A lovely Christmas.

Our Christmas holiday was a good one. We made it to my parents house by around 8pm, and soon after opened our delightful gifts. I surprised my family by bringing some "bundtinis" home, that I raved about in a previous post. I don't know who was more excited, me or them.

We stayed and relaxed a few days with the fam, and enjoyed many rounds of, "The Game of Things." Games in the Dudley home can get a little rowdy, that's all I can say about that.

The obvious gift that was given as shown in the picture, definitely won the 'most entertaining gift' award of the year. Several of the pictures that were taken with the 'staches are most definitely black mail worthy, and I've decided to be a nice sister/daughter/wife. For your viewing pleasure though, I will share a few 'not-so-bad' ones.

An Austrian...with a short mustache... enough said.

I hope you had a very Merry Christmas with loved ones.

The Eve

Today I was less than excited to go to work today, but was happy to be able to get off early. Tonight we have been packing and wrapping in order to get ready for tomorrow when we head home after Wolfgang gets off work! Our Christmas day will be less traditional as usual, but we are happy that we will arrive to our family not too horribly late tomorrow night. So far it has been kind of a weird and turbo speed holiday season, but I look forward to having a few days off and sharing it with those I love. Nevermind that our heater in our apartment decided to stop working, and now blows out cold air... I guess that just gives us something to do for when we come back. Things could be worse, we could be living somewhere actually really cold and this happen. Count your blessings, right?

Merry Christmas, my dear family and friends. May you all have a peaceful and wonderful holiday!

Slow down

I can't believe Christmas is only a few days away! I'm overwhelmed by how fast time is going by.

I'm already semi-depressed and even whiny that the Christmas holiday and season is 'almost coming to an end.' What else will I have to look forward to? I just wish I could press pause and take a breather.

Ok, enough with the emo kid attitude. I do have to say, that I'm very much enjoying my Christmas music stations on Pandora, and I listen to them even single moment that I am able to, throughout the day. I have very sparse and humble Christmas decorations, yet I love them and I'm enjoying them as well. In fact, I'll probably keep them up for too long.

So my friends and family, enjoy this season before it's goneeeee! {In just a few days!}

Butter.

Fellow friends and family,

Eat your butter with a glad heart, full of gratitude. In America, this would never go down...

those poor unfortunate souls of Norway.

enjoy.

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A little delayed.

Now that it is in the middle of December, I guess Phoenix finally decided for it to be the "fall" season. I noticed this beautiful tree as I was leaving church today. After that I noticed other trees here and there that had their leaves in beautiful colors, also. Of course there aren't very many of those trees around here, but it was beautiful nontheless.

Happy Sunday everyone.

You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch.

A little something to show you what I've been up to at work lately:

{Can you see me??}



Yep, I got to play "dress up" with the General Manager of our hotel last week.

More details later; I was at work for 14 1/2 hours today, and I'm ready for bed. Happy Friday!

Dear Family,

Dear Extended Family,

I meant to add to the post about wrapping...

...I apologize in advance for the wrapping job on your presents this year. No, a 4 year old didn't wrap them,

I did.

Rain day

Remember when you would listen to the radio, and wait to hear that school was cancelled, or impatiently wait at school for them to give the "ok" to release school early for a "Snow Day?" Well, let's be honest, that didn't happen that often in my hometown.

Anyway, I had one of those days today: the grown up, central AZ version.

It has been raining a lot the last 24 hours or so. Needless to say, people generally don't like to swim when it's cold and rainy outside, so I was sent home early today from work after being there for 4 hours and not one person came out to the pool.

I'm about about 5 seconds away from celebrating by snuggling up in bed and falling asleep to Christmas music.

Wrapping

Evidence of a successful morning wrapping and sending off Christmas gifts. Glad that's over with! Austria presents are the next victim.

Sedona

I just love Northern AZ. It has it's own unique beauty, that is definitely not present in Phoenix.

We decided to take a day trip to Sedona, AZ with a couple, just for fun and to get out of town. Wolfgang and I had the opportunity to have a complimentary off-roading tour (thanks Marriott!) with Pink Jeep Tours. Unfortunately our friends didn't come with us, because the wife is 8 months prego... we didn't want to play doctor on the tour (nor would they let her go anyway)

It was chilly but the air was crisp and clean. It just so happened that they also had some holiday festivities going on at Tlaquepaque so that was fun too.

Here are some pictures from the day, and if you'd like you can look at some more if you click here.

Cupcake.

Alright people, today is a monumental day.

Today marks the first day I've ever had a "specialty cupcake" {aka a ridiculously priced fancy pants cupcake}


...and it was amazing.

I was one of those people who would judge other people who fell into the trap of paying a pretty penny for a stupid cupcake. I thought, "it can't possibly be that good." Oh, but was I so wrong.

Today at work I had the pleasure of eating a glorious cupcake from 'Nothing Bundt Cakes.' One of the departments had them, and had extras...so some co-workers and I scurried on over and had one.


The icing was amazing; don't ask me what kind of icing. Not to mention I'm kinda an icing snob. Moving on, the cake itself was lemon (big score right there) and as I bit into its deliciousness, I was surprised by the raspberry filling! {our exact wedding cake: lemon and raspberry}


It couldn't have gotten any better.

The quality was definitely there. Think I'm being ridiculous? Well, I guess you'll just have to try one and see for yourself.

I plan on taking Wolfgang and my prego friend there, I hope they fall in love like I did. Although I'm scared to see how much one of those suckers actually costs...

Christmas music.

Today marks the first official day that I'm listening to Christmas music. I'm starting it off with some 'Nsync Christmas (the pandora station). What?

{Danielle, I wasn't kidding...}

December 1st.

It's already December. Can you believe it?! I can't. I still feel like we just moved to Phoenix, but now it's already been almost a year.

I feel as though Mother Nature of Phoenix also realized it was December 1st. Today is the first day that it was actually cold, and by cold I mean the highs in the low 60s, and the lows in the 40s. Brrr! Work today was a bit chilly. The cold weather all of a sudden just happened, because literally just yesterday it was in the high 70s. I'm kind of excited though, because now it can finally start to feel like winter.

I still can't believe it is so close to Christmas- it still feels like it is too early for Christmas music. I think I'll start easing into it though, because otherwise I'll be sad if I don't listen to enough of it, before it's too late.

Our DIY 'Cafe Rio' dinner

I mentioned a few posts ago that I was going to recreate our favorite food from Cafe Rio with the help of this recipe. I first used this sweet pork recipe over a year ago, and liked it, but I couldn't remember being blown away.

Well, I did it again, and this time, we were pretty dang close to being blown away; it turned out really really good. This time though, I chose to use Dr. Pepper instead of Coke. I don't know if that was the "secret" to the success or what, but it just turned out better this time. I didn't use the exact same type/cut (?) of pork that this person suggested, just because they didn't have it at my grocery store. I can't really remember what I used, sorry...but it was close enough.

Here are some low quality pictures of our high quality grub that night. I also made some homemade pico and guac. Just thinking about it makes me almost salivate.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was great. This year we had a 'real' turkey {don't ask} and were able to enjoy it with family.

My parents and sister came down to Phoenix, and it was perfect weather while they were here. We were incredibly blessed to have most of the days off from work while they were here. Sadly, I did come down with a nasty head cold, but that didn't stop me from enjoying my family.

Unfortunately we didn't take very many pictures, but here is just one from the feast. My mom insisted that Wolfgang be the first to cut into the turkey. So he did.

What is that, a beach towel as a table cloth/large pot holder on the table, you say? Why yes, yes it is. Gotta make do with whatcha got, right?

My mom and I did all the cooking, while my dad watched sports games at their hotel room (we don't have a tv), and Wolfgang and Jessie hiked Camelback. I'm glad I had cooking as an excuse, because climbing that beast was definitely a one time thing for me.

The holiday festivities consisted of eating {obviously}, weighing ourselves periodically on Thanksgiving day {it has become my tradition}, napping, movie-watching {The Descendents was really good. Complete with great acting and beautiful scenery- Hawaii of course}, a lot of board game playing, sister date of hair cut and dyeing, meeting sister's boyfriend for the first time, and more.

It was a great time had by all.

Costco

Yesterday I was getting my Thanksgiving shopping on. I don't want to be doing the last minute shopping thing and have to deal with a bunch of crazies, so I've bought what I can, early. One of those items included:



In case you can't tell what that is, it's a 20 lb turkey in our small freezer! This is the first time I've ever bought a real turkey; I'm pretty proud of myself. Although I can't say I'll be preparing it on my own, my mom will be here to help me! {Sorry for all the "!!" 's, can you tell I'm really excited for next week?}

Something else I got at Costco yesterday that I'm excited about, are these:



3 Big ol' tubs of HUMMUS! You know I love hummus. When I got to the register with just one, the cashier told me, "you know, you can get 3 of those for that price." So he made the little grocery packer guy go get me 2 more {sorry guy!}. I was pretty excited. All three for only $12. Two are the, "roasted sweet bell pepper" and the other is "avocado and cilantro." I just tried the bell pepper one a little while ago and it's delightful. I ended up giving one to my friend last night, because I knew we didn't need/wouldn't be able to eat all of them.

Right now, I've got a copycat recipe of Cafe Rio's (our favorite Mexican place) sweet pork simmering in the crock pot. This is our 2nd time making it, I'll let you know how it goes.

I'm sorry that a lot of my posts have just been about FOOD lately, but I don't promise that they'll get any better. But let's be real, would you rather me writing about work, or food?

That's what I thought.

Someone has to do it.

This morning as I was walking by a school full of small children on a chaotic playground, i watched as there were several adult women sporatically situated around the grounds. You could tell that they were routinely watching all the children in their vicinity, to make sure they were safe, and whatever else.

First, i thought to myself, those poor women. But within a few seconds, I was a little less negative, and thought, what great women they are. You see, I tend to complain when I have to deal with bratty and extremely obnoxious kids while I'm at work. It doesn't happen every day, and when it does, it only happens for a few hours, at the most. I can tolerate children, but I dont take great joy in being around them. I have the freedom of doing different things in my work day, so i can actually "take a break," if you will, when I've just about had it. But these women? They are probably lucky if they have a break from them, for just their short lunch breaks. I've always had appreciation for everyone and anyone who is in the field of education and especially those who have to deal with the little ones, whether it is in school, day care, etc. But today, that appreciation was even more increased.

tried and approved.

I've been meaning to share some recipes I've tried for the first time in the last couple of weeks, and now I'm just getting around to it.

I think I've mentioned before, that I love all things pumpkin (except pie!) and so I have been trying new recipes with pumpkin in it. I still have a few more to try that I'm pretty excited about.

(Please note that as usual, all of these photos come from the recipe website.Click on the word "recipe" to be taken to the website)

With that said, let's start things off with one of my all time FAVORITE cookies:

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip!

Recipe

In this cookie recipe, I accidentally put in a whole can of pumpkin, when I was suppose to only use a cup. I then adjusted the dry ingredients accordingly, and they turned out perfect. I've already used this recipe twice. Husband and co-workers approve :)

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Recipe

I had been wanting to try a pumpkin soup but didn't know what recipe to choose, so I ended up using a recipe a friend had tried and approved.

I didn't used parsley and bacon bits, and it was still good. This makes a BIG thing of soup!

Parmesan Garlic Chicken

Recipe

This turned out really good, and it's SO easy. Next time I think I'll use a little less seasoning on each chicken, just because it was a little too strong in some places.

Golden Graham S'mores Bars

Recipe

I love s'mores. These were dang yummy!

Baked Jalapeno Poppers

Recipe

Fun and easy. I think it would be great for snacks for a party, etc. Next time I think I'll buy some kind of dipping sauce for it; I'm thinkin' some of that glorious Raspberry Chipolte sauce from Costco. I'm about to salivate just thinking about it.

I didn't use bacon, and they were just fine.

Iced Oatmeal Applesauce Cookies

Recipe

Enjoyable and different than what I'd usually make! I didn't use the "100% pure maple syrup." It was so dang expensive for a little bottle! And I knew I wouldn't use it again. I just used regular syrup instead, and it worked out just fine.


Ok, so I have more recipes for snacks and treats than actual food. Wellll...you're right. But in my defense, I'll have you know that Wolfgang and I rarely are able to have dinner with each other lately b/c of our works schedules, so why would I make delicious dinner if I can't share it with him? And re-heating is not the same. Aaaaannnnd I like sweets.

I really hope you try one or two or all of these.

Happy Friday!

Laugh of the day.

How can you not think Ellen is funny?

Just do it.

I decided after 6 years, it was time to get a new pair of tennis shoes. I had a hard time finding ones I could tolerate (all the shoes right now are so bright with neon colors!) but found some at a beloved DSW. This turned out great, because I had a $10 coupon from there, just for signing up for their rewards program.

I'm not even a pink kind of girl at all, but I like these. I hope they will be as good to me as my last ones!

Yep, 5 cans in my cupboard. I believe in all things pumpkin this time of year. Although I'm still not a big fan of plain ol' pumpkin pie. Weird huh? I'll soon share my recent pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe. (my FAVORITE!)

Rain, Rain...we're glad you're here.

It is currently pouring y'all!

I love the sound and smell of rain. For some reason when it rained in Hawaii, it didn't have that distinct smell, and I came to miss it.

Tomorrow's high is supposed to only be 61 degrees. 61!! sheesh. Good thing I work indoors tomorrow.

Happy and Aloha Friday.

The cure.

Having a bad morning? I've got just the cure for you.

Step 1. If you are able to download apps, go right now and download Smacktalk. (don't have anything where you can download apps? well then, proceed to step 2, which will be shared shortly). Have fun and take out your anger/stress with these cute little furry animals by making them say ridiculous things. I personally suggest laughing and making weird sounds for an optimal experience.

Step 2. Eat something really unhealthy.

Step 3. Take a nap.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go take care of Step 2 and 3.

Have a great day!

It made my day.

Warning: the following post contains some bragging.

Alright I'm sorry, but I have to brag about, well, myself.

About 2 months ago or so, I went "above and beyond" and did something really nice for a guest. Without giving you every little detail and making this longer than it needs to be, let's just put it this way: incident happens, I have a nice little package sent to a guest's room for a kid, which, in order to make complete, I go out of my way to buy something little extra at Target. I see family the next day, they are incredibly nice and complimentative (not a word? I don't care) and even send me a nice and sincere card.

A few days later, my manager shares my story at a meeting with the rest of the other managers/leaders of the hotel.

Now fast forward to today. My manager comes back from her meeting, beaming and so excited to talk to me. She informs me that in the meeting, a new manager over the Sales & Marketing department had shared a story.

The other day, he was giving a property tour to a representative of a multimillion dollar company. The rep puts him on the spot and says, "Ok, tell me why I should pick your hotel to host our meetings (event, etc.)? What sets you a part from the others?" The employee said he was cut off guard by the question, but then quickly remembered, my customer service story. He proceeds to tell the story to the potential client, and the client is very impressed and touched. After this scenario, the client sends the employee an email or card, thanking him for the visit and tour, and then proceeds to say that he is going to tell his boss (did I mention multimillion dollar company, boss?!) about the story, I mean, my story.

Isn't that SO COOL?! It made me so proud and just smile ear to ear. It helped me realize that even though I'm just a Recreation Attendant, I can actually make a small impact in my work place. I'm not just a worthless pool girl!

And that my friends, is what made my day today.

Happy Halloween!

This year, we did absolutely nothing for the "holiday" this year. It's not really that tragic, because I never really go out of my way to do anything special for Halloween anyway. I don't even know if we had trick-or-treaters, because we both were at work tonight. Although I do have some regret of not doing our family tradition this year {sorry mom} of the jack-o-lantern sloppy joes {this is when I would usually link that to a previous post when I blogged about it in years past, but remember, Google suuucks and deleted all my previous photos...#*&#%$(*&...}

I also kind of wish we would have went to a haunted house, I really enjoy going to them, even though I'm a complete pansy.

Instead, I watched a few minutes of Ellen's show today while at work which of course, was Halloween themed. I forget how much I love Ellen until I watch her show. I laughed a lot. She's hilarious.

I hope you enjoyed your day and ate lots of candy and dressed up in ridiculous outfits, if, of course, that's your thing. If you just watched Ellen instead as well, then two thumbs up for you too.

Recycle.

Great news: our apt complex is going to start having recycling containers! This is great because this means I no longer have to keep bags of recycling in the trunk of our car and drive 20 minutes to get rid of it. Looks like someone beat me in writing to the leasing agents. :)

100

I found a One hundred push up challenge via Pinterest, and strangely decided to take it on. It says that with this 'program' that you'll be able to do 100 push ups in 6 weeks. I'll believe it when I see it. But I figure it's something different and free, so why not? Today will be day 2 for me.

Anyone want to join me? Just click on it above and read up.

Torch Relay ( a.k.a. walk) for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Easiest thing I've ever done for a good cause. I think I should be a better citizen and do more things like this.

Birthday Boy

Yesterday was my dear husband's birthday- he too now is officially old now and 25.

We both took the day off from work (preplanned, it wasn't one of those "call in sick" things...) and enjoyed the day.

I bought him some shoes he was eying on my birthday

He loves them, I'm still learning to like them

and he was also spoiled from other gifts and kind cards from family members.

When I asked him in advance what he wanted to do for his birthday, he told me he wanted to see two movies. So, that's what we did. Thank goodness for our continual stash of free movie tickets.

We saw:

50/50


I can't remember the last time I cried so much in a movie, but I definitely recommend it.


and Real Steel

both were good movies, but I have to say that I liked 50/50 more. Here's the trailer for 50/50 and the trailer for Real Steel.

For Wolfgang's cake, he requested anything chocolately, so I made just a dark chocolate out-of-the-box cake, then decided to spice things up a little and made a raspberry filling, and then topped it with chocolate frosting. It turned out pretty tasty (and extremely unhealthy?) if I say so myself.

The day ended with dinner at The Macaroni Grill, and sharing cake with friends. I think it turned out quite well.

Smoothies

I've mentioned before that for the last couple of months, I'm really into smoothies; It's my way of eating {drinking} what I should be putting into my body.

Usually the ingredients consist of some sort of variation of some of the following:

-bananas {always}
-oatmeal {also always}
-strawberries
-blueberries
-pineapple
-mango
-kale or spinach {it's true, and you can't even taste it!}
-almond butter


But every once in a while, I don't feel like having a healthy smoothie.

I just had one that had a banana, almond butter, and too much Hersey's chocolate syrup.

And it was delicious.

Lions and tigers and bears, Oh my!

Life has been pretty exciting in the last 24 hours for residents in eastern Ohio. Read about it here.

My favorite part of the whole article:

Flashing signs on the highways in eastern Ohio warned motorists Wednesday: "Caution. Exotic animals."

loyal.

Tonight I found this on Pinterest

I had an "awww" moment as I remembered how my childhood dogs were like this; such loyal creatures.

Then I asked Wolfgang for the 20 billionth time if we can have a dog. Someday I'll break him.

Winter swimming

A couple of days ago while Wolfgang and I were swimming in the apartment pool before work, I was thinking to myself that I want to look for a steal of a deal on a new swim suit ( I really like getting new swim wear and this IS the time of the year to look, I've found).

Then it suddenly dawned on me; this isn't Hawaii, where I'm going to play on the beach any day I want, all year around.

Then I got kind of sad. Granted, this is Phoenix after all and it doesn't get deathly cold, but I'm pretty sure I won't be running around in a swim suit this December, like I'm use to.



Sometimes I wish I lived on the beach again.

New Boss.

I've always been a fan of "The Office" tv show. Here and there it's had its ups and downs, but over all it always has me laughing, or cringing (because of the awkward situations they do so well).

As some or many of you know, the "star" of the show, Steve Carell a.k.a. Michael Scott left the show last season. I honestly thought the show was going to take a nose dive and it wouldn't be as funny anymore.

Although I do miss seeing Steve on the show, I think Ed Helms', a.k.a. Andy Bernard, role is doing a great job, being the new boss and all.


After watching the last two episodes online last night, I couldn't help but think,

It would be pretty awesome to have Andy Bernard as a boss.


Not to mention, he is a pretty attractive man, if I do say so myself...

I had a hard time picking a picture...

...and he has a big smile and really nice teeth that sometimes I can't stop staring at when I'm watching the show.

Gotta have it. now.

For those of you who know me, {or follow my blog, or most likely both} you know that I can become easily obsessed with things, to the point that it is kind of ridiculous. For the most part, it's just for a short length of time, then I am over it for either forever, a few months, etc.

Remember how I've blogged about the No bake energy bites? I'm obsessed with them every time I make them: I am not to be trusted with them alone in our apartment- maybe that's why I always now just double the batch when I make them?

Other past obsessions have included Italian sodas, smoothies (currently), berries, Sierra Mist, Pizza, Scotty McCreery...etc.

So tonight my friends, I have a new obsession. Skype! Once upon a time I had Skype when I first went to college, to keep in touch with a guy friend who I secretly "loved." Now, 6 years later, I'm all over that technology. And let me tell you, it's pretty cool.

Today we sorta video chatted (he could see us, but he didn't have his webcam on) with Wolfgang's best friend from back home. It was flawless. Technology is truly amazing! So now I'm trying to convince my family and friends to get Skype, so I can chat and keep in touch.

Are you convinced to get a Skype account yet and chat with me? Let me know if you want my username :)

Miracle.

Two days ago, a miracle happened.

We arrived in Phoenix, and the weather was nice.

We came into our apartment, and we didn't even have to turn on the A/C! I opened up the blinds and the windows, and just let the beautiful weather do its thing; it was about 70-75 degrees.

We kept the a/c off and the windows open as we stayed at Wolfgang's work for two nights with his parents. There we were treated like VIPs by Wolfgang's co-workers: they really made it extra special for his parents; he is so lucky to work with some pretty great people.

This morning we came back to our apartment, and it still felt great, and it was only 70 degrees in out apartment- awesome!

I'm so excited that fall is giving us a sneak peek. Next week it's suppose to get back up to the triple digits, but hopefully not for too long.

The city that never sleeps.

Stage two of the trip with the in-laws: Vegas! Good ol' Vegas.

Got in yesterday afternoon, and spent some short but good time with grandpa, aunt, uncle, and cousin n' boyfriend.

Being a Marriott employee, benefit #234 is that you can get employee discount rates for hotels that aren't really Marriott hotels, like The Cosmopolitan. Therefore, that's where we stayed at for two nights.

Wolfgang has been wanting to stay here ever since it opened last year, but they are pretty (understandably) stingy about giving employee discounts, so needless to say, he was really excited to find some rates for when his parents were coming here.

So, would you like a cheesy video tour of our hotel room? Ok, if you insist.


(sorry, after two long tries, my video wouldn't upload...maybe I'll put it on youtube and share the link)

The weather here has been great, rainy but enjoyable. I think fall is finally here? I'll be the judge when we are in Phoenix.

Utah.

Thursday night Wolfgang's parents flew in from Austria. Friday morning we all caught a flight to Salt Lake City, to attend General Conference. It's been a great weekend to become spiritually uplifted, enjoy the beautiful weather, and to meet up with friends and family.

When you are a member of the LDS church, the world seems to become a lot smaller. I have never been to Conference without seeing at least a few people that I know from home, or more in particularly, from school in Idaho and Hawaii.

Yesterday I randomly came across a dear friend of mine from high school who was a foreign exchange student my senior year of high school. The last time I had seen him was when one of my best friends and I had said our excited, yet sad goodbyes to him, at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT. We knew that it could possibly be the last time we would ever see him again in this life, considering his home in Brazil wasn't exactly just around the corner to visit.

As we had a few minutes to say hello yesterday and to catch up, we realized the day we said our goodbyes, was around 5-6 years ago. Say whaaaat?? We couldn't believe it. Oh, how time flies.

The last two night one of my (2nd) cousins kindly let Wolfgang and I stay with her husband and adorable two boys. I couldn't believe how much the boys had grown! The oldest 3, and the other...probably about 1 1/2. The last time I had seen the youngest, we was only a few weeks old. They are both so precious and lively little boys.

It's been a good weekend, and tomorrow we continue our travels with the in-laws to southern Utah, then off to good ol' Vegas!

Y'all ready for this?

(are you thinking of the song now from my post title?) That was my intention.



That's right y'all, the Mormons are taking over.

{Possibly in a town near you!} On Oct 3rd, there is going to be a Mormon invasion. Hide yo' kids, hide yo' wife.

Ok, ok, that was a bit drastic, but here's the scoop:

We were informed that for about a month, our good ol' city of Phoenix is literally going to be bombarded with tv commercials, billboards, radio commercials, etc during that month, then it'll "chill out" a little. In church we were encouraged to create a profile on mormon.org and then to effectively answer questions anyone might have about our church, and to possibly even invite them to our "profile" on mormon.org, which briefly talks about our life, how we became members of the church, and most importantly, our testimony about our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I have to admit, I was kind of annoyed when I first heard about this. Our church has had a lot of publicity lately because of the "Book of Mormon" play, Mormon church members in the political scene, and etc. A lot of it is negative, but there is surprisingly good that comes from it also. I felt like with this new "awareness" {I guess you could call it} it was like we were advertising our church, even though really, there is no motive behind it, no gimmick, no "pay your clergy" (which we don't do anyway) movement, nada.

As I think about it more, it is actually kinda clever. The church is using modern media to spread the word that Mormons are "normal every day people," and that really they want to show the world that we are indeed Christians, and that we believe Jesus is our Savior; afterall, our church title does bear His name.

I still have mixed feelings, but I do believe that good can come from this. Hopefully if anything, it will help clarify all those random ridiculous things that people think about us.

What do you think?

Depending on what end of the spectrum you are on, I hope you are ready to do some asking, and some explaining...or maybe a little bit of both.

Just got my second ever! pedicure with a friend. Now, I just need to focus on not messing them up...

What is....

I find it as a fun challenge to have to explain something that is common to me, to someone who has never heard of such a word, thing, concept...etc.

{is it ironic that I think I explained that poorly?}

While attending BYU Hawaii {and maybe since meeting Wolfgang?}, I did that a lot more often than I thought I would ever have to.

Yesterday, a co-worker asked me what Halloween was. Halloween! That was fun. I then got into the discussion of what a haunted house is.

I have a love-hate relationship with haunted houses. I don't like to be scared, but I really like going to haunted houses. But I will only go under these conditions: I MUST have a death grip on someone; preferably be in the middle of two people; not be in the front of a group; and I usually scream way too much. I find them terrifying yet exciting.

Now I'm excited to hopefully find one here and go!

Quarter of a Century.

Yesterday I turned the big 2-5. I feel so old! Yet I'm still a child at heart.

Thanks to all those that made it special with messages, phone calls, and gifts. I really did appreciate every bit of it.

My good ol' husband made sure that it was going to be a great birthday, and it truly was. The day's festivities included:

-homemade delicious breakfast by Wolfgang

-hair cut(sorry, no head-on shot, I didn't like how the picture turned out. btw my hair isn't that red color, it's just bad lighting and using my camera phone)
I really liked how my hairstylist styled it. Why can't I ever seem to fully re-create what they did?!

-successful shoe shopping (this seems to be a rare occurrence)

-dinner at The Melting Pot with our family friend who recently got married. We hooked them up with a great room at Wolfgang's hotel for their wedding, and in return they wanted to treat us for dinner; oh boy did they ever! The Melting Pot is so SO good! I had heard good things about it, but we had never been there before. Definitely not one of those places you can go to often, but it was fantastic. Maybe someday in the near future, I'll buy a nice fondue pot? We'll see.

Wolfgang had even made me a cake, but we didn't even touch it because we were beyond full from dinner! Needless to say we still have a cake that hasn't been touched, haha. Trying to convince some friends to help us eat it, we hope they buy it.

As you can see I was really spoiled, and I felt very loved. Cheers to a new year!