Balloons

Bright balloons and a warm, sunny sky.

Can life get any better?

I submit that it can not.

Purple Pansies

These lovelies reside in the lush garden surrounding the Historical House at Wheeler Farm.

NuGrape Soda

Ironically, I have forgotten the flavor. It was grape-y, I guess.

For some reason, the logo on this soda bottle reminds me of old-timey baseball. I think it's the font.

Hey June...

....um, are you okay? I mean, you're here now and it's supposed to be all warm and sunny but it's 50 degrees outside and raining. We had to turn the heat on! I would expect something like this from April or maybe even May, but not from you. You are summer! This just isn't like you.

Look, I know the climate changes and the hole in the ozone and what have you are getting you down and messing with your schedule. I get it. But we're ready for a little warmth down here. I'm tired of wearing pants, and don't even get me started on socks. And these white legs are just begging for a little color. We've all been anticipating the glory that is you, June, so that we may bask in your warm sun while drinking fruity drinks, charing animal flesh and working all kinds of wonders with potatoes. Summer is here! And we can't very well enjoy our watermelon in this kind of weather.

I'm not asking for perfection, here. But if you could bring that sun out a little more often and kick it up about 25 degrees....that's all I'm asking. Just don't make me have to wear pants anymore, okay?

What Would Jesus Drive?

During a conversation while lying in bed with my husband, discussing dinner for Sunday, the following statement is made, which spurred an entirely new discussion:

Nick: "Sunday is for Monster Trucks. And Jesus."

Me: "Monster trucks, huh?"

Nick: Yeah. If Jesus were alive, he'd be driving a monster truck."

Me: "Whatever you say, dear."

Nick: "You don't believe me?"

Me: "Well, what kind of a monster truck would he drive?"

Nick: " A big one. And it would run off bio-diesel that he made himself."

Me: "What would he make it out of?"

Nick: "Whatever bio-diesel is made out of. I don't know how to make it! Jesus was the farmer."

Me: "Um, I think Jesus was a carpenter."

Nick: "Oh. Well, what do you think he would drive?"

Me: "I think he'd be driving, like, a 1965 Pinto. With bumper stickers on the back that say 'Jesus Saves'."

Nick: "Okay, that's where you're wrong. The Pinto wasn't manufactured in 1965."

Me: "You're a geek."

Nick: "Well, it wasn't. And Jesus wouldn't drive no Pinto and he certainly wouldn't drive an AMC Gremlin."

Me: "What the hell is an AMC Gremlin?"

Nick: "The car from Waynes World."

Me: "Oh! He would totally drive one of those! And it would have mis-matched doors."

Nick: "Monster truck."

Me: "Go to sleep."

Victorian Lemonade

This is what I do at BBQ's. Some people cook the food, others eat it. I take pictures of things on the table.

Underwear!

I've been spending about 25% of my days picking my underwear out of my ass.

That's right. I said it! I am a wedgie girl. It's no secret. I'm sure all of you who read this blog have probably witnessed my retrieval of panties from within the depths of my buttocks.

It's not attractive, I know, which is why I have been on the hunt for something better. That's when I saw this on TV. Sarah Chalke is so much cuter with a wedgie than I am. Anyway, Hanes guarantees their undies will leave you wedgie-free or your money back.

Sir (or Madam), I accept your challenge! I picked some up today and I'll be damned! They work!

Thanks, Hanes! My butt and everyone who has to look at it salutes you.

Fizzy Lizzy

Directions on neck of bottle:
Gently shake my hips before pressing bottle to your lips!

Curiosity Cola

I must admit, I am curious.

Chandelier

I have a bit of a thing for chandeliers. I really don't know what it is, but I find them so terribly charming.

White Gold, Baby

You know, I love milk.

And I love this guy!



This is the latest campaign from the Got Milk people.

You see, kids? You don't needs drugs or alcohol to rock...all you need is milk!

Aw, yeah.

400 Degrees To Deliciousness

A Gift of Cheer

Don't these cheerful daisies just brighten your day?
They do mine.

We Has A Tree!

Look!

Our very first tree!

We have other trees, but the south side of our house has been bare since we moved in and this is the first tree we have planted. We hope he grows big and strong and provides us with shade and protection.

Eventually, I'd like to remove about a three to four foot area of grass around the tree and fill it in with a rock and flower garden. But for now, this will do. It adds a bit of interest to this otherwise open space and there is enough room around the tree to have a decorative light and to plant a few colorful flowers.

Mr. Turtle here will provide strength, longevity and endurance for Mr. Tree. And he's awfully adorable.

Good luck Mr. Tree!

And a big thanks to Trevor, Eric and Kim for the help getting this baby planted! Great hole-digging skills, guys!

One For The Married Couples

Here is another little gem from This American Life. This was a story from a past radio episode that was put to illustration to be featured on the new season of the television show. Very humorous. :)

Pants!

Tired of putting your pants on the old fashioned way?

Grove Market and Deli

Big. Sandwich.

Huge.

The biggest sandwich you will ever have in your entire life.

It's the size of a newborn baby. A delicious ham and turkey baby. With mayo.

My arm got tired holding my sandwich baby while waiting in line to pay. And the thing was so huge it was almost impossible to eat.

Best. Sandwich. Ever. Seriously. Go get one tomorrow. Bring your appetite and a hungry friend.

Grove Market and Deli
1906 South Main Street
Salt Lake City

Thanks for the lunch suggestion, Mindy!

This American Life

I've said it before, there is nothing I love more than a well-told story. And there is no better storyteller than Ira Glass of This American Life. Each week on his radio show, Ira chooses a theme and brings us a variety of true stories on that theme. Sometimes funny, sometimes dramatic, and always poignant and intriguing, Ira seeks out the extraordinary in the ordinary American life.

I love this show. I listen to archived episodes while getting ready for work in the morning or during my commute or while cleaning my house. Sometimes I load them onto my iPod to enjoy while on lunch at work. It warms my heart and lifts my spirits and always makes me think.

Tonight, Ira Glass brought This American Life to the big screen for a one night only event. This live event was broadcast via satellite to movie theaters across the nation and featured Ira himself, discussing his radio program, sharing stories and giving us some sneak peeks into the upcoming second season of the television adaptation of This American Life.



I must say I am enjoying the television adaptation of this concept. I was a bit skeptical at first, because I feel there is something very intimate about listening to just a voice. As humans, we form opinions and make judgments based on what we see. With just a voice, however, all we get is the fundamental piece of the human being. Just the story. Just the soul. And I like that. However, there are instances where images compliment and enhance a story and the show does a divine job of choosing the right stories for this visual medium. It has exceeded all my expectations.

This evening was a complete joy. The stories shared were all poignant and funny as usual, yet there was a fresh twist to the topics chosen and they way in which they were presented. Much of the program was Ira just talking to us...reading stories or discussing the how and behind the scenes...and I just love listening to him talk. The icing on the delicious cake that was this evening was sharing it with Nick. We grabbed some dinner at one of our favorite restaurants and made an actual date night of the evening. And it's always nice to share something you are passionate about with someone you love and I was so pleased that Nick was intrigued and enjoyed himself.

I'll leave you with this clip from the radio show. This is one of my favorites of the past, entitled "Kid Logic". I wish I could find more to share with you, but I encourage everyone to check out the archived episodes.

Ben Lee

Everything about this photo is wrong. But for some reason, I just like it.

Yeti

Don't worry, he knows how gorgeous he is.

Rockin' The Suburbs

Good morning, dehydration.

Good morning, aches and pains.

Good day to you, voice that is an octave lower.

Rise and shine, smelly hair.

Good morning, day after the concert. Sorry...you'll have to speak up!

It was a packed house at Saltair for the Ben Folds concert last night. The concert, a benefit show for Care for Cambodia, featured a full lineup with four acts performing before Ben Folds.

The evening began with a huge parking fiasco, which involved me chasing my confiscated drivers license all over the venue property, an encounter with a particularly surly security guard and my verbal assault of the parking attendant. We'll just leave it at that.

Thanks to Mindy's expertise and audacity, we were able to secure a decent place in line which allowed us to get right up front for the show. This is a standing-room only venue and I believe this show was seriously over-sold; it was packed pretty tight. My personal bubble was popped by far too many people touching up against me. But hey, that's part of the fun of it, right?

The first two bands to go on were mediocre, at best. They were just your typical, vanilla, sounds-like-everyone-else-out-there band. The third guy who went on was horrendous. He had no original songs, and instead chose to spend his time on stage mutilating songs by U2, Avril Lavigne, The Goo Goo Dolls and Howie Day. His voice was shrill and off-pitch and made my entire body cringe.

The fourth to perform was a musician by the name of Ben Lee. This young Aussie was absolutely brilliant; a wonderful breath of fresh air after enduring the previous performers. His songs were original and simple and perfectly elevating. He had a bit of a Paul Simon-ish quality about him, which was completely charming. His equipment was malfunctioning throughout his entire performance, but he remained a real pro. He worked the situation to his advantage and kept it really entertaining. He really saved the evening and I just loved his music. I'll definitely be investing in some of his albums.

Finally, at 9:30pm, Ben Folds took the stage. The crowd went wild; it was obvious everyone was there to see Ben. He played all the favorites and some songs from his upcoming album as well while we rocked out and sang along and screamed with the crowd.

The whole night was completely insane, but it still ended up as an energetic and highly charged evening with my good friends.

Nom Nom Nom

You Have The Right To An Attorney

This is my friend Mindy's cat, Rufus. He's a big sweetheart and an excellent model, very eager to pose. We both agree that this photo looks a bit like a mug shot.

Does the hair-do look at all familiar?

What Can Microsoft Office Do For You?

I love LOVE Amy Sedaris. She brightens my whole day!

It Was A Bit Windy Today

This is the fence in the northwest corner of our backyard. It was kind of busted up when we moved into this place, but it was standing so we put it to the back of our minds.

Until today, that is :)

As you can see, this bit of our backyard needs a little TLC. In addition to the fence repair/replacement, I would like to put in some kind of garden. Possibly a vegetable garden. At any rate, I think this wind storm created a bit of motivation to get started.

Unicorns, Hey!

My latest, greatest accessory find (cat not included)! Unicorns, rainbows, moons and stars....I mean, what else does a girl need?

And check out how it holds everything I need with room to spare.

I think this is my all-time favorite bag. I love it even more than my pink Prada knock-off. I still adore it, of course, but this time of year I need to have a book, my iPod and my big sunglasses with me at all times.

Unicorns are the best!

Time To Put Away That Winter Coat

The cats are shedding like crazy. As such, we sat them down and gave them a good brushing to comb out some of their winter under-coats. And when I say "sat them down" I really mean followed them around the room. They love being brushed and they get all crazy and can't sit in one spot for more than a few minutes. They have to get up and go plop themselves down in another spot just out of arms reach (or they just scoot...sometimes getting up is far too much effort), then look back at us as if to say "Well?? Get over here!".

This ginormous furball is what we brushed out of them in about 20 minutes. It's comprised of approximately 10% Lucy, 25% Snoopy and 65% Marbles. The photo hardly does the ginormity of it justice. It's pretty much a whole new kitten. It's even casting it's own shadow!

Oh, incidentally....this is my 100th blog post. Yeah. This post really embodies what my life is all about. I feel like a rock star. Honestly, it's a wonder I am so grounded.

Aquadeli Santa Croce

In other words, really fancy imported water.

Though they do make for a striking window display.

Olive Oil

I'm A Little Teapot

This little guy lives on a shelf at the charming Cucina Deli. I have a bit of a fervor when it comes to teapots; I just adore them. I couldn't take my eyes off this delightful gem.

Flower Girl

This Is Only The Begining

"Where there is love, there is life"
~Mohandas K. Gandhi

Congratulations you guys! May you enjoy an abundance of life and of love, and have many adventures throughout your days.

Time

Good Morning!

These little blooms were waking up, just as I was, stretching their petals to the morning sun.

Never Give Liquor To A Bridesmaid

Honestly, you just can't take me anywhere.

April Lilium

It's a chilly 30 degrees outside this April morning, but the signs of Spring are popping up everywhere in my garden. It makes me happy.

This shot was taken using my new polarized lens filter. And when I say new, I mean I bought it at Christmas and this is the first time I've used it.

Nugget Ice

The first thought that came to mind when I saw this sign was "WTF?". When I think of "nugget" in relationship with a fast-food chain, I think "chicken" and "Mc". So my imagination ran wild with ideas of some twisted new slushy drink that tasted of chicken nuggets. I mean hell....Jones does turkey and gravy flavored and Christmas Ham flavored soda for the holidays. Could "chicken nugget" slushies be a new summer trend in frozen treats?

Alas, no (and thank God!). "Nugget ice" refers to dense, chewable ice cubes designed to last longer than conventional ice, thereby keeping your drink cold longer and making the ice easier to crunch. This is the kind of ice you get in hospitals (because it is so easy to chew) and has been made popular by places like Sonic. And, as it turns out, the machines that produce nugget ice are more energy and water efficient.

Well isn't that spiffy!

Sea of Fur

Halp!! I'm drowning!!

I Think I Just Got A Cavity...

Very. Sweet.

OMG Paw!

Data Heads

Okay, smart kids! This one is for you!

True or False:
You can cut a cake into eight pieces with just three straight knife cuts.

Well, according to the people at 'Cranium', you can.

To cut eight pieces in three movements requires two vertical cuts that cross, then one horizontal cut.

This question came up a few weeks ago while playing 'Cranium WoW' with a couple of friends (boys against girls). The boys drew this question, and got it wrong (although they did end up kicking our asses in the end). This sparked a bit of a debate because try as we might, square cake or round cake, none of us could figure out how this was done. My husband even went so far as to spend some time Googling this conundrum a few days after the game was over. He found the same answer, but could find no visual example of how this was done. Could the folks at Cranium be wrong?

Chances are, no. The solution is probably staring us in the face, and is so incredibly simple that when someone smarter than us finally points it out we're gonna kick ourselves.

So how about it.....do you know how this can be done?

EDIT:

Less than 45 minutes after posting this, Nick found the answer! As predicted, it's pretty simple and we feel totally stupid. Seems the problem was that we were thinking in only two dimensions, rather than three. We were trying to draw it out rather than trying to apply it to a real-life cake, which isn't flat. Although in all fairness...nobody actually cuts a cake this way which is probably why this never occurred to us.

Anyway, problem solved! Thanks, Internet!

Okay, I'll Bite...

...mostly because I feel like typing, but I don't really have anything to say right now. The clicking sounds make me happy. (Thanks, Willow!)

10 Years Ago: I was living downtown in the quaintest craphole apartment ever. I met and started dating the man that, four years later, would become my husband. I saw Titanic and liked it. I visited Yellowstone National Park for the first time and lost my virginity.

5 Things On My To Do List: Pick up conditioner and cotton balls, lose 10 pounds, get my house organized, finish the three books sitting on my night stand and sew myself a skirt.

5 Snacks I Enjoy: Sharp cheddar and crackers, fresh fruit, hummus with wheat thins, pretzels or pita bread, chips and salsa, olives.

5 Places I've Lived: Salt Lake City, Murray, West Valley City, Sandy....that's it! Only lived four places and all in Utah.

What I Would Do If I Suddenly Became A Billionaire: First, I would go to work and say all the things to all the stupid ass people I've always wanted to say. If I don't get fired, I'll quit. I'd buy a better home (one with a great yard so I can open a foster home for animals) and a more eco-friendly car, donate to my favorite causes and volunteer my time (since I'd be unemployed), share some with family and friends, and start traveling the world.

5 Jobs I've Had: I've only had three jobs: Sales Associate for a Big Box retailer, Video store clerk, and Optician (although I've been an optician at three different companies).

5 Things You Don't Know About Me: I like cheese, pickle and mustard sandwiches. I really enjoy reading young adult novels. My childhood dream was to become an Egyptologist when I grew up. When I was a kid I had a strange obsession with erasers that were shaped like things (usually candy, kitties or rainbows...but sometimes other food too. and sometimes scented!) and I obtained a rather large collection (but never used them to actually erase anything). The nail on my right pinky finger is pigmented...it looks dirty, but it's not! Just pigmented.

Now I Tag: Nick! Come on, babe...post some randomness about yourself!

Celebrity Look-alike?

So help me out, people.

Over the last 12 years I have been told by an array of folks that I look just like Annette Funicello.





I love Annette Funicello. I mean, hello? Mousketeer! Beach Party! She was America's sweetheart. So I take this comparison as a compliment. However, I just don't see the resemblance. Do you?

Now I also get a lot of comparisons to Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

"Has anyone ever told you that you look just like Elaine from Seinfeld?".

"Why, yes. All the time."

Again, I love Julia. She's gorgeous! And so so funny; she's a wonderfully strong comedic force. I'm just not seeing the likeness.

So what do you think? Am I a celebrity look-alike?

Mmmm! Tastes Like Truthiness!

Nation! Open wide for a big ol' scoop of liberty.

Stephen Colbert's Americone Dream Ice Cream by Ben and Jerry's is sweeter than the Bill of Rights, colder than Valley Forge and with twice as much caramel as the Louisiana Purchase.

Stephen has packaged Truth, Justice and Liberty into a convenient pint-size, recyclable container. Americone Dream is a decadent melting pot of vanilla ice cream with fudge-covered waffle cone pieces and a caramel swirl. Everything that makes this country great. Open your mouths and grab a spoon to fight terrorism, beat global warming and to keep Americas children off drugs!

“I’m not afraid to say it. Dessert has a well-known liberal agenda,” Colbert said in a statement. “What I hope to do with this ice cream is bring some balance back to the freezer case."

Proceeds from the sale of Americone Dream will go to charity through The Stephen Colbert AmeriCone Dream Fund. The Fund supports charities of importance to Stephen such as food and medical assistance for disadvantaged children, helping veterans and their families, and environmental causes. Said Colbert, “I will save the world.”

Enjoy, America! - Or go On Notice!

Laugh, And The World Laughs With You.

This video won first place in the "Adorable" category in the 2007 YouTube Video Awards. I can see why.



It's important to take joy in the little things in life.

Just This.

Dear Diary,

My husband gave me a wedgie today.

The end.

P.S.

I may have a problem

79%LUSH

Stupid Smarch Weather

I am reposting this from Finslippy's blog because, quite frankly, Alice is a genius and she sums up exactly how I feel about the month of March. (P.S. You should read her blog every day. Seriously. Did I mention she's a genius?)

Dear March,

I'm just going to come right out and say it: you annoy me. You're sort of cold but not really cold but not warm enough to not wear a jacket but not the heavy jacket. Take a stand, March! Figure out what you want to be! You want to be winter, fine; I won't like it but at least I'd respect your choice. Or how about spring? You could be spring! Think of how much everyone would like you then! You'd be stealing the glory from April, but then, we all know what April can be like. Frankly I like her only a little more than I care for you. At least with April we get some flowers. Some budding on the trees. Something. What do we do have to look forward to from March? Shamrock Shakes? You can do better than that. Work on it, March!

Yeah. What she said.

Son Of A....

I love grape tomatoes. Love them. I eat them like popcorn, by the handful. And I never have to feel guilty...because they're tomatoes! They're loaded with vitamin C and lycopene and all kinds of super-powered cancer-fighting antioxidants. So I can chow down.

So here I sit today, mindlessly snacking on a pint of organic grape tomatoes while compiling a Rufus Wainwright mix CD for my friend Willow. I'm not looking at what I'm taking...I'm just reaching in and grabbing and then stuffing them in my mouth while singing 'Sansoucci' (the dude sings in French...seriously, how can you not adore him?). Eventually, I do glance over at the carton as I reach for yet another handful.

And then I spot it.

A rotten, moldy tomato. Not just a tad bit rotten, but all squishy and brown and split open with masses of white, furry mold all over it. Despite rinsing the pint out before digging in, Señor McMoldersons managed to make it past my inspection. Brilliant.

Well, naturally the rest of them are ruined. Quite frankly, the sight of the nasty thing (and the thought that I probably already ate some tomatoes that rubbed up against it, all furry and inappropriate) kind of ruined my appetite. But I'll probably survive. So I ate a bit of mold...so what? That's what immune systems are for, right?

Anyway, I'll just chug down some Pomegranate Blueberry Talking Rain Twists Organic Water (say that five times fast) to kill the taste. And some Easter chocolate for good measure.

Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk

Last night Nick and I went on a little date. We enjoyed a lovely dinner at the Bombay House, one of our favorite Indian restaurants. Their Tikka Masala (my favorite Indian dish) is a bit different (using much less cream), but simply delightful and we sampled some tasty papadums. Afterwards, we drove up to Park City to see Rufus Wainwright live in concert.

Rufus is nothing less than spectacular performing live. It was a small, intimate venue and we had amazingly close fourth-row seats. His flawless, smooth-as-silk voice resonated beautifully and, as always, he exuded passion. He played almost all of my favorites, including 'April Fool' and 'California'.

Rufus is one of those artists who can weave a story with his music and there is nothing I love more than a well-told story. His distinctive lyrics and melodies are sometimes playful, sometimes somber and often the stuff of diaries, and still they are always stirring. When I need some music to make me smile, Rufus is at the top of my list.

I really enjoyed sharing this with Nick. It had been a while since we'd had a proper date and it was a little slice of serenity to sit together in the dark and be serenaded.

When we left the venue it had been snowing and we had to brush our car off before driving away, something I had thought was well done with for the year. Nonetheless, the light dusting of snow on the cars and trees, which sparkled under the street lights, sort of added a bit of magic to the evening. It was simply lovely.