See Ya, Heat Wave

   Well, soon anyway. This heat wave has been RIDIC! It was what, 108 the other day? Insane! It's about 90 degrees right now, so it's calming down. We'll be getting back in the 70's as the week continues. Thank goodness! I like the heat, but not like this! Okay, no, I don't like the heat. 60's and 70's is my kind of weather. The cold is nice too. For awhile that is.

  Anyway, Gary and I have been thinking a lot about our apartment, and whether or not we want to stay another year when our lease is up. So we're not even halfway through our lease yet (almost) and we're already talking about moving. You see, everything was wonderful with this place to begin with. Then it started to go downhill a couple of months ago.

 New neighbors moved into our building. It's fine when new people move in; but these just aren't new neighbors. They're your favorite busy-bodies. Here's how it started:

 A couple of months ago, Gary and I received a phone call from the office. Our management told us that there were complaints about too much noise coming from our apartment. Okay, I admit, Gary and I are party animals. We have parties on a weekly basis with drunks, loud music, and electric guitars. Not. We have always been very courteous in respecting the rules of the lease. We turned down the base to our computer anyway, just in case. By the way, nobody lives below us (because it's a garage), and we don't share a wall with anybody. There are people above us, but we never hear them (except from the bathroom which is strange). The walls here are thick. We are quiet neighbors.

 Gary called them back to ask for more information. What sounds? Where are the sounds coming from? We just needed to know where to pinpoint the problem. They refused to share with us anymore information. Okay, fine. We just turned everything down and tried even harder to be quiet neighbors.

 A couple of weeks later, we received a written warning about the noise. According to the dates of the complaints, we were out of town. Clearly it wasn't us. We called management to explain this, and they really didn't want to hear it. Nice of them, huh? No apologies, nothing. We were gone those days! Unless the cats have some secret agenda, I really don't know how else to explain this.

 Okay, so we moved on with life, turning down the base even more to our computers and television. We hadn't heard anything for awhile. Until almost a week ago.

 Gary, who is in the Elder's Quorum, got up early one Saturday morning to help a family in our ward move. He was gone for a few hours, and I was working that morning. When I came home from work, he was already home. I noticed another slip in our doorway, and handed it to Gary upon walking in. He opened it up and frowned. More complaints. The complaint this time? For not keeping our patio "orderly". What? We glanced outside. The freshly swept patio looked pretty neat to me. We didn't have crap everywhere. In fact, we have our grill and a desk out there. That's all. Oh, and a kitty condo in the corner. PLENTY of space and no issues. We looked back over the letter, and it said, "Problem: wind chimes drilled into stucco." Seriously? First off, we didn't drill into the stucco. The hole and hanger were there when we moved in. Looks like the last occupants had wind chimes too. We simply hung them up: when we moved in over a year ago! Management even knew we had them there because we were complimented on how pretty they are. We rolled our eyes and took them down anyway. Glancing around, we noticed other neighbors had hanging wind chimes, humming bird feeders, and even lights for their outdoor tables. Interesting. Upset we didn't get a verbal warning before this written warning, Gary sent them a very professional letter, explaining we aren't very happy about these written warnings. We've heard nothing since.

A neighbor of ours down the hall has a habit of leaving his trash on his front porch. It's policy here to not do that. I didn't complain about it though, because it's not my business. However, a letter slipped into our door again this afternoon, and I asked aloud, "now what?" Luckily it wasn't another written warning; just a letter sent to all complex occupants. It described the policy of "leaving your trash out". The new policy says that if anyone is caught leaving their trash on the front porch, or not throwing it properly in the dumpster, we will be fined. A little silly, but whatever. We've been following that.

What's interesting however, happened Monday morning. I was taking the trash out to the dumpster before heading off to work. As I was leaving the apartment with the trash in my hand, a woman who seemed to be in her 30's, was walking down the stairs from the third floor. I continued on my way, and over to the dumpster. I followed the rules of throwing it properly in the dumpster, and as I turned to leave the dumpster area, that same woman was in her SUV, get this, watching me. When I made eye contact with her, she quickly turned her head and drove off. I think I found our busy-body. Mind your business, woman!

Anyway, we're very tempted to move out when our lease is up. And yes, we're looking at homes again. We do this occasionally. We found a few nice homes in the Acton area with some acreage, but something that really caught my eye are the new homes in Palmdale. One of my managers at work mentioned new homes were just built recently, with no previous owners. Completely new. Here are a few Gary and I checked out:

 Aren't they gorgeous? Here's the link: American Home Guides . They are insanely affordable, too! So we'll see.

 Anyway, dinner time! Pizza, pasta, and ice cream! Bye!

Ramblings and Other Blogging (Totally Random)

   Since PetSmart actually gave me hours, I've been working this week. About time, huh? My hours are random and strange, but that's life!

  I received my text book for my medical courses and it's very informative and nice. The shipping took about 5 days to get here, but I'm glad I have it and can move on and continue. I'm almost done with everything, so I'm excited. I'll proceed with my certification, then I'll get to start up school and finish my BS. The MT background I have will really help, though. If for any reason I need to stay home (like kids for example), I'll be able to work from home and receive a decent income. So it's definitely something nice to fall back on. Of course, when I become an engineer, I could always open up a shop of my own. Gary and I are planning on going to a mechanic school so we can learn, well, mechanics. It would definitely be very helpful in the future. First, we wouldn't get ripped off by a mechanic, and secondly, the shop idea. If I were a mechanic AND engineer, I'd pretty much know all. Looking forward to it! We'd love to run our own shop someday on our ranch. :)

 So, the first day of fall was gorgeous! The weather was just right. Unfortunately the heat jumped back up and it will be pretty hot the next few days. Bummer! But hopefully it will cool back down again. Thanks for the teaser, fall! But I am glad my shows are back!

 You know how Gary likes to collect video games (yes, my subjects are randomly jumping)? Well, he's been having an interest in the older games we grew up with. He just bought himself a Sega, NES, and SNES. We've also been buying games for them online. There's a video game store near us called Play N Trade, and they sell some old games as well. So he's adding to his collection. It's so cool to be playing these old games again. Definitely brings back memories! Play N Trade:

He purchased the Retron 3 gaming system:

 The controllers don't work, but we have our own. The gaming system has a Sega, Nes, and Snes. Pretty awesome!

In other news, as most of you know, I cut my hair. I was way nervous about it. I was pacing outside the salon for a good 20 minutes before I went in and got it over with. I'm mostly glad I did it because my hair is much healthier and silkier. She cut about 10 inches off! Just goes to show how long my hair really was. Anyway, for those of you who didn't see the results:

I do miss my long hair, but I am glad it looks and feels better. My hair is too darn straight and fine to do anything cool to it. So it would just..hang there. I am sad for the length being gone; but I know hair grows back, so I'll be okay!

Anyway, I can't think of much else to say. I DID have a blast last night, though! The DeMasters family had us over for a wonderful and delicious BBQ with 6 other young couples. We got to make our own shish kabobs and they were very yummy! The weather was perfect, too. I whipped up a corn and black bean salad, as well as homemade salsa for the chips we bought (I love Sprouts! Great place to buy fresh vegetables). The beans soaked for hours, but still weren't as soft as I liked. At least everyone seemed to like the salsa. Anyway, the DeMasters have a gorgeous home with a large backyard, so we sat around, chatted, and played Catchphrase. It was sooo much fun! Even when the men took their dang time in hopes it would buzz on us. Fortunately, the plan backfired, haha. Good times! I got to know some of the other childless couples in our ward, so that was always nice.  Just a fun night all around with super delicious food. Sadly we had to leave before they started making s'mores because Gary had to get up super early this morning to help a family in our ward move. Elder's Quorum stuff. I would have loved to stay, though. THANKS SO MUCH Josh and Meg for the fun!! Getting out and socializing isn't something we get to do often. We need to do this again sometime. I'm excited about buying a house because of these things.  I'm thinking Halloween party...  :)

 Okay, time to shower and do a few other things. I have to work today. Only 5 hours in the afternoon, so I get the evening off. Not too bad. Bye!

Husband Dates

 I always love spending so much time with my hubby wubby. He's just perfect! :)

We were going to go out Friday night, but stayed in instead. That was fine with me as well! Dates at home are always nice. I made breaded lime tilapia with white rice. Mmm, it was good. We also played a bit of the new Halo and shot some zombies together with an old friend of his from high school.

Yesterday, I worked a few hours in the morning, but was home before noon (always nice). We got dressed and ready, then headed out to lunch. We went to Rattler's BBQ in Canyon Country. Yum! Our food was served very quickly and our waitress was friendly as well. I ordered the Santa Fe chicken sandwich with fire fries, and Gary ordered tri-tip with coleslaw. When he bit into his tri-tip, he said it was one of the most delicious he's tasted. We also started off with the shredded onions.

 Let's just say we had a lot to take home after, haha. After lunch, I received a text message from my mom saying that Shaimaa (old friend from high school) was in town and wanted me to call her. So, I called her up, and we met together at the entrance of Six Flags (since she was there with her family). She, Gary and I all sat and chatted for awhile, catching up on old times, etc. Her mom wasn't around, it was just us. Anyway, it was fun.

Gary and I headed out after our meeting with Shaimaa, and went to a few places. Pawn shops, game stores, etc. Gary wants to build another video game collection, but with older games; much older games. It should be fun.

Anyway, church is soon, so time to go! Then I get to spend another day with my husband. :)

Work

 Sorry about the last entry disappearing for a few days. Weird! Probably a sign of how boring it is :)


 The topic revolves around different types of work. My job, for one. PetSmart is driving me crazy! This scheduling thing is nuts. Okay, I'm available ANY time except Sundays. I'll open, close, work weird afternoon shifts, all day Saturday, whatever. The only thing I ask for is Sundays off. That's it!


 Lately, they have been hiring a lot of people. Mostly pet care associates. However, the new people realize they don't like pet care because the animals are icky or whatever, and request to move to grooming or cashiering. Which they do. Okay, so now we have extra employees in other random spots. A new girl in pet care doesn't do anything. She signs off on tasks, but they're never done. One morning she opened, and didn't even bother with the small animal habitat. I had to stay late to take care of it myself. She signs off on tank scrubbing, but there's algae everywhere. I have fix it. The pet care manager is keeping an eye on her because he knows himself she's not doing any work. We'll see how that goes.


 Two weeks ago, my schedule only had me working 5 hours that week. Strange. On a couple of those days, PetSmart attempted to call me in. One of the nights they wanted me, I had my D&D campaign, so I turned it down (there are 6 people in the campaign, and that was the only night we could all make it). The next call was later that week on a Saturday, but I was out of town in Taft. Frustrating how they do this. Don't get me wrong, I go in when they call me 99% of the time. Just the last few calls have been bad timing.


My schedule this week? Four hours on Saturday morning. The Saturday I was hoping to get off because of the baby shower (sorry, Carla). That's it. I have the entire week off until Saturday. Okay, so having a week off isn't bad. I can get so many things done at home. I just hate how they give me tiny hours then call me in during the week, after I've made plans. I didn't apply to work on-call like this. Not to mention the tiny and crappy checks. No, we aren't dependent upon my income, but it's still nice to have something. Stupid PetSmart. I'm reeeaallly looking forward to school now.


In other work news, Gary and I are doing some redecorating. We went to Taft last Saturday, and Gary's mom was getting rid of a lot of items. So I took some myself, including some very nice shelves. I've been wanting shelves for awhile now, because we could use that extra space. We have only installed one shelf thusfar, but planning on getting the other ones up.

She also gave us some cute picture frames, so I was able to get some of our uncut wedding photos (we have a ton of those), and frame them up. I might arrange the shelf a bit more, but that's what it is right now. During the Christmas season, those Wii-motes will be replaced with stockings.


We also got a really pretty water fall display. Gary said it hadn't been working, but didn't realize there was a switch on it. So, I plugged it in, switched it on, and it started working. Haha, sorry other mom!

A few Fall decorations have been put up, but it's not complete yet. I might do that today. Get this place nice and seasonal. I'm already planning ahead on where our Christmas tree will go. Since we got this second computer, it's been taking up the space I was going to use. So, I'll have to think creatively.


We also got this really cute basket shelf. I was originally planning on putting it in the bathroom, but it didn't fit. Luckily my creative husband came up with a cute idea.

Now we have a spot to put all the remotes and controllers. Cute, huh?


Okay, busy day ahead. I need to:


*Install the other shelves
*Clean this place up!
*Get some packing tape and mail off a package at the post office
*Finishing decorating for Fall
*Clean out all the animal cages
*Go to the store and get a few toiletries we need


And it all starts...now!

Better Steps

 It's not easy for me to always be Christ like. It's often a struggle. But I'm working on it.

At work, I've been trying really hard to get along with and like another coworker of mine. She's the one most gossiped about at lunch time-many people don't like her. Although I usually ignore any gossip at work, often times I have the same thoughts about her in my mind, which I try to look past. You see, she can be a bit of a know-it-all. Not only that, she's been labeled "Boss' Pet". She often sticks her nose in the wrong place and really knows how to take credit for everything. It can be difficult to like her. But I'm trying.

The other evening, it was rather busy. I was running Pet Care by myself (all the small animals, fish, reptiles, and crickets). While a co-worker or two was on break, she was the cashier. She's a dog trainer, but often works as a cashier when there are no present classes or backup is needed. Anyway, I had my hands full. People all around me were trying to get my attention to help them with fish. I was already helping a customer and was a tad distracted. Someone came in for crickets, and the girl called my name over the loud speaker at least 3 times in just a couple of minutes. I had to signal her to show her I was busy. She then asked, "So, are you available to get crickets?" "No, I'm really not. I have several customers who have been waiting, and I'm currently helping." Yes, I was a bit annoyed, but continued on anyway. She went and got the crickets herself.

I finished with my current customer, and began helping another. A few minutes later, when I helped bag the customer's fish, I walked by the cash register area to grab something (not sure what). Loudly, the coworker said, "You didn't give this guy the right fish. You do know that cichlids and tropical fish don't go together, right? You see, the cichlid is an aggressive fish and will kill the other. You never put them together. Next time you shouldn't do that. They should never go together. You gave him the wrong mix of fish." Note, this was loud. Everyone heard her lecture and I was pretty embarrassed. Of course I knew that. I'M the fish expert here. I know cichlids are aggressive, and I know they shouldn't go together. I just nodded my head, now slightly angry, and walked off to correct the guy's fish. He wasn't really happy himself. I apologized to him and helped him pick another fish. I looked like an idiot. Clearly I was distracted when my name kept being called over the loudspeaker as well as customers going "Excuse me, I need help too!" I didn't pay attention when I was bagging his fish. To make matters worse, my know-it-all coworker didn't pull me aside to tell me; instead, she made an announcement.

Finally, it was time for a break. Things had slowed down, and I went to the break room. The first thing I did was try to call Gary and complain about her. It went to his voicemail and I didn't bother leaving a message. I tried sending him a complaint text message at least 3 times, but always erased it to correct it, therefore never sending him anything at all. Finally I gave up and sat there quietly by myself. I knew I needed to think about the situation differently...to look on the bright side and not be so angry with her.

A little later, when the store was closed and we were finishing up, I stopped her when she walked by. I thanked her. I thanked her for catching my mistake and told her I was glad she caught that. Had that guy taken the fish home only to see a fish murder, he would've brought them back and I would've been in trouble for not paying attention. At this point, her face lit up and she was glad I thanked her. She then apologized for speaking loudly, claiming she was a little stressed herself from all the last-minute customers. She didn't mean to "lecture" me. It felt nice.

Like I said, many people don't like her, if any. Although it would be easy to see and understand WHY they don't like her, I'm trying to look past that get to know her a little more. I don't want to be on the outside with everyone else who constantly talk crap about her. In fact, I don't believe she has any friends on the job. The other co-workers get angry with her and go off and gossip, forming a little group. She's ticked me off several times, especially when she tries to play manager. But I must keep pushing forward to look past that. She's a nice girl. Most of the time, she's just trying to help which often comes off as, "I know more, I'm going to take the credit." She's helped a lot and has taught me a lot of tips. So, I'm trying to see the good in her. Hopefully I can become that one friend she doesn't have at work. Maybe this will get the others to shutup and get over it? I don't know.

It's not easy, but it's worth it. Find the good in a bad situation. Find the good in the person you can't stand. Keep working on it, it will get better.

Long, boring and pointless story. So I don't blame you if you didn't keep up with it :)

"...we must be careful, as we seek to become more and more godlike, that we do not become discouraged and lose hope. Becoming Christlike is a lifetime pursuit and very often involves growth and change that is slow, almost imperceptible. The scriptures record remarkable accounts of men whose lives changed dramatically, in an instant... But we must be cautious as we discuss these remarkable examples. Though they are real and powerful, they are the exception more than the rule. For every Paul, for every Enos, and for every King Lamoni, there are hundreds and thousands of people who find the process of repentance much more subtle, much more imperceptible. Day by day they move closer to the Lord, little realizing they are building a godlike life. They live quiet lives of goodness, service, and commitment. They are like the Lamanites, who the Lord said "were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not." (3 Ne. 9:20; italics added.)"
--Ezra Taft Benson, "A Mighty Change of Heart," Ensign, Oct. 1989

Getting Ready For Fall

 I'm excited about the upcoming season. I hadn't planned on decorating just yet, but with all the talk by friends and FB people, it got me wanting to. Yesterday, I walked over to Target just to get a few items we needed, and saw all the decorations for fall. Yeah, I got excited. But, I contained myself and walked out of the store with the few items we needed. It was rather tempting. Plus, I LOVE Target and their selections. Must not spend too much.

I came home from Target, and pulled out the fall decorations from the previous year. I set those up and now feel a little better. BTW Carla, I still have that oil burner you got me as well as the oils and scents that went with it. Those things last a long time! So now I have all the yummy fall scents. Yesterday and the day before was spiced apple cider, and today it's strawberry. Me loves.

In other news, I'm very anxious to start working on my engineering degree. Even more so since the other day in PetsSmart, a guy around my age said, "Man, I remember when I worked here years ago." He was dressed nicely and you could tell things were going well for him. I looked down at my name tag and thought, "Yeah, I'm pretty much ready to do this now." I know I don't talk too much about school on here (I'd rather not bore you), but I'll update a few things. My medical courses are going really well. Gary said I had permission to quit if I wanted to start on my degree, but I would rather not stop; I'm almost done. I'd rather be an MT than nothing at all. I'll just stick it out and get my math prereqs out of the way as well. I feel like I'm in high school again with this math, but all is good. It feels nice to actually refresh, this time paying attention and doing the work. Thank goodness for a math whiz husband who helps with homework, too. By next spring/summer, I should start on the program. Only 2 years, I can do this. Once I have my basic degree in engineering, I plan on advancing.

Yesterday, Gary's boss was helping Gary look at homes in the area. There were some nice condos in Stevenson Ranch and our area, but Gary says if he's going to buy, it will be a house. They then proceeded to check out the homes in the Agua Dulce/Acton area. Gary likes. He found a few homes on at least 5 acres of property he's interested in. He'd have a bit of a commute everyday if we lived there, but I believe he'd be willing if it means we can own acreage. One property was on 10 acres, but the house needs a-fixin'. He came home and described some of the homes he liked out there, and how he and his boss were working together to find something to meet our needs. So we'll see. Like I said, the idea of a house with land is nice. We just need to slow down and think about California in general. Since I'm pursuing that engineering program, we'll be here for another couple of years at least (unless I find something I can transfer to, which is likely). So no jumps yet.  We'll need a down payment anyway. Since all of our credit cards are paid off (except for one I believe, but it's a low interest card through our bank and the balance isn't too bad), our credit is really good. I really appreciate being out of debt with the credit card companies and those who helped. It will make a huge difference.

Anyway, I have a looong shift today. I go in around 1:30 and will be closing for the night. Not exactly looking forward to it, but that's life. The extra money will be nice, though. Bye!

Great Week Ahead

 So far the week has been wonderful, and I know the rest of the week will be just as awesome!

 Over the weekend, Gary and I went to Taft to visit family. We woke up early Saturday morning and went yard sale shopping with his mother and a friend in her ward. When then had the great opportunity to help her around the house with taking screws and nails out of the walls, covering up the holes, and running a few errands. She's getting her house redecorated, so it felt nice to help some. After, we enjoyed some cheese sticks from Pizza Factory. Mmm. Our afternoon finished by watching some 24. We then headed home.

 Gary had an early meeting Sunday morning with the Elder's Quorum since he's been called to serve with them, and church was great! Testimony meeting was definitely sweet, especially hearing the story and testimony of a girl who was just recently baptized. I heard later that Garrett and Jazmine (brother and sister) bore their testimonies in my family's ward. I would have loved to be there and hear it! But it was great to be in my ward as well and feel that spirit.

 Relief Society was wonderful. We had a great lesson about building bridges in our lives, and it was a nice self-esteem boost.

Yesterday for Labor Day, we had the opportunity to go to the beach with my family. I spent most of the time fishing off the pier, while Gary played in the water and the sand. He's definitely a fan of the water. Anytime we visit the beach, he spends the majority of his time playing in the waves and building sand castles like a kid. It's too cute! I didn't bring my camera, so I don't really have pictures, but my mom posted some on her blog. Anyway, it was very nice. After, Gary and I offered to order pizza and have everyone over for lunch at our place...which we did.

Anyway, life is just great in general. The weather this week will stay in the 70's and I'm thrilled! Last week it was pretty hot, and a few times I noticed our weather was hotter than Bakersfield. So our temperatures aren't always cooler! But this week it's calming down and will stay in the 70's meaning I can keep the windows and back door open. Makes one happy kitten. Well, two for that matter. Lila has been spending time out there too. I love September!

So, that's that. Not too much else to update. I'm pretty sure there may have been a few other updates, but I can't remember them now. Besides, I have to leave for work in a little less than an hour. Bye!