Everyone always wants new things. Everybody likes new inventions, new technology. People will never be replaced by machines. In the end, life and business are about human connections. And computers are about trying to murder you in a lake. And to me, the choice is easy. ~Michael Scott



I returned my GPS. Yes, that very power purchase which was discussed at length with both family and friends. As much as it pains me to say it, Serena and I weren't meant to be. My first days in Virginia were riddled with fear, doubt and unfamiliarity. Which direction am I heading? Where's the sun? Will I ever rediscover civilization beyond these trees??? There may have even been a time or two when I ashamedly sat on the roadside, waiting for my BB to conjure up some magical path of directions.

Clearly I was not in the right frame of mind for a GPS purchase. (This might not seem logical to some. No apology.)

I needed Serena. She coaxed me through turns, gently guiding me to bear right, graciously sharing street names, even informing me of problematic traffic. And I hated her for it. With everyone direction she taunted me, laughing inwardly at my dependence, daring me to turn against her will---so she could immediately "re-route" me, lest I forget who was really in charge. Our low point came on a late night drive home. I was enjoying the silence of the morning hours, the lack of traffic, and an invaluable moment of solitude. She couldn't take it. Rather than see me peaceful and calm, happily functioning on my own, she decided to YELL at me, interrupting calm and replacing it with a shocking scare. I mean, who expects to hear a voice in their car when no one's sitting next to them?! Seriously...

I think she could feel something awry in our relations. That's when the freezing began. In her childish way, she decided to start throwing temper tantrums, determined to retain my attention. "Maybe when she types in a search, I'll freeze! That'll show her!" or "What if I stop working as she's driving home from hiking in the middle of nowhere? Take that!" She was probably even using foul language in her inner dialogue.

And I was over it. Over the dependency, over the behavioral problems, over the abuse. She had to go. And she did.

Do I regret our time spent together? No. Well...maybe a little. Like any 2-week stand, this held it's excitement and had moments of glory---effective directions, a quick commute, successful discoveries. But ultimately, it wasn't a balanced partnership. My independence and creativity were being stifled at literally every turn and I found myself losing the ability to think and make decisions on my own. (PLEASE watch that Office clip!)

So here I am, a free woman. A survivor. A free-thinker. An independent.

With my Blackberry.

Power Purchasing

The Power Purchase is just as powerful as it's name might suggest. An arduous activity, this is no experience for amateurs---consider yourself warned, casual shopper. What might a Power Purchase (yes, this term requires capitalization always) entail?
1. Saving: any purchase that requires careful financial planning immediately lends itself to this definition.
2. Price: whether your Power Purchase falls under category #1 or is purely spontaneous, any high-priced item (this being a completely relative term) qualifies.
3. Research: product research is often critical when shopping at this level. If you find yourself studying, odds are you're investing in a P.P. Perhaps not the most effective acronym...
4. Endurance: You're contemplating a purchase that is going to be somewhat long-term. This product better last.
5. Excitement, anxiety, guilt, gratitude....Power Purchasing can be quite emotionally exerting.

And while I enjoy shopping as much as the next female, I typically suck at this game. I tried on three different occasions this fall to purchase a television. Still don't own one. I wanted the Waring Pro Belgian Waffle Maker on a level that rivals the Christmas Story. I even saved for it. And the only reason I now own one is because a friend decided it would make a nice birthday gift. Now, it's not always the case that I don't follow through with the Power Purchase, but I have learned that I frequently need a support team to do so. My current laptop required a friend/counselor to help me balance my pros/cons list, but I am typing on it. Ultimately, however, there's a commitment factor in a Power Purchase that I find slightly petrifying. What if it malfunctions? What if I invest only to find I've put my time and money into an inferior product? What if I don't love it enough to name it?!? And do I really need it? And frequently, rather than deal with all the assessed risks, I abandon my conquest and go to Target where I buy a $6 v-neck t-shirt.

Feel free to analyze my commitment issues at another time, however, because this weekend I was a Power Purchasing guru! Granted, portions of this weekend were paid for by sources other than my bank account, but they were commitments for me nonetheless. All meet at least one of the standard Power Purchase requirements:

Jillian Michaels: Yoga Meltown AND 30-day Shred. This yoga video changed my life---for at least 2 days anyway. SORE!
Rodney Yee's AM/PM Yoga: I've been wanting this ever since I started using my roommate Jess' in Michigan. Partially for the calming influence, but mostly for sentimental reasons. No explanation at this time.
Le Petit Prince: French makes me happy. So does the savings account I have designated for my trip to France...details forthcoming.
Garmin 255WT GPS: I have found myself frustrated on the side of the road one to many times in Virginia. No more! (This purchase took a solid 20 minutes on the phone with my mother while in Best Buy. Support teams in Power Purchasing = CRUCIAL!)
Rosetta Stone, Russian Levels 1-3: I've been studying the language for about a year and a half now and love it. Maintaining study during the summer months is not easy, but it's absolutely necessary because of my final Power Purchase.
A plane ticket to...

MOSCOW!!! Language study, operatic experience and lovely November temperatures await on my month-long work expedition!

Needless to say, even Target's $6 t's will be put on hold for the time being. Hopefully my Power Purchasing emotional high will last until they get a new color in.

Top 25

Nothing screams "Happy Birthday" like a picture of my 17-year old shirtless brother. At least that's what he thought. Nothing, that is, except for the fabulous pin he sent me in a leopard-print card. If only he'd sent me something leopard print to wear with it...

Yes, I am another year sexier, as the button would suggest. Not that I needed a button for anyone to realize that Dylan...
In addition, I am also:

This one's courtesy of my sister Lindsey. Since she started working for USPS (thankfully not the hateful UPS) she's become a packaging goddess, and my birthday package was no exception---even if they were out of 6's. I have to say that I'm quite looking forward to 25 plus 1. How could I not be, given my even sexier status??? 25 was good to me though, and given my love for lists (thank you Lindsey for another notebook!) here's a "Top 25". I haven't decided if there will actually be 25 or if it will just be highlights of top experiences during year 25...the beauty of spontaneity and the flexibility of an asterisk!

*San Francisco: an amazing city and an equally amazing summer!
*Dean. I have always looked up to my little sister, but I'll never forget the overwhelming pride and love I felt the day Karlie became a mom. I have a profound respect for the calling of motherhood and I can't think of anyone more worthy of such a divine title.
*MOM and the girl's visit San Fran. I lived in 3 different cities during year 25, and it means a lot to share them with the people I love. And as it turns out, the 5 women who played mom throughout my life are fun girlfriends too!
*No more braces! Ever. Seriously.
*Buffalo Wild Wings and college football season. It might be rough at the moment, but I love being a Michigan fan and it made for some fun times this past fall.
*Catherine. I could easily think of a top 25 list for the roommate and sister who came into my life this year. Sparkle Burger, yoga, pedicures, and all the drama two girls can create!
*Waffle maker. I wanted a deluxe Belgian waffle maker for most of the time I was 25. And I got it as an early 26th birthday present. It's everything I dreamed and more.
*NYC audition trip
*3 dates that would have to make the top 10 list. Or at least top 20...
*Thanksgiving turkey cartilage. This was the hardest I laughed ALL year!!!
*Modern Family night
*Stasney ranch. Best beef of my life. No joke.
*Beaver's brunch: Bacon omelette biscuit!!!
*Christmas Eve with my family could be a highlight of every year I live. This one with my family, culminating in a sister sandwich sleepover, was no exception.
*Lindsey's wedding. SISTER!!! She was breathtakingly beautiful, as she always has been, but seeing her come out of the temple was a moment I'll truly cherish.
*Golf...or the driving range anyway.
*Daddy's special phone call
*New Year's Eve with one of my best friends during one of 25's roughest patches. I love my peeps!
*HGO Studio life. Not sure that I've processed my first season quite yet, but I've grown more professionally this year than I believed was possible. It scares me to think how little I knew when I started my job. And how much I still have to learn before getting a real one...
*Road trip
*Russian
*Maddox! Sometimes it breaks my heart to be away from family, especially when it means I don't get to meet new nephew #2 until he's 6 months old. But some things are worth the wait and I'm lucky enough to have a little sister who's helping brainwash him into loving his favorite aunt...right Dani??? Yet another sister I couldn't be more proud of.
*Queen of Spades opening weekend was definitely a highlight of 25. 6 family members visited Houston, witnessed my HGO mainstage debut, ate and played the time away! Bowling, the driving range, the alligator park, elevator ride, water wall, Barnaby's, opening night arm candy...if I were ranking this list, this weekend would be at number 1.
*Grandpa Rhodes
*Beach trips and possibly the most ridiculous surfing injury ever!

I think I made it to somewhere around 25, and I could keep going but this is getting obnoxiously long. AND, this much blogging is already cutting into way too much 26 time. But..

*Here's a final asterisk of gratitude for the people in my life who make every day and year meaningful. Brainstorming through the past year brings to mind countless phone conversations, messages, emails, and relationships that mean the world to me. Bits of my life and love are scattered across the country with all the people who've contributed to the 25 years that have shaped me into who I am. So...I blame all of you for making me another year sexier!!! Eat your heart out...

Don't worry, I already did.

Memorial Day Moving

Memorial Day weekend started out here...

But a Friday jaunt across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and finally Georgia, led to an evening in Atlanta. Not to miss out on Atlanta's finest, we made sure to stop at The Varsity---as recommended by Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. The friendly southern greeting of "What'll ya have?" (actually uttered in quite an annoyed, aggressive manner) combined with the deliciously greasy fare made for quite the wrap up to a day of road-tripping.

Another day of driving through the Carolinas and Virginia and we made it to here:

Well...not actually to the monument, but to it's home city anyway.

Why??? This summer's adventures will be brought to you courtesy of Wolf Trap Opera, located in Vienna, Va.


It's a beautiful area and a wonderful company so it shouldn't be too shabby of a summer!

Sunday was a monument and museum marathon. We made stops at the Air and Space, American History, and Holocaust museum, along with checking out the White House and all the major monuments along the Mall.

As a special Memorial Day weekend treat, we were able to witness the Rolling Thunder motorcycle parade through DC, a group honoring veterans and drawing special attention to POW-MIA issues (just learned this on their website). Despite this happening agenda, we still managed a side-trip to the waterfront to visit the fish market and enjoy some fresh seafood. That had been deep fried. It was almost like I was back in Texas...

Monday was my first day at "The Trap" but it was a light enough schedule that we still had time to make it to the Arlington National Cemetery. I have to say, despite the traffic and the wait to get in, this was an amazing Memorial Day experience. Volunteers place a small flag in front of every headstone in honor of our veterans, and it was a truly awesome sight.


And that's a weekend! 4 days, 9 states, the fantastic little joys of road tripping, the even greater joy upon arriving at the destination and completing said road trip, and some serious sight-seeing on what must be one of Washington DC's busiest weekends! Nothing like a slow, relaxing start to summer, right??? :)

Photographs (excepting the Wolf Trap pics) brought to you by:

Tim: photographer and road-tripping friend extraordinaire!

Family Members

My sister wrote a lovely little blog post recently entitled "Les souvenirs de chemin." Not to be outdone by my younger sister, I decided to seize inspiration from her stroll down memory lane and then one-up her. What any good sister should do. My inspiration is telling me to share this clip with you, in case you're unfamiliar with Penelope.

Back to topic. Here's my train of thought: "Les souvenirs de chemin"--->"Les chemins de l'amour": a Poulenc song Karlie performed on her senior recital at USU--->On said recital, Karlie dedicated a song to me. I teared up, having flown out from Michigan to be present. The lyrics of said song were this:

I hold your hand in mine, dear,
I press it to my lips.
I take a healthy bite
From your dainty fingertips.

My joy would be complete, dear,
If you were only here,
But still I keep your hand
As a precious souvenir.

The night you died I cut it off.
I really don't know why.
For now each time I kiss it
I get bloodstains on my tie.

I'm sorry now I killed you,
For our love was something fine,
And till they come to get me
I shall hold your hand in mine.

Needless to say, it wasn't the sentimental tune the dedication may have suggested. But I get ahead of myself. After dedication, emotions--->appearance of our 12th family member and emotional evolution from tears to laughter. One more arrow just for good measure--->SEVERED ARM!

Not your average thought process, but my family doesn't exactly exhibit regular behavior. Many a family memory/event can be directly associated with the severed arm, also known as the groping hand. Along with its debut on the recital stage, the severed arm was also the highlight of Karlie's wedding, the entertainment at a happening Michigan Valentine's Day party, and most recently the gift the Houston Aloha hotel bestowed on my father upon his visit and birthday. The groping hand is most frequently found in showers, beds---as even the grandparents can attest, and packages. It has made the trip from Utah to Michigan multiple times, in both suitcases and packages, and it's made its way to Houston several times as well. For being a dismembered member, it's quite well traveled.

I had a friend visit from San Francisco this winter who came up with the genius idea of the hand emerging from my attic, much to my roommate's joy. One of the highlight's of my life may have been when my nephew and the groping hand were first united. Hearing the word's "severed arm" escape from his lips made my heart melt.

Reminiscing about the severed arm truly leads to a lovely little jaunt down memory lane, for which I must thank my sister and her post. And despite my blatant claims at one-upping, I will say that I think Karlie wins this round. I will never forget the moment when she stood on the recital stage in a beautiful gown, concluding a wonderful recital with a stage hand bringing out the severed arm on a silver platter. Perhaps you're now catching the brilliance of her song selection "I take your hand in mine."

For the record, the groping hand/severed arm is currently missing. Watch yourself. Who knows where it may turn up next?

Answer me this...

Did you or did you not think that my life ended with my grandfather's death? My blogging history might imply this was the case. (Truth: No. My life continues.)

Is it really necessary that golf be a silent sport? Somehow I feel that if I have to curb my inner animalistic instincts to cheer and exhibit emotion it's not a sport. Maybe a discipline. Despite the oddity in mannerism, I find myself attracted.

Would you believe it's possible to hemorrhage a vocal fold WITH a surfboard? And sound like a man for a healthy two weeks? (TRUTH!!!)

On an even more unlikely note, could you even begin to fathom lip allergies? I do. But I'll spare you the details.

Why is water so fascinating? Fountains, rain, the ocean. My current obsession is the water wall at our downtown Wells Fargo building. I could happily watch it for hours. Or at least an hour.

WHY are there salads at the Cheesecake Factory titled "Weight Management Salads"? And who in their right mind is going to order one?! I feel like it's an insult to the subconscious mind, that a healthy eating alternative must only be associated with weight management. And because I'm insulted, I would never order one. And I get cheesecake too. Just to stick it to 'em.

Upon meeting me, do you or do you not envision me dancing on a stage for thousands of people? In a nightgown? As appropriate or inappropriate as that may sound, it is a current activity in my life. Don't judge. Bless you Tchaikovsky and your little show Queen of Spades.

Just ponder those little tidbits. You can get back to me when you begin drawing profound conclusions.

Glen Adams Rhodes: 1921 ~ 2009

Glen Adams Rhodes, beloved husband, father and son passed away on September 12, 2009, at his home in American Fork, Utah. He was born September 25, 1921 to Alonzo and Clara Woffinden Rhodes, the second of three sons. Glen and his wife, Lona Walker were married July 17, 1942 and their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. He called Lona his "jewel" and they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary this year. Glen and Lona were blessed with five children: Larry (Shauna); Kent (Chris); Dennis (Kris); Julie Ann (Ronald) and Randy (Kelli). Glen worked for 36 years at U.S. Steel Geneva Works; he became general foreman of the open hearth and retired in 1980. Glen was valiant in his testimony of Jesus Christ; he believed that the key to happiness was following the Savior. He served as ward finance clerk, Elder's Quorum President, Bishop and counselor in the American Fork Stake Presidency. He and his wife served in the Provo Temple Baptistry for seven years. They filled a four year stake mission and served as missionaries in San Jose, California. His good nature and warm sense of humor made friends wherever he went; he had the talent for making everyone feel comfortable and at ease. Survivors include his wife and five children, 31 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and his brother Don (LaVerne) of Idaho Falls.

A thought from the funeral home that I loved:

We should remember - sorrow shared is sorrow diminished.
If a friend of mine gave a feast, and did not invite me to it, I should not mind a bit. But, if a friend of mine had a sorrow and refused to allow me to share it, I should feel it most bitterly. If he shut the doors of his house of mourning against me, I would move back again and again and beg to be admitted, so that I might share in what I was entitled to share. If he thought me unworthy, unfit to weep with him, I should feel it as the most poignant humiliation, as the most terrible mode by which disgrace could be inflicted upon me. He who can look on the loveliness of the world and share its sorrow, and realize something of the wonder of both, is in immediate contact with divine things, and has got as near to God's secret as anyone can get.

– Oscar Wilde

The song that my uncle performed at their 50th wedding anniversary, and is truly a beautiful description of my grandparents:

Look at us
After all these years together
Look at us
After all that we've been through
Look at us
Still leaning on each other

If you want to see
How true love should be
Then just look at us

Look at you
Still pretty as a picture
Look at me
Still crazy over you
Look at us
Still believin' in forever

In a hundred years from now
I know without a doubt
They'll all look back and wonder how
We made it all work out

Chances are
Well go down in history
When they want to see
How true love should be
They'll just look at us

So many thoughts, stories, and emotions have been flooding my mind over the past week. Riding to Kindergarten in the basket of his bike, fishing on my birthday, watching in awe as he made the nickel vanish, picking cherries in the backyard, the constant quest to find the missing pocketknife at USU, homemade ice cream, Purple Turtle, driving into the mailbox, and so many more. His last three words whispered to my Grandmother a few days before his passing were "stay with you," a final testament of the love and devotion that I watched throughout my childhood.

Every time I left their house (built with his very hands) he would say, "You're a good one, and you can quote me on that!"

It definitely goes both ways. He was a good one.