INSIDE MY HEAD...

Family.

2011-02-06T22:03:00.000-05:00

Adam and Joanie came home for Christmas and lived with us for at least three weeks as they waited for their visas to come through for their move to England. It was a full house with two four-year-olds and a baby, but I miss them and can't wait to visit.

The Beach.

2011-01-07T22:04:00.001-05:00

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 31 October - 5 November 2010.
10 hours in the car with a four-year old and a one-year old.
Awesome.

My camera also broke at the beach, so I'm really glad I got a few decent pictures out of a mostly blurry experience.

Birthday girl.

2010-10-17T18:18:00.002-04:00

Growing up.

2010-10-01T21:02:00.000-04:00

She's taking on water!

2010-09-22T22:59:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I've had to think about mathematical equations and such, but I very recently discovered a formula to brighten your day: hole-y roof + torrential downpour = working on day off. You like? Me, not so much. But squeegee-ing is kind of fun, especially in Shoes. Fabrics and crafts. The photo lab. The backroom. Ugh. The backroom. What a mess. We pulled at least six shopping carts of sopping wet shoes from the salesfloor. There were probably four carts from infants. Thousands of dollars were lost in damaged large-screen TVs. All but maybe one of our photo-processing machines, including two brand new ones, are swimming and they're not water-anything. Awesome. The hopefully-legal immigrants who've been repairing/replacing the roof the past several days and since o'dark thirty this morning? Apparently, they didn't anticipate this afternoon's thunderstorm. Poor guys. They worked so hard and I'm pretty sure they're still there cleaning up. We haven't had rain all summer. Go figure.

Bath time.

2010-08-07T22:14:00.001-04:00

I know you don't necessarily know Paris as well as I do, but she actually let me wash and brush her hair. It's a miracle, man! Her hair looked amazing. Here's hoping it's somewhat manageable in the morning...

Adventure? Dilemma.

2010-08-07T21:36:00.001-04:00

So. This really isn't an adventure per se, but the new position I alluded to several posts ago has turned out to be quite...sweaty. What I know how to do so far isn't all that difficult but the salesfloor is so darn hot. I miss the comforts of Personnel's air conditioning. Oh, and since the Powers That Be have terminated three assistant managers in the past few weeks, another assistant is in a potentially confidential location for military training, and the store manager is on vacation this week, we are exceptionally short-staffed when it comes to leaders in my store, meaning Zone Supervisors (me) are being asked to step up and assist in a more managerial way. I'm not exactly uber-thrilled about that one. I only know how to do a handful of stuff and I still spend some of my time answering (the same) questions (over and over) for the new me in Personnel. I really miss knowing what I'm doing, but I really enjoy spending money, so if my Personnel position opens up again (it may be soon), I'm not so sure I'd apply to go back. Except I really do miss my Sundays off... that's probably worth $2.40/hour right there.

Also, Paris' new favorite phrase is "rippling pectorals". She finally told me that she got it from Hercules. Do you have any idea how hilarious it is to hear a 4-year-old say "rippling pectorals"? Most definitely the highlight of my day.

Third Adventure. Part Five

2010-07-22T23:40:00.001-04:00

We left in the wee hours of Saturday morning (5 June 2010). This is a picture of the airport at 5:00 in the morning as 6,000 Walmart associates begin to make their way home:

Enough said. I pity the locals who were trying to fly out that day.

Arkansas, thank you for everything.

Also, thank you, Sam's Club lady in the airport, for actually mailing Dan's postcard for me. I owe you 42 cents.

This was fun.

Third Adventure. Part Four.

2010-07-22T23:35:00.003-04:00

The adventure continued on Friday, 4 June 2010, with the Annual Shareholder's Meeting and the reason why I went to Arkansas. I don't recall much of the official business that took place, but I do remember the famous people. Jamie Foxx was our host and the star of the day. He is a very twitchy performer; it was hard to get a clear picture. He sang, he joked, he took Darell's jacket, he imitated Ray Charles...

He was absolutely hilarious. And I loved him on Sesame Street.

Famous person number two, and I still can't get over this: Enrique Iglesias.

When in my life would I ever actually see him in a live performance? That's right. Never. This may come as a shocker, so prepare yourself, but he's not actually the greatest singer. He's really very pitchy, but his earpiece-thing came out, so I'll try not to judge too harshly. Also, he's very pretty, and, he jumped off the stage and came out into the crowd about ten rows in front of us.

It's not the best picture, but he was twitchy too and he can't even blame it on Ray Charles.

Third famous person, she was really kind of awkward for me (don't tell Oprah): Mary J. Blige.

I'm sure she was good, but I'm not really a super fan of her style, and she seems a little old to be prancing around on stage the way she was. Onward.

Famous person number four: newest American Idol winner, Lee DeWyze. He is absolutely adorable. I was totally out in the hall when I heard him singing and I practically ran back into the arena. He was so cute on stage with his little guitar.

I'm thinking this was a pretty big performance for him. He'd only won American Idol the week before and there were like 16,000 people at this meeting. He was really good.

Next famous person and my absolute least favorite of all (I'm such a jerk): Mariah Carey.

Like she actually shops at Walmart. Why was she there? It was the most clothed I think I've ever seen her, but she was so condescending. It was nine o'clock in the morning and she said she usually doesn't even go to bed until that time. There was no water for her on stage and she seemed really put off by that. And then she talked about how difficult the life of a "creative person" is and how nice it was to be with real, "normal" people. Oh, so I'm not creative because I work at Walmart? Whatever. Maybe you wouldn't need to pout for water if your dress wasn't so tight and you could actually breathe when you need to. Like I said before, I'm a jerk. I do like some of her old songs - she sang "Hero" even though the way she talked made it seem like she really didn't want to - but anything else from her is just not what I want to hear.

Last and most favorite famous person of all: Josh Groban!

Dear, sweet Joshy-poo, when will you have a new album? This picture leads me to believe maybe sometime soon, and also, because he sang a new song, "Hidden Away", that he's never performed live before and it was amazing. I don't always like his vibrato but I absolutely love him. He's just adorable in his nerdy, musical sort of way.

After the meeting, on our way to the pavilion for lunch, we saw a few associates from Japan. They're so cute!

The dude in front jumped in just as Beth took the picture. I'm so glad he did; he totally makes the picture.

On Friday afternoon, we took a tour of the Home Office in Bentonville, Arkansas.
I pretty much love the Home Office now and I would totally work there if ever given the chance. Not that Walmart is necessarily my dream job or lifetime career of choice, but hypothetically speaking, if it gets to that point, it could be fun.

Especially if I could work in the Restricted Area.

A few minutes after I took a picture of this door, a Restricted Man came out and stealthily walked away. I should've asked him what I need to do to work in the Restricted Area. If he told me, he probably would've had to kill me, so maybe it's better I didn't ask.

We also took a tour of the Visitor's Center which is the same building as Sam Walton's original Five and Dime.

It's not like a really have a testimony of Walmart or anything, but Sam Walton seems like a pretty amazing person and I appreciate that he built a company based on values like respect, service, and excellence. Obviously, things change over time, but this meeting helped me see that at least the leaders at the top still strive to live those same values today (or they talk like they do). Of course, most of them have never been an hourly associate in an actual Walmart store, so I will say that they really don't know what it's like, but, at least, they try.

Third Adventure. Part Three.

2010-07-18T21:58:00.002-04:00

Thursday's adventures began with an old guy from a lame cover band mocking me for texting during their "performance" (if that's what you can even call it) prior to our Walmart US meeting. By far, the coolest real performance was given by Sara Evans.

Once again, country music is not favorite, except that part of the brainwashing that occurred apparently included increasing my appreciation for and love of country music. She is absolutely beautiful and she loves Walmart. She said that when she's on tour, her whole family goes to Walmart and shops like they don't have anything at all.

And her guitar player was adorable. When I was cropping the picture, I noticed a ring on an oh-so-important finger, but I can still admire from afar.

After our meeting, we had the rest of the day to spend at the Supplier Fair. I didn't see as many famous people, but I did stop by the South Africa World Cup booth and here's the result:

I'm not exactly sure what type of creature this mascot is, but if it's South Africa, I'm there.

The lady I stood with when meeting Michael Oher told me that Olympic Snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis was there, but I didn't see her. I had a picture taken with a random Nascar driver and I could've met Richard Petty, but, much to my hometown's dismay, I'm not really an avid fan of Nascar. Towards the end of the Fair, we ran out of people to take pictures of and/or with, so this nice gentleman and his dog agreed to a picture or two.

Thursday evening's events included a minor league baseball game and fireworks. Baseball is not really my favorite sport, but I do think this picture is cool. Go team!

There was this player on the other team, the catcher for the Texas Rangers...Taylor Teagarden. I was a little obsessed with his last name. How cool would it be to have Teagarden as a last name?

He didn't know it, but we were pretty much BFF until he dropped the ball. I even went so far as to stalk him on Facebook. I never knew baseball could be so much fun.

And these fine gentleman in blue...

...I kid you not, they are synchronized dirt-smoothers. They had boy-band music and everything.

Funny story. On Friday night, Andrew and I (he was my baseball-mocking BFF) totally could not remember what the blue guys were called. I googled the team, the ballpark, frequently used baseball terms. Nothing. Beth from Waynesboro even texted several friends to see if it was an official title or just a local thing. Groundskeeper? Dirt Duster? Still, nothing. Andrew called the ballpark and we were told to call at 8 the next morning when Information/Customer Service would be available. So, during our Detroit layover, at 10 a.m. local time, Andrew (my new hero) called Arkansas to inquire about the boys in blue. Are you ready for this? They are the "Drag Diggities" and they were the best part of the show. Except when Teagarden dropped the ball. Oh, and the fireworks were pretty cool, too.

Third Adventure. Part Two.

2010-07-18T01:06:00.004-04:00

On Wednesday, 2 June 2010, we went to a Supplier Fair where we were given all sorts of free stuff and met all kinds of famous people. It was pretty great. And I got the most amazing sunburn ever. I missed the Coppertone booth.

First famous person: Mr. Rollback, Darell himself, came to breakfast.

He is a real, live associate (he works in a store in Virginia) and he was only with the company for 4 months when he auditioned for the part and, as of June, it hadn't been a year yet. Must be nice as far as careers go...he's got Walmart and Hollywood.

Second famous person of the day: Kristi Yamaguchi.

She was totally my most favorite figure skater ever. I even had her cereal box (I think it was Special K). And no one even knew she was there. We only went to the Cosmetics tent because we heard about the free manicures (and haircuts), and there she was sitting, no line, nothing.

And just to give you an idea of how stinking hot it was, the poor Great Lash Mascara guy (yes, guy) needed some help cooling off.

This was definitely an event for the photogenic. It was a struggle for me at times. They had booths where you'd have your picture taken in front of a green screen and then they'd Photoshop you next to Taylor Swift or Michael Jordan or Woody and Buzz and the rest of the Toy Story gang. Apparently, green is not the best color to wear when being photographed in front of a green screen. Also, apparently, it's a bit difficult to get all of the green out of curly hair. It's just a shame I don't have any of those pictures available to post.

Oh, this is funny. So, Michael Oher was there, the football player whose story is told in the film "The Blind Side" (with Sandra Bullock and "superstar" Tim McGraw).

The movie was playing on the TV behind him, and, when we got close to the front of the line, the part with the car accident was on and the lady I was standing with said something like, "This is the bad part, can't we skip it?" Michael turned and said with a smile, "It was a bad part in real life too." Oh, snap. He was pretty cool. And very tall.

More famous people: two of the Dixie Chicks were there, but not as Dixie Chicks. The sisters, Martie Maguire and Emily Robison, formed their own folk group and released an album earlier this year. So, as The Courtyard Hounds, they made an appearance and sat in the stifling heat at the AT&T booth.

(Emily Robison and Martie Maguire of The Courtyard Hounds)

The concert for Wednesday night featured REO Speedwagon (who knew they were still around?)

and The Barenaked Ladies (performing "If I Had $1,000,000"), who are totally hilarious.

Story: REO Speedwagon sang their song "I heard it from a friend who heard from a friend who heard it from another..." and when BNL took the stage, they analyzed the degrees of separation in that song, concluding that "Take It On the Run" by REO Speedwagon is probably about Kevin Bacon. Their thought process, as explained to us, went something like this: "It's simple math, really. They never say it specifically but it could be Kevin Bacon." and then, "This is a song from our new album. It's also about Kevin Bacon."

To end the evening, the Barenaked Ladies departed with the most entertaining "boy band" dance ever:

This single moment completely made up for the awkwardness of REO Speedwagon's aging and the live-performance pitchiness of both bands.

Oh, good times, good times.

Third Adventure. Part One.

2010-07-17T23:27:00.001-04:00

We flew all morning, we stood around in the airport for a good portion of the afternoon, we took a bus to the University of Arkansas, we ate pretty decent food, and then we went to a concert. Two of them, actually. The first performer was the Zac Brown Band.

To be honest, I'd really never heard any of their music prior to that night. Over all, it was alright, but their violinist/fiddler was amazing.

Our second performer was Tim McGraw. So. I don't mind country music, but it's just not always my favorite. Tim McGraw, however, is a total superstar. He totally knows it, of course, which is why he seemed so comfortable waltzing around the stage in his pink shirt and tight pants. He's not actually a bad singer, but his technique I'm pretty sure is awful and I was totally analyzing how he makes his voice sound like it does. Analysis aside, he's an attractive man.

I don't know why they bothered to give him a guitar. He didn't actually play it. I found that quite amusing.

Farewell, Tim. You done good. Nice hat.

Third Adventure.

2010-07-17T22:56:00.004-04:00

My next most recent life adventure began on Tuesday, 1 June 2010. I volunteered and was chosen to represent my store at the annual Walmart Shareholder's Meeting in Northwest Arkansas.

(a view from the University of Arkansas campus where most of our events took place)

So much happened that I hardly know where to begin. I traveled with a group of associates from the Central Pennsylvania area and we made a few friends along the way. Our flights went fairly well, which is a good thing since a few in our group were first-time fliers and were a bit apprehensive about the experience. Randomly, we traveled from Harrisburg to Detroit, and then to Northwest Arkansas. You'd think it would be more cost-efficient to travel a more direct route. Clearly, I'm not in charge.

I may need to break this adventure up into multiple parts. Quite a lot happened in the five days I spent with several thousand Walmart associates. We did the cheer at least five times while waiting for our buses at the airport. Let the brainwashing begin.

Second Adventure.

2010-07-07T00:58:00.005-04:00

So, I guess Adventure Numero Dos would be the YSA trip to Kirtland, Ohio. Here's the thing: I am not the biggest fan of Young Single Adult activities that involve dances and talking to people I don't know, which is the reason why I don't go to activities, ever. Also, I'm usually at work. However, I'd never been to Kirtland and, knowing the amount of Church history that happened here, the pros definitely outweighed the cons on this one.

Our arrival was perfectly timed; we didn't have to mingle at all on Friday night. We got there a few minutes before John Bytheway spoke. He is hilarious, by the way, and a cute boy with really good posture sat in front of me, so, all in all, it was a good night.

On Saturday, we had a devotional-type meeting with John Bytheway and workshops in the morning, a service project in the afternoon (my group sorted donations for a local organization), and the dreaded dance that night. I went, I danced, I two-stepped (badly), I almost had fun. I was a little disappointed that I didn't get the last-slow-song-of-the-night pity-dance with the cute boy, but I'm afraid I would've had to ask him, and heaven knows that won't ever happen. I am so over dances.

Sunday's activities are the real reasons why I went on the trip to begin with. We were able to have our sacrament meeting in the Kirtland Temple and then we had the afternoon to visit the Church History sites in the area. The temple is absolutely beautiful and I appreciate the Community of Christ Church for taking such good care of it. However, I felt so much more when we visited the Church-owned sites, such as the Whitney Store. We didn't have time to go to the Johnson or Morley farms and we didn't stay for the closing fireside, but it was a really good experience, a spiritual weekend adventure that provided a much-needed reprieve from the rest of my life.

I love this house; I think it's just darling. I would totally live here...with the addition of indoor plumbing.

I think I'm mildly obsessed with benches and barrels. I take a lot of pictures of these types of things.

I absolutely love these dishes. I took, like, three pictures of this table-setting. I really, really love them.

I love the way the Church restores things. You can just see how much care goes into the restoration process. It's refreshing and reassuring to see something that is cared for so deeply.

First Adventure.

2010-07-07T00:00:00.005-04:00

In order of my most recent adventures, I guess my family's trip to Utah in April would be the first. It seems so long ago, I can hardly remember what happened. I do know that we went for Gabrian's blessing and we had Psy'renee blessed on the same day. I also know it was so good to see friends and family that I love and miss, like, all the time. And every time I go to f.y.e. or the library, I wish I still worked there. Although, recently I've noticed that I don't miss my old jobs as much as I used to; except that I just started a new position at work and I'm pretty sure I do miss my old jobs, all of them, and would pretty much rather be doing anything else besides what I'm doing. But that's a story for another day.

So, it's picture time. Here are a few from Utah:

Aw, look at the cute cousins!

Paris practically lived for the pool and I love this action shot. The rest of my family would probably not be so pleased if they knew I posted this picture, but Paris looks cool.

I love the way Psy'ren studies the things she looks at. She's so observant.

Gabrian is the sweetest little boy, and, you can't see it, but he has a CTR soccer ball pin. I love it!

Look at the little angel baby! I love her so much! She wore my blessing dress and her hair is awesome.

Mama and daughter after the blessing; Psy'ren is such a calm baby.

The trip took quite a lot out of Paris. She practically screamed the whole way home. Five hours in a small-enclosed space 35,000 feet in the air? Not my favorite moment.

Life is...

2010-07-05T19:31:00.002-04:00

So, I haven't blogged in months. I'm pretty sure I was caught up in the monotony that is my life and didn't feel like anything post-worthy had happened. But I guess I've had a few things happen somewhat recently that I'll try to blog about soon. Things like going to a YSA Conference in Kirtland, OH, and being my store's representative at the Walmart Shareholder's Meeting and seeing many a famous person. I also started a new position at work this past Saturday and I'm pretty sure I made a less than good decision when agreeing to leave the comfort of Personnel for a $2.40/hour pay increase but I've only spent two days on the job, so it may be a little too early to tell. I'm on the wrong computer to post pictures of my adventures right now, and let's face it, pictures are the most important part of the story. I'll try to post something soon...

Snow.

2010-02-10T15:03:00.001-05:00

I have so much fun with this kid. And we have like a million feet of snow.

Utah.

2010-01-24T21:26:00.007-05:00

Holy quick vacation, Batman! I am so glad that I was able to go to Utah last week, for a grand total of two full days (plus two travel days that don't amount to much). I heart Robin Hood and totally love that we watched the entire third season. I do apologize, however, to Kanani and Trudy for not emotionally preparing them for the final two episodes. Sorry.

I love that I went to "The Chocolate" with Laura and Beth. It was delicious and the perfect place to catch up with favorite friends. I love the library and am so glad I got to see a few favorite people there. Thank you, Chelsey, for coming to work on your day off and reading the note that I left so you could call me and I could kidnap you and your car and have you take me to f.y.e. and Adam and Joanie's. Did I say thank you? Um, thanks.

I also love that Gabrian decided to join us the week before my trip. I am so glad I got to meet him!

And Kora is absolutely amazing. She is beautiful and funny and so smart.

I totally covet her room - it's what I dream mine would have looked like growing up, or even now really. FYI, pretty much anything is better than pink carpet that you picked out during your seven-year-old "pink is my favorite color" phase.

One more thing: f.y.e. is wonderful. I know I've raved about this before, but I've just experienced its greatness once again and I am a bit overwhelmed. I am totally wishing I could plan my triumphant return for this summer, I am thinking about it at least, but there would be a lot of details to work out and a ton of familial convincing to do. The decision to move home was difficult enough, and it was even more difficult to stay home once I actually got here, but it's been a year and a half and maybe trying to leave will be different this time. I'll let you know.

But this little girl surely would be one amazing reason to stay!

Two things.

2010-01-16T21:53:00.000-05:00

Number one: I have a nephew! I'd call him new, except that he's my only nephew and since I didn't have one before, he has to be new. His name is Gabrian John Fisher and he was born Wednesday, 13 January 2010, 7 lbs 5 oz, 19" long(?).

Second: I get to see him sometime between Sunday and Wednesday because I'll be in Utah! Originally the trip was solely for the purpose of watching Robin Hood Season 3 with Kanani and Trudy. But, since Joanie complied with my wishes and had the little man before my trip, I now get to see my new nephew.

Pictures are forthcoming...as soon as I have some.

"Christmastime is here..."

2009-12-20T18:48:00.005-05:00

I don't have much to say. I'm overwhelmed by life most of the time, but I am so grateful for this season of the year. It's my favorite. It snowed so much yesterday and, even though I had to work and have no season-appropriate footwear, I actually had fun rescuing my car from ten inches of snow after working all day.
Cowgirl Paris loves her new hat - she is growing up way too fast!
We've only recently rediscovered the marble shooter; it brings back so many childhood memories. It helps that Paris loves it - I'd feel kind of funny being a 27-year-old playing with the marbles all by myself.

New York, New York

2009-12-06T19:56:00.007-05:00

Every time I think of New York City, I automatically start singing, "Give my regards to Broadway", and the reason why I'm thinking/singing of New York is because I was just there on Saturday, 5 December 2009. It was rainy, then snowy, and cold, so cold, but absolutely wonderful. I loved seeing the city in snow!
This was the first time I've been to NYC at this time of year - I'm so glad it snowed so I got the full winter experience.

The main purpose of the trip was to visit the Manhattan Temple, which is absolutely amazing. The temple is a true place of peace in the middle of this bustling city. I've been told of what it's like to be in the temple but hear none of the city sounds from outside. But, it is even more incredible to be there, standing just inside the doors of the temple, looking out to the foyer and the street beyond, and experience it for myself. People shuffled past on the sidewalk and cabs blared their horns in the street, but there was perfect quiet until the moment I opened the door, and all of the world came rushing in. It was the most amazing example to me of how the temple is supposed to be, a place of peace and calm, even though the world is not so calm and quiet around us.

Roadtrip.

2009-10-22T22:03:00.009-04:00

A few weeks ago I felt the need to drive nearly 6 hours to Washington Depot, CT and see the town that inspired Gilmore Girls' "Stars Hollow". Of course I had to request off work, wait 3 weeks for those scheduled days to arrive, and hope that I still felt adventurous. It seemed to work out nicely since Utah didn't happen and with this weekend's events, I needed a break from life right about now anyway. I chose a hotel in the Danbury/Bethel area of Connecticut which is only 20+ miles from my dream destination, but once I got there, my desire to see "Stars Hollow" waned and I didn't feel like driving an extra 40 minutes out of my way. I figure, you see one New England town, you've seen them all. I'm sure that's an incorrect assumption; I'll have to adjust my worldview for next time. I did, however, enjoy these two days of scheduled spontaneity.

In honor of at least one favorite TV show, I spent a "scrantastic" 20 minutes at the Steamtown Mall in Scranton (I bought iPod speakers and batteries at f.y.e. because a CD got stuck in my car and heaven forbid I have to listen to the radio). At least I can now say that I have truly been to the "Electric City".

I spent way too much money to see two movies: one beautifully filmed but stressfully boring, "Where The Wild Things Are", and one amazingly fantastic, horrendously sad, 'Bright Star', about the Romantic poet, John Keats. I now have a new love for Keats' poetry and a silly celebrity crush on Ben Whishaw, the actor who portrayed him so well.

I did see some awesome Fall foliage, but do you know how difficult it is to take a decent picture when the scenery is flying past you at 85 miles an hour? Well, I do. You can only do so much when you're the passenger and the driver. I couldn't stop for every beautiful thing, because that would have been ridiculous and it would've taken me ten years to get home.

Here are my feeble, edited attempts to capture, in the most limited way possible, the beauty of the end of the season in New England (maybe one or two from Connecticut, mostly New York, and a few from PA, north of Scranton):

What can I say? I tried.

Look at the baby!

2009-10-19T00:04:00.006-04:00

Surprise event of the weekend: My newest niece was born Saturday morning at 5:41, and guess when she was due - November 5th. Just in case you're confused or a little out of touch, Saturday was not November 5th. It was, in fact, October 17th, meaning she was in such a hurry to reach the world that she came three weeks early! Crazy kid. Needless to say, she's tiny. 4 pounds, 11 ounces kind of tiny. But, she is absolutely beautiful and has one heck of a big sister:

"Psy'renee Alayna Dennis" - I'm pretty sure her name is bigger than she is.

Paris holding her baby sister's hand. Tender.

Paris told Psy (pronounced 'sigh', as in psychology, psychotic, psychiatrist, etc): "It's going to be alright." I almost cried, it was that adorable.

Paris holding her sister for the first time...

...and Paris being distracted by a Barbie commercial on the TV above her.

Paris found an awesome hiding place for her solo game of hide-and-seek.

Look how tiny she is! And yes, Brea is wearing her daughter's bib.

Welcome to the world, little girl!

Update.

2009-10-04T21:14:00.003-04:00

I'm done being stubborn. I'm doing being selfish. I'm done being needlessly apathetic. I hope that f.y.e. will make it without my business this week. I don't have the money to shop anyway, and my dad's health is infinitely more important than a used copy of The Office. There is the whole "non-refundable" aspect of traveling to consider, but apparently the powers that be were willing to overlook it this time. Dad was able to cancel everything (flight, hotel(s), rental car) without a significant monetary loss. I think that was part of my selfish concern, even though I wasn't paying for the trip anyway. I truly was prepared to grab Paris and go - I like to think we could have survived a trip to Utah and back together. However, I would've felt like a callous jerk if I went, but I'd rather not sit at home when I could be elsewhere, so here's hoping Walmart lets me work when I'm not scheduled...

"I am ashamed."

2009-10-04T19:01:00.005-04:00

So, my dad is in the hospital and I probably should be more concerned than I feel like I am. But I think I may actually be more concerned than I can handle, so I shut down my senses instead and not-so-subconsciously decide not to handle it at all. The trip to Utah that I was so looking forward to and that was supposed to take place this week is, obviously, no longer happening. And you know what upsets me the most? I won't be able to shop at f.y.e. like I planned. You think I'm kidding. Nope. I am as heartless as they come. I am a spoiled little child who didn't get a pony for her birthday and may actually throw a temper tantrum because of it. Paris, my 3-year-old niece who was going to fly on an airplane for the first time and see her cousin Kora's house also for the first time, is handling this better than I am. Apparently, hospitalization, in my mind, is no excuse to cancel a trip. I'm a jerk. My "suck it up and deal with it" mentality just isn't quite right for this situation. A normal individual would think that a loved one having a life-threatening experience would be enough reason to cancel a trip. Third ring of hell, party of one. I'm on my way. Boo-freaking-hoo that I might actually have to work this week instead of spending money I don't have on things I don't need. I think I'm more concerned that I won't be able to work and I'll have to spend eight whole days hanging out in Chambersburg.

Gettysburg, etc....

2009-08-28T00:32:00.017-04:00

Apparently, I'm no longer tired. Second wind? Ready? Go. Here are a few more favorites:

At Little Round Top. Paris was still waking up from her miniature nap in the car.
Brea and Paris at Devil's Den.

Paris, struggling with a mozarella cheesestick at Friendly's. So good.
A potentially artsy picture at the Letterkenny Reservoir (less artsy when you look at a larger version), which is near....

...my uncle's wonderfully creepy cabin, which I love. (It's mostly only creepy because we were there alone; it's much better with family and food.)

A cool sign in New York, in honor of my niece Paris, who is learning that her name belongs to more than just her individual self.

It was a good week.

Highlights.

2009-08-27T22:45:00.020-04:00

I've been meaning to post some pictures from my adventures with Laura Fox a few weeks ago. We took a train to New York City, and I totally feel city-savvy now that I know my way around the Big Apple. We also went to my uncle's cabin, Gettysburg, Cowan's Gap, and we drove around Amish country for slightly longer than planned. I don't get lost; I just drive until I end up on a road I recognize. Here is a summary of the week in words and pictures:

Thank you, Harrisburg's Penn Station, for making such a phenomenal first impression.

The mob bosses are meeting to discuss the bodies in the trunk, witnessed from the 86th floor of the Empire State Building.

In honor of "In the Heights", I totally took "the A train, even farther than Harlem to northern Manhattan and maintain, get off at 181st and take the escalator, I hope you're writin' this down, I'm gonna test you later." It's an elevator, not an escalator, Usnavi, get it right.

Some artsy New York pictures...Central Park, Kevin's favorite books, Laura and her zebra friend, subliminal messages from M&M World (oddly enough, I craved chocolate after staring at this particular advertisment in Time's Square), etc.

And now I'm much too tired, let's consider this post "to be continued..."

The rest of my weekend.

2009-08-27T21:28:00.006-04:00

Turkey-sighting aside, my weekend was actually quite enjoyable, considering 43,000 students were shopping at Walmart and it was busier than Black Friday. Cashiering can actually be quite fun when you choose to converse with your customers. The locals were funny: some were happy to see the students return, others grumbled because they forgot "they" were coming back and didn't realize Walmart would be so incredibly busy, and one man in particular made no attempt to hide his blatant disregard for the "spoiled rich kids" who expect handouts and have the gall to touch his fully restored '67 Mustang. I quickly learned that this man does not allow just anyone near his cars. I appreciate the woman who suggested I try a certain bar because they brew their own beer. Except that I don't drink, so never mind, but thanks anyway. I heart the freshman from Oakland who's going to miss his mom. I giggled when one girl, who had lived in New York all summer, couldn't help but declare "I love Walmart! It's so cheap!" when she saw her total. We don't get that reaction a lot, or really ever, at Walmart.

I was amazed by the sheer number of parents willing to spend $500 on their "adult" children. And sometimes, college parents are worse than the college kids. That was a struggle. They could be quite obnoxious. I had a total of one student actually thank her father after he spent hundreds of dollars on non-essentials. The frat boys who came through with $360 worth of food made me laugh - they apologized from the start, "This is a lot of food." It's okay. I can take it. One girl actually paid for her own purchases and then declared that she needed a job. I helpfully offered that Walmart was hiring. Never in my life have I felt so judged. I mean, wow, the look she gave me? The stink eye for sure. And a possible death wish, I don't quite know. Her snide response was, "Aw, I don't have a car." Boo-freaking-hoo. Get over yourself.

I would like to recognize my IT guy, Jonathan, who valiantly attempted to fix my internet, and when it still wouldn't work, he tried to convince the hotel to give me a different room. It was a noble effort. In case you actually do read my blog, um, thank you, Jonathan, for your hard work. It was a pleasure talking to you...for 45(?) minutes...on Friday night. I apologize and I hope they pay you well.

Going out of town on Walmart's behalf is not entirely without its perks. Free hotel, gas money, Red Lobster on Mr. Sam's tab - not too shabby. I ate out alone, mind you, but Red Lobster biscuits taste just as good when you're a party of one. I don't need an audience, and I got to eat all of them myself. I can handle that. However, Brea can tell you that I almost couldn't handle Cici's (all-you-can-eat pizza) alone - I felt pitied - "Aw, look at the lonely, fat girl at the pizza buffet. I'm so glad I have friends." That was awesome. I am most assuredly overly self-conscious and far too paranoid, but at least the pizza was good.

So, all in all, not a bad weekend. For working eight days straight, it wasn't as dreadful as anticipated. I would almost venture to say that I might, maybe, may do it again. I would prefer to be employed elsewhere by this time next year, so it was probably to my advantage to take the opportunity to experience "Move-In" weekend at Penn State when I did.

...to get to the other side.

2009-08-22T19:53:00.007-04:00

So, I'm out of town on business this weekend, I guess that's what you'd call it. On Thursday night, I was driving up to State College, reluctantly following Mapquest's directions which had, like, 20 steps - google maps only gave me 8 steps, but the difference in mileage was enough to make my decision for me. Onward. It started off like a fairly normal roadtrip. Until I'm prompted to turn off the main highway, of sorts, to follow Mill Creek Hollow Road. Rule #1: All horror movies start with the simple act of turning off the main road to follow the unknown, dark, and treacherous mountain trail. That does not sound promising. I see a sign for "State Gaming Lands". What does that even mean? And then, are you ready for this - a turkey crosses the road in front of me. A turkey. Not a deer as expected, but a Happy Thanksgiving. No, thank you. Come on, Mapquest! I'd rather be with the British mourning the loss of the Colonies. I was ever so relieved to exit the mountainous, horror-movie-setting "State Gaming Lands" and reach civilized roadways once again. So, why did the turkey cross the road? To get to the other side, apparently. And to freak me out. Dang Mapquest.

Never before have I been so grateful or excited to see Walmart. Although, I've actually been having a good time - cashiering, even - as 43,000 students come back into town for the start of school on Monday. I'll finish blogging about this weekend when I get home. My room is the only room in the entire hotel without functional internet - of course - so, I'm borrowing from the room of a fellow Walmart associate and I shouldn't overstay my welcome. I just needed to share this one, uniquely startling experience of mine...

The Pizza Roll Rebellion...

2009-08-03T16:11:00.003-04:00

I'm 27 years old. You'd think I have the ability to make decisions on my own. So, at 10:30 the other night, I was hungry. I decided I wanted pizza rolls. Not the healthiest choice, I realize, but it was my choice nonetheless. My mom said no. My dad said no. I tried to obey. I washed my face and decided I was still hungry. I walked past my parents' room and said I was going to have pizza rolls. My dad said my name rather loudly and told me not to. I did anyway. I've never really been the rebellious type, but apparently this was a moment that called for action. Let me sabotage my body if I want to, dang it! I'll be the one facing the consequences, i.e. needing a significantly larger size the next time I buy clothing. But it's my choice, right? I'm not necessarily proud of my miniature rebellion - I don't like to be disobedient - but I feel as though there ought to come a time in one's life when parents can no longer tell you what to do. I don't appreciate being scolded...ever. In times such as these, I miss living on my own. Don't get me wrong, I love my parents. I really, really appreciate them, especially for allowing me to live at home and mooch a little while longer. But, I also want to have my pizza rolls and eat them too. Is that too much to ask?

Oh, wow.

2009-07-08T14:04:00.012-04:00

So, I have this pair of red shoes. There's no place like home, click your heels together kind of red shoes. I love them so much, even though I bought them at Payless a few years ago and never thought I would actually wear them. Now, I wear them almost everyday to work and have done so for the past 8 months at least, which of course has caused them to wear out. Does that stop me from wearing them? Oh, no. The heel of one of the shoes is no longer sewn together. It's mostly held in place by the lining which is falling out of the gaping heel hole; but every morning without fail, I choose the red ones over any other shoes that I own. I really don't have much to choose from, but I just love my red shoes. I've known they were dying for quite a while, and I've honestly been trying to replace them, but of course, Payless doesn't have that same style and you can't find a pair of red shoes just anywhere. I mean, look at Dorothy. She had to follow the yellow brick road, find courage for the cowardly lion, and deal with "I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too!" Not necessarily the easiest of tasks. Oh, and let's face it, I'm lazy; if I had to do all of that for a pair of shoes, I'd rather go barefoot.

So, Monday, I'm sitting at my desk at work, bored, sleepy, not mentally prepared or alert enough to handle all that a Monday at Walmart implies, hesitant to start on a project for fear of interruption, when I see my stapler in my desk drawer...and I think of how my shoe is coming apart...and how I don't really sew all that well...and they're only from Payless so it's a miracle they've lasted as long as they have...and I wonder...could my stapler? my shoes? Don't tell my boss, but I did it. This has to be the single most white-trash moment of my life, an all-consuming, life-time low for me. I totally stapled my shoe. The part of the heel that was coming apart? Well, it's not really coming apart anymore. That's good, right? Still, you'd think that I could at least afford a new pair of shoes. But no, I'm broke, afraid of commitment, and not just any pair of red shoes will do. I figure it will take me at least a year to find a suitable replacement. So, until that time, stapled they will be. First my pirate pants, and now this? I don't know how much more I can take. I guess I'll find out when it happens.

So long, farewell...

2009-06-30T00:40:00.027-04:00

To quote Stephen Colbert: "I laughed, I cried, I lost 15 pounds!" Okay fine, that's not entirely true. I definitely laughed, I almost cried, and I can only pretend that I lost 15 pounds. I feel like another part of me is missing, dying even, a feeling similar to when my saggy-butt pajama pants began to go the way of all the earth, and even more like when they gave up the ghost once and for all just a few weeks ago (I disposed of them in the most convenient way possible - the nearest trash can, of course)...but most of all, it feels like a favorite child has disappointed you somehow and you know things will never, ever be the same. I tried to prepare mentally, emotionally, grammatically, ecumenically (thank you, Captain Jack), but still, that kind of adjustment takes time.

Thank goodness the BBC is just cheesy enough to cause me to laugh instead of cry. I love Robin Hood. And I have loved the past three seasons worth of Jonas Armstrong as Robin Hood. He is really good at crying and almost as good at dying, not that I want to give anything away, but I pretty much just did. Sorry. Don't worry, he has a brother, conveniently named Archer, so I'm pretty sure there will be at least one more season. And yes, I'll watch it for him, because I am just that shallow. And we have the same birthday, so clearly it's meant to be. Archer Hood is my one true love (I knew it!), and besides, Robin has Marian, so it wouldn't have worked out anyway.

Oh, but Gisbourne was so great in the end; he reminded me a little of Wickham in "Lost in Austen" - you always knew he was a good(ish) person deep down inside. But Alan proved himself trustworthy for the whole stinking season, why did they have to start doubting him now? Lame. And when the heck will King bloody Richard come home from the Holy Land? England needs you, dude! Come on. Isabella is lame, Kate is lamer, and Much was Robin's best friend, he even said so. That was a tender part. I think that's when I almost cried.

And yet, all good things must come to an end, right? So Jonas Armstrong is planning to move on with his career and wanted an out. Good for him. In true BBC fashion, the show must go on with or, in this case, without the main character, a person that I would have thought carried some weight, had some significance, but what do I know? I'm just a non-essential fan, biding her time until the DVD comes out so I can skip the Kate parts and get to the good stuff, a.k.a. the non-Kate parts.

I really can't complain though. As far as providing closure goes, it really wasn't too bad. They could have done worse. And like I said before, there's always Archer to take over the family business.

P.S. This post is pretty much pointless, but I just watched the last two episodes of this season of Robin Hood (thank you, youtube), and apparently that's what's on my mind. Someday I dream of actually saying something important and profound, but today is not that day. Because it's no longer day, it's night, and I should be sleeping.

Ho-hum...

2009-06-09T22:17:00.003-04:00

It has been quite a long time since I've posted anything. I mostly feel like I have nothing to say and my life's not exciting enough to write about anyway. But...last week, I went to Utah to visit family, friends, and my beloved F.Y.E., and the library too. It was such a wonderful few days. I can tell I am going to struggle readjusting to "normal" life; it may take a while, like weeks and weeks and weeks kind of "a while".

I just really needed to feel needed and missed and valuable - does that sound too conceited? I really am not satisfied with my current job, so it was refreshing to see that my previous places of employment actually missed me, and were even willing to fire someone in order to have a job for me. It was good to be appreciated for who I am and/or was when I worked there. F.Y.E. even had an emergency Pie Night for me; that meant a lot because I never actually felt trendy enough to work there, but it was one of those "aw, they do like me!" kind of moments.

And can I just tell you how much I love my friends and family? Chelsey fully supports my spending-money-I-don't-have, book-buying addiction, and Laura gave me new music, and Dr. Staheli gave me a free Eric Whitacre CD, and Joanie and Kora just spent time with me and went to the mall with me and let me stay at their house. I can truly say I loved my life while I was in Utah last week.

That's not to say I don't love my life in Pennsylvania. I do. I love my parents and my sister and Paris, and my extended family and my Church family, and I even appreciate my, I hate to say this but there's no way around it, "Walmart family." I recognize that I am very blessed to have a good, stable, full-time job with a company that is not in danger of shutting down or going bankrupt, etc. However, I know for a fact (from the depths of my soul, with every fiber of my being, etc.) that I do not want to work at Walmart forever. Gasp! "I'm in shock, " you say. "How could one not dream of wearing blue and khaki for the remainder of this mortal life?" Well, here's the thing. I'm not willing to sell my soul to this company, not just yet. I have a feeling that I'm capable of doing more with my life. I at least know I have the ability to love my job(s), except that I didn't realize it at the time. I had two very loveable jobs; it took me leaving those two jobs to realize I loved them. Awesome timing, I know, right? Story of my life.

So, on a completely random note, I feel like I just said something funny. No one really laughed, but I did, in my head. My mom and I were talking about my friend Laura and her plans to take a cruise this summer. I suggested to Laura that she come to Pennsylvania instead, because we could float down the creek at my uncle's cabin, which would almost be like a cruise. My mom then asked if she had ever seen the cabin. I said no, and here comes the funny part, "it's the perfect setting for a horror movie, as is the entire state of Indiana." Ha-ha, funniest thing you ever heard, right? No? Really? Okay. I'm going to sleep now. Or maybe to watch Robin Hood on youtube.

Ahhh, the beach...

2009-04-05T01:31:00.024-04:00

I love the beach. I wish I could afford to perpetually be on vacation. I'm pretty sure I watch far too many episodes of HGTV's "House Hunters" where people relocate to their favorite vacation spot somewhere in the Caribbean. Aside from the threat of pirates, how amazing would that be? Waves crashing on the sand, sun shining, cool tropical breezes blowing, living life with the windows open. Oh man, I could handle that. However, my recent trip to the beach was not quite the paradise I had envisioned. It was rainy and cold and cloudy. I was mostly okay with the temperature - heat and I do not get along so well - but I was sad for my niece, that the weather wasn't a little nicer for her first experience with "the beach".

Paris and I decided to tag along with my parents for their anniversary trip to Myrtle Beach, SC. They went a few years ago and the weather was beautiful then. Not so much, this time around. We did have an oceanfront hotel, and they upgraded our room when we got there, so Paris and I literally had three beds to choose from in our room. Mom and Dad had a king-size, and I had a queen with bunkbeds and a crib for Paris. I could totally live longterm in our hotel room. And the view was amazing.

The hotel pools were heated, all four of them, so Paris and I spent quite a lot of time in the pool. It did take her a while to adjust to the "elegator" which was necessary to take us from the ninth floor down to the Lobby or Pool area. I have a feeling part of her transportational mistrust may have had something to do with her pronunciation's similarity to the word "alligator".

On one of our several excursions to the sand, I modestly displayed my artistic prowess for the whole of Myrtle Beach, and now the world, to see. Note that Paris is going through an extended phase with the Toy Story movies, fondly known in this house as "Woody Buzz". Prepare to be astounded by the unparalleled mastery and artistic skill as displayed in my sand renderings of "Woody Buzz", "Bo Peep" and her sheep, and our famous "elegators".

Remarkable, I know.

We also went to the "Ripley's Aquarium" where Paris had a life-changing experience. First of all, we saw Nemo, and Dory, and the Bubbles-bubbles-bubbles fish. And some really cool-looking jellyfish-type creatures. And sharks, not quite Bruce but sharks nonetheless, and a sea turtle. And Dad touched some creepy-looking crab and a ray of some sort.

But here comes the life-changing part...we saw a "dive show", where a diver, named Michelle, gets inside the 80-bajillion gallon tank to feed the fish. Paris was enthralled. And now I fear every diver, from Marcie who later fed the rays and sharks to P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way Sydney, will forever be known as Michelle. I think the part that really stuck with Paris was when Grandad took her up to the tank and had Michelle give her a high-five from inside the tank. Paris is still talking about Michelle and it's a week later.

Needless to say, the beach was a success. Just this morning, Paris said, "Kah-dee, I want go beach again." Me too, little girl. Me too.

"The times, they are a-changin'..."

2009-03-08T21:52:00.005-04:00

Oh, I'm so sad. My absolute favorite pair of pajama pants, the stretchy gray, saggy-butt-Captain Jack-pirate pants, are finally giving up the ghost. They've bitten the dust. They are going to meet their Maker. There are three holes on one knee that kind of look like a ghost face. They've been dying for a while now - the fabric's so thin, any attempt to patch them would do more harm than good - but I will wear them, in the privacy of my own home of course, until they are merely shreds of material no longer identifiable as what they once were. I should take a picture to commemorate all the good times. They were with me for my entire college career, through good, sane roommates and also the crazies, and even my second move to Utah...but, I guess my second move home has just proved to be too much. I think they even went to South Africa with me. Who knew that my sister's Walmart Christmas gift to me from seven-plus years ago would last so long and be such an integral part of my life? (Thanks, Brea!) They originally started as kind-of-awkward long pants, but one trip through the dryer turned them into an extra stretchy capri-like pair of saggy-butt-pirate pants. I wore those pants proudly... in public and in private, on many a Walmart trip, in front of the best of friends and the cutest of crushes. I feel like a part of me is dying inside...what will I sleep in now?!

Also, who thought Daylight Saving Time was a good idea? Not I, said the Kiely. I don't need sunlight; I need sleep! (and new pajama pants [insert frown here])

I can't like it...

2009-02-28T19:47:00.005-05:00

I miss F.Y.E. I mean amazon.com is amazing, but I miss working at F.Y.E. and having everything I ever hoped and dreamed of right at my fingertips. Books, movies, music...instant gratification at its finest. I didn't have to pay for shipping or wait for my dream to be delivered.

My niece has started to say "I can't like it" when referring to things that she doesn't like, such as the new Buzz Lightyear blanket that Grammy made for her. I asked her if I could have it and she replied, "Kiedy can't like it", so apparently I don't like it either. Except that I love it. She'd rather lay in my bed and watch Toy Story. At this point, I'd rather have the blanket. Or Toy Story 2.

So, here's what I say: I can't like it -- "it" referring to not working at F.Y.E. But not just any F.Y.E. I want to work at my F.Y.E., the one that started it all. I tried to transfer, but a few hours on the weekend just wasn't going to be enough. I don't adjust to change all that well either, and now I know that I would've been working in the same mall that contains "Stalker-boy's Bookstore". I guess things worked out the way they were supposed to. But I still can't like it.

Not to say that I don't enjoy my current job, because I do...for the most part. It's just not F.Y.E. Which I miss, apparently.

I miss Provo...

2009-02-19T23:53:00.003-05:00

...and more importantly, I miss the following things about my experience living in Provo:

- F.Y.E.
- the Provo City Library
- working at the aforementioned places
- being close to my brother and his family
- BYU Singers, both singing with and supporting from the audience
- having friends, good friends that meant, and still mean, a lot to me....

Don't get me wrong...I do have friends in Pennsylvania, but they mostly consist of my mom, my sister, and my sweet little niece, who is currently going through a phase with the movies "Elf" and "Nacho Libre".

Also, I didn't have to experience awkward bookstore encounters with a shady figure from my past, fondly known as "Electronics Stalker-boy". I had a random, annoying experience with him before I moved, and now that I've been back for a few months, I've unintentionally discovered that he works at a bookstore in the mall. Needless to say, I will no longer be shopping there... amazon.com, here I come. Now that I work in Personnel, I have access to a lot of dirt on a lot of people, and I know far too much about who he is and what happened after I left. I also now know that he remembers far too much about me. For example, he remembers that I, and I quote, "went to London a lot." Once. I went to London once. Just FYI, if you're going to stalk me, please don't; but at least get your information from a reliable source and remember it correctly.

I really didn't plan to miss Provo as much as I do, but if the above-mentioned experience isn't enough of a reason to do so, then I don't know what is...

I love books.

2009-02-07T22:44:00.003-05:00

I absolutely love to read. And I especially love to be swept up in the fantasy world of a good book. I love feeling like I'm part of someone's creativity. And I love/hate the post-good book let-down. I love finishing a book because that means I know what happens, but I don't love it because it also means that the world is over, and unless there's a reasonable need for a sequel, there's really no way to revisit that world in quite the same way.

I just read Jessica Day George's "Princess of the Midnight Ball" and I'm feeling the emptiness of having finished a good book. I really enjoy her writing...it's well-written to the point that I'm not distracted by typos or inconsistencies; whether there were any, I'm not sure...none stood out to me at the time. This was a definite "I like this book" response -- thank goodness it was not an "I'm not sure how I feel" experience. I hate that -- there are too many books and/or movies out there that are just nothing to me...I walk away from seeing said movie or reading said book completely uncommitted to a definitive point of view. I'd rather know right off the bat how I feel. I don't want to have to work too hard to figure out whether I liked it or not.

Needless to say, I liked this book. And the dozen flower names didn't bother me as much as I thought it might.

Under pressure...

2009-01-28T00:18:00.006-05:00

So, we've started hiring again at work, and here's the thing: I don't like having the power to bestow the gift of employment on a few select applicants. Who thought it was a good idea to give me the authority to do such a thing? I don't like it. Too many people are looking for work and apparently, Walmart is the place to be employed.

Also, I'm pretty sure my niece is the most adorable child on this planet. Last night, she wanted to watch a movie - she chose "The Swan Princess", and I told her we could put it in to see if she liked it. With a 2-1/2 year old, you never can tell. I put the DVD in first, and then turned on the TV as the production company's logo appeared. And then the music kicked in...and my niece exclaims, "Oh, I like it!" Oh boy goodness. How sweet is she?

Here goes...

2009-01-26T02:17:00.002-05:00

I have now officially joined the world of blogging. My sister will think I'm totally weird when I tell her. Now I just need to think of something to say...

Oh, and my name? It rhymes with "smiley", if that helps.