A New Name

Dear Friends!

So... life's been interesting.  Here's the story.  I am officially 100% done with Scuttle.  We had a very nice chat yesterday, and we both had come to the same conclusion.  I truly hope that we can be dear friends, because I will always care about him.  He has some amazing qualities.

But on to the next part of life... I have a new friend now.  He is actually one of Scuttle's friends.  (Oh the scandal!)  We like each other and have decided to date.  He is such a good man.  He treats me like a queen, honors his Priesthood, and makes me laugh a lot.  Good times, yo.  The only problem is:  what do I call him?  Before Scuttle, I would talk about scuttles.  I thought that just making it a real name was a great idea.  But now what do I do?  Do I just pretend Scuttle the 1st never happened so I can call Scuttle the 2nd, Scuttle?  That just seems confusing.  And I don't really want to pretend Scuttle the 1st never happened, cause there were some great times.  But Scuttle the 2nd just takes too long.  So here are some options:

Brazier: it seems like a cool name... but it's also a way that I would probably try to spell an item of women's clothing.

Hod:  Simple, easy to spell, but makes me think of HUD.  That's a word that L7 got me saying that is kind of the equivalent of Blast... so it may be a bad idea.

Cask:  One of my favorite options, but it is usually used to hold alcoholic drinks.  That does put a damper on it.  So, what do you think?  Any good ideas?  I'm totally open to other suggestions.

Thanks, yo's.

Paily

And I Know This Is Random...

Dear People of the Land of Buckets,

Greetings!  So, it's crazy late, and I'm sure I should be sleeping.  But you see, sleeping is something that I seem to have misplaced my talent of.  That's a bummer.

OH, but I do have a great new pillowcase.  CRH made it for me and I got it during my "Let's run away from  your problems" trip to TX.  It's pretty great.  Argyle.  That girl knows me!  Well, let's be honest, most all of you know me and you all know that I love argyle.  Really, what's not to love?  The good news is, I am even using the pillowcase now.  It's not my #1, but getting closer.  There is an adjustment period to me and pillowcases.  You see, when I am sleeping I need to have something familiar next to my face.  Many people take a pillow with them when they travel.  All I really need is a pillowcase.  Mmmm it makes me feel all cozy just thinking about it.  Anyway, when I get a new pillowcase I have to ease myself into it.  I sleep with 2 pillows, so the new case goes on the bottom.  But my pillows are angled so sometimes I'll end up on the bottom pillow.  Then my subconscious cheek gets used to the new pillowcase, thus making it so I can move it up to #1.  It's pretty intense.

And that my friends, concludes the really random portion of our program this evening.

I just have to share, how grateful I am for the Priesthood.  I have had two blessings in two weeks.  That's pretty much a record for me.  But they were both good.  I kind of had to be talked into the one tonight, but it was perfect.  Good news for me:  I'm not crazy!  You see, I've really been questioning all of the answers I've been given.  Hence, the reason the blessing was so good tonight.  I was told that I will be able to do what I've been asked.  And that the answers I've been doubting were real.  That I can have faith in them, because they will come to pass.  So... Here we go!  Hold on, it's gonna be a bumpy ride!  (No, I'm not a creepy talking shrunken head.)  So, thanks for my friends who can give me a blessing at the drop of a hat.  You totally rock my knee-highs.

Oh, and I was pretty much proposed to on Facebook tonight.  Too bad it was by a guy who hasn't taken me on a date for over a year.  The joys of Facebook.

PS, the title of this post can be found in one of the songs that plays on my blog.  Just tying all of the Buckets together!

Coming Out Of The Rain

Here I am, rocking out with CRH in Texas.  She's pretty great.  She and the Texan have been kind enough to take me in when I felt the need to flee the state I'm living in to run away from my problems.  Yes, I am very aware that running away from my problems won't make them even a little bit better, but it's been kind of nice to try to ignore things.  Granted, I can't really ignore them, and I have probably been doing a lot more thinking than one would care to admit.  It's just that I'm alone during the day, and that gives way to lots of pondering.

Today it was raining.  That is not at all unusual for Texas in the spring.  It rains often, and it rains hard.  CRH was kind enough to let me drive her car around today, so I needed to pick her up from work.  As I left her house to go to her place of employment, it was raining pretty hard.  An interesting thing sometimes happens when it rains in Texas.  When I looked right above me I could see white puffy clouds and blue sky.  And yet, it was raining.  And it kept raining.  The closer I got to CRH's work, the better the weather got.

I remember thinking this was a strange occurrence back when I lived in Texas.  It seems so odd to be driving through rain when the sky looks so blue.  Yes, there were dark clouds around me, but they weren't right over me.  (If any of you are real weather experts, you're probably thinking that there had to be dark clouds right over me, but I swear they weren't.)  The best part was the fact that I was able to drive out of the storm.

Now I'm going to go all philosophical on you.  It's seemed for the past while that I am driving in the sun, yet being rained on.  I'm doing all that I can, and yet the rain still comes.  I often have glimpses of real sunlight and dry conditions but I keep finding myself in the storm.

For example, Friday I was able to spend some time with a friend.  I know him from where I live, but he happened to be in Texas this weekend as well.  We've never done anything together, but we decided to bond while here.  We spent quite a bit of time with his family.  And it was great.  They were all sorts of kind and accepting right from the beginning.  I had a genuinely nice time.  You're all thinking that this is the sun shiny time of life, aren't you?  And yet, it's not.  As I drove home that night, I cried quite a bit.  You see, despite all of the awful things that Scuttle has said, and done in the past 8 weeks, I still love him.  That makes me seem crazy.  I've spent a lot of time praying, and fasting, and attending the temple.  Despite what I want, I've been told that I need to keep trying, and I need to be Scuttles friend.  So I'm doing as I can.  Sometimes that is being made very difficult.  It's impossible to be close to someone who is constantly doing all they can to push you away.  When I was with this friend in Texas, I just kept thinking, "Hmm, he's a nice chap.  Maybe I should try to flirt it up with him.  He's nice, his family is nice, why not?"  This is a logical thought really.  There wasn't anything truly wrong with that.  And yet there really was.

Why would I flirt when I've been told that I should keep trying?  Going and doing something fun with a friend is totally ok.  There is nothing wrong with that.  The problem arose when I decided I wanted to go against the counsel given to me previously.  Yes, things are hard.  Yes, I don't see how things could ever work out.  This is when I need to work on faith.  Faith in what the Lord has promised.  Faith in the answers I have been given.  Because history has shown that when you keep asking for something different than what you've been told, it doesn't turn out very well.  (Think Martin Harris)

When I do as I'm told, despite the hardship, I can walk around in the sun.  Unfortunately, like an idiot, I chose to sit in the rain.  Let's be honest, I can quite enjoy a nice dance in the rain.  Gene Kelly totally rocks my knee-highs.  But this is no singing and dancing in the rain moment.  This is more sitting outside, no umbrella, it's cold, and I could go inside, yet I choose to sit and mope in the wetness.  Why do we as people do this to ourselves?  When we follow the instruction given to us, we are happier.  We can have faith.  When we try to forge our own path, we end up sitting in the rain and having no fun.

My choice:  To drive out of the rain.  Just as I drove out of the rain when I went to get CRH.  It's hard, and I know sometimes I'll probably end up back in the rain, but I need to work harder to just keep myself out of it.  To stop looking at what I think I want, and figure out how to want what I've been given.  It's a process.

Does any of this make sense?  Probably not.  I'm kind of rambling.  My brain is a pretty scary place.  It doesn't often make sense.  Despite the fact that figuring this out is hard, and scary, I'm pretty determined.  Life doesn't really come with an umbrella, so I'll just have to get myself out of the rain.

In Need Of Assistance

Dear Friends,

This is totally not a happy post.  I need your help.  It looks like dear Scuttle and I are done.  Not my choice.  I've been doing a lot of research, and apparently breaking up with someone that you truly love is comparable to death.  Only in this case, it can be worse, because you will keep seeing said person around, still giving you a glimmer of hope, and/or reminding you of what you lost.  The fact is, I lost something great.  I know I wasn't perfect, but it was a learning experience for both of us.  But if one party decided it's not worth the effort, what can the other person do?  So, really, I just need your prayers.  Really, really badly.  Talking doesn't make it better, I have no appetite, so please, don't make me cookies.  Eating just makes me nauseous.  Oh, I'm not becoming anorexic or anything.  I'm just eating less.  But judging by the squish still going on here, I'm not in any harm.  The good news is, I've taken up running.  It's good, because it's better than trying to drown my sorrows in cookie dough.  I didn't know that I could go from couch potato to running 30 min straight.  But that's what I do. And it exhausts me enough that I can finally sleep.  Well, yesterday I only was able to run for 20 min, but today it was 30.  So I'll keep moving up.  Keep waking up, and keep moving on.  It's only been 2 days, and it will only get better, right?  That's what I keep telling myself.  It will all be ok.  I can get through this.  Sorry to those of you who are just finding out like this.  I'm not any good at calling people to tell them.  Just typing this makes me start to cry again.  How lame is this!  I don't know why I'm blogging about this.  I mean, please, do send some prayers my way.  I've been really depressed before, and I really don't want to go there again.  But maybe by blogging, it will help me really say goodbye.  I need to not hope.  And someday, when I hear a text on my phone, I'll stop having a glimmer of hope that it's him.  Because it's not.  And it's not going to be.  But I know that Heavenly Father is aware of me.  He won't leave me alone.  For that I am so grateful.  I love you all, and thank you for your love and support.  The good news is, The Church is still true!  At least that will never let me down.

As President Gordon B. Hinckley said:  It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is.  It all works out.  Don't worry.  I say that to myself every morning.  It will all work out.  If you do your best, it will all work out.  Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future.  The Lord will not forsake us.  He will not forsake us. ... If we put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will Hear our prayers.
        Priesthood Session of Jordan Utah South Regional Conference, March 1, 1997.

The best thing you can do is just keep busy, keep working hard, so you're not dwelling on it all the time.  Work is the best antidote for sorrow.  

         Discussing the death of his wife with Larry King, 2004

Hugs all around,

Paily.

Remember That One Book About Chocolate And A Giant Turtle?

Once upon a time, my sister Laree became part of a test kitchen for some books.  I am now reading said books.  I think maybe my life is now complete.  I have found my new favorite genre of books.

Novels with recipes.  Really.  What more could a girl ask for?  Ok, so the current books I'm reading are mystery novels, and the heroin is in her 50's.  She's funny.  The first book I read like this was more of the LDS romance option, and all included recipes included chocolate.  That may have been a little bit cooler.  But only because I'm obsessed with chocolate.  Well.. mildly obsessed.  I like it.  A LOT.  But I limit my intake because of the allergy that I have.  I know, it's tragic.  But I will overcome this trial.  Some people are born without legs.  I'm allergic to chocolate.  I think those are pretty close to the same level of tragedy.  Don't you?  Really, bust out your violins, cause you need to play me a sad, sad song.

So now, I read, and I want to cook.  Especially anything with Lemon.  I may be obsessed with lemon, cause it is one of the things Scuttle and I bonded over.  Granted, it was because he made mashed potatoes with lemon juice in them.  And hot dogs.  He said he needed protein in his potatoes. I said he was crazy and should throw them out.  Either way, we used to cook with lemon juice quite often together.  (I can't tell you how glad I am that we picked the lemon juice and not the hot dogs to take on as a running joke.)

Really, there is no point to this.  Just that I made lemon cookies that I found from the books.  They have a TON of cornstarch.  But still, oh-so-tasty.  Mmmm Cookies.

Yep, that's about it.  Have a great day, yo!

Oh, and the part about the turtle.  The main character in the chocolate recipe book inherited a giant Galapagos Turtle.  Some girls have all the luck.

Step Away From The Glass

Hello Happy World!

So, I'm just sitting here, in my apartment, in my fabulous reversible pj pants.  (I don't know why one would ever need reversible pj pants, and yet I have them.  But they are SUPER comfy... actually they almost look as if they could be workout pants.  Let's use that excuse.  Then, instead of being lazy, I'm just prepping for the workout.  Never mind the fact that they are about a foot too long, cause I'm totally short, so in all reality I could never work out in them.  Let's play with the illusion.  Wow... can we say digress??)

I am also contemplating the option of Scuttle being dead on the freeway somewhere in New Mexico.  Either he's still asleep at this crazy hour, and so is his driving buddy, or he's dead.  Or maybe he doesn't have cell phone service.  Or maybe he's in the slammer, cause he's driving on narcotics, got pulled over and they ran a drug test and jailed him.  If that's the case, then he totally had to use his one phone call to call his parents.  I don't have the means to provide bail money.  Or, he's just dead.  That would totally whomp.  Seriously.  But what other explanation would there be for the lack of communication since midnight last night.  And being the totally sensible person that I am, I of course know the answer.  Death.  I think maybe I understand a bit more why my dear Father gets so nervous when we drive anywhere.  Death.  It's a bummer.

All of this has nothing to do with what I planned on blogging about... well, except for the part where I'm blogging to distract myself from my dearly loved Scuttle's untimely demise.

Once again, I'm going to talk about work.

Picture this with me, you go to Subway, and as you walk in, and stand in front of the sandwich unit.  Because we at Subway like to let you see what you are getting, there is a large curved piece of glass showing you all that we have.  (Also known as the sneeze guard)  Now ask yourself a question.  When you order, how close do you stand to the sneeze guard.  How much do you touch the sneeze guard?

I am amazed how many sensible adults can't keep their grimy, oily hands off of the glass.  They touch it all over the place.  It's like they think, if they just say the word "cucumber" my limited intelligence will have no idea what they are talking about so they have to point as well.  And they don't just poke.  They slide.  They slide their hands all over the glass making it all sorts of streaky and gross looking.  Don't you know that people have to clean that off?  That's just plain rude.

Now on to a more sensitive subject.  I inform you all of this for your own well being, as well as mine.  Just imagine something with me.  Picture yourself leaning against the glass.  Now picture me on the other side, seeing all of you, squished up, in a very unattractive way, against the glass.  And that's all I can see.  I see your stomach, (if you are a woman) your breasts, and your forearms, in all their you aren't a size -4 glory.  Squished up in the most unflattering way for all of the world to see.  Ok, not all of the world, just us Subway girls.

I'll admit it.  I have some squish to me as well.  But I just cannot fathom what in the world would possess a seemingly rational adult to practically climb up onto the glass thus displaying all of their squishiness for us to witness.  It's not pretty.  And it's a distraction.  That is why you have to point at the cucumbers.  It's not because I'm stupid.  It's because I am trying so hard to not look at the girth of your body pressed up against the glass.

So, please, PLEASE.  Step away from the glass.

PS.  Scuttle isn't dead.  I'm so glad.

No These Things Aren't Related

So, those of you who actually read my blog with speakers working on your computer will notice a change in my play list. I've added most of my favorite songs from Glee! It's a fun show. Well, at least I love the music! So here you go.

Secondly, I want to welcome Scuttle. Yep, I believe he is finding my blog very soon. He said he wanted to anyway. So, potentially Welcome, dear Scuttle of mine. I know, that's super lame and sappy. Sorry friends! This also makes me super nervous. I mean, the rest of you... well at least most of you, already love me. And you won't stop just because I'm a lame blogger. As for the rest of you, I don't know you, so who cares. But Scuttle... Well, he's not the type to stop dating me cause I'm a lame blogger, but still... it makes me nervous. I'll get over it.

And now on to some serious things.... I know, it's rare that I get serious, but here we go.

Today in Relief Society, we had a lesson on Christ and Joseph Smith. Focusing on the Atonement and the Martyrdom. It was a good lesson. I'm pretty passionate about both topics. Some days I just want to stand up and shout from the rooftops about my knowledge of these great men. Yes, Joseph Smith wouldn't have really done anything cool if it was for Christ. I am very aware of that. And the Martyrdom wouldn't have meant anything if it wasn't for the First Vision (Shout out to Palmyra!!) This is not at all what I wanted to tell you about, but it's cool too.

The coolest part for me though, was the closing hymn. We sang A Poor Wayfaring Man Of Grief. (I believe you can listen to it here) I've sung, and or listened to this song for a very long time. It's good. I usually sing the 1st, 6th and 7th verse. Today we sang 1-3. Something about the last line of the 3rd verse really touched me. Just the fact that the singer says that they drank and never thirsted more. What a beautiful picture this painted in my mind. I think it was Heavenly Father watching out for me a little. You see, I had apostate tendencies today. After sacrament meeting I was SO ready to be done. I don't leave after only one hour of church though. That's like paying 33% tithing. Not cool. So I stayed. Sunday School was fine. The lesson in Relief Society was good, but it felt SO long! And then we sang. And I felt the spirit. And I wanted that. I want to drink from this cup that Christ is offering me. I don't want to be thirsty anymore. I'm not just talking about being lazy, and not wanting to go to the kitchen... although I'd take that as well. I just realized that it is so true. I can drink from the cup that Christ is offering me. I don't have to thirst anymore. I can be filled. Yes, there will still be hard times. Yes, I will still struggle, but I don't have to have doubts. I can know of the truthfulness of all of this. I find it important to point out that the lyric says nothing about being tackled to the ground while this water was forced down your throat. It's a choice. How often am I offered a drink but I don't take it, cause I'm stubborn. That's stupid! And yet, when I am stubborn, as soon as I reach for the cup, I get it. It's not pulled away from me. I'm not told, too bad. In fact, I think he smiles at me. There may be a bit of a "it's about time" look in that smile, but that's ok. It's still there. He loves me. I don't have to thirst. Sometimes I don't feel deserving, but I'm working on deserving it. I just need to figure out how to stop messing up. I'll get there eventually. (I'm not being proud, I'm using the language of faith. It's very important to do.)

Yeah, life's pretty great!

Short But Sweet

So, I would like to update all of you on my life. I'm not good at calling people to let you all know this in person.

The deal is: I'm in love. And so is Scuttle. (That works nicely doesn't it.)

It makes me happy.

Have a great day!

An Amazing Weekend

I just can't do it. I tried to not greet you, but I can't. How do I start a post without saying hello? So... HELLO!

Let's talk birthday parties, shall we??

Oh, but small aside. First let's talk Friday night. Friday night was Homecoming. I love dancing. We doubled with another couple. It was so fun to dress up like a princess! Thanks to L3 and her daughters for doing my hair! Wearing a pretty dress, dancing in the arms of a cute boy... Wow... CHEESY! But oh, so fun.

Saturday was the day of excitement. It started early. I got about 4 hours of sleep. I got up, got ready, and L7 and I went driving. We had to go set up the end of the party. More on that later. After the homecoming parade almost ruined my life... (all of the roads were closed, crazy traffic, and I had 3 stops to make in 30 min!) I met at Scuttle's apartment to start the party. We were joined by 2 other couples.

I totally stole this whole thing from L4. But we had a spy party! Basically it was a scavenger hunt to get pieces of a map to go find a place that had a fake bomb we had to disarm. That was a bit of a problem. I had no idea how to make a fake bomb, but there is no way I would ever google that! First thing you know the Fed's would be beating down my door. Bummer!

L5 and L7 came up with half of the clues. We went all over the valley, and even got to bust out my rusting marching skills for a bit. Scuttle had no clue what was going on. His face when we listened to the first clue (which was a CD with the Mission Impossible music) was so funny! He really didn't know what to think, but I think he was kind of excited. I have an amazing family who helped out so many ways! And even though it was cheesy, Scuttle embraced it and boldy marched up to everyone and uttered the code word to get the next clue. Yes, L4, the code word was still Tutti Fruity. Good times were had by all.

This is where I should put in another picture, of what I woke up so early and dragged L7 to help me with. Here is our laser grid we had to climb through to get to the bomb. Oh, and what was the bomb? A bunch of Hot Dogs. They kind of look like dynamite if you squint and turn your head. (Now it just looks like a bunny... Anyone know where that comes from?) The hot dogs were connected to the Winnie the Pooh clock by pipe cleaner. It was a pretty scary looking bomb. :)

The party was a bit longer than expected... that could be because I got us lost for an hour. But it was a pretty drive up the canyon! I think everyone had fun. Yeah for birthday parties! Thanks again for all of your help! Love ya!

One Of These Things Is Not Like The Other

Yo mateys. I'm not sure why I feel the need to greet you every time I blog. I mean, really. Why do I need to say Hello. And I don't even say a normal "hello". I'm like this weird creepy wanna be ghetto lady. And today I am feeling very random. This could be exciting!

I like music. A lot. As in I have about 1712 songs in my iTunes. And I listen to probably 90% of them. I love to sing a long. And dance. Especially while I am getting ready. Who doesn't enjoy a nice jig with a searing hot curling iron as your microphone? I like to live on the edge.

I tend to live in extremes. As in I am either super happy and hyper, or totally exhausted and loopy, or irate, or giddy. It seems to be that I am either going full speed or asleep. There isn't a whole lot of middle ground.

I'm a talker. I know, you're all thinking, "What? Paily talks? Her mouth works?" Yes, friends, it's true. My mouth has mad skills actually. Lots of practice. I can open it and you never know what's going to come out. I am really good at getting that look. You know, the look from other people when they just have no response to what just exited my lips. They are normally smiling a bit, but they just don't know what to say. Those who have grown to love me just laugh it off. Complete strangers wonder if I should be out in public by my self.

I shouldn't dance in public. But I just can't help my self. Sometimes I just think life needs a little Ha-cha-cha. (That is said with a funny stance and spirit fingers... can you see it?) I really only have 3 dance moves. All of which look a little bit more like I'm having a seizure than dancing. I don't really care though. For some reason most dancing takes place while I'm sitting down eating. I don't get this either. I just always have a song in my head, and I can't stop rockin' out!

Now as for the title of my post.... Let's talk a little about Scuttle.

He likes music. Not nearly as much as I do. But it's all very serious stuff. Lot's of violins and stuff like that. And it doesn't have words. There is no singing along. Often I wonder if the artist is a big fan of hallucinogens. There is some crazy stuff. It makes me want to dance just a little bit. But it would have to be interpretive. And that's just a scary thought.

I'd like to introduce you to Mr. Mellow. I can finally read most of his moods. Because the amount of crinkle next to his eyes changes. Seriously, that is how I tell if he's happy or sad or angry or complacent (this is the #1 option). There is a severe lack of freaking out.

Remember how I talked about the people who just don't know what to say when I talk? Those nice people who just smile at me and laugh it off? Yep, that would be him. He does talk, quite a bit, but he puts a lot of thought into it first. As in I am getting used to the fact that most questions asked by me will be followed by at least 10 seconds of silence as he thinks. This is why people don't ever look at him like he's stupid. Lots of thought.

Dancing.... He doesn't ever have a funny little jig. He's taking a ballroom dance class. I quite enjoy that homework. So he's learning real skills, and I'm standing next to him spazzing out. He has also noticed that I tend to dance while eating. I catch myself and stop. Then he always looks at me and says, "You don't have to stop dancing..." I can't get away with anything. Mr. Observant. There is a severe lack of flighty there.

So, one of these things is not like the other. And yet, it seems to work. I don't get it either. But it sure is fun. Ok, yes, this is kind of sappy. And all about Scuttle. Well his birthday is on Sat, so I've been thinking about him. Partly because I am planning a super cool birthday party. (Thanks for your help L4, L5, and L7!) Anyway... I don't know where I'm going with this so I should just stop. But life is good!

Dude, I'm Not Even a Real Student...

Classes at the local university started yesterday. That means everyone I know is super stressed. Worried about fitting everything in that they need to, getting books, understanding teachers, doing homework, balancing this with everything they want to do, but now can't because summer is over. You know, all that jazz type of stuff. I've seen this coming for quite a while and I've been a little internally snotty about it. I've been in school all summer... ok, maybe I've been a slacker and haven't done as much homework as I should have, but I knew things weren't going to change that much. No stress for me! HA, HA, HA!

But I, being the type that doesn't like to be outdone by anyone....

Ok, you'll remember my last post where I freaked out for ever. I have the nicest, bestest, kindest, most charitable parents in the world. As a result, Saturday morning I got to go pick up my new car. Car doesn't have a name yet. Heck, I haven't even picked a gender. When we picked it up, Mr. Salesman informed me that when they had detailed it the night before they left the lights on so the battery may have some problems. "Just let it run for a bit," he said. So I did. I drove my friend around a little, and let the car run. But it didn't really start very well. And each time it had a harder time starting. Until I got in it Sunday afternoon to go worship. It wouldn't start at all. Saturday I had given Mech his car back. I was going to be right on time to everything on Sunday, but apparently that wasn't an option. I got out of my car, picked up my things, got on my phone and started walking the 4 blocks to Mech's house. He told me that I could use his car again. But now I was running late. So I was powerwalking, in heels to get the car. Yep, I totally got blisters. It is now Tuesday, and Car still isn't running. Daddy-o wants me to take it to a place to see if it's the starter.... but it won't start so I can't drive it. Lame!

So I'm dealing with car stuff. And I'm moving. As in Saturday night I will be sleeping in my new place. I am so not ready to move. I had a plan, but it's just not working out. (lack of real car could be a big part of that) Moving always stresses me. Changes stress me. So I'm stressing.

Then there is Scuttle. He's cute. We have fun. He no longer has a job that means he is gone for days at a time. And I like him. That means I want to see him pretty much every day. Oh, and he seems to want to see me every day too. Isn't that cute?! Except for the part where I'm going through lots of changes right now and already stressed. Yes, he's good at de-stressing me, but I should probably be doing something really good and productive. Well, we did do homework for 2 hours together yesterday. So that's productive. But there is always a little bit of relationship drama. Not really with us, cause we're all good. The drama is from everyone else. We've been dating almost 6 weeks. (Hey, it's a transfer! I like thinking in transfers!) Apparently anything over 3 weeks means it's time to cue the marriage jokes. REALLY????!!! Hello! 6 weeks. That's nothing. That means nothing. Get over it! Stop it already. I don't like the pressure. And Scuttle doesn't like it either. I'm about ready to never go to any sort of social thing with him. If we don't do things with other people then they can't crack jokes cause we aren't there. See? Eh? Good idea? Ok, no. It's totally lousy. But I am tempted.

So here I am, thinking that this will be a stress free time of life. I'm not a REAL student. I'm doing on-line school. I have time... and yet, I'm stressing. I guess I should get used to the stress option. Although, my friend found out yesterday that if you're in Europe you can often fly Internationally for only $30 a ticket. Maybe I'll just teleport to Europe and then vacation. Ignore all of the stress.... OHHH that sounds great. I'll send you a postcard from Sunny Spain!

Stress and Blessings

It's official. I'm back in my slacker blogger stage. Sorry friends! I'll work on it.

I spent quite a while looking for a great video that illustrated part of my story. Unfortunately I didn't succeed. What story is this? The death of Hexadecimal. It's tragic really. My car is dead. She sits at my friends house. Barely a limp inside of her. I didn't know that I could be attached to a car. But I really am sad about this. And stressed. But even though I don't have a car right now I still feel very blessed. Let me tell you about the events surrounding Hex's death.

I went to a farewell Sunday. It was for one of my sons. (That needs some explanation. I'm in Institute Choir. They organize us into families to help keep track of everyone and foster a social environment. I was made a mom of a family. Hence having a son.) I am so excited for this son/friend of mine to serve his mission. He's going to the Greece Athens mission. I learned that this mission covers all of Greece and has exactly 5 branches in it. That translates to a lot of people for him to teach! There are a TON of people there who need the gospel. So after telling my son that I was dating his father, (that was really fun. He was very surprised and thought it was a joke at first. HA HA.) We (meaning Scuttle, another friend and I) left. It was a happy drive until we encountered an accident on the freeway. Hex then started to have problems. But I had no way to fix said problems and she was still moving forward quite well so we continued to travel. We made it up the first big hill up the canyon one must pass through to get back to my house. Then as we started up another hill Hex started making funny noises. And smelling funny. But she wasn't running hot. I was so confused. Then I realized that despite how much I was pushing on the gas pedal, she was slowing down. Oh dear. I pulled off the side of the road and wanted to cry.

This is when I became very grateful for cell phones. I made one call and got us a ride out of the canyon. (Thanks sis!) I then sent a text to a friend who was still in Church. Let's call him Mech. That's short for Mechanic. He's good like that to me. Mech and a friend then spent the rest of their Sunday evening getting Hex off of the mountain and getting her to start again.

Side note, I then took a cute picture with Scuttle. Well, not super cute because we were both SO tired and our smiles look pasty. But our clothes are cute. You can't see our clothes, but trust me, they are cute. :)

Mech and I spent a few hours and $140 doing all we could to breathe life back into Hex on Monday. All to no avail. She's dead. It's official.

So there has been a lot of stress. I really need a car. But I do need to keep telling myself of all the blessing that occurred through this.

1. Having Cell Phone Service: Really, I was in the canyon. Who has cell service in the canyon? I don't normally. But I did. So we didn't have to sit on the mountain forever.

2. (Warning intense smultz ahead) Scuttle's Support. I was really freaking out while sitting in the car waiting for L7 to come get us. Scuttle doesn't know anything about cars. But he tried so hard to help. He opened the hood of my car and remembered to turn on my hazards while I just sat there not knowing what to do. Then he tried to distract me with a game. When he realized I just wasn't up to it he stopped that. And then he just held my hand. I know, it's a little thing, but he was just doing what he could to support me. And I really appreciated it. I've been sick for the past week, and he's doing all he can to take care of me. Sick, stressed and freaking out. He just keeps being there and helping me. He doesn't do anything big. He's just there. Ok, sorry, end of the shmultz.

3. Sisters willing to drop everything for me. I don't know what L7 was up to when I sent out my distress call. But she was there picking us up in her very nice running car in about half an hour. That means she left her house very quickly after I called her. Thanks for dropping everything to come save me!

4. Mech and all of his work. Really. If I had paid someone to go tow my car to a shop and then the Mechanic who worked there it would have cost me close to $1000 to get Hex even moving again. But instead I had Mech and his friend. They were willing to work on Sunday. The ox was in the mire. And they did it because Mech is just that good of a friend. I had to pay for parts, I owe Mech a home cooked meal, and Mech's friend just wanted some doughnuts and chocolate milk. I feel very blessed to have a friend who would do all of that for me. He totally saved my hide. Oh, and to top it off, he's letting me drive his car today. Just so I don't have to walk to work. He has a dirt bike so he's freezing, but now I don't have to walk. What a good heart! I love my friends.

5. Loving parents who care about me from 4 states away. I called my parents crying a few times. I don't know exactly what is going to happen, but they are talking and trying to figure out a way to help me. I am so indebted to my parents. They taught me the gospel, they loved me, they taught me how to work, and they still take care of me. Even though I'm 25 and should be all sorts of self-sufficient. They love me enough to help this poor Paily girl in her times of need.

6. The Power of the Priesthood. I was SUPER stressed. I'm not a crier. But I probably cried for about 3 hours straight Monday night. My dear mother is a smart woman and told me I needed to get a blessing. Last night Scuttle and Mech served me in one more way. I am so grateful for the power of the priesthood and to have good friends who I love and trust who are willing to serve me in this way. Yes there are still problems. But I feel so much better.

Anyway, there is my current life. I know, long post. Not funny at all. But there you have it. It will all work out. Whew!

Busy Busy Life

Greetings from Paily!

Ok, so I don't really have much to say again. I'm just going crazy!

This last week I was able to be an EFY counselor. It pretty much rocked my knee highs. I had quite a few late nights during the week. I was able to see the midnight release of Harry Potter 6. That was great fun. Well, until it got over and I looked at my friend and said, I have an EFY meeting in 5 hours... yeah. Blast. I also had a late night DTR with my Scuttle friend. Well, now he's my Scuttle Boyfriend. That's pretty nice. Then I spent 7 hours in the Dallas Airport on my way to vacation! Life is great and I having a blast with my business!

Yep this is short, details to follow if anyone is after them.

Are you my Scuttle?

Ok, I'm being totally facetious with that blog title. But I may have found my dream man. Not for real life. I just found a guy who is responsible, honors his priesthood, kind, funny, and loves Harry Potter as much as I do. It's pretty much a match made in heaven. But the good news is, this week is Harry Potter Week! This friend of mine is hosting a Harry Potter party every night this week. 5 nights, 5 movies. I think my life is complete.

We'll just ignore the fact that said scuttle has been sent on a mission to get information about my dating life (or lack thereof) for another scuttle. Yeah, that was an awkward conversation. But no worries. I'll just enjoy the bliss that is Harry Potter for the next week and not worry about boys. Tonight we start with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Bad acting, cute stars, staying fairly close to the book. It's a classic. I still remember going to see it opening day. That's because I had a great friend who sluffed school all day to get tickets and thought of me. How cool is that. Not that he sluffed school. Very bad and irresponsible. But that he thought of me. In his defence though, his mom gave him permission as long as he got her a ticket too. Oh good times. And to help this little walk down memory lane... Here you go:

Three Weeks, Three Awkward Scuttle Moments

It's official. I need people to stop trying to set me up. Yes, I'm single. Yes, I'm happy. Yes, I'm about to turn 25. That does not mean that I am doomed for spinsterhood, and I only have 2 weeks to redeem myself. I need a break. What has happened to make me say this? Oh, let me tell you.

In the last 20 days, I have been on two blind dates. The first date was with an old room mate's brother. We went dancing. He doesn't dance. So we made small talk for 2 hours while the other couple we doubled with danced.

Date #2 was with Bob. Now, that technically wasn't a blind date, but for all practical purposes it was. I knew nothing about the guy, except for what he looked like, that he took percussion in the 7th grade, and his name. (For more details about that date, look here.)

At the end of that post, I mentioned that a friend had given a guy my number. That was a week and a half ago. I hadn't heard anything, but I just figured that he didn't want to call a total stranger. I'm cool with that. Well, he called! No. Don't get excited. He called to inform me that he just got a girlfriend so he didn't want to take me on a date. Yep. That's right. I just had a total stranger call me to tell me he didn't want to date me. AWKWARD!!!

That's it. I quit. I just can't handle the lameness.

(Oh, and a side note... for those of you who don't remember a Scuttle is the name for a bucket to carry coal. It's the masculine version of Paily.)