Gingerbread Houses!

My awesome Aunt Lisa (pictured above) is one of the coolest people I know. One of the things she really likes doing is making ginger bread houses.

A couple of weeks ago, she told everybody, and I mean everybody; the family, neighbors, family friends, vagrant street wanderers, the she would bake the ginger bread if they wanted to come over to her house and make a gingerbread house. She ended up with a house full of people including packs of candy-hyped-up-kids. (So cute when they aren't your own! ;)




Lily and Lucy, my cousin's girls

The Moris's granddaughter.
I told her to smile and this is what I got.



The Crosby's work on their house together.

My lovely sister Katelyn snuggles up with Topher. She's a real hit with the 0-4 crowd.

Cheryl and her boyfriend Chet.

My cousin Emily showng off her best look.

Thanksgiving pictures for Christmas, maybe I'll get my Christmas pictures up by Valentine's Day

So this is incredibly belated. But here is how I spent my Thanksgiving last month. It was actually an awesome weekend. I went with my family down to Moab Utah and my wonderful parents rented a jeep. So much fun!


We went with some family friends, the Moris'. These guys are old hands at this stuff. On one of trails, "Hell's Revenge", the 4 wheel drive went out on their Jeep Cherokee. You would think that meant game over right? Nope, not for these guys, that didn't slow them down one bit.

But really it was just awesome to be able to spend time with the family. This is me and my brother (who, incidentally, got married last month) posing in front of "Lion's Back", one of the obstacles they closed to vehicles after a lot of people died on it.

Mom enjoyed the ride from the passenger's seat where she could see the view, have the heater blowing right on her feet, and still read her book.

Have a lovely Holiday Season and in the mean time...

Greetings all! I hope everyone is enjoying the winter weather the whole nation seems to be getting. This last weekend we got a few inches of snow and I decided to make the most of it. My two adorable nephews were hanging out with us and so I took them sledding. All of the sudden, I have a whole new respect for my mom. I had no idea just how much effort it takes to get to little boys into full snow gear. Wow! No wonder Mom never went sledding with us. By the time we got there, she was already exhausted!

But as for me, I was the super cool Aunt! Not only did I go sledding, I packed the sleds up the hill everytime. And boy did my nephews make the most of that! What a joy it is to see them having such a grand time. It was awesome.

I hope everyone has a magical month filled with moments of fun in the snow, new memories with their family, and lots of love all around.

In the meantime, I wanted to share something else with you. Enjoy! :)






WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL???
Try it without looking at the answers......

please don't look down until you do it, you'll love it I promise

GET A CALCULATOR or YOU CAN DO IT IN YOUR HEAD

1) Pick your favorite number between 1-9
2) Multiply by 3 then
3) Add 3, then again Multiply by 3 (I'll wait while you get the calculator....)
4) You'll get a 2 or 3 digit number....
5) Add the digits together

Now Scroll down .............
























Now with that number see who your ROLE MODEL is from the list below:

1. Einstein
2. Barak Obama
3. Abraham Lincoln
4. Helen Keller
5. Bill Gates
6. Gandhi
7. George Clooney
8. Thomas Edison
9. Marie Mines
10. Abraham Lincoln

I know....I just have that effect on people....one day you too can be like me.... :-) Believe it!

I thought it was worth a giggle

Just a quick update, life is wonderful! I am loving my new job, my new car and motorcycle. I'll get pictures and post soon but for now I got something from a coworker I thought was worth sharing.

Note sent the next school day with 1st grader...

Sorry Teacher.

That's not a dance pole on stage in a strip joint! ...I work at Home Depot.

...that's me selling a shovel.

-Mrs. Smith

From 6 wheels to 6 wheels

As many of you have seen, the vehicle I have been getting around is my parents. It is a Chev truck that has a double-cab, extended bed, duel tires on the back (meaning the truck has 6 wheels on it), and a shell on the top. I am sure you could not drive a vehicle any longer, taller, or wider without a commercial driver's license. It gets about 8 gallons to the mile,, err, that is, 8 miles to the gallon. Its a terrible truck to be driving around as a commuter vehicle.
Not that I am not grateful for my parent's generosity. But it was high time to get different mode of transportation with better gas mileage.

So this week I decided it was high time to make that purchase and bought not just a car, but a motorcycle as well! I am really lucky I have a friend who is a big time motorcycle enthusiast and offered his assistance in helping me make my selection. What would I do without friends I can take advantage of? ;)

So here it is! Isn't it awesome! It is a 1982 Yamaha 650. I can't wait to really get out there and ride!

Something within us?

Recently I saw the movie "Hancock". I don't know how many of you have seen this but I would encourage it. In going to this movie, one can not go with the expectations of seeing a classic Will Smith comedy that will be chalk full of laughs. This movie has lots of tragedy and struggle. Now as I said, I liked it, and it caused to stop a think.

There have been tons of movies and TV shows coming out lately about "normal" people discovering some special ability that makes them exceptional. I think the reason of the success of these movies is because people relate to them. In the same way that every girl hopes deep down inside that she actually is a princess and will one day be whisked away by her fairy god-mother, every person -male or female- believes that there is more to him/her than can be seen or is known.

As I am of the belief that there is more to us than we recognize in this flawed and imperfect world I think it is interesting to see how the world acknowledges that there is something immortal about us, but isn't able to put it to a better understanding than the ability to stick to walls, be invisible, fly, move objects with our minds etc.

Oh if we only recognized our true capabilities, our true value, our true abilities.

My Dad the Hero

For better or worse, I am a daddy’s girl. Don’t get me wrong, my mom is the most incredible woman living on the planet, bar none. But my Dad and I have so much fun hanging out and talking.


This last weekend he totally helped me out by changing my brake pads. You can see from the pictures, (Yes, the second one from the left doesn’t actually have a pad any more.) that they were in desperate need of changing. So I made plans to hang out with some friends on Saturday and when I woke up (at 11) and told my dad I needed to have the brake pads changed by two that afternoon, he went to bat and got it done for me.

My dad is amazing.

Success!

Well, the bad news is I won't have any excess leisure time left. The good news is.... I GOT A JOB! I am going to be working for a company by the name of Liberty Mountain. They distribute outdoor sporting good equipment. I will be an "In-house-accounts Manager". What that means is for example you have a store like Cabellas, they want to stock their shelves with a certain item, so they will send in an order form which I will process and be in charge of making sure the product gets shipped out correctly etc etc etc.
I'm really excited about this. I really feel like this is a wonderful company and I am looking forward to being in this industry. I was talking to the manager there about my first day and what to expect and he was saying, "Well, we'll have you meet a few people, fill out some paper work. We might also have you actually work in the warehouse for a bit just so you can get a flavor of what is going on down on the floor." I responded, "So I guess that means I shouldn't come in a business suit and heels?" He paused for a second and then said, "No. You should never ever come dressed like that. On any day." It was so awesome. This is going to be my job. I'll keep everyone posted on how it goes but in the meantime, wish me luck! :)

The advantage to being unemployed

Ah yes, the sleeping in each morning, the books I have the time to read, the being available to do what ever I want to do when ever I want, the advantages to being unemployed. I decided to take a few days this week and go up to my parent’s cabin up in the mountains. I arrived Wednesday afternoon and left early Saturday morning. I think it is interesting how much easier it is to want to be active when I am completely alone than when I know eventually some one else will come along and put that dirty dish in the dishwasher for me. (Sorry mom. ;) But there is something to this.



There is something about being in the mountains in the autumn that makes everything seem sharper, clearer, better. The light is warmer, mellower, and it softens as it hits the yellowing leaves shaking in the breeze. On Thursday I decided to walk down to the little stream running at the foot of the property. Getting down there and just sitting by the water was so calming and relaxing. I found mint growing by the side and was able to make mint tea.



Not that everything was perfect. The first day I arrived I noticed that the homemade pinecone bird feeders my nephews had made were completely picked clean from all of the birdseed. I decided it would be nice to have some birds to look at while I was there so I set to work to make my own birdfeeders. Then came the first problem, I could not find a pinecone within a five mile radius. I searched and searched, went to visit ALL of the pine trees in the area and not one of them had a single pine cone resting on the ground or beneath its boughs. I settled and decided to just use a stick with a 90° angle on it. Then came problem number two, I couldn’t find any string. My resolve to make these birdfeeders was wavering at this point. I did find something I could make do with and finally got the birdfeeders constructed. Then came problem number this, there weren’t any birds. I kept checking every time I passed by the window to see if some lucky bird had found the cache. Then I started searching the sky and the tree tops to see if I could even find a bird. There wasn’t a single one. It was like they had already migrated south. I was so discouraged. Friday morning I woke up unusually early, (in one of the “S” hours!) and heard the sweetest sound, birds chirping. They had found the birdfeeders!




Friday afternoon I decided to go for a walk. I walked down the road quite a ways and then made my way down to the stream. My plan was to follow the stream up to the cabin. I made it about ten feet before I looked up and not twenty feet away from me, I saw this beauty!

They looked calm enough, but I decided they might not take kindly to someone walking through the stream they were drinking from. So I quickly and quietly made my retreat. But I can say this was definitely my closest encounter with a moose.

Ah yes, it is the simple pleasures of life.

Job Hunting

Hello all my peeps,
Things are finally settled in and I am home. I've been trying to secure gainful employment recently and came up with this idea for the cover letter of my resume. Hope you enjoy!

Top 10 reasons I would be a better employee than Superman

10. I don't even own a cape.

9. Sure he's saved the world, b ut did he do it while working AND
going to school at the same time?


8. I'll never have to speed off with no explanation.


7. I have no limit when it comes to discovering new abilities.


6. All I need for power is a little caffeine.


5. No worries about that x-ray vision being an H.R. concern.


4. I don't attract super villains.


3. No double identity issues to bring to work.


2. Superman debuted in the 1930s,
I'm no where near retirement.


1. My only weakness is chocolate.

Ownership is 9/10s of the lot

So I am trying to get back into the swing of things now that I am home and officially no longer on vacation. Its been a slow process, but I'm trying to worm my way into it. I have been looking for places of employment (I'm trying to avoid just looking for a "job", and employment just sounds better ;), and last night I tried to buy a car. Thats right, tried. I was out walking around the neighborhood last evening when I came across this car that I had noticed before by the side of the road. "Runs great! Cool AC! 4 Sale $750" it said in the windows. So I started looking at it. The wife of the owner came out and we started talking and I offered her $500 for it. She went back and talked to her husband and came back saying, "Well, my husband wants $750, but I told him I was going to give it to you for $500 because I think you are sweet. But you probably want to take it for a test drive before wouldn't you think." I agreed. So I took it up and around the Lark loop above my home. And I knew at this point it was a $500 car, it started shaking when pushed past 60 mph, and pulled to the right, and was putting around curves, but I thought, "If it just last me six months, that is fine." So on my way back I stopped at my house to get the money and my two sisters joined me to see my new car.
We went back to the house and gave the lady the money. Her husband came out at the that point and told me he didn't have the title there, it was at his mom's and would it be okay if I just swung by the next day to pick it up? I said that was fine. We left, filled the gas tank, and we were off in my new car. It was great. For about 4.5 miles up the road, and then, Kaboom! My sisters were laughing so hard, I could barely get them to help me push! Finally, we put my little sister in front of the wheel, (note, she doesn't have her license yet) and my and my other sister were behind pushing. The plan was to get the car rolling, and I figured we were on enough of a slope, we could coast back. So Cheryl and I gave a great big push... nothing.... finally I yelled up to my other sister, "Take your foot off the brake so we can get this thing moving!" We got the car turned around and rolling down into town and then tried to open the door to through ourselves in. The doors were locked. So Cheryl and I stood and watched the car go for about a half a mile before my sister finally braked and waited for us to catch up.
Okay, we had a better plan this time. This time we were going to keep the doors already open. So once again, we gave a great big push, and off she went. We were huffin' and puffin' after it. I made it up to the door and just threw myself sideways into the car yellin' at Cheryl, "Common' you can make it!" She was still laughing so hard, she could hardly keep up.
At this point Katelyn is freaking out. "We're going to fast!" (I had to admit, I was pretty impressed with how much speed we gained. We were doing 30,40 mph.) But I wouldn't let her brake in fear of having to get out and push again. Finally, we made it back down to the owner's house.
I went up to the door and knocked, the lady came to the door, "Umm, I know technically the transaction is over but is there any way we can undo this? This car just went kaput!" Fortunately they were really nice and gave me the money back. But you wouldn't believe the grief I am still getting from my family. "So Marie! You want a new car?! I got one for $500! It'll last a whole 20 minutes!" Gotta love having your own car again.

The tapestry of life

Well Folks, the weary traveler has reached an end of her journey, for a little while anyways. I am sorry I haven't posted anything recently. I was talking to a friend last night who chastised me for this. I told her that even though I am back in the States I haven't really considered myself "home" yet. As long as Sorina and Marian were here I still had a part of Romania very present and so I didn't have to face reality. And for some reason, writing would have intruded on that somehow.

But I suppose I can't hide any longer. Sorina and Marian left last Thursday and I am now officially home. We have a wonderful whirlwind trip. It seems like I have had more story worthy adventures in the past three weeks than I have the whole past year. Highlights include everything from a limousine ride, a hot air balloon ride, a more eating at different restaurants with various cuisines than I've thought was possible, hanging out at my parents cabin, seeing the Grand Canyon, going on the "Screamin' California" roller coaster four times in a row at Disneyland, body surfing, getting the sunburn of my life, seen "Wicked" on Broadway, seen "Les Miserables" at Tuacan in Saint George Utah, gambled in Las Vegas, (I entered a quarter in a slot machine, it counts) and last but certainly not least, shopped 'til I dropped.

With all of that, its hard to imagine that there would be room for anything. But another aspect of this whole adventure has been witnessing people around me and what they took from each of these adventures. My little sister Katelyn went with us around the States. It was amazing to see how she has grown and matured. I had no idea how much she had changed while I was gone. She was so patient and kind through everything. My mom was having as much fun as I did showing Sorina and Marian new things they had never experienced before. She would wake up as early as two hours before the rest of us, even though we had all been up late the night before, looking online and calling around to find out neat places to take us and get all the facts so we could make a well informed decision. You'd think I would know this already, but come to find out my mom can live on three hours of sleep. Of course it was great to watch Sorina and Marian on this trip. I hope they had a good time, but more than that, I hope it somehow adds to their life once they get back home. Perspective is a tricky thing, its usually gained with some distance. Poor Marian. Two weeks in a car with four females. The guy deserves a medal for surviving it.

When we took them to the airport two days ago, it was really hard to say goodbye. Not only because it meant I had to say goodbye to some dear dear friends for a really long time, but also because it meant the vacation was over.

So now what you ask? Well, I don't know. I don't have a job yet, I don't have a car. I am by all accounts a bum and a mooch. (Thank heavens for generous parents.) I'm trying to slowing work my way back into the stride of things. I'd love to see everyone. I've spent the last two days going through things I had put in storage and throwing most of it away. That was actually pretty nice. I feel like its helped me connect a little bit.

And that my dear friends is where its at. I want everyone to know that I really appreciate the support and love everyone has shown me through everything I have been through. I don't want to get to mushy here, but there have been many times in my life now where I just know I could not have made it were it not for the friends I've made. So here is a big fat universal thank you with all my love. For now, feel free to call, stop by, I'd love to see you.
-M

Closing time

On the eve before my departure from Europe I am strangely detached. It feels like I am finally reaching a definite end to something and about to start something else new. Even though I will still be traveling for the next three to four weeks, it will be in my native country, the country of my birth, the country of my native tongue, the country with which I am most familiar; and that in and of itself feels strange.My family went on a week long cruise through the Mediterranean sea which was amazing. It was the first cruise for my sisters and myself and the second for my parents. I had already been to several of the cities that we stopped in, however I really enjoyed going back for a second visit. And I don't know if I am just out of the loop, but the actual cruise ship was unbelievable. The ship itself had a full sized movie theater, an ice-skating rink, multiple pools and hot tubs, a solarium, huge dining rooms with sweeping views with ceiling to floor windows; and then on top of that, you could ice cream ANY time you wanted! It was incredible! ;) I really do recommend cruising for anyone who hasn't done it yet. And yet, for all that, I think the most memorable part of the cruise was meeting people and making friends. I met several people who I hope to be in contact with for a long time. It just proves the point, "It isn't where you are at the matters, it is who you are with that counts."
Moving on, we finished the cruise in Rome Italy, where we are now. We leave tomorrow morning for New York on a afternoon flight and arrive into New York in the early evening. (Go figure that one out.) I am extremely excited to be meeting up with my dear friends Sorina and Marian who are from Romania. I will be bringing them back to Utah with me and then we will be traveling around quite a bit; Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Disneyland; as many of the big tourist points in that area as we can hit.
I am looking forward to going back to the States, but I have to confess, I'm terrified to go home. I think once I get to Utah I will actually have to face reality and stop living in this fantasy world where I travel around from city to city and have no responsibilities or obligations. I'll have to face those big issues like getting a job, making new friends (Because all my friend up and got married while I was gone if they weren't already married before. Ya big fat lot of traitors! Up and abandon me like that! ;) finding a permanent place to live and the like. The job thing is a big one because I really don't want to get just "a job." I'm ready for something I could really sink my teeth into and be passionate about, the problem is I have no idea what that is. (Consider this notice for carte blanch for suggestions. I am wide open.) At this point though, I still have the attitude that everything is going to work itself out.
For now, I'm looking forward to New York, and showing the splendors of home to Sorina and Marian and seeing people I haven't seen in two years. Don't be afraid to drop a line and pester me about getting together. I can't wait to see everyone again.
On that note, I am signing off. Here's hugs and kisses to the whole universe!
Marie

Taking it easy, finally, in Florence

Well I know how cliche this is, but I haven't blogged nearly as much about this trip as I wanted to. The first probelm has been internet access. It hasn't been availiable in wi-fi at every location like I thought it would. The second problem is simply time. Boy has this been a whirl-wind vacation. In talking with my family, I decided that trying to see over fifteen cities in more than six countries within a single month is not a good idea. I think if we had to do it over again, we would probably see fewer cities and stay more than a day and half in each of them. Oh well, you live and you learn. Right now we are staying in Florence for a whole three nights! It seems like we have been here forever, but it is a nice change of pace.
In the mean time, we have been having fun and seen a lot of amazing things. Mom is an old pro at the train station now. And Dad has learned that his "excellent sense of direction" might be more based on having the gargantuam Rocky Mountains close by than the compass in his nose. :) Really we've all learned just a little bit about ourselves through all this.
We leave tomorrow on a cruise ship from Rome for a week. We are all looking forward to that. And then after that, we head back to New York. Holy Cow! I'm going to be back in the States for the first time in over two years!
Look out! Here I come! :)

Through Vienna and Prague

Greetings all,

well the trip is proceeding nicely. I nearly got my sister and I thrown into jail and mom and dad have now spent countless nights not sleeping in the same bed. Oh the joys of traveling. ;)
Seriously, things are going well and I feel very lucky to be able to take this kind of vacation with my family.
Due to the fact that I have run out of space on my account, we posted all the vacation pictures on my sisters account. So anyone that wants to look at all the pictures can find them here.
Our Family Vacation Picture Album
Thanx for your comments and your emails. I'm sorry I haven't been able to respond. My internet time is severely limited. I promise to do better as soon as I have a steady connection.
Until then, hugs and kisses for all,
Marie

The Saga from Budapest

Unfortunately, same thing. I simply do not have the time to fill in the blanks. Hopefully the pictures will mean something.

The Saga from Romania

Why hello all!!!

First and foremost let me tell you, trying to find an internet connection has not been easy! For a while my laptop was giving me issues so there you have it.

To say our family trip has been interesting so far would be an understatement. But I won´t go into the details. For now I will just post some pictures and let them say the thousands of words I do not have time to write.