WANTED: Maintenance Man

Owning your own home is defiantly one of the best Financial Investments an individual(s) can make. Home ownership also has other benefits like the Pride that comes with owning your own home, Mortgage Interest Deductions, Property Tax Deductions, Building Equity, Appreciation in your house value, Stability and Freedom. As always, with every benefit come drawbacks. The most common drawback we hear about is how poor you become when you are a homeowner, while that is extremely true; the drawback for me is the amount of weeds that you consume when you become a home owner.

Everyone knows that I build my home four years ago and for the past two years you have all heard me complain about my so called grass. I refer to my grass as my weeds. Two years ago, I put in a sprinkling system and grass in my back yard. Since then, I have not had any grass all I have had is weeds, dirt and semi-grass. Over the past two summers’ I have re-seeded my back yard twice and have sprayed for weeds…well I’ve stopped counting.

Today a friend and I sprayed once again and in my opinion for the last time. If spraying Weed be Gone, which I’m told is the best thing for weeds does not work; I will not spray again and chances are I will just hire a maintenance man to take care of it. Trust me I have better things to do in the summer than fight with my weeds.

The only other thing that I have heard about from a few friends that is tougher than Weed Be Gone is a product that the Public Health and Environmental Hazards people don’t like very much. So I won’t be using that product, I wouldn’t want all of you to have to come visit me and Bubba!

Oh yeah, weeds they multiply, not just next to each other but 100’s of feet away from each other. I now, for the first time in four years have stupid weeks in my front yard. It is true “Everyone needs a friend or two” or in my case I should say “Everything needs a friend or two or eight!”

Here are some pictures of my BFF’S.

Notice****** Some of the weeds like to tease you by having cute little purple flowery things on them.

Ah, a pretty purple flower....NOT it's a weed!!

The big things and the small things are weeds

Look there are tons of them; did you also notice some dirt by the patio. This is about a weeks worth of growth. At least I know the fertilizer is working!!

So unevan, if you look close you can see some of that semi-grass that I have

Now here we have just dirt and weeds, try mowing that

More dirt and more weeds

BIG, BIG spot of dirt and weeds...it's been seeded several times.

And now the weeds from the back have friends in the front!

So if you know someone who needs a side job as a Maintenance Man...hit me up!!

Scofield Mine Disaster

The Scofield Mine disaster was a mining explosion that occurred at the Winter Quarters mine. At the time, the Winter Quarters Mine explosion was the country's worst mining disaster; it now ranks fifth.

In the early morning of May 1, 1900, several hundred miners of the Pleasant Valley Coal Company of Carbon County left their homes in the town of Scofield to begin another day of work in the mines. Some were looking forward to the evening celebrations at Odd Fellows Hall where festivities would be held in honor of Admiral Dewey's 1898 defeat of the Spanish navy in the battle of Manila. Little did they know that the events of the day would culminate not in lively celebrations but in the death of 200 miners. It was the worst mine disaster in America to that time.

At 10:28 A.M. the No. 4 mine shaft unexpectedly exploded. Though the sound of the blast was heard in the nearby town, many residents thought at first that it came from fireworks set off early in celebration of Dewey Day. Those working closer to the mine were more wary of the noise. Mine superintendent T.J. Parmley quickly organized a rescue team to assess the damage.
What the relief crew saw as they approached the No. 4 mine was horrifying. John Wilson, a miner who had been standing at the opening of the mine at the time of the blast, had been blown 820 feet and was lying against a tree. It took nearly twenty minutes to clear away the debris that blocked the entrance to the mine. Time was crucial for those trapped inside. When the crew was finally able to enter the mine, they found that some men were still alive but quickly suffocating from the deadly gases left by the explosion. Miners in the No. 1 mining shaft, connected through tunnels to the No. 4, were also dying from the toxic fumes.

During the next two days the towns of Clear Creek and Scofield began the sad process of caring for the dead and wounded. Once dragged from the mining shafts, dead bodies were taken to the company boarding house where they were cleaned and dressed for burial. Then they were taken to the Scofield School where mothers and wives anxiously waited to claim them.

The Pleasant Valley Coal Company provided the necessary materials to properly bury the dead. Coffins were shipped in from Salt Lake City and Denver. William Sharp, company manager, came from Salt Lake with several doctors to offer assistance to those who were still alive.

On May 5 two large funerals were held in Scofield, a Lutheran service for the 61 Finns killed in the accident and an LDS service directed by several General Authorities of the church. Services were also held in other towns throughout the state. Crowds of people waited at the Salt Lake train station for the bodies of loved ones to arrive for burial.

The Scofield mine disaster left a deep scar in the community and in Carbon County. Although many felt that the mine operators had failed to implement proper safety procedures, state officials cleared them of blame and the Pleasant Valley Coal Company continued operating until 1923. Several miles from the ruins of the Scofiled town signs of a great explosion can still be found at the opening of the old No. 4 mine.

The Scofiled Cemetery today The Mine Shafts today Scofield Mine at Winter Quarters






Train Station in Schofield, people waiting for the train to send home those who lost their lives in the mine disaster.

Funeral Services held on May 5, 1900 at the Schofield Cemetery

What Is A Dad?

A dad is someone who
wants to catch you before you fall
but instead picks you up,
brushes you off,
and lets you try again.

A dad is someone who
wants to keep you from making mistakes
but instead lets you find your own way,
even though his heart breaks in silence
when you get hurt.

A dad is someone who
holds you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you, even when you fail...

HAPPY FATHERS DAY, DAD/GRANDPA. WE LOVE YOU!
~ME
~KAMI
~DEVIN

An Update!!!

Here is an update on the surgery and the weight loss. The recovery from my infections has gotten a ton better. Last week, my doctor released me to start exercising again. I can sleep on my sides and on my stomach, best news in the world, I can sleep normal again. I can also get into a regular bra now, of course no underwire of any kind still, getting out of this sports bra thing will be great!! Only limitation that I have now is that I still cannot lift over 10 LBS, hopefully that will be lifted next month when I see my surgeon again.

As of today, I have lost 25 lbs.

Below are some before and after of the BR surgery and weight loss.



February before BR and about 15 LBS lighter.

March after the BR and 20 LBS lighter

April 2009

April 2009, with the glasses

May 2009 after BR and 25 LBS lighter

I Finally put them Up—BOOYAH!!

As most of you know, I received a few Fatheads’ for Christmas. For those of you who do not know what a Fathead is.....well they are life size wall graphics that you can put on your wall. The Fatheads of course started out in Sports. They now have super heroes like Spider-Man, Superman, Batman. Disney Characters like Tinkerbelle, Mickey Mouse. Singers like the Jonas Brothers and wait for it Kelli (Whitney).........HANNAH MONTANA! Girl you can now wake up and see Hannah every morning.

My Dad and I finally got around to putting them up this weekend. They are on the walls in my game room. Who, do I have you ask?........Really, you need to ask......for those of you that have to ask, they are Dallas Cowboy Fatheads. I have Tony Romo and Emmitt Smith. I have included some pictures of them. If you want to visit the website you can find it at http://www.fathead.com/.

Kami gets an early birthday present!

Kami is going to be 16 in November, which means that in May she will be eligible for her learner's permit. So, she got an Pontiac Sunfire.

An update but NOT the best update!!

Word has got around to a lot of friends about the set back from my surgery. So, I though I would update my blog for everyone. As we all know my breast reduction surgery was on March 25th.

Everything was going great until something on my right Breast didn't look right. I called my surgeon’s office, it was after hours so I spoke to an on call Dr. I explained what my concerns were and well.......long story short it wasn't okay because this past Tuesday, I ended up in the ER. I found out that I have a skin and a blood infection, which was caused by an undetected Hematoma. The infections that I have are the MRSA and Streptococcus (Group A) Infections.

Everything is okay now and I am really fine. I have had several IV's of antibiotics. Thursday, IHC Home Care taught me how to give the IV's to myself, so I don't have to be in the Hospital and I don't have to go in everyday to get the IV. Right now I have an IV in my arm and I simply hook the bag up and the medicine runs though the IV into my body.

Thursday, when I saw my surgeon, he said I could continue to work and do everything as I normally would but he did not want me driving my car because it is a stick shift. So, I choose to say home on Thursday and Friday to get some sleep. I will return to work on Monday. Even though I got this crazy infection, I would still recommend this surgery to anyone who is considering it. All Surgery's have their risks and you have to weigh your options. The medical industry is amazing in how quickly they determine what is going on and then how quickly they fix the problem.

There is no need to worry, I am fine and will continue to be perfect…..LOL. Thanks to everyone who has called, emailed or text me. I love you all. And a HUGH thanks to my mom for driving me around town and making me and the kids dinner every night. I will see everyone or talk to everyone soon.

Almost a week later; See the new Babies!

Okay Okay, I'm updating my blog.

Tomorrow will be 1 week after my Breast Reduction Surgery. I was schedule for the OR at 8:45 AM on Wednesday, March 25, 2009. The Hospital told me I needed to be there at 7:oo am.

I love being the first for surgery, because then I don't have to wait longer if the Dr. gets behind. Once, I checked in, the nurse (names aren't going to happen, you all know how I am with names) took me back to get a urine sample, my temperature, and weight, gave me an anti-inflammatory and started an IV. The IV was just to get fluids in me. To bad those IV’s don’t make your hunger pains go away. Yahoo, I've maintained my 17 lost lbs. I lost 17 pounds and then slowed a few things down prior to the surgery.......anther story.

Then the nurse put these ugly white stockings on my legs. The stockings are used to help prevent blood clotting.

The medicine man then came to visit and tell me his story about what he'll do to put me out and then of course asked me to sign the waiver. Yep, the waiver that say's be can't be held accountable if I die.

Dr. Hunter came in and talked to me and then drew on my chest. The drawings he made on my chest are where we would be making his incisions.

The medicine man came back and took me to the OR, seriously, I walked down the hall and read a sign that said, "Hair Caps must be worn from this point on". HUM, pretty sure that includes patients, but maybe I'm wrong, maybe it was just meant for the Doctors. The medicine man and I finally, after a five-minute walk thought the OR, and hearing two nurses argue over who was going to do what during their surgery's, we arrived at my cot. Maybe OR'S are more and more like Grey’s Anatomy.

YEP, needed one of those caps, because as soon as we walked up to my cot, a nurse freaked out......WHERE'S HER CAP........WHERE'S HER CAP, Get a Cap on Her NOW! Kinda funny how sterile a hospital is supposed to be.....but sometimes people must forget, because the medicine man was pretty upset at himself. I told him not to worry because being back here for 5 minutes isnt's that big of a catastrophe and the OR will survive. He laughed and said I heard you were pretty funny. You heard that…who said, I asked? The Dr. he said.

I did make Dr. Hunter laugh a lot during my consultation in February and then made him laugh again as he was drawing my chest. After I received a beautiful blue cap, I lifted my Big 'O Body up onto my cot.

Dr. Hunter came in, checked with the medicine man and told me I'd be sleeping in no time. Dr. Hunter asked, "If you have a choice what size do you want to be?" I replied a "C" just like I said a few hours ago....He replied, just double checking, some people change their mind at the last minute. I'm good with a "C" don't want the torpedoes but want something bigger than an apple. Then, I said. "While, you're in there, just jab that stick thing in my stomach and suck some fat out of there too.....nobody will have to know." The Dr. laughed and said, “I do that too”. Yeah, I know but I’m not a Beverly Hills kid that can just spend mommy and daddy’s money. Everyone in the OR laughed at that one. (A Breast Reduction does include some liposuction to get the fatty tissue out.)

The next thing I remember is..talking to the nurse about the bright OR lights......then BAM, some other crazy nurse was shoving Saltine Crackers, Medicine and Juice down my throat. I then remember waking up again in the recovery room with my mom sitting next to me. The more and more I woke up the more and more light my chest felt. I really couldn’t see much because the Dr. had wrapped my entire chest with gauze and cotton then placed a strange looking bra on me. The bra was strange because the cups were reversed and pointing out like boob covers…..just like what Janet Jackson wore during the Super Bowl where she had her “Wardrobe Malfunction”. They were meat to allow swelling.

After a few hours in the recovery room they let me go. Before, you can leave a hospital after surgery, you have to be taken off the oxygen you are on and maintain 93% oxygen intake before they will discharge you.

Dr. Hunter said the surgery went very well and he was impressed with my hart rate, blood pressure and my breathing as they were prefect during the procedure.

I went home and slept Wednesday on and off.

On Thursday, I was still pretty out of it and took it easy. Of course I was curious as to what was under the bra so I took a couple of peeks. Really couldn’t see much but from what I could see was crazy!! The sister’s were not torpedoes anymore they were “lil babies.

Friday, I received a delivery from my team and boss from Marriott. They sent me a cookie arrangement. The cookies were in shapes of sports balls. One of the balls said “Bounce Back Soon”. The card from my team was pretty funny too, all of my associates had wished me well and a fast recovery. My team at Marriott ROCKS the House. They are the best. Thanks Team.

From the time I got home until Monday, March 30, 2009 I had drains coming out of me, draining the extra fluids. My mom had to change the drains a few times a day.

Monday, I went back to Dr. Hunter’s office and his nurse Peggy took everything off of me, took the drains out and put me into the bra I purchased. After getting dressed, I laughed so hard it hurt, because OMG I have NO BOOBS. How strange, I could see my feet and I could breath a lot better. BUT, when you fix something, there always seems to be something else that comes up. As I looked down, I noticed.... Dude, you now look pregnant!!!!! JC I have a HUGH stomach no chest but a big stomach. Really, I wonder how many times I’m goona be asked, “when is the baby due?” Now, I have to work on the “Santa Clause” belly. Really there is so much space between the babies and my stomach, looking down I’d say I was about 6 months along!!

All in all, I am pretty happy with the babies; it is a completely different feeling. Things are were they are supposed to be and when I bend over to try and pick things up the babies stay in place, the anchors don’t come out anymore.

Now, I am pretty sore and can feel all the swelling. I’m slow at getting around and doing things make be tired. Today, I got in the tub just to shave my legs……..WOW….that wore me out. Going to the store, makes me tired, so I just take it easy. I will be returning back to work on Thursday, April 2, 2009. Here is a picture of the new babies. I’ll post more, once I get some cloths that fit!!

Right now with some feeling and mirror examinations, my guesstamation on size would be a nice plump “C” but there is a lot of swelling. I have to wear this bra for the next 6 weeks and cannot wear any bra with wire or plastic supports for 6 months. But, I will tell you that at that 6-week mark I will go out and buy a new bra. So stay tuned for what size the babies will be in six weeks.


PS this has not been edited yet, to tired.


Look at the space between the babies!!

Good Bye to the Sister’s

Well, we all know Nis is a bit crazy at times and here is another Nisha Adventure.

On March 25, 2009, I am having Breast Reduction Surgery. I went to Nordstrom’s today to purchase the bra that I have to wear after the surgery. The “special” bra helps reduce swelling and helps the twins form their new shape. So, today is when it really hit me that my surgery date is just around the corner.

According to my PO papers, two weeks before my surgery (which I am in) I cannot have any aspirin products, any anti-inflammatory drugs or any over-the-counter herbal supplements. Five days before the surgery I have to shower with an Anti-Bacterial Soap, have to shave the arm pits 48 hours before surgery, clip (not shave) any hairs that are growing on the girls.

We all know that I have the honor of being a smoker. Three days prior to surgery I can only smoke 4 times a day…….HEY, maybe that will be the trick to help me finally quit….only time will tell on that one….and of course no food or liquids after midnight the night before. That morning I can brush my teeth and try not to swallow any water, thank goodness for that….wouldn’t want the Dr. to pass out from the morning breath.

The Surgery is an In-Out procedure and will take place at the new Intermountain Health Care Hospital.

I will be off work for a week. Right after I get home, I have to remain in bed and can only get up for bathroom breaks…more help on the no smoking thing….maybe I should work on one thing at a time…..LOL. The first two days I will be on a liquid diet, then a soft food diet until Saturday the 30th then my normal diet after that.

During that week, I have no idea what I’m going to do to keep myself entertained; I can’t drive for 7 days, seriously 7 days people…..that’s goona ROCK and my ADD will absolutely love it!! I have to avoid getting overheated and sitting out in the sun for two weeks following the surgery. I have to limit the use of my arms and not extend my arms over my shoulders for 7 days. I cannot lift, push or pull for 10 days…….HUM I wonder how I’m going to get in and out of my company’s doors or any door for that matter!!

The crazy looking bra that I purchased from Nordstrom’s must remain on day and night for 4 weeks. Sleeping on my side is okay but not on the stomach for 3-4 weeks after the surgery….34 years old, 34 years of sleeping on the stomach, don’t know how I’m gonna pull that one off either. The 3 hardest things from my PO papers that I know I will have problems with (even more than the smoking thing) are “No aerobic exercises, tennis or jogging for 4 weeks…….

So, there we have it, what I can expect before and after my BR Surgery, minus the pain. As, I progress through my recovery I will try and update my blog, but no promises.

I'm excited to see how this all “sizes” out!!

Kami's First Date

My daughter Kami's, is a Freshman in Jr. High School and went on her first date. Kami was asked to go to the Sweethearts Dance at Taylorsville High School. The Dance was on Valentines Day, February 14, 2009.

The day started with Me, Kami and her friend going to pick up Kami's Corsage and Boutonniere from the Flower Patch.

Brady's Boutonniere; Cymbidium Orchid

Fire and Ice; Kami's Corsage

After we picked up the flowers the girls and I stopped for lunch then went back to Kami's Dads house were Kami began to get ready for the big night. Kami had three girls working on her by doing her hair and nails.
Here is Kami getting her hair curled. Kami's house was full of Family and Friends all excited to pamper her.
As, the afternoon quickly slipped by and tensions rose, Holly, Kami's aunt, kept everyone laughing with her great sence of humor.


Here is Kami's dad just waking up, Cody was on duty the night before and had to work the grave yard shift.

Kami is finally done with her hair and nails. Kami's put her dress on so we could add the final touches to hair.

Brady has just arrived and Kami is making her "Grand Entrance"

Brady was so cute when he saw Kami, he got that look when a Husband sees his wife walk down the isle. It made the crazy afternoon all worth it. They looked so good.

Kami and Brady

Upon Brady's arrival he gave Kami this rose and cute teddy bear, what a gentleman. I don't remember getting roses on my first dance!!!

Brady just place her Corsage on her wrist.

Kami is pining the Boutonniere on Brady.

Ah, How Cute!!!

This is Kami's friend and neighbor Parker. He is also going to the Dance with another friend of Kami's.

This is Hailey, Kami's friend and Parker's Date.

Parker and Hailey.

Ah, the proud parents! Me, Kami and Cody.

Kami and her Dad.

Kami and her Mom.

The Group!!!

And they are off for a fun filled night.

Once Kami, Hailey and their dates left, they went to Applebee's for Dinner, Taylorsville High School to Dance (of course). They then met up with another couple, Robert and Anne. As always at high school dances they got their pictures taken. Around 10:00 PM Kami came back home changed her cloths, said good bye again to Cody and me, and went to Anne's Grandma's House were they watched movies and played rock band. When Kami got home that night she told Me, her dad and Holly "That was the most amazing night!!!!"

HUM?

After Valentines 2009, Cody and I were hit with the OMG our child just went on her first date stick. Kami is absolutely beautiful and I am sure Cody and I are in a world of trouble. I told Cody the next time she goes on a date or to a dance, he is GOING to get in his police uniform.

CONGRATULATIONS KAMI!!!!!!

Cars, Valentines Day, Cell Phones and the 900 Billion Dollar Bailout/Economy

SUCK!

25 Random Things About Me

25. I have never been out of the USA
24. I have a white cat named Emmitt and a Black Cat Named Romo
23. Yes, I am a Dallas Cowboys Fan
22. I have not dated since July 2007 (don't even ask, you wont get an answer)
21. I lose respect for people more and more as they lie to me
20. I am 34 and have a 15 year old Daughter and a 14 year old Son
19. Growing up I really disliked my First Name, but a few years ago Marriott did an Audit on their I9 reports and made me put everything in my first name and I am actually starting to like it. However, that does not mean you can call my by my first name.
18. April 2009 will be my 5 year anniversary in the home I had built for myself and my family.
17. This Month (January 2009) marks my 11 year anniversary at Marriott
16. I have boxes and boxes and boxes and then a walk in close full of cloths that still have the original tag on them.
15. My cousin races a Jet Limo and holds the Land Speed Record at 445 MPH
14. My ears are pierced 13 times
13. My tongue is pierced
12. I have 3 tattoos
11. I believe that everything happens for a reason
10. I have never been Married~What is wrong???
09. I absolutely hate winter and still continue to live in Utah
08. I didn't start drinking coffee until 3 years ago
07. My kids are 13 months apart
06. I am a shop-a-holic
05. Not many men can beat me in trivia about football/cowboys
04. I own two cars but my father is driving one, not because he can't afford his own but because he doesn't want to spend the money to put Diesel Gas in his Ford Power Stroke~Then sale the truck pops!!
03. Even during the sub-zero winters, I still wear my flip flops
02. I would do just about anything for the people I care about
01. The most important thing to me in life is my family

PS. If you are reading this via a blog, you must post your 25 Random Things and let me know when you have finished