Amy's Halloween Birthday...

Today is Halloween. It's also my sister, Amy's, favorite holiday. It's also her birthday. Happy Birthday, Amy!! Amy's is the best oldest sister. I think Jen and Emily will agree with me... or at least they better. Amy is such a great example to us. It's nice to have someone to look up to, and I do with all of my sisters, and Amy has such great advice and perspective on most everything. I remember when I was just starting college, and basically the whole time I was in college, I could ask Amy about anything and she always had the perfect answer. Whether it was in regard to my classes, my major, a specific paper, my resume, job hunting, interviews, relationships. EVERYTHING! To me, Amy, is such a great sister, friend, example and role model. I know that she is also a fantastic mother, wife, daughter and granddaughter. She is always looking to help others and make life easier for everyone she knows. I love Amy! She is amazing! Happy Birthday, Amy!

*R*E*D*

When I was single and clearly NOT saving money, I would get my nails done every 3 weeks by my favorite nail girl, Hilary! She was fabulous! She did them exactly how I loved them, and I felt so pretty and feminine all the time, thanks to her. (if you're looking for someone in the provo/orem area, let me know.) The last time I had my nails done was for my wedding... 7 and a half months ago. Ever since then, I have tried to be more responsible with my spending, and to possibly make up for my lack of financial responsibility while single. Also, before getting my nails done for all those years, I was an awful nail-biter. I was always busy, or going from one place to another, nervous or pensive about something. Hence...nail-biter. I would frequently hear the words or Sheri Denney ringing in my ears, "just bite one hand. then narrow it down to just one nail." Such a surrogate mother thing to say. Anyway, long story shorter, I've been doing my best to not bite my nails. And I'm so happy I have because I have a new found love for nail polish. Bright Red! So even though I don't my nails done, and I don't get to go get manicures, I do get to get better at painting my nails. Much cheaper hobby! :) Collin told me he'd paint my nails sometime too (as I was complaining about how hard it is to paint my right hand with my left). So, we'll see how that goes!

Throwbacks!

For starters, I love the Broncos throwback jerseys. They've gotten plenty of negative press because of the brown and yellow combo, but I love em! Especially those socks! The Broncos are off to a fantastic start. 6-0 baby! I'd love them to keep it up! The other night, Collin and I went to dinner and had a game night with another couple, Jake and Dana. Collin works with Jake, and he and his wife actually went to Colorado with us this summer. Anyway, while we were playing Phase 10 at our house, Dana and I started singing some of our favorite songs from growing up. What a good time! We grew up with some great tunes. Then, the song discussion then led to one about church dances. Oh man! Stake dances! A flood of memories! This made me think of all the great people I grew up with! High school was such a fun time! Movie nights, bowling, tp'ing, getting tp'ed, Mormon Mafia, school sports! I had a great high school experience. I don't know that I'd do it over again, because I think it was great the way it all happened. Same with college. Although, its really sad that even college now is "back in the day." I graduated almost 3 years ago. WOW! Soy vieja! I feel the same way about college. I have SO many incredible memories and experiences from college too. Superfan/All Sports going to football games, trips to Colorado, trips to Vegas, working at Nordstrom, going to Mexico on a field study, service projects, church callings, DDP, dance parties, fugitive. Wow! So many memories! I love it! My life has been influenced by so many phenomenal people and I'm so grateful for the frienships I have. Some have been more difficult to maintain, but even still, I have made friends for life! (cheesy way of putting it, but it's true!) So, I guess all I'm trying to say is, thanks for being a part of my life! It's been amazing so far, and I am excited for the years to come too! :)

Enough!

I just re-read that last post! Wow, I was on one that day, and I can't believe I was so... vocal/verbal about my day. Well, at least I got it out, right?! :) Anyway, just so you know, I'm back to wearing my rose colored glasses and loving life. Maybe it's because this week ended up not being as bad as I imagined. Maybe it's because work is going really well. Maybe it's because I got mine and Collin's Halloween costumes! Maybe it's because I had a fabulous day off yesterday with my friend, Lori. Maybe it's because Collin and I get to go to Provo tomorrow! Maybe it's because we get to hang out with Jen and Dustin this weekend! Maybe it's because Jen and Dustin scored some sweet tickets for the BYU/TCU game! Maybe it's because I get to see so many people I love down there! YEP! That's why! All of the above!

Slightly irritated!

So, for most of you who know me, I don't really get aggrivated or annoyed easily, but this week has been a different story. There have been so many little things that have just BUGGED me to pieces this week. Geeeeeeeze! Exhibit A: These guys who are attending the local University are in a business class and had to develop a "business" and plan to make money. So, they built a hutch "that retails at $800" and decided that they'd "sell raffle tickets to a small pool of people for $25 each" trying to make as much money as possible, "preferrably at least $500." So, its this huge hutch and they want me to buy a raffle ticket that most likely wouldn't win it. Really? That's the best you got for a business idea? Bummer! I don't know why, but I was just so bugged with the whole concept; maybe because I thought the idea was silly, maybe because it was just tacky how he presented the "business." For whatever reason, and as bugged as I was, I politely declined entering the "raffle" and sent them on to the next person. I wasn't mean, and I didn't tell him what I felt, but come on guys. Are you in college? Exhibit B: Collin and I live in the basement of this fantastic historic home. Fortunately, we have the whole house to ourselves, because the owners actually live in a different home in a city a little north of ours. Both homes are beautiful, so I can understand why they need to sell one of them, especially during this economic crap we're experiencing. Anyway, getting to the point, Collin and I get to take care of the beautiful house. We get to water all the plants, rake the leaves, etc, etc. Lately we have noticed a ton of little poo droppings in our flower beds. So, I asked the neighbors who have a little dinker of a dog if they had forgotten to pick up their dogs business. Denied it, of course. A few days later, I come out of the basement, and I hear the dude calling for his dog. The dog was totally hangin out in our yard. I know he was sniffin around for his next target. C'mon people. Really? You couldn't pick up your dog poo? If you're gonna own a dog, you better pick up after its crap. Geeeze! (The funny thing here is that when I was little and had a dog, "Peaches," who I loved, I never picked up her poo... but I was young. These people are old enough to go to college and live with their bf/gf. If you're gonna try to be responsible, try a little harder.) Ok, I realize how much I'm complaining and releasing so much frustration, so I think it's about time to stop. haha! Sorry, I just had to let it out! And I'm done. Its all I needed.

A sight to be seen!

So, about 2 weeks ago, I was driving home from work while talking to my niece, Mya, on the phone. She was telling me about her gymnastics class, and how she had recently lost her 2nd tooth. I love talking to her, because she keeps my up to date on the goings on in Colorado. She is a little talker. Anyway, all of the sudden, I had to basically hang up on her. Because she is so understanding, she didn't think anything of it. But, the reason I had to let her go so quickly is because the next vehicle in front of me, a motorcycle, was hit by a big SUV. I could not believe my eyes. There on the road, about 100 feet in front of me, lay what appeared to be a lifeless man. He wasn't moving. Miraculously, I was able to stop before running him over. I pulled over along with a bunch of other witnesses to see if he was ok. We were only a few blocks from the hospital, so as quickly as I got to the body, so did 2 nurses. He was talking, but not moving. Only a few minutes later, police officers and EMT's were on the scene. I was totally shaken up, but was still able to give a written statement of what I had seen. The next day, I tried finding any information I could online or in the local paper to find out about the motorcyclist. I didn't know if he had died or if he was paralized. All I knew was that he let out the loudest, most painful sounding scream of all time when they moved him. Turns out, the very motorcyclist whose fate I didn't know was in my ward. I met up with Collin in our Gospel Principles class where he had just finished his Priesthood meeting. He was chatting with a young guy with crutches. He waved me over and told me this was the guy who I'd seen get hit by the SUV. He was totally fine, excluding a gnarly burn on his elbow (tore through his Leather coat) and a dislocated hip. He didn't have any other broken bones or anything. I couldn't believe it. I'm so glad he's ok. And I'm so glad he's in my ward...still. We discussed what I had seen (it was still pretty blurry in his mind... and mine too). What a crazy experience!

Uh Oh!

So, I made the mistake of adding the gadget "Traffic Trafficking" to the bottom of my blog. Now, I can see all the different locations from which people are viewing my blog. It REALLY creeped me out. After a few hours of deliberation (reall, it only took me 5 seconds of looking at the traffic report) I've decided I should go private. Well... I'm not 100% set on it, but it might be a good idea. Just such a pain! I know we all "blogstalk" but come on. Just to people we've at least met before or know through the 'grapevine.' Why do weirdo's have to snoop around? Eew! Send me an email or leave me a post with you email address on it, so I can add you! Thanks!

Got my Hair Did!

:) Riana, a girl from Collin's last single's ward, was a doll and cut and colored my hair on my day off. I was so happy to change it up a little bit. So, she wacked off an inch and a half or so and blended the color really well. She added some browns and left some blonde. I LOVE it! Here's the new look: TaDa!!

It's a little dark, because we're in the backroom of the branch! But, here ya go! The finish product! Thanks, Riana, for making me feel pretty again! :) haha.

Feliz cumpleanos, Papi!

Today it's my Dad's birthday. I'll go ahead and start off by saying I have THE best parents. I mean, I've never had any other parents, but I'm just saying they're amazing. They are the most incredible examples; not only to me and my siblings, but to everyone they know. They serve whole-heartedly and share with anyone who needs anything. There have been countless times throughout my where my parents gone out of their way to help others. Whether through an assignment or church calling, or just being there for a friend, my parents have taught me more lessons about life than I can even count. My friends all love and adore them, and if you haven't met them... You should! Anyway, my dad is a year older. I'm pretty sure he's wiser. Then again, he knew just about everything already. When I was a kid, I used to idolize my dad, and I can probably be found guilty of the same thing today, 20 some years later. Here a few of my favorite things about my dad. This is not a top 10 list, by any means... just a list of a few off the top of my head! 1) He blasts MoTabs Hallelujah Chorus on Christmas Morning. 2) He plays most sports imagineable. And rocks at most of them too. 3) He whistles all the time. Thats where I get it. 4) He still speaks Spanish, which I love! 5) He treats my mom like a Queen. Such a gentleman! 6) He loves playing with my nieces and nephews. An amazing Grandpa. 7) He can dance. Great rhythm. 8) He has a firm testimony of the Gospel that shows in everything he does. 9) He has the greatest laugh... ESPECIALLY while watching Home Alone at Christmas time! 10) He's MY dad!! I love you, Dad! :) Happy Birthday!

Inevitable!

Well, the inevitable has happened. My first flu of the season. Every year, I get super sick and there's nothing I can do about it. Nothing! Flu shot. Vitamin C. Orange Juice. Anti-bacterial gel. Nothing! So, 2 weeks ago, we find out one of our tellers caught the swine flu. GREAT!! I knew I was in for it! Thursday I started feeling pretty lethargic which is never a way to feel on your day off. So, I just lounged around and rested. Friday I woke up to get ready for work, jumped in the shower, and then as I came to a coherent, more awake state, I realized that I was in no condition to be in public. How could I tell? Maybe by the fact that I couldn't even stand up and get ready. I was on the floor when Collin came home from school around 8:30am. My head was pounding, I was dizzy, I was coughing like crazy, I was nauseous. It was NO BUENO! So, I called in sick to work and scheduled a dr.'s appt. I got to the Family Practice around 4:10 for my 4:15 appt. Of course I ended up waiting with a sicky mask on! What's a sicky mask, you ask? Oh, the dr's mask they tell you to put on if you have any symptoms: fever, cough, nausea. Anything. So, there I sat in the waiting room, looking like death, or a member of the taliban as Brooke put it. :) Love her. (I'll add the picture later.) Anyway, I met with Dr. Hyldale (I think), who was super nice and diagnosed a mild case of the flu! Since we caught it early, he said it would hopefully remain mild and not progress any worse. And NO SWINE FLU! YAY!!! He gave me a perscription for Tamiflu and sent me on my way. Wahoo. And here I am, Saturday, at the bank, working while I'm still sick, and possibly contageous. Whoops. Too bad noone could cover for me. Hopefully noone else gets sick and the cycle of sickies can be broken.

HELP

AHHH! I am in need of some serious help! My hair is BUGGIN!! I'm so annoyed with it. It doesn't do what I want and it's just plain ugly. The color is ... well, gross. The blonde parts faded, but not enough to hide the root regrowth that goes to my ears. The length is ok. I usually like it shorter and don't want it to get TOO long, cuz then it'll be scraggly, thin and nasty. In other words, I'd love for it to be beautiful and long, but that's never gonna happen with MY hair. I have come up with a few options, which I'm not limited to anything, but this is what I have considered thus far.

...So...

should I

a) just do an overall darker shade

*OR*

b) more highlights blending the lighter parts on bottom to the darker roots

*OR*

c) whack off a few inches and go back to shorter hair

???????

I would love any opinions. PLEASE!!!! Thanks!

***ExCiTiNg StUfF***

There are so many exciting things going on right now! (in no particular order... ok!)

**LoVe**

CaRLy and SpEnCeR are eNgAgED!!!! Spencer went to visit Carly in DC (since she's in her last year at GW law). It was the most ellaborate, beautiful engagement story. I could not be happier for them! It will be such a fantastic wedding in Salt Lake in May! They are spectacular together and I love how well Spencer treats Carly and how she lights up around him. I am excited for them to be married and live in Utah!

**BaBiEs**

eMiLy and AaRoN are having TwInS! 1 boy! 1 girl! (at least thats what the doctors say for now!) We (I) had thought that they were definitely 2 girls, as if I had some sort of communication with them and knew that they were girls. I'm a nerd. Anyway, so far, I stand corrected. But who knows what may happen as they continue to develop! We'll know for sure in a few more weeks. I'm just so excited for twins. From the look of Aydan, Lilia and Asher, Emily and Aaron make some pretty dang adorable kids!

**ViSiToRs**

Speaking of the adorable kids, Em's family came to visit Collin and I in Logan. It was a blast to have some family visit. There isn't a ton to do in Logan, but we found some great places. We took them to Gossner's for some milk and chees, 2 of our fav local eateries (True Aggie Cafe and Angie's), Ryan's Place Park (the most adorable amazing castle playground). Em and Aaron took the pics, so you'll just get a description from me. Oh, we went to Tummi Yummi's too. Its a great little fro yo joint. Fun games. Great flavors. Excellent deco's.

**FaLL!!!**

Logan is gorgeous, did you know that? Seriously, beautiful! The leaves are changing and the frost is coming. Every other day, we've had white covered mountains. It's getting chilly and I'm really hoping that fall doesn't get skipped over. It needs to beautiful recognition it deserves. :) We'll see! This is my first winter in Logan, and I might be a little worried about how cold it'll be. Let's just hope I don't freeze.

**HuSbAnD**

As always, a little plug for my amazing husband (it's still a funny thing to say "my husband")! I Love it!! :) He's doing so well in school and is so busy with everything, but always finds time to make me feel special. For example, the other day, he brought me a cute little package from Needhams (the jewelry store where he works) with a candle, lotion, and a few other things on a pretty plate. For no reason. He just loves me! :) I love the hubs!