Living as a Livingston

Space City

2011-10-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

Our New Home:

- where the weather averages only 18 days with temperatures of 32 degrees or less (opposite of our recent beloved home, Cleveland)

- where 2.3 million other people reside, good for the fourth most in the nation

- where there are 14 major institutions of higher learning in the metro area

- where there are more than 8,000 restaurants representing more than 35 countries and American regions (including a delicious Bosnian restaurant we tried last weekend)

- where the city is 43 feet above sea level

- where, if the city were an independent nation, it would rank as the world's 30th largest economy by itself

- where 92 countries have consular offices

- where 23 Fortune 500 companies are headquartered

- the name of this city is also the first word spoken from the moon

The last one may have given it away. We are moving to Houston.

As much as we've enjoyed San Antonio and wanted to stay, I accepted a job with a company that will create a small firm near downtown Houston.

Meanwhile, Max is almost one year old, and getting more handsome by the day.

Max is also learning new tricks. He uses pointing, for example, to indicate he hears birds or loud cars.

Max is also discovering his tongue.

And for his last trick, he shows us that he is a football fan at heart.

"TOUCHDOWN!" -- as a matter of fact, he heard an announcer say "Touchdown" during the BYU game on Saturday and promptly threw up his hands in excitement.

San Antonio Summer

2011-08-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome

Max greets you. Our nine-month old is keeping us busy especially now that he's learning to get around a little more. What was once a forehead-crawl (he'd bury his head into the ground and push his butt up into the air with his legs) has now evolved into more of an army crawl. And while we can still keep him from destroying most things within his reach, we've yet to come up with a solution to eliminate his insatiable desire to put every little thing into his mouth. He finds things the vacuum does not. We've pulled carpet, sticks, rocks, paper and much more out of his adorable, two-toothed mouth.

Since we've last published, the Texas Bar Exam has come and gone. Miranda's mom was kind enough to come visit and stay with Max while I spent all day (for three days) testing.

Tim Riggins and his "No Regrets" mentality provides the outlook on Texas law I need to pass the bar because he, after all, was raised in this great state and will be in "Texas forever."

Three days, 15 hours of testing and countless hours spent studying, memorizing, outlining and cramming are behind me (assuming I passed). Unfortunately, we don't find out results until November (yuck!).

If things don't work out, on the other hand, there's always following the footsteps of the Great Eric Taylor. Can you tell Miranda and I have been re-watching the greatest series in the history of TV (Friday Night Lights)?

Meanwhile, we've also been able to get out and enjoy San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country. This included taking strolls down San Antonio's Riverwalk.

Yesterday we had the opportunity to enjoy a lake out in the Hill Country. It was a bit of a drive, but we think it was worth it. Miranda was (and is always) quick to point out that it's not as beautiful as Washington and the "Great, Magnificent, Celestial" Northwest (as she calls it), the Hill Country has more of an earthy, rustic beauty.

A Portion of Inks Lake--the latest Livingston destination.

Max's favorite part: the grass.

This, in my unbiased opinion, is one of the cutest pictures in the history of all pictures. Right down to his chubby little legs.

This is the fort we constructed for Max to shield him from the 100+ degree weather.

Back in the day-to-day routine, Max has really grown to enjoy books. They are, outside of belts and computer keyboards, Max's favorite toys. He entertains himself like this:

This baby doesn't look like a nine-month old to me. There's something about this picture that makes me think he looks older... like someone else maybe...? What do you think?

Am I the only one that sees something here?

We're Heeeere

2011-07-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

Uh, Jared. I don't think we're in Kansas anymore. Well. We were only really in Kansas one night... on the way to TEXAS

land of ten gallon hats and home of....

your friendly neighborhood chipotle equivalent

What the--- that's right. Here we have representing your three grocery store options. What's the daughter of Jolynn my-day's-not-complete-till-I've-snagged-every-sale-item-from-10-different-grocery-store-locations Perry gonna do? Oh, that's right. Save time and gas and shop at one location. (Love ya, mom!)

Those are the only stand-out Texasisms novelties I've noticed so far. More to come I'm sure. Oh, and here's some Max pics to keep everyone comin' back.

Finally! Family Pics!

2011-05-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

You wouldn't know it by the pics, but it was pretty cold and Max had a hard time smiling through it all. Thanks to our photographer, Sarah for beautiful family memories.

Cramming Life's Major Moments Into One Crazy Weekend

2011-05-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, finally the day came. Jared graduated from law school. Top 10% of his class and with a baby to boot.

The tassels served not only to indicate academic standing but to entertain Max.

And there's me. Trying to be the lovely trophy wife. In a silly hat and rain coat.

That very night we said goodbye to Ohio...

...and the next day (after a 15 hour car ride), Hello Missouri!

Kansas City to be exact. We're biding our time here, hanging with Jared's parents while he studies for the bar. Pretty soon we'll be moving on to...

Never thought I'd live in Texas... Not that I won't like it. But I'm a Washington girl. I like things like rain, the color green and a minimal amount of bugs... in small sizes and limited variations. At least I'll get to practicar hablar en espanol!

Maxwell Milkface Fussyhead

2011-05-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

When Max was born, and back when graduation was something I was looking forward to (and it normally is, but now it just means that I'll officially be unemployed), I told myself that by the time I graduated I would have a six month old. And it was so hard to imagine. But here we are, graduating law school (on the 15th) with a six-month old kid.

The only thing that may be different than what I would have imagined all those six months ago is that Max would've had a less fussy temperament. I guess I can't blame him. It seems like his teeth have been on the brink of cutting for two months, hiding barely beneath the surface of his gums. At least with the way he screams, you'd think so. And so we cherish the happy times, and for the fussy times, we get creative for ways to take his mind off fussin.

One of his favorite things is to join the cat in glaring out the window and staring at cars:

Additional baths are also something that he seems to enjoy. Whether they are to distract him, or to clean off his now-solid bowel movements when normal wipes are insufficient, he enjoys them nonetheless.

Max also likes watching animals. It's taken him a while, but he's warmed up to the cat, and likes just watching him. So we thought he'd like the zoo. His favorite was the cat/fish/primate exhibit (seriously, one building houses the cats, fish and primates--not sure why):

Miranda killed a race on the day of my last final. She finished first in her age group and second among all women. Max celebrated by eating her medal.

But like I said, this little guy is not without good moods:

Stay at Home Dad

2011-02-23T16:37:00.000-08:00

It's been a little over a month since I've taken over the helm on the house-front. Miranda is back working around 28 hours a week, and with this being my last semester, I've been able to arrange a schedule that allows me to be home for most of the day. It's just me and Max.

Occasionally I will have to go down to school for work in the law clinic. And Max comes in tow. Although I'm deathly afraid of him having either 1) a diaper explosion, or 2) a temper explosion, while at school, most of the time he is his well-behaved self. And to be honest, I think it's worth the risk. I like being "that guy with the baby." Today, for example, my clinic partner and I were meeting with our supervisor in one of the front Clinic rooms which, if blinds are open, is visible from the outside hall. After Max had woken up, I was holding him on my lap, and soon after noticed a couple of Chinese students admiring him from afar. And it's true, it's not every day that we see babies at law school, but I'd like to think that this baby gets so much attention just because he's ridiculously friggin' cute.

But being a stay at home dad isn't all ponies and twinkies and rainbows. Also today, before his angelic display for the spectators, he unleashed his inner beast and wailed for a good hour and a half. For apparently no good reason. I really can't be sure, though. As a barometer, to tell whether he's just being cranky or whether he's really uncomfortable, I apply the vacuum test, in which I pit my son up against our vacuum. You see, babies supposedly are comforted by "white noise" because it simulates womb conditions. Since I don't have a white noise machine, I just use the vacuum. So applying the vacuum test today, for example, the vacuum won. As I turned the vacuum on, he quieted down and even had the audacity to flash a few toothless (but not for long) grin up at me. The nerve. And I thought there was something wrong. Yesterday, however, it was he conquered. That just means I was doing something wrong.

But for the most part, I love being the one who gets to stay home. It is probably the only chance I'll have to play this role (as long as I find a darn job) and I will truly admire Miranda that much more for having to do it with not just one, but maybe two, or three, or four at home at the same time.

Enjoy some video:

So Max is learning slowly to roll over. We train exhaustively after each feeding.

I took a trip to Louisville last weekend, and came home to find I had been replaced by a tiny stuffed bear. Either way, it's fun to listen to Max talk.

So you can't see everything in this video (sorry, I can only do so much when it's just me) but I just discovered this game that Max apparently loves. His laugh kills me.

3+ Months

2011-02-10T09:59:00.000-08:00

Our Narcissistic Baby

2011-02-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

Teething (?) and Cloth Diapers

2011-01-31T18:34:00.000-08:00

Teething and cloth diapers. Not something that I would recommend starting while the other one is going on. To be honest, we've been trying the cloth diapers for a while, and we're not even sure Max is teething. At three months and two days, we parents can only hope that our child's endless fussiness is attributable to the dreaded teething phase of infanthood. He definitely has all of the symptoms (see the bib--the drain for the faucet that his mouth has become), but we're told that the three month mark is the earliest kids will begin to teeth. You be the judge:

Max is sad about teething, while Miranda is sad about having to spray poop off of Max's next diaper.

And in this phase of pre-solid food, I must admit, Max's diapers haven't been all that bad. It does take a lot of work, however, to clean each diaper, pre-treat and then launder each diaper. Why is this method preferred over an option that insists of simply wadding and throwing away? On some days, I just don't have an answer for that question.

Our bathroom also converts to a drying rack.

By putting an image of Jesus on the changing table, we're already teaching Max that Jesus = getting clean.

Max noticing the cat.

Max also loves being naked. He must think its his time to shine. When he is, you can tell he feels the freedom and uninhibited movement associated with being naked, because he just loves to squirm. Come to find out, he also loves his ABCs. Observe:

Two Months and Counting

2011-01-14T17:37:00.000-08:00

Max is learning how to stand, how to poop in cloth diapers, and how to sleep 8 hours at a time.

Max has discovered his fingers.

Max and friends

Christmas cards a la Shutterfly!

2010-12-08T16:58:00.000-08:00

Well. We're in Kansas City for the first leg of our Christmas adventure and I need to share a quick tribute to a great deal: Those of you who know me best know that even though I may not be the greatest at keeping in touch through the year, I'm pretty faithful with my Christmas cards. And I love a great bargain! Usually I settle for corny looking but economically priced (or free) cards but this year I don't have to compromise. Check out all the options here! There are literally pages and pages of cards to choose from. I love this one.... it would be perfect to showcase a family picture and our new addition, baby Max:

The following card is colorful and appeals to the efficient side of me. It has space for a message as well as photos. 2 in 1:

These are only two of MANY that I find adorable and perfect for sending holiday greetings. From snowflakes to chic to formal or whimsical cards, Shutterfly has so many card options. They even have cards for birth announcements, (wish I'd known about those when Max was born) or fun desk calendars. Check 'em out, and hopefully you'll be getting my own Shutterfly greeting card within the month!

Home and Back Again

2010-12-07T07:47:00.000-08:00

Miranda and Max arrived home safely from their trip to Utah. Not two weeks later, we're not prepared for Max's "Holidays Tour" with a first stop in Kansas City and then a longer stay back in Utah (with maybe a quick trip to Albequerque?). Coming soon to a city near you:

Teepees, Hoses and Hormones

2010-11-14T12:20:00.000-08:00

Miranda and Max left me in Ohio to go to Utah on Friday to spend some time with Miranda's parents and to get some additional rest. In their absence, I do have more disposable time with which I though I'd do a little update.

Max is doing very well. We went in for his two week appointment (a few days early, though, so Miranda could leave for Utah) to find that the little guy had gained 9 oz. in about 5 days, putting him up to 6 lb. 10 oz. Finally back up to (and over) his birth weight, gone are the days that we have to wake him every 2 hours to feed.

Max does have an unbelievable ability to sleep. His parents very much appreciate that. A trait of his that his parents do not appreciate quite as much is his unbelievable ability to discern when he has no or a clean diaper. Frequent are the times (and most seem to be at 3:00 am) when we have changed Max for no more than 2 minutes when he feels what must be an innate desire to again let loose.

Additionally, our experience at the airport can also illustrate. We wanted to change him right before Miranda boarded. I didn't want to take him into the bathroom, because I'm a germ-a-phobe, and I was already nervous enough about having him travel and being out in public so young. So we put a blanket down on the waiting area seats off in a corner and started the process.

Now, we have been warned about the danger of changing baby boys' diapers. And we've even learned by sad experience that it is helpful have something covering the boy--something like a teepee, we had sometimes heard. I thought I could be the exception. I thought I would be fast enough. I thought my son could be above that. But what happened proved me wrong:

Use your imagination. Oh the joys of little boys.

Miranda is also recovering well. Before she left, I was having to force her to rest and to not do chores around the house. Now, at her parents', the temptation to help is hopefully lessened.

I cannot go without noting, however, the significant hormonal changes that must have occurred. Someone did something to my heart-of-steel wife. That woman is someone of the past. Things have just inexplicably changed. Before, I could not evoke even one measly sympathetic tear out of this rock-of-a-woman even at times when I confess undying love like, say, when I proposed marriage. Now, on the other hand, I might encounter this type of exchange:

I'm baffled. For now, I'll take it. Anyway, enjoy more pictures of our new best friend, Max, courtesy of our friend Paige:

Home and Healthy

2010-11-02T19:20:00.000-07:00

Max

2010-10-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

Weighing in at a stout 6 lbs. 8 oz. and 19 in., Bryon Maxwell ("Max") Livingston was born 4:20 am on Friday, October 29 (Happy Birthday Blake). (Pictures, of course, are below for those, like me, who would rather just look at the pictures).

Miranda had been having minor contractions all day on Thursday. They got a little closer together and a little more severe as the day progressed, but they were nothing she couldn't talk through. Around 8 or 9 Thursday evening (I know, because it interrupted "The Office") Miranda began to feel stronger contractions that were coming only minutes apart. She felt eventually that they were strong enough that we decided to go the hospital (The Office would have to wait).

The drive to the hospital is supposed to take about 45 minutes. This was my time to shine. I swear I got us there in about 20, even though we were slowed by a traffic jam on the highway (at 10 on a Thursday night?! C'mon, people). The traffic jam didn't slow us too much, though, as we called 911 to tell them that I had a laboring woman in the car, and that if they didn't do something about the traffic, it would be them that would have to hold Miranda's hand during the next contraction. They obliged. They had us drive along the shoulder until we reached where the accident had taken place, and we merrily went on our way. Except it wasn't too merry for Miranda. It was very hard for her to get comfortable, but she made it.

We arrive at the hospital a little after 10. Miranda was dilated at around 2 or 3. Not encouraging. The nurses said they could keep an eye on us for a few hours, and if she did not reach a 4, we'd be sent packing. The contractions came equally frequently, and were lasting for longer and longer. After about two hours, the nurses came back in to check her, and to make the final decision. While they were waiting to finish the contraction she was experiencing as the nurses were waiting, her water broke. Hooray! We could stay!

But the water breaking was the beginning of the end. To make a long story short, after the water broke, something must have happened that was really cramping Max's style. A position that may have been comfortable to Miranda was not comfortable for the baby, as his heart was constantly beating at between very high and very low rates. For the next four hours, the staff tried every trick in the book to stabilize the baby's heart rate, but to no avail. Eventually, we agreed to an epidural, and after that did not work to stabilize his heart rate, we agreed to a c-section. Then the magic happened (the Austin Collie kind of magic).

Unfortunately, though, Max was born with a bunch of gunk in his airway. After they cleaned him off, he received a brief kiss from his mother, and he and I were off to the nursery. He was having to work to breathe, and so he was given oxygen. Because there were other conditions that gave rise to other risk factors, he was also given an IV. Luckily though, he recovered well, he is breathing normally, he was finally able to feed and we're waiting to be done with the antibiotics so he can join us in our room. He's awesome. He likes heat (but not the Miami kind, because he was, after all, born in Cleveland), diapers, BYU Football, and is aspiring to be an attorney like his father. He also hates Utes (because they are classless, and because he was secretly also named after BYU's all-time winningest QB).

Miranda is also recovering well, and learning all the tricks to get one's self to use the bathroom after a c-section (blowing bubbles in water through a straw has been the go-to strategy of the day). And so, after that introduction, here you have Max:

Lessons Learned Through Eight Months

2010-09-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

Miranda would have loved to share our recent adventures with everyone, but this time, the privilege becomes mine for any number of the following reasons—Miranda is busy either:

a. reading a book about breastfeeding
b. reading a book about home births and blaming me that we can’t have one
c. sleeping in our new lazy boy (replacement for rocking chair—highly recommended)
d. dreaming about cinnamon rolls
e. craving cinnamon rolls

f. telling me to go get her cinnamon rolls

g. sleeping in bed

h. lotioning her expanding stomach, or

i. measuring her stomach against the Earth’s circumference

Needless to say, she’s busy preparing to be a mother.

So today, it is the husband and soon-to-be father that has the opportunity to discuss time-honored adages of pregnancy that we have discovered through eight months of pregnancy--things that we're sure every first-time parent eventually has to learn in order to be successful.

Lesson Number 1: Pregnant Women Aren't to Go Skydiving

Luckily, this was one lesson we did not have to learn the hard way--I was able to talk Miranda out of it (unlike running at night). But we did have the opportunity to get away to a bed and breakfast in the middle of nowhere: Shinglehouse, PA.

The View from Oz Homestay

Oz Homestay is a do-it-all kind of breakfast that offers rustic rooms, delicious food, camping and, of course, skydiving. Run by a Aussie (thus, "Oz") self-taught chef and skydiver and his American wife, Oz was going to offer us an early anniversary escape before the arrival of the boy. The afternoon and evening after we arrived was relaxing and cool, and we got to stroll around the property. Since Miranda was not going to be able to skydive, though, the owners allowed her a special opportunity to get up into the single-engine plane for a cruise around the PA-NY rural scene:

The View Out the Front (yes, that's the propeller)

After the flight, the owners prepared a delicious meal of filet mignon and chicken curry and topped it off with caramel cheesecake. It was easily the best steak I've ever eaten; I definitely 'nommed it up, George Dubya style.

After dinner, the owner gave a dissertation on what a horrible profession I had chosen. It turns out attorneys really are good-for-nothing and are a plague on society. Just two years too late, Oz. Two years. He probably wouldn't have said the same things about dentists. Had I only known. Oh well--I guess I'll stick with it.

After the night, we woke up to see the other couple that had stayed there overnight make the jump (pictured above) and we took off. Not in a hurry to get back to the CLE, we turned a four hour drive into the backroads-five and a half hour drive through Allegheny State Park. Absolutely wonderful. It was a perfect day to meander through Pennsylvania's back roads, looking at this for most of the way home:

Lesson Number 1(a): Pregnant Women Cannot Go in Hot-tubs, Especially Without "Bathers"

Oh yeah. Oz also had a hot tub. Early in the afternoon, the owners approached us about using it. With them. But without "bathers." It took me a while to realize what he was even talking about. Let me save you the wait and translate: "bathers" is Australian for bathing suit. Yes, he did just say that--he was inviting us to go skinny dipping.

Luckily, again, I was able to talk Miranda out of it. But probably just because she knew pregnant women aren't allowed in hot tubs.

House rules at Oz

Lesson Number 2: Having a Baby = Less Stuff for You, More Stuff for Baby

I thought it was bad when I got married. Gifts to me had become boxes filled with kitchen items, candles or blankets and stuff. No sign of man stuff like steaks and football tickets and weights. With a baby, I can already tell there is no looking back.

I can kiss gifts like this goodbye.

This is now the future.

It also appears that furniture will never look the same. I'm not sure that as an adult, I would have ever otherwise owned a dresser and bed that is in four different colors. Check out these gems:

How does it look? All I can say is that this little boy is going to have to grow into manhood because he isn't being born into it, with furniture like that. Actually, I can't complain, I think it looks kind of good, especially in the shadow of LaVell Edwards Stadium and other Cougar-adorned walls. And you better believe LES is there to stay. I tried talking Miranda into taking off all of the BYU paraphernalia off the wall into the old office/new baby's room, but she would not have it. When this girl has her mind made up, it is made up. I guess pregnancy has really brought the true blue out of Miranda. She even crochets through only half of the games now. And for those of you who know, you can appreciate how truly monumental that is. Like double rainbow monumental.

So anyway, this furniture actually has a story behind it: Here in C-town, Miranda and I have grown very fond of a phenomenon that the locals refer to as the "tree lawn." Instead of taking old furniture to the dump, they put it on the law and up for grabs. They may also post an ad on Craigslist, but there is usually no need. You see, people here in Cleveland have a sixth sense about the availability of garbage that could somehow be repaired and reused. Fortunately for this kid, his parents have developed such an ability, and we were able to pick up the dresser on the side of the road.

When we picked it up, though, it had a black/dark brown finish. We got the changing table from friends, and it had a light brown finish. The crib, meanwhile, had a white finish. We figured that at least, we did not want Max's room looking like it was me that decorated it, so we decided to remedy the mismatch. Thanks to our good friends Paige and Nate, we came up with a design for the changing table and the dresser that would make it match the white crib and what will be his bedding (once one of you decides to purchase it from our registry). We thought it turned out well enough. Not bad, right?

We've got you covered, Max

Lesson Number 3: It Turns Out That, After All, There May Be Some Things More Important Than BYU Football

But not that many. Things that are not more important than BYU football even include friends that say disparaging things about the Cougars, friends that say positive things about Yewts, and my concern for Riley Nelson's health. But one thing is certain, and that is this boy is more important than the Cougs. It is just about the only thing that could pick Miranda (and me, too, I guess) up off the floor after two disappointing losses.

We won this game, but Kariya's face = my heart after BYU loses

Miranda will be 35 weeks on Sunday the 26th. She is still outrunning me. I did finally get her to stop making the 2 mile bike ride to work. But that's about all I've been able to stop her from doing. We've been blessed with a healthy pregnancy, and looking forward to a healthy baby in less than a month.

That's when the real lessons have to be learned.

What CAN happen in 6 months?

2010-08-05T17:23:00.001-07:00

Well... lots of things I guess, but mostly I'd like to focus on one teensy weensy thing that has my legs all jiggly on morning runs, has turned me on to Tom's All Natural Deoderant, and wreaked such havoc at the office that coworkers shout nonsensical phrases such as "Miranda, get off of that chair!" "Put down that water drum!" and "Here, let me find a lighter sandwich platter for you to carry." Its hard to believe that such an innocent specimen could be the cause of (at some point in the last 28.5 weeks), headaches, nausea, burping, gas, 11pm english muffin cravings, lactose intolerance, smell sensitivity, and a dulled fashion sense that includes wearing Jared's baggy t-shirts and a pair of stretchy gaucho pants.

Folks, allow me to introduce to you, the poppyseed turned blueberry, that wanted to be a kumquat, but grew to be a lemon and and then evolved into a turnip, which quickly became a banana but thought a mango would be sweeter, and finally decided on....

...a head of bright green bok choi.

Ridiculous sizing comparisons aside, join me in appreciating and applauding the wiggling champion of my womb:

BABY MAX

but I reserve the right to change my mind and call him Fred or Johnny or Damian or D'Andre or whatever the heck I feel like when he makes his exit.

Are you as surprised as I was? Prolly not.

I so abhor belly show off shots... but I guess a picture's worth a thousand words. Sorry I almost made the mark with that first paragraph.

And I can still do dishes with a smile and a thumb's up.

Oh yeah, and in those last 6 months we also went to Toronto.... to try on animal beanies and hurt our necks looking at a really really tall building.

Is it mine? Is it really mine?

2009-10-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

Its just so cute!

Weighted keys...

looks nicer than a keyboard...

Must be my very own digital Yamaha CLP950! **Sigh. About this time last year I had a keen desire to rekindle my piano playing abilities, (which had slowly deteriorated after the age of 12). For Christmas I requested only $$ for my new piano. I was generously rewarded with a fair share of funds and days became weeks and weeks became months. I looked for a piano, I promise I did... but I got distracted somewhere between looking and purchasing. Until yesterday. The two concepts finally converged and VIOLA! I have a perfectly lovely piano in my living room. It is my new love, and, as Jared has calculated, our 3rd most expensive asset. Ha!

You'd never know it borders the ghetto

2009-10-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of outside shots of our apt building. We're top right.

I win

2009-09-16T06:01:00.000-07:00

I bet I cried more than all of you combined during this season premiere. Couldn't help it....

and a fun friday was had by all

2009-09-11T16:10:00.001-07:00

No work, a lovely day, the outdoors to enjoy it all in and my very own Jared.What can I say? The boy makes me happy... every day.

Our Mansion

2009-09-11T14:45:00.000-07:00

Of course its not, but you'd be amazed at how upscale a 2 bedroom with dining room AND living room can feel. I'm embarrassed to reveal my lack of photography skills, but.... here we go. A tribute to our new apartment, (minus Jared's "Cougar Den." He has yet to clean it up :))

Jared found this lovely yucca tree for free on Craigslist, and that nothing but our brute strength and our car's sun roof are responsible for its perfect position in our living room

A fake fireplace of my very own!
You can't tell from this picture but the view of the sun rising every morning is spectacular.

Food is fun!

2009-08-24T19:06:00.001-07:00

The sis Tanilee and I are contributing to a new recipe blog! Check out our tasty treats here

Shhhh!!!

2009-07-23T05:35:00.001-07:00

I want to win this backpack for Jared! And he really never reads this so if I win I'm pretty confident he'll be surprised. If you want a chance to win a cool Ogio pack too--don't go to the following website. You'll spoil my chances. j/k. Really. I love this blog for coupons and things!

China's best. According to Jared

2009-07-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

Jared's back from his 2 month internship in China. And here are some of his favorites of what this orient nation has to offer.

t-shirts with random english quips and phrases. This one sports Chinese enthusiasm for environmentalism?? I wonder.

Chinese food! The spices, the quantity, the cheap price. What's not to love? Oh, and the entertaining company. Its a family Jared knew on his mission in Toronto.
The unique architecture! This monster of a building is known among locals as "the pants."
The bike helmets!

Seriously? Well, they caught Jared's eye. When he saw McDonald's delivery boys scootering around Beijing in these beauties he said to himself, "and I shall have me one, and one for the wife too." Lucky me. I wear it like the lucky champ that I am :) ...don't let the less than thrilled look in the pic deceive you. Oh--and don't forget the $2 Ray Bans.
There's nothin like homemade baozi

Awe, and here we are trecking through the Ohio woods again, together again at last :)
Thank you China! For returning my husband-- a more handsome, slim/trim, swine flu free, and fashionable fellow than I remember! (The only place he will shop is China, where clothes are cheap and tailoring free).

China-town, Microbiology and Moving

2009-06-05T07:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lapse! I've been busy packing these driving this

and then moving it all to live for 2 months in something that resembles this

(Go me! :) What complicated matters what that my body decided to feel like this

And I decided to start a masters and take a course from 6pm-11pm Mon/Wed involving looking at these guys (gross!) --streptococcus bacteria.
Meanwhile, Jared's off having a grand ole time in a faraway land where traffic police wear vests that say "traffic warden"

and food items are described as "captivating with relish"

He's seen

and been seen with

Can anyone guess where he's gone? Beijing China! His new home for almost two months. He'll come back to me on June 27th and I can hardly wait :) ... so he can move all those boxes out of our temporary residence and into our new one! ;-) There you have it. Our fantastic summer affairs.

Food frenzy

2009-04-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

I guess my number #2 love, 2nd only to Jared, is coming out: FOOD!

Here's a deliciously nutritious recipe for... could it be.... icecream? I'm going to make it soon and let you know just how it stands up against the real thing.
BROWN SUGAR ICECREAM

ingredients
1 cup (195g) cooked short grain brown rice1 cup (245g) reduced fat plain yogurt1 cup (240 ml) non-fat, skim milk1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar2 tablespoons golden flax meal1 teaspoon lemon zest1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor until the rice begins to break apart. Pour into an air-tight, freezable container.
Freeze for 3-4 hours or until firm.

2009-04-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

Jared and I love trying new hummus recipes!
Here's some of our favorites. Let me know if you have any as well!

Black Bean Hummus
1 clove garlic 1 (15 ounce) can black beans; drain and reserve liquid 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 1/2 tablespoons tahini 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon paprika 10 Greek olives

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
1/3 cup tahini
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup roasted red peppers
1/4 teaspoon dried basil

Rosemary Artichoke Hummus

2 garlic cloves 3 to 4 tbls fresh rosemary, roughly chopped (I've used dried rosemary too, about 5 pinches) 1 - 15oz can of garbanzo beans 1 - 15oz can of quartered artichoke hearts, drained. (I've also used the marinated smaller cans to add more flavor) Juice of one lemon 3 to 4 tbls EVOO Salt to taste

Did you hear this?

2009-04-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

I've just become a huge fan! Mostly of this song (though not as done by Tears for Fears--sorry guys), and also of Adam Lambert. For those of you who watched American Idol last night. He was the last performer, and definitely stole the show. Now I can't get Mad World out of my head.

For Danika

2009-04-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

My current crochet project. Imagine this in 12 connected squares... w/o the hook in the middle. Retroness for sure. Sorry the picture's so dark.

And this little diddy is what I just completed a month or so ago. Cutest, most simple neck scarf you'll ever knit. Thanks Martha.

2009-03-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

Visit one of my new favorite blogs for a chance at this lovely prize!

In search of more delicious Monte Cristos

2009-03-04T16:15:00.000-08:00

Seriously guys. This is all you need to know about my birthday. (Well, almost...)
My compliments to the woman's blog from whenst this picture came. Thank you Ferguson family (no idea who you are... but there were other yummy treats featured, so take a look).

This is the deal though, folks. Monte Cristo (bit-of-heaven-in-10-lbs) sandwiches are hard to come by. Everyone I rave about them to is like "Monte Cristo... like the Count of?" And I have to be like "No, the sandwich!" They never know.

Who here has ever experienced the goodness of this sandwich?? Please let me know. I've had it at Disneyland (though for a pretty penny) and now Melt, here in Cleveland.

Tell me people: Where else can I get a Monte Cristo???

For those of you who don't know, a Monte Cristo is a ham, turkey and swiss sandwich on thick white bread, deep fried, sprinkled with powdered sugar and berry sauce on the side for dipping. A-MAZING.

Obviously there were other magical parts about the grand "golden birthday" (27 on the 27th), like Jared waking up early to draw me up a hot bath, rubbing my feet, making me waffles, buying me a plant, okaying the purchase of my new favorite hair toy--the Chi, and taking me to see Valkyrie. Great day. THE END.

2009-02-24T15:13:00.000-08:00

ALSO I must report on a recent happening of which I have never before participated. THE ACADEMY AWARDS. Though I had never watched the show in full before, I found myself quite entertained throughout the whole event. Although, why is it that over half the movies nominated I had never heard of let alone seen??? I guess I need to get out more.

Without a doubt, my most favorite competition was between two of my most favored composers: A.R. Rahman and Thomas Newman

You can get a little flavor for both in the following:

A.R. Rahman has scored music for hundreds of Bollywood films, and now won two Oscars for his work on Slumdog Millionaire.

This one is just for listening. Thomas Newman has done soundtracks for tons of movies. If you've ever seen Little Women, Meet Joe Black, Finding Nemo, Green Mile, Angels in America, Horse Whisperer, Pay it Forward, or Wall-E, etc. you've heard his tunes.

I really have to give credit to former roomate, Wendy, for introducing me to the world of Bollywood. As she recently posted: "...the Bollywood revolution is here, people. Embrace it."

What the heck, I'm on a roll. Here's some of my favorite Bollywood tunes.

Things that get me all excited

2009-02-24T03:56:00.000-08:00

My early b-day present came early in the mail yesterday!

Please don't judge me. I never thought I would be investing in one of the most EXPENSIVE pieces of hair care equipment--mind you I did not pay what one normally would. Its just that after experiencing the finesse, the ease, the speed and efficiency of a Chi over Christmas in my mother-in-law's bathroom, I knew I needed one of my own. Now that its come, my hair will never be the same.
Please believe me when I say that I am twenty trillion times more thrilled than that half hearted smile you see. AND my hair is silky smooth and straight.

Food, Food, Glorious Food

2009-02-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, my life revolves around food. I'm not necessarily good at making it, but I do love to try and I love to eat.

This year for Valentine's Day I told Jared he didn't have to get me anything, but with my allotment of grandma and grandpa's generous donation, I bought myself one of the world's smallest wonders and my greatest delights. KUMQUATS!
These delectable little fruits are pungently sour when you first bite in, and then delightfully sweet when you finish. (Its the skin that's the sweetest).

THEN we made Mulligatawny soup! Its delish, and was made famous by the "Soup Nazi" episode on Seinfeld. Its seriously one of those soups that I make on accident when I'm trying to use all of my going bad vegetables... only this one is ah-mazing :)

If you can't tell from the picture, or if you're too lazy to click on the link ;-) there's EVERYTHING in this soup, from spinach, to granny smith apples, to sweet potatoes and lentils, to onions, celery, ginger and chicken! I swear, its the greatest. Happy day after V-day to ME!!!!

ps. Speaking of food, Jared just announced this morning that he-- once what I would describe a "meat and potatoes" man--- could live off of fruit smoothies and pitas with veggies, falafal and hummus. That's it. As a wife seeking greater health for her family, I feel like I could die tomorrow a happy and accomplished woman :)

I finally....

2009-02-08T19:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday. It was my first race in a loooong time. All week I was gearing up for it. 37 flights. 600+ stairs. And I had no idea how it would be. I've never run up more than a few flights at one time. Would this take me 25 or 45 min? Would my legs be on fire or would I even break a sweat?
Well.

As it turned out, two friends signed up and we raced together-- doing the fun walk. EVEN WALKING we finished in like 15 min. I felt like I just did a series of light stretches or something. To make up for the lack of physical exertion, I told the ladies to drop me off in the middle of downtown Cleveland so I could meet Jared on the other side of the city at a market. BAD IDEA.

No sooner had I progressed a few blocks, than I was surrounded by buildings under construction and men with few teeth muttering or screaming things to themselves. Then I realized I was lost. Then I called Jared and got the "what did you think you were doing" lecture. Then I met up with him and life was safe again. AND I felt triumphant.

Miranda vs. Cleveland

Miranda won again.

What the heck's been going on?

2009-01-23T07:47:00.000-08:00

Well... first there was this:

Thanks to Tanilee for providing the photos

Then there was this:

(Got a job in the HR dept)

Lots of this:

High	Low	Precip

Actuals	7°F	-10°F	0 in.

In between everything there was lots of this:
And at the very end of course we celebrated this!

Don't worry. Now we're back.

Miranda vs Cleveland

2008-11-23T13:33:00.001-08:00

Don't worry. Miranda always wins. My coworkers first thought it was silly that I CHOSE to ride my bike to work every day. Now, with "Lake effect" winter storm warnings on the news every other night, they think I'm crazy to keep riding in. The fact of the matter is this. I enjoy exercise. I am poor. If I didn't ride to work, I would spend another 30-50 min. jogging in this cold.... so why not be productive with my time and let my exercise take me places. Like to work in the morning and home at night. Nuff said. Bike on.

Hey- who knows what to do for gears that freeze? That's one royal pain of this whole biking business.

Also noteworthy: I am some sort of a gardening success story. My christmas cactus has not bloomed in over 2 years... low and behold, maybe the move to Cleveland helped it change its tune.

Jared bought me flowers for our wedding anniversary Saturday:

I had my eye examined by an iridologist. I thought I was a pretty healthy person. Well, guess who was mistaken. I have a toxic liver. My immune system is weak. My pH is off balance, and my thyroid could be better. Huh. Now, there's no real science behind iridology, so I don't know how much stock to put in this woman's diagnosis, but I'm interested enough to try a few things she mentioned, and was fascinated by the conversation. How does my eye look to you?

Here's some pics from a trip to the cemetery a while back. The place is massive, and its pretty famous. President Garfield has a huge memorial there. We even got locked in. Some favs and then a collage.

Tagged by Becky!

2008-10-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by my friend Becky. Here goes. 7 random things about myself:

1. I'm going to copy my friend Alyssa on this one, but its true! On the weekends when I let myself sleep in past 5:40am I LOVE to let my alarm go off just the same, freak out for 3 seconds, and then remember that its the weekend, peacefully slipping back into my grateful slumber.

2. I can make my own reeds! Yesterday I just finished making an oboe reed. From scratch! (practically). And it worked! so I finally got to practice. :)

3. I ride my bike 5.5 miles to and from work every day. And the weirdest part is... I like it. (most days)

4. I'm named for some woman in a star trek episode. yeah. rock on my trekkie mother.

5. I finally am a paid personal trainer! (and an unglorified secretary)

6. My ohio state driver's license features a picture of me as a 10-year-old.

7. I love food and i love to eat it. I know this is no surprise to most of you, but the ladies at work seem to think its the strangest quality for someone my size. They just see me eating all day and can't get over that i'm half their size. well- hello! eating small amounts of food 6 or so times a day that is actually good for you is much better than, well.... lots of other options.

I hereby tag the following: Tanilee, Cassandra, KC and Telia.

catch-up

2008-10-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

I got a job!!! Well. Sort of. I was hired through the temp agency, to help out in Warrensville City School District's Special Education office. Shortly thereafter the director asked me to apply for the position I was filling in for. We'll see. I have a BCI/FBI background check on Monday. Pray that my shady past hasn't caught up with me ;-).

Next up. Weekend trip to Niagara Falls. (Mixed in with the albums are pics from our most recent adventure to Cuyahoga National Park).

niagara and cuyahoga jami style

This album is compliments of Jared and I. (Our camera is more crappy though.) Our two couple friends, Chris and Ashley and Nate and Paige sponsored the next album.

niagara and cuyahoga naiger crash style

Synopsis of Niagara: Canada side is more scenic than American side, (as anyone will tell you), but the whole city surrounding the site is very Vegas style. Lots of lights, people, expensive restaurants and cheap shops. Smoking, gambling, and clubs are among the popular venues. A more quaint town about a 20 min drive north called Niagara on the Lake is by far a better place to actually spend the night. B&B all the way.

General Conference weekend was a-mazing. Favorite talks so far: Elder Bednar's on prayer:

The patterns used by God in creating the earth are instructive in helping us understand how to make prayer meaningful. In the third chapter of the book of Moses we learn that all things were created spiritually before they were naturally upon the earth.

“And now, behold, I say unto you, that these are the generations of the heaven and of the earth, when they were created, in the day that I, the Lord God, made the heaven and the earth,

“And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth” (Moses 3:4–5).

We learn from these verses that the spiritual creation preceded the temporal creation. In a similar way, meaningful morning prayer is an important element in the spiritual creation of each day—and precedes the temporal creation or the actual execution of the day. Just as the temporal creation was linked to and a continuation of the spiritual creation, so meaningful morning and evening prayers are linked to and are a continuation of each other.

And Elder Anderson's:

put simply by the title of the talk:

You Know Enough

Our spiritual journey is the process of a lifetime. We do not know everything in the beginning or even along the way. Our conversion comes step-by-step, line upon line. We first build a foundation of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We treasure the principles and ordinances of repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. We include a continuing commitment to prayer, a willingness to be obedient, and an ongoing witness of the Book of Mormon. (The Book of Mormon is powerful spiritual nourishment.)

We then remain steady and patient as we progress through mortality. At times, the Lord’s answer will be, “You don’t know everything, but you know enough”—enough to keep the commandments and to do what is right. Remember Nephi’s words: “I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.”²

I love these simply stated yet profound reminders and analogies for life!!!

Last of all. Look what I've finally taken the time to get started on:

Reed making!!! Watch out youngsters. Its time for yer oboe lesson.

2008-09-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

I love music! I think it is the singular, most influential mood modulator there is, for me. Take track 44 for example- on my "TN appreciation" list. "Down to Earth," by Peter Gabriel. I'm a big fan of his. I think he's a great lyricist and his melodies are always unique with a variety of instruments, sounds, chord structures, etc. Anyway, give track 44 a listen and see how it makes you feel. Here's the lyrics too, just for fun. (Sting and Coldplay are also longtime favorites... Coldplay's most recent album- Viva la Vida- is a much better representation of this uniqueness I crave than their earlier stuff).

Did you think that your feet had been bound
By what gravity brings to the ground?
Did you feel you were tricked
By the future you picked?
Well come on down

All these rules don't apply
When you're high in the sky
So come on down
Come on down

(chorus) We're coming down to the ground
There's no better place to go
We've got snow upon the mountains
We've got rivers down below
We're coming down to the ground
To hear the birds sing in the trees
And the land will be looked after
We send the seeds out in the breeze

Did you think you'd escaped from routine
By changing the script and the scene?
Despite all you made of it
you're always afraid of the change

You've got a lot on your chest
Well you can come as my guest
So come on down
Come on down

(repeat chorus)

Like the fish in the ocean
We felt at home in the sea
We learned to live off the good land
We learned to climb up a tree
then we got up on two legs
But we wanted to fly
When we messed up our homeland
and set sail for the sky

We're coming down to the ground
There's no better place to go
We've got snow upon the mountains
We got rivers down below
We're coming down to the ground
We'll hear the birds sing in the trees
And the land will be looked after
send the seeds out in the breeze

We're coming down
Comin' down to earth
Like babies at birth
Comin' down to earth

Redefine your priorities
These are extraordinary qualities

(repeat chorus)

What's in a song??

2008-09-21T17:31:00.001-07:00

I love music! I think it is the singular, most influential mood modulator there is, for me. Take track number 44 for example- on my "TN appreciation" list. "Down to Earth," by Peter Gabriel. I'm a big Peter Gabriel fan too. I think he's a great lyricist and his melodies are always unique with a variety of instruments, sounds, chord structures, etc. Anyway, give track 44 a listen and see how it makes you feel. Here's the lyrics too, just for fun. (Sting and Coldplay are also longtime favorites... Coldplay's most recent album is a much more amazing representation of this uniqueness that I love in artists than their earlier stuff)

Did you think that your feet had been bound
By what gravity brings to the ground?
Did you feel you were tricked
By the future you picked?
Well come on down

All these rules don't apply
When you're high in the sky
So come on down
Come on down

Did you think you'd escaped from routine
By changing the script and the scene?
Despite all you made of it
you're always afraid of the change

You've got a lot on your chest
Well you can come as my guest
So come on down
Come on down

(repeat chorus)

We're coming down
Comin' down to earth
Like babies at birth
Comin' down to earth

Redefine your priorities
These are extraordinary qualities

(repeat chorus)

blogging background music

2008-09-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

I hope you all don't mind too much... I don't think the music plays automatically anyway, but I have long been a big fan of Thomas Newman's scores. Give a little listen if you like. I've got the soundtrack to Finding Nemo up first, but he's done the soundtracks for other such movies and series as Little Women, Meet Joe Black, Wall-e, Liminey Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events, Road to Perdition, Green Mile, White Oleander, Horse Whisperer, Angels in America, and MORE. Give it up for master orchestrator TN!!!

lest I forget...

2008-09-07T19:43:00.000-07:00

More amateur photography. This is more to give the folks back home an idea of our living space here in Cleveland-town. Everything with a yellowish wall is the living room. White walls at the bottom are the kitchen. Imagine the pics rotating from left to right around the rooms.

I've got to find the other 6!!!

2008-09-07T14:47:00.000-07:00

Go here to find out how many people share your name. Apparently I'm one of 7. Blast. And all this time I thought I was one-of-a-kind. ;-)

car fun!

2008-09-07T13:24:00.001-07:00

Finally we found a car. And it was by far the best of all we had seen. Highlights of the new addition to our family: Complete cost was under $5,000. Leather seats. Smells good. Looks fantastic (inside/out)--others had nasty upholstery stains inside, rust and other cosmetic damage outside. 67,000 miles. 2001. Sunroof! What a relief. Did I mention what kind? Look and see! Did I mention she's a hatchback and has cool round lights?? I know that is not a "new" feature to cars, but I've only ever owned cars from the 90's with the rectangular head/tail lights.

Kirtland

2008-09-07T13:18:00.001-07:00

Here's where I was trying to get my photography skills on. I think I was better in high school...BUT practice makes perfect. :) Kirtland was amazing. Still a very strong spirit there and a wonderful place, rich in church history and the love and sacrifice of the early saints.

last week

2008-08-31T17:43:00.000-07:00

First off. Here was a fun project for Tuesday afternoon last week. I must preface by stating that here, in Cleveland, there are no garbage cans. One simply wakes up Wednesday morning and knows its trash day by all the "lawn art" (bags, junk, whatever), decorating the curb side area of everyone's properties. I happened to be on my way home from a friend's house when I spied a large rolled up rug in front of our neighbor's yard. I curiously unrolled a corner, saw that it looked decently clean, awkwardly hefted it onto my bike and proceeded homeward. Now, we already have a massive, good as new rug that we got for free from a close by lds family. It does have a random shell, leaf, flower motif around the edges, and the color scheme doesn't really support everything else in our living room, so I was curious to see if I could do better. Halfway home I decided to inspect my new found rug further, rolled it out on someone else's lawn and found that my "art piece" was spotted and stained all over. It definitely needed a good vacuuming if nothing else. I carried it home, only to throw it away in our dumpster, but somewhere between the front of the apt complex and the back, I had a change of heart.

This is what being jobless and frugal to a fault can drive you to do. With the afternoon free I decided to dedicate my time to the task of cleaning the carpet. More than anything I was curious to see if my mother-inspired elbow grease and concoction of ammonia and vinegar would do the trick. Fun for me.... it did!

Piece of the rug before my polishing prowess.

And here is after.

Quite pleased with my work, I let it dry in the sun for a few hours and then traded it out for the larger, yet now equally clean, old rug. Jared came home and agreed with me (yesssss) on the placement of the new rug. Anyone want the old one?

Blessings Galore

2008-08-31T17:09:00.000-07:00

Who cares what you call it-luck, good karma, the law of attraction-life would be lame without blessings! And its funny how there's always so many more when you just ask to be made aware of them. Maybe an "adventure" was what God knew I needed in order to see and appreciate His hand in my life more. I've loved living in Cleveland so far and I think part of the reason is that I know I'm not alone. I have Jared obviously. And he is a great support, but the "blessing" of being jobless has also created more opportunities to be spiritually minded, introspective and contemplative--as I mentioned a couple of entries ago.

If I stop and really listen as I pray, or even run, or while I read my scriptures, its almost easy to hear Heavenly Father pointing out a course of action or whispering the name of a friend in need. One of my favorite parts about this adventure is that my course of action may change on a daily or weekly basis. It doesn't mean that I took the wrong course of action to begin with, simply that I went as far with it as was needed and am now being directed further.

As long as I make it a point to be thoughtful about the decision, I'm more confident in my actions, regardless of the outcome. If its an unlikely outcome, I'm even more likely to search for greater meaning and get more out of the process.

To put this in practical terms, I'm still jobless. But I go to bed every night tired and satisfied with my daily efforts. I try my best to make thoughtful, even inspired decisions and see them through until God directs me otherwise. This process hasn't landed me a full time position with wonderful benefits yet, but I've made preparations that I'm confident I wouldn't have made otherwise and that I'm sure will lead to the best outcome.

God makes a great teammate. If you don't have Him on your team yet, its something you definitely need to consider.

and the list of favs goes on

2008-08-31T12:49:00.000-07:00

Love to do puzzles. Doing one right now actually. One year for Christmas santa gave a puzz 3D similar to this one and I think I rebuilt it several times that year.

I also adore playing the oboe. I guess more so, I adore listening to it. (As others play much better than myself.) I have a flier under works to offer my services as an oboe and a piano teacher (for beginners of course). Any takers? ;-)

Running! Jared and I participated in a Ragnar Relay this summer- Utah's Wasatch Back. What a fun ride. 11 people. 181 miles. 29 hours. yeehaw.

And, a small tribute to my new love. give it up for....

That's it. I'm breaking the mold

2008-08-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

And starting with a clean slate is the first step. I've got all sorts of ways I'd like my blog to look, but until I figure out the logistics of it all, everyone will have to settle for white.

I find myself with an opportunity to do some introspection... all the classic questions that help define oneself. What do I enjoy most in life? What makes me happy? What are some of my favorites? I know the questions themselves are a bit redundant, but I have to pose them so I don't miss anything. Lets start with some favorites.

I love to crochet. And I'm even thinking of starting to sell some of my goods, though if you've gotten married within the last year, or plan to be soon, you'll probably just get one as a gift. The one pictured is a baby blanket I did for my sister's baby-- adorable child. (more crochet pics to come)

I also love to eat. Blueberries are a recently rediscovered love as I got to pick some myself at a nearby farm. Soooo much cheaper than buying them in the store and so much better tasting.

I love intricate and detailed artwork. Last Halloween I had a coworker draw a pattern similar to this one on my hand. Not a typical personal practice... usually I'm just an admirer, but it was Halloween, so what the hay (or is it hey??).

that last subject was a lie. THESE are camping pics... but weren't those last ones cute?

2008-08-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

If that last set of pics didn't prove that i have the cutest niece, these will. (There will be more than one this time). These are of the family 4th of July trip to Stanley ID.

family camping pics

2008-08-13T18:43:00.001-07:00

These don't have to do with the recent move, but they're they're a long overdue tribute to our (Jared and I) and Tanilee and Blake's Memorial Day weekend trip to Disneyland!

And here's me by my lonesome on a business trip to Florida.

We're Here!

2008-08-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

Hey friends,

We've finally arrived in our new home--Cleveland OH. Below are some highlights of our adventure so far.

Not such a fan of...
1. sleeping on the ground- 5 days and going strong (the first two were on asphalt by the side of the trailer).
2. toll roads. Being from the west I don't appreciate the concept. The irony is that roads here in general are more poorly maintained than what I'm accustomed to.
3. When we first stepped in our house smelled like a public restroom
4. the price of groceries!! (at least in the stores close by)--the most common one is called giant eagle. That just makes me think of scrubs. definitely not groceries. what were they thinking??
5. These loud annoying bugs. Its just one particular breed of bug I think, and I've yet to see one, but they can be heard all over and its awful. Makes me feel like they're out to get us.
6. Job hunting. I had one set up before we left provo, but its w/ a brand new company and it would only be part time w/o benefits. Just set up an interview for tomorrow w/ a chiropractic office.

Big fan of...
1. The awesome people we've met so far! Seriously- the family we bought our new leather love seat from turned out to be LDS, and they threw in a bookcase for $5 and their neighbors gave us a massive beautiful, like new rug for FREE. Our upstairs neighbor- Vioal also took me "shopping" in her apt upstairs. She GAVE me three mirrors, brand new curtains and a glade plug in when she smelled for herself how bad our apt was.
2. Our new furnishings! (thanks mostly to the nice people we've met). Thanks to craigslist we've got a cute table/chairs set and matching hutch. cross your fingers for the mattress we're going to see/pic up? tonight
3. This one is for Jared... the weather! He loves it out here- and so do I. The warmest its been is like 75. So far no need for fans, air condt, nada.
4. the olympics and the fact that we got to bring our tv! (I know that's not specific to our move, but i'm still a huge fan).
5. The old houses and architecture. Lots of places- including our apt bldg have a brick/tudor style facade.
6. Little Italy is close by! Can't wait to try more authentic italian food than fazoli's ;-)

Anyway, there's more to come I'm sure but that's it for now!

2008-07-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

Running friends!

Lookie here:

miranda,

The MyoMed Ragnar Relay Series is expanding across the nation. With 7 relays and more on the way, we would like to give you an opportunity to invite your friends and family to experience one of our new relays in Texas, Florida, or Washington, D.C.

It's simple. To invite your friend to run:
Texas visit http://www.ragnarrelay.com/austin/invite
Florida visit http://www.ragnarrelay.com/florida/invite
DC visit http://www.ragnarrelay.com/dc/invite

Don't worry, it only takes a few minutes. Best of all, if any of your friends register for a MyoMed Ragnar Relay in Texas, Florida or Washington, D.C., you and your friend will receive this free Ragnar Warm-Up Jacket. Just make sure they use the promo code FRIENDREF when registering.

Jared and I just got done running the wasatch back- such a fun relay- also run by ragnar, here in Utah. I would highly recommend any ragnar race to a running enthusiast- and if you register for one of the races listed and use the special code word- we get free warm up jackets! :)

I should post pics of our race...

PAY IT FORWARD

2008-06-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

I am FINALLY doing a couple of things. First and foremost, I'm actually updating our blog- for the first time in months. Second, I am continuing something marvelous I participated in several months ago, the Pay it Forward game. The game is simple. Be one of the first 3 people to respond to this post, saying how much you'd love to play, and you'll get a surprise from me. It won't be glamorous, but it will be fun... maybe something crafty or tasty- and it doesn't matter where you live- i'll get it to you. The catch is that you, in turn, must Pay it Forward and provide the same opportunity for some lucky threesome. When I played my friend dropped a bunch of cookies on my doorstep and a St. Patrick's day box with a shamrock flower mix on my doorstep.

Anyways, I can't wait to see who will respond so I can have fun thinking of what to share :)

Aside from that bit of fun, here's the real news of the day.

We're leaving in August! Jared not only got accepted to, but received a very gracious scholarship from Case Western Reserve University!

That's right everyone. We're off to Cleveland, OH. No place to live yet, lots of stuff to sell and gas to buy. And we're looking forward to all of it :)

Here's the quickest catch up possible. Top 5 happenings in the lives of Jared and Miranda

1. Last weekend we ran the Ragnar Relay Wasatch Back. 180 miles from Logan to Park City... pictures to be posted soon
2. I made my first trip to Florida on a business trip- solita!
3. Jared and I started volunteering at the temple Saturdays
4. We've enrolled in an options trading training course... if we keep going the way Jared's trading he'll never have to practice law and we can retire when we're 30 ;-)
5. Jared graduated from BYU with a degree in economics

I've been tagged!!!... by my friend Becky.

2008-02-26T09:26:00.000-08:00

Hope you find this gratifying :)

1. What were you doing 10 years ago.

Ha. I was 15... and it was the day before my birthday... so I hope I was excited. :)

2. 5 things on my to-do list today:

1. find out if my cane for making reeds got ordered
2. visit chelsea and her new baby
3. go to yoga
4. remember my vt's are coming at 8:30
5. find out if I have any money left on my cafeteria plan to be used in the next week and a half

3. 5 snacks that I enjoy:

1. appleas and peanut butter
2. pretzles
3. party mix
4. fresh peas from costco
5. toast

4. 3 bad habits:

1. making everything a competition
2. allowing my alarm to go off 3 times before I actually get out of bed
3. being forgetful

5. What would you do if you were instantly a billionaire?

1. Go on a cruise
2. start a relief/charitable organization of sorts
3. go on a mission with jared
4. build our dream house, complete with turreted library and indoor swimming pool
5. go to ireland

6. 5 places I've lived:

1. Vancouver, WA
2. Provo, UT
3. Portland, OR
4. Vina del Mar, Chile
5. Valparaiso, Chile

7. 5 things people don't know about me:

1. I play the oboe
2. I tend to talk in my sleep
3. when i was on my mission, i tried some very creative, yet traditional means of getting my hair to grow better
4. I ride my bike to and from work-- even in snowstorms
5. I'm team captain of a ragnar relay team! (178 mile running race from Logan to Park City).

Oh my GOSH! Pwetty Diamonds!

2008-02-22T15:23:00.000-08:00

Haha... this is a favorite phrase from one of my sisters when she was like 5 or something. She said it as she was inspecting her shirt with shiny sequins. And I hope something similar is what you all will gasp when you come to the Lia Sophia jewelry party I'm hosting!

Its just for funsies... a good reason to get friends together, mingling over munchies and million dollar diamonds. (haha- yeah right). If you're interested in bangles and accessories, or you just want to hang out with friends and have access to free food, (and you're local), please let me know and give me your address so my friend doing the party can send out invitations.

details:
WEDNESDAY MARCH 5TH (I keep accidentally saying its either monday, or the 3rd- but its not, I promise)
7pm - 9pm
my house! (the address will be in the invitation)

Pictures!

2008-02-01T15:42:00.001-08:00

So, to your right, you can view some lovely photo albums. I've finally gotten around to posting pictures from various festivities and family functions. The pics of the gingerbread houses are fun because Jared and I liked some of the houses so much that we plan on giving the pics to a builder for the designing of our future home! hahaha... Jared's birthday presents are shown in the last album. I didn't remember to take any during the actual surprise party we had, but those give you an idea of what went down.

Readinfg for Pleasure, Once Again

2008-01-29T07:54:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh.... For a while there during my college career, I seriously doubted whether I would ever read a book for fun again. I speculated that day would come once I actually finished college, and I was right. Luckily that time is now upon me and amidst random crochet projects I find myself enjoying a variety of the latest and greatest, (even the not so latest), in fiction. It all started with Twilight that Brittney will be happy to know she inspired me to read, and has recently finished with The Bridge to Terabithia, on which I would like to briefly comment.

I had been so out of practice of reading for fun, (but still getting something out of it), that it took me till the end of the book to ask myself, "okay, what is this really all about." I don't think my comments will spoil the book for those of you who haven't read it so I'll plunge right into my thoughts. I found myself so impressed with the development of a seemingly simple childhood friendship, that actually embodied a much greater concept--that of change, and how one person has the ability to affect another's life for better. Of course this, we would hope, occurs with every human interaction and relationship, but effecting change in another, much less oneself, can be such a tricky process. And ironically, its not that you change them on purpose, or that you realize you yourself needed changing, its just the wonderful, natural result of true affection, investment/sharing of self, and of quiet but sincere guidance.

As I read this book I was felt lucky to have the third party vantage point, from which I could sneak peaks of, and glean from watching the characters, ways in which I could improve my relationships with others through giving more sincerely of myself, and leading by example and not by instruction. The character Leslie reminded me that we all have a unique perspective on life, on how to escape from it and even enjoy it more fully. If we are brave enough to share our deepest feelings with those around us-- spouses, siblings, parents, close friends especially, we enable them to do the same, our lives develop greater meaning and best yet, we change, we progess... with those we love the most.

Well, this is what come of reading a children's book as an adult. I think I should do it more often.

Also, keep in mind that though the process of change can be often imperceptible, the ability to do so is a conscious decision. You have to be open to the idea first. BTT illustrates that as well.... I really enjoyed that book!

Nevermind!

2008-01-18T07:15:00.000-08:00

Said friend fixed the header herself! Doesn't that look pretty?

Blasted technology

2008-01-16T13:40:00.000-08:00

Friends, intellects, blogging gurus...

Is there anyone amongst my aquantences who would be able to help me with the mismatched color of the blog header compared with the rest of the wallpaper?? My friend made it for me, and its perfect, except when we upload the image, it turns this funky color.... She created it in photoshop. Its a jpg format.... any suggestions?

What Comes of Dreams

2008-01-10T12:17:00.000-08:00

Who's to say?

Its up to you! I just recently got excited about this principal through reading books and commentary from various scientists and experts in the field of psychoneuroimmunology. One in particular, whos books and philosophies I find fasscinating, Candace Pert http://www.candacepert.com/ , talks about what a difference keeping a dream journal has made. Hey, as part of the LDS religion, we recognize the importance of dreams and visions as a means of spiritual revelation-- just the other day I was reminded of that reading about Lehi's dream in the Book of Mormon, and I thought, hey, I could definitely use a little more direction in my life. (Acknowledging at the same time that there are many ways in which to be guided, just thinking this might be a fun new way to develop self awareness).

One of the dream experiences Candace relates in her book happens to surround a certain visit to BYU's campus in the year 2000 or soemthing. Just before arriving, in her dream, she was very nervous-- being surrounded by such a religious force as the "Mormons"-- and to symbolize that, saw herself arriving naked. Those of the University who welcomed her though, presented her a blanket with which she wrapped herself, gave a wonderful seminar, and felt an overwhelming sense, not only of calm and relief, but also of gratitude and friendship. Thankfully the next day she arrived with all her clothing on, gave a great speech, and was in actuality given a BYU throw as a gift for coming to the University. At the moment of presentation she got teary eyed reflecting on how she had foreseen this moment and having a greater appreciation for what it had meant to her before hand. Just a cool story

On a more personal note, I had a dream last week that I absolutely fell in love with. I rarely remember much of or think much on my dreams. This one, however, was so enthralling that I kept waking up but made myself fall back asleep just so I could play it out in my mind. I was part of some sort of rescue effort for tons of children. And these kids were the cutest things ever. They were all little African kids, and we were escaping from a form of slavery or oppression they were under. All I can remember is that I was one of many adults taking the hands of these little kids, leading them in and out of buildings, through a city and to a safe place.

So even though it may sound silly, I'm exploring the possibility that there may be some sort of volunteer opportunity for me in Africa. Jared has a friend who just returned from Ghana and had seen how rampant slavery still is in that country. While I realize that Ghanain children certainly aren't the only children in need of relief efforts, I'm also trying to follow the clues, do what makes sense, or comes to mind first. Its been eye opening reading about various relief efforts and organizations throughout the world fighting for children's rights. I won't be hopping on the next flight Ghana, but I've joined some email lists, signed up for some newsletters and am learning more about the cause so that in the future I can make a difference.

Who knows how much, or how little your life could change by paying more close attention to your dreams. I've taken mine with the kids to a literal level, but even symbolically, if it moves me to help kids in any way, or makes me more aware of the guidance I can give, or sensitive to opportunities that may come up, then I'll be grateful I paid attention. Any of you with with relief organization associations, especially having to do with Ghanain children and bad fishermen-- you let me know! ;-)

An Update as to Many Things

2007-12-27T10:20:00.000-08:00

Okay, so acknowledging that I am horrible at keeping up this fun little site, I will also try to remedy that somewhat catching up on all previous blogs I'm sure you've just been dying to know the results of-- namely the Nuskin Ugliest Christmas Sweater Contest and the fate of our kanine kuddly, Chloe.

So. Are we $1,000 richer, you ask? Sadly, no. Jared proudly flaunted his ugly pink sweater, complete with snowflakes, ribbons, and "merry x-mas" written over the front in yarn, but he was not even picked as a seminfinalist. Next year we'll have to incorporate more appropriate Christmas colors I guess, just to attract the attention our creative efforts merit. And sadly I don't even have a picture to show how ugly that sweater was. Maybe we'll have to track it down and take one.... Besides that small disappointment, the party was fun, complete with prizes, gifts, good food, and music from Ryan Shuppe and the Rubber Band.

Now for the latest on the Chloe situation... for those of you who voted "get rid of that messy dog!" Well, you got your wish. Only, her method of passage was one that neither Jared or myself expected at all. To give you background on our efforts to sell Chloe, about 2 months ago, Jared had posted her on KSL.com. After about a week we finally got 2 people that called in. Neither came to see her. By last week her ad on KSL had long since expired, and we had talked about reposting. On Friday, I finally did. Not 45 min. had passed when I received 2 phone calls-- almost in succession. One was a guy from Idaho, very interested, but unable to come down until next week. The other was a guy from Toole, still a good hour and a half drive, that consented to come that very evening. Well. Come he did, and no sooner had 9:30 pm come than we found ourselves less one kanine kuddly. We both were sad to see her go, but I will say I was also very relieved to not have a constant mass of short white hair covering the floor of my home. And the couple she went to seemed very nice, very capable, and very familiar with Jack Russels. Yeah! And consider, if you will, the irony of her being completely unpopular the first time and on everyone's A list the 2nd time! Huh.

**There are those of you who may call us "irresponsible" for not being able to keep a cute dog for longer than 5 months. I respectfully maintain that a better word for us might be "naive" or "uneducated" in the arena of pet owners. It was a great learning experience, and I hope it will make us better pet owners in the futuer. =)

Its that time again!!!

2007-12-11T13:07:00.000-08:00

The annual Nuskin Christmas Party. This is a fabulous event. Last year I accompanied Jared and got to taste of the fanfare. There were scrumptious treats, prize drawings galore, loads of cool gifts, ($100 on a costco card, a down parka, rolling backpack, etc), and fun entertainment. Really, despite what qualms people have with MLM's, Nuskin is a pretty nice company to work for. And this year we get all the goods in double!

Am I sounding greedy? Well, if I am then so be it. Its just once, friends! I promise. One night when I set my sites on the worldly. Its just for funzies... our odds of winning something, though doubled are still slim, and lest you think I'm completly selfish, Nuskin lends itself to lots of opportunities for service too; Sub for Santa, United Way volunteering, blood donating, giving food and books to small children in Malawi, etc.

Aaand, you will never believe this, but this year the owners have added something special. Just yesterday they announced The Ugliest Christmas Sweater Contest! And get this-- the winner gets $1,000 cash. Crazy huh!? So Jared was out today, digging through piles of DI reject clothes that his friend had collected in a storage unit. He got some ugly ones alright. If we win I'll have to post pictures. Frankly, I'm just nervous about wearing something with someone else's armpit yuckiness all over it. We'll see how I fare.

For those of you who are familiar with "The Secret," last night Jared was working on attracting an HD TV. As far as he's concerned, its already ours. ;-) hahahaha. We'll see. Wish us luck!

The Vote

2007-11-06T11:58:00.001-08:00

Okay friends. It has now come to the point where we are no longer sure that our dear doggie will be with us up until her dying day. This kanine kuddlie came to us a little over two months ago, promising to offer special dog-like companionship for Jared that a wife simply cannot fathom, or replace, entertainment, and to give our home a protected feel- all at minimal expense of course. Well, expense is a relative word, because even though little Chloe hasn't cost us much in the amount of $$, what we've had to pay in time and frustration has been more than we anticipated.

For example: 2 weeks ago, Jared thought he'd be a nice doggie owner, and take Chloe for a ride with him while conducting some errands. Halfway into the trip though, as Jared sniffed a foul stench in the air, he quickly reconsidered his kindness. As he turned around in the car to see what might have generated such foulness, he saw Chloe, and more than a few of her clumped droppings all over the back seat. Hurt and frustrated, Jared set her on his seat in the front of the car so that he could clean the back. And when he finished disposing of that mess, he turned around to put her back, only to find that she left something sour on his seat! That's right. Chloe successfully peed and pooed all over our clean car.

Oh Chloe. Isn't it hard to believe that a doggie as cute as her could cause such a fuss? Well she does, and I actually think she likes it. This picture was taken just yesterday when after being tied up in the yard for 3 hours she managed to roll around in some poop or dirt or something, and we had to give her the second of 2 baths in only 1 week. At least Jared is good enough to do most of the dirty work.

Thus folks, we're puttin it to a vote. All who think we should say goodbye to Chloe and find a better home for her, cast your vote accordingly above.

Here's more lighthearted updates on the goings-on of this Livingston family:

Honey's Fabulous Party was a smashing success. I was going to wear something really lame, but then mom had the rockin idea that I should wear some of grandma's retro stuff. Here I'm sporting a lovely black dress that you unfortunately can't see much of, some fantastic costume jewelry, and a rad mink coat that a friend of the family gave us.

Just to assure anyone that may have doubted the culinary foundation upon which our relationship was built, this should affirm the fact that we're still going strong in the kitchen!

Dinner last night was chicken pesto pasta, and it was YUUUUUUUUUUMY

And of course, we are still hard core BYU fans.

Here's a huge irony though; for the FIRST time in my entire college career, I bought an allsports pass. And I'm graduated.

Autumn Tales

2007-10-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

Freak!

Why do I even bother to rake leaves and make the yard look nice when it just rains away my efforts? This morning I stepped outside for an early morning run, only to find that my clean and clear porch, steps, driveway, and front yard, were once again, littered with freshly fallen leaves. Bummer. It looks cool and all, and its fun to walk in... but typically I enjoy it more when its not my yard, and driveway, and steps, and porch that I have to walk through in order to get inside, where inevitably the leaves follow. Grrrrrr...

announcement (i think thats how its spelled. good thing i dont care!)

2007-06-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

this announcment is mainly for dad.
Dear dad- i am not too pleased with you for putting the pool right under the tree. lots of leaves and crap is falling into it. not to mention all the concourses of bugs that are attracted to the apples that grow on the tree. also you put the cover for the pool under the pool (why? no one knows) and so now we dont have anything to cover the pool with.
Please fix the said problems! AH!
thankyou
danika

Waxing philosophical and religious

2007-06-14T14:52:00.001-07:00

Okay, here's a post of a little more personal, serious nature, but a question, which after a short story, I'd like to pose to all of you.

The other day I took a call at work where a very pleasant sounding dentist had questions on a variety of products. I answered them, and then the two of us, in a round about fashion, began talking of the movie, The Secret, of thoughts, emotions, the important role they play in our health. By the end of the conversation we had both shared valuable view points and when I pressed the release button to end the call I was wishing I had mentioned the gospel. Considering the nature of his call and my being at work, were the main reasons for which I didn't say anything; still, I felt strongly enough that I should have said something, that afterward I was kicking myself and begging for another opportunity to chat.

No sooner had I mentally voiced that request, than I recieved another phone call. "Thank you for calling product support, this is Miranda, may I have your customer ID number?" "-Oh hey Miranda, Mark here again-" (the very individual I was begging to have a second chance to talk with!) My heart was rather racing as I listened to the additional questions he had failed to mention in the previous call, yet despite the rapid poundings and anxious feelings, I again said nothing... You can imagine how I was feeling after that call- like I was sure Heavenly Father was shaking his head saying "why do I bother giving you what you ask for anyway?"

So ashamed that I failed my miraculous second chance, that I determined I would email Mark the dentist. (Sort of against the rules.) But email him I did... I apologized for the personal nature of the email, and expressed gratitude for the conversation, his insights and offered to share a few of my own, (as they pertained, of course, to the gospel). Anyway, I told him I didn't expect a response back, but he did respond, and here's his email.

Hello Miranda,
I take no offense, but am only honored by your email, and that I my words could find so much meaning for you. I actually practice the philosophies of Zen Buddhism and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. (they very much say the same thing with a little bit of a different approach) Actually, how else could it be... one truth many paths... These disciplines are where I gained the insight that I shared in my talk with you. So I thank you for your invitation, but I am content on the path I'm on. That does not mean I don't have my work to do as I am no where near walking this path completely or all the time. Life I guess give us the opportunity to keep improving on that.
Love, peace, happiness,
Mark

Now. While I don't know that I should take, or will be given the opportunity to continue our conversations, I feel impressed that I should. Either way, my big question is based on one of his remarks,+ "One truth, many paths..." That phrase was the bain of my existence as a missionary, and here I find it still, outside of the mission, but fighting against my meager missionary efforts, it seems to be a consistent notion that its "okay," or just as effective to accept a variety of forms of religious worship, while still believing in the same concept.

As I mentioned, I feel I'd like to continue the conversation with Mark, and I'm sure I'll get more opportunities to speak with him over the phone, but I'm not really sure how to, without threatening his position, talk about the idea that there may only be one road to fully access the many truths we both believe in. His is a classic comment so I know everyone will have lots of insightful input. Let me know what you think!

Freakin winner of the longest blog ever award!

2007-06-14T07:48:00.001-07:00

Aaaaand the prize goes to Tanilee!!! Don't worry Tan. Somewhere there are crowds going wild. I know there are. So. Do I have the blog for you. Fortunately since I find myself in similar potentially"frustratingly boring" situations on a daily basis, today I will ease the boredom by adding my own post to the family's blog site, which, as of now, consists of active family members Tanilee and Miranda. Yeah us!

Let the stories begin. Some of the fam has already heard these stories but I hope for those of you who haven't they will be found amusing. So a few months back I recieved a warning. A warning unfortunately unheeded. I don't know if it was because the warning came from my kind yet elderly deaf neighbor in the form of a light hearted suggestion, or if I just didn't realize the potential danger of the situation. Either way I recieved a warning and I did nothing about it. And that's what caused there to be a dead animal in between the walls of our ancient establishment.

You see, there were boards covering the eaves of hour house, one of the skinniest of which had decided to pop loose and hang open ever so slightly. So slightly I hardly noticed the opening it created. I guess when you're a bird looking for a hide-away you're looking a little more desperately and carefully cause no sooner did I recieve my "warning" about closing up that board than a nest had been built and babies born! Anyway, these birds made intollerable squaking noises! These were not the sing song voices of lovely mountain larks, or the charming pet bird sounds of Sleeping Beauty's friends, they were undoubtedly the ugliest, most anxious and hungry noises I'd ever heard! When Jared and I slept outside in our new tent to try it out they woke us up at like 4:30 in the morning, and worst of all, when we were inside trying to relax, eat dinner, or watch TV, we could hear one of those little birds scuffing around on the floor, far away from its high up nest, because it had fallen. I'm certain it died there in between the walls of our house. A lonely, painful, untimely death, that I'm sure only the spiders and ants awaited.

Story number two: This week has to be the luckiest week of mine and Jared's lives! Seriously, we never win anything, but in just two days, we were notified of two major winnings. First, after spending only a short time at the Orem Summer Days Festival, wandering around lookin at booths... I saw a scrapbooking stand that caught my eye. Now, I'm quite horrible at making cute little cards, but I love seeing another's handyworkd, so I stopped by to admire. The lady attending said I should at least enter to win her basket. So I did. Then Monday, two days later, "Christy" left a message on my phone. "Chrsity? Who the heck is Christy? I don't know any Christy," I complained. Little did I know, "Christy" was the scrapbook lady who had called to notify me that I'd won her basket.

The next day she was knocking on my door to drop off the hugest compendium of scrapbook goodies I have ever seen. Seriously the stuff must be worth over $100... and I feel pretty unworthy of such goods because I only know what like half of it is for. Don't worry though, I'll learn and you'll prolly all get loverly cards because of it. The next surprise winning I had a much better idea of what to do with. The same afteroon "my good friend" Christy was to drop off the basket, Jared called to remembrance the fact that about a month prior, while walking through the mall, he had registered us to win a car. Well, recieving his own mysterious phone call that afternoon, he wasn't notified that we won, but the individual who called did say that we qualified for a 3 day/2 night stay at either Anehiem or Las Vegas. (All we had to do was go to one of those 90 min. time share presentation things). Whahooo! Tanilee... didn't you and Blake fall into something similar?

Anyway, when I told dad he thought it was just a lure and that we really wouldn't get anything free without signing our lives away. Well, he's just bitter and isn't employing the power of The Secret. We're stoked, and are planning vacation time for the week after my graduation in August.

That's the update,

~Miranda

ps. the girls in my department and I have started a club. We call ourselves "The Blanket Gang." It is ALWYAS ridiciulously freezing in our building. Hence, the reason that each of us is eternally wrapped up in our own blankets, brought from home or bought special for the club- mine comes from BBB for only $6 thank you very much.

pss. New favorite movie: you and Blake gotta see this one Tan, if you haven't already. Its The Green Mile. Rated R, but we got it edited and its fantastic. Last weekend Jared, Dad, Cassandra and I stayed up till 2:30 am watching it all.

Yes, you can consider this a tongue lashing!

2007-06-08T13:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, I just have to tell you guys that you all are REALLY bad at blogging. Really bad. And I'm no expert, so that should tell you just how bad you are. I think that the problem is that most of you are too young to really be into it yet. You all live at home and aren't hungry for those updates on family members that live in a galaxy far far away. So you younger ones, I guess you're off the hook. Mom and Dad, what are you trying to say, you have lives or something? You don't have time to blog? I just can't imagine that this could actually be the case! ;) But I for one believe in the power of the blog. And this may only be because it is summer time at work and I occasionally find myself in a frustrated state of boredom and these blogs come in very handy at passing my time. And because there is nothing ever posted on this blog, no matter how hard Miranda has so diligently tried to get everyone involved, I find myself typing away once again, even though I know that chances are not high that anyone other than Miranda will read this post. And since Miranda will read it, I am somewhat inclined to think that she might just share with Jared. So, Miranda and Jared, you two are the priveledged few who are on the receiving end of my "shout out" today. Happy Friday to you and I hope all is well for you both and that you are eating many delicious vegetables out of Jared's garden very shortly (you should post some pictures). Just so you know a "shout out" is a special greeting that I will send via Perry Blog only to those worthy of it. If Miranda is the only one that ever reads this blog, she's the only one that will ever get a "shout out." Sorry if that makes the rest of you non-existant blog readers feel left out, but that's just the way it is.

Ooh! My Southwest Airlines "DING!" just went off. Please hold on for a second while I go check it in search of an incredibly cheap fair to Portland in hopes that by some miracle I will be able to go join Mom and gang there next week. And while I'm asking you to "hold on" here, don't hold your breath because the chances of this happening are not likely. I shall return... Ok I'm back. And I got nothing. Ft. Meyers, Tampa Bay and Tulsa. That's all Southwest Air is giving me today. What a total bum (Like I told Blake yesterday - when I say "bum" it's short for bummer. Just an FYI). I guess the folks in G-Town will just have to get along without me. Which is in fact a tragedy because I am a truly masterful packer/mover. Truly, I am. But I digress. Back to the blog.

The remainder of today's post will consist of two things. #1 A funny story #2 A recommendation

#1 The other day at work I was just looking around in my office and I happened to peer underneath my desk below the window only to discover a good size, very disgusting looking bug. I described it to Blake as a cross between a beetle and a scorpion. Nope folks, it wasn't pretty. So I'm quietly panicking to myself (it's strange, since I've moved to Arizona I have developed a very real fear of insects. It really bugs me. But honestly, I see bugs and it makes my heart beat faster. Weird) and trying to think back to the last time we had our building sprayed. To my dismay, not only did I come to the conclusion that this was some time ago, but that the bug man did not spray inside my office but just along the walls outside. At the time I was happy because even though the bug man swears his spray doesn't smell, and no one else thinks that it smells, Russ and I know that not only does it smell, but it smells bad. But on this day I would have traded an afternoon of icky bug spray smell for the peace of not having this scorpeetle in my office. After about an hour of keeping a close watch on the thing it hadn't moved a muscle, so I figure it must be dead. I'm still not that comforted though since the chances of our mediocre janitorial staff vaccumning in this particluar spot of my office is not likely. Which leaves me faced with the option of knowing that scorpeetle will be sitting there for who knows how long. I'm still fretting about this in the back of my mind about 30 min. later when Debi, or 50 something front desk receptionist, very nice lady, stops by my office. Long story short, I asked her to check out the scorpeetle. She discovers that it's ALIVE, we all run for our lives evacuate the building and work was canceled for a week while they exhumed the building....J/K. (Be honest, did I have you going?) The actual long story short is that Debi gets on her hands and knees underneath my desk (how terrible am I really to make a 50 year old woman do this. I'm tempted to feel ashamed, but I was just so scared!) and smushes the sporpeetle with some kleenex (my job was to hand her the kleenex) and my meatel key box(holy crap, is that how you spell meatel?! this is disturbing!). Then she picks it up and takes it into my filing room and throws it away in the trash. This would be an absolutely perfect ending to the story if it weren't for the fact that the mediocre janitorial staff never goes in this room to empty the trash, so every time I go in there I walk past the trash and see the wad of kleenex in which scorpeetle was laid to rest. Still somewhat discomforting. Anyway, that's the story. Now I spend all of my time hoping that the bug man comes back soon and sprays inside my office. Then I'll just wrap my sweater around my face and breathe into that for the rest of the day so that I don't (directly) breathe in the icky smell or fumes which I pray aren't toxic (bug man says they aren't, but he also says the stuff is odorless, so I don't want to risk it). Whew, ok. Deep breath. That was a long story. Onto item #2.

#2 My movie recommendation is: FLUSHED AWAY

When Blake and I were in Vegas we decided to rent a movie one night. THe one we settled on was Flushed Away. I had been wanting to see it for a while but we haven't had good luck lately with cartoons, Open Season and one other one that we saw (can't remember the name) were disappointing, so I've had a hard time convincing Blake to give this one a shot. But then our friends Eric and Jaime Starley told us that Flushed Away was really funny, and I quote: "It was way funnier than Open Season!", so we decided to give it a try. It truly was very funny. As I just told Cassandra via a facebook message, I really want to find someone that I can call "Minnocent!" Just cause it would make me laugh so hard every time I called them that. Maybe I'll make that my new name for Carson. I don't know if you guys think this or not, but isn't Carson super easy to give a nickname to? You just look at that cute little face, and then you hear some sarcastic comment come out of his mouth and you think "whoa! this kid is chalk full of personality. Someone give this guy a nickname quick!" And this leads me to item #3. ORiginally I didn't know there was going to be an item #3, but now I find a need for one.

Item #3: THE CONTEST

The prize for this contest will be the same as the one for the last contest (that Miranda won by the way) - an undisclosed suprise for the winner next time he/she comes to visit me in Arizona. And I'll do my best to make it a good suprise, not like, a kiss from Tanilee, or something like that (no offense dad, I know that's your favorite form of a prize!) But I digress again, here is the contest, in the form of a trivia question, open to all Perry Family members: Years ago when Carson was just a young boy I lovingly gave him the nickname of Queenie. Who remembers how this nickname came to be? First person to list the right answer in the "comments" section of this post wins. And please Miranda, if you don't know the answer pass this one on to the fam, because I really want to know the answer! :)

Oooh, this just in: Paris Hilton is officially going back to jail! And she is so not looking happy about it. She looks so sad that I almost feel bad for her.

K, Debi is going to a funeral and I have to go sit at the front desk now, so I better skeedaddle. Peace out fools. Catch you on the flipside. Seacrest out.

The results are in

2007-05-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

Okay friends. For those of you who participated, I have tallied up the number of nicknames and here are the final standings:

Dad: 6

Dan: 18

Cars: 18 cause I'm not counting "hey-shut up"

Cass: 14 but then she added 5... I don't think that's fair

Miranda: 14

Looks like Dan and Cars tied for a grand prize of fresh fish caught and fixed up by dad. Enjoy your treat kids.

If anyone is unsatisfied with the results, too bad. You weren't the one to create the blog page. You are not the blog master. Mwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!

hey. have fun days all. I for one want dad to post about his fishing adventures.

No news is good news...

2007-05-08T17:12:00.000-07:00

Well we temporarily don't have internet access at the Matthew's household, so I'm trying to get a quick blog entry in before I go home from work so that everyone doesn't think I'm shunning the whole blog idea. For a fun and exciting update on the more thrilling events in our lives you can check out our blog (btmatthews.blogspot.com I think), but as for the day to day, there's not much to report. Blake and I have been training for our pseudo calling as a ma and pa in our stakes trek. It's been eye opening to me how much work and preparation actually goes into these things. Never having been on a trek before, the whole thing is a new experience and hopefully it will be a good one. In the meantime I'm just trying to get my little tooshie in shape so that I don't collapse in a heap at the side of the hand cart come trek time, only to be abandoned by my "family" who will inevitably determine that I am dead weight and not worth hauling in the cart... Ok, maybe that's an exaggeration, but you get the idea. I've got some work to do.

Let's see, what else. Tonight Blake is coaching the young men's softball team in the regional tournament. Last week they won the stake championship and now it's on to the double elimination regional playoffs. "Regional playoffs?" you wonder. "For YM softball?" Yep, you got it. I'm always suprised by how differently they do some things in these areas that have a higher lds population. Apparently YM sports are a really big deal. So our team made it to regionals. And Blake is leading them there, for he is Sparticus (name that movie - anyone? anyone? First person to post a comment with the correct answer wins. The prize will be a special treat next time that individual comes to visit me in AZ).

After the softball game it's what else but a little Suns playoff action. Did anyone see any footage of game 1 against the Spurs where Nash's nose was obliterated by Tony Parker? Please tell me you did. It was unbelievable how little coverage this got in the media. If you didn't get to see it just go to your neighborhood youtube website and find clips. It was crazy. But I digress... Game 2 tonight and a true must-win situation in the eyes of any Suns fan. Hope you all get to watch the game. Or at least I hope Carson watches it since he is after all a true sports fan.

K, better run. I have visiting teaching interviews in about thirty minutes and whatever the equivalent of "tip-off" is to softball shortly thereafter.

Hope this posting hasn't been too hard to follow in my post work-day haste.

Love you all and Dad, LOVED your posting. That is the type of stuff I love to hear from miles away. Paints such a great picture I can just envision it all clearly in my mind. Peace out guys. --Tanilee

Dan's nick names

2007-05-01T15:13:00.000-07:00

k... my nick names are...
Dan
Dani
Donca pear
danieka parie
perrywinkle
perry
cleatus
clea
clea-clea
dan-dan
dinka stinka (thanks to corry robinson)
daniqua (that's my black person name)
shuniqua
butch (that one's from malia in 6th grade when i chopped my hair off)
cleatus P. underwear( i cant even remember where i got that one)
blondie (that one's just an inside joke...)
shay
shay-shay

and that's it!!!! (fyi miranda... i beat you!)

2007-05-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

okay friends. this is how it goes. I love to see you all posting, but you're not really posting, you're "commenting." In order to make it easier for others to see what you've written, make sure you "post" and not "comment." In order to do that you have to go to the link that should have been present when I sent you the email inviting you to post. After that you may have to go into "blogger.com," then log in under my info... I don't really know. But I do know you can't post just by going to thoseperrys.blogspot.com

Anyhow... here's my update. Last week's hairy schedule is over. Whew! And I'm done studying for finals, taking finals, and working 40 hours/week. Well, I'm still working but minus the studying. that's nice.

And with the nice weather and good watering Jared has done, our garden is growing! We are so excited... especially Jared. (after looking outside everyday for the first week and a half and not seeing anything he was getting a little discouraged.)

Hey- I want to hear more about Malia's fun week in Cali... and her nicknames. As well as B's nicknames, Dan's nicknames, mom's Tanilee's, Blakes and Jared's too.

peace out,
Miranda

Chllin With the B

2007-04-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

So, it's Sunday afternoon. Mom's at choir practice, Carson is downstairs on the computer and Danika is in her room doing what girls do in their rooms. I'm sittin here with B watching a classic Perry family video from 1995. This is B's favorite past-time, or at least one of them. So far we've watched us go camping at Cultis Creek, hike up to Indian Heaven, go through the "pooky house" (Carson's words) at the pumpkin patch and now were watching pumpkin carving. What adorable kids I have. Carson is shouting out "I willed Mufassa!" I guess that's a quote from the Lion King. At least that's what B tells me and she should know. Now the entire gang is breaking out into song. "Five little punkins sitting on a gate..." OK now Miranda, Tanilee and Lacey are dressed up as mimes. White stuff all over their faces. Carson is dressed up as a ghost, Malia is a 50's girl, Danika is a kitty, Cassandra is a princess, Jordan is a vampire, mommy is .....well mommy is running about like a crazy woman, but that's not unique to Haloween. Just her typical 7 kid, Mommy posture. Now we switched over to the Hockinson band concert. At this point B proclaims, "Oh I hate this part" She has the entire video memorized. She gets up and sneaks some potatoe chips thinking I'm not looking. She really is right, I'm not. I agree with B. I hate this part too. Mrs. Larson was really swell, but thank heaven for fast forward...it's really slow even in fast forward. "Does this go on forever?" I ask B. "Only for several tunes" She replys. "After this is Young Women in Excellence" "Great." I reply. "Can't wait." "And what's after Young Women in Excellence?" "Christmas and then this really, really boring singing thing that last about a hundred hours." Sounds like Kate Stit to me. So glad I have a walking concordance of every video I have ever taken. I think I'll read B a story til the momma gets home.

Let the Blogging Begin

2007-04-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

I think the first object of this blogspot should be for everyone to list all the nicknames they've ever had and see who has the most. the winner will.... win something.

Mo
Mir
Randa
Randi
Muff
Muffy
Muffin
Little Miranda Jo
Little Miss Muffet
Rhino
Jo
3 others Jared says I can't write

Come One Come All!!!.....

2007-04-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

To the greatest blogsite in the history of... this blogsite! Hey family, this is just my way of jumping on the bandwagon, joining the Matthews and the Livingstons out there and getting more connected with eachother.

Hopefully you don't all find it too challenging... I think it'll be fun! So get on, post your stuff, show whatcha got, whatcha think, whatcha don't think, whatcha wish ya didn't have to think about, whatcha wish ya could think about... all the thinkin us Perrys are capable of doin, ya just feel right at home to do it right here.

Dat be all,
Mo-randa