Concerts, Blood and Farewells

I've been meaning to write something lately, but have been stuck trying to decide what to talk about. Then it hit me: I just had an awesome weekend, let's talk about that.

Friday was a good day. I was in need of some sound advice and counsel that morning because of something that had happened the day before. I didn't know where else to turn so I texted my good buddy, Brent. He called me as soon as he had the chance and we had a good heart to heart. He expressed how much he cared about me and made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I love that guy. He is the big brother I never had. While I was babysitting The Kids for the last time, Johnny came over and he also made me feel better. I have got some awesome people in my life and I am so grateful for them. After work, Johnny and I went over to McFLY's to chill for a bit before we went out to Magrath to see a concert. Air Raid Anthem was the band we saw and I must say, they put on a good show (it helped that the drummer was really pretty and took his shirt off halfway through the performance). If you decide to check them out, you should have a listen to their Tik Tok cover (Johnny's favourite) and a song called Unsolved Hystories (my favourite). After the concert our new friend, Snowman, came over to McFLY's house and we had a fun "girl's night" with me, McFLY and Snowman. We had lots of fun getting to know him while we cooked food, swapped stories and did facial masks.

Friday may have been good, but Saturday was perfection. I'd slept over at McFLY's, so together we walked back to my house and then went to donate blood with KTJ. Denise was there as well and I am happy to report that we all made full donations. McFLY donated for the first time, KTJ filled a bag for the first time, Denise finally made it past the iron test and I beat my record for the fastest donation time with 4 minutes and 19 seconds. We were all so proud of ourselves. After our fantastic performance at the blood clinic, KTJ, McFLY and I went out to the air show to check out the planes and guns and men in uniform. It was a beautiful day to be out in the sun and I got so brown =3 After the show, we went to DQ and got some ice cream. It was then that I parted ways with them to go with Johnny and hang out with B&C. Since I had just talked to Brent the day before, I was excited to see them. We just chilled with them for an hour or so and then went out to Raymond for a goodbye bonfire for Gingy. Gingy leaves for his mission on the 4th of August and I am going to miss him. The group will not be the same without him. Johnny and I came home from the bonfire around 11 and then went for a walk. It was fun; whenever we came to a turn in the road or anything, we flipped a coin to decide which way to take. Sometimes we vetoed the coin whenever we saw somewhere we wanted to go down the street. It made for a pretty goood walk. Try it sometime.

Sunday was probably my favourite day out of this weekend because the whole lot of us spent it together. I'd slept in that morning, so when Johnny came early to pick me up to go to Raymond, I got ready in half an hour. I was quite proud of myself. In Raymond, Gingy gave his last talk and we were all there to support him. After the meeting we went to his house and had some great food and some fun times just being together. When we came back to Lethbridge, we didn't just want to sit around inside while the sun was shining gloriously outside, so we went to Hendersen and had a relaxing time at the park.

This weekend was perfect. I am so grateful for the awesome group of friends I've found and I love the support we have for each other. I know that with this bunch, many more perfect weekends are sure to come.

Consider the Lilies

I just uploaded some photos from my phone to my computer and I found one that I had to share with you.

This is a little girl I babysit named Lily. She's appeared on the blog before and I love her to bits and pieces.

The Darndest Things

I was babysitting a little girl named Lily last night and she told me the cutest thing!

Lily: You know, boys shouldn't mess with girls.

Me: Oh? Why's that?

Lily: Because we can kill them. We eat our vegetables so we are big and strong.

I think I've eaten a few too many vegetables...

You Drive Me Crazy!

I am going to make a list of the top 10 things that annoy me. Just for the heck of it.

10. Excessive chivalry. Guys, if you're reading this, just know that a girl appreciates having a door opened for her every once in a while. But if we have to wait around for you to get there for us, it'll become annoying.

9. Boys that wink at everybody. I've known a few of the excessive winking type, and at first I think they're really into me because they're always winking at me. But then when I see that they just wink all the time, I kind of feel sorry for them. Maybe you should get that checked out...

8. Boys who can't take a hint. Guys, if I'm just not that into you, I will try to let you know! Generally I usually try to stick in as many "buddy"s and "pal"s whenever I'm talking to you. And if I've ever punched you (playfully or not), you can bet I only see you as a friend.

7. Hair. I hate seeing it on my clothes and I hate seeing it on other people.

6. People that chew their gum loudly. You sound like a cow!

5. People who drive too slow.

4. People who overstay their welcome. I try to drop subtle hints to suggest that they leave but they just don't get it. So I eventually have to kick them out. Does that make me a bad hostess?

3. Poor grammar/spelling. Learn the difference between your and you're; there, their and they're; and hear and here. GAH!

2. Picky children. You're going to eat whatever I make for you and you're going to like it!

1. Whiny children. I can't fix all of your problems. You stubbed your toe? What am I supposed to do for it?

Maybe for 1, I should have put "loud children" instead. Today I was babysitting The Kids, and Adam had two of his frends over to play. They were upstairs playing video games and I was downstairs watching the Olympics when all of a sudden I hear the loudest, girliest squeal I have ever heard. I knew it was Adam because I recognized the squeal, so I made my way upstairs just to make sure the boys hadn't broken anything in the ruckus. Everyone was fine, but my eardrums were protesting the squeals coming from Adam. That boy is sooo annoying! I have two brothers at home who are constantly rough-housing and always causing trouble. But at least when they're wrestling, they don't scream like little girls. Maybe Adam should take some notes from them so he can learn to buck up, rub some dirt in it and walk it off.

Honey, I'm Hoooome!

I sure have missed you for the past week. I just spent the last 5 days down in St George Utah babysitting a spoiled 3 year old with my friend, KtJ. Last semester, KtJ told me about her plans to go down to Utah to babysit her nephew, Carson, because her brother was in a pinch and had begged her to come. I'm not sure who thought of it first, but we soon started talking about doing this trip together. KtJ had gone down alone before, so she was grateful that I had graciously offered to accompany her (the promise of warmer weather and shopping had nothing to do with my decision ;-) ).

So last Wednesday, I packed up my bags and hopped onto a plane with KtJ. We got off to a rocky start when my carryon was searched at security and my passport and itinerary went missing without my knowledge (it was returned, thank heavens!), but we were soon on a plane to San Francisco. However, our troubles were not left in Calgary. We arrived only to find that our connecting flight was delayed and would not depart until 12:30 in the morning! That meant we had 4 hours to kill in an airport that was closing for the night. I spent most of my time reading, trying to sleep and messing around on a wheelchair. We finally arrived in the Las Vegas airport around 3 in the morning, but our journey wasn't over yet! We still had to drive with KtJ's brother to St George. It took us 2 hours to get there, but because there's an hour difference between Nevada and Utah, we got there at 6 am, local time.

Carson was initally wary of me, but he soon warmed up. I knew I had made his good books when he started asking for "the other girl" instead. Even though we were babysitting, KtJ and I could still hit the shops; we just had to bring Carson. I've gained a new respect for mothers of young children. It's quite the talent to be able to scope out a sale and keep track of a restless toddler at the same time. Carson even managed to escape from me and run out the store and down the walk while KtJ was in the dressing room. Luckily, I got him back before she came out. Phew! After a relaxed lunch break at home, we embarked once again with toddler in tow. We were in for a surprise however, when we arrived at the mall to find that Carson had fallen asleep on the way. That was also when we realized that we'd forgotten the stroller, which meant KtJ and I got to take turns carrying him. Even though they require a lot of attention, patience and money I can't wait for when I have kids because carrying them is such a great workout! I'll be ripped! Our arms were killing us when we were done. But it all worked out because I found the cutest jacket on sale at Aeropostale.

After Friday, we didn't do anymore shopping, but we did have a few more outings with Carson. On Saturday we took him to the pool and at first, he was determined that he did not want to go swimming. But once we coaxed him into the water, we had just as much trouble getting him out as we did getting him in. For dinner that evening, we went out to Golden Corral and Carson said he wanted pizza, so that's what we got him. He hardly touched his plate! He was too busy playing with his new "choo choo tracks" (trains). Luckily we wrapped up a couple pieces of garlic bread because when we got home, he was still hungry! I wonder why...

Sunday was a beautiful, sunny day - and we couldn't do anything! But we did walk to church and even went to the temple in St George. The St George temple is one of my favorites; it has pecan trees. KtJ laughed at me as I wandered around picking up all the pecans and quoting Nacho Libre saying, "dese are de Lord's nuts" ... I'm not sacriligous at all!

Monday was probably the most exciting day. Carson's parents came home the night before and since our flight didn't leave Vegas until 4:50, we spent the afternoon checking out the strip. We walked around the shops in Ceasar's Palace and had lunch in the Cheescake Factory. I had a Navajo sandwich and it was delicious. On the way back Carson didn't want to hold his mom's hand, he didn't want to hold his dad's hand and he didn't want to hold KtJ's hand. He wanted to hold mine. I was quite pleased with myself. It's not very often that I hold hands with a boy. Now if I can just do it with one that's more my age, I'll be set.

The best thing about this trip was that KtJand I did not get sick of each other. You know how when you spend an extended period of time with someone and eventually, you get sick of them? It didn't happen with us! Probably because we got sick of Carson instead, haha. Although, don't get me wrong, the kid is adorable!

Since I've been back, it's been nice to hear that I was missed. I had no idea I was such a(n) intersting/exciting/vital part of people's lives! Thanks for the love folks!

And for your viewing pleasure, here are some photos from the trip:

Here he is, the little trouble-maker himself.

St George temple.

Us and Carson. What a little stud!

A pretty sick double decker bus I saw on the strip.

My awesome sandwich! Chicken, lettuce, tomato, avocado and onion wrapped in fry bread.