Week 2 A Bit Crazy Already

Sunday January 16th 2011

I LOVE church. I love taking notes and learning as much as possible. I know I might be a little weird but it is just how I am. So I will try and limit my Sunday comments even though I have so much to share. Here are a few of my thoughts. Excited to hear talks from Preach my Gospel each month. Learning to be better about putting Christ at the center of my life and Fasting. All the meetings were wonderful. I came home and had a nice afternoon resting (not doing homework) and then we went to our friends Jeff and Shasta’s house. They made us enchiladas for dinner and Dugan made molten lava cake for dessert. Then we watched the new Karate Kid. It was a fun day.

Monday January 17th 20011

Happy Birthday to my sister-in-law Sandra. Hope you had a wonderful day.

The success of a no homework Sunday was nice but brought lots to do on Monday. Good thing it was a holiday so I could get everything done. Thank you Martin Luther King.

Tuesday January 18th 2011

It was a long weekend but school is in full swing. Today was almost four hours of lecture classes in the same (cold) room. I am not sure how I can do this twice a week for the rest of the semester but I will find away. So I am starting my paper about Architectural forensics and building failures. It should be interesting. I will let you know how it goes. I also am doing some research to find what I want to write my 20 page paper about for my modernism class. After classes I had to get out of the building so I headed to my R.I.P.P.I.D. class. It is so hard. It is an acronym for Resistance, Intervals, Power, Plyometrics, Endurance, and Diet. I am excited about taking it this semester. Then it was time to keep working on my two projects that are due for Structures tomorrow night. I have been enjoying working on the assignment about a frogs structure. I talked about it’s legs, eyes and toes. I LOVE frogs always have, always will.

Wednesday January 19th 2011

I have decided Wednesdays are going to be a little crazy. Worked on my building for structures and maps for studio. Then I had studio from 2-5 and then structures form 6-9. It is still hard to have a night class. We got home. I made a quick dinner and it was bedtime.

Thursday January 20th 2011

Today was nice. Our modernism teacher is out of the country till next Wednesday. I had plenty to do for studio tomorrow so I worked on all my stuff. Went to the Gym. I had an appointment and then school stuff till 9:00pm when we had to meet with our group from last semesters concrete class to move our 4 -400 lb concrete bench blocks. It was pretty uneventful but I still had homework when I got home. It was a very late night.

Friday January 21st 2011

I know it might be cliché but TGIF. Today Dugan took me to the school before he had work so I could finish painting my maps for Studio. These maps have been pretty fun. I will try and take a picture and put it in next weeks post. I had the chance to map out my growing up neighborhood in Provo. It brought back wonderful memories and let me express myself. Along with my maps I had to find 24 types of buildings that are built on rivers around the world. I even Skyped my brother to ask him if he knew of anything in Hong Kong. Studio went fast and then Dugan and I could go home at 5:30. YES!!! I made dinner and we went to get dessert. We decided on a piece of Coconut Buttermilk Cake from the Dodo. They were so busy we took it to go. I was tired and have work tomorrow at 6:00am. Goodnight

Saturday January 22nd 2011

Early morning work. I woke up with a full heart and was grateful that the past week had gone pretty well. I enjoyed work and loved getting a chance to chat a bit with a co-worker. Today was a short shift at work. I was home and taking a nap by noon. I was plan on getting up and getting all my homework done and running errands but when I woke up I didn’t feel good and I couldn’t focus. So I ran to pick up art supplies, to the school and then to the grocery store (which took forever). I couldn’t find anything I needed. Anyway then I got home and made Coconut Shrimp for dinner. Tried to do homework but was so distracted.

It’s been a busy week but I am excited to keep going.

Back to School

Sunday January 9th

Today was a wonderful day. Dugan and I got up early to be at church by 9:00am. It was so good. The talks were wonderful and the spirit was so strong. They spoke about being a good shepherd and service. I Love Church. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and hanging out. We cuddled took a nap and cuddled some more. I made Chicken and stuffing pinwheels and baked potatoes for dinner. We had coconut cream pie for dessert. Such a wonderful day of Rest. (Which is mostly due to the fact that I didn’t work on Saturday so I got everything done on Saturday and truly got to relax on Sunday) As for New Years Resolutions I have them. I love points that feel like good starting points like when school starts, new year and when summer begins. My New Years Resolutions start tomorrow. Since school starts again tomorrow. The break has made my schedule all off so I am excited to start school and get everything in routine again. A few of my new years resolutions are to be better about Birthday Wishes and Thank you notes. They still might come in the form of emails but I want to get better about trying to write actual cards that need postage but we will see how that goes with school. Another new years resolution is to run a mile a day. When I was in high school I ran track for years. I take lots of classes a week at the gym like, Zumba, Turbo Kick, Body Works, Pilates, Yoga, Spinning but I don’t run enough. Sssooo now I will be running at least a little a day on top of my classes and other workouts (P90X). I have been a pretty good meal plan for dinner’s since we got married but I have a resolution to be better at planning breakfast and lunch too. I eat pretty healthy breakfast and lunch but I get in ruts where I eat the same thing day after day. I occasionally get cravings but most of the time I just need to eat to live if you know what I mean. I love food don’t get me wrong and I love making dinner for my wonderful husband but as for the rest of the day. Whatever will strengthen and nourish my body is good. In order to avoid unwanted or unneeded desserts. We will plan to have dessert once a week on date night or if we have plans or a party or some thing.

Monday January 10

Welcome back to school

Today I took Dugan to work and then went to pick up one of his textbooks from the bookstore. We were able to get the rest online. I can’t complain even though we had lots of required books for this semester we lucked out durning the last one. Parking was crazy at the school but the line in the bookstore wan’t bad. Then I headed home to get ready. I decided since life gets so busy the further I go into the semester I would curl my hair at least a few times so today I did. Then I picked Dugan up from work and we headed to the school. I have to explain something here. (So the first day of every new semester is so Stressful. It is when you decide who and where you will sit by for the whole semester. This may not seem like that big of a deal but when you pretty much live at the school you want good “neighbors.”) I am happy to say that I get to sit by my two great girl friends in our own little corner. Our studio teacher has already named us the Coco Corner. We have like 5 containers of Hot Chocolate. A girl’s got to have her chocolate even if it is Sugar free and has only 25 calories. Dugan is on the complete opposite corner of the Studio so about 80’ away. But we are in different studio classes so its ok we are use to it. Studio should be pretty fun this semester. After Studio D and I came home and I did P90X arms and shoulders. I didn’t get to run my mile because the club house was closed due to a problem with the Lock. Then I made Mediterranean Pasta with chicken. The best parts were the artichokes, sun dried tomatoes, and olives. Yummy! I worked on a little homework and then it was time to go to bed.

Back to school but Smiling

Curling my hair wont last long

Tuesday 1/11/11

So with a Lucky number like all ones I thought today might be a good day. I woke up at 4:00am and could not fall back to sleep. The morning started way to early with a class starting at 7:30am. This isn’t a problem for me but I didn’t know that there were so many other classes that stated at that time too. So parking was a mess and then I had the parking pass and Dugan was coming with the other car for the next class. It was all just a crazy mess. The watercolor class looks very interesting but it is just to hard with the car parking pass situation. So I am taking another class that is right after the water color class that Dugan will also be in the class so we can drive together (much easier). In what will be referred to as Bob’s class is a Preservation Technology class. We watched a film called Saving Falling Water. It was very interesting and was about how the cantilevers at Falling Water had fallen over 7” and how the magical (good engineers) fixed the problem. I really want to see this House in Person. Don’t worry I will someday. Then we had a little break so I got all my stuff organized in my desk and had lunch and then it was time for my Modernism class. This will be a good class as far as my interest in Architecture Theory goes. I was reading over the syllabus. 30% Presentations, 20% Participation (this is looking good) 50% .... 20 Page Research Paper. Oh NO not another long paper. After I spent 20 minutes having serious anxiety and questioning if I should change classes I realized that Practice makes perfect and if I ever want to be a professor I better start practicing my writing because I have heard they have to do a lot of it. After finishing 4 and a half hours of classes. I was ready for the Gym. I checked the schedule, sweet I have 10 minute before Zumba. I got there just in time but as I walked into class I realized that I must have looked at the wrong day and I would now be Belly dancing for the next hour. It was different but pretty fun. The teacher thought I was a natural. Maybe I will have to go again. After class I ran a few errands including picking up a half loaf of Great Harvest Honey Whole Wheat Bread. (I don’t let myself buy it very often but this was a good week to have it. Plus I love that they let me buy a half of a loaf.) Which brings me to a funny story. When I am in school I don’t carry a purse because I put my wallet in my backpack. So when I have to run to the store I take just my wallet and put it under my arm. Well I must have got a little distracted and some how when I got to the car. My wallet was nicely in my hand and my bread, well it was Smooshed under my arm. Oops! With a little help I got it looking pretty normal. Anyway after I got home my friend Carrie was in my neck of the woods and stopped by with her two kids. I figured since here hubby was out of town on work and she had no need to rush home other then to make dinner that they would eat with us. We had a nice time talking and I loved seeing the kids. Then It was time for homework. They left and I got going. I actually think that I was able to focus better after having a little play time. I got a call from my sis. Not such a good day for her. But she is strong and with Dugan and I not really needing our other car for a few days. She came down to barrow ours while hers gets fixed. Plus I got to see my little Mr. Mr. (aka nephew Liam) for a sec. I love that little guy. ok he is 3 he’s not that little but little enough. We get to play on Friday. Yeah!!! So did I mention that I was hoping today was a lucky day with all the ones. Guess what it was a lucky day I had the opportunity to go to school (thats a +). I got to see 3 of my favorite kids (Jimmy, Katie and Liam). My Bff and my sister and hang out with my Hubby all in one night. Man I am such a Lucky girl.

Wednesday January 12

Today I took Dugan to work since we are down a car while my sis is using it. Then I had a morning filled with working out and picking up a few things. Then I picked up Dugan from work and we headed to the school. Dugan and I had Studio. My studio class went on a Site visit of the Jordan River. It was so COLD. Less then 20 Degrees. We walked around for an hour and a half and then finally got to get back in the car and drive around the area for a bit. I was driving, my friend Sarah was navigating, my friend Megan in the backseat was taking notes and then ChiYow was talking pictures. It was a pretty successful visit but I was pretty sure that I would never get warm. I was wearing 3 layers on the bottom, 5 layers on the top, a scarf and a headband. It was crazy. We got back to the school and had an our before our evening class started. I was not looking forward to that class. I am a morning girl for sure. It is a Timber construction structures class. I have a feeling Wednesdays are going to be long. Late dinner and bedtime.

Picture I took of the river

Thursday January 13

Today was busy. The first set of assignments are starting to be assigned. My theory class is going to be intense but I hope it is good and I learn lots. I had Zumba today. It was fun but I am going to be hurting tomorrow. Then I took trax home and did homework and made Salmon with Parmesan Cheese Crisp with Jasmine Rice and worked on more homework.

Friday January 14th

Woke up with my hips aching from yesterday. Took Dugan to work. Got stuff done. Then I layered up my clothes. 3 layers on the bottom, 6 layers on top, two pairs of socks, boots, hat and gloves. Today we had another site visit. When I went outside I realized that it was about 15 degrees warmer then Wed. But we would be out longer today so I am glad I planned ahead. Picked up Dugan from work and went to the school to drop off Dugan and pick up my classmates. Then we headed over to the Jordan River to began our Site Visit. We started on 2100 S and followed the river till we got to North Temple. ok so you did the math. 21 blocks RIGHT? wrong. Of course the river isn’t straight so we did a lot of switch baking and crossing over. I didn’t mind the length of the walk. It was the temperature of the air that was the problem. I took lots of pictures had lots of thoughts and will be working on my Site Photo Essay and mapping over the weekend. I love analyzing stuff. The sun was going down as we finished the walk and my legs were FREEZING and my hips were really aching. We finished at a coffee shop to talk about somethings we would be doing as groups. I was able to get a ride back down to my car where I had left it at the beginning of the trail then came and picked up my friends from the coffee shop so I could take them home. I arrived back at the school much later then planned to pick up Dugan. I was so Tired. All the thinking, and walking, and analyzing and freezing. Well we made it home and I made BBQ tacos for dinner. I sat down on the couch and was ready to fall asleep for the night. BUT nope tonight I was going to watch my nephew Liam while his mom (my sister Ashten) and her husband went out. I had been looking forward to playing with my favorite little Mr. He arrived right on time. Of course he had his favorite places to check out. The pantry, Fridge and the toy box in the office. Mom and dad said bye and it was time to play. We played lego’s and battled with the guy on the horse with a sword and the guy with the axe. Then we made pipe cleaner swords and hats. Made pictures with stickers for mom. Had two clementines and a yogurt. Played Blokus (game with colored pieces that you put on a board) we played this over and over and over and over again. I love how much children enjoy repetition. Then we decided to watch Wall-E. So Liam helped me make popcorn in the air popper. He thought it was pretty cool and wasn’t afraid of how loud it was at all. (un-like his aunt Char who hated the sound of the Wheat grinder when she was little but insisted on being in her mothers lap while her mother would use it.) We sat on the couch and Liam told me all about Wall-E and what he was doing and would always say ouch when Wall-E would get hurt. We played Blokus again. Then Liam showed me how good he is at pouring juice into his own cup. Over half went in the cup the other half on the floor. He was very proud of himself and I was proud of him to. Then we wiped up the spilt juice on the kitchen floor and went back to watching Wall-E. When standing on my lap Liam could see up on the counter behind me. oops, He found the bowl of uncle Dugan’s M&M’s. Yeah chocolate and popcorn. Then he started hugging my arm and wouldn’t let it go for minutes at a time. But he thought it was pretty fun. More Wall-E. Wall-E was over, as the credits came he said Again. Of course so I tried to offer another movie. Nope at 11:00pm we were starting Wall-E again. (He had no desire in going to sleep and mom and dad said he didn’t have to soo. We played till mom and dad came to pick him up at 12:15. It was so much fun and he is such a cute, funny, happy and loving kid.

Saturday January 15th

Work at 6:00am after yesterday was a little rough for the first half hour. Then I got in the zone and was pretty efficient. After my eight hour shift I was ready for a nap. After I got home I went to sleep for a bit. I woke up a little rested and Dugan and I made Fish and Chips for dinner. Yummy. We worked on homework and watched a movie. The night got a little crazy but all calmed down before bedtime.

This week was pretty crazy. I am not a girl who likes change. I try and be accommodating and flexible but a new semester is more then that. As for the new years resolutions. I got my miles in 3 of the 7 days. Need to get stamps to achieve birthday cards and thank you notes. Meal planning was pretty good except Wednesday. Having a class that starts at 6:00pm makes it much harder. I will have to come up with a game plan for that. Week one down 15 weeks to go.

Hope you all had a wonderful week. Ta-Ta for now.

Finals and Christmas Break

Over the Holiday the idea of writing a play by play of the weeks seemed a little exhausting and believe it or not, my days are even a little more redundant then when I am in school. I know hard to believe. Anyway Finals week was Finals week. No time for sleep and barely time to eat (I get very crazy when I haven’t eaten “You wont like me when I’m Hungry” ) It wasn’t the funnest week. Highlights Monday Studio presentation. CHECK!!! Tuesday Tony’s Project, Check. All day finishing Japanese Final Paper 10 long pages. Wednesday, Paper turned in by Noon. Check. Thursday crazy adventure of moving 4- 400 lb each Blocks from North Salt Lake to the University. My sister her hubby and her father-in-law were a God send to Dugan and I. After 4 hours the cubes arrived at the school. It was NUTS! Dugan’s work party was that night at a really Nice restaurant by the capital. Friday- Studio Binder, CD due and Final Presentation for our concrete class. Check. Finals week or should I say weeks. Since it technically lasted two weeks. I slept less them 40 hours in two weeks. Which averages to about 3 hours per night. That is really unhealthy to do for two weeks in a row. BUT I have slept lots since. I once heard that Sleep is the only thing you can never regain. Once it has been lot you can’t get it back. Well I’m DONE for 3 weeks. Friday after everything was turned in I went with some of my school friends to lunch and celebrated.

The week before Christmas went so FAST. I almost missed it all together. I worked 40 hours at VS. My parents got in earlier then expected on Christmas Eve and we were able to go with them and my sister Ashten’s family to dinner.

What a wonderful time of year to remind us how important it is to have Christ at the center of our lives always.

Christmas morning Dugan and I awoke early to head to my little sister’s house. We were able to watch Liam open his gifts. My parents also came up so we were all there together. The night before I had skyped my brother William to see if he would be able to join us via Web cam Christmas morning. Due to the time change they were not able to be there but we did get to chat with them later. We had a wonderful morning giving each other gifts and just being together. The day was filled with family, fun and food. Dad played trains with Liam, Dugan slept and played games with Chris. My mom, sister and I chatted till I feel asleep. It was such a Perfect day. Merry Christmas!

Sunday

Dugan and I went down to my parents ward in Provo. I always love going there during the holiday season when all my friends are home visiting there parents from all over. I was able to talk with one of my best friends Rachel (who lives in Az) I hope we can get together next week. It was fun to seat next to my mom in relief society. After church we went to my parents house and had a very nice lunch. I can never get enough spinach, tomatoes and goat cheese with balsamic vinaigrette. Dugan and I headed home to get a few things done at home.

Monday

Work

Tuesday Girl Day

TODAY was GIRL day. We had been planning it for weeks. My mom, sister and I were hanging out. They both came to my house for the first task. Going through my closet. Yeah, I needed a second opinion and if my sister could take some of the clothes off my hands even better. We spent almost 4 hours. I tried on every item in my closet. Shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, shorts, jackets and shoes. I got rid of Half of my stuff. Boxes of clothes, shoes, belts and purses all going to a new home. It was hard work but WE DID IT. Ashten went home with a whole new Business wardrobe and a few other things. Well starvation was kicking in. It was way past lunch time but the closet was all done so we headed to Zupas. I LOVE that place. Then with a few car switches we headed up to Ashten’s and had a few errands to run. A ring from Ashten’s phone, change of plans. She had a showing on her house in less then an hour. We hurried to her place to spiffy up the place. Done... That was Crazy. Then we headed up to go and see the Model home of what Ashten will be building. As I entered the house from the side (entrance from garage) door my eye’s grew big. The kitchen is HUGE! As she showed me around we talked about her future plans and a few adjustments that she plans on making. I have been looking at residential floor plans for over 12 years now and had a few concerns. She asked my opinion and she got it. There were a lot of things I liked some that I was impartial and the concerns. We talked in the car on the way to pick up Liam. I think she may have thought that I would have had a different reaction. I think that she will love here home it is just a very different style then I would choose but it is very nice. After a few more little things the Girl’s day came to an end. It had been a wonderful day filled with constant chit chat, love and fun. I love my Family! Thanks mom and sis.

Wed and Thursday

All a Blur

Friday

New Years Eve

I had work till 2:30pm. Then I came home and relaxed and hung out with Dugan. Our friends came to pick us up and we headed to Charlie Chows for dinner. (Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve maybe we are in a rut) Dinner was really good. Our friends dropped Dugan and I back off at home to go and switch babysitters. Then about an hour later they picked us back up and we went downtown. We went to our friends office and played our new favorite game Killer Bunnies. We had to make sure that we didn’t miss the count down. Dugan and I were Awesome and I Won. We finished the game with minutes to spare and counted down the new year. 3...2...1.... Happy New Year, Kiss, and non alcoholic cheers. What a great night.

HHHsdfkAAAnflkPPPPPfnaksfPPPPPajskdbnfksnYYYYY

NNsdnasEEEskdnWWWW YYYdfnlakEEEEnkdsAAAAdlakdRRR!!!

We had gone to bed after 3:30am and I had work at 6:00am. Can’t think. See when in school this happens a lot but I have this little thing called ADRENALINE to help me out. Not this morning. I got to work 2 minutes late. My manager and I were the only ones there. I had a feeling everyone would be dragging in. Which they eventually did. In order to protect myself I will not go into details but it was not a fun day at work. (In short, LIFE ISN’T FAIR ) I finally left work at 2:30pm. I came home and told Dugan that I needed a nap and to wake me in an hour. I feel asleep instantly and bagged to sleep longer when he came to get me up. (This is totally not like me. I don’t love to Sleep) It was getting late and he said I better get up or I wouldn’t be able to sleep that night. I made No Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies. I know on January 1st. No Diet Resolution here.

Sunday

I woke up to see it was 10:45am. WHAT??? Church was at 9:00am. Dugan awoke confused. The Alarm had been set on his iphone. After a little investigation he found that there was a problem with the new year and iphones alarms. I was super bummed that we missed church. We had a nice afternoon and then headed to our friends house for dinner. We played with the kids. I love Jimmy and Katie they are such fun kids. We had dinner and then Jim and Carrie had called for a rematch of Killer Bunnies. It was a crazy game. Lets just say a lot happened over the process of the game, In and out of the game. But again I ended up victorious, Winning again. It was late and time to head home. Thanks friends.

Monday -Thursday

Work, Hanging out, Sami Annual Sale started at work, Crazy few days. Time to rethink my life.

Friday

Today I woke up early and ran a few errands. Came home got a few things done before going to meet Dugan. Then headed up to hanging out with my little sister. We had sssooo much fun. I love hanging out with my sis. Then I had to meet Dugan to go and see a house. Before you freak out let me explain. Randomly Dugan came across this beautiful 1912 home that is huge, great price and on the market. NO we are not looking to buy a house anytime soon but were very interested in seeing this house in person. So we went and saw it. There were things that I LOVED and many things I didn’t like. But it was a very good experience. After we were done Dugan and I headed up the Canyon to go and see my friend who was performing as the lead singer of a local band. We got home before 11:00pm and headed to bed.

Saturday

I am not the type of girl who sleeps in, but today somehow I managed to stay in bed till after 10:00. It was crazy. When I got up I kept thinking of the primary song. “Saturday” Saturday is a special day it’s the day we get ready for Sunday. I can’t remember the last time I didn’t have to work on a Saturday. It was WONDERFUL. I got lots done, ran errands, and feel almost ready for school to start. It was a relaxing and productive day. I must find a way to get my Saturday’s back. Even if they end up filled with homework. A great day.

December Where did you come from and where are you going?

Thursday November 18

Was woken by a phone call from the concrete guy we are working with wondering if we would pour at 9:00 am. This is why I hate being the touch base person. I had to make a choice for the class and I said that I would try and get as many people there as I could. I started Texting and then when there was no response I started calling people. I was going to call into work and let them know I was going to have to come in late but then Dugan said he would take care of getting my form work there to be poured. So with my fingers crossed that my classmates would get my message I headed to work. It was a fun day at work. A few of my classmates missed the pouring and will have to do it on there own but I guess that is better then us all having to do it on our own. Oh well I tried. I got home from work and did some homework done. I was hoping to be able to go to see the play the Unsinkable Molly Brown tonight at West Hight School. But I have to much to do for studio. The rest of the night I ran a few errands and worked on homework. Right before bed I realized that I would have to take my change of clothes for the AIA Awards Ceremony to school with me in the morning because it starts an hour after studio and doesn’t make sense to go all the way home. I tried on a few outfits and asked Dugan’s opinion of what to wear. Of course this always brings out the emotion of wishing I looked better knowing that I would be Dugan’s date for the following night. Oh well I decided on something and went to bed.

Friday November 19

Tony’s went ok and then it was time to take the form work off my concrete form for Marco’s class. It came off pretty well (thank you Pam Non stick cooking spray). It didn’t really do what I thought it would but thats ok. After Marco’s I headed up to my desk to get working on Studio. A few minutes later my friend Jen informed that we had received an email from our Studio Professor and that he was sick and studio was cancelled. I was a little torn by the information. I was hoping to be able to talk to him because now I have to wait till Monday. I was also a little bummed that I had missed the play last night to work on studio and then it was cancelled. I was also a little nice to not have to stress about it at that minute. After Dugan finished talking to his studio professor I decided to go ahead and leave with him. I took him to work ran a few errands and went home. I feel asleep while sitting on the couch and was almost late to pick him up. I picked him up and we headed back home to change. We looked nice and headed back up to the school to the Utah Museum of Fine Art (that is 100 feet away from the Architecture Building.) As we walked into the building for the AIA Utah Awards. I realized that we were a lot younger then most of the people there. Dugan’s co workers are in there 30’s but even then there were few for them. We gave them our name and went to find people we know. They had a beautiful spread of food. They had all different types of cheese, fruit, shrimp, crackers, dips and even rolls and pot roast. It was nice since we hadn’t had a chance to eat that there was food there. After we got our food we found a place to sit and enjoy. Can I just say how much I LOVE cheese. Everything was really good. After we finished our food we wondered through the Museum. We didn’t get very far before a women came through and let us all know that we would be moving into the auditorium for the awards. As we filled in his firm all sat together. The Public Works Building was the second one announced. Dugan went up with his two bosses and two other co-workers to receive the award. I was PROUD. It is the project that he has been working on for 3 years. The ribbon cutting was last Spring. It is such a beautiful building. After his bosses each gave there (speech) the group came back to there seats. The rest of the awards were given and I have to say it was such a cool experience to see people recognized for there accomplishments. There was a guy who was recognized for what he had been doing with the youth architecture. I was so excited to talk to him after and find out how I could become part of it. I have been trying to get in contact with someone for over a year. They also gave a life time achievement award that was so cool. After the awards were done I waited to talk to the guy about the youth program. I found out that one of the studio instructors that teaches Major ones at the U is also very involved. I talked to him a bit about how passionate I am about sharing Architecture especially with youth. I felt so good about our conversation. Then we headed out of the auditorium where they had replaced all the dinner food with sweets. They had ice cream in waffle cones and beautiful cakes. Dugan and I had a little treat, said goodbye to all of his co-workers and headed home. What a fun night. It was inspiring to see how such hard work paid off. I was tired and ready for bed when we got home. Goodnight.

Saturday November 20th

Today I had work first thing in the morning. It was a fun day and all the stores are starting to look a lot like Christmas. I got home and took care of a few things. Then my friend came over and I ran a few errands with her. Then I got home and stated working on homework. Then Dugan got home. I found out that Ashten, Liam and Chris were in the area and I asked them to come by for a bit. It was fun to see them. Then I made Sweet Teriyaki Meatballs and Jasmine rice. After dinner I was torn if I should go and see the play Unsinkable Molly Brown by myself. I decided I would regret it if I didn’t go. So I headed to the high school. It was fun to see it. I remember when my family use to live in Colorado going to Denver and seeing Molly Browns house. She was a pretty amazing women. It was defiantly a feel good play. It was a little long but I am glad I went. As I left the school I was greeted with Snow. I drove home and it was pretty much time for bed.

Sunday November 21st

It was a slow morning. Can I just say how much I have been loving my breakfast recently. I mean I have always been a breakfast girl. I usually would have eggs, spinach and mushrooms. But a few days ago I got this yummy Plain Greek Yogurt that I really like and use it in smoothies, in place of sour cream and with tuna and celery for a healthy tuna salad but I bought Pomegranates. The past 5 days I have been eating 3/4 cup of the yogurt and pomegranates. Instead of my usual egg. I am addicted. I think I will be good in a week or so but right now I am in Heaven. I caught up on a few things and worked on homework. That’s the only thing nice about 1:00 church. Then I got ready and headed to church. It was very good. After church, homework, homework and more homework.

Monday November 22nd

Just have to pretty much get through today. My studio teacher is still sick. Some might say that they are glad when studio gets canceled. As for me, first off I feel bad that my teacher is still not feeling well plus I will not be in class on Wednesday which has been giving me anxiety. By the time I get back from Thanksgiving, it is two weeks till the final presentation. I will just have to do my best. Then at home I needed to get packed for Vegas since we are head out tomorrow.

Tuesday November 23rd

Today I woke up got dressed in my “business cloths.” Every morning I go to my closet and see how blessed I am with all the clothes I have. As I thumb through them I look at all my favorite cute tops and then remind myself I am headed to school where I can’t wear anything nice unless I want it ruined. You see the studio is a sum what dirty place. The edge of my wooden desk is so rough that if I was to wear a nice blouse or sweater the front would be all torn up from the splintery rough edge. Not to mention all the other things that happen including cutting acrylic and wood in the shop or pouring concrete. Sorry that was my little soap box. Anyway, today was different I got to dress “nice.” I wore my gray Express Editor pants, My black two button sweater and my fav., gray plaid heels. (I will try and take a picture). I felt Professional. We headed to school where we had one class then Dugan headed to work and I went to my scholarship luncheon. It was at Red Butte which is such a fun place. It was nice to see all my professors and many of the Architects form the community. I had an assigned seat next to the Architects that had sponsored my scholarship. At first I was very shy ( I know what you are thinking there is NO WAY) But yes when I am very intimidated or have very high respect for someone (in a good way) I become shy. One of my Professors was across the table from me and broke the ice for me. Then the men started to ask me about myself and what I wanted to do. WEELLLLLL you see this opens up the crazy, excited for the future, silly me. It was fun to talk about my dreams. Sometimes I just go through school pushing and working as hard as I can and I forget Why, It was so fun to remember what I want from all of it. I have been learning to enjoy the journey but sometimes I need to remind myself that there really might be a destination or I should say destinations since there are lots of them. There were a few people who spoke and I was humbled and grateful that I could be among such great people.The dean announced that there had just been a massage that had come through the University that due to a Blizzard warning the entire University would be closing at 2:00pm. Uh scary, Dugan and I were headed to Vegas as soon as I was done there. The lunch ended and I was feeling so good inside. I headed home to change my clothes and hop in the car with Dugan and head to Vegas. We prayed that we would stay ahead of the storm and we did. We arrived safely. Had a nice night and went to bed.

Wednesday November 24th

The next few days are a bit of a blur due to being on vacation. I am one of those people that if I don’t write it down day by day it all runs together. Like one long day with lots of naps. So I will just talk about the trip. It was a quite morning of homework and relaxing. But I was Super duper excited when my BIL Dan came over and brought my fav. niece over. EMMA!!! She is 4 and pretty much the star of my vacation. I would talk about her for hours and all the wonderful things she does but alas I have homework. She came in G&G house and was on my lap in seconds. We were pretty much inseparable till Sunday. I had to run to Whole Foods and Target. I got to take her along. She picked out some broccoli, strawberries and a pomegranate. Then we headed to Target where I needed to pick up a few things including a little Rapunzel doll from the new movie Tangled which we would we going and seeing soon. We went home and played and played. Emma’s mom Sandra (Dugan’s Brother’s wife) was at work and came over when she was off. It was so good to see her. Fun, fun and more fun.

Thursday November 25th

Happy Thanksgiving!! I am so grateful for so many things. Through out the day I kept thinking of one of my fav. Church Hymns, “Because I Have Been Given Much” ( Every time we sing it at church I end up with tears steaming down my face.) My other SIL (dugan’s sister) Amanda had arrived in the middle of the night. I was SSSOOOO EXCITED to see her. We were suppose to hang out in May when Dugan and I were last in Vegas but we ended up with only a night together. Roger and Colbert came too. Colbert is such an awesome kid. Dugan and Roger went to play some Turkeyball. Amanda and I chatted till I figured I better get cooking. I made an apple pie from scratch and my dad’s apples and sweet potatoes. Dinner was done pretty close to the time we had planned. We realized we had forgot the mashed potato’s. Sandra and I pulled together to create what will now be known as Miracle Potatoes. We started to microwave them and then mashed them in sets. It will be a fun memory. Dugan’s uncle David came over too. The food was beautiful and delicious. After dinner we sat around the table and ad shopped (classic family tradition). I was looking for cheap DVD’s and Toy’s for the nieces and nephews. Sandra was so organized with her marker in hand making sure to make notes of the best deals. We played with the kids. I talked to my sister Ashten and my mom a few times over the day. What a wonderful THANKSGIVING.

Friday November 26th

As fun as all the hustle an bustle of BLACK FRIDAY is Dugan had talked me out of going out early. By 8:00 I was trying to get him up but eventually decided it would be best if he stayed in bed. I decided to head out on my own to one of my Fav. Stores at the Fashion show mall, Betsy Johnson. They were having an amazing sale and I just couldn’t let it pass me by. After I finished shopping I headed back home to pick up Amanda so we could go pick up a few things. I ended up with only on DVD but that was ok. That afternoon after all the shopping Grandma Patty, Amanda, Colbert, Sandra, Emma and I went to see the movie Tangled. So Cute!!! More playing. I think one of my fav. games we played was when Emma and I would play restaurant. I would come to her restaurant where I could order pretty much anything then she would let me know if she was out. Then I got 2 drinks, my food and dessert. I Loved it.

Saturday November 27th.

Where is my break going. I worked on homework and Dugan and I went to breakfast at The Hash House. When in Vegas this is a must. It was a pretty long wait but it was fun. Then we headed home. Amanda and I pretty much spent the day chatting and hanging out. Amanda made a Super yummy dinner which that reminds me I need that recipe. That night I took a little me time and went out shopping for presents. After returning home I put Emma to bed. We read Green Eggs and Ham for the 7th time this trip and Grandma and Me, and then Green Eggs for the 8th time. Then we sang a few primary songs and said prayers. It was nice to have the opportunity.

Sunday November 28th

Up and ready to work on some homework. Guess Who is in the kitchen. Did you guess... Dennis. I love when he makes breakfast. I love breakfast food. It was amazing. We had chocolate chip pancakes (Amanda’s request), eggs, bacon, hash browns, and Dugan Hash browns (which means a little bacon grease added to the potatoes... Gross.) I got out a little of the left over ham from Thanksgiving and had two eggs and Emma and I used food coloring to dye them green like Sam I am. The morning went by fast and before I knew it we had to take Emma home so she could get changed for church. This time the see ya later didn’t seem as bad. I miss that little girl. Then Patty, Amanda and I chatted on the way home. I got all my stuff packed and ready. I didn’t want to leave. Dugan and I hit the road by 2:00pm. Which is earlier then we normally do because we had a few things before going to school the next day. We were cruising along till we got about a half hour south of Cedar City. The weather was fine but we were going 5 miles per hour. It took us almost 2 hours to go 25 miles and it wasn’t snowing and the roads weren’t bad. Anyway we eventually were able to get up to about 40 for a good portion. Then when we got to Sandy the weather was really bad and he Freeway was SCARY and people were going about 35mph. I was so happy when we were home. What should have taken just under 6 hours took over 10 HOURS. We didn’t get to the things we were hoping to do but at least we had left early. It could have been a lot worse. Plus Dugan and I really enjoy each others company. It was a fun drive, just long.

Monday November 29th

And it Begins. Two Weeks till the Final studio presentation starts NOW. Studio went well considering I hadn’t seen my teacher for almost two weeks. He had good things to say about my design. (Answer to my prayers) Had a wonderful time researching in the library. I think I am sick I am actually kind of looking forward to writing my Japanese paper, except for the 10 pages single spaced part. Then it was a pretty chill and productive night.

Sunday Dec 13th

Well that went fast. It is Dec 13. just after midnight. I am in the Plotter Room at the school. It is pretty quite around here. Both of my models are hanging out upstairs on my desk. I have been trying to work on my Japanese paper but I need sleep before I can be at all productive with that. So the past two weeks have pretty much passed me by. School, school and more school. Highlights of the past two weeks. Got a Special Gift in the mail (I have to wait till I can write about it to give it justice), Got away from Homework for an hour to go out to dinner with friends, really appreciated the time I have spent with Dugan. I think I take hanging out with him for granted sometimes. Well I am still here in the plotter room and it is now 2:27am. God is Blessing me with patience. I condensed down my files but apparently they are still huge. I mean what can I expect when the things I am printing are 3 feet wide and 6 feet long and I am printing 3 of them. Anyway enough about right now. So after tomorrows presentation I have to help build the form work for my Concrete class Final, Finish Tony’s skyscraper on the moon project, both need to be done for Tuesday. Then my Japanese paper that I have been trying to work on every morning at 6:00am is nowhere close to done and it is due on Wednesday by Noon. Friday we will present our concrete bench and I have to turn in a CD and Binder of all my studio stuff by noon. So close I can taste it.

Dugan at the AIA awards. I am so Proud.

Breakfast of Champions. Greek Yogurt and Pomegranates

This may look like fabric but it is Concrete

Thanksgiving 2010

Welcome to November This one is exhausting

Sunday Nov. 7

Today I stayed in bed way to late. Even with the extra hour I had. I got up around 10:00 and started working on homework. I got a lot done before it was time for church. Giving another ward a try. We liked the University one that we went to with my friend but it is just to far. There is one much closer and would work much better for visiting teaching and what not. We will see. Anyway it was a nice ward and I look forward to going again. The rest of the night was spent on homework, making yummy meatloaf and twice baked potatoes for dinner and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies that have just hit my top 3 list. They were amazing and so worth the calories I had two. The night came to early and by 9:00pm my body was letting me know it was bedtime. I HATE Daylight savings. Everyone gets tricked into believing they have this special extra hour. Did you forget that the hour is taken away in 6 months. I know its for farmers and all but when was the last time someone interviewed a farmer to see if it is what they really want? hhummm and if they have and that is what the farmers do want then I will stop complaining.

Monday Nov. 8

Tony is currently out of the country in Cyprius which means no class. But I have a big Tony project due next Monday when he gets back along with a huge studio review so the plan is to take what would have been Tony’s class time to work on Tony’s project. Hope that all works out. As soon as the wood shop was open Dugan and I went down to work on our fabric and wood form work that we will be using when we mix and pour 3 different types of concrete in the morning. The fun and frustration of problem solving on how exactly the form work would be built came to an end when I had to go to my Japanese Architecture class. Today’s lesson was SwEeT. I swear design ascetics comes more naturally to people in Japan or maybe they just have been thought and learned how to appreciate it more then here in the US. I left the class with plenty to think about. Studio how I loth thee. (At least right now) ok I take that back. I have had major break throughs over the past few days which I will accredit as blessings from the prayers of my wonderful parents. None the less the week will be consumed by studio. We had a few women come into class today to go over the IBC code with each of us. I was grateful to have a building and was able to understand many of the basic codes but that book is fat and there are a lot of codes. Anyway after studio I headed back down to the wood shop. The air pressured staple gun was so handy. I was so proud of myself for finishing all the forms before Dugan made it back from work. He came to get me and we headed home. I made Swiss Chicken and Cheesy mashed potatoes for dinner. I went and picked up my Vita Mixer that I had lent out to a neighbor last week and was beginning to deeply miss. I tried to stay focused and work on studio but my mind was getting a little distracted. I just came up with the best idea. But it is a secret for now so I can’t tell anyone but I am exited. Now that I have taken notes about the idea back to studio.

Tuesday Nov. 9

Good Tuesday Morning

Dugan and I headed out early to meet at the concrete shop to began hours of pouring. I have to say that I really LOVE concrete. It is like a magic material. I haven’t got it to disappear or anything but I am defiantly getting good at manipulating it. It was fun to play with but I was feeling a little stressed about everything else that is waiting to be done with the rest of the day. But all forms where poured. Headed back to the school worked on Studio. Took Dugan to work went with my classmate to buy sheets of acrylic, plotter paper and hobby shop super glue. Headed back to the school for yep you guessed it Studio. Just you wait pretty soon the this whole week will be truly summed up in one word...... yep, you guessed it “Studio”. Dugan had a meeting with his group for his theories of an argument class tomorrow they have a debate. It is about the Fat Tax, pretty interesting. Dugan and I came home and I made Spinach, goat cheese, tomato pizza for dinner.

Wednesday Nov. 10

Thank goodness I don’t have tony’s class this week. We slept in a whole half hour and then headed to the school to plan out our project for Tony’s. I won’t give to many details now. (In case there is a spy, reading this) jk. But I will let you know about that later. Then I got focused and worked hard on studio. I knew it was one of my friends from schools birthday today but really didn’t have time to bake or anything so at lunch time I asked her what she wanted to do for lunch she said she brought her lunch. I said nope we are taking a 20 minute break and I am buying you lunch. We went the 500ft walk to the Art Museums Cafe. There food is pretty good. She got a grilled cheese and I had apple and brie on a baguette. Yummy! Then we headed back to studio. It was awkward as usual. I swear I don’t understand most sarcasm. Which often leads to me feeling bad. Oh well the semester will be over soon. That night I made Bruschetta Chicken Skewers and Cheesy Mashed potatoes for dinner. I had a friend from my old ward come over to chat. I love opportunities to bare my testimony.

Thursday Nov.11

I woke up way to early and all I could think about was Studio sssooo I decided to get up and work on it instead of just thinking about it. I got a good start on my laser cut files for the pieces I will need to build my model. It was a good work session but soon I had to get ready for work. I love work. Sometimes it stresses me out when I am at work because I feel like I should be doing school stuff but I love that it is so different then school. We had a big visit from the Corporate office but it was okay my store is awesome. Work went fast and I was back home working on studio less then a half hour after work. I did not let myself be tempted to go and try on boats even though I really wanted to. My current everyday shoes are fabric you see and all this wet that has been happening in the weather is no good. Maybe I can find a good deal on boats after Thanksgiving. That is if they fit with my high arched feet and muscle calfs. Any who back to the school. At 5:30 I went to hear Taira Nishizawa give a lecture. He is a well known Architect in Japan. It was good but with all the technology that is used now during lectures they always turn off the lights. I can say I don’t ever fall asleep but I get very tired. Plus I take notes and sketch what they are talking about to help keep me awake. The lecture got out around 7:30pm. I could swear it felt like it was after Midnight. Oh so sleepy. Dugan and I headed home where I made. Sweet meatballs with Jasmine Rice and worked on STUDIO! Goodnight. Maybe I will get up again early. Oh I love the mornings it is the nights I don’t do so well.

Friday Nov.12

So the getting up early showed to be successful ssssooo I did it again this morning. Today I was up just before 6:00. I got two hours of good focused hours of work done before needing to get ready for school. The morning went wonderful. I got to school the shop tech got there early. I was able to Laser Cut my model pieces before my concrete class. I was so glad to see that the concrete didn’t stick to the fabric that we had used. Given we did use Pam cooking spray and petroleum jelly hoping it would prevent the wet concrete from sticking to the fabric. It left a pretty cool texture but I am not looking forward to the final in this class. It is going to be Big and when I say Big what I think I mean is that it will be very heavy. After class I got myself pretty much glued to my chair and started to figure out how the puzzle that is my model is all going to go together. I got board while holding all the pieces together long enough for them to dry sssooo I decided to watch Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs to help give me patience. That movie is so GOOD. I LOVED IT!!! Well the model wasn’t done by the time studio started which I knew it wouldn’t be. Models take so long. But anyway for studio we got to go on a tour of the new Natural History Museum that is being built. It should be done in a year or so. Oh it is so beautiful. The board-form concrete is amazing and the copper is Pika Pika. I had been on a tour 6 months ago but so much had changed. Its going to be amazing. I hope to take my future kids there someday. Anyway after a nice visit it was back to school. I pretty much finished my model. I have a few things I would like to add if I have time. Then Dugan came and picked me up and we came home where I made Chicken Parmesan and Garlic French bread for dinner. We then worked on homework. I hope I come up with something for Tony’s. I have to put studio on hold for a few hours to work on Tony’s. Hope I come up with something good that wont take to long. I might have to watch Cloudy with a chance of meatballs again because it was so funny.

Saturday Nov. 13

Up at 6:00am to do some homework before heading to work. Made it to work at 8:30am. Enjoyed work and helping people out. The day went fast and I had fun. After work I headed home and sat in the chair at my computer in the office for hours. Eventually I made Crispy French Onion Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes for dinner and took a 15 minute break and then back to work. My back was so sore. I tried to at last stand up every hour and stretch for a minute. I worked till after 2:00am.

Sunday Nov. 14

With lots of stuff to get done. I got up at 6:00am 4 hours of sleep was not enough but I had to get up. I worked till about 10:00am when I realized I really needed some breakfast. I am usually the type that eats with in the first 15 minutes of being awake. I deiced on a quick protein bar and back to work. Just after noon I had to get ready to go to church. I was starting to feel really tired. We went to our friends ward to see there little boy Jimmy in the Primary Program. I was super emotional. I just kept think (Why don’t I have kids yet) Even though that is not what I really want right now but I was still thinking about it. After church we headed home and I went right back to my computer and got back to work. Dugan had to go to work because they have a crazy project due. He got home late and I heated up some leftovers and took a 15 minute break. Dugan got home and worked on stuff till 4:00am. Then he went to bed. I was hoping to be able to sleep for two hours but it just wasn’t possible. I worked till 7:00am when it was time to get ready to go to school.

Monday Nov. 15

It is such a weird feeling to leave for school and realize that you never went to bed. We had a little presentation in Tony’s class. Then I needed to Plot. This process usually takes somewhere between 15-30 minutes. It had been over an hour and I still couldn’t get my file to Print it was to large. I was frustrated but due to the lack of sleep and I hadn’t had anything to eat since dinner the night before. I had tears streaming down my face. I had lost all control of my emotions. I really didn’t need to cry but I couldn’t help it. After 4 HOURS yes something that should take 30 minutes took 4 hours. I missed the special lecture in my Japanese class which I was bummed about but I had no choice. I had to have my board printed. Dugan came and helped me and it finally worked. I had 15 minutes to spear. I knew that if I didn’t eat anything I wouldn’t make it. I got a muffin (which I would normally never eat) so that I had something in my stomach. Then I spent the next 2 hours listening to my classmates present. I presented just after 4. I thought it went ok but after being up for 34 hours straight it was hard to put my thoughts together to present. I lived through it but it wasn’t long before the uncontrollable tears came. I was just so tired. After all the presentations were over. Dugan and I went to The Dodo for dinner. I really love the place but I felt that it was hard to enjoy because I was tired. I had Salmon and Veggies and then we shared a slice of Coconut Caramel Coffee Cake. On the 10 minute drive home I could hardly keep my eyes open. I entered the house took off my shoes. dropped my stuff by the door and went to sit on the couch. I was gone in less then a minute. Dugan woke me up at 7:30pm to go to the bedroom. I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

Tuesday Nov. 16

Because I had fallen asleep so early the night before Dugan had to wake me up at 6:00am. So I could prepare my presentation for Marco’s Concrete class that was at 9:00am. I tried to keep my swollen eyes open and think through what I wanted to say. I changed my clothes and was ready to go to the school. Which doesn’t usually happen. I presented first and was so glad it went well. Then Dugan presented 4th. After class we went back home and back to bed. Till 2:30pm when I had to go to an appointment. I ran a few errands and Dugan went to work. We both made it home around 6:00. I made Creamy Chicken Risotto for dinner and I did nothing productive for the rest of the night.

Wednesday Nov. 17

I am hoping Life maybe back to normal for a week. I was inspired in Tony’s this morning. He is Amazing. Architecture is so much more then most people realize. There are so many different directions to go with an Architecture degree. Then Dugan and I went and built our form work for our next concrete pour. I love it because I am using my favorite fabric again. The building went well. Sometimes I still laugh a little when I really think about myself in the wood shop. We got done with time to spear before my Japanese class. It was an interesting presentation. I have to say I have really been avoiding any food that comes with a label except eggs and dairy and they have to be organic. My friend Chi yow and I LOVE the Asian Market. When I really want something (naughty) I have these little cookies called Hello Panda. I like the chocolate and strawberry ones. I love that they have few ingredients and less then 4g of sugar. They also have these little waffle cookies that are ok too. Anyway those are when I have a weak moment. In our Japanese class today we tried these Japanese candies and fruit snacks. They we natural and not full of what I like to call Fake stuff. I will have to look into those too. In Studio we talked about what would be required for the Final Presentation. I think I better start now. Then we had one on ones with our professor. Talk about anxiety. There are a few professors at the school that totally intimidate me. I think that it is because I think so highly of them that I never want to say anything wrong around them or disappoint them, One of these professors is my Studio professor. It has made the semester harder because I put so much added pressure on myself, which has turned out to be very bad. I am like a hamster on an a wheel. Working really hard but not really going anywhere fast. Thats ok I have 3 weeks to get it all figured out. After studio Dugan came to pick me up. I cam home and made. Steak with Garlic and Herb Butter and Veggies. Yummy. Taking care of some paperwork then off to bed.

View of the Sunset outside my Studio window

My Studio Buddy. His name is Midnight

My current desktop on my computer. Hope it will help me get through the next month.