Look What I Did!

Ok, maybe Ian helped a little! We finally updated the outside lights and I think they turned out great! One more thing checked off our long list of home improvement projects! Now on to the next one.

What Up, Buttercup?

Well, I'm not dead, I just have a very boring life! There isn't a lot of excited or fun things happening at our household, so I haven't had much to share, but I thought I would update my blog. So here's the latest with me....
I am only working one job! It's been a little strange going from 4 jobs to just one. At first I didn't know what to do with all my free time but it has been so nice to be done with work at 5pm. And the one job I do have is the best job ever! I love the girls I work with and my boss is pretty amazing. The other day he took us miniture golfing and then gave us a bonus check. It was such a fun time. I however am terrible at golfing and tied for last place. I guess we can't be great at all things! :)

Blizzard...What Blizzard?

The weathermen in Utah were having the time of their lives talking about the storm on the year that was expected to hit on Tuesday night. Schools were cancelled, people were let off work early, the whole nine yards, in preparation of this storm. It was to roll in around 5:00ish and people were ready! I even got into the spirit. When I got off work I changed into my lounge clothes, snuggled with my cat and bunkered down for the storm.

With all that said, it actually turned out to be a rather wimpy storm. I read countless Facebook posts about "the blizzard" and how is wasn't that bad...that is unless you live in West Jordan. I think the snow stopped in the 84084 zip code and did not move! So if there is anyone who really wanted some snow from the blizzard, let me know because I am more than willing to share.

The Beginning

A few months ago I was introduced to the HCG Diet by a patient and his family. (To put everyone's minds at ease a little, let it be know that 2 of them are nurses) I wasn't sure about it but then I got on the scale and about died! I had reached a new high in my fatness. I realized that it was probably better to do something a little (or a lot) extreme than to keep headed down the road I was on.

So in the middle of July I started the HCG drops and just finished this weekend. And I couldn't be happier! I was very faithful to the diet and did not cheat once. I lost a total of 34.6 pounds and a total of 18 inches! I am in no way close to where I want to be but at least I am that much closer! It is amazing how much better I feel and I'm excited to finish what I have started. When I am finished, I will post some befores and afters!

San Diego

I know, I know, it has been forever since I posted! (Not that anyone reads this much anyway, but that's ok.) But last month we went to San Diego for Ian's brother's wedding. It was our first time there and we had a blast. The weather didn't really cooperate with us, but that's ok, it was still a much need vacation! Here are a couple of pictures from the wedding. And I just have to say that people from Wisconsin really know how to party!

The happy couple, Kelli and Nathan

My in-law, J and Susan

Why is his tongue out?

CDA Convention

A few weeks ago our office went to the California Dental Association Convention. And yes, it was as exciting as it sounds! My boss's father-in-law has a house right on the beach, and when I say right on the beach, we literally walked off the back deck onto the sand. It was incredible!

This is the back of the beach house

We spent one day at the convention where I learned about periodontal disease and anesthetic techniques and tips. My boss took us out to dinner each night to some pretty amazing places.

We also got pampered at the spa which was so nice! However I could tell we were in southern California because of all scales that were in the dressing room! I got brave while getting dressed and stepped on one, which was a big mistake! I am vowing to loose weight, again. That scale was not my friend! In spite of the scale incident it was a very nice trip, and needless to say I didn't want to come back home or back to work! It was a lot of fun!

Seth (my boss), me, Kelly Jo (Gary's assistant), Audry, Betsy, and Gary (Seth's dad)

at the Chart house resturant overlooking Dana Point Harbor

Betsy, me and Audry

Sunset over Dana Point Harbor

The private beach we stayed on at Twilight

(I had to add that because I read that book while in CA, and now I'm addicted!)

Happiest Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Ian! I just have to take a few seconds to rave about my husband! Here are the top 5 things I love most about him.

5-He makes me a better person
4-He is so generous and giving
3-How hard he works for our family
2-His sense of humor and the way he laughs at everything
1-He loves me!

I hope you had a fabulous birthday! I love you!

Have I Told You He's a Punk?

One Target clock bought when we were frist married

Plus one curious Siamese cat named Dexter

Mulitplied by his fearless personality


Equals one sadly messed up clock!
(Guess it's time to buy a new one)

House Buying 101

As much as I love my house, there is one thing I would change about it if I could. We have decided that when it's time to move into a new house, we will NOT buy one that faces north.

Case in point... this is our house after 3 straight days of 45+ degree weather.

And these are the houses across the street from us! Do you think they would notice if I brought over my snow to their lawns in the middle of the night? (And yes, that is my driveway that has had ice on it since December)

So just a little heads up advice, when you are in the market for a house, keep in mind the direction the house faces, it will save you a lot of time shoveling snow!

Any Takers?

I promise I'm not one of those crazy cat people whose life revolves around their cats. I will eventually stop posting about Dexter and talk about something more interesting! But I just have to say that my cat is driving me crazy right now! I am ready to give him away. He has learned that he can jump and is using his new found ability to get into everything. This morning I came downstairs and was greeted by this site....yes that is my cat on top of my upper kitchn cabinets! Are all cats like this or is mine just a punk?

Cat-sitting

Just trying to get one post per month!

My sister went to Arizona for Thanksgiving this year and asked if I could cat-sit her kitten Jack. We figured it would be ok since they are brothers and last time they saw each other they got along. However, things didn't work out so well this time. Poor Jack hid under the couch and hissed the first day and Dexter barely ventured out of our bedroom!

The next day brought much of the same, a lot of hissing and growling. But Dexter decided to man up a little and actually went into the same room as Jack. They allowed each other to get within a few feet of each other but they were very cautious and did not take their eyes of each other. By the 3rd day, Dexter got very brave and decided he was going to get a close a possible to Jack. Jack was hesitant at first but by the end of the night they were best of friends. They spent the WHOLE night chasing and playing with each other. And now they can't be out of site of each other. They sleep together and lick each other. It's actually kind of cute to watch. Poor Dexter is going to be lonely when Jack has to go home on Sunday.

Silly Kitty

Here's proof that you shouldn't stick your nose into places it doesn't belong!

PS: Sorry I haven't posted much lately...but we haven't been up to much but just work and sleep!

Busy

In an effort to get out of debt, I decided to take on another job. For all of those who are counting....that's 3 jobs I am currently working. I think I am slightly crazy to do this to myself!

I work 4 days a week at South Pointe Dental, 1-2 days a week at another dental office, and I just started teaching at Eagle Gate College 2 nights a week. I am teaching in the Dental Assisting program. All of this adds up to working 6 days a week with two 15 hour days each week. Like I said earlier I think I am slightly crazy!

Despite the lack of sleep, I am really enjoying the teaching job. It's only for 10 weeks but it has been a great experience for me. It gives me a whole new perspective on school! I just hope I don't burn myself out.

Our New Addition

Last week we got a kitty! While we wait patiently for a baby, we decided in the meantime that we needed something to love and play with so we got a new Siamese kitten.

His name is Dexter and we love him so much! He is so much fun! He is about 14 weeks old and he is so funny. He loves to sit smack dab in front of the computer anytime we use it and chase the cursor around. Every time he walks by me I see one of my ponytail holders in his mouth and he has shredded several of them while playing with them. And he loves to wake us up at 5 am by purring in our ears and nuzzling our faces. He's so cute I just can't get mad at him for that! Thank you so much to my sister and brother-in-law for getting him for us!

Look What I Did!

Unfortunately I don't have $10,000 laying around to remodel my kitchen. One day...maybe! In the meantime, I have decided that since I own these lovely stock cabinets, I can do whatever I want to them and no one can get mad at me or make me pay to have the holes fixed when we move. Besides, anything I do to them would only be an improvement on the standard circa early 1990 kitchen.

So off to a trip to Lowe's where we found some nice drawer pulls and knobs to add. We also got some for the bathrooms since they are as plain and boring as the kitchen. It was pretty easy once I got the hang of the power drill! I was a little frustrated with that thing at first but after a day of practice, I got the hang of it and I am now looking for more projects where I can drill holes and stuff! Until next home improvement project....

Pioneer Day

One nice thing about living in Utah is the 24th of July. It's almost as big a deal as the 4th, but instead of America stuff it's all pioneer stuff with fireworks of course. And it's a good excuse to get out of work! (Unless you're Ian, he had to work that day, poor guy missed all the fun!)

My dad's side of the family had a reunion that day in American Fork so we decided to show our support for the VanLeuven clan. It was a lot of fun! We had some great food, ate way too much deserts, and visited with family. It made me miss my grandparents who have been dead for 20 years. There was an old scrapbook with pictures from the 30's in it. There were several of my grandparents that I would love to have and even some of my dad while he was in high school.

15 Year Reunion

Ok, ok, I know it has been awhile since my last post. I have just been so busy with the new house, getting things put away, fixing things that needed attention, you name it! But I think we are finally getting things done so hopefully I can get some pictures of the house up soon!

I did take some time to go to my 15 year high school reunion. I can't believe it has been 15 years!! Crazy, I don't feel that old! I haven't been to any of the other reunions and decided that I better go to this one because by the time my 20 rolls around I'll be pushing 40 and I won't want to see anyone from high school! I talked my best friend Michelle into going with me for moral support. It was fun to see some old friends and catch up on life. I did take one picture but all that did was reaffirm to me that I need to lose some weight and I obviously need a tan on those legs of mine! I could blind people!

7 Amazing Years

Monday was our 7 year anniversary. I can't believe that it has been 7 years already! I feel so lucky to be married to such a generous and wonderful man. I couldn't ask for anything more!

Mondays are Ian's day off so he got to enjoy the whole day without me because unfortunately I had to work on that day. Ian met me at work to take me to lunch. We went to Goodwood and had some awesome pulled pork sandwiches. It's an incredible place and recommend it to anyone who isn't a vegetarian!

After I got home from work we went to the movies (The Hangover-hilarious!) and then just stopped by KFC on the way home for some dinner. Glamours I know, but since we just bought a house, we decided to play it low key this year.

We did got shopping a few days before our anniversary for some presents. Ian got me this cute purse. I have been looking for a new yellow purse but I can not find one anywhere so when I saw this pink one, I decided I had to have it. I love it! I got Ian some University of Utah baseball hats, oh and suprise, a Boston Red Sox hat. Ian did suprise me with some beautiful white roses on Monday. I love roses! Thanks sweetie for a great day and 7 wonderful years!

Moving Day

We are mostly moved in to our new house. We still have a few odds and ends at our apartment but we have been sleeping at our new house. We haven't hooked up our Internet connection so I haven't had the opportunity to blog, but as soon as we get it and I take some pictures of the new place and get them posted! I also might need a day or two to recover from the move. I never realized how much stuff I have!

Practical Girl

I babysat my niece and nephews last Tuesday night, the same night as the Biggest Loser finale. After the little twins were in bed, my niece and I sat down to watch the finale. They were showing clips of the past season, most of which showed an overweight, tired, and crying constestant running on a treadmill or pushing weights with sweat pouring down their face and a trainer right in their face yelling at the top of their lungs to "Keep running!" My niece looked at me and said, "If that's what it takes to lose weight, why don't you just buy a treadmill and turn on Dr. Phil?" I died laughing.