Day 61: Peter Rabbit

Aha:
I had every intention of taking advantage of the lovely sunshine we had today by taking Peter on a walk when I got home from work. But when I sat down for a second he jumped up on my lap and actually snuggled with me. He curled right up in a little baby boy ball and I loved it too much to move.
Though, to be fair and less lazy, I am taking him out in just a second. :)

Haha:
When we lived in Wisconsin we had little tiny bunnies that would run through our yard on a daily basis. They were cute and Petey loved to chase them. Now, here in Calgary we get bunnies, but they are ginormous! Quite literally they are the same size as Peter.
Clinton and I were sitting watching TV and we could hear Peter crying behind us while he looked out the sliding glass door. I looked to see what was making him so antsy but couldn't see anything. His crying continued and eventually he started shaking as well. I took a better look and this is what I saw.

I don't know if you can see it, but there's a rabbit visible under the tabletop outside. It was staring Peter down and Peter was staring it down. This staring competition/shaking/crying session lasted about 45 minutes until the rabbit eventually jumped away. Oh, Petey.

Day 48: What a Relief

Aha:

Day 2 at work was better than Day 1. I actually had a good talk with the girl who I'm replacing and she said she had the same fears and hesitations that I have when she started. She said that the job was much better than she thought it would be and rather interesting too, so that makes me feel a bit better. 

I am choosing to remain open-minded and am more hopeful that I can be happy working here.

Haha:

Ever had it when you feel the need to pass gas and just as you are about to you think, "Huh...is this gonna be more than just gas?"

Yah, that happened to me today. Fortunately it was just gas.

Day 40: Totes Hit the Sweet Spot

Aha:
Got to talk with my friend, Chels, for a good long while today. Warmed the cockles of my heart.
Thanks, Chels, for contacting me! You have no idea how natural "adorbs", "totes" and "I know, right?" felt today. ;) You are such a sweet friend!

Thank you, God, for sending such wonderful friends and people into my life.

Haha:
Guess who was craving a frozen yogurt swirl cone for lunch while shopping at Costco today?
Guess who discovered she didn't have any lactase enzyme pills with her?
Guess who paid $19 for a new bottle of lactase enzyme pills even though she already had a new bottle at home cause she didn't want to have to go all the way home to get it and then drive all the way back to Costco?
Guess who relished her "$21.00" frozen yogurt swirl cone from Costco?
Yep. That was all me.

Day 36: That's What Big Brothers Are For

Aha:
I got a chance to talk with one of my brothers about some work-related advice. He was able to agree with my thoughts and offer me some additional things to think about. I called him a bit stressed, but when I hung up I felt so much better. I am so thankful that I have good relationships with my siblings and I'm thankful that I have such great siblings!

Haha:
Right at the end of our conversation his phone disconnected us. He sent me a text and we briefly continued the last of our conversation via text. I'm glad we did...here's how the last part went.
Me: Thanks for the reassurance.
He: Twbbaf
Me: What?! Lol
He: That's what big brothers are for
Me: Ooh. Ha! Wttmafyls
Me: Well that means a lot from your little sister. ;)
He: Lol
He: Laughing out loud.
:)

Day 21: Jack and Jill Went Up the Hill to Fetch a Pail...of Honesty

Aha:

I had one of those sad parenting moments today that really make your heart sad and glad at the same time.
Long story short, I caught one of the kids lying to me over something not so minor.
I knew they were lying and it was breaking my heart that they didn't feel like they could tell me the truth.
Finally, after about an hour and a half, the truth finally came out.
I took them aside and told them that of all things, being lied to was my least favorite. That lying makes me sad because it seems I can't be trusted by them.
I gave them a big hug (in which they lingered), thanked them for admitting the truth, and told them that I wanted them to be good and make good choices. I wanted them to know they can talk to me about anything and that above all, I loved them.
Consequences were divvied out and I turned to leave. The moment I did I totally got choked up.
These kids aren't even mine but this little situation really made me think a lot about what things must be like for those who do have kids, and what it'll be like when I have my own. This poor kid went to great lengths to avoid telling the truth and when it finally came out I didn't get mad, I really truly just wanted them to succeed in being honest. I felt so much love for them it hurt! And that lingering hug was the best kind of heart-warmer ever!
Is this what it's always like? Is this what it's like for God and His children here on Earth? How much forgiveness and love He must have for you and me!! He will patiently wait for us to admit our error and when we do He will be there to love us even more, not less.

Haha:

Before bed the kids and I were sitting in the living room reading nursery rhymes and after each one Eden would promptly reply with his own funny version of that rhyme.

We were having a great time!

One of the rhymes spoke of two little children who had some sort of cafuffle and ended up getting hurt or something. Eden's rendition included something about the kids suing each other and how someone came out loaded from their lawsuit.

We all laughed and then Sam said, "Eden, these kids are like three years old. If they're suing this young they must be from the states! They're pretty fast to sue over really dumb things in America."

Oh, how I laughed at that cause it's so true! 

Day 31: Relationships: Parents & Food

Aha:
Question #3: Describe your relationship with your parents.
Despite the physical distance, I would say my parents and I are pretty close.  I would also say that living away from them has actually made our relationship stronger.
When I was younger I was extremely attached to my mom; I could barely even spend the night at a friend's house because I got too homesick.  I even worried that I'd be too homesick once I got married!  As I got to dating-age I began to pull away cause I didn't want to have to explain every detail of my close-to-non-existent dating life.  And then when I was engaged, I wanted to hold on to every moment and pulled even further away.  It really wasn't until we moved for med school that I really realized how much I missed and needed my mom.  Now I call her for everything and spare no details.  I am so thankful for her and I love her very much.
My relationship with my dad is one that has truly become more since growing up, moving out and moving away.  I've always been more of a momma's girl, but since she's not close by anymore and rarely has her phone on ( ;) ), I've come to rely on my dad lots more.  I have always turned to him when I have questions about how to handle a situation in life, or questions about the gospel, but I have come to lean on him much more for emotional support too.  I believe he's seeing me more as a grown-up and I'm seeing him more as my daddy.

Ha ha:
Well, I guess you could say I'm making progress.  After eating four hot dogs, a sweet potato, a bag of crackers for dinner and a Milky Way for dessert--I got off my butt and did some squats, lunges, crunches, oblique twists and back bends.  It was only for about 30 minutes, if that, but now my legs feel like jello...Mmmm...jel-lo.

Day 26: Replicas Found In & Out of the Milwaukee Public Museum

Aha:
If you ever visit Milwaukee, you must make the trip to the Milwaukee Public Museum.  It is seriously the coolest museum I've ever been to.  While Clinton was working one day, I took my parents and knew they'd just love it...I was right.
There's this amazing "exhibit" called Streets of Old Milwaukee.  No detail is left to the imagination.  Even the ceiling looks like a night sky.  The streets are cobble stone.  The shops and houses are so real. My parents truly loved it there as much as I.  We were at the museum for about four hours.  I'd say a good 2 hours of it was spent in this exhibit.  We looked around in the other exhibits, again all amazing.  The panoramas are just cool.  But I knew there was one place they needed to see and I knew my dad would love it.

The Butterfly Garden

My family has a nicknamed my dad "the animal whisperer".  It doesn't matter the type of animal, be it friend or foe, it is a friend to him.  I don't think I've ever seen him kill a spider, but I can't tell you how many times I've heard him go to the kitchen, get a cup from the cupboard, walk back into the room he came from and then walk back out with some sort of bug inside the cup, and then open the front door with a softly spoken, "there you go little guy", as he sets the bug free.  We've recuperated many hurt animals because of my dad's big heart (including a pigeon and a hawk).  So, with this history I knew he'd love this special garden.

We all struggled to get just one butterfly to land on us...my dad however?

Ha ha:
After the museum was over it was time to pick Clinton up from work.  Since we were halfway there, we decided to head over to Golden Corral for some buffet food.  They don't have Golden Corral in Oregon so we knew this was a must during their visit.  Problem was, there was a man dressed exactly like my dad there (same gray hair too).  My mom, Clinton and I, each on separate occasions during our meal, made the same mistake of confusing this other man for Dad.  We'd get up to get something, come back to the table and share the encounter we'd just had.  Too funny.

Day 21: Holy Places

Aha:
Had the chance to go to the temple with my 81-year-young friend, Marji.  It's a 90-minute drive so we had lots of time to chat.
Firstly, the temple was a nice and peaceful experience.  This was Marji's 3rd time going, so it was especially nice to go with someone who is so very excited to be there.  I loved being there.
Secondly, I really enjoyed visiting with her.  She is extremely outspoken and is always making me laugh, but this time our conversations were more spiritual in nature.  I really felt like I was talking with an old friend (no pun intended).  Thank you Marji for sharing your words of wisdom.
Here is one of my favorite quotes from her as we traveled back home:

• Why you gotta be spending your time worrying about stuff?  Don't you know that's God's job?  Let go and just trust that He knows what's best.  He ain't gonna let you fall when you's doing what's right.

Ha ha:
Marji and I stopped for lunch at this restaurant I've passed every time I go to the temple, but have never been able to go to: The Point Pancake House.  Lemme tell you, I'm sure the other patrons began to feel a little nervous with how much Mmm-mmm-ing and moaning was coming from our table.  The food was fantastic (yes, I ordered pancakes with a side of peanut butter)!  I'll definitely be stopping there every temple trip from now on!

Day 19: A Couple Moments in Heaven

Aha:
There's just something so soul-satisfying about making a baby belly laugh.
Thanks Chels for having me over, feeding me, and letting me play with your adorable little boy!  What a great night!

Ha ha:
Hello.  My name is Danielle and I am a breakfast food junkie.
Some people say they love breakfast food, but I--I LOVE breakfast food!  I could be happy eating eggs, pancakes and hashbrowns three square meals a day (with a couple sausage patty snacks in between).  I love everything about breakfast food:  the smells, the taste, the...the...OK, I guess that's all there is, but I LOVE it!
So, last night my friend had me over to try peanut butter waffles with syrup.  With my rather refined breakfast-food-palate, I couldn't possibly imagine how that could even taste good; I mean, why "fix" somethin' that ain't broke?  So, with a bit of curiosity and trepidation, I decided to partake.
HOLY CROW!  It's like a waffle candy bar!  My tastebuds sung the whole Hallelujah chorus!  I was filled with joy!
If you have not tried this breakfast food delicacy, I urge you to put down your computer, whip up some  batter (waffles or pancakes would do) and get ready to sing the song of redeeming love!

Day 15: Feeling Downton Abbey

Aha:
I was feeling a bit blue on Sunday (probably due to Clinton being on call and also knowing I'd be returning to work the next day) and wasn't my usual, social self.  I was a bit of a wallflower, but fortunately for me, there are some great girls in the ward.  Two in particular took the extra step to make me feel noticed and loved.
First shout out goes to Chels.  Thanks for inviting me to dinner and for helping fill the void while Clinton was on call.  You're a great buddy!
Second shout out goes to Emily.  Thanks for seeing me sitting alone in RS and for filling the vacant chair next to me.  Your smiling face and care-free chatting helped me snap out of my slump and feel better.

Ha ha:
One of my friends posted on FB that she was finally able to watch the 3rd season of Downton Abbey online.  Whaaaaaa??!!! I didn't even know it was online yet!  Naturally, I was most intrigued and had to get in on the whereabouts of the website that was streaming one of my favorite shows.  After about a half hour of searching (and bombardments of Asian-persuasion half-naked pop-ups), I FOUND IT!!
It was already getting close to bedtime, but I'm proud to say I persevered and completed the first episode!
What a fantastic show!  And I love Matthew Crowley even more than before (didn't know that was possible)! :)

Day 14: Thrills and Spills

Aha:
For the first time in a long time, we had a totally LAZY Saturday.  I watched some shows on Netflix, slept in -ish (still got up to clean the bathroom, but after that I did NOTHING), got lunch at McDonalds (2 ice cream cones = food to me), dinner at Noodles and a Milkway for dessert.  Clinton and I even had time to snuggle without him passing out from exhaustion on the couch!  What a lovely day!!

Ha ha:
Made a quick pit stop at Target last night to pick up a few essentials.  Isn't it sad that while walking through the aisles, making sure I had everything I needed, I came across a Tide-Stick Pen and knew it was something I needed to add to my list of essentials?  I'm a twenty-something-year-old and I need a magic pen that erases the spills I make on my clothes when I eat.  Pathetic.

Day 13: Tears (Almost) All Around

Aha:
Friday was my coworker's last day.  She and I have worked together for 2.5 years and during that time built a wonderful friendship.  I was her yin and she, my yang.  We've been through a lot together, especially recently with some changes in management, so I'm sad to know I won't get to see her as often.  I'm so thankful for her example of generosity and compassion and hope that some of those attributes have rubbed off on me over our time working together.  What a blessing she's been to me--I miss you already Lissa!
(P.S. I know the above sounds like a eulogy, but trust me, she's still alive and kickin'.  So happy for her and that's she's moved on to a better place...at the Oconomowoc Library!) :)

Ha ha:
Friday was also one of our fellows last day.  When she came to give me a hug goodbye I thought she was tearing up a bit, so I started to tear up too (I was already sad about Lissa leaving, but I am also such a boob!).  When we pulled out of our hug, she looked up at me, with no tears in her eyes, and said, "Are you OK?"
Realizing I was alone in my emotions, I cleared my throat and with a look of *of course* on my face, said, "Uh-huh."
I have really got to get this crying-so-easily thing under control!

Day 12: 3 Hot Gals w/VD Fever

Aha:
My friend Jess and I got invited over to my friend Chels' house for supper and THE VAMPIRE DIARIES premiere on Thursday!  We had a great time and I'm so thankful for the time I got to spend with them.  I think they're the only other two girls out here who are as involved in this show as I am!  Good to know I'm not totally alone in my "guilty" pleasure. :)

Ha ha:
Only the occasional gasp or "oh man he's hot" escaped from our lips during the show.  Otherwise we were silent and totally engrossed in the show.
That's a true sign of comfort among friends!  How's that saying go?  "Friendship means never having to say anything"?....maybe not quite right, but nonetheless fitting for this group of gals.

Day 10: Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Aha:
I received the sweetest message from my dad while I was at work today.  As soon as I got off of work I checked my phone and saw that my dad had called and left a message.  I'm sad that I missed his call, but I'm sorta grateful I waited to listen to the message till I was out the door--totally made me cry.
Thank you Dad for your words of love and encouragement!  I didn't know just how much I needed that boost.  Love you!
P.S. It was nice talking with you after work too!  Made my day.

Ha ha:
I didn't exercise today (see Day 9's "ha ha").
In my defense...I needed to catch up on my blog and finish an episode of Sherlock Holmes (BBC version--awesome!!)  And, I took Peter for an hour-long walk.  That's something, right?

Day 9: For the Beauty

Aha:
Have I mentioned just how BEAUTIFUL the fall is in the Midwest?  Don't believe me?

 Grounds and Cathedral at Holy Hill Basilica

 Honey Creek Parkway, Tosa

 Looking down a street in the neighborhood

Peter and I during General Conference

 Clinton and I at Holy Hill

I can't help but feel closer to God when I see just how gorgeous this world really can be.

Ha ha:
I started exercising again last night.  Danielle, why would that be something you'd list in your "ha ha" section?  Because I really wonder how long it's gonna last.

Fall 2011...Better Late Than Never

I know.  It's no longer fall, let alone 2011 but I just got these pictures from my friend the other day and now I'm finally posting these.  Last Fall, some of my gals pals and I got together for a photo sess and had a great time.  I just can't tell you how thankful I am for such wonderful friends!
So, without further ado, enjoy!

 Our attempt at VOGUE

LOVE these girls!!  I'll cherish these pics for forever!

Day 385: Worth Every Penny

Aha:
Clinton and I drove out to Cedarburg, Wisconsin on Saturday for the heck of it.  It's about 30 minutes away and it is an adorable town!  There are lots of cute little boutique-type shops to peruse and there's always some sort of outdoor event going on.  What a cute town!
We turned our trip into a scavenger hunt to put together a bird feeder for our backyard that will attract Cardinals for when my parents visit next month.  We made our purchases with success and enjoyed our time together in the meantime.  We came home, fixed supper and then veged on the couch for the rest of the night.
What a great Saturday!

Ha ha:
As I mentioned above, I love the little shops in Cedarburg.  There's this one little boutique (I think it's called Posh) that is all accessories...must-have-type accessories.  Fortunately for me, they were having a sale and I got the cutest pair of black stilettos for $10!!  Ready to be jealous??

BAM!!

I told you they were cute!

Day 384: I Feel Old

Aha:
We went out with some friends to celebrate my friend Kim's 25th birthday (yes, I'm the oldest of my friends here) on Friday. We met at a local restaurant/bar and at like 9pm (her choice).  The music was super loud and my throat hurt after a while from having to yell to converse, but I still had a great time!  Happy Birthday Kim!
As I've mentioned many times before and as I will continue to do, I am so thankful for great friends here.  Living far away from family is hard, but knowing that I have a great support system here makes it that much easier.  Love you girls!

Ha ha:
When Clinton told me it was time to leave (at about 8:50pm), I looked up at him like, "Seriously?  It's so late!"  I'm so old.
When we got to the bar I couldn't believe how loud it was in there.  I wish'd I brought some ear plugs or something.  I'm so old!
Right around 10 o'clock I started to feel really tired and was ready to head home and go to bed.  I knew it was a bit too early so I stuck it out another 45 minutes before tugging on Clinton's arm.  He turned to me, looked at his watch and said, "It's not even 11 on a Friday night.  I don't want to go home yet."  I'm so old (and Clinton's older than me).
When we wrapped up the night and sent the birthday girl on her way back home, I got into our car and instantly closed my eyes.  I'm soo old.
When we got home I promptly fell asleep and slept till almost 10am the next morning.  I'm old AND pathetic!

Day 371: Noah's Ahhhhhrk!

Aha:

Saturday, the last hurrah of our staycation, we drove to Wisconsin Dells and played all day at Noah's Ark Water Park with some friends (Ryan, Mel and Sadie Jackman; Shawn, Huiminn and Hobson Call; and Richard and Jenna Thorsted).  We all had a blast!!  As is usual, Clinton hung out around the wave pool and avoided almost all of the rides however he did venture down the Kowabunga and the Quadzilla.

I, on the other hand, was feeling quite adventurous and went on the Anaconda (it's a flippin' roller coaster, but on water...way awesome!)

The Half-Pipe (I about pooped my suit on this one.  It's a super steep drop--you totally free-fall before landing on the slide--but man, what a rush!)

The Lazy River (not so adventurous, but definitely relaxing)

and the Time Warp

I don't think I'd have felt half as adventurous if it weren't for my friends.  It was so much fun spending the day with them and I am so grateful for my home-away-from-home family!

Ha ha:
For rather obvious reasons I don't want this to become my new nickname, but I was labeled "the screamer" at the park by my friends.  I was having so much fun on all the rides that I'd scream and scream until I started laughing.  Oh man, I had an absolute blast!  My throat was totally hoarse from all of the screaming-turned-laughing.  What a great day! :)

Day 367: Taking a Load Off

Aha:
In celebration of Clinton's completion of 3rd year, I took the rest of the week off from work.  Tuesday afternoon we struck up the grill and had some friends over for a BBQ.  The weather was wonderful, the food was great, time with friends is always enjoyable...but knowing I wasn't at work was the best of it all!!

Ha ha:
A memory from my youth.
Before I knew I was lactose-intolerant I dealt with a lot of discomfort and embarrassing situations.  One time, I was at a church dance and mid-cutting-a-rug, I felt like there was something else that needed cutting.  So, I told my friend I was going to run to the bathroom real quick.
"Oh, let me come with you." she said.
Oh dear.  How the heck am I gonna cover this up?  "Uh, ok."
So, off to the bathroom we went.  I went into the stall and did my best to "keep things quiet" however trying to keep diarrhea quiet is like telling a toddler to sit still...it ain't gonna happen.  My friend was jabbering away (just outside my stall) and I "coughed" and "cleared my throat" to mask the sounds like my dignity depended on it.  But try as I might, there's a certain frequency that diarrhea "runs" on and one explosion rang louder than I could cover.
My friend (whose laugh is reminiscent of a machine gun) started busting up laughing.  Eureka!  I started laughing just as loud I could and let nature "take it's course".
I think we probably laughed for a good 5-minutes that evening, and I never felt better.