2007-11-22T21:20:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to spice up my blog a little. Tell me what you think? Do you like the blue background? Opinions people, I need opinions!

Blowing off the Dust

2007-11-22T21:05:00.000-08:00

Well, my friends, I'm a disgrace to the blog world. I promise I'm not dead....just living in the dark ages. No internet at home makes it really hard to get on this thing; but I promise I will do better. Please don't stop reading....

Happy Turkey Day to all of you. Keith and I, with the rest of my family, are in California at my sister's house for the weekend. It's nice to get away from work and life. Sadly Keith and I have been sick. I am getting over a nasty cold and larangitis; he has a sinus infection. But we are fairing well and happy to be here.

Not much is new with us. Christmas is just around the corner and I can hardly believe this year is almost over. We are both looking forward to the holidays (not the snow) and have enjoyed this past year more then we probably should. Ü

Till the next time, hope you all survived the day and didn't OD on too much pie.

Alias

2007-10-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

I was in the shower last night thinking about a new nickname I received; Cami Cakes. It got me thinking that I should blog about the numerous nicknames I have had over the years. There's really quite a lot, I hope I can remember them all. Here goes....

Cami Lambie (thanks to mommy)
Cami Miami (Kelly coined this one)
Cam
Cams
Camcorder
Camelot
Cami Train
CamBam
Cam-dawg
C-dawg (someone different)
Camalita
C-Cup (no direct correlation)
CJ
Cammers
Cankles Sr
C Squared (for those that new me as a Cook)
Cam Cam
Cami Cami Cocoa Pop
Campfire
and most recently, Cami Cakes

I know there are some I've missed, but as you can see, it's hard to keep up. I lose track over the years. Still, I seem to get them where ever I go and whoever I meet. It's kind of fun. If you can think of any I've missed, please let me know. Love to all my peeps. :)

Baseball, Denver and cheesecake.

2007-09-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

Finally I’m getting to posting about our Denver trip back in August. Keith and I went to Denver for a quick weekend to see the Cubs play the Rockies. As you can see from the pictures, we are HUGE Cubs fans. The weather was perfect and it was so nice to bum around and whatever we wanted.

We left Friday morning and got to the Denver airport about 11:30ish. That is one huge airport and so far away from downtown. We took a shuttle bus to our hotel. It’s very flat, I was surprised. I have never been to Denver and until we got into the city there wasn’t much to look at. It reminded me of Utah in some places, only greener. The ride was nice though. Keith and I got to overhear 2 girls in the back seat talking about their dysfunctional relationships with parents and boyfriends. It was quite amusing and entertaining. Word to the wise: Don’t talk about personal things when you are in a van full of strangers.

When we got to our hotel everyone was very nice and friendly. We stayed at The Grand Hyatt and it was a pretty posh hotel. Keith was able to find us a killer deal online. The bellboys opened the van door for us and everyone was extremely professional. Our room was so nice too. What a soft bed! And so many pillows. Keith was in heaven. He loves pillows. Ü We got settled in our room, waited for the sudden rain/hail storm to subside, then went out to grab some grub. I was starving! We were about 2 blocks away from this outdoor mall, I forget what it’s called, but there’s a movie theater and several stores, restaurants and bars along it. There is a free shuttle bus that runs up and down the length of the street, but other than that there are no cars allowed. So it was nice to be able to walk freely across the street and look at everything. There are some really nice hotels in that area of Denver as well. After lunch, we went back to the hotel for a quick nap, then headed to the game. It was so fun! The stadium in Denver is really quite beautiful. It’s new and very clean. It was fun to be there and walk around. We had great seats that first night and where we were sitting there were several other Cubs fans. So we had a great time, even better since the Cubs won that night. And I got to see Matt Murton hit a home run. It was fun.

Saturday we slept in then got ready to meet my friend Amy for lunch. We went to the Cheesecake Factory. It was delicious, as usual. Amy is a good friend I met when I lived in CT. She moved back to her home town of Denver about a year ago and was able to fly out to Utah for the wedding. But we didn’t get many chances to talk so it was fun to visit with her. Afterwards, we walked around for a bit and then Keith and I headed to the stadium. Keith wanted to watch batting practice. It was pretty fun, but so hot. I was getting a little tired of it. Sadly, the only Cubs shirt I own is a quarter length sleeve. Not fun in 90 degree weather.

We didn’t have great seats the 2nd game, we were high up and in the sun. So that kind of sucked. Also, Cubs got slammed! Only good thing was that I did get to see a Grand Slam, although it was for the Rockies, it’s not every day you see one of those. (For those that don’t follow baseball, a grand slam is when the bases are loaded and the next hitter gets a home run.)

We left the game at the bottom of the 6th inning, and then stopped at the Cheesecake Factory to get cheesecake to go. Went to our hotel and gorged ourselves and watched pay per-view movies. It was fun. Sunday slept in, went to a breakfast buffet at the hotel, saw Stardust and then caught the bus back to the airport. Now that I’m thinking about it again, it was such a fun trip. Too bad it was only 3 days. Still, it’s nice to get away, relax, and do nothing but chill.

Truth or Dare

2007-08-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the days of staying up late, playing night games, or having slumber parties with your friends; playing Truth or Dare, eating treats that your mom only let you have when it was a sleepover night, and talking about boys or watching girly movies and doing each other’s hair? Well, sometimes I feel like this is my life re-incarnated some 20 years later. I look at my friends, I read their blogs; they all seem to be involved in activities that are bettering humankind, in some way or another. Some have children (hats off to you!); some are in school working towards a greater goal; some have jobs that mean something; some are actively involved in service in the communities or church callings. I, on the other hand, don’t have or do any of those things. Sometimes I wonder “What IS the purpose of my life?” Oh sure, I love my husband. We have so much fun. Married life is great! No complaints here. But let’s take a step back to re-evaluate my life:

- Career Life: Career is a strong word. Sometimes I feel like this is the kind of job a college student should have. Usually my day consists of reading articles online, sending way too many emails, working on projects that usually take 30-60 mins and then I’m done, waiting for something else to do. Reading friends blog’s, looking up books I want to get from the library, ordering said books from the library, etc. Some days I get soooo bored. But then I think about the perks of this job, and if for any reason I will be working here when I have kids, at least I won’t be brain dead when I get home. Still, sometimes it would be nice to have a job that pushes me just a bit.

- After Job Life: Did I really spend 3-4 hours last night watching old re-runs of Law & Order on TNT? Somebody stop me!

- Love Life: Just kidding. We won’t go there. Everything is great!

- Cooking Life: Last night I actually made steaks and instant potatoes. Not bad. Is my house being neglected from daily cleaning? Just blame it on TNT. I did manage to do the dishes. I hate dirty dishes in the sink. If you come over, don’t look at the floor. I can’t remember the last time I mopped. Yikes!

- Weekend Life: Usually consists of watching movies, going to dinner with friends, running errands, doing laundry, sleeping in.

- Church Life: We are in nursery and the lesson rotates between Keith and I (as one) and the other 4-5 women that are in there. Playing with the kids and having treats. By the time Sacrament Meeting comes (last of the block) I’m too exhausted to pay attention. I sit in the back and fall asleep once the talks start. We have GOT to incorporate nap time into nursery somehow.

- Gym Life: Well this has been really pathetic over the last few months. I used to workout in the A.M. before I got this job. But now it’s nearly impossible unless I want to wake up at 4am. Which I don’t. I really need to start going regularly. I try to swim once in awhile, but once in awhile just doesn’t cut it. I should be going 2-3 times a week. That is my new goal. That and doing Pilates a couple of times a week. Winter is coming and I’m afraid my cute winter clothes will not quite fit me if I don’t stop the madness. (Perhaps it’s time to pull the plug on TNT.)

So as you can see, my life is mostly ridiculous! I mean, is it possible this is the life of a 28 ½ year old with a college degree? Granted it might not mean much, but still. Shouldn’t I be doing something more with myself? Then I realized….I have the BEST life!!! Sure I don’t have kids, but I have a husband. And anyone who is married knows that can be a lot of work too. Men need so much help. Ü Also, I am young. Who says 28 is not a great age to be alive? I still feel like a 21 yr old, with all the wisdom and style of an almost 30-something. Oh and here’s the best part. The most random things I see, which are for your reading pleasure.

This just in……….this morning (and I couldn’t help but think, as I was walking along, that this would be the perfect blogging moment) I’m on my morning break. Sometimes I walk a few blocks to stretch my legs and possibly get a V-8 juice at the Rite Aid. For those that don’t know, I work in Salt Lake, downtown. There’s this project to up the life here by improving some of the buildings. So that means major construction. Sidewalks have been replaced with those walking tunnels that provide shelter should something heavy fall from the sky. We’ve all seen them, most of us have been in them. Nothing to spectacular. Well, this particular morning I’m walking through one, several people have just gotten off the Trax station and are heading in the opposite direction, but inside the tunnel with me. I see something dark on the ground ahead of me. Something dark long, and roundish. I know it’s not a hotdog. What would a hotdog be doing in a walking tunnel. Oh no, it’s poop!

Now I haven’t seen too many horses strolling in the walking tunnel. Nor does it smell of horse. This must be dog poop because no human in there right mind would drop their drawers and dump in the middle of a sidewalk. (Okay, okay, maybe they would. We’ve all encountered some strange people). Still, I couldn’t believe it. As I continued to walk on I saw more poop. What the hell? I mean, it’s one thing to let your dog poo on someone else’s grass, but this is a sidewalk. Nay, a walking tunnel! It is not even a sidewalk. Besides the fact that it really is Nothing Like Grass!!! I mean, who let’s their dog stop in the middle of one of those tunnels and poop? Those tunnels aren’t big. There’s only so much air space in them. And then to do it Again? At least pick up the crap. I mean, I know this isn’t Chicago, or Manhattan, or even San Diego, but it’s still a major city and you don’t just let your dog poop in the middle of a pseudo sidewalk and then walk off. I just don’t get it.

So I guess the moral of this blog is this: No matter how ridiculous you feel your life is, at least you aren’t that guy with the dog. Imagine what his house must smell like. Sick!!!
Ciao.

Bye Bye Blackbird

2007-08-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

Well, it’s been forever since I posted. I apologize peeps. (The pictures from our Denver trip are coming, I promise!) Over the weekend I went to Evanston, WY to help my sister and her husband pack up their house. Jay got a new and better job in Tehachapi, CA, and they are moving there this week. I am going to miss my sister so much and my cute little niece. I know I will see them again in a few months for Thanksgiving. But it’s been so great having them close by. I have loved spending more time with my older sis. She’s such a great mom and a wonderful friend. I look up to her so much!

So here’s to my older sister. Wiser. Kinder. Smarter. Hotter. Don’t be a stranger Kells. Love ya!!

P.S. Some crazy person called at work today wondering what his payments are for a car that was repossessed and started into this story about how he’s been incarcerated for the last year and is now trying to get his life back together. Wow! Too much information. They really need to teach phone etiquette in the prisons. Ü

Ultimate Dumb Ass

2007-08-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

This girl at my work locked her keys in her car and her car is running. Luckily her husband is driving down from PC to let her in it.

I guess her car’s been running for a couple hours. HA!

Seriously. This girl is so dumb. I mean, she’s smart, but she talks non-stop and loudly, too. This place was quiet before she started working here. She’s so strange.

I’m sure we’d be friends if we met in a different situation. Wait…. No. We wouldn’t.

My Own Little Mission

2007-08-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

I usually go outside on my lunch break and sit on a bench by the JSMB and eat my lunch. It was so hot today and some teeny boppers had taken my bench in the shade. I had my Harry Potter Book but between my sweaty back and the millions of brides trolling the premise, I decided to walk around Temple Square instead.

Side bar: I’m really glad I didn’t have to share my wedding day with literally 6-8 other brides; waiting in line and fighting over the premium photo spots. Dodged a bullet you say? I sure did!

So I’m walking around temple square and I stopped to talk to some sister missionaries. One was from Finland, the other from Calgary Canada. Even though I wasn’t wearing the traditional missionary attire, I sure felt the sweltering heat. We chatted for 5 minutes or so about Harry Potter (book in hand), the heat, and the fact that I work at Zions Bank across the street and then was on my way, yelling over my shoulder, “Maybe I’ll see ya around”.

As I continued my stroll through Temple Square I noticed some additions that have been made. Some statues and walk way paths added on the south side by that fountain thingy. I really don’t know how to explain where it is, you’ll just have to go there. But being there, walking around and seeing statues of our Prophet Joseph Smith, I thought how lucky and grateful I am to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know I need to act like it more but I really am blessed.

So even though I never went on a mission and that really was in no way like being on a mission, I’m sure glad to have the church and others who are great missionaries and willing to be ones. Kudos to all you out there who have been, will go, or are on a mission now. Salute.

Back to School Blues

2007-08-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

I am having a major case of the back to school blues. Not that I’m in school or going to be attending school in the fall. It’s just one of those days. It’s a Wednesday. It’s August. Summer is on a downward spiral and I feel like this past summer has flown by. I’m not ready for it to end. I know what you’re thinking….it’s only August dummy. Well, true.

July was a month of stress for Keith and me. After we had to put Connie to sleep, Keith got really sick and had a couple of procedures done. To save him the embarrassment, let’s just say he was in the bathroom…a lot! And the Dr that did the procedure, a complete A-Hole! I mean, this guy has no bedside manners. When the biopsies came back the Dr couldn’t see anything, which is good I guess, but still we have no answers for why he has been so sick and didn’t seem to know jack about anything! What a freaking ordeal. My husband, sick as a dog for over 2 weeks, on this medication that makes him even more sick and the last thing he wanted was to be touched or even be around people. Not fun to live with. I don’t like feeling helpless or alienated. Not after 3 ½ months of marriage! Anyway, I’m happy to report Keith is on the mend. But the stress doesn’t end.

We are punching the deadline for a decision on this condo that we could potentially buy. It’s just around the corner. The deadline, I mean. Not the condo. We really don’t know what we should do. There are so many good things about it. It seems like the right decision. But it also seems right to wait and look for a house sometime next fall. What to do, what to do? If any of you have suggestions or help, or even just words of comfort, please….PLEASE!...I beg you. We need them. I’m to the point now where I just want someone else to decide because I don’t know what to do or what I want anymore.

Anyhoo, enough of my complaining. To say the least, I’m more than thrilled that July is over. We are going to Denver a week from Friday and it’ll be so good to get away. But I fear August is full of more of the same, stress and decision making. And before I know it it’ll be snowing again. So yes, I’m a little sad this summer is, in my mind, basically over. Morphine drip anyone? Don’t mind if I do!

Yam or Paper Mache?

2007-07-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

I was just talking with my old roommate Jessie over the email and she reminded me of a funny that happened last fall. For those that know me, I love Yams. They are so good! I cooked them frequently and one time, I put some in the oven to have cooked ones on hand for the week. But I had a million things I had to do and ran to institute, not even thinking about the Yam. When I got out of institute, 2 hours later, I had a voicemail from Jessie, wondering if I meant to leave the Yam in the oven that whole time. HA HA! I immediately called her and said, "No! Please turn off the oven!"

When I got home, the Yam looked like a paper mache yam. It was so funny! But still delicious. Morel of the story? Yams are good no matter how long you cook them. Just don't burn the house down.

(I have been lucky with this b/c I always leave the candle warmer on and one time, not too long ago, I left it on for almost 2 days. Yikes!)

Cankers, Cankers, and More Cankers

2007-07-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

My life is full of cankers. Literally and metaphorically. I currently have 3 cankers in my mouth. Oouuch! I have been applying Anbesol to my cankers for almost a week now. Still, nothing. I mean, it is going away, I suppose. But I think that's only because I have been rubbing salt into them for the last couple of days. I know... Double Ouch! It kills, but I think it's the only thing that is helping. The open part of the sore seems to be closing up a little and I'm sure that's from the salt. (I know, sick. Aren't you glad I didn't post a picture of that?! HA HA!) Do you Remember those commercials? "Faster than you can say Anbesol!" Hee Hee.

Keith and I have been doing mad research about what kind of rate we can get on a home, who the best lender is, what our options are to get the best deal. It's been an emotional roller coaster of excitement, frustration and disappointment. Mostly for me because I get all worked up and want things and then something comes up, or maybe it's just a temporary snag. Who knows? I'm just too much of a kid to let things not get to me, I guess.

Anyway, we are looking at getting an FHA loan, which would be great because it's a lower rate offered to first time homeowners. Last night I find out that we may not qualify because we just barely make too much money. (Barely as in like only $2000 a year too much) which is really disappointing if this turns out to be the case and I'm finding myself wishing I was just a little poorer than I already am. There's something wrong with that, don't you think? Still, once again I have created this wonderful idea in my head that may in fact turn out to be something I don't want in the end. (IE: getting this condo now? or waiting for something else later...)
Don't get me wrong, I most definitely want a house. But sometimes what we see in front of us is not what is best for us and I know this to be true. Keith is much more level headed than I am sometimes. So I'm glad to have him. We have been praying, fasting and are going to the temple this week, to help us know what decision is right for us. Still, I HATE waiting! Maybe I have too much free time on my hands here at work and therefore I think about this way too much. Or maybe I just need to take a coarse in relaxation. I've always wanted what I want, when I want it. What woman doesn't huh?

Still .....What's wrong with that?!

TGIF

2007-07-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

To say the least, I'm thrilled it is Friday. This has been a long week, despite the fact that I worked half a day on Monday and took Tuesday off. Emotions have been high, sleep has been restless, and the last couple of months have been chuck full of events.

This weekend I expect to do a whole lot of nothing. Tonight we are going to see Harry Potter with the Bairds and the Clippinger's, and whoever else might be coming. I have no idea. I have recommitted myself to lose weight and if I have to use this blog as a public mockery in order to get my butt in shape, so be it. I have also decided that I can no longer use the excuse of "not having a Stoven" (oven and stove-thanks to Jessie for coming up with that delicious compound word, i love it!) to feed my face with foods that are not really that beneficial to me. Oh sure, the every now-and-then burrito or hot pocket isn't going to kill me. But living off foods that are microwavable is not the best solution. I have other options for cooking. I just need to stop being so lazy. Anyway, long story short, I think I might swim laps tomorrow morning. I haven't been in weeks and I miss it. Keith and I have no plans for the weekend, other than seeing HP tonight and getting groceries tomorrow. I think this is the first weekend in months that we have not had something going on. I'm sure we'll end up at his parent's house playing Pinnocle since the nephews are leaving this weekend and I have yet to have played. Keith keeps saying he's going to teach me but something always seems to come up. hmmm....Simpsons seasons 3-7? Perhaps.

My cutest niece, Gabriella Rose, we call her Gabby, Big G, Gabby Girl...take your pick. She is the funnest thing since I discovered Lagoon is a theme park trapped in the image of a big and better older sister. (sorry Lagoon, but Six Flags is soo much more fun.)

Gabby has recently learned how to say "Cheese" when having her picture taken and it's just so cute. I don't know if I have a picture of this except on my phone, but I might be able to find one of her coloring. She's so intense when she does it. tee hee. I think she means business people. Isn't she beautiful?! How about one more.

Sorry about the red eye. Here she is watching "Curious George". She only watches it like 10x a week. Do you think she's obessessed? Only has an almost toddler can be.

Sometimes It's Better To Remain Celebate

2007-07-12T11:35:00.001-07:00

Speaking of the Blue Lagoon....I don't know how many of you have seen this movie, but Brother and Sister doing it = not cool. I don't care if they are the last 2 people on the island. I guess Humankind will cease to exist. That's the price they'll have to pay.

Call me crazy, but am I really a Wiget trapped in a continually growing woman's body? (I really need to diet!). Sidebar: a Wiget is a name my husband and his friends made up for prepubescent adolescent teenage girls. Prepub teenage boy's= Pelt's. tee hee. I love this album. Avril sure knows how to rock and for all those inquiring minds out there I highly recommend you check out tracks 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 (for beginningers....). She's great!

Speaking of rocking, I will be eating lunch in t-minus 11 minutes. I think I'm about to die, I am so hungry. And bored out of my mind today. I have work to do, it's just mindless or maybe I'm just lazy. I haven't decided. Sometimes I think my job is make believe. I mean I know it's real. It must be. I get a pay check every 2 weeks (which I love. "I want money...doo doo do"). But I really don't do much during the day. It's quite ridiculous and wonderful all at the same time. I'm sure oneday, my body and brain will cry out for something more stimulating, but for now I'm just enjoying the ride. Ü

Ode' to Connie

2007-07-11T06:49:00.000-07:00

Monday at 3:45 Keith and I had to say good-bye to Connie, Keith's dog of 11 1/2 years. It was the saddest thing I have ever had to do. Connie was such a good dog. She had a wonderful disposition; was always happy even though she was in so much pain. She's had a liver infection for some time, and I guess because it never got better, her kidney's began to fail and her body was full of poison. She was almost completely blind and had a heart murmur. It was hard for her to breathe.
Connie had survived Parvo as a small puppy and also had Cancer a few years back. She was a trooper. When we got to the vet, she was so good. Didn't put up much of a fight. I think she knew what was coming and even though she was scared, I think she knew we were doing it for her. She is happier now.

Connie was full of life. Being a mix within the Huskie Family, she had an innate sense of mischeviousness. She was a free spirit. She didn't like being fenced in or chained up. Keith and Ted (Keith's brother's) told me countless stories of her as a young pup, running and jumping through hills of snow, attacking neighbors chickens and ducks, and even being bailed out of "jail" a number of times from the Bountiful and Layton city Dog Pounds.

Connie had the cutest face, full of happiness. Perky ears and a big tongue that just couldn't be contained. Connie immediately took a liking to me and although, she was only my dog for a short 6 months, I loved her very much. Because Connie had anxiety issues, Keith and I often stayed with her on the weekends, while Keith's parents were out of town. We had many good times. I remember once, not too long ago, I took her out to use the bathroom and I heard her barking/yelping, almost a helpless cry. When I went outside, she had managed to get herself, chain and all, wrapped around a pole that's in their yard. Poor pup. I couldn't help but laugh. She was so cute. I guided her back around the pole so she could be free and she was so happy. I just love that dog.

I don't have a picture of Connie, but I found this online and it looks alot like her. She was cuter than this, if you can believe it. More brown on her body and face and more smiles. But this is a good representation till I can find an actual picture of her to post.

Connie, we will miss you. Keith, most of all. I know you're having fun in heaven running around with the colored and the old man! (this would be one of their old dog's, Ebony, who they called "The Colored" and Connie always was biting her ear, and Keith's Grandpa, who lived with them till he died and they called "The Old Man").

Triple 6's on my Skull

2007-07-06T14:40:00.000-07:00

Keith and I have just put a deposit on a condo-to-be in Centerville. Construction is to begin within the next 2 months. We are in the grace period, so we have 30-45 days before we have to sign the Purchase Agreement, but have a lot reserved. They are going fast. We have been looking all over Davis County at Real Estate and it's pretty pricey, so we are excited about this little jem we found. Nice location, brand new, relatively big for the price (3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms), fenced in community. We are looking at some other options but this assures we will have the lot should we choose to keep it come the end of the month.

Stress. Stress is like sugar to my subconscious. I just can't get enough. Who gets married and looks to buy a house all within 6 months? What am I thinking?! For some reason we feel the need to trade in our souls for a more comfortable lifestyle. Not that we can't afford it, and I do like the idea of not sharing a basement apartment with half the insects in the neighborhood and having a working stove/oven. (That's a story in and of itself). Still, it's a bit nerve racking and my sweet husband has a huge fobia of committment and change (don't ask me how we actually got married). So it's extra work trying to keep him calm and feel like we haven't just made the biggest mistake of our lives. Men. They feel so much pressure to do what's right by their families. Bless his heart, he tries so hard and he will succeed. What a good man.

Only time will tell what really happens. It's a scary thought, having a mortgage. It means I'll be working for a really long time, which is inevitable. I do like the idea of granite countertops and a whirlpool tub. (I'm seduced so easily..... Sigh.)

Just a few more pics

2007-07-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

Sumpin a little sweet

2007-07-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

As many of you may know, I am recently married. Hooray for love! Isn’t it great?! I know what you’re thinking; you thought this day would never come. Well, to all you Nay Sayers, (insert tongue sticking out), it was totally worth the wait. I don’t know how many of you know the story of how the real Mr. & Mrs. Smith came to be, but let me enlighten you with a sweet little tidbit. (Since this is my first blog I’m going to indulge in a little ME time but I promise stories of ‘Cami Woe’ will soon be available for your reading pleasure!)

Many of you know this, and for those that do, you'll just have to suffer through. For those that don't, enjoy! My good friend and co-worker, Colette Austin, asked me if she could give my number to a guy she knew and I said yes. This threw me into a whirlwind of events that soon became the reality of my life, which has taken a complete 360 in the last 6 months. After our initial meeting (via the phone December 18th and in person December 19th), Christmas Eve was the night that my life would change forever.

Keith and I had been talking all week and went on our first official date he got back from Las Vegas (the BYU game)- dinner at the Olive Garden and The Nutcracker. It was so much fun! Being with Keith was like no guy I’d ever dated. It was fast and new, I felt a connection yet it was still foreign. I wasn’t sure how to react to all of this. Christmas Eve Keith invited me to a party at his friend Dallin’s house. Since my family had zero plans for the night I said ok and drove to Farmington to meet him. (It’s funny, this reminiscing is so surreal but I love our story.)
At Dallin’s there were family and friends. The Plaizier’s were so kind and welcoming of me. I was able to meet some of Keith’s friends and Dallin’s family. We played pool and Karaoke. Keith and I played jokes on his friend Nate and we were having such a great time. I was able to see Keith interacting with other people and saw how social and comfortable he is with himself and those around him. He is the life of the party but not in an obnoxious way. It was infectious and I couldn’t help but laugh.

It was this night that I fell in love with Keith. I didn’t realize it at the time but the feelings I was having, it was unbelievable and when I look back I know I was head over heels for him. The party went on for some time and it was late when I left. I was sad to leave, I just couldn’t bring myself to depart from Keith. When I got home it was about 3am on Christmas morning and I called Keith to tell him I got home ok. We talked for another 2 hours and decided that we didn’t want to date any other people. 24 hours from then we had decided we were getting married and on that Friday, December 29th, we had called the temple and set our wedding date, April 14th, 2007.

It was the craziest, most uninhibited thing I have ever done (and for those that know me I never think before I do things) and yet I knew, without a doubt, that I was to marry Keith. Maybe that’s why it was so easy to decide. I could see, I knew right away, like we’d always been together just torn apart and had taken a long time to find each other but in the process we were able to find ourselves first. I think back on that night, that Christmas Eve out by my car, as we cuddled and hugged, kissed good bye that I couldn’t disregard this as some fleeting moment…I knew that whatever this was it was real and it was here to stay.

And they lived Happily Ever After, right?! Haha. Well, most of the time. Marriage is an adjustment when you’ve been single for 28 years, but it’s wonderful and we are loving it!

Doesn't get any better than this!

2007-07-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

Please don’t take my title to mean that I in any way like Lindsay Lohan. (Don’t tell my husband, he used to have the biggest crush on her. I’m glad to see his taste in trampy women has changed somewhat!) Popular? I just don’t get it. You can practically feel the fleas crawling on her. Sick.

Welcome to my new Blog! Isn't it wonderful? So...down to business.

Sometimes when I’m sitting at work I hear crickets. At first I thought I must be crazy. But it happens too frequently and I’m too cool to be crazy. It must be a cell phone. Please….let it be a cell phone.

My husband, bless his heart, doesn’t sleep well. Sleeping pills are expensive, at least the kind that work for him. He takes them sporadically to make them last. Sometimes they make him loopy and he says and does strange things. It’s quite cute, actually, and very adorable. He’s like a giant kid on a sugar high, but can’t seem to keep his balance or make complete sentences. The other morning I lifted my head off the pillow to look at the clock. Good. 20 more minutes. Plunk. My head hits the bed.

Me: Hey, you took my pillow.

Keith: What? oh… (and gives it back)
Isn’t he cute? Ü