Friday, November 19, 2010
The Path to Self-Discovery...
is long and winding! I've made some recent changes in my life that will hopefully continue to keep me in happiness and a zen-like state. :) I quit my job two weeks ago and have been unemployed, but have an encouraging prospect for a path that may lead me down that proverbial yellow-brick road. Know that since the decision, I have been happier and definitely less-stressed! See the picture below, taken by my amazing photographer friend Suzzanne Dockendorf. Part of my transformation...more to come!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Jumping on the Bandwagon
For anyone who knows me rather well, you know that I don't like jumping on bandwagons. I have yet to read any of the "Harry Potter" books or heaven-forbid the "Twilight" series. I like to do things in my own time, on my own schedule without societal pressures. However, on this one topic I fear I will have to make an exception and jump on the bandwagon. Since President Packer's remarks in General Conference nearly three weeks ago, the press and online blogs have been a feeding frenzy, with protests, petitions and public outcries. So, to add to all the pennies thrown, here is my two-cents.
As a leader of a worldwide faith that I am most honored to be a part of, President Packer's words (I believe) were truly inspired. Apparently, there were some things that needed to be said during that conference. I do believe that marriage should be between a man and woman. I do think that homosexuality is an unnatural tendency. However, I've always been taught by awesome parents that we "love the sinner, hate the sin." I have several family members (cousins and the like) and friends who are gay. I love them. I don't condone or excuse their lifestyle, nor am I going to disregard their own free agency. However, just don't throw it in my face. One particular thing that did get my riled up was the picture below.
This picture was taken at a homecoming parade here in town. Yes, I understand that you are taking a stand for the LGBT community in Southern Utah and at Dixie State College. However, that does not give you credence to desecrate the American flag with your stupidity. Just saying...
Why can't we all just get along?
As a leader of a worldwide faith that I am most honored to be a part of, President Packer's words (I believe) were truly inspired. Apparently, there were some things that needed to be said during that conference. I do believe that marriage should be between a man and woman. I do think that homosexuality is an unnatural tendency. However, I've always been taught by awesome parents that we "love the sinner, hate the sin." I have several family members (cousins and the like) and friends who are gay. I love them. I don't condone or excuse their lifestyle, nor am I going to disregard their own free agency. However, just don't throw it in my face. One particular thing that did get my riled up was the picture below.
This picture was taken at a homecoming parade here in town. Yes, I understand that you are taking a stand for the LGBT community in Southern Utah and at Dixie State College. However, that does not give you credence to desecrate the American flag with your stupidity. Just saying...
Why can't we all just get along?
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The Irony of It All
Yes, it's been over a year since my last post. And you may be asking yourself, "What would prompt Susi to post after a nearly 13 month sabbatical?" The answer: the owner of the Segway machines passed away. A brief moment of silence before I tell you how....
He died on a Segway. Now a brief moment for laughter. :)
Yes, the owner of Segway, Jimi Heselden, ironically died on a Segway after he apparently drove it off a cliff and into a river. The very thing he loved was also literally, his downfall. What's even more ironic is that he died just days prior to the company releasing information on safety measures and procedures regarding riding the Segway.
Yes, this "one hit wonder," I fear has seen it's last day. With high profile people having mishaps (including former U.S. President George W. Bush not being able to get on it, and America's Got Talent judge and soon-to-be CNN host Piers Morgan falling off), I'm surprised they are still around. I will give it to Segway owner Jimi Heselden though...as one of Britain's richest people who just purchased the company, he was also one of the most generous. As ironic, funny and untimely as his death was, he led a fascinating life...growing up poor in Leeds, England, leaving school at 15 to work in the mines and then staying in his hometown to build up his company. In 1990, he founded Hesco Bastion, which if we have ever had any friends or family in the warzones in Iraq and Afghanistan, we should be so lucky that Jimi was alive to see this company into prosperity. Hesco is a company that makes concertina barriers that are filled with dirt and junk used to protect military bases and secure areas. Essentially, they are everywhere in warzones. Maybe he needed one of these barriers by the cliff.
Yes, overall, Jimi's death is quite tragic--on all accounts.
He died on a Segway. Now a brief moment for laughter. :)
Yes, the owner of Segway, Jimi Heselden, ironically died on a Segway after he apparently drove it off a cliff and into a river. The very thing he loved was also literally, his downfall. What's even more ironic is that he died just days prior to the company releasing information on safety measures and procedures regarding riding the Segway.
Yes, this "one hit wonder," I fear has seen it's last day. With high profile people having mishaps (including former U.S. President George W. Bush not being able to get on it, and America's Got Talent judge and soon-to-be CNN host Piers Morgan falling off), I'm surprised they are still around. I will give it to Segway owner Jimi Heselden though...as one of Britain's richest people who just purchased the company, he was also one of the most generous. As ironic, funny and untimely as his death was, he led a fascinating life...growing up poor in Leeds, England, leaving school at 15 to work in the mines and then staying in his hometown to build up his company. In 1990, he founded Hesco Bastion, which if we have ever had any friends or family in the warzones in Iraq and Afghanistan, we should be so lucky that Jimi was alive to see this company into prosperity. Hesco is a company that makes concertina barriers that are filled with dirt and junk used to protect military bases and secure areas. Essentially, they are everywhere in warzones. Maybe he needed one of these barriers by the cliff.
Yes, overall, Jimi's death is quite tragic--on all accounts.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Segway--Still Moving?
Remember the revolutionary machine "The Segway"? Oh, what a delight and tragedy that piece of technology was. I saw one today for the first time in years; hence, prompting my blog. I was in a professional office in St. George and sitting there by the door was none other than a segway. Who knew these things were still around? I must admit, they are phenomenal! I had the opportunity to take a Segway tour around Lake Las Vegas several years ago and after some rocky moments gaining my equilibrium, I found that cruising around at 20 miles per hour was rather fun! According to wikipedia (which is by no way an absolute credible source), the Segway was launched in December 2001 and was expected to sell nearly 100,000 units in the first 13 months. Segway inventor Dean Kamen predicted that "the Segway "will be to the car what the car was to the horse and buggy." If only he wasn't so optimistic! Those words are coming back to haunt him! Between the years 2001 and 2007, only 30,000 Segways were sold. Sad day! 
I am taking the liberty and marking the Segway as a "one hit wonder." Yes, yes, that often implies a musical performer who is best known for a single work. For instance, the Weather Girls and "It's Raining Men" or Frankie Goes To Hollywood's "Relax." Great hits of the 80s and often used for reminiscing in a romantic comedy, but no backbone. Even though the Segway somewhat made a comeback (police training) with the 2008 Summer Olympics and the movie "Paul Blart: Mall Cop", Kamen's Segway should just "Ride Like The Wind."
Now that those awesome songs are in your head, here's VH1's top 100 "One Hit Wonders."
I am taking the liberty and marking the Segway as a "one hit wonder." Yes, yes, that often implies a musical performer who is best known for a single work. For instance, the Weather Girls and "It's Raining Men" or Frankie Goes To Hollywood's "Relax." Great hits of the 80s and often used for reminiscing in a romantic comedy, but no backbone. Even though the Segway somewhat made a comeback (police training) with the 2008 Summer Olympics and the movie "Paul Blart: Mall Cop", Kamen's Segway should just "Ride Like The Wind."Now that those awesome songs are in your head, here's VH1's top 100 "One Hit Wonders."
1 Dexys Midnight Runners: “Come on Eileen”
2 Flock of Seagulls: “I Ran (So Far Away)”
3 A-Ha: “Take On Me”
4 Tommy Tutone: “867-5309 / Jenny”
5 Soft Cell: “Tainted Love”
6 Toni Basil: “Mickey”
7 Modern English: “I Melt With You”
8 Bow Wow Wow: “I Want Candy”
9 Kajagoogoo: “Too Shy”
10 Frankie Goes to Hollywood: “Relax”
11 Gary Numan: “Cars”
12 Animotion: “Obsesssion”
13 Thomas Dolby: “She Blinded Me With Science”
14 Big Country: “In A Big Country”
15 Devo: “Whip It”
16 Nena: “99 Luft Balloons”
17 Men Without Hats: “The Safety Dance”
18 Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock: “It Takes Two”
19 Dead or Alive: “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)”
20 Rockwell: “Somebody’s Watching Me”
21 Twisted Sister: “We’re Not Gonna Take It”
22 Michael Sembello: “Maniac”
23 Eddy Grant: “Electric Avenue”
24 Edie Brickell & New Bohemians: “What I Am”
25 Musical Youth: “Pass the Dutchie”
26 Cutting Crew: “I Just Died In Your Arms”
27 Stacey Q: “Two of Hearts”
28 John Parr: “St. Elmos Fire (Man In Motion)”
29 Madness: “Our House”
30 The Vapors: “Turning Japanese”
31 Bobby McFerrin: “Don’t Worry Be Happy”
32 Quarterflash: “Harden My Heart”
33 John Waite: “Missing You”
34 The Waitresses: “I Know What Boys Like”
35 Tom Tom Club: “Genius of Love”
36 Weather Girls: “It’s Raining Men”
37 Lipps, Inc.: “Funkytown”
38 Bruce Willis: “Respect Yourself”
39 Matthew Wilder: “Break My Stride”
40 The Buggles: “Video Killed the Radio Star”
41 Billy Vera “At This Moment”
42 Timbuk 3 “The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades”
43 Shannon “Let the Music Play”
44 Wall of Voodoo “Mexican Radio”
45 Robbie Nevil “C’est La Vie”
46 Georgia Satellites “Keep Your Hands To Yourself”
47 Pretty Poison “Catch Me I’m Falling”
48 Yello “Oh Yeah”
49 Philip Bailey (w/ Phil Collins) “Easy Lover”
50 Neneh Cherry “Buffalo Stance”
51 After the Fire “Der Kommissar”
52 Mary Jane Girls “In My House”
53 Taco “Puttin’ On the Ritz”
54 Chris DeBurgh “Lady in Red”
55 Johnny Kemp “Just Got Paid”
56 Til Tuesday “Voices Carry”
57 Jermaine Stewart “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off”
58 Don Johnson “Heartbeat”
59 The Outfield “Your Love”
60 Nu Shooz “I Can’t Wait”
61 E.U.: “Da Butt”
62 XTC: “Dear God”
63 Oran “Juice” Jones: “The Rain”
64 Robbie Dupree: “Steal Away”
65 Boomtown Rats: “I Don’t Like Mondays”
66 The Jeff Healy Band: “Angel Eyes”
67 Martika: “Toy Soldiers”
68 Peter Schilling: “Major Tom”
69 T’Pau: “Heart And Soul”
70 Harold Faltermeyer: “Axel F”
71 Jack Wagner: “All I Need”
72 Swing Out Sister: “Breakout”
73 Paul Hardcastle: “19″
74 Information Society: “What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy)”
75 Bertie Higgins: “Key Largo”
76 J.J. Fad: “Supersonic”
77 General Public: “Tenderness”
78 Aldo Nova: “Fantasy”
79 Alannah Myles: “Black Velvet”
80 Eddie Murphy: “Party All The Time”
81 Josie Cotton: “Johnny Are You Queer?”
82 Red Rider: “Lunatic Fringe”
83 Paul Lekakis: “Boom Boom Boom Let’s Go Back to My Room”
84 The Church: “Under The Milky Way”
85 Ziggy Marley And The Melody Makers: “Tomorrow People”
86 Patrice Rushen: “Forget Me Nots”
87 Vixen: “Edge Of A Broken Heart”
88 Nik Kershaw: “Wouldn’t it Be Good”
89 Rodney Dangerfield: “Rappin’ Rodney”
90 Haircut 100: “Love Plus One”
91 Gloria Loring & Carl Anderson: “Friends And Lovers”
92 Frank Stallone: “Far From Over”
93 L.A. Guns: “The Ballad of Jayne”
94 Club Nouveau: “Lean On Me”
95 Midnight Oil: “Beds are Burning”
96 The Fabulous Thunderbirds: “Tuff Enuff”
97 Will To Power: “Baby I Love Your Way / Freebird”
98 Buckner & Garcia: “Pac-Man Fever”
99 Michael Damian: “Rock On”
100 Clarence Clemons (and Jackson Browne): “You’re A Friend Of Mine”
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Bad Signs Part 2
Anyone who knows me well knows that I can't stand misspelled or punctuated signs. It simply amazes me that people don't get a friend, buddy, coworker, spouse, or a 6th grader to proofread something! The following are more signs I've come across in recent months that show man's lackadaisical attitude.
Taken at Bear Lake's best place for food, snacks, rednecks, and apparently mattress's!
A banner from one of my food vendors from the Business Expo. How do you have an apostrophe down below? Isn't that then called a comma? I don't know how famous those sandwiches were, but Karyn said it was amazing!
Sign found in Bloomington. Oh, City of St. George.
Enough said...
Taken at Bear Lake's best place for food, snacks, rednecks, and apparently mattress's!
A banner from one of my food vendors from the Business Expo. How do you have an apostrophe down below? Isn't that then called a comma? I don't know how famous those sandwiches were, but Karyn said it was amazing!
Sign found in Bloomington. Oh, City of St. George. Enough said...
Thursday, May 7, 2009
100 Best Books
I've been listening to a lot of NPR (National Public Radio) in the mornings as I go to work and when I go home. It's not a new concept for me; I actually quite enjoy it. The past week, I've learned heaps. Did you know that the big influenza epidemic of 1918 was actually called the Spanish Flu? And this flu pandemic spread to nearly every part of the world? Crazy huh? I was so enthralled by the information, that I did a quick wikipedia search (I know, I know--not the most credible source of information) and found that anywhere from 70 to 100 million people were killed worldwide, the most devastated communities hit included the Pacific Islands where Western Samoa a crippling 90% of the population was infected.This morning I also learned about the Pullman Porters. This was a group of young African American men who were hired by George Pullman, inventor of the sleeping car, to take care of any whim that the customer had. They were paid next to nothing who saved to put their children and grandchildren through college.
I wanted to learn more about about the Pullman Porters, so I went to NPR . I found all sorts of fun stuff! The best thing was someone's list of top 100 books. Now, I like to think for my 20+ years that I'm well read, but I apparently have quite a bit more to read! Here's how my list would start out (in no particular order):1. To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee
2. I Can't Accept Not Trying, Michael Jordan
3. Eats, Shoots and Leaves, Lynne Truss
4. Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway
5. Shane, Jack Shaffer
6. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
7. Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare
8. Alexander and the
9. Fire In the Bones, S. Michael Wilcox
10. The Blue Castle, L.M. Montgomery
11. How To Be Happy, Dammit: A Cynic's Guide to Spiritual Happiness, Karen Salmansohn
12. Walden, Henry David Thoreau
13. Dubliners, James Joyce
14. The Crying of Lot 49, Thomas Pynchon
15. The Bluest Eye, Toni Morrison
What would be your top books?
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Apostrophe War
I am a fanatic about punctuation. What? Are you sure? Did no one listen when their sixth grade language arts teacher was teaching about punctuation? Comma. Period. Exclamation point. Question mark. Semicolon. Colon. Apostrophe. They all have their own little place in this crazy mixed up world. They all have a specific function that is designed to allow the reader to evoke feeling, to pause and reflect, create a tone or mood. Yes, bad punctuation is one of my biggest pet peeves (see my Bad Signs post). Earlier this year, I purchased an "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" daily desk calendar based on the bestselling book. If you've never read the book, read it! It will change your whole view of punctuation and grammar. The following is the author's (Lynne Truss) take on apostrophe:"Here are the weapons required in the apostrophe war: correction fluid; big pens; stickers cut in a variety of sizes; both plain (for sticking over unwanted apostrophes) and coloured (for inserting where apostrophes are needed); tin of paint with big brush; guerrilla-style clothing; strong medication for personality disorder; loudhailer; gun."
I believe this war will never end. I recently saw an ad for a local video production business that read "Love Story Video's. Short video's to share with family and friends." This made me sad, especially since I know the owner. :(
Monday, March 30, 2009
National Noodle Month
I love random facts. Did you know that the human body, when dead, loses 21 grams? Who knew?
But did you know that March was National Noodle Month? I know, right? How awesome is that? I want to know who decided that noodles needed their own special month. But since it's almost the end of the month, please pay homage to the shells, spaghetti, penne, farfale (bowties), and all the other pastas of the world with these amazing facts!
Noodles can be traced back to the Etruscans in the fourth century B.C.
But did you know that March was National Noodle Month? I know, right? How awesome is that? I want to know who decided that noodles needed their own special month. But since it's almost the end of the month, please pay homage to the shells, spaghetti, penne, farfale (bowties), and all the other pastas of the world with these amazing facts!
Noodles can be traced back to the Etruscans in the fourth century B.C. -Roman mythology tells of the god Vulcan inventing a device that made strings of dough.
-Thomas Jefferson is credited with bringing the first pasta maker to America in 1789 after returning from serving as ambassador to France.
-In the U.S., 84% of Northeasterners eat pasta on a weekly basis, compared to 70% of Southerners.
What would have happened if Thomas Jefferson didn't bring the pasta maker back? What would we use collanders for? What would Clemenza be making to feed the Corleone "family" if not pasta? A souffle? Not very mob-like.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Don't You Want Me?
You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar
When I met you
I picked you out, I shook you up, and turned you around
Turned you into someone new
Now five years later on you've got the world at your feet
Success has been so easy for you
But don't forget its me who put you where you are now
And I can put you back down too
Don't, don't you want me?
You know I cant believe it when I hear that you wont see me
Don't, don't you want me?
You know I don't believe you when you say that you don't need me
Its much too late to find
You think you've changed your mind
You'd better change it back or we will both be sorry
Don't you want me baby? Don't you want me - oh...
What a great song! Human League was way before their time! And the music video is so 80s! This seems to be the recent theme. I just finished the book, "He's Just Not That Into You," and absolutely loved it! Great advice that made me stop and think, "Susi, was this written just for you?" I then went and watched the motion picture. Not bad. I found it a little hard to digest. I guess it was just having the stories and advice from the book actualized. But when it comes to releationships, aren't those five words so clutch?
When I met you
I picked you out, I shook you up, and turned you around
Turned you into someone new
Now five years later on you've got the world at your feet
Success has been so easy for you
But don't forget its me who put you where you are now
And I can put you back down too
Don't, don't you want me?
You know I cant believe it when I hear that you wont see me
Don't, don't you want me?
You know I don't believe you when you say that you don't need me
Its much too late to find
You think you've changed your mind
You'd better change it back or we will both be sorry
Don't you want me baby? Don't you want me - oh...
What a great song! Human League was way before their time! And the music video is so 80s! This seems to be the recent theme. I just finished the book, "He's Just Not That Into You," and absolutely loved it! Great advice that made me stop and think, "Susi, was this written just for you?" I then went and watched the motion picture. Not bad. I found it a little hard to digest. I guess it was just having the stories and advice from the book actualized. But when it comes to releationships, aren't those five words so clutch?
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Square Root Day
Friday, February 20, 2009
Maui No Ka Oi Pictures
Maui, looking towards Haleakala Crater.
When I was there 5 years ago, this sign was there and I took a picture of then. Maui has the best signs. I'm glad to see that some things don't change!
At Ho'okipa Beach
The crazy guy from Costco, who I later saw at the swap meet!
Maui No Ka Oi
Okay...as many of you know, I took a quick trip to Maui. And I mean quick. I planned the trip in 4 days, and was on the island for 4 days. I have now been home in St. George for 5 days, and I'm afraid the nice tan that I got will slowly be fading. :(
My mom and best friend Leilani joined me in this adventure, and were delightful company!
We left Salt Lake City during a snow storm, at which point the airplane captain told us we had to wait on the runway while the plane was being "de-iced." Not exactly comforting. Fascinating thing though. They have these guys in huge cherry pickers in the sky and long poles spraying the plane. The guy sitting next to me was kind of tipsy, and couldn't wait for the beverage cart to come along so he could purchase whiskey--"anything from the South." And he was so thrilled to be sitting in between women, that he offered to buy us a drink as well. I must say, my first time being offered, and it was very nice of him...:) Needless to say, this man was a character; switching between his ipod classic and phone for music and drinking, it was a great combination! Finally landed in Maui (I forgot how long that terminal is!), picked up our rental car (it was cheaper and easier to get a convertible car than wait the 2 hours for the other car we reserved!), and made our way to Kihei.
First order of business: Find food! And lo and behold! My first meal was at L & L's! Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love this place! We spent the next two and a half days exploring the island. Lani and I had been before when we were in school; mom had never. Went to the eastern side of Makena where you can see the island of Kahoolawe. On Thursday, we made our way to Lahaina and Old Lahaina Town. Visited many of the historical sites including: The Baldwin Home (ever watched the movie "Hawaii" based on the book by James Michner?), the old banyan tree, old fort, Old Lahaina Prison, and Lahaina Harbor. 
Ate at this great local restaurant called Aloha Mixed Plate. Fantastic! Went to the beach. Saw some whales breaching in the distance. On Friday, we decided to wake up early and drive upcountry. Headed towards the hippy town of Paia at 7 in the morning. Obviously nothing was open, continued towards Haleakala Crater and the town of Makawao. Tried to find this bakery called Kumoda's. Stopped and asked a local for directions, but his pidgeon was so bad! Continued towards Kula and stopped at this cool historic church. It was built in the 1800s for the Portuguese people who came to Maui to work the sugar cane fields. Very beautiful and ornate inside. Bout some little saint medals to send to Ta'ei in Brazil. I thought he might get a kick out of them! The closer to the base of the crater we got, the colder it got! Mom had to put her jacket on! And driving with the top down, you can just imagine! Decided not to make the famous drive to Hana. Since Lani and I had been, we figured it wasn't really worth it. Not to mention none of us were in the mood to deal with a winding road! We stopped at Costco on the way back to Kihei. Yes, Costco. Let me tell you. That place was packed! And even though the prices were pretty comparable to the mainland, it was still $4.50 for a gallon of milk! The first night we were there, we spent $68 on groceries! Ran into this guy who tried to talk to me. I think he was a little off his rocker. He could have been mistaken for a tourist. He was dressed to the nines in aloha attire, complete with matching hat! Back to Kihei for more beach time! It was at this time that I wished I had a video camera...Here's the story...Imagine with me if you can.
Susi: (Looking around at the plethora of people on the beach. She spots an older gentleman digging a hole behind his lawn chair. And thinks to herself, "Why is that man digging a hole? Did he bury his drinks in the sand to keep them cold? And why is he digging so deep?" Still intrigued turns to Leilani.)
Look at that man digging a hole...why do you think he's digging?
Lani: (Kind of irritated that Susi interrupted her reading) I don't know.
Susi: Hmmm...(Susi continues to watch, only to realize the man was digging a hole to put the back end of his chair in to make some kind of recliner. He sits in and puts his feet up.) HAHAHAHAHAHA! (Susi laughs boisterously and turns to Lani.) He fell out of his chair!
By this time, the man turned toward me (probably because I was so loud), also laughs, and goes back to digging. Susi continues to watch, and when the man is done digging, turns to her and holds up 2 fingers. She assumes it's because he means 2nd time around. SUCCESS!!
What a great moment! Such a great highlight in my Maui trip! Saturday morning we spent at the Maui Swapmeet. All I have to say is "BOOO!!!" Not at all what we wanted! Although I did find a pretty sweet ukulele, this swapmeet was very much designed for the one-time visitor to the islands who might never return. Our trip home was long...flew to LAX, then to SLC, then had to wait for a flight to SGU. Which never happened! Ended up flying to Cedar and driving home. All in all, a great trip. Maui's not my favorite island--I found it almost too touristy. But February is the perfect time to go. Little humidity, lots of whales, perfect temperatures. Great company (thanks for going with me on my whim!). Pictures to follow. Maui No Ka Oi.
My mom and best friend Leilani joined me in this adventure, and were delightful company!
We left Salt Lake City during a snow storm, at which point the airplane captain told us we had to wait on the runway while the plane was being "de-iced." Not exactly comforting. Fascinating thing though. They have these guys in huge cherry pickers in the sky and long poles spraying the plane. The guy sitting next to me was kind of tipsy, and couldn't wait for the beverage cart to come along so he could purchase whiskey--"anything from the South." And he was so thrilled to be sitting in between women, that he offered to buy us a drink as well. I must say, my first time being offered, and it was very nice of him...:) Needless to say, this man was a character; switching between his ipod classic and phone for music and drinking, it was a great combination! Finally landed in Maui (I forgot how long that terminal is!), picked up our rental car (it was cheaper and easier to get a convertible car than wait the 2 hours for the other car we reserved!), and made our way to Kihei.
First order of business: Find food! And lo and behold! My first meal was at L & L's! Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love this place! We spent the next two and a half days exploring the island. Lani and I had been before when we were in school; mom had never. Went to the eastern side of Makena where you can see the island of Kahoolawe. On Thursday, we made our way to Lahaina and Old Lahaina Town. Visited many of the historical sites including: The Baldwin Home (ever watched the movie "Hawaii" based on the book by James Michner?), the old banyan tree, old fort, Old Lahaina Prison, and Lahaina Harbor. 
Ate at this great local restaurant called Aloha Mixed Plate. Fantastic! Went to the beach. Saw some whales breaching in the distance. On Friday, we decided to wake up early and drive upcountry. Headed towards the hippy town of Paia at 7 in the morning. Obviously nothing was open, continued towards Haleakala Crater and the town of Makawao. Tried to find this bakery called Kumoda's. Stopped and asked a local for directions, but his pidgeon was so bad! Continued towards Kula and stopped at this cool historic church. It was built in the 1800s for the Portuguese people who came to Maui to work the sugar cane fields. Very beautiful and ornate inside. Bout some little saint medals to send to Ta'ei in Brazil. I thought he might get a kick out of them! The closer to the base of the crater we got, the colder it got! Mom had to put her jacket on! And driving with the top down, you can just imagine! Decided not to make the famous drive to Hana. Since Lani and I had been, we figured it wasn't really worth it. Not to mention none of us were in the mood to deal with a winding road! We stopped at Costco on the way back to Kihei. Yes, Costco. Let me tell you. That place was packed! And even though the prices were pretty comparable to the mainland, it was still $4.50 for a gallon of milk! The first night we were there, we spent $68 on groceries! Ran into this guy who tried to talk to me. I think he was a little off his rocker. He could have been mistaken for a tourist. He was dressed to the nines in aloha attire, complete with matching hat! Back to Kihei for more beach time! It was at this time that I wished I had a video camera...Here's the story...Imagine with me if you can.Susi: (Looking around at the plethora of people on the beach. She spots an older gentleman digging a hole behind his lawn chair. And thinks to herself, "Why is that man digging a hole? Did he bury his drinks in the sand to keep them cold? And why is he digging so deep?" Still intrigued turns to Leilani.)
Look at that man digging a hole...why do you think he's digging?
Lani: (Kind of irritated that Susi interrupted her reading) I don't know.
Susi: Hmmm...(Susi continues to watch, only to realize the man was digging a hole to put the back end of his chair in to make some kind of recliner. He sits in and puts his feet up.) HAHAHAHAHAHA! (Susi laughs boisterously and turns to Lani.) He fell out of his chair!
By this time, the man turned toward me (probably because I was so loud), also laughs, and goes back to digging. Susi continues to watch, and when the man is done digging, turns to her and holds up 2 fingers. She assumes it's because he means 2nd time around. SUCCESS!!
What a great moment! Such a great highlight in my Maui trip! Saturday morning we spent at the Maui Swapmeet. All I have to say is "BOOO!!!" Not at all what we wanted! Although I did find a pretty sweet ukulele, this swapmeet was very much designed for the one-time visitor to the islands who might never return. Our trip home was long...flew to LAX, then to SLC, then had to wait for a flight to SGU. Which never happened! Ended up flying to Cedar and driving home. All in all, a great trip. Maui's not my favorite island--I found it almost too touristy. But February is the perfect time to go. Little humidity, lots of whales, perfect temperatures. Great company (thanks for going with me on my whim!). Pictures to follow. Maui No Ka Oi.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Se Habla Espanol!
There's only one thing that can prompt me to write after my month long hiatus. Infomercials. I love them! I don't know how they suck me in, they just do. The hosts make everything look so appetizing and appealing, like it's something you just can't live without. Usually infomercials play during the late hours of the morning, but you won't find me up at 2 am watching infomercials. If they're playing at 2 in the afternoon, you can bet I'll pause in my channel searching to see what's being sold. I love the Bender Ball. 
It's guaranteed to be 408% more effective than ordinary crunches! How did they even get that percentage?! However, my all time favorite infomercial is The Magic Bullet.
I pause all action to watch. After years and years of watching this infomercial, I still get a kick out of it. With characters like Berman who just wake up with an apparent hangover, to Fred and Ike with significant others, to my favorite, the crotchety old woman, Hazel that has a cigarette about to fall out of her mouth, what's not to love! Not to mention the male host has some kind of Australian accent and the woman looks like she needs to be on a yacht.
The best part of this whole story is that last night I got to see The Magic Bullet infomercial in Spanish! That's right, it was in espanol. I learned that in cinco segundo I can have fresh salsa or in diez segundo, I can have guacamole! That's half the stuff you need for a fiesta!
Every time I see this infomercial I say to myself, "Self, why haven't you bought one of these yet? What are you waiting for?" Alas, the time is just not right. No bueno.
It's guaranteed to be 408% more effective than ordinary crunches! How did they even get that percentage?! However, my all time favorite infomercial is The Magic Bullet.
I pause all action to watch. After years and years of watching this infomercial, I still get a kick out of it. With characters like Berman who just wake up with an apparent hangover, to Fred and Ike with significant others, to my favorite, the crotchety old woman, Hazel that has a cigarette about to fall out of her mouth, what's not to love! Not to mention the male host has some kind of Australian accent and the woman looks like she needs to be on a yacht.The best part of this whole story is that last night I got to see The Magic Bullet infomercial in Spanish! That's right, it was in espanol. I learned that in cinco segundo I can have fresh salsa or in diez segundo, I can have guacamole! That's half the stuff you need for a fiesta!
Every time I see this infomercial I say to myself, "Self, why haven't you bought one of these yet? What are you waiting for?" Alas, the time is just not right. No bueno.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Love Lockdown
Kayne's new music video...Love Lockdown . Love the song and beat. But don't get the video. Why so tribal? Your thoughts?
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Fruit Good.Cake Great.Fruit Cake?Nasty Crap.
I don't get people's obsession with fruitcake. What's good about it? Nothing. I visited the Hurricane Pioneer Museum a couple of months ago and saw a 100-year old preserved fruitcake? WHY? What would possess someone to want to preserve a fruitcake? According to wikipedia, fruitcake is "a cake made with chopped candied fruit and/or dried fruit, nuts and spices, and optionally soaked in spirits. Fruitcakes are often served in the celebration of weddings and Christmas." I guess people like it because it's typically drenched in spirits. But what bride would have something like that at her wedding. Give me a chocolate cake rich in icing any day! I also learned from our somewhat trusty souce wikipedia, that "starting in the 16th century, inexpensive sugar from the American Colonies, and the discovery that high concentrations of sugar could preserve fruits, created an excess of candied fruit, thus making fruitcakes more affordable and popular." I still think that no matter how much sugar you use, fruitcakes should be banned. Here's some facts about fruitcake to think about....
47-Percentage of people who say they’d toss a holiday fruitcake in the trash without delay
47-Percentage of people who say they’d toss a holiday fruitcake in the trash without delay
11-Percentage of people who say they would make time to re-gift a fruitcake
25-Years that fruitcakes can age and still be enjoyed, as long as they have the right preservatives and are stored in tightly closed tins
2,952-Pounds of fruitcake delivered to U.S. troops in Iraq for the holidays last year
25 years! Who wants to eat a 25 year old fruitcake?!
I leave you with one of my favorite comedians, Jim Gaffigan, talking about cake. Enjoy!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Bad Signs
One of my biggest pet peeves is when something is either misspelled or the wrong word is used! However, this is pretty funny, given the context. Taken at St. George's own Holiday Inn. I passed this sign on two different days and it still hadn't been changed. I couldn't resist taking a picture. It totally made my day! Awesome!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
"Last Christmas"
This song is really starting to drive me nuts! I think it all began when Karyn called me from Hawaii's Iolani Palace and as she was walking or in a store or somewhere, this song came on and she started singing it. It's one of those songs that gets stuck in your head. Much like "It's a Small World..." Anyways, it seems like everywhere I go, this song is playing. I didn't really know what the lyrics were except for "Last Christmas I gave you my heart/but the very next day you ripped it apart." Okay, so those aren't the EXACT words--they're the words that I would've sung. I think they're more melodious. And this song has been sung by everyone: George Michael, Ashley Tisdale, Jimmy Eat World, Savage Garden, and Wham!. I can't remember giving anyone quite a gift as my heart, only to have them give it away. Have you? The actual lyrics are below:
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone
I'll give it to someone special
Once bitten and twice shy
I keep my distance, but you still catch my eye
Tell me baby, do you recognize me?
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone
I'll give it to someone special
Once bitten and twice shy
I keep my distance, but you still catch my eye
Tell me baby, do you recognize me?
Well it's been a year, it doesn't surprise me
Happy Christmas
I wrapped it up and sent it
With a note saying "I love
you", I meant it
Now I know what a fool I've been
But if you kissed me now, I
know you'd fool me again
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Special
Yea yea
A crowded room, friends with tired eyes
I'm hiding from you, and your soul of ice
I thought you were someone to rely on
Me, I guess I was a shoulder to cry on
A face unlovin', with a fire in her heart
A man under cover but you tore me apart
Now I've found a real love,
you'll never fool me again
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
I'll give it to someone special
Happy Christmas
I wrapped it up and sent it
With a note saying "I love
you", I meant it
Now I know what a fool I've been
But if you kissed me now, I
know you'd fool me again
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Special
Yea yea
A crowded room, friends with tired eyes
I'm hiding from you, and your soul of ice
I thought you were someone to rely on
Me, I guess I was a shoulder to cry on
A face unlovin', with a fire in her heart
A man under cover but you tore me apart
Now I've found a real love,
you'll never fool me again
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
I'll give it to someone special
Friday, December 5, 2008
Chiropractors Make...
Better Lovers. I saw that scrawled on a bumper sticker as I was driving to work this morning. I got such a crack out of it! To accompany the words, there was a picture of an curved spine. Does that mean it's because they're more bendy and get kinks out? ;) I wonder how many more bumper stickers are out there that relate to a person's profession?
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The One With...
I love the Thanksgiving 'Friends' episodes! They're my absolute favorite. Oh, besides the Gilmore Girls episode where Lorelai and Rory go to four Thanksgivings (you can't forget the tofurkey!) How well do you know them? I can't take credit for this, I found it online via TV Guide. Enjoy! ;)
How well do you know the ‘Friends’ Thanksgiving episodes?
Thanksgiving signals that wonderful time of year when family and friends get together to appreciate the things we have — not to mention stuffing our faces full of yummy turkey goodness! No TV show exemplifies this better than Friends, as every year the gang would gather to feast on one of Monica’s outstanding meals — and get into a few mishaps along the way!
See how well you remember their hilarious holiday shenanigans with this Thanksgiving quiz. Good luck!
1. One Thanksgiving afternoon, the gang decided to play a pick-up game of football in the park. What was the name of the trophy Ross and Monica were fighting over?
2. Ross, Rachel, Phoebe and Joey all arrived late to Thanksgiving dinner. What did Monica and Chandler do when they finally showed up?
3. Monica invited Will, an old friend, over for dinner. What’s the name of the club he started with Ross back in high school?
4. One year, Rachel’s sister Amy showed up for dinner. Which well-known actress portrayed her?
5. At dinner, Chandler is depressed over something that happened at Thanksgiving when he was a boy. What was it?
6. Phoebe developed a crush on one of Monica’s dinner guests. Who was it?
7. To make up for kissing Joey’s girlfriend, Kathy, what did Chandler do?
8. During dinner, Joey accidentally spilled the beans about Rachel’s love interest. Who was she pining for?
9. One Thanksgiving, Rachel decided to make a trifle. What recipe got mixed up with the dessert’s?
10. Monica has never burned Thanksgiving dinner. True or false?
(scroll down for answers)
ANSWERS:
1. The Geller Cup
2. Locked them out
3. We Hate Rachel
4. Christina Applegate
5. His parents’ divorce
6. Jack Geller
7. Spent Thanksgiving in a crate
8. Tag
9. Shepherd’s pie
10. False
SCORE:
0-3: Could you be any more forgettable?
4-7: Were you on a break from watching?
8-10: How you doin’? Awesome, that’s how!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Emergency Evacuation Device
Sara--This one's for you!
Every Monday morning I go to a meeting with the Sunshiners. They're the Chamber's ambassadors. I pretty much sit there for 30 minutes listening to them tell stories, or sing Happy Birthday, or vote on whether or not to throw candy during the parade (even after our 'legal council' advised against it!). Then the last minute of our meeting, I get up and tell them what ribbon cuttings or groundbreakings we have that week. It's all so thrilling. Anyways...as I was leaving this morning, I came across this sign.
It is by far one of the funniest signs I've ever seen! I love that there's a guy pushing another on what looks like to be a stretcher down some stairs. Why doesn't it say, "In case of an emergency..." or "In case of elevator malfunction..." or "For wannabe EMT use only..." What would be even better was if there was an adjoining picture that showed what type of emergency to use this device for. I went to the website that's posted under the stairs, and it's some German website that gives you "Mountain Expertise 365 Days a Year." They apparently make chair lifts and aerial ropeways. Unless of course you're in the desert. :) Check it out! garaventa.com. This sign is like a two for one!
Every Monday morning I go to a meeting with the Sunshiners. They're the Chamber's ambassadors. I pretty much sit there for 30 minutes listening to them tell stories, or sing Happy Birthday, or vote on whether or not to throw candy during the parade (even after our 'legal council' advised against it!). Then the last minute of our meeting, I get up and tell them what ribbon cuttings or groundbreakings we have that week. It's all so thrilling. Anyways...as I was leaving this morning, I came across this sign.
It is by far one of the funniest signs I've ever seen! I love that there's a guy pushing another on what looks like to be a stretcher down some stairs. Why doesn't it say, "In case of an emergency..." or "In case of elevator malfunction..." or "For wannabe EMT use only..." What would be even better was if there was an adjoining picture that showed what type of emergency to use this device for. I went to the website that's posted under the stairs, and it's some German website that gives you "Mountain Expertise 365 Days a Year." They apparently make chair lifts and aerial ropeways. Unless of course you're in the desert. :) Check it out! garaventa.com. This sign is like a two for one!
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