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!

Ketchup Quickly

Sunday
Church with Taylor went very nicely. He read books to Rosie, put his arm around me, and I could tell that he felt comfortable. There were plenty of smug looks in our direction, but I felt completely happy having him at my side. In SS, I introduced him as someone who was interested in becoming a part of the ward. He met Jessica and Wendy, and a few other friends of mine, and they seemed to like him. After church we came to my house to finish the BTS cake, change, and then we followed each other over to my parents house.

Dinner was teriyaki chicken, which Taylor said was the best he'd ever had. And the BTS cake was good too. We watched the rebroadcast of Elder Maxwell's funeral and had a really great talk about marriages being eternal. He had to head home earlier than I would have liked, but the quality time made up for it.

Monday
Can't remember...that was a whole week ago!

Tuesday
Taylor was at my house when I got home from work. He had just finished up the arrangements at Shane Co. I made crockpot turkey for dinner, and he helped out making the gravy and potatoes. We dropped off Rosie at work with Karen, and headed to Temple Square. We walked around the gardens and then spent some time talking in the tabernacle. He seems supportive of my future wish to be in the Tab Choir. We did an endowment session at the temple. He said I looked absolutely gorgeous in white. I loved being able to look over at him and see his quiet, contemplative, reverence. I felt very good spiritually also...so thankful that I had been declared worthy to attend the temple. My heart was filled with so much joy as I spent time with Taylor in the Celestial Room. He kept saying "I could so get used to this." When we walked out of the temple, he held me very close and said "I will love you forever."

After the temple, we picked up Rosie and got shakes and headed back to my house. It was a stormy night, with lightening more amazing than I can remember. We watched the storm, sat in each others arms, and discussed the joys of our future together. He slept on my couch, and I headed up to bed....wishing we were married and could have had him follow me up.

Wednesday
Slipped downstairs, kissed Taylor on the cheek, and read my scriptures...peeking over at him occasionally. He would have made me breakfast if I didn't have to head to work....but reality caught up to me. He had forgotten his cell phone in my car, so he stopped by work to pick it up. It was sweet to have him grab me for a longer hug after I gave him a quick one when I met him. Made the security guys chuckle.

Thursday
Steve picked up Rosie early so he could take her to festival. Ahh...a few days of freedom!

After work, I headed down to Provo to spend the evening with Taylor. He had been feeling somewhat ill...a bit of a head cold...but was feeling better by the time I got there. He made me chicken stir fry for dinner. We went over to Provo Towne Center so I could pick up my guitar case, and look for a gift for Jacob. We couldn't find the CD he wanted at the mall, so we went to Media Play. It was so fun being there with Taylor....as big of a pop culture junkie as me! We dug through the CD bargain bins (almost got Adam Ant for him for $2) Found Jacob's cD eventually, and then headed over to A&W for root beer floats. Funny how we felt ridiculously giddy for each other... couldn't stop holding hands or complimenting each other. It was sweet.

Back at his place, we watched Better off Dead....on DVD! I had been waiting for it to be released...and lo and behold it was already out. It's hard to say whether he, I or his roommates quoted it more. Can't wait to give him some (international) language lessons. hehe.

Friday
Taylor had to work in the evening.....so I went to the Peter Breinholt concert at Brigham Young park. Super crowded....sat in the very back on the lawn...but Schroeders and Adam Shiflett and his wife (Cydnee's sister) Wished Taylor was there with me....he would have liked it. Ran into Steve Best....a little awkward but still good to see him.

After the concert I picked up Rosie and went to Mooney's again to hang with Esther. Rosie was sleepy the whole time, so we just chatted with Jessica...her friend from her UVSC days. I didn't stay long...just till after Seinfeld, and talked with Taylor on the way home. He makes me so happy.

Saturday
Crazy day! Woke up early to do some cleaning, and then helped Rosie decorate her bike for the primary parade. Then went to Rachel's baby shower at Jodi's house. It was one of the funnest showers I have ever been too...I really bonded with my coworkers. My yarn game went over very well and the food was excellent. Wish I had more time to socialize, but I had Lori Ham's shower to get to. That shower was also great, just sad because the Hams are moving to Arizona in a few weeks.

I met up with Taylor at my parents house. I was so tired when I got the house, I just crashed on the couch. When he came in, he gave me a tender kiss and stroked my hair until I accepted waking reality and got up. We lazed around for a while, listening to John Mayer. Then we went to Target and got some portraits taken. It was so fun to get into cutesy-kissy poses. I can't wait to get them back....too bad it is a three week wait. Blech.

Picked up pizza for dinner, and spent the evening together at my parents house. Taylor wanted to head home early to get back to prepare for Sunday, when he noticed his front tire was noticibly low. My dad helped us change his tire, our first trial together. LOL It afforded us another hour together, so it wasn't all bad.

Sunday
Taylor went to his ward so he could talk to his bishop about the letter for the sealing cancellation. It was sad not having him there with me, but I look forward to many times together with him at my side at church. I sang in sacrament meeting with the ward choir (As Sisters in Zion/Army of Helaman medley) and led the music in RS. (still haven't been sustained though LOL)

Met up with Taylor after church at my parents house. Made him another mix cd of dad's MP3s. Hopefully he will like (especially "Maybe I'm Amazed" and "Forever" by Beach Boys) Dinner was tacos, with GG and Pop, and Linda and Don....as well as my family. It was a nice gathering, lots of laughs and memories. Grandpa talked about his cars, and Taylor made a comment about them being less maintnence than a wife...it made everyone laugh. We had BTS cake, grandma and Jacob opened presents, then Taylor and I took off.

We stopped by Martell's place to pick up an XBOX game he had left, then we went to Murray park to lay out and enjoy the evening (since Rosie was sleeping) Being there brought back many memories of my HS days (we saw the trees I planted in MCYG) We talked and sang to each other, and talked about some wedding plans. One of the nicest nights I've had, just spending time with him. I also asked about Amanda, and how I stacked up to her (since I can help but compare myself) He said I will always be better because I have beautiful blue eyes, I have great taste in music (she liked country) and he wasn't as attracted physically to her. I know I shouldn't worry...but it still happens. He resolved a few of my fears, so I feel better about it.

This week he will be packing up, taking finals, applying for jobs, and moving to SLC. I can't wait to have him live in town!

Not Much Time to LJ these days

Wow....20 days since my last LJ post. I've been incredibly preoccupied. But I am still recording my life....just on paper. Wow, how therapeutic it is! So since then, I have been spending as much time as possible with Taylor, and copious amounts of time with my family and Rosie. But I will provide the highlights:

July 17th, Taylor proposed to me atop the hill above the state capital, at sunset. He downplayed on the evening, just saying we'd take a drive and grab a bite to eat. After talking for about 20 minutes, he said, "You know I have ulterior motives for being here?" and he knelt down. His actual words were, "Nicole Watson, you are the woman I want to be with for eternity. Will you marry me?" Back at the car he had 2 dozen red roses, and we ate dinner at Kyoto. It was incredibly romantic.

The week after, his parents came in from California. Gary and Eleanor are wonderful, I can't wait to claim them as family. His siblings are great, and also his niece Nevaeh. Dinner with my parents went so well, fajitas were tasty, and great bonds were established. We spent and evening in Park City, swimming at the pool at their condo. I am thrilled to see them later this week when we head to Cali.

Also....Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band at Sandy Amphitheater rocked...even though the PDA police got sicked on us. Taylor moved to SLC so I have been able to see him everyday. Quinn Wall got married. Won Charlie Mars tix in the End Zone and had a lunch date with Taylor.

Planning to leave for California on Friday morning. I am so stoked....beach, family, and In and Out Burgers. MMMMMM

Also, for any who read this....please keep Rosie in your prayers...she isn't sick or in immediate danger....but please pray.

Unforgettable in every way

Just when I think a day can't get any better....it is once again surpassed.

I didn't think any day could beat the day of the Sarah McLachlan concert with Taylor. That evening in it's entirity was amazing. But yesterday was so lovely that I think I'll just have to stop comparing.

Friday night and Saturday morning I spent with Esther, Kris, and Emily Epperson at Mooneys for a sleepover. It was so fun to have girl time, but it was interesting how the only thing I wanted to talk about was my relationship with Taylor, and they seemed to tire of the subject easily. But they seem happy for me. I worked a few hours for Linda, then headed to my parents house to do some palm synching and burn some CD's for Taylor (Simon and Garfunkel, MB 20, Moosebutter, and "Mellow Mix") He was spending the morning and early afternoon helping his cousin move from Provo to Murray. I headed to his cousin's apartment around 2, and helped them finish up moving all the boxes from the truck and cars into their place. Dustin and Sally are very nice people, I look forward to getting to know them more.

We dropped Rosie off with Mary, and headed to Shane Co. Ben was our salesman, and he was very helpful. There were probably about 20 rings that caught my eye, 7 I liked, and two that I considered carefully. Ben got out a few sapphires and diamonds and we checked out the different combinations. I fell in love with one...and I think it will be very beautiful all set correctly and on my FINGER! Because of the trade in on Amanda's ring, we'll have to purchase more from them, so it looks like we will be buying his band and some sapphire stud earrings for me (since I don't want a wedding band)

We spent some time with my family, looking at scrapbooks, and uploading pictures. We didn't stay too long because we wanted to get started on dinner. I made baked ziti, and we napped a little while it was cooking. We had some very wonderful conversations, and it just reaffirmed how I felt about him. Dinner was nice, he made some killer cheese bread, and we watched part of Pride and Prejudice. (which is his favorite Jane Austen book ;) He laughed so hard, especially when Collins said "A virtuous women never hides her bushels."

We got all fancied up and I wore my new formal for dancing. We went to the MAC, and danced a little in each building. The best part was sitting out on the bench and gazing at the blue moon (which wasn't actually blue, but by the end of the night had taken on a peachy-pink tint) We talked about how much we look forward to our future together, and how wonderful it will be to attend the temple together. We are going on Tuesday to SL for a session, he's never been there for a live session. He sang some songs for me, like "That's All" by Michael Buble. ("If you're wonderin' what I'm askin' in return dear, you'll be glad to know that my demands are small. Say it's me that you'll adore, for now and ever more. That's All...that's all.")

We drove to my parents house so I could drop him off at his car. We listened to the "Nicole Love Mix III" CD he made for me. While we were listening to "Collide" by Howie Day, he said, "Nicole, be my wife." And I said, "Of course, I'll be yours forever." Not sure if I consider it a real proposal, but it was so beautiful and sincere. Of course, tears started falling down my cheeks. I don't think I've ever felt more in love in any moment than in that one.

I gave him a copy of my house and car key, and I forgot to take back the house key to go home. I didn't have my purse or cell phone on me, and it wasn't until halfway home I realized I wouldn't be able to get into my house. I went back to my parents house, used my dad's cell until Taylor finally picked up. I went over to John's apartment to get the key, and meet his future roommate (which will be his last until me :D)

Needless to say...I couldn't have asked for a better night.

This morning I met with my stake president. I now am a worthy recommend holder. And it feels so good. We discussed the sealing cancellation, and he doesn't forsee any problems, and didn't see any 1-year stipulations in the handbook. Next time I see Bishop Petersen, I will want to get on the paperwork. But for now, I'm just waiting for Taylor to get here...he's coming to church with Rosie and I. Ahh...to be the ward scandal again. Hehe.

Adieu, My Friend

Elder David B. Haight dies at 97
Elder Haight was one of my very very favorite apostles...if it is appropriate to have a favorite. I had a brief, but impressionable time in my life where I spent some time with him somewhat frequently. When I was working with Dr. Downard at Utah Vision Care, Elder Haight was one of his patients, and due to his macular degeneration, his prescription changed rapidly. When I was working there, he was testing out contact lenses to have decent correction between changes in his glasses. Since I was a contact lens tech, I spent hours with him, not only helping teach him to wear the lenses, but actually inserting the lenses in his eyes. Just touching his face, I could feel a surge of power.

He taught me some great lessons. This was at the time that John had just left on his mission. I was very disheartened from missing him so much, but so happy that he was in the service of God. He told me to keep up in writing the letters, be positive but not brag about life at home, and use the time to become a better person instead of miss him. He also taught me great things about being married, and being a good spouse. I think he told me the story of his and Ruby's honeymoon five times, and it was so sweet and adoring. One time he had me call her to tell her that he was on his way home to her. Such a sweet man.

It's kinda crazy....two apostles dying in 10 days. I wonder who will be called into the Quorum of the Twelve. I'm sure there will be some announcements soon.

Home Life...Once in a Blue Moon

Last night Taylor and I spent the majority of the evening with my family. We had hoped that we could do a temple session, but I was unable to get an appointment with my stake president until Sunday. So we decided to chill with my family. For the first hour or so, we visited with my dad. It's uncanny how well they get along! They talked a lot about their growing up years, it was fun to hear my dad tell stories I've only heard a handful of times. I have a feeling that dad and Taylor will become very very close, in a way that Steve never had the capacity to.

Dinner was somewhat interesting. Mary is at Oakcrest this week, but it was still a full house. Jacob had Jen over...a pretty interesting character (I can't tell if they are together or not) but we was fun to listen to about her crazy life. Shawn was getting a rollicking about having a new internet girl calling him all the time, with Maria still in the picture. Jacob called him "the playah." I busted a gut.Rosie kept saying how she was excited that she will have two dads. Steve is pretty upset about that (when he came over this week, he started fuming when she told him that. "NO! He'll be your STEP-dad!" He was even more angry when I told him I would be proceding with cancelling our sealing)

My parents anniversary is Monday...27 years. My mom went out and bought her own gift, as usual. She got some jewelry, some magnificent BLUE moonstone. It is gorgeous. The blue moon is Saturday night....which only happens every 17 years. Taylor and I are planning on getting fancied up and go dancing at the MAC on Saturday. How cool would to be to get some blue bling for my finger(that matches my blue eyes) on the blue moon? Alas, knowing Taylor....he's going to want to wait a few weeks (which is inconvenient for planning a wedding)

After dinner we went over to Emily's house. She is very happy that Taylor is a H/G'er and said that alone gives her full approval. Still waiting to get Em's impressions of him. After that,we had a little alone time...and we decided to go for a drive...but we drove each other's cars. I've never drove a Bimmer...let alone a 1986 beater with no A/C or power steering. But it was fun. Some good tunes, including this one that Taylor dedicated just for me.

You're My Home by Billy Joel
When you look into my eyes
And you see the crazy gypsy in my soul
It always comes as a surprise
When I feel my withered roots begin to grow
Well I never had a place that I could call my very own
That's all right, my love, 'cause you're my home

When you touch my weary head
And you tell me everything will be all right
You say, "Use my body for your bed
And my love will keep you warm throughout the night"
Well I'll never be a stranger and I'll never be alone
Whenever we're together, that's my home

Home can be the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Indiana's early morning dew
High up in the hills of California
Home is just another word for you

Well I never had a place that I could call my very own
That's all right, my love, 'cause you're my home

If I travel all my life
And I never get to stop and settle down
Long as I have you by my side
There's a roof above and good walls all around
You're my castle, you're my cabin and my instant pleasure dome
I need you in my house 'cause you're my home.
You're my home.
___

I just got an email from Esther inviting me to a slumber party. She still isn't sure if it will be tonight or next Friday, but I'm way excited. I could use some girl talk...and a pedicure.

Monday, Monday

Finished my workfile! My outstanding A/R is at $201K, which is the lowest it has ever been (since Oct 2003 at least, when we were assigned personal workfiles)

Filled in all the important co-workers about Taylor. Most were suprised, but highly excited and congratulatory. Talked to Ben, who works at Shane Co....he said he'll hook us up.

Got Taylor's VM each time I tried calling him today. He left a cute one back for me, I saved it and replayed it. Oh...how would it be to not live so far away....

Visit taught Barbie, who is headed to Bear Lake tomorrow. I'm jealous, her cabin rocks.

Met with Richard Hammond, from Family Financial Solutions. Talked about my options for refinancing my house. My best option looks like doing a 80/20 second mortgage...I'll build equity faster, and won't have to pay $55/mo in mortgage insurance. I've gotta get Steve off the loan, and my ARM resets in November so my payment would be increasing about $120/mo. He's going to run my credit check and see what I qualify for...and we'll meet again next week. Too bad Taylor has less than ideal job history right now...co-signing on the loan would make it much easier to qualify. Not quite sure how to report my income from Linda, though.

Heading to bed to sing to Rosie and read my scriptures. Taylor will be home from work in 45 minutes. Can't wait to talk to my sweetie.

Sunday, July 25th, 2004

Thursday
Dinner, talk by the Temple, and "Bourne Identity" at Taylor's apartment. Slept over at Ralin's and had a great talk.

Friday
Saw earlybird showing of "Bourne Supremacy" at Provo Towne Center. Walked around the mall and looked at rings. I want a sapphire. Bought a purple bass guitar. Spent evening at my parents house checking out bass tabs.

Saturday
Spent morning cleaning and watching Days of '47 parade. Met Taylor in the afternoon and watched "Can't Buy Me Love." ("I want to be with you in a sea of deep blue, together at last....together as two") Visited Gigi and Pop (Grandma and Grandpa Parry) Had a very good talk with them, they seemed very impressed with Taylor. Grandpa talked a lot about his life....war stories, living in California, his mission, getting married as a BYU student and optometry school...I now wish I would have had a tape recorder to save it.

We dropped Rosie off at Karen's house again, and headed back to my house. He played a little guitar for me, I played a little bass for him. Crashed on the couch for a little nap. Talked about the future. Went to Usana for the Ultimate Utah celebration (Ryan Shupe, Peter B, Thurl Bailey, Jericho Road, Imagine, Eclipse, Saliva Sisters and Salsa Brava) We had great seats, saw Court and the rest of the JR fan club. I had texted Kirk earlier in the week asking him to have Eclipse sing "All My Life," which they did. We headed up to the lawn to lay out and watch the fireworks, and amazingly enough, the traffic wasn't terrible.

Picked up some late night Wendys, and talked for a couple hours, making tentative wedding plans. October seems too far away, we may need to move it up to end of September. We talked a lot about finances, him going to school part time for this semester, and job hunting. He's thinking about trying to get a job with IHC. That would be so cool!

Sunday
Taylor crashed on the couch, and we talked in the morning before picking up Rosie. I made breakfast when we got back home....it was so wonderful, we really felt like a family this morning, and I couldn't have been happier.

Church was wonderful, sacrament meeting talks on Self-Reliance, SS on Faith, and RS on Teaching our Children. The RS lesson had a lot of emphasis on temple covenants and sealings. I made an appointment to see Bishop Peterson Tuesday. I need to get on getting my sealing to Steve cancelled. I told a few ward members about Taylor, and the response was quite positive. I have several people ready to help out with plans. Still not sure about how to do a reception and the other formalities, but answers will come in time.

Just made PB chocolate chip cookies. Time to feast!

Current Mood: cheerful
Current Music: Ella Fitzgerald sings Gershwin

Cookies and Sinatra

My Favorite Cookies
1 C. margarine softened
1 C. Sugar
1 C. Brown Sugar
2 Eggs
2 T. Cinnamon
1 T. Vanilla
1 t. baking soda
3 C. Flour
1 t. Baking powder
1/2 t. salt
12 oz chocolate chips

Cream first 6 ingredients together.
In separate bowl mix remaining ingredients together, except chocolate chips.
In large bowl, combine two mixtures with a fork, only. Add chips.
Form into balls and smash slightly on pan.
Bake 6-8 min at 400 degrees.
Altitude takes about 3 cups of flour or a little more. Dough should be dryish...

Fly Me To The Moon by Frank Sinatra
Fly me to the moon
Let me sing among those stars
Let me see what spring is like
On jupiter and mars

In other words, hold my hand
In other words, baby kiss me

Fill my heart with song
Let me sing for ever more
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore

In other words, please be true
In other words, I love you

Farewell Elder Maxwell

Elder Neal A. Maxwell Dies After Long Battle With Leukemia

JULY 22, 2004, SALT LAKE CITY — Elder Neal A. Maxwell, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died last night after a lengthy battle with leukemia. He was 78 years of age.

Elder Maxwell died at home surrounded by his family at 11:45 p.m. Wednesday night. It was the 23rd anniversary of his call to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, one of the highest ranking bodies of the Church.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Elder Maxwell served as a member of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy from 1976 to 1981, and as an Assistant to the Twelve from 1974 to 1976 before being called as an apostle. A lifelong educator, Elder Maxwell was executive vice president at the University
of Utah at the time of his appointment as the Commissioner of Education for the Church Educational System, where he served from 1970 to 1976.

Prior to his Church callings, Elder Maxwell held a variety of administrative and teaching positions with the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He earlier served as a legislative assistant to United States Senator Wallace F. Bennett of Utah.

He has written some 30 books on religious topics with one of the most recent receiving a literary prize for LDS literature. Earlier he authored many articles on politics and government for national, professional, and local publications.

A political science graduate of the University of Utah, Elder Maxwell also earned a master’s degree in that field from the same school. He later was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Utah; an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Westminster College, Salt Lake City; an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Brigham Young University,
Provo, Utah; an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Utah State University, Logan, Utah; an Honorary Degree from Ricks College, Rexburg, Idaho; and an Honorary Degree from the Salt Lake Community College.

In the fall of 1998, the University of Utah announced the establishment of the Neal A. Maxwell Presidential Endowed Chair in Political Theory, Public Policy, and Public Service.

Prior to his call to direct the Church’s worldwide education system, he had served the Church in a variety of positions, including bishop of Salt Lake City’s University Sixth Ward; a member of the General Board of the Y.M.M.I.A., the Church’s youth organization; a member of the Adult Correlation Committee; and as one of the first regional representatives of the Twelve. As a young man, he served two years as a missionary in eastern Canada.

Elder Maxwell has served as a director of several business firms, including Questar Corporation, Questar Pipeline, and Deseret News Publishing Company, and has been active in public service such as chairman of the Utah Constitutional Revision Commission.

In 1967 Elder Maxwell received the Liberty Bell award for public service from the Utah State Bar, and in 1973 he was named Public Administrator of the Year by the Institute of Government Service at Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.

Elder Maxwell and his wife, the former Colleen Hinckley, are the parents of four children.

So Much to Say

So Much to Say
Wow....I haven't updated in a few days....and when life is eventful....the posts tend to be clipped short to fit it all in. Here's the rundown:

Sunday:
Watched the MoTab's 75th Anniversary Broadcast. I want to be a part of them someday.
Church was excellent. Feeling the spirit more and more each week.
Rosie still in Idaho for Butler Family Reunion. Slight pangs of sadness.

Met Martel and Sharol, Taylor's uncle and aunt in Sandy. They live right by GG & Pop's place on Campus Drive. They have beautiful twins, Bailey and Bennett, six weeks old. It was so fun to hold little bebees! And Taylor was dang cute holding them too. Ate some of Sharol's BTS cake, and I stumbled over trying to make a joke about it (I bet its not as good as mine!) Took some nice pictures from their balcony, and felt very comfortable. (Much more confortable than it EVER was meeting the Perrys)

Took a drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon, listening to a mix CD Taylor made for me (Including: Hold Me Now, For Once in My Life, Sarah singing Rainbow Connection, and GROWING PAINS theme song!) Drove up to Brighton, watched the clouds float and sun set. Enjoyed each other's company...it was terribly nice to be together alone. I can't even count the times he told me how beautiful I am. *sigh*

Monday:
No concentration at work. Listened to Fumbling Towards Ecstasy on repeat.

After work, ran to pick up a pizza for dinner and Rosie. Taylor came over to have dinner and work on my computer while I got ready for the concert. Chatted with Tonya about wedding plans....funny how I was a little jealous of her. She took some pics of us on my digital camera, but unfortunately they didn't come out very clear. I vamped up my hair with some big sexy curls (which I don't think I've done in months and months) Taylor said I looked great, but he likes me with my hair straight better.

We got to the E-Center with enough time to hit up the radio station drawings. I ran into Jorge from work with his wife, they looked almost as happy to be there as Tay and I. We were in section 103, which was just a few feet left of the stage, and we were in the center of row 13. EXCELLENT seats...worth the $150 I forked out for them. Butterfly Boucher was the opening act, who also opened for BNL. She is very cool, need to download "Little White Dash."

As for Sarah....words cannot describe how incredible the show was. She opened with "Fallen." The stage was very cool....almost a fantasy/LOTR landscapey thing going on. We were close enough to the stage to check out her facial expressions, but we were very very close to the video screen, so nothing was left up to the imagination. Her set list was amazing...the WHOLE Afterglow album, most of Surfacing and Fumbling, and a few early songs I didn't recognize. She even did a little "You are my Sunshine," and Blackbird. I could go on and on for hours about how amazing it was, if you want the full rundown....contact me!

I ended up buying her postcard set, and a poster of Afterglow. It was pouring rain as we went out to the car. Traffic wasn't too terrible to get out and get home. When we pulled up to my house, Taylor said how he wished the night didn't have to end there. He walked me to my door, and realized that he hadn't put my computer back together. So he came in, and he joked "You know, we're going to have to put my computer at this desk!" And from then on out, or conversation had a very positive spin towards the future. He didn't propose, but he said that nothing could make him happier than the thought of me being his wife. And once that topic is mentioned, it's hard not to fanasize about what that would be like. This should be an interesting next few months. We stayed up talking until 3 am, and I didn't want the night to end.

Tuesday:
Work was a bugger, having only 3.5 hours of sleep. Team meeting was okay, found out I'll be shortly moving cubicles again. *ick*
Went to Enrichment night, Preparedness night. Tried freeze dried refried beans and other lovely food storage creations.
Had a very very nice phone convo with Taylor, reminiscing of the previous night. Didn't want to use up all of his minutes on his phone, so we IM'd for a while as he did homework and I made a child support spreadsheet. Steve owes me $300, but there's still the inheritance issue. Ohhh....I can't wait until he gives up on getting his money back. Grrrr

Wednesday:
Nothing too exciting, other than talking to Taylor a few times. He called me at work, and my coworkers joked about me saying "I love you too," at the end of the conversation.
Picked up some CDs at the library to burn, almost done, then heading home to bed

Field Trip to Provo

The trip to Provo was long...just over 90 minutes. We went to his friend Eric's place at Wymount, and ate dinner with him, his wife Jennifer, and their daughter Hayley. We grilled steaks, and I brought my broccoli salad. Jennifer was very cool...she and I had a talk while the guys were at the grill. I asked her for the scoop on Taylor....things about him she knows that I might never know. She said that Taylor is a video game addict...he loses track of time easily when it's on. He forgets things at their house every time he's over, and he detests green beans. She did say that he is a very quality guy...very few men in the world as gentlemanly and genuinely kind as Taylor. She said he will treat me like gold.

After dinner, we headed back to his apartment. We went through stacks of pictures. There was stuff from mission, Ricks....and then lots of pics of him with Amanda. He kept saying he was embarrased that there were so many. I told him not to sweat it...it was kinda fun to see the pics of him with such a silly-lovestruck grin on his face. Wonder if he smiles like that when he thinks of me. I snatched two pics of him...one was from three weeks ago at Disneyland. (he is trying to pull the sword out of the stone) The other is from christmas 2002 in front of the SL Temple (he looks soooooo good in it)

Rosie, Taylor, snuggled up on the couch to watch the Simpsons. Funny how we laughed in the exact same places. It was amazing how "at home" I felt...the three of us together. I was sad to be sick...I was nervous to be close to Taylor because I don't want him to get sick. Even today, I'm still congested and coughing and a bit feverish. But he still insisted on kissing me goodbye. Silly goof. When we were hugging goodbye, I asked him if it was awkward for him to have Rosie there. He said that it will be a big adjustment to jump into a father role, but he laughed and said that he won't miss the diaper disasters and midnight feedings. Interesting how he put such a positive future spin on the conversation...kinda like "when," not "if."

Who knows though....no need to hurry this. I'm just enjoying it while it's here.

Name Analysis

Name Analysis...Nicole and Taylor

Nicole
Although the name Nicole creates the urge to understand others, we emphasize that it limits your vision, tuning you to technical details. This name, when combined with the last name, can frustrate happiness, contentment, and and success, as well as cause health weaknesses in the fluid and elimination system. The name of Nicole has created a congenial nature with the desire to associate in friendship and understanding both socially and in the business world. Peaceful and settled conditions appeal to you and you are naturally desirous of having the security of a home, where your life could follow a definite pattern, and where you would not have to make major decisions. You find it difficult to take a definite stand, partly because you lack confidence, and also because you dislike any issues which create dissension between people. Procrastination is a weakness of your nature, causing an inability always to complete your plans or to concentrate for long.

Taylor
Although the name Taylor creates an interest in the deeper aspects of life, we emphasize that it causes a blunt expression that alienates others. This name, when combined with the last name, can frustrate happiness, contentment, and success, as well as cause health weaknesses in the lungs, heart, bronchial area, and tension or accidents to the head. As Taylor you have a great love of nature and the out-of-doors, and could have a desire to be in an occupation which takes you outdoors and involves you with the products of the earth. All the finer things of life and beauties of nature are an inspiration to you and you are attracted to the mysteries of nature. Difficulty in expression results in your being too positive, blunt, and candid in speech. Although you are easily offended by others, you do not show it. You crave affection and understanding, but rarely find it as others do not understand you and accuse you of being cool and aloof.