Continued Melodrama

My 12th grade English teacher (shout out to Bart!) once had us write a short essay on the quotation
 "It hurts to find out that what you wanted doesn't match what you dreamed it would be." 

So true. I have a chronic problem of finding something I like, obsessing over it to the point of losing sleep, researching reviews for months, finally ordering and then... Being totally disappointed.

Exhibit A:

Kiersten w/ her camera. Its easy to become very jealous of her and her beauty. 

Fancy camera. It began with envy for Kat and her cool Canon. And grew into an obsession that was sated only when I purchased my own and gianormous lens that were "totally necessary" in order to record my Middle Eastern exploits.  I love taking pictures with it, I do. But a much smaller, much cheaper, Canon would have been just as suitable for the kind of photography I do. 

Exhibit B:

the mixer that didn't change my life

Kitchen Aid Mixer. I wanted one so bad. Spent months comparing models. Ordered one as my Christmas gift, completely confident in the knowledge it would fill my life with joy and bring my culinary prowess to new heights. It hasn't. 

Yes, my legs really are that white. 

Latest case in point: Shabby Apple dresses. I've been looking at them for approximately a year, and getting as far as putting them in a shopping cart - then backing out, for about 3 months. So I finally pulled the trigger under the pretense of an Easter Dress. I narrowed it down to two, ordered them both, and then planned on deciding which to keep when they got here. 

Really wasn't kidding about the translucent legs
They came in time for Easter and I was elated! Except, they are totally shoddily made. Not as bad as "Lauren made her own Halloween costume", but still pretty bad. Dresses of that price point should at least be lined and have smooth zippers! Another obsessive purchase disappointment.

My getting a picture of the dresses turned into an episode of America's Next top model, with Dan serving as both Nigel Barker and Miss J

So... The point of all that is, this blog post is to serve as a reminder to myself that OBSESSIVE PURCHASE DO NOT EQUAL HAPPINESS (on to the theory that impulsive purchases do). 

In other news...
My beloved and faithful Civic took a beating on Sunday when Dan got rear ended as part of a big rain storm induced crash. 

Poor Civic is in the shop getting fixed up. The logistics of two people sharing one car is tricky, but no car is impossible. So we have a rental car in the form of this monstrosity:

 I feel incredibly dangerous and self conscious driving it. I feel like I'm always about to hit people and in their heads they're thinking "Stupid Red neck in that bright blue dodge!" But it came in handy for the Boy Scout camp out that Dan is currently on.
Maybe it is the loneliness of being home alone all weekend (having already watched the new Glee three times), but I really really want a dog. I even miss this little demon:

On to the New Recipe of the day: I have a have an unwavering love for Chocolate Chip cookies. Their batter is my favorite "food", which I generally eat till I feel extremely ill.
I've been intrigued for a while by a recipe that I've seen on several food blogs for a New York Times Choco Chip Cookie. Its a recipe from this famed baker, and I thought I'd give it a go. I required several things I normally don't have: Bread Flour, Cake Flour, Unsalted Butter, 60% Cacao baking rounds, and enough patience to let it chill undisturbed for 36 hours. It wasn't easy and required a small fortune spent at Whole foods. But I made them. And they were pretty good.

 But not the mind blowing food experience I had hoped. More dashed dreams. Back to my good old Nestle friends. 

Lo's Thoughts (on Motherhood/Education/Careers)

(me in Haifa, Israel- has nothing to do w/ the post)

In my recent quest to be readmitted to BYU, I've given a lot of thought as to my return to BYU and what will happen after I finish those 15 dang credits and graduate. I gave myself an ultimatum for deciding what to do with my life: spend a whole year off school in Monterey and decide what to do by the end of it. Well, its been 8 months and I'm still no closer to a decision.

 As a young BYU Cougar I was perplexed/outraged at how many Young Women stuck to conformist roles and majored in either A) Elementary Ed or B) Nursing. As I grew in my cougar years, I watched as my female peers "gave up" on dreams of Medical or Law school, finishing a Bachelor's degree (in the best cases) and then opting for a life of Stay at home wife/motherhood - and I was again perplexed/outraged.

Well, in my (partial)year of soul searching, I've come to a great realization: There is a reason women do this. 

1) The most important job women have is motherhood. For a lot of Young women this is a "duh". But for me it took a while to gain a testimony of. I'm a person who likes validation and recognition, and motherhood does not offer the same level of that (at least from the world) that say becoming a brain surgeon does. I now truly believe that I will find no greater fulfillment that when someday (in the far distant future) I become a mother.

 2) Women have time restraints. It is near impossible for a woman to attend school full-time (as is required for Law/Medical/Most post bachelorette programs) and fulfill her responsibilities as a wife and mother. So while men have the option to have a family while still pursuing education, women really don't.

3) Many women have to become the bread winners in their families at some point in their lives for a myriad of reasons (divorce, injury, death, or unemployment of spouse.) And when it comes time to step up to the plate, it is important that she not only have a degree, but skills that qualify her for the workforce. Such as Nursing or Teaching! It makes sense! A liberal arts degree (like mine) qualify one for... I'm not sure what? I still think women should pursue their interests, but also have a plan as to how their interests translate into a marketable skill.

And that is where I messed up. 

In this month's Ensign their is an article about a Single Mother returning to school to support her family. The church employment counselor laid out for her a few education choices: all of them with a terminal vocational ending. I hope I never have to be the sole income supporter for my future family. But I want to be prepared if I do. So, onto more contemplation on how to remedy my situation (I still have at least a several months left - no word from Cougarville). But to my younger sisters and others: Start out with a plan!

Fugitive Harboring and EASTER

We had another visitor this week! Actually, the experience was much more similar to harboring a fugitive, than to entertaining an out of town guest. Meet Roxy:

(I think its kinda cute how only one ear sticks up)

Roxy is a Minature Pinscher/Retard Mix, who, in a moment of weakness, Dan volunteered to watch for an ENTIRE WEEK.  At OUR HOUSE. Did I mention we are absolutely FORBIDDEN FROM HAVING PETS in our lovely apartment? Awesome experience really. Every time we took her out, one of us had to make sure the coast was clear, then create a diversion. We often relied on the cover of darkness to camouflage our potty runs. 

(She likes to lick faces. Gross.) 

Roxy was alright, I actually kinda miss her companionship. Its not her fault she's a small, somewhat retarded dog who gets so excited she pees. She served as a reminder that we are waiting to get my much anticipated canine companion till we have an actual yard/house. And that when we do finally get said dog, it will be larger/older/mellower/have better bladder control.

Dan gave me some EASTER flowers. I think it was also to soften the blow of him leaving to go backpacking w/ Mark for two days, thus leaving me with sole dog smuggling duties. 

We got together with some our friends and had an EASTER Extravaganza. Beginning with a Brunch on Saturday, for which I made Dan's family's traditional Conference Cake (its Coffee cake.)

(Rebecca and Quinta showing how its done)

We then moved on to Easter Egg Dyeing. 

This was my best one using the "Stocking and Leaf" method

And this was my best one/only one that really turned out from the "Silk Tie" method

So before Priesthood session, there was a Potluck at the church. I was pretty amused with the lengths Dan went to in order to secure the crock pot for the 5 minute drive over. Speaking of Conference, it was really good! I thought there were many great talks about Women and their importance, and roles as mothers. I was in no way outraged by Julie B Beck this year. Which is always a good thing. 

(Can't see it here, but the plastic wear had GLITTER IN IT! I was so excited by this.)

Sunday we had a Big EASTER FEAST!

We had lots of delicious food. Like "no amount of Jillian Michael's could save me at this point" delicious food. Lamb, scalloped potatoes, Appetizers, Rolls, salads, Jello... and homemade CHEESECAKE.

happy easter!

The much awaited return of DAN'S MUNCHY MOMENTS!!!

If you want to get some $100 semi-descent/just ok Korean food I have just the place for you!!! Welcome back to another fascinating and informative addition of “DAN'S MUNCHY MOMENTS!”  

So, Lo and I had a great honor of feeding the sister missionaries and we really wanted to make them happy because we like them (and in the true spirit of Christendom we wanted to give them a better dinner then anyone else in the ward.) 

(the sisters of of our ward, Sister Yates and Sister Cho)

We had to come up with a good meal idea. So as we were thinking of what we could do, I pondered back on my mission days and I remembered one such dinner that still makes me a little teary to think about. It was when I was in a really hard area with a really hard companion and a member decided to take us out to the Outback Steak house… We were so happy my companion and I hugged each other and jumped up and down with joy!

 Oh, but the story is not over.. When we got there the member made us get the most expensive thing there, which was the monster t-bone steak. I almost cried. After that my comp and I were on a little better terms and the area picked up… all because of a great steak and a great restaurant, oh and a member. So with the inspiration of this great and probably embellished memory, we tried to think of what we could do to come close. Well to let you know one of the sister is a Korean and looks home sick some of the time. So we came up with the idea of taking them to the Korean BBQ… 

(A $20 bowl of steaming not so good soup)

YAY for all… one would think.  Not only did I have a mission in which I ate the steak of all steaks, but I also had to live with 3 Koreans. Which is enough to burn some people on ever wanting to eat or even think of eating Korean food. (They got rid of all the silverware and replaced them with chop sticks, not cool. Oh and the place always smelled of rotten Kim chi, oh wait, its meant to be rotten.) Also, Lo is not a fan of meat and it seemed at the BBQ place that’s all they would have. 

(Our appetizer, What? Does it not look appetizing to you?)

Pushing all these things aside, we asked the Sisters if they would like to go to the BBQ?  You should of seen the Korean's face! I’ve never seen eyes get that big, much less a Korean's, and her comp got really excited also and grabbed her arm. I think that could have been the equivalent of me and my comp jumping up and down. Well anyway now on with “DANS MUNCHY MOMENTS!” 

To sum up Won Tu Korean BBQ… it was ok and way over priced… the Korean sister even said “this stuff way over priced for what it is.” Upon further investigation of this comment she replied “this food is common food, something cheap back home not worth this much.” Hmmm, most of the plates were around 25 bones… the worst part is after we got our food the Korean sister didn’t even seem like she liked her food. Haha. Oh well, so maybe this wasn’t their OUTBACK moment… 

dan

Good News/Bad News, Suits, and Blood

Good News: We get told that Dan has been assigned French, starting May 5th! That means I can be back to BYU for Fall semester (when the classes I need to Graduate are offered)!!!

Bad News: That same night, I discover that since I haven't been at BYU since last Summer, I must reapply as a Returning Student. And I have already missed the re-application deadline for Fall.

Good News: I then get an appointment to petition my case to an Admission Board member.

Bad News: We then find out Dan does not have a guaranteed French spot till September! He's simply wait listed for all French classes till then, including the one in May.

So, if you could, keep your fingers crossed that :

1) I get back into BYU for fall

 2) Dan gets to start French in May. 

Oh the Joys of the Army, no control over one's own life. This has definitely 

been a lesson in patience for moi (thats French). 

Easter is coming up! Another one of my favorite holidays. Dan was assigned to give an Easter talk this last Sunday on the Atonement, which we decided called for a new church shirt - he's been looking kinda shabby. (The last time Dan bought any new Church wear was before his mission. Let's just say he's not 20 anymore.) We wandered in to Macy's 15 mins before closing Saturday night, found a great deal on a suit, and ended up buying the whole kit and caboodle. The Easter Bunny came early this year for Dan!

(I picked out this Snazzy Purple Paisley tie)

(Modeling his new suit while sneaking pastels M&Ms from my Easter decor)

Dan has a pretty intense fear of needles. So when I heard that he was giving blood (to get out of PT haha) I knew I had to see this. Plus, i've been wanting to give blood myself.

My needle phobe husband actually handled it like a champ, though he had to look away. I had no problem watching myself or others, but when it was time to stand up it got a little strange. I've never passed out before so I didn't know what was going on. My ears were ringing, things were spinning, and then closing in. They laid me down and fed me Kool-Aid and cookies and Illhamdu Lillah, I made a full recovery. 

( Don't mind that I look like a Heroin addict. Im not. They screen for that.)
Our donated blood will be shipped to Service Members in Afghanistan/Iraq, so in addition to woozy, I also felt warm and fuzzy. 

Making a New Recipe. Mark and Leana had us over for a St. Patricks Day/ Leana got her Green Card (congrats Leana!)/ Jesse's Birthday Party. Keeping w/ the Irish theme, I tried making some Soda Bread. Its pretty much a giant drop biscuit, which is actually tasty.  On the topic of food, there is perhaps a DAN'S MUNCHY MOMENT in the works. Be excited. 

Seals, and Witches, and Birthdays, OH MY!

We here at Mealy Monterey Adventures (MMA) were overjoyed when we found out that the Benson family had chosen us to spend their spring Break with us, over all their other Central Costal Californian fictitious travel entity options.  I only had to work on Monday and was thus able to be a full time tour guide.

DAY ONE: We started off the week w/ everyone's first trip to the "World famous" Monterey Aquarium.

The only pictures I got at the Aquarium. At the photo opportunity in "The Secret Lives of Sea-horses"

I felt it was way too Sea World like, and I'd rather dig my eyes out with rusty spoons than go to that cursed place again. But my mom fell in love w/ the Sea Otters, having to be forcibly dragged away from their tank.

It was also my Otter loving Mom's Birthday!!! We celebrated with a Peanut Butter Pie and the traditional Benson goofy hats (note my Dad looking like a Unicorn.) My mom is a gem. I could go on and on about how awesome Mom is, but lets just leave it with my Mom is better than your Mom. No battle, game over.


DAY TWO: We ventured up to Frisco to see WICKED. Its unfortunate that my sisters' first view of San Fran was the downtown area of the Orpheum theater. A homeless guy covered in blood vomited near Katheryn, and Anna was hit on by a probable drug dealer ("Hey girl, damn you're fine, how you doin?").  The play though was more than awesome. And I dare you to tell me to stop signing "Defying Gravity". I've always said Villains are just misunderstood.

DAY THREE: We went on the Alcatraz Early Bird tour. It was my second time, but as enjoyable and interesting as the first. I love history, and criminals, and boat rides. Win, win, win.

We also decided on a whim to hike up to "Morador" aka "Coit Tower." Lets just say its looks cooler from down in the city...

And of course, the walk across the bridge. 1,000 people have killed themselves off that bridge. Fortunately none from MMA (the Aquarium wasn't that bad).

DAY FOUR: One thing we here at MMA are unable to offer our visitors is warm weather. Or on this day, dry weather. It was raining cats and dogs, but the seals had to be seen. We ventured Ano Nuevos, bought flimsy ponchos, got soaked on the 2 hour tour, but amazingly still had fun. The seals were super active in the rain, trying to learn to swim in the puddles.

This guy freaked me out. He kept getting closer and closer. Even going under the little rope barrier. He wanted to eat me.

Doing strange neck exercises to limber up. To come eat me. 

DAY FIVE: The sun came out and it was time to commune with nature. We went on a great hike through Point Lobos. It was such a neat park, we saw tons of seals and at least one of Mom's furry loves, the otter.

The only thing that could have made our MMA better? Kiersty Kat! She sadly had mid-terms that she refused to blow off for our epic adventure. She will have to come soon for her own custom MMA.

 Tears were shed from the tour guide's eyes as my group left. Oh how I miss my beloved family, pets, and St. George. But I'll be okay. I'll keep singing show tunes to myself, and clicking my heels, "There's no place like home, There's no place like home."