Backyard Part 2

Yesterday as Cody and I were complying with the Police and picking up any visible fence pieces not currently in use, said ward member drove past and had the nerve to stop and say, "Hey Cody, the fence looks great."

I wanted to punch him.

I decided that Holly was right. The best thing to do is just laugh it off. We also contemplated putting a sign up next to the fence that says "Bite Me."

The Backyard Nazzi

My vent for the day...

Today I got an email from my sister, the owner of the house we live in, that the police had called her because someone in our neighborhood had repeatedly called and complained about how trashy our backyard is. She wanted to know what was up, which is pretty understandable.

Now, if any of you know Cody, you know that he is the extreme opposite of trashy. That kid is a neat freak (I emphasize freak...haha). Our yard is not trashy, not even a little teeny weeny tiny bit. All that we have in it is our dog. And I'm sorry, if you don't like her you can lick my butt. Although that would punish me as well, and I don't deserve it.

Upon hearing about this issue I called Cody and apparently the police had called him as well.

Guess what the "trash" turned out to be? Our new fence. Cody was in the process of finishing one side of the fence that surrounds our backyard and someone actually complained about the posts laying out WHILE HE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BUILDING IT. Are you serious? What was he supposed to do with them? Store them inside while he is IN THE PROCESS OF BUILDING IT?

I swear if I knew for sure who it was (which I actually think I do, and they just happen to be in our ward), I would give them a freaking piece of my mind. I understand if I perhaps had real trash, like out of control junk littering the sidewalks and streets, but come on people. How big of a dumb-a can you be?

Humph...I am very annoyed.

Softball Tournament

Yesterday was our first softball game in the actual tournament. We won 20 to 8. I was sure proud of our little team. I guess it doesn't matter how many games you lost in the season, as long as you win them in the tournament, right?

Stuff

I feel like writing a post, but I have nothing really to say. So, what do I do? Write anyway. I mean, it is my nature. I write all day long.

Moving along...

There is a girl in one of my Tuesday/Thursday classes that is due December 25 (she is having a boy I believe). I learned this the first week of school. And, having a good friend due that same day who happens to live on the other side of the world, I find comfort in watching this stranger's belly grow. It's like I am there for my friend vicariously through some random, and possibly weird, girl. I wonder if she thinks I'm the weird one because I always sit by her and talk to her? I wonder if it is weird regardless of what she thinks?

I often find myself debating this question of normality v. weirdness. Cody tells me that in the car he likes to make really strange noises to entertain himself. I dance, sing and talk in Spanish, answering all my own questions...that I knew the answer to before I asked.

Huh.

What does it all even mean? Am I making any sense?

The Office

As cliche as it is, I LOVE The Office. I just can't help myself. Its awesomeness penetrates my core. We own all the seasons, and I anxiously await the premiere tonight.

Friends

I stole this, ruthlessly, from a blog that had borrowed it from another blog...mainly because it is interesting to read. Go ahead, see for yourself.

1. Avoid people who “size you up.” Likewise, don’t size up others (i.e. “Do you rent or own?” is a useless question, unless of course you’re a loan officer). Sincere friendship is built on fellowship, not comparison.

2. Surround yourself with people who are kind to strangers, especially waiters and cab drivers.

3. If a “friend” pauses, becomes physically jealous, or feigns excitement when you share some genuinely exciting news, kindly show them the door and wish them well. A true friend will always be excited with your achievements.

4. Avoid people who brag about how busy or tired they are — it’s a cheap way of saying they’re more important than you, and you don’t want to be around people like that for extended periods of time.

5. Avoid “one-uppers,” or at least let them know that you’ll only continue the relationship so long as they stop one-upping.

6. Surround yourself with good company that will fight over the restaurant tab with you. Avoid those who pretend like mom and dad are around to pay for everything.

7. Avoid people who feel entitled to something from you or who constantly seek favors without return. This is good indication that said person is selfish, not to mention rife with ulterior motives.

8. Avoid people who brag about materialism or how often they travel. Not only are they likely to be up to their eyeballs in debt, hating their chosen profession, or miserably alone, they’re bad friends.

9. If you have “friends” that make you feel uncomfortable in any way, drop ‘em like a bag a dirt. Set the expectation early with douche bags that you’re no longer interested in pursuing the relationship. You can tactfully accomplish this by not reaching out and/or declining further requests to hang out. They’ll get the message.

Interests may come and go, but authentic friends are constant. Have the courage to find and maintain the keepers in life while exiling the duds. You’ll be much happier for it.

I have come to the conclusion that everyone is pregnant (well, not me). Cody tells me that while living in a dominantly Mormon community this will always be the case. I guess so.

Temples and Seizures

Lat night Cody and I went to the Mt. Timpanogus Temple. As we were sitting inside one of the sessions, the man in the seat next to Cody starting flailing his arms and making weird noises. In all seriousness, the noises originally made him sound like he was handicap and having some sort of outburst. At least that is what Cody thought as he held the guys arms so they would stop hitting him.

Then, when the guy continued to be out of control, Cody realized that something more than a disability was wrong. The man was having a seizure. It was really intense and lasted for at least 3 minutes.

Cody and another man continued to hold the guys arms down while he was seizing so he wouldn't hurt himself, which he did anyway because he bit his tongue. I only know that happened because you could see blood stains all over his clothes. One long stream ran down the middle of his tie.

Luckily, someone sitting in front of them was an ex-paramedic, so he immediately went to the rescue. Once the guy stopped convulsing, he kind of just stared off into space and wasn't really responsive. Some of the women were totally freaking out and making things much worse then they needed to be...of course. We were evacuated from the room, the paramedics arrived to take him to the hospital, we were allowed back into the room and then continued on as usual. Weird. And scary.

P.S. don't forget to answer my totally awesome new poll questions.

Look-A-Like

Today I was at lunch and someone told me that I looked like Cameron from House (it's a TV show...there is a picture of her below). I was also told that I look like Jodi Foster(seriously?).

I guess this is just one of those stupid questions that you always want to know the answer to. So tell me, who do YOU think I look like? If you can't think of anyone for me, try it out with Cody instead...I dare you...

Latest Pole Results

Apparently 61% want to be able to fly. To be honest, that is what I would have picked.
AND, 31% like Sarah Palin...good for her. However, 26% said "Who?". Interesting. Maybe these 26% just don't have access to any sort of news organization...but then, how did they vote on my pole?

My Poor Nose

I have had a headache for about 3 weeks non-stop. No medicine has helped. So, I called to my good friend Jenn to see what the cause might be (her dad is a doctor which means she should, by nature, know the answer to ALL of my medically related questions). She told me that I probably had an infection, which I then supposed was a sinus infection.

Considering that we do not have insurance and that I don't want to pay out of pocket to see a stupid doctor (I do believe that a large majority of doctors are stupid), I am turning to the people who read this blog for advice. I know someone out there somewhere has a home remedy for this...and I REALLY NEED IT!

Dig deep, ask your grandmas and find me some help.

Love, Hanna

Cody and I have been stereotyped...

Everyone in our ward, well a vast majority of them, refer to Cody and me as, "The couple in the big house with no kids." We have been called this several times.

For all they know, we have been trying for years and because of some reason or another we can't have kids. OR, we won the lottery and that's how we live in such a nice house (which, just to add, is on the smaller side for the subdivision we live in...not that we don't LOVE it, because we do).

Anyway, I thought it was interesting.

Wheelchair Man

There is this guy at my work that is in a wheelchair. I'm not sure why, but I am just dying to ask him about it. Is that a big NO? Is it politically and/or morally incorrect for me to question him on life in a wheelchair? I mean it with all respect. I am just very curios as to how and why it happened, and what its like for him. Is that acceptable? I just don't know whats okay, whats not okay...you get what I'm saying?

Anyway, what do you think?

Winning Streak

Yesterday we won our softball game 15-8...that's TWO IN A ROW! We are officially on a winning streak. Too bad the season is over and now its time for the tournament.

The good part was that this team was undefeated (we were 1 for 6)...The bad part was that before the game even started, I was innocently standing just out side our dug out when some giant mammoth of a guy threw a ball as hard as he could to a girl standing at first base. Of course the lame girl missed it and it hit the back of my thigh. I now have a 7 x 7 inch bruise that hurts very badly. Then, in the last inning I partially stopped a super fast grounder with my right hand...which was pretty stupid of me, because now my hand is all bruised and beat up as well.

...at least we won, right?

5th Grade and Miguel Munoz

This story has no real point, its more a memory that collided with the present.

During my growing up years (since now I am passed that and very big and mature) my dad used to tell me that one day I would be Miss America. He even bought me several musicals and song lyrics so that I could practice. Haha. You know what though, I believed him. He, and my mother, always seemed to praise me. I am sure they did it to all of my siblings, and because of this I have decent self esteem. Now, I realize that I am not the most awesome, smart, or good looking person in the world, but I also can see good in me.

A little while back I ran into a boy by the name of Miguel Munoz. He was in my 5^th grade class at Shelley Elementary in American Fork. Now, I lived in California up until this time so coming to Utah was a total shock…especially because of my name. Starting the first day of school, when the teacher called my name on the roll (and I corrected her on how to pronounce it because no one ever got it right), I was made fun of. I mean honestly, as a little kid, how can you not make fun of someone whose last name is the same as a popular sandwich shop? Unfortunately I had never heard of said sandwich shop, so it was all confusing to me.

After that day Miguel would tease me relentlessly. The teacher even moved his seat to the exact opposite side of the room as mine in an effort to get him to leave me alone. I was the front row left corner; he was the back row right corner. It didn’t work. All I heard at every recess, in every line to use the water fountain, and at every lunch was the chant “Hanna Banana, Hogi Yogi.” “Does your family own Hogi Yogi?” etc.

It never really messed with my self esteem, however. I was still happy and confident (I never realized how dorky I actually was, how could the future miss America be dorky?), just annoyed. I even remember one day Miguel made my best friend (the second nerdiest girl in the school) cry. I was baffled as to why on earth she was crying because this kid was saying stupid stuff that really didn’t mean anything.

Then, after months of harassment, I decided I had enough. So, as we stood in line I waited for him to say something, with my fists clenched. Then, just as he chimed in with his usual banter I back handed him as hard as I could, splitting his glasses in two. He cried and then had to wear those glasses the rest of the year with yellow tape holding them together. I felt bad, but at the same time I was pretty pleased with myself.

Now, when I ran into him all of this came back. He was much nicer this time, but it is still funny to think of the cards that life has dealt us and how we handle them.

Lesson learned, you become the person you think and feel you are. If that makes any sense. Also, Parents talk positively to your kids because it helps them cope with life.

Just Pretend They Aren't There

Today, while at the UVU bookstore with Cody, I ran into an old buddy from Lehi High. I noticed him a few rows away. And as we made eye contact, he quickly turned his head. In high school we had a good relationship, we hung out often, I dated one of his best friends, so his head jolt was not because of bad blood...and it confused me. Then as he walked closer I said, "JACK!" (which is not really his name) very enthusiastically. It was the kind of name call that meant, "Oh my gosh I haven't seen you forever! It's really good to see you." He then responded joyfully. We chatted. We were happy. It was fun. Life continued on.

My question is...Why do people do that? Why do we purposely ignore, or act as if we don't see or recognize people we know when we really do. That has always bugged me, and yet I too have done it. Since realizing the error of my ways a few months back, however, I decided to put a stop to the stupidity...hence my example today. I live in Utah County, so things like this happen often.

Also, (and this is on a slightly different subject) I think it is completely odd that you can be internet buddies with people (blogs, facebook, whatever), but then when you see them in real life its suddenly awkward. I guess I have come into contact with several people that I didn't have very personal relationships with in the first place, but still...its not like you or I don't already know whats going on with that person's life, because we read their stuff all the time. So why not be friendly?

Who knows, maybe its just me. Maybe the people that I talk to online really don't like/care about me at all, they just have some weird fascination with my life.

Money

Within the last 7 days:

*We spent almost $1,000 on text books
*We found out that our seatbelt ticket from California was going to cost us $400 (luckily we will be getting some help with that one)
*Cody's truck broke down and cost over $500 to fix
*My car is making funny noises...especially the breaks
*Cody's grant money was received, yet mine misteriously was not approved (luckily it will be)
*At my new job I work half my pervious hours while making significantly less money per hour (and because of the pay schedule I haven't been paid in over a month)
*Our sprinklers broke and now we have to pay to replace them

Shall I go on? Because I can. haha. Sometimes money just sucks. I think we should go back to the barter system. I would be really good at growing produce.

Sleep Stretching

This morning, right as I was waking up, Cody asked me, "You didn't sleep well last night, did you? What were you doing?"

I, puzzled as can be, had no idea what he was talking about. Granted I was very tired (I am NOT a morning person), but as far as I knew I slept soundly through the entire night.

I then voiced my thoughts, "What are you talking about?"

"Well, you got up like 3 or 4 times and started doing stretches in the middle of the floor. Then you would get back in bed without saying a word."

haha.

"You also slept most of the night sitting up."

haha...again.

I guess my subconscious is trying to tell me that I need to get some exercise...or that it is really uncomfortable and cramped with my normal sleeping habits.

Black

Did I mention that I dyed my hair black? Well, Cody dyed my hair black. It wasn't intentional, but I'm starting to like it. Although when you first see it, it's a little shocking.

We Won

We finally won a softball game! I was so proud. And, besides not catching/stopping two balls, I did pretty decent. The score was 18-8.

GO! 'Scared Hitless'...

Stupid Teacher

Let me tell you about a recent school experience I had.

So, the first week of classes I went with my family to Lake Powell. I figure that nothing really happens the first week anyway, so it wouldn't be a big deal. It wasn't. But, to be a good student, I emailed all of my teachers to let them know.

One of my teachers emailed me back saying that the first day of class had been changed from Wednesday to Thursday, and from 2 pm to 1 pm. Considering that my email to him said that I would be gone, I didn't really find it relevant.

Then, when Monday came around I headed to class on the scheduled (according to the official UVU website) day and time just to find that no one was there. I was confused so I emailed him again. I got no response until Tuesday around 3 pm telling me that he had decided to perminently change the class to TTh at 1. Too bad I got the email at 3...2 hours too late.

Now, after missing 2 classes, I was determined to make it ready and on time today so I went to where he had told me to go in his email...and I even showed up 8 minutes early. Then I waited, and waited, and waited. By 1:15 I decided to start looking around the building to see if maybe I had just missed soomething. I couldn't find the class anywhere. So I left, and then emailed him again.

This was his response:

"Okay, Thursday, today is good. How about at 3 pm? My phone number is 801-560-****."

What the crap does that even mean? Thursday is good? Didn't YOU tell ME that class was on Thursday at 1 already, then you weren't there. And why would I be calling him? I was SO confused.

So I responded:

"I went to the library at 1...well, 12:50...waited until 1:20 and then left just to find out that you want the class to meet at 3? Now I am at work and cannot be there. I would really appreciate a little bit more stability in your class, I cannot keep missing out on work and changing my schedule every other day. Plus I would like to actually attend the class that I am paying for. Is there anything else I can do?"

He then replied:

"I suggest you call me."

What an idiot.

I have now successfully missed all 3 potential classes. If I didn't need this to graduate, I would just drop it and get rid of the loser.

Lake Powell

These are a few videos of Cody trying out cool tricks. Unfortunately I was never filming when he actually landed them...


I am not as good as he is...

This is us at a gas station trying to find some cool shades. Cody thought the ones that I had looked like bug eyes.