Rawhide!

We lived on my parent's farm back when we were a young married couple. Jason was going to college in the next biggest town that was about a 45 min. drive. The farm had been in my family for generations, it was truly the most haunted place I had ever lived, but I am saving those stories for October. Our town Waterford, was on the edge of Appalachia, were people were truly poor. Jobs were really hard to come by, so Jason became one of 3 hired hands my dad paid to work on the farm. I of course, had worked for free. When my dad took over after my grandpa had died, the farm had over 300 acres of land, and the main crop was hay. He had pure bred, mean, Percheron horses, and a large head of pure breed Charlas, they are huge white cows. My grandparent's didn't use them much for anything, but breeding and for show. The bull they had for that year was Norm. He was a huge white bull that loved to charge you, if you acted frightened. He had a big golden ring in his nose, that would add to his handsome looks, along with his curly white head. My dad liked him, but he sold him along with the rest of the heard after he decided get a new heard of a different kind.

My dad wanted to make some money, but it had been a while since he had taken care of anything at this scale. He went and foolishly bought a couple hundred of young steers before winter, in which a quarter of them didn't survive. When one was discovered of having Phenomena, they almost all got it. My job was mainly on lost cow finding, but ended up more like dead cow finding... On the property there was two different streams, ponds, woods, and long fields. I loved going out for long walks, but I was a tad bit nervous around cattle, so I would take a cattle prong with me. I would get on the four wheeler sometimes and travel to every corner of the fields looking for cattle that wouldn't come up to feed. I would find them dead in the creek, dead in a ditch, dead in the woods, and half dead, which I hated because that meant it would be dead by a gun. I didn't end their misery, I would go find Jason and my dad, they would decide whether or not a vet could save them. It was nasty work, especially when they were bloated, but usually I would find them by then.

In the spring, I would never forget the time that I had discovered that there was a dead steer in the big pond, which was used to fish in, swim in, and for the farm's drinking water that was used for the animals. It was a cloudy day, in which the pond sat down at the bottom of two hills, and because the horses were using it at that time, it was really muddy by the water. Jason told me to come help and we would get the rope, and he would try to pull it out. But it didn't work, it was down , deep in the water, I could only see the shape of it's head under water, it must had been there all winter long and we didn't even notice. So, he got a idea, how about towing it out with the four wheeler? I got my brother Danny to come help out. I tricked him, I didn't tell him why he was needed, or else he would have hidden. He was easily grossed out like I was, when it came to real gore. And yes, this was really gory! Because what happens next, is so disgusting, I can't believe Jason would handle this! Really he did, because when he tried wrapping the lasso around the head, he had to try to lift it so he could, and the skin rubbed off in his hands! He also mentioned at that time the fish must had been nibbling on it, including it's eyes! I stood, up on the hill, afraid that Jason would fling some of it at me for just for kicks! Danny, was on the verge of gagging, but he stood away from the water too. Then they hooked it up to the four wheeler and tried to pull it out, but it wasn't strong enough to get it out all the way and up the hill. I couldn't help but stare at the carcase sticking out of the water.

Next, Jason went and got the tractor, this would surely do the trick. Jason used the rope to pull it out and it was Danny's job to tell him whether or not it was working. And it was, unfortunately, disgustingly so! As he pulled it out, I looked away, holding my mouth, trying not to barf. Because, as he was dragging it, so went it's hide with it! As Jason was driving up the hill, I looked at my brother who was down closer to it, spitting on the ground, which, I wasn't sure if he did lose it or not. Jason laughed, as he looked back for a moment and proceeded to the dead cow pit, that wasn't far from our trailer, but far from the pond. I ran into the farm house and told my mom all about it, while they were handling the rest. After seeing this , I could ever look at my mom's country fried steak again, the same way! And so this is to be continued...

My Political Drama...

This is a subject that I am very passionate about. It has been the source of tension in many discussions I have had with people, especially with my own family members, and they are on my side! I am a life long Democrat, I have to admit, it's scary to say that amongst fellow church goers that usually sway for the elephant party. (Please do not bring torches to my door at night or disk me because of this) Regardless of their party backers, I think we all can agree, that the Presidential race is a popularity contest and who has the most money. I am doing my part to be involved in the voting process, as a county election official, and I have taken great joy doing so, for the last three years. I haven't missed a election since I started, and though it is boring to some, I have so much fun doing it, even if I seem to be the youngest person working.

This election, I have no idea who I am going to vote for. I don't vote for my party just because, like some people do! I usually have a thing for the underdog, but I am realizing, that my vote doesn't matter anyways, it's all up to the delegates who get wined and dined during election year. It makes me mad, I can't help but think I may have to vote for Mickey Mouse this year. You would be surprised how many people do! But nothing makes me madder when people vote for someone just because of their faith, race, gender, sexual preference, political party, their looks, their war record, and because their parents or spouses tell them to!

I am conflicted, and I am sick of all the money going down the drain on stupid ads, fuel wasted on their trips, and all the money making a elaborate fancy expensive four day events, like the Democratic convention! I am sure the Republican one would be just as bad! Can you tell I was disappointed when I auto tuned the convention on Monday night, and found out it was going to go on for four days, who has the time! I love the news, but I am so sick of the coverage of this race! In the world we live in, isn't there anything else to cover? I am also mad at the fact that the media seems to want a war with Russia, but that is another story! Please if you read this blog, think before you vote! Look at all of the candidates, compare their soon to be broken promises, and back grounds. I think their voting record has a lot to say about who they are, and it seems like that is ignored by a lot of people. As far as beliefs go, that is what people choose them over, but if you look at their records, you may find out, it doesn't matter. Because they often say what ever we want to hear, and what ever is popular at the time. They are all guilty of this, and they all are flip floppers in one way or another. That is all I am going to say about this subject, I could write about it forever, but I am not going to waste anymore time, after the race, I will try to detox myself from it, as usual and focus supporting America as we all should.

The Game of Life...

When ever I play games, I play to win...It doesn't matter what kind of game, I like to win! And sometimes gloat about it...Sometimes, I even try to cheat, but I usually I get caught! But seriously, I will do what ever it takes to win. So if life is a game, where there can be more than one winner, will I do what it takes to win?

With me, there has been times I have lost a game, and it though I don't show it, it really bugs me! Why do I lose? Maybe because I am too anxious to hurry it up, sometimes the cheating thing doesn't work, and when I have won or it looks like I am winning, I get really cocky! Before Chicken Little, I used to jump up and sing, "I am the Champion", in which everyone around me, gets really annoyed! This is something I plan on changing, I want to win fairly, and I want to be modest about it, but I enjoy rubbing it in my fellow players face so much, especially when it's family. Does this mean I am who I am, and I can't change?

Jason and Erick have talks coming up, and I decided to help add my two cents worth, at the request of the husband. I can write pages in 20 mins, to his two weeks worth of two pages. He has been working on it, but he is representing the family, and I can't let him tell all that personal stuff about us. Yes, there is more to me than hauntings, goofiness, adventure, and gross stories. I realize that I haven't shared anything about faith on my blog yet, which I do have, but lately it has been tested. In the game of life, I may sway either way, I am not sure if I will win this round. But I try, but I don't try hard enough.

When I was 15, living in Alaska, a Patriarch came to town from Anchorage. I had no idea what one was. He was making the rounds, giving people in our two wards, blessings. When I heard, I wanted one too. Will he predict my future? Oh no, I thought, maybe he could see right through me and see the terrible things I have done. He came to my home in the middle of the day, with only my mother there, with his wife, who came to be a witness and record it. I had no idea what he was going to say, he was a nice, tall, old man, he didn't know me at all. I remember trying to think positively, trying to send good vibes through brain power. As he was speaking, I did feel the spirit, and then I knew it was a good thing.

My blessing ended up being a couple pages long, is that normal? Should it have been longer? I won't tell you everything, just the thing that if I were faithful, a man would seek me that would offer a temple marriage. I was also blessed with children, and that our home would be a place where others would want to be, because of it's spirit there. It also said I would never have a cause to grieve, and that I would be blessed with good health if I continued to follow the path of righteousness. It also let me know that evil would be a presence in my life. Just great, I think some of it is true now, but I am not the missionary it said I would be, yet. And I got sealed in the temple after I got married. Also, I have been plagued with health issues. So does this mean if I did what I always should have, would I be better off now? Maybe, but if I had the faith, I know I would have been better off now. Can I change this for the better?

Jason has a blessing too, and he has more pages than I. He has great and wonderful things in it, which I am afraid I may have screwed it up for him. His mother always said she never heard a blessing like his, especially compared to his eleven older siblings. Every couple of years, I would get them out and compare them, and the weirdest thing would happen! I can swear on a stack of scriptures, that his has changed every time!!! At first, when we first compared them, I wrote down all of the similarities and differences in our blessings to see if they fit together. I was a little superstitious that maybe we were wrong for each other, because he had so much more faith than I. So I wrapped the blessing together with the papers I wrote on and stored it. Later on, and even to this day, they are different each time. Why? My only guess is, because we were younger, I didn't understand the language in it as I do today. Or just maybe, it magically did change!

I know this post is long, and some may not have the time to read it, but to me life is a game, and if it was Monopoly, the Lord is the almighty Banker and maker of the game. I am determined to not lose this time, and I am going to try and try to get my act together and have some faith, that things would get better. How are you playing the game?

Jennie needs...

Here is the response to Dianna's blog fun...

This is a game where you go into Google, type your name plus needs and write down about ten phrases you find of what your name comes up with. I guess some of the stuff that comes up, are kind of funny.

Here are my answers for "Jennie needs":



1. Jennie needs our backing to beat scourge

2. But Jennie needs to milk the cows.

3. Jennie Needs A Shooter

4. Jennie needs to understand that Adam does not carry his violent responses beyond his tools

5. Jennie is very smart and does know some commands. She just needs someone who is willing to work with her.

6. Jennie needs her girls to win the Ultimate Dancer Championship, and the prize money, to expand her business

7. Jennie needs to stop lickng her teeth

8. Jennie needs to hide her tone body

9. Jennie needs to quailfy as a Renaissance woman

10. Jennie needs a kidney transplant to be able to survive.

Interesting huh? What does your name come up with?

Taking a ride on the short bus...

Today I decided to hurry up and take the boys shopping for some school supplies while the girl's were at cheer leading practice. As always, my children get into these crazy, silly, moods. If I am in a good mood, I am amused easily by the actions of theirs as long as it's not too bad or rude. Clark is a silly brave boy sometimes. A few years ago, he came up with this thing where he blurts out "HI" to people, and other strange phrases to see what their reaction would be and laugh at them... For instance, at parades, Clark thought it would be funny to yell out, "Merry Christmas!" to Independence day goers. Or at Christmas, "Happy Halloween" and stuff like that. When he went trick or treating, he would say funny stuff too to people. I have to admit, it is kind of funny. Now, his big thing is to bang on the window when we are parked next to someone in their own car. He does it at stop lights, and if the have their window down, he says silly things to them..Some people get frightened, some people laugh, some people say stuff back, and some give a really dirty look. Am I wrong to let this behavior go on? Or am I to blame?



Perhaps I am to blame. In my past I did some pretty demented things to amuse myself and entertain others. I am sure everyone has a horrible, embarrassing car story, my parent's were really poor at times and we had to ride in transportation less than desirable. At one point in my life, my dad got a steal of a deal from the state auction, a big bright yellowish orange construction van. It had clear windows all around, no seats, no carpet on floors, and no air conditioning! My dad found two blue van seats to put in it, he bolted them to the floor. I was just turning 14 and I hated that van! Nobody had a van like it except for highway workers, and that was even rare to see. When we rode in it, we had plenty of space, but people always stared at us where ever we went! I got it in my head to start acting the part. I felt like I was in a handicapped bus, so I let people think so. Not long after we got it, we were on our way to Alaska from Ohio, in which we were bored to death. So while we were on the freeway, I got my brothers and my sister to act up and put on a show for highway drivers! My mom was really annoyed, but she didn't even know what we were doing half the time. We would act like we were choking each other, make faces, mess up our hair to make it wacky, post signs with "help" on them, and our favorite was pretending to eat our boogers. I can't help but laugh at this now, but certainly, I wouldn't want my kids to act that bad!



That stupid van made it to Alaska, and soon after it arrived, I got it into a small bumper thing and it saved my parent's life after getting hit head on by a log truck. So it did have a purpose. But then, my parent's got the Juneau Junker, which was even worse! It was a long pale yellow car, that had a loud spitting muffler and a serious lean to one side. It was so tilted that we, as kids would crush the person on the right, and the back bumper would make sparks when we turned corners. I made my mom drop me off at the corner of the school parking lot, it was that bad!

Welcome to Spanish Class!

I have been to a bunch of back to school nights with the kids, this is the first time that I had three different schools to get through. I of course, can not follow any set of rules. When I show up, it's either really early or late. When I arrive, I make my own parking space, en spite of the dirty looks I get from other people who chose to park far away. I had the whole clan last night, Jason opted out this time, and usually some kid has to complain about coming, and of course, Vivi's hair was not brushed. She was being really wild, and Clark and her where picking on each other.
The first place was Lee High, yes it's true, my little boy is going to high school with some of these, tall and hairy manboys, gangster dressing wanna be rappers, well endowed and showing it all off (by wearing clothes from the small children's section)females, kids that wish they were Goth but have normal parents, tan barbie doll guys and girls who wear surfing clothes but properly never been surfing, and of course I have seen some stoners there, who properly will skip the first day of school. Erick to me, still looks like a middle schooler. We tried to get down the busy hallways, and occasionally, I would have to wait and remind Vivi to stay with me. Because of her, I don't think any teacher will forget us. Erick goes into "I am too cool to be here or talk to you mode," which is hard to deal with. He didn't want to talk to the nurse, in which we had to, and he didn't want to wait for his schedule, nor look for his locker, or find his classes, or talk to his teachers, it was ridiculous! I told myself I wasn't going to be so uncool, but like other parent's I saw there, I had the schedule in my hand and we went and did the stuff he didn't want to do. He told the nurse that he wanted everyone to think he was normal in class. So I had to talk to all of his teachers about it too.
The school had some kind of meet the teacher program in which I was not following there and we went to all his classes at the wrong time. The first teacher, was actually his last teacher he would have, honors Science. He wouldn't go in the classroom, neither would this cute girl, whose mom pushed her in and I soon made Erick follow. Viv was already in the crowded classroom of course and when the teacher asked if there were any questions, she blurted out that Erick has diabetes! He wanted to run away. I got after Vivi, and Erick wouldn't talk to the teacher, so she talked to me about it. Then we went to his Success class, she was very nice pregnant lady, then to his honors History, where the the man looked like a short Lex Luther according to Vivi, and he had to of been amped up on caffeine or something. He said he had a kid like Erick last year, told him to leave the class, when ever he felt like, so he didn't make a scene of it. Hmm, should I have said something about that statement?
Then finally, we went to his Spanish class. The teacher, was a nice man from Venezuela, he wanted to us to come in and sit down, so we did. Erick had only two potential classmates in there, and their moms. I did something I shouldn't have, I sat down in one of the small wooden desks and when the meeting was over, well....I...got up and had the desk stuck around my mid section, and when I tried quickly to sit back down, I got unstuck and it fell on the floor on it's side! I was so embarrassed! But I couldn't help but laugh, the teacher said it had happened to him before, and I was surprised the other kids weren't laughing when they walked by. I however, made to where, Erick may be known as the kid whose mom got stuck in a desk! How embarrassing! But it was really funny, it brought tears to my eyes, laughing about it. We left right after that to the kids school. It was crowded too, I just wanted to get home. We quickly went and met Clark's and Vivi's teachers and left. I didn't want to make another scene again. So that is how our night went, out of all the back to school nights I have been too, none have been this rememberable.

The Night of the Poop Massacre!!

I have been thinking about telling this story in October, but I just couldn't hold it in any longer!

It was a dark, October night at our church building in St. George, where I was in charge of our troop's pack meeting, being held there in the primary room. I had put so much effort into this year's Halloween meeting, trying to out do the year before. I had everyone dressed up in costumes, including myself, as a clown. The party was going smoothly, I loved being Cubmaster, we had a lot of boys there, includeing some of their friends and their families. Jason was working and unable to help me, I had arrived hours early to deorate and I wanted this to be a night they would never forget. I always included all of my kids, and the boy's siblings too, in the activities. I was pretty busy, and by the end of the evening, I was exhausted, hot, sweaty, and ready to go home. I had to clean up everything, and all my leaders took off as quickly as they came. So I had my neice Dria and my four kids, doing the finishing touch-ups. I hated being in the church alone, but there was guy in another ward working in the gym for thier upcoming activity. When I had finished putting everything in the van, I noticed that one of my kids were missing...

So I went looking for him, in my clown suit, at this point, I had only taken off my nose, and I was upset and tired of chasing the kids around the building trying to get them in the car. When all of the sudden, as I walked towards the bathroom area, I noticed, someone had taken brown pudding with their hands, and made like a claw mark with it, across the carpet portion of the wall, leading towards the men's restroom. I thought, oh great, I guess I have to clean that up, we did, after all have worm n' dirt pudding cups. But as I opened the maintance closet door, next to the men's door, I noticed a terrible smell.... I looked at the door, it had brown stuff on it too, where the handle was. I went closer to the door and heard the sobbing of the lost child, that I was looking for. So I grabbed the edge of the door, and called out for him. Knowing that no one else was around, to the horror did I discover when I opened the door! When I saw it, I screamed! Dria and the rest of my kids came running, and even the guy in the gym... In which, I saw his face, and I never saw it again! He took off, and left the building!!!!

My child had locked himself, in one of the three stalls, in which he had locked all three to make it fun. I couldn't even walk to him, I couldn't even walk inside, because there was poop all over the floor, on the doors, on the counter, in the sinks, on the faucets, on the walls, on the bapitizm bench, and even the mirror! He put poop on everything, except for the ceiling! (he couldn't reach it I guess!) I gagged and gagged and closed the door, I had to get the mop out first, so I could clear a path inside. As I was preparing, I put my clown nose back on, I couldn't take off my clown suit because I was just wearing garments underneath. While this was going on, Dria had took it upon herself to call my parent's who lived near by, by using the church phone. Here is how it went...

Dria: "Nana, Nana! Come quick! It's all over , all over the place! We need your help! Bring towels!"
My mom: "What? Blood? It's all over? Who?"
Dria: "Hurry, hurry! Just come now! "

Then I noticed she was on the phone and I told her to hang up, because this was too embaressing and I would never hear the end of it! So by the time I made my way to the stall, I thought about being mad, but I just asked, why? He cried and cried, and said it was because he couldn't get his costume off and he had to go diarrea, and nobody would help him...So in other words, it's all my fault, I was too busy, and I let him pick out a costume that was a one peice!

My parent's arrived, just as I got my son to open the door, and I saw, it was even worse, inside and on him. I can't remember what my parent's said when they saw what had happened, I am sure my dad said, "What the he**?" He was nicer after that, he actually stuck around because they felt sorry for me, and knew I was at my wit's end. They were afriad that someone had gotten hurt and there was blood all over the place, not poop! My kids were running in the dark hallways, and I could hardly talk to my mom, because I was gagging, trying not to barf.

How did I get through this you wonder? Well, my dad had a idea, that they would clean up the kid, while I cleaned the room and hallway. My mom took off his Ninja costume in the bathroom, it was like unpeeling two peanutbutter filled sliced breads apart. Then they put him in the maintance closet spray area, and hosed him off! I got dish soap from the kicthen and then they wrapped him up with a garage bag to wear home... I cleaned everything at least twice, but the smell still lingered, even after I sprayed disinfectent everywear.

As usual, I hope by telling this story, so others may learn by my mistakes, and as a how to, and what to do if, kind of lesson. You may be able to guess what child this was, but please never mention it to him or in front of him, I am afraid it may have scarred him for life. I love this child, and normally this sort of thing doesn't happen in our household. Let's just say, since then, I would never buy a one peice costume that is hard to get off, or wear a clown costume again but I couldn't ever have done it without the help of my parent's and a clown nose!

Food, Folks, and Fun!?

Do you know where that slogan is from? Well McDonald's adopted it around the time I worked there in 1990. I think it is stupid, I like "I am Lov'in it", better. I went to McDonald's today and was waited on a girl who reminds me of me. She had a fake smile, and seemed less than pleased to be working during a busy lunch hour. I feel her pain...People can be so rude when they are in a hurry, and even when they aren't. So then I started telling Sabrina about my good ol' days, when I worked there.

I had friends that worked at McDonalds, and so I got my second job there. Some people think that is is a brainless job, but that is not true. It's a hard job! Out of all the jobs I have had, working there was really tough! But I still managed to have fun in my own way...The position I loved most was the drive-thru. I could hide back in there, if some boy I liked came in and if some boy that liked me, that I didn't like, I would do the same. I had this really tough little Vietnamese woman who was my manager, who talked really fast and was hard to understand. She always wore a headset and would butt in when I was talking to someone. I have to admit, I mocked her alot, and my fellow crew thought it was funny. I even had her own son laughing. BUT he laughed at everything I said because he liked me. When she wasn't around, I would give people a hard time through the drive-thru speaker. Especially, old men...when I would notice one drive up, I would change my voice and mimic Mrs. Tran. They would get so angry! I would just laugh and laugh! When they drove -up, I would speak normal, and they would tell me how they couldn't stand that other woman's voice! I never got in trouble, because the guys in the back, who wore head sets, didn't speak English. They were native Alaskans.

The other thing about working at Mickey Dees, was the fact, that I could cook my own food, and get food for free. On slow nights, we would make all the food we would want, right before closing time, and then take it home. Everybody did it! McDonald's has a throw away after ten mins. rule, and we took advantage of that all of the time. I also would be able to collect all of the toys that came in the meals, if I wanted to.

The disadvantages were the fact that I had to wear a hat or visor! I preferred the hat, because back in those days, I spent a lot of time on my hair. Also I got to see what really happens in the back where they cook. The old guys working, always cooked things that fell on floor. That is why I cooked my own stuff if possible. I also had guys picking up on me all of the time, they were of all ages and types. Gross! Speaking about gross, I have a gross thing to tell you...

When I cooked my stuff, I was sure to burn it, even my chicken nuggets. One day when I was on break, I was standing in the doorway eating a nugget, when someone noticed what I was eating. Sticking out of my nugget was a huge red vein! I spit it out all over a tray, since then, it took years to eat them again. And even now, I eat the crust off first to see what the meat looks like. Then I have had almost broken my teeth on bones that I have found in the burgers, at least four times! Now I can agree with the nickname my little brother would call MD, McDogfood's. But he was only three, and he thought it was really called that.

Embarrassing moments were, when every time my family came to eat there. My mom always special order things, and then send it back, in a huff. It got to the point that she wouldn't have to, because they got to know her. Once my manager had to call 911 because my little brother Timmy, got his head stuck in the metal bars of the indoor play ground. (this was before the plastic play set) Firemen had to cut him out, and my manager was worried about being sued. It was embarrassing when my boyfriend brought me a dozen roses in the drive-thru. When girls that were fighting with my sister came and asked me not to beat them up, because she told them I would. (like I would?)

I also worked in the downtown store in Juneau at the same time. The tourist would come off the ship and the would go to McDonald's first thing. I loved meeting different people, from all over the world. They would be so nice, and they were very trusting! I never took advantage of their lack of knowledge of our money. The first time I worked with a new boyfriend of two weeks, I broke up with him over what he did to the tourist. Some nice people came from Holland, and they dumped a pile of money on the counter to pay for the food. I only took what was needed to pay with, and Channing, took more! He bragged to me when he was on break about all of the cash he got, and I told on him! It wasn't a hard choice to make, I didn't like him that much anyways... But knowing what I know now from all of my fast food experience, I do make a effort to be patient with them, as long as they seem like they are trying. I only worked at McDonald's for a year and a half, and then never again.

There is nothing amusing about the ride, the Gravitron!

Yesterday, our family attended the fair. I had a good time, but because our kids are spoiled when it comes to rides, they were not really thrilled. Most of the rides were old, and showed some real wear and tear. (scary) They were appreciative though, in spite of the moans about watching the motorcross, circus, elephant show, and bird show. In the end, they liked it. This is the first time we have attended a fair in years. I really enjoy seeing the farms animals, even the cows! It makes me miss the farm, and when my grandparent's used to show off their cows.
The circus wasn't really a circus, it was just a high wire act. The kids complained the whole time we waited to watch this event. But they ended up loving it , because the wind knocked the guy off the wire. He's had cat like reflexes, and he was able to save himself by grabbing the wire with one hand! Wow! That made it interesting for sure!

Jason chose not to ride any rides, mainly because they are mostly spinning ones. I think the scariest ride is the ferris wheel but it doesn't stop me from trying it. The only ride I didn't go on , that was working, was the Spin Master! I used to go on those rides in a heart beat, but I felt sick from going on the stand up ride three times in a role! But now that I am bigger, it is not a matter of being afraid of going upside down, it's the fact that I have a large chest and I just don't fit! It stinks! I need to get rid of these things! I always told myself that because my Nana could ride with me on the Looper from the Lagoon, that I would never stop riding rides when I get old. Yes, I do have a great memory of my Nana, who I can remember looking at her upside down, laughing at me, with her long pearl earrings on! I was only in second grade. Viv is a lot like me, she went on everything, even the Spin Master!

There was a ride there called the Gravitron, it used to be one of my favorite! It looks like a space ship and it spins, sucking your body to the wall. Back in April 1992, when I was 17, I got a awesome job at 49th Street Gallery. It's a indoor amusement place with games, a skating rink, a bowling alley, mini golf, and a few rides. I loved that place! I was hired as a ride operator, and I worked there after school. Well one day, when I worked, I was operating the Gravitron, and something happened... It wasn't my first time, I preferred to work in there, though the music was loud and I had to clean up any barf that occurred. I usually stopped before it happened, and let people off if they were going to be sick . So on this particular slow day, I had one dad come in with two little kids and a teenager. The tape in the player stopped when I was spinning at full speed. I controlled the speed, the brakes, the door, and the music. It was simple, all I had to do was turn over the tape that was in the player above me on a shelf. Then suddenly...I flew out! I splatted like a bug on a windshield! Do you think I landed on a padded part, nope, it was the door! And the door was all metal!

I remember being embarrassed more than anything, the guy asked me if I was okay, but nobody could move until the ride slowed down! Luckily, it was a gas petal that controlled the speed and not a switch! I felt nothing, just shaky. The guy helped me to the center when it slowed down, and I got back into the seat and slowed it to a stop. But it was hard, because my focus was not all there, in order to open the door, I had to rely on the crack on the bottom of the door, to see where the stairs were, and I had to get it just right! I did it, and I refused people on, so I got on my walkie and called my manager, who was a 18 year girl.

She came and I told her what happened. She asked me if I wanted a break or something, and when I stood up I couldn't quite walk. She helped me to the office, where I sat in a big chair. Well, she called my mom, and my mom freaked out! She told her to call a ambulance but the girl wasn't sure. So she did, and they came, and it was really embarrassing!! When they checked me over, I had a knot on my head, my arm hurt, my leg hurt, let's just say my whole body started to hurt! They cut off my favorite jeans and when they saw that I had a hickey (on my neck), they thought it was a bruise, but I had to tell them and I told them not to tell my mom! In the end, I ended up with a concussion, a sprained arm, fractured ribs, damage to my hips and back, and a broken knee cap! So that is why I don't think the Gravitron is amusing in any way, actually to me, it's a crack up!

Alaska, where the streets are paved with gold...

One subject that I could never stop talking about is Alaska... Here is a little bit of information of me and my past experince with Alaska. ( the picture on left is Mt. McKinley, center is Haines, on right is a giant bird of somekind..)

I was born in Haines, Alaska, a small native town, about 70 miles away from Juneau, the capital. I don't remember much of my hometown, but I did visit it when I lived in Juneau. It was very small, surrounded by trees and bordering the ocean. The Alaska highway went to Haines, but not to Juneau. So when I went there last, I took a ferry over there, it took 3 hours, to just attend a log fest and hang out with friends. The log fest was at a place near Haines, that is famous for having the biggest Bald Eagles population. Gosh I miss seeing them, everywhere. They would build nests way up in these very tall, skinny, pine trees. I would wonder how it would hold the weight of such a large nest!

My earliest memory ever was me in a high chair, looking at our dog Kimo, which was a German Shepard, who was sitting under a small square table. When suddenly the door opened and it was my dad, who had a big package of small glass bottles filled with formula, that he had sat on the table. When he opened the door, the dog looked up, and a brush of cold windy air blew in. It was also night time. I was really young at the time, that is what I was told, under a year old. My parents lived in a cabin before I was born ,and then moved into one of the few houses located in town. When I was born, my dad worked as commercial fisherman and harbor master, then he became the police chief, fireman, paramedic, and civil defense coordinator.( those four jobs, at the same time) Properly because he had a military background, and there wasn't much competition at the time.

My mom and dad both had a pilot's license, they could fly small planes. (Sometime I need to post the pictures of my mom flying my grandma up to see us.) When I was two, we lived on a sailboat. I have only seen one picture of me on it. I know, your thinking, none of this can be true. But it is! When you look at my parent's now, you can't imagine what they have been through, so many more adventures than I have been on. After my parent's lived in Haines, they moved to Denali National Park, where my mom and dad worked in the hotel there. Denali National Park is where Mt. McKinley is, the tallest peak in America. When I was 4 and 5, we moved to Glendale, California. I miss Alaska, I lived in Fairbanks, where the northern lights are rainbow colored and then down in Juneau, where the lights are green.

I hope it's not the end of my Alaska adventures, after I moved from there the last time. When I was forced to move my junior year of high school, I spoke about Alaska all of the time. My friend Shannon was so, so, so sick of it! Whenever someone would ask about it, I would begin to talk, and she would say, "Alaska, where the streets are paved with gold...don't get her started!" Nice friend huh? But I guess it's true to me. (I did pan for gold but just found shavings.) Someday I am going to get back there to stay! But they don't have many Wal-mart's up there. Maybe someday...

I have been Tagged...

The girl's are playing a game of blog tag, and so I am planning on tagging my friend Kristie, Nicole, Jessica,Debbie, and Dianna.

How To Play This Game of Tag: Post these rules on your blog. List: 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 facts about yourself. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog!

Here is my list:

3 Joys

1. My family

2. My Religion

3. My Friends

3 Fears

1. One of my kids getting kidnapped, raped, and murdered.

2. Sharks, Spiders, Zombies, and heights.

3. Getting cancer

3 Goals

1. Lose weight so I can live longer.

2. Be temple worthy all of the time.

3. Have financial freedom and be debt free!

3 Current Obsessions/Collections

1. Being on the computer, playing games, and surfing online.

2. Going swimming

3. I have a small mint condition barbie collection.

3 Facts About Me

1. I hate cleaning, doing dishes, and cooking.

2. I was born in Haines, Alaska

3. I had braces the whole time I was in high school.

Lazy Days of Summer

Who made up the phrase, the lazy days of summer? I know what it means, I am living in complete boredom....


My poor kids are bored too, they feel as though they have to be entertained every moment. I feel the same way too, it gets bad when you are looking forward to going to cheerleading practice. I hate watching cheerleading practice too, not enough excitement! I will miss going to Clark's football practice this year, because he didn't want to do it again. He was so good at it too! But I can't force him, I just have to except that I have nerds for kids instead of sport stars.

Maybe not all is lost, Clark wants to try wrestling this year, so we will see how that goes. It's not like it is on TV. Jason is very excited about that prospect. He finished in the top three, for state when he was a senior. When my brother Danny wrestled in high school, Jason was assistant coach. I wish I had those practices on tape, because it was very interesting. Jason was the hands on coach, not one kid could win against him, and they all tried too. It was funny, some kids were really serious about trying to pin him, but he was too strong. One time, another high school came over to do practice together, and they all tried to get him too. He ended up breaking a kid's ribs, but he didn't get in trouble for it. He only coached for two years and then we moved. But at the county fair, there was a kid who challenged him in the boxing ring, because he wanted to get at Jason so badly. That was exciting, Jason went in and he didn't even swing towards that kid, until that kid threw a bunch of punches that were meaningless. As I can remember, I think Jason only punched him one time to knock that kid down to the mat. And then it was over! That kid was a really cocky punk too, he was out for blood. After that one fight he did, he thought it was fun, and we considered entering him in the tough man contest that came to town, once a year. But we went, and we saw how bloody some of the guys got and decided not too. I of course,was all for it!

School starts soon and then I would be bored even more, unless I try to get a job. I can't stay in bed like I used to, my back gets all sore, and my heels hurt when I walk, after I get up. There is cleaning always to do, school supplies to get together, blogs to improve, and I could walk to the gym, but I am just too lazy...

Elvis lives?

Jason, my dear husband is a cute guy I think! He is a manly man, not a metrosexual, like some, and certainly not vain in any way. He got his hair cut again today, it grows so very fast! I like the grey hairs he has, I think it's sexy! I always had a thing for men with settle greys, like George Clooney and like how Sean Connery used to have. His dad's hair is completely white, had been so at a early age, so his mother says. I don't mind, that everyone thinks he is older than I, even though he isn't by a few months!
Jason is a big teddy bear, he doesn't have a mean bone in him, really. He has put up with a lot of my bad hair cuts and has gotten teased quite badly because of it. In high school, he went for that typical early ninties do ( a bowl hair cut), and he would have the back of it shaped like a point sometimes. At that time he had a personal hair dresser he preferred. (it wasn't me) Then I tried to get him to grow it out, so it could look like Bo Brady's hair from Days of Our Lives. It took a few years to be able to get the side burns and the cool goatee. (Bo's hair was long enough to put into a short poney tale.) I thought it was hot!
After we got married, I talked him into growing his hair long enough on top, to perm it into curls. The hair dresser agreed. It was cool, but didn't last. When we moved to the farm, he was working outside alot, so I would cut it short. Sometimes I would suprise him and actually do a good job. But the last five or so years, now that he works with men whose wives don't cut their hair, he gets teased when I do. He gets teased if it don't get cut too! When it grows slightly long, and when he has sideburns, they call him the later years, Elvis. And when it gets cut into a flat top, sort of, he looks like Fred Flintstone. I have to admit, they are kind of right. But it's not right to tease him so much, he has feelings, don't they know that?