Sunday, July 17, 2005

Acadia's Talk

Acadia did a GREAT JOB on her talk today in Primary. There was a little boy giving his talk before her and (though he was REALLY CUTE) I couldn't hear him at all. But when Acadia was up, she spoke loudly and clearly.

So, Good Job Cadi!





As the Ward Turns

Today is going to be interesting.

I love going to church. The reason why I love going to church only slightly has to do with seeing people I associate with there. The real reason why I love church is because I feel the Spririt there. I have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I know my testimony is strengthened when I attend my church meetings. I learn more about my Heavenly Father and His plan for me. I learn how to deal with everyday trials so that I can be a better person. I just love going to church!

But due to "recent events" I admit that I am curious to go to church today partly just to see what happens. Who will be there? Will there be any sign of the situation that has taken place this week? I hope that everyone will be there and that no one will say or do anything to give any indication of what happened. It just wouldn't be rght. But, I would have also hoped that the people involved wouldn't have done what they did in the first place , which also was NOT RIGHT! So clearly, with some people, you just never know. And at this point, I wouldn't put it past them.

I feel like I've been following a soap opera and am about to see a live taping.

Saturday, July 16, 2005

Better late than never.

Here's another set of Friday Five questions (one day late):

Who was your first best friend? 
My first best friend was Hannah Duch.  She lived across the street when I was growing up.  One day I told my mom I had nothing to do, so she sent me over there to ask if I could play.  We were fast friends even though she was a couple of years younger than me.  And even after we "grew up" and had new best friends of our own, we remained very good friends.  Nowadays she is happily married and still lives in Sacramento.  Her children are adorable and she is a great mom and homemaker.  I haven't been too good at keeping in touch but its always great to see her when we visit Sacramento!

Who have been some of the most influential people in your life? 
I think first off, my parents for sure.  Even though I pretended not to, I really was listening most of the time they talked to me.  I remember some specific situations where what they said really changed my way of thinking.  Years later as an adult I was paid a compliment by someone.  The attribute that they complimented was one that I had decided to develop after being "talked to" by my mom about a weakness of mine.  I'm glad I listened to her.

I was also very much influenced by my best friend, Barbie when we were teenagers.  Before Barbie and I became such close friends, I had very low self-esteem.  I always admired Barbie and when I learned that she considered me one of her best friends, I was shocked!  After that, I did everything I could to be a good friend to her.  As we went through high school, dances, dating, girls camp, etc  I developed confidence in myself because she encouraged me, defended me, supported me, and loved me.

Of course Ryan has also influenced me.  As my husband and the patriarch of our home, he often provides counsel, love and support in the things I do.  Sometimes I think I act like I did when I was young and listening to my parents; I act defensive while he advises me, but secretly I listen, take notes and make an effort to change. 

Do you usually have one best friend or a lot of close friends? 
I usually have a couple best friends, then several friends that I like, but just don't end up spending a whole lot of time with or get that close to.

Do you believe people of the opposite sex can be best friends and not lovers? 
Yes, but you do have to be careful.  When I was in high school, one of my best friends was a guy.  I think the friendship lasted longer than it should have.  By the time we were dating (other people) we probably would have been better as more casual friends.  But you live and learn.

Now one of my best friends is a guy.  I think its different this time because we met after I was married and Ryan is friends with him too.  He has helped me during some very difficult times and I love him for it.  I don't worry too much about things being inappropriate because we all know where we stand.  I think its still important not to be stupid - I wouldn't spend alot of time with him alone. 

Have you ever fallen in love with a friend?Well, duh!  I am married to my bestest friend of all!  Well, I guess we weren't exactly "friends first".  I mean, we dated and became friends all at the same time.  But our courtship was longer than most and that gave us time to build a real strong foundation to start our marriage with.  And that has been a great help during times of trial. 

I love Ryan with all my heart.  He knows me better than anyone else and I trust him better than anyone else.  Here's a couple of my favorite pictures...


Friday, July 15, 2005

I feel I must vent!

But I cannot do it publicly!!!

Honestly, I do not know how some people can look at themselves in the mirror! I wasn't the victim but my blood is boiling!

I am so proud of my friend who is taking the higher road. Good people will be rewarded for moments like this; when they choose to turn the other cheek while not-so-good people abuse friendships, lie, and cheat, then attempt to spread false rumors about the good people so they can "save face". Do you not know that we all know you both and if there are two different stories, yours is NOT the one we will believe?!?

Let this be a lesson to all you losers: If you're going to cheat someone big time, don't do it to someone who is so loved and respected because of their unconditional love, kindness and service to others. You may get away with the initial cheating but you are shooting yourself in the foot. You didn't have many friends to start with and what you had, you just lost. And really, that should be the least of your worries because someday you'll have to answer to someone else for what you've done and no amount of deceitfulness will help you then.

Now to take my wonderful friend out for ice cream!

I couldn't resist

This week's Friday Five is called "The New Kids On The Block". Hehehe So I had to do it!

1. Are you more comfortable being the new kid or the experienced one? I usually like to be the experienced one, but it doesn't always work out that way. I don't really mind being "the new kid", I'm used to feeling stupid and like I don't know what the heck I'm doing.

2. When is the last time you were the new kid? When I was called to serve in the YW presidency. Now, 6 months later I'm finally not the "new kid" anymore and I think I am doing okay.

3. If we met face to face, right now, what would my first impression be of you? Shlumpy (how the heck do you spell that?) I am in my PJ's and need to hurry up to take a shower and get dressed.

4. Who is the last person you said goodbye to? I just said "bye" to Ryan (we were IMing). Does that count?

5. Joey, Jordan, Donnie, Danny or Jon? Oh my goodness, did I have a crush on Joey and Jordan!!! And I couldn't possibly choose between the two!

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Park Play

Yesterday I took Acadia and Simon for a walk up the hill to a nice little park.  It is shaded with large trees so it's pretty and the equipment doesn't get hot like the playground behind our house does.  Also, walking up the hill counts as exercise! *thumbs up*

We had fun, here are some pictures.  And yes, next time we're gonna make sure she's not wearing a dress - even if it is a "play dress"...

The very first thing she wanted to do was math!!! She started moving around these rings, making patterns, counting, etc. (My baby is so smart! lol)





Then she wanted to go down the slide. I was curious what would happen, so I let her take Simon with her...







Acadia is a little monkey! She is getting so big, I remember when I wouldn'tl et her climb these things because I was afraid she would fall!





She can also swing by herself. Before Kindergarten we tried to teach her how to "pump" when she was swinging, but she never got it - till she started school. After playing at recess with her friends everyday, she's got it down. She does like a little push to start, but she takes it from there...



Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Just Between Us Girls

Just a warning - this post really is just for girls. And I mean it, so if you aren't a girl and you choose to read on, you are doing so at your own risk!

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Okay ladies, I finally took my friend, Oprah's advice and went shopping today. Several weeks ago she had a show all about how 90% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. I don't normally watch her show (don't normally watch any TV anymore) but I saw the commercial for it and made sure to watch that day. I know that I have had this problem most (if not all) of my bra-wearing life.

What I learned: Yes, I was wearing the wrong bra size - I was WAY off! So I went to the mall today and actually got fitted for a bra. I always thought this would be embarressing. To be honest, when it came down to it, I didn't care. I am so miserable with my larger-than-life boobs that I was desperate to find a good fitting bra - at all costs. (Literally)

Get this - I was wearing a 40 D. Wanna know what my real bra size is??? 36 DDD (or 36 F). That is a HUGE difference! How did I go so long in the wrong bra? Because it really is tricky business finding the right size. And plus, different brands will fit a little differently, so in other brands I may be a slightly different size.

How do you find your size? The first thing you need is a friend and a measuring tape. You can be measured while wearing your clothes, but if you are wearing a shirt thicker than a T-shirt, you should take it off. Hold your "bossoms" up so your friend can get the measuring tape around your rib cage, just under your boobs. The inches is your # size. From there you need to find out the cup size. I believe what you do is measure around the largest part of your boobs. The number difference will help you find the cup size. Each inch in difference is one letter. This at least gives you a place to start.

The important part is to start with the right number. I actually measure 35, so I tried on 34 and 36, the 36 is what fits me best. From there you just try cups close to your "calculations" til you find the right one. Remember, each brand fits a little different.

While discovering my actual size and finding bras that actually fit is wonderful, it is also a depressing thing for me. My size is not exactly easily found. And I need support, so that makes it even harder. I will pretty much be buying my bras solely from Nordstrom now and they are not cheap. I did look around a little at other stores, but they just don't go higher than D (occasionally a DD). Frustration!

The brand I'm loving right now is Wacoal. It feels wonderful! Great for full-figure.

Another tip I picked up from the lingerie lady... Do not wear the same bra two days in a row. You don't have to wash each time, but give them at least a day's rest inbetween wearings. This will help them last longer.

Plus a tip I already practice: Use a garment bag when washing bras (fasten the strap and fold in half) and use Cold Gentle cycle. Hang to dry, but hang them over a bar or hanger at the middle of the bra (in between the cups)