Like Ramadan, But Better!

Muslims have a holiday called Ramadan that lasts a whole month, which I thought was pretty sweet. But we Benson's have something similar, but without all the unpleasantness of fasting during the day. It is called: June.

We have all of our Birthdays (Dan, Mine, Kat, Anna's, and the early celebration of Katheryn's), Father's Day, Our Grandma's B-days.... Add it all up and basically we're eating out and bingeing on treats all month long. It's awesome. And fattening. Shall I begin:

The celebration of my big 22 started off a bit early when my darling Branda made me the most delicious thing known to man: Banana Cake. It's kind of like crack. But with more carbs. And she even decorated it all fancy. 

(kat reading to Brek about real animals)

Whilst visiting I also got to see my Godson, Brekken aka T-Rex. His previously mentioned darling mother does not believe in dinosaurs. Like they never existed. Well, at least thats what she said when we were 15. So it's kind of a long running debate. I make a point to inflict these falsified dinosaurs on her whenever possible. In this case by providing Brek with propaganda to further the conspiracy.

(my mom made me this sweet Jem and the Holograms B-day poster)

After a nice jaunt down the I-15 I arrived in my beloved STG and the celebrations began in full swing. My big 22 had all the makings of a perfect birthday:  

Starting out with a morning Spin Class, with black lights, at Desert Palms. 

Then going with my Mama and sisters to see the movie "Babies." It was throughly enjoyable. And totally amazing that the Mongolian baby survived year one.... Watch it. Crazy stuff. 

Eating out: Pasta factory. Later in the week we went out to Benjas, Cafe rio (multiple times), the Sweet tooth fairy... Lets just not think about the calories, shall we....

It's not a birthday without a giant bow on your head and a pained facial expression!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip cookies may be the best thing to ever come into my life. A b-day necessity. And now for the next day, repeat, Kiersty Kat style:

There was also non-bday related activities. Like biking. 

It is a well established fact that I lack balance and coordination. After many Spinning Classes though, I felt I was ready to ride on an actual bike. With the aid of my mom's beach cruiser and it's remarkable stability, I was able to successful bike about Santa Clara without crashing into a Yucca Plant. Anna however was still concerned about how "spazey" my riding style was. She took it upon herself to ride in front of me waving a red sprinkler flag, to alert oncoming traffic of my biking disabilities. For my saftey. Of course. 

Have $30 of b-day money burning a hole in your pocket and a penchant for all things sparkly? Then have I got a solution for you: glitter gel toes. 

Anna took me out to a salon where they apply gel to your nails, slather it in that evil Martha Stewart Glitter (see Glitter Pumpkins Project of '09) and send you on your way, happier than you ever imagined toenails could make you.

The picture of mine and my sister's toes was taken at Sand Hollow. Location of Katheryn's birthday party. Where, on my last day, with copious amounts of sunscreen, I was able to get a bit of pigment back in my legs - without turning into a lobster. Success!

(katheryn's party group on Dr. Tremea's boat) 

 I have 6 months till my next planned STG visit and I'm already totally homesick. Which has lead to some slightly premature excitement for Christmas... Anyway, who is up for making gingerbread?

Father's Day!

In a true spirit of equality, instilled in me by a Mother who divided Easter Candy among all children in a true communistic fashion that Karl Marx himself would be proud of, I couldn't do a Mother's Day post without a follow up Father's day post. Which is cool, because my Dad is rad and provides plenty of material. 

I thought this picture was fitting, since my Mom's also featured a AR 15

Note: My parents are actually not gun nuts. Just FYI.

He may look mean in the picture (not really though), but my Dad is pretty much the nicest Dad in the world.  Some of my favorite childhood memories are the adventures my dad took us on: 

 bike rides down Parowan Canyon, hikes to the water tower,  and exploratory trips to the Arizona Strip for the collection of cow bones or rocks from a Gypsum mine. He was also the treat hook up. Dad took us on runs to the store just to get candy, and he always let me get a King Size Butterfinger! 

 I loved going to run errands with him as his little buddy, we'd listen to NPR in the truck and I always felt so intellectual and cool alongside him.
He is such a good little girl dad! Though some men talk despairingly about being "cursed with only daughters" I don't remember him saying anything of the sort. 

 I was always proud of my dad, and thought he was the coolest! The marathon runner, the hardcore biker,  the rapeller - he's so active and outdoorsy. He's an artist too, though he denounces that word and the black turtle necks that go with it. He is though - he draws (cool monster faces during sacrament meeting) and paints wonderfully and creates beautiful stained glass pieces.
 I know he's super burnt out of being an ER doctor. He works so hard at a job that sucks his soul like a dementor. But he continues to do it in order to provide well for our family.
He's so funny. He has a great sense of humor and always makes people laugh. And sometimes he is kinda goofy. He seriously loves our dogs and makes up theme songs for them ("Cedric the Beagle, he's a wonderful dog!". Its kind of hilarious. I just love my Dad.

Rick 
Dan's dad always makes me smile. He's such a sweet guy, and he does dance workouts - which makes him automatically awesome. Dan has fond memories of his Dad taking them one on one to BYU football games, chaperoning choir trips as "the cool parent", and countless other devoted Dad tasks. He's an avid golfer, Back to the Future movie watcher, and biker. He makes a great father in Law, always friendly and willing to help in anyway.

He's Just a wee bit taller than my G'ma

Grandpa Howdy!
So have I called my Mom's dad since I was little, due to his trademark greeting. He's a big guy and he's in amazing shape. He could probably out run me right now.  I'm not going to lie, I'm still a bit scared of him. Once when I was little (okay, it was only a few years ago) I couldn't control my horse and he yelled at me and I was so scared I peed my pants, then cried and cried. But I realize he's not  really that scary. He just loves us a whole lot. And didn't want to see me die due to my equestrian retardeness. He's a great doctor, a good golfer, and an even better Grandpa. Oh, and he makes a good scone! 

Grandpa Benson
 It was nice growing up semi close to my Dad's father. He had a farm when I was young where he let me bottle feed a calf and play with his sheep dogs - which was kind of the highlight of my 1st grade life. His stories from being in the Navy during the Korean war are really interesting, I love when he tells them. He's a sweet man who likes simple things and stability: ie not leaving Parowan unless absolutely necessary, and eating bread and milk for dinner every night. He sings a lovely song about people getting ground up in a meat grinder. It's awesome. And not for young children.

Dan is not a dad - nor will he be anytime soon! (now that we're going on 2 years, anything can be perceived as announcement..) - but he still deserves a shout out. I know that Dan will be a spectacular Dad someday. It warms my heart to see him with little kids, he's so fun with them. And though he teases about giving away any girl babies we may have, if he ends up like my dad with no sons, I know he'll be a great little girl dad too. As long as they don't end up being gingers. Then we really will give them away. Kidding! Kind of. 

Happy Father's Day!

Lo's Thoughts (on Weddings)

I started out my Utah adventure on Friday by flying in to LV at 10 pm - after working all day, rode the shuttle to STG, arriving at 1 am, and then woke up the next morning and drove straight to Salt Lake, then turned around and drove home early the next morning to make it to another friend's missionary homecoming. My good friend Mustafa (not his actual name, we were Arabic speaking partners for 3 years) was getting married and I wanted to make it to the reception. Why did I go to such lengths just to show up for a reception? Because showing up means so much. At least it did to me.

I loved my wedding (obviously). There are some things (like photography) I would do differently if I could have a do over - but thats a entirely different post. What I want to write about is how when I think of my wedding I realize that it was an event that  revealed a lot about the people in my life. 

It's an event of such significance, that only happens once, and is greatly influenced by those that you share it with. 

When I was first arranging our wedding, I assummed we would need the "big" sealing room (that I'd also heard was the prettiest) in the St. George Temple. My parents both have 5 siblings, and I was sure we'd have a crowd! I've since been to friends' weddings where there was standing room only, the room was so packed with well wishing family. That's what I thought I'd have. It didn't quite work out like that... As we were getting numbers ready to give to the Caterer's for lunch, I was pretty shocked out how few people were coming to my special day. 

When I think about looking around at my wedding and seeing all the faces of people I love supporting me and my new life, I also think about all the faces that weren't there. The hurt that I felt and the message that I percieved they were sending by not only not coming to my wedding, but fully boycotting it by not recognizing the most signifcant day of my life. 

I've always been close to my mom's family. We get together every year and there was no doubt in my mind they would all be at my wedding. But - from my Mom's brothers, Uncles I had felt I was so close to my whole life - not even a card of congratulations or a "Good Luck!". It really hurt my feelings - and I know it felt like a personal slight to my Mom. 

The inverse is also true though. Those family members such as my mom's two sisters, who went to great expense, time and travel to share that special moment with me and wish me well - meant so much to me. My sweet Aunt from my dad's side, who would later take me in to live in her home, was also there. I know they love me. They showed me they love me by being there when it mattered. I saw their smiling faces of happiness as I looked around the sealing room. 

Friends also made my wedding something to remember.  I loved seeing all my girlfriends there, dressed up, excited that "oh my gosh you're getting married!" and were willing to help in anyway possible. They really came through when it counted. 

After my wedding I made a resolve, I will attend weddings and show my support and love. Maybe I'm crazy and overly sensitive - but I don't think so. I think my presence gives others the same feeling it gave to me - of love, of approval, of support, of excitement, and congratulations. That I care enough to take the time to dress up and show up. And that's why I went to Mufasa's Wedding.

Junior Prom! - Army Style...

I was pretty excited when Dan introduced the prospect of going to the Army Ball. I loved High School dances. The day date, dinner, the dance - the whole kit n' kaboodle was awesome.

I even enjoyed the prep work for dances, starting with an intense tanning regimen (Hey Branda & Jane if you're reading this! Remember Island Tans and their unlimited for a month specials? See ya in 10 years, maybe we can all car pool to the Skin Cancer Clinic?) Then there was the matter of hair and nails, and last, but not least - the finding of the most perfect dress. It was all so fun. Turns out it's a little tricker revisiting it later in life. 

If you ever feel like you need a challenge, I say unto you :
Try to find a formal gown for 21 year old, that is modest, attractive, and doesn't cost the GDP of an African nation. I went on two different all day shopping escapades to every store in a 100 mile radius to no avail. I spent hours and hours online (which I kinda do anyway) perusing any possible dress seller with no success.

I found many a non-garment kosher dress that I would die to have.
Including this little Miley Cyrus copy cat number:

It had been the first time post-marriage I felt like modesty was keeping me down! I've come a long way since my high school tank tops and terry cloth "towel mini skirts". I love me a nice cardigan and wear not but full length pants now - even proudly rocking a one piece swimsuit. However, I just don't think there exists good looking "g" covering gowns. I love being modest - just not with formal wear. 

I finally resigned myself to ordering one of those generic, overly bedazzled, Beautifully Modest dresses that I spent all of high school despising.

I was none too happy about spending $250 on a dress that I
A) didn't really love
B) resented and
C) would in all likelihood never wear again.
The universe solved that problem by informing me that there was no way it would get here in time, a rush cut was 10 weeks. I had 10 days.

I had to resort to something else I despise: putting a cheap shawl over an othewise beautiful BCBG dress. Both were borrowed from my darling sisters, costing me no monies, so I tried not to feel too bad. End of Dress Saga.

Though I was a little put out Dan didn't ask me to the dance in the traditional SCHS way - with an elaborate theme, posterboard, and glitter all over my room - he made up for it by providing the ceremonial "day date."

(cooking up hashbrowns and looking super happy!)
Mark and Dan cooked up breakfast for Leana and I - thereby impressing us and increasing their chances of getting an end of date kiss.

(totally ended up soaked on their private island)
They then took us on a nice nature walk in our favorite park, Point Lobos.

The event itself deviated a bit from Prom. It started with a cocktail hour - kinda boring for those of us who don't drink cocktails.

Then we proceeded to the dinner hall - it was surprisingly nice ( I mean this is the Army, its not the Air Force or something....)

They had a series of mandatory toasts and drinks - but luckily there was Sparkling Cider for those under 21 - and the five Mormons in attendance haha.

There was a series of not so interesting to me speeches, and then finally the dance portion was at the end of the night - after all the head haunchos left and people could let loose!  Now that part was actually similar to Junior Prom, bad line dances and all. But with perhaps a slightly higher average blood alcohol level. But then again maybe not...

In other news I am deeply saddened that last night was the season finale of my beloved Glee. We had a little party w/ Mark and Leana, and at the end I couldn't help but feel a great sense of loss. And I'm kind of really upset at the fact that Vocal Adrenaline's coach adopted Quinn's baby! Now I need to find something else to fill the singing, dancing, drama filled hole in my heart...

( i'm even excited to see this face)
The only thing that gives me comfort is knowing I'm flying to STG on Friday! I'll get to see family, friends, pets, home, Cafe Rio, and the sun! My white legs and those who have been blinded by them will  be so thankful.

Finally, a little sunbeam gem to round out this post.
Sister Graff (my team teacher): "Ella, how can you show reverence during primary?"
Ella: "Well, ummm... Someday, I'm going to grow up to be big. And I will have a baby pop out of my body. And it will hurt really really bad!"
Not quite what we were going for. But awesome. Totally awesome.

One Year Older! And wiser too?

Being married to one Daniel Mealy has sometimes I believe been similar to being the mother of a 13 year old boy. A few weeks ago I half jokingly asked him what the theme should be for his birthday this year (my mom always threw amazing birthdays, and they need a theme). 

"X-box, the theme is X-box. No wait, Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare 2!" 

Yes, the theme of his birthday was Call of Duty 4 - Modern Warfare 2.

 As you can imagine, Target doesn't stock matching plates and streamers in Modern Warfare next to the ones of Mickey Mouse - no, I had to get creative.

June 1st started out as any good birthday should, with donuts from Red's in the ghetto. Thanks to my 5 am spin class, I was able to get there in time to get Dan his fave: coconut (those things sell out!) Sadly his birthday is not yet a National holiday, so he had to work all day as normal. But when 5:30 rolled around, he came home to this:

What can I say? I'm kind of an artist with crepe paper. Hahaha. 

It had sort of an overly festive Wake vibe to it. 

The birthday boy also had a Modern Warfare Shirt waiting for him to wear. One of my better finds.

Mark and Leana joined us for a dinner of Dan's choosing: Pizza Hut with Wing Street Wings, and cokes in glass bottles. Classy. But on your b-day, you get to choose!

Followed by German Chocolate Cake, with a custom topper. And little gun replicas from the game. Don't mind the professional chocolate ganache decor job there. Perhaps next year it will look more like cascading chocolate falls...

I was pretty excited about this robot wrapping paper I found. Dan was pretty excited about opening the presents and destroying said paper.

The Streeter's gave him a copy of his favorite book: The Zombie Survival guide. He got money from his Parents and Nana to spend on purchasing Zombie Survival Gear. I gave him an iPod since his, through absolutely no one's fault, got sucked into a black hole. And finally he opened his last present from my family...

Five Finger Shoes!!!! 

He has wanted them for quite some time. But I just didn't support expensive, funny looking, plastic toe socks. Apparently they are incredible to run in (i've heard too many testimonials on how they are so good for your back. Tons of army guys here run around in them, looking like goon dogs).

 Dan's very excited about them, so that's all that matters (so I tell myself as he wears them in public). 

In fact, he likes them so much I think next year's b-day theme maybe "Vibram Five Finger Shoes." 

Stay tuned for how I decorate for that. 

Preparing for the End of the World

I totally wasn't joking about further white-ifying ourselves by becoming backpackers.... So for a Memorial Day weekend celebration, we began our new hip hobby by following the first White People formulary step of spending a small fortune at REI. 

We purchased me a backpack and both of us sleeping bags, with me constantly fretting about the other uses for this money (iphones! p90x! panini makers!) and Dan justifying the gear with "This will be essential WHEN the Zombies attack."

( it was pretty)

We struck out with our ultra cool gear Friday night after I got off work. I got off later than planned so we ended up having to hike in the dark for an hour with our headlamps (which yes, I gave in and got one).

(lots of cool burnt redwood trees)
Ten miles doesn't sound like a eternity, but when you factor in the heavy bag, and going up hill rugged terrain - its quite a work out. The area sure was beautiful though.

(the ultra light  2 lb tent, good thing I wasn't carrying a camera that weighed 5x as much)
We pitched our tent, spent the night, and then hiked it all over again. Pointless? Maybe. But actually pretty fun...

(there were even dogs wearing shoes! I can't handle it)

 As an added bonus, we saw several dogs that were backpacking too. As in carrying their own gear. My dog envy was out of control. There was at least an hour of me telling Dan the top 500 reasons we should throw all caution to the wind and go adopt a dog right then.

There will be more such trips in the future. I like that we've found a hobby that gives us lots of time to talk, commune with nature, and burn calories. Dan likes that we've found a hobby that gets us gear and skills to prepare for the eminent apocalypse of the undead. That's what we call win, win, win.

A lowly Private no more

A few note worthy things have been happening here at MMA. 
We'll start with the good:

 We're moving on up in the world! Dan was recently made a Specialist. This caused me a great deal of stress because of the traditional rank promotion. I got to stand in front of his whole company, rip of his old rank, put on the new one, and then punch him as hard as I could. 

I was really nervous I would mess it up somehow and got so scared that I wasn't paying attention and  totally didn't go up when I was supposed to. And then I blanked out on which way the little symbol goes! 

Luckily I guessed right and he didn't end up with an upside down patch. Whew. He got to give a 30 second acceptance speech. Think Gettysburg address. But better.  Further moving us barely above the poverty line, I got a little pay raise at work - on the same day that I got both bled on, and vomited on. 

And now the bad:

(not our actual neighbors, but good representation)
So we have these neighbors across the street. Who like to get totally smashed and become rowdy at about 2 am. But only on weeknights! Seriously, who gets wasted on a wednesday? It's gotten old really fast. Where as I avoid confrontation at all costs, Dan opens up the window and yells to them to "Please Keep it Down!" This did not work last night. The rowdiness continued for another half hour. So Dan proceeded to walk over there at 2 am. I continued to cower in bed. He confronted these intoxicated/drugged up people and they actually did quite down. But it happens every week, and we have many weeks to go. Oh how I long to move... Somewhere without noisy neighbors. With a dishwasher. And a washer and dryer. Wood floors. Giant storage closets. And a yard for my dog. Gotta dream Big!

And Finally, The Ugly: 
I love teaching my Sunbeams, I really do. And when it comes to preparing my lessons, I'm a manual purist. The Church develops these manuals to be the lesson, not some random powerpoint you come up with on your own... But I had trouble in good conscience using the manual coloring sheet for this weeks lesson.

I think its totally creepy. I'm afraid a lot of 3 year olds had trouble sleeping because of those faceless kids...