I Still Believe In Santa Claus

(This is a real letter from 8 year old Virginia to an editor of the NY Sun, dated September 20, 1897, and his response to her).

"Dear Editor--I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, 'If you see it in The Sun, it's so'. Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?" - Virginia O'Hanlon

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the scepticism of a sceptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no child-like faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood. - Francis P. Church, Editor, NY Sun

Just as I cannot see Christ with my eyes nor did I witness His birth nor His death on my behalf and yours, I KNOW that He lives!!! That He did die for me and for you. I celebrate in His gift to us, the gift of redemption, that we can live with Him again. I celebrate the priceless gift He was to us, from a Heavenly Father that loves us more than we know.

Remember the reason for the season.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Amy's Birthday: The Musical

Birthdays can be a little less forgiving with each passing year and sadly I look forward to them less and less. I really try to not let them bother me and make the most of them if I can.

This year, my birthday started out emotionally handicapped but thanks to some very amazing people in my life, it was absolutely fabulous! Who knew that spending my big evening in my p.j.'s surrounded by my wonderful friends, singing along to Mama Mia (and annoying the crap out of Lori) could be the freakin' time of my life!? What more could this birthday girl ask for?

A GIANT THANKS TO....

- Job...I mean Carrie. thank you for the rather hairy and well endowed cake. You're freakin' hilarious! (Someone send me a picture). And thank you for not spreading your bad luck around. (I just checked and my tires are still holding air).

- Lori, thank you for offering to make French toast in bed...but then not actually following through. (No really, thanks for not spreading your bug. Get well soon.)

- Uyen and Michelle...for my greek dinner. :) mmmmm.

- KC, Mare, Lowder, Michelle, Stacie, Lori, Lingwall, Kelli, and Uyen...thanks for the cash! Can't go wrong with cash right?

- Michelle, thank you for the book, going to get a pedicure with me AND making my greek musical desire come true. That freakin' rocked! You always make the magic happen. How you do that?

- And a final thank you to my "icing on my birthday cake". You know who you are. You are too too sweet. Thank you for remembering and going beyond what was necessary or expected.

I'm a very blessed and loved birthday girl. You all rocked my 33 year old arse off! I don't need my life to be as happy as a musical as long as I have you all in my life.

America's New Bedtime Story

"Once upon a time there was a very happy couple. Their names were Freedom and Capitalism. They married and had many wonderful children. Their names were Independence, Self-worth, Hard work, Dignity, Charity, Faith and Hope. They all lived happily for many years and the children respected their parents and loved them both very much.

But Freedom and Capitalism later had several naughty children, very naughty. They weren't so respectful and never appreciated their parents. Their names were Wealth-Envy, Environmentalism, Animal-Rights-Activism, Racism, Feminism, Ultra-Liberalism. These evil children blamed their parents for everything and hated their parents' Freedom and Capitalism.

In fact, these unappreciative children began to hate their parents since they didn't realize their parents gave them everything they had and didn't realize that they wouldn't even exist without their parents. They hated their parents so much, they began to plot with their neighbors to kill their parents and to keep their home. Their neighbors' names were Socialism and Communism who on the outside were a very lovely couple but inside they were very, very ugly. They and their children, whose names were Despair, Poverty, Suffering, and Repression had been welcomed into every neighborhood they had lived in. But then thrown out after years of suffering and the loss of many lives.

So late one night in total darkness because Socialism and Communism did everything in darkness and the way from the light of the truth, while everyone was asleep, Wealth-Envy, Environmentalism, Feminism, Animal-Rights, by their younger obnoxious brother, Hollywood, disguised by Socialism and Communism and let them into the house, Freedom and Capitalism. It wasn't hard for the two parents, Freedom and Capitalism, always left their gates and their door open for everyone.

Wealth led the way because he knew the house oh, so well. The evil children led Socialism and Communism throughout the house, one room at a time. And one at a time they killed Hard-Work, then Dignity, then Independence, Self-worth, Charity and Faith. They finally found the room of Freedom and Capitalism and killed them as well. It wasn't hard to do, since Freedom and Capitalism always left their door unlocked and open for everyone. Only Hope survived. Hope survived hiding in the closet. She ran out during the ensuing celebration.

After Socialism and Communism moved in, things went well for a while but then they decided they didn't like Freedom and Capitalism's evil children, either. They wanted their own children to have the rooms in their new house. So late one night in total darkness because Socialism and Communism did everything in darkness and away from the light of the truth, they sent their children to kill Freedom and Capitalism's remaining evil children. Poverty and Suffering killed Environmentalism and Animal-Rights first, for they were so hungry, they had to kill all the animals for food and the trees for their wood. And besides, why should animals have rights if people don't? Hopelessness killed Liberalism, the retarded brother of Communism. Then Poverty, Suffering, and Repression killed Feminism, the retarded sister of Liberalism. And Hollywood, the young obnoxious son of Freedom and Capitalism, was also killed.

Finally, Wealth-Envy, who led the attack on his parents, died at the hands of Poverty since there was nothing left to envy.

So Socialism and Communism and their children, Poverty, Despair, Hopelessness, Suffering, Repression lived in the once beautiful home of Freedom and Capitalism which was now in great disrepair and they all lived sadly ever after. All that was left of the family of Freedom and Capitalism was Hope who was quietly hiding in the woods. The End." - Author Unknown

I Highly Reccommend....

It's at a local Red Box near you. I watched it last night. Its entertaining, facinating, freaky, and could easily piss you off. I think it will even make you smarter, or at least feel smarter. :) For the premise, click here.

So Good I Wish I'd Said It Myself

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot help little men by tearing down big men.
You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.
You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot establish sound security on borrowed money.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn.
You cannot build character & courage by destroying men's initiative & independence.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they can and should do for themselves.

- William J. H. Boetcker

Need Your Help

I'm looking to start my New Year's resolutions early. One being to stop eating large meals and to "graze" all day long instead. But I need your help...what are some easy "grazing" foods that you like that are ...

a) more healthy than not
b) easy for snacking on at work

Help a girl out and maybe Santa will reward you.

Things I am Thankful For In 2008

- Love.
- Childhood friendships renewed.
- Music. After being lost in talk radio, I rediscovered music and didn't realize how much I missed it. It makes me feel alive.
- Edward Cullen.
- Color.
- Running shoes who forgive me though they have been neglected. (I'm baaaack!)
- President Hinckley.
- Diet Dr. Pepper.
- My Ward. Its the land of misfit toys but they are all great examples to me of enduring the toughest trials, living faithfully and doing so with a smile.
- SHOES! They always make me happy.
- My father, who treats my mother with the most utmost love, adoration, and respect a human can give.
- America.
- My discovery of 40's music. I love it!
- Hearts that can heal. Sins that can be forgiven. Trials that can be overcome.
- The many examples of good and healthy celestial marriages in my life and the dream that I will have one someday.
- 2012.
- Inside jokes....galore!
- Santa Claus and Jordan Knight. Both remind me of my very perfect and happy childhood. Where's a time machine.
- Brave people, who do the hard and scary thing despite the resistance. They are great examples to me.
- Hair color. Lots of hair color.
- Uyen's return to Utah. Yeah!
- Dr. Carrie.
- The prophetic messages of the scriptures and the application in my life. Its scary.
- My Family. They have been surprisingly non-judgemental and supportive. I underestimated them. I love them so much!
- Gummy bears.
- Being a girl. Makeup, hair, heels, cloths, perfumes...I love it all (in a non-gay way).
- Rated G movies. They too can be VERY entertaining...and guilt-free...like Diet DP.
- Dublin (my cat). She lives on!
- My Savior and His sacrifice for little old undeserving imperfect me.
- Getaways...with friends and family.
- My new roommate.
- Pinesol (is it that wrong that its an aphrodisiac?)
- Family together forever.
- A rockin' live concert. Nothing can beat it.
- Forgiveness.
- "The Nice Ones" (you know how you are.)
- My employment. Not just because I have a job, but because I LOVE my job.
- Laughter. It heals.
- Scrabble.
- Second chances.
- The feeling of PEACE. We only tend to notice it when its gone.
- McKenna, Tyler, Kylie Sue, Anthony, Phoenix and baby Brough on the way.
- Our founding fathers who made brave moves to bring about the inspired path of this country.
- Yellowstone. Where God goes to get away.
- Ironport.
- The ever present, unceasing love of my Heavenly Father. He's always around, I've just never realized it until now.
- Charity. Its true, it has a healing affect on the soul.
- Stephenie Meyers for helping me prove that not only could I read, but I could read a lot! Its miraculous to say the least.
- My testimony.
- Unconditional friendships.
- FUN...my favorite three letter word.
- Capitalism. May it never ever go away.
- Gang Panang and smothered burritos.
- Hope, in the future.
- You.

Michelle & Amy Loved Them Some New Kids On The Block Last Night

For me...before there was U2, there was New Kids On The Block. After 20 years of waiting and ultimately giving up on a pre-teen dream, I FINALLY got to see my first favorite band in concert. Let's just say, it was worth the wait. We were not disappointed.

The highlights…

- Michelle and I spent the first two songs of the show….laughing! It was like “what in the crap are we doing here? Is this really happening? I'm so confused and so freakin' excited all at the sametime.” It was quite the surreal, hilarious and unbelievable moment. Then we joined in and got down to "The Right Stuff".

- I thought he lost it, but Jordan still has it.

(Jordan looks mad. He lost a button and oopsie, what a mess. A hazard of the job. I even caught this unfortunate experiance on video. See below.)- Danny still looks like a monkey … but he can break dance like a mad man! I freakin’ love break dancing.

- That Joey sure has grown up (except his voice still hasn’t hit puberty yet.) But he can sure dance...those "Dancing with the Stars" lessons really paid off.

- Poor little Jon is so shy, its obvious but he just oozes “nice guy”. At one point though, something happened that made him start laughing…he was trying to stop so that he could actually sing…but he couldn’t. We got a kick out of that. Wonder what was so funny? Maybe he was laughing for the same reason we were..."Am I really at a NKOTB concert?"




- Someone threw a shirt at Donny and he put it on for us all to see. It said “I heart Mormon Girls.”

Short of U2, I’ve never seen such a large production…
- moving stage
- pyrotechnics…LOTS!
- streamers falling from the ceiling
- about 7 costume change (I lost track). I thought costume changes were for female artists. I was wrong.
- back up dances and mucho choreography (Even Kanye West didn't have that.)
- a second hidden spinning stage at the opposite end of the floor in the middle of GA. It made our 9th row seats into 25th row seats for a few songs. The people who thought they had crap seats found that to be quite an amazing surprise, I‘m sure.

- I’m an experience concert goer, but this was actually my very first "boy band" concert. My ears have never been pierced by so much noise. Yes, 30-something women can still scream like teenage girls. Ouch! Michelle tried to warn me.

- Those nearly 40 year old New Kids can still dance…and they looked like they were really having a blast.

- A lot more guys in attendance than we expected. Some came dutifully with their dear wives/girlfriends. (Fletcher, I know you would have bit the bullet and came dutifully with me if it weren't for Michelle. I love your support. Thank you for being excited for me.) The others guys in attendance had to be gay or just not embarrassed about letting their guilty pleasure out of the bag. (Oooor it just occurred to me…maybe they were just there to pick up chicks. They had some good odds, but they probably underestimated the draw that is NKOTB. They had our full undivided attention.)

- Despite our 9th row seats, tall hand waving chicks, and my very average camera, I must say I took some amazing pics and video. I’m a dang good concert photographer…I’m just saying. Only problem is that apparently I’m a little bias towards Jordan. Old habits die hard.

There was a lesson to be had from this concert. I don’t have be embarrassed to be NKOTB fan anymore. We fans came out of the closet again in droves last night … dusted ourselves off and had the time of our life. There were a LOT of us...(crazy ones too.) So judge us, I don't think we care anymore.

Thanks you Michelle for snagging us some sweet seats after the first ones didn't work out. I had so much fun. And thanks for making me rush the stage at the end so we got to see the final three songs from the 2nd row. Awe. That is where we belong isn't it?

I wish that Lori, Staci and Liz would’ve been about to join our 12 year old fantasy come true. You know you wanted to. Maybe next time. New Kids said they’d come back...but if they wait 20 more years, the "right stuff" will probably be all the wrong stuff. "Please Don't Go Girl" will take on a whole new meaning...several, actually.

ONE LAST CONFESSION...we followed their tour bus all the way to North SL last night. HA! It was one of the funniest things I've ever done. Seriously, if we were 12, we couldn't have done that. We were seriously obligated to do so. Funny thing is....we weren't the only ones. LOL. There was like 15 cars following behind their slow bus going only 65mph with no other traffic around. It was painfully obvious what was going. The funny thing is that one car full of girls got so possessive of their #1 spot right behind the bus, that it was tailgating so close it was ridiculous. Another car was trying to get in front of her. HEADLINE: New Kids killed in tragic bus accident b/c of crazy fans fight for a LAME #1 tailgating position. They were serious...but we were doing it just for laughs. LMOA. It was great. Us Rocks! Thanks again Michelle...please don't kill me for this confession.

(Video: A snippet of "The Right Stuff"... sound is lame but they look like they are having fun and so were we.)

(Jordan Fan...this is the video for you. I'm pretty sure it was Michelle's fav part (a repeat from a show 20 years older) for obvious reasons.)

Classic "The Right Stuff" moves.

Its so on...again...tomorrow!

New Kids, E-Center, Row 9, with Michelvis....my inner 12 year old just squealed.

A super huge "THANK YOU" to....

Britta

Carrie

Fletcher

Michelle

Uyen

Your donation of time, money, and items to my Sub-For-Santa Charity Auction on Saturday, made it possible for us to reach our goal of $20,000!!!!!!!! This will benefit more than 160 children!!! Truly amazing what people can do when they put their mind to it.

I recognize you were supporting me just as much as you were this worthy cause. Many blessings be upon your heads! I'm truly indebted to you. We couldn't have done it without you.

Thank you so much!!!

If Obama wins, this will be my new look...

I haven't yet decided if it'll be because I'll need so much comfort food OR because Armageddon is nigh, so why diet and exercise? Either way, Jenny Craig will not be my friend...that freakin' capitalist.

I Need To Get Something Off My Chest...

OBAMA SCARES THE SHIZ OUT OF ME!

Its not that I just dislike Obama...HE SERIOUSLY SCARES ME TO DEATH! My strong emotions are based on the facts, even some words straight from the horses mouth. (Sources included).

1. OBAMA'S TRICKLE UP THEORY OF ECONOMICS (aka: Spread the Wealth Around). Obama said it himself, "I want to make sure that everybody who is behind you, that they've got a chance for success, too. My attitude is that if the economy's good for folks from the bottom up, it's gonna be good for everybody. I think when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody." That was from 2008 but it wasn't the first time he said as he did in 2001 on an Chicago radio interview.

He is completely against the American dream! I don't want to pay for someone else. I should be able to choose to whom I am charitable too. Not be forced by the government. NOR do I want some billionaire to pay one cent for me! I want to make it in America ON MY OWN.

Not only is Obama's trickle-up economics not fair but it will breed mediocrity in America. Why does America have the best health care, education, companies, etc. in the world? Because of capitalism. Capitalism goes away with an Obama administration. If working hard only gets your hard earned money taken from you and given to someone else, why work so hard? There is no incentive to be productive and to produce the best when efforts are shared with those who sat on their arse and did nothing. This (Socialism) has been tried in other countries (France, Sweden, etc.) and IT DOES NOT WORK. Mix this theory into a crap economy and PLOP...America is just another crap country that can't get by. America as we know it fails to exist with this single Obama policy alone.

2. OBAMA'S TAX POLICY. Obama's policy on tax cuts to "help the middle class" + $1 trillion in spending makes NO SENSE. First, the math doesn't add up. Someone is going to have to pay for this "bigger government" idea. Secondly, its not really a tax cut, its actually a "check" directly from Obama himself. Sounds like a payoff to me. Vote for Obama and get a check from him. A bribe. This bribe is suppose to be paid to "95% of Americans". Problem is that 40% of Americans don't even pay taxes. WHAT??? Again, spreading the wealth around. It just pisses me OFF!

3. OBAMA'S SPENDING: $1 trilling in spending for more government programs. We need smaller government, not bigger. Bigger doesn't work! It was tried in the 1930's with FDR'S meddling in the great depression. The Depression wasn't "great" in Europe. It only lasted 3 years there. But in the US, it lasted 10+ years because FDR/government insisted on being involved. BUTT THE HECK OUT OF OUR LIVES. Obama would walk in the same footsteps of FDR. We'd be doomed.

4. His foreign policies are a joke. I don't agree with "negotiating with terrorists". Its never been the American way yet Obama said he's sit across the table Ahmadinejad (Iranian terrorist President) who said he wanted to "wipe Israel off the map" and calls Israel "a stinking corpse". Terrorist men cannot be reasoned with. Where is the logic in it?

5. OBAMA'S SHADY ASSOCIATIONS WITH:
- ACORN (which is suppose to be a non-profit agency, who gets large amounts of government $$ YET is the #1 largest contributor to Obama's campaign AND is responsible for voter fraud). How does that work? Obama also was a community organizer for this shady organization who has signed up cartoons characters and dead people to vote. Nothing shady there right?

- TERRORIST BILL AYERS who says that he doesn't regret the terrorist action he took against the U.S.(his comments made in just the last few years, though bombing was in the 60's) AND also believes that children can be aborted up until the age of 2. WHAT? Obama likes to say that he was just a child when this attack took place, however, he's been hanging with this guy who doesn't regret is grievous anti-American actions. Obama even launched his run for the IL Senate on Ayer's front lawn. They seem pretty tight to me. HOW CAN WE DISMISS THIS?

- REV. WRIGHT, Obama's pastor for 20 years until it wasn't convenient for his run for the Presidency. Rev. Wright, who hates American, even damning America, preaches this sentiment and the Black Christian Ideology which states that the African American race is superior and still owed for the enslaved of their ancestors, just to name a few. How could one attend for 20 years and say that they don't believe? I'm no dummy. Obama himself is a racist as he church teachers. He says so in his own words (link herein). We need a President that is color blind. American's deserve that.

- MICHELLE OBAMA. She's anti-American and never has been proud of country until husband ran for President. That is her own words. Excuse me? She has an ivy league education...the best in the world and she's never been proud of her country before now? Cry me a frickin' river. I bet she didn't have to pay for it either. Why does she hate America so bad? Oh yah, refer to Rev. Wright above.

Mr. Obama, I say to you ..."Show me your friends and I'll show you your future." An future with Obama is not good.

6. DEMOCRATIC POWER HOUSE: With a democratic House(projected), Senate and president, Americans are sure to lose our 2nd amendment rights (to bear arms)in no time at all. Demo's have been itching to take that one from us for some time now. As soon as they have the power, its gone. Additionally, the Fairness Doctrine will be introduced with no chance of a fillabuster. There goes another American right...freedom of speech. (The democratic party has been hi-jacked by liberal leftists and Democrats should be pissed off.)

7. OBAMA'S CONSTITUTIONAL VIEWS: Obama says that the "constitution is fundamentally flawed". Excuse me? The Constitution foundation of America. Its been working for over 200 yeras and now its "FLAWED?" No, you're flawed Mr. Obama in thinking you are bigger than the US Constitution. No man is bigger than it. The Constitution has safeguards in place so that no one man is above anyone. Otherwise, its called a dictatorship. Sounds like democracy doesn't work for Obama. Wonder what he'll do about that if he gets the presidency and he can play puppet master with Congress.

8. OBAMA-CARE. Basically, its socialized health care. It doesn't work in Canada or Europe, why would it work here? They have already prove it sucked. Who would be that stupid? Oh yah, Obama. (For the record, McCain's policy stinks too.)

9. MEDIA WANTS OBAMA TO WIN. I nearly would not vote for Obama on the sole fact that its what the media wants me to do. What happened to unbias reporting? The latest being LA Times tape scandal in that they refuse to show the tape of Obama at a party hosted by a Neo-Nazi, Rashid Khalidi. Also, our enemies want Obama to be our president. Why? What is it that he will do or not do that will make them happy? Or an Obama administration will make America weak and susceptible to terrorist attacks. I don't know but I don't want to find out.

10. OBAMA'S JUDICIAL CHOICES: Obama said "We need somebody who's got the heart, the empathy to recognize what it's like to be a young teenage mom. The empathy to understand what it's like to be poor, or African-American, or gay, or disabled, or old. And that's the criteria by which I'm going to be selecting my judges." What happened to justice being BLIND. Isn't the little justice lady icon holding the scales of justice completely blindfolded? That wasn't a fashion statement. The reason for the blindfold is to signify that justice is equal for ALL. Not just who Obama thinks it should be applied to.

11. SECURITY OF U.S. UNDER OBAMA: It was once said by one of our founding fathers "If anyone thinks that security can exist without freedom then they do not deserve both and they stand to lose both." Under an Obama administration, we will lose freedoms and it will make for a weaker, frail, submissive America that will succumb to our enemies.

12. EXPERIENCE: From the time that Obama was sworn into the senate (Jan. 2005) to the time he formed his presidential campaign, he had only 144 days of experience...actual on the job experience. That is not enough experience for the promotion of the President of the U.S. (Note: McCain had just under 2000 days of experience.) McCain was a POW longer than Obama's been a Senator. Makes me go "hm".

13. OBAMA'S ABORTION STANCE: Out of his own mouth, Obama tells us why he is the most dangerous person in America to unborn babies. http://americaschoicenow.com/

14. TRICKY WORDS OF OBAMA: When he's not being a fence sitter, Obama is being very sly with his words. "He says, "I'll consider offshore drilling" and "I'll consider nuclear power," but the truth is, he already has, and he won't do those things. Sen. McCain will tell you where he stands, because he rather lose an election than deceive the American people." Even today, Obama said that he is against same-sex marriages but also against ending its practice in CA. Fence sitter? Um, ya. He's a chicken to share the truth. No matter your stance, Obama's non-stance is typical and its disappointing. We will only learn the truth of his intentions when its too late.

So, just a few reasons for my fear so is there any question to why I'm so FREAKED OUT? I wish I could say I felt better for unloading, but I don't. I hope that most Americans can feel in there gut that something "just isn't right" with this guy and they don't elect him.

If you need me, I'll be rocking myself in the shower curled in the fetal position.

(For the record, not one Glenn Beck reference.)

Guilty Pleasure

One thing that brings me the so much joy each night is America's Funniest Videos. Call me a simpleton...I fully admit when it comes to entertainment, I'm easily appease. No matter how many times I've seen an particular AFV episode, I laugh as if its the first time. Kids and silly pets are hilarious! Its my mental therapy. I can have the worst day of my life and my mood change 360 degrees within minutes. I've been tuning in 5 days a week for almost a year.

However, I was delivered a big blow last night...as I got word that this viewing pleasure will be discontinued effective November 1st. I am utterly devastated.

I blame Obama.

My Ty Guy!

I'm the proud aunt of Tyler...he just turned 5 years old this weekend and he's the most adorable 5 year old around!

My Ty guy was born without an ear. Well, he has part of an ear but nothing that resembles much of one. I know that his cute mom (my sister Ann) has been concerned about how kids would react to this set back. More importantly, how Tyler would handle their reaction (kids can be so mean). Well, just this past weekend, there was an exchange on the soccer field between some kid and Tyler about this particular subject. This is how it went down:

Ann: "Hey Ty, what was that kid saying to you at your soccer game?"

Ty: "He said that I had an ugly ear."

Ann: "Well that isn't a very nice thing for him to say."

Ty: "I know.... I thought he had an ugly face, but I didn't say anything."

Ann: (had to walk away because I was laughing so hard)


LOL. I think my lil Ty guy is going to be JUST FINE!!

Could Reality TV Get Anymore Awesomely Bad?

Well, maybe not "awesomely bad" but just ridiculously "lame". (Insert obvious hand motion here). I stumbled around the TV this weekend and discovered a new low in reality TV. That would be..."Paris Hilton's New BFF". Crap, I can no longer respect myself if I use "that hot" and now "bff"????? Again, LAME! (I clearly choose to be in denial about the Paris and Carl's Jr. affiliation. That is just asking me to give up way too much). So, you could guess but the premise of this show (maybe not a new show, but new to me, who knows) is for contestants to compete to be crowned as Paris's new "best friend forever". Of coarse there is the standard ridiculous challenge, and the big "who gets sent home" climax at the end of each episode. I fully admit to watching 20 minutes of this show out of pure train wreck curiosity. For a moment, it made me so sad for those poor pathetic contestants...and then I quickly rushed off to rocked myself in the shower.

Reality TV, why do you hate me?

Where is the Freakin' Accountability or a Gun?

Way to kick tax payers while we're down. I cannot BELIEVE the nerve of these people! I just read the report about AIG executives, who spent $440,000 on an "executive retreat" within a week of receiving a government bailout!!!! WHAT THE H??? The receipt on the hotel bill showed:

- $139,000 hotel rooms
- $147,301 banquets
- $23,380 undisclosed spa treatments
- $6,939 golf
- $9,980 room service, cocktails

ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDING ME????? Seriously, this is why we shouldn't bail out ANYONE! Let them all fail for their own mistakes and maybe they will learn. Yet, we just handed out $700B + $140B (in pork). Even with regs and standards to hold them by, WE CAN'T TRUST ANYONE to use OUR money responsibly ESPECIALLY IN FREAKIN' D.C. Mark my words, it'll be abused, like the bail out for AIG, and IT WON'T EVEN HELP our economic crisis! It just puts a damn Band-Aid on a gushing heart attack! Damn the Republicans! Damn the Demos! Its a freaking crock!!! I'm so freakin' pissed off! Our country has been hijacked by a bunch of douche bags in blue suits that call themselves "patriotic"! DAMN THE F-ING MAN!

(Looks like I've forgotten the messages of conference already...oops.)

Two Words...

TEAM EDWARD!!!!

R.I.P. Our Trip

I'm so sad my girls trip is over. I seriously got my world rocked! Great Music, Great Locations, Great Company. The only way it could've been better is if it was longer. Best part was that I was DAMN funny. Hardly a "Lamey" moment...just ask the girls! It wasn't just Mare and I laughing at my jokes. No, really....I'M FUNNY. SOME highlights.... - Multnomah Falls...where Michelle "poked a badger with a spoon". (Okay, it was a spider with a stick...we screamed nonetheless.) - Gummy Bears. - Lead singer of 'People In Planes'...nearly falling off the stage onto Uyen and I. He recovered, just in time to knock the lead microphone over on top of Michelle, Mare and Lowder. Michelle caught it and saved their lives. Typical Michelle heroin skills. - B.J.'s (mmmmmmmmmm) Bar & Grill. - Seeing Lowder "speechless" for the first time ever...at the sight of Kelly Jones (see how close we were!) - Making fun of "sassy" Uyen .... endlessly! - Voodoo Doughnuts "The Magic is in the Hole". Seriously the weirdest donuts I've ever seen and they are GOO-OD! Flavors like Tang, Coco Pebbles, maple and bacon, etc. Check them out www.voodoodoughnuts.com. - The rain and the very green trees. - "Car"oke. - Crazy homeless people. Why is this a highlight? We had so many laughs at the things that insane things that came out of their mouths. - Shopping, Shopping, Shopping, Shopping, Shopping. (Not to be confused with "jogging, jogging..."). - Just 2 hours from Forks...very surreal especially when reading about vampires in Seattle while actually IN Seattle. - and last but not least...Stereophonics!!!!!! Worse thing about our trip...damn tuberlance and that our trip is over. I love my girls!! I miss my girls...

TRIBUTE OF THE WEEK: Bono and Ms. Lowder

What? Okay, stay with me. So, Bono (and the boyz) introduced Michelle and I to a little British band called STEREOPHONICS. We were attending a few U2 shows at Madison Square Garden in 2001 and Stereophonics was the opening act. We were instantly fans!!!!

How does this relate to Lowder? Well, we introduced Lowder to their music and it was love at first listen. (It didn't hurt that she thought the lead was the hottest thing since Val Kilmer. ) Stereophonics made a stop here a few years...and Lowder was so excited to go with us to the show until she learned that she would be in Italy. Oops.

So, several years later, Stereophonics are finally back in the states, but not coming to Utah. So we MUST take Lowder to finally see them this weekend and that is exactly what we are going to do....in Portland AND Seattle. I'm quite excited because
1) I've always wanted to go to the Northwest...I've never been
2) A girls trip is always fun
3) I can't wait to see Lowder's face when she gets to lay her eyes on Stereophonics
....and well, a good concert is never to be missed!

So....thanks Bono and Lowder for having good taste in music...at least this time.... (Kanye, Kelis and Air Supply, Rascal Flatts are VERY questionable).

SIDE NOTE: Though we met Mare just last March, turns out she was at the two of the same Stereophonics shows that Michelle and I were at in the last 8 years. What a small freakin' world!!!! I think we were "nent to dee". Mare, I'm happy that we actually get to see them together.

"It Was the Event of the Year!" - says E!

Lori's b-day prom FREAKIN' ROCKED!!!!!!!

The prom planning committee really out did themselves. (Michelle, Uyen, Lowder, Mare). I know there was much blood, sweat and tears along with a lot of sleepless nights. WOW WOW WOW! Some highlights of the evening:

- Lori marching the dance floor yelling "hey" when couples paired off for a slow dance and her date was found dancing with someone else (Frew).
- Michelle's parents gettin' down to AC/DC with huge smiles.
- Jason "Crockett" Mayes showing his Miami Vice chest hair.
- The mass fascination with dance pictures....multiple pictures.
- Steve and Liz....nuff said!
- "Hammer Time" aka "Carrie Hanson".
- Lowder MC...Bob Saget has nothing on you.

Too bad real prom wasn't really that fun! Lori, thanks for cutting out on prom 14 years earlier so we could party like it was 1989.

Can't wait to see what the yearbook staff put together.

TRIBUTE OF THE WEEK: Britta (the Vixen) Vaughn

Where do I start? I seriously think that BV walks on water! Over the last few years, I have become better acquainted with this little gem. For the longest time I knew so much about her, but had never met her. It was upon meeting her that I felt like I had already known her a lifetime. I know she wasn't too sure about me at first because the only thing she knew (or could remember) about me is that I gave Spencer an arse kicking via email (Is it wrong that I am sorry AND still not sorry for writing him that?) Anyway, I believe I scared the crap out of her initially but I hope she's seen the real me and as long as she doesn't crosses me I won't need to pull out the big guns on her. (I kid).

Just a few things about my friend Britta:

- She is so amazingly beautiful! Her eyes are so genuine (How YOU doin'?) and she has the ability to tear down walls instantly and draw you in.

- Her kids are freakin' adorable! That little Elle (mini-Michelle) makes me laugh so hard!

- She has priceless perspective and wisdom beyond her years, for which she freely shares for the benefit others. I know that my life has personally been enlightened by her advice and knowledge.

- She's amazingly self-less. BV oozes genuine love, she's compassionate and cares for those she comes in contact with.

- Britta (and my sister Ann) are the most courageous mothers I know. How does BV make the chaos into magic? She gives me hope that one day I can take on work, children, husband, serving others, and the ups and downs of life and still survive...AND look so good doing it?

- What a unique personality! She has one of the most clever sense of humors I've ever encountered. I swear...the things that come out of her mouth some times...

- She and I don't have to be the bestest of bff's for her to be willing to be there for me and she has been.

- She is one of the most amazing women that I know and I'm so blessed to have her in my life.

The morale of the story: I hope I can always be on the "B-Side". Britta, thank you for what you've done for me and for just being so damn cool.

Fun With Lingy!!!

Lingwall and I had a good laugh over some internet t-shirts today. Here are some of my favs...(WARNING: Most likely to be lame but I laughed none the less. PS, Lingwall did too.)

I had an amazing weekend. It was just so fun and packed with entertainment...

1. SEPTEMBER. Need I say more?

2. LOWDER'S B-DAY DINNER. I love that Lowder and I love all my girls (those present and not present). They are all strong, amazing, beautiful and talented girls. They really do mean the world to me. I need their companionship and their lust for life. We are a dynamic group that cannot be duplicated.

3. MONTE TO PICASSO. I went to the this art exhibit at the U. I'm not an 'artsy' person but I could truly appreciate how amazing it is to have 70 masterpieces from some of the most amazing artists that have ever lived... and they are right here in Utah. Its a once in a lifetime opportunity! It would seem I was not the only one who thought that as it was PACKED! We stood in line for 30 minutes. There were yuppies and preppies, students, tattooed folks, seniors, families and even a few emos. It seems everyone was excited to see the works of Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Rodin, Modigliani, Gauguin, and Salvador Dali (my favorite of the exhibit). I have to admit...I felt pretty "sophisticated" for attending an art showing...though I did so in jeans. Oopsie. Carrie Bradshaw would be ashamed.

4. HOGEL ZOO. After some art, we went to the zoo. What a weird cultural mixing, but it was great! I hadn't been in years and the weather was perfect, the company was great....and the animals adorable (despite their smells)!

5. BRITTA'S. From what I hear, Britta's house is turning into "Cheers". People hang out there regularly, at all hours of the day/night, and "everybody knows your name". I think that makes Britta "Sam Malone". Does that make Lori "Cliff"?

6. NEW MOON. Yep, I finished New Moon. People that know me understand that this is monumental. Because it was the largest book I've ever read, I can't help but be inundated with thoughts of vampires and werewolves on a regular basis. In fact, I leaned over to Fletcher in sacrament meeting and whispered "I'm so glad you aren't a vampire." I was freezing from too much A/C and was pleased he wasn't adding to my chill with the lack of body heat.

7. SCRABBLE. After loosing about fifteen games of Scrabble in a row, I FINALLY WON! Me not stupid after all.

8. PALIN. After Romney lost the nomination, I have to say that I was a hopeless and not looking forward to this election at all. Enter Palin. She has re-energized me and woken me from my depressed electional state. I'm happy to actually to be passionate about this election once again.

Lookout Mo-Tab

So, I've decided to tap into my musical roots (I come from a very musically talented familia, though I am merely average) and I joined the UofU Institute Choir. Though this move could ultimately solidify my geek-dom, I feel obligated to my heritage to press on anyway. Okay, not really...I just love Christmas and I want to be able to sing Christmas carols in September. I could just follow my mother's lead and do it in the car and home all year long, but I don't want to climb that high up on the crazy tree. Just saying. And no, I am not the oldest in the class...just second oldest. :)

SNAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a speech!!!! What a speech.

Obama made a brilliant move when he chose Biden as I understand that Biden is an AMAZING debater...totally cutthroat!! But then McCain one up'd him. He made a move that would suffocate Biden's strongest attribute...he chose Sarah Palin. Now if Biden goes Kung Fu on Palin (though, after last night's performance, she seems like she could withstand such an attack), Biden will look like he's "attacking a woman" or "women bashing" and it could back fire on Obama and Biden. THIS, only adds to what just became a very unique election. For me, it just got real interesting.

Atomic Bombs

For someone that listens to the news too much and worries to much about what might be...I heard the most amazing quote that satisfies my inner optimist:


"If we are going to be destroyed by an atomic bomb, let that bomb when it comes find us doing sensible and human things -- praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts -- not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about bombs. They might break our bodies (a microbe can do that) but they need not dominate our minds." - C.S. Lewis

Brilliant!

Labor Day Weekend Winners & Losers

Winner: 3 day weekend. Score!

Winner: September...my favorite month rolled in the most amazing storm. I loved it!

Loser: My electric toothbrush seems to be possessed by an evil spirit. It turns itself on but it cannot be turned off. It just runs and runs til its dead.

Winner: Obama. I can now say that Obama and I agree on at least one thing. In a statement, he stated "I think people's families are off limits, and people's children are especially off limits." I agree with the later part of his statement about "children" being "off limits". Too bad his fellow liberal media fans didn't get his point.

Winner: New Orleans. Phew, that was a close one.

Winner: Me. I spent my Labor Day being laborious. I painted a room for the first time in my life and I did it all by myself. I decided to paint my bedroom "Soulful Music" which really is a midnight purple/blue...and I love it. I just high-fived myself.

Winner: Me again for having the most amazing family ever. I spent Sunday night with them and they are just so great. I love and miss them so much and need to make more time for them.

The Reason I Just Might Vote For McCain

SARAH PALIN...and it has nothing to do with her gender. I first heard about her in April and was really impressed. I'm glad McCain was wise enough to pick her. There is still hope for this conservative!!

Mother Nature Took One Too Many Happy Pills

So, I heard yesterday that there is apparently a huge influx in spiders this fall in Utah. This came from a new employee who was covered in spider bites (shudder). So, we got to talking and I found out a) I didn't know what a deadly Hobo Spider looked like and I should, they are pretty common b) there is apparently some really freaky spiders here in Utah. (i.e.: Brown Recluse, Rocky Mtn Recluse, and the new Salt Flat Spider).

This prompted me to visit my basement dwelling roommate (despite the fact that spiders love basements) Lori to discuss. We peeped around on the internet (just a warning, it's way freaking and makes you itch). However, we came across quite the "happy" little spider actually called the Happy Face Spider. They live in Hawaii. Now when you look at them, you're going to think that someone was bored and did some Photo Shopping....this is not the case. Do not be fooled...they are real. Maybe these spiders are just Bobby McFerrin fans (ba da bing). Okay, so only Mare and I are laughing on that one...or maybe just me. I'm lame.

Seriously, you've got to check them out: http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=happy+face+spiders&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2

Amy Has Left The Building

As most know, this has been the hardest year of my life (and I've had a few "very hard" years before). I haven't been one to use my blog as a means to share my vulnerabilities as others have...but I guess true to form with my "new" blog, I'm making a change where that is concerned...well, at least today.

I have heard it several times ... "Amy, you are just not you lately". Well, the truth of the matter is that the old Amy is never coming back. One doesn't travel through hell, fire and brimstone and look the same on the other side. Its unreasonable to expected that of me. I truly hope to come out better and stronger for the tough journey and the hard lessons learned but that does take time. Moral of the story is...old Amy is never coming back. New Amy hasn't yet arrived...but she will.

CORRECTION: I would be terribly remissed if I didn't also note that I've also had amazing and great experiances in the last year. I've had great love, countless blessings, and spiritual insight that have shaped me. To overlook those things would be a great sin. These things are what drive me through the tough times when I don't think I can't make it.

What the Change?

This change of hostess is brought to you by...

- An itch for change...and its less devastating than a spontaneous hair cut.
- Britta, who has the most creative and darling blog and I hate her for it.
- Reluctancy to work. Its Friday for crying out loud!
- Nora Roberts, who often writes under the alias of J.D. Robbs (fellow trashy novel readers already know this).
- If the "artist formally known as Prince" jumped off a cliff, I just might too.
- The REAL REASON: "Blogger" took away my creative freedom with a technical clinch. Achtung Amy is dead.

On the BV-side: Yes, I fully admit to copying master blogger Britta Vaughn with my fancy signature. I like to think of it as following being tuned in to a new fashion trend rather than a form of plagiarism but a hero can't be a hero, without a hero right?

Here is to curing the itch. BV, you rock.