4th Street Laundry

For those who know me well, or keep up with me on Facebook (which I hope is one in the same) know how much I love my laundromat.  4th Street Laundry on 400 East and 1700 South in Salt Lake City.  It is clean.  It has plenty of washers and dryers.  The price is right. There is free wi-fi.  My favorite coffee shop is right next store. (Alchemy...another gem...delicious Italian sodas!) And there are places to sit outside when the weather is nice.

I have always loved the laundromat. I've always found it to be a calming place for me.  And I love the fact that I have to set aside time for it.  It forces me to have some chill time and I like that.  (You should like to too; you're getting a blog post out of it.)  Plus I love the way it smells.  Clean clothes.  Fresh laundry. Few smells make me happier.

Today I was reminded again of why I love this place so much.  When I arrived today so did the owner.  It is not unusual to see him here.  I see him almost every time that I do my laundry.  Whether he is here cleaning, upkeep for the machines, or he has come to help a customer with an issue.  Today he was here because a customer lost some change to a machine.  As he got out of his car he saw me and waved and came over and asked how I was doing and then held the door as I carried my laundry in.  He found the couple who lost their change.  Got it back for them and gave them a free load of wash.  They told him how much they love this place and that they will be telling all their friends. I smiled and said, I gush on Facebook every single time I come here.  The owner was so appreciative of the praise and had the biggest smile on his face.

You guys...seriously...for those who have a washer and dryer...if you ever had a laundry emergency or need to wash your comforters...4th Street Laundry is the place to go.  And for those of you who need a laundromat...this is the place to come.

All 'Likes' All the Time

The other day at work I was talking with my friend Sara and I made the comment (no idea why) "All 'Likes' all the time!"  I decided it would be a good blog title for Mondays.  Mondays always seem to be really rough for people.  They definitely use to be for me.  Then they weren't for a while.  Unfortunately they are again, so in order to get back to liking Mondays again, I am going to just take a few moments on Mondays to list off a few things, that as far as I'm concerned are "All 'Likes' all the time!"

First we begin with this awesome video.  I have my wonderful Uncle Dave to thank for introducing this to me.  When I watch it (and I've watched it quite a few times) I can't help but smile and want to take a "dance break".




My second "All 'Likes' all the time" for today is my family.  If you've read my blog or are friends with me on Facebook you know how much I love them.  This weekend was no exception to their awesomeness.  My mom and sisters (well Mattie and Kelli since Kerr Bear is in Virginia) and I took our (my mom and I) kayaks out to the Great Salt Lake and then hit up Kneaders for lunch.  It was a lovely mother's day field trip.

The day continued with pedicures, frozen custard form Nielsen's and an awesome trip to the grocery store.  Then Sunday arrived and despite being slightly fried on my shins (NOT "All 'likes' all the time") I made a pumpkin chocolate chip cake with cream cheese frosting and chocolate ganache.

There was a wonderful meal at my grandpa's house.  Wrestling with my kiddos.  TALKING TO KERR BEAR ON  SKYPE!!!  And just an awesome meal with some awesome peeps...including Dave, Steph, Katie, Mama, Kelli, Grandpa, Scottie, Mattie, Lyla and Jonah.

I honestly can't think of a better way to spend my Sunday evening.


Now maybe these "All 'Likes' all the time" don't seem super fantastically awesome for you, but man or man, they made starting Monday a lot a bit better.

A real opinion

I am not one to express a strong opinion about anything that serious when it comes to my blog, Facebook or any other social public media.  I will express my VERY STRONG opinions about how wrong it is to mix tuna with miracle whip and then eat that gross mixture on white bread...don't even get me started about adding pickles...GROSS.  Anywho...I listened to this report today and found it to be absolutely ridiculous and could not refrain from sharing my thoughts. Listen to the audio or read the article by clicking on the "Summary" link in the media player.




Mr. Monson would like Utah to end it's support of the Sundance Film Festival because some of the films at the festival do not reflect Utah values because some of the films shown at the festival portray sexual promiscuity.  Has Mr. Monson been to a movie theatre in Salt Lake...almost anywhere in Utah...recently?  There are plenty of movies at the Broadway and Tower that would fall in that category, but beyond that, there are plenty of movies at Cinemark Theatres and Megaplex Theatres that would fall into that category as well.  Would Mr. Monson like us to shut down all movie theatres?  If you don't want to watch that kind of movie, don't watch it.  Mr. Redford is not forcing anyone to see these movies.

After reading the article on NPR I read Mr. Monson's blog post on the Sutherland Institute's website.  He asks what message the state's support of Sundance sends to society and specifically to the children of Utah. Frankly, I don't think it sends any sort of message to children of Utah since I would imagine children, if they have ever heard the word Sundance, associate it with the ski resort, or if they have been well versed in movies, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.  Most likely however, I imagine the majority of children in the sate of Utah don't even know what the Sundance Film Festival is, or know which movies are playing at the film festival or how to search to find out which movies are playing at the festival.  There are not trailers on tv or the internet (for the majority of the movies).  Most people, unless the care to know, have no idea which movies are playing at the Sundance Film Festival.  I just took a poll in my office.  Out of six people ZERO knew the title or even a description of any movie at the festival.  One coworker didn't even know what the festival was...not kidding.  Those with children (3 of the 6) mentioned that their children did not know what the festival was or did not care and definitely none of them knew what movies are playing.

As for a message to society...well I hate to be Debbie Downer but that message of "sexual promiscuity" is being shared all over the world and very vocally by people/organizations/companies who have zero to do with the Sundance Film Festival.  As stated in Mr. Monson's post...the revenue from Sundance is only 0.064 of the state's total annual economic activity.  SIGNIFICANTLY more is being spent by those people/organizations/companies whose main agenda is sexual promiscuity.  If he is trying to curb the message of sexual promiscuity I think his efforts would be better focused on those groups.

I am all for promoting my values...for anyone promoting their own values.  But I try to do so in a way that makes sense i.e. I try to live my life in a way that is the best example of what I believe (not saying I am always successful, but that is my M.O.).  The argument that having the Sundance Film Festival in Utah is sending a wrong message to our children is just not a strong one, in fact, it is just plain laughable.

There are many movies at  the Sundance Film Festival, as well as other theatres, that do not reflect my values.  If they are offensive to me, I do not watch them.* If you find the subject matter offensive, don't take your kid to the movie.  But the filmmakers have a right to make those movies.  In fact I believe there is some sort of amendment saying something about their right...something about free speech...  I am also pretty certain there is an amendment, which the Sutherland Institute is in favor of, providing a right to bare arms.  So how about if we not overstate.  We live in a world where we can't hide from things we don't agree with.  But we do indeed have the power to choose what we give our time and attention to.

And while I would not tell Mr. Monson that he doesn't have the right to share his opinion, because he absolutely does...in fact he has the right to campaign to get rid of Sundance...but if he is going to do that...I think he needs to have some stronger reasoning.

And yes, I know, the Sutherland Institute is a VERY conservative think tank on par with the Eagle Forum...but I just could not keep my self from commenting.

That is all.  Thank you for your time...and don't worry...it will be another year before I express an opinion on anything serious again.

Oh and I am seeing THREE Sundance movies this week. :)

*While there are some movies at Sundance I have no interest in seeing, there are plenty that I am dying to see.  And they do not reflect my personal values, but that doesn't mean I won't appreciate the film.

It is November after all.

Lately I've been thinking a great deal about the seemingly endless number of blessings I have in my life...it is November after all.  And while mentioning things I am thankful for might seem cliche this month, it is not without merit.  I have been working especially hard these last two and half months to get to a happy place in my life.  A place that I haven't been in a long while.  There are a myriad of things that I have been focusing on in order to get to this place.  One focal point, as of late...as of always actually, but especially lately...has been my close friends and family.  Whether it is spending time with them or just acknowledging to myself their influence in my life.  I am often overwhelmed with pure joy after spending an evening with a great friend or family members.

I was driving in the car the other day listening to my iPod (of which I am EXTREMELY grateful for) and Knock Knock by Lenka came on. It has always been a favorite of mine.  The catchy tune and the lyrics.  For whatever reason, on this particular day, the lyrics really stood out to me.  As I listened to them, I thought back over the last couple months and images of my family and some of my dearest friends came to mind.  In these last couple months, as I've worked to be truly happy and joyful, these people have played such an integral part in my efforts.  Whether I have been in their physical proximity, shared a phone call, a chat via text or IM (technology is amazing), or reread thoughts they have shared in the past...they have all contributed to me being at this ridiculously happy place I have found myself in lately.  I wish I had pictures of everyone who has brought me to this happy place, but unfortunately I do not.  But I hope that even if you don't find a picture of yourself in this compilation, you will not doubt the contribution that you have made to the awesomeness that is me!

My thoughts on the best closing ceremonies ever

Russell Brand as Willy Wonka and the walrus...believable.

Annie Lennox has still got it. Although I am not sure that half of team USA is even old enough to know who she is...

But in defense of the young team USA…I don’t really know Jesse J.  But I think she could be added to my “can’t help but smile and dance” play list.

I am a fan of this Jesse J, Taio Cruz, Tinie Tempah trio of You Should Be Dancin’.  (I would have loved to have seen it by it’s originators in their prime.)

Even if it goes horribly array, I am RIDICULOUSLY STOKED for the SPICE GIRLS! 

And they delivered.  That was a WONDERFUL reunion.

Was Missy Franklin even born when the Spice Girls took over the world?  I am fairly certain the “Fierce Five” were not. 

I want to watch Spice World now.

Great music comes out of Great Britain.  (Although the Scandinavians are currently dominating the music world…my music world anyway…with the exception of Mumford and Sons.)

And LoLo Jones once again proves why she is so awesome.  Singing along to Wonder Wall.  Love her.

I love the Brits.  Best sense of humor.  Roller blading nuns…with Union Jack undies.  Awesome. Sauce.

Always look on the bright side of life!!  Eric Idle.  Is there anything more British?

The Royal family loved the human cannon ball!  I did too.

FREDDIE!

Jesse J can’t really replace Freddie. No one should try.  I’m not saying she can’t sing…clearly, she can.  It’s just that no one should do Freddie, except Freddie of course.

I want a hat that has a light bulb on it.

London has the best Olympic cauldron ever.  How will anyone ever top that?!

TAKE THAT!  BEST CLOSING CEREMONIES EVER.  Done and done.

and they keep on coming...

I love the Olympics.  I always have.  So enjoy another post J

I LOVE that Katie Bell counts “5,6,7,8” before she dives.

It makes me laugh when the platform divers jump on the platform and it doesn’t bounce.  I know it isn’t going to, but I expect it to every time.

Ok so I initially thought it might be the pole vaulters that are the strongest athletes.  But it might actually be women’s platform divers…or maybe it is just Brittany Viola.  Holy handstand Batman!

Misty May high-fiving almost the entire arena after May and Walsh beat China.  I am going to miss watching those two play volleyball.  Misty May-Treanor is magical.  Some of those digs she gets could only be got with magic…Misty Magic!

I love how the pole vaulters start to celebrate (or bum out) as they are falling to the mats. 

It was adorable when Ashton Eaton’s mom reminded him that “the blue goes on the left” when she handed him a US flag after he won the gold in the decathlon and became the world’s greatest athlete. 

I loved how the decathlon athletes were congratulating each other PRIOR to the 1500 meter run.

Track stars seem to smile more than gymnasts.  In fact, I think track stars seem to smile more than any other athletes.

I will not miss Usain Bolt…sorry guys…I am just really not the biggest fan.  He is incredible, no doubt.

Georganne Moline.  She finished fifth in the 400 meter hurdles.  It was her personal best time.  I can’t wait to see her in Brazil.  I loved watching her run. She ran her heart out in the finals.  (This can be said about many of the athletes.)  I wish we saw more about the non medalists. Thank goodness for the Internet.

Speaking of non medalists…LoLo Jones was also a favorite.  She got put down, publicly by some of her teammates but never slammed them back.  She just stood up for who she is and did her best.  Maybe her best on the final race day wasn’t Olympic medal best, but I still think she is amazing.  PS to Dawn Harper and Kellie Wells…taking digs at your teammate on national television is really bad form and exceptionally disappointing from an Olympic athlete. 

Misty and Kerri winning gold was a beautiful thing.  I kind of felt like I was invading their friendship by watching them after they won.  Clearly they are best friends.  I don’t think another women’s beach volleyball team is ever going to be as amazing as they are unless they have that same friendship.  The ties that bind are what bring the greatest success in life.

yes, I do love the Olympics

Please do not stop reading after you read this, but I am not crazy about Usain Bolt.

It appears that my favorite olympic athletes are the "kids" (i.e. the "women's gymnasts, the swimmers who are still in or barely out of high school), the moms and Georgeanne Moline.

Chinese vs. U.S.A. in beach volleyball…awesome sauce.  I especially loved that it was a serious competition the entire way.

100 meter hurdlers are INSANE!  I don’t know how they don’t fall every single time.

I love seeing good sportsmanship…during the Olympics.

Alex Morgan’s head is awesome.

I am not really crazy about the gymnastics commentators.  They are kind of jerks. 

I have developed a deep love for some of the Russian and Romanian gymnasts during these Olympics.

Aly Raisman is a good sport.  And I love to see the gymnasts smile!

And of all the competitors that could have knocked Catalina Ponor off the podium at least Aly Raisman knows how she feels.

Carmelita Jeter.  See previous post about watching runners.

Love that Kseniia Afanaseva had a little Kill Bill music moment in her floor routine.

Aly Raisman saying wow after her own floor routine was all kinds of awesome sauce.

I would love to see Georgeanne Moline medal in the hurdles on Wednesday.

more Olympic thoughts

I have become obsessed with pole vaulting and will now be YouTubing pole vaulting videos.  (Please bless that pole vaulting is not a slang term for something inappropriate.)

I think pole vaulters are sneakily the strongest and most flexible athletes of all sports. 

I have come to the opinion that there are few things in life more beautiful than watching a runner in their element.  Particularly those running the sprint races.  Allyson Felix, I think, is the perfect runner.

Totally loved watching Georgeanne Moline on hurdles.  I think that hurdlers are the second toughest athletes.  Second only to pole vaulters.

I wonder if pole vaulters name their poles.  I really hope they do. 

I was genuinely excited that Aliya Mustafina won the gold medal in the uneven bars.  She has kind of become one of my new favorite athletes.

Judging in gymnastics is still ridiculous. (see previous post)

One word for McKayla Maroney after her silver medal on vault-Disneyland.

My heart breaks anytime a gymnast from any country does poorly on a routine because they always, without fail, look so broken hearted.  And since they aren’t quite women (for the most part) and still little girls, it is just so sad to see them so crushed.  

I think that the consolation prize for those who get silver medals in ANY SPORT (see women's shot put finals) since they always seem more disappointed than the bronze medalists, should be a trip to Disneyland hosted by Shawn Johnson and Gabby Douglas.

What is it with the American and the Eastern European (specifically females) gymnasts being so stoic.  Except for when they win…and except for Gabby Douglas.

I LOVE Gabby Douglas, there is not doubt about that, but why, Why, WHY are they interviewing her, when Aliya Mustafina just won the Russian’s first gold of the Olympics this year?! 

Oscar Pistorius…pretty awesome.  The only non awesome part is that I think he should not be able to compete in both the Paralympic and the Olympic games.  One or the other.

Best moment of men’s vault finals…when Sam Mikulak tells Yang Hak Seon that his vaults were ridiculous and is genuinely stoked to see him win the gold medal.  Also, Yang Hak Seon’s vaults were awesome.

I think that networks should not get to have a monopoly on Olympic coverage.  The should switch off for both summer and winter.  This way, there will be motivation for the networks to improve their coverage every two years. 

I am cheering for the Dutch in men's beach volleyball.  I would love to see them win gold.

Swimming and "Women's" Gymnastics

It really should not be called women’s gymnastics because it is actually little girl’s gymnastics.  That is in no way a put down for their talent.  They are insane athletes.  Their strength and bendiness is…I have no words.  But they are little girls…adorably tough little girls…but little girls none the less.

I wish that the uneven bars were shown in slow motion.  I mean it looks cool in real time, but holy stretchy legs, Batman!  In slow motion it is extraordinary to see the lines they make with their bodies and the air they get while doing their routines.

How can you not love Missy Franklin an Gabby Douglas?!  When those two smile…it is pure joy.  And they are great sports.  Always congratulating their competitors.

Also, Rebecca Soni, like her a lot.

Aliya Mustafina gave the slightest of smiles right before she began her floor routine.  It made my night.  I think it was the first time she had smiled during the individual competition.  The Russian gymnasts always seem so serious and dour.  It was nice to see even just a hint of a smile from that little girl. 

I don’t understand, nor do I like gymnastics scoring.  I do however, enjoy the movie Stick It!

Gabby Douglas’s smile and pure enjoyment during her floor routine put the biggest grin on my face. 

I think that Aliya Mustafina and Aly Raisman should take a trip together…maybe to Disneyland.  I think they need some happiest place on earth-ness in their lives.  The hints of smiles they let escape make me think they have great smiles and should show them off more.  Although considering that Aliya beat Aly in a tie breaker for the bronze…maybe Gabby should go with them as a buffer. Also Shawn Johnson should go on this trip with them.  In fact maybe Gabby Douglas and Shawn Johnson so take Aly Raisman and Aliya Mustafina on a road trip. 

I really like the red nails of Ranomi Kromowidjojo…and her name.

I think Michael Phelps might be a vampire.

Viktoria Komova was really, really, really upset when she didn’t win gold.  Which I realize is probably a HUGE bummer…but kid, you won a silver medal at the Olympics!  I bet Aly Raisman or Aliya Mustafina would have been thrilled to take that off your hands...especially Aly Raisman.  That tie breaker was a heart breaker.

Also...this has nothing to do with the Olympics, but go see Beasts of the Southern Wild.  

family splash time fun

Tonight was family fun night at mama's new house.  It was everything she promised it to be and more!  Great company...a given, of course.  Delicious food...as always.  And some hilarious and funny times infused with a little (or a lot) of H2O.  And of course...some great shots of little Lyla Lou. 

delicious food...including chicken, which I do not normally love, but my family makes FABULOUS barbecue chicken.  

Jonah...all ready for splash time fun.

Lyla already enjoying splash time fun since drinking out a cup usually ends with water down her front.

Uncle Robbie, Grandpa and mama enjoying dinner

"Brookie, you're the best aunt ever and I just love you"


Before the slip and slide there was an entertaining game of water baseball as well, but since that is a team sport and requires more attention I didn't get any pictures of that.  But a big thank you to Kerri for filling up all the water balloons.

Jonah doesn't quite grasp the concept of the slip and slide so aunt Coco give him a push.

running worked well too.

KERRI ROCKS!

Scottie attempting some sort of trick...

hole in mama's grass after one of Scottie's tricks.

regardless of how he did it, he loved it!

Jonah is really great at the army crawl

tired kiddos after an evening of family splash time fun.


My aunt Stephanie and my uncle Robbie and my cousin Jacque and my grandpa joined us as well.  It was a lovely way to spend a Monday evening.  Thanks Mama for the splash time fun!

top 5 and totally random, I know

Often times in conversations with people, I will qualify, yes, qualify something by saying "it is in my top 5 of favorite..." or it is in my top 10 of favorite..." or...well you get the picture.  And it isn't as if I've actually developed a list of my favorite whateverwearetalkingaboutatthemoment...but it is a way to express the quality, in my opinion of whatever I happen to be discussing.  However...there are two areas where I do actually have specific ...'s in mind.  Music and movies.  I am actually still working on the music list.  Although without any hesitation I can say that "Can't Help Falling In Love With You" by Elvis Presley is my ALL.TIME.FAVORITE.SONG. But I digress.  I have now solidified my top 6 favorite movies of all time.  I have actually had my  #1 solidified for sometime now...probably since I first saw it.

Now I am not sure that I will be able to explain in a way that will be satisfying to people, why these movies are my top 5 favorites of all time...except to say that for whatever reason, they just are.  Joking...kind of...I have a tough time articulating it.  These movies...for whatever reason...stir my soul...make my heart sing?  I just know that when I watch these movies, I am inspired, and a have a sense of pure enjoyment...I just love them.

So here they are...not really in an order...except for #1...

Slumdog Millionaire-I remember seeing this with my mom at the Broadway theatre and absolutely loving it.  Watching it makes my heart smile.  Even now just thinking about the whole movie...I have the biggest grin on my face.  I could watch this movie any time, over and over again.

THIS CLIP IS A TOTAL SPOILER SO DO NOT WATCH IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT AND DO NOT WANT THE ENDING RUINED FOR YOU.  YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.



The Sound of Music-I cannot recall exactly the first time I saw this movie, but I do know it was at a very young age.  I wanted to be a nun after watching this movie...even when I still believed that nuns sang a lot...and I do not sing.  Some people find Climb Every Mountain to be a silly song, but I find it to be one of my most favorite songs in this musical.  (Don't even ask me to try and rate my favorite songs from this musical).  I LOVE musicals...and I will say that depending on the day I might swap out The Sound of Music in my top 5 for Man of La Mancha...in fact on this particular day I am feeling like that is the case...especially since I recently saw a production of Man of La Mancha at PTC.  The Impossible Dream is a gorgeous song.  Sophia Loren and Peter O'Tooele are amazing, not unlike Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.  And in truth, Don Quixote has always been a hero of mine.  I guess the reason that The Sound of Music wins out is because how can you beat singing nuns and Nazis?  Although...what is better than battling a windmill and only seeing the beautiful and good and righteous in life?  Wow...even in just writing this I am getting torn. 


"No, you must go back.  You must find out.  These walls were not built to shut out problems.  You have to face them.  You have to live the life you were meant to live."




The Quiet Man-I am not exactly sure how and what to say about this being in my top five...other than I love Maureen O'Hara (seriously...if you need a good and entertaining autobiography...read hers.) And in this movie...she is perhaps at her very finest.  And her character's name is Mary Kate Danaher.  I love a good solid name.  And plus, it's John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara.  (seriously...read her autobiography...they had a great friendship.)  I just love watching this movie...settling down on a chilly evening and curling up with a treat and enjoying the apparently, indescribable awesomeness that is this movie.  Not to mention it brings the ONLY SOMEWHAT redeemable aspect to E.T.  (and fyi...in order to get the link address for this clip...because I REFUSE to post it on my blog...I searched for it on YouTube, covered the screen, put my speakers on mute and copied and pasted the url...seriously...I cannot watch E.T.)




Joe Verses the Volcano-Perhaps...no...CERTAINLY the BEST Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks collaboration.  (Wish she had been in Castaway instead of Helen Hunt...it would have been almost a sequel to Joe Vs.)  I saw this movie in the theatre when I was 11.  I saw it with my mama.  It was the first time I had ever been in a movie and watch someone walk out.  I was so shocked.  If memory serves me well...and it might not because it was 22 years ago...it was towards the very beginning of the movie.  It seemed so odd to me to that A) walk out of a movie and B) walk out of THIS movie.  It was so entertaining.  This movie solidified my desire to live in Hawaii and or on a boat.  This movie...it inspires me every time I watch it.  I remember the important things in life and I feel happier and more content with my life.  It makes me want to move "away from the things of man, my love, away from the things of man."  I know it is a silly movie...but I love it.  It is a wonderful allegory.  And one that I understood fairly well at age 11 and continue to understand as I get older.  Not too mention I think the love theme is absolutely one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever composed.  Hats off to George Delerue and John Patrick Shanley (who was also the writer and director...also the writer of Moonstruck and Doubt)




My number one favorite movie of all time is, was and always will be...
The Parent Trap-Haley Mills squared, Brian Keith and the always lovely Maureen O'Hara.  They are a tri fecta awesomeness that NEVER fails to make me laugh.  Seriously...Brian Keith falling over the chair, falling into the pool, getting punched by Maureen O'Hara...every time I laugh...EVERY.TIME.  And while this movie to me is just pure delight, I think that my deep love of this movie is attached to the fact that my grandparents had this on VHS and I would watch it every summer when I went to visit them.  (I actually have the VHS of theirs...I know...I should give it back, but it has so much sentimental value to me...even though I never use it (I have the two disc DVD) I love having it.  It is a part of my childhood.  And I really loved my childhood.  Especially my summers.  (Incidentally Maureen O'Hara and Brian Keith were great friends as well...seriously...just read her autobiography.)




So there you have it folks...my top 5 favorite movies.  I've included a bonus clip, since as I've mentioned previously I go back and forth with The Sound of Music and Man of La Mancha.

sunset on a dead sea

Rows is continuing to be the best true love ever!  And I realize you might get tired of stories about Rows...but she is currently my main squeeze and that is what people do when they have a significant other...talk about them and post pictures of their adventures together.

tonight I took her out on the Great Salt Lake with Shorts.  Shorts was a bit skeptical before we started, but by the end of the evening she was in love with Rows just as much as Candice and Annette.

It was a kind of windy off and on so that made for some interesting rowing experiences.  But where better to learn how to handle the wind than a place where I won't be drowning.

(I realize the pictures are not fantastic...but taking a picture on windy waters with a camera without a view finder or display is tough)

I didn't love the idea of being surrounded by seagulls...

 

and other various birds...but we were on their turf...plus...it was absolutely beautiful to watch them cruise over the water.  They came fairly close to the boat a couple times...and I may have had a small freak out moment...

although the bird freak out did not compare to the mini meltdown that occurred when this lovely lady mentioned Jaws...NOT FUNNY.  I don't care if I am on a dead sea.

kicked back and relaxed on the water

setting sun

almost gone

I did not hate being out on this dead sea.  not a bad way to spend an evening. 

Rows, Rows, Rows the boat...

 She has a name...and her name is Rows.  She is sea worthy (read: Pineview worthy).
She is a wonderful lady.  I am so happy to welcome her into my family and even more excited that she finally has a name.

Folks...I may have found my true love.  After a lovely maiden voyage today on the gorgeous waters of Pineview in beautiful Huntsville with the lovely Annette Blackham, I can honestly say that I am in love with Rows.

She had a different name when we headed out on the water.  I wasn't totally sold on it...though I was sold on the name's awesomeness...just not for my boat.  I had initially thought that I should wait to name her until I was out on the water...you know...so I could see how she handled...but I felt like that might be bad luck...to go out on the water without a name...so I gave her a name, but it was more a place holder kind of name.  Because there out on the water she told us her name...and her name is Rows.

I love Rows the boat. 

(It makes me laugh every time.)  

I think that Rows and I are going to have a wonderful life together.

about to set off on our maiden voyage

lovely Pineview.

lovelier Anette Blackham.

my new baby

As you may or may not know I have three...actually six kids...wow where does the time go?!

there is Millie...full name- Mildred Bernadette Macbook, Pro-one of my bffs for sure.  She ALWAYS has my back.

also-Canon..who got seriously injured last September, but still takes A-MAZING, B.E.A.U.T-FUL photos.

Then there is DJ B-rooke-my 125 GB iPod.  She is a wonderful little girl and I couldn't dance it out without her.

And of course we cannot forget the Champ...who was once stolen...that was a rough (almost) 4 weeks and began my STRONG disappointment and dislike of the NSLPD

And of course my two MOST FAVORITE KIDS OF ALL...

Well now there is a new kid on the block and I think my two most favorite kids of all...with parental permission of course and when they are old enough...I'm looking at you Lyla Lu...may end up loving the newest edition to my little family more than me.

Here she is...I am still working on a name...suggestions will be taken into consideration...

Can't wait for our adventures my friend!

hair today, gone tomorrow

As I may have mentioned previously my aunt Steph is one of my most favorite people on the planet...one of the most influential in my life.  She is currently battling ovarian cancer.  She was diagnosed back in February(?) and started chemo a few weeks ago and as often times happens with chemotherapy her hair started falling out.  So my cousin shaved the rest off for her this past week.

I've often thought that losing your hair while battle cancer is just adding insult to injury.  I mean, I do believe it is just hair, but come on...a life threatening disease AND you have to lose your hair?!  I mean it seems like such a small thing, the hair...but hair really is a huge part of our cultural.  We spend, hundreds, even thousands of dollars to get it "just right", only to decide after a while that a completely different style and color is "just right".  There are musicals (which is fantastic) and movies (which was then turned into a musical and then redone again as a movie musical) and documentaries (so, so interesting and awesome) and songs (WAY too many to comment on) all about hair.  When we describe someone we almost always refer to their hair color, length, style, bang, no bangs...hair is a HUGE part of our lives...so to lose it IS really a big deal.

My aunt Steph, like I said, has been so influential in my life...in helping me become the person I am today.  And so, as a kind of thank you to her, and because I know that no thank you will ever cover all that she has done for me and because I know it isn't easy for her to lose her hair...

my friend Erin was nice enough to do the honors.

As for the actual hair cutting experience itself...I loved it.  Erin and I were laughing and talking the whole time...about hair, about life, about love and the gospel and acceptance.  It was a great way to spend an evening.  We cut it outside so I didn't have a mirror to see the first cut or the many that came after...Erin took pictures while she cut and then we went in to the bathroom so I could take a look. I think she was a little nervous about my reaction...and if I'm being honest, I was a little nervous too...but I looked at it and rubbed my head (which I can't stop doing) and it was fine.  I mean, it really was just hair (which I am donating to locks of love because it is...was...long enough!!!)  Erin suggested we go get dinner and try it out in public...I kept forgetting I didn't have much hair anymore, until two girls at dinner could not stop staring at me.  Other than that...it was fine.

So Steph, anytime you want to go out in public, I am happy to go along so you don't feel so alone :)  I also went to the grocery store last night...I didn't really notice if people were looking...as you may or may not know I LOVE the grocery store and get a bit focused when I am there, so I was somewhat oblivious to whether or not people stared.

So there you have it...and here are a few more photos...

the first cut...

half a mullet

profile of half mullet...I think this was Erin's favorite stage...

ready for the razor!

and we're done!

In trying to come up with a title for this post, clever or not, I had no words...so I'm not really sure how this post will go...lacking for words and all...but here goes.

This little girl makes my heart melt anytime I lay eyes on her.  I feel like all true joy is bottled up inside of her and when you look at her you get a taste of it.  Seriously...I can be in the lowest of lows or foulest of all moods and one look at this little girl and I have a smile on my face.  

I don't know how to explain it and I feel as if there are no words to describe the awesome sauce that is this little lady.

Looking at her takes all the cares and stresses away, even if only from my mind...not in actual reality...although she very well may have super powers...so I will not put it past her. She is my little super hero...that is for sure...there is my title!  My little superhero.  I am so grateful for her.  I'm especially grateful that she FINALLY has warmed up to me...I've been warmed up to her since July 15th 2011, 10:00pm.

This is pre-warm to Brookie...

WARMED UP TO BROOKIE!


These two pictures were actually taken on the same day within seconds of each other, but they are such a good illustration of before and after.  

my awesome sauce sister Kell Bell

You can read all of Kelli's emails from her mission on her blog, but this one I just really wanted to share on my blog so that all can know her awesome sauceness! I know they are kind of long, but I promise, totally worth the read...

Danger?! I laugh in the face of danger!

actually, i ran away.

this week was everything BUT normal.  i ran around like a chicken with its head chopped of and now am just praying i have a little extra time to take a nap.  let me give you all a short synopsis and if you so desire, in 6 weeks i will give you the play-by-play.

MONDAY- "the normalest day of the week."

a member of our bishoprics house got broken into and robbed in the middle of the night.

TUESDAY- "the heist"

we got home at 10:15 p.m. (curfew is 10:30).  i opened the door and saw everything thrown everywhere.  i thought, "someone broke in and may still be here."  so, i turned around, opened the gate, and went running down the street.  the assistants came and drove us to pres' house to spend the night.

WEDNESDAY- "and in the mornin' i'm makin' waffles!"

i got to sleep in an extra half and hour and hna king made us waffles for breakfast.  getting robbed sure has its benefits.  we went home and the cops came to file a report.  they were very fresh(?) (what is the word in English for flirty old men?)  that night we slept at the hermanas' house 15 minutes away.

THURSDAY- "the heist II"

we walked out of our last lesson and the whole neighborhood was out in the street and alarms going off everywhere.  another house had been broken into.You 

FRIDAY- "Transvestite Pride Day"

i went to renew my visa.  at the international police dpt two or three cross dressers walked in about every  five minutes.  they all seemed to know each other, ha.  everyday i am more and more convinced my mission would make a great indie movie.

SATURDAY- "tremors"

at about 4:30 a.m. i woke up to this rumbling sound.  my comp shot up from her bed and yelled, "¡hna, terremoto!"  i said, "open the door" and kept on sleeping. 

SUNDAY- "tremors II"

we had finally slept at our house--the window was fixed, we got a metal door put in and our front window chained.  things got a little more normal.  then in the middle of a lesson the earth started shaking.  and kept shaking, and got stronger, and kept shaking.  then the lights went out.

welp, that about sums up what had to have been the strangest, most unproductive week of my mission.  all i have to say is tgim. 

i hope you all have a very normal week.  i love your guts.

love,

kelli jean, hruss.