AmShaZam

A Deseprate Plea

2011-08-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

I don't know if anyone even follows my blog anymore, but as the title of this post indicates, I'm getting desperate. So, if anyone is still out there, this post is for you.

As many of you know, my dad recently fought a brave battle against lymphoma and carcinoma. What many of you may not know is that since his remission, he has raised thousands of dollars for cancer research by participating in Pelotonia, a grassroots cycling tour, to support Ohio State University’s research efforts to end cancer.

My mother-in-law was taken by cancer before I could meet her. I just heard from my sister today that my grandmother's cancer has spread. Many good friends and colleagues have also been affected by the consequences of a cancer diagnosis. The frustration over this disease has led me to try to think of some way—any way—I can help.

So this year, on August 20, 2011, I’ve decided to join my dad.

My participation in the 2011 Pelotonia provides me with an opportunity to do something to help make a positive difference for those diagnosed with cancer today and far into the future.

Please join me in this unique opportunity to be part of something truly great. Any contribution, large or small, to help me reach my goal of $1,800.00 would be awesome. Together, we can help improve lives through innovations in research with the ultimate goal of winning the war against cancer.

This is not a donation to me or even the university, but a 100% tax-deductible contribution to cancer research at the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

So, if you can in any way support me, please access my Pelotonia profile on line by clicking on the link below. From there, click on the orange “Donate to My Ride” box and follow the prompts.

http://www.mypelotonia.org/riders_profile.jsp?MemberID=118019

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this important cause. Any support you can provide by Saturday, August 20, 2011, will be appreciated more than you know.

Love,

Amber

Rider ID AW0018

Amber finds a friend, and her way back to blogspot.

2010-07-18T22:44:00.000-07:00

So, if anyone out there is still reading this blog, guess what? I'm making a NEW POST! I wasn't sure this day would come, but the mood hit me, and here I am- makin' a post. If it were basketball, I would be posting up. If I made breakfast cereal, I would be Post. If I were a mail carrier, I'd be the postal service.

Anyhoo.

Yesterday, Jeff and I went with my friends Lindsay and Kirstin for a bike ride around West Mountain. It was a very hot day with no shade. About five miles from the end of our ride, and out in the middle of nowhere, we stopped briefly for a water break, and Jeff and I heard a mewing coming from the tall weeds. Within a few seconds this teeny, little kitten emerged, mewing his head off and coming for us as fast as he could. He headed for my foot and rubbed against it, looking at me earnestly and mewing. I was too busy geeking out about how so, so, adorably cute the little thing was, so Jeff got to him before I could. He scooped him up and instantly the kitten was all purrs and nudges into Jeff's chest. Well, we couldn't just leave him.

So, kitten in one hand, steering his bike with the other, Jeff rode the little guy back to our car.

(And what a fine car it is!)

Lindsay, Kirstin and I tried to get a little open water swim in, but the water was so annoyingly shallow for so long, and the bottom so rocky and slimy, that we called the swim off and headed back to shore.
Next, Jeff and I set our sights for Genola, a few miles away, where his sister lives and where the kids were playing with their cousins. And on the way, we named our little traveler Garmin, for he had been lost, but at last we found each other. Once there, and as expected, everyone else fell for his sweet, little face and cuddly, loving personality as much as we had.

The day turned out to be a pretty awesome one, complete with water balloons, sprinklers, a trampoline, good food, an ice cream party, and some porch sitting at dusk, watching the sun set and the moon rise.
Sadly, my little buster breaks out in a massive allergic reaction when he tries to get near the kitten, so we asked Jeff's sister if she would allow Garmin to make his home with her family and their cats. She said yes, so we let him nudge our chins once more, and we headed for home.

Elaina's Christmas Gift

2009-12-17T21:52:00.000-08:00

Elaina needed a haircut. If she went to bed at night with her hair down, it would take me hours and plenty of tears the next morning to get a brush through all her tangles. Once it was brushed out, it was really beautiful, but we both decided it wasn't worth the drama. So, we scheduled a hair appointment with the fabulous Robyn, our neighbor and friend.

Right before Elaina's appointment, however, she brought up something she had heard one of her friends mention: Locks of Love. So, we went to the website (www.locksoflove.org) to see what it was all about. As it turns out, Elaina's lovely locks were three inches beyond qualifying, and she decided now was the time to give something of her own so someone else in need could have a happy Christmas.
Robyn braided Elaina's hair,
...then snipped the whole thing off!

The finished product was so cute! Robyn even put sparkle hair spray in Elaina's hair.
We all dig the svelte new 'do and Elaina is so excited to send off her hair to the little girl who needs it.

What are you doing with YOUR English degree?

2009-09-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

"Step right up, step right up. That's right. Grab your roll of paper and put it down the flusher. You ladies want to try your hand at the toilet paper toss?"

"She shoots, she...misses! Just off the lid."

"Your tickets, ladies, thanks for playing. Alright, who's next? Step right up, step right up..."

Confession time. Since my last blog post, my life has landed in the crapper and I'm working at the carnival.

The Amazing Adventures of Flat Stanley!

2009-07-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

My first adventure once I arrived in Utah was going on a trip with Uncle Jeff in his new car.

Had I known I was taking my life into my hands, I may have stayed in my envelope!

First, we checked out a video.

Next, I was acquainted with some of the local culture...whooooooo-hoo!

Yee-haw!

The next day, Elaina and Carter took me on a very special adventure: the Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah. This is the biggest dinosaur museum in the world!

Can you find me in the massive teeth of this prehistoric Great White shark?

Surprise! I thought I'd help dig for some dinosaur bones, too!

Well, I had a great time in Utah! Now, it's off to Japan. I can hardly wait to tell you all about my next adventure!

Oh. And about a month ago, I turned 30.

2009-06-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

The cruel irony of this sign on our garage is that it was the one I'd made for Jeff when HE turned 30. He found it somehow, somewhere, and I guess this means turn about is fair play. In fact, Jeff both scored and struck out this birthday. On the one hand, he served me breakfast in bed. On the other, he forgot to get me a gift, so he gifted me something he'd previously purchased for himself: a universal remote. This would be great but...yeah. Remember how I watch about 3 hours of TV a year? Ah, well. He did give me permission to buy myself something!

Yeah, so over a month ago, I totally graduated.

2009-06-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

I know, most everyone in the world already knows this. But I thought I would post on it anyway. It is my offering to the blog world, since I seem to have disfellowshipped myself from it. In truth, since graduating I've been afraid of my computer. The thought of sitting down to it still makes me shudder. Most days, I jump on, check e-mail and Facebook, then shut it down just as quickly. I think I'm afraid I'll have to write a 20-page report if I stay on too long or something.

My Optical Life History

2009-03-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

All other things I should be writing notwithstanding, I'm taking a break from my papers and projects and writing something else. I came across these old pictures and couldn't resist the diversion...

It began in 4th grade, when my older sister left her glasses sitting on my dad's desk. I picked them up and put them on. (Who could resist the purple-tinted, big-as-saucers, late-80's frames? Not I.) I looked around and exclaimed, "Oh my gosh! I can see the stereo buttons from here! And the lights aren't blobs!" It wasn't but a few days later, and this was me:

As beautiful and wonderful as my peach-colored frames were, (chosen because I had rationalized to myself that they were the same color as my skin and could thereby go undetected...) I eventually abandoned the deception in middle school and talked my parents into dark blue, I-am-wearing-windowpanes frames. Ah, yeah.

In my family, it was extremely hard to get a new pair of glasses. With five others in spectacles, insurance wasn't exactly accommodating to changing fads. So, it wasn't until mid-high school and a highly unfortunate event where my lens popped from my broken (yet black, electrical-taped-together) frame, and rolled the length of the auditorium and I, embarrassed to the point of tears, had to announce the problem, and then retrieve it. In teenage fashion, I sobbed to my mom that it was time for a change, and she finally agreed.

Here we are, my brother and I, in the height of mid-90's eyewear fashion. Mine are Guess brand, and his- are awesome too. Who didn't have a pair of wire frames? The sad news is that I continued to wear these through college. Although by then, I had contacts, and (wisely) chose to wear those most of the time.

Those huge-o's lasted a long time. It wasn't until I had been married for a number of years that I convinced Jeff I needed new frames. It wasn't that he wasn't convinced of their hideousness, it was that we were barely scraping by and these suckers aren't cheap! But, we went to one of those hour-eyewear places, and soon I was sportin' yet another new look. If my last pair had been Huge-o-spectacle-ism, these were post-huge-o-spectacle-ism; or, the answer to the prior movement. I went as small as possible!

Those frames, while cheap, turned out to be (shock!) pieces of crap. They were lopsided and flimsy, falling apart quickly. My next ones were these green Hush Puppies. This picture is terrible, BTW. Most all the pics I have are of me in contacts- perhaps I wasn't eager to document my glasses crises?

The next frames were these. I really liked them pretty well. They served their purpose with diligence and consistency. And here, I'm holding my cousin Will's baby last year. She is sooo cute!

As much as I liked the other frames, I eventually needed "English Major Glasses." These made me look like a serious student--and they also successfully covered up the enormous bags I'd developed under my eyes from consecutive late nights spent reading and writing.

So finally, here I am, going under the knife/laser for vision correction surgery. No more stumbling around looking for glasses; no more stinging, itchy contact lenses; no more losing contacts while boating or skiing; no more steamed glasses upon entering rooms or eating soup; no more lenses rolling down auditorium isles. Hallelujah, it's a modern miracle! (But being totally honest, I do miss my cute, English major glasses sometimes...)

Former Roommates and a Fresh Crop of Apologies

2009-02-02T21:46:00.001-08:00

This past weekend Deon and Natalie, two of my former roommies from Ricks, and I got together. I haven't seen them in years- but it was almost as though no time had passed at all.

We are all the same dignified, mature young women we were...

...back then.

Now here's my apology: I've been a real cruddy blogger the past few weeks and I think the cruddiness may continue until I graduate. I miss checking in on your blogs and reading about how all of you are doing- but school has nearly consumed me whole. I will try to check in when I can, but it will be sporadic at best. I hope to be back en force this spring when school is out!

P.S. My graduation party is sometime the first weekend in May and you are all invited.

The Donnie & Marie Show

2009-01-31T20:36:00.000-08:00

Today's Reasons to Love and Hate the Snow

2009-01-10T19:48:00.001-08:00

I took this picture at Sundance, which was sunny and beautiful today.

And here I am, cross-country skiing with one of my professors, Christa.

And now, here's Carter. He was also out in the snow today, only his sled bounced him off and he took the icy snow pretty hard in the face. He is cut up from forehead to chin and is starting to bruise, but is taking his wounds like a champion.

Seven Random Things About Me

2009-01-09T14:51:00.001-08:00

My sister Elise tagged me. Now you must all be subjected to my life's mundanity.

1. I was born in Iowa. Say, "Iowa, Ohio, Idaho, Utah" three times really fast and you almost have the story of my life!

2. I have secret desires to be a rock climber and a cyclist. What I lack in equipment and skill I hope to make up for in old-fashioned drive and gumption. (Okay, I guess this still doesn't fix the equipment issue.) By the way, check out the guns on that chick!

3. Some of my biggest weaknesses are J.Crew, peanut M&Ms, and the call of a chair on the porch on a nice, sunny day.

4. I felt the Twilight books were so-so, and I (gasp!) still haven't seen the movie. I guess I'm waiting until it comes out on video.

5. There are VERY few foods I don't like. Actually, it's limited to mayonnaise, ranch dressing on salads, and cole slaw. And if you think about it, these are really one and the same animal. Yichy.

6. No picture for this one. I don't really like TV or movies, either. I don't know why they drive me crazy, they just do. So, unless it's The Office (and a few seasons ago- whichever is out on video right now), asking me if I've seen something on TV is a real conversation killer.

7. This is my last semester of school! I graduate with my Bachelor's (finally!) this spring!!! I've loved the experience and have loved UV, but seriously...done.

Some of you asked for this...some of you didn't.

2009-01-03T22:35:00.000-08:00

For this year's Relief Society Christmas program, we decided to shake things up a bit.

Going on the Donny and Marie Christmas Special theme, I wrote a script for two dear souls willing to impersonate the duo in all their cheeseball splendor. Robbie and Megan were good sports...and eerily resembled the Osmonds.

We also had celebrity appearances from Elvis and Dolly Parton- both of whom were awesome!

I was Karen Carpenter for the evening...Merry Christmas, Darling.

The Black Bullet: a Tribute

2008-12-10T20:01:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, Jeff did the unthinkable. While I was out of town, he traded in my car of six years, the '91 Acura Legend. Anyone who knows our family knows this is truly the end of an era. The car was a champion.

I felt betrayed. I felt the sorrow of a lost loved one. I felt a member of our family, one with the heart of a champion, had been torn from us. Jeff says it's better this way--that a clean break is better--no long, drawn-out good byes. No crying and carrying on about why it has to be this way. And then I ask him if he remembers how The Black Bullet took us just weeks ago to Arizona and back, "And this is how we repay the years of tireless service, the abuse without complaint, the performance with nary a need for maintenance? What if I start getting old, huh? What will you do with me?"

It's at this point he rolls his eyes. "Amber, there is another college student who needs her now. Her time with us is past."

Anyway, so I wrote a tribute to my car. I loved that car.

Subtotals: The Black Bullet

Number of miles traveled: 225,803. Number of owners: 4. Number of make-outs witnessed: 18. Number of seatbelts: 5. Number of cigarette burns: 9. Number of rips in leather, major: 5; minor: 11. Number of times being barfed on: 5. Number of car seats held: 3. Number of blow-outs: 0. Number of flats: 4. Number of jumps, received: 3; given: 10. Number of new batteries: 2. Number of times being hotwired: 0. Number of scratches in paint: 38. Number of emotional breakdowns witnessed: 12. Number of blizzards driven through: 29. Number of thunderstorms driven through: 74. Number of umbrellas in trunk: 1. Number of insects in grill, currently: 8; total: 78, 654. Number of times being cursed at: 3. Number of near-death experiences: 5. Number of animals hit: 4. Number of deer seen: 36. Number of trips to Idaho: 41. Number of cross-country trips: 0. Number of funerals driven to: 9. Number of trips to the grocery store: 672. Number of babies carried: 18. Number of washes: 177. Number of faces pressed upon the windows: 10. Number of suitcases carried: 224. Number of times sold: 4. Number of broken windows: 1. Number of French fries under driver’s seat: 2. Number of curbs driven upon: 49. Number of times anti-lock brakes engaged: 3. Number of times airbag deployed: 0. Number of states visited: 6. Number of garages lived in: 7. Number of times horn was honked: 106. Number of times shifted into reverse while rolling forward: 1. Number of times driven with gas door open: 2. Number of left turns: 22, 044. Number of wrong turns: 340. Number of witnessed nose pickings: 54. Number of preset buttons on radio: 8. Number of confessions heard: 16. Number of CDs played: 336. Number of times stranded on side of road: 0. Number of times being pulled over: 10. Number on license plate: 581. Number of doors: 4. Number of windows: 7. Number of mirrors: 3. Number of years on the road: 17.

"I wanna get wich ya, and take yo' pitcha..."

2008-12-05T21:43:00.000-08:00

It was family picture time, and we got some good ones! I'm just sending you a spoiler here, because I don't want to ruin the Christmas card surprises...because I know they're such great surprises. Anyway, if you don't think I have your address to send you a card, shoot me off an e-mail so I can get one to you!

Franksgiving

2008-12-03T22:11:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving, we drove the nine hours down to Parker, Arizona to spend time with my little brother and my amazing friends Joe and Melissa, and a few of their siblings. It went a little something like this:

Melissa, our lovely chef and hostess with the mostest,

My Aunt and Uncle in Lake Havasu City

Whoopie! Video Games!

Good Times,

Doggies!

The lake,

And, of course, FOOD!

And...watching the crazy shenanigans of Austin and Chris.

And not to mention the things we didn't get pictures of...like our impromptu dance party, or the marathon Rock Band playing, or me...doing my homework. That last one wasn't the best. But everything else was! We even got to visit Jeff's cousin in St. George on our way home. Awesome! Thanks to everyone who made it a wonderful, memorable Thanksgiving! We know we have a lot to be thankful for, especially family and friends.

What has become of the Watsons?

2008-11-17T08:14:00.000-08:00

They've become reclusive and quiet lately, rarely leaving the house. Their lights are burning at all hours of the night and it seems the occupants never sleep. During the few occasions where the family has been seen in daylight they seem pale, with dark and sunken eyes. Neighbors are fearing the worst--they've sold their souls to education and bureaucracy.

2008-11-14T21:52:00.001-08:00

Ulysses by James Joyce

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I wasn't sure how to rate this book...it is not for the faint of heart or impatient. The real merit here lies in the literary moves: Joyce's almost obsessive metaphors, symbolisms and styles. At times the content is crude, and usually the plot is convoluted, forcing strict attention from the reader. Overall, a magnificent, highly self-aware epic.

View all my reviews.

Ah, Politics!

2008-11-04T14:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Elaina and Carter came home with "I Voted!" stickers on their shirts because at Lindon Elementary, the kids decided the elections were unfair. They didn't understand why parents got to vote and they didn't. So, they held elections of their own, and were allowed the opportunity to experience a semblance of democracy in action.

"You got to vote? Really?" I asked.

"Yeah!" They replied, stickers brandished.

"So, who did you vote for?"

Elaina quickly piped, "I voted for McCain."

"Why?" I wanted to see if they were truly informed voters.

"Because," she immediately and matter-of-factly replied, "He has a woman vice president."

Of course.

"Carter, who did you vote for?"

His answer was so loud and enthusiastic it startled me. "BARACK OBAMA!!!"

"Okay," I laughed, "why?"

He shrugged.

Politics.

Poor Ren.

2008-10-12T22:39:00.000-07:00

Elaina's friend Connie has a little (male) Chihuahua named Ren. They somehow wrangled him into Elaina's doll clothes and his eyes just seem to plead for an end to the abuse.

Make a run for the border, little Ren! Escape and be free!

A Tribute to Friendship

2008-10-12T21:56:00.000-07:00

Melissa and I have known each other since we were five. We know so much about each other and have been through so much--so when she came to visit me last weekend from Phoenix, it was like we were back in high school again! We stayed up talking every night, went shopping, and ate way too much ice cream and Tucanos!

In many ways we're so much alike...

In other ways, we're very different. Melissa is so glam and fabulous and I'm so...not.

It's all the similarities and differences that make friendship so wonderful, isn't it? I'm thinking of Melissa and all of you who might read my blog with all of your individual personalities, and all the things that make your friendships valuable to me, and I'm just grateful. So grateful!

Thanks for coming to visit, Melissa! Here's to good times and good friends!

Read my Award-Winning Essay!

2008-10-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

I entered an essay for Shoes.com, describing which super powers I would grant my shoes, if only I could. It's kind of silly but hey- I was chosen as runner-up and won a gift certificate! So guess what, ladies? I'm buyin' me a new pair of shoes!

Read it here: http://www.shoes.com/content.aspx?contentid=editor

A Walk (Run?) Down Memory Lane

2008-09-28T18:33:00.000-07:00

It really started a few years ago, when I drove to Logan, Utah to watch my brother Keith run the Top of Utah marathon. It wasn't his first or his last, but standing at the finish line waiting for him changed me. I watched a Marine cross the finish line, having carried a full-sized American flag 26.2 miles. I watched countless people cry as they crossed and I watched one guy jump impossibly high in celebration, on what must have been completely spent legs. I watched my brother cross and by then I had been crying for some time. Never had I seen such a concentration of human triumph.

Up to this point, I had been running a little (all on a treadmill, all at the gym and only 2-3 miles in a go). After this point, I determined to try and run a 5k. So, I kept running, registered for the Strawberry Days 5k in Pleasant Grove, and pushed myself a little harder at the gym. Jeff ran the race with me and we both came in around the middle (beating out the senior citizens and the people with baby joggers--yeah!) and it was around this time I started getting to know Kay. I mentioned to Kay that I wanted to start running (like, really running) and she offered to be my running partner. We were a little unevenly matched, she the Arabian purebred and I, Ol' Glue Stick from the pasture.

Kay is very patient.

She pushed me through the summer to prepare for the Provo River Half Marathon. We completed the race in fairly good time (for me, not her!) and I was amazed, even while running, that I was able to run so far. Afterward she asked, "So, a marathon next summer?" And a year ago next Saturday, we ran the St. George marathon together.

Getting ready...

...at like 3 in the morning!

It was freezing last year. We wore pants and jackets up to the starting line, where they had bonfires and hot cocoa.

I wasn't sure if Kay would want to run the whole thing with me, since it was my first time and I was so much slower. But, in her words, "We train together, we run together!" And I love her for that!

This is mile 21? 23?, where we finally saw Jeff and smiled for some pictures.

In the last mile of the race, Kay kept saying, "It's just around this corner. The finish line is just around the corner." So we finally rounded the corner, and WAAAAY down the street was the finish line. That was the hardest distance of the marathon for me; the last quarter of a mile.

Kay and I have a million inside jokes, now that we've gone so many miles together. I never could have done this without her. She was the best coach/motivation/friend.

I thought maybe I'd cry when I finished- but I didn't. I was just happy- and pretty tired. I wore my medal for the next two days.

P.S. Kay is running St. George next weekend and hoping to qualify for Boston. Good Luck, Kay!!

I Am NOT Addicted...

2008-09-25T20:57:00.000-07:00

It all started out August 22nd at Jeff's niece's wedding luncheon. They had those little snack bags with, among other things, orangey, cheesy, delicious, crunchy Cheetos. I'm not talking about those puffy, air-filled ones. I'm talking about the stelagtite-shaped, crispy-crunchy ones. So, I grabbed a bag with my lunch.

Mmmm...nom, nom, nom.

I quickly found that one bag was simply not sufficient. For, I wasn't even a quarter of the way through my meal and my Cheetos were gone. So, seeing the supply was plenty, I grabbed another. Elaina, wishing to be done with her meal and not having touched her Cheetos yet was for the first time ever, relieved from having to finish everything she'd dished up for herself. Bag #3 was just as wonderful as its predecessors. Bag #4 was procured by similar methods, donated by one of my newly favorited nieces. Ah, my stack of shiny, orange bags with Chester Cheetah grinning up at me. Ah, sweet cheesy fingertips, stained in reminder of my snack.

But I am NOT addicted. They were just really, really good and I haven't had them in a really, really long time.

Next, I was flying to San Diego. For me, as soon as the plane starts taxiing, I start thinking about my snack and my drink. Really, come on. It's the only diversion I have in there. I'm waiting and waiting for my bag of nuts or perhaps a cookie, when the lady sitting next to me (who took my window seat, but I was an adult and didn't give her a hard time about it) produces from her handbag a huge, family-sized bag of Cheetos. So I, from the aisle, watch as she takes each cheesy, crunchy walking-stick-looking snack from her enormous bag and munches them throughout the flight.

Cruel, nasty window-seat-stealng...

Weeks later, there is a carnival at the kids' elementary school and they have, oh yes- Cheetos in little, snack-sized bags. However at this venue, quantities are monitored and the kids weren't so gracious. So what was I to do when, as I was walking through the aisles at Costco, there was a gigantic orange bag of seemingly bottomless Cheetos? What was I to do?

I'll tell you what I did- I bought them for the first time in my life! I bought chips which, besides the tortilla varieties, I never do. And then, I sat on the front porch with my friend Chelsy and we ate them. Not all of them, but many. And every day since I have eaten many more.

The other day Elaina spotted me with my beloved bag and, raising it in the air, she put her hand on her hip. "Mom," she said in a very disappointed tone.

"What?" I asked, defensively.

She just looked at me, shaking her head. "Are you addicted?"

WARNING: "Boring" Alert

2008-09-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

Here is a bit from my presentation. I started with an intro and the various formal definitions of the word "liberal".

Let me start instead with the final definition, namely, an education based on the “traditional arts and sciences” or liberal arts. These include the study of arts, literature, languages, mathematics, science, history and philosophy. As a language and literature girl, I don’t see the value of mathematics in any education, but that’s another subject for another day. Based on this definition of the word “liberal,” do these things have place in a conservative environment? Is there value in science, in history, in philosophy and yes, even math? I should hope that the answer to this question, particularly in light of this definition, is yes.

Another definition of the word “liberal” has to do with attitudes supporting reform and progress. I would wager that, within this explanation is the very essence of Utah Valley University. Without reform and progress we would not be a University, would not have the new facilities, the expanded degree and course offerings that we have presently. Reform allows this institution to maintain its core values, building on them even as the school identity shifts and adjusts to the demands of change. This is re-FORM, with emphasis on the word “form,” and not a disassembling or a destroying. It is taking the existing materials and adapting them, reforming, reshaping. Is there a place for these types of liberal ideals? Of course.

For me, perhaps what is most defining in terms of my exposure to a “liberal” education on this campus is as it is presented in quantifiable terms. Namely, as liberal is defined as “giving freely” or “generous in amount.” I see a “liberal” education as one that tries to answer the questions, fill in the gaps, find holes in knowledge accepted and perhaps taken for granted. Does it mean that I accept everything I am taught? Of course not. No one here would. But the education is there, in all forms, for me to choose or not. In this definition of a “liberal” education, there are opportunities for expanded knowledge. There is an environment for critical thinking, for adding to established knowledge and perhaps making a contribution to various fields of research.

The Association of American Colleges and Universities defines a liberal education thus: “Liberal Education is an approach to learning that empowers individuals and prepares them to deal with complexity, diversity, and change. It provides students with broad knowledge of the wider world (e.g. science, culture, and society) as well as in-depth study in a specific area of interest. A liberal education helps students develop a sense of social responsibility, as well as strong and transferable intellectual and practical skills such as communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and skills in real-world settings.”

Most often, when confronted with the term, “liberal,” there are other definitions that we place upon it. The political notions of progressiveness are sometimes the first and most readily-associated, contrary to many of the definitions we’ve encountered here. Often the term in itself can call to mind a certain way of thinking, a certain pedagogy that many, in this local climate of conservativism, might approach with caution. Likewise, those labeled “conservative” are often pitted against these liberal notions- forcing some kind of opposition, a line drawn in the sand where one is either of the liberal camp or the conservative one. Really, the fact that these labels exist at all should, within the definition and aims of a “liberal” education, be troubling.

I, myself, can identify with many of the views shared by so-named conservatives. However, I have also learned, as I have studied out the implications of the word “liberal,” that I’m not entirely comfortable being placed in a position opposing it, either. In fact, as I have attended Utah Valley University, a University I have just described as being “liberal,” I have had to reconsider many of the views and beliefs I had before entering the school. Through my “liberal” education I have been taught to think critically, to learn and to test boundaries, and to challenge “liberal” and “conservative” views alike.

So now, let’s return to our original question, namely, what is the value of a “liberal” education on a “conservative” campus? Let’s remove these formerly-held labels that I have discussed, which deal in preconceptions and misconceptions. Let’s not limit one another, or the campus in general, to the supposed terms of reductive identities, and let’s allow one another to move freely about, questioning the validity and legitimacy of either and all arguments, ideals and traditions.

It should also be the concern of students and educators, in all facets of this argument to consider the implications of a “liberal” education, or one in which critical thinking, question and inquiry are championed. You could say a “liberal” education fosters an atmosphere in which students are challenged, where boundaries are reconsidered, and where beliefs are examined. It is important to notice that I use the words “challenged,” and “questioned,” and not such words as “belittled” or “threatened.” I don’t believe that inquiry has to threaten beliefs or traditions, to destroy any previously-held ideals, in order to be challenging.

I will conclude with what a “liberal” education, as I have come to understand it and as I have experienced it here on UVU’s campus, has been for me. I have received liberal, or generous helpings of viewpoints and attitudes, beliefs and ideals. I have been taught to examine them critically and to sort through them in order to discover my own answers and sets of truth within them. I have been taught to find my footing in an atmosphere that fosters development, social responsibility and, to quote the AACU, “strong and transferable intellectual and practical skills such as communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and skills in real-world settings.”

When we remove labels, notions of “us” versus “them” or “attackers” versus “the attacked,” when we strip away such reductive and destructive behaviors, education can take place. A true and truly “liberal” education can take place.

AmShaZam will now take your questions

2008-09-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

Ethics Awareness Week 2008, Utah Valley University

Before this, I thought giving talks in church were intimidating...

Over the summer, one of my professors wrote to me, asking if I would participate with her and a few other faculty members on a panel for the Ethics Awareness Conference that UVU holds each year on campus. This is where dignitaries, faculty, community members and students come to hear presentations which would raise our ethical awareness. Our panel was to address the very loaded question, "What is the value of a 'liberal' education on a 'conservative' campus?"

So, for our panel, Dr. Anderson presented first, followed by Dr. Wager, who was followed by Dr. Hamblin, and then (not Dr.) me. Intimidating? Uh, yeah! I gave my 10-minute presentation and then the floor was open to students, faculty and other audience members to engage in some Q&A. In the end, you'd have to ask someone who was there how it went, but I felt pretty good about it. I also fielded some questions and have lived to tell the tale.

Anyway, it was a good experience and best of all, is over! Phew!

(Picture coutesy of UVU's Department of Ethics and Values.)

Sunny San Diego

2008-09-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I just got back a few days ago from a fabulous trip to San Diego. His company sends him there for a conference each year, so I tag along. This year we visited the San Diego zoo, and I was amazed. For those of you who haven't been, the above picture is from the zoo. The whole place was like a jungle, only they try to replicate different jungles from all over the world- like an Asian jungle with bamboo and pandas, or an Indian or African jungle. It was gorgeous. And I've never seen happier animals in captivity. Really. They looked happy!

We also went sailing on the bay, and I spent a day at the spa. If I didn't miss my kiddos so dang much, it would be hard to come home after a trip like that.

Oh- and now that I'm back, I'm dropping my French class! Thanks to all of you and your sound advise, I have the strength to say "no"! Hooray!

Quick- what does this picture remind you of?

2008-09-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

If you said, "Oh my gosh- Full House!" Then yeah. It reminded me of that, too. This picture is also descriptive of what's been happening at the Watson casa. "Full House," indeed.

As many of you know, our house has been a "halfway house" of sorts for family members since we moved in about four years ago. We've had brothers, sisters, cousins friends and married couples staying with us continuously from the beginning. Well, for the past few weeks we've had Jeff's brother Jeremy and his wife living here and wouldn't you know- as soon as they get all moved in, they find a new apartment. So it looks as though, starting this weekend, we won't have any tenants. It will be so strange and quiet around here.

So, if anyone is planning a trip to Utah, make sure you stop on in and help us fill the new void in our lives. We're really excited to see Joe and Melissa in October!!

The Blog Scandal...Revealed!

2008-08-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, you guys! I read all the comments to that last post and about busted a gut I was laughing so hard! I don't know if I should tell you the truth or let you believe I'm modeling nude for Old Navy! (Now THAT would be a scandal!) Wow- to think my lowly profile picture started it all...

The story goes like this: I have a good friend who did fashion modeling for Japanese Vogue and the like when she was younger, now models for local modest-clothing companies and has appeared on billboards 'round Utah Valley. So, she thought it would be fun to take me out to Utah Lake one afternoon and just do some swimsuit shots like this.

So, her sister, who is an amateur photographer and used to model as well, saw the pictures and wanted to do some experimental shots for her own portfolio. We broke into Geneva Steel (or what's left of it) and did pictures such as these by a train.

Well, the sister of my friend showed her pictures to a professional photographer, he got excited and asked if my friend and I would do a shoot with him at the Bonneville Salt Flats. He is in high fashion photography, and I had a great time, often not really taking my job really seriously.

Well, then he asked my friend and I for another shoot, in his studio, and the following-type pictures ensued.

Well, there it is, an anticlimactic end. But Julie, thank you for the assurances. It's so cool to have such a supportive network I can reveal all my secrets to! But guess what...now it's YOUR turns to reveal some of your secrets! And undercover operations out there? Any secret hobbies or deeds?

Back to the Books, Part II

2008-08-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

The wolverine above is demonstrating for you what many students such as myself felt like today while A) attempting to park in the student lot, B) waiting to buy overpriced textbooks at the bookstore and C) trying to dodge lost freshmen, cell-phone yackers and texters and large groups of students visiting in the middle of the halls. Ah, well. Such it is every fall. It doesn't make me love UVU any less!

I've got a full course load and a dilemma. I was hoping for some advise from you, trusted blog friends. So, up until a few days ago, I was registered for 13 credits, three of them belonging to an Intro. to Art class that I've always wanted to take, just for fun. I could have used these credits toward anything I wanted, upper or lower division. Well then, I get an e-mail from my French professor. She is trying to build the French program at UV, and part of that is the dream of having a French minor available. Long story short, enrollment to these crucial classes is down and she came asking me to take 2050, Advanced French Grammars and Culture Studies. So, I dropped the art class and registered for French. However, I went to the class today, and I'm pretty overwhelmed. I haven't had French for nine months, and this is upper-level and pretty rough. It's also unnecessary. I don't need it to graduate, and I do need my GPA to stay up. But my dropping the class would mean the whole class could be dropped from the schedule, effecting the rest of the students in that class and the whole French program.

What to do? What would you do?

Which one are you?

2008-08-26T22:32:00.000-07:00

Take the Quiz here!

Back to the Books

2008-08-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

It's the First Day of School!
Elaina and Carter have been SO ready for school to start. I, on the other hand, feel totally blindsided. The summer went too fast, and suddenly the first day of school is already upon us? Unreal. But they looked so cute, marching to the bus stop in their new duds. That was one of my favorite things about the first day of school: shiny, new tennis shoes that nearly blinded people when in direct sunlight. I also remember going back-to-school shopping with my mom, and her nearly dying when I told her I wanted some $20 jeans. She said that was outrageous. (Never mind the going rate for Guess jeans in those days- it would have sent her over the edge!)

So tell me: what are some of your memories from elementary school? Any first-day traditions when you were growing up, or great stories from those young, impressionable years? I'd love to hear them!

Olympic Fever

2008-08-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the Olympics! I love watching the competitions, I love learning about and watching sports I never would have been into otherwise (like water polo, or shooting) and I love the camaraderie of nations coming together, and I love cheering for the outstanding athletes of my country.

For the past few nights Jeff and I have stayed up until around one and two o'clock in the morning, watching all the events we can (at that hour, it's been volleyball!). He'll even bring in the laptop and we'll watch the events we missed during the day on nbc.com.

Now, for anyone who may have been watching last night, perhaps you caught the women's team gymnastics event. Coming into it, China was favored to win the gold. These girls, some of them rumored to be underage, have practically been trained since fetuses to be flippin', twirlin', balancing machines. So, enter Team USA. They're feisty and adorable, just putting everything out there, trying to beat China. NO pressure. So Alicia Sacramone, amid the pressure of perfection, falls on her balance beam routine. Trying to shake off the disappointment she obviously felt with herself, Alicia tries to find a moment to herself, tries to pull it together before her next event, and the cameras just won't get off of her.

So, long story short, the team is rattled and makes some mistakes afterward, but still does well and earns the silver medal. Now, there were two things I have to wonder afterward:
#1: since when was earning a silver medal in the Olympics such a terrible thing that the media was tearing this team to shreds afterward?
#2: at what point does the NBC reporter who interviewed Alicia afterward, think that enough punches to the gut are enough? With questions like, "Your team was obviously let down after that fall. How does that make you feel?" and "So, you know that fall may have cost your team the gold, how will you ever be able to look at yourself in the mirror ever again?" By the end of the interview, Alicia was, rightly, in tears, and I was so furious at that reporter I could have decked her. Leave her alone!
What was awesome was that after the medals ceremony, that same reporter then had a go at the whole team. She starts firing away at Alicia again, but this time the team defended her, backed her up, and Shawn Johnson reminded us that, after all, they did win a silver at the Olympics- something to be very proud of.

Someone should have that reporter interview the men's gymnastics team. Watching their enthusiasm and triumph brought me to tears. I'd like to see someone tell them not to be proud of their bronze medals.

Amber:1; Bathrooms:0

2008-08-08T22:41:00.000-07:00

I will take this moment, since it is my blog after all, to celebrate my latest victory. Today, for over four hours, I scoured, scrubbed, detailed and disinfected my bathrooms. When I was finished, they could have been new! I was so proud of myself that I took Jeff on a tour of the bathrooms to show him what I'd done. Now, lest you think I never clean my bathrooms, I do. But this time, I did a top-top-bottom beating! It is so satisfying.

Now, for a moment of randomness, do any of you have cleaning/household tips you would like to share? I'm always open to new ones! For example, "boiling water in the microwave before attempting to clean it makes the job WAY easier!" Any others?

Rock On!

2008-08-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

We bought Rock Band a while ago for the Wii- and WE LOVE IT! We just can't get enough. I think we caught the bug at Melissa's house last November, and since then we've been rocking out in a serious way.
We even rope poor, unsuspecting victims into playing along. But come on- by the end, everyone's playing their hearts out and singing at the top of their lungs. If you've never experienced the magic of Rock Band, come on over! We're always looking for band members.

And some flowers, too.

2008-07-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

My Garden: one obsession of many

2008-07-31T19:03:00.000-07:00

I've had three bumper crops this year. First, my strawberries came on with a vengeance. I made jam, pies, shakes and smoothies, and still they kept coming! They're done now, but still spreading, attempting a hostile takeover of the garden as a whole. However, they have some rivals in their garden domination. The second picture is mint. What do I do with so much of it? I grew it so I could have it for this delicious drink my mom always used to make- but now it's out of control. Any mint recipes? I also have lots and lots of squash now, too. Now if you also find yourselves in the position of being over-gourded, contact your local Extension office. The Utah County Extension office in Provo provided me with a whole book of just zucchini recipes!

S-L-A-C-K-E-R

2008-07-31T09:46:00.000-07:00

Confession time. I've been slacking like crazy on my blog lately- and I have two main excuses. #1- we just returned from the North Carolina coast from a Watson family reunion (pictures to follow shortly). #2- I went to a luncheon with some friends and all anyone there talked about, the whole time, was the Twilight books! After that, I decided it was ridiculous that I'm the only woman in the world who hasn't read them, so I borrowed them from a friend and read. In short, the house has gone to shambles, the dishes have gone undone, and my assignments have been neglected as I've blitzed the first three books. This is the way I read. I pick it up, and I don't put it down 'till it's done.

So, with this confession on the table, I would like to hear what you guys have to say about the first three books, pending the 4th release- what? This weekend? What have you guys thought of the books? And if you haven't read them, what are your reasons?- because I had a list.

And looking at this picture, I'm like "wait a minute- didn't Edward have blond hair?" Is that just me? And what's with the lipstick?

What the...? Who is that guy?

2008-07-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures for the unbelievers. Around six years ago, Jeff decided to go bald. He was sick of the hair scene, and shaved it off, once and for all. However, now there are many of our friends who have never seen him with hair! So, here he is, the Jeff you never knew.

...and I'm including this one because it's cool.

I Wanna Play, Too!

2008-07-15T16:08:00.000-07:00

Alright, it's game time!

A few of my blogging friends have started this game, and it's been so much fun to read theirs, that I thought I would start one, too. All you have to do is leave a message with your best/funniest/most awesome memories of me! And then, you start the same game on your blog, and I respond to yours! It's a way to take a nice stroll down memory lane, and dredge up some embarrassing moments, all at the same time!

And okay, none of the children in this picture are me. It's just such a fabulous picture, I had to use it here. It's my older brother Keith, and my little sisters Kimberly and Gina. If any of these people actually blogged, maybe they could have a say in the usage of their pictures!

4th of July

2008-07-08T23:17:00.000-07:00

Carter: "Mom, can I have that lighter and unrestricted access to the fireworks so I can do with them what I may?"
Me: "Ah, no."

We were blessed to celebrate our nation's independence with many family members and friends, and the Cul-de-sac of Fire we do with our neighbors did not disappoint. I love our country and reverence those men and women who fought to make it free.

Happy Fourth!

Tradition, Tradition!

2008-07-07T20:47:00.001-07:00

For a few years running, we have a tradition with some of our very good friends, the Laws family. We get up at 6:00 in the morning on the 3rd of July and pull our tired, tired kiddos out of bed to drive down to Provo. Then, as the sun is just rising over the mountains, we can watch the hot air balloon festival, where bunches of hot air balloons rise, then try to float back to hit targets. Then, afterwards, we hit Mimi's Cafe for breakfast. I always get their creamy hot chocolate and honey bran muffin. They also have omelettes that are to die for!

To Baldly Go...

2008-06-30T21:37:00.001-07:00

I've had a few people ask me lately how things are going with my dad. So, I thought I'd post an update here. For those who don't know, Dad has lymphoma and has undergone heavy chemo, subsequently losing his hair and turning himself into Captain Jean-Luc Picard. When my sister Elise and I went home a few months ago, we were amazed at the resemblance!

Well, since going through chemotherapy, they have since found a lump on his thyroid. So, even thought the mass around his lymphs has decreased and chemo has been successful in that area, the doctors cannot determine whether the lump on the thyroid is benign. So, as soon as he's done with chemo, he goes into surgery to have it removed.

He describes the various treatments, the stabs with needles, the lethargy and the discomfort as "real fun." But despite it all, still works out, works too hard, and keeps up a beautiful yard and garden. When Elise and I came out for our visit, we thought we'd be able to get a lot of work done around the house for him, but we arrived to find he'd already done it! We keep praying and hope for a full recovery.

Avoidance Behavior

2008-06-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

In less than two weeks, I'm presenting a paper for the Writing Program Administration (WPA) conference in Denver. Have I written the paper yet? Ah, no. We've recently finished the basement and everything that used to be down there is camping out in the garage, forcing the cars out onto the street. So, this past Saturday was I putting the house back together? Well, no. Our friends asked us to go boating with them, and I shirked all to spend an entire day out on the lake. We went swimming, tubing, wakeboarding, and just motoring around in the sunshine. We didn't come in until all of us were worn out and burnt. (Well, except Jeff and Carter who don't burn but turn a nice golden brown. No fair.)

Eight Years of Sweet Elaina

2008-06-25T21:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe she's eight already, my beautiful girl. She turned eight in May, but we're baptizing her in July, since all my family will be here. So, here's the haps:

Saturday, July 5th at 9:00am Elaina will be baptized. Please come if you can, and I can supply directions if you'd like them.

www.lds.org

And Salsa For All!

2008-06-24T13:00:00.001-07:00

I'm posting here a copy of my most-requested recipe. It is a staple at all BBQ's at the Watson house, ever since my cousin-in-law, Tracy introduced it to me years and years ago. So, I've shared it with many of you already, but just in case you don't have it, here it is! Some call it "Cowboy Caviar," some call it "Salsa Sorte,"but I call it "Awesome."

1 can yellow corn, drained
1 can white (shoepeg) corn, drained
1 can black beans, drained
1 can white, pinto, or kidney beans, drained (You choose- I've tried them all, and any one is great!)
3 tomatoes, diced
2-3 avocados, diced
4-5 green onions, chopped
1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
1 package "Good Seasons" Italian salad dressing, prepared (I prepare it with 1/2 the oil)

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and serve with tortilla chips. It makes enough to serve a crowd!

It also tastes excellent on hamburgers. Place a spoonfull on the top of a grilled burger with some melted monterey jack cheese to give them a southwest kick. Mmm-mm! Anyone up for a BBQ? We always are!

More Pictures, Because I'm Obsessed

2008-06-22T22:10:00.000-07:00

"Shoo-ee, it's HOT!"
Liz Jeanine and Kelsey still looking fresh, at the beginning of the race.
At the finish. "Amber, gosh, put your arms down!"

Running Scared, Part 2

2008-06-22T21:41:00.001-07:00

Wa-hoo! We did it!!! This is Diane, Kelsey, Lindsay, me, Liz, and Jeanine, the six teammates in my van. The other six members of our team were in another van. (By the way, a BIG thank you to Andra, my sister-in-law, for letting us use her van! It was a champ: tons of room, excellent A/C and big windows for decorating. :)

So, our 12-man team did Ragnar in 33 hours and everyone took the race like a rock star. We were all within our projected times, some of us even shaving time off, kicking butt and taking names. I never really saw the people in the other van, but the ladies in our van did awesome. Running two of our legs in 95+ degrees, running on zero sleep and with little substantial food, this race was definitely brutal. But we did it, and I think the six of us should be really proud of ourselves. I know I did better than I thought I would, which is cool.

The good news: none of us were eaten by bears or cougies. The bad news: I am so tired!

Running Scared...

2008-06-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I run the Wasatch Back! For those of you who haven't heard of it, it's a 180-mile relay race that starts in Logan and ends in Park City. We have a 12-person team, and each member runs three legs of the distance. So, all total I'm running 13 miles over the course of two days. My first leg is Friday evening, my second Saturday around 4:00 in the morning, and my final leg is Saturday evening.

Our team name is "Running Scared" and I think it's appropriate. I've never been so unprepared for something so strenuous. I haven't adequately trained, since I joined the team pretty late and my IT Band on my left knee hurts so badly that Kay, my faithful running companion of two years, had to walk me home from our 5-miler on Monday. Lame!

So, hopefully I'll live through the ordeal to write about my experiences, because if nothing else, it promises to be memorable!

On Looking Back and Not Turning to Salt...

2008-06-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

I was doing the dishes the other day and it struck me that a year ago this month I would have just been returning home from my crazy, incredible trip to France.

It all started when I heard about the trip in my French class at UVSC. I brought the fliers home and jokingly asked Jeff if I could go. He said, "Well, tell me how you're going to afford it and who will watch the kids while you're gone, and I don't see why not." I think I looked at him and blinked a few times. "Really?"

Needless to say, I applied for and won a scholarship and scrimped and saved, then my sister Elise volunteered to come stay with the kids. So, I got my passport, packed my bags, had numerous emotional breakdowns, kissed my family good-bye and got on a plane for France.

Nice, France: Here is where I went to school every week day for three weeks at Actilangue. I lived with an elderly lady who would reprimand my roommate Sheri and I any time we spoke English.

We were in Monaco during the Monte Carlo Grand Prix...

And in Cannes during the film festival. (Sheri and I got to see a film!!) We also saw Eze; Antibes; Ventimiglia, Italy; all of Nice's Vieille Ville and so much more.

For the last week, we took the TGV to Paris. We blitzed the city, trying to see as much as we could in the short couple of days we had there. I saw Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, Versailles, The Palais de Louvre, L'Arc de Triumph, Napoleon's Tomb, Musee D'Orsay, and more and more and more. To say I missed my family would be a gross understatement (just ask Sheri, who had to listen to me sob as I fell asleep listening to my MP3 player at night...) but am I glad I went? Oui, oui! It was the opportunity of a lifetime.

Secret Shames

2008-06-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

Alright...inspired by my friend Melissa, I am writing down my three Secret Shames. These are the things I will admit and then, depending on reactions, take stock of who my true friends are.

Secret Shame #1: I like to listen to the Beastie Boys really loud while cruising in the Jeep. I wish I had a nice car stereo so I could play it louder. Yes, my secret shame is that I wish I were a gangster sometimes. ("Can I get some action from the back section?")Secret Shame #2: The kids run wild through the streets, often in pajamas and without their hair fixed. I will usually choose a picnic on the front lawn over housekeeping, and last night, I finally rolled into bed at 1:30.

Secret Shame #3: For the first time ever, I just spent over $100 for a pair of jeans. It's something I never thought myself capable of doing...and now I've gone and done it. My consolation: they're flippin' sweet!

Pomp and Circumstance

2008-06-08T22:51:00.001-07:00

Carter's gone and got himself graduated from Kindergarten! Behind him on the right is his teacher, Mrs. Jensen, who has been wonderful. On the left is Principal Theler, whom every kid in the school just loves. For graduation the kids sang songs for the parents and then went one by one to get their diplomas. Afterward, all in attendance dined on donuts and drink boxes. I am really proud of Carter, but I have to admit, I had a bit of grad envy.

Bella Novella

2008-06-08T22:33:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a while for two main reasons. #1: I have a blogging complex wherein I feel everything I want to write will turn out A. pointless B. uninteresting or C. a tacky combination of both. #2: I have been writing my fingers off working on my novella, which is due next week.

The good news about my novella is that I'm really into it right now. I think about it, dream about it, and in waking I formulate scenes, develop characters and plan plots. Jeff has had to bear the brunt of listening to all my ideas and reading over my drafts. He has also had to answer to many, many hypothetical plot situations. Here's a sampling of a possible exchange in our house of late:

Me: "Hey honey, suppose you were dating a woman whose husband had disappeared, and let's say you're really into each other. And then, say her husband came back. As a man, what would you do?"
Jeff: "Ah..."
Me: "Okay, okay. Imagine her husband doesn't come back, but the guy she's dating turns into a psychopath. What do you think?"
Jeff: "Uh..."
Me: "No, what if it's her son that's the psycho?"
Jeff: (blank stare)

He's a patient man.

What We're in For...

2008-05-20T23:03:00.000-07:00

Tonight Elaina asked me for the definitions to the words 'melodrama,' 'assume,' and 'exaggeration.' And following my definitions, (the best ones I could produce) she would repeat them back using what she thought would be appropriate context and then ask, "Is that right?" A little word girl like myself! But unlike me, she seems to also understand math...

I Fold...

2008-05-19T22:03:00.000-07:00

Here's the deal: I've been pressured by too many friends for too long, and now I fold. I'm making a blog and I make no promises. In fact, I have my doubts that anyone will even read it--my own mother included.