Shiver me timbers!

Day 4

I can't remember what warmth feels like. The days are melding together. Cannibalism feels like its just around the corner...

The only thing that really bothers me is the cabin fever. I wouldn't have it if my housemates weren't work-a-holics. Normal people would love to sit around all day doing nothing, going nowhere. The guilt I feel when I see the judgement in their eyes makes me go insane! :)

We took our first trip out of our driveway today. The roads are all fine - the hard part is getting out of our driveway. I'd say its about 3/4 a mile long and mostly downhill. I handled it like a champ, if I do say so myself.

While we were out we hit Olive Garden (who knows when we'll get our next warm meal lol). Dane has been on a yeast/sugar free diet, per his chiropractor, for the last two weeks. It's amazing how many things have sugar and yeast in them. He couldn't even have fruits (except some berries)! Luckily, his regular diet contains mostly rice and meat. Phew! And just in case you are a pumpkin fan like me and were dying to know my thoughts on Olive Garden's holiday pumpkin cheese cake... Delish! Although I do recommend having a friend to share the load with.

As soon as I get around to either fixing my camera or buying a new one, I will post more recent pictures. As it is, I just got around to uploading our cruise pictures from last May. Enjoy:


Dane and I at the comedy show. They were doing a "newly wed" type game where they picked 3 couples (young, old, older). One couple had just got married (on the ship actually) so they were picked first, then they asked for the couple who had been married the longest, and then they had a contest for the last one. In the contest, as a couple you had to do your best impersonation of tarzan/jane for the audience. Then the audience voted with applause. WELL, Dane decided to pick me up (yes, light as a feather Rachel Lee) like a sack of potatoes and threw me over his shoulder. It came a quite a shock to me, and I'm just glad we didn't give the audience a show! Unfortunately, we weren't picked. Sad, I know, but it was still a blast.


Dane was a favorite at dinner time. We really lucked out (we always do) with our table mates. They were both younger couples. One was actually LDS too. The reason for our popularity was due to Dane ordering 3 appetizers and 2-3 full entrees each time. No one ever believed he was going to actually finish everything... and he did. I don't even remember how many lobster he ordered on Seafood night. Unbelievable.


We kept every towel animal they gave us and had quite a selection at the end of the week. We loved them!


Our favorite adventure on this cruise was the zipline through the trees. We went with the other lds couple and were so glad we did! It was amazing. Next time I will definitely pack walking shoes. Luckily they made me some mexican shoes (they duck taped my sandal to my foot). Lol.




We also loved four wheeling in Cabo. This adventure we tried to get a deal off the streets instead of through the cruiseline. It was stressful and the price kept changing everytime they handed you off to the next person. Next time we will plan ahead. Nevertheless it was a lot of fun. Dane tried to do some cool trick/jump and fell off his atv - I was not amused. We also broke our camera on this adventure. I was taking pictures from the back of the atv and a lot of sand must have gotten into the cracks of the camera. Now the camera lens won't open up.

I can barely remember that great weather ... brrr, its freezing!

One more move .. check mate!

I did it, I finally did it! I'm taking Dane to Washington. Life long dream to live in Washington close to my parents .. maybe not in the same house, but beggars can't be choosers. I've tricked him into thinking its going to be easy to forget that it always rains. Point for me! Now I've just got to strap him down with a mortgage payment, 3 kids, and a life sapping 9-5. So much to do.

I am really horrible about blogging, but really I think our life is so not interesting enough to write even once a week. I will do better (even if i have to make it up)!

So the move is a little stressful - mainly because I have to convince Dane everyday that its under control and its going to be easy. He is by far one of the biggest worriers I've ever known (second to my beloved mother). He stresses me out with how much he stresses, and its really just ridiculous. How hard is it to throw all our belongings in a truck and drive north. It wasn't so hard when we were moving to California 2 years ago. Sometimes I think he thinks its too hard this time because we're moving away from his family instead of to it. He was probably so excited about moving back to California that he didn't have time to think about the logistics of it - he was riding a high. So, how to get him excited about Washington... Its green?? It has great coffee?? No horrid commute?? It's a start.

The one thing I love about moving (yes, its not all bad) is the spring cleaning. I love to condense and throw stuff out. If I haven't used it in 2 years and its not tied to sentiment - its out! It feels so good to start tossing stuff, so refreshing! So far I've only done half of the garage, but I've already taking 5 bags to Goodwill. LOVE IT! Unfortunately, the other half of the garage are Dane's boxes. He refuses to throw anything away, but I'll find a way to trick him. With the last move he got rid of 10 percent of his wardrobe (quite an amazing feat for him). I am a believer of always outdoing yourself, so I'm aiming for 15 percent of his storage boxes. Baby steps, baby steps.

My cute brother inlaw - he is available .. so send me your numbers!

My handsome husband - not available .. so do not send me your numbers! lol, he had to cut his hair for work so he decided to do it himself. He was going for a faux mo.

Our baby Pele. :)

Me and our newest niece (not for long - another is due in the next 2 weeks!).

Casino de Liana

So Dane and I decided to open up our own casino in our bedroom. That way we never lose! It's getting so bad that we are actually going to try (stress try) and build our own mini craps table. Currently I am at $584 and Dane is at $1300. Dane tends to fluctuate a lot more than I do -- he just went down to $1000 as I speak. He does like to put more on the line than I do... I'm not a born risk taker. I get so upset when I lose, and it's not even "real" money.

Recently I've decided to buy myself something nice; something I've been wanting for a very long time now. I just bought an iMac desktop... and I love it. Love it! It had to have been the easiest electronic setup I've ever encountered. The box contained one wireless mouse (wireless!), one small wireless keyboard (still no wires!), one monitor, and one cord. Count it, one cord! It took longer to take everything out of the box than it did to set it up. Amazing. My iBook was getting really slow and cumbersome. The battery had given out as well as the cord - so last year I decided to spend $80 on a new cord and forgo the $200 battery. Lets just say its hard to use a laptop that has to be restarted every time you open it. Now I just need to figure out how to xfer my data/music over. I'm in heaven.

Lucky for us there was this really great deal going on at Apple last weekend. If you were a student (which Dane technically was going to SA College this semester) then you got $100 off the iMac, $50 off the extended Apple Care, a free printer, and a free 8 gig iPod touch. We basically walked away with the whole store. Since I already had an iTouch, I gave the iPod to Dane. At first he was like, cool, and didn't even touch it. Two days later and the earbuds haven't left his ears! He goes around jamming and playing all day. Before you know it he'll be a app whore. I've created a monster! ... He makes a really cute Apple guy.

Here are some pictures of Pele's liter. They were born in December and we got rid of the last in April. Enjoy!

Going back to Cali

So much is happening all at once. I think things are finally coming together. Dane got the job in California and begins Aug 18. We found a place that would work; however, they want to meet us before the rent. WHAT? As long as we give them the money it should be fine. It will cost us so much money to drive down and what if they decide "No"?! Whatev. Our rental property was in the process of getting rented when our real estate agent called and said he has an offer. AND they want to close in less than 2 weeks. Either way, it will be just fine. Too bad our house we wanted to flip didn't turn out this well. :( Oh well, live and learn.

Its a fine line deciding when to give your two weeks notice at work. Especially when you love your job and respect your bosses. I wish they had a position in California I could switch over to. I don't expect them to open in Cali for a year or so. I think once I find out if we get this house I'll let them know. I feel bad though ... I've just learned most of the ins and outs of my position. What a waste.

Btw, I'm very excited to watch The Dark Knight. I hate crowds so I think I'll wait a week or so. Its crazy the reviews its getting and the records it's going to break! I haven't heard a bad thing about this new one. Awesome!

Picture Post

I finally remember ALL the parts needed to posts my pictures. FINALLY! We recently got rid of our cable and internet connections at home to save money... So now I do everything at work. I'm sure my employers don't appreciate it :)

We used to have two pit bulls named Shaka and Pikake. We were forced to put them down due to a variety of reasons. It hurt Dane deeply because Shaka was his best friend and had been for over 2 years. Before they were put down, we bought a really expensive and "high class" pitbull we named Pele Polu. She is adorable and very friendly.



We bought this basket at IKEA and thought it would be perfect... We were wrong. However, we then bought her a huge pillow bed and she can't stay on that either! So its her fault - she does it on purpose, I know it!



I posted earlier about a digging trip with Mom and Lew. Here are some pictures from that fateful time... btw, I never knew Utah could be so beautiful!


The Long Road Down


The purple Catepillar (I swear it was purple... the camera couldn't capture its awesomeness).


Stranded

And lastly, some early pictures of Dane's new tattoo:


This is the very first sitting... The arm and front pieces are missing. They are filled in now.


The back piece... there is a small piece missing in the middle and obviously again the arm is incomplete in this shot. The v shaped tattoo on the upper middle shoulders is an old tattoo and not part of the new one.


And this is the above shot.

It is coming along very nicely now. He has had 5 sittings so far and needs only 2 more. The tattoo is full of Hawaiian tribal patterns, the family shark, a turtle for me, the hawaiian islands, hibiscus flowers, and his most prized pieces - A pit bull head for his Shaka. He drew and designed it himself and is very proud of it. Mom Gayle will of course freak out.

Chuck This!

There's so much to say and yet so little to say. California was great. I am gradually becoming more and more comfortable in Dane family. We played Rook and Wits and Wagers - our two favorite games of late. Dane had his interview with our sis-in-law's family's company and we feel it went well. Dad and I figured we could get some birthday present shopping out of the way while Dane was in his interview... We could have gone shopping, got a bite to eat, AND went and saw Titanic in the time he took for his interview! We felt that was a good sign (keep your fingers crossed for us).

Our nephew's first birthday was last Saturday and they threw it at Chuck-E-Cheese. When I was a kid I would get so jealous of all my friends who had their birthdays at Chucks. I seriously felt like I was missing out on an important part of my early childhood. I was so embarrassed by my uncreative family that I wouldn't invite friends to my birthday parties. We didn't have party favors. We didn't have party games. We didn't go to Chuck-E-Cheese. I'm a little baffled by my feelings (however acutely they were felt) when I heard that Ryan was having his first birthday there. I hate to admit this, but the kid in me felt a little jealous. HE WONT EVEN REMEMBER IT. I feel sorry for my kids... I think I'll try to live vicariously through them. I apologize ahead of time. In the end, I think Dane and his siblings enjoyed the party the most. :)

Dane has been waiting to tell everyone that he is getting another tattoo until he showed his family in Cali. But the cost is clear. He is getting a polynesian shoulder cap. The tattoo will cover his right shoulder blade, over his shoulder, his front right pectoral, and half way down his arm. My work computer doesn't have a slot for memory cards so i'll have to post pictures when I remember to bring my USB cable. But here is a general idea (courtesy of The Rock):

Diggin in the Canyon

Mom and Lou recently purchased a Jeep Liberty so they could pursue their off roading dreams. They bought it used with only 9k miles on it and in great condition. We planned a trip up Provo Canyon on a trail behind Wallsburg yesterday and it was quite interesting. Its always a little terrifying crawiling along a rocky road with a mountain side out one window and a cliff out the other. I admit I was a little tense. Dane's parents seem to live life lately with a carefree adventurous outlook that I don't really share. I wouldn't be suprised if they ever totalled their SUV. Needless to say, it was a little thrilling while it lasted. The novices that we are, Dane and I showed up in clothes not intended for hiking use. We definately didn't intend to do any outdoor activities, but the car mysteriously died while on the trail about 3 miles up the trail. Poor Dane and Mom had to hike back down for help.

They took about an hour and a half to get back to us (not too shabby) with help. A wonderful Samaritan happened to be at the bottom of the mountain! He was having a rough day and decided on a whim to take a drive. We were so grateful for his timing and help. The first step to getting down the mountain safely was to turn the car around - VERY difficult to accomplish on a narrow trail with a cliff on one side. But we did it! With a tow rope providing back up tension, we pushed and rolled it around to face the other direction. Then we had a very bumpy and tense ride down. Poor Lou's legs were killing him by the time we were at the bottom.

We were hoping on spotting some wildlife: cougar, elk, beaver, etc. I imagine we would've succeeded in our goal had the car been on board with the plan. We had to settle for a puple catepillar and a pretty hummingbird. Oh yes, a copious amounts of blood sucking, west nile carrying mosquitos. :( Luckily, Mom and Lou are always prepared and had extra blankets and jackets, water, flashlights, and most importantly OFF wipes.

I will have to post pictures when I get around to down. In the meantime, I'll post some off roading pics I found online.

Shinpū Quail

Today at work, Jeri heard little chirping outside the front door. When she investigated further she found lots of little baby quail stuck. The basement windows are dug out 3 feet around them to allow sunlight to reach them. They are covered with a large grate (1.5 x 3 inch holes). Tragically about 8-10 baby quail were stuck at the bottom (a 4 drop) and the mother quail couldn't reach them. They were only a day or so old and could not get out themselves. So Jeri went downstairs and rescued them. We were afraid the mother wouldn't take them back from us, but thankfully she did. One of the little chicks wouldn't go to the mother like the others did. He would run the opposite direction and it caused great confusion among everyone. However, we think that he just wanted to warm up in the sun (he would stop and sit once he reached sunlight). Unfortunately, right after the reunion a couple of the chicks kamekazied right back through the crate! Are you kidding me... That's when I decided to go back to work.

Seawolf

A week or so ago, Dane and I were having a debate on whose better: the great white shark or the killer whale. I personally think that a killer whale would kick the trash out of a great white. Killer whales on average seem to have way more itelligence. And then, I found this little gem:




I think there's something majestic about killer whales. And I like how the females live longer. Go girls! The majority of my preference probably just comes from familiarity. I've seen tons of killer whales in the puget sound, and zero great whites(thank heavens).



And just so I'm not too one sided:

Tronada!

I absolutely love wikipedia and unconsciously consider it absolute truth. Whenever I need help with some random question I almost always go to wikipedia first. Lately, I have been facinated with nature. Yesterday a deadly tornado tore through Iowa. I now cannot satiate my desire for tornado information and pictures. It is almost unbelievable to me, someone who grew up in Washington State, the power of these natural phenomenons. Until I see one I will never fully grasp the overall greatness and danger they possess.



Heaven's Hammer: A monster tornado unleashes its wrath across Alvo, Nebraska, travelling at over 70mph



How is she calmly standing there? I could never be a storm chaser... I'm getting nervous just looking at this crazy lady!



This tornado touched down in downtown Miami, FL in 1997. I'm so glad Dane wasn't old enough to serve yet... (He went on his mission to Miami).



I don't know which is scarier: a rope...



A cone...



Or a wedge?



I love the twisting shape of this one. The color is way cool as well.

A new start

Dane and are working towards a new start. It seems we've been in Utah for too long, and it's time to move on. I wish I would've finished my degree, but a BA can be had anywhere I suppose. California has been calling Dane's name for who knows how long. So the past couple months we've been preparing to make the move. Its a lot harder than it looks. The hardest has been our properties... it is the wrong time to be selling.

We hope to move to the Tustin area. Its halfway between Anaheim and San Clemente. His father lives in San Clemente, and his siblings live in Laguna Niguel, Tustin, and off of Alisa. His extended family is more North towards Anaheim. And hopefully, he gets this job in Tustin. As for myself finding a job - I'm sure there are a ton of paper pushing jobs available. I'm boring. Regardless of where we live, California is beautiful. I've only lived in a rainforest and a desert. The beach should be a nice change.

Things I want to do when we move:

• San Diego Zoo
• Sea World
• Six Flags

Probably in that order. However I have been doing some research on the places and it would take a small fortune to go to each place. Its consistently over $100 to do anything touristy in CA. Not to mention you can't possibly do it in one day. Who has more than a Saturday free to play? Oh well, at least I won't have to pay for hotel and airfare.

Now the only thing left to do is get my parents to start anew in CA as well... yeah right.

New Beginnings

I am so grateful for loving friends and family... where would anyone be without those they care about and those that care about them? I am in awe of the comfort the little things can do, it makes me want to go brighten someone else's day. I havent thought about others in a long time. And its time I start. I need to get my life into shape and kickstart it into high gear. I had the most wonderful day yesterday. So much love and I am eternally grateful for everyone in my life. Its nice to know that no matter my mistakes, I always have that love.

its so hard to fix me and not us. he's constantly in the back of my mind and i need to focus more on another us. i was humbled yesterday, and started a new page. it hard but it feels great at times... when i need it the most. im excited and a little apprehensive of what lies ahead. but i know that all will work out for the best.

I am so grateful for loving friends and family... where would anyone be without those they care about and those that care about them? I am in awe of the comfort the little things can do, it makes me want to go brighten someone else's day. I havent thought about others in a long time. And its time I start. I need to get my life into shape and kickstart it into high gear. I had the most wonderful day yesterday. So much love and I am eternally grateful for everyone in my life. Its nice to know that no matter my mistakes, I always have that love.

its so hard to fix me and not us. he's constantly in the back of my mind and i need to focus more on another us. i was humbled yesterday, and started a new page. it hard but it feels great at times... when i need it the most. im excited and a little apprehensive of what lies ahead. but i know that all will work out for the best.

Crashing

it feels like so much has happened since i last updated. i was home for a week following hawaii and then spent a week in cali with dane... one of his good friends from home had died in a car accident and we went down there for the funeral. on the plus side, the byu volleyball team was playing uc irvine that week so we were able to attend that as well.
unfortunately, dane wanted to go home sat night (against my, my moms, and his dad's wishes). i knew i would be driving the whole way (dane gets tired and he was taking nightquill) and i didnt want to drive all night. the car we took down (dane's roommates) had terrible tires... so much so that when it rained in cali i was sliding everywhere so i didnt want to chance bad weather. also there was a storm coming in that night and my mom and his dad didnt want us to hit it. well we did. i made it mesquite nevada with no problems but it was 3 in the morning and i wanted to take a quick sleep. i slept for 3 hours and when i woke up the storm had caught up to us. i got through the pass ok but around st george i ran into some serious snow and hit a guard rail. it put a large scratch down the drivers side. i was so shook up when i got to a gas station i bought 3 tires... the guy said i shouldnt go out again on the old ones (they were really bad). the new tires were great and i had no more problems. unfortunately the first estimate is 2,500. suck. i definately do not need this.
dane and are aren't doing well either. my luck needs to change. i can't take much more. i need to make some changes in my life. its hard to know where to begin. it will take a lot of effort... and that seems weird to me. its so hard for me to make changes. why??!!
work is busy, i may update again in my life.
Quote of the Day: The city of Los Angeles once named a street after Jack Bauer in gratitude for his saving the city several times. They had to rename it after people kept dying when they tried to cross the street. No one crosses Jack Bauer and lives.

Recouperation

so hawaii wasnt all it was cracked up to be... prolly the wrong time to go. kinda rainy. and i got a lot of driving in. yes. i was on an island. yes. i drove a lot. haha weird i know. so much so that i no longer want to drive from the rest of my life.
:::: my friend tip is making a funny song on his guitar... he lost the pick inside-how i dont know-so its sounds kinda afrikaans. weird boy ::::
i sometimes feel like running away somewhere. starting over. like completely over. you know like new name. new country. new likes/dislikes. maybe not the likes/dislikes part... i dont think i could ever fake liking tapioca pudding and such. so much to do!! so many responsibilities. i dont wanna grow up i'm a toyz r us kid theres a million toys at toys r us that i can play with!!!
man i slept a lot yesteday, and i feel like sleeping right now. i think it's cuz i go to bed so late. yeah. ooo ooo ooo! i saw harry potter FINALLY. tam/eric and i have been planning onseeing it together since before it came out and we finally saw it! crazy yes. i liked it, but it didn't hold my attention as well as some of the other one's. ya know? and i also got the weird feeling that i missed the first dumbledore... i dont know where that came from. but i do.
welp the throne is calling me! yikes.

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this is fornet's fault... how am i supposed to comment? i had to open a freakin account! curse you you 3rd class hoochie!!!