Girls Night Out

Happy birthday Cindi (with an I) Southwick. Melanie S. had a "surprise" slumber party (no one stayed, at our ages, we need our BEAUTY sleep), but we roasted Cindi. We brought gifts representing crazy things Cindi has done (a lot) and crazy things we had all done with Cindi (a lot). Cindi is a great person filled with love and compassion. She has been through a lot, but goes through life with humor and integrity. She is a wonderful example.

Exclaimers: Sorry to Robin and Lyndsi for the red eyes. The ape with a G Bra, ask Cindi.

CAUTION!

No, this is not the end of the world, I am up-dating this blog. I have truly received grief and chastisement from many of you! I cannot fully commit, but will try harder.

Parking!

I dragged my running partner Janet with me to the University of Utah in early February; we were participants in a research study. I park east of the stadium. Janet remarked that I had to park a mile to get to the psyche building and I told her that I had purchased the most expensive permit possible, and unless I was the president of the university, this was as close as I could get!
Parking has altered my a.m. schedule. Instead of leaving at 8:00 a.m., I leave at 6:50 a.m., just to get a parking spot!
Parking has made my blood pressure rise. Before I committed to leaving two hours before I have to be to my first class, the snow was usually so deep that it was impossible to see the lines, therefore, these crazy people would just park anywhere. One day, I had parked early and when I came out, I was trapped. A big truck (you know what they say about men that drive big trucks) parked on a five foot snow drift cutting me off from going forward. I had another drift on the other side and could not back out straight. Needless to say, I had to do a 27 point back out. By the time I got out, I was shaking and sweating in 21 degree weather. I finally got onto the road way, still in the parking lot, to find that people had just parked anywhere, and I couldn’t get out on the road way. I had to snake through the parking lot, at times getting out to make sure I wasn’t going to slide or hit into someone. By the time I got to the road, it had been over one hour. I was crazy!
One Thursday, as I made my way to my special parking place, there were two saw- horses with yellow tape blocking this $$$$ parking lot, with a sign saying: Closed. I freaked! Not to worry, I had scouted alternatives previously and went up by the Arts Center. I had a couple of options. The best one seemed too good to be true and was just off the road. I was so suspicious. I pulled in, got out to check the color of the curb; walked a few cars to the east and west to see if there were any signs posting any NO NO NO’s. I asked someone if they knew anything about the parking. It was clear! Well five hours later I came out to find a white and red cashier tape under my wiper. I freaked! I got into my car and my heart was racing (blood pressure). I called the number and to my surprise, I only had to be on hold for 11 minutes while pushing 17 buttons to get to this special place of “holding”. I did get some really nice person who explained that they wouldn’t have the information on their computer system until tomorrow (time for all negligent parkers to cool off).
This has not been resolved but on Tuesday when I am back on campus, I will be sure to return to the crime scene to see where I went wrong—I am too old for this. I think I am going to steal my mom’s handicap sticker!

Up-date: On Tuesday, I went to the crime scene. I drove all around ever the while looking/looking for any NO NO’s. Unless I am partially blind, there were no signs. I did an e-mail refute so I am now waiting to hear from the higher powers who will determine my fate! Is this worth $10?

P.S.

The white bags in the back of the SUV are complementary "trip gifts" from none other than Gordon Campbell aka Gordy, Sher's husband. In his words, "you can't go on a trip without a trip gift". Thanks Gordy, we actually coveted Sher's bag before we knew that we had our own.

"What Happens Here Stays Here"

Vegas Creed: What Happens Here Stays Here . . .

. . .unless dad calls mom Sunday morning and mom forgot to read and sign the Las Vegas creed and spills the beans! Let me start at the beginning. If any of you know us “Butler girls” (our maiden names), we can be efficiently annoying. The plan was for Traci to pick up Tammy at 6:30 a.m., swing over to pick up mom @ 6:40 a.m., and finally, pick up Sher @ 6.45--this was implemented without a flaw! We hit the freeway at 10600 south at 6:50 a.m., veered into the HOV lane and were off to the airport, with Hugh, Traci’s husband driving. There was an excitement in the truck as this was our first official girl’s and mom outing. Some may remember that this trip was a birthday gift to mom for her 70th birthday—my mom was born in 1938—you do the math, it was really her 69th. She did forgive us, realizing our pathetic math skills. We arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare (which in the scheme of things would help). As we each handed the skycap guy our tickets and identification he subtly mentioned that Traci’s driver’s license had expired. We all stayed calm except Traci, who promptly said, “I just won’t go”! Well, we wouldn’t hear of it. We called Hugh who came back to pick up Sherry and Traci, they headed to the Vital Statistic place in North Salt Lake (I am sure each person has their own personal horror story of these types of government agencies—I do). Mom and I took their luggage, checked in and began the 45-minute security wait. We received a call from Sher saying that they were able to get Traci’s license and were headed back. Long story short, Traci and Sherry met us at the front of the security line, jumped in and we were off!!! Yes, all the stars aligned and it was a miracle, we even flew first class (thanks Sher).
We arrived in Vegas at 9:00 a.m. picked up our SUV and headed to the Blue Berry Pancake House for breakfast. Tracy will remember a very funny incident that occurred here and if she would like to embellish, you will have to ask her! This occurrence was something we laughed about the entire trip. (What happens here!) We picked Sue up, who flew in from Portland, checked into our hotel, unpacked and then headed for the J.W. Marriott’s spa, I become gitty just thinking about this. We walked through the beautiful grounds (looked like July) and waterfalls and then checked in. We were issued white robes and slippers. The spa is total eclectic with music and aroma. We exercised and then went for messages. Sher was the message Nazi, making sure each person knew the proper protocol (you have to know Sher to appreciate this)! When we all regrouped after this wonderful experience, we all had glazed eyes! Afterwards, we relaxed in the sauna, stream room and lounge, drinking herbal tea-stuff and munching on granola. One note, the myth is that a person traveling to Vegas will see a lot of “skin” on the Strip, well this would change if those saying this visited the spa, we saw more than necessary from our European friends; miss Germany and her escort and ninety year old grandma! Overall, this was a magical moment in time!
On Saturday morning, we were awakened by Dad/Grandpa calling (checking up on us, he also called Sunday morning!) We spent a wonderful morning at the Las Vegas Temple. Again, this was such a special time to be together with our mom. We ran back to our hotel, changed, grabbed a bite, and headed for the outlets. We made some purchases (CSI t-shirts) and then headed back to change into our “Phantom” clothes. We ate dinner at the Venetian near the indoor river and gondolas. The Phantom was amazing! The stage and theatre was created just for this production, the time flew. Afterwards, we purchased French pastries (don’t tell my trainer) went back to the hotel, ate, tucked mom in bed with strict instructions not to answer the door unless she used the peephole. At that point the four of us girls (changed into tennis shoes etc) left the hotel to head back to the Strip. We walked and walked seeing the water shows and observing CRAZY people, who the next morning we would also see at the airport with dark glasses on and looking a pale shade of green. We got back to the hotel at 2:30, slept for a few hours, got up, and drove Sue to the airport (early flight). The airport was a mad house so we decided to get there earlier, besides Denver last year during the snowstorm, I don’t think I have seen a busier airport.
We all arrived home safely. Sadie picked us up from the airport and had a surprise with her—Anabelle. TC was up for the weekend. The aunts got to see her.
We had a great time. It was so fun to spend time with wonderful sisters and a wonderful mom. We truly did morph back into our teenage years! Thanks to husbands, kids, and especially to dad/grandpa for letting us take your wife, our mom on such a fun trip.

OctoberFEST 2007

I am sitting here at home with an outside temperature of 60ish (I know TC that you are in the low 80's--bragger), listening to Il Divo ("they" say that Simon Cowell discovered them) and really reveling in the beauty of an outstanding fall day in Draper Utah. Two sleeping animals surround me, Sprite our black cat, who we kept in last night, and Snikkers our beagle.

This month has been fun and crazy. I was able to go down to Arizona to spend time with the worlds three most beautiful and wonderful grandkids (I can hear anger), but yes they are. To tell you the truth, we were moles; we just stayed in and hung out, enjoying the flow of the Jolley’s day to day. I have to say that these people never get regular sleep; Anabelle was just getting the hang of sleeping and Jax was up with the roosters (AZ roosters get up around 4:00 a.m.)! Some high lights were going to Target’s Halloween section and watching terrified Jack negotiate with the scary animated toys; he wanted to have fun and enjoy even though he was extremely nervous. Brayden loved pushing all the buttons. We ended up purchasing RIP and Scully who I must say have driven TC crazy listening to them over and over—Halloween is over-whaaa whooo. TC and I were able to sneak away to the Camel Back Spa for an-out-of-this-world hot rock message, lunch by the pool, and the overall spa experience. We had to be back at 2:00 to relieve the sitter and it took everything in our power and soul to return home—it was a real treat. I have to say that TC and Jon are amazing people. As many of you know they have had so many changes in the last year, I think they are in the hundreds on the “stress” scale (death is considered 100 on a 1-100 scale). TC is a great mom and has incredible patience, I am really proud (the good kind) of both her and Jon (even though Jon moved our little people to distant lands)!

I arrived home in time to celebrate my mom’s 70th birthday. Due to the Jordan and Alta High School math program, we all calculated (6 siblings and spouses) wrong and it was actually my mom’s 69th birthday—sorry mom! Anyway, we are taking her to Vegas for the weekend and trust me, “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” will apply! (Just kidding Sid).

Mid October took us to Kansas City to see Milli and Travis and their beautiful fall. One of my favorite things to do with my girls is to run; Milli and I were able to do this on Thursday in marvelous weather, running is a great time to TALK, and that we did. We planned this particular weekend to visit KC so that we could experience with Milli her first marathon. Having run a marathon myself a few years ago (much, much, much, did I say much slower), I could relate to the excitement and also the apprehension of “being” able to finish before hitting the “wall” and also the dreaded “runners scoots” (we won’t going further than this in this writing). Saturday was a perfect day to run. The air was energized with excitement and with a band and announcer in the background; there was a real festive atmosphere. Sid, Sadie and Trav walked up the race route a bit and I found a chair to stand on behind the finish line so I could get pictures. Sid’s job was to call me when Milli and Amy (running partner) passed. When he called, my heart raced with excitement and gladness; they had finished. Milli and Amy ran the race in 3 hours and 48 minutes—just 8 minutes off from qualifying for the Boston. Wow. Milli was in great shape after the run; such shape that we had her out until 1:30 a.m. at an amusement park that night. Even I, Tammy Jones, went on one rollercoaster ride! Milli and Travis have really built a good life in K.C. Can’t wait for the holidays so we can see them then. We really love you guys!

We ended up spending Sunday night at a HO. JO. (Howard Johnson) in KC, because our flight was delayed. We had to be to the airport at 5:00 a.m. to catch the 6:00 a.m. flight. We routed to Dallas (the airport there is very fine) and then home. We picked up Snikkers from the kennel, did some wash, unpacked and repacked and headed to Newport Beach for our 28th anniversary. Sid, being the brilliant person that he is got us the flight that had layovers in of all places-- Phoenix. TC picked us up at the airport and we spent a few precious hours with the Jolley’s and Chuck E. Cheese. Sooo fun. We left and headed for fiery California. Of course we golfed, ate great food, spent time at the beach and did a LITTLE shopping. We had a great time. We headed back to Phoenix and TC met us this time at the airport where we celebrated Jacks third birthday. The boys were dressed in their batman costumes and A-Belle (Jon’s name for her) was wearing a cute girly dress with a bow and she was awake the entire time. We got to maul all three, get them sugared up with ice cream and send them on their way—not a bad set up!

Anyway, we have survived an extremely fun and busy month. I have a confession, I only put up outside Halloween decorations (so our neighbors wouldn’t vote us off the island-circle). I refuse to put up decorations until we have grandkids here!!!!!

Life is fabulous in the forties and there is much to be grateful for. I am taking Elder Eryings advice and keeping a journal of “seeing the hand of God in our lives each day—His tender mercies”. I see His hand each day as evidenced by a wonderful family who has big and little problems and who are watched out by wonderful “angels”, a God who helps us grow through trials and experiences both small and large. As a good friend (L.B.) often says, “it’s all good”, and it really is.