This week Monika asks, "If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one ability or quality, what would it be?"
My gut reaction to this question is that I would like the ability to give a shit, because most of the time I don't. However, that seems just overly sarcastic and a tad rude...so let's pull back from that a little bit.
The one quality I would really, really like to have is more patience. Honestly, I am so impatient, and as a consequence short-tempered. Unfortunately, this behavior carries over into my interactions with a lot of people, my kids, my driving, etc.
More patience would give me greater peace of mind, more time to get things done and done right, a healthier relationship with people, and probably improve that whole giving a shit attitude as well.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Random Thoughts # 410, 543
First, I have to just be pleased with myself for a small minute. Here it is, 3 weeks after having given birth, and I am in my pre-maternity clothes already!! WTF, how in the hell did that happen??? This is the third kid and never before have I lost it so fast. I don't even breast feed, so I am really surprised...thrilled, but surprised!
Second, I hear on the news today that one of my all time favorite CSI characters is not only leaving the show, but he has been arrested for being found asleep in his car high on a multitude of drugs. Oh, Warrick...where did you go wrong. For those who do not know who that is, here is the cutie. 
So for next season I will have to occupy myself with Nick and Gil, not bad, but not as good (if you know what I mean)!
Why is it that now that I have graduated with my degree, I now have the urge to take on a multitude of other tasks or endeavors? You would think I could be happy to just relax for a little bit. Nope, instead I am wanting to take a dance class, learn Mandarin, and take on some more responsibilities with the organizations I am in. I am a crazy woman I tell you!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Decade-dance!
This past Friday D and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary. We did not do much for it being such a big anniversary. We had dinner at MacCools Pub in Layton, and instead of going to a movie we did our usual date event and went to Grounds for Coffee and played 5 games of backgammon. I won 3 of 5, but I have a feeling he let me! For his present I had given him a laptop and I wrote him a love letter. He gave me 3 treatments at the spa and the sweetest card (who could ask for more really?) I can hardly believe it has been 10 years, as it really does feel like yesterday. We started dating in August of 1994, so we actually have 14 years under our belt...we passed the 7 year itch test twice! Our first date was an Ogden Raptors baseball game (well, technically our first date was a blind date in February '94 and I did not call him back for a few months, but that is another story). 
Through these years together I have changed careers 3 times, he has retired from work, we have had 3 children and watched helplessly as one died in our arms. We have gone through my parents divorce and their re-attachments to other people. We fought cancer with his mom and lost. We have moved houses. We have had 2 car accidents and 2 new vehicles. We have fought and made up. We have laughed more often than not. 
D has made me learn so much about myself, love, family, and devotion. I adore my husband, for more reasons than I could ever list here. He is such an amazing man, caring and supportive husband, true friend, and unbelievably patient and loving father. Love you D!
Be the change you want to see....
This past week the question was mine, and yes I feel like an ass for taking so long in answering, but hey...get over it. The question was...You have the chance to cure the world of Cancer or AIDS or stop the violence in Africa or Israel/Palestine...which would you choose, and why?
I admit it, I was feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world and wanted to see if anyone had any answers or solutions. Guess what, everyone is as clueless as me! Honestly, I would love to cure the world of cancer, nothing would make me happier than for us to be able to save all those lives. Now, this is not to say that I find AIDS not worth curing, I do. However, AIDS is not a death sentence anymore and it can be prevented, that is unless you have rectal-cranial inversion and just want to choose to have unsafe sex or share needles. What does bother me about AIDS (***warning, going on a tangent***) is that politicians in our state particularly seem to feel that if we bury our heads in the sand and don't talk about sex on any level other than abstinence, than teenagers won't have sex so there is nothing to worry about. Yeah, because those raging hormones will just obey what the brain says right? So by that logic, we should not teach kids any math and we can just expect them to know how to balance a budget, determine interest rates and mortgage payments right? Aarrgghh!!!
So back to the question. On the violence front, while it is tragic and should be stopped, it won't stop until the people there want it to. No outside influence is going to make the violence end, it will only increase it in the long run. (Look at our lovely war in Iraq as an example. Stay tuned for Iran the sequel, coming to theatres before W leaves office). The people there have to make a stand themselves and the overall government in both places needs to focus on what is best for the country and people, rather than what is best for their pocket books. (That is good advice for everyone).
Curing cancer is my answer. So, get yourself examined, don't smoke, drink a glass of wine a day, eat healthy, exercise, somehow change your genes so you don't carry cancer, and you will still die anyway.
I admit it, I was feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world and wanted to see if anyone had any answers or solutions. Guess what, everyone is as clueless as me! Honestly, I would love to cure the world of cancer, nothing would make me happier than for us to be able to save all those lives. Now, this is not to say that I find AIDS not worth curing, I do. However, AIDS is not a death sentence anymore and it can be prevented, that is unless you have rectal-cranial inversion and just want to choose to have unsafe sex or share needles. What does bother me about AIDS (***warning, going on a tangent***) is that politicians in our state particularly seem to feel that if we bury our heads in the sand and don't talk about sex on any level other than abstinence, than teenagers won't have sex so there is nothing to worry about. Yeah, because those raging hormones will just obey what the brain says right? So by that logic, we should not teach kids any math and we can just expect them to know how to balance a budget, determine interest rates and mortgage payments right? Aarrgghh!!!
So back to the question. On the violence front, while it is tragic and should be stopped, it won't stop until the people there want it to. No outside influence is going to make the violence end, it will only increase it in the long run. (Look at our lovely war in Iraq as an example. Stay tuned for Iran the sequel, coming to theatres before W leaves office). The people there have to make a stand themselves and the overall government in both places needs to focus on what is best for the country and people, rather than what is best for their pocket books. (That is good advice for everyone).
Curing cancer is my answer. So, get yourself examined, don't smoke, drink a glass of wine a day, eat healthy, exercise, somehow change your genes so you don't carry cancer, and you will still die anyway.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Random Thoughts #27
Several years ago I had a friend tell me how great the TV show House was. Somehow, I could just never bring myself to watch it, I think because it is on Friday nights and there is always something else going on. Anyway, I have recently been catching some reruns and let me say that I now freaking love this show! I ended up renting all the seasons I miss and have been watching them while I feed the baby. I partly feel like I missed out all this time, but on the other hand I get to catch up all at once without commercials. The same thing happened with Amazing Race...I did not get into that until the season that Rob and Amber were on the first time. Speaking of that show, if you do not watch Sunday Morning on CBS you are missing out for several reasons, but mainly because Phil was on last week walking across Scotland...wearing a Kilt..Yum!!
On to another reality topic, Survivor last night was one of the best episodes I have seen in ages. What a shocker and how hilarious! (I won't spoil it in case you are a watcher but have not had time yet). I love episodes that have such a twist and the game changes on a dime, it always makes the game more interesting. Particularly when the person who was blindsided now has to serve on the jury!
To a more political opinion piece now. I am not going to address the candidates or positions or anything like that, I just have to vent about the Democratic debate the other night. In case you did not see it, here is the recap...it took Charles and George over an hour into the debate before they asked any question that was remotely relevant. There was a lot of discussion about not wearing a flag pin, comments both Hillary and Barack have made in the past, and the stupidest question of all "Do you believe that Reverand Wright is as patriotic as you?" WTF?? Seriously people, are you journalist or not? Finally after an hour they finally start talking about the questions that are foremost on Americans minds. I was so disappointed, not in the candidates answers as we have heard that before, but just in the whole layout of this debate. It belittles us all.
On to another reality topic, Survivor last night was one of the best episodes I have seen in ages. What a shocker and how hilarious! (I won't spoil it in case you are a watcher but have not had time yet). I love episodes that have such a twist and the game changes on a dime, it always makes the game more interesting. Particularly when the person who was blindsided now has to serve on the jury!
To a more political opinion piece now. I am not going to address the candidates or positions or anything like that, I just have to vent about the Democratic debate the other night. In case you did not see it, here is the recap...it took Charles and George over an hour into the debate before they asked any question that was remotely relevant. There was a lot of discussion about not wearing a flag pin, comments both Hillary and Barack have made in the past, and the stupidest question of all "Do you believe that Reverand Wright is as patriotic as you?" WTF?? Seriously people, are you journalist or not? Finally after an hour they finally start talking about the questions that are foremost on Americans minds. I was so disappointed, not in the candidates answers as we have heard that before, but just in the whole layout of this debate. It belittles us all.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Time Warp
This week Kim asked a Dr. Who inspired question "You've been given the chance to take one trip through time - backward or forward. Where do you go, what do you do, and of course, why?"
I want to go forward in time to see my great, great grandchildren and find out what their lives are like. I have such hope that the future will turn out ok, but such fear about it at the same time. By going forward I could potentially ease my mind that everything will be OK, or totally freak out that the world just doesn't exist anymore. In the event that the world comes to some gruesome end, by going into the future I could find out the winners of every major sporting event and get lottery numbers (ala Back to the Future 2) to make a boat load of money and hopefully create some chance of survival for my family. Selfish, I know, I should think about your families too. But what would Darwin say? Ok, to ease my conscience how about I get documentation on what went wrong and present it to the government? Not like that would do any good as they do not listen to anyone, but it is worth a shot.
I want to go forward in time to see my great, great grandchildren and find out what their lives are like. I have such hope that the future will turn out ok, but such fear about it at the same time. By going forward I could potentially ease my mind that everything will be OK, or totally freak out that the world just doesn't exist anymore. In the event that the world comes to some gruesome end, by going into the future I could find out the winners of every major sporting event and get lottery numbers (ala Back to the Future 2) to make a boat load of money and hopefully create some chance of survival for my family. Selfish, I know, I should think about your families too. But what would Darwin say? Ok, to ease my conscience how about I get documentation on what went wrong and present it to the government? Not like that would do any good as they do not listen to anyone, but it is worth a shot.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Pregnancy Reflection
I was thinking about not being pregnant anymore after a friend asked me what I missed and came up with my list of what I miss/thank God that is over~
I miss not feeling her move inside me. That is such a unique and special connection that no one else shares and when it is gone, there is a small part of me that feels lost. However, having her out her where I can hold her is a million times better!
I miss having the firm tummy! Even though it sticks out there, at least it is firm.
I am glad that I can tie my shoes without discomfort, I have no more heartburn, I can get on and off the toilet without feeling like I am going to fall over, I can lay on my stomach, and I can drink wine...Hallelujah!
I must do the pregnancy/post pregnancy rant however. Why is it that people feel the need to visit when you are in the hospital? Now immediate family, I totally understand and welcome...along with a few friends. But man, all the sudden you end up with 10 people in your room, the nurse coming in and out to do checks and see if you need anything, the CNA doing the same thing, the phone ringing and all the time you feel yucky and tired and just want to be able to go to the bathroom without causing some serious embarassment to yourself! I think I just react badly to too much stimulation, but seriously people! Along with that is the myriad of questions, the post ones are as bad as the during pregnancy questions. The hospital should just issue a shirt with all the vital details and answers to the most common questions asked. Ok, I will stop ranting, but I feel better!
I miss not feeling her move inside me. That is such a unique and special connection that no one else shares and when it is gone, there is a small part of me that feels lost. However, having her out her where I can hold her is a million times better!
I miss having the firm tummy! Even though it sticks out there, at least it is firm.
I am glad that I can tie my shoes without discomfort, I have no more heartburn, I can get on and off the toilet without feeling like I am going to fall over, I can lay on my stomach, and I can drink wine...Hallelujah!
I must do the pregnancy/post pregnancy rant however. Why is it that people feel the need to visit when you are in the hospital? Now immediate family, I totally understand and welcome...along with a few friends. But man, all the sudden you end up with 10 people in your room, the nurse coming in and out to do checks and see if you need anything, the CNA doing the same thing, the phone ringing and all the time you feel yucky and tired and just want to be able to go to the bathroom without causing some serious embarassment to yourself! I think I just react badly to too much stimulation, but seriously people! Along with that is the myriad of questions, the post ones are as bad as the during pregnancy questions. The hospital should just issue a shirt with all the vital details and answers to the most common questions asked. Ok, I will stop ranting, but I feel better!
Mama Mia!
My baby girl made her entrance into this world last Wednesday at 4 in the afternoon. She is healthy and happy, if not just a little fiesty at times. She weighed 7 lbs 7 oz and was 20 inches long. Her name is Helayna after her grandmother Helen. We are very excited, if not a little tired these days. (Could be why it took me a week to post about it!)
We are thrilled, she is great...and now I am going to take a nap!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Top Chef!
This week the "other Kim" asks What is your favorite home cooked meal/why.. and what is your favorite recipe (please include it).
My favorite home cooked meal has got to be just about anything my mom makes. Seriously, she is an awesome cook. Some of my favorites are Lasagna, Shrimp Fettucine, Shrimp Salad, and her Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner. I have taken over some of her recipes and use them now with my family, so not surprising that become favorites there. What I have discovered is that I do not like to follow the recipe once I have made something once or twice. I know how it goes together, so I always feel free to improvise. (My mom would never do this, perish the thought!) For my family their favorites are Chicken Enchildada, Linguini w/ clams, Chicken w/ wild rice, and my BBQ sauce.
Here is my favorite recipe, it is for a Tom Collins (and I would love one right now...bartender!)
2 oz gin
1 oz lemon juice
1 tsp superfine sugar
3 oz club soda
1 maraschino cherry
1 slice orange
In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine the gin, lemon juice, and sugar. Shake well. Strain into a collins glass almost filled with ice cubes. Add the club soda. Stir and garnish with the cherry and the orange slice.
My favorite home cooked meal has got to be just about anything my mom makes. Seriously, she is an awesome cook. Some of my favorites are Lasagna, Shrimp Fettucine, Shrimp Salad, and her Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner. I have taken over some of her recipes and use them now with my family, so not surprising that become favorites there. What I have discovered is that I do not like to follow the recipe once I have made something once or twice. I know how it goes together, so I always feel free to improvise. (My mom would never do this, perish the thought!) For my family their favorites are Chicken Enchildada, Linguini w/ clams, Chicken w/ wild rice, and my BBQ sauce.
Here is my favorite recipe, it is for a Tom Collins (and I would love one right now...bartender!)
2 oz gin
1 oz lemon juice
1 tsp superfine sugar
3 oz club soda
1 maraschino cherry
1 slice orange
In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine the gin, lemon juice, and sugar. Shake well. Strain into a collins glass almost filled with ice cubes. Add the club soda. Stir and garnish with the cherry and the orange slice.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
My Life as a Comic Book
In the story of your life, who plays The Hero, The Villain and The Trusty Sidekick?
I would not say that I have one hero in my life, I have several. Limiting it to just one seems unfair at best and just mean at worst. My daughter is a big hero of mine (She even has her own secret identity "Super Butterfly Girl"!). I consider her a hero because she is the person I would like to be. She is funny, smart, kind, sassy, independent, beautiful, and full of surprise and wonder. My husband is my hero for more reasons than I can name. He makes me laugh everyday (I even have the wrinkles to prove it!), he thinks I am sexy and beautiful when I feel my worst, he loves me completely, he is generous, kind beyond words, supportive, romantic, very much a real man, and the best dad I have ever seen. My mom is my hero for really so many reasons, but mainly for being the kind of mom that turned into a best friend.
My villain is really myself. I am my own worst enemy. I sabotage myself, I lack self-discipline, and will power, and I beat myself up more than anyone else could. So while I may like myself and have a healthy self-esteem, I also am harder on myself and in fact a villain to myself at times.
My sidekick is the one and only EggieBaby! That girl is with me through thick and thin, good times and bad, and will always have my back. She lets me decorate her house, is always up for anything we want to do, and understands me better than most people. She is definitely the person that would end up in a jail cell next to me laughing and saying "well that was fun!"
I would not say that I have one hero in my life, I have several. Limiting it to just one seems unfair at best and just mean at worst. My daughter is a big hero of mine (She even has her own secret identity "Super Butterfly Girl"!). I consider her a hero because she is the person I would like to be. She is funny, smart, kind, sassy, independent, beautiful, and full of surprise and wonder. My husband is my hero for more reasons than I can name. He makes me laugh everyday (I even have the wrinkles to prove it!), he thinks I am sexy and beautiful when I feel my worst, he loves me completely, he is generous, kind beyond words, supportive, romantic, very much a real man, and the best dad I have ever seen. My mom is my hero for really so many reasons, but mainly for being the kind of mom that turned into a best friend.
My villain is really myself. I am my own worst enemy. I sabotage myself, I lack self-discipline, and will power, and I beat myself up more than anyone else could. So while I may like myself and have a healthy self-esteem, I also am harder on myself and in fact a villain to myself at times.
My sidekick is the one and only EggieBaby! That girl is with me through thick and thin, good times and bad, and will always have my back. She lets me decorate her house, is always up for anything we want to do, and understands me better than most people. She is definitely the person that would end up in a jail cell next to me laughing and saying "well that was fun!"
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
School House Rock
There is something about the Spring time that makes me think about my oldest friends. Maybe it is the crazy spring break when everything went wrong, but we said fuck it and had fun anyway. Perhaps it is the idea of kids graduating and I reflect on my own graduation night (and party...talk about a cluster, cops were called, friends threw up on friends, most of us were way to drunk for 18....ah good times!) Whatever it is, I am missing my friends something desperate (Devita, Sharon, Lupe...you know who you are). It is not necessarily that I would want to go back to High School, God I hated High School. (Speaking of that have you seen the ad for the show about people from different cliques reuniting 20 years after graduating to live in a house together?? Some new reality show. Frankly I would rather have to have a pap smear everyday of my life.) 
Anyhoo....here I am thinking of my friends who live across the country and the world and wishing we could sit around with some cups of coffee, a banana split, and a big plate of nachos talking until 6 a.m. I want to go to the drive in and sneak people in in the trunk, I want to play capture the flag at 9 p.m. in the city park and have the cops surround us, I want to take a sluff day and go up to the Monastery for bread/honey and sit on the beach at the dam all day, I want to go dancing at DV8 (but it burned to the ground). Unfortunately, I am limited at the moment due to distance and the fact that I am a beached whale. So I settled for digging up some old pics and making a playlist for me and the friends.
Me and Lupe
Me and Sharon
Me, Lupe, Devita, and Sharon
Pass the Dutchie - Musical Youth
Antmusic - Adam Ant
I Wanna be a Cowboy - Boys Don't Cry
Small Town Boy - Bronski Beat
Headhunter - Front 242
White Lines - Grandmaster Flash
Come Dancing - The Kinks
Girlfriend in a Coma - The Smiths
Cool for Cats - Squeeze
Take Me Now - Vicous Pink
Pop Music - M
Everyday is Halloween - Ministry
88 Lines About 44 Women - The Nails
It's My Life - Talk Talk
Victim of Love - Erasure
Mexican Radio - Stan Ridgway
Situation - Yaz
Save a Prayer - Duran Duran
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