PAC 12

34 more days until the first football game of the season.  I can hardly wait!!!!

GO UTES!

I am tired and bummed out

I am not sure what happened to my Utes again- Wynn has lost all self confidence and we can't seem to move the ball.  I am not sure I agree with some of the choices the coaches are making, but I won't give up!  Go Utes!  10-2 won't be so bad...

I don't think I can do another week of overtime - I am so tired.  You show up to work by 8 and leave the office by 10.  It is so hard to turn down the extra hours when it is offerred, it is good money and helps contribute to the "will we survive the holidays" fund.  We will see how things go this week.  I have to prep for family visitors arriving on Thursday, Time Out for Women on Friday and Saturday, we need to juice the grapes sometime in between and make the house company ready.  Gotta pull out my Wonder Woman suit - that should help give me the boost I need. (maybe just some good sleep and regular hours)

Thanks to Ralph and his super sleuthing skills he found my box of missing decorations and I was able to get the Halloween decorations down and my Thanksgiving stuff up.  I love Fall.  The vibrant warm colors, the cooler weather, all the holidays that start happening.  Just makes me happy.  I know that is two weeks it will all come down and be replace with Christmas stuff, but remembering what Thanksgiving is all about - even for only a few weeks makes it worth it.

I gotta go finish sharing time for tomorrow - We are playing spin the bottle - topic Service.  Should be fun.  I also need to hit the hay - can't stop yawning

 

A Spoonful of Sugar & Weekend Report

Some days I really feel like I need something sweet to deal with the nasty medicine that comes my way.  Bring on the homemade ice cream and peach pie!  Nooooo, that is not quite what I mean although a little bit of comfort food doesn’t hurt – just not everyday which is what I need.

I have another co-worker quitting church employment for greener pastures- which means a lot more work for me.  We have new financial software that doesn’t work-which means a lot more work for me, I am now down 4 staff in primary that need to be replaced-nursery, 2 activity days leaders, and a chorister.  Any volunteers? 

I know that doesn’t seem so bad, and yes I will make it through, but, it seems like this kind of thing doesn’t stop happening.  It seems like we barely get caught up and then somebody else is leaving, or there are problems with the software that need to be fixed and always changes in ward callings.  One thing that is constant is change.  It makes me tired.

Actually – I have a lot of spoonfuls of sugar that help me deal with the hard times.  I am so looking forward to general conference this weekend – should be a spiritual refill.  It always flies by, but so worth it.  My husband and my doggie always help me get through the tough times, as do my family and friends.

I am loving this fall/summer weather.  It means more time to wear my shorts and it means more garden produce.    I love the fresh fruit and the tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, corn etc. The forecast is for more 90 degree weather. 

The football game on Saturday was a blowout.  56 to 3  I actually felt sorry for those San Jose players – they took a beating!  It was still fun to go hang out at the stadium and enjoy the fall weather.  In case you were wondering – no treats.  Gotta be good.  Yes...I did miss the RS Broadcast, but caught it the next day.  Loved the talks.

The primary program went off without a hitch – short of two of the kids not showing up (they didn’t have big parts).  The stake approached me afterward and told me that we were the model of a perfect program.  Yikes!  Don’t put me on that pedestal – too much pressure!  I think my favorite part was during one of the talks when one of the kids was trying to explain how Jesus is our Savior.  He said “God doesn’t want dirty people living in his house”  I loved it.  From the mouths of babes!

Ralph made several quarts of dill pickles – should be ready for Thanksgiving.  He also made a sweet spicy pickle.  Kind of like a bread and butter, but with a little “hot”.  I can’t wait to try them. 

My stamp club activity on Saturday went well – two of the gals had to leave early to make it to other scheduled events and one wasn’t able to make it, but I think it was enjoyed by all.  The projects were cased from my fellow stampers.   Somdays there is just no need to reinvent the wheel.

Friends never fade by Wendybell

Stamps – Friends never fade, fabulous phrases

Ink – More mustard, Cajun craze, old olive,

Paper – Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso

Accessories – 1 3/8 square punch, small oval, more mustard ¼ grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals

Be Yourself – (idea taken from a sample at convention)

Stamps – Extreme elements, Smarty Pants, skateboarder

Ink – Garden green, stazon black, not quite navy, river rock, so saffron,

Paper – Not quite navy, garden green, basic black, whisper white

Accessories – star punch, antique brads,

Halloween Candy Wrappers – ideas all over the place

Stamps – Wicked Cool, All Holidays

Ink – Stazon Black

Paper – Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Spooky DSP, Daffodil Delight

Accessories - black lace, large oval punch, scalloped oval punch, bitty bat punch, smooch accent ink, 1¼ in Circle punch

Oh my Finger - Oh my thumb...

Oh my belly, Oh my bum!  
Actually none of those really hurt, but my face is tender from sitting in the sun for 4 hours Saturday watching my Utes play football.  And in case you were wondering - yes I used sun screen,  (You should see Ralph's face and knees - very red)  My Hams and inner thigh muscles hurt because I have started doing my Jillian Michaels exercise dvd again. I feel plump today (all those goodies last week) and my brain hurts - too much going on in the gray matter today.  I am tired because I didn't sleep well because I hurt and now I have to start thinking about how to tackle all my assignments starting today.

I went to the scrapbook expo on Friday - It sure was easy to get caught up in all the goodies they sell there.  Fortunately I was able to resist and realized once I was home and had a sleep on it - I didn't need anything I thought I wanted.  I stopped by several tables to watch the avid scrapbookers at work. Tables were covered in snacks, papers and scrapbooking stuff.  One lady even brought a portable crib so she could scrapbook and take care of her baby.  They Expo stays open until midnight and then opens bright and early the next morning.  My O My - these people definitely have a zeal for their hobby.

Have I told you how much I enjoy Fall and Football season? Ralph and I had so much fun on Saturday watching the game and being out of doors.  The weather could not have been better and I spent the better part of the day with my most favorite person it the world.  I love weekends like that!

Well enough reminiscing and off to tackle the tasks of the day.

Ta Ta for now.

 

First Game is a WIN and Coming out of the closet - again

OK – First things first – Utah Utes Wins over Pitt 27-24 in overtime. Our defense rocks! Our OL did a bang up job. Our special teams need work. We made lot of mistakes. Even though we won by a small margin and had several turnovers/mistakes we outplayed Pitt. I don’t imagine practice will be fun today. The team has a lot of talent and skills – they just need to be honed a bit.  (pictures pulled from the internet)

As I stood there yelling to distract the Pitt team and for our team to do well, just like the other 47,000+ attendees were doing, I wondered if the sound coming from my mouth was really making a difference. Would the damage to my vocal cords be worth it? Apparently I thought so. Ralph assured me that it was my voice that pushed the noise to the “edge” Ha Ha. It is not in my personality to sit still and be quiet when I feel so passionately about something. So – I don’t have much of a voice today. OH well – It was worth it.

So, I was talking with one of my BFF’s (name withheld) yesterday and found out she loves circus peanuts. I couldn’t believe my ears! We are not talking salted peanuts in the shell, but these orange marshmallow like candies shaped like a giant peanut. I confessed right then and there to her that I liked circus peanuts too. I don’t say too much to anybody about it because I get too much crap about it. Kind of like the crap I give to people who like “peeps” he he he. So, I guess you could call me a closet circus peanut eater. Not anymore! I will say they aren’t my first candy of choice – but I do like them. At this point I will be honest with you…There is not many types of candy I don’t like. (maybe those chocolate coins BLECH! oh yeah, and peeps)

I am so looking forward to the weekend and spending time with family and friends. It’s the best way to do it!

Ta Ta for now

Game Day

Oh my gosh I am so excited I have butterflies in my stomach.  Utah plays Pit tonight at 6:30 p.m.  We are picked to win, but not by much.  Oooh, I am so excited/nervous, I don't know that I will be able to get much work done.  I also know that if I don't focus in on work - the day is totally going to drag.  My boss - a fellow Ute is leaving at half day.  My goal is to leave work around 4 ish with plans to -  arrive home, change, drive to the the train stop,  catch the train to the stadium a little bit early so we can get an amazing corndog for dinner, that they sell at the stadium, and be in our seats for the game to start.  I know the corn dog is not on our diet menu, but my goal is to be super good today (no chocolate, crackers or starbursts) and with an hour of exercise during lunch, I can enjoy it without feeling guilty.   I also know stadium food is pricey and you don't normally get your money's worth.  But, we normally we don't indulge, and since this is the opening game and those corndogs are so good (so I have heard) we are going to splurge a bit.  It's all about the experience right?

Have a great day and
GO UTES!

Let's Get Ready to Rumble!

UTAH vs BYU
Can the Utes pull this one off?  I don't know, but I hope they give it everything they've got.  No Penalty's!!!  Wynn - Keep warm, don't be intimidated.  Defense - Stay tough and Stay open, with a little pressure, Max might pass it to you.  Offensive line - Protect your quarterback!  Ref's keep your eyes open - no dumb calls you could cost us the game!  I am excited - and hopefully we (me) can be good sports about it, no matter which way the outcome goes.

Not a lot to update - Riley was like a 2 year old yesterday.  "Please hold me, please pet me, please hold me, please take me outside, please hold me."  Just gotta love him though.  He had a great little nap yesterday.  Caught a picture of him.  I am not quite sure how he kept his balance, but he was quite comfortable.  It has been cold enough, if no one will hold him, he gravitates towards the heat vents to keep his nose warm.  Funny little dog.

I will finish decorating for Christmas and making my cards.    Have a great day.  Ta Ta for now.

Go Utes!

Monday Musings

Oh my gosh...my house is full of smoke!  I can't breathe anymore. Cough, cough sputter cough.  Don't you fret though... my house is not on fire.  We made steak and guiness pie yesterday and had a spill over in the oven.  We turned the oven on to roast some veggies to have with dinner tonight and now we have smoke everywhere.  Oh well...at least the roasted veggies will taste good.  It is so cold outside I don't really want to open the doors to circulate air, but I don't have a choice.  I now smell like a fire pit.

Thanksgiving is three days away.  I am looking forward to some time off. 


Today, I felt like all I did was tread water.  I didn't get a lot of progress made towards getting my work done for month end reporting, but I did get all my phone calls answered today.  Ok...I didn't answer the call that came in at 4:30 p.m.  I just couldn't take another research issue on today.  Don't worry, if you would have called I would have answered.

This weekend is the biggest football game ever.  Utah Utes vs TDS.  It is the topic of conversations everywhere.  Even elementary schools are having a "wear the colors of the winning team" day.  Didn't know 5 year olds even cared.  I can hope that the Utes have their game on and that Max Hall gets rattled. I am excited to watch the game.

Signing off for the evening.  Ta ta for now.

A Utah Man am I - and a completely lazy day.

We were supposed to wake up to a bunch of snow this morning.  When I finally decided to roll out of bed, it was to sunshine and a skiff of snow on the rooftops.  The outlook for the day was great.  Ralph even checked the weather report and we were not supposed to have any more snow.  Well...our not so accurate weather forecast was a little late.  The snow hit about 11:00 and it didn't stop until about 3:30.  It was a cold day.

Not such a great day for my Utes, but TCU has one awesome team. Onward Texas Christian Soldiers! I hope they get a great BCS bid. I also hope that Kyle & Co spend some time on the flight home gently reminding the team of how absolutely horrible it feels to receive a beat down like they did AND that they put it behind them and finish the regular season with an absolute hunger that results in a beatdown of SDSU and again in Provo the following week. Shoot, I hate losing! Anybody who say's winning isn't everything has never lost.

I got absolutely nothing done today. It felt good to be lazy, but I know I will look back and wish I would have utilized my weekend time a little better. I was going to finish Mar's projects and get them ready to mail and I was going to work on my Christmas card and a couple of birthday cards. Didn't get any of it done.  I think I was anxious for the football game start.  Kind of silly, but I can't help it. 

Ok I did get a few things done. I did get Riley out for a walk in the snow. He was begging to go until I opened the door.  He saw all that white stuff and put on the 4 leg stop. He was not going out.  I didn't give him a choice and he felt better for it - plus I don't have a mess on the floor.  I also made a great beef stew, you know...the kind with chunks of potato, carrot, celery, onion, tomato and beef.  I also made breadsticks to have with our stew.  It really hit the spot on a cold and snowy day. I am not ready for cold snowy weather.

I think tonight will be an early to bed night.  I need the extra sleep. 


Ta Ta for now.

A Utah Man am I and other ramblings

I love going to football games - even in the rain.  My Utes sure made me nervous today.  We were able to outlast the AFA Falcons and we won 23-16 in OT.  I say outlast because that really is how the game went.  Our offense is not doing so hot, our defense kept us in the game and the Refs ...well we won't talk the details about them.  In short...they missed some rather obvious calls that could have been game changing calls.  Anyway a win is a win.  Go Utes!  We won't mention much about the team down south except to say Max Hall was sacked 5 times and the they didn't win today.  TCU has a great team.  Go Frogs!

My crazy weekend almost over.  I was thinking that after sacrament meeting tomorrow I would be able to catch my breath, but Ralph informed me that the young men are coming over tomorrow evening.  Oh yes I almost forgot - we are hosting FHE on Monday for several friends.  So...no break.  Ralph is trying to get me to take Monday off of work, but with it being the last week of the month I have to bust my hind end to get all my work and requests in - no dice.  Sorry DH - I will do my best to be of help.

The stamp all night activity last night went ok.  Not as well attended as expected, but I think next time will be bigger and better.  Those that did attend had a great time.  In fact, it hit about 11:30ish and I had one gal still here working on her projects.  I said  - Wow, I am exhausted, are you?  Thankfully she caught the hint and I was in bed by 12:30 - alarm set for 7:30 a.m. so that I could get moving again.  You know...there is just something wrong with having to set an alarm for Saturday morning. 

The RS Super Saturday is over. Yea!  I had all these really cute older ladies that wanted to paper craft.  Requires a lot of babysitting - but they were so cute I didn't mind.   I will post pictures of what we did.

One more week until Mom and Mar come to visit.  Thank goodness they are easy guests to care for.  As long as I have a stash of diet coke and herbal tea, I am good to go.  : )  I am actually very excited to have two of my favoritist people to hang with. 

Well, I can't keep my eyes open anymore and Riley is telling me it is time to go to bed.  (he won't go by himself)
Sleep well.  Ta ta for now.