Body Worlds

Today we went to go see BodyWorlds3! It's this incredible exhibit that's currently on display downtown SLC. Basically people donate their bodies to this exhibit and then they make it so that you can see all sorts of detail in muscles, and organs, and blood vessels as they would look if people didn't have skin. It sounds totally greusome, but seriously it wasn't. Completely amazing. If you live in SLC and want something educational to do...I would highly recommend this. Closes Jan 11.

Every Snow Shoer needs a personal chauffeur!

This blog entry is a shout out to David Martin (my friend Samantha's husband) who was our personal driver up to Park City for our snow shoe class! He picked me up, brought us Baileys on ice for the drive up even included the festive holiday mugs. This guy thinks of everything! We couldn't get him into the class with us - and he still drove us....and waited the 2.5 hours for us to finish and then picked us up again. WHAT A GUY! Thanks David.

The class was SUPER fun. Probably would've helped if I put my shoes on correctly the first time - but whatever. About 30 mintues into the hike I had some help in figuring it out. I kinda wish the terrain was a little less INTENSE because GOOD LORD I need to drag my hine to the gym! When Samantha yelled "We're almost at Base Camp 2" I realized at least I wasn't the only one having a hard time with it. It was a super steep hike. Poor Pete - the giant guy in our group...and my giant I mean he probably weighed 400 lbs. He had a rough go of it.

We practiced "skiing" down the powder hills on our snowshoes. I'm going to admit here that my 11+ years of snowboarding have actually done me a dis-service as I'm completely handicapped when it comes to trying to use poles. We had a great time, laughed a lot (of course) and enjoyed the full moon hike. I'm sad that's our last class for 2008!

Holiday Wreath Making Class

My wreath I made on display in my house!

Tonight was a TOTALLY fun class with Samantha. I mean they're all fun, because she's hilarious but this time we actually MADE something! WREATHS! The guy that taught the class was not shy in telling me that I was "doing it wrong" and using the wrong sides of the pine branches (ASS!) but after he showed me the correct way to do it - then I was on a roll! Samantha got a similar verbal lashing when she was told that she was creating her wreath the wrong way because she's right handed and you have to go counter-clockwise. The guy had TONS of product to choose from for decorating purposes. Totally well worth the $60.00. I think both of our projects turned out gorgeous. Certainly not in the top 10 of our class (there were 15 of us), but we certainly had the most fun!

A very Harker Thanksgiving

I went to my parents house for Thanksgiving in California and we had so much fun. Matt and Blake came down from Portland so it was a good ole time! We lazed about a lot of the time. Had fun just joking around like the old days. I love my brothers! They're so funny. One night we busted out the game Taboo (but the handheld digital version). Everyone took a turn, but my parents giving clues were the best. Here are their videos.

Big Ring Girl!!

In college there was this guy in our math class with Twoy that wore this gargantuan turquoise ring. We called him big ring boy because that was our thing in college. To not get to know people, but call them by the names we made up for them! At least we thought we were funny. Today I officially became "Big Ring Girl". I've been eyeballing this beauty on Nordstrom.com and nearly plopped down the 1/2 off sale price of $160, when I decided to show a little restraint. Then tonight - I was out shopping for pretty girl dresses for my company party and wandered into TJ Maxx. How pretty girl dresses equals jewelry, handbags and shoes - I'll never know. But let's just blame my A.D.D. Anyway - I ended up with THIS BEAUTY (for $34.00!!). I actually think I like it better because it's dark brown as opposed to tan, but still has the damask feel to it. Thank you Big Ring Boy...wherever you are. You inspire me!

Tagging

I got tagged like 400 years ago, by a couple of people - and I'd completely forgotten about it. Sorry for those of you that I didn't finish the circle of tagging...but here goes to the one I remember now:
This one is from Amanda: (The rules….link your tagger and list these rules on your blog. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.) It said to tag 7 people, but if you see this and want to do it on your blog, then TAG! haha. I'm such a rule-breaker!

1. Actually...not so much a rule-breaker, but I love finding that "loop hole" in rules. And I love to TELL people how to get around the same rule as well. Why not share the wealth right?

2. I do not believe that food should be purple - so I don't eat it. I'm not sure where/how this got started but I don't eat purple food. No to grape jelly, No to purple candy, no to purple cabbage (sick). And for those that went to college with me, they know the salad cannot be started until all those pieces are picked out. I get around the grapes thing by calling them "red" (see above statement about loop-holes)

3. I wear less makeup now than I did in 6-12th grade.

4. I cannot swallow pills. It's like a huge production to have to take medicine/vitamins. They always get lodged in my esohpagus somewhere and I can feel them all day. That's after 3 attempts at swallowing with gagging and watery eyes. I took the chewable penicillin until I was like 16 and my mom finally put an end to it. JERK FACE!

5. I LOVE needles. I'm not like a heroin junkie or anything, but giving blood or getting shots - I always want to watch. I've always wanted to get a tattoo, but think I'd be that addicted girl that would end up with the full sleeve. Best to stay away.

6. I mix up phrases all the time. The other day I told Dennis he was crazy like the Wolf. Which of course he won't stop telling me. I've told my boss "That's like killing 2 birds with a frying pan" Something about 2 birds and one stone, and I think it's blended with the irons in the fire phrase. Clearly we laughed for like 20 minutes. Plus Mark does this laugh where you literally think he's going to stop breathing and it makes you laugh harder because you don't know if you should heimlich him, or just keep laughing and let fate take it's course.

7. I am addicted to drinking out of Mason jars. Glass is environmentally friendlier than plastic, re-useable cups. And I needed a lid to transport my liquids in the car. Now if I could find a car with cup holders to fit a mason jar - I'd be GOLDEN!

Wine & Cheese Class

Tonight Samantha and I took another class. This one was wine sampling and comparing different cheeses with the wines.

I am not a huge wine lover by nature, but this was actually really really fun. The cheese guy was rugged and somewhat attractive - I must admit. I think I just found it fascinating that someone could know so much about cheese. I mean to be honest, I'm pretty happy with the Kraft single straight out of the plastic. To me, high society cheese is the Baby Bel cheese I buy at the grocery that I get to peel from the wax.

We tested a Riesling, Pinot Noir, and 2 other wines I have absolutely no idea what they were called. We were given a "spreadsheet" to rate the wines and the combinations. The teacher "man hands" Cheryl was totally snooty and kind of annoying. But very knowledgeable. She had all these rules on drinking wine.

1. You're not allowed to touch the goblet part so you don't disturb the art of the wine. Stem only.

2. Smell the wine first without swirling it around.

3. Swirld the wine, then smell again. It sounds weird - but it actually does smell different

4. Taste a little of the wine and let it coat the 4000 taste buds you have in your mouth. She made this weird slurping noise that actually almost made wine come out of my nose on the first sip. Someone should've really warned us about that.

It was TOTALLY GREAT just hanging out with Samantha again! I've missed her since ghost hunting! Next up for us is Holiday Wreath making! Should be a good time for sure! I can't wait to see the train wrecks we create!

Me and Mister "T"

Wow do I ever love this kid!

While I was in Portland I got some great bonding time with my nephew Trenten. I seriously couldn't get enough of him. He's soooo funny, but so serious all at the same time. We were singing Old MacDonald had a farm, and he stopped me to ask what a farm was. When I told him - we started singing all over again, to which he stopped again to ask "what is MacDonald - where they have fries?" I laughed for 5 minutes and then thought of the easiest way to explain the name of the farmer.

We went to the park, sang a million songs, played I spy, jumped in piles of leaves. On Sunday morning before I left he was SOOOO snuggly. He crawled up on my lap and said "I want to talk to you". In his cute little munchkin voice. Not about anything particular, just have a conversation. Then we made breakfast (cereal & bananas). I put him up in his chair and I was just going to pour him a bowl when all the sudden I see his little face in the doorway and he says "I want to help you". So we figured out all the items required to make cereal. He's very smart! The smallest things about spending time with him were my absolute favourite.

So he melts your heart as well, here is a video of him singing:

Portland Trip

This past weekend I went to Portland to visit my brothers and my cute nephew Trent. Along the way, thanks to Facebook - that I'm totally addicted to - I got to hook up with some old girlfriends as well! They're not old, I've just known them some of them since I was 16!!!! YIKES, nearly 1/2 my life. Jamie and Lisa and I met up and went to Justa Pasta where I had the best pasta alive! Then we went to some shady dive Huka bar to see Jessica and Derek. There was a toothless wonder sitting at our table trying to make conversation.

For those of you that don't know what a Huka Bar is, it was these little tables that had big water pipes sitting on them that you put some sort of "herb" on top and then smoked. I swear this showed my age that my biggest concern was that everyone put their mouth on the same smokey part. After seeing the guys teeth - you would've been concerned too! It was pimps and hoes night at the bar so there were all these totally skeevy girls in fishnets (not knockin' those...i have some) and the tighest, shortest hoochie shorts ever and barely any clothes. These was one girl in a bustier that literally was going to fall off. And then there was us...me in a jacket and scarf, Lisa in a turtle neck, and Jamie in a semi-turtle neck. Old ladies - YOU'RE NOT KIDDIN! It was so fun to catch up with those girls

Just so you know I'm not lying about the pimps and hoes....

That's Derek - who was lovin' every minute of it!

The next night I got to hang out with Monica and Danae and we sat around talking forever at Acapulco! This Mexican Restaurant that I swear has not that great of food, but for some reason - I always want. So fun to see those girls too!

Crazy Like the Wolf

So tonight we went to see the Changling. Warning, this is an insanely LONG movie. I wasn't really thrilled the the Angelina acting either. Possibly because I just don't like her, but besides that - it was odd. Interesting TRUE story. Plus, the music is straight out of a bad after school special.

2.5 hours into the movie, the emergency fire alarms go off. I swear everyone in the theatre was like "you've gotta be kidding me". Then the kid working (who tried to convince us that High School Musical 3 was a good movie even though he hadn't seen it) told us he was going to reset the movie. What he meant was restart it from where it shut off - but the HORROR of having to sit through another 2.5 hours to see the last 15 minute ending...YIKES!

Fun night. Oh! And Peppermint Mochas at Starbucks are a year round enjoyment. Plus they now have Peppermint Whip Cream (that's only seasonal mind you!) Bring on winter!

My day of politics

Today was my first time voting in a BOOTH! Oregon is mail-in stuff, so I've always just only done that. I was very excited. Luckily www.leaveyourprint.com gave me a tutorial on what to expect from the automated voting process so I wasn't nervous! Dennis came with for moral support - even though it wasn't his district and he couldn't vote there. What a nice guy! I thought it was going to take FOREVER, but we were IN - and - OUT!

Then he took me to lunch at Saltimbocca downtown. Pizza...yum! I was getting annoyed at this well dressed man (suit & tie) just sipping water at the bar and staring at me. I told Dennis it was like he was in the Secret Service because he was just loitering. And then out comes the Huntsman party from the back room. He wasn't actually staring at me...they were just right behind me. I do flatter myself though! haha. Governor Huntsman stopped at our table and shook our hands. Probably would've kissed some babies if we had some with us. He kindly asked if we voted, and said "i'm not even going to ask WHO you voted for!". Well congratulations Mister John Huntsman, you were 1 of 2 Republicans on my ballot.

Also, I'm officially a presidential nomination! Don't be surprised if you see some results for Jamie Harker tricking in on CNN tonight! Dennis wrote me in as his candidate. He said his vote didn't count in Utah anyway - so why not?! Why not indeed! Congratulations to me! haha.
All in all, this politiking is pretty tiring work. I'm taking the night off!

My name is Jamie Harker and I approve this message...

A week in the life of concert going Jamie

This, although sick - has been a very fun week of concerts! Laurel, her sister Rachel and I went to go see Ray LaMontagne at SaltAire. Getting lost was fun, sitting and talking through the concert was fun. Enjoying girl time was really fun!



Tonight Melissa and I enjoyed yet another Joshua Radin concert. Highlights of the evening:


1) getting hit on by the bouncer. Carl offered to put us on his friends list whenever we wanted. I didn't even have to flash any body parts to get that offer. Although he was hinting for digits, and well - even I can't be that skeezy.


2) getting hit on by Eduardo - the 21 year old fresh off his mission! That's right ladies, we've still got it!

3) pay attention, this is the big finale...getting to touch Joshua Radin as he walked by in the crowd. Melissa said "great show" and touched his arm - and he turned around and said "oh thank you". to which i just tried to cop a feel as he walked by. He's totally migit-o, but when you can sing like this....I will still gladly bear your children.

(i apologize that he's sideways)

The sick kid.

I'm doing a scientific study on myself this year. Last year I didn't get a flu shot and used up all my sick days by Feb. This year I decided to get a flu shot, and have been sick pretty much since I got it. Not as horrible as earlier this year - but still! 2 weeks of the BLAHs is no bueno!



However, this sick girl has a silver lining today. My knight in shining armor brought me Theraflu and a sweatshirt (I was freezing) and these beauties! Awww....what a nice guy. All my favourite colors in one perfect arrangement. Plus then took me to get tomato soup at Paradise. YUM! Now that's what I call worth being sick for.

Children of Winter!

The proverbial ribbon has officially been cut to welcome winter into my world! Tonight was the yearly pilgrimage to the Warren Miller Film. This year's film was titled Children of Winter. It's 2 hours of completely sick jumps and backcountry skiing & snowboarding. Nothing psychs me up more than seeing these films and planning my winter of trips up the canyon - or back home to visit family with snowboard in tow. This winter's goal is racoon eyes/goggle marks. I find them completely sexy. Here's to hoping for some epic snow days!

PRAY FOR SNOW!

I have hair clips coming out my ears!

When I was in Nashville visiting my friend Sarah, I went down to Georgia (cuz it's close!) and visited my good pal from high school days (& college days) Kristi Gay. I got to hang out with her and her super cute boys!

That's my favorite picture. All the rest were either like 5 miles away or crash zooms. PS - I'm still craving that ice cream we had. The best Mint Chocolate chip I may have ever had. YUM! Thanks for a fun day Kristi and the 3 K's!

While we were hanging out, Miss Kristi and her infamous "gifting" gave me these hair clips that I fell in love with. I got back home to Salt Lake and paid it forward by giving away 2 of them as well and then wished I hadn't because I loved them! So I emailed Kristi's friend Hannah to get more of my own. Since I'm the worst at making decisions between cute and cutest - I just bought one of each! They arrived today and I couldn't be more happy with the sparkle lovliness! See Hannah's site to get your own!

Some assistance required

Okay remember when you were little and you wanted to do something and your excuse was "well (insert friends name here) is doing it?"

Chery Harker (my mama for those of you that don't know I call my mom Cheryl a lot) would aptly reply "If your friends jumped off the roof/bridge (she liked to mix it up) would you do it too?"

Smarty pants Jamie reply, "DUH!" This Californians way of saying TOTALLY LADY!

Here's where I need your help...when it came to fighting off peer pressure, or your mom/dad wanting you to be unique in the crowd - what were some sayings that you heard in your day? I'm working on a project and this is a must have.

Thanks!

Travelin' (wo)Man

This week has been Cuh-razy!
Friday I went to Inspirations Unlimited with Teresa Collins (Teresa Collins Designs) and Layle Koncar (Scenic Route) to teach some Make & Takes in Vegas. It was really fun and I think (hope) the ladies had a fun time. It was a little bit crazy because the only info I had gotten was that we were rotating staions and so I planned my make & take to have the ladies punch stuff themselves to get to play with the paper rather than just glue stuff down. Well I arrived and they told me that they planned for me to do a group make & take. Uhhh bad news because I didn't have everything punched and only brought enough for one table to do it at a time. Never fear!! It all worked out - even though I had to catch a flight back to SLC before my last 2 rotations were done.

Saturday morning I got on a flight to Orlando, FL to go to a trade show with our Sales Rep group there. I taught the same make & take there Saturday night. Sunday was a trade show and afterward we had a workshop where I taught a class. This was really fun - and getting to know the ladies there was SUPER fun. They were all really nice and that made it super fun!

I slept for like 12 hours on Monday catching up on sleep.

Southern Girl in the making...

I just got back from my trip to Nashville! This will be a two segment blog - so pace yourself!
I had SOOO much fun. I got in on Friday and poor little Noah was still SUPER sick. Sarah and Jason ended up taking him to the ER and he got admitted for dehydration! He got to stay overnight and the nurses brought him a Nintendo into his room to play after he started feeling better the next day. (Carson had a suspicious tummy ache and "needed to go to the doctor" after being without Nintendo for a few hours too!) It was fun to have bonding time with Miss Elizabeth who is seriously the sweetest baby you've ever seen. Even teething as she is right now...nothing but smiles from this cutie-patoo-tie.

Carson showed off his biking skills! Can you believe he's 4 and already riding a bike without training wheels!? I was pretty impressed.
Carson is a snuggly boy! I liked him a lot! We went grocery shopping one day just him and I and (reason # 763 why I'm not a parent) - we left there and he had 4 "treats"! I tried to be tough and say "no"...but he would just give me this look and say "Puh-weeeeze" and I was done for!

I was glad that Noah came home. You could tell he felt a whole lot better the second he got home. This was us playing Dinosaur Extinct the night he came home from the hospital.

(video coming soon)

I had so much fun with Sarah and Jason too! Sarah took me to this super FAB shoe store (seriously ladies..Dansko shoes for $35.00!) And yes, I bought 5 pairs of shoes there..on top of the 2 I had already bought somewhere else the other day. Hi my name is Jamie, and I'm a shoe-a-holic.

It was great to relax, and not be at work and get to just hang out with my friend.
My aunt that lives in Seattle was in Nashville for a convention - so I did get to lunch with her which was nice. And I got to see Kristi Lee (installment 2 coming soon!). All in all a very lovely trip. I do love the south. Love the yes sir, yes ma'am and Sweet Tea! YUM!

Other random pictures from the trip. (In order: Carson the snowman, Sarah, Noah Skywalker, My fanny -thanks Carson, Ugly morning face, and Blair Witch Carson). I actually think Carson took every one of those pictures except the snowman! He loved playing with the Camera. Also if you don't know about Webkinz...it's stuffed animals your kids can have that they take care of online. Teaching responsibility without actually having poop! My idea of a good time!

I think I'm in LOVE!

My friend Martin, just turned me onto this guy....(Amos Lee)



Thanks Martin. You made my night.

Out of touch

I get that celebrities are "famous" and probably don't need to keep up with reality in order to be a member of contributing society (sarcasm) but this latest bit by Puff Daddy, (aka-P Diddy, Puffy, Shawn Puffy Combs, Shawn Combs, Diddy) is completely appalling. This guy clearly has a bigger ego than anyone thought possible.

Reasons I dislike the "Diddy"
a) Pick a name and stick with it. With each name change it's not like you're changing your image or anything. Look at Madonna - clearly re-inventing herself all the time, and has done quite well with one name throughout her career
b) Doing Burger King commercials now? So sad! Also, the fact that BK actually has some funny commercials with that King guy - and all their marketing dept could come up with using Diddy was "just tell them Diddy said it's open late". Tragic.
c) Why do you think you're this great music mogul. I literally can name like 1 song you put out, and it was just a sample of a Police song. Your making your money for that damn plane just because you sample everyone else's music.

I feel more bad for the suckers in 1st class that would have to put up with him on their Commercial Flight. I'd kick him in the junk as I trekked back to Coach if he was ever on my plane.

Attention Employees

Yesterday was quite the dramatic day at the office! Before I forget the specifics I should really blog them.

Let's start at the very beginning (if you just sang that and finished up with "a very good place to start" from Sound of Music...bonus points to you!) I work for a company called Prism Papers. Since we're still fairly new-ish, we borrow office & warehouse space from a Paper Distributor in Salt Lake City called Zellerbach. They're quite nice to let us borrow, and we get included in on all their office shenanigans.

We have quite the zealous receptionist in the office. Her name is Janet. This woman is my mom's age and likes to treat me sometimes like I'm the daughter she never had. She wants to know my BIZ about boys...what the latest is...and give me dating advice. Anyone that knows me, knows I love to tell stories about my horrible dating life experiences - but when it comes to people I actually like, I'm really quite reserved. I digress... So Janet loves to be in on the action. She will literally get on the PA announcer on Fridays and say, "Attention Zellerbach Employees, IT'S FRIDAY" and then proceed to hold the PA up to her stereo blasting Kool and the Gang Celebrate or some song by the Beach Boys. You gotta love her enthusiasm! (or do you....)

Anyway, yesterday around 2pm the following page comes over the loud speaker:

"Attention Zellerbach Employees. Please stay inside the building, and especially don't go out by the docks. Thank you".

Let's face it - I don't even know where the DOCKS are but I wanted to jump off my seat and go find them because there had to be something great going on.

30 seconds later, next announcement:
"Attention Zellerbach Employees. Please stay inside the building, and again don't go by the docks. Explanations will follos. Thank you."

2 minutes later, next announcement:
"Attention Zellerbach Employees. All is well. Please stay inside the building, but if you have to leave for appointments, etc you are able to come and go. But don't go by the docks as there are a lot of cars."
(so...we can leave the bldg if there is an appt? I'm confused. And we're on lock-down because of the swarm of cars by the docks? I mean cars are scary, but really?)

So I think that was the last announcement. The drama was this guy wandered into the warehouse to have us call the cops as he was arguing with some people about a stolen bike and apparently he had a gun. He actually told our warehouse guy to call the police. Nothing dramatic, but turned into drama all thanks to our receptionish who likes to pretend she's IN THE KNOW and keep people thinking she's in charge.

ps - thankfully she also doesn't read this blog! MUAHAHAH!
pps - No one was hurt and like 6 cop cars showed up and took the guy away in handcuffs.

Biggest Loser 5

Okay so I made it about 5 weeks last round before I just got too overwhelmed with work trips and school. I think I should be able to at least make it 7 weeks this time!

Tiburon is having a Biggest Loser Contest again! I love these things! Nothing like a slap to the face back to reality when you see those pictures you have to take! Sneak on over to her blog to see the rules, and decide if you want to GO FOR IT!

Who ya gonna call?!

In exactly 2 months from today - you will be able to say ME!

As all of you know, my friend Samantha and I take "classes". I first found Granite Peaks Learning because I wanted to learn guitar. Then we signed up for Latin Aerobics - which certainly didn't whittle our middles, but we laughed A LOT! Well, we've just enrolled for our newest class: GHOSTBUSTERS! (i'm actually really serious!)

Here is the class description: (straight from the website - I swear I couldn't make this stuff up!)
Want to get spooked? Looking for evidence or information about supernatural or paranormal activity? We go on-site to various locations throughout the Salt Lake valley to detect any signs of paranormal activity. Call early as class fills quickly. Flashlight required. Taught by Tom Young.

I'm going to get one of these as my flashlight. I figure that having both hands free to pump as I run from ghosts will only benefit me in the long run. I'm looking for the perfect mechanics "onesie" as well. I may, or may not, get a patch for the onesie with a name like Todd or something.

We've been looking into this class now for a bit. It finally worked out with schedules! I'm not sure what is in store for us - but I'm pretty sure it'll look something like this - - -

College Take 2...okay 3 or 4 if truth be told

For those of you that know me...this isn't a shock. I am a horrible student! At the ripe age of 18 I miraculously got accepted to BYU. Summer semester was fun...grades weren't horrible - because I actually studied (my roommate made me!) and was only taking 2 classes. EASY! Lots of play time! Then Fall semester came...that 0.86 first semester was, well expected and deserved! I NEVER went to class! (my roommate didn't make me! haha - MELISSA!) I think the only class I attended regularly was my Book of Mormon class with Holly because...well she's funny, our teacher was funny (even though I got a C in the class!), and there were some hot guys in it. GLORIOUS! Hol, remember Johnny K?

Anyway. Since that horrific experience, I lasted 2.5 more years there. I know! It surprises me still! I have attended Weber State, and then a College in Portland for one semester where I seriously didn't care if I could put together a skeleton blindfolded for my Anatomy Class. I mean really - who needs that!?

This is my problem with the education system....and with me! I'm very much a black and white person. If the question pops in my head "when am I ever going to use this?" and the answer is, validly, NEVER...then I tune out. And yes...have a bad attitude.

So now, college attempt - let's just stop counting! Today I went and bought my books for Fall Semester thinking it was going to be an all day event (reliving BYU Days where you stood in line for like 2 hours just to check out). In under an hour I had a parking pass, Books, and student ID (which I didn't even smile in!). I laughed a lot at the girls who pranced in in their skankiest outfits trying to check out boys while book buying. Ahhh the days when I cared about that. Not that I don't care about boys...I've just never really gotten into the whole "try to make an impression". It was funny to say the least. So for fall semester you'll be hearing a lot about Business Accounting and Computer something or other (required!) and seems REALLY easy. Gooooo *insert mascot for SLCC here*.

Dinner with Katie Magleby

My friend Katie from college who now lives on the East Coast - was in town for a couple of weeks and I had the pleasure to go to dinner with her last night! This girl is SOOOO funny. We had such fun talks that we forgot to take pictures...so here is the only one - IN MY CAR!!! SO LAME! Thanks for hanging out Katie! I'm totally planning to visit SOON!
Wow - I need a tan!

Also, my ironic moment of today. I went to the grocery and bought food (Holly's Fridge Photo Game would make everyone proud!) and I found the packaging of grapes completely ironic. Now, just so we're all clear - I'm a girl that loves resealable packaging. What isn't great about that!? However...
They put holes in the plastic so you can wash them and strain the water....really? Resealable? What a waste! Although I did shop at Harmons (keeping it local) and used my Ikea reuseable bags. And didn't put any of my produce in another plastic bag. Helping the environment one plastic sack at a time! GO FIGHT WIN!

The Olympics in Utah

I get that KSL is owned by the church. But I swear on everything holy if I have to watch one more preview for "The Errand of Angels" while I'm waiting for men in speedos to grace my screen - I might have to boycott the rest of the games! Okay slight exaggeration - but when I have that blasted song in my head all day - ENOUGH! For those of you NOT living in Utah, this is the trailer we keeps seeing.

HILARIOUS

So McCain is a moron and bringing pop culture into his campaigning!! He compared Obama to a celebrity like Paris Hilton or Britany Spears....wow Stick to the issues at hand sir!

Anyway - here is Paris' response, which I found to be HILARIOUS! I know she's annoying, but she's pretty great about being able to make fun of herself!

I'm officially SMART - who knew?

My Grades July 31, 2008
Student: Jamie Harker
Course: GEOG-1700
Section: GEOG-1700-001-SU08
Section Instructor: Robert Dastrup (yummy! goes by Adam)

Grade
Midterm 1: 89.00

Midterm 2: 100.00 (out of 100.00)

Final: 90.00

Plate Tectonics Assignment: 10 (out of 10)
Earthquakes Assignment: 10 (out of 10)
Volcanoes Assignment: 10 (out of 10)
Landslides Assignment: 10 (out of 10)
Global Weather Hazards Assignment: 10 (out of 10)
Severe Weather Assignment: 10 (out of 10)
Hurricanes Assignment: 10 (out of 10)
Internet Articles: 80.00

I think this all equals a 95% overall!!
I mean suck on this BYU and your stupid Physical Science class that I failed 3 times from every professor on campus! haha. Ok, in BYU's defense...i never actually attended those classes! Amazing what a little class time will do.

I'm in the library at school

Studying (perhaps more people than the class final which is in 2 hours and counting). Here are my observations:

1. Hopefully not offending anyone, but I find it odd that grown-ups are called Tyson. (the totally hot "kid" working in the library right now). Is that really a grown-up name?
2. The guy that just walked in, clearly starting his new shift as a library worker has the following: Bald head, 2 fairly large hoop earrings. (this is when I wish my GD Blackberry had a camera on it!) This strikes me as odd for 2 reasons...
a. I didn't realize that 2 hoop earrings on boys was still the "rage". I'm out of touch.
b. At what point do you give up the ghost and say - I'm getting older, going bald, time to take out the blasted earrings that just make me look more like a tool anyway?

note: can you tell I'm outlining chapters based upon my last 2 posts? I'm all about lists and clearly defined messages. :)

Why I'm not a stay at home mom -

A) I don't have any kids...that would just be weird.
B) I took today off to study for my final. Woke up at 8:40am (lovely!). It is now 12:11 and I have done none of the following:
1. Go to the gym (now no time isn't an excuse - so what gives?)
2. Eaten a healthy breakfast to encourage brain activity. Why do Sonic breakfast burritos have to be so flippin' good?
3. STUDIED!

However, I have:
1. Debated for 25 minutes whether the baseball hat to cover my bed head made my ears stick out MORE.
2. Finally decided to just pin the wonky hair back
3. Watched one episode of Law & Order
4. Figured what the lowest grade I can get on this final would be to keep my A (an 81!) and that's after the curve and not including assignments!

All time well spent according to this girl!

Happy BIG 3 Baby T!

I can't believe my nephew Trenten Ryan Harker is 3 years old today!! I miss his sunshiney face! He's SOOO smart, and just the most adorable little monkey I've ever seen.
He calls himself Srent and my brother Matt is Uncle Mack. How cute! Thanks Uncle Mack for keeping this girl in photos of her favourite (and only) nephew!
Today when I talked to him on the phone he said "I LOVE YOU!" and it just melted my heart. He's getting sooo big! Love you! Love you! Little man!

Guess who got her hair cut!

Ooh! OOH!! (raising my hand the HIGHEST!)

I actually quite like it. AND - the highlight...got to donate it. I'm pretty sure we cut off like 14" in the back by the time we were all done!

..on the path of rediscovering my mojo.

My boys!

This past week-ish/weekend I was in Chicago for CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) trade show for work. It was loads of fun. Here are things I observed while there:
A) I don't remember Chicago being that humid when I lived there
B) I have less wrinkles in humid climates (I think the moisture puffs out (nice way of saying BLOATS) my skin.
C) My hair takes about 7 times as long to dry and then is just wettish again by the time I walk outside.
D) My skin is SUPER soft and not all dry/cracky like desert Jamie
E) I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so! (see picture below!) Jen-if your picture turns out better send it my way. PS the humidity wasn't really LOVING the curls! This is Dianne and Jen 2 of my fav ladies from the Midwest!


Another plus to the show was that I got to spend time with my Brothers from another Mother! Matthew (not to be called Matty) and Justin! Gosh I've missed these boys! They were the ones I bonded with in Toronto! We spent the last night wandering downtown Chicago just to get out of the freakin' hotel! Matt was kind enough to drive. We now apparently have a tradition to go to any sort of convenient store and create our own fun. Downtown Walgreens seemed to be calling our name. Justin made friends with Rochelle the check out lady and also these random people that were at least 50 just crossing the street! Just to hang out with them - I wish EVERYDAY was a trade show!

Favourite phrases from the weekend:
"GET IN THERE"
"Artsylicious" (Just, are you going to turn me in for copyright infringement?)
Justin calling EVERYTHING "Gay Pride Parade"
Matthew telling me I've revoked his "man card" by calling him Matty
Matt telling Justin and I that he'll be the designated driver and we can get drunk and make out - he has his video camera with him! (SICK PERVO! haha-not that I wouldn't make out with you Justin...or require astronomical amounts of alcohol in me to do so! tee hee!)

And now, the best thing ever. This is the car trip TO downtown Chicago where Justin explains his lack of car knowledge. You just have to love this guy! It was just his birthday last week too - public blog shout out! LOVE YOU JUSTIN!

Mojo?

It is quite safe to say that I have officially lost mine. Where does one find their mojo?

Superstar...

This past week (nearly eh?) has been SO MUCH FUN!

a) I got back my first test from returning to college: 89% (after the curve - but whatever...I'll take it!)

b) My friend came to visit!

I kept a running commentary in my planner so that I could blog it later.
Random funny things - that will only be funny to me and this person (but since this is my semi-journal...you'll have to suffer thru). FYI most of these are from church on Sunday.
1. I want to put some meat pie in my fat belly
2. Stupid burning of the bosom
3. Counting 10 pregnant women in one meeting!!! (out of control procreation!)
4. "Is that even safe?"
5. "SISTER!" (followed by a waving of the all important pamphlet)
6. False doctrine about Paul the tax collector
7. ALOHA betting
8. Hand holding betting
9. Jealousy from the pulpit
10. Flashing Sunday School
11. Offering to sing my testimony
12. Old Man River shagging flies from the upper deck.
13. Jungle kissing.
14. "I like Satan, I like his character" (not from church. We watched the movie Constantine - and for the record I meant that I liked who they cast for the devil!)
15. The surprise bird poop proving Teradactles are still roaming the Earth. (or flock of buzzards hovering over Salt Lake.)

Thanks for a fun week pal! Missing you already!

1....2....cha-cha-cha

My friend Samantha has been telling me how disappointed she is that I have YET to blog about our Latin Dance Class. So, Sam - this one's for you!



...and yes - the above video was actually a song our teacher played.

Our teacher was seriously RIDICULOUS! This was one of those classes through Granite Education. It was $18.00 for 3 classes and seriously...for comedic value, it was worth every cent. Cheryl McLachlan (nice name for a Latin teacher right?) wore pink croc flip flops and dress slacks every class. She also, on the first class, proceeded to tell us how this class was going to "whittle our middle" - and the woman looked about 5 months pregnant! And then told us that her last baby she had was (wait for it) 18 YEARS AGO! WOAH! She was horrible! But her facial expressions while listening to the Latin sounds (as promised in the brochure) were priceless. Very intense and she would sing along. PS - the Latin sound was Ricky Martin "livin la vida loca", Michael Buble "Quando Quando Quando" and Santana w/ Rob Thomas "Supernatural" or whatever that is called. FUNNY!

Here is a picture of me and Samantha before the first day of class:

Also, a little video of Samantha during class! Wow I love this girl!
She's got moves you've never seen!

And here's to our next adventure! I'm thinking the forkbending class still seems interesting. Of course always up for Ghostbusting. We'll talk it out at the Bees game! Bring David! (shout out to David!!! Holla!)

Son of Rambow

I went with my friend "Frank" (he says I'm not allowed to leave his real name on here because he has this phobia of leaving a trace...dude whatever! you're about to be a published author, GET OVER IT!) last night, who is in town finishing up research for his book to go see

Son of Rambow (watch the trailer there). This film was HILARIOUS!
Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm obsessed with accents.
Wish I had one. Spell things like I'm British. Anything British I love.
I don't want to move there or anything, but I do love the films. I seem to "get" British humour (see!) more than American for some reason.

Anyway, this film is about schoolboys and their friendships and hard times, but with a hilarious slant on it. If this picture doesn't make you want to go see it - we can never be friends.

Also a lovely shot of "Frank" crossing the street with the flags. It's quite the phenomenon downtown Salt Lake City because 1) people actually use them 2) people actually put them back! I swear this is the only city in the world where there wouldn't constantly be a shortage due to people thieving the orange flag.

Interestingly enough, we went to dinner before the film to Pei Wei (i'm addicted to the Lo Mein noodle bowl!) This kind of couple sat down next to us on the outside patio and the guy got up to go do something and the girl just started talking to us. I'm not sure if she started it - or just looked at "FRANK" and made him awkward so then HE started the conv....i can't be bothered with the specifics. Anyway, then proceeds to tell us that she's taking a Communications class at the U and her assignment is to break a social "norm". She thought striking up a conversation with strangers at a table...a GOOD 5 ft away was breaking a social norm. SERIOUSLY! "Frank" then proceeded to tell her that at his college he teaches at he teaches a social problems class and has his students do the same type of experiment. His stories were WAY better. He showed her!

Also this week, more class! PS - my professor is a total HOTTIE! I totally took the wrong approach in college taking classes and not inspecting the professor before hand. Clearly that was the missing link on getting me to learn (to not look stupid in front of said hottie) and to actually ATTEND THE CLASS! I'm not gonna lie to you - I could go everyday this guy is that cute. YUM!

Okay - now you are caught up on my week. Lovely. (except for my Latin Dance Aerobics class.) Out of respect, that deserves it's own post.

shedding vs molting

Let's consult the dictionary:
Shed - to cast off or let fall (leaves, hair, feathers, skin, shell, etc.) by natural process.
Molt - To shed periodically part or all of a coat or an outer covering, such as feathers, cuticle, or skin, which is then replaced by a new growth.

Okay I'm officially going bald! Not really - I don't have patches or need Rogaine by any means. But seriously my hair is falling out in astronomical proportions. At what point do you become alarmed? Just curious. I mean I've always lost hair - but this is getting actually scary. When I was in Cali my mom was like "WHOA! Jamie that's a lot of hair on the bathroom floor! You should see a doctor. You know Grandma Close was bald. They can fix it BEFORE you go bald." GREAT! I really should pay more attention to family members. In my defense, she passed away when I was 10 - so who really pays attention then.

And what...do I just walk into my doctor and say - I may be going bald? Feedback welcome.

My Latin Lovers

This has been quite the week full of Latin men wanting my action. Let's not get too excited - NONE of them are attractive.

Story #1: Driving home from Cali - after stopping in St George I passed this Jetta full of 4 Latinos. I pass - the driver checks me out and then speeds up - thus causing me to look over. So he smiles. Okay so he was actually quite attractive - but still. Basically they would follow close, then slow down, then speed up. I met them again down the road where they proceeded to write me notes from the other lane.

First note: Call me (including some phone number)
Jamie: Shake my head No and mouth "no thank you"

2nd note: Call later 10pm
Jamie: Mouth - WHY?

3rd note: Mi Fono is DEED (i'm assuming that means cell is dead?) Great...they don't even speak English
Jamie: Again - shake head no and mouth "no thank you"

4th note: LOVE
Jamie: NO!!!

And thus my car full of Latin men speed off into the night.


Story #2: At night sometimes during the week I work a 2nd job. It's TOTALLY easy and basically I come and go as I please. Not too shabby. Lately one of the janitors has been getting friendly with me as he collects the garbage at night. He's actually quite nice. Probably 5'2'' and BARELY speaks English. But he tries. Right before I left for California the conversation went like this

Janitor (Francisco to be exact): Are you married? (way to not hold back with the big guns there guy!)
Jamie: NOPE
Francisco: Why not? You are very pretty. (awww!)
Jamie: Guess I'm just not
Francisco: I'm not married either - but I have 3 kids (ewwww!)
Jamie: That's nice.
**and scene**

Yesterday, my first day back working since I got back in town:
Francisco: Hello, how are you?
Jamie: Very well thanks how are you
*small talk continues - not very well due to the language barrier even though I fluently speak Spanish - I don't want to encourage. Time ends and Francisco leaves*
*2 minutes later he returns*
Francisco: (all red faced and shy) I'm going back to school
Jamie: (thinking) my that's random. (says) Good for you!
Francisco: I'm going to go to learn English because I really want to talk to you more and I don't know that much.
**seriously if I liked this guy - this would've been the cutest thing in the world**
Jamie: Your English is actually quite great (it really is)
Francisco: Well I need to learn more so I can talk to you.
(scene ends)

So many hombres (men)....so little tiempo (time).

Trip Sum-Up

The trip to Cali was just what the doctor ordered. Okay so really no doctor ordered it - but he/she should've (and no I don't have a hermaphrodite doctor - just being PC).

The car ride was great. I made fantastic time and REALLY should've registered with the Guiness Book before setting out. I'm pretty sure there was some sort of land-speed record set. Lots of shopping with the parentals, hiking on Sunday at Torrey Pines Reserve (see pictures). The worst thing was getting a makeover at the mall at the request of my mother. She's been trying to "girl me up" since 1902 and you would think since it hasn't taken thus far....she would throw in the towel. But OH NO! We Harker women do not give up so easily! And so I invested $185 of HER money in Bare Ecsentials. I have to admit I do like the idea of minerals on my skin instead of pore-clogging GOO. Walking around the mall looking like a beauty queen for the afternoon - was...slightly embarrassing. But - I was being a good sport UNTIL my mom requested we go for a bra fitting at Victoria Secret. My mom has an issue with my boobs (i think because she doesn't have any) and since Oprah said every woman pretty much wears the wrong bra - that must mean if I had the "right bra" my boobs would miraculously disappear! I know she means well - but c'mon! I nixed that one. I could care less if I'm wearing the wrong bra.

Then driving home today - I stopped my one Holly Jo's house. The intent was just for lunch but I got there early enough that we just gabbed and gabbed and gabbed. It was GREAT to catch up with one of my favourite girls! All in all - a great trip off!

Picture of the hike. Seriously if this was my weather/view - I would hike everyday!

This is a collage o' Holly. Well Connor mostly. He's a funny funny boy. The scenic pictures are reasons I LOVE Utah. Gorgeous. And the rest stop picture reminded me of Holly too. Remember when I thought it was SOOO funny during SLC construction all the signs that talked about "Emergency Pull-Outs". HILARIOUS. I'm a dirty girl!

What the deuce?

Week 3 of Biggest Loser DOWN! I'm not really LOVING my results. But whatever. I'm gonna keep on keepin' on and just hope somewhere along the lines it starts making sense.

Off to Cali for the weekend - where apparently a tornado touched down yesterday near my parents and it was hailing. Grrrreat. I wanted sunshine and lolipops! :)

Here's to 10 hours singing to my iPod in the car! Have a lovely long weekend. Back on Wed.

Helmut

Thanks to Heather, I found out that this is National Ride Your Bike to Work Day! On weeks like this I miss the bike-friendly city of Portland. Bike lanes everywhere and people who are actually aware of bikers. I'm not saying they have great drivers (they don't!) but at least they're aware of their surroundings. I'm not sure I trust people in Utah enough for this. Somedays I don't even feel safe inside my car!

So today I rode my bike into work. It's easy because it's just off the Jordan River Parkway. Quick fun ride! Ahh the Maiden Voyage of 2008! I love bike riding! i just wish the safety helmets didn't make you look like such a WENIS! With a name like Helmut (Lang), you're clearly designing the wrong thing!

*Side note: I'm signing up for a Latin Aerobic class (it's $18.00 for 3 classes) thru Granite - also how I took guitar class. My friend Samantha and I will be in attendance and I think the blog women should dominate this class! Email me if you want more details!*

I've been laughing all morning

I probably will be late to work because I JUST HAD TO BLOG this!

Let it be known to the world that some days - I really don't want to match. I've always been this way. Usually I'm quite conscious over what I wear and that it goes exactly together. But some days - I literally wake up with the notion to not match. Or wear something that really SHOULDN'T go together. Today was one of those days. Yya that's right....that's a black strapless dress with an argyle shirt/sweater UNDER it. haha. This should get reactions from some of the "50+" ladies I work with. I love the comments "those are interesting shoes" or "Hmmm, I don't know where you find your outfits". HAHA! It means I've succeeded in throwing a good little wrench in their day. I've got our credit department snowed. They think I'm some sort of FASHIONISTA! I could wear a turban to work and they'd think I was SOOO "with it". Love those girls! Okay off to put some makeup on. I can't go in TOTALLY ugly. Although I am looking forward to the constant questions "is that one piece or 2?" and my all time favourite "how do you get that to stay up?" (A: They're called boobs!) Happy Random Thursday!

5k Numero DOS!

Today was the Race For the Cure here in lovely Salt Lake City.


Feeling overwhelmed by the number of people there supporting this cause, was a little emotional actually. No - I wasn't CRYING - but I felt MORE PROUD for participating in this race than the Salt Lake Marathon 5k. I improved my time a little, although still was stuck back with some people from my work with "health" issues. It's fine...not really what this one was about. Although, I ditched them right after mile 1 and made up some ground. There were literally people from the Gateway as far as the eye could see! Crazy. The good thing one, this one seemed a lot easier. I think I could get into this. We'll see.

Cardmakers of the World UNITE!

Okay so my company that I work for - is going to sponsor WORLD CARD MAKING DAY! I've just posted on the company blog, details about submitting for your chance to win! The cards will be displayed on the official website, hosted by PaperCrafts & Craftrends Mags. Should be fun - and I KNOW a lot of you are REALLY REALLY talented! Give it a go! Hope to see your JUNK! (not that way ya sick perv!)

My Food Baby

Okay truth be told, last night I made a "food baby". (and watched Juno - which is where I got the term and laughed forever).
After eating Nachos, 2 slices of pizza and the biggest bowl of ice cream you've ever seen, you bet I was feeling like I was in my 3rd Trimester! Luckily those are the kinds of babies that go away over night!

Let me take a moment to shout from the rooftops how much I love the father of my food baby! His name is Dreyers. I know it's a bit of an odd name, but when he is a marriage of my 2 favorite flavors (cookies & cream AND Mint Chocolate Chip) and also wearing the hottest trends (a label supporting American Idol)...I mean I'm a gonner! I go weak in the knees for this guy! Here's a picture of him (i'm seriously giggling like a school girl right now!) Our children are going to be GORGEOUS! Isn't he dreamy?!
Okay, okay - you got me...he's not real! I'm not pregnant with his child. Wow that was a slap back to reality. I'm sorry I mislead my 2 readers of this blog. And yes - I've just checked the label to be sure the date is still good and that I don't have mad cow disease. What a long, strange trip it's been (this blog entry). Off to get knocked up again - and yes it's only 10:30am.

Where can I get me one of these?

I think this is the cutest/funniest thing I've ever seen!

Just so we're clear

I'm not a runner! That's just ridiculous!
My new years resolution was every month I had to do something I've never done. April - 5k.
With a 15 minute mile time...clearly I wasn't in it, to win it! haha.

New Phone - Old Friends

Today I got my new Phone!!! This little thing is going to be my new best friend.
I bought a Palm Pilot a while ago - and hated it. I don't want to have to re-learn how to write, and I don't want to carry around a Palm, my cell, etc. This at least cuts those 2 into one, easy to carry little device. I'm VERY excited. Now - I just have to figure out how to use it. So far I have 3 addresses/phone numbers entered. But I'm pretty sure there's GOT TO BE and easier way. Who reads instructions!? haha.

This weekend (Saturday night) I got to see my old friend Kristi Lee who was out in Salt Lake visiting for a cousin's wedding. Hopefully she'll post pictures on her blog - because in all my haste to get to Melissa's house, I forgot my camera! There are only a couple and we self-took the picture at our table at Bajio. We're such wild-girls! It was fun to catch up, meet her baby, and just be OLD FRIENDS!

Sunday I went and hung out with my old friend Laurel as well. She's from college too! I am IN LOVE with her daughter Rachel and could just chomp her to pieces everytime I see her! All in all a very good weekend of comfortable and timeless friends!

My very first 5k

Today was the Salt Lake City Marathon. Don't get too excited - I only did the 5k. It was actually really fun! Aside from the waking up at 5:25am to get to the Gateway, to take a shuttle to Liberty Park, to stand around for a little while...it was fun! My friend Jen and I were standing in line to start the race and the feeling is a little bit daunting. All these people right on top of each other, just waiting to take off. We looked at each other and I said - "do you feel like we're going to be trampled?" So we moved back in the HERD a little bit.


Spiderman was there. Literally - some guy where a full on spandex onsie of Spiderman (mask & all) ran the 5k. He posed for pictures making web spraying poses. It was pretty funny. All in all, a really fun way to spend the morning. I'm set to do it again (5k that is) on May 10th for the Race for the Cure. I'm going to beat my time. I think my unofficial time is 47 minutes. Which sucked a bit, but whatever. It was a good first time - not having really been running at all for training. And a goal to shoot for to beat next time.

Mother's Day gift (thinking ahead)

Okay so Cheryl's (my mom) birthday is the 28th of April. I need to get her a gift. However while out getting new pillows the other night - I picked up these bad boys as Mother's Day gifts.

They were seriously $4.99 each. I know it's cheesy - but I think that's what I like about them. So I got 4 and I'm going to create her a Jamie line of dishes. Unique and one-of-a-kind! I actually am pretty excited to make them. I remember we had these as kiddos and mine was HIDEOUS! Hopefully these ones turn out better. Anyway, I figured with a couple of people posting about "china" and "new dishes"...this might be your solution if you can't find what you need! Make them yourself! It looks like you can put photos down - so I bet if you created designs in Photoshop, it might just work. Just a thought!

My newest favourite waiter

Ode to Jacob at the Sugarhouse Olive Garden.

Okay, for ANYONE that has EVER eaten with me - you know how particular I am about what I eat. Not in terms of caloric intake - just one glance at my ass lets you know I could give a care - but about taste, and what I think I'll like, and what I KNOW I won't. Needless to say, I'm less than adventurous when it comes to food. (Girls from college, back me up on the Salad, Cucumber sandwiches, cantaloupe, and Hi-C I lived on the entire first year).

I was a bit skeptical about going to the OG Garden tonight with my friend Jen, knowing that my favourite dish was no longer available (and yes...i called ahead just to be sure).

We arrive, are seated, meet our waiter (quite cute actually) named Jacob. Order Drinks. Then he asks if we're ready to order. I tell him I have a really high maintenance question, Jen basically tells him to brace himself because yes...it's high maintenance. So...I just preface the story with how much I fell in love with the Steak Asiago and he looks at me and simply says...Oh I can still make that for you! I literally almost mounted him on our table. Seriously.

2 and 2 later (Chuck Woolery fans of the world unite!) he comes back with the bad news. They can't make it because they're out of the glaze. POUT! And then proceeds to recommend things for me. This is all well and good for an adventurous eater - now I have to explain my dilemma. I'M JUST NOT THAT GIRL! He lets me taste the marsala sauce on a dish he WHOLEHEARTEDLY recommends (I thought it tasted like gravy - and was making the SICK get this away from me face when he returned). So I went with the next best thing. I have to admit he was quite proud that I didn't just go with the Salad/Soup combo - Pasta Figioli - the old standby I love....BEFORE said Steak Asiago. I ended up going with the Gorgonzola-Alfredo Beef (or something like that). It was "okay". But really - nothing was going to top my FAV!

Seriously, Jacob - who I asked his permission to blog about - was the kindest, most patient waiter in all of creation. Yes he poked a little fun at me, but all in all - it was a great night. My friend Jen and I had GREAT conversation about boys and their stupidity. I even boxed up my leftovers to take home - which I, of course, left on the table. Jacob, if you're reading this....it wasn't to let you know I hated the dish. I just always box up leftovers and leave them behind.

Never fear this will be the final word on Steak Asiago. I admit I've been obsessed. And now - back to the gym I go. eh...tomorrow!

A moment of silence.

It is with a heavy heart and a lot of tears I tell you this news. The Olive Garden no longer carries the Asiago Steak dish. I swear this was the best thing I've eaten in like 100 years! Tonight I'm going again, and already less than thrilled about having to find a substitute. Actually, I told Hayley that I was going to order off the menu and just make them make it for me. I know this picture looks sick - but I swear it was fantastic. Again - Hayley can back me up on this!

Goodbye sweet Asiago Steak....you were loved, and you'll be missed!

Out with the old...in with the new

Today I am in the mood to SPRING CLEAN! Okay, let's rephrase that. This MORNING I was in the mood to Spring Clean. Now I want to go ride my bike and play outside in the sunshine, but my entire house is in disarray! I have cleaning A.D.D.! Seriously. I start one place, get bored so that in about 3 hours time - every room in my house looks like a bomb went off. However, I have managed to go through my drawers and 1/2 of my closet. Since I've filled up 2 garbage bags of clothes to get rid of (one to Goodwill, the other - I wouldn't even give to my worst enemies. How does one have an entire bag of bras and panties to throw out? I've got a problem!) I bought myself this little number!

I'm not sure I'm going to LOVE it...and I'm pretty sure my boobs will be falling out of it - but seriously...what don't they fall of? Might as well embrace it! haha. So here's to trying to complete a project in a day. Hope you're enjoying your lovely spring day!

Welcome to the world Elizabeth Tinsley Ross!

My good good friend Sarah (Sarah Jane when she lives in Nashville!) just had a baby! I'm already planning my trip out there this fall - when she's a wee bit older. Funny, because I was just telling Sarah about how I don't LOVE babies. I like 'em when they're older and actually do things! haha. (Read my friend Natalie's post about this exact question here). Here are a few pictures of the new little girl:


Miss Elizabeth Tinsley Ross weighing in at a mere 7lbs 4 oz
born on April 4th at 12:41pm.

Noah is going to be SUCH a good big brother! He's
such a sweet sweet boy!

This picture of Carson kissing Elizabeth just melts
my heart. I'm sure he'll hear "gently" A LOT! :)


I love that Carson is already rockin' the one handed
baby hold in this picture. Right on little man!

Congratulations Ross Family! I can't wait to see you all soon!
All my hugs & kisses!