Late Wordless Wednesday - First Roadtrip: to Provo!

Seen it! The HP5 Movie

So I love the Harry Potter series! I remember when I was dating a guy back in summer 2000 and he was big into Harry Potter and I was skeptical. I didn't get into until Fall 2001 when the first movie came out. A co-worker and I agree to bale a friend out and buy her two extra tickets to opening night. Neither of us had read the books before. We loved the movie! I went to the bookstore the very next day and bought all four books. I am now hooked and have been ever since then.So yeah, I saw the movie this last weekend and loved it . . . of course. Having recently read it, I saw where they had made a few changes but they weren't too significant. Go see it! Now if only I can survive until the new book comes out this weekend!!! :o)

Culture Night

Ah. I love what London did for me. I did a study abroad seven years ago to London and lived there for four glorious months. I made the bestest of friends there and they shared their love for the arts with me. I confess I don't love the arts as passionately as some, but I appreciate it and recognize it's purpose--to create a civilized society! Otherwise I might be a canyon/mountain-dwelling woman only! :o) Ok maybe not really.

Last night, some girlfriends and I saw Les Miserables up in Salt Lake City. I originally saw it in London for my study abroad, but it was so worth seeing it again. There was quite a bit that I had forgotten. Love it. The story line is moving and motivating! You walk out of there wanting to be a better person. And the music is lovely. I confess there is some music for other musicals that I like more--like The Sound of Music to which I am listening to right now. :o)

We also ate dinner at a delightful Italian restaurant called Trio. They had Crème brûlée on their dessert menu. Therefore, you know what I ordered for dessert. Yup, Crème brûlée. I had to try it! The Bellagio one was so nasty that I had to restore my faith in American establishments' ability to make it (with the exception of Bryce Canyon National Park's Lodge). And the verdict? Divine. It was delectable. I highly recommend it. In fact, I loved everything at the restaurant--the atmosphere, the service, the entrée, the dessert. Yes, I will go there again.

Independence Day

I love Independence Day! It is THE day to have a BBQ, to stay up late watching fireworks, bask in the sounds of the 1812 Overture, and celebrate our freedom brought to us by those that serve so willingly in the military, in public office, and in the civil service.

I began my day rollerblading on the Provo River trail and then I joined a group of good friends to see the movie Transformers. I went in with low expectations, thinking the movie would be all action and fighting and no story line and .. . . it wasn't! I was pleasantly surprised. It isn't quite believable, but it was fun.

Then for a little BBQ. Mmmm. Hamburgers, salads--potato, green, jello, fruit, cookies, root beer. I couldn't have asked for a more appropriate Independence Day BBQ.

Lastly we went to the home of a counselor in the bishopric of the ward I am moving into this fall to watch the fireworks. He lives up on a hill just below Squaw Peak and has a spectacular view of the city and the stadium. We watched the fireworks show put on by the Stadium of Fire show. I love it! Here is a cute pic of me and Ashlee watching the fireworks. And one of nearly the whole gang from the BBQ and the fireworks gathering.

Wordless Wednesday - Independence Declared!

I am Woman, Hear Me Roar!

Call me the Handy-woman. My new landlord paid for new bedroom door knobs to replace our existing ones with ones that will lock and unlock with a key. These new door knobs are meant to keep out the men that will be coming into our house on a daily basis for the rest of the month to finish the basement. Especially when one of them will have a key to house in his possession for the month. So I bought the new door knobs tonight and then replaced them too! Check me out. Check out those skills!!

Viva Las Vegas!

Well, I am back from Las Vegas. Actually I have been back for a few days. I had a business conference down in Las Vegas that started last Sunday and went through Wednesday. My mom went with me for it -- I figured since I could have someone come with me and stay at the hotel with that it would be super fun!

So she drove down Friday night and we went to the Strawberry Days Rodeo in Pleasant Grove. It was so much fun--we bought several cups of strawberries and cream for 1 BUCK, Dollar, Peso. So cool! I love Strawberry Days for that reason.

And then we took off for Vegas Saturday morning -- we got there in time to head straight for Caesars Palace for dinner at The Cheesecake Factory and then Celine Dion. Awesome show. The music was great, the dancing fabulous, the staging and lighting was phenomenal.

We had a fabulous buffet at the Bellagio. The lobster raviolis, shrimp and prime rib were delectable. The Crème brûlée? Not so great. Paris and Bryce National Park Lodge still take the gold for best Crème brûlée. Go figure on Bryce. I must also add, that Jason made a delicious Crème brûlée. Mmmm.

If you've never seen the Bellagio fountains, check out this clip for a little preview (sadly, it isn't one that I took. Mine is over the size limit to upload to YouTube.) The fountains are one of my favorite things to do in Las Vegas.



Then the conference began and with a bang! Lance Armstrong was the opening general session speaker and then we also heard from the teacher that the movie "Freedom Writers" was based on. The conference was great. I learned a lot and have already been able to apply it at work! So that is it!

I think I am going to head off to bed now. Have a happy Sabbath!