25 RANDOM THINGS

This has been sent to me by a few different people. I was doing a great job at avoiding it but it seems like it's the cool thing to do right now, and, well, since I totally care about being cool I'm posting it here. I see your 25 random things and raise you 5 more (I'm just narcissistic like that):

1. My favorite color is baby blue.
2. I like mushrooms on my pizza.
3. I once scooted my boots on the Western Dance Club of Utah's Performance team.
4. I secretly plan on having Oprah pay for my wedding.
5. Ben Folds rocks my suburbs and Andy Goldsworthy touches my nature.
6. I admit that if I don't have milk for cereal I'll use water instead.
7. I never hang the phone up first (unless I'm low on minutes or really don't want to talk to you).
8. I shave my legs every day in the shower.
9. I'm good at remembering numbers...just wish that skill could help me out in Vegas.
10. My elementary school teachers used to write on my report cards that I didn't talk enough in class.
11. I'd wear my bathing suit EVERY DAY if weather permitted.
12. I like to go to expos/conventions.
13. I had a foreign language, JCP, and DP2K scholarship all at the same time so I paid for my college junk and some of my brothers. I bought brand new books the first semester, used books the second, then by the third, realized I didn't need to buy them the remaining years.
14. I was born in Livermore, CA.
15. I don't usually like to take naps because I wake up not knowing if it's am or pm.
16. I didn't wear any kind of makeup until I was 20 and was told if I wanted to represent the Dairy Industry I had to look presentable.
17. I like chairs and architecture.
18. Facebook.com says as of December 22, 2008, I've seen 17% of the world.
19. I like to laugh. Sometimes I point and laugh.
20. I drive too fast, my showers are too long, but my peanut butter cookies are just right.
21. My favorite NKOTB was Jordan Knight. My brother used to sing, "oh oh oh oh oh...New Kids suck," to the tune of Hangin' Tough and it made me want to punch him. Not Jordan....my brother.
22. Ducks make me laugh because they don't have arms.
23. I heart fireworks.
24. I'm boy retarded.
25. I enjoy cala lilies and yellow roses with orange tips and accept gifts of both at any time.
26. I hate running in the rain but I love to run in the snow because it makes me feel like Rocky.
27. If someone asks me to name a celebrity Tom Cruise and Beyonce are the first that come to my mind.
28. I once tested positive...for G-A-M-E when it comes to playing board games.
29. My favorite adjective is oscillating.
30. I like to smile. Smiling's my favorite.

THEME SONG

While catching up with my friend Michelle on what I've done since I last saw her, she told me, "Oh man...your life is WAY BETTER than tv." It made me giggle. Then I thought about it and decided that if my life was a tv show I'd want this as my theme song:
(You have to push play...yes, that's the triangle in the circle...to hear. Listen to the lyrics or google them. Amazing.)

110% BETTER

After considering the future consequences of posting more photos of my broken face on here, I decided we'll let that subject be. It's gone. 110% better. A quick recap is all you get:
DeAngelina lip, IV 3x/day done at home for a week and a half then 10 more days of meds (that might have been mixed up with someone else's prescription for little blue pills which are used for a totally different problem), way too many 6am doctor visits, crochet hooks in my face, a little numbness but the nerves should get back together, face-pons, fun times trying to bathe, many hours of sleeping through movies, and lots of liquids.

MY FACE IS BROKEN...AGAIN

So my face is broken...again...but not as bad as it has been before. I experienced new things this time. I saw lots of doctors who didn't know what was wrong...(I think I should be a doctor. I've practiced my lines, "Let me have a look here and see what we can do. Well, I don't know what it is; that's the first time I've ever seen something like this. I'll prescribe you a medicine and refer you to another doctor. Ok. Pay the bill on the way out. Get better. Thanks.")

I'll post more details as they come but get ready for some gnarly photos as soon as it gets better. You bet I'll share those gems with you!

On the plus side, how much do you think the botox to get my lips this size would run on the street? I just saved myself a lot of money.

PS NO, those are not directions on how to get to the I-15 drawn on my face by the doctor. Thanks Rendon.

**I can't eat anything so chocolate won't help, but feel free to send gifts of flowers, digital cameras, or laptops to cheer my spirits through all this**
xoxoxo

LASERS, CREAMS, AND STAIR STEPPERS

I was going through some boxes of junk (that I have saved through the years for some reason) and found a bunch of old photos. I realized time sure changes you and the way you look. But then I also realized that there are plenty of lasers, creams, and stair steppers to change those changes. Life is good.

BRAD PITT BUTTON MOVIE

Maybe I just don't get it, but I saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button movie last night and this line totally bugged me:
"We were meant to lose people. How else would we know how important they are?"
Shouldn't people in our lives be important to us? Shouldn't we love them here on earth and not finally appreciate them after they die? Why, as Better than Ezra said, does 'everybody love to love you when you're far away?'
Help me out...am I missing the point of the quote??
Anyway, the Brad Pitt button movie is a good one--a long one but a good one. Check it out.

SHE KNOWS HOW TO WORK IT

I went out for an afternoon of fun with a handful of nieces and nephews yesterday. Thank you McDonald's for the ginormous indoor playground and 99 cent value menu.

In their own way, they all know how they can get what they want from me, but this little lady knows how to work it with her big grin and "I love you Auntie Nana!" Now let's order her up a cookie.

NYE

So from the post before you might be wondering why I mentioned California. Just a trip through Las Vegas to Cali for the weekend and NYE.
Highlights:
*NYE countdown on the strip
*Rose Parade or bowl for some
*making chinese lamps and playing with legos
*game night at Aunt Shelly & Uncle Jeff's house
*Geisha House with Dory and Dane
*free tour of LA with tour guide Dane (including the Disney Concert Hall, Brody J's apt, Yogurtland...divine!, Hollywood, stars, Santa Monica pier, Venice canals, Hickoryburgers, and so much more...all in like 3 hours)
*getting lost in Santa Ana for 2 hours and having gas station attendants tell me to go a different way each time...thank you Mr. Police Officer for the right directions
*eating Jack in the Box
*and the gorgeous ride home back to the snow (PS not really gorgeous I hate Nevada)
Click here to see more photos

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT CALIFORNIA...

...is that it is January and I was wearing a summer dress with flats outside and the weather was perfect. The occasional trip to Jack in the Box doesn't hurt my love for the state either (goodgosh that place is delicious).

THIS IS NOT AN EMO BLOG ENTRY

Sometimes I feel like
I'm impossible to forget, but I'm hard to remember.

If I have ever told you I love you, then I meant it.
If I haven't, then I'm sorry...because I do.

Thank you 2008.
Come and get it 2009!

Happy new year to all and to all some new blogs...

THIS CHRISTMAS

(To make this blog 25x better scroll down to the video at the bottom, push play, and turn up the volume while you read--you know you want to)

Not too excited this Christmas and doing some shopping for myself, I might have been a little mean to the salesperson who said, "These are cute, but they look too small for YOU. Are they a gift?" by thinking, "Thanks b****, I don't need your opinion. Merry Christmas."

BUT, through a few small acts I was reminded of the true meaning of Christmas again:

#1
Talking about the family manager scene reenactment they are going to perform on Christmas Eve together...
Max: I'm going to be the shepherd. I need the hook.
Jacq: Hello, I baby Jesus.
Xander: I the donkey. hee haw! hee haw!
Barrett: ...not sure exactly what he said.
We then went through a list of who other family members were going to be.
Me: Well, who do I get to be?
Max: Nothing. You aren't invited.
Oh sad. A few minutes pass.
Max: Actually, Auntie Nana, you can be the camel but you have to get your own costume.
So sweet...he made room for me in his stable.

#2
In less than 2 days, after being informed about a family who recently moved to the area and wasn't going to be able to afford a Christmas for their children, my small group of young single adult church kids had donated enough presents, food, and cash that we were actually able to supply a big Christmas for 4 families.

#3
After a last minute cancellation, I was in charge of getting someone to play Santa for a couple hours at Thanksgiving Point. I didn't think I'd find anyone, but my friend Brady had a little Christmas spirit up his sleeve. His reward: a gift card from TP, me sitting on his lap, and a promise to watch a black & white Christmas movie with him.

#4
I went to my first ugly sweater AND white elephant gift party (even though I hate those...bad childhood memories). They weren't quite as amazing as the Christmas party from the video of my fave Christmas song EVER below, but festive nonetheless. This song should ALWAYS make your holiday smile gay and bright!

In closing, I don't have cards to mail out, but I hope the holiday spirit finds you (even if it's just a little bit) this Christmas. Remember the real reason we celebrate, be happy, and know that deanna loves you. yadda yadda yadda.

DRIVING IN THE SNOW

I don't mind driving in the snow so much. I just don't like driving in the snow behind idiot drivers.

CLOGGED ARTERY BON

EVERY time I go to the airport I can't help but want a Cinnabon. I know the more appropriate name should be the "clogged artery bon" but they smell soo sweet.
Hey what's that smell...I think I just got a cavity.

HAVE I DONE ANY GOOD?

So there is this hymn I've heard in church growing up that asks:

Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.

Check heck yes/no failure for me today.
I donated blood. Hope someone orders a pint of AB- tonight.
Every two seconds someone in America will need a blood transfusion and each donation can be used to help save as many as three lives. It feels good to give. AND I got a cool purple stretchy head band.

EAST BY WEST VIRGINIA

Thanks to my buddy Dan, I had the opportunity to visit Wild and Wonderful West Virginia (yes, they actually write that on their license plates) for the weekend.

SHORT VERSION
While I was getting East by West Virginia, I made sure I was gettin lucky in Kentucky, round on both sides and HI in the middle in OHIO, her-she-comes to Pennsylvania, all with a side of Maryland to make for a fantastic weekend road trip.

LONG VERSION
WEST VIRGINIA: That's where Dan AND Bob Evans diners reside (Denny's eat your heart out).
KENTUCKY/OHIO: I took the car while Dan was at work and drove to Ashland, KY. I went into a store and saw a shirt that showed a map of Kentucky with the country music road tour on it and it just so happened to start in the city I was in so I bought it and drove. Then I went a few minutes north to South Point, OH, where I ended at a lovely spot with 2 park benches at the end of a road where you can sit in Ohio, look over the Ohio River to Kentucky, and see a river from West Virginia pour in. It wasn't the best weather for a park day, nevertheless, the tri-state view was lovely.
PENNSYLVANIA: Might as well get in the car and drive a few (or 5 1/2) hours to Hershey, PA to go to Chocolate World and stay the night at oh-so-posh Hotel Hershey where the street lights look like chocolate kisses, you can buy Philly Cheese steaks and tastykakes galore, sip on yoohoo (not my favorite), and get free chocolate at every front desk. We tried to make it to the Falling Water house (I heart Frank Lloyd Wright) but holiday operation hours wouldn't permit, so we stopped at Gettysburg for 4 score and 7 hours of historical sites.
MARYLAND: Didn't know we'd have to drive this state. But I did eat a pulled pork sandwich with slaw from Roy Rogers fast food restaurant and fell in love. You MUST stop there if you ever happen to drive by one!

**Sorry to all the friends I neglected to visit who were so close yet so far away on the trip. I'm a jerk. Love you.**
CLICK CLICK for more photos from the trip

THE SANTA CAUSE

Last night at the local Wal*mart there were a whole bunch of kind shoppers I didn't know, some Utah Flash players, me, happy store employees, and a select few who had the goal and ambition to do something nice this year. What cause did we all have in common? THE SANTA CAUSE. We shopped to bring Christmas to needy families. More festivities will be going on this week like wrapping and delivering the presents and then next week there is a big Charity event/party Dec 15th at the Gallivan Center 6-9pm (The group will be holding a raffle and live auction where you can get some good stuff along with FREE pizza, REDBULL, and skating).
To donate time/money and learn more about this sweet organization go to www.thesantacauseonline.org or talk to me.

THAT'S THE WAY I LIKE IT

My life is like a box
full of chocolate.
The eggs on my plate
are perfectly scrambled.
My bed is often unmade
so it's easier for sleeping.
In the car I sing along
with the radio.
I buy my cheese sharp
from the market.
I have a suitcase ready to travel
wherever life takes me.
My box is always open
for suggestions.
December days are surprisingly warm
in my city.
This song is super awesome
(turn up your volume)...
AND THAT'S THE WAY I LIKE IT

Discover Ben Lee!

I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT SYRUP

Don't go through life, grow through life.

I read this quote today from Eric Butterworth. Who is this fellow? I've never heard his name. The only Butterworth I've heard of is the lady who generously makes my pancakes taste deliciously thick, rich and sweet. As I found more from him, I realized I'm not talking about syrup with this guy. Here's a few more I enjoyed:

*We don't change what we are, we change what we think what we are.
*Your fortune is not something to find but to unfold.
*On human levels of consciousness one may emphasize getting and having as the prime goals, in spiritual consciousness he seeks the way of giving and being.
*The great piano virtuoso Paderewski was once playing before an audience of the rich and the royal. After a brilliant performance, an elegant lady waxed ecstatic over the great artist. She said, “Ah Maestro, you are a genius!” Paderewski tartly replied, “Ah yes, madam, but before I was a genius I was a clod!” What he was saying was that his present acclaim was not handed to him on a silver platter. He, too, was once a little boy laboriously practicing his scales. And even at his peak, behind every brilliant performance there were countless hours of practice and preparation.

HOT WIFE MATERIAL

I made a delicious dinner for the parental unit tonight. Then I did the dishes afterwards. I think that officially makes me hot wife material.

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...

HOLY BROKEN UMBRELLA, BATMAN

I'm pretty sure Ivanka thought I was a crazy holiday celebrating American when she found me upstairs with a toolbox, umbrella, black hooded sweatshirt, and needle and thread. I took apart the umbrella the family gave me (I hadn't used it once and then 2 days later it rained...go figure) and made wings for my Batman costume for Halloween. I have a feeling she doubted my creative mind, but when I heard her say, "Holy broken umbrella, Batman!"...(my Czech translation could be a little off) I knew she was inspired.

VOTE

I believe every person of voting age, should be an active citizen and VOTE!

The temptation is strong to allow civic participation to become so totally overshadowed by day-to-day concerns that we never get beyond the “faithful voter” level of activity. In such circumstances, it might be wise to remind ourselves that no constitution or set of protective laws is self-executing. Guarantees of political freedom maintain their force only if citizens are willing to exercise that freedom in their own behalf. IF MEN AND WOMEN OF CHARACTER FAIL TO PARTICIPATE IN THE POLITICAL DECISIONS THAT SHAPE THEIR LIVES, OTHERS WITH MORE SELFISH MOTIVES WILL INEVITABLY RUSH IN TO FILL THE VOID.

So I voted today...in my pajamas! I love you, absentee ballot. Do the right thing...VOTE!

OFF THE LIST

With all of my "things to do before I die", this one can officially be crossed off the list: trying to iron my wrinkly skirt with my hair straightener. Done and done and still made it to church on time yesterday.

MY TODAY IS YOUR TOMORROW

Weird. We changed our clocks today back one hour for DST in Czech. One week before America. (Well, most of America--besides Arizona who doesn't change their time at all. Too much cactus juice or something. I heard once there is no Arizona anyway.)
So I'm posting the local time in Prague (with the day of the week listed in Czech so you all can learn some of the lingo). My today is your tomorrow sometimes. Maybe we can work together and set up some gambling on horse races or something since I'm in the future...or something.

WE ARE THE PEOPLE...

4 ways I helped this family become more American just today:
1. I taught William to sing the Yankee Doodle song AND recite the Preamble to the US Constitution. He's learning, but he proudly says, "We are the people...in order to form...a perfect union...establish (or something that sounds similar to establish) justice...assure tranquility...the constitution."
2. William and I had a mock birthday party where he learned how to play pin the tail on the donkey and sang "Happy birthday to you. You live in a zoo. You look like a monkey and you smell like one too."
3. Then we watched a scene from Garfield's Halloween Adventure so they could understand "trick-or-treating."
4. We ended the night with Ivanka learning how to cook a potato in the microwave. It's changed her world of cooking...for better or worse-I'm not sure.

LICENSE PLATE ARCH

To my surprise, I see photos of Delicate Arch all over the place here. I never knew that the little arch that appears on my license plate is known all around the world. Makes me realize it's a big yet small world after all. So anyway, I found a framed shot of the arch just below a table I sit at in the office here in CZ. I dusted it off and it now proudly sits as my window to home. I miss YOU-tah...just a little bit.