oh...it is so COLD!!!

Today one of the guys that I work with called and said that all the passes in to Utah (from Idaho) is closed due to the horrific storm that is happening to the north of us. At that moment, I looked outside and noticed that we were starting to get little snow flurries. I scream "UGH! It is starting to snow AGAIN!!! I am getting so tired of these storms. Really, I do not mind the snow--but it has been so dang COLD.

Anyway, after I screamed, Russell (a guy in my office) said that we need all the moisture that we can get. Then, he said--"don't you want to drink water in the summertime?" I quickly added, "No, a diet coke with a slice of lemon and crushed ice would be just fine-thanks!"

So, tonight as I watch those little snow flurries glide down and rest on the outside world, I am trying to find all my quilts. I am really cold right now and I am just tired of the cold. If it could be warm and snow--that would be simply fabulous. But, all this cold...Is Utah turning into the new setting for "ICE AGE". ICE AGE is definitely one of my all time favorite movies BUT, it is definitely not where I want to live. I feel like I am Sid the Sloth--trying to find a warm place to sleep and just can not find it. Oh, I just get the chills thinking how cold it is outside. On the news tonight, Mr. Weatherman said that the low was 9 degrees. OH MY!!! 9 degrees!!! That is definitely cold. Maybe we are going to be living with Sid the Sloff. I do not like this cold one bit!!! I guess for now, I will find my quilts and snuggle in them until I am all toasty warm!!! I hope you have a warm quilt to snuggle in.

the passing of a Prophet--a good man

Elder Holland-- when he was visiting our Stake, a couple of weeks ago, shared with us that President Hinckley was very ill. So, we were somewhat prepared as we heard the news today. As I have listened to the news this evening, I have bittersweet feelings. So sad that he has passed on, but to think of the sweetness that took place as he entered the next life. Being reunited with his sweet wife. Oh, think of the reunion of him and our Savior. He was an amazing man. I loved his wit combined with his eloquent style. His witness of our Savior was simply amazing. His amazing service--what a great example. He had so much energy and affected so many people--not only members but so many non-members. His happiness was completely contagious!!! He was so down to earth and just loved everyone! I loved his cane and how he waved it all the time. He loved the youth--he connected with the youth. His genuine smile!!! He was the most influencial person in any of our lives. He was dedicated. I loved his quote: "Try a little harder to be a little better." He was such a wonderful leader. President Hinckley will be missed--but we will try a little harder to be a little better.

Regional Winter Workshop

I had the opportunity and privilege of presenting at the Regional Winter Workshop for Mia Shalom. I was asked to present "Camp Crafts". Oh, it was absolutely fun!!! But, the result of that is a new blog--See all of the ideas that I presented, there were quite a few people that wanted the ideas. So, I passed a list around and had everyone that was interested write down their email address!! I had over 200 email addresses written down. Anyway, instead of creating a huge document with pictures and such, I created a blog--especially for sharing ideas and such for young women leaders. Let me tell you, it has been fun!!! 200 emails and over 100 fun ideas and activities. WOW!!! I can not see the end of uploading all those files and documents as of yet--but I am working on them. Truly, I will get this project accomplished!!! Oh, if you are interested...the blog is www.connectwithdots.blogspot.com .

Anyway...I needed a breather and decided to check out my friends blogs and found that Maleen cut her daughter's hair...absolutely gorgeous. But, I don't think if she had short or long hair, Robin is adorable. Then, I read Vieve's blog about herself. Way to go Vieve!!! You are too hilarious!!! And Deanne shared some not so good news. Deanne, good luck with everything. Your family is in my prayers. Then, I found out that Erin has painted or is in the process of painting her bathroom. GO FOR IT, ERIN!! So, many things happening since I last posted!!!

Welcome to Jazz Town!!!

This is what I saw tonight!!! I just love Carlos Boozer!!!

He made 33 points!! I just love that guy!! He is probably one of my favorite NBA players.

OKAY!!

We really weren't that close....

We were this close!!!!

What a fabulous and adventurous night!!! We drove to the TRAX station (off of 106) and took TRAX all the way to the Energy Solutions Arena for the Jazz game. It was fabulous!!! Exciting and most of all adventurous!!! It was great!!! We had some awesome fans that we sat with--well, there was one guy a few seats down that fell asleep. I still don't understand that one--how can you fall asleep with 19,911 fans screaming at the top of their lungs???

On the way back, we sat with some guys on TRAX. They were absolutely entertaining and hilarious!!! Boy, did we learn a lot from them. The ride back to our car seemed really short--I think it was because these 4 guys were completely hysterical--but nothing is more exciting than 4 high school students acting "COOL"!!

polka dots, ribbon and stuff....

So, I was clicking from blog to blog tonight--wasting time before I felt that I could go to sleep. (Sleeping is just not my thing--it takes forever to come and then, it just does not last long). Anyway, I came upon a blog and saw this adorable cake. I immediately saved the picture. But, the problem is that I can not remember which blog it is tied to. Sorry, incredible cake maker--I would give you credit if I knew who you are--but as for now, I will just have to admire your talent from afar. I am just amazed at the talent of people. WOW!!

Anyway, I absolutely just love this cake. I think that it just screams "MICHELLE!" Don't you think? With all the polka dots and ribbon and stuff....Yes, it is just too super-fabulous. I was just thinking--"who would want to eat it?" I would save it forever!!!

I was joking with a friend the other day that when I create a card that I just think that it is the coolest and the most adorable ever, I keep the card in a safe place. I don't send it out--I just keep it. Why on earth for? I don't know--I just do that. So, if I was to create this cake and it turned out like this--I would have it sitting on my counter until it turned moldy or something. It is just me....a tad bit crazy!!!

warm fuzzies

Random acts of kindness….as I sit here thinking of the past few days, I marvel at the random acts of kindness that I have been the recipient. It is amazing how these random acts bring warm fuzzies. Don’t you think that warm fuzzies are the greatest? So, let me start…Ker invited me to her stamp retreat. She did not have to do it, since I am not apart of her CTMH group, but she did and I had a fabulous time. It was quite delightful!!! Not only did she invite me, she treated me as apart of her group. It was great—5 hours of stamping and laughing!!! Lots of warm fuzzies that day!!

Then, there is the “snow removal dude”. Ever since the first snow storm, this “snow removal dude” has shoveled my driveway. I am not sure who he is nor have I been able to catch him. But, he has made a yucky polar bear snow day (Erin’s famous phrase) more pleasant. Just another example of warm fuzzies!!!

Another warm fuzzie was when my parents showed up to hear me speak. Dad was able to maneuver his work schedule to attend my Sacrament Meeting just to hear me speak. I am so thankful for the my parents support. They are amazing people. Just to see them walk in, brought all these warm fuzzies. Yep, just another example of that wonderful feeling.

On Sunday, I dropped by Gerb’s house. Let me tell you, if you are ever feeling sad and down…drop by her house. Her children are absolutely adorable. By the time I left, I had a bag full of homemade chocolate chip cookies and sassy sours. Plus, I left in hand with the most adorable picture drawn by one of her sweet children. They made me feel like I was so important. But, then I had a thought….Gerb-they are just like you!!! You are amazing and you are always giving out warm fuzzies!!!

Oh, then, when I was checking my email later that night…I received the sweetest email from a Young Women’s leader in our Stake. It came out of the blue—but was exactly what I needed to hear!!! Thanks, Sister Smith—your words brought a warm fuzzie!! Oh, I just love warm fuzzies!!!

Then, last night, I was invited to play laser tag with some friends. I am sure that Maleen will blog about it on her blog…so, I will just go to the warm fuzzie part. Oh, but first—we played Guys against Gals. Guess who won? YEP!!! It was the gals alright!!! HEE HEE!!! So, back to the warm fuzzie part…If you have ever been around Maleen, she is a warm fuzzie!!! Her heart is completely gold!!! She is full of sweetness!!! Thanks Maleen for just being a great friend!!!

So, as I look back over the past few days…I am so grateful for the warm fuzzies in my life!!! WOW!!! Life is great when there are warm fuzzies all around.

anyone need a talk...I am starting a file...

This past week, I was walking past the Bishop's office when one of his counselors asked me to step into the clerks office and visit. Another Bishopric member from a different ward was standing in the hall--might I add--he was laughing a tad bit. He said, "Oh, Michelle, they are going to ask you to speak." I said, "I just spoke 3 weeks ago in my ward--they are not planning to ask again so soon." Guess what? He asked. Ok, some people find it scarey to speak in front of lots of people--as for me--I love the adrenalin feeling. Yep, go ahead, "JUST CALL ME CRAZY!!" I even got to speak on my favorite subject--the youth of the church.

Anyway, when I finished preparing my talk today, I re-read it and prayed that it was just what someone needed to hear. I hope that there was someone in the congregation that needed to hear what I said today. Ok, I just might add...I felt an over abundance of excitement with the quotes that I found in my talk. I am not sure who's life it touched--but I know that through the Spirit that someone's was touched.

Afterwards, I received a few comments. One comment came from a little old lady in our ward. I get nervous when they state their opinions. Ever since Gerb shared with me a comment that she received when she cut her hair, I just get all nervous inside when speaking to the older generation. Anyway, this sweet lady comes up to me.

"Michelle, I just wish that they would quit asking you to speak."

Imagine me....the tears are starting to come at anytime now. I am sure my mouth was open because it just hit the floor. I was starting to hypervenilate. Panic started to rush clear through my whole body!! You can surely picture it--it was scarey. THEN...

Then, she went on to say...

"Every time you speak, I feel something and I start to cry and I do not want to cry at church."

Okay, that made me feel a lot better. I was not sure how I would have responded to a different comment. I am not as strong as Gerb...I cry lots!!!! Yes, HUGE HUGE tears!!!

Another comment that came was--"I can see you speaking in General Conference someday!" With that comment, I turned around, burst out laughing and headed out of the church. (Oh, I was on my way home--anyway. She did not cause me to leave the church--ok, just not yet!)

Oh, I love one of the quotes that I found and of course I want to share it with you all. Elder Holland said,

"Be a woman of Christ. Cherish your esteemed place in the sight of God. He needs you. This Church needs you. The world needs you. A woman’s abiding trust in God and unfailing devotion to things of the Spirit have always been an anchor when the wind and the waves of life were fiercest. I say to you what the Prophet Joseph said more than 150 years ago: "If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates."

Anyone need a talk....I am starting to create an amazing file of quotes!!!

"want a 'puh-ssage'?"

Growing up my little brother could not say the letter "M". Instead he would pronounce it "puh". So things like Michelle would be "puh-chelle." Anyway, he would always come up to me and ask, "would you like a puh-ssage?" Let me translate: "Would you like a massage?" My answer would always be "no--go give one to Mom."

If you know me, I suffer from "spacial issues." I like my space. Better yet, I LOVE my space. I don’t like it when people stand too close unless I invite them in to my space. Anyway, I have lots of friends who like to interfere in my space and try to drive me absolutely crazy!!! One friend, in particular, has tried to get me to overcome this spacial anxiety. Her plan of attack has been quite entertaining for those with whom I work with. Believe me, I always have to have my guard up.

Side note: At the place that provides my income, we have 3 massage therapists that visit 3 days a week. Everyone in the company has the opportunity to have a massage at least once a week. Now, this might sound so exciting for those of you that do not suffer from space anxiety. As for me, I get all creeped out just thinking of it. People touching you....people in your space....what a creepy feeling!!

Anyway, my dear friend has put it on her "to accomplish" list to get me to have a massage. I do not know how many times I have told her "NO"! But, she does not seem to get it. So....a few weeks ago, (after a year of bugging me each day) she talked me into having one. I guarranteed her that I was not going by myself. So, she had it scheduled for her, my SIL and ME to receive a massage at the same time.

You can just imagine the anxiety that crept into every vein, nerve, muscle of my whole being. But, I did it--swearing never to return. So, once again, she talked me into having another one. Believe it is much more work walking down that hallway to get a massage then working a 12 hour shift!!!!

And....again...today, I had another one. Oh, my, this time it was great....okay, not the massage, but they had a heater in the room--right next to my chair. I had been freezing all morning in my office and the warmth of the heater was a complete blessing. Thank you massage therapist #3 for placing the heater by my chair. As for "puh-ssages", I still despise them and can think of a lot of words that start with "puh" that describes how I feel about them. But for today, I did see one advantage--the warmth of the heater on a very cold day.

Eclispe--I finished it!!

YIPPEE SKIPPEE!!! Finally, I finished it. Now to await for the 4Th book that will be released in November of this year. What is this all about? Waiting? I just can't!!! Why is it taking so long to find out what happens? Probably, writing, editing, publicizing....I know, I know there is a process here, but I need to know what happens. I just checked back on my previous blog about Twilight and New Moon. Most of my questions are still unanswered...So...

Does Bella become a vampire?

Does she marry Edward?

What happens with Jacob?

What happens with Edward?

Do they all become friends in the end? Okay, I did get some sort of an answer on this one.

How interesting that I still have the same questions that originated in the previous books...but, I do like Edward much more now then when he left Bella in New Moon. I was not happy with him at all. It, definitely, has been an adventure. Edward, Jacob, Bella, Alice--oh, wouldn't you just love to have a friend like Alice? Then, there was the whole fight thingy--it was just too nerve racking for me. I was scared for the sake of everyone involved--literally!!! Thank goodness it ended so fast. YUCK!!! Where is book #4?

I need a book to read--any one have an idea of one to read?

random thoughts

Well, I have had some random thoughts going through my head this past week. Actually in pure honesty, I always have random thoughts running through my head. So many thoughts and thoughts are just spinning every where. It is kind of like they are drawn to each other and then they push away from each other just to join another thought. I wonder if when we pass from this life, we will be able to see the strategic process of which our thoughts are created from one thing to another.

Random thought #1: So, my sweet mother told me the other day that she sat down and read my blog. My mother is not too crazy about computers, so it was a compliment that she said that she read my entire blog. But, then she added--"I read others that were linked to your blog. You are definitely CRAZY." So, was that really a compliment or was it not?

Random thought #2: So, back to the random thought process. My sister-in-law shared with me a book entitled, Your Song by Mark Hoog. It is simply amazing. It talks about where to look and how to go about finding our gifts and talents in life. Basically, it makes you think about what makes up your song. So, that is what my random thoughts have been about--what is my song. How do I find my song? So, then that leads me to random thought #3.

Random thought #3: I received my patriarchal blessing shortly after I graduated from high school. Side note: I was really scared that when I went to receive my blessing, they would tell me I would die. (another blog entry for another day). So, when I received my blessing, I had an amazing experience. I do not think that it is appropriate to share in a blog. Anyway, there were a few particular things that I was listening for and when I heard those things, tears flowed and flowed and continued to flow until we were sitting quietly with the sweet Patriarch-tears flowing from his eyes as he hugged me and telling me that he wants to see and talk with me "when all is said and done."

So, as I think about my Patriarchal Blessing--is that my song. The problem is that with my blessing, I know that one thing has come to past--"I was born." My blessing is so detailed that it is easy to find out that I know that I was born. So, as I sit here tonight thinking about my very own song--not a lot of things come to mind, but I do have to admit that I struggle with what my song is all about.

Random thought #4: Tonight, I, as a Stake Young Women's leader, was invited to attend my ward's New Beginnings. Through out the day, I received an email from each member of the presidency stating that they would not be able to attend. So, that left, just me attending. As some of you know my heartache when it comes to my ward, you understand that it was extremely difficult to attend by myself. (Don't read anything in to this, I love our leaders in our ward. I know that they were called through revelation and through inspiration to lead these young women.) But, I did attend because I have been called to a position and set apart to be a servant of the Lord with the young women in my stake. It is amazing to know what you can do when the Lord is on your side. So, before I left work, I prayed that all will be well. Just to let you know--everything was fine. But, where my thought process goes is they focused on the Parable of the 10 virgins. We created and shaped our own oil lamps. It was amazing!!! So, then, I think about the oil lamp and how we worked and defined it--so, when we are creating our own song--it is just like the oil lamp--we work and we define.

Random thought #5: This past week, I had someone pop his head back into my life. This is definitely one of my struggles. I have almost gotten over the whole "popping out of my life" but now to pop back in--it is a struggle. Then, I think--is this part of my song. Why do people keep popping in and then popping out--just to pop in again? And, then, why do they pop back in.

Random thought #6: V made a comment the other day that everyone wants to be my BFF. I chuckle and giggle at this because I do not find that to be true. So, then, I think is this all part of my song? Maybe it is easier to have someone else write a song about you--maybe to see what people on the outside of your brain think versus what all the random thoughts inside are thinking about.

If you have made it through some of my random thoughts, bless your little heart. Have you ever thought about your song? If you haven't, think about it.

Stake Conference, Elder Stone & Elder Holland

This past weekend was our Stake Conference. It was amazing! I showed up 45 minutes early for the adult session of Stake Conference only find myself sitting on the hard chairs. That left me completely whiny and ornery!! I told myself that I would only stay 15 minutes and then I was leaving. Okay, that is what I told myself--but in all reality--I knew I was not going anywhere. So, like I said, it was simply AMAZING!! Elder Stone (from the 70's) spoke on faith. It was very powerful and it was awesome to feel the spirit so strongly!!! His stories were powerful, he was powerful, the spirit was powerful. (I am glad I stayed longer than the 15 minutes that I granted myself.)

Then, Elder Holland spoke. I am going to quote from Gerb's blog--She writes,"Elder Holland spoke of the many trials that any one of us could be facing, and the challenges that come with those trials. We can, in a sense, feel broken. He then shared with us that God loves broken things and knows how to fix them. We only need to have faith in his love and let him heal our broken hearts and broken spirits. He reminded us that clouds must be broken to shower the earth; grain must be broken to produce bread. So when we feel like all hope is gone, like there was never a time we have been truly happy, we need to just endure & save ourselves for the days of happiness that are inevitably ahead." Thanks Gerb. You wrote it so nicely!

I just loved his one liners such as:

"Pull up your socks & quit worrying!"

"Work hard & do your best!"

"Hang on & be believing!"

"Endure & save yourself of days of Happiness a head!"

"Tough it out!"

"Endure--sit-up, stand straight, and be big people!!"

"When you are in the roughest sea and there is a huge storm, stay in the boat! Don't bail--where are you going? What are you going to do- doggie paddle!"

"I could just SPIT!"

He told us to NEVER say that God does not love me. One thing that really touched my heart (well, everything touched my heart--I knew I was suppose to be attend and feel what I felt) was when he said that God gave us his greatest lamb--He knows what it is like to hurt. He spoke of the tragedy in Lehi. He told us to hang in there even in the darkest night.

On Sunday, we had our new Stake Presidency sustained. Elder Holland spoke quite while on sustaining of leaders. He said what goes around, comes around. Someone might not have been sustained today as a Stake President, but he might be the one the next time. Then, he spoke to the youth of our Stake. He said that (once again quoting from Gerb's blog) the gospel of Jesus Christ can be summed up in one phrase for the youth of the church - the title of a Bryan Adams song, "Everything I do, I do it for you." Leaders, parents, isn't that what it's all about?"

It was an amazing two days. I am grateful that I was able to attend. I love the feeling of my heart when it gets a little bit of the most needed thing in the world--the touch of the spirit from our Heavenly Father.

Gerb, I hope you don't mind if I use some of your notes in my talk in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday. Yep, I get to speak once again--it was only 3 weeks ago that I spoke in my ward about Christmas and now they are asking again. CRAZY!!! What are they thinking!!

...the secret--clue #1

I have had a lot of people ask about "the secret". I did not realize how many people really read my blog. I was so excited about "the secret" that I needed to share--but can not share until... Anyway, THANKS--you all have made me smile!! But, the secret is still a secret--at least for the time being. Gerb asked me on Saturday, if she could have a hint--just one hint!! So, Gerb and all others out there...here is your hint.

hint #1: "the secret" will take place during a summer month.


Oh, PS...HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVEN!!! Today is my brother's birthday!!! YIPPEE SKIPPEE!!!

a christmas party and a fire truck--they do not go great together

A Christmas party and a fire truck--they do not go great together. I am glad that they did not happen together. UGH!! That would have been a nightmare!!! See, tonight, we had a Christmas party. Yes, I know Christmas is over and done with, but we had one more party. I did not have to decorate since the decorations are still up!! I have been waiting to take them down after our Christmas Party. Actually, we had planned this party in December, but December became so busy that we had to hold off until January. So, tonight was the night!!! I was so excited to take pictures. I took the before pictures... the formal table setting. We had Chicken Cordon Bleu (thank Melanie!), potatoes (thanks Sariah), delicious green salad (thanks Lisa), yummy green beans (thanks Mary) and the most delicious drink (thanks Celeste).

For dessert, we got out my Chocolate Fountain and had delicious marshmallows, angel food cake, cinnamon bears, cookies, and fruit all dipped in chocolate!! So much delicious-ness!!

We talked, laughed, talked, and laughed so more. It was great fun!!! At around, 12-midnight, our guests were leaving. We had just shut the door to the last guest, when our GAS explosive alarm went off!!! OH HOLY CRAP!!! YEP, that is exactly what I yelled!!! We could not reset it--so 911 was called. If you had read one of my previous blogs--you would have noted that this has happened to us before. My roommate hands me the phone and I call. This time, the 911 operator was a tad big ornery!! After giving her the information, she tells me to evacuate the building and that help is on the way. As we were standing outside (in the cold), she asks if we feel safe. I said, "um, yes." Then, she tells me that help is on the way and that she is going to hang up. As I heard the dial tone on the phone, I looked at the phone--a tad bit surprised. This was definitely not the same 911 operator I had before. This one did not seem to care at all.

Finally, another 5 minutes goes by and the fire truck and ambulance show up. One of the dudes gets out of the fire truck and asks if I called 911. I told him that I did and he said as he is looking around--"Then, what is the problem?" Confused--thinking that the 5 minutes on the phone with 911 would have been transferred over to the fire dude!! I told him what was going on. Okay, by this time, I have decided that these guys are not happy to be here nor do they want to really help. For the next 15 or so minutes, these guys were rude and very condescending. They did get the alarm to shut off--wow!! I was proud of them for that (but that is about all I was proud of). It was apparent that we woke them up. One was leaning against the door with his eyes closed. I guess, the 'better be safe then sorry' does not go well with them. I could go on and on about this--but it makes me furious. I know that next time, I will think twice before calling---but I know that I will call. Thanks to the previous fire fighters for their nice-ness. As for these 4 that showed up tonight, I am truly sorry that you were woke up from your slumber and hope that I never need your help!!

As I am retiring to bed tonight...I am thankful for my awesome friends--their laughter and happiness and most of all, I am grateful that we did not have the alarm go off until AFTER they left!!! Oh, sorry neighbors, for scaring you all once again with the fire truck and ambulance!!!

the remote control

Have you ever been watching something on television and was completely 100% involved with it and then, someone takes the remote and changes the channel with not even thinking that there is someone already involved in the show being televised? Well, that happened to me tonight!!! My mom and I headed to the gym. Mom went for the treadmills, I opted for the bikes today. I checked all the televisions and found the one that I wanted to watch. About 7 miles into the program, I found myself not thinking about biking but about the television show, when all of a sudden, a girl comes from nowhere and turns the station and finds her treadmill. I first thought to myself...did she notice that maybe the other 20 people in the gym was watching the other 10 televisions--or does she own that television and has let us (fellow gym goers) use it when she was not there. Well, I finished the last 5 miles of my biking watching the story about Britney Spears. UGH!!!

As my Mom and I were driving home. She said, "What television show were you watching?" Then, we both started to laugh. We had been watching the same show. So, at least 2 or the 20 people did not know the ending of the show. We were flabbergasted on how the girl did not even turn around to check to see if the 20 people in the gym was even watching the show. But, I will give the girl here proper credit--she probably picked up pennies in the parking lot until she had enough money to purchase the television and then, donate it to the gym.

just a tad bit crazy!!

If you know me, I am a tad bit crazy!!! I dislike circle foods. I do not like being cold!!! I think Tuna Fish Casserole is completely disgusting!! I really do not like Spaghetti!! I do not like contention and go to any length not to confront the person causing the contention!! I have a difficult time with heights--I get scared of falling!!! Sometimes, I let fear take advantage of me because I do not want to fail!! I love to curl up with a good book, a warm quilt and sit before a warm fire. I love homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies! I love little children's giggles and the sound of laughter!! I love to turn my radio up loud and sing!!! I love visiting and having fun with friends!! I love ice cream--strawberry is my favorite!! I love to make cards--but most of all I love to send cards in the mail. I love spending time with my family! I love being around the youth in the church--they are full of fun, entertainment and wisdom. I love to learn!! I love to write in my journal. As the list could go on and on...one thing I really like is HOT DOGS!!!

YEP!! Call me a tad bit crazy!! My favorite hot dogs are at the J-Dawgs on BYU campus!! They are the most delicious hot dogs ever tasted!!! YUM Deliciousness!!! But you can not go to J-Dawgs every night of the week--so, for Christmas, my brother and sister-in-law gave me....

a hot dog toaster!!!

Well, I tested out my hot dog toaster and let me tell you....it was simply delicious!!! Plus, it was so easy!!! It did not take a lot to learn how to work the hot dog toaster!! In fact, it is as simple as making toast!! YEP!!! It is as easy as 1-2-3!!! Such deliciousness!!! If you are in need of a hot dog, call me and we will do dinner!!!

HUGE SECRET

I have a huge secret and I am bursting to tell...but you have to wait until everything is in place and I will let you all know what it is!!!! Just thought that I would share that much!!!!

"good goodness"

I have this friend that is probably one of the nicest people that I have met. His favorite phrase or I should say the phrase that he uses quite frequently is "good goodness!" A simple phrase as "good goodness" can sum up a day in just two words. But, the most important part is how you say it. If you sigh and say it, your day is probably not going the greatest. If you have a smile on your face, "good goodness" could be an expression of sincere delight. But on the other hand, when you say it with a disgusted sound in your voice---well, you see how this is going.

One day, this friend of mine left a message on my voice mail with most delightful sound in his voice when he stated, "Good goodness Michelle!" I have left that message on my voice mail for quite sometime because there are days when life just needs that extra delightfulness of 'good goodness!" It is interesting how 2 simple words can brighten someones day. Thanks Zach for being completely hilarious to talk to and for leaving a delightful "good goodness" on my voice mail!!

Happy New Year!!!

Happy 2008!!! I always look forward to the beginning of a new year. I love the holidays and all that brings--happiness and excitement, but the beginning of a new year is EXCITING!!! I read a quote somewhere that said something like this..."it seems as a new year marks a new beginning, a time for us to start over, to leave the past behind and make ourselves and our lives better." Isn't that true? I guess, one thing about the beginning of a new year, you get to a fresh new start. If you know much about me, you know that I am driven by goals. I love to set goals, but most of all---I love the moment of completion. I have this thrill of drawing a line through that goal that has now been completed and accomplished. A weird 'thrill', but the feeling of accomplishment is SUPERB!!

As I ponder all the events that took place in 2007, the new friends that I met, the places that I visited--I would not trade any moment because these are the moments that create me. Even though sometimes days were hard and difficult, there were those days that were fun and new. So, as I look upon 2008--I am excited for the fresh new start. 2008 will be a great year!!!