First Snow

Well, just as quick as I was enjoying autumn (my favorite season), winter came. Fancy that. I'm not really a big fan of the cold, but I think this was just sort of a preview. This coming week is supposed to be pretty nice. It does bring back memories, though, and makes me want to cook up a big bowl of chili like Mom used to.

The View

My work building is up on a big hill overlooking our side of town. It's nice to go out and see the view of all of the trees and this area of our city. Now that autumn is upon us it's beautiful to see all of the trees changing color while you're outside with the crunching leaves underfoot and the brisk wind trying to blow you away.

Lava Hot Springs

Today we went to Lava Hot Springs with some friends, Dave and Dean. Dave wanted to show us this little Thai restaurant that he loves, so we ate dinner there before heading to the pools. I was a little skeptical because if there are vegetables involved, I probably won't like it. Also, there aren't any 'staple' foods in this sort of restaurant to order. I ended up ordering a meal that came with meat, carrots, cabbage and broccoli. They were all separated on the plate and they came with a sauce. Since I was feeling a little adventurous I decided to try some of the vegetables. They were so good! Some of the cabbage with the steak and some of the sauce was such a pleasant surprise. Very healthy and very tasty. After dinner we spent some time soaking in the world famous hot springs and it felt so great. Up until recently I wasn't aware of how sought after Lava Hot Springs is, but people actually move to that city to be near the springs for the minerals in the water and the air. Very relaxing.

I'm Not A Lazy Bum Anymore Either!

I got a job! Yeeessssss! I can't believe this worked out so well. On my very first day my co-workers (the people that interviewed me and that I will be working with daily) had put flowers on my desk to welcome me. They're such sweet people. I had interviewed at several other places and none of them called to offer me a job (or not) until after I had accepted this job. I'm so glad! This is exactly the kind of job I love, there are such great benefits because it is a state job and both Morgan and I can go to school for $5 per credit at our local University. Also, the job I originally interviewed for at this place was slightly lower paid, and the people that interviewed me felt I was qualified for another position they were trying to fill, which is higher paid. They offered me the higher paid position, where all the other places I interviewed for would have been the lower paying position. I feel so lucky that none of the other places offered me a job until after this place did. I also got a job at the mall part-time, just before I got this job offer, so a day or two per week I hang out at the mall and sell lotion. I love the discount!

On another note, I have to mention my poor flowers. When I saw those flowers on my desk and found out they were for me, I had a silent funeral in my head. The poor things, they had no way of knowing they would be doomed to be given into my care. It's a shame... I kept them in the office at first to enjoy their sunny, colorful beauty in my office, but after a few weeks of my bumbling efforts at caring for them I had to sneak them home so my thoughtful co-workers wouldn't see what a state they were in and think that I wasn't caring for their gift. I took a picture of them after I brought them home. I haven't given up on them just yet, but I think they've given up on me.

Happy Birthday Val!

Today we got together at Mom & Dad's for Val's B-day. We got to hang out with her new man and get to know him a little bit. We probably scared him off... sorry Val. But happy birthday anyway!

Impromptu BBQ

Doing stuff on impulse- my new favorite thing. Holly was going to pick up the girls at Mom & Dad's house, so she asked if I wanted to go with her. Mike called as we were driving up there, and Holly told him he should come too. Shortly after we arrived and visited with Mom a bit, Dad got home from work. When Dad called up Todd & Kristin and said how 'bout a barbeque? of course they were in. The funny thing was Dad said, good- we'll be there soon! So we had a full house at Todd & Kristin's and they were really able to put together a bbq in a snap. When I grow up I want to be just like Kristin. ;) Sometimes it's when you do something impulsive that you end up having a super fun time and a memorable experience. I was glad that all of these events fell into place so we could have so much fun. Too bad Val was working or we could have hauled her over to Kristin & Todd's too.

Under Construction

I've been inspired to renew and revamp the blog. It seems like a great way to track goals, dreams, accomplishments, and special moments in my life. I only say 'seems' because I'm not sure that I will succeed in my attempt to stick with it this time, but I am convinced that it is in fact a great idea regardless (insert comedian's accent). Some of my older posts may look different for a bit while I fiddle with the template, but I have confidence that you can all be strong until I get it all worked out.

Party Time

Because Holly & Ben have moved, some friends and neighbors wanted to throw them a going-away party. We all met at a park near Holly & Ben's old house. Everyone brought some food and we visited for a few hours while the kids played on the toys. It was really nice to meet at the halfway point so we could see Mom, Malaya, Kristin, Todd, and their kids.

Take a Hike

Holly, Mike, the girls and I went hiking today. Holly enlisted both Mike and me to come with, yet it was she who kept saying, "Who's idea was this?!" As we trekked up the hill, Kelsie would beg off by having one of us carry her on our shoulders. Whitney kept stopping and giving us gifts of nature. Every few minutes we'd have to accidentally lose 5 or 10 rocks, a few pine cones, and some flowers so we weren't so weighted down! When we got to the top of the hill, Kelsie and Whitney pretended they were behind a counter and asked us what we would like to buy. Of course we were hungry, so we ordered a burger and fries. I have to say-the rock Kelsie gave me didn't taste very good. Not like a burger at all! On the way back down the stroller kept catching on rocks and things so Holly just picked the whole thing up and carried it.

Splash

I picked up the phone today to hear Ben on the other line saying only- "You comin'?" Of course I'm coming! Where are we going? Apparently we were going to go swimming. I was sure I'd have fun with them, but I wasn't convinced that I actually wanted to go swimming. It turned out to be a special treat, super fun, and just what I didn't know I wanted to do today. Too bad I didn't get any pictures of any of us going around the lazy river on the tubes. We also went for ice cream when we were done. I think icecream somehow tastes better than normal after you've gone swimming. I'll need a scientist to somehow confirm...


Little Brooke had such a blast splashing in the water. I can remember a few years ago when it was Whitney doing the exact same thing. The pictures of that occasion vs. this one even look similar! I'll have to find those and post them sometime. I had to post a video of cute Brooke because the pictures just don't do it justice.