tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71461652967017113752024-03-13T05:10:23.841-06:00The World According to UsLyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-86586802601991262782014-11-28T09:53:00.000-07:002014-11-28T09:53:03.506-07:00Things I'm Thankful For Right This Very Second<br />
I know Thanksgiving was yesterday, but so what. Here is my list of 100 things I'm thankful for right now (and not in any particular order).<br />
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1) Richard<br />
2) My cats<br />
3) My parents<br />
4) My sister and her family<br />
5) The way Richard and Jimmy make me laugh so hard and genuinely I often get a headache<br />
6) Clementines<br />
7) Richard's family<br />
8) Jimmy<br />
9) Elder Kestner<br />
10) Elder Stanford<br />
11) President and Ruth Hall<br />
12) Bishop and Miranda Smith<br />
13) Good friends in my ward<br />
14) My ability to cook and bake<br />
15) My love of reading<br />
16) Tropical flavored things<br />
17) Fluffy socks<br />
18) Music that makes me dance<br />
19) Music that makes me feel<br />
20) Snuggling with Richard at the end of the day<br />
21) Receiving kindness from others<br />
22) Dim Sum<br />
23) Central heating<br />
24) Knowing that some of my best days are still to come<br />
25) All the sincere changes for the better Richard and I have made this year<br />
26) Having a pass to the rec center<br />
27) Having a mostly reliable car<br />
28) Seeing the smiles on the faces of the YW every week<br />
29) Modern medicine<br />
30) Long hot baths<br />
31) Hanging out with friends<br />
32) Sharing meaningful experiences with people I love<br />
33) Being an important part of my family<br />
34) The way Tony always knows when I need an extra bit of love or affection<br />
35) My cozy little home<br />
36) Being able to see the big picture<br />
37) Making people laugh<br />
38) My Savior<br />
39) Being forgiven<br />
40) BYU basketball<br />
41) Pizza Rev<br />
42) Hot soup on a cold night<br />
43) Trying new things<br />
44) Seeing the beauty where others might not see any<br />
45) Temple Square<br />
46) Date night<br />
47) Back rubs<br />
48) That I'm really not one to hold a grudge<br />
49) Flamingos<br />
50) Palm trees<br />
51) The ocean, particularly the Pacific.<br />
52) Happy memories<br />
53) Dreams of the future<br />
54) Diet Coke<br />
55) Feeling productive<br />
56) Being able to work with my hands<br />
57) Being able to walk without pain<br />
58) Sharing my life with Richard<br />
59) Shopping with my sister<br />
60) My close relationship with my parents<br />
61) Modern appliances (and having a few of them!)<br />
62) My food processor<br />
63) Letters and notes from people who love or have loved me<br />
64) Bacon<br />
65) Being the recipient of someone's efforts<br />
66) Firesides<br />
67) That feeling you get when returning home after not being there for a while<br />
68) That I'm alive right now at this time and in this place<br />
69) That my mistakes don't have to define me<br />
70) That I have a hopeful heart<br />
71) People that believe in me<br />
72) The way my nieces and nephews hug me tightly when we say goodbye<br />
73) Being sung to on my birthday<br />
74) Accomplishing things I previously believed I couldn't do<br />
75) Knowing how to cheer Richard up when he needs me to<br />
76) Dad shares his homegrown tomatoes with me<br />
77) Knowing I'll someday be reunited with those I love who have passed away<br />
78) The chance to right my wrongs<br />
79) Simple nights at home<br />
80) That Richard knows me completely and loves me for who I am<br />
81) Rekindling friendships with people I haven't seen in years<br />
82) Feeling my heart heal after hardship<br />
83) Priesthood blessings<br />
84) Limeade Oreos<br />
85) Making someone smile<br />
86) Making progress<br />
87) Warm days<br />
88) Richard's new job working from home<br />
89) That Richard seems much happier now<br />
90) When something I really want is on sale<br />
91) Being remembered<br />
92) People who teach me<br />
93) My good memory<br />
94) Ready access to food and clean water<br />
95) Making my dreams come true one by one<br />
96) How Rock sits in the window and meows at me when I do the dishes<br />
97) How Tony situates himself into the crook of my arm whenever I sit down<br />
98) Beautiful places I've been to<br />
99) Laughing with friends<br />
100) Knowing and appreciating that I have a good lifeLyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-76009582919750203302013-12-04T21:17:00.002-07:002013-12-04T21:17:53.172-07:00DanieFair warning: this one might be all over the place.<div>
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My friend Danie, who has struggled with depression for years and years, decided she was done. While inpatient at the Neuropsychiatric Institute, Danie decided to end things on her terms. When they found her, they tried for over 45 minutes before they could revive her. Unfortunately, it was too late. She was declared clinically brain dead. She was a big supporter of organ donation, so although she's technically dead, she's still artificially alive so they can keep the organs alive until they're ready for them. That is kind of hard for me to fathom. Until they say definitively that she's gone, there is a part of me that doesn't believe it. I just can't. </div>
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I haven't seen her probably since I was 15 years old, so more than half of my life. We met in junior high, and I moved away my sophomore year of high school. But we reconnected several years ago on Facebook, and we kept tabs on each other. She was very open about her struggles with depression and self-harming. She voluntarily sought help and therapies of various natures. She fought very hard, but ultimately, I guess she thought she wasn't strong enough to beat her demons.</div>
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I am proud of her for fighting so hard for so long. Though I wasn't anyone significant in her life, I am taking this quite hard. She was my friend, and though I tried to encourage her and offered my help, I have a lot of "what ifs" and "I should haves." I've dealt with depression. I know my experiences pale in comparison to hers, but I'm just saying, I've been there. It's hard, and it's ugly, and it seems to never end. It's an exhausting struggle. But the thing is.... I'm pretty sure Danie had no idea how strong she truly was. And so I grieve more than just the fact that she's gone. </div>
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This is kind of my latest Catch-22. I'm so happy at the thought she finally has the peace that has eluded her since her youth. I'm happy at the thought that she got what she wanted. Does that make me happy that she got it the way she did? Of course not. But I have to admit, this does kind of change my opinion of suicide.</div>
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I generally had the attitude that suicide is pure selfishness. Sure, that person has escaped the situation, but what of those they leave behind? But now I'm feeling humbled and actually ashamed of that. I'm not sure I realized in my heart how judgmental that is. I'm realizing that there is no black or white, it's just shades of gray. Every situation and the person involved is different. I hate that people feel like their only option is suicide, but of course, I'm not in their shoes, living their lives or feeling their pain. That said, it's still heartbreaking for those left behind. But it's bad enough to grieve for those who took that route. I don't need to judge their actions, too. </div>
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I've had loved ones die from cancer, cerebral hemorrhage, car accidents, organ failure, heart attacks, etc. I've had loved ones attempt to take their own lives, but Danie's the closest to me that has succeeded. And I've come to learn that losing someone through suicide hurts much more than illness or accident. There's one very vivid memory I have of her. We were sitting in gym class, and because I had been being bullied, I had tried to train myself to be stoic and save emotions of any kind for when I got home. Happy, sad, it didn't seem to matter to the girls who picked on me. They could find anything to mock me about. Anyway, back to gym class. I forget what we were discussing, but Danie looked me straight in the eyes and said I was apathetic. Not knowing what that meant but not wanting to admit it, I didn't ask for clarification. I wish I would have. Because the truth was, I was never apathetic. I cared very much. I was just afraid that showing my feelings would lead to more unpleasantness. That incident has stuck with me through the years. I've tried to become more of an open book, easier to talk to, and more easily able to show my interest. I do sincerely care about people, and I've tried to show it more ever since I learned that she thought I was apathetic. Danie taught me a life lesson that day, and I'm thankful for that. Sometimes I still struggle with coming across as apathetic or unfazed about things that are actually very important to me. Just something I have to continually work on, I suppose. </div>
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I hope she knows how truly <i>unapathetic </i>I was when it came to her. I hope she knows how loved she was. I hope she has peace and happiness and everything she wanted but could never seem to find. I hope her husband finds joy in the years to come. I hope one day I'll see her again and we'll laugh together. I hope she knows how much I already know I will miss her, but mostly I hope she knows that I'll never forget her. </div>
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<a class="leftAlignedImage" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/27594.Norman_Cousins" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin-right: 10px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Norman Cousins" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1361226060p2/27594.jpg" style="border: 0px;" /></a><div class="quoteText" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px 5px 10px 0px;">
“If something comes to life in others because of you, then you have made an approach to immortality.”<br />― <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/27594.Norman_Cousins" style="color: #666600;">Norman Cousins</a></div>
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Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-2201827468148821412013-11-27T20:42:00.001-07:002013-11-27T20:42:54.899-07:00TigerDirect - a.k.a. The Destroyer of Dreams<h2>The long and winding story</h2>
<p>Over the past few weeks, we have been dealing with a rather annoying situation. Lyndsie and I were discussing what to do with next year's tax return. Her computer has been having trouble lately, and I suspect failing hardware, so we decided why not get new computers. We spend a lot of time on them and it would be nice if they worked well. Then we thought, why wait, we can float the money until then, no problem!</p>
<p>As I have done for the past ten years, and as I have previously advised everyone else to do, I ordered our new computers from Tiger Direct (TD). Biggest mistake ever! I ordered all the basic components for new computers - a case, power supply, a hard drive, a motherboard, RAM, CPU w/fan, and an Operating System. After doing a lot of research on CPUs, I found what I decided was the best deal - a Combo Pack from TD with the motherboard, 4 gigs of RAM, a solid CPU (i5-3570K) with fan for just $399.99. It's not top-of-the-line or anything, but way better than we're using and a lot of bang for the buck. Two computers, no waiting, under $1500 shipped.</p>
<p>I placed my order and received an e-mail receipt which included this bundle:
<blockquote>
ASUS P8Z77-V LX Intel 7 Series Motherboard and Intel Core i5-3570K 3.40 GHz Quad Core Unlocked and Patriot Viper Xtreme 4GB Desktop Memory Module Bundle (M69-7202) $399.99 each X 2 = $799.98 total</blockquote>
As you can see, nothing is amiss, all three bundle items are listed in the description and the price is right.</p>
<p>Our order arrived astonishingly fast, just in time for a weekend build and some quality gaming with my love. I opened the packages and set to work building the first computer. I got the case prepped, the power supply installed, the motherboard mounted and powered, the RAM inserted, and then it hit me - where are the CPUs? I double-check all the boxes... nothing.</p>
<p>Feeling concerned, I double-checked my receipt and everything looked right, so maybe the CPUs were coming in another shipment? So I logged into my account and saw that according to my invoice, everything shipped and arrived. I didn't see the CPUs on the invoice and thought, maybe I forgot to order them? So I started a chat with TD's "customer service". I put that in quotes because they have insufficient skill to even been associated with the term. After a 45 minute chat (about 30 lines worth of back and forth), where I assumed I forgot to pay for the CPUs and offered to pay what appeared to be a discrepancy, the clerk said he'd get the missing CPUs and their fans sent out to me. He had to send the request to some managers who would review it in a few business days. This was contact #1 - Apollo.</p>
<p>Fast-forward 5 business days, I still haven't heard anything. So I call the "customer service" line and ask about the situation. After explaining what I want to know (about 20 minutes), the guy on the phone told me to wait 3-5 more business days and I should hear back. This was contact #2 - Omar.</p>
A few more days pass and I receive an e-mail from the "customer service" supervisors:
<blockquote>
Thank you for your recent order. Our records indicate your order was completely shipped approximately 10 days ago. At this point, you should have received every item of your order.</blockquote>
So contact #3 tells me there's nothing wrong and I should be happy.</p>
<p>So I call again and speak to a fourth representative - Rafinee. I immediately asked to speak to her supervisor, but she insisted I let her try to fix the problem first. It was around this time that I looked at the invoice more closely. Remember that everything looked right on my receipt. Well, on the invoice, they charged me $295.49 EACH for the $125 motherboards and $104.50 EACH for the $50 RAM. This is especially disturbing because I ordered extra RAM, with the same item code, on the same invoice, that shows the correct price. In any case, she seemed understanding and was the first person I spoke to who actually spoke fluent English. She also offered me her direct phone number and e-mail address. She spoke to her supervisor about getting my missing CPUs and fans out to me. Unfortunately, it was a Saturday and the guy who can approve it is not in the office until Monday. I figured, hey, they're fixing the problem, I've got her contact information, this could work.</p>
<p>Monday rolled around and I didn't hear from her. So I called her direct phone (contact #5) and left a voicemail. I still hadn't heard from her later that night, so I e-mailed (contact #6). I still hadn't heard from her Tuesday night and e-mailed again (contact #7).</p>
<p>Since I had already been dealing with this for 3 weeks, I was at my wit's end. TD had the audacity to send me 5 different advertisements for the exact CPUs I was missing for $200 each in the last 3 weeks. I discovered my order was supposedly covered by Google Trusted Stores, so I filed a complaint with them, letting them know that all I want is what I ordered and maybe an apology and something free for my inconvenience.</p>
<p>Today I received a phone call while at work (contact #8). The lady offered to sell me the missing CPUs for a huge discount - only $100 a piece! She explained that there was a mistake on the website and the package wasn't supposed to include a CPU, so I'd still have to purchase one. This made me rather curious as the motherboard in the bundle retails for $124.99 and the RAM retails for $49.99. So she was telling me that to buy these two together in a bundle (a retail value of $174.98) cost $399.99 and I still had to buy CPUs.</p>
<p>I yet again explained the discrepancy so she put me on hold to find out how to resolve this.</p>
<p>I waited. And waited some more. After about half an hour on the phone, she comes back and tells me she can see the problem now. Unfortunately, she can't just send me two free CPUs. No, I'll have to package and send back the motherboards and RAM chips to get the wrong charges refunded, at which point I am free to order all 3 items again separately from the bundle (the prices fell since my order so to order all three separate was now only $375 or so) so they are charged right and I can get them back. I mentioned that I have been a TD customer for over a decade, both personally and professionally, and is there anything they can do to encourage me to ever shop with them again. She said no.</p>
<p>So I decided it was time to give up. I've wasted way too much time and stress on this and they are WAY too deceitful and incompetent to work with. I told her I would like to return everything and shop with her competitor. She said that was fine. So I asked if they were paying the shipping to get this crap back to them. After putting me on hold again, she managed to send me pre-paid return labels. I packed everything up and dropped it at the UPS store this afternoon. Time will tell whether they refund me what they charged me or what they should have charged me.</p>
<p>Incidentally, about an hour after this call, I got an e-mail from Google (addressed to 'Dear Robert'...) saying TD has graciously offered to refund my original shipping fee and has started a process to figure out what happened to the original CPUs and they would resolve it sometime next week. I'm flabbergasted.</p>
<h2>The Moral of the Story</h2>
<p>This rather lengthy tale of the worst customer service I've ever received and the thousand and a half dollars of my money TD is playing with serves one main purpose - a warning. I am warning you, everyone you know, and everyone you come in contact with for the rest of your life -</p>
<h3>DO NOT SHOP AT TIGERDIRECT.COM!</h3>
<p>Please help me in showing them that this kind of "customer service" is unacceptable for a major online retailer and that being dishonest, unhelpful, and manipulative (all those ads, their attempts to get me to pay more for something I already bought, etc) is not an effective way to get and keep customers. Thank you for your help spreading the word!</p>
<p>-Richard</p>Richard Burgenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14651301907533838221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-62658676059959630922013-11-21T22:58:00.002-07:002013-11-21T22:58:39.488-07:00HomesickI feel homesick. Well, that's not quite right. I miss three certain people very strongly. I always do, but it seems that it's this time of year that the lack of their presence is compounded infinitely. That feeling is a lot like homesickness to me... like you know that you'll eventually be reunited with all that you miss, but you have to endure the time until then. And sure, there is a lot to enjoy in the meantime....but always lingering, even if way way back in the recesses of the mind, are thoughts of them. Grandpa Keith. Grandpa Jay. Grandma Camille. <br />
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I know. I write about them an awful lot. But they <strike>were</strike> are three of the most important people in my life. They taught me some important things: Loyalty, courage, patience, a love of nature, humor, faith, and love. <br />
<b>I cannot express how much I miss them. </b><br />
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I'm feeling emotional, but I guess that's nothing new. Holidays mean family, and my family has a huge whole in it where they belong. Thanksgiving is turkey, and turkey legs are my Grandpa Keith. Christmas is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is my Grandma Camille. My house gets decorated with things that were theirs, like the blue velvet bows, the blue and silver tinsel, and the homemade snowflakes hung from the ceiling. It's beautiful and yet somehow stifling. The memories are always there. As comforting as they can be, they haunt. Is this normal?! I love having her things, and I hate having her things. I love having them, because they were a part of her, and when I see them, I think of her and Grandpa, and of the way I remember their big, elaborate holiday displays from when I was little. I hate having her things because that means she isn't here to enjoy them herself. I hate this. <br />
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I struggle with this. My Grandpa Jay has been gone for half my life now. <i>Half of my life. </i>Grandpa Keith has been gone for nearly 13 years. Grandma's been gone for about 2 and a half. I've heard that time heals all wounds. When? When does that kick in? <br />
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I know I sound melodramatic. I mean, it's not like I'm crying every day anymore. But I still get pangs of sadness. Lumps in my throat. Tears behind my eyes. There's just something about this time of year that brings everything to a head. Not sure exactly why. Their deaths took place in June and April. Though I've always had a grateful heart, Thanksgiving has never been one of my favorite holidays. So it's not that. I guess it's the little things. Coconut Crisps. Sousa. Jazz games. Lawrence Welk. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Coming across old birthday cards with that familiar handwriting. Saving the last voice message she left me every three weeks. Pansies and butterflies. I even catch a whiff of her perfume every now and then. But since the little things happen throughout the year, I don't know why it resounds so strongly now.<br />
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So yeah, I feel homesick. It's stronger than usual right now, but it's always there. How do you deal with this? Is it just something you live with until all of a sudden you don't notice anymore? That sounds like both a blessing and a curse. <br />
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I guess there's nothing that I can do about it...just like being homesick. Try to enjoy the time you have doing what you're doing where you are, looking forward to finally getting that sweet reunion. I would be so thankful if I could just figure out how to stop hurting so much about things I cannot change.<br />
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<br />Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-43164013093544857692013-08-07T16:59:00.000-06:002013-08-07T16:59:19.444-06:00Who I want to beSaw this on Facebook, and it's stayed with me. <br />
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Isn't that the ultimate goal?Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-25069055439395663492013-07-16T18:43:00.000-06:002013-07-16T18:43:16.961-06:00Raindrops fall<br />
sometimes fast and determined<br />
ready to deliver a message<br />
sometimes reluctant and timid<br />
helpless where they land<br />
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Raindrops fall<br />
sometimes bringing with them<br />
a sense of peace and coziness<br />
sometimes a weary sadness<br />
like a soft, drawn-out sigh<br />
<br />
Raindrops fall<br />
sometimes with the warning of thunder<br />
echoing across the sky<br />
sometimes seemingly out of nowhere<br />
soaking you clear through<br />
<br />
Raindrops fall<br />
sometimes you want it<br />
so much you seem to create the clouds<br />
that empty down upon you<br />
sometimes you want the sun, the warmth,<br />
but no matter where you search for it,<br />
no matter how you long for it, you can't find it.<br />
<br />
Because raindrops fall.Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-341090376210014352013-06-08T18:23:00.002-06:002013-06-08T18:23:30.445-06:00Not forgottenI know I write a lot about my grandparents on here. But they were my teachers, my protectors, my supporters, and my friends. Grandpa Jay was my hero and my best friend. And, as he died 16 years ago today, he's been gone half of my life. <div>
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Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-2624749994015340672013-06-04T20:28:00.001-06:002013-06-04T20:28:37.333-06:00I stepped waaaaaay out of my comfort zone today and did something I haven't done in a long time. It was scary and I shook a little bit. But I did it. I think it went well, hopefully I'll hear good news on Thursday. Funny how the scary things can make you feel a little more alive, huh.Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-66552169493661772032013-05-06T23:08:00.001-06:002013-05-07T12:01:52.119-06:00I attended a funeral today. It was a beautiful service for someone who was, by all accounts, rather extraordinary. I didn't know him at all; sadly, I don't even recall if he came to my wedding. But he was Richard's uncle, so of course I went with him. Naturally, being at the funeral left me wishing I had known him. He sounds like a really good guy.<br />
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But I think what really hit me today was the part at the cemetery. The sky was overcast, the wind was blowing, and rain drops were falling. And without faltering or even any hint that they noticed the weather, several elderly men stood in a line. They were members of the American Legion, and they were there to give Richard's uncle his military tribute. <br />
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I've seen this before, and on several occasions, but it never fails to bring a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye. They stood up so straight, even the ones who had to make a little bit more effort not to hunch. There was real emotion on their faces. They took this seriously, and when they each saluted the flag, a few grew misty-eyed. And I wondered how many times they've done this. How many fellow soldiers have they honored in this way, and it still brings the tears. <br />
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After the 21 shots had been fired, the familiar notes of TAPS began to play. There was just something about it today, being in the rain and the wind that made this time different than all the others. When the final note sounded, it was almost haunting in its melancholy. It was very emotional and I was so glad I was there to be a part of it....even if I was only huddled in a crowd of my husband's mostly-unknown-to-me extended family, choking back sobs and feeling such a love and appreciation for these little old men I don't know. <br />
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I'm not sure why the patriotic aspects of things affect me like that....but I'm glad they do. Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-43435335766584287652013-04-25T17:05:00.001-06:002013-04-25T17:06:11.123-06:00In a nutshellI'm a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend.<br />
I love cats (especially mine), glitter, and palm trees.<br />
I can stand up for myself. I can fall apart.<br />
I bake. I play games. I like trivia. I suck at bowling.<br />
I follow the cases of missing people. I used to openly cheat at miniature golf.<br />
I have a big heart. Sometimes too big for my own good.<br />
I'm a good cook. I'm messier than I should be. I love the Pacific ocean.<br />
I have a hard time sleeping at night. I want to learn how to decorate cakes.<br />
I love old people, especially little old men. I cry easily. I love Independence Day.<br />
I like history and cemeteries. I'm allergic to everything. I like laughing.<br />
I like making homemade crafts and cards. I try to be a good listener.<br />
I like sappy movies and buttered popcorn. I've held a monkey and a goat.<br />
I want to be a mother. I have the best husband in the world. I love nature.<br />
I read a lot. I take hot baths. I spoil my cats. I love my nieces and nephews.<br />
I believe in second and third chances. I have a ton of regrets. I hate snow and winter.<br />
I like checking the mail. I have a really good memory. I forgive easily.<br />
I like Diet Coke and drink mixes. I like earrings. I'm shy but only at first.<br />
I love BYU Basketball. I love crab legs but I don't like fish. Penguins always make me smile.<br />
I can listen to the same song over and over and over again. I know I have a lot to learn.<br />
I get homesick for people and places that aren't my home. I start projects but don't always finish them.<br />
I like to help people. I get a lot of headaches. I sing all the time. I like road trips. I'm a sucker for Bingo.<br />
I often feel like I'm not "enough."<br />
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I know a lot about myself. But I still don't know my purpose. Or who I really <b>am. </b><br />
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Sometimes I think I'm the only one who feels this way.<br />
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<br />Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-29956420583011565832013-04-17T13:44:00.000-06:002013-04-17T13:44:37.921-06:00There are certain days that just hit me hard. June 8. June 26th. And April 17th. April 17th is the day my grandpa Keith passed away. And although it's been 12 years (and I've <a href="http://landrburgener.blogspot.com/2011/04/april-17.html" target="_blank">blogged about it before)</a> I still miss him every day. <div>
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Twelve years. He's been gone more than a third of my life. That seems about right, but then it seems like it couldn't possibly be that long, because I can still hear his voice. I can still see the twinkle in his eye and the dimple in his chin. I have such sharp memories, and while that's a blessing, it's somewhat double-edged. When you can't forget, the pain doesn't fade as much or as quickly. I feel his absence in our family profoundly, just as I'm sure everyone in our family does. </div>
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Someone made a page for him on <a href="http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=beal&GSfn=D&GSmn=keith&GSbyrel=all&GSdy=2001&GSdyrel=in&GSob=n&GRid=5372045&df=all&" target="_blank">findagrave.com,</a> even though he has no grave site. He was cremated. I didn't know what to make of that at first, but I decided I like it. Someone took the time to remember him and make a physical note that yes, he lived. I've had a hard time with the lack of a grave. I know that cemeteries are really just for the living, and that I can talk to him anywhere, but still. There's that sense of closure that never really came. </div>
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Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-21519007466402722782013-04-12T21:34:00.001-06:002013-04-12T21:39:06.099-06:00Donny, Vegas, and a Sad GoodbyeWe spent most of this week in Las Vegas, for Richard's yearly work conference. They mix it up every year, so this is only the second Vegas conference in 5 years. Next year is New Orleans, Louisiana. <br />
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It was rainy and very windy, so the pool (the super cool one that has a water slide going through a shark tank) was closed for 3 of the 4 days we were there. That was okay though, I guess. We had enough to keep us busy. Richard was in class from 9 to 5:30 every day, except for a 2-hour lunch break. We were able to score nearly half-priced tickets to Donny and Marie (which fulfilled a four year promise to me from Richard!) as well as tickets to Gordie Brown. </div>
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"Donny and Marie" has been voted the #1 show, performer and singer (Donny) in Vegas. I can see why. They had a lot of energy and humor in addition to packing their show full of music. Granted, I wasn't expecting (and could have done without) Marie Osmond doing a mash-up of "Walk This Way," "These Boots Were Made for Walking," and "Any Man of Mine," but hey, whatever. She redeemed herself by performing <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEdbE2o2mDk" target="_blank">one of my favorite songs</a>. I had no idea Marie could do opera. And so well! </div>
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But let's be honest. We went to see Donny. He did not disappoint. Even Richard liked it, and that's saying a lot (Poor Donny is known as "Big-Head Square-Chin" around these parts). My favorites included his performances of "Close Every Door" from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAXwrIee60M" target="_blank">"Moon River"</a> (skip to 1:30 in the video). He did this as a tribute to Andy Williams, and he nailed it. I didn't cry or anything, but I did get a little choked up. But I'm pretty sure a lot of other people did, too. I was surprised he didn't perform "Twelfth of Never" or "Go Away, Little Girl," opting instead to do "Dynamite" by Tao Cruz, but again, whatever.</div>
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Overall review: If you like the Osmonds, you'll like the show. I was expecting at least <i>something </i>about their brothers, but I guess Donny singing "Crazy Horses" is as close as I got. I hate that song. I always have. It gives me the heebie-jeebies, I don't know. It gave Richard the giggles, though, so this time it wasn't that bad. :) We were only able to go because we found discount tickets the day of the show. Our seats were really good because the theater is pretty small. Unless you're a superfan, the cheap seats should serve you well. </div>
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Gordie Brown is an impressionist-musician-comedian that performs at the Golden Nugget. We went because the GN gave us discount tickets when we checked in. His routine had a lot of funny parts, and we laughed often, but it also had some rather low humor that just went on and on. We were ready for it to end, so take that as you will. </div>
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Last time we stayed on Fremont Street, the concerts they had nightly on the big jumbo screen thing lasted about 20 minutes. We only saw one this time, The Doors, and it lasted about seven minutes. That was surprising. </div>
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We were planning on playing Bingo the last day, but we just didn't have the oomph to stay in Vegas any longer than we had to. We were just ready to get home. It wasn't a bad trip, and I did win 50 bucks playing the slots (but then of course I lost it a few days later), but Vegas just doesn't really appeal to us. </div>
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While we were gone, Richard's family's cat Korkie passed away. She was 18 years old and we knew it was coming, but it still hit us pretty hard. Richard's mom talked to us the night before and whispered in Korkie's ear that we loved her. She passed away at home, and I'm glad she didn't have to get euthanized. I'll miss her. When we first met, we didn't really get along. She was the first cat I just didn't care for. But then we overcame our differences and got really close. Richard and I considered bringing her to our house, but it just wasn't meant to be. I'm glad she's out of pain, but being in that house just won't be the same without her. That's one reason we were so ready to be home-- we wanted to come home and love on our "kids," our cats Tony and Rock. </div>
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I love vacations, but I'm glad to be home. Now I'm looking forward to planting our garden, going fishing, and everything else I love about summer. </div>
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Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-19924634619007498762013-04-06T13:10:00.001-06:002013-04-06T13:10:12.615-06:00I can't believe we're already into April. I feel like I just wrote that last post, but that was clear back in December. This year is moving crazy fast. We've already been on our cruise (which was fabulous), and tomorrow we leave for the yearly Chameleon Conference that Richard's job sends him to every year. We've been to conferences in Las Vegas, San Diego, Amelia Island, Florida, and Fort Lauderdale. This year we're headed back to Vegas. I'm kind of glad it's only in Vegas this year. We can drive, for one thing. After the cruise trip, I've had my share of airport shenanigans. <br />
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I'm so glad spring is here. I have a hard time with winter, so leaving a ton of snow to go to the Caribbean was incredible. We got to experience some once-in-a-lifetime-cross-it-off-my-bucket-list things. We went snorkeling in Costa Maya, Mexico. <br />
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We hiked through a rain forest (!) and tubed down some very beautiful cave systems in Belize City, Belize.<br />
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This was our view floating down the river after the caves. I didn't want to leave.<br />
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We went to a place called Gumbalimba Park in Roatan, Honduras. This is where I made some new friends:<br />
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After this, we went to Tabyana Beach. We spent about an hour there before going back to the boat, but I got to soak my feet in crystal clear water. Heaven!</div>
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And for our last excursion, we got to see ancient Mayan ruins in Tulum, Mexico. Yep, we got to see where they performed human sacrifice. So crazy. I admit I was a little preoccupied on this one, because on our way to the ruins, I biffed it down some stone stairs. It hurt. In fact, I still can't kneel on my left knee. But I was a trooper! :) As an added bonus...these ruins are right near one of the most beautiful sights.</div>
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Seriously, looking at the water was like looking in my crayon box. Dark blue, light blue, aquamarine, turquoise, blue-green.....they were all there and all so beautiful. Definitely my favorite part.<br />
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Those were our excursions off the boat. But on our boat, the Norwegian Star, we had a lot of fun, too. We tried to be involved, and boy, did we succeed. By the end of our week, Richard and I were being recognized quite a bit! He participated in a karaoke contest, we played trivia, and we went to some shows. But the reason we were so well known is because of an activity called "The Perfect Couple." Richard signed us up, and then one of the cruise staff announced that this wasn't a question and answer game. This was physical challenge stuff. We were dressed up because we'd had formal pictures taken and I was crossing my fingers we wouldn't get picked. And lo and behold, they called our names first. <br />
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I don't have any pictures, so I'll try to explain the best I can.<br />
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We were competing against two other couples for the title of The Perfect Couple. We had to complete challenges and we were being timed. Sounds easy, huh. Keep in mind there are a few hundred people watching this.<br />
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Challenge #1) I had to kneel behind Richard and take a lemon out of an ice bucket, put it up his pants leg, clear across (yeah, they were oooooohing and cheering when I got halfway), and down his other pants leg. <br />
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Challenge #2) This time I was blindfolded and had to hold a big broomstick between my legs. I had to walk across the stage and try to insert the broom handle (still between my legs) into a roll of toilet paper that Richard had between <i>his</i> legs. Like I said, we were dressed up, so Richard was wearing his slacks....the slippery kind. The toilet paper wouldn't hold still. I imagine he was sweating bullets at the sight of me charging toward him with a huge stick.<br />
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Challenge #3) I had to sit in a chair holding a cup between my knees. Richard was blindfolded now, and had a bottle of water between his legs. I had to guide him and he had to fill up the cup by squeezing his legs together. I got all wet. :) At first he didn't realize that there was a spout in it, so he was splurting water out before the game started. Without thinking about it, I blurted out (and into the microphone) "No, babe, that's a little premature." HAHAHAHA I'm naughty but it got a really good laugh.<br />
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Challenge #4) This is the one where we really won the audience over. Richard was in the chair and I had to run across the stage with a balloon between my legs, then pop it in his lap. Then I had to run back for a second balloon, run back (with it between my legs), and pop it against his back. Then the same thing, against his chest. Finally, the last one, Richard had to lay on the floor and I had to pop it however. So I ran. And I jumped on him. HAHAHAHA there were people cheering, and some had their mouths open wide. I mean, really, I'm not a small person. They couldn't believe I'd slam into him like that to pop a balloon. But I did. And it worked. And Richard took it like a man. :) It was hilarious.<br />
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They ended up naming all of us The Perfect Couple, which was nice. Then they said to wave to the camera, because not only did they film this, it was being shown on TV in all the cruise rooms. That was a real treat, let me tell you. Turns out my in-laws watched it a couple times. AND we made the end-of-cruise "best of" video that they showed in all the public areas on the last day. Every time I looked up, BAM! I was jumping onto Richard to pop that balloon! Too funny. I wish I had pictures. Wait, no I don't. I don't need to see that again.<br />
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Before we went to the airport, we took a bus tour of New Orleans. Some of the stops were really interesting (the cemetery), knowing the areas had been hit by Hurricane Katrina, but for me, New Orleans was my least favorite part of the trip. Actually, I lie. We got delay after delay in Denver, so that was my least favorite. <br />
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I really miss looking out my window and seeing the ocean (or even the Mississippi River). I miss being able to explore new places, foods, and experiences with Richard. But I'm happy for the memories, and we definitely made a ton. We're already saving our pennies to go on another cruise.<br />
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<br />Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-45063868570002726172012-12-26T13:28:00.001-07:002012-12-26T13:28:47.920-07:00....And a Happy New Year!I haven't written much in the last several months. Lots has happened, much has stayed the same, and yet I had no inclination to write. That's kind of weird for me, because writing has sort of reignited as my favorite form or catharsis these days. My usual is to drive and sing and just get it out, but we're down to one car, and the hubs usually has it. So, you know, writing works too.<br />
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I hope you all are having a very happy holiday season. Thanksgiving was really nice, Christmas Eve, too. We felt the cold sting of not having certain loved ones around, but we still had a great time. Remember my resolution of figuring out/successfully making Beef Wellington? NAILED IT! Christmas was spent watching a marathon of Man Vs. Food, finishing some Christmas presents, and taking down all my decorations. Surprisingly, it turned out pretty great.<br />
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I've already been thinking of what resolutions I should make for the upcoming year. Some are obvious, some not so much. I've been doing a lot of introspection, and I have to admit I don't really like a lot of what I see. This seems like a good as time as any to face it and decide to try and change. Until recently, I've never been one for resolutions, but you know, the time is going to go by anyway, so I might as well make a real effort to make it worthwhile. <br />
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If you make your own resolutions, I wish you good luck in your endeavors. Either way, I hope 2013 treats you very well. Happy New Year!Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-30841359446596015882012-07-13T11:26:00.003-06:002012-07-13T11:26:56.806-06:00The magic of summertimeSunshine. Fireworks. Warm rain. Flowers. Zucchini and tomatoes and squash and everything else in our garden. Flip flops. Trips to the lake. Raspberry Days. Farmers' Market. My sister's birthday. My birthday. Parades. Patriotic music. Road trips. Hiking. Fishing. Exploring. The Nebo Loop. Cute sunglasses. Capri pants. Green grass. Camping. Carnivals. Rodeos. Fiesta Days. The smell of working in the garden. I love it all.Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-25108799043961704132012-06-26T12:00:00.000-06:002012-06-26T12:02:18.534-06:00June 26My grandma, Camille Flowers Hadley....<br />
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...sewed beautiful dresses and summer outfits for her grandkids. Would only drink out of a glass...no plastic for her. Loved pansies and butterflies. Earned a Silver Beaver Award for her incredible service in Scouts. Wasn't shy about telling you what she thought. Played games with us. Liked to go camping with us. Loved her Coke in a glass with lots of ice. Watched "As The World Turns" and "Guiding Light." Was a sucker for glazed donuts. Remembered my friends and asked about them regularly. Made the best hotcakes I've ever had. Was always worried about her hair. Always asked if I went to church on Sunday. Loved "her boys," the BYU Cougars athletic teams. Shook her cane at me when I was acting up. Loved her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews...everyone. Was known as "Aunt Minky" to many people. Wasn't above trying to create words if it would help her out in Scrabble. Made the best desserts...coconut crisp cookies, a variety of pies. Shared a birthday with my niece. Always made sure to wear lipstick, even if she was just staying home. Scared us when we were driving because she'd gasp at something totally unrelated to the road. Had the biggest and best holiday displays. Loved going to church with my mom and watching General Conference at my sister's. Made us quilts from scraps of the dresses she made us, and upon that quilt, she stitched our achievements throughout our school years. This was given to us for our high school graduations. Loved her children's and grandchildren's spouses like they were her own kids. Had beautiful but somewhat hard to read penmanship.Made impressive scrap books in the later years of her life. Called me "Poopsie." Came to our recitals, plays, spelling bees, etc. Loved the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Played countless games of Aggravation, Scrabble, The Barbie Game, and Peggity with us. Had a beautifully strong testimony of Jesus Christ. Passed away one year ago today and is so very missed.<br />
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I can't believe it's been one year. I swear it's been so much longer, but then again I could swear it only happened a few days ago. It's a weird world without Grammy here. <span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
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She'd be so proud of Richard for graduating from WGU and of Sid for graduating from nursing school. She'd be so excited about these new babies that are joining her family. She'd love seeing her little great-grandchildren grow into wonderful people. <br />
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I can still hear her voice, and see the twinkle in her eyes. I can still see just a hint of lipstick on her teeth and hear her cheering on our Cougars. I still watch The Lawrence Welk Show and now it's not just in memory of Grandpa, but in memory of Grandma, too. The cemetery, hard enough to go to before, now packs a double punch by seeing their names and dates side by side. The tears still come, the pain is still sharp, and the loss is still deeply felt. I miss her on sunny days. I miss her when I use her recipes. I miss her when I listen to the choir or see her handwriting or just remember. Actually, I just miss her. Every day. <br />
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<br />Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-16863891971348480802012-05-01T10:30:00.001-06:002012-05-01T10:30:50.288-06:00The cure for anything is salt water....sweat, tears, or the seaIt was just slightly over a week ago I was playing in the ocean with Richard. He held my hand tightly as the waves bobbed us up and down, forward and to the right. He didn't let go when the sand shifted under my feet and I went down hard on my knees, coughing up seawater. He didn't let go when a particularly strong wave got hold of me and threatened to take me all the way back to shore. As long as he held my hand, I knew I was going to be okay.<br />
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That's an awful lot like it is for me in every day life. My challenges aren't exceptionally difficult. I don't have a serious illness, or a special needs baby, or anything like that. And yet. I still have challenges. They are real, and for me, they are hard. And sometimes they knock into me from behind and push me down, even though I thought I knew what to expect. Just like those waves of the Atlantic. Some waves were gentle, and some were a bit rough, but they just kept coming. There were times I was laughing my head off, and there were times I thought I was going down, but through it all I was okay, because I was holding Richard's hand. <br />
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There are times I'm so happy I think I'm dreaming, and there are times where I don't know how I'm going to get through the week. With him by my side, I know I can handle the hard things that come my way much better than if I had to go it alone. I'm so thankful I have that solid comfort...that I know I can depend on him. That I know I'm not alone. That yes, he's holding my hand, supporting me, but I'm doing the same for him. It wasn't just me that stumbled that day in the sea. But together we stayed above water. I'm still holding his hand, and he's holding mine, and neither of us are going to let go. And that makes everything okay.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #e5e5dd; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-left;">For whatever we lose (like a you or a me),</span><br style="background-color: #e5e5dd; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: #e5e5dd; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-left;">It's always our self we find in the sea.</span><br style="background-color: #e5e5dd; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: #e5e5dd; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-left;">~e.e. cummings</span>Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-12856975879663140532012-03-06T14:55:00.000-07:002012-03-06T14:55:00.403-07:00One of my favorite thingsYou seriously can't beat getting a letter from someone you haven't heard from in years! Especially when it's someone you've thought of and missed. My day just got a ton better.Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-21335655118035633072012-03-02T04:55:00.000-07:002012-03-02T04:55:40.013-07:00I wish I knew a way I could turn my brain off and actually sleep at night. Lately I've been having very little luck staying asleep. I've tried melatonin, xyzal, and Advil PM. Usually any or a combination work, but this week I just can't seem to get it to happen. Grrr.Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-80182145839244574262012-02-20T10:33:00.002-07:002012-02-20T10:33:47.528-07:00Congratulations are in order for our friends Chris and Cherise! Over the weekend, they welcomed an adorable baby boy to their family. We're so happy for them. Cherise deserves extra kudos because she endured 22 hours of natural labor. Whoa.<br />
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Welcome to the world, Baby Bright!Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-52694210198359541842012-02-07T18:40:00.000-07:002012-02-07T18:40:43.782-07:00Wahoo!Richard and I were just talking yesterday about how we are dying to be by the ocean. We are beach people and there just isn't a substitute. <br />
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Today they announced this year's conference for his job is in Ft Lauderdale, Florida! Can't wait! We'll be two miles away from the beach and within walking distance of a ton of cool stuff. This could NOT have been announced at a better time! I'm so excited!Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-2365380223579886612012-02-05T22:54:00.000-07:002012-02-05T22:54:42.148-07:00Heartsick over what Josh Powell did to his boys today. Just when you think things couldn't get any worse. I just have to keep telling myself that at least he can't hurt them anymore. Or Susan either. I hope she's reunited with her sons and that evil excuse for a husband/father will never again be in their presence.Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-11092402003403034722012-01-26T15:22:00.000-07:002012-01-26T15:22:22.658-07:00"I'm not nervous, I'm excited."Remember my new year's resolution of "challenging myself more?" Yeah, me too. Well, this is a big one for me. I have a job interview on Saturday afternoon. Maybe that's not such a big deal, but believe me, I'm feeling the pressure. This job would be such a blessing, especially in this economy. Richard's being great about it, saying even if I don't get the job, at least I will have gone on the interview and I'll know I can get through it. That's important for me.<br />
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So why is this a challenge for me? Well, it's been an awfully long time since I was in the workforce. Add that to the fact that I've been increasingly becoming a homebody, and that's not such a good combination. But I know that I have it in me to overcome whatever doubts or fears I have. I have been doing some introspection lately, and I'm not such a fan of what I see. While I'm a cheerleader for my friends and believe they can do anything, I sort of forgot to include myself in that. Somewhere along the way, I've become someone who's afraid to try. That's why I chose that for one of my resolutions. Because that's not who I want to be, not for one more day. At least if I try, there's a chance of success. If I don't, there isn't, and I'll never get ahead. I'm too young to limit myself that way. <br />
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So for the next few days, my mantra will be something my dad always tells me when I start feeling those butterflies of self doubt: "I'm not nervous, I'm excited. I'm not nervous, I'm excited." And ya know what? I really am. :)Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-46581318678196795492012-01-18T11:25:00.001-07:002012-01-18T18:30:06.290-07:00You were a true friend... <br />
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One of Richard's friends and coworkers, <a href="http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saltlaketribune/obituary.aspx?n=james-r-strong-jim&pid=155525879" target="_blank">Captain Jim Strong</a>, passed away on Saturday. I don't think I ever met him. However, I feel like I knew him at least a little because of how Richard talked about him. Stories of how funny he was, how nice he was, and how Richard liked to just talk and laugh with him.<br />
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I made cookies for Richard to take to work for Christmas. I think Jim enjoyed them the most, so we gave him the recipe. Richard took a cake I'd made to work to some meeting last week. I specifically asked what Jim thought about it because he had become my favorite to bake for. I'm still going to make treats for Richard to take to work, but I admit I'm going to miss hearing about how Jim critiqued them. Mostly, I'm going to miss seeing Richard's eyes light up when I ask about Jim or laugh about something he had said. It sucks to lose a friend. Especially when goodbye comes too soon.<br />
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Rest in peace, Captain Strong. Thanks for being such a good friend to Richard.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know, I've only known Jim for a short time. It seems like just yesterday he was starting on at Animal Services as a reserve officer. With his stellar record, it didn't surprise me when he became captain after our former captain retired. I don't recall exactly when I met Jim, but it can't have been more than a couple of years ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the past number of months, I got a lot of opportunities to sit down and talk with him, usually while fixing his computer. I'm not one to really get close to people at work, at least I try not to, but Jim was a different story. He may have cursed like a sailor but there was something about him that just put you at ease. It's like no matter what you were talking about, he was genuinely interested in hearing what you had to say. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jim and I shared a love of food. We were always discussing good restaurants and good recipes. As Lyndsie mentioned, whenever she made something fabulous for me to take to work, I made sure that Jim got some, just so he could tell me what he thought about it. And oh how complimentary Jim was. I can't quote his exact language (I don't want this page to be rated R, after all) but when I shared Lyndsie's coconut cookies around Christmas he just went on and on about how great they were. Of course we got him the recipe as soon as possible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know, for all his gruffness, Jim cared a lot more than most people. He was passionate about his work and just had a way of making you smile. It was like he'd seen the worst in people and found the best in others anyway. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I mentioned, I didn't really get close to Jim until recently but he already felt like an old friend. There are only a handful of people in my life about whom I can say that. He was a rare treasure, one of the few really good people I have known, and his loss has been difficult to bear. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My thoughts and prayers go out to his family who have lost so much more than a friend - Jim, you will be missed. Thank you for everything. You were a true friend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Richard</span>Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146165296701711375.post-5470239491552090972012-01-11T13:51:00.002-07:002012-01-11T17:17:57.705-07:00So today is January 11th and after tonight's visit, Richard and I will have been to the gym 7 times so far this year, I believe. I walked on my treadmill at home one day we didn't go, although I didn't do it for very long. My treadmill used to be my grandma's, and it's clearly for short people. It hurts my back, but it's better than nothing. Today I got on my Wii Fit Balance Board for the first time in a long time, and it felt good to do some yoga and that hula hoop thing again. It's nice to throw in something different once in a while than just the same old treadmill and bike routine.<br />
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So...yeah, so far I'm feeling good about that resolution. I'm also back to keeping track of what I eat, and that's a good thing. I overdid it a little yesterday, so thank goodness I had a really good workout last night. It helped me slide right under my daily limit. :)<br />
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We've tried certain diets in the past (South Beach, Change One, 6 Week Body Makeover, etc), and nothing really worked, because it wasn't something that we could really live for the rest of our lives. So, it's back to basics for us. A healthy diet and regular exercise. Steps in the right direction. Doing it together, and encouraging each other to keep up the good work. It's amazing how much easier it is when you're doing to for the long term, healthy reasons than just for weight loss. <br />
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We've been at this since the weekend after Thanksgiving. We're averaging 4 or 5 days in the gym a week. I'm drinking only water these days....not even my sugar-free mixins are making the cut. I'm focused and determined and I want to prove that <b style="font-style: italic;">I can do this. </b>Even if only to myself. Maybe even <u>especially </u> to myself.Lyndsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07095160528466904040noreply@blogger.com1