Run in with the Po Po-what a JERK!!!!

Two days ago I experienced A COUPLE of FIRSTS:
*I was pulled over by the Po Po-Yep my first time EVER because I'm a granny driver!!!
*My first ticket!!! Yes siree, no warning, but a ticket!!!!
This police officer was such a JERK too.....let me give you a mere glimpse of the situation........

I was the last car bumper to bumper behind four other cars at a red light. Green light-we all turned right and proceeded on a highway.........

Clearly all the HUGE trucks (yes I live in TX) gained grounds on our good ol' salsa red, no guts, neon. I was TRYING to keep up and go the flow of traffic and then a motor cop lets all the four trucks fly by and turns on his lights for me!

me: officer I'm sorry, I didn't know I was speeding....I've NEVER even been pulled over. EVER!
Po Po aka Jerk: License and Insurance.....that's your registration, not insurance!
me: I should know better my husband was a cop for 8 years, I'm sorry.
Jerk: I clocked you at 15 over--here's your ticket
me: 15 over, no way......(it was a 'construction zone' that hasn't had any construction done on it forever) I have a question officer. I was going with the flow of traffic, what about all the cars ahead of me that gained about 4 car legnths on me? Science states they must've been going faster..........
Jerk: no they weren't, I clocked you!
me: tear tear, sniffle sniffle, mad as all H#LL could be!!! I drove off.

Now I ask you, was I speeding or was I the easy target because I was the last in a line of five cars that were supposedly speeding, therefore, the EASIEST and SAFEST target for the jerk to pull behind?!?! I believe the latter! Not to mention, there were two other Po Po's with this jerk that didn't even flinch an eye at any of us so called 'speeders'!!! I know you're wondering......$209! Yep, I love the irony-I've NEVER been pulled over, but the first time I do I get no warning or slack, rather am hit HARD!! When I got back to work my boss asked what the Po Po looked like, "a BIG A$$ H*LE!" was my response. Watch out for those AH's!!!!

The DREADED FINALS!!!!

Don't we all just LOVE this time of the year!?!?! On the BRIGHT side, in one week it will all be over with. Until then, the BEST of luck to all you guys!!! In my books y'all are a WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER-now get back to studying........... oh and P to the S- DON'T be so hard on yourself!

5 years home from my mission!!!

Below is the Portland Head Light-I spent 3 hours doing service every Friday at this BEEEEAUTIFUL lighthouse. This is why I'm obsessed with lighthouses!
Happy 5 year anniversary to me!!! I've been home for 5 years from my mission and boy have the years gone by in a flash. Some of the things I miss about my mission are:

• the amazing people
• the strong accents--also everything ending with an 'er' sound--Santer Clause, Pizzer, etc.
• the quaint homes/architecture-wrap around porches, shutters, etc.
• the freshest sea food-haven't had any since! It's not the same if you're not on the coast!
• the FALL FOILAGE-it's God's country in the Fall--AMAZING!!!!
• Moxie-the best soda pop out there!!!
• Needhams-it's pretty much a mounds candy bar on steroids--soooo tastey!!!!!
• I'm a true Maineiac at heart and LOVE Maine!!!!!

On the contrary, one thing I DON'T miss is the FREEZING COLD piercing through my winter coat, boots, and long underoos!!!! Winters in Maine are a cold miserable JOKE!!! I don't miss that!

Here's a shout out to my mission--I love you Maine and was happy to serve for 19.5 months!!!

My wish list for when I get better!

No secret to anyone, I've been sick 28 days too long, but who's really counting?!?! Any ways, as I sit here with a sore jaw due to cranking it over and over trying to relieve a tad bit of pressure from my ears and head, I'm thinking to myself all of the things I want to do when I get better. Here are just a few in no particular order:

• enjoy DAY LIGHT SAVINGS and actually notice that day light savings took place....a month ago right?
• take pleasure in EATING something TASTEY, rather having to eat to stay alive when everything tastes like SNOT
• go on a SUPERB date with Trav and have a blast
• BELLY laugh
• EXERCISE--swim laps, elliptical, run, walk, teach Pilates
• sleep like a ROCK at night rather waking up every hour
• Go to church---it's been ALL TOO LONG!!!!
• Drink the BIGGEST diet coke on tap with Trav at Market Street
• Cook a STELLAR dinner and bake some cupcakes
• Appreciate every minute of healthy living
• Visit all of my friends and see their new little babies
• GAIN weight....again.........
• Enjoy/feel BETTER this weekend-I've been telling myself this for the last 5 weeks! This is the week though.....please..........

This is my list for now. I'll stop even though I have many many more ideas and desires. Not too shabby of a list though if I do say so myself!

Out of Service

I'd like to thank all of our family and friends who have been thinking of Cori and have reached out to encourage her to get better. For those of you who know Cori well, she has the tendency to get sick quite easily. This time she caught the flu that has now turned into pneumonia. She's on her 10th day of this nasty bout but is starting to feel a little better. She's being pumped full of strong antibiotics and forced to sleep as much as possible. Hopefully by the weekend's end all will be grand.

Again, I want to thank everyone who has wished her well. This post may seem a bit dramatic since the flu and pneumonia are "common" illnesses, nevertheless Cori‘s body has a knack for finding a way to overcompensate just about anything.

I love you Corbo and hope you get better soon.

Happy B-Day to the BEST Mom EVER

My latest and GREATEST project

I have NEVER been one for decorating. It's not because I don't want to, rather it's because I didn't inherit the 'decor' gene. Truly, I'd love my home to resemble that of a home in 'Better Homes and Gardens' magazine, but lets be honest, my way of decorating is slapping a family pic on the wall and not even bothering with centering or levelling. However, for a long time I've had the, 'I HATE MY WALL' blues. Thus, after I found out from my friend Julie (THANKS JULS) that Hobby Lobby was having a sale on wall decor, I went in to take a gander. At the store I was sooooo overwhelmed. I picked up some stuff, put it down, picked up more.... had no vision whatsoever...., etc. etc. Then finally I saw some goods that I thought I might be able to work with (truly assuming I'd have to return everything in the end). However, when I got home I was able to put it all together and here you see the finished product. It's still minor for all you big time decorators out there, but WOW I'm stoked about it. Not to mention, the twigs flowing out of the vase were actually gathered by yours truly. Sorry little tree, I guess my wall needed them more than you.

Valentine's Day and all its SURPRISES

Honestly, I wasn't expecting a gift for Valentine's Day because Trav and I usually forego gift giving and go on a vacay instead. However, since Trav has been in Law School, it has thrown a definite monkey in our travels. Thus, on this year's day of love I was really wanting one thing and one thing only......a card! Instead I was COMPLETELY SURPRISED to no end and received this.......Yes ladies, he chose it all out himself!

I too had a SURPRISE for Trav up my sleeve. I used my artsy fartsy juices and heart attacked him! I know it's a bit cliche on Valentine's Day, but hey I set the whole thing up in the refrigerator, thus, making it much more unique and silly fun. He openend the fridge for a coke and this is what he found........

I also made him his favorite scocheroo rice krispies, took him for pizza, and then we finished the night watching 'The Holiday'. What a FABULOUS Valentine's Day filled with wonderful surprises-thanks Babe, LOVE YOU!!!

Super Bowl Shinanigans

Super Bowl Sunday is always a fun 'holiday' in my minds eye. Is it that Trav and I just LOVE watching NFL football or is it that we LOVE chomping down on the vast assortment of chips, dips, and fun fetti cup cakes? The LATTER definitely! Not to mention, the commercials, which come in at a very close second. Also, for this year's game Trav was in the know about 3-D commercials being aired, thus, we picked up these spiffy, chic, blue glasses for every one of our buddies at the party. Thanks Trav for taking care of us all. Excitedly watching the 3-D commercials In the end, the commercials somewhat disappointed, however, the glasses we got out of the experience=PRICELESS!!!

Ladies-please tell me I'm not alone!!!

My Adorable Hubby
I love my hubba bubba so darn much and because of this, I am constantly looking out for for his best interests. For instance, if his hair is getting too long (draping over his ears) and looking shabby-I constantly remind him that: A) I need to cut it and B) he should be using product. I mean, I have just about every type of hair serum from anti-frizz to gels to oils to pastes-you name it. Thus, I'd love it if when Travbo decides not to cut his hair, he'd at least style it. His hair has such potential, but really Trav does not take advantage. Thus, I make mention, "maybe you should use this product in your hair...." hint hint. Then when he doesn't get the hint (always), I try to physically help him out-serum in hand going for his noggin. ALAS, he won't allow it! Why, I knoweth not!!! I'm only trying to HELP, rather hinder. As I'm only trying to HELP him NOT wear a brown belt with black shoes, the same old ragged-bleached (surely you've seen it) hoody over and over again when he's got tons of new and MUCH better looking ones in his closet. Not to mention, the much too thick eyebrows that I'd love for him to surrender to me and my pluckers.....ETC. Now I ask, am I in this alone? Am I being a too overbearring, fashionista wife or do you as wives also pester your hubby's and help them out with their appearance? Please do indulge me. I mean, one of the only tips Trav will take from me other than the 'no brown belt with black shoes' rule, is if I tell him he has a boogie hangin out of his nostril-he'll swipe it. Other than that, he's somewhat stubborn and won't take my fashion sense (and really I don't have too much of that myself, but more than him at that) and apply it. So how 'bout it ladies-give me some inspiration here por-fa-vor!!!!

Oh he's such a trooper and such a cutie!!!

Happy 56th Birthday to the Best dad EVER-Douggie Boy!!!

Dear Dad--Thanks so very much for all that you do for Trav and me. You are honestly the BEST!!! We love and appreciate you oh so much. You are such a silly, fun-loving guy. Keep up the great work, but don't work too hard. This year do less projects and have more fun. Always remember, you are the fizz in our coke, the lint in our belly buttons, and the cherry on our sundae-You are the BEST!!! Happy B-Day dad-here's to another FABULOUS year!!! P.S. your real card is on it's way in the mail!

Two Nephews, Two Nieces, and a Blessing

Kaden-Trav's older brother Jared and his wife Brittany's son. They live in GA, thus, we NEVER get to see any of them :(

Emery and UsEmery is Trav's little brother Josh and his wife Angela's little girl

Dax and me

Shae-she was born on Dec. 30thTrav and I had a WONDERFUL time while visiting in UT over the Christmas holiday. One of the things we did that we thoroughly LOVED was meeting our new nieces Emery and Shae and babysitting Dax. It's so hard being away from them!!! Sheesh, they grow up so darn fast. Dax is such an explorer and is always saying something silly and random, "Dax, how old are you?" he replies, "hang glider (from baby einstein), a seal says arrrr arrrr." He is such a crack up. Little Emery is so adorable and Trav had the great opportunity of blessing her the Sunday before Christmas. It was such an amazing experience for him and I must say I enjoyed it too. He said he sneaked a peak during the blessing and Emery was just bright eyed with a huge smile. Lastly, thank the heavens that my sis-in-law, Brooke, went into labor before the new year and had little Shae. We loved meeting her as an infant, rather an eight month old, which will probably be the next time we get back to UT. All in all, we LOVE our nieces and nephews so much, miss not being able to play with them weekly, and are so happy to have them! :)

I know, I know!

Hello everyone! I do realize that it is no longer the Christmas season and that my blog is still SCREAMING out Merry Christmas, ho ho ho, all i want for Christmas is you, and so forth. SORRY, I'm a little preoccupied with working full time and catching up with real life in Lubbock, thus, I haven't been focused on my blog. With this said, I promise to update it soon because really there is no excuse as to why I can't.

P.S. GO UTES-what a FABULOUS game!!!!!!

Fabulous Holiday Sweater Bash

Decked out from head to toe in holiday spirit-red bell earrings with matching holiday socks, and an oversized bow on Trav's vest.

I was voted (after marketing myself as the total package)the BEST holiday sweater/get-up. Trav came in at a close 3rd place. Go BIG or go home right?!

This past weekend was filled with yummy food, superb friends, guessing games, hot tamales, charades, white elephant gifts (belIeve, prescription meds, professor's cd's, glass bowls etc.), and MOST importantly UGLY HOLIDAY SWEATERS!!! Wow, check out this crew!! Unfortunately, many friends are missing for they had to excuse themselves to pick up their kiddos. Sorry we didn't snap a candid before bedtime. Nonetheless, are we lookin' hot to trot and stellar or what?! Needless to say, Holly Jolly times were had by all.

Christmas Traditions and Memories

The true meaning of Christmas

Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation-Clark Griswold and cousin Eddy are both crazy!!!

Mom's and Grandma's homemade chocolates

Chocolate Advent Calendar

Santa really freaked me out when I was a kid, but I love his rosey cheekies now!

Tis yet another holiday season. Every year I can't help but think about the many memories and traditions that I fancy this time of year. Some to name a few are: watching Nation Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, eating my mom's and grandma's homemade chocolates, pecan rolls, and carmel popcorn, and focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is soooooooo FABULOUS!!! I love that everyone gives a little more, is a bit more cheerful, and that Christmas music is playing everywhere you go. I love doing Sub for Santa and thinking of the children and family that will be receiving the gifts we give. I love advent calendars. When I was little my grandma Lor got me a chocolate one and every morning I started my day by opening a little door to find a piece of fake, waxy chocolate. I loved the taste and also was excited that I was one day closer to the big holiday. Also, when I was little I was terrified of Santa!! I completely believed that "he sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake......" thus, I'd get dressed under blankets so that he couldn't see my private parts. Not to mention, I couldn't sleep on Christmas Eve because I thought Santa was going to kidnap me. Why did I think that Santa was some psycho molester man?!?! Idunno, regardless I got over it, love the big jolly man, and am a true believer!! Any ways, what are some of your traditions and memories? There are so many, so share a couple like I did.....................

Ding Fries are DONE-what a classic!!!

This is definitely a holiday fave!! To get the full effect, MUTE our playlist (over to the right hand side)

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

24Hour Stomach Flu or 'Other'-which would you prefer?!

*'Other'

*24 Hour Flu-this is how I feel and am sharing this per Trav's statement to me (see below) For starters, I know this is a sick (literally) and wrong question to ask, however, please read on because I am extremely curious about all of your answers. For starters, along with my 1.5 months of back pain, my health certainly took a mad rollercoaster ride this past week.

*Saturday Nov. 15th: woke up in the morning with a large and painful rash on my belly and back. I thought a bug enoyed a fresh salad aka flesh bar of me!!

*Monday Nov. 17th: while getting dressed I noticed a painful lump

*Monday Nov. 17th 9 am: Dr. Appt. I'm told that I have *shingles and a cyst that must be removed the following Monday!*one of the worst things ever and wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy!!!

*Saturday Nov. 22nd: the UTES beat BYU--this definitely boosted my morale!!!

*Sunday Nov. 23rd - Monday Nov. 24th: 3 am start puking my guts out and don't worry the BIG 'D' accompanied it. Go big or go home right?! This took place until 8:30pm-sheer torture I tell ya. I also rescheduled my cyst removal.

I was talking to my mom yesterday and her co-worker was with her. My mom shared my ailments with her and she stated bluntly, "If she was a horse, she'd be taken out back and shot!" In turn I responded, "I wish I was a horse!" :)

Okay, I know that is a lot to digest right?! Any how, as I suffered one of the longest weeks and then days of my life (or so it seemed) with the 24 hour flu, I was thinking to myself would I rather be in this much torture for 24 hours straight or experience the 'other'. 'Other' being sinus infection, common cold, bronchitis-I've had them all. Side note: I don't remember the last time I had a cold, with me it's always a full blown infection, thus, lasts me a good 5-7 weeks to get rid of. I will take this into account upon my decsion and vote for the question I now pose to the rest of you......if you had to chose, would you rather suffer throught the 24 hour flu or 'other' ? Inquiring minds would LOVE to know!!!

I would ask my hubby this same question, but he's only experienced a couple broken bones and strep throat once in his life-he was 7! Maybe this is why he took pics of me crying while in a sickly state as he helped me to bed after 17 hours of throwing up and the Big 'D'. He stated, "you'll love looking at these later-you'll laugh!" Then on Tuesday afernoon he noticed how skinny I was looking and said, "we should all get the flu before Thanksgiving-what a great diet!" Lastly, the first time I had the 24 hour flu this is how Trav and my conversation went:

Trav: What is wrong?

Me: I've been throwing up all night long

Trav: Why don't you stop?

Me: I have the 24 hour flu, thus, it will hopefully stop in 24 hours

Trav: Since when do you get to decide how long you are sick for?! (he was serious-he's NEVER sick and illness is foreign to him-he's learning fast being married to me though)

P.S. can you tell he's never experienced the 24 hour slice of sheer HELL!?

Crashing the BSC Party for the Second Time in 4 Years!!! Go Utes!!!

Need I say more?!.........

I think this picture speaks for itself!Bring it on.............

GO UTES!!!!!

It's official-I am a 'special' freak!!!

Gotta love my hubby that takes pics of me while I'm in excruciating pain! He did give me a massage shortly thereafter though. Love ya babe!

A pic of normal lower lumbar vertebrae-notice how many........About three weeks ago my back started hurting. I've never had any sort of back injury so I thought nothing of it. That Thursday rolled around and as I have done for the past couple of months, I taught my Pilates class. MY BAD-understatement at best!!! I must say, that was the last straw that broke the camel's back or better yet mine! Any how, I suffered greatly for the whole next week and then finally gave in and went to the chiropractor. "Just RELAX," he says, as he crunches all of my bones and cranks my neck from side to side. Yeah, lying on a table with my little feeble body at his disposal is such a soothing and relaxing thought. Any how, my way of relaxing at the chiro is non-existent! My anxiety is off the charts-p.s. I hate hearing people around me popping any joints, thus, clearly have a phobia of the chiropractor and his mission of 'adjusting' me. My armpits, palms, and even my feet sweat due to the vast amount of angst and nervousness I encounter in his office! Alas, I cooperate and my back is doing MUCH better! In the end, I have been adjusted twice, was told that I strained my lower lumbar muscle and in turn it caused my muscles to spasm all the way up my spine on either side. Oh yeah, I also found out I am a freak of nature and have 6 rather 5 lumbar vertebrae. The more the merrier right?! This extra lumb (nickname) gave me one extra inch of height-per my chiro. I could've used about 4 more of them darnit!! Also, only about 3/100 people have 6 lumbs, thus, I feel extremely fortunate, special, and am oficially a freak!!