ENLIGHTEN ME

As we were driving home from a little dinner out with our friends and fam tonight, I saw at least 15 Obama/Biden yard signs (which I was coveting BTW, since aparently the one I ordered 3 weeks ago is backordered) on our way home. As we were driving along I mentioned to Hubs, how for a state that is notoriously RED, there sure are alot of Obama yard signs around. And funny thing. . . I've yet to see a McCain/Palin yard sign. Ever. Not tonight, not all summer, never. So, this begs the question:

Are people in Zion, finally, gradually seeing the light, and moving towards wisdom and Change? Or are they just too embarassed to admit they are voting for McCain and his nut-job VP? Cause really, you would think with a state that is so proudly republican, you would see a few McCain yard signs out there, no?

Enlighten me please.

THE VEGAN CHRONICLES part 3

So, I must give a little product push for one of my very favorite vegan/raw food snacks on the market. I was actually introduced to these bad boys a few weeks before my vegan conversion, and have been enjoying them ever since.

These are Lara bars. They are absolutely delicious, and are completely 100% healthy. Each of their bars have less than 5 ingredients. Such as the banana bread one I just enjoyed, that had bananas, dates and almonds. That's it. Seriously. And it was fabulous. These bars have the consistency of cookie dough, and taste almost as sweet. I really love the lemon, key lime pie and pistachio. I haven't tried some of their sweeter varieties which I hear are delightful (such as the cinnamon roll pictured above). They have almost a bazillion different flavors and am looking forward to sampling them all.

Lara bars are vegan, raw food approved, gluten free, and 100% healthy. You must try them for yourself. If you live along the Wasatch front you can find them at most grocery stores (Smiths), Whole foods, and even REI.

So, far, with yummy snacks and treats like these, my vegan experience as been absolutely delightful. One week down. Forever more to go.

Thanks to Jenny O. for this sweet tip!

REST IN PEACE PAUL

Have to give a shout out to Paul Newman, since he famously portrayed one of my relatives on film, Butch Cassidy (a.k.a Robert LeRoy Parker). Rest In Peace.

THE GREAT DEBATE

Oh the great debate. I have to tell you I enjoyed almost every second of this one. There were moments when John was rambling a bit, story after story, not really making any point, except for that he is an idiot, where I was praying it would end, but other than that, I thought it was very telling.

I agree with most of the other bloggers out there, that, despite my biases, Obama might have had a slight upper hand here. I think they both did well, calling each other out, but for the most part, I felt Obama just did better (As do most of the polls coming out this morning).

And really, we can go back and forth about the economy and foreign policy all day, but the overall feeling I got from the debate, was clear and present to everyone who was a viewer. Obama seemed cool, calm, and collected. He came across as smart, educated, informed, and dare I say it, presidential? Whereas, McCain just came across as a stuffy, grumpy old man. He was pompous, and elitist with all his smirks, and overbearing eye-rolls. It just came across as arrogance.

There was a point in the debate however, when Barack was direct and on the offence. And it came about when they were discussing the Iraq war. This is what he had to say:

OBAMA: But understand, that was a tactic designed to contain the damage of the previous four years of mismanagment of this war. And so John likes…John, you like to pretend like the war started in 2007. You talk about the surge, the war started in 2003. And at the time, when the war started, you said it was going to be quick and easy. You said we knew where the weapons of mass destruction were, you were wrong. You said that we would be greeted as liberators, you were wrong. You said that there was no history of violence between Shia and Sunni and you were wrong. And so the question is the judgment of whether or not…

MCCAIN: Senator Obama…Senator Obama…Senator Obama doesn’t….

OBAMA: …whether or not the question is who is best equipped as the next president to make good decisions about how we use our military, how we make sure that we are prepared and ready for the next conflict and I think we can take a look at our judgment.

Loves it!

Of course now, it's spin alley. Each campaign declaring they won, and will spin the debate to their liking.

And as for the McCain campaign, "suspending their campaign" give me a break. They were still running ads (like the one toting McCain as winner of the debate that ran in the WSJ online before McCain had even announced he was going to be attending). But honestly, the McCain camp must be freaking out now, because come this Thursday Sarah I-can-see-Russia-from-my-backyard Palin is going to be a disaster. If she debates anything like she interviews (see her interview with Katie Couric) things could get ugly. This lady is only one bad heartbeat away from the Presidency. Yes, you could say, I'm looking forward to next Thursday.

Oh, and where was Johns flag pin? Sucker.

And for those of you who are drinkers, or just enjoy a good laugh, I found this little drinking game online to be played while watching the debates. Could make for a fun night, if you like that sort of thing.

So, I'd like to know, what were your thoughts on the great debate?

ANYONE ELSE LOOKING FORWARD TO. . .

WATCHING THE DEBATES TONIGHT?


Whether you are pro McLiar pants or an Obama Mama, I hope you watch the debates tonight. Do it for your country. Do it for me. Either way you swing, tonight's debates should be very informative and fun to watch. Oh, and for the love of all that is holy, if you are not registered to vote, than shame on you already. And get on that stat. It's almost October people!


I have to say, I'm looking forward to hearing John McCain try to squirm out from underneath all his lying about the Rick Davis scandal, Carly Fiorina, Keating Five scandal, and all his other campaign mess-ups. I'm also looking forward to more words of wisdom from Sarah Palin and her wedding hair. That is, if McLiar lets her debate next Thursday.


$700 Billion dollars! Watch the debates people, watch the debates.

WHAT THE. . .

COURIC: You’ve cited Alaska’s proximity to Russia as part of your foreign policy experience. What did you mean by that?

PALIN: That Alaska has a very narrow maritime border between a foreign country, Russia, and on our other side, the land– boundary that we have with– Canada. It– it’s funny that a comment like that was– kind of made to– cari– I don’t know, you know? Reporters–



COURIC: Mock?



PALIN: Yeah, mocked, I guess that’s the word, yeah.



COURIC: Explain to me why that enhances your foreign policy credentials.



PALIN: Well, it certainly does because our– our next door neighbors are foreign countries. They’re in the state that I am the executive of. And there in Russia–



COURIC: Have you ever been involved with any negotiations, for example, with the Russians?



PALIN: We have trade missions back and forth. We– we do– it’s very important when you consider even national security issues with Russia as Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where– where do they go? It’s Alaska. It’s just right over the border. It is– from Alaska that we send those out to make sure that an eye is being kept on this very powerful nation, Russia, because they are right there. They are right next to– to our state.

FREE ICE CREAM!

You scream. We scream. We all scream for icecream.



And I scream even louder for FREE ice cream.


Tonight at Coldstone you can enjoy a FREE 3 oz coldstone ice cream. That's right. FREE! But you better hurry, cause the ice cream is only FREE from 5-8 pm tonight.


Enjoy!



Thanks Ash K. for the sweet tip!

DID SHE JUST SAY, WHAT I THINK SHE SAID?

Seriously. I know the television is pretty much the devils quarterback, but really, did she just say what I think she said?

Oh, and if you know me even a little, you know I will be using this term allllllll winter long. What? It means snow.

FOR ABBY

Who is always willing to engage me in a heated discussion. A few months back it was about car seats. Leave it to the economists to prove my point.

This is nineteen minutes of education by an economist on Ted.com. One of my favorite websites ever.

If it takes too long to load, just click here. Enjoy!

HEY KENNLEY - YOU SUCK!

I know it's been quite a while since I've blogged about my second love - Project Runway, but my one final hope for tonight's ep is that Kennley will get slapped by Tim Gunn. Wouldn't that be lovely? Her arrogance and uncalled-for snickering is becoming almost as annoying as Suede. Girl, you better recognize.

THE VEGAN CHRONICLES part 2

So, let's see. Today is Wednesday. And that's as good as any a day to let you all know that I have a confession to make. And here it is: I love my planet, I love animals, and I love my body. However, that love does not precede my love for chocolate chip cookies.


And so, after I came down off of my "I'm-going-to-save-the-world-and-become-a-vegan" high, I quickly slammed back to earth and realized that I will never have another chocolate chip cookie. Ever. Oh the shame. And then I started to get all shaky and upset (just like someone who is addicted to heroin), cause I realized I didn't even have "a last cookie". Which I imagine would have been like a last supper, except better, cause it would have only involved cookies. The food of life. At least the preferred food of my life.


I'd made my decision, pledged my vegan-ism for the rest of my life, and up until this point, had been enjoying my new found diet and freedom. But really, how on earth was I going to live without my cookies? And chocolate? Damn those chickens and their eggs.


Well, as soon as I figured out my life would never be the same (sans-cookies), instead of heading into a deep depression I headed to the local library to listen to a band that was playing there on Monday night. Yep, a band. At the Library. Pretty sweet, huh? I love that, mostly cause as a kid I always wanted to just frighten everyone, and break all the rules and scream at the top of my lungs for no reason while it was all quiet at the library. Just cause I could. But this my good future vegan friends is another post and therapy session altogether. Well, I'm not sure if it's cause I was at the library, but as I was sitting there listening to all the Irish music I decided right then and there, that the library was the perfect place to get cooking books. Duh! And heck, someone, somewhere must have written a book on vegan baking. And low and behold I was right. And only 7 people were waiting in cyber-library land to get the book. So I put my name on the end of the que hold list and went to the grocery store.


And what should I find there? Only the Holy Grail of my vegan future. Yep, if you are a vegan, and have a sweet tooth, then you for sure recognized that little guy at the beginning of this post. His name is Ed. No, really, I don't think he has a name, but he is the face of The Alternative Baking Company. And these genius' decided to go into business making vegan cookies. Brilliant! And I'm sure I alone will keep them in business while I wait for my vegan baking cookbook to arrive. But until then I have enjoyed both their chocolate chip and pumpkin spice (it is that time of year) and honestly, I wouldn't even know they were vegan, organic and 100% healthy if it didn't say so on the front in big letters. Seriously. They are that good. Heck, they even make vegan wheat-free cookies for those of you that are plagued with celiac ( Jo, Hubs, & Jen.)


The cookies are a little on the pricey side, but since they are just about the size of my head, I think that's okay. Plus, they are vegan. Yay! Are you beginning to understand the magnitude of this revelation? Vegan cookies? Hooray!


Alternative Baking makes these fantastic flavors: chocolate chip, espresso chip, lemon poppy seed, peanut butter, pumpkin spice, oatmeal raisin, double chocolate, peanut butter chocolate chip, and a new cookie every few months (currently coconut macaroon).


Yes, life is good. You can learn more about Alternative Baking Co by going here. And you can learn all about Veganism by clicking here. Their explanation is much better than mine. Their product info can be found here, complete with nutrition labels and ingredient lists.


So I think I am officially saved, and can easily be vegan without the shame of no longer eating cookies. ABC has saved me! But I think Jen Blum said it best on their website when she said, "Their cookies are the bomb diggity". Is there a better endorsement than that? Go get some my fabulous soon-to-be-vegan friends.

THE VEGAN CHRONICLES part 1

Well, I am officially a vegan. You didn't know? That's okay, it's only been one day. But see, I can say that now. Cause yesterday I didn't have any meat, eggs, or dairy products. I was going to wait, like say, maybe 30 days until I told you (so then it would be legit), but then I decided that there really is no fun in that.

So, welcome to my vegan chronicles. I plan to discuss the goings-on of my new lifestyle, shamelessly promote you all to join the dark side, and perhaps even get some tips from you real(meaning longer than a day) vegans.

You're first question (if you care) might go a little like this. "Amy, what in the sam heck are you thinking deciding to be a vegan?! Animals taste good." To this I would simply reply, "Because." And then I would tell you why.

Really, there are so many reasons, but first, I guess is that I've never really been a meat eater. I mean, sure I like certain meats, but I've always adopted the philosophy that I don't eat cow butt, and then I thought, well, I shouldn't eat chicken butts, or their unfertilized eggs either. Which honestly, will be difficult, cause I like eggs. Or did. Now I must type as a vegan. If you think about it, eggs are half of a baby chicken. And that is just weird.

Yes, I read that book. And, honestly, as enlightening as it was, it's not the sole reason. For some odd reason, going vegan just feels right. Like my Taverniti jeans, or meditating. Except I hope that going vegan turns out to be easier than meditating. You see, I adopted meditating because Oprah told me too, and I thought it would be easy cause you just sit there and do nothing, but I am finding it to be ridiculous. Ridiculously hard, I mean. To sit still. And not talk. Or think. Meditating, although pretty much the hardest thing I do (yes, I know I have an easy life), just feels good. Being still. Being quiet. So, I hope going vegan will bring me the same sort of centerdness (is that a word?) that meditating and my Tavernitis do.

But don't get me wrong. I don't plan on being one of those vegan fanatics that throw fake blood on people who wear fur coats and stuff. This is for two reasons. One, I wouldn't even know where to get fake blood, and two, the only fur coat I've ever seen was at Emily Mill's house. Apparently it was her grandmothers. I don't know about that, but I do know that when we put it on, and slid down the banister it made for a much more spectacular ride. We used to call it the flying squirrel.

So, because of my transition to a more fantastic me, I had to of course, eat meat for just about every meal on Friday and Saturday. You know, to say goodbye. Forever. And because I had already made the transition in my mind to vegan, all of my final meals just didn't taste as delicious as they had pre-vegan, and I did not enjoy them one bit. Well, maybe the hamburger at McDonalds. This is truly the only red meat I ever eat anymore. Or that I used to eat. And I couldn't even hardly tell it was really meat thanks to those spectacularly fluffy buns, and delicious pickle and perfect catsup. Yum-o. This was in fact, my last meat thing I ate. I am sure this will be the hardest thing to give up. I know, I know. McDonalds is the home of the devil. But he sure makes delicious hamburgers. And because I am giving these up alone I am sure I will save many cute cows, I will earn a spot in the celestial kingdom, and my blood will run through my veins easier. Yay.

My other last meals were hot wings (used to be one of my favorite things) but I could hardly even eat more than one. Sure I love the hot sauce, but all the chicken skin and bone. Felt like I was gnawing on a animal bone. Oh wait, I was. Se la vie. Good riddance.

And, perhaps one of the most difficult separations with meat will be found in my hallowed Cafe Rio Pork Salad, hold the rice (may she rest in peace). I was convinced that just might have been the perfect meal ever. But knowing the treatment that pigs go through hopefully, will be enough to have me not craving this deliciousness.

But in all seriousness people, if you don't already know about the cruelty of animals, and the way they are treated you really should educate yourself. You could go here, or here.

In fact, after I went there, I even pledged to be vegan for 30 days. It was alot like pledging to loose weight with Oprah and Bob Greene, except I expect it to involve less sweat. And really, I'm going to try super hard. I promise at least to be vegetarian for 30 days. And by doing so, apparently I will make the world a more healthy, green, eco-friendly place. And I will save those lovely farm animals from lives of cruelty. And apparently I will have less chance of catching a cold, or other diseases, which sounds nice.

And if I ever falter, or am not quite sure about my decision, I can just ask myself. WWJD? Personally, I think he'd of been a vegan, don't you?

TODAY'S LITTLE GEM

ME: "Thing 1, where do you get your endless energy?" (after he'd taken about 25 laps around our house this morning at the good hour of 7 a.m.)

HIM: "My brother Jesus of course!"


And there you have it.

Y'ALL, WEY WEYNT TO THA STAYT FAYER!

"You know what? You don't have the stupidest family in the whole world. You don't have the goofiest family in the world. And if you ever need to verify that, all you have to do is go to a state fair. Five minutes at a fair, you'll be going, ya know what? We're all right. We're dang near royalty!" - The king of redneck comedy, Jeff Foxworthy.



Yes we did. For pics, check the fam blog.

POTTY TRAINING 101

This little potty training advice is so good, I wish I'd written it myself. If you are in the market for a potty-trained child, then head on over here.

UM, YEAH.

If anyone out there has any brilliant ideas about how to get coins out of my car CD player that would be awesome.


Yeah. My kids rule.

FRIDAY FLASHBACK- vol. 5 monster mash 2

Okay, so I'm posting this a few days late again, sorry. But this one was a request. So, for some ridiculous reason, the monster mash committee decided it would be fun to have that song from Men in Black as the theme? I know right? What? Well, most of the girls took that idea and ran wit it, but me and a few others thought that it was whack, so we did our own thang.

So, today's flashback although it does indeed have most of my girlfriends in it, is mostly dedicated to Trish & Jill. We decided to raid my mom's costume closet and came up with these ensembles. I remember everyone kept asking what we were. (Like they needed to ask.) Trish is obviously an American who enjoys sombreros. I am an Indian Chief and Jill is Batman. Hello?!

I do love how all the other girls in the picture are all trying to be hard. Every time I look at Stacie I just crack up. The biker glove, and black eye stuff. Classic. And Sara's coat? It's only about 15 sizes too big. Lindsay & Holly throwing up gang signs.

Love it.

IT WASN'T JUST PLANES

I didn't want to discuss this on 9/11, but out of respect for the survivors, and those that didn't, you must watch this video. If you don't know who William Rodriguez is, you must google him. Also please read this article http://www.sltrib.com/ci_10444865 . (This article is about a former physics professor from BYU, and my Dad's old mission comp, who is devoted to studying the towers and the physics of them falling.)


I know there was a 9/11 commission report done. (Yes, I've read it) I know there were at least 15 survivor accounts left out. William Rodriguez is one. There was an explosion prior to the planes hitting the towers. There is physical evidence of explosives in the remains. These are facts.


It wasn't just planes.

REMEMBERING 9.11

AN OPEN LETTER

So, Yeah. I'm pretty sure I owe an apology to just about everyone I've ever met (cause I'm just a tad bit opinionated), but this particular apology today will be to my girlfriends. And yeah. Here it is.



Dear Sara, Jill, Holly, Abby, Stacie, & Trish,

I am honestly so sorry for my inability to be able to shut my mouth about our current political situation. I know you are well aware of my hatred for the current President and his insane politics. And because of this I have become just a bit too excited about the reality that he will soon be leaving office (HAL-LE-LURE-YA). And my enthusiasm for change in Washington can at times be overbearing and annoying. So for this, I apologize.

However, having said that, I still do really think that Sara Palin is an idiot. And should never have accepted the offer of VP. She has a brand new baby, and a teenage daughter about to have her own, herself. Timing is everything.

And yes, I think Barack and Joe are our country's best hope for seeing real change. Getting us out of the sticky mess we are in in Iraq, being able to lead us up and out of a recession, and being able to repair our relations with the rest of the world (just to name a few). And hopefully I will be able to find a calm & collected way of sending and sharing my thoughts about the fact that Barack is just the thing we need in this country. Another 8 years of our current politics is not.

And although I know you aren't all Republicans, those of you that are, I hope we can still be friends. Being able to discuss politics, religion, and all those other "off-limits" topics with all of you is something I love. Being able to learn and grow, and see others viewpoints is healthy. Thinking that all Republicans are idiots is not.

I can't promise to never talk politics again with you girls, (cause really, this is a very exciting time for us as a country) but I do promise to not let my strong viewpoints overpower the discussion. I promise to not to use swear words at least. Hows that for a start?

Sincerely,

Amy R.

AUTUMN

With September comes many wonderful things. Such as preschool (i.e. freedom), cooler temperatures (who doesn't love a good long-sleeved shirt? Just ordered a new one for fall today from the Obama camp. Yay!), leaves changing (reds, oranges, & yellows - oh my!), Ryan (Gosling) & Rachel (McAdams) are back together (finally), tv gets good again, BB will crown a champion (Go Dan!), Utah football games, and last but certainly not least, only one month till the very best day of the year (no, not Christmas. My birthday of course).


Yes, fall is a beautiful time. My very favorite actually. I just love all things autumn. The colors, the holidays (hello people, free candy?), the re-emergence of pants. All good things.

But I do have to say, Summer O-8 was a good one if you ask me. So I decided, in memory of a such a great summer, to highlight two of my very favorite things that I did in May, and enjoyed all summer and am still enjoying here even into September.

One)

I (meaning Hubs of course) planted beautiful petunias in my flower boxes. They look absolutely charming. And I have thoroughly enjoyed driving home and seeing the red popping out of my boxes. It's very Martha Stewart of me(meaning Hubs) I know.

and Two)

I decided our Adirondack chairs that we got from Smiths marketplace a few years ago (for only $30 buckaroos), needed a little face lift. So I went for the cherry red that matched the petunias and walla. Total and complete joy. Never knew painting a few chairs could spruce up the old crib like it did. If being a mom doesn't work out, I can always be a host on HGTV, and tell other people what they need to do to Martha-ize their homes.

HYA-HAGS (hope you all had a great summer)

DANCING QUEEN

If you are a reader of my family blog, you must head on over. Thing 2 had her first dance class today,and the pictures are priceless.

FRIDAY FLASHBACK - vol. 4 wasatch warrior women

Okay, so this might just be the best Friday Flashback ever! It is soooo worth the day wait. Anyone remember junior high? Wasatch Warriors! Well, I found this little beauty at my mom's house last Sunday,along with all my junior high and high school year books (which I thought my mom threw out), and a scrapbook I'd made that is high-freakin-larious. This came out of it. I didn't even know we had dances in junior high. Wierd. This is all my friends. And because I was so awesome in eigth grade when I had time for scrapbooking, that I even wrote down everyone's names! How awesome am I? Which was really wierd and funny, cause if I hadn't written them down I honestly wouldn't be able to even name half of these chicks.

Back Row: Sherri Baker, Cami Hardman, Rebekah Odor, Krista Granato, Lindsay Pulsipher, Jody Rosander, Melissa Baird, Turia Henderson, Anna Reynolds, Ashley Sorensen, Tara Roberts, Tannya Christensen, & Ambur Dimmitt.

Next Row: Kate Rose, Angie Hanson, Liz Doman, Amy Stoker, Abbie Knibbe, Annie Whitehead, Jenee Corsi, Allison Sullivan, & Cali Goodrich.

Bottom Row: Danielle Glazier, Megan Vosgerau, Nicole Tonneson, Brittany Bowen, Yours Truly, Aimee White (holla!), & Pardis Ariazand.

Front Row: Mondis Ariazand & Holly Stone.


Oh man. That is awesome right? These chicks seriously were all so much fun. I can't believe I kept this photo. I wonder what all these girls are up to? I really honestly wish we had junior high reunions in stead of High School ones. I loved Wasatch, and pretty much everyone who went there.

Holla to my girls!

THE DAH-LIN FROM NEW AH-LINS.

So, I'm pretty certain I'm the only person on the planet who is even watching Big Brother 10, but if there is even one other soul out there, this post is for you. Was last nights episode hilarious or what?

First, Jerry (75 year-old -foggie) literally walks backward and falls into the pool. I rewound it 4 times.

Then, and I was screaming with laughter, how fricken hilarious is Renny? The POV last night was just about the funniest thing I've seen this season on BB, and might possibly take the cake as the funniest thing I've ever seen on reality TV.

I mean, how is it that she didn't see the colonel in this picture? If the bald head, white hair, triple chin, and ears for days don't give it away, I'm not sure what will. She tried every other male contestant, and still didn't think it could be Jerry. I. Was. Dying. Here she is trying with all her might to figure out who the two contestants to make up that baby could be. Only twenty-three minutes later. . .
And I have to say, I am really gonna be sad to see her go on Thursday. She was allot of fun. I mean really, who goes and eats Almond Joy's in their sleep? Only Renny.

PEACE OUT KIETH

So, lets talk a little Project Runway. I know I'm a week late, but we can't not talk about last weeks ep, with Kieth being aufed and all. So, lets get to it.



So, the show last week was all about designing and making an outfit out of car parts. Saturn car parts, more specifically. I have to say, that these types of challenges are my very favorite. You get to see the contestants creative sides really come out, which I love. It reminded me a bit of the grocery store challenge. Allot of people opting out for the seat belts. Just like they did with the table cloths. Oh well. I guess it doesn't so much matter what you use, as long as your design is di-zope.


So, here is the winner:

This little number was made by Leanne, and I have to say, even though I HATE those stupid bumps (why would anyone want volume added there? I guess it would make it easier to carry my two year old around. A nice little padded seat.), the rest however is lovely. The leather is Divine, and the seat belt fringe is genius. Yay for Leanne. I really like that she is coming out of her shell a bit. She is very creative, if not a bit boring in her interviews. I'm again, having Jillian flashbacks. Oh well. We have enough other contestants that keep me laughing. More about that later.

This is the losing design:

by Kieth. The Utahn. And I have to say, his design is totally boring, but that isn't what bugged me this week. What bugged me to no end, was all his whining. Whining about what the judges were expecting out of him, Whining about the challenge, and whining about being from Utah. And really? Who cares. Move Kieth. Just get out. Move to L.A., or NYC, just get the H-E double hockey sticks out. (As you can see, I have no patience for people who diss Utah. Ya don't like it? Then get the eff out.) Clearly, Kieth and I have some growing up to do.

And the one who should have won:

This coat is by Korto. And I have to say, each week she amazes me. When I saw her putting this thing together at first I wasn't so sure it was gonna be creative enough, or have enough "wow" factor. But the thing about Korto is she always keeps it real with her design aesthetic and fit. Even though the model looks like she is constipated, I think the coat itself is flawless. Too bad I'm always writing about Korto like this. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. One day soon honey.

But enough about the designs. Let's talk crazy for a bit. Okay, first off, was anybody even the least bit shocked that Stella has a boyfriend named, "Ratbones"? Seriously, Ratbones? And finally, the one episode where Stella should be in heaven with all the Saturn letha, but instead, says she wants to show us what else she can do. Okay. Whatever Stella.

But the best line of the night comes from Jerell, who said of Terri, "[She's] got two faces and only four patterns." Love it. Love it. The Catiness from the men is my favorite.

Oh, and if I hear Suede say whackadoodle one more time I am gonna whack his doodle. He is officially the oddest bird.

And tonight? I need a moment of silence for the mother-of-fashion herself. Diane Von freaking furstenberg is gonna have a little cameo. Gotta love PR.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY vol. 3 1980 rocked

Found this photo and even though it's a bit tattered, thought it was a fun one. This is me with my two older brothers. DP is on the left in the three-piece suit & sweet bow tie, and the toe head on the right is E. Having two young children myself, I have no earthly idea how the photographer got us all to sit so still. And don't you just love my red leather mary janes? I gotta say, buying shoes (for me or my kids) is one of very favorite things to do. Must have got this curse from my mother. Thanks mom.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

BARACK - YOU ROCK!

POLITICS IN THE PARK

Who: Obama & You

What: Convention Night Friends & Family Picnic (Convention Watch Party)

When: Thursday August 28th @ 6pm (Speech starts approx 8pm)

Where: Canyon Rim Park 3100 E. 3100 S.

Why: Why not?

How: Walk, ride, or drive to get there, then sit, listen and enjoy.



Watch Obama’s historic acceptance speech live from Denver on a giant outdoor movie screen. Bring your picnic baskets, coolers, blankets and games for a party under the stars at Canyon Rim Park. The celebration begins at 6 pm Sen. Obama's speech is scheduled for approx 8 pm. Make a homemade sign to show your support. T-shirts, yard signs, bumper stickers, buttons, sodas and snacks will be available for small donations. Bring balls, games, frisbees and get to know other Obama supporters. Please pass this invitation on to fellow Obama supporters.




Well, I was going to have a little viewing party that evening at my house, but then I remembered all my friends are republicans. So, maybe I'll head on over to the Park. Sounds like a fun way to watch the speech. Gotta love living in 'the rim'. Any other Salt Lake Dems out there wanna tag along?

GOOD MORNING

It's a quiet morning around 6:15 a.m.

Me: Dead asleep.

Hubs: Dead asleep.

Thing 2: Dead asleep.

Thing 1: (at the very top of his lungs, might I add) ER-ER-ER-ER-ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!


Hubs: giggles

Me: no giggling. More of a puzzled thought about when we purchased a rooster.


And so our morning began. Hope you're all having a good one.

CANCER IS A FUNGUS?

THIS IS FASCINATING!

FLASHBACK FRIDAY vol. 2 Mill Hollow

The girls at Mill Hollow they say are mighty fine. . .



Okay, so I found this picture, and even though it's a bit dark I decided it was too priceless to pass up. At my elemetary school they had a week long camp you could go to called Mill Hollow. And you could go in 5th & 6th grades. It was a camp suppossed to be all about nature and stuff, but honestly I don't remember any of that crap. What I do remember is my awesome bunkmates, the freezing showers, the sweet 6th graders only dance, awesome bonfires at night, and more boondogle than you can imagine. I have so many stupid boondogle key chains from Mill Hollow at my parents house it's ridiculous. I should sell them. I could make some sweet dough.


So the beauties in this photo from L to R are:

Courtney Wood (haven't seen this chick in over 10 years. Wonder what she's up to.) Mary (a.k.a Mauz ) Bentley, Sara Reiser, Aubrey Bolingbroke, yours truly, Emily Bench and laying across our laps is Britany Bench (my bunk partner). Jody Rosander is taking the picture.


Dude, 6th grade & Mill Hollow rocked.

IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE

Are you tired of me yet? One more good thing about the headache being gone. Lots o'bloggin due to the way even the slightest pinch of caffine can keep me awake for weeks.



Okay, so last weeks ep had guest judge Brooke Shields. The challenge was to have the designers, make something for her character on Lipstick Jungle, a show which I've never seen. I'm sure this would have been much more interesting had I been a viewer of said show, but I've never been into spin-offs. Even if it is Sex In The City spin-offs. There just never as good as the original, ya know?


Anyways. So this whole ep for me was kinda lame. I wasn't at all impressed with any of the outfits really. Kieth did get a bit of airtime, so that's good. But he's kinda boring. He's the Jillian of this season, right? Just plain boring. But the best line from the whole show, which I was frickin' rolling on the ground laughing at was when Terri said about Suede, And I quote:

"I don’t know what he’s packin’ … balls or vajay-jay … but he needs to work that out ‘cuz I ain’t got no babies, ain’t nobody suckin’ on my titties … so please, man up."


What?! I mean come on. It doesn't get any crazier than that. Except maybe for Suede and his antics.

Here are the dresses of the week:

The winner:This is Kieth and Kenley's dress. All Kieth's design. It's just eh for me. I really like the skirt though. But the top? Those butterfly sleeves just seem so 1999 to me. And that scarf? Please. Nothing new or shocking. Nothing says top designer about this to me. But then again, I'm no Michael Kors.

The auffed:

Again, eh. I can see where Nina was coming from when she called it trashy, but really I've seen worse. I'm sad to see Kelli go, although I didn't think she was going to win it all anyways, so I guess now is a fine enough time to get the boot. I did think it was a bit tacky for Kenley to laugh at Daniel's claim of himself having fabulous taste. Apropo, but tacky.

And who should have been auffed:

Seriously Blaine? Does this say "fashion icon" to you? Looks more like something you'd see at H&M or Forever 21. Cheap, and way too casual. Now, I think he could have made this look alot more classy and sophisticated had he just used better fabric. A rich chocolate brown short with a crisp white or Navy button down with a pop of red t underneath. Something better than grey and blue at least. He just missed the mark.

But classic was when the designers were asked in the interviews who they thought the fashion icon guest judge might be, and Stella (and her letha) picked Hilary Clinton and Sharon Osbourne. Seriously? Fashion icons? Um yeah.

So, that's all my thoughts for now about PR. I'm sure we'll get another fab episode tonight with the drag queens. Gonna go catch a few more zzzzs before my kiddos are up in a two hours. Yay.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A CONVERT

Okay, so there is something I'd like to blog about today which I find very troublesome. It's been bothering me since, well, pretty much the late eighties. But the straw that broke the camel's very tired, very irksome back, was a few Sundays ago. Let me set the scenario.


It's a typical Sunday. We've barely survived the passing of the sacrament (only spilled one cup this week--yay), have taken each child potty. twice. Are just settling in for a nice pair of "new-move-in" talks, when it happens. Not two minutes into the new girl's talk she does it. Something that bugs me almost as much as Nicole Kidman (whole other post). The new girl makes a "Mormon joke." And not just any Mormon joke, cause really, some actually are funny, she makes the Mormon green jello joke. It goes something like this. New girl from Jersey: "Thanks to all the neighbors who've dropped by plates of cookies, and treats. We are learning to love Utah, and just how strongly you all feel about your green Jello." Crowd: "ha, ha, ha."


Okay, now really people. I check my watch. Yep, still 2008. Now, I'll be the first to admit that growing up every Sunday without fail, my mother made jello for dinner. Now, it wasn't always green, but a fair amount of the time it was. Only she tried to make it actually nutritious by putting applesauce in it. I honestly didn't know that jello was see-through till I was like 14, and had jello at a friends house for dinner. I was so pissed. My mom had been royally screwing up a good thing for more than a decade now for no apparent reason. Other than health. Pfshh. Health shmealth. Jello need not be healthy.


Anyways, yes I grew up in Utah. Yes, I'm a Mormon. Yes, I ate green Jello in the eighties like it was nobodies business (cause I had too). But NO, I do not find the green jello joke funny. Especially, when it's coming from a transplant, who did not grow up in Utah, and has actually never even tasted it. See-through or otherwise. I mean, come on. The joke was funny like 15, maybe 10 years ago when people actually received green jello in dinners from the relief society. But really, when was the last time you received a meal from a Mormon with Jello in it? Cause, I've had two kids, and believe you me, I milked those free meals as long as those ladies were willing to dish out. And after six months* of free meals, after both kids, I can honestly say I did not receive a single jello side dish. And no floating veggies, or fruits or anything.



And furthermore. I haven't had jello even at a linger-longer or ward function in over ten years. And we all know how much Mormons like to get together and mingle, so I'd say, that really saying something. So, I must ask, rather beg, that the green jello jokes stop already. The poor innocent food item has endured enough bad jokes. Not to mention my ears. And I'm fairly certain there won't be any letters read from the pulpit anytime soon about banning green jello jokes, so people, can we please at least stop laughing at them? I mean, when a seemingly innocent convert, or move-in ( stormin Mormon from another Zion) makes the joke from the pulpit, it will really say something if we all just sit and stare and not laugh. Don't you think? People, we need to unite on this issue. Really now. Kristina don't you at least agree? Don't you agree that along with the banning of old white dudes from Utah saying "Alooooooha" at the beginning of their testimonies, we should also ban the green jello joke? (p.s. if you are Mormon, or alive really, and are not reading her blog. Then I feel sorry for you. Cause it's fan-freaking-tastic.)



I realize we can't erase the past. The polygamists bruhaha will always be with us. But surely we can rid ourselves of the green jello stigma. I know it's gonna be hard with all those green jello 2002 Olympic pins floating around out there. But we can do it people. We can unite as non-converts. We can ban the green Jello jokes forever.



Can I get an Amen?







*sarcasm people.

IN MEMORY OF. . .

The saxophonist of pretty much my favorite band ever passed away yesterday. This is the blurb taken from their website today.

08/19/2008
We are deeply saddened that LeRoi Moore, saxophonist and founding member of Dave Matthews Band, died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon, August 19, 2008, at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles from sudden complications stemming from his June ATV accident on his farm near Charlottesville, Virginia. LeRoi had recently returned to his Los Angeles home to begin an intensive physical rehabilitation program.

I've been to many DMB concerts in my life. One time we even road tripped it to Cali to see them perform. And the show was killer as always. And LeRoi gave some of his best sax solos ever. That man can play. Seriously the sax is such a strong part of the creative sound of DMB. Take a listen at one of his famous solos. It's the song #41. If ya don't have 10 minutes for a little DMB you can fast forward to about 4 minutes in. He gives a killer almost 3 minute solo.

Rest In Peace LeRoi. Thanks for all the good tunes.

BORED SILLY

The good news: My headache is gone.

Bad news: It's currently 3:24 a.m. Yeah, tomorrow is pretty much gonna be awesome.

MY DEEP DARK SECRET

So, in case you weren't sure if I am a crappy mom or not, your suspicion on the matter can officially be confirmed by the fact, that up until a few days ago, Thing 1 was still using a pacifier. Yep. There. I said it. Out loud. Well, sort of. My deep, dark secret out for the entire blogging world to know. My almost four-year-old still uses a binki.

I knew I wasn't doing my kid any favors by allowing the binki, but you know, it's just one of those things that aren't great for your kids, but you let them have it anyways. Kinda like letting them watch 'Yo Gabba, Gabba', drink only chocolate milk, and have Cinnamon toast crunch for breakfast everyday. You know it's not the best for them, but they love it, so you give it to them anyways. Well, doctors, dentists, my brothers, pretty much everyone that knew, was telling me to get that kid off the paci. I mean, it's not like he had it during the day or anything. (I'm not that horrible) Just at night. And naps. Pretty much only in his bed while he was sleeping. Hence the name: "nigh, nigh". And oh how this messed up his teeth. Total paci smile. Big ole gap between his top and bottom teeth that I'll be paying thousands of dollars later to fix. Yay for me. Sucks for him.

Yeah, so I knew it wasn't right that a 3 year old still had a binki, but what cha gonna do? I mean, really what it comes down to is laziness. No surprise there. I know I'm lazy. I'll admit it. I'd much rather sit and watch a good reality show than go hiking. So sue me. Anyways. . .There was always a vacation, or a plane ride or something coming up that we needed those darn pacis for. And honestly? I'd heard such nightmares about kids having them taken away, that I just thought it would be easier if he had them forever. I mean, it's not like he's going to go off to college with them right? I really thought the kid would have outgrown them by now all on his own. That way I wouldn't have to be the mean mom. Yeah, not so much.

So, I thought up this plan. I told him that 4 year olds don't have pacis. And that if he wanted to get any presents on his birthday he needed to throw the pacis away FOREVER. And you want to know his reaction? He said, "Okay mom. Big boys don't have paci's. They are for babies." UhHH, What? No screaming, or whining or anything? Wow. Well, sure he says that he's fine with it now, but we'll see how he acts once the day finally arrives.

So, I'd been talking this up for a good month or so. To prepare myself, as much as him, and then finally the day arrived. The night before his birthday. And I was really geared up. Ready for a fight. Ready to remind him of the presents that would await him. Ready for his whining and crying and his big to-do.

And he did. He cried for a total of two and a half minutes. Are you kidding me? Then he went to sleep and hasn't asked or thought about his pacis since. Seriously. I. should. have. done. this. ages. ago. All that mommy guilt about havin the only three-year old alive still on the binki. Embarrassing. And for what? Heck, I woulda taken him to the toy store a year ago, if I'd known how easy it woulda been to bribe him off of his binki addiction.

Yeah. Still mom of the year. I'm proud to say that I'm not above bribing. That's good parenting right? Hey, at least he's off the paci. One crappy parenting issue at a time please. Remember I'm lazy. Oh, and happy birthday Thing 1. I love you, and your wacked-up-paci-teeth-smile.

50%

Hey there peeps!

Okay, so I'm not sure if it's because of my self-proclaimed pessimism or not, but it really is amazing to me, that pretty much every time Thing 2 goes to put on her undies she gets them on backwards. You would think that with fifty/fifty odds of getting it right, that she would now and again. But no. Seriously, every time she puts on a fresh pair they end up with a bunch in front and two little cheeks hanging out the back. Now you would think that it wouldn't feel very great, and she would change them, but it's almost as if she prefers them that way. Why else would she put them on wrong every time? I just don't get it. Never really had this problem with Thing 1. Boys undies are a little more obvious. Oh well, I guess eventually we will get our undies on the right way, and our shoes on the correct feet. Someday.

Until then . . .

it's wigidy, wigidy, wigidy, wigidy wack.

FRIDAY FLASHBACK - vol. 1 MONSTER MASH

Okay, so I've seen Flashback Fridays on other blogs and I absolutely love them and always wanted to do them myself. But since I was stuck in the nineties and the last person on the planet who didn't have a scanner, the fun just couldn't be mine too. But don't cry for me too hard cause now I have my brand spanking (well about a month old) new scanner and I've decided to go ahead and start my own little Friday Fun. Aren't you excited?


And frankly, I really needed to start things off with a bang. So I went downstairs and two minutes later I had this little beauty in my hands. Yes. This is a perfect way to kick of Friday Flashbacks.


Really. What better way to kick off the fun then to put up a High School dance picture? I mean, my dance pictures from High School have to be some of my funniest photos I own. Really. The people in them, the outfits, the goofy faces forever immortalized. So fun.


Okay, so this little pic was taken I believe (correct me if I'm wrong girls) my Junior year of H.S. at our annual Monster Mash dance held at Cottonwood. This was a multi-school dance and since me and my girlfriends are smart we decided to all go stagg (since it's girls choice) and see if we could meet some cute guys from the other schools. Only problem was, they all had dates. Yeah, we were pretty smart. I don't remember much else, besides that it was almost as much fun getting ready for the dance as actually attending. And in case you are blind or retarded, we decided to all go for a fun 80's theme. I like this picture cause it's one of the only pictures with ALL of my girlfriends from H.S. in it.


Okay, I'm gonna go ahead and try to name all the people. First names of course for anonymity's sake, and cause I just have a crappy memory.


Very back row: Joslyn, Some guy, Chris, and Jeremy. And for the record. I have no idea why these guys decided to jump in our picture. Lame-o.


Standing: Tracee (sweet leg warmers), and very close to her I'd like to point out is Sara, Heidi, Brooke, Cami, Stacie, Jodi, Crystal, Chelsea (who all look thrilled), and Mary blowing a sweet bubble.

Kneeling: Yours truly (nice profile right?), Ash, and Michelle.

Sitting: Jamie, Holly, Stacie, Jill (what is with the gum?), Cathi, and Abby.



Man, those are some sweet outfits. I laughed for a good five minutes after I found this. I have no idea why I was the only one not looking at the camera. And you can't really tell from my bad angle, but my hair was crimped to perfection. And yes, that is a rainbow sweatband, and a neon-green mesh see-through shirt. SA-WEET! Our outfits are hilarious. The three random guys are even funnier. Oh man. Those were the days.


And if any of these girls are reading this, HOLLA!! Eagle Pride 4-EVA! And I'm totally calling a Monster Mash reunion picture be taken this Halloween. 80's theme again and all. Anyone in?

HAGS!

AN OPEN LETTER

To my dearest in-laws and their family and children,

You all suck. At RSVPing that is. Why is it that whenever I send out a simple e-vite where all you have to do is click one button, yes or no, and send, it seems somehow that this is too hard? Welcome to 2008 people. RSVP already! I can clearly see that you all have viewed the invite. Now just reply! Click, click send and we are all happy campers. I'm not sure if you are all being rude, lazy or just waiting to see if something better comes up, but you all totally suck at RSVP-ing. So, GET ON IT ALREADY! The dang party is on Saturday people.

Most sincerely,

Amy


P.S. Thank you to Marijke who is the sole person from Hub's family to RSVP. You are fabulous.

P.S.S. Thanks to my family, who ALL RSVP'd the day they got their invite. That's they way to do it people.



P.S.S.S. If you are a loyal reader of my blog then you should clearly know where I stand on this issue. I've been on my RSVP soapbox many times and I won't bore you with another round today. Just know that it is polite and respectful to RSVP. Oh, and easy. And good karma. Need any other reasons? In the words of Nike, Just do it already.

ONO, ARE YOU SERIOUS?

Okay, again I know I am a little late for my weekly PR post, but since we've got a new ep airing tonight I thought better late than never. Well, some of you might disagree with that, but since I love all things PR and this is my blog, what I type goes. So there.


So, ep 4 was all about the Olympics. They had Olympic speed skater Apollo Ono on as the guest judge for the week. Who, by the way I once had dinner with at Porcupine Grille. Well, he was a table away, but still we ate at the Porcupine pretty much together since it was at the same time. and only one itty bitty table away. Right? Anyways, I thought Appollo was eh. Didn't thrill me, didn't bore me. In other words, we've had way better guest judges and way worse (i.e. Sandra).


So, their challenge for the week was to design outfits that could be worn by the athletes in the opening ceremonies. Seems easy enough right? Get a little sporty look going. Simple. Well, there was so much retro crap in this challenge it made me want to barf. So, we'll start with the ones I actually liked. Since there were only two.

First:

This is Leanne's, and I really liked it. Shorts for summer, and you got the whole Red, White and Blue thing going. Nice. Sporty, yet casual, yet chic. Winner in my book.

But the real winner was:

This look, by Korto. Which I liked as well. Sporty, casual, easy. Not so sure about the waist on those pants, (could cause some serious wedgies) but hey, at least it wasn't some retro shiz. I liked how she said, it's 2008. And I want to design for 2008. Not, 1928.

And then we have the worst. The lo-o-0-ser.

Does this scream Olympian to you? Well, it sure didn't to Nina & Michael either. Out.

And this:

Can you see an Olympian in a skirt like that? Give. Me. A. Break.

And this disaster:

Okay for reals. That hat? And leggins?


Even worse:

You didn't know Betty Boop was an Olympian cocktail waitress?
And this? Seriously, that bow around the neck? My mom was sporting that heavily in the eighties. Not so much anymore (thank heavens). There is a reason.
And as much as I like Kenley, seriously? An Olympian?

and the worst by far. Even worse than the one who went home:

This disaster of a number by none other than Stella. Seriously. She should have been sent home for the belly button cutout alone.

Ahh, so I was overall very un-impressed with the designers this week. I understand that they are trying to show their point of view as a designer, but the challenges are challenges for a reason. And if they say design for an Olympian than by all means design for an Olympian. Not a 1950's housewife. Jeez.

Okay, so I really hope this weeks ep is better, that Kieth might actually get some airtime, and that Stella will go home. Gotta love me some PR.

THE ENGINEER OF THE HOT TAMALE TRAIN

I realize I'm a little late with this post, but I wanted to wait till there was a clip. So, all you SYTYCD fans out there, were you dying or were you dying when Mary Murphy took the stage? I know I was. I was screaming. And laughing and hysterical. Hubs thought (rightfully) I'd gone insane. Mary Murphy dancing! Who woulda thought those fantastic legs were under that table and all that bling? She might be the most annoying judge ever in the history of judges. But the girl has legs. And man, can she dance.

Oh, yeah, and I guess I'm happy for Joshua. I really still feel like Will was robbed though. Especially after watching the finale. He was by far the best dancer.

DALHAUSSER IN THE HIZZOUSE

Okay, so is anyone else enjoying the Olympics this summer? Well, to be honest I haven't been watching a whole lot. And that's mostly because I hate how the Olympics are broadcast. You never know when the sports you like to watch will be airing. You tune in for Soccer, but instead you have to wait for two hours of badminton. Which by the way, I am totally watching next time it's on. If my parents had only got me into badminton I'm sure I could have been an Olympian too. Anyways, I have no more excuses for not watching the Olympics since I found this really cool thing here. You just type in your zip code and it will bring up the stations in your city airing the Olympics. Then pick a sport from the pull down menu, and WALLA. The sport you are looking for and the exact time it will be airing. Genius right?

Well, you might be wondering what that guy above has to do with this post. Well, let me tell you. His name is Dalhausser, and he is one half of the men's USA beach volleyball team. And he is fan-double-tastic. I watched them play this morning while I got my work out on, and it was awesome. Inspiring. I should watch the Olympics every time I work out. Then maybe I wouldn't look like I just had a baby. But yeah, Dalhausser was incredible. He was blocking the shizz out of the Swiss guys. He can jump like a gazelle and then just roof the net and bam. No way your getting that ball ova the net. And his hitting? Ya betta take cova!. (That is my crap-talking voice.) Seriously. It was awesome. They were playing so hard, and I could almost feel their adrenaline pumping through the screen. It was like I was in the elliptical Olympics. And I was totally awesome and winning. And yes, I am a retard.

But seriously, you guys gotta check out the Olympics. And specifically the men's beach volleyball. It's insane. Go team USA!

I'M BAAAAACK. . . .

Well, I just finished Breaking Dawn and it was exquisite. Really. It was absolutely perfect. I found myself reading in a very different manner than the last three. With those I started them, and then devoured. Reading straight for a day or day and a half and finishing. With this one, I found myself prolonging the start, and then often times putting it down in order to be able to in some odd way, draw out the story. Make it last longer if possible.


I've heard a bunch of haters out there already dogging the book. They say it was too weird. Well, heck - yes heck, what do you expect? The book is about vampires people. Fantasy. Not reality. Apparently, vampires and ware wolves aren't weird to them. Nor is falling in love with them. But some of the ongoings in Breaking Dawn are. Well, guess what? I thought it was fantastic. And perfect. And lovely. A perfect fantasy novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the beginning. Was in love with the middle, and thought her ending was perfect. And usually that is what I struggle with. Endings. But in this case, I thought it was great. Her mixture of writing suspense and fantasy is brilliant. There is so much more I want to discuss, and blog about - but I'm going to wait. Since I know so many of you have yet to read it. I'll give you people a month or so, and then I will discuss Edward, Bella and all of the new juiciness. So, you better get your read on. And if you want to borrow my copy let me know.


Edward + Bella 4-eva.

SHOCKS . . PEGS. . .LUCKY!!

Okay, so I have some thoughts about a fashion trend I came across today that seems a bit on the disturbing side. And it made me think of a post I did back in December of 2007. In which I pretty much said it all. So, because my other blog is private, I decided to copy and paste my thoughts about a certain fashion trend that I feel very strongly about, and my experience with it. If you've already read this post, sorry. But please scroll down and read today's thoughts on the subject. It will be worth it. I hope.



Okay, so I had to share with you a little experience I had a while back that I've been meaning to share with y'all.

So the other day I am out on my own, having my own little free-time, so where do I go? But none other than just maybe the best jean store on the planet. Well, maybe not on the planet, but definitely on 3300 South. It's called Urban Blues. Anyways. . .


Okay, now I know some of you were witnesses a few years back when I uttered words I should have known better than to utter. It started out with: Mark my words, I will never give into the ______ trend. In this blank you can put any word. For instance leggins, or maybe shoulder pads. But this time the blank was filled with skinny jeans. Now, let me just say that I grew up in the eighties and when I saw this trend was coming back, and not just on Mary-Kate and Ashley, but I mean really coming back, I had to give in.


So back to my story. I am at Urban Blues trying on jeans, not skinny ones mind you. (By the way, while we are here, can I just say that that name is such a misconception. They do not make you look skinny. In fact they make most people, short of Nicole Richie pre-pregnancy, look fat. )

Okay. So there I was trying on normal jeans, when the girl (and I mean girl) selling the jeans asks me if I've ever tried on skinny jeans. "No!" I almost say too loudly. Then she proceeds to tell me to try some on since I am so tall and have such long legs. (notice she did not say skinny. Which is what you need to be to wear these jeans.) So after much prodding I try them on. Well, they should have been called FAT JEANS THAT ARE 2 FEET TOO LONG JEANS. So, basically, I am standing there looking ridiculous, and trying to get her to see that they are really silly looking, seeing that I could mop the floor with the ends, and that's when she says it. Something that I thought I'd never hear again, something I haven't heard since about 1983. She says, "You should just peg them." Whoa joe. Backup. What did she just say? "Peg them?" I ask, like she's just said I should take them off and run naked down the street. And I say again,"Peg them? They are already pegged. They are skinny jeans." (mom that means, they are tight around your ankles) She just looks at me, like I'm a little bit special, and tells me that pegging means I should just roll them up under themselves. She then proceeds to tell me that usually these "skinny jeans"--(I'm now reverting to air quotes, no--real quotes, cause that name is just to deceiving) are worn with high heels, so they are made longer. Well, she should have told me that first, because no respectable mother with two kids is going to wear heels around all day. I mean, sure to church (which is funny cause I love heels, and have tonz of them, when really it's silly cause there are only 52 Sundays in a year) or maybe an occasional date out with Hubs, but lets be honest people, that ain't happening a whole lot with two crazy kids. I would never have even tried them on.


But you see the part that gets me is she was totally using the term "peg" wrong. And, me being who I am, I had to set her straight. I mean, come on people. She works in a jeans store. So I took the "skinny jeans" off, and went and got some flares, or boot cut jeans, and showed her how to really peg jeans. I showed her the whole process of folding the excess denim over tight and folding it up a few times till it stays. So you get that nice bubble look. That's when I'd knew I'd really done it. I look at her, and granted I do look absolutely ridiculous with my pants pegged standing there, but the look on her face was total and complete pity. Man in the matter of about 15 seconds I had aged myself to in her mind, like a dinosaur.

And the whole time I was thinking, how can she not know what "pegging" is? Did she miss the eighties or something? And that's when I realized the truth, "YES!" I mean, she was 15, maybe 16 on a good day. That would put her born in (carry the one, and add the six) 1990 or something. So yes, gasp, she did miss the eighties. It's a good thing I didn't actually say that out loud. Man I am old. But the worst part was the pity/crazy look. Don't pity me fool! I am proud to have lived through the eighties. Garbage pail kids, popples, wonderwoman, Carebares, Ghostbusters. These are all good things. Things she missed out on. And right then and there, I told her, "I can't get these jeans, or the "skinny" ones." And I actually felt bad for her. All these teenagers dressing in these faux 80s trends, when really they have no idea. Then I left.


And went home. And crimped my hair, slapped on some sticky wet n' wild pink lip stick, and white eye liner and pegged my jeans. I may not be 16, and I may not be wearing skinny jeans, but that's okay, cause I wore the ORIGINAL skinny jeans. The Peg. May it rest in peace. (original publish date of December 19 2007)


Well, now believe it or not, the peg, is not resting in peace. It is making a return!!! That's right people. Thanks to people like Katie:
And Rachel:
The peg is officially back. See photo below taken off of J.Crew's current website.

And I just don't know what to say. Some things are better left in the past right? I mean, I fought the skinny jean trend and survived and I think I'll probably leave this trend alone too. I'll leave it to those who weren't able to experience it the first time around. I'm pretty sure once was enough.


So, what are your thoughts? The peg has officially been revived. Thoughts?