I have to work today. But that's ok. Due to a last minute schedule change I'll get home (like home, home) in time for leftovers! So bring on the turkey coma! I'm ready to show my gratitude be eating a beheaded fowl!
I'm going to start writing like I am in the middle of a conversation, like there was no break between this post and the last post.
Only... I forgot where I was so I have to go back and look at the other post now.
Uhhh...
Right. Ok. So I worked Tuesday and it was a super slow day. All the sick people decided to stay home. But Wednesday- I looooooooved Wednesday. Why? Because it took me home!
My dear sweet Auntie got out of bed at 5:30 am to get me to the airport. Bless her heart. Seriously. I made it though to the gate and onto the flight just fine (remember, I'm flying with a buddy pass- which means I am stand by and if anyone has paid even a dollar for their flight- I get bumped!) All the direct flights to Denver were overbooked so my choices were either fly to Albuquerque and change planes, or fly to LA (I know, right? totally wrong direction) and stay on the plane as it flew back to Denver. That flight would have gotten me in later- plus it would make me sad to be that close to Disneyland and not be able to go. So I chose New Mexico. I've never been to New Mexico. The man I sat next to on the plane was super nice and not too chatty.
New Mexico... well, like I said, I've never been there- and from the looks of what I could see out the window, I am not missing much. I should have taken a picture, darn it all, to prove I was in New Mexico. You'll just have to take my word for it.
The flight to Denver was unremarkable (personally, I think a flight without turbulence is a waste!). It was lovely to walk off the jet way and have my Lisa friend there waiting for me! I haven't seen her since last summer when she came out here for Harry Potter. I was about to say it was even good to see the demon bronco... but no. It's never good to see that hideous thing.
That afternoon we watched Twilight. When Matthew, her hubs, came home, we all got gussied up and drove downtown. I knew I loved Denver, but until we drove downtown- I don't think I realized just how much I loved it- and how much I miss it. It's just a beautiful city.
We went to the Buell Theater to see The Lion King. We were making fun of all the little ushers who were freaking out over people taking pictures of each other inside the theater. I just don't see the big deal. During the show? yes, that's a problem. But to take a picture of your group sitting in their chairs? There is absolutely no harm in that and it was stupid the fuss they made (I have a story about that from a few years ago, but I'll spare you the details at this time).
The show was A.Mazing. I of course was bawling during the opening sequence. It was just so overwhelmingly beautiful. The music, the staging, the costumes- incredible! I know a lot of people have a hard time adjusting to the costumes- but I think it's pure genius. The last thing I want to see is some schmuck running around in a flannel lion suit with a mane of yarn wrapped around his head. The artistry was phenomenal.
the lady who played Rafiki was freaking amazing!!!
The next day we watched New Moon (and just for the record, when I say "we watched" I usually mean, "Lisa and AJ watched while I slept). Lisa had an appointment that afternoon- which was fortuitous because my friends, the Carrolls just happened to be going to the Museum of Nature and Science. So Lisa dropped me off there so I could spend some time with them. Oh my gosh. Those were two of the best hours ever! I don't think they realize just how much I love them and miss them. And for them to include me in their family outing really meant a lot to me. Their kids were a little shy of me at first- but then the warmed up and remembered me. They even have a new edition since the last time I saw them!
We saw the IMAX 3D film Under the Sea- awesome- God must have had so much fun when he was creating all the critters in this world- especially in the ocean because there are some weird lookin fishies down there!
After the wonderful visit, Lisa picked me up and we headed back to her house to watch Eclipse (remember what I said...?) when it was over, we drove to Aurora and met Julie, and Tina at Old Chicago for our traditional pre movie release dinner (Julie and Tina did not come to the movie- but they consented to at least be seen with us at dinner). Des came later to chit chat shortly before we had to go. I love my friends. I miss having friends. It was so good to talk to them. It was like I never left. Granted, I've seen all of them fairly recently- but still, I forgot for a while that a year and some change has passed. It felt so good to be there!
Lisa and I bought treats to stuff in my big ol purse, and headed to Stapleton to meet Trista at the theater! Again- SO GOOD to see Trista! I haven't seen her since I left Denver. We've texted a little bit here and there- but it was so good to chat with her- to be with my movie premier girls!
The theater had a trivia contest- it was badly planned out- but long story short- I WON! (there is a picture... but either they haven't posted it yet- or I can't find the right Facebook page). It was funny because I was really just trying to raise my hand first and not really listening to the question. It's a good thing I had my girls with me- they gave me the answer. I won the prize-two movie tickets and free popcorn and drinks for 2012. Uhh... not gonna do me any good kids! So since I raised my hand- I got my picture taken for all the world to see (if only they can find it!?!?!?!) I gave the tickets to Trista and the popcorn and soda to Lisa since that's the theater she'd go to and it's kinds out of the way for Trista. I think it's was a fair deal. They deserved the prizes more than I did- but that way we all got a piece of the pie.
The movie... well, perhaps I'll review it another time.
The next day dawned bright and beautiful... at least I think it did. I had Twilight hangover and didn't get up till about 11:00. Lisa and I watched some of the extras on one of the DVDs then she took me to the airport. All the flights looked pretty booked so we were going to try every flight. While waiting for flight number one- we ate lunch in one of the airport bars. It didn't matter how fast I ate my food though- because I could not get on that flight. I started to wonder if I should call my boss to let her know I miiiiiight not be at work the next day.
We sat around until the next flight- and magically- I was the last person on the plane! And I don't know how I managed that, because the flight was so overbooked that they actually called a guy by name and said they needed his seat and he had to get off. I don't know how I was not the one asked to deplane.
That flight was direct so I was back in Utah before long. Life played several cruel tricks on me that day. I was secretly hoping I wouldn't be able to get on a plane- therefore extending my stay a little... like Colorado just didn't want to let me go... plus, it was an gorgeous 66 degree sunny day! Woo Hoo!!!
As I walked out to be picked up by my cousin, Sharon... it was snowing. Not. Fair. It was a slap in the face that I'm back in reality. Snow. Work. And no friends.
But thank you everyone who made those few short days the best days I've had in a long long time (not counting Des and Tina's visit which was freaking awesome!) And a special thanks to Lisa for getting me out there- and back safely- and for letting me crash at your house! You rock baby! You rock!
The last few weeks have been bi-zay for me! (which in all actuallity has been a nice change of pace from the work-sleep-work-sleep-sit around and stare at walls-work-sleep routine that I've been in for the last couple of months.)
Last Thursday I packed up my crap and drove to Boise. I've never driven to Boise from Salt Lake so I didn't know what the drive would be like. I anticipated it being very long and extremely boring. It was rather a miracle that I was there in the blink of an eye! Seriously. It was the shortest drive ever. Even sometimes the drive from SLC to Poky seems a long longer than that drive. And it was smooth sailin' all the way!
I got there in time to hang out with my little bro and his boy. Both cute. I love my little brother. And little boys don't get any cuter than Donaven. JaNeil came home so Donaven and I went to the store. Poor kid, his mom's been on bed rest for about 10 weeks so he got used to people coming everyday to pick him up to go play. That day he stayed home all day with dad and he was ready to go OUT! So it was really easy for him to go with me. He was a little shy of me at first- but he warmed up.
At the store he was so stinkin cute- everything I put in the cart I'd ask him if we should buy it- and he would nod "yes" with his whole body. hahaha. I bought him a package of goldfish crackers because he wanted them. I'm an awesome aunt and can spoil the heck out of him if I want to! So I did.
I made dinner that night and then beat JaNeil at a couple of rounds of 5 Crowns. Then everyone headed to bed. The next day Trav and JaNeil headed to the hospital. Donaven was *not* happy to be left behind. He's ok if he's the one doing the leaving- but he doesn't like it when they leave him. I have a video of him bawling- sca-reaming- at the door, but I don't know how to post videos from my phone. But then again, I have a video of him five minutes later being so silly I couldn't stop laughing. He's a good boy. It was sad for a little bit to be left behind- but he perked up and played really well. We hung around the house waiting for the phone call! Finally around 2:30 Trav called to tell us the baby was here! He was born at 12:10 on 11.11.11 (no one thought to call and let anyone know he had arrived... uhhh... duh...) She tried to get the appointment earlier so he could be born at 11:11, even then I said he should have been pulled out at 12:11 so we could say he was born at 11:11 PST. Oh well.
Donaven and I got ready and ran up to the hospital to meet baby brother, Oren.
He thought he was a really cute baby. He was very soft with him, gave him a few kisses- then wanted to run away with his Papa. hahaha. I don't think he fully grasped that this was his new baby. That life as he knew it was forever changed.
JaNeil was a little tired and sore- apparently C-sections do that to people... Trav was just happy and I think a little bit overwhelmed. Another kid is a big ol responsibility!
But he sure is a cute little stink. Definitely a keeper. I like babies when their all tiny and still folded up and their little bum fits right in your hand. Awwww....
I got to put Donaven to bed that night after bath time. That little rat throws all his toys out of the tub to signify he's done. It took me two full size bath towels to soak up the water. When he went to bed he begged for "Puppies" (101 Dalmatians) and I being an awesome and obliging aunt- let him watch it for a while before bed. His pathetic little "Peeeees?" is irresistible. Especially when he does the sign language with it.
The next day Trav had friends over for the Boise State game. So I ran away. I took myself to lunch then a little shopping. I was trying to find a present for JaNeil from my mom. She'd commissioned me- and there are no freaking stores in that town that had what I wanted... at least none I could find. But whatever. I hung out with JaNeil a little while, beat her at another game of 5 crowns and hugged my tiny new nephew.
Sunday I took Donaven to church while Trav went to the hospital. I felt more welcome in thier ward than I do in my own. That's sad. Even though I was on "vacation" I don't get to go to church often enough to justify not going when it's right there. It was nice to go.
That was also Trav's birthday. So I made rice and Swedish meatballs for dinner. Trav doesn't like cake so he got five or six packages of Oreos stacked up like a cake.
He didn't complain.
He got Donaven bathed and in bed- so I went to see JaNeil and Oren again. This time she beat me at five crowns. D'oh!
Monday JaNeil and Oren came home. While Trav and Donaven were gone to pick them up, I mucked up the house and got things ready for them to come home. When they got home, we took a few pictures- I got to hug him for a while, and then everyone wanted to take a nap so I took that as my cue to leave. No sense hanging around when everyone's asleep.
The drive home was long and soooo boring. Probably because I was expecting it to be as nice as the drive there. But I made it back to Salt Lake at a decent hour.
The next day I had to work. It was a super long boring day. So slow that they sent me home early- which sucks because it was one day in like eight that I had to work- I should have just taken it off instead of losing the time. Oh well.
The next day... well... I think I'll do that in a separate post. This one is getting long enough already.
Today was my day off. I had a long list of things I wanted to do and as I headed out into the great wide world, I picked up a few tidbits of knowledge... or was at least reminded of them.
Never eat at Five Guys alone. One order of fries is enough to feed a small country. Holy. Crap.
Sometimes songs on the radio can really speak to you. Two songs in a row I think were meant for me. "I'm young, wild and I'm free" (by Triumph). and then "Born to Run" (by The Boss). I realized that this is supposed to be the best time of my life- and I need to get off my arse and take advantage of my freedom! I'll start in a few days by taking in a three state tour. I'm pretty excited!
I should never be allowed to be let loose in Jordan Landing with a debit or credit card. Seriously.
I love Pier One. Love. It. It makes me sad to go there when I know full well I can't buy anything- because I have no where to put it. I have no home to decorate! but I am head over heels in love with this Rug.
Seriously. I might marry it.
I am a sucker for anything with glitter and/or feathers. So when I found this Christmas tree covered in both- I was full of smit!
Awesome! I even relented a teeny bit on my judgement of having Christmas decorations out and Holiday tunes blaring overhead. Just look at the gorgeous glittery masks! It has absolutely *nothing* do do with Christmas... but it's so PRETTY!!!
No matter how hard I wish- the chances of me walking into a store (mostly Barnes & Noble) and being the millionth, billionth or whatever number-eth customer- and getting a $10,000 shopping spree will probably never come true.
Baby girls are so much more fun to shop for than boys!
I know it's been all over the Internet- and Facebook and such- but I went to the store the other day and they were already playing Christmas music and this cartoon popped into my head. I couldn't agree with it more!
I love carols as much as any other sing-along-geek, and I love me a beautifully decorated tree, but come ON! People still had their Halloween hangovers and already we're Rockin Around the Christmas Tree?
Next year, I'll try to have enough groceries in storage that after October I won't have to go shopping again until after Thanksgiving... then it won't bother me so.
