Cocktail Party...Mormon style!

You have all seen the fancy parties attended by the Hollywood elite. You know the ones covering the pages of every magazine in the checkout line. Well a thought occurred to us a while back. We can party like Rock Stars too. So we did!

We threw a Moctail Party with all the fixin's! There was a full array of drinks to please all tastes. Martinis, Margaritas, Pina Coladas, Daiquiris, Shots, Champagne, Beer, and Jello Shots. Don't go getting all alarmed on me. EVERYTHING was VIRGIN!!! There was not a drop of anything that would make you the least bit tipsy!

We told our guests this was a "Black Tie Affair" in hopes that everyone would come all gussied up! Most people took advantage of this chance to pull out their best duds. Getting all dressed up every now and then is a great feeling.

Christmas music filled the air, Christmas lights set the atmosphere and lots of laughing could be heard all night! The pool table was a hit and it seemed fitting that billiards would be played at such a party.

People ate finger foods and chatted the night away! We did white elephant gifts and I walked away with a really old can of escargot! It is nasty, but something that will be fun to give away at the next party!

All in all it was a success! Everyone had a blast and took lots of pictures! It is not everyday you can see your friends walking around holding a martini glass or beer bottle. And acting as though it is the most normal thing in the world! Then have those same friends sit next to you in church 2 days later. It was something that needed to be documented! We are looking forward to doing it all over again!





Alicia came to check out the party!
Notice she is holding 3 drinks!
She is also 7 months pregnant!
Good thing those are virgin drinks!





You know it is a good party when there is a big
mess to clean up!












White Elephant gift exchange. Some people took
the "Black Tie Affair" Tuxes and everything!














Buying all the "booze" at Walmart. I am sure people thought our next stop was the liquor store. Little did they know that Mt. Dew was as hard as we got!





The Pina Colada was the favorite drink of the night!

Just a friendly game of pool. Beverages and Billiards makes for a great evening!

See what I mean about people walking around holding the drinks like it is totally natural! Katie is a Lush!

This is serious business! Holding a flute of bubbly, in a Tux with a duct tape bow tie! Yet he is all alone! How did this happen?

The Champagne, Beer and Shots table!

The Bar... Margaritas, Pina Colada, Daiquiris,

and Jello shots. All made to order by some of the finest bartenders in the valley!

This party was SO much fun! I love to plan parties so much maybe even more than attending!But this party is for sure near the top of my list!

I love...

You all know those days when you feel particularly bugged by the world in general!? I am talking the sock wrinkle, ran out of shampoo, could not find the car keys, missed breakfast, and hit every red light. All on your way to the one place you need be going right then. We have all had those days right? Please tell me I am not alone! On any given day any or all of those things would be fine. But then there are those days when these things threaten to put you over the edge!

Well today was not quite that day, but close! I found that I was getting irritated by little things. Like the fact that the clock was insistent on moving so slow. Or that patient in the waiting room who was yelling into the phone for 15 minutes. And to make it worse she was repeating the same thing over and over! I was bugged by red lights, the need to clean my house, the lack of motivation to clean said house. I also was bugged to see that it is pitch black at 5:30 pm, and I need to dig my coat out of where ever that place is I put it last spring!

So after deciding this is not a good way to feel I have decided to write down some of the little things that totally make my day! I think we can all be a freak in our own right. So I make no apology for these little things that brighten my world!

I love...
Crisp morning air
The smell of freshly sharpened pencils
Brand new crayons
Baby lotion
New socks
High thread count sheets
Loud (you can hear it when you move) bedding
Tulips
Daisies
The sound of my phone ringing
A clean room
An email from a friend
A letter in the mail, that is not asking for money
Cream of Wheat
The first snowfall
Laughing until my face hurts over something totally lame.
Crying, because sometimes you just need to
Chocolate
The sound of footsteps. Think heels on cement!
Ice cold water
Just out of the dryer hot towels
Babies laughing
String cheese
Sleeping with a fan on all year round
Having my face really cold and the rest of me warm and toasty while I sleep
Remembering the fun memories of our childhood as adults
Looking back through old pictures
Being with people who love me
my family
my friends

There are lots more that I could write down but i think that is a good start! I hope to remember these things more often and not let the "Other Stuff" get to me! Life is to short to spend lots of time being "Bugged." Unless you work for the CIA in which case being Bugged is really a good thing!

At least the lights are pretty...

So there I was Monday night, sitting at my computer minding my own business. When out of nowhere something strange happened. I started to see flashing lights and lots of movement from, in and around my left eye. Everything with my right eye seemed to be in check. I was a little alarmed by this new development. So being like most people I made a status update on facebook! Something to the effect of " Seeing flashes of light from my left eye, pretty sure that is not normal." I figured anyone out there with knowledge on the subject would let me know. I got a pretty intense headache that lasted only about 10 minutes. So all thoughts that this could be a migraine were out the window. I just have flashing lights and what is best described as water ripples in everything I see for no good reason.

When my mom saw the post on facebook she called right away. She was concerned that I might have a tear in my Retina. What the heck? I thought you had to have some kind of trauma to do that sort of thing. I am no Eye Dr. but I am pretty sure the Retina is tacked down pretty well. And should not be coming loose like a filling placed in a cavity. The only trauma my head has faced would be the constant blowing of my nose. And it is not like I am trying to win an award and blowing much harder than necessary. Another friend commented on my status about a Retina tear and suggested I see a Dr. ASAP. Well I decided to sleep on it and see if the only light I saw in the morning was that of the rising sun.

Morning came and much to me dismay I was still seeing the little flashes. And although that are pretty and such. I like my life much better without them. So I decided I needed to get it checked out by a professional. I called my eye Dr's office and the nice lady on the other end told "He will want to see you for sure, because that is not normal." Great!!! I went to his office and did the regular eye exam. Most of which went rather well I thought! He was not sure what the problem could be. But NO RETINA TEAR so that was a good sign! He mentioned a number of things that could be the cause. Like a Migraine, stress, associated with the nerve damage in my shoulder, among other Dr jargon type things...

I am hoping it is just from my shoulder, that seems the most likely.

He wanted me to go have a Vision Field Study. This test will pin point the part of the eye that is effected. And it is also the cheapest test to do at this point! I felt good about this, I like cheap things! I went to the appointment today for this test. Let me just say it was super lame! Kind of like the very first video games. You look into a dome shaped thing. They flash tiny lights all around you. You are push a button when you see a light. Or when you "think" you have seen a light. (It is also a good way to question your sanity.) Really? Does the fact that I am always seeing some sort of light matter? I guess not because we did the test! Talk about pressure... I had 3 thoughts running through my mind during this test. 1) I feel like a pirate with this eye patch on. 2) I wonder if this is what Captain Picard feels like when he is on the Starship Enterprise. 3) Brian Regan and his stint about the eye Dr. in his stand up comedy act. "This is not a test you want to fail. If you do you come out with some sort of coming attraction Hubble Telescope glasses."

The test was over and the nice girl asked me what the Dr was looking for. And was very sweet and smiled when I told her. I asked her how things looked and like any good tech she said "I don't know, I just run the machine!"

So now I just wait to hear from my Dr. I hope he calls soon so I will KNOW!! But also so I can tell him that things are improving and the lights are becoming less and less!!! Because i am sure he is dying to know this!

It is going to be OK!

So let me say first and foremost that I am OK with my life. I am not loving every SINGLE minute of it. But for the most part I am OK with the way things are! I have a great family that is always there for me, awesome friends who love me, a good job that I happen to love, and the Church is true! I still think that there are times in our lives where being OK is the best we can do! Would I like some aspects of my life to be different? Sure I would. I would love for there to be less of me, I would love to make more money, I would love to add the that great family I talk about. So being OK is good enough for now. It is not easy to be alone in this big world, nor is it fun. However I would much rather be alone than in a bad or unhappy relationship. Because I know there are far worse things than being single. I have seen some of those relationships play out, and thank my lucky stars I am not faced with those kinds of trials.

Having said that...

Sometimes people who are in relationships or even married try to help a little to much. They tend to tip toe around those of us who are not there yet. I know they are trying to not rub their bliss into our faces. But truth be told this hurts even more. I want to know the fun things that are happening in your life. I want to know the details of your dates. I want to know the cute things he said to you that made you have butterflies. I want to be involved in your life! Please know that I am able to handle the fact that I am not there now. I will share my stories of this nature with you when the time comes. Believe me I have a list of people who will have to sit through all the painful details!!! And even though this trial is harder at time than it is at others. It has nothing to do with my happiness for you! If we are friends it is for a reason! And whether you are dating, engaged or married I still want to be part of you life!

I know that things have to change and people move on! Believe me I know about this all to well. I understand that this person is a huge part of you life and will be for a long time. PLEASE understand We (those still single) are trying to get used to the new way of doing things! Change is not something that you get used to over night! It just takes some getting used to is all. But that does not mean in anyway that we are not wanting to be part of it! Really if you think about it we are living through you, so please don't leave us out!!

I know this was a lot of rambling and maybe it did not even make any sense. But I guess what I am trying to say is this. Even though being at this stage in my life is not my idea of fun. I am OK!! I also am trying to say that not being in the loop is much worse that it seems. So I am doing my part to expose this ELEPHANT in the room!

I know someday these things will happen in my life too! So until then I will be OK!

Why do you think I am sick???

So this may come as a shock to some of you out there so brace yourselves...It is Cold and Flu season! Please understand this does not need to send you into some kind of paranoia! But just to help you better understand what is going on in the world around you! I am looking out for you and my sanity all that the same time! Some people call this multi-tasking. OK moving on to the point behind this post. Today while at work I was more or less put in my place. Why? Well because I have have a cold. And I had the audacity to come to work. Mind you I was doing everything in my power to keep my germs to myself. You know washing my hands, covering my sniffles and sneezes things of that nature! But I guess I was still in the wrong. So in my defence I wanted to give my 2 cents worth on how we can all get along better! After all I am sure being surrounded by sickness all of the time, has absolutely nothing to do with why I am now slightly under the weather.

First of all cover your mouth. This is such a simple thing to do. Even little children can handle this action. It is all in the elbow folks, one slight bend and TA DA mouth covered! When you feel a cough coming on for the sake of man kind please do this. I am sure you can find a website that will show you exactly how many particles are expelled from you with each cough and sneeze. I have no desire to do watch something so disgusting. I will simply take their word for it. But I do know it is a lot of HUD that comes out and I don't want to breath it in! I am all about recycling...But I have my limits! I have no desire to take you particles for a test run!

Please refrain form touching everything you see. This is extra important if my first suggestion is something you are still trying to master! I know it hard to not want to touch every pen in the jar. But it is not something you need to do. The less you touch the less you spread and also the less you pick up! Germs are funny little things, they are not picky when it comes to what they will attach themselves to! Hands, feet, door knobs, pens, desks, telephones, men, women, children...This list could go on and on. But frankly I have a life I need to live. When you make a point of touching everything you can you are only becoming a travel agent for those little guys! So keep things you touch to a minimum!

Masks are for your use and the consideration of those around you. Please know that I have worn my fair share of masks and they are lame-o! They are hot, they make your eyes water and are just plain a pain in the neck. Having said that we know you are not wearing them for a fashion statement. But rather you are sick enough that you have chosen on you own to wear one. Or you have been asked to do so! Well now that you are wearing one, please wear it correctly!!! And what is correctly? I am glad you asked...Covering your mouth and nose! The human body is made so we can breathe with our nose or mouth and both at the same time. So if you are covering only your mouth this is a good start. But that same air is still coming out to join the rest of us through your nose! Please pull that mask up! Again let me say I know they are not comfortable. However they help to keep those around you from recycling!

When those in the heath care field get sick and still come to work. It is often looked at like we are the Devil himself. How dare we be so thoughtless. I mean really it is not like we have been breathing in the contaminated air everyday of our lives. How dare we breath while at work! It is not that we in fact thoughtless. But rather more like victims. We are taking care of the ill and there is no way around it. Recycling is just part of our job. It may have been in the small print that we were not aware of at the time when we signed up for these jobs! Nevertheless we are human too and just like everyone else we also get sick! I am really sorry for this fact. But there is nothing that can be done about it. Or is there???? Perhaps if people would keep these precautions in mind we could all get along better!

Ok I really do love my job! But sometimes a girl needs to get it all out!

This is me SCREAMING...

Sometimes I really hate my job! I will never understand somethings about what I do for a living! And what I continue to put up with day after day!!! I think if I write it down it may help! Probably not but it is worth a shot...

1) I have the worlds lamest boss. I have no idea what the man does all day long. Other than annoy the heck out of me. He is always walking around looking like he is important. Well here is an idea. DO something to make you important!! He always like to run everything by me. Why? I have no idea. I could not care less that he has decided to change our Coban. Or that he is trying to get us child size masks. And I can see for myself that he got the sign moved. He does not need to tell me in a 15 minute conversation. It is now directly over my head. I will start praying that ceiling gives out and I happen to be under it. Then he can have something to really talk to me about! Please do us all a favor and find a computer to hide behind!!!

2) I take the brunt of the anger from the patients. When I do not have orders from your Dr office it does no good to get mad at me! I simply have the folder for them to place said order in. I understand that they told you they would bring send it to the lab. I don't know how to tell you gently, but they LIED!!! I believe they had every intention of getting it to us. But for what ever reason that did not happen! It is not in my control. SO treating me like dirt is not going to do anything for you! However it will help me to practice self control and not "Miss" you vein when it comes time to draw you blood. And for that I am thankful, seeing that self control is an important attribute.

3) I have to say the same thing to adults over and over. I am not talking about my elderly patients who are hard of hearing. I have no problem raising my voice to allow them to hear me! I am talking about middle age, hearing adults. We are not talking about rocket science material here folks. I am simply asking you to follow simple instructions. "The restroom is the second door on your left. Place the sample in the pink bucket on the counter when you are done. then you are free to go." Sound's pretty easy right? (Given that you are in a state to actually produce a sample.) Well I can tell you first hand that this statement will blow your mind when put to the test! Everyday I have multiple people walk the sample right past the pink bucket, through the waiting room and to my desk. "Here is the sample, where do I put it?" Really, you think I am making this up. I am not, I would not joke about something like this. We are talking urine in the waiting room! I don't get it at all. Life must be really hard for these people. This is stuff Launa's 5th graders could master!!! Why then do we have such a problem?

Well I guess that is enough freaking out for now! I need to save some of my issues for a later date! And I think I might feel a little better! But only a little.

Oh wait one last thing. Can anybody tell me why it is so hard to place the pen back in the pen holder? All day long people wave them in my face and hand them back to me. Excuse me but I do not remember handing it to you in the first place. So what makes you think I want it back! See that big pen holder that you got it out of? Here is an idea...Put it back in there!

Amazed...

So here I am at 2:00 in the morning thinking I really should go to bed. But need to write about my evening while it is still fresh.

Last weekend there was a terrible accident involving the American Fork Marching Band. While coming home from a competition, a bus carrying many students and a teacher crashed. The teacher was Heather Christensen, a woman I have never met. But I look up to her in so many ways. She was on the bus that night because she felt she needed to be. She is a HERO! She stepped in where she was needed and in the process lost her own life. She loved those kids on that bus and did all within her power to keep them safe. She had a passion and followed it! She loved music and her students and left this life having just come from a competition where her kids had swept every caption! Taking home the first place trophy and starting the season off on the right foot! She was loved by her students and they knew she loved them. I think it is so amazing the lives this woman impacted. And will continue to impact as the story of her bravery is still being told.

Tonight was the first Competition since the accident. I was able to go down to BYU tonight and watch. There was somewhat of a somber mood draped over the stadium. I guess that is to be expected. I went to cheer on our Local bands, Sky View, and Mountain Crest. But there was a part of me that wanted to be there to see the American Fork students rise above the tragedy and make their teacher and friend proud.

Going in I had no idea the amount of support that was filling that stadium. There were so many red ribbons pined to shoulders. Coupled with enough red to make you question if the 4th of July was just around the corner.

We were seated next to a very large group of the AF student body. There were kids there from every walk of life. There were your jocks, cheerleaders, leadership, and just your average Joe. I dare say most had NO IDEA what was going on. But they were there to show support. They cheered for EVERY band that played. When AF was ready to take the field this group of kids started to sing the school song. They cheered their little hearts out during the show! They often waited until the rest of the crowd was cheering and would then join in! As if it was their cue that something awesome had just happened! So maybe they had no idea what was going on. Who cares, they were there to show support to their friends during this hard time. Marching Band has somewhat of a bad wrap. Being the weird band geek is not a cool thing outside the band room. I just loved how none of that mattered tonight. They were simply being respected and SUPPORTED by the rest of the school! After the band was done and most of the tears were dried. The band left the field to the sweet sound of their fellow classmates singing "Be Still My Soul." Talk about chills and many more tears fell.

I was reminded tonight that there are so many good kids out there! They will stand up and be there for each other even when they may not see eye to eye, or even like the same things!

Life is good. I hope to keep the reminder I was given tonight with me for a really long time. Life is to short to not help those around us!