This, That and the Other

Sesame Street, Master of Parody

2010-09-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

I have never seen High School Musical and I'm proud of it. But, from all the previews, merchandise etc that I have seen of the High School Musical franchise I'm sure this parody made by Sesame Street is spot on. Thanks to my friend Kristen for posting. Check it out at her blog here.

Never Forget

2010-09-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

think about the love inside the strength of heart
think about the heroes saving life in the dark
climbing higher through the fire
time was running out
never knowing you weren't going to be coming down alive...

think about the chance I never had to say
thank you for giving up your life that day
never fearing only hearing voices calling out
let it all go the life that you know just to bring them down alive...

...wanna make a change right here right now
wanna live a life like you somehow
wanna make your sacrifice worthwhile

Top Ten Travel Tips

2010-06-11T19:53:00.000-07:00

Tips I learned from my recent trip to Europe, in no particular order:

10. Stay as close as you can to the stuff you want to see--otherwise you waste time traveling back and forth.

9. Pack light. If you think you've already packed light, take 1/3 of the stuff out of your suitcase.

8. Pay for a taxi instead of taking luggage on public transportation (i.e. bus or metro).

7. Bring a first-aid kit including at minimum: Pepto, Tylenol and band-aids.

6. Try as many different foods as you can (this is much easier if you stay healthy, unlike me on my trip).

5. Buy and follow a good guide book (Rick Steves is awesome)!

4. Carry a notebook and write down what statues, monuments, churches etc. you see each day so it will be easier to label photos later.

3. Don't stress about seeing everything. Pick two or three things to see each day and really enjoy them.

2. Getting upgraded to first-class--especially on an international flight--is one of the best things that can ever happen to you.

1. If you want to go...just go, baby!

Viva Love Story

2010-04-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

I love this song--and all of Jon Schmidt's music for that matter (check him out on YouTube). A frisnd posted this on her blog months and months ago and wever since I have been going there to listen to this song while I'm at work during the day. I figured it was time to share this gem on my own blog. I hope you enjoy it.

Pickle in a Bag

2010-03-31T14:31:00.001-07:00

Just in case you didn't know...it's a pickle.

Last Girl Standing

2010-03-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I'm not technically the LAST one of my friends to get hitched. I have a LOT of gal friends who are my age and single--and we. are. all. awesome! So, a lot of times I wonder why we are all still unattached and it makes me kinda sad because there simply is no reason that I can see that none of us have been snatched up yet. Anywho, I read this article online today--and however materialistic it may be--it made me feel better, because there really are some good things about single life. Check them out here.

And, thanks friends for keeping me company and making my boat of singledom a little less solitary.

Habitat for Humanity

2010-03-04T09:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday about 14 of us from the office spent the morning working with Habitat for Humanity. We worked on the landscaping of a home for a family from Hawaii. They have 7 children and will be able to move into their new house in about 1 week.

Did I mention my employer pays me to organize this kind of thing? Yeah, I think it's kinda cool too.

Call me Auntie Becca

2010-02-22T15:52:00.000-08:00

I'd like to introduce my very first nephew, Ethan James Pultorak. Born February 20, 2010. 6 lbs 9 ounces and 20 inches. Welcome baby Ethan!

MLK

2010-01-18T14:15:00.000-08:00

“Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
—Martin Luther King Jr.

Just do something

2010-01-11T12:18:00.000-08:00

I know we're over a week into the new year, so some may think it a little late to still be thinking about new year's resolutions. I heard from a lot of people over the last few weeks that they don't believe in making new year's resolutions. They believe in setting and working on goals all year long. In striving for progress all year long. While I agree with them I also feel like the end of one year and the beginning of the next is a natural time to think about where you are in your life and what you've accomplished contrasted with where you want to be and what you want to accomplish in the future.

So, among some of the goals I have chosen to work on this year is one that I would like to share with y'all. I have resolved to do something productive when I get home after work before I sit down to relax (most of the time this means watching a few hours of TV). Here are a few things I thought of to do--or have been doing when I get home:

empty or load the dishwasher
start a load of laundry
sort the mail
tidy up the living room
hang up the clothes piled on the chair in my bedroom

I know these aren't big things, but I'm okay with that. I figure the important thing isn't necessarily to accomplish a huge goal--it's just to do something...something to improve yourself, your space or your life.

What little productive things do you have to add to my list?

2009-12-11T11:15:00.001-08:00

How come at the opthamologists office they made me take out my contacts and THEN gave me 5 pages of paperwork to fill out? Hello! I wouldn't be wearing contacts or coming to see you if I could see without the aid of corrective lenses.

On a more serious note--I went to the optometrist Tuesday after work to get an exam so I could order new contacts. During the exam he discovered a spot (what he called a "freckle") on the back of my right eye (thus the one dilated eye). He said normally he wouldn't be concerned about it, but the freckle happens to be in my mid-vision and it's actually distorting my vision (things that should be straight appear slighty bowed).

So, he had me visit his friend the opthamologist the following day. The opthamologist dilated my one eye again and examined it thoroughly. He said the exterior of my eye is healthy, the lense looks good, the pressure in both eyes is good--I just have this little swollen spot in the back that is distorting my vision. He said it's like if someone were pushing in one spot on a movie screen and distorting the images on the entire screen. They took some digital photos and let me look at them (I couldn't really see them that well b/c I was still without contact lenses and I didn't bring my glasses with me) but I could kind of see the spot he was talking about. He said it looks like there's a leak or some swollen blood vessels under there. The next step is to go to the retina specialist for another exam and an angiogram (on the 16th) so they can see where the leak/swelling is coming from and then they can decide how to treat it.

The doctor said it's probably not a big deal, but he doesn't want to ignore it. And even though he siad it's not a big deal I am still worried that it might be...so if everyone could just say a little prayer, send positive energy and good thoughts that is really isn't a big deal and that it can be easily corrected I sure would appreciate it.

2009-12-08T21:40:00.000-08:00

So, just in case you were wondering...this is what it looks like when the optometrist only dilates one of your eyes.

I think I'll have him do this for me next Halloween.

Dinner for one-Microwave Fish

2009-12-04T22:21:00.000-08:00

I learned this from my mom a couple of weeks ago when having dinner at her house. I made it again for myself on Sunday and it was SO heavenly! I cannot keep this a secret. It's delicious, it's healthy, it's simple--and you can eat it out of the dish you cook it in so there's hardly any clean-up.

Place a frozen fish filet (I use Salmon) in a covered microwaveable bowl.
Top with a pat of butter or drizzle with Olive Oil.
Sprinkle with your favorite seasoning (I use Lawry's seasoning salt).
Top with a generous handful of fresh spinach leaves or finely shredded carrot (add lemon juice if desired).
Cover and place in microwave.
Cook for 3 minute intervals until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Enjoy!

It's Chilly...have a bowl!

2009-12-03T22:12:00.000-08:00

I don't know what it is about winter that makes me like Chili--because I usually don't. I guess it's because it sticks to your ribs and warms you up from the inside.

Anyway, I recently discovered my new favorite way to eat Chili*:

Place a warm piece of cornbread (either freshly baked or reheated from another meal) in a bowl.
Ladle hot Chili over cornbread.
Sprinkle with cheese, seasoning and garnish to taste.
As you eat, make sure to get a bite of cornbread in each spoonful of Chili--delicioso!

*please feel free to try this at home.

Good Support

2009-11-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure even Stacy London would agree that one of the most essential pieces in a gal's wardrobe is a good, supportive bra. Isn't it sad, though, when your favorite Bra starts to die? I mean, it's so difficult to find a good Bra in the first place--one that gives you enough support, a good shape and is still comfortable. I don't know about you, but mine always show signs of giving up the ghost by the underwire starting to poke through the side. And you know you can't wear it like that because you just get jabbed in the ribs all day.

Well, friends, I have good news. I discovered a little trick to extend the life of our favorite Bras--with hot glue of all things.

1. push the wire back into the casing.
2. using a hot glue gun, apply a generous glob of hot glue over the spot where the underwire was poking out.
3. let the glue cool for a couple of seconds (but not so much that it hardens) and then with your finger, flatten the glob of glue over the hole and let cool completely.

Et Voila! You can continue wearing your Bra comfortably and confidently!

Success!

2009-10-28T15:02:00.001-07:00

I am happy to report that I survived Convention. The whole event was awesome and my auction that I've been planning for the last four months was a huge success. People loved it so much that they want to know if we will do it again next year. I even had several people ask how they could donate to our cause (Operation Smile) from home after Convention. I love that!

It feels good to work for a company that does so much good--and with people who are passionate about doing good.

hiatus

2009-10-20T22:17:00.000-07:00

Convention starts tomorrow, so I will be taking a brief hiatus from my blog-every-day-of-the-month challenge. It's possible that I may be able to post when I get home in the evening, but I can't promise I'll have the energy to do so.

Don't be sad. I shall see you again...if I survive until Saturday. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Thriller

2009-10-18T18:08:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a fun and night out to get in the Halloween spirit go see Odyssey Dance Theatre's production of Thriller. Click HERE to watch a clip.

The dancing was great but one of my favorite parts was before the show even started. While people are getting seated and waiting for the show to start, the "zombies" from the production wander among the audience. One of the girls was actually climbing over seats and people. Others would come right up to you and stare you down. The best part was after our whole group was seated, a boy zombie crawled along the empty row behind us on the floor and snuck up on the the people in my group at the other end of the row. When he got to them, he slowly popped up and made a growling noise which scared the crap out of my friend. Ah...so funny!

old news, new news

2009-10-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

This is old news to anybody I've seen throughout the week, but I don't think I've seen any of you readers during the week, so it will be new news to all of you. Drum roll please! Da, da da da! I have a new haircut. Well, kind of. It's just my bangs that are different. I went to get them trimmed Monday night. I meant to get them the same as last time, but right there, on the spot, I decided to do something daring, something fun, something new--et voila! I am so glad I did.
So, my cowlick is going a little nuts here in this picture, but it's much better now after almost a week of "training." Amazing how a small, good change to your hair can make you feel like a new person, but yourself at the same time. Very refreshing.

You know...

2009-10-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

...you've been staying up way too late when it feels so good to go to bed at 11 o'clock.

Just do it, okay?!

2009-10-13T22:41:00.000-07:00

It's bad enough that I have to work with someone who walks around like he's "too cool for school," but why does he have to fight me on something miniscule that I ask him to do for a huge project I've been working on for the past 4 months? In the time that we've gone back and forth about whether this teensy but hugely important change should be made, he could have made the change a dozen times already! I know you're busy, but I'm the customer here. Don't argue with me; just do what I ask and we can both get on with our lives. Please and thank you.

Monday, Monday...

2009-10-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

Look what a nice note I found in my email inbox on this monday morning:

Dear Rebecca,

You are always so nice to send follow-ups and I am so grateful for your diligence and faithfulness. It’s my great pleasure to work with such an outstanding
Person and I thank you Dear friend. Clay

Sometimes kindness like this touches me so much that I get a little choked up--which is what just may have happened this morning. Feeling appreciated is also good motivation.

Thoughts on Motivation

2009-10-11T15:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those of you who provided some helpful ideas on motivation in response to my post of a few days ago. Thanks to Kate for dedicating a whole post about it on her own blog! All these ideas are much appreciated and I am going to try them out.

I had a thought on motivation myself this morning. Maybe it's not so much about being directly motivated to do better at work, but about helping myself feel better at work and thus perform better.

I have church at 11 a.m. Which means I usually have plenty of time to get ready on Sunday morning. This means I usually feel like I look pretty good--having had plenty of time to put together an outfit that I like and do a really good job on makeup etc. I was driving to church this morning feeling pleased with my outfit and the outcome of my new eye shadow color experimentation, therefore feeling good about myself and looking forward to being at church. This feel-good attitude also usually means that I am more alert, I engage more with others and participate in discussions etc.

But on most work days, I sleep in until the very last minute, put on the first thing I can find that is clean and in which I don't feel like a stuffed sausage and rush to work--which means I also often feel frump-tastic, unstylish, not confident, unprepared and tired. No wonder I feel so unmotivated about my job!

So, another tactic I'm going to try is to dress for work more carefully. I think this goes along great with Kate's idea about playing a role (see #4 in her entry about Motivation). I mean, if you're going to play a role properly you have to dress the part, right? So I'm going to look at my work clothes as costumes that help me dress the part of someone who enjoys and is good at her job (note: I am good at my job--ask anyone I work with--I just don't always enjoy it).

Wish me luck!

The But Clause

2009-10-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

it's never a good thing is it? and nobody ever likes to hear "the but clause," do they?

Last night my roommate had a second date with a guy she was first set up with about 2 weeks ago. After the first date she told me he was nice and good company but she didn't feel any attraction or connection. So when she got home last night I asked if she liked him any better after a second date. Her response was the same. So then we started talking about how you let a guy know that you don't want to go out with him anymore. Do you keep avoiding and making excuses until he gets the hint? or do you tell him straightforward that you don't want to go out again?

I'm pretty sure I've heard multiple guys say they prefer the straightforward approach--but this is hard especially when you avoid confrontation like my roommate and I do. So I offer to practice with her and we start coming up with the exact wording she can say if this guy calls to ask her out again. Basically we came up with something to the effect of "I really enjoy your company, but I'm just not feeling it." This is where my roommate says, "I'm fine saying the first part, it's the second part I don't like." To which I respond "yeah, nobody likes the but clause," and she says "no. the but clause is never good."

And then we laughed and laughed...

Burnout

2009-10-08T22:16:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel burned out at work? maybe that's a dumb question, but I'm feeling that a lot lately. It's not just because it's our busy time of year. I like doing the out of the ordinary stuff that I am working on for our upcoming event. It's the normal responsibilities of my position that I've been doing day in and day out for the past 3ish years (have I really had this same position for 3 years?) that I simply have no desire to continue doing.

Anyway. I'm wondering if any of you ever feel the same way. What have you done to make it better? how have you rejuvenated your work self or regained enthusiasm for your job? Honestly, sometimes I feel like I just don't want to work anymore. I wish I could quit and read and crochet and cook all day...but, that's not really an option seeing as I'm not independently wealthy. So, I really would like some suggestions. Lay 'em on me!

Tricksy

2009-10-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

I think my smoke detectors are playing tricks on me.

Monday night the one in my bedroom started chirping in the wee hours of the morning waking me from a sound sleep. I tried to go back to sleep, but the intermittent chirping kept waking me up. (I was extra irritated that this happened because I just checked them all and put new batteries in them a couple of months ago.)

I got out of bed and tried to find a package of earplugs that I swear exists in my home somewhere--but with no luck. Finally, I decided to take refuge on the living room couch. In there, with the bedroom door closed, it was a little quieter. And soon after I was settled on the couch it stopped altogether. I was tempted to go back to my bed, but for some reason I thought that if I went back in there the chirping would start again--as if the smoke detector could also detect my presence in the room.

I stayed on the couch all night and the smoke detector stayed quiet. In fact, I haven't heard a peep out of it since. Let's hope it stays that way for a good lon time.

not doing so hot

2009-10-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

looks like I'm already not doing so hot on this "blog everyday thing." But I'm gonna keep trying.

Question: if I writ etwo entries today, does that make up for missing yesterday? I don't know if I will do two today. I'm just asking.

Challenge accepted

2009-10-03T21:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I know I'm accepting this challenge a couple of days late, but better late than never, right?

In honor of, and to get into the proper spirit of, Halloween, I began the month of October by reading a story by one of the most wonderfully creepy authors I know, Edgar Allan Poe--and I just might make that a tradition.

Instead of reading one of Poe's popular and widely read pieces, I chose one that I'd never heard of before--and was pleasantly surprised by a delightfully satirical story which appeals to the morbid sense of humor. To give you just a little taste, here is an excerpt from Poe's short story "Never Bet the Devil your Head" that I found particularly amusing. To give a little background, the main character has just finished lecturing his friend, Toby Dammit, about the dangers of his careless use of the phrase "I'll bet the devil my head".

"Finally, setting his arks a-kimbo, he condescended to reply.
I can call to mind only the heads of his discourse. He would be obliged to me if I would hold my tongue. He wished none of my advice. He despised all my insinuations. He was old enough to take care of himself. Did I still think him baby Dammit? Did I mean to say anything against his character? Did I intend to insult him? Was I a fool? Was my maternal parent aware, in a word, of my absence from the domiciliary residence? He would put this latter question to me as a man of veracity, and he would bind himself to abide by my reply. Once more he would demand explicitly if my mother knew that I was out. My confusion, he said, betrayed me, and he would be willing to bet the Devil his head that she did not.
Mr. Dammit did not pause for my rejoinder. Turning upon his heel, he left my presence with undignified precipitation. It was very well for him that he did so. My feelings had been wounded. Even my anger had been aroused. For once I would have taken him up upon his insulting wager. I would have won for the Arch-Enemy Mr. Dammit's little head--for the fact is, my mamma was very well aware of my merely temporary absence from home."

Maybe I'm a big literature nerd, but I thought that was SO funny! It takes a minute to get used to the archaic language, but it's worth a read.

What's your favorite Poe story or poem?

Good meeting

2009-08-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

So we have these meetings at work once a month that we call the "Brown Bag Lunch." They happen during lunch (obviously) upstairs in our big breakroom. During said meeting two of the executive types from the company talk to the group about what their department does, is doing etc. and then they open it up to questions.

Today at this meeting I received a crisp new Tewnty Dollar bill--just for sitting in the front row! How cool is that?!

And afterwards they always serve little desserts. Is this not the most gi-normous chocolate-covered strawberry you've ever seen?

Ok, so maybe it doesn't look that big in this photo, but it was like, the size of a plum! That's big for a strawberry!

Veggi-saurus Bex

2009-08-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

ok friends. I need your help. Seriously. I want you to comment on this one. Last night my mom and I made a pact. And you all know how sacred mother-daughter pacts are so I need y'all to help me keep this one. Mom and I agreed to do a Raw Foods Cleanse for 10 days. 10 days! did you hear that? 10 whole days.

Today is day uno. it's not even over yet and I feel like I'm gonna die without my beloved carbs and such. We agreed that we get to have nuts and lean protein (i.e. sliced turkey or chicken), but I'm already running out of ideas about what I can eat. I've basically been eating straight fruit (a pear, a nectaring, cherries, strawberries) and a large helping of baby carrots today (ok, I cheated and had a slimfast type shake for breakfast, but I didn't think I could stomach straight fuit first thing in the am). I also had some sliced turkey and a handful of almonds. Two problems already arising, though: 1. I cannot get full and 2. I think I'm already developing a canker sore or two.

So here's what I'd like from all of you--any and all ideas you have about different fresh fruits and veggies and/or combinations thereof that I can eat raw...and where is the best place to buy them (i.e. inexpensive, but good quality)...enough ideas for 10 days worth of meals.

and...go!

The Frustration that is Boys

2009-08-06T13:15:00.000-07:00

Here's an actuall converstion I had over IM with a friend of the male persuasion the other day (his name has been omitted, not really sure why, but I thought it would be mean to reveal his identity):

Him:
hi
what you doing tonight?

1:31pm Rebecca:
um...nada so far. Unless laundry counts.

1:32pm Him:
yay!
i hear there is a multi stake thing up the canyon

1:32pm Rebecca:
oh, really?

1:33pm Him:
thats the rumor

1:34pm Rebecca:
are you going?

1:35pm Him:
yes and institute

1:36pm Rebecca:
ok...

1:43pm Him:
nothing much

1:45pm Rebecca:
yeah. So, were you telling me about the activity as an invite? or just because?

1:46pm Him:
you should come too!

1:48pm Rebecca:
well, thanks for the invite.

1:48pm Him:
:)

1:51pm Rebecca:
what is this activity exactly? Where up the canyon? What time?

1:52pm Him:
i believe its at the dell no idea what time

end of conversation (imagine me throwing my hands up in frustration). Am I wrong to be annoyed by that? Why can't guys ever just give a direct invitation? Can anyone tell me why? Seriously, people!

Desiderata

2009-07-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

I used to love this poem and read it often--especially when I was in college. I think it's time I made more effort to live this way. Maybe some of the wisdom contained in this poem will help some of you who visit my blog.

Desiderata

-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Catching up

2009-07-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

So, I realize I have some, no let's face it, lots of catching up to do on blogging about my summer activities. Please forgive if these are a little out of order...

First week of June: Went on vacation with friends to Catalina.

Father's Day:

Found out my little sister and her hubby are expecting a baby!--but not until February. This will be the first grandchild for both families--can you say "spoiled rotten"? Naw, my sister won't let that happen.

Fourth of July weekend:

Drove to South Dakota with another group of friends to spend the 4th at Mount Rushmore.

July 10th:

XanGo Summer party at Seven Peaks Water Park at which my "band" and I competed in the final round of the XanGo Rock Band competition and won first place. I cannot tell a lie. We rocked it!

July 18th:

Went to the Jack's Mannequin and The Fray concert at USANA ampitheatre. One of the best concerts I've ever been to. The bands were awesome and the company was not too shabby either.

In between all that has been lots of hot tubbing, playing board games and going to movies.

Let's Match!

2009-07-23T14:25:00.000-07:00

Strange thing...I was looking through/cleaning out some drawers full of old papers last night and I came across some wedding announcements from friends who've gotten hitched in the last couple of years. I don't know if this strikes you as odd, but it did me--about 75% of the couples in those announcement photos had something in common--they look like each other! Seriously. Not even Kidding. I wish I had a scanner so I could scan the photos and post them here. The betrotheds look alike--like they could be related, and not by marriage. It's kind of creepy.

I do remember reading an article once that talked about how people are attracted to people who resemble themselves or family members because we like familiar faces. It kind of makes sense, but again, also kind of creepy.

What do you think? Are you generally attracted to people who resemble your family? Or do you think that's kind of creepy too?

2009-06-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

I have something I need to complain about...

So, my company is having an event in Brussels next weekend. I have been attending the planning meetings for this event every week for the past 2 months...but I am the only one from those meetings who has not been asked to go to the actual event in Europe. Talk about dangling the carrot!

In addition--it came out in yesterday's meeting that not only are they short staffed, but a lot of the staff who are going do not speak any of the needed European languages--hello, people, Je parle Francais! (and the Events director knows it!) so, why am I never asked to go? I guess I'm just not "cool" enough or something. So sad.

Question of the Century...!

2009-05-30T17:54:00.000-07:00

Leave the Pieces

2009-05-28T13:00:00.000-07:00

So, I was listening to my iPod today--and came across this song that I haven't heard for quite a while. The thing is, it perfectly describes how I'm feeling lately. Have a listen. Maybe you can relate to it, too.

Yes, I am (sigh) 30

2009-05-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

I turned 30 yesterday. I was not particularly excited for this birthday to come--for a variety of reasons. I have had a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings about this milestone in the last week which I have shared with some of you. I may still write them here in the days to come, but for now I just want to share these words from a birthday card I received today at work--some birthday-related words that I feel are both sweet and wise. I hope to remember them each birthday from now on--whether it's a "milestone" or just a regular old birthday. Here they are:

Birthdays remind us

where we've been,

give us reasons to be proud

of where we are,

and, with every candle

on the cake,

let us dream

of where we'll be.

Here's to dreaming of where we'll be.

You are what you eat...or so they say

2009-05-20T13:45:00.000-07:00

I thought this photo project was really interesting. Clicky here to see it. Tonight I will be posting a photo of my fridge. What does your refrigerator look like?

Post a photo on your blog, then leave me a note so's I can see what you are by looking at what you eat! C'mon, it'll be fun.

The Bathroom Stall is Not a Phone-booth, People!

2009-04-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

I am continually amazed at the number of women who think there is nothing wrong with sitting in the bathroom stall chatting on their cell-phone for 10 minutes (especially at work). Do these people have no sense of decorum at all? Do they not think that other people who are actually using the bathroom for its intended purpose (not their personal phone-booth) might be a little bothered? Do they think that the peron on the other end of their phone call doesn't know they are in the bathroom? That they can't hear the distinctive echo of voices off of tiled walls, running water, flushing and other various noises that happen in a bathroom? And what does that say to the person they're talking to about what they think of them? Do they think it says "We are such good friends that I feel like I can talk to you even while I am sitting on the toilet"? No, it says "You are so low on my list of priorities that I only have time to talk to you while I'm sitting on the toilet." I, like other women, enjoy and frequently multi-task; let's face it, we're dang good at it. But come on, ladies, there are some tasks that should NOT be done simultaneously.

Even if you don't have an office at work and you feel you cannot make a personal phone call from your desk there are PLENTY of other--appropriate places--to make phone calls. For example: in the hallway, in the lobby, in an empty conference room, in the lunch/breakroom, in the stairwell, outside--or if you feel you need more privacy, how about you go sit in your car? Any of those is better than talking whilst sitting on the toilet with your pants down!

Now, I don't know if this grossness is as prevalent with the men-folk, seeing as I've never been in the men's restroom, but I sure have seen them walking into the bathroom Blackberries in hand. The above rant goes for them as well. Can't it wait two minutes?

So, after all that, my promise is this and it is two-fold: I will never talk on the phone with my friends, family, acquaintances or anybody at all whilst I am in the loo--and, if I catch you using the phone in the same bathroom that I am using, I will flush all of the toilets in the room repeatedly to show my utter disapproval.

Chili's Mushroom Swiss Burger is the devil

2009-04-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

I was such a good girl yesterday, all week in fact!...3rd workout of the week yesterday: 25 minutes on the elliptical, crunches on the pilates ball and lots of stretching during my lunch hour after which I ate just 1/2 of my turkey sandwich from the Thanksgiving Point deli even though I was STARVING! Had the other half of said sandwich for dinner and left the bag of chips I considered eating with it unopened.

Today we had a baby shower (double baby shower, actually) for two co-workers/friends for which we went to Chili's. Had we gone to the OG, as originally planned I would have been safe and satisfied with some Minestrone and Salad. But the wait was 40 minutes so we went to Chili's where I succumbed to the temptation of the best chips and salsa in the world and a big fatty Mushroom Swiss Burger. "How did I manage to consume the entirity of that gi-normous burger?," I wonder now as I sit here still feeling my stomach streching to accomadate its volume. Because it was SO tasty and delicious, that's how!

My accomplishment of working out 3 times this week foiled by a burger. For shame. At least I didn't eat my chips and salsa with Ranch and I only ate, maybe 6 fries. That's something to feel good about, right?

2009-04-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

I recently posted about my renewed efforts to lose some more of my extra poundage. So far this week is going better on the exercise than the last couple of weeks, but I'm going to try keeping track of workouts etc on here so I'm accountable to something/someone even of it's just my blog or random blog surfers who come across this inadvertently. It helps me stay motivated to work harder when I know someone will know if I slacked off, but I find this way much less humiliating than standing in line to get weighed by a stranger each week.

So you all know--my goal is to lose 10 lbs (I may or may not put the actual number out there) by my birthday in the end of May. So far I'm down .6 lbs. It's a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.

So far this week's workouts are as such:
Monday- worked biceps, triceps and chest with free-weights. Did lots and lots of lunges and crunches.
Tuesday- Went to Yoga. Lots of lunges and ab work, again (it hurts so good!).
Wednesday - resting because I can barely move. Will get back in there tomorrow.

Special Request

2009-03-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

As requested by Miss Kelsey...here's a closer look.

Two vintage inspired greeting card fronts.

Vintage postcards

A map of France and bordering countries.

An old "letter."

Stamps
Vintage newspaper clippings.

Custom Artwork

2009-03-11T15:35:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I purchased my first home and moved into it just before Christmas. For the past couple of months I have been searching for a piece of artwork to go above my sofa. Despite my heculean shopping efforts I have been unable to find one that I like...so I made my own. It took several evenings of sticky fingers, 2 brown paper bags, 9 sheets of scrapbook paper, 9 artists canvases from BigLots and almost 3 bottles of Elmer's glue, but I think it turned out great! Feast your eyes on what I completed and finally got hung up this weekend:

The room needs a few more little touches like a lamp and some paint, maybe...but it is actually starting to feel quite cozy.

A Day of Rest

2009-03-06T11:26:00.000-08:00

From Thanksgiving 2007 through about May of 2008 I lost appx. 20 lbs and 2 pant sizes by joining Weight Watchers. I stopped going to WW during the summer and since then a few of those el-bees have crept back onto my body and I am teetering on the edge of having to go back up a pant size--which I refuse to do! Thus I have climbed back onto the weight-loss bandwagon. I haven't gone back to WW (although I am trying to do the things I learned there), but I have the next best thing--a co-worker who's determined to lose the babyfat from her last born and knows a ton of stuff about health and nutrition. She's the best workout buddy ever--probably the closest I'll ever be to having a personal trainer.

Mostly thanks to my workout buddy, I exercised 4 times this week during lunch! Check us out:

Monday: jogging outside
Tuesday: yoga class
Wednesday: walking outside (extra difficult b/c of the gale-force winds out here at Thanksgiving Point)
Thursday: pumping iron

All week I've been telling myself that it's a good hurt. And if it helps me look good and get into yet a smaller size jeans it will all be worth it.

Monday we'll be back at it, but Today...we are resting.

Everything's amazing, nobody's happy

2009-02-26T14:05:00.000-08:00

I love this because it's true. Love. It. Click here.

Tell me your Needs

2009-02-20T10:50:00.000-08:00

Go to Google and type in your name in quotations (like "Meika needs") and write the first ten things (good thing it's only 10, I would have had to resort to a different spelling).

Here are mine:

1. Rebecca needs enlightenment! (I sure could!)
2. Rebecca needs a family that will provide her love and support (have it!)
3. Rebecca needs support around her eduacational goals, to keep her on track with her homework and to make sure she is truly understanding the concepts at hand.
4. Rebecca needs to take a p... (how did Google know I have been drinking lots of water today?)5. Rebecca needs a family--do you know someone? (someone with whom I could start my own family, perhaps? cuz that would be great) 5. Rebecca needs a prayer (always)
6. Rebecca needs the receipts from each chapter's recruitment chairs (apparently I'm the treasurer of some sort of club or sorority, who knew?)
7. Rebecca needs to take her contacts out (Huh? I just put in new ones this morning)
8. Rebecca needs to find out (find out what? Pretty much everything)
9. Rebecca needs to clarify (I'm a little confused about this one)
10. Rebecca needs someone to come stay with my dogs for 9 days (I didn't know I had a dog, let alone multiple dogs--but if I need someone to stay with them for 9 days I must be going somewhere far away. I hope it's someplace warm!)

I Love Technology...

2009-02-19T16:03:00.000-08:00

The IT department at work swapped out my computer today. Apparently, the machine I had before was on lease and it was time for the little guy to go back to the leasing company. Who knew we leased our laptops? Not me.

Anyway, so I come back from a meeting this afternoon to see a shiny new laptop all hooked up and ready to go at my desk. Seems I got an upgrade--which is nice, I'm not gonna lie. However, along with a nicer machine they've also upgraded my software to Windows Vista. So, not only did I have to spend time backing up all my documents before they swapped out my lappy, but now I have to learn how to use Vista (while I'm still trying to figure out my Microsoft Office Suite which was also upgraded not too long ago, mind you). It's seriously affecting my productivity.

Don't worry, though. I'll catch on soon enough.

What's Your Word?

2009-02-17T16:12:00.000-08:00

Here's my word. What's yours?

Click here to find it.

Your Word is "Think"

You see life as an amazing mix of possibilities, ideas, and fascinations.

And sometimes you feel like you don't have enough time to take it all in.

You love learning. Whether you're in school or not, you're probably immersed in several subjects right now.

When you're not learning, you're busy reflecting. You think a lot about the people you know and the things you've experienced.

What's Your Word?

On Valentine's Day...

2009-02-13T23:17:00.000-08:00

...I must air my grievances. (Warning: This is a bitter one and I realize it, but I had to let it out somewhere and I felt this was as good a place as any)

Since when did I become "one of the guys" and how did it happen? It certainly is not something I conciously encouraged, but it happened nonetheless.

Since when is it okay to make fart jokes and criticize girls in general or drool over a girl in front of another girl? I guess you wouldn't think anything of it if you thought of the girl who is in your presence as one of the guys. Then when someone does call you out on your comments that are inappropriate for mixed company you shove your foot in your mouth by saying "I forgot there was a girl here." Just keep on digging that hole, buddy.

Also, whatever happened to defending a lady's honor? And sticking by your defense instead of turning on her when she talks to you about it? Whatever happened to speaking to a girl like she's a lady regardless of her/your beliefs--especially if you just barely met her?

How about not telling a guy, in front of a girl he's been flirting with all night, that he should date another girl?! I understand that you might not see her as dating material for you, but she'd really like it if you wouldn't sabotage her chances with other guys. (This is a moot point in this particular instance because Flirty McFlirtster has turned out to be quite the space case. Which brings up another thing---sometimes I would like to stamp on my forehead, or wear a sign around my neck that says "don't flirt with me unless you're genuinely interested." I really do).

How about giving a sincere and genuine compliment or "thank you" instead of always being sarcastic and patronizing then following it up with a "JK" to try and smooth things over?

Oh, yeah and since when is it ok for a guy who claims to be LDS to write an LDS girl an e-mail(this is first contact, mind you) that simply says "so, when are we gonna get together and make out?" Ugh! How about Never!

So, as you can see, these grievances are not simply about being single on Valentine's Day, but also lamenting the lack of good, decent men who know how to treat a young woman like a woman.

And to top off my week of man-frustration I must go to a bridal shower. On Valentine's Day. And pretend to be happy that some other girl is taking one of the few good ones left off the market. I know she probably thinks it's romantic or cute or something, but to me it feels like she's rubbing all our noses in it.

I was thinking...

2009-02-11T22:25:00.000-08:00

...isn't it funny how you don't think to buy things like, say, a toilet plunger until the moment you actually need one? And, of course, it's 10:30 at night in the middle of winter. Very funny, indeed.

It's not a computer virus, but it sure is starting to feel like one

2009-02-07T10:40:00.000-08:00

You know the "25 Random things about Me" tag that's spreading across Facebook like a bad cold through your office? Don't lie, because I know you've seen it too--some of you have even participated. While I've enjoyed reading lists of random things about my Facebook friends, I enjoyed this list of 25 random things about Facebook even more. I wish I could take credit for it, but alas I cannot. For a good chuckle give a click here. It's funny because it's true!

A New Blog for a New Year

2009-02-02T21:45:00.000-08:00

Well, 2008 sure was a rollercoaster ride for me. It was full of ups and downs, lots of firsts and a couple of (hopefully) lasts. Just to name a few: first cruise, first business trip, survived my first big layoff at work, first engagement--and hopefully last broken engagement. I went to Texas and Maryland for the first time. Did I mention I worked under 3 different bosses last year? And that wasn't because I was changing jobs. To top it all off I bought my first home and moved into it just before Christmas!

So, to stay on the positive note, I decided to start a fresh new blog for this fresh new year. If you'd like to read my past blog entries, just give a little click. Here's hoping for more good things to come this year.

Oh...did I mention new boss number 4 started on Monday?