A Night Out With Friends

I have a soap box to stand on this morning. Perhaps I may be a bit hypocritical in writing this, because I surely am not without guilt in this same area of discussion... but I have a pet peeve...

Last Saturday night a group of family members went to PF Changs in Salt Lake to celebrate my mom's birthday. It was a typical Saturday night at a restaurant- date nights, friends at dinner for one reason or another- ya know- the norm. But I made an observation that continues to disturb me.

As we were being seated I looked around at the groups of people surrounding us. Some young, some old - there were LOTS of people in the restaurant that night. I instantly noticed a distinct difference in the atmosphere at the tables of specific age groups. Any member of a table, and I am not exaggerating, under the age of thirty, sat in their seats glaring at their phones. Texting, playing games, checking email... whatever they were doing, they were DEFINITELY not paying attention to each other. From those tables there were no sounds of jabber or laughter- just clickclickclickclickclickclickclick. Oh, and occasionally someone would snicker over a received text message.

On the other hand, the groups of "older" (and I do use that term lightly...) people were smiling and laughing, and lo and behold, I saw not ONE cell phone!

The whole scenario just disturbed me, and it reminded me of a time, about two years ago, when a friend of mine called me out when I was having a "younger generation" moment:

She was visiting from Boston. There were three of us sitting around a table, laughing and reminiscing and having a great time, but for a few minutes, I got distracted by some text messages. I tuned out of the conversation going on at the table (though I pretended, of course, to still be listening with some "yeahs" and nods of the head and the occasional courtesy laugh...) when all of a sudden I noticed the silence. Chelsea simply said to me, "Really? I see you like once every few years now and the text on the phone is more important to you than the people in front of your face?"

Point taken. And I was grateful for it.

So, in conclusion, the other night I wanted to be like Chelsea and yell to all those PF Changs people, "HELLO!!!!! PAY ATTENTION TO THE PEOPLE YOU ARE WITH!!!"

Why is reality never as exciting and engaging as the virtual in our world? It totally annoys me.

The end.

Summertime (And the Livin' is Easy...)

In Eden, Utah

(Where we spent my dad's birthday/Father's Day weekend)

Awwww. Remember when I used to be a really great blogger? Apparently those days are gone.

Sigh.

And then on days like today I get inspired to write again. I just read a friend's blog and she reminded me how much I love blogging and sharing my life (or even just for personal documentation purposes) with whoever is out there reading it.

Lets talk about my life right now...

It is simple. And I LOVE- nay, I ADORE it.

I have a project in mind that is kind of huge and I am still toying with the idea of diving in or not. It has great potential, but it sure would take a lot of work. I am trying to decide if it is something I could totally commit to, or if it's something that I would lose interest in after about, ya know, five days.

I am basically just working one job right now- and it is glorious. (Remember how I am a crazy person and have THREE jobs?? Yeah- thanks to summer that has turned into ONE- and I am a happy girl.) I am remembering what is it like to that time to, oh, BREATHE, and I, for the first time in a year, have time to ponder, reflect, read, nap, sit in front of the TV if I so choose, clean, etc. etc. etc.

I spent the first two weeks of June in Florida. It was the best trip I'd had back there in a long time. I had plenty of work, stayed with this great lady, and had the best time ever with this girl. Why in the world we only took one picture (and with me, in this getup- may I add,) I will never know. We must have been too distracted navigating our way through Gainesville, stuffing our faces, house hunting, or having late nights at the La Quinta Inn laughing and reflecting on life. It was wonderful. And I have a strong testimony of girlfriend trips.

Side note: When this trip to Gainesville was planned the goal was to find Andrea and Devin a house. That was her purpose in being there. Our husbands weren't too sure that the goal would be accomplished what with the way we ladies get distracted and enjoy one another's company...

Chuck put it best: "The sum of the parts doesn't equal a whole."

Well we showed them. Andrea found a house the first day there. HA!

Moving on...

Did you know that I am a water park junkie? I'll admit that I had forgotten this myself, but a few weeks ago when Biff approached me with a day at this place:

I quite hesitantly went along and ended up LOVING it. Sure, it isn't a thrilling death defying water slide park or anything, but gosh it was fun.

Downside? I put on 70 SPF sunblock three times and still got burnt. Oh, the curse of fair, freckly skin!

So there's life. I love summer. My favorite holiday is tomorrow. Life is simple. We are happy. It is fun.

My Roaring Twenties

... are coming to and end.

One month and counting...

I am getting sentimental.

31 and Other News

Perhaps I have not been the best of bloggers lately, I know. Life got busy and obviously that's the first thing that goes out the door.

Here's the fun stuff.

HAPPY 31st BIRTHDAY to THE BOY!

After insisting that he wouldn't be able to sleep unless he opened something, I allowed him one present the night before his birthday.

Happy boy. I found a fantastic series of art books that are right up his alley.

May 26

Pancake breakfast.

Presents at 7:30 a.m.

Dinner at The Italian Place and dessert at Coney's.

Little birthday cake from "Nothing Bundt Cakes." (Carrot cake... delish.)

May 27

Dinner at The Roof and a show!

May 28

One more party!

Cake and ice cream with Chuck Sr. Shirley, Travis, Myles, and Mayzie.

My rainbow cake... I was quite proud of it!

In other news...

My cousin Kallie got married.

We got new furniture... (No pics yet... not till things are finished... which could be awhile.)

I'm going to Orlando this week for some fantastic work and an exciting adventure with this lady in Gainesville!!! Kinda can't wait. Hooray.

Do Mi Mi, Mi So So, Re Fa Fa, La Ti Ti (Repeat...)

Temper Tantrum

Family Room. Love. WANT.

REAL BAD.

I am now accepting Macy's gift card donations.

Making Progress

Soon, our front room will not look like a barren wasteland...

Paper

Have a Seat...

Ignoring the pillows...

And saying HELLO to these...

Bed. Staying There.

Don't think less of me, but it's noon and I am still in bed trying to find the motivation to get out and face the week. WAY TOO MUCH GOING ON.

It is also a rainy day and I have a cat to snuggle with. Can I come up with any more excuses?

Day 11

For a girl who is a big dreamer, I am also super practical. This list was difficult for me.

In no particular order:

- Hawaiian Islands cruise

- See Europe. Any and all of it. A must see is Swaffam, England, where my mom lived as a toddler.

- Learn to play the piano magnificently

- Take Chuck to Hong Kong

- Ride an elephant in Thailand

- Swim with a dolphin

- Take our teenagers (yes, people, I DO plan on having children at some point) to a third world country to let them see how good they've got it.

- Take a US history tour

- Go on a Church history tour

- Keep a consistent journal throughout my life

- Become a fantastic hostess for family/friend/etc. parties and occasions

- Go on a whale watch tour during migration season

- Take lots of pictures. Of everything

- Learn to play the violin decently. Lets be honest- all attempts at playing the piano have been thus far futile- I am not going to live in a fantasy that I will ever be able to play TWO instruments well. Ha.

- South Pacific islands cruise

- See a kangaroo in Australia

- Go to New Zealand (Australia/New Zealand cruise anyone?)

- Stay in a beach house on the New England coast

... my time is short. Must head out for the day. But there are a few of mu bucket list items.

Days 7, 8, 9 and 10

Day 7 :

This post has taken a little while not only because I have been busy, but because I really wanted to think about it a bit before I spat out a bunch of emotion all over my blog. The above picture is quite possibly the most random one ever- ha ha, but this is a woman who has had a significant impact on my life and who has influenced who I want to be. Sadly, I am not yet anywhere close to being as amazing as this lady, but hey, one can wish and aspire, right?

Kaye Woodworth and I met back in January of 2004 when we performed in "Jane Eyre" at the Hale in Orem. It was a strange time for me- I was trying to find my "place" in the big world of BYU and Provo and I didn't feel as if I really fit anywhere or had many friends. I knew I was supposed to be where I was, but it was rough. We quickly became friends and had a great four months together during the course of rehearsals and performances. I grew to love that lady.

A year and a half later, in fall of 2005, Kaye and I performed in "Beauty and the Beast" at the same theatre. Those were trying times for me. Situations in my family life were hard, and luckily Kaye was there to talk to and be a surrogate momma to me. I was so grateful. The show closed towards the end of November and I plugged away at school and finals.

That Christmas I wasn't allowed to go home. Long story- but I was stressed, emotionally drained, and basically a mess. And then something fun happened...

Each night I would come home to something on my doorstep. After about a week, I had a stash of gifts from a "Secret Santa."

On the final night, one of "Santa's Helpers" showed up on my door with a newly sewn blanket - the best and softest thing EVER - along with a matching pillow and big blue stuffed doggie. I still sleep with that blanket.

It all made my life happy, and I always suspected Kaye was behind it. (A friend later confirmed that...)

Continuing on: A few days before Christmas Kaye called me and left a voice mail that I still have saved on my phone. (Sure wish I could post it to this blog!) She remembered that I'd been having a rough time. She wanted to bring me dinner on Christmas day. The message made me cry. I still get emotional when I listen to it once a month as I have to sift through and re-save all my old messages.

The lady is a perfect example of service and love of just plain awesomeness. And I want to be like her. Plain, simple, and to the point: She's who I want to be "when I grow up."

Day 8: Short term goals for this month...

#1: Survive it.

#2: Find a kitchen table that both Chuck and I like. I love the glass topped table I posted a couple weeks ago, but Chuck doesn't dig the kid/glass idea. But the price is so lovely!

#3: Figure out what to do with the wall behind the new entertainment center we're getting on the 25th. I'd like to take care of that wall before we get a big piece of furniture on it.

Day 9: Something I've been proud of in the last few days...

My man. No explanation needed. He's cool.

Day 10: Songs I Listen To...

(Musical Theatre NERD Alert!)

* Happy: Tangled's "When Will My Life Begin - Reprise" (Track 4) :-) "You Can't Stop the Beat" from Hairspray

* Hyped: "The Book Report" from You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. Anything Barry Manilow. (Yes, what the???!?!)

* Mad: Madame Guillotine from The Scarlet Pimpernel or pretty much anything Avril Lavinge. She's a good mad day artist. (ex: "My Happy Ending." Also P!nk.

* Sad: Days of Plenty" from the musical Little Women

* Bored: Mmmmm... I don't know that I listen to music when I am bored... I just go to sleep. Or something.

* Nostalgic: High school: "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" College: N Sync's "It's Gonna Be Me"

* Romantical: "As Long As Your Mine" from Wicked and "Someone Like You" (Shawn Colvin version from the movie soundtrack)

Nothing But An Idiot

Tonight I am trying to get ahead on this week's meals. I have a lot going on and just need to have things we can pull from the fridge, heat up, and go. Some of you may remember this lovely of a meal that I made a few weeks ago. Tonight I was excited to make it and get it out of the way so that we can have a less hectic week.

All goes smoothly until I try to make the cheese sauce.

Attempt #1: Fail. Chunky watery nastiness. Down the sink it goes.

Attempt #2: Fail again. WHAT IS GOING ON?!?!?!??! I AM WASTING PRECIOUS PEPPERJACK CHEESE HERE!!!!! Maybe it's the milk...

Attempt #3: Disastrous failure once again. By this point I want to shoot someone or just cry. GAH!!!!

I don't know what led me to discover that the flour in my canister was, in all actuality, POWDERED SUGAR.

Sometimes even I am an idiot.

Day 6

Superhero? Super lame...

Superman? Sure.

I did enjoy the TV smash "Lois and Clark" back in the mid-nineties. Yeah. Superman will do.

Day 5

Amy on

De Glate War of Chiner

Circa May 2005

Oh, the stories of that tour...

Day 4

A habit I wish I didn't have?

I bite my nails when I am anxious. When I get stressed out it's the first thing I do. It's annoying. And I already have ugly hands so chomping my nails short doesn't help the matter.

Practicality

Sometimes I am a nerd and get excited about deals on OIL CHANGES. Wow... the life of an adult...

$30 for THREE Oil Changes

Day 3

Here she is: Cheating-suck-up-of-a-fourth-grader, Amy.

My momma made me that "stamp outfit."

Day 2

MAIMSIECAKES

The Meaning Behind My Blog Name

Easy. "Maimsiecakes" is what my Sommercorn cousins have called me for years. Biff got her nickname from them as well. Guess nicknames by the Sommercorns "stick" eh?

Day 1

1. I hate dead fish. One of my worst nightmares is a feeder fish tank- you know- like the ones at Wal-Mart where thousands of gold fishies await their fate- only 20% of them are belly up and being blown around by the tank's bubble blower? Ugh. I get nauseous every time I walk by one of those things...

2. I was horrifyingly awkward in high school. I don't know, now, whether to be flattered or offended when I run into someone from my past that says "Oh my gosh, Amy! You look AMAZING!" One of my favorite comments has been, "Amy, a little age has done you good." Hmmmmm...

3. I LOVE the news. I check KSL.com at least twenty times a day. I have to know what is going on in the world. I listen to the radio on my way to work. It's no wonder that, had I not majored in musical theatre, I would have been a broadcast journalism major. What's the best part about this nerdiness? When I talk about the news with Chuck he usually knows what I am talking about!

4. When I put my mind to something, I do it. I've been very blessed to have a spirit of determination and a great work ethic. When I graduated from high school I made a list of things I wanted to do in the next several years. I found that list a couple of years back, and I realized that I have accomplished all but TWO of those things. (And only one of those count- because I had the opportunity to do one of those and turned it down!) Now if I could only find a way to hone those gifts into piano playing skills...

5. I have no comprehension skills when it comes to reading. I can read the same thing over and over and over again and it will not soak in. Unless it's a Playbill bio or something, mi no comprehendo. Guess I should just read more?

6. I've always been a suck up. I want to impress people. I want others to sing my praises. (Is this why I became a performer??) In the fourth grade I wanted this praise and love from my teacher so much that I would cheat like crazy to get it. My teacher, the beautiful Mrs. Smith, had an "assistant" each day. Throughout the day, those who were doing well at school, in social situations, etc. would be allowed to write their name on a small piece of paper and put it into the jar at the front of the room. At the end of each day, those names would be counted and whoever had their name in the jar the most became Mrs. Smith's assistant the next day. They got to sit in a desk next to her and correct papers and no do any work the whole day. Now, Amy here got the brilliant idea of, whenever I was allowed to put my name in the jar, putting two little pieces of paper together and writing my name on "both sides," therefore doubling my chances at becoming the assistant. Yep- Amy the cheater. Needless to say, by the end of the year yours truly had been the assistant much more than anyone else in the class.

Yes. Cheating-suck-up-of-a-fourth-grader, Amy. I have since repented.

7. You know how I do those photo shoots for the Hale in West Valley every few years? I did another one the other day. Watch for my face being plastered over urinals in the months to come.

8. I hate my chin.

9. I LOVE where I live. I love going out on my porch on a clear night and staring at the stars. You can see a million of them from my doorstep. I love the still darkness of it all.

10. Eating out is my favorite thing. I could easily spend all of my money eating out with family and friends. I would also weight 350 pounds.

Mindless Needs

I'm in the middle of a hectic month. Once May 20 is over I'll be able to breathe a little bit- but that's a good twenty+ days away. So, I need something mindless. I stole this idea from my friend Jenny's blog.

30 Days of Bloggy Blogging

day 1- recent picture of you and ten interesting facts about yourself

day 2- the meaning behind your blog name

day 3- a picture of you as a child

day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have

day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been

day 6- favorite super hero and why

day 7- a picture of someone/something that has had the biggest impact on you

day 8- short term goals for this month and why

day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days

day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

day 11- write a bucket list of things you want to do before you die

day 12- write a poem to someone you love

day 13- your 5 favorite books and why

day 14- a picture of you and your family

day 15- put your iPod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play

day 16- a picture of yourself

day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have

day 19- write about a sweet memory from your past

day 20- write a letter to someone

day 21-a picture of something that makes you happy

day 22- what makes you different from everyone else

day 23- something you crave a lot

day 24- post your favorite quote or verse of scripture and why

day 25- what I would find in your bag

day 26- list 10 things that you are thankful for

day 27- my day job verses my passion

day 28- cruise a thesaurus and pick out 10 words you like the sound of

day 29 - favorite TV shows and why you like them

day 30 - movies you can watch again and again

Song for a Saturday Night

Turns volume down.

Chuck: "I could do without the old nun singing this song."

Amy: "Um... this is a CLASSIC musical theatre song, dear."

Chuck proceeds to make up his own version of "Climb Every Mountain." I love my husband.