A-Z meme

A - AVAILABLE: nope
B- Birthday: nov 20
C - CAKE OR PIE: cake, lemon preferrably
D - DRINK YOU LAST HAD: sprite
E - ESSENTIAL ITEM YOU USE EVERYDAY: computer with internet or else it's useless
F - FAVORITE COLOR: pink!!!
G - GUMMY BEARS OR GUMMY WORMS: sour gummy worms
H - HOMETOWN: ontario, ca
I - INSTRUMENT: my iPod, yeah!
J - JUGGLE: um, yeah i'm kinda lacking in the whole hand-eye coordination department
K - KILLED SOMEONE: only spiders - once they're in the house, that's my zone, they forfeit the right to life (*holy moley nicole i was laughing sooooo hard when i read that*)
L - LIFE IS INCOMPLETE WITHOUT: my family
M - MILKSHAKE FLAVOR: vanilla malt(*TONS) with like 3 drops of chocolate syrup (yes, i'm very particular, which drives hubby nuts when i send him to BaskinRobbins to pick up something for me)
N - NUMBER OF SIBLINGS: 2 beautiful sisters, 1 handsome brother, 2 bils and 1 almost sil
O - ONE WISH: hmmmm, to be twinkled, that would be cool (as long as my family could come with -- front row to the millenium, could you please pass the pop corn while i watch all the gnashing of teeth?)
P- PHOBIAS OR FEARS: claustrophobic
Q- QUICKIE: hmmm, right now?
R - REASON TO SMILE: my family, i have the best one on earth
S - SEASON: spring and summer, love love love it
T - TIME YOU WOKE UP: 7:49 am (well thats when my alarm goes off anyways, i ususally snooze until about 8:07 am)
U - UNDERWEAR: you know *wink*
V - VEGETABLE(S) YOU HATE: squash/zuccini
W - WORST HABIT: cracking my knuckles and every other bone in my body, procrastination
X - X-RAYS YOU'VE HAD: hmmmm, besides my teeth?
Z- ZODIAC SIGN: scorpio

the what and why of christmas

this post has been completely copy and pasted from my brother-in-law, TJ's myspace blog, i hope you enjoy. very interesting insights into christmas and all of it's meanings.

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"Last week we had a couple of Jehovah Witnesses knock on our door. Personally knowing the emotions and labor that accompanies door-knocking to spread the gospel news, I invited them in and offered a drink. The discussion went as you might think between a Mormon family and two Jehovah Witnesses. We agreed to disagree on many points of Biblical interpretation. Being December, we began to discuss their religion's teaching to not celebrate holidays and, in particular, the neglect of Christmas. Being fair-minded, I will tell you that they choose not to celebrate due to their interpretation of various Biblical verses and add the comment that they simply choose to give gifts and presents throughout the year and not let the traditions of man dictate when and what they will celebrate. I applaud their thoughtful analytical process in choosing not to celebrate. However, over the following days it caused me to reconsider why I was celebrating Christmas and what Christmas means to me.
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I understand that evolution of Pagan celebrations and rituals have brought us to our current tradition of Christmas. I'm actually okay with that. So the Romans celebrated Saturnalia in a fashion more closely related to a week of Mardi Gras type partying. That's cool. The Christians then wanted to bring in some Roman converts and incorporated the week long festival into celebrating the birthday of Christ. They worshipped the trees, so let's bring in a tree and decorate it. I understand that. Nicolas born in Turkey, becomes Bishop of Myra, honored position on the council of Nicaea (that was the council that decided what letters and scripts to put into a compilation that would come to be known as the Holy Bible), he dies, and gains a following that over the next 700 to 800 years combines a few different histories contributing to the characteristics of Saint Nicholas, who received Saintdom in early 19th century. In 1809 Washington Irving writes "Knickerbocker History" which refers several times to the white bearded, flying-horse riding Saint Nicholas using his Dutch name, Santa Claus. Having read this, Dr. Clement Moore in 1822, writes the epic poem, "A Visit From St. Nicholas," or as it is most commonly referred today, "Twas The Night Before Christmas." Add some more about Coca Cola's involvement with the marketing of Santa's image, the advent of Rudolph and Frosty, the numerous classic Christmas movies, a couple of NFL football games and you have a Christian American Christmas tradition.
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Just because it came from Paganism and is now being exploited by Capitalists should we now shun the celebration? Are our Jehovah Witness friends right in their refusal to celebrate? Heck, my own ward here in Oceanside banned Santa Claus from our church Christmas party. What is this world coming to? I propose that Christmas is not in need of a restoration as there was no true definitive Christmas established to return to. Therefore, reforming Christmas, as the Christian world has been doing and will continue to do is what is required to instill the purity of Christ-worship during the Christmas season. Will there be those who miss the mark? Of course, just as there are differing levels of commitment in varying Christian congregations. Will there be those who overdue it in their zeal and seek to isolate Christ as the only acceptable figure of celebration during Christmas? Of course! How do you ban Santa from a Christmas party? What's next...ban Harry Potter? Alright, I'll save that debate for a different blog.
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Christmas is the time of year when we can realign our focus to be more in line with our beliefs. As one Mormon authority, Hugh B. Brown once said, "For one day, at least, Christendom practices Christianity." How many non-believers are reminded once a year that a Savior was born as a babe in Bethlehem? How many contributions and various charitable work is contributed in the month of December every year? I suppose once Christ comes again it won't be necessary for Christians to celebrate Christmas but until then, what is the harm?
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Do we worship Santa? Of course not. John A. Widtsoe, a mormon apostle and respected scientist, once said, "We live in a world of symbols. We know nothing, except by symbols. No one finds fault with the symbols on the pages of a book because they are not as mighty in their own beauty as the things the represent...There are some men who object to Santa Claus, because he does not exist! Such men need spectacles to see that Santa Claus is a symbol; a symbol of the love and joy of Christmas and the Christmas spirit."
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I love the stories of Santa Claus. A jolly old man who brings joy and cheer throughout the world by giving gifts to good little boys and girls. Newer interpretations are even incorporating Santa's help in the spread of Christianity (see C.S. Lewis's tale of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe). I love that during this season mankind thinks more about giving than receiving. I love the spirit of Dickens "A Christmas Carol." I love watching movies that spread happiness and delight. I wish that the spirit would permeate throughout the year. Unfortunately, the words spoke many, many years ago… "There is no room at the inn" are still being spoke today by far too many people. There is no room for Christ in the commercialistic Christmas season, there is no room for Him in the selfish heart, there is no room for Him but during Sunday worship, and there is no room for Him in schools and government. Christmas helps remind me that I need to find room in my faith and actions for Christ lest I hear the words of James echo in my ears, "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"
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Boyd K. Packer, a current Mormon apostle, has said, "The whole account - from Bethlehem to Calvary - is the Christmas story, and it takes simple, childlike, almost naïve faith to know it…" Christmas is more than celebrating the birth of the Savior for without His death and resurrection, the story remains untold. I choose to celebrate His life and what He taught. I celebrate that through Him we, as mortals, can overcome the two things we cannot for ourselves - sin and death. Jesus Christ has opened the gates of heaven and made possible the way to return. I do know that Christ is our Savior and Redeemer and I know that He lives. May we praise Him and I invite you all to define the what and why of your own Christmas story. In the words of Tiny Tim, "God bless us, everyone!"

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end of TJ's blog post. we now continue with our regular sceduled program ...

christmas meme

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate? egg nog (because i can drink ho-cho any other time, but you can only get egg nog around christmas)
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa (aka me) wraps them.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White lights on the tree (much to the chagrin of hubby) and no lights on our apartment, yet!

4. Do you hang mistletoe? hmmm, i wonder where i could get some. I

5. When do you put your decorations up? we got our tree up the first saturday of the month, and i love it. i used to hate decorating for christmas but if i could i'd leave my tree up all year long, it makes me sooooo happy. i should put a picture on here.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? stuffing, seriously love love love the stuff.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child: opening one present on christmas eve, and it was ALWAYS pajamas, then having a slumber party with all my siblings, waking up and opening presents in the new pajamas.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? probably from one of my sisters

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? please refer to item number 6 - a tradition that i really need to start with my hubby!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? all of my random ornaments, plus the bright colored ones that i LOVE - red, pink, aqua, lime green, and a giant shiny red star on top!

11. Snow! Love it or dread it? love to visit it, glad i don't live in it anymore.

12. Can you ice skate? i've only done it once, but i didn't fall at all, so i would say yes.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? no gifts really stand out, i don't think christmas has ever really been about the presents.

14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you? family and remembering the true meaning of christmas -- and it isn't Santa.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? english toffee
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? pajamas -- as disussed earlier.
17. What tops your tree? giant shiny red star, love it!

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? giving, but i never know what to give.

19. What is your favorite Christmas song? It Came upon a Midnight Clear, i think, but i like them all

20. Candy canes: yes please
21. Favorite Christmas movie? a christmas story, christmas vacation, and how the grinch stole christmas (animated)
22. What do you leave for Santa? hmmm, might have to actually start leaving him something i suppose.

I believe in Christ

I has to write out my testimony for a special christmas lesson we are doing for the young women in my ward, and I decided that since it was already type it out, why not post it on my blog? So in case any of you were wondering whether I have a testimony or not, here it is ...

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I believe that Christ is the son of God, and was born as the redeemer of the world. I believe that He came here and was crucified to atone for my sins and save me from temporal and spiritual death. I believe that by His grace is the only way that I will be saved. I have accepted Him as my Savior. We live in dark times, and Christ is truly our only light and lifeline, it is only by and through Him that we can be saved. I believe that this is the only true church on the Earth today, and that it is lead by Gordon B. Hinkley, a living prophet, seer and revelator, who was chosen by God to guide us. I believe that Joseph Smith Jr. was a prophet of God. I believe he saw what he said he saw, and that he was called and preordained to restore the fullness of the gospel and reorganize Christ's church on the Earth. I believe that he translated the Book of Mormon from the gold plates, and that the words contained in that book are the words of God. I also believe that the words in the Bible, the Doctorine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price are composed of the words of God. These books are true, I believe this because I have read them and prayed about them. The Holy Ghost has borne witness to me of these things. I believe that if I follow the teachings shown by Christ, our exemplar, and keep the commandments that He has given to us in these books that I will be with God and his son, Jesus Christ, in the Celestial Kingdom when my mission on this Earth is done. I believe in the power of the Priesthood, I believe in its power because I have witnessed its power. I believe in Christ, and His gospel is true. I have a firm testimony in this fact and it will never waiver.

what's in a name?

we've decided on the name for our little ninja, but also decided to not tell anyone (except immediate family -- because i am SOOO not good at keeping secrets). the other day we got together with hubby's dad and we decided we were going to tell him the name, let me play out the conversation (using fake names of course).
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hubby: dad we wanted to let you know what we've decided to name the baby
fil: okay
hubby: john bob
fil: oh wow, when he grows up he's gonna wanna go by bob
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holy moley, that is the rudest thing i've ever heard. basically telling me that the kid wont like his name. this is exactly the reason why we are not telling people our name. i don't wanna hear your comments, it's not going to change anything. when he pops out i'm going to name him what i wanna name him, and there is nothing you can do about it.
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other baby news:
i'm now 32 weeks, only 8 more to go!!!

figure flattery 101

Dressing with style involves more than just wearing what you like. It takes strategy. By using your clothing’s fit, fabric, color, details, pattern and proportions to lengthen, slim and direct attention to exactly where you want it (and away from the places you don’t), you’ll be able to create a look that is both flattering and in keeping with your personality.
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Fit.
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Wearing clothes that fit is the most important thing you can do to create a slimming, attractive look. Everything you wear should fit perfectly. This may seem obvious, but who hasn’t stood in front of a dressing room mirror and convinced herself that no one else will notice that the skirt is a bit too tight? News flash: it will give you away every time. Good fit means that clothes skim the body (showing curves without clinging to them) and that all the details (lapels, pocket flaps, slits, seams, darts, and pleats) lie flat. Any time clothing pulls or buckles, it not only creates a sloppy appearance, but adds pounds. The effect is the same for tight fitting and loose fitting clothing.
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A garment that fits well:

is neither too skimpy nor too bulky

is in no way constricting

skims your body gracefully

touches the body where it is designed to — not above or below the area h

as no extraneous bumps, lumps, creases, puckers, gaps, droops, bags, etc. d

oes not have to be adjusted when you sit, stand or move

Key areas to watch are shoulders, bust, waist, derriere, crotch, arms and legs.
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Another major key to creating the best silhouette for your body is wearing a bra that fits. It can actually make you look 10 lbs lighter. If you are not sure you are wearing the correct size read my post on correct bra sizing for more information on this topic
http://jodijean.blogspot.com/2006/09/correct-bra-sizing.html
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Fabric.
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Fabrics that fall smoothly over the curves of your body are the most flattering. If fabric is too stiff, it takes on the shape of its own and winds up looking boxy; too thin, and it clings to every bump and bulge; too bulky or too shiny, and it adds pounds. Just right is a matte fabric free on unwanted heft but with enough body to slide over problem areas.
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Color.
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As anyone who has ever stepped out of the house in a red dress knows, color catches the eye and can make you look terrific.
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Monochromatic. There are two compelling reasons to dress in one color, head to toe: The long, unbroken line it creates makes for a pulled-together look, and an overall color can actually make you appear slimmer. Stark color contrasts draw the eye and form horizontal lines that divide your body, making it appear wider and shorter. And while you can achieve the effect with any color, darker shades, which absorb more light, are the most slimming.
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Bright and light colors. Even though dark colors can make you appear slimmer, and lighter, brighter can do the opposite, there is still a place for vivid hues in your wardrobe. By strategically placing paler or brightly colored pieces near or over a part of your body that you like, you’re making sure it gets the attention it deserves. You can always pair brights with darks to balance the body.
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Details and flourish.
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Details, color and naked skin can be used to divert attention to a place you’d rather emphasize. So by all means use beading along your neckline to draw attention from your large derriere. Just be wary of too much of a good thing. Anything that adds an additional layer or girth — ruffles, patch pockets, wide lapels, big buttons or epaulettes — only accentuate what’s underneath.
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Pattern.
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With pattern, there are four considerations: color, size, direction and the subtleties of stripes.
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Color. Tonal patterns (pink or red) attract less attention then those in contrasting colors, and the darker the background, the more slimming the print.
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Size. Always choose prints that are in scale with your size. Petite figures are more flattered by small, low-contrast prints, while taller women can take bigger prints with more contrast. Large women should also choose bigger prints, but may benefit more from the slimming power of a low-contrast design. A uniform, all-over pattern, which keeps the eye from resting on any one spot, is also a good diversionary tactic for voluptuous bodies.
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Direction. Sometimes the print itself creates a line, and sometimes the negative space does it. Either way, vertical lines are preferable to horizontal lines, and diagonal lines that are more vertical than horizontal will have the same elongating effect as a true vertical.
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Stripes. When it comes to wearing stripes, the decision involves more than simply choosing between horizontal or vertical lines. While it’s generally true that verticals lengthen and slim and that some horizontals will make a heavy area look heavier, it all depends on the size and spacing of the stripe. Horizontals can be used to create beneficial optical illusions if you’re of average size. Widely placed horizontal stipes, for example, can give the illusion of a bigger bust and — when worn with a dark bottom — can help balance a pear-shaped figure. If the horizontals are thin and widely spaced, they can have a lengthening effect, while widely space vertical stripes can widen. No matter which way your stripes fall, however, make sure the garment is on the loose side. If it’s too tight or stretchy, you’ll wind up wearing squiggles!
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Proportion.
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Figure flattery is not just about camouflage and diversion — it’s also a balancing act. The length of your legs in relation to your torso, the width of your shoulders in relation to your hips — these things matter to your overall appearance, and just like everything else, can be manipulated.
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Generally, to avoid cutting your body right through the middle horizontally, every outfit should be either "short-over-long" (or full) or "long-over-short" (or narrow). A short narrow jacket over an A-line skirt or a cropped jacket over trousers is one way to achieve the "short-over-long" look. Conversely, a long jacket with skinny pants or a tunic over a pencil skirt creates a "long-over-short" look.

watch your step

setting: my bedroom

time: 3:02 a.m.
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i wake from my slumber as nature calls me (dang she's needy, especially now that i'm pregnant). i crawl out of the foot of my bed so that i don't wake my sleeping husband. unfortunately we haven't put away our suitcases from our thanksgiving trip to my sisters (for the record it is my hubby's suitcase). i wasn't fully awake, so therefore not as nimble as i am in the daytime. my foot catches the side of the suitcase, in order to steady myself so that i dont slip and fall i stretch out my hand and use the bed as a guide -- this startles my husband. he sits straight up, and announces "huuuwwwaaaahhh" and he uses both feet and prompty kicks me square in the chest.

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apparently at 3:02 a.m. i look very suspicious standing at the foot of the bed, and he assumes that i am a predator there to attack his family. he does the only thing he can do to protect them. kick the assailant, knock them down, take them down. (that's what i get for marrying a marine). needless to say it knocked me down. as i sat there on the floor, stunned by what just happened, apparently my husband realized what happened. he quickly came to my rescue and started hugging me and profusely appologizing. he helped me to my feet, i did my business and crawled back into bed.

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as i lay in bed thinking about what just happened (and he lay next to me appologizing, hugging, kissing, trying to calm me down) my ninja-son decided i was a predetor as well and started kicking me from the inside -- to the extent that it made me cry out in pain. i told hubby he must be awake from all of the adrenaline pumping through my system.

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we laid there for about an hour just talking and giggling (well i was doing most of the giggling, he didn't think it was very funny that he kicked his pregnant wife in the chest) i told him that i was gonna call my sister and tell her all about it, he begging me not to. them i told him, "oh, i am soooo blogging this", again he begged me not to, but he doesn't read my blog anyways, so he'll never know.

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i'm just grateful that hubby kicked me in the chest and not in the stomach, or else the night could have turned out much differently.

clothing personalities, part 3 (natural and dramatic)

natural

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Sporty natural, more than any other personality, knows who she is from a very young age. She needs comfortable clothes, which is why her clothes are less tailored and unstructured. She is a great team player. She is a loyal, faithful friend or employee. Material things or how things look are usually not her focus. She simply has a no-fuss, no muss attitude about life.

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Her body type is as follows:

Height is average tall, Body is strong and sturdy in appearance, Hips are curvy, with a nice waistline, or hips can be straight, with a thicker waist, Bone structure is softly angular with broad to average shoulder width. Body may be slightly muscular.

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Personality Profile:

Warm and friendly, goal orientated, responsible.

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Clothing:

Softly tailors, unstructured garments. Nothing fussy or frilly or fitted. Minimal details, loose garments for mobility. Separates dominate, mix and match, sportswear.

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Fabrics for her:

Textures are soft, rough or nubby. Wrinkled looks are good, Knits will often be jersey, cable or studded. Tweeds, wool challis, linens, cottons and denims

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Patterns:

Paisleys, plaids, stripes, solids with matte finishes

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Accessories:

She seldom will finish her look with added detail, Jewelry is rarely her focus, Simple chains and stud earrings. May be chunky or funky, earth or Indian jewelry

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Shopping tips:

A planned budget is ideal. Shop department stores, catalogs or specialty stores such as Lands' End, Eddie Bauer, Mark Fare, Strike and Talbot's. Discount stores or cheaper chains will not carry the traditional natural look because this style is not always produced in cheaper fabrics. Always remember personal taste prevails. You are rarely willing to stretch and risk new looks, you like your comfort zone.

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Proto-types:

Cheryl Tiegs, Brooke Shields, Jane Fonda, Ali McGraw, Farrah Fawcett

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dramatic

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She has a sophisticated, high-fashion look. Some dramatics have a tendency to over-do their look to unattractive extremes. Just think of Cher; wherever the dramatic goes, she turns heads. People want to see what she has on and how she is put together. She likes large groups and a lavish array of foods. She is a risk taker. She's happiest owning her own business. She enjoys being in control. She is a private person, which becomes apparent when you try to get close to her. She allows no grass to grow under her feet...she is always moving forward.

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Her body type is as follows:

Height will be taller (5'8" and above). Bone structure will be narrow and angular. Overall look can be exotic.

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Personality Profile:

Natural authority, in control, risk taker.

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Clothing:

Long, sleek and always straight lines. High fashion, severely tailored garments. Square, sharp shoulder lines, angular necklines, shapes and edges. Ensemble looks, no mix or match separates. ...

Fabrics for her:

All fabric choices must hold a defined shape. An appropriate choice would be gabardines, foilles, stiff brocades, taffetas, linens, stiff brocades, metallics etc.

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Patterns:

Bold and sweeping abstract, ethnic or geometric in bold colors. Head to toe dark neutrals or bold colors.

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Accessories:

Bold, chunky, angular and dangling are all a part of who she is....hats, scarves and brooches, as well.

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Shopping tips:

A planned budget is ideal. A greater amount of money will be spent on accessories. This is where her uniqueness is. Whatever you choose must make a statement. Put the focus on current trends in clothing and accessorization.

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Proto-types:

Cher, Barbra Streisand, Marlene Dietrich, Joan Crawford, Linda Dano

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next we'll talk about figure flattery