Thursday, April 30, 2009

By Request

Since all three daughters have requested this story (I was sure I already told you), I'll tell the engagement story. It was between semesters at BYU. We were in love and decided to spend the week break traveling to meet our families- a trip we jokingly call our "first honeymoon." We first went to Hurricane (though I had already met his parents), then to Arizona and Nevada to visit three of his brothers. Then we traveled to Caldwell for him to meet my family. The whole trip (and before) we talked of marriage and love and other mushy stuff, so when the proposal came, I didn't even recognize it: We got up early one morning in Caldwell and went to play tennis. We came back and were in the family room. I was tired and wanted to take a nap. Ken said something like, "You know what would make me the happiest man in the world?" Then, "If you would be my wife." Like I said, we had been talking about it for weeks now, and I didn't see this as any different. So, I just smiled and turned over and tried to go to sleep. He was very hurt. Finally, he said, "Well, will you?" "Will I what?" Exasperated, "Marry me?" OH! I get it. So that's the story. Later, when my Dad came home for lunch, Ken asked him for my hand. I was in the yellow bathroom doing my make up or something. Daddy came in and gave me a hug and said, "I'm tickled to death." My dad wasn't very demonstrative, so that touched me deeply. So, there's the story. My sister, Patty predicted this would happen months earlier. I liked Ken and had started dating him when I came home for Christmas. We all went out to our favorite Chinese restaraunt, The Eastside in Ontario, Oregon. At the end of the meal, Patty grabbed my fortune cookie and "read" "There's a Hurricane in your future." Ha! That old Hurricane wind has been blowing ever since!!! PS Turnabout is fair play. Now, you have to tell your engagement stories on YOUR blogs!!!
Yesterday was the 32nd anniversary of the day Ken and I got engaged. I don't know why I thought of that this year . . . it's not like we think of it and celebrate it every year or anything. Last night at dinner, I asked him why this day was special, and he came up with it. I could see the relief on his face when he guessed right. We celebrated by helping clean the temple last night. Each ward gets a turn to help with the night cleaning of the temple from 10-midnight. We helped clean the baptistry. It was a whole new way of doing "temple work", and though we were tired, I think we both really enjoyed it.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

We Got Us a New Rat Pack!

Didn't you love tonight?? With the exception of the last song (why do they keep putting Adam last- the best spot?), I would listen to these songs over and over. I loved it! I got so caught up in enjoying it, that I forgot it was a competition for awhile. So, it's really hard for me to rank the top three. I really liked all of them. . . . . . . . . Danny . . .Come Rain or Come Shine I loved the trombone intro. What a beautiful arrangement. From the first note, I'm reminded how much I like his voice. This performance reminded me of his PYT performance- so full of emotion. He brought it home at the end. Wow! Love Danny. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt . . . My Funny Valentine . . . I fell in love with this song when Melinda Doolittle sang it a couple of years ago. What happened to her? In my opinion, she's the best singer this show has ever had. Anyway, I don't think Matt was quite as good as she was, but his ending was spine-tingling, chill-inducing, wonderful. Wow oh Wow! At first I was completely disagreeing with Jamie Foxx. Jamie suggested he lower the key. It was too low for him at first, but if it was that key that let him do that ending, okay Jamie, I see your point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kris . . . .The Way You Look Tonight. I love this song, and I thought Kris sang it beautifully. I loved, loved the jazzy piano licks. That pianist was good. Kris went a little flat just before the ending, so that's why he's third, but overall I loved this one, too. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allison . .. Someone to Watch Over Me This is my favorite jazz song of all, I think. . . The way that girl sings it on Mr. Holland's Opus. But that was the problem for me. I wanted it to be sweet and tender and smooth and full of emotion like her. Though I think this was by far Allison's best performance, I didn't feel the emotion I long to feel on this song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam . . .Feelin' Good No, I'm not. I'm not feelin' good at all. Buble where are you when we need you? That was a theatrical production. I hated the arrangement, lighting, and show- offy screamy forever note. I liked the white suit, though. . . . . . . . . . A+ to the band. I loved them on stage and thought they were really, really good.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Never Have To Do Anything Right Now

That’s my time management tip. It’s my stress reduction tip. It’s something I learned years ago. Think about it: What brings you stress . . When you have to get something done right now, and the clock is ticking? Think about the last time you felt stress? Were you working against the clock, trying to get somewhere or get something done? Could any of that been done earlier? Obviously, there are certain things that have to be done right now: work, appointments and meetings are scheduled at particular times, kids have to be fed when they wake up, etc. And, it seems that the younger you are, the more “right nows” there are. So never is too strong a word. But do as much as you can early, before you really HAVE to. For instance: what can you do the night before to make the morning rush easier? What you can you do to make dinner in the morning, so that meal isn’t prepared under stress. Prepare next Sunday’s lesson this Sunday. Doing something before it really HAS to be done is a happy, peaceful feeling rather than a stressful one. Though I learned it, I don’t always live it. Just the other day, I was madly trying to get something done, feeling stress and pressure. I was reminded of this tip I learned years ago: I’ve known I had to get my spring Keynote program written and have been working on it, actually more worrying about it, for literally months. We started our performances on Friday, so it had to be done, and done now- I was out of procrastination time! Last Sunday night, I slept two hours, then was wide awake worrying about it. So I got up and finished it then. What would have been a fun, creative activity for me if I’d done it a couple of months ago, turned into a stressful burden, because I didn’t follow my own advice. So that’s why I decided to post this- to remind myself what I know. Just a thought . . .

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

As the Mirrored Ball Spins

Disco Night- sort of. There was a lot of updating and arranging, so it didn't sound really disco, but I liked it. A . . .Kris . ."She Works Hard For the Money" . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Didn't you love his original,jazzy, acoustic version of this? Talent personified. Loved this. Move over, Donna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . .Danny . . . "September" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. I admit, I'm a Danny fan. I think it's because no matter what he sings he makes me feel something. He's technically good, too: pitch, tone, phrasing,etc, but he takes the step higher and really makes you feel his song. (Michelle and Brian- this should be your theme song. "Do you remember? The twenty-first day of September? We danced the night away!") B+ . . . Matt . . . . . . . . I liked Matt's take on "Stayin Alive" I agree with Randy, this is a very talented kid. Awesome last note/notes/riff . . . Wow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B+ . . . Adam . . . . . . . . . ."If I Can't Have You" . . . .. . . Man, I hate, hate, hate to do this, but to be fair, I have to . . . I don't trust the kid. I know he'll be back to the theatrics next week. But this is the first performance of his that I've liked. I am the first to admit that he is one of the most talented; I just don't like what he's going to do with that talent. But if I'd never seen him or any of the others before and watched this performance, I would have to place him here. I didn't like the shouty, screechy notes in the middle of the song, but the rest was good. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B . . . .Anoop . .. . "Dim All the Lights" . . . . Beautiful voice. Shaky last note, but the rest was good. I really like Anoop's voice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C+ . . . Allison . . . "Hot Stuff" . . . .. . . I thought her pitch was better this week, and until the end, I thought she showed her nicer voice. Then she started the shouting/ yelling again. The judges obviously want her to stay, so don't dare say anything bad. I hope the two girls are the ones to leave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C- . . . . Lil . . . . "I'm Every Woman" I thought her first three notes were good. Stupid, tuneless song. Shouting, "Come On Now!" and "OH, OH, Oh" isn't singing, and that's what most of this song was. It was messy and wild and Bye, bye Lil!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Vegetable Chowder

I've had this recipe so long, I really can't even remember where I got it. But it's Ken's VERY favorite soup that I make. It's a little time consuming, peeling and cutting up all those potatoes and veggies, but so worth it. 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (I use the precooked) 6 green onions, chopped 10 med. potatoes, peeled and cubed 1/4 cup chopped green pepper 2 stalks celery, diced 3 carrots, peeled and sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 quart boiling water with heaping T. ham flavored Better than Boillion Salt to taste 1 T. worcestire sauce Several drops Tabasco ( this is the secret ingredient that makes it so good) 1 quart half and half In a large kettle, saute bacon, then add carrots and celery. Saute for a couple of minutes, then add all veggies, Water and seasonings. Cover and simmer until veggies are tender. Mash with a potato masher. Pour in half and half. Slowly heat, but do not boil. Taste and add Salt and pepper if desired. Let the good times roll.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Report Card

Loved the theme for last night: Songs from the movies. It's almost as good as songs from musical theater! I also thought that Quentin Terantino was a great mentor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . Danny- Endless Love . . . . . . He sings with such emotion every week. He's the complete package: nice voice, good performer, emotional connection with the audience. He followed Matt who was criticized for changing the melody and arrangement from the original. Danny was criticized for not changing it. Hard to win! I liked the harp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . Anoop- Everything I Do . . . . . . Crystal clear tone, beautiful delivery. Didn't quite reach the emotional level that Danny did, but pretty good. Why is this guy in the bottom three every week? He's really, really good! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A- . . . Kris - Falling Slowly . . . . . . Didn't know the song, but Kris sang it beautifully. Controlled, consistent tone. Beautiful. I don't know what Randy was talking about. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B+ . . . Matt - Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman . . . Great start and end, but a little shaky just before the end. I have a feeling it was just performance jitters, that it was much better in rehearsal. Though it was not a perfect performance, you have to look at what this guy does with arranging and on the piano. He is really, really talented. He's full of music. Terantino was right- his flaw (and Kris') is slurred diction. I think that was a little better on this song. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B- . . . Allison - I Don't Want to Miss a Thing . . . . . She's flat through most of the song- flat in pitch and tone. She doesn't look quite as crazy tonight, but man she comes up with weird outfits. Her pants match her hair perfectly! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C . . . Adam - Born to Be Wild . . . . . . . . . . Okay, I know he's got a good voice. But I don't like him. That's that. As Simon said, I'm on the Despise it side of things. He's not a rock star, he's an actor playing the part of a rock star. Every movement is blocked and staged. It's not wild and free as the song suggests, but contrived. The make up and nail polish are back. OOSH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C- . . . Lil - The Rose . . . . . . . . . . . .. She just isn't that good. She was flat. The 2nd half was a little better than the 1st. I did feel bad for her and her frustrations. She's trying hard, but I'm afraid it's time for her to go home.

Monday, April 13, 2009

You Have to Watch This!

Pam and Roger sent this to me. Copy this web address in your browser, turn up your sound and enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY PS My favorite part is when she finishes singing and starts to walk off the stage. She doesn't need judges critique. She's lived her dream. That's all she needs.

Easter Weekend

We had such a fun Easter weekend! It started on Friday evening with a visit from Ken's best friend from childhood, Howard. ( they lived 1/2 block from each other and were best friends all through school, roommates, he was Ken's best man, etc) He came to introduce us to his new wife, Veronica. It was so nice to reconnect. Kristen and Jared arrived later that evening. We pulled out the stuff and colored the eggs. Little Nathan LOVED that activity and immersing both hands into the colored water. Saturday, we went on a fun hike and picnic at Red Cliffs. The picnic (using Joan's rating system) was in the high nines. It would have been a 10, but there were a million (no, I'm not exaggerating) tent catepillars. Nathan thought they were great. It was so fun to watch them find the Easter eggs. That evening the men beat the girls in "All" and we had a yummy dinner of soup and pasta salad. Sunday was busy, busy. We had Easter in the morning, then church at 1. I am choir director, and wrote and directed the Easter program. It turned out nice, though three of the men from the choir weren't able to be there so we only had four. But it was fine. Then, I was also supposed to teach the RS lesson. It was on Liberty Jail, so I invited Melanie Hinton to come (she was SO kind and drove from SLC) speak on Liberty Jail. She works for the church historic dept. and has been researching and writing about Liberty Jail. She was awesome! There's got to be a better word. She was SO,SO good. She had everyone eating out of her hand. We all learned so much and felt the spirit so strong! At one point, she said she was about out of time. There was an audible groan and protests from the sisters. If you ever need a good fireside speaker, I volunteer Melanie! We then went home and had a nice ham, asparagus, Mormon potatoes(thanks to Jared), roll dinner. Then we had to say goodbye to the Mackrory family. Two of my favorite Brielle quotes from the weekend: 1) She was playing with the knob on the woodstove downstairs, pretending it was a microphone. Her parents encouraged her to say the 1st article of faith for me. She got up to the microphone and then asked, "Is that the one with the ghost in it?" 2) She brought home a bag of candy from Primary. When we got home, her daddy teased her, saying, "You brought that for me?" She answered, "No, that's for my baby brother." She was so cute about taking care of Nathan. What a good share girl. It's so fun to see her growing up. My favorite Nathan moment: After dinner on Sunday, Ken had to go to a meeting and the rest of us were exhausted. Jared was trying to get a little nap on the couch before the long drive home. Nathan was running around being very noisy and into things. I said, "Nathan, Nathan, why don't you come sit down and visit with Grandma for a minute. He didn't do it immediately, but pretty soon he went over and climbed up on the chair facing me and started "visiting." It was so cute! Thank you, Mackrorys for coming and sharing the holiday with us!!!!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

My Favorite

It was close to a tie for me between Danny and Anoop, but if I have to choose, I choose Danny. I loved his original arrangement of "Stand By Me." Matt was my 3rd favorite. I think Lil should go home tonight.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

My New Car!

Here she is! After driving many makes and models, I decided on a gently used (7500miles) 2008 Nissan Altima. Brian recommended we go to Tom Anderson in Salt Lake City. He really was a breath of fresh air after being in the “Car Shopping Twilight Zone” for several months. He quoted a very reasonable price and that was it: honest, upfront. I loved it. He also treated me as a customer and not just as a customer’s wife. I liked that. I have to admit, the biggest drawback to this car is that it is white. I’ve driven a white car for ten years and really wanted a change. I’ve teased Ken for years as he has purchased three beige Buicks in a row. “Can’t we at least get a different color?” He knows what he likes and he sticks with it (great trait when it comes to marriage- so I really shouldn’t complain) So now he can tease me for the next ten years. It was just too good of a deal to pass up!

Car Shopping

It was time for a new car. I’ve had my Dodge Stratus for ten years. For months I didn’t know how many miles it had because where the numbers should be was a constant message “door” insinuating a door was ajar. It wasn’t. That was accompanied by a constant ding, ding, ding. When Brian was home for Christmas, I asked him to take scissors and start cutting wires until it stopped the incessant dinging, but Michelle vetoed that. I guess she’s partial to her baby having a father. I did finally take it to Lonnie- our mechanic, and now it’s quiet, but it really was time for a new one. We’re pretty systematic about car shopping: no mad rush. I had in mind several makes and models I wanted to try, so starting in January, we visited car dealerships and drove cars each Saturday. As Ken’s busy season got crazier, I often would go alone. Because we do it so infrequently, I had forgotten that car dealerships are, shall we say, unique places: a culture within a culture, if you will. Following is a list of my top ten favorite lines delivered by car salesmen: 1. “This incentive is only good through the end of the month (not mentioning that next month’s will be even better)” 2. “ I don’t care how much you shop around, as long as you end up back here.” 3. “We don’t mess around with pricing, we give you the lowest price we can right from the start.” (Ken bought his car from them a few years ago, and after we found the same car cheaper in Provo, they came WAY down on their price) 4. “Use me. I’d be happy to do research on that other car you’re interested in and get back with you.” (I’m sure you would!) 5. Girl: “I don’t know. I’ve only worked here two weeks. I don’t know. I don’t know.” (To everything we asked) “But I can find out.” By the end, Ken was reading her the owner’s manual and teaching her. Needless to say, we didn’t buy a car from her. 6. When I could see that the girl knew nothing, I asked for the manager- an acquaintance- after a long time, he comes out and says: “I was just in there eating birthday cake.” Sorry to bother you. 7. When asked if there were any deals. “Our deals are only for those who finance- not those who pay cash.” 8. Salesman who had to go to his “manager” to see what the price will be: Whispers to me, “I’m so glad you’re here when this manager is here. He really cuts it and gives you a great deal.” This is when I was shopping without Ken. Another “manager” at the same dealership gave us a quote $2,000 less when Ken was with me. I’ve heard about discrimination against women in this business. Now I can testify to it! 9. “You are obviously very good people, so we want to give you a great deal.” ( We just met you 20 minutes ago!) And my favorite of all: 10. “Does your husband know you’re out shopping for cars?”

Monday, April 6, 2009

What Have You Done?

I took this challenge from Kristen's blog: Rules: Anything you have done has to be in colored, bold, and/or underlined. How much have you done? It only takes about 5 minutes…Just do it..it's fun! 1. Started your own blog 2. Slept under the stars 3. Played in a band- does a kazoo band count? We had a kazoo band that marched in the BYU homecoming parade and we won first prize for ward entry or something like that. We all had matching tee shirts. That was when Ken and I were in the same ward, but not dating yet. I remember I was starting to like him then. He played a mean kazoo. Shortly thereafter, we went on our first date . . . and the rest, as they say, is history. So I guess you can say that it all started with a kazoo! 4. Visited Hawaii 5 Watched a meteor shower 6. Been to Japan 7. Been to Disneyland 8. Climbed a mountain-trying to keep up with Jolene_______ (what was her last name?), the human mountain goat. Actually, I’ve climbed several, but that was a very memorable attempt. I got heat exhaustion. 9. Held a Praying Mantis 10. Sang a solo 11. Bungee jumped 12. Visited Paris 13. Watched an amazing lightning storm 14. Taught yourself an art from scratch – ceramics, counted cross stitch 15. Adopted a child 16. Had food poisoning... 17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty-went to it, but not to the top. 18. Grown your own vegetables – every summer 19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France 20. Slept on an overnight train 21. Had a pillow fight 22. Hitch hiked- that was a scary experience. I was walking home from school at Ricks and it was freezing cold and a guy asked if I wanted a ride. I stupidly got in the car. I then got so scared. Nothing happened, but that was stupid, stupid. 23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill 24. Built a snow fort 25. Held a lamb 26. Gone skinny dipping- blame Janis Blacker ( I was like 6) 27. Ran a Marathon- don’t think it’s gonna happen. 28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 29. Seen a total eclipse- I remember one happened while I was waiting in line one Saturday for the Saturday matinee at the downtown theater as a kid. I’ve seen others, but that was my most memorable. 30. Watched a sunrise or sunset- I have to admit, more sunsets than sunrises. 31. Hit a home run- it was in Young Women softball and I hit it in the Middleton game when my parents were there watching me. They didn’t usually come, but they did to that game, so ever after my dad would brag about what a great hitter I was. 32. Been on a cruise -8, I think 33. Seen Niagara Falls in person 34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors - England 35. Seen an Amish community 36. Taught yourself a new language 37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person- I saw a similar building in Estonia 39. Gone rock climbing 40. Seen Michelangelo’s David 41. Sung karaoke 42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt 43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant- now I so want to do this. 44. Visited Africa – Ken has 45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 46. Been transported in an ambulance 47. Had your portrait painted- I did one of those at a carnival/fair. Also, a friend did one of me in high school while we were supposed to be listening in Speech class. I still have it. 48. Gone deep sea fishing –I fed the fishies and caught a shark- not a great day 49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person 50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris 51. Gone scuba diving- snorkeling count? 52. Kissed in the rain 53. Played in the mud – okay, who hasn’t? 54. Gone to a drive-in theater (boy does this one bring back memories. Sometime ask me the Carol McCloy story. . . or ask Joan. It’s a classic.) I’ve been to many drive-in movies. Ken took me to a triple bill of “The Trinity Brothers” shortly after we were married. I fell asleep after the first one, I think. He loves the Trinity Brothers. 55. Been in a movie 56. Visited the Great Wall of China 57. Started a business- voice lesson business- doesn’t that count? 58. Taken a martial arts class 59. Visited Russia 60. Served at a soup kitchen- Ken has 61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies 62. Gone whale watching 63. Got flowers for no reason 64. Donated blood 65. Gone sky diving 66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp 67. Bounced a check 68. Flown in a helicopter 69. Saved a favorite childhood toy –I still have my doll “Marynthia”- I liked the names Mary and Cynthia, so I combined them. She is ugly as sin because I cut her hair when I was little. Come to think about it, I’m not sure why I saved her. 70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial 71. Eaten Caviar 72. Pieced a quilt – I have one started, but haven’t finished it. I won’t mention how LONG I’ve had it started. 73. Stood in Times Square- Shonna and I did New York (with the help of Ami) Loved it! 74. Toured the Everglades 75. Been fired from a job 76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London- almost didn’t. We got lost on the way . . and well, that’s another long story. 77. Broken a bone 78. Been on a speeding motorcycle- my Dad rented one on the Oregon coast. He even got my grandma on the back! Now, that’s a memory!!!!! 79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 80. Published a book- just a cookbook 81. Visited the Vatican 82. Bought a brand new car- I think all of ours have been used 83. Walked in Jerusalem 84. Had your picture in the newspaper 85. Read the entire Bible- I’ve tried. I’ve read the NT several times and most of the OT, Man, I wish I could bold this one. Do you think you can get in heaven if you haven’t read the whole Bible? 86. Visited the White House 87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating -oosh 88. Had chickenpox 89. Saved someone’s life 90. Sat on a jury- got called for jury duty, but didn’t have to do it. 91 Met someone famous 92. Joined a book club- in one now and love it. 93. Lost a loved one 94. Had a baby 95. Seen the Alamo in person 96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake- there were lots of gnats that drove me CRAZY 97. Been involved in a law suit 98. Owned a cell phone 99. Been stung by a bee- found out I was very allergic, so then had to have a series of allergy shots. 100. Visited Italy I scored a 63 how about you?