...but then I wouldn't be caught up with your lives!
All the snow, and the cute baby-ness. And end of term stresses. And the looking forward to Christmas time, time with family.
I have to say, thanks to all of you family and friends, for letting me stalk your blogs. You've helped me get through this last semester away from any sort of family I have.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
sigh....
You know in the movie, the Englishman Who Went Up A Hill, But Came Down A Mountain? And the Preacher, whilst buried in the mountain, gives this great sigh....so do I. His was of frustration in finding out that his mountain had shrunk to a non-mountain again. Mine is of relief for I have officially emailed my paper to my professor, hoping he takes it in Arizona time instead of EST. Seriously, it was done with a whole HALF HOUR to SPARE! I'm getting good, here.
As you can tell, I'm back, with 164 of your posts to read while enjoying the Arizona Christmas weather.
It's good to be back.
As you can tell, I'm back, with 164 of your posts to read while enjoying the Arizona Christmas weather.
It's good to be back.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
wherein heidi decides to be MIA
Well, I've decided to cut the habit, cold-turkey.
As of this posting, I am to avoid bloggies, and facebook until my stupid paper is done. (Yes, I said stupid. I love the class, and the subject matter, but it has been pure torture to figure out how to write the blasted thing.)
So, that means at least till the 16 Dec, as it is due 15 Dec.
If anyone needs to get a hold of me, well, you can email.
I shall see you on the other side.
As of this posting, I am to avoid bloggies, and facebook until my stupid paper is done. (Yes, I said stupid. I love the class, and the subject matter, but it has been pure torture to figure out how to write the blasted thing.)
So, that means at least till the 16 Dec, as it is due 15 Dec.
If anyone needs to get a hold of me, well, you can email.
I shall see you on the other side.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
yes, i can
This article linked to this article.
So, if I have you for Christmas, you are forewarned. Besides, I think Books are Fabulous!
I was lucky enough to grow up with a book-loving family. As many of you know, who have visited our basement, "We had to get rid of a lot of books when we moved." It was tragic!
I remember a lot of Agatha Christie's were the first to go.
I sincerely think that books can change the world. I would be more profound and all, but I'm hungry: I didn't get up early enough to make a tasty lunch. So it's dinner/lunch time.
I'm sure most of you agree that books are vital, so that would be pointless to discuss. Instead, what are ways to help others see this? To encourage the "I HATE Reading!" readers to read? I think we're all readers, (like we're all able to sing! - but that's a topic for another day) but we haven't always found something we like. One last article. I lied... one more. The second was the post I was looking for originally.
Anyhoo, my tummy grumbles.
So, if I have you for Christmas, you are forewarned. Besides, I think Books are Fabulous!
I was lucky enough to grow up with a book-loving family. As many of you know, who have visited our basement, "We had to get rid of a lot of books when we moved." It was tragic!
I remember a lot of Agatha Christie's were the first to go.
I sincerely think that books can change the world. I would be more profound and all, but I'm hungry: I didn't get up early enough to make a tasty lunch. So it's dinner/lunch time.
I'm sure most of you agree that books are vital, so that would be pointless to discuss. Instead, what are ways to help others see this? To encourage the "I HATE Reading!" readers to read? I think we're all readers, (like we're all able to sing! - but that's a topic for another day) but we haven't always found something we like. One last article. I lied... one more. The second was the post I was looking for originally.
Anyhoo, my tummy grumbles.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
take that mother nature!
Here's a proof for you all:
Snow = Cold
Heidi does not like Cold.
Thus, Heidi does not like Snow.
Makes sense to me.
Anyhoo, contrary to weather predictions, It Did Not Snow today.
I'm sure I'll pay for it later, but that's later.
Snow = Cold
Heidi does not like Cold.
Thus, Heidi does not like Snow.
Makes sense to me.
Anyhoo, contrary to weather predictions, It Did Not Snow today.
I'm sure I'll pay for it later, but that's later.
Monday, November 17, 2008
recap: 8 - Kentucky to North Carolina
Kate drove all this day.
We called my landlords as we neared the Virginia/North Carolina border; She said it would probably be another few hours. It ended up being closer to 45 minutes.
We were ready to be done.
We unloaded the car, went to dinner at Panera Bread, a few essentials from WalMart, and then made up little beds on the floor, and went to sleep.
We got up soon after five, so Kate could get to the airport in time to catch her plane, so she could finish her almost cross the country twice in a week trip.
And that, my friends, was the last picture taken.
We called my landlords as we neared the Virginia/North Carolina border; She said it would probably be another few hours. It ended up being closer to 45 minutes.
We were ready to be done.
We unloaded the car, went to dinner at Panera Bread, a few essentials from WalMart, and then made up little beds on the floor, and went to sleep.
We got up soon after five, so Kate could get to the airport in time to catch her plane, so she could finish her almost cross the country twice in a week trip.
And that, my friends, was the last picture taken.
I apologize for being so vague in the last posting. I, and all my family, are fine and healthy.
In explanation, besides the normal overwhelming-ness of life that school causes, I found out of an Oboe World tragedy.
Mark Weiger, professor at U. of Iowa, committed suicide. The circumstances under which this happened are not pleasant.
My personal acquaintance with him was limited to a Master Class. But, many of my friends knew him well; some studied with him at Iowa.
Many lives have been effected*; those who I have talked to are handling things as well as can be expected. As time passes, it will be harder, but they know they are not alone.
We are never alone.
* I have a real problem with deciding between affect and effect.
In explanation, besides the normal overwhelming-ness of life that school causes, I found out of an Oboe World tragedy.
Mark Weiger, professor at U. of Iowa, committed suicide. The circumstances under which this happened are not pleasant.
My personal acquaintance with him was limited to a Master Class. But, many of my friends knew him well; some studied with him at Iowa.
Many lives have been effected*; those who I have talked to are handling things as well as can be expected. As time passes, it will be harder, but they know they are not alone.
We are never alone.
* I have a real problem with deciding between affect and effect.
Friday, November 14, 2008
yesterday
Yesterday was not a good day. Nope. Not at all.
Nothing bad happened to me, but all kinds of bad happened to many people I care about. And that makes me sad.
Today.
Even before yesterday I'd been thinking I need to be more positive.
So, I start over.
Today I went to the temple.
It was a little temple; I made an appointment and everything.
Life truly is a beautiful thing. There IS hate in this world, and behind that hate, I've found that there often is a deep deep sorrow.
We all know sorrow; we've all caused sorrow.
We are humans, yet as humans we have such infinite potentiality!
Nothing bad happened to me, but all kinds of bad happened to many people I care about. And that makes me sad.
Today.
Even before yesterday I'd been thinking I need to be more positive.
So, I start over.
Today I went to the temple.
It was a little temple; I made an appointment and everything.
Life truly is a beautiful thing. There IS hate in this world, and behind that hate, I've found that there often is a deep deep sorrow.
We all know sorrow; we've all caused sorrow.
We are humans, yet as humans we have such infinite potentiality!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
seriously?
Well, I drove the night shift on the way to our hotel in Kentucky. It was late, and though not tired, I thought it was in our best interest to get some sin juice, and the gas could use a topping off.
I pulled off the exit in Indiana with a town called Santa Claus. It was perfect. The picture below has a lot of bug splatters in the flash reflection, but I think you can see it.
As I was leaving the building with said sin juice, I was asked by a random guy if I was headed from, or to, Utah. (Silly license plates!)
From.
There were two people at the next gas pumps who started to talk to me, too. I was a little irritated, because I wanted to finish my thoughts to the other guy.
The two asked where in Utah.
"Provo."
"Really, that's where we're headed!"
"Wow. I'm actually from Mapleton, and Kate is from SLC"
"Where are you headed to?"
"Greensboro, NC"
"Seriously? That's where we're from"
I kid you not.
Two paths did cross, at a lonely gas station, near Santa Claus, Indiana.
For those that need proof, here are some fabulously awkward pictures.
I pulled off the exit in Indiana with a town called Santa Claus. It was perfect. The picture below has a lot of bug splatters in the flash reflection, but I think you can see it.
As I was leaving the building with said sin juice, I was asked by a random guy if I was headed from, or to, Utah. (Silly license plates!)
From.
There were two people at the next gas pumps who started to talk to me, too. I was a little irritated, because I wanted to finish my thoughts to the other guy.
The two asked where in Utah.
"Provo."
"Really, that's where we're headed!"
"Wow. I'm actually from Mapleton, and Kate is from SLC"
"Where are you headed to?"
"Greensboro, NC"
"Seriously? That's where we're from"
I kid you not.
Two paths did cross, at a lonely gas station, near Santa Claus, Indiana.
For those that need proof, here are some fabulously awkward pictures.
Monday, November 10, 2008
recap: 7 - Nauvoo to Kentucky
We spent longer than intended at Nauvoo, but we got our souvenir bricks, were mistaken for EFY kids, and saw a former missionary Kate and I were neighbors with in Tampa. Oh, and I saw a couple of clarinetists from BYU. I even waved.
After Nauvoo, there was Carthage.
Followed by Hannibal MO. St. Louis, Indiana, with our stop in Lexington, KY.
After Nauvoo, there was Carthage.
Followed by Hannibal MO. St. Louis, Indiana, with our stop in Lexington, KY.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
r-e-s-p-e-c-t
A lot of posts I've read lately have been political in nature. I tried to not say much, though I did complain about the effects of living in a battleground state with all the lobbying schmuck being thrown around. I have never been more grateful to not own a tv!
I am excited for this new Presidential era. It will be a time for people to settle down and hopefully stop looking at all the things that are going wrong, but instead, focus on what is going right. And, as there will be things that do go wrong, perhaps we as a people will be more willing to do something, instead of finding someone to blame for what is going wrong.
I appreciate that my friends are not those who have sat passively by with problems, but have done something about it. Unfortunately, you all live far far away.
I have found it most interesting that 'all our problems in America are the fault of one man.'
I know there are some ideas that I don't fully support President Bush on, but I feel he has been disrespected and made to bear the blame for things that were beyond his control. Perhaps I'm old-fashioned in thinking that elected officials deserve our respect, even whilst in disagreement with them; frankly, I'm embarrassed for my country, and the way we've treated this man.
Here is an article that speaks more eloquently on the subject.
And another.
I am excited for this new Presidential era. It will be a time for people to settle down and hopefully stop looking at all the things that are going wrong, but instead, focus on what is going right. And, as there will be things that do go wrong, perhaps we as a people will be more willing to do something, instead of finding someone to blame for what is going wrong.
I appreciate that my friends are not those who have sat passively by with problems, but have done something about it. Unfortunately, you all live far far away.
I have found it most interesting that 'all our problems in America are the fault of one man.'
I know there are some ideas that I don't fully support President Bush on, but I feel he has been disrespected and made to bear the blame for things that were beyond his control. Perhaps I'm old-fashioned in thinking that elected officials deserve our respect, even whilst in disagreement with them; frankly, I'm embarrassed for my country, and the way we've treated this man.
Here is an article that speaks more eloquently on the subject.
And another.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
for frau
I know it's not quite the same, but I'll share!
The stickers are very important! As I was getting ready to vote, the lady who was in the booth before me asked where she could get a sticker. I don't know if I'd have been brave enough, truthfully.
I guess they were giving free coffees at Starbucks for those with stickers....
The stickers are very important! As I was getting ready to vote, the lady who was in the booth before me asked where she could get a sticker. I don't know if I'd have been brave enough, truthfully.
I guess they were giving free coffees at Starbucks for those with stickers....
Monday, November 03, 2008
recap: 6 - Nebraska to Nauvoo
We said goodbye to Dave, and headed out, stopping first at Winter Quarters, arriving in Nauvoo around dusk.
Kate wandered around town, while I talked to mom and dad online. I was tired, not having slept well the night before. This trend continued the remainder of the trip.
For all those thinking of staying at the Nauvoo Family Inn and Suites, there is an emphasis on Family there (i.e. little children running amuck at all hours) and don't let them put you in a room near the elevator, either. They do have free wireless, though.
Kate wandered around town, while I talked to mom and dad online. I was tired, not having slept well the night before. This trend continued the remainder of the trip.
For all those thinking of staying at the Nauvoo Family Inn and Suites, there is an emphasis on Family there (i.e. little children running amuck at all hours) and don't let them put you in a room near the elevator, either. They do have free wireless, though.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
happy birthday, dad
Christmas 2005
Christmas 2007
Enjoying an awkward street moment at the expense of his beloved daughter. He later was sucked in by someone wanting signatures for an anti-drugs petition, who liked donations, too.
At the 'puter.
Things I've learned from my father:
Don't cut up photos.
These next two came at different times while we were driving in the car somewhere. I know it was in Mesa, well, at least Arizona.
Everyone has the bible - that's why we need prophets
Get an education
He also taught me how to braid hair, thanks to a kind My Little Pony. Posy, to be exact. (This was useful, because the I adapted that so I learned to french braid my own hair - my mom pulls tight! [I know, not as tight as granny did, but still.])
Don't play games on Sunday. :) You'll ruin it for everyone.
Thanks dad, for everything. As much as I like Tom and all, I'm glad you are my daddy.
Love you, and see you soon.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
because i was born
Family (not necessarily blood)
Amber and Paul
Aunt Rebecca
Bouse House
Carrie
and Linus
Emily and Spencer
Jenny
Jordan
Liesl
Married Mormon Man
Matthew, again,
and Sarah
Taralynn & Kory
The Old Cowboy and REC
Maternal Journal
Amber and Paul
Aunt Rebecca
Bouse House
Carrie
and Linus
Emily and Spencer
Jenny
Jordan
Liesl
Married Mormon Man
Matthew, again,
and Sarah
Taralynn & Kory
The Old Cowboy and REC
Maternal Journal
what color are you?
Sorry for all the links as of late, but here is something that is free, until they receive 5000 requests, or 4 Nov.
I'm white, with blue. And you?
I'm white, with blue. And you?
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
exercise your right to vote!
Well, for those who are tired of debates, etc., here's something that I found enjoyable, and especially helpful in putting off homework.
dave's house
Well, I left my directions to Dave's house somewhere, where, I don't know. So, I texted him. I really despise talking on the phone - let me rephrase that. I enjoy talking on the phone usually when I'm not asking for something. I don't know what my problem is.
Anyhoo, we got some info from Dave, and after a turn around or two, made it to his house.
Kate and I had eaten at Arby's later in the afternoon, so when we were offered food to eat, we both hesitated a little. It was then he said that he had to at least offer, because his mom would ask if we had been offered food, and drink. Well, we don't like to get people in trouble with their mums, so we ate. The jam was especially delightful!
As we were clearing up, his mom came upstairs and asked if we had been offered any food. We answered positively.
Later that evening, there was a competitive game of skip-bo, no, Phase 10, which I WON.
His mom's dad and his wife were visiting, so I got to meet Dean Hansen's dad, too. The night before I had told the Dave a story how I used to think Dean Hansen's first name was in reality, Dean. And honest mistake, I thought, for one unlearned in the ways of academia.
The next morning during breakfeast, I overheard the mom telling her father the same story; I'm glad that it made people laugh.
We left fairly early, because we were wanting to spend time in Nauvoo, but before we left, we were provided with sack lunches and water bottles. We were told which sites to visit by his mom, warned by Dave that all seemed the same so we only really needed to visit one, and were off.
Anyhoo, we got some info from Dave, and after a turn around or two, made it to his house.
Kate and I had eaten at Arby's later in the afternoon, so when we were offered food to eat, we both hesitated a little. It was then he said that he had to at least offer, because his mom would ask if we had been offered food, and drink. Well, we don't like to get people in trouble with their mums, so we ate. The jam was especially delightful!
As we were clearing up, his mom came upstairs and asked if we had been offered any food. We answered positively.
Later that evening, there was a competitive game of skip-bo, no, Phase 10, which I WON.
His mom's dad and his wife were visiting, so I got to meet Dean Hansen's dad, too. The night before I had told the Dave a story how I used to think Dean Hansen's first name was in reality, Dean. And honest mistake, I thought, for one unlearned in the ways of academia.
The next morning during breakfeast, I overheard the mom telling her father the same story; I'm glad that it made people laugh.
We left fairly early, because we were wanting to spend time in Nauvoo, but before we left, we were provided with sack lunches and water bottles. We were told which sites to visit by his mom, warned by Dave that all seemed the same so we only really needed to visit one, and were off.
Monday, October 27, 2008
recap: 5 - Colorado to Nebraska
Breakfeast was at the Waffle House.
We toured their cute apartment, and left Fort Collins at noon that day. The next stop, Omaha, Nebraska.
I didn't find Nebraska as daunting to drive through as I'd been warned. And as Kate pointed out, you don't have to worry about many curves in the road.
I've been informed that this opinion won't last longer than the next time I drive through.
We'll see.
That night we stayed with Dave Fredericks and his family.
We toured their cute apartment, and left Fort Collins at noon that day. The next stop, Omaha, Nebraska.
I didn't find Nebraska as daunting to drive through as I'd been warned. And as Kate pointed out, you don't have to worry about many curves in the road.
I've been informed that this opinion won't last longer than the next time I drive through.
We'll see.
That night we stayed with Dave Fredericks and his family.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
recap: 4 - Utah to Colorado
Technically it was Portland to Salt Lake to Fort Collins, but that was much too long of a title.
I didn't make it to church. Instead I napped. I knew Kate probably wouldn't have gotten a nap, and I had said that I would take the first leg of driving.
We finally got out of Salt Lake around 6pm and headed East on I80.
We stopped the night in Fort Collins, CO with Julia and Eric, and new baby Elizabeth.
It was so very good to see them again. I wish time had permitted a better visit. Or even a better time for the visit.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
update
So the link below doesn't work.
If you're still interested, try copy and paste of: www.thevillagepetstoreandcharcoalgrill.com
If you're still interested, try copy and paste of: www.thevillagepetstoreandcharcoalgrill.com
Friday, October 17, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
recap: 3 - Seattle to Portland
Seattle really is lovely, if you know where you're going. Thankfully Kate and I have been in driving situations before, and she realizes that when I get frustrated about where I'm going, it's really nothing personal....
We made it on time (barely) to the ship and boarded. Yup, it was on a boat, the Argosy.
We made our final farewells to the newlyweds, and headed to meet a high school friend, Julia, who now lives in Seattle. We wandered around Seattle's library for a bit, then we gave her a ride home while I charged my dead phone so I could contact Jenny, my cousin.
We made a quick stop at a restaurant to say "Hi" then "Bye" to Jenny and her family, then headed back to Portland, via the Seattle Temple.
The temple was closed for renovations; Moroni received a new layer of gold leaf. A worker on the grounds told me that all the leafing was completed while he still stood on the spire, because if he had been lowered, city ordinances would not have allowed him to be raised up again.
After the temple, and some nasty gas station corn dogs, we were off, arriving at our hotel around midnight, ready to sleep fast for our 7am flight that morning.
We made it on time (barely) to the ship and boarded. Yup, it was on a boat, the Argosy.
We made our final farewells to the newlyweds, and headed to meet a high school friend, Julia, who now lives in Seattle. We wandered around Seattle's library for a bit, then we gave her a ride home while I charged my dead phone so I could contact Jenny, my cousin.
We made a quick stop at a restaurant to say "Hi" then "Bye" to Jenny and her family, then headed back to Portland, via the Seattle Temple.
The temple was closed for renovations; Moroni received a new layer of gold leaf. A worker on the grounds told me that all the leafing was completed while he still stood on the spire, because if he had been lowered, city ordinances would not have allowed him to be raised up again.
After the temple, and some nasty gas station corn dogs, we were off, arriving at our hotel around midnight, ready to sleep fast for our 7am flight that morning.
Friday, October 10, 2008
toto?
I went to class, and began to go sit down in a row. As I approached the the empty chair:
African American and Bulgarian: "Sorry, you can't sit here unless you're a minority."
Me: "Yes I can. I'm a minority. I'm Mormon."
AAB: "Oh, okay."
Hmmm. It's not as funny as I remember.
Those two were just giving me a hard time, I know, but it does go to show that I'm definitely Not in Kansas anymore!
African American and Bulgarian: "Sorry, you can't sit here unless you're a minority."
Me: "Yes I can. I'm a minority. I'm Mormon."
AAB: "Oh, okay."
Hmmm. It's not as funny as I remember.
Those two were just giving me a hard time, I know, but it does go to show that I'm definitely Not in Kansas anymore!
Monday, October 06, 2008
recap: 2 - Portland to Seattle
Day two. Friday.
We went shopping. We had an entire morning, and were tempted by the lack of sales tax. Oh, and I brilliantly forgot dress shoes. I have to say we were successful, though I used more self-control then normal, for which I am proud. Just say no not only works for drugs.
As we were finishing our little outing, we, well, Kate received a phone call from the bride to be, saying that they were running late, and if we could meet the photographer at the temple to let her know the situation, that would be fabulous.
Of course we were willing to oblige, but food was needed desperately. No one likes a grumbly tummy. There was a quick pitstop to Quiznos. The photographer was informed, and all was well.
The Portland Temple. It is beautiful. While we were waiting for the bride and groom to arrive, Kate and I were able to wander around the grounds.
This is when I was informed of a possible engagement of my cousin Taralynn and was asked to do detective work. I called her sister Amy and left a message. I later received a confirmation of the information and passed along the news. Such happy news!
The wedding was lovely. He is a good man and will take care of her, and she will allow him to take care of her. They will be happy.
On a side note: My mom, because of her experience of being a maid of honor, did not do that to anyone else, and seeing what others have gone through (gratefully I have not had this blessing myself) I have vowed not to do this to others. It only causes stress.
An hermanas photo. Both Kate and I had the honor of being step-daughters to Sarah. Kate being my daughter, Sarah was both step-grandmother AND step-mother at the same time.
We left Portland that night and headed to Seattle for the reception the next morning. We took a bit of a round about way, but it all worked out, for we found a Taco Bell for dinner.
We went shopping. We had an entire morning, and were tempted by the lack of sales tax. Oh, and I brilliantly forgot dress shoes. I have to say we were successful, though I used more self-control then normal, for which I am proud. Just say no not only works for drugs.
As we were finishing our little outing, we, well, Kate received a phone call from the bride to be, saying that they were running late, and if we could meet the photographer at the temple to let her know the situation, that would be fabulous.
Of course we were willing to oblige, but food was needed desperately. No one likes a grumbly tummy. There was a quick pitstop to Quiznos. The photographer was informed, and all was well.
The Portland Temple. It is beautiful. While we were waiting for the bride and groom to arrive, Kate and I were able to wander around the grounds.
This is when I was informed of a possible engagement of my cousin Taralynn and was asked to do detective work. I called her sister Amy and left a message. I later received a confirmation of the information and passed along the news. Such happy news!
The wedding was lovely. He is a good man and will take care of her, and she will allow him to take care of her. They will be happy.
On a side note: My mom, because of her experience of being a maid of honor, did not do that to anyone else, and seeing what others have gone through (gratefully I have not had this blessing myself) I have vowed not to do this to others. It only causes stress.
An hermanas photo. Both Kate and I had the honor of being step-daughters to Sarah. Kate being my daughter, Sarah was both step-grandmother AND step-mother at the same time.
We left Portland that night and headed to Seattle for the reception the next morning. We took a bit of a round about way, but it all worked out, for we found a Taco Bell for dinner.
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