Project

I finally got around to doing a project I've been meaning to do for a while. I had an old long mirror left by a former tenant, so I took off the frame and went to work.

This is what the frame base looks like on my wall. I've put things into it for each holiday, but I wanted to add mirrors, and maybe a chalkboard or something to pin magnets or photos to. Haven't decided about all of it yet. I'll get there.

I made sure to double check the measurements. I wanted it to fit right inside the frame, which made it 10"x12". My mirror was 12" wide, so I only had to cut once for the length of the mirror.

When I pulled the mirror out of the frame and found it covered with some brown paper. This could impede the cut of the mirror, so I took it off. It peeled off rather quickly. I did use a razor to lift up the edges where it didn't peel all the way down and had no problems.

To cut the mirror a few things were needed. A Mirror cutter (Home Depot), a straight edge (sturdy yard stick from Christmas), and a felt tipped pen. I used a cutting board to protect my kitchen table, and then for the edge to help break the mirror.

Measure the mirror and lay the straight edge down. Ensure the edge of the mirror cutter blade will cut where the mark is made. Mine worked great!

Use a straight edge, or pencil to enhance the cut. Make sure to cover your hands so nothing get cut or impeded on hands.

Yea, a straight edge!

Glazing points are used to keep the mirror in place.

I used two for each edge of the mirror. I placed them by the corners, but it's a personal choice.

Grapes and Cheese

I am sitting at the kitchen table, computer on, mind at ready. Feet proped on a cookbook filled bent cardboard box, I am the epitome of...nothing. This is the same place I've sat through out the week studying for the GRE. My experience thus far is that I am terrible with vocabulary, quasi decent in recalling algebra and geometry, and abominal in argumentive essays! And I do me abominal. Oh, I understand the idea behind a five paragraph essay: introduction, three subject paragraph, and conclusion. I can even outline one. The area of error is flowing logical ideas from my head to the computer in under 30 minutes. Nope, not my forte.

Instead, I sit here, typing, ignoring the closed purple Kaplan study guide and notation filled lavander notebook paper, blogging. Not truly guilt-free, but undeniably intimidated by a single occurance a week from now.

You are forewarned. When asking what I've been up to, what is going on, there is not much else. Well, that is where all my attention is. The last week of my summer cafeteria job ended on Friday. General cleaning the first half of next week, followed by an immediate jump back into the catering life style. My cohorts from this summer are moving to Texas and retiring come Spring. Dining Services revamped organizational responsibility. None of which directly affects me, though I wish it did. I am in the need of change in my life. I am begining to want to rthink this wish.

Last week I was in Denver at a Westcoast Swing dance convention. I enjoyed it, save for the communication abilities of the carpool driver. Dancing and meeting new peopel is a fun combination. While remaining unobtrusive I did flirt (yea me) and exchange a few bits of information with memebers of the oopposite sex. My realistic optimism keeps me in check. So I was suprised when one asked about coming down with a group of people to come dancing in a few weeks. It is nice to make friends.

What has all this to do with cheese and grapes, you may ask. Truth be told, not much. Only that was breakfast today. It wasn't until now that my roommate reminded me it was fast sunday. Last week wasn't the first of the month I guess. Look what vacations do to your sense of time.

So much

I keep having ideas of things to write. Words fly through my head, forming and reforming sentences. Then I get home, and a different type of whirlwind takes over. Projects, sewing, reading, studying (which is nearly as scary as the idea of the actual GRE test!) all warp my time into nothingness. Where does the time go?

This summer has flown by. I did do my first BBQ...well, I helped. I got to plan it, but didn't have to pay for it. Still, by the time it was all said and done, the guy I was helping got the better deal. The time spent wasn't hard, but it was a distraction to keep the food up and going. Overall meaning? the food table looked great, I didn't relax a whole lot even when dancing, but the night was a great success. I wouldn't mind doing it again; provided I had all the ability to get my own volunteers and organize things my way. Yep, my job has made me a control freak. My boss even called us all that at one of our planning meetings. It's hard to get out of the cycle when it's what you do. Everyone likes to do things their own way.

Sad to say that this is going to be a trying time a work this next semester. I am not thrilled about it, and am rather dreading the whole thing! Seven football games! two of which are on Fridays (which make it ten times worse). Planning the Holiday Buffet exhibit in November, Education Week in August, and still needing to use up my two weeks of vacation time I've gained this last year. Even visiting Miranda for a week in Febuary doesn't cut into my time too much. I need more vacations I guess. Anyone want to go to Hawaii?

In short, I'll come up with more interesting stories. Sherise makes me happy as she sits and listens to all my oddball antics, smiling despite the hectic leap from one subject to the other. I love listening to her, but usually end up talking more by the end. Hmm, note to self: work on that.

Filled Saturdays

I had an eventful Saturday. For those of you who haven't heard, someone decided that using a knife to put holes in the sides of all four of my car tires were the best way to get across their point. Sadly whomever did this failed to tell me what the point was. I didn't even realize there were all flat until later!

Full story: I got home just after midnight from dancing and a store run. After receiving a text asking if I was "still around" I got ready for bed. (I mention the texter, guy number 2, due to a second text 24 minutes later telling me he "just got home" to Ogden from Murray...it takes me that long to get to Farmington! Ah well.) Four hours later, I was out to door, greeted with about 3" of fresh snow. Brushing off my car, I hopped in and got ready to head out to the temple. For a brief moment I wondered it my seat had been lowered, which I can't do, but figured I was a bit tired. The real kicker was when I tried to drive out it felt like I had my parking break on. I opened the door and noticed my front tire was flat. Yuck!

Rather than be late due to changing a tire I ran inside and asked Toni, my roommate, to give a ride in. 4:30 am, and not a word of complaint! Angel, I'm telling you, God sends me angels. Brushing off her car the second flat (same side as the first) was noticed by me. Probably the weather change, they are old tires due to die on me at any moment anyways.

I like serving at the temple. I was suppose to help organize the shift that day as the normal supervisior was gone, but she'd asked me and another girl to do it. No worries. I got a ride home with one sister that lives just down the street from me. She's the one who noticed the second side of the car had flats too. We got out of the car and looked at it. Maybe the weight of the car had cause it to go flat was her thought after seeing a strip of rubber that was the source of one flat tire. I doubted it (Really!?!). Looking at the other ones it became pretty clear that the sides had been punctured by a 1" blade. My car was the only one that it happened to. Luckily we'd seen several cop cars nearby, so she drove me a block away and dropped me off. I got the number for disbatch, and called them.

The police officer was great. He asked if I could think of anyone, but other than odd texts at midnight, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Now, let me explain a few facts. I've now learned that upset former boyfriends tend to let air out of tires or arrange nails to punture them, frustrated theives usuallly slash one tire, punk kids may do two, but if you must have really made someone mad for someone to be vendictive enough for all four tires to be attacked. I've still no clue as to who it could be. Even the officer said I didn't seem like the personality that makes a lot of enemies. (I laughed at the whole situation most of the day.) Whomever did this doesn't know me well if this is suppose to teach me something or get me to change. Especially without a clue as to what lesson or change needs to occure.

Well, Tanner came down for breakfast at noon, then slept on my bed while I called places to get old tires. One Discount Tire salesman managed to get the "I can get you new tires for..." before I could stop him. He actually quoted me a price near the cost of used tires. I told him it'd be all four and he dropped the price more. Appointment made I just had to get Mom to call AAA for a tow truck!

In the meantime, Tanner and I went to check out a KSL Car. I'd looked right after the cop had come by. The thought was along the lines of: you just need to get on this and buy a car, it's time. It's a great Mazda 3, hatchback, automatic shift (I'd prefer manual) that I opted to test drive. Got Mom, dropped off Tanner, and made it back to my house right as the flat bed showed up! Even the Tow truck guy was mad in my defense. He offered to do something about if I knew who it was. Funny man.

We got down to the tire shop right when I thought we would. They were ready and got it in the shop, tires on, and me out the door ASAP. The tow guy was impressed with how quick they were to get it in and up off the floor. The tire guys half joked if I'd gotten the tires slashed, and I said I did. That it was true or that I laughed when I said it seemed to suprise them. Everyone was so helpful.

Even my date that night. He called to let me know he'd be 30 minutes later than originally planned. I had just enough time to get dolled up for a military ball.

Over all, I was lucky on Saturday. Someone destroyed some very old tires, but nothing else on my car, or the block, was harmed. I found wonderful people to help all day long. I even had the car guy call me back to say someone had a possible offer for him, and that if I offered $1 more he'd sell me the car instead. So I have new tires, and am off to get a new car today!

What an blessed interesting weekend!

Something Scary

I walked into the house with a small group of girls. One speed away from the door, package in hand, to some unknown place. Two wandered in, belatedly introduced, only to begin their conversation again ignoring all around. Standing in a walkway, currently unused, no familiar face in view, I wanted to walk back out the door and head homeward. I'd come, entered, done the scary thing for the night, day, week even! How could I wander in a home I'd never entered before? Introduce myself to complete strangers surrounded by friends. Like walking into a new ward I was a flopping fish desperate for glimpse of anything that would hold water. Stomach swashing back and forth, heartsick, I had to find the one individual I could name. Sadly, I knew this would not ease my fearful pain nor restore any confidence. It was the reason I was here, frightened by thoughts of anonymity or mere acquaintance to the host. Who am I to come here? hoping for a pause of a moments attention? Cowardice rooting out my very soul I moved slowly, following the speedy white rabbit across the cooridor and up the stairs to the dance floor, where he is sure to be.

Whilst familiar in face, I remained frozen inside while smiling what I hope is brightly and saying hello. Not enough people to disappear into the crowd after a brief welcoming, I stood fast wondering what proper Emily Post would say to do. Politely excuse ones self, then make a graceful exit to the front door. Admiring the room, I did the only thing that would make me move, in any direction, I asked him for a tour of the home. Windows opened to show off the outside; dark beyond the room's light, frigid air spun around us. Shivering I wished desperately to slide out there and wander amongst the geese to find the unseen three huddled somewhere away from party goers, safely way from putting themselves in awkward social situations of any kind. Opening windows on a Febuary friday night attracts attention. Soon the tour had a group of individuals and couples walking out the back door and hearing my feeble conversational skills. I stood shuttering in the wind, coatless, on the slab of cement called patio. Breath, deep breaths. Calming thoughts are fine until my whole body racks and jitters, desperate for the indoors. There may be people inside who have more claim upon his attention, but it's out of the wind. Besides, the night's blackness hasn't swallowed me whole, so I doubt it will be so kind tonight. Back inside my wits gather just enough to ask some questions. Smile at jokes and make appropriate noises of amazement. Truth be told, I am interested, amazed, and impressed. But how do you work in that you like the door handles? Ah, the kitchen looms just ahead, hubbub of activity and distraction.

I meet a moment when my breath returns, only to loose my claim of attention of my kind tour guide. Someone says hi to him, and I'm introduced briefly to the two chattering girls I'd trailed behind earlier. Everyone scatters different directions. Conversation's talent of not saying much, yet appearing to be engrossed, allow the slip of the one person I actually know. Remaining still means holding up the wall turns into an important duty, even if those around are discussing names they wouldn't call their children. I must admit smiling, it is an oddball topic, but not one I can really jump in much. Not in the mood to pull it down a different path, the topic it stretches beyond the engagement of anyone around. Instead I watch "mocktail" smoothies provide a delicate dance between host and another girl. Both know where each other is, the equipment needed, and how to work around the throng passing by their corner. Reminding me of moments in my kitchen safely tucked away doing dishes or last minute cookies. I smile sadly. Lost days, sights of such familiarity makes me wonder if there is a chance and if none, then ... nothing, no point in dawdling.

I should have eaten before I came. The food on the counter a step away is too far. It would look like I belonged if I ate, that I fit in this place. That is too much of a contradiction, so I meander away. I meet the birthday boy, chat a mite. Skills still on the fritz I feel I do little other than smile like a bad joke has been told. Perhaps the joke is me. Here. Now. Standing holding up the wall. Commenting on my wall supporting skills, I slip away to tour the living room on my own. I am surprised there are people there, and karaoke. Oh joy. To sing in front of family is impossible, strangers slightly less so, but still pretty close. I've done it once, admittedly, with some friends playing band hero or some such. Luckily the guitars were much better and louder than me, so no one could hear my lyrics, much less the pitch. Tucked safely on a small corner of the couch, smiles ensue when no one knows the verses to "Singing in the Rain" but all join in on the chorus.

I should try and redeem myself before vanishing. The vanishing trick may prove the better choice. There is another party I've promised to stop by before bedtime; it's creeping closer with each moment, beckoning me least the predawn light find me already too tired for expected activities that have their own set schedule. The kitchen finds the same wall being supported by the same people. Lemming-like we all trail to the dance floor. One boy and over ten girls does not a hopping dance party make. Still, he's trying, poor birthday boy. Internal laughter at the sight says I must stay to help out. to see if anything can be done. Slowly some unwind, more trickle up stairs, and then there are three boys, twenty-odd girls, and a seven year old. Nerd guns, twister, and several playlist changes, and my unconsciousness in the situation is fading. Hiding in the corner does little to easy the returning panic. Shaking may not show in my fingers, but I feel it. It eases momentarily when laughing at stiff imitations of hip hop are done by our retired tour guide/host. The life of the party he meanders confidently from space to space. I envy that, wish for the return of that assurance, hope that I will find laughter at these moments next week. Not yet there.

Tomorrow will unknowingly be filled with worry; will I make it to work, will Bonnie remember I have to leave early, will passover go well, will the temple be too busy...the slow moments reflect on tonight. On the inaction, and actions. Knowing I couldn't have changed a thing, yet wishing for some sign...

My corner is visited, found out in his the circling of the room. It is nice to have a body stand close. Arms crossed in self comfort this girl is certainly not ideally situated for positive body language. Still, does he oft return to this corner, pause near me, or is it just the music controls off to the right that need his proximity. I stand, brushing shirt sleeves with him, watching the room, almost feeling that the secret comments floating in my head will be meet with laughing banter. Proximity and wishing may lead me to hope, but no sure signs are available with three boys, twenty-odd girls and a seven year old on a newly made dance floor.

I do disappear, in a perfectly tactless way. Goodbye to the entertaining mother and daughter duo I hear her words only to smart internally. My awkwardness may have been only noticeable to some who know me well, or those who meet me expecting conversation, warming up on the dance floor and in a short game of twister. Still, I walk away while the music is being adjusted with out a goodbye to anyone else. I quake down the stairs, through the remolded hallway, and out the front door. certain I shouldn't have come. Crashing inwards I feel the tears ache in my chest. Sinking deeper to a place I've forgotten; shut away for such a long time. I'm desperate for a way to laugh at it all. Someone to smile at my theatrics reminding me not all is as I see it.

I dreamed last night. Holding hands in the middle seat of a SUV. Nephew in a car seat next to me when it happened while I was helping the baby. I panicked, even then. Stoic and unmoving I just turned and glanced at him in the corner of my eye. I really wanted to smile grandly, curl under his arm, breath in the relaxing feeling of being home at last. Yet, like 2 years ago, I find only fear. Terror of what might be, doubt of its reality, even of it's possibility. So I wake, wonder, and systematically botch several text messages later that day.

Should have gotten a raincheck on that house tour!

Valentines Day

Joseph: Happy singles awareness day! :)

Me: I'm suppose to be aware I'm single? Who knew.

Joseph: Ya, today is a nationally recognized day for all single people to feel depressed and to be made fun of by those fortunate enough to be married.

Me: So I shouldn't be happy with my life, and satisfied.

Joseph: Typically singles sit at home by themselves in the evening watching a chick flick with a carton of chocolate ice cream.

Me: Minus the chocolate ice cream, sounds like my plans. Want to join me?

Joseph: Join you? ...

Me: So that's a no.

Me: Would it help if I said I had chocolate pudding?

Needless to say that successfully ended our text conversation. Far too many retorts spun in his mind. We talked for about an hour. Hard to be SAD when your best girly friend is so chipper on the phone with you. :) sorry Joseph, I had nothing but happy thoughts all evening. I even enjoyed my movies. Although some company is always welcome.

Maybe next year we'll think of it before dark. Your still my ling distance valentine; happy SAD day.

Over Thinking

Everytime I come to post something my mind draws a blank.

Similar to the scene in Mom's favorite movie, You've Got Mail, I sit at my computer trying to come up with the perfect thing to say (Meg Ryan is talking about an insult) and nothing, a complete blank. How frusterating. Put me in my car, hour drive back to work or home, and I'm rife with witty ideas and moninomes. Reading books my mind rearranges funny scenes, or commentary that would entertain. Even watching Masterpiece Theater I come up with ideas. But with the keyboard at my fingertips, computer at the ready, I am paralized mentally. Frozen at the inability to articulate.

Suddenly I'm back to looking across the dance floor at that guy I might, maybe, possibly get a crush on. Where a smile is suddenly all I've got to offer. Get him to laugh, nope, that's saved for recollections of sudden stupidity later on at home when I recount my wonderful adventures of "Silly Girl Syndrome" once again striking. Tanner will bemoan my lack of finese, and lack of getting kissed. Mom and Dad internal groan at the irrationality of it all. Steph, being recently cured of my ill fated ilk, laughs. Naturally all reactions pick me up and remind me that eventually I'll find my odd voice again. Some random fact will filter it's way to the top.

Perfect example is regaling my crew Saturday night about why I was asked to draw a line up the back of a girl's nylons for a 1940's skit. Why I knew the necessity of this simple act, and could expound on it to the point of expalining why having a soilder for a beau was not just a social, but a beneficial part of life, is beyond me.

Still, for this odd moment of run-a-way thoughts scribbles of a page; full of spelling errors, life is good. I'm enjoying it.

'Till I get my mind repaired. Love you all. Have a wonderful V-day!

Finally Done

This is what all of the college students are thinking now this week is over. Finals are finally done. This means relaxation, time to read, watch movies, chill with family and friends. No more late nights of little sleep. No more Christmas parties, missing red napkins, centerpieces, boxing leftovers. Yep, I get a break too. How exciting is that! Maybe not to you, but for me that is thrilling news.

I get Friday nights back, Saturday's, and no more hours of overtime. (Sadly this is a regular for Fall semester in my life.) For the next few weeks no one will notice if I go in before seven, or leave by one. Who care's about taking breaks when I don't have to work eight hour days?!

Yea for the end of the semester!

In other happy news. Maxwell turned two. He got a basket ball hoop, that he can barely reach with his hands over his head, the "Christmas Classics" on DVD, which he sat down mezmorized!, and a box of crayons with a blank coloring book, which he immediately wanted to open and color with Grandma for the next 15 minutes (stopping only with the departure/distraction of his grandma & uncles). Mostly he understood that he go presents, and all his loved ones where there. We had one happy kid! Sammyh fell asleep on Dad's chest (that's a rarity), and Kaleb was just as exhausted. All we needed was Emma, Sydney, Aiden and Taylor to complete the family surrounded by kids. :) We love you and hope it will come soon.

In the meantime Happy Christmas everyone.

Lost Furniture

Beth moved out to day. I watched our roommate Nancy, her face saddened in moments as the dressers, book shelves and such filed out. Leaving, not only Nancy with unwanted change, but the house as well.

Empty in point of fact. No couches, kitchen table, chairs, TV stand. TV's only here due to extra's at Beth's new place. The whole place is lonely. Abandoned and bare. Walls, floors, whole rooms echoing with footsteps. Cabinet contents on painted blue kitchen wood floorboards. It does, in truth, feel odd. Sitting on a sleeping bag watching Dr Who, nothing other than me, the computer, and televison. Sad for a Saturday night? Still, terribly entertaining.

Reading

Reading frenzy. Doing so for hours on end are wonderful. Tragicly working too much does place some time restictions. Happily I have a new excuse to read. I help evaluate books for the local library for their reader's choice. Nicest part of the who situation, I get to read more than my typical type of fiction.

While reading the latest list from the library I found a few that I really enjoyed.
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane
The Postmistress
The Goodbye Season
The Day the Falls Stood Still
The Glassblower of Murano

Hmm, do all books start with the?


To see more go to http://www.slcreaderschoice.blogspot.com/

Found this great site when I was looking around for work... Ok, so this is exactly my type of place to look.  Man, wish I could make stuff off the top of my head like this.  Guess you'll have to look up and see what I'm talking about.  It's going to stay on my list of stuff to make.  I'm definatly adding thyme in my garden. 

http://sproutedkitchen.com/


HONEY ROASTED PEARS posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010

So I read this on the bottom a coworker of mine.  It made me laugh.  Of course, you have to understand, this is somewhat internal complaint, but what can you do.  It seems to fit so nicely with any corporate/business.  :)

"To err is human, to forgive is not the standard operating procedure, and to really foul things up is where I come in!"

Surrounded by Little Ones

Lately, I've been noticing how I've been surrounded by children.  I walk through the WSC to see girls in piggy tails, boys with ice cream cones that seem nearly as large as they are,  babies exploring laminated hallways, grandparents bouncing soft swaddling blankets.  Kids winning races, negotiating activities.  Making me smile and laugh.  Now the activity is coming to me.

Amelia's announcement came first.  Followed by Miranda, Stephanie [Peterson] Williams, and, lastly, to the family's delight, Sherise.  Then came the waiting of finding out what everyone was having.  This year, I think, is the year of babies. Specifically of boy babies.  Yep, thus far, Miranda is the only one having a boy.  What does this mean?  My baby sitting days are going to be filled with little men, long lashes, little blue hats, and vroom vrooms.

Can I say I'm excited?  Two nephews, one niece, and one adopted nephew (who probably doesn't need any  more aunts, but, well, he, and his parents, don't have much of a choice.  :) Sorry Steph.)

Mundane Life's Moments

I walked out of work yesterday, to find small balls of frozen wetness falling from the sky.  Unexpected, by me at least, I stood by the crosswalk and tilted my head back.  Thousands of white pinpricks tummbled in blackness.  They came from the dark, their source lost in the night sky.  It was beautiful! 

Waking today I discovered last night were just the scouts of a bigger army.  White cotton had come in the early morning to dust cars and lawns.  It came quietly, without fuss or warning.  Unpretentious.  It reminds us that life sneaks by.  Creeping on, often unnoticed.  The hours watching a movie, or sitting at dinner, create the moments so oft over looked.  When we think back on our life we look at the large events, weddings or trips.  But what happened to the small moments? 

I just returned from spending a week at my sisters.  Some of my favorite moments were small.  Aiden, 16 months, helped me unload the dishwasher, and, yes, he was helpful, putting all the glasses, plates and bowls used by the kids away in their cupboard.  Sydney, 4 years, walking up at 10 pm and asking me to make breakfast for her.  Emma excited to read Stewart Little she sat so still, refolding her paper air plane book mark as I read.  Emma played the piano for me, wanting me to sing the words because it would help her.  Sydney waiting until I got home to ask for some candy she'd seen in my room.  Aiden playing "night night" on the living room floor.  Miranda watching like Hera, goddess of marriage and hearth, from her leather throne.  Smiling down on each of us going through our days.  These memories are wonderful.  Small moments, from games to bedtime, hello's to goodbyes. 

So the next time someone asks what's going on in your life, think back.  You had dinner, lunch.  Work, co-workers, friends.  Dinner got burned, turned out wonderful; you slept in or got up early.  There is so much going on.  Please, let us share the moments, for the mundane is, in truth, our life.

Cotton Ears

I got off the plane in Tucson AZ with cotton in one ear.  Not my favorite part about flying.  Despite my best efforts, I was partically deaf.  I keep thinking this is what it must feel like to those who always ask me to repete myself. They, like I, had cotton stuffed in their ears, and their's nothing we can do about it. 

Maybe one day someone will create de-cottoning ear drops...

I started taking down the Chirstmas decorations.  Wrapping up the ordaments, taking off the raffia and dried cranberries.  Then came the tree and lights.  I stopped.  I don't know if it's the whole mess of it, or the part where there will be a blank spot on my wall.  I couldn't do it. 

Add that to the fact that the house is starting to fill up with people again.

Now, don't get me wrong, I do like my roommates.  Even though we all get a long, have no major girl trauma (no cheese theivery stories here), six single girls is a lot under one roof.  I liked the quiet movements of three or four.  Add one more to the bunch and I feel the need to hide in my room with a book.  Then again, the library keeps me well stocked in interesting books to read so I do that even when I'm by myself.  With the radio turned up to Showtunes so I can sing along when I go to refresh my cup of cider/cocoa.

Christmas is over, sadly enough, and New Years too.  Yea for that.  Let's face it, unless you go crash a party or head out of town with a hot guy on your arm, it can be kinda a let down.  It is, after all, just another midnight.  Only this time you have to remember to change the date on your checks.  :)  Now we all get to make those goals that we know we'll keep and one's we'll break in three days.  Like, eat dinner everynight versus start eating healthy. 

Ha ha, you laugh about me eating dinner, but it's a good goal.  Christmas parties are over, and I no longer get feed dinner at night.  Unless some great guy asks me on a date.  So I now have to plan, exicute and consume my own evening meals.  Tragic!  On second thought, I get to make bok choy, braised celery, and find a fun way to use up all those frozen peaches in the fridge so I can go buy Totino's pizza's for my lazy no cooking days.  Ah, yes, the eating habits of a single person can be so enlightening.

Update

As an update, I have had a second date. We made dinner at his place and watched a geeky 80's movie, Tron. If you know what that is, welcome to the club. So, still no kiss (he didn't even try), and no, I am not sad about that.  Come one, I just meet the guy.  It's not like a friend that I've known forever, just a guy I've seen three times now, and talked on the phone just as much; short hi want to go on a date now that the pleasantries are out of the way conversations. I'm just telling myself not to stress. We don't hang out so I'm on the "is he really interested?" phase of thinking. Sometimes I hate being a girl...and what's with me getting dates in the middle of winter? There is something wrong with me and cold darkness without sunlight and then throw a guy in the mix! Serious, talk about a recipe for disasters.

As for the physics help.  Paul, I'll do my best not to scare the boy away.  It may be asking for a lot so you may have to keep your fingers crossed and pray for me. ;)

So, I had a Date

So I had a date last night.  Yes, family, I know you are all shocked for joy.  But stop dancing, and sit down, and I'll tell you the story.

Pause, before you start scrolling down to see if there is a doorstep scene, no worries, there is.  A second date?  Hmm, for that I will make you wait.

Three weeks ago we held a birthday party for my roommate, Alicia.  Shea and Lindy did the inviting.  So, naturally, neither I nor the birthday girl knew many people.  Luckily I was not the focus of attention, and could hide.  Which I did, in the kitchen.

Doing dishes may not be a great refuge for many people.  What can I say, it worked for me.  I did venture out into the rest of the party.  Not only to collect dishes either.  I actually talked to people, who where mostly boys.  It was not, however you may think, one of these forrey's that leads to my story. It me and a boy, in the kitchen.

Retreating to the kitchen after realizing the individuals walking through the door were not familiar, I set to work.  I unloaded the dishwasher, and set out more plates, glasses and silverware at the dessert table in the dinning room.  Quite a bit like work, I know, but there is safety in familiarity.  This was my house, grrr, and it was that or retreat to my room and hide from everyone.  As tempting as that sounded, repeatedly, I stayed my ground.  With I was at the sink loading dishes when a boy came in. Ok, so may boys came in and out, but this one didn't just politely place their dishes in the sink, ignoring the half open dishwasher.  I'd stepped in front of the dishwasher and begun rinsing off the dishes when he came in.  He immediately asked what he could do to help.  However polite, I turned down the offer with a thanks, but it wasn't necessary.  Come now, no one goes to a party to do the dishes, especially not your own.  Rather than retreating back into the other room with the other, having at least offered in order to alleviate his conscience, he stayed.  He even moved around me and helped load the glasses.  Resigned to the help, and rather pleased someone would not take the easy dismissal of their offer, we started to chat.

His name was Nate, though I am sorry to admit I did not retain this through out the remainder of the night.  He's a high school physics teacher with astounding blue eyes.  A little taller than me, he was easy to talk to and asked me almost as many questions as I asked him.  (Hey, I'm good at getting others to talk...most of the time.)  Others came in and out of the room, and eventually our conversation slide to the side and disappated.

Later I saw him leaning against the piano.  I smiled, recognizing him, and he smiled back.  Then came what I can only think in nerve racking for any guy.  He non-chalantly asked for my number.  Oh, he'd forgotten to get it earlier.  Inwardly I laughed.  The whole thing was rather smooth.  I gave it to him (obviously) and got my own little warm fuzzy for the night.

A boy asked for my number.  Even if he never called, it was flattering.  For a 45 second flirter that is an impressive feat.

Over two weeks went by, and no word.  No surprise for me, I wasn't really expecting anything in reality. It went from a possible date, which was okay, to a shrug of indifference.  He probably wasn't that interested.  That's fine.  No worries,  So when last Tuesday night was wrapping up at work, I wasn't expecting the new number calling me to be anyone but another student with a question.  This was definately a surprise.  We chatted a bit.  He sounded somewhat nervous that I wouldn't recall who he was; introducing himself I smiled as he relaxed when I said I remembered who he was.  We chatted a bit before he asked if I'd go out with him on Saturday.  Dinner, a movie or games, he'd get another couple (if I wanted hung in between the lines).  I'm relaxed when it comes to first dates, or the first several dates, so I didn't care and told him so.

Nope, I didn't hear from him again until Saturday.  He called to say he was on his way, being fifteen minutes late when he called, I didn't bother calling him back.  Luckily he was late.  I'd been working on a brie and meat filled pastry for a roommates party while she got ready, and needed a few minutes to wash off the butter.

We went to dinner at Stoneground downtown.  He even opened my door, and thought I was cool for waiting.  Talk about bonus points.  He was a gentleman the whole night.  Getting doors, hand in the small of my back, introducing me to people, and being generally aware of where I am the whole night.  Sometimes it's the basic things that get lost when out doing things. We drove through the cemetery (they had paper bag lights all over, it was amazing), stopped by his friends going away party (she was a part of OSSA--Amelia's Equador thing), and ended at his house making frozen dough cookies.  Really, I had fun.  Even when we headed down to watch a christmas movie, and he fell asleep almost immediately after the opening credits.  I kicked myself out and he took me home.

Doorstep scene:  Hug.  Yep, that's it.  Ok, not totally, but close.  I said good night, and gave him a hug.  It was a good hug.  Sitting on that line of friendship it was longer than necessary, most definately longer, without the awkwardness.  Pretty good talent to have.  He let me pull away after the second hesitation, and looked down at me.  Yes, I got "the look" and a slight smile.  In response he got a returning smile, and the bottom corner of my cheek.  Sorry Tanner.  He left, and I got butterflies the minute I walked into the door.  Nice for them to show up.

All in all, it was fun.  Will there be a second date? Who knows.  Shea's in his ward and said he told her he thought I was cute (she use a bunch of adjectives) and had fun.  She asked about the date/what would happen and he said we'd have to wait and see.  She responded that the ball was in his court and he was the boy.  ha ha.  Great to have roomies helping out.  I love that she did that without even hearing about my date.

So, I had a date (yea me) and certainly wouldn't mind another.  In fact, I kinda hope it's sooner then later.

:) But that's just me.

I'm just like my mom

Heading into the grocery store to buy dark corn syrup, plastic wrap and sandwich bags proved that parent's habits die hard.

I walked into the store with a short list.  I wanted to make some caramel's and noticed the house needed a few other things.  On my search for corn syrup, which I ended up finding not on the baking isle but near the pancakes and waffle mixes, I thought that would be the longest part of my quick stop.  My roommate sat in the car on a three way call, so I didn't want to spend too much time, and I was feeling a little guilty for taking so long trying to find what I was after.

That didn't, however, bother me once I got started.  Heading out I happened acrossed some basket's lined up, in all places, by the cards.  Not really expecting a trap, I still slowly approached the odd assortment of kiddie cones and organic black corn chips.  I peered in, having not seen any "sale" signs to indicate these where what I though, the discount last minute items.  I noticed a bag of flax seeds, picked them up, and noticed the price.  Yep, it all went downhill from there.

Several flax seed bags later I'd collected a couple things necessary in my life.  At least for the discounted price of 25cents or $1.00.  Flax seeds (great for breads, cereals, and smoothies), stone ground whole wheat flour (which I am rather picky about even when buying bread, so I grabbed four), baby pacifiers (essiential, I assure you), oat flour (multigrain here I come), corn meal (course ground of course ha ha, I'm so funny), soy mix (didn't know I could make my own soy milk did ya...now I can), Kotex (hmm), diaper pins (multi colors) and bottle nipples.  All in all, I'm excited for my cheap purchases.  I think the guy got tired of counting, so gave me some stuff for extra cheap, either that or the 1.50 translated to .50 which is even better.  :)

Yep, I called Mom to tell her the news.  While telling what I'd bought she interrupted after the pacifiers with "stuff you don't even need!" She wasn't sure whether to congratulate me, or say I'm sorry.  Either way, I, like her, felt like I got a great deal.

Now to make sure I actually use the stuff...
Come on baby shower's. I'm ready.

The Christmas tree is up.  Red gingham ribbon replaced by a sheer green and gold one.  It looks nice.  I sit in my chair (by the heater vent) hot cider and book in hand.  Can't help but love the sight.  Slowly relaxing, my roommate slides into the piano seat and begins a song.  Three songs later I close my eyes and feel shoulders lower.  My favorite song of her repitore flows off the keys.  While not a Christmas song the melody tangles around me in gold.  My worn quilt Mother made back in Jr High has batting showing through.  I've never gotten around to "fixing" it.  I'm sure the same fabric resides in her chest of drawers down the office hall.  I can see the hallway looking down at it.  Fell the cold floor and chill of Christmas Eve's.  Talking of us children determined to stay up all night and sneak upstairs for a peak.  Granted, we're all older, that doesn't make a dent in some of our traditions. 

I ventured outside in the dark and cold yesterday to listen to Sheri Dew.  There is something about how she presents, talks, that reaches me in whys other's don't.  I comment to a friend that I think the way she talks.  The stories have enough truth that I feel how I felt when that occured to me in a similar situation.  My yearnings for hearth and home echo back in the affirmations from accross the pulpit.  Each time I listen I want to press pause and savor the Spirit of the place.  Of my place there.  Where God reaches down and touches my calmed center.  To many times the chair is to cold, or my attention wavered.  Here, though, it is all gone.  Focus is there.  This is what it must be like to be so in tune nothing else matters.  My odd form of meditation in the midst of a fireside.  How odd.

Yet it is this place that I look out from and see.  My sister and her new husband.  My brother walking the same way I did at his age.  My neices and nephews surrounded by the best people I know and love.  My parents.  These wonderfully flawed people that I love.  The ones who taught me to love, teach me to sigh, and cause me to cry in joy and pain.  These are the ones I want the best for.  Who I know want the best for me.  Even when they idiotically think for a moment that if I change this way or that for whatever reason, I'll be happier, complete.  We love each other, and what else is love for?  For, as an unknown person once said,

"Love sees more, not less
But because it sees more
It is willing to see less."

It is so hard to see more, and be willing to understand how to let the less grow into more when it comes to our siblings.  Amunition from years pass ask to be through.  Perhaps as we see the next generation grow the patience we didn't have for each other grows.  We begin to realize these creatures we've known all our lives are actually people.  Adults with feelings, valid by the tendure innocents left into our care by a Father who has always seen us for who we are. Even, as Dad always reminds me, better that I know myself. 

Thanks, Dad.

Both of you, for that lesson in love and small glimpses into what I am, and what, therefore, others are.d