We are off to Utah!

Updates when we return!

Changes...

I have never been a fan of change. Not that I resist trying new things, or shaking life up a bit, but something can be said for the comfort of consistency. These last few weeks, our lives have taken a cue from mother nature. Just as the trees have started to change, and the nights getting cooler, our lives are morphing into something new, and I am trying to like it.

The first major change is that I gave notice of my resignation at work. Three weeks from now I will be done with this job forever. After many many months of too much stress, late hours, and other not so pleasant happenings, I finally quit. Probably one of the most crazy, scary things I have had to do as an adult. I am enjoying this transition phase and the freedom that comes with it.

With the end of one job, I begin preparing myself for the new one. I am excited, and feel so blessed to be able to say I found a job closer to home, with a family-like environment. I know that this job is an answer to many prayers. I will be able to do the kind of work that I studied in college, and they will pay half my gym membership!

The last major change is that James and I were released from our callings as Nursery leaders and set apart to new callings. James was called to be a Sunday School teacher for the 16-17 year old kids. Yesterday was his first week teaching and he is a natural teacher. My new calling is the Secretary for the Relief Society. I must say it is slightly overwhelming to be a part of the Presidency. I am the youngest woman in our ward's Relief Society, and yet they are entrusting me to more responsibility in a calling than I have ever had.

So now begins our new life. I am training my replacement, trying to figure out how to create the Relief Society calender, and nervously anticipating my new job. James is enjoying preparing lessons with a little bit more substance than the Nursery allowed him, and is being very patient with his slightly frazzled, but very happy wife.

Remember him?

A couple of weeks ago, I posted about James' cousin Mike Day making it to the Olympics. Well if you were watching, you might have noticed that he won silver!!! He was first in all of his heats and the time trial, and then medaled in the finals! Good job Mike, we are proud of you!

Mondays...

My lunch break today included:

• Talking on the phone to the hubs while walking past a homeless man asking for money. Instead of trying to lie to the man and tell him I have no money, I decide to ignore him. Apparently this did not go over well. Homeless man proceeds to laugh VERY loudly at me and shouts "Thanks a lot!"
• Walk past a car wash and almost eat it, in front of the entire car wash crew. Note to self: Your black flats don't have traction on wet sidewalks. Avoid wearing them when it rains next year.
• Finally sit down to eat lunch. While eating, eavesdrop on a couple sitting one table over debating whether one can tell the quality of a food establishment from the quality of napkins provided. I am still undecided on this one.
• Pull out my planner and plan out the next week, including grocery lists and cleaning schedules. Realize how nerdy I must look, but can't bring myself to put the planner away. My name is Danielle and I have a planning addiction.
• Start listening to a father and son talking near by. Notice that the son is scary looking due to his clothing and tattoos. The topics discussed included inflation, gas prices, the economy, politics and homeland security. Reprimand myself for finding this surprising. Hear son make comment that due to lack of security, he has been shopping for a handgun. Nothing too crazy like a rifle but something that will make him feel safe. I take this as my cue to leave quickly.
• Walk back to work and past homeless man again. He looks at me and then spits on the ground next to him. No words were said but I am pretty sure he knows I won with my silent treatment.

I swear I don't work in a scary town, apparently it was one of those days when all the crazies come out. My clumsy self included.

What in the world?

We just had a 5.4 earthquake. One of the reasons I love California. I am thinking the workday will pick up a little! You can read about it here:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/07/29/earthquake.ca/index.html

I work on the second floor of my building and we were moving quite a bit for a couple of seconds. I even got a bit seasick, or perhaps earthquake-sick?! It has been a while since I have felt an earthquake and it was as much fun as I remembered! Luckily no one was hurt and there was only minor damage at the epicenter down near LA.

I have heard people say that they would rather deal with tornadoes or hurricanes as opposed to earthquakes. I strongly disagree. It feels like you are sitting or standing on a water bed for a couple of seconds and then it is over. Plus I think Dorthy would agree with me that tornadoes are no fun.

Any friends from other states want to come visit?

Slackers!

Oh man have we been bad posting lately. Luckily, Melanie tagged me so I had a great excuse to post! I am at work so no picturse this time. Here goes:

What is your favorite zoo animal? I love animals, all animals, but the size of the elephants always blows me away, oh and the fun monkeys, and the seal lions, and the....told you!

What was your favorite toy as a child? I was an outdoor child for sure, bikes, Rollerblades, handball, tether ball, dodge ball, okay anything with a ball really.

What food do you eat too much of? I am with Melanie on this one, cereal is way too good, and of course chips and salsa.

What kind of hairstyle do you have? I chopped it off a while ago so it is growing out. Lots and lots of layers and swoop bangs or whatever they are called. I am trying to decide if I want to grow it out long again or cut it shorter. Too many choices!

What was your favorite activity in gym class? I was the dodge ball queen. Only the teacher could get me out. Good memories.

What is on the shirt you're wearing right now? Black sweater with 3/4 sleeves. Got to love the work attire.

What is the picture nearest to you of? James and me at Brandon's wedding reception.

What kind of salad dressing do you like? Any type of vinaigrette, or Italian. I am not that picky unless it is really soupy.

Whats your least favorite food? I have a thing against weird textures. Onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, fish or any type of seafood, I think the point has been made.

What do you do on a Sunday night? Usually spend time hanging out with family eating some type of meal. Walking the dog or taking a bike ride is always nice too!

If you could only use one condiment on your food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Again I ditto Melanie with the Ketchup!

What color are your sheets? Grey-Blue

How big is your computer display? Work computer is 17 inches

What pair of shoes do you wear most often? Sandals when I am not at work. My feet love the tan lines.

What is your favorite game? Card games of any kind unless James isn't on my team, then we get too competitive. Oh and right now we are trying to master the Rubik's cube. Dang multi-colored box is driving me crazy!

What is your favorite Thanksgiving food? My sister makes the BEST mashed potatoes. I could have a plate just of that, with a little bit of turkey to make myself feel better.

What is your favorite pizza topping? Hawaiian or BBQ Chicken

What time do you plan on waking up tomorrow? 6:00 am :( Long gone are the days when my first class starting at noon.

What is your favorite day of the year? Christmas! Ever since I went away to college, Christmas is my favorite day full of family, food and traditions.

I tag anyone needing help updating their blog ***Sally ***cough****cough****

Congrats Mike!!

Mike Day, the rider in front, is James' cousin and just qualified to go to the Olympics!!! He left everyone in his dust on Saturday at the qualifier and the entire family is so proud of him! Congrats Mike, we are rooting for you!!! You can check out more from the race here.