My Mormon Twin

Happy Birthday to my brother Ryan! Today he is 21 months older than me...36! When we were growing up, I was always big and tall for my age and he was always the opposite. Lots of people asked us if we were twins. I always thought it was hilarious, but I know it bugged him. I was probably a pesky little sister to him, but he did plenty of harassing himself. I'll never forget getting the sweetest apology letter from him while he was serving his mission in Fresno, CA--Spanish speaking. "I'm sorry for teasing you so much when we were growing up", it said. And he was. He's been nothing but the sweetest, funniest, supportive brother ever since.

Ryan's a wiz with money (he's a financial planner), and he has a lot of it. He loves national parks and has hiked and camped almost all of them...seriously. He loves politics and religion. (But don't get him started on either subject.) He also loves sports, especially watching them. He is still a huge Cougar fan. He is married to the funny and talented Gretchen LaRae Mills. Together they have created some seriously beautiful children. LaRae is the their oldest, then BriAnna (born the day after me), Sterling, Max, and CaRina. They live in a gorgeous and recently remodeled (thanks to an active nesting season of her last pregnancy) home in the hills of Orem, Utah. We don't get to see them very often, and so it's a real treat when we are all together. He not only never fails to make me laugh when we're together, but he also has an uncanny ability to make me stop and re-evaluate my retirement savings plans. There's nobody else like him! Happy birthday Ryan, hope it's a great one!!

"Pedal to the Metal" or "1 Thing That Will Keep Me Out of Heaven"

Road rage people. I’m surprised by myself quite frankly. I don’t know where it came from. Yesterday morning (Monday morning, mind you), I was already running a bit late. I had left the house about 10 minutes later than normal. So I was already gunning it to begin with, weaving in and out of lanes, and passing up the grannies who choose to go the speed limit (pashaw!) in the “fast lane”. Things were going smoothly. There was barely any traffic on 96-East. I figured it was because of the recent holiday and that maybe lots of people were still on vacation, and I kind of grinned at my good fortune. Still gunning it, I passed the Southfield exits on the right. That’s when I started seeing the looming orange barrels in the distance getting closer and accompanying orange signs on the side of the expressway. “Road narrows to 2 lanes ahead” it warned, “take alternate routes”. Pashaw again! I was sticking to the commuting plan and I would get to work on time come rain or shine! We narrowed to 3, than 2 and even with only 2 lanes remaining, I was still chugging along. At least traffic wasn’t stopped completely. But it wouldn’t last, eventually the signs warned me further that the road would eventually narrow to 1 lane and cautioned me to exit at 94 East and take the Lodge the rest of the way downtown. I hesitated for a moment, but pressed on. Well I should have believed the signs. The road narrowed to 1 lane, and sure enough it was being led by a Mac-truck carrying bricks or something because it was practically crawling up the 1 remaining lane of 96 East. We were diverted onto same crazy alternate route too, we weren’t even on the 96 I knew. We were in some barely cobbled together shared lane of 96 going west bound. I saw an exit (at the end of the tunnel) that read “I-75 Southbound Traffic”. I didn’t realize this was my life preserver, my only hope of getting to work on time (or at least only 10 minutes late). I passed it and continued driving. And then it stopped….traffic was completely shut down. There I was in 1 lane of traffic slowly ascending, barely inching forward towards…dun, dun, duhhhhn…the Ambassador bridge!! Oh crap I thought. I’m going to Canada! I had to sit there knowing it too and not being able to do a darn thing about it. I was stuck and there was no way to get out of the line of traffic. After 30 minutes of this, I finally reached a border/customs worker and rolled down my window. “I don’t want to go to Canada, I need to turn around and get back to the city.” “Turn around ahead and join the line”, she said. I noticed that several other cars were flipping u-ees and heading back as well. At least I wasn’t the only one. I eventually found my way back to Michigan Ave and then to work, but I was about 40 minutes late. Great way to start my week!

I jumped back in the car at 5 o’clock and kind of prided myself on the fact that I could use my trusty short-cut to get around the traffic of 75-northbound. My plan wasn’t so great. I used my short-cut but instead of hopping on 96-west at the usual place, I was forced to stay on the service drive for another few miles, me and all 1 million other commuters trying to get out the city at exactly the same time. I sat there for over 30 minutes. Eventually we were dumped onto the expressway, but it was only onto the 2 narrowed lanes. Ugh. I was hot, tired, and getting crankier by the minute. Eventually we widened to 4 lanes again, and I was gunning it big time, taking my frustrations out on the gas pedal. I looked down and noticed that I was only a quarter of a tank. I saw Middlebelt coming up (Costco Gas), and decided to get off and fill up while I stood a chance of getting gas for less than $4.19 a gallon. I pulled up, already irritated with how long this commute home was taking and bugged by slow people and expensive gas. I pulled up to a lane waiting for a pump to open up. I noticed that a front pump was open, with a large truck behind it. The car waiting in line behind that was a monster SUV that stood no chance of getting around the truck in front to pull up to the free pump. Since I was in my compact little Escort, I figured I could jump at the chance. I inched forward. The SUV took notice of what I was doing, and started to inch forward. I motioned to them that there was an open pump. They inched forward still. I could tell they intended to pull forward to that pump after the guy in the truck in front of them was done. Thing is I knew that I could probably get in there, fill up, and get out of there before any of that ever happened. Not thinking clearly (or charitably) at this point, I squeezed my little Escort between them and pulled up to the front pump. I got out and looked straight forward, trying not to make eye contact with anyone. It probably wasn’t the smartest thing to have done, but I figured I was kind of entitled after the day I’d been having out on the roads. The truck behind me of course finished filling up in mere seconds, and the monster SUV pulled up behind me. Oh great. Now I have to stand here and pretend that I’m mute. Instead of having that luxury, the guy got out and snapped. He yelled, “You’re supposed to wait in line like the rest of us!” I was kind of taken back. I told him, “there was an open pump…why didn’t you pull around and up to it?” He repeated himself louder the next time, “You’re supposed to wait in line like the rest of us!!”. I replied, “well you could have pulled up, the pump was open.” Not my finest argument of logic, but when your knees are shaking at the thought of an angry bald man attacking you, it’s the best I could come up with. He glared at me. I shook my head and said, “whatever” and tried to finish up my transaction. Luckily the Escort only had ¾ of a tank to fill and clicked off sooner rather than later and I was able to grab my receipt and get the heck out of there. I felt my cheeks and earlobes burning, and kind of felt like I was going to pass out. I got out of there, and had to get right back on 96 in order to get the rest of the way to my exit at Newburgh. I immediately felt really stupid and bad for what had happened, and slowed down to a normal human-being speed the rest of the way home. I realized that I was getting all worked up about something that ultimately wasn’t that important. What is a few minutes really going to get me? Instead, I should have just slowed the heck down and lightened up a little bit. Here I am acting like a self-obsessed jerk (the same kind of jerk who causes accidents on the road), when in reality that’s not who I am at all. Even on 96 and at Costco, I should be acting the way I know is right. Even on 96 and at Costco I should be an example of the Gospel. I should be a “woman that knows”. It hit me like a ton of bricks, this realization. All of a sudden, I felt really humble and really small. I was reminded of my duty to “stand for truth and righteousness at all times and in all places”. Funny way to learn (or be reminded) of such an important lesson, but that’s how it happens I suppose. When you least expect it, you’re served a slice of humble pie. Guess I’ll be taking the long way home tonight, and am hopefully a little wiser for it.

Patriotic Us

While we were in Idaho, Shalee took some family pictures of us with her fancy camera. I can't decide which one I like better. Help me decide...leave me your vote in the comments.

Option 1



or
Option 2???

A Woman of Leisure

So it's been 4 days and I hardly know what to do with myself. Going to work takes some of the guesswork out of it, but today especially I have been struck with how cavernous my house can be without bodies to fill it, and how slowly the hours roll by without people to take care of. Only 2 loads of laundry to do this morning and only 3 bags of groceries to buy at Kroger. Seriously, I am out of my element. My primary lesson is done, and I am eagerly awaiting my dinner date with Erin to celebrate her birthday. She is my only lifeline to the outside world at this point. I hope I don't freak her out with incessant talking and nervous laughter. (Just kidding!)

I miss my brood. I know they are having tons-o-fun without me though. Yesterday alone included a trip to Idaho Falls to jump on Aunt Fae's trampoline and be spoiled by her and other extended family members, a trip to Arctic Circle, and a trip to Rigby Lake with their cousins in the late afternoon. Today was a trip to the Sand Dunes and new Splash Park (Porter Park) in Rexburg. If anything, all their fun is making me a little jealous.

Yesterday I guess they were picking a place to eat lunch and it was between Arctic Circle and Taco Time (both awesome choices in my humble opinion), and Maryn said, "we can't eat Taco Time because it will make us miss Mom more and be sad." I couldn't help but laugh! What sweethearts!

Now you'll have to excuse me while I get busy continuing my life of leisure. Hope your weekend is as relaxing as mine!!

eDay.com

Happy Birthday to my littlest sister, Erin Elizabeth! Do you all remember when Erin was born and how her little tongue stuck out in her infant baby picture? As the loving five older siblings we were, we affectionately nicknamed her “Erin Eee-lizard-eth Day”. It probably wasn’t easy growing up with all of us bossing her around, but she has come out on top regardless. I am grateful that Erin is my sister and friend. She is a classy, hilariously-funny, and talented lady that I love dearly. Hope you have a great birthday!!

Travelogue--Western Edition

Once again, I have forgotten my camera and have no pictures to add to my travelogue for your reading and viewing pleasure. Sadly, even if I did have my camera, I wouldn’t have a whole lot to show you as I forgot to take pictures pretty much everywhere we went. Sorry, I kinda suck as far as capturing memories lately.

So anyway, here I am safe and sound (and utterly cranky) back in my cubie at C-ware. I guess familiarity and routine is nice and comforting to some degree, but if it were up to me, I’d be back in Rigby selling lemonade with my girls and playing with the family. Oh well, I won’t dwell on that for all of our sakes. The trip was very nice, despite a few hiccups on the road, but refreshing nonetheless.

Day 1—Friday, the 4th of July
After staying up past 2 on Thursday night packing, Mark and I woke early on Friday morning to finish up the packing and got everything loaded to go and were on the road by 9. We paid over $4.20 a gallon outside of Jackson and that was the most we paid in gas the whole trip. We ate lunch and entertained ourselves in the car, and stopped in Des Moines at a Perkins for dinner. Then we drove another couple of hours to Council Bluffs to a Day’s Inn for the night. I remember when we were making this journey when I was a kid, we’d always delight at the sight of a Day’s Inn. We all loved the irony of the fact that the “Day’s” were “Inn” the house! And my Dad always joked with the hotel clerk that we should get a discount for being related and all…wink, wink, har, har. Anyway, I figured it was a safe bet when I made the reservation but was sorely disappointed when we got into our room and found that the bathtub still had used up little bars of soap on the ledge and a solid ring of dirt around it. Not only that, but the whole bathroom had clearly not been cleaned. We called the front-desk and while they cleaned, we drove off to find a park or someplace to “release our wiggles” (guess what movie that’s from). We found a park, but it was in a shady part of town, so we settled with a “walking/biking” trail. It was nice to stretch our legs, but the next day when we passed it completely visible right off of the Interstate, I realized it probably wasn’t the safest place for us to be running around. We got back to our hotel and decided to do our fireworks in the Hotel parking lot. We borrowed some matches from the front desk (although we probably could have bummed a lighter from one of the many people who had congregated in lawn chairs in the parking lot outside of the Hotel office), and grabbed the blanket from the car. We walked into a field next to the Hotel, put the blanket down and Mark lit off the first fountain. Oooh, ahhh, ouch, eek, HELP!! By the time it was done (literally a few seconds), I had been bitten at least 20 times by massive, blood-sucking mosquitoes as well as the girls. Even Mark who never gets bitten was slapping his ankles and running for cover. We grabbed the blanket and walked back to the hotel room, where I immediately took a Benadryl as I could feel a full-on freakout/episode coming on. We bathed the girls, slathered them in Benadryl cream and tried to get some sleep.

Day 2—Saturday, July 5
The next morning, we decided to visit the Winter Quarters Visitor Center in Omaha. I’m glad we stopped. It’s really a neat place if you haven’t been yet. It definitely lightened our moods and made us reflect on how lucky we were to have crossed Iowa in mere hours compared to the Pioneers who for many took 4 months to cross. The girls got to dress up in pioneer clothing and a nice sister missionary from Utah gave us an abridged version of the tour. At one point, as we were overlooking the Pioneer cemetary across the street, one of the displays said that many of the pioneers who died in Winter Quarters during the summer months was due to malaria contracted from mosquito bites!! Hello!!

We got back on the road around 11 and drove towards Cheyenne, where we finally stopped for dinner at a Shari’s. As we sat and ate our dinner, we were entertained by prairie dogs and wild rabbits outside the window. Not to mention the fact that we actually saw deer and antelope playing as we drove the rest of the way to our hotel in Rawlins, Wyoming. You don’t see that in Detroit every day, and it was a welcome sight. We stayed at a Comfort Inn, and it was so much nicer than the night before. There was a pool and an exercise room, so Mark watched the girls swim and I hit the treadmill. We definitely had a better experience there. We figured we’d get into Idaho early in the afternoon the next day, but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be.

Day 3—Sunday, July 6
We stopped for the traditional ice cream cones at Little America around 11 am, and then took the exit onto I-30 north through Wyoming towards Idaho. It was just a 2-lane highway and much of it was under construction. We were also constantly lagging behind semi’s and winnebago’s going 30 mph. Ugh. So in desperation, Mark would pass them at incredible speeds and be so relieved at the sight of open road, forget to decelerate. The first time he got pulled over, they let him off with just a warning, but the second time he got hit with a really expensive ticket. Not good.

We eventually pulled into Idaho Falls to visit with some of Mark’s extended family at his cousin’s house. It was fun, but we really all just wanted to get to Rigby. By Sunday night, we arrived in Rigby and it was nice to see everyone and be able to be out of the car!!

Day 4—Monday, July 7
Monday morning was Laurie’s birthday and her 2nd chemo session. We visited with her while she was hooked up to the IV drip, and you’d have never known. She was cheery and happy to see us. Apparently these sessions can last anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, and she was happy for the distraction. She says that she feels just fine when it’s actually happening, although the feeling of being tired and a bit nauseous never goes away. It’s not until a couple days later that the medicine catches up with you, leaving you utterly depleted and unable to exert any energy. The Oncology Center in Rexburg is a really nice facility and while we talked, the girls went outside to the patio and played around their waterfalls and ponds. While she was finishing up, we made a quick stop to Deseret Book and D.I. and then picked her up and drove out to Archer for lunch at Big Jud’s. Nothing says welcome back to Idaho like a Big Jud special. It was awesome.

Afterwards we headed back to Rigby and stopped by Dave and Melanie’s new house (which is very cute), and then made preparations for Laurie’s birthday dinner and party. That night, we finished lighting our fireworks from our first failed attempt in Council Bluffs. It was a beautiful night and so nice to share it with family.

Day 5—Tuesday, July 8
Tuesday morning, Dennis, Laurie and Mark and I were able to do a session at the newly-opened Rexburg Temple. It was wonderful. The Temple is gorgeous. I love all of the décor they’ve used. They have used a stalk of wheat as a theme throughout the Temple…in the iron scrollwork along the staircases, painted on the ceilings, and in the stained-glass windows. The murals in the ordinance rooms were done by Del Parsons, and are a perfect representation of the local landscape and wildlife. It was just spectacular. There is something so fascinating about Rexburg. Every time I return, it draws me in. I really love that little city. (Although it’s definitely not little anymore, I barely recognized it with all the new development and growth.)

After the Temple we went out for Chinese and then scooped up the girls from Aunt Melanie’s house and went back to the house. We rested for a minute and then took a trip the “Rock park”, it’s this little park that is shaped like a mountain complete with caves and natural “rock” staircases and slides back down into little valleys and more caves. It was really hot by this time, so Mark, Laurie and I sat in the car while the girls climbed all over the fiberglass mountain. Afterwards we got sno-cones and drinks from an old-fashioned soda fountain on Main Street, and Mark and I got to do a little browsing through the local shops…walking into some of them is like walking right back in time, circa 1960 something or other. I loved it. That night we made Magic Fish for Dennis, Laurie, and Dan, and then Mark and I went over to Dan & Shalee’s to watch “Passage to Zarahemla”. It was an interesting movie. We probably could have talked all night. I love that part of visiting with family.

Day 6—Wednesday, July 9
Wednesday morning, I caught the Salt Lake “Express” shuttle from Rigby at 5:20 a.m. The driver was 20 minutes late and what was supposed to be an Express shuttle ended up being an eternal shuttle. She got us to the airport an hour after we were supposed to be there, so I was kinda scrambling to get my boarding pass and to the gate on time. I flew from SLC to Phoenix, and then Phoenix to Detroit. Luckily I was able to sleep most of the 4 hour drive and the flight. It was almost more exhausting than driving for 3 days. My parents picked me up last night and took me to a late dinner at Q’Doba (my comfort food now). I was able to get all unpacked last night and get a good night’s sleep, although sleeping in your house all alone is never quite as relaxing as it should be. What was that?!?

Day 7—Thursday, July 10
So today I am back amongst my co-workers in the land of cubes and computers. I’m not thrilled about it, but am trying to remind myself that life has to go on. Vacations can’t last forever, and real life eventually takes over. I haven’t convinced myself yet entirely however. Ugh. I miss my family already. They will be coming back the weekend of the 19th. I know they’re having fun though (which should make me happy, but sadly makes it that much worse cause I know I’m missing out).

*Updated to add pictures I stole off of Mark’s blog. Enjoy!

July - Juillet - Julio - Juli

I know I say this every month around the first, but it’s especially true today…I can’t believe it’s already July!! One month of summer down and only 2 more to go! What will we do with ourselves?!? This summer is finally starting to feel like summer for me. My girls have their first mosquito bites and their flip-flops are almost completely black and worn-down. Our flower pots are brimming with pink petunias and yellow daisies, and it stays light outside until almost 10 pm. I guess it’s official.

My sister Shauna is in town with her clan this week. It’s been a non-stop fun fest. We got together Sunday evening for dinner at my parent’s house and couldn’t tear ourselves away until 10 o’clock. Monday morning came a little too bright and early for us as a result.


(Top left: Shauna, Paige, Andrew. Bottom from left: Daren, Maddi (Buddy on lap), and Collin.)


We took our van into Livonia Auto on Monday morning to get the cigarette lighter fixed (we needs our smokes! just kidding!) so that we can have battery power for our DVD player, phones, and iPods. We’ll be embarking on a road trip west on the 4th of July and the thought of potentially facing 30ish long hours of driving without something to plug into is almost unbearable. This is pretty much the only thing that keeps Maryn and Avery getting along while cramped together in the backseat, so we’ve decided it’s okay if they have themselves a non-stop movie fest. Luckily it was a quick fix, and we had our van back by the end of the day. New tires, a recent-ish oil change, and a new windshield and (hopefully) we’re good to go.

We joined back up with the Pierson Tribe, J’Days, Grizz’s, and PF and LRae (ha!) last night for a kickball/ultimate Frisbee/crows and cranes/run around and scream and yell tournament. It was fun, but man those Pierson’s are a competitive bunch. They take their gaming/athletics seriously. I understand, I mean they do live in the most “fit” state in the country and that’s just what people who live in Denver DO, but still. We (the Brown’s) are pretty non-competetive, non-sporty types and just out for a good time. We wore our flip-flops and didn’t take it very seriously. During half of the game, my girls were either picking flowers or sucking down root bear in the chair next to Grandma. Anyway, it was fun and afterwards we had ice cream sandwiches at the Griswold’s. It’s so nice to be able to spend time with my family…something that I try not to take for granted. And yes, it would have been more fun with Ryan’s gang and Melanie’s brood. The only thing that would have made the night more complete would have been J.C. Norman sliding into home and taking one in the haunch for the team.

I guess the bigger purpose for the Pierson’s trip (aside from non-stop F-U-N) is that Thursday night we are getting together to go through the Temple with the oldest grandchild, Collin Jeffrey who is leaving on a mission in a few short weeks (Hartford, CT). This is very exciting for all of us to be able to share this with him. I can’t believe he’s old enough to be doing any of this. I can still remember him parked in front of the TV watching Little Mermaid and Duck Tales. Time flies. As well on Thursday, Andrew (17) and Paige (almost 15) will be getting their patriarchal blessings from my Dad. It’s going to be a special day for everybody.

Like I said, we leave for Idaho on Friday, the 4th. Yes, I realize that gas will probably be $4.50 by then. We’re bracing ourselves. Hopefully we’ll get to Rigby by Saturday night, but we’ll see how it goes. We’re excited we’ll be able to celebrate Laurie’s birthday with her on Monday (the 7th), although her second Chemo session is also scheduled for that morning. Hopefully she will feel okay for a little cake and ice cream later in the day.

I will fly home on Wednesday so I can get back to work, and I don’t think I need to mention it, but I will anyway, I am not happy about it. The amount of vacation I get (or don't get as the case may be) is astoundingly skimpy and rigid. I mean my thimble runneth over people. I mean I know I have a long line of mainframe customers whose very lives and last breath are hanging in the balance for the next nugget of technical writing I can produce for them, but come on! Only 10 days a year?!?

Anyway, Mark and the girls will stay on an extra week and drive back by themselves!! I’m a little nervous about it, but I think they’ll be okay. I hope and pray they’ll be okay.

So I’ll be out of the blogging loop for awhile, but I’m sure you’ll manage to get through your day without me!! Peace out and Happy Independence Day!!