I Stood In Line For An Hour Today...

so that I could vote.

Violation

If your eye sight isn't quite superhuman enough to read the letter in the picture above let me sum it up for you. Apparently we were sent a notice of violations on the weeds in our backyard on September 9th (hey, they block legacy from our view) and being the horrible citizens that we are we ignored said notice (they didn't exactly say that in the letter, but I could tell by the tone of the letter that is what they meant) so they sent another notice that I found today resting on my doorstep (not in the mailbox) when I got home (figured the mailman must have put it in the wrong box). Problem is, we never got the first notice. Yeah yeah, I'll bet they hear that all the time. I tried calling (they are only open until 4) and as I listened to the recording telling me the scant few hours in which to call, I noticed something: even though the letter was in regards to our lot and had our names on it, it wasn't our address on the envelope! I felt vindicated (even if we do have weeds). So, community project anyone? Saturday, 8:00, I'll serve lemonade!

Elemente

This shop is really neat. Jen and I swung by this afternoon and perused the goods. It's a consignment shop full of really fun retro stuff. I loved it but didn't spend any money.

Things That Happened Over the Summer that I Didn't Blog About

-I read some really great books (you wouldn't know it by checking out my goodreads page. One social site at a time seems to be all I can handle. I have a neglected MySpace page out there as well).

Three Cups of Tea

The Thin Place

Brave New World

Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread

Those were the good ones. I read a lot of other really not so good books. But, as the ward book group will tell you, me liking 4 books is actually quite amazing.

-I have ridden my bike or walked on the Legacy Trailway at least once a week since July (I know, it didn't open until September. We are trespassers. Arrest us.) It's a really neat trail.

-We used our trailer... twice. Sad, huh? Well, I was there to use the trailer twice. Collin took it Elk Hunting, but I don't count that. Poor trailer. Sits on the side of the house 50 weeks out of the year to be used a grand total of 2. Next year...

-I went and saw Mama Mia with my friend Emilie and really enjoyed it. That was a fun movie. Or as Emilie would say, "the best movie ever." She is so funny.
-Went to a surprise birthday party for Joy's husband, Chris, and learned that silly string should be cleaned off walls immediately.

-Conspired with Jen to get healthy. This was probably the smartest thing I did all summer.

-Fell in love with a little boy named Alexander James. Cutest baby. Love him! Love his mom (my sister)!

It was a great summer. I'd probably do it again.

Getting My Geek On

I just found out that although the recent cinematic release of a little show I LOVE called didn't do so well they are apparently up for giving it another go. So, about 3 or so years from now, I might see an X-Files worth waiting year after year for (cause the last one was an "eh"). If the next one doesn't have any aliens in it I want my money back. I really will ask for my money back. Think about it: adjust for inflation 3 years from now I'll probably be paying $12 for my ticket. Plus dinner with my fellow X-Files friend Emilie (and Sharolyn if she has moved back by then), I'll be out around $40. There had BETTER be aliens. Am I right guys, am I right?

Related note: Cannot WAIT to see the new Star Trek movie next May. I saw a preview for it and kind of sort of forgot I needed to be breathing. FYI, Collin is not this geeky. Before me he'd never even seen Star Wars. STAR WARS people! AND he thinks that Gandolf is Harry Potter's Headmaster. Tsk tsk. That boy cannot keep his science fiction/fantasy characters straight. He'd probably beleive me if I told him Cardasians stole Frodo's ring and threw it into a goblet of fire found on Tatooine. (Picture of Tatooine cause I know how how much my BFF Emilie likes pictures) ------->

I tried to throw a Twilight reference in there but couldn't think of one.

I'm Not Jackie Kennedy

My mom, sister Jenn, and nephew Alex went to lunch and then shopping today. I am not a fan of shopping but I am a fan of my mom, sister, and nephew so it was a great day. I learned something about myself, too. When I tried on this blazer at J. Crew:Jenn and Mom told me it was "too Jackie Kennedy" for me. What? "Too Jackie Kennedy?" How can something be "too Jackie Kennedy?" Why can't I wear something "too Jackie Kennedy?" I didn't get it. Literally or figuratively. I did get some really cute pants and an argyle sweater, though.

*UPDATE: So, in reaction to this post, Jenn called me and said "You're too "granola" for Jackie Kennedy." Whatever, I shave my legs.

The Results are In

Oso's Before Picture (He's just big boned!)

Oso can't help it that he's fat. He weighs 30 pounds and should weigh about 16 pounds. He was tested for Hypothyroidism and (no surprise here) it came back positive. He has to take medication and should, within a month or two, "be a different dog." I don't care, we're still going to call him Oso. Stay tuned for his "after" picture.

Gone Fishing

Collin and his dad, Gerrit, spent the day fishing. Lucky ducks. (Lucky that they got to spend the day doing something they enjoy, not the fishing part. I am not a fan of fishing). He claims they caught over 20 fish but only brought home 2 pictures as evidence. And for all I know it could be the same fish.

Collin, pointing at his fish.

Gerrit, just holding his fish.

These guys love to fish. They'd fish every day if they could. Even during winter. They are die hards. No matter how stressed they are when they go fishing they come home relaxed and happy. It's like therapy for them... only cheaper.

Don't Forget

I have a really great long term memory. I can remember obscure facts about events that happened in junior high. Not just "Hey, remember when we all had a sleepover at my house?" more like "Hey, remember that time we had a sleepover in my backyard and we made s'mores in the microwave and Joy had her cup upside down when she tried to get water from the water dispenser in the fridge and then Melissa told us that scary story about the Click Clack Man? I think my fingernail polish at the time was navy blue." True story.

But when it comes to remembering to take my lunch to work or to get Sprite at the gorcery store, I'm useless. Enter this:

It's a magnetic white board with the cutest vintage butterflies on it and a helpful little sign above it that says, as you can see, "don't forget." I love it. It's the last thing I see before I head out the door. Perfect place for grocery lists, checks to deposit, and mail to be sent.

A Semi "Seriously So Blessed" Post for Collin

While taking a "scroll" down memory lane via my blog I noticed that I rarely mention the most important person in my life. I've got posts about our family, the dogs, my friends, our kitchen, but not much about the guy I vowed to spend eternity with! Collin. I mean come on, this blog does say "Collin & Rachel" at the top, shouldn't it be about Collin & Rachel, not just Rachel? So I tagged Collin but I am going to answer the questions for him:

1. Where is your cell phone? Pocket
2. Your hair? Brown
3. Your skin? Manly
4. Your Mother? Selfless
5. Your favorite thing? Rachel
6. Your dream last night? None
7. Your favorite drink? Diet Coke
8. Your dream/goal? Family
9. The room you're in? Kitchen
10. Your favorite meal? Dinner
11. Your fear? Loss
12. Where you want to be in six years? Secure
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. What you're not? Dramatic
15. Muffins? Sure
16. One of your wish list items? Family
17. Where you grew up? Woods Cross
18. The last thing you did? Drove
19. What are you wearing? Clothes
20. Your TV? Off

11. Your pets? Dogs
22. Your computer? Laptop
23. Your life? Busy
24. Your mood? Hurried
25. Missing someone? Nope
26. Your truck? Tough
27. Something you're not wearing? Hat
28. Favorite store? Cabela’s
29. Your autumn? Hunting
30. Like someone? Lots

31. Your favorite color? Blue
32. When was the last time you laughed? A few seconds ago
33. Last time you cried? Never
He might have answered some of these a little differently, but this was my perpective. I love Collin and am really grateful for him. My life with him is closer to perfect than I ever hoped it could be.

Tagged.

Jen tagged me.
8 Favorite Restaurants:
1 Happy Sumo
2 Texas Roadhouse
3 Olive Garden
4 PF Changs
5 McGrath's
6 Chilis
7 Applebee's
8 Subway

8 Things that Happened Yesterday:
1 I got to work at the time I wanted to get to work. I shoot for 8 but don't usually end up sitting down at my desk until 8:30.
2 I got into a discussion on the importance of flu shots with a coworker. He thinks just because he's never had the flu or a flu shot that flu shots are a crock. Is it bad to actually want this guy to get the flu just so I can say "told ya so?"
3 While on a conference call I didn't realize I was being asked a question. I didn't get suspicious until it was really silent. My fears were confirmed when someone asked "Rachel, is your mute button on? We can't here you." Oops.
4 I waited for 30 minutes for a guy to come look at Collin's cello. He said he would be here at 4:30. He never came. Jerk, I hope he gets the flu too.
5 I got stuck in traffic on Redwood. The dogs were in the backseat barking like mad at the construction guy holding the stop sign. Gave me a horrible headache.
6 Spent $250.00 on Marley and Oso at the vet. $70.00 for routine vaccinations and a checkup, $180.00 for a thyroid test on Oso. Apparently it's not normal for a "miniature" Schnauzer to gain 5 pounds in one year. "Don't worry," they told me, "if it is his thyroid the medication isn't that expensive." They also told me the test wasn't that expensive...
7 Watched House. Well, most most of House. I have to close my eyes when they do those really gross shots of blood vessels bursting or hearts stopping. Ew.
8 Went to bed before 10. I think this may be the first time in weeks.

8 Things I Look Forward to:
1 Snow
2 Collin finishing school
3 Starting a family
4 The Office, Prison Break, The Fringe, and X-Files recording on my DVR
5 Books to come in the mail (I just got Sarah Vowell’s new book The Wordy Shipmates)
6 The election GO OBAMA!
7 Christmas
8 Losing 20 more pounds (I’ve already lost 30!)

8 Things I Love About Fall:
1 Sweaters
2 Season Premiers on TV
3 Halloween/Thanksgiving Decorations
4 Pumpkins
5 The way the heater smells
6 Allergies aren't quite as bad
7 General Conference
8 Reminds me that winter is right around the corner (I LOVE winter)

8 Things on my wish list:
1 Children
2 A finished basement (Collin has promised me it will be done in time for Christmas... we'll see)
3 Sugar free, fat free, calorie free chocolate (they can do it with butter. Have you tried "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Spray?" They need to get those guys working on chocolate.)
4 A Big flat screen TV (I know, it's usually the guy who wants this)
5 A finished backyard
6 Lasik (probably won't happen, I am too freaked out. But it they can figure out a way of doing it without touching my eye, I'm in)
7 Unlimited Barnes and Noble shopping spree
8 Unlimited Tai Pan shopping spree

8 People I Tag:
1 Jenn
2 Joy
3 Cori
4 Sharolyn
5 Debby
6 Linda
7 Anna
8 Tammi

Hanging Out

My mom, Joanne, and sister, Jenn, stopped by tonight while Collin and Jenn's husband, Brett, were at school. After taking a walk on the trailway behind my house, we came back and made dinner.

Jenn was kind of worried that her baby, Alex, would get cold on our walk so she bundled him up really well. Doesn't he look like Ralphie's little brother from a Christmas Story? (Totally can't wait to see that movie. It's one of my favorite parts of the whole season).

The 3 of us,trying to get into the frame. I just realized we all have the same chin.

My mom and me.

I love my mom and sister. They are two of my best friends in the world. They have always been there for me and I am so grateful I have them!

Walking In a Winter Wonder Land

Look what we woke up to! Snow! I love snow. Winter is my favorite season of them all. I've always looked forward to the first day of winter and here it is, in all it's freezing cold glory. Brrr. I kind think of winter as the season that didn't care what anybody thought about it. Summer seems to be kind of a wussy season. Other than heat it doesn't do much else. Kind of a one trick pony. Now winter, there is a season that keeps you guessing. Will it snow? And if it does will it be wet heavy snow or light fluffy snow? Will it snow like this all night or taper off and melt? The only thing I absolutely HATE about winter is driving in it. I'll take a day of driving in the summer over winter any day. Now if you'll excuse me, I must go find my scarf and mittens!

I Sure Will

A few weeks ago the church issued a letter reminding us that "[a]s citizens we have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy. Participation in the political process affects our communities and nation today and in the future."

You can register in person until October 20th. Voting day is Novemeber 4th! My calender is marked. I am so excited to vote!

Collin's Elk Hunt/Rachel's Girl's Nights/Cello for Sale

Last weekend Collin and his dad went on their annual Elk Hunting trip. They left Friday and came back Wednesday. While they were gone I had a series of girl's nights. But since he took the camera, the only one to be recorded for posterity was the debate night (last post) because Joy and Em brought their cameras. The first night I went to dinner with my sister Jenn, her baby Alex, and our mom. We went to the Texas Roadhouse out in Kearns. Saturday night, while Jenn's husband was at Preisthood Session, Jenn and I loaded Alex up and went to the grocery store. I don't think I would have taken a picture of that even if I did have the camera. Monday night my wonderful mom-in-law took me to dinner and a play at Roger's Memorial. It was Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Tons of fun. Although night after night of girl's nights were fun, I'm glad to have him home again.

Collin and his dad's Camp Collin's dad's elk. Collin didn't get one this year. Better luck next time!

P.S Collin is selling his cello. He bought it after he got home from his mission in 2001 thinking he would take it up again (he played in junior high on a rented cello). He has finally given up hope that he ever will. Anyway, he's listing it on KSL for $175.00 if anyone is interested.

Girls Night

Joy and Emilie came over to watch the Presidential Debate. It quickly turned into a Debate Pajama Pizza Party. We made mini wheat dough pizzas. Yummy!

Emilie and me on the stairs.

Me, the lone Democrat. GO OBAMA!!! Joy, practicing for her Pantene commercial audition. She already knows she is voting for McCain.
Emilie, also a Republican voter. (I didn't get the memo to wear green. I never get the memo!)
Me and Joy, getting our debate dance groove on. If you happened to look out your window around 8 you would have seen this: And this: I totally kicked trash at Hand Up Stands Up (with the help of Joy). Why did we get together again? Oh yeah, the debate. Just a few more weeks until November 4th! Obama/Biden 08!

Until next time! Love you guys!