Let's be realistic

I LOVE, L-O-V-E, love sending out Christmas cards. I enjoy the time of thinking back of what I did over the past year. I love getting a yearly picture. I love the thought of old friends getting an update about our lives. So fun. I would love if I could send out Christmas cards to everyone I know but I have to be realistic. So, for those who did not receive our Christmas card...

This year the Hardy family had such a great time

There’s so much that happened, I’ll tell you in rhyme.

To start out the year we traveled on down

To Prescott, AZ where Michael’s sister is found.

We spent a few days having nothing but fun

It was sad to leave when it was all done.

Soon after that we got in a car and

Meet Micheal’s parents down in Disneyland.

It’s always so great to go on the rides.

You can’t not have fun where Mickey abides.

Not long later we packed up our stuff

We moved into a house; man that was tough.

The house is so big with bedrooms galore

It was hard to find out what we would use all that space for.

I hope you don’t fret or worry about that

We got a companion for our fat cat.

She takes up all space, more than one thinks

We got us a puppy who’s so cute and stinks.

I guess it’s time to update on work

Luanne got a raise and that is a perk.

You see she went back where they make all the dough (Panera Bread)

She has a higher position and just loves to go.

Michael took time to see family and friends

He had two whole weeks and three weekends.

Luanne had to stay at home because she couldn’t get time off

But Michael took the dog so it was a good trade-off.

Luanne had a turn to go to Idaho in November

She got to see her mom’s wedding in all of it’s splendor.

It was a short trip and she had to jet

But is was a fun trip that she’ll never forget.

Michael was also offered a job at USD (University of San Diego)

So at the turn of the year we will move there with glee.

After five years of marriage this finally means

We get to move where we have always dreamed.

We hope you enjoy this time of Noel

Until next year, we bid you farewell.

Let's move to San Diego

I've been wanting to blog about my awesome news of moving to San Diego for a while BUT Michael has been doing a lot of free lance work. When he does that he tends to hog the computer and my iPad doesn't blog very well.

So I might as well just jump into it...

A while ago Michael's old boss (member of the church that we knew personally) got a promotion and moved away to San Diego. (He started a job at University of San Diego-USD) His last day of work Michael made sure to mention to him that we would LOVE to live in San Diego.

Not too long after that Michael got a phone call that a position was opening up at USD and it all sort of spiraled from there.

The job down there is a higher paying position with a lot more opportunity for Michael. He will be in charge of the builder department, meaning he will hire and fire and all that fun stuff, therefore room for growth and raises. None of that at UC Berkeley.

It was hard making that decision to move because it's another big change. It's pretty much like moving to a whole other state. Also, the Paneras down there are franchise, not corporate, so it's not a clean transfer for me. But after a lot of thought and prayer we realized it was really the best decision for us. Right after Michael officially accepted the job I felt a weight lift off my shoulders.

As of right now we are not 100% sure of our moving time or where we are moving too. The movers are packing up our stuff on the 29th and loading the truck on the 30th. It's so great, Michael's work is paying for our move. I'm hiring people to pack all of my belongings and load it into a truck and unload it. Now that's stress free moving. Also, a person is going to be coming into our home to look at our stuff and talk to us about our wants and needs then go and find a place for us to live. It's pretty awesome.

My job seems to be working out well too. My district manager sent this great recommendation to the district manager in San Diego. That got the ball rolling for me and I'm pretty sure there's a spot open for me.

It's going to be hard to leave my job and my friends behind but I'm so excited about the move. My dad's wife currently lives in Carlsbad (very close to where I will be living) and as soon as my dad gets home from Afghanistan he'll join her there. Also, my Oma lives in Hemet, which isn't far away, and I'll be able to see her more. Also, I'll be living in sweet, sunny San Diego. The place where there's the San Diego Zoo, Seaworld, and Lego Land.

*sigh

I can't wait.

I just love Owls

When I was a little girl I used to love to stare at my Oma's family wall. She always had updated pictures of every single cousin and aunt and uncle I could think of. The wall was quite large and I would have to look way high up in order to see everyone. In the middle of it all was a family tree. It was (I may need Jeigh's help here) a lightesh brown and a very autumn orange. In the middle were two large owls, on a tree of course, with my Oma and Opa's names written on them. From there out three large branches were the three kids my Oma and Opa had. Each big branch had little bitty branches sticking out and little bitty owls on it that had all the grandchildren's names. We even had spouse of grandchildren and their children as well. I used to love to find my name. For some reason I felt so honored to be on that family tree. To me it meant that someone knew who I was and that I was important enough to be permanently painted onto a family tree.

I love that tree. Unfortunately, when my Oma and Opa moved into an assisted living place they got rid of it. If they didn't I would ask for it. I still close my eyes and see it as clear as day.

Because of this great plaque whenever I see an owl all I can do is stare. How lucky am I that owls are current in fashion? I actually saw owl place settings at TJ Maxx. I'm going back to buy them next paycheck.

I don't really know what struck this thought; besides my cute new background. It's just a nice memory that is linked to precious memories that I am so grateful I have. I hope I get to hold on to them forever.

Do you write?

My AWESOME sister is a writer and has this great blog. (with a great header built by the hottest guy) She is doing a give a way and if you write it's right up your ally! If you don't write you still should check it out.

So go forth! Blog!! http://writerbrained.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-eleventy-first-follower-giveaway.html

A new way of cooking

First of all:

Do you have a messy desk?
Do you pile everything in the same area because it's there when you walk in the door?
Are you like me and lack creativity on how to organize the space?
Are your cats scratching up your furnitures? (That's only funny if you watch It's Always Sunny)

If so, even if not so, got to Creating Sarah and see how to fix your problems. Make sure while you're there, to go and vote for her so we can see her further create.

Are you awesome? (last question I swear)

If you answered yes then that means you read my blog post, a few back, about how I'm not very good at making dinner. Just in case you don't remember I'll do a refresher post.

I'm really bad at making dinner. I work really hard all day and just don't want to cook when I come home. So, I've tried so many things. I've tried making only really simple food. I've tried making a menu. I've tried using magazines to get new recipes so I'm not eating the same food over and over again.

No matter what I've tried I've ended up reverting back to not cooking and eating out almost every night.

On top of not wanting to cook I now work more. Between the dog park, my commute, and my scheduled 9 hour day at work, I'm usually gone for about 12 hours every day. I usually get home long after dinner is over and I don't want my husband to eat nothing/ eat sandwiches or popcorn or frozen burritos every night. So, I had to come up with a solution.

Because of a few serendipitous events, I found the solution to my problems. I found a recipe book called Once a Month Cooking. I bought it on Amazon for $0.50. It is the best book ever. Ever. In fact from here on out I will only call it The Book of Miracles. It has 2 "Two Week" plans and 2 "Four Week" plans. Since my freezer is small I have to go with the "Two Week" plans. Luckily, the recipes are for bigger families and I just have to feed me and my hottie hubby the meals actually last us a whole month.

I know you are wondering how all of this works. I wish I had pictures.

When you pick your meal plan, you have to start by going grocery shopping. Instead of looking at a bunch of recipes and trying to figure out what you need and what you don't need The Book of Miracles already has your shopping list made. It is even broken down into the different sections of the grocery store. So, you just look at the shopping list and make a pencil mark next to the things you need. For instance, I will need to get Pepper Jack cheese but don't really need butter.

After your big shopping trip you look at The Book of Miracles and it tells you what to do the night before cooking. It sometimes tells you to put something in the Crockpot. It might tell you how to organize your fridge. It will for sure tell you what tools you will need the next day and to relax because the cooking day is a big day.

Then cooking day.

Cooking day is a big day. Hello, you are cooking for your whole family for one month. The Book of Miracles makes it easy though. It tells you exactly what order to do what in. For instance:

In a greased 9x13 pan cook 1 lb of chicken in the oven at 350 for 50 minutes.
While that is cooking:
Cut: 6 stalks of celery, 4 onions....
Dice: 2 large onions, 1 jalepeno pepper,...

This could sound intimidating but it's actually quite easy. A lot of the recipes are, put all ingredients in a 1 Gal freezer bag and store in freezer. A lot. Also, it may seem like that would take a lot of dishes but it really doesn't. Also, it's a good way to get all caught up on General Conference, just in case you had to work and missed it. Also, it really pays off to cook only once a month.

Today I made 14 days worth of meals...28 if you account the fact that each meal serves 4-6 people and we're only 2...I had to stop to wash the jalepeno juice out of my eye (that sucked...real bad), had to make a couple of boom boom breaks for my dog, and it only took me 3 hours. That includes dishes, sweeping, AND mopping the kitchen. Pretty cool if you ask me.

At the end of cooking day you kind of never want to look at your kitchen ever again. But The Book of Miracles has one last instruction:

"Look at your freezer and see all the meals you've cooked."

When you do that, it feels so awesome.

The most amazing part is when you get your husband, who HATES to cook, to make dinner every night because it only involves taking something that has been defrosting and putting in the oven for 30 minutes. It's truly a miracle.

Other wonderful things about The Book of Miracles:

1. We save a ton of money on eating out.
2. We save a ton of money on groceries. This is because I go to the grocery store once a month, compared to several times a week.
3. The meals are good, new, and interesting.
4. There are a variety of meals.

I love that I found this book.

Sometimes I'm full of good ideas.

Today was our official first practice for the Primary Program. As a presidency, we decided that we really wanted to get our bishops (it's three wards combined) to help motivate the kids to sing loud.

We first came up with the idea to have the bishops come in with an old tie and according to how loud they sang would decide how much of the tie we would cut off. Good idea. I know.

Unfortunately, one of the bishops didn't feel comfortable with that idea so we came up with a new one. We decided we would have a jar and the bishop would fill up a jar with beans according to how loud the kids sang. Also a good idea. I know.

I didn't want to just put beans in an ugly jar. So I made this...
Isn't it cute? So the bishop decided if they sang as quiet as a mouse. As loud as a lion. Or if they were a monkey in the middle. Love it.

Oh and it worked like a charm!

What have you been up to LuLu?

I have been so busy lately I barely have time to do anything. So what have I been up to?

As I mentioned a couple of blog posts ago, I changed jobs.


I've been working as an assistant manager and loving it. I work between 45 and 50 hours a week. It gets pretty crazy at times and I'm not quite sure how to get some time to myself but what can you do?

In my few minutes of spare time I've been reading The Hunger Games. I just finished it last night, in fact. SO GOOD. I also read the Chaos Walking series and it too was awesome! I'm now waiting for my 3rd book of the Maze Runner series. I wish it was October 13th. All I can do is wait.

Then with my spare minutes of watching the Arrested Development series, the new season of Survivor, and the new season of Project Runway I've managed to finish my niece's quilt! She is getting baptized next month so I finished it just in time. I'm so proud of it...here it is.


I'm so proud of it! My quilts just keep getting better and better. By the time the youngest child in my family gets baptized I will be a pro.

Now that that's done I have to get started on my next project. I have to make these pieces of fabric...Into a Princess Jasmine costume for yours truly, an Evel Knievel costume for the hottie I'm married to, and a bag to hold Temple ceremonial clothes for my mom.(Don't tell her)

Well I better go now. I have to get started on those costumes. See you soon bloggers!

Oh...also..go to my sister's blog, Creating Sarah, and check out the contest she's in to get some great ideas on Halloween decor. Make sure to vote for her! Also, check out her header, Michael made it. He did such a great job.

And I'm back

Hello!!

As you can tell from me not commenting on your blogs and the lack of blog posts from me I've been MIA. I just got really caught up with work and housework and watching the 8th season of Project Runway and I joined a gym and I've been doing a lot closes at work (that means I work until about 11:00) and Michael had the computer (my iPad does not do so well with blogger) and other things.

No matter what it was, I'm back.

I'm sorry that I have been avoiding your blogs, I'm sure they have been wonderful. I can't wait to get reading again.

A HUGE update

It's been a while since I've blogged because so much has been going on. Today I have a few minutes and thought I would take the opportunity to give everyone an update.

I don't want to get into any nitty gritty details, frankly it's a long story, but I was finally just laid off from my job with Jason. It was a miscommunication mixed with who knows what. Pretty much it just wasn't meant to be. Luckily, he's paying me 3 months severance pay.

I don't know how much I told earlier but just before all the drama started with Jason my old boss from Panera had contacted me offering me my job back. Well, not the job I left with but a higher position and more pay then I was getting at Jason's. It was perfect timing. So, I start that on August 3rd. I will be working at the store in Concord which is new for me. But I'm really excited to get started again and get my career going again.

Soon after I was let go I made a quick trip to Southern California to go to my best friend's wedding reception. It was so great to get that south and be in the part of California I can't seem to get enough of. It was also nice to spend time with people who are like family. They give some of the best hugs and keep some of the best company. Also, it was a beautiful reception with delicious food so how could you go wrong?

I came back on a Sunday from So. Cal and the following Tuesday Michael and I left in a hurry for an emergency trip to Idaho. There was a funeral we needed to attend and so we went. It was a great trip. I got to meet some family of Michael's that I wouldn't of otherwise met and that's pretty awesome. Also, I got to see his sister's, Erin, family and I was not expecting that. Also, since the family was together and Harry Potter 7 Part 2 was coming out we took the opportunity and went and saw it. It was fun. Pretty much it was a time of laughs, tears, and good family fun.

Since returning I've been enjoying life as a stay at home wife. I started a new book series called Chaos Walking. I highly recommend them. I finished the first book, "The Knife of Never Letting Go." I was glad that I already had book two, "The Ask and the Answer," because book one ended on a cliff hanger. So, go check it out.

We have bought a new car, 2008 Chevy Equinox. We were in need of a bigger car and didn't really think much of our Corolla. Our first car we owned together was an Equinox and we missed it so we are glad to have one back.

I guess that's it for now. Michael is just getting ready for his 2 week vacation to Idaho coming up here soon. I'm still trying to figure out if I'm going to be able to go at all. I'm thinking I'll be able to take a week vacation...maybe. But I'm busy trying to get our February trip to Hawaii under wraps. It's 'spensive to go there and I'm trying to find us the best deal. It'll be worth it once I'm there.

I'll try to keep you updated a little better now that things are back on track!

Feeling a little better

There has been a lot of drama going on at work for me. In so many words I'm getting let go and my boss refuses to accept that and makes it look like I'm the one quitting. It's been rough.

Today my boss made a phone call to me that pushed me over the edge. He didn't know that on the phone because I kept my cool so well. We just decided we would talk it all over tomorrow.

The thing about my boss is he doesn't ever let you finish your story. He interrupts and often doesn't listen to everything you have to say. In all other situations I just scream inside, smile on the outside, and let it go.

Not this time. I just sent him an email that just UNLOADED on him. I did not say awful, mean things. I just said things that needed to be said so that he could understand my side of the story. I would post it just so that you could see how nice I was being but then it would leave a lot of open ended questions that I'm not prepared to answer right now. Mostly because I don't know the answers to most.

I just wanted to let you know that I feel so much better. Just knowing that he now knows where I'm coming from makes me feel like when we talk tomorrow we are on an even playing field.

Having fun with dinner

Whenever people ask me if I love to cook, I just smile and say, "No, not really." Michael always chuckles and says, "She's just burnt out."

He knows me so well.

It's true. I love to cook...FOR MY FAMILY...but because of my awful culinary school experience and my not as fun experience as a "personal chef" I often don't make dinner at home because I just don't want to. We were spending a lot of money on eating out. Eating crap that makes you fat. I had to get a handle on things.

At the end of every month I pull out my little calendar and write in what I plan on having for dinner every night for the coming month. This way I can do the proper grocery shopping and I feel compelled to actually make dinner. That worked every once in a while. We still mostly ate out. (I typed made out at first. Hehehe)

Right before I left to my trip to Idaho at the end of May I was buying some magazines to read on my flight and bought a cooking light magazine. In it were tons of recipes that I wanted to try. I had an idea. I would try a new recipe every night right out of that magazine. This way it's fun, it's new, and enjoyable. It works. I have been cooking a lot more at home now. I just buy a new magazine every month. I think I'm just going to subscribe so I don't spend as much.

Since it's a new month there is a new magazine and a whole bunch of new recipes. Tonight was Lemon Vegetable Risotto. I've never been good at making risotto but I was feeling adventuress in my cute little apron and hoped for success. I chopped all the veggies, grated the cheese, and measured exactly. FYI: measuring exactly is a really big thing for me...I don't really like to do it. For those that don't know, risotto is a long process. You add stock a little bit at a time, to the rice that is, until you end up with a really creamy rice. YUM. So I stood in my kitchen next to the hot stove on the hot day with my migraine making risotto. For an hour. It made my whole house smell so good. I had to stop myself from eating the zucchini, squash, peas, asparagus and Romano cheese. I just kept telling myself how good it would be when it was all mixed together.

Finally, I was finished. It looked so good. I grabbed my plate and filled it up FULL with some of the most delicious food I'd ever seen.

It sucked. The grossest thing I have ever put in my mouth. It had too much salt, too much lemon, and the rice was not even close to being finished. There was nothing I could do. It's just bad food sitting on my stove waiting for it's trip to the garbage can.

It's ok, though. There's always tomorrow. What's tomorrow? Grilled Plum Salad with Grilled Chicken. Maybe I'll let you know how it goes.

What a fun weekend.

Michael and I left two Saturday mornings ago, dogless and all, down to LA. We had tickets for Les Mis and decided to make the best of our two days down there.

We started our trip by going to the LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art). They currently have all of Tim Burton's art up. He is one twisted dude. They had some of his school papers from when he was a kid and they were pretty twisted. It was pretty awesome, though. It was four large rooms, stacked with stinky people, of twisted, well known art. They even had costumes there, including Edward Scissor Hand's and Cat Woman's.

After LACMA we headed down to Huntington Beach to meet up with Michael's Aunt and Uncle. They are always such great company and they definitely did not fail this time. We went to a really great seafood place and ate some really great food. The whole time we were laughing and talking and it was fun.

The next morning we left their house early to go to Griffith Observatory.


Apparently, Michael used to go there all the time and I didn't even know it existed. We got to see a great view of the Hollywood sign and all of LA.

It was amazing. There were all these trails that I wanted to hike on but I was dressed for the play so I knew I would have to come back with not high heels. So if you have never been to Griffith Observatory you need to go in order for you to understand it's awesomeness. It had a lot of really cool stuff about the solar system. So check it out sometime.

Also you get to meet old Albert Einstein. We now know him as Alby.

One last thing, in order to get there you get to go through the tunnel that's in Back to the Future...2?!

After the observatory we went to the "Grand Finale," Les Mis. I have seen Les Mis three times now. Plus, Michael was in it in high school and I've watched that version several times. Each version I've seen has it's strengths and weaknesses and I have to say that this one had way more strengths then weaknesses. Right as those first two notes, you know the ones, hit I was hooked. It was different but jaw dropping. I didn't want it to end. Right when Jean Val Jean came out as a really old man to light those candles in THE candlesticks I was filled with mixed emotions. I was really excited for the final song but sad to see it end. As soon as the curtain dropped I was ready to sit back down and watch it all over again.

Unfortunately, we couldn't stay to watch it again. We had to get back home to our puppy and lives. So here I am back to life. Blah. At least we had a lot of fun!

Bored. Bored. Bored.

Last week I had jury duty. It was a long week. I did get two books read, though! That's always good.

Because of jury duty I have not been at work for one whole week. It was nice to just read all day instead of work but at the same time I was ready to do something with my day.

So, I came to work all prepared to work work work work work. I sat down with my boss, first thing, and we talked about my day. He left the house around 11:00 and told me he would be back by 12:30. With the work given to me I knew that if I went at a slow pace and ate lunch slowly I would be done about the time he was getting back.

So I did that.

I then did my very very best to try to find work to do.

I then checked my email, applied for some jobs, checked out facebook. I looked to see how much it will be to go to southern Cali for my friend's wedding reception in July. I looked at my budget a little bit. I read some blogs. I read some of my old blog posts. I sat and talked to the other lady who works here. I...sat and and did nothing.

It is now 2:15. I have been at work for 4 hours and have work about 1 1/2 hours of that.

So much for being excited about going back to WORK.

Quilt Swap!

I follow the blog Creating Sarah. Sarah is a very creative and very crafty person. To help with her creativity she follows the blog The Sassy Crafter. Therefore, I now follow The Sassy Crafter.

The Sassy Crafter set up a quilt swap and I decided to participate. If you wanted to participate you had to comment on her blog, pick out 20 cute fabrics, and cut them into 4 inch squares. I've done that. On Monday, I will put the squares in the mail and wait. What am I waiting for? Twenty new fabrics cut into 4 inch squares! Isn't that awesome! I will then be able to make a quilt out of those fabrics. I'm so excited!!!

Here are my cute cute squares.


Here's a close up.



This one is my favorite. Apparently I liked it so much I ended up coming home with it twice.


I had to buy most of my fabric. don't feel too bad, though. I found some fabric that was $1/ yrd and since I needed so little I was able to buy this fabric...


for only $0.25 each. I had two and the others I bought for only $1.00 a piece.

I'm really excited to get my new fabric back. I'll let you know what it looks like.

Getting Started...Again

My cute niece....


Isn't she so cute?

...is getting baptized this year. I can't believe it. She has grown up so much and blows me away with how smart she is. I'm lucky to have smart nieces and nephews.

If you remember, I'm crazy. I am making a quilt for all children in my family who are baptized. So, I had some time off on Monday and got started. (Keep in mind she's a major tomboy.)


It's going to be awesome.

So, you may or may not be wondering how I was able to get a lot done with a puppy in the house. Most likely, not wondering. BUT, my neighbor was leaving to run errands and I volunteered to watch his puppy, Rounder, who is 1 month younger than Roxy. They are BFFs and it's so cute to watch them play. He definitely kept her occupied. See...

They played for 6 1/2 hours with only a 1/2 hour nap in between. They both were so wet from chewing on each other. So cute.

My busy Saturday

Somehow as we go throughout the week our house because a disaster area. Between the dog chewing up everything and...well that's all it is, really. So, when Saturday comes I love to clean. This weekend was especially great because I got to clean up my basement. Ever since we moved in our basement has been a disaster. Yesterday it all changed. I wish I had a before picture. But here is my after!!

You're kidding me, right?

I'm on craigslist looking for a new job. I just leave the page open all day and refresh periodically so that I can see the newest job posting. I opened up one today for an Office Manager. Here are the job requirements:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage the Receptionist area -- greet visitors, provide accurate information and instructions to clients in person and over the phone
• Distribute mail and serve as FedEx, UPS and USPS receiver
• Provide support for all incoming calls and walk-ins
• Management of all inventory items
• Provides administrative support to other team members
• Assist with sales and marketing activities
• Training on Photoshop
• Maintain vendor relationships
• Run errands
• Serve Coffee, Tea and Refreshments to clients
• Model professional behavior

I could do that! I'm not really that trained in Photoshop but I have a hubby who could teach me and that's besides the point.

Before I actually apply I look for the qualifications. For this one...you need a Bachelor's degree. You're kidding me, right? I don't have one but yet I can do all of these skills.

*sigh

I'll keep searching.

Happy thoughts my way please

Due to several circumstances that I don't really feel like explaining now, I'm on a hunt for a new job! So, please send your happy thoughts my way. If you happen to live in the Bay Area and now of an opening for an Office Administratorish position let me know.

Ya know, it's weird.

On October 31st, 1992 I was "forced" to go Trick-Or-Treating with my friend because my mom was in the hospital having a baby girl named Frankie. I remember the first time I saw her. My mom let me "hold" her and I thought she was so cute.

Once she came home I enjoyed spending time with her. I loved watching her sleep in her swing. I enjoyed watching her learn to crawl, walk, and talk. I remember her first day of school. I remember the day she was baptized. I remember a lot. Through many memories I watched her grow into the woman she is today.

She's different than me in almost every way. What she's interested in is stuff that I try to avoid doing. She has dreams to teach English in Japan, make video games, and become a super awesome Halo gamer. If you know me at all you would know that I pretty much don't want to do any of those things...ever.

Yet, she is my sister and I love her.

Today, she graduated from high school. It was so cool to see her in her cap and gown, hear her name being read, and watching her cap thrown into the air. *pictures to come.

Congratulations, Frankie. Welcome to the real world.

I love friends

I recently was thinking about inside jokes with good friends. I love those moments. It's those times when you laugh out loud and everyone around you thinks you're crazy because you seem to be laughing at nothing. Sometimes, though it doesn't have to be an inside joke. I just love knowing that I don't have to say much of anything and an old friend will instantly know what you are talking about. Love it.

Here is a tribute to those friends who share an inside joke:

I needed to feed my crabs.

There are no trees in Wendy's.

Raider jumping.

Kristie, let's me at OUR Chinese place.

I need to drink Thelma.

Security!!

At first I was afraid, I was petrified.

The "ha ha" game.

Boxing Day + Queen= good money.

Sammy.

Yellow!

Best. Snowball fight. Ever.

Bonnie (we'll see if you remember this)

Honestly, the list could go on and on and on. Especially with two friends particularity. I love friends. I love how over the years I have learned who true friends are and I love catching up with old ones. *sigh Good times.

No one's asking me...

Have you ever been REALLY excited about something? So excited, in fact, that it's all you can think about? Here's what you do:

You wake up and think about it.

As you go about your day you slightly mention it to people in deep hopes that they will want to elaborate on the topic.

Then when they start talking about something else, because they so rudely did not pick up on your signal to elaborate, you pretend to listen to them but really in the back of your mind your thinking, "How can I make this about my super awesome thing?"

Finally, as you are laying down for bed in your head you smile because you think of how awesome life is because of this super cool thing.

Well, no one picked up on my hint! It's as easy as, "How is Insanity going Luanne?" Rude.

So, I'm taking life into my own hands and I'm telling you how awesome it's going. By then end of this you are going to feel so bad that you didn't ask because you will realize how awesome it is. So there.

Insanity is going great! If you have no idea what I'm talking about then scroll down 'til you hit the blog post about it. I'm on a time limit for writing this post and don't really want to create a link.

Despite what some people may think Michael and I are still waking up at 6:30AM to work out and eating 5 healthy meals a day. I did go sugarless for 3 weeks straight but broke it by eating a small sliver of carrot cake. But I'm still super healthy and feeling great.

Michael and I are almost half way through the program. It is absolutely the hardest workout I've ever done but I love it. I push myself harder than I ever have before and sweat more than any person should. I also really really want a giant cheeseburger with greasy fries. *Small break where I dream of eating these things.* We have had 1 1/2 cheat days and we are about ready to have another one this Saturday. (Michael is shooting a music video and....well...there's just a lot happening that day. Included in that day is a wedding I'm going to and dang it I'm going to eat a smallish piece of cake.) Pretty good right? 2 1/2 cheat days in 30 days of eating like a healthy machine. Keep in mind that I did have choir some of these days. At choir they bring freshly-made-that-morning doughnuts. I sat and stared at one for ten minutes before finally saying no. GO ME!

How are my results you don't ask like a rude bum? They are great! I have lost a pant size. My abs are starting to come in really nice. Also, not only am I actually able to do a real pushup but I can do several in a row and tie in floor sprints (running in the plank position) and other hard moves that I didn't know my body had the capability of doing.

Everything pulled together I would have to say that I feel awesome. I've never had this much energy and it's been a while since I've wanted to slap on a bikini and lay out on the beach. Too bad it's not warm enough yet. It's fun to be working towards something like this. It's fun that I'm doing it with Michael and Irene. There was one week that I really wanted to quit and they were there to help me snap the heck out of that. Also, with the food I'm eating I don't feel like rolling over and falling asleep after a meal. Instead the food energizes me and inspires to eat more meals like it.

So there you go. That is how awesome my life is. I hope you're sorry that you didn't ask me once a week for the last five weeks how my workout is going. Next month is going to be a harder month than this last one but I get to eat more calories. Also, I'm going on vacation at the end of this month and that is going to be a bit challenging. I can do it though because I am that awesome.

The Easter Bunny Came!!

I love the Easter Bunny. Even though Michael and I are married without kids he still comes to our house! This is what he brought... (or as my primary kids pointed out the possibility of she brought)
As you see, the Easter Bunny knew we are on a diet and was very careful about what he brought us.

This is Michael's basket. He got a veggie medley, pineapple spears, and three flavors of Clif Bar (Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Carrot Cake, and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut).
And...this snazzy new CTR ring. It's titanium. The Easter Bunny must of saw that they were 70% off at deseretbook.com. He also obviously new that my kitty dropped his last one down the drain.

This is my basket. He got me watermelon spears and three Clif Bars. (Oatmeeal Raisin Crunch, Peanut Toffee, and Double Fudge Brownie)
And...this CTR ring. Mine broke right after I got engaged. I'm happy to have a new one again!

A good idea

First off:

I owe a humongous apology to both my sister, Sarah, and to you blog readers. Sarah is really crafty. I like to pretend I'm as crafty as her but I'm not. Luckily, though, she shares her great ideas and how to do them on this awesome blog she created. I'm sorry I've with held this awesome blog from you for so long. I'm also sorry, Sarah, that I did not do this sooner. So, go, visit Sarah's blog and tell all of your friends about it.

WAIT!!!

Don't do that until you are done reading this post. I love Sarah and all but I'm kind of really excited about this post.

I don't really know how to say what I want to say. That's two blogs in a row, if you're counting. I realized a couple of days ago that I'm locked into my job. My boss has made it known that I'm irreplaceable and he needs me like a fly needs...poop. Bad analogy. Also, he pays me so well it's impossible to leave. Ever. So you won't find me running off to find my dream job any time soon. Also, all I really want to do is be a mom. So, just waiting on that.

I realized, after I realized that I'm stuck at my job, (that's a lot of realizing) that I still wanted to do something that I could be really excited about. I wanted to do something for me but I also kind of sort of wanted it to affect other people as well. Mostly just the me thing.

Over the past week, as of today, I've been listening to the October 2005 General Conference in my car. I highly recommend doing this because it's awesome. I did this for many reasons and have benefited highly from it. I've also been praying for help on what to do with my life and what the next step should be. I was driving home just yesterday when I realized something. (see realizing again) I am often writing sacrament talks in my head. On almost a daily basis I'm writing a sacrament talk about an experience I had that day or I'm reminded of a past event. I very very rarely, I think I've done it once, write down these talks and they get lost in my brain. Probably stored next to proper English writing skills. So, instead of letting these talks get lost I'm going to start writing them down. What a good idea. Hey look she used the title of the blog in her blog...how exciting. I also am letting you benefit from it. I have started a new blog! It's called Listen to the Still Small Voice. You will find it at ibeartestimony.blogspot.com.

I realize that some of you blog readers are either not my religion, don't believe in God, or both. I still encourage you to stop by my blog from time to time. I'm not trying to convert you but I really do believe that my ideas are uplifting and can strengthen your life even if you are not of my religion. On the flip side, though, I will not be offended if you are uninterested.

I will post a new idea ever Monday, just in time for FHE! I hope you enjoy it.

Also, I know and realize that it's Thursday. I did put up my first post even though it's not Monday. I WILL be putting up another post on Monday, though. How exciting. I know. Now you may leave to go check out my first post and to check out Creating Sarah.

A crossroads

I've been thinking about this post for a while now and I just don't know how to start or end. So, this may not be clever or witty or even written well but I really want people to know.

I don't want to have a profession in cooking. I've tried different avenues of cooking trying to be successful and have always come up short. Which, by the way, is very unlike me. I can do anything I set my mind to. I just felt pressured by my school debt and my degree to do what I graduated in. I realized, though, that the pressure I was feeling was in my head. So, I decided to let it go.

Ok, it's off my chest. You are now probably thinking what Michael, the very supportive husband (VERY) asked me, "Ok, now what?" The answer is...I don't know. I have some ideas of what I want to do but for the most part I have no idea. So, here I am searching for a new career path. In the meantime I'll keep my current job and see where I end up.

It's Insanity!!

Have you ever heard of the workout program Insanity? It is the craziest, hardest, cardio..est workout EVER!!!

For those that don't know Insanity is a 60 day workout program complete with diet. The promise is: if you follow the workout schedule and diet plan you will look super awesome at the end of the sixty days. That sounds kind of hard but really easy compared to what it actually is.

We'll start with the diet...
We eat five small meals a day loaded with protein and light on carbs. We aren't to have any candy, chips, popcorn, or soda. Just typing those things make me want to eat them so bad. A good example of a meal is a 3 egg white omelet with cheese and tomatoes paired with a large bowl of fruit. Another example is a spinach salad with walnuts, apples, chicken, cucumbers, and lemon juice. We are also supposed to drink a lot of water. Michael is suffering from sugar loss by fighting off a headache and all I can think about is a big bag of popcorn. *must stay strong. Must stay strong. Must stay strong. Or as Shawn T. says, "Dig Deeper!"

Now for the work out...
A normal workout is usually a good workout with a short span of hard core cardio then back to a good workout. With Insanity it's hard core cardio for 3-6 minutes at a time with 30 second water breaks in between. Usually after the warm-up I feel like I had a good work out and I could call it a day. And that's just the warm-up. Also, I pride myself on the fact that I can push myself to go a little bit further even though my body says, "NO MORE CRAZY LADY." But with Insanity I really can't go anymore. So if that's not hard enough you have to do it 6 days in a row with one day of rest. You then have to start all over again.

So how are we doing...
Michael and I are three days in. We wake up at 6:30 in the morning so we can start our day out right. We. Are. Dying. We are both so sore and have never worked out this hard in our lives. Today Michael's arms were to weak to lift up to put on his deodorant. But we feel good. I love knowing every morning that I started out with the most insane workout I've ever done. Ever. I also took my "before" picture today and that fueled me quite a bit as well. After it's all over I'll post my before and after pictures. I don't want you guys to see my before picture until I have an after. You probably understand.

AHHH, a Burger King commercial just came on. Normally that chicken tender looks gross but not now.

Anyway, so that's what I'm up to. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Oh and thanks Irene for doing it with us and for introducing us.

It's like staring at little old men.

I had yesterday off. I really enjoy paid days off. I get the opportunity to do fun things and I'm still getting paid. It's pretty awesome. Knowing that the weather was going to be nice I decided, in advance, that I would plant my flower garden because I'm all ready for spring and stuff.

For those of you not on facebook...I'm sorry I have no pictures for you. But to paint a picture, I had this patch of grass that was just to the right of my front door. It is the perfect size and shape for a flower garden. So, yesterday I made the move.

I went to Home Depot and called my sister, Jeigh. Just to clarify, Jeigh is a professional florist (she knows a lot about flowers. Isn't that so cool?).

I then talked to a lot of flowers to see if we would get a long and if they wanted to come home with me.

I then grabbed the ones that agreed that my house would be the best for them and drove home really anxious.

I then put on some grunge clothes and a hat.

I then got down on my hands and knees and started to pull and tug at all the grass and weeds in this spot. It was NOT easy but I was determined.

I did it. I have a cute little flower garden outside my front door. I planted Compact Purple Osteospermums, Orange Spark Symphony Osteospermums, Marigolds, Pansies, and baby Pansies. I love my little garden.

There is one thing that makes it a bit better...my pansies. I made sure to put my pansies at the very front of my garden. I don't let my other flowers know but the pansies are my favorite. Just look at them...


It's like staring at little old men.

Recipes Passed Down

Today I made one of my favorite meals for dinner, Hawaiian Chicken. My Oma used to make this for my dad and my dad used to make it for us. I will most likely make it for my children who will make it for theirs. I love that. I love that I have this hand written recipe from my Oma to share with my family. A lot of my kids, if not all, will probably never meet my Oma. She has one foot out the door and the other foot will soon join the first one. I will tell great stories about my Oma. I'll let them know about this awesome family tree she had. It was a burnt orange and brown. Each person was represented by an owl. All the grandkids were smaller owls. I loved it. I will also tell them about my awesome experiences I had at her house. Like how every time we were there my Opa would drive us down to the swimming pool on his electric golf cart to meet my Oma after her water exercising so we could swim. Oh the memories. Anyway, I will tell my kids all of these great things and on top of that I will be able to share with them some of her cooking. It will be almost as if she is there with us enjoying a delicious meal.

All of this got me thinking of how great family is. Each generation of family changes. The time changes, the fads, the music, the way we live life. With that comes stories from the past. I have never personally been to a Sock Hop but it's great to hear about them. I could pretend I was at one and let my imagination run wild. Also, with each generation comes challenges. With these challenges comes opportunity to grow and learn. I learned so much from my mom. She taught me how to fight against peer pressure and how to do what I thought was right instead of what the world thought was right. I learned from her stories and I love that. I feel like the best things in the world we learn from our family. I also think that they are the most important things.

I will never be able to express how grateful I am for families. Not only for their unconditional love and sweet acts of service, but for their stories and recipes. I hope you take the time to scavenge through your families lives so you can make sure to pass the best stuff down to your kids, like my Oma's Hawaiian Chicken.

Hawaiian Chicken

Ingredients:
7-8 Chicken pieces, with or without skin
Flour
Oil
Salt and Pepper
Sauce:
1lb 4oz can Sliced Pineapple
1 C Sugar
2 T Corn Starch
3/4 C Vinegar
1 T Soy Sauce
1/4 tsp. Ground Ginger
1 Chicken Bouillon Cube
1 Green Pepper sliced into rings

Coat chicken with flour and brown in oil. Arrange pieces in shallow roasting pan and season with salt and pepper.
Preheat oven to 350.
Drain pineapple syrup into a 2 cup measure adding water to make 1 1/4 cups.
In a medium sauce pan, combine sugar, cornstarch, pineapple syrup, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and bouillon cube. Bring to boil, stirring constantly. Boil 2 minutes and pour over chicken.
Bake uncovered, 30 minutes. Add pineapple slices and green pepper rings. Bake 30 minutes more. Serve with white rice.

So I was thinking

If I miss strawberry cupcakes then why not bring them back into my life? So, today I made strawberry cupcakes. This wasn't easy.

I had to...

1-Drive through the pouring rain to get to Target.

2-Run through the pouring rain to get inside.

*At this time I would like to tell you that there is no possible way for me to exaggerate how hard the rain was coming down.

3-Walk through Target with blinders on so I didn't buy everything in the whole store. What is it about Target that makes you want to do that?

4-Forgive myself when I bought something I really didn't need.

5-Take a nap because the dog was sleeping. You know what they say, if they are sleeping then you should be too.

6-Attempt to make the batter in between the dog ringing her boom boom bell. She was really afraid to go out in the rain but really had to go. So what she would do is ring the bell then sit and stair at the rain after I opened the door, just to decide it wasn't worth it. After closing the door she would realize just how bad she needed to go and we would start all over again.

7-Go online to look at oven knobs. My oven knob had all the numbers worn off so it's just black. I had to look and see, on average, where 350 was.

8-I then had to put them in and hold my breath. They came out perfect.

9-I then had to frost them. I chose to go with buttercream over strawberry frosting.

10-I then had to refrain from eating all 16 cupcakes (17 if you count the batter that I licked out of the bowl.)

They were delicious.

There are some things I really miss...

There are a lot of things I don't miss. Like...

My noisy upstairs AND downstairs neighbors.
Living off of a student's income.
Living in the snow.
Worrying about dating.
The stress that being a manager at Panera Bread brings.
Waking up at 4:00AM to go to work.
My job at Convergys. Yuck.
Working fast food.
Living paycheck to paycheck.
Having more than one car payment. (I would like a second vehicle though)
Worrying about the way I talk, walk, dress, and look just because of some boy or girl from school.
Being in school. I love that I will never have to write another paper.
Being a server.
Having a real a-hole as a boss.
Living in Vallejo. That was just scary.
And I'm sure there are many more things that I'm just not thinking of right now.

I DO miss a lot of things as well. Like...

Being able to eat whatever I want whenever I want without having to check my blood sugar and take insulin. If someone could hurry up and cure type 1 diabetes, that would be awesome.
Having only 1 pet.
Not saying every fourth sentence, "Need to go boom boom Roxy?"
My friends from high school.
The care free attitude I had in high school.
Being as thin as I was in high school. I still can't believe I ever thought I was fat. I should be shot for that.
My wedding day. I loved that day.
My family.
Snuggle time with my cat. She is a lot more distant now that we have the dog.
My Equinox. Dang you for not being fuel efficient.
Living close to my mom.
Friday nights with all of the Hardy family.
Going to the movies. I really want to go to the movies.
Cupcakes. It's been forever since I've eaten one and I really want one. A strawberry one with strawberry frosting.
My Opa. I know I already said family but when I went to my Oma's 90th birthday party it made me really miss him. I'm glad I believe that I will see him again someday. It brings me comfort.

So, these are all really nice things that I miss. But you know what I really miss? I mean REALLY miss?
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HAVING A DISHWASHER.

When we moved into our new house I knew we would not have a dishwasher and I was semi ok with it. We got these really cool things from Ikea that made hand washing look more appealing but it still sucks. I just want a dishwasher. I'm ok with a portable one. I would just have it sit next to my stove and role it over to the sink when I'm ready for it. I promise to feed it and clean up after it. I will pet it and let it know it's loved. *sigh* Maybe I'll get one for my birthday.

You know you have a good husband when...

Just in case you weren't sure... You know you have a good husband when:

Your already exhausted husband gets up in the middle of the night to add on two blankets and a hat to you because you can't get warm.

Then, one hour later he gets up again to bring you your gluclometer while you're throwing up.

After a night of having to wake up with not only the dog but you he still wakes up early to make sure the dog will be all worn out so you can sleep that day. He will also give you a priesthood blessing because you can't walk and feel like you're going to die.

He drives to the grocery store BEFORE work to pick you up saltines, chicken noodle soup, applesauce, and a diet 7-up.

He happens to be a "tight hold on the wallet" husband and is willing to pay $10 (several days in a row) in parking so that you don't have to drive him to work.

He comes home after a long day and cleans up after the dog even though you were home all day. he knows that you are too sick to look after her.

After another long night of caring for you and the dog will do whatever he can to make sure you are ok before he leaves.

After another long day at work and walking back upstairs for what he thinks is the final time will go back downstairs one more time to make you some soup. Oh and get you the Nyquil. Oh and wash out the little cup for you.

He gets suddenly woken up by a once moaning you who has passed out on the bathroom floor. He will then wait for you to be done throwing up so he can help you up the stairs.

Even though he has done it two days he still continues to wait on you hand and foot. He also gives you another blessing so you can finally sleep.

He made the decision to do nothing over the weekend but ends up spending the whole time taking you to the doctor, getting your prescription, and buying you soup and Jamba Juices because you are finally hungry. He also cleans the whole house and does the laundry while trying to train the dog.

He spends the whole week that you are sick doing everything he can to make you better.

I must have a good husband.

A New Obsession

I have a really good friend. The way we became close friends is kind of odd and I think I'll just keep it between us. Let's just say we already knew each other but were not close. I called her one night and needed a big favor quick. Without even a question she agreed to the favor and helped me tremendously.

Since then she has been there to hear me talk and cry. I went through one of my hardest times with her right by my side. She was always there to help me. She has also, on countless occasions, fed my kitty and given her love when we've been out of town. She has fed me a lot as well. What's even cooler about it is she's given me a chance to try food I've never tried. She has also given me candy that I have never thought about about eating; that's pretty cool.

I try so hard but I don't think I will ever be able to give her the friendship she gives me. You see, she is very inspirational. I don't think she realizes she has this quality. How is she inspirational you ask? She can do anything she sets her mind to and she sets her mind to a lot of stuff. She has earned a double major. She has run in several triathlons. She is a wonderful mother, has a successful career AND a successful photography business. *side note: She literally just decided to pick up a camera one day and made something of herself. Amazing, I know. She also is a good quilter, wife, and her house is so cute. On top of all that she still manages to be such a great friend to me.

As you can see she has a lot of good qualities about her. All of those things are great but there is one more thing that makes her even greater..she works at Pixar. Yes, she is a technical designer at Pixar Studios. It is so awesome having a friend who works at Pixar. She has graciously invited us to Pixar many times. We have had the opportunity to eat at the FREE cereal bar countless times and that makes me pretty much famous. We have also been invited to many events including BBQs, Chocolate Day (or whatever it's called), lunch, movie premiers, and The Oscars.

Oh the Oscars.

The first time we were invited to go watch the Oscars at Pixar we only did it because of the good company and free food. We were not disappointed. There were finger sandwiches, soda, candy, and other finger food. We sat in their biggest theater room and watched the Oscars. We could come and go as we please and talk as much as we wanted. I really enjoyed it. The coolest part was when Wall E won and everyone started clapping. It was so cool. So, when she invited us to go to the Oscars again to watch Up win, we were quick to say yes.

This, year, however we did not get watch the Oscars at Pixar. I'm assuming it's because my friend has a baby and it would be bad timing for bed time. Or, maybe, it's because they have other friends they wanted to invite. Whatever the reason, I was not offended or put much thought into it. What I didn't realize was how much I would miss watching the Oscars. As February 27th was arriving I found myself in panic because I needed to find a way to trick Michael into watching The Oscars. Even worse, there was a basketball game on that was really important so how would I get him away from that? My blood pressure has rose just reliving the feeling.

Luck was on my side.

We have this new puppy, Roxy. She is Michael's puppy. Therefore he has been incharge of waking up with her in the middle of the night to take her out to go to the bathroom. (FYI: I'm not a jerk. For the next couple of nights I will be doing this so my poor husband can get some rest) Because of this, on Sunday February 27th Michael took a 4 hour nap. I'm smiling just thinking of it. I was able to watch The Oscar Red Carpet event. I got to see all the stars come down in their new, fancy gowns and get interviewed about stuff that doesn't even matter but yet I care about it.

Michael woke up just in time as The Oscars were starting. What was I to do?

Remember...luck was on my side.

Michael had put in some money for a pool..pole..at work for what/who would win what Oscar. This means that Michael had some interest in watching The Oscars.

I didn't get to watch all of it like I secretly had hoped but I was able to feed my new obsession just a little bit.

Thanks, friend, for giving me so much. At this time I especially thank you for giving me the love of The Oscars.

Also, Congratulations on your win. *She helped in the making of Toy Story 3