Wednesday Weather Love Letter

Dear Rain,
Despite the gloominess that many people associate with stormy skies, you make me happy.

Love,
Nicole

When I went on my evening walk last night around 7:00 pm, it was 82 degrees but angry clouds threatened overhead. This morning around 5:30 am, I woke up to a tremendous storm. Thunder rumbled, lightning flashed, wind whipped, and rain/hail beat down. I opened my front door, sat on the entry tile in my pajamas, and watched the storm. Throughout the day, it's rained pretty steadily and topped the mountains with a gorgeous crusting of snow. September snow.

I've always loved the rain. I grew up in Oregon where the climate is moist and temperate. I love how the rain makes everything beautiful and green. I love the refreshing smell. I love the sound of the drops beating on the roof. I love the rainbows. I love the cloud formations. I love the first glimpses of blue sky after a storm.

Last week, Georgia got slammed by massive rainstorms and flooding, and a tiny part of me wished that I could have been there to watch the storm. So as a consolation prize, I think Mother Nature sent along today's storm just for me.

Just my luck...

Today I've got a job interview. I got the call at 5:30 pm yesterday for an interview just after lunchtime. It the first time I've planned to make my hair look really nice and wear full makeup in a few months. As I was getting all of my makeup out on the counter, I froze when I saw my bottle of foundation. It was practically empty in a rock-hard clump. Last time I used it, I'm certain that there was at least 1/3 left. I guess it's been a while since I've worn more than mascara and lip gloss.

I went shopping for an outfit to wear for the interview last night. Most of my work clothes are still in storage in Atlanta. After trying on stuff at seven stores, I only came home with a pair of black slacks. Everything else I tried on fit wrong, was too expensive, or made me look like I was 50. The blouse I'm going to wear is a bit on the casual side, but the color shows off my eyes really well. (Random fact: for every job I've been offered, someone in the interview complimented my eyes)

I don't have a printer at home, so I need to figure out a place to print copies of my resume in the next hour.

I've never felt so unprepared for an interview...

Midweek Miscellany

Last week I volunteered to chaperone Rosie's 3rd grade field trip. We went on a hike in Provo Canyon and to the BYU Bean Life Sciences Museum. I wish that I'd had my good camera, but I snapped this pic on my Blackberry at Bridal Veil Falls. I had forgotten how beautiful the canyons are here in Utah. I live practically at the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon and need to take advantage of the early autumn beauty.

This morning I dropped Taylor off at the airport. We had to wake up at 4:30 am to get him to the airport on time, so I feel like a zombie today. It was so nice to have him here for five whole days. Sunday evening we had a birthday get-together in Lehi with friends and family. We caught (500) Days of Summer on his birthday, and I think it's one of my favorites of 2009. We also watched a few other random movies courtesy of the local library. It was very much-needed spouse time.

I've been experimenting with my banana bread recipe lately. Some batches have turned out awesome, some have been mediocre. It's definitely better with butterscotch chips than chocolate chips. I've been using cocoa powder in some, substituting different pudding flavors, adding this and that. Once I think I've got the revised recipe perfected, I'll post it.

Today I had an appointment with my sleep specialist in SLC. Dr. Farney is the first sleep specialist I ever met with, and the best out of the 4 that I've worked with. I got him caught up on the last five years of my health and sleep history and discussed details of my finally successful CPAP therapy. I told him how my ongoing complaint continues to be excessive daytime sleepiness, regardless of how many hours of sleep I get at night. I'm going to give Nuvigil a try, if only because the website makes me laugh. He also suggested I follow up with another doctor about some pesky symptoms that may point to a condition I'm pretty sure I have (which consequently exacerbates sleep apnea). Good thing I've got great insurance for the rest of the year.

I found my Ipod that had been missing for three weeks. I had searched high and low, through every room of my house and the car. Where did I find it? In the purse pocket that I usually stash it...folded between a piece of paper. Just my luck.

The Tayviator is Thirty

This is my Tayviator. That's Taylor + Aviator, if you didn't already figure it out. He turned 30 today, and I want to tell you some of the reasons I love him.

He's a good big brother...he's the oldest of seven and he makes sure that all of his siblings feel important.

He's good with technology. He figures out the stuff for me that I'm too impatient to do myself.


He's a good protector of the family


He's Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent

He's worked hard to complete his education

He's willing to try new things, even when he looks like a fool

He stands up for what he believes in

He is an extremely loyal friend

He has a "Taylorsmile" and kind eyes

He has forever enriched the lives of Rosie and I

He came into my life exactly when I needed him

He let me put this picture in our wedding announcements, even though he thought the pose was cheesy and contrived

He tells me often that he loves me more than the day he married me

He looks so irresistible lying next to his laptop

He's survived some pretty hellish times, including a trip to Hell (Michigan)

He shares his Diet Coke when we go out to dinner

He puts the twinkle in my eye

He humors me with taking pictures for my blog that he thinks are really lame

He loves the beach as much as I do (especially Ventura County)

He introduced me to In-n-Out

He takes my breath away

He makes our house feel like a home

He understands my need for adventure and culture, and takes me out on the town

He treats me the way an adoring husband should treat his wife

He has secret magical powers (and is a blast to be with at Disneyland)

He's a devoted husband and father

He's fun to fly with

He has extremely kissable lips (and they're all mine)

He looks hot in his uniform

He's fun to be with, both day and night

He loves to travel, and has afforded me many opportunities to see many parts of the country

He "rocks" my world

I love you, Tay!

Nine Years of Adventure

Dear Rosie,

Excitement and boredom. Joy and sadness. Change and adaptation. Hugs and kisses. Creativity and silliness. Independence and bravery. Fun and Culture. Travel and Home. Love and empathy. Childlike, yet mature. Seven moves, four states, lots of great food and countless people who love you. I'm so blessed that you're mine. Please don't grow up too fast.
Happy 9th birthday!

Love,
Mom