Say I'm a bird

It's with some reluctance that I admit my recent actions.

I have joined the world of twitter.

I'm not sure what it's called (maybe a handle or something) but if you feel like reading some random thoughts feel free to follow me @mugle5. Otherwise I'm just talking to myself..... like a psycho.

World's Best Dad

Although many may think they have the best dad in the world, they are all mistaken because I actually do. And in case there was any doubt I've complied the following as proof of how great my Dad actually is.

My Dad has always been there for me and there supporting me. I remember one of my last years in Super Steppers (a drill team I danced with for 8 years between preschool and 9th grade) we had one of our big performances and it happened to fall on the same day as my sister's high school cheer tryouts. My Mom stayed home to be there for my sister and my Dad came with me to watch me dance and support me. I'm sure there were plenty of other things he would have rather done that night, but he came to be there for me. At the time I was so upset my mom wasn't coming (even though now I totally realize she should have stayed home with my sis) that I'm pretty sure I was in such a bad mood that I never even thanked my Dad for coming. I've thought about that night so many times throughout the years. That was just one of the many times my Dad was there to watch me dance or cheer or compete. He always supported me then and continues to supports me now.

Some of my favorite childhood memories with my Dad involve water and swimming. My Dad is the best back floater I've ever seen. Get him in water and he'll just lay back and chill there forever. As kids this always turned into a little game for us. When he would lay on his back his stomach would stick out of the water and we'd try to sit on top of it like it was a hill or something. But then every time once we'd start to get up he would roll and roll and roll in the water like a log. And just like that it became a very challenging game that would occupy us in the water for a long time.

Some other favorite water memories happened at the beach. Another skill my Dad has is body surfing. This has led to a lot of times playing in the waves in the ocean. I love diving through the waves and just hanging out in the water waiting for a good wave to ride. I also love swimming really far out in the water with my Dad. We swim really far out and then catch waves back in. Whether we are diving through, ducking under, or waiting to catch a wave it's always a great time with my Dad!

When I was a kid my Dad commuted back and forth to California for work. One week during the summer I got to go with him and stay at my grandma's house in LA while he was working. I remember feeling so special being able to go with him. During the day I played with my grandma, usually Blackjack, and then each day we'd make a special dinner or treat that my Dad liked and have it ready for when he got back from working. That trip meant so much to me and I really cherish these memories.

Regardless of anything else, I think I could win this whole argument of having the best dad just by talking about all he's done with me and my car. Not only has he always been there to check my oil and my tires, but if there is any issues with radiators or fan belts he's my go to guy. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. After a plethora of car problems we thought we finally had my Neon fixed and good to go. After spending a weekend in St. George it was time to head back up to Provo and spend the summer working before my sophomore year of college. I had only made it close to Beaver, Utah before my car overheated and died on me. After freaking out and trying to figure out how I was going to get back up to Provo, move into my new apartment, and get to and from work everyday I called my Dad who quickly came to my rescue. Not only did he come meet me on the side of the freeway, but he moved all my bags from my car to his, tossed me his keys, and sent me on my way. Then he spent the rest of the day sitting with my car on the side of the road waiting until my brother-in-law was able to get a trailer and drive up and pick him and my car up much later in the afternoon. And while he worked on my car for the following few months I drove around the truck he had recently bought himself and never heard any frustrations or complaints from him. But of course it doesn't stop there. After my internship in LA I was driving back to Utah with a completely packed full car when my tire popped and I flew off the freeway and landed 30 feet into the desert sand near Barstow, CA. After I tried to compose myself, I called my Dad and once he made sure I was ok, he tried to calm me down and walk me through the next steps. After our phone call, in classic hero fashion, my Dad (and Mom) hopped in their car and drove the 4 hours to where I was and picked me up. While he never said anything about the inconvenience it was to rescue me all those times I still get a phone call whenever he drives past the areas and he gives me a little friendly reminder of how much I owe him.

In addition to all the great memories I have of my Dad, it is his character that makes him so amazing. My Dad is one of the most hardworking people I know. No matter how hard life is on him or how many great opportunities don't work out he never quits. He wakes up every day and continues on. It also amazes me how much he sacrifices not just for me, but for my entire family. He'll give up anything in order to help his family or get them where they want to be. It's always funny when I hear my friends talk about their loud and strong-willed dads because mine couldn't be any more the opposite. He is so quiet and gentle and kind. Definitely the strong, silent type. I can hardly think of more than a handful of times where he's gotten mad or complained.

Another quality I've admired in him is his constant faith and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Without any questions or hesitation he goes to church on Sundays, fulfills his calling no matter how big or how small, magnifies his Priesthood, and taught me that as long as you're doing what's right it doesn't matter what else happens. Do what's right and it will all work out in the end.

On a lighter note, my Dad always makes me laugh when he tells stories or jokes. They tend to be long and delivered a bit slowly but you can always see how much enjoyment he gets from sharing them. I love when I'm at home visiting and I get the chance to just hop in the car with my Dad when he runs to put gas in the car or grab something from the grocery store. It's so nice to get those few one-on-one moments with my Dad.

When I was in Elementary School I had a paper route. Every day after school I'd rush home and deliver the paper, but on weekends the papers went out in the mornings. On Sunday mornings my dad would help us out to get it done quicker. Once we had all the newspapers folded we'd load them in the back of his station wagon and while I rode on the back flap that had been laid down he'd drive slowly through the neighborhood as I threw the newspapers to the various houses. I was always so happy when he'd help out, especially on really cold mornings!!

Another favorite childhood memory involves spending time at my Dad's apartment in CA. Since he was commuting back and forth so much between St. George, where we lived, and Southern California, where his business was, it ended up costing less to get just a little apartment in CA instead of staying in hotels every week. During the summers the whole family would take trips to California and stay at my Dad's apartment. Since it was only a one bedroom, all the kids would camp out in sleeping bags in the living room while my parents had the bedroom. While these trips were full of crazy antics the thing that sticks out the most is what was always stocked in the kitchen. In the cabinet was a huge container of Tang and there was always Spam in the fridge. Weird I know, but whenever I think about that and it always brings a smile to my face.

This post is starting to get a bit wordy so the last few memories I'm gonna kinda rattle off quickly.

My Dad is a great person to sit next to at church because he tends to have lifesavers in his pocket... which he shares!

Although my Dad acts like he hates our pets it's cute seeing him go out in the garage and play with our cat, even with his allergies.

My Dad is a really good cook! His chicken recipe is delicious and so is his brisket! I love and miss home cooked meals made by my Dad.

My Dad started this thing we would do at the beginning of FHE called compliments. Basically someone in the family starts by picking someone else and paying them a compliment or just like thanks them for something they did during the past week. For example I would say, "I want to compliment Mom for making my bed so nicely for me." Next it would be Mom's turn to pick someone and compliment them. Then you go around the family and each person can only be complimented once so you pick until everyone has been complimented for something they did that week. This was always funny when people were fighting but had to come up with something to compliment the other person about. Nothing like a great long pause. But this was always one of my favorite parts of FHE.

Lastly I just want my Dad to know how much I love him and am so grateful that he is still here with us. It's been over 2 years since my Dad was diagnosed with kidney cancer. That was such a hard time and while surgery wasn't a perfect fix I'm just so grateful that he is as healthy as he is and I am so lucky to have him as my Dad. I couldn't have asked for anyone better!

I love you Dad!!

Thank you for everything you've done for me!

You really are the best Dad ever!

And the winner is...

FRANKLIN

Although it wasn't one of the initial choices I just kinda started calling him by that name and so far there have been no complaints. So Franklin it is. And after a few touch a go days in the beginning where I thought he might try to kill himself (luckily those times are behind us) he seems to be adjusting well and is enjoying his new environment.

Introducing...

Meet my new roommate!


His name is still undecided although I have some ideas.

My favorite right now is Calvin, Cal or Vinny for short.
Other options are Malcolm, Marlyn (Lyni for short), or Barnaby.

Any feedback would be appreciated, and feel free to suggest another name. Thanks!!

I got it from my Momma

I was thinking today about my mom and about all the traits I really admire about her, all the lessons she's taught me, and some of my favorites memories. So I've decided to share some of those thoughts with the blogging world along with some photos of her (and me).


All growing up and throughout high school my mom totally supported me and attended all my games and performances. There were very few times she wasn't there. It meant so much to me to look into the stands she see her. Through 8 years of Super Steppers, one year in Encore Entertainment, and a year of horse back riding my mom was always there encouraging me. I'm sure it was boring at times to see the same thing every week at football and basketball games I was cheering at, but she was still there wearing her cheer mom shirt and clapping along. Thanks Mom for always supporting me!


My mom is super crafty. He can paint, sew, cross-stick, crochet, knit, to name a few. I wish I was as even a fraction as talented as she is with all this stuff. Growing up our house was always decorated with crafts my mom had made, something I hope to replicate in my future home. Thanks Mom for trying to teach me some of your crafty ways!


She is brown. This is something I am particularly jealous of. I spend every summer trying to become more like her in this regard. One day maybe I can .... no actually I will never be brown like her, but a girl can hope. Thanks Mom for keeping me jealously working towards a goal!


My mom taught me a lot of things growing up. She taught me the importance of being independent, the value of keeping things clean and taking care of your stuff, and the difference the little things can make. Dirty dishes were never left in the sink overnight, Saturday was cleaning day, and I knew how to do my own laundry from a very young age. Although I don't always love these traits they have had a very valuable and lasting impact on my life which I am grateful for. Thanks Mom for everything you've taught me!


My mom taught me the value of a getting an education. When I was in elementary/middle school my mom went back to college to get a degree. I would go with her to her night classes sometimes and sit outside the classroom and wait for her. She always pushed me in school to do my best and achieve as much as possible. I remember in 7th grade I was having a really hard time understanding the concept of negative numbers. (How could such a thing exist?!) I remember sitting at the kitchen table while my mom explained the concept to me in a way I actually understood. Finally it all made sense and math became one of if not my best subject in school/life. Thanks Mom for helping me achieve so much!


As a kid we didn't have sprinklers in the front yard, so this meant my mom would go out and water the plants and trees in the yard. While watering the plants she would also give our bedroom windows a little spray down. When not expecting this, the sound of water coming from a hose sprinkler and hitting a window can be quite startling. And since this usually happened around bedtime when we were sure to be in our rooms I have many of these memories. Thanks Mom for keeping us on edge!


One of my favorite childhood memories involves a food fight at dinner one night. I'm not sure how the rest of the food fight went, but I remember the ending. Mom was chased from the kitchen, down the hallway, through her bedroom, and into the master bathroom where she hoped in the shower to try to avoid what was coming only to end up having the big water pitcher dumped on her. Thanks Mom for all the fun times!

My Mom and I have a very unique relationship and one aspect I've really appreciated is the fact that I can tell my Mom anything. It didn't matter if it was about boys, friends, work, school drama I knew/know I can always talk to her about it. In high school I would sometimes sneak out of my friend's house when we had sleepovers. This was always super innocent and we usually just met up with people at Denny's at 2am, cuz it's St. George and we were good kids but I would always tell my Mom the next day. I liked that I didn't have to keep secrets from her and I wasn't worried about her overreacting because she knew me well enough to trust me. Thanks Mom for always being there to talk to!


The summers after my Sophomore & Junior years at BYU my Mom and I went on a road trip to visit my oldest sister in Temecula, CA. A particularly fond memory from these trips involves my Mom giving her interpretation of what the dance described in the song "Lean Like a Cholo" was. All I can say is the woman's got moves! Thanks Mom for the road trip memories!


Another fun memory from these road trips was simply laughing. Whether it's rocking out the Hairspray, taking stupid photos in the car/everywhere, or just joking about trying to see some celebrities when we pull up to fancy houses these trips were full of a lot of laughter and it's always good to hear my Mom genuinely let got and enjoy herself. Thanks Mom for the laughs!


Growing up and being in dance since preschool I've always been able to do the splits. Not a big surprise. What was surprising was my mom stretching out with us in the living room of our house and then proceeding to do the splits and be able to go down flat. Impressive to say the least. Thanks Mom for keeping me stretching so I can do the same with my kids one day!

Growing up my family went on a lot of vacations to California and almost always went to the beach. The beach trips were a blast! We'd dive through the waves, try to swim out to be the furthest person out in the water, collect seashells, build sand castles, etc. It was always a fun and carefree time and I knew my Mom would be sitting on her beach chair watching us and making sure everything was safe. Thanks Mom for always looking out for me!


Hands down the most important thing my mom has taught me has been the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the great blessing it is to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Every week my mom got us up and ready to go to church and supported and helped us when we were asked to speak or fulfill various callings. She made sure our blessings, baptisms, seminary graduations, endowments, and other significant church events were specials days for us and she was there celebrating with and supporting us the whole time. Of all the amazing things you've taught me, this by far means the most. Thank you for going to church with your neighbor friend as a kid. Thank you for getting baptized even though your parents weren't members. Thank you for meeting and marrying Dad in the temple so our family was able to have the Gospel in our lives and the opportunity to be together again throughout eternity. Thank you for being my escort last December. Thanks Mom for helping me develop my testimony!


Thanks for everything Mom!
I love you & Happy Mother's Day!

Taking steps in the right direction today

*Today's Positive Moment*
3 miles on the treadmill followed by 7 miles on the bike

*Today's Negative Moment*
Kettle Corn & Dr. Pepper for dinner

My new favorite show on TV

It's funny, I really like all the characters, and the actors are all good. Also I find Roy from The Office totally attractive in this show. That was surprising to me too, but I can't deny it. Anyways, everyone should start watching it so it doesn't get canceled like too many good shows do. It's on FOX on Tuesday night and more realistically you can find it on Hulu. Watch it and let me know if you agree.

Oh yeah I guess other stuff has happened...

Do you like how after not posting for months I finally write on here and it's a product placement? So alright I guess I'll try to catch you up on my life for the past 3 months in the best way I know how.... bullet points! With the exception of the first item which is clearly the biggest, most important, and best thing that's happened, the following are in no particular order.

1. I went through the St. George, Utah temple and received my endowment on Monday, December 27, 2010!! For anyone reading this who's not sure what this means, click HERE and read all about it! Not gonna lie, my first time was EXTREMELY overwhelming. I knew what I was doing was right and good, but it was a lot to take in. It took me about 2 days to replay everything that happened over and over again in my mind and this is the conclusion I came to. I love the temple. You can be having the most stressful day and you go into a session and all that stress and worry disappears. The spirit there is so strong and it is so incredibly easy to feel the love our Heavenly Father has for us. Needless to say, it was such an amazing experience and I'm kind of obsessed with the temple now. With the exception of like 2 weeks I think I've been able to attend the temple at least once a week since I went through in December. I've gone through sessions at the St. George temple (my 1st & 2nd time during Christmas break), the Oquirrh Mountain Temple once while out in Provo for work with Nicole Walker & Rachelle Gleason (love and miss you guys like crazy!), and then the gorgeous LA temple many times. I'm looking forward to attending the San Diego, Salt Lake, Newport Beach, and really every temple I possibly can! Now on to the less serious stuff.
   
2. I bought furniture affirming the fact that I am now a full fledged adult. Granted the furniture is from IKEA but still it's a big deal. I can no longer just pack up my car and move. I need movers or something. Crazy huh!
   
3. Going perfectly along with #2 is that I bought a bed! Anyone who really knows me knows I have a hard time committing to certain things including big purchase items. Buying a bed was a huge deal for me. I went to at least 6 furniture stores trying out a ton of beds, researched a bunch of reviews online, and then when I still couldn't decide I ended up sleeping on a bed of blankets for about a week until I was finally able to pick and have a bed delivered and let me tell you I LOVE MY BED. It is so comfortable I never want to leave it. I literally make people come in my room and try it out that's how comfortable it is. And when I'm at hotels now I just want to be back in my bed it's seriously that comfy! Oh and for those who may be wondering why I'm just now buying furniture when I've lived in LA for like 7 months it's because the spot I took was for my roommate from my intern summer out here who was getting married and moving to London for a semester and wanted to leave her stuff here while she was gone. A perfect situation for me, but yeah that's why I waiting till now to buy stuff.
4. Work.... I do it too much. We're smack dab in the middle of busy season and this week was crazy. I worked 70 hours this week, 14 of those being on Saturday! I know there are many many people who work way more hours than that, but let me tell you I seriously don't know how they do it. There were multiple days that literally all I did was work and sleep those days. Yay for me it all starts again tomorrow :/
5. George died. :( My favorite fish ever passed away shortly before Christmas. I know it's corny but I was seriously so sad! If you've been lucky enough to meet George you know how much I cared and protected that fish. Anyways, he is deeply missed. RIP George.
6. My family came out here 2 weeks ago for my niece Taia's 4th birthday which we celebrated at Disneylad. We had so much fun!! I'm so obsessed with my nieces and nephews. My chubby buddy (Khyri) was so much fun! Towards the end of the day at Disneyland I took Khyri and the two of us got on the Merry-go-round and rode it 3 times without getting off. He didn't want to leave it. Kruzzi (Kruz) was so dang cute! He is the happiest baby ever (almost all the time) and I love chanting his name cuz when I do he gets so excited and smiley. And of course my little Monster (Taia) that girl kills me! She's so spastic and funny and I accidentally taught her the word douche. Oops. I did have fun hearing her parents explain why that word was too grown up for her even those she is a big girl. haha it's fun being the aunt.
7. I have developed a fairly serious eyelid twitch that wont go away. It is actually twitching right this very moment as I'm writing this. Ya know what, I'm gonna google it right now and see why it's doing that. Ok, googled it and either I'm sleep deprived and stressed or I have a neurological disorder. I guess I hope is the former. It's normally just the right eye but sometimes the left one gets in on it too. The worst is when they both start going crazy at the same time. Whenever I show my roommate the twitching she tries punching me in the face. I figure it's an attempt to scare my eye to behave or something, but really it's just coming off as attempted roommate abuse. I do not approve.
   

Well, a lot of other stuff happened but I'm getting super tired right now and just keep thinking about how soon the morning will be here and I'll have to go to work so I think that's enough for one night. And tell you what, I try posting more than once every 3 months, deal? Deal. (Yeah I just made a deal with myself like a crazy person, but it's my blog and I'll do what I want.)

My new favorite thing

So after working 14 hours yesterday, (yep that's right 14 hours on a Saturday) my face was just feeling awful. Like dead skin cells just hanging on needing to be scraped off. Gross I know. So I decided on the way home I'd stop at the store and pick up one of these babies.And let me just tell you. This is one of the best purchases I've made in a long time. I HIGHLY recommend it. Not only is it effective in cleaning your face but it's also super relaxing. It has 2 different speeds, a fast one to maximize cleaning and a slower one to massage and I'm obsessed! I got it last night and I've already used it twice. So moral of the story, go buy this product cuz I love it and you will too.

(I should totally get an endorsement deal from this post. Just saying.)