Albertsons vs. Maceys

I needed to grab a couple of items at the grocery store. I ran to Albertsons after the gym (closest grocery store near by). I walked in and walked out 3 minutes later. First off, my grocery cart was of alignment (which I've come to realize is one of my pet peeves). The the couple of items I needed (milk, strawberries, cottage cheese, and corn) were significantly more expensive. I left empty handed and went to Macey's. I saved almost $5 just on a few items. Looks like I won't be going to Albertson's anytime soon.

Babysitting Brooklyn

I seriously have the cutest nieces and nephew alive. Here's Brooklyn playing in her "fort." Proof once again that kids would rather have a box than the actual toy!

My Blog's Facelift!

My roommate, Natalie, introduced me to the website "thecutestblogontheblock.com" I loved this background with the palm trees. It takes me right back to the cruise. Incidentally, it also looks like my bathroom decor AND my bedspread. I think, I THINK, i really like palm trees. Just goes to show, you can take the girl out of California but you can't take the Californian out of the girl!

Autisms' Got Talent

David Militello, a 9 year old with autism, tried out for America's Got Talent. Watch this video! It will melt your hearts. You'll see why I absolutely LOVE my job! I'm so privileged to work with these children.

Left To Tell...

Immaculée Ilibagiza, author of the book, "Left to Tell." was an award recipient at the Freedom Festival Gala last night. She hid in a 3' by 4' bathroom with 7 other women for 91 days during the Rwanda genocide. With the exception of her brother, her ENTIRE family was murdered, along over a million other people. I'm grateful for her strength to not only survive this horrific ordeal, but also to share her story with the world.

Although I am sure I'll probably NEVER have to go through something as awful as a genocide, I feel it is important to read this story to better understand the world and what people outside of Happy Valley go through daily.

It's amazing to me how many people do not want to read about it. (How could you not!) I had similar reactions when I got back from Romania. When I shared some of the tragic things I saw there, most people's reactions were "I could never go there. My heart is just too big, it'd break to see that." (apparently I don't have a big heart.)

I encourage everyone to get outside of their comfort zone and read this book. The first step to changing the world (or at least changing yourself) is being aware of it.

Dining with a Local Celebrity

Last night, Mark and I went to the Freedom Festival Gala. For all you uncultured people out there, the Gala is a formal dinner held in the BYU Ballroom. Freedom Awards were presented to four deserving individuals.

Mark and I were assigned to a table. We were the first ones there from our table, followed shortly by his sister and brother-in-law. Next came the owners of Losee Jewelers (Who were nice (rude?) enough to let Mark and I know we could come to them when we were "ready"). Finally the last couple arrived and who could it be? It was no other than...the LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR of Utah. Yes, we felt very honored.


So here's the predicament. How on earth do you address the Lieutenant Governor? Do you call him Lieutenant? Lieutenant Governor? Mr Herbert? I finally decided to call him LG. (Not to his face of course. That'd be weird)

Oh, and What on earth do you say to the lieutenant governor? I had these thoughts rambling through my head...

"So LG, how do you feel about the private school voucher system?" (touchy subject with me)
"LG, what's with the gas prices? Can't you do something about it?"
"LG, what are your political aspirations and why should I vote for you?"
and lastly,
"Um, LG, what exactly is a LG?"

I didn't say any of these things. Instead I focused on not spilling anything on my clothes and using proper eating etiquette. (which fork goes with what again?)

At the end of the night, he said good night and reminded us to get out and vote. Oh, don't worry LG, I will. I will.

(Nice guy, really. I'd vote for him...)