season of giving

I apologize for my blatant disregard for blog updates. Since I finished my class it has been a mad dash to get my Christmas fill. We are going easy on the gifts this year, as I am sure most people are due to our nauseous economy, but that only makes gift giving harder rather than easier. I know that Christmas is not about stuff, but I can't help that I love giving gifts. I will admit that I also like opening them -- not so much because of the "new stuff" factor, but because of the thought that has to go into it. To me gift giving and receiving is a way to express affection for love ones. I know there are other ways, but the tradition of gifts is already embedded in my psychology and I embrace it. There is something so rewarding about giving something, and not just any something but what you feel is the right something. I wish I had the time and money to give gifts to everyone I love.

seeing the light . . . s

Sorry I haven't been writing lately but it is the end of the term for me. Last weekend we did actually get out of the house to see the lights on Temple Square with the Harmons. I promise to write more after the 12th =) I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas season!

remember the wedding

So I was surfing the internet the other day and I stopped by the site of our wedding photographer. I clicked on a new link she has added called "featured", and guess what I saw . . . A whole collection of photos from our wedding. I feel almost famous. It's too bad I didn't get copies of all of the images she posted. That was the first time I had even seen some of them.

To check it out click here then click on "menu", "the art" and then "featured".

a time for hope

So the elections are over and Obama will be our new president. At this time in our history I would ask you to join me in setting aside cynicism for a moment to recognize that we are experiencing history. We are a part of something significant. Whether or not you agree with Obama's politics, you cannot deny that he has been able to inspire so many. Inspiration leads to motivation and if he can motivate us, just think of what we are capable of doing for ourselves.

No matter the outcome of his politics, there will be positive change. Though I have never had experience the sting of racism, I know there are so many Americans who live under its oppressive thumb each day. The United States is an example to the world. The world can look at our history and see how far we have come. I know there are angels in Heaven with tears in their eyes as they finally see solid proof that their pain an suffering for basic human rights was not in vein -- that it paved the way. It's not just about black people. This moment in time is a symbol that as a human race we can grow and change and learn from our past. There are more mistakes that will be made and there is no doubt that the physical, emotional, and political devastation people experience around the world will not end in our life time. But at least we are reminded that there is hope that it can get a little better.

This really is a new day. I may be an idealist but I do believe in change. There will be a change in how we look at possibilities. It is difficult for me to have faith in a politician but what do I have to lose besides the opportunity to say "I knew he'd screw it up?" I'd rather have hope. I'd rather take the chance that some day I can say "I knew we could, and yes we did."

photos of us

Everyone is probably wondering what we've been up too and Teigan mentioned that Cory and I should post more pictures of ourselves. So here you go -- these should satisfy both requests. I guess the biggest change is Cory decided to grow his hair out and I decided to cut all of mine off. It feels good to be in shape!!

some more thoughts on politics. . .

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words to try not to live by

"Normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work and driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for - in order to get to the job you need to pay for the clothes and the car, and the house you leave vacant all day so you can afford to live in it."
- Ellen Goodman

My goal in life is to always have balance. If this quote ever describes me then I will know it is time to make changes.

. . . and now for a little political humor to make you laugh (or at least roll your eyes) . . .

choices

Do you ever stop to think about who you would be if you had made different choices? I mean there are some big things that are obvious like what if I had moved to San Francisco like I had planned when I graduated from USU ? I might be right where I am now or in a totally different place. . . What I have been thinking about though, are the small choices -- the ones that could have changed who I am not just where I am -- Like that day I knew I needed to talk to the missionaries. What if I had talked myself out of that? What if I had given in to roommates and friends in high school and college? What if I had patched things up the x-boyfriend . . . or what if I hadn't called it off to begin with? Who would I be? I look at my life and see how it is the sum of my choices. . . the good ones and the bad ones. I am happy where it has gotten me. I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be and there is such power in that. It makes be able to deal with adversity because I know the challenges I have are for a purpose and some how are for my benefit. I should be careful what I say or I might be tested with something big. All I know is that I am excited for the future. I can wait to view it all from hind sight so I can see how it all fits together.

last week of freedom

So this is it - my last week of freedom. I start school again on the 6th. As much as I like learning. I don't like school so much. My husband works every minuet of his life so I don't think we will be doing anything super spectacular to celebrate this momentous week. I think I might just spend it watching guilt free television. I am particularly fond of Chuck (watched it tonight - love it) and House (tomorrow night at 7). I may even spend time with other non-reality TV shows that catch my attention.

to pass the time

I haven't had time to write anything of substance. . . so here is a little something to make you grateful for well made pants. Is that Obama?

iTunes 8

I love it. If you are an iTunes music shopper you will love the new iTunes 8. It is a lot like the Pandora site I mentioned before -- only it uses the music in your iTunes library (this will be a great way for me to get acquainted with all the music in my collection that I have never actually listed to). You can also sample/purchase new music with out exiting your library. . . just check it out for yourself.

ps

In the comments section you have to leave something in the text field. If you only want to rate the photos just type it in addition to/or instead of using the drop down menu. Thanks again!

calling all photo critics

So I need some help . . . I am thinking of trying to do something with my photos but I'm not sure which ones are interesting to other people. I'd really like some honest feedback. If you can spare a few minuets click here to visit my smugmug page. In this gallery you'll find a sample of some of my cross processed images. There are some I really like and some I don't -- and there are a few that are similar to each other. I need help narrowing down which ones I want to use in my portfolio. On the bottom of the page you can click on the "comment" section to leave me your feedback and rate each photo. Feel free to be honest. As long as you are not trying to hurt my feelings you won't. If you want your comment to be anonymous just leave the name field empty. I look forward to hearing what you think. . . good or bad. (If you are feeling really ambitious you can look through the other cross process and documentary galleries as well). Thanks in advance.

fall is almost here

My only problem with fall is that winter comes next. . .

politics

I have been watching a little of the democratic and GOP conventions and I have to say that they infuriate me. I am so tired of politicians trying to manipulate the American people. Quit trying to use our emotions to distract us from the facts. I am all about inspiring speeches when they are used in context. McCain has a very inspirational story about being a POW, and I am really glad that our county has moved beyond its past enough to have a black man in the presidential race. . . HOWEVER, I feel like these stories are used as a diversion. The stories are told to draw people's emotions to the surface and then the stories are followed by a bunch of half-true out of context criticisms or promises. I want to know the truth and I know I am not going to get it from the mouth of any of the candidates.

There is hope if you are seeking the real story as I am . . . It is a website called PolitiFact. There was a representative from the site on NPR last night so I checked it out. It dispels a lot of the claims made by the candidates and they make it entertaining with a truth-o-meter. For example, Obama has been criticized for wanting to raise taxes. McCain and Palin have both gone on and on about how this will hurt the middle class American. The claim was rated a half-truth because the real story is that Obama intends to roll back the Bush administration's tax cuts on people with incomes of $250,000 for couples and $200,000 for singles. Agree or disagree, but at least you are doing it based on the truth. . . and the whole truth (or at least as close and you can get to it). Anyway, I encourage everyone to educate yourselves and don't depend on the politicians to do it for you. Happy fact finding.

photo flora

It's been a long time since I've used my camera. I finally broke out the film (that's right, I said film) while we were in San Diego last month. Here are a couple of shots I took of the plant life. I know plants are boring but I love shooting them. When the film is cross processed they become something completely different and there are so many new little details.

wedding bells

This is my beautiful friend Heather. She got married this weekend and it was amazing. Her rehearsal dinner was Friday at Tony Cuputos. I can't wait until the Italians go vegetarian.
We took the girls up with us. Here is a Cory and Priscilla waiting for the procession to start.

I was escorted down the isle by Heather's stud little brother Warren . Priscilla caught the bouquet. Now all she has to do is find a man (she looks young but she is old enough to have to have a 16 and a 13 year old).The beautiful bride and groom having their first dance.
It was a great wedding. Congrats to Heather and Jack!

the new web radio

So when time permits I am obsessed with finding new music. If I don't show some restraint I could spend an entire day listening to song fragments, filling up my shopping cart, and going broke $.99 at a time. I use iTunes but I am generally disappointed when I hear the whole song for the first time. Cory found a great alternative the other day. It's called Pandora the Music Genome Project and it basically the perfect radio station. You pick your favorite band and it plays music that is similar. You can tell it if you like or don't like a song-- You can see the artist, title, and album for each song -- You can click on the song playing and listen to samples from the rest of the album-- plus there are links to iTunes or your music site of choice if you want to make a purchase. If you've got some decent speakers on your computer it is your answer to the at home/office radio woes. Check it.

video games and blood diamonds

It is amazing how little we know about the impact our consumer driven society has on the rest of the world. I saw this article the other day an I was a little disturbed by it. It frustrates me a little bit because there is not much I can do to change it -- unless maybe I do extensive research on anything I want to buy. The only thing I can think of that I can do in my day to day life is to buy things locally. I personally don't know of any Sony playstation makers. . . but I think I would have to drag this enormous ball of guilt around if I didn't feel like I was at least trying to do my part. Let me know if you have any other ideas.

Here are another couple of links to a wal mart documentary. They are over dramatized and a little ridiculous at times. You have to keep in mind that it is just one side of the story, but there is so much that can't be ignored. For the most part wal mart isn't a bunch of law breakers. They do what they have the right to do. I just believe that just because you can doesn't mean you should. One of the clips is about wal mart's health plan and the other is about their humane and charitable influence.

dollar movie night

I took Pinky and Victoria out to a dollar movie tonight. We saw Prince Caspian. I liked it so much more than the first one. It's been a while since I have seen the first one but it seems like they down played the Christian tones too much in it. It was more clear in Prince Caspian that Aslan is a representation of Christ. The chronicles of Narnia are my favorite books. Maybe I like them so much because my brain has a hard time wrapping itself around deep doctrine or maybe it's because I just relate well to talking animals. Either way, reading them is like going to church and I get all filled with warm fuzzies.

good nights and good byes

Cory has been working really hard the last few months. He works 13.5 hour days (minimum) and then comes home to take care of his church responsibilities. By the end of week he is pooped!!! The photo is from 10:00 p.m. Friday -- he probably could have slept like that all night if I hadn't forced him from his coma to get into bed.

On Saturday night we said our farewells to the Bensons. They are headed to the land of my people -- the good ol' midwest. Tay is starting law school at Creighton next month and we wish him all the best. It's too bad Teigan and I won't be able to be single wives together.

no one does fireworks like we do

We do fireworks right! Cory and I watched the the fireworks in San Diego on the 4th and they just can't compare to Salt Lake's! We live 2 blocks away from where they light them off so we get great seats in the middle of 13th south and don't have to deal with traffic or parking. Each year they introduce something new. The white snow storm looking ones were this years big hit. I am not that into fireworks but . . . WOW.

moving up

Happy 24th!!!! (Utah holiday)

Cory and I have begun to realize that our apartment is just a little too small, so we are moving up. Here is a photo of the new home we are thinking of buying. It is a 4 story with a pond. I think it should suit our needs.

lists

If you know me at all, you know I am motivated by lists. There is just something gratifying about crossing things off. Even if I do something that wasn't written on my list, I will add it just so I can cross it off. Ahh, the simple pleasures in life.

I don't even know what to say about this

the dark knight

I just have to say I miss Heath. We saw The Dark Knight last night and I am amazed at what an extraordinary actor he was. The movie was great -- there were a few holes that really bugged me but that happens in all huge blockbuster movies. I recommend seeing it even if it is just so you can witness the brilliance of Heath Ledger. The media says that Heath got too into his character -- who am I to say if that is true or not. I just know I would rather believe that he was just a guy dealing with the same problems we all have and that the media needed to provide the world an explanation for his death -- the Joker stealing his soul was the best they could come up with. True or not, I respect his talent and his ability to survive Hollywood as long as he did.

something to get your weekend started right

on holiday

It has been a busy time for Cory and I. Here are some photos of what we've been up to (the most recent being first). I don't have much time to fill in the details but I think you'll get the idea.

Steve and Cascia Lutes were in town for a few days. It was fun catching up with them -- and Sawyer and Cooper are soooo cute.


I thought it was time to come clean about what a dork I am. I can't really blame Cory -- It was my idea to lounge around the apartment dressed as twins.


Here are a couple of cute pics of my sister-in-law Charity. She always keeps things entertaining.

If you don't already know, Abby and I are now cousin-in-laws. Cory and her husband Mark are first cousins. We got to see them at the annual 4th of July Bar-B-Q at uncle Ray's in San Diego.

Cory is holding Abby and Mark's son Jack. He's a keeper!


We spent the 4th watching fireworks at the beach in La Jolla Cali. The top photo of of Grandpa Wallace and his wife Janee. We spent the week with the rest of the Carpenter clan at their beach house. Is there a way to live in the mountains and at the beach?



These photos are from our anniversary. We stayed in San Diego's Gas Lamp District at a pretty sweet hotel (that we got for cheap on priceline). We started the day with Cory being stung in the toe by a stingray at the beach. Luckily he fared better than the crocodile hunter. Forty minuets in hot water is all it took. . .the problem was just finding the hot water. The La Jolla Shores life guard station just happened to be out.

After Cory was all patched up and the poison has dissipated through his body, we headed to the hotel and out to dinner. We had Sushi for the main course and then off to our favorite ice cream shop Ghiradelli's for dessert.



The night before we left we went to an organ concert in Balboa Park. I haven't quite learned to appreciate the organ yet. The highlight was Charity (cory's down syndrome sister) booing and giving a thumbs down after the first song. Ahh, her honesty is refreshing.


Here are a couple of pics from the Arts Festival. We caught up with Heidi, Greg and Erika to take in a few minuets of the Disco Drippers. I am still waiting for my hearing to recover.


For Cory's Birthday we camping and biking up in American Fork canyon. We took our pimped out Element up there which was probably not the best idea but we made it. It was soo beautiful. I can't wait to do more camping this summer!


Here are some photos of the tail end of our trip to Brian Head. We showed off our stuff on Navajo Lake. We made those canoes look goood. . . . or maybe it was the other way around?