Sometimes when life gets busy...

...I forget to sleep.

I should shut down my laptop

and walk away.

Yet, here I am.

Since the last time 

I added a new post

a lot has happened.

I'm not always a fan

of change,

but it can be beneficial.

My family endured 

the passing of my uncle,

Duane Jakins, 

and while we know this is 

part of God's plan,

we are still sad 

that he is gone.

He was blessed not

to suffer for too long,

and we will forever be grateful 

for his life, love, and example.

 In other news,

I got a new job.

 It all happened 

very quickly.

Seriously,

one day I was talking about it,

and the very next day 

it became a reality.

 I still work for the same company,

I just work in a different department.

I have to remember to 

be patient with myself.

I wasn't good at my 

previous job on day one.

It took a while to be comfortable

and it's okay that there will be times

when I will need to ask for help.

That being said,

I am enjoying the experience.

It's been good to learn new things,

interact with new people,

and get to know my coworkers better,

(for the record, 

I think they are great!

But I miss my old friends... a lot!)

and I'm not gonna lie,

my favorite thing is being able 

to wear cute shoes to the office.

 Soccer season has started,

my brother will become a dad this summer,

my sister is expecting her 3rd child,

another brother is moving to a new house,

friends are graduating from college,

and becoming first time home-owners,

my youngest brother is graduating high school,

as are a bunch of beautiful cousins,

cousins are getting married,

and starting families,

and the list of happenings 

could go on and on and on.

Life is busy,

and constantly changing,

but one thing that remains the same

is my need for sleep,

and yet, here I am,

because sometimes when life gets busy...

...I forget to sleep.

 

My new favorite recipe to make is...

...Ham and Egg Cupcakes.

I love cooking, especially when the recipe is simple

and the food turns out so pretty.

The other day I was out of my office for a minute

and when I came back there was a recipe sitting on my desk.

Frankly, it sounded delicious.

I discovered that Stuart had found the recipe

and printed copies for everyone.

Moments later when I went to

make something for lunch,

I discovered that I

had all the ingredients.

I was only missing one thing.

A muffin pan to cook it in.

I instantly resolved to make it the next day,

and made a mental note to bring the pan.

Natascha said she would bring  a few things,

I brought a few items to add to the flavor.

Stuart helped too and we enjoyed quite the feast!

Ingredients:

12 thin slices ham

12 large eggs

your choice of toppings:

cheese, any kind, grated

green onions

tomato
crumbled bacon

salt and pepper to taste

bread for dunking

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Grease your pan lightly with spray
Place one piece of ham in each muffin tin,
letting it ruffle up the sides.
Crack an egg into each,
sprinkle with a little
cheese, salt and pepper.
Bake for 15-20 minutes,
depending on how runny
you want your egg yolk to be.
Serve while warm and enjoy!

I celebrated my birthday...

...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...

...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...

...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...

...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...

...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...

 

...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...

...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...

...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...

 

 ...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...

...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...

...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...

...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...

...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...

...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...

...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...

 ...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...

...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...

...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!