Sex and the City

I am excited to see this movie and I have plans to see it June 14th!! Crazy, huh? I work today and tomorrow and then take off for Puerto Rico. Upon return, it's my long stretch and I work Friday - Thursday....so June 14th is about my first potential day to see it!! It will be worth the wait! I have plans to see it with a bunch of girls from work. We are going out for Marlow's birthday which will include a nice dinner and potentially drinks after the movie! I will be the designated driver! For those of you going this weekend - enjoy!!!

My weeds are prettier than my flowers!

Check out these weeds that grow on your driveway near our garage. They don't die - we kill the ones by our fence and they came back this year. I think we'll leave these by the garage. Does anyone know what it is??

Flowers are planted

I made the early morning run to Wal-mart this morning (I opted for low-budget flowers this year). Our flower bed space in the front of our house is big and we have decided to install a pond and Joe still needs to do the irrigation system and he is also going to put drip lines in the flower bed. We love our grass and want plants and flowers...but I guess it's what you do when you live in a desert!! We just need him to be in town for more than a day or 2 and he can get his projects done. Poor guy....

I opted for many hostas and candy tuft for perennials and then mixed in white and red impatients as well as red geraniums. I'm hoping the perennials will really fill in by the end of summer and for years to come.

I started planting and it began raining...so I came in for a while and then went out to the mud pit to continue. It will work for this year. Next year we need to paint the trim.... The projects never end!

Enjoy the photos - you can see Nicky looking on!

Lost and Found

When I first moved to Colorado, I had some totes of school stuff and other random junk that I never had time to sort the junk from the necessary back then. Since moving 3-4 times since that move, I have accumulated more totes, but I never really went through them!!! This is my project for the week. The best treasure I have found thus far is an ankle bracelet I bought in St. Thomas in probably 2004 or maybe 2001?? Anyway, I found it. I thought that I had lost it years ago and I have looked for it on many occasions. It's not as cool as I remembered....but it's nice and I will wear it next week in Puerto Rico. I'm about 60% through my storage room and it feels great. My recycling bin is quickly filling up with my old college notes! Did I really think I would truly ever care about organic chemistry or physiology?? I still can't give up the textbooks....maybe next time!

Tomorrow morning I am going to plant flowers out front and spend my afternoon in my storage room....exciting huh??

Found!

I found a cute maternity dress. I was having a hard time because so many of the dresses made me look like one large person in front and back!!! I finally gave in and braved Mimi Maternity. I refuse to spend $45 for a t-shirt there or $80 for a cute top, but I found several dresses to try on and this one was perfect. The black ribbon belt can be easily replaced with differnt color ribbon to change the look of the dress. Props to my friend Steph for that ingenious idea!

We have a cute baby!!!

We had the much awaited ultrasound today and it was amazing. Our little one is sure active - we are convinced he/she inherited the hyperactivity from Joe! Everything looked great and the sonographer was able to rule out any birth defects I could think of! It was so powerful to see that tiny heart beating and I made sure to see all 4 chambers. The sex is still a mystery to be determined in October!! We are very excited and relieved. My appointment went well and everything is on track for an October 12th due date. 20 weeks down 20 weeks to go!

I'm going to Puerto Rico!!

I am booked. Joe leaves tomorrow for a 10 night stay in Puerto Rico and I will be joining him Sunday - Thursday. I asked my doctor if I could go and he told me to go now while I can - "you won't be able to do this next year", he said. I was directed to not eat anything from a street vendor and just be smart about food and water. I have to work Fridya night and Saturday from 10-10 and then I catch the midnight flight to arrive in San Juan about noon on Sunday - wish me good sleep in the air! We will be staying at the Embassy Suites (not as fancy as the last resort he stayed at -- but it's booked solid). I will relax and lay by the pool by day and we'll have our evenings to relax together. I plan on bringing books and chilling out. Jill - I sure wish you could change your plans to earlier to meet me!!!

If only I lived in a hi-rise!

My mom sent me this forward and I think it is unique and very cool!!! I don't think I could use this bathroom!!!

BATHROOM PAINTED FLOOR!!!

*IMAGINE YOU ARE AT A PARTY..... * TENTH FLOOR OF A HI-RISE BUILDING ....*AND THEN YOU HAVE TO VISIT THE BATHROOM....*YOU OPEN THE DOOR....

NOW, REMEMBER... *THE FLOOR IS JUST ** A PAINTED FLOOR! ***KINDA TAKES YOUR BREATH AWAY.....DOESN'T IT?

No Power!!

I woke up this morning abruptly to no power! When I had to to look really hard to make sure I couldn't see the alarm clock - I woke up!!! Sure enough, no power in our house! It just makes me feel so lost - my computer would turn on, but wait, no internet!!! It was raining out and I really wanted to know if it would clear up or not...but how do you know if you can't turn on the TV or use the internet?? I found the phone book and found the number for the power company to report it. It came back on by the time I was off the phone with them. YEAH!! As you can see, I'm on the internet and the weather forcast is rain all day. Kind of makes the BBQ less fun and rules out working in the yard!!!

My prayers go out to the families in the midwest who lost lives, friends, family, and homes. This week there were tornados in Iowa and Colorado - thinking of you all! Take those sirens seriously and get in the basement!

Enjoy your 3-day weekend!

I hope everyone has a fabulous memorial weekend. I'll be at work tonight, Saturday and Sunday, but I have Monday off to enjoy. Joe and I are going to grill out for his employees at the office on Monday. He is glad that he will be returning tomorrow morning before Barack and Hillary land in San Juan!

Grey's Finale

It was as great of show as the producers promised. Their plan was to knock everyone down this season, so that there is room to write and rebuild things even better than before and they sure did!! The finale has really set up the show for many great and interesting character growing and relationships for next season. For those of you who gave up on the show because you were mad that Derek and Meredith weren't together-- next season is for you!!!

Week of Organization!

Monday I completed our office and then I drug Joe to shop for office furniture. We didn't have time to assemble the new items before he left, so he will work on it this weekend when he returns and I will hopefully have pictures to post! There will be no before....it was too hideous!




Today I worked on my closet. Normally I take this time of year to replace the winter clothes with the summer....this year it's more extreme! I removed all clothes that no longer fit! Some of my non-maternity clothes still fit, but it is getting less and less. I added all the maternity clothes and I sadly have many less options, but now that my closet only contains clothes that FIT, getting dressed should be easier! The attached photo is not my closet, but what I wish my closet could be someday!

My family is driving me nuts!!!

I'm blogging and cooking dinner when my sister texts me to see if I was watching American Idol - of course it just ended in her time zone!!! I text her back "NOT YET". She texts, "I wish I could tell you what happened". I text her to text Joe because he's in Puerto Rico and not able to watch it. Inside I want to know but I don't want the surprise ruined for me either!!!! The phone rings within seconds and I know it's Joe before I even look - I answer with "DON'T TELL ME". Why can't they just let me watch my show and be surprised when I watch on Tivo an hour later than most people in my own time zone???? It must be a great ending to have the 2 of them so worked up!!! Better go watch!

Update: Congrats to David Cook. I always like to cheer on any midwesterner and I truly think he is most likely to make it with a great record. Utah is still crying over the loss!! The finale was a fun show to watch.

New Music

It's been a while since I've bought any new music - and this week I went on a spree!!! I think all 3 of these albums are great!

My friend Mandi took me to a Gavin Degraw concert in Boston years ago when he was still playing small venues and I have all his albums and this one is great!!!

I liked the movie and recommend it. The movie is sad, but so cute! I love Irish music and this album just has some funky, fun songs on it!!!






I enjoyed this independent film - again Irish and this music takes me back to the gorgeous green isle!

Baby Update

Since I gave you a nursery update, I should probably comment on the cantelope sized baby that is forcing me into maternity clothes!!! I will be 20 weeks this weekend and we are anxiously awaiting the big ultrasound on Tuesday afternoon. Did you know that your bladder has to be full for an ultrasound? I obviously didn't!!! I have to drink 8 oz of water one hour prior to our appointment. Weird!!! We are going to do our best to keep the sex a secret - I think it is one of life's best surprises and I love surprises!

I think I have been feeling the baby move in the evenings - it's definitely suttle and I think it is still such a new feeling to me, I'm just not sure! It's still exciting!

Yesterday I did the walk through of Babies R Us with a co-worker and her almost 2 year old. She showed me what I need and what she thought she never used and we both saw things that we had no clue what to do with!!! It was fun. Between her help and the kind email advice I've been soliciting from my Mom friends, I think Joe and I will be ready to register in the next few weeks. I'm looking forward to the trip to Iowa in June where my kind Aunt Crystal is hosting a baby shower for us!

Nursery Update

Last week we made our final decision on a contractor to work on the nursery. He had us scheduled to begin June 9th. This weekend we finished browsing through windows and made our final decision. It was a tough one because whatever window we choose for the nursery will be the window we will use for throughout the house. Our windows are original and almost 100 years old!!! Unfortunately, the $20,000 we were quoted to do the whole house isn't happening right now!!! I ordered the windows yesterday and they should be here in 4-5 weeks. I figured our guy didn't want to leave a hole in our house while waiting for windows, so he will set a firm start date with us as soon as the windows are here. He should begin late June.

Cool Decor!

My Mom recently added this to the entry way to her house. It looks so cool - great job, Mom! So many of our walls are textured, so I'm not sure it would work anywhere, but I'm trying to think of something cool like this for our nursery. Any ideas???

Surprise Company!!

I'm excited that my friend from Fort Collins, Stephanie, is flying into Salt Lake tomorrow. I'm very sad for her friend that lost her Grandmother yesterday, but Steph is flying in for the funeral and staying with me! It is excellent timing since it's my week off and I will be able to get her where she needs to be. My sympathy to Missy and her family.

I'm texting like a teen!!

My verizon cell phone bill is paid automatically and lately I've noticed it's fluctuating slightly and has gone up, but I wasn't paying attention and my work discount went up. I just glanced through the bill online and I have been spending up to almost $25/month on TEXTS!!! Oops! Long ago, I thought I would never go over $10 in texting and I didn't the last few years, but now I have. I guess it doesn't take long at 20 cents/text. Joe and I have found this to be a great way to communicate while we are both at work. Family and friends, feel free to text away I now have 500 messages and unlimited IN texting! Now I understand why all these parents get so mad at their kids - it's not that hard to do and I have joined the instant gratification and information society!

A Lovely Saturday

Summer is here!!! I'm a little sad that we skipped Spring this year, but I am so happy to have sunshine! We were in the 50's last week and tomorrow we may hit 90 degrees. We had a great day today. My week off shall be full of beautiful weather! We did all the usual fun Saturday errands including a trip for ice cream and taking Nicky to the park.

Tonight we are going to our local comedy club and likely go to bed rather early. Last night I was a ball of excitement and was in bed by 9 -- 6 days of work is hard on a pregnant girl!

Our First Mormon Wedding Reception

Joe and I were invited to one of his co-workers wedding reception. Her wedding was in the Salt Lake City Mormon Temple and we could not attend the wedding because you have to be a Mormon is good standing to enter the Temple. We were invited to the reception. The invitation stated: Reception from 6-7:30, followed by dancing from 7:30-10 (I always make fun when there's an "end time" on an invite). I assumed this meant DINNER....nope. It was the strangest wedding reception I have ever been to. We walked into a beautifully decorated hall and waited in line to greet the parents and bride and groom. Then we walked over to a few tables and chit-chatted with a few of Joe's co-workers (a few of them just stopped by after work on their way home without their families). We picked out a piece of ice cream cake and had a glass of punch. We watched them cut the cake and we left---that was IT! It felt so weird for us to just stop by, but that's what everyone else did so we did too. I would say it was much more like a funeral visitation as far as the in and out of it and greeting the family. It also felt a little like prom to me - the bride and groom and their attendents were 20 -21 years old. There's a first time for everything and we will know more of what to expect next time. It wasn't bad, just very different than any other wedding I've attended.

I'm Jealous!!!

Joe works really hard and many long hours....but today I'd rather have his job. He is heading to Puerto Rico next week and gets to stay at the Hilton Caribe! Yes, he will be working from 7-7 daily and won't even see the sun, but I'm still jealous. Really - I want to go with him. Next week happens to be my week off...but he leaves Wednesday and returns on Saturday and I am off from Saturday - Thursday.....so it isn't really worth me tagging along for one night!!! He thinks he'll be going there a few times in the next few months, so maybe I'll tag along sometime. I guess his travel is beginning again. He better get it all done now because come September, I want him home!

Ish...

I guess this is my latest favorite ending to words. Today the pharmacy resident I am working with asked "who started saying ish?". He's right - I said it today in the context of "I'm going to sit on the outside-ish of the table because I am going to get paged out". Funny, huh? I think I've always used the expression 5ish...but lately I've extended it to help me mean many things! It must be something I picked up from a co-worker because we all say it!!!

One of those days....

It was just a weird day at work today. My job is pretty specific and we have to follow certain protocols for certain drugs and we have to work as a team of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists all together to make it happen - it didn't today. It felt like I said A + B = C 18 different ways and people just weren't getting it!!! It was one of those, please change all the rules just for me today kind of days. So my co-worker pulled up this great video to crack me up and I needed it. Check it out!

I'm not sure which is funnier, the owners or the horse. This horse rides in the car just like our dog!

My Thoughts and Prayers are with you

My step-mom Barb lost her father last night. He had fought aggressive Parkinson's the last few years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I wish you strength and peace as you make the funeral plans today.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Dad, my thoughts are with you today.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!!

Thanks for all the love and support - I am going to need extra love, support, and advice this year!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

I hope all the moms and moms-to-be take some time to allow everyone to appreciate them and do something special for them! Congrats to my latest friend mommy-to-be - I am so happy for you!!! Have a great day - it's YOUR Day!

Red Mango

The latest craze around here in Red Mango. It's a healthy ice cream shop. It's frozen yogurt including the good benefits of yogurt. You have two choices of flavors -- original (vanilla) or green tea. Then you add your toppings --- fresh fruit, cereal, mochi, granola, etc. It truly tastes light and refreshing, but it's still a sweet treat, but not overly sweet. Last night I had original with strawberries -- yum! An awesome treat for about 100 calories!

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

We saw the movie. I was in the mood for something funny and I thought Knocked Up and Super Bad were hilarious. Forgetting Sarah Marshall was not as funny - it was just OK. Rent it, but save your money at the theater!

David Archuleta Craze!!!

It's go home day for the American Idol's and home for David Archuleta is Murray, UT....essentially Salt Lake. I will be at work during the big "party" at Murray High School and I wouldn't go even if I wasn't at work. The whole town seems to be behind him and he has a full day scheduled. The Governor is even going to be there! You can all see a little of our town next week on American Idol.

The National Enquirer has been poking around Salt Lake looking for dirt on the Archuleta's. My co-worker's friend used to live next door to the Archuleta Family and the National Enquirer has been knocking on their door for weeks looking for a good scoop!!! That's why I don't buy the stupid magazine!

My Opinion:

David Archuleta - GREAT voice, but he's got nothing to market as far as a record goes. He just has a great voice, but every song sounds exactly the same and he can't even keep his eyes open during a performance. He'll get a record deal no matter what happens, but I won't buy it. I think he is most likely to win.

David Cook - Love him!!! He has a great voice and a style. He will not win, but I think he will make the finals. He is a true performer. I will buy his album and maybe even tix to his concert.

Syesha Mercado - Beautiful inside and out. She has a fabulous stage presentation and great voice. She belongs on stage and I want to see her on Broadway. I think she is most likely to go home next week and I truly hope to see her on Broadway instead of her trying to make an album. She is my 2nd favorite, but I don't think she can beat out either of the David's.

That's why I go to work everyday!

It's hospital appreciation week at work. It means we get lots of treats, a gift (this year a dorky trunk organizer), and nurses win awards. Today they brought in a fabulous speaker. She is probably in her late 20's and is a 2-time cancer survivor. She shared her story of spending most of her childhood at Primary Children's and discussed the little things that made such a difference to her. With my raging hormones, I was tearful a few times. It was ultimately uplifting and will send me to work with a smile and much more positive attitude.

Iowa or Bust!

Our flight is booked. We are officially arriving in Iowa on June 19th and will return on June 22nd. It is hard for me to realize that we can fly to Paris direct roundtrip for less money than a quick trip to Iowa....but it's the truth!!! The price finally dropped today (by $130/ticket) and I booked it! Family is worth every penny! It will be a great weekend of fun with the Tommingo's and a fun baby shower for Baby Blueberry. The sad part is we will be a few weeks too early for any good sweet corn....bummer! I guess a good fried pork tenderloin will have to do the trick.

Ratings???

What did I do to get this "rating" thing with the stars? Does anyone know how to remove it?

Allergies....

I have felt crappy all week - it started on Sunday. I have a horrible sore throat and swollen glands and a headache. Normally I would chalk it up to allergies or a virus, but since I'm pregnant I feel like I should be extra worried and I am and so is Joe! I called my doctor and had a rapid strep culture done and we know it's not strep throat.

I've been taking Claritin and Tylenol (both on my Dr's List of OK meds) and I just don't think it is going to cut it. Last year I needed Allegra when the Claritin stopped working and it hasn't been studied so well in pregnancy. Sometimes I really hate knowing so much about drugs!!!!!

I am going to give this 5 more days and re-evaluate!

For all the Mom's or others who need to smile!

Thanks to all my friends who have been forwarding on the cute "mom" stories for Mother's Day. This one takes the cake and sure made me smile!!! Thanks for sharing, Amanda!

Happy Mother's Day

I was out walking with my 4 year old daughter. She picked upsomething off the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that.

'Why?' my daughter asked.

'Because it's been on the ground, you don't know where it's been, it's dirty, and probably has germs,' I replied.

At this point, my daughter looked at me with total admiration and asked,

'Momma, how do you know all this stuff, you are so smart.'

I was thinking quickly.

'All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mom Test. You have to know it, or they don't let you be a Mom.'

We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new information.

'OH...I get it!' she beamed, 'So if you don't pass the test you have to be the dad.'

'Exactly,' I replied back with a big smile on my face.

Livin' the good life

We still don't know how he does it, but every once in a while, we will be watching TV and look down to see Nicky covered in a blanket with a "pillow" - in this case his elephant is the pillow. The darn dog is sneaky and knows how to carefully steal enough blanket to keep himself comfortable. He has a good life!

Weekend...

It's been a nice weekend. We had a house guest Friday night -- the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League held regionals in Salt Lake, so the current UNC Lacrosse coach stayed with us. We had brunch with him on Saturday at our favorite moutain diner. Then we went to the Division II lacrosse championship game. We completed our afternoon with errands and watched a movie last night. 27 dresses - very cute and even funny. This morning we did yard work and caught up on things inside the house as well. This afternoon we are going to the Grizzly Hockey playoffs with Dorothy and out to dinner tonight. The weather has been great all weekend!

Back to work tomorrow - I am so thankful for all my days off during the week --- I don't think I could always manage to get everything done on Saturday and Sunday!

Go Jazz!!!

What a game! Did anyone see it? I'm sure those of you in the midwest were fast asleep while we were still cheering for our team! The game went until almost 11:30 MST. I think this was my first NBA game and my first "playoff" game in any sport.

It was amazing. Before the game started millions of balloons dropped on us. The energy of the arena was incredible - you could just feel it. Our seats were pretty sweet. We were lucky enough to have crazy guy who kept standing up and screaming (almost like he had a spring in his seat) directly in our line of vision, but he kept the entire section entertained. It was an experience!

Go Jazz - they killed Houston and now they advance to play the Lakers. I would love to see the Lakers, so Monday morning Joe is going to try his luck again for tickets.

We're going to see Seinfeld!!!

I have been watching and waiting for a year to try to see Jerry Seinfeld at Ceasar's in Vegas, but every time he is in Vegas - it's my weekend to work. Luckily Joe spotted an advertisement for Jerry's show in Salt Lake in June. Tickets went on sale this morning and Joe scored us 12th row seats. It is in a small theater and I think it will be an amazing show!!! I can't wait!

Merry Christmas in May??

What a day - this weather is insane. I think I heard Merry Christmas 10 times today. On my way out of work, I can see out a window and it was almost a white out of huge snowflakes, seriously!!! One of my co-workers said, "Merry Christmas, I hope you have your shopping done!". It truly feels like Christmas. I've given up on Spring....I guess I'm wishing for summer now.