MLK Day = hubba hubba

MLK will always be special to me. Not because of its namesake or the tremendous life and work of Dr. King, but because five years ago on this day, Peter and I had our first kiss. As he tells it, it was more of a make-out session, initiated, encouraged and perpetuated by me, which is "probably" true. What can I say? He was irrestible. So, here's the (long) love story: we met in 2000 in Omaha while I was on a business trip and visiting my sister. She had seen him at church and because he played the piano, was gorgeous, and friendly, she decided that he was my type. So true. My sister set us up on a blind date, it was love at first sight, except that Peter was waiting for a missionary. Always a determined finisher, he let me get away to dote on her. Fast forward four years to 2004. I get an email from Peter out of the blue announcing his engagement to yet another girl. From the picture, I could tell that they were not blissfully in love and my first thoughts were: 1. that girl is NOT right for him (I am). 2. What happened to his missionary? 3. Has Peter Nelson been "on the market" for the past four years and I have not known about this? HUBBA HUBBA! I emailed him a congratulations and we corresponded briefly (with many teasings about his engagement history). Four months later, he contacted me again to let me know that that other girl was indeed not right for him, it hadn't worked out, and that we should flirt and correspond to see where our own love connection would lead. Okay, those were not his exact words, but you get the idea. So, we did just that. Finally, in early 2005 he planned a trip to AZ to visit me. It was MLK weekend. We spent most of the time socializing with my family and friends with little to no alone time. I liked Peter too much to be "rejected" again, so I was in control this time around. Random old maid psychology, I know. Thus, Monday loomed as our big day alone together and I wasn't altogether sure of what Peter was thinking and what was going to happen. Yikes! So, on Sunday night I dropped him off at his hotel and apparently, I was somewhat curt and dismissive, which I "probably" was. I didn't know what was going on with him, and again, "reject first before being rejected" was my motto. About 15 minutes later, he called me to tell me that he really liked me, that he was enjoying himself and that he was looking forward to our day together. !? Said declaration was so bold, so sweet, so honest, that it immediately disarmed me and I melted. What a guy! I guess learning his thoughts reassured and emboldended me. And I really, really liked him. So, the big day arrived. We walked around ASU and hiked Camelback Mountain. It was unseasonably warm for January - 81 degrees! At the top of the mountain, we sat and talked, enjoying the view. Peter deftly made his move, and after a little smoochie, when he moved away, I "probably" wouldn't let him... and an hour later, we were officially an item! It was glorious. Thus, MLK will always be our special day. And, even now, recounting our history, makes me remember how fabulous my husband is and how grateful I am to be with him! Hubba hubba!

Grandma's funeral

I went to CO last week to attend my maternal grandmother's funeral. It was more of a celebration of a beautiful life well lived than a mournful occasion. What a terrific lady - Cora Pauline Morgan. She lived 84 years. She was born and married in the house that she lived in for 82 years. Only recently did she move into a small apartment where she enjoyed central heating and insulated walls for the first time in her life. Hers was a frugal, practical approach to life. Virtue, honesty, righteous living - these were the hallmarks of her existence. She had a terrific sense of humor, a pleasant smile, a peaceful countenance and an overall zest for living. She will be missed. But she is in a better place, with her dear husband and all of her family members now, so we can't help but be happy for her.
I'm grateful that I was able to go! Conveniently, my temp job with Hanes ended week before last, so I had this window of time.... Heavenly Father is ever mindful of my needs.
I enjoyed seeing so many immediate and extended family members. I stayed at my favorite cousin's place - Leann (Reynolds) Huffaker. She, her husband and her kids are so much fun! We always get lost in "Leann Land" - her big, beautiful house is always filled with games, food, relaxation and wonderful conversation. We could ride horses if we wanted, but we stay inside, play games, and laugh our guts out. *Favorite memory: playing "Loaded Questions." Niece Miranda (age 14) responded to the question, "if you were a tough guy/ girl (gangster) what would your name be?" She wrote "Nicole." Nicole? Not "the Hammer" or "the Squisher"... but Nicole!? We couldn't stop laughing. Sister Diane says, "Nicole, as in Jennifer?" Yep. Nicole as in Jennifer. So, Nicole became the joke of the evening. Next question: "What keeps you up at night?" "The fear of Nicole"... naturally. Miranda wanted it to end and for us to just stop, but we could not. Thanks Brad & Leann for all of the laughs. You guys are wonderful!
And just being around you all and celebrating Grandma's life has made me a better person.

Nelsons in NY for the New Year!

What a treat! Peter's sibs and spouses came to visit us for New Years Eve, minus Andrea and Curt whom we missed. We had originally planned on going to Times Square to see the ball drop, but somehow, we managed to talk Natalie out of that mayhem, only to have a somewhat anti-climactic beginning to 2010 (sorry Nat). We ate a fabulous restaurant thanks to Clin & Jackie's recommendation, the eatery, and upon seeing the masses, we headed to our place in Brooklyn Heights to relax, warm up and hang out for a couple of hours. We played games and were then blessed by watching Eric's timeless impression of Hulk Hogan which elicited many chuckles. At 11:00 we took the Staten Island Ferry, only to return and come back at midnight. My idea was that we'd be heading into the fireworks on Manhattan just after midnight. !? Turned out, there weren't any fireworks afterall in our part of the island, must have all been happening at Times Square. Sorry Nat. At least we got to see the Statue of Liberty much closer and get a free boat ride!

The trip was fun overall, and we even attempted the Today Show on New Years Eve morning! Our sign was lame, our positioning was poor, and when the snow started coming down, we headed out to grab some breakfast and watch the ice skaters in Rockefeller Center.

The weekend ended with me going up to NH where I got to see my in-laws and the kiddos for a couple of days. Best memory: Steven bludgeoning an opossum in the Makechnie chicken coop. I came back on Sunday afternoon on the Fung-wah bus ($15 to NY) to a cozy and well rested Dr. Nelson. Happy New Year everybody!

Dog Sitting is overrated

So, Christmas morning Peter had to be at work at 8:00am. We left the house together and I went directly to the Butler's - a family in our ward who's out of town in UT for 9 days. They asked me to help out with the dog sitting duties, which I agreed to reluctantly. It requires me to walk 25 minutes one-way (good exercise!), to feed the dog, let her out, and walk her if I'm so inclined. I figured it was a good act of service and I wanted to do something b/c the prophets tell us our prayers are more likely to be answered if we actually help others. :) I know thats true, by the way. So, I get there Christmas morning about 8:45am... probably a little later than I should have arrived. Obviously. I let the dog out and walked around the kitchen for a bit when my eyes settled on the HUGE, fresh pile of dog poop by the back door. !?#$%^! Too late, I had smeared it on my new boots and on various sections of the floor. Poor doggie, she knew that she had done something "bad" so my reprimanding was pointless. But I did it anyway. I let her have it. I threw the back rug away (hey, I'm not going to clean that up). I then forgave the dog and took her on a walk. It was a gorgeous sunny Christmas morning. And my good deeds allowed the Lord to answer my prayer later that day. I had prayed that Peter could actually stay for Christmas dinner at our friends' house and not have to go to the hospital (he was on call that day). He stayed the full FIVE hours. What a blessing. Merry Christmas everyone!

All the Jobs I've ever had...

As I look back, I realize that I have had a TON of jobs thus far in my life. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work; growing up poor forced me to become self-reliant and industrious. So...
I think this list is pretty comprehensive (listed from the most present back):

Hanesbrands, Inc. in NYC (Nov 2009 - present) - receptionist/ administrative assistant
University of Nebraska at Omaha (Aug. 2007 - May 2009) - Italian instructor
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Mesa, AZ (July 03 - June 05) - Director of Group Sales
Dobson Ranch Inn & Resort in Mesa, AZ (Jan 01 - June 02) - Sales Manager
Mesa Convention & Visitors Bureau in Mesa, AZ (Aug 99 - Jan 01) - Tourism Sales Manager
Fiesta Inn Resort in Tempe, AZ (Aug 1997 - June 1999) - Front Desk Agent
Merit Medical in South Jordan, UT (summer of 1997) - label inspector, & yes I wore a hairnet!
LDS Missionary in Milan, Italy (1995-1996)
Broadway Sales Inc. in Tempe, AZ (Jan-March 1995) - catalog/ customer service rep.
Psychology Dept. at the University of AZ in Tucson, AZ (Aug 1002-Dec 1994) - office assistant
Carol's Hallmark in Tucson, AZ (summer 1992) - cashier/ card stocker
Cafeteria at UofA in Tucson, AZ (Aug 91 - May 92) - potato plopper/ soup scooper, etc.
Pretty Party Place in Mesa, AZ (1889-1991) - cashier, balloon maker, wig sorter, straightener
Ned's Krazy Sub in Mesa, AZ (jr. high and high school) - cashier, sub maker, cleaner upper girl

Wow, I'm a well-rounded individual with lots of experience in many fields! :) I'd love to see YOUR list(s), dear blog reader. Let me know when its compiled!

The Devil designs clothing

Ever seen the movie, "The Devil Wears Prada?" Its my life right now. Only, fortunately, Peter works even more than I so he's not pressuring me to quit like Andi's boyfriend in the aforementioned flick. Quite the contrary, he couldn't be happier that I work for the MAN. At least I'm bringing in cash and we're making our bills. Capisci? So, I am the receptionist/ admin for Hanesbrands, Inc. This umbrella company houses the clothing designers for Hanes, Champion, Just My Size, among others. I order all the supplies, sign for and deliver all packages (about 50+ a day), make copies, grind special imported coffee for the Boss Man, get his lunch, get the other lady's lunch, and essentially troubleshoot. In typical New York style, there was no official training for this job, so I learn everything in the moment, naturally making numerous mistakes as I figure out how often we change the water filter, how many boxes of paper we order weekly, when to get fresh flowers for particular clients, and how many gallons of milk we go through a week. Its mayhem, but sometimes I have a quiet moment to surf the internet or update my blog. Take right now for example.

Most days, my thoughts are dominated by the concept that I'm 36 and I'm grinding coffee. !? Did I just go back in time 15 years!? When people ask me about my employment, I dread the inevitable - "well, this could be a launch pad for something better," or "you gotta start somewhere"... huh? Am I getting career advice from people in their 20's? They mean well. There's just nothing to say. So, its better if people don't ask. I truly am grateful to be employed in this economy and ultimately, its all for Peter's career and he's the love of my life.

Oh, and the thing about the DEVIL... I actually have 5 people that I "report" to and they're all pretty nice. Except for one lady who makes me do petty errands for her, like get her lunch or put the candles in the Menorah each day. If she's Jewish, then wouldn't it have more meaning for HER to do it than me? Whatever. Have you ever had an experience like this? A so-called demoralizing arrangement that robbed you of your "dignity" in some way, but you had to keep at it?

Oh, and did I mention that I have the privilege of refilling the candy dish each day and that I got to decorate the Christmas tree? Yippity skippity.

Giving Thanks 2009

When your husband works on Thanksgiving Day, what do you do? You have a slumber party!!! I spent the night at my friend's Sarah's house Wed. AND Thursday nights over the Thanksgiving holiday. We laughed, we cried, we baked and cooked until we were exhausted. All so that we could gorge alla grande. Please note that we did put our turkey in the Crock Pot and it turned out very well. I highly recommend it. Doesn't take much time or thought, you just rub it down with spices and olive oil. And, of course, there's the small matter of ripping off the turkey legs and wings... not so pleasant. But I was not faint hearted. Sarah grossed out. Alla grande.

Anyway, we went and saw the teenie bopper film New Moon and it was mediocre at best. Why exactly did I read those books again? Embarrassing. We also watched Jane Eyre on Friday morning after rolling in bed for a few hours. Much better story, acting and plot!

In these pics the missionaries are featured, as well as myself and Sarah's boyfriend Miguel.

Hope y'all had a nice Thanksgiving. I'm grateful for a wonderful life, especially friends and family. Peter is grateful for the leftovers I brought him.