Thelma and Louise weekend ...

...okay, maybe not even close but that title sounded much better than "my birthday weekend road trip". Anyway, a good friend of mine gave me tickets to see Saturday morning session of General Conference as a birthday present, so my sister and I drove to Salt Lake City last weekend to attend it. We left Friday night and ended up taking longer nap rests than I anticipated. We weren't able to swing by a friend of mine's home as planned to freshen up. We arrived Salt Lake around 8:30am, their time, so that left us an hour to be in our conference seats. We stopped by McDonald's for breakfast and used their restroom to change and freshen up as best we could.

Wow! The process to getting and being in the conference building was awesome!! Although there were long lines, they moved quickly and efficiently (even having to go through metal detectors and bag/purse peeks). Then I was at a personal awe for the realization of being in conference in person! What a sweet and wonderful feeling it was to be in the vicinity with the prophet! Next time, maybe I will be able to shake his hand. A truly special birthday (that day was my actual birthday). My sister enjoyed the experience as well.

After the session, my sister and I were ready to check-in to our hotel and take a much needed shower! After which, we met up with Mhai and her family for lunch at a nearby downtown cafe. It sure was a treat to see her again and finally meet baby Ella (their #4). The food was yummy and the company was even better! Then, back to our hotel to rest a bit and soon after drove around town looking for a Thai restaurant (was craving Thai for my birthday dinner). We stumbled onto a fabulous one! My SLC friends check it out here. After the delicious meal we just drove around and enjoyed the cool air and beautiful mountains, then back to the hotel to crash!! We woke up in the morning jazzed at my snow covered car! After a quick breakfast and another circle to temple square we were off homeward bound. Shortly after an hour's drive out, I got pulled over by a cop. I was caught speeding. Bad girl!! This time I made sure "my wife of an officer's badge" was in full view while I retrieved my driver's license. The cop saw it and asked if I was a cop. I said no but my husband is. He then said, "Well, we don't want your husband to get mad at you for getting a speeding ticket. Just slow down.". "Yes, sir" I replied over a racing heart! My funny sister shortly informed me that she had a back up plan had he pursued to give me a ticket. She said that she would tell the officer that I drove all the way here to see the conference and that I'm a nurse and helped people ... then give him her puppy smile. It would have worked too! That gal can talk her way out of anything!! Oh, I forgot to mention that my sister got pulled over too on our drive to Salt Lake in the middle of the night ... but for looking lost! Heart racing no less!! Anyway, the drive home was pleasant. We talked and enjoyed our sister time. The whole weekend was a great experience for both of us and a much needed mini vacation. Sure glad it didn't end like Thelma and Louise!!

P.S. That Monday of the 5th, my sweet family celebrated my birthday. I had cake with a 21 candle (lil David thinks I'm that old, so Dave played along and got the candles ... works for me!). I got the Star Trek movie and Just Dance wii game I wanted. That and the iPod touch I got from my sister, I'll be grooving my way to a slimmer me! Hehehe. ~Overall, being 41 was fabulous and memorable!! Thank you, my family and friends for your part in making this a great year. I love you all.

Sheila, RN

Yeap, my sister passed her board exam and is now officially a registered nurse! Congratulations, Sheil! All your hard work paid off and you did it!! I'm so happy for you. Now, I'm looking forward to celebrating. Somewhere grand ... let's go to Europe or Hawaii ... you're treating! Hehehe ...

My silly sister!

My sister came by this afternoon and noticed the above picture on my desktop screen and was jazzed that we finally got a decent picture of the two of us. She then proceeded to tell me that we could show that picture in her funeral ... silly girl !! I then told her that they can show that picture in my funeral too. Now, we're both silly girls!!!

I love you to pieces Chick! You're the best! Mwahh!!!

Sheil's Day

Happy Birthday Chick! Of course I didn't forget. Enjoy your day and we'll celebrate soon.

Love you lots.

You, me, and Sophia

Happy Birthday Sheil!!

To my wonderful sister, Sheila, I want to wish you an amazing birthday year! A blogging tradition, here are 30 (I don't think I should advertise your age so I'm rounding down) things I love about you.

1. She's beautiful inside

2. She's beautiful outside

3. She's very generous

4. She makes totally delicious leche flan

5. She's smart (has a bachelor, currently an LVN & in RN school)

6. She is a wonderful mom and wife

7. She knows what she wants and goes after it

8. She's a hard worker

9. She's an awesome sister!

10. She's ambitious but will not trample over people to get there

11. She's a people person

12. She's a caring daughter

13. She's a loyal friend

14. She managed to get her husband to vacuum for her (she has vacuumed probably 4-5 times since they've been married --13yrs)

15. She's annoyingly lucky! At everything!!

16. Her excitement to telling her jokes are funnier than the jokes themselves

17. She keeps a clean house

18. She's a good hostess

19. She's the coupon queen!!

20. She can get fabulous show tickets (through hubby)

21. She's good with money

22. She's got a beautiful smile

23. She smiles all the time

24. She juggles well (family, work, school, ...)

25. She manages to hint to people what she wants and then gets it!

26. She's always there for me

27. She's a good talker ...

28. Family is important to her

29. She's thoughtful

30. She's upbeat

To all these and more, I love you dearly!

Atsik