making geneology hip

I am SO excited for this! It seems like just what we need in the world today; to be reminded of twho we are and where we come from.

i'm old

Two separate experiences on Saturday night made me realize that no longer am I a wild, rambunctious youth. I am now the ornery old adult that is merely a victim of youthful indiscretion.

Saturday night at about 10:30, my roommate comes into the house to tell me that my car has been egged! EGGED! (Yes, I do recognize the irony that once again, I’ve been the victim of a bird-related crime – maybe I need to stop eating poultry, maybe then their kind will leave me in peace!) I walked out to see that the front, one side, and the back of my new car had egg yolks and whites dripping down it and quickly drying in the 90 degree heat (yes, even at 10:30 at night). And to add insult to injury, the back of the car proudly displayed two maxi pads stuck to it! Nice, eh?
I went through several emotions all at once – furious, worried, violated, hurt, confused – but then I got out the bucket of soapy water and Kim and I went to work slowly washing away the eggy goo. The more we washed, the more emotions I felt... why me? Nobody in this neighborhood even knows me? Why my car when there was another car parked right next to mine that survived without a splat? Did they mistake my car for a similar model that lives across the street? All of these questions culminated in one barbaric yawp:

“DAMN KIDS!!”

I may have repeated this several times throughout the night.
It was then I realized that it has happened. I’m old. I’m the old spinsty that lives in the corner house that nobody knows and some how becomes the victim of summer night pranksters. I used to be the kid doing the pranks, when did the switch happen?

After all the goo was removed, I went to work on the pads. Those were the worst of all. The adhesive was really strong! Stronger than I could have imagined or ever thought necessary. I texted a friend who happens to be an expert in car care (yes, I know a guy) and he suggested WD40 could do the trick. Not wanting to wait for the sun to bake in any permanent damage, Kim and I took off to Walmart for some supplies.

Now, Walmart at midnight is an interesting place. I am not a frequent Walmart shopper, but I think I could handle it at midnight. The crazies come out – the good crazies. It’s like a people-watchers paradise! People buy the strangest things at midnight at Walmart. Like the guy behind me in line who had six tiny cans of Vienna sausages (do they only come in tiny cans??), a bag of chips, and a tub of night crawlers. As we waited in line I teased him about his purchases and he instructed me on his Vienna sausage/worm fish bait strategies (the sausages are like appetizers, the worms are the main course). We shared a laugh together and as Kim and I were walking away from check-out, he says to us “All I know is that I hope I look as good as you two do at midnight when I am your age!” I turned to him in shock, “Our age!?!” Our age? He looked to be in his mid-twenties, I’m not that much older than him. You say something like that to somebody in their fifties or sixties, not their thirties!! He quickly realized his misstep and yelled to his as we walked away in shock - “but, I’m only 16!!” Ok, I guess I’m twice his age so it’s acceptable. But still. I’m old.
We went home, removed the adhesive residue, and then I drowned my depression in some stilton with apricots.


…now if only I can find those vandalizing kids and wag my finger at them.

i might have to read this

don't judge me.

baby girl

Miss Sasha was born this week. Isn't she precious? I just want to snuggle with her and smell her babyness! Congratulations to Dave, Marina, and Katya for the latest member of their little clan!

what a sweetheart.

Tourists in Our Own City

Last month, Renee and I took a trip to Washington, DC to visit friends, visit the city where we used to live, and most importantly, meet our newest pseudo-nephew, Tristan James Cook. It was so much fun to reconnect with people and have a couple days off from life.dan, renee, me, andria, baby tristan sharing brunch at Eastern Market, an old time favorite of yuppies and mormons alike!dinner at Faccia Luna with the old 3092 crew: BDB, TLiu, KMags

being reminded of the many joys of the toyota tercel with KRees. Oh, KRees how we love you!

Cuddling with little TJ

Many thanks to the McCooks for hosting us! It was so much fun to hang out with you all! Loves and Hugs!!

Welcome to Phoenix, Mr. Obama

A friend of mine who works at ASU was given a ticket to this year's historic commencement, but in fear of the potential for endless hours of heat, crowds, and waiting, she decided to give the ticket to me! I was more than happy to take the ticket, i never turn down a moment to be a part of history. The day ended up being hot and long, but not too bad. I got into the stadium early and ended up siting in the shade, reading my book, and people watching all afternoon.
I was finally able to share space with Our President. It was delightful and worth the wait!

things i want to do this summer...

1. finish unpacking my treasures
2. organize my “craft room” in the storage closet
3. start easy sewing projects ( pj shorts, skirt, softies)
4. build a terrarium
5. paint something
6. discover some medium to communicate my short story. (I had a Stephanie Meyer moment, had a crazy dream and wrote it down.)
7. discover local artisan cheeses (they are here, just not as easy to find as in SLC)
8. pimp my work cubicle: a baby cactus (whose name will be Pedro Sanchez), photos, artwork, some cute desk accessories, etc.

notice that none of these things involve being out of doors. now that our air conditioning is working in the big house, i’m ready for the summer hibernation!