Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Retirement

I have reached a landmark in my life story.... retirement... from singles wards. I have been in many singles wards in the past twelve years... yes - twelve years! They have all been superb - especially in regards to the people that I have met. Yet, it is still funny to me that singles wards exist. I just feel that singles should be part of every ward - just like the moms and the dads and the little old grandmas.....
I have loved all of the singles wards that I have been in, and all of the friends that I have made. I am excited to experience a family ward again! Happy Retirement!!!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Who's your daddy?


Did you ever see the movie 13 going on 30? It is one of my favorites. One part that cracks me up is when Jennifer Garner was asked "who's your daddy?" She missed the slang meaning and simply responded "Wayne Rink." Here is my daddy - Norm Drasher.
So, he just had an article written about him in the newspaper back home. Cool, huh? He never told me about an interview that he had on CNN, so I was excited that he actually told me about this one!!!
My Dad is not perfect, but I think that I have had to defend him within my family for so many years- that sometimes I forget that he is not perfect. I stayed with him when my parents divorced - partly because I could not handle him being left alone, but it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I do think that divorce is interesting in terms of parenting. Every child needs a mother and a father - there are so many traits that they gain from each parent. Yet, the world would say that we can each do it all on our own. Men and women are so different - but we need each others differences. Okay- so that was a huge can of worms that I just opened - just something to think about!
Here is the article - I hope this link works.
P
http://www.standardspeaker.com/articles/2008/12/22/news/hz_standspeak.20081222.a.pg1.hz22_normdrasher_s1.2176473_top2.txt

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

The Regulator

No, this is not some fiber aid, this is one more of my nicknames. Let me explain. A former roommate gave me this name. At the time, she was dating a young man. Well, I would worry about their late night activities at our home, so I would just happen to make cookies and surprise them. I know this sounds kind of dumb, they are adults. I just know that I am very tempted when I am with a guy.... and need protection some times. I wanted to be their protector... does that make sense? Well, umm, I do not think they enjoyed my antics, and thus was named the Regulator.

Who would have believed that I would actually feel like the regulator again? I work in a treatment center for teenage girls. This week especially, I have had to enforce some of the established rules - and felt so much like the bad guy! Once again, Peggy the Regulator returns!

P

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Another Tag

7 TV Shows I Love To Watch:

1. i Carly
2. American Home Makeover
3. Friends
4. The Office
5. I have really liked Private Practice lately...
6. I Love Lucy - an oldy but a goody!
7. Cold Case


7 Things That Happened Yesterday:

1. I was able to sleep in with my fuzzy blanket..... ahhh, heaven -
2. Conferenced with a professor who absolutely intimidates me.
3. Visited my friend, Diana.
4. Lifted some serious weights - and paid for it with soreness.....
5. Talked with my friend Lucinda
6.
7.

7 Favorite Places To Eat:

1. Cafe Rio
2. European Connection
3. The Pie
4. Bombay House
5. Happy Sumo
6. Gastronomy
7. Cold Stone

7 Things I'm Looking Forward To:

1. Teaching
2. Summer - I am always looking forward to summer!
3. Finding luvv, twue luv - and spending time with him...
4. Marriage in the Temple.
5. A trip to Pennsylvania.
6. moving to a new place
7.

7 Things On My Wish List:

1. To get completely out of debt.
2. To have my own place.
3. A teaching position.
4. To lose half of my body weight.
5. Geneology - to have my family's work done.
6. Free time
7. to be a mom

Friday, December 12, 2008

Christmas Carols for those with "issues"

1. Schizophrenia - Do You Hear What I Hear?
2. Multiple Personality Disorder - We Three Kinds Disoriented Are
3. Amnesia - I don't remember if I'll be Home for Christmas
4. Narcissistic - Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me
5. Manic - Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and...
6. Paranoid- Santa Claus is Coming to Get Me
7. Antisocial Personality Disorder - Thoughts of Roasting You on an Open Fire
8. Borderline Personality Disorder - You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll tell you Why
9.Attention Deficit Disorder- Silent Night, Holy Ooohhh look at the puppy - can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away, is it snowing?
10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,
Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,
Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,
Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,
Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,
Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,
Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,
Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,
Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,
Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells.

11.Alzheimer's Disease/Senile Dementia- Walking in a Winter Wonderland Miles from My House in My Slippers and Robe.

12. Social Anxiety Disorder - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas While I sit Here and Hyperventilate.

13. Oppositional Defiant Disorder - I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus so I burned down the house.

Since I work in the field of Mental Health and I totally have my own issues - this totally made me laugh!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Body Worlds 3: The Story of the Heart


My part time job is working at The Leonardo Downtown, where they have Body Worlds 3. I have been so amazed by really studying and looking at the human body. We have such a gift! Creation is sooo amazing to me. It amazes me that everyday, a baby is born, and born the right shape, with all of its parts. Or why we have some parts of our bodies. Eyebrows - they are so random. You can see them on the plastinates - not like hair - but padding. So Amazing!!!

1. started your own blog (duh)
2. slept under the stars
3. played in a band

4. visited hawaii
5. watched a meteor shower
6. given more than you can afford to charity
7. been to disneyland
8. climbed a mountain
9. held a praying mantis
10. sang a solo
11. bungee jumped
12. visited paris
13. watched a lightning storm at sea
14. taught yourself an art from scratch
15. adopted a child
16. had food poisoning
17. walked to the top of the statue of liberty
18. grown your own vegetables
19. seen the mona lisa in france
20. slept on an overnight train
21. had a pillow fight
22. hitch-hiked
23. taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. built a snow fort
25. held a lamb
26. gone skinny dipping
27. run a marathon
28. ridden in a gondola in venice
29. seen a total eclipse
30. watched a sunrise or a sunset31. hit a home run (in the park)
32. been on a cruise
33. seen niagra falls in person
34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. seen an amish community

36. taught yourself a new language
37. had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. seen the leaning tower of pisa in person
39. gone rock climbing
40. seen michaelangelo's david
41. sung karaoke
42. seen the old faithful geyser erupt
43. bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. visited africa
45. walked on a beach by moonlight
46. been transported in an ambulance
47. had your portrait painted
48. gone deep sea fishing
49. seen the sistine chapel in person
50. been to the top of the eiffel tower in paris
51. gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. kissed in the rain
53. played in the mud
54. gone to a drive-in theater
55. been in a movie
56. visited the great wall of china
57. started a business
58. taken a martial arts class
59. visited russia
60. served at a soup kitchen
61. sold girl scout cookies
62. gone whale watching
63. got flowers for no reason
64. donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. gone sky diving
66. visited a nazi concentration camp
67. bounced a check
68. flown in a helicopter
69. saved a favorite childhood toy
70. visited the lincoln memorial
71. eaten caviar
72. pieced a quilt
73. stood in times square
74. toured the everglades
75. been fired from a job
76. seen the changing of the guards in london
77. broken a bone
78. been on a speeding motorcycle
79. seen the grand canyon in person
80. published a book
81. visited the vatican
82. bought a brand new car
83. walked in jerusalem
84. had your picture in the newspaper
85. read the entire bible
86. visited the white house
87. killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. had chickenpox
89. saved someone's life
90. sat on a jury
91. met someone famous
92. joined a book club
93. lost a loved one
94. had a baby
95. seen the alamo in person
96. swam in the great salt lake
97. been involved in a law suit
98. owned a cell phone
99. been stung by a bee
100. seen mount rushmore in person
101. learned to play an instrument

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Come What May, and Love It

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, the oldest living apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died Monday night, age 91.
In reflecting upon his death, I returned to his last conference address. I LOVE IT! It speaks to my heart about the trials we face in this life. So, here are the main points - and I hope I do not get sued for plagarism.......

"Come What May, and Love It"
What a statement to guide your life. I think of myself at 18, with such hopes and plans about how life would be - and compare it to now and what life is. Two totally different routes really! I have been truly blessed - but in ways that I could never have imagined then.
"Learn to Laugh

1."The first thing we can do is learn to laugh. Have you ever seen an angry driver who, when someone else makes a mistake, reacts as though that person has insulted his honor, his family, his dog, and his ancestors all the way back to Adam? Or have you had an encounter with an overhanging cupboard door left open at the wrong place and the wrong time which has been cursed, condemned, and avenged by a sore-headed victim?
There is an antidote for times such as these: learn to laugh."
2."Seek the Eternal"
3. "The third thing we can do is understand the principle of compensation. The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude."
4."The fourth thing we can do is put our trust in our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ."

All I want for Christmas.....

As a child do you remember making the famous list to Santa Claus? I sure do. It is such an exciting time for a child - the anticipation and all. This year, I get the same questions, what do you want for Christmas? I never know - I guess because if I have a need, I get it myself... but here is my Christmas wish list......

kids books - i love em - they are just so pure -
a tune up for my car - umm, its been sounding kinda funny lately...
mmmm, a husband... okay, this might be one of those "big ticket" items... so I would settle for just a date with a nice, chivalrous man
-It may take a lifetime to find true love, but when you do, you have an eternity to share it!
Okay, so I will get to the real point... what I want is to have my return to the gospel. Dr. Stuart E. Rosenberg wrote in his book The Road to Confidence, ‘Despite all new inventions and modern designs, fads and fetishes, no one has yet invented, or will ever invent, a satisfying substitute for one’s own family.’ ”
My family was all raised in the LDS Church. Yet, I have watched as each brother and sister has fallen into inactivity. It truly breaks my heart.
If any of my family is reading this, I know your feelings towards the church. I think that it is too easy to focus on the restrictions that comes with church membership. Let's focus on the Blessings the knowledge of the Gospel gives us.
The Atonement
"In fact, it ought to be a matter of great doctrinal consolation to us that Jesus, in the course of the Atonement, experienced all of the heartache and sorrow, all of the disappointments and injustices that the entire family of man had experienced and would experience from Adam and Eve to the end of the world in order that we would not have to face them so severely or so deeply. However heavy our load might be, it would be a lot heavier if the Savior had not gone that way before us and carried that burden with us and for us." Elder Jeffrey R. Holland


Where can you start? Alma 32: 27, 33, 36
27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than adesire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.
• • •
33 And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good.
• • •
36 Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither must ye lay aside your faith, for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed that ye might try the experiment to know if the seed was good.

Prayer
I can not even count how many times prayer has changed my life. I have been directed and comforted through prayer. I am grateful to know that ANYTIME I need heaven's help - I can receive it!

Okay, so I know I am asking for a lot this year, but it is worth it! Know that no matter what - I still love ya'll!
Merry Christmas!
And Santa, I know I am not giving you much time - but if anyone can do it- its all you big guy!!!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Thank you Santa....

When I first moved to Salt Lake City - I moved into a fabulous singles ward - University 41st. At Christmas time, my dear Bishop Cutler and his wife invited me and several others from the ward to spend Christmas with their family. Since then, they have become my "surrogate" family. That first year, I had a knock at the door, just a few days before Christmas. It seemed that santa had made his rounds early that year - and was leaving gifts at doorsteps. I was really touched by "Santa's" genorosity and kindness, and kind of intrigued... who was this secret santa? Well, every year since then, Santa has found a way to deliver to the Cutler's every year since. I am baffled. I have had my suspicions through the years.... but have yet to figure out who the mystery Santa is. So, if you are reading this.... Thank you, Merry Christmas, and know that your gift meant so much that I have been inspired to be a secret santa for someone else.......
I love the spirit of the season!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Christmas Memories

-Hearing Elvis Presley's Christmas always reminds me of home. One night, when I was about nine years old, our family was trying to have Family Home Evening. I think me and my sisters were probably driving Dad crazy. We were just a little wild. So, in his Marine Fashion, we had to get in a circle and march. March! Then he turned on Blue Christmas - for us to continue marching!
-Dancing in the kitchen with my grandma (Nannie Drasher).
-After opening presents, we usually played one of our new games together. I was so excited one year, because my older brother and sister were letting me play the game of Life with them. I showed my new found maturity by laughing so hard that I wet my pants - really!
-As a child, I would go to the craft store/boutique with my mom all the time. I would always kind of sneak away to look at this porcelin doll. I was always amazed to see a doll with brown hair and brown eyes like me! So, one day when the doll was gone, I was really sad. How surprised was I when Santa had brought that same doll for me!
-We always drove around to look at Christmas lights during the season. We always went to Hershey's Chocolate World - they have a Christmas set up there with lights and even reindeer! So much fun!!! The best part was mom getting pulled over for drunk driving! ( She was not drunk she was just under the influence of kids!)
Merry Christmas Memories!!!!!

What is your favorite Christmas Memory???

Pamper Yourself!!

I work with a girl who is going to nail school. If you want to pamper yourself this holiday season - go and see her. The services are cheap - and on Mondays - half off!!!! Give her a call - Whitney Jackson 561-9112. She is at the school of nail technology at 85 East 7200 South. I can't wait!!!
Peg

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!!!!

I am so excited! Now that Thanksgiving is officially over - it is time to ring in the holidays! List of Christmas stuff this year:
See the lights on Temple Square
I want to go ice skating - I have never been.
Christmas Caroling - it has been years!!!
make a gingerbread house!
Play Santa!!!
Make Cookies!
Sit on Santa's Lap - especially if santa is a young, eligible bachelor!
Kiss under the mistletoe
Drink Hot Chocolate
Watch A Christmas Story - you have to see this every year!!!
Read The Polar Express
Wrap gifts
Any other suggestions???
Anyone want to join me in the festivities?

I love family history... with technology


My Dad is a Family History buff..... I really admire that in him. I have spent countless hours with him. Have you ever seen our books? Yeah, books on tombstones in Pennsylvania - exciting stuff. I am the one working on my mom's side of the family - which is so interesting. Dad is about to serve a service mission working with family history.
Technology has made this work so much easier! For instance, Dad sent me a picture of my great, great grandmother today. She lived over 100 years ago! Cool that I can get her picture just like that! Now - she is famous - posted on Peggy's blog for the world to see!!!!
". . . I encourage you . . . to begin to unlock the knowledge of who you really are by learning more about your forebears." James E. Faust.

I love a Parade!

Since I was a small child, I have always spent Thanksgiving morning watching The Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade. I love it! Today was no exception! I love the balloons and the floats. Plus, the bands bring me back to my days of marching band (yes - I was a band buddy!)Today, I loved this group called the Briefcase drill team, which was a group of men in women in suits and ties, carrying - you guessed it - briefcases! I love this picture of the Energizer Bunny - even he gets pooped out!
P!

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble

I love the kindergartners that I am doing my student teaching with! For the last two weeks, the children have been given an assignment. We have been singing a song about a Turkey who runs away for Thanksgiving. They have to come up with a disguise. They have been so cute! From a baby turkey, to the incredible hulk and even a mermaid! I love them. And, if I was a turkey and had to hide....I would dress up as Mr. Potato Head... he is big and brown to begin with! Happy Thanksgiving and good luck finding your Turkey!
Miss Drasher

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Did you hear?


I love the rivalry between University of Utah and BYU Football! It is hilarious! I am a loyal U of Utah fan. Good thing that The U beat BYU 48 -24!!! YEAAHHH!
P

Marvelous Monday

Monday was a Marvelous Day...
here's why:
1. Step Class. Have I said that I love step before? Sweat + music + dance = heaven!
2. It was beautiful outside! I love all the fall colors.
3. I was actually on time for class.
4. I have the best advisor at the U who sang her version of "A few of my Favorite Things" Literally - I mean she sang it!
5. My afternoon class was cancelled - so I took a nap, cleaned the kitchen and finished a paper.
6. I was offered a job for the Christmas break. It is not glamorous - but hey - it pays.
Now, if the rest of the week could be just as good.......
P

Saturday, November 15, 2008

One fall Leaf....

So, this is how I am feeling lately....

One fall leaf, blowing in the wind.
May be a beautiful sight to see.....
Exploring, discovering the world around
moving from place to place,
Never feeling the ground.
Longing for the comfort of the tree....

I think that I realized at a young age how different my family is. There really is no connectedness - no bond. I guess that happens in families that divorce. It does not fill my craving though. It leaves me feeling raw and exposed, for so many years. Like when I am at church and the song is "Families Can Be Together Forever." Ouch! I do not usually bring up my pain.... but it helps to express it.
P

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Slimdown

I am currently enrolled in a contest, called Utah Slimdown. I have a membership at Metro Fitness. I was given instruction on lifting weights. I have also been given a diet - where- lets face it - I have cheated a lot!
The diet has the following rules: no carbonated beverages ( this is SOOO hard for me! Eat only whole grains. No sugar - if a sweetener is needed, used stevia. Lots of water and raw vegetables.
It has been about three weeks since I started - and even with me cheating every once in a while - I have lost 15 pounds. Yeahhh for me!!!!

Gertrude must die!!!!

I read an article today in Self magazine about how we talk to ourselves. I have realized this myself recently. Sometimes I think that we abuse ourselves with the negative thoughts that we have about ourselves. Think about it - if we wrote down everything negative thing that we thought about ourselves - wowo! Or, if we spent themday telling them to someone else - well we wouldn't.
So my negative mind has a new name - Gertrude. This is the voice that tells me that I can not take a nap, because that would make me lazy. I can not take the day off. I have to just be tough - and life will just be endured.
I MUST KILL GERTRUDE!!!! Life is to be lived - to have fun! I need to give myself credit for the things that I have done and overcome. I am Peggy, hear me roar!!!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Change is oohhhhhh so possible...

Wow! Can you believe that We did it! We elected Obama to the Whitehouse! What a world we live in! Considering that when this man was born, he was born into a segregated world. Martin Luther King was dreaming of this boy's future.... Amazing!

I was thinking about this last week. I went to an awards banquet for education majors, where a lot of the donors were teachers. They talked about how many lives we influence as teachers. I could not help thinking of change that night...

Let me elaborate. I think of my own ancestral history. My own Grandmother grew up in a coal mining town in Pennsylvania. College was not really thought of as an option for her. Her options were created for her: wife and mother. Not that those are bad options by any means. I am just saying how many more opportunities are open for us today!

New subject: I was at the dentist today -which was scary after last week's ordeal. There was a little old woman who was just leaving when I got there. I was shocked to hear that she met her husband, and then married him 3 (one - two - three) DAYS LATER!!! Can you imaagine? Sometimes I hear of long courtships - but I don't think I have heard of such a short one! It would be incredible though - meeting someone and developing a relationship so quick! Wow!

Well, I need to get some schoolwork done -
P

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Decisions, decisions.....

In the next few weeks, several local school districts are having open houses for new teachers. I knew that I would eventually have to decide where I want to teach - I just did not expect it so soon! I am student teaching in Jordan School District right now. This would make it easier for me to get a job in this district, just because my evaluations are done by Jordan District employees.I just feel that housing is so expensive in that area, and I would prefer to live close to the school I teach at. I have been thinking about Salt Lake District, because I can stay where I am at. Or, maybe Davis School District. I love the areas from Bountiful through Kaysville, so I am considering Davis as well. My Dad thinks that I should move back home and teach. I do not think that is going to happen. ( Sorry, Dad.)
This week is also ballot casting week. Phew! I am not sure I want either one to win. I feel that McCain does have the military expertise and knowledge, but I do not trust him. I do not like his advantages for the SBA. SBA are motivated by their own selfish greed. Have we not learned this in the last few years?
I have a lot of trust in Obama! I think he is a man of integrity. I feel that he truly sees the little guy in America. We need to consider the needs of the average, every day American trying to make ends meet.
So, wish me luck on my choices - and I wish the best for you!
Peggy

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Blahhhhhh...... I am trying to be grateful.....

I have trying to be more aware of all of the blessings in my life really... so here is what I am grateful for today.
Pain Killers: Yes, I had a tooth pulled, and I feel like I have been puched in the face, but I am ohh so grateful for the painkiller to take me away to my happy place..
I am grateful that I do not bruise - like ever. I would look terrible today if I did.
I am grateful that I made one green light on the way to work at 3 am. Seriously, though, Salt Lake needs to have traffic sensitive lights - I love sitting alone at traffic lights.
I am grateful for yogurt, applesauce, soup and ice cream - the less chewing, the better.
I am grateful for sweet roommates & group scripture study. It made my day today!
I am grateful for emails, which has allowed me to get my schoolwork done tonight.
I am grateful for fuzzy blankets and sweet dreams!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

One Good Woman - random musings

So, I just love Cheri Call..... I heard a song of hers on the radio today..... it really made me think.

One Good Woman
(Cherie Call)

<em>"Mary Chilton never knew what the salty winds would do
When she stepped aboard and sailed away on a 1620 autumn day
At Plymouth Rock she was the first to touch dry ground
But she became an orphan when the winter came and the tears fell down
But she grew, and married a good man
And they had eleven children
And they would never understand what she'd been through but they knew
That a girl of just thirteen
Crossed one big ocean
And that she grew up to be
One good woman

And Polly Angel didn't know what the hands of time would show
When she dressed in white and said, "I do" in the fall of 1832
Her life would change that very year forever more
When they heard the message of two strangers at their door they headed west
And Polly had six children, but only two survived
And they could never understand what she'd been through
But they knew that a woman of great faith
Crossed one big country
And that they were being raised
By one good woman

There they are, written in the spaces of a family tree
Till it al comes down to me"


So, this week I was working on family history. I found the passenger list to the Bolivia, which included my Great Grandmother, when she came over from Italy. How cool to see her name! I WAS THRILLED!


"I know that I can never say that I'm the only one who's prayed
For pain to end or love to last or for time not to go by so fast
But it will fly and in a hundred years from now
Will there ever be someone who reads my name and wonders
If I laughed
Or if I believed in Jesus
Or if my heart were ever broken
They may never understand what I go through
But I will live the best that I know how
For one big lifetime
It's not too much to ask
Of one good woman"
I am also a big journal writer. I was given my first journal by my dad. I loved it - because it had the D.C. Temple embossed on the front - so it was beautiful. I laugh at my six year old thoughts. It is interesting to see what I did with my time - like the frequent entries of going to marriage counseling with my folks. Or that I really wanted a pogo ball for christmas - which was also written quite a few times! Now, I just try to make them as honest as possible.

I love Cheri Call - her music speaks to my heart.

Thanks Cheri!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

I feel like the Mona Lisa

Here is my most recenr blunder. Let me give you my background- I am an Italian woman. Italian women tend to have dark facial hair. I am paranoid about facial hair. So I have been waxing for years- as long as I can remember! This morning I made a mistake - or lets call it THE mistake! I waxed off half of my eyebrow! Thank goodness for eyebrow pencils! At least I know that the wax works!
P

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Akward roommate moments

I have three roommates right now.... three in a list of over 100 roommates since I was 18. This roommate is a nice girl, but has a problem.... and its getting worse. Her room smells. It is not just a slight odor - it is the bad b.o.! I hold my breath when I walk by her door - seriously. The other roommates and I have talked about the situation. For about a week, we had been opening her window while she is at work to try to air out the smell. She came home early one day and got upset that I had opened her window. So at this point, I need to just tell her how I feel - but how do you tell someone that they stink? Oh well, it is on the list of things that I have wished I could tell my roommates for years....
How do you tell someone......
you know they have been telling you HUGE lies....
that there is no contest for how many times you have been engaged. Three times in a semester? Thats a bit much.
that she is greater than what she gives herself credit for.
they are rushing into marriage.
they owe you money.
they need to "get a room."
you think they are wee bit crazy.
eating baby food is not normal - unless you are a baby.
you need to pay your rent.
you need to be less of a b****.
you need to stop stalking __________.
i don's like your boyfriend.
get over yourself.
I think you are fun to be around.
you are amazing!
you need to keep your pet rat in a cage.
you dress like my grandmother.
you need to do your laundry.
you need to break up with your boyfriend.
and the universal problem - no matter the relationship - Do your dishes!

Friday, October 3, 2008

Check it out.....




Ihave been playing on www.yearbookyourself.com tonight. It is so fun! You simply upload a picture of yourself, and you are in a picture 10, 20, 30 years ago! You have to see these. My only fear is that I still look just like my mother! What do ya think???

I love Women's Conference...

So, I have to say that I loved watching Women's Conference last weekend. President Uchtdorf's talk really hit home to me. When he said "our splendid sisters sometimes undervalue their abilities—they focus on what is lacking or imperfect rather than what has been accomplished and who they really are." Can I just say AMEN! Why do women do this so much? We are fabulous - or at least I am fabulous - but I am hesitant to admit it!

I also loved what he said about creating. Now, as a teacher, I get the opportunity to make stuff all the time. These are the usual elementary school crafts and colorings - but it gives me a creative release.

Okay, so here is more from his talk:
"Let me first pose a question: What do you suppose is the greatest kind of happiness possible? For me, the answer to this question is, God’s happiness.

This leads to another question: What is our Heavenly Father’s happiness?

This may be impossible to answer because His ways are not our ways. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are [God’s] ways higher than [our] ways, and [His] thoughts [higher] than [our] thoughts.”1

Though we cannot understand “the meaning of all things,” we do “know that [God] loveth his children”2 because He has said, “Behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”3

Heavenly Father is able to accomplish these two great goals—the immortality and eternal life of man—because He is a God of creation and compassion. Creating and being compassionate are two objectives that contribute to our Heavenly Father’s perfect happiness. Creating and being compassionate are two activities that we as His spirit children can and should emulate."

Beautiful!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

intervention

I am creating an intervention for myself today. I have been contemplating my thought process lately and I have come to a conclusion. TV is corrupt. Growing up - there were always a selection of shows that were wholesome. I still love Little House on the Prarie and Growing Pains, stuff like that. Now, however, I can see how satan has taken life on tv and sends this message that this is REAL. So, I am putting myself on a TV block. I would watch a rated R movie - but now days, some of the programming that is hot - is hot because it is right on the borderline of rated R. No more TV for me. Hooray for me!

Definition of insanity

Benjamin Franklin said that "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. " So, I have come to the conclusion that I am insane - oh, let me startover.
So, I love that feeling of a new crush.... the guy you meet and you just think, wow! Awesome, right? Until you get to know him.... or realize he has no interest in you whatsoever.... and wants to be just friends. So, now I question myself - what am I doing?!? I have been doing the same thing over and over for years...... so I officially declare myself insane. Anyone else out there want to join me?????

my story

One of my assignments this week was to write a personal history. I decided to make it more of a kids book, and I kinda liked the way it turned out, so I will share....
Personal History

Once upon a time (because the best stories start like that) there was a grain of sand. This little grain of sand, lived on a peaceful beach, and it looked like life was beautiful. She was often left alone on the sidewalk. Sadly, this grain of sand was often coming up against some rough rocks, and they really hurt this tender little grain of sand. Life became so hard that she found herself finding protection in a little oyster shell. The oyster shell became a safe haven. She could learn and study there. She could hide from all the rocks. Eventually, she felt safe again. Inside the shell. She realized that she would never see the beauty of the beach alone in the shell. She would never have friends. She would always live in fear of the rocks. So, she worked up all of her courage. She peeked her head of the little shell. To her amazement, she had not only healed, but she had changed completely! She had become a beautiful Pearl. Amazed at who she had become, she realized that she could make a difference. She could share the beauty in her heart with everyone around her. She found that she could create loving places for young grains of sand to grow into beautiful gems. Where they can learn and not have to face the rocks. The Pearl found that this was the greatest joy that she could ever experience! She found that she was always meant to be this Pearl – which is what her name means: Peggy.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

I am in mourning......


I am sad to say that my dear friend and roommate is leaving me. She has decided to move to Tennessee. I almost do not know what I will do without her. I love that she knows everything about me - and laughs. I love our adventures together. We shared a room for so many years, that I am used to having her there - even in the middle of the night -whenever I need to talk.
I love Melinda dearly - but I worry about her driving across the country by herself. So, know I am trying to decide if I want to make another cross country adventure. Hmmmmm, I am not sure if I have recovered from the last one, just over a year ago. What would you do? And, where would you stop along the way????
P

Fun Run - Do those words really belong together?

Today was Daybreak Elementary's Fun Run. I think that the PTA did a superb job! It was amazing - they had the streets closed so that all of the kids at Daybreak (all 1,200 of them!) could run 2.1 miles. This was their fundraiser this year. The fundraiser was such a success! No selling of overpriced wrapping paper! (WoooHOooo!) It was all donations! And they raised $17,000. I loved that they did not focus on prizes! They really did not even mention prizes when they announced the fundraiser. The prizes - were great - but all donated. Plus, it was so fun today to have the fun run, with all the parents there - encouraging fitness and fun!

Saturday, September 20, 2008

I love this tag!

1.YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
Fluffy Prism
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Rocky Road Chocolate Chip
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
P-dra
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Pink Frog
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Jean Memphis
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
Drape
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
The Red Pepsi Max
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)
Leo George
9. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)
Very Sexy Peanut Butter Cup
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names )
Ellen William
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
Richcrick Riverton
12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower)
Valentine Lilac
13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Strawberry Socks
14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
Yogurt Weeping willow
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour")
The Scrapbooking Sun Tour

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

So far so good...

I was really nervous starting this semester. With being in the classroom, the commute to that classroom, graduate courses and still working full time - I know that I have my plate full. I know that if I just keep taking it one day at a time, I will be okay.....
Today was fabulous. I have classes at the U on Mondays and Tuesdays, and they start late - which is fabulous. I am also kind of a big fan of step aerobics - so that is where this morning found me. (the class starts at 9 am - that is an hour I can handle!) It was a blast - I mean was working out and doing the running man at the same time ( you all know the running man - from the early 90's - think Will Smith)! Plus, by the end - I was drenched in sweat - and I am the type of girl who feels satisfaction in sweat - it is victory juice!
I also will admit, my classes are awesome - or better put, I have awesome professors. They are so great in preparing us to teach! Lesson plans, make and takes, etc. I love it!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Yard Saleing is a Verb

Here is a glimpse into my odd family life. Yard saleing is a regular - every saturday activity in my family. Every Saturday - without exception, we would spend hours - and come home with a ton of stuff. (In fact, this even became an issue in my parents marriage - the stuff Dad brings home from yard sales>) Our motto is " the family that yard sales together, stays together."

So, with the painful memory of yard sale after yard sale, you would think that I would be the last person out there. Well, every once in a while I have to stop at one. I am however, a bargain hunter. So, here is what I bought today.... all for only five bucks........
1. So, I totally want to make this cake stand that I saw on Tutus and Turtles, so I bought two faux crystal plates, and two faux crystal candlesticks.


2. I LOVE, Love, Love kids books, so I bought "A Snowman Named Bob" , "Oh the Places You'll go" and "Moosetache". (Don't tell the roomies - cause I have way to many books cluttering the apartment already!)
3. Three video tapes by Feature Films For Families - so I love the FFFF! I grew up watching "On Our Own" over and over.
So I am tinkled pink at my bargains today.

What is it about bargains that make us women so excited????
Here is my top ten list of bargains ( a work in progress):

1. My Electrolux Vaccum for $5.00 - the best vaccuum ever!
2. My $20. microwave - brand new at Macy's (too bad my roommate fried it!)
3. The quilt on my bed for $4.00.
4. Set of Curculon pots and pans - $20.00
5. An entire box of kids books - $3.00

Not using my Mastercard........ Priceless

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Ode to friendship...

So, I kind of have an issue with keeping in touch with people - I am addicted! I love it! Now days, I have little time, but with the internet and cell phone, I seem to manage keeping in touch with everyone. So, today is kind of an "Ode to Friendship." Some of them are fellow bloggers - some are not. I have seen blogs with posts about their blog stalkers – and well - I have my own version….

First their was Lucinda. Lucinda and I grew up in the same LDS Ward in Pennsylvania. Our parents both divorced at the same time. So, when Lucinda moved down the street from me and we were instant best friends (with the necklaces to prove it!) I spent all summer with her - going home probably once a week for clean clothes. My home life was still pretty bad at the time, so being with her allowed me to avoid the drama at home. I learned a lot from her. Plus, at her house, they had family hugs with family prayers. Hugging did not happen in my house - so it took me a while to learn to hug. I love hugs now! Years later, Lucinda became my roommate – and she has been one of my dearest friends since I was 11.

Rebecca saved my life. After my parents split - I became lonely and depressed. Rebecca was someone I could talk to – and eventually led me to getting the help I needed. She was the friend for me that helped me to be my best self. She is so fun and creative! Having such great friends in the church helped me to stay active during my teenage years.

Suzie – I met Suzie when I moved to Salt Lake. She is so down to earth and just plain funny! She is a great mom. She is also the friend who got me hooked on blogging! I love that when we were both in the singles ward that we did service scavenger hunts. She has always been an example for me!

Tammy – well she is simply amazing! I met her in the 41st ward. She has cerebral palsy, and is in a wheelchair – but the chair does not hold her back. She has two adorable children – and is such a good mom! She is an advocate for equality for people with disabilities. She is a fellow blogger – and I just simply admire her loving, fun spirit!!!!

Marrian – I met Marrian in Ogden, UT. She is truly dedicated to The Gospel of Jesus Christ. When I met her – I felt like a kindred spirit- only because we are both very service oriented.

Melinda – Melinda has been my roommate for the past 6 years. She is so wonderful to be around – always positive. She also makes me laugh – because we are also so different from each other! We have had many adventures together and I am grateful to have her as a roommate!

Alicia: I met Alicia in my singles ward, just after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is an amazing and powerful woman! We have seen each other through the good and the bad since then. She has a degreen in nutrition - and really knows what she is talking about. She is so caring and loving to those around her!

Chiara: I just love Chiara! She is from Italy and has the BEST accent. She is just so honest - she really just tells it like it is. I appreciate that quality, and she showed that quality ALOT when we went shopping in Texas. She is very dramatic! Like - she called my house a few years ago - and my roommate answered. I was not home and my roommate did not know my whereabouts - so Chiara was ready to call out the search party for me! She is one classy woman!

Ingerlis – Ingerlis actually grew up in Pennsylvania as well. She is my mud wrestling friend who likes to try new activities! I loved our camping trips when we were roommates!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

I think I can, I think I can!!!


I loved one of the first lessons in the kindergarten. We read "The Little Engine that Could" We then compared the little engine to each of us. I loved this lesson!!! Think about it - what would we do if we really allowed ourselves to believe in what we can each acheive! In any area - once we believe - we really can achieve!!! Just keep saying " I think I can, I think I can!!! I know I can, I know I can!
Miss Drasher

Student Teaching Update

So, I have survived the first few weeks, rather well, I must say. These past few weeks have been great! I love hearing them call me Miss Drasher. I have been able to lead a few activities so far. Last week was amazing, because my sight teacher had a doctor's appointment, and let me take over the class for one afternoon. It was going really well - until the fire alarm went off. The first thing that I thought was, "oh no, one of my students pulled the fire alarm!" Then, I realized that this was their first fire drill ever! I remained calm and confident and was able to bring everyone outside. A few were really scared and shook up from the experience! Once that adventure was over - there was a problem on the playground. I can only say that after all the excitement that day - not many of the kids could focus on learning. Overall, I will not say that this was a fabulous day - but a real learning experience for me! I am sad, now, because I am now doing my next rotation in the second grade. I have just become so attached to the kindergarten! I am loving being a student teacher!
Miss Drasher

Monday, August 11, 2008

We are all meant to shine!


This is my all time favorite quote. I love how it inspires us to live up to the greatness that we each carry with us.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear isthat we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." ~Nelson Mandela~
I was pondering this recently - and looking at what my thoughts have been leading me to believe. I realize that I discount my achievements by comparing myself to others.

Another pitfall I find myself in is believing that the trials that I face somehow make me less of good person. That if I were a good person, I would not have to face this trial. I am finally starting to see that maybe it is just the opposite.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Homesick







I am not one to really get homesick. In fact, usually about half way through a trip back home, I am ready to come back. Well, I got this voice mail from my youngest niece, Brianna, last week. She wanted me to come back and see her, and she told me that she just missed me. (oh, nothing could hit the heartstrings harder!) So, this week I have been missing long Pennsylvania summers. Not just present tense, but those childhood days- when we did not have a slip and slide, and tried to create out own. Or just the green - ness of it all. (In fact, on my trip home last year, I was shocked to see SO Much green - and I lived there for 15 years!)
So, here are some of the fun in the summer pictures from my family this summer:

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Memories..... whoooaaa, whoaa, memories...

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember--Remember parents, friends, grandparents, and siblings read this (so keep it G-rated!!).

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Let the stories begin......

P

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

where have I been?

So, I am not really good at simplifying my life. I am always overscheduled. It seems to be a talent of mine. So, this summer is no different. I was looking for extra summer work - and I found it. So, now I am taking reservation calls for National Rent a Car, as well as my regular job at the treatment center. So, I have been working like 70-80 hours a week. So, it is pretty easy for me to answer where I have been - I have been at work.
Other randomness- so I sleep at wierd hours of the day. I seem to not be able to turn off my phone. So, if you call and it sounds like I am not really with it - its true! For example, tonight I received like 6 phone calls while I was asleep. I am reminded of them when I look through my caller id. I just hope that I do not commit to anything too important in my sleep - answering state.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

My Bucket List, a work in progress

So, have you seen the movie, the bucket list? It talks about the list of things that you want to do before you "kick the bucket." I was thinking about this - and oh the possibilities......
1.To have a passport, and actually use it.
2. To make a difference in the life of another - this is a continual process..
3. I want to open my own business. This could be a scrapbooking store, or a cute little cafe.
4. I want to write a novel..... an LDS romance...my favorite!
5. Create my own flavor of ice cream at cold stone.
6. To speak another language.
7. To climb to the top of a mountain.
8. To run a marathon.
9. To fall head over heels, hopelessly in love...
10. To have a record of my geneology.
more to come.....

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Another dream has come true...

So, for the last few years of working and going to school, I have found myself wishing for some things: 1. That I did not need to sleep, 2. I do not need to eat and 3. that money really did grow on trees. Well, I have found myself in an interesting situation. I have mentioned that I am on an antidepressant, which has you slowly increase the doses so that your body can adjust to the medication. Now, let me preface this by saying that the bottle says that this medication will cause drowsiness, which made me a little nervous. To my surprise, it does just the opposite for me, because I could not sleep for three days straight! I was not even tired. ( I did get four hours of sleep last night, thank goodness!!)I realized, however, that maybe I really do not want this dream to come true afterall - but I am willing to try the other two!

Sunday, June 29, 2008

today, I am grateful for.....

I think everyone has heard of the poem Footprints in the Sand. Here is a link: http://www.llerrah.com/footprints.htm
I prefer a twist to this poem which also includes a round indentation in the sand every so often. This is where the Lord had to drop me on my bum to open my eyes. This is so true in life! I feel like I just recently forced myself to be dropped, and I am grateful, because I have learned a lot. It allowed me to recommit to the things that I need to be doing more diligently. It made me see how REAL the Atonement is in my life.
So, today I am grateful for being dropped on my bum every once in a while.

Congratulations to me!!!!

I am proud to announce that I have been chosen to receive the Osher Reentry Scholarship for the 2008/2009 school year - my student teaching year! I am really excited about this - especially because I have been stressing about money lately. I was told that I probably will not be able to work during student teaching - and that is just foreign to me! I have worked during my entire college career!

I am amazed at this blessing! I never thought that I would ever qualify for a scholarship!

It also reminds me how long the road has been to becoming a teacher. I left for Ricks College twelve years ago. My father really did not want me to go and I was not on speaking terms with my mom at the time. I did not even know where I was going. I just drove with a friend from Pennsylvania. I was supposed to catch a greyhound in Salt Lake City to get to Rexburg, which I missed. I ended up catching a later bus to Idaho Falls. I did not get there until about 1 A.M. and then I took a taxi to Rexburg. It kind of set the pattern for my college career - I just forged the way as I went - Independently, learning as I went along.

Help for all of your gas tanks.....

So, on Good things Utah last week they shared some ways to save at the gas pumps. Since I just paid $4.05 a gallon for gas today - I think we could appreciate these ideas:
1. Never fill up your tank while the fuel truck is still delivering fuel.
2. Fill up your tank as close to dawn as possible, where the temperatures are cooler. This allows less gas to heat up and be released as fumes.
3. Fill up your tank slowly.
4. Fill up at a half off a tank.
Now, I have already forgotten some of the reasons behind these tips......
Happy Driving!!!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

The secret language of the mani-pedi

So, I went for a mani - pedi today. First of all, I have to say that I have never seen myself as the salon "type" of woman. So, this enviroment is kind of different for me. So, since I lack the experience - I need some help. There seems to be some kind of unspoken language at the salon. Like, if they tap your finger, you are supposed to know that it means to relax that finger. They tap your foot - and you are supposed to know that it means to put it back in the water. So, how does someone like me conquer the languge of the mani - pedi? Is their a book? Anything? Oh well, at least my nails look great!!!

Monday, June 16, 2008

My Utah Family


So, while I am paying tribute to my parents, I have to pay tribute to my Utah family. These are the Cutler's. Let's see.... it is hard for me to express how much they truly mean to me. My family - I love them -but they really are not that supportive. The Cutler's - well originally he was my Bishop. Then they welcomed me into their home for Christmas, which became an annual tradition. Then, I really became one of their surrogate kids - along with a few others from the ward.
Here is what I have learned from them:
1. I look to them as an example of what families can really be. Before, families were almost like a myth to me. It was hard for me to actually comprehend a peaceful home. In fact, I saw myself questioning them, especially as a couple - like when will she lose her temper? or when will he be condescending? I never saw it - and I realized that it does not happen. I know that no family is perfect - I just see that they have learned to resolve conflict in good ways.
2. There is no end to love. I think in the world we have this idea that you can only love a certain amount of people or in certain relationships. I just see how much they reach out to others - and love them all. It is truly seeing each other as our Heavenly Father would - perfectly.
3. Relationships require time. This is one thing that I see in them. They are always spending time together. No matter how far they have to go.
I am so grateful for the example they have given me. Sorry - however, this is not the best pic!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Father's Day


To my Dad :>
I love this picture of my dad - it totally paints him as the wanna be farmer that he is. He is with his "pet" chickens. Even growing up, we had a lot of gardens, which was not really the "norm" in our middle class neighborhood. We have a unique relationship because I lived with him after my parents divorced. So, he took on the role of single parent of a teenage girl. I will never forget trying to find a dress with him at the mall. Or dying of embarrasment when I needed to ask him to buy some tampons. Or him trying to explain the law of chastity to the girl who still thought that babies come to those that pray really hard for them. And boys...... the trepidation a parent must feel when they hear of their childs first crush..... it is such wonderfully dangerous territory!
What I love about my dad:
1. I do not think I have ever met a harder worker. I have always known him for being able to do everything - literally. He built playhouses and treehouses and landscaped the yard, fixed the car, and the plumbing.
2. He gave me an example of obedience. I have always known that Dad would do the right thing, from keeping the Sabbath day holy, to paying a full tithe and fasting on fast sunday. I think this is amazing considering that he was in his 30's when he joined the church. There were never exceptions. I still look to him now, especially since I am not always that obedient.
3. His backwards sentimental side. Okay, so my dad does not show much emotion. So, it is funny to me how he tries to be sentimental. I love the cute cards with a puppy dog on them. It is like I am perpetually five years old, but I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Happy Fathers Day!!!!

Friday, May 30, 2008

Tag!

I liked this game so much as a child that I wanted to play it again.....

Rules First:
I need to answer 6 questions.I then tag 6 people and post their names here, then go to their blog and comment to tell them that they have been tagged and to visit here to find out the rules. I must then let the person who tagged me know when I have posted my answers.


1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
In May 1998 I was kind of at a crossroads in life. I had just earned my A.S. at Ricks College, and I decided to move to Provo, Utah.( I still do not know what posessed me to do that!) So, I was looking for a job in Provo and living with some pretty cool girls. I ended up getting a job where I was harrassed, so I drove home to Pennsylvania, just in time for my brother's wedding in June.

2. 5 Things on my to do list today
1. Sleep - I have just finished a graveyard shift and I am wiped out.
2. It is the 30th of the month, so I need to do my visiting teaching.
3. It is Friday and I have a date tonight: so I should shower and stuff.
4. I have a volunteer luncheon, because I volunteered at Wasatch Elementary.
5. I have a fight to pick with the treadmill - it likes to challenge me and I refuse to be defeated today! The pool is open, so it will be a treat afterwards to jump in!

3. Snacks I enjoy
Strawberries are fabulous - even better if they are dipped in chocolate
Pretzels - oh and they too are fantastic if they are dipped in chocolate
Mango sorbet: I have never tried this in chocolate


4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

Pay an honest tithe, support a missionary or two, help build a temple....

Even if I am never a billionaire, I still want to be able to have as many kids in my home as possible. Especially foster kids. I have a huge desire to provide a loving home for as many as possible. I feel that this is more of a mission for me, and I am being prepared for this role now.

I want to have a fun family reunion/vacation. It would be a nice break for all of my brothers and sisters and parents, who normally do not take trips.

Invest the rest.

5. Three bad habits:
Not using a calendar to write appointments down, and overfilling my schedule.

Not saying no when I need to.

Procrastinating - everything - I put way to much off to the last minute.

6. Places I have lived (Chronological, qualifying if I was there for at least 2 months and had a mailing address):
Memphis, Tennessee
Quantico, Virginia
Drums, Pennsylvania
Etters, Pennsylvania
Rexburg, Idaho
Provo, Utah
Etters, Pennsylvania
Ogden, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah

7. 5 Jobs I have had:
Surveyor: I called people to take phone surveys.
Fast food
Janitor
Customer Service
Financial Aid Representative

8. Five things people don't know about me:
1. Me and my Dad published 3 books on cemetaries in Pennsylvania.
2. I tried for months to break a bone when I was 6 years old - and I still have not broken a single bone.
3. My middle name is Jean.
4. I have a birth mark on my right leg that I call my frog bite.

6. Those I would like to tag:
Suzie
Annie
Misty
Angie

I am a pincushion once more

I am a diabetic. For the past year I have been on a drug study. It was a new form of insulin that is inhaled with an inhaler. It was so easy to use and it allowed me to be shot free for a year. Well, the drug study has ended, and the product has been discontinued. This means that I am back to giving myself a shot of insulin everyday. I have to say that I have been very blessed with this study, it has covered my medication for the past year, and will cover all of my medication until the end of this year. I have been so Blessed!!!!!

The roomies



Melinda has been my roommate for the past five years. I consider her more like a sister than a roommate at this point, because she knows everything about me and still likes me. We have had some interesting experiences over the last few years:
Mud wrestling in emigration canyon
Roommates, roommates and more roommates. The good, the fun, the dumb, and of course the crazy ones.
Our day at the city dump.
Camping in the backyard.
Our day at bear lake.
The jobs....
The engagements - oh wait that was you!!!
The moves - how many places have we lived? At least we are out of the hood.
The men......
The dates....
I am so glad to have you as a roommate!

I love having roommates, which is good since I have had so many of them!!!

Sleepwatching

So, I work at a residential treatment center for teenage girls. I work graveyards, so in essence, I watch girls sleep. I could not imagine this for myself - I have wierd sleeping habits which include:
Dreams - I love my dreams. They include being able to be at anyplace anytime I want. Like, I had this dream that I went surfing in this bay, where the waves from the ocean cascaded against sandstone cliffs. I went surfing there - it was so beautiful. Then, I met this wonderful man who also liked to surf, and we repelled up the cliffs together.
I also get a good laugh at my dreams - especially the ones that have anything to do with marriage. Like the one where I found myself walking around temple square in a wedding dress, and I look down, and I am very pregnant. So, I went to the Disney store to give birth. ( I did not say that any of my dreams make sense!!!)

Noises: Okay, as many of you can attest, I make noises in my sleep. I laugh, cry, talk and even sing - like on a daily basis. I love it when I wake myself up because I was laughing in my sleep!

As you can probably see, I am a hit at any slumber party.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Mother's Day - A tribute (a little late)



Mother's Day was pretty cool this year because I was able to spend so much time with my mom. My mom and I have had a pretty rocky past - I was basically won by my Dad in the divorce, so since I was like 11 our relationship has been shaky. I have worked very hard to mend it though - and it has been pretty good for the last few years, which I am very grateful for. Here are some things I love about my mom:
1. This woman can sew. When I was little she made every dress I owned. In fact I love the story about our velvet dresses. Our ward had a give and take box, and she found a plus sized velvet dress. She saw it for its possibilities - so it became two dresses: one for me and one for my older sister. They were beautiful!
2. Her other talent is the ability to get lost in a paper sack. I know that she lives in Pennsylvania - it is easier to get lost. Mom has spent more time lost than anyone I have ever met.
3. Mom is very sentimental - and I love it. She was suggesting graduation gifts recently - at first I said money is fine, but she insisted on something tangible. Tires? I asked hopefully, but she finally decided on a set of Pearls. (Peggy means Pearl.) They are beautiful.
4. You have to give her credit for sticking with my Dad for so long. I mean I love my Dad, but he is hard to live with. He was a marine for 25 years, and has control issues because of it. He is well, frugal, to say the least.
5. She tries to meet all of her kids needs. My family is rather challenging - to say the least. She does try to help us all, so, when one sister needs a babysitter, or another needs a ride to the store - she is there.
Happy Mother's Day!!!!

Student Teaching

I am so excited! I will be doing my student teaching in the fall, and I found out today that I will be at Daybreak Elementary School. Now, I am a little apprehensive since that is like the other end of the salt lake valley for me. I just hope it is better than how it was it my dream last night - when I showed up in my underwear!

100% Real Peggy

So, I am totally having a hard time with being real. I think that our world, and especially here in Utah, we have become a society of fakers. Like if people actually had real problems - it would break the bubble that we live in. I have been thinking about this a lot lately... Like I know that I am fake at times, because I do not feel that a lot of social enviroments are condusive to realness. I have been having a really hard time with this at church - which I think is common. But what happens? No one really wants to share that much information in that enviroment and we all end up playing the fake game.

How do we resolve this? Can we really be that brutally honest? Or maybe not brutally honest - but at least take off the mask and say how we feel, what we are struggling with, etc....?

I guess then that it starts with me.... I have been struggling recently with depression. Actually, I think that I have always struggled with it, but never admitted it. So, I am on an antidepressent and working really hard with a therapist. I just have a lot of baggage to deal with..... which I have seen such amazing progress so far.

My other issue is marriage. I am 30 years old. I just feel like the years are going by so quick. I appreciate being single, except for the longing for family in the back of my mind. I guess when my parents split up, I found solace in the fact that even though my family was dissolve, I could have one in the future. The pain was still there though - but at least I had that hope. I was told the other day that I need to face the fact that I will probably never marry in this life. (ouch!) It just hurts to think of not ever being able to achieve your dream....

I just want to invite you all to be you...... be vulnerable...... be real.

I am giving up....

I am a LDS woman, who used to be a lds young woman. If you know anything about the youth in the church, you know that standards are a huge issue. I set standards for myself at a young age. This standard started at efy. My efy counselor was telling us how she was still a member of the VLC - virgin lip club. Okay, I was kind of sad because I was already past that point. So, I vowed that I would only be able to count the number of guys that I have kissed on one hand. A little wierd, I know. I had no idea then that I would still be single at 30.... Now I have found myself with the dilemna, because I have run out of fingers! So, I am officially renigging that standard. I am a two handed woman - and proud of it!

Sunday, May 18, 2008

The weather is finally warm......... let the adventures begin!!!



I love summer! Have I said this before? So, I am not going to waste it. I want like a roadtrip every weekend! Last year included one, a road trip from Salt Lake City to my hometown in Pennsylvania. Now, this was my 5th cross country trip, so I consider myself a pro. What have I learned from all of these trips?
1. Cell phones make the trip so much easier! I travelled with my roommate, we each drove a car, so I was alone. It helps to have someone to talk to.
2. Stop at the big stops. I always seem to choose the worst places to get gas. Usually it involves a back country road with no gas stations for miles! This time it included like the biggest prison in Indiana.
3. Even when you think gas prices are bad, they can always get worse.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Move over Martha......


I realized today how much I truly love to entertain, which is not easy to do in my tiny apartment. My roommate began to tell me that she was going to have a gentleman friend over for dinner - and it was like I heard nothing else - my interest was peaked. It soon lead to questions like, what dishes do you want to use? Should we use the brown placemats or the white? And, ooohhhh we can use the fancy glasses! I will admit that I was a wee bit out of control! I love it though! I have always loved it - even when I was five, I would try to make romantic candlelight dinners for my parents - which consisted of frank and beans. The candles came from our 72 hour kit - but I had a blast putting it together.

P.S> I did not take a picture tonight, so I chose one from Martha's website that closely resembled my ensemble...... Well, mine had some blue in it.....

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

The Heart of the matter

So, I work with teenagers. I love them. Sometimes the conversations we have are about things that are obvious to me, like why I do not do drugs, stuff like that. Then there are conversations where I just have to say aha! in midsentence.... I was saying that we need to look are people in a 3-D manner - meaning not just surface appearance - but who they really are. So, I have been pondering that ever since. How often do I truly look at people for who they are, not what they look like. Then, when I see their behavior do I really ask myself, why are they acting like that? It just reminded me to look a little deeper..... to truly see someone's heart......

Monday, May 12, 2008

Blooper!

So I have to post my most recent blooper. If you were driving on 2nd Avenue, ohh about 2:30 in the afternoon on Sunday May 11th you would have caught my most recent blooper. I do not even know what happened - I was just walking to my car and the next thing I know, my skirt is around my ankles. It was like one of those frozen in time moments - where you are so mortified that you are paralyzed. (It's like you are stuck thinking what do I do to fix this instead of just pulling up your skirt! ) So, I hope this image all gives you a good laugh!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

The Drasher Curse


I am referring to the pain of glasses - I started wearing them when I was three years old. They did not make frames small enough for my face - so I wore these big brown glasses. Okay - they were seriously hideous! After a while I learned that if I hid them, I would get a few hours off, until they were found again. Thats when I asked my friends to hide them. Until they were thrown into the creek behind my house.
Now, 27 years later, and I have perfect vision, because I wore glasses when I was young. I see the pain has passed on to the next generation - my 5 year old neice, Brianna. She at least has a better selection of frames to choose from now!

Mom's visit



I had a factastic time as a tourguide extraordinaire this last week. My mom came from Pennsylvania, and she has never been to Utah before. So, I was able to show her the sites! We visited the University of Utah. Then we headed to BYU for Women's conference. Temple square took a few days to see everything. It was neat for me to see some of these places again. We went to the Temple together - which we have never done before. It was all very fun!!!!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Commencement




I can not believe it! It finally hit me today as I finished my Math final that I am graduating from college this week!!!! I know - it took me too many years to count to actually finish- but it is here!!! Friday morning - you are all invited - even though I am really completely clueless as to the details.

So, for graduation, my mom is coming to town. She is the first of the Drasher clan to come and visit me out west. So, we will be touring touristy locations like Temple square and This is the Place Heritage Park. Any suggestions???

I am a little nervous about her visit. I mean, she has a lot of dirt on me.... we she be compelled to tell my roommates about my naked wonder woman impression? Or how I thought maxi pads were fun stickers when I was a kid? Yikes! And I am really in trouble if she brings pictures. I was an akward child - I started wearing glasses when I was three, and they did not make them small enough for my face. And I was born without a neck - really - I was just a smiley baby head on a body - no neck until I was like 6 months old.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Tag - you're it!

Eat Chicken or Beef?......................Chicken
Prefer a Sunset or Sunrise?..............Sunrise - a brand new day - free of mistakes
Choose Candy or Fruit?....................Fruit
Like Soda or Juice?..........................Soda I am totally addicted.
Do you prefer Cat or Dog?..................Cat
If you had to choose, Chinese or Mexican?.................... Mexican
Travel the world or travel the country?..........The World - but I have actually never left the country.
Favorite color?........ PINK
Favorite time of year: ................Summer and Halloween
Favorite movie?.........RUDY - it has inspired me to finish school.
Enchanted, Anne of Green Gables, Ever After
Favorite Lazy time?.................surfing the internet, getting lost in a book.
Favorite activity?...............Dancing
SUV or a automobile?..................automobile
Family size?...........just me
Outdoors or Indoors?.............outdoors
Do you prefer Humor or Seriousness in your spouse?....Humor, I have no clue really
If you could take any trip in the world where would it be?............Italy
If you could take a trip anywhere in the country, where would it be?...........Anywhere

Who do you tag to do this: Anyone who's still reading that doesn't currently have this on their blog.

Forever Stong -


I do not usually do movie reviews, but I just wanted to put in a plug for Forever Strong. It is a great movie! What a small world - because the coach, Larry Gelwix, was the Bishop of my singles ward. I just love him!

I loooove the ballet


I have not been to the ballet since I was a child. I went to Ballet West's performance of Nine Sinatra Songs and fell in love with it!!! It just reminded me how beautiful dance can be. I love Sinatra, so that was easy to love, but to see it put to such expressive dance.... ohh, I loved it.
Thanks Delayna and Heather for being my ballet buddies!!!!

The waiting has finally paid off!!!!

I wrote about waiting for the mail a while back. It has been a long time - but here are the results...
1. March - Yes, I have been accepted to the Early Childhood Licensure program at the University of Utah. This was marked by phone calls from screaming classmates all eager to share the joy of being accepted. I was so excited that I was jumping up and down, then fell over ( I was still trying to get used to my new stilletos, kind of embarrasing).
2. I found out (not by the mail) that I did not get accepted into the Graduate program. Do not be sad yet - because it is okay. Actually, I officially did not apply - the admissions office did not send my application to the department and my GRE test scores were not able to be found. I almost cried in the advisors office as she told me this. They will let me take the Graduate classes in the fall and I can be considered for admission in October.
3. I qualify for a $5,000. Mastercard (at 29% interest, with an annual fee, where do I sign?????) !
4. (This was followed by more jumping and screaming!!!!) I was offered the Katherine Bennion Scholarship through the Teaching and Learning Department at the University of Utah for my student teaching next year. (OMG)$2,500. !
5. I may have already won $25,000. through Publisher's Clearing House!

Can I just say - I love mail!!!!

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Summer - is it here yet?


So, I can not wait for summer. Since my semester is ending, I figure it is here for good! Here is my list of summertime dreams....
Camping - I love camping all summer long. Destinations: Moab, Monte Cristo (my favorite), Bear Lake...... and maybe a few new spots this year!
Home - Pennsylvania - I have Nieces and Nephews I want to see...
Find a good step aerobics class. Okay, I used to go to one club that had awesome teachers, and the club closed. I need to find a good teacher, or if anyone knows a gay guy named Karl who teaches step - I need to know where he teaches now cause he ROCKS!!!!
Swim - I could think of no better way then to spend it in the sun at the pool.
Hiking: I plan on doing the Timp hike this summer.
Les Mis: Okay so the Tuachan is putting on Les Mis this summer and I totally want to go!
I want to go tubing. I did this all the time as a kid, and I love it!
Ice Blocking
Scrapbooking: I have not had the time to for so long..... I miss the creativity!!!
Mountain Biking
New Adventures!!!!!!!!!!
Any other ideas????

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Blog Happy

Blog Happy
So, I admit it – I am kind of a manic depressive blogger. I just do not always have time to post all of the random thoughts that swim through my mind. So, I go for a few weeks without posting – then kabloomo – I am a blogger again!

I love my job!

I love my job!!!
I will admit it – I love my job! I work at a residential treatment center for teenage girls. I love working with the girls there. I love that I learn so much at work about working with people in general. It has really opened my eyes!

What do you do when all of your dreams come true?

So, like all of my life I have dreamed of having a large family. My dream car is a 15 passenger van – and having enough kids to fill it. The other day as I was working, I was driving one of these vans filled with teenage girls. The van was literally bouncing to the music, and I realized - my dreams have come true in their unique way. So, what do you do when all of your dreams come true?????

Friday, March 21, 2008

Texas

For Spring break, I went to Dallas, Texas. I went to see my good friend, Chiara. She is a Italian drama queen - and I simply adore her and her accent! Her plans for my trip were to "find Peggy a husband." So, when she had plans to visit a singles ward -I was surprised - especially that her husband would let HER go too! (she is just too beautiful!)
I then discovered that her plans required, well, an intensive makeover. I was informed that I needed to change EVERYTHING about how I look - but too keep my heart "because I have one of the sweetest hearts!" This included a manicuure/pedicure, a facial, highlights, a haircut, an eyebrow wax, new clothes, new shoes and that my "hideous handbag be thrown out."
This was followed by advice on how to get a man. It is not that I do not believe in the advice - I just can not be that kind of girl - trying to manipulate men......
But, for all of you singles out there who have to be cured from the sickness of singlehood....... here are her rules:
play hard to get.... never call a boy, they need to call you.
look and dress as if you are expensive - and worth the cost

Enchanted - Can I just say how much I love it!!!!



I was so excited for this to come out on DVD. I took it home and watched it right away! It is so cute - so if you have not had a chance to see it - I highly advise doing so!!!

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Short and Sexy


I just want to announce my new haircut. It is short and sexy - and I love it! Taa daaa

Friday, March 7, 2008

Thirty..... I think I am an adult now....


SO, I turned thirty last week. I loved it! It was so much fun! I went to a broadcast of The Good Things Utah show, and my birthday was announced on TV. I figured that 3o is a milestone, so I went all out this year (no one can accuse me of not doing my share for the economy!!!)
Jewelry: brought to me by Lia Sophia
Stilletto Heels: I decided I need to look less frumpy. Yet, I am not very good at walking in them, yet....
Roses: okay, what girl does not like getting flowers!
A haircut: I needed a change.
And I was able to wear my pink feathered boa and my tiara - which I would where everyday if I could. pics on their way........
Now, should I start to feel like an adult ????
Happy Birthday Peggy!!!!

You're gonna miss this

Okay, I love music that really touches you to the core. So, I love this song, "You're gonna miss this" by Trace Adkins. It talks about the different stages of life: being a teenager, a newlywed, a mother, etc. and how we will miss the phase of life that we are in right now. It is telling us to truly live in the moment, insteading of always hoping for the next phase. So, I will say it now, I am living my single years to the fullest!

Other songs that hit home......
Ready, set, don't go
This reminds me when I left home to go to college.....

Wanted: One good man

So, I love craigslist! It is the ultimate garage sale, all year long! Today I discovered the personals section, and was rather surprised. I have been surprised by previous ads with people looking for roommates and even childcare - from complete strangers! The personals - wow - it is interesting.

It was funny to see how people just list what they want - and then expect to have their needs met from a personal ad. So, I decided to post my own personal ad on my blog - where it is safe. I expect to have Mr. Right respond within 7 - 10 days......

Wanted: One faithful LDS man who will respect me as a person, who Loves the Lord and desires to serve Him throughout his life. A guy who desires to have a family. Someone who has perspective on life in general, who can laugh at himself. Someone who can take me to the Temple. Someone who truly desires to know who I am, who can accept both my weaknesses and strengths. Someone who can laugh with me, cry with me and truly be a companion.....

Any takers??? Any bets on when Mr. Right will come knocking on my door? :)))

Thursday, March 6, 2008

What are you so happy about ???

So, the other day, I was walking on campus. It was a beautiful day! I was wearing my favorite bright pink shirt, with little bows on the sleeve, and a pretty necklace. This old man passed me, and asked " what are you so happy about?" Like it was a crime! I did not even have a permagrin Viagra style smile or anything....

So, I responded by saying "I'm sorry" but I declare tonight that I AM NOT SORRY!!! I am so happy about..... spring is on its way. For the color pink, for the gospel, for feeling successful, for good friends who really know me, for movies that make you laugh, or make you cry, for Hope (THIS IS A HUGE ONE), for love (because love is all you need) for the ability to change, for mountains, for warm beds with comfy blankets, for peanut butter cups, for good books that take you away, for bubble baths,........ so I ask, "What are YOU so happy about?"

Friday, February 22, 2008

Not my Hard Candy Shell........


So, in really being introspective lately, I have seen a problem in my life. I have a hard candy shell. I understand why I have made this shell. It basically stems from my childhood (cliche, I know.) It has been a protectant to me for long enough. So, I am exclaiming from the rooftops of Salt Lake City, that I am coming out....... (no, not out of the closet, just out of my shell......)

Pleeeeaaaaseee Mr. Postman

I have become obsessed with the Postman - yes, the postman. For the last six weeks, I have waited for test results. Then I waited for letters of reccomendation and now I am waiting to see if I have been accepted into the Master's Program at The University of Utah. Don't get me wrong, I have always loved him in varying degrees. He brings me packages, which, as of late, have contained large amounts of jewelry...... If he only knew.....