Overview of the last week...really that's all it is.

So, this last week I had Monday and Tuesday off, these things happen. But Monday I got up at 5 in the lovely AM to go to work because Big Buddah was coming. He works at Fox 13, so does my friend Kelton. So I mention to Buddah that he should tell Kelton to answer a text message and we need to play. I mentioned this thinking he would say it back at the station....

...He didn't...

He instead decided to day it on-air, live. So it's not like I could do anything about it. It was just funny.

I then went home and took a long nap, the night before had been one of those nights where I didn't sleep. Then wake up and I watched 7 hours of criminal minds. This is a show that fascinates and disturbs me. But I can't seem to stop watching it. I also feel like I should have been way more scared to go to bed than I was.

Fast forward to Wednesday...Pioneer Day...the 166 anniversary of the Pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley. And the second busiest day at the park. We had roughly 3,000 guests that day alone. So many people...I was on the news again. Fox 13 again, in fact. For like...30 seconds. They had me and April in our crowns. (It was technically the last day of our reign.) While Cliff talked about the various activities going on around the village.

After getting off work, me and Kim head down to Mapleton, to see some cousins, but mostly to see my family when they get in. My little brother is moving out here to school and I don't see my family very often, so I do what I need to to see them when they get into town. I was also REALLY tired the next day. ( I didn't get home till after midnight, and I had to be up at like...7 ish. And pioneer hangover day isn't always very fun at work, all the pioneers are just tired.)

Fast forward again to Saturday. So Saturday night I am suppose to leave from work to go up to Tremonton to spend time with the family. Except that I got asked on a date to the movie that a bunch of Co-workers were going to. I don't care what anyone says Lone Ranger was AWESOME!!!!! And it's even cooler when you go dressed up in pioneer clothes.

So this is the second date I have been on in the last two years. (The last date I went on was Brighams Ball, and the last one before that was 2 years ago...and it...yeah...it's its own story...)

Brent, from work, took me to the movie, we then had dinner at California Pizza Kitchen and then I drove to Tremonton, getting in around midnight.

But it was a really fun date actually. He was very much a gentleman, and we get a long really well. We are going on another date next week, after my family is out of town. I doubt this is going to go very far, because quite frankly, I don't think I will ever see him as more than a friend. But it was just a lot of fun.

So there is a quick catch up from Mandy's life.

Brother Brigham's Ball

So, remember my post a about a year ago? Entitled a "A ball gown". Talking about my ball gown, ya know the one where my bosses are incredible and wonderful and amazing and got me the gown last year? If you need a reminder on what it looked like here it is.

So this year, I, once again, know the greatest human beings on the planet. Planning on just borrowing from the closet. My friend Amber, up in Logan, asks if she can make me a ball gown. I told her I couldn't pay her. She didn't care, she just wanted to make me a ball gown. Wouldn't even let me pay her materials. I did make her rice crispy treats, because she loves them and I knew she wouldn't say no.

Here's the problem, She lives in Logan, right? So she could fit the dress to me. So when she brings it to me, the top doesn't fit quite right. But of course I have the greatest co-workers on the face of the earth. So April takes a look at it, and takes it in a little and adjusts the sleeves for me, right? Well...the neckline was still just a little to low for Mandy's taste. So I ask her if I bought some more material if she could maybe sew it into the neck line and help me make a sash to tie around my waste.

The problem, I wasn't able to get the fabric and her into the same location until the day before the ball. When April had really no free time. So she asks Tate if he can take a look at my dress for me. I show him the yellow and cream fabric. and say I just want a cream sash and the yellow fabric in the neck line. Then my lunch is over and I head back to my site.

By the time work is over he has finished the neck line, where he sewed in the yellow...but then sewed lace over the top and hand stitched some beading around the entire neckline. (I know he didn't have time for that). IT WAS SO PRETTY!! The only reason I didn't buy lace for my dress was because lace is expensive. Because there was now white on the top, he asked if he could make the sash yellow instead because it would help bring out the yellow on top. Which I agreed. He said he'd make the sash that night when he got home. I was still stuck on how pretty the neck line was. Then I side mention how I wish I had a small bag or purse that I could carry my phone, wallet and camera in while at the dance so that I didn't have to take my whole bag. Jen had one she was going to let me borrow, but it didn't really match. Tate says, well I could probably make you one...but I don't know if I want to make one with the cream fabric because it gets dirty and stays dirty.

I'm thinking, that's cool. I wasn't asking for him to make me a reticule, (I learned what it was called...not how it was spelled.) And I'd figure it out the next day.

Next day comes, I see my dress and it has the sash, and a yellow reticule, lined with my cream satin and the same beading stitched across the top.

I have the best co-workers ever. 2 years in a row they went out of their way to make sure my dress was as pretty as possible.

Then, one of me and my date.

One of the girls in their dresses.

One of Tate, because he is amazing.

Things I get to say i've done

So I work at a pioneer park, right? I get to do a lot of cool things because of this.

For example, last summer, I was crowned Pageant Royalty for a Pioneer Pageant. Seriously, how many people are involved in pioneer pageants? Do you even know of any other pioneer pageants?

I've also learned how to pan for gold.

I've been getting good at learning how to crush iron pyrite without getting to many shards in your hand.

I took a donkey for a walk like it was a dog.

I've milked a goat while wearing a beauty pageant crown.

And the most recent one, I'm going on a date with a blacksmith.

We have our annual Brother Brighams Ball coming up this Saturday, and I was 100% sure I wasn't getting asked, and therefore was just planning on attending stag.

Then, Friday, I was moved from Brigs to conducting the train. As we make a stop outside brigs, Lane gets on the train. I ask him what he's doing down at Brigs, It's not exactly close to the main part of the village. (keep in mind that I do have guests on the train so I only have a few seconds here and there to talk to co-workers who get on the train, bug I have to keep the train going.) conversation went pretty much as follows.

(Lane gets on train.)

Me- Welcome aboard.

Him- thanks.

Me-(addressing the guests on the train.) If you look towards the front of the train you see, the front of the train. But just beyond that you'll see our Walk of Pioneer Faith. Now, contrary to popular belief Mormons were NOT the only faith to settle here in the Valley, there were actually several faiths that settles here. Each of these monuments has a plaque to represent each faith known to have been here at this time.

Me- (putting the mic down, talking to Lane) So, what brings you down to Brigs?

Lane- Actually, I was looking for you.

Me- Oh yeah?

Him- Yeah, I was wondering if you had been asked to the ball yet?

Me- I have not.

Him- Would you like to go with me?

Me- I'd love to go with you.

Me- (realizing that I need to get back to conducting. Here is the ironic part.) Just behind the Walk of faith we have our Garden Place, it is the newest building here at our park and it was built for the sole purpose of hosting events. We've had weddings, birthday party's, bar mitzvahs, corporate events, business parties, lazer tag competitions...okay, we haven't had that, but if you want to be the first, it'd be really cool. Also coming up next week we have our Brother Brighams Ball, you come dressed up in your pioneer best, if you don't have pioneer best come in whatever suits your fancy, and we have a pioneer dance and it is a lot of fun.

And that's the story of me getting asked to Brother Brigham's Ball. This will be the first date I've been on in 2 years, so I'm actually pretty excited.

Corps Encore and fourth of July adventures.

UGH! I LOVE CORPS ENCORE!!!!!

For those of you who have know idea what that is, it's a marching band competition associated with the DCI (Drum Corps International) Program. Some of, if not, the best marching bands this country has to offer.

Every summer they have a competition up and Weber State. I haven't been in four years.

It is SO AMAZING!!!!

Impulse was by far my favorite corps in the Open Class category was Impulse. They for sure had my favorite uniforms of the night, although closely followed by Vanguard. They had Aussies for their hats, and they are kind of my favorite marching hat. In the World Class Santa Clara Vanguard was my FAVORITE!!!!! Their show was Les Miserable's. And they had so many cool effects. UGH! I wish I had been allowed to record it. And sadly, I couldn't find anyone on youtube who recorded it and decided to put it up. sadface.

Seriously though, I recommend checking out www.dci.org to learn more about what they are all about.

Then the fourth, I woke up at 3 in the morning to a bunch of lightening. Was up for an hour and a half. Then got up at six thirty. Went to April's, where she did my hair for the Holiday. Went to work. Was stressed out and grumpy all day at work. (Not to any patrons thought, don't worry. Just mostly to myself).

After work I headed down to Saratoga Springs and spent the evening with Dani. Her neighbors were have a BBQ and setting off a bunch of fireworks. Arial fireworks are legal in Utah now, so looking across Utah Lake, you could see the entire Valley shooting off fireworks. All the way from Thanksgiving Point to Stadium of fire, and all the home owners in between setting off their fireworks.

Dani's poor dogs were scared out of their minds, which is why she left them inside in the kennel while we were outside. Then we went in to her one dog having gotten completely sick in her kennel. This is the same dog that has been sick for a few days. By this point Dani asked me if I just wanted to stay the night. (We had met at the Smiths and left my car there). So I crashed there with no toiletry items whatsoever.

I wake up to her letting the dogs out and on the phone with her husband. (I think part of why she wanted me to stay was he was out of town for work, but he should be back.) And she was in tears. Her dog had gotten worse, so I offered to go to the vet with her. (I knew she could use the moral support). After we get her dog taken care of, I get back to my car (around noon). I put gas in it and then I went through Coffee Creations drive through. And I got a frozen hot chocolate...I quite possibly love those things more than life itself. I'm sure a big reason why I love it so much is all the memories associated with it, but still...of the Gods.

Then, instead of being smart and just hopping on Redwood and taking Bangater to the freeway, I decided to drive through down town Lehi, thinking back to life there. My first place of employment, my first high school, the middle school I went to, where I bought the boutonniere for the one formal dance I went to in high school. I miss Lehi a lot, life was easier when I lived there. (A lot of that has to do with the fact that I was still in high school and not responsible for paying rent and stuff.)

I finally got home around 1, took a shower, and then a nap.

And that was my adventures for the last few days. Now just to survive work tomorrow. (I really do LOVE my job, I'm just really tired, mostly mentally wiped out, which sleep doesn't do much for.

My Summer Wish List

So, we all know that Mandy has heat issues. And it sucks. There are so many things that I would love to do in the summer, but I can't because I can't do heat. So here is the list of some things Mandy wishes she could do in the summer but she can't because her body doesn't like heat.

1. Work at the Livery.

2. Play softball on the ward softball team.

3. Go on hikes at some time other than early in the AM, or after dark.

4. Go to a bon fire after spending 8 hours in the sun.

5. Be outside for extended periods of time.

6. Attend outdoor dances.

7. Actually dance at the dances when I work a networking socially.

8. Bake. (My apartment doesn't have air conditioning.)

9. Garden or do yard work after about 9 or ten in the morning.

10. Play outside.

I wish I knew why my body doesn't cool like it's suppose to. I really do enjoy doing all these things outside, but I can't because I get sick. It's just annoying.

New goal, get heat exhaustion less than last summer.

So remember how just a few weeks ago I put up a post about how to avoid heat exhaustion?

Well, it really is all good advice, but sometimes, it is just to deathly hot outside.

I was working the livery on Thursday, ya know, with the animals. Pony ride and petting zoo, that kind of thing. I was thoroughly enjoying myself until we broke 100 degrees.

I had been drinking water all day AND taking in sodium. After lunch I went to Smoot Hall and put some ice in my handkerchief to tie around my neck. I stayed in the shade as much as possible. I did everything I could to avoid heat exhaustion.

It wasn't quite enough though. I was doing okay until about 3:30, and I was completely hydrated. But all of the sudden my head felt like it was trying to split in two and I felt like I couldn't see straight.

I knew I needed to get cooled down NOW.

I was in charge of pony rides at that current moment, and we had guests coming, and the vignette team was also coming on down the road. As the people come up I apologize to them and say "It is going to be just a moment on your pony rides, I need to go grab a co-worker. The heat is getting to me a little bit". And considering everyone wanted to be dead from the heat, they understood.

I walk (stumble) over to the petting corral and yell to Isaiah, "Can you grab Brent to run pony rides? I have got to get cooled off, I do NOT feel good." As soon as I see Brent walking over, I apologize again and originally was going to head to the hospital (not a working one, it's a replica of the Desseret Hospital and the basement is the employee lounge. It's air conditioned.) But I quickly realize I am not going to make it that far.

As I'm walking past the Vignette team April mouths to me, "Are you okay?" I shake my head and say no.

I make it to the bathrooms behind the school house, just across and down a little from the livery. I make it to the last stall and I start taking clothes off. I NEEDED to get cooled off. I manage to get my boots, (You wouldn't believe how much heat shoes can hold in.) socks and shirt off before wave one of throwing up came around. There goes all my lunch.

After a few minutes of that, I stop long enough to get my pants off. (Which also hold in a lot of heat) and lie against the wall, which was fairly cool.

I hear someone come in, and I think it was a co-worker mostly because I glanced under the walls and saw that they had a basket and a bonnet, and not to many guests walk around with those.

However, I lacked the energy to say anything. So she left, and I feel wave two of throwing up coming, which sucks because everything in my stomach was already gone.

So sure enough, round two hits, and as I'm in the middle of throwing up again, some guests walk in and I hear "Are you okay?" I manage to moan "No" in between heaves. Then these wonderful guests ask "Can I do anything for you?" and between heaves again, I manage to say I need someone to go to the livery. (I knew thats where the closest co-workers were) and was able to inform them that I was an employee. The one lady asked my name, and then left. Her daughter stayed in the bathroom. "Do you need anything?" I had finally finished round two by this point. I pretty much said that I needed to get cooled off, that I had heat exhaustion.

Around this point I hear Isaiah come in. (Yes, that was a girl.) And she told me that someone had called Holly and she was on her way. (My boss)

Isaiah stays until Holly gets there, but then she has to get back to the Livery, we were a little short handed. Holly comes in and after first making sure that I wasn't dead asks what happened. I said "I don't know, it's never hit me like this. Usually I can tell it's coming and I can keep it under control. It just came out of no where." That's when I was forgiven for not telling her sooner. Because I didn't know until it was happening.

She tells me she is going to go grab a dress to cover me and grab the golf cart to take me to Smoot, (another blessed air conditioned building) and April was going to wait outside the stall while she was gone.

As April is waiting, round three of throwing up hits. I keep apologizing because I know it sounds gross. She just wanted to make sure that I didn't pass out. I've been lucky and I've never actually passed out from heat exhaustion before. I just get sick and want to be dead. That headache is pretty much the worst thing ever.

Holly gets back just as round three finished, they get me into a dress so I'm in something besides underwear and an undershirt to travel. She takes me to Smoot Hall, and I go to Cliff's office to lie down on his couch (best couch in the world, I want it for my bed) Cliff had already left for the day. Holly comes back with two bags of ice. She puts one under my head and one on my stomach, so we can get my core cooled down. And then I lie there for 45 ish minutes before Holly decides I am good enough to stand up.

Also, the vignette team brought me a powerade while I was down in Cliff's office. Because they are awesome like that. They also offered to drive me home, except no one knew how to drive stick and thats what my car is.

Then Holly came back and she gave me a ride to my car, I then came home and did nothing on my couch all day, it was great.

And since my goal of not getting heat exhaustion at all this summer is no longer happening, the new goal is to get it less than last year. It was three times last year. So hopefully no more this year.

Baby Sis Mission Call

So, if you haven't noticed, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, more commonly referred to as "mormons."

It use to be that when Young Men in the church turned 19, they were able to serve a full-time mission. Where they would give up 2 years of their lives and serve a mission for the church spreading the Gosple. Young Women could go when the were 21 to serve an 18 month mission.

Last October, the Church changed it's policy where Young men can now serve at age 18 (after they have graduated high school) And Young Women can go at 19.

With this change, my little sister decided that she wanted to serve a mission. Last week, she received her mission call. Now, for those of you who don't know, filling out papers for a mission is a very long process. You have to have medical and dental appointments, fill out a bajillion pages of paperwork and have interviews with your Bishop and Stake Presidents. (Leadership for the congregation where you meet) After all that is completed, you submit your papers to Church Headquarters.

Then the waiting game, my little sister was lucky, she only had to wait (I think) 2 weeks. I had a roommate who had to wait six. At church headquarters they decide where to assign you to serve.

After your call has been assigned they send you a big white envelope. The envelope you watch the mailbox for, the mailman probably thinks he has stalkers. When Rachel (the baby sis) was expecting her call, dad stayed home from work, and it came. (2 days later than expected...she wasn't sleeping. I told mom to slip zquil into her dinner...I don't think she did.)

Of course I was at work when all of this happened, and I'm dressed up as a pioneer. I can't really answer my cell phone. I had to wait to go on break, and so the whole family was waiting for me for her to open her call.

So after we had everyone on Skype and cell phones she opened her call. I am proud to announce that my baby sister has been called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She has been been assigned to labor in the St. George, Utah mission. She will serve for 18 months.

I am so proud of her. Being able to serve a mission in not an easy thing and she will learn so much and grow so much. And While I'll only get to talk to her I think...3 times...She can call home on Christmas and Mothers day. I can send her e-mails, and once a week she can read them.

So congrats Rachel, can't wait to see how much you'll grow on your mission.