Siobhannie...

I celebrated my birthday...

2012-02-07T20:05:00.002-07:00

...by going to

Fabulous Las Vegas.

A trip was planned.

It was completely

coincidental

that it was

the same weekend

as my 35th birthday.

I went with some

fantastic ladies:

Bobbi, Jackie,

Josselyn, and Phung.

The trip included

all the usual:

talking,

shopping,

eating,

shopping,

laughing,

shopping,

and

more shopping!

I'd tell you more,

but everybody knows

"What happens in Vegas,

stays in Vegas!"

Introducing the new...

2012-01-29T21:29:00.000-07:00

...Mr. and Mrs. Jakins.

It's official.

The Jakins family has a new member.

Fabian and Shaela were married

January 28, 2012

in Tooele, Utah.
The ceremony was beautiful,
the couple is adorable,
and the cupcakes were delicious!
And to top it all off,
the weather was amazing!
(I'm not sure that Shaela's family
from Arizona would agree with me,
but for Utah, in January,
it just doesn't get any better!)
It was fun spending the weekend
with the majority of my family.

I loved meeting Shaela's family.

I can tell that they are as excited

to have Fabian in their family

as we are to have Shaela in ours!

Much love, happiness,

and all my best wishes

to the happy couple!!

Love you guys lots :)

Once in a while...

2012-01-24T20:53:00.000-07:00

...I am actually poetic.

I have never considered myself

a "creative" person.

I am not musical,

as random strangers might think

(see my previous post).

I don't draw.

Even stick figures can be tricky...

But don't get me wrong,

I do have my moments.

Color Me Mine

has been good for me

because it allows me

to show off some of my

finer artistic creations.

As far as writing goes,

I don't have much to say,

unless you count

my ramblings

on this blog.

Several years ago

I penned the following

and still to this day,

it brings a smile to my face.

You
We sat,

Sat and talked,

Talked about nothing,

Nothing that really mattered,

But it mattered to me,

Because it meant that we were

Together.

Thanks for allowing me to share

my very limited talents.

I'm just a...

2012-01-13T12:57:00.003-07:00

...kid at heart.

Sometimes I am just like

a 4-year-old.

My favorite things
to eat/snack on are:

grilled cheese sandwiches,

or peanut butter and jelly,

string cheese,

raisins,

cheerios,

grapes,

crackers,

chocolate milk,
cookies,

and otter pops.
If I am ever tired or hungry
I want to throw a temper tantrum.
I need a nap once in a while.
I love picture books,
and puzzles.
Sometimes I just want
my mom and dad
to tell me a story.
I want to live in a castle.
Sometimes I am afraid of the dark.
I want everyone to like me.

I wonder if I will ever
grow out of this stage?

Sometimes I talk to strangers...

2012-01-08T19:37:00.007-07:00

...but only because they start talking to me.

Right before Christmas,

I was on my way to a celebration

with some good friends,

and I had to make a quick stop.

I had the following very strange conversation

with an older gentleman and his friend

at the local Dick's Market

as I was finishing up my purchase.

*****

(I'm pretty sure I was laughing the whole time!)

Older Man: Excuse me, can we talk to you for a second?

Me: I suppose.

OM: My friend and I were just noticing

that you have a presence about you.

(That would be my yellow boots talking.)

I would be willing to bet that you play

at least one, possibly two, musical instruments.

M: No sir, I do not.

OM: No piano? Violin? Do you sing?

M: I don't sing or play the violin.

I did take piano lessons for a short time,

but that was years ago.

I just never took the time to practice...

(and we didn't have a piano...

but that's besides the point...)

OM: Oh, well, then I bet you were a

straight-A student in school.

M: Actually, no, I was an awful student.

I never did my homework...

(and sometimes I didn't go to class...)

OM: I bet you made your mother cry.

M: That is definitely possible,

but I hope she's over it by now!

(It was a long time ago!)

OM: Did you participate in any school activities?

M: I was in Debate for a while

and I was pretty good at that.

(Arguing can be fun! - especially when I win!)

OM: I would never have guessed that...

Hope you enjoy the rest of your evening.

M: Yes sir, you too!

(I really called him sir...)

*****

The moral of the story:

You just never know when someone

is going to call you out on your accomplishments.

(or extreme lack thereof!)

I'm working...

2012-01-04T19:49:00.001-07:00

...on making a comeback.

To my blog.

It's been far too long

since I've subjected you to

my ramblings.

So be on the lookout.

Funny things are on the way.

You've been warned.

I've made a new friend...

2011-05-01T22:28:00.001-06:00

...and it's name is Pina Colada Slurpee.

Life can be filled with challenges.

Some days are just rough and

occasionally we

suffer disappointments.

When this happens,

you have to find joy

in the simple things.

Jen and I went to 7-Eleven

on Friday night and got

Pina Colada Slurpees.

Oh boy.

That is a tasty

and refreshing treat!

In fact,

my very first thought

when I woke up

the next morning was

"I want a Pina Colada Slurpee!"

We had inventory this weekend at work,

and my treat to myself after working

12 hours on a Saturday

was my new favorite treat.

You guessed it:

a Pina Colada Slurpee!

So so so yummo!

If you haven't tried it,

you should go as soon as possible.

Let me know when you are going,

and I will come with you!

Please! And thank you!!

Getting ready for...

2011-03-26T12:33:00.001-06:00

...Match Day!!

Soccer season is here!

Finally!!

Today is the home opener for

ReAL Salt Lake.

They are facing

David Beckham and

the LA Galaxy.

I am so excited :)

I think it's gonna be a sold-out game!

Definitely a bonus to being a

season ticket holder

is not having to worry about

being able to get good tickets!

The only problem with soccer matches

is that sometimes the weather

is not very co-operative.

Because the weather

can be so unpredictable,

I have a large checklist of things

I need for the game:

Ticket - check.

Poncho - check.

Leggings for under my jeans - check.

Long-sleeve tee - check.

ReAL shirt - check.

ReAL pullover - check.

ReAL cap - check.

ReAL scarf - check.

Soccer bracelet - check.

Gloves - check.

Blanket - check.

Jacket - check.

Little hotties - check.

This list should also include

a healthy dose of team spirit - check!!

Andrew brings the cowbell,

to signify our joy when we score!

Hopefully we will use it tonight - often!

Tonight's game also features

an announcement of a winner

for the Food challenge.

The stadium is looking for a

new food item to sell

and they requested

game favorite recipes from fans.

Andrew and Elise

make this yummy treat

with tortillas, hashbrowns,

bacon, and sour cream,

and I convinced Andrew to enter.

He is one of three finalists!

I am keeping my fingers crossed

that he is named the winner!

How cool would that be?!

And if he does,

you are welcome!

Now - bring on the game!

Ole, ole, ole, ole,

ReAL Salt Lake!!

There is nothing boring...

2011-02-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

...about board games.

With the right group of people,

games are just about as fun as it gets!

Last night was one of those nights.

It was so much fun hanging out with

Matt, Katherine, Richard, Sharifa and Steve.
My face hurt from laughing so much!

We started out by enjoying a

delicious dinner at Kneader's.

I love the Turkey Avocado Bacon

on Focaccia bread.

I also love that I eat the leftovers

for breakfast the next day.

Yummo!
We went back to Steve's and
played a couple of really fun games.
Smart Ass is a trivia game,
Sometimes you just feel dumb
while playing, but it's still loads of fun :)
Loaded questions is the
classic game of "Who Said What?"
There is a lot of laughter involved
while trying to guess
how everyone answered the question,
and as we learned last night,
sometimes finding out how people
really feel might be a deal breaker...
I'm glad Matt and Sharifa could bond over winter,
so the "Grateful effing Dead" comment
doesn't have to be the end of their friendship!
Good food + fun friends = great night!
Next on my list of games
I want to play is Mad Gab.
Any takers?!

Pictures from...

2011-02-27T16:07:00.000-07:00

...Color Me Mine.

These are my latest creations.

Aren't they cute?

I definitely think so.

And thanks to Sabrina

for the awesome stand

so I can show them off :)

Color me happy...

2011-02-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

...at Color Me Mine!

I definitely am not,

nor will I ever be,

very artistic.

Let's face it:

drawing stick figures

is a stretch for me.

But I have found a way

to let my inner artist

be expressed.

Color Me Mine

is my favorite form of therapy,

and a little therapy never hurts!

I have been several times now

and each time I leave

I feel happy and content.

I was able to go yesterday with

Cindi, Jen, Stacie, and Steve.

It was the end of a long week,

and being able to sit and chat,

sometimes quietly,

sometimes not so much,

while working on our pieces

was just what the doctor ordered.

The first time I painted a

mini round chip and dip bowl,

the second time I painted a

mini square chip and dip plate,

but I'm most excited about

what I made last night.

I made a chip and dip platter,

and a small square plate.

I planned out the colors to use

on the chip and dip platter

very carefully, and then,

with a helpful suggestion from Steve,

I added a few colors,

and some polka dots :)

When I was all done with that

I used reckless abandon

to paint the small square plate

with the same colors.

I can't wait for the platter,

and the plate will just be an added bonus,

no matter how it turns out.

I might even throw a party

to celebrate :)

It's my party...

2011-02-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

...and I'll cry if I want to.

Birthdays are fun.

And I celebrated one this week.

I spent the first few days of February

doing things just for me.

On Tuesday, I renewed

my drivers license.

What a hassle that turned out to be.

Except for the fact that it's

the worst picture ever,

I'm really glad I don't have to

do that again for a while!

On Wednesday, I used a gift certificate

that I got for a Christmas,

and treated myself to a pedicure.

I'm so glad Josselyn got to come too!!

Thursday turned out to be really great.

My office was decorated,

lots of people said Happy Birthday,

everyone was so kind about

saying how I young I still look,

and we had cheesecake for breakfast.

Yummm, yummm, yummm!

I received oodles of messages on Facebook,

and lots of birthday phone calls.

Josselyn was kind enough to make me

a special birthday dinner,

complete with a Tiara.

I was, after all, the birthday Princess :)

Dinner was fabulous, and so was dessert.

Confession: I have eaten leftover

pineapple-upside-down cake

for breakfast every day since then.

I took Friday off from work so I could

treat myself to a sleep-in morning.

It was well worth it!

I went with some friends:

Josselyn, Damien, Jen, Cindi and Steve,

to lunch at my favorite sushi place,

Ahh Sushi.

I have received some really good gifts,

but the one that made me cry was given to me

by Jen, Cindi, and Steve.

I am eligible to apply for American Citizenship

this year, but I have to save up some $$$.

My friends got together and started

a little American fund for me.

I am one lucky girl!

*The fund will remain open for donations,

if anyone else is interested :)*

After lunch, Josselyn and I went shopping.

I got some great deals.

I went to Kohl's and used another

gift card I was given for Christmas.

For only $20.73

I got 2 shirts, and 2 skirts,

and saved $92.42.

And I still have some money left on the card.

That's what I call good shopping!

I finished off my birthday week

by getting my hair done on Saturday.

Nothing beats being pampered!

The best part of all this is that

I still have a family birthday party

next weekend to look forward to.

Thanks to everyone

for helping make this

my best birthday yet!

I love you all!

I'm particular about...

2011-01-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

...the pens I use.

Especially at work.

I use a black pen for general notes.

I use a blue pen for signing documents.

And I use a purple pen for writing on

intercompany envelopes and

for recording tracking numbers

and shipping charges on the

Bill of Ladings I ship out every day.

I am a creature of habit

and I like my routine just the way it is.

Recently, this routine was disrupted.

I left my desk for about 15 minutes.

and when I returned,

I could tell something was off.

It took me some time to figure out

that my purple pen was missing!

I discovered that while I was gone,

someone had picked up

some paperwork,

and had walked away

with my purple pen.

I was not happy.

I know it's just a pen,

but I've been using it for a long time.

I was out of sorts for a few days.

I tried going without the purple pen, but

I found myself looking for it,

and missing it all the time.

I purchased a new purple pen and

all was right in my work world.

Last week I left work early

to start my weekend off right

with a half day Sushi Friday.

On Monday morning, I picked up

my purple pen to record a

tracking number and shipping charge.

I was fairly certain I was seeing things.

My purple pen was not purple.

It was orange!

As much as I am not a morning person,

I raced out of my office to ask

Sabrina if by some chance

she had accidentally

switched pens with mine.

She agreed for a minute

that it was her pen,

but then she took it back.

By this time Natascha was laughing,

so I knew she had something to do with it.

It only took a few seconds

for me to get my purple pen restored

to it's natural state.

I have to say,

I think this is probably one of

the funniest practical jokes

ever played on me.

Well done, Natascha and Sabrina.

You got me.

And poor Jodie.

She won't go into my office unless

she has her own pens with her.

It's probably better that way.

Like I said,

I'm particular about my pens,

and it's best not to mess with them.

But just in case,

I now have a spare purple pen in my purse.

For everyone's sake,

I hope I never have to use it.

A special thanks...

2011-01-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

...to Jen for doubling my music collection!

Recently, my computer crashed.

I hate when things like that happen.

Technology can be fantastic,

but there are times when it

just conspires against you,

or maybe it's just me?!?

Anyway, it had been a while since

I backed up my iTunes

so I lost almost everything!

But Jen came to my rescue.

We had plans to go see Guster,

one of my favorite bands,

and I mentioned that I had lost

all my Guster music.

Jen copied over some music,

including Guster, of course,

and when I went to load it

on my computer I noticed

that it doubled my collection.

Honestly, it's not hard to

double something when there is

very little to start with,

but it sure made me happy :)

(If anyone has music to share,

please feel free to do so.

I am open to growing my collection.)

The concert was spectacular.

They started off with my favorite song,

Barrel of a Gun,

and ended with an acoustic encore

which was a pretty awesome way

to end the evening.

I think a good time was had by all.

Not really surprising since

I was hanging out with

Jen, Cindi, Tracy, Lisa, and Stacie.

With a quick side note to the couple

standing in front of us

who spent the entire show making out:

I can think of cheaper make-out dates!

Next time, please stand somewhere else.

So, thanks to Jen for allowing me

to continue enjoying the sounds

of Guster after a worthwhile evening

spent in their great presence.

p.s. If I have a choice between watching

the Australian Open

or the Golden Globes...

the Happy Slam wins.

Sorry Ricky Gervais,

Sam Querrey is more

entertaining to watch than you.

p.p.s. Thanks to Jen for posting

the picture of Guster playing their final song,

which I shamelessly stole to post here.

One week down...

2011-01-09T18:11:00.000-07:00

...and all I'm asking for

is a little sunshine!

The beginning of the new year

always seems bleak:

Back to working full weeks,

no more holidays,

family get-togethers,

or vacations for a while.

Gloomy weather only

adds to the dreariness.

But just when it seems hopeless,

the sun comes out,

the sky clears,

it's blue skies and

crisp air all around.

It's a new start,

a chance to make the

best of things,

to appreciate the goodness

that is all around

if we just open our eyes.

It's the perfect time to say

Hello World,

this is gonna be my year!

All I'm saying is that

the sunshine makes it easier.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star...

2011-01-02T22:18:00.000-07:00

...How I wonder

what lies ahead for

the new year!

It's hard to believe that

2010

has come and gone.

There were highs and lows,

ups and downs,

smiles and frowns,

laughter and tears,

busy days and fun-filled nights.

I came away with a

greater appreciation for

family,

friends,

work,

home,

transportation.

This year I want to

remember

the good times

and focus on making

every day

the best day!

Bring it on, 2011!

Summer makes me want...

2010-07-06T07:29:00.000-06:00

...to play tennis!!

I'm not very good,

and sometimes it's hard to

find someone to play with,

so I content myself

with watching

some of the most amazing

athletes battle it out.

There are four major

tennis tournaments

every year, and I would

love to go to each one,

just once in my life.

In January,

the Australian Open

is played in Melbourne.

This is played on a hard court.

The winners this year were

the legendary Roger Federer

and Serena Williams.

Next up is

the French Open,

held at Roland Garros,

in Paris, France.

This tournament is played on clay

around the end of May.

The winners were

the exciting Rafael Nadal

and Francesca Schiavone.

Wimbledon,

played on grass at the

All England Lawn and Garden Club

outside of London,

concluded this weekend.

Both Rafael Nadal,

and Serena Williams

received their second

titles of the year.

The last major event

of the year is

the US Open

played on decoturf at the

National Tennis Center

in Flushing Meadows,

New York.

I can't wait for the beginning

of September to get this

party started and to see

if Roger Federer

and Kim Clijsters

can repeat their wins

of last year.

Until then,

if anyone wants to play,

just let me know.

I've got rackets and a

bucket of balls.

p.s. I know I'm a geek,

but that's just the way it is :)

And that's how...

2010-06-27T22:44:00.001-06:00

...we roll!

My new favorite tradition is

Half-day Sushi Fridays!

My friend, Josselyn, and I

went to Ahh Sushi

for my birthday in Febraury.

We decided that we needed

to go every other month.

So, when April rolled around

we were back for more,

this time accompanied by

Josselyn's husband, Randy,

who doesn't even like sushi,

he just claims to enjoy the company.

Whatever!

That day, we decided that

more was better, and this

needed to be a monthly occasion.

In May, Josselyn's Aunt Voi

came with us, and this month,

we were joined by Randy,

and Josselyn's mom, Laurita.

We have enjoyed such rolls as

the Sunset, the Caterpillar,

Mt. Fuji, Funky Vegas,

Playboy, and the Confidential.

I'm already excited for

our July excursion,

which will be on a Tuesday

in celebration of Josselyn's birthday.

There is an open invitation.

You are all welcome

to join in the fun

and share the joy.

The more the merrier.

Let's make it a party,

and let the good times roll!

Have you ever been...

2010-06-22T11:06:00.002-06:00

...Busted?

There is a new crime-fighting magazine

in Salt Lake and Utah county.

It's called "Busted."
Pictures of people who have
recently been arrested or
who are non-registered sex offenders
are published here and can be
yours, for only a dollar!

My friend Stacie and I

were on our way to see

Mr. Bradley Cooper

in "The A-Team,"

when we were stopped

for an interview

about this new magazine.

I was laughing the whole time,

but Stacie managed to say

something intelligent enough

to get us on the news!

Click here to read the story.

For more fun, play the video clip

to the right of the story.
Hope your picture doesn't
end up in the magazine
or you'll be as famous as me!
For Stacie's perspective,
click here.

Two things I can't eat together are...

2010-06-05T23:59:00.000-06:00

...peanut butter and chocolate.

I know, I know!

Most people find this weird.

I can't help it.

I've tried - more than once,

and I just don't like it.

Don't get me wrong.

I like Peanut Butter,

and I love Chocolate,

just not together.

I'll even eat peanuts with chocolate.

There's just something about

chocolate and peanut butter.

Peanut butter is not dessert.

It's easy for me to say no

to peanut butter bars,

Reese's anything,

and don't even think of putting

peanut butter in rice crispy treats!

But I tried something new.

A snickers fudge bar.

And I liked it.

The description says:

Snickers Fudge

with peanut butter nougat & peanuts

wrapped in milk chocolate.

I was nervous to try it,

but I'm happy to report,

I would definitely try it again.

Do you ever get sucked in...

2010-05-25T21:05:00.006-06:00

...by infomercials?
I do, I admit it.
For some reason at 1, or 2, or 3
in the morning
everything sounds
Amazing! Fantastic!
Can't live without it!
And for ONLY 3 easy payments
of $19.95, plus S&H,
it's yours!
Hence the reason
Zumba
is now one of
my favorite things to do.
I didn't actually give in
and buy the DVD's,
but I did find out
that they teach classes
at the local rec center.
I talked a couple of people
into coming with me,
and I think we'll all agree
that it's definitely a good time!

Where have I...

2010-05-17T22:50:00.012-06:00

...been hiding?
Back in the day
(and by that, I mean up until
a little over 2 months ago),
I used to run through
a list of blogs daily.
It started with Cakewrecks,
and grew to include
NieNie, CJane,
The Spohrs Are Multiplying,
and of course,
a host of family and friends.
It was because of this habit
that I decided to
start my own blog.
Sadly, my blogspot viewing time
has been greatly reduced
since it's no longer an option
for me between 7 & 4.
This has directly affected
my own blogging habits.
Not to mention,
life has been a little
on the hectic side:
Still getting settled in my place,
getting the Parents and D'Art
settled in faraway Tooele,
Dad's quintuple bypass surgery,
ReAL Salt Lake Soccer season,
regular work and church activities,
all while trying to maintain
some semblance of a social life.
For the Blog Nazi
(you know who you are),
and for anyone else who cares
I promise to do better!
p.s. Even if that means losing a little sleep :)
p.p.s. Maybe because I'm
losing sleep over this,
I can't get this post to
format the way I want it to.
Frustrating enough to
scare me away for good?
Not a chance!

You're never too old...

2010-02-28T09:31:00.002-07:00

...to have a happy childhood!

On the spur of the moment

a group of friends found themselves

at the local Boondocks Fun Center.

Andrew, Elise, Angie, Marcos,

Holly, Chris, and me, of course :)

Elise wins the prize for

getting the most tickets,

although I think she rigged

the Ballon Pop game!

Andrew should have taken

the Deal from the Banker -

No Deal is not always your best option!

Angie needs to practice her

Dance Dance Revolution skills

cuz I know she can kill it!

Probably the most random sight

of the whole evening was the lady

who had staked out the

winning ticket machine.

Listen up Lady -

There's a Fun Bus to Wendover,

maybe next time that would be a

better option instead of scaring

the young at heart :)

Gotta love the good times!

33 things I loved...

2010-02-04T07:36:00.003-07:00

...about MY BIRTHDAY this year:

(in no particular order!)

1. A new bath robe

2. Dove chocolate and Skittles

3. 1/2 day off work

4. Homemade bracelet with

5. Matching earrings

6. Homecooked dinner

7. Happy Birthday phone calls

8. Stylish new hat

9. Family birthday dinner

10. Birthday texts

11. Crystal Garden Wish Flower

12. Chocolate Almond Amore

13. Facebook birthday wishes

14. Prison Break: Behind the Scenes book

15. Whipped Cream filled Chocolate Cupcakes

16. Song from the Primary kids

17. Manicure and

18. Pedicure with

19. Paraffin Wax

20. Italian Doughnuts

21. Old Navy

22. Burt's Bees

23. Ahh Sushi, especially the

24. Funky Vegas and Sunset rolls

25. Reading the Last Song

26. Gel earphones

27. Pineapple Upside Down Cake

28. Birthday wishes in languages other than English

29. Shape Ups (birthday present to myself)

30. Sunshine

31. Birthday treat from the Bishop

32. (500) Days of Summer

33. Perfect birthday cards

Much love to everyone who helped

make it a great week long experience!

Ship out or...

2010-01-24T19:06:00.002-07:00

...Shape Up!

That's right folks.

I am now

the proud owner

of these shoes.

Here's a question for you:

When was the last time

you bought shoes

that came with an

instruction DVD?

So far, so good.

These shoes are

cute and comfortable.

And good for you.

I'll let you know

how they work out :)

It's beginning to look...

2009-12-08T17:59:00.005-07:00

...A LOT like Christmas!

November was a good month, very good.

SYTYCD Tour, RSL becoming MLS Champions,

Birthdays for Kallie, Faye, and Damien,

and of course Thanksgiving!

We had a fun party in Tooele.

(I vote to have Dave be in charge of every

family get-together from now on.)

There was lots of good food, homemade rootbeer,

and of course yummy desserts!

Ping-pong, billiards, air hockey, fooseball, movies,

and some unforgettable karaoke!

Now it's time for Christmas!

I would hang my stockings

by the chimney with care,

but since I don't have a chimney,

I'll settle for putting up the tree,

and stringing up the lights.

It's snowing outside,

and I can't wait for

Christmas!

So You Think...

2009-11-08T21:05:00.003-07:00

...You Can Dance?!?

Yes, they definitely can!!!

The Season 5 Tour was this weekend.

It was unbelievable!!!

Andrew, Elise, Steve and I

were lucky enough to go to the show.

It was like spending an evening

surrounded by old friends.

Addiction, Breast Cancer, and Butts!

All great dances :)

And there were many more.

They spiced up a Russian Folk Dance,

and Randi got lots of love

for being a Utah girl.

I hope every season can

live up to these standards!

A conversation...

2009-10-20T12:12:00.003-06:00

...that includes an idea!

Garreth is 6.

It's important that life should be fair,

and when it doesn't seem fair,

You do what you can to make it so.

As every 6-year old knows.

*****

Garreth: Siobhannie, how old are you?

Me: How old do you think I am?

G: Well, you're not as old as my mom,

but you are older than Lauren.

M: Yep, that's true.

G: Lauren has a husband and a baby,

but you don't.

That's not very fair.

M: Sometimes things in life aren't fair.

G: Oh, but, it should be fair.

I know, you should just get married.

M: I don't know anyone that I can marry.

Do you know who I can marry?

G: Hmmm, I gotta think about that...

... ... ... ... ...

I HAVE AN IDEA!!

Do you know the Jonas Brothers?

You can marry them!

M: Uh, you know how I'm older than Lauren,

well, I'm also older than all of the Jonas Brothers.

G: I'm pretty sure my mom says that's okay.

M: And I don't really know them,

I only know they like to sing.

G: Well, we just need to find someone

who does know them, and then

you can know them too

and get married.

They are really nice.

I know they will marry you.

M: I am sure they are nice,

but maybe we can think of someone else,

just in case.

G: Okay, but guess what!

When you are married to the Jonas Brothers,

you can take me to their concert!

(October 2, 2009 - the highlight

of my weekend in Happy Valley!)

*****

And there you have it.

The solution to life's problems.

If only it were just that simple.

In the meantime,

I might have to suck it up

and learn a couple of songs by

the Jonas Brothers.

Which Disney Princess...

2009-10-19T23:02:00.002-06:00

...did you wish you were?

As far as Princes go,

I don't think the Beast

had too much going for him.

He didn't behave like a gentleman,

He was way too hairy,

and don't even get me started on his teeth!

But, I always wanted to be Belle.

When the Beast gave her the Library,

I fell in love with him!

Because I love books!

Short ones, tall one, thin ones, thick ones,

Books with no pictures, books with no words,

Simple stories, complicated and detailed sagas,

Fiction, non-fiction,

drama, history, romance, comedy,

recipes, reference, and scripture.

My dream is to one day

have my very own library!

An entire room with

floor to ceiling bookshelves,

filled with all the books I love,

and then some!

Complete with a fireplace, of course!

I wouldn't even mind

if there was a handsome Beast/Prince

found hanging around.

Here's hoping that

all your wishes,

and mine,

come true!

I spent some time...

2009-10-04T12:19:00.003-06:00

...in Happy Valley, aka Provo.

My cousin Glenn and his wife Dara

took their son Brenton to South Africa.

While they were gone,

I got to spend a weekend with the other kids.

We had a great time!

Garreth discovered the joys of an iPod,

and I discovered his inner alien.

Kendyl was an amazing helper,

and has a future as a master coupon shopper.

Tarryn and I had fun people watching

while trying to sell parking

for the BYU football game.

When I grow up, I want to be like Dara!

She is the most organized person I know.

She had dinners planned for every night,

and a cute note and gift for the kids every day.

I love my cousin and his family!

How it looked...

2009-10-04T11:53:00.008-06:00

...in the beginning:

It's not a huge space,

but it's my space.

Soon to come:

pictures of my stuff

filling up my space.

It's official:

2009-08-31T18:55:00.004-06:00

I've moved.

Things I am going to enjoy

about living alone:

I don't have to fight anyone for the TV,

or the bathroom.

I can cook what I want, when I want,

and no one will drink my milk.

I can leave change lying around

and it will still be there when I come back for it.

Things I might not enjoy:

No one else will cook me dinner.

No one else will clean the bathroom.

No one else will wash the dishes.

If you ever want to come visit,

just let me know.

I promise not to ask you to

cook, clean, or wash dishes!

P.S. Thanks for your help

Andrew and Steve.

I owe you...

These are a few...

2009-07-30T20:07:00.002-06:00

...of my Favorite things!

(in no particular order)

*This picture, taken by Steve

outside the Newport Temple in 2007.

*Brand new socks - never a bad idea for

Birthdays or Christmas presents!

*JellyTots - the best candy ever,

a South African delight!

*A freshly made bed,

clean sheets and all.

*Watching anyone do the

hula hoop on the Wii.

*My mom's Sunday dinner,

especially the roast potatoes.

*Spending time with

My Family, all of them!

*Kicking it on the couch with a

bowl of popcorn and a good chick flick :)

I'm a pretty easy person to please.

Feel free to do so anytime!

Do you ever have...

2009-07-23T19:21:00.005-06:00

...phone conversations like this:

Bob: Traffic, this is Bob.

Me: Hi Bob, this is Siobhan,

from plant 33.

B: Oh, hey girl.

Everytime I see your name

I want to say Sheboygan.

I know it's Siobhan,

but Sheboygan

wants to come out.

What can I do for you?

M: We shipped a truckload that is

marked as L*******.

B: It should be L****.

I just want to call you Sheboygan.

M: Okay, so I will just go ahead

and mark this truck as L****.

Thanks, Bob.

B: Thank you... Sheboygan.

(July 23, 2009 - 7:55 a.m. - 40 seconds)

This is the conversation we have...

...everytime!

Interestingly enough,

he is not the only person who calls me

Sheboygan.

Are you a...

2009-07-22T07:30:00.004-06:00

...morning person?

I am definitely not,

but my friend Steve is.

These are some things

I like about Steve:

He is loyal and sticks up for me.

He is funny and easily makes new friends!

He is musically talented -

He sings, plays the guitar and the banjo.

And he is much better at the

whole blogging thing than I am.

Thanks for being a morning person

and for giving my blog some pizazz!

Steve - you are the best!

Friend...

2009-07-19T17:25:00.003-06:00

...or Foe?

This was a rough week.

First, our work system was down.

Then, the copier broke.

Amazing how such a simple thing

can create such a headache!

I'm very happy to say

that everything is back to normal.

It definitely makes me

appreciate when things run

as smoothly as clockwork.

Sometimes it's better to...

2009-06-30T17:29:00.005-06:00

...think INSIDE the box!

There are definite advantages

to watching a sporting event

from comfy box seats.

If you're hungry:

Popcorn, chips & salsa, hotdogs.

If you're thirsty:

Pepsi, Sierra mist, Fiji water.

Fiji water= my favorite!

I think it tastes better

because the bottle is square.

Square like a box.

It doesn't hurt that our team won!

Big thanks to the Laynes and the Mills

for an incredible adventure!

I'm not Fat...

2009-05-31T21:42:00.003-06:00

...I'm Fluffy!

I went to a Demolition Derby

with Andrew, Elise, Josh, Cindy, and Kenny.

It was an adventure from the get-go!

Two fires, one paramedic time-out,

and several tipped over cars.

Not to mention...

the dancing man,

a naked lady tattoo,

a whopper eating contest,

frozen tee-shirts,

and my favorite

the tattoo giveaway for winning a contest!

(not related to the derby at all!)

Get your party hats on,

and I'll see you there next year!

One of these days...

2009-04-27T12:56:00.002-06:00

...I'm gonna get up

early enough

to have a

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit

from McDonald's

for breakfast.

Today was not the day.

We'll see how tomorrow goes.

Top Ten Reasons Why...

2009-04-20T08:24:00.002-06:00

...I loved the weekend:

(in chronological order)

1. Homemade Cafe Rio

2. New episode of Prison Break

3. A celebration for a friend who is getting married

4. Faith Like Potatoes

5. Cheese Fries

6. Modern Pioneer vs. The American Dream

7. Yes Man

8. Texas Caviar

9. A housewarming party

10. A 3-year-old's birthday

Fun at the Nickel*Cade...

2009-04-12T22:07:00.004-06:00

...Or as I like to think of it,

a mini casino for kids.

Friday night was full of fun.

Wendy's and then the Nickel*Cade.

with Matt, Katherine, Darrin, Ryan, and me.

There is something so satisfying

in giving nickels to a machine

in the hopes of a receiving

a large return in tickets.

With my tickets I got

a neon orange slap bracelet,

a plastic back scratcher,

and some laffy taffy's.

Let the good times roll!

Then some games -

Burst, Pit, and Scrabble Apple.

What a fantastic Friday!

Things to enjoy...

2009-04-09T10:51:00.005-06:00

...While it's raining:

Sleeping in,

reading a good book,

watching a sappy chick flick,

working on a craft project,

dancing to the radio,

making cookies,

drinking hot chocolate.

All good things.

Spending the day at work.

Not so much!

Once upon a time...

2009-04-07T22:02:00.001-06:00

...My hair used to look like this:

Now it looks like this:

Self-portraits are not my strongest talent

(or talent of any size, for that matter!)

but here you have it.

Before and after.

I don't know about you,

but I like it!

(the hair, not the self-portrait...)