Cassidie Anne

What I Made for M Face

2012-02-15T18:09:00.000-08:00

ROTI

2012-02-07T15:35:00.000-08:00

On a very regular day a few weeks ago, Station asked if I wouldn't mind ever having visitors. Very vague-like. I said of course! Bring on the guests. So he did. He brought art and food with him. and he cleaned our dishes all of the time. We had Pepper Pot, Cook Up Rice, and Mac Pie (mac and cheese).

One night our guest from Guyana taught me the art of roti. It is a blessed bread like treat. and I now know the skills needed to make it and their fabulous curry. It barely lasted the night we had it and the leftovers were quickly chowed down Sunday afternoon.

roll it up

sitting pretty

power to the people

Come, Apple Too!

2012-01-12T15:47:00.001-08:00

Class has started again. It is Station's glorious last semester only in time to apply for more school. Which is a good thing. The answer to the questions that you are probably wondering (stop it! I know what you are wondering) is I don't know. We are excited to find out where we will be way more than I am excited to be enrolled in French 1010. Too many rolled r's. I like things nice and simple, they don't even tell me what tone to use. How the heck am I supposed to say this crap? ( Don't tell Stations grandpa I said that).

In better news, Station and I will now be seeing each other on weekends only. Please and Thank you. You can go ahead a flood my comment box (jokes on you if you try) with wo-is-me stories about you never seeing your shnooky for semesters on end because of "class conflicts", but you can go ahead and leave that to your own blog.

Okay, I am joking. Tell me about it.

Anyway, Station did a GREEAAAATT job on his test test test-a-roo. And is working his tail off at getting things nice and fancy for schools. In honor of his greatness, I made him a hat, courtesy of left over glittery foam and paper from our primary class.

He hasn't worn it yet, but I am sure he is just busy right now. So we will save that post for later. Let me go ahead and pull the cat out of that bag and say yes, there are a lot of extension cords in that picture. But let's not go there again.

Alright. So I am proud of my love and I am happy to see him tomorrow night. See you soon!

I know Big E, I know.

My Hands Are Dry

2012-01-04T16:13:00.000-08:00

The day after the new year we went to a lake and fished. Bright and early we went. The week that Station worked at 3 am every morning, on his free day he chose to wake just as early. We had to bundle up. Since I brought not one, but two wrong sized shoes my dad just happened to have another pair in his car and let me wear them. Prepared for my lack of preparedness, that is his calling until the day I die.

Anyway, I sat around and kept the fishing holes nice and clean, took a nap, and then gutted the fish. In the time that I managed to gut 2 fish, my dad had done 5. The teeths hurt me. Fish don't need teeth.

On The Ice

That is Fresh

Shining the Ice with a lack luster auger

Gets The Fish

Thirsty

Juanita's First Time

I went fishing.

Don't fear. That isn't a homeless person. That is me.

An After Christmas Event

2012-01-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

Since we weren't able to get all 5 blocks over to the Christmas lights before Christmas, we wandered over after, hoping maybe the crowd would be gone.

hopes shattered.

even though it was still busy, the lights were cool, even though Station believes they were a little wimpy compared to last year, and we got to get out of the house instead of playing on our personal computers in the same room.

blurry

this isn't even Temple Square

this is. and we don't know if it is a Christmas tree or just a star with flaming beams.

as baby abbey would sing "see the baby lion in a manger"

Uh...Put It On The Pizza

2012-01-01T12:50:00.000-08:00

Guest Columnist: Station

I'd like to briefly summarize the Week of Pizza.

12/26 Monday: We chose to spend our post-Christmas psuedo holiday at the theater with Pack and Ashley. After enjoying the film, P&A invited us over to their dwelling for some Dr. Mario, as is customary this time of year. While we were manipulating multi-colored medicine to mitigate malicious microbes, Ashley suggested that we order some Papa John's. I didn't know it at the time, but this was the beginning of something special.

12/27 Tuesday: With family in town, a few of my cousins and I gathered at Mike's house for some old timey Halo 1. Naturally a rendezvous of this sort involves pizza, and Mike opened our eyes to Sweet Home Chicago's stuffed pizza. Not stuffed crust, stuffed pizza. It's the most delicious pizza I've tasted. Even in a week full of pizza, this remains a singular dining experience.

12/28 Wednesday: I missed a birthday party at work, but I wasn't about to miss the leftover Little Caesar's in the fridge. In fact, I discovered said pizza at around 8:38 AM and was consuming it by no later than 8:39 AM. Even still I was completely oblivious that the Week of Pizza was upon me.

12/29 Thursday: I first noticed that something strange was happening when Big C found a coupon in his desk. He had earned $20 of free pizza at NYPD Pizza as a sales incentive earlier in the year. Big C's timing was great because the coupon expired in just two days. He offered to take the sales team out to lunch. We ordered the thin crust meat lover's, and though my taste buds endorsed the product, my stomach was beginning to openly question my dietary choices. What my stomach didn't understand is that I didn't choose the Week of Pizza, it chose me.

12/30 Friday: Cassidie and I realized that this was bigger than pizza. Something we didn't fully understand had orchestrated the Week of Pizza and we didn't dare interrupt it. That's why Cassidie made pizza for dinner that night. She really outdid herself, it was the most delicious pizza she's ever made. Stuffed crust, pepperoni, sausage, red and yellow bell peppers. In fact, if I hadn't been to Sweet Home Chicago earlier that week, it would have been the best pizza of the week. Sorry Cass.

12/31 Saturday: The Week of Pizza culminated at my grandpa's house as Utah took on Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl. For my grandpa and me, it was our first time in three years not attending Utah's bowl game. But Dominos pizza to finish the Week of Pizza is not a bad consolation prize. Though I embraced pizza mentally now more than ever, my stomach in open rebellion. After three pieces I was done eating food for the rest of the day.

And so, like all good things, the Week of Pizza has come to and end. But as I ponder what to have for lunch, I can't help but think about the leftover Dominos in the fridge. . .

Bo Bo

2011-12-29T15:59:00.001-08:00

On Christmas day, my family got to speak to Bo Bo on Skype. Which happened to be quite fun. He is having fun and uses his power word a lot when his companion is driving or breathing.

Little L being placed by everywhere the baby whisperer.

{i was not the one who named him that...but Stations is perfect at everything}

keep your head straight

dad was strangly quiet the whole time. the reason? he was thinking of weird things to show bobes.

that is my chloe balboe...a dog

happy happy as can be.

at least until there is another shooting outside his apartment.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-29T15:50:00.000-08:00

Snow White's Problem

Station is ready

it is all very serious

my dad spying on the team.....Ricky being a pointer

it suits us

Station's Sweater

2011-12-29T15:38:00.000-08:00

We only had one ugly party which happened to be Station's work party. However, his sweater got great use and Amazon even was helpful too.

wrinkly chin

nothin in focus 'xept his sweater

installation of the lights. which made me a hero because of my love for adding or changing things on old clothes.

my fancy husband. so happy to be a Christmas man.

oh and i got flowers. and there is that tree. the one for Christmas.

Our Decorations For Christmas

2011-12-29T15:24:00.000-08:00

Basically, the only decorations was our tree, which had three strands of lights working. Typically that would mean that the whole Christmas tree would be lit, but my sister in law has a thing for lights and had something like 2 thousand lights strung on them. up and down. so the sections were no longer sections. it was just a large heavy tipsy tree with a broken stand {that is my fault-too rough with the mechanisms}. Anyway, with finals and LSAT tests nothing was fixed {that is station's story, i am just lazy and we know that i don't like spontaneous knotting that is why brushing my hair is often a weekly deal}. Either way, we had a joyful home with 10 ornaments.....wait, make that 4 i just broke 15 of them. i.e. these things are going to be something we only look at come next year.

very quaint of me to use vintage ornaments.

...and break all of them.

It looks a lot more lit when out of focus.

i stenciled this. i got it from here.

i also made these massive pom poms for our ward Christmas party. all 2 1/2 of them.

Christmas Tree

2011-12-12T13:59:00.000-08:00

"This is precisely the quandary we get ourselves into at Christmas when we attempt to revert to the principle of reciprocity in drawing up our shopping lists. The gift can neither be too cheap nor too expensive; and yet our calculations must appear entirely casual, so we remove the price tag."

~Marvin Harris
Cows, Pigs, Wars, and Witches
pp. 123

I Took Pictures of the New Baby

2011-12-02T05:35:00.001-08:00

And he sat on the last piece of that fabric to be found anywhere. So, more importantly, find me that fabric!

Give Thanks

2011-11-25T08:56:00.001-08:00

Oh.....Hey.....

I have been trying and trying to write a list of things that I love about Station, but everytime I stopped because I feel like those things that I love so much about him are very personal. Heck. I even find it hard to say it to him alone, how could I write it out to all the public?

So I wont.

But I do love him. very much. and basically I know that this has become a station fest of attention to him, but he is my life. {maybe my sentimental-ness is coming from the groovy music I am listening to, but it is still true}.

I have been lucky to have this man of a man drop into my life while running around in Bryce Canyon and have been blessed ever since. I was pretty down about love and when I met him it was an easy decision to just be happy.

So, I am thankful for Station.

I'm Glad You Are Alive, Lover

2011-11-05T11:07:00.001-07:00

Halloween This Year

2011-11-01T21:00:00.001-07:00

This year Station planned a spur of the moment party. It just so happened that he invited everyone to Kyle's parents home. Kyle was even invited. There were a lot of ping pong battles and autung {I tried to spell that as German as possible}.

around the table

spray painted bouncy balls and our faces

clarence concentrating

BOOOOO ling {and we aren't speaking asian}

2011-11-01T20:49:00.001-07:00

Since we don't get to go to school and walk around in our sweet costumes, we went bowling in them. Naturally, we weren't the best dressed when you have a girl with DC snowboarding slash ghetto slash boots with the fur slash SNOWBOARDING boots on. it was strange. I found that I bowl amazingly well in costume. Not surprising. I also find that cheese fries are not as gross as they looked in high school. Neither surprising nor applicable.

They were scary. And they even did this all by themselves.

It's Peggle...see?

Spray painted shoes? check. Spray painted knee pads? check. Spray painted hat? check. Spray painted hair? check.

Halloween Party

2011-11-01T20:39:00.001-07:00

Our ward didn't do a trunk or treat. basically because the homeless people around would smell the snacks and join in. Instead we threw a party and the primary was in charge. Since Station and I are in the primary we got to do the costume contest and the photobooth.

The good news is that we didn't even set anything up. The bad news is that the backdrop fell off after our sweet little boys came crashing in to get their picture taken. But that is okay.

Another bad news is having to count ballots. That sucked a lot. Mostly the sucky thing was having to hand one of the ballots to a man in the ward who is not keen on human interaction, despite his career choice. When I went to hand it to him it was as if I had a wadded up ball of use band aids and was coercing him to try it on! Come on! Just DOOOOO it. It is a nice bracelet!

And there was also the young girl that nobody knew that filled out half of the ballots with words that I don't even think were English. That sent Station into a fit of crumpling and throwing them on the ground and a girl came up and told us that we missed some. "just keep walking....we have this covered".

There were literally 5 thousand cupcakes of every shape and size. Actually that is a lie, they were all shaped and sized like a cupcake should be shaped and sized. However there were different decorations.

It was a fun night!

LOL

2011-10-22T08:44:00.001-07:00

In Case You Thought Station Always Looks Like That...

2011-10-14T16:10:00.000-07:00

The past few photos of Station have not been the greatest. So here is a picture of totally normal looking Station. With my sunglasses on.

Manira

2011-10-13T16:49:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Station and i ran off from our duties and snuggled up for the night at my grandparent's home in manila. we were big enough to turn on all the sketchy stuff like the water and heat. we then watched Hanna which is a crazy show. we liked it.

in the morning we got up ate a huge breakfast and scuffled down to the national park area and looked around the place. it smelled great.

i took a few naps while station read and then we ate the biggest meal of stations life. not really. we were just full on candies and then a huge pizza and we were set for the rest of the week. we then drove home and were refreshed for two more days and then the weekend.

the sunset on the drive home

our message of love and thank full ness

the beautiful mountains

the water

the rainbow that we literally drove under.

i love you station

We Went To A Wedding And Found I Am Incapable....

2011-10-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

Our friends {Station's friend} got married this weekend and it was beautiful. We nearly didn't make it because of the U game. {Kyle, don't tell}. We rush and barely made it there. We were both aching for water or any sort of drink to sooth our thirsty mouths. but there wasn't anything. we didn't really look that hard.

After the ceremony we found some sweet drinks and Station began to stack them. like the good old days. when i rushed in to help my hand shoved every last bottle down. everyone laughed and i figured i just wouldn't touch them again. i have shaky hands. but i guess i just couldn't keep my grimy fingers off the masterpiece because when i stood to take a picture i thundered my hip into the table like i was on hallucinogens. jk. and they came a tumbling down. the good news is, there is a picture of my face {and claire's}. bad news is i don't have it. so here is what i do have.

of all the beautiful things i could have taken a picture of and this is what i choose every time. must be love.

things like this make dillan happy.

my great job.

Our Apartment

2011-10-13T16:22:00.000-07:00

Here and there I think about posting pictures of our apartment but I never think about it when it is daylight, nor do I really ever think about it. But....here are a few. For my mother's sake....{this where I pretend my mother looks at this}

the front room....very plain.

this is the wall right where I park. at first I thought it was a "g" for gangster. now i think it is handcuffs. whatever. it is a nast-ey parking spot.

i just snuck this one in here to show my mad organization skills. and that i do wash the dishes.

our little hanging leaves that station made. just kidding. i made them.

Bowling

2011-10-13T16:18:00.001-07:00

Station and I went bowling with some pallies. Station got to wear some fancy shoes, but happened to have the sole fall off right when he put them on. It was a wabbley game. for me. not him. but it always is.

Handsome Handsome

Got Sole

Rickety

The Ramp

2011-10-09T16:23:00.000-07:00

Something that was started a few years ago when going to Lake Powell as a family is the ramp. It seems to create some stares as we load a billion pieces of wood into the houseboat along with power tools and a large roll of Visqueen.

Fixing

Sawing

Giddy-ing

Going

Splashing

As seen, you start way up on the hill and the Jet Ski pulls you down on the tube and off the jump. Some attempted to hold on after the jump and it was not so good. Also, for your comfort, there is a nice piece of carpet on the wooden part of the ramp so you wont feel uncomfortable right before you are flung into the air. I will maybe post more photos. Mostly for my sake. But now I am off the hook and can go on to life after Powell.

The Last Day

2011-09-25T18:07:00.000-07:00

The last day we burned dem jump down and got ready to leave. Nothing crazy or wild or anything happened. But we are sure glad we went and that we could relax and have fun.

We found a frog and the little kids loved it.

Little Sway

More frog.

Frog more.

See ya.

Movement

2011-09-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

in his running shorts.

i don't mind. and. let's be honest. i don't care if you mind.

she is cooler than me. i don't even dare to wake board. i am a fraidy cat with small ears.

just keeping things slick

two boats; one for the driving of the tube and one for the waves, one tube, three humans. a lot of pain. i don't know what has happened to me since last time. but i have gotten old and that shames my soul.

The Infamous Arch

2011-09-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

on day three we hiked to the arch that last year went un found. we really thought the same would happen, or that someone would get lost but neither happened!! the crew started with almost everyone and ended with only 4 people actually getting to the arch. i was not one of them. i get famished and snotty when i am hungry and arches aggravate that snottiness.

who is that young hip fit man? oh. just mah' dad.

a very small valley

the crew at the water

the crew at the arch.

"gollee, this is beautiful."

Oh. You thought I was done?

2011-09-10T09:40:00.001-07:00

This is Station knee boarding for the first time. He got up way faster than any adult should for their first time. But such is the life of Station.

Where my dad jumped three years earlier.....and 40 ft less of water.

"no. no. this isn't high enough"

Not many families bring power tools to Lake Powell. But not many families are my family and we like to get hurt.

oh. this? this is a jump. the boys made this on the second day. they started up the hill and molded the sand all the way down and attached the ramp, put carpet on the wood part and covered it all with that plastic stuff. i know it has a name. i just don't remember it.

when station and i woke up that morning we saw one of the tubes floating away. naturally i thought someone should go get it. station thought HE should go get it. and so he did. woof woof.

This seems to be a trend to do yoga here. but why not?

this is why doing yoga on your earrings is not suggested. it wounds.

station falling. don't worry i will do sweat actions one too, dear.

hands free? why yes. basically i go to Lake Powell to try out their newest knee board. and this one is neat.

Big Wa Ya

2011-09-10T09:31:00.000-07:00

Last week we went to the glorious Lake Powell with my oh so generous family. I was so excited to show Station what we call heaven on Earth since he hadn't been. I think he agreed.

The drive down we were a bit early so we stopped at the dam and went into the museum. It was way cool. If I wasn't such a nervous nelly about them leaving us I would have stayed longer.

Once we found our spot we just hung out since we were all tired little people.

did some flippin

and some loungin

and some jumpin

I Work.

2011-09-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

I work with my sister and cousin. We answer phones. We go to baseballs games and smile BIG.

Walking With The Clouds

2011-09-07T15:38:00.000-07:00

I am happy to say that Station and I went and climbed the ol' Timp a few weekends ago. { I am going to go ahead and not go into great depths of my not blogging for a long time}. It was fun and we had a sleep over at our friend's house before hand and played many games and ate all of their starbursts.

We Slept

We Falled

We Smiled

We Looked

We Were Tired....Or Choking

Moon Lake

2011-09-07T15:26:00.001-07:00

Station and I went to Moon Lake for some one night camping. I had never been to Moon Lake and was excited to see this illusive place. And it sure didn't let down. Some camp fire, some pin ball, and some rafting.

Cabin

Do you like Tommy?

What about the Ms. Reagan?

Or maybe you would like a Station of your own?

LAGOON

2011-09-07T15:23:00.001-07:00

Station and I went to Lagoon. I think the fact that I only have one picture shows how hard we played.

A Long Time Ago

2011-08-26T19:19:00.000-07:00

There is a little garden that is tucked away in the middle of a neighborhood called the Gilgal Gardens. Nothing new. Except for us. Our pallies came up to Salt Lake and we ran over there to check it out. It was the weirdest place I have ever been to. I could not imagine anyone would think of this stuff.

I don't make these things up.

He gets up. and then he can't get down.

Stand on......Holy Ground?

Here you go. Here. Have your heart. You want a white one? Fine. There you go.

I Wish I Knew.

2011-08-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

Green Green Green

2011-08-02T13:59:00.001-07:00

The Book of Moses

2011-07-29T14:59:00.001-07:00

Last weekend Station and I ventured over to Temple Square to honor or pioneer people by watching the Joseph Smith movie and looking around the area.

The movie was great and after we were approached by a sister missionary who asked if we knew of anyone that she could send information to. Not being able to think of anyone, she advised that maybe looking through our phones might help and then waiting for us to do so. We felt bad denying her the joy of spreading the gospel, but we couldn't think of anyone. We said we would get back to them if we thought of anyone. Station later said that he never thought that he would shut down a missionary. Obviously, we are filled with guilt.

After we went over to the Church History Library and looked around. We found a very cool copy of the first version of the Bible. We looked all through it and were amazed at the work. We then went to search for any information about our apartments since they were built in 1908. We couldn't find anything, but the directory type books were amazing

{ i made him do this twice so i could get a picture}

{very educational}

{ch ch check it out...lonely benjamin}

{the old SLC directory}

The little chick at the bottom is saying "some people don't like us".

honesty at it's best.

Decemberist

2011-07-29T14:51:00.001-07:00

Station and I ran over to the Twilight Concert Series to see Decemberist with our friend. The whole thing was a real eye opener. Texts were failing to get through due to the amount of people, people were looking hazy, and there was a large lady in front of us who felt the need to cut a rug in front of the poor little girl's face who was with us. Other than that. It was fun. They were good and it was nice to finally go to the coveted concert that everyone floods to. Free music is good music.

i realize that take a picture of a girl's back constitutes for creepin' but the design was nice.

he wore those sunglasses all night. he was fitting in with the crowd.

strange humans.

lookin' sharp.

.I Have An Admirer.

2011-07-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

I know what you are thinking. "you are married cassidie. it isn't considered an admirer anymore." But let me tell you. This was not a generous gift from the man of my dreams {shout out to the hubs!!}.

I pride myself in always looking like a fly mama. Especially now that I am married so I know I still got it when the grounds keeper at my work cut the flowers from the bed to give me an arrangement of sour smelling daisies.

You see, I have to go outside for work for many reasons.

First, it is the coldest temperatures in the office. I have never in my life been so cold in the summer as I have now. I get up in the heat of my apartment and think about wearing something cool when I remember that it is like December at work and opt for my winter clothing. Yet i get in there and my bones begin to crack at the cold breath that the girl behind me breaths out as she checks her emails.

Second, I work with many interesting people. When i first got there i told Station that if i start telling useless stories that it was time for me to find a new job. They are endless there. And yet, here I am, telling a blog full of useless story. Maybe i fit in more than i wish. They also have bad taste in tv. I wont even begin to tell you the many episodes of 8 rules to date my daughter. Spoiler-the dad dies. Oh wait. You watched that one 50 times too, only back in the 90's? Well guess who gets to enjoy it now. Every. Single. Lunch. Break. I swear. that show is awful and is meant to be in day time tv when the only other option you have is the news. Which i will always prefer.

So that is why I go outside. And to get my tan on. You know. the fly mama thing. And it is a nice little competition i have going with Station. As I am out there. Eating my quesadilla from taco time because grocery shopping is far from me. the old man with a wiry voice says something to me. I quickly say no in case he is asking if i want to traffic drugs to his pals in Idaho. Then he looks at me and says "you don't have a vase?". I am then aware of what he is saying but for the life of me cannot bring up the meaning of VASE in my brain. probably drug jargon. I say no again as I spill hot sauce all over me, because that is what i do.

He then says that maybe I could find something to put some flowers in because he has these beautiful (place flower name here) in the front that he just can't see not being given to someone.

Suddenly it all makes sense. Flowers. Vases. Grounds Keeper. All this time I thought he was a homeless man that liked pulling the weeds on his own. I realize that he probably gets paid to pull those weeds.

I say sure, still hoping he isn't going to give me drugs and he runs off to cut some flowers for me. When he comes back he has an arrangement made for me. Telling me that he got some different options. I say thank you and continue eating.

They sat at our table for a long time. Probably longer then they should have. Even dead flowers are pretty flowers. Even though that is bad feng shui says my neighbor. But she is also the reason I don't wear deodorant.

One Year.

2011-07-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

{Last Year}

A few weekends ago Station, Claire + Kyle and I all shlepped down to Bryce Canyon to give our thanks to the beautiful surroundings for making us all fall in love. We got a late start but had fun talking and laughing and the boys taking a pee break. Claire and I are proud of our strong bladder control.

Once we got down there and received our packets and lovely race shirts we went over to the spaghetti dinner that we planned on. But all the food was gone. Unless we wanted a roll and salad. Which I am sure would have dealt better on some of our stomachs.

At this time I became a large grizzly haired wolverine that was ravenous for my next meal. I skipped too many gas station doughnuts to not get food that would satisfy my morning run. Girl needs food. now.

We did find a place that had a bit of wait time. Which threw me over the edge into an eternal black pit with no end and no food. great company.

Finally we sat down and Claire showed her ability to maneuver her nose which threw Station into a fit of laughter. Then our food came. And we had no problem devouring it.

We went back to the white church that we stayed at last year and set up our tents. which. if you ever go camping with Station and I. I am sorry if you have to end up setting up our tent. I always was shoo-ing away flies and I am pretty sure Station was killing chipmunks and being forced to cook and eat them at the time that we were taught in our younger years. Thankfully, Claire and Kyle know what they are doing.

after they set up both tents we dragged them to where we wanted them and went to bed.

luckily our trusty phones did not go off at the time that we wanted so Station got to sleep 15 minutes longer. I was awake already since I was sleeping on a hill that divided my back into small pieces.

we got up. got dressed. and went on the bus. this year was a lot better than last year because last year i was ready to just say good luck to everyone because it was too early for a girl who rose at 7. Now that I rise at 2:30 and then 4:50 I had no problem at all. I think that helped.

It was a whopping 47 degrees, colder than last year. and I was sure I was going to die.

finally the race started and Station and I parted ways at the starting line as he jetted off and i casually went on my way. It was mostly down hill so I decided that I would go as fast as my body would allow and pace with other runners. At about mile 7 I was becoming delusional and was not sure what time we started and what time it was. math was not working. and that is why i don't even remember mile 7. all the sudden there was a sign for mile 8 and i was almost done.

this year the last three miles were not the worst thing in the world because i reminded myself that they were going to be long. once i got to about .2 miles away steve met up with me and i ran to the end. with about 9 minutes off my time last year. which sounds like nothing. but it is something for me.

anyway. here are some pictures.

{this year minus a human}

{our after race food that was tasty}

{chillin}

{in the weird second hand store}

{playing with the local animal life}

{this will be our header when we have our 13 children}

{ a picture at a cowboy shop}

We Said See Ya

2011-07-19T16:20:00.001-07:00

The day that Bobes left for the MTC, the small fam that we used to be all went down to Provo to say our last hurrah. It was weird. And great.

the family minus the husbands

it is out of focus but it is okay.

Little E as the companion

Bye Bobes. It's been real.

Scenes From A Swimming Pool

2011-07-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

4th Of July

2011-07-19T16:11:00.000-07:00

BBQ'd

smiled

fireworked

Station and I did pretty much the same thing as everyone else. And it was fun.

Station Has A Fan

2011-07-19T16:06:00.000-07:00

after watching all the videos on fb as many times as possible we finally showed little e the real deal of what is called skateboarding.

.....and it's not just me......

We Went And Cooked Some Dogs

2011-07-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

The Sunday before Bobo went for the MTC we went to the "mountains" to cook some fire roasted hot dogs. {my hands wanted to spell dog as dawg many times. but i refused}. However, as we were driving up, it seemed to be closer and closer to my uncles house. Funny. He has a fire pit. ANND a bathroom. So that is what we did. We snuck into our own families backyard and hung out there.

Squaw Go Get Um Fia Wood

Steve wanted to swim

Bobes needed to got to the bathroom

Bad.

Bo Bo is a big boy.

calling the uncle to give in and ask for a way in.

Clinging.

He finally made it in. With the rest of us. Turns out we all have small bladders. Fun times to have to celebrate the goodbying of my brother

Ragnar

2011-07-17T13:53:00.000-07:00

This year Station and I did Ragnar. How novel. Just kidding. We went with my Auntie and her husband, son, and his wife. Everyone knows the idea of Ragnar so I will cut to the chase and just show some sweet action shots.

waiting on Auntie in the bathroom...small bladder. small lady. big hair.

she breaks the rules and then be's a smart alack too.

preparing with his devil music

words of encouragement. or just directions to the bathroom.

double fisting it. rockstar and water. nice combo.

the big hill

the big hill conquered

last leg.

Station Got Me A New Shiny Lens

2011-07-03T11:26:00.000-07:00

Look at that depth of FEEEUUUULLLLDD.

Bo Bo Been Farewelled

2011-06-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my brother gave his last talk before leaving to the MTC to learn Creole and head to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. There was a fun gathering after. Maybe not the best tradition to keep, especially when told not to. But it was fun.

Tenting it

Chatting while the one girl in the red is not allowed in.

thump thump tap game

Station is in the corner, looking at my face, as I hold the camera up. He thinks I am nuts.

Cookie Platter made by a Benson

G-ma and G-ma

OH WAIT!! That is the Bobes himself. Look at those fancy glasses! The gangsters in Flo Rida are totally going to get it.

OP! well! how did that get in there? NBD. Us just bein' classy.

The Rope Swing..

2011-06-23T17:47:00.000-07:00

Remember? This and this? and SHOOT aaawwwwwllll of THIS! {Gotta love those linkz}

Anyway. Station was willing to give it a go when we went down to Manilla. A long time ago. Hey! I have things. things to do. all day. got it? To be honest it is that dang Walgreens. I go in there and I am lost for ages. THEY HAD PEANUT BUTTER LOVERS STYLE REECES! ON. SALE. Gotta get it. Gotta freeze it. Gotta eat it with the hubz.

Anyway. It was cold when we went. like it was cold last week when it is supposed to be summer. Which is a whole other bun in the oven. I tried to make him not want to. But he had stockholm syndrome from being inside for so long without the opportunity of running around. So he had to do it.

Or he tried.

Ropes are finicky things. Those ropes. Finicky. Always snappin' and rippin. things of that nature. I guess pictures would be nice right now so you can see what I mean. BTW. Whoever is in charge of care for the rope swing better have it back in commission when we go back. I don't want any of this rope snappin slapping neck on rock stuff. And I will caption your hats off. Because I just can't help myself.

It went from this.....

to this. very fast. so fast that i wasn't even thinking of taking a picture.

lots of squealing. much higher than you would expect from him.

There is a lot of discomfort in this picture.

Cheetah Girls

2011-06-20T14:26:00.001-07:00

Until I clean my apartment, figure out how to resuscitate my poor little Samson (bless his constipated soul) and stop staring out the window at the growing awkwardness of the two indian lovers yelling profanities outside while leaving their car running in the middle of a busy road, I wont be making any new posts. Got it Station? Do ya? Good. Now here is is this little goodie for being so understanding.

Thanks Big T from Idaho for the reflective-ness so Station and I can get our pose on

.A Toilet.

2011-06-02T18:14:00.000-07:00

The Dead Man's Trailor is no longer with us. Which brings me great sadness. Unlike my dad and uncle, that place was a safe haven for the siblings and I. Even with the black corrosive mold trickling through the mattresses that we smooshed our heads in. {YUH!}. The smell will always be with me whenever my lungs begin to close like the did during those long nights. Although it will be missed and we will have nowhere to sleep when we go down there as a whole family, I know it was for the better. It was time. So for histories sake, here are some pictures.

{back when I was wearing grandladies clothes and LIKEN it}

{the mattress}

{the walls came tumbling down}

{there it is}

This Is What Happens When Station Stays Inside Too Long

2011-06-02T18:09:00.001-07:00

You better believe he was the instigator

Platonics

2011-05-27T08:11:00.001-07:00

So. It's official. I am officially married. It wasn't even hard. I heard all of these stories of "when i went to get my name changed they inspected my wallet for communist name tags and wrappers" and "the line was ages long and we were all malnourished". When really I went in, waited a few minutes, filled out two papers, one for the Social Security Office and one for the DLD, and I was done. Done. And with an official paper drivers license with a picture I have no excuse for. I wasn't stressed. I was calm. I wasn't wearing make up. but I didn't look like my dad. Which, isn't to say that my dad looks bad. but if i am trying to look like a girl, a man is not the look i am working towards. I was ready for the picture. The lady was very nice. I just....I don't know. I just look like i have a chneckin. Which IS to say that my head suddenly transformed into my neck to make it look like it was never ending. Except I still looked like my chin was held high and mighty.

AND. If it doesn't make things worse. I wore a shirt that had stripes that matched the background. Who has a shirt that matches the background? me. in fact. I have two. Well I had two and I happened to wear it on my last DLD adventure at age 16. Which happened to be much more exhausting. Yet, i managed a normal-as-can-be-with-too-much-insecurity-make-up-on-and-scared-of-large-lady picture. And out of rage, the lady didn't crop the picture for my first license so my head was literally floating. Spot on colors. Who in the WORLD has two shirts with that same wild blue? And don't get me started on my signature that curls at the end because of the length of my name. Think about those kinds of things when you name your children. Curved signatures look sloppy to police officers. They don't take you seriously in your grandma's explorer. But I digress. This time, however, the nice bubbly lady with dimples the size of raisin, who made me sign my "new name" twice cropped it so you couldn't see that striped shirt that matched the background. I don't know if I am okay with it. I had a good thing going. And it was going by pure nature leading me to wear that shirt, two days in a row, to that DLD to get my picture taken AND THEY CROPPED IT! Some people might feel that is a good thing. I just feel like i was worked by the man.

But what do I know? My signture STILL curves with my new last name.

Some Other Random Things

2011-05-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

Look at this picture....And go to this LINK!! and read that story and tell me I have not become that story. Go ahead. GO!

I also played in the Alumni Lacrosse game for my high school. It was awesome. I really can't believe how slow I am now. It is it is very un-invigorating. I wont even show you action pictures that Station so kindly took because instead of running, it looks like I am stomping at the ground. And that is basically what I was doing. It is a sad day when you realize that you are not as fast as you were. The good news? I got a new mouth guard because I thought I lost my bag. Turns out. My aunt accidentally gave it to my uncle. As a gift. Not really. But my mom had it on the day that I needed it and we just didn't get to see each other before then. SO. if anyone needs two used mouth guards. I got em. come to me. I will give them to you half price. Or maybe i can wear it while i am walking around at the grocery store to ward people off. I need to keep my options open.

We Have Five Outlets.

2011-05-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

We basically do. That are reachable at least. Two are conveniently placed right behind the radiators, which get hot and would probably melt our plugs or something horrible like that. Station had to get tricky with a lot of extension cords. So if you hear of a power outage in Salt Lake, look no further. I have found how luxurious it was living with my parents house. Way high water pressure and warm shower immediately, and all the outlets in the world. I guess that has something to do with the fact that our apartment was built in 1908. Which is great. Station said that we aren't supposed to use the toaster and microwave together, as you will see in the picture. Too bad I heard that AFTER I did use both at the same time. Oh well. Here is our clever, or not so clever design of outlet usage.

this cord actually wraps around our fake window to the outlet in the storage room.

I think this speaks for itself.

the reason for not using the microwave and toaster at the same time.

under our bed.

very inconvenient.

Roaming

2011-05-25T18:34:00.000-07:00

The new fancy condos across the street that has carpet in the hallway. Just like ours. Except, their carpet probably isn't 59 years old.

One of the cool buildings. Dad, this is called sophisticated. you wouldn't understand.

Marble steps up to some fancy doors for an apartment complex.

Not so fancy, but certainly framing.

Station and I are lucky enough to be within walking distance to about everything we need. We have walked to the temple, maybe we should have brought snacks though. We have walked to Trolley Square and other cool places. Although my fear of the strange people is still there, I am starting to get used to them. I now am able to run by myself for more than thirty minutes without freaking myself out and darting home. I am even close enough to run through the coveted Avenues. Which is always a treat with all the cool houses and awesome flowers. I would say that I like it here.

MOO MOO

2011-05-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

EXCUSE ME

MISS

EXCUUUUUSE ME, MISS.......

............

YES?

WHAT IS THAT FINE PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU HAVE ON THERE?

WHY, OF COURSE! It is my Mu Mu. And I love it. And Station loves it. We love it so much! It makes me have SIDE BURNS!

{The gift that just keeps giving}

Some Parties

2011-05-09T15:02:00.000-07:00

Station and I got back an over whelming amount of pictures of our wedding. All ours. Glorious day. I ought to fire up that hard drive thing that I got for Christmas or there will be an over abundance of photos on my computer. Maybe I will post some here and there. But mostly. I will just scroll through them and laugh at all the awesome pictures.

Stations best pal from the old days got married this weekend. It was amazing. Station couldn't stop talking about how calm it was. Maybe because at our wedding he was running around doing things. very un-groom-like dear. It really was amazing. They handed out fans to the ladies and had lemonade. They even had umbrellas in the trees. Her dress was glorious. And their wedding was even glorious-er. The amount of Ranunculus was amazing. And they were huge. So great.

On Saturday, Station and I got up at a decent time for us, went running {well sort of}, ate food, and took said new married couple to the airport for them to par ooze in the Hawaiian islands. Station said that he needed a pick me up because we were going to so we went to the Gateway and ate some food. We then trotted over the the Planetarium. Every time I go I love it. Station kept asking me if I was sure that we don't have to pay to look at the stuff. I promised and he then asked if we are dorks. no. Then we got tickets to see the hazardous galaxy. or something like unto it. It was pretty cool. We got to learn about all the cataclysmic events that happen in the outer space. We also got to see the preview for the Led Zeppelin show. Station said that he would rather buy his own "stuff" and listen to the music at home. I advised that that wouldn't be an option. Either way, it turns out that the visual was just like the screen saver that looks like a colorful wisp. Considering we have seen Avatar we were disappointed.

After we went to the Gateway, we drove down separately to our parent's homes. I took pictures of {sister}'s MORP group and had friend come along. We even managed to break a tramp and make friend's ankle bleed down her entire foot. We then proceeded to hang out until Station's pastular party was over. Which didn't end until 2. boys will be boys.

I Was Warned.

2011-04-29T18:03:00.001-07:00

HEY!! YOU THERE!!

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT IN THERE?!?

in those NICE CLEAN SHEETS?

Where in the SAM HILL did you GET THAT??

{more to come}

Easter

2011-04-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

Excuse moi!!

YES??.......what is that you have there?

ohhhh........thhhiiiissss??

THIS IS A DISH DRYER!!

We did laundry on Easter. Despite my greatest, deepest desires, we had to do it. So we did, and it wasn't that bad. We also had a great meal with everything, jello included. We then went over to my parents to open gifts for what I was supposed to on my real birthday, but it was full of laundry.

Station also pulled out his nicest springy shirt he had. I had taken some nice photos of him, loofa included (because everyone has a matching loofa and shirt combo somewhere right?), and somehow deleted them while trying to download the pictures. So you will just have to imagine with me.

See all those cool things?? Those things are great! MORE WOODEN SPOONS PLEASE!!....why thank you.

It Was My Birthday

2011-04-23T10:33:00.000-07:00

The morning of, I woke up with Station at 2:20 to make him oatmeal and send him out the door to go to work. I then slept in. Got ready and was made breakfast by Station. He then said he had to go to school, which he said last week that he didn't have to, got ready and left. But without his laptop. Poor Station. Not a very tricky soul. I mosey around getting ready and get a call from Station asking if I had left, at this point I decide that he is doing this to be funny because i saw him go upstairs when leaving and i texted him why he did that and he asked if i was conspiring something again. So i tell him that i think NOTHING is up, grab my things and run out the door to go to laundry at my parents house. 5 hours later I come home, a lot tired, and firm in the fact that i will never do laundry again. especially thick coats and towel laundry.

BUTTT.... I came home to this little decor of the room. One step at a time and the place will be ours. Let us all hope that day does come before we move out. The shelf was made by Station and his dad. And Station also snuck down to IKEA on Saturday to get the side tables and frames from our parents. Excuse me. You like the wreath? You DOOO?? Well, why don't you GET one? GO. Go now and get one here!! They are made by my cousin-in-law! She makes them all!

After I hoo-hawed home, I saw the beautiful room, Station and I went to Jimmy Johns and Gourmandise. Came home and ate our food. Oh and look at those egg-tastic place mats! Made especially at the Dollar Store. We were gifted them from neighbor to decor-EGG-te for Easter. We never eat a meal without our phones. Gourmandise is delicious. We got a tartlette, cheesecake, and Baklava. How festive. Everything is really good there. Or it looks good. I was dressed in sweats and lookin sharp as a tack. But it didn't matter. Why? because I turned older. Older people dress in sweats all the time. Ask my grandpa. It was a great birthday and my hubby(naturally) really surprised me with the great room. THANKS YOU! for the best day ever.

Then We Got Married

2011-04-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

I don't really have any pictures of this day. I paid other people to do it for me. So. I guess I could just talk about it.

I got up super early, earlier than needed because I wanted to be ready and just wait around until i was told to go. So i got ready and realized that the brazier that I brought down to wear on my wedding day was the wrong style therefore, I needed a different one. This makes it seem like I am a scoundrel. However. I am not.

So i scooted over to Walmart, which is not a new thing for me in Manti. The last time I was there I forgot to bring my outfit for my oldest sister's wedding and had to run to said Walmart and buy new clothes, but I didn't wear them. {sister} did. naturally. gotta keep lookin good. So I was familiar with the merchandise there.

While on my drive over there, I had a freak out because I wondered if I would be able to even go in since it was so early and it was a small town and people in small towns don't get up early unless they feed their chickens.

But I got over there and it was opened. I sat there and watched an old lady walk in there and proceeded with caution. I walked around trying to find the area that I needed. Once I did find that I was in a hubbub trying to find the item that would fit. Turns out, not only do people in small towns actually get up early to go to Walmart, they also don't have anyone my size. So I opted for cheapest and went on my way. As I proceeded to checkout, I waited at the cash register for a long time until a girl and old lady with withering teeth limped over, while talking about me. I suppose they don't see outsiders often, especially early and at Walmart. They rang me up as they still went on about how they don't know me, obviously I am not in this conversation, let alone acknowledged as a hearing individual. I run out of there, throw my bag in my car and speed off to eat breakfast.

I did eat breakfast by the way. All of it. Regardless of nervousness, I am always able to eat. And it was good. The lady with the wig made one heck of a breakfast and I ate it all.

My mom, then, gets a call from Station letting us know when we needed to be there. We sat around as a family and just talked until my mom and I had to go.

Once we got over there, Station met me outside and we walked in, except he forgot his recommend so he had to run back and get it. So. I walked in with my mom and dad.

Once we met up. We both signed our marriage license and were off to get dressed.

I got to go in the bride's room and it was great. I also got to sit with one of my best friend's grandma in the bride room and we chatted a bit about that.

Then we were off to get married. Station and I sat around until we were told what to do. I think we were both nervous because when I walked up to him, he had his head in his arms and wouldn't get out of that position even when I came up to him.

Then we got married. And it was great.

Then we went around and saw all the beautiful rooms in the Manti Temple.

We then made everyone sit outside for a long time in the cold because my siblings were at home, late, because the car wouldn't start. and my bouquet was with them. So they waited and we all waited.

finally we went out and started taking pictures. pictures..pictures....video....pictures. all day.

Then Station and I went over to the place that we stayed at after stopping at a McDonalds in our wedding attire. Strangely, I felt more like a weirdo in Walmart than I did there.

But we went back to the little house and found that my parents had also given us burgers from McDonalds. We ate those too and proceeded to Riverton.

We snuck a peek at the dinner to make sure all was going according to plan, and it was. No need to fear. We dropped things off and waited until that night to party away.

We Dined The Night Before

2011-04-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

{Where I stayed}

{Inside}

{Where We Wedded The Next Day}

{Celebration With The Family}

{Where We Ate}

{Making My Bouquet With My Family}

{The Result}

April's Face Skin

2011-04-07T16:24:00.000-07:00

To catch up. I will start with this. April fools day. The day of fools. I was tricked by my newly beloved. I came home from work only to find this taped to our door.

I was worried. but I thought that just meant that we had to go talk to our landlord. I went inside and decided to call station. He had just gone over and dropped off the rent check to her home and I thought it was strange that she was evicting sort of paying customers.

you see. we should be paying $100 more, but our landlord gets bad sinuses in the winter and she had a bad headache when she had Station sign the lease and she did it for less than what it should be. She called and said that we need to pay more. Station called back. and like any good landlady, she hasn't responded. So we decided that we would keep paying what we signed to do and let her fix it when she will get in touch with us.

so now i am at our new apartment that we just moved everything possible in, including a table, finally, and i sit down and decide to call station. His response? just "what?". he then has me read the paper and I find that we have to exit the apartment in 14 days OR ELSE. I freak out. What has Station done to me? why did he make me move into this stupid place and make me move out because he wouldn't just pay the right amount?!?! I tell him that I will call her and settle things once and for all. He calmly says "nah, I'll do it." a minute later he says she didn't answer and he is almost home.

At this point I try to decide whether I should bring on the tears, just to add to the whole situation. But then, since it was Station's fault I was in this mess of moving into this stupid place, I didn't want to make him feel bad so I should just not cry.

He then walks in with a pitiful look on his face, that at that point I thought was defeat, really it was success. He walks over, takes the paper, flips it over {he said he practiced this} and says hmmmm. I say "LETS GO OVER THERE NOW AND FIGURE THIS THING OUT THIS INSTANCE!!" he says okay........I say "LETS GO!!" he says....." what day was this signed?" I think that was a normal question, because he had written her a letter with the rent that he "dropped off" saying that we are willing to talk about it. I then say "april first, today".

Then it dawns on me and all my adrenalin that was shooting towards our landlady turns itself on Station. I pounce on him and shake his head and pull his face skin back so he looks as awful as possible so the process of releasing my anger seems like I am doing it to an object and not so much my dearly. I begin to tell him how mad I am. I have no way of expressing myself without reeeeeaaaallly pulling his face skin back.

Once I get a hold of myself, I tell him that he can't revel in his trickory because that makes me want to pull at his face skin even more. The sign is now in a box that is needed to be unloaded, because I have not fully moved in. And I have angst against that poor sinusy landlady all because I was April Fooled.

2011-03-15T21:50:00.000-07:00

Have A Blessed Day, Baby

2011-03-02T08:48:00.000-08:00

I work now. A lot. I remember when {brother} got a real job and I laughed when he would complain about how much he works. Now I have a droopy face and a sore jaw just like him. Just kidding. It isn't that bad. I really like where I work and I work with cool people too, holler!

Not only that, but the people that call in are pretty great too. One of the companies that I work for has a variety of peopel that call in with a variety of names. You better believe that I have spoken with Lashunka a few times. And don't get me started on how many Yolandas there are. Today Cezta's friend called in for her. I have never been told to have a blessed day more in my life and sometimes I get yelled at just because they are excited. I also get called honey, baby, girl and any other term of endearment possible. But, since talking to all these people, and people calling in for other companies. I realize how true it is that you choose whether you want to be happy. We all get mean people for tons of companies that, as far as I know, should not be mad at me. And then I get really nice people. It is all about perspective....huh Dad. Another thing, While I am thinking about it, is why I don't have feelings if I am not in the actual office. Some sort of phenomenom.

Another funny one is when I have old people call in with little hearing. I have had to spell out the word spell too many times because they think I am asking them what they sell. I figured you don't sell anything. I think the only people that could really appriciate some of these things are {sister} and {cousin}. I didn't ever think that I could handle someone yelling at me, until I worked here. Turns out, it is awesome. And I don't mean that in a they are so stupid. I have never realized how crazy people can be. Grown men screaming like a monkey and don't get me started on those crazy women.

But I do like my job.

Bo Bo B.

2011-03-01T22:14:00.000-08:00

Just a little somethin somethin I did while he watched at laughed at his face. These pictures are for his mission papers that he submitted last week.

Station Said We Need This.

2011-02-28T21:55:00.000-08:00

Station said that we need to get the Wii Mario Kart because that is the most involve I have been in any sort of video game. I said okay. I think he was just surprised that I didn't try to cheat my way by "bubbling" as I do in Super Mario. Another good thing about this is that my inherent skill of moving my paddle when it isn't necessary is now coming in great handiness. So...I wouldn't mind if you got me a Wii. Or even the game. So that when we don't get a Wii we can just have the game hanging around.

Delicate Steve

2011-02-22T21:30:00.000-08:00

Over the long weekend, Station moved into the apartment. Thanks to his dad and brother-in-law and my brother-in-law he was able to get moved in pretty quickly with little to no bruises. We were able to get the record player, bed, couches and some other things that Station pawned off his family.

The only problem thus far is situating the darn couches. In my grandma's front room they look spacious, but in our little front room they look huge. And Station is questioning their comfort level.

Anyway, once we got all of his 300 records and 5000 shoes we waited around for the pizza to get there. Station may have the address of where we are to be living, but I have yet to know the exact address. So I just gave an about address and hoped for a quick delivery. Finally I got a call and saw the pizza man walking around across the street going to every apartment with a one on it. I told him to turn around and he turned half way and said he knew where we were and would be there soon. Once I saw him go to the same door, I called and told him that I am across the street. Finally as he was walking around for another five minutes. I started waving frantically to get that pizza over to the hungry men that were starting to crowd around the door. Once the pizza guy got there he was able to show me where my address number is for future pizza men to get to me quicker. For having not known my future address and never ordering pizza I would say that I did a pretty swell job.

After the delightful pizza. Station and I were ready for a drink. Since there is a gas station conveniently across the street we thought we would slide over. Once I rattled with the keys and saw that he was rattling with the keys too, we both set down the keys and walked outside. As soon as we walked down the steps Station turned to me and asked if I had the keys. I said no. We both looked at each other and didn't know what to do. This new apartment is an automatic locking door. Great for things like creeping cats or roaming strangers, but not so great for people who forget their keys.

Once we realized that we don't have the keys Station habitually grabbed for his wallet and phone. He didn't have his phone. I didn't have my phone. Our landlord never has her phone. We are stranded at our own apartment. We skittered around to the side of the building to hope that maybe we left the back door open. Because that tends to happen. But as we were walking over, I remembered the swamp cooler that my dad was telling me would make our house easier to break into. And it is. Station propped me up while I dangled the cooler with one hand while trying to grip the wall. After trying to situate myself, Station and I decided to just let it drop. And once I did that, Station left me dangling for my life, on the first level, don't be fooled it was high. I got a hip cramp from trying to squeeze my body through the slit of a window while Station waited at the door.

After tripping over the already abused swamp cooler, I ran to the door and we both grabbed the keys. We began to start the trek over only to find that we happen to live across the street of the only gas station in the universe that closes at ten. So we sulked our way back to our apartment, with our keys, and stayed thirsty all night. Well, Station did. I went home and had a large glass of water with ice.

And that is the story of what will probably happen ten times to me and never again to Station. I guess that says something about learning from mistakes.

2011-02-14T22:22:00.001-08:00

Oh. And did I mention the love letter I found in my room?

Impressing Dad

2011-02-14T21:05:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, before our Hockey extravaganza, we went down to good old Provo to listen to Kyle Wayne play some music. It was so nice to be able to park far away and walk without being too cold. And once we got there we were able to hang out with some cool people, Orem girls included, and look through some records.

{College Girls}

Once the show began I realized that I have really missed an opportunity to take some sweet pictures, but I left my camera in my car. I turn to Station to tell him that I wish I had it. He stands up and runs all the way to our far away car to grab my camera. He comes back in with my camera in tow. Talk about a sweet deal. He lets me use his coat in the snow and runs to get my camera. For the rest of the night Station was sweating. And I was taking pictures. with my phone. Turns out I forgot my Sim Card. No Sim Card, no pictures. Station wasn't even bugged. Or he didn't let me see that he was bothered. He probably was hyperventilating to the point where nothing was making sense anyways.

{Leaning In For A Kiss}

Anyway, we had a good time and got to see him perform while moving and grooving with the only person in the whole room with a beard. We were in Provo after all. There may have been a "Jimmer and the Ferdettes" joke and the only person to boo was Station. As soon as people found where that strange noise was coming from all I could see was looks of confusion on every face. They didn't get it. Why was he yelling like that? Why did it sound so.....unpleasant....while we are so filled with joy by that name? Station really doesn't care all that much tbh. I care more then he does about this jimmer kid. Don't get me started on his sniffs. I don't care what team he plays for. Don't sniff. That is all there is to it.

{Looking Happy} {This is a joke}

{Looking Handsome}

{This is NOT a joke}

.Cold Feet.

2011-02-14T20:04:00.000-08:00

{Finger Tappin}

I can't help it. It is bound to happen. A girl+cold weather=cold feet. A girl with as long as toes as mine are bound to have extra cold feet. I have usually just dealt with it, because I don't wear socks ever really. However, my dad has let me borrow his hunting socks for the past winter days to warm my aching feet.

Along with that, comes the holiday every romantic loves. Valentines Day. I enjoy the arts and crafts. But for the silly expectations of romance. Psh. I am one of those haters. And I really am. Don't you shake your head and tell me that I do that so that I can pretend that my significant other is just so generous. I have no expectations and I have no want of anything.

However, Station thinks that I am lying. He thinks that I pretend but that I will be upset when I don't get something. He is wrong. He said, "let me give you something, 5 dollars. that is it." I told him no. Because if he got me something then there would be those expectations. But he kept insisting.

Come Fast Sunday as I sit down and prepare for a peaceful Sabbath. However, as soon as the testimonies start, and Station leans over and says, " if you go bear your testimony I wont do anything for Valentines day, but if you don't, I will go all out." I don't care what you think of me, but to stand in front of a large, or even small amount of people, I lose all control of my lip function and eyes twitch. And don't get me started on my clammy palms. I know that I am an above average glistening woman when it comes to running or moving quickly, and that is a fairly normal abnormality. But I don't know why my palms choose to explode with sweat. This all happening while Station is switching off hands while i wipe one off on my skirt.

I told him no. BTW. I told him that isn't fair to make me do this. And he said that he would do it too. He also said that I could do it. And I didn't have to worry about it. But I did. And I did. Until I started asking when it would be over. It was guilt and fear and sweat all mixed together. So I didn't do it. I didn't do any testimony bearing and I figured I would suffer.

Come next Sunday, after church, I sat in Station's room and he asks if he can give me his gift. I said no. On and on and on until he starts begging and I finally say yes. and roll my eyes when he turns around. Then he comes back with thick socks. Socks I can do. Socks are a very appropriate Valentines gift.

{out of focus, but not the book from clarence}

After we exchanged gifts, but I didn't give a gift. We went over to my house to celebrate. Hanging hearts included. This was a good Valentines day. Socks included.

{Our Family Dinner}

No Crust Please

2011-02-13T20:19:00.000-08:00

Either we have a picky homeless man on our hands or I'm being punk'd.

Marketing Magic {Wands Are For WIIIMPS}

2011-02-13T19:46:00.000-08:00

Station is a Marketeer and a Magician. In his group for one of his classes he has surprised all the muggles by doing some crazy cuttin' and pastin' and makin' some charts. They were all fooled by him that he did that and they felt they were making him do too much.

This morning, I received an email from him with a magical table that he had made for people to see how his presence in my life has not hindered my blogging. I didn't even know that people were really having an issue with this, but Station felt it needed to be addressed. Table style.

I felt like I should include the entire email so you can see his wordage, which makes this whole thing totally incomprehensible. I can't understand a single sentence. It is probably because I have taken this semester off. However, here is the email in it's full glory:

Dear Cassidie,

I was working on my marketing research paper when I decided that I was going to find out if it's true what everyones says, that you've stopped updating your blog since you started dating me. I compiled your blog posts per month since you started blogging in August of 2008 and ran a two-sample t-Test to determine if there was a statistically significant difference between the two means. As you can see in the attached table, the P value for a two-tail sample is .088, much higher than the standard .05 alpha level for establishing significant statistical variation. The conclusion is that over the last 7 months you have been blogging at essentially the same rate as the 24 months preceding our courtship. Just though you'd like to know.

Oh and I love you.

Love,

{Station}

Everyone Blogs... Except Station

2011-02-13T07:18:00.000-08:00

I hope you know that I took ice skating lessons when I was young, and I do my very best to include that in every icy conversation that I am included in. However, last night Station and I went with some of our friends over to the Salt Lake Sports Complex to watch the U play the Y in hockey. It started with some Tonyburger/Taco Bell then meeting up at the game with Mr & Mrs. Pack.

{You Better Believe That Is The Movement He Is Making}

The game was good, but there were some distracting things. The smell was disgusting. I have never spelled so much nose slapping B.O. in my life. And I don't wear deodorant. Another thing that kept me from the game was the loud baby-faced chest-popping dancing boy. It was, without fail, at any time the music would play any song with a beat, he would stand up and start to pop it and lock it and pound on the plastic windows that kept him from getting a puck in the face. At first it was embarrassing when he would stand up and turn around and start to roll with rhianna, but once we got away from the B.O. players and him it was funny to try to get his picture. There was also the regular mullet in front of us, that was to be expected. But to the side of him there was a boy with his ipod in and shades on. Because that ice is shiny.

{Bright}

{A Bit High Five}

Other than making fun of people, which seems like the majority of our time, we watched a very intense game. And we got a churro, pretzel, and a free hot chocolate that was made by the skittering girl who was microwaving my churro. We gave it to Clarence and Kyle Wayne to make them think we are thoughtful. It worked.

{People Walking On Ice Is Always Entertaining}

{Fiieeeght}

After the game, I went to the bathroom, which seems inconsequential, but as I was washing my hands, Clarence came in with a faceless human on her back while rubbing the woman next to me and throwing an empty hot chocolate can in my water. The women in the restroom were all amazed at what happened and seemed to be prepared to riot if I told them to.

{Cold Sore Scar}

{Lipless}

{More Angles}

In the end it was just Kyle Wayne who was propped atop her back and didn't know that he was dumping it in the sink and not a garbage. And we are glad that we got to hang out with all of our cool friends. Speaking for Station and myself.

Relax

2011-02-10T21:10:00.000-08:00

A Very Calm Escape

Masters In China

2011-02-09T20:02:00.000-08:00

A little bit ago, after work, I stumbled out to my car to find it had been broken into with the intruder leaving a few things behind. A cut out, Starbursts, and more gas in my car. Sounds like a pretty sweet break in to me.

I also thought I would show how short my paper chain is getting. People keep saying that 37 days is so close, but I don't think they have been waiting for it like I have, or are as impatient as me. Things are coming along slowly. Soon I will be going to pick out flowers and my dress is on it's way to be finished. Now all I need is to get married.

{the cut out, the starburst wrappers are now spread across my room and car}

We finally broke the news to my parents that I actually don't need a passport. And when I say we, I mean me. This will be the first time that Station will see this and will be so bummed that I couldn't keep the joke going longer. But my mom was freakin'. She was making little folders for me so that I would remember. I think she was about to pretend that she was me and just do it herself.

{remember how it used to be?}

And That Poor Station Can Heal From Having His Oil Checked

2011-02-07T21:28:00.000-08:00

I have decided that I am no longer wearing a jacket for the rest of this season. I think that if I rebel from wearing anything winteresque it will be like saying take it or leave it Winter, but I will have nothing to do with you anymore. And so far it has been going pretty good, for me. Station is now at the mercy of, not only the weather, but of my wavering internal temperature and so graciously has been giving me his coat each time I refuse to leave without such preparations and later regret it when it is snowing outside. I have decided to go back to the drawing boards with that idea. More on that later.

For the "big game" that was on Sunday, we went over to my Aunt's house. Station and I were given our first, of many to come, food assignment. Chips and dips assortment. Sweet. As a way to show our young hip-ness we decided to make our own chips and dips. However, Saturday rolled by with nothing to show. So Sunday, there may have been some Sabbaths broken, but there was some chips and there was some dips. And I still even managed to fry out some too chewy tortilla chips. All in a matter of an hour. Too bad we were late so everyone was done snacking and were getting down to the good stuff. But, I am happy to say, that whatever wasn't eaten, I ate on the way home, while Station patted me on the head and told me I was such a good eater.

{I don't know why this area is underlined, or how Station is suddenly so flexible}

To be honest, I hadn't really payed attention who was playing. Which shouldn't be any sort of surprise since I never have. But after the game, Station's dreams came true. He got to wrestle my uncle. Except it was more like large man tackle little man and cause both of their significant other's palms to sweat. But our sweaty palms were only on behalf of Station.

{now now [uncle] let's all settle down}

After, Station told me that never in his wrestling life had he just not tried. I guess trying to move another human that is two of you is more work then it looks. Besides, Station's brother-in-law says it is bad for the back. Sometimes, I forget how not fragile other humans are when they are in a setting where people are watching them. The whole time they were fighting, I was hiding in the corner, along with my sweaty palms, worrying that he was scared of having my whole family sitting and laughing. When after the fight Station casually asked who won. He likes public speaking, and I don't. I guess that is how it goes.

{"he is a little twig"}

{ I think this is the move that later made me tell Station that he is not allowed to try that on me, there was a lot of flopping limbs rolling around on the ground}

"Ugly Girls Have Cute Personalities Too" - Station

2011-02-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

Station and I have almost finished sending out all of the invites/announcements. But it seems like each day I think of one more person. I can't keep up, so from now on, if you want one, you have to come to me and I will decide whether you get one. Then I don't have to worry. But you also have to call ahead and make an appointment.

But while we aren't doing crap like that, Station and I actually get to relax from school or work, or just work for me. Which ends up with me usually falling asleep while he tries to beat world 9 on Mario. We are wild. But when we aren't conquering Bowzer, we sometimes get out.

{ this is the very trick that stole her heart}

This weekend we went and hung out with the newly engaged M and J. J made us some homemade pizza and Station and I created a masterpiece. It was honestly the most delicious sauce I have tasted. After eating too many pieces we played cranium and WON. I guess you can say we are pretty smart. After, Station and I tried to watch Hudsucker Proxy. But I fell asleep as soon as it turned on, but Station liked it.

{mountains, sun, clouds, and a deer}

I still don't have my passport. We will see if that happens. I have work off though, so if I can't go then I can just relax at our apartment. The only thing I need now are flowers, my dress, shoes, and to send out the rest of the invites. And we are set!

{station trying to keep the broken cupboard closed so they wouldn't get caught}

BTW. That comment is not referring to anyone. He just had an epiphany the other day and said that very thing to me. Which doesn't make him seem shallow at all.

.Okay Fine.

2011-01-31T19:51:00.000-08:00

Fine. It has been long enough. Station says things like, you need to blog. Or, hmmm no new post. I tell him it is because I don't have any pictures so I don't remember anything I have done. So this will be sporadic.

One of the big things that has happened is that I got a job. Thanks to {sister} thanks to {cousin}. So I work with both of them. But I don't really see them. I did change my lunch so I could eat with my sister. Because I like to do that stuff. I sit at a desk and get calls all day and help people out. Which sounds crappy. But it isn't. It is an adrenaline rush because it is scary. So I don't even have to exercise anymore. The time goes by pretty fast. And I feel like I don't waste my time like I did at my last job. I pretty much earn my monies. I do have to drive in traffic which is eye opening why everyone complains. Sitting in traffic sucks. Thank goodness for music. The good thing is that I get a key fob {key fab} to get into the parking garage, so no snow on my car, in case I leave it there after eight or something. Another good thing is that it is a super hip place. Station always asks how it feels to work at a super hip place. I just tell him I like it. I also get work off on my birthday. Just because. Take that birthday.

Another good thing is that we just found out that the apartment we were wanting to get, and had to apply for, is ours. It is super cool. And close to work, so I can ride my bike. And it doesn't have a dishwasher. Station's friends live there and are just so happening to be leaving ohhh say March 15. Tender mercy anyone? It isn't just a mercy but a freakin' blessing too. No eff words.

I have found a lady to make my dress. She is great. I am hopeful that it works. Station and I have also finished our announcements/invites. We just need to send them out. They are rad. I need to get my passport. Which is such a dumb thing. I don't like it. But I have no choice.

Anyway. That is all that I can remember. I am sure that I will be bringing my camera around more so that I don't bore myself.

We Went And Saw Some Cars

2011-01-17T20:31:00.001-08:00

I can't really remember what I have been doing. Station is now working in the mornings so I am going to bed early and doing wedding stuff in between.

I finally found a lady to make my dress and Station now has his suit. I am making my own bouquet. {Yikes}. And in the midst of doing such I have been learning the real names of flowers and thinking of just becoming a botanist. This is the first time Station will be hearing about this. He wont like it. I have also found myself with at least 100 cranes crawling around and jumping under my feet while I walk. And anytime there is any scrap paper around you will be sure to find Station handing it to me to make one for the waitress. I have also find myself with more paper and making more cranes because my hands are missing the warmth of moving. Along with little cranes and a paper chain I am on the adventure of putting together the pattern for my dress. I am not even half way and it is taking up nearly all of my floor. And I have already found myself putting it together wrong. It will be a long process. I have all of my centerpieces decided. With little to no cost. {4.50 at D.I.}. Thank goodness for a mother with a love for old medicine bottles.

I am still in the lookout for a job. Maybe. We will find out this Friday. {Yikes Squared}. Which is helping me become more creative with ideas for the wedding decor. As it should be.

I have a fish. I may or may not, whichever the case, have mentioned that. His name is Samson. You know. Like this song. Or. Even this story. Either way. Station said that I am not allowed children if I forget to feed a fish so much. But, in my defense, I was told not to feed him too much because he might eat himself to death. Besides. Fish don't talk as much as children. So I will be fine. Once the time comes.

While on the search for things for the wedding dinner I found a little 45 record of Nat King Cole. Glorious. I haven't tried it yet. Because the record room, in my old home, has been preoccupied. Once we move in to our little place I will be able to play it. Where did I get it? Well at an antique store. I think it is a good thing that I have no job and no home to furnish or I might come home with a little bit of everything. None-the-less I don't find anything wrong with just walking around partaking of the beauty.

Last of all Station and I went over to Sandy to meet up with his grandpa to go to the auto expo. As soon as we walk in Station goes over to a car and jumps in. I was sure that he was doing something that wasn't okay so I just stood there. I began walking away slowly, hoping he would stop that sort of business. Then some pre-pubesant boy hopped in to the driver's seat that Station was in and I realized that it was okay to just go into any of the cars. Naturally, just doing what was allowed wasn't enough so he made sure to turn on the hazard lights of the cars leaving the salesmen scrambling around turning off all the flashing lights. He was also forbidden to even try the horn since my heart stops every time his hand goes near it. Other than that it was fun and cool to see all of the fancy shmancy cars that people wish they could drive. And it was interesting to see the gaggle of men circle around with their iphones taking pictures of the "new design". Station, in turn, took pictures of the regular cars while puffing out his chest to show superiority over the others.

{Samson in his new home thanks to Station}

{high quality pictures for a high quality record}

{a gift that Station will always regret giving}

{The disaster}

Preparations {45 days} and when i say 45 what i mean is 75. don't mind me.

2011-01-04T12:41:00.001-08:00

While I have been currently unemployed for the time being I have been getting little things ready for our wedding, one of them being my moving back in with my parents. Which isn't bad. Station and I also made a paper chain to count down the days until our marriage {irl}. It has been hanging over my head for a few days now and has only fallen once. Which means good omens for the weather. I just know it. I have also been slowly folding one little origami crane at a time to make a little sumthin' for the dinner. And my hands are either cramped from the little foldings I have been doing or are just plain old tired. Either way I think I have finally evened out my chi from all this internal thinking that is done while folding.

I have also come to terms that the lady that I thought was going to make my dress is really not going to call me back so I have to hurry fast on deciding what to do. I hate shopping, but if that is my option then I will do it. However, we have seen our pictures and they are great. We went down to Vegas, remember? and I love them, we are going to finish off another project this friday that we are going to send out with our announcements. Which. Are. Amazing. Want to see them? Too bad. you have to wait. But you can look at {friend}'s website to see how great he is. For real. Station and I couldn't be happier. Some of Station's stuff is on that website too. And a drawing, made by her {mind you, you have to scroll down, I didn't know that for many moons and thought her blog was just a picture}, of the boys on bikes dressed as wizards.

I also need to find a lot of those old laundry pins used to hang clothes, which shouldn't be a problem. And last of all I need to find a job. Which isn't going too bad. I have a few promising places...hopefully. Now to go find centerpieces. Peace Out.

We Went To Vegas, But Didn't Get Married

2010-12-30T21:26:00.000-08:00

The Utes were put in the Vegas Bowl this year so Station's grandpa so graciously invited us down with him to hang out to see them play and maybe see some great Vegas lights. While preparing for our trek down there a few weeks in advance, Station had a brilliant idea. Since we both weren't too big into regular engagement photos, let alone in snow. So why not bring down our photographer to Viva Las Vegas with us? Oh because she has a life and a family and can't just not work for a while and come down with us. But Station said we should ask anyways because she is super cool and it would be sweet. Well she not only said yes, but she said heck yes. So we when the time came, we all packed up in my little car, with a check engine light on, and drove down to Vegas. Luckily on our way we were able to get wild wild weather and even witness a bit of the flooding that happened in St. George.

The one of a hand full of days that it actually rains in Vegas and we are there, expecting to take pictures there. But we kept high hopes and decided to still get dressed in our little outfits in one of the hotels and see if we can maybe take some pictures inside some lobbies. As we were getting all ready I found out thatI had forgotten my mascara. Which isn't usually a problem, unless I was wanting to look like my dad. Which isn't necessarily bad, unless I want to look like a girl. Which I do. But Station made sure to make me feel like I looked fine and we went outside to start looking for a place to start. As soon as we walked outside, we held our hands out and there was no rain. None. It was a Christmas Miracle. Station's grandpa said that his wife had some input on the weather so we would be able to do what we needed. So with no rain for about an hour and a half, we ran around the strip and got some sweet pictures and were able to get just enough right as it started to pour again.

As soon as we were done with that, we went back to our hotel room, once we actually found it, and changed into some warm clothes to watch the game. The traffic was awful and we had to drop off Station's grandpa at some strange point and hope that he made it to the seats. Station told us not to worry because he is always helped by someone and he was. A buggy in fact. What are the odds? Anyway, we got into our seats and watched the game. They lost. Oh well.

After the game we went to the Bellagio and sat in the wrong line for a long time for the buffet. Once we finally got in we chowed down on some great food and were able to hang out.

After dinner, Station and I walked around the strip, which luckily was cleared because of the once in the year rain so we walked around with only one weird guy muttering under his breath about us being police or something because we were taking pictures. He then walked jaggedly across the street and we went on our way.

The drive home was easy and Station was only a little late for work so it was pretty successful. I am just so glad everything worked out and we could get that little slot of heaven to take our pictures taken.

{ where my grandparents went on their honeymoon many moons ago}

{our view from our room}

{inside the Cosmopolitan in front of the chandelier bar}

{nuthin like it}

{Louis Vutton's building which had lights on it and would make little designs}

Handsome Holidays

2010-12-30T20:22:00.000-08:00

Station decided to play a number game with me today and said that I have to guess what the significance of the number was. He then said the number 17. I didn't understand. Is that a football player? How could I know that? Finally he said that it was how many days it had been since I had posted. So here I am, posting.

This December {friend} held the Handsome Holidays Harry Potter style party. This time I was able to go as a couple with Station. So we talked about what we wanted to be, and Station, not being a Harry Potter lover, said that he wanted to be Hagrid. Alright that means that I can be Madame Maxine. Perfect. Then he started talking about how excited he was about acting gay all night long. What? Hagrid wasn't gay. Hagrid? no. Dumbledore. Right. Darn. Who can I be?

Finally I decided that I could be Professor Mogonigal. Old and dowdy. Got it. We decided to the Deseret Industries to find our outfits. Our first attempt was rather limp, only coming out with a robe for Station. So we decided to go to another one and hit the jackpot. The D.I. is always the place to go for any sort of uncomfortable situations. Men trying on women's shoes, not laughing about it. People yelling at each other. "if your {family member} was homeless, I am sure that they would look like that". Not so much spacial awareness. Although, amongst all the wild ways, we were able to find two, yes two, velour long black dresses. The glory of the nineties. Along with that I was able to find a nice green button up dress that was perfect for a robe for my outfit. Now for Station's beard. {brother} was a wizard long ago and had fashioned a beard out of a wig. The problem is that Station is blessed with a large cranium so squeezing into the wig became a problem which involved my mother's engineering skills and some bald spots, he finally made it into it.

While he was doing that, I was running around boiling chocolate in the microwave, which is a big no-no in case anyone was wondering, so that I could make some goofy chocolate frogs. We also decided that we would try to make some Butter Bear. I wont even get into that. Gross. Besides that it was a fun night and turns out I am pretty good at grabbing a paper bag with my mouth that is on the floor while balancing on one leg.

{thinking about what to do while playing live chess}

{couldn't just keep the dress down}

{she is pregnant, and had to be pushed to get the bag, poor baby, makes me claustrophobic}

{eating our meal of meat, salad, and lots of chocolate}

Gangsta Gangsta Gangsta

2010-12-13T18:21:00.000-08:00

{we both look mentally challenged and you can see my shoes and his "grill"}

Station's friend was turing the big 24 a few weekends ago and the theme was gangsta. So the night of, I threw on my large phat shirt and {brother}'s shoes, which was an awful idea, and some gold hoop earrings. Once Station finally got to my house, he just walked in and all you could see was his large blonde hair flailing all around his grinning little face. He had gelled his hair to infinity and had on a large blue nike jacket that seemed to be in every household across America during the 90s.

We decided to get a nice picture with the undecorated Christmas tree and were off to the party. When we first walked in, it was frightening. All these scary strangers dressed like thugs walking around. I thought to myself that I knew that they probably weren't scary looking in every day clothing, but somehow my psyche decided to believe that these people were going to start a fire and start pounding their chests and poppin' caps in people's faces. However, we down to sit with one of his friends, who was wearing large silver carabiners connected around his neck as his bling bling, another guy was wearing a "stop snitchen" shirt. always nice. We watched the jazz game and randomly there was yelling at commercials. I think dressing in gangsta gear really got to them.

Once Station and I were ready to leave we stood up and the guy next to Station said goodbye and took my hand and then asked if he could kiss it. No. Nope. Give that back please. That was what I was thinking. But I couldn't say anything. He was dressed up like a gangsta. I couldn't speak so I sat there, or stood there, with my hand embraced by his waiting for Station to do something about this gangsta that had a sweaty grip on me. Finally Station stopped talking and began walking. Wait. Wait wait look at me. Look. Luckily he didn't get past me before the guy with my hand asked if I was Station's girlfriend. He said yes(fiance, Station, I am your FIANCE). And then the gangsta asked if he could kiss my hand. Station looked at me. I was hoping that he could see that I was dying inside with all of this stranger's physical touch. Station let the guy know that I didn't want him to and he released his grasp. I was ready to bounce at that point, but the guy then began to say that he is polite like that and always asks if a girl would be okay with a kiss on the hand. Yeah yeah yeah. Let's go please. Slowly we moved from room to room as Station said his goodbyes and I waited patiently while checking my back for the guy to come back with a hope that I would allow him to kiss my hand.

We finally left and stopped by my house so I could change my shoes before we headed over to IHOP in our gangsta clothes. A gaggle of girls talking about their missionaries were staring at Station and his large hair as we chowed down on some food. Once we got up to pay, Station noticed that they didn't charge us for something so he pointed it out and they fixed it, but as they fixed it the manager kept saying how glad he was that Station said something about it. I think that he was also very intimidated by our outfits. So, I guess if you want to surprise an IHOP manager at your great honesty or make me do something out of fear you should dress up as a gangsta.

Old School

2010-12-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

{Station filling up his car with gasoline as I watched in my ugly dress shirt}

A few weeks ago, Station and I went around looking for gangsta clothes for a gangsta party we were invited to. Which ended up going really well. However, in our search we began to lose track of time and had to cut the shopping short because I had an English class to get to. So we drove off to get me to my class. As we were driving, we were joking around and then all of the sudden Station grunts and stops talking and looks out the window. I worry that I have gone too far and asked him why he wasn't talking to me. He then pulled off to the side of the road and turned on his hazard lights. I look at him and he says quietly, "we are out of gas." So we get out of the car and began our trek to my school. Which, in theory, was only about two blocks away, but I didn't account for going two blocks south and then going another three blocks east. But we had no choice. So we set off. Now, Station is not new at this running out of gas thing. He told me of all the times that he has run out of gas. Four times to be exact. And he began to tell me how he wished that there was some way that the car could warn him when he was out of gas. What a novel idea. I couldn't help, but tell him that there was actually already one of those and that when it went on he didn't need to worry, he could just go over to the gas station and fill up. But he said that he wanted one that told him when he was REALLY out of gas. Why? So you could chance it that much more? After discussing important additions to his abandoned car Station got a diddy in his head and just had to let it out. He decided to sing a song called, "Orem Girls". (Not that being an orem girl is bad, just that I don't particularly want to be one that Station was speaking of). It had a mixture of lyrics including something about wearing leggings and leg warmers and going eighties dancing to going to a singles ward and flirting with the boys. I reminded him that I didn't go to any singles wards and that if I did it would be with him so he could stop that. But he didn't. He proceeded. And added more lyrics like ironic boots(moccasins) and yarn stitched jeans. I became so sick of the song that I threatened him that if he sang that song or called me an Orem girl one more time I would cut my hair short. And I would. Because I have. Many times. But he said that I wouldn't so I pulled out my phone and began to call my hair salon place to get some chopping done. He stopped. He begged. And said that he will never again call me that.

This was all going on as we were walking quickly to my school when finally we decided to call {sister} and have her come get us so we could get there faster. Once we finally met up with her she dropped me off at school and took Station to my car. I was, of course, late to class, but luckily I was able to slip in because the lights were off and everybody was already sleepy. Once class was over, Station came and picked me up and we went over to his truck to fill his car back up. It was right where we left it. Blinking as cars had to squeeze by to get around and not get hit by on-coming traffic. We filled up and drove off to my house to get some much needed lunch.

If you would like to enjoy another story when he ran out of gas on {mutual friend}'s blog then go ahead and click......here.

big e face dancing

2010-12-04T17:07:00.000-08:00

Just Carrying A UFO On I-15

2010-12-02T09:35:00.000-08:00

We Went To A Game

2010-12-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

Station wasn't able to sell his ticket to the Utah vs. BYU football game so he bought another and I tagged along. I have been to games before, but not really anything like this. It was scary. People in blue would walk by and they would be attacked from both sides with a lot of cursing and things of that nature. And don't get me started on what they were chanting. Station would look at me as if I was hearing these words for the first time. Bless his soul. Not only that, we were sitting by some real people. A certain kind of glitter used for a particular employment was all over one girl's face, so much so, that it looked like she a bad complexion. She was also not wearing pants, but instead just tights. She was in the same weather as me, but somehow she didn't need to wear three sweaters and two pants to keep warm. Station later informed me that people who are drunk don't get cold. I think that is why one guy lived when the Titanic sank. Or so I hear. Anyway. Station would look at me and tell me that they aren't even watching the game. I know. I know. This is a big deal. And they don't care. Finally we had had enough with hands on our shoulders and laughter and loud chanting in our ears so we went over to one of Station's friend and sat with him. The problem of getting over there is that my toes were frozen so walking became a bit of a problem. It was like trying to balance on two stumps while trying to catch up to Station as he weaved through the crowds. Once we sat down my feet were finally thawed, just in time for them to get frozen again. But other than that I was cozy. The game was intense. Or so they said. I wasn't paying attention. Just kidding. I watched. Station would do a lot of sitting down and standing up. " I can't watch, I have to watch", was probably what he was thinking.

I don't really need to recount the whole game, because I don't. I think it is on Hulu. And I bet Station has re-watched it multiple times by now. But once BYU's kick was blocked, Station's friend bursted down the stairs to the field. Station looked at me like lets do it. What? People really do that? So, I dragged myself, and my frozen again feet down to the field. Which is where Station was able to just run around and pat the players backs and high five people and do a lot of fist thumping.

The game was great. The chanting wasn't. But I had fun. And....I am ready to hang up my going to games shirt for a while. and cozy up to the fire. Unless somehow Station is able to find some way to get to the Vegas Bowl. Then I will gear up again. But with more socks this time.

This is a picture of Station and Shaky. Where is Shaky you ask? Well see the "SM" on that jersey waaaay back there? That is Shaky. And I don't really know if that is his real name or not. But I guess he is pretty good. He can run and stuff.

We Went To The Mountains To Get A Tree...

2010-11-29T17:13:00.000-08:00

The morning after we thanksgived, my family and our neighbors went up Strawberry to do some sledding and finding of tree. No doubt we were two hours off our departure time, we forgot two out of the four tree tags, and I was starving. Because I sure didn't get enough food the day before. We finally got to the turn where we were to go to find our tree, but everyone was getting stuck. So in true fashion, we suited up and played in the deep snow while we waited for the rest of our crew to make it out.

{before}

{after}

After a lot of close calls of snow on my face, it doesn't handle that coldness well. We loaded back up and headed towards somewhere we could sled. Which ended up being the Strawberry Lake parking lot. Which is fine. Because we have done things like that before. We, then, pulled out the four wheelers, which I love, and all sort of wild driving and jumping and sledding went on.

{ lots of U merchandise that could have easily been thrown away on Saturday night}

{deceivingly heavy}

{he fell in "on purpose"}

Station and I did a little attempt to make a cool photo, but I failed. I guess I will have to work on it. Anyway. It was fun. And cold. But more fun then cold. And I think I overdosed on pomegranates. Which always means that it was a good time.

{failed attempt}

A Whole Lot

2010-11-29T16:20:00.000-08:00

{the three older men. dad, {bil}, grandpa}

The day started off with a huge breakfast with tons of creme brulee french toast and pomegranates in whipped cream. Thanksgiving breakfast. {brother-in-law}'s idea. Making fun of our outlandish traditions that pop up each year. And he says white people don't have culture. Thanksgiving breakfast screams culture. What tops it off is that his lovely wife, s2, hated the idea. A whole lot. But we did it. Maybe with more umph when {sister} was so opposed to it. And it was delicious. And we were stuffed.

{delicious pie}

I then had to whip up some spinach dip. But some is the wrong word. A lot. A whole lot. Nobody needs to ever make spinach dip ever again because I believe that there is still some left. But Station and I then rushed over to his house for Thanksgiving lunch. I think I was only able to eat candied yams and apples and salad. I was full. But it was delicious. We then sat around while the boys threw the baby around. Which was always successful. He wasn't even dropped. But every time, he made a face and my stomach dropped and then he was caught. And repeat.

{cute little cookies}

After some fun there, we schlepped off to my house again for Thanksgiving dinner. I was double full this time so I just sat on the couch and listened to my family laugh while I let my poor stomach relax. It's a lot of working, that eating. Naturally, I was too late to do my one duty of making the yams. Because, I make the yams. However, Station and I did bring some of his sister's cookies and his other sister's homemade razzleberry pie, so I was forgiven. And Station's family's reputation of great culinary skill was ooh-ed and ahhh-ed over for a little while my mom remembered the Banana Cream Pie that she didn't think tasted good, but really did. After we sat around for a while, my cousin began to run around like a goon with one mocha and two cokes running through her little veins, asking for {s4} to leg wrestle, because they had equal leg length. And then trying to get me to take my dad on for a good old wrestle.

I know better. My dad has long arms. And is a "stupid cheater". Then right after all this commotion I look over and see that she has passed out on the ground with her head stuffed into the cushions.

{Naturally}

After we had some fun at my parent's house, we went over to Station's aunt's house for more pie. A table full of pies to choose from. It would have been glorious if my stomach wasn't still full. But Station said that I had to at least have one or they would notice and not like me. So I ate one. Then after some lounging around, Station decided that it was time to introduce me to Thumb Movies. It's funny, get it? A movie and thumbs are the actors? Get it? Me either. But while the boys were laughing at the thumb jokes I was able to hang out with one of the little kids who showed me that my nose is big and his is small and would repeat random lines in the movie. Other than that. I wouldn't say that I am a thumb fan. But that is okay. Station doesn't like 30 Rock. But even with that the food was good. The people were good. And giving thanks is good.

How A C+ In My Art 1010 Class Can Inspire Me

2010-11-17T17:17:00.001-08:00

My mouth was so dry a few hours ago that I was ready to steal the next water bottle that I saw. Instead, I decided that I could just head over to the little Scoops and buy one. So I did. Along with a whole bag of Rollos and Baked Cheetos. I don't even know why I got all that food, other than me knowing that i would feel less guilt if those Cheetos were baked. And I do. Except that I gulped down the entire bag of Rollos in record time and now have a chocolate hangover with the headache that I started with this morning. Not because of a different kind of hang over. But just because I am sick. The funny thing is that I picked up the Rollos bag and even thought in my head that I knew I don't like chocolate. I knew that eating all of those wouldn't be enjoyable. I wasn't even craving anything Rollo-like. Yet, here I am with a sick stomach, an even drier mouth from all that chocolate, an empty water bottle, and a headache.

However, there is a bright side to this dinner. I was able to perfect my sculpting skills with the Rollo wrappers. And I now know for a fact that getting any sort of art degree is not in my future. But let me bore you no more, because I know how I can do that {ah hem}. here are my creations. In no particular order.

Here is a flower with the Rollos logo in back. This was on accident and when I saw what I created I realized my potential. Too bad that the accidental sculpture was the only good one.

This is either a Guinea Pig or a Rat or a Hamster. This took the bulk of my time and I feel like I did a pretty good job other than it only have three legs and in the end I just ended up smooshing in down so that it wouldn't fall over with the ears rolling away. All in a days work.

This is supposed to be a thumbs up. It just looks like an out of focus clump of trash. And it is. Abstract Art at it's finest.

After the thumb was about the point where the headache set in and I gave up. And I died a lot. And then I finished the episode of Desperate Housewives and went on with my life.

You honestly thought that I would do a whole post without mentioning Station? Yeah right. How could I with a face like that?

Looking Around

2010-11-15T18:14:00.000-08:00

Station and I went to look at a place for our wedding dinner on Saturday. This is the result. Station said that we need to get the full effect, so he kindly pretended to throw a bouquet. It was a large bouquet. Bend with your knees kind of bouquet.

Oh Yeah

2010-11-08T16:37:00.001-08:00

So since Station is new to my blog and I haven't given him much of an introduction AND it was his birthday last week. I will do them at the same time. So for your entertainment, I introduce to you, Station:

I have always had a thing for calves. But never in my life have I seen calves like his.

Nope. That isn't just because of the shadow. That is for real.

I first met Station at {sister}'s friends house. They all are intermingled in friendship. He was stacking pepsi cans. I was scared of him and his pepsi stacking skills. So I just watched from a distance. That has nothing to do with the picture. That picture is of Station sleeping...and I am next to him....sleeping.

Station has great style. I am always amazed at the amount of corduroy that guy possesses. He also has a large collection of ties from his mission. He is very particular about his tie. Don't mess it up.

Station LOVES basketball. and is a reeeaaal baller. He also loves college football too.

The first date Station and I went on, he threw all his trash at my feet and said that is where the trash goes and to not throw it on his side because he was driving. That is Station. So funny. He makes me have a double chinned laugh 90% of the time I am with him.

Station also pretends to be afraid of dogs. Which is probably one of the funniest things he can do. I can't even explain how he does it, but it is hilarious. I really don't know if he is really afraid and just uses it to be funny or if he doesn't care. Either way he says no dogs. Sorry Chloe.

Do you see his skin? He was unemployed this summer. That is why we were always together. and he was a tanned goddess.

He can grow a mean porn stache. I can't decide if I like it or not. It is a love hate thing.

He also does the robot. All the time. And it is pretty great.

See the stache? So creepy. But so cool. See the guy next to him? When we say how we met we say we met through a mutual friend. That is the mutual friend. and what a fine feline he is.

So hip. So cool. He skateboards. For real. So hot. It is every girl's childhood dream to marry, let alone date, a sk8er boi. which he loves being called. all the time.

Station is very particular about his music. Not just what he listens to. But his Itunes is out of control. It is so organized. But if you look at anything on his computer, it is very organized.

One of my old friend's mom knows Station's mom and her sons say that he is the funniest guy. For real. He is. But not only that he is observant of things that people need. For about half a year I have had to lug around my computer cord everywhere because I needed a new battery and out of the blue he got me a new battery. Station may be funny, but he sure takes care of me.

I have never been so amazed by somebodies range of vocal skills. One time, we were driving back up to R town and a song came on that was super low and Station went right with it. His family is super musically talented.

Station is such a guy. Not only does he dive like a guy. He likes cars like a guy. and like his grandpa. he likes to see destruction like a guy. Anything guy-like and Station is all over it.

He carved a pumpkin of my face. Haha. Do you see his hair? The first time I touched his hair was on our fourth date and I was in love at that moment. with his hair. it is so thick an luscious. and blonde.

see? he is funny. who would wear that kind of stuff? Again on our first date I remember the first time I walked next to him and he walked kind of with a hop. I thought it was great. I don't notice it now. so I think that means that I am now hop-walking as well.

Station likes photography too. He is adobe certified. I hate using photoshop so we work perfectly together. Whenever we are in the car, he always mentions how beautiful the mountains or something like that are. I love it. He is very aware of the beautiful things around him.

He went to the Bryce Canyon trip too. When we say how we met, we typically say that this is where we met. Even though we had sort of met before at his friend's house. I was scared to take pictures of him because I didn't want him to think that I was obsessed. He can be a little intimidating at times.

Station has flexible shoulders. It is weird to see him put his arms behind his head because he looks like an amputee. This is Bryce Canyon again. On this trip he told me that he didn't like my brother. I couldn't tell that he wasn't serious. He just hated how much {kyle} and I talked about him. But once he got to know {brother} he found out why. And now he can't be rivals with him because he is so cool.

Station asked me to take this picture. I wasn't sure why he was making that face. Haha but now that is a usual face. Our friends down in Arizona told us that we should make the ugliest faces at each other. I still don't dare. Station has. One time I made a face because the fire alarm was going off and he told me to not make that face again because it was ugly. I am now more careful with the faces I make when my eardrums are being shredded apart.

This is how close I dared to get to him on the trip. I have a real spacial issue. {friend} told me to mimmic him. I was so scared he would get bothered. So I did it as quickly and quietly as possible. On our third date Station got the nerve to hold my hand while we were watching Lord of The Rings. So he held out his hand and I thought that he was shrugging his shoulders {and to be honest, I was so scared to hold his hand since it had been a whole two years since I had done anything like that} so I just said, "what?". he told me he wanted to hold my hand.

That same night he was planning in kissing me. he says that it is the third date that he shoots for a kiss. But I was so nervous that I was breathing so hard so it freaked him out so he just ran out of the house without a hug or anything. It was so strange and funny.

{friend} had just thrown a piece of food at Station so he is bothered by her. The first few times I was around Station was when I was playing ultimate frisbee with him and {mutual friend}. Station was so mad at his team because we were beating them. This didn't help the intimidating feature.

Station is super goal oriented. It blows me away. He has all of these great and glorious ambitions and I love that I get to ride along, and maybe help out a little, to see his goals come to light. One goal that I know he has is that he wants our kids to be NBA players. One of the first things he talked about with me is the chance that my children will be tall and very talented sports players. I told him that I will not allow my children to be in the NBA. I guess we will cross that bridge if we ever get there.

Another thing Station does that is really funny is that he makes lists. He is such a list maker. In his mission journal he has all these lists of number of times certain things happened. How many times did he get a hand shake? yup. he has it. number of times he was called "white boy"? he has that too. He also counted how many exclamation points were made on my facebook relationship change when I said I was engaged. 100. and out of the twenty comments only three people didn't use them.

I used to be super hesitant about marriage. And I think that Station has been very patient and has proven that not all marriages have to end badly. When we first started dating I had a lot of questions and worries about marrying, but because of him and other things I have no doubts that Station is the guy for me.

Station loves kids. They seem to flock to him. Especially the boys. He will rough house with them until someone gets hurt or someone gets in trouble. Which makes it seem like he is so great with them....but really. It is good to know that he isn't afraid of babies or children.

Station is so smart. I like to tell him that a lot. But I am for real. He is really great at just taking information and making it understandable. Like gospel oriented things. It is so great. I have loved hearing him talk about it and listen to his lesson and give a talk because he takes stuff like the Old Testament and makes sense of it. Very useful tool to have in a future husband.

I like how down to Earth Station is. One time he locked his keys in his car and he found a way to get in it with hanger instead of just sitting around pouting. That doesn't even apply to him being down to Earth.

This is so cheesy. I am sorry. But I sure do love his laugh.

When he and I went to the Ingrid Michaelson concert that he surprised me with, I had to pee so bad in line and he took me around the whole neighborhood to find a place for me to go. I was so glad that he wasn't upset with my lack of planning or my lack of bladder size. He was mostly was amazed at the speed my bladder fills itself.

Station is always thinking about me. I don't know if I have ever been served so much in my life since I have known him. He is always taking care of me. I guess it doesn't matter if that sounds super cliche because it is true. I have been worried about certain things about the actual wedding and he has taken it upon himself to either take care of it, or not talk about it so that I can take a break. Mind you. It has only been three days of being engaged. I had no idea how many little details were required in making a wedding happen.

This doesn't even begin to say anything about Station. But it must come to an end. I am just glad to be where I am with Station and that we are getting married together, with each other. I love him. And Happy Birthday To Him!!! {last week}

{irl}

2010-11-08T07:21:00.000-08:00

This Friday was Station's birthday. So, I decided that I would enlist my brother to go and decorate his car with a little banner. So I made the banner, waited until Thursday night, and begged {brother} to come with me by telling him I would buy him any food he wanted.

As I was waiting Thursday night for Station to get off work and go to bed I could tell that my help was growing weary when he sneaked downstairs after giving a lame greeting. This was going to be bad and there was no way that I was going to go and put that up myself and have his neighbor come out with a gun. Not that that would happen. But I stayed awake anyway. However, I received no text saying he was home, even at eleven thirty. Weird. He really wants those hours I guess. So I kept watching horrible nighttime tv and waiting for his call. At midnight I gave him a "happy birthday" text and fell asleep. I woke up at one and decided to text {brother} and if he was awake I would drag him to Station's house to quickly set up the banner and get back to bed. He didn't text back. Of course. That means I was going to bed. So I did.

I woke up at one point that night to find at text at 1:20 saying thanks. I figured he went and hung out with some friends and just went back to bed. When I woke up the next day, I got ready to go running with Station. It was his birthday wish. Weirdo. I just went along with it because I wasn't going to ruin it. So I pulled on my mom's hoodie and some running shorts and waited for him to come get me. When he got there, he was wearing his Oregon jersey, under armor, shorts, and some gloves. Nice. We got in his car and he began driving around and talking about how he "thought" he knew where the trail started. Once we got there, he tried to park in the middle of a round about, and I had to really weasel him out of staying parked there.

We parked. Got out. And started walking. Station did a few precautionary walking stretches, which are always hilarious. And we just walked. He didn't even pressure me to start. Not only that he was telling me all these nice things. Which is totally not against character, just that he was doing it A LOT. Finally we started running. He was being way too fast. I had to tell him to slow down. Now, I realize that he was probably so excited that he couldn't slow down. I just thought that he was going to make run faster if I were to run with him. Once we got that all figured out and we were at a good pace we turned a few turns and then we came up to the side of Bangerter Highway where there is a chain link fence. On that chain link fence was a design that had a heart and said "Marry Me" and then some squiggly somethings. I just woke up and I still can't find my glasses so I had no idea what that was. I laughed in my head. That is funny. How awkward for us. How funny too. And then I thought for a real second. That is some real nice font going on there. Not just anybody would be able to pull that off. I look over at Station and he is staring straight ahead. Something is up. I look at him again and he is looking at me. I jokingly say, "Is that you?" and he says, "maybe."

Fwwwaaaah? What happened to December? Sweet sugar Station is proposing? Good glory. We get a little closer. I still can't tell what those squiggly things are at the end. And he turns and gets on one knee. I think he then says something like I love you and marry me and I don't really know if I say yes or even English, but somehow the ring is suddenly being slid on my finger. The whole thing was pretty surreal. I don't really know what happened to my brain, but it decided to just turn off. I wish I remembered what I said or he said. I do, however, remember laughing and hiding my face. Awesome. Always giving great confidence to my one and only. At least I didn't say no. There also were people running by as this was going on and I believe they seemed to be quite happy. Anyway. there was a lot of rejoicing and laughing. Because we don't cry. We got up closer and I saw the squiggly turned out to be the very "{}" I use all the time on this very blog and a much used irl in the middle. It means In Real Life, if you were, by chance, living under a rock the past little while. We took some pictures and found some "wild roses" by a rock and began our trek back to the car.

We, then, went, in our running clothes, to Mimi's Cafe. I may have told Station that we needed to go change when we saw a nice car outside and two men in collared shirts walked out. But Station didn't care. So we went in there, had some delicious food. And went on over to the new University of Utah store across the street. Station wanted the new Under Armor hoodie, but it wasn't there.

The rest of the day we just hung out. Because we were in extra love and we didn't need to do anything. Station went to work until nine and then we did more of nothing. While he was at work I decided to put up the banner, which was later torn down late at night in a mad fury that I didn't do it early enough for him to appreciate it. All day, we did a lot of calling people and going around showing people my new ring. My family even was able to sing happy birthday, or part of it, to Station in spite of my ring stealing his Many Years on Earth Day.

I think I should say that I am happy. Thuper happy. I love Station and my ring and the way he proposed and the way he is. But that is about as sappy as I will get for now.

Cheese

2010-11-03T17:44:00.000-07:00

Station is just finding out how un-photogenic I really am. Maybe I will just stick to taking the pictures. After taking this picture he said, "it is a three generation picture.".....nope. Just me, my sis, and my mom.

Things That Happened A Long Time Ago

2010-11-03T10:33:00.000-07:00

Is anyone there? {crickets}. Sorry. That whole Arizona trip was PRETTY long. But don't worry. It is over. Here are some things that happened while I was trying to prove Station wrong about my blogging. In backwards direction. So start at the bottom and go up. Then it will be chronologically correct.

Last Saturday Station and I ran the Provo Halloween Half Marathon. It was pretty great. That was his get up. He is whistling. Or eating a cookie. I definitely wouldn't have done as good if Station wasn't running it with me. Which in turn made his time veerrrry different/worse from last time. I didn't dress up. I just wanted to be warm. And I was. The race was down Provo Canyon so it was downhill all the way. My calves feel like wooden stumps when I try to move them. But it was fun. Now that I am not running it I want to start to train for one now so that once I sign up I will be for real ready this time. And maybe not eat at five guys the day before.

He also wore that to our halloween shenanigans later that night and I wore a similar get up. We went to his grandpa's house to watch part of the Utah game and then celebrated said game with frosty's for my entire family thanks to Station. We then went to a singles ward dance which we rocked the floor with our mad skills. Then we went back to the house to find all the doughnuts eaten and everyone leaving. Bummer.

Station and I carved pumpkins that never made it to the porch. That is me btw. He carved ME.

I went and picked a pumpkin with my family.

I got to go watch Station and his friends skateboard on a half pipe that was in his friend's backyard. I didn't pick up any of the lingo, but rock on. This was actually before Arizona so I have no reason for why I didn't blog about it before other than no time.

I Don't Jump Fences For Everyone

2010-11-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

We got up early on Sunday morning to get ready to go. Once we were packed we headed out. We got some Jack-In-The-Box to go and went on our way. We drove the long way home to look at all the pretty stuff. I don't care what anyone says, I think the desert is beautiful.

{chatting it up with the locals about sports}

For lunch, we stopped at a deserted Indian Jewelry Stand. Station decided that we should climb over, or under for me, the gate and eat on the tables that were there. I was scared. But I did it anyways. As we were getting crumbs everywhere and eating our sandwiches, we heard a gun shot. We joked about how funny it would be if it was the owner of this stand and their tribe was going to come down and attack us. Station even managed to tie it into the movie 400. or 200. or something.

{sad that this is the second picture i have with similar wordage}

{Station wants you to know this is harder to do while driving}

As we were eating another car pulled up. An asian couple hopped out and began snapping pictures and walking around. The man asked us how we got in there and Station told him that we jumped over it. The man looked very worried and walked away. Then. All of the sudden a truck pulled up and it was an Indian man. Great. He is going to be sooo mad. We already took their land. Now we are getting crumbs on his nice tables. He told us that there is a reason that the gate was locked and Station then asked, "do you want us to leave." the guy just looked at him. I will go ahead and take that as a yes. So we packed up and I scooted under the gate white Station hopped over. I looked over and the Asians are watching with serious fear. They didn't seem to stick around after that.

{me just eating a sandwich}

Once our company left, Station and I just sat on the cooler to finish our food and we were off. We decided not to make this lunch as long as the first one.

{you know you are tired when you are laughing pretty hard at this}

Nothing too eventful happened after that since I kept falling asleep while trying to keep Station company. At one point I woke up to Station listening to his devil music to keep him awake. I decided that I should maybe make sure that he didn't fall asleep either. A little later on I looked over and Station is making his "I'm so so tired" face where he tilts his head back and looks through the little slits of his eyes because he can't even keep his eyes open. I knew that that was the point where I needed to drive. As soon as I began driving it was a crazy mountain with a dirt road that weaved back and forth on the front. I could tell that Station was worried because he wouldn't fall asleep, instead he just made sure that I didn't kill us. I was just worried that my cheeks were jiggling every time it was bumpy. Maybe not so much candy Cass. Once we made it over the large mountain we were on our way. Station fell asleep and began to snore {he claims he only does that when he is sick}. He also looked really uncomfortable. I started to reach for my camera, but began to swerve so I opted out of that. I was a master of directions. I didn't even need his help. He would wake up. Tell me what to do. I would say okay. Laugh inside. Because I was already on top of it. But who likes to be told "I know."?

Luckily we traded at the right time because the rain and crazy weather started up in the canyon and Station kept his cool. Except when a lady cut in. I believe that he honked at her for a good minute. I just let it happen. Whatever. Honk away. We finally made it home and were able to stretch out and watch some greatly missed football.

Thanks to the Wilcocks. Seriously. You guys rock. I think you two are the greatest. And I quickly came to find why Station enjoys you guys so much. You guys made us feel so welcome and we loved being there. Thanks for letting us crash your pad for the whole weekend and eat your food. Once we have a pad of our own you guys are welcome to come up whenever and leave Juni with us, except I will make sure Station doesn't try to take her as our own. We will give her back. You guys are cool and use cloth diapers and cool stuff like that. And thanks to the Websters for hanging out with us too. For taking us to the tasty caribbean restaurant and for letting us come and roast marshmallows at your house. Arizona may be beige, but there are some super cool people there.

Phoenix

2010-11-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

Saturday Station and I got up bright and early and boarded the Arizona trax system. Actually. I know it had another name, but I forgot it because I thought that everyone had a UTA trax system. nope. Anyways. We boarded the trax and headed to downtown Phoenix. We didn't even get lost. Because we weren't driving. But once we got there we did. We found a nice man who led us to the restaurant and Station and the man hit it off by talking about sports and the players and who isn't good. It was great conversation I am sure.

Once we got to the restaurant, we saw that there were billions of people outside waiting while the restaurant itself was about the size of a public bathroom. After waiting a little, we decided that waiting an hour wasn't for us, so we went across the street to check out the little farmer's market. There wasn't anything there either so we decided to head on over to the Sheraton Hotel to have breakfast there.

The food there was good. So good that I think Station had a taste of everything there. It was that good that it gave Station hiccups, which seemed to be following him a good amount of the time on this vacation.

After the delicious food, we walked around to find a bathroom, because, ya know, my bladder is small. We found a bathroom and separated to go to the designated bathrooms. Once I was done, I waited for Station to come out. When all of the sudden a man, dressed in jeans and a bandanna and hat with lots of little trinkets walked out. looked at me. kept walking. and then turned back and said something like, "his hiccups are gone." I looked at him in confusion because....how would he even know we were together? Then i laughed and said good. He then proceeded to tell me that the trick is to hold your breath and if you are lucky enough to be at a restaurant you would drink the water from the wrong side of the cup {always a confusing theory}. I laughed again and said thanks and he walked on his way to find a group of business men who later invited him to their meeting. I guess he must be great or something.

Station walked out of the bathroom laughing and asked if I had seen the guy who walked out before him. I said yes and then he said that as they were in their separate stalls, as Station was hiccuping the man told him what to do. It worked and Station was impressed. Then the man told Station that he needed to make boo boo. Which just saying that seems really gross. But considering the really nice, strange man, it was hilarious. Trust me. All of this while they were sitting awkwardly in separate stalls next to each other.

{station looking good, looking at the map}

After a lot of laughing Station and I went to find a park that we were told was really cool. We got lost. Of course. We somehow ended up in some sort of Catholic priest shrine thing with statues and a waterfall. Once we turned the map the right way we were back on course and once we found the park we walked in to find that there were a lot of Asians. That's fine. Asians love heat. Once we got to the center of the park we found the reason for it all and it had to do with a Korean Festival. Nice. Station wanted to go in there and join, but I wasn't about to get a Korean curse on me so we got on our way.

Finally getting done looking through the park, we went to the stadiums that are in Phoenix. I don't know the names of them so go ahead and look at the pictures and try to figure it out. As we were walking back to the trax, we were able to see a lot of crazy people, one being a man that probably had turrets, which maybe calling him crazy isn't the nicest thing I could do. Anyway. We also went into a store to nourish our withering bodies and there was a lady with crazy bleach blonde Texan hair with blue eye shadow along with rows and rows of alcohol. I don't get out much I guess because seeing that much liquor in a convience store was mind blowing. We then got lost again. Then got unlost. and got on the trax to get back to Mesa.

{wilcock and emily making foods}

Once we got back Station and I went and hung out at the pool while Emily and Wilcock cooked us some delicious food. Again everybody that walked by looked at us like we were seriously nuts for swimming and one little boy even began telling his dad that it is too cold for that kind of business. We also got a shoe thrown at us from, what I think was, a handicapped kid. He probably wasn't okay with us swimming in cold weather either. Then all of the sudden I see a man who is shirtless, with pants rolled up, and nice shoes on walking towards us. Wilcock? Yup. He just wanted to stop by and let us know that dinner was ready. He then strolled off back to his apartment. Station and I followed quickly to find Wilcock inside with a shirt on again and food ready to eat. This was the night that we had the black bean burgers. Station kept saying how much he liked them and Emily had to keep looking at Wilcock to see if he was being serious. Station can be pretty dry with his humor and sometimes it gets confused with a real compliment. But they were good.

{wilcock in front of his improv place}

When we were done with dinner we sat around before Wilcock had to leave to get ready for his show tonight. Oh yeah. He is funny. Did I mention? He does an improv show every Saturday night and he so kindly got us tickets to come and see him do is thing. He was great. It looked hard. But he was slick and quick. At one point Station tried to volunteer me to go up to the stage, but because he volunteered me....he volunteered himself. It wasn't really bad, he just had to sit outside with a guy to make sure he didn't hear anything. Anyway. it was a great show and lots of fun. After the show Station and I got to talk to Wilcock a little before we headed on over to Webster's house for some marshmallow roasting on a fire in their backyard. The guys talked about mission stories and Wilcock did more magic tricks. It was a little too hot to have a fire, but it was still fun.

{Station= unhappy quik tripper. wilcock= happy quik tripper}

On our way back to the Wilcock apartments we stopped at the Quik Trip. This place, as Station puts it, is the best. You will never look at a gas station the same way after being in there. It was big. It had a lot of slushy options. But the greatest? Maybe. Maybe it was just a big gas station store. Either way, Station loves it so we got pictures in front of it and treated ourselves to usual gas station food. Doughnuts and drinks. It was delicious. And that ends the last full day we had in Arizona.

{it just takes a tostada to make him happy}

I Now Remember...Station Isn't A Dictator....Just Bossy

2010-11-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

So we really did have breakfast on Friday. In fact it was delectable. Station and I were so graciously guided to this little farm restaurant by the Wilcock family. The good news is that we didn't get lost. We actually got there, but because of my taking forever to get ready, we were late for the breakfast. However, something you may or may not know about my lovely Station, he is a man with a mission and when he wants something, there is really no way of saying no to him. He wanted breakfast dang it. And he was going to get it. So he decided what breakfast item he wanted and ordered it.

{He is happy he got what he wanted}

The girl then said that they are no longer doing the breakfast menu and gave us a lunch menu. Station gladly set it aside and told her that we had driven many miles to taste their breakfast. She said that everything was put away. He didn't care. He kept asking and finally, and not so happily, the girl said okay. I was sure that our food would be another hour. Or we would be tasting the different saliva of the various humans cooking our food. However, it was way good. So good. We got to sit outside, eat delicious food, and talk. It was great. After we were done eating, we walked around the, somewhat, barren garden. Obviously it wasn't growing anything much anymore, but it was still cool. And that is the story of what we did for Friday morning. As if I needed to make this adventure any longer.

{I am just happy the food doesn't taste like spit}

P.S.

{S2} go ahead and disregard this message because you don't like Amy Seeley's music, but if you like what you hear {once you hit the link}, then head on over there and you can get one of her songs downloaded for free. It's a free song for you Jim!!