Little things....Small stuff

For the last year or so, I have been trying to appreciate the little things and not sweat the small stuff. It has brought me the realization that its the little things in life that matter the most. Little things are what get you through to the next 'big' thing. I think not sweating the small stuff has been the best lesson I've taught myself. i.e. Like hitting a red light on the way to work when I am already a few minutes behind or replaying certain conversations in my head, making sure I didn't say something dumb. What's done is done, I can't change the past, or in this instance, traffic. Those are just a couple of examples... which now that I am writing it, my mind draws a blank of better examples lol.....

That being said, I have been taking the pood's on more walks lately because we had a few days in a row of PERFECT weather!! As we were approaching my condo, I was admiring the beautiful sunset on the mountains, and right where I was looking was in between 2 huge pine tree's and you could see the full moon right in between them in a blue sky. I take for granted the amazing landscape Utah has. The mountains are literally on the other side of my condos. Not to bad of a picture for a smart phone....

Hope everyone has had a great February and I loving blogging again, So.... expect to see more of me! Cheers!

Miles

There are 4 things that stand out in my mind, when I think about meeting Miles for the first time. First, that he was the heir to Purina Dog Food... Second, that his big tattoo on his arm was his Jewish alter-ego, Third, neither one of those things were true and Fourth, that he was one of my very favorite people.

Over the last few years, Miles became a very close friend to Jeff and I. Truly, on of the best people that I ever met. He had a super witty sense of humor and such a contagious laugh. Never a dull moment hanging out, we all kind of fed off each other..usually ending in Miles doing a spot on impression of someone.

He had this way of making everyone feel important, and interested in you and things going on in your life. And not in a fake way at all.... He was so genuine, and really cared. Whether you were a close friend or the minimum wage worker at Jake's Over the Top, he took interest and cared.

It's been a week and a day since he passed away. I am still in shock, and I have so many emotions to sort through, between being devastated, angry, confused... Another close friend in the group encouraged us all to honor the memory of Miles by being all the things that made such a great guy. Being a amazing friend, compassionate, laugh ALOT, devoted, dependable, kind... I intend to honor him by trying to be a better person all the way around, and also to let the people in my life know how much they mean to me, and let the small stuff go, Because you never know when you will get a phone call that changes you forever.

Miles, you are missed terribly and I will always treasure our friendship, because Miles, your friendship makes me want to be a better person. You meant so much to so many people, and to say that Jeff and I are devastated is an understatement. You had become such a big part of our life, and for that, I feel very grateful. I am sure you've already picked out a good fishing spot up there, until we meet again my friend.... we will miss you everyday.

Anyone, Anyone???

Remember when I used to have stuff to say and actually blog? Oh yeah, me either. Well since I don't think I have blogged since May or June... here is a cliff notes of my life the last 10 months :

1- Mary Rose and Brent got married at the beginning of the summer and the next day baby brother Trey left for Africa. Happy and then sad... lots of laughs and LOTS of tears. Glad to have B in the fam, but I miss T

.

2- Nothing happened.

3- Then I turned 26, which was uneventful. No theme party this year, it kind of snuck up this year. OH OH OH, and Wireless internet for my laptop from Mama and Big... which I can't seem to get the hang of. Don't ask.

4- The end of July, beginning of August... Jeff, Mace, Mexican Jess, Celina Sue, Mark and I went to Cabo San Lucas. (AFTER ALMOSTA YEAR AND A HALF OF PLANNING) Had such a good, very needed vacation! I am ready to retire and just travel full time. Sans freaking cus

toms though.... hey border control, I am not smuggling a bomb, cocaine or a parrot into the country, speed it up fool.

5- Came back to work with a VERY, VERRYY full book of clients, New

and pre existing... which is awesome, and tiring! Kinda of like a class at the gym, with less sweating and more hair spray.

6- The Welch siblings went to Memphis to surprise Mama for her birthday. Which we TOTALLY pulled off, nice job Big keeping a secret. Had an absolute blast, hasn't been just the siblings (plus Val, + chippies) in such a long time. We are a fun group just in case you didn't know....PLUS the parents have a new house in TN with a pool. Sure once they are empty nester's, then they get a pool.

7- One of my close friends got married, whose wedding I was in. Wedding was beautiful, reception was a blast and she married a great guy! Love you Katie and Greg!!

8-I haven't cut my hair. Or dyed it back blonde....

9-The children, who run my life, Scoot and Troy are good. And as ADORABLE as ever. Their Halloween costumes are Troy=Blowfish, and Scoot=Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. Oh, also... they are adorable.

10- I think all around, I am ok. Lots of Highs, with very few lows, which is nice, but if you know me then you know this time of year is a little hard for me. Almost 20 years has passed since I was sick, but around Halloween, I always have a moment. But with the past few months being so busy, who really has time to be down....

I will try to be better about blogging, if anyone even still reads this... if you do still read it, let me know lol....and I will be updating my beauty blog soon.... PROMISE, that was big thing and then I fell off. Apologies

Salud!

Vote. Do it. Do it....

I entered into a contest through Smith's Grocery store to redesign their reuse-able grocery bags, and if you win you get $1000. I thought I did a pretty good job, but I need more then just my votes lol. So if you would help out by clicking on the link and voting for me, that would be awesome!! Let me know what you think of the bag!! It was very fun to do , give it a try your selfs... only after you have voted for mine :)
Also, you can once everyday I think!



http://www.designareusablebag.com/vote-for-designs/bag.aspx?BagId=28728&banner=smiths

It's easy being green

So, as one of goals this year I decided I needed to start doing more to be more green. And on cont rare to what Mr. Kermit says, it's quite easy to be green. Ok that was incredibly lame but what the hell right?
I have been really good lately at saving all my paper, now I just needed to haul it all down to the paper recycling bin at Smith's. I've been trying to be better about not leaving lights on, and not letting the water just run when it's not necessary. Now, you guys are going to be totally impressed... ready... I made my own Windex/glass cleaner!!
Hey, I was quite proud of myself! I looked up how to make it and tweaked it to fit what I had. I used it, and to be honest it works fabulously!!! And smelled pretty descent. I feel like so good about myself!! Your welcome Earth!! :)

Here's my 'recipe':
(This is for one standard size glass cleaner bottle)
1/2 Cup of White Vinegar
1 tsp Lemon Juice
4 tsp Dish Washing Detergant
(Mine was Cascade Gel, lemon scent)
Fill the rest with water.

It said you could add food coloring to make it a color, but why? Also, I saw that some had rubbing alochol but I felt like that would leave streaks. Anyways, I was pretty proud of myself! Also, I decided that every other month-ish I am going to donate to charity. January was St. Jude's in Memphis!

Glorified Henna

Well, I have a friend that does permanent make up...which is make up tattooed on, and after between 10-15 years (depending on the darkness of the color) it fades pretty much completely out.

This got my wheels turning in my head, because I have always wanted to a tattoo on the side of my wrist, but I know in 20 years, I will hate that S! So I quizzed my friend, and thought if she can tattoo a face, why not something else like a basic outline of a heart on a wrist??? She was on board for the idea! I mean hello, if she can tattoo someones freaking eye, she has a steady enough hand to tattoo a heart.

Its the perfect idea, why hasn't someone thought of this before?? Get a tattoo that fades totally out in a decade!! So I got to pick from her colors, which are limited to makeup colors...reds, pinks, oranges, browns and grays. Which is totally fine, so I picked a bright pink, red and orange. Totally cute you guys!!! The good thing about my profession, is that visible tattoos are totally fine. Not taboo at all. But on another note, they aren't that noticeable. They are on the side of my inside side of my wrist, about 1" long. Really tiny!

Anyways, I totally love it!! Thanks Tina!! We've found a new market, tat parties lol.

(The top heart was done a few days before the bottom two, so the bottom two are a little swollen still, and the ink is still slightly expanded)

What about us

One of the things I would like to do this year is be a better humanitarian. Ya know, not just say I care about the Earth and animals but actually do something about it. A found out a friend of mine volunteers at the Zoo, which I would love to do. If I can take it (emotionally), I would also love to volunteer at the animal shelter. I was pretty good about recycling last year but there is always room for improvement. I need to be better about the water I waste, and the electricity that I waste. I need to start finding things to do in the community also that I can do. I live in a beautiful place, and there are things that I can always to do preserve that.
As cliche as it sounds, we have this one planet and if we don't start to do something, our generation will not be able to enjoy it in a few decades like we should. I posted this video, because first off it's no news that I love MJ... but also say what you want about him, but at the end of the day he was a great humanitarian. Uh hello, Heal the World... we just need a few band-aids :) (That's for you sisters )

To get involved with Earth Day this year, here is the web site :
http://www.earthday.net/earthday2010

I love bloooogggss

I have started another blog for tips and answering questions about make up, hair and all that fun stuff! So if you read this blog and have questions about beauty things that you would like answered then you can email me at
hairgoddessblog@gmail.com


And here is the link to my new level of fabulous:

http://katchknowsbest.blogspot.com/

We are the World

Well since its not news that I heart M.J. I was jamming out to "We are the World" so I felt I should share it.
Hi Im a loser... its 12:50am and I am listening to We Are The World....I need a life. There are a few things I would like to point out in this video that I feel are notable :
1-Willie Nelson = pre VERY old age and too much pot
2-Cyndi Lauper = No explanation
3- Stevie Wonders =braided pony tail
4- Couple of Creepy Mustache guys
5-Bruce Spingsteen = Looks like he might being a #2 while singing, I don't know I'm just saying



All said and done, it's got a good message. And the message I got is, I'll never be as awesome as Cyndi Lauper, Or apparently Dan Akroyd... I think he sneaks in there somewhere...

missed classes = no babies

I was on Facebook, ya know spying (ha) on peoples blog, which I heart doing and it occurred to me how different my life is to most people with in my age range. Now, don't misconstrue what I am saying here, because I love my life, I just find it interesting the place I am in life compared to some people I know. I was looking at some blogs of people I grew up with in TX, CO, and UT and like 90% of people have at least one child. Kids are great for some people, I am just not sure if I am one of those people.
I look at these peoples blogs and they look happy... don't get me wrong... but all I think of is being so strapped down and stressful. Do they look at mine and think my life is irresponsible or 'flighty' because I don't have that? It's interesting how people perceive each other is I guess my point. I talk about my job, which is something I passionately love doing, my incredible husband who each day amazes me with his vast knowledge and always trying to improve, my uh HELLO beyond cute pood's who keep my sane, (Guess that depends on your def. of sane is...). I talk about my trips that I worked hard to save for, and the craziness that is my crew of girls. And other totally random topics like Joe Jackson, Breast Cancer Awareness, nugs.... I just can't help but think that some of these people (if they even read mine) how irresponsible and shallow my life must be with out children.
We are entering in a weird time in our young mid adults years, after most people are married and or serious with someone, then hhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeee come all the babies. ...now don't get me wrong,..... I enjoy chippies, really but I also enjoy passing them along.
I was talking to my friend Nat about all the babies, and I feel like I am out of an exclusive club.
Club Crew chats have changed from Girls Night and what to wear.... to...How I have some vomit on my top and Chuck E Cheese. (Which I actually secretly looooovove)


I just missed the class on how to conjure up the emotions to feel maternal, ya know.
Never say never, It is what it is, and I will continue to love and support all 2345 in my life :)

Red = Bad Ass

Just in case anybody wasn't aware, I am married to a pretty bad ass guy. A couple of years ago, he came up with a form of treatment for therapy called Emotional Fitness Rehabilitation (EFR). It combines working out/fitness with mental health. It teaches you tools to help "intervene" with your mental health while working on your fitness, giving yourself ways to help work through your thought process. He has been toiling over this form of treatment for the past couple years. He had a few buddies that wanted to get involved with a pilot study for it, which Weber State funded thanks to a professor friend of Jeff's. We call him the old man... :)
Anyways, in the study they took the kids from YHA (a group home for juvi sex offenders) and brought them up to WSU gym where they were shown the exercises to do, and the tools to help with the mental health part of it. This study lasted for months, and it was very, VERY time consuming for them. Well the study is now over, and the results are in.
EFR is proven to work and be a productive from of therapy at 99%!! So where do they go from here... well a larger study will probably be picked up, and they will probably be published in a journal! And then the sky's the limit as far as ways to spread it around.
I am So incredibly proud of my husband. He is SO incredibly motivated and his brain is always on OVERDRIVE thinking of the next thing and/or how to make his current project better. He is truly amazing to me, I mean he pioneered this form of therapy and came up with all tools needed for to make it work between mental health and physical health. This whole undertaking of a project is literally his baby.
So kudos to my fabulous husband for pursuing his dreams and never settling for mediocre.
I LOVE YOU RED

PS - I Have all my Christmas decor up and it looks FABULOUS!

Unspoken

I don't blog that often about serious things. Especially serious subjects that have to do with something that is private or incredibly personal to me.... I am not posting this blog to get comments of praise, how much you think of me or fishing for anything. Honestly, I am not even sure why I need to write about it, maybe self soothe.
There are a couple things that people don't generally know about me, because I hide behind, a "tough" exterior as my parents call it, humor, false confidence, and sarcasm. Today has been a "unicorn" day for me... which is code for not a very good one. I battle with severe depression everyday of my life. Some days I am really great, and other days... well not so stellar. I am usually ok at deflecting my emotions, talking myself out of crying or thinking so poorly of myself. But today, I had no such luck.
There are people that think that depression is not a real thing. These people obviously do not know someone that deals with it. Its like a light switch inside... I was driving, picking up my friends dog to babysit, and the next thing I knew I felt very upset for no apparent reason and I just couldn't stop crying. Thank the lord for big sunglasses while driving, right. This puts a incredibly vulnerable side of me out there to whoever reads this, but it is part of who I am, despite sometimes wasted efforts to feel like I "have control".
I was talking all three dogs out to potty and for a walk in the brisk canyon air, so I bundled up and put my IPOD on. Now, it's not brand new information that I am a tad obsessed with PINK, and I feel like I can identify with a lot of her songs. Her song "Sober" came on and for the first time since I have really heard it the lyrics really struck me. Pretty conducive to my day. Especially the third verse.


Sober Lyrics

I don't wanna be the girl who laughs the loudest
Or the girl who never wants to be alone
I don't wanna be that call at four o'clock in the morning
'Cause I'm the only one you know in the world that won't be home

Aahh, the sun is blinding
I stayed up again
Oohh, I am finding
That's not the way I want my story to end

I'm safe
Up high
Nothing can touch me
But why do I feel this party's over?
No pain
Inside
You're my protection
But how do I feel this good sober?

I don't wanna be the girl who has to fill the silence...
The quiet scares me 'cause it screams the truth
Please don't tell me that we had that conversation
When I won't remember, save your breath, 'cause what's the use?

Aahh, the night is calling
And it whispers to me softly, "come and play"
Aahh, I am falling
And if I let myself go, I'm the only one to blame

I'm safe
Up high
Nothing can touch me
But why do I feel this party's over?
No pain
Inside
You're like perfection
But how do I feel this good sober?

I'm comin' down
Comin' down
Comin' down
Spinnin' round
Spinnin' round
Spinnin' round
Looking for myself.. Sober

Comin' down
Comin' down
Comin' down
Spinnin' round
Spinnin' round
Spinnin' round
Looking for myself.. Sober

When it's good, then it's good, it's so good, 'till it goes bad
Till you're trying to find the you that you once had
I have heard myself cry
Never again
Broken down in agony
And just trying to find a friend

I'm safe
Up high
Nothing can touch me
But why do I feel this party's over?
No pain
Inside
You're like perfection
But how do I feel this good sober?

I'm safe
Up high
Nothing can touch me
But why do I feel this party's over?
No pain
Inside
You're like perfection
But how do I feel this good sober?


For most people, we don't talk about things that are uncomfortable, or maybe have a particular stereo-type attached. I am by no means different, and I don't know why I decided to write this particular blog, maybe I just needed to get some things out for just me... but maybe it might help someone to think they aren't alone in the way the feel, and even if its uncomfortable, its my reality.
PS I saw Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT today, AMAZING!

Things that make ya go hmmmm....

So, as it turns out I really don't have much to say anymore. What the hell happened to me, because I really do enjoy blogging???? Well I am going to make this one kick a blog, ...well I'll try.

First things first, Everyone knows how much I despise Vegas :) So I was drug down there for over Halloween shenanigans. It was a blasty blast! This trip we stayed at the Luxor... hoping to catch a glimpse of Criss Angel Mind Freaking someone. No such luck. Jess and I drove down and Jana met us there, because she had to fly in from Reno. Even though we didn't stay at the same hotel, we met up with my friend and old roomie from the "tame" Disney days, Theresa, her sister, their friend Heather who turns out it pocket size, .... and two other people that we never saw, they just stayed in the room, LAME! We went dancing all 3 nights and had an absolute blast!! Just a little FYI for anyone trying to get into L A X at the Luxor. What.a.joke. On Halloween we waited FOREVER, and then Jana and some dude in line had words.... and as he walked past me, I threw my ice water on his feet. HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA Don't worry he didn't know it was me. Moral of the story line standers = DON'T BE A DOUCHER! Halloween was crazy there.... I mean people were literally wearing the most scandalise, risque and repulsive costumes. A girl was walking around in booty shorts (so pretty much underpants) a white fur shrug, bunny ears and PASTIES! Quit it, you can't make that shit up! Who does that, o right whores.

Now I must say this was a very educational PG trip for us (minus the fact that we were in Vegas with people 1/2 dressed for Halloween shenanigans) . We went to a Titanic Artifact Exhibit, a Body Worlds exhibit focusing on nerves and the Shark Reef at the Mandalay Bay. Then we went to Broadways production of The Lion King. See Biggie and Mama... PG. mmmmm, at least during the day time. Hahaha kidding . Both of the exhibits were reallt interesting, actually.

Here, enjoy some picture:

This we had a fabulous time!! If ya can't tell. The foot picture is us standing over the shark reef... we weren't just admiring our toesies. :)

OK, now on a business note, the holidays are coming up... & we all know that means we procrastinate.... So make sure to make your appts. for between now & New Years slightly in advance. Holiday season = Mad house in my boothe b/c, lets be honest I pretty much rock! **Side Note** A big THANKS to all my friends and clients for taking part in the Breast Cancer Awareness Month's specials. I have 3 ponytails to donate and there are a dozen+ clients and friends walking around with PINK in there hair! I will be doing something similar in February for Ovarian Cancer Month, so keep your eye's peeled.

Hmmm , what else. There are a few things bothering me these days. I would just like to know how some people end up with ZERO tact, awareness for other people and the ability to pat themselves on the back for their friendship or lack of to someone. Interesting to me is all, we are all raised differently but aren't some things just social skills? Also what's with peoples status updates on Facebook.... if you feel the need to brag ab things on a freaking social network, there probably NOT true. Just saying. Or hidden agenda "forward" emails... really? OK that's all I will bitch about for now.

O wait one more thing, Jeff gave me his black spot. It's called Impetigo.... pretty much I look like I have leprosy with all these sores on my face. Not only does it feel good but it looks aawweessoooomme. Well, the silver lining is my limbs wont fall off from leprosy since that's not my diagnosis. haha

Widowing it up in the Wendover

Hellllloooooo
Not to much has been going on... so I haven't been blogging much. However, The Crew and I (Christie, Mexican Jessica, Celina, Cellen, Casey, Farrah and I) went up to Wendover for Deer Widows. We had an absolute blast! I got sick when we first got there, from Wendy's. I think I either got a bad piece of chicken or my body isn't used to the grease in fast food. So I threw up a few times...which felt awesome on the old jaw... but after sipping on some water and Sierra Mist, curtsy of Ms. Celina, I felt loads better.
Here are some pictures that I stole from Fare's facebook page. I am just saying, we looked fabulous!
I have been cleaning out the basement the last couple weeks.... ooo lord, what I chore that is. I really did not think that through. Turns out we have A LOT of shit! And also.. a lot of spiders down there. Nice, real nice. I am trying to clear out one side so when we have our annual Halloween party this Saturday, I want people to be able to go down stairs to hang out. I still don't have a costume (boo) but Jeff however is going to be... a ... redneck. Awesome. Any ideas for me????
Well I am going to attempt to go to bed. And by attempt I mean play Monopoly on my phone because this blog is Borrrriiinng.

Joe Jackson = Dorian

SO we all know that my brain works on a very weird level... Well the other day I was thinking about much of a creepster Joe Jackson was at the VMA's and then it hit me... Joe Jackson was the villain Dorian in the Mask.... All they did was paint his mug green because look here, the resemblance is Riidiiiiicuuuuullllouuusss !!Now I went with an older, more glamorous picture of old Joe boy, I mean he even has some sweet jerry curls all greased up. He hasn't always been a money hungry creeper you guys, he once beat kids too!!! And I feel like his necklace that you can't see the bottom of in the picture, probably was gold and a scaled down version of Africa. You never see Joey boy without his Gold Medallions, you know he showers with that S on. I'm being rude... I am sure he is a lovely gent. ....On some level.... I might be the same as Howard K. Stern to Anna Nicole Smith, but on some twisted level, I am sure he's fabulous.

I was also reading Dlisted today, and he totally made the un-canny connection with the LaToya and her long lost twin...Listen... I am just saying, it's true. THANKS DLISTED for finally making that connection!!!

I love the Jacksons but holy hell, why do they all look like make-believe characters? WHY!

Turns out blue is a perfect color for Voo Doo Dolls

Well, I haven't blogged in a minute and I can't sleep so I decided it was time. Not a whole lot has been going on with me that is exciting. I freaking can't believe its already more then half way through September and the weather is changing.... Uh hi, I went outside this morning to let out the dogs and I could see my breath. Ok I totally just lied right then but, HELLO I hate the cold. BOOO. I guess the good thing is that this means that the holidays will be here before we know it. And I do quite enjoy me some holiday festivites. Really any reason to party, socialize and get all dressed up is good in my book.
So I was doing some blog stocking of people that I know, then found links on their's to other peoples blogs and so on and so on...(Most people wouldn't admit they do this but, whatever everybody does...)and so I was reading through them and it occuried to me... my blog is TOTALLY differnt, as far as what I blog about goes. People are posting about their kids, their activites via it be school or church and their spouses. Now me... I have to be different... always different. I freaking blog about Vegas, Poodles, Midgets and controversial things that I probably have my Dad shocking his head. I feel like maybe I missed a blogging class and I am some random terrets case that blogs about random shit. Oh well I guess... if I wasn't being shocking or shouting swears, people wouldn't know how to handle me... Also, it was kinda fun to see a few new people have commented on my blog that I didn't know read it. Watch out people, I am getting real popular.
Today at the salon I had a refferal client who's hair I was doing for the very first time. Well, we all know that I am awesome, not just at life but hair also... and I could tell she was a little nervous when she first came in, which I totally get. I mean it is nerve wrecking to be new in town, go to someone brand new for hair... I mean I KNOW I am fabulous, all I had to do was prove myself. Well as usual, I rocked and she told me that this was the best hair color she has ever had in her entire life (she's probably about 50). So that was a nice ego boost for me. Speaking of hair, I am just putting this out their for people interested... During the month of October which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am running a couple of specials:
1st ~ Anyone getting a haircut for LOCKS OF LOVE, I am giving them 50% off their haircut, making it about $10.
and 2nd ~ If you add PINK to your color service (even if its one strand) I will give you 25% off your color.
I wanted to do this last year but for some reason I spaced it completely (Shocking right). So anybody interested... let me know.
Hmmm, what else what else... O!!! I almost forgot!!! My fabulous friend Katie got me the BEST GIFT EVER in New Orleans. A freaking Voo Doo Doll!!! Listen, I haven't been so excited about a doll in a couple of decades!!! And I am so not kidding! It came with a needle to poke it with and everything!!! It has wild blue hair and is awesome, If I knew where my damn camera was I would take a picture. I have big plans for this doll, BIG PLANS! So I am just saying watch out... things are about to get real, real interesting. :)

2 Weeks to the day...

I still can't believe it...

... 2 weeks to the day, I was sitting next to my fragile, and dying Grandpa. I got a call from my Grandma that my Grandpa had taken a turn for the worst and was dying. After talking to my cousin Mechelle, we conceded that it was best for me to go up to my Aunt Robin's house, where they have been living for a little while. I feel really blessed that I was able to my last good byes to him, he didn't say much because he wasn't really able to talk very well, but when I looked into his pain filled eyes I knew that he knew how much he meant to me. Jeff, Trey and I stayed there a long time, I think I left about 1. Even though it was the last time I saw him, I will always keep with me happier and healthier times and all the smiles, hugs, and talks we shared. That was the hardest thing for me to do this far in my life... to get up from the bed next to him and know that, when I left....he would be gone. The last thing I said to him was.. I loved him, and how amazing of a man he was and if he needed to go that we would be ok and that we understand that it was his time.

Two days later... he passed away.
As I sit here balling like the emotional basket case I am (which PS is from my Grandpa... we're BIG TIME criers...) I remember the good times.. Here are just a few memories that pop out at me :
*When we lived in Denver, my Grandparents and some cousins came out to visit. One afternoon he was reading the paper at the table, where my cousin was sitting with him... and I over hear my Grandpa say to Ryan..."hey Ryan, there is a concert in here for the Bare Naked Ladies, we should go to that!"... My cousin replies to him, "Grandpa... they're a band, they aren't naked and they are men.."
*2 years ago, he had taken a turn for the worst and all the family was asked to come to the nursing home he was staying at (For a surgery I believe), we all spent the night hanging out there, even had our family Christmas Party there that night in their dining area. There was just a couple people in his room at one point during the Christmas gathering, including Mary and I and he started talking about his favorite song, which happened to be the one they danced to at his wedding. And through all his pain and suffering he began to sing to us... it was just a few moments, but it was an incredibly moving moment. He loved to sing and was a wonderful singer...
*In high school, I went up one afternoon to their home to visit and after I visited with my Grandma, she told me to go say hi to my Grandpa, who was in the basement. He was always in the basement working on one of his MANY projects. This particular day he had cut out a bunch of wood to make tigers and was painting them. He was an incredible painter and artist...truly amazing. So I went down their to find him painting away, listening to the an AM radio station with songs from the 30's and 40's and he told me to get a chair, and he and I painted Tigers. Not a lot was said, we didn't need to, we were enjoying each others company. I don't know why this memory was so significant to me, but it was nice to be doing something he loved, together.
*In Good old Marshall, MN.. they do things weird. At their High School graduation's they ask you to keep all applause and cheering to the very end, which isn't weird but the fact that EVERYONE listens and doesn't make a peep, is weird. Now seriously... like you could hear a pin drop. Its real, real weird. Well, when Mary Rose graduated my Grandpa and I thought that was crap, so in the dead silence of an ALL TO SERIOUS high school graduation.. they call her name and Grandpa and I jumped up and cheered... it was awesome and yes people shook their heads... We didn't care.

His services were wonderful, and it was nice to be able to connect with my immediate and extended family and spend time with my amazing Grandma. She is handling everything so well.. the day of the funeral I saw her that morning for the first time since he passed and she told me that she felt like she was the one that died.... Her and I shared some tears and she completed it with "He really was an amazing man.." He really was.
Thank you to everyone for being so supportive and caring during all of this. I feel so grateful to have an amazing family and incredible friends. A few of my best friends came out to the viewing and the funeral.. I tried to tell them it was ok, but they really wanted to show their support...even though 2 of them had never met my Grandpa. So thank you guys for being so great, and out of the goodness of your hearts, attending. I don't know how I obtained such fabulous friends! Also, thanks to Jeff's family who all came to the viewing and then to the funeral... They are so great to me and so supportive to not only me, but my family as well, I feel very fortunate to have married into that family. And to my family immediate, and extended... it was nice to all be there and remember him as a family, because to my Grandpa, family was everything. I love you all... and thanks for putting up with a serious blog, ......... doesn't happen to often.

PS I am posting some pictures my sister Steph took at the grave site, there is a really good one of a Vet playing to TAPS since he is a veteran, a sweet one of Aleece watching the grave dedication and one of my sweet, loving Grandma...
PPS... to my cousins that tell me they "blog stalk" me... you can comment ya know :)

Sin City and my withdrawls....

I was listening to this song and it made me seriously home sick... for Vegas....
I am going over Halloween to meet up with my old roommate from Disney days Theresa. She lives in Jersey....and yes she loves Bon Jovi but no on the awesomely big hair. Anyways, she told me like damn close to a year ago that she was going and I should go down there to see her. Well, HHHeeelllooo, if your new, Any excuse to go to Vegas is great, but I am seriously STOKED to see my old partner in crime T. I miss her crazy, red-haired face.







So, anybody that wants to go, I am awesome at Vegas... and lets be honest, life. Seriously, ask anybody who's been with me, they'll tell you. You know who else is good at Vegas, they Thompson sisters. I like to make friends with bouncers at clubs, crazy cabbies and Europeans who I give nicknames to. Hey Clubby.... I am feeling very reminiscent if ya can't tell...

A more Biggie Friendly blog....

**NOTE : I am keeping this blog more Biggie T friendly**
So I was driving home again from the old Provo last night and re-discovered my Gavin Degraw CD. I don't know if you know this, but I would like to think that I am part of the reason that he became popular. Word of mouth... ya know I'm kinda a big deal... Anyways, when I was working at the old Journey's like 5 years ago, the play music videos of mostly people nobody knows about. Then after each month, they break it and toss the dvd, and get a new one. Wellllll, he was on one WAY before he became popular, so I stole the DVD because I loved him SO MUCH and searched like 5+ music stores and finally found his CD stuck behind a bunch of Garth Brooks and a whole mess of crap CD'S. They had one, and I was super stoked. So, I played it all the time and spread the word. And thanks, then he got popular. Soooo, Gavin, if you have googled yourself (Shut up, we've all done it) and find my blog and happen to read it, You can repay me by maybe do some making out or whatever, I mean I have no boundaries so I'll do whatever.... O crap, I am keeping this more "Biggie T" friendly since he wasn't real thrilled with my post last time, So lets re-try that. Gavin, if you would like to take a walk around the temple and exchange favorite hymn's that's cool. (You asked for that Big)
Here's a little diddy by him, one of my favorites :


Well that's it for me tonight, because I can't think of anything to write about that wont make me swear :)
O, also I am running out of topics lately anyways, so If you read this, post a comment and give me some ideas! I am also thinking of starting a blog about tips for Vegas :)

It's all relative to the size of your steeple

Since I have a working computer, I guess I should be better about updating this mess. I had a LLLOONNGG drive home from Provo tonight so I was brain storming blog topics. And since I like lists so here we go :

Topic #1:
Marilyn Manson. He totally came on the radio on my drive home. It brought a smile to my chubby face. I used to heart him, don't judge. Get that look off you face, I don't mean love like I want to lick bat blood off his chest, ..... I mean I liked his music. I'm a complex dame, get over it. I feel as if he is mis-understood, as am I. Whats wrong with swearing, lots of make-up and a little blasphemy? Sounds like a Wednesday night to me... I will post a video for your viewing and listening pleasure...which I am sure Mama, Biggie and Steph are going to 1000% hate (I remember watching this live in middle school)



Topic #2: (on a less goth note)
Swears. Now, if you are new, I like to swear. I think its funny and always appropriate. Some people, don't feel that way... Shit, damn, hell, always funny in my book. You know what's the most funny, Bitch is. (It's about this moment, Biggie is shaking his head and bleeding from his ears) Now, I know some people don't hear swears that much...Mama, Biggie, Moore's in Memphis, anyone in Utah County... so I guess I understand the shock value to them but for me, I'm around it ALL THE TIME and it just comes out. My parents always told me only uneducated people swear because they can't think of anything else to say. Well HELLLLLOOOO people, I am an idiot, thanks. No other words pop into twisted, not so bright mind. So, the moral of this is, sorry if I offend with my bitches and hells, but at the end of the day, I keep my shit real. :)

Topic #3:
Michael Jackson. So since, the old computer has been on the mend, I didn't get to express my feelings on his untimely death. I have always been a fan on his. Even as a kid. I mean he was a complete nut job, but I always loved him. Now, I probably shouldn't even say this but what the hell... I ***ALLEGEDLY** did a dance to MJ's heal the world and put band aids all over myself. This sounds like something I would do...but I swear I have no memory of this at all. But, I will say just because I don't remember doesn't mean it anything... I mean Biggie doesn't remember sticking green beans up Patty and I's noses when we were kids because we wouldn't eat them but it happened. IT HAPPENED DAMN IT!!! Not... traumatizing... at... all... Love ya big!

Topic #4:
Babies. OK OK, before I say anything, I would like to say a huge CONGRATS to Val and Steph and their upcoming addition due in March 2010! I am pretty excited because they make very adorable babies. THAT BEING SAID, I was thinking the other day about all the money I have spent on showers, baby birthdays, hospital gifts when born, Christmas presents... that's a lot of damn money. You know what people gave me when I got the poodles, a pat on the back. O o o, wait not even that! So... If I ever have children, I expect all my friends to pitch in and buy my a trip to Hawaii! Thanks in advance :)

Topic #5:
Help. So you know how those giant fatty's get on TV or the Internet and post for free surgery to get "healthy"...(They really just want to be sickly skinny but whatever), that's what I am doing. If anyone wants to pay for me to look like Nicole Ritchie without child, that would be awesome. THHHHAANNKS... Turns out because of my post surgery and infection-problems I haven't been as good this summer... Listen, someone tried to talk to my stomach because I look pregnant... awesome. Hold on while I hang myself....

Ok, I am getting ridiculous so see ya bye. PS I love my sister Mary Rose, she is amazing. (And I love the rest of my family too..)