Corner View: Water

I am a water baby. I love the water. I could be a fish.

Bear Lake is some of my favorite water (well, Lake Powell too.)

These are images from the amazing blue of Bear Lake. Now that it is snowing here, I am missing the summer blue and fun times. Although I have to admit, I love water in snow form as well.

Happy Wednesday!

(So blogger doesn't want to upload my images....I'll try to add them later!)

Perfectly content.

You know that feeling you get when you take a step back and take a moment to be "in the moment?" I had one of those moments today. It was lovely.

We took a lovely drive with the family. The leaves are beautiful. The mountains are home. The lunch was delicious. The company was fabulous.

It was the perfect day and I remembered how my life is absolutely perfect. Don't get me wrong...there are hard days and hard things and struggles just like everyone has. But, I am more than content. Perfectly happy. Maybe that is the difference. It is never going to look perfect on paper--it is never going to be struggle free. But, I am perfectly happy in spite of it all. And I remembered just how perfectly happy today.

I love days like today.

Love.

Because I think holding hands is lovely. The perfect expression of love.

Please visit Jane for more love stories.

Corner View: White

White is one of my favorite things...it means snow, wedding dresses, clouds, milk, vanilla ice cream, baby onesies. White is good.

It also means:

my {usually} trusty Mac

wonderful ocean foam

and, from our adventure last weekend...a sky so bright it is white against the beautiful red rock and green grass. Favorite things.

Thanks for playing! Please visit the lovely Jane from Spain Daily for more "white" experiences.

Out My Car Window...

We didn't go anywhere too much fun this week, so out my car window is on my drive to work.

Happy sunrise. I am so excited for fall!

Pretty Mountains...behind the ugly cement wall.

And my favorite part of my drive...The domed white building in the center is the Utah State Capitol. I love it.

Happy Wednesday. So glad that Corner View is back! It's so good to "see" you all.

Visit the lovely Jane to see corners from around the world.

Where Has the Time Gone?

random firework pic from this summer. just because I like fireworks.

I am trying to be back--trying to lose my major writer's block.

We opened a new office, so I have been traveling for work. It was a new and interesting experience now that I have a child, and I have to say, it is not nearly as enjoyable. I used to really like traveling for my job, but I find that now I prefer to stay home. And I'm okay with that. Luckily work understands, and only sent me for a fraction of the time. I greatly appreciated that. I did enjoy the work though. And I was ok with that too. I think I am making progress!

I have found myself catching up on blogs today. I feel like I haven't visited with good friends in forever! It is good to see what the blogging world is up to, and be able to feel like I am again "in the know." Now that life isn't so busy, I am trying to get organized again!

And a few random thoughts:

*What happened to good actors/actresses in movies? Actresses like Megan Fox that are basically talentless leave me not wanting to see movies. (I have to admit I am really enjoying Bradley Cooper and Zooey Deschanel lately.) (Oh, and I wish I had Zooey Deschanel's hair. That's all.) Does anyone have any good movie suggestions?

*I do love going to the movies-I love the whole experience. I love the big diet cokes, the candy, the previews and the loudness and enthusiasm of it all. I think I need to go see something really great, and soon.

*I am so, so very glad that it is September. Football Air is finally here--chilly at night and in the morning, but still warm during the day. I love football, and I love football air. I am ready for fall. I love wearing sweaters, and the Squeeze has darling fall clothes she is ready to debut. And did I mention that I love football? Preferably the college variety. And the World Series. I love October for the World Series. That developed after I was married. However, I have always been a Yankees fan. It is a point of contention at our house, as Pierre is a die-hard Red Sox fan.

*I am so, so tired lately. I know it is because I have to get up so, so early, but I can't make myself go to bed at night. Thus the rambling blog of this evening. I need to get my schedule back. It's messing everyone in my house up!

All right, I'm heading to bed now...hopefully to sleep.

I hope you have a fantastic weekend. We have lots planned that I am excited to do, and plans to see lots of my favorite people. I hope you are doing something great too!

Too Early?

Doesn't this look heavenly?

I'm kind of wishing I had a vacation planned...

I managed to pull myself out of bed at 5:00 this morning, the Squeeze out by 5:20, dropped at the sitter's by 5:45 and doing circuit training by 6:00.

I feel good about that.

I am trying. Hard.

Tonight I am tired, but I am still sure it was worth it. I hope. Seeing some results would help me be more sure about the whole thing.

The circuit training class is actually really good. The instructor is excellent, and the time went by really quickly this morning. I am grateful for that. I have had way more energy since starting this program, but not today.

Today I am tired, and so after work, I picked up the Squeeze, we played and now that she is sleeping, I am vegging.

And that's ok. Tonight I am doing nothing and I am perfectly ok with that.

I hope you have a great night too!

In My Mind...

In my mind I have so, so much going on.

For some reason, I can't seem to get it all into words. I'm sorry for the lack of posts. Something just isn't clicking lately.

This blog has served as my creative outlet, but I'm not feeling very creative, witty or passionate as of late. I am feeling like a bit of a slacker, however.

I find myself wishing I could figure out all of these thoughts and articulate my wants, needs and frustrations. Instead, I find them all swimming around in my head, bumping into each other and pushing each other around. Nothing is getting solved that way.

I'm feeling a little bit boring and frustrated. I know the inspiration will come--I know this funk will pass. For now, I am trying to be patient and figure it all out.

Do you have any suggestions?

A Little Too Much...

So this video is a little much for me. A servant to Barack Obama, our President? Really? There are multiple things in the video that I agree with--I think we can all find a goal to help others out and better our country in some way. That is a great thing! However, I do pledge allegiance to my country, not the president. Even more disturbing? This has been shown in schools in Utah. Sorry Oprah and Harpo Productions--you lost me with this one.

Happy Weekend!

Take some time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

We plan on:

taking walks

seeing 500 Days of Summer

seeing good friends

attending a wedding

maybe breakfast out

taking long baths

church

& doing our favorite things.

What are you doing this weekend?

Link fun...

Some random things that made my day...

It may be really embarrassing that I am proud of this...or maybe more embarrassing that I have an intense addiction to Crown Burger. I found this link at your heart out. Love that too!

Found this interesting....so CEO's aren't allowed to have an opinion of their own?

And Camille Paglia is one of my favorite opinion columnists. Sometimes I agree with her, sometimes I don't. However, her writing is always interesting and I think she is hilarious. Found this article to be fascinating--even more fascinating, the comments. Have we lost all ability to be respectful and civilized in this healthcare debate? We are so busy yelling we are missing the facts.

And this made my day. I may have laughed hysterically. In the office. It was great. Fake? Maybe. Funny? Absolutely.

Happy Wednesday!

Question, question. I have a question.

Random question.  I don't want this blog to get too political.

However, as many know, the United States is involved in a large debate surrounding health care and government involvement.  Both sides are slamming the other side...it is all too "typical politics" for me.

Each side is claiming to know the minds of those {from around the world} that are currently participating in a health care system that is government involved/sponsored.

So, I am curious.  If you live in a country where the government is involved in your health care system...what has your experience been?  Was it positive? Negative? Neutral?  Do you like it the way that it is, feel you get good care?  Would you rather the government stay out of it?  Is the care marginal?  Are they rationing care?  Can you see the doctors you want to see?

While I have traveled around, I have never lived in another country, so I have no experience with another health care system.  Seeing as I continue to hear two sides claiming that the people (all of you) would agree with them, I want to know what you think.  (And please tell me what country you are from...) I am over the political mumbo-jumbo and want to know the true life experiences.

Educate me, please.

(and thank you, in advance.)

Random Tuesday...

.I love, love, love chocolate chip cookies.

.They make me happy.

.I really like movies too.

.Girl's nights can make everything better.

.I have fantastic parents. I really like them.

.I am married to the best man ever. He is perfect, for me.

.I am very excited for fall, which is unusual for me.

.I don't drink wine, but I love the smell.

.My sister-in-law went in for in vitro fertilization today. 

.I have been thinking about them all day. 

.We are praying hard that everything works out.

We spent the weekend at Bear Lake.

Bear Lake, to me, is perfection.

We go every year, with some of my favorite people, and we look forward to it all year long.

This year was special because it was the Squeeze's first year.

We thought she would like it, and oh, were we right!

Even though the water is notoriously chilly, she loved it!

(and isn't the color of that water amazing?  it is a lake.)

And P spent lots of time water skiing and wake boarding.  He was awesome, as usual.

I had a blast wake boarding too, but I don't post photos of myself in swimwear.

Believe me, it is for the benefit of all.  

It was a fantastic little vacay.

Next post: Raspberry Days.

We've been vacationing...

water skiing, wakeboarding, boating, playing on the beach, visiting with good friends and lounging in the sun.

oh, and eating the best raspberry shakes in the world.

it has been perfection...I can't wait to share!

Corner View: Best Kept Secret

There are many hidden gems in little Salt Lake City, UT.  The best kept secret?  Do I really want to reveal it?

I have already told you about Bruges Waffles on my blog, so I guess that doesn't qualify...although those waffles are divine.

One of my favorite little hidden places is called The Oaks.  It is tradition in my family to visit every chance we get.  They have outdoor tables, and it is right on the river.  It is beautiful to sit and listen/watch.  The many humming birds that come to visit their feeders are quite delightful.  We love it there!  (And the food isn't half bad either...)

No pictures of the humming birds this time.  It started to rain and I wasn't fast enough with my camera!

But, the true best kept secret of Salt Lake is something that I don't have a picture for.  Pierre and I love, Love, LOVE pain au chocolat pastries.  Love them.  

We eat them daily when in France. 

Salt Lake City has quite a few yummy bakeries, but none that 

could come close to the fabulousness of the true pain au chocolat.

Until now.

We have found the most authentic pain au chocolat in Salt Lake City.  We haven't told anyone where.  It is our little secret, but today I'll share it with you.

The best pain au chocolat in Salt Lake City....the Target bakery in Sandy.  Yes, that's right...I said Target.  Amazing, unexpected, and perfection in my mouth.

(No picture today...I am trying so hard to lose this baby weight and I couldn't tempt myself!)  But, don't tell me I didn't let you in on my little secret.

Just don't tell anyone else...

For more best kept secrets, please visit Jane.

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Rejuvenated...

and ready to start the week.

It's a good thing...look at those trashed pants.  I needed a good weekend!

Monday, bring it on.

Beyond Glaze

Have you heard the rumors behind Beyond Glaze?  The rumors about the yummy-ness, the beauty and the absolute perfection of a donut?

We had heard.  We had to try.

They were absolutely beautiful, I will admit.

The reviews were mixed.  I personally was sold on the key lime crumble and the grasshopper donuts.  Some loved it, some thought they were good, but over priced.

I say it is definitely worth a try.  I may still be a little partial to the gourmet cupcake over the donut, but I thought our Beyond Glaze experience was delightful.  And they are just so pretty, too.

Corner View: Weekend Evenings 7:45

We had quite the enjoyable weekend.  It was oh, so busy and oh, so delightful.

Friday evening was spent at Deer Valley listening to the fabulous Utah Symphony with guest Frederica von Stade.  It was up at Deer Valley and was quite divine.  Even the Squeeze loved it.  And we loved the opportunity to expose her to some fantastic music at such an early age.

Saturday was quite a busy day for us.  It was Draper Days, which involved a parade, picnic, swimming, donuts and napping.  We were unavailable at 7:45.  We had taken a nap and a friend came to visit, so this picture is a couple hours late.  Does 10:00 work?  We saw some fantastic fireworks that evening!

Sunday was much more laid back.  7:45 involved watching the Squeeze play around...

and watching the always hilarious Ghosttown.

As a bonus, since technically I missed Saturday night, this is a picture from our walk this week, at 7:45.  Welcome to our Monday.

Please take a look at Spain Daily to see how the lovelies from around the world spent their weekends.

Calling All Working Moms

I am desperately in need of ideas.

I love my career.  I truly do.  It is fascinating and nerdy and exciting and so much fun to me.  I love helping people with their money and following the stock market.

But, I don't love any of it as much as I love being a mom.  I feel like I have this personal battle raging every day.  The professional me and the personal me.  I want the personal me to win.  Desperately.

My favorite days are the days that I get to spend with the Squeeze.  When I get to leisurely bathe her, when we can spend hours in the kiddie pool and take naps together.  I love playing with her and feeling like there is nowhere else in the world I need to be.

I can't wait until I get to stay with her everyday.  But, today is not that day.  Some days are so hard to leave in the morning.  Some days I still show up at work in tears.  I know that working right now is an investment in our future as a family.  And I know that it won't last forever.  But, I still feel like I am missing out on the huge part of what is her every day.

I get to do the big things...I always take her to the doctor, I'm always there when she gets her shots.  I usually get to put her to bed and I do all of her shopping.  It's the little things I miss.  I didn't see the first time she crawled.  I miss her giggles in the morning and I don't get to feed her breakfast.  I have to pull her out of bed way earlier than she would like so that she can go to her grandma's.  I'm not there when she is crying during the day because her gums hurt, and when I am there at night, I am so tired that the next day I can hardly function.  Some days she is so tired that I only get to see her for a couple of hours before she is down for the night.  Those days break my heart.  I still have a hard time letting her sleep in her own bed all night because I want that time to be close to her.  I desperately need to feel her next to me and know that she knows that I love her.

I love her more than I ever thought possible.  I love her so much that it hurts.  And, I love her more and more every day.  I need ideas for how to be close to her.  How do I make sure she knows how much I love her, cuddle her, play with her and just be with her and still make sure my other obligations are met.  I think it is a myth that we can have it all as mothers.  Something has to give a little.  My career has been the thing that I let go.  I leave on time and I drop whatever I am doing when I have to take the Squeeze to the doctor or when she needs me.  And I'm okay with that.  I take sick days when she is sick.  I don't know how women do it all. My house is often a disaster.  It is a very good thing that my hubby is such a good sport.  

I am not meant to do it all.  Being a working mom is really, really hard for me.  Perhaps it is because I always dreamed of staying home.  Maybe I need to adjust my expectations.  I need suggestions and help.  How do I organize everything so that I feel like I am accomplishing all I need to do?  

Time to go...a certain little girl is stirring and I desperately need to play with her for a while before we head to bed. 

Corner View: The Unveiling

There are so many parts to my true self.

At this very moment, as I hold my tired, but still delightful baby girl, my true self is the mother part of me.  I love being a wife and a mama and I would not feel like "me" if these things were ever taken away.  I loved this Corner View theme!

Please visit Jane's sidebar for unveilings from around the world.

Perfect Weekend.

Enjoy.

Today

Today has me feeling lucky.

I enjoyed gorgeous flowers for a full 10 days after my birthday.

Being a mom is way more fulfilling than I ever even imagined.

Sometimes I love the Squeeze so much that it hurts.

Job security is nice, but I would love to have people do their own jobs sometimes instead of saying "I'll just let you do that."

85 degrees, with blue skies and white clouds makes for the perfect day.

Today, I am dreaming of the beach because today is the perfect beach day.

The kiddie pool makes a fantastic substitute, however.

I am so glad that the Squeeze loves water, just like her dad and me.

One of my oldest and closest friends came to visit last night and stayed at our house.  

Today I am way too tired, very content and so, so happy.

Corner View: Where I Go to "Just Be"

My little corner is full of places that I go to reflect and "just be".  I think pondering, listening and reflecting are such important parts of our lives.  

I need to make more time.

Salt Lake City is a wonderful place to live.  We are close to so many things!  (We are sorely lacking in the ocean/beach department, however...)

I love to "just be" outside, whether in the middle of nowhere, or people watching in downtown. I had a couple pictures to share with you of my favorite places, but either blogger or my computer is being difficult and refuses to upload any photos....

So, I will try later in the day.  Know that I haven't forgotten, I do have places of reflection, and I can't wait to share them with you.

In the mean time, take your weekly trip around the world through Jane's Corner View list on Spain Daily.

Fantastic...

One of my favorite bloggers, Meg, aka the Brunette Bombshell is doing this fabulous thing called "The Perfect Body Initiative."  I pretty much think it is fantastic because it helps remind me of why my body is such a blessing, even on days when I feel it is trying to betray me or tear me down.  Meg asks for comments on why your body is perfect, and guess what...I was featured on day 4.  

My reason mentioned that I think my body is perfect because it was able to carry the Squeeze and give birth.  The last few days I have fallen even more in love with her, so it was a perfect reminder for me.  Even though my waistline has grown more than I would like, I would do it all over again to be able to have her.  I think she is perfect in every way and her smiles, cries, giggles, talking and smell all just light up my day in a way that I never thought possible.  

The other part of my body that I feel is perfect lately: my fingers.  Weird?  Possibly.  I have been wiping away tears--from myself and my loved ones and I feel so blessed to be able to do that.  

Meg has given me the perfect reminder.  And I needed it this week.

Corner View: "Staple Foods"

 We love food at our house.  We especially love to barbeque.  Our staple restaurant is Outback Steakhouse.  Always perfect.

We turn to our barbeque, even if it is snowing outside.  Unfortunately, we haven't bbq'd in the last week, and our hard drive ate our old photos.  So here are some other staples in our lives:

We really like French Fries.  But, I won't admit to this while trying to lose baby weight!

Chocolate is always a staple food of mine.  This is a fantastic chocolate fountain located in the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.

We love cheese at our house.  Love it.  Especially if it is from Europe!

We love fruit too.  Sorry for the bit of blur...This is from a wedding.  We don't usually have such fancy fruit at our house!

The other staple you will find around here is baby food.  All kinds of baby food.  The Squeeze likes it, anyway.  And, I am open to the avocado debate.  Any suggestions?

Please visit the lovely Jane from Spain Daily to see some staple foods from around the world.

26.

I'm 26 today.

I feel a little bit older, but at the same time I still feel 19.

We spent a lovely day together yesterday taking walks and playing. We found out that the Squeeze happens to love hammocks. So fun. Today I have to go to work. Not nearly as fun. My family is taking me to a nice dinner tonight though and I am very much looking forward to my steak and the fabulous company.

I think I have everything I could ask for this year. I have a nice, new place to live with the 2 loves of my life. This year I am content and happy and enjoying every minute.

I take it back...there is something I would love for my birthday...I would love to lose some more pregnancy weight. That would make me even more happy!

It is no secret that I love birthdays. I am so excited for the celebrations planned for this week!

And as a plus, one of my best and oldest friends moved back to the US this last week. That was a great birthday present too!

On a side note, in addition to our friends we will miss in our old neighborhood, we are going to miss our buddies below:

The Squeeze and I love our little ducks so much. We don't have any ducks at our new house.

(But we love it anyway!)

Corner View: Music

Music is something that is so important to me. It has the ability to manipulate my emotions in a way that nothing else can. It can make me screamingly happy, unfortunately melancholy, ridiculously silly and incredibly spiritual.

Having said that, this post has taken a much different turn than I originally anticipated.

I work in downtown Salt Lake City. There is a square in town where local artists put on concerts during the lunch hour in the summer. I can hear the concerts from where I work and I love to take some time to sit in the sun and listen.

Also, Pierre and I went to dinner at a lovely little place called La Caille a couple nights ago. We always sit on the patio and eat dessert and talk about all the important things that couples talk about. We don't go very often, and when we do, it is always my favorite. Since we sit on the patio, there is usually live music. This last time there was a fantastic saxophone player. I loved every minute. There are also peacocks that have run of the patio, which I love.

And this time there was a baby peacock that I absolutely fell in love with. If they would have let me, I think I would have taken her home.

I always get bananas foster with my live music. It is my absolute favorite.

Thank you for visiting my corner. Go take a listen around the world from Jane's sidebar on Spain Daily.

It worked!

Thanks to all of your positive thoughts, prayers and the multitude of crossed fingers, arms and legs, everything worked out with our new home.

Our "corner view" has officially changed and we couldn't be more thrilled.

We closed, packed and moved all within 4 days.  It has been a whirlwind, and now our days are filled with unpacking boxes and lots of decorating.

Thank you so much for all of your positive thoughts.  It obviously negated the negativity from the mortgage broker.  We so appreciate the positivity and nice comments.

Thank you!  We are so excited!

Corner View: Street Fashion

I was so looking forward to 

participating in this week's view.  

I think it sounds absolutely fabulous and can't wait to see all of your photos.

This week has been overwhelming, stressing, fantastic and going way too quickly.

We have some exciting news coming up 

(exciting to us, anyway...) 

But, tonight I am way too tired to make the official announcement.

Thank you for all of your crossed fingers and prayers.

You have all made my week with your kindness and sweet thoughts.

This week has completely passed me by... I hope you will forgive my absence this week and I fully plan to be back with my Corner View next week.

Check out Spain Daily from the lovely Jane to see the list of Corner Viewers and see some street fashion from around the world!

xoxoxox

Corner View: From My Back Porch

I have been a bit of a blogging slacker lately.

I hope this post explains a little bit of why...

We have been in the process of buying a home the last couple of weeks.  We are extremely excited and hoping/praying that it all works out!  It isn't a done deal yet, so you get 2 views from my back porch for this Corner View.

(And we aren't moving far...Currently we live in Salt Lake City, and we will be moving about 20 minutes South to Riverton, Utah.)

This is the view from my back porch as of tonight.

I'm hoping this will be the view as of next week!  (Minus the construction vehicles, and hopefully plus some grass soon!)

So, cross your fingers for us, and visit some porches from around the world:

jane, kim, ladybug-zen, ian, sunnymama, kyndale, samantha, karen, kristina,angelina, dorit, goldensunfamily, sophie, janet, nicki, ruth, mcgillicutty, desiree,

di, travelingmama, aimee, bonnie, esti, sophie, cele, modsquad,caitlin, joyce, ani,couturecoucou, a day that is dessert, natsumi, epe, kaylovesvintage, trinsch,c.t.,jeannette, outi, schanett, ritva, dongdong, francesca, state of bliss, jennifer,dana, denise, cabrizette, bohemian girl, ruth, dianna, isabelle, amber, girl in the yellow shoes, mister e, janis, kari, jgy, jenna, skymring, elizabeth, audrey, allison,lise, cate, mon, victoria, crescent moon, erin, otli, amy, ida, caroline, lisa, dorte,kimmie, la lune dans le ciel, nicola, malo, vanessa, britta, virginia, april, rebecca,b, jenell, guusje, juanita, pamela, inna, daan, myrtille, cris