Home for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has long been my favorite holiday. It probably has something to do with the fact that it always falls near my birthday (though, that has made my birthday somewhat less desirable sometimes) and the fact that it is about food and family. Not necessarily in that order. Our Thanksgivings are also like mini-reunions, since we used to all get together for Thanksgiving.

Of course, when I moved out to Utah in 2004, going home for Thanksgiving was out of the question, if I wanted to be home for Christmas. So I've spent the past seven years in Utah or California celebrating with different families and friends. It was always great, but never quite the same as what I remembered.

This year has been pretty tough on our family. We've had a lot of disappointments and heartaches and we are no where near the end of dealing with them. I don't think I've wanted to go home more for Thanksgiving. Although, I think that every year, it seemed important that I be there, and yet impossible on how to figure out how to get there. I toyed with the idea of charging a plane ticket... and then, I got an unexpected phone call from my cousin, KC, and he made it possible for me to fly home for the week.

It was so great to be there! Everything was perfect and it seemed like everyone who could be there, was there. My cousin who just got back from serving in Afghanistan was there with his wife and baby. My brother and his girlfriend were there. All of the cousins that I grew up with running around on Thanksgiving were there. They shot guns. We ate. We played cards. The rolls tasted better than I remember.

I was just so grateful to be there for a few days, to spend time with my family who I love so much. I miss their company terribly, and I really, really hate having to leave them behind.

Five days in Ohio is hardly enough time to do everything I wanted to do. But I started out the trip playing with Kelsie while Amy and Mom were at work. We galloped around like horses, fed cows on CastleVille and put on make-up. Then Amy and I took Kelsie to get her first haircut. She was so good by sitting really still, but I think she was more nervous than anything else. We didn't take off a lot of length, but we evened it up and got rid of the mullet.

Mackenzie had a basketball scrimmage, so I took the opportunity to watch her play. I am fairly certain that it is the first time I've EVER seen her play basketball. It was really fun. I don't know how to convince her that she needs to be more aggressive, though. When we weren't watching Kiki on the court, we were watching Kelsie make friends with the little boy that was near to her in age. They were having staring contests, and at one point Kels grabbed his little face and shook it back and forth. Dad yelled at her to stop and we explained that he didn't seem to mind, his mother didn't seem to mind so what was the big deal? "That's harassment!" he said. And we laughed.

I went to Friendly's with my friend from elementary school, Kate, and I got my usual candy shoppe sundae. Of course, I had to argue with the waiter about what the sundae was called, since they've changed the menu so many times since I've been away. Kate and I sat and talked for hours and it was great to catch up with her. The waiter happens to be the same guy Amy and our friend Esther often has when they go to Friendly's, and he commented on how Amy and I look alike and also how we drink water like it's going out of style. I probably had seven full glasses of water just because he continued to fill it up. At some point, it became a science experiment: see how long my bladder could hold out. I did want the waiter to think that he bested me, so I finished my glass and insisted that Kate and I get home quickly. It was a close call.

To celebrate my birthday, we (Mom, Amy, Chloe, Julia and me) went to go see Breaking Dawn. It was terrible as expected, but somewhat entertaining. Then we met up with my cousin KC and his parents and brothers at El Sombrero, a favorite Mexican restaurant in Troy, and had a birthday meal. The only picture I got was of Kelsie enjoying her sopapilla.

After dinner, we went home and had tons of desserts to make for Thanksgiving dinner. While we were making apple cheesecake, pumpkin and pecan pie, as well as apple pie, oreo dessert and heaven knows what else, Mackenzie and I decided we needed to give ourselves a little facial.

Brad walked in from work, so we told him to sit down and he did. He let us slather the honey, cinnamon, nutmeg concoction onto his face and then let it stay on there for the allotted time. He's a really good sport. Considering the ingredients, it doesn't smell as good as you would think. But I do love the way it made my skin feel after.

Thanksgiving day consisted of finishing up preparations. Rolling out rolls, and helping Mom in the kitchen as best we can. Then we drove over to my Uncle Craig's and the boys were already out shooting.

As I mentioned, dinner and family time was fantastic. The weather was great, so we were able to take some family pictures. Brad ate his entire dinner like a barbarian. He didn't touch his silverware.

It was so, SO great to see everyone and be home! I just can't believe I was there and I don't think I can ever pay KC back for his kindness. I miss everyone already.

Flirting with Verizon

Earlier in 2010, my sister texted me and asked me if she could use my phone upgrade. I was happily carrying around the Samsung Juke at the time, with no intention of switching and so I gave it to her, knowing that if something tragic happened, hers was coming up in the next six months or so. Then my mom lost her phone, and so she took Amy's upgrade, which was fine because I was still happily using my Juke....

.... until tragedy struck, and the center button broke, and I discovered that no one in the world likes the Juke but me, and they stopped making it and selling it and I was out of luck.

So, since July, I have been carrying not-so-happily, a cheap Verizon phone that I've hated with all my might.

That was to change this Christmas break. So I went to the Verizon store, looking to upgrade my phone. Finally! My mom's upgrade was ready for my use, and I was ready to take it. Only... they don't make phones like the Juke or the Motorola Slvr anymore, because everyone wants a QWERTY keyboard (why?) and a data plan (expensive!) and nifty other gadgets that I am either not interested in or can't afford. Sigh. When I told the first Verizon guy that, he laughed at me! He mocked my longing for my Samsung Juke, and expressed his disdain at the very idea of carrying around such an outdated phone.

I left the store empty handed.

But then, on Monday, I decided to try again and go to the little shack across from Kroger, that houses a Verizon "store." I walked in and of course, the shack is only manned by one person, and it was a guy.

A guy of my very particular type. Tall. Dark haired. Brown eyes. Beard. Stocky.

Also, easy-going, easy to talk to, funny, down to earth and smart (minus the whole smoking thing... smoking is NEVER smart. Just saying.) And he wasn't a pushy salesman, at all.

Huh. Who knew? Do those guys exist, anywhere in Troy?

I went in and told him my desire for a similar-like-Juke phone, and he did not mock me. But he did recommend a phone that so far has suited my needs, even if it has taken a bit of time to get used to. I had it picked out within 20 minutes (and yes, I suppose I should note that it is another phone that they no longer make, so if something happens...whatever).

Anyway, so while I was standing around waiting for my dad to text me information in order to authorize this whole thing, we talked. About BYU and Utah. About Mormons - lots about Mormons. He was talking about how we know what we are doing by using "sex appeal [on temple square]" because drawing in tourists by good looking girls is a very smart way to do business. Even if they are dressed super modestly.... I love it.

We also talked...

...about the fact that he's Jewish. (awesome)
...and gays.
...and school.
...and the economy.
...and sports - and how there aren't many LDS pro-players, but they're certainly no Jewish pro-players.
...and snow - and how I hate it and how he likes to ski and I do not.

And innuendo - like when he was transferring my pictures from my old phone to my new phone, and I asked him if he was looking at them, because he probably shouldn't just in case...

I liked that he asked me, "Can I be crude for a second?" And then decided not to. But then went ahead and asked anyway. (I didn't even know what he was talking about, which was funny in and of itself. You think you know everything about stuff like that, and then find out there is a whole-nother vocabulary list you've never heard.)

We determined that we were not dessert friends. (Um, anyone who just prefers vanilla ice cream and Twizzlers to cheesecake and Cold Stone....uh, false.)

And...and... and....

After an hour, we were still talking.

And then I left.

He should have given me his number. I should try to come up with a reason to call the shack, and ask him a question and then tell me to text me the answer. But I never know what to do in those situations! And it always takes me forever after the fact, to do anything about it. It's such a foreign concept to me.

But then, it doesn't really matter, does it? Because he lives across the country in a place where I only visit 2-3 times a year. Oh well. It was fun when it happened. And why is it that stuff like that always happens when I am not feeling cute at all? I had let my hair air dry. I had minimalistic make-up on. I was wearing my big, ugly coat. I did have cute shoes on, though. But I doubt that he even saw those...

No wait, he did...because he commented on me not wearing socks. And that was the last thing he said to me before I tripped out the doorway (smooth...I know) after having forgotten my keys on the counter. (Neat.)

Ode to Ohio

You hold dear my family
Don't tax food and have warm Christmases
I love you, my Ohio

Now if only there were jobs here...

Julian

Ice cream is a favorite treat. Kelsie is a favorite baby.

So we went to Coldstone for a little cold treat (and frankly, to get out of the house) and while we were enjoying our personal favorites, another family walked passed us and I noticed that the little boy was particularly excited to see the baby in Amy's arms. He wanted to say "hello" but his mom was trying not to disturb us.

So I invited him over, letting Amy that the little boy wanted to say "hi" and so she turned and said hello and he got REALLY excited. He was just so happy to see the baby. And then he attempted to touch the baby, and when he stroked his little finger against her arm, he squealed. It was pretty much the most hilarious thing ever.

We asked his name and he told us, "3!" Very enthusiastically. (His mom told us that his name was Julian - I'm assuming he's just used to answering how old he is, as most kids are programed to do.)

Julian kept trying to touch Kelsie's head and arms before she could make contact with him. He would hide behind his mom and laugh and laugh and squeal and giggle. And we all had a good time laughing at his enjoyment. I've never seen a little boy - who didn't even have a younger sister - so happy to be around a baby. He was thrilled! And more so when he was able to play with her for a few seconds.

So thanks, Julian, for the amusement.

(I tried to get a picture, but my camera was past Cinderella hour and had depleted batteries...too bad.)

Typical Ohio Weather

I'm in Ohio right now.

I wanted to post something about my reunion in Winchester, KY. But I am waiting to find out where the video that I want to post with it is. (And pictures, too...)

So instead - I will just discuss the weather. Because, people, it's 69 degrees. In August. I really shouldn't have to say more. That doesn't seem cold, but I swear it feels colder when the wind is blowing and the clouds are covering the sun. Pretty typical.

But I love it. Why? Because it feels more like fall. And I love the fall in Ohio. Granted, it is very green right now - so while it doesn't look like fall - it feels like fall and it smells like fall. And I love it.

There isn't a lot to do, so our family goes on walks. We attempt to walk the dog. In fact, seeing Amy being dragged across the baseball diamonds was pretty much the highlight of the evening. She had to grab a tree in order to stop herself from literally being pulled by Rusty before Bradley could save her. Her screams were attractive...and hilarious. Rusty isn't exactly well-behaved for us on his walks.

Anyway, I hope the temperature doesn't drop too much because I didn't bring anthing warmer than a pair of jeans, flip-flops, and a t-shirt.

OHIO

While wallowing in the misery that is, and will always be, the thought of being registered for a STATS class (my personal hell on earth...), I have been thinking about home and the wonderful place that Troy actually is.

I must say, Troy exhibits several characteristics that just compliment my personality. For instance, Troy has always been an elitist and exclusive type of community. Although I have always found myself on the outside of these exclusive clubs - i.e. the basketball team, the popular kids, the rich kids, the kids in with large groups of friends... I find myself supporting these not-so-secret combinations. I don't have to tell you, dear reader, that I like to be exclusive. I like having my own private group or club or gathering. I enjoy inside jokes.

Troy is also a quaint little town and does really dumb things with its money. I am quaint. I think that if friendships were based off of mutual likes and dislikes - I wouldn't have the friends I do. The people that I cherish most have some of the most opposite interests and likes than I do. In fact, my interests are so "odd" (to them, not to me) that I don't think I would have ANY friends if I had to find a single person that shared my interests. Further, these interests often lead me to spending money on things that I probably don't need or won't use - but I swear I think I will use them when I purchase them. This is like Troy's thought process concerning potential look-out towers on the Adams Street Bridge (why?) and the Troy Water Park (I personally liked the regular SWIMMING pools better) or the gigantic football stadium and basketball gymnasium when our sports teams SUCK. But whatever. They all probably sound like a good idea at the time.

The thing I like most about Troy is that they know what's beautiful. Troy is full of pretty parks, and well-kept public areas. The river, the levee, the square, the cemeteries, the parks all around, the historical buildings... All pretty well-kept, all beautiful in their own right. I love that we have trees all over the place (forget Lindon, the city of trees - Troy has gotten the arbor award for ten years in a row - or something like that...) and I just love it. I love the bike path that they have created and extended. I love the green grass that is everywhere. I love love love the beauty of Troy. Did I mention the historical houses? I want one. Anyway, I like to think that I, too, appreciate beautiful things. And sometimes, I can be quite beautiful myself. (It takes a lot of work...but it happens on occasion.)

Of course, being beautiful in Ohio is a titch difficult. For some reason, my hair and even my make-up refuse to cooperate. I think it's the ever-present humidity. It doesn't matter what I do to my hair or how much make-up I put on...but the middle of the day, or within a few hours, all evidence of that effort is gone. GONE! Ohio is a magical place. It makes hours of preparation disappear in a matter of minutes. I am also magical. Or...not really. But I'd like to be.

I was so glad to go back to Troy this past week and be home. The weather even started to cooperate a few days in and it was absolutely WONDERFUL! I love Ohio. I love Troy. And most of all, I loved the time I got to spend with my family. They're my favorites.

Trench Coat Flasher

As I walking up the steps that lead to our hot tub and inevitably my warm apartment, I had just finished a book that wasn't something that I needed to dwell on - it was full of fluff. You don't dwell on that sort of thing, especially when you don't participate in your own life. There is something about reading for a couple hours and then snapping your head up and realizing that you are back in real life. But you're still in transition mode, you put the car in drive and it seems like you are on auto-pilot until you get home. And then you start thinking.

I was thinking, as I climbed the stairs, that it was cold. Dang cold. But I was grateful, for once, that I was not in Ohio - because I hear that it is even colder in the midwest. Still, I was anticipating getting back inside, or wishing that I had never left the warmth of my car. And then I thought, "At least my boots match my coat." I'm not sure how that justified the cold, but it did. Because I hadn't taken my coat off all day. In fact, I had completely forgotten what I had chosen to wear yesterday because I had not seen the outfit all day. So I thought, "Heck, why do I dirty my clothes then? I could just wear absolutely nothing under my coat - save my self the chore of doing laundry (which I hate) and spending money on laundry detergent and softner and bleach." I contemplated that for a full 10 seconds and further realized that I have to wear clothes underneath, if simply for the layers. Layers are what make the coat work after all, I think. Whether or not that is true, you are advised to wear layers in the cold. So dang, guess I won't be going freestyle under my coat.

In related news, I found a cute jacket that I bought last year, maybe the year before, but I haven't worn it since I bought it. Because it was in the truck of my car, I had forgotten about it. I finally pulled it out, washed it, and now I am wearing it. Too bad that I'll leave my house, put on my coat, and no one will see it until spring.

I am grateful I'm not in Ohio right now...it's freezing there. Or at least, that is what I keep telling myself.

Christmas Miracles

Christmas Holiday Trivia

Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.

The first Christmas cards were vintage and invented in 1843, the Victorian Era.

"Jingle Bells" was first written for Thanksgiving and then became one of the most popular Christmas songs.

If you received all of the gifts in the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas", you would receive 364 presents.

Clearing up a common misconception, in Greek, X means Christ. That is where the word "X-Mas" comes from. Not because someone took the "Christ" out of Christmas.

Traditionally, Christmas trees are taken down after Epiphany.

In Mexico, wearing red underwear on New Year's Eve is said to bring new love in the upcoming year.

Christmas is widely known for its source of miracles, and it is no wonder - afterall, the very reason we have Christmas is to celebrate the greatest miracle of all - that is, the birth of our Savior.

This Christmas was full of small miracles for me. It was financially impossible for our whole family, and yet, it worked.

The fact that I was able to make it home was Christmas miracle #1. About the beginning of November, I realized that I would not be coming home. I didn't have money, my parents didn't have money... and then I lost my job, so there was really no way to come. I made alternate plans. I built up these plans and tried to make it the happiest alternative to being home. I thought I was OK with it. Instead, after Thanksgiving, when the Christmas music started playing and finals were about to begin, it started to sink in. I couldn't listen to "I'll be Home for Christmas" without crying. And then, out of the blue (because they are amazingly sneaky) my roommates presented me with a ticket, sending be back to Ohio. How I love them! Ashley, Becca, and Kira are absolutely top-notch. I cannot say enough good about them, because they are the real deal. They are truly the best friends and roommates, cheerleaders, mentors, examples... They are just good people and as close to me as my sisters. I love them dearly.

Christmas miracle #2 involves the simple fact that I made it to the airport. Not only that, but I was able to go later than I planned on. Thank you, Carla. The fact that we didn't die on the way there was a total bonus.

Christmas miracle #3 caught me completely off guard. Most of you know that my relationship with my brother is a bit...strained. We don't always get along, and mostly I think it is because we are so much alike. Stubborn. Unbending. Outspoken. You know - all the good qualities in a person. However, when I came home, he SPOKE to me, and not only that, but he's continued to do so. I went with him to his knee operation, and we laughed and joked.

Today, and a part of Christmas miracle #4, Mark woke us up in the best of moods, hobbling around like Tiny Tim (his and my simultaneous joke) spreading Christmas joy. And this was despite the fact that we had not put out a tree and there were a handful of presents sitting in the middle of the front room. Most the gifts were things that were needed: socks, a robe and slippers, a shirt. There was nothing big and nothing fancy. Certainly nothing expensive. And yet, I have to admit. I am so impressed with my family... my siblings. We've had Christmases where we have been completely materialistic. There were things that were put on lists that were not received and tempers would flair. Or, the wrong color was bought or the incorrect character. This Christmas none of us were expecting anything. I think we were all just grateful that at least we would be together, and so the few things that we did get were graciously accepted and appreciated. I think it should be like this from now on. (Except, I would like to see a tree next year...) Who cares that others got iPod touches or whatever the latest crazes are. I'm just so grateful that I'm home with my family, who I love and treasure.

Christmas miracle #5 is the fact that it wasn't a white Christmas. This may be a bad thing for some, but I'll tell you what, the fact that it rained was so GLORIOUS. Rain means it is too warm for snow, and dang it, I was so happy about that.

I am so grateful for this time of year. I am thankful that it is a time set aside to be with family and loved ones. We are blessed to have this time where we are off of work (if we are lucky) and school, and able to have that time to relish in each other's company and cultivate relationships that would otherwise be neglected. I love my family. I love being home.

More importantly (and there are few things that are more important) is that I love my Savior. I'm so grateful that He was willing to come and live as a mortal man and struggle through life. I have no doubt that he lived a life of poverty and need. He survived to fulfill His mission, and was able to develop and keep the important relationships in His life. He showed us what was important, and it sure didn't include an iPod touch or gadget that cost a ton of money. He set the example, and then paved the way for us to follow. We are extraordinarily blessed with this knowledge. We have the scriptures to teach us of His gospel and the words of His prophets. We have our own modern day prophets to help direct us through this life.

Merry Christmas, I hope it is everything that it should be.

Dangerous? Pah!

Safest and Most Dangerous U.S. Cities, 2007

The following table ranks the safest and most dangerous cities in the United States as of 2007. The cities all have populations of more than 75,000. The rankings are based on a city's rate for six crime categories: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and motor vehicle theft.

Safest				Most dangerous
Rank	City	Rank	City	Rank	City	Rank	City
1.	Mission Viejo, Calif.	14.	Cary, N.C.	1.	Detroit, Mich.	14.	Compton, Calif.
2.	Clarkstown, N.Y.	15.	Greece, N.Y.	2.	St. Louis, Mo.	15.	Youngstown, Ohio
3.	Brick, N.J.	16.	Chino Hills, Calif.	3.	Flint, Mich.	16.	Cincinnati, Ohio
4.	Amherst, N.Y.	17.	Coral Springs, Fla.	4.	Oakland, Calif.	17.	Gary, Ind.
5.	Sugar Land, Texas	18.	Troy, Mich.	5.	Camden, N.J.	18.	Kansas City, Mo.
6.	Colonie, N.Y.	19.	Farmington Hills, Mich.	6.	Birmingham, Ala.	19.	Dayton, Ohio
7.	Thousand Oaks, Calif.	20.	Centennial, Colo.	7.	North Charleston, S.C.	20.	Newark, N.J.
8.	Newton, Mass.	21.	Glendale, Calif.	8.	Memphis, Tenn.	21.	Philadelphia, Penn.
9.	Toms River, N.J.	22.	Broken Arrow, Okla.	9.	Richmond, Calif.	22.	Atlanta, Ga.
10.	Lake Forest, Calif.	23.	Parma, Ohio	10.	Cleveland, Ohio	23.	Jackson, Mo.
11.	Irvine, Calif.	24.	Sterling Heights, Mich.	11.	Orlando, Fla.	24.	Buffalo, N.Y.
12.	Orem, Utah	25.	Simi Valley, Calif.	12.	Baltimore, Md.	25.	Kansas City, Kans.
13.	Round Rock, Texas			13.	Little Rock, Ark.

Source: www.cqpress.com.

For some reason, I am very proud of how little Dayton is, and yet how much havoc they are creating. I love Dayton.

Dayton, OH, population 158,873, is located in Ohio's Montgomery county, about 43.7 miles from Cincinnati and 64.9 miles from Columbus.

Through the 90's Dayton's population has declined by about 9%. It is estimated that in the first 5 years of this decade the population of Dayton has declined by about 4%.

Dayton's property crime levels tend to be much higher than Ohio's average level. The same data shows violent crime levels in Dayton tend to be much higher than Ohio's average level.

http://www.idcide.com/citydata/oh/dayton.htm