Almost Only Counts in Horseshoes...

So we almost had a job in Maryland... ALMOST. Both Joe and I totally thought he had the position. We would be moving next week to Baltimore (it all happened so fast). And let me say, we were SO EXCITED!!! I am all about adventure and this would have been a wonderful opportunity to live in and explore the east coast. But, alas, it didn't happen. At the last moment they decided to "go another direction." Bla bla bla. We think a lot of it had to do with the relocation. They were really trying to find someone local. Downside is that we still feel VERY strong that Maryland is where we are supposed to be. It can be so frustrating at times to have faith when you feel something is right... and all the pieces seem to fall into place... only to have it all blow up at the last minute. Our hopes are not completely dashed right now. We are still trying to follow what we feel is the Spirit guiding our lives. Trying to be open to go wherever the Lord wants us (even if that means staying here). Trying to figure it all out and take the right steps. So if I am inattentive for awhile, know that I love you. I'm just getting ready for a move that hasn't come to fruition yet (packing, cleaning, decluttering, selling, and landscaping). Crazy, I know. But isn't that what you've come to expect from me?

4Runner On Sale Now!!! (SOLD)

1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5

Price: $5,100 (NADA retail is $6,900)

Mileage: 157,228+

Body Style: SUV

Exterior Color: Black

Interior Color: Grey

Transmission: Automatic

Drive Type: 4wheel drive

Fuel: Regular Gas

Gas Mileage: average 17 MPG

Doors: 5 (4 door + hatchback)

The BURNS FAM is HAPPY to offer this CLEAN TOYOTA 4 RUNNER SR5. This is a NON-SMOKER and would make a GREAT RELIABLE SUV for a GREAT VALUE (it's perfect for the coming snow!!!). This 4Runner has all the right stuff including: FACTORY SUNROOF, LEATHER SEATS, TOW PACKAGE, BIG-O TIRES (with road hazard repair and FREE tire rotations for life) AND MUCH MORE. We have already replaced the radiator and transmission and have performed regular maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations, etc) on this vehicle. Call with questions. Please leave a message if I don't answer. 801.678.7505.

Normal wear and tear should be anticipated. Sale is "AS-IS" with no warranty.

Purple...

...That is usually Joe's answer for everything and I guess this time it actually fits! The question? What belt advancement for karate did Joe and Debbie earn on Friday? I am so excited to progress. It feels good to be moving forward in at least one aspect of my life. The other reason I'm so happy we are purple is that now I can wear a black gi (uniform)!!! WOOT! I feel so much more comfortable in black. At least I won't feel like the stay puft marshmallow man in my white one anymore, hehe. So not a huge entry. Just wanted to share.

Where is Emeril when you need him?

I have GOT to learn how to cook! I mean, honestly! I went out for lunch the other day by myself to a little diner. Love the diner (Star Cafe... and no, Rhino, it doesn't smell like "wet"). Fabulous, fabulous breakfast food and scones. But anyway, I go to the diner, order a little meal and I'm thinking I'm doing good. The meal is just $5 (I wanted to keep the cost small) and I figured it would be better than getting my usual number 10 at McDonald's. Well, I didn't really think about the drink and I wanted a little sugar somethin-somethin so I got a small OJ to go with the meal. By the time I got my bill with food, drink, tax and tip it was over $10!!! Ten freakin dollars for me, myself and I to eat some bacon, eggs, hash browns and a couple scones (and don't forget the OJ). I left there thinking to myself, "Deb, you have GOT to learn how to cook!"

So, I need a way to spice up my food life (and the rest of my life for that matter). I have been eating PBJs for lunch for the last 6 weeks and let's just say I am ready for something new. Anyone have some good lunch ideas? You don't even have to be Emeril. Just please keep it simple because, honestly, anyone that knows me knows that if it's not coming out of a can or a box it's probably not getting cooked in my house, lol! There has got to be something (other than PBJs) that I could probably be doing instead of spending $10 at a restaurant for lunch.

Good Ole High School Reunions

High school reunions are amazing! But not in a good way, lol. I find it incredible that after so many years of personal evolution--you know, the self confidence gained since high school and built through college and all the accomplishments, awards, and milestones--that all it takes is seeing the people (whether in photos, blogs or in person) that you knew in high school and all of a sudden you are once again that insecure individual you were when you left. It is truly amazing that even after all of the growth and after so much time, that in one tiny moment--BAM--I'm an awkward teenager again. At least I find that is true for myself.

I recently saw a post on friend's blog that (I guess it would be our 11-year) reunion is coming up in August. We never had a 5th or a 10th, so you know, here we go... 11 years! Woot. And for a split second I thought, maybe... maybe I'll go to that. That might be interesting. Then I noticed that on the side of the announcement for our reunion they had a list of blogs. So I started going through the blogs belonging to the different members of my class of 98. It was very fun! I saw a lot of people I truly enjoyed in high school. Tons of great people! It was fun to catch up on some of these guys. One, Phil, that I have known since jr. high, is out in Virginia. He's in marketing and he's still working on getting that band together. I remember him forming Callisto at NLJH. He was AWESOME! I loved the memories his blog triggered. But then I came across other blogs... people that made me feel so uncomfortable! Or that I was uncomfortable being around. Maybe not because of anything they did or said, but because of the class system that existed in high school and the whole hierarchy of people. And it was fascinating to me how quickly I felt insecure all over again. I looked at everything that had been accomplished by these classmates and the families they have now and the things they are doing. And I felt SO incredibly insecure. If I showed up at a reunion it would be me. The best I've done with my life over the last 11 years is marrying Joe (and hey, at least he's hot!) I just wonder if anyone other than me feels that way. Do you feel that insecurity?

I don't believe my sister-in-law Marla does. She is excited to go to her reunion. She is excited to see these people from her past. And I think that's because she has this incredible quality that once she makes your acquaintance, you guys are friends forever. She could see you at Disneyland 10 years later and she will run up to you and be excited to see you and want to sincerely know what's happened and what you're up to. Whereas, myself, if I saw you I would probably avoid you and head on over to the other side of Disneyland. I say to Joe all the time, "I know that person over there. I went to high school with them." But I never say hi. And I think it's because I'm so insecure. I assume I'm not someone you want to see or catch up with. So I do... I turn and I run. I just don't think that you would want to talk to me. I mean, what are we going to talk about? Of course there is always the we-weren't-even-friends-in-high-school-so-why-talk-now thing. The "Hey! I know you. How are you. Yep. That's great. Okay, bye." SO uncomfortable.

Anyway, the experience is more about the high school reunion thing and how, after all these years (11 years!), it only takes a few pictures to make me feel just as awkward and insecure as I did when I was there. And sometimes I wonder... am I alone in that? Do other people have those same experiences too? So... I'm asking you to share. Please give some comments on this... either way. Maybe you like reunions. (How do you do it, Marla? lol.) Maybe you don't. Maybe you can share some helpful tips for overcoming those feelings of inadequacy. Not matter how you put it, I look forward to an opportunity to learn from you!

Happy Independence Day!

1 year B.J. (before Joe) I had the chance to visit Mexico City, Mexico. I took a couple of friends, one who could speak Spanish. I LOVED the city. The architecture was amazing! And I loved being immersed in the culture. However, I was never so excited to get back home to the states for three reasons. 1- Language barrier. I felt almost trapped because I couldn't communicate with anyone without the help of my friend. It was stifling. 2-Soap. I thought everyone believed in soap! But every restroom I used was devoid of anything functioning as a cleaning agent. I carried my own but, honestly, what was the rest of the population using! Ewwww! 3- Most importantly, freedoms and safety which are the result of our laws. I felt my vulnerability acutely in Mexico City. From my extensive research before I left I knew that I couldn't trust the local police if I got in trouble. Many, according to multiple sources, are bought and paid for. You have to be careful who you trust. And, as a complete outsider, I had no idea who I could trust. I learned gratitude for simple things like traffic laws. While Mexico City may have lanes painted on the roads and stop lights to direct traffic, no one pays attention to them. You literally take your life in your hands just getting on the road. And a blinker? Who uses a blinker? You just put your hand out the window and tell the car next to you to stop so you can cut them off. A one or two lane road become a 4 lane freeway in Mexico. Insane! And in Mexico as a woman, I was more a piece of meat than a citizen. Very little effort is made to protect their women or their little ones. I won't even go into being accosted on the public transportation system. Let's just say I did A LOT of walking after that experience.

I remember getting off the plane in the U.S. on my return. I almost cried. I was so happy to be home. To be in a country where I knew the laws and knew that most people obeyed them. And if they didn't, I knew I could approach almost any police officer for help. I am so grateful that good police officers here are the rule instead of the exception (well... except when they are pulling me over, hehe). And I am grateful for a country that recognizes women equally with men. I think you'll find those individuals in any culture that still believe in hierarchy, whether by race, gender, religious beliefs, wealthy, etc. But in America, our laws (and society in general) place equal value on all people.

I guess what I am trying to say is that America is wonderful in despite of our problems and politics. I am grateful for a country that allows me to seek opportunities, to practice the religion of my choice, that will protect me when I am hurt and will seek justice against my offenders. It's not perfect. I don't think anyplace can be. But I am grateful to live here and now. I love my country. I am grateful for all who have come before to provide this land of freedom. And I celebrate all those men, women, and families who continue to sacrifice for the same great purpose. Happy birthday America. I hope we all remember and celebrate your gifts to us.

More Fun With Photoshop

Karate Tournament

So this was FOREVER ago, but I just found the pictures again and thought I would post a few. This was our first tournament. Actually, this was Joe's first tournament. I decided not to participate. I have no other excuse than it made me so nervous I wanted to vomit just thinking about it! So I went as a spectator and Joe participated in sparring. (Though I don't have any pictures of that... I filmed it and then never downloaded the tape from the video recorder... hmmm... sounds like there is A LOT I need to catch up on.) Anyway, we had tons of fun and were so grateful for Jake and Cooper who came to support us. While we waited for Joe's event we had the chance to watch all of the instructors spar W/OUT gear. It was CRAZY!!! We also supported some of the other members from our studio who came. All in all it was great and so not as scary as I had imagined. Next time around, I am SO competing!!! Here are some pics of the event.

So I wasn't sure what we would need so I packed EVERYTHING except the kitchen sink... it wouldn't fit in my purse... I tried!

Joe all cute and ready for his first day at school... I mean tournament!

These guys are royalty in the USSD world. They are black belts multiple times over and carry the title of Master. It was weird to watch people running up to them for autographs and pictures. My picture isn't the best because they were so far away, but I had a little fun with it in photoshop.

This is our Sensei Jared. He is just about to perform for the masters. Sorry he's so small. I was in the bleachers w/out a crazy cool lense. Oh well. :)

I LOVE this shot of Cooper with Jake. We are so glad they came. It was nice having their support that day. And we loved sharing our new passion with them.

Mama Mia Day 2

Not so many pics today. We spent a leisurely morning watching High School Musical 3 (the first half) and kipper. Around 11am we headed over to ChuckE.Cheese for some fun. I almost entitled this blog ChuckE.Cheese = Hell because once you get in there, you can NEVER leave!!! The kids had such a great time we spent over 3 HOURS there! We met up with Brenda and her kids (Kazia and Jade) for about the first hour. The girls had SO much fun together! They pretty much went on every ride together and played every game together.

Charlie was content to just ride the ChuckECheese mobile over and over and OVER again. (No kidding... i think we burned 20 tokens on that ride). I believe his favorite part is getting his picture taken with the plastic ChuckECheese (the real one sends him screaming in terror).

Here's just a few more snap shots of fun at The Cheese.

After I FINALLY got them away from "pleasure island," we headed over to the hospital for a visit with Mommy and Sophie, the newest member of the family. It was fun watching this little family. Marla is such a wonderful mother. Love just emanates from her as she interacts with her kids. And you know they love her too! (Every time we completed an activity the kids would say, "I can't wait to do this with my mom!" ...No hard feelings, Marla. LOL).

Sophie is precious. I loved all the shots of the three girls together.

Charlie just slept on the couch. (And about time! hehe. It took me almost 36 hours to get that boy to take a nap!)

Later in the evening we headed over to BS's mom's house for a swim. Brooklyn, Kazia and Jade were waiting for their new friends. I wish I had taken some pictures. I thought I left my camera at home only to discover later that it was in my purse the whole time! Sarah was quick to jump right in (with floaties on of coarse) while Charlie took a little more time warming up to the idea. The best was when he finally decided he wanted to swim. I wouldn't allow him in the pool without a swim diaper but the only one I had was a pink swimmer with The Little Mermaid on it. He refused to put it on! His reason? He didn't want to wear girl underwear! I swear, straight from his own mouth. I tried to convince him that it was a boy swimmer too because it had Flounder and Sebastian on it. That didn't work. Finally Linda (BS's mom) told him it was a Sponge Bob Square Pants swimmer because it had a star fish on it. That did the trick (thank you Linda!!!) and the swimmers were on him in a flash!

Both Charlie and Sarah did super well in the water. Sarah went down the water slide and even put her face under the water! Charlie let us coax him away from the steps and take him for a little ride around the pool while he hung out in an inner tube.

I loved that all the kids got along so well! My family just adores Sarah and Charlie. They asked if I could keep them just a few more days so all the kids could hang out again. As much fun as I think they've been having, they REALLY want to go home. All they've been talking about tonight is getting to go home with Mommy and baby Sophie tomorrow. I'm just glad I've been able to have them around the last few days. They have been wonderful! And I have enjoyed almost every minute (I'll be honest... I don't think I'll ever enjoy early mornings... hehe)!