daily phil up

Diaper Tri-cycle

2011-10-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

From this...

... to this

His and...

Hers.

Alaska

2011-10-15T10:19:00.001-07:00

The first view of Alaska from the plane. I was so excited to see Alaska after 20 years.

More pictures from my seat.

The small plane I took to Skagway from Juneau.

Just an FYI, when you hit turbulence on a plane this size the plane doesn’t jostle or shake...

it drops. I know right!?!

Views from the small plane ride.

From the moment I got off the plane I was freezing. Alicia made me soup to help warm me up (how sweet of her). I tried helping her stirring the soup and it started to boil and it boiled up and burnt me. I spent the night with my hand in a bowl of water. What a baby, huh?

As a child I remember following the Iditarod dog race every year. The first excursion Alicia and I went on was to see training station where they train the dogs for the Iditarod race. So cool.

We got to ride a sled pulled by the dogs. You can see by the picture how fast we went.

The whole dog team.

Alicia and I on the dog sled.

New racing puppies.

This little guy was adorable. Loved him.

Look at all those puppies.

The next excursion we went on was glass blowing.

Say hello to my little freind.

Later that day Alicia took me on a hike to one of her favorite places.

The view of Skagway harbor from our hike.

Alicia was ambitious that day cause after our hike we went on another hike to Smuggler’s Cove. This was my favorite place. We hiked up to a rock and sat down and enjoyed the breeze for a while.

The next day I got to ride on Alicia’s bus on an excursion to the Yukon Territory. This bridge is only connected to the earth on the left side, it is only supported on the right side by laying on the ground.

Alicia loves this things. They are called Inuksuks and they are all over Alaska and Canada. Canadian’s love them so much they were on the logo of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

More Yokon pics.

At Caribou Crossing we went to a museum that held a bunch of stuffed animals commonly found in Alaska.

This picture doesn’t capture the awesome-ness and beauty of this waterfall. SO COOL.

Priceless...

The leaves were beautiful in the Yukon.

Alaska Native

Beautiful Drive... for the first 6 hours.

Alicia and I thought this cloud looked like the dog-like thing from The Never Ending Story.

These guys were everywhere.

It rained for 6 hours straight.

The trip was awesome and much needed. The drive back was long long long. One night we slept in our car. The next night we drove until 2 in the morning. I begged Alicia to let us get a hotel for the night. It took some work but she finally agreed. I just couldn’t stay in the car another night and I really needed to shower.

The final day of driving was a long one. We stopped in Seattle to see our cousin Sarah, Jimi and Gracie. At 11:00 pm on the third day of driving Alicia and I finally reached our parents house in Washington. *sigh*

When the trip was finally over Alicia and I crossed over 60 bridges and went through 7 tunnels, saw tons of bison, almost hit a black bear and filled our the gas tank over 10 times.

Bear Lake

2011-10-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

I’m not a big Bear Lake fan. I’ve been twice before but this summer talked myself into going again. It was a great time. Probably the funnest weekend all summer.

My chapstick melted in my beach bag. It was funny at the time. HA.

Devin is such a lady’s man.

There was one things I did NOT want to do and that was wakeboarding. I had an awful experience in years past and so did not want to do that again. I lost a bet and my consequence was to try wake surfing which some say is harder than wake boarding. As you can see by the expression on my face and was scared out of my mind...

Getting up wasn’t as bad as I thought but I was nervous to see if I could stay up.

Ahh, success!!!

Megan was really good.

Jordan was awesome.

Moves like Jagger.

The best weekend all year!

Big Girl Toy

2011-10-14T20:31:00.000-07:00

I finally did it. I bought a car. Its a Hyundai Santa Fe. I named her Jagger, because this song plays EVERY time I am in it. Although some pictures make her look like a mini van I promise I didn't get a mini van. She’s a small SUV/Crossover that will shopping at IKEA easier, road trips more fun and bike races easy cause I can put this on it.

I’ve been talking about it for a couple years. I just couldn’t decide between the Nissan Rouge or the Mazda CX7. The Santa Fe wasn’t my first choice and I hadn’t thought about it at all. A friend of mine works for Ken Garff (a big car dealership in Utah) who talked them up so much that I thought I would give them a try. I went to the lot test drove a few and it was settled. I wanted it.

Because of my friend referred me I got the ‘Friends and Family Benefit” which was awesome. I saved thousands of dollars off the sticker price. All in all it was a great experience and I highly recommend them in your looking to buy a car in Utah.

Moth Nation

2011-08-24T21:40:00.001-07:00

I wasn’t lying. We really have a problem. I thought the moth problem was gone, but apparently moth larvae can stay dorm-it for 18 months. Lame!

We have about 3 of these in the house that are this full.

We replace them ever 3-4 weeks.

I took a picture of one of the moths flying around the family room.

You can kind of see it on the right. Little bugger...

Another full moth catcher.

Gross!

Saints to Sinners Bike Race

2011-08-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

I survived!!

July ended with a bang as my friends and I completed the Saints to Sinners bike race. The morning started off early. McCall and I were up at 4:00am loading the truck with bikes, bags, blankets and coolers. We left at 5:00am to meet the rest of our truck members at the starting line.

Brayden and McCall at the starting line bright and early. McCall was tired. :)

Me and my teammates Danny and Chris.

Dr. Bromberg and myself waiting for his second leg.

Chris, Brayden and McCall waiting for Brayden’s first leg.

There was a lot of waiting...

... and waiting

and fun

and trying to catch some Zzzzzz anywhere we could.

Brayden’s night ride.

One of the things we were all scared to do were the night rides but they went really well. Actually it was my favorite ride. I think I should have been a little more scared because it was pitch black, pouring rain and cold but the 18 miles went so fast. I got up to speeds of 40 mph and made it down the hill in less than an hour.

Mel’s night ride.

Danny had 4 flat tires on his first leg and got a little dirty. Poor guy.

One thing about all the rides (except the night rides) is that is was SO hot. My first leg was just over 2 hours at 103* but that is nothing on the last 30 miles to the finish line. Thankfully I didn’t ride in those 30 miles. As Melissa says about her portion of that 30 miles, “It almost brought me to tears."

Cory riding the last miles of the race with another rider. The rider he is with was one member of a two person team. WHAT? A two person team? What a stellar guy.

Being in Las Vegas brings the beautiful palm tree.

Brayden so close to the finish line.

Straight up an example of the heat. Ashlee is leaning out of the truck pouring

water on Cory as the heat rises to 115*.

The whole team at the finished line.

I want to take a moment to thank the people in my life who push me to do the things I never thought I could do. I think I tend to hold myself back in many aspects of my life in fear of failure or on the off chance that I could be hurt. In the days after I returned home from Las Vegas I learned a high school friend of mine lost his life in an unfair and unjust way. Learning this news rocked me. I have been taking way too many things for granted. I used to think I lived my life and had a good time and a lot of fun while doing it, but I was so wrong. I wasn't living my life. I was watching others live there’s while I held myself back. This is why I am so grateful I had the opportunity to participate in this ride/race where all proceeds went toward research for ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease. This ride pushed me outside my boundaries BUT I had the time of my life. Life has a way of throwing a lot of crappy things your way and I hope I always have the determination to get back up.

Tell the people you love and who love you how much they mean to you... everyday.

Saints to Sinner Bike Race

2011-07-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what I got myself into. I signed up to do the Saints to Sinners bike race. Which starts in Salt Lake and ends in Las Vegas. The good thing is it is a relay race.... there is no way I could do over 500 miles alone.

Pray for me.

http://www.saintstosinnersbikerelay.com/

Cancun

2011-05-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

On our way.

The view from our room.

After swimming in the cenote (giant sink whole).

I took this picture with my camera of the picture they wanted

me to buy $20. Sneaky I am....

Chocolate City

Swimming with the dolphins.

Mindy and I outside our hotel.

Pirate Night

Chichen Itza ruins

On the ferry to Isla Mujeres.

Biking around the Island

Views from our ride.

Our last day... sad.

For more pictures click here and here.

Goldilocks Ride

2011-05-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday Melissa and I just finished our second bike race/ride. (Technically its not a race so you have to call it a ride, but the distance is long enough you’d think it was a race.)

The ride was 42.3 miles and it took us just over 3 hours to finish. Truthfully I was scared to do the ride all week, the night before and even the morning of. Melissa said we needed to eat a hearty breakfast before the ride but I could barely choke it down.

BUT the race went so well. Mel and I took off and never looked back. We were passing people like crazy, speedy down the road and climbing hills as if they were only a bump. In the end I crossed the finish line with a huge smile on my face almost feeling like I could have done more... almost.

Me right before the race.

Melissa right before the race.

Me just after the ride. You can’t see it, but my legs were SHAKING!

Looks like Mel was a little tired too.

Together at the finish line. Wheww...

Easter

2011-05-06T16:10:00.000-07:00

Made this little guy to celebrate Easter. I dug out his belly and filled it with ranch and partnered it with a veggie tray.

It went over great and was quite tasty.

4 days

2011-04-19T21:45:00.001-07:00

T minus 4 days and this will be my feet and the view from my pool chair...

Personality Test

2011-04-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

As juvenile as it sounds I throughly enjoy taking personality quizzes or reading my horoscope. I know they are totally bogus but I still do them. The quiz below is an email forward (another guilty pleasure) that I got at work. My answers are in red. I scored a 40.

Try it; its fun.

1. When do you feel your best...
A) in the morning
B) during the afternoon and early evening
C) late at night

2. You usually walk...
A) fairly fast, with long steps
B) fairly fast, with little steps
C) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
D) less fast, head down
E) very slowly

3. When talking to people you...
A) stand with your arms folded
B) have your hands clasped
C) have one or both your hands on your hips
D) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
E) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with...
A) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
B) your legs crossed
C) your legs stretched out or straight
D) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with...
A) big appreciated laugh
B) a laugh, but not a loud one
C) a quiet chuckle
D) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you...
A) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
B) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
C) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted...
A) welcome the break
B) feel extremely irritated
C) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most....
A) Red or orange
B) black
C) yellow or light blue
D) green
E) dark blue or purple
F) white
G) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep you are.....
A) stretched out on your back
B) stretched out face down on your stomach
C) on your side, slightly curled
D) with your head on one arm
E) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are...
A) falling
B) fighting or struggling
C) searching for something or somebody
D) flying or floating
E) you usually have dreamless sleep
F) your dreams are always pleasant

SCORE:
Q1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
Q2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
Q3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
Q4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
Q5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
Q6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
Q7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
Q8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1
Q9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e ) 1
Q10 (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1

Add up the total number of points.

If you have:

OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone they should "handle with care." You're seen as vain, self-centred, and extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality, a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once, someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting, someone who's constantly in the centre of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding, someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expects the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you, realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well, know that you aren’t.

TV Appearance

2011-04-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

A few of you have been asking to see this. Although its quite embarrassing for me cause I look and sound like a moron. HA!

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - CDC numbers show childhood obesity has tripled in the past thirty year. One in five children is now obese. West Jordan elementary students were given tools to make better nutrition decisions, including how to avoid sneaky shopping tricks, and how to make “ants on a log”.

Dalton is a fourth grader at Oquirrh Elementary School. He describes today’s nutrition lesson like this. "How the process of food works."

The lesson is taught by a Molina Healthcare health educator. The goal is to show kids how to make healthy choices, and avoid nutritional pitfalls. One of those can be found in the middle of the grocery store. Kaylin Phillips says stay on the outer edges where the healthier food is stocked, and where you will find the most bang for your buck. "Sticking to the perimeter is important because that's where the foods are that are natural and from the earth and give you the energy that you need."

Phillips says it's important to teach children these kinds of tips while they are still young.
"I want to give them the resources that they need how to go shopping with their parents what to look for when they are there, and give them options for eating healthy good snacks and good treats." She says kids who make unhealthy choices, too often live unhealthy lives. "Already as young as they are, they can have heart problems, asthma, depression and diabetes."

She says kids are not entirely responsible and parents should also learn about nutrition.
"We all love our loved ones and we all went to take care of each other, and if you don't know, and you are not educated then how you would know you are doing things wrong."

Today’s nutrition lesson concluded with a healthy snack. Students made a delicacy known as “ants on a log”. Some were skeptical as they slathered their celery stick with peanut butter and topped it with raisins. Most ate the treats with a smile.

Logan was one of the students pleasantly surprised by her creation. She chalked it up as one of the most surprising facts she learned. "Peanut butter and celery and all of the other things can go good together and taste good and actually be good for your body."

Only two percent of school-aged children consume the recommended daily number of servings from all five major food groups.

Charlotte’s Web

2011-03-30T20:05:00.000-07:00

I almost died today.

Okay not really, but I did have a scary funny experience. On my way to work this morning it was so cold I could see my breath while inside my car. I waited a while and just as I approached the on ramp to the freeway I switched the heat on.... and turned it to full blast.

Almost instantly a spider shot out of the vent by the windshield and started crawling as fast as it could toward me. I am not usually scared of spiders but because it was crawling toward me so fast I freaked out and grabbed the ONLY thing I could... my sunglasses.

I smacked the spider with my sunglasses barely even hitting the spider. Just as I hit it I looked up and noticed I was still driving while the car in front of me had slowed as it was entering the on ramp. WHAT?

I threw my sunglasses down and down shifted just in time to not hit the car in front of me. I saw the spider curled up and fall to the floor of the passenger seat. When I got to work I tried to find the dead spider on the floor of my car but it was a no go so not only did I almost die truing to save myself from the killer spider.... I DIDN’T even kill the the dumb bugga.

Oh well.

NOT my favorite task

2011-03-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent the day doing something I hate doing more than scrubbing scum off the bathroom floor. Shopping for a swimsuit. In 35 days my roomies and I are taking a trip to Cancun. I have never had the desire to go as Ihate hot weather and have never been a beach girl... nonetheless I talked myself into joining my friends in what they call, "paradise.”

After a few days of letting the idea set in and of course looking at the pict

ures of Cancun I am quite excited. The fear lies with wh

at I will have to wear for most of the trip... a swimsuit.

I’ve said this before but that is because it is true. “I can fee

l comfortable in almost anything. I can find cloth

es that work for my body in any trend except for a swimsuit.” Which is why finding a swimsuit is so crucial to my future trip.

I ended up with 2 one-piece swimsuits. A solid black one, everyone needs a good black swims

uit and a purple and cream patterned one. Both located below.

If you want to see some more pictures of Cancun and where we will be going they are also located below.

Our hotel.

Are you a fainter?

2011-01-16T18:16:00.000-08:00

Most of you already know that I have been working as a Health Educator for the last 3 years. I really like it and its fun for me to help people know more about their health and how to take care of themselves. Trying to practice what I preach I scheduled my annual physical with my family doctor soon after Christmas.

I know a lot of people don’t like to going to the doctor but they don’t usually make me nervous however this time I was a little anxious about my appointment. Not for any specific reason I think that is just part of the territory.

My appointment went really well. My doctor was nice, understanding and even made a few suggestions. In my opinion it went well. She did order that I have some blood work so she handed me off to the medical assistant and left the room.

From the moment the medical assistant came in the room it was all wrong. The MA directed me down the hall to where she would be drawing the blood. I walk into this room that looks like a storage room. I thought it was strange but to each their own, right!?!

Before she started she asked me if I was a fainter. I told her, “Not usually.” She proceeded to put on the tourniquet when another girl came in the room and asked her if she had seen a wound pack before. She replied no and was instructed to go with her and watch a wound pack. Before leaving the room she yelled down the hall for another girl to come draw my blood. When this girl came into the room she asked me where everyone went... like I was supposed to know. Nonetheless she retied the tourniquet and stuck a needle in my right arm. Instantly nothing happened and she said my vein must have rolled and took out the needle. How convenient for her I thought.

Just then the first MA came out of the wound pack room and was instructed to finish my blood draw. She noticed that my right arm was bandaged up so she tried on my left arm. Nothing. She flipped my arm over and looked at the back of my hand which oddly enough is pretty veiny. She asked if she could try it there. At this point I just wanted out of there so I agreed.

This also didn’t work. While the needle was still in my hand the MA was struggling to try to get blood out, dropping things and I noticed the needle poking back

up toward the ceiling making a tent with my skin. She asked me to hand her some gauze. When she coved my hand and pulled out the needle it squirted blood all over my hand.

Okay, THIS is where I started to get frustrated. Although I felt that I was treated poorly the whole time I was there I didn’t want to make a scene or be difficult so I kept quiet. But because I was fasting for the cholesterol test that the doctor wanted to do I started to feel a little queasy. I laid my head back and murmured something about not feeling good. She instructed me to put my head between my legs.

The next thing I knew there was some girl in my face and chaos was all around me. Apparently I fainted. HA. As someone who has fainted a lot, it was a bad one too. I remember it took me a long time to come back to consciousness. I spent the next 15 minutes in the doctors office freaking out. My mind was everywhere. How are they going to finish the blood draw? How am I going to get home? Should I go back to work?

I was off the hook they weren’t going to draw the blood today. Wheww.... although now I have to take work off again to get my blood drawn. At that point I didn’t even care. I was so cold and felt so gross I just wanted to go home. I came home and crashed on the couch for an hour before I had to go back to work.

Apparently the next time a nurse or a MA asks me if I am a fainter I will have to tell him/her yes. Sad.

This is a picture of my hand the next day.

FW: Cell phone use in the restroom

2010-12-05T09:38:00.000-08:00

For those of you who remember my blog post about talking on the phone in the bathroom it has happened again. I didn’t make it up. Click here to read my last post about it.

People were using cell phone so much in the bathroom at work that building management had to send out an email. Check it out below.

Kaylin Phillips

Health Educator

Molina Healthcare of Utah

Ph (801) 858-0414

kaylin.phillips@molinahealthcare.com

From: Wes Heard
Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2010 3:56 PM
To: >> MHU
Subject: FW: Cell phone use in restrooms

This is for all buildings in the Union Park Center.

From:
Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2010 3:36 PM
Subject: Cell phone use in restrooms

Dear tenants,

Due to several recent complaints, we have prohibited the use of cell phones in the restroom as a courtesy to others. We will be posting signs in the restrooms as a reminder.

Thank you for your cooperation,

Property Assistant
Commerce Real Estate Solutions
Cushman & Wakefield Alliance Member
7050 Union Park Avenue, Suite 410
Midvale, UT 84047

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

2010-11-21T23:53:00.000-08:00

Last week’s FHE activity was a Chili Cook-off and Dessert Bake-off. I don’t really like chili and usually my Mondays are pretty busy but nonetheless I decided to enter the Chili Cook-off.

To my surprise my White Chicken Chili recipe (which I actually got from Tracy) won.

YEAH!! I have never won anything before so I was pretty excited.

I have been cooking and/or experimenting with food for over 20 years and the statement, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” has never been more true until that night. Guys I didn’t even know were coming up to me telling me they LOVED my chili. It was so cute. One guy actually told my roommate that he didn’t know how a woman who could cook that well was still single. haha. This statement is funny on so many levels.

Anyway, I thought I would share the White Chicken Chili recipe with you all and hope it brings you all such luck.

White Chicken Chili

1 lb (2-3 chicken breast) chicken, shredded
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
2 cans Great Northern White Beans, rinsed and drained
1 can chicken broth
2 cans chopped green chilies
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk

Toppings
chopped cilantro
shredded cheese
tortilla chips

Directions
Boil chicken on med-high for 7-10 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove
from water and shred with two forks. Set aside.
Saute onions on med-high heat until translucent. Add shredded chicken and
garlic. Stir for 2-3 minutes.
Add salt, cumin, oregano, black pepper and cayenne pepper to chicken
mixture.
Stir in the beans, broth, and chilies and cook over medium heat until warm.
Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and milk.
Serve with desired toppings.

Licorice

2010-11-02T19:09:00.001-07:00

Habitat for Humanity

2010-10-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

Habitat for Humanity is an organization that builds homes for families that cannot afford to buy a home on their own without a little help. The houses are built by volunteers who donate anything from time, money and materials.I have always wanted to be a part of Habitat for Humanity but have never had the opportunity. On Friday I finally got the chance to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and it was so much fun. It is defiantly something I would do again.

A bathroom doesn’t have a telephone it in because your not suppose talk on the phone in the bathroom.

2010-10-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

A couple month ago I went into the restroom at work. There was already a woman in the first stall. Not a big deal right? Wrong. I notice she is talking. I thought she must have not heard me come in and was just talking to herself. Wrong again. She was on the phone. What? You cant bring your cell phone into the bathroom... thats just wrong.

So there I am... waiting. Thinking maybe she will leave and I can actually do what I came into the bathroom to do. Nope. She didn’t leave. Feeling like a child during the school play I got stage fright and had to just leave without doing my business.

Having this happen to me once is strange but not that big of a deal... except it happen to me again on Friday. This time I am on a different floor so its not the same person which means multiple people talk on the phone in a public restroom. I can deal with the other person on the end of the phone hear you pee, but I am not okay with the person on the other end of the phone hear me pee.

They’re back....

2010-09-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

If you don’t remember a post Melissa wrote about a month ago about our house moths you can read it here. If you do remember, they’re back...

So apparently no matter what I do getting rid of pantry moths is almost impossible. We thought we were in the clear because the house has been free of them for 3 weeks. Then Sunday morning I found a larvae in our sugar jar. No way. Are you kidding me? I even cleaned out the sugar container a month ago when Melissa and I did the first deep cleaning. As precaution I checked the shelf and area around where we keep our sugar. Found em’. Lots of em. I went through the food on the shelf and threw away another garbage bag full of food and then sanitized the whole area.

I knew the problem wasn't over but I was hoping that was the majority of it. As I left for work on Tuesday I saw a big one in the cupboard were the problem began. I freaked out and quickly killed it cause I was late for work. But of course killing one would be just too easy. I ended up killing one more as well as 2 live larvae crawling up the wall. At this point I was furious. I seriously feel like I have done everything I can think of to get rid of these little guys and they just keep coming back.

My last thought was that I need to freeze them out. I turned on the air conditioning hoping that will work. So here I am sitting in my freezing room in the middle of September hoping my moth problem will someday be gone for good...

Halloween... is coming

2010-09-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

I was at the store tonight and there was Halloween stuff everywhere. Although I love Halloween I hate shopping for a Halloween costume. It doesn’t work for my OCD mind.... its too... scattered... unorganized... the works. However it did get me excited for Halloween. Hopefully we decide what we want to be soon. I like to be up on these things. I’m a freak about being prepared. I should have been a boy scout... always prepared.

The sad part of this is I have heard people around me become disgusted and annoyed with how early Halloween merchandise entered the stores. “Oh my goodness, Halloween isn’t for 2 more months.” Blah blah blah is all I hear because what I am really thinking is Halloween decoration in the stores means soon stores will have Christmas decorations and that puts a huge Grinch smile across my face.

Blog Phil-er

2010-09-12T21:08:00.000-07:00

Its been forever since I have last blogged. Which I think entailed me vowing to recommit to the blogging world. Bahaha. Right! I actually couldn't remember how to post a new installment to the “daily phil up", it took me a few tries. “Daily" is definitely the wrong word for my blog because frankly I HATE to blog. I know... I know... that is blasphemy to most of you but its true. Although I love to talk and feel like I always have tons to say I really have no desire to blog about all the events in my life.

Most the time I feel like ranting about something or someone who is irritating me or have a strong opinion about. I understand the blogging world just doesn't have room for that kind of vibe in their atmosphere, but I slightly don't care.... SO if I can remember how to post again I might do just that. Mix it up a little and say it like it is... in my world anyway.

So the desire of my blog is to go from the “daily phil up” to more of a blog phil-er (filler)... just to fill the boring cracks in the world. Well at least the boring cracks in my world.

Hello world, its me Kaylin

2010-06-27T21:42:00.000-07:00

Hi all. I have been a mad slacker when it comes to the blog lately and when I say lately I mean the last 6 months. Opps...

Anyway I have updated my blog with all the cool, fun things I have been doing in the last little while. Not everything is there and they are mostly just pics but I just had to get it done.

The cabin

2010-06-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful cabin.

The view from the front porch.

Haha. This is Shelly taking a picture of our cabin from my car.

Our giant kitchen. Sabina, Anne and Eva are in the kitchen making

lunch and Deb is at the counter.

The living area/family/TV room.

Shelly insisted on wearing socks and sandals on our trip to Bryce Canyon.

The chief of the fashion police tried to charge us with a $500 fine.

I had to defend out rights.

He threatened the little ones first.

Things got ugly before they got better.

In the end the fashion police won and Shelly had to surrender all her sandals and socks.

Day 1

2010-06-27T20:34:00.001-07:00

Coral Pink Sand Dunes

The sand changes color depending on the time of day and season.

Hiking in the sand is brutal.

Finally reached the top.

Lunch is a great motivation for getting down that sand dune.

At the base of the River Walk.

The waterfall at the base of the River Walk.

One of my near death experiences.

Me, Eva and Sabina on the the path of the River Walk.

The Virgin River.

At the base of the Narrow. Obviously a little to full to hike.

The Weeping Wall/Mountain

If you look closely you can see the water falling over the edge.

Dusk in Zions.

Night time and a beautiful sunset.

Day 2

2010-06-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

We stopped at a trail on our way down the canyon.

The little guy scared the crap out of me when I poked him with a stick to see if he was

alive and lunged toward me with his killer fangs.

Off on our hike to the 3 Emerald Pools.

Pool #1

The whole gang at the resting area before the second pool.

The roaring Virgin River.

Pool #2

Pool #3

I almost died to get this shot. It was worth it though.

The day was long, but my kung fu fighting skills helped

me get through it... and the company. =)

Day 3

2010-06-24T21:57:00.001-07:00

Entering Bryce Canyon.

It was so cold.

I had on 4 layers and the wind still cut right through ya.

Tried to ride the horses. It was a no go.
So we took old western pics instead.
Shelly took the role of the sweet homemaker.
I took the role of the floozy. haha.

It was a fun day.

On the way home my car reached 111,111 miles.

Its monumental.

Tim’s Graduation

2010-06-10T21:29:00.001-07:00

Visitors from across the pond...

2010-05-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

Almost a year ago my roomies and I traveled to England for the trip of a lifetime.

A few friends we met while aboard came to Salt Lake for General Conference in April.

It was nice to catch up with them and hang out for a couple days.

Melissa and I first met up with them at a 31 and older fireside in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

The building and the night were perfect. The fireside... not so much. A little awkward. ha.

(if you wanna hear more about it just ask Melissa; she’ll give you an ear full)

The view of the Salt Lake Temple from the top floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

They were so EXCITED to see this view.

We thought this was kid fingerprints on the window but it turns out it was a bird-print.

We were laughing to hard the security guard found us and informed us they getting ready to close. Boo.

View from the Reflection Pond.

Tanya had to toss a coin for good luck.

This was like take 14. ha.

Carrie, Allyson and Brian

Dinner at Buca di Bepo. One of my favorite places.

They have the best food. This is our Apple Gorgonzola Salad.

I have a weird obsession with it.

Everybody.

Tanya, Melissa, Mindy, Carrie, Allyson and Brian.

Festival of Colors

2010-05-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

Holi Krishna Temple

You cant have any of the fun with out the precious “colors."

Small crowd awaiting the second “throwing of colors."

Color EVERYWHERE.

“What are YOU looking at?"

A little grooming

Stopped at the One-Man-Band in Payson for some grub.

You’d be surprised how famished throwing color will make you.

Even after a quick wash in the bathroom using

paper towels and water we still look awful.

Farwell Simon

2010-05-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

For Christmas I bought myself a Frog-O-Sphere from Brookstone.

Each tank has 2 frogs, a bamboo plant, living rocks and spring water.

From the moment I got them these frogs were crazy. They would spaz out

all over the tank. Therefor resulting in their names...

Simon (the smaller one)

Garfunkel (the larger one)

Long story short... Garfunkel hoarded all the food thus starving Simon.

It was sad, but I had to fish the little guy out.

Here is the poor little guy.

I was worried about Garfunkel at first, but he seems to have

adjusted just fine.

Miscellaneous Moments

2010-05-08T11:48:00.000-07:00

We made these cupcakes to celebrate the Olympics Closing Ceremonies.

Fortunately they were more of a hit then the ceremony.

Me, Cassie and Emily (college friends)

Late February.

Cassie’s husband Billy joined us for a group pic.

Temple Picture Making

2010-05-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

Painting the frame

Applying the glue and smoothing it out.

Aubrey and Sir Wiener Schnitzel.

The final product... and our house has 4 of them.

We have so many we are thinking of even putting one in the bathroom. ha.

Valentines Day

2010-05-08T11:38:00.001-07:00

The goal was a an all red dinner. ha.

Although this pasta isn’t ALL red its tastes so good.

Cant go wrong with heart shaped biscuits.

I had stuff everywhere.

The end result was worth it.

My roomie and Ashlee and I made chocolate covered strawberries.

SO much fun.

A secret admirer sent me tulips.

End Result: A Happy Kaylin

Wheeler Farm

2010-05-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

Feeding the horses.

Peeking into the Pig Pen.

Kaylin: What comes first, the chicken or the egg?

Spencer: I dunno... the goats.

Yee-Haw

Spencer was so excited for the grilled cheese we promised him that he ran to the car.

He was so funny about that darn grilled cheese.

The Luck of the Irish

2010-03-22T21:51:00.001-07:00

As you all know I will do almost anything for a theme, party... or better yet a theme AND and a party. My friend Mandy threw a smashing St. Patty’s Day party last week that was "off the shamrock.”

We danced a little.... we danced a lot... some of us danced when we shouldn’t have... some of us (them, as in the people I don’t even associate with) didn’t dance at all.

Only Mandy could look this cute in these glow in the dark glow stick glasses. Precious.

Root beer contest. I was READY. I had my strategy down and.....

....I lost anyway. Oooo, soda gives you the worst gut rot when you

haven’t drank it in months.

I didn't win the chugging contest but I did find three... count them... THREE leprechauns outside the party. For a small fee they gave me their pots of gold.

Bambi Oh Bambi

2010-02-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

I remember vividly getting the movie Bambi as a child. I think it was my 5th birthday and my very first movie. I actually remember my mom pulling it out of a cupboard by the fridge telling me she "forgot to wrap this one." I don't remember much more than that about the movie.

I don't remember watching it a lot or obsessively talking about it or begging my mom for a stuffed Bambi or Flower. I do remember that it was my first introduction to deer.

You may all think 'thats lame' that I am references my first introduction to deer, but as long as I can remember there were always deer around or at least deer sightings. To the point that it wasn't even cool to see one anymore. ha. (still lame I know)

Hear me out. I grew up in Alaska where we were always seeing wildlife. Mostly bears, moose and caribou but to a child the moose and the caribou look similar to a deer. After moving to Washington we would visit my grandpa quite often in Oregon. My grandpa kind of lived

in the middle of no where surrounded my acres and acres of trees. Without fail we would see multiple deer on every visit. While in Idaho for school there was also several deer sighting. By this time seeing wildlife in my everyday life wasn't unusual, it didn't even phase me anymore. (On a side note I once saw an albino moose while in school.)

You may ask why on earth I am telling you all about my experiences with deer. Its pretty simple actually because I love deer. (not as much as moose but that's another story) Deer have always had a positive and happy memory attached to them. So you can imagine my horror / fear / excitement when I almost hit one there other day on my way home from work.

I had just pulled off the freeway at 6200 S. and was heading north on

Holladay Blvd. They are doing some construction and there were orange cones everywhere. As I was trying to not hit the cones I noticed a deer coming out of a drive way to my left. At first it seemed totally normal to me... then I realized where I was and all the emotions above took over me. I was scared because this crazy deer is prancing toward me and I was sure I was going to hit him. I was excited because I was SO close to him and he was so pretty. Then fear floods back into play as he prances out in front of me crossing the street. I say prancing because he was. It was as if I wasn’t even there and he was just dancing across the street. Of course I am panicking, awing and trying to drive at the same time when ANOTHER deer comes out of no where and follows the first one across the street.

(This is what the deer looked like.

The deer were a little slimmer and their antlers were a little bigger but you get the point.)

At one point the deer were running along with me as I drove. I was probably going about 25-30 mph. The first deer tried to jump out in front of me sending fear jolting through my body but he decided against it. I watched them as they ran next to me which seemed like forever but had to be only seconds before they were gone.

THAT was my experience with Bambi.

Snowshoeing

2010-02-07T22:29:00.000-08:00

Sitting on my bed waiting to go.

All dressed up with all my gear.

I am ready to take on the MOUNTAIN.

... and we’re off. This is all I could see for the first 20 minutes.

I was thinking this was going to be a LONG trip.

We reached our first open area; free of trees. It was beautiful.

Who knows whats going on here?

I think its called the “Austin.”

My new camera has an option to see yourself on the

front of the camera for the PERFECT self shot... or so I thought.

We stopped in this cute little opening of trees for lunch

and by lunch I mean a Fiber One bar and bottle of water.

The Fiber One bar worked too fast and I NEEDED to get down the mountain.

ha. not really. I was just weird to run in snowshoes so I kept doing it. ha.

Bragging to Melissa that I burned more calories

than her; 1400 in total... whew...

The open view while we raced down the mountain.

FINALLY at the bottom.

Next time:

1. Better layers. Ones that go on and off easier.

2. SUNGLASSES

3. Food

4. Water

5. A bag to put it all in but light enough to not weigh down.

6. Better gloves.

7. Maybe my ipod for the long stretches when you can’t walk side by side.

8. Starting off earlier.

9. A different route.

10. More friends. Mel’s co-workers just weren't cutting it. =)

Natural Born Talent

2010-01-20T20:40:00.000-08:00

My friend posted this on her facebook page and it reminded me of a

similar act that I performed on Sunday night in our family room. ha.

I gotta hand it to them, these boys are good. I will never measure up to their talent. Enjoy!

Dear Bryce,

2010-01-17T20:04:00.000-08:00

To my nearest and dearest friend. Oh how I miss you. My life is just not complete without you in it. Remember the night we met? We danced in the dark with only the light of the moon. You showed me your moves which changed my life. I will never be able to go to another dance again without busting out “classic Bryce moves.”

Last night the roomies convinced me to attend the YSA activity at the Cottonwood Recreation Center. I skated around a few times then found myself looking around for you. I thought, “Where is Bryce?” “Bryce would love this.” Not only were you not there but the night was just not complete without you there. I could not fully enjoy myself knowing you were so far away. Far away... in another state... making new friends... and having your own fun. (tear)

I apologize for taking such a long break from blogging but since you left Utah for your new life I have been so depressed. My drive and determination is gone. The roomies have to bribe me to get up and go to work. Life is miserable without B-Ryce in it.

Come back to us Bryce.

Missing you and loving you,

Kaylin

Home... is where they love you.

2009-12-19T22:19:00.000-08:00

I am home at last. It was a long day on the road. I am glad they were not icy or even snowy. They were actually clear as day. The fog was pretty dense in some areas, but Mel just took is slow (very slow) and we eventually made it.

We’ll me home for about a week and I am ready for some major R&R.

I think I have a problem

2009-12-13T22:22:00.000-08:00

Today was a beautiful snowy Sunday. It snowed almost all day long. The snowflakes were falling by the dozen. Within minutes the ground was blanketed with a thin fluffy layer of white goodness. The perfect Sunday. All I needed now was the perfect dress to wear to church. Something festive in color. Something that would be warm. And something fun and feminine but not too girlie.

I have many dresses that meet those standards but it wasn’t enough. I just HAD to wear the newest dress in my wardrobe. The dress is beautiful and I felt beautiful in it.

The day was like any other Sunday. I went to church, had a few meeting then came home and had family/house dinner. When the night was over and I was getting ready for bed I went to get a hanger to put my new dress on... I didn't have one. Its then when it hit me. I decided to count how many dresses I have. I just might have too many.

You see I have been on a dress buying spree for the past few years. I knew I was approaching an unhealthy number of how many dresses one should actually own... but I did nothing about it. ha. As I counted the dresses in my closet I thought to myself, “Please don’t be a high number... Please don’t be a high number...” The final count was

twenty-six. That’s right.... 26!!

Oh my goodness. I think I have officially lost it. I have a dress-problem.

The 2nd to last dress in my closet brought back a lot of memories. I bought it back in college in the summer of 2005. The reason this dress is significant is because it was the first dress I had worn since I was 12 or so. This does not help my case at all. That means in 4 1/2 years

I have accumulated 26 dresses. Thats insane.

I feel like a drug addict admitting after years of drug abuse they have a problem. Which obviously I do... but I also don't want to go into ‘dress rehab.’ I love my dresses; every one of them.

(man I sound like they are my children)

Note: The number 26 does not include my 13+ skirts. Boo.

It’s that time of year

2009-11-29T20:53:00.001-08:00

That’s right. Its CHRISTMAS time. One of my favorite times of the year. There are so many things I love about this time of year. I love decorating the house. I love shopping for the perfect gift for each person on your list. I love singing Christmas songs while I am in the kitchen cooking/baking. I love the feeling of the crisp air on my lungs during a good snowball fight and I love curling up by the fireplace under a blanket watching a Christmas movie.

My roommates and I have been doing that a lot these days. ABC Family and the Hallmark channel have been rocking our world in that area.

In honor of the times I listed a bunch of holiday movies that I love. Trying to pick a favorite is difficult. Just as I decide on one something about another makes me think I like that one better. Its a vicious cycle. So instead they are all just listed at random. Enjoy.

Elf

A Boyfriend for Christmas

The Holiday

Home Alone (1 and 2 only)

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The Polar Express

The Santa Clause

Miracle on 34th Street

White Christmas

Prancer

Mrs. Santa Claus

The Family Stone

A Mom for Christmas

Christmas Every Day

Happy Birthday To Me

2009-11-19T22:37:00.000-08:00

My friend Bryce made this little video for me for my birthday

last week and I just thought I would share.

My 25th year

2009-11-17T19:10:00.000-08:00

Over the last couple of weeks I have been thinking about my birthday and how I have spent the last year. I would love to say that the saying "one year older makes you wiser" is true. Unfortunately this last year was not that. haha. I am the same obnoxious, loud and hot tempered girl I have always been. The same things frustrate me. The same things irritate me, but each life experience makes me stronger. Needless to say I had a TON of fun this last year. One of the best years ever.

My 25th year was full of a lot of firsts and/or rare acts. I made a list of the top 11 things that

were part of the TON-O-FUN I had this last year. Why 11 you ask. For fun.

1. Experienced my first car crash... oh and it was a goody.

2. Lizard-sat my friend Kirk's Bearded Dragon lizard; Jax.

3. Road Trip to St. George Utah and Las Vegas for the first time.

4.Reached the 2 year mark at Molina Healthcare. I love my job.

5. Went to So You Think You Can Dance.

6. Decided to change it up a little and after 5 years cut my hair short.

Besides the Kate Gosselin and Sarah Palin references I actually quite like it.

7. Became an FBI agent. The revolver and the pistol were

my favorite.

8. Discovered English food. Eating it and cooking it.

9. Rode the Alpine slide for the first time. Fun... Fun... Fun... but so cold.

10. Made a diaper cake. This was fun to learn how to make.

11. Went on the trip of a lifetime. 2 week in England with the best room mates ever.

Halloween Bridal Shower

2009-10-18T22:23:00.000-07:00

Lets be honest I will do anything for a party. Give me a theme and I will run with it. Our roommate Allyson will be getting married this week and for her bridal shower we thought we would have... a little fun. And boy did we ever.

Welcome! Bohahaahaaaa....

The menu was full of fun crazy food. I wish I had more time but all it all it tasted good.

Balloons for all.

Allyson is helping me make the Dirt Cups. I was that behind that the guest of honor had to help me with the dessert. You cant tell but the kitchen was ATROCIOUS. There were dishes, pans, bowls, food, wrappers you name it was everywhere.

Melissa did a good job illuminating the room giving it that creepy ambiance.

The table settings were awesome. The goblets we scored at Rite Aid as we picked up condoms for Allyson's gift were killer.

ILLUMINATION

Yes that is a picture of Christ. Don't worry we didn't cover his face.

Next time more balloons.

Martha Stewart can kiss my...

This motion sensored witch went off in the middle of dinner when J.Jo started laughing. Her laugh is that loud, I mean great.

Allyson and our landlord Keri

If this isn't the most white trash picture ever than I don't know what is. They are wearing plastic witches teeth and I think they are trying to look scary but instead they look like lesbians. LOL. I love it.

Carrie and I dishing up the soup.

Group shot. It was a fun night that ended with Allyson opening up "bridal" shower gifts. I thought I wouldn't post those picture in respect to Allyson's shy demeanor. Lets just say we all had a good time.

Congrats Allyson!! We will certainly miss you. If you miss us to much just remember we will always have HAGGIS. Luvs!!!

A little piece of the world that keeps me smiling

2009-10-17T16:18:00.000-07:00

This guy is good. He was on So You Think You Can Dance but got ousted when

he couldnt dance ballroom. Obviously... look at what he can do... there is no need for ballroom.

I know this video is super old, but it still makes me laugh every time.

I LOVED this song when it came out and I love the video even more. I was introduced to this this number

about a week ago and I don't think the song will ever be the same again... yet its worth it.

There are so many words that describe how happy this video makes me but nothing comes out because

I cant stop laughing. I should be careful though because some day this could be me. No really it could.

Make it work.

2009-09-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I committed to the world that I would be a better blogger. I woke up motivated and ready to attack the world. By dinner I had lost that drive. haha. Funny how that works. I had intentions of blogging the events of the last 6 months because I just added the pictures from these events to my new laptop. By night fall Melissa somehow blogged all those specific events in one night. Now feeling less motivated than before I am determined to blog something. haha. There has to be something... right!?!

I got it!! CRUMPETS! One of the foods we got to try in England was crumpets. They are a divine little carbohydrate and taste similar to an English muffin and a pancake. The ones we had in England were from a package but I was sure I could figure it out. (well not sure but secure in my endeavor to try).

Melissa liked crumpets so much she even brought back 2 packages from England and put in the freezer. For her birthday I wanted to surprise her with Sunday morning breakfast with homemade crumpets. Generally crumpets have a circular shape. When I looked up how and were to buy the molds for crumpets they were kind of expensive and only came in packs of 4. Which meant I could only cook for at a time. It would take me all day just to make enough for us to eat. The website mentioned that cookie cutters would work. I was hesitant but like Tim Gunn says, "Make it work."

So I did. And it did. It was actually really easy and tasted better to me. It was by far a fun experience. I love trying new things and I love it even better when they work.

Next food kitchen experience: I have been wanting to try something out of Julia Child's cookbook ever since seeing "Julie & Julia." Whether I do it or not we'll see.

The process

The giant container of cookie cutters I bought. Is was this many or a set of 4. Someone really needs to go into business selling only 8, 10 or 12 cookie cutter sets. haha, I am sure there is a market for it.

The batter. Notice the bubbles. That is a very important part. A necessity if you will.

I cooked them in frying pans because that is all I had. The recipe suggested using a griddle. I am totally going to add that to my Christmas list.

Up close shot of them cooking. The bubbles are supposed to be there.

The finished product. Mmmm! They were good.

A blogging re-birth

2009-09-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

The time has come for me to re-enter the blogging world. It has been months. I have plenty of excuses. Let me explain them.

Reason #1: I need a new camera. Don't get my wrong I love my camera, I have had her for 5 years. She has documented many events in my life. I think the day has come to replace her when I whip her out and she is the size of Zack Morris's cell phone from Saved By the Bell. You may be wondering what me needing a new camera has to do with my lame efforts in the blogging world. Well you see somewhere in my subconscious I think that every blog post must have pictures. I know it is silly.

Reason #2: I need a new computer. This reason is closely related to reason #1 for the fact that I have a great laptop but I have had him for 4 years and I am scared to turn him on for fear that he might die. Therefor if I do happen to take pictures I have not put them on my computer, therefor no blog post. Lame I know.

Reason #3: I dont know WHAT to blog about. My life is pretty simple.... sleep, work, gym, church.... sleep, work, gym, church... sleep, work, gym, church.... ya get the picture. I do have to admit I kind of missed it. (shhh dont tell)

Reason #4: This is the most prominent reason. Since my return to the states from our trip to England I have been a little out of it. When we first got back I wanted to jump back into life as usual which for me consists of little sleep, running around do this errand and that errand, cooking for crowds, attending lots of social events and going to the gym.... BUT thats not exactly what happened.

First of all we were told you dont get jet lag coming back to the states. I though "brilliant." Wrong. The whole house was so tired. I felt like I was always sleeping and if you know me I don't need much sleep and have been known to say that "sleep is a sign of weakness." Boy was it ever. I think I slept all day on July 4th.

Secondly I have felt unmotivated. Something I have never experienced before. I think growing up I always had something that would motivate me to the stage in life. This school year to the next. Turning 12, turning 16, turning 18. High school to college. Then college to career and all the steps in between. You may ask why this slump is hitting me now as I have been out of college for over 2 years. I have no idea.

Its been months since we have been back from England and I have struggled for pretty much all of it. This is unknown territory for me. As it probably should be. Your life can only be a cookie cutter for so long before you start to frost outside the lines. With that being said I have got a new computer, a Mac Book Pro. She is beautiful. I think I will blog more just because she is fun to use. I dont have a new camera yet, but it is on my list. Until then my brick of a camera will have to do.

Now that I have aired my dirty laundry for the world to see I feel a sense of accountability. I must try harder. I will try harder. Stay tuned friends....

Note: I do realize I refer to my camera and laptops as him and hers. I don't know why I do that, but I name everything.

Bust England... I mean England or Bust

2009-06-09T23:13:00.000-07:00

One week from today (which was actually yesterday because I cant do anything at a descent hour) I will be off to England with my 4 room mates for 2 weeks. I cant not believe how fast the time has gone by. I believe we bought our tickets in late February when it was cold outside and all we wanted was a vacation from work and life.... so the time is come and I feel so far from ready.

I have been meaning to do this and to do that but LIFE keeps getting in the way and I have put a lot of my England stuff on the back burner. Fortunately the most important stuff is taken care of. I have my passport, time off work, money, a plane ticket... new luggage. Ya know the essentials? =)

We will spend most of our time in England but we also get a chance to make it to the Isle of Man and Scotland. Which I am way excited for both. I have only one question? Will a hot Scottish man fit in an average size carry on?

These are pictures of a few places we will see:

The Tower of London is in the background and the
infamous British telephone booth.

The BEAUTIFUL London Bridge all illuminated
with reflections off the water.

Castle Combe in Cotswolds, England. This picture just takes my breath away...
as well as the weight off my shoulders. It just looks so
peaceful and so inviting and so... perfect.

This is the famous picture of the Beatles walking across Abbey Lane.
It has always been one of my favorite pictures and I cant
wait to go to Liverpool where all four Beatles and the band were born.

MANLY BONDING

2009-05-25T23:38:00.000-07:00

I have never been one for MANLY movies. Actually I usually fall asleep in them. Recently I have taken advantage of having guy friends. They always want to watch some weird zombie movie or high action packed flick. At first I was hesitant because these movies can be SCARY for one and I hate scary movie but they can also be vulgar and graphic. I finally loosened my chains and looked at it as an experience. I would never watch these movies on my own and if I did I wouldn’t really know what was going on anyway. It’s actually been kind of fun.

Last Thursday nights movie was the Terminator Salvation. I have never seen a Terminator movie before. I used to think they looked completely awful. Just another movie played by a bunch of actors with Little Man Syndrome. I am embarrassed to say I was wrong… well half wrong. Don’t get me wrong the movie was still a bunch of people shooting at each other and blowing things up, but there was a storyline… a point… a plot if you will. I was pleasantly surprised. What surprised me most was the upstaging of most girls precious Christian Bale. I know that might sounds like blasphemy to some girls but it’s just true. I figure why not let the cat out of the bag. I have never been a Christian Bale fan. (sounds of sighs, screams and OH MYs).

I know right? Most girls started the Christian Bale crush back in his NEWIES days when he played Jack the homeless orphan who thought if he made it to Santa Fe, New Mexico all his worries would go away. Haha! Although Jack’s voice would melt my heart it was David, the teenage boy who left school to provide for his family as a newsie that I had the crush on. Once again a fellow co-star of Bale has won me over. His name is Sam Worthington. He plays Marcus a prisoner on death row who donates his body to science in the latest installment of the Terminator movies. He was AWESOME!! He rocked the socks right off of me. He has this little Australian accent that I think he tried to hide but he couldn’t do it very well… so hot. The verdict is out. I am a definite Sam Worthington fan.

Oh yeah the movie was good too. =)

Relay for Life

2009-05-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!!
I don't usually do this and I have never been one to ask people for money but I am participating in the Relay for Life event on June 12th and 13th. The Relay for Life event is sponsored by The American Cancer Society in which money is raised to help fight the battle against cancer by participants walking all day and all night. Money is raised by those who sponsor or donate money to a certain team.

So you guessed it!! I am asking you to help the cause. Of course I don't want anyone to feel obligated because I hate it when people do that to me. But if you do want to help and feel like you can there is a link below where you can donate with most major credit cards. Also, from there you can learn more info about the event and the role of Relay for Life.

Here's how to donate:
1. Copy and paste the link below into an empty internet browser window.
2. On the right side of the page will be a purple box with my name at the top. Click where is says "Make a gift to support Kaylin Annette Phillips."
3. Then just follow the steps. It will ask for your mailing address, email address and a few other questions.
4. Select the amount you want to donate ($5 is the lowest amount). You can pay with a Visa, Discover, American Express or Mastercard.
5. Follow the rest of the steps through to the end.
6. An email will be sent to you thanking you for your donation with an attached receipt that can be used on your 2009 taxes.

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY09National?px=11365086&pg=personal&fr_id=14933

Thank you for all your help!!
Love you all.

Herky-Jerky

2009-04-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

Last week I posted about my experience in boot camp and how the teacher kicked my trash. This week was no different so I wrote another poem. My bum doesn't hurt as bad but there a certain drill that was so funny and embarrassing to do I just had to write about it. The drill was to imitate jumping over a hurdle, but everyone looked so funny and jerky that I nicknamed the move the "herky-jerky." For those of you who don't know what a "herky" is, it is a cheer leading move that is similar to jumping over a hurdle. It was awful and we had to do it twice. Baaa... I can't even imagine what next week's class will entail.

Herky-Jerky

Don’t feel sad. Don’t feel glum.

Boot camp is here to kick your bum.

Getting my heart rate up

By jogging from side to side in a mini gallop.

Now jump! Jump! Jump! Over that imaginary hurdle.

The sound of the landing could be mistaken for a herd of cattle.

I try to hold your head still

As it is flopping all over. I am not kidding, for real.

I should have tucked in my shirt

Exposing my love handles isn’t my idea of a good flirt.

My cheeks are jiggling like riding in a jet

A feeling I will not soon forget.

Finally we are done and I am homeward bound…

But reminded that during the Herky-Jerky I can only get 6 inches off the ground.

ODE TO THE BUTTCHEEK

2009-04-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

Last night my roommates and I went to a bootcamp class at the gym that totally kicked my trash. The things the teacher had us do didn't seem so hard at the time, but "oh me oh my" my body is paying for it today. My bum actually hurts so bad I wrote a poem about it.

ODE TO THE BUTTCHEEK:
My bum is big and out of shape
Yet the gnawing pain I can not escape.
The time has come for me to transform
By lifting my gluteus onto that platform.
The pain. It burns. WHY??
No matter what I do I still want to die.
All I do reminds me of you
When I stand up, bend over or even sit down to take a poo.
Remember when I didn’t know you were there
You would just sit there and flap in the air?
Sometimes you made it hard to fit in my jeans
I got so used to it, it became part of my routine.
Now that time is over
As last nights boot camp was pure torture.

Nienie Diaries

2009-03-05T02:10:00.000-08:00

I am sure some of you are familiar with the popular blogger Nienie, the mother of 4 who got in a plane accident about a year ago with her husband in Arizona. For those of you who don't know of her. Nienie got her husband flying lessons as a gift, but while in flight the small plane crashed killing the pilot and burning both Nienie and her husband. Nienie's husband burned about 35% of his body. As for Nienie she has experienced the worst of it. Having had over 80% of her body burned and has been in the healing process since the accident a year ago. Prior to the plan crash Nienie was known for her blogging skills where she blogged about life, God and motherhood.

After the accident Nienie's blog was put on hold, although her sister would blog about her progress as doctors didn't know if she would make it. Recently Nienie has come back to the blogging world with some of the most touching blogs I have ever read. They never cease to make me cry. Not only are they real testaments of her life still in the process of surgeries and physical therapy they are pure.

The way she blogs is kind of in unfinished thoughts, but still containing full emotion. You know while you are reading it that she truly feels and embraces every part of the stories she tells. From the pain of laying in bed at night to enjoying the smells of her children.

Lately Nienie has been a great strength to me... as I am sure she is to many other readers... although when I read her blogs I feel that I am her only reader and it was written just to me. I feel her pain (which is impossible)... I feel for her... I feel motivated... loved... ungrateful... helpless... blessed... humbled... embraced... taught

One of the things that gets me the most is the picture I have of her in my head. I have still never seen Nienie and there are no pictures posted of her yet as she is still in bandages from the burn scars and surgery scars. The only picture in my head of Nienie is the profile picture of her on the side of her blog. She is wearing the deepest blue shirt I have ever seen and it appears her hair is cut really short that is curly curly by nature. When I read her blogs I see this picture in my head. I can see her sitting at her computer with bandages, splints and guaze wrapped all around her hands preventing her from typing but the joy of blogging is so grate that she does it anyway. I picture that it is late at night with the only light come from the moon in the window. She is sitting at a desk (which in reality is probably her hospital bed) with a blanket on her lap and maybe a few tears rolling down her cheeks.

This is the only picture I have on Nienie and it is only a mental picture. Nevertheless this mental picture of Nienie is one that I love and cherish. This woman truly is something else. She has a power to see miracles in anything. Through her blog she has introduced me this same power. I am truly a better person for reading Nienie's blog. I pray for her health, family and fast recovery.

He just NOT that into you...

2009-02-07T22:46:00.000-08:00

We have all been there a time or two (and maybe for some even more) when you just can't understand the guy your crunching on. You super analyze his actions... make stupid actions of your own... and somehow the ending is not what you pictured. BUT in a weird way the result you expected. Tonight I saw "He's just not that into you." This movie speaks VOLUMES... to the world and to me. It hit everything so dead on because nothing was candy coated. Which I totally love/hate about the movie. Although at the end they still gave it that "ump" that makes it a romantic comedy.

Nonetheless the movie was dead on. One of my favorite parts of the night was the older ladies behind me who would make noises every time something "surprising" would happen. I heard a lot of "no he didn't", "oh my.." , "she's going to what" and "don't do it." Of course it was all clouded with laughter. It killed me how surprised these ladies were.

I am sure the things learned from this movie will not be learned material for long because no matter how much it hurts to get "blown off" there is nothing that can describe the feeling you get when he does call you back.

Most the time I am SO tired of going to this and that... just on the chance that I might meet someone there. You never do... well I never do. Nevertheless I always talk myself into to going or doing it one more time. Its a vicious game that I don't even know the rules to and if I did they would be in a different language anyway.

Finding that someone and getting married is a true miracle. You need all forces on your side. There is no rule book, there is no quick fix, there is no magic pill. There is nothing but being yourself.

My Christmas

2009-01-15T19:11:00.000-08:00

This past Christmas Melissa and I drove home for the holiday. We looked for plane tickets back in May… then in July… and again in October but never found any below $400. Flying home is never really an option for us because the closest airport is so small. Melissa was really worried about the trip. She researched the weather in the areas we would be in both to Washington and coming back from Washington. We left December 20th planning for a long slow drive ahead of us. The roads were actually pretty clear and we made it home to Washington in 11 hours.

The weather in Zillah continued to get worse snowing almost every day we were there. Actually I don’t think I even stepped outside for 3 days. I went out to Melissa’s car to get out parents Christmas gift and the fresh air hit me like a blow to the stomach. Haha, I actually laughed out loud on the way to the car. The day after Christmas the snow let up in Zillah but Melissa’s research showed that our trip was going to be a double edged sword. No matter what day we left there was going to be storms along the way.

We decided to leave a day early to avoid some freezing rain predicted to come on Sunday. Our trip was slow but the roads were pretty clear. Our biggest worry was traveling through the Blue Mountains located between Baker City and La Grande, OR. The Blues seemed to be better than we expected. We flew right through them although the visibility started to become less and less clear.

As we approached La Grande there was a sign that said the freeway was closed. We and about 300 other cars pulled over into a gas station until they opened the roads again. We sat at the gas station for 5 hours. As you can tell we tried to make the most of it =)

There was no news about the conditions of the road so we decided to get a hotel and try again in the morning. It was nice to get out of the car and get warmed up. The next morning we left pretty early with a goal to make it back to Salt Lake by 3:00 pm.

The roads were… bearable. It was a really slow ride but we were making good time. We were about 15 minutes from Ontario, OR when it all happened… We were driving along side a semi-truck. He was going about 30 mph and us about 40 mph. I was looking down at the time but heard Melissa say, “Oh no!” (She had just hit black ice.) The car started to fish tail and Melissa lost control.

At this point I think the semi-truck started to slow down because miraculously we did not hit him. The car started to spin into the next lane. At one point I remember looking at the semi head on. That didn’t last for long though because the car slid into an embankment of snow where we ended up flipping one time.

Thankfully nothing happened. We were all fine. So there we are hanging there upside down. My initial thought was, “That was a soft landing.” After assessing myself I undid my seat belt… and crashed to the ground, which was really the windshield but you know what I mean. Soon after Melissa undid her seat belt too. We both tried our doors and they wouldn’t budge. This is when I started to panic because there was no one anyone would know we were inside there just by passing by. (P.S. The semi-truck didn’t stop)

At this point I was determined to get my door open. I managed to get it open a little but not enough to even get my arm out. I started digging like mad getting all kinds of snow into the car. All the sudden there was a man at my door asking if we were alright. I answered yes and told him there were three of us in the car. My little sister Alicia was in the back passenger seat. He dug out my door and it finally opened. Melissa and I crawled out but Alicia was pretty stuck. Finally the men opened Alicia’s door and freed her. She was not wearing any shoes so the man threw he pillow on the ground and told her to stand on it. (She wasn’t so happy about that.)

Then after assuring us they called 911 everyone left. At the time I didn’t think it was that big of a deal but honestly no one could stay while we wait for the police officer. There we are standing on the side of the road without coats and Alicia with no shoes and only 1 sock. I am sure it was a sight to see. A young couple in a SUV pulled over and told us to get in to stay warm. They sat and waited with us for over an hour while we waiting for the police officer. After getting our statements he told us the car wouldn’t be going anywhere soon so he released us.

The rest of the day we spent with strangers on our journey home. The couple in the SUV took us to Boise, Idaho where a friends parent’s took us in, fed us, warmed us up and then drove us to Bliss, Idaho where our brother and his wife picked us up and drove us the rest of the way home…. ahhh, now that was exhausting. Even to tell. Melissa and I were glad to be home. We truly had angels watching over us that morning.

This story could be way worse, but its not and all three of us were just grateful to be home. The insurance company ended up totaling the car which in the end is awesome. There is no way Melissa would ever get that much money for her car any other way. If you want to see what car she ended up choosing she has posted pictures on her blog. (she is listed as “Mel to the issa” on my blog list)

Thank you to all of you who help us in any way these last couple weeks. I am truly grateful for my friends and family who make things like this easier.

Confessions of a wannabe chef!

2009-01-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I told my sister’s boyfriend, Erik, I would make him dinner. Not really knowing what to make I settled on Pasta ala Sookie, which is really just Macaroni and Cheese bake. Usually I make this the old fashioned way with shredded cheddar cheese and milk. I have always wanted to make it with a rue sauce (a white sauce used in baking many different ways). I thought the rue sauce will cut down on the amount of cheese used therefore lowering the fat and also give the pasta a creamy texture as opposed to a stringy cheese texture.

I got all excited and did a mini google search on making a rue sauce. I started to get all the ingredients out, let the butter start melting and got the water on the stove to boil for the noodles. Just as the butter was melting I ran to grab the flour. Rats!! No white flour. I rarely have white flour in the house and it always come back to bite me in the butt. (Note to self: buy white flour.) I was totally bummed. All the stuff was out and ready to go… and I had no idea what else to make. I decided to try it anyway.

I got out the wheat flour. The butter was already melted so I added the flour and stirred constantly for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes the rue sauce did not look right… it smelled a little burnt too. I was totally bummed. Erik was on his way over and I started to feel the pressure. I decided to just do it again. I melted the butter and added the flour stirring constantly on even a lower heat.

After 5 minutes the sauce looked… descent but even better it smelled right. I slowly added the milk praying it wouldn’t end up looking like lumpy cream of wheat. IT WORKED! It really worked.

Morale of the story: You CAN make a rue with wheat flour… who knew?

Amazing!!

2009-01-09T16:29:00.000-08:00

Now if this isn't hot then I don't know what it.

Dark Day

2008-12-18T22:37:00.000-08:00

LUKE
What are you talking about? - - - Fine! Do whatever you want!

MRS. THOMPSON
Well, I'm sorry you're so upset.

LUKE
Well, you're giving me a week's notice! What am I supposed to do with a week's notice?!

MRS. THOMPSON
Well, my son just called me from Florida to tell me about the condo Luke...

LUKE
Fine. Go. Enjoy Florida. I hear they have great weather there -- terrific hurricanes. Make sure you bring plenty of plywood and bottled water!

LORELAI
Hey, hi, hello!

LUKE
What are you doing here?

LORELAI
I was just driving down the street and saw you and thought I'd stop by and say "Hey, Hi, Hello". Hello, Mrs. Thompson.

MRS. THOMPSON
Hello, dear.

LORELAI
So, what's going on?

LUKE
Nothing. Nothing's going on.

MRS. THOMPSON
Luke, please understand. There's nothing I can do. I've already found someone to rent the house and they have cars.

LUKE
And you just agreed to that?

MRS. THOMPSON
Well, It seemed rather reasonable to me.

LUKE
Oh, come on!

LORELAI
Oh. ... Um.

MRS. THOMPSON
Luke's very upset with me.

LORELAI
Why?

MRS. THOMPSON
Well, his father rented the garage. He was building a boat, and he didn't have room at his place, so he paid me to do it here. And then when he died, Luke continued to pay for the garage. And now I'm moving to a nursing home, and I need him to move his boat.

LORELAI
You're mad because this little old lady is moving to a nursing home, and you have to move your boat? Is this really the story you wanna stick to?

LUKE
She called me out of the blue, and I've paid for an entire month.

MRS. THOMPSON
I can give you a partial refund if you like.

LUKE
Where am I supposed to find a space to store a boat on a moment's notice, huh? Did you think about that for even a second?

MRS. THOMPSON
Uh, could we sit down? The doctor says the screw in my hip is loose.

LORELAI
Yes, yes, let's sit. Let's sit and calmly try to figure this out.

LUKE
No No, I've got it figured out. Just haul it off! Trash it!

MRS. THOMPSON
Haul what off?

LORELAI
The boat?

LUKE
Yes, the boat. Scrap it! Find somebody to drag it away and cut it up for firewood!

LORELAI
Oh now - Luke –

MRS. THOMPSON
Who's gonna haul it off?

LUKE
Anyone. Just find a guy with a truck and a hook. He'll strap it on and drive it away and send me the bill! I'm done!
STORMS OFF

LORELAI
Luke!
to Mrs. Thompson I'll be right back.
Luke, stop. What, what, and what?

LUKE
I have been paying that woman every month for Fif-teen years.

LORELAI
Luke, she's moving to a nursing home.

LUKE
And my dad was paying her every month twenty years before that!

LORELAI
Nursing home, Luke.

LUKE
I know where she's going.

LORELAI
She's not trying to hurt you.

LUKE
Whatever.

LORELAI
Hey, where are you going?

LUKE
Back to the diner.

LORELAI
Let me drive you.

LUKE
No.

LORELAI
I can drive you back to the diner. I promise if we pass any senior citizens, I'll let you jump out and pants 'em.

LUKE
Fine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I know your probably all thinking... not another reference to Gilmore. I just can't help it. Part of me wishes I was a character from that Reese Witherspoon and Tobey Maguire movie, Pleasantville something or other so I could jump into the TV and be on the Gilmore Girls show. I totally love it. Anyway that is besides the point. The scene above describes Luke, the most perfect man on television having a little spat with a senior citizen over his dad's unfinished boat that has been staying in her garage.

Lorelai is about to learn why Luke is having a meltdown; something that is so out of his character Luke tells her that the next day is the anniversary of his dad's death and that every year it puts him in a funk.

Anyway, today is my dark day. Although my father is still alive,THANK GOODNESS, today was a huge day in my life. Today is the day I let go of something I have been holding onto for way to long. The are many times in our lives when we must be stripped of everything we know so we can start fresh, start new. Its scary looking at life this naked and vulnerable but I can only hope that it will bring bigger and better things into my life.

These last few months have been rough for me but I am thankful for those of you who put up with me so that I can travel along this journey we call life learning ways to better myself.

Celebrating the holidays with friends

2008-12-14T08:29:00.000-08:00

A couple months ago I blogged about my girlfriends who I have been friends with for years and how out lives were all moving in different ways and getting together without "our rock" Rachel was going to be more difficult. Well it was true we have been trying to get together for months and it finally just happened last week. We made gingerbread house and it was so much fun. It was so nice to see them all laughing and girl talking... it was just a good time.

The prep before the storm...

Everyone knows the key to a good gingerbread
house is the icing

The process

Mary's chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven... YUMMY!

Cassie cute little abode

My fruit house... not the vision I intended

Emily's "starter" home...

Janell's winter cottage

Mary had frosting everywhere... and apparently that's the key
because her was totally the best.

The final products.

Favorite Things Tag

2008-11-09T21:15:00.000-08:00

7 things

I've been tagged by my friend Melissa Duran

Here are 7 random facts about me:

1. When I was 5 years old I was sledding at my best friend Matt Dahlstrom birthday party and I decided I wanted to sled down a different hill that went perpendicular to the hill we were already sledding on. Lets just say that it was not an approved sledding hill for a reason because after going down the hill I ran into electrical wire and knocked my two front teeth out and had to wear braces for 6 weeks.

2. I love to sing in the car. I bust out my best vocals and if the song is really good I will even show off my great seated dance moves. The new Britney Spear's song has got me many
looks from ongoing traffic:)

3. My new favorite restaurant is Buca di Bepo. If you haven't been there its this cute little Italian place. They make the BEST chocolate cake and have a killer Apple Gorgonzola salad. It is also really close to my work... I ate there twice last week.

4. I have a shopping addiction. I can't help that I work so close to Target and a Bed Bath and Beyond. I was watching Run's House on MTV and his daughters' realized they had a shopping addiction so there started going to a therapist. Maybe I should see if I can piggyback on their sessions.

5. I love small towns and the country. Life is so much slower and enjoyable. In a small town I get that feeling that nothing else matters. I have a shirt that says "Relish Today and Ketchup Tomorrow" and that is how it feels everyday in the country.

6. I have an love hate relationship with bread. I can eat a whole loaf of French bread all by myself, especially when its hot and fresh. Obviously that is the love part. The hate part is the muffin top I currently have where most carbs are stored. See my dilemma... love, hate. ♥

7. I love throwing parties. In fact we just had one on Thursday to celebrate mine and my room mate Mindy's birthdays. It was good time. I made 12 different types of popcorn, some were a hit and some were a miss. In the words of Brander B "Ahh, this one is awful. What is this one? That is worst taste of molasses ever." Haha, I couldn't blame the kid... that one didn't turn out so well:)

I Tag: mah... anyone who wants to play.

Thriller

2008-10-31T13:00:00.000-07:00

Last night my room mates and I went to the Thriller show at Kingbury Hall. I do have to admit it was not what I expected. I had heard it was a great show and a great crowd pleaser but I had no idea how twisted the show really was.

As we approached the stairs in the front of Kinsbury Hall I noticed a girl dressed up like a zombie crawling down the stairs glaring and hissing at the crowd around her. I thought to myself that is was some artsy freak just being weird. Oh how wrong I was. I looked around and these zombie like girls were everywhere. I ran back to my room mates and asked what was going on. Allyson said they were actors and they were in the show.

Great! This is all I need. A couple week prior we had gone to a Haunted House and I was still recovering from that. I was instantly scared; to say the least. From that point I thought, "just get to your seat... just get to your seat" but these zombies were everywhere you couldn't escape them. Our seats were in the balcony. I left my room mates just a little bit behind me on my mission to find my seat. I realized I was probably getting too ahead of my roomies so I turned around and saw them a few feet behind me. As I turned back around to continue my mission... one of the zombies got me. She was inches from my face hissing with a look that could kill. Of course I jumped and screamed and everyone around me bust out laughing. But she did not end there, while still glaring and hissing at me she grabbed the program out of my hands and took a bite out of it. She... IT chewed the bite of paper for a few seconds and then spit it at me.

Okay lady you can have my program, it was free anyway. My room mates caught up with me and we headed toward our seats, but not without her shoving the chewed up program back in my face. Finding our seats was actually taking too long so we had to find an usher to help us find them. YEAH, and the dumb zombie still wouldn't leave. I thought we were never going to be safe in our seats.

Awhh... finally our seats. We sat down and the zombies were running all around us but at least I could see them coming at me. I wore my glasses that day... not a good idea. I had no peripheral vision so I could only see them coming if I was looking straight at them. Not to mention the whole row behind us was empty so it was easy access for them to get from one side of the theater to the other... not forgetting to scare us(ME) along the way of course.

I spent the whole show flipping my head from left to right making sure there was no one behind me... paranoid?? Yup, just a little. I am just glad getting out and to our cars was easy and free from scares. All in all the show was really good and it was a great night out as a house. The girls are already talking about going next year, but we will see if I am over it by then.

I smell snow...

2008-10-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

Lorelai: Wait, close your eyes and breathe. I smell snow.
Rory: Ah, it's that time of year.
Lorelai: Can't you smell it?
Rory: You know, it's like dogs and high-pitched noises. I think it's something only you can smell.
(Rory sits down next to Lorelai and pulls a blanket over the both of them)
Lorelai: I love snow.
Rory: Really, I had no idea.
Lorelai: Everything's magical when it snows, everything looks pretty. The clothes are great. Coats, scarves, gloves, hats.
Rory: Thermal underwear, wool socks, ear flaps.

This morning I was laying in bed facing the window. I went to bed pretty late and I was fighting the fact that it was 7:30 and my body wanted to get up. I peeked open one eye and when all I saw was snow covering the trees outside my window the other eye shot right open. Of course we all hate the dreaded cold windy wet parts of winter but I cant help but love the first snow. Things get chilly and a coat is a must but the first few weeks even a month of the snow is so beautiful to me. It will snow a little then melt... then snow a little and melt again... I usually love the snow until Christmas hits. As soon as Christmas hits the snow seems to never end... and it is no longer pretty. But for right now I am loving it. There is nothing like sitting in the dark all curled up in a blanket sipping on hot chocolate and watching the snow fall with the fire place crackling in the background. I love the seasons first snow:)

My Quirks

2008-10-07T22:47:00.000-07:00

Tagged by Sarah

"Every man has his own quirks and twists" Harriet Beecher Stowe

1. I am a Nazi in the kitchen. I love to cook, but not with other people(unless its planned and I knew we were going to cook together). I get in this routine where I want to cook the "best" meal in the most efficient way. I can juggle 7 different things in my head at once... BUT if a ball drops I freak out. Hence the freak out I had last night about the French bread... sorry Mel:)

2. I hate snot, boogers or anything to do with the nose. My throat closes off and I start to feel the flem building up in my throat. I am going to be the worst mother ever. My kid is going to be like "Mommy mommy I brought you something..." and I am gonna run for the hills.

3. I have the most meticulous shower routine. I have been known to take really long showers and here is why. First I shampoo my hair, while leaving the shampoo in I shave my legs. Then I wash out the shampoo I squeeze out as much water as possible because I read once that conditioner will take better to your hair if its not too wet. I put in the conditioner and let it sit so it can moisturize as long as possible while I loofa with body wash from head to toe. Then I wash my face with some sort of exfoliated face wash. Then I turn the heat down on the water as cold as I can stand to rinse out my conditioner; I also read once that rinsing your hair out with cooler water will help your hair retain moisture. At this point I am done just as the clock reaching 30-35 minutes. Sorry to all those water conservation activists:)

4. I will eat almost anything except mushrooms. I can't stand their texture in my mouth... its almost like eating a booger... and you know how much I like those....

5. I heart musicals. I love every part of a musical. The dancing the singing. I just want to get up to dance and sing too. I wish my own life had a soundtrack... I would love that.

6. My eyes close when I laugh. I absolutely hate it. I try hard to keep them open but I look even worse. Like I have bitter beer face.... haha!

I Tag: Jessica "Love" and Janelle

Rules: Mention rules on your blog. Tell 6 quirks about yourself. Tag fellow bloggers to do the same. Leave a comment to let them know.

Rick's and Chicks'

2008-09-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

Every year the weekend after Labor Day I celebrate the annual Rick's and Chicks' camping trip with my friends from my days at the USDA. This trip comes at a perfect time of year. The summer is nearing an end when we're all tired of Bar-BQs and family reunions. This trip is so great because we all just sit around and enjoy the weather. Of course we do a lot of fishing, sun bathing, watching the sun set, eating, kayaking, wave running, eating, reading, laughing... oh yeah did I mention eating.

I look forward to this trip every year. I enjoy it so much because of the way I feel when I am there. The surroundings, the people and even... the silence make this weekend something I always enjoy. This year's excitements started off with the road trip with Shelly. On your way there you pass a little bakery in the middle of nowhere that is run by Greek Othidocs nuns. The things they sell at the bakery are so good, but the shop is rarely open, but this time as we pasted the open sign was in the window and Shelly slowed her massive truck with a trailer on in it down as fast as she could and turned around. It was like in the cartoons when the road runner wants to turn around and he halts to a stop on his heels:) I think we would have bought everything in the store if we had time, but we made do with just a few loafs of bread... that tasted like sin they were so good.

Then we hit the road again. As we got closer Shelly was getting more and more nervous because she knew she was going to have to haul the same huge truck and trailer up Deb's steep rocky "driveway." A few swear words, deep breaths and shots later we made it up the hill. When we reached the top we were just glad we didn't have to drive it back down.

Most of the trip was about relaxing... which is exactly what I did, but on the last evening at the river I was in a kayak with Megan and we were talking about how peaceful it was outside... yada yada yada... and the next thing I know my kayak has decided to roll over and take me with it. I am still baffled how it happen. I spent the next 30 minutes trying to get back in it. Meagan and I were laughing so hard and the peaceful moment was no more. After several different attempt to get my big behind back into this kayak I finally succeeded just as help was sent to find us because we had drifted so far down the river.

The time spent relaxing was just not long enough. Before I knew it it was Sunday morning and we were packing up camp. We cleaned up what we could and Anne and I headed to Portland airport. The road trip there was adventurous as well. Anne showed me things that were off the highway that I have past many times before but never thought to stop and see. We stopped and saw some cool views, an authentic totem pole, vintage cars, beautiful waterfalls and of course the 3000 lbs chocolate fountain. Why anyone would call that art and not a waste of 400,000 calories is a mystery to me.

Amongst all the reason I go on this trip there is one that out weights them all. This... this is why I go. The view of the stars. I have been trying to think of words to describe the view of the stars but I don't think words can explain how beautiful they really are. I love that feeling of laying in the hammock bundled up in a blanket and looking at the endless amount of stars. That is the point when the trials in your life seem so small.

Actively Alive in August

2008-09-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Life has been pretty crazy latley. As the summer ended I thought things were winding down but when ideas of moving came about things have been in an uproar ever since. The month of August was suppose to be a slower cool down month for me, but it was filled with cleaning, packing, the Olympics, oh course Melissa's (and Byrce's) killer birthday party, a huge ward camping trip, more cleaning and more packing, crazy stuff at work, the BIG move of 2008, and finished it off with a trip home for a week.

I didn't even realize I was that busy, but now that I see it all in writing I can tell why so many things did not get down. I am glad to report that Melissa and I are offically out of our old townhouse. It was sad to say goodbye, but it was nice to leave it empty and cleaner than when we moved in. Our new house, which is only a couple miles up the road from our townhouse, is coming together real nice. Sadly I have only slept there a few nights because 2 days after we moved in I flew home for 8 days. BUT now I am back and it is so nice to be in our home. Thanks to my roommates who did a lot of cleaning and unpacking while I was gone it has a homey scent and a homey feel.

Now that the crazy month of August is over I head into another full calendar month but hopefully we can get internet soon so I can post more often.

The Power of Balance

2008-08-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

All of us have our fears. Pick your poison whatever it may be, spiders... the dark... failure. This weekend I realized I was scared of heights. But if you ask me while I am standing on the ground I will deny it.

While camping this weekend I went on a zip line for the first time. Before being able to reach the zip line you had to cross a 32 foot high wire cable. The minute I saw the cable with ropes dangling above it my stomach sank. I knew it would be so much fun... but I was instantly scared.

I got roped into helping the belayer by holding the rope for all the people in front of me. I didn't get to go until most of the group was done. This totally made my nerves even worse. I just wanted to get it over with. Finally it was my turn after putting on that very unattractive harness. There is just no way to feel cute in one of those things. The belayer even said, "If its not uncomfortable, then its not tight enough."

When I approached the pole to climb toward the wire my hands were shaking. So much adrenaline was running through my body that even though I was only 10 feet off the ground I started to get really scared. Probably because I forgot to breath. Getting it over with was my next goal. As I got off the pole and stepped onto the wire shoots of fear shot through me as I made little glances to the ground. I decided looking down wasn't a good decision so I looked out through the trees and crossed the wire as fast as I could.

Finally I reached the platform where I jumped off the wire. As cliche as it sounds I felt so alive. My legs were shaking and my mouth was dry, but I was so proud. I held onto the pole for dear life as my carabiners were switched for the zip line. For the zip line you have to sit on the edge of the platform and push yourself off.

I was a wee bit scared and I knew if I waited I would get to scared so I just sat down and instantly pushed myself off. As I slide through the air my stomach jumped into my throat and I screamed... opps... I didn't want to do that, but the reaction was quicker then my thoughts. Gliding through the air was a great reward to the traumatic 2 minutes I had just had.

After I was unhitched and walked the rope back my body was shaking ALL over but I was so ready to do it again. I was so proud of myself for doing it. I am sure you couldn't wipe the smile off my face. The experience was amazing. I learned by facing my fear bigger blessings are achieved.

New Chapter

2008-07-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

Last night I was talking to some friends about the changes in our lives. We became friends years ago in the frigid town of Rexburg. Through out the years we have all followed each other to the next stages in our lives. From college to graduation, from Rexburg to Salt Lake and from grad school to our first jobs in "corporate America."

We have had so much fun together. Many nights of bingeing in front of a movie with Rachel squirming and covering her eyes:) Load of laughs as our Asian Missy Elliot "Wows" us with her amazing rapping skills. Midnight swims in Rigby Lake;) and spontaneous urges to dance on a pool table. These are memories I don't think any of us will forget.

The reason we were all together last night is to say goodbye to the girl who is the glue of our friendship. The girl who plans all the parties, calls everyone and makes sure all things are a go when we get together. Our cute little Rachel who just graduated grad school and is moving to Boston. Just as the saying says, 'All Good Things Come To An End'... well maybe not an end but as Janelle put it last night, a "New Chapter"

For the last three years we have lived closed to each other making the hang out part so easy. Now each one of us will be in different cities and Rachel even in a different state. As you can imagine parts of lasts night were happy and full of laughs, but the other parts were solemn and full of tears. Change is a good thing... just not when it is happening to you... haha.

As each one of us writes the next few pages of our 'new chapter' I am sure we will reflect upon the memories that made us who we are. I know I will. These girls have been my best friends, my examples and my family. Each one of them has helped sculpt me into who I am today. Saying goodbye to those times will not be easy. They have held me while I cry, listened to me when I think I am in the 'depths of despair' and jumped up and down with me when something exciting has happened.

These friends have taught me so much and I hope that the "new chapter" in my life will have friends who are as good to me as they were. I love you guys.

Hello Blogspot

2008-07-30T15:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, here we go. I am about to plunge into the deep end. I have been procrastinating this day for months, but it has finally come and here I am announcing my new blog. I kept telling people I wouldn't have anything to say but after realizing how many eye rolls, sighs or uh huhs I get from my friends as I tell them story after story that maybe I should direct that story telling energy somewhere... haha. Hence the name of my blog, "daily phil up."

I don't think I will be able to keep up with my Olympic blogger sister, but I will try. .No more long winded boring stories that seem to go on forever and ever... haha your right who am I kidding? I am sure I will talk just as much as before but maybe there will just be less of them now:)

SPLASH!