Becoming a Tech Wiz 101

 So, if you have not heard from us in a while... you might still have known that I was unemployed--it lasted a while. At least it seemed that way to me.  It really was only about a month, including Thanksgiving break.  But I pretty much hate the job-application and interviewing process.  Plus, when all you have to do all day is run errands and finish all those projects that you have never had time for, I feel like it has been a long time.  But you need not feel sorry for me.  I am now a workin' girl!  I am working for a software company that develops new applications for Apple.  The two CEO's needed an administrative assistant, and already I am pretty busy.  The main challenge so far is that I have to become somewhat of a "tech-y" to keep up with my surroundings.  I realize that I have somehow avoided the whole ipod and iphone craze, and I have never really used a Mac--until two days ago in my interview when they gave me an on-the-spot test of my skills.  My favorite.  Now, technology is pretty much my world.  They tell me that in a couple of weeks I will wonder why I ever put up with Windows, but we'll see.  I can now check my email, texts or voicemails all at one time in the palm of my hand.  I never understood why you would ever want to be so available, so that your email, calendar reminders, voicemails and phone calls can all reach you even when you are not at work or sitting by a computer, but I am learning to appreciate it all.  Maybe someday I will learn how to actually use all of these "modern conveniences". Until then, I figure, I look cool holding them, right?

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

It's amazing what a tree can do for the spirits! Landon and I brought home a hand-picked tree from the cabin this year. After 4 days, we decided we really should cut the bottom off so it would still get some water. Well, at least I thought so. Landon was ready to abandon the idea after the following struggles. As newly married college students, a saw is not really one of those things we have on hand. So, we had to make do. Our tools of choice turned out to be a steak knife, hammer and screw driver (acting as a chisel), and an electric drill. We grossly underestimated the time it would take to cut off the bottom (2-inch diameter). But, I am proud to say, that we now have a Christmas tree, as well as garland and ribbons, and a wreath we made ourselves from the tree scraps. I felt pretty crafty, but I must admit that Landon made most of the wreath himself.

With the snow outside and our newly decorated apartment, "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!"

Thanksgiving!

Landon, Whitney and I got to go home for Thanksgiving. Of course, the worst blizzard in seven years was expected to come through on the very night we would be driving. So, to be safe...and slightly because the road was closed, we left the next morning. Seventeen hours later, we arrived safely at our destination. I won't get into the details, but 17 hours can make people a little crazy. We had some fun with games, including deaf karaoke, but I was told I am not allowed to post videos.

We did some intense sledding at the Rowley cabin. Landon and I were determined to beat Pa's record at distance, so we tried about every possible way to get two people down a mountain on one or two tubes. I am proud to say, that on our last run we succeeded. Apparently riding on your stomach, with separate but connected tubes is the best strategy. My favorite part about the Rowley's sledding is that you don't have to trudge up the hill, walking in the snow. We were lucky enough to have Mom waiting at the bottom taking pictures and ready to give us a four-wheel ride to the top again. Love it! (below: Me after a collision with the ground and a tree, Landon's amazing form, and us both havin' fun)

The Draney gathering had everyone home this time! We had an intense game of family hockey, using whatever skates we could bring together. For some people, running was deemed more effective, and under the circumstances I couldn't blame them. I forgot how much I love that game! Even Lindee and Mason played their hearts out, with a couple of defensive stops. The highlight of this Thanksgiving was the new Draney baby! Landon and I got to hold baby Tyler, and everyone gave some wisecrack comments about not getting any ideas... There are some fun pictures of the little guy on Michael an Anita's blog. I would just like to say, Tyler definitely smiled while I held him.

Fall Firsts

So this fall was full of firsts for our new family. Obviously, getting married was a bit of a first. But we have also been doing some experimenting. Landon's sister Whitney came over to carve pumpkins with us and we decided to try roasting the seeds. Experimenting is a difficult idea in my mind, as a perfectionist, but I was pretty happy with how they turned out. Whitney and Landon's pumpkins are the ones that look like they took a bit of talent. I just did a nice ol' Jack-o-lantern. But it was a lot of fun, and we finished without any major lacerations, which is successful in my book. Landon tries to say that his choice of spelling was meant to be cute, but based on his surprised face when I pointed it out, I think it's a cover.

Landon and I celebrated our first major holiday together. For Halloween we planned to go to the ward costume party, but school and work ended a little too late. My theory is that you can't have Halloween without dressing up, so we went to the Olive Garden so that we could still be in public in the costumes. Would you believe we were the only people dressed up in the whole place?! We got some fun comments and stares, it was great. Then we ended the night with a good visit to scare Whitney and her roommates, and pick up some delicious carmeled apples.

As for "firsts", we also tried some new ideas for fall. I baked bread on my own for the first time. Let's just say there is room for improvement, but it was edible. We also decided that we were going to try making some carmeled apples for people in the ward. I felt so festive! Landon also took me on a drive to see the colors in the canyon as part of our one-month anniversary celebration. It's amazing how bright the trees can be at this time of year, I love it.

Fall has never really been a favorite season in my book, but after the past month or so, I am becoming a huge fan!

How Did I Get Myself Into This?

It's true. I am starting a blog for Landon and I. For someone somewhat artistically challenged and who struggles with commitment, this is a momentous long-term decision. But, I figured that our families might want to know what goes on in our lives. So, you can all be a part of history, or at least my history, as I start this new endeavor.