Turn it down a notch

For those who don't know, I work at an Optometrists office.

Every now and then, there will be a patient who will come in with a problem or a question. They will come up to the front desk, and talk so loud, that I'm sure the patients in the exam rooms can all hear. It's not that they are shouting or angry, they just feel the need to talk really loud. Or sometimes we will have the person in the waiting area answer their phone, and speak so loud, not realizing (or not caring) that we can all hear. It's disrupting to us at the front desk, to others in the waiting area, and those patients looking at glasses.

It bothers me so much. I know that some of the elderly people talk loud because they can't hear as well, but other people....... sometimes I just want to tell them to shhh!

Maybe they were never taught how to use their inside voices.

The taste of clean

When Daniel and I first moved to Memphis, we realized the water here was yucky! So we found these juice mixes that basically has nothing in it. It was nice because we didn't have to feel guilty about always drinking juice, since it was made of nothing (0 cal).

There are several different flavors, and they are quite yummy.

A few weeks ago Daniel and I were shopping at Target, and as we were walking to the check-out counter, we passed the Brita pitchers. BRILLIANT! Why we didn't think about this earlier, no one knows.

So, we decided to purchase one and try it out. I never realized how clean water can taste. It's even better then bottled water (which I don't believe in BTW). I am now a Brita follower, and happy to be drinking clean and yummy water.

9/11 - 10 years later

What does 9/11 mean to me?

It was the day I made the journey from South Africa to the US. Unfortunately, it didn't go according to plan, and we landed in the US 4 days later. But it is a day I will never forget.

Our trip to Washington

Our long countdown finally came to an end. We have been so excited about our week long trip to Washington to see Daniel's parents. It's hard being in Memphis so far away from home. This was our first trip back since coming to Memphis 2 years ago, so it was a much needed break.

Daniel taking down our last link on the countdown chain.

On the plane waiting to leave. Soooo excited!!

The view from the plain of Mt Rainier in Washington. We flew into Seattle, where Daniel's parents met us. We stayed in Seattle over night, which was great. A little vacation before our vacation.

We went to the Space Needle for lunch. It was really amazing. The restaurant rotates, so you can get a really good look at Seattle as you eat your food.

Danial and I at the top.

We went canoeing one morning on Moses Lake. It was a beautiful day and the water was perfect. We went early before it got too hot, and before all the boaters and skiers came out.

We celebrated my mother-in-laws birthday while we were there. I made a three layered German Chocolate cake for her, and we had chicken taco's for dinner.

We went on a picnic to Summer Falls near this beautiful waterfall. There were a lot of wasps that I didn't really appreciate, but once we were done eating, they left us alone and we enjoyed the waterfall and the surrounding scenery.

We had such an awesome time. It's tough being back. I am looking forward to when Daniel will be done with school and we don't have to be so far away from family.

Modesty

I have been thinking about this question for years, but have never voiced it to anyone besides Daniel. I know that not all people agree with me, which is partly why I have kept my opinions to myself. But, today I feel like voicing my opinions, and welcome any comments.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, as woman, we have been instructed to be modest in our clothing. Yet, every year around summer and Easter, girls come to church in sleeveless dresses. Why is that?? I know that one can make the excuse that they are only babies, or toddlers, or little girls... but when do you start? When do you tell your child that it is no longer appropriate to wear sleeveless dresses? When they enter Primary? Young Women? I don't know.

It just seems like it wouldn't be that hard to put a onesie or an undershirt under that dress. As adorable as they look, wouldn't it be a little confusing to tell them they can dress a certain way until they reach a certain age? I don't get it.

I've never understood it, and it has always bothered me. You can dress however you want at home, but when you go to church, you should be modest in your dress, no matter how old you are. That is just my opinion, and like I said, I know that not everyone agrees, but it's what I think.

Daniel and the guys

Daniel and some of his friends thought it would be really fun so grow mustaches for their last final of the semester. It just so happens that the professor for that class, also has a mustache, and thought it was really funny.

The picture is a little fuzzy, but you get the idea.

Jelly Beans

Since I am still reading the Harry Potter books, I have Harry on my brain. I saw these online, and just had to get them. When they arrived, the box was a lot smaller then I expected them to be. It's a good thing, because Daniel wouldn't eat a flavor more then once. I had the list of flavors, then handed the beans to Daniel one at a time, making him guess what they were. It was the funniest thing watching his face as he put them in his mouth. Well worth it!

Flavors

Bacon

Black Pepper

Blueberry

Booger

Buttered Popcorn

Cherry

Cinnamon

Dirt

Earthworm

Ear wax

Grape Jelly

Grass

Green Apple

Lemon Drop

Rotten Egg

Sardine

Soap

Marshmallow

Tutti-Fruiti

Vomit

Famous on Google

Posted by Daniel

So the other night Belinda and I were looking on google maps to see how far it would be from one of our possible externship sites to my parent's place. Turns out it's about two hours. Afterwards we just kept playing around and decided to take a walk around Rexburg with Googlemap's street view option. We checked out our old apartment, our favorite place to get ice cream (G's Dairy), our favorite burger joint (The Backyard), and our old jobs (Western Watts, Madison Middle School and Meleleuca).

While checking everything out I realized that we were famous! Our white pontiac vibe can be seen in two of the street views; one near Western Watts (where I worked) and one at our apartment (in our parking spot). It's crazy that our car is right there in the pictures. Anywho, I thought it would be fun to post the pictures.

I thought it was even funnier because we haven't lived there in almost two years!

Ode To Belinda

Daniel here. Just wanted to take a moment to let everyone know why Belinda is so awesome.

1. She is easy to talk to. This is one of the things that made me fall in love with her. When we first got to know each other we would go on walks around Rexburg and it was always just so easy to talk to her, and I love her for it.

2. Amazing with kids. Belinda has a degree in preschool education, but I don't think that's what makes her so good with kids. This is an ability that she was just born with. Kids are naturally drawn to her and trust her. When it takes days for some kids to warm up to others, Belinda can become their best friend in a matter of minutes.

3. Hard working. When Belinda was a kid in South Africa they had a maid that cleaned their house for them, but somehow Belinda still learned how to work hard. I can't say how much I appreciate the hard work and sacrifice that she has made for us while I am going to school. Our first year of marriage she even went to work on the Rowley's farm, and as any Allsops know this is definitely hard work. She has continuously had a job since then, often working two jobs. I know she does this out of love, and I love her for it. I can't wait for the day when she can do whatever her heart pleases.

4. Patient. When we first got married I thought I had 2 years left of college . . . I was wrong. It was closer to 3 1/2 and Belinda has been so patient with my schooling. Now I'm in optometry school and we only have just under two years left. We both can't wait to be done! Thanks for Belinda, letting me focus on schoolwork. I know sometimes you've felt alone and I appreciate so much your patience. It's only a matter of time before you will no longer be a widower of a student.

5. Smart. Belinda is really good at thinking about solutions to problems. We'll only have a couple of things in our pantry/fridge and Belinda can think of an amazing dinner for us. At Midtown Eye Care, where she works, she learned everything so fast, and I know that the doctors there really appreciate everything she does. She has a way of solving problems that really amazes me.

6. Talented. Belinda plays the piano, is the chorister for our ward, learned to crochet in a day, can sew whatever she puts her mind to (she reupholstered our chairs), ran a half marathon, speaks Afrikaans, designs our blogs, and is a great organizer in many many other ways.

Belinda, I love you and you mean the world to me. Thanks so much for everything you have done for us. I can't wait for the rest of our lives together. You rock my world!

Daniel's Face

Once in a while, Daniel will get lazy about shaving. Recently, he decided to cut his shaving time in half by growing out a goatee. After a week, he come up with a brilliant idea of then shaving a mustache. He had never done it before, and was just curious. After 24 hours, he realized that it was a big mistake and got rid of it. Now that he has gotten that out of his system, we never have to do that again!

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER AFTER

Excited to Go Home

Since Daniel and I moved to TN, we have not had the chance to go home to Washington. We miss our family so much, and it's really hard being so far away. So we decided to save a little, and go home during Daniel's semester break in August. We are so incredibly excited, there are no words to explain. It's really hard being down here all by ourselves.

So the date is set, the tickets are bought, and the countdown begins.

On a side note, I have this co-worker who I can't stand. She is the most selfish, rude, judgmental and mean person I have ever met. At first I thought that maybe it was just her personality, and she might not realize how she comes across sometimes, but after working with her for over a year, I have decided that she is just a really mean person.

Well, she has decided to go back to school. Her last day will be while we are gone. So when we come back from our wonderful vacation, she will be gone. Another reason to celebrate.

4th of July

I have never really celebrated the 4th of July like most people. I don't know if it's because it's something I never grew up with, or the fact that I am not American, but I don't have the same feelings about it that some do. I've always felt guilty for not making this day exciting for Daniel, so this year I wanted to change that.

We went to the Bartlett Firework Extravaganza on Saturday. There was a live band, tons of food, games for all ages, and a few rides.

The fireworks lasted for 30 mins, and was absolutely fantastic. It was hard to capture the magic of the night, but here are a few pics anyway.

A Hogwarts Dinner

Before I start, I must tell you that we are not Potter geeks. We enjoy the books and the movies, but we are not obsessed like some people.

So, I was reading my sister-in-law, Alyssa's blog about a date they did which had an Italian theme. I thought it was really creative, and I thought about a theme date that I could do. I am currently reading the Harry Potter books, so naturally, that's what came to mind.

I started by giving Daniel an invitation to our date night.

I found an 'Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook' online, and chose three recipes. It was hard to narrow it down because there are a ton of desserts they eat in the books. I ended up making Pumpkin Pasties, English Stew and the famous Butterbeer. I put little tea candles everywhere to represent the floating candles in the Great Hall.

I set it all up on our coffee table, and watched 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' while enjoying our Hogwarts Dinner.
It was a really fun night, with some definite recipe keepers.

FHE

When Daniel and I first moved to Memphis, the LDS students in Daniel's class decided to start doing FHE together. Once a month we meet for food, games and spiritual upliftment. Each family (there are 13) is assigned a food to bring. The point is to try and make something you have never made before. Pictures are taken of you and your food/drink, and they are emailed along with your recipes to everyone in the group. So 2 years later, we have a lot of yummy new recipes.

This past month we were assigned drinks, so we decided to make Root Beer. I had never made it before. It was really exciting. Here is a little clip of what happened when we added the dry ice.

Homemade Root Beer

Ingredients

• 3 cups white sugar
• 1 1/2 gallons cold water
• 1 fl oz. bottle root beer extract
• 2-3 pounds dry ice
• 
  
• Directions

1. Mix the sugar with 2 cups water and microwave or heat on the stove to dissolve sugar.
2. Pour mixture into large cooler and add remaining water and root beer extract.
3. Carefully place the dry ice into the cooler, and cover loosely with the lid. Do not secure the lid, as pressure may build up.
4. Let the mixture brew for about an hour before serving. You can add more sugar or water for personal preference.

Makes 2 gallons

Left Behind

After 2 months of marriage, Daniel and I decided we were ready to have a family. I knew right away that we were going to have problems, but kept positive. In the mean time, everyone around us were having babies. It was really hard seeing everyone have the joy of parenthood that we so desperately wanted. But we kept positive, and kept trying. A few years later, those same people were on to baby number 2. That was really hard. It made us realize how much we were losing out on, and what we could've had.

Then all our infertile friends started their families too, and everything changes. It's hard for people to understand what it's like to be in our shoes, so we tend to pick friends who are also in our shoes. But all of them have moved on, and once again we are left behind. It's hard to keep those friendships, because they have something more important in their lives, and since I'm not a stay-at-home mom, I don't get to go on play dates or hang out and talk about our kids.

Over the past year, some of those same people who were having babies when we weren't, are now on number 3, and it hurts so bad. It's just another reminder of where we could be, and what our lives could be like. I mean, I'm grateful for all the time I have been able to spend with Daniel, and how much we have grown together. It's a good thing we get along so well, but if I could change things, i would want to be one of them. A stay-at-home mom with 3 children and piles of dirty laundry. Sometimes I just don't understand why!

1st Patient EVER!

Hey everyone, Daniel here. It's been a while since I've posted so here are a couple of tidbits for you. I finished my second year of optometry school in the beginning of May. I got a week off and now I'm back at it. This summer semester is the beginning of my third year and also the time I start to see patients. Last Friday I had my first patient! I can't believe how fast time has gone by and it's hard for me to believe that I am ready to look at a patient, understand what might be wrong and that I have the knowledge to help them, but for the most part I do.

My first patient was a great experience. She was a 63 year old nurse who has been coming to the Eye Center for a long time. She know that you get good quality exams, but that they take a little longer, since the students are doing them. That's probably why she wasn't frustrated that her exam took me 2 hours and 20 minutes to do! I'm sure I'll get faster. She was really nice and when my staff doctor came in to finalize things he asked her if she knew she was my first patient. She said she had no idea and told my staff doctor that I should get an A for the day, so I guess it couldn't have gone too badly.

This picture is of me standing in front of The Eye Center on my first day with patients. About 300 patients are scheduled there every day. I'll be seeing about 3 patients each time I am in clinic, which right now is only once a week. The next 2 semesters that will increase. Today I am going to do a "mobile" exam, where my lab group travels to a nursing home to give exams to patients in their rooms. I'm excited to see how it goes.

My Birthday and the Zoo

My birthday, was between semester break, so I took the day off work, and we went to the zoo. Unfortunately, there weren't many animals, and we had to walk around a lot just to find them. It was a little disappointing, but it was still fun.

Daniel is standing with Chief Seattle. Not sure what he is doing in Memphis.

We made home-made pizza for dinner, and Daniel made me a chocolate cake with raspberry cream cheese frosting.

It was a pretty awesome day, and I am so thankful to Daniel for making it special.

Memphis Flooding

The last time Memphis flooded like this was in 1937. We took a drive down to take a look, and it's just unbelievable. You look at it, and it's almost as if you are watching TV, because it's hard to believe that it's real.

We live 20 miles east of the Mississippi river, and so were not affected by the flood. I have a co-worker though who lives right there, and the water came within 10 yards of her apartment. I feel terrible for those who lost all there belongings in the flood. I don't know what I would do if that were me.

You're supposed to be able to walk to that.

6 years - oh my!

I can't believe it has already been 6 years. Time flies when you're having fun.

Daniel and I celebrated our anniversary by taking a couples cooking class at the Viking Cooking School. Each night they have a different theme, and we went on Southern Cooking night. It was so much fun.

We made southern fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, collared greens, skillet fried corn bread and banana pudding. My favorites would have to be the banana pudding, gravy and collared greens. It was heaven on a plate. The corn bread was my least favorite. It was really dry and had a weird taste. Overall, we had a blast. I have always wanted to do this, and I'm sure glad I did.

Nashville Country Music Half Marathon

I did it, and I'm still alive.

It was a lot harder than I expected. More hills than I trained for. I walked more than planned. Overall, I had a blast. Sure I thought it would never end, and cried a few times along the way, and couldn't walk when it was over, but I would do it again in a heart beat. It feels good to accomplish something that I worked hard for.