Randomness

My internet today is extreemly slow, so I was not able to post all my pictures from the fourth of July. Instead, here are a few random pictures and stories that make me laugh. Enjoy! Creatures appearantly feel very welcome in my apartment. First it was a mouse and then it was this... Yes, a nice lizard! I trapped it in the kitchen. It wasn't there for long because the day I discovered it, was the day my antique furniture (I'll post a picture and tell the story about that on the next post) I purchased was delivered. So I asked the gentlemen who delivered it how to get a lizard out of my apartment and they offered to catch it. Within a minute, the lizard was caught and taken away. One day while we were out and about, we came across Oprah's salon or something. Don't know if she has ever been there, but kind of funny and definitely unexpected.

Driving down the road you see all sorts of crazy stuff here. We happened to see two guys in the back of a pick-up holding onto pieces of glass. Not the smartest thing if you ask me... I just hope they didn't hit a big speed bump, because that could really hurt!

Here is another picture of the two guys holding the glass.

I would expect to see boats here, afterall we are right on the gulf. When I saw this though while driving down the freeway I couldn't help but think... RANDOM! I still have no idea why there is a boat floating in the trees.

Well, hopefully the interenet will cooperate and I can catch you up on my adventures. For now, I will say goodnight and wish you all a fabulous week!

Social Famine Quenched Part III: Back In Denver

Friday, June 26th Continued I landed in Denver around 6:00pm. I did not have the opportunity to visit with my good friend and co-worker, Terri, so I asked her to pick me up from the airport so we could use that time to chat. We also stopped by Starbucks where I enjoyed a caramel apple cider and we could continue our visit. We could have chatted a lot longer, but I told Jared and Katie to meet us there at 8:30pm so we could make a Kohl’s run before it closed. It was fun to see Terri and get caught up with all the happenings at Buckley! My really stellar quality purse I bought in Kuwait was already falling apart so I was on a mission to find a new purse along with a wedding gift for my good friends who were getting married the next day. Thanks to Katie, I was able to get a cute purse that I liked. I was also successful in finding a wedding gift- hooray! We got home and I pretty much dropped my stuff off and then Ashlee was there to pick me up so we could head to Chili’s. That is our thing… we always get the broccoli cheese soup and chips & salsa and enjoy a nice visit. Ususally we start a little earlier then 10pm, but other then that it was just like old times! Thanks Ashlee!

Saturday, June 27th I feel so loved! I do…. my friends planned Third Thursday while I was in town so I could be there. I love Third Thursday, a girls night out, or in this case a girls morning out! We headed to a vegetarian restaurant for breakfast. My friend Megan picked me up around 8:30am and off we went to Water Course Foods in downtown Denver. We had sweet potato cinnamon rolls for an appetizer and I ordered banana bread french toast and fresh fruit for my main meal. It was pretty tasty! It was also nice to catch up with Tina, Alena, and Megan- such great people! Alena published a book of her funny stories and experiences she has had, she is a funny gal and definitely entertaining!

Me, Tina, Alena, Megan enjoying a beautiful morning in Denver

Once I got home from Third Thursday I had a few hours to get ready for the day and head to my good friend’s Cat and Gabi’s wedding luncheon. It was very nice and great to be there to visit with friends and eat Texas Roadhouse- I wish I hadn’t had so much for breakfast! Anyway, Cat and Gabi looked so happy- in fact, I’ve never seen Gabi so serious before.

I’ll never forget the first time I met Cat, it was the first Sunday I went to Maplewood Ward when I first moved to Denver. We have been friends ever since. Gabi is great, too- he was my date for my 27th birthday. Cat was out of town, so she loaned him to me for the evening. He was one of the best dates I’ve ever had! Thanks Cat and Gabi for being such great people. Before I left Denver I told them they have to get married in June so I could come to the wedding. I'm pretty sure it was coincidence that they got married during the time I was home, but I can pretend that it was for me- thanks for listening! I was very glad I was able to make it to your luncheon and wish you all the best as you start your journey together!

Gabi, Julie, Cat

Saturday evening was my last evening in the States, so I told Jared and Katie that my only plans were to hang with them. Well, they had planned this BBQ in the park and invited Katie’s Dad, and the Showell clan to join us. Turns out that it was a surprise birthday party just for me! How thoughtful is that? It brought a tear to my eye that they would do that for me. I’ve definitely celebrated my birthday apart from Jared before, but I think this was a first to have my very own birthday party with Jared present. Kind of different and it made me realize that I love sharing my birthday with Jared- I am definitely blessed to be a twin. Here are some pictures from the party:

After visiting, playing on the slide, and watching Cayden enjoy being at the park, Jared grilled some hamburgers for us and then I got to blow out the candles and open presents. Again, Jared and Katie are so thoughtful. I love (and miss) all my plants. Well the first gift was glass bulbs so you don’t have to remember to water your plants, it automatically releases the correct amount of water as the plant needs it. Great idea! I let Annie hold on to those for me since she is babysitting my plants for the year.

The next present is one that I will cherish forever. Jared had taken a picture, a classic, of the two of us and restored it, printed it, and framed it for me.

The background story to that classic picture is the day before (or a couple days before) family pictures I was playing on my oldest brother’s skateboard. I would kneel on it and hang on for a fun ride. Well, I must have caught a rock under the wheel which made the skateboard come to an abrupt stop, but I kept going. My face scraping against the sidewalk resulted in a large and not very attractive looking scab on my face. In an attempt to hide the fact that I had a massive wound on my face, the photographer told me to turn and whisper something in Jared’s ear or give him a kiss on the cheek. It is one of my favorite pictures and it meant a lot to me that Jared would take the time to restore such a treasure. Thank you!

The BBQ Birthday Party was a fun evening and the weather stayed nice. It was fun to see people once more before heading back to Kuwait. Once we got everything loaded into the right vehicle, Jared, Katie, and I came home and golfed to wrap up the evening. It is such a great card game. After the card game it was time for me to beginning rounding my stuff up and start the amazing packing job!

Sunday, June 28th

Sunday we enjoyed a lazy morning and I was able to take care of the last minute packing details before heading out. Jared and Katie dropped me off at the airport and then went straight to church so they could make it on time. Thanks again Jared and Katie for letting me stay with you and for the great party. Love you guys!

I did experience a little hiccup when I went to check in at the Denver Airport. Since I lost my “visa” (I don’t’ think the agent would have believed that was my visa even had I not lost the little piece of paper) so I obviously didn’t have anything to present when I tried to check in and obtain my boarding pass. I feel bad for the lady helping me, because she didn’t usually work that position and was quite flustered and didn’t know what to do. I mentioned I didn’t have my visa and all she kept saying is “I’m reading it from my screen that all return passengers for Kuwait must present their passport and their visa.” After hearing this about 3 times I finally asked her what the procedure was for those that have lost their visa. She knew who I worked for and I told her that I didn’t need a visa, but that didn’t help. So she finally made a phone call and asked if I had my orders, which luckily I did. When I presented those to her she said I was good to go. My bag weighed a good 62 lbs, but when I tried to give her my credit card to pay the overweight fee again she was all confused and said, “but the screen didn’t say anything about taking money!” So, she let me get away with a very heavy bag for free! The first hurdle was crossed and I thought I would have some difficulty once I arrived in Kuwait, but I didn’t have any problem whatsoever. They treated me as if I was arriving in country for the first time and gave me a new number in Arabic scribble! Got to love it!

It was hard to say goodbye and know that my awesome vacation was truly coming to an end. I had such a great time. There are so many awesome people in my life that make me feel so loved. Thanks to all who made my stay in Denver and in Utah so wonderful. It was very hard for me to get on the plane and come back to Kuwait… not because it is so horrible here, but because I realized how great I had it at home (I consider both Denver and Utah home- is that normal?) There are so many great people, both family and friends, who have blessed my life more then they will ever know. I love you all!

Social Famine Quenched Part II: Utah

Tuesday, June 16th I woke up at 4:00am to shower and finish getting things in together so I could leave by 6:00am. I received quite the welcome in the Salt Lake Airport from Mom, Jessica, and my cute nieces and nephew Tayler, Rylee, and Jayson! Thanks guys! Once I loaded my 65 pound bag (yeah, that was a $25.00 fee) in the car we headed to Paradise Bakery for some yummy lunch. After lunch we went our separate ways- Mom and I did a little shopping and Jessica and her kiddos went home so they could be the welcoming committee when Jenny and her kiddos arrived.

Auntie Julie, Tayler, and Rylee at Paradise Bakery

That evening Mom and I had a relaxing evening watching the movie, Bride Wars. We also talked to Ryan and Marcela and congratulated Marcela on becoming a US Citizen and learned they are expecting their second! Congrats Ryan and Marcela! Wednesday, June 17th We began the day in the yard… nothing better than doing a little work while it is beautiful outside. I got to deadhead the rose plants while Mom weeded. I feel I got the better end of the deal! After playing in the dirt we got ready for the day and headed up to Tooele. We spend a lot of time and money in Wal-Mart I’ve noticed. I guess it makes up for the past 6-1/2 months that I hadn’t been there! After our trek to Tooele we braved the harsh rainstorm and went to Jessica’s. Jenny was in town to help tend the kids since Sean was having surgery today. (As an update, Sean is doing great and recovered quickly from the surgery!) It is so fun just chill with my Mom and my sisters. It was a beautiful day (surprisingly enough it was actually warm enough for me without a jacket) so we soaked up the sun. We were entertained by the kids by numerous dance routines (which I had the pleasure to be a part of some). Here are some pictures from the day:

Cool Mr. Eli!

Jess and two cute boys! Tayler and Meggy showing us their mean dance moves!

Jenny and I just chillin'!

Jenny, Mom, and Jess enjoying the beautiful day!

It was rather loud in the house with so much fun and excitement going on all around. So, we got out and headed to the mall for dinner. Chick-fil-a was a top choice and I had a delicious smoothie from orange Julius! That night, once we said goodnight to the kids, Jessica headed to the hospital to be with Sean, and Mom, Jenny, and I visited for awhile before Mom and I headed home.

Eli loves Chick-fil-a!

Thursday, June 18th

Mom and I had a lovely day hanging out. We decided Thursday would be the perfect day for test driving vehicles. I sold my car when I left, so I knew as soon as I get back I would need a new car. I also really want an SUV, so I thought it would be fun (and helpful) to test drive some. So, off to Quality Dodge we go… I test drove a Mazda, CX7 (or something like that) and a Ford Escape that had all the bells and whistles except one very important one for me- dual air control! It was fun to test drive vehicles. Don’t worry, I was good and didn’t buy a vehicle on impulse, but I was tempted!

The rest of the day was spent lazily enjoying the summer day. After I taught Mom how to read Arabic numbers, showed her what the money (Kuwait Dinar and Fils) looked like as well as all my pictures, we were off to enjoy a beautiful afternoon. We walked to Copy Cottage so Mom could mail something off and when we were there I noticed a flier in the window for “My Fair Lady”. It just so happened that Ms. LaForge was putting on a community theater production of the musical during the time I was there, so we bought a couple tickets. Fun! Fun!

Friday, June 19th Mom and I began our day by sawing up the peach tree, mowing the lawn, and chopping up some overgrown branches of the hedge. I would say it was a very productive morning! We did our work for the day, so now it was time to go play. We met up with Jessica, Jenny, and the kiddos at the pool. I didn’t get in of course, but it was fun to watch the kids having such a good time. There is just something magical about water during the summertime! We enjoyed a lovely afternoon all together and parted ways around 6:30pm. It was great that Jen and the kids came down from Boise so I got to see them. Thanks Jen, Meggy, Alyssa, and Eli- it’s always fun to see you! They were all heading to the duck park and Mom and I headed to visit Grandma. Jared and Katie drove to Utah this day, but didn’t make it until about 1:00am! As the slogan goes, “we left the light on for them!”

Sisters Just Having Fun

Auntie Julie and Meggy

Looking Good Grandma

Saturday, June 20th

It was fun to wake up and say hello to Jared, Katie and Cayden. We made a Tooele run, but mostly we just enjoyed our day hanging. Jess brought the kids out that afternoon and we were thoroughly entertained by all of dances performed!

Jess and Jayson- so cute!

Cayden's Big News- Yeah, it took Jess to come out to notice.

Mom and I are a little slow!

Grandma's Turn to Dance

Rylee and Uncle Jared's Dance

Tay and Uncle Jared's Dance

Cayden reading a book- too cute!

That evening was Jared and my 10 year High School Reunion. It just so happened that I was in the states at the right time so I could attend. I heard later that they may have moved the date just for me, but I’m not so sure I believe them. Here is what happened…I received a message on facebook saying they were looking at holding the reunion on June 27th. Well, I immediately sent a message back asking if that date was set in stone or if it was a possibility that date could change to June 20th, if so, I would be able to attend. Oh, and I also let them know that I am fairly certain I would win the coming from the furthest away award! Next thing I know I the details for the reunion were sent out and the date was now June 20th- perfect! Alright, so Jared, Katie, and I headed out to the reunion. We met up with Todd there and we had a fabulous evening. It was fun to see old classmates. 10 years is a long time! We ate, played a game, explored the beautiful building, but mostly we just visited with old friends. After the reunion Todd treated us to some Cheesecake Factory- their cheesecake is delicious!

Jared and I before heading to the big 10 year party!

Does this outfit scream successful and no longer in High School?

'Cause that is what I was going for!

Sunday, June 21st

After Sacrament meeting Jared, Katie, and Cayden had to hit the road. It was a rather quick trip for them, but I am glad they came. The reunion just wouldn’t have been as much fun if they weren’t there. They finally made it home around 10:00pm. Mom and I played our obligatory Sunday Scrabble Game. Good times! Then we went on a lovely walk to see the new High School grounds. It was such a beautiful day in the neighborhood…. I want to burst into song! It was nice to skype Ryan, Marcela, and Reyes as well as Brent and Ashley that evening. Always a pleasure talking to the Seattle clan!

Monday, June 22nd

The highlights from Monday were cinnamon rolls, haircut, and the musical. Mom made huge delicious cinnamon rolls. They really were a meal by itself-Yummy! I also got my much needed haircut. You see in Kuwait you say take an inch off and they barely take a centimeter off. You say even up the ends and they leave it very uneven. I don’t get it! So, when I walked into get me haircut, I said I don’t want a drastic change; I just want you to fix it! She laughed when I told her why and it dawned on both of us that perhaps they don’t have a whole lot of practice cutting women’s hair since women cover up their hair here! Anyway, I was pleased with how it came out. That evening Mom and I went to the theater. Ms. LaForge did a fabulous job with the conditions she was given. I mean, it really isn’t the most ideal setting to hold a play in a Cafeteria/Auditorium! It was a fun night.

Tuesday, June 23rd Our fun day! For Mom’s birthday I told her to plan a fun day and we will do it while I’m there- those were the only two rules: 1. It must be planned and 2. This fun day must take place in June while I am there. Mom planned an excellent day for us and the weather was fabulous all day long- the day couldn’t have been more perfect! Here is our day: We did a session at the Salt Lake Temple at 10:00am. We barely (and I mean barely) made it on that session, but all is well we did make it! I lost Mom in the temple (you have to remember that this was only my second time ever doing a session in this temple, so I really didn’t know where I was going nor did I know where Mom was going to wait for me), but it all worked out with the help of a mutual friend and we were off to continue our adventure for the day. I guess if you are going to be lost, the temple is probably the best place to be! After the session we walked to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building to change. The Lion House Pantry was our next stop. You have to get delicious Lion House Rolls if you are at Temple Square around lunch time.

We decided to walk to the Library to get help rid us of all the calories from our tasty meal at the Lion House. Neither one of us had been to the new Salt Lake City Library, so we went and checked it out. It was huge! I was really impressed with the new library- it is very clean, orderly, and the displays and set up in the children section was a lot of fun. We explored for a bit and then it was off to our next destination: The Gateway.

Mom in front of Library

We took Trax this time since we were still within the free zone and it was a bit farther to walk then we were willing. Mom made us a reservation to have our nails done at a salon there, so we shopped gateway for a bit, got our manicures, shopped gateway some more, and just a fabulous time.

Trax

Mom and I outside the Salon

Julie Overlooking the Gateway

Mom at the Gateway

Before we left the Gateway we stopped in at the Chocolate store and picked up a couple chocolate turtles to enjoy while waiting for the concert to begin. That was a fabulous idea- it was delectable! We took Trax back to our car were we deposited our bags, grabbed our jackets and blanket and walked to the park. There was a free concert in the park performed by local artists. They did an evening of show tunes, a lot of songs I recognized, but there were a few that I had never even heard of the musical before! It was a beautiful evening and a perfect end to our perfect day.

The Concert in the Park

Performing "If I were a Rich Man" from "Fiddler on the Roof"

The concert ended about 9pm, so by the time we walked about to our car and made it home it was around 10pm. I would say that was quite the full day! Thanks Mom for planning such a great day for us! Wednesday, June 24th

We didn’t do yard work on Tuesday, so Mom and spent the morning outside beautifying the yard. After the manual labor was over Mom made a cherry pie with the cherries from our tree. We also used this day for hemming my work pants, doing laundry, washing the dishes and other things around the house. That evening we headed up to Jess and Sean’s to spend the night. We enjoyed a great dinner (chicken rolls- love them!), went to the park, painted toenails, and just had a great time together.

Toe nail Painting Fun!

Thursday, June 25th After enjoying a fairly lazy morning and playing Disney bingo with the girls, it was time to say goodbye. I am always so touched when Tayler is in tears and doesn’t want to say goodbye. She is such a sweetheart and then it makes Jess and I cry- it is quite the scene! Thanks Jessica, Sean, Tayler, Rylee, and Jayson for letting us stay with you and letting us enjoy your company. It was way fun to be with you!

Yes, Jess you still look better then me even though I am the one ready for the day! :^)

What cute neices I have!

From Jessica’s house, Mom and I headed North to spend the day in Logan. Our good friends the Balagna’s recently moved there, so I thought it would be fun to see them and since I graduated from Utah State University I always like an excuse to go to Logan! It was quite tricky finding their house actually… yeah, we got lost! Not to worry though, we have cell phones and know how to use them! Bud got us heading the right direction and met us at a church so we could follow him the rest of the way. It was so nice to see them. Jennie and her kids even came over, so it was great to see her as well. We had a nice lunch there and then I left Mom to visit, and I headed into town where I met up with my roommate and good friend, Jeana, to enjoy reminiscing over all the great times we had while eating some Aggie Ice-cream! It was fun!

The Balagna's and Mom and I

Jeana and I

I also stopped by the USU Bookstore and said hello to the people I still know from back in the day when I worked there 6 years ago. It was fun to see them and know that they still remembered me! Great times in Logan I tell you!

Sue, Annalee, and I

On our way home we made one small detour to stop in and say hello to Tanna and Kip. I worked with Tanna at the Bookstore and I knew Kip since we sat right next to each other in an Economics class. So, I knew both independently from each other and I found out they were dating at the time- too funny!

Tanna and I

It was nice to visit with them for a few minutes before hitting the road again and making it home around 9:00pm. It was an enjoyable day and so good to see such great people! Friday, June 26th Alas my good time in Utah had to come to an end. I did one last chore, which was kind of fun actually, not every day you get to climb out on a roof to sweep and throw off all the big branches that have fallen there! Good times! Once I got all packed and ready for the day Mom and I headed up to Tooele to go to the Arts Festival. The Tooele Arts Festival is pretty small, about an hour is all it took to make it around to all the booths. It was fun to see the different displays. Not to mention I found Cayden the cutest pajamas made out of a Lightning McQueen (from Cars) fabric!

Mom at the Arts Festival

This cracked me up... I discovered this in the bedroom downstairs- Nice Jared!

Around 3:00pm Mom and I headed to the airport so I could continue my fun in Denver. So, that is the end of my wonderful time in Utah. Thanks Mom for keeping up with me as we went from one place to the next, for the good times, and for your great company! I love you! I am proud to say since I sky capped my bag I did not have to pay the overage fee even though I’m sure my bag weighed over 50 pounds! Also, since I was flying Southwest and I forgot to check in on-line I thought for sure I will be stuck with a “C” boarding pass- nope, I was in the “A” group! I’m not sure if either of these two things are because I sky capped, but I like to think they are and I will use that service more often! I made it to Denver around 6:00pm which I will pick it up there in Part III of my adventure.