Sunday Samplings--Worst dates ever!

I'm sure everyone has had one of those dates that you just never happened! My worst date would have to be Junior Prom back in the day.

I didn't have a date with just a couple of weeks left and there I am in Physics class blabbing about that to some of my friends. Well, the guy I sat next to heard...not a guy I particularly like at all. We fought all the time on everything. I guess that was something he happened to like...so the next thing I know he was asking me to go. He was kind of a "skater" dude. So a lot of his friends weren't planning on going to prom so he suggested we go in my friends' group...

It was just a really strange night. He really liked me, didn't know how to tell me other than hold my hand, say strange things, not talk to me at the dance then not dance, then dance, then declare his love to me at the end of the night. Plus, it didn't help that our wonderful prom committee chose an army base for our magical night of the dance, it was way too small for all of us, not the best atmosphere for sure...I really cried my eyes out when I got home door. It was quite the learning experience in the fun teen years! Well, he got over me pretty fast...and we never ended up friends. Kind of sad, but weird!

Any scary dates that aren't too scary you'd like to share?

Sunday Samplings- Canary Islands

Just wanted to share one experience while I was there...

We kind of stick out like a sore thumb as missionaries...in dresses and backpacks. So we were bound to get some interesting catcalls and such from some of the locals...

My companion and I were just walking down the street not trying to mind our own business (we're trying to share our gospel message), but minding our own business when it came to snotty teenage boys. We were assaulted with tennis balls! Thwack, right on my bum, thwack, on my head. I mean, what do you do in that situation? I'm in a foreign country, a woman, learning a new language...it's not like I can go swear at them in their own language, it would've been fun to do in English since they'd have no idea what I was saying. But then I'm representing my church and God...so gotta turn the other cheek.

So we just ended up ignoring them and hoped we didn't embarrass ourselves too much. Little punks!

Sunday Samplings- Bad Habits

Woo, bad habits really stick around forever...I thought I'd clear the air with myself and admit some of my bad habits in the hopes I can keep trying to curb them!

I really complain too much; it's so much easier to complain than think of one's blessings. I'm an impulse buyer, which means I spend too much money and don't save enough. Especially when it comes to books and DVDs; I'm just hopeless.

I'm also quick to anger and slow to forgive, which means I'm moody and prideful....

I could go on, but these really are ones I'd like to curb a bit more than the rest. Complaining can really dampen my attitude about life, which can get me angry, prideful, and wanting to go out and buy books and DVDs, which in turn makes me feel guilty since I don't really have the money...so they're all very vicious cycles....grrrrr.

What are your bad habits?

Sunday Samplings- Scars

This was just a random thought...scars have a lot of history behind them...whether they be mental or physical, though the mental ones cannot be seen...I don't have too many of them, but I thought they would make for an interesting topic for today! I could do mental, but I'll spare you and focus on the physical!

My major scars: The biggie...that's no surprise...my C-section incision. That one's never going away in this life time. But it was worth it to have little Gabe here with us now!

Chicken Pox: I've got a biggie on my back, rather large one on my hip and one on my right forearm.

Cuts: I've officially cut myself with two knives on the same left index finger; the scars even criss-cross each other! Me and knives...not a good combination.

Skinned Knees: They're not really visible, but I had a couple of whoppers as a kid...let's see, tripping over a big rubber ball at recess while wearing shorts and skinning my knee over the asphalt!

Stretch Marks: Yes, they're inevitable for almost every pregnant woman, but mine started as a teen....and only got bigger with Gabe in the belly and retaining enough water to fill up a king size waterbed!

I'm just thankful they're not any more violent than that!

Sunday Samplings: Christmas Tradtions

Growing up I don't think our family traditions were all that different from the average family...let's see...we opened up one gift on Christmas Eve after our retelling of the Christmas Story from the Bible. When I was super young I was "baby Jesus." We actually reenacted it! My mom usually made our gifts all a theme like everyone got pajamas or slippers one year.

Our Santa gifts never got wrapped and put under the tree...they would be in a certain spot either on the floor or the couch with our stockings stuffed with goodies and our favorite breakfast foods, such as cereal and Pop-tarts.

When I was really young we switched every other year with having the tree and the Santa gifts either upstairs in the living room or downstairs in the family room. That one didn't last too long since I only remember doing the a couple of times. I basement was pretty dark and dreary and our fireplace went out when I was pretty young...

We could never ever sleep, what child can? So we usually tried to sneak past our parents' room in order to go check early on our gifts! Those were good times. Then Christmas morning we'd get our padres out of bed and open up all our gifts. It was usually done oldest to youngest and then the next year I really would try to get youngest to oldest (that was me!).

For my own family we do pretty much the same. Still haven't come up with a theme for Xmas Eve gifts, but hopefully one day, maybe when Boog gets older. Archie's not a big pajama fan (yes, he's an underwear man!) nor can we find slippers that will actually fit his feet! So for now it's usually just open one gift and there you go! We do try and eat some Xmas Eve dinner at the tree with a blanket and read some spiritual Christmas stories and drink hot chocolate. Christmas day is usually just a lounge around the house day! We do not visit family on that day! Maybe we'll start new ones as we go along! That's what's so fun about Christmas, new traditions to be made while old one are not forgotten!

Sunday Samplings- My Funniest Movies!

I am a big, BIG, fan of movies! And I love comedies; they make you laugh and laughing makes you feel happier and it reduces stress! So just for fun I'm listing my top ten funniest movies list so if you desire you can view them yourself!

In no particular order:

1. The 'Burbs (1989): This movie stars Tom Hanks and Carrie Fisher and even Corey Feldman! This movie had me crying since I was laughing so hard. One of Tom Hanks finest performances. You won't be disappointed!

2. Galaxy Quest (1999): Starring Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver! Take all the sci-fi shows, especially Star Trek and turn them into a spoof and you have Galaxy Quest. It's cute, it's funny, and even heart-warming!

3. Music and Lyrics (2007): Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore...I didn't think they'd ever have chemistry...but I was wrong! If you've been an 80s music fan you'll really love this one, but even if not, it'll still be a wonderful romantic-comedy!

4. Notting Hill (1999): Yes, another Hugh Grant! Just sweet, adorable, and laugh-out hilarious!

5. Stranger Than Fiction (2006): Yes, Will Ferrell can act and even take on some great roles that are both sweet and comedic! Plus this one has the always amazing Emma Thompson!

6. The Wedding Singer (1998): Yes, I am an 80s fan...so of course I just love this movie! And Adam Sandler can sing!

7. Tommy Boy (1995): Definitely Chris Farley's best comedy...I think it's the movie I can quote the most! Hilarious!

8. Clue (1985): Based on the game with the same name and also loosely based on Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None novel. This one is definitely one of my favorites! You'll simply die laughing. So many quotable quotes in here as well!

9. Meet the Parents (2000): Whatever can go wrong when you're trying to get the approval of your significant other's family and parents do in this movie! It's so brutal but oh so hilarious! I just love Ben Stiller.

10. Mystery Men (1999): Yes, another Ben Stiller movie...he just cracks me up. A spoof on super heroes and this one doesn't disappoint!

Sunday Samplings: First Kiss!

I was a bit young on my first kiss...I was 14...his name was Dillon...horrible kisser, super sloppy, and just icky. Needlesstosay, it didn't last too long, like a week. He was one of those popular guys and it was pretty funny that as soon as we were "together" all of his friends thought I was the greatest and just couldn't get enough of me! And then we "broke up" and I no longer existed! Oh, the funness of high school! HA HA! So glad I never have to go back in time to relive them....

Sunday Samplings: Light

I was going through some old high school papers and ran across this poem I wrote when we were studying Shakespeare...we had to write in iambic pentameter! Yikes! So I thought I would share it with y'all!

LIGHT

As first lighting is seen no harm can be
for no one knows wrath that soon will be seen.
The snake of they Father will think you glee
While he leadeth thee from the Super Being.
If thou no remorse thy essence be damned.
The inferno shall ye be with thy weeping
Voice and thy pains unleashed shall be manned
By Him. But for those whose wool's white and clean,
By thy shepherd ye have followed, thy soul
Will rise and resist His wrath. Ye gather
Thy kin to behold such glory they whole
Life has yearned; for they way made'st such matter.
Heavens shall open, He, thy god shall come
To take thee to thy father, His world from.

I was only fourteen when I wrote this! It's kind of dark at first and then I tried to throw some hope in there too at the end. Thanks for reading!

Sunday Samplings: Childhood Unmemories

Have you ever had someone tell you something about yourself when you were really young and you just can't remember it? I'm not talking about before we were three or four. But things you just don't remember after you are supposed to, things that someone who experienced the memories with you talks about them and you just have no clue!

Apparently I walked to Kindergarten with another girl in my neighborhood everyday and I have absolutely no recollection of it! I remember her bringing it up when we were teenagers and I had no clue what she was talking about. Somehow I had blocked it out! But I don't think it was a traumatic experience; she was really nice. I guess it's just one of those things, so I can't even blame old age on that one!

Sunday Samplings- Past Household Chores

I know I had chores to do, but they weren't really enforced too much as a child or a teen. I know I had to set the table a lot and put dishes away and sweep sometimes. I also had to clean my room and vacuum the living room from time to time. But as I think back I realize that I probably could've gotten away with not doing them. I still received an allowance and I hardly ever was grounded. But I respected my dad and so I did them every so often as a younger child.

As I got older I had my own sense of responsibility to do things around the house. My room was only semi-clean and if it got too nasty I usually picked it up then. My mom had mental health issues when I was pretty young up til I was in my mid-teens so I never had much of an example of my mom doing things around the house. If something got pretty dirty one of us kids usually ended up tending to it. My dad cooked most of the time or we got our own food. And my mom ended up losing so many things of mine in the laundry that I started to do my own pretty early on, which I'm sure she was grateful for.

So there weren't any chores I've ever enjoyed doing and still don't. My house isn't the cleanest, but things still get done in a timely manner. I'm a clutter horse as well. I also get that from my padres. My dad always had things on the table or the bar while growing up and now so do I! Plus I keep everything, but I'm getting better at that. I try and go through stuff about once a year and throw things out or sell or give them away.

Archie is the vacuum guy in our house. He's immaculate and anal about the whole process. I think his mom made him do it over if it wasn't just right. I'll do it, though, if he takes too long...

Sunday Samplings: Honesty Quiz

Yeah, I know this was supposed to go out yesterday, but just pretend!

1. What was the last thing you put in your mouth? Water.

2. Where was your profile picture taken? In our computer room.

3. Can you play Guitar Hero? Yes! I love it...but I haven't been able to play it for awhile due to being preggo and having a new baby...but give it time and I'll be back in action!

4. Name someone who made you laugh today? Gabe and my kitties.

5. How late did you stay up last night and why? I took my sleep drugs at 10:30, but ended up talking til midnight.

6. If you could move somewhere else, would you? Yes! I would love to be in a house with no HOA!

7. Ever been kissed under fireworks? Probably...

8. Which of your friends lives closest to you? Jan or Annie?

9. Do you believe exes can be friends? Depends...longtime ones...no.

10. How do you feel about Dr Pepper? Don't do carbonation period.

11. When was the last time you cried really hard? Last week.

12. Who took your profile picture? Me.

13. Who was the last person you took a picture of? Gabe.

14. Was yesterday better than today? No.

15. Can you live a day without TV? Yes since I don't get a tv signal at all, but tv shows, absolutely not! I love the internet!

16. Are you upset about anything right now? Yes, but I'd rather not say publicly...

17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it? Of course!

18. Are you a bad influence? For sure!

19. Night out or night in? In. Usually in, but I love eating out and movies or hanging and playing games with friends.

20. What items could you not go without during the day? Computer.

21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital? My friend Sarah.

22. What does the last text message in your inbox say? I don't do texting.

23. How do you feel about your life right now? Stressful, but all right.

24. Do you hate anyone? No, but there are some peeps I'm not too fond of, though.

25. If we were to look in your facebook inbox, what would we find? Old messages.

26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass? I think so...

27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before? Sure, cuz I totally am! ;)

28. What song is stuck in your head? Robin Hood and Little John...

29. Someone knocks on your window at 2:00 a.m., who do you want it to be? If anyone did I'd pee my pants and call the cops.

30. Wanna have grandkids before you’re 50? No way, Gabe will be way too young for that...maybe 55.

31. Name something you have to do tomorrow? School work, return library dvds and books, blog, clean, take care of Boog....

32. Do you think too much or too little? Way too much, I worry and overanalyze everything under the sun and then some.

33. Do you smile a lot? No, but I'm working on it.

Sunday Samplings: Remembering 9/11

Friday marked the 8th anniversary of 9/11. I thought I would reflect on that horrible day, where I was, how I felt, its impact on my life.

I had just turned 21 and was a-waiting my entrance into the Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT to begin my mission for the LDS Church. I had only one week left and was spending my days packing, shopping, etc to prepare. I got up early that morning and turned on the Today Show. On the screen were images of the Twin Towers burning. What happened? What's going on? I couldn't believe it. I ran upstairs and got my parents out of bed. We all turned to the TV and just stared, we were so dumbfounded. All those lives lost, people missing, in danger. I just bawled. I was too young to be apart of any wars, except for the Gulf War, but I was seven and it never really hit home for me; 9/11 did. My country was attacked, my fellow citizens were dead and dying. My parents and I got down on our knees and prayed. Yes, tragedy does bring one closer to God or it can bring one down to the bitter depths. I chose faith.

Life is so short, I realized. I also came to vivid realization of war, at least in my own sphere of reality. My desire was to be more tolerant, more forgiving, more charitable, and to live my life better in general. We're all humans, we're all brothers and sisters in spirit. I know I don't live life like this all the time, but it's something I try to do each day. I hope we can remember the lives lost, the families torn apart, and the lessons learned from this tragic act of terrorism.

Sunday Samplings: Old Journal Entries

I've been sorting through my old journal entries from when I was eight and nine years old; they're pretty hilarious. So I thought I'd share some thoughts with you...

Tues. May 2, 1989

My bro. played Friday the 13th. It was real fun.

Really? How is playing a psycho killer real fun?

Date unknown

Dear Diary,

This Evening was wierd, me and Janali and Tiffany had a water fight. Then my dad and my mom came home. So I told Jan that I had to go home, so I went home. And I had Two oreo coockies. Then it was time for dinner and I ate outside

The End
Heather

Not quite sure what was so weird about this day...

July 5, 1988

Dear Diary,
Today was fun. I got in a fight with Mary.

Yup, fights are always soooo fun!

October 7, 1988

Dear Diary,
Well I don't like Tiffany and Nikki. Drews a geak. My mom keeps hiding Cinderella. Me and Candace found a cat. It climbed up a tree. It was scared to come down. Travis had to get the cat down. Its name is Cutey emarie tighty Frisky. I wish I could clean my room. Cheryl dosn't get along very well. She fights a lot. I wish I could ride a bike.

See Yea!

I love what I named that cat...that'll be my next cat's name! And I love how I wish to clean my room! Huh?

October 8, 1988

I watched Freddy Crouger. He's a buthed. But I don't believe in him.

As I kept telling myself that all night while wide awake and freaking out...

October 9, 1988

Dear Diary,

I was real miserable today it was boring. Sundays are always boring. My Mom & dad think my breath smell like garlic. todays been real, real, boring. Cheryl's really rude today, she always grouchy and I hate it. well my sister went back to college. I don't know why my sister always says rear. School's tomorrow.

Sundays and miserable and boring...looks like life hasn't changed that much!!! ha ha! And I'm still smelly!

Hope you enjoyed the amazing thoughts of my past; I was such a deep and thoughtful child...

Sunday Samplings: My Scariest Dream

My dreams are never very life-like. I'm usually flying like Superman or meeting celebrities, etc. It's the real life dreams that really are quite frightening and I don't have too many of these, thank goodness.

The scariest dream I ever had was about six months into my marriage. I dreamed that Archie was walking down the street with his Aunt Jean and his mother at night. You know one of those dark alley type situations. And he got mugged and knifed. He was rushed to the hospital and there was nothing I could do. I just had to watch and do nothing. I woke up crying my eyes out. It was the most vivid dream I have ever had, even to this date. It's definitely not anything I want to experience again. But I'll probably inevitably have one about Boog one day that will make wake up bawling...I just am not looking forward to that day. Oh, the stuff of dreams. Thank goodness I don't have a psychic gift with dreams!!

Sunday Samplings: Pets, Glorious Pets!

For another sampling I thought I would talk about all the wonderful pets I had as a kid. My mother has always been a cat-lover so we grew up with cats all the time. The first cat I remember was Siamy. He was part Siamese. He was very sweet from what I remember and my love of kitties was assured! We added five more to our home over the years: Star, Trixie, Bo Jangles, Snow White, and Princess. Star died very young due to cancer. I was so sad. But it helped me to love and miss and cope. Bo Jangles was catnapped, Snowy and Trixie found other homes (not my choice), and Princess hung on til after my mission. I was with Princess the longest and still feel that pain of her passing. She was a great and loving companion.

I knew from the start I would have to have cats in my own home! We have added Frodo and Wolfgang! Sweetest kitties in the whole world.

I also had two birds, a few fish, three rabbits, gerbiles, and even a turtle at one point! But through these pets I realized that I would never have any of these in my home. They're just not very interactive and they're smelly (rodents) and the rest just aren't that loving...so cats it is and one day we will add a dog or two when we have a big enough for them!

I love animals and find them all fascinating even when I'd rather not actually have one as a pet! They are beautiful creations and am very grateful to have two wonderful kitties in my home!

Sunday Samplings: The First Memories

My friend Autumn has an awesome Sunday tradition for her blog; it's called Journal Jar Sunday. She puts up topics about her past so we can all get to know her better. The entries are fun and informative and just a dang great idea! So I'm plagiarizing her idea (though, see, I'm giving her credit for the idea!) and calling it Sunday Samplings.

My first topic: My first memories:

I think the earliest memory I have was being in my crib and waking up with my butt in the air and being grumpy and starting to cry since no one was around.

Another early memory is when I was just barely potty-trained and so I was slowly learning how to "hold" my bodily functions until a toilet was available. Well, in my home at that time we only had one bathroom and my dad enjoyed using it often since he could read for at least a half hour with no disruption! Well...I needed to use it and I banged and banged and told him I needed to. But he just told me to wait and he'd be out...time goes on...well, I couldn't hold it anymore and I vaguely remember pooping right there on the spot in front of the bathroom door. But the story doesn't end there...since my dad took so long to get out my poop hardened and my unsuspecting sister came along and saw it lying there. She thought that it looked like a cinnamon roll!!! And she picked it up and actually put it in the fridge!

I think this memory has been a bit helped in the reconstruction part for me because I do vaguely remember pooping, but the rest was filled in by my siblings! It's always a great topic when we get together! Oh, the memories!