Franny and Zooey

(Franny)

(Zooey)

We had our blogger book club meeting tonight discussing my book pick this time, J.D. Salingers Franny and Zooey. I love this book and was happy to find that some of the girls loved it too. I think those who didn't appreciate it still would agree it made for a good discussion. Kelly was nice enough to host, she made the yummiest fondue dip, and her house was super cute with lots of fun antiques and collectibles.

I found a website that gives Book-a-Minute recaps and I think their one for Franny and Zooey pretty much sums it up.

Franny:
Why is everyone so ignorant?

Zooey:
Why are you so ignorant, you little punk?

(Franny CRIES. They discuss GOD.)

THE END

*Ultra-Condensed by Annie Berke

Dream Life

I want everything in this video. As some of you may know I'm a bit of a retro fiend. If you saw my wedding anouncement you may have guessed. I stole this video off of one of my favorite websites http://www.lileks.com/ He's done a few books and has posts and commentary on alot of retro stuff. One of my favorites is the Art of Art Framm where Celery + Gravity = Art

You can never go back again

Literally! This is U-Hall at Deseret Towers (DT) where I lived my freshman year at the BYU. It's actually the only one that has anything left to it at all. A friend mentioned that they were tearing down DT but I didn't believe her till I saw it for myself. So Sad.

I needed to get out of the house today so I decided to go walk around BYU. I thought it apropriate since it was 10 years ago this spring that I graduated. I've been back to parts of the school since but hadn't really walked around on my own since.

There have been alot of changes made. The renovations on the library, with a cool new atrium at the entrance. The Wilk has been remodeled. The poster for the start of the remodeling featured a wistful looking yours truely as the 'future of the wilk'. I'd make a good poster child for the past now.

My walking tour would not be complete without visiting my old home on campus, the Brimhall Building. From the outside it all looks the same. Walking inside was a different story. First the carpet and walls were changed. Then turning the corner I was expecting the old Photography Lab where I spent many hours. Gone! the photo studio, Gone, Gone, Gone. All taken over by the advertising department or the newspaper or whatever. Honestly it was heartbreaking. I actually got sad about it walking around. I think I had half expected to run into my old professor or see someone I knew. When you walk into somewhere where you know so well and it's completely different it's hard to process. I don't even know where the photo department is now. Does anyone out there know?

All in all it was fun revisiting my old haunts. I got some much needed exercise and fresh air and sunshine. I think Ike enjoyed it too, maybe he'll go there some day and continue the tradition.

The More You Know, Tibet

If you are like me, for years you have heard about Tibet and talk of freeing Tibet. I never really took the time to figure out what was going on there and why it's sparked so many protests and rally's. With the Olympics coming up in China, a lot of attention has been brought to the occupation of Tibet. Here are two ways that I learned more about the situation.

If have 10 mins listen to this, Tibetan Sovereignty Has a Long, Disputed History

If you have 2 hours watch this, Tibet, Cry of the Snow Lion, This is an amazingly powerful, emotional documentary I recommend everyone watch.

Basically my interpretation of the situation is that Tibet has built their society around the religion of Buddhism. Their religious leader the Dali Lama is also there political leader. One of their core beliefs is The thing that brings them happiness or causes them trouble is their own behavior. They lived a peaceful religious life. Then in 1949 communist China invaded in order to 'free the Tibetan people of western imperial rule'. The communist anti-religious philosophy was the antithesis of Tibetan way of life. Many priests and nuns were imprisoned and tortured simply for practicing their beliefs. There are currently 300,000 Chinese military in Tibet. The Chinese government has given incentives for Chinese to move to Tibet to live and work, which has turned the Tibetan people into second class citizens who cannot find jobs and cannot afford to go to school which now cost 200-300 dollars per child which is what most Tibetans earn in a year. China is guilty of human rights violations on par with Nazi Germany. What has happened in Tibet has been defined as a genocide.
It's really a tragic situation. The thing that is really frustrating is that now the US has a nearly 87 billion dollar trade deficit with China, so basically we are funding the occupation of Tibet. It makes me feel even more guilty for shopping at Walmart.
One thing I didn't realize is that the nuns shave their heads and dress the same as the monks so when you see the protests and the violence happening against them, it may be women getting beaten aswell as the men.

Finally (did it and got it)

Poor Osky Sir, we got him neutered yesterday. I don't know why we didn't do it sooner. I was unaware that neutering your dog would mellow him out, Oskar needed that in a big way. Ryan mentioned it the other week, then I saw the Oprah episode about puppy mills and they were talking about how important it is to get your pet spayed and neutered because of the over abundance of homeless pets and pets that are euthanized in this country. I called our vet and it was going to cost us over $300.00, ouch. Then I came on the site for no more homeless pets, they have a Spay and neuter clinic in Orem that only charges 50 bucks. So there was really no excuse. Oskar is doing pretty good except he hates his cone. Take it off he's as good as new, put it on and you would think he is really struggling. When I put it on Ike thought it was so funny he kept laughing.

We finally found a rug! Thanks for all the comments and suggestions on the post about looking for one. It took me a while to get out to the places that were suggested but yesterday we went to Lowes to look and actually found 3 different ones we liked but chose this one. I re-read the comments left and realized Tasha mentioned the exact rug we picked out. I don't know her except through comments she leaves on my friend Hannah's blog but she's a winner in my book, thanks! and she has a cute illustration for her profile.

Spring Cupcakes

I've been itching to make these cupcakes ever since I saw them online around Easter. I finally made an excuse, family dinner. They were shown with white frosting but I think they came out ok with chocolate. I think I will try them with white for book club.

Ryan's Dad made me that cute birdhouse in the background I had to show off. He's quite the birdhouse maker.

That's not snow

This is what I woke up to this morning. I heard it start as soon as Ryan shut the door to leave this morning. Good timing Ryan. He made it to the car and to work this morning just fine but it's been a nasty day this morning.

We got some pretty good size hail this morning. It did turn into snow later but not before hailing a little bit more after this picture was taken.

Um can we have spring now, thanks.

It sucks being sick

I woke up Friday morning sicker than sick. Throwing up and all the rest. Ike threw up once and has some pretty nasty diapers but otherwise he's been feeling good. I made Ryan stay home from work which he was not too happy about, but he really helped me out.

What really sucks is that I missed my friend Dan's poetry reading in Salt Lake last night. His cute wife was going to be with him and I haven't seen her since my wedding. They live in Mississippi and because of my fear of the South I probably won't be visiting them anytime soon. I really wish I could have made it.

I'm starting to feel better this morning, but I'm worried that Ryan is getting sick now, I sure hope not. I don't wish what I had on anyone.

It's nice to be home

There is nothing like being away for a while to make you appreciate your home again. I love my home. When I got home I was sad that Ryan wasn't there but he had cleaned the house while I was gone so I forgave him. We spent most of the time in Vegas cleaning. It gave me a new appreciation for having a clean house, hopefully I can keep that feeling. I need to work on my cleaning skills, I figure while I'm not working my new job needs to be cleaning, and snuggling Ike. Don't tell Ryan though because then He'll try to hold me to it.

Vegas or Bust

I'm headed to Vegas! Well with my mother-in-law, to help out my sister in law. So we probably won't be hitting the clubs and casino's. I'm still excited to go, especially since it means I get to eat at In-n-Out. It's funny that I grew up about 5 mins away from an In-n-Out and rarely went there to eat. Since I've lived in Salt Lake I've craved them. Especially since Ryan and I share the obsession. Ryan found a burger place in Orem that is the closest around to In-n-Out, no not Chadders, that place is no good. It's called EZ Take out. Ryan has to stop himself from eating there everyday.
So I'll be there til Weds. unless things change. Don't miss me too much.

When did Billy Joel start looking like my Dad?

I was watching Oprah the other day and her guest was Billy Joel. All I could think when looking at him was, When did he become my dad?

Of coarse my dad is much more handsome than Billy. No offense mom but his wife is a little hotter than you, heck she is hotter than me, but then she is like 26. Yeah that's his wife, not his daughter with him. Don't get any ideas Dad.

Yet another

post about Amy Butler paper. I know what you are all thinking. 'Yeah we get it, you like her paper, enough already.' But I just had to show off these cute cards I made with it. Since it's inspired by quilt fabric I decided to make little quilts. Then I just printed words on velum. I'm not a scrapbooker but I think they turned out cute.

I guess I'm not cool anymore

Ryan and I went to a concert in Salt Lake last night. We saw Explosions in the Sky. They are an amazing instrumental band that rocks, to say it in a lame way. Most notably they did the music for the movie Friday Night Lights (in which I cried). They hold a special place in our family because it's the music we were listening to when Ike was born. See this post for the story.

So I don't know what happened to 'the scene' in Salt lake. I've only been married for 2 years and I use to live downtown, but I was confused. The only way I can explain the style now is Homeless chic, except they don't look really chic they just look homeless. That mixed in with some early 70's and early 80's. When two people are hugging and you can't tell which is the boy or girl because they are both wearing skinny jeans and hoodies. Guys were either wearing beenies, or a ponytail. I can honestly say there was not one attractive man I saw there, besides my honey of coarse. The girls weren't much better. I'm not saying I'm the queen of class and style, but I am saying I'm glad I'm not single anymore.

If you haven't heard Explosions you should give them a listen they are pretty amazing, especially live. I still don't understand how they make three guitars and a drum sound like that. I have to admit I got a little emotional during the first song thinking about giving birth to my son. Thank you Jason for deciding not to go to the show with Ryan.

Happy Easter Everyone

I just wanted to wish everyone a Hoppy Easter, ha ha. Isn't this Easter tree gorgeous, I found it at http://www.blumchen.com/ along with these sugar eggs. I was remembering how we always had sugar eggs when I was a kids. Although when I was just revisiting some of my Easter memories I realized that it was probably the same egg year after year. I just thought it was so cool and imagined the little bunny hopping around inside when I wasn't looking.

When I was about 12 I became the one in the family that put Easter baskets together. I'm not sure why since I was the youngest, but maybe that was it, no one else cared. I just remember going to the store with one of my sisters and picking stuff out then setting out what ever basket or wicker plates I could find around the house and putting candy on them for everyone. Back then the only thing that really mattered was having candy to bring to church, although it usually ended up falling on a fast Sunday. Our family was never really big on holidays, the only one we decorated for was Christmas. Ryan's family however, complete opposite. Every little holiday Ryan's mom's house is fully decorated. Same goes for his sisters. So I've been noticing and trying to decorate a little more as well. I decided I really like Easter decorations. I have a thing for birds and eggs lately so it's perfect. I might have to check out the after Easter sales and see if they are giving anything away (75% off or more). I do have one decoration.
I guess all that is why Ryan and my first Easter together I neglected to get him an Easter basket. He kind of made a stink about it so the next week I had one waiting for him to make up for my neglect. And every year since, I've made sure to have a nice basket for him.
I actually wasn't planning on having an Easter Basket for Ike, because well he's 9 months old, can't eat candy and won't remember anyways. Well sweet Aunt Holly, who is actually in China as I type, had this basket for him waiting at Ryan's parents. It has a cute shape sorting toy, and 5 cute books in it and Easter eggs. She saved the day, now I look like a really thoughtful parent. I'll have a basket for him next year.

My $2.00 Project...

Or how I earned my keep today...

Ok so I didn't count the cost of the Mod Podge, but I only used half a bottle so you can add a buck to that total.

I had planned on just painting the cupboards white today. They've had one coat of paint on them for a few months with a few vases just put up there.

Then I got the idea to use my cool Amy Butler paper that I found at Roberts for .50 cents a sheet (adding up to my $2 dollars) to do a little boarder on the molding that for some reason is in the cupboards. Maybe it was the paint fumes, but I then got the idea to use twigs so Ike and I went for a walk and found some cool little twigs to use. I'm starting to look around the house to see where else I can use them, but I'll probably refrain.

I'm sure I'll fiddle with it a little more, but I think it turned out pretty cute. Took me long enough to finally do something with the open cupboards, but now that I'm not working I've got projects galore to get busy with. Keep posted for the next inspired creation.

Shag-rug-la

I hate the name of that store...

I want a new rug, ok actually I need a new rug. The one we have in our living room is just a piece I got free from the flooring company I worked with. I never got the edges finished because then it wouldn't have been free. But now I have Ike and he likes to put pieces of rug that come off the edge into his mouth.

So there is the dilemma, where to find a decent rug, that's cool and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. If I had my hearts desire I would get an Angela Adams rug. They are so beautiful and just my style. Only they cost around 1000.00 which is about 800.00 more than I'd be willing to pay. We looked at RC Willey, Hancock Fabric. I've looked online at Ikea and Home Depot and haven't seen anything I've really liked. I want something modern but not ugly contemporary if you know what I mean. If anyone has any ideas let me know.

In the Mother-Hood

My new favorite show is not on TV it's on the Internet.

In the Motherhood

They are 6 min episodes written by real mothers and acted out by Leah Remini, Jenny McCarthy and my favorite Chelsea Handler. Who doesn't love Chelsea Handler, no seriously who of you doesn't because I don't know if I could be friends with you, jk, I still will be, I just won't be able to talk about what a 'hot mess' someone is around you. Even if you don't have kids I think you would appreciate these, but I'm sure with kids you can identify even more.

Give it a watch, if you don't laugh, no biggie, but if you are like me, you won't be able to wait to watch the rest of them. Enjoy.

I hate basketball OR A Birthday with no cake

I had a really good birthday. I got my DVR set up. It took the Cable Boy 2 hours to do it, but he made a joke that made up for it. He was showing me how to record and said 'you can start watching American Idol go have dinner, come back in 40 mins then rewind and fast forward over the commercials.' I told him that American Idol is banned in my house. He said 'you must be very lenient', then he turned and look at the sofa and continued, 'because the sofa doesn't look like it's slept on every night'. Good one, so I forgave him for calling me Mam, exposing his butt crack, and making me late for my lunch date with Sarah.
Sarah and I along with Ike and her niece Hannah ate lunch at Food for Thought, I had a yummy sandwich and salad. Sarah gave me the coolest Dorothy Parker glasses.
I spent the evening with Ryan, he mostly watched basketball and got annoyed every time I said 'because it's my birthday'. We watched SuperBad together, it was really funny, but I wouldn't recommend it to everyone.
Today I got to meet up with Kellee and her friend Chris at a cute little restaurant called Em's for brunch. Kellee got me some cute dishes from Target, and Chris gave me a really nice Easter book.
All in all I had a really good birthday weekend. Only two complaints. March Madness, and I didn't get any Birthday Cake.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I've never been accused of being humble, so why start now. It's my birthday and I expect the accolades and praise from everyone I know. If I could pull off wearing one of these hats all day I totally would.
Ryan's family had a little birthday party for me last night, ok it was for Emily too, yeah yeah happy birthday Emily. It was fun to get the family together and get to hold new baby Owen. I got a lot of nice gifts from them that I love. And Ryan got me the best thing of all...

An HD DVR

that's a High Definition Digital Video Recorder to the layman. I've been wanting one forever! Now I'm spending my birthday morning waiting for the Cable guy to show up. Then I get to have lunch with my bestest friend Sarah!!!
It's going to be a good day.

Seperated at birth

It's possible that Eva Longoria and I were separated at birth. I know what you are thinking, how could that be, you are so much more attractive and talented than her. Well it turns out that we have the exact same birth date. 3-15-75. I've never really thought much of Eva to tell you the truth but for some reason when I found out we had the same birth date I've felt a weird connection, thinking about the fact that we have been on the earth exactly the same amount of time. I've been able to accomplish a little more with my life, but I do envy her fondness for Chanel clothing.
Before I found this out the only famous person I knew had my birthday was Fabio. Well that and the day Ceaser died. "Beware the Ides of March".

Effy Lou to you too

So I got called into my bosses office today and guess what...
I got Laid Off.
It's actually not that big of a surprise. The company works with construction and you probably all know how that industry is going. I'm actually ok about it. Ryan just became the Parts Manager at his work so we will be fine. I will be looking for another part time job however so if anyone knows of anything, preferably in Utah county, let me know.
On a lighter note, I was playing with my nephew Jace yesterday and I discovered the name that he has chosen for his soon to be little brother or sister. I had to ask him to repeat it a few times and have Emily translate. His name he's picked out is Effy Lou. He's three so use your imagination of how it sounds when he says it. I couldn't stop laughing and made him say it about 10 times. I can't wait to see little Effy Lou!

My Birthday Week has begun

with the arrival of my first present from Super Cute Kat and Dan Electro. They sent me this sweet little book mark. I love it. Not sure if you can tell but it's a very thin piece of wood. They must know I love birds and owls and trees. It's totally my style. I thought it appropriate to chrisen it in one of my old Dorothy Parker poetry books.
Thanks for a great start to my Birthday Week!

Here's mine

Now if I could figure out how to put it on my blog. I used a designer layout and it won't let me change the header. I'll figure it out eventually...hopefully.

Let's just say

if my friend Jen wanted me to do a banner for her blog, I might come up with something like this. The woman has 4 boys, she's my hero. They are all so cute. I found this font too and have been itching to use it. Now maybe I'll come up with something for myself. I just don't inspire myself as much as my friends do.

Fonts and Fun

If I were to create a banner for my friend Kat's blog it would look something like this.
When I was working on some designs for work I came across a Free Font site that has a lot of fun fonts on it. http://www.fontspace.com/ It had a few that reminded me of Kat and her cool style. She loves Art Nouveau and Pin Up girls, hence the inspiration for the banner. The pin up girls is actually a font, how cool is that. Now that I have photoshop at work maybe I can create some other fun stuff.
*don't feel like you have to use this Kat, I was just playing around.