Where the Wild Things Are

Lake Mead

2011-04-03T15:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, here are some pics from the Lake Mead houseboating trip! So fun! I'm actually getting a 4-page feature to write about it in the magazine!!

2011 Highland Games---or in other words...Heaven

2011-03-03T17:50:00.000-08:00

Bagpipes. Kilts. Big burly men hurling inordinately heavy objects around. What more do you need?

Taliesin West

2011-01-23T13:42:00.000-08:00

I am a huge Frank Lloyd Wright fan, and yesterday I had the opportunity to travel to his beautiful winter home, on the outskirts of east Scottsdale (he died in the 1960's, but his architectural 'fellowship' still operates out of there). Taliesin (which means "shining brow") is an absolute marvel. The way FLW blends things right into the landscape, and only uses natural materials from the surrounding area is genius. It's all about geometric designs and glorious, wide-open spaces. There are lots of twists and turns, and in fact, the main door to the living room isn't in a traditional place--it's kind of hidden in an alcove, covered by a tree. He wanted every inch of the structures to be some kind of discovery. :)

The tour was 90 minutes, and I was ready to do it again right after we finished. Inspiring. Brilliant. Here are some pictures!! We couldn't take pictures in a few of the rooms (bedrooms, living room, inner courtyard), but I think I still took plenty. :) A lot of the original furniture still exists, and it's all just so functional and comfortable. FLW built three theatres on this property! One for live performances, and two for movies (one of them is underground). SO COOL.

Video Review of my book!

2011-01-11T17:51:00.001-08:00

So the 8-year-old daughter of a lady at work just finished my book, and this is what she had to say... (so cute)

Up, Up and Away!

2010-12-22T20:33:00.000-08:00

Fun Stuff

2010-12-20T18:24:00.000-08:00

We had our holiday party at a really fun bowling place, but decided to mix things up and play "Funky Bowling"--so every single time you bowled you had to go down this list of things, like Bowl: left handed, right handed, with both hands, backwards through your legs, sitting on the ground, hopping on one foot, holding a team mate's hand, through a tunnel made by your teammate's legs.... it was so much fun!!! usually I loathe and detest bowling, but this was ridiculously fun.

Floor seats at the Suns game. Just another perk of my job. :)

AAA is filming a new commercial and my boss (the VP of Marketing) invited me over to come see how things work, "So..." she said, "if they ever make your book into a movie, this is what it'll be like!" :)

Gobble Gobble Gobble!

2010-12-06T18:25:00.001-08:00

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T09:10:00.001-07:00

if it looks like a book...and it feels like a book....

2010-10-26T20:21:00.000-07:00

then it must BE a book!!!! goodness gracious, i think that's what we have here folks...

31st

2010-10-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

man, i don't know why the spacing on my posts is always SOOO spread out. just wanted to get that off my chest...

Just a few decorations at my desk. :) I think they like me.

The decorators extraordinaire

Flowers from my VT companion

More flowers, cards, and junk food for the party :)

Hey, does anyone know which apartment is Laura's?

About to head out to the scare-fest. :) sorry i didn't take any pictures AT the haunted house. my face was planted into the back of the person in front of me. :) hahaha A few more joined us after this was taken.

And these aren't from my b-day; I just think they're fun. This was when we did our United Way kick-off at work (which Kristi and I volunteered at).

G-L-O-R-I-O-U-S!!!!!!!

2010-08-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

so i got a wild hair this weekend...decided that i just had to have harlequin diamonds on one of my walls (as in, the kind of cool, contrasting design usually seen on Jester outfits). anyway, i've been wanting to do it for a while, so...as if rearranging wasn't enough...LOOK AT THIS! LOOK HOW RAD! i've decided that every house/apartment/shack i ever live in will have at least one wall painted like this.

i took pictures during the various stages. i'm just telling you right now--the end product is RIDICULOUS! i ripped off the last of the blue tape and started giggling and dancing around like...well like any 30-year old girl should. :) Enjoy!

Are you ready? Are you ready for the end result...???!!?!?!

Restless

2010-08-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

IDAHO!

2010-07-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

NOTE: I'm not sure why all the spacing is so funky...try to ignore it and just get to the meaty goodness of this post. :)
NOTE II: The videos will load reeeeally slow

Well, back from my short, fantastic trip to Idaho! First of all, that is a wicked long drive (especially when you get lost and are half way to Denver), so I think in the future, I shall cough up some extra funds and just fly. But Edgar did great on his first road trip. :) I stayed with Angie, in her cute little Hobbit house (don't worry, pic below) and wonder of wonders, it was non-stop laughing for 4 days! Let's see, recap: We hit up Great Harvest a few times, tubed down the river at Lava Hot Springs all afternoon one day, got good and burned, went to one of Angie's favorite old bookstores, had lunch with Cherie & Dave & Co., watched planes practicing for the Blue Angels show, went up to Ashton and visited G&G Stoddard, drove out to gorgeous Mesa Falls with Gramps, went hiking, rearranged Angie's living room (yes, its a sickness with me), hung out with G&G Hillam for an afternoon, mostly stalking the plethora of kitties running amuck on their property, saw the movie SALT (two thumbs up!), laughed, laughed some more, and mostly just tried to spend as much time outside as possible. Twas GLORIOUS!

Angie's cute place. She calls it the Treehouse, but I was feeling a bit more like we were in the Shire...

Yes. It's a tree. But it's a pretty tree!

This was after our river tubing expedition. Would've lost the camera on the river if I'd taken it, but look...see that delicious rosy hue...? River.

At Cherie & Dave's, having lunch and watching the air show.

Steph & Ty!

Headed up to Mesa Falls with Gramps!

And these gorgeous shots can only have come from G&G Hillam's house...

And this next series, I like to call..."Kitty, oh Kitty, Where Art Thou?" See him?

How 'bout this one?

And in this one...If you said two, you were half way there. :) Keep looking.

Totally in love

The End!!!

Hello...? Is this thing on...?

2010-06-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, so...wow. It's been 4 months since I posted something. I LOVE jobs that keep me happy and busy. :) Here are some random pictures; some from Heidi and Dave's visit; some of my new CAR!; and some from the theatre. Enjoy. The Ellsworths came to town! And here's my darling sissy...

Hi Lukey!

Hi Owen!

I like this picture. It's Hyde doing her thing. :)

What I came home to find one day...

The culprit...

The new man in my life. Yes, after 6 1/2 long years together, the Hulk and I went our seperate ways: me on to shinier and more gas efficient things...and the Hulk probably to the scrap yards. Bless his heart... I give you, my new car...EDGAR!

Can't you just smell that new-car smell...

Be still my beating heart...THAT'S what an engine's supposed to look like?!

At our Phoenix Theatre Usher Appreciation Event. This is my favorite old broad, Bella. Of COURSE we're allowed to have favorites!

The Phoenix Theatre staff. Or some of us. :)

This is our Director and some local actors doing a hilarious skit about the wonders and trials of being an usher.

That's it! See you in another 4 months! :)

The best thing about rain...

2010-02-27T11:08:00.000-08:00

Remodeling

2010-02-20T15:36:00.001-08:00

Yay! Mom and dad got all their painting and new floors done! Looks fantastic. Smells fantastic too. You know, the smell of "new".

Join the discussion: What color would you call this new living room carpet? Mom says rose, dad says mahogany, I say raisin...

Oh, dad and his cow hide. Sorry mom, it just ain't going away. :) But look at those new floors!

Of course, dad blocked my shot. Cuckoo!!! The clock, I mean...

This tile is in the laundry room too. So pretty!

Beware Target Shoppers!

2010-02-15T10:55:00.001-08:00

I was sneak attacked on Saturday in my friendly, neighborhood Target. I was shopping in the makeup aisle for a few little things when all of the sudden a cute little old lady in a black apron appeared and asked if she could help me find what I was looking for. I naively said yes, not realizing that she had no intention whatsoever of helping me find what I wanted, but instead, she was prepared to help me find (force on me) what SHE wanted me to have. Namely, various and sundry products created by Boots Cosmetics. (Why didn’t I notice the logo on her apron sooner?) There I sat, on her little stool, in the middle of the aisle, getting a full-on makeover before I even realized what was happening. Sponges and q-tips were flying, powder of various shades hovered around us like a cloud, and my face experienced several transformative looks, as her little fingers applied & removed—applied & removed--different foundations, eye shadows, and lip glosses—none, of course, that either looked good on, nor appealed to me. All I could do was nod politely as she asked if I liked certain things, because responding in the negative would’ve only resulted in her thrusting further tubes and bottles at me. Of the myriad products she loaded me up with, only one made it to the register. The others found new homes in various nooks and crannies around the store as I wound my way up to the front.

I was sneak attacked. At Target. Just trying to get a cheap, $1 Wet-N-Wild eyeliner pencil.

i'm such a nerd

2010-01-28T19:39:00.000-08:00

Who's that girl?

2010-01-01T18:24:00.001-08:00

That's what they were wondering at the Masquerade Ball when I put on my snazzy little number of a mask last night...it was a lot of fun! The "ball" was held at a beautiful reception place out in Mesa, and happily, about 75% of the people there had masks on. It was a lot of fun! I started giggling as we walked up to entrance and went "This is liberating! No one knows who I am!" Like that would stop me from having a good time. But still. You should try it sometime. The only bad thing was that the dance itself was in one of those large convention tents --decorated beautifully and with space heaters of course-- but my smidgeon of a cold has now developed into something full blown and hairy and wretched. Ugh. So, Happy New Year! Good things to look forward to in 2010...I can just feel it.

Angie's mask was kind of more like an exotic tribal headdress, but it got massive compliments. So fun!

There and back again...

2009-12-16T14:40:00.000-08:00

Well, as of next week, my short stint at Southwest Airlines is over (I got another --better, fantastic actually--) job at AAA...but before I left, I had to take advantage of the free flight perks. So I went out to see Hyde and Luke, and meet Owen! It was a whirlwind trip, but so much fun! We did a LOT of playing and laughing; made an amazing gingerbread house (with a volcano in the backyard); drove around the cute town of Kenosha (right by Lake Michigan! Cool beaches!); went to the Dino museum; and...played some more. Luke is such a ridiculously hansome little guy, with the funnest personality; and Owen's sweetness is heart melting. I loved snuggling his velvety cheeks. Heidi and Dave's new place is great for the rambunctious boy. Lots of space--awesome basement. :) So Hyde, thanks for much for letting me crash! I miss you already! XOXOXOXO

Oh...classic...

2009-12-08T21:16:00.000-08:00

Heidi's blog inspired me...

2009-12-06T12:26:00.000-08:00

So Kaffrin, here's an elfagram for me and you! Hahaha!

2009-12-06T12:25:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Fun with the Mixes

2009-12-04T14:57:00.000-08:00

Daddy, being the exceptional Grandpa that he is, just had to go out and buy a Hot Wheels track for Caleb while they were here. Needless to say, the adults were just as enthralled as Caleb. Good call, daddy. :)

Enjoying lunch outside on a beautiful Phoenix Winter day (meaning, it was bout 85 degrees)

The pool was roped off because it was way too cold for little buster to go hauling off into, but the hot tub was the next best thing.
We all know that mom's holiday table decorations are epically cute, but these napkin rings take the cake...

Christmas Mix

2009-12-03T12:07:00.000-08:00

My post is titled thusly because it includes pictures of both the newly holidayified Phoenix Theatre, and from Kathryn/Cannon/Caleb's visit. :) Enjoy!

Come Fly With Me

2009-11-03T19:14:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody! I just got back from a quick weekend trip to Dallas, where I underwent my new employee orientation with Southwest Airlines. And...here's the thing. I went in, thinking I wasn't going to let all their hype and excitement get to me (because it's not my ideal job, pay-wise), and that I didn't want anything to do with all the bonding they were obviously hoping would happen over the weekend between all us employees...but I'll tell you what---by noon, of the first day, I called Mom and said, "Dang it! They got me!" I can't impress enough how amazing, professional, fun, and rewarding I think my time with them will be. I'm pumped. So I'm still working at the theatre (which I love) but at less & more random hours. I'll be working a lot, but I'm actually looking forward to it. And...let us not forget: I now get amazing perks (hello free flights!! girls...prepare a room :) I met some really cool people, and all 45 of us will be going through the next month of training here in Phoenix together. The hotel was super nice (The Renaissance); my roommate was a blast; we laughed the whole time; and I sang karaoke at the big pizza party. Yes. And won. :) So anyway, here's a bunch of pictures. Much more to say, so gals, I'll call you later with all the itty-bitty details that don't need to go on here. XOXO

I just wanted to show you the walls of the massive headquarters building, just plastered in company spirit. :) Love it.

The flashcards that I mention: we have to memorize all the airport and city codes that SW flies to (about 65). Flashcards. Haven't used those since Jr. High!

Last thing. This has nothing to do with my weekend...well, it kind of does. This is from work on Halloween (at Phoenix Theatre). Joseph here is a loyal volunteer, and was ushering for our showing of "A Vampire Tale". :)

Chill in the air...

2009-10-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

And I just had to show-n-tell: Pretty much everyone knows that I'm Anne Taintor's biggest fan. Well, Kathryn, knowing that, got me these adorable things from her website from my birthday!! I'm torn between using them, and framing them. :) Thanks Meow Meow!

Another year wiser? No. More stable? Maybe. Cuter? Definitely.

2009-10-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

Well, at last, those pesky 20's are over with. I don't know about you, but my last 10 years have been quite the emotional/mental/physical rollercoaster. Good riddance! Now I'm a 30-something, and for some reason I'm pumped about that! I forsee a lot of good things happening in the near future. My 30's are going to be all about settling down, growing up (by which I mean gettng married and having kids), getting published, and basically, living happily ever after! Why not? Anyway, girls you've already seen the pictures mom posted of my b-day yesterday, so here are a few more random ones. Thanks so much for all your sweet gifts and words! Love you all so much!

My birthday booty

Hyde, this bag is SO adorable! I can't decide which reversible option I like better!

Me and mama made glorious pumpkin waffles. "Mmm--that was goood! Gimme some'mo!"

I was bored...

2009-10-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

Like, really bored... Haven't you ever wondered what you'd look like as a vamp? Picnik.com has the tools if you want to try it out! And no, my interest in vampires has nothing to do with Twilight...only the glorious spirit of Halloween. :)

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-15T15:36:00.000-07:00

Guess what hip, young, aspiring author just got her FIRST official publishing offer in the mail?!!!!!! YESYESYSYEYSYEYYEYSEYSEYSEYESYESYSEYS!!!!!!!! Oh my goodness. I've been hyperventilating for about 20 minutes now, and can finally hold still enough to write this! I'd just gotten done working out and I got back to my apartment and saw that i had a UPS package at the front office. so i went down and saw that it was from a publishing company, and...based on the past few months...i just assumed it was a rejection letter. so i opened it right then, while I was talking to the apartment manager. but soon....my eyes started to tear up, and my feet started to run in place, and my voice went up about ten decibals and i was a weepy, squealy, spastic mess! Because this letter did NOT include the words "unfortunately", or "although"....it included the words, "We'd like to extend an official offer on your book, The Dream-Web Diaries of Gwenevere Stoker"!!!! So! this is ridiculously, exciting, and my cat is frightened, because I won't stop squealing and stomping and laughing maniacally, but I can't!. Finally, someone sees the value of my work! Finally, someone sees that my book R-O-C-K-S!!!! So...tonight I'm going to break the official seal and go over the contract with mom and dad, and....we'll see where things go from there. So...my goal of becoming a published author before I turned 30 just slid under the radar. I'll be 30 in 7 days...and though my book may not be on shelves before then...I've got the offer in hand baby. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Woo hoo! Woo hoo! Woo hoo!

It's The Most Wonderful Time...

2009-10-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

Gosh, I love fall. You know how much I do. Just makes me so happy!!! Pumpkin decorating is one of the best parts of halloween, and I just had to share these awesome ideas!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA!!

2009-09-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

So I was able to steal mom away from the office on Friday for a scrumptious birthday lunch at Cafe Rio.

Behold, the ginormous pork barcacoa salad!!! (almost as enticing to me as the table of firefighters across the restaurant)

Afterward, we went to Cracker Barrel for some sugar-free apple pie! And...to our dismay...possum roadkill even happens indoors ...

We were rolling with a pretty out-of-control group of partiers. Yeeehaw!

2009-09-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

Phoenix Theatre!

2009-09-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

This is the play that's going on right now. It's a funny musical who-dunnit. :)

This is the main lobby

This is Mary --she trained me in the ways of Usher management -how to crack the whip, essentially (and this could be the biggest smile I've ever mustered in my life)

Wall of Fame --the actors who are playing in our current production

I wasn't ready :)

This is the inside of the theatre (horrible quality--the lights were off--sorry)

OCD

2009-08-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

so girls...you know me. i got the urge to organize this weekend and ended up emptying every cupboard and cabinet in my house to do it right. so...because I'm a nerd...here are the pictures.

My nest of mess

One hour in...

Two hours in...

Three hours in...

Four hours in...

Ahhh....now I can relax. Nothing like going overboard, eh?

Don't Try This At Home

2009-08-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

Actually, it's the perfect place to try it! So I had an idea to make a metal-free watch (since the planet apparently doesn't believe in procuring fashionable ones for us non-metallic-tolerating freaks). The idea was to take any watch face and just lace a piece of cute, fat ribbon or a scarf through it and then tie the thing on my wrist. Easy. But then, me and mom got a suggestion from a lady in Michaels that was absolutely BRILLIANT! You'll see that exciting solution in the pics below. Me and mom (as with our somewhat deformed lap blanket, Abbra) ran into some snags, and the finished product is a little...well...ghetto. But I love it! Thanks for the sewing help Mammie! Okay, enjoy.

Here are the bits and bobs (today we just used the black/white ribbon)

After sewing the ribbon to the glorious D-rings (the amazing, perfect solution for a sturdy, cute watch clasp)

Mama working her magic

Test run...trying to see if I can manage to get the thing on

Daddy, of course, had to come see what we were up to, but darn he's fast!!--I couldn't get a picture of him!

TA DAH!!!! How cute is that?!

Brilliant

Displaying it proudly on the drive home

Aaaand, my new haircut!

Come with me...

2009-08-01T21:07:00.001-07:00

on an exciting adventure into the shady, underground world of online dating. :) http://neverwrongalwayswrite.blogspot.com

Random Stuff

2009-07-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, so i'm addicted to HGTV, and while i sit at home on my computer all day sending out resumes and doing my undercover expose of online dating...i have a little time to watch. :) so...forgive the ridiculous crudeness of the photo, but i took both of these shots directly of the TV screen. okay, look at this first wall. are you kidding me?! how adorable is that? they just stenciled letters in gold all over a white wall. it would be great for a library or writing space. my little brain is a'turning... okay, this wall i just thought was fantastic and bright. would really stimulate the imagination. tho i have yet to figure out how they did it. Kathryn, you could probably figure it out. Next: may i present "the best deal ever". i found these at Kohl's when they were having a 70% off sale, and i had a $5.00 of coupon, so....these sassy wedges were $7.00. you heard me. GLORIOUS!

this is what they're saying about my job applications

2009-07-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

I know he can GET the job...

2009-07-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

interview went so good!

What's more summer than The Sandlot?

2009-07-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

Everytime I watch this movie I completely think this must be what dad's little group of buddies was like back in the day. Hilarious! (There's a swear word that rhymes with SIT at the 4:20 mark; so you'll want to mute it if your little boys are around.) sorry---it's in the scene, but i had to put this on. :)

I Swear

2009-07-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

Oh gosh, this scene just makes my day. It's from the movie "Just Friends". Fortunately, we know, that's Ryan Reynolds in a fat suit...which he sheds to his glorious svelt physique for the rest of the movie. (Pic of him below at the Wolverine Premiere.) Enjoy!

Ryan signing autographs. Yummy...

Two recommendations

2009-07-21T11:50:00.000-07:00

If you want to read an amazing book, something that will open your eyes to parts of history/geography you weren't aware of; make you grateful for your life and liberties, read this book: Stolen Lives. In 1972 a teenage girl named Malika (the author), her mother and her 5 younger siblings, were sent into exile for TWENTY YEARS because of their father's failed attempt to overtake the king (this all takes place in Morroco). It's an outrage of course, but no one can stop the political machine, and Malika and her family are basically forgotten about. So this is the story of their stolen youth, the unbelievable conditions they lived in, their resourcefulness in learning to survive, the planning and failing of their escape attempts, and mostly, how every single one of them survived because of their strong bond to each other and to the prospect of hope.

And two!!! "You wanna taste something come DIrectly from heaven?" Mama introduced me to these Peppercorn Ranch Sunchips. GLORIOUS!!!!!!!!!!! Think, What About Bob, when he's eating the chicken. :) hahaha

Happy Tuesday!

Check out my new playlist y'all

2009-07-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

Ode to the 90's. I was out in the pool with my friend yesterday and we suddenly got onto a "do you remember..." kick, all about the 90's for about an hour. it was fanTASTIC! so take a little walk down memory lane, into the decade of no defineable style of it's own...

CAN'T WAIT!!!

2009-07-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

okay, i'm going to see the midnight showing tomorrow night. man oh man, i hope it does the book justice!!! i'll give you all my review after the show. woo hoo!

2009-07-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

Saying hi to the horses in G&G's pasture

Wanna go for a ride?

Walking down memory lane--or into the farm house anyway

Angie's going to kill me for putting this on here

Grandma's surprise birthday lunch

Dutch oven cook-out

Andy torturing his son

Visiting Steph's house

Idaho visit details

2009-07-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

WARNING: THIS IS LONG

Okay! so...i'm gonna timeline down me and mom's trip. So on our way up to G&G's we stopped at Barry's and got to see and his kids for a while. Then we continued up to Idaho. Saturday morning gramps pulled out his war memorabilia, which i never even knew he had!!! we got about 30 minutes (or more) of him recalling memories and information that i'd never heard. really priceless stuff. then we decided to go up to the farm. Y-A-Y!!! i called Angie (those of you who don't know...she's my BFF and she just moved up to ISU for grad school) and she came with us. we stopped to look at a 4th of July flag display in I.F. and then at a small historical village, where there were plenty of photo ops.

At the farm i think i teared up a few times, just because it was so nostalgic. so many wonderful memories at the farm. and it was just gorgeous. better than i remembered. we got to roast some weenies outside until we got rained out. i looked at all the bedrooms -which look so small now-, and of course, me and Angie laughed...A LOT. it's what we do. then we went and surprised G&G Stoddard and got to visit for a while.

We didn't end up getting home till late, and then it was beddy-bye time. Sunday we went to church in the morning, then me and mom zoomed up to I.F. to see Cherie. A treat was that Andy and his little family were there too! so cute! and sooo nice to see them all. then me and mom convinced Cherie to ditch church and go see Steph with us. (before that tho, i got to stop in and see a Senior couple i served my mission with. The Hinckleys. no...not THOSE Hinckleys...) then we got to go see steph and her A-D-O-R-E-A-B-L-E kids!!! steph, you're the cutest little bedraggled mom ever.

can i tell you that i'm in love with Kennidee (spelled right?) and steph, i want copies of our old Karaoke tapes!!! embarrassing and glorious, those are. okay, so by the time we left, it was about 6 pm. we got home and Julie Peterson and Tyra, a cousin i don't know if i've ever even met (isn't that sad?) were sitting out on the swing. So...Tyra is my new best friend, and she's going to read my book, since she's an 11 year old girl, and my book is about an 11 year old girl, and i can really hear from my target audience. Let's see, at our celebratory cook out that night for Grandma's B-Day, we got to see: Julie and Tyra, Dan and Elaine Hillam, Amy and Lori Dance and their hubbies, Linda Dance of course (who's got a beautiful new home), Reggie, and i think that's it. isn't that enough?!! Julie Peterson, you are hilarious. power of the boisterous Libras unite!

and then...geez, then what? Monday we got and wished sweet grandma a very merry 75th birthday and then me and mom and Linda took her to a lunch where we surprised her with about 6 friends! so much fun! then, we three went shopping in I.F., where we ditched Linda at Fred Meyer unintentionally. haha! and then...that evening i packed up and said goodbye to G&G Hillam and their wonderful house and went down to Pocatello to spend the night with Angie, and convince her that she wasn't going to perish in little Poci (she moved there from San Francisco and convinced that the lack of culture and less than pristine neighborhoods will be the death of her). We got to go see Suzie Stoddard and her hubbie, which was a real treat! i haven't seen Suzie in FOREVER!

anyway, so my last night was at Angie's, and then the next morning mom was able to go see an old friend for a bit, and then she came and picked me up. WHEW! i think that's it. holy tar! i know, you've probably all fallen asleep or stopped reading a long time ago. anyway! the trip was fantastic. love all of you that we were able to see, and hope that next time we can see the rest of you!!!

More Idaho Pics!! videos coming soon!

2009-07-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

Now...this first picture will shock and amaze you. i shan't explain the complex opticalengineering technique behind it. just soak in the glory of it...I call this picture: "Splat".

Here's mama in front of some of grandma's amazing roses

Kathryn...this is for you. Do you recognize this clock?!! holy blast-from-the-Hyrum-past!!

Me and Steph and adorable baby Ty

a historical wagon that i don't think was actually supposed to be crawled upon...but mom was determined. yes...that pose of mine is stunning...

Me and Angie

the new innerds of City Drug. so cute!!!

And...of course...had to cook out at the farm. then it started to rain and grandpa called us Panty Wastes for running inside. Yes...panty wastes.

some snippets of our trip so far

2009-07-05T23:57:00.000-07:00

we took a side trip to this cool canyon called Cedar Breaks. photo op. :)

you all know what this is

grandpa's war memorabilia

oh, the farm...the glorious farm...

gorgeous view of the Tetons

the firepit

Andy, Brooklyn, and kids Daxton and Ashland

Steph, Cherie, Kennidee and Ryker

mom and steph's baby Ty

you can't go to G&G Hillam's and not have a dutch-oven cook out. mmmmmm

Mom, Julie, Tyra, me & grams

still I love technology...

2009-06-26T09:50:00.001-07:00

someone sent this to me, and i was bored for the first minute of it...then i found myself laughing, head-flung-back style. :)

Back by popular demand

2009-06-19T14:13:00.001-07:00

hey girls! geez, i haven't posted anything in a while. okay, so...you'll remember that Cousin Whit was in phoenix last week with her man, and i got to meet up with them for a while. i haven't seen whitney in years, and here she is all growed up with a fiance! CRAZY Here's my sad, empty office. Gone are the delightful wall hangings, the lava lamp, the plants galore, the glorious glow of laura's presence... but enough of that. knock-knock. what? who's that? oh, it's your future calling. ready to move on to my real career. here's what i wore to my interview at Phoenix Theatre yesterday (which went flipping awesome, btw). grrrrrrowl!

When God closes a door, somewhere a trap door opens too

2009-06-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

Laid off. Who's been laid off in their life? ohh! ooh! me!

So...what am i going to do?--you're asking yourself. i have several back up plans. win the lottery. get my book published by friday. marry a rich man by friday. no, no. i'm going to find a new job, that's what! this is a good thing. everything happens for a reason. that guy in the sky knows what he's doing. i trust him. so...soon enough i'll have a new job, with new people to make fun of and new office politics to observe, and occasionally stir my sneaky little fingers into.

i think i may have to help uncle rico sell tupperwear...

boy, do i feel bad

2009-05-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

okay...so i'm a sick, sadistic person. what i'm about to reveal won't come as a shock to some, but...you might as well know. when i see a bunch of birds lollygagging in the middle of the road, right in the path of my car: i speed up. does anyone else do this? we all do this...right? right? i mean, they'll always be okay! THEY ALWAYS MOVE! well.......... yesterday, on memorial day, i'm sad to say, one dumb bird just wasn't fast enough. and a tiny, gray feather stuck to the windshield of the Hulk tells the sad tale.

he didn't die. don't worry. just kind of bounced off the hood, then the windshield, and proceeded on at a strange, wobbly angle. so, i felt HORRIBLE! hey, kind of like--kathryn, remember that time when you were going to "pretend" to punch me in the face.....?

and here's the BEST PART: mom and dad were in the car with me.

2009-05-22T09:18:00.001-07:00

i feel like i need to post something. kathryn has things to share about Alaskee and heidi of course has the boys...so, what can i contribute? um...let's celebrate the fact that it's friday. not only that, but it's rainy outside today! i can take about one day of rain and gloom, but then i need the sunshine back!

F - is for FINALLY having all the students gone off campus (50,000 people less sure lightens up the traffic)
R - is for RUNNING! which i'm trying to do everyday. i did 4 miles last night, kathryn
I - is for INCREDIBLY stupid drivers, which continue to plague me. i'm convinced that if i just wasn't so keenly aware of all the stupidity that takes place on the roads, that it wouldn't bother me. but my radar is on high alert when it comes to stupid drivers.......want to throw eggs...or rotten potatoes...into their faces...up their noses...
D - is for DOING puzzles - which is what me and the girls i work with do at lunch every day. we have a puzzle club! yes, nerds, we are (said like Yoda). don't be jealous. want to get your mind off things and enjoy zoning out? do a 1000 piecer!
A - is for...uh...arthritis? i can't think of an A.
Y - is for YOU are all going to see my book on the shelves of every major book store someday!!!

TGIF!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

2009-05-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

I'm an auntie again!!! Heidi gave birth to my 3rd nephew, a whopping 9.9 pounder named James Owen (he'll go by Owen) Ellsworth. There's nothing better than new baby softness and sweetness. I hope I can get out to Chicago soon to squish his little guts out! Love you Hyde!!

There he is...perfect little man...

Isn't my sister beautiful?

Happy Wednesday

2009-05-06T14:40:00.001-07:00

Slew of Videos from the Premiere

2009-04-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

"Wolf" from American Gladiators getting the crowd pumped

The man of the hour has arrived!! Just cruised in on a Harley. Hugh Jackman is over on the stage (that we can't see) talking in his adorable Australian accent. here are some snippets...

As the crowd started to chant, "Wolverine...Wolverine" all muscly 6'3" of him ran on stage. try to ignore the big hairy elbow that takes up the screen towards the end. idiot.

Ryan Reynolds making his first appearance. i think i might have peed my pants. Oh, dreamy...

Liev Schreiber signing autographs. He was the coolest with the crowd. He really took a lot of time to sign everything he could, eventually just sitting down on the stage.

And...saved the best for last. Ryan was thrown this tacky, 80's sports jacket, and he was commenting on the shoulder pads. Le pant...Le wheez...

PREPARE FOR GLORIOUSNESS!

2009-04-28T09:15:00.001-07:00

The Wolverine premiere was A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!! the crowd was huge, and the energy was contagious, the people getting smothered or trampled were many, and the delicious aroma of salty, dirty sweat pervaded the air... By the time we got to the location, the place was filling up, and all the space in front of the main stage was full, so we went over to the side, behind the gargantuan line of reporters to where this catwalk was jutting out into the crowd. we didn't know what it was. just then, the DJ got up and said that to all the people stuck behind the media line, who couldn't see the stage (that was us), if we were next to the catwalk, we had actually chosen a really good spot. turns out, after the cast arrived and said a few words on the stage, they came over to the catwalk and spent the bulk of their time there, taking pictures and signing autographs and what-not. so...we were within spitting/grabbing distance of their beautiful forms.

Hugh Jackman is every bit as handsome in person as he is on tv. holy cow. he ran by pretty quick and then got pulled into the tar pits of the reporters, so i didn't get any real good close ups up him...but i suppose what i have will do. :) and ryan reynolds...beautiful! it was so much fun!

SOME BIG FAT DUDE IN A WOLVERINE COSTUME, PRANCING AROUND WITH THIS SIGN

"WOLF" FROM AMERICAN GLADIATORS, GETTING THE CROWD PUMPED UP

A SHOT OF THE CROWD BEHIND US (SUCKERS)

HUGH!!!!!!!!!

LIEV SCHREIBER (PLAYS 'SABERTOOTH' IN THE MOVIE)

RYAN REYNOLDS (PLAYS 'DEADPOOL' IN THE MOVIE) OH...SO PRETTY

RYAN (L) AND HUGH (R) TALKING TO THE REPORTERS

so exciting!!!!

2009-04-27T13:36:00.001-07:00

we went over to the theater to see what the layout is for tonight and i can tell you this, its gonna be a mad house. they've got these awesome billboards up everywhere.

the stage the celebs will stand on for pictures

THE RED CARPET! THE RED CARPET!

where they'll enter the theater

SO RAD

Guess who's got a date with Wolverine?

2009-04-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

so....ladies...try to contain your jealousy. the new Wolverine: Origins movie comes out tonight, and the world premiere is in, of all places, Tempe Arizona! Precisely three miles away from where i'm sitting right now. so i'm going to be one of the screaming, slobbering, hysteric fans hanging over the ropes as Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, Liev Schreiber, and who knows who else, saunter down the red carpet. i've always wanted to go to a premiere and see all the stars! can't wait. can't wait. kathryn's right--i probably should've started camping out like yesterday. :) so...i shall try to obtain as many pictures and videos as i can. and then, when Hugh and i meet later, i'll have him sign some photos for you all or something.

Have a ball

2009-04-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

Mama bought me these adorable lanterns for my patio, which is becoming quite the oasis--even if my fat cat does hog it. aren't they pretty? i have some plants to hang and stuff, but you get the general idea. thanks mama! you're so sweet!

GLORIOUS!

2009-04-14T14:31:00.001-07:00

man, i hope this movie turns out to be good. i love love love this story. the movie comes out this fall. they have obviously taken a crazy amount of liberties, and i'm curious to see how they turn a book with about 50 words total into a full-length film. And, from the previews, it could be either A) really cute or B) totally nightmarish. let's hope for A!!

2009-04-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

hey girlies, here are some pics of our Easter Feast of Piggy Roast Beast. And the largest twice-baked spuds you've ever seen. dinner was delish! wish we could've been all together, but Se Lagher! (Road to Bali, you know...)

and here are the tulips mama brought me at the office. see the pot they're in? so cute. it looked like a nest. and, here's me messing with Hera. the video's kind of long, but its hilarious to see her sneaking up, with her gigantic Puss in Boots eyes. haha! she finally attacked after i'd stopped the video.

aaand, here's what i attached to my thumb drive so that it never goes missing again. i considered a hubcap, but it might not fit in my purse, you know...

Springtime in Tempe

2009-04-06T09:17:00.001-07:00

Man alive, this is the prettiest stinking time of year in Arizona. The sun may literally melt your skin off in the summer, but the few precious months we get of "winter" and then spring are sensational! i took a walk around ASU campus on Saturday and took some pics for my poor sissies in snowy Chicago and Alaska. Enjoy!

What cupcake flavor are you?

2009-03-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

You Are a Chocolate Cupcake

You are deep, richly interesting, and at times overpowering. You have a strong personality.

You are drawn to people who adore you. You love it when your specialness is recognized.

You are like a cupcake because it's hard for people to get enough of you.

You have a mysterious charm that makes you incredibly addicting. People are drawn to your drama.

What Flavor Cupcake Are You?

this aptly describes the anger i feel towards stupid drivers...

2009-03-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

a quandary

2009-03-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

i think i'm a reasonably intelligent woman, able to grasp at least some of the deeper mysteries of life. so tell me why--at 29 years of age--i can't work an eyelash curler. does anyone else have this problem? i either pinch my skin, or poke my eyeball, or bend some of the lashes into an L-shape. An unnatural looking L-shape. not a nice curved C-shape. seriously. am i the only idiot? what is the correct way to operate this intricate piece of apparatus?

here's another quandary. who decided that glasses/cups should be stacked UPSIDE DOWN? i've never understood that one. that puts the rim of the glass on the surface of the cupboard. what if there are little cruddies or stickies in the cupboard? then they get all over the rim of the glass. grosses me out.

and here's one more: do you think i would get arrested for throwing eggs at cars? i'm speaking specifically of the cars that sit out in the intersection, waiting to turn left, who block YOUR path, once YOUR light turns green, so that about five of them can run the red light and turn left. MAKES---ME---HULK---ANGRY. easter's coming up. maybe people would appreciate beautifully decorated eggs being hurled at them. who knows?

hey, who else doesn't feel like working today?! raise your hand!

Top O' The Mornin'!

2009-03-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patty's Day!
From the greatest Ireland-based movie ever!

The workspace of a genius

2009-03-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

Tis finished. Revisions on the book are finished! i spent a lot of time out in the glorious AZ sunshine this weekend, working on it. finished last night, and took a picture of the workspace, i don't know why...anyway. i'm patting myself on the back. :)

TGIF!

2009-03-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

unveiling

2009-03-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

Since i'm not yet ready to reveal my manuscript to the world, i figured i could at least put the summary down here. feel free to share. :)

This movie will make your day every time

2009-03-02T07:34:00.000-08:00

so this weekend i cleaned out my closet, which is to say, i pulled out the bags and bags of 'skinny clothes' i've been toting around for like the past 8 years, and i kind of set up a store in my closet. i've got all my pants/jeans laid out according to size, and hopefully, as the weight-loss thing continues, i'll get to progress further and further down the line to the smaller stuff. HOPEFULLY. anyway, it's monday, and since monday's generally bite, here's something to make you smile:

my buddy

2009-02-19T07:25:00.000-08:00

Heidi did this on her blog, so i tried it. Mine didn't really work. :)

2009-02-18T12:58:00.001-08:00

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY? Remind Me
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY? Young Folks
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL? The Boxer
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE? Magalenha
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO? Wild Wild West
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU? Take Your Mama Out
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN? Female of the Species
WHAT IS 2+2? Our House
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND? In the Name of Love
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE? Take on Me
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY? Lay Lady Lay
WHAT WILL YOU BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? Walk Like An Egyptian
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE? Your Woman
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU? Feel Good, Inc
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING? What is Love
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL? In the Waiting Line
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST? Circus
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS? It’s My Life
WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN? Talking In Your Sleep
HOW WILL YOU DIE? Again and Again
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET? Waterfalls
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH? Mercy
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY? The Captain of Her Heart
WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED? Welcome Back
WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST? Crazy
DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU? Hey Yah
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? Return to Innocence
WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW? She Runs Away
WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS? Right Here

Picture Perfect

2009-02-12T12:34:00.000-08:00

Mama and I just went to a nice outside lunch, and afterwards, decided that we needed to, of course, take a picture. Here is the final product!

But....here's all the shots in between, trying to glare through the sun, center the shot...not look like dorks. hahaha

I love Daddy!

2009-02-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

awwww...i got the greatest surprise today! i thought my glorious days of getting Valentine's flowers from dad were over--you know...because i'm so old now, and because i should've gotten a man to take over the job by now, but anyway, i got this beautiful bouquet from daddy today. he is THE SWEETEST! there are carnations and daisies and snap dragons, i love snap dragons! they remind me of the farm. here, i'll sniff it for you... ... mmmmmm so pretty!

VINDICATION!!!!!!!!!

2009-02-05T08:01:00.000-08:00

Quote of the Day

"Both Rowling and Meyer, they’re speaking directly to young people. … The real difference is that [Harry Potter author] Jo Rowling is a terrific writer and [Twilight author] Stephenie Meyer can’t write worth a darn. She’s not very good."
- Stephen King tells USA Today

stephen king is one of the greatest writers of all time, and to see him share my opinion of stephanie meyer........GLORIOUS!!!

Who Do You Look Like? (try it! try it!)

2009-02-03T12:04:00.000-08:00

Hello, my name is Laura...and I'm a purseaholic

2009-02-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

so everyone knows...i have a bit of an addiction to buying purses. i love them. LOVE THEM! muahahahaha! so, here was my project yesterday. What you can't see are the purses hung on the sides too. i know, i'm a nerd. Before: After: and, just because...

Vwahoo!

2009-01-27T08:53:00.001-08:00

To my special proof readers...here is the manuscript that you will be receiving in the mail shortly... Oodalollie!

THE END

2009-01-22T07:18:00.000-08:00

oh my gosh, i feel like i've just finished a marathon. i wrote the words "The End" on my manuscript just a bit ago. YEEEEEEEEEHAW! my fingers were burning up the keys as i came to the end, and i'm so happy with how it all turns out in the end. my fingers did good. i didn't usually have any idea what they were going to write. oh man. i'm exhausted. spent. so incredibly relieved and happy. sigh. well, who knows, maybe one of these days you'll see the debut novel of laura stoddard sitting on the shelf in your local book store. :)

Author Stoddard

2009-01-20T08:29:00.000-08:00

EXCITING NEWS EVERYBODY! I AM ALMOST FINISHED WITH MY BOOK! IT WAS A 4 DAY WEEKEND FOR US GOVERNMENT WORKERS AND I USED EVERY SPARE MINUTE OF IT TO BANG OUT ALL THE IDEAS IN MY HEAD. I EXPECT TO BE ABLE TO WRITE THE WORDS "THE END" LATER THIS WEEK. AHHHHH! I'M SO EXCITED! I'VE BEEN WORKING ON THIS THING FOR YEARS. NEVER THOUGHT I'D FINISH, TO BE HONEST WITH YOU, BUT SOMETIMES YOU SURPRISE YOURSELF...ANYWAY, JUST HAD TO SHARE!
(this is my victory pose)

Believe it or not, yes...more video from Sedona :)

2009-01-15T08:54:00.000-08:00

i was hiding in the gigantic bathtub, holding up my camera, and later i saw that i caught little Caleb sneaking up on me. LOL!

on our last night, mom and i got to listen to a Native American tell some neat stories and play his many magical fluits (no fart jokes-please)

is this thing on?

fun in the pool!

Trip to Sedona

2009-01-12T10:28:00.000-08:00

Mom, Dad, Kathryn, Cannon, Caleb and I just returned from a DELIGHTFUL trip to Sedona. It's so great to be able drive up to cooler weather and snow in just 2 hours (4 if you're driving with the Mixes). :) we wore big puffy resort robes and enjoyed the hot tub and steam room, sat around the camp fire looking up at the stars, walked through the cute shops, chased little Bear Cub around non-stop, sniffled and sneezed a lot (and snored, apparently), and learned that we all enjoy playing pool. it was so nice. the sky was so clear, and the red rocks surround you on every side. just fab. anyway, here are some videos and pics. enjoy!

Family Trip to Sedona

2009-01-12T09:54:00.001-08:00

face plant

2009-01-04T10:44:00.001-08:00

i just had to put this picture up, because i think its hilarious. fat cat slept this way all afternoon. harharharhar! Anyway, we went to a parade in phoenix yesterday (for the Fiesta Bowl or the Insight Bowl or the Bread Bowl or something), and we had a blast, so here are some random videos. :)

Start the New Year off with a Laugh....

2009-01-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

This is one of the greatest scenes in cinematic history!

Christmas Recap

2008-12-29T08:49:00.000-08:00

good morning everybody! well...guess who got pulled over on the way to work today. ME. that's who. are you kidding me? really? first day back from christmas holiday? for--the--love-- anyway, forget that. here is a barrage of christmas fun, in picture and video form.... enjoy

mom, looking festive and sassy
opening Mom and Dad's present
isn't it beautiful? here it is hung up in my room (and Hera thinking i'm taking a picture of her. so vain :) the satin pillow case kaffrin made me is in the background

caleb opening aunt lolly's present

Kitties Need Christmas Too

2008-12-22T07:57:00.000-08:00

Hyde, Hera just couldn't wait till Christmas and forced me to open her present from you! She loves Quack-Quack! Thanks for thinking of her. :)

More Peeves Please

2008-12-19T07:27:00.000-08:00

a few pet peeves to share on this beautiful friday morning:

1) When people slow down when they see the Photo Radar van EVEN THOUGH they're not speeding. drives me crazy! say the speed limit is 45, and everybody's mosying along at 43. the police van comes into view and 15 sets of break lights go on! and there's no need! and now everybody's going even slower!

2) When a lane of traffic is closed for construction, and the cones start forcing people to merge like a 1/2 mile before the lane closes. Most people see that the right lane is closed ahead, so they get into the left lane and form a nice orderly (though slow moving) line. and then...what to our wondering eyes should appear? but one jerk, in an Escalade, who thinks he can shoot up the right lane to the very front of the bottleneck and sneak in. DEATH. APPOX ON THEM. almost as bad are the people who LET those cheaters in.

3) Never in my life, when i've been at a stop light, have i seen one set of blinkers blinking at the same time. EVER. i remember noticing this when i was in like 5th grade (i know...i've been anal for years now)...and never ever, will you see a set of blinkers going at the same time. its uncanny! watch! pay attention! let it drive YOU nuts for the next ten years!

okay, got that out of my system. TGIF!!!!

2008-12-17T08:29:00.001-08:00

the one bright spot in last friday

2008-12-15T07:49:00.000-08:00

HARHARHARHARHARHARHAR!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-11T15:22:00.000-08:00

skipper

2008-12-11T07:28:00.000-08:00