Jazz fan living in Sac Kings town

No

2009-09-16T21:35:00.000-07:00

No (Cherie Call)

A little boy at the end of a day knelt by his bed to say a prayer
And Father up in Heaven heard the prayer he prayed
And listened to each word with greatest care
The boy said,"Please bless that tomorrow I won't have to take a bath,
And bless that they will cancel school for snow."
And God had the power to protect him and never let him grow
But He said, "No."

A young man was holding tightly to the hand of a girl who had to say goodbye
And as she walked away he had to whisper a prayer
As he fought every tear that filled his eyes
He whispered,"Please can you make her turn around and change her mind?
It's the deepest hurt that I have ever known."
And God had the power to protect him and never let him grow
But He said, "No."
And there are yeses that our father can hardly wait to give
And they are packed in every crevice of the lives we live
Sometimes God will pour down miracles and amazing twists of fate
And other times He chooses just to whisper, "Wait."
How many times have I prayed for blue skies
So no one has to cancel the game
And I feel so abandoned when the sky gets dark
Never knowing all the ones who prayed for rain
And usually the story's even trickier than this
With solutions that only God could know
But if you ask Him if He's ever overlooked you
Or ceased to love you so
He'll say, "No."

The Backyard

2009-08-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

So for 10 months I haven't been able to find my patriatrical blessing or my favorite story that I have had since I was 15 or 16. I have been so upset and was about to call the church office building to get a copy of the blessing and my sunday school teachers from 18 years ago for the story (hoping they still had it) but then a few weeks ago I decided I should start writing in my journal again. I took it off my book shelf and dusted it off (been a year and a half) and what fell out....my blessing and the story. I was so excited I almost started to cry. I am retyping the story and saving to word so decided to copy to here. It is long but great. Read it with your "spiritual ears"

The Backyard

There is a boy who has a very large family and parents that love him dearly. In his youth, his parents taught him carefully and were very protective about the things he did. One of the special memories that he has was of the enormous backyard that he his family could play in. His father had many toys in the yard and would not let his children play out there alone, at least until they had learned what to do and what to stay away from. This boy loved to be with his family and parents. When he was old enough his mom and dad allowed him to go outside in the backyard for the first time alone. Oh what a special treat this was. No supervision and freedom to do anything his little heart desired. Just before his dad let him go outside he told him some advice…that if he wanted to come back in he would have to be clean and also would have to talk with him about what he did, and also while he was out there Big Brother was to be in charge and he is the one to go and talk with if there is a problem. The advice was given for him to be happy and not get hurt. The thought of going outside my himself was overwhelming, and he agreed to do whatever it takes, just as long as he could get out there and play. Mom and Dad dressed him up in his new outfit that he received for this birthday and sent him on out. Things to explore, new places to find, the imagination ran wild as he stepped out the door, only to find all of his brothers and sisters outside playing and doing all sorts of things. Some were older than he was and others were younger but all looked like they were having a good time. He wanted to join. He soon noticed his closest brother and sister come up to him and invite him to come with them. Trusting them he went. They taught him about all of the things in the yard, some things he was to stay away from and others he could play with all day. But there were some important things they told him about the backyard. They told him about his Big brother, the one Dad mentioned, the one that was in charge. He had some rules for us to follow. They were the Backyard rules of Play. He wanted us to be nice to each other, watch out for each other, and to stay clean by staying away from the mud puddles. With your closest brother and sister you learned to play on the trampoline where you could reach your highest peaks and fall to your lowest bottoms only find yourself thrusted once again high into the air. They taught you how to swing on the swing set and move yourself towards the sky. Time was well spent with your closest brother and sister but you wanted to explore the limits by yourself and thus you did. As you went out to explore on your own, you began to find that not everybody was playing by the rules, and not always doing what they should. There were even those who were playing in the mud which Big Brother told them not to do. The memories of your closest brother and sister were fond and they made you feel good. You tried to do things that made you feel good but your were also always searching for someone to play with to keep you company. You spied one of your sisters as she ran around the corner of the house and disappeared. You ran to catch up with her. Only to find that just around the corner was a big enormous mud puddle and she was playing in along with your other brothers and sisters. You knew that if you got dirty that mom and dad would not let you into the house, not until at least you were clean. They were wrestling and playing patty cake and making mud pies. It looked like so much fun to play in. It was irresistible, at first you only put your feet in it and it felt cool and soothing to mush the mud between the toes and make prints with your hands. You were very careful not to get any on your new clothes that Mom and Dad had given you for your birthday. Then it happened, while chasing your sister you slipped and found yourself face down in the mud, getting your outfit all dirty. What was Mom and Dad going to think and what will everybody else say if they see me? What do I do? What can I do? Will I ever be able to be clean again? I will never be allowed to get into the house like this. Standing up, you see your Big Brother come over and offer his hand to help you out. You reach for his hand and he pulls you out. A tear runs down your face as you know that you have broken a Backyard Rule of Play. He sees your sorrow and comforts you with a hug and some consoling words. He wipes away the tears from your face with a piece of his clothing and tells you that everything will be OK. He walks you over to the hose and while he helps you clean up he promises that if you will follow the things that he tells you that when the time comes for us to go inside that he will vouchee for you and if there is any dirt that comes off and gets on Mom’s new rug that he will take the blame and punishment. Anxious to be happy again and ready to do what he asks, you agree and soon the pretty outfit that Mom and Dad gave to you starts to reappear and clean and refreshing water starts to wash away the dirt and grime that was there because of the mud. Things start to look good when dad calls you because it was time to go inside. You go inside and dad looks you over, talks with you a little bit to see what you did, and sends you inside. One inside you see your closest brother and sister and others that you know and love, but there were some that were missing like the ones you played with in the mud and those that did not follow the Backyard Rules, you wonder where they could be. Then you see your Big Brother, the one that helped you clean up after the mud. But this time there was something different about him, he had scars in his hands and feet. You ask him what the scars are for, because you only saw him help you and other people. He kneels down and says with a tear in his eye, “We didn’t get all the dirt off and I had to pay for the cleaning.” Your hands wrap around him and give him a big hug as your tears of love and gratitude trickle down your own face. He speaks to you “ Welcome home, little brother, welcome home!”

I can't even count how many times I have read this. It always makes me feel wonderful to know that no matter what I have done there is still a way to return home. It also reminds me to stay away from the mud puddles because Jesus already suffered enough for me and I don't want to put him through any more. I wish I would of had this for the girls up at camp but I hope you all enjoy it.

How I feel lately

2009-08-05T12:07:00.001-07:00

I love Maxine quotes. They are quotes every one is thinking but doesn't say.

My thought for the day

2009-07-20T21:52:00.001-07:00

These are a few of my favorite mormon ads. I did a little devotional at camp about these 2 posters. Be Loyal to the Royal within I told the girls that they are all daughters of Heavenly Father and that makes them royal. We are all being watched especially here in California. We all need to be good examples and live up to our heritage.

Every move we make can send us one way or the other. Life is not a game. Every choice has a consequence.

Back from camp

2009-07-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

I just got back from girls camp. I had alot more fun than I thought I would. I was so ready to come home though....I was tired of dirt and bugs. I came home filthy dirty and with 25 mosquito bites. But I got to have a stress free week with no work, cell phones, room mate, computer, and family stress. I got to just relax and do crafts, color, look at the stars at night (was beautiful), enjoy nature, learn more about the gospel, feel the spirit at classes and testimony meeting. I got to eat fabulous food, go rappelling, get closer to my ward, see people from my last ward (whom I miss alot), did I mention great food. I ate better at camp than I have ate at home for months.

This the picture of my girls. They were all great. No problems or injuries and every one got along. I will post more pics when I get more from the other leaders.

Stressed out

2009-07-02T22:44:00.001-07:00

Laugh

2009-06-23T23:07:00.000-07:00

My friend Tara had this on her blog and I liked it so much I wanted

to share it with all of you.

The Proposal....two thumbs up!

2009-06-16T23:59:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I went with my friends and saw The Proposal. It is hilarious. I give it a "two thumbs up" I think I laughed through almost the whole movie. I will definately see it again.

By the way all you guys this is not just a chick flick. You will enjoy it too.

Def Leppard/Poison concert

2009-06-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

I got tickets to go see Def Leppard and Poison in September. I am so excited. I am more excited to see Def Leppard than Poison cuz I don't care for Bret Michaels but I do like their music so I will look past how disgusting he is.

Molly

2009-06-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

MOLLY BATES
August 1990 - May 2009

On May 26th the Bates family lost a member of our family. I thought I would be ok by now to do this blog but putting together these pictures have brought more tears to my eyes. She will be greatly missed by the young and old.

At almost 19 years old, age finally got to her and she was having a hard time seeing and hearing. We have known for awhile that it was coming. It doesn't make it easier but I am glad she is not suffering now. I have never really thought much about whether dogs go to heaven but I am convinced that there is no way I will never see Molly again. She was part of my family and I want to live forever with them all one day.

I will always miss you Molly!!!!

Back to blogging....what is happening?

2009-05-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

Wow I am bad at this blogging thing. No posts since February. I need to get into it more and be more creative like my buddy Evonne (yeah right....that will never happen she is awesome and so is her blog) Well here are a few things that have been going on. I will do some pics today and some in a few days. I don't want to over load my self.....ha ha

So it was my birthday a few weeks ago and it was so fun. Yes I said "my
birthday" was fun. I am not a fan of birthdays....well my
birthday...and have had bad ones the last few years. But my room
mate loves them and insists on celebrating big. Her and my friend
Christina took me to San Francisco for a day of shopping and a Giants
game. It was a blast!! Thanks Skeena and Christina.

This is a mall in downtown S.F. it was huge. There was like 7 floors. I wanted to go to the top and take a picture down so since it was
my birthday and I got to do whatever I wanted we did it. Here are the pics
to prove it.

Here we are at the Giants game. My friend Christina doesn't even like
baseball or really any sports (why we are friends I don't know....just kidding I
love her) but she went for me and she ended up liking it. I think I
converted her. Now I am going to get her to Sac Rivercats games with us.

My friend Jen was not able to go to SF with us cuz she was driving back from Utah so she got me this cake made of flowers and took me to dinner. Thanks Jen love ya!

It is May in California which means 90 degree weather with 100 degree weather right around the corner...ugh. So with the great weather me and my fabulous room mate have been hanging out at Folsom lake. It is really full for right now so we are enjoying it cuz with this drought I am sure it will be drained by the end of the summer.

Jazz and Korver

2009-02-10T17:52:00.000-08:00

So last friday I got to go to the Jazz/Kings game here in Sacramento. I had great seats close to the Jazz bench thanks to my friend Brandi who got them from her work. It was a fun night for Sac Kings fans because Chris Webber's jersey was retired. It was rockin and really loud. But the Jazz spoiled their night by winning 111 - 107. WAY TO GO JAZZ!

Then after the game I got to meet Kyle Korver. He is really tall and really, really cute. Here is pics of him hanging out with some of his friends. Then of him and I.

GOOD TIMES

Home for the holidays

2009-02-04T14:41:00.000-08:00

So I got to go HOME for Christmas. I definately has a white Christmas. It was beautiful but I am so glad I live in California and don't have to drive in it at all. I drove in the snow for the first time in 2 years. I have to admit even though I drove in it for 15 years I was still alittle nervous but it was like riding a bike....which I haven't done for awhile either.....did just great.

I got to go to dinner with my 4 best friends for our annual Christmas dinner and gift exchange. It was an interesting dinner with bad service but we did end up getting our whole bill taken care of. In the gift exchange I got a Phase 10 hand held game. I was so excited to get it and then ended up leaving it in Utah : (

The baby in this picture is the newest addition to the family. Preston Joseph Stubbs....he is a great baby and it was so fun to finally be able to hold him.

Here is some pics of my family. I had so much fun with them. I was beyond excited to see my nephews and they surprised me by being at the airport with my parents when I got off the plane. I got to hang out with Kaiden more on this trip than all time he has been born put together. I was in heaven.

Carson and Kaiden in a box

My bro in law and sis in law are both Patriots fans and my mom gave them Pat shirts. Mark is behind them holding up a niners blanket.

HERE IS MY GOOFY FAMILY

Sarah Brightman concert

2008-12-17T22:01:00.000-08:00

Last night I got to go see a fantastic concert with two of my best (California) friends, Jen and Christina. We went and saw Sarah Brightman. I have loved her music for many years and have been so excited since we bought the tickets like 5 months ago.

She has a beautiful voice. So amazing. I was really disappointed that she didn't sing "Time to say Goodbye" with Bocelli vocals in the back or even with one of the other guys she sang with during the show. She sang it by herself and it just wasn't the same. Phantom of the Opera was amazing though. I have seen Phantom 4 times and have never heard the song sang that great. I had goosebumps. I would definately give the concert "two thumbs up"

I got an A

2008-12-11T20:58:00.000-08:00

So I have been trying to decide what I want to do when I grow up....It's about time I do that. I decided to tak e a medical terminology class this semester at Sierra College to see if the medical field is for me. Let me tell you I went to college for 3 years (many years ago) and this is the hardest class I have taken. I don't know if it is because I am older and haven't been to school for awhile or because I work lots of hours and have a primary lesson to prepare every week but it was stressful.

BUT it is over and I got a B in the class. Now you are probably thinking then why does the title say "I got an A". Well I got a C on the midterm so my professor said that I had to get an A on the final to get a B in the class. Are you following? Well I got 90 out of 100 questions right and got an A. Iwas so excited. I studied and studied and studied for hours and hours. And it all paid off.

And the result is I do enjoy the medical stuff but I still don't know what I want to be!!!

Christmas time...

2008-12-02T23:05:00.000-08:00

So thanks to my great roommate Athina our apartment is now decorated for Christmas. I absolutely love Christmas! When I walked into my apartment after work today I smelled the tree. I love the smell of a real Christmas tree. Our tree is small but we like it. My moms snowflakes that she tatted are hanging on it and thanks to me and Athina's boyfriend, Chris there are white light around the tree....in an organized way (unlike the way Athina had them) and a star on the top.

All the decorations are mine that I have collected through out the years. Some are bought, some are home made, and some were presents given to me. They all are special in there own way.

The stockings were hung on the TV console with care in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. We don't have a fireplace in this apt like we did in our last so they went on the console. This is the 3rd year we have used these stockings. I can't believe this is my 3rd Christmas in California. Athina bought these stockings for us and wrote our names on them in glittery paint.

I am so happy it is December. I can listen to Christmas music all the time and make Christmas candy (I made toffee as Athina was decorating) The feeling of Christmas in the air it is the best feeling in the world. It will even be better in 21 days when I can go home to Utah and enjoy it with my family and be around the kids.

And of course I can never forget the real meaning for Christmas and reason for the season. That is the celebration of the birth of our Savior. What a great event! I feel his love every day and am happy I am a member of his true church.

This picture was taken by me at the Laie temple in Hawaii.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Life off, Game on

2008-11-06T17:51:00.000-08:00

Basketball season has started and I am so excited. The Jazz are 4 - 0 right now. Yes they have played easy teams so far but I really think they are going to be good again this year. I have got my NBA league pass and I am ready. I love the Jazz slogan this year. It applies to me too well. When the basketball season....more particularly the Jazz season begins life is off. I have to check the schedule before I make plans. I LOVE IT!! Life off, Game on.

The new little ones

2008-10-31T10:23:00.000-07:00

3 very special babies were born the last few weeks that I am excited about. First picture is of my new nephew Preson Joseph Stubbs. Congrats Janie, Chris, Zac, and Abby!

The next two are Xander and Alexa Crawford. Congrats Chersti and James! I am so excited they finally get to start their family.

I can not wait to be able to see all 3 of these precious babies when I go home at Christmas.

Hawaii trip

2008-10-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

I went to Hawaii from September 27 to October 6 and we had a blast. I went with my sister, Heather, my roommate, Athina, and our friend, Amy. This are just some of the pictures we took. I think between the 4 girls we took 800 pictures and I still don't have some.

The first series of pictures is us in the airport (it took forever to get there because of layovers and late planes) The scenery pic is outside on the balcony of the time share. It was beautiful. I loved Maui!! I am so glad we were there for 5 days. Then there's Skeena and Heath in the kitchen ready to head to the beach.

The second series is us on the first day taking a drive around Maui and stopping at different locations. We went to the blow hole and to one of the hundreds of beaches.

These pictures speak for themselves. The scenery and especially the sunsets are gorgeous. We tried to see the sunset every day that we were in Maui. The middle picture no joke looks exactly like the picture on my credit card.

On Maui we rented snorkels for the whole week. One of the days we took a boat cruise out to Molakini....which is a crater off of Maui. They stopped at turtle town first and we got to see and swim with the turtles. But it is illegal to touch them so we just watched them. At Molakini we saw alot of different fish and there were even eels. They fed us lunch on the way back on the boat. It was a good time for all. Look at the pic of Heather on the middle right. She fell in love with this floating device and we had to go rent one for her. Before the floaty she was freaked out to go out snorkeling. After the floaty she snorkeled all over. For some reason it was a safety blanket to ward off sharks too because she was all of a sudden not scared of sharks any more. ???? lol

From Maui we then went to Oahu. I was not a fan of Honolulu when we got in. It is an ugly city. It was like a mini San Fran. Too much traffic and scary areas. Too commercialized. It got better when we got to our hotel in Wikiki. Still alot of people but it was beautiful. All these pics are not all from Oahu but the middle pic is us at the hotel and the top left is me and Heather with some turtles on one of the beaches on North Shore. Bottom pics are us at dinner at Bubba Gumps (that was on Maui though)

We went to PCC (Polynesian Cultural Center) We saw shows at a few islands and then went to a fabulous Luau. We all got lei'd there! I didn't want to stop eating the food was soooooo good. We went to the big show after dinner. I would definately say that if any one goes to the PCC go early because there is so much to see and we didn't get to go to much. Some day I will go back though. Hopefully sooner than later.

On our last day we went to Pearl Harbor and the swap meet. I am so glad we went to Pearl Harbor. It was a great experience to see the place where WWII started for the US. There was a film that brought me to tears. So many people died that day. We then took the boat out to the USS Arizona memorial where most of those who died on the battleship are still entombed. The memorial is placed on top of the ship and you can see some of the ship under and on top the water still.

This trip was definately put in my top 3 vacations of all time. I already can't wait to go back!!

Hawaii

2008-10-06T16:36:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! So I just got home from Hawaii today. It was a blast! It is as beautiful and relaxing as I have every imagined it would be. I absolutely loved Maui. Now Honolulu...some parts are pretty, like in Wikiki where we stayed, but I did not like the city of Honolulu at all. As soon as I get all my pics on my laptop and then get my laptop working again (I am on my roommates right now) then I will post pics and blog about where we went.

I am off to do homework and study.

Have a fabulous day!!!

Reunion and Wedding

2008-09-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

Ok I am finally finding time to blog about my trip home. I had alot of fun at my family reunion and the wedding. Here are some pics.

Here are pics of the Nielsen Family Reunion. I haven't been able to go for the last few years and it was great to see every one. We went on a hike, had a pot luck, visited. I also played in a horse shoe tournament and me and my dad's cousin's son's wife (no joke), Daisy won the girls tournament.

top left: Robby, Heather, and Lana

top right: Playing in the river

lower left: Mom and Grandma Bates

lower right: Mom and Heather trying to get a signal up in the mountains.... yeah right.

Because the wedding was late on Saturday we had a wedding dinner on friday night. It was at a park in Fruit Heights. It was really windy and we had a hard time setting everything up. But everyone we invited came. It was fun and casual. There was toys for the kids and Robby's sister and brother in law own a sno shack so they brought the machine and made snowies for everyone. I was so excited because in Cali they don't have the little sno shacks/snowie stands on the side of the road like they do in Utah.

They got married on August 16 in the Bountiful temple. Here are some pics of the temple. The ceremony was good and she looked beautiful.

top left - Heather/Rob w/parents and grandparents

top right - Heather and Kaiden

middle left - Dad and grandma and grandpa Bates

middle right - The whole fam

bottom left - Heather and Robby

bottom right - me with my sisters

The reception was held in an awesome backyard of someone Robby's family knows. It was beautiful. If you can't tell her colors were bright pink and black and white polka dots. I don't even like the color pink and I really liked it. The yard has bridges, ponds, fun toys for the kids. There was a continous stream of people coming all night long. Here are some pics

Crazy and Hectic!!

2008-08-29T23:16:00.000-07:00

OK so I know I haven't blogged for a while. Life has been crazy and I haven't had more than a few minutes on the internet lately. After being in Utah for a week and a half I then got back to work and to more responsibilities with a new clearance center which has been a night mare and one of my employees decided he did not want to work any more and just stopped showing up to work. I also have been packing to move to another apartment which I did on Wednesday and am now in the process of trying to unpacking it all but have been cleaning the old apartment instead. In between every thing I am taking a college class at Sierra College which I found out today they are out of the book I need and I have a quiz and homework assignment due on Tuesday. When did life get so hectic??? I have never been so busy, stressed, and exhausted.

I can't wait for my Hawaii trip in 29 days!!!

OK so enough complaining I am now going to bed. I will write about my trip home and Heather's wedding when things slow down maybe some time next week.

Quick trip home to Utah

2008-07-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

I got to go home to Utah for a few days last week and decided I was just going to hang with family. I had a fun time with everyone.

Mark, Robbie (newbie to the fam), Heather and Carson July 24th BBQ

A few days after I got the I picked Jeff up from the airport.

He has been in Florida all summer - we surprised my nephew

Carson who did not know Jeff was coming home.

Me and Heather dancing with Ian and Abby

Played some football with the boys

Played with sidewalk chalk on the patio with Abby and Ian

Kaiden was sick the whole time....poor little thing

I also got to go to the Allen Family party and bowl with
my Grandparents/Aunts/Uncles/Cousins (2 generations)

Heather and Robbie (the engaged couple)

Mark, Dad, and Robbie ready to bowl

More of the fam bowling

Me and my nephew Carson

I went to the Rocky Mountain Revue with my dad
and saw the new BB players

I went to see Mama Mia (again) with Heather,

Jennacie, and my mom

Me and Jenna Benna trying on hats

Two good movies

2008-07-19T22:50:00.000-07:00

I have seen a few really good movies the last few days.

Dark Night (Batman) was awesome! I saw it at 12:04 am the day it opened. It was the best Batman I have seen maybe the best superhero movie. I would definately suggest it to everyone.

Then I saw Mama Mia tonight. It was really good too. In a different way though. You have to like musicals (which I do) It was funny.

Bowling with the Willey crew

2008-07-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

Last night I went bowling with work for our Summer party. We had a blast. Here are some pictures of my crew and other co workers.

My boys!

general manager Tammy (Cooper) and
roommate/coworker Athina (Skeena)

The Chris' (Riddell and Stangeland)
LP and my night supervisor

Riddell, Stangeland, Rua, Kao
crazy goofy drunks

Debbie, John, and Marilee

Sister getting married

2008-07-13T22:42:00.000-07:00

So many of you are asking which sister is getting married and info about it so here it is. Heather is getting married on August 16th in the Bountiful temple. Her temple divorce went through this last week which was what we were all worried about but because of everyones prayers and fasting it came through. She is marrying a guy named Robert (Robbie, Rob) Haltinner. I have not meet the guy yet. We have messaged back and forth on facebook though and he is big sports fan and hates the Lakers so I am sure we will get along just fine. She is happy and I am happy for her.

Here they are with my Nephew Kaiden

Cali is burning!

2008-07-11T17:02:00.001-07:00

Smoky California - pic from my apt balcony.

So I always thought California was just going to fall into the ocean but after the last few weeks I think it is just going to all burn to the ground. Poor smoke filled California! We had a day or two of relief and then Tuesday it started again. You can't go any where to get fresh air because it's every where you go. It doesn't help that it is also 110 degrees outside. My guys at work have been wearing masks because we have to open the warehouse doors for deliveries and customers and the smoke fills up the warehouse. It needs to just go away so everyone can go outside and play....after all it is summer and I need to start getting my great tan for Hawaii.

2008-07-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

Alright so I haven't wanted to weigh myself lately and post because I have not done very well but I weighed today and I lost 3 lbs since the last post. That brings my total to 7 lbs....still not good. I think I am going to have to be really strict on myself this week.....LOL

How cute is this picture....

I like fireworks

2008-07-01T21:45:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I went to the Rocklin Jubilee (city celebration) We went mainly for the firework. Last year they were the best I had ever been to so we went again. They weren't as long but they were still good. I didn't know if they would have them since most of California is burning right now and the Governor (the terminator) asked people not to buy fireworks this year. Some cities have cancelled but not Rocklin.

It was fun and relaxing after a very hard stressful day at work.

For Evonne. I haven't quit...yet

2008-06-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

Ok this blog is for Evonne. She has the cutest blog and remembers to post and I forget so here is the 411 on the diet. I lost 6 in week 1, then gained 3 in week 2 thanks to "girl cravings" that week, I then lost 1 pound in week 3 which brought me to 4 lbs over all.....PATHETIC. Did you follow all of that. Any ways I have not weighed myself this week and I am scared to even though I have done pretty good. I definately will on sunday though.

So lets see what else is going on with my life. Not much! Having a scentsy candle party at the apartment tomorrow. We'll have to see how that goes. I just bought tickets to see Sara Brightman in December. I love her. Time to say good bye is one of my favorite songs and I can not wait to hear her sing it. I also bought tickets for the NHRA races in Sonoma, CA next month.

I am so excited cuz I only have 43 days till I get to go home for 9 days and 92 days till Hawaii.

I wanted to post a picture so here is a cute one. This is my bro, Mark and behind the balloons are my mom and sister in law, Jody

Driving and Reno...

2008-06-18T23:24:00.000-07:00

I am sick of driving!! I will explain. Yesterday I took my room mate to the airport....30 minutes away. Then drove back to Roseville....30 minutes obviously. Then I drove 2 hours to Reno and had dinner with some friends. Then I drove back to Roseville this morning....2 hours. Then I had to take some one else to the airport and drive back....1 hour round trip. That is alot of driving in 24 hours.

But I did have a fun time in Reno. I need to take more mini vacations. I stayed at the Atlantis hotel and casino. I got a room on the internet for $45 and when I got there they had more expensive rooms not occupied so they put me in a really nice $148 room for the same price. It was awesome. It was on the 22 floor and had a great view of the city. Not that Reno is a pretty city but it's like a mini Vegas at night with the lights. Then I did a little slot play and won $50 last night and $20 this morning...paid for the room.

The best part of the night was watching the Lakers get destroyed by Boston. I don't even care about Boston but they were playing the Lakers so I was cheering for them. If the Jazz can't win the whole thing then the next best thing is watching the Lakers lose by 40 points in a must win game.

A night at the theater!

2008-06-12T23:55:00.000-07:00

I loved tonight. Me and my room mates went to Phantom of the Opera in Sacramento. This is the 4th time I have seen it and I loved it as much as the first time. The music is just the most beautiful music ever composed.....Andrew Lloyd Webber is brilliant. I had a good time and it was fun to hang out with the room mates. It has been months since we have done something all together and it may be one of the last times so it was great. Now it is late and I should be in bed but I am still wide awake. 5:45 is going to come real fast though and I am not going to want to wake up for work so I am forcing myself to try. Good night.

Oh and yes we are all wearing black shirts....and no it was not planned.

Week 1

2008-06-09T17:29:00.000-07:00

Alright so here is the first week results. I lost 6 pounds. I am actually surprised. I was good all week until the weekend and then went to dinner a few times. I will take it!!

Losing weight....hopefully

2008-06-04T19:14:00.001-07:00

So I was suppose to get my laptop back today but didn't so hopefully tomorrow and then I can post pictures along with my blog.

So my family has started a biggest loser type of thing where we put money in the pot and who ever loses the most weight by my sisters wedding (August 16th) will get the entire pot. So I am going to post on here how much weight I have lost each week. I think that will help me be motivated to do it. I am ok with no more coke but I am struggling with no Slurpees....I am addicted. So check back weekly and see the progress....and there will be progress!!!

Hope everyone has a great rest of the week. Love ya all!

Doing much better

2008-05-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

Hello! No still don't have my computer back but my room mates are out of town so I have my pick of a laptop and desk top so I am ok. I just don't have my pics on my computer. So I am feeling alittle better about life today. Still not satisfied and need to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life but I will be ok. (Evonne thanks for the uplifting comments you are a true friend....love ya.)

So what is new.....my sister is getting married. She has been engaged for a few weeks but I am just writing about it. It is all going down hopefully on August 16th if the temple divorce goes through. So I will probably be in Utah from the 9th to the 17th. No flight yet so it is not set in stone for those days. I am excited! I will be busy with a reunion, bear lake, and the wedding but hope to see ya all.

Nothing else is exciting and new. Weather here went from 80 to 100 with in a few days then dropped to a freezing 70 (LOL) and is now back up to like 80 but unfortunely like 45% humidity. Yucky... but at least I am not in Florida weather like my bro. 45% is enough for me!!

I decided I need to post a pic so here I am with my roomie Athina, my night supervisor, Chris and his awesome wife, Mel. We went to the demolition derby at the Sacramento County Fair

Not a good few weeks

2008-05-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

So I have not posted any thing about what I have been doing for a few weeks because I don't have my lap top or access to my pictures. It is being looked at right now and I can not wait to get it back. I haven't had a very good last few weeks. My birthday week and celebrations were horrible. My car broke down (TWICE), my tooth had a huge cavity in it and part of the tooth broke, then my curling iron broke. Oh yeah and my lap top as I already said is not working right. It was not a fun week. This week has not been any better. It was so busy yesterday that I was exhausted and had a head ache all day. The head ache has continued into today and work sucked. I am so ready to get out of retail forever.

Ok so enough of the complaining part.

I got good news today that one of my best friends in the world is pregnant with twins. I am so so excited!!! Finally something to smile about.

Just a few things I enjoy

2008-05-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post some things in life that I enjoy:

love sports
listening to music.....favs are Josh Groban and Rascal Flatts
playing with little kids...especially Kaiden, Carson, Jennacie, Zac, Abby, and Ian
playing on the swings at the park
flying home to visit my family
sunsets....especially when there is a bit of purple in them
licorce...red vines are the best
did I mention sports...particularly the Utah Jazz and S.F. 49ers
love watching Andy Roddick and the Williams sisters play tennis
having long talks with friends
peanut butter
chips and salsa
being tan
camping at Bear Lake
road trips
LDS temples...especially the Salt Lake, Boise, and Sacramento
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
teaching the girls in my primary class
RC Willey (most days)
going to the lake every Wednesday during the summer with Skeena
watching the Jazz win.....especially when they win the Lakers
going to the theater

Race for the Cure Sacramento

2008-05-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I walked the 5K for the Race for the Cure in Sacramento. It is the charity event for breast cancer research, prevention, and awareness. RC Willey is the sponsor for the Sleep for the Cure part of it. We made a team and some walked and some slept in. I walked in celebration of my two friends, Ginger and Alena, who are both breast cancer survivors and two very brave girls. It was a great event....around 27,000 people and they raised 2.5 million dollars. Today I have shin splints but it was definately all worth it.

2008-05-06T23:59:00.000-07:00

Good Luck Jazz! Beat the Lakers!

Jazz into the second round

2008-05-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

Ok so they won and are moving on to the second round. Unfortunately it is against the Lakers....but I have faith in my Jazz to pull it off. I am sad that I am going to miss the first game today because it is right during church and I have to go teach my class. But I am going to tape it and watch it later so no one call and tell me the final score.

I am finally feeling (alittle) better

2008-05-02T18:21:00.000-07:00

I am finally feeling better. Not 100% yet but I am getting there. I have been sick and have had the worst allergies I think I have ever had before. I never thought I would ever miss work because of allergies but I did this week. Not much else has been going on the last few weeks. Between being sick and the NBA playoffs going on I haven't got out much. The Jazz are playing tonight and I am already nervous for them. They need to win this game. Everyone keep your fingers crossed that they win. (They should because me and Cooper are not watching it together....LOL) The only thing left to say is GO JAZZ!!!

Twilight books....

2008-04-22T23:16:00.000-07:00

Ok so I am finally done with the twilight books and it only took me 7 days. I have only stopped reading in the last week to go to work, sleep, and watch 2 Jazz games. I even missed Idol tonight because I was READING. Now that I am done and thinking about the books I am not sure how I feel about them. I liked them but it was kind of different. Alittle to much lovey dovey hugging and kissing and not enough scary vampire/werewolf fighting. I think this is one series that I may just like the movie better than the books. But I do have to say......GO JAZZ!!

My vacation

2008-04-17T22:23:00.000-07:00

So I just got back from vacation a few hours ago. I had a blast in Vegas at the NHRA races and a fun time at home. Just a quick break down of my 8 days of fun (and most importantly no work)

Thursday: I flew into Vegas and my dad picked me up. We went to dinner at the Rio and hung out of the strip. I got to watch the water show in front of the Bellagio (my favorite place on the stip) like 5 times.

Friday: Had breakfast at the Paris and went to the races all day. That night Heather, Crystal, and Trina drove from St. George and ate dinner with us at the Paris. We were so exasted from the day that we just crashed after dinner.

Saturday : Races all day and then drove to St. George and had dinner with the girls again. We watched a movie and stayed up till 2 in the morning at my grandparents house.

Sunday: Drove to my parents house in Clinton. I got to have a family dinner made by my sisters in law and got to play with my Nephews all night long.

Monday: Hung out with my mom and then drove to South Jordan to see Evonne's house. It was a cute house and I was excited to not only see her but also her little girl I haven't seen for a few years. It was fun to just sit and talk. I then got to go to a Jazz game. This was one of my favorite things I got to do. I have missed going. They won so it was even that much better.

Tuesday: Got to do some shopping and visited my friend Kami. I got to see her new baby Ty. Cute baby and definately looks like a Coleman.

Wednesday: Lunch at Cafe Rio...good food. Then Crystal, Janie, and all the kids came over. We got the great news that Janie is pregnant and is due in October. I am so happy for her and Chris!! We then had a BBQ at my brother and sister in laws house and played guitar hero and Wii all night long. Of course more great bonding time with the nephews.

Thursday: Today.....sad day. I had to come back home. Before I did though I visited my grandparents and ate at El Matadors.....yummy.

So now I am back and unfortunately have to go back to work in the morning.....not looking forward to that.

Bon Jovi concert....loved it

2008-04-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

I finally got to see Bon Jovi in concert!!! I have loved him since I was about 12 years old....just a few years ago....LOL. It was a fun road trip to San Jose (about 2 1/2 hours from Roseville). Athina, Suzie, Brandi, and I listened to Bon Jovi album the entire way there. (Well Athina slept and the rest of us listened) We had dinner at Amici's pizzeria and then a blondie dessert at Applebee's (yummy)....and then to the concert. I was so excited just walking into the HP Pavillion. First act was Daughtry.....very hot!! When I first moved to Cali 2 years ago I bonded with my roomies over American Idol (we were Chris Daughtry fans). We said back then we would love to see him in concert one day and there we were. He was ok and I knew a few songs but could not wait till Bon Jovi. The moment then came and he did not disappoint. It was fabulous!! He played a mix of new and old songs. There is nothing like being able to sing a song along with the artist. We yelled, screamed, sang, clapped, jumped up and down. Over all one of the best concerts I have ever been to.

Up coming events

2008-03-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

There is not much going on today. I went to church and taught my class. I am now at home eating left over pizza and surfing the net. I have a few exciting things coming up though that I can't wait for. On Wednesday I am going to San Jose to the Bon Jovi concert. I have loved Bon Jovi for many, many years and can't wait to hear his songs live. Then the next week on the 10th I am flying to Vegas to the NHRA races. Then from Vegas I get to drive with my dad and sisters back to Clinton, UT to see the rest of my family. I can not wait for that since I only got to see them for a few days at Christmas and it was August before then. I am definately ready for the visit. I am also excited to be able to go to a Jazz game while I am in Utah. I think I miss going to all the game just as much as I missing my family....LOL. Fun stuff coming up that I will be able to blog more about.

Finally....

2008-03-29T21:34:00.000-07:00

I decided to finally start a blog. For a few reasons....So Athina will stop asking when I am going to do one and also so my family and friends can see what is going on here in sunny (while it is kind of rainy today) California. It has has been fun to read everyone else's blogs and seeing what they have been doing.