Hard work brings simple pleasures

I think I just came up with my book title -

We have worked really hard this weekend. I was in a bit of a grumpy mood on Friday, so after I worked all day and got my haircut, I came home to clean the house. Dishes, laundry, and a major "general pick-up." I remember early in our marriage, if Trav came home and I was deep cleaning, he knew I was upset about something (hint hint).

I began Saturday morning by taking a walk. Simple pleasure - fresh air, enjoyed the solitude and felt the cool breeze on my skin.

I asked my Dad if he'd come over and help with a few outstanding household issues. One, our toilets have been running for probably 2 years! Yes, I am embarrassed about that fact. Well, he taught me how to replace the toilet flappers. Really, quite easy. He also had to make an adjustment on one of the toilets. Simple pleasure - no more sound of running water!

We had tossed the sink stopper about a year ago and had attempted to find a "universal" replacement. Don't let the word "universal" fool you! We bought about three that did not work. Dad replaced the whole sink stopper unit. Simple pleasure - I don't worry about dropping my ring or tweezers down the drain.

Our flag holder bracket thing had rusted out so it wouldn't hold the flag. I bought a new holder and replaced it MYSELF!!! Simple pleasure - I love watching the American flag flap in the wind.

I washed sheets. Simple pleasure - I LOVE clean sheets (especially when I have freshly shaved legs).

My Camry has cost a lot of money this month. It needed the timing belt kit replaced. I also had three of the four tires replaced and I had to get the emissions and inspection done yesterday so I could get it registered before the end of the month. Although we spent a pretty penny it does lead to a simple pleasure - I feel safe driving my car!

I would be remiss if I didn't mention all the cleaning Trav did to create the simple pleasures of a clean home. He cleaned both bathrooms, swept and mopped the floors and helped with the laundry and grocery shopping.

We did some sorting 'cause I want to have a yard sale next week. I love tossing unneeded stuff. That is the simplest of pleasures - decluttering our house! It goes back to regaining some control (i.e. when I am sad, upset, confused, frustrated - I clean or organize).

We grocery shopped which leads to that simple pleasure - having food in the house!

I made chocolate butterscotch crispy thingies which is a delectible simple pleasure!

I almost forgot! I have been reading "The Memory Keeper's Daughter" by Kim Edwards. I finally found a book I am enjoying. Clean house, kick my shoes off, flop on the couch and get swept off in to an alternate reality - the most decadent of simple pleasures!

So, the moral of this story is that although work is hard and my back is sore, I now get to enjoy these few simple pleasures today!!

Rock on!!

This was our group at the Def Leppard/Journey concert at the USANA Ampitheter on Wednesday night. Travis works with Mark (black t-shirt) and Joel (Hawaiian shirt). We had a blast! A bunch of middle-aged Utah County Mormons!!!

Journey was first and they played for about 1 1/2 hours. Steve Perry is no longer the lead singer so we were expecting the back-up. But, the back-up wasn't there so we got the back-up to the back-up. They were still pretty good.

Def Leppard was next and they rocked!! They sound just the same as the '80's. They started with "Let's get Rocked" and enchored with "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and "Love Bites."

The place was packed so we had to wait about an hour before we could leave the parking lot. We got home about 1 AM. Travis, Mark and Joel had to get up at 4AM because they had a presentation in SLC. Needless to say, we are just barely feeling normal again. My voice was hoarse the next day and I had a sore throat from yelling, but what fun!!

Word Verification

Sorry friends...I had to add word verification to this blog. After posting last night, I rec'd a terribly unpleasant email. I got comment spammed! So, I am hoping this will help.

Catching up!

My sister, Robyn, emailed me today and said that her heart had grown fond enough and she wanted me to update my blog. So, here it goes!

My good friend from college paid me a visit this past weekend. April and I were in the Relief Society Presidency during our Freshman year at BYU. The association goes further back, though. My mother and her father knew each other from way back when. It was a fluke that April and I were in the same ward. We became fast friends and have kept in touch ever since. I was honored to be a bridesmaid for her wedding back in 1991.

I was in charge of our Department Summer Party. It was a lot of work and I was exhausted after the event but I think it was worth it. We had a great turnout. We had BBQ, water balloons and prizes so all were happy.

We have hit the gym two days in a row. Yes, we are getting back to a routine. My triceps are killing me after tonight's workout. That is good, right???

I am getting in the swing of my new RS calling. I have absolutely the best counselors and secretary. I feel blessed to be working with such great ladies. I taught the lesson on the 6th. I think it went well. I keep hearing people talk about certain things from the lesson so I think that is a good thing.

I helped my folks move my grandmother out of her home and more permanently with them at their home. It was hard work but it felt very cleansing. I love throwing things away!!

Trav and I (along with a few friends from work) are going to the Def Leppard and Journey concert tomorrow night. Back to the 80's!!!

I guess the rest of my life is Blah, Blah, Blah. So, I will attempt to do better keeping up with this blog.

***I have tried to upload some pics but to no avail. What is up with that!!!***