SNOWFLAKES

I kinda really love it when I spot snowflakes that actually look like the snowflakes you cut out of paper in elementary school (at least those made by the artsy kids who knew how to make them look like more than a square paper with crazy eyes).

BOXING DAY

Today is Boxing Day and what's a girl who isn't Canadian but loves a good reason to celebrate supposed to do on this day besides get together with an old pal and have a Rocky movie marathon and box around the house a little bit?! Yo, Adrian!

COURTESY FLUSH

I like to wash my hands after I workout at the gym, just incase some big, hairy man sweats all over the machine before me. Today when I walked into the bathroom I was blown away by a foul smell. I know, I know...everybody goes to the bathroom every day hopefully, and sometimes it's a doozy. But if you're in a public place please be kind enough to do a courtesy flush for the next person who might walk in after you.

THE CHEAT

I'll admit I didn't go to a gym once while I was in Wisconsin so it feels super good to get my exercise on while I'm home. I usually go Monday thru Friday and then on the weekend I cheat and wear heels so my legs still feel like I've been working them all day long! Wait, maybe I should wear high heels when I exercise...

CLEANING UP

The main reason people go out to eat sometimes is because they don't want to have to cook, clean up the mess, and do the dishes. But for some reason I still find myself feeling like I have to stack my dishes nicely for the server to take them away and clean up the table as I leave. What is my problem?! At least I get to see cool kids like these girls when I go out:

THE FACTS OF LIFE

Who knew big hair and shoulder pads could be so inspiring?! But these ladies had it right in their theme song:

You take the good,
You take the bad,
You take them both and there you have
the facts of life.

PEELING ORANGES

I love to eat oranges, but I hate to peel them. I don't like the way it makes my hands feel or smell afterwards. This would cause a dilemma for most people. However, ever since I can remember, if I wanted to eat an orange all I had to do was take it in to my dad and he would gladly peel it for me...as many times as I asked.

Growing up, I never really cared about the thought of the size of my house or how much money my future husband would provide for me. Instead, I simply thought it would be super romantic if he would peel my oranges...that's it. Of course I'll accept other gifts as well.

BLUFF

When people say "Because I like you, I'm not gonna respond to that" or "I could say something, but I'm just not gonna go there" I kinda don't really believe they have anything to say. In fact, I think they are just trying to get others to think they're witty when they're not.

So, to those of ya'll who use those lines or anything like unto them, I call your bluff...go ahead and say it. If what you have to say is really that good, then I really want you to 'go there' and say it.

SNOW DAY

I believe I only had school cancelled due to snow one time in Utah. ONE TIME out of 5 school years. And then we had to make it up during Christmas vacation. I remember church was cancelled once; that was a sweet snow day.

But, here they cancelled school like 2 days in advance because the weather man said it would snow a bunch. Last night it was snowing and so everyone stayed home and some businesses even closed early. I went out in the snow....it wasn't that bad. Why is everybody so afraid of a little powder here?!

BLADES

Random fact about deanna #37:
I shave my legs in the shower every day. Yep, EVERY day.
As I was in the shower today, I looked at my razor and wondered if people even buy single or twin blades anymore? Why are they even made when you can enjoy the smoothness that comes from 3, 4, or even 5 blades at once. It's incredible.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

I don't consider myself to be a rude kid, and I can be very patient with people most of the time, but have you ever been so fed up with a customer service agent you want to tell them to suck it, hang up on them, and then secretly hope their place of business blows up and they never have another customer as long as you both shall live?! AHEM...me neither. Just wondering.
PS don't shop www.NeimanMarcus.com.

UNATTRACTIVE QUALITIES

For some strange reason, I find these qualities to be very unattractive:
1) Horrible spelling
2) Unwilling to share food at a restaurant. (I mean, come on, that's what makes it more fun is when you take a bite of something tasty and then say to your friends, "Ah, you've gotta try this!" and share.
3) Showing crack
4) Stuffing food in your face while driving (I don't know...there is just something about seeing a Big Mac being inhaled by the person next to me in traffic that totally grosses me out).
5) Arguing...about EVERYTHING. You aren't always going to be right; no one is. And if you're wrong, it's OK to admit it.
That's my list so far.

BAGEL ME

Once upon a time, a young girl worked at a small bagel shop in Utah. She loved her bagels. In fact, she only ate bagels from this shop and refused to eat crappy Einstein Bagels, mostly due to their inferiority in taste (except the asiago) and high price, but also mostly because of her loyalty to her bagel shop. Then one day, the owners came in while the girl was hard at work, put a closed sign in the window, and the shop was gone. RIP Bruegger's Bagels of Orem, UT.

As fate would have it, 10 years later (don't do the math), this still young girl was driving down University Ave in Madison, WI, and to her surprise saw a magnificent building with the words Bruegger's written in that oh-so-tacky font she once adored.
She carefully changed lanes, walked in the door, and left with some honey walnut cream cheese and a bag of boiled, baked, and round happiness. Mmm...bagel me, WI.

COWBOY VS FARMER

I've learned there are many differences between cowboys and farmers. #1 difference that drives me crazy is that farmers don't dance. I feel like I'm in a place where people should be listening to (then that obviously leads to dancing to) country music. But, I'll be darned if I can find a place to scoot my boots around here.

The Farmer and the Cowman

Oh, the farmer and the cowman should be friends.
One man likes to push a plough, the other likes to chase a cow,
But that's no reason why they can't be friends.

Territory folks should stick together,
Territory folks should all be pals.
Cowboys dance with farmer's daughters,
Farmers dance with the ranchers' gals. (but they don't!)

Farmer:
I'd like to say a word for the farmer,
He come out west and made a lot of changes
He came out west and built a lot of fences,

Rancher:
And built them right across our cattle ranges!

Rancher:
I'd like to say a word for the cowboy,
The road he treds is difficult and stony.
He rides for days on end with jist a pony for a friend,

Farmer:
I sure am feelin' sorry for the pony!

From Oklahoma, by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein

THANKS: GIVEN

I am thankful for you.
And for me
Maybe even for you & me
And all the stuff that is in between.
And ice cream.
I am REALLY thankful for ice cream.

YOUR DUTY

I was sitting behind a girl yesterday who had a loose hair on her shirt. With my ninja-like skills, I gently removed it without her noticing. I then glanced over at the boy next to her and saw he had a string on the back pocket of his pants. Not sure if that was appropriate for me to remove for him, I dared the girl next to me (who was actually closer to him) to grab it off. I mean she'd be doing him a favor after all. She declined. Then I felt bad letting him walk around possibly for the rest of the day with a white string attached to his black pants.

I absolutely DO NOT find it creepy when someone grabs a fuzz off my shirt, tucks in my tag, or tells me I stuffed my skirt into my pantyhose when I leave the bathroom. In fact, I expect people to tell me if they notice any of those to avoid embarrassment for myself.

OK everybody reading this blog, promise me this...

Raise your right hand and repeat after me (come on...do it...even if you're a dude):
I, (state your name), promise to do my best to do my duty to help other people, whenever and wherever I may see fit, to aid them in looking their best and avoid any potential clothing disasters.
Done and done. Duty served.

ATHENS MARATHON 2010

In 490 BC, the outnumbered Greeks defeated the invading Persians on the fields of Marathon. Legend has it that a soldier named Phidippides ran 24.85 miles from Marathon to Athens to bring news of the shocking victory. His heroic effort was memorialized in 1896 when the first modern Olympics, held in Athens, recreated the run officially dubbed the Marathon. During the 1908 London Olympics, the British changed the course to 26.2 miles.

2500 years after the original Marathon, we have the opportunity to re-trace the legendary route. Had the Greeks not stymied the Persians from conquering the mainland, the glory of ancient Greece as the cradle of Western Civilization might never have come to pass. The 2010 Athens Classic Marathon offers an occasion to honor the roots of a culture whose accomplishments continue to inspire greatness in each of us today.


So I remember when I used to be a good runner girl and thought 'I'll run a marathon at least once in my life just to do it...when I find the right one.' Well, this might be it! How cool would it be to run in Greece?! This is going on my list to Santa for sure. Anyone interested in joining me?

**And maybe to warm up for this I can do the Great Wall half marathon in CHINA. I better dust off my running shoes.

PREDICTIVE TEXT

My name is deanna and I use predictive text option when typing text messages. Theoretically, the number of keystrokes per character, provided that all words used are in the dictionary and that no spelling or typing mistakes are made, should allow your cellular device to type the word you desire when writing your message. ie. pushing 8398 should form the word TEXT. In practice, however, these factors are found to be crucial to speed and accuracy, as has been demonstrated in experiments with real users like myself:

I invited someone to come along to have dinner with me and the local Wisconsin morons last night.

Oh wait...actually there's another M in there...it's the Mormons!

Thank you predictive text and my lazy fingers for that laugh.
deanna: world's most professional text messager.

LOOKING FOR LOVE

Looking for love in all the wrong places. The evolution of the number on the mens bathroom wall:

attempt #1

#2 making sure not to get any DIFFERENT kind of cowboys texting...

final attempt

PS If anybody asks, I don't know who wrote this at Kleeman's!

H&M

New purchase and I totally rocked this dress!

H&M: meet my closet;
closet: welcome to paradise.

AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND

Besides seeing dogs wearing blinking collars at night so the owners know if they get stolen by owls, being told fondue can NOT be made without wine, and finding this at the local Farm and Fleet store (wish I would've bought it),

my new favorite part of this week is seeing a sign at church that said everyone was welcome to help themselves to the fridge to take home some cheese and yogurt dip. I love Wisconsin...it is America's Dairyland after all.

CHEESE FUDGE

I like cheese and I like fudge...so why wouldn't I like cheese fudge?! It has the same ingredients as cheddar cheese, but in fudge form with nuts. OK...So since I'm in Wisconsin, I had to try it. Surprisingly enough, even though it looks like a packaged cow patty when you buy it, it doesn't taste that bad.

LIFE IS GOOD

Sometimes I look at what I have or what I've done/seen and think: life is good to me. I'm blessed...maybe my bank account isn't as blessed as others, but I've got a lot in life. I have super friends and a wonderful family and the sun is shining. Yeah, life is good today.

FARVE AND AWAY

I tried to find the local Mormon church in Madison this morning. After driving to a couple different meeting houses and finding the parking lots empty and doors locked, it was ruled that church was cancelled for the Vikings vs Packers game today. What else could be the reason?! Mr. Favre playing is a big deal here, dontcha know.

So I went to the house and watched it. I came to the conclusion that I need a football-playing boyfriend. He can walk around the house wearing those uniform pants. And to make him feel comfortable in it, I would good game every time he does something cool. We could even drink gatorade for every meal. I'm willing to make this work.

DOVE NOTES

I don't understand why little, square (super delicious) Dove chocolate candies come with inspiring messages on the inside of the wrapper. To save Americans from struggling with obesity, I think they should write things like:

"Maybe you should ease up on the candy, fatty"
"Be a lady, put it down"
"Step way from the chocolate"
"You're probably gonna have to run a few extra miles after eating these"
"If this chocolate doesn't make your face break out maybe the guilt from eating the WHOLE BAG will"

Just a thought.

SMALL TOWN

You know those movies where they show someone in a super small town with a population of less than 2000 where everyone waves to each other on the street and knows ALL (maybe too much) there is to know about the other members of the community... Well, I never knew they really existed until this week. I'm in Wisconsin where we go to the local bank to gossip every morning and see signs posted like this:


It's ridiculously fantastic so far. But the best part is that they have great beef jerky and cheese.

NEW THINGS

Last week was full of new things for me:

1) This is my new niece. Her name is Lola. She already knows sometimes it's cool to high-five yourself.


2) When I was in Oxford in August, I saw this poster in a book store and fell in love with it and it's story. I didn't buy it because I didn't think I'd be able to carry it with me the rest of the week through all my bus rides and make it back to Czech without destroying it. My super sweet friend Bridget ordered it straight from England for me...and in my favorite color to boot. Now I just need to get a frame in the crazy 23.5 x 16.5 dimensions.
3) I got to see the new Warren Miller flick. I pretty much love these films.



4) News of travel plans to Wisconsin...tomorrow.

LOOKS GOOD IN WHITE

I know, I know...it's WAY past Labor Day, but I wore white to church today. And I looked good in it. That's right, boys, take note: deanna looks good in white. wink wink. nudge nudge. say no more say no more.

SANTA AND HIS HOE?

I know we have a couple holidays in between, but everyone get excited because I'm pretty sure I saw Santa Claus driving around Orem in a white Tahoe today.
I didn't snap a photo of him because 1) I was way too excited for the thought to even cross my mind 2) that'd be naughty and I want all the pressies I can get.

ROBERT'S FIRST DATE

I had the pleasure of staying in Tooele this weekend to hang with my niece and nephew while my brother Jeff and his wife Virginia went to San Diego for the BYU football game and Virgina's birthday celebration. That Saturday happened to be homecoming for the local high school and Robert was asked to go. Just for the record: it wasn't a date...they went to a dance. Whatever.


Lauren and I were in charge of making sure everything went smooth. So while Robert and the non date group were playing air hockey during the afternoon, the two of us set out to buy a flower for the girl. There is one flower shop in Tooele and it is closed on Saturdays. Instead we tried the local Macey's and Albertson's supermarkets. No luck. The final attempt led us to Wal*mart where they only sold bouquets but we didn't need a dozen. As we were about to leave and admit defeat, I remembered a time I went to a Wal*mart in Springville with my friend Holly and she had to use the restroom. When she came out, she handed me a rose and said she found it in a vase in the bathroom. Weird. I went in and checked out the restroom. Sure enough there was a vase with roses. So maybe I boosted one for Robert's date.




As Robert was showering and getting dressed I realized he was gonna wear a tie and probably needed help with this one but I don't wear ties. With the help of a youtube video, Lauren and I can now make a perfect Windsor knot. Crisis averted.


Add a little hair gel, hide his white tennis shoes and white socks so he has to wear black socks and dress shoes, a little spray (or twelve) of cologne and we had one good looking man cub ready for his first date with a little bit of help from his big sister and favorite aunt (that one is me).

PS Lauren and I have amazing outfits because we went to an 80's themed birthday party during the dance--not our normal attire.

THE SHOW

I used to hear this song on Euro VH1 so I'm not sure if it has been playing in the states, but it's my fave song for the day:

The Show by Lenka
click for the video or
...here's just a few lines...

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I don't know where to go I can't do it alone I've tried
And I don't know why

Slow it down
Make it stop
Or else my heart is going to pop
'Cause it's too much
Yeah, it's a lot
To be something I'm not

I'm a fool
Out of love
'Cause I just can't get enough

I'm just a little girl lost in the moment
I'm so scared but I don't show it
I can't figure it out
It's bringing me down I know
I've got to let it go
And just enjoy the show

***I like it so much, maybe I'll name my 3rd born Lenka***

22 DAYS OF GYM

This is a story of girl meets boy. The girl, Deanna Watson of Orem, Utah, grew up believing that love could be all flowers and happily-ever-afters. This belief stemmed from early exposure to sappy Beatles love songs and totally misunderstanding the movie Swamp Thing. The boy, Jason somebody of Wherever the heck...it doesn't matter now, USA, maybe shared this belief. Since the days of his gym experience he'd only love two things: the first was his huge biceps. The second was hydrating his body after a good workout. Deanna meets Jason on September 25th. She knows almost immediately he is the one to finally be her boyfriend. This is a story of girl meets boy, but you should know upfront, this is NOT a love story.

DAY 1 blog entry Jason looked away as I looked up from the elliptical machine and then almost ran into the door as he tried to sneak one more peek just before leaving the rec center.
DAY 11 I went to BYU symposium this morning. Was late to the gym.
DAY 5 Jason walks in to rec center. Glances over at me on elliptical. Can't help but smile.
DAY 13 Two meetings at the fountain.
Jason: You having a good workout?
Deanna: (panting) yeah. Today is a good day.
Jason: Me too. I'm exhausted.
Deanna goes in for another drink and as she walks away says: Deanna! That's my name.
Jason: Deanna? I'm Jason.
Deanna: cool. (and goes to exercise on)
DAY 18 MIA.
DAY 6 I'm not even thirsty but I go to drinking fountain just to see him and he follows. Twice.
DAYS 19&20 I went to gym early maybe hoping to see Jason as I was leaving and he was coming. No luck.
DAY 7 I go to drinking fountain and he is there before me.
Deanna: So we meet at the fountain again...
Jason: But you usually make it here first.
Deanna: Guess I'm slow today.
Jason stands there as if wanting more of a conversation. Deanna walks off...exercise on.
DAY 15 As Jason was leaving the rec, he looked down on Deanna riding the bike then turned around and pushed the door open with his back for an extra look.
DAY 21 I went to gym early and then went back for round 2 to sit in hot tub with Brother Tim. Jason sees me talking to him and seems to pay more attention to me. Jealous maybe?
DAY 14 No drinks.
DAY 22 He arrived on time, talking on his cell as usual. I finished my time on the elliptical and headed to the fountain for a sip. He was there!
Deanna: Jason, right?!
Jason: yeah
Deanna: just remembering. (starting to breath heavily now because of the workout and being nervous, but I knew this was my chance.)
Jason: Hey (and he stood there as if waiting to have a conversation with me.)
To myself: This is it!!
Deanna: So...what's your girlfriend's name?
Jason: Brooke.
Deanna: You two exclusive?
Jason: Yes.
Deanna: Fair enough. (walks away)

Most days of the year are unmemorable. They begin, and they end, with lots of water consumed in between. Most days have no impact on the course of a life. October 16th was just another day.

DANCING

My friend Clint told me he needs to take me dancing because he can't find anyone to stunt with who doesn't get freaked out.

He then proceeded to tell me most cute girls can't dance and the not-so-cute girls cut up a rug so it's a struggle when he wants to ask a girl onto the floor.

Then I realized he said he wanted to dance with me. Which position does that put me in? The not-so-cute girl who is the good dancer? Dangit.

BAD BUSINESS

Now I'm not usually one to make a fuss but I also don't appreciate bad business and would like to pass this info on to you.
#1
Stewart Palmer Studio: I must tell the truth, I did leave this place yesterday with a great haircut and color but I also left with a wet hoodie and jeans because they spilled water down my back when the girl washed my hair. I know, that was an accident and it's cool because I can dry off, but the part that really bothered me was the poor customer service as I was getting my hair cut by the "professionals" who stopped styling hair to call in an order of food for lunch for themselves and take several calls on their personal cell from a boy they are interested in dating. Those phone calls can wait until AFTER you finish with your client. I mean, if I am paying for the service...I deserve the attention.

#2
Elase in Orem: I detest this office more than any human being could hate another place of business. Not only did the consultant BURN my neck with a laser (leaving me with some gnarly hickey looking marks), but the manager also lied to me about it, and then tried to insinuate that I was lying when I returned to talk with them about the incident. In past experiences with this office, they have also zapped a chunk of eyebrow when doing laser hair removal for my friend and left a bruise on the face that lasted for over a month.

PS If you talk with representatives from other laser/spa offices around Utah County and mention something went wrong, I've noticed the first suggestion of where the bad service was performed is usually Elase. Nice job guys. Zero out of five stars.
NOW THAT'S BAD BUSINESS.

REALLY BOYS...REALLY?!

Just a few of the most ridiculously romantic (less romance more ridiculousness actually) comments I either had said to me or heard a boy say to a girl this week thus far:

*You are hard to forget, but easy to ignore.
*I'd take care of you if I knocked you up. At least for six months OR until you started showing.
*You're cute but there are some things you should change. Maybe watch what you eat because your height and weight don't match. But don't worry...your boobs are great. Don't change your boobs.
*Hi. I want you.
*I need some arm candy Saturday. You busy? Make sure to wear a dress and curl your hair.

I mean REALLY boys? Really?! Let's have more tact please.

DEAR CHOLESTEROL LEVEL

Dear cholesterol level,
I promise not to eat like this every day, but I have to tell you that that bacon, cucumber, tomato, and whipped cream cheese sandwich on toasted bread was just what I needed today. SO delish.
Yours truly,
deanna

SNORT

There aren't many things that embarrass me very easily, but if I snort when I laugh I totally hide my face for some reason (and then that usually makes me laugh even more and then another snort might come out...it's a horrible process). And well, it happened at church on Sunday...in a sacrament meeting...that wasn't even mine...after everyone had laughed and then the room went silent for a brief moment. Awesome.
So Bridget and her dude friend decided we should exit stage left and head for a drive up the canyon where we found a crazy tepee and beautiful fall foliage that made everything better.


**I totally stole these photos from her blog.

WHITE ON RICE

In a previous post (from a long time ago actually), I wrote about going to Velour in Provo with my pal Danny Wilson to be stars (no need to be modest) in a movie. Well, it has hit the big screen. I saw it tonight.
It's called White on Rice. And it is amazing!
Go to the site www.whiteonricethemovie.com to find out more info and see screening times at a theater near you. You will not be disappointed!

to the Utah fans, it's playing in both Utah and Salt Lake counties this weekend

you'll totally understand this one when you see my shot

me & steve hanging with Bob

HARRY

I normally don't like when other people make albums singing songs that have been done several times and I normally don't post 2 blogs in one day, but I just can't resist Harry Connick, Jr. So click here and thank Harry and Oprah for a free download (WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS) of a song from the new album.

MR GRAY SHIRT

Thank you, Mr. Gray shirt, for looking away when I looked up from the elliptical machine and then almost running into the door when you tried to sneak another peek before leaving the rec center today.
You made me feel pretty.
Unless you were checking out the old guy 2 machines away...then that's just weird.
PS don't be so shy next time.

BEST PIZZA OF ALL TIME

Yo, New York, I'm really happy for you and all. Ima let you finish, but I just have to say Beyonce makes one of the best pizzas of all time. One of the BEST PIZZAS OF ALL TIME! *shrug*

But seriously, if I learned one thing this last weekend when I headed East to New Jersey and the surrounding states, it's that we put lots of toppings on our pizzas here to hide the inferrior taste.

I've got 4 words for you: large cheese pie, please.

So, if New York and New Jersey have the best pizza around, then why do I have so many photos of me munching on hot diggity dogs?! Go figure.

RETHINK THIS IDEA

Maybe Golden Corral's marketing department should rethink this idea.

It just doesn't sound right to me.

HYMN 293

We sang this hymn in church today and it made me think about the kind of friend I am or want to be. As I have travelled, I have learned whether we are young or old, rich or poor, educated or humble, full of experience or just beginning, speak a different language or live in another country, we all have the ability to be a friend.

Also as a member of Girl Scout Troop 715, we sang the song...and I still believe the words to this day:
'A circle is round, it has no end; that's how long I want to be your friend.'

293 Each Life That Touches Ours for Good
(click this link for a cool interactive music player to listen to tune and read along with the text)

1.Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.

2.What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christ-like friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

3.When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

4.For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Savior's name,
Who bless our days with peace and love,
We praise thy goodness, Lord above.

I have been blessed with plenty of good friends through family, school, church, work, and travel who give me love and support and I am so thankful for them. Especially those that comment on my blogs tee hee.

09/09/09

Maybe a little irreverent, but here is Hitler with today's date:
clicky clicky

SELF CHECK-OUT

If you do NOT know how to use the self check-out machine, please do NOT get in that line and cause your fellow shoppers who ARE smarter than the scanner to have to wait longer to pay for their merchandise.

Also, please do NOT pay for your $10 purchase with nickels and pennies causing a two person wait behind you to turn into a 12 person line.

You do NOT make it fast, easy, nor fun for me!

GO COUGS!

After watching tonights game, I'm still not sure if I like short socks or knee length socks with the football uniforms. Either way, BYU still beat the Sooners at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium 14-13. Go Cougs!

ALONE IN MY PRINCIPLES

"We don't really know what we believe in or care about until what we believe in or care about is threatened, challenged, or measured."
— Sheri L. Dew (If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard)

When the time comes to test my faith...am I really strong enough? It seems I often find myself singing that hit song "Alone in My Principles" and dancing by myself, but I'm OK with it because I know in the end protecting my values is way more important than being popular.

THANK YOU WAVE

Being the courteous driver I am, I stopped to let a pedestrian cross in front of me yesterday. They looked straight forward and walked to the other side without turning to give me a thank you wave or anything. Nothing. Who does that?! For crying out loud...I wanted my thank you wave. It makes me not want to be so kind. You HAVE to give a thank you wave...it's like THE RULE!

GONE LIKE YESTERDAY

You're asking me where to go to get the best pasta in town while in Provo...well, I can't tell you and this is why:
I drove down historic Center Street to get a delicious plate of Gnocchi Toscana, which I have been craving for about 3 months, only to find a sign on the door of Ottavio's Ristorante Italiano that said they have closed for good. My favorite restaurant is gone like yesterday. Ohmigosh. Could my heart break any more?
But I suppose you can purchase their crowd pleasing creamy tomato basil soup at the nearest Costco store (beautiful wall murals, accordion player, and owner who walks up to your table and asks if you are enjoying your dining experience with his Italian accent not included).

EYE HAVE NEVER BEEN HAPPIER

It's true. As I wrote in the previous post, I decided to buy myself LASIK for my birthday. It was probably THE best thing I have ever spent a wad of cash on in my life (even better than the loaf of bread and jar of Nutella I bought the other day with my niece).
Things I learned from having the procedure done:
1) 5mg of Valium is about 10mg too much for me but made me VERY relaxed about the whole situation
2) stealing a cookie from the hand of a girl who can't open her eyes because of the aforementioned valium pill is not a good idea (especially if you try it a second, third, and fourth time).
3) big black shades are cooler than they appear or cooler than maybe you appear as you wear them
4) eye drops come straight from the Rx counter in heaven
5) wearing glasses or contact lenses is great to improve your vision but do not even compare when it comes to 20/15 vision from Dr. Hoopes.

It's as easy as that! If you've even considered it a little bit, go for it. Have it done...you'll never regret it! In less than 24 hours, my eyes have never been happier than they are today (and I couldn't have left the office happier with my souvenir mug of candy and chocolate chip cookie in hand).