Thursday, September 27, 2007

Bits and Pieces


New bookcases
I did enjoy Nanny Diaries. It was cute. I've been off from work this week and would have loved to gone and see Kelly and boys again but am in charge of the quarterly Relief Society temple trip and that was this Wednesday. It was a hoot. I drove and only 4 women signed up. Janice Roney, Eldis Jensen, Wanda Mintz and Pat Litza. The last three are all in their 70's at least and a wee bit absent minded, don't hear well and walk slowly. I was afraid Wanda and Eldis would get in a cat fight at one time over Wanda's GPS being too loud. The conversations we had were hilarious. I actually had a great time in the 6 hours of driving time to and from Medford. It is great to hang out with new people and be entertained. I think a fun time was had by all.
Lee's brother, Dane, is in town and spending a couple nights with us. I just made some chocolate chip cookies so they can have some when they get back from dinner. They went golfing and out to eat with some lumberman afterwards so I didn't have to cook tonight. On Thursdays we have a Farmer's Market here in town and this guy cooks the best ribs and trip tip over wood chips. That is always Thursday dinner for us. I got some ribs for tomorrow night and will just make sides to go along with it. I am excited to have someone come stay with us in this house!
My favorite new sandwich or panini is to take a dense bread like Pugiliese and slice it. Put sliced fresh mozzerella on a slice, a couple pieces of salami, and fresh basil. I brush some olive oil on the outside slices and cook it in my George Foreman/pseudo panini press. I then open it up and put some fresh Farmer's Market tomatoes (Heirloom tomatoes) and enjoy. Yumm, yumm.
I am reading Nicholas Sparks book, Dear John, and it is a fast and good read so far. Tried Peace Like a River but am not really feeling it. Loved A Thousand Splendid Suns!!! One of my favorite books. Any other good reads out there??
We absolutely love our new house and where we are living. The weather has been perfect here. I love to go on the deck, look at the trees and read. I love the peace and quiet that is this neighborhood. I hate that winter is coming though.
I feel lame because I am way past being an adult and am so excited that the Fall Shows are back. I love to mindlessly lay back at night and be entertained. I try to always have scriptures read by the time they start. Does that count for anything?
My favorites:
1. Lost-can't wait till February! I think the writing is amazing on this program
2. Prison Break-are Michael and Lincoln amazing looking or what????
3. America's Next Top Model
3. 24- have loved it in the past but didn't care for last year
4. Top Chef, Next Design Star, Project Runway, American Idol
Watched Cane the other night, looks good.
Tonight is Survivor, Grey's (kind of over it), and ER. I am pathetic. I listen to other women, smart, accomplished women talk about how they NEVER watch tv and how worthless it is. I just remain silent and look forward to curling on the sofa with my blanket at night.

Monday, September 17, 2007

BORED

Lee has been gone hunting for 8 days now. With Kelly and Jody moved and Alex in college, I am so bored while he is gone. I went to Kelly's for4 days till they left for Georgia and loved hanging with them. Ammon slept with me every night and Cohen entertained me and Rylee is just the best baby ever. And so cute. Then I came home on Friday and it was a looooong weekend. I totally feel sorry for widows now. Sometimes you just love to have alone time but now I'm getting a little sick of myself. Luckily, I went to work today but we are called off tomorrow so it's just me, myself and I. I think the three of us will go see Nanny Diaries.

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Making A Difference

When I was a nurse in the OB department one thing happened over and over that caused me a lot of concern. We continually sent beautiful, perfect babies home with parents we knew were dysfunctional. It really bothered me that they had reached their potential in the hospital and that with the luck of whom they were born with, would have a totally different life than the babies sent home with normal, functional families. It was so sad. What would happen to these babies? I wanted to adopt each one of those babies who were sent to dysfunctional homes. I wanted to make a difference but didn't know how. This year I joined CASA which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. I am now on the Board of Directors and hope to be an advocate myeself when my term is up. Volunteers are trained to work with one of those children I sent home years ago. Volunteers help ensure that some of them do not slip through the cracks and have an opportunity to reach their potential. These volunteers help the children through the legal system, school system and medical system and become mentors who spend time with them and help them in so many wonderful ways become productive citizens. CASA is a non-profit organization. One of our biggest fundraisers is the CASA KidWalk. Please help make a difference in a child's life. You can donate to my team at http://www.firstgiving.com/pamskidwalk . It doesn't take much to make a difference in someone's life.