Bear's World

Camping at the Spruces

2010-09-15T16:54:00.000-07:00

Big Cottonwood Canyon

2010-09-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

You need to click on the pictures to get the full effect.

The Summer Storms

2010-08-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

The last two weeks we have had pop up storms during the middle of the day/evening. These storms evoke a strong memory. I remember 1 storm in particular I was about 10 and was working at the ball park in the canteen when a terrible storm picked up. The wind started howling, gravel from the diamond pelting your face and body. The game was cancelled right away and people just started running for their cars. We closed the canteen and I ran home. When I got home Dad was standing in the front lawn looking at the sky. The clouds looked so close like he could have lifted me up to touch them. Those clouds were rolling, churning like a wave and then the rain came. We stood on the lawn drenched with the summer rain, mom yelling for us to come in. The feeling of danger and excitement that at that one moment you were so close to the storm but yet protected by love and nothing could touch you. I remember those storms through the smell of the rain, the howling wind, the churning sky, they are a great memory.

More Lilies

2010-08-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

The first 3 pictures are lilies that Autumn, Lilly, Sam, and Vivian picked out for me years ago. This is really the first year they have really shown.

The Red Barron

Raspberry Wine

Unknown

Unknown

Playdate with Ben

2010-07-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

Holding Ro's thumb going down the slide.

Kicked the ball around

Splash pad felt great on a hot day

Red Butte Pickle

2010-07-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

Ro brought a little baggie of Zesty Bread and Butter Pickles for her sandwich. They were discovered in the cooler and she endured a healthy amount of teasing.

Ro showing her "thumbs up" for the pickles..

Yum they are delicious...

I need to Tweet about this...

Brandi Concert

2010-07-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

Happy to be in the venue and not waiting in the HOT sun.

We had perfect seats.

Chit-Chat before the concert.

June Party

2010-07-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

Curiosity

Swing

Joy

Lilies

2010-07-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

These buds are amazing and I love in this picture you can see the cobweb attaching the two buds. Make the picture big to get the real life effect.

Autumn Joy, these are one of my favorites 1st because of the name and 2nd because of their rich red and vibrant yellow. I didn't see this when I took the picture but if you make it big you can see a bug hiding out.

This lily looks like butter cream I am amazed how silky and warm the color is.

This lilium is a joy to admire its brush stroke petals green to white to knock you out pink.

Spring MI trip

2010-07-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

Marci's wedding, family party, rolling down a hill with Adam, prickers stuck in Lilly's foot, Autumn and graduation, an apron, DDR, rainy track meet, Max's dedication, flowers from Grandma, catching up with family and long lost friends.

Spring Project 2010

2010-04-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

Hawaii Journal

2010-03-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

North Shore Day 1

2010-02-12T20:18:00.000-08:00

Here is Day 1 at turtle bay....

Fall Color Tour

2009-10-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Today was Grandma's funeral. I wasn't there in person but I honored her with going on a color tour today. It is beautiful today warm, sunny, clear mountains I know Grandma would love it! Here are some photos I took....

Grandma Meengs

2009-10-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

Grandma Meengs went to Heaven today. She was peaceful in her last moments. I was fortunate to have visited with her over the last week. The past week I have been flooded with memories and emotions. On Sunday when I got to see her right at bed time she didn't recognize me. I admit I looked like I had been traveling all day. I gave her a hug and cried and cried. I was so happy I could see her. She whispered softly "Don't cry for me, I will be just fine" this made me cry even more.

There was something so very special about her. Her life was full. Full with my Grandpa's personality, those of you who knew him know what I am talking about, full of children. She raised 4 birth children and was a foster parent to more than 35 children. Full of her love for her Lord and serving her church. Full of travel, bowling, quilting, reading, but mostly making you feel like the VERY most special person in the world to her. As an adult I am able to recognize the amount of Love she had for me.

In the final days with her we had many short conversations and shared hot tea and coffee together. I wasn't afraid to see her like she was in the end, frail and tired. I knew she was ready. There was something I wrote in her journal she had in her room to document who and what was happening during the day/week. I shared a memory of how she would tickle your back. I am thinking of that now and how comforting that was to me. It made me feel like I was the most special person in the room. That simple gesture emitted so much love.

My cousin's wife had a baby while I was there and they used my Grandma's name for her middle name. Grandma was so touched she had tears in her eyes when we told her. I told her 4 girls had her name Me, my niece Vivian, my cousins daughter Julia, and now Lynnae she was very proud and touched. She looked me in the eyes and softly whispered "Andrea Theresea" it was her way of saying I LOVE YOU. Even in her last days she was making me feel so special. I will hold her in my heart now and cherish the memories that she made for me.

Here are some photos I found last night..

Grandma and me at the cottage

Grandpa and me at the house on Freeland

Grandma tickling my back

Graduation Party

Graduation

Grandma and Aunt Pam at the cottage

Somethings in the air....

2009-10-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

The Summer Garden

2009-08-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the garden...

Dahlia named Patricia

White Gladiola

Dahlia named Patricia

Clematis

Daylily

Gladiola

6-18-2009

6-18-2009

8-16-2009

8-16-2009

Buster

2009-06-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

Wilson

2009-06-07T09:27:00.000-07:00

Peace and Quiet

2009-05-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

I have been so fortunate to be able to spend many hours in my garden already and its all so new again! The first two pictures are the flower bed that my parents helped me expand. The flower pictures are some new flowers I planted and the little quote is compliments of Grandma Meengs.

Hawaii 2009

2009-03-22T15:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some photo's from our trip to HI.

Winter Months

2009-02-24T15:53:00.001-08:00

This has been a long winter. I know that we are not out of the woods yet but I must admit these past days of 45 degrees and sun have been a nice break. It starts to make me think of all the things that have happened over the past months. Holidays come and gone, busy work load, test taking, painting, birthdays, Celine, LOST, Gordon Ramsey,Rock Band and the best is yet to come Hawaii in 7 days!

Every day just moves along and now we are almost into March. I remember thinking in the midst of storm and snow, "I can't wait till March" and here it is just days away. As the weather warms and the days are longer I can't wait to see the changes from dull, flat, muddy ground to green grass, colorful flowers, and fragrant air. I am thankful that the winter is almost done, that soon I will be able to sit on the patio and take it all in. Those quiet moments enjoying the beauty of it all. I am grateful that I have made it through the winter and now I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

It is easy to reflect on the good times I've had over these last months they are memories that I will not forget. Simple things that make me so grateful for the life we have.

Even in the winter snow you can find beauty.

16 inches within 24hrs COME ON!!

2008-12-26T16:23:00.001-08:00

So yesterday and today we have had 16 inches of snow. Some was really wet and heavy and some was light and fluffy and all of it was back breaking! Every year we say we want to invest in a snow blower and every year we never do. The last 24hrs I have thought non-stop of how this is the year for a snow blower.

Here are some pictures...

Maybe next year I need to ask Santa for a snow blower or a Christmas vacation to Hawaii.

The Watch Dogs

2008-12-06T15:27:00.000-08:00

There is nothing these dogs don't WATCH OUT for! Today they did their usual looking out the gate and looking out the window. Wilson likes to sit on the very top of the chair to make sure he can see EVERYTHING every other creature is doing. Today the cat was bugging them and the kids riding their bikes down the street.

Love me some Moochies

2008-11-19T16:25:00.000-08:00

Today I got my own Moochies Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich it was so delicious. This is a sandwich that I would never have found or even tried on my own. My good friend DJ let me steal a piece of his sandwich last week and since then Moochies has been on my mind. We work together so I would see him in the hall for the last week and yell out "Moochies give me my Moochies!" He also has been asking me if I will drive to get Moochies or if Ro will bring us Moochies. Mind you last week was the first I had heard of Moochies and both Ro and I have no idea were Moochies is located. So my good friend google came in handy tonight. I found Moochies, read Moochies history, and their entire menu..YUMMY. I would encourage anyone out there who is looking for a great samey and needs some flavor to try out Moochies. My Moochies is still keeping me full and satisfied I may not need to eat for days.

LOVE YOU MOOCHIES!!!!

VOTE

2008-11-04T16:24:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh I am so EXCITED about this election. We waited only 30 min in line this morning and many of my friends and family did the early voting so I am sure there is a good turn out. It feels so electric in the air the possibility of Change! I am so excited! Hope you had a chance to get out there and VOTE today.

MSNBC here I come....

How do you like me now?

2008-10-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

As the days become considerably shorter and the light is changing I remember when fall use to be my favorite season. That was when I was in high school and I could start wearing more clothes. I did this not for fashion but to hide my own insecurities. We all do it some time in our life look in the mirror and criticize our bodies how this shirt, pants, skirt, socks make you look fat or show off some bulging fat role. I use to wait anxiously to wear my flannel and sweatshirts. These things were my security blanket to hide what I thought my body looked like.

A funny thing is although my body has changed considerably since those years I no longer like wearing over sized clothing. Sure I am like most people on certain days I will change an outfit 10 times because something is sagging, tight, loose, or just feels lopsided but I really don't care anymore.

I am sick of trying to look or be like someone society wants me to be. I am over hiding myself or feeling ashamed. I am who I am. I am Andrea. I remind myself of that everyday.

**The title of this post is an inside joke I am not asking if you like me***

The Adventures of the Borran Kids...

2008-10-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

Jenny and I took the kids to Silver Lake yesterday with the intent of trying to take a family picture. However the kids really wanted to play and explore, which is better than a lame family photo.

Right after I took this picture Morgan was trying to climb down and fell and hit London on the head. Everyone was fine just a couple dirty looks between siblings.

Logan got this battle wound when a GIANT tree jumped him in the woods.

Climb Every Mountain..

Is Sayid the fish in there?

This is NOT a Lame family Picture...

Express Yourself...

2008-10-15T19:23:00.001-07:00

As I am watching the last and final debate I ask you to take a look at what your candidate stands for. If you are on the right or left take the time to educate yourself on the issues that they will take into the white house. Think about what you want for yourself and your children for the next four years.

I think about the first year I voted, I will be honest I voted along a party line. I wasn't educated on all the issues. This year I am looking at all the issues trying to think about what is good for me and my future. Please take a look at all the issues that your candidate stands for. Do you agree with their tax policy, education policy, pro-choice or pro-life, marriage rights, energy policy?

It will be an exciting November. Get out and VOTE!

So it is...

2008-10-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today it snowed, Yuck!

Future Park Ranger...

2008-09-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

Today Morgan found that she is a rock climber and would like to grow up to be a Park Ranger. These are some of the photos from our girls day out....

Notice how she is signing I Love You...

I would recommend clicking on the picture to enlarge them they are stunning!

Smarter than the Average Bear...

2008-09-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

The mystery is solved! I have been wondering for weeks the cause of the tragic Toxic Banana Bread incident.

I saved a bunch of rotten bananas to try out the banana bread recipe again. I carefully measured out the dry ingredients and wet ingredients. As I was ready to add the flour I noticed that it looked really white and consistency was a little different. I licked my finger and placed it in the flour to get a taste. The ingredient I thought was flour was actually Powdered Sugar. This would explain the constant bubbling, smoking, and terrible burning smell, I was trying to make Candy Banana Bread.

Now you may be thinking how could I make this mistake but I will state that I have recently purchased new containers to hold all of my dry ingredients so nothing is labeled.

Powdered Sugar=BAD

Flour=Yummy Banana Bread

Early signs of Autumn

2008-09-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how often I forget the beauty that lies just up the mountain. These are some pictures from Silver Lake taken today.

Toxin Free part II

2008-09-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I found myself facing the fact that there were 2 rotten bananas hanging in the basket. This was not the first time I noticed them but the time I decided to do something about them. They were perfectly rotten for banana bread and my moms recipe is great so I decided to make the wonderful banana bread YUMMY!!!

I called my mom just to verify that I could use a glass baking dish, which was fine. The events which occurred after the phone call were not fine.

I went through all the steps poured this deliciousness into the dish, all the while thinking how thrifty I am not wasting those bananas. I placed the dish in the oven and set the timer and counted the minutes till the delicious goodness of hot banana bread. I was thinking how great it would be to offer this freshly baked goodness to friends. They would laugh and compliment me on my wonderful baking skills and I would graciously accept their mounds of praise.

Tasty goodness started wafting throughout the house but wait something was burning too. I opened the oven and the bread was bubbling all over?? What this hasn't happened before so I quickly got to ramekins too take the excess bread out of the dish. I placed a cookie sheet under them to catch any drippings. I had dodged a terrible thing, burnt banana bread..

That was the least of my worries as the house filled with smoke and all the dishes were then bubbling over and everything was burning. I changed the tinfoil on the cookie sheet 4 times, quickly running it out of the house through the garage and directly too the garbage cans. Through the hour and half the bread never set up it just kept bubbling over and burning. TOTAL PERMEATION of smell into every fiber in the house and neighborhood for that matter.

Here are the pictures of the end result.

Bread Anyone...Anyone????

There was a light smokiness to the bread..

Detoxing 1 Second

A lot of toxins in banana bread...

A game of Quarters...

2008-09-02T19:57:00.001-07:00

I was looking at Adam and Tina's blog tonight and started thinking about the years I spent in Ann Arbor. A2 is such an awesome place to live, lots of food, cultural art, and crazies to keep you occupied. I was thinking about the year I struck it rich with a sad tale that took place in A2.

Every year Grandpa Ellert and Grandma rent several rooms at a local hotel. The whole family comes to spend a night of swimming, games and of course food. The year I struck it rich, I drove from A2 to the hotel to spend the night with the family. That year there were a few rules, you could not use any type of "Dutch word fillers" such as Ues, "What are ues up to?" and now I can't remember the rest of them. There was a list which was sent out prior to the hotel night. (I know those of you who are Michiganders will remember the rest of them) The penalty for using a Taboo word would be putting a quarter in a jar, then at the end of the night the person with the saddest story would win the loot.

There was a lot of money at the end of the night. Several people got up telling a sob story for the money. I was the last person to go so here is what I can remember of my story.

I was Deathly ill at work, a wrestling singlet company (sad in itself), and since I was sick a friend drove me to the Dr. I waited in the germ tank for at least 45min before they saw me and diagnosed me with bronchitis and a sinus infection. I was there for at least 1hr 1/2, then there was a problem with my insurance billing. I was ready to be picked up and my friend couldn't leave work because they were being lame and wouldn't let her leave.

I walked over 2 miles home sickly and near death coughing up a lung head splitting with pain, no tissues only leaves. Not only did I not have any quarters for my bus ride home, when I got to the pharmacy I my debit card didn't work. I was never the same after that walk.

At the conclusion of my story people were in tears riveted with this tale of struggle and despair.

This true story won the loot and as you can imagine many hugs and reassurance that I would be OK. Those quarters came in handy at the laundry mat for the next several months.

Thanks Family!!

Back to the old Grind

2008-08-25T17:00:00.001-07:00

Last week I concluded my first week back to work after a vacation. This as many of you know is so hard and sometimes you just never want to work again, you want to stay on permanent vacation and get paid for it. Since that is a dream that will never come true I am enjoying showing off my pictures from Michigan here are a few of my favorites....

TRADIIIITION TRADITION!!!!!

2008-08-12T18:10:00.000-07:00

As I would suspect I could not go another year without the yearly Corn Night. For those of you that don't have a clue what I am talking about I will try to explain but as expected when trying to describe tradition many things get lost in translation. Yearly, the Jager family, will gather to pick corn, husk corn, cook corn, remove cooked corn from cob, place removed corn into baggies which are distributed to all those who want. The purpose of this is to be able to have access to corn all times of year and it is the BEST corn ever.
It has been at least 11 years since I have been been involved with this process, I have however reaped the benefits since every year when I come home I am able to gobble up the yummy Jager corn. During my annual Russ' visit we received an SOS call to help with the process. This was the last thing I wanted to do, but I feared my relatives may withhold the corn since I have not participated for years. Yes they are a loving and kind group but they will revoke my corn rights.

As you can see Child Labor Laws don't apply. Sam and Lilly working hard..

Yes I did work... (very old CornGirl)

Autumn is the new CornGirl...

They let this crazy guy out to perform manual labor....

Don't worry Pudge you are not the only gee who loves the Jager Corn..

Woke up this morning...

2008-08-07T07:47:00.000-07:00

So you know that Sopranos theme song? I had that in my head when I took this picture. I woke up on my first day of vacation in MI ready to face the world but not as much as I would soon find out. I woke up and went out the basement door to look at my moms flowers the sun was shining and all was good with the world except when I heard the door click. The door locked. I am standing in pajamas, crazy old crocked glasses, and stinky morning breath. The world was not prepared for this much Andrea. I tried to clear my head, what telephone numbers do i remember? 2 my dads and Spamans. However the numbers don't make any difference when you don't have a phone. I did what any locked out person would do I walked to the building office. The people on the way are casualties I think in my heart they also were half blind. I am sure it has been some time since they have seen a crazed red-head in pajamas walking down their quiet street.

I made it to the office walked in and of course there is a cousin of mine working at the front desk. I have to explain why I look so crazy, Umm hi I am Rol and Trish Jager's daughter and I am stinky and not wearing a bra and I locked myself out. Cindy, the cousin, was so nice she let me use her cell phone and I called the only 2 numbers I could remember. I knew that 9 times out of 10 my dad will not be in his office and I had no idea if Spamans would answer. No luck then I remembered a great invention called the TELEPHONE BOOK hello!!! I was able to call my mom and she gave me the code to get in.

Now I am safely back in the house calm and chalking this up as my 2ND adventure on my trip.

You asked for it you got it...

2008-08-03T14:01:00.000-07:00

I was on the phone with my mom and she stated that my nephew Sam said I needed to post more pictures so here you go Sam ......

Wilson Watching for anything that he may need to BARK at...

Buster resting with his new favorite duck Boozer

London, Logan, Morgan and me swimming at their pool

The swing I have loved for all summer and finally got.

Saying hello to Baby Tasha the teenie tiniest red head.

Wilson helping himself to some water.

Wilson is ready for his close-up

Bustee needs some water..where is that pool?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

2008-06-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

Behold this....

5/20/2008

5/27/2008

6/16/2008

6/24/2008

What would you do for a Klondike Bar???

2008-05-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

Everyone remembers that catchy jingle, well I will for quite some time.

Last night after dinner, I went to the freezer for a Klondike bar. This Klondike was not like others it was one of the new versions, you know Jellybean chocolate or Triple Chocolate Almond Fudge Roasted Coffee. This was the Carmel Pretzel Klondike. Yum!! I grabbed it from the freezer and started walking the whole time admiring the gold package folded so perfectly so very pretty! I was walking downstairs and I was so mesmerized by the Klondike bar that I missed the first step and fell. Let me clarify, I fell on my arm, I caught myself while protecting the Klondike bar, I ended up scraping my arm from elbow to wrist. I was in so much pain, Ro started nervous laughing asking "Are you OK?". I wasn't OK, I was hurt and my Klondike had done this to me! Why Klondike why did you ruin something so perfect.. so tasty?

After the "Klondike Avalanche" as I am referring to it now I threw the uneaten Klondike back in the freezer and used a few choice words sending it into the back by the frostbitten corn.

Today I was reminded of the episode, every ten minutes, since I rest my arm on my desk at work and I kept hurting it over and over. In the end I know what I would do for a Klondike bar...

Only eat in kitchen were no stairs are involved.

Its a Dogs Life...

2008-05-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

The dogs are so very happy during this time of year. They share in my love of the heat, sun, and flowers. Although their love of flowers mostly consists of eating and destroying. Last year Buster lost his mind during a soaking I was doing and dug up almost a whole flower bed and Wilson did nothing to stop him. This year there have been no such incidents, yet. They both love roaming around in the back yard and eating grass and other crap that they don't need to eat. These are some pics from tonight.

Buster planning the Attack... Thoughtful preparation..

Wilson and Buster in the attack... Both getting Got..

Wilson Yelling at Buster to "STOP IT!!!"

"Stop What??"

"Nothing...huurmph"

What a Weekend

2008-04-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

The Jazz won and the flowers are coming. Yesterday was in the mid 60's and the first day I was able to spend the whole day in the yard. The new growth is so beautiful and exciting I am able to see what will happen next. Wondering what will have survived the harsh winter and make it another year. To me this feels like the new year, not the year we start in January my year is the day when the sun is shining, warm, light breeze, and my hands in the dirt. This year it feels like I have a new outlook. This is an outlook I have never had and it is heightened with this weather. Here are some of the pictures of the progress in my yard.

Finally

2008-02-26T16:37:00.000-08:00

So this winter has been very long, so long that it has made me unable to form any type of sentences to blog. Even though most of my blogging is not in correct grammar this winter has just allowed me to show pictures of the snow and little snip its of things to say. But today for the first time in many many long months I have enjoyed the sun. I went outside on break and my heart nearly broke into a million pieces due to the sun. I LOVE THE SUN. I love the fact that now I can start planning for this summer. The sun has jump started me into a garden frenzy. I must catalog every plant I have in the yard, it must be labeled with these cute metal signs, it must be written about on blog and garden journal. The sun also makes me love basketball more. I feel more enthusiastic about it, I am yelling more at the players and talking about stats with fellow friends and co-workers. This all from the glorious sun.

So from the sun comes bear, happy bear, excited bear, willing to not go to bed at 8pm bear.

Welcome back Bear.

Snow Gees

2008-02-03T17:31:00.000-08:00

This winter in Utah has been harsh this year multiple storms, cold temps, and grey skies. It has felt like an eternity since mowing the lawn and working in the gardens. This morning we woke up to a foot of snow and huge drifts in the back and front yard. The dogs were a bit perplexed about the amount of snow and how they would use the facilities in it. Buster was practically barried in one of the snow banks and Wilson just wanted back in the house. Here are some pictures from this morning.

Spring please come soon.......

new year

2008-01-15T13:56:00.000-08:00

Here are a few things I have become obsessed with...

NBA, not the nationally televised since they all are mick ed up and everybody acts different.
Ticket To Ride, awesome board game
No more Christmas rush at Wal Mart
Vitamin Water
Buster and his button eyes
Flat Out Bread
Watching 3rd season of Lost, again, in an effort to solve the mystery which is Lost
Decorating cupcakes, thanks for the advise Aunt Dawn
My toenail fungus
"Toxins aka black oil" removed from you body with little pads that you stick to the bottom of your feet at night I saw an infomercial..they make a great b-day present :)
Organizing my kitchen cabinets
Wilson with his determination...NEVER a BREAK!

Hello Kitty

2007-11-29T19:02:00.000-08:00

A year and a half ago my friend Kenna's daughter passed away of kidney failure. She was only 34 and left behind two young boys. Kenna has been working through grief over the last year and her friends decided to make a tree for the Festival of Trees. Festival of Trees is a local exhibit of decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, windows, and all kinds of Christmas decorations. This festival is a fund raiser for the local children's hospital. Families of those who have lost a loved one will sometimes design, decorate, and donate a Christmas tree in memory of their loved one. Kenna did just that and she picked Hello Kitty as her theme, since it was Tori's favorite. Everyone has been collecting Hello Kitty, stickers, pictures, baseballs, stuffed animals, calenders, shower curtains, basically anything Hello Kitty. Kenna held 2 fundraising garage sales over the past year where she raised all the funds to pay for everything as well as donating $1,500 to Tori's best friends child who utilizes the services at Primary Children's Hospital. On a Monday Kenna went to set up the tree, they worked from 7am-2:30pm setting everything up. Tuesday night businesses and rich people came to the expo center and walked around and started to bid on the trees. The highest priced tree went for $7,000, a BYU theme tree, and Tori's tree sold for $6,600, a young couple with 3 girls bought it. All the proceeds go to the hospital. I went to see the tree and just was so overcome with peace, love, and joy for the beauty of this tree. So many people were crowed around it, mostly little kids, I overheard a little girl say "I want all that for Christmas" my heart melted into a million pieces.

Here are some pictures....

Seeing the World with Both Eyes

2007-10-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

These are the Hawaii pictures

There were a lot of fish right by that first rock and they were so colorful and I am so delighted that they aren't skittish. Shark Cove was awesome I swam with a Moray eel about 3 feet long...kinda scary.

I swam out 1 1/2 miles with flippers and boogie board and swam with spinner dolphins in the wild. It was amazing so peaceful listening to them making their clicking and singing noises. There were about 30 dolphins from 3ft-6ft long and they came right up to me about 3 feet away. Waimea Beach will always be a very special place for me. I will never forget them swimming side by side, spinning into the air, flapping their fins so amazing.

I forget about these moments when I am stressed and frustrated with all the little things in life but I call on them too take me away to something and somewhere so special. I am so glad I have seen these things with both my eyes and taken so many mental pictures.

What is Your Super

2007-10-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

So, that Friday was my day. I discovered 2 things about myself.
1. That I have a Super
2. The Bottom Dropping Out

I have a Super! Ro and I have spent the last 2 1/2 weeks watching the whole first season of Heros on DVD. LOVE IT. It has made me think constantly about super powers, flying, blowing up things (which as you remember from a previous post I am intrigued with doing), reading peoples thoughts, time travel, and locating anyone with other abilities in the world. I dream about it, think about it, Save the Cheerleader Save the World! I was siting at a friends desk last week just chatting when my power became clear. I am able to cut a plastic bag with my index finger. Slice it right open. I know right AWESOME!! I sliced that plastic bag like there was no tomorrow, like the Cheerleaders life depended on it. You will be happy to know that I did save her with my Super Power. I know that we think we might blend into the woodwork, but some of you may have a power too, some of you may need to dig deep to find it. I have worked for 29 years and never known my own super, so never NEVER give up!

The Bottom Dropping Out. So I love summer, the sun, the heat, the plants, sitting in shorts and a tank top sipping on a beer, you know all the goods things. Fall is here and it hit HARD this weekend. I was getting ready for work on Friday the TV was on but I wasn't really paying attention until the weather. Grant Wayman, weatherman, came on in a very chipper way and says "Well this weekend the bottoms dropping out" and smiled! WHAT! I know what he meant but why did he say that? TBDO is scary and he was really happy about it. Doesn't he realize all my fun will go away? Not even my Super could overcome this, the Cheerleader will freeze, she will melt, she will disintegrate then the bottom will really drop out!!! Again why did he say that?!!! I am still upset, I am going to protest Grant Wayman and his CRAPPY WEATHER REPORTS. Unite fellow summer lovers, don't let the bottom drop out!!!

tagged

2007-09-15T11:41:00.001-07:00

Oh you may be thinking What the Hell you already posted a tag, but Wilson was tagged by his friend Freebie. really i just made that up but here are Wilts 8 randoms.

1. I love my collar, when I have it taken off I lick it, smell it, and generally love it.

2. I don't know where kitty went, he was my best kitty, I thought I saw his leg somewhere on the white box (dryer)

3. I like to talk but love to yell, mostly when other gees are playing, I must referee them

4. I am in love with water, especially the water in the yard: hose, sprinkler, pool, water dish.

5. I must patrol the front yard, no people can walk by, no animals can be in my area, cars are OK unless people are hanging out of them, no one can be in their yards if I can see them

6. I love the closet or any small area where I can hide from brother.

7. I love fatty food and will hunger strike when I am put on non-fatty food.

8. I must hurmphhhhh when I lay down or am not making it.

Calling all paws.... I tag you!

Tagged

2007-09-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

OK so finally I have had some time to think of 8 random facts about myself. Aaron has "tagged" me and I had to think long and hard of some things that I haven't revealed about myself on this blog. Here goes

1. I will always roll down the windows instead of using the air conditioning in the car.
2. When said window is rolled down I must drive with my arm extended and if driving past a branch or bicyclist I must extend to see if I can hit them.
3. I detest moths. They land on you and put some powdery dust, which I read is part of their mating ritual. YUCK!!!
4. 9 out of 10 times I let my hair air dry, seems kinder to the environment.
5. Even though I have major opinions about the sustainability of the environment, I am so lazy that I don't recycle.
6. I have a little anxiety attack when I have to call someone on my cell phone. The only exception is my parents.
7. I have never vacuumed out my car. I have owned this car for 3 years and never once have I vacuumed it out. SICKER!
8. Sometimes I lie about what food I have tried so then if it looks gross I can say that I don't like it. I often hear my brother Adam making the throw up noise...oh yeah :) side note: I have tasted a pastrami burger and I didn't like it.

I tag Choll, Corna, and Ro

Happy Birthday Adam

2007-09-03T20:32:00.000-07:00

It is my oldest brother Adam's birthday tomorrow. He will be 30 something, I am horrible at remembering dates and the only thing that helps me with birthdays in the dutch calendar that I have right by the trash can. (that way I will see it daily or if I am lazy weekly) Here are some random memories I have of Adam from the past 30 some years.

He is a great baseball player. I remember going to watch him play in the Pony leagues and I thought I was so cool because my brother was a pitcher. Then when he went to South he was on the team there even better he was paving the way for Aaron and I.

When Adam got his drivers license I remember sitting in the back seat, stereo at full blare and almost crying because my insides were vibrating to some Metallica song. I think this was a form of torture.

Adam and I had a fight when I was in my bratty teen years and I slapped him and he looked me straight in the eye and said "The Bible says to turn the other cheek" I slapped that cheek also. I have never slapped anyone since then.

Adam and Aaron would have their friends over to play basketball in the driveway. This was more than just regular basketball it was INTENSE basketball. I always wanted to play, but as the younger bratty sister you can't. I remember one time when all the guys were gone I got to play with Aaron and Adam what I thought was an INTENSE game of P-I-G.

Adam let me move in with him after high school while things were strained at home and I remember spending hours on his apartment deck talking about everything. I haven't thought of those talks until right now. Those were some of the best moments with Adam.

Finally, when I was living with him at his apartment, I came home from work around 11 pm and I walked in on Adam and Tina making out. I was so embarrassed. I remember he told me I could sleep in his room, since I was living in the living room and slept on the "making out couch" I think it was shortly after that I moved out. :)

Love you Adam growths and all.

It must run in the family

2007-09-01T14:03:00.001-07:00

TO SAVE MY BROTHER THE EMBARRASSMENT OF HIS GROWTH I HAVE TAKEN THE PICTURE DOWN.

This is some weird growth on Adam's arm, much worse than toe fungi! I suggest BLEACH or remove the arm. Whichever is easier.

Love you ADAM :)

Fungi

2007-08-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

I had a great time this past week seeing the family and friends. There are so many things to blog about but since I have not talked about this in 24 hours I feel I must share it with you.

As some of you might "not" know I have a toenail fungus. This is something that I have had for about a 6 months and done nothing about, until Michigan. Jenn and I took Autumn for a pedicure at the local cosmetology university. We all were going to get pedicures, until I told the lady I had a toenail fungus. Everyone in the room turned and looked at me with distaste, I announced that it wasn't anything to be afraid of and it wouldn't get them. However I was not able to get a pedicure per the instructor and got a manicure instead. That was great and we had a lot of fun.

After the thought I would not be able to get a pedicure, maybe never again due to this fungus it became my main goal to obliterate it. I talked with my mom, she has lost her whole nail to the fungus, Jenn had it and beat it with a regiment of bleach and peeing on it in the shower. I am already peeing on it but I need to resort to the hard hitting stuff, BLEACH, PEROXIDE, ATOMIC BOMB directed only at toenail.

People this is hard for me to not think about it wonder what the actual fungus looks like under the microscope. It is joyful to me to see it bubbling when bleach is applied, I want to share my joy. Any one of my family members will let you know they have witnessed my obsession with the fungus. I must destroy, I must keep my toenail, I must show you pictures.

Pictures will come with the progress.

Flower Time

2007-07-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the flowers in my yard....LOVE IT!

AWESOME

2007-07-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

Things that are awesome ....

Central Air, so glad we don't have a attic fan (the swamp cooler of the east) and so glad we don't have a swamp cooler (the attic fan of the dry west)
Battle Star Galactica so awesome!
New living room drape
Plants, new ones and old ones
Dry heat
BBQ grill
Cold beverage
SYTYCD
New IKEA bed spread
New anything from IKEA
Burts Swimming pool ohhhhh how I love a pool
Dogs swimming pool, mostly awesome for them
Hair Clip
Shorts
Tank Top
Blog
Giant Mocha Choca Latte Ya Ya from Beans and Brew
Gauchos
Choll creating new blog

Not Awesome

Warm beverage sitting in million degree garage
Bills from central air
1 pair of shoes that fit new Wal-Mart dress code
Smelly shoes
Smelly feet from smelly shoes
Corn that got stinky in the garbage and now smell will not go away.
No personal chef to make dinner when 103 degrees and to hot and tired to make anything.
Wilson's breath
Running out of TP
Forgetting to put deodorant on

Overall I have a lot more awesome things than not, so let me know whats awesome or not.

Side note, I always think of the cheer A W E S O M E, awesome, awesome, awesome are we! Why can't I spell it without the cheer????

Oh my

2007-06-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

First I will get to the news you all know and most of you HATE. The Jazz lost, the Pistons lost, the world is turning on its DeBron axis and I could vomit seeing him. I secretly wish that the all to famous game starting antics where he powders his hands and then throws a huge smoke of powder in the air could some how be switched out with anthrax and he would never be able to play basketball again, and he would never win a title. Harsh I know but i have very strong feelings of dislike for him I would call it hatred. I am so sick of the announcers praising him and calling him King James, savior, and the best player ever. I WANT TO VOMIT and if you know me you know that I really must not like him.

Second, Marci just finished her visit were in I assume we consumed 1,000,000,000 calories each, smoked 18 packs of smokes, and had suffered from some serious injuries. We went shopping at Wal-Mart of course, no mall for us we are old ladies and need to get our depends as cheap as they come especially me :) We did pedicures, well Marci did on the last day, she painted her own nails while in a lawn chair in the back yard I kept the gross "go go green" on that I had done the night before she got here. We went downtown, saw temple square, went to the gateway, big outdoor mall, went to one store and then got Starbucks sat and watched the kids in the fountains and then said we were tired. Survived "Raging Waters" a local water park. Now if you are like me you probably haven't been to a water park in years, so I am thinking, yeah I can do all the same things I could when I was younger. WRONG, we are old! all of us! Marci was given instructions on the very first tube ride to stay in her tube hang on to the handles, she did not comply 1 second into the ride she fell out and carried her tube the whole way down. When she was done she had blood all over her arm. I went down the same ride suffered from whiplash and maybe I broke my rib or boobs, I can't tell. Ro bruised her tail bone after insisting on going down the toboggan ride, when she "got some air". The biggest difference is that we sat most of the time watching other peoples kids and talking about their parenting skills. I was flabbergasted at the small amount of fabric in bathing suites that girls are wearing these days, I told Marci she should keep her girls locked up. She laughed. When did I turn into a 90 year old lady? Last we got a lot of Utah sun, no humidity and hot hot sun. It was such a blessing to have her here.

Love you Marci, Hate DeBron!

Here I go again...

2007-05-16T16:38:00.000-07:00

Basketball is on my mind almost 24/7. I almost made myself sick with the lack of emotion, or talent, that the Pistons did not poses last night. How could this team NOT take control. They are suppose to be champions right? I feel I may have a part in their down fall. As you may remember I have some sort of Love/Hate relationship with the former Piston Ben Wallace. There were times in the recent past were I had the urge to BURN his jersey, crush it, put it through the shredder and make a dog toy out of it. These feelings are right at the surface. This past Sunday, I was feeling sad almost guilty for my thoughts and decided that since it would be the Bull's last game playing in the playoffs I would wear his old Pistons jersey. Little did I know that wearing that jersey would shift the universe so much that the Pistons LOST! Oh how could I, I should have never felt bad for this 16million money hungry traitor. (I told you it was right at the surface) I have since then placed the jersey in Ro's car inside out, after I threw it on the ground and stomped on it several times. Pistons please pull your heads out! You must win this next game.

However, my Jazz team is doing great and now going to the finals with either Phoenix or San Antonio. Either one of these teams is in for a challenge. The Jazz are hungry, young, ready to beat some you know what. To all you fanz in MI, FL, NJ, and around the world I would like you to say a cheer for the Jazz they have not been this far in the playoffs for 9yrs. Everyone here is saying...its about time. Take a moment to relish in their achievements, their young talent, and the baby blue uniforms.

I love me some Playoffs!!

Mom

2007-05-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

I wanted to shout out to my mom. I already called her and told her happy mothers day. This conversation was stretched over an hour due to them driving back to MI, and then missing an exit, not communicating, and potty break.

There are so many great things about my mom. How she can just put my mind at ease, she is so gentle with her actions, great at sewing, great at almost all things really. How she inspires me to do so many things, how she loves me all the time.

I love you mom.... Thanks for being my mom.

Dancing Queen

2007-04-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

Today I was invited to a children's dance competition. I have never been to a competition before so went in with no idea of what expect. What I stumbled into was a mass of young girls, dressed in sequence, tapping shoes, and a lot of makeup. Little girls were being huddled while grown-up's applied blush, eye shadow, lip gloss, and lets not forget glitter. These girls were maybe 4-8 years of age. The noise level was at a breaking point and got even higher when I tried to go into the stage entrance. I spotted my friend who told me her mom and other kids were sitting down and her mom had a video camera. Little did I know everyone there had a video camera. I did end up finding the mom and her camera. My friends daughter was in the pre-school age group so when her dance company appeared it was 4 little girls dressed in ballerina outfits gleefully looking into the audience. As I watched her first performance, a slow ballerina song, I started crying. It was so beautiful. The girls were so free and proud of themselves. They had no fears of being in front of an audience or not making the right moves, they just moved and tiptoed around the stage.

As adults when did we lose that ability to stand in front of a crowd, dance, sing, and move freely without fear of judgement. I am looking forward to dancing, singing, laughing in front of a crowd with no fear or doubt. When this will happen I don't know but it is part of my new personal sustainability.

What is your personal sustainability?

Caution strong emotion ahead...read at your own risk...

2007-04-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

There is something about this weather that starts making you think. You think about your world, how small or big, your mind how crazy or sane. Recently I have found that my mind has gone a bit crazy. I am realizing things about myself that I don't want to know. I am thinking of things that I don't want to explore. My friend Choll made a heartfelt post today about a very hard thing and I applaud her. It is hard to start to realize our own faults, even though most of us have our minds tell us them all day long. Choll linked to a blogger friend of hers that asked some hard questions of her readers. I found one of the questions to be something that is plaguing my mind lately.

Are you good at confronting/challenging people when you have an issue?

I despise confrontation and will do all I can, even to my own detriment to never confront people. This is only the case in my personal life. While at work I am quick to call people out on their problems and help them find a real solutions. I feel today like a split personality. Since I have realized this, Tuesday, I find that I am second guessing every thought, action, conversation. I find it hard to concentrate in the day to day grind. I find that other peoples needs are coming before mine. I do this with everyone. I am careful around my family not saying something that will upset them. I am careful around my relationship fearful of a fight or worse confrontation. I sit an listen maybe never saying what I mean. I find myself more comfortable when I am with a friend and speaking my mind about the issue and never confronting the person who is causing the issue. Most of all I am not challenging myself with issues and it is really really scary. I don't want to deal with things it may show a weakness or that I am actually fragile and other people will know it. When I become strong enough how will others deal with the conflict I will need to bring to them: moving, the letters, work, vacations.

I am using this blog right now as a tool to free my mind. I also am praying that I will have the energy too focus on healthy confrontation.

Earth Week

2007-04-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

This is a spin off of Jennifer Spamans blog but I thought it is a good way to spread the word. This week is earth week and since we are not going to be moving onto one of the new planets, John Travolta's idea, we should make simple steps to help cut energy and pollutants into our world.

1. Buy "Bonnie Plants" they are herbs and vegetables in a bio-degradable pots you have less to throw away.

2. Compost, this is good for you plants and also reduces the amount of waste in the landfills.

3. Recycle.

4. Find a local store to drop off you plastic bags or reuse the bags from previous trips to shop.

5. Buy squiggly light bulbs. They seem more expensive but they are worth it over several years of buying cheap bulbs. They also use up to 70% less energy.

6. Unplug things that don't need to be plugged in all day. Hair dryer, cell phone chargers, coffee maker, toaster.

7. Consider taking public transportation, car pool, or ride a bike to work.

8. Use a fertilizer that is organic such as Revive, it will increase your soils ability to retain water.

9. Your lawn only needs 2inches a week, in Utah, to be a healthy green. Watch the weather turn off sprinklers when a rain storm is coming. Don't be the idiots watering your lawn while it is raining.

10. Consider changing your toilet flusher to a more "water wise" flusher. These are the flushers that you have to hold the handle down to flush but they can save millions of gallons of water every year.

Sky Lights

2007-04-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

These are some pics I took about 3 months ago. So glad winter is done. Gardening is here and in full swing.

Oh Basketball How I love Thee...

2007-03-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

Let me count the ways..

1. I am constantly yelling at the TV as if the players can hear me.
2. I love coming home from a hard days work and watching young millionaires throw a basketball around.
3. I love it when I am sure the game is over and I get ready to switch it over to another game and my team does this...http://www.mhsvideonetwork.com/wmp/PalaceNetPlayer.htm?palace/sheed_buzzer.wmv.
4. Screaming my head off by myself and the dogs start barking along..
5. Noticing that my sliding door is wide open and then letting the dogs out and seeing my neighbor in their backyard looking over my fence with shock.
6. Ensuring my right to the strangest neighbor award.

I love this season and can't wait for the playoffs. FYI a lady at my work has tickets to the NCAA finals and semi finals and sold them on eBay last night for 2,200 dollars a piece.... Got to love it.

No

2007-03-08T15:14:00.000-08:00

Today I saw 2 license plates that made me crazy.

ILVMYVAN (red beat up mini van) If you love your van so much put it through the dang car wash LADY or maybe upgrade to a real mini you could love.
UTAH 2 (WHAT!)

People remember that personalized plates and bumper stickers are LAME, unless a shout out to your heritage.

And I'm Oprah!

2007-02-26T20:45:00.000-08:00

Let me first say that I love Oprah, I think she is an outstanding woman and does numerous outstanding things with her fame.
However, we switched over the station and caught her special tonight and she was talking about her childhood. They showed her walking down a dirt road too the place her childhood home was, where she lived with her grandmother and mother.
She recalled a time when her grandma was hanging up laundry and her grandmother said something like "now you watch me do this so you will be able to do this some day" Oprah then states her thoughts as a 4 year old child "no I won't do that some day!" I found it hilarious that she said that. I just pictured Oprah as a 4 year old thinking, "I will be the richest person in the world and will have mere common folk do my laundry." I pictured her face as a cartoon character and her eyes blinking and dollar bill signs showing. $$$$

29 years 11 days and not enough minutes

2007-02-25T14:48:00.000-08:00

Hello...Is it me your looking for?

2007-02-08T20:56:00.000-08:00

Ode to Lionel Richie. I love that song. So its been some time and all I have to say is what a winter. We have been having bitter cold temps with the worst air in the nation and now we are sitin pretty in the 50's. Got to love Utah.

So to the real meat of this post we went to a Jazz game on Monday they played the Bulls. If you didn't know Ben Wallace who use to play for my beloved Pistons traded himself to the Bulls. That was the main reason we wanted to see this game because of Ben. When we first arrived at the newly named "Energy solutions Arena" most people here call it the toxic waste arena or something to do with nuclear waste since that is what Energy solutions does. I thought, what if Ben touched some toxic waste would he think about all of the regrets of his life like leaving the greatest team in the world? NO he would think about how is pockets are filled with gazillions of dollars. JERK!! No really I do love him I just think I haven't finished my grieving. All these nervous feelings melted away when I saw him come out to the floor and start playing. I thought how big he must be in real life, we were sitting 1 seat from the top in the upper bowl, it didn't matter though. I wanted to scream "BEN, HELLO IS IT ME YOUR LOOKING FOR?" the most dedicated Piston fan in Utah? No he is looking for money lots of dirty Chicago money, again not done with the bitterness phase either. I was like the lady in the Lionel's video I am making a clay sculpture of Ben's head, with head band and full picked out fro. Except I am not blind I know that when I am done with that sculpture I will have to burn it to the ground like I need to with his #3 Pistons jersey.

That leads me into my last thought "Wwwwwwwiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiii (why)" - Annie Lennox.

I love IT!!!!

2007-01-08T14:00:00.000-08:00

you guys have to see this...you think my little ditties are something that runs in the family???
http://www.jagerjourney.blogspot.com/

Crazy Mind

2007-01-03T17:09:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I applied for a position for IKEA. It is a Human Resource Generalist position. It sounds on paper, well website, to be similar to what I do in my current job. I am so nervous. It has been over 5yrs that I have looked for a job and if you have looked for a job you know how scary it can be. I am trying to talk myself into not freaking out but true to form it is all I thought about today. I love Wal-Mart but am looking to I don't even know what just apply at IKEA. Ro did a lot of research and they are a very good company to work for soooo why not apply. I think for some people they think IKEA is cooler than Wal-Mart so thats why they think I should work there. I don't know I am in a funk, the winter blues, they are mostly black! Today one of our associates came into the office refused to speak to me, because I haven't called her son about his application, and went right to my training coordinator. She explained in spanish that I have nothing to do with it, that we are waiting to make all the temporary associates permant before we are hiring outside. It will only be a week before we can get him in for an interview but according to this woman, I can not be trusted. I was mad at first and then just felt like crying. Why is this lady bothering me, why does this little thing make me upset. People are the same everywhere and I deal with people who are always mad at me or don't trust me, but I am fine, just not today. I kept thinking today about if I left Wal-Mart what would it be like? How would I find the bargins everyday? My mind is out of control and all I can think about is this. This little thing that people do everyday. Either way I will not lose anything accept that crazy lady not trusting me.

Membership

2006-12-20T13:37:00.000-08:00

I have just lost my membership again. I was working my way back to my membership of the "vomit free" world. Previous to a horrible stomach flu last year I was a card holding member for 5+ years. I would rather shovel all the neighborhood driveways than throw up. Early this morning I was feeling gross, you know that tossing and turning thing. So I got up and let the dogs outside and the went back to bed to wake up to a pain in my gut. I ran to the bathroom and prayed..."please I don't want to throw up, I will do whatever not to throw up" I threw up. It was gross mostly bile so now my teeth feel like chalk and my throat is raw. Gary is the only member
of the this club now and I will have to inform him that it will be another year before I will be joining the club. I HATE VOMIT!!!!!

My other car is...

2006-11-14T16:58:00.000-08:00

So I have been thinking a lot about the Bumper Sticker. Why do we plaster our cars with them do they have a purpose and why do we care what you would rather be doing. I don't understand it. I have one bumper sticker, NL, for Netherlands..Heritage people that is important. NOT if your other car is a golf cart. A golf cart isn't even a car. Or worst yet is the car that has them plastered all over...Things like Devil driver, STMP (I have never seen this one but it is typical that you wouldn't know what some bumper stickers even mean) DIVA, with a pink glittering ring, BRAT and then the worst some Calvin and Hobbs guy giving you the bird or peeing on a Ford. I just don't get it. I don't care if your dog is smarter that an honor student, although Wilson is.

When I was younger it was so cool to have a radio station bumper sticker or your nickname which happens to be a liquor. Does the bumper sticker bring some sort of kin-ship to driving. Like if I see a bumper sticker that says something about red heads and how superior they are, should I think cool another superior red head. Or what if I see that bumper sticker that has the peeing guy should I be like "I love peeing on things too, I shouldn't try to pass this guy" Should the kin-ship of bumper stickers allow someone to drive 20 under the speed limit or since you are the same heritage wreck your car? I think not! The only thing that I see good about this is that you can identify them..BACA guy, Peeing guy, Devil driver guy.

boycott the bumper sticker!

Side note: Ro has a cousin who has makes his own bumper stickers. They are made on the finest lined ruled paper and normally say things about battle ships with a sketch or endorsements for political candidacy. Go Doug!

To Be or Not To Be....Is that a question?

2006-11-06T21:52:00.000-08:00

Tonight I was faced with this senerio numerous times.

To wear my Piston jersey
To talk to a stranger named Tina
To be a good sport
To NOT BEAT SOMEONE DOWN
To not talk to much trash
To not get on the "LOST" train

We had tickets to see the Pistons play the Jazz. These tickets were going to be great, lower bowl, playing against a local team, and most important I get to see all the Pistons in person. We took the Trax (light rail train) into downtown were the Delta Center is located. This situation is always hard for me because I like to tune into other peoples conversations. I have super sonic hearing which allows me to listen to several conversations at the same time (this is my super power) There were a lot of people going to the game tonight and of course we were targets due to the Pistons gear and because we are who we are. My brain was exploding with info, who, what, where, when, why until Tina. Tina sat next to us with her roommate, they were carrying Wal-Mart bags and looked like college students. Tina says "We're gonna sit next to you K?!!!" what are we gonna say the train was full. I knew she was going to be that PERSON who talks to strangers and tries to be your new best friend just like the ones in the check out lane and airplane. I of course am smiling, so excited to see the game, and she says "Your HAPPY!" I say yes of course I am going to see the Pistons play. She replies "I love being happy no thoughts of doubt or destruction" umm ok?

Tina: Who are you?

Me: I am Andrea

Tina: I am Tina

Me: Do you go to the U?

Tina: No LDS Business College

Tina: I love it here I'm from South Carolina

Me: Oh

Tina: I need to get a camera so I can take pictures

Me: You should've bought a disposable one at Wal-Mart

Tina: Well I really need a job first

Me: Well get a job at Wal-Mart

Tina: You could melt people with your eyes if they were lasers if your team doesn't win

Me: Well I really don't want to kill people (foreshadowing)

Tina: It could just be for a little while not permanent

So that's how it started. I wore my jersey so everyone was giving me death stares and making jeers at me about the Pistons.

We arrive at the Delta Center and in we go, our seats are A-W-E-S-O-M-E! As people are walking down to their seats they are saying booo Pistons or you are going to lose, I smile and think, you are going to get your butts kicked. We did not kick their butts and we lost by 2 points it was a great game.

During the fourth quarter the people behind us become extremely annoying. Talking about Yoga, sweating too much, singing the wrong words to the songs playing, remember super sonic hearing. I really am annoyed. Things did not escalate to wanting to beat someone's ass until they started throwing popcorn at us. Ro does the over the shoulder glare and C'mon guys and then everything changes. No longer am I focused on the game now I am thinking about climbing over the seat and punching someone in the face. Then I think, I could get a ticket for that, I wonder how much the ticket is, they said NBA rules are no violence. I feel my skin turning to fire and the anger is right there ready to come out preferably in "hubcap" form (shout out to Marci). I do nothing except listen to them scream and whistle in my ears louder and louder and then the Pistons lose. WHY!!! All I wanted to do is turn around and shove a WIN in their popcorn faces. No instead as we are walking out Ro does something to their coats, which we swore we would not tell anyone. I can tell you this it did give me some satisfaction to know that she did that.

On the ride home we get in the oldest Trax train ever known to man. It is weird has a weird buzzing, lights flickering and a handicapped man. The speaker is loud I mean LOUD and crackly like the warning buzzer in the hatch on LOST. I turn to Ro and say this is like the LOST train. There are all kinds of people and what if this man in his Jazzy Scooter starts to walk again. My brain is on overload clearly I am not thinking straight except we sat for what seemed like 20 minutes at one light and then some people couldn't get off at their stop... Very LOST-ish.

Overall it was a GREAT night, what would life be without Tina's, Popcorn Punks, and the Pistons.

Trick or...how long do I have to do this????

2006-10-31T18:48:00.000-08:00

As a child I never said the following statement "Trick or Treat" My parents didn't believe that we should "celebrate" Halloween since it was the devils holiday. I understand it now but at the time it was devastating. Picture this.

Poor pudgy Bear at school and all the kids are talking/yelling about who they are going to be for Halloween. Who's house they would visit, what parent was going and how much FUN they were going to have. Poor Bear. I remember that we had a bowl of shelled unsalted peanuts just in case someone came over for treats. Most of the time we would turn off all the lights and hang out in the basement so we wouldn't have to torture ourselves by looking out the window at all the fun. I would however spend several halloweens standing on a chair looking out my window and watching my friends and other kids roaming the streets going door to door gathering up chocolate goodness.

So as an adult I have always looked forward to giving out candy and seeing the kids so excited to see what candy and how much I give them. It is exciting for about 15 min and then I get sick of it. I sit there thinking "maybe I could just leave the bowl out there" but then I think "what about that greedy 35 year old who should be handing candy out himself takes the whole bucket then where would the kids be?" NO CANDY from the crazy ladies? EGG THE HOUSE! This actually happened to my family once so I am petrified of it (plus it takes the paint off your house).

Tonight I hung in there for 1 1/2 hours. I also made sure that I commented to the adults who are TO OLD to be trick or treating by saying "what's your costume... A Parent?" and then shoot them the dirt eye. None of these said adults had kids near or with them. You don't see me out their in my unicorn outfit trying to trick or treat for the 1st time.

So long Halloween...hello turkey, something we were allowed to participate in.

Lack of Blogging

2006-10-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

Many people are complaining about me NEVER posting anything new. Well here is the problem

Our computer is about to melt down. If I download one more picture I think it will melt like the wicked witch of the west.

That really explains it. I have nothing more to say really without pictures I have NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING if I don't have yooooouuuuuuu ( Whitney Houston in the "Bodyguard")

Please hold your britches and wait.

Bear will be back.

(the truth is 1 person asked me about posting, thanks corna for caring)

A boy and his Mama

2006-10-08T17:01:00.000-07:00

Here is Baby Abe sleeping on his Mama. He is soooo very cute and I can't believe how much I love him.

Black oil or Rusty Bear???

2006-10-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

This post is not for all readers. This post is and could be very disgusting to you. Please do not view the photos or continue to read on if you don't like rusty water or contaminated people with the black oil from the X-Files.

This all started when Mariah went to the Canepari Health Care Clinic and did the "Living-Water Energy Cleanse". Due to the lack of kidneys that she has and other medical problems she went there to have a Cleanse and such. So she told me about it an I had to go.

If you know me you know that I can become obsessive with things like this. There was a period of time that I was trying to get everyone I knew to try the Ear Candles. I love it, even though he wax is gross I enjoy the medical aspects of the process. I also have in the past become obsessed with the Biore' pore cleaning strips. I would keep the strip for several days to examine all the black heads and dirty pores. I know you are thinking GROSS! BEAR IS SO GROSS! I am not people I just am weird.

This stems back to the days of boredom in Moline, there wasn't much to do except kick a cow pie or milk a goat, but we had a microscope and I use to examine everything under it. I would pull out a strand of my hair and examine the root or I would see if I had any dry skin and examine that under the microscope.

So this leads to the main event. Today I went to Canepari Health Care Clinic and had the foot treatment done. I will try to explain this to the best of my ability. First you go into this room with a chair, comfortable might I add, and place you feet in a tub. Not a giant tub or even a pet'cure tub just a plastic tub with this ball in it. Once your feet are in the guy turns this little machine on which is attached to the ball. It has all these blinking lights and numbers, really it was a timer, but it did have blinking lights. The ball does nothing it looks like stuff is coming out of the ball but it is the magnetic power coming from the ball that is making all the stuff come out of the ball but it really is coming out of your feet. I know BLOW your mind.

I sat for 30 min with my feet in the tub watching as the water gets tan, light brown, brown, dark brown, and then what I call bubbling black oil brown. I asked what it was and they told me since I was a smoker a lot of it may be tar and also they told me it was cleaning out my system. They said they were happier that it was in the tub and not in me anymore I was mortified how could I be so RUSTY? Towards the end of the treatment, the water was bubbling and the bubbles were like all oily and I am sure toxic.

These are the pictures of what is looked like. If you don't want to look please stop reading now.

So totally gross huh!!!!???? According to the brochure the detoxification happens after the therapy. I am just picturing Krychech, bad guy on X-Files, throwing up all sorts of black oil....I don't want to be infected....

Scully?????? Mulder????? Anyone????

Its a World of Montage

2006-09-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a montage dedicated to my Family. Enjoy.

"http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=12dae08592185be97d4bd5"

He finally is HERE!!!

2006-09-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

Abraham Henry Jager born 9/11/2006 at 8:05pm EST

Jenn and Abe

Aaron and Abe

Abe in my heart.

For the People

2006-09-10T18:42:00.001-07:00

Ok everyone is making lists, checking them twice we are all trying to find out who is naughty and nice. Cute little ditty, but I have fallen in the whole of Lists and I can't get OUT. Here are as many things that I can think of.

1. Neither of my parents have red hair.
2. I loved my blue snowsuit.
3. In 1st grade I cracked my head open the Dr. Didn't use stitches he just used my hair as stitches.
4. I had mono the 2nd week of High School and my arch nemesis (who later would be my best friend) prayed that I would die.
5. I learned to drive when I was 13.
6. I once roasted a marshmallow to the size of a baseball.
7. I use to wash my bike twice a month to, evidently to keep the blue flowered banana seat sparkling.
8. I had a set of Wonder Woman underoos.
9. To curl my hair my mom would use rags or toilet paper.
10. My favorite thing about college was the cafeteria.
11. Growing up we never had soda.
12. We did have the Moline Meat Locker, which is were they also sold single scoop ice cream...Yummy!
13. Door Dairy Ranch Rules.
14. My mom told me about "Periods" in a blue berry patch. No were to RUN!!!
15. My mom also tortured me with the "Sex" talk everything I would fake sick. That only happened once.
16. I worked for 3 summers for my Grandpa Ellert, picking up trash at the ball diamonds being our house. He paid me 40.00 a month.
17. I did hold the Jager ping pong championship for a winter.
18. I saw my Grandma spit her dentures into the sink and it really freaked me out.
19. As a punishment, from my SMART parents, I work at Sandy Creek Nursing home for 3 years. That is were I first met Tina and it was the best job I have ever had.
20. I once caught a 16 pound bass with my little kid fishing pole and a State Farm Lure.
21. Our cat Skunker was named cotton candy but Aaron and Adam were not having it. They really wanted goiter or bersasack.
22. My favorite ice cream is Mint Chocolate Chip ( no sharp metal shards)
23. I have 23, in original clothes/accessories, Barbie Dolls.
24. All the cars I have ever owned are silver.
25. I have to wear a bite splint to stop me from grinding my teeth.
26. Every sat morning I think about the Fleetwood Diner.
27. I have a butterfly tattoo, same as my best friend.
28. I never call people, only my mom. Sorry.

Done. If you want to know anything else just ask me.....I will be expecting phone calls....anyone....?

Kona BABY

2006-09-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

This is a montage for our Kona trip we took this past winter. Hope you enjoy.

http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=1210f40e5950e9e16a5790

Grandpa

2006-08-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

Today, as I was mowing the lawn, I started thinking about my Grandpa Meengs. It was close to a year ago that he left us to be with his family in heaven. The day that my parents called me I was mowing the lawn also and I started thinking of some of these memories:

My grandpa was santa at Rogers Department store. I remember going to see him there and thinking how special we were because it was "our" grandpa who all these kids were excited/scared to see.

How at the dinner table he would always talk with his mouth full and after he was done eating he always would be playing with some leftover food in his mouth. The reason I know this is because he was always talking and you could catch a glimpse of it. At the time it was gross and I of course was embarrassed but now I laugh about it.

When staying at the cottage he would gather everyone to the pontoon boat and we would ride around the lake. All the while he was informing us of every detail that had changed since the last trip around the lake. He also would let us hang onto the front edge while he was driving forward, this was so awesome, looking back I now know why my mom would get so upset with that (we were only 8 feet away from the motor and if we let go...)

Then the stories, the stories of bomb shelters, Amway, State Farm, Umping, tiger muskies, pig heads, and Wal Marks.

When I was home visiting right before he left, I went with my parents to see him at the home. I am not scared or nervous in nursing homes but I was nervous to see my Grandpa. My mom said "Andrea, you have to realize that it isn't the Grandpa you remember." When we were there we carried on small talk with ourselves and Grandpa and just as we were ready to leave my Dad sang a hymn I can't remember what it was but I think "His eye is on the Sparrow" I will always remember that, know that my grandpa was looking to Heaven and waiting.

This is not something sad to me, I know that he is with the Lord and he is telling stories, umping, and probably talking with his mouth full.

We Survived the great BURN

2006-08-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

This spring and summer was one of experimental gardening. Since I decided to take the advise of a complete stranger and burn all of my plants with boiling water, accidentally turn off the sprinklers for 7 days during the June heat and keep plants in the garage for weeks before I plant them I would say the some things can/did survive. These are pictures that I took, most of my Dahlia's some from Utah and some from the Grand Rapids Dahlia Association. It is such a JOY to walk in the yard, have the two dogs following and looking at the growth that pulled through some tough times. I am reminded that I really have no control over what happens and that with and without my help these flowers are some of the most gorgeous every grown. I love my garden and can't wait for another year to see where it takes us.

Oh Krutsepot

2006-08-04T20:19:00.000-07:00

So last Friday I got in a car accident on my way to get the new puppy Buster. I was on my way back from the bank when a JERK, who happened to be Dutch, flips a "U" turn right in front of me. His car was hardly damaged since it was a brick wall know as a Chevy Tahoe and my poor little car was WRECKED! I was so upset and disturbed by the amount of time it took for the police to respond and the willingness of "VanderWeeken" to chat everyone up at the crash site. I heard him state that he was Dutch and I thought to myself "How could this idiot be Dutch?" How could he be a descendant of the MOST thrifty, kindhearted, safe driven, wooden shoe wearing people??? Is it possible that I found the only Dutch idiot in the state of UTAH?

So the cops arrive and the process begins we exchange information and while the Dutchman is clearly having problems remembering his address, dob, and insurance carrier he decides to chat the officer up about his heritage. This pleasant exchange carries on for 5 min while I am impatiently waiting to give the officer my information I am thinking "Please don't ask me about my heritage!" As the officer is verifying our information I am left to stand awkwardly with this man who was again a complete idiot. The officer finally gives us our information to proceed with the claims of the vehicles and he then says.."Wow 2 Dutchman" VanderWeeken looks and me and says "Hechkeven?" translation: you speak Dutch and I reply in the only Dutch that comes to my mind "Ohhh Krutsepot" translation: old grey mare.
This was the only good thing that came of this accident, remembering my Grandpa Meengs bellowing that through the cottage to wake us up in the morning.

A KING mint for thought : Just remember were you came from!

BUSTED

2006-07-31T16:18:00.000-07:00

Here is our new dog Buster, Busta, Busty, Flip Mode, and Baby. He is a mini just like Wolt and is a rare all white 6 week old pup. He is very very small. In the above picture he is next to Pickles little toes and in the below picture he is next to a pot on the patio. I know he is going to be a welcome addition to our family.

yard pictures

2006-07-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

This is the flower bed that we made with my mom and dad and this is what it looks like now.
This is a bed I made.
This is the ice plant in the bird bath.

Marci's Girls

2006-07-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

I have know Marci for 13 years and I can't belive her girls are getting sooooo old.

Faith (top) just graduated from Cuttlerville Christian School Kindergarden and now will be on her way to the first grade. I remember when Marci came to visit in Utah and at that time she had no idea that she was pregnant and what a suprise when she called to let us know. Faith looks so much like Darrel.

Taylor was just a little baby (18months) and now I can see what a little girl she is. The last time I was home the girls came over to my folks house and we played and played. Everytime the girls see my folks they always want them to play the piano and sing. Taylor looks so much like Marci.

A dog and his kitty

2006-07-24T18:46:00.000-07:00

As you may well know we own a dog named Wilson aka Wolt, Wil, Baby Wolt, Not making it Wolt, No job holding Wolt and he is GREAT. This was part of our photo shoot tonite to pass time while Ro is in Tampa. I tried everything to get him to look at me but nothing worked not even Kitty. Wilson has had Kitty since he was 5 weeks old. This stuffed animal was given to me by my friend Marci when my cat Skunker died. Kitty is/was an exact replica of Skunker and I loved him and so did Wilson. Through the 5 years of his life Kitty has gone under the knife, hand stitching and sewing machine, to save him. Though Kitty has lost all of his stuffing, beanie beads, and half of his body Wolt still loves this toy over all things. I love it when we say "Where is Kitty?" Wolt runs to find both pieces of him.

Happy Days at the Cottage

2006-07-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

I remember those days that had 24 hours of fun. My grandparents own a cottage on Campau Lake in Michigan. As children it seemed like the whole summer was spent there swiming, fishing, using the paddle boat. I am so glad the there is still a cottage I wish that is was right down the street from me. Here are some pic's that my Dad sent to me (it worked Dad) Thank you!!

Real money for poo money?

2006-07-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

So there we are watching SYTYCD (so you think you can dance) and during commercial break Ro says the weirdest thing happened to her today. She was at work, outside with other co workers and some stranger walks up. Des says "Do you know who that is?" as ro turned around there is a man standing over her shoulder holding a bag and he says "Does anyone want to trade real money for poo money?" WHAT!!!! He thens tells and elaborate story of his dog, poo, and shreded money pile. So would you like to trade poo for money???? I THINK NOT!!!!

Kona

2006-07-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

It has been 6 months since Kona. It feels like a break-up! You know when you break up you think about it constantly and yet you try to forget it, since it feels it will never be the same again. This was our first time to Kona and what a trip. I have pictures at my desk at work and I go to those places everyday. Little things will remind me of things we saw, did, smelled, ate everything reminds me of it. My dream would be to go there once a month for 3 weeks and then one week of reality. We are so lucky to have been able to spend time there together.

Hafve Anofther...

2006-07-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

Here is Adam, my oldest brother and his beer. When Aaron sent this to me I thought what the hell happened to Adam's teeth? As I looked a the picture I see that it is a classic Adam pose. I know he would be making some weird noise and shortly after this photo probably saying something totally embarrassing. Now I know how I ended up the way I am.
Love you Adam and thanks Aaron for the pics!

Why Ben

2006-07-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

Ben Wallace how could you!!!!! It makes me sick that I have spent all these emotions on cheering him on and HE LEAVES!!! Especially when the Pistons team should pay their fans to cheer them on! Also what am i going to do with my jersey that i have with his number, his name? This could be one of the worst sports tradegies that I have ever witnessed. What' next Shaq aka Big giant planet head is traded to the Pistons!

What's In a Name!

2006-06-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

My brother Aaron and sister-in-law Jenn are having a baby boy. Now they have kept us all in suspense as to the name. This has kept me up at night, trying to figure out the name. Will it be modern? Will it be biblical? Will he be named after his aunt? Who knows but here are some of the names I think that they will pick!

Anderson
Andrew
Buddy (the paper boy)
Bartholomew
Curt
Carlson
Daniel
Darell
Edward
Ethan
Frederick
Flower (opps think that's a girl name)
George (he was very curious)
Gleason
Henry (I think this is the one)
Hank
Ivan
Ivra
Josiah
Joshua
Ken
Kip (PLEASE NO)
Larwerence
Lupe ( I need help with the groceries-arrested development)
Marcus
Mcoy
Nathan
Noah
Oliver
Peter
Paul
Mary(opps got caught up)
Quincy
Richard (YEAAHHH)
Raymond
Spencer
Thomas
Timothy (I think I am naming the Spamans :) )
Ugene
Victor
Vance
Walter
William
Xander
Yo (can't think of one)
Zander

Now all these names came off the top of my head as I have thought of them over the past months. I know that their boys name is listed here! If not as soon as the baby is born the name is going on this list for the record! I love that son of a preacher man!

Hulking IT

2006-06-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

So the other night we went to go help some friends put together a Gazebo,. As per usual I feel I have to be in charge barking orders left and right thinking "logically" through the easiest way to put it together. So I think why not build it upside down, this will be great cuz all we'll have to do is flip it up and WE are in business. With my supper hulk bossiness I have everyone take a side as we are ready to put it upright..."One, Two, Three!" at that moment the polls, that are one toothpick thick, starts to bend, of course I bark out "put it down" what now? We start taking the whole thing apart that we had just spent the last 17million hours putting together. At a closer look the toothpick poll is broken right at the joint and I am thinking "anyone have a blow torch handy, maybe we could sodder it?" Why would this work and how scary that I would try to do that. I do not want to be the one who thought sodder could hold together something that is house-like, can you imagine...Having great night, food, drinks, music, and BONK the whole thing hits someone on the head...Flash back to bear soddering the pieces.

It did end up being ok since we just went and bought a table and chairs set. Who needs the gazebo? Not me. If anyone happens to sit on the chairs we put together and they fall and bonk their head it is not my responsibility!

"You were flying today buddy, a little to close to the sun"

2006-06-14T22:27:00.000-07:00

How long has it been since you've flown a kite? This was one of the gifts that my parents brought to us. I am not sure if they knew that we would end up in the middle of nowhere flying a kite...I guess so. Nemo was flying high that day and now is grounded in our garage. I have a feeling that the neighborhood kids will "accidentally" find it ask me if they can have it.
Or maybe I could tie the kite to Wilson and he could fly it, can you imagine, "WILSON the amazing dog, he can find his "kitty", eat worms, bark at the hose, go on hunger strike due to new food, and fly a kite! (see tiny picture top left corner)

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1Corinthians 13:13

2006-06-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

This was the first family photo taken since, I can't remember. Aaron sent me an email and said this was his wallpaper so what a better place to have the family on my blog.

Love you all and miss you so much!

Obsessed

2006-06-12T21:33:00.000-07:00

Ever since my parents came out to Utah I have been at hyper mode with planting, some may say obsessed even. Since I work at Wal-Mart I have to shop the barging everyday. Today I didn't do my usual walk around the store on my lunch hour, so in an unfortunate event my 2 clay pots broke tonight. Well I have to get new ones can't let some flowers have their roots exposed and vulnerable to the evil snails that live in the lawn so off to Wal-Mart I go. I walk into the garden center and immediately look at the .25 cent items where I found a Gerber daisy and some other annual that is purple. I will now spend the rest of the summer nursing back to life the 20+ plants I have bought under these same circumstances. I tour our yard everyday, talking to the plants, dead-heading (taking all old flowers off), watering, fertilizing, and cursing any insect or SNAIL that ruins my plants.

Is their a planters anonymous? Am I alone?

stop to smell the flowers

2006-06-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

Give your old bear a kiss

2006-06-12T21:21:00.000-07:00

Mr. Pickle says "My aunt bear is CRAZY, I think I love her!"