So Long SUCKER!!!!

2011...

- I enjoyed a much anticipated kiss

- I bravely (or stupidly) quit my job

- I moved

- I made some new friends

- I had a fantastic tan all summer

- I got one new nephew and one new niece

but...

I wasn't in my best form for most of it. I spent waaaaaaaaaay too much time in doctors offices and hospital rooms and on bed rest. I have never been so beat down by life before. Although I can think back to a few found memories in 2011, I am happy to say my goodbye and look forward to better times.

Happy 2012!

Kindle

I think today was a tough day for me. I think I didn't feel well. I think I felt bad enough to spend the entire day (except for a quick car ride to buy a sandwich) in bed...but I'm not entirely sure. See, I spent all that time in bed with my Kindle. I read a story about an interesting character in a fascinating land. I imagined myself as an integral part of the story. And when I read a story (especially a thriller), I believe it is my responsibility to read the characters through to safety.

I think I'm addicted to my Kindle. I think the gift certificates that I received for Christmas are feeding my addiction. I think that losing myself in another world might be the very best medicine to make me "forget" that I feel like garbage. I know that I am lucky to have the distraction!

Blind Dates

Blind Dates are one of my favorite fairy tales. They are as imaginary to me as castles and princesses and witches who cast spells...but they are just as intriguing as well. I love the idea of being fixed-up...in fact I am convinced that it's the most likely way to be introduced to a man with potential! If my memory serves me correctly:

I've had one perfect blind date,

I've had a handful of "meh" blind dates,

I've had one awful blind date, and

I've had DOZENS of failed attempts at a blind date.

Speaking of witches who cast spells, there is some kind of curse that falls over most attempts to set two people up. Most of my girlfriends will back me up when I tell you that a small percentage of intended blind dates ever actually happen. Sometimes the friend playing cupid fails to let the guy know that they ever mentioned him to you. Sometimes the guy gets your number and he doesn't call (because he's seeing someone else at the time, or he's too nervous, or your "friend" gave you a bum sales pitch, who knows?!). Sometime too much time passes and when he decides he does want to call he dismisses the opportunity because too much time has passed. Sometimes he doesn't get what he wants when he does call (like your availability on short notice) and isn't open to an alternative.

My point...I'm not afraid of a blind date. In fact, I don't need a lot of information about the guy. If he's great enough for a friend to recommend him, he has to be worth meeting. I'm interested in most people and can fun-up for a few hours with just about anyone. I have no expectations for a Love Connection, but I'm open to the possibility. As long as he practices good general hygiene and is willing to provide a portion of the conversation, I can't think of a reason not to go...if he calls, of course.

Sister Friends

Tonight I got together with a group of girls who have been my friends for...geez!...at least 15 years. We all met in a Young Single Adult ward when we were in our early 20's, and although the reunions don't happen often enough, when they do happen it is always such a good time.

Our lives have changed significantly since the carefree days of what now seems like our youth, but there is still a sincerity and closeness with one another. Their kind words and tight hugs were exactly what I needed tonight.

Beauty Parlor

My hair got no attention today...but it was so worth it!

Although it was just a tiny chunk of my day, this morning I had the thrill of spending a few minutes with two of my nieces chatting and blowing out their hair. I'm sure it's a chore that exhausts a mom, but as an auntie, I really did love the chance to play a little beauty parlor with the girls.

Big Surprises!

All three of my brothers have worked hard and found success. In addition to their generosity towards me, I love seeing their generosity toward my parents this Christmas!

I Believe

Merry Christmas!

Best Christmas Eve Ever!

I've been known to laugh to tears. Sometimes it's just a moist eye, other times my oxygen supply is shut down and I lose all control. I never spent a lot of time wondering who I inherited that from, but if asked, I probably would have said my mom.

But I was wrong. SO WRONG!

Tonight during a game of "Things", my dad laughed so hard that he got the ugly cry! So of course, we all lost it too!

I'm sure it's probably one of those "had to be there" moments, but for me it will always be the high point of Christmas 2011. I hope it happens again often between now and Christmas 2036 (get it dad?! that will be the Christmas you've turned 85!)

How Many?

How many inflatable lawn decorations are too many?

My answer: one

Our friend's neighbor answers differently. It was a drive-by counting...but I think there were 62.

An Elf's Work is Never Done!

I really wish Christmas was tomorrow for two reasons:

1.) I love the excitement of watching others open what I've found for them! and,

2.) I keep buying stuff. And everytime I buy more stuff, it has to be wrapped. And the more I wrap, the less I love wrapping the way I said I did here.

Epic Mealtime

**Notice: This is one of those posts that makes it evident that I really do come from a very "boy" family!

The video below is foul. Seriously disgusting. Like, "throw up a little" disgusting! ...and I've probably watched it 5 times! ...and laughed pretty hard each time! ...but tonight I think I laughed the hardest.

Brett pulled up the video on my Kindle for my Dad to enjoy...and his enjoyment was our enjoyment! Sometimes there's a serious disconnect between what my brothers and I find humorous and what my parents find humorous (i.e. Napoleon Dynamite). Tonight, dad got the joke immediately and his reaction was priceless! And soon I found myself laughing to tears and suffocating and pounding my foot into the ground involuntarily! It was so awesome.

So...if you think you have the intestinal fortitude, I present Epic Mealtime:

Success!

Turns out that two kids can trick and surprise their mom...even when that mom happens to be the infamous "Sheri Denney!". It was awesome! The consequence? We're all e-x-h-a-u-s-t-e-d!

Super Spidey Jedi-Mom Sense

What is it about moms??????????

I can't even post this yet because she's still in position to thwart our plan if we aren't careful! How do moms just know when their kids (ages 37 and 27) are up to something?!?! How do they, when they don't know a single detail, find a way to be in the right place or ask the right question to suss out a conspiracy? HOW??????????

Brett, Kristy and Owen were supposed to arrive Friday for the holiday break. But Friday is no fun and there's a pesky storm brewing, so it was decided that they would be creative and sneaky and come home early and surprise the parents. They should arrive in the dead of night tonight and surprise her at breakfast in the morning...but it's been nearly impossible! At one point I broke down and confessed to my dad (I think I needed the moral support?). We've all told a blatant lie at some point during the adventure. If we were playing the game of Survivor, my mom would Outwit, Outplay, and Outlast us all!

Is there any chance that she'll actually go to bed before they pull into the driveway?? I've gotten a good laugh out of it a few times...I'm just hoping that she gets enough sleep to find it funny when she finds us all out!

SNL Tim Tebow

Being in Denver, it's hard to have a conversation with a resident that doesn't at least brush past the topic of the City's resident Hero: Tim Tebow. So, of course the SNL sketch below caught my attention. Now, you might not be a football or Bronco's fan, but if you have any kind of feelings regarding the LDS faith, then you should probably watch the entire thing because the final 15 seconds got my biggest laugh!

SNL Tim Tebow Sketch

What I Learned in Church Today: Perspective in Adversity

As a student of the scriptures, I have an understanding that adversity is part of the human experience and will be for every person who comes to earth. However, in the context of my own adversity, I have been struggling to hold on to that understanding. The following address was recommended to me just last week, but in an act of rebellion, I put off studying the message...so, it was an interesting coincidence to be taught from that message today in Sacrament Meeting:

Waiting upon the Lord: Thy Will Be Done

Following the speaker's remarks and testimony, I spent the remainder of the meeting re-reading the address in full and then finding myself reading this as well:

The Songs They Could Not Sing

I am hopeful that someday soon, my understanding of these things will be more complete and that I will be able to bear my own witness to these teachings.

Loser...with a lower case "l"

I was in my pajamas before 8:00 p.m. tonight.

But for some reason, being out of town makes me feel just slightly less losery about it.

Turning Tables

I sat with a friend tonight and talked with her about a really tough trial that she has been working through. And while I have been fighting my own struggle these past few weeks, I was humbled to listen to her story. Humbled because for the first time since November 21st, I actually preferred to have my trials over someone else's.

For weeks I had convinced myself that I would feel better about my condition if it were the consequence of my own actions. I was certain that I would have a sense of peace (or at least control!) if that were the case...but I see things differently now.

I can now appreciate the peace that I have because my trials are not the consequences of poor decisions. That there is a confidence available to me by knowing I've lived my life as best as I can and have not brought these things upon myself or my loved ones.

I guess it means that I'm beginning to see the light again.

Christmas Lights

There is something incredibly soothing about curling up on the couch, in full view of the lit Christmas tree, with a good book!

Home Sweet Home

Over the river and through the woods...and I'm safe in Denver for the holidays!

Baby Girl!

I dreamt about her all Sunday night and then, with no alarm, was wide awake at 4:50 a.m. anxiously awaiting news from Miami...and she's here, and she's sweet, and I'm so happy!

Congratulations to John and Christy!!


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Boys (and men) Will Be Boys

This "mature" gentleman kept me company at the Jiffy Lube this afternoon by playing his video game at full volume and with the intensity of a 7 year old (uh...and 13 year old, and 19 year old, and 27 year old...they really never grow out of it!)

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Santa's Workshop

This evening I shared that my favorite Christmas tradition is the Denney family Christmas Eve. Some of the specifics have morphed over the years...but for the most part the general itinerary is the same and I love it! (details to come...probably on the 24th...be patient).

But a close second place favorite is wrapping the gifts. I have been Santa's helper for as long as I can remember and I really do like it. I love fancy paper and ribbons and using a little creativity to really make things pop...but even in a budget kind of year, with no bling involved, I still really like some Christmas music, a tape dispenser and a great pair of scissors. Can't wait to get to Denver this week!

Mom! Dad! Save some wrapping for me to do!!!

Spanning the Decades

When the brothers played football at BYU, I remember watching my mom make her social rounds. She'd reminisce with the alumni from the years when my dad was playing, then she'd catch up with the parents of the football players, then she'd spend a few minutes chatting with cheerleaders, and of course she'd "dish" with the football wives as well. A few times I considered throwing her a birthday party in Provo so that all of her friends (of all ages) could celebrate with her.

She has formed amazing friendships with older and younger (most children know "Sheri Denney" well by the time they are 3)...and I guess I'm appreciating that gift passed down to me as well.

Tonight I hung out with my baby brother (10 years younger), his dorm buddies, and their wives...and we had a great time! And I didn't feel like it was a sympathy invitation...I really do think of them as my friends as well. And I know that the ability to have friendships that span decades is a gift passed down from my parents and a huge blessing to me in my life. I am the grateful recipient of so many great things that come from so many great friends!

Sister Wife

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, aka The Mormons. There is occasionally some confusion regarding the church's views on polygamy. The short answer is that the church does not approve of polygamy (the long answer can be found here).

That said, most members have a pretty healthy sense of humor about the topic and can dish and take jokes on the topic...so I had a good laugh when I was invited to spend the evening with an engaged couple as their Sister Wife. While I believe that they are no more than 0.0000001% serious (meaning if it had to happen, they'd consider me a viable option), I still take it as a compliment...cause even a 0.0000001% proposal is better than no proposal, right!

Plus, they are dang fun company! (thanks for the fun evening guys!)

Winter Cold

I'm battling my very best cold battle, but sometimes it just hangs in the air no matter how much Zicam I've sucked on! What are the chances that I'll beat this cold before it beats me???

Passion Pursuit

As a theater junkie, I had the treat of watching a friend's musical in workshop this evening. He's been developing the concept and script for about 3 years and tonight it was presented in a reader's theater format.

The raw theater environment was very cool to be a part of, and it totally hit the grungy backstage stuff of which I love to participate. But the very best part was watching a friend in the process of pursuing his dream. There is no big fame or financial payoff at this point, but he appeared to be fueled by nothing more than the chase of the dream, and that is such a cool thing to witness.

An identified passion continues to be something that I covet in so many of the people that I meet. And I still maintain some kind of hope that one day I will have identified that thing for myself.

The Hardest Part of Christmas

Men.

For years, the hardest thing about Christmas for me, has been shopping for the men in my life. I often blame it on budget restrictions...but with a million dollars, I still wouldn't know what to give! And it's strange, because I feel really comfortable with men and I think I even have the rare gift of being able to communicate well with them...but for some reason, I don't know how to give them good gifts.

Anyone out there know how to choose a great gift for the father and brothers who don't have a wish list?

Self Control

Today I went to Costco with the intent of purchasing one item...and I left with that one item as the only thing on my receipt. I declare that a pretty big victory over the big box store of temptation!

11th Annual 27th Birthday!!!

Okay! So you're good at math! And that makes me 37 years old today! I've avoided my usual year-in-review journal entries and I haven't even begun to think about the improvements I hope to make this coming year...I guess I'd hoped that ignoring it meant it wouldn't actually happen? I better get my act together and make some solid plans for the year...especially now that I only have 364 days left to make those things happen!


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Nephew Goo

Today I spent a chunk of time with nephews and their slime...I should do it more often!


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Oh, Utah County...

how your marketing makes me laugh!!!




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I am Grateful for: ...wait, what?...it's December?!...I don't have to be grateful anymore?!?!

True confessions...30 gratitude posts in a row was tough. Especially since ingratitude might possibly be my biggest character flaw. But, I think that exercise saved me!

The past 5 months have been rough (shoot! the past 20 years haven't really been a breeze), but November specifically presented some particularly lousy information. It made identifying a daily blessing tougher than it ought to be...but more necessary than ever. And although I found myself in the middle of the month with a cold, hard heart (emotionally speaking), the act of finding something~anything!~to be grateful for was critical for moving me through the funk.

I think I still have a little funk on me, but I feel the buds of hope beginning to peek out...and for that, I am Grateful!