U2 3D

This weekend Steve and I, along with two other couples drove up to Sacramento to experience U2 in 3D at the Imax. It is one of their concerts from 2006. If anyone knows me they know that I am a HUGE U2 fan. So how was it you ask??? Amazing to say the least! The picture quality was superb and the 3D was incredible . It felt like you were there. Even Steve who is not the biggest U2 fan said it was the best 3D/Imax movie he has ever seen. The whole time I was thinking my sisters would sure love this. Can at least one of you guys move up here please! Wikipedia had lots of cool details about the making if you are interested. I encourage all to go and see what 30 years in the making looks like! After we went to Cheesecake factory and had some delicious dinner and chocolate cookie dough cheese cake for desert. Bono and cheese cake, if that does not constitute for a perfect evening I don't know what does?

Home Improvements

I have had a few requests to post some pictures of our various home improvement projects. We will have owned our home 3 years next month, so in honor of the “anniversary” check out what we’ve done!

Exterior: When we moved in and the house was yellow and forest green, horrible color combination. So we painted the trim white and the shutters and front door black. I think it turned out great. We also poured more concrete and made the drive way wider. We also poured concrete on the side yard, so we could have a place to park the boat. It just barely fits with a few inches to spare! My most recent project was pulling all the plants out of the front yard and re-planting. I just finished putting in a mow strip, planting bushes and flowers, laying bark. I think it looks pretty good.

Back Yard

Steve was the super star of the back yard. When we moved in it was a jungle! There was a greenhouse and a large square deck. There was no grass, just overgrown plants. We put the greenhouse and deck both on Craigslist and people came, paid us money, and pulled them out. Steve and a friend poured a patio. Steve and his dad installed sprinklers one weekend. Then a few weeks later (on the hottest day of the year, 115 degrees) Steve laid sod. Luckily nothing died. I want to add more greenery along the fence, but all in good time I guess. Steve did a fabulous job!!!

Kitchen

The kitchen was another huge project. I changed the paint color from baby blue to green. Steve tiled the floor and I painted the cabinets. We also got new stainless and black appliances. We’d like to install new counters, but it is not in the budget as of now. It’s like a whole new kitchen. The first picture we took at the open house, before it was ours. Doesn't it look different?

And More

Other then that we have replaced the carpet, baseboards, tiled the bathrooms and kitchen, changed out all hardware and lighting fixtures, added shelving in the garage, painted every wall in the house, window treatments, and more that I can’t think of right now. Oh the joys of home ownership. We’ve enjoyed a lot of it though. My next project is putting wainscoting in the family room and Steve wants to turn our fireplace to gas. I’ll keep you all updated! And there you have it.

All about...Me!

Here is a fun little survey to do so we all can get to know each other better. I encourage you all to do one and put it on your blogs.

10 years ago: I was a junior at La Canada High School, go Spartans! I think junior year was my favorite year of high school. I was involved in everything and had to be everywhere! I was a madrigal, in ASB (student government), various clubs, school musicals, etc. I had a great senior boyfriend and wonderful friends. High school was a lot of fun, but I was sure ready for college a few months into my senior year.

5 things on my to-do list today:

1. Gym, check. I’ve been hitting up the 6 am spin classes lately. Yes, it sucks getting up so early, but I am too tired to go after work, so I’ve been going before.

2. Faculty meeting after school.

3. Young Woman’s board meeting.

4. Make a “real” dinner tonight!

5. Watch Lost. It is finally back. =)

5 Foods I enjoy:

1. My favorite candy is chocolate-covered-gummy bears. They are delicious.

2. Favorite fast food is In-and-Out burgers animal style. I am not so much of a fan of their fries though. I love how they have fresh lemons for the diet coke!

3. Baby carrots with garlic egg plant hummus from Trader Joes. Try it, it is amazing.

4. Steak is also one of my favorites.

5. Indian food (nann bread and chicken makakna).

What I would do if I were suddenly made a billionaire: How cool would it be to own your house free and clear? I would totally do that, but probably buy a better one first, though! I would also buy my dream car, a Range Rover. Then go on a cruise to the Greek Islands. I would want to start some type of non-profit organization dealing with kids and poverty in 3rd world countries, too.

5 places I have lived:

1. Born in Oregon and raised in Washington, Arizona and California.

2. Rexburg, Idaho and Provo, Utah for college.

3. Cuenca, Ecuador (orphanage volunteer work).

4. Auckland, New Zealand (study abroad).

5. Fairfield, CA

5 jobs that I have had:

1. Jane’s Cakes and Chocolates (first real job in HS)

2. Valley Hunt Club (county club working at the kids club and snack bar)

3. What a Tan, Tanning salon

4. Nanny

5. High school special ed teacher at Payson High and Armijo High.

Favorite T.V. Shows:

1. Party of Five (in high school)

2. 90210 Re-runs in college

3. Arrested Development (funniest show ever written)

4.The office

5. Lost

Most beatiful place I've ever been: This one is hard! I think I have to do at least two. The most beautiful beach I've ever been to is hands-down Fiji. Switzerland (Alps) is the most beautiful country and mountains I've ever been to. I highly suggest both places to see before you die.

5 Things people don't know about me:

1. I love the smell of fresh laundry. It is probably my favorite smell.

2. I think I have developed an OCD about little noises, tapping, clicking, etc. When my students do it, it drives me CRAZY!

3. I love Oprah, I think she is great.

4. Love to read. Hated to when I was a kid, but learned to love it once I started reading things I was interested in. I read aloud to my students everyday hoping it will catch on.

5. I could wander in TJ Maxx for hours. I love looking at every little thing.

Monthly Update: January

I can't believe we are in February already. I am trying to think what to write for January, but it's been a pretty slow month so there is not much. It took us each about a week to sleep through the night trying to re-adjust to the Thailand time change. It also took us about that long to re-adjust to going back to work. My cousin passed away from a brain tumor a few weeks ago so we were up in Utah for the funeral. It was obviously a very sad occasion, but it was nice to see a lot of my extended family and my siblings and nieces and nephews. My brother and his wife came up to visit on their way to Rexburg. It was fun having them. I took them into San Fransisco, but of course, it was pouring. We also went to the Jelly Belly Factory. Steve is in the process of putting all new base board up stairs and so far it looks great! We went and saw 27 Dresses last weekend and it was very cute. I liked it, Steve tolerated it. I am excited to see Katherine Heigl doing so well. She attended my home ward in L.A. when we were in Young Woman's together. She was making Under Siege II and attending our church on Sundays. She was very nice. I don't think she is active anymore though. Anyway, we are doing great and love living here, even though It never stops raining! At least it's rain and not snow. I found a new appreciation for California right after our visit to Logan. I wish you all a very happy February.