Yeah for computers!

Here I am, blogging on my new laptop that i got at Mother's Day (not for just near it.) We also finally found my other computer on Saturday! It was in a box NOT marked computer but we fooled the movers and found it anyway! We had a visit from my brother Steve and he and Dad had fun riding in the almost dunes out towards Delta. Then he went with Justin the next day no doubt to celebrate Travis's birthday and Kaytlin's dance recital. I still haven't gone but plan to sometime soon. Do you think I can be a clutcher? We'll see. Monday for Memorial Day we had all the fam over and Kip and Connie and Steve and Trashley came and Josh brought his friend Melissa and we invited some neighbors down the street. It was a lovely time and we made root beer ice cream and some yummy chocolate as well. Good times. Mel is helping me fulfill my calling in YW but helping me get supplies and stuff. It is fun to have her close and to be able to do lots of things with her. We see Josh and Justin and Megan at least once a week for Sunday dinner and that is always fun. Since we have Justin's trampoline set up in our yard, we see them oftener and we love having the kids come by with Michelle, too. We were sad to miss the dance recital and miss the girls and Travis (you're a girl we miss too Aimee!) and having Mandy in our ward and hearing from her lots. I hope we live close to everybody in heaven! CJ and family come on Sunday and Justin will bless Victoria! Yeah!

Enjoy!

If Justin won't post pictures of his kids, I will. Doesn't Lyssa look like Boo?

Blog-what?

I don't want to be left out of this whole blog-thing, so here is my blog to let everyone know that I have finally taken the time to login. BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, and BLOG! It's now official, I've posted my first blog.

Optimization

Optimization: the procedure of procedures used to make a a system or design as effective or functional as possible. What a fantastic word!?! Doesn't it just sound great? Wouldn't you like to have everything in your life "optimized." Well, if you work in the pharmaceutical industry, you know that "optimization" is just a fancy way of saying, "Your services are no longer required by our organization. We have hired a very expensive consulting firm located on the east coast to determine just how much respiratory business there is across the country and exactly how many territories there should be in our company. Unfortunately, we regret to inform you (& yes, I do believe those are the exact word they used) your territory will no longer be in existence and therefore, you have been displaced." Isn't that just a nice way of telling someone they are no longer employed. It's like deja vu all over again.
Oh yea, the best part is, I'm expected to work through July 31 after which time I will receive my severance package. Unless, of course, there is a territory I am interested in relocating to. But, I won't have any of those details until tomorrow. What a fun way to spend a Wednesday. Happy Hump day to me!

La Familia Estraton

Well, I guess I should spill a little bit about me right now. Recently I met a girl named Melissa Ray from Tennessee. I met her on Friday night at a ward activity. I just got back from 4-wheeling with Justin and Dad. I got back just in time for people to head over to the activity. There were 4 people going into a small truck, so I offered to take some people. The only person to come with me was Melissa. I saw her before and wanted to get to know her, and I got the chance. After winning some guesstimate thingy at the activity, Melissa and I were going to hike the Y with some other people, but we got tired of following them, so we went by ourselves. We got to the Y and sat there and talked for just under 2 hours. We finally decided to come back down and came back to the Riviera. We watched a movie at midnight until 2:30 am or so. Then Saturday afternoon we went on a "date." We went out to lunch to Zuppa's, a place she told me about Friday night. We then played mini-golf where I only beat her by 3. She got 2 holes-in-one to my none. On the way back from mini-golf we went and bought Batman Begins and watched that. By the time we finished that, it was 7pm and she had some other plans for that night. I have seen her and talked to her everyday since Friday, but not the same amount of time I spent with her on Friday and Saturday. Well, that is what is going on in my life and that is probably the most exciting thing that has happened since I have gotten off my mission.

Deal or No Deal?

For the cheapskate, bargain hunter and deal finder in all of us, I have found the greatest web site in existence. One deal, one item for one 24 hour period or until it's sold out (whichever comes first). I'm sure that there is crap that we would never want; however there is bound to be an item that you're dying to have and can't live without. So, if you want a great deal on some cool stuff (sometimes), just visit woot.com and see if you are interested in what they've got. But visit early in the morning, because they do sell out and you certainly don't want to be the only loser in the Stratton clan without the coolest gadget and the best price.

Guinness worthy? Not quite.

I just wanted to let everyone know that I myself will be setting a personal best this weekend. I am going on two dates. Woot.

Is that a niner?

The lottery has been held and my luck continues to hold out. I have been accepted to the St. George Marathon for the 9th time. One more and I am in the 10 year club and don't have to worry about the stinkin' lottery. And, even better, that d*** Julie Thomas didn't get in, so there is a chance for me to do well in my age division. (If you want to know who she is, you'll just have to ask me) All are invited to support and cheer me on. Will it take me 45 minutes to lay out all me gear for the marathon? Will I wear the yellow or the red shoes? Will I get my PR? Will I once again be "elited"? These are questions that we cannot answer until October 7th. Again, all are invited to learn the answers to these life altering questions. But, more importantly there will be a huge feeding fest when the race is over and my "no sugar" diet is complete. (Just ask Meggie about the feast in 2002)

Hola

Just a quite note so everybody knows about me. I am in my apartement off campus and I am working 50+ hours a week and have no personal life. That is it and I will talk to y'all later with more exciting news from me.