Keeping up with Them Browns

Where does the time go?

2011-12-01T06:09:00.002-07:00

Usually right out the window.

I hate falling behind on blogging as badly as I have done this year. I never know where to start, and then I get overwhelmed by wanting to type up everything that has happened since March of this year. I will try to make it easy to catch you up to the present, and go from there.

Olivia is nearly 18 months old, now! Which calls for an onslaught of updated pictures, but, I am too lazy to post those right now. We have started the terrible 2's already, and she throws a tantrum for just about any reason she deems worthy of needing to have her way. She has a ton of teeth, which makes eating time a little easier, since I know she can chew just about anything with those sharp chompers of hers. Sometimes she licks people, and I don't know why. It is so strange! She says a good handful of words, and always has a ton to say to anyone who will give her the time of day. She is spoiled, and I think she knows it. I wouldn't have it any other way.

We are pregnant again, and due about March 17...or was it the 19th? I forget. Either way, this baby is coming out at some point in March of 2012! We are having another girl - which is crazy to us - Andrew is breaking the mold in his family by having more than 1 girl. We are just glad to be able to re-use all of Olivia's things, including the bedding and bedroom decorations.

I had been working this year (I love that I get to use that term as past-tense!) for a bank I used to work for before we moved to Utah (which seems like forever ago!). I was not excited to go back to work, but we really didn't have much of an option if we wanted to get out of debt in this lifetime. The schedule started out great - 4 days a week, about 25 hours (give a take a few) a week. That changed toward the summer to 6 days a week, 32 hours!! I thought I was going to die - it was not what I signed up for, agreed to, or was ready to handle. The schedule simmered a little, but I was totally fried. We had paid off a fair chunk of debt by November, and Andrew insisted I quit. Well, you don't have to tell me twice! Now I am at home again, and trying to catch up with everything that got neglected while I worked (including this blog).

Andrew still works for the Sheriff's office, but he would probably rather me not advertise this. So I won't. I will say if it were not for his dedication of working extra jobs (typically as security to various apartment complexes that hire deputies - these locations tend to be in parts of town that suck to live in) I would not have been able to come home so soon. We were definitely surprised to learn we were pregnant again this summer, and it added to our drive and motivation to pay down our debt! I think it would be fair to say we have paid about 1/3 of our debt this year alone. The monster debt is the private school loan we took out. Believe me, we won't do that again unless our lives absolutely depend on it! The federal school loan will be the last thing paid off, since the interest is so low in comparison to the private loan.

We still have no cable or television cables hooked up to the tv for even the most basic of channels, and people think we are crazy for it. I know I have zero control when I sit in front of the tv - I could sit there all day! What a waste! So I waste my time on reading blogs, facebook (which I keep saying I am going to get rid of and then don't), and trying to find bargains on things we need. Living the poor life isn't all that bad - but that might be easy for me to say because I know we make enough to cover our most basic bills, but then everything else gets put toward the debt. So I just feel poor. Sigh. Either later today or tomorrow I will update with pictures - I need to show off my kid and try to say something to the effect of 'my kid is cuter than your kid but I don't want to offend you by saying that so I will just show you instead'. Let's pray our Olivia version 2.0 is just as cute as the first.

Procrastination is my Destination

2011-03-01T19:45:00.003-07:00

So I am pretty lazy about updating my blog. Here is my reasoning why: I spend too much time on Facebook. Its true. I have been debating for the past year-and-a-half if I should get rid of my 'social network' and stick with blogging. I would probably spend less time on the computer if I did. But then I think how hard it would be to stay connected to all my friends. And then I tell myself I rarely keep up with all 200+ friends. And the inner battle/turmoil continues.

I have not forgotten to update this blog, but it takes so dang long to upload pictures it annoys me. I will still try in the next month to get something up. But don't quote me on it. ;)

Giveaway: Coupon Binder ~ LOADED!

2010-08-23T10:29:00.002-06:00

Giveaway: Coupon Binder ~ LOADED!

I am pumped. I am trying to get my act together to make my coupon life easier - and to do that, I am entering to win a "coupon binder" through my friends blog site (listed above).

I have talked about wanting to 'coupon' for what seems like forever. I always hear people getting these awesome deals for things they are buying anyway. Who wouldn't want to save a few bucks on that kind of stuff?! I finally started buying my papers and cutting out the coupons, though I don't have the best method of storage yet.

My revelation that I was doing something right (and needed to continue) came to me this past Friday night, when my mother and I had gone to Target to pick up some things. She purchased mostly hygiene products for her, and my 2 siblings still living at home. When we got home, I started to organize what felt like a billion coupons, and I kept coming across coupons for things she had just purchased! I kept handing them over to her, and finding a target coupon to combine w/the manufacture coupon. When I got done, she had roughly $9 of coupons, plus a few bogo free coupons (so about $20 of coupons).

We went back the next day to adjust the prices, and get the bogo items, plus a couple of little things she forgot to get. I brought my messy coupon bundle with me, and found MORE coupons to use! When all was said and done, my mother walked out with $3 in her pocket, plus an additional 2xdeodorant (free), daily facial cloths (free), sally hansen product ($1 off), and 2xsoleil razors (bogo free, plus $3 off, on sale for $4. So $0.50 a package).

She ended up saving $31 and some change, on things she was going to buy regardless of coupons!!

Pictures of Olivia Michelle

2010-07-09T11:24:00.016-06:00

moments after arriving. Her cries were so pitiful it was cute.

Admiring our daughter - look how pink she is now!

One tired mamma. Maybe an hour or less after giving birth. All I wanted to do was brush my hair!

Gettin' vitals...

Proud daddy. She came the day before fathers day.

Herbal bath - mostly for mommy to heal, but Olivia loved it.

Just chillin'

Herbal bath at home - we were trying to get that belly 'stump' to fall off! (it finally did a week after she was born)

Proud mamma.

Social time on the floor with daddy.

At the doctors office w/officer daddy.

Her worried look - though I'm not sure what she has to worry about.

*yawn* this is why daddies get along so well with newborns. The agenda's are the same.

Typical sleeping position. Though she has many.

Asleep on the changing pad - which lets mommy get things done on the computer.

The birth of Olivia Michelle

2010-06-24T10:28:00.001-06:00

Our angel was born to us Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 4:41pm. She was 7lbs1oz, and was 20.75 inches long. I gave birth to her at Nativiti birth center - all natural. They don't offer drugs. Sorry for the lengthy story - but I like details. :)

It's hard to know where to start when talking about birth stories...so lets start with my frustration. I mean frustration by the fact that 4 women who were due at the same time or later than me, were all having their babies 1-2 weeks early. And I was still pregnant! GAH! I got irritated every time I heard a new story about so-and-so having their baby early. gag me. My due date was the 18th, and I was feeling very pessimistic about how I would go 2 weeks overdue. I had hit the "nesting" syndrome pretty hard that week and feverishly worked to finish all my little projects and get the apartment ready for the baby. Since I am a little OCD to begin with, I didn't really feel like I was nesting, but doing what I would normally do anyway since I was not working and extremely bored all day.

Saturday rolls around - I go for my usual swim at 9am - it helped get my muscles moving in a non-painful way and allowed me to stretch my muscles without worrying about falling over. Swimming was a relief! I swam for about 45 minutes and noticed I was having contractions every 5-10 minutes, but nothing to start timing. I had been having contractions on and off for the past week and a half, so I paid no attention to it. Got home, and got ready for my day. I started my usual cleaning, accompanied by mildly uncomfortable contractions, but again I paid no attention to them. The contractions got a little more intense as I scrubbed the bathroom clean and did the laundry - I had to pause a few times to get through the discomfort (this is probably from 11am-1:30pm). The whole time I was cleaning I wanted to time the contractions, but I didn't want to panic Andrew (who would call me at least twice during his shift at work for the last week to ask if I was in labor or having contractions). So I kept my mouth shut.

2pm rolls around, I know we need to keep track. I finished my cleaning list, got Andrew a pen/paper and asked him to time contractions for me while we watched a movie. I was extremely uncomfortable, but I had experienced worse in my life, so I didn't complain. During this hour, my contractions were intense enough that I had to stop whatever I was doing to breath through it - lying down definitely did not help, nothing seemed to! My contractions were anywhere from 3-5 minutes apart and lasted anywhere from 30-60 seconds. We didn't feel like there was a strong pattern as we looked at the paper. I decided to try and take a bath, but that didn't do anything but annoy me. I got dressed and curled up on the bed, determined to take a nap (I was tired!) - but I couldn't sleep.

I kept delaying calling the midwife, because I didn't want to seem like a wimp. The pain I felt was only in the front - I was constantly reminded that true labor was accompanied with back pain, which I did not have. I finally told Andrew to call the midwife when 3:30ish rolled around. They talked for only a few min, I got on the phone with her only to start another contraction and hand the phone back to Andrew. She told him to bring me in - so we packed up our things and took off!! The contractions got more intense in the car, and at one point I felt the urge to push...so I was trying not to panic!! Andrew called our families to let everyone know we were on the way to the birth center - we arrived at the same time as the midwife. It's a few minutes 'till 4pm.

We get in our birthing room in time for me to lean on the bed for intense contractions. My midwife is hustling around getting things together, poor Andrew is bringing in all our things from the car. After a couple of contractions, I manage to crawl into the bed while waiting for the tub to fill. My midwife checks my cervix and announces that I am 6cm dilated! Gah! When about 10-15 min had passed after arriving, my water broke! It gushed everywhere, and I felt really bad. But not bad enough to apologize. ;) She asked if I felt the urge to push; thank goodness I didn't - I wanted in that tub! Then I asked if there was even time to get in the tub. Once I got in the tub, I thought maybe I would have a chance to 'chillax' - no luck. After a handful of awesome contractions, she checked me again and told me I was 8cm! I kept thinking to myself she must be wrong, it was supposed to take longer than this to be this far into labor. Transition was not fun by any means, but I was proud that I never said one mean or negative thing to Andrew. Come to think of it, I didn't say much to him at all. Poor guy.

So there we are - me being extremely vocal with each contraction - and I start to feel the urge to push. It almost felt like being constipated, but worse, because of that "ring of fire" sensation I was warned about. Now I understand why they call it that - it was awful. But it was manageable. Every couple/few minutes I felt the urge to push, and I did! I remember when she told me that the baby was crowning and I thought: 'who cares?! Just tell me when this girl is OUT' . haha. She then asked me to not push...what?!?! How can you ask me not to push when every fiber of my body says to push for my life? So we get down to the wire - at 4:41pm, I finally push that child out!! It was instant relief. I immediately forgot how painful it was, since I did not feel any residual pain after she came out. (after-birth pains are a different story) Andrew helped "catch" her, and helped with guiding her shoulders out - it was really awesome. I probably pushed 6-10 times in total - but we aren't sure. Just after our daughter arrived, so did the birthing assistant. They teased that we were almost a drive-through delivery.

As a whole, this was the most beautiful experience of our lives. Everyone was calm - I was surprisingly calm. Natural childbirth is painful, but not so painful that I wouldn't do it again. It was definitely worth it; I just had to take it one contraction at a time. The birthing center was a perfect fit for what Andrew & I wanted, and I hope to be able to return there for future children we will have.

If I have forgotten any vital info, please leave me a comment - or if you have a question. I had started typing all this out and saved it. Since then, I sat down on 2 different occasions to finish it and the stupid internet did not save what I had typed. So naturally, I got really mad and didn't finish typing it out.

waiting...

2010-06-09T17:20:00.002-06:00

Still just hangin' out, waiting for this baby to get here! I might actually go crazy. Andrew calls me at least once during his shift to ask if anything has changed, am I in labor, has my water broken yet, etc. It is really funny. Poor guy. It does not seem to matter how much I assure him that he will be the first person I call when something happens...he is still going to ask.

I will try to get some pictures on here. I have been trying to get through my thank-you notes as quickly as possible. As long as I finish tonight (I have 7 more to go), I will have written over 40 thank you notes in 3 days. My wrist hurts.

Pregnancy...it goes on, and on, and on, and on...

2010-05-18T21:18:00.000-06:00

*ugh* SO ready to be don! This has been fun, but really, I'm ready to sign out and move on. it's hard to appreciate this "special" time of my life when ti is misery to do anything and everything. It is so uncomfortable sit, stand, walk, or lay down. Which seem to be the only positions I am aware of to have your body in. If you come up with something new, send a message my way - I am very interested to hear!

With that being said, we continue to get ready for baby Brown to get here! We have not chosen a name yet, and quite frankly, I am starting to get irritated at everyone who is stressing out about this fact. Why is it so stressful for them? Shouldn't Andrew & I feel a little more pressure to get the name thing figured out instead of everyone else feeling the pressure for us? I know that when we see her, we will just know- so bah humbug to anyone who does not believe in "names at first sight".

Next Friday is my last day of work...officially. I doubt I will want to work longer than that! Now all I want to do all day is nap! I have a feeling it would not go over well at all if I fell asleep on a client or something. It would be funny...and potentially gross...but it definitely would not go over well. After that - I am just going to focus on getting myself ready to get this baby out! I will be full-term next Friday the 28th, so she is welcome to join us from that point on. Anytime before that...and I'll have to do my best at keeping her hostage in the womb. ;)

Aren't these pictures amazing?! My dad is the freaking coolest and took these for me last Monday the 10th, just after completing my 34th week of pregnancy (except the top picture in the purple shirt is a few weeks older...but dad took that one too).

Despite my complaining (which I usually save for poor Andrew), everything is going very well. Baby is growing at a good rate, mom has not lost her mind completely just yet, and I even got the appointment set to meet with a potential pediatrician! It is all falling into place, even though it feels last minute (would I have it any other way? Probably not). For some reason I thrive on last minute...but lets hope that I don't make it to the birthing center at the last moment.

Speaking of which - many have asked which hospital I will be at; but you won't find me there! We chose a birthing center last year with our other pregnancy that failed to stick, and I am working with a small group of midwives. I could not be more pleased with this decision, even though it does mean I get to feel all the pain that birthing has to offer. For me, personally, it all ust fits and makes more sense for me and what I want. I hate the thought of being induced or using petocin (sp?) to 'speed' along labor- I know my body can do it on its own and when it is ready to, dangit! I won't have to deal with a group of medical personnel who won't listen to me and not believe me when I tell them something about my body (I'm pretty sure I can tell when I have to use the restroom or if something is "not right").

So for us, Nativiti was our answer! It is a perfect fit (thus far) for us and what we want for our birthing process. While my insurance covered a good chunk of the fee/cost, it would still be cheaper to pay the full price up front rather than go to a hospital. So no complaints from us! If anything goes wrong, I take a quick ride to St. Lukes (242/I-45) and get taken care of from there, and baby would have direct access to Texas Children's Hospital if necessary.

So keep your fingers crossed! There are only 4.5 weeks to go!!

Feels like a ticking time bomb...

2010-04-19T17:58:00.008-06:00

Every time I look at my belly when this little girl is squirming around, I feel like my belly is going to explode any moment. I know it won't, but I can't help it. I have 8-9 weeks left, depending when she decides to join the rest of us.

Andrew running w/Rocky's doggy bed. He was racing Sean & I...so I let him win.

In front of the Dollar Tree, where you find the craziest things for $1!!

Anna & Chunky.

Chunky in his newest rain jacket. I hope he gets to use it!!

Life continues on and on - still not ready for a baby to come here, and lots of baby showers coming up !!

Still pregnant...

2010-04-06T15:59:00.008-06:00

I wouldn't say this is my favorite picture of me, but I would say that I love these earrings.

Life continues for the Brown's; Andrew is doing well in his field training, we will find out in the next week or two if he will be with one more trainer or not. I wouldn't mind if he did, he wants to be done (who can blame him?) - but I like the whole "safety in numbers" that being with a trainer provides. You gotta take the training wheels off at some point though. One of these days I will see if I can post up any work stories, I don't know if I am allowed to or not. Andrew works the 2-10pm shift, but with reports stacked on top of that, it's normal for him to walk in the door between 11:30pm-1am.

I am still pregnant and counting. This Friday, I will have about 9 weeks left of this baby keeping me up. I can't stand it when women tell me how much they loved being pregnant. They obviously had one of two things going on for them: 1) they had worlds easiest pregnancy(ies), or 2) they repressed all those horrible pregnancy memories and clung to the cute baby nudges (not kicks and punches). I have been battling heartburn for the last 4 months, and now I can only suppress it if I take 4-6 tums with some milk, then sit up for 10 minutes or so before sleeping. It only usually happens when I lay down - the later I am up, the worse it gets; and I can't sleep when Andrew isn't here. BUT: I know it will all be worth it when we get to meet baby Brown. We still don't have a name picked out yet.

Baby bump at 27ish or 28ish weeks. I quit keeping up the specifics.

Ever so slowly losing sight of my feet...ahhhh!!!!

Baby bump at 30 weeks! Gettin' there, and feeling huge.

Walking around Market Street the other evening, saw this amazing Rolls Royce parked in front of the local hotel for rich people. You will never see me own one of these...unless someone leaves it to me in their will.

Picking up baby furniture from a consignment store! Jeff & Anna were nice enough to drive way the heck out there with their trailer to get the furniture set I bought at a good price. There are very few scratches/dings/whatever in the furniture - I was excited! We got a Pali set; crib, dresser, & changing table. My changing table has 2 drawers on it! How awesome is that? And 5 drawers to the tall dresser.

Baby Brown's crib...don't worry, we'll put a mattress in there first!

Funny how furniture completes a room. For now, this will be the study/nursery room. You can't see the computer desk right next to the dresser. We may move to another apartment this summer, so I'm not really stressed about the room feeling squished for now. But now I feel like we are actually bringing a baby home, and soon! Exciting, and terrifying.

Can't wait to post pictures when we have everything set up, and all the bedding and decor put up! Next month will be really fun, when the baby showers happen. Then I will get to fill the drawers and closet with baby stuff. Hooray!

Happy Birthday, Ella!!

2010-03-15T20:41:00.002-06:00

I cannot believe a year has gone by since her last birthday party. The birthday girl did not disappoint this year - cutest thing ever. Everything she opened was followed by a "cute" or a "wow", it made my day. I can hardly wait when our little girl will be old enough to comment on everything being cute - mostly because Andy will think its so cute.

Loved her dress-up outfit, complete with a matching flower-headband.

What was I thinking??

2010-03-09T20:19:00.003-07:00

So I was cookin' at my moms house today - the oven door does not open all the way (they are working on replacing the oven). So my food slightly moved down the pan as I was angling the pan outta the oven - I knew better, I told myself not to grab the pan with my left hand...so I guess I improvised. I only touched it briefly w/my left thumb and 1st finger. The thumb is fine, but the 1st finger hurts and has a blister now!! Not sure how I am supposed to work like that...but I will figure it out. I have had an ice pack on it for over 3 hours now...it still burns. sad.

Preggo Picture, and new blog link

2010-03-08T21:01:00.004-07:00

Okay, okay. I got a separate blog for my 365 day photo project. I guess it would be easier to keep everything straight if I kept it separate. Here is the link: http://www.mcbrown365.blogspot.com/ let me know if for some reason that link doesn't work. I will not be moving over my first days photo, I decided (too lazy). And here are a couple of preggo pictures my father so kindly took for me.

I thought I was 25 weeks, but something on the internet says I am 26 weeks. I am so confused. No wonder women can't figure out how far along they are - we just go by how huge we feel. I would like to know whose brilliant idea it was to cram 40 weeks of pregnancy into 9 months. How does that work? pretty sure, that is supposed to equal about 10 months. No wonder we get so cranky toward the end, everyone is lying to us.

My very own, 365 photo project! Day: 1

2010-03-07T22:03:00.004-07:00

So I am copying my dad, and his friend, Angel. I will take a picture everyday for the next year, and post one lucky picture a day, followed by my own comments/thoughts as to why I chose that shot. Now, to protect myself for the next year, I start my project with a warning: I rarely ever get anything accomplished (aside from arriving at work) Wednesday-Saturday. So there is a good chance that one post a week will contain many pictures. No w you can't get mad!!

This represents what my entire universe revolves around at work: the clock.
I am one of the few therapist known for being punctual for shifts: I arrive early, I start my sessions on time or early (for my part, anyway), I end on time, etc. Massage is an art, staying on time is a science. I don't know what I would do w/out this clock. Probably die. It helps me count down my day in a sense, since I just shuffle clients in and out of the room. I love these particular clocks, b/c it counts the seconds on it as well, which is surprisingly helpful. This isn't my dream job; I actually hate where I work, but I love what I do... so it'll do for now.

Andrew graduated!

2010-03-01T19:39:00.002-07:00

Andrew & I with another deputy. Everyone was so jazzed and excited!! (as well they should be)

Deputy Brown w/the other guys. He seems to always make that face.

Gettin' his credentials and badge from Sheriff Garcia.

So official! Love it.

It only took a grueling 30 weeks to get through the academy, and Andrew seriously considered quitting after the first day (the worst day). But we both thought it would be best if he could wait out the first week and see how things went...and they slowly picked up for the better! He was punched, pushed around, tazed, got shin splints (bad), night shooting, chased and taken down by K-9, and other crazy training things. It was worth it! He is officially a peace officer, and is completing his final phase of training in the field. He made some really good friends, and now uses the term "turd" quite often (referring to the 'bad' guys). I don't worry about him just yet, he is still with a trainer. The worry part will come in later.

Preggo pictures...thus far

2010-03-01T19:38:00.004-07:00

Most recent...23 weeks and counting!

At Andrew's graduation...20 weeks.

At the ultrasound when we found out we were having a GIRL! 20 weeks.

At my dad's company Christmas concert - maybe 12 weeks...?? I forgot.

Christmas morning! This is the day when we told everyone! (at least, our family) 13 weeks.

Baby Brown!

2010-03-01T19:38:00.003-07:00

For those of you who do not stalk me on facebook - Andrew & I are having our first baby, coming this June! We are having a little girl, and could not be more pleased, excited, and nervous all at the same time. Here are some of the ultrasound pics so far...

First ultrasound, at about 13 weeks or so. not the clearest, but it was all the technician was going to give us that day. It was amazing to have my pregnancy confirmed with being able to watch our little girl move around on the screen!

Second ultrasound, at about 20 weeks. Last time the entire body of our baby will fit on the screen!

Sucking her thumb - a trait Andrew & I both had as children.

Such strong arm bones! haha!

No denying it, it's a girl! I made her check 3 more times to be sure. I was assured nothing had grown there since the last time she checked. Bring on the pink and sparkles!

You know it's gonna be a long day when...

2009-07-13T13:25:00.003-06:00

...you try to call work and let them know; Surprise! You are back from vacation 2 days early! ...but the phones are turned off.

Then your day gets even better when your supervisor says; "we may have some bad news. The doctor had a stroke, and it looks like he may die. So we don't need you to work today or tomorrow." Please note that it was worded "may" have some bad news. What could be worse than dying?! Perhaps there is something worse than dying being bad news. Like, 'you are going out of business'. Or, 'you might die, and you were a really smart old man and left the business in your girlfriends name'. I don't know.

So the next day I call, and I am told the clinic is closing for a few weeks while they look for a new location - I want my stuff! So I get there to clean out my things, and they have people scurrying about, putting equipment in trucks and taking them to storage. WTF? It was nuts. Anyway, long story short, I got a new job. And I learned:

never say never

Just don't. 'Cause if you do, you end up working for Massage Envy in Magnolia, Texas. I know, I know, I feel like I have given up! AH! BUT - for my needs, they are going to be a good fit, and I will pretty much always be booked because I have amazing skillz. You know. I gave one of their more experienced therapists (20+ years) a massage, and she loved it. That's right. LOVED it. The Lord has a great sense of humor, and sometimes I wish he would laugh at someone else.

Hooray for having a job though! yay!

A much needed vacation!!

2009-07-07T11:14:00.008-06:00

To Austin! Andrew & I knew we had to get away - what better place than Austin? With plenty of good food, things to do, and family, it was the perfect combo. And I love combos.

We got to have lunch with my grandparents, Oomie & Sir, and have wonderful conversations. And anyone with any brains can appreciate good conversations that stimulate your brain! We got to see the bats at the bridge...ewww! (I will post pics/video of that later) We got to canoe, swim (at Uncle John's and in the carl barton spring), watch fireworks w/the John May family, have an awesome lunch with Uncle Mike, watch the Wimbledon final with Sir, and most important: spend time with family.

As you know, Austin is known for being "weird". I would say more like, crazy. You got hippies mixed with liberal folks, and what feels to be billions of college students that think UT is the only place on the planet earth worth talking, breathing, or eating about. Otherwise, Austin is a great place with plenty of things to do! SO GO!

A look at the ceiling of our great nations (er....I meant State, State!) capital! Sweet.

I realize you can't tell, but those doors were super tall! For Giants! It took us a second to open them (and when I say "us", I mean Andy).

Brings a tear to my eye every time.

If this sight isn't amazing to you, then you aren't a Texan. So go away!

The rest of these pictures aren't posted in the correct order. This picture is of Uncle John & Isabella walking down to swim in the spring! ...where the water was freezing!

After a long day of canoeing and swimmin', Isabella is done and wrapped up to go!

Andrew & I chillaxin' on our amazingly huge beach towels. Seriously, they are big enough to wrap a whale in 'em.

Our canoe crew! Andrew says he is "white, something fierce". Maybe you can tell compared to John & Isabella.

The Colorado River! What a perfect 4th of July activity to do in Austin.

Uncle John & Isabella are ready to rock 'n roll! Especially with such stylin' shades.

This gal was born for the camera. I was camera shy as a kid, this girl is not! I guess we got that from different sides of the family.

After swimming and canoeing, Isabella was done wearing her shoes. "Daddy, my shoes are getting my feet dirty. Can you hold them?" I thought your feet got more dirty without shoes...

Two lovely ladies ready to go home and change!

Life goes on . . . as usual

2009-05-19T13:54:00.017-06:00

Hello friends! SO much has been happening recently, I don't even know what it is you want to know! I have compiled a few pictures that might shed some light...

In February, we went to a wedding. Although this picture is not of the bride and groom, these men are representing all that is sacred in marriage. Okay, not really. But we got rained on during pictures, and Paul, Nate & Andrew are just being weird.

We are cute! Yes, that is a fork in Andy's hand. We ate a nice, quiet dinner upstairs. Everyone else is too noisy in our house to enjoy a quiet anything anywhere.

In February we all (and when I say "all", I mean Kurt, Sherylin, Dad, Mom and myself) went to the George R Brown to check out a smaller wedding shin-dig. Across the street is the park, where this fancy golf cart was waiting for us to take a picture of it. VROOM!

Anna & I enjoyed us some Reba! I probably shouldn't admit this, but whenever we go, we look for the empty seats of people who didn't show up. Somehow we always pick the seats that no one comes to claim. Hooray for better sections!

Little Ella Boyce turned 1 this year. We partied pretty hard, I think the neighbors called the police on us. Those toddlers are crazy!

Sherylin was kind enough to think of me when two extra tickets for Taylor Swift appeared at work! I am telling you - suites are the only way to go for Rodeo! It was so much fun, the food was great, and I didn't even have to pay for it!

Jennifer took a minor road trip with mom this past March (from Utah to Texas...she had to get her "stuff". I would hardly call her car, "stuff") and on the way home made a minor detour to the house my parents built in Colorado Springs, near the Air Force base. Yes folks, I lived in this lovely home for about 4 years.

Maybe I should explain this one...it's April fool's day. I show up to work, and my supervisor stole a "going out of business" sign from a different business off of 1960/I-45 area. It was HUGE. I wish I had gotten a picture. OH well. Anyway, so I pull into work thinking to myself: "it's a miracle! I am so relieved! I have my resume ready, and now I have an excuse for looking at other jobs while at work!" It never dawned on me what the date was. I had a smile on my face when I walked through the doors. Then my dreams and hopes were dashed when they told me to think really hard about the days date. I was mad. Grrr. Andy got the great idea to make this sign for me for when I got home. Needless to say, I felt confused for a minute, and I am sure the homeowners association got more than one phone call about the sign.

Sean & Jenn. Bothering each other, as usual.

My poor car!! Let's be honest - my car isn't THAT nice, it's not a mercedes or anything. But I was really upset when some girl hit my bumper...it was raining. But thankfully she was completely honest with both insurance companies, and her insurance paid for everything! Now I have a brand new bumper that looks better than the old one did before the accident. buahahaha.

It's too bad my computer keeps telling me I don't have the rights to save this photo right side up. Otherwise, it would look much cooler. This would be Kurt at Sherylin's company picnic that she planned/coordinated. I think it was in April. I think.

Andrew knows how much I love my American Cookie Co cookies!! He bought me a large heart cookie with this cute message. I LOVE YOU! My mother's day present will be when I get my new phone next month - it's gonna cost a "little" bit.

But that is about it, I suppose. For my friends who got the news that I was pregnant, and were wondering where my pictures and news are; don't. We found out a couple weeks ago that I have had a miscarriage, which has been heartbreaking. And we found out a few days before Mother's day, which really made my day amazing. BUT - we are good. We are moving on and pushing forward, and my awesome ob/gyn says that in a couple or a few months, my body should be ready to try again. And this time, it better keep! But that is why I have been avoiding the whole internet - blog - facebook - emailing - calling people - thing.

So for now, probably starting next week (after I feel my body has mostly completely healed) I will be getting myself into tip-top shape. What better time than now? Which means lots of running, indoor soccer, and personal trainers. Nice. Hopefully I will be able to trim down a little while I am at it. :)

I will update everyone again soon with church callings, and in June, girls camp! Woohoo!

UPDATES!! Come and get 'em!

2009-02-24T16:49:00.006-07:00

Okay, lets be honest. This won't be much of an update. I am kind of going backwards...forgive me. WE ARE NOT PREGNANT. Despite contrary persecution, we have not made a baby. I only had a stomach virus, jeez people. Calm down. Seriously.
But more important than viruses, Transformers 2 is coming out this JUNE!!! HOORAY I am so excited. If anyone wants to see it with Andrew & I just call me!

This here is just a random picture taken a couple years ago. I don't have access to the network a bunch of recent photos of us are on. There is no telling when I will have time to transfer the pictures (I am pretty slow when it comes to technology - I really am turning into my mother!).

Okay, so my mom and Aunt painted these crazy frog things for their dad for Christmas. This guy was my favorite by far - I think they painted 4 of them. It could have been 5. But he plays the fiddle, so he is cool to play in Texas in a band.

Jenn & I stopped at a hotel in Page, Arizona on the way home from Utah. When we pulled up in front to check in, I had stuff in my hands to throw away. Keys in one hand, trash in the other. For some really odd reason, I tossed everything in the trash - keys included. As soon as they left my hand I realized what was happening but was too slow to catch them again. So I had to dig my keys out of the trash can...thankfully the front desk clerk gave me some gloves. I think might have gotten Aids. Here we can see her modeling my makeup brush. Wow. Thank you, Jenn!!
At graduation! Jennifer, Tiffany, and myself. WE DID IT! Hizzah. And Hoorah.
So that is about it. I am very slowly building my business on the side - have not decided on a business name, so I have not printed my new cards, so I don't have hardly anything organized. But I am working in a rehab place, so it's not like I am not making money. Just not as much as I could. But Andy likes to say I work slow: and it's true! So don't worry people, I am getting there. I work 30 hours a week and make just a little less than I used to at the bank. Difference being: I don't work weekends or nights, my work does NOT follow me home (at least, not in a bad way), I get a one-hour lunch break, and it is not the end of the world if I call in sick. How much better can it get? Oh wait, if I get my business going enough that I could quit - then it would be heaven!

Andrew is trying to get into Harris County to be a constable - if he gets the job, he would have to start in the jails. But, it could be worse. Keep your fingers crossed that if it is the Lord's will, he will get the job within a few weeks!!

Sherylin got engaged! About time too - she is thinking right now of a Hawaii wedding in June of 2010...we will see how long that date holds up. ;) I will get a picture or two up of the happy couple once I figure out which camera the pictures are on - cause they sure ain't on mine!

Whelps folks, gotta jet. Maybe I will update this in time for Easter.

New Posts Coming Soon . . .

2009-01-24T12:22:00.002-07:00

It is just hard to get on the computer when my husband is always on when I am actually home. Makes me miss the Utah days. Not really. STAY TUNED!

Running away . . . for a night.

2008-12-07T20:41:00.011-07:00

So after feeling the stresses of school and life getting to us - we decided to run away to Salt Lake City for an evening. The real excuse is that my big brother, Sean, flew into town to drive home with Andrew this Thursday. We couldn't leave him stranded up there, but he would have been cool just hanging out at Eric's house all day. After lunch (btw, THANK YOU ERIC!), we went to some outdoor mall near the Temple to wait for it to get darker for the lights at Temple Square. We forgot about the Christmas broadcast taking place that evening . . . and felt kinda bad when we bought hot chocolate from Maverick. Oh well. I didn't get as many pictures as I wanted, because as usual, I forgot to charge my camera battery. GRRRR. But here are a few highlights:

Jennifer in front of the reflective pool thing with the pretty nativity behind it.

Myself in front of the Temple. The place was stinkin' GORGEOUS. I love Christmas lights!

Seriously, who wouldn't want to escape here? Peaceful, pretty, and full of Christmas at the moment!

Sean cracks me up! I tell him to pose, and he has no clue what to do. He instinctively chooses this pose . . .

Andrew always wants to look in charge. This picture proves that.

I love this picture! I should have cropped it though. It is similar to a picture we took 3 years ago before we started dating. Officially anyway.

Holy Moly the Temple was breathtaking!! The moon was much brighter than this picture lets on. But that's okay.

Wish Jenn & I luck as we take on a stressful week: Monday - TrP review, Anatomy hands on quiz we have not studied for. Tuesday - Lab Final, Russian Protocol due that I think I finished. Wednesday - TrP final I have not studied for, Pathology II final I have only studied essay questions for, pack up the rest of the apartment and load moving truck that evening. Thursday - Andrew & Sean leave for Texas and I pack up anything remaining to throw in the back of the truck. Then I start the cleaning process (we need our deposit back - BAD), I also have to get my sales project completed on this day as it is the only day I can do it. Friday - Clinic shift as usual with cleaning the apartment afterward...I hope I get it finished this day (mon is my last day I have to be out). On top of these things, we have 3 more finals NEXT week we haven't studied for yet, and a sales project that has not come together yet. It's kinda due on Monday.

Can't wait to see everyone back home! ! ! !

We are Moving SOONER. HOORAY!

2008-11-29T16:28:00.002-07:00

Actually, Andy is moving back sooner. I am so jealous!! He is trying to get on with HPD back home, and in order to qualify you have to have completed 60 college credits. After he starts the application process, he realized he is 7 credits shy. Now he is leaving the 11th of December to take 2 mini-mester classes, and I am stuck here to finish school until the 18th. GRRRR. So I probably will not post another blog until after Christmas - I have to pack the entire house by the time he leaves, while keeping up the toughest finals I will get to take. How fun! Pray for me~

We are MOVING! Hooray!

2008-11-15T12:07:00.003-07:00

We finally agreed on a moving date - December 21st. Why so close to Christmas, you might ask?? Cause. No really, Andrew's best friend will be in town for a wedding on the 20th, so they will leave the following day. Andrew & Bryan are driving the truck, Jennifer and I will be driving my car. Can't do it sooner because I have graduation on the 18th. I would feel bad if I skipped, because it will be a little-bitty, tiny graduation. I think there will be 12 or 15 of us there. GAY! Oh well.

So for you people who want to see us before we leave - better start callin', cause we aren't staying for you. Sorry.

Oh yeah - so we called our management office the other day about replacing the parring knife they ruined by using it to repair things in the bathroom - they almost died when I told them a new one was going to cost $55. hahaha. That's what they get. Someone will either be getting fired, or get a nice write-up. Either way, they ruined our knife.

Church...what's that?!

2008-10-26T18:09:00.017-06:00

Okay, okay, we are sinners!! Andrew & I did not get home until 2am from work last night...I "forgot" to set an alarm for church at 9am. We woke up a few minutes before 11. WHOOPS. Seriously though, we felt bad. And I slept wrong and for several hours after I woke up my left shoulder was rotated forward pretty bad...I looked like I got stuck doing the twist or something. That's what I get for being a hater.

So after we woke up and got moving about on our sinful sabbath we decided to go and hike with Jennifer up the canyon down the road. Here are some pictures of that fateful trip...

Here we have a picture of Jennifer pretending to chug that gatorade! Whimp wouldn't open the bottle and do it for reals. And below...well...Andy & I are just stinkin' cute. Get over it!!

Good picture of us, Jennifer!! I like this picture lots. I don't care for your opinion unless you agree with me.

We never know what Andrew is doing in most of the pictures taken. This is a great example of that confusion. Too bad you couldn't see my expression.

Cute picture of Jennifer!!

Andrew trying to keep that boulder from crushing him!!

We are so photogenic - hahaha.

Push harder, Jenn!!!!
Pretty view...

Yes, I am sassing you.

<-Andrew was supposed to be walking across the logs, not squatting on them! OH well.

Overall, we had a ton of fun!! For the rest of the pictures, check out my facebook album. But you can only view it if you are on my friends list. Stalkers need not try!! I will get some more stuff up here soon. Don't worry.

Life is good so far - school is nuts as usual, and I barely have time for homework. Friday clinic is treating us good so far - I am still trying to decide if I like it. (Saturday clinic is so much better because clients have zero expectations of their massage...) Trying to figure out what to do after school - if you have any ideas feel free to run them by me! I feel clueless... TILL NEXT TIME!!!!

Hydro-poop-therapy GAG

2008-10-02T23:50:00.007-06:00

So I had my hydro therapy final yesterday - LAME!!! The test made me so mad - questions that we were told would not show up on our final magically appeared. Out of thin air, I'm sure. And then the questions were worded all funny. I think the person that wrote the test has english as their third language. But I still passed with good grades, so I really should not complain. But when you show up for the review for this test and told to read all 12 chapters, AND appendices...only to discover that 3½ chapters covered the test - it's a little frustrating. I wasted all my time reading about a class I can't stand when I could have been studying better classes. oh well. Thank goodness I never have to take that class for the rest of my life!

As some of you know, we like to communicate with our neighbors via notes - junior high style!! We discovered the fun of this about a week after they moved in when we were figuring out cable cords and such.

Here (above) we have a lovely note from me waiting to be picked up. How do I know when a note is for me or for them....? If the red end of the note is showing, it means it is mine to them. If the green side is showing, it is to us from them. Simple, yet so effective.
And below is what our note passing typically looks like. It is hilarious when Amanda is putting a note down the hole and Andy is sitting right below playing his guitar - he snatches it out of her hand and freaks her out. Always good for a laugh.

And if we are lucky, Amanda will catch us when we are in the living room. We don't usually see her through this vent, as it leads directly into their bedroom - but she has dropped cookies to us through here - very entertaining. It scares Andy when she yells "HEY!", he looks up, and there she is above!!!!!! (don't worry people, we keep our clothes on in that vicinity)

Having awesome upstairs neighbors makes such a huge difference living here. It makes it so much more bearable!!! Too bad we can't fit movies through that vent...cause we like to trade movies for a weeks time or so.

Well, that's all the time I have to B.S. with you people. I am waiting for Andy to get home with his mother - her flights got screwed up and she was going to be stranded in SLC for the night. So Andrew, like a good son, went to pick her up. Cute.

Hooray for pictures!!

2008-09-28T13:12:00.008-06:00

Andy has decided to sport a goatee. Not bad...but my opinion is fairly bias.

The marquee sign at Andrew's store. I will give everyone ONE guess who came up with the idea for both signs... The awesome thing is that a customer got really upset one day about the signs. She told the drive through employee at the window: "I am an english major, and this sign offends me! If it is not changed, then I am never coming back to this Sonic". hahahaha. Get a life.

Where has the time gone??

2008-09-28T12:29:00.003-06:00

So I'm sitting here thinking - CRAP! It's almost October. Then November. Then December. Then 2009. What have I done with myself this year? I feel like nothing - but I know I've done a lot.

I made a huge decision to leave my "comfortable" but miserable life (I say miserable b/c Andy & I hated our jobs pretty bad...but made a lot of money) to make a new one for Andy & I.
I stood up for myself at my previous job and quit taking bull from people and never let anyone push me around - hence the nickname "F-Bomb Brown" (but only Saturday mornings).
I learned how to NOT shop for an apartment online, b/c we ended up in a dump but got the coolest neighbors ever.
I started a new school program, have straight A's so far and perfect attendance. I have never been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA before - I will let you know how it ends up after school is over.
I realized just how important family is and how much they really mean to me.
I also realized how much I HATE Utah. This place is gross. They don't even have feeder roads here!
I learned how to use craigslist and how to become an ebayaholic.
I learned how to be poor - having to donate plasma to buy groceries has really humbled me. I also have to stay within a tiny budget, forcing me to learn the difference between need and want.
I also learned how to deal with companies that try to screw us over - and how to get our money back from them.
I learned that it takes 6-8 weeks for an address change with the IRS.
I found out it takes a really really long time to get anything accomplished through the IRS.
I discovered it is really disgusting to drop your cell phone in your tomato soup. And takes several days to completely clean it.
I decided that driving in a Uhaul really is not that fun. And stopping for a night at a hotel is not a bad thing for a loooong road trip.
I learned that the food you eat really does affect your body - DUH. I am finally eating more fruits and veggies, and am constantly taking my baby steps at eating better and better.

Anyway - so these are just some of the things that came to my mind just now. This really has been a crazy year, and a lot has been going on constantly here at the Brown manor. To ensure this blog isn't so long that no one will want to read it, I will post again a couple of pictures (I need to learn how to take more pictures...).

A good idea for a prank...buahaha

2008-09-07T18:02:00.003-06:00

So, I have an instructor at school that is terrified of the weirdest thing: the sounds that wookies make. Yes, as in, wookies from Star Wars. If you start to make the wookie noise around her, she starts freaking out and totally loses her cool. This instructor also happens to be obsessed with Bob Harper, the personal trainer from biggest loser. Too bad he bats for the other team.

A common theme at school is for our instructors to play pranks on each other. For example; Char left a cd in one of the classroom cd players - Jake & Alisha find it, and choose to make a ransom video to give to Char. I'll have to see if I can get a copy of it, it was hysterical. Well, my anatomy instructor told me the best and most ultimate prank...1)create a screen saver in which a wookie eats Bob Harper while making terrifying wookie noises. 2)change the startup noise on her office computer to a really loooooong wookie noise! hahahaha. I love it.

So, just so everyone knows, we got our money back from the scammer jerks. I was quite surprised b/c they told me they were not going to refund me. I'll take it!

Gots to go, dinner is calling!

WE GOT SCAMMED!!! GHAGKNJSD:CKNV SDKVJNK:SDVJ NKLS NVJKJ!!!!

2008-08-29T22:39:00.002-06:00

How freaking annoying. Seriously. Let this blog be a really freaking awesome lesson to those that are married...regarding...COMMUNICATION. So - Andy and I did not have internet when we moved to Utah, so I did not worry about anti-virus software. We got internet, and we kept forgetting to download it when the computer was on. One day, Andy got really tired of all the pop-ups from the internet, when one came along and told him he had viruses and to buy some program to get rid of them. He thought it was ligit, DID NOT research it, purchased and downloaded said program. When he finished the purchasing he realized it charged him for 2 additional services he didn't ask for. Oh well he thought.
...2½ weeks later...the program disappears from the computer and he then researches the company to find out he downloaded a trojan. And we paid for it! We paid for a trojan. I have been fighting the company this last week with my awesome and intense sarcasm to get my money back, and finally called my credit card company when I realized we wouldn't be getting a refund. The company sent me an email (finally) in which they said: "So we request you to provide us the details of the problems you experience with our software." haha. Funny. I replied with: "The "technical" problem with the software is that it does not work. It did not get rid of any viruses. Who ever heard of an anti-virus program that took ITSELF off the computer? I cannot get through on the phone to a live person - I paid 24.95 for that. I have already taken the program off the computer and downloaded a free anti virus program to reverse the results of your program. If you would like to contact me to get further information, you may reach me at 281-555-5555. If you call me, you can reach a live person; whereas the results are different if I try to call you."

Is that rude? I did give them Andy's correct number, but I didn't want to post it on the internet. I love Andy with all my heart, and if he had called me before purchasing, I would have asked him what he knew about the company and to research it first. Then we could have avoided the whole mess. Take home lesson: COMMUNICATE FIRST!! It saves a lot of time, effort, and sometimes, money.

If you ever see anything from: billingware.net; onebills.com; or allbilling.net call your bank/credit card company immediately!! These are all the same company with different names that process transactions from scammers...short end of the story.

I got tagged....AGAIN! GAH!

2008-08-04T22:30:00.002-06:00

So I guess everyone thinks its funny to tag me, because I can't stand it. Then I avoid posting anything up here for a week or so avoiding the tag. Oh well. I still love you Melissa!

This one is called "The Five" here are my five answers to each question:
Five things I was doing 10 years ago:
1. Playing lots of soccer - LOTS.
2. I was boy crazy, as usual. But couldn't do anything about it.
3. I pretty much lived at Melissa's house.
4. Waiting to turn 14 - so I could go to church dances.
5. Homeschooled.

Five things on Today's "To Do" list. (...it's now past 10pm. Past tense answers these...)
1. Pick up dry-cleaning. (they were closed when I got there - 1 minute after closing time)
2. Call and complain to managment that they need to replace 2 bath mats after maintenance got paint on them today - they told me not to worry about moving my things. But now everything is covered in paint.
3. Buy nice mats/padding of some kind for my Shiatsu class. (I got lazy and didn't go anywhere to look...)
4. Work on my pathology assignment.
5. Do some laundry @ Jennifer's apartment before her roommate comes back in town.

Five snacks I enjoy:
1. Pizza rolls!!
2. Brownies...sometimes
3. Doritos
4. Salsa 'n chips
5. ...not sure...

Five things I would do if I were a millionaire:
1. Pay off our debt!!
2. Buy a house.
3. Set aside lots of money for future children...
4. Put a good chunk toward both sets of parents retirement for helping us out these last 2 years...and the years to come...
5. Buy Andrew lots and lots of guns.

Five places I have lived:
1. San Antonio
2. Provo, Utah. (where we are now - ugh!)
3. South side of Houston
4. North side of Houston
5. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Now I get to tag five people: oh wait, I don't want to!! So nevermind!

The Cave, clinics and brownies.

2008-07-27T14:55:00.011-06:00

My awesome kitchen-closet!! No dishwasher, no microwave, and our counter?? The wooden thing on the right side of the picture...

The new water heater - without the fungus.

The pretty cherry tree...that attracts the worst diarrhea filled birds ever!! Seriously. The evidence was all over the car until I washed it off...

We noticed the odometer before we left one morning - WEIRD!!

Our living room of a cave!! It looks much better with all our stuff in it than without. (it covers the crappy carpet, the holes in the walls, and the ½ ruined base boards). It is has been so hot lately since we have no a/c! I find myself saying "I can't wait for winter!" - but then I remember how much I hate the cold and I keep having headaches trying to figure out which season I would prefer. Oh well.

Jenn & I survived another clinic shift!! This week went so much better than the previous one. I was so nervous with my 1st client, I had a hard time controlling my breathing and trying to not hyperventilate. On my evaluation he wrote:" I could hear you breathing..." it was really awesome. Jenn tries to make fun of me for this but then I remind her she asked a woman if she was pregnant when she wasn't. hahaha. (she will be mad I posted this)

I have had the worst craving for brownies recently - thankfully Jenn pulled through for me and bought me some. :) THANKS JENN!!

Finals, Fungai & Exciting Times

2008-07-20T10:53:00.000-06:00

So we have been a little on the busy side at the residence of Brown, here in Provo Utah. Jenn & I have been inandated with homework and massage techniques that we just can't figure out (well, I can't figure them out anyway). But that doesn't mean we haven't had fun!!

July 2 - I called our office to let them know something really crazy we discovered about our water heater - it had FUNGUS growing on it! Seriously. Mushrooms. That's right. Mushrooms. My Aunt Judy said I should have chopped them up and sauteed them. But it just didn't seem right. Since I talked to the office 10 minutes before they closed, no one came till the next evening. They claim they knew nothing of it - but, if someone came and "cleaned" the place before we moved in like they claim they did they would have noticed it. Oh well. What was supposed to be a 4 hour job turned into a 9 hour job. We are still waiting for them to come back and paint our hall wall, and bathroom ceiling - from being replaced after they were ripped out when a pipe burst w/the new water heater. AWESOME.

Getting Tagged is AWESOME. (not)

2008-07-20T10:39:00.000-06:00

So Anna tagged me a in a post and I have been avoiding updating our blog because I hate being tagged. Oh well. The original tag had 26 silly things - to go with each letter of the alphabet. But I am cutting it in ½. ENJOY!!

B-best friend? Andrew!
D-day of choice? Hmmm....either Thursday of Friday.
F-favorite color? Pink. Duh.
H-hometown? H-town. But I'm stuck in Provo for now.
J-January or July? That's tough. I hate really cold weather, but I also hate not having a/c in July. Can I pick another month instead?
L-life isn't complete without? Food. And money. You have to pay for things. I guess it isn't complete without family either.
N-number of brothers and sisters? 1 lonesome brother, 2 sisters.
P-phobias and fears? Aren't they the same? If you have a phobia, it is a fear of something...right? Oh well. I am scared of Utah Drivers.
R-reason to smile? Finding money in my pocket, warm chocolate chip cookies made by Jennifer, when Andy picks up the phone and sounds like scooby doo...this list could go on and on!
T-tag 3 people. No way. Thats mean. I hated the game of tag as a child.
V-vegetable? Is pizza a vegetable?
X-x-ray or ultrasound? Ultrasound - you don't have to sit still for it, and the person operating the machine doesn't strap on a bullet proof vest and leave the room.
Z-zodiac Sign? Sagittarius

Hiking is FUN! (when you are not in school clothes...)

2008-06-23T19:08:00.001-06:00

So, the other day Andy thought it would be fun to take Jenn & I for a quick hike after school. I had not yet been home, and he met us at Jenn's apartment - so everyone got wear jeans and tennis shoes. And me? Well, you can see the pictures for yourself. I felt LAME. Oh well.

Andy is working as an assistant manager at Sonic. Not a glamorous job by all means, but, they pay better than we thought we could find. And they will pay him overtime....how cool is that? I'll tell you how cool - it's AWESOME!!

And our apartment is still ghetto. But now its kind of the fun ghetto house to hang out in. We have no a/c - we thought we got it from upstairs, but we don't. So it is hella hot for some reason in the basement, it's supposed to be relatively cool. Oh well. But they cleaned the carpets, they fixed the light that didn't work over the toilet, and they will fix the wall railing that is coming out at some point. I hope. Oh, and I have to buy some Bengal bug spray - the spiders are AWFUL. EWWW. I hate spiders. Seriously. Hate. gross. They are everywhere - I guess that happens when your place is a dump. Oh well. I promise I will get pictures up soon, I keep forgetting.

Oh, Jenn and I went to our classmates wedding. It was nice - it was on a small ranch in the mountains during the evening. Gorgeous. She also caught the bouquet. ;)

Ever wanted to live in a dump?

2008-05-30T19:06:00.001-06:00

...cause if you have, now is your time to take advantage of this awesome 2 bedroom, 700 square foot, partially finished basement apartment. But of course, we will advertise it as a duplex. Landlord covers all utilities - no washer/dryer, no dishwasher, no heater, "central" air system. Not recommended for people over 6'5".

The apartment could be worse - really, it could be. And it looks much better with our stuff in it. But it does pretty much suck. Our kitchen is smaller than my last closet. I will put pictures up here whenever I remember to actually bring my camera to Jennifer's apartment.

School is crazy! I feel like I am being overloaded with information. But I guess thats a good thing...cause my mind kinda was starting to turn into mush. (awesome) We are in class M-Th 9A-5:30P. It's a loooooooooong day!! We get to cover 2 classes per day, but the time flies by pretty fast. Actually, the time passes slowest for the first segment of class after lunch, because I am ready for a nap at that point! Utah is crazy here! Too many weirdos who can't figure out how to drive: seriously. A stop sign means STOP, not SPEED UP! Andy almost got hit by cars 3 times today - when he was walking to work. lame.

Moving Sucks

2008-05-10T16:17:00.001-06:00

There's no nice way around it. All the beautiful things you spent so much time setting out when you moved in...have to be put back in a box. And not only that, it's not even the box it came in! And then I kept finding all these dishes I didn't even know I had! I have enough for a 5 person family, it is totally ridiculous. I hate packing. If you love to pack, please call me.

We are taking off for Utah next Saturday - so mark your calendars! It is going to be gorgeous there...and we are going to be leaving just as the summer humidity kicks in. buahaha.

So I really created this blogging blogger thing to try and keep family and friends updated without actually having to call everyone since I have very odd hours that I am available to even call. And now that I sound super insensitive and impersonal - I shall end this post by simply stating : I will get pictures up here soon.