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!

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.