This time, I mean it!

Due to the fact that my procrastination has given me stress to the maximum, Spotlight Sunday will have to resume in two weeks.

Also, I will not be around (this time, I mean it!) much this week. I do promise to blog about Sense and Sensibility next week, after the second half of the movie is shown. I also promise to blog about American Idol, if I can. I know you all love my exciting reviews (cue the snickers), and so how could I deprive you, dear readers, of my genius? I also promise you a riveting review of "moving week", which is what I have dubbed this next week. Yes, "moving week" will be filled with stuff about moving. As in, us --we are, indeed, moving. This week. See how that works? Good.

We leave Friday (April 4th). We'll visit Yosemite briefly, and then we'll arrive in Provo on Sunday night. Our truck of stuff will hopefully arrive before Tuesday, but there are no guarantees. If you would like to help us unpack, clean, bring us food, party like it's 1999, whatever, when we arrive, please email me (cssavage at gmail dot com). Or, just show up! If you know where we live! And if you don't, well then email me, kiddo!

That is all. Carry on. Without me. For a short while. I promise not to cry too much...

Life, Emma, and Lots of Pictures...

Well, dear readers, the time is coming...soon...soon...when I will not have access to the Internet for 3-7 days.
~slight pause for the wailing and sobbing~
I know! But, it must needs be that I move my family from this fabulous place to another fabulous place. Lucky for us, it's not until next week! Whoo-hoo! So, in that frame of mind, on with the post!
Jolene remembered to mention Emma before I did. In fact, I'm glad she said something or else I might have forgotten! Thank you, Jolene! Here's my take on Emma:
Quite good, really. The Gwyneth Paltrow version is very nice (I really like it), but I prefer this one and I'll tell you why:

• Ewan McGregor just bugs me as Frank Churchill. He doesn't seem to be...a deceptive type of character/actor/whatever-you-will. The actor in this Emma (Raymond Coulthard) is much more believable as both a scoundrel and a man in love. Plus he's better looking. Sorry, Ewan, but it's true! This was your pre-Moulin Rouge days, you know...
• The sequence of events is much closer to the book (which is very long, I might add), although the dialogue in both is very, very similar.
• Mrs. Elton, who is played by Lucy Robinson, (the same actress who played Mrs. Hurst in the Colin Firth P&P) is just delightfully perfect! She's seriously got the character down well. (But kudos to Juliet Stevenson in the Paltrow version --I loved her in Bend it Like Beckham! Her Mrs. Elton isn't annoying enough, though.)
• Mr. Woodhouse is much more likable in this one.
• Jane Fairfax is played by Olivia Williams, who was Jane Austen in Miss Austen Regrets. She is an incredible actress, and I really loved her as Jane Austen. What makes it even better is the fact that the character of Jane Fairfax is so different from Jane Austen, and Williams does a spectacular job with both!
• Miss Smith (although played very well by Toni Collette in the Paltrow version) seems more authentic. The actress seems "plainer" and more...believable (yes, I use that word a lot) as a poor "daughter of nobody-knows-who!"
• And speaking of Mr. Knightley, I actually prefer this one. Mark Strong may not be as beautiful as Jeremy Northam (at first), but I find his acting more...dare I say it? Again? Believable. Yes, believable! And after 5 minutes, I find myself swooning over him as easily as I do Mr. Tilney, Capt. Wentworth, and Mr. Darcy. Ooh, I just love these Jane Austen men!
• The costumes/design/set/background all seems more Regency England to me. Not that the Paltrow version didn't, but that version (Paltrow) seemed more "Hollywood", if you know what I mean.

With that said, please know that these are nit-picky things. I still love the Paltrow version. In fact, this is one instance where either movie would satisfy me, unlike all the P&P movies (yes, the Colin Firth one is superior!).
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Brandon is home! We picked him up this morning, but sadly, he has a cold. Which now translates into the chance that I will have a cold when we move next week. Ah, better that than being on my period! But still...
Our plans for this weekend are not as glamorous as they were last weekend. We're just going to pack, visit with family, have a nice dinner date, and go to #1's baseball game. Oh, and speak in Sacrament Meeting. Woot! Oh, what? You want to know what was glamorous about last weekend? Well, thank you for asking! I'll tell you!
Last weekend (before all the Easter stuff I already blogged about), Brandon and I took the kids to the Exploratorium in San Francisco. We decided we needed some time together as a family, since we've had little time for fun this last month or two. The kids loved it. So much, in fact, that we had to drag them away around 5PM. Or did we drag ourselves? Either way, we all felt dragged because it was an amazing place! A fabulous scientific-hands-on-whoah-what's-that?!-kind of place. Loved it.
Before we left, we took some pictures at this fabulous spot (which is just outside the doors of the Exploratorium). I had to search on the Internet to find out what it was --oh, the things I do for you, dear reader! Brandon took most of the pictures, and I thought I would share them with all of you because they are so much fun. So much fun! Sorry that the pictures of the actual Exploratorium is lacking. We were too occupied to take photos. Anyway, after we got home, I picked up a sitter, and Brandon and I headed out on our own. We took our time in Walnut Creek, and had a long, long (3 hours, baby!) dinner at Il Fornaio, out on the patio. It was so nice to just sit and talk. I love talking with Brandon. And looking at him. And loving him. And, luckily for me, he feels the same way about me! Whoo-hoo!
Here are all the pictures of the day for your viewing pleasure (sorry, no date pictures. We usually don't do that --you know, take pictures of our dates. Unless we are hiking. Ooh! Like our last date! I guess we do photograph our dates. Who knew?):

#4 is so smart, can't you see? And yes, that is a toilet. But no, it's not a "real" one. It's a drinking fountain, silly! And the next pictures show part of the Palace Theater grounds...

The rest of these pictures were taken in like manner: Brandon would ask us each questions and ask us to talk while he took pictures, thus the different facial expressions (obviously, I took Brandon's pictures because, well, hey, he's talented, but not that talented!). Oh, and just for those that don't know us, this is the order: #2, #1, #3, #4, yours truly, and hot-stuff hubby.

*Just so you know, #3 threw a rock at me during my session, thus the "is there a cut on my face?" picture...Oh, and isn't Brandon hot stuff? Yeah, baby! And he's all mine... :)

Prom: Good or Bad?

Stop what you are doing right now! I mean, it! You need to stop and go visit Katie.

Katie is having a give-a-way! Whoo-hoo! But the best part about this give-a-way? What you have to write about: Prom. And not just "Oh, Prom was so fun!" but your worst prom stories. I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you told about other people's worst prom stories. Just get over there and share!

Why?

So you can learn something new about Katie (whom I like a ton). And so you can read about MY Prom horror story. Oh, the horror! The horror! Okay, not really, but it's still a good story...

Unfair, AI, Totally Unfair!

Well, that wasn't very fair.
Sure, Chikizie was not going to win this competition. But at least he sings in tune! I was sad to see him go. Sayesha sang the best she had in weeks, and she's in the bottom two? JASON CASTRO WAS IN THE BOTTOM THREE!??! Step it up, Jason! Step it up! You're one of my Five! Ramiele keeps getting in without even a bottom three nod, which disturbs me on many levels. Of course, Kristy Lee Cook keeps making it through, not just because of votefortheworst dot com (she's their new target), but because she's the only country singer, and despite votefortheworst's antics (or lack of intelligence), she has the entire fan base rooting for her. Lame.

Last night's show was fun. Kimberly Locke sang fabulous --her dress was ugly, though. The Ford music Video was my favorite! And I like this new format of having the contestants come out one by one. Too cool.

What surprises me, though, is that everyone assumed David A. didn't pick his own music. An obscure song with fun licks in it? Of course the 17 year old picked it --it has "ooh, I should do this because I love it!" written all over it.

I'm still mad, though. Ramiele should be gone.

Back to packing. Yes, dear reader, I'm still packing. Or trying to. For all of you who would like to know when we'll be in Provo? We'll be pulling in by April 6th! (ooh, that's the birth date of our Savior. And the organization of the LDS church. And it's General Conference! What a lucky date...)

Now that's more like it, AI! (and some BL)

Ahh, American Idol. It was nice to have a variety of music last night, and bit sad to realize I was older than every single contestant --except one. Well, I guess that just means my critique of the show is more reliable and believable! I'm more than wise --I'm old and wise. And regardless of what people think, I see oldness as wiseness. Usually.
Anywhosers, I was glad to see that the show was shorter by 1/2 an hour. For some reason that just makes it easier for me to remember the songs. Somehow. Not sure how. Forget I said anything...

My take:
Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson were obviously very ill last night. As in "sick". As in "they had a cold" or something. I think it affected both of their critiques, although Paula's was the most affected. As usual. She sounded like an idiot. Yes, she's nice, but that does not make her idiocy any less...idiotic. Okay, moving on!

Ramiele Malubay: Why did she shout? Why can't she just use the instrument God gave her in the way it should be used? Ahh, the answer is because the judges made her feel crappy when she sang quietly (the Beatles ballad in week one), so she's pushing it hard now. But why did she have to sing one of my all time favorite songs and screw it up? Seriously, I didn't like it. It was better than last week, yes, but it bothered me. A lot. Not sure how to fix this one. I think her nerves are too fried and she's having a hard time relaxing, getting herself into it...not sure...
Jason Castro: Too quiet, Jason! I agreed with the judges in that I was looking for some more dynamic interpretation. At least he was sincere and confident this week, though. Last week was crazy. I like the confidant Jason. And, ooh! His eyes! Love me some Jason eyes! (To be honest, they're the same color as my husband's, so maybe that's why. heehee!)
Sayesah Mercado: I really liked this! I was surprised at how much I liked it, but I wasn't really watching her sing very much. I was just listening. When I went back to watch her sing? I was kind of annoyed. But her voice is amazing --spot on pitch and fabulous runs. I didn't know she could sing that high, either! Really good job.
Chikizie: Eh. It was pretty good; I really like his soulful voice. He knows how to work the crowd, etc. but I guess I just wasn't too impressed. His first week (top 12) was phenomenal, his second week was, well, weak, and now? I guess he just peaked the first week. Which is sad, really, because he's a great singer and a fab performer. He just needs to pick better songs...?
Carly Smithson: She started out perfectly. It was beautiful! [And those back-up singers are awesome. I've always liked them.] But then she started shouting, which actually wouldn't have been too bad if she had sang that last note quietly; subtly. But no, she shouted it out, and although it actually kind of "worked" (as in it was in tune and she held it strong to the end instead of petering out), it was obnoxious. Very...how do I put it? Selfish. That's it. It was selfish and self-indulgent. I'm seriously hoping Carly realizes that she can do something quiet, serene, and still blow people away. Because her pitch is always spot on, and she'd do wonders singing a ballad straight-laced without feeling like she has to rock it out. I think Simon put it right when he said she was "uptight". Absolutely!
Michael Johns: He's the one who is approximately 4 months older than me. And he's hot stuff, I decided. Hoo-wee! His performance last night was my favorite, hands down (with a close David Cook second), and I found myself cheering! I was so glad he got to do Queen, and I loved the combo of the two songs. Seriously, I love this guy! I tried to close my eyes to imagine what he'd sound like on the radio (awesome, by the way. He would sounds awesome!), but I didn't want to close my eyes because he's so nice to look at! (pardon me while I blush a little...sorry, Brandon!)
Brooke White: Kudos to Brook for re-starting when she made the first mistake --like she said, you're not supposed to do that, but it was so refreshing because it's easy to forget that these guys only have a week (or less) to rehearse and pull off these amazing performances in front of millions of people. Not an easy task! I agreed with the judges about the band coming in. She should have just done her thing with the piano, which, by the way, was awesome. Again. Not sure why I haven't gotten bored of her yet. Is it her smile? Her honesty? Her raw talent? Perhaps her awesome religion that I can' t help but relate to? Perhaps. Perhaps. Perhaps. She did well, though. Much better than last week's dancing fiasco. Ouch!
David Archuleta: I wish he'd work on his diction a little bit more. Then I could have understood the song better; but his voice was beautiful as usual. Not my favorite David Archuleta song, but still a goodie!
Kristy Lee Cook: "God Bless the USA?" Wha? I totally get why she picked it, what with it being a Country song and all; I just thought she could have done a Reba song or something. That would have been better. The middle bridge part? Holy cow, Kristy! Couldn't you sing it on key? That one hurt. But, I'll give her props. It could have been ten times worse, and she did look comfortable on stage. Finally.
David Cook: WHOAH! He came in a very close second to my favorite of the night (yes, it was Michael Johns, need I remind you?). This guy is probably the best musician out of the contestants (Brook would be the next best). He reminds me of Chris Daughtry and Bo Bice; cool arrangements and not afraid to make things his own. Who knew a Michael Jackson song could be so alternative? First Lionel Richie, then the Beatles, now Jackson? It was awesome!! David knows exactly who he is and exactly how to get 'er done. It was awesome. Awesome, I tell you! Awesome!

Who should go home:
Ramiele Malubay or Kristy Lee Cook

Who probably will go home:
Dear reader, have I ever guessed who will? Nope. And I won't start now... So, I'll just say somebody is going home. Yes, it will be somebody!

What did you think?
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THE BIGGEST LOSER:

Whoah! I was blown away when Dan won the challenge, but then got sent home. Crazy! Crazy! The whole cake fiasco was hilarious and I'm glad Roger took it to teach Dan a lesson. That was just too funny! It was nice to laugh about it all for once.

But how angry were you about the girls getting "annihilated"? (Alli's word). That was just awful, immature and very, very rude. I was so thrilled that the girls beat out every single one of those boys. Hooray for Girl Power! I cried with them after the weigh-in. They so deserved to win. And I'm hoping they both stay in it for a while --all the way to the end!

What did you think?

An Award? Again? For me? Why, Thank You!

Summer did it again! I'm not sure I can handle much more of her flattery, although I won't deter her in her desire to shower me with blogger awards. Because, you know, she is one of two people that have awarded me awards. And I only have five awards. Four are from Summer. She must like me, what can I say? And who am I to stop such wonderfulness?
(Thank you, Summer!)


I'd like to bestow this award to many of the wonderful women of the web that I've loved getting to know through blogging [if I know you in real life (as in we've met face to face), then you're not getting it. Sorry! I still love you, though. Really, I do!]:

Bythelbs, LAHansen, Jolene, Jamie J, Amanda, Amber (aka Kanga5), Kelly A., Tracy M, fluffychicky, M&M, Susan M, Desi, Mother of the Wild Boys, kellyry, and if I didn't include you because I'm a flake like that, then please let me know! Come on, you know you want to let me know, so you better do it. Or else. You...ummm...won't receive this award. Unless you just copy and paste it and put it on your blog, which is a very easy thing to do and none of us would think any less of you if you did it. So, go for it!

That is all.

When Aunt Flo(w) is a Nasty Houseguest

WARNING: This post has a lot of personal information about female cycles and forms of birth control. If that's just stuff you can't handle, please do not read! Seriously, I ain't joking here, people. It's all comin' out! Well, within reason. I mean, I do have my pride, you know --what little there is left after giving birth four times...

So, it's no secret that I have hormonal problems. I've spoken candidly about my post-partum depression, and recently I've spoken about my PMS-depression. The reality is that my depression is triggered hormonally. But what I have not shared with you is that I have other problems when it comes to this natural biological thing we call menstruation: My flood days.

See, there's a reason it's called Aunt Flow --and flow, she does! I've always had a heavy period, but this year, it's been really bad. I blame my form of birth control. I have a ParaGard IUD, and frankly? I love it. I adore it. This is the second time I have used such a device, and I really like it as birth control. Seriously, it rocks! But for some reason, it has turned Aunt Flow into Aunt Niagara Falls. Holy cow, people! The worst days? Two and Three. Day one is the warning. Day Four, Five, and Six, the floods recede. Day Seven? The fading good-bye. But man, Days Two and Three? It's almost like after-birth!

I was expecting this, a little, though. Periods do get heavier with an IUD; especially the non-hormonal one. Which is what I wanted. No hormones, I mean. Personally, I like knowing that everything is working properly; I like the clockwork. I like to know I'm whether I'm pregnant or not the natural way because I tend to worry. But now I'm starting to re-think my decision. Not just because of the heavy periods, but because of the hormones I think my body desperately wants to balance. [No worries there, though, dear reader! These are all things I'm planning on exploring once we get to Utah in the coming weeks.]

Now, back to the heaviness factor. This causes problems when faced with important tasks. Like any form of exercise. Or doing something big. Like packing boxes and moving furniture. Which normally wouldn't matter, except guess what I'm doing? Exactly. So, basically, yesterday? On flow day Number Two? Nothin' got done, baby. Well, a box here and there, perhaps. Maybe some errands. But not nearly what I wanted to get done. Not even close. Just chalk it up to another day trying to entertain Aunt Flow.

Okay, now I know this subject bothers a lot of people. Women included! This candid talk about the body's private functions can totally turn people off. And that's okay. For you, maybe. But not for me! I have to talk about this stuff, because I have to deal with this stuff. For a whole week! Out of every four! That's a lot of weeks, you know. Oh, wait. You do know? You have to go through this, too? How delightful for me! Because now I get to hear about it!

So, dear women (or men, who, for some strange reason find this subject fascinating for whatever reason) how do you deal with the Aunt Flow in your life? Are you Lucky Light or Hellish Heavy? Or do you even care? I'm truly not above you telling me that this subject makes you gag. Just be sure to rate your gaginess, okay? Remember, this is for posterity, so please...be honest. (Brownie points if you name that movie!)

Catch-Up Photos

Here are some fab photos for your viewing pleasure!


"Look, mom! I tied my shoe!" His attempt is on the left; mommy's is on the right.


Oh, look! I'm 29! And I'm obviously thrilled!


#1's Open House at school. "Hey, kids, let's pose for a picture! Could you please stop moving around? Please? Yeah, didn't think so..."
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The following pictures are from the awesome 6 mile hike Brandon and I took last weekend (March 15th). It started out sunny; then we got rained on. No worries, though! I love the rain and it was actually fairly warm. I wish I had more shots of the gorgeous flowers that were literally everywhere, but the wind made it hard to focus...anyway, enjoy! There's a video of the sunny part of the hike at the end. I thought I'd let you hear what we heard --basically nothing. So nice after a week full of kiddies!


Ah, what a beautiful day for a hike. Don't we look prepared?


Brandon: "Come on, Cheryl! The hills aren't that hard, are they?"
Cheryl: "Hufffff---puhfffff-huffff-puhhhfffff"


I loved these bushes with the dark, dark red bark. Gorgeous and plentiful...


Uh-oh! Looks like rain is coming...


Beautiful flowers, so many beautiful flowers!


Here are some views of the trail...


One of the waterfalls, and a beautiful view of Clayton Valley...


This was the last picture I took on our hike.

And now...here's the video from the beginning of our hike. When the trails were flat and the sun was shining, and the brook was bubbling...