Laurels sleep over

Last Saturday I had my laurel class over for a sleep over. I'll let the pictures do the talking :) The first set of pictures are of Dayna, Danielle and Funa making cupcakes. The rest are of the girls just being girls.

WOW can you believe it, its all most Christmas. Each year it changes. Whats important to get done, How we do things and the rushing around of it all. This year I have to admit it has been very low key. With me working in San Jose and gone all week only to return home for the weekends I didn't have that HUGE push to get out and shop and shop and shop. Actually that and well thinking about the Economy and the future and preparing ourselves for what may come.

I lost a huge chunk of money on my 401 K and that's really depressing. Gosh can you imagine saving and saving and maxing out the deductions for years and now its all but gone. I try not to think about it but ya just can't. Ok so its not as bad as it seems we were at least smart enough to spread our assets around but honestly the Real Estate market is tanked lucky for us though we bought property in areas that will hold the value. Hmm well we have our health. I'm going to really have to work hard in 2009 to put more money away for those rainy days. I am also going to work very hard to make sure we are all caught up on our food storage. Yesterday we were at Costco and the same bag of rice we always buy for $13 was $24 for a 50 lb bag. Do you remember earlier this year there was a run on rice and they limited the purchase of rice to 2 bags per person on any given day. Can you imagine a Samoan home with no rice. I think Robert would just about go crazy. Oh well anyways back to Christmas. The girls sent me their Christmas list and I had to remind them after the 10th item listed that we are in a Recession. Funny girls aren't they. OH well I'm really excited to have them home.

No Rest for the weary

Sunday morning 6:60 AM. I've been up since 5 doing laundry, cleaning up the kitchen and organizing. Having only 2 days home a week really SUCKS!!! I'm not going to lie I am so over this whole traveling every week. If I didn't really like my job I swear I would find a new one. But I do like it and it pays well so i'm stuck traveling every week for now. I use to love to travel and now its more like a chore. The thought of going somewhere makes me sleepy just thinking about it. Grrrr!

Thanksgiving weekend

Its almost over. It started out so promising. On Thanksgiving day I day dreamed of all the shopping I was going to get done. I thought of all those that I needed to purchase for and mentally plotted out my shopping hit list. NM and Bloomingdales and of course Macys. Over the past oh I don't know 5 or more years I have totally become a department store shopper. Long gone are those days that I would start at one end of the mall and continue down the row of shops. Now it is all about one store get in and out. Well thats not totally true but I really have become more and more dependant on the department stores.

Long story short. I made it to Pier one imports, Bloomingdales and a quick scan thru Macys and then went home. Managed to pick up a few things. Knocked out the girls at the office picked up some really cool things for all of them. Picked up a couple of things for the girls at Anthropology and a new pair of Coach sunglasses for myself oh and did I mention I bought 4 new pair of shoes for myself. Oops :) Actually I couldn't pass of up the online sales. $34 for a pair of Steve Madden Shoes that were over $98 last week. YAY for me.

Anyways the Christmas tree is up Miracle believe me last year I fought with Robert until 5 days before Christmas about the tree. This year its up and its not even December. Which Robert wasn't happy about. He thinks its unAmerican to put the tree up before December. I argued that I will not be here until next weekend and he caved in. LOL

I think Danielle is coming home next weekend. That should be fun. Expensive but fun. These days every time one of the girls comes home it cost me just about a $1000 with all the shopping they try and squeeze in. Oh well. Gotta run its nearly time to go to church.

Thanksgiving 2008

For the first time in my entire life I will not be spending Thanksgiving with a single family member. Neither Roberts family or mine will be here. The girls have opted to stay home in Utah. They did the same last year and I flew there to spend it with them. Just the three of us eating Turkey and all at Dayna's house.

This year Robert has invited friends from church all together we will have about 30 people. I'm making Turkey, stuffing, potato salad, fruit salad and pies. The rest is coming in from everyone else. Should be lots of good food. Our friend Phyllis can really cook and Robert loves Funa's food so we should be set. I've been telling everyone that the average person consumes 4500 calories during Thanksgiving and I plan on eating my 45oo for sure!

More to come on Thanksgiving later. I've get to get to baking right now..... that and a bit of online shopping. LOL

WOW really has it really been since August

Ok, I have no excuse other then I've been busy. As you know I'm still traveling each and every Monday to San Jose and working from our San Jose office. I'm tired and really looking forward to the holiday season when things slow dow.

Nothing really new and exciting to chat about. The girls are doing well. Robert and I are doing well still trying to fit in another vacation. Not sure we will be able to. Making the time is the issue at this point. OH well.

Washington DC

I'm in DC this week. Here for the National Association of Realtors annual mid year conference. Its nice to be here this year with no pressure of meeting a sales quota or working a booth. I'm here strickly for networking purposes. Maybe this time I'll get out and around and see more. I've eaten at some of the best resturants. Georgetown is always fun. I'll keep you posted.

Mothers Day

What a lovely day. I woke up this morning while having a bad dream (the guy who does my nails) was suddenly following me around in China as I was shopping and stole my purse. I wasn't too mad about it because 1. I know where he works and 2. I only had $100 cash in my purse. I think in the dream I was really mad that I didn't know better to not have all my credit cards in my purse on vacation. But anyways I was awaken from this strange dream with the smell of bacon and Robert gently saying "honey Happy Mothers Day" Ahhh and what a great breakfast. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, toast and a glass of orange juice and milk to wash my pancakes down.

After eating my lovely breakfast we got ready for church. I wore my beautiful lei today. After church we went to visit my mothers graveside. To my disappointment her head stone was still not placed. I will have to call in the morning to find out why. I laid our flowers and my lei down at my grandmothers headstone. Someone else had been there as there was a white lei on Grandpa's and flowers on my grandmothers so we added our white roses and pekaki lei.

Robert is making dinner with all of my favorite things I can't wait. YUM!

Derek and his dad

God sent an angel to the earth...The sweetest angel too and for such a tiny little thing,he had so much to do. He knew he did not have much time upon this earth to stay, so he did not waste a second; he got started right away.

His eyes were bright and sparkly,he took in every turn. He did not miss a single thing, because Derek came to learn! God sent him here to touch the hearts of those he could not reach...He taught them courage, strength and faith,because Derek came to teach.
His tiny little body was so full of God above, you felt it when you held him,because Derek came to love.

In two short years he managed what many never will. When he went home to Jesus, his purpose was fulfilled. He learned and taught, loved and played, he learned his lessons well. I know he was so proud of him when he went home to dwell.

But when I miss him oh so much, I can almost hear him say,please understand, his work was done...Derek did not come to stay.

My Brothers son, My nephew Derek

Neighbor Fatally Strikes Toddler With Car
POSTED: 6:26 am PDT April 30, 2008
UPDATED: 6:47 am PDT April 30, 2008

CARLSBAD, Calif. -- A toddler who ran out into the street was fatally struck in Carlsbad by a car driven by a neighbor, authorities said Wednesday.
Derek Siaosi, 2, was struck on Lemon Leaf Drive at Phoebe Place at about 2:40 p.m. Tuesday, said Carlsbad police Sgt. Chris Boyd.
The boy was flown to Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, where he was pronounced dead.

Neither the mother nor the neighbor saw the toddler run out into the street, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
The driver has not been cited because police believe the death was an accident, but an investigation is under way, Boyd said

At the Beach

We had a day at the beach. Robert, Ann, Harry, Richard, Dayna and myself all went to the Beach. Richard had his first surfing lesson and was up on the board within his first attempt or so.

Richard and Dayna

And so it begins....

The descend of the Purcell family. Do you remember me saying that typically from this month on we will have people popping in and out of our home. Well this month is here. Robert's cousin Sonny is getting married this next Saturday and everyone is coming in from around the world. Robert's Aunt Lucy from Samoa is here with us and her Daughter Ann just arrived from England. Roberts Aunt Ava from Hawaii and her husband will be here Sunday. Thursday Harry and Richard will be here and on Friday Dicky and Melissa are coming in from Utah.

I flew home today and Robert has informed me that there will be a Sunday dinner here. If I start today (Saturday) I should have everything prepared. LOL I'm tired just thinking about it. Oh well. Unfortunately in the midst of all this I will be in Dallas on Tuesday and Wed. thru Friday I will be working from my San Jose office. What does this mean? It means I'll have to leave the house in order with meals planned and such so that Ann can take care of things while I'm gone. Thank goodness for Ann being here she'll see to order :)

Vacation Planned

Ahhh the sound of the ocean, sweet smell of the flowers thru the air.... I can't wait. I've planned our vaction. Air tickets are purchased, hotel reservations made and rental car reserved. We're off to Hawaii for a week. We don't leave till June but I've already put a picture of the hotel we're staying at on our desk top as a daily reminder. I can't wait. I gave up my Christmas trip at my Boss's request and now nothing will stop me. We're out of here. The girls are taking their friends. Robert's not happy at first we had reserved 2 rooms one for us and one for the girls but now since the girls are taking friends we decided that we would just get 3 rooms, one for girls, one for the boys and one for us. I don't know how thats going to work out but we'll see.

We're staying at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa * Ko Olina, Oahu and all that it implys ahhhhh :) check it out http://www.ihilani.com/

Spotlight Night coming up

Ok so here are the invitations I created for Spotlight Night. Not very fancy but they are cute don't ya think? I originally had picture invites but the pictures were not as clear as I needed them to be and when I had the girls address the envelopes well lets just say I forget that some of these little girls are under 10 and don't really get the whole "address thing" so I had to improvise and made these.

Wow feeling better today

I am feeling much better today. The doctor upped my dosage of insulin yesterday (actually doubled it) so today is a good day. Getting lots done. Robert is home (sleeping still) then he's off to work. I've conducted 4 phone interviews today for the Atlanta market and will take a red eye out Wednesday night be there by 9AM and start interviewing by 11:00 AM. Hopefully I can do this all in one day and be on a flight to Dallas. I'm really behind and need to get this out of the way. Being so sick for the past 2 weeks has really put a dent in my schedule.

Again a long list of things I am hoping to accomplish today. I may have to call my sister and see what she's up too. She is off from work this week, how nice to have spring break. I look forward to one day not having to work so hard. Sometimes I wonder if it really would be worth selling the house here in CA and moving to Utah. I know Robert would do it in a heart beat but I just can't seem to see myself living in Utah for no reason other than its cheaper??? Oh well the only thing appealing about it is that I wouldn't have to work and believe me that would be nice. :)

Oh well until I win the lottery I better get back to work. I wonder what the lottery is up too? Robert and I like to play the game of "if we win we will......" We can kill hours playing that game. Simple pleasures for simple people LOL.

When I wish upon a star.....

I wish I wish I wish.....

I've just returned from the doctors. Last week I had finally had enough of not feeling well and went to the doctors. I had a battery of blood and urine test done and the out come is that I'm on insulin. Very small doses. My glucose level checked in way over the number it should be at and I'm already taking Metformin. Not fun. I'm now testing myself self 3x daily along with taking insulin at each check point. I've just returned home from the doctors after one week of being on insulin and I was able to lower the number by 200. I am extremely tired the doctor is a bit confused with that only to say that my body adjusted so well to being diabetic that all other levels checked in fine because body adjusted to the high glucose count that maybe now that it is trying to regulate to a more normal number but body is once again adjusting which may be causing all the other side effects i am having. We are going to monitor it for this week and if nothing then they will check me into the hospital. Kind of a relief because I was totally prepared to be admitted this week. I have about 2 or 3 good hours a day where I feel good aside from that I'm exhausted and just want to lay down not to mention my stomach feels like its constantly turning. I'm going to ask Robert to give me a blessing tonight. I need to focus on work and other things and can't really afford to be down like this too many other things going on. So if I had a wish it would nothing elaborate just to be able to focus and not be tired on a daily basis. Not much :)

Saturday

Once again its Saturday. Robert is working a double today. Sometimes that's a good thing and sometimes its a bad thing. Good when I have lots to do and want to be left alone to get things done and bad when I have nothing to do and am bored all day.

Today its a good thing. I have lots to do today. I will be gone for most of next week (for work) and so I have lots of things to do today. Drop off dry cleaning finish up invitations for Spotlight night and work on a couple of other Wed. night projects for the girls.

I wish my girls were home I could really use their help. Danielle is always so very helpful I can usually depend on her. I'm trying to get the house ready for all the guest we're about to have. All of Roberts family from England, Samoa, New Zealand and Hawaii will be coming in for Sonny's wedding on the 26th. We've already had most of the family call and asking to stay with us. Robert has said that all the Aunties have first priority after that its the living room floor or a hotel. I'll have to find the prices of the local hotels just in case.

I am trying to grocery shop ahead of time, also need to make sure the propane tank is full since I know we'll have a family BBQ one night as they typically do here. Anyways in between all this I am trying to hire new sales reps in Orlando, Dallas and Atlanta. Calgon take me away!!!!!

Easter Sunday

Robert, Jen, Dave (much to my surprise) Dayna and Jonny were all there in support. I have to admit I labored day after day as to what I really wanted to say. Although I knew I wanted to have the song "I know that my redeemer lives" as part of my talk but some how the balance was something I struggled with.

Easter Sunday was a very calm day for me. I woke up early read my talk a few times had breakfast then relaxed. Then Robert and I left went to our meetings with Dayna still sleeping. Just before sacrament started I walked out to the otherside and saw Dayna and Jen with there. As I sat on the stand it was nice to family smiling at me.

I have to admit 1/2 through my talk I looked around the congregation and nearly 1/2 of the congregation was in tears. At first it startled me. And then I realized they were listening to the words of the Hymn. After my talk the Bishop came to me and said "That was a very moving talk" I don't think when I was preparing it I realized the impact and power it would have although I hoped that those listening would share in my heart felt words.

It was a good day and I'm thankful for my husband Robert and my daughters Danielle and Dayna and of course my best girlfriend, my sister. Thank you everyone for your support.

Love you!

Disneyland with the Purcells

Williams and Robert on the Disney train

Dicky and William waiting in line for the submarine ride

Tiger during the Disney parade
Disnay Parade
Tinkerbell at the Front of Disneyland

Invites for the Achievement Days

My talk for Easter Sunday

I know that my Redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead.
He lives, my ever-living Head.
He lives to bless me with his love.
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed.
He lives to bless in time of need.

He lives to grant me rich supply.
He lives to guide me with his eye.
He lives to comfort me when faint.
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears.
He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart.
He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise heav’nly Friend.
He lives and loves me to the end.
He lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing.
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
He lives and grants me daily breath.
He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare.
He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”
He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”

I know my redeemer lives

On the road again.

I'm in Dallas today. It's hot! I'm tired, uncomfortable and just don't feel weel. Remember the guy I hired for GA. Well after one week in training and one day with another sales person on the phone he gave his notice. I called him this morning and he told me that his old job gave him back his job. I doubt it but crap here we go again. So back I go to GA and interviewing. This is the worst part of my job. I can't stand doing this.

I'm speaking in the morning at the Boston Association of Realtors. You would think I would be excited about it but I'm not. I don't know that I can stand for an hour and 1/2 and talk. Oh what the heck I'm sure things will go fine. I'm just tired.

Home at last

Oh to be home again. What a great feeling. I'm so happy to be home. I've been gone since Sunday night and just returned home late last night. I tried sleeping in but there is so much to do. I'm only home for a couple of days then on to Dallas and Boston this week. Things are moving quickly at work. I'm happy. I like to be busy. I'm also some what concerned. With switching companies I also changed medical insurance. I'm covered I just haven't received my cards yet and I really need to get in to see my doctor. Nothing major just a check on my blood work and such. I also need to get an eye appointment. Oh and what the heck I am due for a cleaning for my teeth. Oh its always something. Its Saturday. I think I'll start with getting my hair done. Oh man and I need a manicure too. I'm speaking this next week so that means I need everything done. Better get going, more later.

Rianne and Joes wedding

I don't think I ever posted these pictures -Blakes Graduation.

Signature thing

blahblahblah - I'm trying to figure out how to use the signature thing and it dosn't seem to be working for me. While I am writing this it looks normal of course I have no idea what the code means that I'm putting in but it seems to work however the color is off I wonder if its because of the black background? I'll have to play with it more. Kinda cool though check it out - http://www.mylivesignature.com/

Sunday....

The 2008 Primary Theme

I was set apart today for my calling at church. I'm officially in Primary. My calling includes, the inservice leader which I believe as explained is that I am to each quarter have a meeting with all of the primary teachers and leaders. At this meeting I am to give words of encouragement and kind of like train the trainers type thing. The second part of my calling is that I am the Achievment Leader that works with the girls ages 8 to 11 and every other Wednesday I meet with them. My first task there is to catch those girls up who are behind for whatever reason. I am also planning a "Spot light Night" for the girls at the end of April for those girls that will be leaving and going on to Mutual. The last part of my calling is to sub in for any teachers that are going to be out. Well there you have it. Or I guess you can say I have it. I went on line today to see what the various LDS sites offer by way of tips and such. Lots of things - most of all organization. I'm going to try and plan out a year of activities and such so that I can just follow along for the year rather than come up with things at the last minute. I'll try and work on that this week and see if I can't submit something to the presidency next week for approval.

After Sacrament today the Bishop asked me if I would speak at the Bishops Fireside tonight. Our ward ends at 2:30 PM we ran alittle over and by the time I was set apart after sacrament meeting it was well after 3PM. So you see I have oh about 2 hours to prepare something. I started to create a power point but then realized I didn't have a projector and so things just went from there. My topic as assigned was about my carreer and then bring it into social net working which for kids it means myspace, facebook and peebo. It was alittle surprising to me that these kids actually thought that they were protected by "privacy" ha were they in for an eye opener. I think it went well but speaking to kids and adults is very different. Keeping their attention for one hour is always very difficult. For the most part they were engaging and we had laughter and thats always a good sign. Oh and did I mention I brough candy bars and so yes that was a hit :)

I've also decided that I might move up the famly reunion. To wait that long just seems odd to me. What the heck.

Valentines Day

Robert did well this year. I received gifts, went to Disneyland and had a great dinner there. It was a little crowded but we realized a lot of kids were off from scholl for Ski week or Presidents holiday and just about every annual pass holder had the same great idea we had "hey lets go to Disneyland". We actually didn't get there until about 6:30PM but it was fine. We jumped on the train and went to the Haunted Mansion. Then had dinner. Robert had never seen the Tiki Room show so we stopped in and watched that. Can't wait till we go back again. :)

Out of town again.....

I'm sitting at the airport in San Jose waiting for my plane to come in. Going home. Hmmm Home. I always look forward to going home. Seeing my husband, sitting on my couch, sleeping in my bed and just being in my own house. I spend at least 2 nights a week in a hotel room and well ok I'll admit I do like the fact that I get a king size bed all to myself. I do like that I can lay in bed watching TV all night. And when and if I feel like eating there is always room service. Ok yeah whats not to like? After nearly 10 of this schedule it does get old.

I'm not big on the night life and hanging out at the hotel bars so you wont ever find me there. I'm not real social so I'm pretty much in my room the entire time I travel. I don't like going out to dinner and sitting in a resturant all night with people I don't really like so I guess I'm pretty nerdy that way. OH well. Tomarrow is Valentines Day. Robert went all out this year and purchased my gifts notice the "S" and had them delivered. They are all home waiting for me. He's so funny that the day he purchased them he couldn't wait to tell me all about it. I actually got to go online with him and see all the things he purchased including the flowers he was having delivered. He's worse than me when it comes that kind of stuff.

We're going to Disneyland for dinner I'm pretty excited about that. He bought us annual passes and so we're off to the Happyiest place on earth. Happy Single Awareness Day as the girls would say.

The weekend, Danielle is home

I've been sick all weekend with a severe ear ache. I made it to the doctors and he prescribed one of those Z-Packs and ear drops. My ear feels like it is going to explode. The doctor took one look in my ear and said yep there’s an infection. Apparently my ear canal has become so swollen it’s just about closed up. The doctor said it wasn't that bad but nearly. With what he prescribed I should start feeling better by Tuesday.

Danielle came home this weekend. I was still in DC when she arrived. When Robert picked me up at the airport the first thing he said was well whose Danielle’s new boyfriend? Are they serious? Then he went on to tell me that he liked the kid and blah blah blah. This was kind of a switch since lately he hasn't like a single boy the girls bring home. I guess he and Danielle went to the Sushi restaurant down the street from our house then drove to pick up Robert from work since Danielle's driving the Ford while she is here.I really am so glad Danielle came home. It’s always nice to spend time with her even if it is just in passing. I miss her. Since I spent all day Saturday down at the hospital with Uncle Gilbert Danielle was home to do as she pleased. She went to the beach since it was 80 degrees this weekend can you believe it. I bet it felt great for her to feel the sunshine on her face. She always does look nice with a little sun on her face. Oh well I meant to get a picture of her before she left. She cut her hair short. Right up to her shoulders. I have to admit it does look really great. Very coiffed.

Family

My phone rang early this morning, it was Jen. We were making arrangements to go to Moms storage and clean it out. Something we've been avoiding for months. Danielle went for us the last time and was able to clear thru most of the things however I've been after Jennifer that we should really go and empty it out completly. Shortly after talking with Jen my phone rang again. I looked at caller ID and it was Phyllis. It was early which was odd because usually she and I talk with each other late in the day and even late at night but never do we talk in the morning. I knew something had to be wrong.

She was very calm and asked how things were then said "my dad is in the hospital" he's fine however he was taken in last night and has been transfered to Balboa Navel Hospital in San Diego. Without hesitation I knew Jen and I would be going there rather than to moms storage.

Jen arrived at my house I gave her the news and we decided we would go down to San Diego. I have had an ear ache all week so we would first stop at the doctors for me then make our way to San Diego. We made it to the hospital to see Jr and Tammy there. Gloria and Jackie were also there.

Sorry the photo is a little dark, I had a nurse take it and well anyways here we all are. Uncle Gilbert is doing fine. They are doing more test however he was admitted due to heart failure. I have to say by the time we all left he was doing GREAT. Making jokes, laughing and eating. Here are a couple more pictures.

Traveling again

I'm in DC. Flew into the Dulles airport. Slept the whole way and it was GREAT. I was really worried about my ear. I've had an ear ache for the past couple of days but Robert kept telling me its nothing. I even had him look into my ear with a flash light because it bothered me so much. I know you wondering why the heck didn't she just go to the doctors and why on earth would she listen to her husband. Well I don't have a good reason other than being lazy.

I'm here in DC to meet with my 2 sales reps. Very disappointing that one of my reps has another excuse as to why she can't meet. Last time I planned a trip here I had to cancel at the last minute because her daughter was ill. Now I am here and she suddenly has the flu going thru her house. Hmm . I'll keep you posted. This should be interesting.

A new car

Well we got the call last week that my car is a "total". The thought of having to purchase a new car right now is the worst. I do not like shopping for cars. Mainly because it is so permanant. I don't really care for cars. Never really have. I think it all started on my 16th birthday.

My parents woke me up and told me my brand new car was down stairs waiting for me. I was so excited I ran down stairs flew out the door and stood in the drive way looking at the car sitting in front of our house. Oh my goodness it was the biggest hunk of junk I had seen parked in our street. I couldn't even imagine what my parents were thinking. Oh sure with my dad and his shiney porche in the garage and my mother and her brand new Lincoln continental (that she just walked in and pointed at in the show room then drove it home) And me and this hunk of junk. I stood there turned to my parents and they were so excited. My dad said "here's the keys" and I started walking towards it the disappointment on my face and to be seen by all even though I tried to just smile and say thank you. As I walked towards the primer looking pile of metal my parents smiled and said "where are you going?" Thats your car as they pointed down the street. And there sat a red shiney Datsun B 210 here's a picture of a blue one

I had that car all through high school. I didn't get rid of it until I got married and my new inlaws didn't think it was a nice car so they had me trade it in and get another car. I loved that car. I took really good care of it. Always took it to the car wash. Always maintained it. I have to admit though I really wanted a Datsun 240Z wow those were great looking cars. When I was in 4th grade I would sit at the bus stop with all the other kids waiting for the school bus to pick us on. If I missed the one closest to my house there was another pick up on the other side of Orangethorp the main street by our house. Sometimes I would go to that bus stop and sit and wait. For almost daily the same 240Z would go by. And every time I would see it I would think to myself "wow I'm gonna get that car when I grow up". It never really happened. They actually dicontinued those cars and disconintued the whole Datsun line. Its called Nissan now. But wow what a great memory.

Travel

I'm in Atlanta today. Flew in yesterday by way of Dallas. I'm here interviewing for a sales position I have open. I mentioned earlier that I had posted an ad in Craigslist. (www.craigslists.com) It was interesting that during one of my interviews I have to admit at first glance I was not impressed. The individual didn't bother to wear a tie. My first thought was Hmm he didn't think enough to wear a tie and in sales it is all about the appearance. However as the interview went on I became more and more inpressed with the individual. I have to admit another thing. I really didn't think this person would be a good match to what I was looking for but as I said the more we spoke the more I was impressed. I am going to make an offer to the indivdual on monday and see what happens.

A calling

Well I may have mentioned in an earlier post that I was waiting for my calling from the Bishop. We'd spoken a couple of times and nothing. 3 months later I'm walking through the hall and the second counselor says "oh do you have a minute"?

I'm immediately excited (I was tipped off by Phyllis that she had lost her 2nd counselor and had put my name in) "oh sure" and we step into a small room. He says to me "Sister Purcell.... blah blah blah and we would like to call you to Primary". OH my goodness I sat there smiling, nodding my head and inside I was screaming "ARE YOU KIDDING ME" All I could think of was "what the heck". How could the lord possibly think this is where I should be? What did I do wrong? I go to church regulary, I pay my tithing, I read my scriptures .......WHY, WHY WHY?

I accepted the calling and realized I wasn't even being called to the presidency. I was being called to a sub teacher "just where ever they need you" No specific age group. Some where there I know is a purpose for this. I promised myself I would not question it but honestly I thought to myself WHY?

I am a educated person surely there had to be somewhere else that made more sense? While talking with the second counselor he actually did say well this calling is for now, who knows where else you will be needed. With that being said I accepted my calling and know I will serve to the best of my ability.

What you are looking at is a Banana tree in the front of my house. Can you believe it? I can't. Last summer Robert planted a stick and I do mean a stick maybe 10 inch's or so in the corner of our front yard. I looked at the pathetic stick and laughed and said out loud "what the heck is that" he very proudly said "Its my Samoan Banana Tree" I couldn't stop laughing but as you can see it now is so big that we've actually had to cut it back in fear that it was hitting the roof of the house. It actually has banana's sprouting.

Our neighbors are wondering what the heck we did since not one of them has bananas growing and they planted theirs before we did. Even our landscaper wanted to know what Robert has been doing to it. Miguel (our landscaper) asked if he could cut a branch for himself. What the heck he's already got a couple Branch's of our plumeria tree so sure. Crazy stuff. :)

Oh well I'm on a little break from the grind of email/work. Back I go..... Oh and yes Jen did get tickets to the Oprah show and well looks like we'll be in Chicago soon.

OK I totally forgot but needed to mention this, did you by chance catch Oprah yesterday. (www.oprah.com) One of my rules is that TV doesn't go on until after 5PM. Too much of a distraction. But I was taking a quick break and wanted to see what the people in the audience of the Oprah show were wearing. It was the funniest thing. She had the Rubie glass slippers from the original Wizard of Oz. She asked if she could touch them and they told her No and yet she kept trying to reach for them. They gave her gloves and she picked up the slippers and started to waive them around. I thought the curator was going to drop dead there on the show. You should have seen his face it was the funniest thing. That look on Oprah's face is priceless - it basically says "see I can touch them" and look how his hands are extended as to say in his head "oh my gosh she is going to ruin them" HAHA it was the funniest thing to watch.

Well one of my New Years resolutions is to shop less. Yes if you can believe it I've looked around my house and said to myself why? Why do I shop at least once a week and do I really need another pair of black shoes. Actually yes I do need a pair of black flats but that's beside the point. I am amazed at how much shopping I do. Ok no I'm not I did it because I could. Don't get me wrong I was one of those responsible shoppers. I always made sure the bills were paid first. Then I would move freely through the stores, shopping with no real purpose other than to buy another something. So I've decided that I am not even going to enter into a store for one week at a time. Only a grocery store. I would go shopping when Robert was at work out of sheer boredom. So no more. I will find something else to occupy my time. I need a hobby. Maybe I'll join one of those book clubs. I love reading but I don't know that I will enjoy having to review what I read with a bunch of people I don't know and don't really care to know. Hmm. Maybe not. Do you think that shopping at Amazon.com for books will count against me? I'm not sure.

Oh well at 6:30 AM this Thursday morning, that's my thought.

Working from home

I just ordered these really cute UGG slippers from Bloomingdales (www.bloomingdales.com). I am so excited because it is so freakin cold and my office has tile. They will be here in three days. YAY for me.

Working from home. hmm not sure about this. I mean I've just spent the past 9 years going into an office sitting behind a HUGE desk and enjoying the advantage of a HUGE corner office. Did I say HUGE. Well it was. I had under ground parking and my own little refrigerator and well all the perks of an executive. Can I tell you I miss it. Well just a little bit. I actually couldn't stand the people I worked with. It all changed about a year ago and just got worse. So anyways I now love the people I work with and work from home. Some might say wow that's cool but I can tell you not so. I find myself working 24/7. I can feel my butt getting bigger - there are no breaks and instead of just waiting till I get home to eat I find myself eating oh I don't know at about 10PM so yeah just take that sandwich and slap it whole on my hips and there you go.

Now don't get me wrong its not all that bad. I do have a routine. I do get up and get dressed as if I am going into the office and then sit down at the computer. I have three phones and a headset. I am on email all day. I thought I might be able to get more done for myself working from home, are you kidding me I work even more hours. I haven't dropped dry cleaning off for weeks because I just haven't had the time. If it wasn't for the occasional run to 7/11 for a drink I don't think I would leave my house. WOW I really do need to get out. Oh well enough I have to get back I've ordered my slippers, blogged for a few minutes and now I have a phone interview in 4 minutes.

The above picture was taken during December. I don't have a recent picture to post of the girls. I need to be better about taking pictures. I think that will be one of my goals this year. Take more pictures. Robert and I were talking a couple of weeks ago and he thought that this year for our Christmas cards we should send out pictures of us and the girls. I thought that would be nice. I'll have to put that down on my list of things.

I accomplished absolutely nothing yesterday. I spent most of my day being mad that I had to deal with Dayna and Johnny. I drove Robert to work in the morning and should have had the whole day to get things done. I finally managed to get all of the Christmas decorations put away but that was it. By the time I got myself out of the house the only errand I was able to accomplish was to get Danielle her Shampoo. Aside from that zip zero nothing. Another wasted day.

Oh I did post a couple of ads in craigslist.com. I love that site. Dayna found a roommate from the site and I posted 2 job ads. I woke up this morning and already had several people responding. I paid $600 for a search ability on Monster.com and got nothing so I'm hoping this might work. I'll let you know the results. The few resumes I looked at look good though. I'm so excited. It was FREE to post the ads.

Not since October

My daughter Danielle reminded me that I hadn't written since last October. I thought at first I didn't have much to say but then realized so many things have changed but so many have stayed the same.

Robert and I doing great. We bought ourselves annual passes to Disneyland and so every so often we sneak off and go the the happiest place on the earth. Disneyland. We've come up with a plan to go to a different restaurant each time we go so at the end of the year we hope to have eaten at every food/court, restaurant and stand. WOW big thinkers aren't we. LOL oh well.

Danielle is still in Utah although I wish she would come home. She is going through a very difficult time and it is very hard to have her so far away. I can hear it in her voice even when she is trying to be so brave. I miss her.

Dayna is Dayna! that kid pushes me to the bitter end. Sometimes I wonder if we've given her too much or not enough. She and Danielle are very different. For Dayna I worry the everyday worries. Danielle tends to be careful in her daily activity. A little more methodical she isn't one to be impetuous, Dayna on the other hand can be a bit reckless. I think Dayna may see big picture but the small details along the way to her big picture is what she doesn't stay focused on.

Oh to be a parent. It never ends. My sister is off to Utah this week. I hope things go well for. She is breaking her news to Rianne. She called me from the airport while sitting on the plane waiting for it to take off. I feel very sad for her. If I hadn't been there and lived through it I might be pulling my hair out for her. But she is strong and I know she will live through it just as I did.

Well I'm still waiting for my calling at church. The bishop and I have talked several times. I don't know what he's saving me for but he says there are so many needs that he needs to make sure it is the right one. I am not sure what that means. Robert is in Young Mens. That makes me happy although I wish his work schedule would be a little more conducive for other activities. Although I am happy to report that finally Robert does see that having a boat might be a cool thing. Its only taken me 5 years to talk him into that one. Personally I think we should start out small and leave it up in Utah at Dayna's house but who knows.

I've been looking around at buying another house. With the market at such a down turn its a good time to buy. I actually started looking in Hawaii. Not sure though. I would like to give the CM house to Danielle. Oh we are redoing the kitchen and the backyard this year. The kitchen is the first place we're starting with. I'm hoping to start that project first of April.

I have a new job so that would be about the time I would be able to handle it. I'm currently working from home and flying to our main office in San Jose every other week. So far so good. I really like the people I am working with. Very good honest people. We're all there for the same thing. To make money so its great. No egos No clicks No kids. Real people that communicate and share ideas all for the better. I LOVE IT.

Ok that's it for now. I'm off this crazy thing. Its Saturday. hmm Saturday I love that day.