My Black Friday

I'm not sure why they call it Black Friday- I think it should be called GOLDEN FRIDAY OF PURE JOY.

My alarm went off this morning at 4:00. I'm not a morning person, and thats kind of an understatement. I'm not even really an afternoon person either. When Jazz heard my alarm, he rolled over and very sleepily said, "HAHA. I'm going to stay nice and warm and take up all the bed now." And then promptly went back to sleep.

After a shower and a quick application of mascara, Beyonce and I headed to Macys with a glass of orange juice. We arrived about a quarter to five, pulled up to see a small collection of people congregating at the front doors. As I waited for the last few minutes to tick away, I looked at who I was waiting with. I mean, these were my people. My bosom buddies. I felt strangely chatty and wanted to know what everyone was here for. Wait, what was I here for? I don't really even know.

Macys was spectacular. I was greeted with a bag of craisins (Ew) and a cranenergy drink (double ew) but I appreciated the gesture. After I found my super awesome bargains and purchased them using my super awesome 20% off coupons, I departed for store #2.

I was expecting a large rush at Macys-- a hoard of pushing, shoving, mob-like people ready to fight for their khaki pants and argyle sweaters. But people were friendly, orderly and polite. When I arrived at Taipan at 6:15, there were women in Victoria's Secret sweatpants lined up around the building. Me and Beyonce decided to wait in the warm car. I know where everything is in Taipan, I totally had a plan of action, plus a secret weapon: The Mailer Coupon. 10% off entire purchase, and 20% off ornaments. Suckas.

The doors were unlocked, pandemonium ensued. People had been waiting in their cars and came to freely join the line. And by freely join, I mean CUT. It was like fifth grade four square all over again.

"HEY! HEY! We have been WAITING here! You can't just GO IN!" I politely waited until the whole line had entered the building and were milling about like crazies before I headed in to attack. Never tell a bunch of Mormon women that there is a sale on chotchskies and all things Christmassy. Free Santa Cookie Jar? CHAOS!

A few more stops, a lot more purchases. I hit the fashion place mall. They had some special displays going on- like Xbox and Wii. Who's idea was it to place these in the middle of heavy traffic areas? I am sorry if I nailed you with my swinging Bath and Body bags, but you were STOPPED in the MIDDLE of the WALKWAY.

No time for bathroom breaks. Just push on.

Target at ten. Nothing is better than Target. Bed, Bath and Beyond. Costco. (whoa)

Home by noon. Not going to lie- this day ranks in my top ten of the year. I had so much fun fighting the crowds, cutting coupons, and comparing prices. I know I won't always have the freedom of leaving the house at 4 am and shopping for 8 hours, only to return home for some cheese ball and a nap. Will I go next year? Probably. Maybe? I don't know. We'll see. But for this year, my Christmas shopping is bippity, boppity, done.

The Stash

This time of year, most everyone is looking forward to turkeys and weird relatives and pie. That's all fine and everything, but there is something else I am excited for.

BEARDED JAZZ

Jazz has this tradition of growing a beard from Thanksgiving Day to Christmas Day. That's right, no shaving. I think its an old college ritual, spawned from laziness, groomed into a habit that he continues every year.

Last year, I invited Jazz to spend Christmas with my family. This is kind of a big deal. Christmas is like a elaborate show at my house. Its a Holiday Spectacular complete with Victorian Caroling, a Gingerbread House Contest, and a theatrical reading of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. After Jazz casually dropped the "oh bytheway I will be BEARDED JAZZ for Christmas" bomb on me, I kinda freaked out. But, this is the first time I have brought a boyfriend home! What will everyone think of my mountain man from Utah? My ward members will probably just smile and say "Nice to meet you" but really think "This guy cuts wood and drinks beer." Much like the Grinch, I plotted for ways to stop BEARDED JAZZ from coming. I begged. Pleaded. Gnashed my teeth. Nothing worked.

On Thanksgiving Day, he shaved his lovely face, his skin was soft and smooth. And so it began. His stubble grew in, prickly and rough. I like his stubble. It feels manly. And then his facial hair grew some more. And then some more. It grew and grew and grew. Until Jazz was transformed into BEARDED JAZZ.

Then-- something totally unexpected and magical happened. I fell in love with BEARDED JAZZ. He was soft! He was fluffy! He was mountainous and manly! His voice became deeper and he stood up straighter and he wore flannel and said things like "Hey there little lady." I swooned in his presence.

On Christmas day we opened presents, had Christmas bread, and played some Guitar Hero. Sadly, the time came to say goodbye to BEARDED JAZZ in time for fancy Christmas dinner. Jazz went outside to shave in the grass (because who needs those little hairs everywhere!) and I stood at the window and shed some tears for my beardy love. This is how Jazz returned to the house:

STASHY JAZZ
He kind of looks like a walrus that drives a white un-marked van.

And so, tomorrow I anticipate the beginning of the return of my BEARDY JAZZ that I have been looking forward to since Christmas day of last year. And this time around, the beard and the Jazz get to cuddle with me at night. Yessss.

11/24/08

Dear Girl at the Gym,

Congratulations. We are all very impressed that you can last 45 minutes on the stair climber. That is one tough machine. Those little stairs revolve and come around over and over- they just don't quit. I know because I have tried that machine a few times. Usually I last for a few minutes until I fall off the back in a heap of exhausted wind and sweat.

But not you. Oh no, not you. You can climb on and on and on and on. You can climb every other step and easily work your hamstrings. You turn from side to side . You can even twist around and FACE BACKWARDS and climb the steps the wrong way. Naturally, this is very good practice for when there is a fire and you must flee the building by climbing up 37 flights of stairs facing the wrong direction. Kudos.

I also want to commend you on your outfit choice. That hot pink Adidas sports bra is so trendy and looks so supportive. (Those are real, right?) Plus it shows just the right amount of skin. Perfect. And who needs a shirt when you are so incredibly tiny? Those skin tight spandex shorts-- did you take those from my freshman year volleyball uniform? Because I seem to be missing those!

Well, keep up the good work. I can't wait to see you at my next workout. I'm the one in the back- in the red cut-off capri pants and sweaty grey t-shirt. I know you will see me because well, you are facing the wrong way.

Sincerely BFF's.

Micci

11/21/08

Official Sponsor of the Sorensen's Christmas 2008

Peppermint Ice Cream: Part vanilla ice cream, part candy, part crack cocaine. Delicious.

11/19/08

Last night, Husband said the most magical words to me.

"Honey. I don't think we have enough Christmas stuff. You probably need to go to Taipan."

And then I floated away on a cloud of clean laundry and rice krispy treats.

Yesterday, I opened the box of Christmas stuff to take inventory of our Combined Christmas Crap. I laid it out on our spare bed to see all it in its red and green and gold and silver glory. It looks fabulous. It is going to look even more fabulous evenly distributed around our apartment.

But not yet Charlie Brown, not yet.

Happy Birthday Dad

Happy Birthday to the Best Dad in All the Land

My dad:

• can build anything, fix anything, find anything, make anything.
• can answer any question about science or math or religion or medicine
• speaks fluent Cantonese
• has stitched up my face
• has stitched up his own face (and hand and ear and thumb...)
• sometimes cycles over 100 miles in one day
• loves the Burrito Bandito and In-n-Out
• is a father of five
• is a husband of 28 years
• taught me how to make omelettes
• sports camo and Abercombie like no ones business
• shops more than I do (is that possible)
• loves Pixar films
• one time thought he would look distinguished and regal with a mustache.
• makes the best toffee I've ever had
• is the patriarch of our family

Some special pictures:

Buckingham Palace

Vatican Museum

My cousin's wedding, fancy style

Mo's LASIK surgery. Totally got to watch.

Definitely ranks in the top 5 best moments of my life.

Happy 51st Birthday Dad, can't wait to celebrate 51 more!

11/16/08

Thank Heaven indeed.

Gas Bill 8/28: $80.07
Gas Bill 11/07: $47.00

I'm putting the difference towards my non-existent gray purse. And also food.

Sunday Spotlight

This is Sabrina. Isn't she pretty?

Sabrina is my sister.

She is 23 years old.

We are only 14 months apart.

Her favorite color is pink.

She loves umbrellas and polka dots.

We have lived in the same house. And the same apartment. And also the same room.

We have traveled all over the world together. To San Francisco and Paris and Milan and Rome.

Sabrina lived abroad in London for five months. She walked the halls of the National Gallery and sketched trees sitting in Hyde Park. Now she says things like "flat" instead of apartment and spells favorite "favourite."

Sabrina is fancy. She likes go to the ballet every Christmas dressed to the nines.

Sabrina reads. Books and novels and magazines. She likes love stories.

Sabrina plays the piano very, very, very well.

Sabrina can wake surf.

She can also out belch the belchiest.

She has been dumpster diving.

Sabrina is kind and compassionate. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body.

Sometimes Sabrina looks like our dog Zeus.

But thats okay, because she is so pretty.

I am extra grateful that Sabrina is my sister.

I love her.

I prefer the fancy name.

First--

Don't freak out--Its not technically a "Christmas" background, okay? Take a deep breath. There is not a trace of red or green to be found. Its just a nice, winter-y blue layout. We can get through this awkward transition period....together.

Today's subject is something that is near and dear to my heart. Nay, it is sacred. It is spoken about with a soft hushed reverence. There are few things in my life I put above this very special place. I think you know what I am talking about.

Target. Or as my mother always calls it-- Tarjay. My mother likes to make things fancy. I thought this was a totally separate store until I turned 18 and moved away to college.

Last Saturday night, Husband took me on a date. We finally got a sitter for the kids and had a night on the town. (ha! see that's funny because we don't have any kids! and someday, I will actually type that sentence, and mean it. not so funny.) Husband wore his nice collared shirt. I wore something cute and purple. And we dined out at America's finest: The Red Lobster. Don't hate, its delicious. After consuming Florida's entire population of shrimp, we waddled to the car.


"Where to?" Husband asked.

With a slight smile I replied, "Target?"

"Okay, lets go."


If you are very lucky, you will score a husband like mine, who will let you shop at Target whilst (its a word.) on a date. And, as a bonus he will pretend to like it. And, if you are very, very lucky, he might even foot the bill.


"What do we need from Target?"

"Oh, I don't know, probably everything."


This is true. Usually I need one of everything from the $1 bin section.Plastic cups, dog outfits, one-sies, stickers, notepads, you name it. Bargain! I also feel like everything I see at Tarjay belongs in my house. That frame would be perfect in the hallway! That rug was totally made for our spare bedroom! That lamp! Its divine! Those weird tall flower things would be great outside on the porch! Husband is quick to point out we don't really have a porch. We live in a basement. Good point, honey. Does that mean we don't need this deluxe patio furniture? But its on sale!

After the $1 section, I hit the greeting cards. After that I peruse the movies on sale, browse the baking aisles, stock up on toiletries, and finish off with a jaunt through their clothing section. Me + Merona = Bff.

It is 100% impossible to exit Target without spending under a $100. This is called the Legend of Target. Except its not a legend. Its real. Even if you are in line, ready to check out, there will be some Trail Mix and Gum and a Lighter and some Tide On-The-Go that WILL put you over the $100 mark. Try it, I dare you.

We left Target with the following items:

1. OXO whisk
2. 2 eco friendly non-leaching reusable water bottles
   
3. toothpaste
4. diet orange soda
5. a pleather jacket, on sale.
6. black sweater
7. Advent Calendar (no, its not up yet. back off.)
8. a greeting card for someone who reads this blog therefore I can not disclose the recipient
9. baby powder, travel size
10. holiday sprinkles set

Total target bill: $105.60

Damn that legend. More like a curse.

dear mom

Dear Mom,

I'm sorry I never understood when you said, "I miss the mountains." How can you miss the mountains? We have some baby mountains in Redding, silly mother. There is nothing to miss, those large piles of dirt and trees and snow and air.

But mom, I'm sorry that I didn't understand. Because now I do. Last night I was driving home and the mountains appeared like icebergs, looming in the darkness. And I felt comforted, by these large, overprotective brothers of mine, waiting for me at my front door.

Mom, right now our mountains are dusted with a fine powdered sugar of snow. You would love it. And the air is just cold enough to feel good in your chest, but not make it hurt. If you were here we would go up to Snowbird and try to do that dang lift again. But you are not. You are far away, by the baby mountains in California.

And Mom, you know we are thinking of joining you by those baby mountains someday. But what about my big mountains? How can I leave them behind? I feel like I belong here now.

But Mom, if you ever decide to build a grand and fabulous house on that mound of dirt that you and dad own out west, I think we would come and build a medium fabulous house next to yours. And then we could sit together at night and look at the baby mountains and tell stories about the times that we lived next the famous mountains of Utah.

Then Mom, if you want, you can whisper to me the Legend of Timpanogos and I will pretend I have never heard it before. And I will be so happy when you tell me that the lovers' spirits were united in death- and that the fair maiden forever lays at the peak of the mountain.

And mom? I understand now.

I miss you.

Love,

Me.

Plus my two front teeth.

Christmas. is. here.

OK, so its not but it is right around the corner and I am thisclose to opening my storage room and terrorizing our apartment with pine needles and twinkle lights. Its hard to express my love for Christmas. Or pinpoint my favorite part. Wrapping presents? All the shopping? Holiday treats? fancy clothes? The pretty lit houses? Snow everywhere? Scott playing Santa in the Cascade production? family family family? THE SALES! ok thats it- sales! No, but really I love Christmas so much.

Since I can't OFFICIALLY kick off Christmas until November 28th, (which, incidentally, I found out is a paid holiday for me. As in, I will be paid to shop black Friday.) I just wanted to send my Christmas Wish List to Santa so he can get a great head start.

Here is my 2008 Christmas must-haves-or-else-I-will-covet-them:

• Nikon D-60: I hope Santa has a Costco card! I have wanted a really nice camera for awhile now. I document my life regularly via photo and blog and it would GREATLY improve the quality of the images if I could please please please have this camera.
• Crocs Specialist, size 8: Yes, the are ugly. I know that. But great grapes of wrath they are so comfortable. And under pants you can't see them very much, right? Extra arch support for the ballet dancer feet my mom accidentally bred me. (Sorry mom. I did band.)
  

• Price and Prejudice, The Original Goodness, on DVD: It rained the other day and I needed this movie and it was NO WHERE TO BE FOUND. Stealy, Stealy roommates. I hope your Alias DVD is broken.
• These Adorable Cupcake Stands: If you do not pledge allegiance to Etsy, you should be very ashamed. I found these cupcake stands a few weeks ago and almost bought them ALL just so I could have them ALL to myself. Well, can I at least have one in every color?

• Non-existent Grey Leather Handbag: In my mind I have this image of a soft, charcoal, slouchy, leather handbag with a perfectly sized arm strap, a zipper (optional), and two cute front pockets with buttons or fasteners or something. Why don't you exist? Why can't I find you? We are soul mates I know it! I promise to take great care of you and love you forever. Please look for me.
• Anthroplogie Apron: I like aprons. They make me feel fancy even when I am in pajamas. Its like wearing fake clothes! Anthro has the cutest aprons. My friend/hair stylist extraordinaire Kira gave me one for our wedding and seriously I wear it every night. And sometimes day. And sometimes to work.
  
• Wilton 101 Piece Tool Caddy Collection: For my inner-baking self. No, for our future children's birthday parties. No, for our dinner parties! No, for sugar cookie decoration! Mostly so poor Mo doesn't have to come over when I call her and say "Hey, uh, do you have that food coloring that is the bright kind? and also do you have that one tip that makes grass?"

• Snapware! The more the merrier! I can't get enough of this super deluxe Tupperware. Last nights soup can go with me to work in my purse. Thats right, my PURSE. Just like that. Bam.
  
• Espresso Knightsbridge Uggs, size 8: Oh dreamy bootland! Since it snowed last week I have been wearing nothing but boots with the furrr. I love them. All I want in life is to live in the arctic tundra so I can wear them 365 days a year. And also to procreate.

Look at these babies. Smooth as chocolate. Warm as a fleece quilt. Comfortable as those 95' Old Navy pj's you are still holding on to. PLUS they have a ZIPPER in the back so the whole pant/kankle/calf-kle thing isn't an issue! Isn't that fabulous? One can never have too many boots!

Phew. Alright well there it is. Micci's list 2008. What is on your list this year?

11/10/08

Success #1: Friday night, homemade pumpkin pie

Success #2 Saturday, my first 5K

(I got a medal. for being awesome)

Success #3: Sunday, hosted semi-fancy dinner party

Hi, I'm fresh guac and salsa. Would you like to eat me?

Caffeine Free Diet Sadness

I finally got in to this great neurologist on Tuesday. He was the first doctor that actually took me seriously, which was nice for a change. I told him all my migraine problems and even whipped out my fancy migraine calendars I have been keeping for three months. He was very understanding and presented me with a good course of action.

He started me on this new drug called Topomax, which is supposed to be an amazing preventative drug. Yippee! However, its side effects may make me loopy and a tad forgetful. I said, well thats me anyway, so bring it on.

I started taking one pill every night for a week, and after three weeks I will build up to three pills a day. The catch is that I can't have any caffeine while I am building up tolerance for this drug. No caffeine, no big deal, right? I'm not a coffee drinker so this should be cake. Wrong.

List of things I can't have:

1. Chocolate
2. Chocolate cookies
3. Chocolate chips
4. Reeses
5. DIET PEPSI
6. Diet Coke
7. DIET ORANGE SUNKIST
8. Crystal Light Strawberry energy on the go packets (my favorite.)
9. Did I mention Chocolate?
10. Excedrin
11. Migraten (my former migraine medicine)
12. Tylenol 500
13. Oh, and Chocolate.
    

I guess its technically good for me. But still, it is HARD. Today is day two and I feel like I'm crawling in the hot desert sand towards an shining oasis where there is a delicious diet pepsi pool for me to bathe in. And then in reality it is just a mean, selfish, mirage.

Last night I had my first no-medicine migraine. I slept from 7:30 pm to 11 pm. I woke up when Jazz was getting in to bed. I was convinced it was only like 8:30 pm. He was all worried that I wouldn't be able to fall back asleep. Silly man. I slept again from 11:30 pm to 7:30 am. Amazing, right? I should win a prize for the Most Sleep Ever. Maybe a sash and a tiara too.

Jazz is such a trooper though. He did the dishes and put the laundry in the dryer and made sure the house was all locked up. He even bought me some diet caffeine free dr. pepper which is surprisingly delicious. He is so thoughtful.

Anyone have any other caffeine free beverages for me to try?

Weekend of Magic

Our trip to Disneyland was even MORE fun than we had planned. Here are some highlights. Also, if you hate blogs with tons of pictures, you will not enjoy this.

The typical "quick we just got in the gate take a picture" picture.

Me and SIL Rachel. A perfect hostess.

Me and Mom eating a churro. Ok so its a Mickey shaped pretzel. I couldn't get any churro pictures because I was too busy DEVOURING them.

My super cute family eating Mexican food.

Me and Jazzypants waiting for the parade.

This one is my favorite picture slash ride.

Me and those parents of mine. Isn't my dad so stylish?

Main street with the Sleeping Beauty's Castle behind us

You know mom's having fun if she is giving a thumbs up.

Jazz said "aw man, I should have moved over to the right just a little, then I would have had Mickey ears!"

All snuggly at the fireworks.

After 4 straight Splash Mountain runs...at midnight..

"Uh, are you eating a pickle?" "Yeah and its delicious."

Things I wanted to do:

1. Watch Jazz experience the magic that is Disneyland--- Check. He was SKIPPING in the Space Mountain line.
2. Follow my mom as she drags us to Splash Mountain at midnight---Check. See above pictures.
3. Eat lots and lots of churros--- Check. Total: Four
4. Catan showdown with the California Sumsions---Raincheck
5. See baby Madilyn, who I hear isn't so little anymore---Check. cutest baby alive.
6. Buy an ornament--- Does making one count?
7. Wear my pedometer and track my zillions of steps-- Check. Jazz calculated 15 miles walked. I don't know if that is accurate...but I want to believe him. More on the walking thing later...
   
8. Stay up way too late and get up way too early. Sumsion vacations tend to be a bit...organized---Check check check. I need a weekend to recover from the weekend. Is that possible?

The last time I was at Disneyland, it was just about a month before I met Jazz. So much has changed in such a short time! It really was fun to take Jazz around and show him all the exciting parts of Disneyland-- but it was more fun to watch him interact with my family. They really have wholeheartedly accepted him into our large and boisterous clan and I couldn't imagine a more perfect fit.

11/3/08

Jazz: "Micci, wake up!"

Micci: "Mmmffffghr"

Jazz: "Ah man, I had the BEST dream ever."

Micci: "mmmfffgr umh really?"

Jazz: "yeah, it was awesome, I... was Batman."


*Disneyland/Horse update after work when I can upload pictures. It won't be HALF as good unless you can see the pictures.