Casey Breaks the Silence

Yesterday my favoritism decision was confirmed. We were sitting in Sacrament Meeting at church and the prayer had just been said on the bread. The chapel was completely silent when from the very back pew we heard the loudest belch ever to come from the lips of a babe. Matt described it as comparable to the MGM lion. Yes, Casey burped so loud that even Mackenzie her older sister could not believe it. She turned to me and asked, "Who WAS that?!" As you can imagine there were a few giggles from the congregation, but mostly from our family.

As the meeting went on, I bent over to have Scott scratch my back. Who should join in on the scratching... Casey! And she's pretty good at it too for a one year old. The loveable Casey was also the highlight of Relief Society, distracting all the ladies with her twirls in the middle of the room that no one could pay attention when Camille Call tried to lead the practice hymn.

Casey returned home for a nap after church with her new boyfriend, Eric, the barbie doll rendition of the prince from The Little Mermaid.


Happy Birthday to Sam today!

Bonding with the Sitkanese

"oh dear!" says Scott, when he sees this title. That's because he knows that I am going to include a picture of him in this post where he is partially clothed. So fair warning ladies (or Steve Chandler), if you wish to avert your eyes, the aforementioned picture will be at the end of this post. But first you must indulge me as I review our trip so far...

On Sunday we looked at the weather for our drive to Sacramento. We had to drive to Sacramento in order to fly Alaska Airlines to Sitka for Christmas. This is quite convenient as our return trip will allow us to spend New Years with Scott's family. Both families in not one, but two holiday breaks = perfect planning and no family feuds due to sharing. But I digress... the weather outlook for the drive wasn't pretty. Sunday was probably the best day to leave but we both had to stay for work, especially since BYU was monitoring my hours closely this vacation. Monday the storm was moving from the coast inland, and Tuesday, the day we were planning to leave, the snow was going to be upon us and the pass would be clearing up. We decided to leave Tuesday anyway and were lucky to only have poor conditions through Wendover. We flew to Alaska on Wednesday morning, thanks to Robby Bush who gave us a ride to the airport, even though we only woke up five minutes before he came to pick us up.

It is so fun for me to be home again. In Sitka almost everyone knows who I am and vice versa. A lot of people even know who Scott is too, but not vice versa. Scott was taken aback when, at a Christmas party, someone mentioned that they still have a picture of him on their fridge. Of course, I'm sure they meant our Thank You card from our wedding (which is timeless, btw). They didn't say that though... a picture of Scott. Maybe they cut me out? Well to that person, you may really enjoy the picture at the end of this post ;)

All of my family came up to celebrate Christmas this year in Sitka, as it is possibly the last Christmas we will have the opportunity to spend in Alaska. My parents are retiring this coming summer and contemplating a move to the lower 48 to be nearer to grandchildren. We were able to take a family picture during this momentus occasion. Unlike The Kartchners, our family is best captured only during the gag pictures.


Speaking of grandkiddos, my nieces are adorable. Meghan has acquired a Southern accent from living in North Carolina for a year. She keeps saying things like, "Aye caan make tha behad masaellf, Naahna" Translation - I can make the bed myself, Nana. Or "Aye maaye woant to borrowe thaet cuup" Translation - I may want to borrow that cup. It sounds cuter in person. Mackenzie has decided to fight for the title of drama queen, an award that Meghan held as a seasoned champion up until recently. Casey on the other hand is adorable and possibly my new favorite, if I'm allowed to have a favorite Cavanaugh niece.


First of all, she naturally has a hair do like my sexy cut and doesn't even need to try at it! She has a bottomless stomach, like I sometimes have. And she likes to make random poses and only changes her pose when someone notices. She and I are destined bosom buddies.

Today we took the girls to the Hames PE center in Sitka to swim. Scott played basketball while we swam. In fact, this is around the time when I explain the picture. When we went to the gym, we saw a poster saying that there are Saturday pick up bball games between 5 30 and 7 00 pm. This is exactly what would make Scott's Christmas vacation to Sitka a success. So he scoped it out and decided to pay the cover charge to enter the weekend tourney. They started out with only a few guys, so they decided to play shirts and skins. As you can imagine, this is a once in a post missionary lifetime opportunity for Scott to play skins, and so he did.

WARNING: here comes the picture. Scott finished the competitive games this evening and said to me, "I feel one with the people of Sitka now. I could live here." I'm glad, honey, that taking your shirt off with the young men of Mt. Edgecomb boarding school helped you to connect more to my roots. He'll feel much more at ease downtown, now that he's played some ball with the locals.

Sorry, it had to be documented. Merry Christmas from Alaska!

Hillbilly Christmas

You would think that in this economy my BYU department would not be having multiple Christmas parties... but oh, yes! We did. There was one party at the beginning of the week with light refreshments for people to mingle during work hours, one party with a fancy catered dinner for current employees and retirees and spouses where people get all dressed up in fancy sparkly things, and one lunch party with a "Hillbilly" theme. How in the world do you throw a Hillbilly Christmas party?

Let me tell you, the people of BYU Counseling and Career Center know how it's done. There was a backyard gift exchange, grub...

... a watering hole, and a wall with pictures to demonstrate "You know you're a redneck if...". Prizes were given for the worst wrapping job, so I made an attempt. Of course, I have almost zero ounces of redneck inside of me (more like 50% Alaskan relaxin'). So my present turned out more like Redneck chique, but I still won second place.

Your holiday meal on wheels (aka roadkill and a part of my white elephant gift to give)

I lost to the gift wrapped in a trash bag and bandaids for tape.

Jason picked my duct taped gift and was unsuccessful in trading it. Mwwaahaha!

We ate Hawaiian haystacks and had our White Elephant gift exchange complete with Rock, Paper, Scissors challenges. I had heard rumors that the psychologists in our department could get a little risqué with this part of the event; but the only scandals I noticed were in the intern skit, and that could be ignored. Overall the Hillbilly Christmas was creative, enjoyable, and I'm walking away with an interesting gift - someone's left over law fair swag. Gotta love my job for the swag!

Holiday Recipe: Cheddar Bacon Cheese Ball

As a treat to share with Scott and my work colleagues this year, I made cheddar/bacon cheese balls. Everyone LOVED them and I have to admit, it tasted awesome. People kept telling me how impressed they were that I made a homemade cheese ball. Well let me tell you a secret, *it is one of the easiest things to make and the ROI is huge!

I am a firm believer that there should be more cheese balls in this world, so dazzle your friends and family at your next holiday gathering and whip up this recipe:

1 box of cream cheese
a few cups of sharp cheddar cheese
a sprinkle (or SEVEN!) of packaged bacon bits

Set the cream cheese out on your counter for a few minutes before starting so it warms enough to be mixable. Once it's ready, empty the cream cheese packet into your handy dandy stand mixer with paddle attachment, and start your engines! As the cream cheese is mixing, add your cheddar cheese.

You may not be a fan of the sharper cheese taste on it's own, but the cream cheese mellows it out. For me, the sharper the cheese, the more I'm in love with it! Tillamook is my favorite brand. (Go west coast!) So for this cheese ball I try to get the best flavors so you can taste the cheddar-goodness in the cheese ball.

Then, while the mixer is still going, sprinkle in bacon bits to your hearts content. I also LOVE bacon. It makes everything taste better. Without bacon we wouldn't even know what a water chestnut is! (Jim Gaffigan)

When the cheddar and bacon are thoroughly mixed into the cream cheese, put the mixture in a bowl, cover, and let it cool in your refrigerater. It's easier to make the ball shape if the mixture cools a little first. Then when you're ready to eat, take the mixture out, ball it up, and roll it in pecans (if desired, makes it look extra fancy).

That's it! The KitchenAid really did all the work for me. I got three medium sized balls out of this recipe - one for Scott's work, one for my work, and one for my mouth!

I'll probably make this recipe again when we have our DIGIORNO House Party. Just yesterday I found out that I was accepted as a finalist to throw the party. This will be my first house party ever and I am excited to make it fabulous! Of course, there will be photos and maybe video to share in blog world after the event. This gives me something to look forward to for after the holiday season.

Laughing Like a Little Girl

Want to hear Scott laugh like a little girl? Try watching Swanson's new Christmas Commercial with him. It's contagious!



This particular YouTube clip is missing the last naked-turkey-in-the-shopping-cart bit, at which Scott laughs heartily. Besides the hilarity of a headless running turkey, I'm fairly impressed with this actress' curious eye brow raise. I would guess that that sweet skill won her the role as Woman Shopper who should be buying Swanson without msg.

Merry Christmas from the Chandlers!

That’s Disgusting Google!

Any of you use iGoogle on your daily internet perusing? I almost like it as much as I love Smashing Magazine Monthly Desktop Wallpapers. iGoogle allows me to add my own theme (currently Food Networks, 12 Days of Cookies) and a myriad of gadgets to make my day more exciting. I love the themes that change when you leave Google for awhile and then come back, like Google’s Asian Fox Tea House. With Gadgets, at a single click of the mouse I can see my email inbox in condensed form, a new Word-of-the-Day, the weather and time, and even be like a virtual Josh and Chelsea and keep track of a “pet turtle” on my iGoogle. Not quite as cool as Franklin the tortoise, but Scott can have his Donatello.

Well, about a month ago I decided I needed to update my work computer by adding a festive Thanksgiving desktop wallpaper from Smashing and a new iGoogle theme. I clicked on the hyperlink to change my theme, and the most popular themes came up first. To my shock, in the middle of the usual Google pop-up of themes was photo of a woman in the nude covering herself with her hands. Sitting amongst my coworkers on the honor code campus of BYU, I quickly changed my screen. How embarrassing! I don’t want anyone to think I am purposefully looking at porn EVER, much less at work. That is definitely a personal violation, AND violation of company policy as an employee. I’m surprised BYU internet would even let an image like that pass through. Sure there are a billion pornographic images on the internet; in fact it is unfortunately one of the most profitable internet industries and often on the top search topic list, but I was not expecting nor did I want to see pornography on my iGoogle.

As I considered how I should navigate iGoogle themes without having to again encounter this woman in need of clothes, I realized the implications of this theme. How many other average American employees are changing their iGoogle this very second and violating company policy by accident? How many thousands of children look at iGoogle, and click on that link to change their theme? No one should be forced to unknowingly pull-up and view pornography, especially children. I was disappointed in Google for allowing this theme to be published, and thought much less of the company for having placed it on the home page where there is no choice to censor.

I became determined to write about it. Google should know that they violated my rights and that my opinion is not as positive as it once was. Not many had commented on the theme when I wrote my comment, so I added my meager voice to those who had already spoken against the home page appearance and hoped that Google would make a change in their policy.

…

Today I decided to change my iGoogle theme again, and again I was disappointed and disturbed by woman without wearings. I decided to check on my comment to see if Google had responded, or if it was deleted. It was not deleted, but rather followed up by many new comment threads most of which were not in conjunction with my thoughts on the theme. One person told me to get a life. One person called me a Boob and said “of all the wrong, misery, evil, and pain in the world, you want to complain about the side of a breast?” Another added a comment, “its not like kids dont see a lot of nudity. i am sher thay see it all the time. And posting bad comments about it is not going to do anything. And kids will see nudity eventually.”

Now I’m disappointed in Google AND the world! Who’s teaching literacy in America?! And more importantly, why don’t we consider pornography to be among all the wrong and evil in the world when the addiction to pornography can “undermine social stability.” Why is the world okay with exposing the next generation to pornography at an early age, because “they’ll see it eventually”; risking their distortion of relationships and family, and the addiction and violence that is likely to ensue?

In conclusion, one of the most recent commenters said that only non-good looking people would make a comment like mine. To that commenter I’d like to say

Take That!
WoRk IT!

BAAM!

Obviously these commenters don’t have their facts straight.

Obama's Promise of Peace

We all know how I love to blog about Obama issues! Well two news stories hit the stands recently where I have strong opinions. Of course it becomes necessary to blog out my feelings. These thoughts primarily come from my background in business and global issues (Thanks, Ms. Will) - so if you've read my Obama or business blogs before and didn't enjoy them, I forgive you if you stop reading now.

As part of the festive holiday season, where wishes for world peace are more meaningful than the trivial answers of spring beauty pageant contestants, and powerfully sung in our favorite Amy Grant Christmas melodies, Obama has given some speeches and is preparing to receive an award for what he hopes will be a plan to bring peace to our nation, and subsequently the world. There has been much criticism around Obama’s plans, especially since there hasn’t been much in the way of results or action yet. I would like to add to that criticism my yays and nays.

Let’s start with what I don’t like… the Auto Bailout.

Saying this will put me on the naughty list of the 240,000 people in Detroit that could lose their jobs, but I think the auto industry of the United States should be left to their own demise. How much money has the government already put into domestic automobile manufacturers that has, in essence, been wasted considering that the companies still need billions more? Hypothetical question for which CNN has a prediction - $130 BILLION! Um, yeah... not worth it.

In my opinion, a primary reason why our economy remains in such a struggle is because we are not letting capitalism do its proper work. If our cars and gas guzzling trucks and SUVs cannot compete with the technology and consumer image of foreign cars, why are we still trying to pump out the same ol’? The market is telling GM that it wants something different. Sure, GM has tried new tricks to captivate an audience, and has used tax payers money in the attempt, but we still see the company asking for more bail.

My solution – let entrepreneurs redefine the domestic auto industry and energy crises. Keep only what works, and if you can’t do that without getting rid of the junk, toss it out all together and start over. History is history, and the United States can, in the future, be known for manufacturing something new and innovative. There will be temporary unemployment and a need for shifting skill sets, but in the end we as a country will be more educated and better off for the trade.

Now for my mixed peace feelings – Obama’s getting a Nobel Peace Prize, already?

Even Obama admits that he hasn't really done anything to deserve an award for peace based solely on a speech given to military cadets. However, the words he delivered were well spoken and in need of being said. Obama announced at West Point that he is increasing the number of troops to Afghanistan in order to promote peace, finish what Bush started, and help the healing in a war torn nation. Afghanistan has been left in ruins after our destructions, battles from other countries, and internal violence. The country has little left in the form of government, citizens live in fear, and amongst this fear and deteriorated infrastructure survives a hidden terrorist band that’s main reason for existence is to destroy the United States.

With this problem before us, Obama suggests sending 30,000 troops more to Afghanistan for 18 months to help reconcile the nation.

Here in lies the peace plan conundrum: I am a firm believer that wars should only be fought for the reasons of protecting family, home, and freedoms. In these battles, if you are on the winning side, you are responsible to help rebuild what you have torn down. Otherwise, if you wage war only to return triumphant and gloating, you leave the destruction to fester the same problems you fought against in the first place. (Is that cryptic enough?) Basically, we began the fight in Afghanistan and Iraq to protect our freedoms and family (good reasons), and while we don’t want to prolong our presence there, we need to make sure we stick it through to the end. This means helping to establish order again. (I’m not suggesting democracy, just order in a peaceable form.)

Though I am the sister of an Airman in reserve, and I certainly don’t want to see any more deaths of U.S. soldiers; I respect the battles that were fought to protect us and my greatest desire is to never fight them again.

So here I go, adding “world peace” to my Christmas wish list. While I’m not so sure that means more Ford Fusions, I agree with Obama that in order to achieve, or even come close to obtaining some measure of peace, it means a little more time in the trenches.

Where's my creativity?!

My friend Stacy invited me to go with her and her sons to the Festival of Trees this last weekend in Salt Lake City. Her sister and niece were performing in dance groups at the festival, and she had an extra ticket, which was lucky for me. I hadn't ever been before, so I no idea that the festival meant extraordinary genius and charity from people in the Salt Lake area towards the Primary Children's Hospital (sponsors of the event).

There were over 800 themed Christmas trees decorated and donated to this weekend's event, as well as quilts, gingerbread houses, and wreaths. As I walked through the never-ending aisle ways of trees, my only thought was "Why am I not this creative?!" One thing I discovered, was that the newest Christmas tree topper trend is curly cue wire, FYI. I took pictures of some of my favorite trees, or trees that reminded me of friends and family, because the only way I could EVER produce this sort of creativity is to copy someone else's ideas.

And before I show you my favorite trees of the tour, I have to give major props to the giving people of Utah. We visited the boutique that is part of the Festival of Trees, which was filled with every type of craft and quilt you could imagine. When I asked the boutique worker about the hundreds of quilts we were ogling, she mentioned that everything sold at the Festival of Trees boutique was donated! AMAZING!

And now for my favorite trees...

Nightmare before Christmas - Upside Down Tree!

Mooo-y Christmas

All Sports Christmas

John Deere Of course!

Can't have Christmas without Dr. Seuss' Grinch

Children's book classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar

And, my all time favorite of the day - the Fanciest Nancy Tree
(the purple boa wrap, Paris ornaments, and curly cue top help make this one the winner in my mind)

My love for themed Christmas trees has been confirmed! I've been thinking that I might do one for a few years now. I was contemplating a Colts tree for Scott this year, since Austin Collie just joined his favorite team. But my idea of "themed" never gets as detailed or magnificent as those above. I have some big stockings to fill when it comes to decorating!

Have you ever done a themed tree?

Thanksgiving Recap

Well it was a fast move and we survived! The weekend after we heard about the open apartment in our Relief Society President's basement, we moved in! Our home teacher was nice enough to gather together some of our great ward buddies with trucks and trailers (not that we own many large amenities), and "the men" moved one big load to our new place in less than one hour. We then made small loads in the Matrix, getting all of our possession from our previous apartment and into our new apartment by Saturday night.

I made one last stop to our apartment to gather our laundry (our new apartment is being furnished with a new washer/dryer this week... and until then we are dirty) and any last little nic-naks left over. As I folded our whites in our old closet of a bathroom, I heard a noise that had become more common in our old place...yelling in Spanish. This time it was out on the front lawn, and I'm not going to lie, I was imagining what kind of weapons could be whipped out at any moment in this obviously domestic dispute. This image was not based on precedence, but prejudice... I admit. Needless to say, I tried hard not to draw attention to myself until one apartment door was slammed and a car was heard screeching out of the parking lot. I then quickly packed every last crumb we owned into my car, and haven't returned since. We were able to get our furniture set-up and some decorations on the wall before leaving for our family filled Thanksgiving.

I got some Christmas decorations up when we got back from Thanksgiving.

Scott is really proud of our Family is Everything wall which he arranged, ALL by HIMSELF!

Thanksgiving was a TON of fun! The Alaskan parentals came to Sacramento to check out the area for potential retirement communities. They want to live near the Princess (that's me, if you haven't seen my tiara). And since Scott and I will most likely end up around the great city of trees, home of the Governator, my island parents decided they needed to research the radius. We drove around Apple Hill and Old Auburn, after my parents had already visited more northern cities like Redding.


We also made a dizzying tour down the windy road to Cool. I don't recommend the trip if you get car sick or fall asleep in cars, because if you blink at any point, you may just miss the city of Cool. Fortunately, my dad the driver kept his eyes open and stopped for me to take this most awesome picture.

Pretty sure you can see the other edge of Cool at the back of this picture.

The vacation was great! It was probably the first Thanksgiving I've had with my parents since high school. Turkey was amazing, as was the ham, pomegranate salad, rolls, cheescake, pie... the list goes on. I got much needed rest and now we are home again to work and finish out the semester.

Can't wait for Christmas!

Hey, and how do you like my new Christmasy blog theme? It was overdue for an update.

Meteors, Legends, and the News

Three major events happened in Utah this week.

A meteor (or small asteroid, scientists are still debating) crashed through the sky near Provo breaking the sound barrier and lighting up the whole sky. Meteor hunters, yes they do exist, are crawling all over the area now because supposedly that piece of space rock is worth a bit of money. The governor may or may not (I learned sarcasm from Scott) be entertaining movie proposals. So watch for something akin to Twister in the movie theaters in 2012.

In-N-Out opened it's first stores in Orem and Draper officially yesterday, though we saw large crowds there Wednesday evening. Could In-N-Out have been behind the "meteor shower" as a public relations campaign? I can see it now... In AND Out of the atmosphere. These burgers are out of this world... I don't remember reports of an In-N-Out banner floating behind the asteroid (meteor... whatever). Maybe it fell off? In any case, Scott saw the never ending line of cars and packed restaurant yesterday and thought to himself, "I could have been a millionaire! Why didn't I bring In-N-Out to Utah my Freshman year?" Story of our life!

And the last big piece of news is that we are moving apartments! We were playing card games with friends and I was ranting about the many, many, many flaws of our apartment. They mentioned that the Relief Society president was desperately looking for tenants for her basement apartment. It's a cozy place, with all utilities included, and there are no interesting neighbors (in every sense of the word). So look forward to pictures of our new place and maybe a house warming party after the holidays.

Peer Pressure

You know how I told you about clicking on MyPoints Ads? Well this is one I came across this morning...

Never thought I would ever see the phrase "Everybody's Doing It" in a professional ad. I had to laugh a little bit. Have we really resorted to this, marketers? Do you think that will work on the chain wearing, black male athlete/ MC Hammer lover population?

Then again...

Watch Out Turkey Bowl!

Scott and his team, The Cougs, played in their first playoff game of the BYU Intramural Flag Football Season tonight.

(The action in this clip starts around 34 seconds)

The Cougs won 27-6 and their next game is on Saturday.

I'm very proud of my football-obsessed husband who flies like a butterfly, stings like a bee, and grabbed the interception in the back end of the opponents end-zone at the end of the game.

(The action in this clip ends around 22 seconds)

Primary Program - Take 2

I am the Primary Chorister for our church ward, which means that I teach church music to children every Sunday for two hours. Most of the year's worth of Sundays are spent in preparation for the Primary Program - a half hour event during the beginning of church where all of the little kids in our ward read their one line part in the script and sing songs about Jesus and family. Putting the program together is kind of a daunting task for the chorister, pianist, and Primary Presidency.

This year though we were pretty laid back about the whole thing. I knew I wasn't the best music teacher, and that all the congregation really cared about was watching their own child on the stand and looking at the Sunbeams (4 year olds) sing and sway to the music. So I taught the children to memorize notes and words the best I could (we even threw in some actions for good measure) and chalked the rest of the program up to cuteness.

When Primary Program Sunday came, the program was VERY successful! The kids sang better than I've ever heard them practice on a normal Sunday. One girl tripped over the awkward steps on the stand, got up stunned, but continued to sing while her eye became swollen. (I saw her last week, and she had no scars, no bruising. Blessings of courage!) But other than that, the program went without any glitches. After that Sunday, I thought no more about the program or programs-to-come and decided for the rest of the year that primary children would be rewarded with Sundays full of fun songs. No more practicing...

Well... apparently my subconscious mind was still thinking about the primary program because I dreamed about it a couple of days ago.

In my dream, I got to church on a normal Sunday and I was informed that the Primary Program was happening AGAIN! We were going to perform the same script, same songs over again for kicks and giggles. Perturbed, I got up on the stand to sit in my usual spot and noticed that our pianist was missing! She hadn't come to church that Sunday! So we called some random woman up to play the piano, even though she hadn't practiced with us before. Needless to say, that didn't go over well and the program turned a cappella style.

The next part is very unorthodox, but also ingeniously capitalistic. Someone in the congregation could tell the program was in trouble, so they called in back up. Yes - a rent-a-primary program, singing and dancing group showed up to our aid. The group of young singers and their rather large, male, bearded director came into our chapel with their red polo shirts and pasted on smiles. Half the group was dancing in the aisle ways while the other half sang primary songs on the stand with choreographed moves.

The congregation for the most part was not pleased. They were there to see their kids pick their noses and say their scripted part that their parents had helped them memorize. My part as chorister was taken over by the leader of The Foundations - that was the name of this rent-a-program singing group. As the awkwardness and broadway-quality singing continued (Remember THIS IS A DREAM), I got up the courage to end the program and Sacrament Meeting early.

I stood up, approached the mic, and one of the sunbeams sitting in the front row, Bishop's seat lowered the mic. (More like played with the mic controls, but that's beyond the point.) I said, "I'd like to thank The Foundations for the talents they've shared with us today. I hope you've gotten a glimpse of our Primary theme this year, My Eternal Family. I'd like to turn over the remainder of the time to hear a few words from our Bishop." The bishop was relieved that I had stopped the rent-a-program, and closed the Sacrament meeting with a few words... thus finishing my dream.

... To paraphrase one of my favorite quotes from Empire Records,
Who knows where dreams come from? They just appear.

Bored? Here's some Free Stuff

A few weeks ago my friend, Heather, sent me an email about free downloadable books on DeseretBook.com. I meant to pass this on to you before, but forgot. Heather received the news as a forward email from John Hilton, the first author on the list below. There are nine books available for free download:

1. Please Pass the Scriptures by John Hilton
2. What I Wish I Would Have Known When I Was Single by John Bytheway
3. Sisters at the Well by Richard and Jeni Holzapfel
4. Digging Deeper by Robert Eaton
5. 10 Secrets Wise Parents Know by Brent Top and Bruce Chadwick
6. Growing Up: Gospel Answers About Maturation and Sex by Brad Wilcox
7. Saving Kristen by Jack Weyland
8. The Hidden Path, by CB Andersen
9. Finding Peace, Happiness, and Joy by Richard G. Scott

Deseret Book has also advertised a free Christmas song, "Simple Gifts" sung by Hilary Weeks.

THEN! I found this rebate where you can get board games at Toys "R" Us for $2. Why wouldn't you want CandyLand, Battleship, and all the beautiful game memories of childhood?

Enjoy!

What You Should Get Me for Christmas

I start thinking about next years Christmas presents on Dec 26. I think about them for other people when I'm shopping throughout the year, and I make a list of things I feel like I could use or want. I already have a lot of the Christmas presents we are giving already picked out for this year, and in many cases purchased and shipped. Scott and I decided we would make a big purchase this year for our apartment as our big Christmas gift to each other, but we are still doing stockings. (By the way, Christmas this year is in Alaska! Yay! Maybe the last Alaskan Christmas I'll have, considering my parents are retiring for sure.)

So I thought I would share with you the purchases I tell Scott I'm really needing and itching to own. It may seem a bit arrogant to write about what you should get me for Christmas, but let's just be honest... some of you really wanted to know. Or maybe you want the same things.

#1 - Classic Yo-Yo Ma CD
I have seriously wanted this CD for years. No, joke, I've asked for it before for Christmas and never received it, nor gotten it for myself. I should have at this point, because it is no longer a want it is a need!

Yo-Yo (because we're obviously on a first and middle name basis at this point) and his rendition of Cello Suite No. 1 In G Major are very near and dear to my heart. I get much peace from that song and absolutely love the cello (Matt Kartchner should play it more often!).

#2 - Yoga Outfit

Going along with Yo-Yo and my stress-relieving activities, I've recently done some yoga on my tv, in addition to my pilates dvds. I feel like I need to look more professional in a chi way when doing my Yoga. WARNING: I already told Scott I am expecting this to show up in my stocking.

I would also like this yoga model's biceps and triceps if you can arrange that...

#3 - Freelance Writing Books

I'm bound and determined to at least get one article published next year when I'm a medical school widow. Scottie is going to be off studying forever and I will have plenty of time to begin my career as a successful writer. I have a running list of books I want at Amazon.com, and while most are not freelance advice books they could help me with specializing. I've already read Writer Mama, and very much recommend it. Now I need, Writer's Market, or so the book says.

#4 - An Immersion Blender

Soups I'm creating will never be the same after I receive an immersion blender. Not to mention the other amazing culinary delights that will come forth, though I can't think of any other applications right now because what I really want is soup.

#5 - Kneaders Gift Certificate

Turkey Bacon Avocado on Focaccia... need I say more?

Notice how Kneaders mis-spells avocado, but no one cares because it looks so yummy!

3 Things NOT to Do When Preparing for Your Job Interview

I've had a few interesting experiences lately in the office that have inspired me to think that I need to write a blog post for all of you readers who are looking for jobs. Being in a Career Services department and in a job directly related to recruiting and interviewing, I'd like to offer you some advice by learning from people who are making mistakes in front of my very own eyes.

Tip #1 - Entry Level with Bachelors = 1 page resume*

If you are just getting out of college, with little employment experience, and only a Bachelor's degree, I would recommend trying to keep your resume down to one page. Sure, it's okay if you run over a bit, but most interviewers want a short, concise summary of the things you've done. So DO NOT create a resume "packet." DO NOT include in your resume packet the article that was written for The New Era by your mom about your young women's achievement award or four letters of recommendation. Feel free to cite those great achievements or recommends on your resume if they directly apply in a professional way to the job for which you are applying. If the recruiter really wants to read those documents, he/she will ask you to provide them.

*Some industries or international countries may require a longer curriculum vitae (CV), and if you have more education and/or authored publications to site, these rules may not apply to you.

Tip #2 - Apply for jobs that fit your skill set, and customize your resume for each application

More and more articles have been written lately citing that today's graduates will have to work harder for their job. Please DO NOT interpret this statement to mean that in your job search attempts you should be obnoxious. DO NOT apply for any and all jobs that breathe. You look desperate! If you are not accepted to interview for a position, don't physically show up for the interviews asking if there are any open slots. And PLEASE, take the advice that recruiters give to you and DO it! If they say you need to apply through their site, and a phone call to the CEO wont help your case, you SHOULD listen and apply through their site.

It is true that graduates will have to put in a little more effort to get their jobs than graduates of the past (depending on your alma mater). Good tactics for jobs searching include: networking professionally, customizing every resume you submit based on the job description especially for online applications so your resume will be discovered by the database searches, researching the company before interviewing, attending company information sessions, and sending thank you cards after interviews. These are professional business techniques that will help the recruiter remember who you are, understand that you "know your stuff", and feel that you would be a great fit for their company.

Tip #3 - Watch your attitude

This tip could go to either extreme of the spectrum. I'd like to first address the most annoying of the attitude extremes - arrogance. When you approach a company for a job, I would not recommend going into the interview thinking that you are God's gift to creation. Heavenly Father loves you and thinks you're amazing, - Yes! But an interview is a time when you are contemplating how you will like the job/company you're applying for, and more importantly the company is contemplating if they would enjoy working with you and could benefit from your skills. No one likes working with an ego. Be humble, also known as teachable. Ask good questions and learn from what the interviewer has to say about your experience. Try not to act so much like this, even if your interview is as awkward and frustrating.

I have also heard plenty of recruiters commenting about the shy bunch of wallflowers that come in for interviewers. If you're LDS you may have the tendancy to be too humble when applying for jobs. Unless you are interviewing in Japan, DON'T be afraid to toot your own horn a little bit. Tell the company why you would uniquely be qualified for the position and ask them at the end of the interview what your next step should be if you're really interested in wearing that EMPLOYEE name badge. Be confident in who you are and where you've taken yourself. If you're not confident, take the time to think about what you want to change and do it, so you can smile and tell your next recruiter that you are a good fit because you've researched it out.


You probably can tell that I'm passionate about the subject. I've seen the failures, People, and I've seen how recruiters deal with them. If you want the job, try not to follow in these aforementioned footsteps.

Need more tips? Set up an appointment with a career advisor at your local university. Chances are they'll see you even if you aren't a current student or alumni. They can tell you if you're making these mistakes and/or others. In the meantime I'll be on the look out for more blunders at BYU to pass on to my friends.

Retail Store Layout - A Marketing Project

Scott had to visit a retail store to analyze their marketing techniques the other day for his marketing class homework assignment. Of course, he wanted to bring me, a marketing expert, along to help him take pictures of the areas where the store was excelling and could use more work. The store Scott picked, Sports Authority. Are any of you surprised?

We entered the store and Scott first noticed the putting green in the golf section at the front. What was supposed to be a quick in and out of the store for the assignment turned into a golf lesson for me. Scott talked about how the putting green at Sports Authority was slanted towards the hole, so you made almost any put you attempted. Good marketing, he said, because then you think the club you were using helped you achieve that excellence and you would want to purchase any club that improved your game.

I pointed out how Sports Authority had a big BBQ Grill display in the store... for those of us who want to grill now that first snow has fallen? I also showed Scott how a lot of the kids toys were shelved too high, the playing cards were located for sale by the socks (?), and the footballs were hidden in the back of the store during football season.
Overall it was a fun trip to Sports Authority, we got out of the store without buying anything, and I got to reminisce of the days when I was in marketing class.

Career Spook Alley Success!

When I started preparing and advertising my October open house event for University Career Services at BYU, I would have never imagined that it would be such a success! The event went from 11:00am - 3:00pm (which was a long time, especially when you have to prolong lunch). Career advisors in our center acted as fortune tellers for the event, offering a fake career future for the students who visited the spook alley. Once the fortune was given, the advisors asked what the students really wanted to do and offered a list of services we could provide to help them build the career they wanted.

Fortune tellers included:
Wendy from Wendy's and her French Fry fortunes
Big Navajo, the Medicine Man with chants that invoke the spirits of career advice
(don't worry, he served his mission with the Navajo people and speaks fluently. All very authentic)
Cowgirl, and her magic career advising boot
Blackstrodomus, and his magic black eight ball
Trucker, and his chew
Our local Shriner, and his magic fez hat

In total we had 185 students get counted at the end of the career spook alley. While I was hoping for really high numbers, that was about all we could handle. We were talking to students the whole time with no breaks, had short waits for fortunes, and had a lot of fun walking around and seeing what everyone else was doing. One of the advisors reported that 75 - 80% of the students who came in to visit were freshman and sophomores, which is exactly who we want to introduce to the center at this time.

Big Navajo was gracious enough to give Scott his fortune by chanting to the gods for career advice. Scott received the number 3 or 4 calling in the Navajo people... Corn Grower. Big Navajo said, " Plan A - Corn Grower. Plan B - Sports Med. People in the center here, can help you with Plan B. For Plan A though... you come to Big Navajo."

My husband, the Corn Grower

Here I was thinking that Plan B was physical therapy. Thanks for setting us straight, Big Navajo!

So I'd say it was a success! More so, it was A LOT of fun and I was so glad that everyone got as into it as I always have been. For more pictures, and to view videos of the event, visit my Facebook.

The Big 24

Yes, Chandler family, the moment you've all been waiting for. This is a picture of sad Scottie before we cut his hair. (It was supposed to be my sad before shot with amazing after shot.)

What was meant to be a nice trim before his birthday week, became my misfortune, with his hair actually looking like this on his big day.


And that's one of the better angles.

If you were too distracted by the pictures and my super sassy hair, you may not have read that Scott had a full birthday week, not just a birth-day DAY. Scott didn't have to do dishes all week (which is definitely his chore for a reason), he got to watch as much football or fantasy scores as he wanted, we ate his favorite meals, went out to eat with family, had a party including a BYU Football Fireside, and he attended the BYU v TCU Homecoming Game. Here are some pictures from Scott's Big 24 week.

At Red Robin with cousins for birthday dinner, holding his Golden Ticket from Kyle

At the BYU Football Fireside, wearing the daisy boutonniere that was made for him by a girl at my work

Scott, his senior year at BYU, wearing his new favorite birthday presents from family before the Homecoming Game. Yay for Fall and Football!

Batman and the Bat Show

Now you may wonder, "Why would you get Scott The Worlds Largest Gummy Bat as a birthday present?" Not for Halloween, I would respond, "But because Scott needs a snack while he's out watching the Bat Show."

Many of you faithful blog readers know that our apartment is not the kindest to us. We haven't had the best experiences in it, but we stay for the love of our church ward and neighbors (though I did once seriously look at moving when a good opportunity presented itself). So you can imagine my unsurprise, when I arrived home one day and my husband was on the phone with our landlord. He was arranging a time for him to come over to fix something. When Scott got off the phone, I asked, "What's wrong?" "Why did you need to call the landlord?" "It's not spiders is it?" Scott replied, "Don't worry it's just a small thing... actually 200 small things." Ewww! I thought for sure it was spiders and told Scott that he better not beat around the bush any longer.

Well when Scott had gotten home that day, our neighbors were outside taking pictures of our house. As if that was odd enough, they called him over to talk to him. When Scott arrived at their fence, he realized what they were looking at. Every thirty seconds about 10 bats would fly out of our upstairs neighbors attic vent. The neighbors across the way said this has been happening for about a year, and they knew all about the bats. They were small, so they didn't have rabies, and they are not aggressive. Our neighbors suggested that we call our landlord about it, and they would have told us earlier except we were never home to tell when the bat show was going on, and they liked watching the bats.

Our landlord was going to be gone for a week and wouldn't be able to fix the bat issue until he returned. That didn't bother Scott though, he liked to sit down by the fence and watch "the bat show" every day around dusk. He liked to think he was Batman and even suggested we watch the new Batman movie series for Family Home Evening. I refused to think that the bats existed, because I was much happier that way. But I found Scott crouched down by the fence one day when we were painting the sofa table black.



You can't see the bats, but unfortunately they were there. The Chandler family will note that this is a picture of Scott with his longer hair...

To be continued

The Newest Member of Our Home

One piece of furniture that I have wanted for awhile but never purchased until now is a black sofa table. I mean, really, we've been looking for the ideal purchase for well over a year now. We've scoured garage sales for something we could fix up, searched craigslist/KSL every week, and flip through sale ads for something, ANYTHING that is black and a table and would fit in our entry way. I've known that we needed something there, because the mirror in our hallway told me so. It was lonely, I could tell!

So when Shopko had a sale two weekends ago, I saw the ad and suggested we go look there for Christmas presents and Halloween costumes. Little did we know that we would find the almost-perfect sofa table of our dreams at Shopko. Scott had decided when we arrived at the store that Christmas shopping wasn't as fun when we stopped looking at electronics. So while I looked for girly things to get Addyson and my neices, Scott browsed through the furniture department and immediately called me over.



It's a beaut! Of course, we had to paint it black. And of course, while we painted it, Scott had to play Paint it Black by the Rolling Stones. I topped it with this copper colored tray I got at the Galt auction place (it kind of matches the mirror), Halloween decorations and goodie bag, and presents for Scott's birthday, including The Worlds Largest Gummy Bat...

To be continued

Saturday is a Special Day...

I am falling behind in my blog posts, so I have committed myself to writing out all the stories of these last two weekends to share.

Two weekends ago was ever so productive. In the morning, Scott played basketball before meeting me at the BYU Lost and Found Sale. If you live in Provo, or nearby, you have to keep track of when the Lost and Found Sale is each year. It only happens once a year that the Lost and Found gathers everything that hasn't been claimed in the last 365 days and sells it back to the student body and community. I waited in a long line that looked very similar to when we waited for John Krasinski's movie at Sundance. I arrived at the sale an hour early, and was still near the back of the line. I had heard that the sale could get pretty crazy, with people grabbing anything in sight, piling it up in a corner, and then sorting through to see if they got anything good. That wasn't far from reality. When we entered the sale, there were tables and tables of clothes, random cords, water bottles, sunglasses, and umbrellas.

But I had a goal - two goals actually. I wanted to buy back a basketball that Scott had lost in the RB when we didn't label it as ours and I wanted a new digital camera because I have a form of loathing for Scott's camera. So I ignored the grabbers, and headed for the large bin of basketballs. I attempted to decide which one was worthy of us owning, and chose one that bounced. Luckily when Scott arrived later at the sale I found I had chosen well. Then I grabbed a number for the electronics auction that happened later in the sale.

While I waited for the auction, I grabbed two pairs of awesome sunglasses for $1.50, a BYU water bottle for $0.50, and admired the polka dot umbrellas people were finding but were apparently hiding from my reach. The real deals though came at the auction. Initially it was overwhleming, with iPods and cameras being sold for more than my allotted amount I had given myself to spend on a used camera. So I tried to bid, and always lost. But then the end of the auction rolled around and, by shear luck and the fact that most everyone had already left, I found myself the new owner of TWO digital cameras, which I purchased for $16 (well, under my allotment). So I figure I will keep the one I want and sell the other on Craigslist at Christmas when everyone is needy and wanty.

Proud of my purchases, I drove to the grocery store, unpacked the groceries at home, and headed to the hairstylist for my new sassy cut (that I LOVE).

In the meantime, Scott took a test and did really well, picked up his dry cleaning, and began to build the most recent installment to our collection of home decor...

To be continued

How to Handle the Many Compliments

There were so many exciting events this weekend. Both Scott and I were able to get more done on Saturday than either of us imagined we could do in one day... with fun stories to boot! I was hoping to post all of the events in one long blog this weekend, but with one computer and so many things to get ready (Scott's birthday is on Thursday!) I lost track of my blogging time. In any case, I can't put off this post any longer, because there are too many people asking to see.

I finally got my haircut! I know, most people think I waited too long. I LOVE it though! It is definitely a drastic change. So much so that everyone who saw me on Sunday and everyone who passes by my desk today is making a comment. My primary kids were too excited to point out the change and state their honest opinion. I almost feel like I need to make a sign for my my desk at work that says, "Yes, I got a hair cut. Do you like it? Check Yes or No." One woman in my office likes to make a comment about my new hair cut and how fitting it is after every new commenter that comes by my desk. Not only do I get many compliments, but I get repeat offenders. "Seriously, that cut is SO becoming on you!"


The cut is definitely something to get used to, especially when I've had long hair for so long. My hair stylist friend had to reteach me styling techniques, including blow drying my hair forward and how to pick hair particles for detailing. Lately when I walk by the mirror I don't even recognize myself. The picture doesn't do the do justice. I feel like my whole face has changed. The cut is sassy and sizzlin', unlike my attempt at a Paris Hilton smirk (Thanks, Maura for the tip).
I'm having fun with it though, and the best part is Scott likes it. With Scott's new army buzz (Sorry honey! I'm still learning with the clippers) and my new do, we are prepared for the comments and compliments coming our way.

The Climax of My BYU Plot

Halloween 2008 I watched as adult college students got way too excited about dressing up for the holiday, and as a former marketing student I said to myself, "There has to be a way to capitalize on that." So I thought about the different ways the University Career Services office where I work could use Halloween and costumes to get the word out to students... I devised a plan.

I mapped out a spook alley for this year, using the back interview hallways as the path which open house visitors would follow. I planned that advisers would act as "career fortune tellers" in the interview rooms, using fish bowls or scrabble letters to predict the after-graduation futures of any student or alumni who dare to enter the spook alley. I imagined our former Christmas Grinch, dressed as a witch, ladling an empty black cauldron in the entry way, inviting students to pick a room, pick a fortune! *Cackle cackle*

I've planned this for a year! And about a month or two ago I asked permission from the big bosses to enact my plot to take over the center for a half- day. Surprisingly, they agreed and told me I could move ahead with plans! So I went for the big gun marketing tool... I posted the event on BYU's Homepage Calendar.

Today, when the webmaster told me my event description was posted, I was overjoyed. I feel that I have reached the climax of my existence at BYU. Nothing could possible be more exciting than seeing my dastardly plan in action at BYU. SOOOO Awesome! You can click on the picture to see the "Career Spook Alley" LIVE on the calendar for October 30.

Only one other person in my office shares my great enthusiasm and unending creative vision for this Halloween open house event, so I had to post my achievement on the blog. I'm glad you understand!

I caved!

You all knew I would. We had family come to town to visit, and Scott's sister Amy, with her adorably short cut, reminded me that short cuts need a lot of up keep. She mentioned how glad she was that her hairstylist was near and available to make changes whenever she felt necessary. Hair grows fast, especially when you cut a large chunk off.

That got me to thinkin'... and justifying... If I waited until December to get a haircut while I was on Christmas vacation, I might be going to an out-of-town salon and would be unable to do those quick repairs to my head. Done and done! I tried to narrow down the list of stylists in the nearby vicinity that I would trust for my new do.

At the same time, I was preparing my church primary children for an October singing program and needed to call the previous chorister, Chelsea, to ask how in the world she survived Primary Programs. Light bulb!

Chelsea is a hairstylist in Spanish Fork and she herself always has the cutest, most modern hairstyles. Of course! Why didn't I think of her before. I called her up for both purposes, and luckily she works Saturdays and Thursday evenings and is more than willing to provide her services. So I have an appointment at Naturally Yours Salon on October 17 to change my hair to Paris'.

Scott likes to rub it in. He knew I wouldn't make it past October.

10 Honest Things

My friend Mary Susan tagged me in her recent blog. So in the tradition of the game, I have to say 10 honest things about myself and then pass the joy along! Since most of you know quite a bit about me already, I tried to think of things you would only know if you've lived with me (So, Scott and Maura, this wont be news to you). Here we go.


10. I don't turn on the lights in the morning, or if I do, I try to turn them off as fast as possible. I really like the dark. You can trace that back to the fact that I grew up in Alaskan sun.

9. I like the smell of freshly cut grass. For some reason it reminds me of watermelon, and that contributes to why I often crave watermelon in the summer.

8. I search for jobs on the Internet all the time. I still haven't quite figured out what my dream job is or ideal future employer. I have favorite sites to look at jobs. I look at jobs in Provo and I look at jobs in cities I think I'll live someday. Or I'll search for a job with dreamy qualities. Some times I search jobs because I'm bored, and sometimes it has a more imminent purpose. Lately it's been some of both...

7. I don't like football season. Not because I don't like football - I've grown to enjoy a good football game - but because I can't break my husbands focus to get a good conversation during the Fall.

6. I can't resist the door-to-door inner city sales people. I'm just so proud of them that they are doing something with their lives. I may not need a magazine subscription, but I can donate it! And I'm still using the AMAAZZZING Wonder Spray I bought from the beautiful black girl from Chicago.

5. And while we're on the topic of business, I have to keep a notepad by my bed for all of the entrepreneurial ideas I get in the middle of the night. But when I wake up in the morning, they never make sense enough to go through with it.

4. I crave pancakes and crepes. Crohn's seems to like those a lot, and my secret fear is that the craving is actually making Crohn's worse. But I avoid thinking about that because German pancakes are so nummy. We eat them at least once a week... more like twice.

3. I sleep with a fan on every night. I think I've trained my body to need white noise in order to fall asleep, unless I'm exhausted. It all started when I would nap in the spare bedroom in Alaska after church on Sunday. Next to the spare bedroom was an air purifier or something.

2. I like to be organized. I keep all my clothes organized in my closet by cardigans, shirts, polos, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, pants, short skirts, long skirts, dresses. OCD, right? That is merely one example. One of my biggest problems is that I don't feel comfortable not being mostly packed for a trip a couple days before I leave and I have to unpack my suitcase and put it away right when I get home.

1. I really enjoy people watching and eavesdropping. It provides good entertainment when you're by yourself at a restaurant, airport, or your husband's flag football game. If you walk past, and I'm spacing out, I'm either eavesdropping or thinking of my dream job... or dream avocado tree...

But that's another story.


People I tag:

Maura L.
Amy K.
Sara C.
Christie T.
Heidi P.
Rubi J.
Heather K.

Catered for The Fab

The Fab Five are the illustrious accounting firms that recruit our BYU Marriott Students (and Information Systems students) to join their organizations for internships or post-graduate work. If you knew how accounting firms recruited, you may consider sending a notice to the public, or some government organization to complain. Accounting firms are known to sponsor massive pizza parties, guitar hero/gamer nights, massage breaks during midterms, concerts, etc. You may pity your personal accountant, or any accountant for that matter, but know that they were probably wined and dined (in Provo, it's very tame) to be where they are today.

As a non-accountant, former accounting class student, current Assistant Recruiting Facilitator at BYU; I have the opportunity to enjoy leftovers from any events. This is probably my most favorite perk of my job, because I have a passion for free food. You should know, that there is no such thing as a left over massage. Disappointing, I know! The Fab Five have been visiting campus lately and I had the opportunity to scarf as many cheese cubes as I wanted, eat from the best delis in the area, and get sick on leftover BYU brownies. Today however, was not one of those days, and unfortunately I was planning on it being one.

Scott and I delayed breakfast this morning to have a vial of our blood tested for a work wellness program. It was worth it! We get $50 each from our insurance for that assessment. I also haven't had the opportunity to meal plan for this week, so we didn't have leftovers for today's lunch. But I told Scott this morning, "Don't worry! There's an accounting firm coming to my office to interview today. Lunch will be available like manna from heaven."

Lunch came, and I waited. We had brought pumpkin pie (thanks, Costco) to finish off our accountant-type lunch. I munched on that while I pondered the delicious sandwiches that waited in the other room. No deal. Surely, they were just waiting for all hungry accountants to be fed during their lunch break. I assured Scott that he would have food before his 4 PM class. Again, no deal!

It is now 6:34 PM. I wait for my Grant Writing class to start... and of course I'm waiting in my office thinking that perhaps they will spare me one of the boxed lunches that are stacked in the other room that they STILL have not eaten, but have also not offered, as they usually do, to the staff. They sit in front of the boxes, with their buttons popped, talking about who to hire.

Don't worry, we ended up eating some other food. But really, accountants?! Can't you spare a boxed lunch to the poor of us who didn't take more than two accounting classes in school and can't do enough accounting to make a meal plan?