Manda's Couch

Happy Independence Weekend

2009-07-02T17:02:00.000-06:00

On My Mind

2009-06-24T10:23:00.006-06:00

Can we just talk about a few things? This could take a while, so get set.

1) Jon & Kate Plus 8

What the crap is going on there?

I am stunned at how Kate manages to not take any responsibility for having a hand in destroying her family. Jon is an idiot who was too passive and then decided he'd rather act like a frat boy then be a husband and father. Kate is blinded by money and attention, both of which it's evident she has never had until she popped out a litter of babies.

Guess what crazy lady with the most awful hair cut on the planet? If you truly only care about your kids and their safety (as you have pontificated dozens and dozens of times), then maybe you should quit exploiting/FILMING your family's destruction.

Your show was fun to watch when it was about you spending some nice time at your modest home making lunch and doing cute things. Your show is now no longer fun. Viewers are not only subjected to your uncomfrotable and sad marrital problems, but we get to watch you shamelessly take freebies and get tanner and then tanner and then more tanner. Ew my stomach is churning just thinking about this trainwreck of a family.

2) Perez Hilton Getting Punched
I don't think that violence is ever a way to deal with a situation, but this dude for sure had this coming to him. I'm shocked that it hasn't happened to him before. Here's a sure way to not get your a** kicked. Don't use hate slurs.

3) Rainy June 2009
What's the deal with all of the rain we've received here this last month? I want my summer back, weather jerks! Thankfully it seems that summer may be here to stay now, so I won't really go on a rampage about it.

4) New York City
I'm heading there in about a month and am so so excited. I am so up in the air as to which shows to see. There isn't one that I am DYING to see, but I don't want to waste my precious $ on a show that's just "meh". If anyone has tips on shows currently playing leave me a comment.

5)Mono
One of my good, good friends came down with Mono. Sad huh? Sorry you are so sick Mo! Did you peeps know that it takes anywhere from three weeks, to a couple of months to get over mono? That blows.

6) Donating the Subie
I'm in the process of donating my family's old Subaru wagon to the Kidney Foundation. I have come to love this little gem of a car. We've been through a lot together:

*You were there for countless drives along wasatch blvd, while I cried and sang my guts out after break ups.
*You escorted me many days to and from the UofU and to my job as a receptionist for FIVE years at Richards & Swensen.
*You were there for me while planning my wedding.
*You made it so that Spencer and I could rally during the great Snow of Christmas 2003
*Your a/c would freeze me out during the hot hot summer months.
*I learned how to change a tire on you, and got to the point where I could change it all by my strong self.
*You survived and lived for awhile after Spencer's "Trax Situation" (if you want more deets on that you have to ask Spencer. It's one of the most highlarious stories ever)
*I will miss your signature Fagergren Seat Covers
*I uesed you in my MANY Moves: Kappa house, The Downington House, The "Love Shack", Turnberry, The Couch House & then to the Harrison's.
*You saved my life during countless snow storms and you stole my heart.
*I will miss you Subie

Dreaming

2009-06-09T09:22:00.002-06:00

I kinda really want to be in this picture.

The Best Thing EVER

2009-06-09T08:53:00.002-06:00

Well worth the 9:31

You're Welcome

Juris Doctorate

2009-06-08T15:33:00.007-06:00

Spencer Graduated almost a month ago, and during that time we were babysitting my brother's kiddos while they were out of town, so sadly this post was put by the wayside. Better late then never though right?

Spring of 09 marked the end of Spencer's long education, and he couldn't be more thrilled to say goodbye to the U of U campus.

Here is Spence with his favorite professor, look how happy he is.

This week also marks our 6th year of being married, all of the past years have been filled with tuition, books, tests, loans and lots and lots of classes. so this graduation is a very welcomed and exciting thing for our little family. Although it doesn't quite feel like he's graduated since he is studying intensely for the Bar, which he takes at the end of July.

Spencer's time at Law School has really been a great "era" our marriage, we seem to have found our groove as a married couple, and have welcomed our home to the most hilarious little kid. We feel really lucky to have been able to live here close to our families and friends. Although we don't know what the future holds for us (the job outlook is quite discouraging). I am so proud of all of the hard work Spencer has done to get this degree and I know he will be an amazing asset wherever his path may lead.

Congrats Meiszus

oh and five days after Spence takes the Bar, we'll be celebrating HERE with Emmy and Miles (and no baby, yippee!)

I'm pretty excited.

Arkansas Mayhem

2009-05-08T14:03:00.016-06:00

Are you ready for this? Its a marathon post. Alright, let's get on with it.

Its been about a month since I blogged, I really suck at this thing. I do appreciate those of you who haven't given up and continue to check in on me.

Two weeks ago I was lucky enough to fly to Arkansas with a group of Kappas to attend one of my pledge sister's wedding. Basically it was one of the greatest weekends of my life!

It was so much fun to spend time with girls, reconnect and laugh hysterically together. The trip started off with Reade getting busted in the security line at the SLC airport for smuggling a flask full of vodka in her purse, (she swears it wasn't hers) and it ended with a tour of the U of A's absolutely stunning/amazing/huge Kappa house.

This is just one of the insanely ridiculous photos we took on this trip. here we are doing our best "Octo-mom" looks. Morris won the contest.

This was taken after we had been "Shushed" by the flight attendants for being too loud. Apparently people had been asking for earplugs. Reade was shocked that we got a reprimand, I was shocked that it didn't happen earlier. Here Morris is modeling her GIGANTIC, but amazing head phones.

This is at the "Big Hat Luncheon" hosted by Aunt Liz the Pi Phi. There were hats and they were big and it was FABULOUS

This was taken at the Rehearsal Dinner, it was at an amazing restaurant called "Savor" it was yummy and gorgeous.

To say that we went to a wedding would be a supreme understatement. This wedding was event, after event of fabulous lunches, dinners, and toasts. People in the south really do know how to throw a wedding. The ceremony was absolutely amazing, the chapel was set back in the woods, and it felt as if they were being married under a canopy of trees. Katherine was so beautiful in her gown and the best part of the whole ceremony was to watch my dear friend beam with happiness.

Coffield and Patrick right after the ceremony, so in love and so happy.

Me and Cham waiting for the bride to make her grand entrance.

Here we have Morris at the "Morning After Bar" the day after the wedding. Stocked full of Mimosas, Bloody Mary fixins & an assortment of pain relievers for your hangover.

The last stop of the trip was to the U of A's Kappa house. We took a tour, it was divine.

Words will not convey how much fun we had on this trip. I am so lucky to be surrounded with so many wonderful women in my life. I also feel so lucky to have chosen to be a Kappa. The women I met and the friendships I forged over ten years ago have truly helped shape the woman I am today.

Easter 2009

2009-04-13T12:14:00.004-06:00

I hope everyone had a fabulous Easter. Our family sure enjoyed ourselves. I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again, but holidays are so much more fun when you have a child.

It was so fun to watch Spence "find" his Easter Basket (it wasn't too hard since I just handed it to him). He loved the Egg Hunt at Grandma & Grandpa's, and he has a new found love of jelly beans, just like his mama.
Thanks must go out to Grandma Marilee for providing us with the awesome Easter Duds, and for putting all the leg work in for the Easter Egg Hunt.

Spencer basically thought the eggs were just balls to throw so we spent most of our time picking up jelly beans from exploding eggs.

Food For My Soul

2009-04-02T14:56:00.003-06:00

*Warning, this is a Mormon post, but applies to all amazing women. Oh and Dieter looks like a movie star so its fun to watch him :)*

I've seen this passed around on blogs, today I watched it.

It left me inspired and gave my heart some much needed lifting.

10 not so cute things about me

2009-03-19T08:54:00.005-06:00

{photo source}

Yay for tags, Andrea wanted to hear my 10 not so cute things.

1) my bathroom floor is COVERED in my hair, its so disgusting and I hate cleaning it because I know in two days it will be hairy again.

2) I can't for the life of me save money. I seem to spend it before its even in the bank. I remember my mother telling me this when I was planning on what to buy with the tooth fair money I was going to get from my barely loose tooth.

3) I never wash my face at night. I don't even own any kind of "face wash" product. My skin hates me for it I'm sure.

4) I drive WAY too fast. I should stop speeding.

5) along the same lines of Andrea, I HATE it when people show up late to a movie and then have the audacity to ask people to "scoot over" or move so that they can sit together. * note to everyone reading this, IF YOU SHOW UP LATE TO A MOVIE YOU DON'T DESERVE TO SIT TOGETHER.

6) I am very picky about restaurant service. If I have to ask for a refill, that will most definitely be reflected on your tip.

7) It drives me crazy when people say "i want to hang out, what should we do" . If you want to hang out, have a plan say "i want to hang out on Thursday, lets meet ____". i guess in short i just wish people would be more direct and not expect me to plan something for them.

8) I love to pick other peoples pimples. yeah i know so gross.

9) I can eat an entire loaf of wonder bread all by myself.

10) I tend to not censor myself and hurt other's feelings unintentionally.

That Grateful Feeling

2009-03-17T14:45:00.005-06:00

{photo source}

*the glorious spring sunshine

*not needing a jacket while loading up the car this morning

*primary songs

*being a mommy to the most amazing little guy

*being the wife to the most amazing adult guy

*my blue ipod

*the Godfather audio book

*not being in high school

*the chance to see some friends tomorrow evening

*crystal light-raspberry lemonade, single servings

*the facebook "what twilight character are you" quiz

*spending my lunch warmed by the sun

*not having the stomach flu

*bejeweled

*having green eyes = not ever getting pinched on st. patrick's day

*leaving work when the sun is still up

*the excitement of finishing a book tonight

*really good eyelash curlers

*going to arkansas in a little more than a month

*german chocolate

*painted toenails

*bpa free items

*fresca

*cetephil cream

*big earrings

What the...?

2009-03-05T15:07:00.006-07:00

Picture found here

Are you having a hard time figuring out what REALLY is going on with our economy?

I found something that helped explain things.

This American Life is an hour long weekly radio show hosted by Ira Glass. It is created in Chicago but is played on NPR. I have subscribed to its Podcasts on iTunes.

If you are confused and want someone to spell out the Housing Crisis to you Download THIS podcast. {355: The Giant Pool of Money}

If you want to someone to spell out the Banking Crisis download THIS podcast. {375: Bad Bank}

I highly recommend everyone to have a listen. I think we should all be educated on what is happening to our nation right now, especially since as we are beginning to see, it's going to get worse before it gets better.

OH AND THEY AREN'T BORING, THEY ACTUALLY KEEP YOUR INTEREST!

hmmm

2009-02-19T00:42:00.003-07:00

wow its almost been a month since i last posted something. i am really good at this whole blog thing.

its 12:42 am and i have a slumbering husband by my side. i should be asleep gearing up for a busy day in the office tomorrow (today technically) but i have spent the last 20 min. on a post meant to 'vent' my frustrations. I have decided to discard that rant and just say the following.

This economy sucks, it is hurting everyone. My hope is that people will remember that and try their best not to play the victim, since right now, everybody is a victim.

Why do some people push away love and/or relationships and then get upset or hurt that no one wants them around anymore?

I think its time for people take RESPONSIBILITY for their own actions. You, your very own self, is responsible for your happiness or unhappiness. If you don't like the situation you're in, take action. DO SOMETHING about it, try your best not to lash out on those that try to love you. All that does is burn bridges that will take years to rebuild.

Lastly I want my family and Spencer's family to know how much we love you. I love the way my mom calls me once a week to get our family's status. I love how Spencer's mom will watch my son, all day and then feed us dinner in the evening. I love how my dad ALWAYS wants is children together in his home. I love how Spencer's Dad, is constantly working and trying to be a stronger, smarter, more loving person.

Everyday I am amazed at the families I have. I wish everyone could be so lucky.

Lucky Number Seven

2009-01-29T11:17:00.002-07:00

MJ Wanted to Hear My 7s

7 things I want to do before I die:
Have a couple more babies
Travel the world
Build my dream home
Feel healthy and fit
Watch each of my children be sealed in the temple
Take my parents to Europe
Take Spencer’s Parents to Europe

7 things I cannot do:
Ski - snow or water (I have tried multiple times on each)
Watch Horror Movies
Draw
Win Graciously
Eat Seafood
Watch Football all day long
Sing

7 things that attracted me to my spouse:
He was almost as smart as me ;)
His love of movies
He had traveled a lot
He wasn’t put off by my loud personality.
His ambition
How he had just the right amount of persistence.
His sexy Shiny Shirts that he would wear.
* totally kidding he never wore them around me*

7 things I look forward to every day:
Hearing Spence’s morning giggles
Playing “Where’s Spence” in the rear view mirror on the way to Grandma’s.
My lunch/shopping break
Checking blogs
Getting hugs from my little one when I pick him up from grandmas.
Getting my kiss from Spencer after work.
Reading right before I go to bed

7 books I love:
Gone With The Wind
The Godfather
Good Night Moon
Pride & Prejudice
Little Women
To Kill A Mocking Bird
The Snowy Day

7 Movies I Could Watch Over and Over:
Gone With The Wind
Little Women
The Godfather
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Pride & Prejudice
Big
When Harry Met Sally

7 sites I Visit Everyday:
Google Reader
Facebook
Hotmail
Private Blogs
Blogger
Flickr
Gilt Group

7 People From Whom I'd like to hear 7 Sevens of their own choosing if they can be bothered:
Wendy
Dianna
Kimmie
Melissa (yeah you) Parker
Emmy
Andrea
Morris

The Happiest Place On Earth

2009-01-23T12:11:00.008-07:00

Today I am wishing I was walking along Main Street.

I never found the motivation to post about our last trip to Disneyland so I decided to post a few of my favorite pictures from our trip in October.

This Chick Rules

2009-01-14T12:33:00.002-07:00

i discovered her from thisamericanlife.org

visit her website www.elnabaker.com

Some Things I Wouldn't Mind Getting This 1-23

2009-01-13T17:02:00.005-07:00

a. Kate Spade - Lucie Boots

b. Violet - Aviary Note Cards in Aqua & Yellow

c. Vanity Fair - The Portraits

d. MOMA Store - Diana F+ Camera

e. Wedgwood - Vera Wang "Grosgrain" 5pc Place Setting

f. MOMA Store - Ruffle Pleat Scarf

g. Frye - Jane Cuff Boots

h. Tiffany & Co. - Tiffany Notes Letter "S" Round Pendant

j. MOMA Store - Contemporary Dollhouse

k. Moleskine - City Notebook New York

l. OMFGG - Original Music Featured on Gossip Girl

m. MOMA Store - Passport Wallet

n. ReForm School - WWII Propaganda Poster

o. Apple - iMac

Fish West

2009-01-09T23:14:00.002-07:00

oh how i love these girls

I Heart Public Radio

2009-01-09T12:10:00.005-07:00

this week's obsession

Year In Review

2009-01-07T10:10:00.002-07:00

*WE DIDN'T MOVE! (this is HUGE for me)
*Said good riddance to a crappy job
*said Hello to a fabulous new job
*Spent 7 fabulous days in the lap of luxury in Cabo San Lucas
*learned how to bake bread
*went on our first "family trip" to Dianna's Cabin
*enjoyed a week at Disneyland with many of the Couch Clan
*took a cup cake class with deeds
*fell in love with Mad Men & Girls who Gossip
*watched the Utes play a fantastic season of football
*witnessed Spence's first:
-easter
-4th of july
-trip to disneyland
-birthday
*watched a pledge sister get married
*got called to Jury Duty for the THIRD time!
*discovered the joys of the Wii
*watched Michael Phelps make history
*joined a book club
*held a 1st Birthday Extravaganza for Spence
*blew off my 10 year high school reunion
*became addicted to Facebook
*took a photo class from Nicole
*fell more in love each day with my two boys

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T10:17:00.001-07:00

You're Welcome Brit

2008-12-11T11:50:00.002-07:00

I heart Britney and her comeback

Have You?

2008-12-01T15:58:00.005-07:00

Got this from HER

I've done everything in blue

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

2008-11-24T10:56:00.004-07:00

All I am going to say is this:

48-24 BABY!

Merci

2008-11-24T10:49:00.003-07:00

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts. Its been a strange two weeks. Losing my grandfather was really hard for our family, however we do see it as a blessing.

My dad had a scare with his heart this last week, which put us all in a somewhat panic. (at least I panicked, I don't think anyone else really did). Apparently 2008 has been the year of "health" issues for our family. We have been so fortunate to have such a healthy family that its a little strange to have so many concerns come up lately.

Here's to 2009 being a healthy and calm year.

Goodbye

2008-11-10T14:15:00.010-07:00

Yesterday my siblings and I lost our beloved Grandpa Glen.

My mother said goodbye to her Dad and my Grandmother say goodbye to her sweetheart of 66 years.

I have been fortunate to have had both sets of my Grandparents for almost all of my 28 years.

My Grandpa Glen was an amazing man and I know he is now at peace.

{photo found HERE}