amanda for all seasons

Sneak Preview

2011-08-23T16:30:00.000-06:00

Things are about to get crazy in our house... once again. We started tearing out floors last week and found a time capsule under the carpet. From one layer to the next decades were revealed. We're about halfway done with all of the demo - anyone wanting a sore back, feel free to come by anytime this week.

The 90's - I'm so glad this carpet is gone... food + shaggy carpet = super gross.
Also, does the shag edge remind anyone else of the van from Dumb & Dumber?

The 80's - First layer gone and voila... a parquet floor.
Who thought shag carpet in the eating area would be better than this not-completely-unfortunate parquet?

The 70's - Second layer almost gone... revealing linoleum... one more to go - fingers crossed.
On an unrelated note, see the grapes on the counter? They're from our backyard and are almost perfect! Just a few more days in the sun!

Yesterday we got the call that our material was in so we excitedly drove down to pick it up . Maybe it was too much excitement that resulted in us dropping it on the way home. Luckily there was little damage, we were on a small, less-busy street and a group of guys from a nearby bar saw what happened and quickly helped us reload the truck. One (drunk) guy helped while continually reminding us that oak is slick and we need to drive slow (along with sharing some expletives with the passing vehicles). We were driving slowly, but apparently not slowly enough. I spent the rest of the drive home uttering little prayers every time we stopped at a red light and had to get going again. We made it home (avoiding all large hills and driving slowly) without any additional catastrophes. Now it sits in the dining room, waiting to be installed in about 2 weeks.

Our soon-to-be new floors!

Countertops....

2011-07-25T08:18:00.000-06:00

Well here's the first (long-time promised) post of projects at the house. Last fall Jared and I got a little adventurous and decided to replace the kitchen countertops... by ourselves.

When Jared first bought the house last April, the first thing he did was paint.... the walls in nearly and every room and the kitchen cabinets (he's not a big fan of white cabinets). So I helped him pick some colors and after a little learning experience (translate: painting, peeling, sanding, re-painting)... the kitchen cabinets were done in a nice dark grey - I believe its called Seal by Martha Stewart at Home Depot.

It all started with the KSL classifieds and a drive up to Ogden.

Our future countertops - anyone recognize the material yet?

They're old bowling lanes from an alley in Ogden - now closed.

Sawing and sanding... and sawing and sanding.

Countertops installed and multiple coats of sealer applied.

Pre-backsplash

We now have the backsplash and it's nearly all installed. We just need one more piece trimmed down. We used 6" tall aluminum and had it brushed and powdercoated. I need to take some better pictures once we finish the backsplash (and the walls have a new color too).

New Blog!!!

2011-05-28T21:11:00.000-06:00

We started another blog to document our RV travels....

http://twoticketstobearadise.blogspot.com/

I know I still need to post about Cleveland, our house projects and Virginia... but all in time.

Costa Rica - The Honeymoon

2011-05-08T22:38:00.001-06:00

Once we finally made it to Costa Rica (we were delayed 2 days due to weather in Atlanta) we headed to La Fortuna where we hoped to see Volcano Arenal. Unfortunately for Jared (I'd seen it when I was in Costa Rica 3 years ago) it rained everyday we were there. It was still warm, we were still able to go hiking to the waterfall, enjoy the hot springs and eat the best food at the Gingerbread House (thanks to Nick & Jenna's recommendation).

La Fortuna Waterfall

Next, we went down to Drake's Bay for the rest of the trip. We took a flight down from San Jose, which ended up being our own private flight - it was a little 12 seater. The airport down at Drake's Bay included one asphalt landing strip, one little "shack" with wooden benches, one counter for check-in and a restroom. It was awesome! We had some fun adventures in Drake's Bay......

The airport at Drake's Bay

View from our cabin

Horseback riding in the jungle

Our horses looked rather emaciated, but they made it the whole way. Although Jared's horse dug in his heels on the trip back when we didn't take the road down to his home. He tried to brush Jared off against a fence and ended up dumping him off when the saddle slipped, which luckily didn't result in any serious injury.

Whip-tail "scorpion" on my face

Same whip-tail "scorpion"

We took a night tour with "the bug lady" (an American lady who studied biology/entemology and now gives tours at night). She LOVES insects and bug life - it was interesting and weird. Below is a video of a trap-door spider, which was really amusing to see. Oh, and the insects above aren't really scorpions, they are only called that because of the similar body shape (or something like that). So Mom, no worries - there was no risk of getting stung. Jared & I were a little nervous at the start of the tour because both tour guides lectured us for wearing chacos instead of rubber boots.... rubber boots weren't on my list for the beach. We were told that sandals are for sand - obviously they've never been hiking in Utah. We were also told that we needed to be extra careful and watch our step during the tour. Turns out we stayed on a cement path the entire time. Danger!

Beautiful beach where we ate lunch after snorkeling

Humpback Whales

Humpback Whales
momma with a couple babies

We saw humpback whales, dolphins and a school of tuna fish on our boat rides to the island for snorkeling and around the bay on our way to Corcovado National Park. We got to see some cool wildlife at Corcovado; unfortunately there were no jaguar sitings.

Costa Rican food
this was some of the best "tipico" we had

Guess where we are this weekend.....

2011-04-16T14:24:00.000-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZzgAjjuqZM

Jealous, I'm sure

Oh, so I got married....

2011-04-11T13:51:00.000-06:00

So it's been over a year since I've updated my blog... but with good reason. I met a cute boy... we started dating, then we got engaged and now we're married (a whole 3 months). So I figured it's about time I update and post some pictures. Although I will try to not be too gratuitous with the pictures, it was the best day... enjoy!

Obligatory "walking out of the temple" picture

Family & friends at the temple

My cute little nieces - little Jane mothering the slightly littler Siena

My parents

Besos from Siena

Jared & his cute little nieces and nephew

The McKee's

The Hatch's (we missed having Matty Boy with us)

Me & Grandma Carrolee
I wish I would've gotten a better picture with my grandparents

The Hatch's
Mike, Ginger, Grandpa, Kris, Grandma, Toni, Sally, Mike, Mom & Dad

The Goodman's (aka - my second family)
Steve, Cindy, Barrett, Jared, Mandy, Afton, Ryan & Kelli
(we missed all of the Teeples Clan, but glad we get to see them more often now)

The reception locale

My Grandpa Clarence (on the left) and his brother, Roy -
no, they're not twins

Mr. Karl Pedersen & his beautiful wife, Rachael
the man who started it all - he introduced me & Jared

The Fab Five
Irinna, Liz, Mandy, Beka & Noelle

Father/daughter dance.... so, does it look like we're related?

Jared & his boys
Jay, Jeremy, Darin, Joe, Jared, Kris, Karl, Chris & Richard

Meg - the greatest roommate and adventure friend

The bouquet toss (or direct missile)

Me & my Tilly

The ladies - Jenna, Britt, Mandy & Heidi
(Cami was already gone and I was way over not breathing in my dress)

The best day ever!!!! Coming soon... photos of our little abode, we're nearly done fixing up the place. And then... on the road in the RV for 6 weeks. I should probably get some pictures from Costa Rica up as well.

repeat here

2010-04-30T09:06:00.002-06:00

With T minus 3 months to the big 3-0 I've been asked a lot of the same questions. What am I going to do to celebrate? Do I feel old? Am I going to start lying about my age? Is it all downhill from here? My answers: I'm not sure... Italy, Greece? :) Nope, I really still feel like a kid trying to figure out what to do with my life. Yeah right, people don't believe me when I tell them how old I am, so why lie? I'm turning 30, not 40. Ask me in 10 years ;)

So reading my friend's recent blog post only confirmed my belief that I'm still young and have plenty of life to live. Thanks Kim (and Jodi)... Cyndi really knows what she's talking about. So here's the re-post of the re-post.........

"....It was during a dramatic scene of Celebrity Apprentice that Cyndi revealed that nothing happened for her until she was 30. She said, 'Sometimes life begins AFTER you're 30.' A quick Wikipedia search confirmed this. Cyndi Lauper was 30 when her breakthrough album was released, resulting in a previously unprecedented (for a female artist) 5 consecutive Top 20 singles. The multi-colored hair, outrageous apparel, tassel bra worn OVER her shirt, her romp with the Goonies and the release of her iconic anthem of "girls having fun" were all done by a woman 30+. Hurrah!! Not that I have aspirations of becoming a pop icon or that it would even be a possibility. If anything, it validates my current behavior and future desires to adventure and experience life and new opportunities. So my friends 30+ or close to it, enjoy this video with the thought in mind that most likely ALL of the women in this video are over 30. So dress up, run wild, dance while cruising the sidewalk, pursue your dreams and be free because I don't think we should ever grow out of wanting to have fun nor actually having it. Middle age .... bring it on!!"

Now don't get too excited, people. I won't be releasing a breakthrough album for my 30th (or ever), but more good things are on the way.

As a quick side note, doesn't this video make you miss the days when MTV actually played music videos and not just trashy reality TV. I know there's MTV2 for the actual music videos, but it's a little ironic that they had to create a second channel for that. Uh, isn't that why MTV was created in the first place?

a little thailand

2010-04-25T22:53:00.003-06:00

Yes, there are plenty more pictures of Thailand to come.... for now, you can enjoy this video of me SNUBA diving at Siam Bay off Racha Yai Island. I'm pretty sure the photographer was interested in the anemone and skunk clownfish in the foreground, but you can also see me and my frog legs searching for my hair elastic in the background. I found it, but it was way down in the coral and rocks and I was too afraid of breaking the coral or getting stung by a hidden creature.

Too Much TAL

2010-03-25T09:54:00.004-06:00

I've been listening to podcasts of This American Life while working in the office and when knitting in the evening, watching episodes from season 1 and 2 on Netflix. I realized last night/early this morning that perhaps I've been watching and listening a little too much.

I had a dream that Ira Glass took me and some girlfriends to NYC (why NYC? I'm not sure - it should've been Chicago, but obviously dreams don't always follow logic). He wanted to interview us and do a story on Mormon dating culture. I woke up before Ira started asking questions, but I'm sure the questions would have been highly entertaining. Maybe I should let Ira know I've got a great story for him.

Ben Folds', "The Luckiest", also made an appearance in my dreams at one point. I don't remember the details, but there was something about a man who was born 50 years before the woman he loves... it was a crazy night.

I'm in a club

2010-03-02T12:44:00.003-07:00

It's the Sugar Free Club (at least for the month of March)... check it out here. My cousin's wife, Shari, is amazing when it comes to eating healthy without all the weirdness (you know what I mean by weirdness.... tofurkey, spend-your-life-savings-at-Whole-Foods diet, raw diets, paleolithic/caveman diets, etc...)

I just started yesterday and although cookies, caramels, milkshakes, chocolate milk and raspberry lemonade are all quite tempting, I like the challenge. I don't think I'm going into "sugar withdrawals" yet, although I do have a headache today (but I think it's resonating pain from my ribs, I'll save that for another post after I visit the doctor tomorrow). It's going to be a good month of self-control and body cleansing and will really jump start my goal of eating more fruits and veggies. So if anyone else has been dying to try the new Red Velvet cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory, please wait until April when we can share a slice. Until then, join me, I dare you.

a good cloudy day

2010-02-25T16:20:00.002-07:00

Today marks 23 years since my little brother passed away. It's crazy to think it's been that long. Sometimes the memories feel so fresh and that everything just happened the other day. But mostly it feels like another lifetime.

This picture was taken when Anthony was really sick and he passed away a few months later. My parents have a better picture from this sitting when the photographer was able to get Anthony to smile. He had a great smile with cute little dimples.

After he died we'd pick a cloud that was his. We'd usually look for those big billowy clouds where the sun was breaking through and decided that's where Anthony lived. As I was driving home from work today it was stormy and grey in the canyon, but as I approached the mouth of the canyon the sun was breaking through. There were big, billowy clouds everywhere. It reminded me of my sweet Tony.

(I'm the one in the purple plaid, if the big eyes didn't give it away. Also, I think my parents must have found the fountain of youth, because I swear, they still look the same.)

my welcome to arizona

2010-02-16T20:53:00.006-07:00

I was going through some files and found this fantastic picture of me and my cousin, Tara. I can tell it was taken shortly after I moved to Arizona by the lovely shiner on my right eye.

Here's the story: I'd been to my new singles ward once where I heard that the following Saturday was the ward lake trip.

Tara and I went for some fun at the lake and to make some new friends. I was also able to make a new discovery.... if you catch the tip of your wakeboard and hit the water at the right angle with enough speed, you'll end up with a bloody nose, a black eye and a killer headache. It was embarrassing. For weeks, no months after, people remembered me as "the girl that got a black eye at the lake".

Being that I was in Arizona, most people assumed I got hit playing softball. One old guy at the gas station even stopped me and asked if I was okay. I'm not sure if he was expecting me to confide in him about domestic abuse or what, but it was cute that he was so concerned.

Yes, Arizona welcomed me with a nasty black eye (and it was nasty, half of my eyeball was solid red due to broken blood vessels).

my valentine

2010-02-12T13:33:00.003-07:00

I came home from work today to find this on my front porch. It's my cute Valentine from my awesome parents. I seriously have the best mom and dad!

happy friday to me

2010-01-29T13:05:00.004-07:00

i love shoes... and after months (no exaggeration) of waiting... these finally came. i ordered them, received them, needed a larger size, returned them, waited, waited, waited... and then my online tracking showed they were delivered... but not to me. so someone in town is probably (dishonestly) walking around in these. but thankfully, they sent me a new pair after filing a claim, blah, blah, blah and now they're here. i love shoes (even if i might be mistaken for a european or a wrestler or a breakdancer in these)

Seattle, anyone?

2010-01-29T11:23:00.002-07:00

You want to win a trip to Seattle ($800 value)... just go here and check out the giveaway details.... http://www.rachelthurston.com/blog/

You're welcome!

I just have to brag

2010-01-22T08:50:00.001-07:00

Check out this video of my niece, Siena.

Isn't she so cute!!!

http://nicknjenna.blogspot.com/2010/01/sing-long.html

The Happiness Project

2010-01-13T13:38:00.002-07:00

This is going to be a part of my new year's resolutions. I know a lot of people like to post their resolutions or goals publicly but I like to keep mine to myself. I write them in my journal and review them periodically. But here's one I just came across and am willing to share. http://www.happiness-project.com/

It's not that I think I'm a particularly unhappy person (right?), but I really want to make this more of my focus in life. Life will always be filled with ups and downs, some are more predictable and others just catch us off guard. No matter what, I am going to be happy. Even though I'm home alone this week :( and it's winter (I love summer and sunshine) and my heart feels extra tender lately, I'm going to be happy. So learning more about this new project is what will keep me busy this week, along with ballet tonight, my new museum training class tomorrow, a friend in town this weekend, knitting, using my new Bosch mixer, continuing the organization projects I started a week ago, sending off my SIL's b-day gift (sorry, it might be a bit late), "calendaring" the next few weeks and we'll see what else comes my way. And of course, getting enough sleep.

Sometimes I wish...

2010-01-08T11:26:00.004-07:00

that this could be my job http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=9267880.

I went to the wild mustang auction earlier last year and although I know little about horses and round-ups (especially of wild mustangs), sometimes I wish I knew a lot. And had a horse of my very own.

My company is currently building in a small-ish town and I think about moving up here some days. I think I would like it. Shopping wouldn't be an issue - I like shopping online. They have a few cute restaurants, for days I'd like to eat out. More than one grocery store. Multiple gas stations. I think they have a movie theater, if not there's one within a 20-25 min. drive. They even have a store for boots and jeans. And yes, I did stop to look for my perfect pair of boots. I'm still on the hunt. They didn't have any that said "Mandy". I'll find 'em.

Here's another great reason - I took these pictures on my drive to check progress at the lot.

A fairly large herd thought the middle of a field would be a cozy place on a wintery day.

Another herd was looking to find more cover above the golf course.

Side note - maybe I should change the name of my blog to "Title... Post" - I seem to exhibit a pattern here.

an idea for my knitting

2010-01-05T09:33:00.005-07:00

hat by me, cute little girl by my brother & sister-in-law

I've been debating about opening up a little Etsy shop to sell my knitting projects, but obviously just haven't made the commitment (or kept enough of my projects to sell). So here's my latest idea, let me know what you think.

I found this website before the holidays and knew that I could definitely do something like this. The hats are simple, classic and definitely something I could make in mass quantities. But I also don't think it's something I could make a living from, nor do I think I would want to anyway. I like my job and I also like the idea of not having arthritic hands by my 35th birthday.

This leads to my next idea for this venture. Since I'm not looking to really make money from this venture, why not use the money I would earn to help others. I've been thinking a lot about my little brother that passed away from cancer almost 22 years ago (wow, that sounds like a really long time). I think about him a lot during the holidays, the anniversary of his death (that's approaching next month) and I have dreams about him sometimes. I know there are a lot of races or other such events that people dedicate to lost loved ones, but maybe I could use this talent of mine to dedicate to my little Tony's memory. I could knit hats for kids going through chemo, or use the money from selling these hats to donate to families to help with their expenses (as meager as it may be).

So what do you think?

Now I just need to figure out the logistics of it all. I know someone I could ask for help in creating a website, or I could even just create a blog with a little paypal store. But I'm not really sure how it would work financially. Do I need to set up an LLC, or a charitable organization, or how do I report this money to the govt., etc., etc.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Oh, I also need a name for this little shop of mine.

I like random

2009-12-21T12:20:00.002-07:00

So in that regard, here area a few random thoughts I've had lately:

1) I love the smell of sawdust. I went out to the model home job site last week (they've started framing!!!) and I was reminded how much I love the smell of sawdust. It reminded me of my wood working class last year. I sadly just realized I haven't posted pictures of my final products (yet - it will be a New Year's Resolution). The smell also made me want to use my miter saw for a real project - I had an idea for Christmas gifts, but the frigid temperatures have delayed those plans until next year.

2) I'm a little nervous for my new volunteer experience here, after all I haven't officially committed to something for two years in a while. Sure, I've maintained employment at the same jobs for more than two years, I've lived in places (even houses) for more than two years, but I didn't make an official commitment upfront to these things. But it'll be great! I'm especially looking forward to my training class that I'll attend for the first 4 months to help me actually know what I'm showing people.

3) I love my mom and dad. They are always such great cheerleaders, are my best friends, and always let me call to cry, share happy news or just chat. I'm also grateful for siblings that do the same.

4) I've always been blessed with REALLY great girlfriends. High school, college besties, Arizona roommates (even Ralphie and Ruby weren't all bad), SLC roommates, friends at church, aunts who are like second moms, cousins, co-workers and the list goes on.

5) Lastly, I am SOOOOO excited to go home this week! Merry Christmas to all!!

Something to note...

2009-10-16T13:26:00.002-06:00

I get extremely grouchy when I'm hungry..... a fair warning to all.

I've been sitting at my desk for the last 4 hours while one, that's right, one cabinet is being installed in our office. I've been starving for the last 2 hours. How can it seriously take 4 hours to install ONE cabinet? I'm chewing gum, drinking water and just trying to be patient. I'm afraid at this point I may have to stop at the gas station and carbo/calorie load with some Cheetos.

Amanda likes to.....

2009-04-25T12:23:00.002-06:00

My friend Sarah posted this on her blog and I found it rather comical, so I decided to share mine.

All you have to do is google "[your name] likes to" and then post the top ten results. Here's what happened when I did my name:

1. Amanda likes to sit in her pajamas and shop for shoes on the Internet while eating Nutella straight out of the jar. (I promise, that really is the first result - and it's pretty true, except I think I would prefer Nutella on a crepe with bananas)
2. Amanda likes to dance. (Tis true... I do love to "dance it out" any time)
3. Amanda likes men who have confidence to be secure in themselves when they're with a girl. (So it didn't follow the "likes to"... but I still like it)
4. Amanda likes to dance. (Yes, there really was a second of the same, which is fine by me)
5. Amanda likes to do it in her community. (Calm down - this was referring to physical activity and community interaction)
6. Amanda like to party. (Yes, depending on your definition)
7. Amanda likes to draw, paint, write comic books, read Jhonen Vasquez comics. (You lost me on the last two)
8. Amanda likes to write. (Sure, why not)
9. Amanda likes to dance. (Ok, we get it - I like to dance)
10. Amanda likes to drink. (Please specify... Strawberry Limeade, Chocolate Milk, Fresca??? then the answer is yes)

Now, your turn.

A Serious Game of Jenga....

2009-03-19T16:18:00.006-06:00

before

jenga

after

I'm still trying to figure out how one would go about moving an entire building. All I have been able to determine so far is that it must take a lot of careful digging and concrete cutting, some serious lifts and a lot of steady hands.

I was so intrigued by what I saw yesterday when I was out to dinner with a friend that I decided it deserved a second look and some photographic documentation.

So it's obvious that they've removed all the windows and filled them with cinder block, but what about the interior? Are there braces holding the floors/ceilings up? Or is the entire building full of blocks and mortar?

There is such a thing as too big

2009-03-06T14:29:00.005-07:00

So I saw this commercial and thought this was a local company advertising, but to my surprise.... they have a billing address in Connecticut. According to the "testimonials" it looks like big hair is loved by people across the nation - not just in my area.

https://www.bumpits.com/ .... oh, and they're called "Bump Its"... not "Bum Pits"

A Steak Out

2009-02-17T13:20:00.005-07:00

My roommates and I ventured across the border to purchase a few "items" for an upcoming birthday and Chinese New Year. While on the other side of the border, we decided it would only be fitting to indulge ourselves with mass quantities of meat. Although this town's nicest restaurant required reservations... we were some how able to slip in and be seated at one of many vacant tables. Here is the evidence of our gluttony:

RE: ocho

2008-11-16T15:55:00.004-07:00

i've been tagged.... so here we go:

Tagged by Jenna:

8 TV shows I like to watch:
1. The Office
2. Eli Stone
3. The Starter Wife (don't judge me)
4. The Soup
5. almost anything on HGTV
6. House
7. hmmmm....... i probably should say the news, but i hate the news in Utah
8. .......uhhhhh

8 things that happened yesterday:
1. sewed new kitchen curtains
2. went shopping with my roommates
3. got lost in SLC with my roommates - not really, it was more of a scenic drive
4. went to lunch at Stella with my roommates
5. watched Eli Stone (i love TV on the internet)
6. made an apple pie with Amber for the party
7. aforementioned apple pie was dropped on the ground as we arrived at the party (no names mentioned)
8. enjoyed friends' company at the soup and pie party

8 Favorite places to eat:
1. PF Chang's
2. Takashi
3. Venice/Chianti
4. Don Jose's (sad it's now closed)
5. Chipotle
6. Cafe Rio
7. Pei Wei
8. grilled panini from Wild Oats

8 things I’m looking forward to:
1. new job
2. skiing this winter
3. snowshoeing this winter
4. a warm vacation this winter
5. going home for Thanksgiving & Christmas
6. kissing my niece's chubby cheeks when I go home
7. playing with my hilarious nephews when I go home (and kissing their cheeks - if they let me)
8. New Year's Eve - I just have a feeling it's going to be good this year

domestications

2008-11-16T15:19:00.010-07:00

I must admit that I have become quite accustomed to life without a full-time job. "If you have the means, I would highly recommend it. It is so choice." (can anyone name the movie?) So to flaunt my time as a lady of leisure... here are a few of my crafty accomplishments:

1. a few hand-knit items; a couple others are hopefully being enjoyed by their new owners.

2. my new belt rug - which helps to cover the rather unsightly bedroom carpet

3. a re-finished sideboard/cabinet of sorts for the dining area (my roommate started the re-finishing, which I completed when she grew tired/busy)

4. re-finished kitchen table (another one my roommated started)... we got this table from a neighbor who had literally POURED lacquer over the table... it took hours of sanding and scraping... and although it's not perfect, i think it has a great "antiqued" look - oh, the table runner and curtains were another "crafty" addition

5. re-finished kitchen chair - my roommates are working on their chairs for our "shabby-chic" kitchen collection

low-class confession

2008-09-30T21:14:00.002-06:00

Now I know this may not be the classiest of confessions... but I think I'm okay with that... I must admit that I love Big Lots... It's kind of a guilty pleasure that I know I can trace back to my grandma. When we were little and visiting my grandparents in Arizona, my grandma would always give us "mad money". We could use this "mad money" on anything we wanted.... as we got older it was for gas money, or cab fare if a date was a dud, or a little splurge when shopping. So when we were young, my grandma would take us to Big Lots (then Pic'N'Save) where we would buy a new little purse or cool markers that had an "invisible pen" for writing secret messages. I'm sure my dad loved it when we'd return with even more stuff to fit in our suitcases for the trip home.
Not that I would recommend Big Lots for food items or cosmetic-type purchases - I'm not really sure how the expiration dates work out - but it is great for party accessories, dish towels, some kitchen gadgets, etc.
On a classier note, I did go to The Gateway yesterday and tempted myself with the idea of purchasing a MacBook.... perhaps it will be my Christmas present.

the summer of mandy returns, except - it's the fall

2008-09-28T15:36:00.006-06:00

so once, actually twice, there was "the summer of mandy" - the first was in 2002... i had just returned from a spring-term study abroad in europe and had about 7 weeks of summer before returning to school. one of those weeks would be spent in hawaii with my best friends at our best friend's wedding... so with only 6 weeks at home, and no real prospects of employment (the seasonal positions had been filled for weeks) i was able to spend that time at home being crafty - i worked on the only real scrapbooks i've ever compiled for myself, went to classes at the health club with my mom, realized that i aspire to be a "pool mom" and re-finished a cedar chest that is now proudly displayed in my parents' room.

the second "summer of mandy" was in 2003 - yes, i had back-to-back summers of "leisure" (should be read so as to rhyme with 'pleasure' - much more lush that way) - this time i was a new resident in arizona... upon arriving in arizona just a few weeks before "the start" of an arizona summer (AKA- temperatures well-exceeding 100) and my sanity being questioned for the timing of my move... i came to realize that an arizona summer is quite enjoyable if you're living in a pool - especially a fabulous pool like my aunt & uncle's. but don't worry - i also improved my sewing skills at my aunt's workshop where i learned about making amazing window treatments, pillows and bedding. my cousin taught me some valuable skills while helping to "fix-up" some of his rental properties. and i even learned that it is possible to get a black-eye from the water if you hit it face-first at just the right speed and angle.

i am happy to say that "the summer of mandy" has returned - except that it's the fall... "the fall of mandy" just doesn't sound good. i guess i can go with "the autumn of mandy". after months of debating, praying, crying and just trying to feel happy with the difficulties at work, i decided that it would be best to leave my current employment, take a little time to re-group and search out new opportunities. in taking this time to re-group i have quite a number of projects i've been contemplating/planning for months. here's a list with a few of my favorites:

1) make throw-pillows for my couch that will be delivered shortly (skills from t.s.o.m. 2003 being put to use)

2) make this fabulous rug i saw online (see below)

3) resume my knitting projects and possibly try to sell here

4) find out who my 3rd-great grandparents are... this may require a trip to italy... a sacrifice i'm willing to make

5) attend classes at the gym regularly (skills from t.s.o.m. 2002)

6) improve my drawing skills by creating a portfolio of floor plans & elevations

7) contact the salt lake county clerk's office to help with election day

i just hope a new job won't get in the way of these great projects ;)

Don't Worry.... I'm Back

2008-09-17T15:20:00.003-06:00

So I've obviously taken all summer off from posting... I'll be sure to update with all the summer's activities, but for now I'm very intrigued with my latest find.

My roommate sent me this personality test yesterday. While I usually find these types of test to be mildly entertaining, I'm in shock as to how accurate this test is in describing me. The results describe me as "The Nurturer", which I wouldn't necessarily select first when describing myself. But read through the various characteristics and let me know if this isn't "spot-on". I'm thinking about handing this out on my next date as a sort of resume/disclaimer. Or better yet, have him take the test and see if our personality types mesh... just a thought.

I can relate.....

2008-05-21T15:32:00.002-06:00

I think it's rather ironic that I came upon this article while trying to do basically what it describes.... must... stay... awake

I really am trying to be constructive with how I spend my time at work... but when there is only so much to do over an 8-hour span, the hours begin to drag. I must admit that when I do have a new project to work on I've become somewhat of a hoard-er. I keep my new little project all to myself. There is a definite art to completing a task in a timely manner, while also being able to "prolong" that task to avoid boredom. (Even this blog post is a product of such finely tuned skills)

It's kind of like eating your Halloween candy when you were little. Sure you could devour all of it within a few hours, but that would leave you feeling sick and without anything to enjoy later. So you sort out your candy into piles, get rid of the gross stuff (peanut butter taffy in the black & orange wrappers) and then graze on the good stuff over the next few days/weeks.

In my case however, the good stuff is all relative and you only have a few hours to graze over it. There's a definite difference between prolonging a task and just flat out procrastinating or slackin off.

My attitude about my job has improved over the last month or so. Part of me wonders if there is some type of "Stockholm Syndrome" associated with the working place. Not that I am trying to make light of the possible results from unthinkable situations, or that I'm saying I'm in an abusive/hostage state. But is it bad to have a sense of "loyalty" to a company only because they've kept the paychecks coming and haven't sent you home with a pink slip?

I really did enjoy my job when we were actually building houses and I hope that once we finally start building again that sense of joy will return, until then.... I'll continue to find amusement in my leisurely internet "reading" and gratitude for employment.

I think it's dark enough

2008-05-12T11:29:00.002-06:00

My mom just sent me a copy of Three Cups of Tea, which I have heard great things about. I started reading last night and just before doing my typical "nodding off while reading in bed", I read the introduction and beginning of the first chapter. Just below the chapter heading is a Persian Proverb which reads, "When it is dark enough, you can see the stars".
I stopped for a moment and in my semi-coherent state started to consider the meaning of this proverb. Initially my cynical side slid in and thought, "Well, I don't think I see the "stars" of my life just yet, so it better not mean my life has to any darker." Not that I feel I have a dark life, but more that I feel I'm a little in the dark about where to go with my life or what to do.
And then the more I thought about it I started to consider the fact that maybe I just need to look up. Maybe the stars are there waiting to be seen and I just need to take some action in trying to see them.
So that's what I'm working on at present, trying to figure out what action to take. My goal this week is to send out a few (at least 2-3 resumes) and at least 1 school application. We'll see what stars come from that.

A Refreshing Perspective

2008-04-29T12:07:00.002-06:00

This past weekend I viewed the new Ben Stein documentary and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I figured that Ben Stein would obviously bring some amusing and intelligent insights to the screen; I wasn't disappointed in the least.

I appreciated his main argument that the scientific world needs more balance when examining the origin of life; that evolution has some holes and cannot be the only answer. I especially enjoyed one scientist (who is in support of intelligent design) pointing out the fact that the I.D. argument isn't trying to deny the theory of evolution. It is fairly apparent that species have evolved over time in adapting to their environment, but evolution does not answer the question of how life was created or came into existence.

I was saddened by how many scientists readily admitted that their study of evolution led them to atheism; that they seemed almost boastful of their increased knowledge and "intelligence" solidifying these beliefs.

Throughout the documentary I was impressed with so many comments and arguments that were made in support of intelligent design, my favorite being Ben Stein's unquestionable support of God's existence. He wasn't insistent that all people believe in the same god or religion, but he wasn't afraid to strongly emphasize the significance of a belief in god and its affect on society.

Prior to viewing this film, I came across a quote by Abraham Lincoln, as quoted by Marion G. Romney. If Lincoln was concerned by the neglect of God over 150 years ago I can't imagine how disappointed he would be with the current state of our country.

"Consider these words written by Abraham Lincoln as part of a resolution in 1863:

"We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in number, wealth, and power as no other Nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God who made us."
(John Wesley Hill,Abraham Lincoln, Man of God, 4th ed., New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, p.391.)" as quoted in (Marion G. Romney, "Gratitude and Thanksgiving," Ensign, Nov. 1982, 50)

For myself, the most refreshing part of this film was that Ben Stein wasn't afraid "step on toes" and state how things are and how they should be. We live in a society that emphasizes being politically correct and tolerant of others, but I don't think toleration or mutual respect requires apologizing for your own views and beliefs.

I am my father's daughter....

2008-04-26T12:57:00.003-06:00

So I just went for a run and look at the treasure I found... for free!!!!

I think it has some great rustic charm & potential.

WARNING: it's a little heavy

2008-04-20T16:57:00.005-06:00

So with the turn of events over the last few months at work, I have felt as though I have entered another state of limbo. I feel that I have found myself in this state a few times over the last 5-10 years (yes, my 10 year high school reunion is this summer - I don't know how that is possible). I have always pushed passed this "phase" and found success in the next step. I think it's just become more difficult to feel that I'm making progress in any one direction and that I'm not just hopelessly treading water.

High school was a fairly smooth transition - it was pretty clear that once you graduated from high school, college was the next step. College was a great step! I loved all of the new people I met and the independence I gained. I enjoyed my classes (mostly) and the unique experience I had in traveling through Europe.

College graduation was a bit more difficult, perhaps I should've extended my studies for another year and looked for a bit more direction (aka - marketable skills). If I had a dime for everytime I was asked what I planned to do with my Art History degree I wouldn't need to be looking for a new job. But hindsight is 20/20 and I was off to Phoenix after enjoying the comforts of home for a few months.

Three years in Phoenix flew by with some good work experience, great friends and wonderful family relationships. Within about 3 months of looking for a change and 2 weeks after learning of a job opportunity, I was back in Utah - a place I really thought I would never find myself living again. Amazingly, the last year and a half has passed fairly quickly with great work experience and friendships (new & re-newed). So now what? Do I find another job here in Utah? Do I venture out again & try somewhere new?

Thankfully, this weekend was our Stake Conference and the meetings were just what I needed to hear. Elder Rasband reassured us of the love that Heavenly Father has for each of us; that He knows us personally & where we are individually. I was also really impressed with the simple clarity that came from a statement made by our newly released stake president. In his final remarks to us as our steward he said, "Experience is what we get when we don't get what we want".

I think that comment is quite fitting for my life. I know there are definitely times in my life that I have been the beneficiary of exactly what I want and great experiences have come (ie., going to BYU). But I think that some of the greatest experience I have gained is through the humbling moments of realizing that I don't always know what will be best for me, that there is Someone who knows me better than I know myself.

Life sometimes feels like it's never-ending "opposite day" - the opposite of what I want or expect is what I find. But somehow, I'll figure out which direction to swim before I'm too worn from treading water.

So if anyone has some distant relation who owns a nice little Tuscan villa that's in need of a remodel, or even just an occupant, consider the plane ticket already purchased. I'm already working on the dual-citizenship!

what's in a name?

2008-04-14T21:50:00.003-06:00

well, the name of this blog came about my trying to create a clever pun to tie in with my name.... and i think i did. amanda for all seasons expresses that i do love all seasons (maybe summer the most though)...
my roommate also said that it can play on the fact that i'd like to find "a man for all seasons" - one who loves to ski, snowshoe or just appreciate the wonders of winter (but who also realizes that i don't have too much "insulation" and sometimes just need to bundle up & stay cozy) - someone who will revel in the excitement of spring, go on hikes and plant new flowers - a guy who will be okay with my love of warming in the sun, going to the pool, the beach, the lake... wherever water & the sun meet - and someone who enjoys the crisp weather that invites sweaters & cider & falling leaves... not that i'm trying to create a shopping list or anything...haha!
so cheers to the first post & new blog!