25 Random Things About Me

I got "tagged" on facebook with this yesterday. It was about 1:00 a.m. when I replied to it.

1. 
   
   I don't know if I can come up with 25 things about me, but I can't sleep so this will be interesting. [I actually thought of a few more since then]
2. 
   
   I turned 40 on Thursday, 01/22/2009.
3. 
   
   I've got too much stuff and need more space for it. I need to de-junk and stop hoarding stuff.
4. 
   
   I don't know that I want to forward this to 25 people. I'm tagging people who had already been tagged. Keep it going if you want, if this bugs you, SORRY!
5. 
   
   I love the color yellow, but I seldom wear it.
6. 
   
   People think I'm really social, but I prefer to be home in my pajamas enjoying alone time.
7. 
   
   I want a maid.
8. 
   
   I want a cook.
9. 
   
   I want to be on a beach instead of looking out at snow.
10. 
    
    I love deep fried tofu and wishing I have some right now.
11. 
    
    I see some couples and am glad that I'm not married.
12. 
    
    I am going to hang on to my movies on VHS tapes and now have a back-up VCR.
13. 
    
    I'm not making any cards this year. I have to use up the mounting note cards I bought before finding this "hobby".
14. 
    
    I think some people are total dorks. I'm not naming names.
15. 
    
    I think there are dozens of quality women in my ward and very few quality men.
16. 
    
    Unfortunately, most of these men are dazzled by the superficial women who are total witches.
17. 
    
    I seldom leave messages on voicemail or answering machines ... unless I really have to.
18. 
    
    I tend to put appointments on my PDA after I've had it.
19. 
    
    I hate the taste of tap water. I own a Brita and buy cases of bottled water.
20. 
    
    I forgot to change the profile on my phone back to normal mode after church ... which happens often.
21. 
    
    If what I saw on Masterpiece Theater is an accurate portrayal of Wuthering Heights, I think the story is stupid and Heathcliff and Cathy are mental and deserved to die.
22. 
    
    I think Desperate Housewives tonight was a better watch than what was on Masterpiece Theater.
23. 
    
    I've been going to bed at about 3 a.m. all week and waking up at about 10:00 a.m.
24. 
    
    I want to see the Eagles in concert this year.
25. 
    
    I didn't get a birthday card from my family this year. [I take this back. I didn't check my mailbox over the weekend and there's a card from the family there when I finally picked up the mail today].

Now, it's your turn! Have fun!!

D-Day of the B-Day

Happy Birthday, oh Happy Birthday
Misery, gloom and despair
People dying everywhere
but Happy Birthday, oh Happy Birthday!

Okay a teeny bit morbid, but I like that song. The big 4-0 is finally here. Lots of well wishes from friends via facebook, blog, emails and phone calls. I am truly grateful that people would recognize me today. I had a wonderful lunch with Julie at Z-Tejas, got a pedicure, got a massage and my therapist got me half a dozen cupcakes from Mini's (how cute is that?) and then dinner with Janeen and Brenda at SpagFac.

The funniest gift EVER! Janeen and Julie got me a HoneyBaked Ham. Do I complain about eating turkey that much? Mmm, HoneyBaked Ham ... They know me so well. Apparently, I'm a ham.

The Big 4-0 ... minus two days

Selamat Ulang Tahun, Kami Ucapkan
Selamat Panjang Umur, Kita 'Kan Doakan
Selamat Sejahtera, Sehat Sentosa
Selamat Panjang Umur dan Bahagia

Okay, so I was told that we were celebrating Obama's inauguration. No wonder my "birthday" cake was red, white and blue. It was very fun evening with great friends and tons of great food.

St. George Weekend Trip

It was such gorgeous weather in St. George. I swear we could see the smog descend on us like a veil when we entered Utah County. I wish I was back in Snow Canyon breathing that clean air and looking out at this gorgeous vista.

Reality Shows: Part II

What's my issues with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the only "reality show" I can stand? While most of the people they rebuilt houses for deserve it, I have to wonder how many of them are taking advantage of people who are willing to lend a helping hand. Don't enable them and make them feel that they are entitled to charity, instead make them self-reliant. It's great that they're sent on a fab vacation and getting a ton of free wonderful stuff. After the hardship they've experienced in life, they certainly deserve some R&R and come back to something spectacular that will ease their burdens in life. However, are the McMansions really necessary? The homes they build are usually so over the top. I think they should build homes equal in value to the homes in the neighborhood and with property tax they can afford. Put the rest of that money in scholarships, medical funds to pay off medical bills, etc. and not big screen TVs, pools, new cars, disco rooms, etc. I think I saw a story a few months ago about one of the recipients of these new homes filing bankruptcy. How is their life better by getting a house they can't afford?

P.S. ~ I also think that these families should be set up with a financial planner or accountant to help them budget their money so that they don't end up filing bankruptcy years later.

Reality Shows

Last night on facebook:

Inge: “Inge decided that reality shows are all stupid”
Pinky: “Even The Bachelor? Come on ...”

OMG! It was actually a preview for The Bachelor that caused me to write that update. Here is a show where, what, some 20 women are vying for the attention of a metro-sexual. I don’t even want to know what some of these women are willing to do to get that attention. In re to putting on some lotion on said metro-sexual, one very discombobulated woman said, “… touching him was truly a gift!” Seriously? How stupid is this woman? Rolled eyes, gagged, went to the only place I could vent at the time and updated facebook status.

About the only reality show I can stand is Extreme Makeover: Home Edition – at least they’re helping people in need. But despite the good they do, I still have some issues with the show.

United Colors of Benetton

If I remember correctly, they took this picture to advertise a Visiting Teaching Convention at BYU-H about 1988. I love the diversity depicted in this photo. Yes, we are the world. Just wish I had written down people's names, date, event, etc.

Some days are just no good ...

Not that today was a bad day for me. I finally got around to scanning some pictures last night and this one made me laugh. Was I just sick and tired of the camera in my face? Did I just eat something bad? Was I just ornery? Was it because it was the 70's? Who knows. I can't remember, but the look is funny and I wonder if some days I still look like this ...

It all starts with the right attitude ...

I've been reading comments of friends on facebook, various holiday newsletters, blogs, etc. of reviews of their 2008 and the new year. I'm surprised at how many are so eager to see 2008 behind them. Not that any of us have a choice as time waits for noone. I realized that 2008 was tough for many financially and who knows what other hardships that led to. I pray that hope will continue to be in the hearts and lives of my dear friends. May 2009 be a happier, healthier and wealthier new year for everyone. In the words of Tiny Tim, "God bless us, everyone!"

Happy New Year!

Every Halloween, I resolve to get a newsletter together by Thanksgiving and get them out WAY before Christmas. Once again, I’m writing a short note to wish you a happy new year. I hope your Thanksgiving was happy and your Christmas merry.

No home-made cards to accompany my well wishes this year. Instead I am sending them via email, blog or by mailing well-aged note cards. I’m justifying this as my little attempt to be somewhat frugal.

My highlights of 2008 include:

 “Cinderella” Ballet
 Shopping trip to Las Vegas
 Cheap Trick/Heart/Journey Concert
 Elvis Costello/The Police Concert
 Resurrected this blog
 “Monet to Picasso” Exhibit
 David Sedaris Performance
 “Madame Butterfly” Opera
 Voted early
 “Wait Until Dark” Play
 Lobbied to get Paper Product Coordinator calling back. Got it!
 Got hooked on facebook. Look me up!
 Sub-for-Santa
 “Body Worlds” Exhibit

As many of you had a part in making my 2008 a wonderful one, thank you! I wish you and yours a happy, healthy and prosperous new year! Selamat Tahun Baru 2009! Hauoli Makahiki Hou 2009! Happy New Year 2009!