From The Jar... #5

I'm not feeling to bloggish today. Or tonight, as the case may be. The Jar must know this because I got a super easy one this time. And the Jar says...

What kind of extracurricular activities did you participate in while you were in school?

I had to look up the exact definition of extracurricular to make sure I had it right...

extracurricular:

1. Being outside the regular curriculum of a school or college: Sports and drama are the school's most popular extracurricular activities.

This one was easy for me because I didn't do any extracurricular activities. I wanted to, but I was a big fat chicken and I was terrified to try out for the things I wanted to do. In school I sang in choirs. That was it. And that can't be considered extracurricular because I got credit for it. I wanted to try out for the basketball team. I wanted to be in the musicals or plays. That's about all I wanted to do. I guess being chicken was not the only reason I didn't do it. Now that I'm thinking of it, I didn't want to have to stay after school for things. I wanted to zip out of there as soon as humanly possible! Anyway, that's it. Nothing extracurricular for me!

When I was out of school, now that's another story. I loved to play ultimate Frisbee! I guess there was some sort of ultimate Frisbee club in school, and I wanted to do that, but I never did. I also took voice lessons. I guess that could be considered extracurricular. Anyway, I was fairly boring. The end.


So, you know the rules. Tell me what you did extracurricular, either in a comment or let me know in a comment to go look at your blog! :) Happy Wednesday!

Manic Monday: Under

For Kristin


Stepping Stones to Now

No matter how long you have to prepare, nothing can prepare you.
The vacant space left behind leaves a hollow place in your heart.
Hollow, but not void of pain.
The pain tears at your chest while you smile, and cope, and continue living your life.
Life goes on, but often that wound tries to pull you under.

Time heals all wounds, yet time is an illusion.
All there is is Now.
Now is sorrow.
Now is loss.
Now is joy in her memory.
Now is sunshine through Noah's eyes.
Now is feeling and acknowledging your pain.
Now is feeling everything that this process brings you.
Anger, fear, guilt, joy, love... these are all stepping stones to the Now that brings peace.

Love this process. Love her life. Love the Now and each gift it brings you.

No Wonder

No wonder David Cook is the latest American Idol Winner! I thought this performance was amazing!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

We did it! We've hit the ten year mark! Ten years ago today I was a blushing bride. Isn't Dustin cute! :)

A quick history: Dustin and I met when we were in college, January of 1997. His roommate, Justin, was dating my roommate, Britta. All of Justin's roommates would come over to our house all the time because, according to Dustin, it was a house full of HOT girls! (there were 8 of us in our house) At the end of May a group of us started playing volleyball, Frisbee, and roller blading together. I was impressed with his roller blading moves and he was an AWESOME Frisbee player. We started hanging out, just he and I. The more I hung out with him, the more hyper he got. Strange word choice you might say? Well, he was. I thought he was kinda crazy. We sort-of dated for about two weeks and then I moved home for the summer. I was a little overwhelmed by him. He called me for a while in the summer, and I was, frankly, not that interested.

After a while, he stopped calling. I felt kinda bad about that, but I wasn't as excited as he seemed to be. Meanwhile, that whole summer he and Britta were hanging out because Britta and Justin had broken up. So, when I moved back down for school and back in with Britta, Dustin was always around. We were just friends, and he was cool with that. He was still as "hyper" as ever. In fact, we had rules that Dust had to follow when he was at our apartment: 1) No fast movements 2) No head-butting 3) No biting. Yes, I said biting. You'd just have to have known him then to understand that one. We tried dating once more. That lasted for about a week, and I said no.. we've just gotta be friends.

Sometime around October he asked me if he could take me swing dancing. I didn't really want to go. I did a swing dance with a kid at an Institute dance and I thought it was lame. I am not a dancer. What I didn't know was that it's all about how good the person leading is, and Dustin is an AWESOME lead. We went swingin' despite the huge paper I had due in two days (that I hadn't started). I will never regret that decision. I hate to sound cheesy, but he literally and metaphorically swept me off my feet. I saw him in a whole new light that night. After that, we went dancing every Thursday. After two months of this, I finally agreed that we were dating. (Britta argued that he was already my boyfriend much earlier than that because I was buying him clothes.) I found some footage of us dancing that I thought you might enjoy- (hee hee!) Check this out.

Ha ha! I thought that was fitting.

Anyway... he proposed on February 2. I asked him if I could think about it. (I was pretty much a jerk, yes.) I finally said Yes on February 8. For six days I unknowingly tortured this sweet man. In my defense, it was a big decision and not something I wanted to say yes to if I wasn't totally sure. At any rate, we got married June 6, 1998 and it's been an incredible journey!

I am so grateful that Dustin patiently waited for me to figure out that he was my match. He was always so good to me, and continues to be such. I love you, honey! Thanks for the best ten years of my life. Here's to the next ten years and beyond...

Ella Says the Darndest Things...

As I've mentioned a couple times... I recently read The Host by Stephenie Meyer and LOVED it! For any of you that haven't actually seen the book, this is the cover. (minus the 'available now' blurb)


I was sitting reading this book for a while during the day when Ella suddenly asked, "Mom, aren't you finished with that eyeball book yet?"

I laughed. I blogged.

50 Things

This is something I got on my email from two of my cousins. I wanted to do it, but I've gotten to where I hate to send emails. I am a blogger through and through. So... I'm making it into a TAG! So... here's 50 silly questions.

50 Things.

1. Do you like bleu cheese?

So much! I love to dip really yummy french fries in it and ketchup mixed.

2. Have you ever smoked?
I changed this one from a slightly different question. I have had one puff on a cigarette when I was 5 years old. My dad was doing an anti-smoking campaign.
3. Do you own a gun?
I don't, but my hubby has several.

4. Your favorite song right now?

Be Still My Soul sung by David Archuleta. I've listened to it about 10 times.

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?

Not really. Except for the dentist sometimes and the chiropractor during my week of neck death.

6. What do you think about hot dogs?
I think they are funny. It makes me feel like a kid when I eat them.

7. Favorite Christmas song?
Umm... all of them. All the sacred ones, that is.
8. What do you like to drink in the morning?
Orange Juice, if I have it. I don't usually. Water if I'm eating scrambled eggs and toast.
9. Can you do push ups?
Heck ya! Not very many real push-ups, but girly ones I can do quite a few.

10. How much money is in your bank account?
Millions! (we're speaking what we want, ya?)
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?
My grandma's necklace. It was the only thing I REALLY wanted from her after she passed away. Also a Larimar necklace that Dustin bought me in Maui.

12. Favorite hobby?
Blogging and reading.

13 and 14??? they were missing.

15. One trait you hate about yourself?
That I hate things about myself. Self-loathing does nobody any good.
16. Middle Name?
Leigh
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?
Go to bed.
I want to sing like David Archuleta... with so much feeling and control.
I want to sing something somewhere with someone.

18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday?

I didn't leave my house yesterday, so nothing.

19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink?

water, water and water.

20. Current worry right now?
To sell or not to sell. That is the question.
21. Current hate right now?
Come on. Hate is such a strong word. OK. Fine. I hate that my friend dropped by and my house was a total WRECK. I was anxious and uncomfortable. The self-loathing came on strong that night.

22. Favorite place to be?

Singing somewhere.

23. How did you bring in the New Year?
With friends... Osai's and Gibson's playing games and laughing alot.
24. Where would you like to go?

To New York or Chicago or somewhere that has a showing of the musical Wicked.

25. Name three people who will complete this?
I guess that's where the tag comes in. But don't feel obligated. Check it out at the end.
26. Do you own slippers?
Three pair of them.

27. What kind of shirt are you wearing?
Old Navy polo style... navy blue with different colored stripes.
28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?
Hate it. I have terribly scratchy heels (will pick up a dryer sheet and I'll walk with it for a while without realizing.) and they catch on satin. EWW!!

29. Can you whistle?
Yes. Only regular whistling. Nothing crazy loud.

30. Favorite color?
Blue. I have a Larimar necklace in the specific color of blue.

31. Would you be a pirate?
Heck ya! Probly just for the weekend though! (wink to Sib!)

32. What songs do you sing in the shower?
Whatever song is on my mind. But I strangely don't do a ton of singing in the shower. It's my thinking place.

33. Favorite girl's name?
Ella, Brae, Bryn, Raine and others that I can't think of right now.
34. Favorite boy's name?
McKinley, Mac, Rohan, Eirik, Xavier, Roran and others I can't think of right now.

35. What's in your pocket right now?
Nothing. I couldn't even find lint.

36. Last thing that made you laugh?
Something in The Host.

37. Best bed sheets as a child?
This is a very strange question indeed. I only remember one set of sheets, so I guess that would make them the best. White with blue flowers.

38. Worst injury you've ever had?
Torticollis on my neck a couple months ago.

39. Do you love where you live?
The city, yes. The house, not so much.
40. How many tvs do you have in your house?
Two, but no T.V. channels. Just videos or DVDs.

41. What do you think about hormones?
I try not to.

42. How many dogs do you have?
None.

43. How many cats do you have?
None, and never will have. Allergic.

44. How long have you been filling out this questionaire?

about 30 minutes.
45. What is your favorite TV show?
Don't watch T.V., but wish I could watch American Idol.

46. What is your favorite candy?
Kit Kat or Cadbury Mini Eggs that come out at Easter!

47. What is your favorite Sports Team?
Don't have one. I used to like to watch the Utah Jazz sometimes.

48. What song do you want played at your funeral?
I am really fond of Be Still My Soul, but whatever would help those in attendance feel good is fine.
49. What were you doing 12 AM last night?
Reading The Host
50. What was your first thought as you awoke this morning?
"That was a yucky dream."

So, I would like to tag anyone who wants something to blog about and might be having problems with blogstipation. And more specifically, Britta, Rachel, Kristin, Britney and Beth!

From The Jar... #4

Wednesday again? Yep. I just have to say, before we go on with the question pulling from the jar... I finished The Host last night and it was FREAKING AWESOME!! I was pleasantly surprised at how well I liked it. Phew! Just had to get that off my chest. Continuing on.

And the jar says...


Describe your favorite dress/outfit you had as a child.


Oh, where to begin! I had many favorites. How 'bout a short walk through the history of Clancy's wardrobe? I know you are all moaning and saying "NO!!! Please don't!", but this is my blog and I'm doin' it anyway! *wink*

One of my early favorite outfits was some purple sweat pants with turquoise piping down the side of the legs with a turquoise/purple/pink/white vertical striped shirt that matched. I think the pants had a purple jacket that matched it, but I don't remember wearing it that often. I loved them. I was in first grade and I thought I was hot stuff. I would have worn them everyday if my mom would have let me.

I also remember a cute little mini skirt that my mom sewed me. It was some sort of pastel colors with a print I can't recall right now... but I wore it with a white shirt and a pair of Keds that had the same pastel colors as the skirt- aka, my singing shoes, right Beth! For those of you who aren't Beth (which is most of you, in case you are confused) those Keds got holes in them right at the heel where the sole of the shoe was attached to the canvas part. If I squeezed them on the sides, that hole would open like a little mouth and I would play ventriloquist and sing with my shoes. It was highly entertaining when you were in approximately third grade.

Let's jump ahead to 5th grade. My grandma, who had non-grandma taste in fashion, bought me a sweet outfit. Black mock-turtleneck with blue plaid pants. The pants had button on suspenders. That sounds really awful as I type it, but trust me... I was sizzling! ;)

Seventh grade(or maybe it was sixth?) was all about Units. I know some people don't remember these, but they were solid knit pants and shirt that you could mix and match and they had something called Bandeau's that were a thing you would wear around your waist. Hard to explain. Maybe someday I'll find a picture of them. Anyway, my sister got a set of the brand name stuff, but when I asked for some, my mom sewed a set. Ya, I got the shaft. I'm over it! Oh wait... wrong post.

High school was pretty much jeans and T-shirts. I had some favorite jeans... my pair of Guess jeans and one pair of green Lucky's. I considered myself a granola. (I know... granolas wouldn't own Lucky or Guess jeans. Get over it!) I always tried to steal my sister's Patagonia shirts. She hated that.

I will end our trip back in time on the high school note. I'm sure you are all jumping for joy. As much as one can jump sitting in front of their computer. Anyway, thanks for checking on our Wednesday From the Jar posts. Be sure to let us know your favorite childhood outfits either in a comment or post on your blog... but be sure to comment on here so we know to go check yours!

My Favorite Hymn by American Idol?

I totally stole this from my new friend Barb's blog. I LOVED it though. Not the best video footage, but the sound is fairly clear if not quality. I really like David Archuleta. He's such a doll. This song he's singing is my absolute favorite hymn. According to BarbT's blog, David Archuleta volunteered his time to sing at a fireside for a group of troubled teens. Check it out if you so desire.



I was watching this on YouTube's actual site and went to the sidebar and read this email from the accompanist... very cool.


The following letter is from Richard - who is playing the piano in the background!

____ Hey there, I just wanted to pass on a cool experience I had last night. Yesterday I got a phone call at about 3:18 pm from the Archuleta's. I was asked if I would be available to play for David for a fireside that he was speaking in the next couple of hours. Brett Hales, a friend of the Archuleta's, was asked to speak on trials and how to overcome them. Brett has M.S. and was on a feeding tube less than six months ago and could have been counting his final days, but miraculously now is up and about and doing pretty darn good. He decided to bring David along to share. So, I cancelled everything from my busy Sunday evening, loaded up the kids, and went to this fireside, which was held at a school for troubled youth. It is a 10 month in-house program that helps these kids 'right the ship'. What was interesting about all of this: most of them had never seen David sing because they don't watch T.V. there. This was their first experience of hearing him. David sang "Angels" and "Be Still My Soul" and did an incredible job of telling of his experience on American Idol. I was fortunate to accompany David on both songs. The piano that they had there was not amazing, but it worked out. Be Still My Soul is an arrangement that I did for David a while back. I have included a link for you to listen to this performance. When he sang it, you could just feel the Spirit come over the room. The directors of the school were in tears, because they said these kids don't feel this way very often. It is hard for them to feel the Spirit or recognize it because of their current state and their attitudes. But, it was more than evident that they did. You could see it in their eyes and I can only pray that they find the desire to have it in their lives even more. David was also so good to stay and talk to everyone who wanted to. He signed autographs, took pictures, and just gave words of encouragement for almost an hour and a half. It was so awesome to see his willingness to share. Anyhow, Enjoy! Richard

Manic Monday: Over

For some reason, I am having a really hard time with this one. I've thought about a lot of things, but somehow none of them feel right. I am just going to have to get over it and start typing.

I am so over having tenants not pay their rent. I am not sure what the solution is. Sell the properties? I really like having multiple streams of income, and I don't like the idea of selling them, but I get so sick and tired of dealing with the deadbeats! To be fair, I have gotten some fabulous renters as well, two of which are living in my duplex right now. I am just venting here about my little house tenants. They are giving me fits with paying rent for the last couple months. They all want to call me and tell me all about their personal problems and, frankly, I just don't want to hear it! Pay me, and then I might listen without the anger. Whew! Sorry. The steam valve just released, apparently!

I wish they could all be like my 119 tenants... rent always paid early or on time, don't complain, always sweet and smiling. I hope they aren't just holding back and they secretly hate me, but I really like them and don't pick that vibe up from them. Anyway, I am sorry for venting, but I am SICK of it and I need to get OVER it.


I have been a little bit overzealous about reading Stephenie Meyer's new book, The Host. It is AWESOME! I might even like it better than the Twilight series. I am not finished with it yet, but will be by the time I go to bed tonight. I am lovin' this book! Can't wait to finish it so I can discuss it with some of you. (Thanks to Bonnie for loaning it to me and to Maria for being willing to!)

Anyway, I think my brain is out of steam and this post is as done as it's going to get. Over and out.

Gettin' the Hang of Things...

I am happy to report that I am finally getting the hang of being a mom. Just kidding.... sort of. I just had a very successful birthday party event on Saturday. Let me elaborate...

Somehow we have managed to celebrate Ella's birthday this whole week. From Sunday to Saturday. It was not every day in between, but we had a little family party on Sunday last and then Wednesday was her actual birthday, upon which I had thought I'd do a little friend party for her. Memorial Day weekend was busy and the thought never entered my brain that to have said kid party, I would have to send out invitations IN ADVANCE! We all know that I'm a bit of a procrastinator (getting better... but not cured yet!) but this time it just wasn't even a thought that crossed the brainwaves. So, Tuesday afternoon I realize that her birthday (and the day I wanted to have her friend party) was tomorrow! Needless to say, I didn't have the party on her birthday. I felt guilty not doing anything on her actual birthday, so we went to the zoo and out to dinner like I said in a previous post.

Ella had her little heart set on a party with her cute friends... so we planned it for Saturday. I still managed to wait 'til Thursday afternoon to get the invites out, but none of the moms sent me any hate mail for my short notice, so I guess that means they will still be my friend.

I asked Ella what she would like to do at her party and she pulled out her I-know-my-mind card, and she fired off this list without any hesitation. (FYI, she did not get that card from me when we shuffled her deck!) She ticked each one of these off on her fingers as she spoke them:

• Balloons
  
• Tug-of-war
• Red Rover
• Fishing game
• Treasure Hunt
• Cake and Ice cream
  

I am sad to say, I picked up the balloons at the store and somehow didn't get out of the store with them. But everything else was on target.

Here is why I am so excited about this story- I am a notorious procrastinator, as mentioned. At events like this I am usually frantic because guests are arriving and I am not even close to ready. This time, I was only slightly frantic for the hour before, but I got everything ready by the time the first guests were arriving. (well, I did have to ask the first guest to go inside so I could hid the treasure without her seeing, but we won't count that! And we also won't count that I had to ask my mom to whip the cream for the cake...)

I am also famous for overplanning the amount of games for the amount of time. Not this party, baby! I suppose that could be Ella's doing, since she planned the party... Either way, we were done at almost exactly 3:30 which was right on schedule. I felt oddly satisfied when it was all over.

My favorite, and many of the kids' favorite as well, was actually the tug-of-war. I didn't want to buy a big fat rope for it, so we had to get creative. My dad busted out his climbing rope. I am not exactly sure how long it is, but it's somewhere in the neighborhood of 150 feet. We were getting it doubled up for the tug-of-war and somehow it evolved into a REALLY "long" game of jump rope. That would be long as in feet, not time. The kids were giggling non-stop as the weight of that doubled yet still very long rope would hit them and sometimes sweep their legs out from under them. It was truly hilarious.

Anyway, the party was great. Ella was thrilled, all kids had a good time, and the Mama was satisfied after a good, hard day's work on the Motherhood job site.