Two Valentines

I think I have two Valentine's this year - isn't that . . . great! or something. When I was a missionary, two of the elders brought my companions and me each a long-stem rose. That was super nice. I don't think I've ever received one other than that besides the card that my parents give us each year. I haven't received one yet this year, and unless there's one in the mail, I think those days might be over. 75% of my siblings have permanent Valentine's anyway, so maybe that's good enough. Today the Case Manager at my school asked me if I would be his platonic Valentine - because he's already married. I was going to content myself on that, but later today, at home, my roommate told me I had a package. It was from that long-distance guy I've been writing for a long time. Enclosed was a card and one of those huge Hershey's Kisses. I feel kind of bad because the thought didn't cross my mind to send him anything. Oh well. It was thoughtful of him, though, and it kind of made my day smile.

About Hubcaps

I've been sick for close to a week now, and it's killing me because I haven't been able to see Emilee due to that. I just wanted you to know that I'm not lazy about taking and posting pictures, it just hasn't been an option for awhile.

A word about Hubcaps . . . one of my friends commented to my previous post that the next thing that happens to me will be losing a hubcap. I've already lost one or two, so it wouldn't surprise me, but as far as I know, those last few are still there. Good guess, though! We will see what happens.

Also, any suggestions for how to get through the next couple of days of teaching without being able to see?

I hope life is treating you well (and honestly, I know I shouldn't complain. My life is really pretty nice)!

Things that Have Broken on Me Starting Monday

Heart
Health
Microwave
Glasses

Any guesses for what's next?

And the Dagger Twists

Today I listened to such songs as "The Rainbow Connection," "Gee, I'm Glad it's Raining," various songs from "My Best Friends Wedding," and I am currently listening to "Remember When it Rained." If my blog wasn't public, I would explain in greater detail, not that you care to know, but I probably would. Anyway, I figure those of you who are a little intuitive will figure it out.

Happy February!

Can you believe it is a new month?! The first month of 2009 is already gone. Whoa!

Here's the way I spent the last week of January:

Monday - Happy Chinese New Year!! It's the Year of the Ox.

Tuesday - Austen Night begins! We started with "Persuasion" and had a great little debate after the movie. It was just like "girl time" after, only with a guy there to give us his perspective, which was pretty different from mine regarding one of the scenes.

Wednesday - Missionary Coordination - I love our meetings!! Doesn't that sound like an oxymoron - loving a meeting? But, I do! Also, Emilee is two weeks old! The picture was taken that day.

Thursday - Practice with the band and attend New Testament class, which was great (for more reasons than one)!

Friday - Variety Show - my little bro. did an amazing job with his one-man "Princess Bride" sketch. Several people have commented on how great it was. The band did alright. I don't think we did as well as we could have, nor did it go exactly like we had planned for it to go, but we had the audience participate with us, and I think that went over really well. The show was too long, but I really liked most of the acts.

And now for a little note about the radar, since I'm sure you want an update. I was recently reminded how impossible it is. I would say the odds are a million to one on one of the blips. Now, I've known that for a long time - I just haven't been able to let it go yet. However, the other one is pretty aggravating because I had no idea what I was getting myself into with that one. I thought there was a much closer to even chance, but now I'm not so sure. My sister told me not to give up, though, so I'm trying to see what I can do anyway. Providence even seemed to help me out today. One can't go wrong with that, so I will try to be bold and we will see what happens (which will likely be nothing, but as nothing's going on right now anyway, it's not like there's much to lose, right?).

A Very Pleasant Surprise

Here is one of my latest Emilee pictures - isn't she adorable!! I love babies with pacifiers! Desi and Britt invited me over for breakfast on Saturday morning, and this is how she was when I arrived. They had her facing the kitchen as they prepared delicious pancakes and eggs. She didn't stay that way for long, though - of course I got her out of the seat and into my arms pretty quick. We went and sat on the recliner, and I watched her watch the world. I really feel like she's starting to comprehend what she's seeing now, which is really cool. Maybe she'll start to recognize me soon.This other picture is pretty hilarious to me because it looks like a couple of couples - so deceptive! This is not even a date - sorry, Dad! I got to attend a baptism yesterday, and this is a picture that was taken after. Boy on the Left commented about being a bookend. Anyway, the baptism was really great! I'm so grateful to be a member of the church with priesthood authority. I'm grateful for the Holy Ghost because he helped me know that what happened yesterday was for real.

Now for the very pleasant surprise. One of my roommate's helped make this goal that we would throw a party each month this year. I decided that yesterday would be the day. Chinese New Year is tomorrow, so I thought we would have a party in honor of that. I also decided that I would make Chinese dumplings for the occasion. Well, of course I way over-planned my day yesterday. By the time I went to the baptism, I had only made the dough, when I really needed to have mixed the filling up, as well. I didn't get home from the baptism until it was time for the party to start. Fortunately, my Roommate was wonderful and had cleaned while I was gone. Also fortunately, the guests did not come on time. While driving home from the baptism I had thought, Well, I don't have time to make the dumplings. I just won't make them. We'll just have the brownies that I was supposed to take to the baptism but didn't take in. It will be a lame party, and no one will come to any future ones. Oh well. That's okay. And I think that's pretty much how it would have gone except that the guests came and turned a lame, unplanned party into a great night! The guests helped me make the dumplings. We were working on mixing the filling and putting them together for about two hours before I think we even made any! Roommate had made some delicious egg roles that we were able to enjoy during the eternal dumpling-making process. By the time I was cooking the last batches of prepared dumplings, most everyone was playing a game that some others guests had brought.

And then one guest requested that roommate play her banjo. Soon after that happened, Bookend Boy started rummaging around drawers in the kitchen. Before I could ask him what he was looking for, he found the silverware drawer and I figured it out. Bookend Boy is an accomplished spoon player. Before the night was over we had quite the little band going. Roommate played the banjo, Bookend Boy played the spoons, and the boy at the other side of the picture played his harmonica. Most of us sang, and Bookend Boy even organized a number that we are planning on performing at a talent show this Friday. So, what began as a disaster ended as a very pleasant evening! I think I kind of went into shock for awhile after everyone left - I tried to fit too much in, but at least I ended the night with great company.

Wish the Chinese New Year Band luck at the show!

Emilee at One Week

One week ago today little Emilee joined her family. I had to post something to celebrate. My sister and brother-in-law let me spend the last two days at their place. I was hoping that I would be able to offer them some relief, but I also wanted to spend some time with my niece - can you blame me? I don't know if I was helpful or a nuisance - I hope I was the first. I got to do a little laundry, cooking, and a few dishes, but my favorite part, of course, was holding Emilee. So far she doesn't like nights, so my sister has let me take her a few times during the day, so she can rest. Those times have been great. It is neat to see her change a little each day, although I don't know if I could put my finger on exact changes. Mostly she sleeps or eats, but there was a little while where she was awake today that I got to hold her. It was so fun watching her observe the things around her. She just looks around and takes things in. I got pretty excited because it occurred to me that one of these days she and I will actually be able to interact with each other, more than my just being a pillow or a female who can't feed her.
I feel like I can understand a little how people talk about their lives changing when they have children. She is not mine, of course, but I feel very focused on her. In fact, I kind of feel like I have a foot stuck in Emilee world and a foot stuck in my world. I wonder if it will be hard for me to go back to work tomorrow. As I drove home this evening I thought, Okay, time to take aunt hat off and put teacher hat on. It feels like it might be kind of hard to transition, but I'm sure I'll soon put everything where it goes and adjust.

Anyway, thank you Sister and Brother-in-Law for letting me be there, and once again, Welcome, Emilee! I love you!