Achtung Amy!

Please Adjust Your Dial...

2008-08-22T16:55:00.002-06:00

... to the new www.semaames.blogspot.com.

RIP ACHTUNG AMY!

Sloppy Slurpees and the Cure

2008-08-06T17:10:00.000-06:00

So, with the weather been so hot, there has been many a slurpee in my life...not only in my life but on my hand, down shirt and to my foot. I mean, come on, how old am I? It never fails...when I'm fixin' a slurpee, I over shoot and it explodes all over the place. I stand there feeling like a 10 year old! I'm 32 years old...I should be able to "work this" without having to call in Hazmat. It seems that I'm not the only one with this problem. I've been witness to a few strangers (and Fletcher too) doing the "slurpee shuffle" to keep the rediculously growing overflow from tumbling all over. Oh, and ps...we all know that slurping it quickly do NOT help.

So what are we to do?

Well, after a very deep discussion, Fletcher and I figured it out. The key to the perfect Slurpee - don't get greedy! Simple as that. We've been testing this theroy and its true. So heed my warning... Greed+Slurpee=DISASTER Its the Christian way to drink anyway.

Amen

Genetics and Robert Redford

2008-08-06T16:51:00.000-06:00

A few things that I know are hereditary:
- detached ear lobs
- ability to roll tongue
- diateties

One thing I didn't know was hereditary:
- favorite movies

Sooo, apparently my favorite movie is one of the most boring movies ever! I've tried to show it to dear friends and they either fall asleep or bail on me before its over. What movie is it you ask? "Out of Africa" ...starring the dreamy Robert Redford and amazing Meryl Streep. Despite the fact that it won 1985 "Best Motion Picture" and a thousand other awards for music and cinematography, only I seem to appreciate and love it so much....that is what I thought until two weeks ago. Apparently, unknown to either of us, "Out of Africa" is also my dad's favorite movie too!!!!! I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. (I've never felt so close to my papa before.)

Who knew that someone (me) who avoided sad movies based on true stories would deem her all-time favoriate movie as one that was sad and based on true story? I'm messed up. But that is how good this movie really is!!! I'm just saying.

UPDATE: On Sunday, I thought I might torture Fletcher with a view of this same movie. He was ready and willing to prove his love for me by committing 3 hours of his Sunday afternoon this to viewing pleasure. Turns out...HE LOVES THE MOVIE TOO!! And he's not even related to my dad! Okay, I don't think its his favorite movie ever but he loved everything about it. Not only did he stay completely engaged, I think he'd even watch it again with me!!! Lucky him! :)

Another Twiracle!

2008-08-06T16:34:00.001-06:00

As fanatics alike were waiting in line on Friday night to purchase the latest book in the Twilight series, I strolled right past them to buy my copy of "New Moon" (2 of 4 for those that have been living in a cave). Thats right...I FINISHED book 1 and loved it. I had to go get the next one right away! I have to say I have Twilight Fever! FINALLY!

The Sunshine Moment of Today!

2008-07-30T08:58:00.000-06:00

To delay tackling many work tasks this morning, I thought I'd take a moment to thank my dear friend Lowder. She reminded me dearly of something that I love so much but haven't been paying too much attention to...Chuck Norris-isms. She sent me this one today:

"Chuck Norris destroyed the periodic table, because he only recognizes the element of surprise."

HAHAHAHAHAHA. Boy, did that nearly rid me of that wrist slitting feeling I have today... nearly! Maybe I should take a moment and read a few more of this link:

http://www.chucknorrisfacts.com/

One of my favorites, and Michelle and Sarah already know this, is "When Chuck Norris gets in a knife fight, the knife loses." LMAO. This stuff is incredible!

I fully admit to watching a snippet (I say a "snippet") of Walker Texas Ranger the other day. Conan fans, you understand me. All others, don't judge me. Now I've got the urge to by me a Total Gym and practice my round house kicks to someone's face. "POW".

Its a Twiracle!

2008-07-25T12:02:00.001-06:00

A miracle has happened. For my Twilight obsessed friends...you will be very pleased to know that I buckled down and read chapter 13 of Twilight last night. For those that wonder what the big deal is....well I've been stuck on chapter 13 since October 2007. Definitely on the cusp of the clincher of the novel and I have a testimony of this now that I've finished Chapter 13. All I can say is "WOW". I'm totally hooked!!!! Its about time, I know.

On a semi-related note, a dear friend of mine was mouth raped a few years back by a man with a "cold tongue". She's okay for those of you that were worried and we've had a long good laugh about how disgusting that 'cold' must've been but I have to ask after reading Chapter 13...is a cold tongue really that gross? I mean, doesn't Edward have one... I'm just saying.

Obama's America

2008-07-23T15:11:00.000-06:00

(DISCLAIMER: There is a good chance I may offend a few friends with the following statement however, its not an attack on them personal. Its merely my blog and my American right to free speech as they have theirs. God bless this nation!)

In watching this attached video, my head wants to explode!!! I just want to know how some Americans can support a man with these kinds of hypocrisies? I'm not saying that any candidate isn't without their errors, but there are just way too many scary and unanswered questions about Obama. There are also some very frightening and Marxist things about him that come out of his very own mouth (again, see video for the facts). The foreshadowing of what his presidency and the America he would create is down right horrific! Have we really become a society that will back someone just because of their race, as some have seriously confessed? Or because he's the trendy candidate? Or just because Oprah and all of Hollywood think he is the second coming of the Messiah? Or just because he declares that there will be "hope" and "change"? At one point, Hitler was a "change' but hardly for the better (a major understatement).

I have no candidate to endorse here...except maybe Santa Claus. (How amazing would that be.) I'm just saying that I really pray America is smarter than to elect a man of this caliber, or the lack there of. We've played the trendy/popularity game. Its called high school and that is the place where people vote for the "cool kids". Dancing on Ellen and dawning the cover of Rollingstone isn't the reason to put the trendy guy in the white house. He needs substance, values, and a commitment the principles that this country was founded on. Obama isn't our guy and I say that with total confidence. I do NOT want to live in the America that Obama would create. Watch for yourself and hear it straight from Obama's mouth then you decide:
http://www.eyeblast.tv/Public/Video.aspx?rsrcID=2036

My Celebrity Look-A-Likes

2008-07-22T16:32:00.001-06:00

http://www.myheritage.com/collage

What the? Do I seriously look like three different Asians??? And you call these celebrities? I only recognize 3. Guess I'm not A-list material. Wait? Is that Mandy Moore? What the H happened to her??

A Message in a (orange) Barrel

2008-07-22T15:52:00.000-06:00

I believe the UDOT gods are trying to send me a message. I don't think they want me to go to work and they are trying everything to keep me from getting there. Why do I think this? Near my house (for those that don't know) are 5 freeway entrances that can get me to work. 3 of them are completely shut down and the other 2 are down to 1 lane to access them with no left turn!!! If I didn't think it was a straight up sign I think I might cry. Instead, I think I'll just sleep in tomorrow and then watch "Ellen".

A Heavenly State of Mind

2008-07-21T15:26:00.000-06:00

I was listening to Bob Lonsberry (AM talk show host) the other day when I heard him say "I'm thankful for this day." It stood out to me as I thought it sounded like something you say when you are praying. For a moment, I wondered if he got too lax and was just going with the flow and let that phrase slip out by habit. Hm? Either way, it reminds me of a hilarious story about my mom....

One night, when she was a teenager, the family was settling down to the table for dinner. They were about to bless the food when the phone rang. My mom jumped up to answer the phone and as she did she said ON THE PHONE "Our dear kind Heavenly Father"....HAHAHAHA!

In all seriousness, if only we could get phone calls from God huh? Maybe Apple will work out some new iPrayer or something.

God Bless Holladay City!

2008-07-08T16:50:00.000-06:00

I wasn't really looking forward to celebrating Independence Day the same way I have for the last several years...which is in a cigarette cloud of chaos at Sugarhouse Park. Don't get me wrong, the fireworks there are amazing...but that is really about it. Too much traffic, cigarettes, people, ridiculously loud music and lets face it...wife beaters and tattoos. It was 7pm and still I had no idea how I was going to celebrate the 4th but I knew it wasn't going to be at Sugarhouse Park! I was on my way to Fletcher's when I passed a small crowd gathering in front of a stage on the field of a little Holladay elementary school. I thought to myself "Holladay does fireworks?" I had lived in Holladay for 10 years not (except for a few crazy years in Midvale) and had never known about this top secret fireworks event. It was worth checking out...so we returned at about 9pm to a bigger crowd but they were tame, smelled good, cleaned up nice and seemed to be enjoying the Salt Lake City Orchestra's renditions of films scores from Indiana Jones, Star Wars, etc. (If those aren't a slice of Americana, I don't know what is.) We parked really close and found a nice spot on the lawn. The stage dawned a HUGE American flag and as the orchestra played on, more and more good smelling people joined us on the lawn. They played some number (forgive me for not knowing the name) but I recognized it as patriotic and it had several cannon blasts in it (you know the one). Just before fireworks were to start, they asked the entire crowd to stand and sing the "Star Spangled Banner" and do the Pledge of Allegiance!!!!! I was so excited that they actually do that...and I felt myself welling up with tears of patriotism. Then the firework display started. It gave Sugarhouse a good run for its money AND it went on for 35 MINUTES!!! I couldn't believe it!!! On top of that, it was done to patriot music including a finale to "Coming To America" by Neil Diamond. I could actually hear other people singing along with good ole Neil!!!!! There seemed to a good sense of pride and appreciate for our beautiful America!!!! It was something to be a part of. (And another thing, we were to our car, and out of traffic in FIVE MINUTES!!) Stadium of Fire better watch out...because cute little Holladay City who really knows how to celebrate America's birthday.

A Father's Day Gift for Me!!!

2008-07-03T12:24:00.000-06:00

Wow, I'm such a misfit! I thought I had totally blogged about this but it turns out I haven't. I think I was distracted by Yellowstone and Jordan Knight (shame on me). I am feeling a bit pensive this morning (not sure why) but I have been reflecting back to Father's Day about three weeks ago. I was asked to give a talk in church about my father (I have been blessed with an amazing one). Its been quite some time since I've spoken in church. I only know a few people in my ward including Fletcher. I knew that in searching the congregation from the stand, I could look down and find his familiar, supportive, and smiling face. That brought me much comfort. Well, as sacrament meeting was just about to begin...and my heart was pounding just a little bit harder, in walked six of my beautiful girl friends!!! Michelle, Stacie, Uyen, Mare, Lori and Lowder all showed up (a total surprise) to hear me speak. I nearly burst into tears at their support and love. NOT ONLY THAT, but then my sweet parents walked in right behind them!!!! I was shocked!! I love my parents and though I was speaking on "my father" that day, I didn't even imagine that they would show up. I live 35 miles from them AND they were suppose to be on their way to Yellowstone. What an amazing moment to see 9 people, in a see of strangers, who not only love me and support me but are some of the most important people in my life. God is great! I am blessed.

Good Grief...

2008-06-25T10:00:00.001-06:00

I just had the thought...its six months until Christmas! I think father time has a turbo engine.

I'm No Paris Hilton, but I crave the Simple Life

2008-06-24T16:38:00.000-06:00

How can I be 32 years old and already craving the simple life? Oh how it beckons me! I don't even have a yard, mortgage, grand kids...even kids or a husband for that matter! I've come to such a yearning as a result of a trip to Yellowstone last week. I spent 5 fabulous days without a telephone, radio, TV, work, and a shower. (Okay, truth is I missed my shower). The trip was amazing!!! I was there with my family and Fletcher. The only thing missing was my wonderful friends, my cute little kitties and (again) my shower. Other than that...I didn't want to come back to SLC AT ALL!! I want to move far way from it all...just walk away and settle down in the country and be as weird and queer as those country folk are. I think I'd love it. While there we saw: swans, pelicans, elk. mule deer, grizzly bears, a yellow belly marmot, blue jays, yellow birds, snakes, bald eagles, a wolf, coyote, beaver, buffalo, and many more of God's creatures. I miss....

- the beautiful vistas, winding rivers, pines, the stars, cool days and even cooler nights.
- Buffalo and their traffic jams and their little detours through our campsite.
- the silent nights except for faint crickets and frogs along with the occasional Yellowstone baboon call (not really a baboon...not sure what it was but it sounded like it should be in the jungle).
- eating my breakfast with a view of the winding Gibbon river as I watch a grizzly bear track the scent of its breakfast.

- the smell of sulfur from abounding hotpots and geysers along with the scent of afternoon rain showers and the noise the drops made on my tent.
- I miss Huckleberry ice-cream (alot) and my dad's heavenly campfire scramble eggs.
- I miss my mom and my dad...and Sarah, John, Jeff, Kim, Ann, Buzz, Kylie Sue, McKenna and my Ty Guy.
- I miss dining with Fletcher in the historic Yellowstone Lake Hotel overlooking the water and watching the Pelicans that make it their playground. (I love the expression on his face when he saw bald eagles, Quake Lake, a coyote, The Grand Tetons and the explosion of Grand Geyser 200 feet in the air.)
- I miss the view of the Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone but I do not miss the 600+ stairs of Uncle Tom's Trail it took to get me there.
- I miss my childhood as I spent many summers in Yellowstone growing up and this trip took me back to those magical days.

I gotta go back soon! I belong there.

Quake Lake (& two bald eagles)
Chillin' at our campsite with the buffs

My cute Kylie Sue loves camping!

View from Uncle Tom's Trail (with the 600 stairs...worth the effort)

NKOTB...NGH!

2008-06-24T16:33:00.000-06:00

New Kids on the Block...Not Gonna Happen! It seems that they are proving to be ever illusive for me. Ticketbastards (pardon my french) saw fit to delete our ticket purchase and re-sell our tickets due to a wrong zip code. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?? Have they ever hear of a phone? Apparently not. "Tragdor strikes again." WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!???

UPDATE to NKOTB Post Below

2008-06-10T23:20:00.000-06:00

Not only did Liz out herself on the NKOTB crush and concert craze, Lori did too! I repeat...LORI!!!! Not only that but she was pissed that we didn't clue her into ticket purchase. Duh? Like we ever thought Lori would be into the NKOTB. Rumor is she's a Jordan fan as well...gotta love those high waisted jeans! Purrrr!

FINALLY..."The Right Stuff"

2008-06-09T13:07:00.000-06:00

I'm sure to get quite a bit of grief for this, but I really could CARE LESS. This is a dream come true for my inner hormone raging teenager inside. She's been completely unsatisfied since the late 80's/early 90's. Today...satisfaction is one step closer to becoming a reality because I just got NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK TICKETS!!!!!! NKOTB were so hot in the 90's (especially that Jordan Knight) and it turns out there are not so bad nearly 20 years later so that makes this even sweeter. I mean, if they were sporting duds like K-Fed and a mug to match, well, my inner 12 year old would be sorely disappointed as well as it's 30+ year old host. Turns out its not the case AT ALL (check it)! Now before you judge me, know that I am not the only mega fan who will be there...Michelle and Stacie will be joining me in all teenage glory as well!!!! They were lucky enough to see them back in the day when jelly bracelets, denim jackets and braided tails (like Jordan's) were the height of sophistication. At that time, I was DYING to go to the show myself and my bff (Susan Lessig) even had a ticket for me to go but my parents said "no" because the they didn't want me being chauffeured around by Susan's 16 year old brother. LAME!!! It twas the biggest let own of my childhood...ever! EVER! Vindication is mine! Its funny to think that if I would've gone, in that very room was my future bff and concert going buddy Michelvis!!!!! Lucky girl...she has seen the dream that is Jordan Knight with her very own eyes...now we get to go together!!! LOL. I miss being a kid.

THEN

NOW

Pensive...

2008-06-06T12:55:00.000-06:00

I currently have a some stuff to feel sad about in my life (we all can say that right?) but I don't like to live my life that way. But sometimes its hard not to. Well, and then we have people in our life who put it all in perspective for us and suddenly our blessings become so many that we cannot count. I had one of those moments today.

I was chatting on the phone with a dear friend, for whom I've mentioned before. Her mother is laying at death's door due to lung cancer. She could only have a few days left here on this earth. I CANNOT BELIEVE that someone that I actually know and care about so deeply is going through this experience with her mother! It just floors me. Those things happen to people that I don't know...but only hear about. What a reality check. I know she is reading my blogs and I just want to say to her "thank you" and "I love you". You have been such an amazing bright and shining example to me. You are so much stronger than you probably see yourself. You have served others when you have been in such great need yourself! Kc, I'm so blessed to call you my friend. Your dear beautiful mother will live on in you. From what I know of her, I can see parts of her in you. You have pass those traits on to your cute little boys (and hopefully little red head girls someday). :) Its not what you want to hear. It doesn't bring you the comfort you need but its true..and I'm here for you.

It is through my friend's trial, that my trials seem so insignificant (most of them) and others seem more manageable and survivable. I'm so bless. You are so blessed too. God is all around us, blessing us every which way. Will we stop to see it? Will we stop to give Him gratitude? Just last Saturday, my new sister-in-law gave birth to baby Phoenix! She is my 3 neice and she is so beautiful. She was healthy and she is happy and I'm so happy to be her aunt. We are so blessed.

Today is my mother's 53rd birthday. She is still so young (though she would argue otherwise). I don't spend enough time with my mom. I miss her. I love her. I'm so blessed to have her. I get my beautiful red hair from her and my love for sleep. LOL.

Go home and hug your mom today. Give her a call...and tell her that she means the world to you! That you want to grow up to be just like her... That she will never be forgotten.

Life is precious and priceless. Its a gift to be used wisely. Don't waste what has been given to you. I hope to retain such persective on this pensive day.

From The Dumps to Daisy's ... All In One Day!

2008-05-23T15:10:00.000-06:00

You know, I've really been down in the dumps lately. I mean...first Mitt Romney, then Utah Jazz...now David Archuleta???? Why do I always have to be on the losing team? On top of that I have a cold for the long holiday weekend and can barely think. Needless to say, I've been having a pity party. My day was looking rather bleak to say the least. Then suddenly the winds shifted...and the scent of Gerber daisy's drifted my way. My dear friend KC sent me flowers to my office!!! It really brightened my day. She must've heard I was distraught with my latest loss to hairy David Cook. :) Seriously, thank you so much KC, you're one in a million and I'm truly blessed to call you friend!!!!

Dog Gone!

2008-05-16T16:41:00.000-06:00

Sooo, it turns out that our cute little fuppy...is destined to be "not so little". She's got some German Shepard in her. As a result, our land lord gave her the boot. Needless to say that Dublin and Morleigh are the only one's happy about this. Sarah (fuppy mama and dog whisperer) is very sad. She and I took fuppy (who's name was Bella for a few days) out to a friend in Tooele who could find her a good home.

I'm a cat person...and I'm gonna miss little fuppy so badly! She was so cute. But I think that Bianca will miss her the most. R.I.P. Fuppy!

Its Raining Cats & Dogs...

2008-05-13T16:03:00.000-06:00

...dogs that is! My roommate Sarah went to the McDonald's on 2100 S. last night to return a Red Box dvd. The Red Box is located inside the McDonald's. She spent only a few minutes in there and returned to her car. Got in, shut the door and went for her seat belt when she was attacked but a cute black puppy! (She did scream bloody murder being complete caught off guard but the intruder in her vehicle.) Looks like the only way the puppy could've got in her SUV is through the sun roof that had been left open. She took the cute puppy into McDonald's...asking anyone if they knew the owner. No one did. So, she brought her home. SHE IS ADORABLE....and seems to be straight from heaven. She doesn't lick, doesn't bark, and is well trained. She's healthy and doesn't appear to be abused. Its quite the confusing situation..why would anyone rid themselves of this cute little girl.

Well, she hasn't been named yet...but we call her "fuppy" for "freaking puppy", "fat puppy" or "flying puppy"...she did come in through the sun roof. :) Needless to say Dublin and Morleigh are not too fond of Fuppy though she really likes them. She wants to play and is completely harmless...we shall see how all three girls get along.

The Bermuda Triangle of Lumber

2008-05-10T13:47:00.000-06:00

Spring has sprung officially because the Bermuda Triangle of Lumber is back. What's that you say? You've never heard of such a thing? Well, my friend...let me to be the first to say that it does REALLY exist. If I've seen it once, I've seen it time and time again. This is where lumber of all sizes and shapes gets lost at street. Location? Yeah, just outside my house. You see, I live by a Home Depot and just about the time new lumber owners round the corner between my house and Home Depot, that's where it all goes missing...right in the street. I think the only thing that can save the lumber is this...now take note...a good rope to tie it down with. Duh?

One another note...I love cheesy mash potatoes.

The Girl with the Pearl Earring??

2008-04-30T16:42:00.000-06:00

Well, I wish I was THAT girl (she hooked up with Colin Firth), but I'm not even close. Ever have such a hectic morning that you ended up wearing two different earrings (unintentionally) to work? Yah, me neither...until today. Yep, at about 3:07pm in the middle of a very important work discussion, my boss stops mid-thought and asks "are you wearing two different earrings?" Sure enough. I am a douche...or just maybe a trendsetter.

My Uncle & The New LDS Rexburg Temple

2008-04-28T16:51:00.000-06:00

Some may be aware that my uncle temple president for the new Rexburg Temple. Well, I just got an email from him about his new calling. It offered a little insight into the huge undertaking of opening a new temple...so I thought I'd share. Additionally, I would've freaked out if I was a scheduled bride at this temple the first week it was opening...wonder how that panned out for many of them. What a small world we live in though. While my uncle (a state away) was just mingling with the new prophet at the temple...that same prophet lives within walking distance of my house!! We've very blessed here!

"Dear Christensen Family,

We are sorry for the delay in sending a Family Update. We have decided that opening a new temple offers just as many challenges as operating a mission. It took many hours to call the 1200 temple workers . Then were involved in training them in a variety of positions. We were involved with the open house where we invited over 200,000 friends and members through the temple. The dedication services were complicated when President Hinckley passed away just a few days before the scheduled date. The dedication was placed back a week, which required us to reschedule many of the patrons. The marriages where the most effected. It was an honor to have President Monson come for the dedication. It was his first official activity after being set apart as our new Prophet. The patrons have come to the temple in large numbers. Located next to BYU-I gives us the chance to welcome many students to the temple, especially in the baptistery. We open the baptistery at 6:00 a.m. and close it at 10:00 p.m., with the youth occupying the area for those many hours. We may have the busiest baptistery in the entire Church. We have been pleased with the many marriages scheduled for the temple. Last weekend we performed nearly 40 of them. Everything went well. One mother fainted. We think she finally realized that she had a new son-in-law. We hope that many of you will plan a trip to Rexburg in the next two years. Please call ahead to let us know that you will be in the area so that we can host you. It would be a blessing to see you again.....

Love, Val & RuthAnn"

What in the WORLD is going on??

2008-04-25T15:06:00.000-06:00

Abounding are stories of grief and signs of bad things to come...and this from an annoying optimist! Lets just say its been a really bad and heavy week. (Caution: the following my cause depression, slitting of wrist, spontaneous combustion into prayer, or possibly just rolling of the eyes. Either way, I'm hoping for rapture.)

- Saturday afternoon, while driving around town with Fletcher...I witnessed something I thought I'd NEVER see...a car jacking!! Fletcher started yelling "lock your doors" and I looked over my left shoulder to see some guy try to get into a car with a single female...but he was not welcomed. She pushed him out and locked her doors. Unfortunately, it was a beautiful day so her windows were down. The male assailant reached through the window and unlocked the car door and helped himself inside. SHE FREAKED! She reached over and cold cocked him like I'd never EVER seen before! She hit him so hard, he sat stunned for a second. She continued to fight him, hitting and pushing him for the door while trying to open it at the same time and even honking the horn. This all happened in a matter of seconds just before the light turned green. She started to drive off and while we were forced to turn right instead of following her, we nearly saw her succeed at pushing him out of the car while it was moving! We tried to turn around and follow her...to obtain license info but we lost her. Luckily when we called 911, there were other people who had called in as well. I've thought about this poor girl every day since then. I hope she is okay! I hope that dirt bag is in jail. I also think about what would've happened if I was a single driver as well. Would he have tried to get into my car instead of hers since I was closer to the side walk where he would've come from? I shudder to think!

- Monday morning I learned that my baby sister's uncle-in-law was murdered in his Portland home! What the heck? He was attacked and stabbed by his girlfriends ex-boyfriend. Oh my heart just breaks the uncle and his surviving family. What a senseless death! The good news is that they cops found the ex-boyfriend/murderer on the scene of the crime thanks to a neighbor who heard something and called police. So sad and senseless!

- Never would I have thought I'd be cheerful to hear that Hilary Clinton won the Pennsylvania primary. Though I've been very anti-Hilary in the past as she stands for zero of the things I stand for, the one thing that she IS that I agree with is the anti-Obama. I am so very against that man being President for several reasons but the biggest is that he insists on playing the race card! People use the race card to perpetuate their own victim mentality AND shut down discussion on anything else important. This country is divided enough between left and right/gay and straight/Jesus or no Jesus...that we do NOT need to inflame the issue of race to continue to destroy and divide our nation! I am not oppose to a black man OR woman being President...I'm opposed to any man or woman (no matter their race) making everything they say about racism. We are ALL Americans and that is the only label we should be putting on anyone. I shudder to think we what America will be like under that kind of leader Obama would be.

- My heart just goes out to the polygamist families of TX who have had their families torn apart. How does this affect us personally? If they have had their 2nd and 4th amendment rights taken away (for what I believe is due to religious bigotry) then we all stand to loose the same! Yes, polygamy is illegal...bring charges of that but that hasn't happened. I fear GREATLY for what this means to the sovereignty of this nation and the rights of all Americans. There is due process but aparently not in this situation. WHAT? We should be outraged and we should do something about it!

- There is a professor of ethics at Princeton University (Peter Singer) that says its okay to abort a child up until 2 years of age!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT THE HELLLLL!!!!??? His argument is that children under the age of 2 years old do not grasp the understanding of tomorrow or the future. Oh, and we should use them as organ donors. Riiiiiiiight, I get it now...WHAT? Seriously, the current state of this world makes Sodom and Gomorrah look like Saturday morning cartoons!

- Some church in DC held a prayer service yesterday morning at a local gas station asking for the Lord to help us with fuel costs. I think they got this right! Gotta turn to the Lord. Between fuel at record highs, inflation abounding, shortages on wheat in the US because we're growing corn for ethanol, weak dollar and panic runs on rice and flour...I can't take it. CALGON TAKE ME AWAY!

Can you see how things are lining up? Why does the final 'end of the world' scene of Ghostbusters run through my mind (music and all)? I've even stopped listening to Glenn Beck and still I'm a wreck! What's an optimist to do?

Roof Tops & Views

2008-04-24T13:48:00.000-06:00

ROOF #1: Yesterday was sweet Fletcher's birthday. And for his birthday he took ME to The Roof!! Mind you...I said that it was HIS birthday...that was so very sweet of him! Neither one of us had been there but wow is that a great place. Atmosphere, view, a piano man and great food....it was a perfect night. (I recommend the crème brulee').

ROOF #2: Before hand, we decided to take a mini tour of the gardens on top of the Conference Center. If you've never done it, I HIGHLY recommend it! The view is spectacular as well and the little triva that they share on conferencer and particular points around the city is very interesting.

ROOF #3: Our little tour guide did share with us a very interesting story. His cute wife use to work in the skyscraper just across from the temple. When the very unexpected tornado rolled into town in the summer of 1999, like every other downtown Utahan who'd never seen a tornado before, she stood unsafely at the window to watch the tornado come over the top of the Delta Center, across Temple Square and over the Conference Center which was under construction. That tornado caused the giant construction crane to tumble to the ground! I can't imagine what that looked like or even sounded like! Well, it seems that the sound penetrated the thick granite walls of the temple because soon enough this same lady saw 12 men, dressed in white....STANDING ON TOP OF THE TEMPLE!!!! I guess they had come out to see what all the noise was about. LOL. Her confused co-workers wondered aloud who those men were and what they were doing up there. I think those of the LDS faith know just who they were...and I just get a good laugh out of what a sight that must've been. It was only a few people in those taller buildings around the temple who saw the 12 "angels" standing on top of the temple....most likely never to be seen again. That story alone was worth the tour!

Priceless Perspective

2008-04-02T14:03:00.000-06:00

You know, I was chatting with a friend today who is pregnant with her 2nd child. She is also watching her mother die slowly from lung cancer and they don't give her much longer to live. Her perspective if that of someone who has new life growing inside her while she deals with her mother's life leaving her. That's perspective that I hope to never experience first hand yet what priceless perspective she can provide. Yet today, she did say "May I give you some unsolicited advice?" She told me that I should listen carefully and value any suggestions or desires my own mother might have about my pending wedding preparations. She said that she didn't listen to her mother as much as she wished she had. She let one particular request from a proud mother go ungranted though it was of no consequence to her as the bride. Yet the request would've meant THE WORLD to her mom. I can only guess that my dear friend is haunted by the "should've, could've, and would'ves" when it comes to her experiences and interchanges with her dear dying mother. Tragic.

I can't help but think of my other friend who's father is currently trying to rid himself of stage four prostate cancer. I'm sure her perspective is keen, painful yet priceless as well. I hope and pray her time with her father won't be cut short.

I also had the opportunity (on Saturday) to meet a beautiful 25 year old mother of 5 who is slowly dying from a severe case of MS. I can only imagine what perspective she might have especially with regards to her darling young children and her wonderful and serving husband. I pray that she lives to see her children get their driver's license and even marry and have children of their own.

You know, the world would have us believe that stuff and status are the most important things in life. Really its not about fame, money, popularity or even own selves....what is important is our relationships with the ones we love and that most specifically including God. Why waste more time and effort in the wrong stuff for even a second longer?? Life is so extremely precious and short and some people earn that priceless perspective the most difficult and painful way possible! I hope to learn from their experiences and make the most of my time with my loved ones instead of squandering it a day longer.

I'm Taking A Ride With My Best Friend!

2008-04-02T12:19:00.000-06:00

Oh, whoa is me!!! In the last 8 years, I have never EVER been away from my little Michelvis this long!!! Its been a week today as she is out of the country stalking Greek kabobs and won't even be returning for 3 more days!!! How pathetic am I? I mean, I know I have found another...and long to marry him (he's so adorable and squeezable) but really...I'm in withdrawals. Someone give me a donut stat! But in all honesty, this is a very weird thing for she and I (aka by dummies, "the twins" and I don't mean Patti & Darla) have NEVER had to be apart for this long. Normally I'm the one tripping with her to Ireland, NYC, Scotland, DC, London, Florida, Mexico, Phoenix, Vegas, Ross, etc. Alas, I cannot blame her for leaving me behind...she did want me so badly to go. Damn, I hate being so responsible sometimes. Living in Moshipotamia has provided me with some of THE MOST AMAZING EXPERIANCES OF MY LIFE!!!! And though I'm getting married I still hope to Moshipotamia often...husband and babies in tow. The desinations will most likely change (as Michelle is doomed to shack up as well) to things like Toys R Us, Baby Gap, Lacation Station, but we'll always have the memories...and man do they make me laugh...hard enough to pee just a little. I miss my Michelvis!!

I guess I must admit to missing Looori too. :)

Mi Familia

2008-03-31T12:46:00.000-06:00

Mi amiga (Michelvis) will once again be confirmed as part of mi familia and get paid for it! This is different from the millions of times we've been asked if we're sisters or even twins by some people that are too stupid to vote (they must be liberals...ha, I crack myself up!). One week from today, Michelle will be joining the Equitable familia and working in the HR department with me! These are exciting times.....never did I think that I'd have two great friends (including Susan) working side by side with me. Its true ... we could never live together but working together will be a treat (treat? Am I in my 80's?). Our dynamic trio will be a blast.....and I'm so glad that someone that I care about will be reaping the benefits of working for Equitable. 7 years here and going strong. Michelle could have the same hope if she doesn't have sex on my desk like she did at her other company...I'm just saying.

Outted by the Boss

2008-03-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

I am the one that does all the announcements for the company to the entire staff (births, deaths, engagements, etc.) through our in-house newsletter that I create. Well, I didn't post my own engagement because... I guess I was being modest. It felt 'weird' to do it for myself. I was hoping to just let the news get around word of mouth. But the boss lady had other ideas.... She sent this to the entire staff today. (She thinks she's Robert Frost. :))

This news will travel fast
and plans will not linger.
You may have already noticed
the diamond on her finger.

Amy is getting married
and Fletcher is the man.
He asked for her hand in marriage
knelt down on cemetery land.

Sunday was the proposal
the answer was an easy YES!
She is happy as can be
and they both are really blessed.

It all started with a date
and now they are best friends.
They are in love together
from now until the end.

Normally I'd share this news
in the traditional way.
But Amy felt a little bashful
putting in the Hotline on Monday.

Congratulations to Amy & Fletcher!

My Beautiful Ring!

2008-03-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

Its more than I ever imagined...from a guy who is more than I could ever have dreamed of!!

(The story below)

In a cemetery...my dreams came true!

2008-03-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

Who can say that their dreams came true ... in a cemetery? Odd enough, I'm pleased to say that I can. Last night, Fletcher and I went on a "walk" through a favorite cemetery of ours. Its just around the corner from my house and looks more like a park than a place for the dead to rest. It contains huge oak trees and rolling hills. Its always so peaceful and beautiful, no matter the time of year. On a day like March 2nd, it was a place where winter and spring had collided. Its also a place were my life and Fletcher's collided as well. We found ourselves here together for the first time on September 21, 2007. It was our first date and we went to dinner and a movie....and then a walk through the cemetery because the fall air beckoned us. It was again in October that we took a walk there to discuss a very serious matter..."us". We sat on a bench with a grand view of Mt. Olympus and engaged each other in a very vulnerable conversation. This is where Fletcher said that he first felt really deep feelings for me... :)

So it was perfectly fitting that Fletcher took me to that same bench (last night)...on an ordinary Sunday evening that turned out to rather extraordinary. For it was on this same cemetery bench where I sat when Fletcher got down one knee and asked me to be his wife...and all my dreams came true.

8th Wonder of the World

2008-02-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

Oh, I know you all have heard about the 7 Wonder's Of The World. But WONDER THIS! What about that 8th Wonder of the World? Never heard of it? NO WONDER its the 8th wonder then.

8TH WONDER OF THE WORLD: Why Michelvis has no boyfriend! No really, why doesn't she? Many scholars and idiots alike have seriously wonder this? I mean, COME ON...she looks amazing in black. Just get a gander at her beautiful eyes, those pink perfect lips, shinny hair...no, not the blonde homo! I'm talking about that sexy brunette...I'm getting a little hot and .... WAIT. I digress. Seriously, who needs a cupid to make some stupid fall in love with her. I'M JUST SAYING. My only theroy is that the one eyed dog is cramping her style but even that doesn't cease my wonderment.

Sometimes You Win Some, Sometimes You Lose Even More

2008-02-08T11:16:00.000-07:00

My week in review
1. Saturday: We buried sweet President Hinckley six days ago. While earth is more dark for our loss, heaven is that much brighter. Also, found a place that I want to give $500 to. Its surreal.
2. Sunday: Outstanding meeting with Bishop Proctor. Superbowl upset...good job NY Giants! Fletcher's papa was proud.
3. Monday: President Monson becomes our new prophet. Then Monday night disappointment (but there is redemption...I am hopeful).
4. Super Tuesday....the dashing of my hope that America could have the redemption spoken of in #3. I am hopeless.
5. Wednesday: I've got a hangover...and I want to vomit. Please see #4 above.
6. Thursday...Hopeless: 2 / Amy: 0...Mitt Romney suspends his campaign. Also, Apple Bee's blows! They need to "get it together baby".
7. Friday: Fletcher & Amy's first out of town trip. Yeah! We're off to sunny St. George to stay with some friends. I'm really excited to travel with my adorable blonde babe. I will insist that he keeps my mind off of items #4, #5 & #6...which shouldn't be hard. I'm smitten! I vitamin D.

What I've learned this week:
- All relationships require work. Even the ones that seem to come naturally and easily. To make them "quality", efforts need to be made by both parties. I have great friends that I want to always want in my life no matter the work required.
- Satan is very aware of our weaknesses and will show no mercy when trying to use them against us.
- Heavenly Father is forgiving and loves us each so much, even when Satan wins, its only one battle. He won't win the war.
- If it walks like a liberal and talks like a liberal, it is a liberal but some republicans are okay with that. This conservative is not!
- I love Fletcher unconditionally.
- Mitt Romney is a man of class and integrity. We haven't heard the last of him. Remember Reagan 1976? (Huckabee..."What's class & integrity?")
- I learned that I am easily offended when talking politics with my friends so the best policy is just to not discuss "the issues" with the ones I love the most (who happen to disagree with my opinions:)). Mainly because it confuses me SO BAD! How could we have the same beliefs and morals, enjoy the same activities, interests, personalities, and have common goals and desires for our future, but differ so vastly when it comes to politics? It seriously hurts my head! I try to think of it in terms of "taste". Some people just have good taste and some have bad taste and can't help themselves. I just happen to have good taste when it comes to politics...I'm just saying. :) For now, we'll just have to agree to disagree....and AGREE on one thing...never bring it up.
- Bishop Higgins rocks my world.
-The next 4 years will require the super duper delux knee pads. I'll put in for a double order.

I'm scared to see what next week brings....

New meaning to "Ash" Wednesday....

2008-02-07T15:42:00.000-07:00

DOUCHE BAG OF THE DAY: Normally I wouldn't use the word 'douche' and 'Jesus' in the same sentence, however, Church of England has forced my hand. GET THIS...the Church (of England...don't get that confused) is encouraging its followers to "reduce their carbon foot print" for lent. Can you say "DOUCHE"? I can think of more Christian appropiate things to give up in humble reverence and similitude of the cruxifiction of our Savior that don't fall in line with the bullcrap trap of atheist librals that are trying to remove anything spiritual and holy from democratic societies! Let's see...how about giving up soft porn like MTV...thats a good start. Refrain from giving a Rocky Anderson billboard the one finger salute, texting while driving, switching from Coke to Pepsi, wearing a dark coat even on a snow day (that is for you, Eubanks), giving up plaid pants & veggies (especially peas)...just to name a few. Now I might be tempted to follow the example of Martin (of York). In an effort to follow the good ole' Church of England's request, he suggested the following: "Don't drive to Church. Stay home instead." Couldn't have said it better myself fair Martin.

"Church of England...cake or death?"

From Super Tuesday into Wet My Pants Wednesday

2008-02-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

...followed by slit my wrists Thursday. Now, that may not sound like my sunshine and lollipop self, but it comes down to this...I CANNOT find it in me to be optimistic about the state of our union after last night's vote for McCain! Holy hell...this country is totally SCREWED! And dispite the long dark list of McCain's "downfall of America" checklist, he isn't the great satan in all this. That title goes to Huckabee. When asked (last night) on Glenn Beck's show "Why don't you attack the front runner verses someone that is running in second place?" which we all know is the logical tactic if he truly wanted to win the nomination, Huckabee repied that this was a blood sport; meaning he was going right for Romney's jugular. What a patriotic move huh? God bless America when a former evangelical preacher finds his hate for another canidate (who happens to be a fellow christian and actually shares the same conservative values as him) to be the uptmost importance over his country. Huckabee, way to take one for the team...Satan's team. He gets the MVP! I'm disguisted.

DOUCHE BAG OF THE DAY: Mike Huckabee. Oh, and Hilary Clinton who said yesterday that "some people may have to have their pay checks garnished to pay for my health care plan."

Ramblings of an Angry White Woman!

2008-02-04T17:03:00.000-07:00

Oh the humanity!!!! I'm so freakin' frustrated...for two good reasons:

Frustration #1) America is going to pot! This the eve of Super Tuesday 2008, I'm sporting a new wrinkle in the center of my forehead from the worry and frustration that is so apparent on my face. America is an amazing nation....home to many idiots. We're about to sell out our convervative values to a man who is no conservative at all. He's a freakin' libral in conservative clothing and we're falling for it. Not this girl...but what am I to do? Well, I've broken out the good ole' knee pads...the Almighty needs to bring in a mighty miracle tomorrow or the America of today will no longer exist. Despite what people think, it won't be traded in for something better. And currently, I find myself madly in love with the most amazing Mr. Right...and thinking of the future of our beautiful blonde babies. But the sweet dream is sickened by what kind of reality they would be greeted by. How can I bring them into a world that would have Hilary or McCain at the superpower helm? Its a freakin' nightmare come true... At least I have hope in miracles...

Frustration #2) I use to be fun. I was going to say "I use to be cool" but I think there is many a friend that would tell me that isn't true at all. But I DID use to be fun. WHAT HAPPENED? Gone are the days of being naive...those were the "salad days". Now I find myself listening to 5 hours of talk radio followed by by an hour of network tv news....EVERY SINGLE DAY! Who am I? I really do blame my mother who at one time use to portray herself as a cute, little, naive house wife who raised all her children so prim and properly. Can you say "June Clever"? Bless her heart, but the woman doesn't even know how to log onto the internet, but if I accidentally mentioned anything politically linked over the Sunday feast of roastbeef and potatoes, then out spews out of her mouth a disertation on why the Democrates are going straight to "H E double toothpicks". All I said was "pass the gravy." I'd like to say that my mother could also claim the phrase "I use to be fun" as I her daughter can but alas that isn't true and she'd fully admit it. We may be different in that realm but when it comes to being sweet and naive, gone are the days and political banter is our new sweet song. Oh the humanity.... I ask myself, one more time..."who am I?" Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....oops, gotta run. Glenn Beck is starting....

Maiden Voyage...Ahoy Bloggers!

2008-02-04T16:24:00.000-07:00

"Who has the time to blog?" This has been a common theme in my mind. Then I think to myself "Who has time to read other people's blogs?" I'm still questioning myself on these two questions but I decided to join the ranks of millions of bloggers out there. THIS at the reccommendation of my bff and her crazy superhero sidekick Britta. Is blogging another way for me to be even more self-obsessed thinking that everyone wants to know about me? Isn't that the concept of MYspace? Its not YOURspace...its MYspace. Another possible reason....maybe blogging is theraputic in some fashion. When I thought about what I might blog about, I found myself to be quite dull. EVEN if someone had the time to read about me on MY blog, wouldn't they eventually short circuit their computer with the amount of drool coming from their very bored and sleepy head? With this apifany in mind, I deem my quest and goal of MY blog is to use it to rate myself on a scale of "dull" to "very interesting". Again, its all about me right? LOOK OUT BLOGGER WORLD, I've come into your world like a new born naked baby straight from the mother's womb! Ew.