The Best Employee

So, yesterday, I was having a poor me day. I don't know what triggered it, but something did. I went to lunch for a work meeting yesterday and when I got back to my desk, this is what I found.

Thanks Lindsay!!! You made my day brighter!!

My New SUV

So, after my car was totalled a week ago, I had to go out and purchase a new vehicle. It was rather depressing to think that I had to go into debt again, but I'm excited because I got an SUV. I've always wanted one so I could go camping and fishing whenever I wanted to. I'm not too fond of the gas mileage, but it's a lot of fun to drive.

So, if any of my dear friends want to go camping, give me a call and we'll go and play :D

Ode to the Lightning Lancer

On Thursday, November 6, at around 4:10 p.m., the Lightning Lancer breathed its last breath. It fought a courageous battle, but was unable to fight off a truck with a kid on a cell phone. It died peacefully, and will be sorely missed.

I was hit by a 20 year old kid on a cell phone and he pushed me into a Jeep. There was no hope for the lancer. It has been totalled out by the kids insurance, so farewell Lancer. Thanks for all the memories!!

JACKSON TRIP 2008!!!!

I finally got some time off of work to play. And, of course we went to my favorite place on earth . . . Jackson Hole, Wyoming!! We left on October 8 and left on October 11. The drive up there was beautiful. The Fall colors were really showing . . . of course, I was driving so I didn't get any good pictures. I rented a cabin up there with queen size bunk beds . . . yes, queen sized bunk beds :D

They are a bit messy, but we'd just slept in them. Our cabin was super nice. It had a small kitchen, a table, a couch and our bunk beds.

When we got there, we had just driven for 5 hours, so we decided to go shopping. We had tons of fun and found lots of cool things. Anyone up for a game of poker? :D

This is my best friend, Kristene, holding Christmas lights made from shotgun shells. We got a good laugh out of that. We got alot of fun things and I probably spent more money than I should have, but hey, I'd saved the money for it.

Early the next morning, we decided to go the Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Kristene had never been to either. So, we pile in the car, and head off to the North. Unfortunately, the weatherman told stories again, and it was snowing. We almost made it up to Yellowstone, but the snow got bad and my car starting to slide, so we turned around and headed back into Grand Teton National Park. We did see some beautiful things and had fun in the car, when the roads weren't slick.

It was a cold morning. But we had a fun time driving around. The Lake is called Jenny Lake, and it's usually a pretty blue color. We thought it looked pretty.

This is Kristene Armstrong, myself, and another friend of mine, Camille. Thank goodness for warm cars and beds. That night it was only 19 degrees. A big change because it was in the high 50's the day before. Later that same day, we went shopping some more and then we barbequed steaks. I love barbequeing on the grill. Our cabin was equipped with a grill in the front. Kristene I loved playing in the fire. Plus, our cabin mate, Camille, is cold-blooded and it was really hot inside the cabin. So, we had to escape the heat.

We went shopping again in town, because I didn't want to watch TV anymore than I had to. I could do that at home. and then we played at the cabin.

The next morning . . . everyone was still sleeping, so I took my car and went for a drive. I saw my beautiful mountains.

After the drive through the Tetons, we ended up going shopping because it started to snow again. The leaves were out and Camille and Kristene played in them.

We then got a picture under the elk arch. There is an elk refuge just outside of Jackson Hole. They make these arches and they are placed around town square in Jackson Hole. We got a picture of the three of us under the arch.

The next morning, we decided to get up early and try to beat the storm home. We made it all the way to Cokeville, Wyoming before the snow came. The snow was coming in horizontally and it kept pushing me off of the road. It didn't get too bad until we hit Randolph, Utah. The roads were snow packed and I was everywhere. And wouldn't you know . . . the snowplow was behind me :D I pulled over to oncoming traffic lane when no one was coming and let him pass and I got behind him. That saved my life and we made it back safely.

Perspective

It's been an interesting two weeks in my life. My mom had some major surgery done last week. As she is home recovering, she is under some really tight restrictions. She is basically down for a month and can't lift anything as much as a cookie sheet. If you know my Mom, she's going crazy at this point in time. She's always up and doing. On Sunday, my youngest brother, Ethan, was ordained an Elder in the Priesthood. We are all so proud of him. He invited a bunch of people over for dinner after the ordination. My Mom called me around 9:30 a.m. and asked me to come over because my siblings and Dad had left for Stake Conference and the house wasn't quite ready and dessert needed to be made. So, I went and helped my Mom do the household chores while she put together my choir folders for my ward choir. I am so grateful for my Mom. She has always done so much for me and helped mold me into the person I am. I just hope that I can give a piece back to her of what she's done for me.

As I watched Ethan be ordained to the Priesthood by my Dad, I was so full of gratitude for the Priesthood in my life. I have been so blessed to grow up in a home with a Father that honored his Priesthood. I hope that Ethan will follow our Father's example in his life with his future family.

My dearest aunt in the world was diagnosed with breast cancer this last week. Wow! I didn't know quite how to respond to that. She caught it early enough that they believe that she'll be just fine, but the thought of cancer can give anyone chills up their spine. We are praying that all will go well and she'll continue to live her life to the fullest.

As for work, I believe I work with the best people in the whole world. They are so kind and patient and are willing to work with the students. The atmosphere on the 2nd floor cannot be found anywhere else in the College. It reminds me of what we had at the Mansion. We all have different bosses, but we are all here for one purpose, and that is to help the student succeed. I have had my rough spots the last couple of months, but I truly love my job and the people that I work with.

Exhausting Month and More

Fall Semester started with a bang on Monday and at that point in time, I have admitted around 750 people. Whew! I'm exhausted, but it's gratifying to me to see these students here and know that they've made a positive step in their lives. I, myself, am a graduate of LDS Business College and I had a wonderful experience and made some true best friends here. I hope others get the same opportunities that I did.

I am taking two classes this semester at the Business College. I finally broke down and am taking the Eternal Marriage Institute class. I hope it's a gratifying experience. I've known the instructor for quite a while, so I'm looking forward to learning about how I can better myself. I'm also taking a class called Foundations of Learning. The instructor that is teaching it is phenomenal. He is so in tune with the Spirit and uses it to teach the class on how to Study by Learning and by Faith. It's going to be an awesome class and I'm looking forward to making everything I learn a part of my life.

My ward is keeping me super busy. I have 4 callings right now, but one that I'm truly struggling with. Can anyone give me any ideas what my choir can sing for Christmas? (I know Christmas is a few months away, but after the disaster that was Easter, I'm not taking any chances.) I need arrangements that will help inspire and bring the Spirit to the meeting, preferably hymns. Your help would be much appreciated.

This weekend, I finally get to spend some time with my rent-a-kid, Natalie. (Rent-a-kid is a term my Mom made up, I don't have any nieces or nephews, or children of my own, so I have adopted my friends children and made them my own, just in case you were wondering.) I feel so awful that I've been so busy to spend time with her, so we're having a sleepover this weekend. I'm not quite sure what we're going to do, but I'm going to leave it up to her. She's such a sweet girl and I really love her.

My friends Kristene, Camille, and myself are planning a 4 day getaway to Jackson Hole next month. We have 27 days until we go. The vacation is much needed by the three of us. We rented a cabin up there with a kitchen, wireless Internet, and cable TV (big thing for me :D). It also has an indoor pool and gym. It's going to be tons of fun. I can hardly wait.

That's what's going on in life right now. Thanks for all of your love and support!! Have a great one!!

Whew!! Here We Go Again!!

Well, the Fall Semester at LDS Business College begins in 4 weeks and it's been crazy. We have a lot of prospective students applying for school and we've admitted quite a few. At first, I had lost all patience with the procrastinators, but I've since had a change of heart and realize that they are human beings just like I am. I'm trying to be better and remember that everyone has their reasons and I shouldn't judge them. So, here we go, lots of overtime and an opportunity to meet members of the Church, all over the world.

In my ward, I received another new calling. This is calling number 4 and I'm definitely feeling that. Currently, I am the Gospel Principles instructor, Choir Director, Relief Society Pianist. I haven't been sustained yet, but I will be getting my new calling this Sunday. Are you tired yet? I am, just thinking about it.

My social life has not suffered though. I have spent lots of time playing. My friend Kristene and I have been basically together every day. We scrapbook together, I went to a barbecue with her and her husband, James last night. They are a lot of fun and I enjoy being around the two of them. I've also spent some time with my friends from my ward. I've also gone to Bountiful a couple of times with my friends, Tiff, Laura, Kim, and Jill. We've watched movies, talked, watched Emmett (Tiff's little boy) dance, etc. I have such wonderful friends. I can't complain much about anything. I have been so blessed with everything I have.

So, there's the update. I will try to be better about posting about what's going on. Have a great day ya'll!!!

My Exciting Trip to Idaho

This last weekend I decided that a break was definitely needed, so I headed up to Idaho Falls to spend time with one of my best friends from College, Sarah. Her husband, Justin, has to work crazy hours, so we just spent time together and did some fun things, but overall, just relaxed. It was so nice to enjoy time and not be rushing everywhere. Here are some things we did.

We went to the 4th of July parade in Idaho Falls. It was small, but entertaining. I loved the feeling of patriotism that was shown. Its nice to remember why we are free.

We then went to a barbecue for Sarah's Family. The food was good and so was the entertainment, which was watching the Eaton Family play badminton. The pregnant lady in the top picture is Sarah's sister, Jessica. She's expecting a little girl next month.

We were getting ready for the fireworks show. This is Sarah and her husband, Justin. We just laid around until the show started at 10:00 p.m. It was quite the show. The fireworks were beautiful and it was worth the wait.



The next day, Sarah's family decided to introduce me to garage saleing. I've never been before, so I didn't know what to expect. It was a bad weekend to go because of it being a holiday weekend, but I did get two movies for a $1. That was exciting. Then Jessica, Sarah, and I went out for lunch. Then Sarah and I went back to her place for some movie watching. Well, I fell asleep when Sarah was baking cookies and Sarah fell asleep when I was making dinner, so we really didn't talk much, but it's nice just to take a nap when you need to. When Justin came home from work, we decided we wanted to set off our own fireworks, so we went and bought some and headed over to Sarah's parents house and to the elementary school right behind to set them off. Of course, there was a playground and we had to go down the slides and play on the swings.




The next day was Sunday, so we went to church and then went home and did nothing. We ended up going to Sarah's Parent's house and played card games and chatted until midnight. It was nice knowing that I didn't have to work in the morning.


On Monday, Sarah and I slept in really late and then we decided to do makeovers. Well, I gave Sarah a makeover. She looked fabulous, but of course, I forgot to take the camera out. We then joined Sarah's Mom, Cindy, and Jessica for lunch and this wonderful bakery. Their sourdough bread was to die for and I very much enjoyed the visit.


That was my trip and I have to say that my body and brain thank me for the R&R that I got there.

Life in the Last Few Weeks

Well, there's a lot to tell all of you. Life has been so crazy busy that there's been no time to talk about what I've been doing. So, here it goes, have fun reading.

May 31, 2008:

My branch decided to go on a hike up Ensign Peak. I myself have never been up there, but we had a grand ol' time doing it. One girl got sick and another couldn't make it all the way, so those two went down, but the rest of us made it to the top. I have to say it was enjoyable and the view spectacular.

My friend Oni, Mary, myself, and Corinne at the top

The view from the top. Isn't it beautiful!!!

June 5, 2008:

My youngest brother, Ethan, finally graduated from High School. I wasn't able to go to the ceremony since it was ticket only, but we had a pie and ice cream party afterwards. I'm so proud of him. This year has been really hard, but he did it and he did a great job.


June 26 - 28, 2008:

GIRLS CAMP!!!!!! I had the amazing opportunity to go to Early Bird Camp with the 12 year old girls from my Stake. We were at BOOT (Building Our Own Testimonies) Camp and it was a blast. I had 4 girls in my unit that were beautiful and talented. There was Marie, Yoleen, Glynda and Amber. Here are some pictures of my adventure:

Here is Amber. This is on our way to camp.

This is Glynda (smiling), Yoleen (sunglasses), and Marie in my car on our way to camp


After setting up all of the tents, we went to the Duchesne River to cool down. It was running high and fast and the water was COLD!!! But it gave us the relief that we needed.


We had an All-American Dinner our first night there. We had burgers, hot dogs, watermelon. It was delicious.










We had an enjoyable time. I'm so grateful for everyone there, for their patience with me. Needless to say, I was a little stressed out about the choir, but all of the leaders stayed up until 1 a.m. helping me put folders together. I think I've made some lifelong friends out of this experience.

June 29, 2008:

Well, I don't have any exciting pictures for you on this day, but my choir sang in front of 3,000 young single adults. I was a nervous wreck. I was afriad of what my capabilities were, but it turned out. I know there were Heavenly Hosts singing with the choir. We ended up with 85 members (53 girls and 32 boys). What a blessing it was to have the opportunity, but I'm very grateful its over with. Now, I'll need to find a hobby to fill in all of the spare time I have now.

I hope I didn't bore you, but look forward to a new edition next week called "My Trip to Idaho." Until then, take care!!