Oh, how I've missed this!

Thank goodness for Tivo!! It's taken priority since I've returned from my trip... because it only has 40 hours worth of space, while the computer/e-mail/Google Reader space is a bit more limitless.

Here's your 2-minute replay of the Best.Show.Ever.:



Em - you can watch the full episode here. Unless you did the SMART thing and plugged in that TV already. However do you survive??

Too bad this week's episode will be preempted by Mrs. Palin likely putting her foot in her mouth again. How I wish we had better options this election!!

Okay, okay...

Happy Birthday to ME!

So sad this picture was taken 30 25 years ago.

Sunday Sustenance

"One good yardstick
as to whether a person might be
the right one for you is this:
in her [or his] presence,
do you think your noblest thoughts,
do you aspire to your finest deeds,
do you wish you were better than you are?"

- Ezra Taft Benson

The End. (and The Beginning.)

As partially evidenced by the past three days of "Dates from Hell", I couldn't ask for a better match for me than Brian.

We both "found" each other about the same time online... had stumbled across each other's profiles, and I felt there was something special about him. Not only did he fit in that top 2%, he exceeded all of my other initial expectations. Here was a guy, perfect for me in every way... just slightly older than me, never married, no children, recent convert, and active church member, etc. His profile was free of grammatical errors, and he didn't brag about the one time he went skydiving being his current full-time hobby. He had a great sense of humor, and his personality seemed like it would mesh with mine. At the time, I wasn't a paying member, so I pretty much had to wait for him to contact me, and then follow my clues to my offsite e-mail address. Lucky for me, he's a pretty smart boy!

I never imagined that I could know my husband for such a short while before marrying him, and that I would be 100% content with that. In fact, I used to make fun of all those couples I heard about that married so quickly, and thought that would never be the route I would take. Those 6 weeks we spent before meeting face-to-face proved invaluable, and I truly felt like I knew him before I saw him. In my heart, I knew he was being honest with me in every way, and genuinely wanted to get to know me better. After that, absence does make the heart grow fonder, and we "courted" long-distance for about as long as we could handle it. Like they say, when you know, you know!

While we've endured our share of trials and tribulations in the short 34 months we've been married, there hasn't been a day I haven't smiled and laughed with the love of my life. The long journey to find him, and the traumatizing dating experiences I endured, were most certainly worth it.

I know it's sometimes trite to blather on and on about how much you love your spouse on your blog, but have you met him?? He's amazing!

I love you, Brian, and I can't wait to see you tomorrow!!
XOXO

#1 - Zoo Boy

#1 of Aimgrrl's Top Three Worst Online Dates Ever will forever be known as Zoo Boy.

We had chatted for quite awhile online... he seemed nice, a good sense of humor, and an intriguing profile. He lived in California, so it was a few weeks before we would meet in person. One late summer weekend, he drove out to Utah. Luckily he had friends in town, so it was not my job to keep him entertained the whole time. I did agree to have dinner with him one night, and then go out on an activity the next... least I could do, right? ;)

Dinner was interesting... I won't even mention how he was 45 minutes late because he had stopped in the desert to sleep in his car during his drive. Or how he parked nearly a mile from the restaurant and was spotted walking down State Street in North Orem, reading a newspaper, on his way to the restaurant (odd behavior and an odd place for a pedestrian). Dinner conversation was a little awkward (he was a little awkward), but I was committed to keeping an open mind, and I agreed to go to the zoo with him the next day.

So, I met him in Lehi in a grocery store parking lot to drop my car and drive with him to Hogle Zoo. Oddly enough, he was in a suit and tie. For some reason, rather than run into the grocery store or a nearby fast food restaurant to change his clothes (in a private bathroom stall), he waited until we arrived in the parking lot of the zoo. As he stripped down to his special skivvies outside of the car, with families passing nearby, I stood uncomfortably a safe 30-yard distance away, with my back to him of course. Don't worry... the date gets better!

The zoo is always a fun place to visit, especially if you're there with someone who knows ALL the sounds the animals make. It'd be one thing if he was goofing off, but no, he was completely serious and intent on communicating with all of God's creatures... very, very loudly. I usually don't embarrass easily, but I'm sure my face was a lovely shade of red for most of the day.

As we walked through the animals on display, Zoo Boy provided a bottle for each of us of flavored carbonated water. Did I mention how hot it was that day? Naturally I was completely miserable (me and the heat, don't get along all that well, but I was trying to be polite and a good sport). Towards the end of our zoo journey, my drink had gone completely flat and warm. With maybe less than an ounce left (probably of my own sweaty backwash), I tossed it into a nearby trashcan. He casually asks me if I'm done with my drink, and I confirm that yes, that's why I threw it out. He goes over to the trash can, fishes it out, and proceeds to finish it off for me, making a comment about how he doesn't like to be so wasteful. He goes on and on about how he eats all of his leftovers, even if they've gone moldy. (Yes, the warning bells had been sounding in my head long before this, but what do I do, except try not to show sheer mortification on my face???)

Finally our trek through the zoo is over, and we head back to the car. He had purchased lunch for us at the grocery store - mayo-based sandwiches and potato salad. But when we arrived it was early still, so he thought we should leave them in the car. Hours and nearly 100 degrees later (hotter in the car, mind you), we returned and Zoo Boy consumed our lunches. I decided I was no longer hungry (but really was famished) and watched him ingest the salmonella.

We start our drive back to Lehi, and without consulting me, he takes a detour. Apparently, he's decided we're going to go see a movie because he wants to cuddle in the dark. (Yikes!) I politely protest, saying I'm tired. He plays a pity card and says he wants to see a movie with me, because he only ever goes to the movies by himself (no, really??). I relent, warn that there will be no cuddling, and figure it's only 2 more hours of my life that I won't be able to get back.

My defense skills were in fine form throughout the show, and I was most successful. Afterwards, we finally head back to my car, and of course he tries to get a kiss. (You know, we didn't have that much chemistry.) I decline, I hope, without embarrassing him too much. We say our goodbyes, and I'm beyond relieved to be on my way... with only a really good story to tell. If anything else horrific happened on this date, I'm sure I've probably blocked it from memory!

About a month later I get a phone call from him... as if no time has passed at all. I'm sure I don't need to mention the fact, that I had previously told him I wasn't interested, shortly after the disastrous date.

Zoo Boy had been on duty with the National Guard, daydreaming of me and wondering when we'd be able to see each other again (yes, he actually said that), and received orders to go see his commanding officer regarding an issue at home. Apparently while he'd been away, his long-time female roommate (never knew about her) had been murdered by her abusive boyfriend in Zoo Boy's apartment, and the local police department wanted to ask him a few questions.

Naturally, I'm stunned... ask him if he's okay, how tragic, etc. He's fine, but has to complain about how the police took care of the crime scene - didn't clean up the blood, how it stained the carpet and mattress. (???) Then he starts bragging about all the attention he's receiving from people in his apartment complex and how great it was being such a star.

At this point, I was beyond disturbed, and asked Zoo Boy again if he was okay. Sure, he's fine, and I really don't need to worry so much about him. Alrighty then. I hurried to get off the phone... and never responded to his efforts to reach me. (And he tried, over and over again.)

So there you have it... all 3 of them... ALL WINNERS!
I sure know how to pick 'em, don't I??
(That is, they were always able to pick me.)

#2 - An Officer, but Not a Gentleman

#2 of Aimgrrl's Top Three Worst Online Dates Ever was my brush with the law.

Mr. Occifer worked for the County Sheriff. He was divorced, but had no kids. He seemed nice enough, and had a sense of humor.

We kept things strictly online for several weeks... mostly due to his work schedule. I was trying to abide by the meeting in daylight rule of mine, so we waited for a Saturday he would have off to meet for lunch.

During any online period, after a time, I would agree to exchange last names with someone. Personally, I wanted to google what I could on the person, before I would agree to go out with them. This way, my friends would also be able to say, "She was last seen with so-and-so." In this case, he also wanted to run my name through the law enforcement database.

Much to both of our surprise, I apparently was hiding a big secret, and there was a warrant out for my arrest. (I know, Whiskey.Tango.Foxtrot.) My prospective date wouldn't give me any more details, just said that if we met up, he'd have to arrest me, because his job was to uphold the law (yeah, he took it all a little too seriously).

Fortunately for me, Karen's husband is an officer for SLCPD, so I had him also run my name to figure out what was going on. This wasn't one of those hunt you down to arrest you type warrants, thankfully... just a run-of-the-mill bench warrant. Which basically means that if I was pulled over by a cop, I'd have to produce bail on the spot, in cash, or they would haul me Downtown (really not that scary a prospect in Utah, but still an embarrassing one I wanted to avoid, nonetheless).

Months earlier, I had a ridiculous traffic ticket that at one point I wanted to contest before a judge. A court date was set, but about a month before, I decided it wouldn't be worth my time or energy. I called the clerk's office, paid my fine, and cancelled... or so I thought. Surprisingly, the Provo clerk's office isn't all that efficient, the court date came and went, and a bench warrant was issued in my name for failure to appear. Don't worry... several phone calls, and much yelling later, it was all cleared up.

Now I was finally worthy enough for Mr. Occifer to go out with me. We set a date, and agreed to meet in downtown SLC for lunch.

I arrived before him, and waited patiently outside the restaurant. A cop car pulled into the handicapped spot on the street in front of the restaurant, and he emerged in a ratty t-shirt and jeans... so classy on so many levels. Now, I understand that for his job, he's in a uniform every day, but for a first date, you'd at least want to show up in a collared shirt or an outfit less white trash (one would think). Parking in the handicapped spot - I realize he can get away with it, but still tacky.

Lunch was fine. Conversation was okay. He wasn't very nice to the wait staff, which bothered me - the service was fine, but he was rude. The check came, and he didn't leave a tip. Right then, I decided there would be no second date.

We walked out of the restaurant. We exchanged pleasantries, nice to have met you, he wanted to do it again sometime, etc. He asked where I was parked (around the corner, a block or so over), said okay, and climbed into his car. I was pretty much standing there as he drove away, a bit stunned. I know it was SLC in the middle of the day, but still... a gentleman should always at least walk the girl to her car, no matter how bad the date goes.

Mr. Occifer kept trying to talk to me after that... sent a couple of e-mails and left messages. I never answered my phone, but sent him a polite thanks, but no thanks, e-mail.

At least I got that warrant cleared up.

#3 - A Yellow Bug

#3 of Aimgrrl's Top Three Worst Online Dates Ever happens to be my first ever face-to-face online date.

I don't remember all that much about him, other than he seemed like a nice enough guy, and I was trying really hard to keep myself OPEN to all possibilities. We probably chatted for a week or so online, and since he was local, I agreed to meet him for lunch.

Not to worry, I was smart about all of my online dating prospects. When it felt right to meet someone face-to-face for the first time, I always met them in a public place (they never were told where I lived), and usually during the day. I would also tell a good friend in town, usually Teresa, who I was meeting, where and when, so that if she didn't hear from me in several hours, she would know to worry. I also usually lined up a "get-out-of-jail-free" call (you know, where someone could call my cell, to "rescue" me if the date was going poorly) to occur about an hour into the date... just in case. My plan was to answer the call only if I needed rescuing, otherwise I would ignore it, and my friend would figure everything was fine. A girl must always have a Plan B in place!

We picked a restaurant in town, and the morning of the lunch date, he told me I would find him waiting in front of his car - a yellow bug. I really try not to judge others, but this should have been my first clue... no normal heterosexual male in his 30s would likely drive such a vehicle... at least not one I would be interested in.

With some apprehension in tow, I arrive at the restaurant and see a man leaning against a yellow bug. But this man looks nothing like the picture he had posted... unless he posted a picture that was at least 15 years old! This guy was easily 30 pounds heavier and significantly balding, than the guy in the picture that I thought I had been talking to. Initially, his appearance was not a total turn-off, but the fact that he had chosen to be dishonest about the way he looked was. A bit disappointed, we walked into the restaurant together.

Lunch was nothing to be excited about... the conversation was truly lacking. My rescue call came and went, but I figured I would be out of there in no time flat, so I didn't worry about it - and I was right.

About 70 minutes into the date, he takes an incoming call on his cell. I hear him say words like "Honey" and "Sweetie" and "What do you need me to pick up for dinner"... I pretty much just stared at him incredulously, and he mouthed to me that it was his WIFE. I just nodded and got up and left before he was even off his call. We never spoke again.

First of all, he WAS MARRIED.
Second of all, he lied about his appearance.
And finally, he drove a fruity car.

Part of the Journey

Since I'm away to Utah, and in an effort to thank my wonderful husband for this very fun birthday trip, I thought I'd entertain my 5 faithful readers (maybe there's more... but, I don't want to get my hopes up) with just 3 of the 618 bazillion reasons why I knew Brian was the one for me. (Plus, this way he knows that although I'm having fun while I'm away, I do miss him terribly.)

As many of you may or may not know, Brian and I met online... I was living in Mesa, and he was in Denver. Ours was a fairly short courtship - I wouldn't let him meet me in person for the first 6-7 weeks (this was my potential safeguard against a really bad date), so we spent nearly every evening chatting online or on the phone, getting to know each other better. He came out to visit me in Arizona on a weekend in May, and before he left for home, I knew he was the one. We were engaged in July, and married that December.

Prior to dipping my toes in the insane world of online dating, I was living in Provo, and growing tired of feeling like an old maid in my mid- to late-20s. I had moved to Provo for school right after HS graduation, and then stayed and worked full-time for many years. While I was never looking to get married young, I always figured that the chances of me finding him were going to be higher, living in Utah. Years, and years went by. Sure, there were plenty of boys my age and older around, but the problem was that every September a fresh new crop of very young females (18-19 yrs) moved into town, and there went all the boys' attentions. Sad, but true.

So, I pimped myself online for just a couple of years, generally having fun, but mostly going on really bad dates. At least I was entertained... as was my good friend, Andi, who helped me screen many potential suitors.

I'll admit, pickings were pretty slim online. Occasionally, there was a prime candidate... one who had never married or had any children, was active in church and possibly served a mission, had an education and a good job, had at least a moderately attractive picture and was taller than 5'9", and had a well-written profile with an evident sense of humor and mental stability. That was an ideal suitor, and only describes about 2% of the profiles I saw online. Most of the men, in the age range I was seeking, had at least been married before and maybe even had children. These were things I decided I needed to be open to, especially if I wanted to give the online dating thing a shot. Geographically, I was open, but mostly focused on those in the western US. I suppose I figured that the more open I was, within reason of course, the more likely I would be to find someone with whom I would be compatible.

Just before I (Aimgrrl) met Brian (Brian72), I was on the verge of giving up the whole shebang. It was getting really old, and the bad dates were starting to take their toll. While I had only "advertised" myself on church dating sites (like LDSMingle, and LDS Singles), it was surprising how many seemingly eligible, worthy men really just wanted to hook you into a chat to try to have online cyber sex... yes, disturbing, I know. A few, however, didn't seem to have those nasty intentions, and made the cut to a face-to-face meeting.

I must admit, I was also a little inspired to finally post these stories after seeing this article on People.com last week, about how Kate Hudson once was on a date so boring, that she got up and left (shocking!). Boring? That's all you've got, Kate?? Boring, I could handle... horrific, well that's another story... ;)

Stay tuned in the coming days for
Aimgrrl's Top Three Worst Online Dates Ever!
(I think you'll be pretty entertained... at least, I hope so!)

And if you have Dating Stories from Hell, too...
(yours might even be worse than mine...)
I wanna read all about them!! :)

Sunday Sustenance

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which
your children as living arrows are sent forth.

- Khalil Gibran

Birthday wishes...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mary!

We hope you have
a wonderful day!

TGIF

It's Friday...

Looking forward to attending this along this

Trying not to feel like this too much

Spending some quality time with him

Hoping he'll take care of my least favorite thing for me
(because he's a professional, and I'm horrible at it)

So that I can do this

To come here
So excited to see family and good friends,
and really hoping I have all the stamina needed
for the week I have planned!

Stay tuned next week...
I've got some good posts scheduled while I'm gone!

Do you know what today is?

...Only
1 more week
until the
season premiere of
THE OFFICE


I.can't.wait.


I loved this South Park
rendition of my favorite
cast of players...







(As seen on
Word to Your Mother,
who saw it on
Me & the Boys.)

I guess I missed the memo...

On any given weekend, at our local outlet mall, you will commonly see this outside of a certain store:



That's 1 line, and I don't think I even caught everyone that was waiting with these 2 pics. I don't understand... and I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around it.

I suppose I'm a simple girl, with more practical tastes. Most of the time, if I'm out with Brian, I don't bother carrying a bag... he's my purse, or my wallet anyway. Granted, I do enjoy getting a new bag every so often, but if I'm going to put a purse on a dirty floor (gosh knows where), I really don't want to spend $400+ on it.

Back to the outlet mall... most of the purses in that store look like this one - really obvious about what brand it is, and not very attractive, IMHO. If I'm going to spend that much money on something, I don't want it to scream, "I'M A COACH!"

If money were no object, I'd have to choose something a little more classic like this, this, or that (which you'd never find at the outlet store). But heaven knows, I'd never wait for it in a line 50 people long on a hot summer day.

And besides... it's just a purse.

Eye Candy?

Mindi's hilarious take on the latest International Male catalog is posted here. She must have worked for the J. Peterman Company in a past life. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone when you become a regular subscriber, too!

Whoever smelt it dealt it

Prior to Ike's landfall, we noticed gas prices in these parts jump as high as $0.40/gallon (to $4.25/gallon). Which was ridiculous, but that's a whole other post. It was interesting to see how quickly the market jumped in price in response to the upcoming disaster - all within 24-48 hours. And the gas prices still have not fallen since Ike hit last weekend.

Meanwhile, the price of a barrel of oil dropped this week to near $90/barrel, and currently sits around $97/barrel (far from the highs we were seeing earlier this year above $140/barrel). If the markets can respond so quickly to a perceived "threat" (not minimizing the damage caused by Ike in the least, but at the time of the price jumps, it was all purely speculation), why can't they respond as quickly to fluctuations in the price of oil?

One of the last times oil was so cheap was about a year ago... and we were all concerned about gas pushing $3.00/gallon - those were the days.

It'd be nice if the markets could fall back on historical trends... if oil is less than $100/barrel, gas is around $3.00/gallon.

I'm just sayin'...

Maybe this is the way we should settle things in November?

(As seen on Best Week Ever.)

Recent read and a commentary

Well, after picking up this book earlier this summer, I'm disappointed with myself that I didn't read it right away. I practically devoured it, I read it so fast... it was incredibly hard to put down! While giving her readers a glimpse of life inside a polygamous sect, her main theme was FREEDOM, and how the women in that community completely give up their rights as human beings.

Escape
By Carolyn Jessop & Laura Palmer

From Publishers Weekly
Seventeen years after being forced into a polygamous marriage, Jessop escaped from the cultlike Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints with her eight children. She recounts the horrid events that led her to break free from the oppressive world she knew and how she has managed to survive since escaping, despite threats and legal battles with her husband and the Church. Though sometimes her retelling overflows with colorful foreshadowing and commentary on how exceptional she is, the everyday details she reveals about this polygamous society are devastating and tragic.

This book's release happened around the time the FLDS children in Texas were removed from their homes. Carolyn Jessop also appeared on the Today Show, while promoting her book. My thoughts are still mixed over whether or not I agree with that situation in Texas, but I was definitely intrigued to learn more about this sect that is so commonly misaligned by the media with the church I belong to. This book was enlightening, to say the least!

I read this post on When I in Awesome Wonder Consider All... and loved how this picture so clearly illustrated the differences in beliefs between the FLDS and LDS members. A reader went through the book and tabbed in yellow the beliefs that are common between the faiths, and in red the beliefs that are starkly different. Not surprisingly, there are WAY more red flags than yellow ones. (At least I wasn't surprised.) The beliefs we have in common? They also worship God, believe in Christ, and agree that we're given a latter-day prophet to follow as in Bible times. (Though we disagree on who that latter-day prophet is.)

I know polygamy was practiced by my LDS ancestors, until it was rescinded in 1890. It's a practice I have a hard time wrapping my own head around, and to be quite honest, I can't say that I would ever be comfortable or willing to participate in it.

On that note, a final question about our society...

Why is this (polygamy) so abhorred by the public?

While this seems to be so celebrated?

Is it not somewhat the same situation???

Mr. Hefner is much like a polygamist
living and sleeping with several women...
he's also not legally married to all of them...
but I suppose since he's not having hoards of children with them,
it must be okay.

Both situations turn my stomach.

That's just how he rolls

Sometimes, when Brian has to go on a business trip, it's actually cheaper to hire a car service (than park at O'Hare and be reimbursed for mileage). Usually, said car service is just a modest, and non-descript, TownCar... but, not today!

His ride this morning was a streeeeeetch Ford Excursion... which probably could seat 20+ prom kids quite comfortably... but today carried only Brian, all the way to the airport.

Sorry about the grainy and over-reflected pics - I had to shoot inside from the front window with my phone that McCain created, so as not to embarrass him in front of his driver.

Who woulda thought - my husband, a pimp daddy.

I'd like to thank...

First things first, I'd like to thank Mr. Al Gore for inventing the internet. Without it, I wouldn't be quite so entertained or informed.

Secondly, Mr. John McCain deserves kudos for creating the Blackberry. Without mine, I'd never be able to stay caught up on my junk e-mail and blogs while waiting at the doctor's office.

What do you think Mr. Barack Obama will be taking credit for next week?

"I was soooo excited..."

This hit the nail on the head...

Chop suey

Not sure if you love PF Chang's as much as I do... probably not.

In that case, you definitely should NOT head over to Natalie's Sentiments for her giveaway.

I said not to... don't you ever do as you're told???

Is Jesus a friend of yours?

(As seen on Best Week Ever.)

Sunday Sustenance

"Don't worry about your clumsily expressed feelings. Just talk to your compassionate, understanding Father. You are His precious child whom He loves perfectly and wants to help. As you pray, recognize that Father in Heaven is near and He is listening."

- Richard G. Scott

Ike, Schmike

Can't wait to hear how my Houston friends fared last night and today. Crossing my fingers that the storm wasn't as bad in the Spring area as we're seeing on TV. Hopefully your power is back on soon, and we'll hear updates from you. Our thoughts and prayers are with all y'all!

What I'm bringing to the Movie Clip Party

Kami of It's No Biggie has invited one and all to a Movie Clip Party, and as the movie freak that I am, I decided I had to play along...

Who can forget one of the best scenes shot EVER...
The Volleyball scene from "Top Gun":


Speaking of scenes that get you a little hot under the collar, from one of my favorite movies...
The Trunk scene from "Out of Sight":


Now let's move onto some of my favorite hilariousness from movies...
Here's the Best of Brick from "Anchorman":


Can't leave out my favorite elf because "Smiling's my favorite!"...
Here's the Best of "Elf":


I'm totally considering a performance of this dance routine at my next HS reunion...
Here's the Time After Time scene from "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion":


And of course, my favorite "human boy"...
Here's the Best of "Clifford":


And finally, who could ever forget Wayne Wayne Wayne, Jr....
The Dance scene from "Happy, Texas":


Hope you had fun... I did!

"But I was dressed cute!"

This made me laugh so hard, I started to cry...

Have I mentioned how generous she is?

The fantabulous Mindi is hosting
yet another amazing giveaway on her blog.
You really should get over there and check it out...
seriously. not. kidding.
If you win, I'll let you keep the Kohl's gift card...
but I get the SEASONALS!

Because we all like it easy

Previously, I listed the upcoming Fall TV Premiere dates here. Well, now I've found you something so much better!

Go here for a handy dandy series/season premiere schedule in calendar form... much easier to read than a list.

Go here to make it easier on your DVR... learn what shows are on when and up against what. And I used to think that having a dual tuner on the DVR (being able to record 2 shows at once) was all I would ever need...

You're welcome. ;)

Sunday Sustenance

"Cultivating a generous spirit
starts with mindfulness.
Mindfulness, simply stated,
means paying attention
to what is actually happening;
it's about what is really going on."

- Nell Newman

I *Heart* Fall

Today it didn't get above 70 degrees here... and I wore LONG-SLEEVES! Yes, it was glorious!

I really can't wait for the cooler weather... for all the leaves to start changing... for brisk walks in the evenings... and for the smell of fall in the air. I even pulled out all my seasonals today, I just couldn't wait! :) Poor Brian's going to be looking at pumpkins for the next three months... yeah, he'll survive.

One of the best parts of this fall will be my trip to Utah in a couple of weeks. To say I'm a "little excited" would be a complete understatement... I.can.hardly.wait! Not only will I be able to see the gorgeous mountains I miss so much, but they'll be covered in beautiful fall colors. I'll get to shop (just the window variety, B ;) at some of the places I miss (like here, here, and here). And most importantly, I'll get to see family, including my mom who'll be in town at the same time, and so many old and new friends (like you, you, you, and you!) that I haven't seen in YEARS (or ever).

Just a little over two weeks...
Yep, I'm like a little kid at Christmas.

"Don't be jealous..."

This post of Mindi's reminded me of my favorite Napolean Dynamite clip... (I think you're gonna like it too) check it out!

We couldn't be happier...

...to share this news with you!


We feel so blessed!
We've had a long struggle to get to this point,
and are counting our many blessings for this pregnancy.

...and that explains why I've been MIA lately. ;)

What has the world come to??

I mean, if Diddy can't afford to fly his PRIVATE jet anymore, we're all done for! I just can't believe he has to fly commercial now... my heart weeps for him. Check out this ridiculous article at CNN.com.