Friday, December 3, 2010

Good intentions...

Well I had every intention of posting everyday during November.. Then I got a job and things got hectic. That's right folks, I got a job. Me! The unemployable, haha. I was hired as a temp in the accounting office of the Non profit in charge of Head Start and some other community action programs. It started out just filing and mindless work, which was awful. But now they are trying to hire someone to be a file clerk so I can focus on the actual accounting. I am going to be in charge of doing all of the credit card balances and paying them.
Anywho, I thought I would catch everyone up a little on my life. Hopefully I will be able to post more soon.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The basics

Today I am grateful for the basic things in life that we all take for granted. I am thankful for clean water to drink, a roof over my head, and food to eat. If you honestly think about it these are the basic things we need to live and I am grateful that I don't have to worry about them everyday. I know there are millions of people around the world that do have to worry about this and it hurts me. There are thousands of people in the United States alone that have to decide between paying rent and putting food on the table. I wish I could reach out and help every single one of them, but I know I can't.

Due to the economic uncertainty of the time we live in more and more people have to make this choice and many people who never imagined they would be in such a situation.
So today I give thanks for the basics and I believe we all should.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Long Day...

Today has been a long day. I cut my finger while doing dishes, my dog BIT me (he has never even tried to bite me), and I got hit in the face with a rouge elbow.... So at the end of that I'm thankful for pumpkin cheesecake bars.
THE END.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Traditions

Today I am grateful for my family, all of them. Grandparents, cousins, uncles, great aunts, etc. These people are like a living breathing road map of genetics. I love to look at my family and say, "I have your nose" or "I make that look too!" Everyone brings something different and unique into my life and for that I am eternally grateful.
Let me focus for just a moment on my grandparents... I don't think anyone in the history of the world has had better grandparents. My grandpa Tom has always told me "Make Grandpa proud" and sometimes before I make a big decision I ask myself "Would my grandpa be proud of me?" If you don't think that is one powerful motivator, you obviously haven't met Mr. Tommy Dean Withers. Anywho, I have the best of every world with my grandparents. My grandma Thelma can make a pie out of nothing and it will knock your socks off, she also can get any stain out of any item, ever! It's truly amazing. My grandma Glenda is adventurous and will go eat sushi with me and loves to travel. My grandpa Tom is a natural born storyteller and a world famous 'coon hunter. And my grandpa Bud was hilarious and one of the most caring men on the planet (ok, I'm bias because I'm his granddaughter but I'm entitled to be).

My family is amazing and they are some of the craziest, coolest, most amazing people God has ever made and I am proud to say I'm related to every one of them :).

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Two for One

I was really busy yesterday so I missed posting, oops. But that means you get 2 today!
Last night and this morning I had a super awful headache which has prompted me to be very very grateful for modern medicine. Think of the advances the medical community has made in recent years, nothing short of amazing. Also, I feel like it needs to be said... I thank god just about every day for ibuprofen. Honestly, think how many days this drug has saved, for me that is nothing short of a miracle.
The second thing I am grateful for today is.... My dog, Sam. He's pretty much my child and he is fantastic. Also, he smiles. And when I come home after being gone for a little while the greeting I receive from him can't be rivaled. He smiles the biggest smile imaginable for a dog and not only does his tail wag but his whole body does. It makes everything right with the world :)

Friday, November 5, 2010

Friday Funnies

Since today is Friday, and let's face it, everyone loves Fridays I thought I would give you something I'm grateful for that's a little more lighthearted. So here it goes... Today I'm grateful for chocolate. Honestly, where would we be in this world without chocolate? I mean what would people's guilty pleasure be? Celery or, god forbid, people would be addicted to EXERCISING!
Anywho, I love chocolate. At the end of an awful day I think a reese's peanut buttercup is heavenly :). Happy Friday everyone.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

The Power

When I was in elementary school I always thought I wasn't as smart as the other kids because I had to take time out of the day to go to a different class room... The special ed room. I was diagnosed very early with ADD and a learning disability that effected my reading skills. And yes, I was medicated. I know that is a big controversy now but I believe it was the best thing for me. It was very hard for me to read like the other kids or even spell like them. But I soon realized that I, in fact, wasn't stupid I just had to go about it in a different way.
Flash forward to high school graduation, I'm in the top 15% of my class with honor classes and successfully completed the entire math department (minus statistics), I received a 27 on my ACTs and will be starting college in the fall at a top engineering school. Accomplished? I say, yes. I went on to that college and decided that engineering and math weren't for me (who knew?), on to psychology we go. I graduate in 4 years with my bachelors in Psychology.
Now some of this may seem pretty "normal" and by no means was I the best student but I made it. I did it, on my own, learning disabilities and all. So today I am grateful for my education because it is something no one can take away from me no matter how hard they try. Through my education I not only learned facts and equations but I learned about myself. I found out how I learn best, how my brain works, problem solving and balance.
Not only am I grateful for my education but I am grateful that I have the right to get an education. I heard a story the other day about a girl in Iraq that had to dress like a boy and walk miles upon miles day just so she could learn to read. She had to dress like a boy because women are allowed to get an education. So by doing this she risked her life and possibly the lives of her family members. I believe this is beautiful and horrific all in the same moment. It is beautiful that she is so very determined to get an education and that she realized how important her education is that she took these risks. But it is also horrific because of the basic injustice that is happening to all of the women that don't take these risks. How will they ever learn how beautiful the far away rain forest is? Or how to read the books that have inspired so many? This is truly and undeniably unfair. Another reason that this is horrifying to me is because how people in our country take education for granted. I know I did when I was a kid, I think all children do. But I feel as though if I would have known how this girl in Iraq is fighting for her education it would have made me value mine a little more.
In short, I entitled this blog "The Power" simply because I truly believe that knowledge is power. And I gained my knowledge through my education which, in the end, empowered me to be a better person.

Don't take it for granted. Have a great day :)

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

A little bit of life.

On a whim today I applied to a temp agency. This unemployment thing is really driving me batty. Almost immediately, I wasn't even finished with the application, I received a call and I have an interview with them tomorrow morning. I'm optimistically excited and a bit nervous, it's been a while since I've had a real interview.
Just think about me tomorrow, we will see how this goes.

The lucky one

I have to say that in the lottery of parents I sure lucked out. So that is what I am thankful for today, my parents. What can you say about two of the most influential people in your life? You rock, doesn't exactly seem enough but that's where we will start.
My parents have set a pretty awesome example for my sister and I. They have been married for 31 years and dated for 8 years before that. They have shown us what true unconditional love is, not only for each other but for their families. They have taught us what it means to be a good person and a good citizen. We were taught from a very early age to respect everyone, including ourselves. They have also shown us how to stumble and not fall. And if you do fall, to "get your ass off the ground and try again".
These people shaped me into who I am today and, proudly, I admit I'm a lot like them. I'm organized like my mother. Laid back like my father. I'm creative like both of them. I'm intrigued by people like my father. I am drawn to education like my mother. I like whiskey like my father. I am emotional like my mother. I am compassionate, helpful, quirky, and a little bit crazy like both of them. So at the age of 23, I accept it... I will more than likely turn into a mixture of my parents. Most people see this as a bad thing, I see it as a blessing. I would be honored to embody such an example of humble beauty.
Now, mom and dad, don't you dare think that just because I'm writing you a glowing review that I won't fight with you. I will. We have always argued but that is how I learned to stand up for myself and my beliefs. You have taught me to love who I am, and I thank you for that every day. There were times in my life when it seemed like the whole world was resting on my shoulders but, thankfully, you both were there to help me carry the load.
So today, I give credit where credit is due and that is to you. Thank you for loving me and for being my parents.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Free Bird

On this election day, I am grateful for my freedom. I am extremely proud to be a woman in a country that recognizes the equality of genders. I once read an email about the women who fought, literally, for our freedom. They were imprisoned, beaten, committed to institutions, and worse; all so that their daughters and my daughters will have the same freedoms as their male counterparts. That is absolutely amazing.
I am not only grateful for my right to vote but for all of my rights. I can speak for myself and say what I please, I can own property, no person has power over me, I am free to love and live. And for this I thank every single person who has ever fought for the freedom of this nation and it's people.
However, we are still fighting in 2010 for the freedom of another group. I feel as though there is no way to speak about freedom with out mentioning the fight for gay rights. I believe with my whole heart that everyone should have the same rights in this country and it is fundamentally wrong to deny a group of people their rights.
For example, my cousin, Katy is gay. Her and Jenn have been together for something like 15 years (that is something that straight people need to take a look at, just saying) earlier this year they had a commitment ceremony to celebrate their commitment to each other, because, unfortunately their marriage is not recognized by the state of Illinois. Now, I don't believe having a piece of paper that says that they are indeed married would make them love each other any more or less but I do believe that it is wrong to deny them such a beautiful right. I honestly don't see why anyone would want to deny another human something that is so fundamental to our freedom.
Anywho, just a few things to think about on this election day. Give thanks but still strive for that which is honorable.

Blessed

I know it's super crazy late, and technically I missed the first day of November (oops). But I haven't slept yet so I think it still counts.
The first thing I am grateful for is Mr. Andy (like that is a surprise). He's pretty much the greatest thing to ever happen to me, no he really is the greatest thing to ever happen to me. Almost exactly 4 years ago we "officially" started dating and at that point in my life I was in a very dark place. He listened, he tried to understand, he held my hand, and completely accepted me the way I was. And I believe that is the greatest gift you can give someone, unconditional love and acceptance. Don't get me wrong, I tried my darnest to sabotage his efforts. And it all came down to a point when he was in Atlanta for graduate school and I was still in Rolla, and I asked a simple, but dangerously loaded question, "is this worth it?" And his response should go down in some book somewhere of the greatest things men have ever said... Ready? Here it goes... "I want to be with you, only you. Forever. I will do whatever it takes to make you see that and to make that happen. It's worth it, completely."
So today I'm grateful for a someone like him to come into my life. I'm his biggest fan, and he is mine. And that is something we all need in this world.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Bewitched

Tonight was halloween but apparently in Utah you don't have holidays on Sunday, interesting. So instead it was a night of me and the dog watching tv together. Mr. Andy has left for San Diego for a conference thing. He is a bit upset that he doesn't have a bay view, beggers can't be choosers, right? Any who, tomorrow starts my month of gratefulness, who's excited? THIS GIRL! So before we officially close out the month of October I will leave you with some pictures from our girls day at Gardner Village for the Witches Festival. We had a blast!
 Hayden isn't much of a picture kid but I think we got a keeper here!
 Miss Lydia was a little sleepy but so cute none the less.
 Sisters, what a special moment.
 Jacks is ready for Christmas!
All of us, minus Whitney who had to take the picture.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Say What?

Apparently a part of being a "home owner" means doing yard work. What?! Where was that in the closing papers? I refuse! I demand release from this statute! Well that didn't help. Against harsh protest Andy still managed to get me to do yard work today. Gross! But I do however, get a reward. He said if we did yard work this morning we could go antiquing this afternoon! All together now... "YES!!!" I will update you on the stuff we find later.
Tonight is the halloween party are Megan and Jason's. We are still a little lost on what to be, oh well we will figure it out.
I will leave you with a pretty picture of my parents from their trip out here. :) I don't think there could be a greater example for a marriage. Yay for rockstar parent. (Side note, that's a framer folks!)

Friday, October 29, 2010

Lost and Found!

Camera has been located, yes! Which equates to some awesome pictures for your viewing pleasure.
Let's start with a few pictures of Mr. Jackson that I took one day he was visiting. Megan these are for you, lady.

 Jackson and I started playing in the kitchen sink which meant the little man had to lose his clothes before he was soaked. He had a blast and I got some awesome pictures. I have to say he is my favorite 1 year old.
And anyway, who can resist that SMILE?!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

MOOOOOOOOSE!

Just a quick update on the moose chili. It turned out great! It was yummy and Andy even ate two bowls. I chalk that up to a win. GO ME!
In other news, I can't find our camera. Which makes me very very sad because all of the pictures from our girls day at Gardner Village are on there. The search continues...

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Prayers Please

I'm asking for everyone's thoughts and prayers to please be sent to my home town. There is a tragic situation unfolding and many lives might be ruined. A guy that was in my graduating class has killed 3 people and injured one today. He is still on the loose and is considered extremely dangerous. I don't know anyone personally that has been effected but the community is pretty small.
Thank you in advance for your compassion and prayers.

Baby it's cold outside...

Apparently I spoke too soon about fall... It's definitely winter outside now. We got a very big snow storm last night. Which means my yard is not only full of leaves I haven't gotten to rack yet but now there is about an inch of snow of top of them! Oh well, on the up side this means it is officially sweater and boot weather!
In other news I'm branching out and making something very new today... MOOSE CHILI! Our neighbor, Wit, got a once in a life time chance to hunt for moose and, even more once-in-a-lifetime-ish, he got a giant moose! They have over 400 lbs of moose meat which they are trying to give away, so of course I offered :). I'm all for trying something new, Andy isn't so much. He told me we better have bread for sandwiches just in case. Any way, I found a super easy recipe online and I tweaked it a little for things I have on hand, hopefully it turns out yummy.
In other food related news, I made a pumpkin gooey butter cake the other day. Like all gooey butter cakes it was super easy and awful for you. But I have to say, I think I will stick with the original. On this one, I will go with the saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". The original is about as close to a heavenly experience as you can get and this pumpkin version, while I had high hopes, just fell a little short. The consistency is more of a pumpkin pie instead of "gooey". And I don't think the crust worked with the filling. Oh well. I still have a whole 9x13 pan full to eat, so who's coming over for some cake?!
I heard today that November is the month of gratitude, which makes since due to Thanksgiving and all. So in light of this new discovery. I will be giving you a little incite into my life and I will be listing the things/people/experiences I am grateful for throughout the month of November. Get ready folks, it could get interesting!

Have a fabulous day!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Fall in to Happiness

It's fall here in Salt Lake.. Well at least it is supposed to be. And I have to say, fall is pretty much my favorite season. I love the chilly mornings and evenings but it's still warm enough during the day to get things done. And do I really have to say it? THE LEAVES! I love leaves! Crunchy pretty colored leaves during fall were sometimes the only things that got me to go to class in college (come on, everyone has their incentives). Now when I drive into or out of my neighborhood I have the greatest view. I drive down this small hill and around a corner and the view just opens to you. The street is lined with trees of all different persuasions, which makes my leaf viewing that much better. There are some that are gorgeous deep reds, almost purples. Right next to others that seem to have fire bursting from within, coming to show a bright orange. Then their are the yellows and golds, honestly, you've got to hand it to God; he really knows what he is doing. Now in the background behind my beautiful tree lined street are these majestic mountains. They are splashed with all the fall colors, just a bit more muted, making they seem like a water color painting just hung up for my amusement. You may be asking yourself, this picture can't get any better? Oh but it does! Now the mountains are snow capped! And everyday around 5pm the sky is making this perfect blue ombre. Needless to say my view is breath taking.
I have tried to capture this behind the lens of a camera but it never shows the true beauty. By now I've decided that this picture has been painted for my eyes and not for the eyes of a camera. So if you want to see it for yourself, you must come visit.
Like I said before, fall is my favorite season and I think that is why I chose October for the month of our wedding. So I will leave you will some true fall happiness... A picture of Andy and I on our wedding day.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog... I wasn't the best at keeping up with the last one so I thought I would start fresh. The title of this blog is "All Dressed Up in Love", this comes from one of my favorite movie quotes. At the very end of Sex in the City 1, Carrie is explaining how all of the ladies have found their happiness and how fashion labels go in and out of style but the one thing that never goes out of style is love. And if this is the truth, which I believe it is, I'm trying to stock my life's closet full of Love.
Right now I am hopelessly unemployed. But thankfully, I have a wonderful husband who says, "it will happen when it happens". In the meantime, while waiting for "it" to happen, I am doing all of the things I love to do. Sleep late, cook, make things, be creative and build friendships. I'm doing all of those things people wish they had more time to do. Do I think this is luck? Or just misfortune turned so I can see the bright side? Either way, who cares?