Wednesday, March 31, 2010

it's so hard to say goodbye...to winter.


As all of you know, I absolutely love winter!

(hate, hate, hate)

I was filled with joy this morning when I woke up and saw all the snow, coating my front lawn, the trees starting to bud, and my car.

(the one day I actually feel better, and it has to be hellish outside? Really?!?)

While singing, I hopped in the shower and pondered all the fun things I could do in the snow when I was done.

(I took a really long, really hot shower. It was amazing. I actually felt human again.)

Still singing, I got dressed and happily plopped on my rain boots. I love splashing in puddles!


(I put my rain boots on and begged, please! Make it the last time! )

My mom came by to get an apron for a bridal shower she was going to later. So we went on a errand run together.

(she was my chauffeur for the afternoon.)

We had so much fun, dancing in the snow, while walking from the car to the store.


(we walked as fast as possible, shivering and complaining, on our way into Home Goods.)

I found some super cute plates, bowls, silverware, etc... all in the shape of cats! Of course I had to get the whole set. Danny's gonna love em!

(we were there to find a few cute kitchen accessories to go along with the apron. We found an awesome lime green colander, and a citrus zester.)

That was about all the adventure I could handle for the day, so my mom took me home.


(I got back into my fav chair, and watched some Seinfeld until Danny got home.)

I lit a cheery fire in the fireplace, and then I made rack of lamb for dinner.

(I got the leftover pizza from last night, and heated 3 slices up for me in the microwave, then I went to Jamba Juice, and got a coldbuster)

It was such a lovely day, such a wonderful and magical snowy day, I can't wait for next winter!

(Please please make it stop. Please please, I am losing my mind!)

***I really, really wanted those rain boots. They were last years, and they got such horrible reviews, that I figured the $75 price tag was just too much. :( ***

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

just a little bit of complaining


From about 5 o'clock on, I feel absolutely terrible.

I have that nasty sore throat/terrible cold. You know, the worse version than I had the week before last. Seriously?!?

Danny has finally stopped snoring in my ear, which is awesome because I don't think I could stand earplugs to go along with my achiness and nose that is so stuffed up that I can't breathe, so I have to breathe through my mouth, which dries out my throat and tongue making my throat hurt even worse.

Advil doesn't work, Tylenol doesn't work. Zicam and Dayquil and everything else I have tried does not even take the edge off of this damn horrible cold.

I am so sick of being sick!

Even eating isn't fun anymore. I know I need to eat, I don't really get hungry. But when I do, I just feel strange, and after I eat a little, I feel like "this isn't helping, so stop." And I know that my headaches are caffeine related, and Dr. Pepper sounds so terrible...

This all started (again) on Saturday night. I started to get a sore throat while at my parents house, and I just wrote it off as drainage. So Sunday was mostly spent in bed, Monday I got up around 1 and did a load of laundry, then I had no energy, so I sat in my beloved chair for the rest of the day. Today I slept as long as I could- until 4. Then I got up, and headed straight for the chair. I watched so many episodes of Law And Order, I think at this point that I have seen every single episode ever made so far. And a lot of them twice.

I have decided that I hate the month of March. Although is has given us a few nice spring days, It has given me almost a whole month of sickness. A week of taking care of Danny, then a week of a nasty cold, then a week of taking care of Danny again, and now at the end of the month, 3 days so far of nasty sore throat and whininess.

I am so excited for Thursday. April, you so better be nice to me.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

everything in it's right place


(I started writing this post last week- It was a bad week.)

I feel like all I ever do lately is take my pills.

Time for bed. Open the cupboard. Open the bottles. one, two, three, four. Get my little pink plastic cup, get water out of the door dispenser. Fill it up a little, dump it out. (the first bit is kinda gross) Fill it up again, swallow the pills, bottoms up. Shut the cupboard.

Wake up. Drag my lazy bones out of bed. Open the cupboard. Open the bottles. one, two, three. Get my little pink plastic cup, get water out of the fridge door dispenser. Fill it up a little, dump it out. Fill it up again, swallow the pills, bottoms up. Shut the cupboard.

What I do in between is a blur. A blur of unhappiness. Nice days that beg for more meaningful moments. Instead I fill them with blur. I am sick of that cupboard. It's all I remember throughout each day. "what did I do today?" Open the cupboard...

"I feel like all I ever do lately is take my pills."

(now)


I quit my job yesterday. It was a bold move on my part. I am not famous for bold moves.

Sometimes there are situations of unhappiness that you can control. You can change your attitude, or work it out. But some of the time, things are beyond your control, and the only way to work it out is to leave the situation. This was one of those times.

I kept thinking "Why now? What am I doing?!? I am so not ready to leave! Am I really doing the right thing?" So I had a hard day yesterday. I laid in bed for most of it...

Recently (this week) we (my parents) had to put my grandma in a care center. She has Alzheimer's, and over the past 2 years, has gotten pretty bad. She still remembers my dad and Loo-loo, but not the rest of us (really).

So today I helped my parents move her belongings out of their (my grandma & her husband Jacob- my grandpa died 20 years ago- a story for another time) home. She is who I got all my sewing/crafting talent from. (But I did get all of my baking skills from my mom!) She was AMAZING at everything- from knitting to making wedding dresses. She even worked in the SLC temple in the clothing department for 15 years. Needless to say, her fabric stash and all her other sewing stuff- buttons, thread, machines, patterns, books, you name it, she's got lots of it. And we have to store it all at a storage place until we can figure out what to do with it.


So, next week, (while not working) I will be very busy stacking boxes and trying to organize it as much as possible so that when the time comes to go through it all, it will be easier.


I know there is always a reason for everything- timing and all. So even though I still don't think I am ready to leave work, I know that this is what I am supposed to be doing.

I will really miss my job. It was so much fun, and I made so many good, wonderful friends. I loved being surrounded by happy, joyful, beautiful, incredible, supportive, funny, down-to-earth, amazing, strong, inspiring, creative, and accepting people. I will miss them all terribly!

(and I still plan on blog stalking all of you!)

sicky mcsick sick

(the common cold)


Seriously. What is up with this persistent and annoying cold?

Like 2 weeks ago, Danny woke up sick. (on a friday) He was incapacitated until monday, and still stuffy for the rest of the week.

I started feeling it on tuesday, and by wednesday morning, it had taken over my body. ( I called in sick) On thursday, I went to work, but I had the absolute worst headache I have ever had in my life. No kidding. I have a friend that has had chronic migraines for the last oh, ten (?) years- one day in the life of her and I was ready to die.

Then on sunday morning, Danny wakes up with the worst sore throat ever. Then, the only day he even went to work this week was on wednesday.

And now it's saturday evening, and my throat is killing me. Earlier, I chalked it up to drainage from my still stuffy head/nose. Dammit.

Old man winter will not let me go. Asshole.


Sunday, March 21, 2010

it really really was...


...such a nice day today- so clear and beautiful! So warm!

We got to sleep in and Danny was lazy, (cause he seems to be sick again!?!) but I actually got a lot done today...

It started out with some wonderful news from a friend that totally made my year.

Then I went outside to get something from the garage. And I noticed what a beautiful day it was. I let Tilda come outside with me, and we milled about the hideous backyard. I keep having these ideas like I should rake the leaves (we don't have a rake) and clean up the garden. "eh," I thought, "not today."After the cat rolled around in the dirt a few times, I made her go back inside.

Ohh that messy messy garage.

So I decided to spend the day in it. I went through all the piles of boxes left over from 2 moves. I didn't get rid of much, but I organized the mess, so that if I need to find something, (like today) I actually can. I got keepsakes and things in light tight bins so they won't get ruined by sun or water, and the non important crap in the clear boxes. I only have so many good bins you know. I would have just replaced all the clear ones, but Danny said that I would have to make do with what we have. And he was right. It all worked out.

No more cardboard boxes! Spiders and water can get into those. (and really, I don't need any spiders in my life.) Except for the stuff that is Danny's. He still has not gone through his boxes from his single life. If he doesn't mind that spiders can nest in his boxes of whathaveyou, then I don't either. (shudder) Not enough to risk him getting mad at me for going through his things and angry deadly spider families, anyway.

Then I went grocery shopping, which is never fun. But I had to get it done before the crazy week I am about to have. (working every day this week)

Now I am itchy and tired and I think I am covered in creepy spider bites. And my foot hurts. Last night when I was sewing, I stepped on a needle. Yeah. Stepped on. Apparently it fell off my desk, and pointy end into the carpet. Then I stepped on it, and screamed a little. It's not that bad, it just hurts, since it's on the bottom of my foot, and I have been standing most of the day.

I really wanted to be lazy today. But Spring was here (at least for today, stupid March) and so I happily cleaned and organized. I always feel so much better after I organize. I had a boss once (at a restaurant) that would tease me that I was "nesting" when I cleaned off the shelves and reorganized stuff. Since I have been working at a baby store, I know very well that organizing does not mean "nesting".

I am still in awe of the wonderful news that I heard today. It is a true and honest miracle- and I am so so happy and excited and delighted about it!

And, 3 of my friends are pregnant! Seriously! 3. Who knew that working at a baby store would land you with so many pregnant friends...

Little Fat Jack, I have not forgotten about you. I have some delightful things for you- as soon as your mama is ready to party with the rest of us!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Featured!


So my Rag-a-muffin burp cloths have been featured on the "Fun Playroom" blog!

She is doing a giveaway so go and check it out! (here)






Tuesday, March 16, 2010

spring forward!


Out of the gloom and doom of winter, out of the moody blues and into longer, sunnier days. Which means longer, sunnier and happier days ahead for me.

I loved being able to open up all of the windows in the house today as I cleaned. Fresh air makes me happy. It makes my house happy. And it makes cleaning house a lot more pleasant. Having a sick husband really messes up the house a lot faster than usual. (Danny was sick all weekend- nasty cold) Good thing he went to work today!

Little Tilda and I took a little afternoon break in our dismal yet sunny backyard. I do not enjoy gardening, and I so do not have a green thumb. I have killed nearly all of the houseplants I have ever had. But that backyard... I need to do something about it. But for now, that matter is on hold.

I stripped the sheets and blankets and pillows off the bed, and put fresh ones on. I decided to take off the heavy winter down comforter and swap it out with the lighter spring/summer quilt. As I was putting the laundry away, I thought about cleaning out my drawers. "It'll only take a minute", I thought. Then it was "nah, not today." That too, is on hold.

As the day wore on, so did my allergies. And now, at bedtime- I think it's more than allergies. My left nostril is completely plugged up, and constantly running at the same time. My head is throbbing, and I am extra whiny. I really, really hope that this doesn't get worse!

In other news:

My friend Kelley just had a baby boy yesterday afternoon. I haven't seen any photos yet, but I am super excited to meet him! (after I get better that is)

I am working on a new quilt, out of the Timber fabric collection that I posted earlier. I have the top finished, I just need to pick out fabric for the back and the binding, and then I am going to take it to get machine quilted. Ohh I am so excited to see it finished!

I can't wait to get in that clean comfy bed!

'Night!





Friday, March 12, 2010

nothing, really


(pic not related to post. but it is related to me in general.)


It's late.

Danny is in bed, sick.

I need to go to bed, so I can be to work on time in the a.m.

I have 5 emails in my inbox that I could care less about.

I have been so very busy this week- family stuff, sewing, working, not doing laundry.

And I feel like I may be getting sick too.

All I want to do right now is paint my toenails with the new nail polish that I just got called "It's Somewhere in my Purse".

It's late.

'night.


Monday, March 8, 2010

stevie's birthday

For my one and only sister in law's birthday, we all met up at Iggy's in
L a y ton for dinner (and cupcakes)



The Loo-loo wanted me to take some photos of her licking a lemon...





Complete with dire consequences!


Mal & Cory


Blurry Stevie & her birthday cupcake.


My dad.


Stevie & Nick.


Danny & I.


Loo-loo giving Stevie a birthday hug.

Left to Right- Amanda, Loo-loo, Stevie, and Cody.
(Amanda and Cody are Stevie's friends.)



Cory, Nick & Keith's left side. (Keith is Nick's friend.)


Stevie, Cody and my mom. This is the only photo that had my mom in it. Sorry mom! Didn't mean to leave you out!

It was a great night out with the whole family. And despite the hidden layer of tomatoes on my salad (that I had to pick out) it was delicious!

Happy Birthday Stevie!!


(My dad and I took the photos- between the 2 of us, we got most of the action.)

Sunday, March 7, 2010

chartreuse

a few weeks ago...
when I was making burp cloths-


I did not leave my parents washing machine lid open, while it was full of robin's egg blue dye and burp cloths, while I went upstairs to grab something I needed to finish the dyeing process.

I did not come back down 30 minutes later to find that half of the cloths were a strange shade of yellow, and the rest were well, blue.

While frantically stirring the fabric and water, trying to figure out why this was, I did not suddenly see a small white button attached to what looked like a polo shirt. (gasp. panic. not my shirt. I swear the washer was empty when I started. I swear! shit.)

I did not then just close the lid and let the situation soak.

Why? My dad didn't put his light yellow RL polo shirt down the laundry chute, which is conveniently not located directly over the washer during the time period I didn't have the lid open. (good thing the white kitty didn't fall in. phew!)

When all was said and done, (apologies and such)
and the shirt was chartreuse,

"It's a really pretty color" my mom said.

"I can use it as a painting shirt" my dad said.

I think I owe him a new shirt. For Easter, maybe?

Except that the shirt is the color of a pretty little Easter egg...

For Fathers Day then.


Saturday, March 6, 2010

hair

usual



now


So my husband has this long hair thing happening. He usually lets it grow out a bit, and then buzzes it all off. About every 2 months. But this time 'round, he has let it grow and grow- since last September, I think.

It's in this horrible stage, it's driving him crazy, it's driving me crazy. He has never had a hairstyle in his life, (except for that unfortunate rat tail in like the 5th grade) so he just has no idea what to do with it. He is not a comber, a gel user, a spiker, or a styler. While he works on his programming, he sticks his hands in it and pulls it all up, repeatedly. So after 30 minutes on the computer, he looks like a cousin to Kramer.

We had this wonderful conversation about it a few days ago:


danny: (in the bedroom) Hey, come and look at this curly thing I got going on on the back of my head.

me: Whoa! That's like a Farrah Faucet curl!

danny: What?

me: You know, like Charlie's Angels hair. The fan-ish curl in the front.

danny: Uh...

me: (now we are inspecting it in the bathroom mirror) I told you you had curly hair. If you were a woman, and you had long flowy hair, it would be amazing! You have amazing hair. I wish I had your hair!

danny: (still in the bathroom, me in the hallway) Like Fabio?

me: Don't you ever say that word in this house again! I mean it! (I stomp off to the bedroom)

danny: I caan't believe it's not buttah.

me: ewwww.

But seriously, he has amazing hair. It's thick and curly in a way that if it were long, (like mine) it would fall into perfect big curls with lots of body. You know, the kind of hair I have always wanted? The kind of hair I tried to have on our wedding day. (my curls fell out by the end of the ceremony.)


(the kind of hair I am raving about is kinda like her hair)

Friday, March 5, 2010

sewing tuesday's newest project

I have been dreaming of these fabrics ever since I first saw them at the fabric store a few weeks ago. They are by Westminster Fabrics- Timber Collection.

I am gonna make a cute little throw out of them- you know, to put on my lap while blogging. The focus fabric will be the trees with the little birds, and then accented with the rest. The pattern I am using is really simple, really easy. I should be able to cut and sew it all together in one day. My mom is making one too, (but with different fabric) and I am so excited to do this project with her!