Christmas Letter 2010

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

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.

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

Catch Up

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

MUSICA DOS

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!!!!

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! :)