Eight years ago today

Current mood: nostalgic

On March 26, 1999...Steve and I were married. We were married 4.5 rollercoaster years, then divorced.

It's kinda weird to think back on my life with him. It started out okay...we were married in the temple, and came from good backgrounds. We had some good moments and some fun trips, but the bad in our marriage definitely outweighed the good. He made choices that were wrong continually, yet I chose to "stand by my man." Many moments were shear hell, to be honest. But a woman can only stand so much deceit, abuse, and disappointment. Leaving him (or kicking him out, rather) was the hardest but most rewarding decision I have ever made.

We've been divorced 3.5 years, and I've been married to Taylor almost 2.5 years now. My time with Steve seems like an eternity ago. It's amazing to compare the love and adoration I receive in my marriage with Taylor, that was never present with Steve. I feel cherished and understood, and despite the student-husband scenario...I feel like he's taken good care of me.

Despite the trials I'm going through now, I'm happy. I am confident about myself in a way that I haven't felt since high school. I'm healthy, I'm feeling spiritually well, and I've got a lot going for me. It's taken a long time for me to heal from the wounds of the Steve years...but I think I'm there. I have some amount of bitterness due to his actions, especially those taken against Rosie...but I have forgiven him. I am sad that he is suffering the consequences of his actions in such a severe way. I'm sad that he didn't get the help he needed before he became out of control. But I can only be involved so much, and I'm happy that I don't have to be in contact with him anymore.

Currently listening : Speak for Yourself By Imogen Heap Release date: 01 November, 2005

2007 Getting to Know Me

Welcome to the 2007 edition of getting to know your friends. What you are supposed to do is copy (not forward) this entire bulletin and paste it onto a new one. Change all the answers so they apply to you, and then post it. The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about your friends, if you did not know them already.

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:00, but it felt like 6:00. I forgot to reset my alarm for daylight savings.

2. Diamonds or Pearls? Diamonds

3 What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Music and Lyrics

4. What is your favorite TV show? 24, House, Heroes, Gilmore Girls, ER, The Office, Ugly Betty, and reruns of 90210 on the Soap Network.

5. What did you have for breakfast? Luna Bar (strawberries and cream, I believe)

6. What is your middle name? Marie

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Tex Mex, with Japanese and Thai close behind.

8. What food do you dislike? Sweet Pickles, Tapatio, and half the food served in the hospital cafeteria.

9. Your favorite chip? Hint of Lime Tostitos and Dill Pickle Lays (will anyone in Utah send some to me? They don't sell them in Cali!)

10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? A mix of 100 dance hits of the 90's. Oh...the stake dance memories!

11. What kind of car do you drive? 2007 Black Honda Fit Sport (still unnamed, but I call it the Fit)

12. Favorite Sandwich ? It's pretty specific, and I actually get it at work...Chicken salad, mustard no mayo, american cheese, sprouts, mushrooms, and pickles on squaw bread. MMMMMMMMM

13. What are your favorite clothes? The ones that I'm finally fitting into again since I've lost 30 lbs :)

14. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation? That's a tough one. I've always wanted to travel to Europe and Japan. I'm going to Florida next month to visit my husband, and I'm excited about that.

16. Favorite brand of clothing. Old Navy, as long as it isn't pre-distressed

18. Where would you want to retire? A log cabin in Oregon, but Taylor doesn't seem too impressed by it. I'd love to be by the ocean too.

19. Favorite time of day? Actually, I'm a morning person. But anytime I'm not working is typically my favorite.

20. Where were you born? Portland, OR

21. What is your favorite sport to watch? Super Bowl Commercials

22. Who do you think will not post this? No clue

23. Person you expect to post it first? No clue

24. Pepsi or Coke? Diet Cherry either. I'm also digging the strawberries and cream Pepsi Jazz.

25. Cats or Dogs? Neither, and never if I can help it

26. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Morning

27. Pedicure or manicure? Pedicure. My feet are killin' me!

28. Do you prefer funny or mushy cards? I kinda like the suggestive ones, just for the shock value. I usually give the funny ones.

29. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? Taylor's in Fort Lauderdale for 14 weeks at a Jet training academy. He will be hired with Pinnacle Airlines when he is done. I will be very happy to have an employed spouse! Oh, and I've lost 30 lbs :)

30. What did you want to be when you were little? A radio DJ

31. What do you have in your trunk right now? bottles of water and my gym bag

32. What is your best childhood memory? Big family get-togethers, and growing up in Oregon

33. What are all the different jobs you have had in your life? Missionary Department receptionist, theater usher, optician, directory assistance agent, patient service representative, pathology secretary, and now a Medical Staff Coordinator.

35. What is your favorite dessert? Flan, or anything else with Caramel

36. Favorite Get away? Currently, Utah.

37. Ever been to Africa ? No

38. Glasses or Contacts? Both. I got some swanky new glasses that I really dig.

39. Ever been toilet papering? Yes, and I got caught by a cop and had to clean it up on the spot

40. Been in a car accident? Nothing serious

41. Favorite day of the week? Don't really have one anymore, but any evening that I actually get to relax is awesome.

42. Favorite restaurant? In Utah: Cafe Rio, Cedars of Lebanon, The Pie, Kneaders and Kyoto. In Cali: On the Border Mexican Grill, El Torito, Acupulcos, Elephant Bar, and La Tolteca.

43. Favorite flower? Sterling roses and gerber daisies

44. Favorite movies? Romantic Comedies

45. Favorite Past time? Exercising (water aerobics, elliptical, walking, weight machines) Catching up on my tivo, going to concerts, spending time with the family.

46. Favorite ice cream? Ben and Jerry's Oatmeal Cookie.

47. Favorite fast food restaurant. El Pollo Loco, Chick-fil-a, and anywhere else I can get food to go along with my diet

48. How many times did you fail your drivers test? Zero

49. Sandals or tennis shoes? Sandals

50. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Dillards, Old Navy, Costco, Frys, Children's Place

51. If the speed limit is 60 what is the fastest you will drive? I don't ever drive more than about 5-6 over.

52. What is your bedtime? Around 10:30, unless I fall asleep watching tv first

53. Whose response to this are you most curious about? I wonder if Taylor will actually fill one of these out

54. Last person you went to dinner with? Rosie...we had tacos on the way back from the gym tonight

55. What are you listening to right now? Rosie singing to herself

56. What is your favorite color? midnight blue, hot pink and lime green

57. How many tattoos do you have? 0

58. Who was your first kiss? Richard Jensen, behind the Draper Theater during a dress rehearsal of Pirates of Penzance. He was a smoker, and it was icky.

59. What are you most afraid of? The unbelievable amount of debt I'm in. And being naked in the shower during an earthquake.

60. What time did you finish this survey? 8:41 pm.

27th Birthday Shindig

Okay...here's the 411

Birthday party at my house in La Verne on Friday, Feb 9 from 6:30 to 10:30. Message me if you need directions.

No gift required...but if you are feeling extra generous, I love restaurant and movie gift cards :)

***In case you don't know me very well...no alcohol will be served. I got teased at work today for saying that the party would consist of pizza and cake.

Nicole's state of the self 2007

Current mood: determined

I just walked back in the house from saying goodbye to Taylor. He is leaving for 3-5 weeks for Sheble's Flight School in Kingman, AZ. This weekend has been hard, knowing that we're about to embark on the longest seperation that we've had so far in our marriage. He was gone for about a week in October 2005 when he was finishing his Private Pilot License at Sheble's. And I was in California for two weeks in May 2006 as Taylor was finishing up moving from Utah....but we saw each other for the weekend between at Andrea's wedding in St. George. So 3-5 weeks seems like an eternity. He will return for a few days once he finishes his Commercial license to take his FAA written flight instructor test. And if he's away for my birthday in February, we'll spend a conjugal weekend in Laughlin. Until then, I'm a pilot widow.

This weekend I've been noticing how many things he does for me to make me happy. While he is gone, I'll have to do all the dishes, cooking, cleaning, and Rosie-taxiing. I'll have to double check the lights and locks before I go to bed. I'll have to sleep in a bed only warmed by blankets and my own body heat. I love him so much and I know that this training will advance him for his future. So I'm a bit melancholy, but I'm sure I'll be fine.

We had a wonderful trip to Utah for Christmas. It was great to see my family, friends, and old co-workers. I had lots of wonderful food that I can't get in Cali (Leatherby's, Famous Daves, and especially Cafe Rio (twice!!) When it was time to come home, I felt refreshed for a few more months.

Work is going fine. I'm working a little more at Chino Valley Hospital lately. It's a longer commute, but I feel more appreciated there. Again, the new year of paychecks is a bit disappointing.....I'm making less this year than last because of benefit premium increases (and no raise.) C'est la vie.

Healthwise I'm doing okay. I saw the doctor last month and had a full lab workup. All tests are normal, which is good because I had been suspecting diabetes for a few months. I've lost about 17 pounds on Weight Watchers since October, which has helped my general well-being. I'm going to have to try harder to get to the gym while Taylor is gone. I'll miss his babysitting for my gym visits. It would be good if I get into better shape while he's gone and he notices my improvement. I can do it. I can do it. I can do it.

Rosie continues to love Kindergarten. It's fun to see her learning how to read. Now there are no written secrets...she will spell out words on my secret notes to self and figures things out. School starts back up again, so she'll thrilled.

So that's the state of me for January 2007. I'm surviving, but not quite thriving. Will be better when my husband is making money. Yay!

Currently listening : Finally Woken By Jem Release date: 23 March, 2004

Disturbing!

I just got a letter today from the La Verne Police Department. It was notifying us that a HIGH RISK SEX PREDATOR has moved into the house behind us, across the alley, one house over. He has served sentences for three felony sex crimes, two for children under 14, and was released from parole last month. This is making me sick to my stomach. I have seen this man before, and his car has driven by my house. He lives within 100 feet of us, and Rosie's bedroom window faces the alley he drives on. I'll definitely be keeping the blinds closed. Now, to get William to close that blasted gate....

Temp Job

Well, after a terribly un-fruitful job search, six weeks and counting, it looks like I'm going to take a temp position at Kaiser in Corona. The pay is almost as bad as LDS Hospital, ($3 less an hour than COH) and it's a thirty mile drive each way....but it's some money.

I heard back on two positions that I was really interested in that hired other people, so I don't really have any better prospects at this time.

It's been a big blow to my self-esteem. I've never tried so hard and had so little results. Even when I tried to leave PHB. I find it kinda funny that I'm taking a job doing medical billing and collections, when that is the former job I disliked the most.

Taylor just picked up an app at Chili's in La Verne. If he's working a few nights a week, we shouldn't go under too far financially.

Please keep us in your prayers.

Adoption Party

We're heading to Utah again next week. We have our court date for Taylor's adoption of Rosie to be finalized. We are so happy this is finally happening, and want to invite you to celebrate with us!

We are having an open house at my parents' house in Murray on Friday, August 11 from 6:30-10:00. If you are able to come, message me for the address (if you don't already know where they live)

We already know this will be a quick trip, so please don't feel offended if we can't visit everyone. If you come, you'll probably run into some familiar faces.

Resign or get fired

I had a shock at work yesterday. I got a call from the HR manager, who wanted to see how my job search was going. He said that even though my resignation was effective Aug 4, he said my managers were complaining about me. He told me to be prepared to leave this week, probably Thursday.

Then I come back to my desk, and my supervisor asks me to come into her office. She asked me to clean up my desk then and there.

So I'm done with City of Despair. Take this job and shove it!

I have 2, possibly 3 interviews today, so I'm not too worried about finding something else. And we might take a quick trip up to Utah this weekend.

Why I LOVE California

Current mood: happy

I just have to say, after a month as a California resident, I really don't see myself living in Utah again. Unless, of course, Taylor or I get a great job there. Here's a breakdown of some things I've done this month.

Went to 2 Nathan McEuen Concerts (Hollywood and Ventura)

Played with the fam at the beach in Ventura

Ate amazing clam chowder at Eric Erickson's on the Pier (Ventura)

Went swimming 15+ times

Went to a ward party

Got my first paycheck (twice as much as LDS Hospital)

Registered my car in Cali, but failed the DL exam (apparently, the speed limit laws are different here)

Partied at the Bluhms, including the 24 seasion finale

Went on the Silver Bullet rollercoaster at Knott's Berry Farm seven times in a row (till I was green in the face)

Purchased tickets for Les Miserables and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Pantages Theater (for half price!)

Got tickets for Keane (June 21st)

Ate at El Pollo Loco, El Torito, Jack in the Box, Big Sky Sushi, Legends Diner, and Johnny Rockets

Went shopping WAY too many times, and finally found a comforter set for my bedroom

Got a 24 Hour Fitness Membership, and I actually go

Lost 5 pounds (despite all the food)

Learned how to do transcription for Cytogenetics Reports

Ate a cherry crueller doughnut from Tastees Donuts (the BEST on earth!)

Stopped taking prozac

I'M SO HAPPY HERE!!!

(but I miss everyone in Utah)

Currently listening : Twentysomething By Jamie Cullum Release date: 11 May, 2004

Living in and lovin' Cali!

So, if you didn't figure it out...I kinda gave up on livejournal and picked up Myspace instead. Considering I only knew about 5 people on LJ, and 50 on Myspace...I changed my mind. I have some pics and post bulletins occasionally, so that's a better way to keep tabs on me.

Also, I've been in CA for two weeks. I'm living in La Verne, and I'm working at City of Hope Cancer Center in Cytogenetics. Taylor will be doing an accelerated flight program, and should be flight instructing (and making money) this fall. Words can't describe how happy this makes me. :)

Rosie's doing great, just graduated from preschool and can't wait to live in "CANNIFORNIA." We want to finally get her into modeling and commercials, so we are going to look at agencies this summer. Also, Steve gave consent for Taylor to adopt Rosie, so she should be Rosalind Bullock by mid-July.

So that what's up. Check me out on myspace.

What's Goin' On?

WE WANT TO MOVE!!! We're fed up with our neighborhood! Not only have we had ***6*** attempted/sucessful breakins between our two cars since April, there was a pipebomb explosion in the mailbox across the street this week. We don't feel safe and we want a change. So if anyone sees a house within the $125-150K price range (preferrably in Murray, Midvale, or Taylorsville) let us know. Driving around for a few hours yesterday we only found a select few for sale.

We also got a new car. Three breakin's with the Acura was enough. So we traded in our Integra and got a Honda Accord. It's a good change for us....4 doors! It also has security system, moonroof, power everything, A/C, and we owe $4k less on it...and it will be paid off 2 years sooner. Too bad someone has already tried to break in...two days after we bought it. At least there was no damage and the alarm scared them away.

I've been at my new job at LDS Hospital for a month now. I am the administrative secretary to the chairman of pathology, Dr. Geyer. He is the best boss I have ever had! He always jokes that I am the "Brains and Beauty of the Operation." Not only to I get interesting and mind engaging tasks. but I get occasional downtime that I can do whatever I want. He's also working on a promotion for me already....I can't complain at all. :)

I also decided to go back to school. I'll be taking 6 credits at the University of Utah, Modern America History 1945-2002 (evening) and Cross-Cultural Communications (online). It looks like I'll be a History major, since that's the quickest degree I can get. I only need 29 history credits for the major, but 61 credits for the BA...so I'm thinking I'll minor in Art History. I with the U had a Humanities major, but I think I'll really enjoy history. I'm still working out the financial aid, and CLEPping out of French credits (the U isn't liking my credit from Ricks) but I think it'll be a good step for my future.

Viva Voce starts on Sept 1. I'm really excited...I've missed it this summer. We've got a free concert in November at the Assembly Hall on Temple Square, working on a new CD project, and are going to be a featured choir at ACDA in March.

We're also going to Cali for Labor Day. Taylor's cousin just got married so we'll go to his open house, take a trip to San Diego, and spend time with the fam. Our new car will be nice for the trip, since we took the Acura last time and it was pretty crowded.

The Latest and Greatest

California trip was awesome! Rosie and I loved Disneyland, the weather was great, the bachelorette party was fun and the wedding is over (Lissy and Tyler) I'm back to reality, but it shouldn't be too bad....

...because I got a new job!

I will be a medical secretary at the Lab at LDS Hospital. I will be the assistant to the director of Laboratory Services for Urban Central Region of IHC (LDS, Cottonwood, Alta View, and TOSH) It's a little pay increase, but I have a feeling it will be a big respect increase. I've been begged at PHB to work some evening and weekend hours for overtime. If I work only 6 hours per week, that would score me $400 in OT. So I'll probably do that for a while.

Taylor is only a few weeks away from his Private Pilot Licence. He is preparing for his check ride and is so busy studying and making flight plans. It's nice that he is so motiviated.

Steve pled guilty in court. The punishment for a 2nd Degree felony is 1-15 years. His sentencing is in late August. It will be so nice to have this overwith.

Harry Potter is coming out so soon! I'm way excited!

Born on February 5th...

You are dignified, spiritual, and wise.
Always unsatisfied, you constantly try to better yourself.
You are also a seeker of knowledge and often buried in books.

You tend to be philosophical, looking for the big picture in life.
You dream of inner peace for yourself, your friends, and the world.
A good friend, you always give of yourself first.

You are expressive, original, and independent.
Your talents lie in your artistic abilities:
creative writing, drama, crafts, music, or art.

You would make an excellent:

Actor - Art Teacher - Book Editor
Clothes Designer - Comedian - Composer
Dancer - DJ - Graphic Designer
Illustrator - Musician - Sculptor

The worst career options for your are
conventional careers, like bank teller or secretary.

With a birthday on the 5th of the month you are inclined to work well with people and enjoy them. You are talented and versatile, very good at presenting ideas. You may have a tendency to get itchy feet at times and need change and travel. You tend to be very progressive, imaginative and adaptable.

Your mind is quick, clever and analytical.A restlessness in your nature may make you a bit impatient and easily bored with routine.

Memilies (Memes from Emily's LJ)

List your six current favorite songs
Do you have any idea how impossible this is for me? Maybe my favorite six dozen songs....
1. Maybe I'm Amazed...Paul McCartney
2. One...U2
3. Posession...Sarah McLachlan
4. Something...The Beatles
5. In Your Eyes...Peter Gabriel
6. Hands to Heaven...Breathe

Honorable Mentions:
Hand Me Down (Matchbox twenty)
She (Elvis Costello)
Push, Angel, Answer(Sarah McLachlan...my fave female vocalist)
Hella Good, Don't Speak (No Doubt)
Walk On, Miracle Drug, City Of Blinding Lights, With or Without You (U2...favorite group)
You Wear Flowers (Peter Breinholt)
Daughters, Not Myself, Love Song for No One (John Mayer...current favorite male vocalist)
Fields of Gold, Desert Rose (Sting)
(You've Got It) The Right Stuff (NKOTB....seriously)
Dream Big (Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band)
Somewhere Only We Know (Keane)

I must also add that the new Coldplay album, X&Y is fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!

The Film Meme
1. How many DVDs/Videos do you Own? Before Taylor...about 60/70. After Taylor...about 150/120.
2. What is the last DVD you bought? The Incredibles...I think. No, it's probably the Saved By the Bell season 1-2 box set that I got for my b-day. Hmmm...it's been a while since I've bought any DVDs.
3. Five Movies that Mean a lot to you....
UHF...Wierd Al, must I say more?
Better off Dead...The movie Taylor and I quote Everyday
West Side Story...Great music, great dancing, oh so many Jr High Memories
Short Circuit...the movie that was seen in the Watson household in the 80's more than any other
Legally Blonde...I don't know why, but I laugh uncontrollably each time I see it.

May Updates

Steve didn't get married on May 7th. Apparently it was postponed, but I hope that Andreina learns the truth about him and gets out while she can. Court is on Thursday, Rosie and I have both received subpoenas (from prosecution and defense) We met with the DA on Monday and it looks like we just get to sit in a conference room for a few hours. I'm not looking forward to it, but it's one step closer to Steve behind bars.

I just renewed my car registration. Since my car is a 2000...I didn't have to pay for emissions and inspections. Yippee!

I applied for the AR Provider Affiliation position at work. I've wanted this job for 2 years but it hasn't been in the cards for me. Maybe now is the time. I hope, I hope, I hope.

I started the South Beach diet last week. So far I've lost 5 pounds. I just got back from the gym...elliptical and weights. I worked so hard I'm jittery. But that's part of the weight-loss fun! Taylor has lost 10 lbs in 2 weeks from working out and SB diet. I sooo want to be in shape. I have so many cute summer clothes that are just 20-30 lbs away. *sigh*

Interview from Wahlee_98

1. What is with the Verizon guy, anyway? It started out as a joke with some of my coworkers last year, as I was boy-hopping. They said that everyone looked like a geek. We would go to Fazoli's at lunch, and there were always hot guys with their Verizon nametags on (since their building is just around the corner from IHC) One time I came back and was talking about the "Hot Verizon Guy" and a few coworkers thought I meant the "Can you Hear Me Now?" guy. I can't remember the whole story...but I was telling Dan (who I was dating at the time) about this...and he thought it was funny and made the icon for me. I don't know how to make them myself...so I just keep it.

2. What do you miss most about living in Tualatin? What do you like most about living here? There are a lot of things I miss about Tualatin. Trees, my old friends, family, ward, no sales tax, being 75 minutes from the ocean, rain...but I have to admit that Utah feels more like home now. I like the strength of the church, the mountains, and being so close to family. Taylor hopes to turn me into a Californian... but I don't see that happening...at least for a few years.

3. Rosie wants a pet. What do you get? She really really wants a bird. When she can clean up after it and be responsible...I'll consider it. Taylor wants a long-haired dauchaund (However it's spelled)

4. What's the best book you've read lately? Take Me Home by Dean Hughes.

5. We need to get together this weekend. Are you free? Yes! I'll call you!

In other news...Steve's getting married May 7th at the Westminster Institute Building. That's the same night as my Viva Voce concert at Waterford Hall. If you are given the choice, please come to my concert.

Both of our cars got broken into last week....they tried to hotwire them but did not succeed. We had them in the shop and it was very inconvenient. I am so happy to have my car back, but even happier that I just changed my deductible to $100 from $500 per car. That would have been $800 more that we didn't have. Curses to you Honda-snafuing villians!!

Finally Connected

We got internet! I am finally connected to the real world. Although I have to admit I am disappointed that I don't have any friends that IM me anymore. I can be logged on to MSN for hours, send a few greetings out, and have no replies. *sigh*

I am majorly bummed right now because some hooligan broke into both of our cars. They tried to hotwire them, but did not succeed. They were towed yesterday, and the repair show said they will try to have one of them done by Friday. We are borrowing my parents '89 Dodge Caravan (The THUNDERWAGON!) but it is a basket full of nightmares in and of itself. I'm glad I changed our insurance deductible from $500 to $100 per car...only $200 out of our pocket will be a do-able. The estimates on the Civic are over $1000 (because they have to replace the cruise control system) and the Acura will be around $900 (depending on parts) At least our cars weren't stolen, like the neighbors Civic was.

Shocker news!!!!!!!! Steve is engaged!!!! How on earth his fiance can forgive the fact that he is on bail for two first degree felony charges? I am innerly trying to decide if I should meddle. Warn her or something.

I am off to the gym. I am so un-motivated to be there, but I must. Then I have a Viva Voce rehearsal with the men. Our concert, Wind in the Willows is next Thursday night April 28 and another in May (I can't remember when) I'll post when I can remember.

April Fool

I thought about just letting my LJ sit and waste away in the internet black hole, then decided to post an update.

My 6 month anniversary is on April 8th, and I met Taylor on April 10th last year. The Baja Fresh we met at is now closed...any empty hole in a strip mall. So we can't reinact that date. But the Sting concert is on April 11th, and Taylor promised to make it an exceptional night. I am excited.

My family is on Oregon for an 11 day family trip. I am jealous. Rosie is vacuuming up hundreds of ants on their kitchen floor that have appeared since my fam left. One just bit my toe.

I got a perm for my birthday. It is super frizzy today. No amount of gel, creme, spray or smoother will tame it. But my shampoo makes it smell like peppermint. mmmmm.

I have a new supervisor at work named Patzy. Barbara was forced into early retirement (aka fired) team goal are exceptionally high, but the negative daily oppression is gone. It will be an adventure.

General Conference was excellent. It is such a blessing to hear the words of a living prophet. I realy liked Elder Nelson's talk too. Actually they were all good. Too bad Taylor had to work through the afternoon sessions each day. He's working at a bookstore at the airport called Simply Books. He thinks I need to read a book called "The Busy Woman Syndrome."

Viva Voce concerts coming up in a few weeks, stay tuned! I don't have the internet at home anymore. Taylor and I decided it was ridiculous to both have cell phones and a home phone...when the only thing we ever did with our home phone was use dial-up internet. I go through daily withdrawls. It's tough.

Work is more lame than ever. I could complain for hours...but I won't.
Finances stink. I could complain for hours about that....but I won't.

Christmas was awesome. We spent a few days with Taylor's family in California. The weather was warmer than Utah, but that isn't hard. I really can see myself living there.

My big gift was STING tickets!!! They aren't great seats, but that's what happens when you wait a month after the tickets go on sale. April 11 couldn't come any sooner.

I've gained weight since the wedding. It's depressing. My fat clothes are getting to small, this must be changed. I've so far exercised and eaten my "five a day" each day this year. Grrrr.

Yesterday there was another pre-hearing for Steve. I wasn't there, so I don't know what happened...but there is another one next week. All his info is on the district attorney's website. Ah, what fun things you can find online.

Rosie got her ears pierced. It's sooooo cute!

Viva Voce started up for the Spring season yesterday. I was so happy for the holiday break, but our season repetoire is quite entertaining...a Children's Program.

Hmmm....any other updates? Can't think of any.

Bliss

October 8th was wonderful. I had fun getting my hair done with all the ladies, the temple was beautiful, we got great pictures, Chuckarama was....chuckalicious? The reception at Wyatt's was sooooo fun. It was intimate enough that I had time to talk to all people there, and we were surrounded by people we love. We stayed our first night at the Grand America Hotel (they even upgraded us to a suite) and enjoyed a weekend with each other and ate lots of great food (ie the Melting Pot)

Coming back into reality was hard, since we both had to be back at work on Monday. But we were off Thursday afternoon for California. After a delayed flight, we arrived in Cali and got our rental car. We stayed at the Hilton Anaheim...which we purchased our room off of priceline.com. It was the handicapped suite, which was kinda retro-80's tacky. At least it was cheap. We became addicted to Starbucks Vanilla bean creme frappucinos. The Cali reception was also great...fewer people than SL but equally warm and enjoyable. Mostly family and ward members. And lots of good presents.

We spent the weekend at Port Hueneme at a timeshare condo. Other than stormy rainy weather, having the beach across the street was wonderful. We ate at a delicious Japanese restaurant several times, and did a little shopping at the nearby factory stores. Monday we went to the LA Temple and Visitors Center, and flew home after In-n-out with Brandon and Aileen. After arriving home near midnight, we were back to work Tuesday.

Marriage isn't much of an adjustment...other than Taylor hogging the sheets and forgetting to put the toilet seat down...and other "benefits" of marriage, things are about the same....but HAPPIER.

Our task of the week is to find a new car. Taylor's Bimmer has bitten the dust.

Geez...What a Life!

Just a quick update:

Getting married Friday October 8. Sealing is at Mt Timpanogas Temple at 1:00, Reception at 6:30 in Murray. If you didn't get an invite and want to come...let me know.

Steve was arrested and put in jail. His family put up money to bail him out (The bail was set at $150k)

Rosie is doing better, but still quite sensitive in most aspects. She's excited to have Taylor be a part of our family.

My brother Jacob suffered a head injury. He is in the ICU at LDS Hospital currently, with a baseline fracture of the skull and subdural hematoma. Last CT scan looks okay, very little bleeding at this point. He will recover, but I just got back from the hospital and he was really sedated. He is so sad he'll miss the wedding. It will be sad to not have Jacob there. Keep him in your prayers!