Jenny is at work...False!

So, here I am at home...working. Yes, I feel like I'm already moving up in the world, taking work home. Yeah.

I will feel so much better when this Local Author Event is over. It isn't that I haven't enjoyed planning and organizing it, it's just that it will be nice to be able to take a breath and focus on the children's section for Christmas. I really do find the event coordinating fulfilling, and as much as I may complain, I secretly enjoy being pulled in all directions at the store. In some Dwight-like way, it makes me feel important. Don't judge me! I am 30 years old and working retail. I've got to find the power and the validation wherever I can get it.

So, on the note of the Local Author Event, it has been a very enlightening experience. Here are a few things that I have learned:

1. People who write a book, and then publish locally are, shall we say, a little crazy!! Well, at least the ones that I have met. One lady keeps calling me with the same questions, and then comes in the store to ask them again, or at least to stare at me while I try to figure out how to walk away and end the conversation without appearing rude. Oh, we've already stopped talking, she's just standing there...looking into my soul in the manner of RGS. Then there is another author who had to come into the store to see "what the real-live Jenny looks like!" She also told me her life story and gave me a pen which she said just might change my life.

2. Publicists are also a bit crazy. They will call me and try to sell me an event, and when I have already accepted, they are still working me like we're at a cocktail party, circulating and networking. I know, I know. They just want to feel validated as well. At least they're professionals, and get back to me in a timely manner.

3. I am still learning. Managers, authors, children, performers, and even Lethbridge Herald advertisers have been very kind to this very green events coordinator, and I am grateful. However, I haven't made any glaring errors as of yet...I do not count the popcorn machine as an error. We gave the bank the 25 dollar deposit for a reason. Besides, I blame the mental case who put the machine into the car in a dangerous and precarious manner. The guy did not seem overly bright. How can it be our fault? I ask you?

So, the Hallowe'en Carnival. Carnivale! It went unbelievably well entirely because of the amazing staff we have working at our store. Everyone was so willing to help and the whole thing went as smoothly as possible. Anyone who knows me knows my dislike of the delegating...but when you have a host of reliable people to...rely on it is the best tool in the world. Yay!! I think the best parts of the evening were eating the popcorn, pretending to work while chatting with staff, going to O-sho with everyone later, and announcing that every kid there got a 5 dollar gift card!

Anyway, I should really clean the house and possible make some lunch. I am definitely feeling like the lettuce wraps. The noodles will be so easy to make with the aid of my new collander!!! It cost 24 cents. What? Yup! 24 cents. Thanks to the prettiest guy (at least when he wears the coat...) we know for finding the deal of the night...nay, the year. Guess what everyone's getting for Christmas? Just let me now if you want pink, blue, or white.

"If you don't know, honey, honey then you don't."

It is amazing what a difference an early walk, a quiet morning alone , and a good two hours research on the internets can do to lift a girl's spirit. Last night I was in an emotinal funk, because I could only see avenues closing in my life. This morning, several things happened that have brought a little peace into my heart.

1. During my walk I had the realization that maybe something is not worth holding on to if it is sporadic at best, and not moving my life forward. Now, there are a few things in my life right now that fit into this category, and I will not name them all. I know what they are, and I know what I need to do. So.

2. I found out everything I need to know for registering for the LSAT this week, and so I will be doing that on Monday. The test is on December 1st, and I can take it in Calgary. Awesome. November will be studying month, and I am looking forward to finding a favorite corner of the Lethbridge Public Library. Here's to actually studying for something and doing the best that I can.

3. I found 5 law schools to apply to, and any one of them would be fantastic. They are (from west to east) University of Victoria, University of British Columbia, University of Saskatchewan, Mcgill University, and University of New Brunswick. The deadline for these schools is February 1st, next year.

4. I got everything organized for tonight (Halloween Carnival), and things are still in the works for the Local Author Event and so I have things to keep me busy for at least a few weeks.

5. I talked to Jessica about visiting them in a few weeks. It will be so nice to get out of town and have a bit of a holiday. "Can we take a ride? Get out of this place while we still have time?")

Anyway, sorry this post is neither entertaining or ragin', but sometimes you have to put it down to analyze, reflect and plan. Thanks for indulging me.

Contraband blogging

I am going to tell you why I love my job. No, it is not because of the staff discount, although that is wonderful! It is because I took two hour-long "field trips" today..and I was being paid for them. Awesome! We had to go pumpkin and treat-bag candy shopping, so my co-worker and I (I really can't compromise his witness protection alias...) made not one, but two trips to vari0us and sundry points in Lethbridge. Favorite stop? North-side Dairy Queen. What were we doijg there? Wouldn't you like to know? Well, if you were here carving pumpkins at work, then you would. And you would also be reaping the delicious benefits of said trip.

Yes, I am at work...and I need to go back on the floor.

Good luck and...God speed!!!

At least he found someone not so "quietly dignified to talk to...she'll never disappoint there.

O.k., Christina Aguilera's "Still Dirrty" is an absolute guilty pleasure. Oh, yeah. It also gives a completely skewed representation of women and sexuality (listen to the words..) and just may be the dirrtiest song around. And yet...I am listening to it right now. Yeah.

On a more quietly dignified note, I tried said "quiet dignity" this Sunday at church...and it translated to "boring". My friends gave the impression that the experience of talking to "appropriate Jenny" was like unto the extraction of teeth...yup, even the friend who is always saying he should be more "quietly dignified" couldn't get away from me fast enough. Am I discouraged? Nay. It is a lofty goal to be silly but not rude...but like the good Olsen girl I am, I will do my best to persevere.

Work at the Chapters is about as crazy as ever, and has also brought me to a very important revelation:

If I were to die tomorrow, and could impart a few pieces of wisdom, they would be thus:

1. If you are watching Oprah and you see a book being presented, please, please, please (this is absolutely imperative so pay attention) please call your local book store IMMEDIATELY. Not an hour from now, not a day from now and definitely not a week from now. The book will be gone. It will. I am sorry to tell you this, but Oprah's power knows no physical or metaphysical bounds, and the book will be gone if you do not act now. I am tired of dealing with people who are so flabbergasted when they find out a book they saw on Oprah LAST WEEK is sold out. Guess what? You are not the only one watching this show. Shocking.

2. As a lowly "peddler of literary products", I have no control over the prices of books. What? A mere peon does not have financial clout at a multi-million dollar company? Astounding. So, to you...people (I use the term loosely. I am wont to say cretins.) who come in and complain (let your voice get progressively louder as you express your disapproval, throw books at me, slam your money down on the counter or wave it in my face) please let me assure you that the publishers have the complete control of prices, and if Heather Reisman can't change the prices, I certainly can't. And another thing. When I tell you the situation and offer you an address you can write to to complain to the actual perpetrators of this heinous crime, and you say "No, I don't think I will", I get the sneaking suspicion that you are 1. so lazy that you can't actually do something that will actually make a difference, and 2. A jerk who just likes to make him/herself feel better by bullying, belittling and patronizing me.

So. A little rage. I apologize to all of you, gentle readers. I had a rage-induced day in MyBooks where Satan's children came to visit. No, sorry, that is an insult to the Devil. These children would have made even him shocked. The best part of this was when I told a woman her child was intentionally hurting other children and she gave ME a death look. I'm sorry that you are a bad mother and I called you on it.

So, I am going to stop before I kill someone. I have whipped myself into a veritable frenzy of rage, and the only cure is Heroes. Hooray!!

Ciao Bella!!

"I'll SHOW you over-reacting...

So I am at home for thanksgiving and on my Dad's new computer. A beautiful computer it is. And how. Already there have been brothers-in-law aplenty drooling over the machine, and I have a funny feeling that if a certain friend met this mac, he would propose marriage on the spot ( to the computer...not to me). One wonders what his phone would think...

So, I was at work today and thinking about what my legacy would be if I died today (or suddenly left the ward..."wink") Here are some things that I thought that people would remember me for:

1. Inappropriate comments (unintentional and...not so unintentional) My friends can attest to the fact that I do not always conduct myself as a good RS president should when it comes to conversation. Usually these comments are accompanied by late hours, Denny's trips, and the encouragement of others.

2. Over-reacting. What? you may ask... Yes, I do tend to freak out when I think someone is condescending to me, when I am stressed out, or when someone tells me to stop over-reacting. Hmmm. However, this is always followed by

3. Apologizing. Now,while some may find this amusing...I think that I at least have the self-awareness to realize when I am acting like a child.

4. Make-out Challenge 2006-7. Yeah. I know that I am getting a pretty rotten seat in Hell for this one. Unfortunately, many people have enjoyed this game...and I, myself have a deep love of the comparing.

So, to all of you who know me. Please look a little closer sometimes. I think there actually is some depth here.

Well, at least I have great taste in music.

Is this because we were listening to Christmas music?

So, I wake up today and it is snowing. SNOWING.

This might be the most shocking snow I have ever encountered...and that includes the time it snowed in August. I guess I haven't officially cooled off since our lovely July, and so to wake up to a you-know-its-cold-'cause-its -really-snowin'-out there was a little shocking to the system. At least I have my ultra-cute weather-appropriate footwear to don today. What? You're jealous of my New York boots? You really should be. Plus...me, appropriately shod for once...pay attention, 'cause it happens about once a decade.

So yesterday I posed a question to a few friends, and now I'll offer it to the cosmos (and my future self) If you are a senator, shouldn't you have a cell-phone? Or, maybe the more important question is: If you are a senator, does that automatically guarantee that your pay phone call is "real"? Senator Joyce, were you really talking to someone on the pay phone, or were you, like so many homeless at Safeway before you, just trying to make it look like you actually knew someone. I would gladly relegate some of my tax dollars to your personal cell-phone fund so that you don't have to use the same phone as the people who live "across the street"

Yesterday, I also had a funny experience at work with one of the newbies. Jordan, who I swear is not a day over 14, is training on cash with the ever-so-suitably stern Travis Jay. Jordan overheard a conversation that Travis and I were having about the merits of tenors and other opera stars. This child (maybe he's older...I don't know!!) said to me "Most people wouldn't admit they liked Opera!" Hmm. Maybe he was afraid the cool kid at work was going to beat me up for liking something so lame! Seriously, you know you're in Lethbridge when liking Opera is a brave thing. Culture, anyone? Oh, man...I think I am now channeling Travis...

Anyway, I really need to venture into my favorite part of the house and retrieve my laundry. Hopefully there will be naughty things going on down there.

One can only hope.

I am watching it with or without you

What is your definition of Purgatory?

I will tell you one of mine. I imagine Hell to be having to de-sticker and de-security tag c.d.s and d.v.d.s for all of eternity. As I was doing returns of said audio-visual objects, I realized it had been a while since I had the pleasure of feeling the sharp corner of the security tag slide under my fingernail into the oh-so-tender skin that is found there. Yeah. Not even the fun of cash is worth that delightful sensation...

So, today I had the pleasure of helping select resumes to call potential employees for a job interview. This was an interesting experience because it felt a little weird to have someone's fate at your fingertips. As I was separating the pile into the yays and the nays, I felt like I may be either ruining or bettering someone's life with one decision. Little scary.

Anyway, I need to go and watch Heroes. I am addicted.

Everyone and their blog is packin'...

If blogging is like riding a bike and...other such things, then I shouldn't be awkward, right? Ahhh...see what I did there? Now your wondering about my checkered past with...bicycles.

O.k., worst start ever. Officially.

So, the last month has been as little bit...crazy with: things I'd never done before, fruitless job interviews with the devil, fantastic promotions at work, Victoria Park slowly taking over Chapters, a thousand new girls in the ward(How will I get to you all??), Ashley moving away (I miss you and your juice), Mary moving in (most likely to have her heart hurt a lot), our fridge dying, and then infuriatingly, coming back to life the day the Appliances guys are coming, Whoop-Up Days and the Ferris Wheel (remember how I used to be scared of you. I own you now!), the corn maze...again (although this time, not so much of a bust)

It has been one year this month since I came out of obscurity and began a social life. (I'd especially like to thank Denise for forcing me out) Its been a great year and I feel like I am a different person, absolutely. I have been extremely fortunate to find amazing friends, kindred spirits, actually. As Travis asked me the other night, how often in your life do you find people who understand you, share your (sometimes nutty/inappropriate) sense of humor, and are willing to hear you rant? I (sheepishly) add to this list the ability to withstand the monthly minor break-downs. At least, as Denise will tell you, I am a good apologizer...

For Jess and Adam, who moved away and left me no choice but to join the human race, I am including a little non-hormonal ranting in this post. And, it goes as such. If you are a customer at a book store and you do not know the full name of the author you are looking for, and you have no idea of any of the titles he has written, if you only say to me: "I think his name is Greenspan...and he writes travel...stuff.., do not...DO NOT treat me like I am stupid when I can't help you find this book. There is only one moronic person in that scenario and it ain't me. Another favorite of mine lately is people saying to me, "I don't know the title or the author...but I will recognize the book when I see it." To this, I say to them, "Thank goodness we only have 15 books in the store. I'll check around here...how about you check your car. Yeah. And then your house as well. Don't come back.

I leave this post today with a proposition (not that kind...please) for a friend. True love does exist. I have seen it. I have watched one sister find the person with whom she can share a perfect understanding of humor, even without words. I have seen how another sister gained confidence because of the unconditional love of her sweet husband. I have seen my brother turning into a father and husband to the woman he loves. I have watched two people face the hardest thing imaginable, and still come out of it stronger and unified. And, I have seen my parents' unending patience with each other. True Love is not a fairy tale, it is not something that just happens to you, or falls into your heart. It is commitment and work and devotion, and o.k., maybe a little bit of luck in finding someone to share it with. I have not been so lucky, yet. But, it is real. It's all in how you look at it.

Well, here it is. My return to the world of blogging. I hope you crazy kids appreciate it, because I will not be able to look any of you in the eye, what with all the baring of the soul and what-have-you.

Cheers.

This post is 100% Harry Potter free

Can we just talk for a few minutes about the amazingness (shut-up, red line...I know that is not a real word) of Sarah Slean?? At the Rufus/Sarah concert two weeks ago, she was definitely the high point of the evening!! (I love you Rufus, I just couldn't really hear you very well!! When it was just you and the piano, however, you were breathtaking!!)

Sarah was singing with just the piano, and her voice was powerful and flawless. Her live performances add an emotional depth to each song that just can't be translated on an album. She is just absolutely wonderful!!

Anyway, only craziness in my life right now!! My mom thinks I'm the world's worst daughter and sister (I probably am) because I am not going out to Magrath tonight, but off on a shopping trip for our RS retreat tomorrow. Fulfilling my calling. To be honest, I really didn't want to be the 7th wheel as usual, anyway. I know its been years since any of you were single, but try to remember what it was like to not have anyone to slip into the pantry with. Thanks for that. (Ouch, bitter much?)

On a happier note, I am now to be an Event Coordinator at work, working with Emily to have at least one event/month. Here are some ideas that I have thus far:

-Cooking demonstrations (o.k., this was Emily's idea)
-Poetry readings
-live music
-crafting for kids
-open mike nights
-local author signings and readings
-Health and Wellness seminars
-Writing contests for kids and adults

If anyone has any other thoughts, please let me know!! Also, I don't know how much longer I will be working there as I most likely will be fired because of talking excessively with other Staff members...Oh, you know who you are...

I could have probaly used another 12 inches at least...

O.k., call me just one of the masses, but I am unashamedly enjoying of the "Harry Potter". The movie last night was AWESOME!! It was absolutely worth the wait, and definitely worth the late night, and subsequent painful/hweh morning. (See? still not fully awake or coherent...)

Favorite Things about the movie:

First thing: Daniel Radcliffe gave a wonderful performance. While he was a bit emo at times (hello!! 15 years old, saw someone die, and does anyone remember all the yelling in the book?), I thought he captured Harry's growing emotional maturity. When he says to Sirius, "I'm just angry all the time", I was heartbroken. When he speaks of his fear that his connection to Voldemort makes him an evil person, his anxiety and shame are absolutely believable. He also captures the joy and confidence that Harry experiences while teaching the members of the D.A. So, Daniel, despite your pretentious desire to distance yourself from Harry, and also the pics that make you look not like the 17 year old you are, but a 50 year old porn star, I thought you were terrific.

Next: Imelda Staunton as Doloros Umbridge. Ooohh... she was completely terrifying!! She captured the character's desire to control everyone and everything at Hogwarts so well. And, how much did we love her office with all of the cats?

C. Michael Gambon as Dumbledore. While I was always a fan of the Richard Harris, Michael Gambon gave Dumbledore, strength, power, attitude and also portrayed the deep care he has for Harry. Which leads me to:

4th: The Wizard's fights in the Ministry of Magic. I thought the dueling was very stunningly visualized, and the final showdown between Voldemort and Dumbledore was incredible.

Anyway, I definitely need to see this movie again - possibly on an Imax screen.

More tomorrow, when my obsession starts to wane a bit.

Ranting while wearing a dress she made herself

Harry Potter!!! Harry Potter!!!

Tonight is the opening night for "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix", and we are going to be there. I am ridiculously excited for the movie tonight!!! I am interested to see how a book so large will translate into a movie, and I think the fight scene at the end in the Ministry of Magic will be amazing!!

Things are pretty low key right now besides the Harry Potter preparations and book release celebrations. Drama free, and loving every minute of that. Except for...

We are planning a Relief Society retreat for August at Spring Glen Park. When I mentioned in Ward Council that we would be doing this, I was belittled on all sides by the men in the room. "You are going to sleep in tents?" You guys are going to build fires"? I know I was the only girl in the room, and they were probably teasing (to a degree), but seriously, guys - do you not think we can handle this? I am just going to say this. "Who plans activities for you all the time? Who feeds you on a regular basis? Who makes the phone calls? Who sets up the parties? I don't mean to belittle the men...I just get the feeling that if we stopped planning stuff, we would never do anything. (Or maybe that is just because I am so unpopular that if I didn't invite people over, I might never have a social life). Nevertheless, we are pretty capable women here!! I think I need to read "The Fascinating Girl" a bit more, learn how to sew, accept the fact that girls are not good at camping, and instead go to picnics and "get myself into one predicament after another". The only flaw I see in that is while I am sure it is cute when an 18 year old is playing scared of the mean nasty cow and falling into ditches, it might come off as desperate and pathetic when the 30 year old is trying to get you to hold her because she is "frightened" by the lightning. Well. I digress. Ummm, I also apologize to the men I know who do plan things. I appreciate the efforts, and I am really not a scary man-hater... really...

Anyway, next time you hear from me I will have enjoyed every minute of the HP. And I hope the movie is over two hours, because that really wouldn't be too much Harry for me...

If you're my mother, don't read this post...

I am officially the world's worst blogger as of late. Why is this? Where is my motivation or desire to record the happenings of my "hum-drum life"? Where is it?

Yesterday I spent the day in Waterton where it was 35 degrees. It was very hot. VERY HOT. At one point I laid down on the rocky beach and slept for about an hour, off and on. Mmmm, the breeze off the lake was absolutely delicious and it was a great nap. Waterton was so beautiful, and I realized that I miss going there on a regular basis. However, there was one cloud darkening the love of Waterton horizon, and that was the amount of couples there enjoying icecream and each other's company. On Friday night I went for a walk by myself with my trusty ipod, but sitting by the lake watching the two by twos got a little old. Here I was in one of the most romantic places around, listening (I am sorry to say) to some emo-ish music by myself. I think that "Summer Heat" (that's right...I just named this season's disorder) is going to get the best of me. I foresee it being worse than the Winter Wonderlust, and that one almost killed me. I should have known it was coming on last week at the fireworks when my usual seasonal disorder victim was kind of cute and funny again...

Oh, Barf. This might be the worst way to start blogging again: desperation and thinly veiled hints. C'est la vie!

I wish I could marry my bed - then I would be happy.

Eureka!!

Again, I say: "Eureka!"

I have had a revelation (hence the eureka!) and it is thus: When you get an actual night's sleep, say, more than 3 0r 4 hours, you can actually have energy the next day. I know! It is unbelievably shocking!!! I am sure I knew this information at one point in my life, but since I have tried to act like an 18 year old again, I forgot.

Last night I went to bed at 10:00pm, and although I missed the midnight picnic, it was a wonderful night. No, wait, I lied. At 10:45, my phone rang and thinking it was alreay morning, and that it was Jo calling, I answered in a complete stupor. It took me a few minutes to realise who it was; however, I am still unsure of what the conversation was about. Oh, dear. What I do remember is that I was pretty cranky to Denise when she invited me to the midnight picnic. I remember saying "I'm sleeping!" in the whiniest voice possible. To be fair to me, people know I am pretty crazy when woken from sleep. To be fair to Denise, she didn't know I had been sleeping as my lamp was on - when have I not fell asleep reading?. I am sorry, Denise. I still love you and look forward to your next big idea. So, anyway, after I made it back to sleep just after 11:00 pm, I had an amazing sleep. An even delicious and divine sleep!!

Will I learn from this revelation? I hope so...probably not... Argh!! At least until there is an imminent Boggle game...

High pound, anyone?

If I was Denise Garner, (or Dennis Garmer) I would start this post by saying "A happy and beautiful Sunday to you all!' However, since it is me, I will just start with my usual blank statement/ question:

Does it stand to reason that 200 men in one room is a good thing if they are all kind of gross?

No. I did not go to the 25-35 conference this weekend. Instead, I played with Andrea, Chris, and the bois, did some R.S. stuff, had birthday hijinks with said Denise, and went to church. Boy, am I glad that I did that!! Church was funny and awesome today with crazy Sunday School people ("maybe you would have learned that in history class if you had paid attention!"), tasty with ice cream sandwiches!!, scary with Sister Crofts who had me in the death grip twice ("I thought you were going to the conference..."), and spiritually uplifting with Denise's wonderful, albeit short talk.

Anyway, this is a very small post, but I need to have a little rest before weekday eve!!

I am going to tell you that I am only a good Boggle player when I am not playing with Chris Jackson. He is like a Boggle savant. When we played last night, I looked at my pretty long column of words with a pleased air. Then I looked up and saw that Chris had 2 and a half columns of words. And, he writes much smaller than I do. Yeah. It was still fun, though. However, he didn't try to slip fake words by me like some (who could it be??) do, and so there was no ragin'.

Time spent with the bois in the last couple of days has been great!! And, I have a new Mark quote: "I'm totally freaking out!" I didn't hear him say it, but Andrea tells me he did while in the midst of a melt-down. Awesome!!

Well, today is the birthday of our dear Denise, and when I got home this morning, there was a big new t.v. in our living room. Yay!! The O.C. will look amazing!! Happy Birthday Denise, and I will see you when you wake up!

I'm all about the wordplay

Question: Which game is best?

Last night, we switched it up a little here at the ol' game house, and played Scrabble. I have only played this game about 3 times in my life, and my first memory of it, which I'm sure Ashley will appreciate, is waking up at the party after myHigh School Grad (yes, I fell asleep on couches even back then) to see Peter Simon playing it with someone else. Needless to say, I thought I was still dreaming... So, I enjoyed playing it last night. It was definitely quieter than our usual Boggle-Jenny-rage-fest (can you imagine if I had married Reid??), but it was fun to play with Denise as well.

We also mixed it up on Sunday with the Scattergories. Now, here is a game that reminds me so much of my family, as we used to play it all the time. Who could forget Chris's zany answers, and the first time Adam and I knew we were kindred spirits with the answer "nog, egg". I had a lot of fun playing it with the trifecta, especially when I was reading Braden's mind... mweh heh heh... Still, it really didn't have the spark, the competition, fast-paced frenzy of our favorite word game.

So, I am going to say, unequivocally, that Boggle is best. In all schools of Jenny thought.

I saw on Steve Morton's facebook profile that he included poetry he had written, and so I was thinking of posting some of my own. Then I realized that I don't want 134 people to read it , so I thought I would post where my readership is about a 12th of that number...here on the blog. So, here is something I wrote the other day. It is , of course, untitled:

Here is a memory to be made:
the room effulgent with the smell of grass
the light falling in-just so-
blurring the edges
of everything here
and softening me-
my prickly worry
my sharp disappointment
my rocky pride

-JKO

"you got stuck in a moment..."

Question:

Have I always been this crazy??? I know I joke with T-Korn about who is crazier, but lately I feel like I am spiralling out of control as regards "the feelings". Why can I not just say "I am done feeling this way", and it be finished? Although, to be fair, anyone who has seen "Something Blue" will know that having your will come true can only lead to havoc, hi-jinks, and people engaged.

Right now I am yelling at a character on t.v. who is annoying. Is that the actions of a sane person?

I have decided that starting tomorrow, I will be throwing myself into a new era (and I don't mean the magazine). Time to control my murderous rages, minor melt-downs, and crazy jealousies. I left junior high too many years ago to relive it. You will not find me crying in the bathroom. Well, you might, but that is just part of the fun that is me.

Really. I know y'all think its cute.

Bi-polar post the first:

A great big thank-you and an "I can not wait!!!" to Jess and Adam for purchasing the tickets to the concert that I may or may have been waiting my whole life for. Rufus Wainwright and Sarah Slean. I have seen both of these artists seperately, and I could never decide which one was my favorite of all the concerts I have ever seen. Now I do not have to decide. Ever. At the Winspear! I don't think it could be any better.

I have been trying to think what I could write about, and I have a few topics.

Topic the first: Cell phones in Institute. Seriously people, why can you not turn them off? Here is 90 minutes that you can be completely focused on developing your spiritual well-being, sit with your friends, and/or just completely relax. Wht must we be connected all the time? There was a girl who was texting the ENTIRE lesson right in front of me. Why are you even there if you are just talking to somone else?

Topic the second...sort of: cell phones on general. This is for people, o.k., mostly the men-folk, who come to our house, and then just text or talk to other people on the phone. Why are you at our house if you would rather be with someone else? We feel a little bit like sloppy seconds, or even your "fall-back girls" and that absolutely does not work for me. O.k., I know that I am not completely immune to the texting disease, but at least if I am at church, or some other religous activity, I do not communicate telephonically with others. I think the real problem is that there is no set etiquette for cell-phone use and behavior. However, if you are spending time with someone, you have a golden opportunity to communicate...right there. Wow. It absolutely boggles the mind, I know. Personally, I would rather watch J.R. play video games all night then watch you text someone else.

Topic the third: Potlucks. These are AWESOME. Yesterday, we had a potluck, and fantastic people who brought fantastic food came and spent the day at the Pink House. Why do I love a potluck so much? Well, I get to make Potato Salad, we get to find out about Denise's mad cooking skills, and time spent with, really, the best people in the ward, is always time well spent.

Topic the fourth: Walking. I love to walk, and going on sweet nature walks with friends just might be my favorite thing to do. We have done some great walks lately which included singing, stick-finding, rock-skipping, laughing, almost hand-holding (Ha-ha-ha-ha), and other such hijinks to brighten up a summer night.

Anyway, I am looking at the clock (Isn't it great?!) and I need to go to work pretty soon. Hope you all have a fantastic day - please be thinking of my in my three hour long staff meeting while the rest of you are enjoying your evening, and your showing and telling!

Goodbyeeeeee!

I like shiny things, candy, and guys who don't want to date me

Reasons why I am the dead monkey...

Oh. My. Word.

The new Rufus Wainwright album is wonderful. As usual, there are some lyrics that absolutely kick me right in the guts. Here are a few said lines:

"Do I disappoint you just being human?" (Do I Disappoint You). This line speaks so much about how I am always comparing myself to other people, and wishing I was different - skinnier, smarter, pretty, younger, etc. But really, as my new-found mantra goes: "I can't be anyone I'm not, I can only be better at who I am"

"You took advantage of a world that loves you well/I'm going to a town that has already been burned down" (Going to a Town) How many times do we hold onto things, or people, who are not going to give us what we need?

"But you will never lose your heart with those little boy blues" (Nobody's off the hook)

"You should be held. But I'm not ready to." (Not Ready to Love)

"You have locked all your assets up in lifelong contracts to you" (Release the Stars)

It is a good time to be listening to introspective music because I am really trying to figure out how to move ahead in my life. I feel like I'm holding on to things that are easy and comfortable, but that aren't helping me to grow and develop into the person I want to be. I am putting my faith in things that are never going to happen, and why do I do this?

On a happier note, I have registered for a conference in Calgary which is specifically for Single Adults, ages 25-35. I am very excited !! This is not as scary as the 30+ scene, which I'm sure everyone will remember, caused me a great amount of anxiety. I am making a goal right now that I will take every opportunity at the conference to meet new people, have a great time, and make out with some awesome guy. (Only kind of kidding about that last part. At least it won't be in a van...) (I'm sorry, I still love you!! You're the classiest person I know!!)

I hope everyone has a great Wednesday, and that all of you who are sick will feel better soon. I don't like to see you suffer, and more importantly, you better not make me sick, too. However, you know where you can come for awesome kleenex.

"They've got just a wee bit o' the crazies"

I am having a real problem getting out Post #60, but I am finally here at home with time to write, and ideas just a flowin'. So.

Today at work it was Stephen and I at cash, (well, him at Cash and me on cds) and we were finding that there was an abnormal increase in the number of stupid and/or crazy customers today. The highlight was the man (who Steve affectionately called "Beardy" for his incredible Lorenzo Snow bordering on Mountain Man beard) who stood at the next till to Stephen, where there was no cashier, and just handed his stuff over. He then waved to invisible people out side the window. Most people were just stupid, asking questions a 4 year old would know the answer to (and asking them at least 3 times). I wondered if there was some sort of explanation for the craziness, and asked whether there was a full moon right now. What we found out was that the new moon starts tomorrow. Hmm. Therefore, I am naming this phenomenon the "no moon syndrome". I really think it could take off and rival "The Secret" for sheer nonsense worthy of Mr. Kevin Trudeau himself. Oh, Snap!

Speaking of Kevin Trudeau and his antics, I took a peak through his book "Natural Cures" thinking there would be some suggestions and/or aids for healthy behavior. Not so. Instead, it was peppered with outrageous claims, my favorite being: "Cinnamon cures Diabetes". Seriously. Anyone who knows me, knows my feeling on opinion stated as fact. Not cool. So, Kevin, what you're telling me is that if I eat cinamon buns daily, I will be cured of my diabetes. Thanks, buddy! I'll get right on that. I'm sure it will work wonders for my weight as well.

On a sad (and completely unrelated) note, I am very sad to be losing Keely for the summer, and possibly forever. We have started watching Buffy episodes here (so far we have watched "Fool for Love", "The Gift", "Beneath You", and "Once More with Feeling). It is so nice to have someone to obsess, analyze and philosophize about the Buffyverse with again. I know she will have an amazing time in England, but we will miss her infectious enthusiasm. We love you Keely!

I will finish with some additions to my "things I am a sucker for" list:

-dimples
-nicknames
-random noises
-walks
-Keely
-nephews who are too cute for words
-lettuce wraps
-book clubs
-my red bag
-short stories by Mike
-Rufus's new album

Love to all my devoted readers!!!