The Pioneer Woman Meets Salt Lake City...and Me!

Last Wednesday night Ree Drummond, (aka )The Pioneer Woman, was in Salt Lake City on her first ever book tour for her very own cookbook: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes From An Accidental Country Girl. That's the official title, anyway. I call it my bible. I sleep with it under my pillow and pray with it every night.

Okay, not really. But perhaps I should back up a bit....

Ree Drummond is my absolute idol. I came across her blog just over a year ago and I've been following her ever since. I was instantly smitten. Her recipes are nothing short of outstanding and her photography is absolutely stunning. She writes simply and from the heart about life as a wife and a mother, and life on the ranch she calls home. She graciously shares all of her knowledge, tips and tricks on cooking and photography and persists that if she can do it, so can anyone else. I have learned so much from her about so many things. She is really everything I want to be and I look up to her immensely. So when I heard she was coming to town for a book signing, I knew I simply had to meet her!

My dear friend Willow is also a huge fan, so we decided to make it a date. She was signing at the Kings English Bookshop, first giving a small talk and a Q&A at the gallery next door. The doors weren't opening until 6:30, so we figured arriving about an hour and a half early would be more than sufficient to give us time to grab a bite to eat and get in line. How popular could she be?

Oh. Very popular, it seems. Forget dinner, we got right in this line that was wrapping around the block! There was a Starbucks right there so my dinner consisted of a slice of coffee cake and an iced chai latte, which I ate while standing in line. But really, I didn't care...I was going to meet The Pioneer Woman. Small price to pay for a good spot in line.


We also ran into my darling friend Bekah, also a huge fan. I love running into friends, always a pleasant surprise. Bekah is one of the most creative gals I know...if you haven't already, you should be checking out her Etsy store. Very fun. Christmas is coming, folks!

Anyway, when we all filed in, it was becoming clear just how popular she really is....

What a turnout! We estimated that there were easily 200+ people there. I think I counted five boys.

When Ree finally appeared, the crowd went nuts. It was neat to be in a room full of people who have all been brought together by this amazing woman. She talked for a few minutes, and did some Q&A. She even A'd one of my Q's!

And she even did her Ethyl Merman impression.

Afterward, we made our way over to the bookshop for the signing. We had been sorted into groups earlier and Bekah, Willow and I were in the fourth group. It was quite a long wait, but we had fun chatting and winding our way through the narrow bookshop and looking at all the unique books that are characteristic of The Kings English.


Finally, we made it to Ree. She is so adorable in person, and very gracious. She said 'hello' and 'how are you' with a huge smile, then paid me a lovely compliment about how pretty I looked in my scarf. I have no recollection from that point on, as I think I probably blacked out from the excitement.

Eventually I came to and was able to capture my friends having their moments with Ree as well...



And then it was over. An unforgettable night! The three of us giddily headed out of the bookshop and back to our cars, reminiscing about our meeting with The Pioneer Woman.

Because Inquiring Minds Want To Know...

Is a bikini wax more or less painful than having your wisdom teeth extracted?

Yes, I know. It's something that's weighed heavily on all of your minds. And lucky for you, I am about to solve the puzzle.

Now I'm no novice to waxing. Sure, it hurts a bit, but it's quick, it's convenient and it has long-lasting results. I'm a big advocate of waxing. I go to the same spa every time and have always been pleased with whichever esthetician I see so I never bother to ask for anyone specifically. Today, however, I got the newbie.

I have never had such a painful wax in all my life. I hated to make any insinuation regarding her competence, but omg it just fucking hurt so bad OMG AGAIN ALL CAPS! So about half way through the procedure I was compelled to ask:

"So how long have you been doing this?".

It was then she informed me that she just graduated from beauty school. No kidding. I tried to keep my tone casual and chit-chatty despite the tears welling up in my eyes...I hate to offend people.

Really? I was afraid of offending the girl who was turning my nether regions in to Red Square?? It would seem so.

The torture lasted all of 5 minutes and, rather than stay and make a complaint, I paid and fled the establishment. The brand new ice packs I purchased to put on my face tomorrow after my oral surgery are now residing on my crotch.

Ow.

At least tomorrow I will be sedated.

A Day At The Gynecologist!

I may have reached new levels of blogging obsession, for today I brought my camera to my vaginal exam. Hell...why not? What could be more fun than a vaginal exam? I mean, besides everything in the whole world?

The point is that I do not look forward to this annual ritual of violation so I decided to add a bit of fun to it. I brought my small camera so as not to be detected taking photos. I didn't want people thinking I was weird or something. Psh.

One of the many enjoyable tasks of visiting the gynecologist is peeing in a cup. It must be done every time. Honestly, I don't even know what they're checking. Ph levels or pregnancy, I think. Whatever. So here is me with my little pee cup, which I have written my name on as instructed. Hello little pee cup. I hate you.

Once in the exam room there is much to catch the eye. Wonder what all this stuff is for?

"Do not use in eyes and ears". Noted.

Well doesn't this look cozy and inviting! Just strip down naked and drape these cut up old bed sheets over yourself. They won't actually cover a damn thing and you'll be all exposed, but just relax until the doctor is ready for you.

While you're naked and waiting, why not enjoy some reading material.

There, all done! This is what I came here for. It's called a Pap test. You don't even want to know where that stick thing just was and, quite frankly, neither do I. But there it is. See you next year!!