Friday, August 31, 2007

I Am Sending This Tomorrow!!

Tagret,
I am writing this letter because I am hoping you can restore my faith in Target. I believe registering at any store should be a positive experience for the customer, because they are bringing money into the store, however, registering at Target was anything but positive.
In April, I signed up for your bridal registry at the Orem, UT Target. My fiance and I arrived at the store, and after wasting half an hour in the Customer Service line, were informed that “The kiosks are broken and we don’t know how to fix them.” We asked if they had a time frame of when they would be working again, and the only answer was “Just try back later, sorry.” A week later we did go back to the same store, and found the kiosks were working. We registered for our upcoming wedding, and left.
In July I returned to the Orem, UT Target to return a cartload of gifts. Again, I waited in line for over half an hour. When I was finally being helped, the girl asked if I had my printout. When I informed I did not, she told me that I needed to print out my list on the kiosk, and then get back in line. I did so, and spent another fifteen minutes in line. When I was finally being helped again, she asked to see my drivers licence. I had left this in the car, so she told me I needed to go get my licence, and then get back in line. By this time I was highly irritated, but did as she instructed. Finally the girl took my items and began scanning them. When she was done, she handed me a receipt and said I had one hour to spend MY money, and I could only purchase items in a certain section of the store. I was very confused, as Bed Bath and Beyond had put my returned gifts on a gift card that never expired, and I could buy anything in the store. I asked the girl why this was and she shrugged and said “the things weren’t on your registry. Which, of course, I knew. If I had been given gifts off my registry I would not be returning them.
I went to the designated area I was allowed to shop in and was disappointed to find that I did not need anything from that section of the store. I had been married two weeks, and we were in desperate need of food, sandwich bags and tinfoil, but none of these products were available for me to spend MY money on.
I want you to know that I am extremely disappointed with Target, and unless something can be done to rectify this situation, I will not ever set foot in a Target store again and I will recommend that others do not either. I have many friends who are also getting married, and would like to be able to recommend Target as a place to register, but right now, my opinion is dead set against it. I will recommend Bed Bath and Beyond, which went far beyond the extra mile with my bridal registry, and Wal-Mart, which took all of the gifts I was going to return to Target, but did not because of the horrible experience I had. Wal Mart gave me a gift card that never expires, and I can buy anything in the store.
I am so upset with the service and the policies of your store. I took all the gift cards that I was given to target and sold them so I would not have to go back. Before this experience, I much preferred Target over Wal Mart, but now it seams Target has sunk to new lows and Wal Mart has stepped up to be the hero.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

9 down, 20 more to go

A little over eight months ago I told myself I was not allowed to buy new pants unless the new pants were a size 4.
Yesterday I had to go shopping to buy "professional" clothes. My boss said I needed to dress like the Nordstrom girls, so I had no choice but to buy myself new pants. Oh, but what a sweet delight when the pants that fit oh-so-perfect were not a size 4, but a size 4 petite. My wedding dress was a size 4, but the problem in the past has not been my waist, but the enormous bump under the waist that prevented me from getting size 4 pants. It was quite a pleasant surprise when I realized I had shrunk enough to meet my goal.

Another life goal completed. Hooray.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Why I Love Being Married

I was quite panicked to be married. So panicked, in fact, that I hyperventilated in the Celestial room right before I was sealed. Why was I afraid? Oh, the usual. Because 50% marriages fail, because I was young, because I still has some issues/baggage, because I was afraid of commitment, afraid of being stuck, because it was so permanent and such a life changing thing, and because we always fear the unknown.

After being married over a month, I wonder why I was so panicked. I love being married.
I love having my best friend around all the time. I love falling asleep snuggled up next to someone. I love waking up next to someone, I love eating breakfast with someone, I love making dinner for someone, I love knowing that the someone will always be there, and not having to worry about getting too close or what will happen if/when they leave.

I think it makes all the difference who you are married to. I happen to be married to the best husband in the entire world. It is so much fun to come home and find the trash taken out and a big kiss waiting for you. It is so much fun to stick love notes in his lunch, and find a love note stuck in the door.

I know we're still in the "honeymoon" stage, but I think I am going to say in this stage for a very long time. Maybe until eternity.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Acouchi and MacLappy


See? Even cats like Macs better
I am opening my blog back up. All comments have been disabled, so don't try. I will post pictures, but no guarantees I will write any stories. I KNOW I'm a bad writer, I never said anything different. No one is forcing you to read this.

Sunday, July 29, 2007

The most quoted non member in General Conference

Drek and I attended church for the first time as a married couple. We attend our new ward, a married student ward, which meets dreadfully early for a Sunday. The most amusing quip was given today from the pulpit:

"I wanted to share something out of a book I've just read, it's a small book, I don't know if any of you have heard of it. It's called the Screwtape Letters by a man called C.S. Lewis."

Wow. Either this man was sorely mistaken about the audience he was addressing, or we have stumbled into the most illiterate, ignorant, intelligent group of Mormons known to exist.

Friday, July 20, 2007

12 more hours...

Drek and I finally broke into a house and stole a bed. It is now set up in our house and it is no great to sleep on a bed and not the floor. Unfortunately, I will not be able to enjoy this for a while as tonight there will be no sleeping tonight(7th Harry Potter book eeeeeeeee!!!!) and Drek and I leave tomorrow for his family reunion.

I am currently reading the 6th Harry Potter book. I have done nothing else today. well, maybe a little bit of work, as that is where I am right now, but work is slow today and I have taken full advantage of that.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

07-07-07

Thus beings a very long entry:

The night before I was to be married, my sister and mother threw me a bachelorette party. My aunts and cousins were there, along with my bridesmaids, two who had arrived the day before and one who arrived during the party. The party was wonderful.
My sister majored in Rec Management so you knew before hand the games were going to be great, and my mother did the decorations so of course they were fantastic.
The party was Mexican themed (because that’s were Ben and I were going on our honeymoon). I wore a Mexican wedding dress and a little chilie-pepper crown.
We had horse races (with Mexican horses, or crate paper) and used beans to bet on the winner. We had Margaritas and lots of chips and Salsa. We played a hilarious mad-lib game that my sister created and then my aunt taught us a winking game (because you have to know how to flirt when you are married.) We even played a little bit of Pass the Sign before the boys came back from playing Frisbee. The finale was a Piniata that was filled with lotions and candy. The game was that however many hits it took for me to break open the PiƱata, was how many children I had. I got up to 27 before Ben took over (and his hits counted -1) so we ended up 6.

Kris and Kara stayed the night with me in my room. We talked for a long time and tried to come up with a song to play in the background during the slideshow of Ben and I. We went through a bunch of songs before we gave up and decided to watch “music and Lyrics” which ended up being hilarious, and we all decided that “POP goes my heart” was definitely the song. If only we had a way to play it…
We got to sleep around 2am, which I thought was extremely reasonable.

The next day I had to wake up early. I specifically scheduled the wedding at 4pm so I could sleep in, but I guess it wasn’t meant to be. Ben’s brother had turned 8 a few days before, and his parents had scheduled his baptism for that morning at 9am. Ben was the one who was going to baptize him.
Megan picked me up and drove me over to the church. Through the whole baptism I was texting three of the bridesmaids, mostly little cracks about “POP goes my Heart” and “I’m sleeping with a clown above my head.” Put the baptism was wonderful, and the testimonies were particularly touching.

Megan picked me up and had breakfast and a special treat waiting for me. It was then off to the hair appointment! On the way I started freaking out about the wedding and “what was I doing?” and so on and so forth. Megan had to deal with me being very bi-polar for the rest of the morning. She handled it very well. I had a wonderful time getting my hair done. The girl who did it is a very good friend of mine and the three of us talked until she finished. She finished 45 minutes early, so Megan and I went to the mall so Megan could rescue me once again from a crisis.

We got home precisely on time, and the girl who was doing my make-up was already there. I quickly changed into my dress and Kara and I decorated Acouchi with wedding ribbons.




Then it was make-up time! She did an amazing job, even though Ben showed up early and we had to shoo him out of the room.

Then Ben and I were off to the temple. We arrived 15 minutes early and then I discovered a flaw in my plan:
I had arranged Ben to drive me up there 1) so we would be there on time, and 2) so I one of us would not be at the temple, waiting for the other to show up, fretting if they were not coming.
This worked, except now we were at the temple, waiting for our parents to show, fretting that they would be very late. As it turns out, my parents were only 10 minutes late, and his parents were only 15 minutes late.

It wasn’t what I expected. I thought you got the Bride’s dressing room all to yourself, but that is untrue. You have to share it with the other brides who are getting married. In my case, there were three other brides while I was getting ready. It was very crowded. I had expected a lot of time for Ben and I to be by ourselves for a while beforehand, also untrue. We were told to wait until situations became available, which only ended up being three minutes. I did, however, manage to hyperventilate during that time.
We did get to meet with the sealer, who told us that our sealing had moved from the smallest room, to the next smallest room, because we had too many people.
All I can say is some people are DANG lucky I was apathetic by that point, and that they had another room available, I would have marched in and asked certain people to leave.

Once we were at the alter, it was perfect. Ben looked so handsome, and the room was so pretty (although too big, and it was quite tacky that so many chairs were empty, curse plans being ruined by other people!!) and then we were married. Ben and I both looked expectantly at the sealer, waiting for hime to say something like “you may now kiss the bride.” He laughed and asked what we were waiting for “do you need permission?” well, yes actually, His bishop banned us from kissing over three months ago and we were hoping a sealer’s authority would override a bishop’s authority so, yes; We did need permission.

I went back to change. By this time, the room was all mine. Once I got to look around, I realized how stunning the bride’s room is.

And then we came out, and I was handed my bouquet, and out amazing photographer was there, and the families were waiting outside for us and taking pictures like crazy. And my beautiful bridesmaids were there, all dresses up and looking amazing and…wait. I was only counting three bridesmaids. Where was the forth? Where was Kris?
But, no time for that! Pictures ensued. More pictures, and more pictures. It could not be delayed further, bridesmaid pictures were taken with one missing (that’s ok, there will be more pictures at the party later).



Soon, Me and Ben and the photographer were the only ones left. Which was good, because a storm was moving in, and fast. We finished just in time and scurried back to the car before we blew away.

Safe in our car, driving out of the temple parking lot, it started to rain. Luckily, the storm did not follow us home. By the time we reached the park there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the sun was shining brightly.

The park was decorated beautifully. The tables were decorated in the wedding colors, there was an archway decorated with red roses,

and the cake!! The cake was amazing!! I had wanted a pretty cupcake cake, but My mother-in-law out did herself. Not only was it stunningly beautiful, it was so delicious to eat!!


There were millions of pictures taken, by this time Ben’s Groomsman were there wearing the Groomsman T-shirts, and My beautiful bridesmaids had changed into jeans and their Bridesmaid T-shirts.

Following pictures and a slight mishap with my party dress being left at the house and the bathroom doors being locked, but this was taken of in record speed and soon I was ready for fun!

The food was delicious (all vegetarian). But I didn’t eat very much because I was so excited to see all my family and I had things to take care of. This is when the problem arose: there was still no sign of Kris.
It became very apparent to me that she was not coming. This did not cause me much concern as Kris is like that, and I wasn’t surprised, and I lover anyway, no matter what, and it was the happiest day of my life so far and nothing could have really fazed me unless someone had told me that rather than just not showing up, she had been seriously hurt or killed.
The problem was that my other bridesmaids did not know Kris as well as I did, and they were panicked because they though I thought the day was ruined. Afterall, your best friend not showing up to be the bridesmaid at your wedding is supposed to be a disaster.
This made me concerned, because I did not want my bridesmaids to be concerned. Unfortunately, my brain was so scattered, that I saw this as a huge problem, but I couldn’t think of a way to tell them that is was OK. I decided to bribes was the way to go.
I took them aside and gave them the presents I had been so excited for them to open. It seemed to work ok.


Then came the speeches, the cutting of the amazing cake, and more pictures. My uncle has already unloaded his cannon, and the small cousins were happily launching marshmallows into the meadow. Well, actually, the small cousins had been shoved aside by the male cousins/uncles, who seemed to be more excited about the cannon than the children.



Too soon, it was time to go. I through the bouquet (and my favorite cousin caught it!) and Ben and I drove off in our Oreo-decorated car.

*all pictures provided by my favorite cousin, Kara*

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

4 Days

Ah. This is where the panic sets in.

Krisface, would you just get here already so we can go laser tagging?

Monday, July 02, 2007

5 Days

Squee!! I'm so excited it's hard to do ANYTHING!! Last night I didn't actually get to sleep until 1:00am.

Everything is pretty much done. My dress in finished (and beautiful) and now it's just a matter of time. Well, that and cleaning out my car, my room, and Acouchi's room and moving in to the new apartment, but mostly it's just waiting.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Kitties Part II

Bells' babies are finlly old enough to take to the Shelter. Campurnicus is adorable. He is a very smart and curious cat. The twins are not so aware of their surroundings, they just wrestle all day. Joining the passle was a stray baby kitty, who is a long-haired cat. She is named FlufflyPuff. She is very scared of humans, compared to the other kitties who love nothing more to be hugged and held and petted. Everyone should go to their local animal shelter and adopt a kitty.

I need to find a cut outfit for Acouchi to wear the day I get married. I was thinking of just putting white bows in her hair, but now I think having her in a flower girl dress would be adorable. Where would I find such a thing?

Also, 10 more days!! And as a small warning, there will be a Jack and Jill shower on Tuesday, July 3 from 7-9pm. FYI, a Jack and Jill shower is a party where both boys and girls can come and celebrate a wedding. It will be be very casual, and there will be free food. Everyone should come.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

11 Days

Saturday was AMAZING!! It was nothing like I expected, but so much better. Hopefully we're going back today. I'm so excited!

Sunday was hilarious. I teach Sunbeams (the 3-4 yr olds in Sunday School) and it was out turn to teach all the kids (ages 5-8) during Sharing Time. So, all my little kids were up in front of the microphone, telling all they knew about baptism. It was so cute!! Actually, it was more than that. They did a great job. Then we opened the font and all the kids got to see where they would be baptized. Then we played this really cute game my co-teacher came up with. It was a hit.

Later that Day Drek and I went up to his parents house, where we played Settlers of Zarahemla with his siblings. I was going to win (for sure, no matter what) on my turn. Drek happened to go right before me, and decided he was tired of the game, so he cheated and ended the game. Grrrr. Just so everyone knows, I was SO going to win.

Drek is officially moved in to our little apartment. I'm almost moved in. Hooray!!

People will start showing up for the wedding next Thursday. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. I want to see my cousin!! Krisface will be down sometime that day too. Ah!! About to explode from excitement!!

Rumour has it laser tag sometime this week? So ready for that! Last Monday Drek and I took our dads (and families) laser tagging for Father's day. It was a blast. I actually did pretty well! I'm excited to play again.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

18 more days

Let's see...Invitaions, reservations, rings, hair and makup, apartment, marriage licence, photophrapher, cake, food, bridesmaid gifts and shirts, plans, tickets, all done! Things left to do: Wedding dress and a suit for the Groom. Don't those things usually get done first?

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Post one-hundred-one: Long Ramblings

For the last two days, the only songs I have been listening to are "Remember When It Rained" By Josh Groban and "umbrella" by Rihanna. Not that I have a thing for rain right now or anything, the songs are just SO GOOD!! I can't STOP listening to them. They're the kind of song that just sings to your soul. Oh. So good.

Ever since I hurt my foot I have not been exercising. I haven't been walking around, and I have been tired all the time. Yesterday I woke up exhausted (again) and decided I needed to exercise or I would die. That afternoon I did a bunch of yard work and mowed the lawn. It made me feel better and gave me a small boost of energy. I used that energy to hike the Y.

I up with friends just as the sun was beginning to set. The hike is only supposed to take 45 minutes, but took much longer because we found numbered, colored boxes all the way up with little riddles inside. It gave the answer to a previous riddle and then asked a new one. At first we thought it was a guy doing in for his girlfriend, and the last question would be "will you marry me?" but as it turns out, it was an activity for a singles ward. The point was to rescue some watermelon. Which I guess that failed at, because I am sure those watermelons ended up being brutally butchered.

It was great fun, although I really hurt my foot. I feel much better today though. Much better.

Friday, June 08, 2007

Crutches

I hate crutches!! My palms are so bruised they hurt worse than my foot does! I've gone into Maceys twice already (and I want to keep going back) becase they let me drive around on the little electric cart. It is a blast to drive.

I can't carry anything, including my purse, because it throws my balance off and I will fall. Yeasterday was the Employee Create n Take. I have been looking forward to it for over a month. The company gave us the paper and supplies we needed, and then showed us how to make five different, darling cards. I put the bag with my cards on my purse, but somone else had to carry it out to the car. On the way they fell out of my purse and I didn't notice. My beautiful cards are all lost and gone. :(

The good news is that my foot is healing really fast. I should be off of crutches by Monday!

Monday, June 04, 2007

How to Entertain Yourself in a Hospital Emergency Room

1- Read boring magazines
2- Update blog using Drek's laptop and the hospital free wireless
3- Send Drek out to the car to grab "Pirates Dice" (thanks again Xirax!)
4- Explain to passing hospital workers that this IS the game from Pirates II, not Pirate Yahtzee. Pirates DO NOT play Yahtzee
5- Blow up plastic gloves
6- Bat the blown up plastic glove between two people.
7- Pay a full on version of Calvin Ball using the blown up plastic glove.
8- Draw a face on the Blown up plastic glove
9- On the other side of the blown up plastic glove, write "release me". attach the blown up plastic glove to a 16 inch Q-tip and wave it out into the hallway.
10- Form a line where the back person is on a rolly chair and the front person in a wheel chair and roll around the room (and the hallway).
11- Upon discovering that the wheelchair handles are removable, write an S.O.S. note and stuff it inside the wheelchair handle.
13- Switch rapidly between laughing hysterically and almost having a panic attack because you've been in this room for so freaking long!
14- Recruit the janitor (who happens to be an old friend) into talking the nurses into releasing you
15- Become more daring in wheeling aforementioned line out into hallway and waving the aforementioned "release me" blown up plastic glove.
16- Discuss ways to stage a break out
17- Announce loudly that you are going to stage a break out
18- Stage a break out.

After 4 hours, it was determined that my foot is not broken, but "you were assessed in a triage situation so please contact your primary care physician"

Gah!

Saturday, June 02, 2007

Brodcasting live, from the hostpital...

Picture this:

It's a beautiful day outside, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the Quark social is in full swing. Natrally, a game of Ultimate frisbee breaks out. I'm in the end zone. The frisbee is thrown to me. I start running. So does black-shirt-guy. we get to the frisbee at the same time, we both grab it, we both are NOT letting go. Suddenly, I am on the ground(frisbee still in hand, thank you very much) and my foot is KILLING me. No problem, I'll just walk it off. Well, the more I walk, the worse it gets. I sit down for a while but when I try to walk on it again it hurts even more. I finally make it home. My mother decideds to take me to the emergency room. My foot has been X-rayed and we are now waiting for the doctor to show up and deliver the news. Oh, the anticipation.

Friday, June 01, 2007

Alpine Goodness

Just call me Ezra James Sharkington

ok, so...Vacation pictures!


The famous Alpine Slide. It is basically a cement ditch running down a mountain. you ride down this dith on a plastic sled with wheels. what could be more fun?






I'll tell you what can be more fun...

The Alpine COASTER!!

It's a roller coaser down a mountain. it's remarkable smooth. oh the joy!!





It was mostly great. The moose thought so too.