Little Red Hen

Sometimes I feel like the Little Red Hen.

You know the story right? The one that goes:

The Little Red Hen

The little Red Hen was in the farmyard with her chickens, when she found a grain of wheat.
"Who will plant this wheat?" she said.
"Not I," said the Goose.
"Not I," said the Duck.
"I will, then," said the little Red Hen, and she planted the grain of wheat.
When the wheat was ripe she said, "Who will take this wheat to the mill?"
"Not I," said the Goose.
"Not I," said the Duck.
"I will, then," said the little Red Hen, and she took the wheat to the mill.
When she brought the flour home she said, "Who will make some bread with this flour?"
"Not I," said the Goose.
"Not I," said the Duck.
"I will, then," said the little Red Hen.
When the bread was baked, she said, "Who will eat this bread?"
"I will," said the Goose
"I will," said the Duck
"No, you won't," said the little Red Hen. "I shall eat it myself. Cluck! cluck!" And she called her chickens to help her.

Let me just sum this up by saying that I am starting to feel like if I don't do things, things don't get done. And I say that because I have literally spent every day of my holiday "vacation" working in one form or another (with the exception of Christmas day).

I've done all the holiday decorating. If I didn't put up the tree, nobody would have.
I did all the shopping and wrapping, all the holiday baking and decorating, and all the holiday clean up as well (if I didn't put our tree away it'd still be up come July).
I've prepared homemade meals such as soups and spaghetti and then watched the dishes pile up in the sink for weeks because if I don't do them, nobody does... but oh how those meals were gobbled up.
I've purged the cold storage and made piles for donation (that will probably sit where I put them for weeks) and cleaned and organized to the point that I had to purchase icy-hot for my lower back because I can hardly move.
And although I'd love to spend a day just relaxing and enjoying my time off, the floors still need swept and mopped, the bathrooms still need scrubbed, laundry needs folded AND PUT AWAY INSTEAD OF PILED ON THE DRESSER, and other odds and ends require attention. MY attention because nobody else seems to care.

Last week was my husband's Christmas vacation. He and his son spent the week camped out in the basement watching movies, playing video games and munching on goodies.

This week is my holiday vacation and I've spent it working on my personal business endeavors, in addition to cleaning up all the holiday mess, and scrubbing the house. Some vacation eh? I need to go back to work just to get rested.

And yes I do work a full time job in addition to keep up the house. Also in addition to starting and growing my own business. So yeah, I'm exhausted to say the least. And I'm losing my patience, and growing ever so frustrated because the more tired I become, the more grouchy I feel like being (it's not rocket science that one thing leads to another).

So yeah, from now on, feel free to call me the Little Red Hen.
Too bad a wife wasn't under the Christmas tree with a name tag that said To: Michelle From: Santa. I sure could have used one. Maybe I'll ask for a maid for my birthday in June. That is, if I'm not dead from exhaustion before then.

Happy freakin' new year everyone.

Then and Now

It's a glorious thing when you find yourself in the right place, at the right time, and you're content with all that's around you. Especially if/when you've experienced an absence from this for so long.

2009 was quite a challenging year. There were wonderful things, challenging things, and bad things and overall, it was quite a struggle.

The wonderful things were the fact that my hubby came home to Utah for good after serving with the military for 20 years. No more long distance marriage and that was a beautiful thing. We also purchased and fixed up our very first home. Also a wonderful and exciting thing.

But it seems like even though these things were wonderful, they didn't seem to win over the negativity in my life in 2009.

I was working for a company I despised, in a job that I hated, for a boss who didn't pay any attention to his team, and passed me off to another guy who thinks women have no place in the work force. This environment was such a horrible one to spend 40 hours a week in that my enthusiasm for life quickly dwindled into something numb and barely even noticeable.

In November of last year, I lost a good friend to suicide and the situation still haunts me, especially with the changing of the seasons this year and the reminder of the sadness I was filling this time last year. Losing Billy was unexpected and it generated a pain that won't soon be forgotten.

My brother went through a nasty divorce during the holidays last year. This seemed to put a damper on the Christmas spirit and all things holiday related.

And even some of 2009's negativity spilled over into 2010 as I lost my job the last week of January. (I use the term "lost my job" loosely as my desire to get rid of that God-Forsaken place was as mutual as their desire to get rid of me and my threatening ability to take the marketing department above and beyond what it had the potential of being with the current people running (or lack of running I should say) the show. But they paid me some nice hush money considering the unconventional way they went about the situation).

But all that being said, even though 2010 started off rough, it has turned into something wonderful. I bid farewell to the negativity that was surrounding me on a daily basis (starting with the job). In fact, getting out of that place was the best thing I ever did. Blessing in disguise if you will. Walking out of that building, I took the first steps towards getting on the path I'm on today. And what a difference it has made!

In February I started thinking of turning my dream into a reality. I started talking, thinking, planning, and praying about starting my own company Utah Events by Design. I started believing again in my talents and abilities to start this new adventure instead of second guessing them. I picked a theme song to inspire me, to pump me up when I hit bumps in the road, to help me remember that what I was doing was going to be worth it. I selected Distant Dreamer by Duffy and listened to it once a day if not more on my computer or ipad or in the car, or wherever I could. It was MY SONG and my source for energy.

I started developing my business and all the things that went along with it to help make it a success. I started writing a business plan and developing a web site, and a facebook fan page, and blogging about the adventure, and signing up for networking groups and events, and making progress in a direction I'd always wanted to go in (go but never did because the timing wasn't right).

I started doing things for ME. I started dreaming for ME. I started planning and executing these plans for ME. And guess what? It is paying off!!!

In the last 3 months I couldn't be more thrilled with where I am in life right now. I'm running a successful business, working with clients that I enjoy working with, doing what I love doing, and being successful at it. I couldn't ask for more.

And, to bring in some extra income while I get my business off the ground, I'm consulting for a company that I adore. I work with a wonderful team of supportive, positive, and talented people who I enjoy being surrounded by on a daily basis. This opportunity has presented such a healthy environment that builds me up, helps me improve my existing strengths and teaches me as I go. I can't say enough about how wonderful it is to find yourself in a place you belong, in the time you are meant to be there.

I was even lucky enough to receive what I call "a sign" when I was doing my very first event. I was at the venue, had just pulled out all the decor I was going to set up, and decided I needed some music. I turned my iPhone on and went to the iPod and hit shuffle. Mind you, there's about 14,000 songs that could have started playing from my library, but guess which song came on first?

That's right, Distant Dreamer.
(I have a witness who can verify this).

The very moment the first few notes of that song started playing, I smiled and shed a few tears in the same breath.

And I realized, It's okay to be proud of yourself. It's okay to be confident and unsure about the future all at the same time. But most importantly, it's okay to be happy even if you're not quite standing at the top of the hill looking down just yet. It's okay to be in the right place at the right time, experiencing the exact moment you've been dreaming of, and to be satisfied and content in that moment, and perhaps a little unsure about what's to come next but confident that it will be just as good. It's okay to feel all this and know it's right all at the same time. It's okay to be happy.

And I am :)

And for This One Too

Between the Lines: Sara Bareillis

Time to tell me the truth


To burden your mouth for what you say

No pieces of paper in the way



'Cause I can't continue pretending to choose

These opposite sides on which we fall

The loving you laters if at all

No right minds could wrong, be this many times



My memory is cruel

I'm queen of attention to details

Defending intentions if he fails



Until now, he told me her name

It sounded familiar in a way

That I could have sworn I'd heard him say it

Ten thousand times, oh, if only I had been listening



Leave unsaid, unspoken

Eyes wide shut, unopened

You and me always between the lines

Between the lines



I thought I, thought I was ready to bleed

That we'd move from the shadows on the wall

Stand in the center of it all



Too late, two choices, to stay or to leave

Mine was so easy to uncover

He'd already left with the other

So I learned to listen through silence



Leave unsaid, unspoken

Eyes wide shut, unopened

You and me always be

You and me always be



I tell myself all the words he surely meant to say

I'll talk until the conversation doesn't stay on

Wait for me, I'm almost ready when he meant let go



Leave unsaid, unspoken

Eyes wide shut, unopened

You and me always be

You and me always between the lines

Between the lines, between the lines

Thank you, dear sweet and creatively talented Sara Bareillis, for this song:


Word came through in a letter,

One of us changing our minds.

You won't need to guess who, since I usually do,

Not send letters to me that are mine.



Told him I saw this coming,

That I'd practically packed up my things.

I was glad at the time that I'd said I was fine but,

All honesty knows, I wasn't ready, no.



And so here we go bluebird,

Back to the sky on your own.

Oh let him go bluebird,

Ready to fly,

You and I,

Here we go.

Here we go.



This pair of wings worn and rusted,

From too many years by my side.

They can carry me, swear to be,

Sturdy and strong but see,

Turning them on still means goodbye.



And so here we go bluebird,

Gather your strength and rise up.

Oh let him go bluebird...

Oh let him go bluebird!

Oh let him go bluebird.

Ready to fly,

You and I,

Here we go.

Here we go...

Utah Weddings.com

Have you been checking out my business adventures? If not, get your little tooshie over to my site and check out all the exciting goings ons :)

One big announcement is located on the blog and has something to do with Utah Weddings.com (only Utah's biggest and bestest wedding web site dedicated to brides planning their big day).

So what are you waiting for?! Go check it out :)

Announcements and Excitement

WOW! Where do I begin?

How about I start with all the exciting things that have been going on...

1. Utah Events by Design has LAUNCHED!!! Check out the web sit here!

2. Utah Events by Design is sponsoring a 5K run in September in support of the Carmelite Nuns of Salt Lake City and Sister Mary Joseph. For details about the event and registration, check out the facebook fan page for here!

3. Utah Events by Design participated in its first vendor event at La Caille on Thursday.

The event was fantastic. I was able to introduce the business to lots of interested people and potential clients, and I formed some awesome connections with women in business like me. I even secured a new vendor for the Utah Events by Design "Preferred Vendor Program" which is so exciting. Read all about it here on the Utah Events by Design blog.

And last but not least, check out the Utah Events by Design fan page on facebook and click the "like" button to receive the latest news and happenings with the company.

Thanks for your support guys!

Visit and Vote!

I've been working with my good friend and photographer, Michael Giordano on the development of my web site and the identity of my company, Utah Events by Design. His wife Elisa is also a very talented designer and has created some absolutely STUNNING pieces that will serve as my future advertising efforts for the company.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank styleGIO for their talented efforts, give them a 5 star review (they are seriously awesome) and direct you, my readers, to their web site: http://www.stylegio.com/

I have known Michael for over 15 years and have always appreciated his talent for photography. Right now, he is participating in an Austin Fashion Week in Texas where he and his wife reside. Please join me in supporting their talents by clicking here to vote for them.

If you want to read more about Austin Fashion Week, click here.

On behalf of styleGio, I want to thank you in advance for your support and votes!!!

My Life In the Fast Lane

Life has been jam packed and totally crazy as of lately. I've been sort of a loser when it comes to blogging this summer but I have good reason (and if you've been reading, you know my excuse is a pretty good one considering I'm in the middle of getting ready to launch my own business):

And guess what?! The busy, crazy, sometimes long days sitting in my office glued to my laptop have started to pay off.

For one: I have an ad (a beautifully stunning ad by the way) getting ready to be published in the 2011 Utah Weddings guide. This is an awesome opportunity simply because this book is free to brides all over Utah and is handed out at every single bridal fair during the year. It's also awesome because only three people are allowed to advertise per bridal section. For example, only three florists, three caterers, and yes, three wedding designers. AND I AM ONE OF THEM who will be advertising in 2011 :) *I did a happy dance by myself in my office the day I landed this ad space and my two dogs confirmed with one another that I am crazy and they are under my loving care. You should have seen their faces.

Second: Utah Events by Design is participating in its first social networking event on August 12th at La Caille. The Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce is having a Women in Business Summer Social and Utah Events by Design will not only be there, but will be participating, corporate style. Yup, that means a booth, handouts, business cards, and lots and lots of networking, schmoozing, making friends, call it what you will... I call it making future business contacts. So as you can imagine, I've been busy getting ready for this exciting affair. Oh how I love me some exciting affairs.

Third: Official web site will launch within the next two weeks. YES!!! *Another happy dance* I remember the cool spring day that I spent sitting out on my deck with laptop in hand as I began to craft the concept for this site, and exercised my writing skills and began to draft web site copy. Now all this intense labor is starting to pay off as my web site is coming to fruition. And many thanks to StyleGIO for being such an incredible design firm to work with. Not only is the ad mentioned above simply stunning, I LOVE my web site!!!

Fourth: The awesome fan page on FaceBook. If you aren't a fan of Utah Events by Design, you should be because everyone needs to know an awesome event designer. Simply search Utah Events by Design and become a fan people! Trust me, you'll enjoy being a member of the fan club. And, there's lots of fun things to come in the near future including event planning tips, creative ideas, and a slew of other great stuff.

Fifth: I am working closely with a bride for her October wedding and we purchased awesome fall-themed decor tonight for her big, fat, fall reception and I LOVE IT! Rich reds, outrageous oranges, brilliant browns, and tons of sparkles will adorn the Gathering Place at Gardner Village in October, and it will be lovely.

Okay, I think you're all caught up for the most part. Don't worry, I won't keep you in the dark. I'll be posting on here as well as on FaceBook about the official launch of the web site because I know you're dying to check it out!

Hope all of you (the friends I know and the strangers I'm lucky enough to have reading/stalking my blog) are having a fantastic summer! Thanks for dropping by :)

I Had a Dream

Should anything ever happen to me be it tomorrow or 50 years from now, I want this song played at my funeral. I know, you're thinking geez, way to be morbid, Michelle. But I'm serious. I love this song and it says everything that needs to be said. Perfectly. Simply. Sweetly.

The song is Dream by Priscilla Ahn:

I was a little girl alone in my little world who dreamed of a little home for me.
I played pretend between the trees, and fed my houseguests bark and leaves, and laughed in my pretty bed of green.
I had a dream
That I could fly from the highest swing.
I had a dream.

Long walks in the dark through woods grown behind the park, I asked God who I'm supposed to be.
The stars smiled down on me, God answered in silent reverie. I said a prayer and fell asleep.
I had a dream
That I could fly from the highest tree.
I had a dream.

Now I'm old and feeling grey. I don't know what's left to say about this life I'm willing to leave.
I lived it full and I lived it well, there's many tales I've lived to tell. I'm ready now, I'm ready now, I'm ready now to fly from the highest wing.

I had a dream 

I'm Still Here

I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth or anything, just been busy trying to get my business up and running. I've spent the better half of June conducting market research, writing a business plan, and meeting with folks at a local business center who help start up companies get going.

This business plan has pretty much been my life, day in and day out for the past few weeks. But I am learning so much writing it, and I know it's going to be important to have if I decide to venture out for a small business loan.

I've also been busy working with my designers on a logo, business cards, and a web site. I've finished writing all the web site copy, and my logo has been finalized, but my web site is still currently in the works. If you'd like to check out my logo, you can see it at http://www.utaheventsbydesign.com/ (and go ahead and bookmark that as it is the future home of my web site once it's up and running).

So yeah, Utah Events by Design is on its way! I've already taken care of a lot of logistical things like applying for and receiving my official Utah State Business License (that was kinda cool to get in the mail), and I've secured a silent business partner/investor which is great news because starting a business aint cheap people. Especially if you want to advertise your business.

Okay, you're asking "What exatly does your company do?" Well... here ya go:

Utah Events by Design will provide creative, quality, and stress-free event design and planning services to those seeking assistance with events within the Wasatch Front. The three service categories Utah Events by Design will focus on are listed below with subcategories that illustrate some, but not all, of the specific services offered within each category:


Weddings

• Variety of full service packages offering wedding design, planning, and coordination of ceremony and receptions.

• Honeymoon planning and coordination packages for the groom.

• Bridal luncheon and wedding shower planning and design.

• Bachelor/bachelorette party planning.

• Pre/post wedding events (rehearsal dinner, wedding night accommodations, honeymoon).

• Personal design sessions for weddings and receptions.

• Vendor selection, referrals and contract negotiations.

• Venue selection and contract negotiations.

• Wedding budget organization and tracking.

• Personalized bride and groom check lists.

• Day-of event direction.

• Miscellaneous wedding-related celebrations.



Social Events

o Retirement parties.

o Graduation parties.

o Private Parties.

o Anniversary celebrations.

o Baby showers.

o Birthday parties.

o Going away parties.

o Welcome home parties.

o Family reunions/celebrations.

o Baptisms/confirmation celebrations.

o Bar Mitzvahs.

o Quinceaneras.

o Miscellaneous celebrations.



Corporate Events

o Holiday parties.

o Grand openings.

o Executive retreats.

o Seminars/conferences.

o Appreciation/recognition events.

o Non-profit events.

o Conventions.

o Trade shows.

o Launch of business.

o Fundraisers.

o Miscellaneous celebrations.

Whether it’s a wedding anniversary, retirement party, graduation celebration or just a good old party, Utah Events by Design will approach any event with detailed, advanced planning and flawless execution. Utah Events by Design will work closely with clients to make sure their event reflects style, taste, and personality. From an intimate party to a big bash, Utah Events by Design will manage any themed event with detailed strategic planning and thorough execution to surpass all expectations of its clients and their guests.

And there you have it! And now you know why I haven't blogged in three weeks. And know you know why I'm kinda sorta going crazy in a kinda sorta good but stressful way.

Stay tuned for more details, and watch for a web site coming soon!

30 Years Gone By

Well, today is the big day. It's the day I join the 30 and up club :) Yup that's right. It's my birthday and my 20's are gone. As of 4:03 AM, this little girl officially became 30 years old.

Some people freak out when they turn another year older. They freak out even more when they hit a "landmark" birthday. But no freak outs here. I'm doing fine. Really, I am! And I think it's because I have so much to look back on and be thankful for. For instance:

• I married a wonderful man three years ago and in just under two weeks we'll be celebrating our third year anniversary. He's the kind of guy who makes my life complete. I spent almost my entire 20's looking for him and now that I'm 30, I plan to spend the next decades enjoying that I've got him :)
• I am starting my own business. More details to come as I am currently in the process of getting my web site built and taking care of all the paper work involved in getting my official business license in the state of Utah, but I'm actually going to be doing something I love and I'm trilled about it.
• I have a beautiful home that my husband and I purchased a year and a half ago. We've spent time turning it from a house into a home that we both love and enjoy spending time in. We've made this place ours and I suspect that somewhere along the course of my 30's, Michael and I will start a family in this home.
• I've been lucky enough to travel to foreign places, and see so many wonderful things. Including the many trips I have taken in the US, I have also been fortunate enough to see Italy, New Zealand, Germany, France, England, Canada and Alaska and Hawaii (yes I know they are part of the US, but not part of the "Continental US"). 
• I have a solid education. Although I'm currently working on my final project, I have completed all the course work for my master's degree. I always promised myself that I would further my education and I'm happy to say that by 30 years old, I only have one project left to complete before there is a second college diploma on my wall.
• I have wonderful friends and family who remind me every day just how lucky I am to be living this life. I have such an amazing support system full of people who make me feel so loved. And they make me laugh too, which is just as important. And I also have an amazing grandma that I share this birthday with. Yesterday she and I were able to spend it with family and I am so blessed to still have her in my life. She's an amazing, strong, loving, and special woman who has given me so many things to be thankful for. Happy Birthday Grandma Mary!!!
• I still have dreams. Dreams of one day owning a little piece of beach front property, dreams of being successful in my business, dreams of being a loving wife and good mother, dreams of living the next 30 years to their fullest. And as I look at the list I just created above, there's no doubt in my mind that the next 30 will be just as full and happy as the last.

Facebook and Its Funny Friends

Some people can be so funny. Or strange. Or uptight. Or maybe just too self-conscious?

I'm a little annoyed over something that happened to me last night regarding Facebook and a comment I made on one of my friends' pictures. This person is a great friend. One who I have enjoyed spending much time with and have developed memories with over the past 8 years. She inspires me in many ways and makes me laugh in many others. However, last night she sort of left me going... "Really? Are you serious?"

Now for some back history. This friend and I used to lay out at the pool of her apartment almost EVERY WEEKEND in the summers. During the week, we were hard at work, but on the weekends if the sun was shining, you can bet we had our swim gear on, our toes painted, and our beach towels ready. We soaked up every ray of sun in Salt Lake City and sported our tan skin everywhere we went. Now although I'm Italian and can soak up my fair share of the sun beams, my friend can soak up more. She's got some awesome legs and they were always a nice golden brown in the summer time (much more golden than mine).

WHICH IS WHY...

I thought it okay to poke a little fun at her not so tan legs in a picture. I simply said "Dang girl! Those are some white legs. You need to get working on that tan. Remember when we hung out at the pool sun tanning all summer? I was just thinking about that today :)"

I thought this was a harmless comment, but apparently she did not. Not 2 seconds after I left it, I received a text message on my phone telling me to delete it. I replied back saying "You know I love you" to which she replied "I know, so delete it." (Here is where you can insert the "Really? Are you serious?!" thought).

The funny part is, when I went to delete it, it was already gone. She did it before I had the chance.

Now yes, I realize how silly all this is, but it seriously got me thinking about how funny we behave on Facebook and other forms of social media. We put pictures out there for people to comment on, and trust that our friends won't berate us. But I suppose if we don't like what our friends say about us, we have the right to delete such things (and I doubt that most people's friends post mean comments about one another). But isn't it kind of silly? I mean, at the age of 30, I figured my friends would be secure enough in their own skin to know they are beautiful inside and out, and to know that the friends who love them believe that 100%. What happened last night sort of reminded me of high school drama. So silly.

Shouldn't (almost) decade-long friends be able to tease and joke a little?

Maybe I'm not seeing it, but I honestly didn't have any intention of hurting her feelings over a comment about something as silly as a sun tan. If I had stark white legs in a picture and one of my friends made a little joke, I'd probably respond with something like "I know! These legs are all sorts of white right now. I best be getting my butt in the sun :)"

But I guess that's how I'm different from her. And as I exit my 20's in four days to make a grand appearance in my 30's, I am going to do my best to live out the next decade with a light and joyous heart.

Hell, if I sweat the small stuff too much, I might not see my 50's and I want to be around to enjoy many summers (and sun tans) to come :)

Calling Me Sugar

Been listening to this song by PINK over and over again today. I love everything about it. The words, the melody, the emotion, the meaning it has for me, and the raw truth of it all. So if you haven't heard it, look up "Glitter in the Air" and have a listen. It's simply beautiful. Here are the lyrics:


Have you ever fed a lover with just your hands?

Close your eyes and trust it, just trust it

Have you ever thrown a fist full of glitter in the air?

Have you ever looked fear in the face

And said I just don't care



It's only half past the point of no return

The tip of the ice burg

The sun before the burn

The thunder before lightning

The breath before the phrase

Have you ever felt this way?



Have you ever hated yourself for staring at the phone?

You're whole life waiting on the ring to prove you're not alone

Have you ever been touched so gently you had to cry?

Have you ever invited a stranger to come inside?



It's only half past the point of oblivion

The hourglass on the table

The walk before the run

The breath before the kiss

And the fear before the flames

Have you ever felt this way?



There you are, sitting in the garden

Clutching my coffee,

Callin' me sugar

You called me sugar



Have you ever wished for an endless night?

Laugh so the moon and the stars and pulled that rope tight

Have you ever held your breath and asked yourself will it ever get better than tonight?

Tonight

Good Times

Tonight my good friend Marjorie came over to watch Lost and just hang out. I met Marge in 1998 in the Hoogle Hall dormitory of Westminster College (I seriously can't believe I have known this wonderful woman for 12 years now as it just doesn't seem possible that it has been that long since I first started college) and we have been great friends ever since.

Marge was my life saver during college. I was missing home, my parents, my friends, my at-the-time boyfriend, and basically the all-around life I was comfortable with. So many things had changed in over the course of one summer: I graduated high school, I packed up my life, I moved to Salt Lake, I started college. Marge represented the promise of a big smile, a contagious laugh, a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, and security in a non-judgemental friendship. I honestly believe there are certain people you meet in life at certain times for one specific reason: you need them. I needed Marge, more than I even realized at that time, but I'm able to look back now and understand just how important it was that she entered my life during that difficult time.

During our many crazy nights in the co-ed dorms where we lived, we ended up hanging out in the lobby with the guys. Marge and I seemed to gravitate more to them than the girls. To be honest, we had some really fun and down to earth guys living on our floor, while the girls seemed to be more up tight, prissy, and mostly consumed with impressing the guys. Marge and I weren't like those girls. We were comfortable in our own skin and could have a good time just being ourselves. Looking back now, I think the guys appreciated that and felt more comfortable hanging out with us than the other girls. Marge and I ended up developing some really great friendships with a lot of them, too.

One of the many crazy things we liked to do was record ourselves being silly. I had a hand held tape recorder at the time, that I used to record lectures in my more difficult classes so that if I wasn't able to take notes fast enough or missed something in lecture, I had it captured on tape... That was the main purpose of me having the tape recorder, but really it became more of a means of entertainment for Marge and I. We recorded everything. Every stupid little hang out session, conversation, laugh, etc... Don't ask me why, it was just something we did.

Tonight when she came down to visit me, she brought a tape of one of our "poetry sessions" with her. Let me explain...We used to do random poetry readings in southern accents. These were spontaneous readings if you will, and usually were created based on the name and character of someone living on our floor. For example, my college roommate's name was Loraine, so a poetry reading might go something like this:
Loraine,
She lived in Maine
She's not very plain
She's kinda of insane
But we love her all the same
Loraine.

Creative eh? LOL (you are probably rolling your eyes this very second, but trust me, our poetry readings were a combination of late nights, being silly, and trying to save ourselves from the day in and day out homework routine). Hey, it kept us entertained.

Anyway, back to the point. Tonight Marge came over with one of these tapes. Lucky for her, my Audi has a tape player in it so Marge, our friend Dave, KeeLee and I all climbed into the car and listened to the tape.

We laughed and laughed and laughed. And it brought back great memories for me. Memories of how fun those difficult college days were. Memories of how silly we could be and yet have a wonderful time. Memories of how important those college days were in helping to shape the person I have become.

If you ever have the opportunity to go back in time be it through a recording, a picture, a year book or a phone call to an old friend, DO IT. It's like chicken soup for the soul, and you might just find a little piece of you that you didn't even know was missing.

Thanks Marge! Thanks for the crazy nights then, and the one we had tonight. I enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed those spontaneous "poetry readings" in "noon-a-maker" with the "beater stick" and thanks for being the wonderful friend that you are! Love you :)

What's Worse?

Being the one who leaves or the one who gets left behind?

If you ask KeeLee, it's the being the one who gets left behind. I see little sad eyes whenever I grab my car keys and mention the phrase "You have to stay, baby." Breaks my heart cuz she wants to go for a ride in the car so bad. Sometimes she even jets out the door before I can stop her and waits by my car as if this time will somehow be different.

This week Michael is in D.C. giving a speech on an audit he did as well as attending the National Auditors Conference. He left this morning at 7:45 and won't be back until Friday and I'm already going stir crazy. Granted, he'd be at work right now anyway if he were here, but at least I know that means he's coming home at 5:30. What am I going to do till Friday? I HATE being bored. HATE IT!

That, and I miss him. I already did the whole Michael is 3,000 miles away for the first year and a half of our marriage, but it seems that every other month he's got some work trip to go on. Since January alone he's been to New Orleans for two weeks, St. George for a week, now DC for a week and then we're looking at another week long trip in June followed by yet another one in July. I really don't like it all that much, but I guess that's the life of a fancy schmancy Homeland Security Auditor.

That's What You Get for Waking Up In Vegas

Last Thursday, Michael and I hopped in the car and took off for Vegas. No, it wasn't a spontaneous trip, but I like to make it sound like it was :)

We needed to get the hell outta dodge for a bit, and this little excursion was pretty affordable. Plus, our friends Jeff and Melissa were going as well so we figured we'd join in the fun.

The good things about Vegas:

The people watching is out of this world.

Never in my life have I seen so many crazy skanks take a roll of plastic wrap and try and make a dress out of it. I'm not kidding either. I saw so many coochies and ass cheeks hanging out of thread bare material, that by the time we left on Sunday, nothing would have shocked me. I had been de-sensitized. There were even women with some women who looked normal in shape and size, but once you got a side view, you were like "How did she get that ass in those pants? Run from across the room and jump in?" Seriously. It was unreal.

There were celebrities. Jeff sat down to play black jack at the Wynn, and apparently was playing cards with Michael J. Fox. Although disguised in a hat, sun glasses, and jacket, the rumor was out. And Jeff also mentioned that the shakes gave it away. (Not trying to knock the Fox, but Jeff said he really did have the shakes).

And in addition to Jeff's sighting, I almost ran smack dab into Stephen Mayor (for those of you who watch True Blood, I'm referring to Vampire Bill Compton, Sookie's one and only love). Yeah, at the MGM trying to walk amongst the sea of people there for the big boxing match, and who do I almost knock over. Fantastic. (I hear that Conan O'Brian -my favorite late night show host EVER- was right next door to the Wynn at the Encore having lunch. Didn't see him, but we we probably shared the same oxygen at some point considering it's very limited out there with all the cigarette smoke and all.

The weather was good enough to sit out at the pool. Although it was super windy, and it wasn't as warm as we were hoping for (only got up to about 70 degrees), it was still nice enough weather to enjoy being outside and taking advantage of the pools at both the Wynn and the new Hilton Grand Resort. I didn't get much of a sun tan, but hey, we were sitting up in Salt Lake freezing our butts off in the snow so I can't complain. Here's a picture taken from the pool side table where Michael and I enjoyed lunch Friday afternoon:

La Reve was amazing. This is the new show at the Wynn and it is flippin fantastic. There is not a bad seat in the theatre and I really mean that. It's a theatre in the round, and there really isn't a stage, it's a pool. I can't even explain how amazing it was to watch people dive, swim, do acrobatics, dance, and on and on and on. They did it all, and between the costumes, the music, the talent, the effects... it was my favorite part of the entire trip. Security was really strict about taking pictures during the performance, but after the show ended, I was able to snap a few shots. This hardly does it justice but for what it's worth...

We had some awesome food. If you like Italian food, (more specifically, Chicken Parmesan) then you must try Maggiano'sLittle Italy when you are there. It's located right across the street from the Wynn, and is located on the second level of the shopping mall mecca. It's easy to get to, but if you plan on eating there in the evening, stop by earlier and make a reservation. Otherwise, you might be waiting a while.

Other fun things included the Body's World Exhibit at the Luxor. Melissa and I went to that while the guys played Black Jack. We tried the buffet at the Wynn (you have to try at least one buffet while in Vegas, but I gotta say, the one at the Bellagio is by far the best). We also took advantage of the free drinks, playing the new Sex In the City slot machine (I didn't win any money but every time Melissa sat down to play something, she did) and have I mentioned the people watching was fantastic?

Speaking of people, while enjoying some sun at the pool at the Wynn, we almost ran right into Melissa's ex-fiance. What are the odds right? (If I ever said "what are the odds" in Vegas, you'd think it would be because I was winning a billion dollars, but no... not the case).

The ride home sucked. We had to add an extra two hours to the trip so we could stop in Price and pick up KeeLee but boy was she the happiest puppy ever. And I was glad to have her back.

All in all, it was a quick little excursion but not one I'd consider relaxing. Vegas takes a lot out of you. Between the walking all over, the drinking, and the exhausting people watching, Vegas is kind of a cracked out vacation. And after about two days, I'm kinda done being there. Thank goodness our next trip is going to be Hawaii. I don't know that the people watching will be as good there as it was in Vegas, but I know the weather will be awesome, and so will the beach :)

Still

These lyrics sum it up for me. You can always count on a good Tim Mcgraw song:

There's a place I wanna to go

Where I can hear the cotton grow

Midnight train whistles blow

A dozen miles down the road

Adn all I have to do is be still



There's a place I need to be

Mom and Dad my brother and me

First time I ever saw the beach

Back to 1983

And all I have to do is just be still


When the road gets crazy

And tries to break me

And I've had all I can stand

I can close my eyes no matter where I am

And just be still



There's a place I need to go

Where stained glass windows glow

Every part of me is known

Thank God I can go there

Thank God I can go there

Still

Happy Earth Day!

Wow, it's Earth Day already. I remember celebrating the fact that I'd won tickets to go see Disney's "Earth Day" like it was yesterday. But here we are again, another year, another birthday for Mama Earth.

What are you doing to celebrate? Are you gathering up a bunch of recyclable stuff? Or perhaps purchase eco-friendly bags at the grocery store to eliminate your use of plastic ones? Speaking of eco-friendly bags, Target is giving out free ones this week, one per family, per purchase and they are awesome.

I celebrated Earth Day by working in my yard. I pulled tons of weeds, raked my little heart out, dug in the dirt, and planted oodles upon ooddles of flowers. My husband says I "have a problem" when it comes to flowers. This translates to he thinks I buy too many. My response was that perhaps people will be distracted by our beautiful flowers and see past the awful, nasty grass that needs some serious attention from my husband (Michael, if you're reading this, remember I love you!).

I spent about three hours in the yard yesterday and another three hours today. Let me tell you, .23 acres is bigger than it seems. So for those of you considering buying a home, pay attention to your lot size and keep in mind that you will be caring for it so don't bite off more than you can mow :)

Don't worry, I just took a long hot bath and downed a bunch of drugs so hopefully my muscles won't be too stiff tomorrow. I'm hoping I can still sit and walk and all that good stuff. But I guess I can't complain. Got a good work out in today without going to the gym and I got to do it all outside.

I hear it's supposed to get cold and nasty this weekend. I hope all the cute petunias I planted don't go into shock. But that's spring in Utah I suppose. However, if it's going to rain then bring it on. We need all the water we can get. So Mama Earth, I know it's YOUR birthday and all, but could you be so kind to send us some water? I know the little flowers I just planted will appreciate it :)

Whatever you're doing to celebrate, be green and enjoy!

Guest Blogging

Hey gang,

I'm guest blogging today over at The Olive-Tree and sharing a totally yummy, delicous, mouth-watering entree. So ya'll better get your butts over there and check it out.

By the way, The Olive-Tree is a great place to get all kinds of recipes if you're ever wondering what to make!

Enjoy!

Opinions Needed!

Remember that post, the one about things in the works that are exciting and new?

Well... those things are very close to being done which means a new business for myself coming to fruition. I have a couple packages put together for the services my business will offer, and I'm looking for anyone who is willing to take a look at those packages and provide me with their honest feedback and opinions.

If you haven't already received an email (dear friends who read this blog, you already have a letter in your inbox), and if you don't think I have your email address, post a comment on here letting me know you'd like to be involved in sharing your feedback and opinions.  

Thanks in advance if you do, and if not, that's okay too...You'll just have to wait a little longer to find out what's in the works :)