From one pilot family to another...

Last night I was bumming around looking at blogs, and I found out about a couple that were severley burned in a plane crash. Stephanie Nielson, was burned over 80% of her body and her husband, Christian, over 30%. There were just 3 people on board and the pilot was killed in the accident. This couple has 4 children that were not with them and a LONG recovery ahead of them.

Christian had recently completed his private pilot rating. Hearing about this crash took me back to 2005 when Taylor had just completed his PPL. He was so new at flying, and although his instructors frequently commented at his natural skill at flying, a part of me would panic everytime he drove to Salt Lake Municipal Airport #2. My ears would perk up when weather reports were sketchy, or an airplane mechanic failure or crash was mentioned on the news. Even though he's flying passenger jets now, I know there is always a risk when flying (although Taylor will always pop out the statistic that you're more likely to die in a car crash on the way to the airport than you are to be in a plane crash.)

My heart goes out to the families that have been affected by this accident. To hear their story, and see how you can help, www.nierecovery.com

Random Quote from Hannah Montana

"I'm from Detroit - I don't find anything charming"
Hannah's anatomy teacher

Life in Balmoral

A few weeks ago I was reconnected to a bunch of my Balmoral friends' blogs through Lia. Today I was thinking a lot about the three and a half years I lived on Archmore Court. My ex-husband Steve and I excitedly bought our first home, naively hoping that a new home may smooth over our marital problems. It was only a few blocks from work, was in our meager price range, had so much more space than the bungalow we were renting in Sugarhouse. Our ward was comprised of the townhomes, and a few streets of houses. Most people were young families, with young children, in school, or just starting their first careers. It was nice to be in a ward that had so many people in the same situation as me.

Unfortunately, not all was well in Balmoral. My nearly 5-year marriage quickly landslided into catastrophe, and I was filing for divorce (for many reasons that do not need to be mentioned in a public blog). I became a single mom, and felt so out of place. In between working two jobs, and begging for my $45 (!$%&@!) of monthly court-ordered child support, I was flat broke and took in a few roommates to be able to avoid foreclosure. I was trying to keep things together emotionally, and was grateful for the ladies who listened to my woes and offered support. Taylor came along and won my heart more quickly than I expected, and we were married less than a year after my divorce. If felt good to be a "normal" person in Balmoral again. We lived in Balmoral for 18 months before moving to California.

Taylor had ended an engagement to a girl shortly before meeting me. The relationship did not end amicably. All post-break-up communication was on her terms. For instance, she sent out an email to say she was marrying someone else, and when he responded to congratulate her, she flipped and told him to never contact her again. A few months ago, he got a Facebook friend invite from her. He cautiously accepted it, and we looked through her pictures. Imagine our surprise when I saw a picture of her in front of her Balmoral townhome, with a bunch of common friends. How awkward would it have been if we'd still lived in Balmoral?

This blog ended up being a lot more jumbled than I intended, but in closing, I'd like to thank all you Balmoral ladies for the love and support and friendship from 2003-2006. Keep up the blogging so I can know what's going on with your families, and maybe I'll be able to make it to one of your upcoming reunions.

A Jumble of Thoughts

- We decided to have Rosie's baptism in Utah. I had been convinced about California, then realized that a 2-day car rental at LAX would be $108 with tax. I can borrow my dad's car in SLC, and my aunt offered her home for a potluck afterwards. Taylor will have to fly in the morning of, so it will be late afternoon. If you're in SLC and want to come, let me know.

-I'm without my husband again on a Sunday. It's been 3 months since we've gone to our ward together. Thank goodness he has Sundays off for September. He actually has a good schedule for September, 15 days off.

-I cut off another 4 inches of hair yesterday, totaling 7 total inches chopped this month. The first cut wasn't quite drastic enough. Unfortunately, I haven't ever had medium-length hair in a humid climate, and my natural curl is overpowering my flat-ironed effort.

-I've been craving all sorts of things I can't get in Michigan: Honolulu Harry's sweet potato stack, La Tolteca's cheesy beans, El Pollo Loco, fountain horchata, Cafe Rio pork barbacoa, Leatherby's, In-n-Out animal fries, Federico's marzipan, Arctic Circle Pop Rocks Sundae, The Pie pizza, etc...

-I went to the Plymouth library yesterday. It's one of the neatest community libraries I've been to. Downtown Plymouth is a fun place- it reminds me of Star's Hollow.

-My sister Mary is leaving for BYU-Idaho in 10 days. Thinking about her has made me a little nostalgic for my year in Rexburg. I really liked my time there, but it's hard to think of anything past December without thinking of my courtship with my ex-husband. I only had one set of roommates when I was at Ricks, one of them was Stacey. In July I spent a weekend with Stacey and her family in Kentucky. It was fun to reminisce of our time together, the way we've changed since, and swap mommy stories. Her daughter is so much like Rosie, I'm planning on another trip so they can bond over Hannah Montana, HSM, Webkinz, and all the other stuff they love.

Phelps Phan!

Could my recent renewal of swimming interest have anything to do with this man?

Two homes for sale

My parents have finished the packing, cleaning and repairs on their house in Murray, and it's on the market now. It's sad to think that this house may be in someone else's name the next time I'm in Salt Lake. They have lived there for 15 years.
Also, my Grandma Watson has decided to sell her house in Tualatin, OR and to move to Salt Lake. She wants to spend the time at the Family History Library and live two blocks from Temple Square. If she sells her house quick enough, she might be living in the same apartment building as my parents. She's lived there almost 20 years.

So many memories in both of these homes. It's hard to believe that they'll be out of the family soon.

Destination baptisms?

Rosie turns 8 one month from today. She is adamant about getting baptized ON her birthday. We can't make solid plans until Taylor gets his September schedule on August 21. We've been thinking about who would come, and realized that no family would be there. We'd have some people from our ward and a few friends if we had it in Michigan. And maybe Aunt Liz would fly out. We started talking about our own baptisms, and how great it was to be surrounded by extended family, and thought about the possibility of having the baptism in Utah or California. If we traveled, we'd have a aunts, uncles, grandparents, and close friends. However, if we choose one location over another, we'd have the other side of the family feeling left out. I could probably take the day off before, but it would be another stand-by quick trip.

I know that it's the act and ordinance of baptism that's the important part. It only requires consent of the bishop and two witnesses. But is it a better option to be with family?

'08 Summertime Fun

In honor of the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics being held on 8-8-08, here is a fun tag that I stole off a blog on my reader.

8 TV Shows I Love to Watch:

The Office, Arrested Development, Ugly Betty, 24, ER, Greys Anatomy, American Idol, 90210

8 Restaurants I Love:

The Melting Pot, BJ's, Cafe Rio, Famous Dave's, La Tolteca, Jerusalem Garden, On the Border Mexican Grill, Chick-fil-a

8 Things that Happened Today:

Washed my hair with yummy vanilla-scented shampoo, got caught up on two weeks of STS database forms, talked to my surgeon about his trip to a conference in Traverse City, paid bills, went on a walk with Taylor, uploaded pictures on the MHS reunion blog, listened to the Juno soundtrack, and read about how the Delta and Northwest pilots came to an agreement to push forward the merger.

8 Things I am Looking Forward to:

Taylor having a few more days off this week, Rosie's baptism, a possible trip to Cedar Point this month, a 3% raise on my next paycheck, the new Keane album, the changing of fall leaves, seeing my new twin nieces on my next trip to Cali, and school starting up so Rosie isn't BORED all the time.

8 Things I Love about Summer:

Air conditioning, flowers, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, swimming, snow cones, evening outdoor concerts

8 Olympic Events I Want to See:

Swimming (Michael Phelps!), Gymnastics, Diving, Track, Diving, Volleyball, Weightlifting, and the Opening/Closing Ceremonies

8 Things on My Wish List:

A pill to turn fat into money, all my debts paid off, some new work clothes, sanity, time with my family, continual health and energy, some extra days off to do some exotic traveling with Taylor, a shorter commute.

8 People I Want to do this Same Thing: Lizzie, Lia, Susan, Emily, Erin, Hollie, Rachel K, Brett

MHS X

The MHS reunion was a lot of things to me: a lot of nostalgia, a lot of stress, a lot of preparation, a lot of rekindled connections, and despite so many familiar faces, I realized that a lot had changed. Since Taylor was out on a 4-day trip, most of my time was spent with my oldest and closest MHS friend Emily. I spend most of my time for the picnic and reception going around in circles, striking up conversations, making sure there were enough drinks, figuring out money, and planning a last-minute game. I ran into old crushes, old classmates, and old friends. Most people were as kind and genial as I remembered them, with big smiles and warm hugs. Some groups of friends were as tightly exclusive as they were 10 years ago, and wouldn't let me into their conversations, just like 10 years ago. I saw people that started rumors about me, people who I secretly hero-worshiped, people I sang in choir with, people who I'd been in clubs with, people who edged me out for roles in drama productions, people who I'd done class projects with, people who I went to dances with, and people who I wrote intricately folded-up notes to. Some had lost their hair, some had lost weight, some looked exactly the same, some were divorced, some were still at home, some had traveled to exotic parts of the world. The school we celebrated at held the same name as my diploma, but the school had an "extreme makeover" over the last decade, and only was familiar through a Spartan statue and orange and black insignia.

I wish that I had been better at delegating tasks, and hadn't waited so long to send out invitations. I wish I would have stressed the day less, and enjoyed the festivities more. I left the reunion feeling sad that I hadn't said more than a brief greeting to several people that I'd been looking forward to seeing. And I wish I would have taken more pictures.

But now it's over, and the responsibility is out of my hands. It seemed to me that those who participated had a good time. We didn't lose money on the reunion, and have a little extra for the next one. If in 10 years you hear me volunteering to coordinate the reunion again...stop me! LOL.

This weekend Taylor got an invitation to his 10 year reunion in the mail. It's $87 per person! Makes my $20 reunion seem like a steal. I honestly doubt we'll attend it.

Happy Birthday Jacob!

Happy 21st birthday to my awesome brother Jacob. We've become really close the past year (a cross-country road trip can do that do you!) and it's always a joy to spend time with him. I'm proud of all he's accomplished in the face of much adversity. One of these days we'll go to Europe together!!!

Success...

The MHS Reunion is over. I am so relieved. Details will follow.

An extra day in CA?

No, I didn't secretly run off to California. Taylor and Rosie were there for 5 days, and flew out to SLC yesterday morning. Had they stayed an extra day, they would have been there for the earthquake and for the birth of twin nieces. Taylor's sister Lissy gave birth to Sarah and Phoebe (according to the pictures I just looked at on Myspace) on the same day as a 5.4 magnitude earthquake. I'll bet she feels like her life was shook up quite a bit yesterday!

Time for a haircut!

My hair is probably the longest it's ever been right now. It goes halfway down my back! However, Michigan has been plenty humid these past few months, and my hair is getting so unruly!!! The humidity brings out the natural curl that I desperately try to unkink with my flat iron. Lately, it's been in a ponytail or Knothead almost every day. A coworker was saying that if your favorite hairstyle is a ponytail, it's time for a new style.

So tonight I cut my hair. Nothing drastic, but enough to feel like I lost a little hair-weight. It's in a ponytail right now, but I'll post a pic in a few days when it's styled.

The Blessing of the Day

The maintenance people fixed our A/C today. It is a comfortable 75 degrees. Balance has been restored to the force. I'm going to keep it on all night so I can wake up shivering.

Crazy July Schedule

Taylor left on another 4-day trip today. I feel like I've hardly seen him the past month. 4-day trip, then Cali for 3 days, then 4-day trip, then to SLC (together) for 3 days for the funeral, then 4-day trip, and three days off (which I worked 2). Once he gets back from this trip, he's taking Rosie to Cali for 5 days (She hasn't been back since December), flying her to SLC to wait a day till I go to SLC for my high school reunion. Taylor will be on another 4-day trip, so he's missing the reunion. He actually has been getting 14-16 days off per month the last 3 months, but he's gone almost every weekend. At church today, I was realizing it's been over a month since we've gone together, and he won't be home for at least the next two Sundays.

It's a blessing to have the flight bennies. Especially when you get on your first-choice flight. While Taylor and Rosie are in California, I've been contemplating taking a quick overnight trip somewhere. I don't think its a good idea to fly all the way out to Cali just for one day (when I did so in May it took a week to recover) when I'll be back in SLC the next weekend. Car rentals are disgustingly expensive right now, so I probably shouldn't plan on a city that I'd be on my own. I'm not too excited to spend a weekend at home, since our air conditioning is broken at our apartment, and who knows how long it will take maintenance to fix it.

Success!

Rosie caught 10 fireflies!
(They're really hard to photograph while they light up)

IPOD N-R

N: 'N Sync, Naked Eyes, Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole, Natalie Imbruglia, Natalie Merchant, Natasha Bedingfield, Nathan McEuen, Nazareth, Ned's Atomic Dustbin, Neil Diamond, Nelly Furtado, Nelson, Nena, New Edition, New Radicals, Newell Dayley, Nick Drake, Nickelback, Nicky Holland, Nicole Kidman, Nightranger, Nirvana, NKOTB, No Doubt, Norah Jones

O: Oasis, Oingo Boingo, Olivia Newton-John, One Cent Stamp, Onerepublic, Our Daughter's Weddig

P: Panic at the Disco, Paramore, Paul Cardall, Paul Hardcastle, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Paula Abdul, Paula Cole, Pearl Jam, Peggy Lee, Pet Shop Boys, Peter and Gordon, Peter Breinholt, Peter Cetera, Peter Gabriel, Peter Schilling, Phantom Planet, Phil Collins, Pink, Pink Floyd, Poison, The Police, Ponchillo, The Postal Service, The Pretenders, Prince, Procol Harum, The Psychadelic Furs, Puddle of Mud, The Pussycat Dolls,

Q: Queen, Queen Latifah, Queensryche

R: REM, Rachael Yamagata, The Raconteurs, Radiohead, Randy Newman, Ray Charles, Ray Lamontagne, ReFlex, Real Life, Red Box, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Regina Spektor, Remy Zero, Renee Zellweger, The Righteous Brothers, Rob Thomas, Rocco DeLuca and the Burden, Rod Stewart, Rodgers and Hammersteins, Roger Joseph Manning Jr, The Rolling Stones, The Romantics, Ronan Keating, Rooney, The Rooftop Singers, Roxette, Roy Orbison, Rubber Rodeo, Rufus Wainwright, Rush, Ryan Cabrera, Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band

Just the two of us...

This week we flew to SLC for Taylor's grandfather's funeral. Despite the sad circumstances for the trip, it was really nice to spend three days with Taylor. We even got on the direct DTW-SLC flights with no hassles. One of the evenings we went out for a night on the town. My parents now live in an apartment downtown, so it was easy to walk to the Gateway for dinner. Here's a pic I snapped on my phone of the two of us on our downtown date.We returned home last night, and Taylor left on a 4-day trip this morning. I'm feeling a little lonely tonight, which doesn't happen too much on the first day of his trips. But he has 4 days off once he's home, so three more nights to go...

6 Months in Michigan

I can hardly believe that our family has been living in Michigan for 6 months now! Here are a few of my favorite things about living here:

-Living in the same state as my husband!
-Fireflies!!! (Rosie and I counted over 70 of them last night)
-Diet Vernor's Ginger Ale
-Partying with the Pearces
-Leo's Coney Island
-Mike, Erin and Will
-The spectacular rainstorms and thunderstorms
-Hillary, Steven, and Elodie
-Jerusalem Garden in Ann Arbor
-Plymouth Township Park
-Pizza Papalis in Greektown
-The Henry Ford Museum
-Easy access to the rest of the country via Detroit Metro Airport on free flights

I don't know how long we'll live in Michigan. Taylor's under the impression that we'll figure out a way to move back to California in 6 months (as long as his airline survives the merger and he can get a bid for the ATL base and commute from ONT). If we do move back, I wonder if we'd be any better off financially than we are here (and we're currently NOT making it financially). I really miss my friends and family on the other side of the country and have felt a lot of loneliness here. We have made a few good friends, and I crave the time we spend with them. I am grateful for the good times we've had in Michigan (and the places we've visited while living here).

Memories of Me

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. :) If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.