After an uplifting evening at church for the annual Relief Society General Conference, some of us girls went to Chuy's for chips and queso...should I even mention the tres leches cake? So good. Again, I'm reminded of how nice it is to have "girl time." Thanks for a fun evening Liz, Kristen, Amber and Emily.

So, for those of you who thought it was going to be spectacular...I apologize. It is perfectly simple in color, size and shape. It is much more comfortable than our futon and I'm happy with our purchase.

This is the futon that we've had for over four years. It doesn't look so bad...and hey...some of you might like it better. We haven't gotten rid of it...it is up in Justin's studio now.

My friend, Charise, (sitting across from me in the picture) was one of my favorite people at work. She doesn't work at IE Discovery anymore and I'm glad we're still friends. Several co-workers and I met her at Texas Roadhouse (which was really good and I'd been avoiding it because it is a chain restaurant). It was fun to catch up but it just isn't the same as being able to stop by her desk anytime...

Justin sat on our new couch (pictures coming soon) this morning and patted the space next to him. I was about to start a work out dvd so I got it ready and sat down. He put his arms around me and said, "We really have so much..." He went on to say more but that sums it up well enough. I think most of us can look around and recognize the same thing. I assume that some of us do this more frequently and easily than the rest of us. I just really appreciated the reminder to forget about all the things I want for a minute and recognize all the blessings that are currently in my life. I mean, I'll always want something and when I get that I'll probably think of something else I want...like the couch, flooring and tv...hey, I can come up with way more than three things I want for my house. Maybe I need to focus on the people I know and the things or experiences I do have a little more often. For starters...I'm so glad I'm with Justin.

I am frequently reminded that I am surrounded by really great people. When I showed up at work today this beautiful rose was sitting on my desk in an IE Discovery mug. Turns out the girl that put it there just thought it might brighten my day. Which it did. She grows roses and wanted to share. I added my 3:00pm snack to the picture...is anyone else like me? I need a small snack just around 3:00pm most days.  It doesn't really matter how early or late I eat lunch...it just seems like I need a little pick-me-up at that time.

I went to the optometrist yesterday just for a routine check-up. Not so routine though because it has been at least 13 years since I've had my eyes checked. It turns out that my eyes are doing just fine. I am grateful that my eyes are healthy but my problem is that I was sort of getting excited that I might be able to pick out some reading glasses.  Maybe like some of these below...it is like having a fun accessory with a purpose.

So, Justin was kind enough to let me have the couch...but not without reminding me of his generosity for the past couple of days. I put the pressure on because the sale for the couch was ending that same day and I KNEW that, down the road, Justin wouldn't forget about his "need" for a tv. So I really had to push for the couch. It is just a normal couch and we weren't planning on buying a couch at this time...but we liked it and sometimes I just can't pass up a good deal.

As a sidenote: Here are a few couches that I would LOVE to have but either aren't practical or aren't the right color...or both.

All three couches can be found at www.anthropologie.com

OK...so there are three things I really want for my home right now. I can only choose one and it is driving me insane. I have to decide today! Help!

1.) white flooring for our downstairs bedroom (I've been saving birthday money for this.) So really this is a no brainer...I'm getting my flooring...I just don't know when. Now I have to decide bewteen numbers 2 & 3.

2.) A new couch (we are still using a futon and even though it is a nice looking one, I still really want a "real" couch.) imagine it without those pillows

3.) upgrade our tv (a 32" will do just fine...our current tv is 17" and is on its last legs.)