Mission Presidents

Well, my parents have officially been called as Mission Presidents - I cannot disclose the location until after Wednesday, and was trying not to post anything until then so I could give the full story, but it has been occupying my mind for most of the day.

After the Super Bowl and everyone had gone home or to bed, my Mom and I sat and talked while she painted my nails! I love her! We talked about them leaving, and me moving home at the end of the month, where I was going to go to church, what I needed to be involved in so I could have a social life, and other what nots. I was about to leave for work this morning my Dad told me that my Mom and him had been up for a while last night talking about me, and my Mom had cried and cried. I hadn't thought a lot about our conversation since I had been thinking about those things for some time now, even without them going on a mission, but it hit me after he said that what it really means. It is so much easier to be the one going on a mission! Especially when it is your parents who are leaving you! I am so excited for them! They will be amazing mission presidents! And at the same time I am slowly realizing what that means for me - not seeing them much other than Christmas. I am sure me and my Mom will talk everyday, as always, but it won't be the same not having her around to grab lunch, get a pedicure, watch American Idol, or just make dinner for me. I guess it really is time to grow up.

The Weeks fly by...

Well, it has been too many days since I have posted! Things have been crazy (I can spill the details on Wednesday) family, work, and just life...

So, to quickly highlight the last few days - I have still been 'growing up' per se this last week, although I will stop being grown up soon - I got my insurance, both car and health figured out this weekend, I just have taxes to figure out, which should be easy as I didn't make any money last year! Which can be seen as both a good and a bad thing. Friday night we had a dinner with the Governor at the Sutherland offices, as well as Peter Brienholt and former Congressman Jim Hansen. Thank heaven for Peter (who gave me a free CD!) and Jim, as they took pictures with all the guests. We had planned on the Governor taking the pictures and he bailed, go figure! Not what any of us expected from Governor Herbert. We didn't leave until nearly midnight and I crashed. Saturday we started to clean out the computer room - a project that should have been started ages ago! Then I hit the gym quick - ran into an old friend from BYU-I, Tyson Foster, which was crazy. Then came home and went to Blake's hockey game, they won State, which means they will compete in Philadelphia over Spring Break. If the High School team wins as well, that team will be going to nationals as well in Chicago, which is highly likely. Sadly, I don't think I will be able to attend, due to work. Got up early this morning to go to Provo for church as I was teaching today. Then came back home for the Super Bowl. The best commercial was for sure the Doritos one with the black kid! Love it! All I really care about is the commercials, which sadly were overall not that great this year, and the food, we had brisket and tri-tip, plus a wide range of delicious appetizers! And now, I need to get off to bed. I am exhausted - and after all that food I must hit the gym in the morning!

Personal Image Consultant

Well, Heidi is apparently embarrassed to be with me - as she has voluntarily assigned herself as my personal image consultant. I will now be getting daily advice on how to dress, speak (her personal favorite ever since I came home from the mission!), and act. I am sure she will be willing to take anyone under her wing. She has long been recognized as the Hollywood Movie Star of the family - but she may have taken to the next level with this one.

We will see how long this lasts...

Sushi & Insurance & Family

Well, I am not sure if it was just the realization yesterday that I need to budget my money that I needed the comfort of home for the evening, or if it was just an inkling that we would be going out to sushi - whatever it was it was worth it. Got home and was whisked off to sushi with the family, then came home and stocked up on food for the month so I don't have to spend any more money. I am trying not to spend any money on my credit card this month - gas will be the only exception. I have about $60 of cash - so that will need to last for the other essentials.

So, the benefits of coming home - free dinner, and it was half price sushi night at Mikado, our favorite night! Then come home and discuss budgets, insurance, and taxes with Mom and Dad. Insurance! Who knew it could be so complicated! Thank heaven I have a mother who understands it all! So, not only do I have to get car insurance, but I also have to figure out plans for health insurance. I really wish we did have some reform in the area of health insurance - like across the state plans, and more al-a- carte type of insurance where I can choose exactly what I want and need and nothing more. In fact, I think the most frustrating thing about health insurance is that each provider has the network of doctors that they work with. How frustrating! I don't think I will be getting vision insurance as a result as it will only save me about $40/year and I would have to switch doctors! I love my eye doctor - so I'm not changing. That is just so silly.

I am so blessed to have such an incredible family. It may seem random that this is here after complaining about insurance, but it makes sense to me - you see without my mom around to help me figure out all the numbers and such I would not know what the heck I was doing! So, ultimately I am so thankful for a family who has taught and continues to teach me. For their love and patience with me.

Budget

Well, I am officially on my own. Yes, I know it sounds crazy - and my parents are letting go late, but it is true. And it appears that I need to start a budget! No more school which cuts out a lot of cost, no car payment which is wonderful, but from medical expenses, food, gas, and just living it appears I need to make a budget. Yes, it may seem that I should have started on much earlier in my life, I agree, but I have always known how much was coming in and never spent over that. Well, I had a moment today... and it appears that I really need to put some measures in place and control my spending.

So, task for the week... create a solid budget and follow it! I need to begin a savings plan, and stop eating out so much... I honestly think that will be the hardest thing. I will be moving home at the end of the month, so that will greatly decrease my cost of living. I can cut out the little things, and make lunch and dinner. I could save on gas by staying at home more nights, although it would severely cut down my social life. I'll have to work it all out.