What have I done!?

Today, I applied for graduate school....I think I'm going to throw up! I am so nervous; this is a big commitment and one that has taken me a long time to finally decide on. It's not even starting until August 2011. I guess I have time to calm down and get used to the idea of homework again...YIKES!

Christmas time is here

Oh December....you're so BUSY!! Sometimes I wish I could just fast forward to Christmas Eve and skip all the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas except for Dad's birthday and the Cowles Family Christmas Party. I mean, I get pretty much all my shopping done in October anyway, so it makes perfect sense. But alas, it is not so. I was telling my mom that I do love Christmas, but I detest the month of December. There are so many parties and events, so many goodies and not enough time.

Each December, our office gives each employee a shopping day. I usually take the day to do whatever because I'm usually done shopping before or right after Halloween. Today was my shopping day and I actually did some shopping...not for me, but for my dad. I went to the Gateway and then down to Fashion Place Mall. I loathe the mall. I felt bad, because I told some guy that I was busy and kept walking after he asked me to come to his booth. I knew his trick and wanted none of it; I've dealt with that business before and I didn't want their product then and don't want it now. Needless to say, the mall was a nightmare, but I was successful and found what my dad needed. Hopefully mom likes it. I have a hard time shopping and I haven't seen an episode of "What Not To Wear" lately, so I was nervous. Luckily the salesgirl helped me and I must say, she had the best customer service I have ever witnessed. I would shop at that store again :)

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year; it's just very busy and rushed and I feel that each year it gets busier and busier. I just want the time to really reflect and in the words of Stevie Wonder, think about "what Christmas means to me." So Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Headache from HELL!

Headaches - I hate them. I get them far too often. I think my body is becoming immune to ibuprofen. Three is not enough to subdue the pain...four can do the trick, but makes me nervous.

This morning I was awoken around 3:30am with a killer headache. I decided to try to get back to sleep with the throbbing in my head. It didn't go away. I finally got out of bed and got ready for work. I sat at my desk, head pounding, feeling nauseated, eyes fighting to stay ajar. I lasted an hour. I told Tim I was going home. I drove home, fighting to keep my eyes open. I pulled into the driveway, went to my room, took off my shoes and climbed into bed. I woke up again at 2:30pm. The pain had finally subsided.

Maybe I should make an appointment with Dr. Parkes.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my Dad's birthday. He is THE BEST! He does so much for our family and is always willing to help with anything. He has taught us to be honest, work hard and to be selfless like he is.

Things you should know about my dad:

1. He's quite handy around the house - he can fix anything and build other things; he let me and Darby help him finish the basement with our mad framing skills. He finished all the rooms in our old house and added that garage and shed.
2. He's pretty much a genius - anyone who was at Thanksgiving saw his brainpower at work
3. He loves sports and was the best cheerleader at all of my many games over the years. I don't think Dad missed a game or track meet in 6 years of school sports. He would play catch with me. He was thrown to the wolves when we played competition softball, assuming the role of head coach; but all the girls loved him and affectionately referred to him as "Jimbo". He would let us beat him in basketball in the driveway after he blocked us a few times :)
4. He loves having Haylie and Mikaela up to the house to hang out on Fridays. He's such a fun grandpa to those two little rascals.
5. He taught me how to fish, build a campfire, and shoot a gun.
6. He taught me how to think and form opinions for myself.
7. He is a very patient man...one wife and four daughters - always waiting :)
8. He measures twice and cuts once.
9. He taught me what a breaker box is and what its purpose is.
10. He always checks the oil at gas stations on long road trips.
11. He can finish a crossword puzzle like nobody's business and always helps me when I get stuck
12. Even though he acts like he doesn't like them, he loves his sisters :)
13. He can "Shoot the Moon" at Hearts and taught me the trick of the trade.
14. He loves the Utah State Aggies as much as his kids do! GO Aggies!
15. He's always told me that I can, not that I can't.
16. He loves his girls and now that we're older will even laugh a little at us.
17. He laughs at his own jokes.

Of course this list isn't all that is great about my Dad. He is such a wonderful man. I'm so grateful that he is my Dad and that we get to be together forever!!

I love you Dad!!

Have the best birthday EVER!!

Love to eat turkey...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Thanks, Gracias, Danke, Merci, etc.

As many who know me know, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Not only is there always an abundance of food, there is also plenty of time to contemplate on the year and see the many blessings that have befallen me. Of course there are the constants that I am thankful for each day, but there are also the events that happen and people that come into one's life to reflect upon. So here is the list:

The Constants

-My family - including immediate and extended. I think I might be biased, but I have the BEST sisters in the world. Who knew that one day we would stop fighting each other and become the best of friends? My cute nieces keep us on our toes and certainly keep us entertained. My brother-in-law has been a great addition to our family for the last 15 years. It's nice to have a brother to tease a little. My parents are such good examples of hard work and doing what's right. And the extended family - I don't think there is anything more fun than sitting at Grandma's each Sunday with the aunts, uncles, cousins and little cousins laughing until we cry. I love my family so much and couldn't ask for a better one around.

-The Gospel - the strength gained each day from the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What a wonderful blessing to have in my life and something that bolsters me up daily.

-Friends and Amigos - what wonderful people I have in my life, near and far. Such wonderful examples and always there for me. This might be the one reason I am thankful for Facebook: I can keep in touch with not only the friends in close proximity, but also the sweet Argentines and Chileans from my mission days.

-Employment - it's nice having a steady job to go to everyday. Even better, I moved into a different position that I like very much not too long ago. In this uncertain time of unemployment and economic woes, I am definitely grateful to be gainfully employed.

-Good Health - what more can I say? I am healthy and able to do the things I want and like to do.

-Rigo Suave - my Toyota Rav4 that I LOVE! He gets me where I need to go and is dependable. To many more years Rigo!

Thanks 2010

-This year I had the opportunity to travel to Argentina in May with Bonnie. I served a mission there for 18 months and it was a great time in my life. When Bonnie said she wanted to go, I was on board. It was a great experience. For two weeks in May I was able to see the sights and also the people that I came to know and love.

-My calling - I was able to serve in the Relief Society Presidency in my ward for most of this year. I am grateful for the wonderful lessons I learned from the President, Secretary and other counselor. My new calling is also a blessing and keeps me involved and working in the ward.

-No injuries! I spent a lot of time on the lake this summer wake boarding and am glad to report no injuries were sustained. Maybe that seems dumb, but I'm not as young as I once was and my body doesn't do as well as it used to in the activity department. I also made it through summer league and fall league softball with no injuries. Holler!! Bring on the slopes!

2010 has been good to me!

Fall Happenings: Softball, Hawaii, Halloween and St George

Fall Softball League - Team Buster Bluth
An Nyoung!! Yes, our season at Sunnyside is wrapped up. I have been playing softball since April and I must say, I enjoyed the time on the diamond. I am glad for a small break now and will be ready to start up again in the spring...even though Lacey "hates softball!"

Hawaii - Island of Oahu
I took a quick jaunt to the islands with some girls from the ward. I was only there a few days, but, it was Hawaii....a few days there is not too shabby. I got some hiking in and some beach time. The PCC was also on the list. So, that was a fun few days in paradise.

Halloween
For some reason this year Halloween was exhausting to me. I didn't grab our infamous prop box from my parents' house so I didn't dress up for our office party. I was on the party committee, so I felt kind of bad that I did not make more of an effort. But on Saturday I went to my sister's house to see the chicklets in all their Halloween Costume Glory. Haylie was a mermaid and Mikaela was a pirate. Very cute costumes and they made out like bandits. Melissa made dinner-out-of-a-pumpkin this year and we all had a bat-tastic time. Darby and I headed back south to a party at Bonnie's place. We didn't stay too long, but still had a fun time. After I had to retrieve my car from Erin's house and then got stuck going to another party. Thus, why I thought Halloween was so exhausting this year. Bring on THANKSGIVING!!

St George - Utah Attitude Softball
I travelled with Darb down to St. George for a softball tournament. Darby coaches an 18U softball team and loves it. If I go to the games, I normally keep the book for them. I like doing it a lot. We stayed with our friend Lex, but really only saw him for a total of about 40 minutes. But it was still great to see him. He is the best. I was feeling a little under the weather when we went and now I am even worse. I have missed two days of work and hopefully will be feeling better to go tomorrow.

Not an outfielder

Last night I think was one of my worst performances EVER in a slow pitch softball game! I was the Bad News Bears all in one! I know it's the beer leagues, but we don't drink beer and we have some pride when we play. Fall ball has been an interesting season so far. We (as in my sisters and I) are playing with a new team and it's been an adjustment from our summer team. I like everyone we play with, it's just different. For example, I normally play infield (3rd or 2nd) but this year, I have been converted into an outfielder. Darby is the outfielder, not me. When I say I play poorly, I'm not joking. So, there were a few hit out to me in right field and the one that I actually had a chance to catch, luckily landed foul. It's like my depth perception is on hiatus and I can't catch anything that is hit out to me. But here is the kicker: I move back in to second, there is a pop-fly and guess who doesn't catch it? ME! I was SOOOOOO mad. It landed right behind me. It was just a bad game for me.

Same office...new job

It's true...I'm still working at the Registrar's Office...but in a different position. I am the Academic Coordinator and Process Analyst. I think it will be a great position and I will have plenty to do. So, after months of searching for a different job, I found it where I already was. Funny how that works out.

Bicycle! Bicycle! I like to ride my bicycle!

This second half of summer has made me realize that riding bikes is F-U-N! Erin lives so close, that it makes more sense to just ride my bike to her house. Just this last weekend Erin, Darby and I were riding all over Sugarhouse (minus anywhere near a hill). I think my bike has seen more miles this summer than in the entire time I have owned it. I have had this bike since I was about 12 or 13...but once you turn 16 and get keys, riding a bike is just not as appealing. However, I have loved the wind in my hair and the calories that I have burned as I have ridden my bicycle for the last little bit.

Classic Argentina!

Two weeks in Argentina were amazing. Bonnie and I headed south to visit the mission and see the people we love that side of the equator. It was a blast and I'm so glad that I went. Bonnie approached me last fall about going down and I was hesitant to give her a solid yes; not that I didn't want to go, but I needed to make sure I was able to go. I don't like to make rash decisions and since this was a big decision, I wanted to be certain of everything. Well, I finally decided that I was able to go and we set the dates and bought the tickets. Bonnie knows that when I say yes, I mean yes; so naturally she was stoked of my verdict.

Two weeks was almost not enough for us, but we managed to see almost all the people that we wanted to see. We landed in Buenos Aires on Thursday, 6 May without any plans or reservations. Bonnie was super nervous to be there, but like a true champ hid her anxiousness completely. I was just nervous how to get to the centro. We talked to all the taxistas waiting like vultures to take anyone to the centro and of course jumped on the chance to take advantage of two rubias from the States. Bonnie finally talked down one driver and our taxi ride to the center was a treat! $130 pesos later at my insistence we reached the centro and our hostel. We checked in and then went about to see the sites that BsAs has to offer.

Calle Florida was pretty cool - lots to see and buy. We also went by the Obelisco on Avenida 9 de Julio (the largest avenue in the world). We stopped by the Casa Rosada, but unfortunately, we did not see Cristina! Que pena!! We bought tickets to a Tango Show (Bonnie is the ultimate negotiator) and that was a neat experience. It reminded me of my lack of rhythm and how I will never be a great dancer. But I'm glad that others have that talent so we can enjoy it. So, BsAs was a pretty cool place. I had been to that area before, but Bonnie hadn't, so we just kind of played it by ear.

BACK TO THE MISSION

GOYA, CORRIENTES - Our first stop after a grueling ten and a half hour bus ride was Goya, Corrientes. Bonnie and I both served there, but we were in different areas. My area (Belgrano) is a disaster and hardly anyone is going to church. It was my first area of the mission, so no one really remembered me and I wasn't dying to go back there. I didn't really talk a lot in that time of my mission mostly because I couldn't understand a whole lot. I spoke just fine, but when you can't understand what's being said, you just don't make a lot of conversation. We spent our time in Bonnie's area (El Centro) and saw a lot of the people that she taught and reactivated. We stayed with a member named Yesi and it was perfect....except my freezing cold shower! No one showed me how to warm up the water :(

ITUZAINGO, CORRIENTES - I didn't serve here, but Bonnie did and it was a great place to stop. It has a fantastic beach! Our remisero picked us up and took us to the cheapest hotel that he knew of...70 pesos, not too shabby :) We saw two families that Bonnie met while there and a few members and investigators. It was very fun to meet them, especially the Rodriguez family. What an amazing family....de oro! The kids were kind of enough to accompany us back to the hotel we were staying at near the plaza.

ELDORADO, MISIONES - I finished my mission in this area, the Tierra Colorado. Bonnie never served in Misiones, so I think she liked the red dirt. It actually is very pretty, but it is horrible to get out of your clothes. We stayed with Familia Medina (Lorena, Hugo and their three girls: Juli, Brenda, and Aldana). They were such great hosts! It was my birthday so we stopped to get ice cream and then saw Cata Bogado and Ruben. I taught Ruben while I was there and about three weeks before we got to Argentina he was baptized! So it was a really nice visit...of course, we drank mate with Hermana Cata. Next we saw Familia Paredes and they are doing really well! They are really active and things are going great. We had a noche de hogar with them every Sunday night. It was really good to see a few people in Eldorado.

After, Bonnie was so nice and bought me a cake for my birthday and we celebrated with Familia Medina. It was really fun. My candles were interesting. The 7 broke in half when I blew them out. It was a great place and way to spend my birthday! Thanks Bonnie!

IGUAZU FALLS, MISIONES/PUERTO IGUAZU, MISIONES - This was our tourist day in the mission trip. I had been to the Cataratas twice during my mission and it was amazing...but this time put the other two to shame! There was so much water!!! The Garganta del Diablo (the Devil's Throat) was massive and so loud. Bonnie hadn't been before and I think she really liked the Falls. There were tour groups as usual, but one in particular was so funny. For some reason, we just kind of lingered and some lady started singing a song. We were laughing so hard...I don't think anyone thought we understood Spanish. Next thing we know, some other lady is telling us that the singer is a music teacher...and then asked if we wanted some candy. It was so funny! Bonnie and I just started laughing so hard! Of course we took the candy...Argentines are all about sharing. We walked both the upper and lower circuits and saw the Coati (a relative of the racoon). They are little vultures, climbing all over the tables, drinking coke and stealing goods anywhere they can get their paws on them. The Falls were really pretty and if you have the chance, I highly recommend seeing one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It's worth the trip.

We headed back to Puerto Iguazu and ate dinner at a little cafe. Some peddlers came up to us selling their wares and then asked us if we smoked marijuana. Do we look like we smoke marijuana? Nope. That was random. Bonnie loves earrings and found a few she liked at a street vendor. Next we got ice cream and just sat and talked because our bus wasn't leaving until 9:00pm. I had the hugest headache when I got on the bus. Bonnie gave me one of her sleeping pills which I took happily with some ibuprofen and was knocked out! It was the best sleep I had while we were travelling.

FORMOSA, FORMOSA - Aahh! Formosa La Hermosa! My second home! I love this place. It was the last stop for us because it was the favorite place of the mission (at least it was for me). I served there for almost nine months in two wards: Puerto and Terminal. I was so happy to see the Cruz del Norte when we arrived. Nardy and Franci met us at the terminal and we went straight to their house where we stayed. We showered and ate lunch and then we were out and about visiting people. The highlight of Formosa for me was visiting Familia Alcaraz! I love that family. They had no idea I was coming and it was a such a sweet reunion. I spent Christmas day with them in 2007 and just love them. It was awesome to see Diego and Miguel and their mom, Elvira. But the cherry on top was seeing Hermano Miguel. When he walked in and saw me, he started to cry and we just hugged each other. It was such a good feeling to be able to hug the hermanos and not to shake hands with them. Hermano Miguel is such a sweet man. It ripped me apart to leave Formosa in Feb 2008. But seeing them again, just filled my heart with gladness. We had a nice visit with mate and a fishing pole and views from the balcony. I love that family. Fede had a dance party at his house that night, but for some reason only Bonnie and I were dancing...and I don't dance, so you know it was good! It was great to see Fede as well.

I went to church on Sunday in Terminal and although it rained, I did get to see some of the members that I wanted to. The only members that I really wanted to see and didn't was Familia Avalos. I will see them the next time :) Formosa was awesome! I was just so happy to be there.

Leaving Formosa that Sunday night was hard. It really is like a second home for me and I love the people I met there. I can't wait to go back. We rode the bus all night down to BsAs and met Hermana Tartaglia to chat with her (she and Bonnie were companions). After to the airport on a shuttle and back to the States and reality. What an amazing time we had and I'm certainly so happy that Bonnie wanted to go. She was such a great travel buddy! Hasta la proxima!

Happenings

Spring is finally here! I swear if it snows one more time...I will "light myself on fire!" With spring comes lots of happenings.

Spring means Babies! Melissa, Darby and I took Haylie and Mikaela to the Baby Animal Days at the American West Heritage Center in Wellsville. I liked it a lot...but I am also a history geek. It's living history! What could be better than that? We saw all kinds of baby animals: goats, pigs, Shetland ponies, cows, and the baby bears from Yellowstone to name a few. Mikaela and Haylie got to ride in a handcart as Ma Melissa pulled them; see cabins, tepees, write with quills and see a sheep get sheared. Mikaela and I won the scavenger hunt...mostly because I know how to read. It was quite fun and who doesn't love Cache Valley? I submit not I!

Softball has started! Booyeah! Business Time is off to a great start. We were rained out of our first game, but won our second game once we got the kinks out. I was playing third and am proud to say, I've still got it! I can make that throw. It is so nice to be back at Sunnyside. We have not encountered Softball Guy yet. We hope to not meet up with him anytime soon.

Spring also kicks off concert season. We saw Train Friday night at Earthfest at the Gallivan Center. They surely do not disappoint. It's safe to say that I am a fan of Train. Erin and I went to see them in October and she wasn't quite sold on them. However, after the concert she became a legit fan...mostly of Pat Monahan. It was an interesting concert, as are most, due to alcohol. I wasn't drinking of course, but the people to the right of us certainly were. Enter Drunk Guy. He is having the time of his life that I'm sure he won't remember. He kept telling me it's okay to let loose. I'm not the most exciting person at concerts. I like to stand, tap my foot and sing along. I am not one for dancing or being touched. He was quite friendly and got me dancing with him. I soon realized that I have no rhythm or sweet dance moves. However, he was too drunk to know the difference. Every move I threw at him, he was impressed. That's never happened before :) Being drunk is so fun! My sisters were in shock I suppose as this is totally NOT my style! But, I did let loose, have some fun and learned some new dance moves. This was a win-win-win situation. Train, letting loose, and dancing - the complete package! Spring is off to a great start. I love the warmer weather and being outside! Tennis anyone?

Cowles Genius Bank and business ventures

Sunday nights are quite the riot when the Cowles clan gets together. This is a weekly tradition with our extended family and one that I absolutely love. While I was in Argentina, Sundays were the worst, because I always knew the family was together laughing about something so stupid and I was 6,000 miles away. But, since I've been back, I have loved being with the family on Sundays and yesterday was no exception!

Most of us in the family are educated...meaning we went to and graduated from college. We have an engineer, a PE teacher, several history majors and a math major. Looking at this list, we have some academic skills and some brain power. Our cousin Jeff, who really is a genius, explained to his teacher a long time ago that he was so smart because he "came from a long line of geniuses." Well, we decided last night to see who in the family could be the top genius and to start a contest among ourselves. Of course, everyone knows that Marilynn and I are the champs of Trivial Pursuit almost every Thanksgiving, and so, of course we are in the running. We submitted the idea of coming up with questions to test our knowledge. Some in the family ousted themselves last night with certain comments that would not be considered at the genius level. We do have such a good time together.

Later on, we were discussing how to launch a math tutoring website. We came up with the URL of mathsucks.com and Marilynn googled it to make sure it would be available. Michelle wants to tutor on-line so, we came up with a business model (of course it was genius!) and the steps to make it happen. We'll see if it comes to fruition. We were discussing how to make this work and how to charge: per question or time? But what if the question takes a long time to answer? Or what if it only takes seconds? Things that need to be ironed out before it can go live obviously. It was pretty funny with all the potential situations.

I heart Sunday nights with the fam!

Fantastico!!!

ME VOY A ARGENTINA!!!! That's right! You read that right (en espanol). I am headed to Argentina in May. Hna Blackburn and I bought tickets last night and we are headed back to our mission. It will be a rip-roarin' good time and I am ecstatic that we are able to go. It will be so cool to see Argentina from a civilian's perspective. Being a missionary there was very different than a tourist. I cannot wait. I think I might make a count-down chain to put by my desk!

Aloha and Mahalo!

Darby and I wanted a tan in the winter, so we headed off to beautiful Hawaii. Just kidding, but not about the tan :) It was Brooke's birthday and she wanted to celebrate in style, so off we went right after Christmas and had a rock-a-hula good time! Here are some pics that we snapped while on our adventure:

Top: Sunset Beach (North Shore); Bottom: Dallin on the USS Bowfin (Pearl Harbor)

Top: Dallin, Brooke (Birthday Girl!), Dorian and Darby at the Laie, Hawaii LDS Temple; Bottom: Darby and Dallin atop Diamond Head Crater

Top: Dal's foot at Kailua Beach (which we found on accident! Great find); Bottom: USS Arizona Memorial (Pearl Harbor)

Top: Darby at the USS Arizona Memorial (Pearl Harbor); Bottom: Dal and Darb at the Pali Highway lookout.

Top: Makapu'u Point (very pretty!!); Bottom: Dallin checking out the waves at Sunset Beach (North Shore), I wasn't too sure about going in those!

It was such a fun trip and who can beat 80 degrees everyday for a week during the winter? I assure you not I! So, thank you Brooke for having a birthday and letting us share it with you!

Aloha and Mahalo!

Holiday Happenings

Okay, so I realize that the holiday season is over...but it has been a real kick in the pants since then. Life moves pretty fast! I am finally caught up at work and now have oodles of time to do...nothing. So I thought I would catch up on the blog a little bit. Here it goes:

NOVEMBER
Thanksgiving at the Cowles house. Pretty calm for a holiday. Anyone who knows me well, knows that I HEART Thanksgiving! I mean, it's all about eating! I made the pies this year and I must say that they turned out pretty dang good! We had a lot of food, probably too much. The bird was not stellar. It was prepared and cooked just fine, but it was a nasty tasting turkey. Word to the wise: Costco is not the place to purchase the main attraction of Thanksgiving. We had a nice gathering of family with us for the meal. Grandma Grace, Aunt Marilynn, and Cousin Jeff graced our presence and it was a great time.

DECEMBER
Who could forget the annual Cowles Family Christmas Party? Alas, I could NOT! We went bowling to hone our skills...well, we bowled, but that was about it. At least we were on a strictly adult lane and no kiddies bowled with us this year. After, to the church to eat, read the Little Star and of course an appearance from none other than S. Clause! The Cowles girls forewent the opportunity to sit upon Santa's knee this year, plus he didn't bring us anything. Wah Wah!

Christmas Day was quite the show. Again, no melt downs really. Watching Haylie and Mikaela open their presents was utter chaos and they were once again spoiled. Haylie actually liked what I got her this year unlike last year when she opened her present and then threw the box aside. I guess you can't win them all. The annual Christmas breakfast was very good...nothing was Cajun this year. After to Grandma Grace's and then back home to open our gifts. I think my favorite items were Harry Potter y La Piedra Filosifal from Erin (It will help me hone my Spanish skills!); and a new sleeping bag to take camping!

So, the holidays were a joyous time, hectic but enjoyable. Then it was off to Hawaii!