Finals - UGH!

Why didn't someone remind me when I decided to go back to school that I would have to take finals?  I somehow didn't think about that.  I have been working on my finals for the semester all week.  I felt cramped working at my desk at home so I moved to the kitchen table.  Those of you that know me well know that I don't like a messy house.  My kitchen table has looked like this for days and it is driving me crazy.  Two finals done.. two to go!!  I am so excited to be done!!

Crossing the Chasm: Marketing and Selling High-Tech Products to Mainstream Customers by Geoffrey A. Moore

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was assigned to read this book in my Strategic Decision Making class for my MBA.  It is a good book.  I thought I would be bored to tears but I wasn't.  The opening chapter of the book is "If Bill Gates can be a billionare, why can't I?"  Well, why can't I?  This book will help you learn how to strategically market your business and helps you understand why some businesses work and why others do not.  The book actually contains some pretty unique and understandable theories. 



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Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.  Maybe all of the holidays are my favorite but I particularly love this one.  I love making and enjoying amazing food.  This year I made Cranberry Sauce, Lion House Rolls, and Seven Layer Salad. I love spending time with my family.  This year at my sister Colette's house, with my parents, my sister Monica and many of my nieces and nephews. I love wearing stretchy pants, laying on the couch and watching football.  This year we watched Texas vs. Texas A&M, LSU vs. Arkansas and Florida vs. Florida State. And I love thinking and reminiscing about all of the things that make me thankful.  My life, my health, my family, my home, my education, my Charlie, my work, my testimony of a loving Heavenly Father. I hope all of you had a grateful, blessed Thanksgiving Day.  I hope that all of us remaining thankful for all of our bounteous blessings and the gifts we have been given.  HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Breaking Dawn

I saw Breaking Dawn part I with my sister Monica while we were in Portland trying to find a house for her to rent.  It was okay.  It felt more like a cheesy vampire movie to me than the other Twilight movies that I loved. They spent a lot of time setting up the story so, I felt like it was slow in a lot of parts.  I am looking forward to part II.  I have to admit I'm quite excited to see Bella as a vampire.

Who's Counting??

I recently started working on my master's degree.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  I thought it would take some extra time and was prepared to spend a decent amount of time studying.  Ya, well, I spend a lot of time studying.  More than I expected.  Which, is okay because I am learning and want to push myself to do good.  The bad thing about all the studying is that my social life is suffering.  A friend called me on a Friday night to see if I wanted to go to a movie.  I love going to movies and a few months ago I would have said, yes, absolutely but this time I said, "Um, call me again in 19 months and we'll be friends and go to a movie?"  He laughed in my face and said, "Are you serious?" I said, "Ya, I am. Sorry, I have so much to do for school."  In lieu of this story, I decided to make a paper chain to count down when I finish my degree.  My darling neices colored all the papers for me.  Eighteen of them, one for each month until I finish.  But, who's counting???

Before and After

Before

 After

I had been growing out my hair for over a year.  A few months ago I decided to cut it.  I generally have short hair so I didn't think it would be a big deal and was looking forward to a change.  I miss having longer hair.  So, it's back to growing it out again...

Go Gators!!

I have been watching the Florida Gators for about 5 years.  I started watching the Gators when Tim Tebow as a sophomore and won the Heisman Trophy.  I was hooked!  I have wanted to go to a game every since.  I had to be in Baton Rouge for work at the beginning of October.  It was the same weekend the Gators played LSU!  A group of us from work went to the game.  It was so much fun!  Although we were in Baton Rouge and the stadium was filled with purple and yellow, I loved being at the game! My goal now is to go to a home game in the SWAMP!  Go Gators!!

Happy Harvest

I feel very proud of the fruit my back yard produced this year.  I am still having issues with my cherries and them getting worms.  Although, I had them sprayed this year they were still infected.  I was worried about the other fruit in my yard as well but everything else did wonderfully. 

My parents came down a few weeks ago.  We picked grapes, plums and pears.  I got the biggest bushel of grapes I've ever had.  I feel like they would win the at the state fair.  I was very proud.  My mom, bless her soul has spent countless canning it all.  Juice, jams, jellies, syrup and more.  She is amazing.  I'm so grateful for the happy harvest I had this year.  Yummy!!!

Agua?

I have kind of a big crush on the REAL soccer defender Jamison Olave.  He is from Columbia and I think he is a tremendous athlete and very good looking. (Wink!)  When I heard about the REAL meet the team day set for the end of August I got so excited because I knew I would have an opportunity to meet my crush.... Olave.

It was the first time I had gone to meet the team day for the REAL.  I was excited an anticipated a great exchange with my favorite player.  I have met famous people before and to be honest I get kind of dumb when that happens.  I get a little star struck and mix up my words and say not the most intelligent things.

I had prepared myself all day for the big meeting of Olave.  I felt like the meeting was going to go well.  As my turn came to get my poster sign and talk to my favorite player, he turned to his teammate, Javier Morales and started talking to him in Spanish about water.  Although I don't speak Spanish well I do understand it because of the Portuguese I know.  Olave was asking Morales for some water or vice versa I don't remember but the boys were talking about water.  After their conversation was over Olave turned to me and smiled and I said, "Agua?" ....  That's it.  That is all I said.  Nothing else not even anything like do you want water or do you need a drink of agua, do you like agua, nope just plan old one word Agua.  Haha!  He just looked at me and kind of grinned and said uh, ya.  I turned away I was so embarrassed, there was nothing else I could do.

My hopes and dreams of a spectacular meeting where destroyed in the moment when I got dumb and said, "agua" to the soccer player of my dreams.  What is a girl to do?  I get dumb when I meet famous people.  No more famous people meeting for me its way to embarrassing and I can't take feeling dumb when I meet them.   Hahah!  Agua, anyone?

Project Baby Jonas

The company I work for has an affiliated charity that helps children with illnesses.  The name of the charity is Reliance Foundation.  A particular family contacted the Foundation about helping them purchase a head stone for their 3 year old son, Jonas, who died of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.  The disease is a condition that weaknesses the muscles in a persons body.  Some of the first muscles to atrophy are the neck muscles.  This makes it so the baby can't swallow so they have to get a feeding tube.  This also makes it so they can't hold up their own head.  Eventually everything just shuts down.  The life expectancy, I believe is supposed to be two years.  I'm not 100 % sure about that.

As I heard the story of Baby Jonas I was so sad.  I was talking with the executive director of the Foundation one day and she was explaining the need to help raise the money for a headstone for Baby Jonas.  I told her I would love to help and offered to have a yard sale at my place.  The executive director's kids were so great to help organize, advertise and work at the yard sale.  We made all of the money we needed plus a little extra.

We asked people to make donations of items for the sale.  My garage was full of things people brought to donate.  People were also very generous with the cash they gave.  It was a great day to remember the words of the hymn... "Because I have been given much I too must give." I hope to have many more opportunities to help special people like sweet little Baby Jonas.

The Conspirator

This movie was released on April 15th.  It is true story about the involvement of several people in the assassination of president Abraham Lincoln.  The story is fascinating.  I had know idea these people were every involved.  Not wanting to spoil the movie if you don't know the story, I am not going to tell you more. It is a good movie.  Intense, interesting and emotion provoking.  I liked it very much.

A 13.1 mile party in the Street

In January, my sister, Colette and I talked each other into running a half-marathon.  The half-marathon we choose was the inaugural Morgan Valley Marathon.  We both thought it would be great to run in our home town.  A place we know and love.

The race was scheduled for July 31st.  I started training in mid-April for the run.  I ran sprints, did running intervals, went for some longer runners, worked out hard with my trainer, pushed my self to do many things I never thought I could do.

I don't consider myself to be a runner and I don't really like it very much either, but I have always wanted to say I ran a race that was more than a 5k.  As I the day of the was approaching Colette and I both realized the race course was going to be a bit of a challenge.  Within the first 1/4 mile of the race you go up a hill.  The course continues to wind through the foothills of Morgan, climbing for the next 7 miles.  I was scared.  I hate hills.  I live in the hills and I run on as many parallel roads as I can find.

Rather than getting my self nervous and full of anxiety I decided to mentally prepare myself for the hills and the course.  I told myself that if I had to walk up the hills it would be okay.  There is no shame in walking.  I learned that if I let myself have a good time.. what I like to call "a party in the street" while running I will be fine.

I broke the course out into 4 sections in my mind.  I would focus on making it to the Morgan Cemetary.  That is where the really hilly part would start.  The end of the hills would be a the Porterville Church so my next goal was to make it there.  After the Porterville church I would start to go down hill and made my next focus point the Y at Young Street.  After I made it to Young Street all I had to do was make it home.

During my training I kept telling myself, I am going to run a half-marathon.  I can do hard things.  I will accomplish my goal.  I will be energized and have fun and enjoy every moment. I learned to run with Quench Gum and my own water.  Before I started the race I had chocolate PowerBar energy blasts. At about mile 9 I would refuel with a PowerBar and some Gatorade.  I also packed some Raspberry Gummy Energy Chews.  The most important thing for my party in the street was my 4 hours and 11 minutes worth of music.  I would start it out loud and strong and keep it pumping.

I was very excited the day of the race and was ready to get started.  I had all of my plans intact and ready.  The gun was fired and I started to run.. my music was really loud.  I made it to the Morgan Cemetary in no time and felt great.  I was surprised I felt so energized.  The next thing I knew I was at the Porterville Church.  I felt like I was cruising.  I seriously still felt really great!

About a mile after the church my iPod started freezing.  That put a little damper on my excitement and good feeling but I just kept running.  When a song with a good beat would come on I would pump my arms and sing along.  I am sure some of the other runners thought I was crazy.  By about mile number 11 I started to get tired and wanted to be done.  I didn't look over the end of the course very well so I was surprised that we had to run behind the high school on a river side trail.  At this point my legs really started hurting.  After I made it off the trail I knew I only had a mile left to run and knew I could do it.  The last mile wasn't bad.  By the time I could see the finish line I felt energized again.

As I came across the finish line it was so fun to have most of my family there.  They were all cheering Go Annie! Go Annie! and pumping their arms like I did while I was running in the street.  It was an amazing experience to be done.  I hugged my sister Colette and said we just ran a half-marathon.  Remember how we did that.  I was great!  I will do it again.  Maybe?  Someday? Who knows?  I have some other things I  am trying to concentrate on right now but what I do know form my 13.1 mile party in the street is that I can do hard things!!!

I love PoPCoRN!

Something I am sure you didn't know about me is that I love PoPCoRN!  Especially and preferable  movie theater popcorn.  Yep that is right the extra butter coated salted heart attack causing goodness!  I crave it and love it!  The butter and salt, not the heart attack! When I go to movies I usually only get a small bag because if I were to get a tub like they sale that could feed a small village in India I would certainly have to wear spandex pants everytime I went to the movies. 

I had an incessant craving during work a few weeks ago.  I couldn't stop thinking about it.  There is a movie theater across the way from my office.  I drove over, went inside to the concessions.  Bought a small bag of popcorn with extra butter.  Turned around walked out and felt as though I were in heaven.  Who gets to eat movie theater popcorn for lunch?  Apparently, I do and I loved every kernel of it!

The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I saw this movie over the summer.  I loved the movie.  I decided to read the book.  I loved the book.  The book and the movie coincide very very well.  I haven't read many other lawyer/detective type books so I don't have a lot to compare this book to but, I know I was captivated, interested and wanted to keep going. It has some harsh language just to be warned. But, it is a great book.  
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The Help

The Help is a very good book.  I read it this year as part of my reading goal.  It was also an amazing movie.  It was put together very well and followed the book almost perfectly.  I ended up seeing the movie on a Saturday afternoon and by myself.  Don't feel sorry for me, sometimes I do that.  But, I rule I have when I see movies alone is that I won't let myself cry because I feel like that would be a cause for people for feel sorry for me. It was a tough thing to not cry during this movie.  I was surrounded with people sniffling and wiping tears from their faces.  Like I said, a very good book and an amazing movie.

First Day of School

I had my first day of school today for masters degree.  I can't believe I am actually going back to school.  One of my nieces asked me what grade I was going to be in when I started school.  I told her I was getting my masters degree and she didn't really get it.  After I tried to explain my brother finally stepped in and said she is the 17th grade.  I'm not sure if that sounded good or bad.  I have always wanted to get a masters degree and am happy I finally decided to do it.  I know that in 22 months when I am finished I will be even more happy. Good luck to me.... I got this!! 

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really liked this book.  I liked it better than the first one, I think.  They are such interesting books and very well written.  There is strong language and adult content.  Be prepared for that if you decide to read it.  Very captivating a book that is hard to put down.


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A visit from BRAZIL

My last mission companion in my mission came to visit me for a week in July!  It was fun to have her here.  It has been 10 years since I served my mission, yikes!!  I feel lucky because Elite and I have stayed in touch with each other throughout the years.  This is the third time I have seen her since I have been home. It was her first time to Utah and I think it was an eye opening experience.  She couldn't get over all of the big cars.  It was actually quite funny, she just kept saying all of the cars here are gigantic.  We had a good time spending the week together.

We did a lot of shopping!! 

We went to Morgan and spent a night with my family!!

And we spent a lot of time eating!  

It really was great to have her here.  Things have change a little between us through the years.  Some of the things we believe and feel are very different.  We had a couple of challenging situations and conversations but I am still so happy she came to visit.  She was one of the people on this earth I can say my a fundamental difference in who I am today.  I will always love her and be grateful to her for the things she taught me and the love she showed me while we were serving our mission.  Te amo, Amiga!!

32nd Birthday FINALLY!!

I had my 32nd birthday on July 13th and I could not have been more happy!  I love my birthday very much and make sure that everyone knows it is coming.  I am not one of those people who just sits quietly by and hopes everyone will remember.   I am the girls that tells everyone (including people in the grocery store) and expects them to remember! (Yay!)  Well, when I turned 31 I hated it.  I don't know what happened but I was not happy.  Everyone should be happy on their birthday and I just wasn't.  I wasn't all the way through out the whole year either.  I perked up a little when we got to 2011 but I couldn't wait to be 32.  When I was in my early 20's and in college I remember thinking to myself.  I can't wait to be 32.  I thought that by the time I was 32 I would be established, I would hopefully be a little smarter, a little better and settled in to living a happy, healthy life.  As I turn 32 I can say I have accomplished all of those things and I am very proud and happy.  The next goal birthday I have set is 45.  I am excited to get there and see what has happened.  After 45 comes 70 and after 70 comes 100!  I can't wait and yes you heard me right, I want to live to be 100!!  Happy Birthday everyone! Happy Birthday Me!

Harry Potter 7

I'm a little bit behind on writing post. Life got busy!!

I like writing posts about movies that I see in the theater because I like watching movies so much. I saw Harry Potter 7 weeks ago in July when it came out. I have to say, it is one of the best movies I have seen. 17 stars and 12 thumbs up from me. I really liked Part I of Harry and the Deathly Hallows but I love Part II. I won't tell what happens in case there happens to be someone out there who hasn't seen it but just know it was one of my favorites ever and I highly recommend it to every!

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I finished this book as an audio book. I bought it from iTunes because it was listed as #1 and only cost $5.95. I had no idea what to expect. It was really great! I was immediately interested in the story after the first few pages had been read. The way the story is written is very captivating. The story line is just okay. Not to shocking or exciting, and actually very sad. But, I was entertained I wanted to keep listening to see what would come up next and to know how everything tied together and how the story ended. This is a great book to add to your list of something entertaining, captivating and easy to read.


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Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This classic book isn't long and has a great ending. I did struggling getting through it and many times had to force myself to read it. However, it being a classic, I think everyone should read it.


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Better Than Expected

I planted a salsa garden earlier in the summer. I didn't know so much what I was doing but I was proud of myself for giving it a try.
The salsa garden is going much better than I expected.

My tomato plant is a bear. It's huge! It's going to grow right out of the pot. And, I already harvested some cilantro and made a very delicious batch of salsa.

All I have to say is... my salsa garden rocks! I'm making plans for how I'm going to do it even bigger and better next year. I'm so excited to see how it continues to grow. Any body hungry for some salsa?

Soccer Surprise

A few weeks ago my sister Colette and her family came down from Logan to go to the REAL game. I was excited they were going to be there because I love the game so much. I called her on my way to the game to ask where they were sitting so we could meet up. She told me and then said, "Gracie is with us too!" I was so excited. Not only was Colette's family coming to the game but my cute niece Gracie was coming as well. During half time I went and met up with them. Savanah and Gracie decided they wanted to come sit with me. Although Gracie doesn't look to happy, I had a great time and I'm so happy they all came down to watch the REAL. Go RSL!!

Grape Vines

The grape vines in my back yard get bigger and bigger every year. That's what we want to have happen, right?

I spent the day a couple of Saturdays ago, trimming the grapes and putting up some more trellises so they would grow on the side of the shed. If any of you are in the mood from some wine come harvest... let me know and I'll keep you in mind (wink).

My Mom Did it For Me..

One of my new year's resolutions was to make a quilt.  I decided I wanted to make a 4th of July quilt to take to parades, fireworks, picnics etc in the summer during the 4th of July celebrations.  I went to the store and choose the pattern and picked out the fabric.  I spent almost and entire Saturday cutting all of the peices.  Then I figured out the color scheme and pattern.  

I have a sewing machine but haven't used it since I was a senior in high school.  A few weeks ago I was planning to stay in Morgan on a Friday night after volunteering for the Wasatch Back Rely.  I decided to take my fabric to use my moms sewing machine because it was nicer and already set up.  I was up late that Friday night at the race and was exhausted on Saturday morning.  My mom said to me when I woke up, "Why don't you go back to sleep and I will sew your quilt for you. "  I didn't object.  She pieced the entire quilt together for me.

I also wanted to have the quilt professional machine quilted because of time and energy.  I didn't want to have to worry about getting it done.  My mom knew this and being the great lady that she is, found someone to quilt it for me, provided me with the batt to go inside, took the quilt to the lady, paid the lady to quilt it, picked it up, and finished all of the binding.  I didn't know she had done all of that.  She called me last Sunday morning and told me my quilt was done.  I said, "What" she said.  I picked it up yesterday, it is done.  I did it for you. 

I was so happy.  I have been overly stressed lately with work and starting school in a month, trying to train for the 1/2 marathon and everything else, I didn't think I would have time to get the quilt done.  It was one of the best surprises I have ever had, when my mom called and said my quilt was done.  I love her so much.  I'm so happy to have her in my life.  And, I love my quilt.  It turned out just the way I wanted it.  Happy 4th of July!!

T3

When the first Transformers movie came out I didn't want to see it but I did and I was shocked by how much I liked it.  When the second Transformers movie came out I did want to see it and was shocked by how much I didn't like it.  The third Transformers movie just came out.  I wanted to see it and I really liked it.  Way to pull it back together for number three!  I say two thumbs up, I thought it was great!

Along Came a Spider by James Patterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've read a lot of James Patterson novels.  Interesting that I didn't start with this one first since it is #1.  I like his writing.  The books don't blow me away but there is something I like about them because I keep reading them.  The book has a good blot with mystery, romance and suspension.  I liked it quite a bit. On the the next...

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Proud to Be

I am very proud to be an American!!

I hope everyone has a safe, happy and respectful 4th of July weekend!

X-men: First Class

I love the X-men movies!!  I have been a huge fan since I saw the first one years ago.  It might have a little bit to do with the fact that I have a gigantic crush on Hugh Jackman!  No, truly, I think the movies are great. They are entertaining not too cheesy..(maybe a little) but the movies are great to watch and enjoy.  The first class movie did a great job of showing how the Xmen came to be.  It was fun to see them in their younger years.  I liked the way the story was developed and thought it was well played. Definitely a must see!

A Little More About Texas

While I was in Texas a few weeks ago there was kind of a lot going on.   Amaia was born which was so exciting and fun to be a part of.  In addition, Milo had just turned eight and was getting baptized.

With Milo and Holly at Milo's Baptism.

After the baptism Monica and Scott hosted a taco bar at their house for friends, family and neighbor. Of course they were a complete delight due to Scott's cooking.   Milo wore a Brazilian soccer jersey during the taco party that I was very happy to see him wearing. 

 Go Brazil!!!

While everyone was mingling and eating Monica and I snuck away to take Amaia to her first doctor's appointment.

I loved going to Amaia's doctor's appointment.  It was so fun to be there.  She passed all the tests.  As I said a hundred times over the weekend..."She is perfect!"  We will see if her parents think that as she gets older.

Holly got a little tired with all of the excitement and took a nap in the middle of the floor. 

There was a significant amount of family in town to support Monica and Scott for the birth of Amaia and for Milo's baptism.  Scott's siblings, parents and grandparents were there.  Along with myself and my mother. Because of all the support, they decided to bless Amaia at their house while we were all there.  It was a very touching experience.  The Bishop came over after church and it was very sweet and simple. 

The Little Family. 

I love going to visit Monica and her family.  I wish they lived a little closer.  I look up to them in so many ways.  They are one of the best families I know.  They are caring and giving, down to earth and easy going.  They are easy to be around and fun to talk to.  I'm so grateful they are a part of my family and that they are such great friends to me as well. 

Homer Price by Robert McCloskey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good little book. Easy to read and full of fun little stories. Great for the younger crowd!

My New Baby Niece

My new baby niece Amaia Ann was born the first week of June.  Luckily I had planned to go see Monica and her family that weekend and was able to meet little Amaia 24 hours after she was born. 

 She is so cute and sweet!  I loved holding her all the time! I might have hogged her a little...

 I love the little ones very much!

 I miss her all the way!  

After I left and came home I told my sister she should move back to Utah and could live with me.  She kind of laugh a little bit out loud... her only response was why don't you move here and live with us.  Sadly, I don't think that is going to happen... sigh!