sister(s), sister(s) never knew how much I missed ya

This summer I spent about a month up in Portland with my people. I had been feeling jealous of my friends that have family (especially their nieces and nephews) nearby, so I decided to stay for awhile. It was so fun and just what I needed. Of course I would prefer if we all lived closer, but I'll take what I can get and am grateful for a job that has breaks. Everyone was there for at least part of the time. We didn't do anything out of the ordinary, just the regular. Over a couple of days, Cathy and I helped my sister Alison clean out her closet. She tried on one of those Christmas sweaters with Santa and other nonsense on it and asked me if she should keep it. I told her that people only wear those to ugly Christmas sweater parties to which she replied, "So you're saying I can keep it?" Then the sisters went shopping to get her new clothes to celebrate her clean closet and new figure. Afterwards Anne and I played What Not to Wear. I was Carmindy and she was Nick Arrojo. It was so much fun and she looked beautiful!

he ain't heavy, he's my brother

At 9:45 last night, my brother called me. We talked for a few minutes and then I told him that I had to go. "What dumb TV show are you watching?" he asked. I fessed up, "The Bachelorette." He gave me a Hah-I knew it! type of laugh, but then said, "Wes is a liar and Jake is an emotional nightmare. I think she ought to choose Ed. He's a good looking guy, don't you think?" He knew more about it then I did! Which, of course, I quickly called him on. His excuse was that Gracie was sleeping in his room and Megan was watching it in the family room so he had no other choice but to watch. Whatever makes you feel better, Matt.

can't we stop hurting each other?

Today Yahoo made me pick two security questions to safeguard my email password. Here were the first several choices. Where did you go on your honeymoon? Ouch. What is the name of your first child? Ouch. What is your husband's favorite meal? Ouch. Followed by several more questions like it. I had to scroll down to "What was the name of your first pet?" Finally, a question for me!

a little bit of this, a little bit of that

Over spring break I bought a new bike and I love it. It's fun and it's exercise. Those things don't often go together in my world. I had intended to get one of those cute beach cruiser type of bikes in a bright blue or white, but ended up with this kind of tough looking matte black bike. I chose it because it's better for riding distances. I girled it up with a big floral bell. The goal is to increase my distance a little at a time until I'm riding to the beach and back.

I'm not working this summer because our district isn't having summer school. I'll miss the extra money, but I usually just end up whining about summer school assignments anyway. I'd try for a part time job, but the ways things are right now I don't think I'd be too successful. I guess I'll just have to play all summer long.

Hey, that chiropractor stuff worked for me! I'm feeling all better!

Sorry for those that hoped the title of this blog entry was going to continue with the lyrics to the song. No such luck.

doctor, doctor, can't you see i'm burning, burning

I have sciatica. Or bursitis. Or something else. Or a medley of old crone problems. My hips hurt. My backside hurts. All the way down my leg hurts. My knee hurts. My foot hurts. I'm going to my first ever chiropractor visit tonight. I'm hoping she doesn't crack my back and kill me. It happens, you know. Fingers crossed. Tomorrow I go to my regular doc and see what he recommends. Out of order, I know. Oh well. I realized my parents never complain about their aches and pains. Never. They hobble now and then, but never talk about it. There might be a lesson there. I wonder what it is.

i want somebody to share, share the rest of my life

Last night I had a date. Of sorts. I don't usually write about dates (I don't usually have dates?), but thought I would this time. I bought some beautiful new furniture for my house from this nice guy at a nearby furniture store. (You are cordially invited to come over and see it almost any time you'd like.) After the first part of the order was delivered, he called to see how I liked it. Probably store policy. The second part of the order arrived a few weeks later. He left another message this time leaving his cell phone number. Probably not store policy. Anyway, he came over last night to see how everything looked. He stayed for four hours talking and listening to music. A few of the highlights/lowlights: He told me he was helping someone move the next morning. I reminded him to lift with his knees so he wouldn't hurt his back. He asked, "Do you give good backrubs?" My response, "No." Later we were discussing something and I said, "I'm a prude. I'm kind of like a grandma." Friends, I think I may have cracked the code as to why I'm single.

who ya gonna call?

I am not the most technically savvy person you'll meet. By a long shot. By a long, long, long shot. One day I called Cox Communications Tech Support for a problem with my computer. In order to fix it, the man on the other end needed to take control of my computer. He instructed me to key in this, enter this, click on this, put in your password, and so on. He gained control of my computer (can't even remember what this is called) and things started moving and changing on the screen. I said something like, "How weird. It's like a ghost is in my computer." His dead serious response, "No, ma'am, it's not a ghost." I've enjoyed that line for ever since.

But, times are changing. My friend Darci (more about her coming soon) moved in a little over a week ago. Since then she has adjusted the thermostat to a schedule (this has alluded many people over the years), hooked up the cable boxes, adjusted the water temperature, and is about to get our wireless internet ready to go. I'm convinced there's nothing she can't do.

anything you want, you got it

The other day in class, I noticed that I had lost a brand new charm from my silver bracelet. We all looked, but no luck. It was gone. The next day Britney quietly handed me a little bag. She had bought me a pink rhinestone heart charm from Gap Kids to replace the one I had lost.

The week before we let out for Christmas vacation, my students asked me what I wanted them to give me for Christmas. I told them that I love to receive handmade cards with heart felt notes. They asked, "But don't you like diamonds?" I laughed and said I did. A few days later Lesley came with a wrapped box and I opened it to find a small blue glass paperweight that has been cut with facets like a diamond. On the last day of school before the break, several students brought me cards and little gifts. Capri was so excited. Her card read, "Ms. Curtis, thank you for being a good teacher and having pashunts. I like your pursonality." Her gift was a giant pink glass "diamond" paperweight. The class has oohed and ahhed and loved looking at and holding them. They are a sweet reminder to me that my students want to give me what they think I want the most.

these are a few of my favorite things

I haven't written for awhile, and don't really have much to write, so thought I would just make a random list of things that make me happy--drives by the beach, reading a good book, getting thoughtful emails, taking walks, visiting family who all live too far away-especially my little people, naps, going to a matinee, watching Top Chef and Project Runway, making my mom laugh, giant microphone karaoke, just hanging around with my friends, home decorating magazines, the Container Store, eating chips and guacamole, sparkly jewelry, watching a Jane Austen movie, taking trips, I Love Lucy, my new brown suede boots, and remembering that I have a lot to be thankful for.

Don't be impressed- my pet peeve list is probably right around the corner.

she's gone, oh i, oh i'd better learn how to face it

On January 1st, my dear Christine moved out and into a place of her own. When she first told me I was supportive and totally understood her wanting to have her own place. I was also a little sad for me and feeling a little left behind, but then I remembered how excited I was to get my first place and realized that she must be feeling the same way. And oh yeah, that the world doesn't revolve around me. I will certainly miss having her around though. Do you know how great it is to have a live in board certified therapist who also happens to be one of your dearest friends? That's good stuff! I've really appreciated her insights. She would often give me a whole new perspective on something. Christine's so smart, fun, beautiful, organized, helpful, good, fun, talented and funny! I've gathered some great Christine quotes and memories the past couple of years. And of course, I still plan on seeing her often and sharing more good times. We had already gotten together on the 2nd. A few miles will not keep us apart! I love you, Christine!

the stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of texas

I had a wonderful week with Annie, Brock, Alyssa, Ben, and Luke. We went shopping, ate delicious food (she cooks my favorite meal for Christmas Eve dinner), went for walks, looked at the kewlest Christmas lights (set to music), and took plenty of naps. Brock awarded me second best napper award right after Luke. I gladly accept. Annie is this thoughtful, smart, capable, super organized, excellent cook, cool headed cookie. When I told my friend Rosanne that Anne can get five people ready for church while I've still got wet hair, she said, "We all have different gifts." I'd take a few of hers.

Favorite quotes from my six year old niece Alyssa-- When she saw that Santa brought her the exact stuffed dog she had seen at Target, she looked at it and asked, "Does Santa steal?" On the way to the airport, she asked Anne, "Mama, when Kristen grows up is she going to have a baby?" We all hope I'll grow up and have a baby, Alyssa. Hope springs eternal.

i get knocked down, but i get up again

I've had quite a month or so. Some wonderful highs and a few too many lows. You know when you really, really need someone to be nice (because one too many haven't been) and then they are and it just makes you cry? Well, thank heavens for those moments. They are reminders that there are far more good times than bad and that things will work out. As Gordon B. Hinckley said, "It will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future." Good times are already here. Right now I'm in Texas with my sister Annie and her adorable family. The only things on the agenda are to relax and have fun. And that's what I'm doing.

if we took a holiday, took some time to celebrate

The logical holiday to be writing about would be Christmas, but today I'm thinking of Halloween. In October, I'm not a fan of stores like CVS that have those large, creepy looking, moving, shrieking Halloween decorations. But there's much more I do like about Halloween like my fabuloso new decorations and pumpkin cookies, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, chocolate chip pumpkin cake, a pumpkin roll with cream cheese frosting...

For the past several years I've gone the easy route with my costumes. I wear all black (what else is new) then put on a pair of ears and I'm a cat. Or carry a bag of jewels and I'm a cat burglar. In college my roommate was going on a date to a Halloween party and needed a costume idea. I told her about the time I dressed up as a grandma, so that's what she decided to do. I'm sure her date was expecting her to be in some sexy outfit (she was gorgeous) and instead there she was in a housedress, powdered hair pulled back in a bun, glasses hanging around her neck, baggy pantyhose, and slip showing. It was awesome.

be our guest, be our guest, get your worries off your chest

St. George was so fun, and I have Matt and Megan to thank for it. I was spoiled and loved every minute of it. We took drives to look at Christmas lights, shopped at some fun stores, ate delicious food (homemade granola, Thanksgiving dinner, turkey pot pie, bumbleberry frozen custard from Nieslon's) learned important life lessons from Kung Fu Panda, and just enjoyed spending time together. I could post a picture of my brother wearing only a pair of pants and a Caution: Extremely Hot apron, but fortunately I won't. Of course playing and cuddling with Chase and Gracie was the best. They could not be cuter.

On the way home I stopped to visit Gayla. She took me to lunch and we went shoe shopping. Ladies, you know that's a good time! Thanks, Gayla! Everyone is being so darn good to me. We went to this great boutique where I got a new clock for my family room and a Christmas wreath. It's pure glittery goodness. Come on over and see.

you've been so kind and generous, i don't know how you keep on giving

The drive that I anticipated being long and boring was kind of fun. There's nothing wrong with singing the Carpenters outloud when you're all alone. Unlike when I'm singing while driving with my brother and he asks, "Who sings this?" And when I answer he says, "Well why don't we let them."

On Tuesday evening I arrived at Kim's house in Henderson. She said, "Let's put your things in your room," which had some chocolates, a little loaf of pumpkin bread, a bottle of water, and a little bottle of shampoo and conditioner. It was better than a swanky hotel. She knows how to make someone feel welcome and comfortable. We had dinner and talked and talked. Then I went to sleep in one of the most comfortable beds with the best pillows ever, which I'll be getting soon (Sleep Innovations available at Costco). I slept in until after 10. It's hard to do that away from home. Later, she gave me a cute little silver frog charm (long standing joke), then before I got in my car to leave there was a cold water bottle, granola bar, and banana tucked into my bag. I'm thankful for such a great friend. Thanks for everything, Kim. It was so fun and just what I needed. I'll be coming back soon.

the long and winding road

I'm off to St. George to see my people for Thanksgiving- all around wonderful brother Matthew, beautiful and kind sister-in-law Megan, adorable nephew Chase, and sweet baby Gracie Lu. I was thinking maybe I'd just stay home and visit later (car air conditioner blowing warm air, radio out of commission, long drive alone), but realized I'd just be sad not to be with them. I was also looking forward to seeing my friend Kim who has invited me to stay over Tuesday night. I'm also hoping to see my friend Gayla. Christine has saved the day (again) and loaned me her Ipod. Christine is my angel of music. It will make all the difference.

misty water-colored memories

Just remembering when Saturday mornings meant cartoons instead all the other stuff it means now.

"Wonder twin powers-activate! Shape of an eagle, form of an ice cube." I think the girl twin always had to be a type of bird and the boy twin was some form of water. He'd be a stream and his face would be floating and talking in the water. Creepy. I loved the All New Super Friends Hour. They'd meet around that big table and have a superheroes committee meeting. Then there were other great shows like H.R. Pufnstuf with Eddie and his talking whistle. "Save me, Eddie!" Don't even get me started on Land of the Lost with Chaka.

yes on 8

I found this on another blog and thought it expressed my feelings on this sensitive topic better than I could. I will insert a few of my own comments in brackets like this, [You didn't really think I could be completely quiet did you??] So, from Splendid Chaos by Chanel--

1. I believe that marriage is ordained by God and only between a man and a woman.

2. In 2000 61% of California voters passed Propositon 22 that stated "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California," then 4 judges overturned the will of 61% of the state.

3. With a Civil Union, gay couples currently have ALL the legal and tax benefits that married couples have. I do not want to take away any of those rights. I do feel that I need to protect my rights as a parent [see # 4]. As a religious person I want to protect the rights of churches [that now may be challenged for their beliefs]. I want to protect the rights of children to be raised by a mother and a father. [I have both a mother and father and think all children deserve the same whenever possible. To think that children, who don't get to choose, don't benefit from both a mom and a dad is devaluing the significance of the genders when both are essential from the conceiving to the nurturing and raising. Did I just write conceiving?]

I fully agree with Steve Pogue from San Jose. He perfectly articulated how I feel about this: "Our opponents in this fight seek to characterize our motivation as hatred. Nothing could be further from the truth.
I oppose abortion but do not hate those who have it done.
I have opposed bond measures without hating their proponents.
I oppose drinking but do not hate those who drink.
I oppose carpool lanes but do not hate people who carpool.
I oppose couples living together out of wedlock, without hating people who do it.
I oppose same-sex marriage without hating the people who want it.
I oppose what I believe to be error, not because I hate those who err, but because I love the truth."

4. I do not think that children need to learn about gay marriage in school. In Massachusetts (where same sex marriage is legal) when they teach about "diversity" parents do not even have the right to opt out. [I believe parents should be the ones to decide when and how to teach their children about this topic. And it certainly will be in schools. It already is in Massachusetts and in some schools in California.]

[Even liberal France upheld marriage between a man and a woman in 2006 saying that the interests of children were more important than lifestyle choices of adults. Obama, Biden, McCain, and Palin have all said, and I've heard them, that marriage should be between a man and a woman. There just might be something to that.]

Thanks, Chanel. I'll see you at the polls.

nyc, what is it about you? you're big, you're loud, you're tough

New York is one of my favorite places. It's just so big and bustling. Highlights from my trip-

Gypsy with Patti Lupone-soooo good
The 39 Steps-pure fun
walking around the East Village
shopping in Chinatown for handbags
bus and boat tours around Manhattan
walking with Yadi to the little red lighthouse under the George Washington Bridge
talking with the girls late into the night
pastrami at Katz' deli, linguini and clams in Little Italy
the incredible views from the Top of the Rock courtesy of Lorette
visiting Mood, the fabric store from Project Runway
and people watching-especially people in long neon green faux fur coats

it's gonna be a new day for you

I had a really sweet and touching day yesterday. I am the new Relief Society President at church. I've felt really peaceful and happy about it since the bishop asked me last week. He was so kind and supportive, and that helped a lot. Yesterday was a little emotional and it's definitely going to take some time to get the hang of it. I have a lot to learn! And I can and I will! Dawn, my dear friend and former R.S. President (she was wonderful) will show me the ropes, along with many others, I'm sure. Darcy came to support me with her adorable baby boy Ry. Thanks, Darcy, that meant a lot. And Rosie by my side, and Christine smiling from the stand, and many thoughtful comments... it was great.

I needed a new blog title. I think I like it. But by all means, don't quit calling me Foxy. You know I love it. It's the spinster part I've decided to drop. A little something for my mom.