New Digs

My office is basically my home. I spend more waking hours there during the week than I do at my own house - just like every other responsible adult, I guess. Big news: After a few years of planning, the owners of my company built a new building and we moved in last Friday.

And it is awesome!

I mean, I'm still living the cubicle life, but at least now I'm right by a window so I get the benefit of natural light and I can check the weather without creepily looking through someone else's office. And, as an added bonus, our cubicles are super nice. Also, in the old building, I was right smack in the middle of all the chaos. I had loud people around me all day long and it was such a pain in the butt because I am easily distracted.

Wait, what's that shiny thing over there?

Okay, I'm back. In our new building, I'm off in the corner basically all by myself. It is as close to heaven as you can get while surviving the daily grind. Pretty much everything in the whole building is brand new and new stuff is always fun. There's a new energy that is pretty exciting.

And did I mention we have a waterfall in the front? I guess it's more of a water 'feature' but it's pretty cool. The landscaping will be beautiful when it's done. I'll post photos as soon as that happens.

The only bad thing is that I.T. is all the way on the opposite side of the building. Bad planning if you ask me (however, it is completely possible that they requested - begged? - to be as far away from us as possible!). We need them all the time. Especially our favorite guy Mark. It's been a really rough 4 days having him so far away.

So, to make his travel across the building more fun - and a lot faster, Erica, Brianne and I bought him a Razor scooter.

We think we're pretty funny.

Mark is such a good sport. He was a little hesitant to ride it around - you know, the whole acting professional thing at work is kind of a big deal for him. Plus, he said he needed a little practice so as not to damage any part of the new building. But, today he took it for a few spins.

He is so great. Seriously the nicest guy you'll ever meet.

Which helps keep the stress levels down.

I'll take more photos of my new work space and post them soon. But, here is my view to the outside world.

Okay, so it's not the most glamorous view (I'm super excited about the dumpster and the port-a-potty - I hope they stay a long time), but after 6.5 years of the 100% artificial light literally sucking the life out of me, I'll take it!

A definite upgrade.

Sad News

This is my dear friend Nikki.

We have known each other for about 16 years and she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. I am blessed to know her.

A few days ago, she posted this on Facebook:

I am absolutely heartbroken. Nikki, her mom and her 2 sisters all live within a couple of blocks of me and I feel like they're family. I see them a lot and crash their family dinners on a regular basis. I didn't know her dad too well because he has been working in Florida, but he was such a great man. I am so sad that these sweet friends are going through such a hard time right now.

I have called my dad a lot over the past few days. He hates talking on the phone and has pointed out more than once that my frequent calls are not necessary.

Let me have this Dad.

I don't think anyone is ever ready to live without their dad. I know I never will be. My heart is sad and I've been so emotional these past few days. Nikki asked me to take pictures at his viewing and at the cemetery. It was really hard, especially when the family said their final good-byes, but the day was so full of love and I am grateful that I was a part of it. He was buried on his 74th birthday.

I am praying for peace and understanding for this sweet family.

Imagine Dragons!

Imagine Dragons has quickly become one of my favorite bands.

I got this photo here.

Rachelle and I went to their show on May 20th and it was really fun.

Well, aside from the fact that I am an idiot and bought tickets on the floor instead of in the seats. I'm way too old to stand in a crowd of sweaty, smelly people for 4+ hours. The 2 opening bands weren't great and a couple of people next to us were super annoying, but Imagine Dragons put on an awesome show.

People watching was fun since there were a ton of weird people there. Maybe it means that I'm weird too, but concerts sure attract a wide range of interesting people.


And by interesting, I mean straight up crazy.

The show was on a Monday night which basically wiped me out for the whole rest of the week.

According to my friend Erica's husband Ron, once you hit 40 you can't go to concerts anymore.

I'm sure I'll get my fill before I'm 40.

Dandelion Invasion

As soon as the weather warmed up, all these beauties decided to pop up all over my lawn. They literally appeared within 24 hours. 

So annoying.

(Betcha can't guess where my property line ends and my neighbor's begins!)

So embarrassing.

I really am mortified that I have the ugliest lawn on the street. And it's not like I haven't researched fertilizer and paid a lot for the 'right' blend . . . cuz I have!

I promise.

I'm basically on a first-name basis with the all good folks at the local IFA.

And whatever the below weed is (clover?) - it isn't my friend either.

Thankfully, my lawn currently looks better than it did in these pictures. Fingers crossed that we (my lawn and I) are on the right path.

There really is a learning curve to yard maintenance.

In other yard news, there are some pretty things around my home.

I'm so happy for spring!

Mother's Day

Jordan stayed with me for a week or so after her semester ended. David started his summer job in Louisiana and Jordan had a few days here after he left before she went to AZ for a nursing internship.

It's always good having her around.

(Well, except for when she spilled nail polish on my new carpet. I definitely wanted to sell her that day).

This year, more than most, I was feeling bummed about Mother's Day. Not because I don't have a fantastic mom, awesome grandmas and other great women in my life, but I was just feeling a little 'wo is me' because I want nothing more than to have my own kids. Usually, things are good and I am so happy about where I am in life, but sometimes I get really sad that it hasn't been in the plan for me to be married and have kids (why am I crying about it still?!). 

Hopefully one day soon.

I usually don't go to church on Mother's Day. It's just too dang hard. It started a few years ago when the young men were handing out carnations to all the moms and this poor little deacon was standing by me trying to decide if I got one or not. First of all, I hate carnations and second, it was a super awkward moment. So, I don't typically go on this particular day in order to avoid future awkward "do I give it to you or not" moments. I also don't really need a whole day to be reminded that I don't currently have the blessing of being a mom.

Well, not with my own children anyway. For the past 24.5 years, I have had the awesome opportunity to 'mother' Jordan. Since she was staying with me, it was easier to make it through church. It was actually a really good day.

And, she got me 2 of my favorite things ----> tulips and Magnum Double ice cream bars.

She's the best!

BYU Women's Conference

I got to hang out with my cute baby sister and her cute in-laws for a day and attend the BYU Women's Conference.

I got these images from here.

It was a really great day!