The Fun Theory

I saw one of these videos on a friends blog and thought that they were so clever.







This is why I love Sweden!

This Made My Day...

... I hope it makes yours too!

2012

Last night Michal & I went to the movies. A very rare occasion. I don't usually like to go to the movies, but this movie was worth it. We went and saw 2012. It was such a good movie. (However, they did get some of the Mayan facts wrong... After taking an Art History class on Mayan civilization, it was easy to see where they were mistaken in the movie). Other than that, the action-packed film was awesome! Two hours and 40 minutes worth my time to see this movie.

Call me crazy, but I love "end of the world movies" or "disaster movies" like:

The Day After Tomorrow

Knowing

Deep Impact

Dante's Peak

Volcano

Just to name a few...

Lately, Michal & I have even been watching a TV series called "FLASH FORWARD" which is a plot where the whole world blacked out for 2 minutes and 17 seconds and saw a glimpse of their future. The TV series revolves around trying to figure out what caused the blackout while relating and incorporating personal stories along the way. I love watching it! It is so dramatic.

I was so excited when I found out that next year they are going to release ANOTHER TV series which is a sequel to the movie 2012. It revolves around the SURVIVORS and how they begin their new life on the planet. It will be interesting...

P.S. If you know of any other good movies (that relate) which I'm missing out on, be sure to let me know!

Jazz vs. Trailblazers

Two weeks ago, Michal and I got to go to the Jazz game.  It was my surprise for him. 

Nuskin surprised us with two club 100 tickets to the Jazz game.  Michal had the time of his life. 

We arrived and we were fed this super yummy dinner in the "Energy Solutions Arena" (I still have a hard time saying that since I am so used to saying the "Delta Center").  And we had snacks during half-time... I was full for about 2 days after from eating so much food there...

But the best part about the whole game was that we got to sit DIRECTLY behind the opposing team, so every once in a while when they would sit down and shake their head, their sweat would drop on us... or we were so close that we could hear the coach and his game plans for the team.  It was quite interesting.   

Michal was even excited to see someone from the Trailblazers that had a Polish last name, so of course, we had to take a picture of it!

Above: PRZYBILLA (his name means arrive)

Below: These are some of my action shots from the game...

We had a lot of fun and it was so nice of my boss to choose me to go to the Jazz game.  He really is a great guy!  I really love who I work for, and I love that my husband had so much fun at this game.  

Another Oops Moment...

My husband is so sweet to me!

Yesterday I went to work at 8 AM, I came home at 10 PM. I worked a full 8 hours and then headed straight off to tutor two different people in Math 110.

I love tutoring and I love helping people to understand Math better. I especially love it even more when people WANT to learn more and actually understand it. Last night, really was enjoyable, but it was hard coming home so late.

I was hungry.
I was tired.
I was ornery.
I was cold.
I was sore.

All of those together are not a good combination for me.

When I came home, my husband ran outside to immediately meet me and help me carry all of my junk back into the house. He asked how I was, and I said I was hungry. He said that he had a surprise for me. So as I followed him through the house, I realized that he spent all day cleaning, and all the laundry was on the bed, all folded ready to be put away.

And then I went into the bathroom. My husband cleaned the whole bathroom, filled up a bubble bath with rose petals on the water. Candles all around the tub, the space heater was going, and there was some soothing jazz music in the background. Best of all, he had prepared a plate full of snack food (apples, crackers, cheese, grapes, etc.) food for me to eat.

So I decided to get into the tub, and he asked me if I would like a meal. And he brought me a really Yummy Cabbage Crunch Salad. I was eating it in the tub and I noticed that a glass plate was sliding and going to hit the floor, so I hurried and grabbed it (just in time to keep it from hitting the floor)... but in the process, i spilled my Salad in the tub. So now in addition to rose petals, I had lettuce, onions, grapes, and salad dressing in my nice warm bath. I felt so stupid. It really is funny, and if I could have taken a picture, I would have... but for obvious reasons, I didn't.

Then Michal does it again, he runs in and helps me fish it all out and creates a whole new bath for me to relax. He didn't even ask what happened, he just started laughing. It made me feel a lot better.

Needless to say, this definitely would make a spot in my "Oops Journal." But it was still a great surprise and made me really appreciate my husband for how much he loves me and takes care of me when he knows that I've had a hard day.

What a Weekend

Michal & I had quite a weekend.  We played HARD!

First it started out with us going to Lagoon Friday night.  I work at Nuskin and they had a company party there so the park was only open to Nuskin employees and their families.  It was pretty sweet because there were NO LINES!!! The longest we probably had to wait in line was 5-10 minutes.  It wasn't bad at all.  Infact, I was able to go on the ride "Wicked" 3 times in a row in a matter of 15 minutes.  However, Michal won't go on rides with me so... we had to find someone else to join us.  Michal and I both agreed that my cousin Natalie and her husband Kevin would be the perfect addition.  I'm glad they were so eager to come and join us.  It was nice to talk to someone in line while Michal waited for us at the exit of each ride.  They were the perfect people to bring along.  However, we did convince Michal to go on "the Bat" and "JetStar", the log ride,  and the swinging boat and the scary haunted house rides.  He was such a trooper... in return for being such a good sport and taking our pictures we went on his favorite ride... the CAROUSEL...  Overall, it was a lot of fun... I hadn't been there since 9th grade Lagoon day (that's 10 years ago).   So I was shocked to see the ferris wheel had taken its seats down and that the Magic Carpet was no longer there. 

Anyways - here is my favorite picture that Michal took of us... It's on the ROCKET!

And here is proof that Michal went on some rides with me...

And of course - we have to put pictures up of Michal on his favorite ride!

Saturday was another Fun Filled day!  My companion on my mission got married in the Salt Lake Temple.  

Michal & I arrived early (meaning 10:10 when she said the sealing would start at 11:10) to see if she needed any help at all.  FINALLY - at 11:05 she shows up - apparently the sealing started at 11:40 and she told people 11:10 so all the Tongan's would arrive on time.  Nia asked me to be her Escort through the temple that day and it was really special for me and quite an experience.   By being her escort, I was really able to feel the spirit and help her have a special day.  We got to the Bride's Room in the temple and we went to go change her from her street clothes to her wedding dress.  When we pulled the dress out of the bag Nia said to me, "sister, I hope that this dress fits."  FITS????  I was so confused, I asked her where she bought it, and she replied "Online, so I haven't had the chance to try it on yet... and it's a size smaller than I normally wear so I REAAAAALLLLY hope it fits."  I couldn't believe it, did she know that wedding dresses ALWAYS run small?  Anyways, I thought that it was so brave of her, I could NEVER do something like that.  We put the dress on and what do you know - it worked!  However, the shoulders were too big (like all wedding dresses you try on)... so we had to attack that problem with safety pins.  I did a HORRIBLE job, so after the sealing, my mom came down and fixed it and you couldn't even tell that it didn't fit in the shoulders!  That's what Moms are for - right?

So after we get her all ready for her sealing, dressed and everything, I head upstairs to wait for her there.  Since they were so late...  they ended up moving her sealing room like 3 times.  Finally at 12:00 she comes into the sealing room.  I had the priviledge of sitting next to Nia and her Aunt at her sealing.  I felt the spirit so strong.  The sealer was very acquainted with Polynesian culture since he served a mission in Tonga and also was the president of the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii.   He was very cute with Nia and Richard.  However, I don't think that he knew that her parents had passed away recently because he kept referring to her Auntie (sitting in the mother chair next to Nia) as her Mom.  That made everyone cry really hard.  As well, he kept on talking about how those that had passed on before us were also present at this wedding.  That again made everyone cry - but it was also special for Nia to know that her parents were at her wedding looking down upon her and very proud of what she had done.  Also something interesting that I learned was that in Tongan culture it is not appropriate to show PDA in front of other family members.  So after they were married instead of the sealer saying "you may now kiss the bride"  he said "you may come this way and hug each other."  But... I guess that's how they do it, and it was totally acceptable for the family!  It was really neat to sit there and see how much support they each had from family and friends even though neither of their parents were there!  Richard served in the Utah Ogden Mission so several people that he baptized were able to attend the ceremony as well.  It was really special and quite a privilege to sit there next to her and just soak it all in.  My parents were also able to attend, and I even caught my mom crying.  I just hope that it was all she ever hoped for.

So the sealing went SUPER long - normally it's 20 minutes or so...  but he went for like 35 minutes so by the time they got out of the temple it was 1:15.  Next thing that shocked me was that nia didn't get a photographer.  Man, I would have been freaking out at this point, but she was so laid back and didn't care.  She was just happy to be married.  So my mom, michal, & I played photographer at her wedding!  Here are some of our favorite pictures of them...

I love this picture because it shows her personality!

I had to include a picture of me!

This is Nia's neice who was named after her and plays a very special role in her life.

Her Auntie (her mother's sister)

However, the wedding wasn't the end, there was still the reception.  Nia told me to arrive an hour late (tongan style)... so we did - and it still didn't begin until 5:45 (45 minutes later)...  It was a huge party and festival - a DJ - food to feed a whole Stake (but there were only about 50-75 people there)... and so many interesting dishes that I have NEVER tried before.  Let me TRY to explain the food...

This is Nia & Richard at the Head Table.  Nia tried to get me to sit up there on her side, but I wanted to sit with my family... plus, I don't know how much of the food that I could have actually eaten.  Below is a picture that EVERYONE on the head table (6 people) are supposed to eat...

This was the food - for about 15-20 people - and there were 2 tables of food.  They just kept on bringing more and more and more out.  Seriously it could have fed a whole stake (of white people of course)...

Here is my before and after picture plate:  

BEFORE:

You can see chop sui, lu pulu, tarot, oyster, lobster, potato salad, pork, and all sorts of tongan fruit.

AFTER:

The Lobster/crab salad was good - I just couldn't finish it.  The Tarot is the same consistency as a potato, but it is SO heavy, so I only had about 3 bites.  I obviously ate the roll.  Had a hard time even trying the oyster.  Didn't even think about touching a shrimp with eyes on it.  LOVED the lui pulu (meat wrapped in tarot leaves) and the purple punch tasted like an easter egg (brach's easter eggs) so I favored the red punch instead.  Michal on the other hand had THREE plates full of food and loved all of it.  He wished that we could have taken some home (which was offered to us)... but we didn't have anywhere to keep it cool overnight, so Michal was sad for about 2 minutes.

The Shrimp still have it's eyes!

This is someone that Nia taught in Pennsylvania that was baptized a few years after originally meeting Sister Sapoi.  It was super sweet of her to come out to the wedding reception!

I was just grateful that her friends that she went to High School with were sitting across the table from us, they were able to explain all the cool traditions and customs (and translate it all for us too) that occurred throughout the night.  It was quite a new experience!

All in all - I learned SO MANY VALUABLE things that day.

* I learned how important family is.  Family is the most important unit and without Nia's family none of this would have been possible.  The whole reception was a surprise for her, and that's what family is for to make you feel like a princess on your wedding day!

* I gained SUCH a stronger testimony about the Plan of Salvation and I am so grateful that I am sealed to my family so that I can be with them forever.  I'm glad that I married Michal for time AND eternity.  

* I learned that bad things happen to good people, but what determines your true character is how you react to these situations happening to you.  I mean this in two ways.  1) Nia was so kind and so sincere about all that had been given to here and it was so hard for her to lose both of her parents before her wedding, but she really had a testimony - and so great blessings followed.  2)  I had a horrible week.  Work was tough with trying to get so many things done in such a short amount of time (since we only worked 3 1/2 days this week)... and I received this AWFUL phone call about "he said, she said" that just broke my heart and put me in tears for a long time afterwards.  And things weren't going my way.  I learned this weekend, that this is sometimes the refiners fire and how we are tested.  If we can make it through hard times, and keep our cool and our chins high... the Lord in the end - ALWAYS blesses us.  He lets us know that he is well pleased and happy with all the decisions we have made and accomplishments in our life.  He knows the truth - he knows who is right and who is wrong... and he loves them both!  Even when we are right and no one else believes us - He is there and he believes us... and even when someone makes a wrong offense towards us - he loves them too and we should as well otherwise we are held accountable for it.  The only thing that HE wants for us is to make us happy and he always, always is able to accomplish that!  And, that is what I am truly grateful for!

* I learned how important it is to have good friends...

* and lastly, I learned, that sometimes no matter how much you diet... sometimes it's just hard to keep it - especially at a TONGAN feast!

Our Trip to Pennsylvania!

On the 7,8, & 9 of August, Michal and I went out to Pennsylvania for a nice short trip. Jeff Gochoco (who was the last person I saw baptized on my mission) got married in the Washington DC temple so we went out for that! It was so much fun. I have so much to say about it!

Our first day there, I made sure that Michal tried one of the greatest Ice-cream places EVER... it is called "RITA's." It is DIVINE... It is a refine balanced ice cream between custard and Italian Ice. The blend couldn't be better!

Michal really liked it too and ever since I had him try Rita's he's been asking if there are any in Utah. Sadly no, but if I was rich enough to open up a franchise... I would, because this place rocks! Michal was even a little heartbroken that we weren't able to go on Saturday and Sunday because we had so much to do.

Later that night - Michal and I went to an open house, casual dinner for Jeff's family and friends that had traveled a long ways out to see him. It was a blast. Sister (Katie) Bastian and Sister (Eleanor) Clark were there! They were two of my companions that were also a part of Jeff's conversion process. It was so fun to see them again. They are just great. I LOVED being both of their companions and was so grateful that they were able to come out for Jeff's sealing. They had the funniest stories to talk about and it was so good to catch up with them. Also, Dave Vagnoni was there. He is a good friend of Jeff's and was also the one who baptized him when Jeff joined the Church. Dave was a good sport. We all teased him and drilled him about Dating, but he gave some pretty darn good answers. I think so highly of Dave and I really admire his values and his friendship. Michal said that if we ever move to Pennsylvania, he'd like to hang out with Dave and he can be one of his "buddies".

Also, at the Luncheon, I was able to meet Missy's family. Her mom came up to me and said, "I know that this sounds really ignorant, but I feel like I know you and that I've met you before." So I asked her what her name was and when she said "LEEDOM" I asked her if she lived in the Lebanon ward. Once I had said that she instantly remembered that I served as a missionary in her ward for 6 months. Then she was confused at why I was here at the lunch. So after I explained that I taught Jeff and they came out for my wedding, everything seemed to click for her. She said "Oh you're THAT Katie that they talk about." I hope that is a good thing... but it was fun to see people from the Palmyra/Lebanon area come as well. Pennsylvania is my home away from home, and it always feels good to return home.

I was pretty bummed that I forgot to bring my camera to the temple for when Jeff & Missy walked out, but Bishop Wilson & his wife were kind enough to let me go back to their house and pick it up before heading to his reception. The reception was so much fun, mostly the company. Michal was so funny... and once again, Dave got harassed about being single. Then they had dancing, which no one danced except the DJ himself... and that was about it. Saturday was such a busy day for us that we were beat by the end of the day and crashed when we returned to Bishop Wilson's home.

On Sunday, Michal & I went to the Lebanon Ward. It was SO good to see so many familiar friendly faces. The ward there has since been added on to and attendance has doubled. Also, less-active or part-member families that we were working really hard with were sitting there in Sacrament meeting. I almost cried when I found out that they were there... it made me feel like all of my hard work had paid off! It was so good to see them. After sacrament, I wanted to visit some investigators that I had worked really closely with, so we snuck out to visit them. Unfortunately, none of them were home, so we went to Hershey's Chocolate Factory and rode the Chocolate World ride. At the conclusion of the ride they give you chocolate from the factory. During the Winter, they would give out regular sized candy bars, sometimes even 2 or 3 (if you asked nice)... so that's why Michal wanted to go. I felt really bad because he must have been disappointed when he saw that they were only giving us a single hershey kiss. I think that he enjoyed the ride though. Here are some pictures from Hershey.

After our experience at Hershey, we were able to visit a few more families, including the Robinson Family, Holland Family, Winters Family, Miller Family, and Mastracola family. Michal LOVED all the families that we visited. Espcially, he loved talking to Bob (brother Holland about the car's and "cash for clunkers." He also LOVED the Mastracola's farm. They showed us their Cow, Horse, chieckens, roosters, and we got to eat a yummy cafe-rio style meal there! Michal said that he can't wait until he can go back and visit them on their farm again! I think it reminded him of the farms he used to work on in Poland.

Anyways - here are some pictures from the Mastracola's (or as Michal says: "the Coca-Cola's") farm:

Overall, it was a really fun trip and Michal is excited to go back so that I can show him Penn State. He is really wanting to check it out! It was worth it to see the families that I love so much, see Jeff get married, and show Michal my mission.

Here's What We've Been Up To Lately...

We have had quite the summer... It has been a lot of fun - and it's sad to see that it's almost over!

But, Michal and I have had a fabulous time together.  Here are some of the things we've been up to.

Michal & I have gotten to go on a lot of double dates with my brother and his girlfriend Bridgett.  Sam mostly plans activities, and Michal picks a place to eat.  My favorite activity that Sam planned was to go to the batting cages in Spanish Fork... however... they were closed, so we ended up going on this dirt road up a random mountain out by Lincoln Beach.  Sam decided to get a flat-tire and we were stranded because he had the wrong size tool to take off the things that screw the tire on(?).  So, our parents drove an hour and a half to come rescue us.  Luckily, we had reception, and I called a member of the bishopric who came and rescued us.  He brought all the right tools and (bless his heart) he didn't get home until after midnight.  Since my parents came down just as we finished, Michal decided to ride home with them and pick up his car which had been fixed up in Layton.  As he was driving back to Spanish Fork at 2:00 in the morning, he got pulled over!  The dumb cop gave him a ticket for not having a Utah Driver's License.  Michal figured that since his license cost him $1,500 Euros... why get a Utah one?  He'd asked several people, and always got the response that he didn't need to have one.  Now he has to appear in court in September sometime and try to get his fine repealed.  He's a charming guy, so I hope he'll work his magic in the court room.

Next...

Michal & I have been going to a lot of fairs.  This particular one was in Provo.  It's fun for me to walk around and see all the booths and creative things that people are trying to sell.  And, I don't really know what's fun about it for Michal. 

 We did however, go to a rodeo in Spanish Fork. 

 It was Michal's first Rodeo...

Michal had a blast.  He dressed up in a cowboy shirt and the tightest jeans he owned, along with a huge belt-buckle... and even a pair of cowboy boots that he bought at Forever Young for $3.  Behind us was seated a whole Asian ward from BYU who kept on asking Michal if he was a real cowboy and where his hat was to accompany his outfit.  Michal played along and told them he left it in his pick-up truck.  Anyways - I wish you could have heard this Asian crowd.  It sounded like we were in the middle of a Japanese game 

show. 

 They were so involved in all of the rodeo activities that it was so hard not to laugh at 

them. 

Needless to say... We had a lot of fun at this Rodeo.  Michal LOVED it and now wants to go to another one, so if anyone knows of any upcoming rodeo's please let us know!

Next...

I got called to be a beehive leader for the Young Women in the ward.  I absolutely LOVE this calling, it is such a blessing.  The leaders are fabulous and the girls are phenomenal!  

This particular activity we decided to do mud-masks.  Since I recently got a job at NuSkin, I get to try out all sorts of their cool products.  One of their products is Glacial Marine Mud which removes all the dirt and oil from your face for those who have oily faces.  So we used this particular product on most of the girls.  In the picture it is the lighter mask... the darker mask is Mud from the DEAD sea, which is better for people who have drier or normal skin.  This mud just leaves your skin soft and balanced.  Some wanted to try both.  Regardless, we had a blast and it was lots of fun!

Next...

Becky Miller decided to come out to Utah with her daughter for a convention-type-awards-thing for the Multi-Level-Marketing (MLM) group that she works for called "In Every Home."  Becky tried to get me to be a distributor, but since I work at NuSkin as an administrative assistant, I can't do any other types of MLM groups otherwise I lose my job as a conflict of interest.  I still was so excited to see her!  

In fact, I was lucky enough to get to steal her for an after-noon and take her around Utah.  I showed her the Olympic Park, and I showed her various buildings in Utah.  Then we went to the Conference Center and Temple Square... by this time we were hungry - so I had to take them to Utah's Famous Costa-Vida. I think that they enjoyed it (or I hope so)... And then Ella ran through the fountains at the Gateway.  She got soaking wet, but it re-energized her and I think that it was the highlight of her trip by how much she talked about it afterwards.  Anyways - it was SO fun to see them!  I just love this family so much!  They mean so much to me.  Becky was one of the best member missionaries that I knew out in Pennsylvania.  She introduced about 6 people to us missionaries that we were able to teach while in her area.  Her family is amazing!  I love all of them and I feel like I am a part of their family.  I even am able to joke around with her husband and tell him that my next trip out to Pennsylvania is for his baptism (which I seriously hope happens one day).  I can't tell you how much I love this family, and after Michal being able to meet them and see where they live, etc.  He loves them just as much as I do and we can't WAIT to go back for "brother" miller's baptism!

Next...

My brother came home from his mission! It was so good to see him and hear all of his SCARY stories from Detroit.  I forgot how tall he is (6'6" - almost a whole foot taller than me!)!  I love him and I'm so happy he's home.  He seems to be quite the scriptorian and spiritual giant that I never knew before.  Michal & I are really proud of him!  We're also grateful that he's back to keep Sam in line, and that he'll be living in Provo so that we can have him over all the time!