It seems like most of the shows we like are on the same night but different channels. We like Fringe on FOX, Supernatural on the CW, The Office on NBC and the new show Community. We got Comcast and we can DVR our shows, but it only lets us record two shows at a time. If you are recording two shows at the same time you have to watch one of those shows. You can't watch a third show on a different channel. So we've had to resort to watching two of our shows online. Kyle and I watched the season premiere of The Office online together. Then the next week we DVRd Supernatural and Fringe. So I come home from class the next day and Kyle is watching The Office without me. I felt a little dejected. The next day during lunch when Kyle was home, I had some spare time. I announced that I guess I could watch The Office since I hadn't seen it yet and Kyle watched it without me. I went ahead and got online and watched it. Kyle finished his lunch and went on to work.
I then get a text from Kyle saying that he had watched The Office because he didn't know how important it was that we watch it together. Then I texted back saying I now know how Homer Simpson felt when Marge was going out with the neighbor lady on a Thursday night. Homer says, "but that's our special night." Then Marge asks, "What's so special about it?" Then Homer say, "Oh, I don't know, a little something called Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman."
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Big Date Night
The evening started by dropping off the kids at Aunt Emma's house. The kids had a great time playing video games with their cousins.
Then it was dinner at Tucanos. If you don't know what this is, it's a Brazilian Grill restaurant. www.tucanos.com I love their grilled pineapple, the garlic sirloin, and the teriyaki beef.
Then we went over to Kingsbury Hall to watch stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan. He did his bit about Hot Pockets which got tons of applause. He also did his bit about bacon which also got tons of applause. We were cracking up and had a great time.
Our final destination of the evening was Little America Salt Lake City. We had a king bed suite on the 14th floor. There was a balcony, flat screen TV, and just all around swankyness. I have never stayed at a hotel that had bell-hops, concierge, and everyone was dressed up in suits and uniforms. I felt like I was in a TV show about a hotel. There were marble floors, a grand staircase, a baby grand piano in the lobby, and high-end gift shops. It was a lovely evening. For the next day, I got to sleep in and lounge around in the morning. We had breakfast at the hotel restaurant, I had the Shrimp Etoufee Omelet. It was fine and tasty.
It was great just spending quality time with the hubby. Thanks Hubby for a great time!
Then it was dinner at Tucanos. If you don't know what this is, it's a Brazilian Grill restaurant. www.tucanos.com I love their grilled pineapple, the garlic sirloin, and the teriyaki beef.
Then we went over to Kingsbury Hall to watch stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan. He did his bit about Hot Pockets which got tons of applause. He also did his bit about bacon which also got tons of applause. We were cracking up and had a great time.
It was great just spending quality time with the hubby. Thanks Hubby for a great time!
Friday, September 25, 2009
He Still Surprises Me continued
Tonight is our big date night! Earlier this week we made reservations for Tucanos for dinner tonight. I just love their grilled pineapple. Before making reservations we consulted my sister for the best eating places in Salt Lake City. This was one of her recommendations. We have frequented the one in Provo, I didn't know they also had one in Salt Lake.
On Wednesday, while in class, I get a text from Kyle. He wanted to know which parking lot at BYU campus I was parking in nowadays. I texted back which lot. At first I thought that maybe he needed to trade vehicles or something. But then I remembered that I had the only key to the minivan. So I texted back asking why he needed to know. I got no response.
After classes, I walk to the parking lot. There is no Kyle, so OK, he's not meeting me here with flowers or chocolate or some other hairbrained scheme that I was imagining he might do. I get in the van, start her up and look in the rearview mirror to check behind me before backing out of my spot and this is what I see written on the back window.
I just started laughing. I had to take a picture when I got home. Of course I had to post it on the blog.
On Wednesday, while in class, I get a text from Kyle. He wanted to know which parking lot at BYU campus I was parking in nowadays. I texted back which lot. At first I thought that maybe he needed to trade vehicles or something. But then I remembered that I had the only key to the minivan. So I texted back asking why he needed to know. I got no response.
After classes, I walk to the parking lot. There is no Kyle, so OK, he's not meeting me here with flowers or chocolate or some other hairbrained scheme that I was imagining he might do. I get in the van, start her up and look in the rearview mirror to check behind me before backing out of my spot and this is what I see written on the back window.
I just started laughing. I had to take a picture when I got home. Of course I had to post it on the blog.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Research Assistant
I got a job as a research assistant! I'm excited! It isn't much in the pay department. I will only be working 5-7 hours a week at $8.00 an hour. That will be a change from the 30 hours a week at $12.00 an hour I had been working. But, since school started I had no job. So, even the meager pay is better than nothing. I have bittersweet feelings that I wasn't hired back to my old job because of my college classes. I hate that my classes have caused me to lose my job. But, since I haven't been working I have been able to accomplish a lot, both in the homework and housework departments.
What this new job means to me is flexible hours. I will still have time to do my studies and take care of my family needs. I think it will be a good experience working with a professor and the program director. Kyle says that this position of research assistant will be a good thing to put on my resume.
What the job entails, as far as it has been explained to me, is that we are putting together these packets. It includes a book and then lessons for the week pertaining to the book. The lessons focus on different aspects of the book, like social, language, etc. The job also has clerical tasks, data collection, interviewing, attending meetings, recording the minutes, and I don't know what else. Today I meet with Human Resources to get all my information, start a timecard, etc.
What this new job means to me is flexible hours. I will still have time to do my studies and take care of my family needs. I think it will be a good experience working with a professor and the program director. Kyle says that this position of research assistant will be a good thing to put on my resume.
What the job entails, as far as it has been explained to me, is that we are putting together these packets. It includes a book and then lessons for the week pertaining to the book. The lessons focus on different aspects of the book, like social, language, etc. The job also has clerical tasks, data collection, interviewing, attending meetings, recording the minutes, and I don't know what else. Today I meet with Human Resources to get all my information, start a timecard, etc.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Collaboration
One of the classes I'm taking is about collaboration. Usually when you think of this word you think of working together, or being on a team. In an educational sense you may think of co-teaching. In a musical sense you may think of duets, or a joint effort on a song, or album. I'm learning that collaboration is more than just working together. It is people voluntarily working together toward a common goal. Both or all participants are ready, willing and able. In a collaborative effort everyone is coequal, meaning that they have equal power in the decision making.
In class we discussed how this works in a school setting. Then the instructor had us think about collaboration in our own lives. I thought about being the Cubmaster, and being a part of a Pack Planning Committee. We discuss the needs of the Cubs. We all brainstorm ideas of the upcoming Pack Night. After we decide what activities we are going to do, we divvy up the responsibility. We use the collective knowledge, experience, expertise, connections and resources that are available to us.
Then I thought of my marriage. Kyle and I need to be equal partners. We both have a say in the finances of our household, how to raise and discipline our kids, and the upkeep of our house. We split up the different bills, household chores, running the kids here and there, etc.
One example that came up in class was the First Presidency and the Quorom of the Twelve. These men come from different backgrounds, have had different experiences, have different personalities and have different expertise/interests. Yet these men come together to discuss the needs of the church and have a common goal. Sure they are inspired by the Lord. We also thought that there might be contentions but we assume that having the Spirit with them eases tensions, and helps to unite these men toward the common goal.
Within the church we have other collaborative groups. What about Ward Council? Or even the presidencies of each auxilary? These people come together, discuss the needs of the people over whom they are responsible, and determine how to best help these people. They also divide the resposibility or tasks at hand.
In my class we also discussed why some people don't want to be part of a collaborative group. We determined it is because we are afraid that someone won't do their share, won't contribute in a meaningful way, won't participate. But in that case, we can only account for ourselves, and take satisfaction in knowing we did our part. We can't control others, collaboration isn't coersive. At first collaboration may take more time and effort. The hassle of choosing a time and place to meet. But in the end, it is more productive than doing it alone. Responsibility is shared, the load is lightened in the joint efforts toward the common goal.
In class we discussed how this works in a school setting. Then the instructor had us think about collaboration in our own lives. I thought about being the Cubmaster, and being a part of a Pack Planning Committee. We discuss the needs of the Cubs. We all brainstorm ideas of the upcoming Pack Night. After we decide what activities we are going to do, we divvy up the responsibility. We use the collective knowledge, experience, expertise, connections and resources that are available to us.
Then I thought of my marriage. Kyle and I need to be equal partners. We both have a say in the finances of our household, how to raise and discipline our kids, and the upkeep of our house. We split up the different bills, household chores, running the kids here and there, etc.
One example that came up in class was the First Presidency and the Quorom of the Twelve. These men come from different backgrounds, have had different experiences, have different personalities and have different expertise/interests. Yet these men come together to discuss the needs of the church and have a common goal. Sure they are inspired by the Lord. We also thought that there might be contentions but we assume that having the Spirit with them eases tensions, and helps to unite these men toward the common goal.
Within the church we have other collaborative groups. What about Ward Council? Or even the presidencies of each auxilary? These people come together, discuss the needs of the people over whom they are responsible, and determine how to best help these people. They also divide the resposibility or tasks at hand.
In my class we also discussed why some people don't want to be part of a collaborative group. We determined it is because we are afraid that someone won't do their share, won't contribute in a meaningful way, won't participate. But in that case, we can only account for ourselves, and take satisfaction in knowing we did our part. We can't control others, collaboration isn't coersive. At first collaboration may take more time and effort. The hassle of choosing a time and place to meet. But in the end, it is more productive than doing it alone. Responsibility is shared, the load is lightened in the joint efforts toward the common goal.
Friday, September 11, 2009
After 16 years he still surprises me
Last month sometime Kyle asked me if I felt that any of our anniversaries were memorable. Our 16th wedding anniversary was May 1st.
I remembered that we used to go out to eat at Magleby's for our anniversary dinner because where he worked at the time would give an anniversary gift certificate. But, he hasn't worked there for at least 5 years.
Then I tried to remember what specific gifts we got each other for our anniversary. I couldn't think of anything really special. Lots of times we would just get each other a card, go out to dinner, and maybe get a gift. The gift was usually a movie, music or something to that effect, and the gift was usually belated (have to work around pay-day).
So, Kyle schemed a scheme. He debated on telling me his plan or just letting it be a surprise. But then he thought he better tell me so that I don't schedule something on that day. Kyle got us tickets to go see Jim Gaffigan at Kingsbury Hall. He also made arrangements for my sister to watch the kids, overnight. He is also looking at reserving a hotel room so that we don't have to drive home so late at night from Salt Lake City.
Now, maybe the thought of going to see a stand-up comedian isn't your idea of a romantic getaway, but the fact that he planned an enjoyable weekend for just the two of us is romantic.
I remembered that we used to go out to eat at Magleby's for our anniversary dinner because where he worked at the time would give an anniversary gift certificate. But, he hasn't worked there for at least 5 years.
Then I tried to remember what specific gifts we got each other for our anniversary. I couldn't think of anything really special. Lots of times we would just get each other a card, go out to dinner, and maybe get a gift. The gift was usually a movie, music or something to that effect, and the gift was usually belated (have to work around pay-day).
So, Kyle schemed a scheme. He debated on telling me his plan or just letting it be a surprise. But then he thought he better tell me so that I don't schedule something on that day. Kyle got us tickets to go see Jim Gaffigan at Kingsbury Hall. He also made arrangements for my sister to watch the kids, overnight. He is also looking at reserving a hotel room so that we don't have to drive home so late at night from Salt Lake City.
Now, maybe the thought of going to see a stand-up comedian isn't your idea of a romantic getaway, but the fact that he planned an enjoyable weekend for just the two of us is romantic.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Oh my aching back! legs, feet...
Well, I've finished my first week back at college. I'm getting used to the different buildings where my classes are. Some are in a different part of campus than where my other classes have been. They are farther than what I am used to walking. I've been rethinking of where to park. The one parking lot that I used most is near the Marriott Center and Monte L. Bean Museum. There are sets of stairs, but it is going downhill to classes. I thought that this would be great because I wouldn't be out of breath for class, just when I return to my car. That parking lot has construction going on around it cutting the lot in about half the size that it was. So now it is full by the time I get there.
Wednesday I chose a different lot. It is huge and about the same distance as the previous lot. It is also packed, it seems everyone parks there. This is near the physical education and recreation buildings. There are also stairs, but these go uphill to campus. OK, I'm trying to lose weight and what better way than the stairs to get the blood flowing? HOLY COW there are a lot of stairs! These stairs are steeper than the others and there are more of them. I was a huffin' and a puffin' when I got to the top. I knew I was out of shape, but that was ridiculous!
Thursday I chose another lot. It is closer, and smaller, but at the end of campus where not many buildings are. Again there were stairs and a ramp going uphill to campus. I was still breathing hard at the top but not nearly as bad as the previous day's stairs.
I've been walking a pretty good pace on campus and taking stairs instead of the elevators. I knew I would be doing a lot of walking so I bought a couple of pairs of shoes. Since they are new my poor feet have blisters. I hope they break in fast, I'm running out of Band-Aids.
For the past two years I've just had a book bag that I would carry or sling over my shoulder. This year I have a backpack for all my books (more classes = more books) and I bought a laptop and actually this backpack came with it. I am not used to the extra weight on my back (I usually carry all my weight in front). So not only is this year going to be challenging mentally with more classes and a heavier homework load, but also physically with the walking and carrying/packing.
The only consolation I can take is that hopefully at the end of this experience I will come out smarter and slimmer.
Wednesday I chose a different lot. It is huge and about the same distance as the previous lot. It is also packed, it seems everyone parks there. This is near the physical education and recreation buildings. There are also stairs, but these go uphill to campus. OK, I'm trying to lose weight and what better way than the stairs to get the blood flowing? HOLY COW there are a lot of stairs! These stairs are steeper than the others and there are more of them. I was a huffin' and a puffin' when I got to the top. I knew I was out of shape, but that was ridiculous!
Thursday I chose another lot. It is closer, and smaller, but at the end of campus where not many buildings are. Again there were stairs and a ramp going uphill to campus. I was still breathing hard at the top but not nearly as bad as the previous day's stairs.
I've been walking a pretty good pace on campus and taking stairs instead of the elevators. I knew I would be doing a lot of walking so I bought a couple of pairs of shoes. Since they are new my poor feet have blisters. I hope they break in fast, I'm running out of Band-Aids.
For the past two years I've just had a book bag that I would carry or sling over my shoulder. This year I have a backpack for all my books (more classes = more books) and I bought a laptop and actually this backpack came with it. I am not used to the extra weight on my back (I usually carry all my weight in front). So not only is this year going to be challenging mentally with more classes and a heavier homework load, but also physically with the walking and carrying/packing.
The only consolation I can take is that hopefully at the end of this experience I will come out smarter and slimmer.
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