Fine + 2 Pts

Christmas Letter 2010

2010-12-24T16:40:00.000-08:00

Last year was the year of U2 music....This year.....

TOP 10 happenings of 2010 through the top 10 songs that have been stuck in my head over the year...The lyrics may or may not match....but the titles fit so well...

10. The "Suspension" (Mae) was over...yes folks, I turned 30 this year and you know what? It's been the best year yet! I think the 30s are going to be great. Tell all your kids, grandkids, and friends that there isn't anything to worry about....it's like the 20s but better! and you know how I celebrated? I had a Star Wars Trilogy night (4-6), it's still okay to be a kid sometimes :). It's even encouraged!

9. "Just Say Yes" (Snow Patrol) to a cake party with 6 different scrumptious cakes to choose from! I learned how to make a chocolate ganache this year and I was quite proud. The girl that claims to not bake....actually can! It was a dark chocolate orange cake. Thanks ladies at the temple for not only a great party (with more than enough good eats) but another fantastic year of growth and learning. Many answers have come by simply being with you in the temple this year. Love you!

8. "Don't Stop Believin" (Journey) that San Diego is the greatest place on earth! I have had another fantastic year with Jenny and Lisa as roommates. I've learned so much from you two incredible women, words cannot express how much I admire and love you. Here's to 2011!

7. "Short Skirt, Long Jacket" (Cake) were common sightings at the Labyrinth of Jareth ball in LA that Ashley Swindlehurst and I went to. Yes, that would be Jareth (David Bowie) from one of my favorite childhood movies "Labyrinth". Ashley and I spent most of the evening just taking pictures of the elaborate costumes people had, the Steam Punk movement is simply fascinating....I think I shall look into making a costume one of these years....Comic Con was another enjoyable year spending with Pat and Kandra and the boys. Jenny was able to go with me this year. It's incredible the creativity that people have. And it took about an hour....but I got my Chuck bag! booyah!

6. "Fine + 2pts" (Minus the Bear) another great year spent at Disneyland! Still keeping with the tradition of going about once a month. I broke down this year and realized that I needed a Premium Pass. So that means I have no blackout days....no Amy, I'm not rubbing it in....I'm saying that so that everyone knows that when you are in the area....let me know. We could go to Disney! I never get bored of that place. Hurrah for corn dogs, dole whips, and monte cristos (food is not my only motivation....but it is a big one) :)

5. The most recent news is the decision to move into the family ward after 12 years in a singles ward. It's crazy to think that the end of next year the singles ward will be a "Shadow of a Day" (Linkin Park) but I know that the family ward is where I need to be. I look forward to working with all the kiddies and Young Women! They really are an inspiration to me! It'll be so good to be with friends that have already moved on again and to keep the good friends that I've made in the singles ward. Remember, "I'm not dead." :) Loves!

4. It's been another eventful year "On the Wing" (Owl City) traveling for Goodrich. I love my job! This year has been a year of reunions! Whilst working in these different parts of the country I've been able to run into friends and catch up for a bit. Yay for aerospace being in such places as Texas, Alabama, Iowa, Washington State, and Utah. It's been great catching up with old friends. I miss you all and think of you often. Keep on keepin' on. :)

3. I got to experience my favorite food in the actual country it came from this year. Last year it was "The First Single" (The Format) flight for me to Malaysia. This year was my second solo flight to Thailand. I LOVED it (the country....not the 26 hour flight)! Thailand is a beautiful country and the food is every bit of what I dreamt of. For months after Jenny, Lisa and I were nervous about eating Thai in the states for fear that it wouldn't be the same. It's not, but Thai food is amazing as is. :) The Thai people are so thoughtful and kind. I only wish that they had a more stable political system. I hope to go back sometime very soon, being with them was a beautiful experience.

2. Family "With or Without You" I would not be who I am today. The title to the song is a stretch. It's more that "I can't live without you". I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have to live closer to you than in years past. I have loved every minute of it. Yay for mom being retired and coming to visit more often.

1. "Seeing is Believing" (Acceptance) is a true statement. This year I had the amazing chance to spend my vacation with two inspiring women (Jenny Williams and Cassie Cannon) on a cruise line with Michael Ballam and Roy Christensen. We went to Egypt (rode camels and went inside a pyramid), Israel (completely life changing), Croatia (Gorgeous!), Greece (awe-inspiring), and Italy (Venice two years in a row!). There are so many memories I cannot write them all down. As a result of spending time with these two women and the other members of our traveling party, I feel completely changed.

At this Christmas Season I wanted to share with you the joy that I have felt. Jesus Christ came into humble circumstances in Bethlehem, lead a perfect life and suffered and died for us in Gethsemane and ultimately Calvary. He was laid to rest in a tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea and rose on the third day. I cannot describe the feelings that I felt in these sacred places in Israel. But I can say that I know without a shadow of a doubt that He was there and that He lives. I hope that this Christmas Letter finds you and yours in happy circumstances and looking forward to a prosperous and delightful new year! Please keep me posted on what is going on with you and your families. I pray and think of you all often.

All the Best,

Michelle Scullin (Mish, Meeshell, Super Mish, Cindiana Jones, Princess Leia, Trixie, Scullie, Scullinator, etc.)

Christmas Letter 2009

2009-12-19T22:22:00.000-08:00

Top ten U2 Songs that defined 2009 for me!

10. “Lady With the Spinning Head” – I’m so grateful to have the perfect job for me! I have now been at Goodrich Aerostructures for almost two years. I work in the Supply Chain and travel around the world helping our suppliers become more efficient using the Toyota Production System (Lean) Tools. I work with the nicest people! We’ve gone through a lot of changes and unfortunately members of our team have left us to pursue other things (retirement or Goodrich Euro). Barry, Olivier, and Alex are sorely missed. I’m so glad our paths crossed! Thanks for what each of you taught me this year and last. The year with work has been crazy and there have been many times where I’ve been “spinning” but it’s been great every step of the way. I love traveling all over the place and being able to see old friends and roommates and meet new people from Wisconsin, Ohio, Maryland, other parts of California, and Malaysia. It’s been a great year! Thanks Bob and Martin for taking a chance on me!

9. “Even Better Than the Real Thing” – When Jenny moved in we decided to try different restaurants in the San Diego area. I encourage anyone that comes to visit to try the local “interesting cuisine”. Jenny and I have most enjoyed the sushi across the street and their “Monthly Roll” and Crazee Burger where I had my first taste of kangaroo, gator and bison. Mmmmm….tasty!

8. “When I Look at the World” – I am always amazed at what I learn from other cultures. One of my most memorable trips this year was with my good friend Jennyanne Parr Anderton. We saw the beauties that Italy had to offer: Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Venice, hiked the Duomo in Florence, saw the “David”, Roma, ate TONS of gelato, learned the benefit of tours by blackberry, and much more. It was a great trip. Along the way we found new friends from around the world (Pete and Karen, Pat and Jo, and the Del-Linz family) that took care of us. From the experience I came home a changed person. Thank you Jennyanne for insisting on going to Italy. It was a trip to remember!

7. “Where the Streets Have No Name” – Malaysia, what can I say about Malaysia? But that it is a beautiful country with the nicest people I have ever met! The country is covered in palm trees. The food is almost unbearably hot. I’m not kidding folks, it’s HOT (burn the back of your throat for over an hour hot). But it was great! Fahzany, Suriani, Ayman, the Zuls, and Saru were great hosts and hostesses. Things that happened whilest there: a lizard crawled up my leg during dinner, I ate food I have no idea what it was but it was tasty, learned that McDs has a VIP drive-thru line, the A340 all business class by SingAir is the greatest plane on earth even when you are sick, and I made some of the greatest friends. See you next year! ☺

Did you know that the Mission Inn in Riverside is haunted? In October a couple co-workers and I went on a “Haunted Tour” of the Mission Inn by Blackberry. It was AWESOME! We even got to go under the Mission Inn in the catacombs. I highly recommend it! Don’t worry, Aunt Alice won’t get you, she’s a singer…

6. “City of Blinding Lights” – Sometimes it seems like Disneyland is more than the happiest place on earth! I must have gone to Disney over 12 times this last year. From pouring rain and riding the Matterhorn (Tasha, “every corner I’m getting soaked!”), to family trips of 12 people (12 is the EXACT number needed to fill most of the cars on the rides. I’ve never had a more efficient day than the day with Aaron, Pat and their families. Come to think of it, I don’t think ANYONE has had a more efficient day there than that day.), eating corn dogs (converting people to eating corn dogs - Tash, seriously people they are the best in the world) and just spending all night running around with friends and family. I’ve got a deluxe pass this year! Bring it on!

5. “Magnificent” – It was an incredible experience seeing my nephew Lance turn eight and get baptized. I’ll never forget the feeling that I had watching him step into the waters of baptism. He’s an incredible kid (like all my niece and nephews). His testimony strengthened mine.

4. “No Line on the Horizon” – There is no end to Heavenly Father’s plan. I have loved continuing to work at the San Diego Temple this year. The shift is VERY early in the morning on Saturdays. But every moment has been wonderful. I’ve been able to work with many men and women who are coming to the temple for the first time. God’s blessings are endless!

3. ”Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own” – Living with Lisa and Jenny has been a great blessing in my life. We laugh constantly! 5am Pilates, So You Think You Can Dance TV, “Lisa if we buy the ingredients…will you make it?”, Murder She Wrote, broken arms, Disneyland, “Have I got a song for you!” (With or Without You, Circus), no washer and dryer, “Thai food is spicy to the tongue” (Castle), and last but best of all: Friendship. Thanks ladies! You’re wonderful and I’ve enjoyed every minute, here’s to 2010!

2. “With or Without You” – What can I say about family? I love them. It has been so much fun watching the kids (niece and nephews) grow up and become the great people they are. I don’t think that I could ever properly thank my parents, brothers and grandma. Thank you for just being you. It’s so great living only a couple hours away rather than 12. ☺

1. “All I Want is You” – All I want is U2!!!! Yes folks I lived one of my childhood dreams! Thanks to perfect planning (and a little help from above in the form of a Welsh family and an extra ticket that worked). Jennyanne and I were able to see U2 in their home town, Dublin Ireland! What an incredible concert! We were about 20 rows back but got some of the most incredible pictures! There is nothing better than seeing them live in their element. I love the Irish! Truly an unforgettable moment for me. And then I got to see them again in Vegas with Cheryl and Cynthia! Huzzah! Here’s to turning 30 next year!

Well, thanks to all of you for being you and having been in my life. I hope that this Holiday Season leaves you all with gladness and joy. I love the holiday season where we can recognize God’s hand in our lives. I have truly been blessed throughout my life. I wish you and yours with all the blessings heaven has to offer.

Love,

Michelle, Meesh, Mish, Scullie, Scullinator, Shell-bell, etc.

2009-04-21T23:42:00.000-07:00

To see more please log on to my Facebook page. Loves!

Catch Up

2009-03-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

I know many of you might be wondering what the heck happened to me....Well, a lot has happened and the long anticipated (as if I have enough readers) top 10 travel log for the end of the year and last week has come! :)

First...CHINA! November 2008

10. Moutai smells like lighter-fluid and comes in a bottle that looks like lighter-fluid, why would anyone drink that? Ladies and Gentlemen, I learned this last trip that if you are someone that doesn't drink, like me, you do the following, "I'm sorry, I don't drink for religious reasons. But, Tou has informed me that he will be drinking my share for this evening."
9. Fitting four americans into one taxi cab to save money really doesn't make a difference when you find out your trip cost 25 cents.
8. Parrots in the US speak english and parrots in China speak Chinese, "Ne Hou Ma?" I'm not really sure why this surprised me, but it did...
7. We learned a whole new meaning to Hanedashi - or "to vigorously expel", Thanks Barbara!
6. Watching a bunch of Chinese high officials make paper airplanes and yelling in Chinese to make it go faster was hilarious!
5. Each part of the great wall that I walk I learn something new. This section had a maze attached to it. So when the enemy made it over the wall, they were still dazed and confused. Pretty ingenious if you ask me!
4. You know you're in China when you see everyone on a bike, people sweeping the freeway, cyclos on the freeway, etc.
3. Pulling silk is harder than it looks. Mike, Barbara, Barry, Bruce and I had a really hard time with it. "Here, let the ladies take care of that, they can fix the mistakes..."
2. Dumplings in Xi'an are still the best!
1. I never get over the culture and history of China. I am amazed by it! And it's true what they say, "The Olympics make everything magical" We saw the "cube" it's incredible to see a whole building change colors like that! I'll post pictures I promise!

Alabama December 2008:

10. Bama Pride! "Crimson Tide" Everybody wears something with Alabama on it, purses, shirts, hats, socks, ties, etc.
9. Everything is fried I had the following: Pickles (Which were the best!), Okra, Shrimp, Onions, Scallops, etc.
8. SO GREEN!!! Gorgeous green oak trees and fields. Amazing
7. I swear I gained 10 pounds in one week: Gumbo, Whiskey Steaks, Hush Puppies, Keylime Pie, Grits, the list goes on and on...
6. I love the accent, but I am a mimicker, I slipped into the accent a time or two. My favorite phrase from the whole week was in reference to someone level loading work as "Peanut butter spreadin'"!! LOL
5. It was the week before the "Big Game" Alamaba/ Florida...Football is life! I had a blast teaching them about the "Holy War" BYU vs UofU...Who knew that a couple weeks later the U would crush Alabama?!
4. I don't know what it is about the South, but it seems like there are outlet stores everywhere!
3. Houses on stilts, I don't think I'll ever get used to that...
2. I love the Southern Hospitality. It's SOOOO true! I loved the plant and Foley. Such a great place!
1. Beautiful WHITE sand beaches! "Alabama...Who Knew?!" Seriously some of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. I loved it. But the threat of hurricanes on the Gulf scare me.

North Hollywood January and Last week 2009:

10. Met a lot of famous people: Chucky, Dracula, some kid named Adam "Hi Adam"...yeah scary!
9. Walked the street walk with all the Stars
8. Saw the famous "Hollywood" sign
7. Stood on Harrison Ford's feet imprints at the Grauman's Chinese Theater! :)
6. Drove down the amazingly SHORT Rodeo Drive
5. Almost convinced someone in the group to get a tattoo because the other two of us won't. ha
4. If you go to Hollywood, make sure that you go with someone who has never been there, we had Tammy from Foley Alabama. It was a riot. Loved the Southern drawl in Hollywood :)
3. If you want a real taste of Burbank, go to Target after 9pm. You meet some very interesting people. One individual told me his philosophy on life and another lady offered me a job in finance for Citibank. Who knew?
2. U2 was on David Letterman every night that week!
1. The new U2 album came out while I was there.

I promise I'll post pictures soon! Thanks for your patience! Loves!

Happy Holidays

2008-12-17T23:13:00.000-08:00

MUSICA DOS

2008-09-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while since I've posted a soundtrack for life. These songs all have meaning for me recently...at least the play count on my Ipod seems to indicate that, here is why:

"Shadow of a Day" - Linkin Park: It was my theme song for moving, just listen and you'll understand why...

"Settlin'" - Sugarland: Well, it just seems appropriate to my current "status" minus the red wine part

"Come on Get Higher: - Matt Nathanson: It's just got a really nice sound that I heard at the Sugarland concert that I can't get out of my head.

"Together" - Michelle Branch: recognizing the power of relationships and how they affect us

"First Single" - The Format: Just makes me want to get up and dance, but at the same time I can relate to the lyrics

"It's Good to Be in Love" - Frou Frou: I love the way the title of the song has nothing to do with what you think it does, and I can relate to the lyrics

"Matter of Time" - Cartel: I've met these guys a few times, awesome band from Georgia. I love the idea of change and the struggle that we all go through in order to make it somewhere different.

"Typical" - Mute Math: AWESOME song and I miss the person that introduced me to this band. To me, it's about "becoming" and moving forward but recognizing the individual struggle with getting there.

"Suspension" - Mae: This has been on a few of my playlists. I just love it. About the beginning of what could be the greatest relationship of all time and the nerves that come with it. Love it!

"The Outsider" - A Perfect Circle: I LOVE Maynard's voice! I absolutely love the music to this song. The lyrics to this song aren't the point to it for me. It's all about the music and Maynard's voice! I'm not suicidal. :)

"Miss Independent" - Kelly Clarkson: Well, this is silly. But I think a lot of us go through the cycle that the lyrics to this song talk about. At times I relate to it, others no. But I mostly added this one for the immediate effect that people recognize it.

So I hope you enjoy the current playlist. There will be another at some point in time as I'm trying to convert the world to a couple bands my good friends Kaddisfly and Ayin!!!!

2008-09-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

Yes another trip made and another adventure had: Destination, Waco Texas

10. Wacko Waco is not a new joke, they've heard it for years
9. The Branch Davidians are still practicing and they plan to rebuild the compound (I know you all were wondering...)
8. "ea' yeet?" "naw u?" nope, ya'unt to?" "Aite".....is holding a conversation
7. The Hilton was really nice except it was really hard to walk into the front door....the door hit the "coffee nook" and I thought to myself, "dang it, I don't drink the stuff...they should have no coffee rooms so I don't have to bang into this thing everyday"
6. It doesn't matter how hungry you are, the freeways don't let you get off. We would see a sign for a restaurant and want to get off the freeway, but if you didn't already know that it was there 40 miles ahead of time, you weren't going to eat there. (the exits were literally 5 miles ahead from when you would actually see what you wanted to get off for)
5. Watch out on off ramps!!!! You could be headed in the wrong direction into on-coming traffic!!!!
4. High School football is LIFE. We saw a high school stadium that can seat 40,000 people.
3. Miss Nuvi saved our lives yet again and she said, "there is a better way" never heard her use that phrase before....It could have been because the road we were on showed us out in the middle of nowhere (not even on a road) for her.
2. Pay attention to the time change....I was working off my computer time and subtracting two hours instead of adding two hours....no wonder I went to bed at 2am that night....
1. Buzzard Billies never ceases to amaze me. "That there Cajun meal is mighty fine if I do say so myself"

Thanks MarathonNorco for inviting us to join you! I'm glad that we could chat a bit about Lean AND the BYU/UofU rivalry. (there were a few BYU and UofU grads at the facility) live on Holy War! :)

Back from the UK

2008-08-02T22:29:00.000-07:00

Yet another top ten from my latest trip for work! This time was in Sheffield UK. What an incredibly beautiful place!

10. Flying in to Manchester on a half empty plane was SWEET!
9. There are sheep and cows all over the place
8. Tom Tom ain't so great (ALL the round abouts! I've never seen so many...not even in my other trips to the UK)
7. Even though our supplier's name was Doncasters, they weren't located in Doncaster...(AND I was the ONLY woman on the shop floor, I'm not even joking about that)
6. Pub food is still the way to go and the only choice in Sheffield (Most restaurants in the area you order from the bar and when you are seated, your food is ready...I kinda like this arrangement)
5. My traveling companions are HILARIOUS: Jim and Olivier "Stupid Tom Tom" ripping it out of the car jack and threatening to throw it out the window...."I stayed up late last night watching a movie on one of the three channels we have"
4. Cherry Coke tastes COMPLETELY different...it's definitely a cough syrup flavor
3. I don't know what it is, but I still find the signs funny..."Humped Zebra Crossing", "Mind Your Head", "Sheep Crossing", etc.
2. The homes are a lot like cottages, or old time manor houses (our hotel was a renovated 11th Century Chapel, and a 16th century Manor house with stables...GORGEOUS!)
1. Even though it was nothing like London, it was an incredible place, more like what I picture England to be like with all the farm land and sheep, etc.

Thank you Doncasters for inviting us to come and help out! It was a great experience and I'm glad to have met you all!

Thanks Percy and Sarah!!

2008-08-02T22:28:00.001-07:00

I've been tagged. This one is funny. (Thanks Percy & Sarah!)
1. My Rockstar Name (first pet, current car):"Friskey Jeep" LOL
2. My Gangsta Name (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite shoe):"Vanilla Vans" (hum...Vanilla Ice wanna be?)
3. My Native American Name (favorite color, favorite animal):"Silver Tiger"
4. My Soap Opera Name (middle name, city where you were born):"Fontana" (I will only have one name)
5. My Star Wars Name (first 3 letters of last name, first 2 of your first):"Scumi" (I'm not sure I like this one too much...Leia is just too good...I sound like intergalactic rubbish with this name...)
6. My Super Hero Name (second favorite color, favorite drink):"Blue Pina Colada" (That would be a Pina Colada without the alcohol of course)
7. My Nascar Name (first names of your grandfathers):"James Vernon" (that actually has a nice ring to it)
8. My Stripper Name (favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy):"Cool Water Caramelo"
9. My TV weather anchor name (5th grade teacher, city that begins with same letter): "HP Hamburg"
10. My Spy Name (favorite season/holiday, favorite flower):"Spring Plumeria" (this seems a little weak for a spy name...)
11. My cartoon name (favorite fruit, article of clothing you are wearing now):"Cherry Linen"
12. My Hippie Name (what you ate for breakfast, favorite tree):"British Biscuits Cherry Blossom" (wow now that's a name...)
Have fun with this one! Short and sweet

Long List of Adventures in Careers

2008-06-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

Have I been BUSY sheesh! Traveling, working, spending time with friends and family...I couldn't ask for a better set up! Due to these current happenings, I think it'll be more fun to write more about "Adventures in Careers" for a while. Mostly my observations about the new places that I've visited while traveling for work. Lists seem to be a good format for me. So if you can handle it....READ ON! :) Some of these things are a LONG time coming:

April: Wolverhampton, UK

10. I LOVE the UK!
9. Soccer, er. football, is the WAY of life, ESPECIALLY in Wolverhampton (go Wolves! and I watched Manchester United win! Hurrah!)
8. Pub food (at "The Spread Eagle", really, that was the name) is the best
7. They have no idea what a coke with grenadine means ("what's grenadine?")
6. Everyone says, "At the present" when they are working on something...(ex. "When is the machine coming?" "they are working on it at the present.")
5. Thai Chili flavored crisps (potato chips) are the BEST!
4. The Chinese food place played 50s and 60s music; the Italian place played 80s elevator music
3. Shopping by myself in Wolverhampton was really nice
2. The other employees at Goodrich Actuation Systems UK were AWESOME! (one even bought me some biscuits (cookies) because he heard I loved them)
1. "Stay LEFT of the blue arrow when driving!!!!"

May: San Marcos, Texas

10. There is a HUGE outlet mall in San Marcos and my big accomplishment was that I didn't buy anything!
9. I'd tell you what I worked on while at the San Marcos facility but then I'd have to kill you :)
8. "What kind of devil bird chirps at night?!"(Kit "Failure to Launch") Mocking Birds and Black Birds are REALLY loud!!!
7. I got lost EVERY night...all those "outer highways" can get really confusing
6. "the Oasis" is a really incredible restaurant on Travis Lake...food, eh, atmosphere, AMAZING
5. It was SUPER hot in MAY....I know because I was sawing metal outside for half an hour...the power saw was broken.
4. I LOVE the Texas accent, "Used to could...", "You was yella" etc.
3. Texas Pride is alive and well
2. Austin IS weird, "Keep Austin Weird" - the lizard man in the airport PROVED it
1. Seeing old friends makes every trip WORTH IT! (thanks Kevin, Sarah, and Percy!!! and welcome new friends Joe, Tim, Brigid, Carrie, and Melanie)

May: Riverside...again

10. There's a WHOLE lot more to do in Riverside than Alex and I originally thought! This time I went to the Sanrio (Hello Kitty) store for over an hour. (instead of Toys-R-Us)
9. I love being so close to family. I can meet up for a movie, drive home for dinner...etc.
8. Meeting up with friends from the other plants is a blast!
7. The second week of Lean Training was an interesting exercise, our team rocked!
6. "Juan, the Male Room is different from the Mail Room...", sometimes when you've been working on a process flow ALL week, people tend to read fast.
5. I had Japanese, Spanish, Chinese, Greek, Irish, and American food all in Riverside
4. "Let me introduce the team,....oh and here is Michelle....everyone knows Michelle..." (Thanks Juan)
3. Bomb scares are anonymous, "Of course the bomb scare would be anonymous, it's not like someone is going to call in and say, 'hi my name is george, I'm calling in a bomb threat.'" We were evacuated for about an hour.
2. I love going to these training things, I get to meet people from all over Goodrich and the best part is I get to see them all again!
1. There's nothing better than being able to go home for a holiday (Mother's Day)

June: Cleveland, Ohio

10. It's REALLY green! and there aren't any fences
9. The Winking Lizard is an awesome wings place: Magma is intense. Lizard Lips are really good too
8. Bang Bang Shrimp was totally worth it
7. There really is a "wrong side of the tracks": we literally crossed over the train tracks and the homes DRASTICALLY changed
6. The architecture is really unique, in some parts it's like Boston (bricks and mortar) and others like a brand new city of Iron (Rock Hall of Fame)
5. Canadians are still funny
4. Surfer's drivers licenses get great reactions from people (Zack's: "I don't know what you was doin' but I definitely want to be a parta dat", "there's my wild man", "I didn't think it was you man", "WHOA"
3. Getting nicknames: "Snappy from ASG News"
2. History lessons at the steak house are better than paid tours of the city (House of GYNORMOUS steaks...seriously bigger than my head)
1. "There are surfers in Ohio too?!" We literally saw a guy with a surf board strapped to the top of his car, it was upside down, but hey, it was a surf board in OHIO! :)

RIVERSIDE...the Riv....er...side....

2008-03-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

So I just got back from my first trip for work. It was an eventful week. No Literally...we went for a Kaizen Event. :) I know, I know, cheesy engineering joke, but I just had to. Anyway...

I have to say all the things that I heard about Riverside when I was a kid have been dispelled. Well, sort of. Riverside is Riverside. Sorry for those of you that are from the area, but everything closes about 5 probably because of the gang problem. But in all honesty, for me, Riverside wasn't so bad. Why? Well because I stayed at The Mission Inn! (Please refer to the picture above) Yes folks, The Mission Inn. It's a Goodrich preferred hotel. And I LOVED it!

The event was a lot of fun and I'm learning a lot of new things VERY quickly. To dispell all the misinformation that many of you may have...I work for Goodrich Aerostructures. It used to be known as BF Goodrich (the tire people) but for the last 30+ years they have not made tires (Michelin has actually). We make specific parts for aircraft. Hence if I told you specifically, I would have to have you sign papers saying that I told you what I did and you would have to claim that you wouldn't tell others. So to save us both problems...I work in Aerospace, not tires. :)

As for Riverside the event turned out well and I even got to experience my first presentation! I'm meeting people from all over the world too which is a lot of fun. Alex (my coworker in Chula Vista who was working on the Kaizen Event too) is from France. So while I've been learning all the interesting things about growing up in France, I teach him stupid stuff about the states. In other words, I didn't know that most of my language is slang apparently and he's never heard of half of it. I really should work on that.

Anyway, to say the least it's really good to have some friends at work and I'm really enjoying myself!

The top ten things about Riverside:

10. Riverside isn't that far from home!!!!
9. Everything closes at 5
8. I basically don't have to do anything to win at pool, people just lose when they play me (remember John? I won your car? Yeah, Alex isn't much better, heh)
7. Alex really likes Techno and House music (everywhere we went we listened to it...it's growing on me, I'm working on it Madi)
6. Foreign food is really good, and learning about it adds to the experience
5. Goodrich is AWESOME!!! I am SO going to love it here! I love the work, my team, the events, Lean, it's perfect for me.
4. Kaizen events are a lot of fun, no matter how frustrating it can be some of the time. I totally am in my element with Goodrich.
3. I'm still a ToysRUs kid! :)
2. The Mission Inn is incredible: food, service, everything! And so is running into old friends there (Tyler!)
1. "What happens in Riverside, stays in Riverside" All the people I met were a lot of fun to talk to and I'm glad that I've been able to meet them all!

Time Really Does Fly When You're Having Fun!!

2008-02-20T20:37:00.000-08:00

So I've moved here....

SOOOO much has happened since I've been in this fabulous place! I'm in a new Ward, I started a new job, making new friends, etc. The main thing that I've learned...yes another list...it's easier to read that way:

5. Goodrich is awesome!!! And I'm excited about my future there. Baptism by fire really isn't that bad I've learned a TON in a short period of time.

4. The ward is great and everyone is SUPER Friendly, making the transition a lot better, even when the Bishop asks you to speak on your fourth Sunday. :)

3. San Diego is the weirdest city in the world, traffic is opposite from what you would think it would be, people are going AWAY from the city. I'm not complaining though. Can't beat that commute! (seeing the ocean every morning is awesome as well.)

2. Conversation hearts, especially the new ones, really do spark conversations.

1. It never gets old telling people I live here!!!! :)

Life is good and as for some new songs, well sort of new....That I'm adding to my list of songs that should never end, yeah:

"Suspension" - Mae
"Walk on the Ocean" - Toad the Wet Sprocket

Just to name a couple. Well I know that this entry is simple, I'll probably come back and edit it a little better later. But at least it lets you know that I'm alive, in San Diego, and extremely blessed, I really couldn't ask for more.

Christmas Letter 2007

2007-12-22T21:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas Letter 2007

To my dear Family and Friends,

I haven’t really known what to write for this year’s Christmas email. My life has been so blessed with wonderful family, friendships and acquaintances. This year taught me to cherish what I have and live life to the fullest.

I have to say it doesn’t really feel like 2007 happened at times. There have been glorious ups and tragic downs. But through it all I have been blessed to recognize my blessings and am so grateful to those people who have always been there. I wanted you all to know that I am grateful to know each of you and let you know that I think of you often.

The top ten things that 2007 has taught me:

10.“Not your gall bladder huh? Let’s have you eat a really fatty meal and see what happens…”

You really don’t need a gall bladder to survive. Get rid of it, it’s MUCH better than the pain of keeping it

9.“Welcome to my empty apartment!”

Having an empty apartment isn’t so bad when you have great friends next door and close by looking out for you. It’s also not so bad when you figure out that an air mattress is MUCH better than a makeshift bed of pillows or the hard floor. (thanks friends and family that donated to the cause of helping me stay comfortable those last couple weeks!)

8.“You want me to what?!”

Singing a solo in Church is still scary

7.“Sweet Child O’ Mine!”/ “Leo you hit EVERY kid square, you better get a second car”

Guitar Hero and Life parties really are the answer to stressful situations

6.“Understatement of the year”

Sometimes the greatest blessings come when you take your biggest leaps.

5.“In cards and flowers on your window/ Your friends all plead for you to stay/ Sometimes beginnings aren’t so simple/ Sometimes goodbye’s the only way. – Linkin Park ‘Shadow of a Day’”

No matter where you go or for how long, goodbyes are still hard

4.“This is why we do this” (Sister Johnson)

Getting up at 4:30am to work at the Jordan River Temple every Saturday was the best thing I could have ever done. That experience taught me more about life, progression, and the love of an Eternal Father. I miss my sweet ladies at the temple. You were all such incredible examples to me!

3.“Words can’t really express how I feel”

Families are FOREVER. I witnessed four incredible Sealings this last year which were four of the greatest experiences of my life. I also lost two close friends to cancer within two weeks of each other. Their families are such witnesses of strength and faith for me. The world has lost two great individuals, but their memories and testimonies will forever teach me what life is all about. I love you all!

2.“Collapsing from pain on HR’s floor at work and being wheeled out to the car for the ER in an office chair is soooo embarrassing!!!!!”

Two surgeries in one year really isn’t so bad when you’ve got Mom around as well as good family and friends.

1.“Why can’t we do anything simply in this family? How come it’s always got to be dramatic? We can’t just get sick, we have to have surgery. We can’t just move home, it has to burn down.”

When you finally decide to move home, don’t do it during fire season. And especially don’t move all your stuff a month in advance. All my stuff was moved the first weekend in October into the garage and various rooms in my parent’s home. The last week of October my parent’s home was taken in the Slide Fire…we are okay and grateful to Grandma who has openly welcomed us into her home!

As with every coming year I learn something new about myself or come away from it with a little better understanding of how it works. My last year in Utah was definitely a memorable one. And I’m grateful that I have something to build upon with my new beginning in CA.

For those of you that are wondering, I am currently working as the Wildfire Outreach Program Manager for Rim Family Services. I help direct Outreach Crisis Counselors, hired by FEMA, to the areas of devastation and worry on the mountain. Through the program we work to reach every individual affected by the national disaster and hopefully return the community back to a sense of normality. It’s very rewarding work and I have an incredible team of employees. We have a blast together! Every day is an adventure with individuals we meet.

As I look toward the future I’m hoping to eventually end up in the San Diego area working as well as going to school for my PhD. We’ll see what Heavenly Father has planned for me. I trust that He knows what’s best as long as I’m moving forward. My family and I are just fine and moving forward as well. It’s been so good to be so close. I know that moving was the right decision. That is witnessed to me daily. This is where I need to be. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t miss my dear friends and family in Utah and scattered throughout the USA and the world as well. I hope that this letter finds you all happy, well, and enjoying good company this Holiday Season!

All my love and prayers!

Michelle (Shell-a-bell, Shell, Mish, Meesh, Meech Meech, Scully, Super Mish, etc.)

California Wildfire Slide Fire

2007-10-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Hello All:

I know that many of you are watching the news and seeing what is going on in my beautiful mountain range. Yes, what you are seeing is real. Running Springs is on fire, and yes that is my home town. I have greatly appreciated all the phone calls and texts throughout the day today. I wish I could have spoken to all of you today to let you know what exactly has been happening. I also know that many of you have loved ones from the area as well as loved ones fighting the fires. I cannot express enough how grateful we are for the courageous firefighters that haven't slept as they struggle to save Running Springs and Lake Arrowhead from these horrible fires. Not to mention the other fires stretching from the Mexico border to Santa Barbara. It's a horrific sight.

As for me and my family, we are safe. My family evacuated with what they could yesterday morning and have been in Desert Hot Springs trying to get any news that they could about home. My father is braving the fire with his crew from Arrowbear in Running Springs and has been watching everything going on for the last few days and hours calling the family in the desert with updates. About 3:50pm this afternoon ( Utah time) I read on www.rimoftheworld.net (a fabulous site) that spot fires were on Nob Hill and a couple structures were burning on Willow and Poplar Drive (my parent's home streets). I found out from my dad about a half hour later that it was from two structures three homes down from my house. I left work and went to my cousin's house in Sandy. Not really knowing whether or not the house was still standing.

About 7:15ish this evening I got a phone call from my mom (followed by my dad) saying that half our home was destroyed by fire. It went up through the garage (where all my newly moved stuff from Utah was...) up into my parent's bedroom bathroom and up into the attic and trying to go across the rest of the house. They were able to put it out. Now the fear is that the roof will collapse (from the water damage) or a remaining spark will flare up again, but we will have to wait and see what happens. My dad was actually able to walk into the house and look at the damage, pretty incredible.

As of this point my brother's homes and my grandmothers are okay. We aren't sure what tomorrow and the spotfires/winds will bring us. But everyone is in pretty good spirits. I thank my Heavenly Father for humor. It has helped my family in oh so many ways. My heart and prayers go out to many of you that are wondering what is going on with your homes. I know that many many good friends have suffered great losses. I cannot express in full my feelings and support for all of you and your families through this time. Thank you as well for all of your prayers. They have been answered in so many ways, even with suffering the loss.

A question I'm sure many of you are still asking, yes I am still moving to CA. I'm planning on leaving next Thursday as planned. Most of the major roads into CA are currently closed and I'm hoping that by then I will be able to make it back safely. I really need to be with my family. I now, more than ever, know that this is what I should be doing. Thank you to everyone for your support and prayers. They have been felt and answered, I am continually praying for you as well.

Love,

Michelle

New Beginnings

2007-10-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Isn't it amazing that songs can speak so much?! I just discovered a new song that just speaks loads for what I'm thinking and feeling currently.

"Shadow of a Day" - Linkin Park
"In cards and flowers on your window,
Your friends all plead for you to stay,
Sometimes beginnings aren't so simple,
Sometimes goodbye's the only way,
And the sun will set for you,
The sun will set for you,
And the shadow of the day,
Will embrace the world in grey,
And the sun will set for you."

I did in fact receive the most beautiful flowers I have ever received this last week from an admirer on the production floor at work (once he heard that I was leaving for California). Thank you Joe, they were beautiful. But I've been really humbled by the experiences I've had with friends, family, etc. I've cried, laughed, reminised, etc. And it's been wonderful. I still can't believe that nine years have passed since I moved to Utah. Yes Madi, you were right, "my pink suitcase can come out first!" and Mel, you were even more right when you said, "that pink suitcase is packed and already in CA waiting for you to follow!" So true! I'm going to miss everyone that I've met in Utah. My life has been incredibly blessed with such good people in my life. I have learned a lot about myself and how to react to the world around me here both professionally, personally, and spiritually. For that reason I will forever be in debt. I know that I will miss everyone terribly. but I WILL see you again, if not in this life, in the next. Like it says in the song, "Sometimes beginnings aren't so simple, Sometimes goodbye's the only way." This is one of those cases. I love you all!

I'm so excited to be moving back to California, "right back where I started from"! I can't even express how grateful I am for such an incredible family what was willing to come (on their vacation) and drive my Uhaul with all my stuff in it back to California (without me) and unload it into the various homes. (I'm hoping that I'll remember where all my stuff is, so that when I'm settled somewhere else I'll be able to get it all back, heh. But that's a story for another time...)

Anyways, so the Michelle "Cindiana Jones" Saga continues with the new adventures of sleeping on the floor and having no furniture. I don't know if any of my readers have experienced this before but I have come up with the following list of facts so as to make this sort of move easier should you ever need to experience it:

1. Two foam mattresses are not better than one. They tend to sink in the middle.

2. Pillows (I don't care how many you have) will never work as a substitute for a bed or foam mattress.

3. Air mattresses are wonderful, but make sure that it is fully inflated or you will experience what is stated in number 1 all over again.

4. Eating yourself out of house and home should not require you to eat a full box of pasta in two days...no pasta should last that long...space it out and use different sauces.

5. Corn tortillas are good fried, but do not react the same way that flour tortillas would, therefore, plan ahead.

6. Bare walls make for great "going away parties" you can project a movie on the wall.

7. No furniture allows for more people to gather together for a party and also allows for less stress of the hostess as there is nothing left to break in the room.

8. Don't forget what you packed. You may own it, but it's not with you. Don't offer it to people. (I told a friend I had a picture for them....yeah, it's in CA already. I told another friend that I have the game of LIFE, yeah, it's in CA already. The list continues)

9. If you have a pet, keep it with you if you are going to live with no furniture. (Pepe my frog has been a life saver. I'm so glad I didn't send him with my family)

10. Thank those you love often. You never know when a change is going to happen. My family and friends have always been there for me. I love you all! I will miss those in UT. And I look forward to seeing those in CA!

Loves!
Super Mish

The Secret

2007-09-19T06:25:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a while since I have posted on said blog. Life has had it's ups and downs as of late with a little craziness mixed in. But I am enjoying it. I just finished this book called "the secret". I really enjoyed the principles taught in the book. But I do think that there should be a perspective given to it.

I, like I have said previously, am a religious person. Being such I believe that God wants His children to be happy. He wants us to accomplish what will make us happy. By focusing on the prize and Him first we can accomplish anything.

What happens isn't necessarily that we have the nicest car or the nicest house or even every monetary dream we could ever want...we start to align our goals with God and we are satisfied with what we have. We also discover what our potential is and what we can accomplish and we have a new drive to accomplish it.

Also, on a side note. I just joined goodreads.com. I suggest it for everyone as it is a really neat website to see what your friends are reading or have read...so join and let me know what to read! I don't have TV anymore so I need new stuff all the time. :)

La Musica

2007-07-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

The power of music is the topic for this evening (starting anyway, I'm sure something else will come up). I've been thinking a lot about the tough times or the happy times in life and I've recognized that there are a lot of songs that I associate with those times. There is something about lyrics that can change me or affect me in a way that the spoken word or written word can't. And I got to thinking about the Soundtrack to my life I think the following songs would be on that list:

"Dig" - Incubus
"This is Me" - Faith Hill
"Self Portrait" - Stephanie Smith
"If I Am" - Nine Days
"Matroshka (the Ornament)" - Dredg
"City of Blinding Lights" - U2
"All I Want is You" - U2
"Far Away" - Nickelback
"Kill" - Jimmy Eat World
"Goodbye to You" - Michelle Branch
"Good Friend" - Nine Days
"I Will Remember You" - Sarah McLaughclan
"Chocolate" - Snow Patrol
"Breakaway" - Kelly Clarkson

I'm sure that there are others. But in reviewing these songs it's the lyrics like
"I don't know what you believe, or what you think of what you see, but this is a part of me, of what I do and who I am, all of my impurities are right here on my sleeve, this is me, yeah, this IS ME" that really affect me.

"I'm dealing with the changes of this complicated strangeness". I'm currently reading a book entitled "First Break All the Rules" for work. I wish that more people got to read it. It basically states what I have said before. But people are people and we shouldn't try to force them to change. They will change on their own if it is the right timing for them. Also that people come with their own perception of the world and talents to help them succeed in that world.

I have people at work describing frustrations with their situations, friends dealing with breakups, and just general everyday issues that people deal with. In some cases I'm directly involved in the situation, in others I'm a third party observer, but there is one thing that I have noticed between all the situations. Communication. There is some form of communication that has happened that was misinterpreted, misunderstood, or downright communicated well. What is the difference between good communication and bad? Perception. How the other person perceived the communication is key. That is in everyday communications as well as communications with the Divine.

As I have struggled with a decision, even an everyday decision, I've seen like it says in "chocolate", "On my knees I think clearer". And I've learned that no matter how small or insignificant we think our situation is to God we should still get on our knees. Through His help we can see the other perspective, we can feel what they are feeling and really know how to communicate better. I realize that there are individuals in this world that do not believe in a Higher Power or Being that created us all. But I cannot deny His existence. He has helped me through many experiences and tough times. Faith, Hope and Love changes people. "Blessings are not just for the ones who kneel, luckily."

Maybe mother's councel of "walking in someone else's shoes" wasn't half bad advice?

"The more you see the less you know, the less you find out as you go. I knew much more then, than I do now...I've seen you walk unafraid...Can you see the beauty inside of me?"

It's all about perception...

Integrity

2007-06-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

I think I'll write a little about integrity tonight. We had the lesson today and it inspired me.

Gandhi once said (with some help from Keshavan Nair in A Higher Standard of Leadership, p 1) about integrity and leadership...

"Today, many people believe that it is not possible to be successful in the world of business and politics and still to maintain one's integrity - integrity not defined by absence of financial corruption, but by adherence to moral principle in all activities. Many have also come to believe that a major purpose of leadership is to aquire power and privilege. And many believe that practical political and business decisions would be less effective if serious consideration were given to moral issues.

The standard of leadership depends not only on the qualities and beliefs of our leaders but also on the expectations we have of them. As long as we believe that our leaders lack integrity, our expectations are likely to be mirrored in their conduct. Therefore, it is up to each of us to improve our own standard of leadership and thus raise our expectations of those who would lead us."

I love the last line of that statement, it is up to US to expect better things of ourselves and in turn we will expect those things from our leaders. If we allow our leaders to act selfishly, what does that say of ourselves? Are we selfish? Are we demanding the things that we think we deserve?

I've heard many times that my generation is the greatest generation that has ever existed. But I have also heard that my generation and the up and coming generation is the generation of "entitlement". Did we not learn from the experiences of our forefathers? What they fought for in each of the wars of our nation and world? How quickly we forget where we came from and what our real purpose is.

What happened to kindness and an honest day's work? The older I get the more I understand that what we are fighting for in any war isn't necessarily oil, or belongings or religion...it's more fighting for moral values. Moral values that we know deep down to be important.

I am a woman of faith. Not everyone in the world holds my same values. But one thing that is understood beyond boundaries of God and belief in a higher power is the moral principle of LOVE. Love overcomes all barriers. Love gives us a purpose to live for. Love helps us understand the other side of a viewpoint. It defines who we are.

Actions do reflect leadership. What kind of leaders are we? How are we influencing the next generation? Do we stand for what we believe in? Or do we help them along the path of entitlement? In business are we honest with whom we do business with? Do we trust our coworkers and managers?

We still have a choice. We can choose our attitude. We can be honest in our dealings with our fellow men. We can put in that hard day's work. We can expect the best from each other. And we can expect the best of ourselves. A selfish person would be content looking into a mirror for eternity. I would rather be a person that looks through a window and see what beautiful things are beyond the glass.

Change is never easy. Changing character is a lifetime pursuit. Love changes hearts. As it says in the scriptures, "love casteth out all fear". What keeps us from change? Is it the height of the mountain before us that causes us to move aside and say, "oh man, I'm out of shape, there's no way I can make it up that hill."

I suggest: begin believing in yourself. Be the leader, mother, father, friend, spouse, employee, etc. that you would like others to be. "It is not easy to stay on the path; we all need assistance. It is important that we associate with colleagues who share our commitment to be on the path."(p 30) Find those people that support you, love you, and trust you. Believe in them. And whatever or whomever you believe in, be it God, Budda, etc. Believe that you can achieve. That you can change. And never give up the fight. Through your integrity people will have the strength to follow. Real achievement isn't medals, acknowledgements, awards, money, etc. Achievement is integrity. Having that strength to stand up for what you believe and being honest.

I challenge all of us to become better people. Through change and improvement we will achieve our greatest goals.

Mountain Biking Mishaps

2007-06-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a team building experience up in Eden Utah. It was at Wolf Creek and was a complete blast! The first day five of us (I was the only girl) went mountain biking whilest the rest of the crew went golfing. I no longer golf thanks to an unpleasant dating experience (my date whacked me in the knee with a chipping wedge, I've never been the same since).

Anyways, it rocked. We went on this little trail about 4.5 miles long next to the lake. Complete with small switchbacks, hills, and downhills. A great trail for the beginner that I am....well, it was me, Robert (ERP Manager), Paul (Regional Sales Manager), Martin (RSM), and Mark (VP). Little did I know that Mark used to be in Motocross as a kid in the UK...and Martin is a pro biker in Florida. But they kept up with me pretty well. heh. More like I kept up with them the best I could.

Well, on the way back I'm behind Martin on the trail and I'm gaining speed down the hill so that I can make it up on the upcoming switchback....well as I come to the first hairpin turn I see a 2' long snake in my path...before I can go around (I'm heading up the hill mind you) I run directly over it screaming "SNAKE!!!!" and then promptly ride off the trail and end up sitting on a bushel of thistles. OUCH!!!!!!! now the rest of the group is behind me bunched up laughing and saying that none of them saw the snake. So for the rest of the two day retreat I was made fun of for hitting the "snake" that was really a "worm". Bah. I swear it was there! it was black and it looked menacing!!!

Anyways, the rest of the retreat was full of interesting games where we had to work as a team to solve problems. It was really good. My team was all the engineers, IT, and basically all the analytical people which meant we spent all our time planning how we were going to complete the task at hand. We ended up not winning because we didn't get to two of the events, but that's okay. We didn't really care too much.

Overall, it was a good event. And today at work I walked into my office and there was a waterbottle sitting on my desk with "#1 Champion Wolf Creek Mountain Biking - Womens Division" written on it in magic marker. How cool is that? Apparently one of the guys from the trip wanted to help me feel better about the snake that I saw. It totally made my day.

Anyways, I'm new at this whole blog thing...hopefully you enjoyed the entry! Loves! Mish

Well I have a blog now...

2007-06-08T18:49:00.000-07:00

After much deliberation on what I should actually call said blog, I have chosen the title to a song. But as a friend states, "it describes you". So thank you Minus the Bear for writing "Fine + 2 Pts". I don't exactly know what I'm going to write up here...But maybe the inspiration will come...