TRUTHS FOR MATURE HUMANS

I received this in an email forward. I wish I knew the author so I could give credit, because frankly, they're brilliant. I think I nodded and smiled at just about every one. Enjoy!

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blu-Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this - ever.

15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

20. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

21. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

22. I would rather try to carry 10 over-loaded plastic bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

23. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

24. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

25. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

26. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

27. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

28. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber and dumber every year?

29. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

30. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate bicyclists.

31. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

32. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my ass everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

I Admit, I'm Addicted to my iPhone

I wrote this piece as an sample of my work for eCopywriters.com. They are an online copywriting service, and given that I have a degree in writing, enjoy writing, and am good at writing, I thought it would be fun to be a copywriter for them. I still plan to submit it once I've perfected it, but I still don't feel I'm at that point yet. So I thought I'd post it for you to read and give me any feedback you might have :)

Writing prompt: A product or service you simply cannot live without.

Calendar. Notes. Calculator. I’m not talking about your run-of-the-mill office products; these are iPhone apps. Apps that have played a part in revolutionizing the way I use my phone. I am more organized, more responsible, more productive, and more entertained than life without it.

I used to write my grocery list on a post-it note. I’d keep a running list and stash it in my purse for “safe” keeping. Most of the time it ended up crinkled underneath my wallet by the time I actually needed it. iPhone to the rescue! I now have an app called “notes,” which comes standard. I can keep multiple lists going, and can even email a list (with the touch of the screen) to my husband to see if he has anything to add to it.

I also used to write doctor appointments on post-its. My computer monitor was framed in these brightly colored pieces of paper. I would get so used to seeing them that I wouldn’t even notice them anymore. But wouldn’t you know, the iPhone comes with an easy-to-use calendar, so I no longer forget an appointment. I simply add it to my calendar, set a reminder alarm, and I’m done. Now, there’s nothing wrong with post-its, especially pretty colored ones. I have them all over my desk at work. But they’re not as efficient, and certainly won’t beep at you until you remember to go to your chiropractor appointment.

I no longer fear the put-it-off-another-day type of errands thanks to my multi-tasking abilities. Bring on the DMV and oil change; I can respond to email and stay in-tune with what’s going on in the world through the email and twitter apps, all while sitting in a waiting room. And, of course, I can stay in touch with friends through Facebook and Words with Friends.

Finally, one of the most important reasons why I cannot live without my iPhone is the FM 94/9 app. I recently moved to Los Angeles, and this app allows me to still listen to my favorite radio station in San Diego via my phone, connecting me back home. Sure helps ease the pain of my hour-long commute to work.

I have hardly begun to express how much my iPhone participates in my day-to-day life. To find out for yourself, take a trip to your local Apple store and purchase yours today!

Thankful for the Ordinary

The pitter patter of rain hitting the roof...
The aroma of food coming from the kitchen...
The sound of my dog howling at sirens as they go by...
My husband breathing (and sometimes snoring) as he sleeps...

I’m thankful for it all.

It is easy to say thank you when things are going your way, or when you receive something unexpectedly great. But we often forget to thank God for the everyday. So many things in our lives go unnoticed, but they’re certainly appreciated.

The rain we’re getting—albeit it’s not a lot—is appreciated, because here in Southern California we’re in a drought. We need to be thankful for every drop of rain we get. But it’s more than that…hearing the rain outside means that I have a home to live in. My home keeps me dry. Even though my apartment is (much) smaller than I’d like, it’s cozy, and it’s home, and it’s perfect for right now.

I love to cook and I love the different smells that fill the house when I make dinner. We are fortunate to have a healthy meal on our plates every night. I appreciate my ability to cook and to be creative and be able to whip something up even when I haven’t gone to the grocery store for a while. God has given me a means to provide for my husband, and someday, my family.

One of my favorite things is when my dog is sleeping in front of the couch and all of a sudden a siren goes by and he howls. It never fails to make me laugh. It reminds me that I have a dog who is like a child to us, depends on us to take him to play and exercise (well, my husband), to feed him, and to give him a loving home. I can’t imagine my life without the energetic bundle of joy that is Oslo!

Sometimes Chris tends to breathe heavy or snore when he sleeps. It usually doesn’t bother me because I can just give him a little tap and he’ll stop. But it reminds me that he is by my side no matter what. I am married to a wonderful man who I love, and who loves me, and who I am so happy to be sharing my life with.

There are so many more things that I could talk about, but most of all I am thankful that God gave me the grace to realize that it's He who has blessed me with these things. Without Him I am nothing.

So praise God for the mundane, the ordinary...along with the extraordinary, because it is the same God and the same grace that provides it all.

Family Portraits

Way back on Thanksgiving my parents had family portraits done by my very talented friend, Lauren. My mom ordered a bunch on CD, so here are a few.

This first one of just the girls cracks me up. Maddie was eating a banana and wanted to show the camera.
This one is classic Chris and Jayma. He's got a funny face and making me laugh. I don't know what's up with my praying mantis arms though.

And here's the whole family. I love how this turned out. Too bad Connor wasn't born yet to be in it!

Mammoth March 12-14

Chris and I went to Mammoth last weekend. I didn't take too many pictures this time because I always take tons and am up to my ears in snow photos! But here are a few to document this trip.

We left LA around 9pm Fri night and got to Mammoth at 1:30am. We were WIPED after a day of work, a funeral, and family dinner on Friday. But this was the only weekend we could get away for a while so we made it happen.

When we arrived it was snowing, and by the time we woke up on Saturday morning there were 11" of new snow on the ground! That means lots of fresh powder on the mountain! It was a little windy, but the skies were clear and beautiful. We headed to Chris's favorite area of the mountain...chair 25. It was a bit crowded because the top of the mountain was closed to blast the new snow to prevent avalanches, but still fun. The snow was so deep that it was hard to turn and made for quite a workout.

On our way down the mountain we stopped for gas. Chris pumped the gas, then all of a sudden realized our tire was COMPLETELY flat. It had happened in a matter of minutes, because we would have noticed if it were this low while driving. Luckily we were already at a gas station w/ a service station. They found TWO nails in the tire, and were able to fix it in a matter of minutes. Whew!
Since it was such a beautiful day, I sat outside on the porch when we got home and ate my lunch. Oslo joined me, and enjoyed playing in the snow that was left from the night before.

Sunday was even better than Saturday because the runs had been groomed. We headed to the other side of the mountain, my favorite, chairs 13 & 14. Bluebird skies, no wind to speak of, warm (in the 40s), not crowded, and the snow carved like butter. My absolute perfect conditions.

It's always sad to say goodbye to Mammoth, especially after such an amazing, beautiful weekend. This shot was taken from the car just after getting on the highway down the hill. There's no place like Mammoth...I love it.

Recent Photos of Madison

I haven't posted any pictures of Maddie lately, so here are some that Ashley has sent me recently.

This first photo was taken a few weeks ago, when I was in San Diego. Here's the backstory: I was hanging out with Melissa before going to my parents' house. Ashley and Justin dropped Maddie off at Mom and Dad's while they went to Costco, and asked my mom if she could give put her down for her nap. My mom gave her a bottle, which she drank, but of course when it was time to go down, she didn't want to because she had just gotten to Gramma's and wanted to play! My mom tried several times, but Maddie just wouldn't sleep. Then Ash and Justin came back, and I came over, and she had even more people to play with. Needless to say, she skipped her nap. When Maddie gets tired, she gets cranky, which finally happened, so Ash and Justin took her home. As soon as she hit the car seat she fell asleep.
These next 2 pictures are ones Ashley texted to me. It makes my day to get pictures messages of Maddie! Keep it up, Ash! And send pics of Connor, too!
Playing in the sprinklers...

This Happens to Me All Too Often

Orphans in Need

The video below is absolutely heart-breaking. My friend Amy has been coordinating with an adoption organization called Reece's Rainbow. Amy and her small group of high schoolers choose one child from Reece's Rainbow to raise funds for and pray for. The first child they prayed for, Anna, was adopted! But many of the children with disabilities are not so fortunate. Many of them, if not adopted by a certain age (usually age 4), are sent to a mental institution. This video shows a mental institution in Serbia that is absolutely horrifying. Watch for the grown man sleeping in a crib, and the 21- and 15-year-olds who are the size of a 4-year-old and just skin and bones. Many are tied to their cribs and not let out, and their muscles have atrophied from non-use.

If you feel led to join Amy in praying for her small group's chosen child, visit her blog to read the latest. And if you feel led to donate, she has information on her blog...as of the date of this post the child they are praying for and raising funds for is named Jacob. You can see her post about Jacob here.

Hug 'O Gram

Yes, this is a real commercial. You're welcome for sharing.

Connor Bradley and Ramblings of my AWESOME week in San Diego

The long-awaited arrival has finally come! My nephew, Connor Bradley Evans was born on Friday, 2-12-10, at 7:50am...right on his due date! What a punctual little guy. Here is a picture of him with my sister, Ashley.
And here's a picture of me with Connor once they got home today. He's such a sweetie, and a great sleeper!!
My niece, Madison, is 19 months old and doesn't quite understand what's going on yet. She thinks he's one of her baby dolls and wants to hold him. She also gently kisses his head. It's pretty darn cute. But I'll tell ya, my sister and Justin have their hands full...Madison is VERY active and is getting to that age when she likes to say "no" to everything.

Last week was such a great week, and it's continuing into this week! In addition to a precious new nephew, I also have a new job! On Wednesday I was driving from my house in LA to my see my family (and was hoping a birth too) in San Diego. On my way down, I got a call from Gospel Light Publications, a company I had applied to work at. (They publish Sunday school curriculum, church resource books, and other Christian books.) Well, they let me know they'd like me to work for them on a temp-to-hire basis to try things out...in a marketing position that is perfect for me!!! I started on Tuesday and so far I LOVE IT! My co-workers are all so welcoming and nice. I am SO ecstatic! When I lived in San Diego I worked for Christian Ed Publishers/Warehouse, and I worked closely with Gospel Light as a Marketing Coordinator, so I already had a relationship with them. They were probably my favorite publisher that we distributed for, so I'm really excited to be working for them now!

Here's a little background info in case you have missed the past 7 months of my life... Chris and I moved to Los Angeles from San Diego in July. He is in grad school for Sport Management and got an internship in UCLA's Athletic Dept (his dream school), so we made the move (although I miss SD immensely). I got a temporary job at Disney for a special project, but that ended Dec. 31, and they're not hiring right now, so I have been part of the 10% of Americans unemployed for the past 6 weeks. Although I am a CTMH Consultant, it is not a full-time job for me, and since I recently moved and do not know many people in LA, it has been hard to get it going again (although I have still been holding CTMH workshops in San Diego and have been keeping my craft blog up-to-date). I had originally applied at Gospel Light back in July when we first moved to LA, but they were reorganizing their Marketing dept and dragged their feet, then I got the job at Disney. Once I contacted Gospel Light again in January, they were fairly quick to act, and didn't even call me in for another interview...they just offered me the temp-to-hire job! Woo hoo!

Ok, another reason I had such a great week is because I have new teeth. I know this sounds really weird, so for those who don't know, here's a little explanation: When I was 7 years old I knocked out the bottom halves of my 2 front teeth. When I was in high school I got porcelain veneers. They lasted for 12 years, and one night in June they just decided to pop off. (Good thing I was sitting at home when it happened...I was mortified even for my husband to see my teeth!!) I went to my dentist first thing the next day and was fitted for new veneers. They do things much differently now than 12 years ago...they're supposed to last 20+ years now! Then I had to go in 2 weeks later to have them put in. BUT the new veneers were not made correctly. They were ok, but not perfect for the huge amount of money they cost! My dentist wasn't very happy with them either. So he wanted to re-do them, but I had just moved to LA and he is in SD. This was a series of 2 more 2-3 hr appointments, so I said I'll do it in a little while, I'm burned out on dentist visits. But then I got a job and didn't want to take any days off to go to San Diego when I was trying to impress them, so I had to wait until now to get my new veneers again. And this time they're PERFECT! :) Phew.

To top off my week, I won $20 from a lotto scratcher. I went to 7-11 with my sister the other day so she could grab something (before having the baby), and she got us each a scratcher just for fun. My little scratcher put an extra $20 in my wallet. Thanks, Ash!

And so far this week is going great, too, because I'm loving my new job! The commute isn't the most fun (1 hr), but it gives me good time to think, and in the morning, wake up. And it's pretty, so it's not too bad.

Well if you've gotten this far, I thank you for reading my ramblings!