Pictures of my Cute Little Chloe!

Hooray for Pictures! This is Clayton's first picture with his favorite pup Chlo Chlo!
This was originally where she slept and spent her time while I was at work.......

(yes, it could double as a baby play pin).

Now, this is where she roams while we are gone and she sleeps with me in my bed (Sorry the pictures are so dark. I really need a better camera). She has such a cute little mo-hawk. I like it with a little pony tail but she scratches at it.
However, Clayt just likes the fluff on top.
Look at that cute pink bone tag. SIMPLY ADORABLE!!

P.S. This is the new house--even if you can't see too much of it. Those pictures are up next in line to get. Sorry it has taken so long....

After her first bath--she was pooped. She was cold and shivering so we heated up a rice pack for her to lay on to stay warm; hoping not scare her of a bath.

Oh look at that cute little bear face! She is the cutest puppy in the whole world (still sporting the collar, no longer the "death collar"). At our last vet visit she weighed 4.3 pounds; she is training to be a guard dog as we speak. Shootin' for the stars~
AAAAAWWWWW She loves her soccer ball! A dog after my own heart.

Yes, she is terribly ferocious! Just look at her thrash her animals.

Well, I guess there is not much more to say--these cute pictures say it all!

For Grandma

Maybe you do or don’t know but I did not grow up with a “real” Grandma (or Grandpa for that matter). My Mother’s mom died when she was four, her father passed away when I was 5. My Dad’s father passed away before I was born and his mother died when I was about 8. Since I lived in Oregon growing up I didn’t get to see my Grandma. There are only about 3 times I can remember seeing her. Now, this is not a poor me entry because did I have step grandparents (none that really liked us unfortunately). But last night I got to thinking about Grandma Scothern and what things she might enjoy from all of her grandchildren.

Clayton and I watched the Jazz game last night with her (POOR REF-ING BY THE WAY—wait till the Rockets come to SLC!). She is so sweet, making us cookies and staying up late to let us finish the game. She started to tell us stories of her and Grandpa Scothern dating. He would fly her to Idaho just for lunch in a plane. What a cool date! She just lit up talking about it. She started telling us about all of the kids and kids’ kids’—going thru all of her pictures in her living room. There are so many picture frames, that she knocks them over to get to some of them (because of her shakes). I got to thinkin’—we should make her a scrapbook. Not too frilly or anything, but have each of the kids do a page. For instance a photo (for example Mindy had a picture of her family and she wrote what she remembers about Grandma) and then on the adjacent page write your favorite memory of grandma. It would not take long to do and I think she would really enjoy it. It probably wouldn’t be ready for Mother’s day unless everyone really got crackin’. We could even just give it to her for a present because we all love her so much!!!!!! What do you think? Any ideas? It would be cute to have a young picture of her in there too (do we know where we could get a copy?).

Mindy—I hope you don’t mind I used this cute picture!

Well, it was just an idea. Let me know what you think.

Tax Season, Weddings & Collars

Tax season is over. I am sure a few of my fellow nerdians will breathe easy now that they are not going crazy with taxes!!!!!!

I put my check in the mail yesterday to the IRS. This was the first year that I owed on my taxes--heart wrenching to mail in that $42.00. Now, I know some are laughing thinking it is a mere $42.00 (I pay more for a message, right?)....but honestly they kept $6,000! I was hoping to get some kind of a refund!!!! That is annoying, so to solve the problem I told Clayton I do not want to file single again (hint hint)! So we will have to see when December 31 roles around :).

Last weekend was Clayton's mom (Mamba's) wedding. It was really nice; I am so happy for her. Learning more about her life and getting to know her even better (from working with her) makes it more sweet. She deserves the very best and I think she has found him. Congrats!

Now if anyone knows someone else who is single--MY MOM IS SINGLE. Sure, she is kind of dating someone but not really. So keep your eyes peeled. I know she loves Tom Sellec, Kevin Costner (because she saw his buttocks in Dances with Wolves) and Sean Connery.

Now on to the exciting stuff--more rambling with no pics. I finally have a desk set up in my room, so hopefully I will take some time to get the pictures off my camera. Chloe has finally decided her collar will not kill her. At first she would take three steps, then lay flat on the floor with her legs out like Bambi on ice. She would look up at you with those big dark eyes pleading with you to take off the death collar. We tried putting it on her for a few hours each day which was suggested by the VET. One day my mom had put the collar on her and when I got home she must have forgotten it was on because she ran over to me. Since then, I did not feel so bad about leaving it on her--so it has stayed on. She still scratches at it, but will run, jump, play and bark. So she is fine. Her pink bone name tag is my favorite, especially when you can hear her come up the stairs. She is just so darn cute!!!!!

Pictures and more ramblings coming soon for all of those closet bloggers who read but don't post. Enjoy!

PET PEEVES!

Yes, it is hard to believe I know, but I do have several pet peeves. Today a guy called my work and just really ticked me off--and it just made me think of these little things. I guess I just wanted to share them with the group to get them off my chest for a moment. (Please talk amongst yourselves if you must).

1. Area codes. Sure there are so many phone numbers out there that we need a code for other states, etc. But why when I call Salt Lake I get the following message, "you do not have to dial a 1 for this number". If the phone system is smart enough to know we do not have to dial a one--why doesn't it just put us thru? It is so frustrating because other days you will call a number and it will give you the message, "you must first dial a one". HOLY COW JUST PUT ME THRU~!

2. Small envelopes. Why would a logical person mail a return envelope to a business in an envelope smaller than the one used to mail the invoice? Don't you think we would use a business size check to pay the invoice? why should we have to fold it in half one way and half another way just to fit it in your stupid small envelope? Those who send small envelopes should not get paid. (Yes, some call me cut throat)

3. Loud Voices & Voice Mail. Some people call it common sense I call it common courtesy--if you are in an office (yes, my work) and you know you talk extremely LOUD, close the dang door. That is what it is there for. And when you check your messages, don't have it on the highest volume on your speaker phone. HONESTLY, I DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR MESSAGES THREE DOORS DOWN.

4. Finally, my last one for now, is when you tell someone three or four times (when taking a message for Doug), "what is this regarding because Doug won't remember your last phone call" they say, oh he will know. NO HE WONT, I give him his messages and see him scratch his head wondering who the heck you are. You are not the only person he speaks to and no you are surely not that important!

Geepers. Who are these people taking over our world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry for the frustrations, but actually, I am breathing more freely now. Thanks.

TOO MANY THINGS

Too many things are going on to actually post pictures, let alone get the photo's off my camera. So I am sorry these past few posts are so "uncreative" and "unstimulating".

I have finally moved into my condo! Before we moved in, we were able to get it painted--with the help of several friends (THANK YOU). It was rush rush to get it painted and moved in all in one weekend!; it was super hectic but with everyone's help it went by pretty fast.

Shanna, Natalie, Rhet, Sarah, Mike, Evie & Steve, Missy, Clayton and my Mom did a great painting job. They came right in, grabbed a roller and got to work. I really appreciated all of their help. THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT GO SO QUICK! Then for moving my brothers Jason, Jeff, Brandon, and his friend Shane also did a great job. Shane who we call "Hulk Hogan" just grabbed tons of large objects and walked them right into the moving trucks. Who needs three men and a truck when you have Hogan???? Not me. The "boys" moved all of my furniture out of my rental and into my condo in TWO AND A HALF HOURS. It was great!!! I finally didnt have to move my own couch, dressers, etc by myself!

Chloe likes our new house. Even though we dont have a "backyard" she barks to go out and we take her to a common side area. She is so good. We no longer keep her in a playpin but simply put up the gate at the stairs. She goes out when I go home for lunch--and the rest of the time she does great (no messes!). It is amazing. The only challenge we are having is her collar; it hasnt changed since the last post. I guess I should have known princesses dont wear a collar; but she will just have to get used to it.

On Saturday I delt with my bi-polar landlord for the last time! Hooray!!!! I was able to buy a washer & dryer with my deposit money. Getting the money back was a trick but my Dad (Big V) came over and helped us handle the situation. Thanks Pops.

But wait--what about a car. Oh that's right, I sold my car the same day I bought my house. I have been driving my sisters Ford F150 for the past two weeks. It is way nice (for sale also if anyone is interested) but it is more expensive in terms of gas than my car was. But, needless to say, I purchased a car last night. I found a great deal (if everything works right for a while) on a 1998 Honda Civic. It only has 86k miles on it!!!!!! So my payments & insurance are $204 less than what I was paying before. I am stoked! I will call it my little red sports car, although it has a dent in the door and it is missing about 12 inches of molding on the passenger door. Close enough for me.

Well, hectic as it has been, I have really appreciated everyone's help. Now I have time to breathe as soon as i get unpacked (when things are straightened, I will post some pictures I promise). Thanks again to everyone~

Quick Update

Hello! I am closing on my condo today at NOON! I am very excited to get over this hurdle and get into the moving in & decorating stage. I am buying the condo from is a single mom and she cannot move out by today, so I have to wait until Friday to take possession (which is totally fine). I took Friday off of work to get set up for painting and that is where the fun will begin!

It has been a little difficult to pack this week, my sister (Sheryl) has had me watch her son Tate the past few nights. She is in the hospital with their 6 month old; BOTH BOYS HAVE RSV. It is very similar to Ben & Danielle's situation except my newphews are slightly older than when Seth and Adam got it. It has been interesting try to pack around the puppy and Tate.

Also, we had a yard sale this weekend. Thank you to everyone who helped. Mamba was able to sell her Mary Kay and stuff from storage along with my Mom's storage stuff. I was so proud of my mom for getting rid of some items. She has packed things around for so long, it is nice to know we wont have to move it again! We did pretty dang good at the sale--all together we made close to $1,000.00. SO THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Chloe is doing good. She sleeps thru most of the night. I have decided to let her sleep with me for part of the night after she wakes up a couple of times...it is just easier that way because she will stay asleep. It is funny but she sleeps in my hair by my face. As long as she is sleeping, i dont care where. Going outside isnt too hard for her, but if we are not watching her, she has had a coupel of accidents. But not bad. I am happy that portion of her training is going so well. The collar thing is not. She acts like she is dead if you put it on her. She will mope around (not kidding) until we take it off. While getting ready for the yard sale I wanted to have her outside--so I put on her collar. She laid on the ground and wouldnt move for like 4 hours! She just lays there all sad. She wouldn't eat, play or anything. So we finally took it off of her and she started jumping around, eating, playing.......SILLY DOG! This part of her training might prove to be quite difficult.

Well, that is the quick update for the day--I will get photo's on here soon with the puppy and the condo. Thanks again for everyone's help!

Chloe's Arrival

This is my 8 week old new puppy Chloe! She is not a Yorkie, but actually I think she is cuter. She has a squatty little body, the most precious little snorts when she sleeps and the cutest little bear face!

Here she is with her two sisters before we bought her. She is so cute; not quite 2 pounds yet.

Needless to say, I am tired because she wakes up every two hours in the night. I tried the whole kennel thing the first night....that didnt work for me. I felt so bad because she would cry so much, so the kennel ended up with me in my bed! I then had to put my fingers thru the front just to let her sleep by them. Clayton & I read online they like baby play pins. So we are going to try that. Last night she did much better in there. She does not like the dark, but loves her soft green bed (that she picked out at Petsmart).

Chloe is really good at going potty outside and has had very few accidents in the house (on linoleum). Each time we take her outside she has gone potty. We are not supposed to have a dog at our rental--so we tried to keep her a secret. However, since she was sick today and so was Clayton, the landlord found them today. He said it was ok since she was so small--and that we just need to make sure she doesnt go potty on his carpet.

I will post some more pictures as soon as we take some more. OOOO she is so cute. I almost had tears in my eyes this morning because I had to leave her to come to work. Thank goodness Clayton could stay home with her today....She will either get used to her surroundings when I move into my new condo or I will just have to watch for a small dog at a shelter.

Anywho! There she is my precious Chloe.

Appraisal

Just to keep everyone updated; it looks like I will be moving in in about two weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The appraisal came in and I am good to go. I can't wait. After moving in and getting my Mom's stuff in storage, I will be on the hunt for a DOG.

I found some paint colors I like and a washer & dryer. If anyone has any painting ideas or decorating ideas, let me know. I really like Gary & Marylin's wall on the south side of their house (the light & dark kind of mix). It is georgous. What do you think about thick stripes in a bedroom--brown and tan? What about kitchens? Any ideas?

CUTEST EVER

There is some material contained in this post that is appropriate for children. In past posts I have mentioned that I want a dog. Not just any dog, but a cute little Yorkie, Shitzu, or Maltese. This past weekend I found one that I wanted, a YORKIE. Clayton & I fell in love with it. We started thinking of other names and now have a list of "dog names" (male names since my girl dog name is already picked)

I dont have $1,400 extra bucks laying around unfortuately. However, before you think, "that is a lot for a dog" you might want to take a quick peek at the pictures. Now, here is where the warning comes in. I am sure several (if not all of you) will get a smile on your face just looking at these adorable animals. I cant help but smile and jiggle whenever I see them or just think about them. I turn into a little kid again each time I catch a glimpse of them!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, you might just find yourself falling in love with these little dogs.

Now $1,400 is a lot but I have found ones that are cheaper than the pet store on ksl.com. So, if I do get extra money sometime soon, these dogs are MINE! Honestly, these are the cutest animals ever. If you dont know much about them they can travel anywhere in a cute purse, sweaters at the store fit these small cute dogs, they reach up to about 3-5 pounds, they are considered yappy--but when trained are not constant barkers, they can be trained to go potty in a littler box or outside, they are great with kids, and they need LOTS of attention (that's not hard just look at their face), etc. etc. etc.

ON TO THE PICTURES ALREADY!
HERE YOU GO, PREPARE TO FALL HELPLESSLY IN LOVE!!!!!!!!


(oh my gosh, honestly like a cute little snuggly bear face!)
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(now, you can all enjoy the name Pretty Little Miss Kitty)

(Just look at her in PINK, I can just see her in my little dog purse) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Accepted!

I have an accepted offer!!! Now, lets cross our fingers for the appraisal to come in. This time I made sure to look up condos that have sold in the area and checked their selling price. When the appraiser comes, I know that the comparables have been around $79-$81k. Perfect! I am so excited!!!!! This condo has been updated somewhat...but you will probably all remember Greg & Jen's layout.

Here are some pictures. Now, just imagine different furniture, carpet and paint. I think that will make all of the difference in the world. Not that it is bad, it is definitely move in ready--but a little more color I think will spruce it up.

Condo again

Well, back on the band wagon of houses. I just might put in an offer on a house this weekend. I am addicted to utahrealestate.com and unfortunately in my price range they are all CRAP. I dont have the money to put into fixing something up--so for the price and the age of the homes, CONDO is where I am at.

You may remember Greg & Jen's condo when they first got married (yes, before I knew Clayt). Well, it is in there. The one that I am looking at has been updated and I would want to carpet and paint myself. The pluses of the move would be 1. DOG (yes, pretty little miss kitty) 2. Tax Deduction 3. IT IS CHEAPER THAN MY CURRENT RENT (that is right, cheaper than my rent) and 4. I would actually be putting my money somewhere for me (not a landlord).

It is cute, simple but room enough for my mother & I. I love the idea of doing what I want. My house that I rent now is falling apart and old. Not to mention we cant change anything because it is the Landlords GRANDMA'S house and heaven forbid we change or update anything. The doors in our bathroom (in from my mom's room and out to the hall) touch the sink & tub. Our toilet and tub TOUCH! So to have 1.5 bathrooms with ROOM TO MOVE is a huge plus!!

So I will keep everyone posted. If anyone has tips on carpet, paint, etc. PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

Poor Celebrities

Ok, so I guess I am one of those who are a little harsh on celebrities. I feel they are in the public eye and should have morals--since everyone is always watching them. One of the celebrities that I think is horrific (aside from being arrogant) is Kobe Bryant. Why does the NBA allow Kobe Bryant to continue to be a star when he is a rapist? Yes, women may have been permiscuious (I can't spell) but it was all over the news. He wasn't really punished!!!!!! Either were the guys on the Jazz that had an encounter at a strip club. I just think it is horrible that talent outweighs our moral duties. I fear for my unborn children! MAKE PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE!!!!! I usually don't feel sorry for any of them because they are "rich & famous" but I might have changed my mind for a little bit.

Anyways, back to the point. I have had a slight change in heart. Not that I am conforming, but just a little empathy maybe. I truly do feel bad for Britney Spears. Quite frankly she is not a role model by any means, but give her some space!!!!!! Poor girl just had two kids with a complete idiot (which the media played up), she gets a divorce, then she decides, "hey I want to be young--so I will party". That didn't work, so she had a break down and shaved her head. NOW THEY STILL ARE NOT LEAVING HER ALONE. For heaven sakes, the media is so unforgiving. Do they realize they are the cause of so much stress and so many hurtful rumors? They are the ones portraying these people just so they can be the top show/magazine. I think it is sad.

Another person who I actually do not like AT ALL is Lindsay Lohan; but her Mom (on an interview) had a great point. She went to pick up Lindsay from treatment for a day...they were bombarded by cameras, media etc. So instead of being followed around, the Mom said, "you want an interview--I will have on with you". The Mom then proceeded to tell them that she wants this aired on TV. The reason she was doing the interview was to tell them that someone was going to get hurt. They need to have the decency to BACK OFF somewhat. Sure, do you job--report your news, but do not follow, chase and put cameras in every ones face every second of the day! I thought it was a very valid point. Kodos to the Mom; I was happy to see that interview on TV. Not that it changed anything, but maybe one person from the media will stop and think about it for one second.

Closet Bloggers

Now, I know a few of you who are reading this are "in the closet bloggers". Not to mention Shanna Taggart or Jamie Russell :). Sure, you read our blogs (never posting comments) and never doing your own blog so we can see what is going on with you. I say we, like I am speaking for a community, but it is really my own opinion. You already know how much fun it is to read about someone else, and I am not talking about the National Enquirer. So, I highly recommend you start one of your own. I want to read about you!!!!! If you are asking if I keep a journal (because you dont and therefore you wouldnt know how to keep up a blog), no I dont keep a journal (never really have)--but it is fun just to post stupid thoughts or events on here for others to enjoy.

Next, don't be discouraged by the false idea that it takes a computer nerd to keep up a blog (FALSE, I DO NOT MISS JIM). It only takes a few minutes to creat a blog and start posting. If you can check your bank account balance & email your buddies, you have what it takes to create your own blog. So get started!!!!

Now, that I have guilted you into our little circle of bloggers, let me know what your blog is and I will read intently & post regularly.

So little time.

So many things to do as we start the new year, and already I feel as if there is so little time.

Here is a quick update over the last month....I had a wonderful Christmas. It was quite busy, but I had a nice week off work (Dec 26-Jan 2). Clayton and I just relaxed most of the time--nothing too exciting for my vacation, but at least I was not at work.


Speaking of work, I finally have my own office. An office all to myself! Along with that came several new duties to add to my work load but at least it makes the days speed by. I do not have to smell other people's lotion, perfume or hear their stupid jokes. And since I am no longer in plain view of everyone (to stop off to chit chat) I get more accomplished! It is really nice, but there were some downers for example cleaning out some one's old desk (crumbs, old keys, garbage). What made it worse was she was still here; I got the whole "Boy, it doesn't take you long to take over my desk"--lets face it. She was right, it doesn't take me long to push her right out the door so I can finally have some space (he he he). I felt a little awkward. But I got over it as soon as I started settling my stuff in.

Clayton and I got a fish tank (again) and four new fish. We bought 6 little ones, but the big fish ate them in about 15 minutes. So we flushed the mean fish (dead or alive--they were mean) and bought new ones. Their names are Spike, Goldie, Marshall and Boots. Quite cute. But Spike is still acting a little aggressive. We actually inherited 4 fish when we got our tank from my step brother. Little did we know they were all in the category of aggressive. That is why 3 of the 4 were flushed. Spike, however did not seem aggressive. So we kept him hoping for some new friends he could chase around the tank.....and that is what we have now. If anything does happen, we will get rid of Spike and keep our other goldfish. Goldfish are easier to care for, they are much cuter than Cichild's, and there are more varieties to choose from. We have not got super attached to any yet, just because we are basically acclimating our tank with the fish we have. So if they die, it was for other fish that will come after them. Sad, yes, but true. This is the only pet we can have in my rental--so hopefully we will be able to get a dog. We both really want a dog. I want a small dog like a shitzu or maltise. Clayton wants a lab. So, when we get a house, I will have mine and he will have his.

Besides moving my Dad into his new monster house, putting away Christmas, and working out, I have not been doing much. Remember that goal I set for 25 pounds a while ago--well.....the goal is lose 30 by April 1. So far I have lost 4 from going to the gym with my gal Lydia. It makes it much easier to have someone to go with, to keep you motivated. So if anyone wants to join our Lady Fitness, club....we are open for it. If you have any good recipes, I would also enjoy them too.

Well, I guess that is it. Nothing too exciting, but I still keeping busy.

Oh ya, and don't forget Prison Break starts again this Monday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YIPEE.

Santa Clause?

Recently, my work had our annual Christmas Party. Sure, I hang around everyone at work for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year and I get sick of these people....but I really look forward to our Christmas Parties. They not only give away a trip to Cancun (which I was hoping to win) but Santa Clause comes, along with two elves; hillarious. They are two Board Members who dress up and act half gay. Just by seeing these guyes in meetings you dont think they have a huge personality (at least I didnt until I saw them last year). I find the party quite amusing. Here are some pictures that might give you a better picture. There is also a picture of Me and Clay--and Clayton's Mom (Mamba) & I. So cute they are! Although I did not win Cancun, I did get Mission Impossible 3. Maybe next year...it would have been a great holiday vacation.

No house…..I got myself and some of you excited and it just wasn’t right. I withdrew my offer on the house. The bank will only loan a person an amount on an asset for what it appraises for…and my appraisal came in lower than the seller’s asking price. In order for me to get the loan they would have had to come down on their price—which they would not do. My other option was to order another appraisal, and that would be another $350. So no go, because if it fell thru I would be out $700.00. So for now I will keep my hopes up, live with my crazy land lord and enjoy the air leaking windows of my current residence.

However, I learned a lot about what goes into the house buying process. It was quite a roller coaster and emotionally draining. But fun too. I did buy a new entertainment center to go in my new house—but I guess I can put it to good use now.

So, if any of you hear of any good deals, let me know. Happy Holidays!!!!

House Warming Party?

Not quite—but hopefully soon. I have put an offer in that was accepted on a condo!!!!! I am so excited; I can’t sleep and pepto has become my new best friend friend. I have been pre-approved for the loan, but I am just waiting on the appraisal to come in and to verify that I have enough for closing costs (Keep your fingers crossed).

Anywho, about the house (condo). It is in a really cute neighborhood; somewhat older but by no means run-down. It has two bedrooms, 1 bath and about 1300 square feet. It is much better than any of the houses I have looked at in my price range--they were all going to be fixer-uppers. So starting off with a condo is great with me. Everything has been updated except the swamp cooler and the blue carpet in the bedrooms. The rest is nicely painted and well taken care of. Here are some photo’s.

Sweet hu! I cant wait—I absolutely love it. (Clayton bought me an early christmas present....it is a table and chairs--countertop height but the same color as the one the current owners have. It will look great! Thanks Clayt!)

To get things started, I helped my mom clean out her storage unit on Saturday. I bought her some storage totes and made three piles (like on the TV show); one for “KEEP”, “SALE” and “TOSS”. Talk about chore and a half. She doesn’t like to get rid of anything but she has a garage full of stuff, which by the way she hasn’t used since we moved here in 2000!!!! But after 8 long hours we condensed it, took a load to the dump and have 1/2 of her garage filled with yard sale items and the other 1/2 keep. I drive her crazy with my constant pushing to get things organized in totes with labels, but it makes it so much easier. She doesn’t have to move all those junky falling apart boxes, I DO! Totes are the best invention since the telephone. I highly recommend them.

Now that our storage is cleaned out, I have a list of things on our fridge—things to do before, after and while we move. Each day we are going to pack a room, drawer or whatever so when it comes time to move we are ready. So if you have any suggestions, please let me know;.....things to look for when I inspect the house for myself, or at closing or moving or anything. ALL SUGGESTIONS WELCOME! I will keep updating the blog as soon as I get some more info. Hopefully this week I will have the appraisal back.

Saddle Sores

No. Not the saddle sores you get from riding a cute horse on a sunny afternoon, down a dusty trail....but the kind you get from punishing yourself at the GYM.

Lydia and I have been going to Lady Fitness. I would not say regularly, but we are attempting to make it a part of our regular schedule. I really enjoy going with someone who actually wants to workout!

Anywho--on Tuesday I see that there is a PEDAL-PUMP class, so I mention it to Lyd. She is up for it and away we go. The room is filled with plenty of inshape women as well as some that are a little more in my category (those being the envious of the inshape girls). The first 45 minutes of the class was x-biking. Basically it was a a spin class with a little added tension in the handle bars. You could pump the handlebars while you were peddling. It was a good workout except for the comfort of the seat. It was tiny and hard! I seriously thought as I stepped off the bike that I would see blood dripping from the seat. I felt like it had rubbed my butt raw!!!!!!!! No joke

.
Then was the second portion of the punishment--the PUMP portion. We did tons of repetitions with low weights on all different upper body muscle groups. It felt like it was working after doing just one set, but we did what felt like a million. By the time we were done my lower back was on fire and my arms were shaking. My elbows are still hurting, because being the idiot that I am, I grabbed my 8 lb weights for the tri-cept work out--one for each hand.

Half way through I was dying...I knew I had bad form because I was not holding my elbows in because the weight was too much. I stopped looked around and realized everyone else had only grabbed ONE WEIGHT. They did not have a separate one in each hand. Rather, one held by both hands. NO WONDER I WAS SHAKING.

Now, don't get me wrong with my heavy sarcasm, I enjoyed the workout. But sitting down the yesterday and today at work has been a challenge. I now feel sorry for all missionaries who go ride bikes for 8 hours, get sore, and have to get up and do it again the next day.

Lydia and I have a goal to lose weight before Christmas. So if anyone has any good recipes, or cures for cravings, please let me know. I am shooting to lose 25 lbs. It is sad to think I have gained 40 POUNDS since I moved to Utah (6 years ago). I didn't really notice it so much. It seems like one morning I just woke up and thought, "Wow you now have a gut that matches the size of your butt, NO GOOD!". So I will shoot for 25 and see where I get! It's not over until the fat lady sings right???

Simply Wonderful

Well, simply wonderful is just how I felt as I went with Clayton's family to get their pictures taken. Of course I was nervous as all get out--what to wear, etc. But it all turned out so well. We went up to Snow Basin (a skiing resort for my friends out of state) and took these beautiful pics. The colors are so viberant! I think I am really starting to fall in love with FALL. It was beautiful.

Back to pictures. We arrived a little early and Clay and I visited the lodge. The bathrooms are just spectacular, not to mention the rest of the lodge. I could live in those things, my own private stall or something. It is the kind of bathroom that just makes you feel wealthy with lotion and formal chairs, mirrors covering the walls, background music, you get the picture. Then we met up with the family outside. They all looked so cute with their sweaters and jackets. The photographer had the perfect spot for us to sit. Everyone was enjoying "holding that pose" for 20 minutes while she snapped tons of shots. Pretty soon Clayt and I got the 3rd degree (in a good way) about if I was in the picture I had to become part of the family. I would actually love that. They are the sweetest bunch I have ever met! That made really made my day! I just chuckled and played along as they were teasing us.

Clayton and I had some single pictures taken too. As soon as I get those back I will post them on here, but for now we just have the oens we took on the side of the road. Of course I whip out my camera and the BATTERIES ARE DEAD. Crossing our fingers, we licked them and put them back it. Apearently it gave them enough juice to take a couple of pictures. The coloring is off, due to the low batteries, but these will have to do until we get the actual pictures from the photographer. Yes, it is beautiful up there!!! I can not wait to see our professional shots!