Lists Lists and More Lists

I like lists. I am a list maker. If you look in any notebook I own you will find lists somewhere and on random papers I have stashed places. Lists make me happy, they make me feel organized, and help me feel empowered. Lists are just great. Yesterday I was at a Healthy Community conference. The conference was centered on preparing for emergencies and disasters and also on being healthy. A great conference for new lists.

During the presentation "20 Lessons Learned from Katrina" I was inspired to make a list of items that I need to purchase over the next year for my emergency preparedness/72 hours kits (flashlights, batteries, radio, matches, etc). Once I started making that list I remembered my goal from last week to make a plan for food storage, of course I needed to make a list of food for my food storage before I could plan what weeks I would actually purchase the food in...(black beans, rice, canned chicken, flour, etc.). Whoa, I felt great! Better at actually have made lists so I am one step closer to getting things in order for my 1 year supply and 72 hour kits.

Well, the next speaker was a little boring...so what could I do...I made a new list, my Christmas gift list. I wrote down all the names of people I wanted to purchase Christmas gifts for this year and started planning what gift(s) each person would get. Wow! Usually I don't do this until November or sometimes even December! I was on a list making high! What else could I do??? Make another list, a "who is going to get a Christmas card" list. I had already planned to evaluate my current supplies and purchase additional items to start making my Christmas cards, but now I actually know well in advance how many I need to make. Yay!

I am sure you are thinking, "Where does she keep all these lists so she doesn't lose them?" Never fear, I have a small note book I keep in my purse for this exact reason...to make lists. My most common lists are, a shopping list, a "to do" list, and a "cool things I heard about and want to look into more" list.

So why am I telling you about my obsession with lists? At the conference the last speaker talked about being "Hardy" meaning how to be emotionally/mentally healthy to be able to deal effectively with stress and other events in your life. I have heard her speak many times, always good, but this time the concept of each day making a list of things that made you happy stuck with me. What to do? I started my personal list yesterday "3 things that made me happy in the last 24 hours." I am committed to writing 3 things down each day. I, however, also wanted to share a list of items that have made me happy or smile recently, I hope you enjoy!

1. Made plans and purchased tickets to visit Joe in Phoenix. While I am there I am also going to see Jill. I love her!
2. I went to dinner with Ashely CookieMonster. She just makes me happy.
3. Ashley spurred some ideas for a table topper/runner that I want to make...so excited.
4. Had Chili Killies with Tiffany and Michael. Yum, and I got to see their new house, super cute!
5. Hearing the song "Hey there Delilah", who wouldn't be happy after hearing these words "...girl tonight you look so pretty, yes you do, Time Square can't shine as bright as you, I swear it's true." and "...don't you worry about the distance, I'm right there if you get lonely, give this song another listen, close your eyes, listen to my voice it's my disguise, I'm by your side." I love it! It has been my cell phone ringer for awhile now.
6. Looking at the pictures of Inez's office covered in tin foil. That made me laugh out loud every time I look at them...which is everyday.
7. The fact the Teo is still alive (he is a plant I purchased a LONG time ago).
8. Watching "The Office" episodes, especially with Nicole, her laugh makes me laugh.
9. Getting a sno cone with Annalissa
10. Cooking.
11. Being with my parents.
12. Talking with my family.
13. The old metal thingy that has stars in it that came from Grandma Lizzie's house.
14. Reading my friends blogs.
15. Wearing my cute glasses.
16. Making a list.
17. Using cans of Air. Seriously, I am addicted to them...I want to spray everything and everyone!
18. Cleaning under my bed.
19. Reading quotes from the Quote Book at work.
20. Checking my email and finding an email from a friend.
21. Purses, I love my purses. It makes me happy to give them names (New job purse, Florence, Prada, Park Avenue, etc. Okay, so they are not the most creative names but I like them).
22. Getting a pedicure, and then each time I see my cute toes.
23. The sound of my nails clicking on the key board...it means they are getting long!
24. Making friends at fabric/craft stores with complete strangers.
FINALLY the last one on my list today
25. Planning a trip.
Wait...just one more...
26. Feeling the Spirit and getting renewed.

I had planned on only writing 10 things, but as you can tell...my lists sometimes get out of control.

What would be on your "Things that make me happy/smile" list?

You Should Be Jealous

I have a great big brother. I love the rest of my family too, but I have always had a special connection with my brother Joe. He is my closest sibling age wise (he is just a short 12 years older than me), but those years seem to get smaller as we get older. Let me tell a few things about Joe:

1. He loves to laugh and have fun. He likes to play games, but I usually always beat him at Scrabble.
2. He loves his family. He loves his sisters, even when we are crazy. He loves his wife and he loves his son (Big Dave the Korean).
3. He is smart...but don't tell him I told you, this might make him think I mean he is smarter than me!
4. He is a hard worker.
5. He is wise. Over the last little while, Joe has made some pretty powerful observations and given some great advice to put life in perspective.
6. Comments like "Oh yeah! I'll be your mom and your dad. How would you like that?"
7. He loves the Gospel. It wasn't until the last 6 months or so that I have come to realize the change that came over Joe when he started coming back to church. He has gone full force with the Gospel and it has refined his character and it has calmed him. This is the reason I admire him even more. He is a great example.
8. He poses for pictures like the one above!

Now you know why you should be jealous, I have a great big brother.

A Must See!

My current favorite documentary is "Long Way Round", where Ewan McGregor and his friend Charlie take a motorcycle trip around the world. Besides getting to admire Ewan McGregor for 6 hours, they drive through some of my favorite parts of the world. Eastern Europe, Russia, and Tibet. I am intrigued by this part of the world, or pretty much any part of the world where I haven't been. It was so interesting that I am slightly embarrassed with the number of day(s) it took me to watch all 6, 1 hour long, episodes.

Now, imagine my delight, when my friend Shannon's husband, in a comment on his blog, mentioned that they are making a sequel..."Long Way Down". This time they will take a motorcycle trip from England to the tip of Africa. I can hardly wait. If you are ever in doubt and want a good series to rent or check out at the library (which is what I did), this is a must see. Seriously, I loved it!

DG Lesson: Canning

I slept over at Ardell's house last night. She is a tricky lady. You know she has specific plans for you when she asks a question like "What are you plans for tomorrow?" It only took me 20 years to realize this was her roundabout way of telling you she has something she wants you to do. You must choose your answer carefully...very carefully! Just kidding...but I do think Ardell thinks she is being tricky. Any ways...she asked me this very question last night. The only plans I had were cleaning and organizing my house. Her plans for me were to can peaches and tomatoes. Yay! I am so glad I did! There are several reasons why I enjoyed this:

1. As most of you know, I want to become a Domestic Goddess/Diva. Learning how to "Can" food is a big part of this. Ardell has canned food her whole life and let me tell you...delicious and great for a budget!

2. At church we have had several lessons recently about getting a "One Year Supply." I got the prompting that I no longer can sit back and say "When I get married..." or "When I get my own house..." etc. I need to act and start now. Seriously, this has been on my mind a lot lately. I need to sit down and actually make a plan on how I am going to do this. If any of you have ideas about this, not only for food, but for other essentials, please let me know! I also have decided I need to learn how to cook with the basic's...flour, sugar, wheat, etc...seriously...any ideas on where to start?

3. The most important reason, I got to spend time with my mom. I was born when my parents were 46 (mom) and 50 (dad). It has been hard to see my dad go from full activity and intelligence, to where he is now. It really makes me think about all I need to learn from my parents and the somewhat limited time I have left to do this. When I was younger I don't know that I appreciated all the skills I could learn from Ardell, but I definitely do now, and hopefully time will allow me to learn them all.

Side note: You may have noticed I call my mom, Ardell. When I am speaking to her I call her mom, unless she ignores me then I call her Ardell to get her attention. But when I talk about her and my dad, I like to call them Dean and Ardell, I think it gives them personality! The name Ardell in my mind has so much character!

Side note the 2nd: I tried a little experiment with the tomatoes. Instead of leaving them whole, I diced them into pieces and then put a 1/2 teaspoon of garlic in them. Cross your fingers that they are YUMMY!

The Best Birthday Party This Summer!

Nicole, my "Hollywood" roommate had a birthday. She got together with Katie and Ben and threw the best birthday party of the summer! Above is the house we had it at. Some guy in our ward offered to let them have it at his parents house (by the way...none of the birthday people know this guy!) The house is up by the "U" above Shriner's hospital. What a great view. They have a great patio in the front of their house and a swimming pool just off the patio. The house was amazing, with great features that I want to incorporate into my house some day. It was glass on 3 sides of the house, which made for an amazing view. Also, the parents bathroom, what twice the size of my bedroom! Seriously! One day maybe I will get to live in a great house like this...

The theme was "Hollywood Oscar's" from the 1920's to 1960's. FORMAL DRESS requested. I didn't get to choose whether I dressed up or not...more like "You have to dress up or I will kill you!" I chose my life...and consequently dressed up. I am glad I did...it made the party that much better. Nicole spent the better part of a week getting ready for the party. Baking cupcakes, making red and yellow chocolate stars to go on top of the cupcakes, shopping for decorations, covering stars in tinfoil, and the list goes on.

The party was a smashing success! Ton's of people showed up...most dressed in Hollywood Oscar attire! We danced and danced for hours! It was great! Thanks Nicole, Katie, and Ben for having a great birthday party! Wow! Loved it! Below are some pictures from the party...


This is Sarah, Nicole, Annalissa. Notice Nicole is holding her "Oscar" in the picture. Also, I learned that feather boa's are a great accessory to dance with! Seriously, I love Annalissa and Sarah...they are great!

This is Ben...he hijacked my camera and took a few pictures...What a cutie!

Me and the Boa. WOW! Am I sexy or what?!?


Dana and Me! It was so great to see her! Watch out...she has some killer dance moves...

Nicole...now you know why I called her my "Hollywood" roommate. She makes life so fun! Never a dull moment. Nicole...what can I say...the last year with you has been so memorable!

Me, Annalissa, Nicole, Katie, Sarah, Erin, and Larisa. We might have been the cutest girls at the party...sorry friends...it's pretty true!

Sarah, Jason, and Annalissa. Jason just got home from his mission, and was visiting his sister from Wyoming. Ummm...I don't think Wyoming will ever be the same after he shows them his CRAZY dance moves....Seriously, I really mean CRAXY dance moves...CRAZY!

Finally, my roommates: Stephanie, Erin, Nicole, and Me! We are pretty much ROCK STARS!

The Nature of My BLOG

So I have a friend...let's call him...J*SH. He has this thing with privacy. It is a little crazy. I don't think he quite gets, that we view this concept of PRIVACY differently. This has prompted me to explain the following:

1. Everything I post on my blog I have chosen to share with those people who know about my blog and those who just happen upon it.
2. I realize some things I post require more information for some people. Some things aren't fully explained on my blog because they are too personal and some are inside jokes.
3. With things that aren't fully explained on my blog, I fully expect some people to ask for more information...which I usually give...and I am not upset about it...because I expected it.
4. Comments are welcome, so are questions.
5. Some previous posts and potentially some future posts have been moved to a new "secret blog" to protect the guilty...if you want to read that blog...you will have to pass a test. NO CHEAT SHEETS ALLOWED.

I have realized that I want to tell some people certain things, or share some thoughts I have with them. I think it will help them understand me better. I am not very good at verbally expressing how I feel, especially to those I care a great deal about. This format has been very helpful to me. It has been an emotional release. It has kept me sane. And it has served, and is still serving its purpose. So there.

Rat-A-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT

All day.
Everyday.
Some days aren't as bad as others.
But there are those days that make you want to scream.
I know it is for the best.
But I want it to stop.
I know I wanted to be here, but really???
I guess I should be careful what I wish for...
The grass isn't always GREENER.
Other's notice it too.
They feel the same way.
When will it end.















So I work downtown Salt Lake City.
RIGHT IN THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE.
Yes, my office building is attached to the mall they are tearing down.
In fact, the first 6 or 7 floors of our building was the parking garage for the mall, and the parking garage is going way.
How can this be? Don't ask me.
As my boss likes to say, "They will be SHEARING off the sides of our building."
SHEARING, what a comforting word.
They have to get rid of the concrete parking garage...and the safest way to do this is to do it slowly and thoroughly...with a JACKHAMMER. Not necessarily the one above...but a crane jackhammer.
LOVELY.
All day you can hear it.
Monday and Tuesday it was on our side of the building.
I was sick this last weekend and still wasn't feeling well on Monday.
My neck hurt.
I had a headache.
My stomach was a little topsy turvy.
Now imagine listening to a jackhammer all day.
Even better...listening to it...and being able to FEEL it.
Yep. It did wonders for how I felt.
No worries...I drugged myself up.
Hey...it's like getting a free chair massage all day...
rat-a-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat

One Year Older and Wiser Too!

Big Dave the Korean is now one year old. Isn't he adorable! His dad says he is a Liger, with those teeth, he very well could be! While he was up visiting we became better friends, but we aren't best friends yet...maybe one day. He did like it when I fed him (note the cut up peach in his mouth). I loved having my nephew here, life is definitely an adventure with David around.
(p.s. A liger is a cross between a lion and a tiger, bred for their magical properties.)

Best Flavor EVER.

I went with some friends to get a sno cone tonight. I think I had the best sno cone of my whole life. We went to Snoasis on Ft. Union. There was a long line, which is a good indicator that the sno cones are tasty. I think Dr. Marberger (perhaps the best dentist EVER), told me about Snoasis...thanks Dr. Marberger. From the pictures below...can you guess my flavor?



and



and


You guessed it...Black Raspberry + Mango + Cream. Delicious! I even finished the whole medium sno cone I purchased.

One thing though...I now remember why I usually get a small and/or don't finish the sugary item I just purchased...I now feel really gross and headache-y. Oh well! Tonight it was worth it. Yummm.

An Amazing Woman

My friend Jill posted a blog about Margaret Bourke White and since Jill is awesome and great I thought to myself "D'Nell, you should see what all the fuss is about." So I did. I checked out two books that told a brief history of Margaret's life but mainly showcased her pictures. Two of my favorites are below.


Not only did she have an amazing life and take quite a few amazing pictures, she also had a very interesting take on life. One that I share wholeheartedly:

"My life and career was not an accident." Margaret Bourke-White told an interviewer in 1960. "It was thoroughly thought out."

It wasn't until maybe 4 years ago that I really started having LIFE GOALS. Seriously, I really had just worked on what ever major thing was in front of me at the time. Once I graduated from college, I no longer had something major to work at...well I did...my whole life and it required an action plan.

I went about creating my action plan backwards.I asked myself this question, "What stories do I want to tell my grandchildren and what do I want my obituary to say about my life?" I realized that I had wasted a lot of years just going about life with out really experiencing all that I could have. I wasn't "USING" everyday to its fullest. I wasted a lot of time and money just getting by.

(side note: This theory about "STORIES" came about while I was in China a year or so before. I don't know who thought this up, whether it was me or another member of the "CIRCLE" My motto was "This is all about the STORIES I can tell when I go home" or "Anything for the STORY.")

A plan was born. I thought about what I wanted my life STORY to say and made an action plan. Granted...I am not very good at action plans and so it is still a work in progress...and probably will be my whole life. Hey, Life isn't made to order...it does throw you curve balls sometimes. But all in all, I put a lot of time into the decisions I make so that my life isn't an accident, but thought out and full of life. And don't forget...full of awesome STORIES, after all...my life is my STORY and who wants to tell a boring STORY.