It's a win-win-win situation

Welcome! You've recently enrolled in Communications 101. Our objective, in this class, is to show what not to say when communicating with people. To help drive this points home, I'll be sharing a real life scenario, they may have occured this past weekend. Let's get some back story established for this scenario. Being the age of 28 and single, people like to set me up on dates. Misty* is a coworker who asked if she could give my number to her neighbor, T-Dogg*, and I told her that would be fine. T-Dogg sent me a text a few days ago (I'm not a huge fan of first introductions over text, but that may be a whole other post on my issues with texting) and we exchanged a few texts back and forth. He called me later that night, but I was at dinner with my friend and missed the call. I sent him a brief text explaining where I was and that I may not be able to call him back till later. By the time my friend and I were done, he had called again, but when I noticed the missed cal...

Two good friends begged me to share this incident*, so here it is. Please, don't judge me. Sometimes late at night, I find myself starting the most pointless projects - organizing closet, cleaning out the 'junk drawer' in my nightstand, dusting, organzing my book case, etc. This night I was trying to glue my glasses case back together. I had some super glue, a napkin and my glasses case all lined up ready to put back together - this all started around midnight or so. I open the glue and start putting it in one section of the case. I screw the lid back on the glue and hold down the case for about two minutes to make sure it sticks. I take my hand off and so far the lid is sticking. I unscrew the glue lid again and start squeezing out more glue, but nothing is coming this time. I hold it upside down for a bit and squeeze harder, still nothing. The cap is still in my right hand, and the tube is in my left hand. I screw the lid on and go to move the case when I realize my rig...

This post has nothing to do with Christmas, but it is wonderful. Back in October my brother and his family were sealed to each other. It was such a wonderful and amazing experience to be there and witness this great event. I was more than choked up when they brought in the kids, all dressed in white. My nephew Boston was so excited and just burst into room and just stood there smiling at everyone. Brighton was very calm and glowing as she held Avery - who handled the event fairly well. I'm so excited and proud of them. I love you guys! How can you not love these kids?

This post is dedicated to Emily - she challenged/told me to post this. I have lots of embarrassing stories (drugs on my driveway), and here's another one. Lately my days have been filled with meetings. Not just a meeting here and a meeting there, but days where I don't see my desk till about 3 or 4 pm. Well yesterday I had one meeting. ONE! And I decided to celebrate the only way I know how - going out to eat. I've been really good about bringing my own lunch - cheaper, healthier, saves time, etc. So I felt like I really deserved this little treat. I didn't have anyone to go with me, so I decided to just run in, grab it and come back and eat at my desk and read. I pulled into the parking lot, entered the restaurant and just walked straight ahead to get in line and place my order. Halfway up the line my right foot slips and goes flying forward! I didn't even quite register what was happening, but dance techniques must have kicked in. My left foot went backwards and...

Hiroshima was a more somber part of our trip. We visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum which provided a different view point of the attack (not that I'm saying what we did was right, but it was interesting to hear it told from their point of view instead of America's point of view) and some haunting images of the aftermath of the bomb. We spent probably 2 hours in there and then briefly walked around the Peace Gardens. This is a picture of the Atomic Bomb Dome, a memorial to those who died after the bomb. After that heavy, emotional day we decided to go out to dinner and our friend at the Hostel recommended a great place. We quickly learned that the restaurant owner and cook did not speak English. Thank heavens a girl was there to help us and stopped us from ordering cow tongue for dinner. This meal may have been my favorite, purely based on the experience we had while eating. You basically buy a plate of raw meat, lettuce and veggies and then you get to grill your meat...

Sorry for the delay in finishing my Japan trip. I wasn't even going to finish it till a few people asked me to. So here it is. After our whirwind Kyoto-in-a-day trip, we had a few more sites to see before we headed to Hiroshima. Our first stop was Nijo Castle, also known as Ninja Castle. The great thing about this castle is the squeaky floorboards. Unless you walk on the very edges, the floorboards squeak - and are supposed to squeak so the Emperor/Ruler/Whatever could hear anyone coming. I'm known for my awesome ninja skills. Here am I fighting with Stephen. I obviously won. And yes, I'm wearing a skirt. The weather was so hot and so humid I wore that skirt for majority of the trip. Here's another gorgeous garden shot of Nijo Castle. After Nijo, we headed to Osaka to visit Osaka Castle, and sample some tasty food (or so we thought). Osaka Castle - a lovely castle on the outside that has sadly been gutted on the inside. The castle was gorgeous and we learned lots of nea...

I've got a lot of posts about Japan. If you want to read the adventure in order, start here: 1. Konnichi wa 2. Tokyo 3. Kyoto 4. More Kyoto I'll hopefully have more posts up soon.

Tuesday we hit a few more sites in Tokyo and then left for Kyoto. We took the JR train and arrived there about 1.5 hours later. We found our hostel and started sightseeing. It was too late to see and do much but we were able to visit a paper lantern park and strolled around Gion - the Geisha district. We searched everywhere but we didn't see one Geisha. Apparently they were all at some evening, nightly show. Since that was a bust, we decided we'd eat dinner and just enjoy the night. You can't go to Japan and not try their Ramen. They have a museum dedicated to this food. We visited a department store where they have "Ramen Street". Tons of different styles of ramen - who knew there were so many ways to change this basic noodle dish? Our friend Yoshi, from the hostel, told us to try a specific restaurant. Ordering ramen is tricky in Japan. We saw a line, so we just stood in it and figured we'd be seated soon enough. Well we kept seeing people put money in a ven...

Today would be our whirwind adventure in Kyoto. We got up early and starting our journey we were assaulted with warm temperatures and awful humidity the minute we left our hostel. Sanjunsangendo - the temple with 1001 golden Kannon statues - was our first stop (maybe a 20 minute walk) and we were already wet from the humidity. The inside of the temples were okay, but it was the temple grounds that I found beautiful. So many trees, ponds, mini shrines - it was just gorgeous. Our next stop was Ginkakuji - a Silver Pavilion with a neat Zen garden. Again - gorgeous grounds. I'm pretty sure I'll have a mini Zen garden when I own a house. We then headed further up to Kiyomizu Temple (pure water temple). The walk to Kiyomizu isn't a bad walk, but when it's hot and humid it seems like the longest walk of your life. The tempuratures were probably in the low 80's but with 80% + humidity, that's a lot for a desert dwelling person to handle. These grounds were again gorgeou...

Since I was delayed a day, I missed out on visiting and staying at the Tokyo temple, but I still got to see it and even use the restrooms inside (heated toilets and bidet!). We visited Asakusa that afternoon/night and were able to see a giant paper latern that leads to Senso-ji - Japan's oldest buddhist temple. We enjoyed a nice night of walking around and then headed to our hostel. Tonight we were staying in a capsule hostel. Capsule hostels are basically small little tube like bed chambers. They are cheap and popular in Japan. For one night it wasn't too bad, but one night is more than plenty. The bathrooms were Japanese bath-house style (no privacy) and they offer traditional Japanese toilets (floor) or western style for us foreigners. The next day we went to an English speaking ward in Japan and then headed off to see the Imperial Palace grounds. You can't actually go onto the grounds of the Imperial Palace, but you can walk around the outer lying park. From there we he...

Since I can't be brief about anything, I'm warning you now that there will be several posts for my Japan trip. You can read all of them, none of them, or just scan them. This first story isn't about Japan exactly, but the adventure of just getting there. My arrival to Japan was delayed by a day. The initial plan was that we'd meet up at the airport since I was scheduled to arrive about two hours after my friends landed (coming in from Ohio), and then we'd all head out together to our hotel. Well, after sitting for four hours on my plane, taxiing 4 times, deboarding for a "brieft period of time so the situation could be addressed" I was finally informed that my flight was cancelled and I wouldn't be leaving till the next day. I was mad and slightly anxious as I thought about how I'd meet my friends. I was also beyond tired due to two dramamine (I get motion sickness pretty easily) and also two doses of codeine laced cough syrup (I got pretty sick 3 ...

Just wanted to share a comic that made me chuckle.

Operator : West Valley Police Dispatch. How can I help you? Me : Yeah... I found a suspicious package on my driveway this morning. It's a clear bag full of money and some sort of mixture that looks like sand and salt. Operator : Can you tell what it is? Me: No, but I thought it might be drugs so I called. I can clearly see a $100 bill. Operator: Ok. I'll send some officers out there soon. Me: Should I move the bag away - in case the person comes back for it? Operator: No, don't touch it till they get there and see what it is. So I patiently wait and because I'm certain that the person who dropped this will be back, I wait outside and stand right over the package. Ten minutes later a cop car pulls up. Officer 1 : Hello Miss. So, you have a suspicious package huh? Me: Yes, it's right here. I'm not sure what it is, but I haven't touched it. Officer 2: You found it this morning? Me: Yes, as I was taking the garbage out. I checked with my...

I know that majority of my posts are rants - but that's who I am and I ask you not to judge me.  Today's rant is for engaged people everywhere.  I have lots of married friends and several engaged friends and about 90% of them have all comitted this crime - the crime of assuming that because they are engaged and happy that I must follow suit. I love to celebrate an engagement/wedding; it's an exciting time and deserves rejoicing but doesn't need to be used as a tool to discuss with me my current state of bliss (which is usually quite high).  I was talking with The Pirate the other day about this very topic. We both have engaged people in our lives who are now suddenly wanting to know who we are dating, who we like, what are we doing to "find our eternal best friend", etc.  I'm very happy for these friends, but I'm not quite sure why the mantle of happiness spreader comes to them. Is there a sense of obligation that an engaged person feels to help others...

It's book club time! Our next selection is posted. http://kristin-and-erin-bookclub.blogspot.com/

If I don't have a vacation to plan, I get really ansy. In fact, one of my greatest fears in life is that I'll have to stop traveling. I know there are greater fears to have, but this is one of mine, and until I have a family of my own I'm sure it will stay this way for some time. Over the past four years I've been able to see Italy, Greece, France, Jerusalem, Jordan, Egypt, London, Chicago, NYC, St Louis, Cincinnati, Columbus, and more. And now I get to add one of my all time desired destinations... JAPAN!!! That's right, I'm heading to the Land of the Rising Sun. Domo arigato!

You know those people in your life who make you want to scream all day long? Well I have mine, a co-worker, who I refer to as Troll. She is nicknamed Troll because she looks like one - she's under 5'0", she has a trollish face, and she uses her powers for evil, not good. I also wouldn't be surprised if she lived under a bridge and terrified small children on their way home. Today is one of those days where I just have to walk away, and ignore her - since I can't walk as far away as I want to, I'm venting via blog. Let me give you some insight to Troll. We started out as average coworkers and within a week I had nearly offended her. Troll is approaching her third marriage and when she told me this I blurted out "Hey, third time is a charm. This one will take!" As the words left my mouth I was trying to stop myself. So while not a huge mistake, she already eyed me as an evil person who spoke too freely. So Troll and I manage to work together and we ev...

My friend The Red Head Pirate and I have started an online book club. We'd love for you to join us - http://kristin-and-erin-bookclub.blogspot.com/

I love music and I especially love seeing bands perform live. Last night my friends and I went to the Keane concert, and I was not disappointed –but for more than one reason. Two bands opened for Keane; first it was Helio Sequence, a band from Oregon that I enjoyed. Next was Matt Kearney! I love Matt Kearney and I could have listened to another hour of him. One of my favorite moments of the night was when he said “You write these songs and you put your heart and soul into them. And then people set Dr’s making out to your music” (referring to Grey’s Anatomy of course). I thought it was hilarious and giggled quite a bit. Matt Kearney has such a great voice and he’s sounds amazing live. The only down side – Matt’s pants are too tight. I don’t get why boys feel the need to wear tight, skinny jeans. It’s not healthy and it’s not attractive – even girls look ridiculous in skinny jeans. Perhaps I’m jealous, but I’m still right. Well as Matt Kearney ended, we had about 15 minutes while they s...

Tradition! (raising arms in air) I attended Women’s Conference again this year with my sisters, sister-in-law, aunt and three cousins. We’ve been doing this for several years, and while I tend to hate Provo, I love Women’s Conference. I’m not sure why I hate Provo. It may be the fact that everyone there jogs; everywhere! Swerve an inch and you’ll hit a jogger. I blame it on the fact that everything is banned in Provo and some additional reasons for why they jog, but I won't share them here.. (I may be confusing Provo with the small town portrayed in Footloose, but really, is there a big difference?) I love going to Women’s Conference because it gives me a chance to just hang out with my family and have fun. I of course love the classes and I do learn neat things; but I just love being able to get away for three days and just have fun. The past few times I’ve gone to Women’s Conference I always check out the art they have on sale. Last year I purchased this painting of the temple, ...

I had some free time at work today and I got into a conversation with Pregnant Emily on all our favorite TV shows we watched while growing up. We then played a game where we listed every show we could remember from our childhood. I've decided to share this list with you and ask you to include any we've overlooked. In no particular order -here they are: Small Wonder My Two Dads Out of this World Doogie Howser, M.D. Golden Girls Perfect Strangers Unsolved Mysteries Tales from the Crypt Facts of Life Mr Belvedere Just the Ten of Us Blossom Punky Brewster Alf Charles In Charge Saved By The Bell Quantum Leap Wonder Years Babysitters Club Full House Step By Step Family Matters Dr Quinn: Medicine Woman Walker, Texas Ranger Cosby Show Living Single Head of The Class Sabrina, The Teenage Witch Boy Meets World Who's The Boss? Growing Pains Webster Silver Spoon Family Ties Sweet Valley High Different Strokes Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Living Single Fraggle Rock Baby Muppets Kids Incorpor...

I never know what to blog about and just the other day The Red Head Pirate (I'm using code names for my friends - inspired by The Read Head Pirate who gave me this idea on her own blog) called me names and told me to blog about something because she was sick of not seeing an update. I've decided to share with you what a great evening I've had.  It takes very little to please me; as you'll soon learn what made my night so great. I spent half the evening with Hoops running errands and during our errands we encountered several ridiculous people. One of the joys of hanging out with Hoops is that we find humor in any given situation so while most would be irritated with our night and the sales people who helped us, we instead loved every minute and laughed all night long.  After running errands I came home and finished reading Crossing to Safety (highly recommended). Reading is probably one of, if not, my favorite things to do. I love everything about books - the smell of bo...

Well Kristin tagged me and I'm bored, so here are my ten things. I am...  a geek at heart. I know...  everything about Harry Potter and I'm proud of it I want...  a Nikon D90 I have...  to iron my shirts I miss...  my tap classes I hear...  the theme song from Mario Bros in my head all the time I smell... like fish and tempura  right now. (thanks for dinner Hoshino's) I crave...  turkey sandwiches w/ sprouts and avocado I search...  for fun and interesting websites everyday I always...  giggle at the most inappropriate moments (Grandpa's funeral, the chapel in the temple, etc) I believe...  that anyone and everyone would want to be my BFF if they only knew me. I sing...  like a rock star when I'm in the car but whisper when I'm in public or in church I lose...  everything, especially chapstick. I win...  being the favorite aunt. Hands down, no contest! I never...  know what to do wit...

This past weekend was a very memorable one for me;  I received my endowments. This is something I’ve been thinking about doing for quite a long time, but wanted to make sure I was doing it for the right reasons. Mt Timpanogos Temple (can you see me in the middle?!) Well after several lengthy conversations with my parents, siblings and a few close friends, praying and fasting, I knew that I was ready. I called the temple, set the date and then notified friends and family. I won’t go into details here about my experience, but I will tell you that I’ve never felt more beautiful, loved and calm as I did that day. I also strengthened my testimony about my Savior and His plan for us. I haven’t stopped smiling since Saturday, but thank heavens I stopped crying. It was such and amazing emotional experience for me and I’m so happy to have been able to share it with my family and friends! Here are a few photos from the day. Mom, Me and Dad Me, my...

Good things happen late at night - despite what your bishop tells you! Back in November I got a phone call late at night from Tasha. She found a great deal for airfare to Florida - the only catch was that we had one hour to buy the tickets before the sale was over. So, without much planning or even looking at our calendars, the four of us (Tasha, Nicole, Michelle and myself) bought our tickets and decided we'd plan the details later. The other perk to this trip is that Tasha's dad lives in Florida and we had a place to stay for free. Tasha, Nicole, Michelle & I starting our vacation We spent our first full day there at Universal Studios. I love roller-coaster rides and Universal didn't disappoint. We attempted to ride The Hulk, but after 20 minutes in line the ride was shut down, so we moved on to other rides and then came back to The Hulk. While waiting in line I had a kid behind me who kept getting a little too close for comfort. His hand kept grazing my bum and I kep...