The Barber BBQ

Last night was our annual summer Barbershop party. And even though it wasn't a BBQ this year, I think that it still has a nice ring to it, don't you? These people are my barbers. And even though I have some difficulty with some barbers at the shop (none of which are pictured) 7yrs. is the longest that I've stayed at a job. Shortest time was a month...Arctic Circle of course. The day that I leave the shop will be such sad day (who knows, maybe I'll never leave. Maybe I'll be like Jim. He says that he'll die cutting hair. Well, I certainly hope that that doesn't happen.) So here's to yet another Barber BBQ. They sneak up on me so quickly these days. Oh, and do you like Lisa's new car? It fits her. Small, but dazzling.

I just need to hear this every now and again.

Sunshine (someone used to call me that)

What makes me so happy you ask? (in no particular order)

1. Trips to Ross with my favorite sisters

2. Homemade salsa and fresca

3. Sugar free ice cream sandwiches

4. Fresh veggies from the garden (Laura and Eric's new garden ; ) ; ) )

5. Friends who know what I'm thinking without having to say a word

6. People in my life past and present that make me smile at the very thought of them.

7. Rain

8. Friends who are willing to go with me to see the Fray (thanks B. shop Laura. You have learned 'How to Save a Life' , and friends who go with someone else to see the Fray (if it's for a good cause, like a boy they might end up with).

9. Sisters who help you with the break the fast fiasco (you can't beat choc. chip cookies, rice krispie treats, and ramen noodles)

10. The men in my life who make me laugh (You know who you are)

11. Talks with Mary

12. A loving Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. In them, I put all trust.

Ratatouille

Anyone that knows me very well knows that I hate squirrels...but, I think that I would absolutely faint if I came face to face with a rat. I can't even imagine the trauma that I would go through!! However, I happened to see the movie Ratatouille yesterday and it was a winner. And to top it all off a pretty regular customer of the barbershop's sat behind us with his friends and laughed hysterically. Now, the reason why that is so great is because he is about 23 yrs of age, he is freakin huge, and he plays football for BYU. Mind you, most of the rest of the theatre was kids, but I think that he enjoyed the fury rat the very most. And for some reason, I tended to keep my feet off the floor most of the time. I didn't want anything nibbling at my toes.

Five Flavors of Fun

Laura and Lisa, thank you for the good times and being the friends that are truly lifesavers!! What would I do without you guys? Our next meeting is soon, okay? I'll bring the blue bunny!

Nothing fishy about being alone

I had a salmon dinner today. The reason why it was so interesting is because I dined alone and I don't think that I have ever bought and cooked salmon on my own. I must say though, it was lovely. And I also realized that even though I enjoy so much to be with people, I can enjoy doing things that I want to do on my own like seeing a movie alone, going to a concert alone, and eating my salmon alone. These have all been enjoyable experiences for me, but I guess I would be lyeing if I said that I would rather be alone than with someone. I am good company though, even for myself.

Big news!!

I haven't been sleep walking or sleep eating lately!! Maybe I don't need therapy after all.

Little Lisa dreaming big!!

I know that this picture is so random, but this is my cute little friend Lisa...she really is little. I just needed to give her a shout out today. The above picture is her at the MTC with her brother that they just took in last week (stole the picture from her blog). Today after work we went to eat a couple of burritos that were delicious! And I realized that she truly is such a good friend for me at the barbershop. I can tell her things in confidence and know that she is not going to blab to anyone (I can say the same of only a few others. Don't worry Laura, you'll get your shining moment. Love you too!!) But, I think the things that I love the most about Lisa is that she matches her blog address in that she does dream big and she is a go getter. I love her laugh and did I mention that she cut President Bateman's hair today? Thank you Lisa for being such a good friend and sharing your exciting stories and listening to mine. What in the hell will we do without you?

Rugged?...maybe not.

So, this is me in the wilderness. I love it. I truly do. In fact I've had a strong desire to go fishing and this was before my favorite brother in law brought up taking me. We went up American Fork canyon with the family last week and thanks to Eric, we had a lovely time. We had amazing food, a little boat adventure and best of all no cell phone service. It was peaceful, green, and beautiful. Don't expect me to camp in it though, unless they are "comfortable" accommodations (flushers and a shower).

Dan's Mighty Market

Just got off the phone with the Mayor himself. He tells me that good old Dan's Mighty Market is being torn down right at this very moment. Immediately a rush of memories flooded my mind. Michelle and I and sometimes some of our friends and cousins used to ride our bikes to Dan's for candy. Mom would give us all her spare change, so in order to get as much as we could, we would by all of the 10 cent candies. I loved jolly rancher sticks and Laffy taffy bars. Mmmmmmm. So, needless to say it saddens me to know that the next time I go to Blackfoot, Dan's Mighty Market won't be there to greet me on the way home.

Happy Birthday Dad!!

7-7-07 What a great day for birthday, huh? Here is the Mayor's trusty sidekick too, to celebrate with his old man. Love you dad! Hope it was a great one!

I've arrived

Yesterday at work was pretty interesting. I have to admit I love my job. There are times like everyone else that I just wanna go home, but for the most part it's pretty great. I like to be able to say that I put in a full day's work. At the barbershop you meet all kinds. And yes, there are some weird people at BYU, in fact, you might say that some of the weirder people are there.

Yesterday, I got to go back in time. About 2 years ago around this time, I met a guy. I am always embarrassed to say I dated a customer because then people think that I work at the barbershop just so I can meet guys. And although I meet plenty of guys there, I would say that the large majority are not my type at all! Anyway this guy I met 2yrs ago and dated for a couple of months suddenly showed up yesterday at the barbershop. He came in with a girl and the thing that I realized as I cut his hair (unfortunately it was my turn, otherwise I wouldn't have had to cut his hair) is that I have come a long way in realizing the type of guy I'm after and he definitely was not it. I think I finally know what I want because I finally know who I want to be myself. I'm surprised it's taken me so long to realize, but now that I have arrived, I'm grateful to be here.

God Bless America

So I think that I hyped up the 4th of July too much in my mind this year. Don't get me wrong it is still one of my favorite holidays, but, with all the things that I wanted to do and did, it was just so damn hot. At the parade and I forgot my sunglasses (my own fault) which is a huge disadvantage. However, Mickey and I saw some very interesting things during the whole experience. There was a Mere (my very good friend in Winnemucka, NV) sighting, a marching band with plumes and all (brought back memories of my high school days), and a Brook Walker from Studio 5 sighting (she is Michelle's new best friend since Michelle has been on the show a few times now). We saw old ladies with crazy hats, an old man at the parade that moved his old blue station wagon 7 times and that is just while we were standing there, and did I forget to mention the new hot air balloon this year...yep Curves now has a balloon. Maybe they will let me ride in it next year. It's my lifelong dream to ride in one.

My favorite parts though, were when the planes (ya know the loud ones that go really fast) flew overhead. And all the good and kind people that that we saw who came out to celebrate the freedoms that are ours because of so many who have sacrificed and have stood up for what they believe in: God, liberty, courage, honor, and truth.

Bridge to Terabithia

Last night we decided to invite some friends to the dollar movie. We saw Bridge to Terabithia. This is how excited we were before the movie.

Three Legged Free for all

Last night I wasn't sure if I was quite up for FHE, but around 6:40, I told Michelle that I was going to go. I think that it was the day at the pool that took so much out of me, not to mention, I did get a bit of a sunburn. Apparently, sometimes you have to reapply the sunblock after you get out of the water. Anyhow, I felt I should go and support the people who supported me on Sunday for Break the Fast (part of my new calling). When we got there, we sang My Country Tis of Thee, which reminded my of the second grade, where we stood and sang that song every day and pledged allegiance to the flag. . . good memories (Mrs. Reese's class by the way...funny, huh?) After the song we had a lesson and then we went outside for the activity. Ya never know if you should stay for the activity and they never tell you what it is because they don't want you to leave. We played three legged spoons. It is just like spoons but you are tied to someone else. That's all good and fine, but Kimmy is not that competitive. My partner was though. Wow!! I almost died and the tie around my ankles didn't feel so good on the sunburn, but David and I won the prize!! Wait, we didn't get a prize, just the satisfaction of knowing that we won the three legged race against everyone in our group. There were some cheaters (Aaron Reid), but cheaters never prosper!! If I can still hack the three legged race and win, I figure I'm still young, right?

First Trip to the Scera

I received a text message from Michelle yesterday morning. It said, let's go to the pool...I'll take the afternoon off. It's not often that I can get her to take time off on my day off. Monday's must be busy at the CC&F. But the moment that I mentioned to her that I was thinking of going to the pool on Monday, she took the bait. We headed off to the Scera pool with Michelle's tanning lotion and my 75SPF sunblock, our tuna sandwiches, ipods, and fabulous legs. It was so relaxing. I forgot how much I love summer! Also I enjoyed watching the kids in the pool, especially one little family. Some people go to the pool to show off their physique or their new fashionable swimwear, but this dad and his kids were having so much fun. He was giving his kids rides on his back and making monster noises. He was loving every minute of it. Some dads might not enjoy that, but this guy did. They were delightful to watch. My dad would have done the same, I know it. Love the Scera!!!

Happy Birthday MOM!!!!!

This is a picture of me celebrating your birthday, Mom. Actually it's us celebrating Ryan's birthday, but since a lot of people think that Ryan sounds like you on the phone, I figure it's close enough. Today is Mary Lu's Big Day!!! Happy Birthday Mom!! Hope your day is fabulous!! Wish we could be with you! Make Dad buy you something fun in Idaho Falls!! I love you!!

Who is that good looking redhead?

I don't know that this is the best picture of my dad, but it is pretty tough to get a picture of him looking natural. I don't know how to begin to say what a blessing that this man has been to me. My whole life he has supported me. And even though he would pretend to have a heart attack when he got our dance costume bill, or he would vacuum at ridiculous hours of the morning, or he would sing ridiculous songs for our friends, I adore this man. He has accomplished so much in his life. And besides the fact that he is the mayor of Blackfoot, he has bulging muscles from swimming before the crack of dawn, and he is every one's favorite paper boy...the most important thing still for me is that he is my dad. When times are tough for me, he comforts me and blesses my life more than he will ever know. Thanks Dad for all you do! I love you!! Happy Father's Day--Berly

Birthday Glamour Girl

Isn't she a vision? Yep, that's my sister Laura. It's definitely her big day! So, hap hap Happy Birthday to you Beak, Laura Leela Lula, my favorite redheaded sister!! I adore you and thank my lucky stars for you!

Sure Would like to see Sherwood in Concert

I love this band!! A customer told me about them a while back and within the last month I have gotten into their music and it is very good. Check them out!

Something Magical!!

I am not quite sure how to explain this phenomenon, but this product is a bit of a miracle. I bought it on a whim today, with the thought that I desperately needed to get some soap scum off of my shower and bathtub. I love it!! Here is why I love it. First, and this goes without saying, but Mr. Clean really is super hot! I mean look at those muscles. The earring might be a bit over the top, but who cares when he looks so damn good. And second, this product allows you to feel like you aren't going to be sore the next day from scrubbing so hard...that is what the gym is for, right? Anyway, try it I know you will love it. And you can use it on a variety of surfaces, not just your shower and bath. As Mark Loveless would say, "It'll change your life."

Storms

I have actually been thinking a lot about storms recently, so it seems fitting that today it's dark and rainy. Lately I have been reading a particular scripture frequently. I had heard it several times before, but my mom reminded me of it a couple of weeks ago. It's found in Matthew 14:22-31. A storm comes while Jesus' disciples are in a ship. Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. His disciples think that it is a spirit and they are afraid. Jesus says to them, "Be of good cheer. It is I. Be not afraid." Jesus asks Peter to come. Peter walked on the water to go to Jesus. vs. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous , he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying Lord save me. vs. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Sometimes it is so windy, like it was last night. And sometimes it rains and it's dark and there is lightning and thunder and we are tossed to and fro like the ship and we are afraid. But, when the Lord asks us to trust him, we should so that we don't start to sink like Peter. Trust that He knows what's best for us. Trust that he will bless us when we are faithful to his word. The Sun will come again and so will the Son. His light provides hope, warmth, and comfort during times of storm and darkness. This storm will also cleanse and give life to the earth. The earth changes and is made beautiful, as are we after our storms.

The Fray's back to see Kimmy!!

Guess who is coming to SLC on July 31? I'm getting tickets tomorrow. Anyone wanna go? Eric, you had better not make any bad comments because I know that deep down you love them.

Dream Vacation

My friend Laura from work is going to Disneyland next week and I'll admit that I am so jealous! I absolutely love Disneyland! And I was just wondering if any of you would like to go with me this summer. Any takers?

Twilight

I have had a little bit more time to do some leisure reading and I know that many of you have read this book already, but it's definitely hard for me to put it down. So if you haven't read it, you should. Even the cover is beautiful, don't you think?

The hospital stay

Last night I went to see a friend that had been taken to the emergency room. She went in at 4pm, was in the emergency room until 1am, and then was admitted into a regular hospital room. Her roommate was there with me and I just got home about 15 minutes ago. Needless to say, it was an interesting night, one that I would not like to duplicate anytime soon. It made me appreciate more fully nurses and their constant care. As a matter of fact, remember my good friend Jared, the purse snatcher? Well, he just happened to be working last night/this morning in the ER. I respect definitely respect him more and it was pleasant and comforting to see a familiar face. I also realized the goodness of people, including my friend who is sick. Her attitude is amazing! Say a little prayer for her for me today.

The Babes of the 7th ward

This is our ward softball team. Aren't they beautiful. Yeah, I'm not in the picture. I don't play. I am a cheerleader. That's where I belong.

Mom

I had to steal this picture because it is one of my favorites of Mom.

So, I was talking to my Mom yesterday, as I do on most days, except this time it happened to be mother's day. That didn't change the fact that she listened to me and comforted me when I needed the most. I thought it fitting, however, that she was taking care of me on her day, the one day of the year that is set aside for her, she was doing the very thing that we recognize her for. She was strengthening me, offering words of encouragement, and making me laugh. What a dear friend she is to me . She takes no thought of herself and I hope and pray that I will be half the mother she is one day.

P.S. It's okay that you didn't like that lesson, Mom. Not one of my favorites either ; )

A few of my favorite things

Some of the things I love (In no particular order)

1. The Virtue family (they make me laugh, even when I'm crying).

2. Singing in my car. Usually I turn the music up really loud. I sound much better.

3. I love visiting my sisters at the Riverside. Many of them say that I should take up permanant residence there.

4. I love summer nights and the way it smells in my room when I leave the window open.

5. I love chocolate covered cinnamon bears. Always have. Always will, even though they have sugar in them.

6. I love anything that reminds me of old friends (pictures, music, smells)

7. I love any movie where the main actress is a redhead. (Bandits, The Village, Annie). All good films.

8. I love the beautiful city of Seattle. Lot's of good memories there.

9. I love sugar free cookies with oatmeal and crasins.

10. I love how I feel after I have gone on a good run.

Stay tuned and watch from more of Kimmy's favorites

Your love is better than chocolate

This Thursday and Friday was Women's conference. One crazy time at the good old BYU. As most of you know, I work at the BYU barbershop and just across the hall from us is the charming and lovely Campus Craft and Floral and upstairs is the BYU Bookstore where they sell fudge (the women go crazy for this particular commodity). Also upstairs is the cougareat where they sell delicious salad wraps that women enjoy, but even more enjoyment comes from the beautiful and scrumptious BYU mint brownie. These same women are willing to wait in line to get autographs of two good looking men in the movie The Work and the Glory 3 (pretty ridiculous if you ask me). Women's conference women will do anything to get what they want! And I mean anything. I've learned that they especially want chocolate, which seems fitting because when these seven women that I adore in the picture got together to help at the Women's Conference service kit assembly, we decided to wear brown, the color of chocolate. I just wanted to give a shout out to all women, despite their obvious weaknesses (chocolate, good looking men, and adorable umbrellas from the CC&F) they are full of charity, love, sweetness, and goodness. And yes, there are many other women that I love and adore that I wanted to be in this picture with us. You know who you are (Mom, you too). Love you all.

My little Pale groupie

I just found this picture on Brian's blog and thought that it was so cute and wanted to wish him a Hap Hap Happy Birthday on Monday. I know it's early but I couldn't resist. Even though he is bald, he is still cute as a button and we've had some good times together. Thanks Brian. I'm your NUMBER ONE FAN!! Love ya ; ) Hope you don't get too drunk on your birthday!

The Sun will come out tomorrow

I don't know why, but I feel like giving a tribute to one of my idols growing up. I simple adore little orphan Annie. I even had a doll and locket. She was one tough kid and I loved the way she belted out "The sun'll come out tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there will be sun. Just thinkin about tomorrow clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow til there's none. When I'm stuck with a day that grey and lonely, I just stick out my chin and grin and say the sun'll come out tomorrow."

Man, I love her. Maybe it's that curly red hair. Or, maybe I loved that she was such a drama queen. Whatever it was, I need to watch that movie again.

Random thoughts at the End of April

I almost hit a bird tonight on the way back from my friend Laura's birthday party, which is funny because she hit a bird herself not too long ago. Funny, huh?

I am teaching the lesson in Relief Society on Sunday. Wonder if they are sick of hearing from me.

Went to the temple this morning with my friends Melissa and Katie. Wonderful.

Bought a new bottle of Ralph Lauren Romance today because I dropped the bottle I had in my bathroom. It shattered. Needless to say, my bathroom smells delicious. I love perfume. Romance is one of my favorites. It was 3/4 full. Very sad.

Beautiful day today. 64 degrees right now. It's 10:40.

I'm reading this book called the Peace giver. Excellent book. I'm not done with it yet, but I would lend it to anyone who is interested. Mom, I'll get you a copy.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

This was my favorite book when I was little. I loved finding caterpillars on the trees and putting them in jars. Then I got older and started to babysit the Smith children around the corner and Melissa Smith pulled a caterpillar apart, completely ripping it in two. So disgusting. Haven't really been into them since.

Big booty, big booty, big booty

Today I did the StairMaster at the gym. I think that the reason why I did it was because I saw this girl on it that had little thighs and a little bum. I was motivated to get my own bum on one. Mind you, I don't think that I have ever gotten on this piece of workout machinery before, but after my 3 miles on the treadmill, I felt confident I could do it. It's always a bit scary to try something new at the gym because I'm never quite sure if I'll know how to use it, or start it for that matter. I got on and began pushing buttons. It wasn't working. I couldn't get off because then people would know that I couldn't get the dumb thing started...so I had to swallow my pride and tap the girl with the small bum next to me on the arm to help me. She was very kind to help me, a girl with a slightly larger bum, with the machine. I think it has become a new part of my routine. Please don't look to see if my bum is getting smaller though the next you see me.

The purse snatcher

Do any of you have a friend that seems to think that he owns part of your purse? No? That's what I thought. Well, my friend Jared thinks that "my purse" is "our purse". This is a picture of him cleaning "my purse". There was a huge struggle to get possession of "my purse". The savage side of me came out because everyone knows not to mess with a woman's purse. Anyway, everyone should know. Apparently Jared was not ever taught this. His birthday is coming up. Maybe I will buy him his own purse. I wonder what color he would want.

I'll Build you a rainbow

So, I was telling my friend Melissa about this song. It was made in the 70's and put out by the church. And every time I hear it I cry. I know you all do too. Anyway, here are the words and narration to the song.

I'll build you a rainbow, way up high above. Send down a sunbeam, plumb full of love. Sprinkle down raindrops, teardrops of joy. I'll be happy as spring-time, watchin' over my boy.

(Narration)
Once there was a boy named Jami. He had some great friends, but his greatest was his mom. Not in some sissy way like that. She was just different than the other moms. While they were busy going to their fashion shows and bridge parties, she was. home with him. They'd play in the backyard together, go on bike rides, have long talks, She was the best football player on the whole block. At least that's what the other guys said. They really thought she was special. You know, they wished their moms were more like that.
Then one day Jamie was called home from school. There was a big white ambulance in the driveway. When Jamie walked into the front door, his dad was talking to the doctor, and Jamie was scared. They said he could only talk to his mom for a minute, and when he tiptoed into the bedroom and saw his mother lying on the bed, she smiled and whispered, "Hi, Big J." that's what she always called him, even though he wasn't very big. she said he had a big heart.
She said, "Jamie, I'm going away and I won't be coming back. I'm dying." Big tears came to Jamie's eyes and he said, "Mom, you just can't die," And she said, "It's OK Babe, there's no regrets. I've been with you more in eleven years than most moms are with their boys in a whole life time." He said, "I know mom, but you just can't die, you just can't" And she said, "Jamie, there's a secret. It's a special secret, and I never want you to forget it...
Families are forever, and even though you won't see me, I'll still be there watching over you and waiting for you." And he said, "But mom, if I can't see you, well then, how will I know you're there?" She thought a minute, and then she smiled and answered..."
She kissed him, closed her eyes, and she was gone. As Jamie and his dad stood in the driveway watching the ambulance drive away, his dad broke down and started to cry. They hugged each other real tight and Jamie felt his dad's teardrops on his own cheeks and cried too. Then he remembered the secret and he looked up and sure enough, there it was, right over their house, a big rainbow, just like she said. And he said, "Dad, dad, it's alright..Families are forever."

Hot Dog!!!

Here is something you just don't see every day. A few weeks ago we had ward FHE and my friend Megan brought this dog that she was watching for her friends. At this moment Michelle was lucky enough to watch the dog momentarily for Megan while she was eating maybe a "hot dog" or something. Doesn't she look so awkward with the dog?

The Virtues have never really been pet people. Heck, the only pets we had were Laura's goldfish, which died because we fed him too much. You could actually see through the fish all the food we fed him. I think that his name was Leonard. So now you can see why it's so comical to see Michelle taking care of the dog. I took another picture, but had to erase it. Let's just say that the dog was feeling a bit sick.

Virtuous Women

I realize that I'm stealing material, but I simply can't get enough of this picture! It was obviously a time that we were so happy. I hope to someday create some of that same joy and happiness for my own children that my parents created for us. Notice my tongue once again...and those bangs are awsome!

"Pinky"

There is always something, I think, that everyone is given as a child that they become attached to. One of my friends had a stuffed dog named Little Gangus. He looked disgusting. She had kept him and slept with him until her mid to late twenties. I think she finally came to terms with the fact that she had to give him up. Well, I too have had an item that I have kept since the age of three or four. I never named it until the other day when I knew I had to throw away my precious "pinky". I don't even know who gave it to me. Maybe my mom. As you can see, it had sentimental value. Michelle said she would take a picture of us though so I could remember "pinkie". Quite honestly I wasn't that attached, but seeing as how I had kept it for so long, it was hard to throw away.

Recently we replaced our carpet and I have done some spring cleaning. There are a lot of things I gave up or threw away. Most of the time it's refreshing to give things up. Sometimes, however, it is so hard and I hold onto them for months or even years. Maybe this is how I feel about other things in life. People, things, come into our life. Eventually we move on and start fresh. I'm going to try to keep moving on and starting fresh, even if I am forced into it, like when Michelle told me we were getting new carpet. It's Spring cleaning everyone!! Out with the old and in with the new!