Rebecca Ann

teaming up

2010-02-07T19:42:00.000-08:00

CHECK THIS.

http://rawburningham.blogspot.com/

funny clown and red jello

2010-01-30T19:29:00.000-08:00

Welp. 19 comments about a getting married post is kind of hard to follow.

Even though our family doesn't believe in the monopolizing, power hungry establishment that WalMart is, Wes and I had a good long laugh over this commercial.

The BYU vs. Utah game was this week. We made jello that remained loyal to both parties.

Get excited for the next post. We have something special planned.

need i say more

2010-01-20T21:46:00.001-08:00

an informed citizen

2010-01-18T16:18:00.000-08:00

I'm one of those American Heritage refugees. I have some sort of mental block that won't allow me to take the class. Maybe it is the horror stories I hear from every single person who has taken the class.

So I'm enrolled in another class that fulfills the requirement in a round about way. Intro to Political Science.

This class has me reading stuff like this:

Hello! There is so much stuff, really important stuff, going on. How was I missing all of this!

(Stuff= big bucks from big banks for bailout, health care bill, race in MA for Senate seat)

I don't have anything inspiring or enlightening to say about our nation, but try reading the paper for 2 weeks and see what you learn. Then to test just how informed of a citizen you are, have a conversation with Harley King.

sledding

2010-01-11T14:26:00.003-08:00

My sisters and I went sledding over the break. Each of us invited one friend to come along.

Caroline invited Emmy.
Rachel invited Lindsay.
Rebecca invited Wes.

The first video is Wes and me going down the surprisingly steep hill at a golf course by my grandparents' house. I have been sledding down this hill every winter since I was 4 years old, and now, even at almost 22 years old, it is still thrilling. I was so happy to share this childhood hill with Wes. I have some good memories of zooming down that hill in front of Spencer in a torpedo sled.

The second video is an attempt at the ultimate sled chain. We had 6 people, 1 tube and 3 sleds... we didn't make it very far. You'll notice I start in the front, then somehow end up coming past everyone, snagging Lindsay's glove off the snow (which you'll hear her and Rachel looking for it) then Wes jumps on top of me and we make it to the bottom of the hill before everyone.

back in motion

2010-01-03T16:43:00.001-08:00

Reality hit today.

Reality hit when I went to shower this morning and instead of enjoying a spacious, tiled, shower with more than sufficient water pressure... Reality squirted me in the face as I forgot that the shower head in my Provo apartment is broken and if you don't lean all the way to one side, well, when you turn it on you get blasted with cold water. This shower is also approximately 2 feet wide and 2 feet long. Good thing I don't have a problem with claustrophobia.

It made me remember how good it was to be at my real home.

Highlights and Lowlights of the break.

Highlights:
I have a sister in-law.
Bowled a 176.
Received Brian Regan tickets.
Got a New Years Kiss (finally!)
Surprise flowers from Wes.

Lowlights:
Paying tuition.
Paying for books.
Paying for doctor's visit (BYU doesn't bill private insurance).

And so I'm back in the saddle again.

emergency level one

2009-12-28T20:28:00.000-08:00

I don't have a ton of time to watch TV when I'm in school. So when I come home to comfy couch and cable it is easy to get carried away. However, it did pay off for me this week. I found an awesome show on TLC called Emergency Level One.

This isn't Grey's Anatomy people. We are talking REAL doctors in REAL ERs. TLC somehow swung a deal to get their cameras into Level One hospital emergency departments. You wouldn't believe some of the stuff that comes into an ER, and you wouldn't believe what they show on TV! I volunteered at UVRMC in Provo, and I never saw anything like this. Wish I had. Take a look at these program summaries.

A major car crash involving two pregnant women threatens both them and their babies. A bar fight stabbing has an ugly twist, when intestines come spilling out of the wound. And a police shooting puts a patient's life in the hands of the trauma team.

A woman's story about her massive gunshot wound takes an unexpected turn. A young vet makes it home safely from Iraq only to be gunned down at a Nashville nightclub. And a freak horse-and-buggy accident leaves an elderly man fighting for his life.

You know it's good when it starts with a black screen and these white words:

Due to the graphic nature of the images, viewer discretion is advised.

I'm intrigued. Like just last week, did you guys hear about the guy that got his leg amputated by trax? If you are brave enough, click on the trauma gallery link on my blog. I used this gallery of pics to study for several exams.

On another note.

The Weiler family is loving Bananagrams and Pass the Pigs. Except for Caroline, cause we always make her keep score. If I ever home school my kids (which I won't) we would just play these games all day, and recess of course (for kickball, dodgeball, warball, badminton, you know all those essential PE games).

tied the climbing rope knot

2009-12-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

I have two apologies to make.

Yes, I know it has been FOREVER since I blogged. Secondly, my last post may have mislead some of you to believing that I will be leaving Provo soon. Not so. I was simply taking holiday for Thanksgiving.

Alright, this is for all you people out there who should have/wanted to attend the Weiler/Wilson wedding.

I'll give you the play by play.

The day started around 7:30am. We had to wake up and get to the Manti temple by 10:30 because Spence forgot his temple clothes here in SLC. Kind of a crucial item to forget, no? We arrived and dropped my mom and dad off and crusied around Manti and Ephraim. We attempted to hit up the local McDonalds and were sorely disapointed when we found out they stopped serving breakfast at 10:30. What the heck. Can't a girl get a hashbrown?

We went back to the temple around noon, and in the 8 degree cold waited for Mr. and Mrs. Weiler to come out. Annie was gorgeous with a simple white dress and lace top, wild flowers in her hair and white thermal underwear. I've never seen Spencer so smitten and happy, not even about a new piece of climbing gear. [note: Annie's ring is elk ivory, Spencer's is black tungsten]

It was freezing. Did I mention it was FREEZING? Pictures were quick for the family and then we headed to lunch. The happy couple of course stayed later and took some fun pictures of them bouldering the temple wall. Totally appropriate, even with Annie in her high heels.

Later that night was the reception at Mapleton City Hall. I only have two things to say here: Tasty meatballs. I was robbed during the bouquet toss.

The photographer wanted the three Weiler sisters to stand around Spence and give him a kiss. We thought she was joking. She wasn't. We tried to play along but it was just too weird. My mom explained to the photographer, "They just don't show love that way." It was really awkward at first and then about 30 minutes later, extremely funny.

We opted for something more like this.

Cute mother and father of the groom.

Are those girls related?! Shout out to my home girl Lisa.

The whole day was totally Annie and Spencer, even down to the piece of climbing rope garter he pulled off her leg.

Now that Spencer is dead to us, the three of us will have to stick together.

some things

2009-11-22T17:07:00.000-08:00

things I might miss about provo:

my own underground parking spot [ which actually came at a high price, but so worth it ]
the provo library just a hop, skip and jump away [ with a surprisingly decent collection of dvds ]
cougar tails [ for those uneducated, a cougar tail is a 3 foot long maple bar ]
seeing the provo temple as I come over university parkway
student discounts [ i.e. wilk bowling, 1 buck off a costa vida burrito ]
responding to 911 menstrual cramp calls
mt. timp
living with 5 girls [ however, it's year 4, my alarm is up ]

things I know I won't miss about provo:

university avenue [ anyone think the washboard is getting WORSE? ]
duck pond stairs [ what is it, like 152 stairs i hike up every morning? ]
my job [ no comment ]
church on campus [ something unsettling/guilt provoking about taking the sacrament in the same room a physical science lecture put you to sleep in ]
byu hockey
paying 5 bones for a lady to tell me she can still see soap scum
friday night, 6-12 pm, any road, movie theater, restaurant
Utah Valley Regional Medical Center nurses
the byu bike cop [ what the heck, that guy is EVERYWHERE ]

things I always miss about slc:

kirk, jennie, rachel, caroline [ i miss spence too, but well, he's never going to read this anyway ]
a bed at normal height off the ground [ provo rebecca needs the storage space ]
passing my high school on the freeway
rei
marie callendar pie
mt. olympus
the weiler red couches
little cousins

on belay!

2009-11-08T19:06:00.000-08:00

How many families do you know that just go spend an afternoon rock climbing in Logan Canyon? One of my favorite things about my fam is that we do ALL sorts of things TOGETHER. We have a wide range of ages, abilities and tolerance levels. Yet we water ski together (at the same time), we walk 9 holes of golf, we repel slot canyons and now apparently rock climb.

{Spence is decent. He could learn a few things from Annie.}

{Annie is a machine! You would not believe her skills. We all just sat below and cheered. Really.}

{You go mom, you go.}

{Rachel, Spence, Dad. Sorry Rach, I don't have any pic of you in the harness, but you know you were dang sexy in it.}

{Annie and Caroline.}

{Climbing shots are always so flattering. Here is Kirk.}

{Wes' first time scaling rock.}

{Spencer and Annie did all the belaying. They are they only ones we trust.}

lift off

2009-11-01T18:12:00.000-08:00

I'm getting lazy with the blogging. I know. Instead of typing up rather witty paragraphs, I post a plethora of pics and flics. Justification: It is easier for me, and gives you a more realistic experience, no?

In summary. Wes, Rebecca, Caroline and Rachel launched some rockets for Halloween. To celebrate the minimal success, they built a 4 man pyramid. Everyone laughed a lot. Rachel looked like Chief Sitting Bull.

Enjoy. Know you will.

I've never been in a parade before.

2009-10-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

BYU Homecoming.

Hike and light the Y.

Blue pancake breakfast.

ESPN Game Day.

Slaughtering of cougar football.

And.... the parade!

a new car and a slightly tainted one

2009-10-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

There is another woman.

I don't know how I feel about this. JEALOUSY. Her name is Beyonce. She is a 2009 magnetic gray Nissan Versa. She is sexy. Sneaky Jason Bourne is smitten. Speaking of Sneaky Jason Bourne... Walked into the parking garage this morning and found the red Nissan Versa covered with this! It is funny, but totally premature. I had loads of errands to run so I got tons of honks between Provo and Salt Lake. I just waved and smiled. But no I did not just get married. And no, I'm not even engaged.

Writer's request: (Please excuse my hideous uniform/man pants. BYU EMS sure has a great sense of style). Writer's clarification: Sneaky Jason Bourne is the name of the car that I drive.

not for the faint of heart

2009-10-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

Look what I found in my shower drain. That cannot be all mine... It's not even blond!

signing the roll

2009-10-06T18:39:00.001-07:00

It should take less than 2 seconds to sign the roll as it is passed around the classroom. Not for the average BYU student. For some reason we are compelled to look at the title of each page, whisper something to our neighbor, run our fingers up and down the columns, then along the rows, stare at random people's names, double-check the little "Xs" next to our name and then finally mark it.

Then repeat. Rinse and repeat.

Arg. Pass the roll along.

scott and cyndi sittin' in a tree

2009-10-04T19:48:00.000-07:00

can we just talk about the kitchen aid?

2009-10-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

I was domestic today. Yeah, sometimes I have days like this. Most days no.

It started by having to brutally force 2 fairly heavy bookcases courtesy of IKEA, out of the Versa, up 5 stairs, then down another flight. I assembled each, without too much trouble. I cleaned up and put the tools away, then started taping and painting Rachel's room (while receiving enlightenment here). I put the ladder away and hammered the lid back on the paint can and came upstairs sweaty and slightly injured.

I remembered a tasty banana bread recipe from this girl. I was enjoying a successful/productive day thus far and wanted to treat myself to something yummy. However, this simple act of baking bread was far more complicated and confusing to me than assembling bookcases or measuring and mixing paint. Oh well, I decided to bake.

Struggle is an understatement.

First of all, I really don't know where anything is in my house. I opened and shut every single cupboard/drawer each time I needed a tool (measuring cups and spoons, pan, mixing bowl etc). After all the ingredients were out on the table and organized, I saw this guy hiding behind the cutting board. A shiny new tool. Hmm....

I put everything in the bowl. Being me, I turn the mixer on high. Mistake. After wiping banana flecks off my painted speckled face I scraped the bowl and started again. Eventually everything is mixed and apparently I got the ingredients and thier measurements correct because it looked fine.

After pouring the mix into these little pans I didn't know existed, my banana bread was in the oven and cooking away. I like these mini pans because you can consume half a loaf of goodness in one bite. I'm all about bite size, or even 2 bites size food items. Everyone says they are "cute." I say they are efficient.

Of course I forgot about the bread. Of course. It baked longer than it was supposed to, but I think it tastes ok. I'll let Rachel and Caroline be the judge. They will comment and let you know.

I'm the kind of girl that takes her Visiting Teachees toilet paper. I don't bake cookies. I can help move a couch. Don't ask me to decorate a card. God knows me. I am the ward Emergency Preparedness Leader. Not sure I got what it takes to be Relief Society Prez.

But people can change, right?

friday night

2009-09-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

[first official picture together since 2007]

2009-09-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

we are kind of a big deal

2009-09-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

Rachel and Caroline. Just can't get enough of them.

Sleepover. The Y. Photobooth. Frozen Yogurt. Nap.

by small and simple things

2009-09-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

College students are wasteful. I'm one. I'll admit it. We just throw everything in a giant black garbage bag and send it off to a land fill where it will sit for 1,000 years. And we don't even care.

One Man's Trash has come by my apartment before and I always turned them down. Who wants to pay to recycle? But this year, I resolved that Jamestown 21 would try to operate on slightly greener terms.

And here is our success. Within one week we filled 3, count them, 3 bags with plastics (Ramen wrapping), paper (late rent notices), cardboard (minute rice boxes), etc.

And this is true as well. But not for me.

it is time

2009-09-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

to introduce you.

Yep. He's back. And I love, love, love it!

hot or not?

2009-08-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

Attention!

Calling on anyone who stumbles upon this blog! I need your help in answering the Sean Connery attractiveness debate. Once and for all, let us decide : HOT or NOT?

out of the blogging coma

2009-08-23T12:01:00.001-07:00

Sheesh. Has it really been almost a month since I last posted? What's wrong with me? I feel like I'm cheating on my blog or something.

What I'd really like to post about is the family trip to Zions. However, it would seem that all the pictures are on the "hardest person to get a hold of in our family's" camera. Stay tuned.

We went to the first neighborhood party in our new area last night. The folks next door hosted it and while I would have rather just watched the whole thing from a perfectly positioned window, (stalkerish, I know) we went over to enjoy the festivities and mingle amongst a group of strangers. Our neighbors are nice rich people. They have a big old pool with a hot tub, volleyball court, fire pit area etc. But the party item that caught the Weiler girls' eye was... the slip n' slide.

What a piece of genius.

It tooks some of my best coaxing, but soon Rachel was at the top of the hill. She ran and threw herself belly down and started hauling. Now most kids that do this laugh and splash thier way down and stop in a little pool at the end of the slide. Not so for Rachel "The Blur" Weiler. Rachel pummeled right over the pool of water, slid another 3 feet and then rolled another 3 feet on the lawn. She stood up with grass, dirt and hair plastered all over her face.

I almost peed my pants from laughing.

And for those of you who keep an interest in my love life: things are good.

big foot

2009-07-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

I have had large feet since about 9th grade. You'd think now, 7 years later, I would have come to grips with the fact that most shoes don't fit me, especially all the cute ones. I go to the shoe store and joke myself by trying on 9s. Psh. Who am I kidding? I then proceed to ask a sales person for 9.5. Again, who am I kidding? I then ask the sales person for a 10, and of course they don't even make the shoe in a size 10. Story of my feets' life. The "size 9 lie" stops here. I am a proud size 10. Who knows how I will feel tomorrow, but today, I am embracing it.

puerrrrrrrrto vallarrrrrrrta

2009-07-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

It is safe to say the Kirk and Jennie Weilers had a hilarious vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico this past week. We laughed, and then we laughed really hard. I have decided the best way document this post is through a series of brief clips. There are some I seriously hesitate to post. Oh well. No shame.

The six of us can't get together without some sort of physical competition. And it is never fair. For some reason we decided to relive the terrible elementary memories of the v-sit.

Oh the humanity.

Mom and Spence are flexible. The rest of us have mile long legs to reach over.

The first thing I say when I get in the pool:

"I'm NOT doing chicken fights you guys."

On our zip line tour through the jungle we see this sign:

Which is then of course followed by this:

A personal favorite from the trip was para-sailing.

One word for you. Sketchy.

the jam and the salsa

2009-07-10T10:07:00.001-07:00

I have FABulous coworkers. Seriously. Some people hate the people they work with, but the group of girls that I spend 8 hours with everyday, well, they make the 8 hours bearable.

Sarah, being the newlywed homemaker, made me 2 jars of deliciousness.

The jam: strawberry-kiwi/blackberry
The salsa: something with habanero equals spicy

[also note: the jars are empty, it didn't take long for that to happen]

I came home one day from work, looking forward to making something, anything using the jam. My roommates had cleansed the fridge. Disaster. So I went out to the dumpster, pulled out the black garbage bag and started sorting through the previous items of our fridge. Not going to lie, it was gross. But Eureka! I found the jam and salsa. Yes, the canned contents were THAT good. Totally worth the old cottage cheese on my hand and the wilted lettuce wedged between my toes.

New Mission Presidents' Seminar and Stadium of Fire

2009-07-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

It's not every week you come within a 3 foot radius of these guys.

As well as these guys.

Unfortunately I didn't get to do the Heimlich on any apostles, or mouth to mouth on the Jo Bros.

Dear Brooke

2009-06-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

This post is way over due. I have no excuses.

Ah hem.

Dear Brooke,

Did you really make this adorable 4th of July decoration? Did you really send it to me, your long lost co-worker? Did you really?

You have no idea (well maybe you do) how much this package brightened my day! Actually saved my day. The tedious and boring days of Teacher Ed can wear on one's spirits. Thank you for saving mine. I will live another day to order textbooks and pawn off source documents to Sarah.

We love your blog. We frequent it often. You are not forgotten.

We keep Elrond in your remembrance.

Sincerely,
Rebecca
201A MCKB
2.7080

Also, my fam is taking a trip to Puerto Vallerta in a few weeks. Can you give me the DL on some sights we should check out?

mesa verde and a bit more

2009-06-17T20:22:00.000-07:00

"Educational rather than recreational," said my mother about our recent roadtrip.

"Oh great," thought the three daughters.

And it was indeed educational. Kirk and his girls visited several Indian ruins (NOT Anasazi as our tour guides pointed out several times, but ancient Pueblons...whatever).

We climbed ladders, shimmied through tunnels, got in and out of the m-van, took pictures, mocked tour guides, walked and walked, emptied cooler, filled cooler, schleped luggage (term courtesy of Wendy), squeezed into wetsuits.... the verbs go on and on.

I of course will now post the highlights.

Caroline eating a 1/2 pound hamburger.
Rachel not having enough underwear (don't be ashamed Rachel. It's funny, bloggers will understand).
Caroline and I careening into a boulder, then capsizing the duckie and getting rescued by a raft.
The cooler leaking all over the hotels, and dad having to clean it up (4 hotels in 4 nights people).
Doing a push up in 4 states, at the same time!
4 wheeling through Monument Valley in the Grand Caravan. Those Hummers got nothing on us.
Mom's comment when approaching our first hotel , "Please don't let this be it."

And now for the pictures.

Possibly my favorite pic from the vacay.

Not sure what we are doing here.

The Three Sisters and THE THREE SISTERS.

Backside key:
Rachel=top of ladder, black
Rebecca=middle, American flag
Mom=camera strapped to belt, tan capris

Self explanatory.

Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico.

Mexican hat, with a bag of mangoes (note the cowboy boots making another appearance).

Cute mom and dad. Classic Kirk by the way, putting the water bottle in the back pocket. Love it.

Boo. Fun haters.

salute to skin

2009-06-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a run in with the pavement. Today I am thinking about how miraculous skin is. The human body heals itself. How many other things in life do that?

Relationships do not work themselves out.
Copy machines do not spontaneously unjam.
A flat tire does not change itself.
Sheets do not magically fold and beds do not make themselves.
Computers do not independently debug.
Ipods and cell phones do not recharge themselves.
Ripped jeans do not re-align threads and stitch back together.

Catch my drift?

Too many things in life require constant maintenance. I possess something that no matter how much I mistreat or bang up, will continually take care of itself. Magical. And one less thing for me to worry about fixing in my somewhat reckless life.

one of these things is not like the others

2009-06-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

Can you guess which bike is mine?
(and yes, I am secure with my femininity)

O Canada

2009-05-31T17:59:00.000-07:00

12 hour drive
1 passport
1 bouquet of tiger lilies
1 pair cowboy boots
6 tanks of gas
1 speech

...equals Rebecca as a bridesmaid in Canada!

I crossed the border for the first time this weekend. Canadians are great eh? My dear friend Mandee Brame (Sabey) is now off and married. I really can't describe my 70 hours living on a farm in Canada, all I can really say is I will be back soon! But here are a few highlights.

Waterskied in May, on a 12 degree Canadian glacier lake, no wetsuit...or swim suit for that matter.

Visited Cardston Temple. Loved this!

Tied more tulle (again, but brown this time) around two-hundred chairs.

Sat RIGHT NEXT to the bride at the head table during the family dinner. Thanks Mand!

Transported wedding cake. I can't believe mother of the bride trusted me with this.

Was the master mind behind "decorating" the get-a-way car. Let's just say there were quite a few Pepsi cans involved.

Reunion of good friends (Laura, Nelson and Eric).

Had my first Canadian slurpee @ the Blue Goose.

More pictures to come...

Rip it. Rip it good.

2009-05-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

spring cleaning experiment

2009-05-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

I'm in one of those moods.

One of those moods where you want to go through all your stuff and cleanse. Why do we hold onto things that we never use? Because it has memories attached to it? Because we are lazy? Because it was a gift? Because we have a glimmer of hope that one day we will fit into it?

I'm tackling the closet. Now, I color coordinate the clothing in my closet in a normal color spectrum. Within each color I organize by material. In order to go through my clothes in an organized fashion I have decided to start at one end of the closet and each day wear the next piece clothing. I'll wear the article of clothing that day, no matter what, and by the end of the day I'll know whether it can return to it's respective place in the closet or whether it gets tossed in the DI box. This process will also help me find all the things that don't belong to me... Sorry Rachel.

Sounds efficient right?

Starting closet count: 48

not the Grand Slam on the Denny's menu

2009-05-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

I'm branching out
by giving in to my
Weiler roots.

Currently reading this delight:

"The twenty-year-old former caddie personified a cherished American ideal: that anyone with perseverance, modesty, and a backbone could rise above the limits imposed by humble beginnings to achieve greatness."

-Mark Frost

a late tribute to my mother

2009-05-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

Thank you mom...

for being strong enough to paddle down a few rivers.

for being cool enough to hold this gun.

for letting me wear these (twice).

for making me wear this [character building experience].

for keeping me in style [bows and poofy bangs]

for warm and semi-embarrassing Halloween costumes.

for the creative birthday cakes.

My mom could beat your mom up.

whatever you need, really

2009-05-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

As a secretary I have fairly normal office responsibilities. I fax, copy, clean, schedule, organize, plan, order, type, scan, print, mail, take minutes, answer phones, stock, file, staple, collate, clear copy jams, replace cartridges, alphabetize, label, write, take messages, run errands, whatever needs to be done really, which means I am at the sloppy disposal of the faculty and staff here.

However I feel like the office I work in isn't always that typical. Let's see, my first week here I cleaned barf off a dissertation. I've also set up an entire Fischer Price Wedding Collection [stained glass windows included] for display in an office. I've shuttled cars all over the BYU campus to avoid parking tickets, swung by Einstein's to pick up some bagels and then over to Micheal's for balloons. Not to mention the babysitting. And the latest project is organizing [phase 1] of my boss' personal CD collection... by genre. Then take each CD and the front cover insert out and file away in a massive book of CDs. Knock on wood I don't have to import them to her itunes next.

motherhood, motocross and a medallion

2009-04-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

Had an eventful weekend.

a) Wednesday I was a single college student cramming for a Humanities final. Thursday through Monday I was a mother of 5 dealing with carpools, baseball treats, birthday presents and runny noses. Talk about a switch in gears. I've never poured so many bowls of cereal or tied so many double knots on shoe laces. And you are never going to believe this, but I cooked a roast.

It doesn't get much more motherly than that folks.

I am not ready for children. I wasn't sure I could even keep a house plant alive. But lo and behold, those children survived, and I'd say we were on average only 4.2 minutes late to every
activity.

b) As part of this adventure, I went with my sisters and the 3 oldest kids to SuperCross @ Rice Eccles Stadium. I was in heaven, and it made me miss my bike. The highlight of the freezing cold night was when I snatched [left-handed] a t-shirt launched into the stadium. That kind of stuff never happens to me.

c) Rachel received her Young Womanhood Medallion. Congrats! Spence even showed up for the event. Mom and Dad did great with the technology after some frustrated moments with PowerPoint and Grandpa Queed told Spencer to get a job, cut his hair and pull up his pants.

life jottings

2009-04-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

Let's face it. I'm not really one to get nostalgic. I have a hard time developing sentiment or emotional attachment to places and things. Let's not forget "Tucker Burial of '06" [may he rest in peace] when everyone was crying and I couldn't seem to crank out a single tear.

However, despite arguments from some, you know who you are, I am not heartless. And as I shuffle from one Provo apartment to the next, I can't help but reflect back on one more chapter of my college career.

Mandee and I picked Stadium Terrace Apartments simply because you cannot beat the price. This statement should tell you something about the living conditions... And as most situations seem to pan out, I was placed in an apartment with quite the variety of girls. I always joke about sharing a room with a dragon slayer, or an avid Pokemon player... but there is always an element of truth to these jokes/fears.

I didn't get a girl in a cloak. I didn't get a girl who has Pikachu pajama pants. I got Becky, Jessica, Marie and Joanna. Let's be honest, we have almost nothing in common.

Becky: Now here's the thing about Becky. She is seriously the nicest girl ever. She'll tell you your outfit is cute every morning, she shares all her food [unless she had previously stolen it from you and is now offering it back... ah hem] her sincerity makes you want to go buy a puppy. BUT, she also has this terrifying rugby/riverguide/watch out or I'll pummel you side.

Jessica: I've never met a girl with more wit. Jessica is sharp. J, if you decide against the whole medical school thing [overrated right?] you should become a writer or a talkshow host. One thing I really appreciate about Jessica is her ability to tell it like it is. Sugarcoating is not in her personality. I few random things I learned about Yessica include: she doesn't like breakfast food and eats Ramen instead, FERPA means nothing to her, she never wears the same outfit twice and she is scared of no man.

Marie: People think Marie and I didn't bond or something this semester. Whatev. Marie played basketball for BYU last year and thus, she is ripped. She might seem quiet or shy to the unknowing random person, but Marie is anything but that when it comes to any sort of sport or competition. My best birthday gift this year was having Marie [someone who generally speaking keeps her distance] embrace, yes embrace me.

Joanna: Now, Joanna and I didn't have as much time as the other girls. She moved into the apartment half way through the year, but we made up for lost time by sleeping with our faces 8 inches apart. Joanna is a domestic queen [and musically inclined as well]. When Joanna gets ready in the morning she does this crazy ballerina thing with her feet. She stands at the counter with her feet contorted somewhere between 2nd and 3rd position. Incredible.

And so, to you, the girls of ST #17, I say it's been real. See you on campus.

Thank you and Adieu.

PASSED

2009-04-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

It's officially official.

Say hello to Utah's newest EMT-B.

jump

2009-04-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

According to tradition, every Easter the 3 Weiler sisters take jumping pictures. I don't know why, but we get such a kick out of setting the camera timer for 10 seconds, counting down out loud while watching the light blink, and then trying to throw our bodies into some contorted pose at exactly the right time. Oh wait. I guess I do know why. Because it is hilarious.

I love my girls.

For you g-unit and diva.

happy happy easter

2009-04-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

currently thrilled about

2009-04-10T14:41:00.000-07:00

seeing my ginormous family for easter
passing the state emt exam
2 more days of school
humor u tomorrow night
decent weather
my new best friend
one more hour of work
spending time with sandi
paint going on in the new house
my tax refund
a 320 reunion (10:00am 11th of april)
finding a new lucky pencil

who's right?

2009-04-06T07:07:00.001-07:00

Customer service.

How often do you receive quality customer service? You know, the kind where the customer is always right? It seems more and more these days, we, the customer, have to remind them (corporate world) that we, the customer, are indeed, always right.

I've had postive customer service experiences with a number of companies/businesses:
Dairy Queen
Intermountain Health Care
Buy Low Market
Denny's
The Apple Store
REI
Chase Bank
Victoria's Secret
Home Depot
U.S. Postal Service

I've had negative customer service experiences with a number of companies/businesses:
BYU Bookstore
Stadium Terrace Apartments
Target Photo Center
Einstein Bagels
Advanta Bank Corp.
Bischoff's Car Wash
Pet's Mart
Great Clips

When I worked at Papa Murphy's many years ago, I took a phone order for a woman who ordered a large Gourmet Vegetarian, minus the artichokes. She came in, purchased her pizza for $11.72 and left. She returned about 2 hours later, with one slice of pizza left on the pan. She complained that the pizza was no good, that it hadn't cooked correctly because of the preparation of ingredients. Said it was too doughy. Clearly, she had not only enjoyed the pizza, she had devoured all of it except the one piece she needed to bring back as evidence.

I examined the slice. It seemed fine. In fact, it looked a little burnt to me.

She demanded a new pizza. Same order.

We gave it to her, along with an apology.

Because the customer is always right.

Obviously this idea, of the customer always being right, is a frame of mind, not a reality. Most of the time, the customer is wrong, am I right? I'm a fairly justice-minded person, you get what you get. So what I really wanted to do with this lady was pick up the piece of pizza, bite into it, spit it out and tell her it was fine. However, not only would the customer's business been lost, but my minimum wage job as well.

So I'm trying as a customer and as an employee to be polite and fair.

I'm trying.

Did I mention I love my brother?

2009-03-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

my pandora

2009-03-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

(as of today) my top 10 pandora stations:

peter bradley adams
matt nathanson
david archuleta
peter brienholt
nickel creek
jesse & joy
jason mraz
matt the electrician
mana
matt wertz

it's just a flesh wound

2009-03-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

It's a little MCI for me.

BYU EMS is staging a Mass Casualty Incident at the Marriott Center tonight. My instructor asked 7 of his certifying students to be victims of a shooting and bomb explosion. I had to act out an asthma attack one time in class, and apparently I impressed him with the excessive wheezing/acting skills. So I got recruited for another gig. Am I dramatic?

It gets kind of old practicing with water for blood and strap on wounds, so BYU had professional makeup artists come on campus and work on us, to liven things up a little bit. I'll admit I was skeptical at first. I was expecting them to powder my face a little, maybe a black eye...

I sat down in the chair and over walks the only male makeup artist. Our conversation began.

"I got us a good one."

"Uh, so what are you going to do to me?" (eyebrows raised with apprehension)

(chuckling and unpacking his kit) "Gunshot wound to the cheek."

Apparently Ben is a VERY good makeup artist when it comes to blood, guts and gore. But I'll let you be the judge of that.

{entrance wound}

{exit wound}

{shrapnel wound}

{owie}

After Ben finished we took a bunch of pictures for his portfolio, and then he poured excessive amounts of fake blood all over me... again. A police escort was summoned so I could cross campus and get home without anyone calling 911 or trying to save my life.

Random, but worth mentioning:

I didn't even care that this guy knew more about makeup than me.

The picture doesn't show it, but he put fake teeth in my cheek!

The wound is made up of napkins, tissue paper, latex, paint and Elmer's glue. Sounds like my 3rd grade art projects.

climb on

2009-03-12T07:41:00.001-07:00

signs of spring (10)

2009-03-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

10. premature sunbathers
My route to and from school unfortunately takes me through Helaman Halls on campus. The lawns are dotted with freshman females. Rolling up a few inches here and there, shoes off and shades on; they are all the same.

9. allergies
Runny nose, watery eyes, scratchy throat... pop a Sudafed.

8. flirtation
Spring is mating season. Think about it, all this sunshine is post-hibernation. Raging hormones yield excessive amounts of fliration: smiling, embracing, laughing, rubbing, carressing, skipping, laying, holding, lingering, hugging, kissing, more kissing etc.

7. the aroma
BYU campus smells like manure. Everyone where I go, there is good old Grounds Crew shoveling and spreading dung. The gardens are outstanding, the smell is foul.

6. wake-up call
I don't wake up to the scrape of a snowplow anymore. Now it is an annoying bird that sounds like it's dying, or giving birth. Don't birds use "tweet tweet" anymore?

5. engagements
No comment. But congratulations all you happy couples.

4. talking grass
"Please don't walk on me, I'm trying to grow!"

3. smoothie sales
Jamba Juice is packed as people transition from Creamery hot chocolate to healthy, blended juice beverages. Anyone for a "Mango-a-go-go?"

2. daylight
I feel like everytime daylight savings time happens, we lose an hour. I never seem to remember when we gain an hour... But I'm not complaining about the extra light in the evening.

1. break (or lack thereof)
Every college student in the nation (minus the BYU 35,000) enjoys St. George, California, Moab, cruises, beaches... Who needs spring break anyway? Provo rocks.

pixelated

2009-03-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

awesome furniture, no?

gusty

2009-03-04T12:28:00.001-08:00

Leave it to me to wear a skirt on the windiest day of the year.

Wish I looked like this.

Unfortunately, this is more accurate.

FHE Wallyball: The Next World War

2009-03-01T09:49:00.000-08:00

{snapshots}

{and just for the record, I did not want to post these pictures}

{2 words, peer pressure}

How mature am I? Apparently not very.

2009-02-26T15:05:00.000-08:00

I love blogging.

I also love posting comments on other people's blogs.

Today I was posting a comment, and this word verification popped up.

Laughed out loud.

patiently waiting

2009-02-23T13:12:00.001-08:00

brain washed?

2009-02-19T14:43:00.000-08:00

120 classroom hours + 20 clinical hours + 100 patient assessments + 100 multiple choice questions + 1 hour instructor interview + 2 practical exams = EMT-B Certification.

I've noticed something.

I take proper BSI (body substance isolation) precautions, ensure the scene is safe and consider calling for backup before I clean the toilet.

When I hear the cry "HELP ME!" from the back room at work, I immediately assume someone is in cardiac arrest. Of course I'm going to have to do CPR ("Ok. Look, listen feel for respirations, two rescue breaths, check carotid pulse, 30 compressions: 2 breaths, get an AED!")

Turns out it was just a paper jam.

When my roommate is violently barfing all over the floor at 5 in the morning all I can think about is saving specimen ("Get a container for the vomitus!")

When I'm talking to an old friend about his recent breakup, and my questions end up resembling a medical assessment/exam. ("Can I help you? When did this happen? What provoked it? Have you taken any interventions to remedy your symptoms? And how long have you been feeling this? Can you describe the pain? How about rating it on a scale from 1-10? Here, have some hi-flow oxygen at 15 liters per minute with a non-rebreather mask.")

Something is wrong with me.

21 from 21

2009-02-17T04:20:00.000-08:00

[21 things I have learned in my 21 years of life]

1988: how to walk 1989: just because something fits in your nostril, doesn't necessarily mean it belongs there 1990: bathtime = run for your life 1991: onions don't belong in meatloaf 1992: how to snow/water ski 1993: monkey bars yield broken arms 1994: even though you are his sister, he's still going to pick you last in teams for street hockey 1995: hide evidence (screwdriver), eliminate witnesses (sisters) 1996: i have asthma 1997: how to mow the lawn 1998: boys don't like it when you beat them in 4-square 1999: ward ball is no place for a beehive 2000: proper toss for delivering newspapers 2001: overalls are no longer in fashion 2002: scripture power keeps me safe from sin 2003: how to hotwire a car 2004: they aren't kidding when they tell you to check your blind spot 2005: duct tape fixes most of my problems 2006: what a crock pot is 2007: i'm a sucker for a guy with a guitar 2008: dominican men cannot be trusted 2009: to be determined

[Home Sweet Home]

2009-02-14T16:19:00.000-08:00

There she blows, the new home.

The house has been seriously gutted, major demolition going on these days. The construction workers aren't very chatty but I tell you what they know how to take down a wall.

nerts wars

2009-02-11T23:02:00.000-08:00

If you have about 12 minutes to spare and earplugs, enjoy a taste of [Stadium Terrace #17].

I'm fairly certain we should be expecting an eviction notice... hand delivered and gift wrapped from [Stadium Terrace #15].

love, love, love Stina Persson

2009-02-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

currently missing...

2009-02-09T22:51:00.000-08:00

extreme makeover

2009-02-04T19:51:00.001-08:00

{before}

{during}

{after}

Let me guess...

2009-02-02T07:33:00.000-08:00

6 more weeks of Winter ?

art?

2009-01-28T08:01:00.001-08:00

Anyone near BYU campus should check out the new exhibit in the MOA.

A must see: Dan Steinhilber exhibit

(and yes I am wearing orange pants)

going. going. gone.

2009-01-26T06:36:00.000-08:00

As of about noon on Tuesday, January the 20th, the Weilers were once again home-owners. I can't tell you what a relief this is for the family, considering we have been trying to move since October of '08, and living out of boxes got old really fast.

The process of transporting dozens of boxes and oddly shaped items (things that should never be moved) commenced on Friday at about 7:30 in the pm, and ended the following Saturday at 9:30 in the pm. I was unable to attend this moving day, so I was assigned to speak in the home ward sacrament meeting... is that fair? Manual labor vs. spiritual enlightenment...?

Caroline, Rachel and Rebecca then spent most of Sunday sorting through, climbing over and unpacking all these boxes. Remember, lift with your legs.

But the verdict is in: The new house is FANtastic! This place is going to be a blast once the remodeling is finished and my mom has her way with it, because let's just say, the current decor is a little bit random and out-dated. For example, the various lamps and light coverings throughout the house.

{Front entry way} As you walk in the house, it's kind of hard to miss this fixture. I think it escaped from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Tale as old as time...

{Dad's office} This one is the kicker for me. This fan has 5 blades, each a different pastel color of pink, blue, yellow, green and purple. You'll also notice the butterfly accents hanging down.

{Caroline's room} This fixture looks like it is about 50 years old and should be in a log cabin.

{Rachel's room} This beauty looks like something you cover food with in the microwave. The leaf/butterfly/flower design escapes beyond the realm of hideousness.

I can no longer say I'm from Canyon Rim anymore, it's Cottonwood Heights from here on out.

THE BATTLE AT THE LIGHT

2009-01-21T21:54:00.000-08:00

Everyday on my way down Canyon Road I stop at the intersection, pull my hand out of the protecting pocket, and push the frosty cross walk button. Sometimes I push it twice and hold the second one longer for emphasis.

And without fail...

Someone else will walk up right behind me, only seconds after I have pushed the button twice, and push it again! Now I don't know if excessive pressing of the button speeds things up for us peds, or if it just confuses the machine and we end up waiting longer.

"I already pushed the button."

"Oh yeah, I saw that."

(a moment passes, no eye contact)

"So ... why did you push it?"

"Uh, yeah I dunno."

"Ok. Great."

(awkward pause)

(third party walks up and pushes the button ... light changes immediately)

(third party thinks he did all the work)

Everyone scuffles off the sidewalk and into the crosswalk.

Organized Oregon

2009-01-13T21:36:00.000-08:00

Ok people. Oregon is up to something.

I spent only a few short days in Portland but I saw plenty of weird things. Did you know they make plastics out of vegetables? How do you turn old corn on the cob into Dixie cups?

Also, this sign spotted on the back of an airport stall. They are even sorting human waste products... Wowza.

I'm proud of Oregon, and yet slightly suspicious.

Per Scott's Request

2009-01-11T08:21:00.000-08:00

It wouldn't be a true SLC Winter for me without a frigid night skiing trip to Brighton.

To enjoy such an evening one needs:

Layers
Hand warmers
Goggles
Snacks
Friends with a sense of humor

Luckily for me, I had all of the above.

TB

2009-01-07T19:07:00.000-08:00

Am I coughing up blood? No.
Are the chest x-rays clean? Yes.
Do I have Tuberculosis? No.
Do I have a sore, bruised, too poked and prodded arm? Yes.

This is what happens when everyone thinks you have Tuberculosis.

Whoa... wedding!

2009-01-04T21:34:00.000-08:00

*It's happening. My friends are starting to get married. Miss Courtney Bean is now Mrs. Eric Bready. Talk about a name change.

*I'll be honest. The majority of this event I felt 98.5% out of my element (i.e. throwing a bridal shower, learning what tule is, cutting tule, tying tule, flowers, curls... you know). But, I'll admit it was fun. Hilarious actually. And for some reason, I don't think I'll get much of a rest before one more of my friends "ties the not" aka "kicks the bucket."

*Here are a few pics from the event. Admire the dress and braces.

*My crush is 16-year-old Connor, the groom's younger brother.

5+3 things that make my life easier

2008-12-30T12:05:00.000-08:00

It's funny how all throughout the semester I desperately look for blog worthy material. I have to stretch and twist ordinary events and happenings to create something worth your time to read. And yet several posts a week are common, because I have time between classes or at work. Then over the holidays, when I have masses and masses of interesting/funny/unique/crazy/new things to post about, there is zero time. Oh the irony.

But I'm back, and this post inspired here.

5 things that make my life easier (listed a-e because one is no more important than another)

a. Self-check kiosks
Whoever invented self-check was a genius. I did a little traveling this holiday season, and it brought my soul joy to walk right up to a kiosk, key in a 5-digit confirmation code and then walk away with my boarding pass. Total time: 42 seconds. I also heart U-Scans in grocery stores, self-check out in libraries, automatic gate openers at ski-resorts (scans your pass so you can just ski through). Speeding things up=2 enthusiastic thumbs up! Visual aid click here.

b. Cargo pants
Since I'm not a huge purse girl, when I do have an extra item or two, I conveniently stuff keys, receipts, chapstick, sunglasses and snacks in pockets sealed with Velcro. Everything should have cargo pockets attached. I'm a huge fan. Visual aid click here.

c. Dental floss helpers
I'm trying this new thing called flossing. Apparently it's a good idea. However, I'm somewhat hindered with the braces. But, I have these amazing little flossing helpers that I thread the floss through and then use to get up between the separate brackets. Yet another item that saves times, and also helps maintain my sanity (you have no idea how painstakingly hard it is to floss with braces). Visual aid click here.

d. TomTom
An unexpected Christmas gift! I think my parents felt the need to purchase me a GPS navigation system when I couldn't tell my aunt what freeway we were on (in my defense, we got on the freeway a completely foreign way and I was doing about 10 other things at the same time). I adore the sexy British man that tells me to "bear left" and "exit now." I have never fallen in love so fast. Visual aid click here.

e. Gerber Clutch
My Gerber is my lifesaver. I use it everyday from opening envelopes to fixing copy machines. It has never let me down. It's so compact and user friendly. It will never leave my key chain. Visual aid click here.

3 things that make my life easier (given, but are obviously worth mentioning)

a. The gospel

b. Good family
I've got good parents, ones who support me in school and clear my windshield of snow. I've got a good older brother who would never admit it, but loves spending time with his younger sisters. I've got two younger sisters who let me borrow snow clothes and remind me how exciting the holidays truly are.

c. Good friends
I've got good friends, ones that share their almonds with me on a skiing trip, ones that imitate animals to make me laugh, ones that plunge toilets, ones that write uplifting letters, and one that squeezes me into a too-small bridesmaid dress and reassures me it is just a difficult zipper.

And all these things make my life easier.

bon qui qui

2008-12-19T11:58:00.000-08:00

I just COULD NOT RESIST posting this.

wow, they weren't kidding

2008-12-16T09:47:00.000-08:00

The BYU Bookstore advertises that is has "everything you need." For a college student, this is great. You can do all your shopping (school supplies, textbooks, develop film, Christmas gifts, even groceries) in one stop. This takes less minutes out of the day, which we students don't really have a surplus of.

But wow. I had no idea the level the BYU Bookstore would take their motto to. Today I saw this item for sale in the basement of the bookstore. Just what I needed, a Christmas Kayak!

:the old and new:

2008-12-15T12:34:00.000-08:00

A new Christmas favorite.

"Me, I want a hooooooooola hooooop."

An old Christmas classic.

"There goes Mr. Humbug..."

bippity. boppity. boo.

2008-12-14T18:59:00.000-08:00

I don't know what BYU zoobies would do without a chance to wear their band tuxedos and high school prom dresses once a year. Nothing like a poorly lit gym, some Christmas lights and 98 Degrees to take you back to Junior High or EFY. How could the activities committee pass up this opportunity? Well thank goodness they didn't. I give you BYU 196th's Bishop Ball.

glad tidings from a poor college student

2008-12-12T13:19:00.001-08:00

a leaky roof and too much to do

2008-12-09T11:28:00.000-08:00

I'm in awe of how cleaning checks manage to land right during finals every semester. As if you don't have enough to do! We anticipate the cleaning check Nazi with terror, inspecting our polished faucets and window sill tracts. In fact, my roommate went as far as using a Q-tip to wipe out the vent slats in the bathroom. Dedication. Or fear.

So last night my roommate and I are cleaning the bathroom. And multitasking by discussing her research paper. I'm kneeling in the bathtub, working on the nasty scum line. (shudder). She is scrubbing around the base of the toilets. (double shudder). Suddenly we hear this pouring sound. I look up and our smoke detector is dangling from the ceiling by a wire. Water is steadily streaming down the wire and pooling in the detector, falling down and soaking the carpet. Mind you, this is no minor leakage. We are talking about a substantial amount of water.

Exclamations are yelled. I leap up and run to get something to catch the water. I grab the first thing I see... a dirty Ramen pot. Water is flowing, detector lights flickering, noodles floating and carpet soaked.

Maintenance?

a facebook friend?

2008-12-08T22:26:00.000-08:00

"We're Facebook Friends."

What?

What does that mean? Are Facebook Friends some form of meter measuring how many people think you're awesome?

Rebecca's Facebook Friend count: 0

Looks like I'm borderline unamazing and zero cool.

I don't have Facebook. Never have, probably never will.

It's nothing personal Facebook.

New Years Resolution...Check.

2008-11-30T20:48:00.000-08:00

I've done it. I've actually accomplished a New Years Resolution.

Every year I have these great ambitions to "become nicer," "do more service," or "show gratitude" etc. And although these are great goals, they are hard to measure. I need a goal I can measure, something that allows me to easily say, "Yes I did it!" or "No, I failed miserably." Hence the inspiration for New Years Mission: Temples '08.

I visited all 11 operating LDS Temples in the state of Utah this year...with a month to spare I might add.

"nissan versa, nissan versa"

2008-11-25T15:49:00.000-08:00

I'm not really familiar with the TV series Heros. Apparently there is an Asian character named Hero who can manipulate time by scrunching his nose like Tabitha from Bewitched. And he drives a Nissan Versa?

Well I drive a Nissan Versa. On a regular basis I get comments about my car being related to this character Hero. And then the best part, usually the person I am discussing this with, will imitate Hero saying "Nissan Versa, Nissan Versa!" in a fast, Chinese accent. And really, you'd be surprised at how many actually say it. I nod my head and acknowledge. Then we share a laugh.

The truth is, I have no idea what it means.

Thanksgiving Top 10

2008-11-24T12:05:00.000-08:00

The top 10 things you're going to hear (at least I will) during Thanksgiving, either with fork in hand, or on the 30 yard line.

10. "Let her score a touch down you guys..."
9. "Who ate the last roll?"
8. A discussion on whether or not turkey actually makes you tired.
7. "Ok, it's time for the secret play" (the secret play, without fail, is always shoving the football up someone's shirt and pretending it isn't there... funny, but not effective).
6. "Please pass the potatoes....and the gravy....and the dressing."
5. "You need to cut that... no shoveling."
4. "Are we really taking a picture?" (around the dinner table...sensitive subject).
3. "I think I gained 10 pounds, I couldn't eat another bite! Oh hey, there's pie?"
2. "Now, we'll go around the table and everyone say one thing they are thankful for..." followed by the classic response...
1. "I'm thankful for food" (original, I know).

2008-11-16T09:18:00.000-08:00

Obviously everyone's favorite part of Thanksgiving is the food. Obviously. But just which foods of the Thanksgiving shmorgasborg are the best?

I vote mashed potatoes.

2008-11-12T18:13:00.000-08:00

As many of you know I went to take a drug test tonight. As many of you also know, I was a bit apprehensive about the whole situation. And the nurse on the phone scheduling my appointment didn't help my nerves. Who would have thought there are so many criteria your pee has to meet?

My main concern was not being able to fill the cup. What if I got nervous? What if I missed the target? Up until noon I was trying to drink as many fluids as possible. 6 hours before the test you are NOT supposed to drink anything so your urine will be more concentrated. At about 3ish this afternoon... the urge came. But I couldn't bring myself to go because that was precious specimen that I would be needing in 3 more hours! What to do?!

I held it.

I was running a little behind schedule, so I had to jog to the hospital. Not such a good idea with a full bladder and heavy backpack. By the time I get to Utah Valley Hospital I was bursting. I walked into Employee Health and there is the most gorgeous male nurse I have ever seen. Fantastic. Just me and him. This guy gets to see my pee. Great conversation starter.

After all the paper work (I got tested for just about everything you can think of) he pulled out the cup and winked. He told me I had to fill the cup to at least the bottom of the label. Not a problem pal. Without going into too much detail let's just say I successfully filled the cup to the designated line, and a bit more in about 2.2 seconds. But, I still needed to go right? Curse all those trips to the water fountain... I was not completely relieved. So I opened the door and handed over my sample. So embarrassing. Course I only made it worse by opening my mouth.

"Can I really go now?"

This was returned with raised eyebrows over beautiful blue eyes.

"I mean... can I empty the tank?" Yes, I used the phrase "empty the tank."

He laughed. Perfect teeth.

"Sure, if you need, go ahead."

So finally I feel complete relief. Mind you, the "bathroom area" is right smack dab in the middle of the office with very un-soundproof walls. But ANYWAY, I go to flush...and I can't. There is no handle any where! So I start kicking random parts of the plumbing hoping to randomly trigger it. Nothing. Then I realize it's probably motion sensitive right? So I start jumping back and forth in front of the toilet. Nothing. By this time, I think male nurse started to get worried.

I opened the door. Male nurse is standing right in front of me, arms crossed, smiling.

"Umm, can I flush?"

He proceeds to tell me that HE has to flush the toilet. Some drug policy thing. Fine. Let's just throw that on top of the pile of humiliation.

2008-11-11T20:37:00.000-08:00

I have a good life. I really do.
Lately it also seems I have a fairly predictable life. I do the same things each day, and I'm totally at peace with that. Routine is a good friend of mine. Work, class, study. Walk here, walk there. Eat a granola bar. Work, class, study. When you find yourself in such a state, little things...and I mean utterly insignificant things, become highlights in your day. It's true. I have come to find joy in the trifilings of life.

Today my joyful trifling is the daily Chuck Norris fact: Chuck Norris put Humpty Dumpty back together again, only to roundhouse kick him in the face. Later Chuck dined on scrambled eggs with all the king's horses and all the king's men. The king himself could not attend for unspecified reasons. Coincidentally, the autopsy revealed the cause of death to be a roundhouse kick to the face. There is only one King.

The roundhouse to the face...it gets me every time.

Did I vote? You betcha.

2008-11-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

I voted today for the first time. Wow. I feel so empowered.

I arrived at Centennial Middle School at about 8:45 in the a.m. hoping the beat the rush of the day. I was joined by about 30 other senior citizens in the line. I honestly think I was the youngest in there by 40 years, easy. The couple in front of me (one in a wheel chair and one using a walker) were named Bud and Emma Lou. And let me tell you what, they were chatting it up. We talked about their grandkids, Emma Lou's sweet Jazzy that can turn on a dime, the weather of course and the quality education I'm getting at BYU.

When they found out it was my first time voting, they were quite excited. The elderly sister behind me overheard this conversation and luckily she had her camera. They insisted on taking a picture. I'd kill for a copy of that photo...

The line was long and moving very slowly of course, so they had me run up and "see what was going on" twice. Then someone started passing out crackers to those waiting. However, my new friends were unable to open the packaging. So I opened 4 sets of crackers and 3 bottled waters. Of course amidst all of this, they were grumbling and complaining about the new technology in voting. Weren't computers supposed to speed things up? Because you know 30 years ago people used to zip in and out of voting... and that cracker companies should make their packaging more user friendly.

I hope I'm half as cool as Bud and Emma Lou when I'm 70. But I'll bring my own crackers when I vote.

oh the college life

2008-11-03T21:03:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about being poor is the classic places you end up calling home. Good memories of falling asleep next to a cold cinder block wall in the dorms, or bullet holes in your window. Let's not forget the peculiar stains on the carpet or squeaky cabinets from the 60's. Character. I may live in the ghett of the ghett-o but at least it's got character. Currently I'm calling Stadium Terrace home, let me give you the highlights.

This is the bathroom. Yes, those are stalls. Two toilets right next to each other baby. The 2 showers are opposite the stalls and there is a too short paper-thin curtain separating your naked self from the rest of the world. I should also mention there is no door to this entire room, it just connects right into the hallway. Walk in and out as you please. Privacy? What's privacy?

6 girls in an apartment, 3 sinks will do the job. Please note the "cabinetry."

A personal favorite of mine...of course came with the apartment at no extra cost. Score.

And there's always the issue of closet space. Can you see how tightly packed in those hangers are? How about the jumble of shoes? I'm currently working on an organizing process...

Next year...

Boo!

2008-10-31T17:16:00.001-07:00

Thanks mom.

excess of sappy

2008-10-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

Generally speaking I'd say I'm not one of those warm and fuzzy type of people. It's not that I have a heart of stone, I just choose a more realistic standpoint... unfortunately sometimes at the expense of optimism. But I'm working on that. However, occasionally the excess of sappiness in the world forces me to do more than roll my eyes, hence a post. Maybe some of you can relate.

Working a desk job, we get these "health newsletters." It's sad, but they are seriously a highlight of the week. We love reading and mocking them, but mostly we love mocking them. They average about an 8 on the sappy factor. Here's what we got today. My thoughts included.

"During this time of thanksgiving, take a few minutes to feel grateful on the job. Try at least one of these "thank you" tips at work:

Acknowledge others. Say "thank-you" to a co-worker, your boss, a teammate or a customer for everything they've done for you this year (Thank you, thank you for not yelling at me today).

Give positive feedback. It's easy to criticize. Today, make a point of praising someone. Even better, tell that person's supervisor as well. (Good job fellow co-worker, you were only 32 minutes late today).

Appreciate yourself. Think back on the past year and everything you accomplished. Appreciate how you grew, what you learned, how you handled mistakes and what goals you reached. Celebrate your successes (I beat my old Widget Yahtzee record...).

Watch your language. Notice how often you use negative words such as "wrong," "mistake," "fault" or "problem." Try to use positive words whenever you can, such as "fix," "solution," "right" or "good job."(Sit down RIGHT now and FIX whatever you did).

Write it down. At the end of the day, take a few minutes to write down what went right today. What are you thankful for? What positive feelings did your job give you today? If you spend more time at work than almost anywhere else, make it rewarding-celebrate the positive parts of your job. (The positives of my job=free food). "

It gets better. One of my favorite responsibilities at work is writing birthday cards for faculty and staff in our department. On the back of a card from last week...you can't help but laugh.

"Legends say that humming birds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation."

Oh brother.

I admit it... I'm a Jazz fan.

2008-10-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

GO, FIGHT, WIN TONIGHT!
Oct. 29 @ 7 vs. Denver

Practice Makes Perfect

2008-10-23T22:03:00.000-07:00

I have Heelies.

Yes.

I know they are skate shoes for 10 year old boys, but somehow (Wes) I managed to obtain a special pair my size. Cleary... clearly I'm not very good yet. The wood floors at my SLC house are fantastic, Albertson's and Ikea are also optimal with the long skinny aisles, the airport also is good times with ramps, but I can't seem to work up the courage to fly down the halls of the RB.

Beware of the Bear

2008-10-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

I don't care what any one says, this is funny. You better laugh.

the "not so quiet" library

2008-10-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

I was studying at a computer this morning in the library, plodding along through the process of bone calcification. It was relatively early so the floor was quiet and I was unusually productive. About an hour later, the desks started filling up and soon every computer was taken.

To my left: Cell Phone Guy. About 2.6 minutes after he sat down, some terrible electronic rendition of "The Simpsons" theme song erupted from his backpack. With no shame, Guy took the phone out, looked at the caller ID and then continued to LET IT RING until it went to message. No shame. Then, about 4.2 minutes later we hear the ring tone again, but this time thankfully (or so I thought) he answers the call. Now, normal protocol is to answer the phone and whisper, "Can you hold on?" Then you scurry into the hall or lobby. Am I wrong?

After 6.4 minutes I learned:
Guy is picking up Guy's wife at 6ish tonight after her doctor appointment
Guy's wife's car is in the shop (and apparently a sensitive subject)
Guy is currently in the Junior Core of the Accounting program
Guy lost his watch
Guy's grandparents live in Salt Lake, Guy and wife are having dinner there this Sunday, they need to take a salad

Thanks Guy! Now that I know a little something about you, can I tell you about significant sources of Potassium and Iron?

To my right: NyQuil Girl. Clearly this girl was sick, and I mean the epitamy of sick. Every 2 minutes she would make this terrible sniff (the gurgly kind) and then pull out a limp Kleenex and dab. This was all accompanied by unpredicted coughs and throat clearing (again the gurgly kind). Her medicine must have kicked in about an hour into studying because soon her head hit the desk and she started...snoring. Unbelievable. Looking and listening to the things around me, I unfortunately started adding to the noise level as I fought a wave of laughter.

Lessons to be learned:

The library cannot ensure quiet, uninterrupted study time
Ringtones tell alot about a person
Be aware of your bodily fluids

Can we please stop calling Obama Hitler?

2008-10-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Twisted Tag

2008-10-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

As more and more posts roll out, I'm realizing just how similar my eldest cousin Wendy and I are. Love it! Finally, someone who shares my passion for excessive organization and order. We have dominant Queed genes (ex. sorting golf balls into 3 categories: dogs, good and best).

Also, thank you to Wendy for a post prompt. Apparently my latest musings are not not quite up to par? Hence we are playing a unique game of tag. I enjoyed the idea of describing the "tagger" thus I give you the Top 6 Reasons I Admire WWK:

1. The Bridal Binder

Wendy had this banshee huge binder she used to plan every detailed intricacy of her wedding. It was basically the Bride's Bible complete with labeled tabs, magazine clippings and a series of spreadsheets. Talk about attention to detail. Very impressive Wendy. Can I check it out from you in a few years?

2. She endorses and actively organizes human pyramids.

I have fond memories of many a family reunion where Wendy would round up all the cousins and organize us into our appropriate place based on age/weight/height. I was consistently 2nd level material. As an uncle or aunt placed the last child on top, a picture would flash and then everyone tumbled.

3. Fantastically Fashionable

Wendy has an excellent sense of fashion. Sometimes she reminds me of Meryl Streep's character Miranda Priestly (minus the attitude) from the Devil Wears Prada with her belts, chunky necklaces and shades. Look at any picture on her blog, along with the transformation of her spouse.

4. She married Harley, and let's face it, everyone loves Harley.

5. Wendy is a career woman.

Wendy used to work unbearable hours at some intense jobs. I remember her leaving Christmas Day at like 10:00 in the pm to get ready for work. Way to put your education to use woman!

6. Family First

Priorities. Despite her successful profession, Wendy put it aside, however hard it may have been, to have a family and bring Big Andy into the world. Check this kid out.

Quirk Alert!

2008-10-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

Link the Person who Tagged you. (see above)
Mention rules on your blog. (in the process of)
Tell about 6 quirks of yours. (thinking...)
Tag 6 fellow bloggers to do the same. Leave a comment on their blog to let them know. (check)

Quirks? QUIRKS? What are my quirks? Golley... where do I start?

1. I've come to grips with the fact I am a ridiculously organized person. My family is in the process of moving so I was asked to pack up my room at home. My pleasure. Seriously. I created a "moving inventory." First I organized and sorted everything in my room into 7 categorical boxes. Then I cataloged and entered the contents of each box on a master list as well as labeled each box with the same information. Heavy boxes marked in green. Fragile boxes marked in red. Everything double taped.

2. I love Post-it notes. Love them. Every night before I go to bed, I write everything I need to get done the next day on a brightly colored Post-it note. Then I ALWAYS title the note "Totally Obtainable Goals."

3. I always cut my toe nails too short. Then the next day they hurt and bleed. You'd think just one time I would say to myself, "Stop clipping Rebecca," but no.

4. I open cereal boxes upside down. There is no explanation for this. I just do it.

5. I love journaling, which isn't really quirky. But even more than journaling, I love starting a new journal. Here comes the quirk: I count down the days or pages left in my current journal (sometimes even dating all the pages in the book right when I buy it) until it's filled and I can start filling up the next one with memories.

6. I guess I have 5 quirks. Good to know. I can't really think of any others right now. So I'll just say I hate when people leave cupboards or drawers open. I zip lock practically everything I can. I love playing "Would you rather?" and "Who would win between?" I'll play with you anytime. But Walker Texas Ranger will always win.

:listening and loving:

2008-10-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

For me?

2008-10-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

SURPRISED with GORGEOUS lilies at work today!

(Note: this has never happened to me before. I signed for them thinking they were for my boss, then the messenger boy pointed out they were indeed for me!)

:chewing and loving:

2008-10-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to...

2008-10-03T10:31:00.000-07:00

... the weekend. I thought I was going to die on Wednesday morning.

... enlightenment. I anticipate General Conference like I used to anticipate Stake Lagoon Day when I was 11. I'm anxious to hear the words of our church leaders and get some much needed inspiration.

... my co-worker returning. I've been assigned a new area at work, and now I sit in this little closed off cubicle area (including saloon doors) with a fantastic girl. She had surgery on Tuesday and I've been so alone all week. Come back Sarah!

... paying the credit card bill.

... receiving my Rip Stick in the mail. This is going to be my new means of commuting to campus.

... being able to successfully conjugate a Spanish verb in the imperfect subjunctive.

... completion of a journal.

... giving Caroline a noogie.

... November 4, 2008. Voting Day!

Welcome Home Elder Thorup!

2008-09-29T18:40:00.000-07:00

(and also welcome to the new smile with braces)