Friday, October 30, 2009

Busy like a bee.

What a great experience I had this week. I was recorded, yes, me actually singing, in a studio. I sang The Very Thought of You. It was ok. There were things I would correct and such if I could, but overall I think positively on the experience. There is so much to learn and much progress I could make. There is always room for improvement, right? Anyway, thanks to my friend-since-3rd-grade Phillip for giving me the opportunity.

I have been interviewing for night jobs. Cross your fingers. I don't enjoy interviewing, but a girl does what she must. It won't be bad. If I am lucky I will make some new friends, do some work, and get a little money in the process. Too bad money doesn't grow on trees.

We had a fun halloween party at the church last night. For the past few years the Youth of the ward have hosted a Soup-n-Scare for the Primary kids. Everyone easts and then the kids rotate through a bunch of activities. The kids loved it. Today I'll go in and help with Corb's class, and then Trick-or-Treating on Saturday will be fun. Izzy has been practicing saying "Trick-or-Treat" for weeks now. I am not sure where she learned the phrase. She just says it randomly.

By the way, my costume is Cleopatra.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Trunk-or-Treat is lame?

Am I the only person in the world that thinks Trunk-or-Treat is lame? Our ward (Thank Heaven!) does not have a Trunk-or-Treat activity. Does anyone else think that it excludes the rest of the community when you celebrate Halloween in a church parking lot instead of trekking to each home? If someone does not want to participate in regular Halloween,  they can just do as others have done before: Turn off you lights, don't answer the door. Ta-Da. If you are worried for your kids safety (think razors in apples) then maybe you should be out there with them and have them skip the houses that irk you.

In my opinion I think that the whole Trunk-or-Treat thing has to go. Who started it in the first place? I know it is practiced by different religious groups. It "creates a safe family oriented environment" and all, but come on. How else can you reach out to your community than going door-to-door with a special message... "Give me some candy! or else. . . " 
 
Discuss.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Where The Wild Things Are= Not What I Expected


Ok. This film was strange. The first thing I said after the film ended was, "Are you kidding? That’s it?" It just ended.... Not much explanation.

I do think the more I have time to think about the more I like it, but I was really disappointed at first. And it is still weird, so I don’t know if I would recommend it to people. Maybe as a Redbox rental. It was just … different and it made me feel anxious so many times. The opening scene made me crazy. Max is chasing the wrestling the dog while holding a fork. Max was in dangerous situations and it just made me nervous.

Maybe you will love it. I now know of a family that saw it and loved it. We didn’t enjoy it, because I wanted something more light and fun for the little ones. Corban was so excited to see it and now I don’t think he is going to for some time. It was thought provoking. I am still thinking about. Trying to make sense of it. It didn’t make sense. There was talking (and I was surprised the monsters talked) and times of silence. And sometimes I felt like some things needed explanation. It left me wanting more. It just ends. Poor Max was so neglected and lonely and sad. It was a bit heartbreaking.

I must admit, I did picture Corban as Max for some of the scenes. The way he is fearless and impulsive. The way he is with new friends. The way he can be shy. I think that is why I am beginning to make sense of the film, but I will not be purchasing this film.

I am glad I saw it for the “what if’ factor to be eliminated, but it was just not the fun family friendly movie I was hoping for. Too bad. Maybe you will love it. I didn’t. I wanted to, I really did.

Hi, Let's Celebrate Me!

Everyone did so much this weekend for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I was able to see my side of the family on Saturday, and Dave's side on Sunday. Thank you everyone for so much. Dave took me to Tucanos for lunch, thanks to the free birthday meal....To join click here.

Then we went to the movie Where The Wild Things Are that night, thanks to Candice and Andy.

It was an eventful weekend. Thanks for the celebrating and the gifts.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

What the devil am I doing awake?

Perhaps I am having a bout of insomnia. I don't know. I cannot sleep. I will be hating life in the morning. If you are reading this, you are in luck. You get to read some random thoughts of mine. I am hoping the continuous sound of the keyboard strokes will lull me to sleep.


Today it rained like a maniac. It was beautiful. I was hoping to mow the lawn and do some weeding, but lucky for me the rain came down.

My sweet mom-in-law asked me what I want for a forthcoming birthday. I hate answering that question. It makes me think of Gina complaining about the same thing and saying.... "Hi, let's celebrate me!" I digress. So I told my mom-in-law I would try to think of some things. Do you enjoy spouting off a list of your wishes? Maybe I should be shouting from the hilltops, "Hi, let's celebrate me!," but it is a bit difficult for me.

Here is what I sent her: bike lock, hug, rolling pin, babysitter for a date, jewelry , deal on a large stockpot, cooking skills, relaxation, gift card..... I don’t know.

(How have I survived this long without a rolling pin… I often use a glass.)

(I don‘t have much jewelry and am looking to branch out…. I envy the trendy friends of mine that always look awesome. Too bad I can only wear the expensive earrings. Sensitive ears are a drag.)

I read the list and thought, "I must be able to think of some better/cooler items." Nope. It hasn't happened yet. I can think of all sorts of things I want for my kitchen. A good massage would be nice, but it is getting harder to relax, the older I get. I would also love a basket for my bike for the times I venture to the store and don’t have a back pack or spacious purse. What do I want for my birthday, folks? Help a girl out.

I have made it more than half way through General Conference. I downloaded the audio files and then put them on my ipod and have really enjoyed being able to really listen to the talks. There is so much wisdom in them. I am so happy I live in this time period. What would I do without technology?

I better climb in bed and hope someone left sleeping dust on my pillow. 

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Much to my dismay...

I have been pondering the age old question: What should I be for All Hallows' Evening? So I hop on my trusty search engine and soon grow tired of all the scant costumes. I thought Medusa would be fun, or Snow white even, but many of the skirts were not to the fingertips when one holds one's arms down... Remember that rule from school or your parents. Some were, sadly, out of my price range. Anyway, I then tried to get away from my current search and google "Best women's costumes." and I found this gem....
(Click on the title to see the picture.)


Aren't you glad you live in a day when nearly 50% of the most popular costumes are "Sexy Pirate" (24%) and "Sexy Cop" (20%), with "Sexy Nurse" (5%) coming in a close 3rd. Wow. I am at a loss.

I still need to figure out something amazing to imitate in dress for the holiday. Any ideas? And no I will not be considering anything with the word sexy in the title.
What are you going to pretend to be?

All done!

14 quarts and 6 pints of pears for good ol' food storage. I ran out of quart jars and didn't want to run to the store mid-project. I thought 14 quart jars would be enough, but no, it obviously wasn't. It was fun to learn and hopefully I did them right.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Applesauce

I was able to do 22 jars of applesauce in 4 hours! I am so proud of myself. Is it sometimes ok to brag?



[There should be a picture of all the apples here. I forgot to take one. So instead I will find some random internet image.]



I finally got around to cleaning off the outsides of the jars to put them in storage. Total jars= 32 and a little bit over (half a small jar). Isn't it funny that I spent the same amount of time both days(12-4. While Corban was at school-) and only did 10 jars the first day. I guess I had to get a system set up the first day and the next day I was more prepared, but wow.



[And here should be a picture of all the lovely finished jars. They are all stacked in boxes on the shelves.]



If all goes as planned, tomorrow I attempt pears.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Things to come.

No I have not decided on a name. Picking names is something I struggle with, just think of my poor children that had to live nameless for a while in the hospital. At least I named them before taking them home, thus saving them from a life of knowing their original birth certificate saying "Baby Boy" or "Baby Girl" Langston. But, never fear, this blog will be named, I will choose. One day it will just come to me. I can feel it.

I had a great Institute class today and have a few things I want to share, but for now I need to hasten to the kitchen and get the applesauce going. There are few hours before Corban returns from school. 10 jars down... more to come.

Have a great day, wonderful you!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

I'm drawing a blank


I know I have, probably, the largest following that blogger has ever seen. Really, I know how to draw in the crowds, but what I can't do it come up with a one of a kind, awesome, and clever name for this blog. I have read tips about how to choose your name. Some suggestions: Stick to 3 word titles (not too long or short, easy to recall), no wacky spellings, demonstrate uniqueness, easy to remember, needs to be descriptive or convey an image.

Here I am racking my brain and I have nothing. Well, close to nothing. I have a few ideas I don't want to divulge, which means they must be too amazing to share or very lame. Most likely the latter. Any ideas? It might be funny to do "abby something" - inspired by Young Frankenstein, though few may even get that joke. Do I need to explain? I have an abnormal brain.....
Maybe I just call it Rachymaree. As many a teacher have said, "KISS"- Keep it simple stupid. Or maybe awesomeandclever.blogspot.com. That's simple enough. But really, people I could use your insight. Share some of the genius; you're holding out on me.

So..... what say you?

Friday, October 2, 2009

It always pays to do your VT.

A few days ago, in the nick of time, my VT companion, Joyce, and I went out to get our Visiting Teaching done. Like deathbed repentance we were able to visit both before October showed it's glorious face. (Isn't October wonderful!?) We spent longer than normal chatting with our lovely ladies, and one of the topics we came across was canning. I have been a bit sad that my trees (thanks to my over eager trimming) have been barren this year, but at least now I know what I am doing. Definitely learned by error. Last year I had so many apples I was giving them away by the bagful. And that was after making 40 jars of applesauce and keeping a box of eating apples. My companion talked about the pears and apples she wanted to try canning this year and asked the sister we were with many questions. I listened, needing the lessons in canning myself. I only have canned a few times. First time= last year Laurelyn taught me how to do applesauce. I had been present at canning extravaganzas hosted by my mom and sis-in-laws (they are amazing), but never actively did much until Laurelyn offered to let me come over to learn by doing. At least now I would be more helpful if I was to attempt to keep up with the canning queens I call family.

I digress. Yesterday Joyce called and offered all of her fruit to me. For a few reasons, she wasn't going to be canning after all. I, of course, being a lady of great manners(I wish) , graciously accepted. Today I spent an hour smiling away, while picking delicious apples and pears from my neighbor's trees. 3 boxes later I am excited to get canning. I have never done pears. Wish me luck!

What are your favorite things to can? Or do you hate canning and love the food so next year you are thinking of hiring someone to do the dirty work for you? Anything you have received because of Visiting?