Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Update!

I haven't blogged in what seems like an eternity and I have so much to say and don't necessarily know what to say or how to say it!

In any case - Halloween was great! Baby A was the cutest bear I've ever seen. Plus, Toodles (my dog) was a bumble bee! Oh man, and boy was he the cutest bumble bee ever! Baby A trick or treated at my office the day before Halloween and enjoyed himself. He loves getting candy! Trunk or Treat was so much fun too! My primary kids came and I'm pretty sure I gave each of them 3 cavities worth of candy! :) What can I say I love them!

On the 1st it was my parents 28th anniversary - Yay for them! I think I should probably throw them a party for their 30th anniversary.... or is that even a big one? They aren't really party people anyway!

Also on the 1st was my friend M's baby shower! She is so stinking cute! I was happy to be a part of the shower - hopefully she gets some use out of the pedi gift certificate - it was partly for her hubby J too... now he doesn't have to paint her toe nails! Besides, who wants to be naked from the waist down giving birth without cute toes?! :)

And - on the 1st I went on a date with T, a guy I've known for a couple of months. It was really chill and really fun! I had a good time and we hung out last night too... I think tomorrow we will probably spend some time together too. He is probably the nicest guy I've ever met! It's a nice change of pace that's for sure!

Otherwise, nothing much has happened... Oh, I did find a purse that I am in love with... her name is julianne! (I didn't name her - she came named) And she is totally out of my price range. My financial planner said that I could not buy her... Somebody has to keep a non-biased eye on my finances because I obviously think I should be able to buy her! She cost as much as a long vacation... I can't really justify that can I???

I will try and be better at blogging... it's always nicer when I actually have something to say!!!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

An apology....

So, last night I was seriously humbled in a parking lot. You see, lately I've been complaining about everything really (see previous post) - and thinking life is annoying right now. Until last night anyway.

My little brother and I went to Papa Johns to pick up some dinner (I do LOVE their veggie pizza) and as we pulled into the parking lot just minutes before 6 p.m. I sent him in to get it while I waited in the car. I then saw a man leave his car that was parked at the end of the parking lot. He was in a mechanics outfit - you know the dark blue pants and shirt with the name sewn above a pocket and steel toe boots. He was carrying a green shirt and khaki pants with a matching hat. I watched him walk into the pizza place, and a short 5 minutes later saw him leaving the pizza place in a new outfit, and carrying a warming bag with someones pizza in it as he got to his car, put a Papa Johns sign on the top of his car and left.

Normally I wouldn't think anything of it - but I realized that he went right from one job, to a second job. I started thinking about what his life might be like. I saw a wedding band so I know he was married, did he have kids? Did his wife work? Did he have to have a second job to make ends meet or was he getting a head start on Christmas money. My mind spun with questions and scenarios that were really unlikely... but made me start to think.

I am so blessed! I am lucky to have a family that I love, that loves me and is really supportive of me and my decisions. I have good friends that I can talk to and spend time with and feel about myself. I have a good job with good benefits and decent pay - and I don't have to deliver pizza at night to make ends meet, or to get a head start on my Christmas shopping. So, to anyone who reads ths - I apologize for being so negative lately! I truly am blessed! I guess I just needed a reminder. Who knew it would come at a pizza place parking lot.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Frustrations...

I was recently told by a friend that I don't keep up with my blog... and she's right. I'm trying more now - but my life isn't very interesting, so you end up listening to my rants and raves instead :)

I'm slightly frustrated by a few things.... I think I'll make a brief list and let it be.

1. Finding out that people you once respected are nothing but self-absorbed, shallow, and immature.

2. Work - I am having trouble being motivated to deal with all the crap I have to do....

3. School - For the same reason I'm frustrated with Work.

4. People who invite everyone and their dog to their bridal/baby showers. My good friend Melly invited 22 - what a great sensible number! Who honestly invites 70-90???

5. Balancing my checkbook - yes, I have a great financial planner and I'm saving money and paying down debt, it just means that I don't have as much money left to do whatever I want with. Who knows when I'll be able to buy another purse!


So, life isn't very interesting right now - but I guess it could be worse! At least I'm happy and healthy right?! :)

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Walking Fool.... or Fool for Walking?

This weekend I embarked on a journey... walking a half-marathon. Yes, I know that most normal people actually run them - however, my group of walkers and I determined that our goal was to finish, not to make a good time! That being said... this was my adventure...

We arrived at the starting line an hour and a half early - it was a requirement, I would have rather had the extra sleep. So of course, my anxiety increased every moment we stood there. Finally we were asked to line up according to time. In the front were the people who run less than a 6 minute mile - apparently there are people who can?! On the other hand I was in the very back with my friends.

We started off strong and with all of the adrenaline pumping and the feeling of it being a race, I had to keep telling myself not to run! The first mile was the longest mile of my entire life! I tried to keep focused on walking in the middle of the road since it was the most level - but I can't walk a straight line for the life of me. Finally at mile two I was walking better - although kept psyching myself out. At mile three I had finally fond my groove and was walking along pretty quickly. Quick enough to feel like I was progressing better than mile 1 anyway. But then my feet started to hurt. I had put some padding stuff on my feet to keep me from getting blisters because my blister-free socks do not work as advertised. In any case, the padding had twisted and was giving me blisters - imagine that! At mile 4, I had to take off my shoes and socks to take off the padding. I noticed a small amount of blood on my socks but wasn't worried - and off I went. I was trucking along with my friends making good time but at mile 7 my feet started to burn!

[disclaimer - this could get graphic]

By mile 8 I couldn't walk a step further. Now, I was insanely disappointed because I can walk 13 miles! I can - I have walked them before so I was sure I would finish! I wanted to walk and I wanted to finish - but I couldn't make myself. 5 miles was too far for me to go to be able to finish. My feet were burning and liquid filled and I couldn't go on so I had to take the walk of shame to the sweeper van and end my half marathon. I had a nice ride and a nice chat with the driver but when I had some time alone in my car as I waited for my friends to finish, I had to cry... I was so ashamed and disappointed in myself. I wanted to finish and I know I can... It just wasn't going to happen that day!

My friends are amazing and they finished! I was so proud of them! I was worried about them so I kept driving up and down the route to make sure they hadn't been hit by a car, or eaten by a rattle snake (I'm not sure if there are rattle snakes there - but there probably are!), or severely dehydrated! The girls were amazing - and I cannot tell you how insanely jealous I was! Good for them!

My feet are attached still - which is about as good as it gets... my poor little toesies were blistered and bloody (I warned you - graphic) - and I can't walk at my regular speed even because they are so sore and still blistered...

I learned an important lesson I think - Just because you can walk 13 miles doesn't mean you should! Wait, that's not what I meant - Just because I didn't make it this time, doesn't mean I can't make it. I'm already planning on trying one in Arizona in January (any excuse for a vacation right?!) - it depends on the school schedule! So until then, I rest my poor feet until they are healed - and then I begin the torture again! Does anyone have a cure for blisters???

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

AARP at 27???

Maybe it's just me, but I always thought AARP was for old people... So, imagine my surprise when I get the mail out of the mailbox last night and find an envelope addressed to me, from AARP. Hmm... I was curious so I opened it. At first I thought it was funny that they were offering me a membership at a discounted rate - and then I noticed a postcard I received about a Senior Financial Workshop - and then I got annoyed.

Really - I understand that people sell my information - I get that. But, if you're going to sell my information - or buy it ... please please please, get it right?! I'm 27!!!! I don't qualify for AARP or a Senior Financial Workshop - I'm still 38 years away from that - that's longer than I am old! How annoying is that?! VERY!!!

In any case, I was in need of some financial assistance - seeing as how I have lots of debt (who knew graduate school would be so expensive?), not much income, and the parents are trying to kick me out (not really, but it sounds more dramatic that way) - so I figured I needed some assistance. I met with a financial planner and decided to see how it was to work with him. The BEST decision of my life! Not only am I forced into being more disciplined, but I'm saving money... and making a serious dent in the debt! I'm SOOO glad I did this! If you need a financial advisor... let me know! I love mine!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Things I Love

For some reason I've felt very... what's the word... sentimental maybe... I'm not sure why! But maybe I'm growing up a bit - heaven forbid right?! In any case, it's made me want to just talk about some things that I love... some silly, some serious - yet all things that make me smile!

1. My nephew baby A! I love that boy so much! Nothing makes me happier than seeing him at my door, or him seeing me at his door and having his eyes light up and a huge smile spreads across his chubby little face as he screams and runs to me with his arms stretched out waiting for me to snuggle him! Anytime I need a picker-upper I go to see baby A. He makes me so happy!

2. The Fall! Today has been my favorite day for a long time weather wise! I love the crisp cool air and I love seeing the colors changing on the mountains outside my front door! I also love wearing sweaters! I'm sure lots of you remember the hideous gray sweater I have clung on to for the past 4 years ... well, to Leslie's delight - I bought a new one! Yes... it's gray, but it's much cuter! :)

3. Candy! I know it's lame! Especially because I'm living the WW life right?! But - I can still have a piece or two occasionally. I have just discovered the essence of fall time in one little hershey kiss.... a Pumpkin Spice hershey kiss! Believe it! Can I just say that they are amazing! This flavor in general is one of my favorite fall things - Krispy Kreme makes these donuts that are awesome - only this time of year. As well as my all time favorite Kashi pumpkin spice flax granola bars! Tasty! If I drank coffee - I'd try the pumpkin spice latte at the local coffee shop. The flavor is great, it's so warm and fall tasting. So yes, you can find this flavor at the nearest Target! (Unless you live in O-town where they do not have them. I bought them while at Target on a lunch break)

4. My church calling. Call me dumb please... who knew eight 3 and 4 year olds could make me so happy! My Sunday's are only exciting because I never know what's going to happen in primary! But, on Sunday we practiced songs for the upcoming Primary program (admittedly my favorite sunday of the year) and my cute little sunbeams try so hard to sing all the words! This sunday we practiced a song that isn't in the regular primary hymn book but it's one of my favorites for sure! The only parts my class knows are the beginning "If the Savior stood beside me would I" and that's where it ends until the VERY end when they sing at the top of their lungs "Watching over me." Bless their hearts, it makes me tear up every time. Plus, who wouldn't feel loved when you have to sit in the same spot every week so some clients can hold your hand while others sit on your lap and others have to sit right next to you and then confess their undying love to you... it's precious! I love it!

5. MUSIC! Big surprise right?! But really I love any kind of music. I have a confession to make - this morning on my drive into work - I turned on Christmas Music! I know - it's not even October yet... but, the weater warranted it! I only listen to it on cold days - until about November 1st and then it's on until I'm done with it! Some of the greatest music written is Christmas Music - why do we only listen to it for 25 days??? I do love it!

I think this fall will be good for me! Let's hope right?!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

I know I know

It's been a while since I posted - but I've been feeling very blah lately - so for an update you get another lame list/tag... thanks for the tag K... I appreciate it!

What time did you get up this morning? 7:00a.m. - oops!
Diamonds or pearls? diamonds are good - but I'd love me some pearls
What was the last film that you saw at the cinema? Traitor
What is your favorite TV show? So you think you can dance
What do you usually have for breakfast? A granola bar and water usually
What is your middle name? Renee
What food do you dislike? Mushrooms
What is your favorite CD at the moment? Duffy right now - or RENT or Wicked... I'm a music whore what can I say!
What kind of car do you drive? a Honda Accord SE
Favorite sandwich? any that I don't have to make :)
What characteristic do you despise in others? Selfishness
Favorite item of clothing? used to be my maroon pants - member those Les? Now, my yoga pants
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? NYC!!! or Greece
Where would you retire to? to my Aunt's vacation home in Black Butte Oregon
What was your most recent memorable birthday? None were really exciting - this last one was pretty good though
Favorite sport to watch? football, baseball, hockey, basketball, softball - i like sports!
When is your birthday? August 7th
Are you a morning person or a night? I am neither
What is your shoe size? 10
Pets? A dog of course.... One day I'll get my own, until then - I share Toodles
Any new exciting news you'd like to share with us? I'm going to see Rent this month?!
What did you want to be when you were little? a backup singer for Barry Manilow - no lie!
How old are you today? 27
What is your favorite flower? calla lillies - hint hint
What is a day on your calendar that you are looking forward to? Christmas
What is your full name? Jennifer Renee Doty
What are you listening to right now? my office mate talk on the phone
What was the last thing you ate? a green skittle
Do you wish on stars? of course...
If you were a crayon, what color would you be? tickle me pink... i like that name
How is your weather right now? overcast, it's going to rain and I do love rain!!!
Last person you spoke to on the phone? Chris F.... gotta love work.
Favorite soft drink? Water - I'm off the sauce!!
Last place you ate out? Cheesecake Factory
Hair color? blonde for now
What was your favorite toy as a child? My barbies
Summer or winter? meh... both suck... winter??
Hugs or kisses? kisses
Chocolate or vanilla? chocolate for sure!
Coffee or tea? Meh... I like chamomille tea when I can't sleep
When was the last time you cried? I dunno - it's been a couple of weeks
What is under your bed? nothing!
What did you do last night? watched 3 episodes of my guilty pleasure show...
What are you afraid of? being bitten by a shark, or a rattlesnake!
Salty or sweet? Sweet.... but Salty certainly has it's place in my life
How many keys on your key ring? 1
How many years at your current job? 4
Favorite day of the week? Saturday - good friends, my baby, and fun!
How many towns have you lived in? a bazillion - yes, that's the real number
Do you make friends easily? I think so
Do you like finding out all this stuff about your friends? yes
What is the last book you read? Mama might be better off dead
Where is your cell phone? On my desk
Your significant other? No such person!
Your hair? blonde and straight in a ponytail today
Your mother? super smart, straightforward, a good friend and grandma
Your father? makes the best cookies, loving, gentle, such a great grandpa!!!
Your favorite thing? Music is my favorite thing!!!
Your dream last night? I didn't have one
Your favorite drink? I'm a water girl....
Your dream/goal? buy a place in 3 years... yes, I'll be 30... sick!
The room you’re in? My office
Your hobby? music, scrapbooking, crafts of any kind, friends, yoga... soon pole dancing
Your fear? spiders, sharks, snakes.... the 3 S's
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Doing something I love, and in my own casa.
What you’re not? a good lier!
Muffins? poppyseed
One of your wish list items? new camera
Where you grew up? everywhere, mostly in Utah though
The last thing you did? return some phone calls and emails
What are you wearing? a super cute new outfit!!! denim trousers, wine colored shirt, black jacket... I do love shopping
Favorite gadget? My pizzle (that was for Moosie) Ipod of course
Your pets? I love toodles - he loves my dad and friend more.... traitor
Your computer? laptop...
Your mood? bored
Missing someone? yes
Your car? again... Honda Accord SE
Something you’re not wearing? socks
Favorite store? Target... No really, I love target
Like someone? I like lots of people, but not in 'that' way....
Your favorite color? today it's tickle me pink
When is the last time you laughed? last night