Halloween

I love Halloween. This year I was a pirate along with the office, admin, and counseling staff of Redwood Elementary school (my internship). I had the privilege of participating in their costume parade this year. Do you remember when your school did that? I loved Halloween as a kid--that is why it was awesome to relive it with the kids. They are so cute. Philip and I also worked in the Halloween carnival in our ward. Philip helped me put together my costume thanks to his Ecuadorian treasures from his mission (the shirts, a turtle bag).



For my job, I took the girls to see 30 lb. pumpkins dropped from a cherry-picker by the SLC Fire Department at Gallivan Plaza. It was great to watch them explode like that. Plus it was free, always a good time as long as it's free when I am doing respite care (Medicaid money pays for this so don't worry taxpayers, I keep the entertainment costs down).

We need a replacement

On the night of the 24th we had a huge wind storm here in SLC. I kept waking up due to the rain hitting the window and I thought that was intense. Then I walked outside and saw this...





We are very grateful that even though one of the trees fell on top of Philip's car, there were no dents or scratches. It is a blessing because I don't think we could afford to fix Philip's car right now plus the emotional strain for Philip could be permanently damaging. I am terribly sad however for the poor Aspens. They are my favorite type of tree and they were lovely in my parent's front yard. I will let you all know what the replacements will be. I think my mom wants to find another type of tree which will be more durable in a wind storm. I was talking with some ward folk and they told me that a small tornado whipped through our area the night of the storm (according to Fox weather report--not sure the accuracy of anything Fox-related...). What do you think? Also, any good suggestions for a replacement tree?

First Gig

My Grandpa Jim passed away last month and I played the piano at his funeral. He always wanted Jazz played at his funeral so I stepped up and volunteered to play. I really felt his presence while I played and it was an honor to be able to play at his funeral. Ever since then I have wanted to play at weddings, events, and small parties. I also wanted to do this to earn some extra money. I posted an add on Craigslist. My first gig was last Tuesday night in Park City. It was at a private home overlooking all of Park City--it was huge! The event was a fundraiser for the Republican Party. Jimmy Shea was there (Olympic gold medalist from SLC 2002 who lives in PC) along with top people running for office. Jimmy Shea auctioned off a day of skiing at Deer Valley with him and three other Olynpians for four. The winner paid $1100 for it.
I was so nervous to play! There were lots of people there and it was so loud and there was a bar so I don't think my mistakes were heard (hopefully). The biggest obstacle was my back--it hurt so bad after playing for an hour and I played for three. I brought 14 songs that I am decent at but it felt extremely redundant playing them over and over again. I wonder if the people there thought that too? At the end my "employer" paid me and said he'd like to hire me again. I gave him my card. Overall, I think for my first gig, it went well. Thank you Grandpa for giving me courage to try something new and exciting!

Siegfried's Specialty

My father and I met downtown today for lunch and we went to one of my favorite spots- Siegfried's Delicatessan. It's a German deli and you can order lunch there. I got the special of the day- two brauts, speatzle, and sauerkraut. It's my fave and oh so good! Thanks Dad for lunch.

I am in love

I am in love. Today is the first day of my life. Today is the day I got to know my love-my new MacBook Pro. It (I haven't figured out its gender yet) has given me a new world filled with endless possibilities. I am worried about taking it to college with me. What if it gets stolen while I am riding trax alone in the dark (class ends at nine)? What if it gets dropped, or a virus? Or worse, my classmates think I am a snob? Philip told me to tell them the reason why I got one is because my husband really loves me. Thanks Philip for such a loving gift.

New student

So I have been completely lost in my changing routine and therefore have not thought about keeping up with my blog. I started as a grad student at the University of Utah. With that I am working at a 20 hour a week practicum/internship at Redwood Elementary School, learning how to become a school social worker. I resigned from my full time position as a care coordinator from Valley Mental Health and now work part-time (Saturdays only) as a respite provider. Life has been a bit hectic with 16 credit hours, my practicum which extends the 20 hours, my job, and my calling as a primary teacher. Oh and taking care of Philip, making sure he eats enough (I fail at that often:). I do love being in school and my practicum. Redwood Elem is a Title 1 school and 90% Hispanic population-the kids are so cute, even the trouble makers who I get to work with extensively. Some problems with the area surrounding the school: continual gang violence such as drive by shootings, people living in shacks (I've visited them), rampant poverty. I can't believe these kids can even get themselves to school everyday and pay attention in the classroom all day! I am growing an increasing appreciation for public education system and respect for its workers. I am noticing a constant struggle in the school district to cover basic costs. Our school was given $1300 for paper supplies for the entire school year-ridiculous! Anyway, I will get off my soapbox.

24th of July Weekend

On Saturday morning, I went with my parents to hike Albion Basin at Snowbird ski resort. It was so beautiful but infested with clouds of mosquitoes when we hit the water areas. Despite the little pests, I highly recommend this hike. Give me a ring if you need more info. There were millions of wild flowers and it was shaded in most spots. We went pretty early, at 7:00, so we beat the crowds which was nice.








Then that afternoon we had to work at Dave's sweat shop. We all got together to stuff 500 wedding invitations. Let's just say the detail became sub par after the first 20 or so. Just kidding Jennica. Actually it was fun, and we all owe it to Dave, the last "single son" of the family as he calls himself right now.

Lindsay designed the entire invitation and printed them, ordered the envelopes, the stamp, etc. She is super talented. Below is the invitation. I am offering a give away on my blog for one free template from her. It could be non-wedding, such as a thank you card or baby shower invite. Whoever comments on this post will be entered in the giveaway and I will draw randomly. (I'm trying to be like my sister in law who has an awesome blog that's world-known, we'll see if anyone even reads this. Her blog is found at blackeiffel.blogspot.com.)

We love you Grandma

On July 14th my Grandma Rosa Lee Parkin passed away in her home. She was 85. She was surrounded by her children. I will miss her, but I know that she is in a better place with her husband Jay. At her funeral, all five siblings were able to attend and be together. Family at this time is most important. I surely love them.

TRAX

I had a splendid time with my sister Dana and her two kids. We took TRAX to the SLC Library downtown. Dana and I agree that it was an opportunistic time for Avery and Ian to become educated on different ways of living. For instance, they learned that some people need to take public transportation to get around. They also learned that not all people are nice. As a young woman was departing off the train, she dropped her big jug of orange juice and it spilled all over poor little Ian and his stroller. She scooped up the jug and got off. Avery made the observation of propriety that "she didn't say sorry" and stated this to the homeless-looking man sitting across from us. He laughed along with the others on the train. Ian too it with dignity and continued playing with his beloved truck while Dana wiped him down. At the library we explored the different floors and we were able to access the roof, something I have always wanted to do. The bottom floor has a great childrens section and Avery and Ian were able to play. We took trax to temple square and then to gateway. I got yelled at by the TRAX driver because I used the ramp off of the train to get off with Ian sitting in his stroller. He said it was only for the disabled and I said "what about people in strollers?" I think he lacked any compassion for mothers.

Fireworks

My brother Dave and I watched the fireworks from his complex right outside BYU stadium last night. Phil was sick so he didn't get to come.
Happy July 4th!!

Twi-hard

I saw Eclipse this afternoon with my coworker Julie thanks to her Allstate Insurance account (they bought out an entire theater and invited their clients). Julie was gracious enough to invite me. I had a splendid time. Eclipse wasn't as emotionally draining as New Moon. It was quite action packed mixed in with a few gushy love scenes. I was disappointed by the Voutori (sp?), they should be far more frightening. I liked the fight scenes. I used to be "team Jacob", but I have converted to Edward, after he told Bella to wait until marriage for sex. Yeah Edward!! What a gentleman. I will definitely be dragging Philip with me to see it again (I think he will secretly like it).

Camping

Our power went out last night for three hours for some unknown reason. It was fun bc it felt like camping. Philip grilled some hot dogs (we had to light the grill with a lighter-how archaic) and I put a can of beans on there to heat em up. Mmm... Grilled beans...
It was mighty tasty.
When it got dark we lit some candles and snuggled in bed to watch the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Philip's IPad-thank heavens it was already charged up before the power outage, I don't know what we would have done. It was fun camping out.

Memorial Grove Hike

For the summer I am running a hiking/meditation group for my clients, ages 15 to 18. Tonight we hiked City Creek Canyon, which is accessed from Memorial Grove park by the capital building. We had six clients come and two staff, 5 were boys. We had a fun time stomping around and splashing in the creek. This is supposed to be part meditation, and most of my clients found ways to meditate by throwing sticks, rocks, yelling to bystanders, skidding in the dirt, and using the trees as restrooms. You know, I thought it was therapeutic.

Another highlight of my day was finding out that one of our foster parents served his mission in Poland (where I served two years ago). He served in '93 so it was interesting to talk about the various changes the LDS church has gone through between his time being there and mine.

South Bend Trivia

I grew up in South Bend. Indiana. Yesterday for father's day and my sister Dana's birthday we got together for a family feast. One of our favorite family past-times is to play "South Bend Trivia". Can any of you challenge me with a trivia question regarding South Bend? I challenge all you Hoosiers to a match.

Our Wedding

Catching up

My brother Dave recently got engaged and set the date for August 20-21 (reception on one day and marriage on another). Watching the two of them navigate wedding plans brings me back. Phil and I have been married just over a year now, May 1st 2009. To think we have been married over a year is hard to fathom. Here are some things I have learned that I will pass on to Dave and Jennica:
1. lower your expectations of housework and you will be pleasantly surprised
2. compromise on everything
3. avoid marrying your spouse during an annual sporting event such as the NBA playoffs
4. learn to like things they like (like watching the NBA playoffs or playing X box)
5. pick your battles

Okay so I make it sound like marriage is hard, well here are things I love about being married to Philip:
1. he is my best friend and I can tell him anything and everything and he won't judge me
2. we laugh so hard together often
3. I can be my complete self and he only makes fun of me a little
4. Philip can fix anything on the computer, phone, television, media player, monitor, ipad, and most items from ikea
5. he gives me back and foot massages on a daily basis and doesn't make me reciprocate
6. I absolutely LOVE shopping with Philip, he never makes me feel shoppers guilt, talks me into everything (unless it's from TJ Maxx or Ross, or Target, or DI....), and he actually is interested in what I am looking at (unlike most guys)
7. I have someone to help me through bad days
8. I love him

Going back to where I am at now, Philip and I two months ago moved out of our apartment at San Moritz (away from the crazy neighbor woman below who called the cops on us for walking around) and into my parents' basement. We are the "boomerang generation" so why not? the reason why we took this drastic measure is because our lease ended, and my parents were gracious enough to invite us to live in their basement while I attend the University of Utah to earn my masters degree in social work. We want to avoid student debt if possible so this sounded like a good plan. Philip and I both work full time now until I start school in the fall 2010. Philip works at Ticketmaster in IT and I work for Valley Mental Health with clients in foster care. I am sure I will be blogging more about my job so I can avoid constantly telling Philip all my crazy stories. This already feels therapeutic.

First timer

So this is my first time as a blogger. Well, I tried it once in college but realized there wasn't much to write about. I decided that even though there is nothing really more I can write about, it's what married people do and I should join up. I love reading other people's blogs, and you bloggers deserve some reciprocity. So I hope you enjoy my blog, even if it's only me reading it.