The Rare Scrapyard Canon

back in the saddle

2011-01-30T21:23:00.000-08:00

I've been a terrible blogger over the last year and a half. That is mostly because I have felt like I have too much to blog about and lack the time and patience to get it all out. I've decided to just accept that that period of time will never be recorded in this blog and to move on with the present.

I don't have anything particularly noteworthy to discuss tonight. I would just like to get back in the habit of keeping a record of my life. So, I guess this is goodbye until tomorrow.

Grace: the first 9 months

2010-07-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

gracies first steps

2010-06-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

Grace took her first steps a few weeks ago. She just has to keep up with the big kids.

the flag as a hate symbol?

2010-05-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, it has been almost 9 months since I have blogged about anything. I have just been wrapped up in my life. There is so much going on and I feel like I have to write about every detail ... I just haven't found the time to do that.

However, I do want to say something concerning the kids who were kicked out of school for wearing flag t-shirts on Cinco de Mayo. I have to preface this by saying I don't watch the news and I have heard hardly anything about it. So I apologize if there are facts I am neglecting to consider. . . but I think whether or not the school's actions were just all depends on the context. If the kids just happened to be wearing flag t-shirts then it is totally unjust and there is cause to be concerned for the future of our nation. However, if their intentions were to offend those celebrating Mexican Independence then those kids were not only insulting their Mexican peers, they were also insulting everything the flag represents. No one should be allowed to cloak their bigotry in our American flag.

ready and waiting

2009-08-27T09:59:00.001-07:00

So the nursery is finally finished. It has been so fun and stressful putting it together. My mother in law and I made pretty much everything but the furniture. She made most of the stuff that required skilled sewing like the sheets and the quilt and I made the decorations and helped with some of the more simple things like valances. I even made the pillow all by myself! Sure hope Gracie likes it.

it's the final countdown...

2009-08-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

I know that a lot of people who are 9 months pregnant are doing everything they can to get their babies out -- but not me. I have to say that I cannot wait for her to get here but I know that she's coming and she'll be here soon enough. Life is about to change for Cory and I and I am sure it will change in ways we haven't imagined. That's why I am happy to enjoy the last few moments of life as it is. I'll miss feeling the squirms and kicks inside my belly. I'll miss Cory rubbing my belly like a crystal ball and saying really goofy things to our little human growing inside. Pregnancy has been such a miracle that I want to hang onto it as long as I can -- but when the time comes for us to begin our lives as parents, we're ready and so grateful for the opportunity. We are so excited to meet our little girl.

2 wonderful years

2009-07-06T21:05:00.001-07:00

You know the show “Everybody loves Raymond”? Well, I grew up so worried that that’s what marriage would be like. I worried that married people lived together, had kids together and maybe even loved each other, but didn’t like each other. I thought that people who seemed to be happily married were probably faking it a little bit. I am so happy to say that I have learned that happy marriages where husbands and wives not only love each other but actually like each other do exist.

I am grateful everyday to have such a happy marriage and wonderful husband. We have made it through two short years and I look forward to the rest of eternity. If I were more the gushing type I’d go on and on about how amazing my husband is and how he’s my best friend and how much I love him, but since I’m not much of a gusher I’ll just say Happy anniversary babe. I love you.

new chapter

2009-05-26T16:02:00.000-07:00

So I have begun a new chapter in life. I quite my job at Bad Dog and am starting up my own business photographing babies, toddlers, and children. I want to be home with Grace when she is born and I think this is the best solution to supplement Cory's income and still have the flexibility to be home as much as I want.

I have to admit it is all a little scary right now. It is hard to build a client base and it is hard to build up enough confidence to feel good about charging people for my services. This venture is really forcing me out of my comfort zone, which is never something I love in the moment but am always grateful for later on.

I would appreciate any referrals! My business email is bitsylane@gmail.com and my website (though still under construction) is bitsylanephotography.com.

Here are a few photos I've done but check out the website for a larger sample.

a new decade

2009-04-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

So it is happy birthday to me today. I am now 30 years old... yikes. I have to say I am happy with where life has taken me and I am happy with the pace I have set. I am looking forward to the next decade that I get to begin as a new mom. I've packed a lot in to the first 30 years -- let's see how much I can pack into the next 30.

My first birthday-- April 28, 1980

inspiration

2009-04-13T17:25:00.001-07:00

I apologize that it has been so long. I found out I was pregnant on Christmas and I was totally unmotivated to do anything for my whole first trimester. That's not to say that I wasn't thrilled to pieces that I was pregnant, I just had extreme laziness instead of morning sickness.

Anyway, I am not going to catch you up with this post. I just have something on my mind that I need to get out. It seems that the media and grocery check-out line conversations are all filled with doom and gloom these days. I have noticed the media making a bit more of an effort to find a bright side lately but, in my opinion, it's not enough. Our society completely undervalues the use of inspiration as a valid tool to accomplish the hard tasks. We, as human beings, react to our environment whether consciously or subconsciously. Just think of how much you can be affected by a grumpy person or by someone who goes out of their way to do something nice for you. If we filled our conversations and media coverage with stories of hope and examples of people doing good and making the most of their misfortune, would we be more motivated to do good ourselves? Our government has to take action to deal with some of our nations issues, there is no question, but small acts of kindness and communities pulling together to take care of those who are struggling do more for us individually than billions of dollars being thrown at our problems. I am not saying that we put on a happy face and pretend that everything is fine, but we can do so much more to help ourselves rather than waiting for the government guardian angle to come and make it all better. I am a firm believer that there is a great lesson to be learned in every hardship. This is our opportunity to come together as communities and friends to inspire each other to do more than we thought possible.

I challenge all of us to be more of an inspiration to those in our sphere of influence. Take a few minutes this week to brighten someone's day. Kindness is contagious and it can do more than any stimulus package to turn the attitude of our society from that of despair to that of hope. Obama doesn't know our neighbors but we do.

season of giving

2008-12-21T09:17:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-08T07:12:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-15T09:15:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-07T16:27:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

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. . .

2008-10-17T09:22:00.001-07:00

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words to try not to live by

2008-10-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

"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

2008-10-15T21:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-29T18:51:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-15T22:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-08T20:01:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

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

politics

2008-09-05T17:44:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-18T17:38:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-18T15:55:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-31T17:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-24T21:51:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-22T21:03:00.001-07:00

the dark knight

2008-07-19T10:50:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-18T06:57:00.000-07:00

on holiday

2008-06-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

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?

from may to june. . .

2008-06-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

Sorry that we are awful bloggers. Life gets a little crazy for us. Today I have the luxury of sitting in the lobby of our condo in Brian Head. The rest of our family has headed off to Zions but Cory has a lot of work to do so I decided to stay behind with him to enjoy the rare opportunity of doing nothing.

Over the last few months a lot has happened. Cory has a new job working for a startup company in Provo called Entice Labs. He is a Business Developer and he loves it. He rides the bus two hours there and two hours back, but with gas and traffic it is worth it. Plus he always has stuff to do on the ride. I am still hanging out at Bad Dog and loving it. I just finished another quarter of school. Luckily I have a supportive husband because I am sure I was difficult to live with over the last 10 weeks. I am taking the summer off so no more school for me until October -- Hooray!

In April we went back to Iowa for a Hansen Family reunion. All three of my families are from the Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska corner of the midwest so we spent a lot of time traveling from family to family.

My grandma Hansen turned 88 so the whole clan got together -- 4.5 generations in all.

After the reunion we stopped by to see my Grandpa Berry. We took him to dinner and looked through all of the old family photos of him and Grandma back in the 50's

We also took a trip to visit the Hoebelheinrichs (AKA my biological father's side of the family). It was the fist time I had met my biological grandparents and some of my aunts and uncles. I get so much anxiety in situations like that so I am so glad I had Cory there. He is so good diffusing my panic. It was so exciting to see a little bit of my ancestry. The Hoebelheinirichs have lived on the same two farms since they came from Germany and Homesteaded in Nebraska. We went to see the local cemetery where they are all buried. I have no connections to any of my ancestors on my mothers side so it was very meaningful for me.

This is me, Cory, my biological father, and my aunt Karla's foreign exchange daughter from Germany.

This is Cory and I with my biological dad Warren, brother Tyler, and grandparents Elizabeth and Reynold.

In other exciting news, Megan graduated from High School! She has been through a lot and I am proud of her for always making school a priority.Currently we are in Brian Head for a family reunion on Cory's mom's side. We went to see Othello at the Shakespearean Festival on Friday. It was sooooo good. I have never been before and Cory and I both loved it. We are headed back home tomorrow but it was nice to get away for a couple of days. We head to San Diego next week for another reunion vacation.

This is Cory and I at the intermission of Othello

We took a drive out to Cedar Breaks with the whole family on Saturday. It is so amazing!

Okay, that's all for now!

Ps

2008-03-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah, the ol' ibook finally took her last breath after four years so I HAD to upgrade. I have a sweet new MacBook and I LOVE it =)

catchup

2008-03-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry that our posts are few and far between . . . and sorry there aren't many photos. I got a sweet little camera for Christmas but I lost the battery charger. My other camera is too big to just drag it with me all the time.

Anyway, Cory and I are doing very well. Cory is looking for new job opportunities -- and he's looking everywhere so we may end up moving out out of state or country. I am excited for something new, though it would be really hard to leave friends, family, and Bad Dog.

We spent last weekend in Vegas watching the Mountain West tournament. I just have to say that UNLV fans are INSANE!! I was honestly scared both friday night when they played the U, and saturday night when they played BYU. Aside from that it was a great trip. We hitched a ride with Cory's dad and took over his hotel room. Classes ended for me last week so it was a much needed break!

Today we took Cory's sister Charity to see Horton Hears a Who. The theater was full of handicap kids -- it was sooooo much fun (Charity has down syndrome). I hate to talk about how good movies are because then when other people see them they always end up being a let down, so i will just casually say that I was pleased with the film =)

Okay back to dinner and laundry

Dropping Anchor

2008-02-22T05:59:00.000-08:00

Life is so busy and it happens so fast. There's hardly enough time to live it, let alone write about it. Anyways, yesterday I met with some people who were interested in acquiring my little company. Ever since my first partner and I decided that it was best to part ways, I had been holding out for the small possibility that I might find a more suitable financial partner in time to keep the company going without too much of a knock. However, after my meeting yesterday, the people that would have made this possible informed me that this is not likely to happen with their involvement. After a little discussion, it was apparent that the option to stop operations and take the next five to six months to finish putting puzzle pieces into place and to tighten up our costs would be in everybody's best interest. In the long run, it will be better for our clients, better for the businesses that we work with, better for my employees, better for my investors and better for me because the company will not be so thrown together. Instead, it will be well thought out, well financed and ready for a true grand opening. That being said, such an abrupt, life altering decision like this takes a very recognizable toll on me: it makes me want to just be a blob. I guess the idea of going from full steam ahead to full halt is hard for me to absorb; even though it's just a brain thing, the rest of my body puts up the white flag during the interim. But, slowing to a full halt doesn't just happen...it is up to me to start selling off what I know we won't use in the future and informing involved parties of the postponement. I need to shed myself of the blobbishness and get moving.

happy new year a little late

2008-02-02T17:44:00.000-08:00

We had a great New Years Eve. We spent the first part of the night hanging out with the Bennetts. The top photo is Abby, her girls and I. Abby and I have been close friends for 12 years or so. Abby's husband and Cory are first cousins so I got to hang out with a great friend and Cory got to visit his aunts, uncles and cousins. He made the mistake of peeking in on the kids playing in the basement. He got pummeled with pillows and had a tough time escaping.

We spent the rest of the evening with more friends watching movies and playing Mad Gab. I am pretty much the worst Mad Gab player ever!

tis the season

2007-12-29T16:16:00.001-08:00

Well we have made it through Christmas and almost to New Year! Christmas was great. We spent Christmas Eve at my family's house and Christmas day at Cory's. It is fun to think about the traditions we'll have when we have our own family. We had a real Christmas tree this year but it died within the first week or so =( it was still beautiful!

I got a simple little camera from my mom this year. I am so excited. I never take pictures because my SLR camera is such a hassle. Now I have one that I can just stick in my bag. Hooray!!! I think Cory's favorite gift was Simcity. He is having a great time creating his own cities.

I love the Christmas season. There is something so wonderful about thinking of other people. I love giving gifts. It was a little disappointing this year that I didn't have time to make anything for anyone. That is my favorite thing to do. Even if what I make sucks, everyone appreciates something homemade . . . or they at least pretend to =) I always try to tie in something sentimental cuz that's just how sappy I am. I also love the Christmas season because Christ gets more attention. You can really see a change in people. It is too bad there is no way to make it
last all year.

Ahhhh, Christmas Eve at my moms.

Sleepy Cory. Holidays can be exhausting =).

Charity Loved the picture we made for her. She LOVES Pop (as in Pop from Rice Krispies). We photoshoped a photo of her and Pop together. She is so cute.

It was a long couple of days. . .

Gifts glorious gifts. . . Cory did a really great job picking out clothes for me. He 's amazing.

A Lesson or Two

2007-11-25T11:38:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, while I was sitting in Sacrament meeting, I remember thinking that it wouldn't surprise me if an Apostle were to drop by the ward unannounced sometime. I didn't think much of it at the time, but today when we sat down and saw Elder Oaks on the stand, I I remembered that I had thought that (I was still surprised). Bishop Malloy had him bear his testimony after the assigned speakers were finished. Among other things, he said that he wanted to attend one of the local wards and was impressed to visit this one. He ended up staying for all three meetings, including Elders Quorum...did I mention that I was teaching Elders Quorum today?

As I was sitting at my desk this morning at 5:45 a.m., just barely starting to prepare the assigned lesson on the talk by Elder Eyring ironically about procrastination, I remember praying that I would be able to say things for the benefit of those who would hear it...little did I know that an Apostle of the Lord would hear it. As nerve racking as it was, it was so amazing to have him right there responding to my questions just like everyone else, except his was one of the ever-recognizable voices that I have heard since I was a child. He was so attentive and "in" to the lesson; he didn't just sit back and listen, but he participated and seemed to be really enjoying himself. I haven't been able to stop talking about it all day.

After worrying about the high level issues of the Church on a daily basis, it really must be such a fulfilling thing for the Church leaders to be able to show up to just a regular, old ward and see the Saints faithfully attempting to keep their covenants and build Zion. Furthermore, on the flip side, having one of the highest leaders of the Church take the time to visit among the common Church members helps me to believe that much more in the divine nature of their callings.

Now, I can say that I have taught Elder Oaks a lesson or two.

corn dogs and crown burger

2007-11-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving at the Carpenters was very nice and Kevin and Katie did a great job on the lesson. Appropriately, the lesson was on remembering the things we are thankful for. It is nice to sit around and talk about good things. I wish there were more opportunities but it seems like most of life is too filled up with stress and un-fun tasks. Cory had the best list of thankfuls--he always does. Charity had a great list as well. I think she was thankful that everyone loved each other and for corn dogs and Crown Burger. She is an amazing kid. She has so much to teach everyone and she is very entertaining. Kevin read a great chapter out of Mosiah and somehow made it seem like the most important chapter ever written. I am pretty sure Kevin is going to be a general authority someday.

Thanksgiving Part 1

2007-11-11T17:18:00.000-08:00

Alas, we find ourselves at the Carpenter household celebrating Thanksgiving. You might ask, "Isn't it like a week and a half before the blessed holiday?" and I would have to respond..."yes". Because of the various schedules within the now somewhat extended family, this year it turns out that Carpenter celebratory activities must be carried out prematurely (which is fine with me because, man, I'm starving today). After dinner, it falls upon Kevin and Katie to give the family home evening lesson which means that I can sit back and give them a hard time (forgive me a cruel chuckle). Even though Jordan isn't able to be here, it is nice to be able to get most of us here together. OK, apparently it is dinner time and I must bring my remarks to a close.