KNOTTY GIRL

It's 2-for-1 time at the local massage place and I must say that this knotty girl is gonna be there for sure. In fact, I went twice yesterday.
Sitting in the wait line allowed me to watch the people that both walked in for services and those who were there to work and realize we are all certainly unique in our own way--from the hairy back guy to the old lady wearing all pink and her friend in leopard print with enough makeup for 2 third world countries--I guess that's what keeps life interesting...

MY NEW FAVORITE

In the Salt Lake area and want some good food? My new favorite place is the Bohemian Brewery & Grill. Make sure to get an order of fruit dumplings before you leave...your taste buds (but maybe not your hips) will thank you.
94 East 7200 South, Midvale, UT.

LET'S GET IT ON...

Sometimes it feels so right when others might think it's so wrong--So let's get it on...the thankful list...and enjoy EVERY minute of life. This Thanksgiving, I AM THANKFUL FOR:
*tears because it makes me appreciate every smile
*my pants being a little too tight because it means I have food to eat (but not TOO tight and this one will only be temporary...dang you goulash and dumplings for tasting soo good)
*the hole in the sole of my favorite shoes because it means I have 2 legs that work and I'm able to walk
*a phone call waking me up when I've finally beat Mr. Jet Lag and fallen asleep because someone is thinking of me or feels like they can confide in me
*a big pile of laundry because it means I have clothes to wear and keep me warm
*bad hair days because my true friends will still want to be seen in public with me even if my hair do is worse than a Britney Spears hair don't
*sore muscles because it means I have been working hard
*stains on my shirt because it means I was given a hug from a cute little face with dirty hands
*being away from home because it means I get to come back
*the awkward feeling of walking into a room and not knowing a single person there because a stranger usually turns out to be just a friend I haven't met yet
*sitting through an hour of "remember the time deanna did this stupid thing" because it means I have brothers who care about me
*sometimes losing the game (although it doesn't happen very often) because it teaches me to be more humble
*a lame, witty, or even pretty darn average comment on my blog because it means YOU cared enough to spend a minute or two and read my random thoughts

What the SMELL is going on here?

First thing I did during my 5 hour layover in Atlanta, GA, on my way home was walk into the Bath & Body Works store. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face as I rubbed every lotion scent on my body. Then yesterday I just couldn't stop smelling everyone around me...people smell soo good here in America. I'm wondering what the SMELL is going on and they are probably thinking other words. God bless the USA.

MILUJU TE!

That's how you say it in Czech, but I've been told they are more conservative when it comes to offering that phrase. I just can't help it. I love the Czech Republic--everything from the people to the food and the smelly kids on the trams (ok that one was a lie).

Things I've learned from my local neighborhood players:
1. If you're cold-wrap yourself in toilet paper.
2. Electric fences WILL shock you if you lean on them and the zoo staff will follow you around if your friends start touching it too because they loved the face you made when you touched it.
3. When you are a visitor in someone's apt/house you WILL remove your shoes and wear their slippers and then they will offer you a drink and food. If you don't take the food they will offer you something else. After the third offer and refusal they will just give you something without asking anymore.
4. The phrase "I speak English" can both get you out of most bad situations (unless the other person is the tram police then they don't care) and make you the most popular girl on the block if it allows others to practice their English.
5. Gypsies might be nice, they shouldn't be trusted, but they might be nice people. And it is definitely bad to punch them or want to punch them.
6. Some people really do cook from scratch and the word "homemade" was redefined in my personal dictionary.
7. Teaching Czechs naughty English phrases (ie. telling them to say "Boo, you whore" to the nasty secretary in the office) isn't nice....it's funny, but not nice.
8. There is more to life than just beer. There is also sausage.
9. Visas are overrated.
10. Objects in the brochure might seem more beautiful than they appear.

Tak. I loved the CZ, but, America, I love you too. See you soon--I'm coming home! Miluju te!

DO OPPOSITES REALLY ATTRACT?

I was walking around, as I usually do here (I've put in some serious mileage) and I was thinking about that phrase. Maybe it's true for magnets but I don't think it works for people. I mean, I speak English and I want a boy who speaks English. The looks decent wagon didn't pass me by and I look for the same in a dude. I like to be active and don't think I could stand dating someone who only watched tv. The list could go on. But then I've never really had a relationship end in happily ever after so maybe I'm wrong. Maybe Paula Abdul was right after all. Maybe just maybe opposites really do attract.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

It had been almost 6 months since I drove a car...until yesterday. I sat behind the wheel of this baby. It was big. I drove fast. And it felt kinda weird.

ALIGNED IN MY FAVOR

On my msn homepage, I look at the weather for both here in CZ and in Utah and occasionally I scroll down and look at my daily horoscope. Sometimes it's way off and I think "this horoscope junk is crap." But once in awhile it seems to be right on and I think "whoa...creepy" like today. So which is it? Is it luck or are the stars really aligned in my favor sometimes?

BLACK HOUSE / WHITE HOUSE

Brigham Young remarked, “No matter how good a government is, unless it is administered by righteous men, an evil government will be made of it.” (Journal of Discourses, 10:177.)
I don't think political party, religion, color, or race are factors in deciding which candidate to elect, rather it should be on issues, candidate’s characteristics, and knowledge vs slogans.

SLEEPING TO DREAM

Everyone around the house has been getting sick lately. It was my turn this weekend. I've been sleeping a lot. It reminded me of this song which I love. I'm not too hip on American pop culture, but I hear Mr. A-Z is hitting it big on the radio right now. It's just a little lullabye...