Smalgina's World

Back in the saddle again...

2011-08-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have had a seriously stressful last few months. I think that much of this stress has landed in my middle section. I was frustrated with the last approach as it because unsuccessful. I was bored, not diligent, inconsistent weight-loss, etc. Basically, the long and the short of it, or the fat of it as the case may be, is that I have reclaimed some the lost pounds. I have accepted that this is part of life and that I am now ready to start again.

However this time I am doing Medifast.

I have a great coach, Megan, who rocks! She checks in with me to see how I am doing and what I have planned for my "lean and green" meals. For those of you unfamiliar with the program, you eat 5 Medifast "meals" (shake, bar, soup, cheese puffs, etc.) and one "lean and green" meal a day. I am two days in and I was ready to turn cannibal last night, but today has been much better. Some of the food items are RAD; they have about 100 calories and 10 grams of protein. I have no idea if I have lost weight yet, but I feel a little better. Due to school this summer (For those of you out of the loop, I started a doctoral program this summer, one of the better choices of my life.) I haven't been staying at my house and did NOT pack a scale. So when I move home on Friday, I can update my stats below.

Today's Weight: ???
Today's Weight Loss: ???
Total Weight Loss: ???

Demi-Plie

2011-02-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

The translation of this French phrase literally means, "falling down half-way." Although traditionally associated with ballet, I feel like this phrase can also represent my placement on my weight-loss journey. Having lost 55 pounds thus far, I am encouraged to think that I am close to half-way there. I continue to lose weight daily and have started taking a weekly adult ballet class and doing Pilates thrice weekly.

That's right folks, I am enrolled in an adult ballet class. Don't think that I threw that in for funsies, although the class itself is quite fun. Every Monday night, I put on my pink tights and black leotard; I put my short hair up into a very tiny bun, and take my ballet shoes to On Pointe School of Ballet where I attend an hour long class with Miss Carol and seven wonderful women and prepare for our recital piece in the studio musical, Hansel and Gretel, this coming June. (Yes, you are all invited.)

I love the physical challenges that ballet requires of my body and I REALLY LOVE the barre stretching....amazing. Pilates is a nice fit with my "ballet studies" and is certainly fun too-early in the morning on the living room floor of my dear friend, Penny. If laughing counts as as a workout, then I definitely do more than Mari Winsor intends.

The food continues to be delicious, although not very varied. I may eat at Chipotle twice today. I enjoy drinking all-natural sugar-free sodas, but do not enduring the extortion that Fred Meyer bestows upon me so I can drink them. I really want to eat frozen yogurt with strawberries and mochi, but I really want to wear a single-digit size more.

So the journey continues and the waistline shrinks and my demi-plies become more technically correct.

Today's Weight: 242.8
Today's Weight Loss: 1.8
Total Weight Loss: 55.8

New Vigor

2011-01-26T10:15:00.000-08:00

Well the holidays were fun and delicious. Unfortunately, that meant that my weight went the wrong way. I did gain some weight (Johnny's Bean and Cheese Fried will do that to anybody). But I have lost that weight and feel dedicated to fight the fight again.

The pink eye that started in September has never really gone away so I have an appointment with my doctor this afternoon. This will be the first time that Dr. Kotamarti will see me since I started the weight loss journey. I am excited to see what he has to say.

I had a house warming party this past weekend and had a great time showing off my house to some dear friends. I wish you all could have been there.

Here's to renewed dedication!

Today's Weight: 250ish (I didn't get on a scale today.)
Today's Weight Loss: ???
Total Weight Loss: 48

The Big 5-0!

2010-12-13T16:44:00.000-08:00

Today I hit a major milestone in the weight-loss journey. I have officially lost 50 lbs. since the start of school. I have figured out how to make the program work for me. Here are my before and after shots.

BEFORE - 9/20/10

AFTER - 12/13/10

Today's Weight: 248

Today's Weight Loss:

Total Weight Loss: 50!!!

Long and slightly frustrating

2010-10-17T15:58:00.000-07:00

I know that it has been a couple of weeks since I last shared my progress. Partly because I have been busy, but I am not ashamed to say it was partly because I was frustrated.

For nine days my weight was the same. Bah! I got a "Buck Shot" (a vitamin shot) to help improve metabolism and either that or something else kicked in and I started losing weight again. I am now officially down almost 20 whole pounds. That is two bowling balls for those of you keeping track at home.

I have noticed that there are a lot of things I can do now that I couldn't two bowling balls ago. Here is the current list:

touch my toes
wear two pairs of jeans that did not even button one month ago
be up and around all through the evening, no watching TV because of excessive exhaustion
refute a new shirt because I didn't like it and not because it didn't fit
cross my legs without having to anchor the crossed foot on the pew in front of me
kneel and sit on my feet
put on a size 16 dress AND have it fit
go up and down stairs with ease
buy clothes in the Misses section
wear my CTR ring
wear a size 11 shoe (even my feet were chubby and I bought 12s before school started)
take a picture with a double chin rather than the triple chin

...and MANY more, I am sure.

I have to admit that it feels pretty awesome and I am looking forward to losing more weight. Yesterday was the "Shop for a Cause" day at Macy's; that means that everything is an additional 20% off. Penny and I look forward to it each year and go to multiple Macy's stores to maximize our finds. I found three dresses that were adorable, but I bought one size smaller than I would currently wear. And not because they didn't have my size, although they did, but because they will fit in a few short weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for the new red dress!

Today I am wearing the same dress from my "before" picture. It is quite looser. But you tell me what you think.

NOW

BEFORE

Today's Weight: 273.0

Today's Weight Loss: 1.0

Total Weight Loss: 19.8

My shirt was big

2010-09-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

I put on my shirt today and it was big. Yippee! It is the first thing I have really noticed as far as clothes go. I was thinking that my jeans were getting a little looser, but I also hadn't washed them so they could have just been stretching. So that's good. My friend at work should start getting excited about me shrinking out of my clothes because that means she gets them! And may I just say that they are FANTASTIC!!

As far as the diet goes, I am finding more and more that I eat because it is time to eat and not because I am hungry. Last night I did not eat my fruit last night with my dinner and I was completely satiated. I am sure that the nutritionist will say that is bad, but I am hoping she will say that I can eat less meat at meals.

For weight loss, I entered a new decade of weight, the 270s. Awesome!

Today's Weight: 279.4
Today's Weight Loss: 2
Total Weight Loss: 12.4

Pink Eye

2010-09-29T15:42:00.000-07:00

And I don't mean this kind:

I had an ugly bout of pink eye the last several days. I am highly medicated, via eye drops, and am now allowed to come back to school. Shucks! So this is why there has been an absence of posting.

My weight-loss has gone into the double digits! Woo-hoo! Also, I am no longer hungry. I feel like I eat because the clock says it is time to eat and not because I'm hungry. This is both good and bad. Good, because I am not hungry and still losing weight. Bad, because I don't really look forward to eating. Although, I suppose that could be good in the long run. Hmmm. I go back for the second appointment on Saturday, I wonder what they will tell me.

Today's Weight: 281.4
Today's Weight Loss:
Total Weight Loss: 10.4

Wow! What support!

2010-09-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

I am so amazed at how many people are supporting me!! It was quite the risk to sent out this website to every man, woman, and child on my email list. I am sure that my therapist will be quite impressed later today...and then, once again, wonder if the new attitude of full self-disclosure is sustaining.

I had a great birthday and lots of wonderful warm wishes. Thanks to all of you! I am totally amped for year 33. Not only is the year palindromic, but it is the year I become a home owner and, hopefully, the year I get skinny.

For those of you not in the home owner loop, let me explain. I have been trying to buy a home for the last several months. The market is incredible and interest rates ridiculously low. If there ever was a time to jump into the real estate game, this is it. I moved in with my aunt and uncle in Beaverton this July. I was supposed to close on a lovely 3 bed/2.1 bath townhouse in mid-September. However, due to an under appraisal and sellers who thought much too highly of their stuff the sale fell through two weeks ago.

I started looking again and found a cooler, awesomer house-house (check out pics!) and made an offer on Wednesday.

After some haggling, I signed the contract yesterday afternoon for only $189K, a wonderful birthday present to myself! The inspection is Monday and I hope all will go well.

I think this may have been the only birthday that I actually lost weight, 1.6 lbs to be precise.

Today's Weight: 283.8
Today's Weight Loss: 1.6
Total Weight Loss: 8.0

Biting the Big One...or the small one as the case may be

2010-09-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

After years of trying fad diets, Weight Watchers, pills, starvation, and running 6 miles a day, I have decided to embark on a promising journey of weight-loss. I have had several friends find success with this system and so far, so good.

The Magical Weight-loss System is called Medipro Slim and basically consists of the following:

HCG Injection - a pregnant lady hormone which causes increased metabolism & decreased hunger
VLCD - a very low calorie diet of four protein shakes and two "sensible" meals
Doctor Supervised - I see a physician twice a month who checks body fat %, hydration level, and many other health related stats.
Nutritionist - I meet her twice a month and we decide how much I should eat during my "sensible" meals and which foods will keep my body in ketosis, the fat-burning stage.
Lifestyle Coaching - Again, twice a month to foster healthy habits including diet choices and exercise.

I will post the joys of my day and how much I have lost/gained.

Here are my BEFORE pictures at my cousin's graduation:

Today is my birthday and I get to eat strawberries with stevia for dessert! I wish it was strawberries on cheesecake, but there will be time enough for that. It is only day three and I don't want to mess up the progress! I am not that hungry and I LOVE eating 7 oz. of steak for dinner! I wish I could eat more veggies, but that's okay.....'CUZ I"VE LOST SIX AND A HALF POUNDS IN THREE DAYS!!!!!

Please see the stats below.

Today's Weight: 285.4
Today's Weight Loss: 1.6
Total Weight Loss: 6.4

Snuggies for the Homeless

2009-12-05T20:59:00.001-08:00

The Thornbrue and The Hite Familes are working on a Christmas service
project this year. We are collecting money for the "Snuggies for the
Homeless" fund. We will use the funds to purchase Snuggies at a
discounted rate and distribute them among the homeless in Portland.
Help us keep people warm by giving a blanket with sleeves! Please
contact me if you would like to donate.

SWM 2009 - Day 20

2009-10-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

Today is Halloween Dress-Up day at school. I came as the floor of a movie theater. I made the apron out of duct tape...sticky side out...and then stuck lots of movie things to it. Here is the list of things on "the floor:"

Twizzlers
Hot Tamales
Sour Patch Kids
Raisinettes
Popcorn
Popcorn container
Pepsi cup
cup lid
two straws
two straw wrappers
a ketchup packet
Sugar Mama wrapper
SweetTarts wrapper
a MilkyWay wrapper
a zoo ticket
three movie ticket stubs
a lemon Starburst wrapper
a random piece of packaging I found on the floor in my classroom

Since the shoes weren't that pivotal to the success of the outfit, I chose some flip-flops.

These come all the way from Costa Rica. I bought them the day I got the worst sunburn of my life. I was snorkeling on Tortuga Island without any sunblock...oops! I bought them that night at a "surf shop" in Puntarenas for about four bucks. They remind me of the flip-flops I wore as a child but mostly remind me of an amazing adventure in Costa Rica.

Pura Vida!

VEGAN!

Vegan: 12 Non-vegan: 8

SWM 2009 - Day 19

2009-10-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

My heel was so sore that I couldn't wear anything that rubbed on it. Luckily, these blue suede shoes fit the bill as well as being VERY stylish.

I wish that I wore these more often. I bought them for very cheap at PaylessShoes years ago. They are not awesomely comfortable, but aren't bad. They are also faux leather so they increase the Vegan count! I particularly like the setting of this picture; the leaves on all the trees are this color. I absolutely adore the Fall!

Don't step on my blue suede shoes!

VEGAN!
Vegan: 11 Non-vegan: 8

SWM 2009 - Day 19

2009-10-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

My torn up feet enjoyed the cushiness of some of my running shoes.

I had the worst pedicure in the history of mankind last weekend. I left with my foot bleeding in three places!!! Anyhow, these Asics remind me of root beer floats. Hmm...that sounds really good right now.

VEGAN!
Vegan: 10 Non-vegan: 8

SWM 2009 - Day 17

2009-10-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

I had a moment of extreme nostalgia as I put on these Chuck Taylors.

I wore low-top Converse nearly daily in my high school career. First, they were forest green and then they were navy. I actually wore holes into the soles necessitating a new shoes two times.

VEGAN!
Vegan: 9 Non-vegan: 8

SWM 2009 - Day 16

2009-10-27T09:32:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across these while looking for black flats. I put them on and the heavens opened with angels singing the joys of an uber comfy slipper of Italian leather.

These are Taryn Rose shoes. They retail for $450, but I only paid $79!!! (Thanks to you, Nordstrom Rack!) I heart these! I wore them nearly everyday last year while I taught seminary. I am sad to see that these are starting to wear out.

These are so NOT vegan that there is barely a piece that isn't an animal biproduct.

NOT VEGAN!
Vegan: 8 Non-vegan: 8

SWM 2009 - Day 15

2009-10-23T15:36:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a good pair of flip-flops?!?!?

Unfortunately I decided to wear my Teva flips on the rainiest day of the year. It was raining so hard this morning that I had my wipers on Super-Fast for most of my commute. Luckily, it has dried out a little. Look forward to the new toe color next week...providing I wear open-toed shoes next week.

VEGAN!
Vegan: 8 Non-vegan: 7

SWM 2009 - Day 14

2009-10-23T15:23:00.001-07:00

scored these for $6 and wondered if I would ever wear them.

I wear these purple velvet ballet flats surprisingly often. They are really comfortable and are also stylish. Additionally the Vegan Count is now even due to the wearing of these gems.

VEGAN!
Vegan: 7 Non-vegan: 7

SWM 2009 - Day 13

2009-10-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

My feet were swollen this morning from sitting at the Blazer game for three hours last night (Thanks Ethan for the ticket!!!) So I needed some uber comfort on the toes! These Keds are fantastic! I scored them for $9 at Ross. They were sized by men's sizes so I had to go down to a size 10 (in men's) for these bad boys. I love the stars and many are jealous of these kicks.

VEGAN!
Vegan: 6 Non-vegan: 7

SWM 2009 - Day 12

2009-10-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

I went to a Blazers game tonight. The game was pretty horrid. The refs were terrible. I like could scream the whole game. To make it worse, in the second half a fellow sat down in front of me who did not conform to the societal rules of personal hygiene. On top of that, he mixed his personal aura with remnants of weed and cheap beer. I had to put some Burt's Bees under my nose so I could breath without vomitting.

I wore my black velcro shoes by Red, a subdivision of Marc Ecko. They are very comfy and also allow my feet to breath. They also bring up the Vegan count a little.

I have added a feature to the blog. You can share your opinion of my shoes. Click on the button below the post that best describes your thoughts about the Shoe of the Day.

VEGAN
Vegan: 5 Non-vegan: 7

SWM 2009 - Day 11

2009-10-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

I bought some new shoes this weekend and wore them today. I know, like I need more shoes! My friend, Penny, has been raving about her FitFlops for months. She claims they are the most comfortable shoes she owns. As she is a hairdresser (and a fab one at that) I am inclined to believe her. Also, I trust most of her opinions.

These are my FitFlops. They claim to tone my calves, thighs and buttocks. There is defintely a spring in them, but I don't know if I am ready to wear spandex yet. Comfort abounds when my foot is in them. I was a little sad at the end of the day because I knew there were MANY more days of school before I could wear them again. :(

VEGAN
Vegan: 4 Non-vegan: 7

SWM 2009 - Day 10

2009-10-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

It was spirit day...like every Friday. I wore my Crocs. These are more fashion ofrward than the traditional Crocs. They have a canvas strap instead of rubber all the way around. They are very comfy.

I heart flip-flops!

VEGAN
Vegan: 3 Non-vegan: 7

SWM 2009 - Day 9

2009-10-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

It was "Wacky Wednesday"...on a Thursday. WACKY! I dressed up like someone who had clearly forgotten her medication. I wore an old bridesmaid dress, circa 1991. It was nearly floor-length red crinoline. I wore crazy red make-up and put my hair up in 20 mini-buns. To top off the outfit I wore all read jewelry and my red rain boots.

I got these while shopping with my friend, Joanne, at the Woodburn Outlets. I think I paid 10 bones for them. Sweet deal! They are Polo by Ralph Lauren.

VEGAN
Vegan: 2 Non-vegan: 7

SWM 2009 - Day 8

2009-10-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Today was Neon Day. I wore my amazing floor-length skirt with neon flowers and Impala on them. I am quite confident that the skirt is older than I am.

The shoe choice was difficult, but I finally settled on my white SaltWater Sandals. I grew up wearing these kids of sandals because they were the only ones that I wouldn't wear out in a week. They float in the water and won't fall apart due to the awesome stiching all the way around the sole. I have owned these for about 10 years and are generally used for tubing down rivers and summer days. I love them!

Vegan: 1 Non-vegan: 7

SWM 2009 - Day 7

2009-10-21T10:04:00.000-07:00

Today was Twin Day at school. Because I am generally pushy and like to be in-charge, I told everyone in my office what to wear. The assignment was to wear your "PRIDE Polo" (it's our staff shirt), jeans and black shoes (clogs if you have them).

So I did just that. I wore my black clogs.

These Danskos are one of my favorite pair of shoes to wear teaching. My feet are so happy in them that they would rather be in the clog than naked, which is saying something because I like naked feet. If I had been more aware, I would have worn Danskos on my mission. but, alas, I didn't learn this secret until a year after I came home. Bah!

Vegan: 1 Non-vegan: 6

SWM 2009 - Day 6

2009-10-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

This week is Homecoming at our school. That means that every day is a different dress-up day. I love my costumes so this week was fun. Today was Plaid Day! The only plaid I own is my pajama bottoms. Awesome! However, I did get lots of comments about "how comfortable I look." I kept trying to tell myself they were simply jealous of my appropriate wearing of pj's to work, but in the back of my mind was what a student told me my first year teaching. "Miss Hite, when we tell you that you look 'comfortable' it really means that we think you are a slob." More awsome!

Anyhow, today's shoes are a pair of Keds that I purchased on sale at Fred Meyer while I was doing EFY a few summers ago. My friend and co-worker, Bryan, picked them out. They were a necessity on the first day of Forest Grove EFY 2007. We had gone tubing down the Boise River two days prior. I had forgotten to put suncreen on my legs and I was burnt to a crisp. EFY rules state that you must wear closed toe shoes, but socks hurt too badly to wear my tennis shoes. Thus an emergency run to Freddie's.

Vegan: 1 Non-vegan: 5

SWM 2009 - Day 5

2009-10-08T15:29:00.000-07:00

These are my cowboy boots. They are amazing!! I got them on a trip to
Astoria with my good friend, Corey. They are Frye's and terribly
comfortable. Usually these babies cost between $300-$400. I scored
them for under $90!!

I wore these today because it was western wear day at school. Next
week there are more dress up days. If my costume is especially awesome
I will be sure to post tide as well.

Vegan: 0 Non-vegan: 5

For those who don't know, vegan shoes are those which are made with no
animal products. Leather, silk, etc.

SWM 2009 - Day 4

2009-10-07T11:50:00.000-07:00

I love these shoes! They are made by Simple. They are blue suede
shoes. My favorite part is labeled arrows on the sole of the foot
that says, "toes go here."

Vegan: 0. Non-vegan: 4

SWM 2009 - Day 3

2009-10-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

Today's shoe is an Aerosole elastic slide. I have no idea how long I
have owned these, but I think I remember wearing them my first year of
teaching...10 years ago!

I'm adding a new feature to these posts; a vegan count!

Vegan: 0. Non-vegan: 3.

SWM 2009 - Day 2

2009-10-05T11:45:00.000-07:00

I haven't forgotten about this project I was just kicked out of school
for a week by the principal. I promise that it has nothing to do with
cute teenage boys. In fact, I had the swine flu and was bannished from
the premises.

Anyhow, today's shoe is a leather mule sandal by Patagonia. I got it
on sale at Marshall's for ten bucks. They are super duper comfy. And I
really like the flower details.

Shoe Wardrobe Meltdown 2009 - Day 1

2009-09-30T11:27:00.001-07:00

> One of my colleagues was disappointed last week when I wore a pair
> of shoes for the second time this year. She had looked forward to
> the new shoes I would sport each day. Natalie's comments sparked an
> idea.
>
> I will wear a different pair of shoes each day that I go to school.
>
> Since I have NO IDEA how many shoes I own, there is no way to tell
> how long this will take. Any guesses???
>
> Each day I will post the shoes that I wear and tell you everything I
> know about them. Today's shoes are a silver Privo flat in leather
> and elastic. They were purchased for $5 at the Goodwill. Regularly,
> these shoes run for $100-$120. They were nearly new when I bought
> them and are SUPER comfy. It's like wearing a stylish slipper.
>

Health News.

2009-08-09T11:46:00.001-07:00

So my doctors and I have been struggling to determine the cause of much widespread pain all over my body...along with a variety of other odd and interesting symptoms. I tested positive for System Lupus Erythematosus (or Lupus for short) an auto-immune disease, but it was a low positive and none of the other tests were positive. Some of the other blood labs were elevated, some low. But after it is all said and done the doctors have all concluded that I have Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

For those of you who know my family, this is what my mom has (she also has some other fun things, but the root of all evil is Fibromyalgia). So I sort of have an idea of what is in store and really not looking forward to all of the future aches and pains.

I did crazy in depth study on Fibromyalgia and possible treatment options. I even spent a full afternoon up at the medical school reading journals and watching videos. I have read more books in the last month than perhaps the last several years of my life.

One of the problems with treating Fibromyalgia is that there is still no clear understanding of what causes the syndrome to exhist. Everyone has a different hypothesis and so of course, there were lots of different treatment options. Some proved more medically sound than others, but even the quacks had proof that improvement in pain was evident following their method.

To give you an idea of some of the wierd treatments let me list a few for you:

sleep on an infrared heating pad
drink alkaline water
take a high dose of guinefasen (an expectorant, Musinex)
eat only vegatables and avocados
sleeping pills
eat a vegetarian diet
take lots of antidepressants
take NSAIDs like Aleve or Advil
take narcotics like Vicodin
exercise
vitamin B shots
steroids

That's all I can remember off the top of my head. So I was totally overwhelmed with all of the information in front of me and wanted to synthesize all of it so I could make the best educated decision about course of treatment.

Well, I was ready to organize my research when I felt prompted to start my search in the scriptures. I read all of the scriptures about health in the Bible, Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants. To my absolute surprise they were all about prayer. One scripture, Proverbs 3: 5, said to rely on the Lord and not on my own understanding. Well, that was a big enough kick in the pants. I began to pray that day for an answer to my quandry.

The answer came the next morning. I felt strongly that I needed to adjust my diet. I prepared to pray and made a long list of all the things that I eat. As I prayed I took a Sharpie and started crossing things out, making notes next to some items, and adding things to the list. By the time I was done I had a new diet and when I needed to start it...the next day!

It is basically vegan, but I eat fish and egg whites. For the record, I am not eating vegan because I love the animals, though I do. I am eating vegan because the Lord told me to and because it is doing remarkable things for my health. It has been one week and the pain that I have felt for the last several months has dissipated almost entirely. It is amazing!!

I know that it is still the honeymoon period, but I feel better than I have in a long time. And if that means that I miss out on steak and bacon and hamburgers with cheese, then I am glad to do it.

A Horrid Jiffy Lube Experience

2009-06-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

This is the letter I sent to Jiffy Lube today because of my visit to one of the Hillsboro locations this afternoon:
~Malia

Dear Sirs and Madams:

I had an experience today that left me mortified and humiliated. The lack of professionalism was repugnant. It surely requires attention from the local manager as well as other regional representatives. I would like to share my experience with you.

I had called earlier in the day to check the price of an oil change for my vehicle for conventional oil. The man on the phone told me that it would be the standard $35.99 because my car, a 2008 Toyota Avalon, did not require more oil than the included 5 quarts.

I brought my car in for the service and the technician who brought me the air filters and told me how much the bill was going to be was a little arrogant and was insensitive that I did not want the air filters replaced. In fact, he indignantly asked, "So you want me to put these back in your car?!?" I thought that I had made that clear, but again stated that I did not want new air filters.

He then told me what the bill was to be and I became concerned because it was nearly $10 more than the base price. I expressed this concern and that I had called earlier to verify the amount. He became very defensive saying that we can't give estimates over the phone unless we look at the car because we don't know what kind of engine the car has, etc. (Never mind the fact that all Avalons come with a V-6 3.5 liter engine.) He also danced around what part of the additional charges were for. I felt like he did not explain them to me because I was a woman or couldn’t understand the technical jargon. (Fact of the matter is, I am well-versed in automobile repair and until this vehicle have done major repairs on all of my cars, including oil changes.) I still do not know what the additional charge is for. I think it is for a special oil filter. Anyhow, I simply stated that I was frustrated because if all they needed to know what kind of engine I had, then whomever I spoke with earlier could have and should have asked that question, but did not and now because of false information I am stuck spending more money than I had anticipated. He gave me a $2 additional discount (I already had an $8 coupon) so it was now $34. I said thank you, but insisted that I was still frustrated by the lack of communication.

I sat down in the waiting room and as I did so, this young man (whose name I do not know, but we was a slender man with tattoos up his arm and a short buzz cut) went out into the bay and shouted, "Who gave a phone quote for a 2008 Toyota Avalon?" Someone responded and then the argument began. He kept shouting about how "people don't do their research before buying cars to know how much oil they take" and "now I have to deal with her while she's complaining." The argument, complaining and strong words went on for several minutes. There was another customer waiting in his car in the bay while all of this took place. After about four minutes, I walked out the sliding glass door into the bay and simply said, "Excuse me, but would you please stop complaining about me while I’m waiting here and can hear you?"

This same young man kept complaining and tried to make excuses, I repeated what I had heard him say and that I was offended that I was being talked about in such a manner while I was paying them for a service. I didn't curse. I didn't say anything directed to this particular worker. I didn’t yell. I just wanted the complaining and harassment to stop.

I went back into the waiting room to wait for my car. The bay was thankfully quiet except for requisite noises and words. A few minutes later a different man came into the waiting room and said, "That will be $33.58." I paid, signed the form and left. He did not say “hello” or “we’re all done” or “sorry.” Nor did he explain everything that was done to my vehicle. Another young man opened my door and said, "Sorry about all the drama and miscommunication." With this one exception, no one apologized for the unprofessional manner in which the situation was handled.

I am still flabbergasted by the behavior of the entire team at this Jiffy Lube location. I will NEVER go back to this Jiffy Lube again. I am EXTREMELY hesitant to ever go back to another Jiffy Lube. I feel belittled, humiliated, and degraded. I should not feel this way after any kind of professional service.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story. I look forward to a follow-up.

Sincerely,

Malia Hite

A Tragic Recycling Accident

2009-05-16T23:08:00.000-07:00

Four weeks ago I was recycling some soda cans to help my friend's daughter earn money for her swim team. I was getting in the groove, up to my elbows in stale, nasty soda (luckily no beer cans...phew!), and cramming as many cans into the machine as possible.

For those of you who are not familiar with the recycling process in Oregon, you take your cans and bottles to machines that scan the bar code and then give you your nickel back.

Some may say that I am a determined soul, others may call it stubborn. I had a Coca-Cola can that had been crushed, perhaps even stepped on. Because of its crushed status, the machine was unable to read the bar code. I was determined to get my nickel back, and no I did not have a desire for some punk music. So I pulled apart the can. It took a great effort and Herculean strength, but I was able to reconstitute the can with minimal pain and suffering.

Or so I thought.

The next day my two middle fingers were sore. A few days after that only my ring finger was swollen and sore. I iced it and took Aleve, but it was still the size of a kielbasa.

I went to the doctor and she said it was a strained tendon and tendinitis. She gave me a splint and said this injury would "take a long time to heal." It's now been 4 weeks and the finger is still just as bad, if not worse.

I am planning on going back to the doctor this week. Any guesses as to what she will say this time?

A New Movement

2009-04-02T12:58:00.001-07:00

My sisters and I have realized that we lack a certain amount of financial responsibility. Though some of us are getting better than we used to be, there is still much room for improvement.

To assist us in this quest, we have started a new blog: Poor Hite.

Please follow our search for self-reliance and financial freedom.

To start this movement, I am stealing an idea from my friend, B. It is a Financial Fast. It is how I plan to save some money and see how much I frivolously spend...which I am sure is a lot.

The rules:
Spend no money...other than the necessities, of course. Necessities are defined as the following:
- rent/mortgage
- loan/car payments
- utilities/insurance
- gasoline
- groceries and personal necessities (i.e.-deodorant, tampons, Tucks pads, and Preparation-H)
THAT IS IT!!!!

No restaurants. No shopping. No stops at the 7-11. No movies. Nothing extra.

Now, there are some who say that is unrealistic. There may be a need to have a set amount of flex-cash for entertainment, etc.

I am kind of a purest and think that a true financial fast should be done without the flex cash.

I would like to start the Financial Fast as soon as possible. Any takers?

Blog Roll!

2009-03-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

I have been noticing that I have a lot of visitors from all over the world. I have no idea what would make my blog so interesting to someone in Antalya (where ever that is?!?) come for a visit. I am sure that I do know some of these people, but I don't know who you are.

So here's the drill. If you are reading this, leave a post telling me who you are, where you are and what you are doing here.

Can't wait to see who you are!!

Names, Names!!

2009-02-27T15:05:00.001-08:00

I am totally procrastinating the correcting of papers...

1. Your real name:
Malia Laureen Hite

2. Witness Protection Name: (father's & mother's middle name):
Anthony (Toni) Barney

3. NASCAR Name: (first name of your mother's dad and father's dad):
Orvin Delford

4. Star Wars Name: (first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name):
Hitma

5. Spy Name: (favorite color & favorite animal):
Red Koala

6. Soap Opera Name: (middle name and town you were born):
Laureen Augusta

7. Superhero name (2nd fav color, fav drink and add "THE" to the beginning):
The Yellow Lemonade (I hope my super power does not have to do with urination...)

8. Fly Name: (first 2 letters of 1st name and last 2 letters of last name):
Mate (I think I like the Argentinian pronunciation of Mah-tay)

9. Street Name: (fav ice cream, fav cookie):
Coney Island Cone - Snickerdoodle

10. Porn Name (pets name and street you live):
Ebony Alex

11. Your gangsta name; (first 3 letters of name plus izzle):
Malizzle

12. Your Iraqi Name: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, first two letters of your middle name, last two letters of your first name and the last three letters of your last name):
Atlaiaite

13. Your goth name: (black and the name of one of your pets):
Black Ebony.

I MOVED!!!

2009-02-23T15:01:00.001-08:00

I just moved to these lovely apartments in Hillsboro, OR. They are VERY nice and I look out on a park from all of my windows.

EXCELLENT!

This was by far the easiest move I have ever made. I was super prepared and had everything boxed ready to go when the elders quorum swooped in and load the truck in under an hour. Then when I got to the new apartment the high priests group (the elders were watching their children while the wives were at women's conference) unloaded the truck in under an hour. **Please note there were no wheelchairs or talk of Kolob during the unloading of the truck.

SPEEDY!!

My new apartment is fantastically nice and big. I had no problem at all finding places to put all of my kitchen accouterments and towels.

SUPERB!!!

Pictures to follow once I dig myself out of the boxes.

New Addy:
-give me a shout out and I'll share it-
phone the same.

Tip of the Day Returns!

2009-02-19T16:32:00.000-08:00

I once emailed a daily tip out to anyone who subscribed to the service. These tips varied in topic from household cleaning to make-up application. One man's tip was another's useless information. however, the tradition continued until I became to busy to do it on a regular schedule.

Many said I should write a book containing all of my tips, and should I ever really write it I could make millions. But since I'm a Hite, "and very proud to be one," I have copyrighted all of my ideas and will write the book when I have more drive, ambition, time, and/or energy.

Today, I give you the tip from January 13, 2003:

What do you do when you want to write in a book but you can't because you want to retain the value so you aren't fined, or you can sell it back? This solution is simple. You can either NOT write in the book and fail the class(which would suck in an exceedingly great manner), or you can take a trip to Office Depot. What magical product am I in search of? Why, a No. 1 pencil of course! Pencil leads are numbered according to their softness, one being the softest and three being the hardest. Number 2 pencils are required on standardized tests because they leave enough lead on the scantron to be read by the machine. A No. 3 pencil would not leave a dark enough mark. A No. 1 pencil would leave a darker mark than the No. 2 pencil would. So then if I am trying to keep the value of a book by not marking in it, why am I going to use a pencil that will make a darker marker? Because the pencil lead is softer one can write without having to press hard. Thus not distressing the pages of the book. The other joy of soft lead is that it erases extremely well. Any eraser (though I would recommend a plastic eraser) will take off those marks with ease. Try it. It WILL work!!! Happy Monday!

Number 1 Pencils : http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/116921/Mirado-Pencils-No-1-Soft-Lead/

I would also like to amend this tip by saying this is also a great pencil choice for marking on music.

My favorite time of year.

2009-01-14T22:06:00.001-08:00

I love American Idol. I love the music, the celebrations, the small people making it big, the train wrecks, the judges (I heart Simon.), Ryan Seacrest, the new judge Kara, the stories, everything...I LOVE IT!!! It is finally back and for the next 5 and a half months I will be busy on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. I can't wait to make the elimination board, a poster with the names and pictures of the top 12 finalists. Each week I get to cross off the finalist who is voted off the show.

This year, my American Idol experience is heightened as I am one of the judges at "Southridge Idol," the school-sponsored version of the former. Students compete to be the Southridge Idol; the winner gets an iPod. Tomorrow is the beginning of auditions. We are auditioning for three days and then there will be a final show. It should be a good time.

Must go, have to wipe tears from touching back story and loverly singing.

Also, if you call on Tuesday or Wednesday evening I may not answer the phone...I still love you.

Happy Hanukkah!

2008-12-23T13:18:00.000-08:00

Well, this has been a Christmas break of unexpected wonders. It started a whole week early as we had the beginnings of Arctic Blast 2008 and missed an entire week of school to snow days. Yes! (This was particularly enjoyable as my teaming partner is in Australia with family and I was making plans for the both of us.)

Luckily, I was iced/snowed in at my friend Penny’s house in Hillsboro, about 25 minutes from my house. I became “Aunt Alice” and started baking and cleaning and diagnosing and nannying and counseling and chauffeuring and imposing massive quantities of mommy-guilt. It was awesome!

During this week off, Penny’s son, Luke, Gabi and I made the world’s most awesome gingerbread house complete with rock garden, solar panels and smoke coming out the chimney. It was an energy conscious home. It is the year 2008 after all.

Saturday, I took my car in to get the alignment done and they reported that my car was not align-able and, in fact, not drive-able. Aaaah!!! So my dear friend, Penny Lou, drove me through the driving snow to my house where we cleaned my room, folded laundry and packed up for the upcoming trip to California for Christmas. The plan was to be stranded at Penny’s and then get to the airport on Monday for our flight.

Monday came, most of the flights were cancelled, but by some miracle ours was not. It was nearly time to leave on the trek to the airport (a two-hour tour since all public transportation was no longer working) when the flight was delayed slightly…by 20 minutes. Alright, we are packed, ready to go, better print the boarding passes so we do not have to check a bag or stand in the lines. There’s my flight….CANCELLED!!!

I had already called the airline and the earliest we could get to ANY location in Southern California was Friday night…the day AFTER Christmas.

BAH HUMBUG!!!

So it’s Christmas in the Northwest! We will hang with the Thornbrues. We love them and they love us! This is fortunate as we are in very close quarters and surrounded by piles of snow. We have at least 14 inches so far and are expected to get at least 2-4 inches more in the next day. The cold weather may have frozen some of our brains though. If you look closely, you will find that Ellie (Penny’s 11 year old daughter) and Gabi (my college-attending daughter) stuck their tongues to a light pole. The younger generation needs to watch and learn the lessons of A Christmas Story…I guess they’ll never win the major award.

This Christmas I am blessed to have wonderful friends who will house me, feed me, tote me, and most importantly love me. I hope you are all equally blessed this holiday season.

A Fun New Face...well, kinda new.

2008-12-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

A couple of months ago I began a weight loss regimen. The effects were very good in the beginning, but then Costco began selling pumpkin pie. Nevertheless, I did lose nearly 30 pounds. And since the insipid and delectable arrival of the aforementioned holiday pastry, I have maintained. Below you will find a before and after pic of my face. The before was at Zach and Danielle's wedding in July the after was last weekend. Hurrah!

We Are The Champions!!!!

2008-12-09T15:03:00.000-08:00

The Southridge Skyhawks are the Oregon 6A Football Champions for 2008!!

What an exciting game it was! I went down with my doppelganger, Chanel, to the game in Corvallis. The Skyhawks soundly beat the #1 ranked Lake Oswego Lakers 35 to 21. It was a spectacular comeback; the Hawks started down 14 to 0. Perhaps it was my spirited outfit? In our last play of the game, we were intending to kick the point after a touchdown, but the hold was fumbled and so the kicker threw the ball in for a two point conversion. FANTASTIC!!!! GO HAWKS!!!!!!!

An Apostle Dies

2008-12-05T12:18:00.000-08:00

A once towering football star is greeted by the prophet, President Thomas S. Monson.

Elder Joseph Bitner Wirthlin died Monday night of old age. He was 91 years old. I met this special witness of Christ while I was in the Missionary Training Center at the beginning of my mission. I loved this dear man and his unshakable testimony of the Savior and His gospel.

I will never forget the address he gave at last October's General Conference. The talk was about charity. While he gave the talk he began to shake (apparently his knees had locked and his muscles were trying to hold him up). Elder Nelson, also an Apostle, stood beside him while he finished his remarks. There was nothing that could remove him from finishing his talk. The testimony that was shared seemed much stronger than usual that time. It was remarkable to see an act of charity as Elder Wirthlin testified of its importance in our lives.

I will miss his stories at General Conference. I will miss his testimony. But I look forward to getting to know a new Apostle of the Lord when he is called next April.

My Gratitude Overfloweth

2008-11-30T23:53:00.000-08:00

Tonight I had the opportunity to participate in several marvelous and faith-building experiences. The story does not start several hours ago, but several weeks ago.

In my 5^th period math class I had a feisty junior named Matt. Matt was bright and hilarious. However, he used his powers for evil and was a constant source of discord in the classroom and aggravation for the teacher.

The first week of October one of my co-workers, who is also a member of the church, told me that this Matt was baptized. I was astonished and thought about Matt in my class. “You know,” I said, “I haven’t had to yell at him for a couple of weeks and I usually have to talk to him everyday.”

“Well the whole process has been about that long,” she replied.

I was floored. I talked to him that day and found out when his confirmation would be. It was a humbling thing to see him receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, to talk with him about the gospel, and to meet his sweet mother who wanted the examples of strong men in her son’s life.

Tonight, Matt’s mom, Barbara, was baptized by her son who recently received the priesthood and has the power and authority to do so. The Spirit during the ordinance and entire service was strong. The talks, the songs, the people, the love that was in the room was overwhelming.

The joy and blessings of the night did not end with the baptismal service. I went over to a friend’s home with several missionaries and others who were at the baptism. One of those persons was a former student, Jordin. (I was never lucky enough to have her in any of my classes, but I claim all Skyhawks the same.) She is not a member of the church, but tonight called herself a “practically mormon.” I got to talk with her for a few hours about everything including boys, dorm-life, the gospel, her mom, and chocolate-covered cherries. There was such a profound spirit there as we discussed living the gospel and learning about Christ’s church.

I drove her home and just before she got out to go upstairs I had the opportunity to give her a copy of James E. Talmage’s The Articles of Faith. I shared a brief testimony that the contents were true and she went home “to read it right now!”

I am awed by the faith of these young people. They are great examples not only to their families, but also to me. I am grateful for their lives and my associations with them. Matt could have just as easily been in anyone else’s math class, but he was scheduled to mine.

I am blessed to know them. I am blessed to know that God has restored his church on the earth and that I am a member of it. Tonight we sang the primary song, “The Church of Jesus Christ,” and each word raced through my being screaming that it was true.

The Church of Jesus Christ

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I know who I am.
I know God’s plan.
I’ll follow him in faith.
I believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ.
I’ll honor his name.
I’ll do what is right;
I’ll follow his light.
His truth I will proclaim.

A New Car!!

2008-11-24T08:59:00.000-08:00

There were a lot of decisions made, but the final one was the purchase of a 2008 Toyota Avalon...silver with grey leather interior.
http://www.automedia.com/NewCarBuyersGuide2008/2008-Toyota-Avalon/Sedans/photo/car/
There was a bad loan, an old Ford, and extra cash. The decision was made with fiscal responcibility in mind. How can that be? I know spending 26 grand doesn't seem like a responcible thing to do, but I assure you, it was. I bought this lush new car with 11K miles and 8K dollars off the new price. I will surely miss the Escape, but I don't even realize that I do when I get into my fully-loaded Avalon...with reclining rear seats. I am looking forward to driving this vehicle for the next decade at least.

I Voted!

2008-11-04T13:09:00.000-08:00

It is perhaps the most interesting, ground-breaking general election our nation's history. Today we will either elect a woman Vice President or an African-American President. There are also many other important measures and candidates. But today (hopefully), we will go to bed with a President-Elect or Vice President-Elect who is not a white male. Fascinating! I took part in this election. I voted for one of them. Did you???

It was a Happy Halloween!

2008-11-03T14:49:00.000-08:00

One of my great loves in life is dressing up in a costume. I have recently realized that the success of any costume is due to the details. Even the subtle nuances make the biggest difference in a costume. This year was no exception. Though it is not my personal policy to recycle a costume, this year my personal policy was suspended. My teaching partner was to come as Drew Carey I and was coming as Mimi Bobeck. I am on the right.I am wearing so much stuffing under that costume I basically sweat the entire day!

My Current Read...that I LOVE

2008-10-31T18:39:00.000-07:00

I have owned this book for some time, but have never read it until this week. I have long been a fan of Sheri Dew; she has this crazy ability to say things that are like a dagger to my soul. Her most recent publication, God Wants a Powerful People, is no exception.

This morning as I read in the stillness of the early dark hours of the day, there immerged three major themes that have become mantras in my life. I have heard them in previous talks and also read them in previous books. I love them; they have changed my perspective in life.

1. Who you are is who you have always been.
2. You were foreordained to live in the last days.
3. Do you want the kingdom of God more than you want anything else?

I think that if I really stopped to think about these things whenever I found myself in a tough situation, or had to make a decision, or in some way was discouraged, I would have an eternal perspective. It is with this eternal perspective that I would have peace and security in life. I would live my life with more confidence, purpose and, ultimately, more power.

Aaaaaaaaaahh........ {a sigh of relief}

2008-10-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up and I was a #1 or #2 on the pain scale!!! This is fantastic news because as recently as Tuesday afternoon I was a #9. So what changed?!?!? I went to see Uncle Dave and Cousin Davey and they basically ground off 80% of my hurting tooth so it would not knock on any other teeth in my mouth. It is now a little tooth stub. Uncle Dave was kind enough to drill in a little hole so I have some traction for grinding. He also gave me Medrol, a fantastic steroid anti-inflammatory drug. I am flying a little higher than normal, but with little to no pain I'll take it!

Tagged by Chelsea!

2008-10-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

My cool cousin Chelsea tagged me (okay, she really tagged every one, but I thought that it sounded fun...also we are kindred spirits as we have the same blog background)!

The rules: Answer each of the following questions with a picture from google images. You may only choose a picture from the first page of your google image search.

My age:

Place I've been:

Place I want to visit:

Favorite Place:

Favorite Item:

Favorite Food:

Favorite Color:
Place of Birth:
Current Hobby:

Favorite Memory:

Bad Habit:

What I am currently doing:
I tag: Caitlin, Chanel, Allie and Alie.

I'M BACK!!!

2008-10-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

I was walking up my stairs yesterday and realized that some of the frustrations with blogging are the same as journalling. I became so overwhelmed because there was so much to blog that rather than blog something...ANYTHING...I blogged nothing. I tried to get my visiting teacher to write some entries for me, but she was promptly called to be the Relief Society President after my last post. Not only does she not have any time now, but she also switched the visiting teaching routes so I am not one of her visiting teachees anymore. (I just think that she didn't want to do my blogging.) BAH!

So I decided to take some of the advice I have given so many before:

Just start writing. Write about what is current. If you get the chance to catch-up, awesome. If not, don't worry about it. Just write.

Therefore, I will write about what is current.

I currently hurt.

Last Wednesday I went into see my dentist, Uncle Dave, and had an emergency root canal. It hurt. My number three tooth hurt. I took antibiotics and it hurt. I took pain killers and it hurt. I took steroids and it hurt. I took copious amounts of Advil and it hurt. I changed my antibiotic and it hurt. I had my tooth drilled on because it was "high" and it hurt. I watched my dentist, Unka Dave, have his tooth drilled on and it hurt. I had my tooth drilled on again and it hurt. I woke up this morning with a hope of a pain-free day and it hurt. I have a fever, have taken six Aleve and one Vicodin, have cried when I bit into a granola bar, have yelled at nearly every class today, have seriously contemplated poking an eyeball out, and have desperately wished I could go to any Druggist with 15 cents and buy some of the following:

It is the "Instantaneous Cure!" Those kids look so pain-free playing with their lincoln logs....

It's my birthday!!!

2008-09-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

I have come out of my cocoon to wish myself a happy birthday. I was awaken by the traditional Hite birthday song, courtesy of The Beatles, and have had one class errupt in song and another in anticlimactic applause. I don't know what I am doing for the celebrations, but my friends are planning something. I just have to show up. Yippee!!!! I am sure that I will have plenty stories and PLENTY good times.

On a side note: I have SOOOOOO many things to blog that I am overwhelmed. Perhaps I will call my Visiting Teacher and have her do the posts for me....

I am a Fat Hite.

2008-07-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

I am the oldest of the Fat Hite children and I am fat. I am not the fattest I have ever been, nor am I the thinnest. I have been yo-yo-ing on the fat Hite scale for a number of years, perhaps all my life. However, I am determined to be less fat. I will be eating fewer calories and gyming twice a day. My goal is to bring my BMI into the healthy range. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, my healthy weight range is 122-164. Since they record weight in pounds and not kilograms, I'm in trouble. It will be a long row to hoe, but worth it.

You can read all about the Fat Hites at http://fathite.blogspot.com

Memory Lane

2008-07-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

I just got done chatting with one of my college roommates, Kate. With the exception of our love of 'The Golden Girls,' Kate and I couldn't be more different...in fact, exact opposites would be the best way of describing us. It sparked many long-lost (perhaps appropriately lost) memories of times gone by. After reading my friend, Carol's Blog and finding the following, I thought I'd find some other long-lost memories.

If you want to play, follow these direction…

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn’t matter if you knew me a little or a lot, if it is recent or years old, silly or serious–anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It’s actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I’ll assume you’re playing the game and I’ll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Close Encounters with the Heber Creeper

2008-07-24T08:45:00.001-07:00

I know that I have not yet posted for nearly a month and when I get back to my homestead I will post all of the happenings of the last several weeks. But the events of yesterday caused me to pause and be grateful for my life, among other things.

My daughter, Gabi, my good friend, Bryan, and I went tubing down the Provo River.

It was Gabi's first time tubing and she scared most of the fish with her scream as she creeped in and then was pushed into the rather cool water. Luckily the weather was very warm and especially conducive to a wonderful float down a cold river. We were all tethered together (Good thinking Bryan!) which kept us from losing anyone down the river and also helped to facilitate some quick saves from bank brush and large rocks. However, we found that keeping us all tied together was difficult when we had to go under subdivided bridges. On our first attempt of such Bryan was creamed against the wall of the subdivision and incurred a substantial contusion on his back and arm.

With the exception of said contusion, we had enjoyed much of the river. There was a larger bridge coming up and Bryan, in his infinite wisdom (he had floated the river before), decided it would be best to get out of the river walk, bypassing the bridge, and then climb back in to continue the float. Sounded like a good idea to me.

While we were walking past Bryan wanted to show us why he had made that decision. We parked the innertubes, partially on the track, and began walking down the tressel so he could illustrate why we were walking. We were about a third of the way to the middle of the tressel when Gabi and I heard a train whistle. Gabi claims to have said something like, "Isn't that a train? And shouldn't we leave?" But I didn't hear it. I did have the thought, "I wonder how close that train is?" Bryan, completely involved in his story, did not hear the alleged comment nor the whistle.

A few moments later, I heard the whistle again and this was what I saw:

THE HEBER VALLEY RAILROAD DIESEL ENGINE NUMBER 1813 WAS HEADED STRAIGHT FOR US!!!!

We all took off running down the tressel toward safety. Bryan was shoeless, Gabi was in flip-flops, and I was swearing. As we continued to run, both Bryan and I admit to having thoughts of jumping of the bridge in the shallow, swiftly moving water below. I looked back and saw that the train was stopping. It wasn't until we were off the tracks in the bushes that we saw that the train had stopped and the conductor was hanging out the window ahollerin'. I thought this was a good time to go and clear our tubes from the track and so I did so with Bryan and Gabi close behind.

I thought that the train would just keep on going, but nay. The train actually pulled up so that the locomotive was right by where we were standing and stopped. This was the train that pulled up next to us, not intending to order a Big Mac and Filet-o-Fish, but to order up three shagrinned tubers.

The conductor then got off his train to talk with us. The encounter went something like this:

Conductor: By now, I think you all know how stupid that was!

Bryan: Yeah, we know.

Gabi: (silent....mainly trying to not laugh)

Malia: Yes, Sir.

Conductor: These locomotives don't stop on a dime! They weigh 90 tons and they can do some serious damage.

Bryan: (respectfully trying to converse with the conductor, hoping we don't get a ticket)

Gabi: (still silent, happy to be alive)

Malia: (converting tons into pounds and thinking about some basics of Physics, including momentum)

Conductor: Hopefully, you've learned your lesson!

Malia & Bryan: Yes, sir. Absolutely, sir. Won't do it again!

Gabi: (still...silent)

Conductor: You owe me a new hat and pair of gloves. I lost them when I pulled the emergency brake. (walks away in a huff, back up on the train)

The train, finally 20 minutes later, pulls slowly away. This is a pic of the conductor, with that gloves and hat that he lost while saving our lives.

I don't think I was ever really scared for my life, but I did have vivid images of "Stand By Me" flashing through my mind knowing full well that one of those boys did not make it off the tressel alive. And now we know some really interesting facts about locomotives, like the fact that they weigh 180,000 pounds! If F=ma, then that is a lot of force coming toward you when you are trying to outrun a train, even the Heber Creeper.

In retrospect, it probably would have been safer to stay in the river and try to float under the bridge.

Well, there's always more to the story and if you want to hear the rest, including the part where Bryan had to hitchhike back to the car, do call.

It's a Happy Birthday!!!

2008-06-28T13:09:00.001-07:00

My soon-to-be-sister-in-law, Danielle, marks the completion of two full decades in life. The wedding is three weeks from today on July 19th. She's great! I love her and can't wait to be officially related to her!

Happy Birthday Danielle!!!

My sis has a blog.

2008-06-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

My sister, Caitlin, aka- Landy, aka - Caity, aka - Darwin, has a blog. It is very fun....and funny. If you read it, you will have a snippet of what my life is like living with her. Her first entry is a rant that can be expected daily....if not more frequently. Go check it out!

http://caitlinhite.blogspot.com/

Lazy...but busy summer!

2008-06-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

I have started this post about five times, but have never had enough motivation to finish it. Perhaps it is because my computer is slowly dying (it has been good to me for 2 degrees and 5 1/2 years) or perhaps it is simply because it is summer and I can always find other things to do that are more fun and more exciting.

Some of the highlights of my lazy, nearly work-free summer have included: trips to the beach, playing with friends and cousins, concerts (I basically held hands with Tim McGraw for one whole second), bikes, books, pools, new running shoes, naps, movies (Must see movies include: Ironman, The Incredible Hulk, Indiana Jones, Kung-Fu Panda, and Get Smart), games, garage sales, and unfortunately a lot of picking up.

My Auntie Shirlene once posted a picture of her kitchen displaying the summer effects, I just remember the line of pop cans. I recently went into my kitchen to find no fewer than a dozen empty pop cans waiting for recycle by the sink. I don't drink soda, so I found that significant. From my position here at the computer I can see exactly 3 empty soda cans/bottles. I would spend my day picking them all up, but as I am trying to hide from the nearing 100 degree weather today (with no air conditioning) I think they will just stay there for the time being.

Today's game plan includes, the pool, a book I have to read for book club, and going somewhere with air. I hope all of you are staying appropriately cool and having appropriate fun this summer.

I don't think it was the tomatoes...

2008-06-12T14:29:00.001-07:00

...and neither does the doctor at the ER, but it sure felt like salmonella poisoning.

I spent four quality hours hooked up to an IV giving me fluids and a variety of medications yesterday morning. I do not recall being that sick in my working memory. My thanks goes to St. V's emergency department and their readily available supply of phenergan.

Quote of the day:

(While talking with Advice Nurse) "Wake up your husband and have him take you to the Emergency Room."

First of all, why would she presume I am married. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, if I did have a husband, he would not be sleeping through that kind of sickness. I just don't understand some people.

Gabi is GRADUATED!!!

2008-06-01T18:57:00.001-07:00

A New Toy for Me

2008-05-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

I am always excited when I get to play with new technology. I am more excited when I get to own the technology. Due to a tax return, I am doing my part to stimulate the economy and purchased a new digital camera. It was a steal! I have been looking for a while and coveting for a long time. The Costco coupon confirmed my desires and I am now the ecstatic owner of a Nikon S52c. It was over $100 off the Amazon price, plus I got a leather case and 1GB memory card for free! My good friend Hilary and I were both recipients of this Tech Deal of the Day. And even though we both wanted the sleek red version and had to get the black due to availability, I call it a win all the way around.

There are some very cool features that this camera has that I never thought would even be available on a camera, but are now found on mine (which was only released 3 weeks ago). I can fix red eye in the camera before I make prints or load the pictures onto my computer. When I am on vacation and take that picture of the very important land mark because the tour guide tells me to, I can record a 20 second voice over to the picture so that when I get back from vacation I will remember why that very strange building is important. All of the optical zoom is inside the camera itself, so it never protrudes beyond the 0.9 inch width of the camera. It has all the bells and whistles for shooting that a modern camera should have.

However there are two features that are the COOLEST I have ever encountered. I can create slideshows with pictures and movies, with background music, in the camera. And the one that I thought was totally unimaginable is that I have wi-fi in my camera!!!! Yes, you read that right. All I have to do is plug in my camera, to the electric source and it will automatically charge my battery and download my pictures to the wireless source I have designated! How cool is that!?!?

So you can look forward to some awesome pictures to come from my new camera. I hope to be able to share slideshows and features and the joys of technology ownership.

An Emergent Visit

2008-05-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

I was on my way to a Girls' Camp Meeting when Caitlin (my sister) called in hysterics. She had, "sliced part of her finger off in the meet slicer" at work. In about 20 minutes from the slicing of the wrong kind of meat we pulled up to the best parking I have ever had at the St. Vincent Memorial Emergency Room. In fact, now that I think about it, I don't think better parking exists unless you have a red flashing light and a siren.

It was still bleeding when we arrived. But five shot, four pills and three stitches later, she was ready to go. On the below picture you can even count the three stitches. That'll be fun for Margaret!

Caity, who is also known as Landy in Portland, only cried twice. But oh that I could have had a video of her receiving the injection before the stitches went in! I have never seen anything so funny in my life...except for maybe the "W indy City Marshmallow Game" on The Ellen Show. All in all, it was an enjoyable and productive trip to the ER. We were in and out in roughly 75 minutes...perhaps a new record!

Life is better living thru chemistry...maybe.

2008-05-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

I have the joys of taking this wonderful drug three times a day. Amoxicillin, aka-Trimox, will hopefully cure the woes of my dual ear infection. I have watched every episode of Law and Order I have recorded, seen far too much TLC in a 48 hour period, and am finally back at work. My ear still hurts, but the fever is gone. I wish I were still in my PJs...but life goes on. Oh well.

Unfortunately the status of my clean house has suffered due to my illness. I will reinstate the 50 cent rule tonight and the house should rectify itself swiftly.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2008-05-12T09:24:00.001-07:00

Well, it was my first official Mother's Day. It was a very enjoyable day indeed. Chruch was fabulous; I received my consolation geranium with pride. I had a bouquet of fresh flowers on my clean kitchen table. I talked to my mom. I opened the cheesiest card with the hand-written part starting, "This was the last card at Safeway's, I would have gotten you something more exciting." I unwrapped my first legit gift. Although to use the word "unwrap" is a slight exaggeration. There was a piece of newsprint paper declaring it to be fancy wrapping paper, but I could see right through it...quite literally. On the inside of said "wrapping" was this:This immersion blender that I have desired for quite sometime features:

A robust motor and durable blending attachment that includes a premium stainless steel blade

AND

Variable speeds provide greater processing control that adjusts to handle a variety of foods, beverages and soups

We made berry sorbet; it was DELICIOUS!!! The day ended with a wonderful dinner with La Familia Barney (our cousins who live right here in the 'Tron). It truly was a day to be remembered.

Another Wedding...still not mine.

2008-05-05T20:40:00.001-07:00

My little brother just announced that he is getting married!!!!

Little Zach is marrying Danielle on July 18th(ish) in the Logan Utah Temple. Danielle (whose picture is coming) is also a student at BYU-I in Rexburg, ID and is originally from Mississippi. I have met her and she is really nice. I am excited to have another sister in the family.

My Jane Austen Heroine

2008-05-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

Take the Quiz here!

The last time I took this quiz I was Elizabeth Bennet. I admit freely that I know very little about the heroine, Anne Elliot. This is what the quiz says of Anne Elliot:

You are Anne Elliot of Persuasion! Let's face it; you're easily persuaded, particularly when friends and relatives try to use "the Elliot way" against you. But this doesn't mean that you don't have conviction. Actually, your sense of duty is overwhelming. And though you won't stick your neck out too often, you have learned to speak up when it counts. To boot, you know how to handle sticky situations. You love deeply and constantly.

I don't think this is me...I don't think I am easily persuaded. Though I have had the unfortune of partaking of buttermilk, vegetable oil and clam juice....so maybe I am.

It's a Girl!!

2008-05-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

Arriving August 1, 2007 120 lbs. 64 inches!

Many of you may not know that I am a foster parent. The attached Asian is now more permanently attached. Gabi came to live with me last summer. She was a student of mine for two years before she move in. Now she calls my wee house, "home."

Gabi is Korean, no I mean actually from Korea. Born and raised in South Korea in the Capital city of Seoul, she speaks perfect Korean. Luckily for me her English is pretty fantastic. Since my good Cousin Scott only taught me one word in Korean this is especially good, otherwise she would be answering my questions of, "why" or "weyo" at all times. She is a senior this year and will graduate in less than a month, yikes!! We are deeply entrenched in the process of getting into college. She was just accepted to University of Oregon, which is exciting, but she is holding out for the true university of Oregon, Oregon State (Go Beavers!).

Now for the dirt, parenting is the most interesting, hard, fun, rewarding, weird thing I have ever done. My little sis, Caitlin (aka-Lola, Landy, Caity, Clayton, George), moved in this year too. The house has been full, and dirty. The new 50 cent rule should help with the latter. (Each item left out in the front of the house is 50 cents, eg-pair of socks=two items.) I never imagined that my life would have ended up here, but here it is and I wouldn't have changed anything...except for that one sunburn that one time....oh well. I love my life and my little family here in "The 'Tron."

My new love affair...

2008-05-02T17:53:00.001-07:00

...is with this man, Sondre Lerche. My newest favorite movie, Dan in Real Life (which makes me laugh out loud every time I watch it), was scored by this unassuming artist from Norway. His music makes me happy. I hope it will make you happy too...be prepared to be surprised. Also, he is cute.

New Glasses

2008-05-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

I picked up my new glasses today. I was astonished when my doctor called to tell me that they were finished. I just ordered them on Tuesday, yet here we are less than four days later with new specs. I like them a lot. I am not yet sure I will like the prescription filling the frames, but so far I have no major complaints.

As many of you know...or don't know...I have had the grand pleasure of wearing bifocals since early in my high school career. As you can see, or not see as the case may be, I now have bifocals with no line. This is very cool and expensive. Although not as expensive as the non-glare finish I had put on these lenses for a cool $70. However, I now get the pleasure of viewing the world as though there were no broken piece of glass between me and everything else.

Welcome to my World!!!

2008-05-02T10:37:00.001-07:00

I've always thought that my life should be a sitcom. The title would decidedly be Smalgina's World. But since I don't have any offers from any major (or minor) networks to film my life, I turn to the world of blogging. I admit it is an interesting move for me. One that has enticed me for awhile now, but since I am lazy didn't really want to make the commitment to posting my thoughts and goings on for the world wide web to see. So here I go making no promises, except to update this fortnightly at worst.

Today I am wearing a mu'umu'u to school. It was Heritage Day to celebrate our heritage. Since I am truly a mutt, I wore my mother's traditional oversized, floor-length nightgown with aloha flair. I admit it is likely the most comfortable thing I have ever worn to work. I went completely local style and picked a flower on my way to the car for my ear. I wish I lived in Hawaii for a variety of reasons, however today it is that I could wear a mu'umu'u every Friday....at least.