O. H. Yeah

Funny Clients

2011-01-25T01:57:00.003-05:00

So N has been out the last couple of weeks. One of her clients really needed a massage so he came into me this morning. I met him at the front desk and was taking him back to the massage rooms. Just a note on how it's set up. The massage rooms are nestled between the locker rooms in the fitness center. The men go thru the men's room to get there, the women go thru the women's. Here's how our conversation went

C: So what room are we in?
Me: Room 4
C: Which room is that?
Me: I'll just meet you back there
C: Ok

**I meet him back in the hall. There are four rooms. Two on each side of the hall**

C: Oh it's the room right across from N's. You should have just said that. It would have been much easier
Me: You're right. I just figured the giant "4" outside the door was pretty blatant that this was Room 4. My mistake. Blah, blah, massage stuff...

Ok so I wasn't that rude. He is a paying customer after all but really!!!! It has been one of those days that people are just so silly. I laughed

There's No Going Back

2010-11-01T17:38:00.003-04:00

I feel like I need a LOT of motivation for most things that I do. Motivation comes in a lot of forms for me. Survival, guilt, friends, fear to name a few. I notice that the fear of looking stupid really motivates me too. I went to Park City with some friends a few weeks ago and here's how the conversation went:

N: "I need to get skinny for my vaca with a couple of hotties!"

K1: "I feel so out of shape from when I was in high school"

K2: "Me too. We should all start running!"

N: "I already do, I just need to step it up!"

K1: "Well let's all run a half marathon!!"

Everyone: "Heck ya!! That'd be amazing!!"

Me: "Yaaaa..... Count me in......"

So now I'm running a half marathon next year because I succumb to peer pressure all too easily. And I have to train hard so I don't look like the fool who walks an entire half marathon. I've been telling everyone I know so it's extra motivation to keep going and not quit. I don't want to be talking to anyone next year and have to conversation go like this:

You: "Hey Erin!! How'd that half marathon go? You know, I am so proud that you did that. Look at how amazing you are! You're a hero to the world!!"

Me: "Oh, about that.... I actually didn't do it...."

You: "You didn't get injured or anything did you??"

Me: "Not really.... I just got really caught up in my soaps and chocolate to get to the gym...."

Me: *head held down in shame*

You: *Trying to avoid my gaze because you feel bad and awkward for me*

That's an awkward conversation that I don't want either of us to have to participate in. So, I'm running and training and getting ready so that when it comes up I can feel cool because I did it and you can feel cool because you know someone who did it. I have even convinced others to share in my madness. My lil sis is running with me. And guess what?! You can do it too!! The more the merrier! The first race (that's right, I'm doing two half marathons next year) is March 19th in Moab. It will be beautiful!!! And fun! So let me know if you want to join in the craziness!

Life is Way More Awesome Than Hard

2010-10-29T14:02:00.003-04:00

Some of you may know that I volunteer at the Cancer Clinic up here once a week. Nothing too intense, I just give back, foot or hand massages to the ladies (I've only worked on one or two gentlemen the whole time I've been here) while they're getting treatment. When I started I thought, "Ok, no big deal. This is something awesome that I get to do. I'm tough and it won't really affect me at all." Well, I've been doing it for a while and turns out it's affecting me in more ways than I thought it would. I have this incredible group of ladies that are here almost every week. It has been amazing to get to know them. They are some of the strongest women I've ever met! Today was a really fun day and a really touching day as well. I love walking in and all the gals are just so excited to see me (let's be honest, they're really just excited to see my hands ;) Today we had a little party. One gal brought in 7-layer dip and tortilla chips. Another brought in artichoke dip with some crackers. Then one brought some donuts in. It was all so tasty!! When I got done working on one of the sweetest little ladies ever, she said to look under the bench of her walker. She had a gift for me. It meant so much that she thought of me. I feel like I'm so blessed in my life and I need to take more time to think of others. This sweet woman took time from the treatments and the pain and nausea and taking care of her family to get something for me. What's going on in my life that I can't take the time to think of someone else and let them know how much I appreciate them? Not nearly as much as her, and yet she did it. My new goal is to think of others more often and SHOW them I'm thinking of them and that I appreciate them.

This has also been a very bitter sweet day. One woman isn't coming in anymore. She wants to spend the rest of the time she has left with family and without all the side effects of the chemo. I can't say I blame her at all. It's just really eye opening to see someone so content with mortality. She knows she doesn't have a lot of time left and she's ok with it. She knows there's something better waiting for her. She has such an amazing testimony and she's lead a great life and now she's ready to move on and continue on with the plan. I know I'm not there yet, but I hope one day I'll be as happy about this life and the next as she is.

I know this is a very random post, but it's been a random day. I hope we can all stop for a minute, look around us and realize how amazing life is and how blessed we all are

Lessons Learned

2010-07-27T13:20:00.003-04:00

I have a confession to make.... My yard is a MESS!! Work got crazy for a little bit, I was going down to Salt Lake a ton and I'm a little lazy which all adds up to yard with weeds taller than me and grass that is hanging on to life by a thread. Everytime I came home and looked at the mess I would think to myself, "There is no way that I'll be able to clean all of this up today! Plus I had a bunch of massages and I'm TIRED" So what would I do? Go inside, read a book or go play. After a couple of weeks of not having enough time to get everything the way I want, I finally decided that I don't need to get it all done in one shot. So on Saturday I spent maybe half an hour weeding a section of zeroscaping. Then on Monday I mowed the lawns, watered and tackled a flower bed that was more weed than flower. Today, my yard isn't perfect, but it so much more beautiful than it was last week.

The lesson I learned? I think in life we want to be perfect and be able to do everything right now. "I want to lose a ton of weight right now." "I want to be a scriptorian right now." "I want to be celestial material right now." "I want to be the perfect daughter, son, sister, brother, mother, father, wife, husband, friend, employee, church member, person RIGHT NOW!" The task can seem overwhelming and all too often we either put it off or abandon the idea all together because it's too much for us. Maybe we need to take a step back, catch our breath and move forward with what we CAN do. Maybe we need to realize that we aren't perfect right now, but that's OK!

My yard isn't perfect, but you know what? It will be soon. My life isn't perfect, but you know what? It will be eventually as long as I continue to do those little things everyday to make myself the person I want to be physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

I'm sure you all know this already... I have so many amazing examples in my life of AMAZING people. Thanks for being the wonderful people you are! And thanks for showing me how to be a better person!

I Make Quilts :)

2010-05-07T15:02:00.005-04:00

I wanted to do something for a friend of mine who wasn't having the best time ever. I also have been wanting to make a quilt so this gave me the perfect excuse to make something amazing!! Another friend of mine gave me the idea how to patch it together using a lot of different colors then I just ran with it and did whatever I wanted with it. I wanted a lot of bright colors so I found these awesome fabrics (among others.)

I think it turned out pretty well ;)

Look at Me Posting Again So Fast!!

2010-04-06T14:46:00.003-04:00

A lot of interesting things have happened to me in the last little bit. So I will now share them with all of you.

First, let me say that Easter was AWESOME!!! I got to be home with my family which was amazing. Sarah, Joe, and Ellie were up. Mom, Pa, Catherine and Onge were there and so we all got to be together for a while. It was groovy fun times! I like that General Conference was the same weekend as Easter. I missed a session or so but was able to watch most of it. I really enjoyed that they spoke a lot to the women of the church as well as parents. I'm not a parent myself, but in my new profession I will be working very closely with new parents and it was great to hear what the Lords expects of them and will bless them with. While I'm on the subject of the Church, I'll tell you that I went to the Salt Lake Temple last week with my friend John from New York. It was such a beautiful experience! I'm always amazed at the intensity of inspiration, comfort and guidance that is given in the temple. My goal for the rest of the year is to go once a week. There is always an excuse not to go, but if I make it a priority it will happen. I've been thinking a lot about priorities. We have so many excuses not to do the things we need to in this life. But really, it's just about giving up bad (and even good) things for better things.

Back to Easter!! We had an Easter Egg Hunt with all the cousins in the area. It was so much fun! Made me remember all the great times we had when we were young. I love getting together with the family!

I actually think I will stop there and post the other interesting things later. We've discussed a lot of spiritual principles and I don't want to taint them with my other happenings. Thanks to all the wonderful people in my life that enrich my life just by being who they are! I am blessed beyond anything I can convey. Much love to all!!

The Last Eight Months of ME

2010-03-24T16:39:00.002-04:00

I know it has been far too long since I posted anything but that's what happens when you no longer have a computer or the internet at home. I am at the mercy of the local library. I kind of really like it though.

There have been a lot of fun, awesome developments in my life as of late. Here's a brief, probably incomplete recap:

1. After spending a month in Spain (which was AMAZING!!) I spent 5 days in Rome which wasn't as amazing as Spain, but still one of the coolest places I've been so far. Then I spent two days in London. I liked Spain best, then London, then Rome. I would love to go back soon!

2. Onge and I went down to Albuquerque and saw some of my old mission buds. We stayed with Brooke and Chris and Chan Snyder. They are hilarious and I've missed them a lot! Balloon Fiesta was pretty awesome too.

3. I was able to go down to Cedar with Mom and be there for the birth of little Ellie Jo which was one of the most amazing experiences I have been able to be a part of. I knew I wanted to be a doula before this and after the birth, I KNOW this is exactly what I want to do.

4. I've started my training to be a doula!! This makes me more excited than I can put into words! I met so many amazing women and the training and some of the awesome doulas here in Cache Valley. I feel very blessed to be a part of this. This is another thing that I feel like I've been lead to do. Who thinks of this on their own? Not me that's for sure. So all you pregnant women out there give me a call and I can give you some amazing tools to help you though labor and delivery. I feel like we have this preconceived notion that birth can only be done one way and it's something just to get thru so you can get your baby with you. I know it can be so much more. There are so many options out there that we just don't know about. It's incredible to think and learn about!!

5. I am still as awesome as ever. Actually, I feel that the more time that passes, the more awesome I get. Who knew, but there it is.

Logroño, Spain

2009-06-30T12:57:00.002-04:00

I arrived safely in Spain late Saturday. It has definitely been interesting so far! The trip here was super long of course and I´m glad to finally be here. I´ve met a lot of good, fun, random people already. Somehow I got put in a class with kids who have taken a lot more Spanish than me (and by "a lot" I mean one semester). It´s intimidating, but I think I´ll survive. The prefesors refuse to speak English to us. Even the profesor who came with us from Utah State refuses unless it´s a matter of life or death. Kind of annoying at times, but a really good way to actually learn Spanish.

I went to the store yesterday and these kids who were about 12, give or take a few years, asked if I would buy them a drink. I looked at them and said "alcoholica?" To which they replied, "Si!" I just shook my head and told them I couldn´t do it, sorry. A little while later I was out on the bench outside the store with my friend looking at a map. Out comes these kids with hugeo bottles of water and soda. They dumped all of them out on the grass and went back inside. I have no idea what they were up to and I definitely don´t want to know!

Logroño is a much larger town than I thought it would be. There is an old part of town that we took a tour thru yesterday after class. It was so amazing and beautiful! I´ll probably end up posting all of my pictures after my trip. Prepare to be bombarded this August. Anyway, Logroño is a beautiful town with SO much history. I passed a monument celebrating 900 years for Logroño, from 1095 to 1995. The gal on the tour told us so many stories about the old part of town. I didn´t understand all of it. She tried to go slow, but I seriously only know so much Spanish. What I did get was simply amazing!!

Basic moral of this story is that I am safe in Logroño and having a fabulous time!! Hope all is well where you are! Much love!!

Shocking News...

2009-06-22T22:45:00.002-04:00

Everyone who really knows me is going to find this quite shocking..... It's Monday and I've already started packing for Spain. My plane doesn't leave till FRIDAY. I had to take a break from it just because I couldn't believe what I was doing. Sadly, my promptness in planning and lack of procrastination doesn't stop there. I'll be in Spain for four weeks then I'll be spending five days in Italy and two-ish in London. I've already booked all the places I'll be sleeping and flights to and fro AND I've even booked a couple of tours so I can maximize my time in each country. WHO AM I?!?

Yard Work Day!!

2009-06-16T19:30:00.002-04:00

I suppose I should technically call it "Clean House and Do Yardwork Day!!" I cleaned the house.... Honestly, I have NO IDEA how it gets so dirty!! It baffles me a lot. Then I watered all the green stuff and pulled weeds from my plants and lawn. Now it's off for some more laundry. YAY!!

MY HOUSE!!!!

2009-06-04T03:31:00.002-04:00

Ok everyone!! The following three blogs are the long awaited pictures of my house. I hope you enjoy and keep in mind it's much cuter in person so come on over!!

My house..... The begining

2009-06-04T03:21:00.003-04:00

And now, by popular demand, I give you....... MY HOUSE!!!! I just have to say that I REALLY love this place! And it's a weird but good feeling to own a house. I never have to worry about where I am going to sleep or any such silliness.

Here is the front view:

And from the side. I've got a few little trees and a pretty white picket fence. Cheesy I know, but it's so cute!! Also take note of the zeroscaping. Takes me home to good 'ole ABQ!

I have a cool little car port for my cute lil Suby. I love hearing the sound of raindrops on the roof during a storm. So soothing.

And here's the back porch. This is where most people come and go from, but be careful there's no railing ;)

Won't you join me inside and together we will explore the splendor and beauty that is my house.....

My house..... Part 2

2009-06-04T03:05:00.002-04:00

As you walk in the back door you come into the dining room. This was all white when I bought it and my roommates and I painted it this beautiful green and brown. It's so much homier now. My sweet cousin Morgan painted that picture for me. She's a talented soul and I'm a wee bit jealous but that's another topic for another blog.

This is the kitchen looking from the dining room. It's a decent sized kitchen if you ask me. Sorry it's a bit dirty.... I just got home from grocery shopping and thought I better take pictures while the thought was in my head. I really, really love the green and brown!

This is down the hall, going into the living room. Off to the right is the basement but we won't be journeying down there this trip.

Up to this point you can't really tell that a single college gal lives here. Well, the living room SCREAMS college student. I'm sad to admit but it could very well pass for a boy's living room. This disgusts me slightly, but not enough enough to change it. It works for now.

I don't know if you can tell, but the chair matches the couch. DI special on both of them. It was the happiest day of my life when I found them together. I knew the fates were aligning just for that moment. Pretty sure I spent less than fifty bucks total for everything in my living room. That is definitely the way to roll!

To the right of the couch is the front door and the stairs. So let's take a peak at the treasures the upstairs holds for us, shall we?

My house..... The finale

2009-06-04T02:30:00.007-04:00

Now, if we continue on upstairs, I've painted the hall such a pretty blue/gray color that I absolutely love!! And I'm not going to tell you how easy these gray leaf wall decorations were to make.... Just assume I spent a LOT of time and money on something so lovely...

To the right is my room. Not much to look at at the moment, but it serves its purpose. I do have one beautiful painting that my cousin Heidi painted. That girl is so talented it makes me mad sometimes. I swear she took all the talent I was supposed to get. But she's too awesome to stay mad at for too long, plus you haven't seen my closet or study nook yet...

This is the study nook I mentioned last picture. I painted this the same color as the hall. But in all fairness to the nook, it was painted first so technically the hall copied the nook, not the other way around. It's got white Christmas lights all around it. It is such a peaceful place to sit and relax..... And sometimes study...

This view is where the study happens. The other was just for reading and the like.

If you were to take a sharp right on your way to the study nook you would find my gigantic closet. Seriously, you could put a bed in there and call it a really small bedroom.

The pictures don't really give it the justice it deserves. It is a huge closet!

Now if you would cross the hall with me, you'll find my pride and joy..... The Massage Room

I'm going to brag just a little bit right here. I really did spend a lot of time working on this room and I am super proud of how it turned out. It used to be a little boys room with light blue on top and navy blue on bottom. Now, it's the pretty blue/gray on top and gray on the bottom. I made the curtains and pillows and hung all the shelves and lighting and everything. Lots of work, but I really like it. It's a calm, soothing space. So if anyone comes over, you just might be lucky enough to get a massage ;)

What massage room is complete without the Monkeys? You may also have noticed Buddah's head among some foliage on a shelf in the previous picture.

Well, that's my house! (minus the downstairs which has a bedroom, bathroom, laundry room and living room as well as a cute little married couple who I didn't think would be too happy if I took a million pictures of their space) I love it here!!

Grateful

2009-05-20T03:58:00.003-04:00

I just want the world to know that I have the best family in the whole world! I spent the weekend back on the Compound to do a little planting and hanging out with family. Sarah and Joe were there along with the usuals, Mom, Dad, Catherine and Onge. It was so much fun! I really appreciate everything that they do for me. The older I get the more I realize what they sacrifice and give to us ungrateful kids. I feel so blessed! I have a great extended family as well. Amazing grandparents (both here and beyond the veil) aunts and uncles, and cousins. They are so incredible!! You'd be hard pressed to find this caliber of people all in one spot and I get to experience it on a fairly regular basis. I truly am blessed! Thank you all for not only enriching my life, but the lives of all you come in contact with!

Another Crazy Dream

2009-05-18T21:14:00.003-04:00

So I had a dream...... I was sleeping on the couch at Mom's house (this wasn't the dream, this actually happened.) I heard my phone vibrating so I rolled over to answer it. I saw that it was my uncle Dave, but I was way too out of it to answer. I just fell back asleep. Then all of a sudden...... I was over at Dave's house talking to him.

Me: "Hey Dave! Sorry I didn't answer the phone. What's up?"

Dave: "We are having a Gaila tonight for Abe!"

My first thought was what?? A gala?? Like something the Queen of England would attend??

Dave: "It's a celebration where we can express ourselves thru dance and massage!"

Me: "Nice!! I'm totally in!"

Dave: "Could you make sure the word gets out? That would be great! Mostly just the people right next to us. The Hartch's and the family right next to us."

Me: "Oh, the one's with the cute kids?"

Dave: "No, the one's Sam goes out to eat with all the time. Ok! I'll see you later!"

He promptly left and I was left to wonder who the heck are these people that he wants me to invite to the celebration. Luckily I didn't have to wonder too long. I woke up again and listened to his message.... Really, he just wanted Sarah and Joe's phone number. Who knew...

I Heart Rain

2009-05-14T23:43:00.001-04:00

I just rode my bike home in the rain. Some may say it is crazy and cold and not so much fun. But I say that it was a beautiful experience!! I love the rain!! And I love riding my bike!! Put them together and you have something extra amazing!! Now for some hot chocolate.....

Demolition Derby!!

2009-05-12T18:14:00.002-04:00

I went to the Logan Demolition Derby this weekend. I've never been to one in my whole life. I was excited and nervous to find out what it was all about. I'll freely admit it..... It was AWESOME!! Cars that look like they shouldn't even be able to run come into the arena, they waved the flag and they all started crashing into each other. It was amazing!! I had a lot of fun watching all the crashes. At one point one car ended up on top of another. They had to delay the festivities and bring in a tow truck to get it off and make sure everyone was alright. There were a few who were WAY too into it, namely, the family that sat just below us on the bleachers. They were hootin and a hollerin the whole time. They literally got mad when a chevy chavelle (someone had to tell me what kind of car it was, and I had to google it to make sure I spelled it right) rolled out there. It was a super nice car and I feel bad that it got destroyed. But hey, the guy had to know what he was getting into. Anyway, the people in front of us thought it was a disgrace having such a nice car in the derby. Turns out, the chavelle was the one that ended up with another car on top of it. Oh good times and great oldies.

Memories of Adventures Past.... Part 2

2009-05-05T23:27:00.003-04:00

When I left Nantucket last year I made a stop in New York to wander around a bit and to catch a show. So here are just a few pictures of the great city of New York City. The first one is just a random, giant arch in Brooklyn. I went to a botanical garden there and it was so beautiful! I just love all the flowers and trees they had. The second picture is a castle that's right in the middle of Central Park. At the time I knew what it meant and why it was there but I have since forgot. I know, I know, another reason I should have blogged about it when it was fresh in my mind. The third and fifth pictures are of the Brooklyn Bridge. My hotel was in Brooklyn and I walked over the bridge into Manhatten. There were loads of people there. It was great! Then the fourth picture is of a completely random, manmade waterfall. I have no idea what it is doing there. You can only see it from the bridge. Maybe it has a purpose that I am not aware of. If so, please tell me. It seems rather pointless to me.

So, I had walked over from the hotel and wandered around Central Park for a few hours. I had a ticket to see Wicked (which was an amazing show!!) and left myself plenty of time to get there. Well, I pretty much got lost in Central Park. Not to worry though, I still had a lot of time to get to my destination in time. I kept walking and walking and walking and walking. I felt a little like I was going to in circles. The paths are all windy and twisty so you really don't know what direction you are going in after a while. FINALLY I found a main-ish looking street. It was getting perilously close to curtain and I was NOT missing my show!! I hopped in the first cab I could get and told him where to go. I was so worried that I wouldn't make it in time. Well, the cabbie asked if I was from out of town and I told him I was from Utah. He laughed a little, turned the corner and pulled over. We were there. I feel a little foolish that I could have walked and been on time but let's face it, as much as I would have like to have blended in, I was a tourist and I no idea where I was. At least I wasn't late for Wicked! YAY!!

Memories of Adventures Past.... Part 1

2009-05-05T21:44:00.003-04:00

This is what I like to call, "I'm Leaving Nantucket so I Should Combine ALL the Food I Have into One Unrecognizable Mound and Eat it."

I fried up some onions, zucchini, red peppers, and chicken. Then I added some broccoli and chili con carne. Top it with a cut up tomato and you've got some good eats. None of my roommates wanted some..... Weird.

For Dave and Heidi mostly

2009-05-03T20:45:00.003-04:00

This is a special little somethin for Dave, Heidi and Onge. Now I know a lot has gone on and I just haven't posted anything about it. I got called out at Abe's blessing. Apparently I am the worst blogger around. Heidi is the best and Onge is ok. Here's a brief overview of my life right now..... I went to see Wolverine last night with some awesome people. It was entertaining. I went to the blessing of such a beautiful baby boy, Abe. SO CUTE!! Last week I finished a semster up at USU and that makes me really happy. I like school but I like being done as well. That's all for now. I will post pictures of the recent goings ons. I had an awesome visit to New York after Nantucket last year that I've got pictures for and a new house that I know you're all dying to see ;) Have a fabulous day!! Love you guys!!

HELLLLLLLOOOOOOO!!!

2008-10-26T18:02:00.002-04:00

So many of you might be thinking that I have gone the way of all the world. This is not true. I have just been slacking a LOT! But I am back in Utah and I have had many wonderful adventures getting here and being here. So I promise I'll post pictures and stories SOON. I love you all and thanks for getting on me to keep up!

Magic Happens

2008-08-23T20:33:00.002-04:00

I got a text from Pa a few days ago as a "friendly reminder" that if I didn't get a lobster dinner I wasn't allowed back home. That was a no-brainer and here are the fruits of my labor!!
Doris is my funny roommate from El Salvador. You've heard the stories, now here's the face. She readily agreed to join me for a night of lobster bliss!
His exoskeleton isn't going to save him now
The poor little guy just seconds away from going down the hatch.... No pun intended, but still kinda funny ;) He didn't stand a chance
He kinda looks cute and peaceful on a bed of corn on the cob and steamed red potatoes
And this is all that was left after we went to town. The coleslaw and clam chowder didn't even survive. We took no prisoners!!

Celebration gone awry

2008-08-15T23:49:00.002-04:00

So I was having a really good day yesterday. I did four massages at the salon then I went to the yacht and did two more. I've been there a few times now and everyone is just so nice!! The owner is amazing and I just laugh as she talks about things that are so normal for her but completely unrealistic for me and most of the world. She talked about growing up with maids like I talk about growing up with the family so close. Completely different worlds! The staff and crew on the boat are so nice too! They are kinda serious but you can tell that they have fun and after hours they can let loose and be crazy.... Totally my kind of people!! Anyway, I was just feeling really good about the day and I was thinking about what Dad had told me the day before about getting over to this amazin seafood place and getting a lobster dinner before I left. I'm saving the lobster dinner for another night, but I went and got Thai food to celebrate being as awesome as I am! I also got a movie to chill with and some ice cream for desert (if I'm going to treat myself, I'm going to do it right!!!) The Thai food was spicier than expected and I ate more than I should have. Not like I haven't done that before, plus I've got an Oakeson stomach so I can handle anything without being affected. WELL.... Around two a.m. I got the strangest feeling. It was like someone was trying to get to my stomach with a rusty spoon to rip my insides out. I alternated paying my dues to the porcelain king (which I'm ok with on account of I don't ever get sick like that) and laying on the floor because the cold tiles made my head feel like it would stay on my body. I returned to my bed for the best - and shortest - night's sleep of the year. I did five massages today and I feel fabulous! Tired of course, but fabulous still!! I think it's a built in mechanism of the Oakeson stomach that if something does manage to get a glitch in the system it fixes it right as new in no time! Thanks to all my ancestors for building a tolerance to pretty much anything and everything and passing it along to us! We will forever love you for it!

HIPPIES!!!!!

2008-08-15T23:14:00.002-04:00

Nantucket is a very different world than what I'm used to, especially coming from Logan.... That pretty much goes without saying. I know I haven't lived in Logan very long, but I have grown quite fond of the scruffy, walking stick yieldin, campin gear carryin, mountain climbin, subaru drivin, hummus and tofu eatin hippies of the valley. In more ways than one I absolutely LOVE them!! Nantucket beaches and streets are usually filled with vacationing businessmen and their families with young (and old) preppy kids with carefully cropped hair, popped collars, and faded "Nantucket Red" shorts. There is definitely a very specific style out here. Well, I was riding my bike home the other day when I was temporarily blinded by the sight of a handsome young man with the coolest beard and shaggy hair I've seen in a long time! I literally almost ran into a tree staring at him. Sure, he was a good looking kid but more importantly he brought back memories of my beloved home. How I miss everyone!! The best part was I saw two more guys that fit the hippie description before I made it home. I vote YES for facial hair!!

Out of touch

2008-08-09T22:14:00.002-04:00

I have to tell you all that I read everyone else's blogs religiously. Sometimes I check them every day just to see what's new. It helps me feel like I'm connected to everyone back home even though I'm (literally) thousands of miles away. Recently, there hasn't been much activity on the blog front. I shouldn't complain too much on account of my own lack of blogging. Just in the last day or two everyone has started to re-emerge and are posting again. I haven't laughed this hard in a while and it's all because of the Twilight Saga. It seems that everyone is completely caught up in it all. Don't think I'm pointing any fingers because I'm just as guilty as everyone else! I've stayed up till 3:30 in the morning (unless Dad or Mom is reading this then seriously, it was only like 11, 11:30 at the absolute latest) reading "just one more chapter" until I've read the whole dern book. Which might be ok, but there are four books..... Each one longer than the last. But it is a nice little escape from reality. I've sat down to write what was new in my life but it all seems so boring compared to dashingly handsome vampires, fast cars in Italy (#1 on my list of places to visit), near death experience, triumphal victories, love conquering all, etc, etc, etc. But then I think, my life is pretty stinkin AWESOME!! So here's the top five goings ons of my last week or so:

#5 PINKY, NO!! That was the theme of our last Family Home Evening. We went turtle hunting at the little pond on the other side of the island. You tie raw chicken legs to a string and let them into the water and the snapping turtles latch on and you can pull them up...... Sometimes. The boys got really into, laying down on the docks and grabbing the turtles from the water..... "Johnny, you want me to hold your legs?" Pinky is Luis' little dog who kept trying to get to close to the SNAPPING turtles. They were bigger than the little one and could have easily bitten his leg off or head or something.

#4 This past week alone, I've had offers that if I moved to Chicago, D.C., Atlanta or Tennessee I would be kept very busy from people I worked on here and all their friends. So I guess I'm in the right field of work.

#3 My room is REALLY clean! I mean, pull the bed out and vaccum under it kind of clean. So refreshing and wonderful!!

#2 Luis, a young man from church, invited us all over to his house after church last sunday for dinner. He's pretty hilarious. Anytime there is any kind of occasion he insists on bringing the ice cream. It's kinda cute how his eyes get all wide and excited when someone mentions something and he says, "and we can have ice cream too!"

#1 I was called back to do another outcall on a yacht. The thing was insane! It wasn't the biggest one there, but they had a room that was all set up specifically for massage. How nice would it be? "You need a massage? Oh, no. Don't worry about the stress of going into the spa, just come by the yacht and I'll get our massage therapist to work on you." I have to admit that the best part of that morning was I only ended up doing one massage but they still payed me for the four they contracted me for. I got to go and play on the beach the rest of the morning!!

July 31st

2008-07-31T22:37:00.004-04:00

For some reason I'm really excited for August to be here. And for some other reason (or maybe it's the same reason, which would be kind of sketchy) I completely forgot there are thirty one days in July, not just thirty. So all day today I've been excited that it's August already. I've had deep thoughts and conversations with myself about the signifigance of time moving so swiftly and what I want to do with the rest of my life because it'll be here and gone before I know it. But it's not August yet. I feel like I have all the time in the world!! It's not moving faster than I can keep up. I still have time to procrastinate accomplishing what I really want to do with my life. It's still July

Before I made this astonishing discovery, I went to pick up my bike from getting a tune up and the fellow was on the phone with someone. I didn't have anything else to do while I waited for my bike so I listened in on his side of the conversation and tried to imagine what was going on on the other end. The guy on my side said that he would send a bike over tomorrow and confirmed that it was the first of August. "Poor guy," I thought to myself. "How can you run a business when you don't even know what day it is?" I didn't want to embarass him in front of his other customers so I didn't say anything. Several hours later I was the poor soul who found out after an entire day Augustness that it was all a scam. So friends, enjoy July while you can, but be so grateful that tomorrow is really, truly AUGUST!!..... Unless they decided to tack that extra day for leap year onto July and tomorrow is really the 32nd, in which case we're all doomed.

P. S. Sorry Mr. Island Bike Man for having a good little chuckle in my head at your expense. You were right. I was wrong.

Bad hair days

2008-07-27T13:24:00.002-04:00

A woman woke up one day and noticed she had three hairs on her head. She said, "I can wear a braid today!"

The next morning she woke up and there were two hairs on her head. She said, "I can wear pigtails today!"

The next morning she woke up and there was only one hair on her head. She sighed and said, "Look's like a bad hair day."

I'M GETTING MARRIED!!!!!

2008-07-19T08:51:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to give everyone a heads up that I'll be getting married on May 26th, 2009! So mark it on your calendars!!

I live with a 60+ year old woman from El Salvador and she thinks one of the church boys likes me. She's very adamant about this. She is also firm in her belief that he and I will be getting married next May... The 26th to be exact. This isn't just a fun little joke. This is dead serious! So, since this is DEFINITELY going to happen I thought I would give everyone some advanced notice.

I love you all and thanks in advance for all the help with the wedding plans!! Today's shout out goes to Doris!!

Inactivity

2008-07-17T23:30:00.004-04:00

So I got a text today from the Relief Society President in my ward up in Logan reminding me about the activity they are having this Saturday at the Bishop's house up in the mountains. I'd been up there for another activity and it's a beautiful area and he has a beautiful house. There's going to be bike riding and frisbee and food and other various outdoor activities. Well, I just got off the phone with a very nice young man from the ward who called to tell me about the activity as well. Maybe I'm reading too much into it and they are just super excited about this activity OR I'm on the "inactive" list and they are trying to help a lost sheep come back to church through games and food.... They sure found my weakness!! If I was inactive the surest way to get me back would be the promise of food.... Food and available, attractive young mens. HA!! I love it!!

It's well..... AWESOME!

2008-07-14T22:19:00.003-04:00

I got a package from my most awesome and amazing sister, ONGE, today!! I laughed so stinkin hard!! It had some great stuff, some cool stuff, and some downright knock-your-gum-outta-your-mouth-super-fabulous stuff!! She told me earlier that she was sending me something but she said it was kinda lame so I shouldn't get my hopes up. Well played Onge! Way to throw me off the awesomeness by saying it really isn't awesome and then I get it and it's more awesome than I could have imagined!! Oh she's a sly one! John Deer fruit snacks.... That's all I've got to say about it! Today's shout out goes to Onge! I love, Love, LOVE you!!!

Tip # 57 for a fabulous evening

2008-07-14T22:02:00.002-04:00

Grab your BFF after work one day this week and ride your bikes to an awesome local. Giant pickles are optional but highly recomended. Have a fabulous time with fabulous people. Whilst riding home in the rain, pass your friend a few marshmallows every now and then.

Lost and found

2008-07-09T23:29:00.004-04:00

I lost my phone yesterday morning. I thought I left it in my room but I may have put it in my pocket and it may have fallen out. That's the recent guestimate in my long line of conspiracy theories. Some of you may be wondering how it is that I am even able to survive without my phone attached to my ear (or my thumbs), but I'm here to tell you that I am still alive. It's been a whole two days and I'm still kickin. I've come a long way!! The major drawbacks are I never know what time it is and I don't have an alarm clock anymore. I went and bought one today and was so excited about it... But, I failed to get batteries for the silly thing. Here's hopin I wake up in time for work tomorrow ;)

Can I just say that I really, really LOVE my family and all my true friends out there. Ya'll are such an inspiration to me. I'm so blessed to have amazing people like you in my life. There are so many out here (and anywhere in the world) that are lost and don't know who they are and don't have anyone solid that they can trust and confide in. I feel so grateful that I have so many people that would do anything for me. Thank you so much! I love you all!!

Happy Fourth!!

2008-07-05T01:03:00.004-04:00

So I finally cleaned my room and got it all set up and organized how I want it. Now everything has a place. I think part of me doesn't want to be here so I didn't want to unload everything and make it nice and liveable. It feels SO AMAZING to have a clean space that's just for me. It makes me so happy!

I hung out with some wonderful people on my day off. Chelsie, Ozni and I went to the beach but I didn't bring a suit or anything so it was kind of sad sitting there looking at the fun waves and not going in. Then we went downtown which is always fun (especially now that the season has officially started and it's getting wicked packed with all the people!) The best part for me was fireworks on the beach. Technically they set the fireworks off on a boat a ways off the shore and we kick back on the beach and enjoy them. Something always goes wrong (they cancelled the show completely my first year out here on account of weather. The sky went ablaze on the fifth) and this year was no exception. They started the show on time but it just so happened that they were right under a massive cloud. I thought it looked so cool!!! You could see color spewing over the cloud and under it with the faint blob of reds, blues, and greens showing through the cloud. It was amazing to me but I don't think others liked it too much. They shut the whole thing down and we waited and waited. Finally we decided to leave but they moved the boat and the wind blew the clouds away so they started again. We caught a bit of it while we were leaving.

Happiness

2008-07-01T19:31:00.003-04:00

Random act of kindness: My dear friend, Eva, from the island, suprised me today by showing up at my work right as I was getting off, saying she had a suprise for me. We rode our bikes for a short distance and sat on a bike path in the shade. She pulled out our traditional Nantucket dinner which consists of: One Stubby's hamburger, one order of criss cut fries (extra done), one lizard drink, and one giant cookie!! Obviously there were two sets of the famous dinner. It was seriously the best thing that could have happened in my life at that moment! She is just the sweetest!! You rock my world Eva!! Love ya!!

Nuclear attack or alien invasion??

2008-06-30T17:41:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was such a crazy day!! I went to church which is always awesome on the Island then I just sort of took it easy doing Sunday appropriate activities. It came time for bed (which is one of my most favorite activities) and I couldn't sleep at all. I decided to go for a little walk. Well, it's been a little creepy on account of all the fog we've had lately. Last night was no different. As I was walking down the street I started to hear this buzzing/siren/horn noise. I felt like I was in one of those old war movies and they were sounding the alarm for a nuclear attack. I promptly cut my walk short as I saw police lights in the not-so-distant distance. Needless to say my nerves were slightly on edge from the whole scene. I was finally able to drift off to dream land when I was suddenly awoken by the loudest thunder crash I've ever heard. My eyes were wide open to see the next bolt of lightning which appeared to be right outside my bedroom window. Sure enough, a fraction of a second passed before the next eardrum-bursting thunder came. I really didn't get a whole lotta sleep last night but that's ok; some of my old friends from last year are back and I got to see them today, and tonight is F.H.E. and we're having a BBQ at my place.... I love food!!

FABULOUSNESS!!

2008-06-23T22:29:00.005-04:00

I think sometimes we get way too caught up in everything that's going on around us. There is so much drama and junk that takes up a lot of our time and attention. Work has been crazy. It's the "pre-season anxiety" time and everyone can feel it. I go in every day and I can count on quite a few people to complain about something or other or gripe about this or that. It's intense that's for sure. Well, I choose to look at the good stuff.... And there's plenty of that too!! I went to church yesterday and found so many people that I have missed and that I absolutely LOVE!! There's Louis and Renee and the Shehab family: Porter, (her husband who I can't think of his name right now.... Sorry Brother Shehab), Pedilla, Leila, Rockwell, Cricket and Owen.

Tonight was Family Home Evening on the beach. Who gets to have FHE on a BEACH?!?!? It was stinkin awesome!! Sure it rained and it was a little windy but the Spirit was there as well as those five kids running up and down the beach. I rode my bike home in the dark in the pouring rain. I just laughed the whole time and tried to hit as many puddles as I could. There are fireflies on this island. As I ride my bike home at night I can see random bursts of light. It is amazingly beautiful!!

I am a firm believer in the fact that life is what we make of it. I choose to make it a happy place for myself and for those around me, and to concentrate on how blessed I truly am. Cheesy, I know, but life is a whole lot better when the cup is half full!

Like unto a MULLET

2008-06-19T22:04:00.004-04:00

One of the nice things about working at a salon is that there are lots of wonderful people who want to trade services. This is the third year I've worked with Jared and he's basically addicted to my massages (honestly, can you blame the kid? Sometimes I feel bad about leaving a trail of addicts in my wake as I move on to new adventures.) One of the first things he said when I got to the salon was, "So, you got any clients today? Wanna give me a massage?" I gave him one and he did my hair. What happened next was extreme..... Even for me. I kinda feel like I'm sportin a mullet...... Business up front.......
And a PARTY IN THE BACK!!

A little Nantucket in our lives

2008-06-19T21:09:00.009-04:00

Greetings!! So ya'll know that I am currently in Nantucket, MA. I was riding my trusty steed home from work today and had my camera in hand. I thought I'd show you what it's like for me every day.....

This is just the other side of the road from my work. It's nice, they have a few bike paths so I only have to take my life in my hands when I need to go shopping or buy stamps or wander around downtown...

I can't very well take a picture of myself looking awesome and riding my awesome bike. This is as close as you get....

It looks a lot like the mainland. The only difference being the ocean on all four sides.....

I know I probably shouldn't be taking picutes whilst I ride my bike but hey, it was fun. Plus, I'm not so much a "Joy in the Journey" kinda gal, and leftover pasta was calling my name so I couldn't really stop to take all the pictures.....

By the way, the pasta was FABULOUS!!! Few things in this world make me happier than taking out a container from the fridge, poppin it in the microwave, waiting a minute and a half and eating. It's great!

Father's Day 2008

2008-06-17T21:22:00.003-04:00

This is Sarah and Joe coming over to wake up Ma, Onge and I for Father's Day breakfast. Dad made breakfast for himself and for everyone else. We're basically horrible children. Pa is the best ever!! Be sure and check out the very, very end of the video.... It's the best part

Here I am folks!!

2008-06-17T19:27:00.002-04:00

This one is new to me.... He is very pretty