Really a Challenge

Well, I fell behind on my challenge again. This was not as easy as I thought it was going to be. By the time I finish blogging about my daily topics, I don't want to blog anymore.

So, one last day for the cheap seats in the back...

Day 27, 28, 29, 30, This is going to be a looong one!

Day 27- What kind of person attracts you

Nice ones! Yes I like nice guys. I can't stand conceited jerky guys. Ugh. Just thinking about them makes me really angry. Especially since they are usually ugly and have no reason to be conceited anyway! I like guys who are willing to help people. And don't have to be asked to do it, they just jump up and help.

I went on a date once with a guy who liked me, and I was trying to decide if I liked him. We went to the movies, and he had a coupon for a free large popcorn and drink. I asked him how he got that coupon and he proceeded to tell me how he stole it. He was at the movies one time and saw a stack of these coupons laying on the counter. I guess an employee was supposed to do something with them and left them there for a second. So, my date decided it was a good idea to just take them all. Great! Who does that? And then is proud of it? And tells me about it like it's a good thing? That made my decision right there. Safe to say that date was our last.

So, I like honest guys. Maybe not brutally honest, but honest. You notice I'm not talking about physical traits here. Because to me I really feel that personalities matter most. If a guy is nice, honest, helpful and hot that is an extra bonus. But at the end of the day personality is what matters most.

Day 28- In the past month what have you learned?

Well, I've learned a few things. I don't think blog challenges are for me. The pressure to blog everyday, ugh. I don't like it.

I've learned that I like older babies. Despite Brynlee being into everything, and not eating really well I love her at this age. More than I've loved any other age. She is actually a person now. Not just a needy lump. And when I make her laugh and giggle it makes me so happy I could cry. I could just record her laughing and play it all day long. In my mind there is NO better sound.

I turn Sports Center on in the background while I'm working. I go to talk to people about the things I've seen or heard that day, and there isn't really anyone to talk to. So, I've learned that I need to find some sports loving friends, because I don't really have any anymore.

I've learned that May is one of my favorite months. It's usually warm, but not too warm. And it's sunny out and smells like fresh cut grass. And it's Brynlee's birthday, and we have a holiday. All in the same month! I love it.

Day 29- Something you could never get tired of doing

This is tough because I usually get tired of everything eventually. But some things I could just keep doing on a regular basis are:

Reading. Have I mentioned I love to read. I have a nice stock pile of books to read, and I love that feeling. Finish one, on to the next. Ah. It's nice.

Playing Games: I played TABU and won that game, played Catch Phrase and one that one, and then played 3 rounds of ladder ball on Monday and won all those. It was a good game weekend for me. Even if I don't win, I could just play games all the time. With brief intermissions to rest that is.

Being Outdoors: If the weather is nice. I love it outside. I love napping in a hammock on a warm summer day, or pushing Brynlee on the swings. I love to eat a picnic outside. I just love it out there.

Day 30- A photograph of yourself and 3 good things that happened to you this month



Ok this is from Saturday not today. I'm not about to hop in my bathroom and start trying to do self portraits again. Sorry! This is from a wedding I went to this weekend. I love weddings.

Three good things that happened to me this month:

1. Brynlee turned 1! We kept her alive for a whole year. And when she got an A+ at her well baby visit it made me really proud. Maybe I'm not so bad at this parenting thing.

2. I went for a run! Yes me, running. Ugh. I'm going to try to get into it. The last time I went for a run was over a year ago. But yesterday, I ran. And I felt really good afterwards. When I could breath normally again. :)

3. We found out that Jimmy's work will reimburse us for some of the money we pay for day care. Yay!

Soon to come: Brynlee's birthday post.

Day 26

Day 26- A photo of somewhere you want to go




I've been feeling a little family sick recently. And this is where 90% of mine are. With the exception of my parents and one aunt and uncle. Jimmy and I were able to go back there in 2009, but it's been a few years now and it makes me sad that we won't be able to go this year. I wish I could pick this place up and just move it right next door. So it didn't require an all day flight and a lot of money to get there.

I look at people who are surrounded by family and I wonder what that is like. To have cousins and Grandmas close by. And see them on a regular basis. Thank goodness for my parents and my Aunt Lynne and Uncle Gary. Otherwise it would be really sad out here!

However I'm lucky enough to have family in such a beautiful place. And to be able to go visit as much as I have. Look at this place, who wouldn't want to go there?







See those two chairs? Those are waiting for Jimmy and I!

I think that is part of the reason why I'm so hesitant to leave Simi Valley. I want Brynlee to grow up around aunts and uncles and cousins and grandmas and grandpas. I know how important that is.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I live here in California. Humidity and my hair, not a good mix! I think about how brave my parents were, to come all the way out here and leave their families and way of life behind. I wonder who I would be if they had never done that. It's weird to think about.


On a different topic, Brynlee had her 12 month well baby visit. She is beginning to level off, and is not such a beast anymore.

Weight, 22lbs 75th percentile
Height, 29.5 inches, 75th percentile

They measured her head, but I can't remember what it was. The Dr said she got an A+ though. Yay! I can start getting her off bottles and formula. Finaly! I'll dance in the streets the day I don't have to wash another bottle. Or buy another can of formula. I gave her some whole milk last night with her formula and she took pretty well to it.

She will drink out of a sippy cup, but is not real enthused about it. So I think getting rid of the bottle is going to be the tough part. She has become quite the picky eater. And has quite the baby tude to go with it. She is now rejecting most of her old food favorites. I've read this is fairly common at this age. But then what do I give her to eat? Gerber veggie dip puffs seem to be the only thing she really really wants. That and cake. Great. I wonder how long she can live off of those two things? :)

Day 25

Day 25-Who are you?

Wow. Vague much? Hmm.. who am I.

Well I'm a mess. In most aspects. I'm so disorganized. Once in a while I get on these kicks where I try to be organized, but then I end up just shoving things places. Jimmy has tried to color code my closet for me a couple of times. But it never sticks for long. I'm not a color coded kind of person.

I see these people with these nicely decorated houses, and cute little outfits and I don't get how they do that. I will always prefer flip flops over high heels. I do try to dress up once in a while, but I always feel like I'm trying to hard, and that it doesn't look natural. I own about 10 black shirts. And like 7 white ones. It's not that I don't like color, but I just always gravitate to those colors. I think because they are easy to pair with stuff. I'm not sure what to do with colors.

I worry too much. So you'd think I'd be organized. Nope, a worrying mess. Bad combination. I have a mountain of clothes on the foot of my bed. I whittle the mountain down, but it grows again. Now it's actually useful because I can hide from Brynlee behind it. She's not an idiot though, she knows I'm there. But it makes me feel better if she can't see me. Then it's like my own room, almost. Will I ever get to the point where I don't have clothes mountains around my room? Probably not.

Which leads me to the fact that I'm lazy. It's not real hard to hang a shirt up is it? No, it's not. But I just don't do it. I don't know how to change that about myself. I change it for like 2 weeks, and then the mountain grows again.

Lastly, I'm lucky. I've been on this kick recently reading all these depressing blogs. The blogs I follow don't usually update too much ( hint hint) so I've been forced to blog stalk people. I guess it's not stalking if you put your blog up on the internet for public viewing. That is what I tell myself. Anyway via other people's blogs I've stumbled upon a few that have kept my busy the past few weeks. One was a family whose 3rd child was born with down syndrome, one was a wife and mother of 4 kids who was dying from cancer at age 31. Two blogs were people who lost their little girls, one girl was 18 months and one girl was 5 months. And another was a family where the mother, pregnant with their 4th child suddenly died ( fetus died too) leaving the dad a widower. I've been addicted to these blogs. And have sat at home crying at my computer pretty much everyday. But have learned a few things too:

1. Calling someone a "retard" for doing something stupid is not acceptable. This was a habit for me, and I'm breaking it. I'm not using that term like that anymore, because it's hurtful to people and it's wrong. I challenge anyone out there who uses that word the way I used to to really think about what you are saying. And to stop saying it.

2. I'm getting my moles checked for cancer ASAP. Jimmy is getting his checked too. The earlier you catch it, the better. Obviously. Not that I didn't know that, but it's become more of a reality now.

3. Time is short, so cherish it. As I read about all these people who have lost loved ones I realize how much I take for granted. And how lucky I am that we are all healthy and together.

Reading these blogs has changed my attitude towards Brynlee. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I'm more patient with her. I enjoy her more. I see how lucky I am that I get to watch her grow and learn and be a kid. As she turned 1 I got my first ping of desperation. Desperation that she is growing and getting older and there is nothing I can do about it. She will never turn 1 again, and it really threw me. I think about how much those two Moms in those blogs who lost their babies yearn to feel like Moms again, and here I am irritated because I have to feed my kid and she makes a HUGE mess every time she eats.

So, I have learned. And I have changed. Who says there is nothing good on the internet?

Lots of Days

Wow now I'm really behind. I'll have to make these short and sweet otherwise this will be a loooong post.

Day 21 A photo of something that makes you happy-



This picture is old but I love it. My crazy nut baby and her weird sleeping positions make me happy. I actually call her "baby nut" all the time. Because she is a nut. Especially when she sleeps. Who falls asleep like this? It makes me smile. Pretty much every Sunday when I drive her home from church I go to get her out of the car, and she is asleep with her head flopping forward. It looks so uncomfortable. And I push her had back against the car seat, and it just flops forward again.

Day 22- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.

Hmmm... I don't like this one. Skip!

Day 23-15 facts about me

1. My toe nails must always always be painted.
2. I love bread. Bread of all sorts and shapes and flavors. I don't usually need butter, just the bread. mmm...
3. I have a bachelor's degree in geography.
4. I waited in line for 12 hours to see O Town once. Not one of my finer moments.
5. I have a cat named Mitzie. My next cat will be named Trixie. So then I'll have a Mitzie and Trixie. I'm only interested in girl cats, no boys allowed!
6. I love forts and tents and crawling inside them.
7. Last night Jimmy and I played Yatzhee and I got a double Yahtzee! Wooo! Who gets that? It's actually my second time doing that too.
8. I have a birth mark on my leg, and a 4th grade mark on my arm. My 4th grade mark appeared when I was in 4th grade..duh
9. I have never gotten straight A's before. And I guess I never will now. I got all A's and 1 B one time, but that's it. :(
10. I've seen every Sex and the City episode about 14 times. And could probably recite them all in a monologue right now.
11. Yesterday Brynlee flipped off the changing table, and I caught her by her leg... Scary. My heart was pounding for like 10 min after that.
12. I can put both my legs behind my head
13. I am an only child
14. I love Revolutionary War history. Maybe that is why I'm so in love with Boston. Walking the freedom trail was on my most favorite things I've done. I love Titanic history too. And Dinosaurs.
15. I'm secretly ( well I guess not so secretly anymore) afraid that Jimmy and I will only have girls. Like it will be the universe's attempt to balance out the Cuillard boy/girl ratio. I know Jimmy is afraid of this too because he so desperately wants a son.

Day 24- A photo of something that means a lot to me



My religion. The older I get, the more I love it. And appreciate it. Things that seemed kind of like a chore before have become a privilege now. And I love that. I love learning, and teaching it. I know my parents have at times questioned whether letting me get involved with this religion was a good idea. But it was! It makes me really happy. And it makes me want to do good things. And be a better person.

Day 19 & 20

Day 19- A picture of you in a mirror

This was tough! Really a lot harder than I thought it would be. I'm not one of those people who takes 100 pictures of myself a day and posts them on facebook. No offense to those who do... so it took me about 10 tries before I got a picture of myself in the mirror that wasn't blurry and that my hand was not blocking my face! A photographer, I'm not.

This is me in all my morning glory. NO make up, hair not done. I'm dressed because I had to take Brynlee to school. That is about it. So pretty. Poor Jimmy.



And I had to throw this in there, just because I think they turned out really well. See these nails below, I did them! By myself! Well with the help of my friend Sally Hansen and her nail stickers. But they were not the easiest to apply so I'm still proud.



Day 20- The meaning of your Blog name

Well I stole it kind of. From a poet named Robert Frost. His poem is called The Road Not Taken. Not sure if that is legal or not to kind of steal that. No one has shown up to my house with handcuffs yet, but maybe I've just been lucky. :) It's one of my favorite poems. If you haven't read that poem you will have to copy and paste this link because I cannot get my links to work right on here:

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-road-not-taken/

I like to think that I take the road less traveled with things. I try not to take the easy way out, or just do whatever anyone else does. Not that there is anything wrong with taken the well beaten path. Not trying to judge here.

But I like to march to the beat of my own drum. Stand up for what you believe in, even if you are standing alone. I tell my Sunday School class this all the time. What kind of teacher would I be if I didn't practice what I preach?

Day 18

Day 18- 5 things that irritate me about the opposite/same sex

Ok I realize there will be exceptions to all these, and that I'm speaking in generalities here.

Men:

1. They don't listen. Or if they do listen, it's not very well. And not when I'm talking.

2. They think their way is the best way, even if it's not. And even if their way is stupid and makes no sense.

3. When they attempt to bake/cook something, they make huge messes in the kitchen. Like a bomb went off in there or something!

4. They are superficial and care more about what is on the outside than on the inside. I'll never forget when I was on vacation one time with Ashley. We were with my cousin and walked by a group of guys. The guys proceed to say "attractive" or not "attractive" about all the girls walking by. Seriously? Who does that? Out loud and then laughs about it with their friends. Ooh it gets me fired up just thinking about it. The worst part is, it's not like this was a group of Brad Pitts either...

5. They don't think before they speak.

Women:

1. Fake! Pretending to be nice to someone's face, and then being mean to them behind their back.

2. The drama. Everything is the end of the world, everyone is out to get them, etc.

3.Competition. Refer to my post a few weeks ago. We all feel the need to compete with each other. I'm not sure why. I hate it!

4. Lying. It seems to me that women tend to lie more than men. Maybe that is because men don't think before they speak.

5.The judging. I guess this ties into the competition thing. But everyone judging each other. It's not good.

This post was pretty negative, so I'm going to now list 5 thing I like about each sex. To end on a good note.

Men, part 2:

1. The way they smell.

2. The way they can calm you down when you are freaking out. And make you realize it's really not a big deal after all.

3. The way they are always willing to kill that spider/rat/cockroach whatever. Eww.

4. Their competitive nature. This can be a bad thing, but if it drives someone to be better then what the heck.

5. The way it feels to hug them.

Women, part 2:

1. Always an empathetic shoulder to cry on. When you cry, they cry. We all cry. Together.

2. When periods synch up together. I love that. I'm not sure why. It makes me feel like sisters in menstrualdom.

3. They cook for you. I'm lucky enough to have been friends with some really great cooks and bakers. Yum!

4. When they boys are getting too competitive over a game, other girls are willing to throw the game with you in order to keep the peace and keep the monsters at bay. Winning is NOT that important.

5. They will do your hair and makeup for you! And let you borrow clothes if you need them.

Ah, that feels better. I love everyone! :)

Day 17

Day 17- How you hope your future will be like

Oooh this is fun. I hope my future will be a happy one! I'm not sure what that means exactly. I hope there is a big house in my future, with multiple rooms and a nice backyard perfect for hosting. I hope there are a few more kids in my future. I hope I can stay home with my kids, and do fun things with them. And I hope Jimmy can find a job that he is good at but also enjoys.

I'm feeling reflective today. We are getting things in order for Brynlee's first birthday and I watched all the home movies we've made of her so far. Granted there are not a ton. But it became quite obvious that she is really not a "baby" anymore. She is turning into a little girl. I've been excited about her growth so far, but for the first time I got a little sad. Watching your kids grow is a funny sensation. It's exciting, but scary at the same time because you really see how fast time goes by.

I watched Brynlee take some of her first steps yesterday. They were not the first steps, I missed those. At least Jimmy saw them. I knew I would miss those first steps, joy of being a working Mom. But as she took her second step towards me it took my breath away. I find myself just staring at her now, waiting for her to change before my eyes because I don't want to miss it.

Day 14, 15, 16

Wow I fell a little behind. Yikes!

Day 14- A TV Show you are addicted to

I have two. 2 main shows that I get really excited for. The first one is The Biggest Loser. This is my first season watching it. When this season started Jimmy wanted to watch it I was just like whatever about it. But then I got hooked. I love it! It's so fun to see people changing their lives, for the better. So many reality shows are about trashy women with fake tans misbehaving. Does that really deserve a TV show? Not in my opinion. So I love it when a positive show comes along that actually helps people. We are almost to the finale and I can't wait. Although my favorite people keep going home, I'm excited to see everyone at the reunion and to see how far they have come.

My other one is The Vampire Diaries. I love that show with all my heart. I'm not sure when/why this whole vampire craze got started. I don't really care about vampires one way or another, but I do enjoy all these new books and TV shows. Vampire Diaries is on Thursday night. When I wake up on Thursday and there is a new episode on, it's like the sun is shining brighter. Last week was the season finale. Ugh. So I guess that leaves me plenty of time to catch up on my Jeopardy episodes. My DVR thinks it's funny to not record Vampire Diaries sometimes, or cut out chunks of the show. It always does it to this show. And it makes me sooo angry!!! I'd just watch it live, but it's during Pilates so I'm stuck watching the recording. Or now I'm stuck watching nothing until it comes back in September!

Day 15- Something you can't leave home with out

Chap stick. I need chap stick. When my lips are dry, it drives me crazy. I have a lip gloss in my purse and I use it all the time. Naturally this is one of Brynlee's favorite things to get a hold of. If I leave my purse anywhere within her reach, she dashes for my purse, rips out my lip gloss and rips the cap of. She then proceeds to mash it into the ground. When I catch her doing this she shows it to me and says "dee". Not sure what "dee" means, but I'm pretty sure it's not sorry as she shows no remorse and can't seem to wait to do it again. I used to be able to put my purse on a little table by the door. Now she can reach that. Then I had to start putting it on the couch, but not she can reach that. So I have to put it on the dining room table now. When she reaches that I'll be in trouble. I'm going to have to install a hook on my sealing to hang it on.

Day 16- Your view on homosexuality.

Oh boy, we are really getting into the nitty gritty aren't we? I love all people, gay straight, white, black, brown, yellow whatever. I was not raised to judge people, and I strive everyday to do my best to stay judge free. With the exception of Yankee fans. Or Yankees players. I already start off not liking them, even when I know nothing about them. If we have kids who play in little league and they are ever put on the Yankees, I'll probably make them change teams. No I'm not kidding. No Yankee paraphernalia will ever touch my body, nor will you ever catch me cheering for the Yankees. Ever.

Anyhow, back to homosexuality. I think the fact that these kids are teased mercilessly because they make different choices than other people is horrific. I have met a few gay people that I did not care for. But it had nothing to do with their sexual orientation. It had to do with there personality. That being said, any loyal followers of my blog remember that I was out there holding the "Yes on Prop 8" signs back in Nov 2008. Honestly, that was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. But I do feel that marriage should remain between a man and a woman. If they were to make a different kind of union that gave gay people all the same rights as married people, I'm all for that. It's not that I don't want them to have rights. I just don't want marriage to be re defined. I realize that does not make a ton of sense. But whatever, they are my feelings and they don't have to make sense to anyone else. Same way you have sports for men and sports for women. You have the NBA, and the WNBA. We could have marriage, and “unity” or something. That would be just fine with me. Not sure if it would be fine with anyone else, but there you go!

Day 13

Day 13- Your views on drugs and alcohol

I'm Mormon. The end. Just kidding. It could be the end though. I'm 27 years old, and have never had an alcoholic beverage, and have never done any drug. I think that is pretty neat. What's even neater is that my husband is the same way. So, when Brynlee gets older and we tell her not to do things we can honestly say we have never done them.

I have been tempted a time or too. But not tempted to the point where I thought I would give in. I'm usually surrounded with people who either share my beliefs, or if they don't they respect them and have never pressured me.

Jimmy happens to be friends with mostly non Mormon people. He is going to kill me for sharing this, but here is him a nut shell:



Notice anything odd here? Like how everyone else is drinking a beer and he has a Dr Pepper. I love this picture; I think it's so funny.

I look at how expensive alcohol is. It's crazy! I can't imagine spending that much money every time I went out to eat. A soda at $3.50 or so a pop is bad enough. Not sure how much drugs are... but I'm imagining those are expensive too.

Either way my view on drugs and alcohol is no thanks!

Day 12

Day 12- Your current relationship

I am married. Well this is going to be a short post... just kidding! Ah marriage. Where do I begin? It's funny that this post should fall on today, because Jimmy and I just had a HUGE fight the other night. That ended in me throwing things and not talking to him for a day. Yeah... I'm PMS'ing too. Not that it's an excuse, but still.

The day care is closed for the last week of June. So, Jimmy and I both took that week off work so we can do fun stuff together as a family. Go to the beach, go to the zoo, play in the pool. Stuff we don't normally get to do together because time is short. Saturdays usually result in us dragging Brynlee around running errands. Sundays we go to church but don't go out.

So, I've been super excited to have a week together to relax. No errands to run, no time clocks to race. Just my family and lots of fun in the sun.

Jimmy is a boy scout leader. He told me back in Feb that he wanted to go to scout camp for a week. Ha ha good one! Leave me with the baby for a week... that's a good joke!7 days? Who does scout camp for 7 days? When we found out scout camp was during the week of our vacation that closed that book. No scout camp this year. Until this weekend when Jimmy found out that they do not have enough leaders for this scout camp, and if he does not go or find someone else to go the whole camp will be canceled. Yeah.

He put of telling me this news because he knew I would be irate. Finally on Tuesday he dropped the bomb. And I exploded. And cried. And had a fit. I guess he only has to go to 1/2 of it (he found someone else to go to the other 1/2 of it). So he will be gone from Saturday to Wed ( meaning traveling home on Wed, so that day is shot).

Some people might think I overreacted a bit. And I guess I did. I'm still upset though. Because now the visions of relaxing and doing fun things together that have danced in my head for the past 4 months are gone. Or cut in 1/2. Not that I would want the camp to get canceled. I'm not THAT selfish. :) I know he is making the right choice. It just SUCKS big time!

So life throws you curve balls, and plans change. What can you do? Not much, except for throw things and get angry. Been there done that...

Marriage is about compromise. I realize that he was put in awful position. And it's not really his fault. I'm sure I will remind myself of that many times during that week when I'm on 24/7 baby duty and Brynlee is driving me nuts. I keep saying I'm not a single Mom for a reason. Or a military wife. I'm just not cut out for it. I need a break now and then.

Most days I'm happy to be married. Some days I wonder what I got myself into. But that is normal. I think. I hope? Maybe I'm just digging myself a bigger hole here. Anyways, looking forward to day 13!

Day 10 and Day 11

I missed a day. Oops. Yesterday sucked big time (one of the worst days I've had in a long time) and I was not in the blogging mood.

So, Day 10- A photo of your favorite place to eat

I'm not sure why I have such issues with these "favorite" topics. Favorite songs, movies, etc... I can't just pick 1!

So, maybe I'll break it down by category.

Fast Food-



Yep that's right I said it. I love it there! I'm sure some of my readers are writhing on the floor in agony at the thought of eating at Mc Donalds. Geez when did it become so un cool to eat there? Well always one to march to the beat of my own drum, I'm lovin it there. Fat/calories/MSG/crack whatever is in there food and all!

Family Dining-



You'd think because I worked there I would not like it! But nope, I love it here too. Really the menu is so versatile. They have everything there.

Expensive Dining-



I'm not sure if this would fall under everyone's idea of expensive dining, but it can get pricey! I love the bread, the steak. Ah. So good! We went there for dinner on my birthday this year and it was tasty! :)

Day 11- What's in your makeup bag?

Well, a lot. Which is funny because my make up has really become minimal. I remember in high school I would pull out all the stops. Mascara, eye liner, foundation, lip gloss, blush..

Now on Pilates days I usually don't even bother putting any make up on. I'm not one of those who looks good without either. I need that cover up, believe me! But I'm just lazy. So, in my makeup box ( because a bag would be too small) I have bare minerals foundation, blush and under eye brightener. I also have an assortment of eye shadows and lipsticks, mascara and eye liners.

I usually just wear foundation, mascara and eye liner. I'm to lazy to put on all the other stuff, and waaaay to lazy to take it all off at night. Ugh. What an ordeal. I'm not sure how often I put on mascara actually because I went to use it the other day and it was dried up. Hmmm.. when did that happen? I couldn't remember the last time I used it! Now I have to go spend $10 on new mascara. Jeez when did make up become so expensive?

In other news, I had a perfect first Mother's Day. It was wonderful. Brynlee made me paper flowers in a pot at school on Friday, and Jimmy surprised me with them on Sunday. I'm not going to lie, they made me cry. The first of many homemade gifts to come. I love them!

I'm feeling a bit under the weather, again. Yes again. Brynlee has had a runny nose for almost a month now. Surprisingly I have not brought her into the Dr. It seems as soon as you tell them your kid is in daycare, they assume that is the culprit. But how long is a runny nose supposed to last for? I'm trying to remember when she could breathe normally, and I can't. Poor thing.

Our weather here was really warm last week, so I took my first dip into our pool. Working from home comes in handy on days like that, because I can go lay out and swim on my lunch break. It helps to break up the day and relax me a bit. I loved it. Except I don't think they believe in heating my pool until summer. That is if they heat it at all. Because it was freezing! It was the first of many pool dips to come!

Day 9

Day 9- A photo of the item you most recently purchased



Yep, a big old bag of candy! It's not even lunch time yet! This candy shop moved in down the street from my office last year. Ever since then, oh boy. Trouble. It's like a Sweet Factory type place, with jars and jars of yummy candy. I try not to go there too often (it helps that I'm only in office 2 days a week) but every once in a while I have to give in.

It's gloomy, cold, and Monday. It's definitely a candy day! :)

Day 8

Day 8- A song that matches your mood

It's gloomy outside and I'm feeling contemplative. So, I'm going to say:

"There's Something Sexy About the Rain", by Kenny Chesney.

I love Kenny Chesney. He is one of the few people I've seen in concert. When Jimmy and I were engaged and having a hard time he surprised me and bought me Kenny Chesney concert tickets. I was so excited. Our seats were practically behind the stage, but it was an amazing experience. Jimmy wasn't too familiar with him them, but he took me anyway. Now Kenny is one of his favorites. I always say if you don't like country music, try him out and you'll probably be singing a different tune! :)

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mom's out there!

Day 7

Day 7- Your Dream Wedding

Nah. I'm not doing this one (here I go deviating from the list on the 7th day!). I'm going to talk about my dream honeymoon instead.

On our actual honeymoon we went to San Francisco. Far away and exotic, no. But lots of fun, yes! Really cold in January though. One day we did a double decker bus tour of downtown San Francisco. I was so excited to sit on the top deck of the bus. But it was FREEZING!!!! I think I lasted up there for a little while in the cold and rain but then I gave up and went on the lower deck.

Anyhow my dream honeymoon. Have I mentioned that I like to travel? Oh that's right, probably about 100 times. :) So, for my dream honeymoon we would just go all over the place.

We would start in Paris, of course. I will get there one day, I don't care if I have to sell an organ to do it (I'm not kidding about this either, whatever it takes!). Then we would tour around the rest of France. I've heard the French countryside is amazing.

We would next hit up the British Aisles, all of them. England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Next it would be on to Germany and Russia. This is a dream, so Russia would be safe and I would not fear for my life like I would if I went there now. After that we would go to Italy and Greece. We'd hop on over to Egypt so I could see the Pyramids. We'd then go onto Australia and end in Hawaii. Whew, we would be tired! :)

Day 6

Day 6- A photo of an animal you'd love to keep as a pet

I love animals! Ok well not all of them. I don't like monkeys. The scare me, I'm not sure why. I've never liked them. When I go to the zoo I'd be happy to just steer clear of that whole section. That story about that chimpanzee turning on it's owner and ripping her face off...no thanks. I'm not really a dog person either. Unless it's an old tired trained dog. They I like them just fine. :) But when they are puppies and all spazzy and crazy, ugh. Exhausting.

I watch animal planet on a regular basis. There was a special one time on these beauties:








Seriously. How cute are they? They are called Wombats, native to Australia. Go figure. They are in the marsupial family, along with Kangaroos and Koala bears. I love them. They look like real live teddy bears. Not sure what kind of pet they would make. Probably not a very good one, look at those little razor claws. I think they like to dig too, so it would probably dig up my carpet. But that is ok, they are so cute I just can't stand it.

It's a bummer they are not at any zoos around here. I'm not sure if they are even at a zoo anywhere. I would have never heard about them if I hadn't seen that special on animal planet. I hope to see one in real life one day. As if I needed another reason to want to go to Australia! :)

Day 4

Day- How Important do you Think Education is?

I love the game Life. It's one of my absolute favorites. I can never get anyone to play with them though... For those are unfamiliar with the game, in the very beginning you have a choice. You can take out $100,000 in student loans and get an education. You then have the POSSIBILITY to have a higher paying job. Or, you just go get a job. No student loans, but you cannot make the highest salary.

I used to always get the education. My parents put a very high priority on education and how important it is. It was engrained in my mind all growing up. So naturally when faced with that choice in Life I would go to college. I cannot think of one time I ever got that stupid $100,000 per year salary. On the contrary I would usually end up with a $60,000 a year salary card and the person next to me who opted to not go to school would get the $90,000. And I was stuck with a bunch of student loans. No fair.

That's right, it's not fair. I learned that after college. Just because you have a college degree does not automatically mean a pot of gold is going to fall in your back yard and make you rich forever. You tell an employer you have a Bachelors degree. So what, the guy in the waiting room to be interviewed next has Masters.

I'm not trying to say that I think education is not important. I think it's flawed. I think a higher emphasis needs to be placed on education in the early years. Like 1st though 12th grade. That is where you pick up your study habits. That is where you learn basic math, English, science etc. And of course that is where you have 40 kids in one class and budget cuts causing you to have 10 people in your lab group.

I enjoyed college. And I miss it immensely. It was nice to be able to pick classes that I was interested in for once. But you only get out of college what you put into it. At the end of my college career I had a degree but no idea what I wanted to do with it. I did no internships, I spent no time in the career center. So I fell into travel agentdom, and here I am. Not that there is anything wrong with it. But safe to say I'm not bringing in the big bucks. In fact it would be nice to have my life card salary back again.

I think Colleges should put a higher emphasis on job placement after school. Or maybe offer whole classes that will help you figure out what you want to do after you get out of there.

On the flip side of this, not everything is about money. I had experiences in college that don't translate to dollar bills, but they do perhaps make me a more well rounded person. Too bad I can't make any money of telling someone what the capital of China is. But I look at my college degree and I am overwhelmed with pride. I worked my butt of for that thing!

I can't wait for Brynlee to start school. I know I'm weird. I can't wait to help her read and write and learn her times tables. And to take her to staples and buy her school supplies. I remember my parents practicing my times tables with me over and over again. Or helping me make a giant solar system diagram for a math class in Jr. High. That I got an A on. :) Those are some of my favorite memories.

Day 4

Day 4- Your Favorite Photograph of Your Best Friend

Ok here she is!



Just kidding. Although on days when I work from home and am alone all day she is there to keep my company. If my family allowed it, could seriously become a cat lady. I'd probably have 20 of them if I could!

Anyhow, here is a few of my favorite pictures of my actual best friend:

#1


#2


#3



Ta da! It's my husband. I think when you get married your spouse ends up being your best friend by default. After all that is usually who you spend most your time with. Unless you have sisters or something I suppose. But I don't have any of those so, Jimmy wins. Yay he'll be so excited. He loves winning. :)

I do miss my other best friends. So I'll give some honorable mention to Megan, Audrey, Ashley, Debbie, Nicole and Carla. All these ladies have been there for me at one time or another and I miss most of them dearly. Except for Carla who I still see on a regular basis.

Anyway, back to my husband. I chose picture # 1 because I love that he is not afraid to be silly. Granted I forced him to pose like that for a picture. And at first he looked around at all the people walking by that would see him doing it. But he jumped to the lion pose anyway. He is never afraid to act crazy like me. He, I can honestly say does not care what people think of him and I admire that.

I chose picture #2 because it shows how much he loves our daughter. And how much she loves him. He has never been a sideline sitting Dad. He is in the trenches with me everyday and I love him for that. It will probably change when/if I am ever able to stay home with our kids, but for now we take care of her 50/50. When she is not at school. When Brynlee sees her Dad she gets so excited it melts my heart. I always knew he would be a great Dad.

I chose picture #3 because I think he looks hot in this one! He really is so photogenic. As soon as we went outside to take these pictures Brynlee spit up carrots on her white shirt. *sigh*. That's a baby for you!

That is my best friend in a nut shell. A very small nut shell because there is so much more to him. But I won't get into that now.

Lastly, get your tissues ready! Watch this and be amazed! It's on the LDS website but fear not my non LDS readers, I think you will enjoy it too.

https://lds.org/youth/video/daytons-legs?lang=eng

Day 3

Day 3-
Your Idea of a Perfect First Date:

I have not been on a ton of first dates, but I've been on a few. And they all had one bad thing in common.

Eating! Eating in front of someone you hardly know while trying to make conversation is tough. I remember on one date I ordered a mushroom Swiss cheeseburger. Ha ha so typical of me. I love my cheeseburgers! Anyhow there we are trying to talk and my breath smells horrific and I probably had mushrooms hanging in my teeth. He didn't seem to mind though, because he asked me out again. But I decided after that I'd order more date friendly food next time.

My first date with Jimmy I didn't even touch my food. He probably thought I was so weird. I was so nervous and self conscious. The last thing I wanted to do was dive into a sampler platter at Yankee Doodles!

Guys are so hard to please. You complain if we eat too much because you don't want to date a future fatty ( my husband has not said this, but I've heard it from others. True story. Men...), but if we don't eat you complain about that too. What is it you want exactly then?

So, my ideal first date would not involve eating right away. I think it would be a trip to the park. A day date, not a night date. I love the park. Maybe spread a blanket out on the grass and just chit chat and get to know each other for a while. We could play some park games like horseshoes or Ladder Golf. I guess we could eat after that, once I was more comfortable. And I probably would not be ordering some giant smelly cheeseburger. I'd reserve that for date 2. :)

No kiss at the end. I never liked that either, someone who tried to kiss me on the first date. You usually don't even know each other at that point!

It's strange talking about this, considering I'll never have another first date again. Thank Goodness!

Challenged

Ok so this is my 2nd post in 1 day. What a treat! To think that some people only post every 4 months...

Anyway I've always wanted to do a blog challenge. You know, 30 days 30 posts. I found a challenge online and did not read all the days yet because if I do I'll probably back out and not do it because there are bound to be some things on there I do not want to talk about.

It's already May 2nd so I'll do my post for May 1st and 2nd in this one. Wow so much blogging today! :)

Day 1- Your favorite Song

This is kind of tough for me. I like a bunch of different songs. Really, I have to pick just one? Hmm...this one is probably not my absolute favorite but I really like it. And I don't know what my absolute favorite is and it hurts my head to think about so I'm going to go with this:

Hey Soul Sister by Train.

It's funny I picked this song. Jimmy hates it. Whenever I play it he sings loud and obnoxiously off key to try to be annoying (mission accomplished!).

It came out right around when Brynlee was born. When she was new, I had to do this crazy dance around shake routine with her to get her to sleep at night. So every night I'd put on this song and dance with her around my house. Usually by the end of it she would be asleep. I'd put her in her crib and she'd pop right back awake (curse!). But eventually she'd stay asleep once I put her in her crib. It makes me think of summertime and babies and sunshine. And it makes me want to dance so I like that.

Day 2- Your favorite Movie

Another one of these? Maybe this is why I haven’t done these before. I can't pick this one very easily either. I love a lot of movies, but I gues I'll go with:

Runaway Bride

I love this movie. I think the first time I saw it was 15 and at my friend Audrey's house. I proceeded to fall asleep in the middle of it. Ha! It was not movie love at first sight. But then I watched it a few dozen times and it grew on me. And grew. There was a while there when I watched it every night. I love Julia Roberts. I love Richard Gere. I love them together in that movie.

What will day 3 hold? We'll just have to wait and see (unless you too are doing this challenge and then you know already).

Mixed

For anyone living under a rock, US Navy Seals successfully took out Osama Bin Laden last night. For anyone living even further under that rock, Bin Laden claimed responsibility for the 9/11 attacks, and the US has been hunting him down for 10 years now.

My first thought after hearing this was great pride. And Joy. And elation. I don't normally feel this way when someone dies. And for a second I felt sad that everyone is so happy that someone's life has been taken.

I have mixed feelings about the death penalty. In cases like Jeffrey Dahmer (Jimmy and I watched his Bio on Friday night so now I'm well versed. Isn't that how everyone spends their Friday nights? No?) He committed his terrifying crimes in Wisconsin, a no death penalty state. But some inmates shanked him in the back, so he ended up dying anyway. I'm usually not a fan of killing people, but when someone who is so sick and messed up admits to killing double digits of people and doing horrific things with their bodies I can't help but wonder. Is life in prison really harsh enough for something like that?

I realize that Bin Laden was probably raised from birth to hate and kill. Has he ever known any different? Not likely. So, in a way he was just doing what he was taught right? A learned behavior. But does that mean he shouldn't be held accountable for his actions? I think not. Somewhere in his mind a human instinct must have clicked on telling him that killing thousands of innocent people and devastating a country was the WRONG thing to do. Despite everything he had been taught. But, he orchestrated 9/11 anyway. And proudly claimed responsibility, continually gloating in our faces.

So, when all is said and done I'm about 0.5% sad that the world is rejoicing that someone was killed ( and this is really just because I hate killing, and has nothing to do with who was killed) and 99.5% elated that we no longer have to live in fear of that nut job. Other nut jobs will come forward of course. But 1 down, plenty more to go.

I'll even take it one step further and say that I think a bullet in Bin Laden's head made his death waaay to easy. I'm not a fan of torture either. But when you watch video of 9/11 footage and hear the bodies hitting the ground after jumping 20+ stories to escape burning to death you start to think otherwise.

My favorite part of all of this was seeing people gathering at ground zero last night at 1:30 in the morning. People waking up and coming out of their houses to celebrate the death of a terrorist responsible for taking so many lives. Knowing that plenty of these people had family and friends that were killed in those 9/11 attacks 10 years ago. And knowing that a tiny bit of justice was served. I hope the families of those 9/11 victims went to bed last night with smiles on their faces. And probably for the first time in the past 10 years were able to get some closure to help them heal.

President Obama said that the world is a better place without Bin Laden in it. I’m not too quick to believe politicians these days. But in this case I agree 100%.