I would even blog to say that I'm not blogging

Yes, I have been an extremely absent blogger as of late. I apologize to all seven of you who actually read this. I just don't have much of anything exciting to write about. I go to work, come home, fix dinner, do the dishes, go to Zumba or institute, and spend a little bit of time with Tom. Like I said, nothing too exciting. Does anybody really want to read about that kind of stuff?? I think back on my D.C. days when every day brought something new and exciting to write about. Unfortunately, I am not in D.C. anymore. I have been seriously craving to go back there lately and even started a separate savings account to save up for a trip there . . . someday. For lack of something special to write about, I guess I will tell you a bunch of nothings. So here we go . . .

It has been painfully cold this week. Like -30 degrees F painful. You don't even need to eat ice cream to get a brain freeze, just go outside. Because of this, my garage door froze shut three days in a row. I had to pour hot water over it to get it to open. Hence, I was late to work this week more than anyone ever should be. (And I used to think that I was a punctual person, ha.) But this week of all weeks was a bad time to be late because . . . I got a raise! Yay! A raise which my boss is probably reconsidering after my recent tardiness.

I was recently called to be the ward assistant organist which is exciting. About nine months ago, this was my dream calling. I wanted it so bad! But now that I have it, I realize how stressful it is for me. I think that it will get easier as time goes by though, and it definitely forces me to practice which I desperately need! And just as a side note, when you (the congregation) starts singing, please don't make it painfully slow, for your oragnist's sake. He/she will greatly appreciate it. Ok thanks.

In other news, and just for fun, here are some other probably-not-so-interesting facts that you didn't want to know about me. . .

Recent likes:

• Zumba! (of course) I even have Amber hooked on it now. I feel so proud of myself when I introduce someone to the world of exercise. I feel like I am making the world a happier/better place. :)
• Dove chocolates (my Valentine's Day indulgences are starting early this year)
• Scarves - I got one for Christmas and also stole another out of my mom's drawer to add to my collection. It is surprising how much warmer these things make you. And just in case you were wondering whether my mom is upset or even missing said scarf, just the other day she said, "That's a nice scarf. Where did you get it?" "Your drawer," I responded. Granted, she has been very sick this past week, so maybe she was a little out of it, but I think that I will go ahead and keep the scarf until she demands that I return it.
• Tom - I'm in love. The End.
  

second Christmas

Due to high airline prices during Christmastime, our California family decided to come out for a visit a few weeks after Christmas instead. While some traditions were not the same since it wasn't really Christmas, others we just couldn't do without. For example: the Rodrigues family Christmas is all about the pie. It seems like every year we try to out-do the last. And this year definitely took the cake pie. Nana made a total 17 pies. No, that is not a typo. Seventeen was definitely more than our typical one-pie-per-person rationing. Each one was different so you never got bored of trying new flavors. I even branched out a little and tried butterscotch. I do not like butterscotch at all. But throw it in a pie crust and add a nice brown-sugary taste and it's not half bad. Life is full of surprises.

Aside from eating our weight in pie, other activities included building "Alice in Wonderland" themed snow creatures (first inspired by a mushroom), finishing the most difficult and frustrating puzzle in the world, and playing lots of games like "Things," "Cribbage," "Wackee Six" and "Phase 10."

But I'd have to say that the best part of the reunion was our family talent show which is shown below. As you can hear in the background, I couldn't stop laughing. This was definitely a side of my dad that I had never seen before! The acts are listed below in order. . . Enjoy!!

We are so talented.

This is my 2010

Fishing. first time at the Playmill. Tom.
job hunting. becoming a notary public for the state of Idaho.
musical numbers in church.Madison YSA. Lagoon.
my first post-grad job.Idaho State Fair.
camping.the temple.trip to the Grand Canyon.
holidays. Disneyland. Zumba. Michelle.
4th of July in the Valley.Winter Olympics.visit from David.
baking more banana bread.family.church callings.
parties.car shopping.laughed my head off.
lots of new friends.amazing Halloween costume.
Institute.Sophie.General Conference.
blessings.challenges.love.

What we do best . . .

December 18th was my mom's birthday! On the way down to Idaho Falls where we watched The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (awesome movie!!) and ate dinner at Texas Roadhouse (yumm!!), we decided to get out the camera and do what we do best: make funny faces!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Merry Christmas Party!

Time to catch up on some blogging for the month!

On the 10th, I hosted a Christmas party for some friends. The house looked so good with all the Christmas decorations up, I just had to show it off. :) Apparently my generation no longer knows what "RSVP" means because tons more people showed up than I had expected, but I am so glad! The more the merrier!


The party was complete with games, food, music, watching the movie Elf, and even a doughnut-eating contest! But perhaps the best part of all, was the money that everyone donated to a local family in need. I know them through work, and wanted to help them out for Christmas so that they could buy their little girls presents. Between all the guests, I was able to raise $108 for this family! I had my sister deliver the money the following week.


Thank you to all my friends who made the party so great, who helped out so much, and who were willing to donate to those less fortunate! Merry Christmas!!

Zumba Baby!

I think it's about time to mention Zumba in my blog!! I have been going to different Zumba classes off and on for over a year now, and I love it! A combination of aerobics and Latin dance, Zumba is the bestest, funnest workout ever!

Last night I attended a special Zumbathon put on locally by my Zumba instructor. There was a raffle, a silent auction, donations, and of course lots of "Zumba-ing". Everything was donated to a woman who regularly attends the Zumba classes who is fighting breast cancer. The whole event lasted almost two hours. You definitely had to get there early if you wanted a good spot. It didn't take long before the whole gym was filled with women, girls, and a even a few men. Most of the women wore pink in support of fighting breast cancer.

I always love Zumba, but this was an extra special night. As I watched everyone united for a good cause, united in the same dance moves, amidst a sea of pink, it felt good to be a part of something bigger than myself. I felt the spirit of giving which is what this Christmas season is all about. The love and support shown to this woman and her family was amazing. I am grateful to be a part of such a giving community!

Three kings found the Lord, and so can we!

Last Monday I took my mom, Colter, and Tom to a performance of The Forgotten Carols by Michael McClean. It was so good, and such a great way to celebrate this holiday season! It just puts you in the mood for Christmas, and giving, and loving your fellowman. I love the story of the Forgotten Carols and I love the music even more! We have a CD of it at home, and I put it on while our family was decorating the house for Christmas. It may be too late this year, but I would encourage everyone to look it up and get tickets next year if you can! You won't regret it!