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Recently my Friendly Frehner's Blog has been taken over by more of a journal of Dugan and I. SSSooo I would love for you to be part of my Sharona in Stilettos Blog. This is where I will be posting my random thoughts and goofy ideas. If everyday life is more your style keep reading FF.

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Hi, Bye February

Sunday February 6th

Today was a wonderful day at church. After I got home I did a little homework and hung out with Dugan. Our friends the Clarks came over to watch the Superbowl. I also called my little sister to see what she was doing to watch the game. She didn’t have any plans so they came over too. I have a guilty pleasure that I haven’t given into for awhile. I have decided that it will be my special SuperBowl treat once a year. Can you guess.... Its Ruffle Potato Chips with Ranch Dip. I know it is horrible for you and lacks nutritional value but taste so good. When Dugan and I went by the store yesterday I bought the chips, dip and a veggie tray (a little nutrition is good). I didn’t break my fast till after 4:00pm and I was so excited to eat my chips. They were good but I think I got it out of my system for awhile. It was so fun to have my friend Carrie (and her family) and my Sister Ashten (and her family) all over at the same time. Pizza for dinner and then we made S’more cups. They were a little messy but pretty good. Dugan LOVED them. Green Bay Packers Won and everyone left. I cleaned up and hung out with Dugan. What a wonderful day.

Monday February 7th

Dugan took me to school on his way to work. I worked on my Case Studies. Then I headed to the field house. It always feels so Good to move my body. During studio we reviewed our maps and started going over case studies. After studio Dugan and I went to do our taxes. We can’t finish them till after the 14th because a few things are changing. I have noticed through taxes and financial aid that if you are in Grad school they don’t care. Once you have received your bachelors degree they don’t want to give you anything. That seems backwards your furthering your education isn’t that even better? Apparently not to them. Then we came home and I made Pub Chicken for Dinner. It’s such a comfort food dish. Then on to structures home work.

Tuesday February 8th

Today we had Bob’s and we watched a video about how to inspect an old house. Awesome, not that Dugan and I would be doing our own inspection on the house we buy but it is good to know what things to keep an eye out for. Then we worked on structures homework and were really getting stuck solving I-joist and LVL’s. Then we had Modernism. I love Architectural Theory but this class is no fun. After class we got an email from our Structures teacher that said we could go to his work office. So I run up to trax station in order to catch it so I could get home and drive my car over to his office before he had a meeting. All my other classmates had prior engagements so I went for all of us. He explained all the things we were unsure of and it worked out great. I came home and spent the next 3 hours doing the problems so I would be able to teach everyone else tomorrow morning. Dugan made dinner so I could continue to work on the structures, especially since he need to have me teach him too. Around 8 I headed to the school to meet with one of my group members to do our power point for Studio tomorrow. I was home close to 10 and ready for bed. Today did not go at all according to plan. I hope the next structures assignment isn’t as bad.

Wednesday February 9th

Today Dugan didn’t have to work so we came up to the school so I could teach everyone how to finish our Structures homework. It didn’t take that long. Then I finished up my groups power point for Studio. In studio we went over the Blue Print of Jordan River and then we meet with the Planning students to purpose our focus groups and questions. My group was the only one with a power point. We presented first and then the other groups read there info. After discussing and debating we ended up with two focus groups. Small Businesses and Youth. I went with the youth group. I think they will have some great ideas. After studio we kind of just took a break before our Structures class. Today was nice we learned last week about Trusses so this week we did a practice problem that only took an hour and a half so we were able to leave early. We got home and again I had dinner ready in less then 20 minutes. We had spinach and cheese stuffed ravioli with chicken and pesto sauce. Yummy. It was a chill night.

Thursday February 10th

Today we headed to the school even though our one class had been cancelled. We decided to get a great start on our next Structures assignment that is due in two weeks. Then we had modernism. After class I had to meet with my teacher about what I am planning on writing my 20 page paper about. I have way to many ideas so I will let you know the topic when I narrow it down. Then I headed home and got a lot done. It was a productive day.

Friday February 11th

PLAY DAY!! Well at least the first part of the day. My sister and I went to Breakfast at Blue Plate Dinner. I got the Tofu Scramble and she got Hot Chocolate and Chocolate Chip Pancakes. Then we went and got manicures and pedicures it was all about the Red polish for Valentines day. We headed back to my house and I gave her her present. She liked it. Then it was time to go to school so she came up for a bit and saw my home away from home. We had such a fun morning together I didn’t want it to be over. Then I had studio and then Dugan and I headed home I made dinner and we had a nice night.

Saturday February 12th

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Midget. Today is my wonderful little sister Ashten’s Birthday. I am so glad she was born and we have had so much fun over the past 24 years. I LOVE HER. I had to work today till 2:30. Then off to a Baby Shower for one of the cute girls I had in Young Women's when I was YW President. She is so cute and I am so happy for her and can’t wait to meet her baby girl. I came home and hung out for a bit and then it was time for Dugan and I to get ready to go. Our friends came and picked us up. We went to our fav little place called Mountain City. After dinner we went to a Burlesque show and then hot tubing. It was such a wonderful Valentines date. Thanks again Dugan

Sunday Febrary 13th

Church was great. I enjoyed sitting by my friend Crystal and learning the gospel. It was Gorgeous outside for a February day. I just wanted to hang out outside all day. But I didn’t. I did some maps fro Studio and made cinnamon rolls from scratch and then made Old fashion meat loaf and twice baked potatoes for dinner. I was still in my baking mood so I decided to make Magic Bars too. After all Valentines day is tomorrow and it is one of my top three holidays. It was a great day. I think I might be ready for the week ahead. Specially since it is short with no class on Friday.

Monday February 14th

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY. I LOVE Valentines Day. I think that it is more of a kid, friend and dating holiday. Since Dugan and I have been married our Anniversary is much more of our Love Holiday. But I had so much fun making Valentines for friends, classmates and co workers. Studio was more presentations and then Dugan and I stayed in so I made dinner and we watched tv.

Tuesday February 15th

Today we Historic Preservation then Modernism. I went to R.I.P.P.E.D again. I am loving that class. Then a night of homework.

Wednesday February 16

I went to what I thought was Zumba but was actually a repeat of yesterday’s Ripped class so it was pretty hard. Before Studio started a group of students met early to talk. Drama in the Studio. Okay it wasn’t really that bad but it did get a little crazy. We have been working on planning these community workshops and in a major like architecture there are just to many people trying to be the leader. I am happy to step up when needed but in this situation I have stayed far away from being the go to person. After everyone took sometime and we got back together everything came together much nicer (not to mention the teachers were there so that always cools people down pretty fast). After studio we had structures. I can’t believe next week is my last structures class. Half semester classes go so fast.

Thursday February 17th

Today was the Majors Symposium. I woke up way to early to really yucky weather. But at least the plows had been out and the streets were safe. I was suppose to be there early to set up. It was a busy hour and a half of arranging flowers, preparing food and running the reception desk. The conference started just after 9:00 and was over by noon. Then I brought my friends Sarah and Chi Yow and my teacher Mimi back to the school . Sarah and I had modernism and were already pretty late. We headed to class. After class off to zumba (for real this time.)

Friday February 18th

Today was so fun. My sister came and got me and we went drove down to Provo. We went by my parents house and then she went to lunch with a friend and I did a little window shopping. Then we had to head back to Salt Lake City so I could be back in time for the Major One Jury that I was asked to be on (It was flattering to be asked). It was interesting and a very cool experience. I hope my future holds more of this academic stuff. It was such a great day.

Saturday February 19th

Today I worked from 6:00am to after noon. Dugan and I ran a few errands. It was pretty yucky weather so we decided to spend the rest of the day at home. At about 7:00pm I got the craving for Strawberries so I took a quick trip to the store and Dugan asked me to get the items needed to make tres leche cake.

Sunday February 20th

It was stake conference. We were all asked to prepare a talk in case we were called on to give it. They called on 6 people who gave wonderful talks. Then brother Richard C. Edgley spoke it was incredible. Many of my thoughts will be kept in my church journal. Right after the meeting I was prompted to immediately go and resolve an issue that had been wearing on me for a long time. The feeling of truly forgiving people is amazing. I am on cloud nine. The rest of the day was restful just like the sabbath should be.

Monday February 21st

Thank you for the Presidents who gave me this day. I slept in till 9:00 and then went to run a few errands. The distribution center for scriptures (which will be a gift which I am super excited about). Then I ran to whole foods to find granulated ginger for some cookies that I want to make. Time to hang out with Dugan.

Tuesday February 22nd

Today I had bobs class where we learned about Windows. After class my friends Megan Sarah, Dugan and I finished our structures assignment for Timber Trusses that is due tomorrow night. Then I had Modernism. After class Dugan went to work. I stayed at the school and Sarah, Megan and I got a good start on our finale Columns assignment. Tonight was the Westside Institute Class that we were required to go to from 5:30-9:00pm. Since Dugan took the car to work my friend Sarah and I took trax to my house, then I picked up my car so we could drive to the meeting. It was a pretty interesting night but I was glad when it was over and I could head home. I had left dinner all ready so Dugan could just cook it. We had Mediterranean Salmon with Lemon Dill Veggies. I was so happy to have dinner all ready waiting for me. Thank you Dugan. Then off to bed.

Wednesday February 23rd

I thought I really wouldn’t like Wednesday’s but they turned out not to be to bad. So today I had Dugan take me to school on his way to work. I worked on my abstract (Outline) for my Modernism paper about Frank Lloyd Wright. Then my friend Megan and I headed to the Field house to work out. I was going to go to a class but the teacher was running really late and I wanted to make sure to get in a good work out. So my friend Megan(her husband owns a gym) let me do her work out with her. It took me back to my Track days of Burpees, Dead lifts and running. I haven’t lifted a bar with weights for a long time. But I am excited to start doing it more often. I think that sometimes with the Dumbbells my right arm always seems to be much stronger so I am going to do a little test and see how lifting the bar works. Anyway, then we had studio where we worked on plans for our Focus Workshop. Tonight was our last night of our Timber Structures class. I have really liked the class so I am sad to see if come to an end but I am excited that I can now start going to my whole hip-hop class. We got home a little after eight and I made dinner.

Thursday February 24th

Today we had Bob’s where we talked about Embellishments on historic buildings. Then I finished my outline and turned it in in modernism. We talked about Le Corbusier which was nice because this is the first architect that we have talked about that I already know a lot about. I don’t think I have mentioned this yet because I don’t want to complain but the thing that is killing me with my modernism class is the reading. I have the class Tuesday and Thursday. Every class period we almost always have over 100 pages of reading. This isn’t as much of a problem from Thursday to Tuesday but from Tuesday to Thursday that is a lot of reading. Anyway that was my side note. The class went fast. After class I took Dugan to work, went for my Microderm and then headed to the car place to get Dugan’s car an oil change, safety/ emissions, and renew the registration. That wasn’t to bad. Then I took Dugan’s car home and picked up my car to do the same thing. Oil Change (Check) safety/emissions (Fail) oh man. I needed four new tires in order for my car to pass safety. They were almost totally Bald. Bummer. Dugan and I got home and made Ravioli and I spent the rest of the night resting. I talked to my sister and she told me she might have some tires I could buy off her. No such luck they were 14” and my car needed 15”. To good to be true.

Friday February 25th

Happy Birthday to my childhood friend Jen. Today I got up and headed to get some tires. They put them on pretty quick so then I could finish my safety/ emissions and I was on my way with my new registration. That’s all taken care of. Came home to finish my studio homework and made Mac and Cheese for Dugan for lunch. He came home had lunch and then we headed back to the school for Studio. Today’s studio was nice. We did a design Charette. (I know it looks like Charlotte, one letter different always causes me to take a double take.) It is nice to be getting to the beginning stages of actual building design. After studio Dugan and I drove by a few houses that have just been put on the market. We will go see the insides next week. Then we went home and I made Sonoma Steak for dinner. My throat and right ear have been hurting really bad so I was ready to just go to bed.

Saturday February 26h

I had the most delicious breakfast. It was Old Fashioned Oatmeal with granola, almonds, dried cranberries, sliced banana and Honey. It was heaven for my throat. Then I had work from 8:30-2:30. It went really fast. After work I had to the cross stitching store for Perforated paper for Dugan’s model. Anyway I got home and Dugan and I headed up to the school. We met with our group to go and do the first step of our forensics for our assigned historic house. It has been snowing all day so it was cold. It didn’t take to long and then we were back at the school. I have been working on a few things. Dugan has his final project for his Studio due on Monday. He will get it done but the late nights are here. His studio is two parts so his prefabricated part is done on Monday and his Technology studio starts on Wednesday. So I am just here being efficient and getting things done even though I don’t have much due this coming week.

It only took me all month to get a second to send all this madness out. All I can do is try to break it up a little more for you all in the future.

Week 3 House, Party, School

I have had this post ready but was hoping to have a few more pictures to post but Dugan has my camera hostage and keeps forgetting to give it to me.

Sunday January 23

Today was Wonderful. I LOVE church. I will just give you a few thoughts. Trusting my all in the Lord, Whatever it takes, Things that matter most (Uchtdorf). After church I spent a lot of time talking to my mom, sister, Janell (Dugan’s mom) on the phone and did lots of things I wanted to do. Dugan and I had a nice night.

Monday January 24th

Today I woke up so tired. But I am trying to get up the same time every day. I read this article about how getting up different times each day gives your body a type of Jet-lag. So am going to test it out. Dugan took me to school on his way to work. I was busy getting everything printed and ready for Studio. I know I have mentioned before and I am sure I will mention it again but I really do hate the plotter room. Actually it wasn’t to bad today so I am going to take today as a win. It just amazes me how long it takes to print things sometimes. Anyway a successful day of Studio and another few assignments to do this week. Studio has really kept me busy. After studio D and I came home. I made Lemon Chicken Fettuccine for dinner and worked on studio.

Tuesday January 25th

Today I woke up tired again. I am a pretty big dreamer and often wake up exhausted from my dreams. Anyway I only had Bob’s class today and we talked about Stone (I know you are all super jealous). After class I did my Structures homework that is due for tomorrow night I really didn’t want that hanging over my head. After Dugan and I got home we had some lunch and then went to pick up my friend Carrie’s daughter Katie I offered to babysit. She was ssoooo Funny in the car. She is 2 and a half and speaks so clear. It is so fun to talk to her. When we got to the house we watched Anastasia (one of my favorite kid movies) Then it was time for Katie to take her nap. I worked on homework while she was sleeping. She woke up right before her mom came to pick her up. It was Wonderful to get a chance to have such fun conversations with her. She is so Cute. Then I started to make Pork Chops and Pepper Corn for dinner. Spent the rest of the night working on diagraming maps and got in a little work out.

Wednesday January 26th

I woke up and got a few things done and got all ready. Dugan took me to school on his way to work. I had to take care of a few things on campus so I ran around campus for the first hour. When I made it back to my desk it was perfect timing to check and see if the teacher I am a T.A. for this semester had anything she would like me to be doing. I chatted with her for a minute and then headed back to my desk to work on studio. With in a few minutes my map was ready to be printed. Plotter Room (enough said). Pinned up my work and spent the next hour taking care of odds and ins. Studio went well today. I had some good thoughts. Have I expressed recently how much I love teaching? Well I do. It was a very informative day. It had been a good day but I really needed to get out of the building for a bit and I had a little less then an hour before my structure class would start so I decided to hurry down to the field house for a quick workout. I thought to myself a few miles on the Treadmill or Running on the indoor track? When I got there I was greeted with a fun suprise I had forgot about. (Since I don’t usually have time to go and work out on Wednesday nights.) It was a Hip-Hop Class. Sweet just what I would need to help me sit still and try and pay attention in structures for the next three hours. I worked up a pretty good sweat when I had to leave early in order to make it to class. The class actually went pretty fast tonight. I am hoping to start my homework for next wednesday tomorrow and maybe finish it by Saturday so I don’t forget everything. I was so proud of myself for my excellent dinner planning. We got home and within 15 minutes I had made Parmesan Pesto Salmon with Jasmine Rice and Parmesan Crisp. Now that’s what I am talking about. Who knew how well my super powers would work tonight. Good and Successful day. Time for me to go to sleep. Hope I can wake up rested tomorrow morning.

Thursday January 27th

Today was good and long. I had Bob’s class which will now make me look much closer at Masonry from now on. After class I got a few things done and then had lunch. Now the only reason I mention lunch is because I have been on this kick for the past few weeks. Almost everyday for lunch I have Tomato Soup. I am so hooked. I also will often have it with this new cracker I found. It is a wasa crisp. They are delicious. Also if I am really wanting something sweet I will put a little almond butter dark chocolate spread on it and warm it just a bit. Heaven on earth with no guilt. Anyway I LOVE food but enough about it for now. Then my poor Modernism teacher arrived just barley late to class with suitcases in toe. He had come straight from the airport in a Taxi. Poor guy was sweaty and all flustered. With in a few minutes class had began and we were discussing the Tatlin Tower. After doing the four reading assignments in preface to the discussion I found hope that it might be possible for me to write my 20 page paper about one building but we will see. It is still very over whamming to envision. After class I took Dugan to work and had two appointments to go to before going back and picking him up. After I picked him up we went to meet with our real-estate agent about looking at 3 houses. The first one had almost no kitchen, the second had almost no room in the bedrooms and the third was a little unfinished. We had a nice time looking. I came home and made Steak Salsa Verde tacos which I whipped up pretty quick again due to good planning. We had dinner did a little homework and then off to bed.

Friday January 28th

I am so glad it’s Friday. Spent the morning working on Studio. Then had studio. It was a pretty uneventful day as school goes. After school Dugan and I had to run by and pick up a gift for Jimmy. I have been thinking about it for weeks but am so indecisive that I hadn’t actually picked up the gift till now. We came home and I made Fish and Chips. I love fish (very lightly breaded) and I like my chips to be sweet potatoes. Making things healthy is GOOD. After dinner Dugan and I drove by a few of the other houses that we were interested in looking at. It was a good thing because there were a few eliminated before we took the time of the realtor. Dugan and I had a nice night together.

Saturday January 29th

Good morning world. I love being a morning person. With a few random morning mishaps I made it to work a few minutes late. It was fine sometimes life just has a few curve balls at 6:00 in the morning. Work was nice and went by fast. Then I came home to wrap Jimmy’s present and get ready for his party. We went to our friends Jim and Carries son’s Birthday party. It was at the Nickelcade. He opened his presents which we gave him a Star Wars Guess Who game that we thought was pretty cool. Then we had cake (which was a super hero cake that his mom had made with fondant buildings) it was really cool. Then it was play time. I took Katie and she went on the moving rides with most of her nickels. The 5 and 6 year old boys were having fun finding games to play. Dugan and I later played a Deal or no deal game. I choose the case #15 (which is my anniversary day). The rest of the game is opening 20 cases and depending on the amount of money that is eliminated depends on the dealers offer. Well the 1000 was still up so Dugan had me keep going. It came down to my case and #2 one of them had 8 the other 1000. I said no deal. It opened my case to reveal 1000. YES I was so excited I picked the highest case. Sweet I got 200 tickets which allowed Dugan to pick out some $10.00 Sunglasses for me. It was pretty fun. After the kids parents came to pick them up we went to the Clarks house. Katie took here nap, Jimmy played with his toys from his party, Jim and Dugan went downstairs and Carrie and I played Jimmy’s new Star Wars guess who game for 2 hours. Crazy how time flies when your having fun. It was dinner time and we decided to go out for Chinese. After dinner we ran by the school to pick up a few things and drove by two other houses we were interested in. What a great day.

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