luv lub jub

haw haw

2011-12-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

remember when i said i was going to post every day in november? snort.

no more making silly promises.

168 days until josh comes home from afghanistan.

he's already been gone for 30 days! we're 18% done so far! i dont know if i want to be sad or happy about that.

sad, i'll be sad

still thankful for...

2011-11-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

a very amazing and awesome career

all adjectives except for awesome and amazing (this is the last time I will use them. Ever!)

technology - it makes it easy to talk to josh while he's on the other side of the world (Ok, i looked it up, the opposite of the world if you stay in the northern hemisphere is a city in northern china called Sonid Youqi. The exact opposite of the world from where I live is the southern part of the Indian Ocean, midpoint between the very southern tip of australia and africa, so maybe he's only three quarters or so of half way around the world from me, but either way he is far.)

my talents - I'm diving into creative outlets to keep my mind off of things. It's worked fairly well so far

my big sparkly ring, that josh asked if I wanted to replace with a 2 carat diamond which i turned down (WHAT HAVE I DONE?!?!?!) my excuse was that it wouldn't have the sentimental value that my diamond does. bah. regret.

summer, because this morning I woke up to this:

disclaimer: sorry for being so whiny today

thankful again

2011-11-04T22:26:00.000-07:00

According to facebook, my last five blessings I've expressed gratitude for are:

delicious pie,

fluffy bathrobes,

family.

time spent with my lover bear

Claire

November.?

2011-11-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

In an effort to get back into blogging (since few to none read this, if only for myself, it makes a great journal, ya?) I'm going to post EVERY DAY this month telling you what I am grateful for. I take too much for granted as it is. So anywho....

Today I am grateful for my handsome husband and all the hard work he does to provide me with more than I need.

I call these stocks "marriage" haw haw. But seriously, he is the cutest.

love like lightning!

2011-08-29T16:07:00.000-07:00

I took this picture during what seemed like hurricane Irene last night.

We had no power and lightning was striking all around us - less than 20 feet away from our house.

It was scary. But exciting. And fun to have a little campout with my love in our living room while we watched the lightning storm.

Also, as much as I wish we had a glasstop stove, our propane stove saved us from dying of hunger last night. The only time I have ever appreciated it - and not cursed it.

mexico

2011-08-12T15:54:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday Josh and I decided we needed a vacation.

On Sunday we were in Puerto Vallarta.

It was a lot of fun. We relaxed at the beach, went snorkeling, zip lined across a rainforest canopy, got caught in a rip tide and had a couple near-death experiences.

The best part was I got to spend 5 days glued to the side of my handsome husband.

I am the luckiest girl.

rodeo with my cowboy

2011-07-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

On thursday Josh took me to my first rodeo ever.
Usually when I tell an Idahoan that I've never been to a rodeo they are appalled
So now they don't have to know that I grew up in a suburb with a population of 100,000
or that the biggest yard i've had before I moved to idaho was 1/5 of an acre
or that I used to cringe at the sound of country music

Now I live in a valley with a population of 600 (that sounds generous)
my closest neighbor is a mile and a half away
my "yard" is a thousand acre ranch
country music? I'm getting used to it.

And yes, I have been to a rodeo.

I lurva hot springs

2011-07-28T14:25:00.001-07:00

My favorite summer activity is tubing down the Portneuf river in Lava Hot Springs.

Only been there once this year so far, but I want excuses to go again. So if you are in the southeast idaho area and/or want to come visit me lets go to Lava Hot Springs together!

teehee. my silly husband.

love love love.

2011-07-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the honor and privilege of attending the wedding of Claire Bagley and Chris Hayes. It was beautiful. I cried! I never cry! Ok, ok, I cry. A lot. And tonight... we party!

Isn't she breathtaking?

music on blogs

2011-07-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

makes me leave that blog as soon as the music starts.

I am a scholar

2011-07-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

I enjoy scholarly persuits...

This would me a much more momentous occasion if I didn't still have 2+ years of school ahead of me. Uggh.

"the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all."

2011-06-23T23:26:00.000-07:00

Venice, Italy

Let's be honest. who doesn't want to go to Venice?

i want to go here too.

2011-06-15T13:32:00.001-07:00

the waterfalls of Havasupai

I should probably do this, considering its only a state or two away.

anniversaire

2011-06-09T23:46:00.000-07:00

So young and naive and in love

On December 26th, 2005 I went on a date. This was the title of my journal entry that night:

"Dear heart, I met a boy. Prepare to shatter."

Fast forward to april 20th, 2007. That same boy and I stood together on the top of a mountain as he whispered these words to me:

"When I think of the future, and when I picture myself, I see you with me. When I see myself 5 years from now, I see you by my side."

Fast forward again. 50 days later, June 9th 2007. We're married. Our little story of big love*.

*not the HBO show

hai guys

2011-06-09T23:43:00.000-07:00

I have a sister. She's pretty funny. Also, she's dying for attention. You should start following her blog.

http://sweetyleashy.wordpress.com/

another place I want to go

2011-06-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

Phuket (pronounced "Poo-get") Thailand.

who wants to come with me?

Somewhere I want to go...

2011-05-30T02:29:00.000-07:00

Bagby Hot Springs...

i'm not a theif, so i should probably tell you i got this picture from here

It's in Oregon (i heart Oregon), It's a hot springs (i heart hot springs), this place has logs carved into tubs (i heart tubs!) with hot springs water piped into each tub. sounds like heaven to me.

you can read more about Bagby here

surgery

2011-05-27T13:24:00.001-07:00

I think I've decided.

I want to be an OR nurse.

better dead than red

2011-05-20T00:27:00.000-07:00

I kinda want to do this...

What do you think? Too summer 2010-ish?

Josh says he wants me to do this again:

Red! I love my hair red but it fades so fast.

Plus I like having a soul (ginger joke haha, badum-cha)

what do you think?

sappy

2011-05-15T02:07:00.000-07:00

josh gets home from afghanistan in 45 days. so i guess this is kind of a prayer request: please send your prayers/love/positive energy so that he gets home safe and the time until we're together goes by quickly.

This was the last picture of us the night before he left for afghanistan, cozied together and so in love.

reality.....it's weirder than you think.

2011-05-03T10:57:00.000-07:00

So I just finished the last of my classes this semester and BAM! reality hit me like I had belly flopped from a hundred feet up. The world is beautiful! The sun is shining! I have no more medical/surgical classes! Now that I am outside of my cave I think it's time to celebrate. Lets all vacay.

We can go here? Yes please.

mean girls

2011-02-08T15:28:00.000-08:00

Are like this:

(add fangs and a vulture-like appearance with a red tail for a more accurate image)

Which makes me feel like this:

and not leave my room ever. I wish you would just go away.

sugar sugar. do do do do do do ah honey honey do do do do do do

2011-02-01T23:16:00.000-08:00

In my medical/surgical nursing class, our teacher challenged us to cut sugar out of our diets for 5 days. No sugar or any form of sugar (sucrose, fructose, corn syrup, molasses. Any kind og white bread/pasta/rice is also brimming with sugar, so none of that either.)
So Sugar and I said our goodbyes tonight via this delicious white and dark chocolate cup filled with mousse and whipped cream.

It's going to be a hard 5 days.

I love you, sugar.

(inspiration to stop eating sugar was brought to me by Dr. Oz and these videos:

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Dr-Oz-Talks-About-Diabetes-Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DTJltB8TzE )

So much to catch up on

2011-01-30T21:41:00.001-08:00

So little time. I will post once I have no homework. (may?)

yarr

2010-11-21T02:26:00.000-08:00

If I ever lose my eye, I want it replaced not with a glass eye... but with a magic 8-ball

5 long years

2010-11-19T20:44:00.000-08:00

Candice Burgundy Kane

March 13, 1986 - November 19, 2005

Hannee

2010-09-21T12:59:00.001-07:00

Help her feel better

http://savehannee.blogspot.com/

still mourning

2010-09-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

spaghetti when we first adopted him

spaghetti keeping me warm on an ice fishing trip

He is a dog of nobility

Josh and his best friend

I miss you, buddy.

Sad day.

2010-09-17T21:30:00.000-07:00

Rest in peace, Spaghetti. We'll never stop missing you :(

Spaghetti baby

2010-09-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

On tuesday night Josh and I noticed that our oldest child Spaghetti was lethargic and had lost all appetite.
We made an appointment with a vet for him for thursday at 5pm. decided he was too sick to wait that long so we went in at 10am.
He had lost 20 lbs since he got sick
He wasn't keeping anything down.

He was mauled by a badger a week ago! odd, eh? thats what we get for living in the middle of nowhere. Thank heaven it is not rabies. thank you thank you thank you heaven.

The vet told us he had canine parvovirus. Something that he should have been vaccinated for. Big mistake, on our part.
She also said he only had a 50% chance of pulling through this.

(this is a picture of Spaghetti hooked up to his IV drip. Good practice for a nurse in training, eh? I want to be a Veterinarian now)

but 1 nausea shot, 1 antibiotic and 2 IV's of ringer's lactate and he's doing much better.

I think he'll pull through.

relief relief relief

post script... get your puppies vaccinated and save yourself hundreds of dollars and lots of grief in the future. I wish we had been smarter about it.

Day 9...

2010-09-08T12:17:00.001-07:00

Ok ok, so I'm a little behind. Ignore my previous schedule cause from now on I'm just writing when i feel like it. Mmmmmkay? mmkay.

Something I'm proud of in the last few days... well, not to brag or anything, but I got 92.4% on my first nursing exam! woohoo! I don't know how I did it. I think all the anxiety I feel taking tests makes me perform better. Go me! Nursing school is off to a good start!

Day 8...

2010-09-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

Short term goals for this month and why:

1) STUDY! Hit the books! Because I have academic standards to live up to now! no more barely passing! I will be the most knowledgeable!

2) Stop eating fast food. Because it's turning my flat tummy into a pooch.

3) Exercize more. Because I need endorphins. And hotness.

4) Show my husband I love him every day. Because he deserves it.

5) Be more goal oriented. Because that's all I can think of for now.

want to save money and be healthy and be pretty?... also, I haz a happee

2010-08-31T17:40:00.002-07:00

I just bought $120 worth of restaurant coupons for $10. $10! I have two people to thank:
the lovely ladies at Nature's Knockout.

They save me lots of money. And make me healthier. And prettier.

much love to them.

Day 7...

2010-08-31T15:43:00.000-07:00

Someone/something that has had the biggest impact on you...

(this is my dad when he was on his mission in Spain [circa 1980] next to a spanish monk. Did you know these guys aren't allowed to be in the same photograph as women? Monks, not missionaries...)

My Dad. No question. In an attempt to make up for all my failures, I have spent the last half of my life fulfilling only one purpose... To make my dad proud. If it weren't for him I don't know where I would be. Probably homeless. And definitely on meth. Also, I'm not ashamed to say that my choice in husband was strongly influenced by who my dad is.

Since I love my daddy so much I will add another picture of him and I dancing on my wedding day.

Yay!

Day 6...

2010-08-30T12:27:00.000-07:00

Favorite super hero

Matter-Eater Lad!

Matter-Eater Lad's real name is Tenzil Kem and he's got the ability to eat matter in any form.
Why is he my favorite? I don't need to explain. If he isn't already your favorite then you are a failure.

day 5...

2010-08-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

Some where I've been...

Trunk Bay, St. Johns, U.S. Virgin Islands.

My second favorite place

(my first is where ever Josh is)

Day 4...

2010-08-26T15:52:00.000-07:00

There's only one habit that I am desperately trying to break...

this is going to be kind of gross, but maybe admitting I have a problem is the first step to recovery.

I pick at zits like crazy! Not just my zits but josh's zits, sister's zits, friend's zits. It's out of control! It's so bad that I probably need to see a psychotherapist about it.

Day 3...

2010-08-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

a picture of you and your friends:

In an attempt to make it look like I have friends, I'm posting the picture with the mosst other girls in it that I can possibly find. I'm so popular!

Day 2....

2010-08-25T11:57:00.001-07:00

Ok ok, so I didn't have internet yesterday. Today will be a double blog. Also, I'm using a different account to post so I don't have to log out of google chat.

So on to day two...

The reason for my blog name is simple. I couldn't think of anything else. I tell Josh that I "luv lub jub" him. And since CrabPeople was already taken I decided to go with LuvLubJub. I might change it soon now that it is called to my attention.

Day 1 (8/23) - A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

2010-08-23T17:46:00.000-07:00

(the most recent picture of me that I can find)

Hm, this is going to be harder than I thought. I don't have time for this! Ok here we go...

1) I have 4 brothers and 5 sisters.
2) half of those siblings are actually my cousins, but our bond is much stronger than blood.
3) I live to dance!
4) I live in the middle of nowhere, aka Arbon, Idaho. The closest civilization is a 50 minute drive away.
5) I have seven cats and two dogs and two bunnies and three horses and 4 cows!
6) Josh and I still argue about our first girl's name. He wants it to be Anabelle (no reason, he just likes it) I want it to be ..... wait, I'm not going to tell. I don't want it stolen. But I'll just let you know that it was my great grandma's name.
7) I would prefer to spend all of my time in Newport, Oregon. It's my happy place.
8) I've always been very geeky. I love computer games. Right now I'm obsessed with Oblivion.
9) I love photographs, they are very sacred to me.
10) My favorite color is diamond.
11) My favorite place I've ever been is St. John's, U.S.V.I.. Trunk Bay, specifically. I would reccomend going snorkeling here if you are an avid fish lover. It is the most beautiful place I've ever been. And it has an underwater maze of sorts.
12) I've never had a cavity! Thank you Dad, for force feeding me flouride and brushing my teeth for me to make sure they were plaque free until the time I was 16. Am I kidding? I don't want to say.
13) My dad also made me wear sunscreen every time I left the house. He almost disowned me when he found out I went to a tanning salon. I was very pale up until about two years ago.
14) I am POWER HUNGRY! RAWR!
15) I really should be working now... so goodbye

(#1 above all these... I love Joshua Perkins!)

30 days...

2010-08-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

Now that school is in, I will be on my computer every day. That's right. The 8-12 hours a day I'm in class I will have a computer in front of me. With internet! Yay! So, since I'm a horrible student and will have too many distractions to listen you can guarantee that I will be back to blogging! Wahoo!

Anywho, I stole this perfect list to keep me occupied from Cassie who in turn stole it from Claire. Yay! I can't hide my enthusiasm! I refuse to blog on weekends so my schedule will look like this:

Day 1 (8/23) - A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 2 (8/24) - The meaning behind your Blog name
Day 3 (8/25)- A picture of you and your friends
Day 4 (8/26)- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 5 (8/27)- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 6 (8/30)- Favorite super hero and why
Day 7 (8/31)- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 8 (9/1)- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 9 (9/2)- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10 (9/3)- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11 (9/6)- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12 (9/7)- How you found out about Blogs and why you made one
Day 13 (9/8)- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14 (9/9)- A picture of you and your family
Day 15 (9/10)- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16 (9/13)- Another picture of yourself
Day 17 (9/14)- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18 (9/15)- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19 (9/16)- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20 (9/17)- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21 (9/20)- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22 (9/21)- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23 (9/22)- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24 (9/23)- A letter to your parents
Day 25 (9/24)- What I would find in your bag
Day 26 (9/27)- What you think about your friends
Day 27 (9/28)- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28 (9/29)- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29 (9/30)- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30 (10/1)- Who are you?

Blah-ging?

2010-08-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

What's this? A blog? Should I write in it? Or shall I attend to my teetering stack of paperwork?

I am so lucky I have a blog to distract me from responsibilities!

Updates....

I start nursing school monday

I'm working like crazy. crazy crazy.

I read the first Twilight book.
(Yes, I will comment more. It was compelling but full of cheap thrills. I don't think I'll ever be able to fully commit myself to loving a tweenage romance about vampires. I'm too old for that! Also, I am Bella and Josh is Edward.)

I saw "The Velveteen Rabbit" at Barnes and Nobles for cheap and I bought it and read it to Josh. He loved the story.

I was reading Dr. Suess books at 2 years, 9 months of age. (I R GENIOUS. JEEEEENIOUS. GENIOUS.)

Apparently I have like a million Chinese followers. I don't know how they found me. But thank you, chinese people, for commenting over and over and over in a language I do not comprehend.

We're poor! But at least we're not this poor:

(This is a house that I drive past every day on my way to Idaho Falls (the I.F.). It's just after mile marker 98 while northbound on I-15 (In Blackfoot, ID. Make sure you say that with a drawl. Also, this is potato capitol OF THE WORLD! Also, meth capitol). Apparently they needed more room in their house but didnt want the trouble of adding walls and such so they just knocked down a wall and attached a camper to the side. Every time I see it I laugh like this: BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!)

I got pulled over on my way to I.F. for going 5 over. The cop dropped my registration and had to chase it about a quarter mile down the freeway. I think he was only going to give me a warning until he saw me laughing.

Lastly, for those of you who I do not speak to on a daily basis. I am El Presidente of the practical nursing program at Idaho State University. How, you ask? Why, nobody else was dumb enough to volunteer :D

GO TEAM MANDEE!

im done with you

2010-06-29T17:13:00.000-07:00

And that's all I have to say

SRSLY?

2010-05-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

It's May...

...Or is it?

Then sings my soul

2010-04-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

Myrlen Eugene Kelly.
September 12, 1925-
April 7, 2010

I've never met a more loving couple in my life than grandma and grandpa Kelly.

Hi guys, this is important.

2010-04-09T11:43:00.000-07:00

weight gain/ obesity is linked to breast, kidney, bowel, pancreatic and esophageal cancer. Just a 10 lb loss can reduce your risk by 20%! Even if you are already at a healthy weight, at least 30 minutes of daily activity is important to reduce your risk for cancer. Activity helps insulin work more efficiently in the body and therefor reduces the chance that healthy cells will become cancerous.

Also, red meat consumption should be limited to 18 oz a week. This one is hard for me, seeing as how Josh and his family raise beef and we get it for free. But carcinogens are produced when you cook red meat and it has high amounts of iron, which when consumed excessively will raise your risk of colon cancer.

Also, although I suspect most of you know this, avoid processed meat. Ham, bacon, hot dogs. Chemical preservatives in these types of meats are also linked to cancer.

Although...

High fiber diets can significantly reduce your risk of cancer as well. Eat whole grains and LOTS of fruits and veggies to stay healthy!

If you follow these guidelines you can reduce your risk as much as if you quit smoking.

Usually I wouldn't share stuff like this, but cancer is no fun (understatement) the few cancer patients I've had have inspired me to do all I possibly can to reduce my risk. So, moral of the story is:

more of food like this:

And less like this:

(although that picture makes me a lot hungrier than the previous one)

And more exercise, people.

(brought to you by my nutrition for health professionals class)

2010-03-20T02:38:00.001-07:00

its 3:35 in the morning. Josh just took his hand off my thigh and I woke up. I can't sleep unless he's touching me. Weird, cute, or creepy?

S. epidermidis

2010-03-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

My favorite non-motile gram-positive cocci spoke to me in my microbiology lab last week

it said: "science is not for you....!"

(the bacteria colony really grew like that with no manipulation from me at all, promise! I was trying to do this:

crazy staphylococcus epidermidis do what he want!)

things I miss

2010-02-25T14:04:00.000-08:00

10) My kitty Dinah

9) NOT going to school and being a bum

8) warm weather

7) blogging

6) my feet staying clean every time I get in/out of my car (Country living = MUD! YUCK!)

5) Having lots of money to blow

4)Sushi

3) my friends in Salt Lake

2) my family in Salt Lake

1) Internet.

Internet?

2010-01-28T18:51:00.000-08:00

5 months in our new house, still no internet...

soon, my friends. we will have it soon.

in the meantime enjoy a picture of my princess Hanne Bananee

Pooppies.

2009-11-16T11:53:00.000-08:00

Josh and I started a mini-family within our own family.

This is Princess Snowflake. He was named that because he's going to be huge and Josh and I find it hilarious. Although we're thinking we might change his name to Spaghetti

This is Princess' future wife when she is of age, Hand Banana. For short we call her Hannee or Hannee Montanee

Princess trying to get our attention.

Josh and Hand Banana. Awweee

Josh and his baby again.

Why did we get dogs? Because they're easier than kids to take care of. SRSLY!
Maybe kids will come when we're not overwhelmed by the tremendous amount of responsibility we have just taken on. Dogs and a mortgage. I know, we're crazy.

We also have kitties, they are much easier to take care of.

Luv lub jub,

mandee

House.

2009-11-16T11:42:00.000-08:00

The front.

The dining room and fireplace (where s'mores are enjoyed every night )

The front room (most comfy couch evAR!)

The bedroom (Bom chicka wah-wah) with a peak into the bathroom and my jetted, wait jetted? yes, jetted tub.

And the best part of the house, the kitchen.

I feel obligated

2009-11-11T11:43:00.000-08:00

To make a new post, here it goes:

Today is veterans day and we are going to Applebee's! Date night, yay!

Our puppies are getting way too big but are still way too cute

I am soon to be 22(On Nov 30th). No, I am not too young to be lying about my age

I am taking ballet again! This is me:

Ok we all know that is a lie as well, but someday...

We still don't have internet out on the farm.

I never thought I would live on a farm.

Loving it.

Luv Lub Jub

Mandee

baby!

2009-10-19T15:29:00.001-07:00

Some of you will be shocked and surprised to learn that Josh and I are having a baby! She will arrive on Tuesday the 20th of october and her name will be Hand Banana

a sneak of what's to come...

2009-10-12T23:04:00.001-07:00

Josh and I moved into our new house about two weeks ago.

Because Josh is hell bent on beating the system, we don't have internet yet.

I promise pics will come soon, but for now enjoy this picture of my little sister in our front yard.

Yes, that is our front yard.

Our closest neighbor is a few miles away.

It's nice to go for a run outside and not see a single person.

Hasta luego

luvlubjub

-Mandee

wish i were here

2009-09-24T09:11:00.000-07:00

Driftwood Beach. Waldport, Oregon. Favorite place in the world.

despite my attempts to make this place look warm, it's actually freezing

pictures taken by claire in june, 2005

T-day!

2009-09-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

Once upon an April 11th day, Josh and I were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.

We were lucky enough to have one of my favorite friends, Becca, take pictures of us to help remember such a special occasion.Lucky is an understatement! I love every photo she took. Even Josh's bug-eyed ones. Which are most of them.

Family portrait with our beautiful blue-eyed daughter

back in the hood, Arctic Circle style

2009-09-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

taking a picture of myself while pretending not to take a picture of myself

I went to Arctic Circle this last saturday.

the last time I graced AC with my presence I ordered a mushroom swiss burger, only to be disappointed by a soggy bun, minimal toppings and few shrooms. i had no choice but to boycott.

But when you ask your teary-eyed little sister what will make her feel better, and she tells you all she wants in the whole world is a watermelon flavor burst ice cream cone, it would be a heartless thing to deny her all because AC commits hamburger homicide.

So I caved. I regret nothing! Look what it turned those teary eyes into:

I love my little sis.

luv lub jub

mandee

i love family picture day

2009-09-14T14:52:00.001-07:00

Because I get to play with my pretty sisters

and because they make me wear a bright green t-shirt.

2009-09-09T16:32:00.001-07:00

I am grateful for my super phone, which allows me to blog from anywhere there is service. That means next time I vacation I will spend it blogging. Yay

same house, different season

2009-09-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

I drive slow to take in the landscape.

little bit happier now

2009-08-27T14:15:00.001-07:00

Every day on my 2 hour round-trip commute I get to drive by this cute little house.
I'm so lucky!
Enjoy your smog, suckers!

There are only so many tomorrows

2009-08-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

I can't thank you all enough for your kind words.

happy posts to come soon.

love you all.

luvluvjub,
Mandee

“You can shed tears that she is gone,
or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her only that she is gone,
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what she'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”

David Harkins (British Poet and Painter b.1958)

the picture is of Sheryl's grave site in Rockland, Idaho

sweet sherylyn

2009-08-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, I'm not sure how to articulate it so I'm just going to come out and say it. Late thursday night Josh's little sister was killed in a car accident.

see her obituary here.

I just want to thank everyone for the large amount of support our family has recieved since the accident. Because of all the love from our friends, family and neighbors, our grief has been reduced a considerable amount. In the words of Mother-in-law:

we can feel your prayers, they're like little drops of rain that grieve with us and help wash away our pain

luv lub jub,
mandee

tears of sorrow and cries of pain from wounded souls

2009-08-22T22:34:00.000-07:00

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27

Ode to Claire

2009-08-10T13:24:00.000-07:00

this is what Claire and I used to do instead of listen during sacrament.

Clairington my friend
This is a haiku for you
I might write you two

You are a true friend
Haikus put limitations
on syllables used

You like these pictures?
I had to include me too
it is my blog... girl

Thank you for my prom
That's right Claire threw me a prom
you didn't have to

That's why you are friend.
Excuse my poor grammar please
Not creative, me

I miss you all day
And every day as well, friend
please come visit me

things I miss doing with claire:

taking pictures together
whining to each other about everything
wearing pink on wednesdays (can we start this again please?)
assassinating our hair
snuggling :D
eating sushi and burritos together
eating whole pints of ice cream without even glancing at the nutritional information
writing haikus in sacrament
casting MAGIC MISSILES!
eating lots of things in the past that we are much too smart and attractive to eat presently
stalking people we dislike
making out with the bathroom door painting in Ichiban
handing out each others numbers to strange men
knocking people off our hit list one by one
coming up with really dumb band names together
thinking about how MAHvelous boring tables would look with severed heads as centerpieces (how indecent!)

Claire, thank you for being the bestestest of friends. You are the most beautiful person I know and I'm not just saying that because I want you to come visit me but I hope it persuades you a little. Happy birthday to you (on friday) Please say hello to my soul. I luv lub jub you,
Mandee (your heterosexual life partner)

^our contract where I gave you my soul. ^

bad news everywherez

2009-08-07T14:21:00.000-07:00

I'm not one to stress out, but all this bad news has been getting to me. I don't want to give too many details on our most recent bad news so I will keep it vague. Lets just say it affects our future big time. On the bright side we are thinking of moving as far away as possible. Trunk Bay anyone? I wouldn't mind this view every day:

i need your HALP

2009-08-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

Josh and I are getting puppies. But not just any puppies. Puppies that we are going to love and squeeze and snuggle and coo at and call POOPPIES because that's just much more cute.
Josh is pretty dead seat on getting a male Rottweiler. Who can blame him when they're this adorable?

But I have yet to make up my mind on what breed I want to get. I'm partial towards yellow labs. The only problem is they're way too lovable and snuggable. Problem, you ask? Why is that a problem? Well, we live in the middle of nowhere and the only neighbors we have are a bunch of stinking coyotes. They are vicious creatures and will maim any poor unsuspecting lovable lab in their way. I am still considering a lab, because I can always keep him safe (with my big mama bear biceps and chain link cages). Plus, look how cute they are! I am left in snuggle mode just by looking at this picture

Option number 2: German shepherd. This might be what I end up getting. Really cute as puppies and good with the livestock on our ranch. I don't know much about them and don't have a lot of experience with them so if you have horror stories/happy stories about them to sway my opinion, please share. In the mean while oggle at how precious dese wittwe guys awee....

awwww

Some other breeds I'm considering are huskies, samoyeds or golden retrievers. I just can't decide. Oh and by the way, once I saw this giant fluff ball of a dog in the back of a convertible. He was huge and furry and kind of looked like a giant samoyed. any help in identifying this breed would be appreciated, as I would do anything to get my hands on one. Thank you.

PETA is tarded.

2009-07-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

Have any of you seen their campaign "I'd rather go naked than wear fur?"

It's a pretty horrible idea when you think about it. "Stop eating animals or we'll keep showing you pics of hot chicks all naked like"

Brilliant plan there PETA...

Aretha Franklin Jr.

2009-07-10T21:50:00.001-07:00

I have a new equation for you.

Mandee + karaoke

+other side of the continent

+people she doesn't need to worry about facing the next day

= really great times

Every night makes me hate the day

2009-07-08T23:40:00.000-07:00

My husband is undeniably the best husband in the worldHe puts up with my loud family when they come to visit, scratches my back until I fall asleep, tells me I'm pretty even when I'm swollen up with allergies, drives when we go anywhere so I can nap, among a thousand other things.

Josh, I don't care that you work 14 hour days or blow $40 a pop at the indian res casino. You're still my snuggle bear. Thank you for choosing me and making my life the best it could possibly ever be.

who are you going to believe, me or your own eyes?

2009-07-07T09:27:00.001-07:00

Well, Art is Art, isn't it? Still, on the other hand, water is water. And east is east and west is west and if you take cranberries and stew them like applesauce they taste much more like prunes than rhubarb does. Now you tell me what you know.

He said it first, but I loved him first

2009-06-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

This is another of many reasons why Josh and I are made for each other: Roller coasters. He's the only person I've ever met who can match my love for these specialized railroad systems. So on our second anniversary (but this was a very special second, because he was in Afghanistan for the first) we went to Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure in Orlando and rode all day. He even paid a little bit more to get us special tickets to go to the front of each line! How lucky am I, to have a husband who will ride russian mountains with me all day and never get tired or whiny OR pukish. It was my ideal anniversary, and the most fun I have ever had in my life. It's a trivial thing, but I feel especially blessed for this reason. I have the best husband in the world and although my love for roller coasters is gigantic, I love him even more.

too bad

2009-05-29T12:02:00.001-07:00

I never grew out of those cheeks.

Out of the nerd closet

2009-05-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

New years 1998. Was I that nerdy? Yes I was.

This dress

2009-05-21T00:02:00.001-07:00

Was frikkin awesome. got it from the DI for $3. Wore it to a dance. Why don't I have it anymore? I'd wear it every day if I did.

p.s. reminds me of pirates

this is why we keep my little sister Katee away from animals

2009-05-12T15:06:00.001-07:00

The Alzheimer's Project

2009-05-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's is something I see every day. From my early diagnosed patient who forgets to eat, to my patients with advanced alzheimer's who have forgotten how to eat. It's sad and it's frightening. I didn't think I could keep working with these kinds of patients because of how emotional it made me. I'm not any less emotional now, but I can control it better when I'm around them.

One particular patient I remember, we'll call him Jim for the sake of his privacy and so I don't get myself sued, passed away a few days ago. The last time I saw Jim, his very capable wife was tellling him she loved him and smothering him with kisses.

It's the most feared disease in the U.S. right behind cancer.
5 million men and women in the country have Alzheimer's.

"If we fail to cure Alzheimer's disease in the years and decades to come,
we are facing an enormous increase in human suffering." -
Richard
J. Hodges, MD

I don't know where I'm really going with this, I just want to spread the word. I know a lot of people who know at least one person with Alzheimer's. For those of you who are touched by a friend or family member with Alzheimer's, there are a few websites you can visit to learn more and even donate to Alzheimer's research, to get started visit this website:

http://www.hbo.com/alzheimers/

p.s. I will cure it someday!

so grateful

2009-05-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

10. for aqua teen hungerforce, futurama, king of the hill, the venture brothers and many other animated comedies.
9. for healthy but also tasty snacks
8. for my fluffy pillows
7. for my financial stability
6. for my awesome job
5. for the sweet kitten that I shared 19 years of my life with
4. for my supportive friends and family
3. for my loving husband who would do anything for me
2. for the opportunity to be sealed to my love forever
1. for the idaho falls temple, the nearest temple to us.

not grateful

1. that it's an hour and a half away. This is Idaho! Not the Czech Republic. Geez.

Guess who misses ballet?

2009-04-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

I do!

the boneless tongue

2009-04-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

I've had this running through my head for the last couple of days.

The boneless tongue so small and weak,
Can crush and kill declared the Greek.

The tongue destroys a greater horde
the Turk asserts, than does the sword.

The Persian proverb wisely saith
A lengthy tongue - an early death.

Or sometimes takes this form instead,
Don't let your tongue cut off your head.

The tongue can speak a word whose speed
The Arab says outstrips the steed.

While Chinese sages thus impart
The tongue's great storehouse is the heart.

From Hebrew wit the maxim's sprung,
Tho' foot may slip ne'er let the tongue.

The sacred writer crowns the whole,
Who keeps his tongue doth keep his soul.

Mrs. Adams (my very very talented high school drama teacher) used to make me recite it to practice my diction.

yeah, we're related

2009-04-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

It blows my mind that my little sister out-performs me in every area of her life.
Except for weirdness. I win at that.

I give in

2009-03-26T22:08:00.001-07:00

Well, I have internet. Kind of. It only works half the time. It causes more frustration than anything so I avoid it as much as I can. But.. I have all these vacation pictures that are burning a hole in my hard drive so I have to share some of them. Starting with day 1-2:

My dad doesn't get to fly very often. This was what he looked like through the whole plane ride. He had the excitement and wonder of a 4 year old.

Same with the tram at DFW. My dad's pretty cool.

Miami, our first stop.

Karen and Odell (the in-laws) on South beach.

This is what I saw when I looked to the right

And this is what I saw when I looked to the left. Ghetto-fabulous like me.

Jews. They have a monopoly on that place. We even saw a store called "Kosher-Land!"

If you are ever in Key Largo, Tower of Pizza is a MUST. Best pizza, pasta, cacciatori, linguine, toilet seats and decor I have ever seen. I also ate the most delicious key lime pie here. I loves me some key lime pie. I would actually say I'm a key lime pie connoisseur so if you are like me then this place should be your next vacation.

Our hotel in Key Largo. We slept on a deck next to the water.
Our cruise didn't leave til the next day. We decided to hang out in the keys. It was really cool. Except everything closed at 8. Who'da thunk it? In the keys especially. Lamewads. Noobsauces. Thats worse than Salt Lake even.

Being the snorkeling enthusiasts that we are, we had to go snorkeling at every possible stop. It was cold here but we survived. And we saw some awesome stuff. I only have 1 adjective in my vocabulary. Oh well, awesome is still better than saying "amazing". Oh, by the way, like the awesome wetsuits?

Going to the reef. Only half the party went because the other half was too weak.

I took this one especially for Cassie

clockwise from top left: Nurse shark, creepy school of fish, bright blue fish that I don't know the species of, and a barracuda. Awesome!

We taught dad "blue steel", then we showed him how it was done, then we played Titanic

Leaving Ft Lauderdale. Ummm it was windy. and cold.

So tomorrow (actually like, next week or so, when I gather up the patience to work with this shie-za internet again[don't you love all the veiled cursing I do?]) I will take you to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands with us. Virgin Islands could be spread over a couple of days. It was awesmo (new adjective!) and I took too many pictures to share in just one post. And yes, I did wish Claire was there to take swimsuit pictures of me on a quaint and picturesque beach (Yay thesaurus!). Fortunately I was there to take them of myself. Josh laughed but I'll show him. I always do. I am so tired. Speech my slurred is.

finally

2009-03-13T18:37:00.000-07:00

Hello my long lost friends, I have a very exciting announcement for you today!

As most of you may know, Josh and I did not get married in the temple (boo)

Fortunately, we still have the opportunity (yay)

So on April 11th at 3pm in the salt lake temple I will be sealed to the love of my life for time and eternity.

Who knows what will come next? Babies? Maybe. Maybe not.

next time I will be going into the gory details of my exotic vacation to the eastern caribbean. In the meanwhile, enjoy this picture of me and lover-bear on my new favorite beach and future retirement spot:

edit - ok, I didn't notice the hickey before I posted this. Please forgive me. I am not trashy. Josh just enjoys marking his territory

mando aqui

2009-02-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

I am still MIA because we have recently moved up to Pocatello.
(although I would say our standard of living has moved DOWN. way down. damn you idaho.)
We have yet to find an internet service provider. I'm writing this from Josh's super-phone. (he got a G1, the lucky punk)
Also, I am not going to be on facebook or myspace for a while because Josh is paying me $20 for every consecutive day I don't log in. He thinks I can't do it. I'm not so sure myself.

Wish me luck

Amanda/Mandee/Mando

why I've been MIA

2009-02-17T17:09:00.000-08:00

Once, on a freezing Tuesday in January.

The love of my life made it home after a lonely 10 months apart.

I couldn't contain my excitement.

And had no remorse exposing little children to sloppy kisses.

The tears just wouldn't stop coming.

He was finally home.

We've been inseparable ever since.

And happy happy happy and so in love.

Hello, my friends

2009-02-17T13:17:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to inform you all that I am back from the caribbean and that I heart each and every one of my newly acquired freckles.

44 hours

2009-01-25T18:16:00.000-08:00

In approximately 44 hours my love will be with me, never to leave me again. I'm super excited, but even more excited to be taking more of these:

I've never had more trouble sleeping in my life.

dynamic duo

2009-01-18T14:12:00.000-08:00

I think every time I hang out with Laura our schedule looks like this:

Have a fantastic idea for a fun filled night
get pretty
drive there
can't find parking
drive around for hours looking for a spot
forget our plans
take pictures of ourselves in the car
end the night at Ichiban eating a funky charlie roll.

I wouldn't change a thing.

Sorry BLAHg patrons!

2009-01-15T21:04:00.001-08:00

I have been very overworked this week, therefor I haven't had much time to catch up with you all. I will do it over the weekend, I promise. In the mean time enjoy a bridal pic that I only recently recieved:

P.s. I love blahg-stalkers! If you are reading this and want a new blogging buddy, please leave a comment! I love reading your blogs and adding more people to my list of blog friends.

1 more thing before I go to bed

2009-01-08T21:31:00.000-08:00

10 months down. 3 weeks to go.

My life list

2009-01-08T20:49:00.001-08:00

I still can't think of anything I really really need to get done before I die. Whats wrong with me? Have I lost all passion? Well here is a (very) rough draft of the few things I could scrounge together:

1)get a degree, maybe two. the first will be in nursing and the second will be in something much less practical
2)live in Amsterdam, if only for a month or two
3)learn french
4)teach my babies french
5)visit every continent
6)stop worrying about silly superficial things like weight and worry more about helping people who need my help (one of the reasons I'm going into the medical field, believe it or not)
7)spend new years in times square. I know people are going to try to talk me out of this. I don't care, I still want to.
8)LOVE BIG
Claire took this picture of me. I just wanted to add some visual stimulation to this blahg.

happy new years?

2009-01-08T20:02:00.000-08:00

2008 will always be known as the year of separation for me. In comparison to years prior to being with josh it was wonderful. But no one makes me happy like he does. I'm sorry for sharing this. I know how annoying it is to see mushy gushy lovey dovey couples

(I'm reminded of a blog I wrote on valentine's 2005....

HERE IT COMES.... the air turns acrid from the sickening stench of rotting flowers and exclamations of "Googlie-bear!" Or, even worse, "I just love him SOOOOOOO much!" Although, I think my personal favorite is, "I just can't live without him/her/it." - Yeah, because I am so in love with my emotional crutch I take it with me everywhere.)

Little did I know I would soon turn into everything I hated.

luv lub jub

♥♥♥♥

.

2008-12-30T15:58:00.000-08:00

Josh leaves Afghanistan today. For good.

i'm happy happy happy and happy because he won't be in such a horrible place any more, he'll be in the good old u.s.

post 3 zomg?

2008-12-25T23:14:00.000-08:00

Josh told me to make a list of all the things I want to do in this life, so he can help them all happen.

Problem is, I can't think of anything. I have some ideas. But I can't think of anything that I am passionate about doing before I die.

So I think you readers (the very few who frequent my blog... you know who you are, you know I know who you are. Yes that is a threat) should write up a list of your own. Not only because I'm curious as to what you want to do in this life, but also to help inspire me. And also because I'm threatening. RAWR!

I'm obsessed

2008-12-25T22:38:00.000-08:00

I've watched it at least 20 times today and I can't stop.

Single ladies (put a ring on it)

one wish

2008-12-20T12:44:00.000-08:00

I wish pain wasn't such a casual companion to love.

he's competitive? to say the least.

2008-12-18T21:23:00.000-08:00

We spent one night eating at one of my new favorite restaurants, Simply Sushi (it's all you can eat-and it's fabulous). Josh (already too full to button his pants) challenged Tim (who also ate 7 lbs in sushi) to eat a half of a pizza. Seriously? Seriously. I just feel bad for poor Timmy who spent most of the time suffering while josh taunted him.
Do Cassie and I look impressed? We are not impressed. In fact, we were quite bored. As silly as these boys are, gluttony has never been my favorite sport to watch.

Later that night we went to visit my brother Allen and sister-in-law Maria, who just had a new baby. Josh was so happy to be home when he was born. Everyone, meet Ethan Allen Anderson. The picture on the left is Josh and I and new baby. The one on the right is of the proud new parents and Maria's mother. Can you believe how good Maria looks? It's cause she's mexican... or el salvadoran... tom-ay-to, tom-ah-to

I guess we'll start with my birthday

2008-12-18T15:17:00.000-08:00

We went to Quantum of Solace (a huge sacrifice for him)

And then the Melting Pot.

It was the best birthday I've ever had. I'm not just saying that because I was finally with my husband after 7 months of separation.

Being with him makes all my worries so trivial.

He's my family.

1 week down

2008-12-17T17:15:00.000-08:00

And I still can't bring myself to blog about our time together. Soon, I promise.