iPhone

I've been considering this for over a year...and finally decided it would be my Christmas present this year, rather than getting an mp3 player, new PDA, and new cell phone. I got a new iPhone which has it all plus more!!! I can already tell it is going to be addicting. I love it!

Christmas at home

I had a great time this Christmas. I've been up in Logan off and on all week to get as much family time as possible. My siblings even came down to SLC see me perform on Christmas Eve.

Unfortunately, we all caught the plague (ie violent influenza) during the week and had to quarantine ourselves to the room where we bowed down to the ivory throne for a day. yuck! Lucky me, I got the worst case and couldn't eat much for several days. I even lost 3 lbs! eek! (which I did not have to lose in the first place...sigh)

We still found time to be toether and have fun. I gave all my sisters scarves for Christmas. Don't we look cute?

My Christmas Card

This is my attempt to reach my Christmas greetings to as many friends and family as possible.



Merry Christmas!

It has been an interesting year for me, as usual. Here were some of the highlights:

-Got my CDE (certified diabetic educator) license and continue to work at St. Mark's Diabetes Center
-Went on a Caribbean cruise with a group of friends
-Bought a townhouse (I have a permanent address now!)
-Paid off my car
-Got hooked on country swing dancing
-Took mini-vacations to St. George, Bear Lake, and Laramie
-Played for Desert Star Theater's Christmas musical
-Dated a lot, with no real success
-Enjoyed many musical venues, art exhibits, and theater productions
-Had my picture in the Aug issue of the Ensign magazine
-Started a Blog! (which loves visitors and commentaries)

I am thankful for my many blessing and the real reason for this holiday season, Jesus Christ. I wish you all a wonderful Christmas! I always enjoy hearing from old and new friends and family:)
Emily

p.s. Here's your annual holiday joke:
Are there any holiday treats that are safe for people with diabetes?

Yes, all of them are...until swallowed.

Ward Christmas Party

My ward's Christmas extravaganza was on Saturday.

Emily A, Tiffany (not there for this picture) and I sang "Mr. Santa" for part of the program.

There was also an ugly sweater contest. This was my entry...courtesy of dear Ljiljana from Zagreb, Croatia that gave it to me as a gift (complete with holes from her dog chewing on her sleeve). I cannot part with it for sentimental reasons, so I break it out for parties like these where it can be appreciated for it's creative beauty. I did not win the contest, however. My bishop won out with his sweatshirt that had ornaments pinned all over and blinking lights fueled by a battery pack on his back. I should have gotten a picture of that...

Messiah Sing-in

I got to sing my little heart out in Abravanel Hall with the Utah Symphony at the Messiah concert tonight. It was so fun. How great to be in an audience full of other people who love to sing fun choral music and even own their own score of Messiah! (well, except for the people sitting directly around Emily and I, who didn't sing at all...did they not get that this was a participation thing??) Oh well, we had a blast and only got lost for a few measures. Next year we'll plan more in advance and getting lots of friends to come along as well. Maybe some tenors and basses so we'll have all the parts!

Food Storage

After General Conference in October, I decided it was high time I started my food storage. I found a little nook in my storage/laundry room, built some shelves, and then started bringing home 1-2 extra things (that I actually use) every time I went to the grocery store. I added the emergency propane stove I got last year for Christmas from my parents (Thanks mom and dad!). Also, when I finish a jug of milk, I wash it out and fill it with water. It's a little different from my parents' big drums of wheat that hold up shelves all throughout the house, but I'm very proud of my collection so far.
Any suggestions on things that have worked well for you to build up your supply?

Holiday spirit

First of the many holiday festivities

Played in Turkey Bowl football game

Cooked very yummy Thanksgiving feast with roommates (I made apple-zucchini-pumpkin muffin' stuffin' and the gravy). Michelle actually made homemade cranberry sauce, which was amazing.

Then we decorated my house for Christmas!

Last year

I looked back in my pictures to see if I took something on this same day last year...lo and behold...me and my bad self as a Harley biker chick. LOL. Why not?? ...why do you think I bought a house by the biker bars downtown? Tatoos and leather go great with burly bald men...grrr. You know what I mean, Susan?

Performing Again

So, some of you know that I am performing in a musical production at Desert Star Theater this Christmas Season. It has been lots of fun so far. I am the pianist/accompanist/musical director for the show. I do get a few speaking lines, too.
The show is "Miracle on 42nd Street". True to Desert Star fashion, it is a musical parody (kind of like Miracle on 34th street meets Give my Regards to Broadway meets cheezy local humor). It is definitely entertaining. I still laugh every time I see the show run, no matter that I've already heard/seen it hundreds of times. It's a perfect way to get yourself in the Christmas mood.
It runs every night from Nov 13th-Jan 3. I trade off with the other pianists so I'm not playing every night. I play both shows every single Friday and then some other days (nov 17, dec 1, 4, 11, 17, 22, 24, jan 1). I would love for anyone to come see me. I even have some free tickets to the dress rehearsal on Nov 12 if anyone wants them (but I'm not playing for that one...sorry).
You can buy tickets by calling Desert Star Theater 801-266-2600.

Body Worlds Exhibit

I went to the Body Worlds Exhibit at The Leonardo. It was fascinating! For anyone who likes anatomy, medical science or wants to learn about it, I highly recommend going to see it. You get to see all your insides, muscle structure, cross-sections of brain, etc. The bodies, or parts of the body, are preserved with a process of plastination (created by anatomist, Gunther Von Hagen). My favorite was actually seeing the vascular system (all blood vessels) in the body, without the body (skin, muscles, bones, etc) in the way. This picture gives you an idea, just imagine it without the skull there. Cool, huh! You can learn more by going to www.bodyworlds.com

What's YOUR secret?

Since I have been so sick for the last week and a half, everyone seems to want to clue me in on their natural secrets to staying healthy or getting rid of a cold. These people honestly swear by these methods. Here are some of the "nature's cure" suggestions:

• Swallowing a whole clove of garlic once a day

• Eat broccoli at least 3 times every week

• B12 shots

• 1 gallon of Orange juice a day

• vinegar (drinking it in water, bathing in it, or breathing in the vapors)

• Airbourne and Zicam tablets

• Honey and lemon juice in hot water

So, what's YOUR secret? I'm sure there are more things out there you've tried or heard of. Or do you also use one of the above...?

Halloween!

This Halloween I went as a sick patient. I played the character very well too, I might add.

I know many of you are disappointed, myself included, that I was unable to display some new treasures from my costume collection or share in the holiday's events this year.

So, here is a sample of my previous costumes for you to enjoy:

Random picture tag

This is the 4th picture in the 4th folder in My Pictures on my computer. (thanks, rachel) What eloquent things do I have to say about it?? Well. hmm.

Can you even tell what it is? Anyone have guesses (besides Kimi) as to why I would have taken this picture? Perhaps I'll leave it to your imagination to create an interesting story.

Weekend Home

Nothing like a couple days at home to remind you of those neglected domestic baking skills!

I went back up to Logan this weekend so my mother, sisters, and I could go see the musical "Little Women", which happened to have a few people we knew in it. (props to Jennifer Allsop Kite for her great performance as Marmee).


Can I just coo a bit over my adorable little nephews. Isn't it funny how hats can make kids look older...but still too cute for words.

Witches Night Out

"I'll get you my pretty...and your little dog, too!" Heh ha ha

My roommate and I attended Gardner village's "Witches Night Out". If you've never seen hundreds and hundreds of witches of all types and sizes...you should come next year! Of course, I can never pass up an opportunity to dress up:)

We participated in the cackle contest, danced to all the cooky halloween music, and walked down in the witch parade. What better way to celebrate the Halloween season?

Pumpkin Waffle Fest

I had some friends over to partake in my annual pumpkin waffle fest. I HAVE to make pumpkin waffles every autumn, sometimes several times. I even tried a new variation on the old recipe I used to use, but they turned out pretty similar. Either way, pumpkin waffles never fail to get wonderful reviews and accumulate fans (even the wary Sammy and Missy were converted this year). I love to eat them with apple butter or warm spiced apples, but this year even branched out to chocolate chips, or pecans and strawberries and they were amazing! Sorry for those who couldn't come! I'll invite you next year if you are interested.

Into the Woods

Most of you know my affinity toward musical theater...Here's my toast to one of my favorites: Into the Woods. I find it exceedingly clever and entertaining, despite the many times I have seen it or listened to the soundtrack. In fact, it is one you don't fully understand until you have seen it multiple times. The music is also especially complex but enthralling when done well.


"Into the Woods" is now playing at the Hale Theater in Salt Lake. My friend, and fellow musical enthusiast, Emily, and I saw it last night. They did a great job. That theater specializes in special effects and complicated, moving sets which added an extra flair to the experience. I recommend it to anyone. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Massage

So I got my first real, professional, full-body massage tonight...right in the comfort of my own room. It's great to have the right kind of friends that agree it is fair to trade services:)

I will say I thoroughly enjoyed myself and learned a lot in the process, like:
I have tight muscles in places I never would've thought...
My hips are uneven because of the pull from my right-sidedness
I have to literally command my muscles to relax, because they stay tense when left to themselves. I must live on the edge of "ready to move at any time" and "high-strung life"
(well, I suppose she was pretty accurate with that)

Anyway, despite the periodic "good pain", I was ultimately relaxed and felt great afterward. I admit to also feeling a little euphoric or drugged for a while. Kinda weird but awesome at the same time. I am definitely converted to doing that more often.

Scouted out

So, what do you do when a random girl chases you all through Walmart's hardware section, only to stop you and ask "Have you ever thought about being a model?"

Um. Where on earth did that come from? Wait...I had to think. Was it my stunning appearance in the Ensign as the poster child in the article about older girls that still aren't married so they buy houses instead? Was I already that famous overnight?? No, I'm pretty sure this girl wasn't Mormon so chances are she had never read the Ensign.

A model for Walmart? no. well, yes maybe that. but just in general.
Well, I haven't really gotten around to it yet. Are you here to make all my wildest dreams come true?
Perhaps, if we can call you for an audition, I'm just the talent scout.
Huh.
No, really, we are a legit talent company.
(I really hope you don't have anything to do with the last person I knew that worked for a modeling agency....Ah!)
Well, I'll think about it.

I couldn't help it...I couldn't resist. I checked it out and went to the audition. LOL! It was certainly an experience. I sorted through the flattery, enthusiasm, and acting and decided it could be fun but not really the thing for me, besides the time and money required. Well, good story anyway.

So remember, you CAN be noticed, even among tools in Walmart.

Tagged

So, I'm still not sure I like this whole tagging thing but since I've been tagged twice (Rachel and Missy), I thought I would succumb.

8 Things

8 TV Shows I Love to Watch
I really don't love TV at all. I'm not a TV watcher...seriously. I even have free fiberoptic fancy cable from my HOA and I still don't! You think I have time to spend on TV??

8 Favorite Restaurants
If I had my way, I'd go to a different place every time! I love to try something new.

8 Things that Happened Yesterday
was spiritually fed by watching General Conference
made pumpkin waffles and pumpkin soup
made spicy Vietnamese cucumber salad
made honey-ginger chicken and basil-orange rice
made a mess in the kitchen!
Had dinner with a guy who lectured me about the American public and politics for a good 2 hrs
Talked to my mom on the phone
Started reading "3 Cups of Tea" (pretty good so far)

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To
A vacation (anywhere)
Finding the perfect guy for me
My own babies! (c'mon, I've been baby hungry for at least 8 yrs now)
Christmas
Susan finally deciding to call me back
Going to Italy
My professional massage this Friday
Paying off my Mortgage

8 Things On my Wish List
A Piano
Sewing Machine
A Vacation
A Piano
A Rice Cooker
Creme Brulee torch that actually works
Rachel and Mark (and families) closer by
A Piano

Cannoneer

My family all contributes to a monthly newsletter that my sister Rachel puts together beautifully. It is wildly entertaining to read, especially if you understand all of our inside family jokes. Since more people than just my immediate family read my blog, I thought I would share my entry from September.

Here I am describing my life this month by way of quotations from other people:

"How could you have killed a plastic plant?" (i didn't think it was possible either)

"What happened to all those suitors of last month?" (yea. successfully ran them all off. can't say i was super disappointed though. What's wrong with me?)

"So why aren't you married yet?" (dude. I barely even knew this guy! back off! or..on the other hand, see the previous quote)

"Do you really need the money or is this something else to occupy all of that extra time that you have none of?" ( I auditioned to be in a Desert Star theater production and got in)

"How's the boob?" lol. fine. now. why didn't anyone tell me surgery is sooo much better than biopsies??? (less pain, less scarring, better drugs, and more sympathy)

"So pizza is bad..." (after relating that my blood sugar went very high, and stayed high, after eating at pizza factory)

"You kindness doesn't go unknowist" (I have no idea what that was about nor if it is real english)

"I like talking to you way too much, I need to hang up now" (funny 60 yr old patient on the phone)

Autumn Leaves!

I LOVE to see the changing colors of the foliage during the autumn season. It is definitely one of my favorite sights. I had a fun motorcycle ride up little Cottonwood canyon to see the beautiful leaves this week! Here are few pics from the trip.

Step Out for Diabetes

I attended the American Diabetes Association's "Walk to Fight Diabetes" with some coworkers. I think we are one of the few professions that actually support causes that would eliminate our own jobs. It was fun though. A great walk through "This is the Place Heritage Park and Hogle Zoo" and it's a great cause anyway.

HERBS!

I walked into my house today and drew in the air...what was that wonderful smell??
Fresh herbs from the garden again! Hooray. I love to breath around them. I got thinking about how I love each of them for different things.

Basil-by far the stongest and sweetest smelling, very tasty in soups, on pizzas or in sauces.
Rosemary-pine smell for a rustic woodsy taste, best on roasted potatoes or vegetables
Thyme-you know that fresh smell in the canyon just after the rain....that's what fresh thyme smells like! I don't use it much on its own...but its great combined with other italian herbs
Mint-smells very fresh and...well, minty! it is a great decorative herb for garnishes. If you are really ambitious it can be made into jellies or I usually just use it in drinks or tabbouleh.
Oregano-very mild smell, hard to detect but definitely the classic herb for anything italian or sauces.
Unfortunately the garden didn't lend itself to my favorite herb, dill. Mmmmm. You can use that on almost ANYTHING.

de-roaching

My friend Melissa had just moved back to Utah only to discover their nice townhouse was infested with lots of cockroaches...ewww. After several visits by the exterminators without much relief, she decided she could not live like that with 2 small children, so it was time to pack up again. This time, however, boxes could not be used since cockroaches apparently like cardboard. Also, every item had to be inspected for roach egg sacs. I spent the evening helping her, inspecting and making sure everything was de-roached before being sealed up in GIANT ziploc bags. I got quite an education on the different kinds of roaches, their habits, and tricks that night.

garden vegetables

I was lucky enough to find a roommate that loves to bring us garden vegetables! Pretty good match, huh...a gardener and a dietitian. This was the bounty she brought home yesterday. She grows them in a little garden plot she rented for the summer, down the street a few miles. I immediately started brainstorming for the many ways we could use squash. I love the autumn! It's my favorite season to cook:)

She also grows herbs. She brought home this bunch of mint the other day but wasn't sure how to cook with it. I put together this fantastic dish of tabbouleh with shrimp and mint. Just thought I would share. I think it is even "stacey-safe" with the exception of the feta cheese...