Stick Figure Guy

This guy is a celebrity. I mean, he's everywhere you look, either showing you an example of what you should do or warning you of what NOT to do.

I've never met him, but I sure respect some of the crap he goes through just to keep us safe. Here are two examples of this guy's selfless actions:



Thank you Stick Figure Guy. You make the world a safer place for the rest of us.

At Last

Finals are done. No more school until January! I'm pleased.

This semester has been difficult, but rewarding. I took a poetry class that was very valuable, and I feel like I have come a long way because of it. I took a Topics in Literature class that just blew me away, and I know that I will never forget the readings and experiences from that class. My early American lit class isn't one that I particularly cared for, but I won't complain. And Humanities was interesting...at least I got a much-needed break from English courses two times a week.

Dave is great! He is getting into the teaching groove and developing his style. He used to come home stressed out, which made both of us a little touchy. Plus, our differing schedules made for less time we got to spend together. But now he's enjoying his job a lot more and we are able to adjust our lives so we get to spend more precious time with each other.

We moved our home base this October so that Dave could be closer to work and to upgrade to a nicer place. We loved our little place, but it was time to move on. We now live in a beautiful apartment that is more than we could have ever asked for, with all the features that we always wanted to have but could never afford before. But don't get the wrong idea--we got a steal on this place. We love it here! Of course, weird neighbors always make the dream of owning a home more and more desirable.

One of our two pet rats, Smudge, passed away last month. We were really upset about this, and didn't think we'd get any more rats to keep our remaining rat, Cecil, company. But we caved, and have since added two baby rats to our family :) These guys (Vivi and Dash) are great pets and we have a lot of fun with them!

We bought a new car before we made our move. It's a Hyundai Accent, and Dave has loved driving it to work. He totally offered it to me to be nice, but I figured that he deserved the new car since he has a career now :) That leaves me with the old Cavalier, but she's still running strong (although those new tires did cost a bundle...sigh).

We are coming up on our 4th wedding anniversary this December. Exciting!

So things are great! Sorry for the lapse in posts--I just didn't have the time or the energy. I'm going to try to do a bit better.

Look out for another update that delves into our recent creative projects!

Staying Fit

I feel as though I've put this question out there before, but here goes: how do you stay fit during the winter months?

If I go running outside rignt now, I'll die on the ice. We can't exactly put a treadmill in our apartment. I'd love to be able to run more than anything, but at this point it looks like our only option is an exercise bike (since they are somewhat quiet).

Thoughts?

(p.s. Update is coming up soon!)

Hello

...how are you?

Local Stupidity: Home Cooking...Babies?

I know what you're thinking: "OH MY GOSH! These people are cooking babies!"

Exactly.

I think a revision of this title is definitely called for.

Oh, wait...this IS the revised edition. Well, I hope no babies were harmed...

Joining Forces

So I have this blog called Local Stupidity, and I love it so...but...I can't really expect to keep that going when I'm barely breathing life into this main blog anymore, so...

I'm not going to get rid of Local Stupidity, but I'm abandoning it for now. Instead, it will join forces with this main blog. I'm going to start posting my hilarious findings every once in a while right here for everyone to enjoy.

Edge

We are right on the edge of something amazing.

You know how, in many marriages, the couple starts out with goals? And then there is usually one big goal that is what will make just about everything else in their life plans possible?

We are moving into a new stage of our lives.

We're still in transition. It's not like the hard times are over, but the end is in sight and we are pushing through to get there. In fact, this might turn out the be the hardest part of the journey. But we're so close, and we know we can do it!

We are really excited to be at this point in our lives together. So many dreams are going to be possible for us soon!

It's good to be alive.

Lack

As in lack of ideas. Lack of inspiration. Lack of ability. And a general lack of interest.

Pretty much that is how I feel about this place. And the "this place" I mean is this blog.

I love to write, and I think that from time to time I come up with some pretty good stuff, but you wouldn't know that from reading this blog lately. I don't have a lot to say here. My life isn't exactly brimming with the exciting stories you'd read elsewhere. And although there is a lot I want to say, this is not the place to share it.

I've been neglectful of this place already, and with school starting in a week you can bet that things will only go downhill. Not sure what will happen.

So, to all two or three of my readers, just don't expect a lot.

But you never know. I might get some kind of inspiration 0ut of nowhere.

You'll know if I do.

See ya.

So...

...would you ever consider living in this house?

(P.S.: Believe it or not, the inside is very cute. Well, mostly cute. It has, indeed, been remodeled. But you know how old houses have "quirks," like random rooms that are so bizarrely shaped you wouldn't know how to situate anything in there. And a creepy/possibly haunted storage room, under which an Indian graveyard may or may not be located. And a 1-inch gap between the back of the kitchen counter and the wall. And...oh, but really, it has character, doesn't it?)

Scottish Festival

Today we went to the Scottish Festival in Payson. This is one of my favorite events in the state to attend and I am pretty excited about my Scottish heritage and all that crap (although, from what I hear, the Macdougall history isn't all rainbows and puppies...I guess we were kind of jerks...) and I get even MORE pumped when this little fest rolls around each year. I love the festival and luckily I was able to share the festivities with family and friends.

Some pics:

Oh, sweet bagpipes!

Dave trying the Ginger Beer that Clan MacDonald was selling. It's like ginger ale, really, just a lot more...ginger-y.

Me, mid-swig. I'm a big ginger fan so I loved this stuff!

Some of the Celtic dancers doing their thing. Most of these girls had their hair done up in these really tight curls that bounced around when they danced.

Sisters from Clan MacDougall! Woohoo!

King Dave. He looks kinda out of it, though.

Oooh boy, caber toss! Here is a series of pictures showing you the process of tossing the caber. Getting ready to lift...

Lifting the caber...

Getting it balanced...

Running forward, getting ready to throw...

And...after the toss.

This guy is preparing to do the sheaf toss. At first, we all thought the announcer called it the "sheep toss." Good thing it's not. Poor sheep...it would have been stabbed with a pitchfork and thrown over a 20-foot-high bar. haha. PETA would have been there in an instant.

We had a fun day, but we're tired! (I look emo but I was just concentrating too hard on taking the picture)

My parents were in town for this, so my whole family attended and had a great time!
Dave and I look forward to doing it again next year.

Celebrations

This week has been very full of events.

We spent a lot of time with Dave's family this week. Dave's brother and sister-in-law were in town, and we had a great time seeing them for the first time in about a year. We all enjoyed Aiden's birthday party and ate a lot of ridiculously delicious food and played some seriously fun games (Apples to Apples, anyone?). Oh, and of course there was Little Shop of Horrors. Um, need I say more? :)

We didn't do a lot for the 4th of July, but it was good times. We had a little get-together with family and friends, and we watched some stuff and had fun eating and chatting. I didn't get to see any fireworks, and that was a let down...but I do have reassurance in knowing that in this state the use of fireworks is stretched out for nearly a whole month, and on the 24th I'll probably get to go see some. I don't know quite what it is, but it just feels wrong for me to miss fireworks on Independence day! Like...something's missing!

Today, Dave and I went on a hike and it felt great! We try to go hiking as much a possible, although I've been recovering from bronchitis for the last 2-3 weeks and so I'm just getting back into physical activities like that.

This evening, we had a wonderful time celebrating my friend's birthday. It was actually a joint party for her, her mom, and her grandma who all have birthdays close together in July. It was such a great evening and we're happy to have them as our friends!

Pictures? There aren't any, really, since my camera isn't working so well. But I may have a few things to post soon.

Arizona Trip: June 2009

We took a quick trip to Arizona to see my family last week. Like the last time we went, there were 5 of use crammed into a little Civic. Oh, the fun. Here are some pictures and descriptions of the trip.

~Day 1: Traveling~

Our first stop on the road. Ris and Jana try on stupid hats at the gas station.


Oh, it's Nedra's, everyone's favorite restaurant! I forgot if this was in Kanab or Panguitch.

We made the traditional stop at the Wal-Mart in Page. Ris and Jana found these crazy weird candy bars called Wazoo bars while we were in the store stretching our legs. They were perfect, since that is Jana's nick-name! As we sampled the odd bars, we all proclaimed them to be disgusting...but then I started craving them like crazy! I actually had to buy a bunch on the trip home. I'm so, so ashamed.

Is there anything classier than eating out of the back of a car in the Wal-mart parking lot?

We made it! Here we are, hanging out in my parents' kitchen.

~DAY 2: Shopping and Family Party~

Since my camera was being a pain, i don't have any photos from this day. BUT...I will use a thousand words to try to describe the joy. Or a hundred, whatever.

In the morning, we watched the movie "Howl's Moving Castle" together, since we read the book for our little book club. After we watched and finished discussing the book and the movie, we all (besides Dad, who had to work) went out to Trader Joe's near the mall. They don't have one of these fabulous establishments where I live, so it was quite a lot of fun. After the store, Jana and I spend a little time in the 2-story Forever 21 store. It was heavenly. Words cannot explain. TWO STORIES OF CLOTHES! Luckily, even though we found some cute stuff we were repulsed by the super-long lines and just went home. We needed to get there for the family party anyway.

Our cousins and aunt came over for food and swimming. We got to say hi to some family members that we hadn't seen in a while, and it was nice to chat a little and enjoy some great food and fun.

~DAY 3: Out of Africa Park and Tonto Bridge~

Today we drove an hour or so out of Phoenix to visit the Out of Africa wildlife park and Tonto park.

Because of the amount of people that needed to be transported, my parents rented a van to cruise in. It was cool, as far as vans go, and SO much more comfortable than the Civic.

Dave applies sunscreen.

This park is a place that keeps many types of wildlife. Many of these animals were rescued from unfortunate circumstances, or were not wanted at zoos. It's a really cool place where you can watch shows (the animals are untrained though--they have just learned to kind of accept the humans) and go on safaris through a huge savanna-like area.

On the tram inside the park.


Tiger splash! This was a show where tigers and humans kind of played games and jumped into the pool. Very fun!


A giraffe on the safari.


This camel, Humphrey, is kissing my dad!

There was also a bear show, where the bears got a turn in the water!

That bear in back was fascinated with the camera man.

After out of Africa, we made ate and then made our way to Tonto Park. It closed as 7, and we were cutting it close since the distance to there from the wildlife park was longer than expected. But even though we only spent a short time at Tonto, it was soooo worth the effort to go.

Tonto Natural Bridge. Without a doubt, this is one of the most enchantingly beautiful places I have ever seen.




That old guy in the hat was working at the park, supervising to make sure no one got hurt on the rocks. Lucky guy--it was such a beautiful place to be. He said, "I have the best office in the world."


Jana. Observe how her butt is covered in green. That's from algae/moss stuff that she got all over her when she slid down a rock.

It was a fun day. Some of us wound down by taking a swim in the pool before bed.

~DAY 4: Going Home~

Today was Father's Day. We were able to stick around long enough to wish Dad a happy day, then say goodbye to everyone. Then it was back on the road again.

Group shot of the awesome back seat people. We are exhausted from a fun trip!

We had a great time! It had been a while since we'd been on a trip like that, and it was a fun and much-needed vacation. Although I fear we are still recovering from the claustrophobic travel conditions...

Before 30

Someday, I'm going to turn 30.

I think most people consider this to be a major milestone in life, but it makes me a little bit nervous. I'm not saying that 30 is exactly old, since it's not at all. Really, that's not my point. I guess I'm saying that 30 is when I think of REALLY being grown up, being responsible, being mature. You're not in your carefree, partying 20s anymore. You're...30. It's not a bad thing at all. It's just different.

Anyway, I am going to turn 25 soon. That means 5 more years until the big three-oh.

I started to make a list of goals the other day, just for the heck of it. It just started as a list of a few things I wanted to accomplish in the very near future, like graduating with a Bachelors degree or going on a cross-country road trip (hopefully!). But the list kept expanding, and as it did I began to wonder when I shoiuld plan to have all of the goals on this list accomplished. The number 30 just popped into my head, and so that's what I decided on.

There are nearly 40 items on this list now. Some of them are silly, others personal, and a few quite serious and important. I don't know why exactly I started the list in the first place, but I keep thinking that making these goals will help me to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life, to try new things and hopefully expand my abilities. I'm not usually good at keeping goals, but I hope that with each one that I check off I'll feel more motivated to continue on to another, and another, and another.

Five years...that's a long time, and I hope these years are full of learning and adventure.

Things I Like

Nail Polish. It's summer, and it's time to dig the flip-flops out of the back of the closet and show of your toes again! I love the warm weather, and lately I've found how fun it is to have colorful toe nails to show off! I'm not really into paintng my fingernails (they are too wide and don't look good with polish on them) but my toes look cute with a coat of sparkly, pretty polish. I've been messing with different colors to see what looks best. Nothing finishes an outfit quite like polished toe nails.

Samsung Netbook. These itty-bitty laptops, designed especially for portable web surfing, are one of my favorite things these days. I've decided that I want to get one to use for my writing and other things. Yes, the keyboards are smaller, but on this particular netbook the keyboard is nearly full-size, and should be a great portable companion for my writing, homework, notes, and internet stuff. I am still saving my money for one of these, but as far as laptops go they are instanely affordable.

Memorial Day

Monday, the sisters (and Dave) got together and made the annual pilgrimage to Syracuse and Provo.

We went first to Syracuse and placed some flowers on my grandparents' grave. It already looked beautiful, surrounded by all kinds of flowers and a peacock feather. We put two forget-me-not plants by the gravestone, perfect flowers for the occasion. The city, although it is becoming more and more developed, is still so much like I remember it as a kid. The cemetery still has that field to one side of it like I always remembered. And the new houses that are being built haven't completely taken over the scenery or eliminated the small-town feel.

We did the traditional lunch at Subway and traveled to Provo, where we left more flowers for my other grandparents and uncle.

It doesn't matter how much time goes by...it still stings.

I don't normally think of Memorial Day as a sad day. I don't think it's supposed to be. But there are definitely some strong feelings there when you realize that memories are all you have left of a person.

* * *

Today, Dave, our friend Tyler, and I went on a hike in Lindon. I guess it was my first official hike of the year. I think I did pretty well, and my body feels great after all the climbing, walking, and near-death experiences. Well, not too many of those...but I did wonder once or twice if I'd fall off the edge of a cliff as I tripped or slid on rocks.

I want to go on hikes as often as possible. Dave and I both love nature walks and Dave especially enjoys hiking and pushing his body climbing and such. I'm still not in shape yet, but I'm working on that! I want to go hiking or swimming at least every week.

Things I Like

I don't really know what to write about anymore. Our lives here aren't overly exciting (despite what the blog title claims), and I'm not about to let loose my uninhibited random thoughts and feelings (heaven forbid!) as interesting as those might be. So to keep things interesting (for me at least) here's a new idea: Things I Like.

I am 99% certain that I have stolen this idea from someone else, but in the Blogging World there isn't much left that's original anyway. Every week or so, I'm going to list things I'm into lately and maybe talk about them. This could mean books, movies, products, food, music...you name it!
Here we go:

Retro Swimsuits. I really love these 50s-looking swimsuits! The halter straps and the neckline look so classy, and these swimsuits are sexy but at the same time cover your butt. I have been altering my swimsuit to looking like one of these suits...can't wait to wear it!

Sunflower Market Bread. This bread is fantastic. Not only does it taste amazing, but each slice only contains 50 calories! Most bread has close to 100 per slice. I don't feel guilty eating a while sandwhich when I use this delicious bread! Mmmmm!

Dove Energy Glow Lotion. This lotion works pretty well. If you use it, over time your skin will darken just a little to make it seem sun-kissed and more tan. I don't use a lot of it, but it has been easing the transition into summer by making my legs not so shockingly white. It's inexpensive, and I like the smell, too.

Bob Hairstyle. I have been scared to cut my hair really short for a while, but a few weeks ago I went ahead and did it. Ever since I have been wishing that I did it sooner! A bob haircut (like the example above) is cute, trendy, and pretty, but what I didn't realize is how EASY this style is to care for! I spend no more than 10-15 minutes a day on my hair now. Plus, my hair requires less shampoo and styling products. Yes, I admit that I sometimes wish for long, flowing locks, but I am really enjoying short hair right now!