Day 121: T.G.I. ...Can't Hear You

Aha:
Friday afternoon was one of THE LONGEST afternoons at work. I was busy and all, but the hours just dragged. Anxious to get home and be free to do what I want for a couple days, I couldn't help but watch the clock. Sure enough time slowly passed, but pass it did and once 430 came I shot outta there like an absolute rocket!
I am thankful for Fridays, and especially Fridays after 430pm. I love having time to myself and my little family. We didn't have any major plans but I still look forward to the time we get to spend together--free from work and other responsibilities.

Haha:
Perhaps you'll not find this as funny as I did, but I overheard my boss answer his phone and this is how it went.
He: Hello?
(pause)
He: Can't hear you.
(click)
Me: (laughing)
He: What?
Me: Uh...did you really just hang up on them like that?
He: What was I supposed to say?
Me: Most people say, "I'm sorry, but I can't hear you. Can you try calling me back? I'm going to hang up now."
He: Oh, I just have no patience for calls like that.
I had the giggles so bad after that. The way he said, "Can't hear you." was just so blunt that it struck me absolutely funny. lol

Day 116: Messages and Massages

Aha:

I went to stake conference today; it was a special, Canada-wide broadcast from Salt Lake City. There were two thoughts shared today that stuck out to me and I wanted to put them on my blog.

1. "Choose the path of faith", Anthony D. Perkins

I liked this quote because there are times when things are out of my hands and all I can do is trust God. I have to consciously choose that path of faith because the alternative (worry) doesn't help me get anywhere or understand any better.

2. "Remember who you are...and remember who you oughta be.", Linda K. Burton

I liked this because it makes me realize my potential. I am a child of God and I should act that way. :) Act faithfully, act obediently and act Christlike.

Haha:

Clinton is creative. For example, when I ask him for a back massage I am always surprised what he uses to accomplish this task. Tonight it was the corner of the remote. In the past it's been things such as pens, his elbows, a cellphone, Peter's bone, or any other blunt object within reach. 

Nothing's quite as nice as strong thumbs, but I gotta give it to him, the corner of the remote was pretty darn effective. Ha!

Day 115: Lost in Pancakes

Aha:

Clinton took me to IHOP for supper last night. He knows how much I love their pancakes and our trip there was on a total whim. What a lovely surprise!! Thanks, Honey!!

Haha:

Well, I finished Lost yesterday and I gotta say, the ending had ME lost. I spent the next 20 minutes on Lostapedia.com trying to figure out what it all meant.

In the end, I think the story ending could have been better but overall I liked the show. I mean, I must have with all the time and laziness I dedicated to it. Lol

Day 112: Caring For Our Kind

Aha:

I got up to take Peter for a walk. Clinton got up and said he was going to go get the mail (located at the end of our street). When we got to the mailbox, Clinton grabbed what was in there, as well as Peter's leash, and kept walking with us. :)

It was so nice to walk as a little family. Thanks, HB, for coming with us!

Haha:

Clinton will use any desperate measure to get Peter to leave my lap and go to him. Tonight's attempt was clips from YouTube of puppies crying.

Peter's ears perked up and his little head couldn't possibly have been crinked farther to the side. He was so concerned. It took a lot of clips and coaxing but Peter finally jumped off my lap and up on Clinton's.

However, once he noticed no puppies were actually on Clinton's lap, he jumped down and came back to me.

I'd definitely say Peter is momma's boy!

Day 103: The #1 and #2s in My Life

Aha:
Happy Birthday to my H.B.!!! Clinton celebrated his 33rd birthday by sleeping in, mowing the lawn, changing his tires, going for a walk, watching ALF (I bought him the complete series, as well as three more seasons of The Simpsons to add to his growing collection), and eating key lime pie. Doesn't sound like the most exciting birthday to me, but he got to pick all of our doings so he must've enjoyed it!
At any rate, I am so thankful to be married to such a wonderful man and I love that I have at least one day a year to celebrate him. Love you, H.B.!!

Haha:
TMI WARNING: I told Clinton at one point today that I felt like I needed to go #2. A moment passed and then I said, "Yep, I can definitely feel that I need to go."
And then he started singing, "I feel it in my fingers...."
To which I promptly responded with "Ew." and laughter.

Day 94: He's Always So Happy

Aha:
I was in a bit of a mood yesterday and every time my grumpy pants showed themselves, Clinton would say, "Awr you feewing gwumpy again? Awr you Ms. Gwumpy Pants?"
I'd either stare at him or look away as my reply; while inside I was thankful for his positive attitude.
I can't say his baby talk helped or hindered, but I can say I am grateful he didn't let my grumpiness affect his happiness. I really love that about him.

Haha:
During one of my grumpy bouts, Clinton reminded me of a joke. Now, if you know Clinton, picture his getting-ready-to-tell-a-joke-he-thinks-is-especially-punny face/voice.

He: Two cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other: "Does this taste funny to you?"

And then he did his I-just-told-a-punny-joke prideful chuckle.
Boy, I love my Clinton!

Day 81: Sharing Kindness and Spit

Aha:

Went to our new ward at church for the first time today. The people were actually fairly welcoming and even though it has a lot of older people, I think it'll be a good place for us. I'm even playing the piano in Relief Society next week!

Haha:

Clinton cut up the last of the pineapple and I asked if he could bring me some. He came out with a plate of huge chunks of pineapple on it and said, "These four chunks are yours."

Me: I don't have anywhere to put them...am I supposed to just hold them in my hands, or swallow them whole like a bird?"

He: I'll just eat my pieces first then give you the plate.

He then proceeded to eat his pieces, drooling pineapple juice all over my pieces.

Me: Uh, you're kinda drooling all over my pieces.

He: It's ok.

Yep. I still ate them. What crazy person would pass up fresh pineapple anyway, with or without the drool?

Day 78: I'll Scratch Your Back if You Massage Mine

Aha:
I haven't been sleeping well the last couple nights and have woken up in the most contortionist-y ways. Needless to say my neck and shoulders are super tight. Fortunately, Clinton was kind enough to rub my sore muscles and remove the severity of the tension. I'm looking forward to a much better sleep tonight!
Thank, H.B.!!

Haha:
Our parking pad is located in the back of our property, however the only way to get in is from the front door--unless someone is home to let you in the back slider.
Well, I was taking a nap on the couch when Clinton knocked on the slider door.
Grumpy and groggy, I opened the door and said, "What? Are your legs broken or somethin'?"
He, laughing, "I could ask you the same thing. You just didn't want to get off the couch."
True. I didn't.
Turns out two lazys don't make for a very strong fight.
Ha!

Day 52: Ooo-Ooo Witch-ay Woman

Aha:

My husband is a real trooper. He has a level of patience I will never understand. And for his patience I am so thankful! 

I love you, Clinton. Thank you for realizing the source of my craziness and loving me regardless.

Haha:

You would not, or maybe you would, believe how grumpy I was this morning/afternoon. Here're a few samplings of my sour moments from today...feel free to laugh, I know I am...now.

1. After I had taken a shower this morning I came back into the room where Clinton was still in bed. As I walked into the room he was making a huge yawn and I totally mimicked it...kinda sorta mocking him.

Why I was annoyed with him yawning I don't know.

2. When I was folding laundry today I made a very big point of mentioning to him how nice I was for folding his laundry too.

Gee, aren't I sweet?
3. Clinton and I went to Costco. When we got there I told him 3 things we needed before I ran off to the bathroom. While I was in the bathroom he ran and got all those things and proceeded to the checkout. When I got out of the bathroom I called him but he didn't answer so I meandered through the store and grabbed a few other not-on-the-list items. When I called him again to tell him I was ready to checkout he answered and said he already had. He also had my purse with him so I couldn't pay for my extra items.

Unnaturally I was miffed. I stormed past him out of the store and sped-walked to the car. When we got in the car we talked. I had thought he was just not answering my calls but in reality he couldn't hear his phone ring. He had found all the things ON THE LIST and bought them, as requested.

Moral of the story...get the facts and realize the kindness if others before blowing things totally out of proportion. And yes, I sincerely apologized.

Oh, there's more, but fortunately my total witchiness only lasted a few hours and I spent the second half of my day in much better spirits, but HO-WEE I was a real piece of kick-you-in-the-crotch meanness. Thanks PMS!

Day 46: Gave Me the Chills

Aha:

A guy gave a talk in church today and the topic was kind of about his conversion to the church. He said it took many years for him to decide to be baptized and that decision came after much thought and prayer until one day it hit him that it was true for him.

His talk was fairly interesting but at the very end he mentioned a scripture about Moses and his inadequacies in speaking. The Lord had called Moses to be His mouthpiece but Moses was afraid because he struggled with speech.

At this point the speaker interjected his own thought that those whom The Lord calls to act He lifts up and qualifies.

This made me think. 

I start a new job tomorrow and I've really been struggling to be happy about it. I don't mean to sound like a whiner, but there's a lot going on in our lives, I live far from any family, and I've had a lot of time to be used to being home and available to do whatever whenever. Now the reality that I'll be working full time has hit me and it makes me sad to know I can't just pick up and go for the next while. But when the speaker mentioned that to those whom The Lord calls he qualifies, I felt comforted. 

I realize I am being blessed with work and a chance to save a lot of money. I realize that The Lord is giving me a chance to bless my family. And I realize that since I am being called to this responsibility at this time, The Lord will help me through it.

Haha:

I made chili for supper tonight. I called Clinton in and told him it was ready.

He: It can't be ready yet, it's not cooked long enough. It's doesn't even feel warm (holding his hand over the pot)

Me: Trust me, it's fine. It's been boiling; I just turned the temp down. I have been having to blow on it before I can taste it, it's hot trust me.

He: (turning the heat back up) No, I don't want to eat raw beef.

Me: Trust me, it's fine.

He: Let it simmer for a bit.

About two minutes pass.

He: Ok, let's eat.

We sit down to eat.

I notice my bowl is really hot and knowing it's been boiling for a while, I really blow on my food before taking a bite.

He: (taking a bite without blowing on it) Ahhh! (spits out his food and looks over at me with a coy look on his face)

Me: So, it's warm enough then?

He: No need to rub it in.

Me: (laughing)

Day 45: Apparently I Love Him Most When I'm Awake

Aha:

I gotta say, I really love my Clinton. We had no plans for today but spent the whole day together. We watched some tv, ran some errands, got some yummy East Indian food, did a little shopping, and then came back home to eat some Whoppers and watch Schindler's List on tv.

I have to admit that hanging with my best friend all day is pretty great way to spend a Saturday.

Haha:

When I woke up this morning Clinton told me about an interaction we had when he came to bed last night. Peter and I were already asleep in bed; I in the middle of the bed, and Peter on Clinton's pillow.

He: (barely lifts up the corner of the blanket on his side of the bed)

Me: DON'T!

He: You're on my side of the bed.

Me: (mumbling) No I'm not!

He: (getting into bed)

Me: STOP!

He: (pulling on the covers)

Me: You're taking my covers!

He: I just need some blankets.

Me: UGH.

Apparently I'm a real sweetheart in my sleep. Lol

Day 41: At Least I'm Surrounded by Calm People (and Animals)

Aha:

I am so thankful for my husband and for his support and advice throughout our marriage. He is always so calm and reassuring. Thank you, HB for being you and loving me.

I am so thankful for my mom. She always knows what I want and need to hear. Thank you, Mom, for being my mom.

Haha:

When Clinton's away on call, the pup is more than happy to take over his spot (and pillow) on the bed.

This is what I woke up to this morning. Ha!

Day 37: Working for The Man

Aha:

Got to do a nice thing for my HB today and it felt good. Nothing major, but we met for supper after a really long day for him at work. I knew he was tired and just wanted to go home but he sweetly made an effort to share a date with me. 

While we were eating he mentioned he'd have to stop for gas on the way home so I offered him to just take my car home and I'd take his to the pump. He declined at first but, after much persistence on my part, he finally relented and took my car straight home.

When I got there I found him reclined in the living room, relaxing. Made my heart happy.

It's the little things, but in a relationship every little bit counts. 

Haha:

You ever quoted Seinfeld during an interview before? Better still, you ever mentioned newly-wed...ahem..."activities" in an interview before?

Well, as of today I have done both. And despite this, I have received feedback that they really loved me. Lol

Sometimes I really wonder why I don't sensor myself more, but now I'm glad I didn't! Ha! It was one of those moments when I thought to myself, "Stop it, Dani. Stop while you can!" But my mouth stayed open and I had to just hope for the best. Fortunately it worked in my favour.

What quote and story did I tell?

At one point in the interview they flipped on the lights in the sunlit room and joked about it feeling like a sudden interrogation. 

My response: Pretty hot under these lights, eh Seinfeld?

They told me the CEO loved Seinfeld and the fact that I could quote it was big.

Then later I brought up how Clinton loved Mad Gab so much when we were first married that instead of constantly acting like a typical newly-wed, he'd sometimes climb into bed and want to play Mad Gab. (Sharing this was especially unnerving to me. What the heck compelled me to tell a total stranger, let alone someone with whom I was seeking employment, something so..."intimate"? Sheesh, Dani.)

Oh well. They loved me anyway. Lol

Day 34: Long Hours and Big Appetites

Aha/Haha:

Clinton successfully finished his first 28-hour shift! He was dog-tired when he came home and the first thing he said to me after "Hi.", was, "Can you be sure to go get me some Wendy's so that I can have it when I wake up?" Lol.

This is going to be a really long month for him and I just hope it goes by quickly! 

Good job, HB; I am sorry it sucks sometimes, but I am very proud of all your hard work!

Day 30: AHHHH! & Hahaha!

Aha:

I had a horribly scary nightmare last night. One of those that makes you feel like...you're not alone in the room when you wake up...catch my drift? Anyway, when I woke up I immediately rolled over, snuggled right up to Clinton, calmed down and fell back asleep. I was so thankful to have him there. My unconscious but comforting protector. Aren't husbands the best for that?

Haha:

Conversation between Clinton and me before bed last night.

Me: I'm funny.

He: You're your own worst critic.

Me: Yah, but I'm your worst critic...ya dummy!

He: Oh yah? You're a dummy.

Me and He: (laughing)

Love that we can make each other laugh.

Day 9: Valentine's Day Proposal Dream Come True

Aha:
Eleven years ago today I said "yes".
Sometimes I stop and think about how crazy-fast the time has flown. I have been married to my absolute favorite person for the last 10.5 best years of my life. Though his proposal was questionable at first (see below), he ultimately won my heart and I can't be more happy.
Happy Valentine's Day, Clinton. You really are my favorite.

(Doodles from back when we were dating)

Haha:
You may or may not know this story, but since it's its 11th anniversary and it's too good not to share, I hope you'll indulge me a little trip down memory lane.
Before we were engaged I had a dream.

---I dreamt that Clinton and I went to a really fancy restaurant. We sat at a very fancy table and were having a fancy time. During our conversation Clinton said, "I have something for you..." he pulled out a really beautiful red ring-box, opened it and said, "it's a box, and inside is a ring for you." I gasped in wonder and then in shock as I noticed the ring was just a rusty old key ring. Begrudgingly I put it on my finger and said a curt, "Wow, thanks."---end of dream

Well, I thought the dream somewhat funny and decided to tell Clinton all about it. He thought it was funny too...and apparently ingenious for his upcoming trip to see me during Valentine's Day in Portland.
On Valentine's Day 2003, I decorated the crap out of the hallway outside his room with candies, a big "I love you" banner and cut-out hearts. The message was in noway subtle. :)
And neither was his to me:

(This is how he decorated my bedroom)

(Glow and the dark stickers moved around strategically on my ceiling)

So, anyway, I had made some reservations at Multnomah Falls Restaurant for their special V-Day dinner. As time was approaching for us to leave I noticed Clinton was taking forever in the bathroom. I asked if he was alright and he assured me he was. Still, he took another 10 minutes or so.

We finally make it to the restaurant. Unfortunately for us, we were both full of nerves and hardly ate our rather expensive meal. I was nervous cause I was pretty sure he was going to propose and he was nervous cause he knew he was going to propose. Well, dinner and dessert came and went and no proposal. However the whole time Clinton kept touching his collar rather obsessively.

We left the restaurant and headed back toward home. Clinton asked me if there was anywhere else I wanted to go and when I couldn't come up with anything he suggested we go to Mt. Tabor (it's a mountain located within the city, pretty cool). It was a typical winter day in Portland, cold and rainy. I figured he'd only make me go out in the cold if he was going to make it worth my while. :)

We got out of the car and he lingered for quite a while getting things out of the trunk. When we finally set off I noticed he was carrying an extra coat and had his other hand full, but I couldn't tell with what.

So, we sit and he turns to me and says, "I have something for you."
Me: Oh?

He: It's a box and inside is a ring for you. (pulls out this beautiful red ring-box)

Me: Oh, my gosh!

He: (opens the box and smiles)

Me: (gasps, then gets a confused look on my face when I realize the size of the ring is way too big. It's dark outside and I can see the ring is sparkling, so I reach for it and upon closer inspection realize it's a key ring. Remembers my dream.) Oh.

He: (laughs)

Me: (feeling foolish for thinking I was going to be getting engaged)

He: Ok, I have something else for you. Do you want to know what it is?

Me: (relieved) Yes. :)

He: (hands me a pair of scissors) These are your mom's. I borrowed them, can you give them back to her?

Me: (starting to feel really disappointed and somewhat upset) Ok...

He: (laughs)

Me: (tries not to cry)

He: Do you want to know what I borrowed the scissors for?

Me: I think so.

He: Well, you see (starts pulling at his collar), I have this thing wrapped around my neck, and in order for you to get it you'll need the scissors to cut the string. (out pops my ring on the dental floss necklace he'd been spending all that time in the bathroom concocting before dinner and double-checking all throughout dinner.)

Me: (smiles and cuts the string)

He: (says a lot of sweet stuff) Will you marry me?

Me: Yes, of course!

He: And you see, the ring is still shaped like a keyring.

Me: (swoon)

Well, that was 11 years ago today and even though his proposal kinda set me for a loop in the moment, it just goes to show how clever and romantic he is. I am so thankful for my forever, funny valentine. 

(see how it looks like a split keyring?) :)

Day 7: We Pack a Pretty Lame Punch

Aha:
Clinton didn't use the lunch I packed for him for today so now I don't have to pack a lunch for him tonight cause he can use the one meant for today. Yay!

Ha ha:
There's nothing really to do here. I mean it. When Clinton and I get out of the house with no real plans of what to do this is often what happens. (Here's an example from this last week.)

• Went to Walmart to see if I could find a hoola-hoop (good exercise). They don't have them in stores yet. Instead I bought some travel mousse, a flushable wipe container for the second bathroom...cause you never know which bathroom you'll end up in, a chocolate milk for Clinton and a Diet Dr. Pepper for me.
• We walked around the mall attached to Walmart then back out to our car.
• We started to head home then decided we didn't want to yet, so we drove a ways up the road to see what we'd find.
• We stopped at a local natural foods store just for the heck of it. Ate some samples then left.
• Got some supper at Mr. Sub.
• Got some chocolate almonds and Kellog's baked cheese crackers at Safeway.
• Came home. Ate our treats and watched some TV.
• Clinton went upstairs to study, I worked on some things on my computer and then wrote on my blog.

Did I mention we're a young couple with no children and THIS is how we spend our free time? Eee, I can't wait to see how lame we are when we DO have children. LOL.

Day 32: Life Lessons

Aha:
Question 4: List 10 things you would tell your 16-year-old self, if you could.
1. Finish college! There will be complications to finishing, but stick with cosmetology at Mt. Hood despite the fact that the teachers there stink--you'll be trained wherever you end up working.  You won't have another opportunity for quite a while.
2. You won't be able to have children when you want to.  You'll go through lots of painful moments.  Don't let other people's fertility hurt you, be happy for them and know that there will be lots of growth and happiness in your life as well.  Don't lose your faith over this.  Enjoy the childless time you and Clinton will have together.  Use the atonement early on and the whole experience will be much easier to bear.  You'll get through it and you'll be stronger for it.
3. Stop eating so much junk food.  Calories in, calories out.  Work now to become healthy and fit so you can enjoy the benefits of feeling good about your body when you're young.
4. Never stop being who you are and doing what makes you happy.  Laugh loud all the time and don't worry about what others think about it.  Hey, you're being happy, if they don't like it, they can shove it!
5. Date lots and have fun learning what you want in your future husband.  None of those boys will probably meet your expectations, but the experience will teach you that life is unpredictable.  Be bold and be sure to tell those around you how you feel.  Don't hold back.
6. You are a perfectionist but need to accept that you can't control everything.  A crooked picture doesn't have to be straightened, your body does not have to be freakishly tiny to be attractive, your eyes don't have to match to make you beautiful.  Accept that perfection is a mindset, and an unhealthy one at that.  Do your best and know that that is good enough.
7. Floss your teeth more regularly.  Cavities can form in between your teeth if you don't floss often enough.  You know how much you hate going to the dentist, so avoid this and floss regularly.
8. Be patient.  Be patient with your parents, your friends, other drivers, long lines, trials in life, and most importantly--yourself.  Life is not a race.  Enjoy the journey even when it's hard.
9. Moisturize your face every single day or you'll get wrinkles by the age of 18.  They won't go away once they're there.
10. You will marry someone who will love you even when you're moody (which will be often).  He will never give up on you and will often remind you how much your relationship means to him.  He will be the happiest and funniest person you know.  There will be times when life is hard and you'll be frustrated, learn to not sweat the small stuff and laugh together often.  Your marriage will be a partnership that will carry you through everything.  Marriage takes a lot of patience and hard work, but it will be those hard times that bring you closer than you ever thought possible.

Ha ha:
I bought a shirt for $1.97 at Old Navy the other day.  It's a cute white t-shirt with some little flower cut outs across the center of the chest.  As I was getting ready for bed, I took off my pants and was about to take off my shirt but realized I wanted to show my awesome deal to Clinton first.  I walked into the room and said "Hey, do you like my new shirt?  Isn't it cute?"
He: Yah, it goes really great with your underwear.
Oh, I laughed about that for a while.

Day 24: What a Relief!

Aha:
A special shout-out thank you to my HB for giving me a neck massage last night.  He had come home from an especially long day at work and still made time to lend a helping hand...or two.  Thank you HB!

Ha ha:
It was so very foggy in Milwaukee yesterday.  Near bedtime I decided I should take Peter out for one last potty break, so I put on my shoes and opened the door.  When I stepped outside, I'd forgotten how foggy it was and totally thought it was my contacts.  I kept blinking and blinking and blinking trying to clear them up.  I was about ready to rip 'em out and stomp on them.  Finally, I walked back inside and noticed I could read the clock clearly.  Duh!
What a weird sensation.  I must have looked like such a coo-coo bananas with all that unnecessary blinking!

Day 16: "I Feel Like Barfing", she said. "Yah, Me Too", he replied.

Aha:
About 2 hours into my work day I started to feel really dizzy and nauseous.  I have no idea where it came from and there was no warning.  But there are blessings amongst this madness.
First off, Clinton had just finished his 36-hour call and was available (and awake enough) to come pick me up so I didn't have to walk home.  (Plus I was able to take home my crockpot that's been sitting at work since Wed of last week!)
Secondly, Clinton was so sweet to me and helped me get more comfortable at home.  He brought me my pillow, a blanket, a drink, and even set up my computer so I could watch more episodes of Downton Abbey while I was sick on the couch.  Thank you Honey!
Thirdly, even though I was not well, being sick meant I wasn't at work and not being at work meant that I got to make up for the lost time I missed with Clinton yesterday (even if that making-up consisted of me curled up on the couch feeling like I was dying).
My body felt like crap, but my heart felt wonderful.

Ha ha:
For those of you who don't know, one of my biggest worries is having someone smell my breath if ever it is bad.  So, with that, it is with a bit of hesitation I share the following.
As mentioned above, I have not felt well today.  Not feeling well equals not-feeling-well types of foods, ya know, the starchy kind that make your breath smell like the bile you've been holding back all day.  Well, needless to say, after our dinner of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, Clinton and I were sitting on the couch watching some Antiques Roadshow.  He'd make a comment and I would reply.  I noticed that each time after I'd speak Clinton would make a quick sniffing sound.  After a little while of this he eventually sniffed and then asked, "Did you just let one go?" (aka, fart).  I'd told him "no" and then continued watching the show.  This sniff,-did-you-let-one-go series went on for about 20 minutes until Clinton finally said, "Honey, I think it's your breath."
Indeed it was.
I of course felt pretty embarrassed but fortunately for me (and him) this is not a conversation we typically have, so I guess that makes it OK...LOL.