Focus. Focus. Focus.

My a truth spoken in jest. 

I've never been a creature of habit, something I've always wanted. I've never really known how to be. So, I'm taking it one day at a time. One notecard-filled schedule and to-do list at a time. 

So here's to creating rituals and taking the time to reflect and review! 

Touché

I'm a Republican... oh dear!

When I was in high school, I knew I was going to major in Political Science. I had written state legislation, shadowed local elected officials, and even been voted most likely to become president.

It was all I had ever wanted.

I started down that path and repeatedly ignored comments about how often college students change their major. I even tried to ignore a comment my dad made: that no matter what you do or learn when it comes to political theory, everyone, every. single. person. will have an opinion and think they know just as much as you. 

I tried to ignore that one, but when I studied abroad in Spain in 2006 and interned in the Senate in 2007, I experienced the truth to his comment and it was really difficult for me to handle.

So, I changed my major. 

Now, looking back, it was one of the best decisions I made during my education. I sometimes look back and wonder about whether or not I regret it. Sometimes I do, but more often than not, I don't. 

Especially in an election cycle. People have opinions. Strong opinions.

This year, one of the Senate seats here in Utah is up for re-election and it has been an interesting twist of events. Many people thought this would be a repeat of the 2010 Senate election, but 2010 was a shock and a warning for many. And unlike 2010, in 2012 the Tea Party is relatively weak. Either way, for the first time since 1976 we have a primary between an incumbent Senator (Orrin Hatch) and a new contender (Dan Liljenquist) for this seat. We are living history.

Some people are excited. Some people are angry. Ev-er-y-body has an opinion (Republicans at least). 

I have tried to remain neutral and I'm grateful that to this point I have been a declared independent. But, I have taken an interest in the race and have changed my party affiliation to be able to cast my vote on June 26th.

I want to participate in this exciting race! (:

I encourage you to become an educated voter (get to know the candidates, Hatch and Liljenquist), to register to vote, and to change your affiliation if necessary to exercise your right to vote in this important and exciting election.

The deadlines for registering are 30 days before via mail or 15 days via Internet or in person, time is running out!

Regardless of who you support, I think we can all agree that we need a Senator who understands what is best for his constituency and who will lead his party to effectuate changes that are in our best interest.

Let's exercise our Constitutional rights, Vote! 

Toddler Bed!

Last night, Ryan and I converted Adi's crib into a toddler bed.

Not because she was climbing out, but because the night before last and yesterday while she was napping she woke up crying hysterically.

At first, I ignored it--then quickly I recognized that this was a different cry, a new cry.

I went in to find her standing up and squirmy. As soon as she saw me she cried "Potty!"

Aww! I felt awful for ignoring her at first! She needed to go to the bathroom desperately and doesn't go in a diaper any more, so she was trapped.

So... we took off the front side of the crib to (for better or worse) enable her to get up if she needs to go potty.

Bedtime went well, but she did cry once in the middle of the night (she said she bonked something... maybe she rolled out of bed--there is a few-inch difference with the floor.)... And then she snuck into our bed for about five minutes saying she wanted to "sungle" translation: snuggle.

Potty trained: check!
Big girl bed: check!

My little baby is officially a little girl. Sad! Yet so cute at the same time.

Buyer's Remorse

As a reward for being fully potty trained, Ryan and I took Adrielle to Build-A-Bear to pick something out. In the past, she had wanted to take a look and had shown interested before, but I knew we wanted to save it for a special occasion. 

That was my mistake. 

I should have known the moment we walked in the store that we should save it for another time. She was busy, naughty, and not very interested. It took some warming up, but we convinced her to pick one. She like a pink bear, a fox, but most of all she liked the stroller that was in the store. 

After a tantrum involving hiding the stroller, she finally chose a cat stuffed animal and we went to work... 

She helped fill it, put a heart inside, washed it, and with some patience, prodding, and help named it. 

Jazzy. 

Then came the question... do we put clothes on it? 

No. A collar? 

Perhaps. Okay, yes. 

Then Adi found a dog on skateboards. And that's what she wanted. And that's what we bought. 

I had no idea what we were getting into until I heard the total. 

Oh. My. Goodness. 

I told Ryan that this cat would last for 100 years, last through great grandchildren, and that it would never (and I meant never) get sent to DI no matter how raggedy. Ever. 

The process was fun and the responses and looks "oh she's so cute" in the mall after we left were true... but seriously? I could have bought a real, live cat for that much. 

Ouch. 

Here's documentation of the fun...

Step 1 - Sound

Step 2 - Fluff

Step 3 - Wash

Step 4 - Take Jazzy On a Walk/Home

Privacy | That is the Question

In 2008, we opted to make our blog private. But, a few months later I realized that I had been paranoid and that exponentially fewer people actually read our blog.

Now here's my dilemma...

Since then, Ryan and I have had a few experiences where we've felt that our privacy and trust has been breached and which have made me in particular want to run screaming back to a private blog. We follow a lot of friends' blogs, and most of them are public, but a few friends have private blogs and whenever they post, they link to facebook.

We want to make sure we are keeping up with friends and family, and know that the point of our blog is for our personal sake and records...

But ladies and gentlemen, to go private or not to go private, that is the question.

Comments? Advice? Opinions?

Go!

Identity Theft and Apartment Mailboxes

Explanation followed by important advice-read on!

When we moved into this apartment over a year and a half ago, our landlord gave us a set of four keys: a house key, a closet key, a clubhouse key, and a mail key.

Over the time that we've lived here,we have retrieved our mail sporadically at best--once a week, once every week and a half. Inconsistently for sure.

One of the contributing factors? The fact that key was old and didn't work very well.

At times I would get really frustrated. But I figured it wasn't every day, so I lived with it.

The same was true for the larger boxes where the mailman (it is a man) puts the occasional packages. I say occasional because we rarely receive packages, but when we do we get excited.

So imagine my surprise when last week there is a key to a bigger mailbox in our mailbox indicating a package!

Yay!

Now, imagine my frustration when after more than ten minutes of trying I have to give up!

I thought maybe it had something to do with the fact that it was cold...?

So I tried again in the afternoon.

No. Such. Luck.

So, I hurriedly scribbled a post-it that said, "This key doesn't work, thanks!" I knew it wasn't his fault, and I didn't want to take it out on him, but I was so frustrated.

The next day, the note and key were gone... But no return key.

A few days went by... And nothing.

So when I saw him on Saturday, I mentioned my note and asked about the package. Turns out it was-sadly-a mistake and there was no package.

Bummer.

We did start to talk about the keys. The key to the big box, doesn't even go all the way in... Then I mentioned our box lock. He offered to replace the lock then and there! I said sure, so he did! As he was working I started asking him questions...

Me: "So, how often do you replace the locks?"

Mailman: "Every time someone new moves in." "Your lock is about seven years old--you must have lived here a long time."

Me: "No actually, only about 18 moths."

Mailman: [Surprised.] "Oh. If you ever move..."

Me: "Actually we just bought a house..."

Mailman: "Well, make sure to take your mortgage agreement to the post office and they'll replace your locks for you..." [He's finished with the lock now and hands me a set of three keys...]

Me: "Hum... I didn't know that... [realizing that I am only in possession of one mail key] I guess it is really important [as I start to comprehend the vulnerability of such public mailboxes], I'll make it a priority, thanks for te advice!"

Did you know you can and should request that your mail lock be changed when you move into a new apartment/condo/townhome with locked mailboxes?

Had you ever realized the risk of not doing so? That someone else could be getting your mail without you ever really knowing... I mean think about it, your neighbors won't likely know the difference between your box and someone else's.

First thing's first when we move: submit change-of-address form, change address on file with important entities, request mailbox lock change.

Just a little something to think about.

New Blogging Template - What do you think?

A friend in our ward is creating a new blogging template and is seeking feedback from current bloggers. 

Specifically, he is interested in your overall opinions on: 

 1) Why do you like to blog and what do you like to blog about? 

 2) Would this blogging product improve your blogging experience? 

 3) What do you like/dislike about the template?

Take a look at this YouTube video and comment directly on the video to give him your feedback. You can also send him an e-mail at obryant.jeff@gmail.com. 

Pain is Beauty - Help!

This past Friday, my beloved black-buckle, BCBG flats died. The sole came right off. So, thus began the arduous task of finding a replacement.

Problem: crunch time. Wednesday is the Career Fair, and I didn't have a lot of time to look around.

Result: totally in love with my new flats...

Dilemma: the right shoe is a little tight.

So, ladies and gentleman (or should I say ladies and most likely ladies), anyone have any good advice on trying to stretch leather (without damaging it)? Any advice would be most appreciated.

Call to the Experienced Bloggers Out There!

Ryan and I want to change our blog from a 2-column blog to a 3-column blog, any advice on how to do that?

PS - In the past 12 hours we've updated repeatedly, check 'em out! :)

Diaper Bag Dilemma

So, considering that I was not willing to fork out anywhere near $350 for this beautiful diaper bag...

Petunia Pickle Bottom - Pink and Brown Cake Carry All

I was still on the prowl until about three weeks ago, when I found...

Kalencom - Coated Midi Single Buckle in Medallion Passion

I had previously seen Kalencom bags, but I didn't like the laminated look where the plastic fabric and the actual fabric were sewn together rather than fused together. Then I found the coated bag (which was fused together), but it didn't come with the bottle bag and was smaller than the $70 laminated bag. However, it was only $50, so definitely better than $350.

I ordered one and was so excited when the box finally arrived! Until, I opened the box and there was this small cereal-box sized bag! It was way too small, and although I LOVE the pattern of the fabric, I wasn't willing to settle for the laminated look on the bigger one.

So, Tuesday I was back to square one. After my Doctor's appointment--that was disappointing with no progress--I took a nap and woke up to the thought that I should probably find a diaper bag before I need one when baby arrives.

So I started a google search of diaper bags. Shopping results came up and I found this pretty thing...

Bella Tunno Navy and Pink Diaper Bag through Gap Maternity

Only problem: when I went to purchase it (for $43), it disappeared. Why you ask? SOLD OUT. Of course it was. Just my luck.

So after about an hour, finding a picture of another Bella Tunno with more pink that I liked, but couldn't find for sale anywhere, and getting slightly depressed--I know, it's just a bag--I went to pink up Ryan from school. I lamented about my search, and when we got home I showed him the picture of the one I wanted but couldn't find for sale anywhere...

Bella Tunno Pink and Green Diaper Bag also through Gap Maternity

I can't remember why, but after showing him the picture, he walked out to the kitchen and I continued to point and click on random sites. I ended up on the Gap site, and oh my goodness there is was for me to purchase for only $36! I literally couldn't believe my eyes, and hesitantly asked Ryan to bring me my purse. In a matter of 30 seconds I had clicked "add to cart", entered my card information, and clicked "purchase." AGH! I got it!

But, when I went back to check, it was GONE! I frantically called the customer service, and guess what!?! I got the-last-one!!!

Am I satisfied? I think so! (I have yet to see the bag in person, although the reviews said it was big--that's good.) Did I satisfice? (satisfy and suffice) I think not. Am I excited to get this beauty in the mail? Absolutely!

So, a couple months later, and $310 cheaper, I finally have a diaper bag! Yay! I know it's just a bag, but I feel a little more confident now, and I can't wait to put things in the bag for Baby Adi! Yay!

Hair Help!

So... I'm stuck in a rut. I've had the same hair style for a long time, and it's time for a change. I was going to back to my blonde roots such as the picture below (pun intended).

But, as I googled various styles and was able to upload this exact picture, I came up with a few styles both Ryan and I like...

Side-swiped bangs, a softer look...

True bangs, Anne Hathaway in the Devil Wear's Prada, edgier...

(Disclaimer: I know I'll regret it and cry for a few days, but I'm hopeful! Also, I know that no matter what, I'm not cutting lenghth, but other than that--what should I do?!?)

Color? Style? Suggestions? (Which of the above do you like most?)

Infant Photographers?

Fellow friends and bloggers, I need some help! Ryan and I are in search of a photographer who has experience working with infants. We would like to have pictures taken of baby Adi within the first couple weeks, so we want to get started finding the right person.

My old roommate recently had picture of her little guy taken...

and (to state the obvious) they are fabulous, but of course, the photographer is in Vegas.

I've seen a few pictures that I like, but nothing quite what we want. I have a vision of a little nude baby with a large, pink peony headband (in the works), with pearls (we're thinking costume jewelry). I found a few that have that same pink flower feel...

but again, not quite there. Here are some other pictures that came up on a google search that I liked...

(The above picture I found at http://timeheldphotography.com/blog/ through a friend.)

But if you have any recommendations or know a good photographer around Provo (or who will be around Provo mid-February). Please leave a comment with your suggestion! Also, if you know of a good recommendation for birth announcements (I want something nice printed on a heavy paper) leave that info too.

Thanks!

My New Companion

Because of the nature of my germ-infected self. I have been toting around a handy bottle of...

You should do the same.

Valentine Reminder - "50 Promises for Marriage"

Today in Sacrament Meeting, these tips, "50 Promises for Marriage" (by Steve Stephens) were on the back of the program. It was a nice reminder before Valentine's Day about the small things we can do for our sweethearts. I am excited to celebrate Valentine's day with Ryan. He is my love, my life, my best friend.

1. Start each day with a kiss.

2. Wear your wedding ring at all times.

3. Date once a week.

4. Accept differences.

5. Be polite.

6. Be gentle.

7. Give gifts.

8. Smile often.

9. Touch.

10. Talk about dreams.

11. Select a song that can be "our song".

12. Give back rubs.

13. Laugh together.

14. Send a card for no reason.

15. do what the other person wants before he or she asks.

16. Listen.

17. Encourage.

18. Do it his or her way.

19. Know his or her needs.

20. Fix the other person's breakfast.

21. Compliment twice a day.

22. Call during the day.

23. Slow down.

24. Hold hands.

25. Cuddle.

26. Ask for each other's opinion.

27. Show respect.

28. Welcome the other person home.

29. Look your best.

30. Wink at each other.

31. Celebrate birthdays in a big way.

32. Apologize.

33. Forgive.

34. Set up a romantic getaway.

35. Ask, "What can I do to make you happier?".

36. Be positive.

37. Be kind.

38. Be vulnerable.

39. Respond quickly to the other person's request.

40. Talk about your love.

41. Reminisce about your favorite times together.

42. Treat each other's friends and relatives with courtesy.

43. Send flowers every Valentine's day and anniversary.

44. Admit when wrong.

45. Be sensitive to each other's sexual desires.

46. Pray for each other daily.

47. Watch sunsets together.

48. Say "I love you" frequently.

49. End the day with a hug.

50. Seek outside help when needed.