I have been Tagged- help me out!

Everyone reading this HAS to do it. I tag anyone who hasn't had this memory tag on there blog yet!! (Remember to post a picture of yourself.) If I am doing it you should too. It will be fun to see what everyone remembers about me and even more fun, what I remember about you!! haha!

*Here are the directions:
1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember, good or bad.
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.Come on all my blog followers... I want to post some about you, let's see this on your blog!!!

Rent this

I would have passed this movie by over and over until a friend told me I had to see it. I was nervous about the whole idea of an anatomicly correct doll being a wierd guy's mate, but she assured me it wasn't too weird (or nasty).

I added it my Blockbuster by Mail list.... and voila'. I got it. I was excited to watch it, but nervous with the kids around, so I shooed them out and started the show. Mike and I watched, a little bit nervous, as the story unfolded. I was surprised to find the script witty and unexpected. Lars is a 26 year old man who is on the brink of complete insanity, afraid of contact, conversation, and social situations. He is heartbreaking, and Ryan Gosling plays it flawlessly (though never as cute as Noah in The Notebook).

As the movie (subtle and simple) plays on and he opens up to his new 'girlfriend', friends and family have no choice but to play along. That is when the beauty begins. Layers of his pain begin to peel away and "Bianca" becomes a symbol for all that he has held in for so long. It is surprisingly touching and engaging (I have to admit, however Mike did fall asleep, it is kind of quiet and over 100 minutes long). Overall it really has left me thinking about people, and the lives we live, and the pain we carry. The way everyone rallied around Lars and his new girlfriend, and the doors that she opens for him, were actually sweet, strange and funny, maybe, but sweet.

If you know me well you know it doesn't take much to make me cry, and this was no exception. Lars and Bianca can not last forever.... and believe it or not I cried through the end of it all. Silly, but perfect. I love it when I see a movie and it is a completely new experience for me, full of fun and pain, and bits of everyday life that I can relate to, but delivered in a package that is beautifully scripted, acted, musicly scored and filmed. I am actually going to have to carve out some more time tomorrow to watch it again before I send it back. This is no Weekend Top Grossing movie or shoot them up thriller, but it is film making at a simple level... art.

Inspire me

Now, I am not hitting as hard as I had hoped I would, mostly because of my headaches (which are starting to go away, thank heavens), BUT I have to say it made my day today when Janna picked me up to go to the gym and said my legs looked skinny..... *loveyouforsayingthat*. I am slowly starting to get the idea of this whole thing.... Ran a mile and a half while talking. It is something.

dear everyone reading my blog...
"What inspires you to get up and get moving?"

Conversation Starter

For those of you who follow me on Facebook, you see another version of this t-shirt on my back, and you know how much I love it. I decided to throw this on yesterday after the parade and wore it most of the day. I still had it on when taking my kids to the carnival for a couple of rides which I promised them earlier in the week. What I didn't realize is the stir it would cause. A husband signaled his wife from across the crowd and pulled her behind me to read it. Another couple whispered and pointed and talked as I turned around, wathcing so they could read the front. As that was happening another man walked up to me and actually asked me about Dave Ramsey and if I had seen him LIVE (an enthusiatic YES!). Even a group of teens behind me were reading it and laughing, saying "that shirt is cool". I kind of had to pretend like I didn't notice and act normal, but it was a wierd experience.

Are we all so overcome in the "debt is normal" mindset that to see someone saying something different is really that strange? I think we have forgotten how great it feels to own assets over owing on liabalities. Mike and I are currently paying off our 1st and 2nd mortgage, and I wanted to include this quote (which I used in my "Freedom" talk in church on Sunday- a whole different Blog post!) for you guys all to think about this weekend.

Owning a home free of debt is an important goal of provident living. ....a mortgage on a home leaves a family unprotected against severe financial storms. Homes that are free and clear of mortgages and leins can not be foreclosed on. When there are good financial times, it is the most opportune time to retire our debts and pay installments in advance. It is a truth that the "borrower is servant to the lender."
James E Faust

Until next time... I must wash my shirt and wear it more!

What's Up, Doc?

The blessed journey that is 'going to the doctor' is one I try to avoid. I can't say, why, really, it's just I will try about anything to NOT go to the doctor. Mike, however is tired of me ignoring the pain in my head (which has caused pain in the neck and back) which has continued for 5 weeks or so.

Today was the day. Surprisingly my Dr. came into my room before I had even filled out the paper work and signed all of my privacy act information (another thing to hate at the Dr.s) and quickly started asking questions while pushing on different areas of my head. Weird enough, a spot just behind my ear sent me through the roof, possibly my mastiod sinus, plus the back of my head hurt when he pushed on the area that has been bothering me. My options- treat this like a sinus infection (which I have heard causes localized pain if the sinuses in the back of the skull get infected) with a heavy dose of Augmentin, or proceed to getting a CAT scan. I choose to go with the prescription first, but if my yummy dose of antibiotics doesn't nip the pain and throbbing then I have to get a CAT scan in a few weeks. yip-yip- yipee.

One complaint- I wanted to pay for my visit when I was leaving, and they were all baffled at the front desk, and couldn't figure out how I should pay, or how much it would cost, and wanted me to wait and go talk to the ladies in 'financial', so I figured I would pay tomorrow since I have to take my son in for shots. But really- is it just me, or have things gone completely amiss in this world when someone wants to pay for her appointment and the front desk can't handle that?

Local Kudos- kids haircuts~

I have decided to begin my own little local reviews- so occasionally you may see a rant or a kudo given for a local business.

I had an awesome experience at the MATC school here in Spanish Fork (by ALA charter school). I had a client come in with the cutest GLITTER GEL TOES, and she paid only 15 bucks for it. She got them done at the school, so I called and they got me in the next day- plus they take late appointmets! Love it!

When I was there (my toes were so gosh darn cute, and lasted 6 weeks!) I noticed boys haircuts were 4 BUCKS! Hello! I have 3 sons- that is a miracle to me. I scheduled an appointment for my oldest- but when we came back and my younger 2 saw the cute girls cutting hair they whining for haircuts, too. The instructor at the front desk was so nice. She smiled and said "we would love to work them in!" and before I knew it my boys all had their hair cut, for under 15 bucks! We tipped the girls (who were super friendly to my boys) and left. I was thrilled! They do all sorts of services, but I can recommend the glitter toes and kids cuts. Here is the number.... MATC Cosmetology 492-2968.

Much better.

So, if I am totally honest I still have a tiny bit of strain on the back of my head, but it is so small compared to how I felt last week. I can't believe it- I too, can now swear by the "cash-only-stop-in-and-get-popped old Chiropractor". Last night I actually dreamt I was getting adjusted. Strange.

Now, I have to own up to the mess that is my house. I got up and cleaned yesterday, but that was from Sunday night dinner, so I didn't even make a dent in the rest of my house. What a sad world.... when mommy is down, the rest of the house somehow multiplies in clutter and chaos. Am I the only one that knows how to fill the dishwasher?

Ahhh. The simple life.....

IS this ME?

You Are An ENFJ




The Giver



You strive to maintain harmony in relationships, and usually succeed.

Articulate and enthusiastic, you are good at making personal connections.

Sometimes you idealize relationships too much - and end up being let down.

You find the most energy and comfort in social situations ... where you shine.



In love, you are very protective and supporting.

However, you do need to "feel special" - and it's quite easy for you to get jealous.



At work, you are a natural leader. You can help people discover their greatest potential.

You would make a good writer, human resources director, or psychologist.



How you see yourself: Trusting, idealistic, and expressive



When other people don't get you, they see you as: Bossy, inappropriate, and loud

What's Your Personality Type?

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It really hurts...

I have had neck pain before. Nothing like this. 2 weeks of limited head turning, sharp pain shooting, back of skull stabbing PAIN. Tylenol 3, Advil, Exedrin PM...you name it, I've tried it.

4 massages (3 from family, one professional) and yes, they help, but really! I could not even lift my arm up to pull off my clothes and get ready for bed. Today I said.... "I have had it!" and off I went to Dr Harris, the fifteen buck Chiropractor my mother-in-law swears by.

He cranked and twisted and snapped, and I popped in places I didn't know could pop. I immeadiately could lift my arm (WOW) and felt giddy... then an hour went by, and I feel like I have been hit by a truck. He said give it a day to feel better... and I get it now why he said that. I feel like every ounce of tension in my spine is slowly oozing out my frame.

Salt bath? Check.
Muscle cream? Check.
I am getting ice and going back to bed ( I got in bed at 6:00 tonight). I will post results after 24 hours.
This may be the best thing I have done for myself in along time.... or the worst.
We'll see.

For now I am just writing this like somebody can relate, or even better....cares.

Desperate Housewife?

Last night I tiptoed into my kids room and hung up a dark blue Jazz blanket over their white drapes. A move of selfishness...... I want to sleep in without hearing kids fight over cereal.

It worked, actually, I got up this mornig at 8:30 ( I had a client so that was the latest I could afford) and they were all still in bed.

I am a genius.

Slamming doors and Having Words

Don't be deceived by the pictures on this blog. We are not just a family of sweet, freckled face boys that grin at mom. Proof of this fact; the front door . This is my precious wood and window door of my happy old house. This door has seen more visitors then I could imagine. It has served me well.

I was working on a client and heard my boys yelling at eachother- and then the shatter of glass made my stomach drop. Sure enough, Hayden had slammed the door in an effort to express himself- and completely shattered it. Note: this is the second door he has damaged from slamming. Upstairs he dislodged a door frame last month. We made him help fix it and gave him a 'time-out'. Not enough, obviously.


Door slamming now carries a hefty fine in our homes- up to Five bucks a pop. He will be paying for at least half of this glass piece (which is $100.00). We are waiting for the glass to come in, until then it is cardboard and painters tape. There is beauty all around........

Summer Naps

I know it's summer and the sun is out...... but really, all I want to do is crawl in my messy bed and close the drapes and nap. Is anything wrong with that?

I did it !

Here I am with my friend and fellow massage therapist, Kelly DeSouza, and Helen Russell, my sister's mother-in-law. Kelly ran with me- and kicked my butt, might I add, and kept me motivated. She didn't train at all, but used to be a runner, so her pace was much quicker than mine. Helen has been running for a while, and actually won the race for her age category (ages 55-59 women). She was amazing!

I am saying this publicly- I ran my first 5k in 36:09. I was glad I did it under 40 minutes, but then when I actually saw my time I wished I would have pushed it a little harder. Much to my dismay the first 2 miles or so was mostly uphill, and I felt the difference between that and my air-conditioned room at the gym on the soft treadmill, so I am adding out door running to my schedule. Yikes- I said it, so I guess I am committed. I want to sign up for another 5k in a couple of months and see if I can beat 35:00. It's a small step, but isn't that what got me here in the first place?