Last Sunday I went to my church and then went to another church that Chelsea and I had talked about going to for awhile. My church doesn't provide any sort of programs for high school kids and this has been an issue for several years, since our youth pastor died.
The new church is called The Genisis Project. It is so completely different from our traditional Lutheran church. It is in a big warehouse that has been converted to meet the needs of the church. When I first walked in I noticed that it was pretty dark and there was loud, contemporary Christian music playing. I'm a big fan of contemporary Christian so I liked that. Chelsea and her friend took me to another part of the building to get drinks and a snack. Now in my church that's brewed coffee and whatever treats someone decided to bring to church. Not at GP! They have a full up coffee shop with lattes, steamers, hot chocolate and baked goods. Of course, you have to pay for it, whereas at my church what we have is free, albiet not so enticing (unless someone bakes something and brings it in, then it's great!). I got a latte which I didn't really care for. It had too much espresso and not enough steamed milk, but I didn't get a chance to drink much of it anyway because most of the service we were standing and singing. Yes, you take your food and drink to church!
The church is set up theater style with chairs in a semi-circle facing the front which has a big screen and a band. We sang several songs, then we had communion which consisted of teeny crackers cut into squares and some juice. Now I was not impressed with communion. In my church communion is the highlight of the service and we have a liturgy just for communion. I'd say it is a very big deal in my church and at GP it seemed almost like an afterthought. The sermon was really good but long, about 35 minutes. Then there was a couple of videos, one with announcements and one about a pregnancy care center. Then more songs and it was done. I really liked the music, which is a big complaint at my church. We have way more old hymns than we have contemporary music. Now this makes the older people happy, but there are few younger families at my church and I fear it will die out because they don't cater to young people or their families.
I do think I may move to another church sometime because it just isn't as meaningful to me as it used to be. Funny how it was more contemporary when I first started attending in 1994 than it is now. I don't think GP is the church for me but I told Chelsea that she's old enough to decide on her own where she wants to go. She's the only kid I know who is taking on-line classes during the summer so she can take Bible study in High School next year. (Not offered by the school, but as an alternative to LDS Seminary, it's offered by the Wasatch Evangelical Free Church).
Okay enough about that! Our basement is coming along fine. Chelsea is going to be one happy girl when it gets finished! Our bank account is another story. After buying the truck and getting this done we will have to go on a spending moratorium for a while!
I have to have surgery on my right elbow again and the doctor's office called and said they have an opening this Friday. So I took it. I was going to wait until spring break but it does bother me a lot, especially when sleeping, so I'm just going to get 'er done! I have cubital tunnel, which is like carpal tunnel of the elbow. My funny bone nerve is alway stimulated which, as you can imagine, is very irritating. The only way to relieve it is to hold my arm perfectly straight, which is difficult while sleeping. The first surgery was done by an orthopedic surgeon. This time it's being done by a plastic surgeon who specializes in hands and arms. When I go in for my pre-op today I'll ask if I can get a complementary face lift while I'm there! :)
Well, since my hand isn't going to be of much use to me soon I guess I'd better get to writing my papers now!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
It's raining, it's pouring.....
Thank goodness for the rain! The smog is starting to leave us. Last night it was so bad that we were fogged in! Pretty good trick when we live in the desert and have no humidity. What little moisture there was clung to the particulates in the air and pretended to be fog instead of gross, thick, stinking air.
Yesterday I took Chelsea to get her eye exam. I called Mt. Ogden Eye Center for an appointment and told them I needed a glasses and contact prescription for her. When we checked in they asked for the $12 co-pay, which I paid. The technician took us to a room, checked Chelsea's eyes and asked us if we needed a glasses prescription. I told her we needed both glasses and contacts. The doctor came in, asked Chelsea is the lenses the tech set up worked for her. Chelsea said they did. He looked into her eyes, then asked if we needed a prescription for glasses. I again said we needed one for glasses and contacts. He took her chart, handed to the tech and said we needed to go see the optician. I explained that we weren't intending to buy from them (we get ours at Costco). She took us to the optician who announced that to get a contact prescription we would have to pay an extra $75. Now this pissed me right off! There was never any mention of an extra fee for the contact lense prescription at any point until after the exam. I told the optician that I could have gotten the whole thing done at Costco for $80, only went to Mt. Ogden because that is where our insurance pays. So we left, never to return to Mt. Ogden Eye Center again, and went to Costco, where we ordered glasses and paid $40 to get a contact lense prescription. The doc there didn't charge us for the full eye exam since we'd just had one. Next time I'll go to Costco, where they have their prices clearly displayed, pay for the exam and submit the claim to my insurance and see what happens.
Yesterday Mike and I were looking at the paper and saw that the Utah Symphany Orchestra is going to play at WSU. The them is how music is composed. Since Chelsea is a music nut and wants to become a music teacher we thought this would be good to take her to. Unfortunately I have class that night so Mike said he'd take her. When I talked to Chelsea she was all for it. So, this will be their real first father/daughter outing. I don't know why I'm so excited about it, I don't even get to go!
Last night we all went out to Olive Garden for dinner. Then Chelsea went off to her high school basketball game. They were playing their rival and won! Mike and I had a quiet evening at home watching "I am Legend" with Will Smith. Mike didn't really care for the movie, but I liked it. Especially the scene where Will Smith is doing pull-ups, showing off his amazing arm and shoulder muscles. Best part of the movie, in my opinion! :)
Well, I need to head to the store. We are having salmon for dinner (from Costco) and I need to pick up a few things. So I'm out of here!
Yesterday I took Chelsea to get her eye exam. I called Mt. Ogden Eye Center for an appointment and told them I needed a glasses and contact prescription for her. When we checked in they asked for the $12 co-pay, which I paid. The technician took us to a room, checked Chelsea's eyes and asked us if we needed a glasses prescription. I told her we needed both glasses and contacts. The doctor came in, asked Chelsea is the lenses the tech set up worked for her. Chelsea said they did. He looked into her eyes, then asked if we needed a prescription for glasses. I again said we needed one for glasses and contacts. He took her chart, handed to the tech and said we needed to go see the optician. I explained that we weren't intending to buy from them (we get ours at Costco). She took us to the optician who announced that to get a contact prescription we would have to pay an extra $75. Now this pissed me right off! There was never any mention of an extra fee for the contact lense prescription at any point until after the exam. I told the optician that I could have gotten the whole thing done at Costco for $80, only went to Mt. Ogden because that is where our insurance pays. So we left, never to return to Mt. Ogden Eye Center again, and went to Costco, where we ordered glasses and paid $40 to get a contact lense prescription. The doc there didn't charge us for the full eye exam since we'd just had one. Next time I'll go to Costco, where they have their prices clearly displayed, pay for the exam and submit the claim to my insurance and see what happens.
Yesterday Mike and I were looking at the paper and saw that the Utah Symphany Orchestra is going to play at WSU. The them is how music is composed. Since Chelsea is a music nut and wants to become a music teacher we thought this would be good to take her to. Unfortunately I have class that night so Mike said he'd take her. When I talked to Chelsea she was all for it. So, this will be their real first father/daughter outing. I don't know why I'm so excited about it, I don't even get to go!
Last night we all went out to Olive Garden for dinner. Then Chelsea went off to her high school basketball game. They were playing their rival and won! Mike and I had a quiet evening at home watching "I am Legend" with Will Smith. Mike didn't really care for the movie, but I liked it. Especially the scene where Will Smith is doing pull-ups, showing off his amazing arm and shoulder muscles. Best part of the movie, in my opinion! :)
Well, I need to head to the store. We are having salmon for dinner (from Costco) and I need to pick up a few things. So I'm out of here!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The smog!
Oh my gosh, the smog is so bad it is affecting my sinuses and I have a sore throat. Right now the Wasatch Front has the worst air quality in the country. I am definitely not running outside until it clears out!
The work on the basement continues. It is so noisy with the nail gun, hammers, saws, etc. At least they usually quit by 8:00.
I am starting to consider where I'd like to do my internship during my master's program. One of my professors strongly recommends the children's hospital here, but I am not that excited about commuting everyday. But, if it is a great placement and will help me learn what I want and need to learn I guess I can do it. Besides, I could take the train and light rail right to the hospital. That would save me some money since university students get to ride free.
We went to get Chelsea's passport today. She is going to Greece and Italy in April with students and a teacher from her school. Mike will also be going to Europe, but I'm not sure of the date, but also in April. And here I'll be, all alone.
The work on the basement continues. It is so noisy with the nail gun, hammers, saws, etc. At least they usually quit by 8:00.
I am starting to consider where I'd like to do my internship during my master's program. One of my professors strongly recommends the children's hospital here, but I am not that excited about commuting everyday. But, if it is a great placement and will help me learn what I want and need to learn I guess I can do it. Besides, I could take the train and light rail right to the hospital. That would save me some money since university students get to ride free.
We went to get Chelsea's passport today. She is going to Greece and Italy in April with students and a teacher from her school. Mike will also be going to Europe, but I'm not sure of the date, but also in April. And here I'll be, all alone.
Monday, January 19, 2009
I am so excited!
I have never been so excited about a new President! I don't know if I am just so tired of what has happened in the last several years or if I am so excited that this President has helped me to believe that my own daughter, who is 1/2 white, 1/4 black and 1/4 Mexican, can really be whatever she wants to be.
Living in the predominantly white, LDS state that we live in I have often wondered if I may have failed her as her only parent. Living in Utah as a Lutheran and non-white teenager isn't a piece of cake. But every day I see her happy, with many friends of all persuasions. We frequently have 3-10 teenagers over for movies, parties, and fun. She loves high school, except for the math portion! She is busy every weekend. She is very strong in her faith and feels no pressure to change her religion.
Maybe the world really is changing. Just maybe.
I don't believe we have really come to the point where the Reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream has come true. Not all people are judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin. I do not believe that all of God's children can join hands and sing: Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, we are free at last!
But I do believe that day will come. Probably not in my lifetime, but I hope in my child's lifetime.
Until then, I promise to remain active in the fight for equality for all, regardless of race, religion, color, creed, gender, or sexual orientation.
Living in the predominantly white, LDS state that we live in I have often wondered if I may have failed her as her only parent. Living in Utah as a Lutheran and non-white teenager isn't a piece of cake. But every day I see her happy, with many friends of all persuasions. We frequently have 3-10 teenagers over for movies, parties, and fun. She loves high school, except for the math portion! She is busy every weekend. She is very strong in her faith and feels no pressure to change her religion.
Maybe the world really is changing. Just maybe.
I don't believe we have really come to the point where the Reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream has come true. Not all people are judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin. I do not believe that all of God's children can join hands and sing: Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, we are free at last!
But I do believe that day will come. Probably not in my lifetime, but I hope in my child's lifetime.
Until then, I promise to remain active in the fight for equality for all, regardless of race, religion, color, creed, gender, or sexual orientation.
No Eagles
After a long discussion with Mike we decided not to go to the Eagles concert. They are coming here to an open soccer stadium on May 9th. After thinking about the weather possibilities that time of year we decided there was too big of a risk that it would be freezing cold at night in early May. I hate being cold so that pretty much did it for me. Right now we are remodeling our basement. That and the purchase of a new truck pretty much took up most of our savings. I'm a "pay cash or don't buy it" person so I don't want to put concert tickets on a credit card that I can't pay off.
I went running today, even though the smog is really bad. It was an okay run, just glad I got off my butt and did it.
Chelsea is spending all day practicing her drum line competition performance. Those kids are so dedicated! She got herself up at 6:30 today and will be there until 4:30 this afternoon. I just wish she'd put as much effort into her math class!
I've really enjoyed having 4 days off in a row. But tomorrow it's back to school and back to internship.
I went running today, even though the smog is really bad. It was an okay run, just glad I got off my butt and did it.
Chelsea is spending all day practicing her drum line competition performance. Those kids are so dedicated! She got herself up at 6:30 today and will be there until 4:30 this afternoon. I just wish she'd put as much effort into her math class!
I've really enjoyed having 4 days off in a row. But tomorrow it's back to school and back to internship.
Friday, January 16, 2009
The Eagles are coming!
I just saw in the paper that the Eagles are coming to Utah! Tickets go on sale on Saturday so you can bet that I'll be at my computer getting a pair! I saw the Eagles here in 1995 I believe. It was an awesome concert. I'd love to see them again! I know it will cost an arm and a leg but they are getting older and so am I so it's worth it!
Speaking of concerts, Mike and I are going to see Styx in Wendover next month. The concert hall there has only 1000 seats so there really isn't a bad seat in the house. Mike bought the tickets so I don't know where we'll be sitting.
Mike comes home today from Vegas and we may go to the high school basketball game. Chelsea is in the pep band so we'd like to see her play. I don't mind basketball games. At least it's warm and I pretty much understand the game. Mike wanted to go see Weber State football games but it's just too dang cold for me!
Tomorrow night is supposed to be a date night so we'll probably go to dinner and a movie. I think we might go see the new Will Smith movie. Mike likes action adventure movies and I'm okay with them as long as they aren't too gory. I like Will Smith so it should be a good movie for both of us. Besides, the last movie we went to see was Mama Mia, and he didn't complain about that so I have to give him some credit.
Our basement remodel is coming along. The bathroom is framed and the plumbing is almost roughed in. I can't wait for the noise and the mess to be done, though!
Today I had intended to go running but I was lazy and slept in so I'll probably take the dog for a walk later instead. Right now I need to clean the bathroom and get some homework done!
Speaking of concerts, Mike and I are going to see Styx in Wendover next month. The concert hall there has only 1000 seats so there really isn't a bad seat in the house. Mike bought the tickets so I don't know where we'll be sitting.
Mike comes home today from Vegas and we may go to the high school basketball game. Chelsea is in the pep band so we'd like to see her play. I don't mind basketball games. At least it's warm and I pretty much understand the game. Mike wanted to go see Weber State football games but it's just too dang cold for me!
Tomorrow night is supposed to be a date night so we'll probably go to dinner and a movie. I think we might go see the new Will Smith movie. Mike likes action adventure movies and I'm okay with them as long as they aren't too gory. I like Will Smith so it should be a good movie for both of us. Besides, the last movie we went to see was Mama Mia, and he didn't complain about that so I have to give him some credit.
Our basement remodel is coming along. The bathroom is framed and the plumbing is almost roughed in. I can't wait for the noise and the mess to be done, though!
Today I had intended to go running but I was lazy and slept in so I'll probably take the dog for a walk later instead. Right now I need to clean the bathroom and get some homework done!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wednesday
I couldn't think of a catchy title so Wednesday it is!
Mom and Dad left for Arizona on Monday morning and Mike headed to Las Vegas. You'd think the house would be quiet, but oh no! Mike's friends have started work on the basement and have the bathroom already framed. In the process they've found some things the original owner/builder did wrong. There doesn't seem to be an insulation anywhere in the basement. And a load bearing wall was never even attached to the house! Mike and the guys will be sure to fix all the problems so that the house not only meets code but also is safe and easier to heat.
School is busy. I have several papers to work on. I intend to finish one today. My internship is keeping me busy. I've seen some interesting clients with some interesting issues so I look forward to seeing how their treatment goes.
Chelsea's ears are really killing her. Thankfully she has an appointment this afternoon. I hope they can figure out what it is!
I am feeling really lazy! It's 8:30 and I'm still in my pajamas. Oh well, no one will see me anyway! Now I need to get off my butt, fold some laundry and get busy on my paper.
Mom and Dad left for Arizona on Monday morning and Mike headed to Las Vegas. You'd think the house would be quiet, but oh no! Mike's friends have started work on the basement and have the bathroom already framed. In the process they've found some things the original owner/builder did wrong. There doesn't seem to be an insulation anywhere in the basement. And a load bearing wall was never even attached to the house! Mike and the guys will be sure to fix all the problems so that the house not only meets code but also is safe and easier to heat.
School is busy. I have several papers to work on. I intend to finish one today. My internship is keeping me busy. I've seen some interesting clients with some interesting issues so I look forward to seeing how their treatment goes.
Chelsea's ears are really killing her. Thankfully she has an appointment this afternoon. I hope they can figure out what it is!
I am feeling really lazy! It's 8:30 and I'm still in my pajamas. Oh well, no one will see me anyway! Now I need to get off my butt, fold some laundry and get busy on my paper.
Friday, January 9, 2009
TGIF!
I love, love, love having Friday's with no school and no internship! I slept horribly last night because my neck hurt and also my ulnar nerve. I am finally getting in to a specialist next week to see what they can do about the ulnar nerve. I had the nerve transposed in 2005 and it is just getting worse. I am seeing an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hands and elbows. I am also going to be seeing a neurosurgeon for my neck. Chelsea is still having real problems with ear pain. The ENT doctor thought it was because she is grinding her teeth, but she's been wearing the guard for two weeks now and it only getting worse. She is going back to see him again next week also. Mike has medical issues as well but doesn't want me to make an appointment. None of it is life threatening so I've decided to quit bugging him about it. If he wants to be in pain that's his choice, but I also won't listen to his complaining because he's not willing to get it looked at by a doctor.
The weather was really beautiful today. I hope it continues tomorrow so I can go for a run.
Today we went and picked out the stuff for Chelsea's bathroom. Tomorrow Mike and his friends are going to Lowes to get all the other stuff, like sheetrock, insulation, etc. They will start on the basement on Monday.
Mike leaves for Las Vegas on Monday and returns on Friday. Mom and Dad will leave for Arizona on Monday, so next week will seem pretty quiet.
The weather was really beautiful today. I hope it continues tomorrow so I can go for a run.
Today we went and picked out the stuff for Chelsea's bathroom. Tomorrow Mike and his friends are going to Lowes to get all the other stuff, like sheetrock, insulation, etc. They will start on the basement on Monday.
Mike leaves for Las Vegas on Monday and returns on Friday. Mom and Dad will leave for Arizona on Monday, so next week will seem pretty quiet.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
New year
Well, school has started and I already have lots of homework to do. Guess I'd better get on it!
My parents are coming tomorrow. They brought their trailer down in November and are ready to pick it up and head to Arizona. I don't know why, they only got about 117 inches of snow so far in N. Idaho!
Next week we will start finishing our basement so Chelsea will have her own bedroom and sitting room. She has her own room now but it is upstairs. She wants her own room downstairs and Mike thinks that if she has a sitting room as well she'll stay longer. That is probably true since her grades (3.3) are not good enough to qualify for the University of Utah so she'll probably have to start at Weber State, which isn't a bad thing if you ask me!
I went back to Weight Watchers today. It felt good to be back and I am expecting to reach my WW goal weight in the next month and my personal goal weight in 2 months. I have another herniated disk in my neck and I am hoping I don't have to have any other surgery.
My parents are coming tomorrow. They brought their trailer down in November and are ready to pick it up and head to Arizona. I don't know why, they only got about 117 inches of snow so far in N. Idaho!
Next week we will start finishing our basement so Chelsea will have her own bedroom and sitting room. She has her own room now but it is upstairs. She wants her own room downstairs and Mike thinks that if she has a sitting room as well she'll stay longer. That is probably true since her grades (3.3) are not good enough to qualify for the University of Utah so she'll probably have to start at Weber State, which isn't a bad thing if you ask me!
I went back to Weight Watchers today. It felt good to be back and I am expecting to reach my WW goal weight in the next month and my personal goal weight in 2 months. I have another herniated disk in my neck and I am hoping I don't have to have any other surgery.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Back from Wendover
Mike and I went to Wendover, NV to visit with some friends from South Dakota. Shelia, Matt, Woody, Carla, Gammaw and some of Shelia's friends came down on an excursion trip. We had loads of fun catching up with them. The last time we'd seen them was when we went to South Dakota right after our wedding.
I'm not much of a gambler. I think I gambled about $30 the whole 3 years I lived in Las Vegas. The last time we went to Wendover (my first time) I think Mike convinced me to play video poker and I lost $10. This time Shelia convinced me to try my hand at "21". We went to the Red Garter (closing this month for good) where they have $2 tables. I picked up the basics pretty easy, mostly because I can actually count to "21"! The finer points of gambling are a little harder. Guess I'll learn eventually. Now I do like "21" and will probably try my hand again when we go back on Feb. 21st to see the Styx concert.
Chelsea stayed home with her friend, Somer. I can't wait to hear stories about it when she is much older and not worried about being grounded! :)
School starts tomorrow and so does my healthy living attitude. I gained some weight from eating too much and not exercising enough (okay, not at all!) and taking the dreaded prednisone! Now it's got to come off! I am going back to Weight Watchers and have subscribed to a Weight Watchers recipe blog. I am back to running and have a Wii Fit so I have no excuse on that front.
I am going to lay off the wine, except on weekends and really get back to a better life. I feel so bloated and unattractive right now. I do have to say that I really love Mike for not saying anything about my weight gain, but I know he'll be supportive of the healthy eating and exercising.
I'm not much of a gambler. I think I gambled about $30 the whole 3 years I lived in Las Vegas. The last time we went to Wendover (my first time) I think Mike convinced me to play video poker and I lost $10. This time Shelia convinced me to try my hand at "21". We went to the Red Garter (closing this month for good) where they have $2 tables. I picked up the basics pretty easy, mostly because I can actually count to "21"! The finer points of gambling are a little harder. Guess I'll learn eventually. Now I do like "21" and will probably try my hand again when we go back on Feb. 21st to see the Styx concert.
Chelsea stayed home with her friend, Somer. I can't wait to hear stories about it when she is much older and not worried about being grounded! :)
School starts tomorrow and so does my healthy living attitude. I gained some weight from eating too much and not exercising enough (okay, not at all!) and taking the dreaded prednisone! Now it's got to come off! I am going back to Weight Watchers and have subscribed to a Weight Watchers recipe blog. I am back to running and have a Wii Fit so I have no excuse on that front.
I am going to lay off the wine, except on weekends and really get back to a better life. I feel so bloated and unattractive right now. I do have to say that I really love Mike for not saying anything about my weight gain, but I know he'll be supportive of the healthy eating and exercising.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
It's 2009!
Its hard to believe that another year has gone by. And what a year it was. So many good things happened. Let's hope this year will be just as good or even better!
Mike and I went to a New Years Eve party last night and had a really good time. We got home around 12:45. I stayed up reading until Chelsea got home at 1:00. I woke up around 6:00 and couldn't get back to sleep so I got up and finished my book "The Hour I First Believed" by Wally Lamb. My mom got it for me for Christmas. I started reading it on Saturday and had a hard time putting it down. I'm glad I'm done because school starts again on Monday and I probably won't have much time for leisurely reading.
About 9:00 I decided to go for a run. It wasn't very good because I haven't run regularly for about 3 months, and have put on some weight so my knees were acting up. The first 2 miles were actually pretty good and reminded me why I really do like running. The last mile sucked and reminded me why its not a good idea to to take a 3 month break!
Mike and I have resolved to be healthier this year. We want to share as many years as possible together. We want to travel and stay active after we retire so now is the time to take action on that. I am considering going back to Weight Watchers again after taking way too much time off of that. We'll have to see how my school and internship works out. If I can't go to a meeting I just might do the online version. I only have 7 lbs to lose but its always harder to lose a small amount than a big one for some reason. At only 5'1" tall those 7 lbs really show, and I can really feel them.
I am excited for the new year and all the hope it brings. So let's see how it goes!
Mike and I went to a New Years Eve party last night and had a really good time. We got home around 12:45. I stayed up reading until Chelsea got home at 1:00. I woke up around 6:00 and couldn't get back to sleep so I got up and finished my book "The Hour I First Believed" by Wally Lamb. My mom got it for me for Christmas. I started reading it on Saturday and had a hard time putting it down. I'm glad I'm done because school starts again on Monday and I probably won't have much time for leisurely reading.
About 9:00 I decided to go for a run. It wasn't very good because I haven't run regularly for about 3 months, and have put on some weight so my knees were acting up. The first 2 miles were actually pretty good and reminded me why I really do like running. The last mile sucked and reminded me why its not a good idea to to take a 3 month break!
Mike and I have resolved to be healthier this year. We want to share as many years as possible together. We want to travel and stay active after we retire so now is the time to take action on that. I am considering going back to Weight Watchers again after taking way too much time off of that. We'll have to see how my school and internship works out. If I can't go to a meeting I just might do the online version. I only have 7 lbs to lose but its always harder to lose a small amount than a big one for some reason. At only 5'1" tall those 7 lbs really show, and I can really feel them.
I am excited for the new year and all the hope it brings. So let's see how it goes!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)