Gratitude.

Whenever I see my manager at work he always smiles at me really big and says "hey lady, it's a great day to be alive!" and gives me a high five. It puts a smile on my face and reminds me that ya, it is a great day to be alive... i have so many things that I am thankful for.

Today in relief society, we learned all about gratitude. The teacher started out by drawing a chart on the board. Down the left side is when things are going well, or when things don't go well, and along the top is big/small things that help us remember to be grateful.

	BIG	SMALL
WELL	3 Nephi 11:15-17 When Christ comes down to visit the people. What a great big moment for these people and how grateful they must have been.	Alma 34:37-38 Amulek reminds the people that they live in thanksgiving daily. A small thing to show the people that they have many things to be grateful for.
DON’T	Moroni 1:1-3 Everyone Moroni knows has died and he is the only one left, wandering wherever for the safety of his own life. He never once complains, and in the last verse in chapter 10, he wrties "I am brought foth triumphant through the air to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah".	(we ran out of time to get to this box so I tried filling it in myself) 1 Nephi 2:4 Lehi tells his family that they must "take nothing with them, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness". This is a time when I think thing were not going so well for the children of Lehi. Who would want to leave everything behind? But Nephi obeyed, and I am sure realized that he was very grateful to have a righteous father that lead them out of Jerusalem.

As I was listening to this lesson I realized that I have so many things to be grateful for. I could fill out this chart on my own of personal experiences I've had.

President Thomas S. Monson gave a talk called "An Attitude of Gratitude". He says:

A popular refrain from the 1940s captured the thought:

Accentuate the positive;

Eliminate the negative.

Latch on to the affirmative;

Don’t mess with Mr. In-between.

Good advice then. Good advice now.

This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help.

We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues.

We have so many things to be grateful for. Let's live our lives with an attitude of gratitude. I recommend reading the full version of this talk here. And I challenge you (and I am going to do this too!) take some time every day to fill out a gratitude journal. Just write down a few things each day that you are thankful for to really show yourself how blessed you are!
here's my new blog: My Gratitude Journal

Smoke Detector.

EVERY apartment I have lived in here at school has had the same thing happen around this time of year. I will be studying/sleeping/cleaning/doing something when suddenly a high pitched beep! will come from my ceiling. I'll ignore it. Hours later, I will hear the beep! again, and a few hours later it'll go off again.
It has happened in the dorms, last year at Alpine Village, and now at this apartment.
I reached up and took the battery out... that should do it, right? No. Wrong. It continues to beep!. Each beep! drives me closer and closer to insanity until I can't take it anymore, grab a chair, reach up and try to rip it out of the ceiling. ...
As I am looking at my smoke detector now, dangling helplessly from the ceiling by one little cord and no battery, I see something scary.... one little red light (somehow it still has power) and I know... that when I least suspect it... that thing is going to beep!.

Best Mom

It's been a stressful week. Midterms are so exhausting, and it doesn't help having type A personality where everything has to be perfect. Yesterday when I got home from having a fun night, I was surprised to see a care package from my mom filled with cute necklaces, bracelets and rings. My mom is so awesome. She knew what would make my day.

Anatomy Midterm

Oh man... just finished one tough midterm. Never have I studied so much for a midterm at BYU (hours and hours and hours) and it is finally over. Wow, I have been stressing out so much for this test and now that is over, there really isn't a better feeling in the world. I felt really smart in the lab walking around with my clipboard, leaning in to get a good look at where the pins were in the cadaverous and being able to write down the answer with perfect spelling (well I at least did that for half of the questions)

I drew all over my arm to help me remember the muscles... not the best idea to do before falling asleep at the table at 4am... i woke up with blue and red ink all over my face, my eyes blood shot, and my breath smelling terrible (gross I know).

But it done. Yay!!

Too Old.

I guess the ripe old age of 21is when things start falling apart. I woke up yesterday with a sore back but today, it is even worse haha! You see, Saturday night dan planned a really fun date where we got to go to this place called Jump On It and then we made milkshakes after. It was so fun! But I feel like I've already turned into a mother because every time the boys did something outrageous, I was worried they'd get hurt! Ever since then I've had a sore back

*Might I add- Dan had the directions memorized. (Great, makes sense, that's what boys like to do) When we got off the interstate, it was dark and kind of confusing, we didn't really know where to go. I pulled out my handy little iPhone and got us the rest of the way there! Despite Dan teasing me that the iPhone took us the long way, and me teasing him about "some bridge", we both ended up being right. Turned out that there was construction and the road Dan was used to taking had been shut down.

Oh and one last thing. Monoploy is my favorite game. I remember living in Wisconsin and Thad Christofferson (the boy who lived across the street) liked it just as much as me and we'd play. I remember living in utah and making Jana just suffer though me smoking her, writing out her debt on paper because she was completely out of money and I wanted to keep playing. I remember setting up monoploy on the dining room table and taking the next couple nights to play with my dad.  I remember designing a monoploy board for a school project and my mom and I taking it downtown Toronto to get laminated. I mean, I used to have all the cards memorized, prices of everything. So it should come as no surprise that I have many strategies and I play to win. Friday night Dan suggested a friendly game and of course I agreed. I haven't played in years..... let me just say that I've still got it lol (and it wasn't just luck!!)

The Hygienist I Want to Be!

Kristin Chenoweth as a hygienist back in 2006 on the show Ugly Betty... my inspiration!!

Easy Dinner

This morning I woke up knowing that I would be having an extremely long day. I had to drive down and meet with my financial advisor, class from 11-4 then work 4-close. With all my busy days, my eating schedual has been awful. I'd go for hours until realizing I haven't eaten anything at at that point it would be 3pm. Or I'd grab something unhealthy because it was fast. So today I decided to make something easy, fast and healthy.... White Chicken Chili.

So easy, anyone can do it.

1 jar of Great Value (aka walmart brand) Black Bean and Corn Salsa

1 can black beans

1 can white beans

3 chicken breasts

Literally dump everything into the crockpot at low setting, I didn't even have time to thaw my chicken out, I just dumped it in. By the time I was home from class, I had a delish bowl of chili. (Use a fork to shred the chicken breast before dishing it up)

It looks bland, but it is really colourful. I wish I had my roommates camera to really capture how yummy this chili is.

It was way fast and filling and now i'll have lunch for the next couple days!

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! 

It's been a few days since I last posted, I've been busy. This weekend, T-Mobile had a promotion where all their phones were for free. It was so busy and very exhausting. Sunday was a great day too. We had a missionary fireside where missionaries came in from the Referral Center and told us all about different ways we can spread the Gospel. (If anyone has questions about Mormonism, you can always send me an email or check out mormon.org for yourself)

Here are some pictures from my day yesterday:

Dan surprised me and gave me these pretty flowers

We made a heart shaped pizza (my idea and he was a super good sport about it! I am very impressed at his skills)

Yumm.

We made oreo pie too! (ours wasn't as pretty as this)

My Sole Mate

For those of you that do not already know, my guilty pleasure in life is shoes. I love shoes. Heels, boots, flats, running shoes, sandals.... it's bad. You would think that I picked up this trait from my mom (which maybe I did a little bit) but the root of it comes from my dad. I always tease my dad that he is a women when it comes to shoes because he has SOOOO many pairs of the most classy shoes I have ever seen (Cole Haan, Ecco, Coach). But he is like me, when he sees a good deal (be it on ebay, or the outlets) he can't resist, and neither can I.

So anyways, I have a new "Sole Mate"...VANS!!! Now, if you would have told me this day would come 4 years ago, I might have made a gagging gesture...I am a very loyal Sperry Topsider wearer (and still am). They are super cute and classy, but Vans are just so stinkin' cute that I couldn't resist. I bought my sister a purple pair for christmas and that inspired me to expand my love for lace up, canvas shoes. I'm glad I made the switch. I think im already addicted...

Valentines Surprise!

My mom and brother are so sweet! They put together a cute Valentines' Care Package for me! I know I should have waited till Monday to open it, but I was just too excited!

Inside was a pair of cute shoes, two necklaces, earrings, a bracelet, passport and luggage covers, and a box of the most DELISH sugar cookies I have ever had. I'll see if my mom can give me the recipe.

Thanks again Mom and Nate! And Happy Valentines Day!

Nate Dog

Tonight my mom sent me a write up Nate did for his english class without him knowing. It was so sweet (and really well written). I cannot believe that he is in 7th grade. I miss him so much!! 

Here is what he wrote:

Goodbye

The sun was out and the birds were singing their sweet-full songs. But, my heart was grey and full with melancholy. The day prior to, I was in the midst of their smiling faces. But, at this instant I am unaccompanied. Part of me would by no means be the same. Also, my house will revolutionize forever. Auspiciously, I will see them again, but it won’t be for four months.

            On August 26^th, 2010, I was sitting in my bedroom reading a book.  When my sisters Lauren and Jana walked into my room I could see the wretchedness in their face. When they sat on my bed Lauren wrapped her arm around me. While Jana, squeezed my hand.   I could only see the tears flowing into my eyes as I said goodbye. They were both leaving me, so they could go to college and gain a superior education. This was the first time both of them would say goodbye to me for college.

            My sisters and I have at all times been best friends. We would tell each other everything. Luckily, my sisters were never connote to me and always allow me do what they did. They would look out for me and I was going to truly overlook that when they left me because it was sensibly aphorism valediction to my child.

As I sat with them, on my bed, the solitary words that I could hear from there sweet tones were “Goodbye” and “Miss You.” When the words left their mouth I could only feel the chills tickle down my back. I would be alone for four months.  As, I heard them say these sorrowful words I could see my childhood running away.

Lauren whispered “So, guess our summer fun is over.”

“Yeah, it was a lot of fun though,” I say with the tears flowing into my eyes.

“I will miss you so much!”Jana exclaimed, with tears running down her cheek.

“Well, Goodbye, see you at Christmas,” I say crying quite intense.

“Goodbye”, they say in unison, “we will miss you.”

            So, no more playing in the snow. Or, having help with my math homework. Or, even the simple things such as, onslaught the dishes with me, eating dinner with them next to me and lastly spending fun time with them.

            Through the misery, I thought “Wow, my sisters are growing up…without me,” and “What would it be like doing things as a family.” I knew that I would still have my parents with me, but it is just not the same with my blissful, sometimes fuming, face around.

            But, while I was talking to them I realized that I will see them again. I also realized that they would be safe and they would never be more than a quick phone call away. Also, they would have fun at collage. So, I will still miss them, but I will have to get used to it.

            As, I gave them a hug and a heartfelt “Goodbye, miss you,” I could only smell their perfume and could only taste the bitter feeling in my mouth that they won’t be with me while I grow up. As a result, I wish I didn’t fight with them as much and spent more time with them. So, Goodbye Childhood!

Ruined Fudge!

Every year, the young women in my family ward (back in chicago) do a fundraiser to raise money for girls camp. The last few years my mom has had people in the ward make fudge so that the girls can go sell it.
She assigned a handful of ladies to make fudge for her and to bring it today so she could wrap it up to sell it. Chocolate is very sensitive, so many things can throw it off (like the temperature in the home, if you're using an electric stove... etc). Over 40 pounds of fudge didn't set properly.... that's a lot money to just throw away.
So what does my mom do? At first she thought that she was going to have to throw it out and start over, but instead, she turned them into truffles!

If you want a box, she is selling them for $5 a box plus shipping. Email sue.wutzke@gmail.com for a box

Where are my keys?!

Yesterday my birthday package came in the mail!!! It was fun getting it late, because I already had an awesome weekend that I didn't even realize that I was missing presents from my family... but anyways, I had had a really long day and I was rushing home from school to head to work when I saw the package waiting for me in the family room! I was already on the phone with my mom so she told me to take a couple minutes and open the big present.
Inside was this beautiful black coat from jcrew that I fell in love with over christmas break. I don't know how she knew this was the coat that I had had a crush on for the past two months but she knew!!

Moms know everything. After I opened the coat, I ran into my room and changed for work. I was rushing out and when I went to lock the door I realized my keys were not in my purse! I frantically searched EVERYWHERE. Tore apart my room, bathroom, family room, everywhere... would not find my keys. How could this be? I had to get into my apartment somehow... they couldn't have gotten too far.... I decided to say a quick prayer (I dont know why I didn't do this in the first place) and sure enough, I had the feeling to go look inside the big box of packing peanuts that my mom had sent my presents in. My keys were at the very bottom. Talk about a blonde moment.


Nate gave me a really cute purple sweater and a necklace! And my mom sent out my favorite... an 'Apple Pie Carmel Apple' from Rocky Mountain Chocolate. I also got this adorable party dress:

It's black. Toque actually gave this to me, thanks Toque haha.

So yes, that was my birthday and it was AWESOME. Being 21 is pretty cool.

Does this have a camera?

One thing I learned today is that puppy love doesn't need to ever fade away!

(my cute puppy that i love)

Today an older couple came into my store... gray hair, wrinkles, the works. The husband came up to me and said "I'm sick and tired of my brick phone, I'm ready for something new".
I pulled up his contract and saw that his last phone was updated 140 months ago... that's almost 12 years!!! Anyways, I showed him my basic phones and he made his choice.
As I was finishing getting him all set up he asks me, "Does this phone have a camera?". I responded, "yes! look here on the back" and then showed him how to turn it on and handed him his phone. Then his face lit up and he turned to his wife "good! now I can take a pic when you're coming out of the shower!"

It's My Birthday! (and I'll cry if I want to)

Yesterday was the big 21 for me! What a day it was! I had to work, which was fine, I had a couple good deals which made me a nice little chunk of change. But the whole time I was stressing out because I had a physiology test I needed to take. When I got home at 2:30 I hit the books hard. At 3 my mom called and said that I should double check to see if the test ran until saturday... I looked online, and guess what.... my test had already closed. Panic struck, and I franticly searched for my teacher's number, office and email address. I ran up to campus and double checked the testing center, it was closed. Check my teacher's office, he wasnt there. Called him again, no answer. Wrote an email, still no response.... so fingers crossed everything works out. Talk about a blonde moment. With tears running down my face I drove home, sat in my car for a few minutes, and just realized what's done is done and I was going to carry on with my day.

The day did take a turn for the better! Dan took me to this delish restaurant called Terra Mia where we got a pesto pizza and gelato. Definitely a restaurant I would recommend. They have this big brick oven that cooked our pizza in 5 minutes!

Dan also gave me this beautiful pearl ring! I got one a couple years ago for easter from my mom but the pearl would always fall out and he somehow remembered me telling that story and got me this ring.

My hand looks kinda werid, but the ring is so pretty!

The girls surprised me my birthday morning with hot blueberry pancakes and balloons!!

They were also so awesome and gave me this super cute snowboarding present pack! An adorable pair of boarding socks and beanie and wrist guards!! I have some serious mountain fever right now.

My dad sent me flowers! They were beautiful. And made me cry!!

The note said, "these were the flowers I gave your mom the day you were born, and I felt like it was appropriate to give them to you now that you are 21, love dad"

My sister made me these moon pie cookies. I have no idea how she pulled that off living in the dorms. They taste great. Thanks jan.

Last night Amanda's aunt let us go up to her place in Draper where we got to have a little girls night. We were treated like queens! They brought us drinks out in the hot tub, her aunt made a yummy strawberry birthday cake, and this morning had breakfast out for us. That was really fun too!

(as a side note, I am very impressed with this grapefruit picture I took with my cell phone... )

I just got home from costco and picked up this cake for amanda's and my party tonight. It's going to be fun!

FOLLOW UP:

here was our table setup we had before the party!

Amanda and I with the cake!

The caitlin's came!! I love them.

Aside from that test, I had an awesome birthday! Thanks to everyone that made it special for me. 

Broken Phalange Cont.

X-ray of my dad's hand. Ouch!

Original Story

My Cell Phone History

This was my first cell phone and it was AWESOME. It was christmas morning and after all the presents had been opened, dad disappeared into the kitchen and grabbed the phone. Next thing I know, a foreign sound starts coming from behind the couch! One more present, and guess who it was for? ME! Guess what it was? A new cell phone. I was the first to get a cell phone in my class that was in color. It was sliver and blue, fit perfectly in my hand, had some good ringtones and the best mini golf game ever. This phone was SO cool. We were living in canada at the time and we were on FIDO service. Good times. Thanks Sony Ericson. If I could, I would still be using this phone.

When we moved back to the States we had to all get new cell phones. I remember this day so well. We went to the mall and they hooked us up with this phone, the Motorola v220. Jana and I got the same one. It had a camera and some games and we got texting with it! 

One day my screen just stopped working. That was a sad day, so off to the AT&T store we went. There, I was getting ready to pick out a similar phone when I saw this one.... the Pink Sliver made by Motorola with iTunes capability. This was the original iphone, and I owned it.

My two years ended and it was time for an upgrade. I don't know why I did. I loved that sliver. But we walked into the store to see what I could get and for some reason I was really drawn to this phone. It was more of a raspberry color and I completely hated this phone. HATED it.

After my first year at college, I had had enough of my stupid LG Shine so my dad let me have his old phone, the Samsung Blackjack. Great phone. Ran on the windows operating system. Had this cool bubble pop game and all my texts were threaded. That was awesome.

This brings me to now. I got the iPhone 3GS last May and I have loved it. Everything about it. It is so simple to use, and there is app for pretty much anything I want to do. I love this phone.