Seriously...

Today I was told by my health teacher that he gave me a "B" on my Family Health History paper because he could tell I was one of those people that always had to get an "A."  Not to worry I would still get the grade I "wanted" in the class, but I would just have to be mad at him about the paper.  True story!!

...You Might Be Colton

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  If you eat five bowls of cereal for breakfast...you might be Colton.
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  If you have over 12,000 songs on you ipod and actually listen to them...you might be Colton.
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  If you have 9 1/2 toes...you might be Colton.
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  If you have ever had to ask why your "ABS" came on...you might be Colton.
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  When asked how many siblings you have, if you have ever answered : 1 whole, 1 half and 2 steps...you might be Colton.
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  If you can order off the dollar menu and still spend over $10...you might be Colton.
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  If your favorite television program is "Web Gems"...you might be Colton.
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  If you frequently buy video games and beat them the same day...you might be Colton.
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  If you have ever been awarded a certificate for scoring in the top 10% on the science section of the ACT, but you struggle writing a complete sentence...you might be Colton.
• If your hair has been every color of the rainbow...you might be Colton.
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  If you refuse to wear flipflops...you might be Colton.
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  If the tailgate of your Xterra is covered in random stickers...you might be Colton.
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  You you have never bought a random sticker...you might be Colton
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  If you can text, read and listen to your ipod at the same time...you might be Colton.
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  If your best friend dates all your x's...you might be Colton.
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  If you have ever told your prom date "This is what I am wearing, if you want to match me."...you might be Colton.
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  If everyone thinks you are your mom's favorite...you might be Colton.
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  If you are the best Brazilian missionary ever...you might be Colton.

HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY!!

Remember when I went on vacation?

I had really good intentions to blog all about my cool Baltic vacation...oops, doesn't look like that is going to happen.  Maybe I should just blog about my favorite unconventional parts.

Let me start with an explanation as to why this is my favorite.  Several years ago, while traveling with Cassidy and some high schoolers through Europe, I was introduced to the "There's your boy/girl friend game."  To play this game you find the wackiest, most inappropriate person you can and then exclaim to the person you are with "There's your boyfriend."  Digital technology has actually allowed us to take this game one step further as you try to take a picture of them (preferably with them!)

This dude deserves two pics, one with both me and Brian.  Really, can you get any better than a drug addicted, skin head cutter?  I think not! (I was a little bit afraid of him.)

A lovely Estonian couple

Mike!  Ha, he didn't even know he was part of the game.

Finnish boyfriend

And my personal favorite:  My nerdy husband!!

If you want to add some excitement to your next vacation, give this game a try!!

Hugging is Awkward

The past few months I have attended several weddings, mission farewells and a funeral or two.  These events (and others like them) provide the opportunity to hug, reaffirming my belief that hugging is AWKWARD.  Come on, we all know it is. But we just keep on doing it.  After Casey died, I hugged about 1.27 million people, which qualifies me as an expert hugger. (Pretty impressive for a non-hugger.) 
If hugging makes you uncomfortable and even a little stressed out, I suggest finding a hug style that works within your comfort zone.

HUG STYLES:

• The Straight up Embrace:  This hug is commonly used by huggers.  It is the "I'm in your personal space, I am bursting you bubble, I am touching your body with as much of my body as I possibly can." type of hug.  I reserve this type of hug for family members only and usually just to annoy them.
• The Lean In:  This hug is performed by bending at the waist and leaning your head and shoulders towards the person you are hugging.  This hug style allows you to avoid any unnecessary contact below the shoulders.
• The Baby Burp:  Can be used in combination with The Lean In.  During the embrace you gently pat the hug recipient on the back and say "Ohhhhhhhhhh."
• The Shoulder/Handshake:  This hug is done by grabbing shoulders while shaking hands.  Men frequently use this hug style because it is more intimate than a plain handshake, but they are still able to avoid any man on man contact.
• The Heimlich Hug:  This is just a regular hug with a quick, tight squeeze added.  I like this style because it lets people know the hug is over now.  My niece, Morgan, likes this hug and she doesn't even have personal space issues.  I think she just likes to shock people.
• The Side Hug: This is my personal favorite.  You just put your arm around the other persons waist and touch shoulders and hips.  If you want even less contact, you can just put your hand on their back.  I like this style because it allows you to keep all your carefully built walls in tact, you do not need to breathe the same air and you can even avoid eye contact if necessary.
• The High School Dance Picture:  I almost forgot this one.  It is usually by accident that you end up with this hug.  It happens when one hugger goes for the Side Hug and the other goes for the Shoulder/Handshake. You end up with your arms around each other, holding hands in front.  Way awkward!

If you are aware of any other hug styles...please share.  I am always looking for a better way to avoid any awkward contact.

***This post is dedicated to Morgan McCaleb...because she is a "bad hugger."

Experiencing Stockholm Syndrome

Brian and I started our Baltic vacation in Sweden.  We were very tired, so Stockholm didn't leave much of an impression.

But we did get to experience a beautiful Swedish Sunset.

Dear Hollywood Movie Producer,

Could you PLEASE stop making movies longer than 2 hours?  My attention span is 2 hours, if you make a movie longer than 2 hrs. (say 148 minutes), I can not stay focused.  Your fore-moviemaking-fathers knew the average American could not pay attention for more than 2 hours.  They stuck with the format and movies were enjoyed by all. Be aware: All the extra, added "stuff" does not make your movie better, it just makes it longer.  If you need help with editing just let me know, because my brain has already edited your movie to 120 minutes.

"C" Dogs

My boys love the water, maybe in a previous life they were sea creatures!!