How We Survived a Republican Fundraiser - Part 2

So Ash & I got all dressed up and headed downtown to meet up with his boss and some other co-workers for the Governor's Ball last Friday. I successfully found something to wear...the jewelery ending up being the biggest pain in the ass (thank you, Banana Republic for only making expensive bracelets INFANTS can wear!) But I think we looked pretty snazzy.

Anyway, we got there and found the bar (complete with sparkling apple cider and sprite on full display... silly Utah), found Ash's boss, got our picture taken by a row of flags, and headed to our table.

Ash, his boss and his other boss (who he calls 'the bish')

Unfortunately, I have to admit the night wasn't as craptastic as I had hoped (you know, for the sake of the good old blog). After surviving an annoying, washed up news anchor as the emcee, the Governor basically just got up on stage and kissed all of the corporate sponsor's' asses. Then they gave money to the Utah Food Bank. No political speeches, just thank you's and a hokey story about how the Governor evidently still shops for his own groceries yet still doesn't get recognized correctly at the supermarket ("Man, you sure do look like the Governor!").

The Governor came around to our table and thanked us all for coming. Ash actually fist bumped him. It was funny. After that, I can't really remember what he said to us because I was trying really hard not to laugh too hard about the fist bumping.

After that, we finished up our dinner (it was OK, not the best food I've ever eaten) and then the 'program' began. A slew of Utah-native, former Dancing with the Stars and American Idol contestants did a melange of spooky, scary Broadway tunes that were actually very good and entertaining. Ash couldn't get "Puttin' on the Ritz" out of his head afterwards and I came away really, really wanting to see Wicked.

Oh, I almost forgot....the funniest part was when they performed Michael Jackson's Thriller -- the singing and the dancing -- and the Michael Jackson stand-in kept doing this weird fake crotch grab instead of just going all the way with it. It was like someone was all "Whoa people, we've got sparkling apple cider drinkers in the crowd....definitely don't REALLY grab your crotch."

-Emily :)

Ladybug!

Helena definitely embraced Halloween more this year. Even added the words spooky and pumpkin to her vocabulaly and can convincingly laugh like a witch.

She had a Halloween parade at school on Friday afternoon, where this is the best picture I got of her:

She was the first one in line and took her 'marching orders' very seriously-- stopping briefly to say "hi mom, hi dad" then went about her mission of leading her class in the parade.

She was marching so close to her teacher (the one in the gold cape), that you can't even see her here!!! She had her head down and everything. That's the rest of her class standing at the door. So funny.

She also fully discovered the joys of "kitty kats" and reeses peanut butter cups. There was loud stomach gurgling after her overindulgence, but no puking, thank god.


She did make a pretty cute ladybug. :) We didn't officially take her trick or treating becuase Ash wasn't feeling well...and, she's only 2. She won't remember...until she reads this when she's fifteen.

-Emily :)

How We Got Dragged Into Attending Republican Fundraising Event -- Part 1

Wow, never thought I'd have to type that sentence up there. Yes, Ash & I are attending the Governor's Ball this evening. It's not completely voluntary...we are basically seat fillers for Ash's company, who has so generously contributed to the sitting governor's campaign coffers.

Anyway, it's black tie, I found out on Wednesday...good times. After frantically searching for a dress, shoes, jewelry, breaking new jewelry, buying different jewelry AND finding a babysitter...we're all set to go. I contemplated buying a really really sleazy dress to wear tonight...sure would blend in with the plethora of jesus jammies we're sure to witness...but I decided to take the more tasteful, black, Ann Taylor route. In case you didn't know, Utah is the capital of very demure, sleevy evening attire.

Part of me feels like we're inadvertently being democratic spies tonight. I'm going to take a little notebook to jot down funny things that happen/are said throughout the night. Hopefully I'm not pumping this up to be less than blog worthy. At the very least the food should be good and I read that there will be Broadway-ish production numbers.

But, think of it, this is the creme de la creme of Republican fundraising events in Utah. I COULD SEE AN OSMOND...IN PERSON. And I'll ask them to sign my chest...you betcha!

-Emily :)

Rock Chalk Indoctrination

Looks like we've got a little Jayhawk on our hands! :) Gotta move back to Kansas before they get to be that age so we can get in-state tuition.

-Emily :)

Caffeine Makes Me Positive...

I know this is random, but one thing I really like about Utah actually has to do with their coffee shops. If you're waiting in line in your car, the local, drive thru ones walk outside and take your order before you get to the actual window. It's awesome, super fast and they're always really friendly. And friendliness in customer service in Utah is a little hard to come by sometimes.

Anyway, and you all thought I just had sarcastic things to say about Utah! Oh, and this pumpkin spice latte is fabulous.

-Emily :)

You can buy 50 pounds of anything!

One of the more evident regional differences in Utah in terms of grocery stores is the prevalence and constant presence of emergency food preparation products. I'm not sure if these products exist anywhere else in the country in your normal Walmart or Kroger store. Evidently it is a tenet of the Mormon faith to always be prepared...beyond your normal boy scout preparedness...and keep a year's supply of food in your home at all times. I personally do not have the funds, storage space, or religious conviction to undertake this task, but it sure does make grocery ads semi-entertaining.

Behold:

Yep, a 25 lb. bucket of rolled oats. Seems practical...healthy...not too gross.

Then...a $60, 40 lb. bucket of kidney beans. I think I'd rather starve than eat those after they've been in my basement for a few years. But, I guess if you have 10+ children, they probably would go pretty fast.

Dried Chicken Teriyaki with Rice...wow. Inventive and disgusting at the same time. And probably not worth $22. Folks, this is just the tip of the iceberg, trust me.

Ash & I figure should the Apocalypse come upon us while we're here, we're in good company. All the Mormons would HAVE to share their bounty of stored food with us, right? That would be the Christian thing to do. Either that or we'll have plenty of stockpiles steal from.

-Emily :)

Birthdays All Around!

Whew...trying to recover a bit from the last two weeks. First I endured my third fund drive at work. Enough said about that. Then Ash's birthday (had a great time at a really nice dinner & the Jim Gaffigan show, even with me having to beg for tickets that should have been at will-call, but weren't)...then my Mom, niece Ellie and my Grandma Sarah & Grandpa Harris came to Salt Lake City to celebrate Helena's 2nd birthday and my mom's birthday as well (it's the day after Helena's).

Helena was really cute this birthday. She understood what was going on a lot better than last year and was really excited about her chocolate cake, new Wonder Pets fly boat, sticker books and the trip to the zoo.

On my mom's birthday, we took a scenic fall drive through Provo Canyon, ate lunch at a fabulous little mexican place in Heber City, then drove back home for some R&R.

Some photos from the weekend:

First of all, even though this will undoubtedly overshadow the cuteness of my own kid, some shots of the new baby elephant at the Salt Lake City zoo. Hands down, there is absolutely nothing cuter than a baby elephant:

Especially when it starts to play around with stuff like a kitten!!

OK, sorry. Back to Helena. She's cute too. :) Here she is sporting her new hat and new snow boots while playing with her fly boat.

Blowing out her candles on her Ming Ming cake. Ellie, ever the birthday pro, showed her what to do with the candles. We were very excited that she 'recognized' her cake. There may have been high fives involved... :)

Happy Birthday Helena! You're the coolest! We love you!

-Emily :)