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!!