Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Merry Christmas


Merry Christmas....and what did I tell Santa I wanted...? Well, I can't tell you exactly what I want, but I have been asking for the same thing for 7 years now. If that wasn't a dead give-away, at least Santa knows and he said he would do his best ;)

Merry Christmas to everyone. May you have a wonderful time with family and friends this year and watch Linus as he tells us what Christmas is really all about!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

One down...

Two more papers to go...oh and a presentation. Friday seems so close, yet so far away!

FOCUS, BREATHE, COMPLETE

Monday, December 14, 2009

When I go....

Sitting in the salon chair getting my head massaged today was one of the most exciting and rather heavenly moments I have ever had. I was at peace, nothing could alter my calm as the salon coordinator sent my scalp on a journey from a dry desert wasteland to a beautiful thriving oasis of goodness and sensation. There is nothing like getting a good scalp massage. The thing about my salon is that they do not ever deprive my scalp of a good time. Perhaps to keep my business, a 10-minute scalp massage is always included in the price of my cut. My head has never felt so good! There is nothing like when the salon coordinator hits those tender spots on my head that make the tips of my fingers go numb. Don't even get me started on how I feel about the circular motions near my temples, behind my ears and a good ole neck-to-scalp teaser.

If not to stimulate the roots of my hair, this experience stimulated my mind to thinking that when I go, it better be in the amazing finger-to-head moment with my salon coordinator.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

I'm an Auntie

YAY!! Little Allie Nelson was born Saturday at 11:57 a.m. She weighed 6 lbs 10 ounces and was a good 19 inches long. I woke up on Saturday around 9:15 a.m. Trying to wrestle my body that wanted to stay wrapped up in my warm blankets until at least 10, but I knew that I needed to get ready to go to the Festival of Trees to meet a friend. Around 9:30 a.m. I searched for my phone that I accidentally left in the kitchen. I picked it up heading out the door and noticed that I had 10 missed calls. I immediately began to worry seeing everyone from my dad, mom, Jordan (brother-in-law) to my grandpa listed on my 'missed calls' profile.

See, Allie was not expected to be born until December 24th, so I listened to the first voicemail from my mom who said "Jamie went into labor, so I am coming tomorrow at 9:15, you need to pick me up." I looked at the clock that said 9:35 a.m. CRAP. I called mom. Sure enough, mom had found another ride to the hospital. WHOOPS.

I then proceeded to listen to the rest of the messages all of which let me know Jamie was headed to the hospital...I even got a message from Jamie, which made me burst into tears. Jamie was going to be a mom!! I was so excited.

I walked into the hospital room with no expectations. There was Jamie so peaceful...apparently that look of peace only happens when you are drugged ;) I immediately went to her bedside to kiss her head and hold her hand to tell her that she was superwoman and I couldn't believe this day was already here. But the moment overcame me and I just started crying instead a little frozen at the scene. Then, I saw my brother-in-law holding little Allie. My heart gave out. There she was. And there was my mom. I looked around in awe at this little family, all beaming. It's as if they all knew that this little person would change their lives forever...and in a good way. And guess what, I get to be a part of it too!

The rest of the day was spent pondering this amazing time in the lives of my sister, Jordan and little Allie. I am so excited for my family and can't wait to watch her grow up...but not too fast because she really is the cutest baby I have ever seen!! I have yet to discuss with the parents if I can post pics of their baby on this public forum...so, until then, you can see this little amazing person on my facebook.

YAY!!!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Bert

Someone wrote on my facebook that she wanted to get together with me. I agree full-heartedly that this must be so....however, Bert would feel a little lonely if I did. For those of you who haven't been to the University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library as of late, there are so many things to be a part of, including the wonderful study areas that have become my saving grace these past three semesters. One area in particular with high windows that make up an entire wall, looks over the south side of campus. Outside this study area, the landscapers have dedicated some ground to amazing flowers and shrubbery. It is quite peaceful there and I love to study in this quiet section of campus.

Back to the facebook story, I had to write my dear friend that I will not be able to see her until after December 17th, but until then, she can find me at the library in the quiet study zone sitting near the windows on a chair I have taken upon myself to name Bert. And there I will sit writing my paper about the Education and Secondary Education Act and how it was shaped into the No Child Left Behind Act and the policy implications behind each amendment. I will also be sitting there writing another paper about the law surrounding teacher evaluations and how federal law and state law have affected how principals conduct teacher evaluations. I will also be studying vehemently for a 100-question rigorous examination on education law, specifically on how certain cases have shaped policies in schools. And Bert will also see me writing another paper on property tax and how it contributes to public education funds.

Bert and I have a long way to go...but for some reason I feel like the end of this semester will make me even more fond of him. So, my dear friends...until December 17th, Bert and I bid thee farewell. Adieu. Adieu.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

A Little Audrey

Most of you may not know, but I dressed up as Audrey Hepburn for Halloween. Oh, all right, here is a pic. Yes the ciggy blows real smoke, but no, it is not real. Anyway, yesterday I was trying to remember which of her movies it was that I first saw. I believe I saw Charade first followed closely by My Fair Lady and Breakfast at Tiffany's. I fell in love with her and am determined to own all her movies. I don't know what it is, perhaps her elegance on the screen, maybe her 'realness' as a character, how cute she looks in capris, whatever, I just fell in love with her. I remember watching a made for TV movie where Jennifer Love Hewitt portrayed Audrey Hepburn and what she had to do to get to the top. I had no idea who this person was off the camera. I learned that she dedicated hours to humanitarian work. I not only respect the work Hepburn did on the screen, but also off the screen. The Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund was established after her passing to keep up the work she started. Here is the link to her site.

Anyway, an article just came out in the
Des News about her clothing collection and items for sale. I have a feeling I will be curious to know what happens. Anyway, thank you Audrey for your flawless acting, unique accent, unique sense of style and your contributions to society!