Day 341: Unexpected

Aha:
Working in a children's hospital I see a lot of families in sad situations.  As I was walking down the hallway today I saw a family approaching with a handicapped teenage girl in a wheelchair.  She seemed to either have cerebral palsy or some other form of physical handicap because her arms were pulled up at an unusual angle and her neck was craned to the side.  From a distance, my heart broke a little seeing her "stuck" in her position, but as she was wheeled closer I noticed her bright, blue eyes and the huge smile she wore on her happy face - and it made me smile.
I have no idea her mental capacity, but if anything she knows to be happy regardless of whatever limits, setbacks or hard times she may have in life.  What a sweet glimpse into "why we're here" - it was unexpected but will not be soon forgotten!

Ha ha:
Peter was laying on the couch as I was getting ready to walk out the door for work this morning.  Before I left, I walked over to give him some loves.  I bent down, stroked his fur and told him to have a good day.  I asked him to give me kisses (usually a fast lick on the tip of my nose).  He turned his head away.  I asked him again.  This time he looked me right in the face, leaned in and burped.  Not exactly what I was expecting, but I guess in a pinch it'd have to do. Ha!

Day 340: Oh, the Pylons of Life

Aha:
I had a lot swimming around in my noggin today and really wanted to just clear it out so I put Peter in his little harness and set out for a walk.  About halfway through I turned on the Mormon Channel and listened to a talk by Jeffrey R. Holland, titled "The Laborers in the Vineyard".
I don't know why this happens, because it happens almost every time I need it, but this talk was exactly what I needed to hear.  Here are a few of my favorite excerpts...

Brothers and sisters, there are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us not to be hurt—and certainly not to feel envious—when good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those.

Furthermore, envy is a mistake that just keeps on giving. Obviously we suffer a little when some misfortune befalls us, but envy requires us to suffer all good fortune that befalls everyone we know!...

The formula of faith is to hold on, work on, see it through, and let the distress of earlier hours—real or imagined—fall away in the abundance of the final reward. Don’t dwell on old issues or grievances—not toward yourself nor your neighbor nor even, I might add, toward this true and living Church. The majesty of your life, of your neighbor’s life, and of the gospel of Jesus Christ will be made manifest at the last day, even if such majesty is not always recognized by everyone in the early going. So don’t hyperventilate about something that happened at 9:00 in the morning when the grace of God is trying to reward you at 6:00 in the evening—whatever your labor arrangements have been through the day....

So if you have made covenants, keep them. If you haven’t made them, make them. If you have made them and broken them, repent and repair them. It is never too late so long as the Master of the vineyard says there is time.


Ha ha:
Here's a conversation Clinton and I just had...
He:  This morning I went to pull out of the driveway and there were pile-ons all over the place.  They were taking up the whole road.
Me:  Pile-on?  What's a pile-on?
He:  You know, those orange conical things they put around construction sites.
Me:  You mean, cones?
He:  Yah, they're called pile-ons.  Look it up P-Y-L-O-N-S.  It's a real word.
Turns out the word does exist, but who they heck calls them pylons?  Isn't 'cone' much easier?  Ha ha!

Day 339: Let Me Make This Very Clear

Aha:
I just saw on a friend's FB page that she lost her fiance--in the military--about a month before their wedding.  A couple months ago, my sister-in-law shared a link on her blog about a friend of her's who lost her husband and child in a boating accident on her birthday.  Both of these women spoke of the love they had for their loved ones and how much they look forward to the day they'll be reunited.  They are strong and filled with faith.  Neither of them said they had any regrets with their relationships, only that they could hold them again.
Well, especially after reading the above posts, I feel so very blessed to have my sweetheart still with me (though he is on call tonight and perhaps that's why I'm feeling a bit sappy).  I just wanted to take a quick second and dedicate a couple moments to my H.B.
Clinton, I love you!  You make me laugh every day, just like you promised you'd do when you proposed.  You are the happiest person I know.  Thank you for being patient with me and for helping me learn how to relax more and accept things as they come.  You are so smart!  I am so proud of you for all of your academic endeavors.  You amaze me with everything you know...and surprise me with some of the things you don't - ha!  You are kind, thoughtful and very giving.  Thank you for your wonderful acts of charity.  I love you more and more each day!  You are a wonderful man and I thank God you are mine.
Love you, love you, love you!

Ha ha:
The other day at work I was in the kitchen getting some hot water from the hot water tap on the coffee machine.  A lady came in and began to rinse her coffee mug out in the sink next to me.  As she was doing this she looked inside the cup, up at me and then back at the sink and said, "I don't think it'll kill me.", smiled and then walked out of the room as I was saying, "I'm sure it won't."
I thought to myself, she must be referring to the fact that she didn't wash her cup--only rinsed it.  And then I thought, If people are going to share a thought out loud they really should complete it, she could have been pleading for help and I just thought she was talking about her dish!

Day 338: Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Scaredy-Cats

Aha:

Clinton and I went out to dinner and stopped at the store on our way home.  I could see in the distance that a storm was coming.  We got home and walked up to the back door as a couple of huge drops fell from the sky.  The moment we stepped inside a major rainfall started.  It was absolutely pouring!  The winds started, the lightening began flashing and the thunder was rolling.

We missed getting totally soaked by about 3 seconds.  I like to call that "perfect timing"! :)

Ha ha:

Our dog, Peter, is a bit of a scaredy-cat.  If he sees a plastic bag on the floor, he growls at it and hides behind your legs.  If he sees someone wearing a hat, he doesn't like it and barks.  When a thunderstorm rolls through he starts panting, can't sit still and nervously climbs all over you until he "gets comfortable" (aka, finally exhausts himself from pacing and needs to rest). 

Well, with all of the 60 MPH winds we just had with this storm a branch fell off of our tree in the backyard and landed on the grass.  After the storm stopped, Clinton took Peter out to potty and came back in laughing.  When I asked what was so funny he said that as soon as Peter saw the branch, he stopped in his tracks, stared it down, slowly walked past it and then growled at it the whole time he was outside.  Ha ha!  Oh, Petey!

Day 337: Taking One for the Team

Aha:
I was asked to sub for a friend of mine in leading the hymns during Sacrament Meeting today and had totally forgotten about it.  Fortunately, someone sat in our pew at church "forcing" us to sit on the other side of the chapel, right next to the stand.  As the meeting started Clinton looked down at the program and said, "You're leading the music today?"
"No....oh, m'gosh!  Yes.  Thank you!"
Later, I was asked to sub for playing the piano in Relief Society.  I'm not the best pianist and I get really nervous playing in front of others, but found out the hymns were two of the easiest in the hymnbook--a miracle, relief and a blessing.  When it came time to play, everything went really well (so well in fact, I accidentally got lost in the music and cut one verse out of the opening hymn, catching the chorister off-guard and leading the class into a chorus of giggles before the prayer--embarrassing).  At any rate, my fingers moved fairly easily, my heartbeat was calm and I actually kinda enjoyed it.

Ha ha:
The Sunday School lesson was on the conversion story of Alma the Younger.  The teacher split the room into two groups for comparing scriptures and asked which group wanted to be "Team Repentance" and which wanted to be "Team Sin".  I spoke up and said, "Ooo, sin is pretty tempting.  We'll be Team Sin."  The class thought my pun "comic genius" and so did I.  Ha ha!

Day 336: Chica-Go Long

Aha:
Clinton and I went down to Chicago with some friends of ours yesterday.  The morning started out as an absolute DOWNPOUR but by the time we reached the city, it was perfect weather!
We started out the day at the Junior Women's Olympic Trials for gymnastics--way too cool!  These girls were competing to be included on Team USA and we got to watch!

After the competition we went to Roditys for some Greek food.  We were going to go to Greek Island, but found out the parking lot we'd pulled into was only for patrons of Roditys, so we ate there instead.  The food was pretty good, but our waiter was awful!  When he approached the table he'd ask an indecipherable question and then walk off before you had a chance for follow-up.  Oh well.  We were fairly entertained by it.

Last, but not least, we drove to Navy Pier and walked around.  After we walked around, we walked around some more.  And then we walked to Millennium Park, got lost trying to walk back to the Pier, walked in a big circle and then walked back to the Pier.  I'd venture to guess that we easily walked about 10 miles.

We got back home after 10pm and were totally pooped.  Clinton was asleep within a half hour.

Great day though!  Thanks Morrisons for the fun day!

P.S. Thanks Mel for coming over and letting Peter out to potty!!  You're a great friend! :)

These last three pics are what we wouldn't've seen had we NOT gotten lost.  Maybe that wasn't such a bad thing after all!

Ha ha:

Somehow I got designated as the "guide" while we were in Chicago (maybe cause I've been there about 5 times now), but this was a mistake.  Anyone who knows me knows I'm not the most reliable when it comes to directions.  I'm a hit-or-miss type of guide.

When we left the Pier and began walking toward the park, I realized I had turned the wrong way and led us the long way.  Feeling pretty bad about this, I didn't want to make the same mistake on the return trip, so I said, "Ok.  I know a short cut, one that's more direct.  Let's go this way."  Well, turns out I led us right to the long way again.  Trying to avoid it, Clinton said, "Let's go this way (opposite to where I had led us).  Turns out, it was a giant circle and we ended up right where we'd left off.

At this point I'm feeling pretty dumb and embarrassed.  We begin on the long path back and I apologize about the short cut.  A few minutes later we approached a stop light and right before we got to it the light turned in our favor and we didn't have to wait to cross the street.  Our friend said, "Hey, perfect timing!  We don't have to wait!"

"There's the short cut!" I said. "I knew it was here somewhere!"

We all laughed and then stopped laughing when we realized we still had 2 miles to go...on foot.

Day 335: I Got to Gum Home Early!

Aha:
One of the docs came in about 45-minutes before the end of the work and said, "It's the Friday before a holiday.  No one's here.  Go ahead and go home.  Have a good weekend."  Happy 3-day + 45 minute weekend to me!!!

Ha ha:
At one point during dinner tonight, Clinton brought up the Juicy Fruit jingle.
He:  "Juicy Fruit, It's gonna move ya, salty juice, it get's right to ya."
Me:  What did you say?  Salty juice?!
He:  Yah.  Salty juice.
Me:  That's not how it goes.
He:  Oh, yah?  Does too!  How does it go then?
Me:  "Juicy Fruit, it's gonna move ya, soft and sweet, it get's right to ya."  It's not salty juice. (laughing)
He:  (recognition of his wrong and not wanting to admit it) No.  It's salty juice.
Boy, I don't know about you, but I suddenly have a real craving for some salty gum.  Mm-mmm! Ha ha!

Day 334: Soda Fountain of Love

Aha:
Clinton and I went for a walk last night since the weather's been so beautiful.  We walked across campus and explored the little ponds and streams there.  I told him I wanted to thank him.  When he asked me why, I said, "Usually walking on/around campus means that I'm on my way to work and it's a bit depressing, but now my walk with you has provided me a much sweeter memory to hold onto instead."
I know long walks aren't your favorite thing in the world, H.B., but thank you for taking the time to come with me on one of mine!

Ha ha:
When Clinton brought me my Thursday Speedway Soda today, I reached into the car through the passenger window and saw him sipping a large McDonald's Diet Coke, there was also a miniature can of Diet Pepsi in the passenger cup holder, a large Speedway Diet Pepsi awaiting it's turn for consumption in the driver's cup holder and he was also holding my drink.  He was completely surrounded by carbonation.
Me:  Uh, ya thirsty or something?
He:  (looking a bit sheepish) Yep.
Me:  I wish I had my camera.  You look like a soda junkie!  I think you need help.
He:  Nah.  I'm good.
Yah.  The excess amounts of soda would suggest otherwise!  Good thing he takes lots of extra preventative measures in his dental health or he'd be a toothless-soda-drinking-junkie! :)

Day 333: Glad I Didn't Answer THAT Call

Aha:
Special shout-out to my coworker for answering the phones for me all afternoon yesterday so I could work on the calendars.  Thanks to you, Lissa, I actually got an entire month entered into the system compared to the one week I barely managed to squeeze in the day before.  THANK YOU!!  (Only one more month to go!)

Ha ha:
You ever have one of those moments of inappropriate laughter?  Ya know, you know you probably shouldn't be laughing at something, but you can't help it?  Well, yesterday while my coworker was answering the phones I overheard the following conversation.
She:  May I ask who's calling?
Caller:  (replies)
She:  Dr. Teats?
Me:  (suppressing laughter/biting tongue...snort)
Other coworker:  What are you laughing at missy?  (knowing exactly what I'm laughing about)
She:  Dr. Chi-chi?  Peachey?
Me:  (laughter!)
Other coworker:  (coyly)  Are you laughing cause she said "teats"?
Me:  That was funny, yes, but it followed by "chi-chi" and "peachey" was just too much! (laughter)
I'm so mature.

Day 332: Buried Treasure

Aha:
Ever since last Saturday's window-plastic-removal-turned-whole-house-cleaning session I have been a cleaning/purging machine!  I have gone through most rooms in my house and have sorted, tossed and organized more stuff than I thought I ever had!  I feel so accomplished (I even went through all of my loose-leaf recipes and condensed them into one book--double-sided tape and all).
Let me clarify, my home is never really messy or dirty, but we still had a bunch of random stuff/papers and it feels so good to de-clutter!

Ha ha:
One of the items that I came across in my dejunking mission was an old beaded necklace that had one busted strand.  It's been sitting in one of the drawers in my bathroom (along with the plethora of its loose beads) for 4 years "waiting to be fixed".  Well, I decided I'm never going to fix it, so instead I hacked off the busted string (still two left), tossed the spare beads and the necklace is as good as new!  In fact, I wore it to work the next day and looked like a superstar!
What the heck took me so long to do that?? :)

Day 331: Bills and Thrills

Aha:
Found out that some lab work/tests/appointments we had/have to have, that we didn't think were going to be covered by insurance (and we've been praying for help in affording), were/are covered by insurance and we'll owe next to nothing!!!  Woohoo!  Yay for visible miracles!

Ha ha:
Clinton brought the mail in from the mailbox.
Me:  What kind of garbage did we get today (all we ever get is junk mail)?
He:  (Holding an envelope up to his forehead like he's telepathically reading it)  Bills.
Me:  (Laughing)
He:  (Holds another to head forehead)  Bills.  (Another)  Bills.
Me/He:  (Laughing)

Day 330: Money Makes My Honey Funny

Aha:
Clinton gave a fantastic talk in church on Sunday about tithing.  He's a very good public speaker and he always has the audience's full attention.
He shared an experience from when we were first married and had very little money but always paid our tithing regardless.  We were living in Canada and Clinton was working at a job that paid basically what we needed each month and nothing more.  Clinton has always been very diligent about watching our account and could explain all deposits and withdrawals therein.   At one point we needed to have some work done on our car but knew we were going to be about $200 short.  By the time the repairs were made, Clinton checked our account to plan for repayment and discovered we had exactly $200 extra in our account.  He looked back through our statements to see where the extra money had come from but could never find a difference--no additional deposits were made and there had been no raise in his income--it was as if the money had been there all along.  We attribute/d this monetary miracle as a blessing for paying our tithing.
Writing a check for 10% of one's income each month may seem like a burden at times, but I honestly feel like I can't afford to NOT pay my tithing.  We have been so richly blessed (financially, emotionally, physically, spiritually, etc.) from obeying this commandment and I'm thankful for it each day!

Ha ha:
During Clinton's talk, when he'd finished explaining how he couldn't locate where the extra $200 had come from, he said, "Now, maybe I was just mistaken, though I believe my wife will be the first to admit I'm practically perfect and I could not have erred--but then again, maybe not--we chose to see this as a blessing for paying our tithing."
Naturally, everyone laughed...and then turned to see my reaction.  Needless to say, I was shaking my head back-and-forth at him...and also laughing.  What a funny boy. :)

Day 329: Happy Birth-d'oh!

Aha:
He's had a birthday, shout hooray!
I'm gonna sing to him today (yesterday).
One year older and wiser too.
Happy Birthday, to you (Clinton)!

That's right!  My little H.B. celebrated his 31st birthday yesterday!  We got lunch at McDonalds, went to see The Avengers in 3D, came home for a quick clothing change and then headed out to Lake Michigan for some paddle boating, and then went to Guadelupe's for dinner!  After dinner I dropped Clinton off at a friend's house for some guy time with his friends and returned home to bake him a cake (even though it was 80+ degrees outside).  When he got home, he opened his presents and I sang him "Happy Birthday" as I presented him the batter bowl for licking clean (he loves cake batter).
It was a pretty great day and I'm so thankful for him in my life!  I love you H.B. and I'm looking forward to celebrating many more happy days with you!

Ha ha:
Clinton LOVES The Simpsons.  He quotes it to me at all times (in fact, if he ever says a quote and then asks, "What's that from?", by default I'll reply, "The Simpsons" and generally I'm right).  He even has a "special knack" for quoting lines from it when I'm looking for comfort after a bad day.  Many times I've heard him say, "You know, this reminds me of an episode from The Simpsons."
Anyway, for his birthday I got him Seasons 1, 3 and 5 (already has 4 and 11, so I'm filling in the blanks) from his most-beloved show.  1 and 3 were here, but 5 hadn't arrived in time, so I wrote him the following I Owe You:

Your gift I’d hoped to have here for you,

But a later delivery will just have to do.

I was the highest bidder, but my bidding was late

I guess this just means an anticipatory wait.

Please don’t fret, and please don’t cry-

The wait will be worth it for Simpsons Season Five!

Happy Birthday Honey!

Day 328: Window of Opportunity

Aha:
You ever have those moments when a small project turns into something much, much larger?  Well, Friday night I decided to take the plastic off our back window so we could get a nice cross-breeze in our place.  Then I noticed how dirty that window was, so I got a rag and some Windex and started to clean it.  Then I noticed the track was filthy so I got the vacuum, vacuumed up the dirt, sprayed it down and then wiped it clean.  Next thing I knew, all but three of the windows in my whole house were given a deep and thorough cleaning.  (The only reason these three weren't cleaned is because two of them still have plastic on them and the other was behind the couch that Clinton was sleeping on, but don't worry, I'll get those on Monday!)
When I had finished with the bathroom window, I realized I should probably just clean the bathroom while I was at it.  Man, I was feeling great!
When I got downstairs to put the broom back, I looked at my kitchen and thought, What the heck?  I'm on a roll!  Before long my kitchen was buffed and shined like the rest of the joint.
My 3-second project turned into 2 hours, but boy did I feel like a total rockstar!!

Ha ha:
Ever since I saw the commercial for Burger King's new chicken strips I've not been able to stop craving the dang things.  They were on my mind every time I thought about eating (pathetic, I get it).  Anyhoo, Clinton had a free dinner at Red Robin for his birthday, so he graciously took me there for their Clucks and Fries.
DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I literally "Mmm-mm"-ed at every bite.  I made a concerted, conscious effort to stop moaning, but just couldn't--I was in heaven!  It's been a while since I've had a craving (for food) that was that satisfied! Ha!  At one point Clinton said, "Is it really necessary to moan that much?"
"Yes." I said.  And then I thought to myself, I wonder how many people are telling their waiter, "I'll have what she's having."  Ha ha!

Day 327: Catch Up & Ketchup

Aha:
I got a sweet little surprise visit today from my friend Emily and her daughter Elise.  They were out for a walk and decided to stop by for a chat.  It was so much fun!  Elise was literally laughing out loud playing with Peter, and Emily and I got to catch up.
It was so nice to know I was being thought of!  Thanks Emily!  Please do come again! :)

Ha Ha:
Every day for lunch I have a huge salad and 2 grilled-cheese sandwiches with ketchup, and every day someone mentions how good my lunch smells.  But Danielle, how is it that you are able to enjoy fresh grilled-cheese from the comfort of your desk?  Glad you asked; I keep a sandwich maker under my desk.  I know.  I know.  It's quirky and a weirdo-type thing to do, but once you smell and taste how delicious my sandwiches are, you'll go from thinking "that's weird" to "I wish I had one too".
Anyway, today was much like any other day, one of the docs came out and commented on how delectable it smelled in the room.  I told her it was my sandwiches and she asked why they smelled so good.
Me:  Because I have a sandwich maker under my desk and I make them fresh.  I know.  It's weird, but whatever.
She:  (dons a questioning look)  Huh.  Yes.  But what is more, I can't tell if you're being serious.
Me:  (reaching under my desk and pulling out the sandwich maker)  I'm being very serious.  See?
She:  (cocks her head side-to-side)  Ok.  (walks away)
Ha ha ha!

Day 326: Day Dream

Aha:
You know how karma says that "you get what you give"?  Well, I was the benefactor of good karma today!
We have another faculty candidate in our office this week and things have been really busy for my coworker.  I offered to take the candidate across campus to one of his meetings so my coworker didn't have to worry about getting lost since she'd never been on that part of campus before.
Well, when I arrived with the candidate at the appointment we were offered refreshments in the kitchen.  The candidate graciously declined and I emphatically accepted.  One can of Diet Coke and a handful of M&M's later, I got to thinking to myself, I'm sitting here relaxing and snacking-it-up while my poor coworker's slaving away in the office...and I'm LOVING it!!

Ha ha:
I think I'm having Vampire Diaries (VD) withdrawals (I got caught up last week and don't have any new episodes to watch till the new season starts in the fall).  How pathetic am I???  Night before last I had a dream that I was talking with this overly-effeminite guy about which of us loved VD more.  I was telling him how I've seen all the episodes, wrote about it on my blog and am "totally in love with it".
He rolled his eyes and said, "Check this out!"  He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a VD pen.  It was one of those cheapy logo pens, but it was deceptively awesome.  He started to twist the top and out popped a telescoping poster of the three main characters.  Needless to say, it was a little weird, but I was impressed.  "That's not all," he said, "take a look at THIS!"
He walked me down a small hill, had me turn around and out of nowhere a huge projection screen arose out of the hillside.  On it was a PowerPoint presentation about the show.
I couldn't believe it.  By this point I was beginning to think this person was a bit extreme, not to mention obsessed.  And then I woke up and realized I was the one dreaming this all up in the first place.  I'm the one who's extreme!  I'm the one who's obsessed!
I panicked for a moment and then realized I'm okay with it.  120 days till season four baby!!

Day 325: Stick a Cork in it!

Aha:
I learned today how grateful I am to be understanding and tolerant of other people and their differences.  I also learned that I am not as big of a grump or kill-joy as other people in this world.  Why do I write these thought-provoking moments of enlightenment?  Because today, I was the recipient of the opposite of me.
I got an email from my supervisor this morning asking me to speak with her before I sent out one of my weekly announcements.  I was confused, but sent her an email to let her know I was about to send it out anyway.  A few minutes later she came to my desk, grabbed a chair and said we needed to talk.
Apparently, someone complained to HR about the signature at the bottom of my email at work: "Hoping to Adopt: https://www.itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/26001939/ourMessage.jsf".
"I don't understand," I said, "I contacted HR myself to get approval and they said it was up to you.  You gave me approval."
She nodded in agreement, apologized and then finished with, "I know.  I guess they changed the policy.  Either way, someone complained about it.  I'm sorry, but could you please remove it?"
I told her I would and I did.  And then I sat at my desk and fumed for a while.  And then I got up to clear my head.
After some time away I came to the conclusion that whoever complained must just feel like they have a really crappy life.  I began to feel sorry for them.  I'm sure they're going to be watching for my next email to make sure my signature is "Hope" free, feeling like "they've won" when it appears to be so--but that's where they're wrong.  If anything, this jerk has taught me to rise above the lows in life by looking to heaven.  When one door closes, another opens...and I hope it opens right in Email-Nazi's face! ;)

Ha ha:
After today, I was Jonesing for a good laugh--fortunately 30 Rock delivered.
 “I love Jamba Juice!  Having ice-cold diarrhea from drinking too much Jamba Juice? It’s everything I ever wanted!"
(Jenna Maroney, Episode 4.3, Klaus and Greta)
As a long-time sufferer of lactose-intolerance, this quote made me laugh out loud!

Day 324: Cookie Monster Appetite

Aha:
I thought I was going to die, but I made it: 1 hour on the recumbent bike.  Why would a person spend an hour in such torture?  Keep reading.  It was totally necessary, but only kinda-sorta worth it.

Ha ha:
There's a reason we don't often have treats in our house...Clinton and I have little-to-no self control.  Clinton made a half batch of chocolate chip cookies for me for Mother's Day yesterday (although I'm sure they were just as much for himself as they were for me) and they are now gone.  GONE!  I wouldn't feel as bad about finishing them today if I hadn't also had 2 ice cream cones from McDonalds.  Why did I have 2 cones?  Because I wasn't going to have any cookies, so it was okay to have the extra calories from my cones, duh!  Two cones and four cookies later, I started to feel a bit glutenous.
Bad idea, bad girl, long time burning calories.
I think tomorrow I'll have a doughnut instead. :)

Day 323: Tricks Up Her Sleeve

Aha:
Yesterday was Mother's Day, and although the surprises should have been for my mom--my mom surprised me!  She told me that she and my dad are coming out for a WEEK in August!!!!!!  I am so excited!!!  Can't wait!  Thanks Mom and Happy Mother's Day (to me)!!! :)

Ha ha:
Peter learned a new trick that is simply adorable...

Day 322: The Importance of Using Diction

Aha:
Clinton and I drove out to Madison on Saturday to visit with our friends, Michelle and Drew Vernon (Michelle and I have been buds since we were kids).  We had a great time!  Their daughter was my little shadow for the day, we went to a fantastic restaurant for supper (HuHot--Mongolian Grill that was UNBELIEVABLE), Drew gave us a couple of his amazing pottery pieces and then we drove home.  There's nothing quite like hanging out with people who've known you for so long.
Thanks guys!  We'll have to HuHot it again before you ditch us for Ohio! :)

Here is the sunset during our drive home

Ha ha:
When we were deciding on where to go for supper, Drew said, "Hey, have you guys ever been to that Hooha place?"  Clinton, Michelle and I each looked at each other before busting up.  Uh, Drew...do you know what a hooha is?  Needless to say, there were many, many jokes made about the name of the restaurant that night.
Our parting words for the restaurant were, "We love HuHot!"...though it didn't sound like HuHot. :)

Day 321: New Flavors

Aha:
Clinton finished his neuro/psych rotation/exam on Friday!!!  He said the exam wasn't too bad and he even brought me a Speedway drink at work to celebrate his freedom.
Congrats, H.B.!  Only OB/Gyn left and then you're a 4th year med student!!!

Ha ha:
Clinton and I went to Noodles & Co for dinner on Friday.  We almost always share a drink to save a few bucks and typically agree on Diet Coke/Pepsi, however Noodles has a new soda machine that has about 30 different flavors.  I was feeling adventurous; Clinton wasn't.
Me:  I know you don't like Cherry Coke, so I got Raspberry Coke to try instead!
He:  (takes a sip)  Nah, I don't like it.
Me:  Well, I don't like you...so I guess that makes us even!
He:  (laughing)  I don't really think that's "even".
Both:  (laughing)

Day 320: Today's Agenda

Aha:
Today's agenda for the visiting professor went very smoothly (only one more day and I'll be FREE!!...till the next one in June :))  Only problem from the visit is that I got a really bad headache from the stress I think.
I made it through the work day and really just wanted to go home and rest, but had a voice student scheduled.  I thought about canceling, but I didn't want to be a wimp about it so I planned on just resting afterward.  Best news of the day?  My voice student sent me a text stating they wouldn't be able to make it cause their spouse was getting home late.  Woohoo!!
Aside from running one errand and making supper, I got to just rest on the couch and now I feel so much better!

Ha ha:
Best part of today?  Almost-guiltlessly watching way too many episodes of Vampire Diaries because after all, my head hurts and I need my rest. :)

Day 319: Visiting Husband, Visiting Professor

Aha:
I got a surprise visit from my favorite H.B. today at work!  I was busy trying to wrap things up for tomorrow and heard the door open behind me.  I turned around and there he was!  He just came by to say "hello".  I snuck out for a second and visited for a minute before kissing him goodbye for the night (he's got exams on Friday and has been staying at the school to study).  What a pleasant surprise!  Thanks H.B.!!

Ha ha:
I've been working for about a month or so on arrangements to bring a visiting professor to the college.  It's been a lot of work and he's finally coming tomorrow and the stress of this visit will be over on Friday!  Anyway, Dr. Forgetful is hosting the visitor and asked me to compile a list of the fancy-pants restaurants nearby from which they could choose to take the visiting professor for a fancy-schmancy dinner.  Anyway, the list I emailed him went a little something like this...
Eddie Martini's (Steak/Seafood)
Ristorante Bartolatta (Italian)
Le Reve (French)
Cocina DeLeon (Mexican)
Firefly Urban Bar & Grill (Modern American)
Or my personal favorite...Subway (cheap)
I could tell when he'd opened my email from the short burst of laughter I heard from his office.  Let's just say he thought I was funny too.

Day 318: Naughty and Nice

Aha:
Clinton left the car at the school and I happened to find it while I was out on a walk with Peter.  I really had a hankerin' for some ice cream cones from McDonalds, but didn't bring my wallet with me on the walk.  I put Peter in the car and looked in our little change drawer on the dashboard.  I needed $1.04 for my two cones...C'mon....c'mon....I searched frantically and found 95 cents.  Dangit!  I just knew there had to be more.  I reached as far back as my fingers could and found one more dime.  $1.05!  Victory!
I never felt so rich!

Ha ha:
As I was getting ready for bed last night I asked Clinton if he was going to come up for prayer, because he hadn't the night before.  He told me he had.
Me:  When?  After I fell asleep?  That doesn't count.
He:  Sure it does.  I still said prayer.
Me:  "Couple prayer" isn't really "couple prayer" if one of us is unconscious.  Besides the purpose of having prayer together is to bond.
He:  I had my eyes closed.  You had your eyes closed.  He'll never know the difference.
Me:  (laughter)  I don't think it works that way.  This isn't Santa Claus we're dealing with...but even he knows when we are sleeping and when we're awake!
What a pill!

Day 317: Happy Dance

Aha:
Went down to the mailroom to find out how much postage I'd need for a letter I was sending.  When the mail lady weighed it and found out it'd only need one stamp she told me not to worry about the postage and stuck a stamp on the envelope for me!
Woohoo!  Thanks friendly mailroom lady!!

Ha ha:
I was working on my computer this evening when Clinton came down and told me we should shut the blinds.
Me:  Why?
He:  (Walking over to the window and closing the blinds) Cause, we don't want to be embarrassed.
Me:  Embarrassed? Of what?
He:  Of this.
Right then, he commenced in performing one of his silly dance moves.
I started laughing.
He:  Pretty good, huh?
Me:  (still laughing)  Yup.
I love that boy of mine!  Thanks for making me laugh every day H.B.!

Day 316: A Little Too Relaxed

Aha:
Sometimes it takes an entire day of doing NOTHING to make you realize the value of being busy and productive.  I stayed home from church yesterday cause I wasn't feeling well.  However, instead of reading my scriptures or working on family history (you know, something uplifting and productive) I watched a lot of tv.  I was feeling pretty guilty about this, and still am to be honest, and it reminded me of a talk I'd heard in General Conference about being busy vs. being productive.  Although I couldn't find the particular talk, I found an article "I Have Work Enough to Do (Don't I?)" by Karen Flynn in the August 1981 Ensign that will do just as well.  Here are a few of her points...
"One of two things can happen to free time. It can be leisure, a time to expand the soul and renew the energies. Or it can instead become something very different: idleness....
"Our crucial task, then, is to distinguish leisure from idleness. Let me suggest what I think some of the differences are. Idleness puts us in a passive role, whereas leisure usually calls on us to participate mentally or physically or creatively; idleness merely passes time, whereas leisure fills personal needs; idleness occupies us, but leisure renews us; we put the responsibility for filling our idle time on something outside ourselves, whereas we look within ourselves for our leisure....
"But always, leisure activity will have, to borrow a phrase from Hamlet, the “relish of salvation” about it. (William Shakespeare, Hamlet, act 3, sc. 3, line 91.)"
This is another one of those moderation-in-all-things type of subjects, but I just thought I needed a little reminder.  It's ok to relax in front of a tv and unwind, but too often that "relaxation period" turns into an entire evening or afternoon of idleness.  Therefore, I have made a commitment to myself to limit my time in front of electronics of any sort and to try other sources of relaxation instead.
Anyway, I better get going...Vampire Diaries is on. :)

Ha ha:
I watched Clinton as he was walking out of the room and noticed that his shoulders were slouching.
"You should pull your shoulders back, Honey.  You're really slouching." I said.
Right then, he shot his arms way behind his back and looked at me with a really strained face.  "Like this?" he said.  "This better looking?"
I just started laughing.  What a silly kid.

Day 315: Direct Quote

Aha:
After supper with Clinton, Peter and I drove out to my g-friend Jess' house for a little VD marathon.  While our dogs wrestled and chewed on raw hide, Jess and I got lost in our show.  It's pathetic really, but it was so much fun watching it with someone else who loves it as much as I do!
Thanks for having me over to bond Jess!  This new aspect of our friendship has reminded me of a famous poem.  I can't remember it exactly, but I think it goes a little something like this...
"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow.
Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.
Walk beside me and then let's watch Vampire Diaries." 

...Something like that anyway! :)

Ha ha:
At a recent Dr.'s appointment, Clinton's doctor asked the following question:
"Ever had any problems with drinking?"
To which Clinton wittily replied, "Nope...always goes straight into my mouth."
The doctor looked up from his notes and just started laughing.
Oh dear.

Day 314: More Than I Bargained For

Aha:
There is a floater from our corporate office who is covering for my coworker on maternity leave.  She's super nice and has been a great sub in our office.  The other day I was working on a few different things when she turned to me and said, "You're missing a few tick marks by your name there."
I wasn't sure what she was talking about, but followed her gaze to the name tag on my desk, "Danielle Logan, Administrative Assistant I".
Realizing she was referencing my level as an assistant, I looked back at her and smiled.  "Thank you.  That's very kind of you."
She put down her work and went on to tell me how smart I am, how valuable I am to my office and how she thinks my title deserves the same recognition.
I was totally floored.  It felt so good!  I feel completely honored and it totally made my day!

Ha ha:
What is it with Walmart?  I swear, I went in there to buy one $5 item and left spending over $40!
How does this happen?

Day 313: Temple Trip and Marji's Quip

Aha:
I had a GREAT day today.  My previous visiting teaching companion (for the last 2.5 years!), along with our friend's home teacher and I, took our friend to the temple for her first time!  She was able to have baptisms and confirmations performed for her mother and pappy (two very important people in her life).  She is 81 years old and did the baptism for her mother and five other people herself...she was a real trooper!
It was so wonderful being a part of this special day for her!  Each time one of the baptisms or confirmations was done for her family she would bounce up and down a little in her seat, smile a great big grin and say, "Amen, amen, amen!"
I'm smiling just thinking about it.  Thank you Marji, for helping me feel the excitement and pure joy that comes from being in the House of the Lord!  What a sweet day!

(L-R: Brad Roberts, Marji West, Me, Melanie Jackman)

Ha ha:
On our drive down to the temple, I asked Marji a question, but I prefaced it with, "This may be a dumb question but...".  She quickly replied, "Danielle, the only dumb questions are the ones you already know the answer to.  Your's is not a dumb question."
Anyway, a few minutes later, Mel asked her a question to which Marji thought she should/could have already known the answer.  Before responding, Marji turned to me and asked, "Now, Danielle what kind of question is that?"
"A dumb question!"
Marji did this high pitched, squealy sort of laugh, and we all started laughing.  She is such a tease!

Day 312: I Didn't Cashew, but Thank You Anyway

Aha:
I, unlike my other neighbor on yesterday's post, have a WONDERFUL neighbor.  I came home from work the other day and noticed this sweet treat at my back door.

Made my May Day!

Ha ha:
I went visiting teaching yesterday and met up with one of our sisters and her kids. (I'm sure she's gonna read this and I feel bad, but she shouldn't, it was all very funny.)  Anyway, her daughter kept calling us "Visiting Teachers!", "Um...Visiting Teachers...", "Visiting Teachers do you....?"  It was adorable.  Well, as most young children do, she really just wanted our attention and wanted to make us happy.  She was eating cashews from a big giant tupperware and after putting them away, heard me mention that I too love cashews.  She ran back to the kitchen and reached for the container, trying to get them down for us herself but ended up spilling the whole thing on the floor instead.  Her mom gently reminded her that next time she needed to ask for help.  "But, I just wanted to share with Visiting Teachers."
Cute, right?
Well, we continue our visit while her daughter runs down the hallway to get the broom and sweep up the spill.  Next thing I know, I see this little girl coming to me with her two hands full of cashews.  "Here Visiting Teacher." she said.
"Oh, thank you!"  I held them in my hands while we kept visiting, because, you know, they'd been on the floor.  After a few moments, the sister we were visiting comes up and apologizes for the floor-cashews, takes them from my hands, and helps her daughter pick up the rest.
I'm sure she thought she was doing me a favor, and although I held them in my hands to avoid looking like a sicko that'd eat cashews off someone else's floor...to be honest, I was really looking forward to closet-eating those.  Sigh.

Day 311: Love Thy Neighbor

Aha:
On my way to work this morning I saw the weirdest thing on my neighbor's yard.

Notice how they stopped mowing at their property line instead of just finishing that last foot on their neighbor's yard?

I don't know.  This just really put me off a bit, making me think to myself, what kind of neighbor am I?  I certainly hope that I'd be the kind that's willing to mow that extra foot, or even better, go that extra mile to help a neighbor in need.
For heaven's sake readers...let's remove the physical dividers between ourselves and our neighbors and do a better job at coming closer together.  Heaven knows the world can use more love and compassion.

Ha ha:
Clinton was playing with Peter on the floor.  He was holding Peter's baby and flinging it back and forth across his body so Peter would chase it.  I snuck down onto the floor and grabbed the toy.  Peter kept chasing it...even when I drug it across Clinton's face.  I was laughing so hard seeing Peter lick/bite at Clinton's face, hearing Clinton shout out, "Ah, ugh!  It's wet and slimy!"  He kept trying to hid his face, but it just made the game more fun for Peter and me!  I laughed and laughed!
Then Clinton turned on me and was doing the same to me.  I laughed and laughed until the slimy baby went into my mouth.  I especially stopped laughing when Clinton pulled back sharply and the fabric on the baby caught on my earring--ripping it out of my ear.
Still.  It was pretty darn funny!