I can't believe...

...it is almost time for Christmas. Where does the time go? I thought I would never utter those words in fear of sounding like my mom...and today I do. She always said to me that time would fly for me one day and that I would wake up and not know where time had gone. I feel like this year has had so many things happen, some good, some bad and that the year is almost finished. Christmas has literally snuck up on me. I'm in denial that it is this Saturday. I have received wonderful Christmas cards and I am in complete denial. I've listened to Christmas music since December 1 and I am still in complete denial. I put up my tree before the 1st of December and decorated it and I am still in denial. When will it sink in? Probably Saturday morning, huh? :)

Melo turns 42 on Thursday and I am so excited to spend the day with him. I took work off and I can't tell you how happy that makes me. We get one entire day together to do whatever he wants to do. I hope he has the best day ever! Then I get Saturday off for Christmas and I am leaping with joy. It will be a "Christmas Miracle" after all. :)

Well if I don't come back on to write on my blog in the next few days or so I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I hope you enjoy the holiday with your friends and family.

With much love, Amy

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving was filled with a lot of firsts this year. We were planning on going to Little America to celebrate as we really didn't have any plans for dinner and all the bros and sisters were going to their in-laws and my "in-law" hasn't been feeling well and they were going somewhere for Thanksgiving. So we woke up and it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. It was great! We then had a new tradition as we jetted over to my sister's home to have "pie for breakfast"! I loved it. Since we wouldn't be eating dinner over at their home we at least wanted to see them, so she decided to have us over for pie. It was a fabulous idea! I enjoyed the pie and the company. We were going to do some volunteer work at the Greek church, but decided on the whim that we would go home and make our own dinner and bag the idea of going to the Little America. So we jetted over to Smiths...I know, I know...I was one of those shoppers that ruined a Smiths employee's Thanksgiving. I at least apologized to them. ;)

We already had a thawed turkey as we were going to make one so that we would have leftovers and we really had all the makings of a dinner. We had fresh cranberries, yams, potatoes, brussel sprouts...so we dug in and made dinner. We had some friends that didn't have any plans so they ended up joining us. We started the turkey at 3:30 and were eating by 8:00 p.m. It was the perfect day. The turkey was FABULOUS! I suggest anyone to use Ina Garten's recipe for turkey. It was great. I was so proud of myself and Melo that we could really pull it off. We watched our traditional movie.."Planes, Trains and Automobiles" and enjoyed the rest of the evening.

So it all came down that I was able to spend my day with my honey making our very own tradition. It will be a day I will never forget. I am so very thankful for Melo. He is why I live. :)

Gratefulness

I am grateful for prayer and the strength it gives me.

Life

Well lately it has been extremely busy and a very emotional October. After my last entry, I was reminiscing about a poem that my Grandmother had sent me on my mission and also to welcome Fall. Well about 2 weeks later, my Grandmother passed away. It was very hard on me. I had no idea that she had been sick. Apparently she had fallen about the time that I wrote my entry and Melo and I went on a trip to New Mexico and upon our return that afternoon, my mother called me to tell me that Grandma was not doing well and that if we wanted we could go over and visit her at her home. Hospice had been helping out and they had brought a hospital bed for her to be more comfortable. They had her pretty medicated as well as she was in so much pain. Melo and I went the very next day to see her. It was very emotional. Just seeing her poor, frail little body was so hard. My cousin, Charlotte Kay had been there that day helping out giving Grandma her medications and helping her to be comfortable. Charlotte Kay told me to talk to her in her right ear, that she could hear who was there, but probably wouldn't be able to respond or talk, but she might moan or lift an eyebrow. It took me a while to feel comfortable to hold her hand and to start talking to her as I didn't want to disturb her, but my cousin said, "Amy she can hear you, talk to her." So I proceeded to grab her hand and leaned in and said, "Grandma, it's me, Amy". She started moaning a little and trying to clear her throat. It kind of scared me, but Charlotte Kay stated that she was just clearing her throat. She proceeded to give her some medication and then left Melo and I to talk to her. I told her about our trip, that I was pretty busy with work and that I was living a pretty boring life. Then I proceeded to tell her how much I loved her and that I was grateful that she was my Grandma. That I was grateful that when I was born that she took care of me that first week of my life. My Mom and Dad were surprised when the adoption agency called one day and said, "would you like a little girl?" That very same day, they ran downtown to bring me home but at the same time had a trip that they had planned with the entire family and when they got the news that I was ready to be adopted they weren't even really prepared. So they proceeded to go Disneyland, while I got to spend time with my precious Grandma and Grandpa. She truly loved me as I loved her with all my heart. I told her about that story and that we had that special bond. I know she could hear me. I just know it. Even before I started talking, I was holding her hand and talking to her in my mind and she started stirring. I knew she was there and didn't want me to be sad.

I told her that I was so sorry for not visting more, that I had no excuse and I felt awful. I know she understood. My Grandma loved, she never complained, she never judged and did enjoy a visit, but I don't think she was all caught up with that, she just wanted to hear that we were all doing okay and that we were happy. My heart hurt so bad that day. All my memories of Grandma came flourishing up, like I was still that little girl running through the field to visit her, to receive one of her yummy treats and sitting in the rocking chairs out on her patio. I will miss her greatly.

After visiting with her, I had to leave to go teach, but I leaned in and gave her a kiss on her head and told her I would see her later. I know I will.

The viewing and funeral were very nice. The evening of the viewing, I had a great time catching up with all my cousins, aunts and uncles, extended family and friends. Grandma looked beautiful. My aunt Cyndee and my other aunt fixed her hair and did her make-up. The frail, gaunt look that I saw the previous days before was gone and she had the most beautiful skin and she looked like Grandma.

The funeral was hard for me. I was almost embarrassed because I was crying like a baby. My body wouldn't stop shaking. I just really loved my Grandma. The aunts gave some beautiful talks and we all laughed at the stories they shared. The daughters also sang two beautiful songs and my aunt Barbara sang "Oh My Father". It was beautiful.

Grandma was always so fun loving and was always teasing, doing pranks on people and making you always laugh. She also was pretty fisty, but in a fun, loving way. She didn't believe in wasting time. She was a hard worker and did it with a lightheartedness and never complained.

She was also known as the "damn'it" Grandma. She did swear at times, but "damn'it" and "hell" were the winning words that would come out of her mouth. If something scared her, she would accidentally blurt those words out. We would all roar with laughter whenever she did that. She was a hoot.

I'm so happy that my Grandma is with my Grandpa again. I'm sure she is so happy and rejoicing that she is not in any more pain. I will always be grateful for her loving kindness and unconditional love. Her excitement to see and hear of all her grandchildren's experiences in life. She would talk and talk and be so excited to see you. I will never forget her yummy fudge, her rice kripy treats with chocolate chips. Her smell. Her dusters and her aprons that she would wear. Her cute dish towels that she made. Her crocheted items. Her hugs. She will never be forgotten. I love you Grandma.

Amy

Grateful

I am grateful for my jobs. Ü

Oh Fall...why did you have to come so fast?

Well Fall has arrived. It's crazy how time has flown. It just seemed like I was planting my flowers yesterday and getting ready for summer and now it's officially over. Fall brings a new chapter in my life and I love the sense of renewal.

As this time of year approaches, I am reminded of a poem that my grandmother sent me on my mission, which is called "The Seasons of My Soul" by Helen Steiner Rice. This poem depicted how I felt at that time in my life, and it has always stuck with me. For some reason, my grandmother knew exactly when to send me that letter because it truly helped me in one of my most trying times on my mission. I love it because that particular letter means so much to me. Take a read:

The Seasons Of My Soul by: Helen Steiner Rice

Why am I cast down
And despondently sad
When I long to be happy
And joyous and glad?

Why is my heart heavy
With unfathomable weight
As I try to escape
This soul-saddened state?

I ask myself often ...
"What makes life this way,
Why is the song silenced
In the heart that was gay?"

And then, with God's help
It all becomes clear,
The "Soul" has its "Seasons"
Just the same as the year.

I, too, must pass through
Life's autumn of dying,
A desolate period
Of heart-hurt and crying.

Followed by winter
In whose frostbitten hand
My heart is as frozen
As the snow-covered land.

Yes, man too must pass
Through the seasons God sends,
Content in the knowledge
That everything ends.

And, Oh! What a blessing
To know there are reasons
And to find that our soul
Must, too, have it's seasons.

"Bounteous Seasons"
And "Barren Ones," too.
Times for rejoicing
And times to be blue.

But meeting these seasons
Of dark desolation
With strength that
is born Of anticipation

That comes from knowing
That "autumn-time sadness"
Will surely be followed by a
"Springtime of Gladness."


How I love this poem.

I have always loved the fall. And even though this poem gives a feeling that autumn is a time of sadness..I feel the opposite. The clean, crisp air makes me happy. I absolutely love leaving the windows open at night and feeling that chill; pulling out the blankets and snuggling in bed. I love putting away my summer clothes and pulling out my fall sweaters. I know, I know, that we are still in the mid 80's and I shouldn't get ahead of myself, but I feel excitment as the season is changing.

Life has been pretty busy lately, but what's new? I have started teaching more and my studio is up to 5 students. :) Hopefuly in the next couple of weeks I will be adding three more to the bunch. :) My goal is to obtain 10 students and cap there. We'll see what the future brings. However, I am very grateful that I have the opportunity to teach all my students and find it a privilege and honor to be a part of their lives.

Lately, we (Melo and I) have been anxiously awaiting to hear some great news, as in a job offer for Melo. He has put it out to the universe, and I am in full belief that he will find something very, very soon. I am keeping my fingers crossed and have a continual prayer in my heart that he may find work and get the opportunity to do what he has always dreamnt of. Dreams do come true, don't ya know? As soon as I hear word, you'll be the first to know.

Last weekend we had alot of fun, as my Mom and Dad hosted the "last" cookout with the whole family. We had so much yummy food and just visited. The evening was sublime. We played a little croquet and I loved catching up with my siblings. I truly miss all of them. I know we are all so busy, but I know I need to make them a priority in my life. Hopefully I can work on it more. We also attended the State Fair and the Carmelite Fair and it was a fantastic weekend.

Melo has also been such a busy bee lately. He actually has been putting together a 72-hour kit for us, just in case of an emergency. He has taken all the initiative and it has been so cool to see him be so organized. He is getting us so prepared and his concern for us has been such a blessing to me. Without him, I truly wouldn't know what I would do. Although, he sometimes gets on my nerves, he truly is "mi media naranja". I'm truly grateful for him and all that he does for me and I appreciate his true patience with me.

As we are approaching the season of gratefulness; my goal is to write down one thing that I am grateful for each day until the end of the year. I am in hopes that I can truly find what is important to me and to full heartedly be grateful for all that I have. So here goes my first one:

I am grateful for Melo, because he always makes me the best meals ever, and never complains.

Well until next time. :)

Life

As you can tell I've been contemplating on life. What is life about? Truly, what is MY life about? Is it all about working 13 hours a day, coming home, going to bed, and waking up to do the same ole' thing again? Is it to friviously buy things to make me happy for a fleeting moment? Is there more to life? I know there's family, friends, loved ones that enrich ones life, but I'm just talking about my purpose. I think there's so much more than truly meets the eye.

Recently I lost a close friend of mine. I haven't wanted to write about anything because it was just not the right time and I still have things that I'm working through, but I figured that writing some thoughts down might be one of the first steps to healing.

I think about my friend and her life and what she had accomplished. I think about how when we would talk, even though many months would pass since we had last spoken, every time we got a minute to talk, it was like I had just hung up with her and we were just picking up from our last conversation. She was so fun to talk to. She would laugh at my stupid jokes and some of my funny situations in life. She never thought my stories were dumb, she was just there to make me feel happy. She truly made me feel special. She would always boost me up and make me feel like I truly could do anything. I would tell her my hopes, my dreams, my insecurities, my fears and she would always come back with, "Amy you are amazing!" I felt that when she went through some troubling times that I was there for her. We would talk for hours and I was always amazed with her strength and positiveness and the trust she had in herself in making her decision in life. She could see the good in anything. Even though she was sick, she would see the positiveness of life. I remember when she told me she might have to use a wheelchair, since she was getting weak and falling. She ended up trying to exercise as much as her body would allow to try and get her strength back. With all her hard work she ended up not having to use the wheelchair and when her doctor said she only would have to use a cane, how much happier she was with that option, because she would still be mobile. She had seen some pretty dark days and I remember talking to her about her life. She knew she had to change, she knew she had bigger and better things to do. She never ever gave up. She was always trying to improve her life, either with classes at the University or wanting to try new business adventures, she always had something new up her sleeve. I was always so proud and envious of her in her ways of just "doing" something new with no fear. She was fearless.

I just want to call her and talk to her. I feel awful that I didn't get a chance to talk to her before she passed. I tried calling her a few times within the last month or so before her passing, but I never heard from her. Her husband said she was going to call me but he said, she just didn't get around to it. Either way it made me feel good that she had the intention. But I still wish I could have spoken with her, just one last time. You know? I miss her a lot.

Upon going to her funeral, I have come to the understanding of what selflessness means. I won't go into details, but I saw a woman who accepted life as it was and tried to do the best she could with what she had. She accepted, not so ideal, situations in her life and still loved her life and loved unconditionally. I will never quite understand some of her choices, but I loved her unconditionally and always stood by her decisions no matter what. I loved her, she was like my sister. And you know, things always worked out in one way or another for her.

I came to find that she had a talent in making jewelry. I had received some from her in December for Christmas but thought that it was maybe store bought. It was cool when I found, in her room, all the makings for her jewelry. It meant so much more to me, knowing she had made mine. Her husband also gave me another bracelet that she made and I adore it.

My point in writing this blog is that life is short but it is a precious, precious gift. Life needs to be lived. Life can hand us some unappealing circumstances, but we need to see the best in everything. Life is hard and can feel overbearing at times, but I find comfort that I know there is someone larger, someone more powerful that is watching over me, and I take comfort in that knowledge, wherein I can find peace.

Disorganized? Well then organize and then reorganize....UGH!

Well this explains my last month. I keep telling myself that I am disorganized, therefore I try to organize and then to my realization, I have to reorganize. Why the viscious cycle? Not only am I trying to organize my home, but I really need to start re-organizing my life. Ü I get so caught up in working, trying to fill every existing minute with something productive that when I find time to myself, I feel guilty. It's crazy. So I decided to make some changes. Little by little, right?

I guess what I have to do is change my mindset. So here it goes...I was doing some reading this evening and this is what I found:

"Want what you have. We cram our spaces and schedules with more and more, yet we still aren't content. Just clearing the decks isn't enough. You have to be clear on what your values are and what you truly want."

Pay attention to your limitations. "We tend to overestimate what we can do and underestimate the amount of time it takes to do it."

Take time to recharge. Take one day off per week. "Practice the three 'R's of life organization: rest, relax and renew." "Stop filling every second of your life with activity. Don't hide behind the excuse of overload — commit to make room on a daily basis for the things that matter most."

After all, isn't that the reason you were getting organized in the first place?"

This was such a perfect read. The trick is to try and follow the advice...wish me luck!

And Another Year Has Passed...

Well, this past week I celebrated the big "38"! I can't believe it. Where does the time go? When I got home at 12:45 a.m. on Thursday morning, Melo surprised me with an I-Pod Touch. I was so excited, but upon opening it, I had no idea what it was, so I had to google it. He thought that was pretty funny. I am so excited to have received it as a gift. He is too good to me. I love him so much and am so grateful for him in my life! HE just gets me and he takes such good care of me. :) We celebrated with what time we had as he was going out of town the next morning. Upon waking up he had flowers waiting for me. They were beautiful! So I proceeded to take him to catch his ride to leave and he told me to go get a pedicure and a manicure. So I jetted off and it was heaven! Again...he is just the best!

Since my nephew and I share the same b-day, my sister made it our day as she proceeded to spoil us all day with suprises! First we went to my other sister's work and ate lunch at the "Hard Times Cafe". She works for the Utah Department of Corrections, and onsite, the prisoners that are on FastTrack and those that are studying culinary arts, work in this cafe. IT was delicious! We enjoyed spending time together and it was fun to see where my sister works, she even bought us all lunch! She is too great! We had brownies at her office and just caught up. It was a lot of fun!

We then proceeded to Ogden, as my sister surprised us both with a session at iFLY. iFLY you say? What is that? IFLY My sister took us up there, I was so nervous! I proceeded to watch the 5 minute video and was freaked out! :) Then I had to go gear up. I was starting to feel like I couldn't breath and here my nephew was all excited ready to go! I had to be brave. He went first...he loved it! He had a little delay as he got a bloody nose because the air was so dry, but jumped right back in. Then it was my turn! I was so hesitant that it took my about 2 times to finally have the nerves to just fall in. After all the worry, I have to admit it was a lot of fun and felt pretty cool. I would like to try it again soon. I hopefully can attach the video soon! However, after I was so stiff! The wind is strong and it pulled my arms back so far that I am still sore today! :) Just gettin' old, I know.

After we went to dinner and had pie at my sis's house. It was a great day!

The next day...I went to go meet Melo up in Logan! What a lovely drive! We stayed at the Beaver Creek Lodge It was so beautiful. We ended up being the only ones there that evening. It was just beautiful. We went to Bear Lake and had dinner at a really cute restaurant and just drove around. It actually started to rain...so we decided to jet back to the lodge. Upon our drive back, it started SNOWING! I couldn't believe it. We got back to the lodge safely, after much anxiety, but we made it! We just lounged around and hit the hay...the next morning we had such a beautiful sight! The mountains were covered with snow and it was absolutely gorgeous! We went to grab breakfast and just enjoyed the view from the parlor. It was great! We then drove back into Bear Lake and drove to Idaho to get lotto tickets and grabbed a quick raspberry shake! We then went to the docks and it was freezing but we just had to see the water. After, we started our decent to Logan. Upon arrival to Logan we stopped for lunch and jetted back home. It was a great drive! I didn't want to come home, but we were both beat! But I have to tell you it was the best birthday weekend ever! I'll never forget it! Ü

April Showers

Well this last week has been somewhat eventful, although I can't remember what I did last weekend. :) So after phoning up Melo to see what we did, I guess I can continue. Oh yeah, how could I forget, we tried the Dine-O-Round downtown. We went to this great little tapa restaurant called Eva's. It wasn't that bad. I actually had no food allergies to any of the food and felt pretty good. I get sick from time to time when I eat out, so I am usually pretty cautious about trying new places, but like I said, it wasn't that bad. Prices were pretty good as well. We had a little excitement when we got there as a woman passed out and her date/boyfriend/husband, just picked her up and ran her out of the restaurant and yelled...call 911! He then proceeded to lay her on the ground to the side of the restaurant out front and that was that. It was pretty strange. After, we drove around for a little bit and then jetted home.

Over the weekend, Melo went up to Park City to celebrate one of his friend's birthday. I was so tired, I just laid around that night and ordered a pizza. Nothing like a pig out. :)

Sunday, we met up with our friends to celebrate birthdays. Gabi's was on the 12th and Scotty's was on the 17. So we met up at SL Pizza and Pasta for their brunch and enjoyed just catching up with Bob and Nancy and Cristina and the kids. It was a fun time. Later that day we went over to Belen's house to have the "first" bbq. I absolutely love the smell of bbqs and couldn't get enough of it that evening. The weather was perfect and it was so relaxing. I was very excited for Belen's potato salad, as it is the best! We enjoyed catching up and it was a great intro to the new week.

I finally went in for my endoscopy this week. Boy oh boy...am I getting old. They will have my test results back in the next 10 days, so it's just the waiting game. :) They had to dilate my esophagus, which I think I will never do again, but they found some strictures (scar tissue) and since I tend to get food stuck in my throat, they decided to do the "procedure". Not a big deal, but it felt like someone had dislocated my chest bone. It normally takes 24-48 hours to be okay, some people they are okay right away, but for me...I'm barely finding relief as of today. I had a sore throat for 2 days and if I lean in a certain way, I still have a little bit of pain, but what can ya' do? Just wait it out. On Wednesday I thought I might have to go to emergency as the pain was getting a little worse. But with a heating pad and some warm tea and my prescription, I was doing okay. Just needed a little extra rest I guess.

So this week has been a lazy week. I have so many things to do, but I just needed to stay down. I'm glad I'm feeling back to normal. Acid reflux sucks!

One Day At A Time

I have been meaning to update my blog and try to make a habit of saying at least Hi each day. Ü  A alot has happened in the past year or so, but I will remain in the present as that is my new mantra!

take a read if you get a chance at :
http://www.oprah.com/spirt/The-Art-of-Living-in-the-Present-Josh-Baran/

I'm going to try my hardest and stay focused and be present in the present! :) [this was a posting that I found a draft to, and just barely posted it today...it was from March 2010]

This is it!

"This is it."  This moment is my life, completely. 

Absolutrific April

Well this last week flew by and I enjoyed the ride! I finally "washed that grey right out of my hair" from Shan, and it was so fun! She actually wanted to do a different color on me, so I trusted her and we did it!  I was kind of scared, but you can only really tell unless I am in the sun...it has a hint of red! I love it! I feel like a brand new woman...I'm so easily pleased when it comes to the simple pleasures of just getting your hair colored! My hair feels like heaven! I also got a a little trim as well and I love the cut! I truly love Shan for all that she does for me and my hair! She's a Godsend! After I went with Jessica to find some make-up as she is going to be on "Good Things Utah" on Friday and meeting some very special people! (more details to come) We were pampered by Robb at the La Mer counter...after spending over $850, that is Jessica...we were in shock when we actually looked at the receipt. Shame on Robb...what does he think we're made of? Someone will be returning some items very soon! :) At least we walked out with some awesome samples and an appointment to get made up by La Mer in two weeks! :)  Should be fun!

On Friday we started preparing Melo for his trip to Las Vegas.  He was to attend two meetings with some potential clients, that we are crossing our fingers with!  I worked that day and then went to go get his car from the rental shop.  Melo then surprised me with tickets to the Utah Opera.  Verdi's Requiem.  It was the most exquisite performance.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and especially because Melo thought of it.  He was so excited to take me.  He made us dinner...fish and salad...one of my favorites and then got ready.  This time however, I have to tell you I really enjoyed the evening...when we go out sometimes I tend to get very uneasy because I want to be on time, etc., but, even though we were running short on time, I remained very calm that evening.  I found that we were running late, but I just said to myself...Enjoy the Moment, Amy! We got downtown and we had to park a little ways away from Abravanel Hall...but again...I said "Enjoy the Moment!"  So we had a very nice walk! Ü  We got inside...and the performance had already started...again...I said, "Amy, it's okay!"  So we went in after the first two pieces and just slipped in and enjoyed the rest of the evening!  We had wonderful seats! It was very relaxing and just a perfect evening.  After Melo took me to SetteBello's gelato shop.  It was heaven!  Then we jetted to the store to grab some last minute things he needed to take on his trip and we got home, he packed and we went to bed...as I was laying there I started thinking to myself...that I didn't want him to go.  How was I going to be without him?  Mind that I usually tell Melo..."hey I need my space...can you go somewhere for a while"...and then when he does...I fall apart. :) (Not completely...hahaha) 

He left early on Saturday morning and I was pretty sad, but so glad for these great opportunities.  He and his friend Francisco went and I think they just needed a "boyz weekend"...Melo was great to keep me updated and that he had made it.  I get so nervous when he drives on long trips..especially when others are driving along with them...nowadays you just never know if someone is going to cross the median or something crazy...so I tend to get a little nervous, but they made it and in good time!

That day I worked and had a great day...I actually may have sold a piano! I hope that my customers come back and buy the piano! :)  All day Saturday all I could think about was where I was going afterwards. I had the opportunity to go to the opening game of the Real SL soccer game! Jessica had bought tickets for her family and friends and we were going to see Jonah, as he was granted his Make-A-Wish wish!  It was a two day extravaganza as he was able to go to the Rio Tinto Stadium the day before and go to the Real's practice.  He met Kyle Beckerman and had a limo ride with David Archuleta.  It was so awesome.  They had an action packed day on Friday as they started with being on t.v. on "Good Things Utah" where Jonah was told what he was going to be doing that day...(practice with Kyle Beckerman and then get a ride with David Archuleta!) He was so cute on t.v. and was soooo happy! They then were presented with tickets to the Blaze game to see David in concert that same evening.  Jonah was speechless! Jess told me that Jonah and David sang "Touch my Hand" during the limo ride and they had a fun time together...at the Blaze game they spent the entire time with David in the suite...Jessica said it was AWESOME!  Then on Saturday night, we went to the opening game and Jonah was out there on the field with the team as they were receiving their championship rings, etc. and guess what?  Jonah was presented with his own Championship ring! It was awesome.  Jessica was all over the news and had such a great night!  Then the biggest surprise of all was  David Archuleta inviting Jonah to sing with him at half-time.  Jonah was adorable...  I cried during the performance! It was so endearing.  From hearing Jonah singing the song over and over and over, over the year...and then finally he gets to meet David and sing it with him at the stadium...it was just so amazing!  His wish came true!  HE totally deserved those wonderful two days. He is such a fabulous little boy! 

After I went to dinner with Audra, Dalene, Melissa, Darren and Mindy.  We had a great time and got to see the news and Jonah was on it! It was brilliant!

On Sunday, I enjoyed a quiet morning and decided to call up my friend Evie to go grab a tea! We ended up meeting at Oasis and enjoyed the afternoon talking for about 2 1/2 hours.  It was time well spent as we were able to really catch up and enjoy one another's company! She's amazing and has so many wonderful things happening in her life.  She's truly an inspiration to me!

That same night Melo returned home.  I was so happy! He was so anxious to just relax, so we just bumbed around and went to bed.  I can't blame him as he drove straight through and was pretty pooped! 

The next day he had some things to do in the morning and I jetted off to work.  I actually had an appointment to go to the Dr.'s for this dumb acid reflux that I've been battling with! I finally have a endoscopy scheduled and I hope we can get to the bottom of this terrible condition.  After I went back to work and then jetted to my Zumba! I love that my friend Cinthya got me started with Zumba...it is the best! Now Jessica, Evie and Teri are attending.  We have a lot of fun!  It was a fabulous class yesterday and I'm feeling it today! :)  After Melo brought me home dinner after attending the VIP reception for the Anne Frank Exhibition which just started.  I was suppose to attend, but I had to go to Zumba...can't miss that!  Ü 

Today I went to work at the University of Utah.  Virginia Tanner is getting ready for their Spring concert! The girls are all so cute and so excited to be performing in the next few weeks. I can't believe how fast time has gone this semester! It is crazy...but I have thoroughly enjoyed this semester up there playing the piano!  Today I could hardly wait until class ended as I was meeting up with my good friend Sally to get pedicures.  We thoroughly enjoyed it as we got to sit in massage chairs and have a little pampering done to our feet!  It was too fun! I now have purple toes!  It was a fun time catching up with Sally and just enoying the afternoon! She is the best!

I can't believe how this week flew, but it truly has been another great week! :)

Where does the time go!

I can't believe today is April 7. Where does the time go?  I enjoyed the weekend as we celebrated Easter.  No major events though.  I tried to listen to General Conference, but with work, etc., it was pretty hard.  We were to go over to my parent's house, but I decided not to attend as I just didn't plain feel like it.  Melo went to his Mom's house and had Easter dinner and was nice enough to bring me some dinner.  Ham is definitely one of my favorites!
Well the past week and a half has been flying.  Melo and I attended the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Convention on Friday.  Melo was presented with "Member of the Year!"  I am so proud of him.  He has worked so hard for the Chamber and I am so glad they have recognized all he has done for them.  He gave an excellent little speech and his presentation of the Don Quixote Awards went well! He and his crew did an excellent job.  So I went down and had a great lunch and hung out for a while and then went to teach piano that evening.  We basically crashed that night, since Melo has been working non-stop on that project.  It was good to actually see him for one full night! :)

On Staurday we attended India Night that our friend, Poonam put on.  What a fun night! They had some great musical artists, dancing and a fabulous fashion show that she put on! We actually were only going to go for a couple of hours, but the fashion show was pushed until almost the end of the night...so after watching and listening to all the artists from 8:45-12:00 a.m., we were pooped, but we had fun!

Monday night we had the pleasure of seeing Dianne Reeves at GAM.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Lt4wjvTlXA.  She put on a sensational show that evening.  She was SPOT ON! I have never felt so much emotion from an artist.  She made me laugh, cry and sing! I actually had the opportunity to meet her and she signed my CD.  She is very inspirational and I am truly finding a deep appreciation for Jazz music.  It is the bomb!

Tuesday night, we also had the opportunity to see Little Dragon.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yedD4JsZyT0 WHOA!!!! After waiting for almost three hours for them to perform, (due to inclement weather, yes it snowed in April), they finally arrived and put on a superb concert!  I love Yukimi's voice and her energy.  She sang most of the songs that I wanted to hear and we had a great view of the show! Even Melo liked her.  It was a lot of fun and going to a concert during the middle of the week is such a rare thing to get to do, since I work almost every evening at the firm, so it was a real treat!

Today I started teaching a new piano student.  I am so excited that my studio is growing.  In the past, I have not had time to really involve myself with piano like I would like to, so I decided I am going to make time for it!  I now have 7 students.  It is so fun.  Each student is so different and I love that it keeps me on my toes and helps me with my self-confidence to know that I really can teach.  Ü

I am hoping to start private theory again with one of my old professors from the University of Utah.  She has been gracious enough to take me on privately and I am so excited! Watch out world...maybe I will be able to write some music after I get over my fear of theory! Ü

Other than that, this week has started out pretty well.  The days seem to be filled with a lot of different activities and new adventures.  Can't wait to see what the rest of the week brings. Ü

Highlights of the Month of March

I think I will try to elaborate more when I have time, but I was looking at my calendar, ready to change it and just wanted to highlight some fun and not so fun events that Melo and I have done this month.

We both attended the Camerata Awards Dinner to represent Daynes Music.  We had a fabulous time. From hob-nobbing with complete strangers, to eating a fabulous dinner and the listening to some excellent music we enjoyed ourselves very much!  What a fun night! That same night, we hiked up to the Union Building, (mind you I was in my highest of high black heels in the freezing, somewhat snowy night) to support our friend, Eduardo with his event to support Hispanic Business students and tried to dance the Cumbia...I think "someone" may need some lessons...Ü

I also attended a funeral this month of baby Zachary who was born on March 17, but sadly passed away.  I hope that the Lord continues to bless our friends as they mourn the loss of their little boy.  It made me realize how precious life truly is.

We also attended our friend, Cory's birthday party.  We ate great food at Squatters and hit the bowling alley, the Ritz.  It brought back so many memories for me as I used to spend my weekends there (my highs school days) dancing the night away to the sounds of the Cure, , Siouxsie and the Banshees and the ultimate Frankie Goes to Hollywood, ("the Power of Love"),etc.  Good times!  We had a blast!

Ruthie, one of my co-workers at Daynes finished her last week with us as she is getting ready to have her baby.  Emma Grace arrived March 30th!  We are so excited for her and David and I can't wait to see both of them.

We also celebrated one of our dearest friend's birthday, Dennis. Melo and Dennis have many years as great friends and we were so excited to spend our evening with their family and friends.  We went to Tuscany and had some great Italian food, and it was so nice to catch up with them.  We hope that we can spend more time with them once the weather gets better!

We also celebrated another birthday that same evening with some long time friends as well.  Kamillah turned 17 and was throwing a party!  Melo remembers her as a baby and can't believe how old she is getting.  Her parents threw her a FABULOUS party with a DJ, food, an oxygen bar and a little "mini" bar with yes...non-alcoholic drinks. Pamela and Cristian were fantastic bartenders.  What a great night!

Many more birthdays were celebrated this month, my niece Briana, my great friends, Jen Snow and Brigette and my brother! What a fun month!

I also caught up with my fabulous friend, Evie, who is the most incredible person I know.  We had dinner together and even though we have had so much time pass, it didn't even feel that way after we started talking.  I'm so blessed to have such a great friend like her.

Well I guess we're on to April...Bring it On! Ü

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