Blogger

 

https://bit.ly/3tfdpb4

 

 

 

 

 

mindy.gardner

 

hiya Blogger


http://easybach.co.nz/mg_ajax.php?control=n2cemdac6888





Thanks!

Where there's smoke...

Saw some smoke before church. Huh, another fire at Camp Williams. We get about one a year. Just enough to stink up the neighborhood for the afternoon. We think nothing of it and go to Grandpa's 90th birthday party.
On the way home, around 8:30pm, it was like armageddon. There were one or two cars besides ours driving into Herriman while hundreds were leaving. We kept saying "Should we turn around now?" We didn't.
As we turn south on 5600 west toward home we just gasped. It looked like lava flowing down the mountain toward our house. So bizarre. I was sure whole neighborhoods were lost.
We made it home and some of our neighbors were packing up to leave. Some were already gone, and some were just standing in their yards staring at the hill.
Vinny and Zander started to freak out a little.
They went in the house to their rooms. Vinny had plans to get dozens of garbage bags and pack his whole room. Zander loaded one backpack with his pillow, favorite blanket and a stuffed animal.  Zander REALLY wanted to go to the High School that was being used as the official shelter to spend the night. Oh, he thought that sounded fun.

Then Vinny started to cough. Oh great. He's been hospitalized for his asthma one too many times. Zander asked if he could say a prayer. Duh! Why didn't we think of that? So we knelt down and Zander offered a heartfelt plea for safety. My sweet crazy boys were asleep in the basement 20 minutes later. Blessings.
Jereme decided to go to bed to. He can sleep through ANYTHING! I followed the evacuation reports on twitter. At 11 pm My entire family was asleep and the mandatory evacuation map looked like this:

That's us under that shiny star and the flames were moving east. Yikes.

This is the view from the window above my stairs at the same time. Kinda blurry I know.

My chest and throat hurt and I was coughing and cursing out Jereme for not getting us out of here. Or maybe for being able to sleep so soundly. I decided to stop obsessing over Twitter and wait for the police cars to come down the street and tell us to leave. They never did.
I was so touched by all of the calls and facebook posts of people looking out for us. Such generous friends and family members offering help for whatever we needed. Even some of the parents from Zander's football team emailed everyone to offer their homes for the night. So nice.

At 2AM I went outside and saw this:

and this:

I waited all night and the police never came. I started to worry about the deer. After killing one with my car last week and now so many of them homeless I looked around for some food to put out for them. That's when I realized I was sleep deprived and losing my marbles.
Sunrise. It's amazing how much comfort daylight brings.
School was cancelled for the boys. Of course they were thrilled. I however, had to go to class. So I washed the ash off of my windshield and drove through our now eerie little town. Soldiers in fatigues and berets standing guard at barricades down the street making sure people had "legitimate" reasons for being there. By the time I made it to the freeway, I was in a different world. Life carrying on like normal. When I finally made it to school, smelling like I came straight from camp, nobody even mentioned the fire.
Then I drove home. Not as creepy this time. But there was still a fire and a military presence. I was allowed to proceed to my home. Phew!
Now it's nearly 7PM on Monday. The fire is still going strong and people one street over are still evacuated. The High School is housing evacuees again (don't tell Zan) but I'm sure we'll be okay.
I'm going to try to get some sleep tonight. Probably in my clothes. With my bag packed by my bed. And my cell phone under my pillow set to Twitter. But sleep nevertheless.
Thanks again for all of the well-wishes. So sorry for the three families that lost their homes. Hopefully it ends tonight.

Snout or Death

Zander has always been the kind of kid to join in. He hates being left out. No matter what. This attitude has always made him the center of attention. His latest experience is no different. He hasn't felt well for a couple of days, but nothing serious. Just tired and worn out. Then he felt a little warm to me one morning. This morning happened to be the second-to-last day of school, FIELD DAY, he wasn't about to miss it. So he didn't. That day I received an e-mail from the school announcing that they have had a case of Swine Flu. Oh great. Zander came home from school and felt great. However, the next morning his fever was pretty high and he told me with a quivering lip and tears welling in his big blue eyes "mom, I don't feel so good, I don't think I'm gonna make it to school today". I knew it was serious, this was the LAST day of school! Who misses that? One sick little boy, that's who. We made the 20 mile trek to see the doc, H1N1. Well, a 95% chance of having the H1N1 virus. Bummer.

So he knows he's sick and he knows how to milk it.

This is my little sicky enjoying the spoils of being pampered. Food in bed, videos, unlimited tv, cool rags on his forehead. Aah, the good life.

Aunt Ashley brought him a fun little care package. Piggy gum, a piggy puzzle and a cute piggy card.

The only problem with this is, we hadn't used the term "Swine Flu" in front of Zander yet. The only thing he and Vinny knew about it was what he had seen on the news. Scary warnings and people dying. So, they read the cute card from Ash and their faces fell. "Is it true?" Vinny asked. "Yep" I answered much too nonchalantly for his taste. Vince canceled his pending playdate and went straight into big brother protective mode. He swapped out Zander's cool forehead rags, brought him snacks and drinks, fluffed pillows, anything he needed.

Then he created signs for all of our doors to protect any visitors.

It wasn't until later that night when Zander asked "So, when am I going to die?". WHAT?! Good grief! My boys actually thought that Zan was on his literal deathbed. Poor babies. He was in pretty good spirits considering he was sure he was terminal. Jerm and I assured them that everything was going to be just fine and Zander would get better soon. They were totally relieved. Then Vinny asked one last question.

"So, are you sure he won't grow a pig-nose?"

Happy Birthday Ash! 

I hope you have a really fun day and get to do something you really wanna do.

 This pic was taken on your 7th b'day. I wonder why you opted for the pink kitties in lieu of anything green? weird. Those are Angie's acid washed jeans in the background. sweet. I don't remember what I gave you but, I'm sure it was something cool. Because when you turned 7, I was 16 and you thought everything I did was cool. Those were the days my friend.    *sigh*   Now the roles have changed and I think you're cool and wish I could fit into your clothes. hee hee. 

They may have voted, but they were wrong.

WHATEVER!!

I did not see that coming. What's wrong with you, voters of America? Why are you choosing people that may be able to sing well, but have no sustainability or entertainment value? Have we not learned our lesson from the dying flame of Diana Degarmo, Mathew Roberts, Jessica Sierra etc. etc. I could go on. All made it in to the top 12 and all completely forgettable. Degarmo even came in second place! Where is she? who cares.

Okay, I'm over it.

Now on a truly sad musical note, Steven Page has left the BARENAKED LADIES

I've got what I want,and that's rid of you

Goodbye

And it's not 'cause I'll be missing you

That makes me fall apart

It's just that I didn't mean to break

No I didn't mean to break

No I didn't mean to break

Your heart

Well, too late. Heart broken. Okay a little dramatic, but BUMMER!!

Most fun concert ever, Hangin' out with my two cool sisters, dancing and singing along to my favorite songs. Buying T-shirts.

All over.

"Barenaked Ladies" may as well be the "Half Dressed Middle-Aged Men" without him. Oh well.

By the way, do you see the resemblance? (Steven Page, Drew Carey, Kevin James)

I love these guys! Jereme asked if he should get some blond highlights. hmm. Maybe just glasses :)

Aunt min's Valentine Spectacular!

We did a lot of stuff this weekend. Uncle Jerm allowed us all to defy gravity.

Zander went first to demonstrate.

Belle went the highest.

Vinny Screamed the loudest.

Gigi laughed the hardest.

Lincoln was the bravest.

(most of them were caught)

We also went ice skating.

Gigi was initially excited to wear the "fancy ice dancer" shoes. That enthusiasm immediately vanished when she tried to stand up.

Zander attempted some tricks and landed right on his face after this one.

Belle had bragging rights being the ONLY one, including the adults, that didn't fall down.

Vinny impressed us all with his coordination. This is him prepping for a double axle.

Unfortunately, I don't have any great pics of Linc. He did make it around the rink twice with me right by his side. He told me to check my watch, I did- "7:34 why Linky?" "So I can tell my parents when I learned to skate by myself!" However, I didn't trust my abilities enough to take my camera out onto the ice. :(

He & Gigi enjoyed the rest of the time watching the big kids and playing with our phones.

We baked cookies too. 

They went quick.

I made "Romantic Chicken Pillows" with "Romeo & Juliet" beans.

Not a hit.

Jerm and Zan were the only 2 that even tried it. The rest of the gang opted for cold cereal or quesadillas over my lovely love-themed culinary creation. Whatever.

Jerm thought they were scrumptious. Thanks babe.

We even had time for games.

Almost everyone slept in the basement after watching some fun flicks.

We had a great time.

Happy Birthday Jerm!

So I'm totally copying my sisters' creativity but here are 35 reasons Jereme is so cool.

1. He loves everything I cook 

2. He could beat up a burglar if he had to 

3. He wouldn't beat anyone up even though he could 

4. He tells me I'm beautiful no matter what I look like 

5. He makes up funny names for me like "Myhotness Ghandi" 

6. He let's me paint our house any color I want 

7. He builds the coolest snow forts

http://clips.ksl.com/_One-of-the-Coolest-Snow-Forts-Ever/VIDEO/135299/5124.html?widgetld=5366 

8. He's a good scout 

9. He tucks his boys in every night 

10. He kisses the boys every morning before work 

11. He kisses me before he leaves the house, every time 

12. For a big guy he doesn't sweat too much 

13. He never has b.o. 

14. He doesn't gamble 

15. He never swears 

16. He watches TV with me 

17. He likes to go to movies 

18. He thinks I'm really talented 

19. He's not picky, about ANYTHING 

20. He's competitive 

21. He plays a mean Guitar Hero 

22. He is our hero 

23. He's freakishly strong 

24. He'll move your piano single-handedly 

25. He's always willing to help 

26. He does his home teaching 

27. He usually has something to say in Sunday School 

28. He ALWAYS has something to say to someone he runs into 

29. He has an extensive history of old "girlfriends" that he's friendly with 

30. He still has every friend he's ever made 

31. Everybody's mom likes him 

32. He's not shy 

33. He let's me put my cold feet on him in bed 

34. He can sleep anywhere, anytime but doesn't so he can go to school full-time and work 2 jobs starting at 3am to better our family 

35. He loves me as much as I love him.

I Love TV

It's true. I don't drink, do drugs, wear tube tops, swear, smoke or spit. But I do watch tv and plenty of it. Say what you will, I don't care. I watch all kinds- comedies, dramas, cops & robbers, reality, romance, cartoons, news and game shows- love 'em all. I've been in between semesters for about a month so, I've had fair opportunity to catch up on my programs. One lovely winter morning I flipped on the tube for my morning routine (Matt Lauer then Drew Carey "come on down!") No TV. There was however, a message from the cable company flashing across the screen telling me to pay my bill if I want to continue service. hmm. I know Jerm and I were discussing ways in which we could save a few bucks, and I sort of remember cable TV coming in to the conversation. Nothing was clear in my head, I panicked. I called Jerm on his cell (thankfully we still had service), he confirmed the cable being shut off. Bummer. He didn't have the same urgency to remedy the problem as I did.  After subtle hinting and a little nagging he built me an antenna. He made this thing out of tinfoil, cardboard and a spare 2x4; stuck it in the attic and tada! mama has her stories.

Now, I'm still adjusting to my lack of cable. Some of my favorite shows are no longer available to me. The list is too long for this already lengthy blog but here are a few:

I'll see you soon Mr. Monk. I'm not willing to give you up completely so I will be downloading you on to my iPod.

There's nothing like the soothing sound of Lennie Briscoe in the middle of the afternoon when your folding laundry. I may miss you the most. Buh buh. 

I've been filling Lennie's void with a combination of Ben and Judge Judy. eh.

Oh how I love reality marathons. America's Next Top Model, Top Chef & Project Runway.

I was just getting into reruns of 6 feet under and Leverage. They had better put Dexter back on NBC, and I feel ill when I think of all the old movies I don't know I'm missing.* Done ranting*

There is a glimmer of hope. I've heard there's a local channel that airs my friend Tom at 10. 

I haven't found him yet but I haven't given up. Jerm might have to crawl up in to the attic and add some more sawdust to his magic contraption.

The worst part? No DVR. I've been a DVR advocate since day 1. I should get a commission from TiVo for all the people I talked into it! Simply the best invention since cable itself. The joy of coming home after a long day, putting the kids to bed and watching all the stuff I missed. Ahh. 

Those days are GONE sista! If I want to watch something later I'm going to have to figure out how to work the VCR again! And will someone please tell me what in the heck I'm supposed to do on Thursday nights when The Office, Ugly Betty and Survivor are all on at once?!

I'm living in the dark ages here folks.

Tag I'm it!

Thanks for bringing me back Ang.

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:
1. wishing I had my own house
2. making a flower costume for halloween to go with Jerm the giant bee
3. getting excited to party like it's 1999
4. staying up late watching "Rudy" in the hospital with Ashley
5. loving coming home to an immaculate apartment everyday thanks to Jerm (those days are gone)

5 things on my to-do list today:
1. volunteer in Zander's class
2. have a fun den meeting for 11 cub scouts
3. plan Nate's engagement party menu
4. paint my fingernails in front of the TV
5. update my blog (check!)

5 favorite snacks:
1. Jell-o sugar free milk chocolate pudding
2. potato chips with clam dip
3. boiled raisin cake
4. Jerm's inventive no-sugar smoothies
5. room temperature watermelon with salt

5 jobs I've had:
1. Sears paint & hardware dept.
2. ZCMI display and candy window maker
3. Furniture peddler at San Fran Design
4. gal Friday for Robert McArthur
5. sandwich maker at Schmidt's pastry cottage

5 things I would do with a million bucks:
1. pay off the mortgages of my house, my folks house, and the Santini's house plus a condo for Ash.
2. build a home studio and buy some fancy photo equipment to start a biz.
3. buy Jerm a pick-up truck then fly to Paris and go to the top of the Eiffel Tower with him, stay in a fancy hotel and eat delicious food
4. take Vinny to Egypt to see the pyramids
5. take Zan to "Camp Rock" so he could be in a band

5 things that made me laugh this week:
1. my photo vision teacher telling us that laughing during a "brainstorm" was inappropriate.
2. my drawing teacher using Hung Vu as an example of work ethic
3. looking at pictures of linc make his pancake puffs
4. listening to my boys sing the words to songs they shouldn't know
5. watching my boys play little league flag football

5 people I tag to answer these questions:
1. Ashley
2. Natalie
3. Adam
4. Jordan
5. Kelly

First Day of School

Me Freshman- Salt Lake Community College

 The fears of starting a new school when you're 34 years old are not very different than when you're 13. I tried to dress as neutrally as possible so I wouldn't standout right away, didn't work. My first teacher of the day called unneeded attention to my shoes giving a lecture, no less than 6 full minutes long, about the overpricing of canvas-top converse  athletic shoes. Whatever. One very different thing that happened to me this time around was: I got hit on! Even asked out to lunch. Okay, it was by my old high school math teacher but I'm still counting it.

Jerm Undergrad- Weber State University

He didn't say much about it except he stayed awake. That's a plus. He was a little miffed when he had to pay full price for a parking pass when he goes to school at night and the parking lot is empty.

Vinny & Zan 3rd and 1st grade- Providence Hall Elementary

As we approached the school the streets were crowded with parked cars and mothers walking their kids in for their first day. Zander spoke up quickly, "Oh those poor poor kids that need their moms to show them where to go." Vinny agreed and that was my hint not to park and walk them to their classes. I felt a little odd when I pulled up to the drop-off and was the only car there. My boys didn't seem to care. They hopped right out of the car like they'd been going there for years, blew me a kiss and took off into the school. When I picked them up that afternoon they told me about their "great" days and delicious lunches and the fun games they played at recess, pizza tag and wall-ball. They didn't even know that I was 35 minutes late picking them up! I seem to have dozed off after I got home from class and woke up at 4:00 in a frenzied panic. I flew down the stairs forgetting to put my still-sleeping feet in front of me and landed in a crumpled mess at the bottom. I picked myself up, jumped in the car and sped all the way there, sure I was going to be met by crying kids and disapproving teachers. But no, the doting mothers that had to walk their kids to their classes that morning were still in a line 2 blocks long trying to pick their kids up! (they probably couldn't find their own way out.) Hallelujah. By the time I got to the front of the line they were apologizing to me for making it such a hassle. I forgave them but told them not to let it happen again. :)

It sounded like a good idea. Four days of fun and games without the kids for our 11th anniversary. We even flew down and had a pretty nice hotel room.
Things don't always turn out as planned. Jerm doesn't gamble but I did talk him into a Bingo game or two. Then things took a bad turn and we spent an entire day in the emergency room. Jerm had an acute attack of Diverticulitis. weird. We ended up postponing our flight home and paying for another night in the hotel and another day with the rental car. bummer. Jerm spent our extra day drugged up and in bed. I spent the day walking around the fancy malls and eating out alone. It was definitely a memorable trip. The boys had a GREAT time hanging out with cousins and having 4 slumber parties.
We've been home now for weeks but man I guess it took longer to recover than usual. I think I'm still working on vacation laundry! whatever.
My boys think this blogging thing is pretty cool so they asked me to set one up for them. Look for their links coming soon. They write down exactly what they want and I'll post for them. They take all their own pictures and are in charge of content (with some motherly editing by yours truly).

*WARNING- not for the squeamish

I'll apologize in advance for the content in this blog. However, this is my life la dee da. I like collecting bottles. I have quite a lovely grouping. Some old ones from uncle Shirl and the little brown one that used to hold those nasty fluoride pills my mom would make me chew. I have found a couple at yard sales and I have received a few of them as gifts. I like to set my collection on a window ledge so they light up in the sun. Their current home is on the nice wide ledge in front of the big window in my family room. In the basement. Also known as "the dungeon".  Okay, I call it the dungeon because it's a little dim and the only people who spend any time down there are the kids. Usually 6 or so at a time. Another hobby of mine, besides the bottle collecting, is cleaning up pee. Call it a pet peeve, call it OCD call it basic housekeeping, whatever. I can't stand the smell of urine. I know most people can't but I believe I have super-sensory sniffing power and pee smell makes me crazy. This is a difficult power to live with being the mother of two young boys. I teach them not to just wipe the seat, but also the sides of the bowl, the bottom around the stupid caps that always fall off,

 the floor around the toilet and the space between the tank and where it attaches to the bowl. We're still learning. Another source of fragrance comes from a sweet boy not being completely "in control" at night. But, nighttime underwear is supposed to go directly outside first thing in the morning. Why does he feel the need to hide them underneath puffs of lint in the laundry room garbage can? gross. I don't have any pets but yet, I find myself on my hands and knees more often than I'd like examining wet spots with my gifted scent seeker. gag. 

Sometimes there's a toughy. That smell you just can't find the source of? Usually a dishrag

 fallen behind the washer or a sippy cup of milk left behind by a darling little cousin that rolled under a piece of furniture. Well I've had one of those phantom scents, and it smelled like pee! I won't admit how long it has gone on. In fact, I almost resigned myself to the sad truth that my house would smell like that forever. 

Mystery solved.

Remember my lovely bottles sparkling in the sun? Yeah that's right. Couldn't quite make it up the stairs to make it in to the bathroom. My mind is still reeling.  A capped bottle of  yellow liquid sitting amongst my lovelies. Only one of my darling children was home at the time of discovery and he promptly denied any liability. Until, I told him that I could take the specimen to a lab and have it tested for DNA. He fell for it and fessed up. Then the other darling child came home. I already had my culprit so I just wanted to know wh

at he knew about the incident and why he didn't rat out his brother. As soon as I said "bottle of pee", he instantly apologized and begged for my forgiveness. WHAT?! There's another pee bottle hidden in the basement?!?

Welcome to my life.

I am a Scout.

It took me a few days to recover from my latest adventure. Nine days in the high Uintahs. You know the place where all the boy scouts get lost? Yeah that's where I was. I was there to be on staff for an adult leadership course called Wood Badge. Overall, it was great. Good people, beautiful scenery (although, I can appreciate the scenery from afar I really don't need to live in it) and some fantastic training. I have interpreted the Scout Law to give you a glimpse of my experience.

A scout is:

Trustworthy- To be trusted you also have to trust. Thanks to Jerm and my fam for taking good care of my boys.

Loyal- I am completely loyal to Deep Woods Off. The only brand of bug repellant that comes close to fending off the giant furry mosquitos whose poky things are so big  it feels like a tetanus shot every time they bite you.

Helpful- When the diabetic lady was sad because everyone else was eating ice-cream, I let her have ONE of my sugar-free chocolate puddings.

Friendly- But after a week, let's keep the friendliness at arm's length. What is the link between huggers and an aversion to deodorant?

Courteous- I don't know what it is about men in the mountains and the constant need to belch. To their credit, whenever they noticed I was around they usually excused themselves.

Kind- After spending HOURS trying to set up 4 teepees in the rain, a group of Native American boys  that happened upon us were kind enough to show us how it should be done.

Obedient- I set my own rules to stick to a pretty strict diet while I was there so I wouldn't get sick. I did it and lost 4 more pounds as a bonus!

Cheerful- Because she knows she has a secret stash of fancy edibles hidden in the lodge and she doesn't have to eat what's in front of her.

Thrifty- But not so thrifty that he sacrifices the quality of food he's giving other people to eat. gag.

Brave- I slept in a spider-filled tent for 8 nights being regularly visited by oversized squirrels that pooped on my floor.

Clean-Take a shower people! We had facilities. They may have been cold, dark, full of bugs and open to the world but the water was clean.

Reverent- Every night I would pray. I thanked my heavenly father for keeping my family safe and for allowing someone to invent earplugs.

My humble abode.

Stinkin' squirrels.

The facilities.

Happy Birthday Angie!

Hi! I'm sorry I'm not there in person to sing Happy Birthday to you. I'm still in the woods. I hope you get to do something fun today or at least get out of changing any diapers all day.  I'll be thinking about you. See you soon!

 This picture was taken on your 6th birthday. Adam, Jordan, you & me. I remember being in charge of the balloons. 

Good Luck Ash!

I wish I was there to sleep out on the sidewalk and be in the middle of all the weirdos and I can't believe I'm missing my chance to stand with Ryan Seacrest outside the big double doors and wait for you to come through with your golden ticket. Don't forget to bring snacks (I totally would have had that covered) and whoever your going with, make sure they go first, they always pick the second one in a pair. Have fun and good luck! I can't wait to hear all about it.

Here I am!

It feels a while since I've let you all in my daily doings. So here you go, I couldn't stop myself and wrote three. 

 This week Ozzy asked me if he could have "one of those things that you put on yourself when you eat breakfast or watch tv and you don't want to get dressed first".  Do you mean a robe?  Yeah, a Robe! 

 I thought of aunt Debbie. If her kids asked for something like that, she'd just whip one up herself.  In an hour or so later, brand new robes.  Well, it doesn't work exactly like that in my world, but I gave it a shot.  I'm going to learn how to sew if it kills me, it just might. I seriously don't even know how to read a pattern. But, thanks to several trips over to my neighbor, pattern instructions in hand, 2 DAYS, a stiff neck and several pricked fingers later...

Ta Da!  They may not be perfect but my boys are completely satisfied and ready to watch tv without the bother of putting clothes on. I was even able to customize them per their requests. They picked out their own fabric. Ozzy wanted his longer with a hood.  Ownie wanted his a little shorter, no hood, just a "comfy" collar.  I feel so domestic!

Take a hike!

If my boys have a choice of what they want to do any given afternoon, they'll pick go on a hike.  They do not inherit this love of exerting yourself in the heat of the day from me. Luckily for them, their dad is more accommodating. We happen to live in a great place for such an activity, 2 minutes away and you're on a trail to the mountains. This time my two little explorers came back with pockets full of rocks and these great pics.

The other day I found out that my cute neighbor Caylen nominated my cute husband Jerm for recognition as a "Herriman Hero". This is his letter:

My name is Caylen Craven and I am 17. I am nominating Jereme Gardner for the Herriman Hero award.  Jereme is my neighbor and an excellent role model and friend to everybody.  Jereme can almost always be found helping other people in the community.  When he is not helping his neighbors move heavy objects or do yard work, he is often found with the cub scouts showing them cool tricks and teaching them while he is at it.  

He knows how to have fun no matter what, he's famous in our area for his magnificent snow c

astles that he spends hours and hours building, much to the delight of the neighborhood kids. 

 I have seen him set up tepees in his backyard for the kids to sleep in and is always coming up with

 some cool new idea to build.  He also enjoys hanging out with me and my friends.

 He taught us how to make our own throwing knives and hatchets using his equipment in his garage and he is always ready to give us advice and pieces of wisdom about life.  Jereme is the most deserving Herriman Hero that I could know. 

Isn't that nice? He really is that fun.

UPDATES:

Ode to Apple- I sent my diddy to Apple headquarters and they responded. They said there was nothing they could do for me (as if) but they appreciate my creativity in expressing my dissatisfaction through poetry. Isn't that a hoot?

Dutch oven cash prize- Took Jerm out to a nice dinner and will put the rest toward Guitar Hero On Tour for my Nintendo DS. I think I have my dad talked into teaming up with me for the next competition.

Braces- Still raising the down payment. I guess that prize money should have gone in the pot.

School- Meeting with my academic advisor today!

No Sugar- Headaches have been better and I've lost 7 pounds. Still want a cookie BAD!

Bra- still hangin' in there.