Ode to a Grocery Cart

I was on my way home,
from an evening jog,
My legs slightly weary,
my mind in a fog,

When all of the sudden,
To my surprise,
Appeared a grocery cart,
Before my very eyes.

Such a beauty she was,
Her metallic glory and sheen,

And I thought to myself,
"Who can we thank,
For this delightful machine?"

Living on the corner,
can be quite nice,
But gifts like this have surfaced,
Not once, but twice.

Who knows how long
She shall remain,
But thank you, dear someone,
For sprucing up our lane.

loving your locale

Long Beach is growing on me. Every once in awhile we discover places and things to do that endear me to this city. When we find hidden treasures like we did last night, it makes things like Kent's commute and the "scary" LBC pockets worth it.While I don't think we'll live here forever, I would be content to stay for another year or so.

We took advantage of our older-feeling part of town (lots of diners and small businesses) for 'date night' last night. I always run by the restaurant below and I thought it was high time we tried it.

Baba Ghanouj

It doesn't look like much from the outside, but the inside was well-decorated, the food was authentic and very good, and the waitresses were friendly and accommodating. The hostess even had an accent. I'm not sure if she was actually Lebanese, but it was a nice touch. Their sauteed potatoes and lamb sausage (I can't remember what it was called) were my favorite entrees. It reminded me of my Near Eastern study abroad experience (something I hold dear to my heart) so I couldn't help but love it.

Unfortunately, we were running a little late for out next activity, so we had to pack up our food and rush across the street to watch....

A Christmas Carol

The production was held in a furniture warehouse so we didn't know what to expect when we walked in. Luckily, we were pleasantly surprised. I'm not sure if the performers were Long Beach locals, but I do know they did a fantastic job. All of the characters were portrayed well and were really talented. You could definitely tell they had experience; good singing and acting.

Side note: Direct mail works. If we hadn't received a little postcard in the mail from the Long Beach Shakespeare Company, we wouldn't have known about the play and we would have missed out on a great, festive performance.

Oh, Long Beach. Such mixed feelings we have for you, but thank you for making our evening so enriching last night. We're going to try to get to know you as well as possible before we leave.

What's around the corner in your neighborhood?

fun on the job

A few weeks ago, Kent and I had the opportunity to go to Catalina for a small church meeting/service. Catalina Island is part of our ward; they aren't an official branch, but a few members and the elders get together to hold a Spanish service and a small (very small) English service. I referred to them as a "branch" once and I was quickly corrected. They really are just a small gathering of church members: two elders, an older couple who lives on Catalina (they head things up for the group) and Kent and I were the only ones present at the English session, which, was held on the top floor of a bank building. The Spanish session was better attended, maybe 10-15 people showed up, but with so few people, I felt like a missionary. It was great.

I'm glad Kent and I get to do so many fun activities together. He is my favorite person to hang out with and I love his goodness and example. Just look at him, how you can you not love him?

All in all, a wonderful Sunday activity. A boat ride, Catalina, church and time well spent with my husband. Next time we go to Catalina, I want to see the Bison, drive a golf cart around, stay in a quaint bed and breakfast and hike the island trails. Seems like it could be one enjoyable weekend getaway.

this brand is my brand, this brand is your brand....

is to

as

is to

Yesterday, I went shopping at Walmart and it wasn't as fun as shopping at Target. They are both superstores, but Target is way better. Sure, Walmart has good prices, but I would rather go to Target; I like the atmosphere better. I could (and do) spend hours in there walking up and down the aisles. Conversely, when I go to Walmart, I want to get out as fast as possible.

Target wasn't always what it is today though. It was a pretty regular megastore when I was kid, but it came back with a vengeance in the 90s. Same thing with Apple. My family had an Apple IIe when I was little. I remember my sister and I would play Frogger and a game called Word Wizard all the time. I'm not sure what happened to Apple from 1987-1999, but they came back with the same gusto and popularity as Target, making your standard PC look utterly normal.

I find it fascinating that you can have the same product or service, yet one can be much more popular than the other. I don't have an Apple/Mac at the moment, but I want one. And Walmart is a fine store, but Target is the best megastore out there. If there is one nearby, it is my store of choice.

I'm not really sure how Target and Apple made a comeback, but they did and they are two of my favorites.

preview

If you didn't want a baby before you watched this, do you want one now?

So excited to see this documentary.

the fuse

As I was reading Fastbreak Futbol this morning, I came across one of the Elizabeth Lambert posts and it made me want to see the actual footage from the BYU vs. New Mexico soccer game. Kent showed it to me the day the game took place, but I wanted to see again. I did a search on Google and of course several videos popped up on YouTube, but this one caught my ear. That's right, my ear. Sure, it shows Miss Lambert in all her glory (crazy viciousness, actually), but the song is great! Does it fit the video? Not really, but it did get me to watch the clip a few times.

The title of the song is Hello and it's by a band called The Fuse. I have never heard of them (I don't think they are terribly well-known), but I listened to a few of their songs and they are good. I tried finding the band on iTunes, but they were no where to be found. Luckily, you can go to their website to preview the songs and download the album. I might have to do that.

Anyway, thank you Fastbreak for helping me find a new song/band in a very round about way.

blog boasting

Fastbreak Futbol is going big! For those you who don't know what Fastbreak Futbol is, it's a pretty fantastic soccer blog created by Kent, his brother, Matt, and some of their buddies. One of Kent's blog posts is featured on Sports Illustrated 'Hot Clicks'! The picture at the top is a little risque, but if you scroll down you'll see the link to The top 10 David Beckham hairdos. You'll find it under 'Random Links'.

If you can't get it there, click here.

Anyway, I'm so happy for Kent and the Fastbreak crew. The posts are really informative and entertaining. Sometimes, it's difficult for me to make it through the longer posts because I don't follow "the beautiful game" religiously, but the short posts with pictures (i.e. ones with David Beckham's hairstyles over the years) suck me in. Thanks to Fastbreak (and maybe my desire to see the entire world) I want to go to the World Cup in South Africa next year. How great would that be?

Once again, congratulations, Fastbreak Futbol. This is only the beginning....

responsibility

Why is it hard to be responsible? Why is it that most days I would rather spend time taking walks, reading a book, playing the piano, baking cupcakes, learning to sew, coming up with new entrepreneurial ideas, running along the coast, vacationing on the beach or even cleaning the bathroom? Lately, I haven't felt the desire to do anything I'm supposed to be doing. Work feels monotonous, and I generally like my job, it's just something I don't want to do right now. Errands seem like a pain, and like work, there's nothing horrible about them, I just don't want to do them. Why the bad attitude? Why the lack of motivation? Again, why is it hard to be responsible?

I'm not really sure, but I do know responsibility is something that's going to follow me around forever so I had better learn to like it. I guess it's a 'rites of passage' thing. Becoming an adult, becoming an employee, becoming someone's spouse, becoming a parent (not there yet)-the responsibility tag is attached to all of these. Especially that last one, if I feel I have a lot of responsibility now, I can't imagine what a baby would do. A child seems like the best kind of responsibility though, after a spouse. Enjoyable responsibility. Those of you with children may disagree, but I'm an outsider looking in.

Anyway, it's Friday, and I am happy for that. Plus, Thanksgiving is around the corner. A few days of non-responsibility await and I get to see my family. Ultimately, I'm grateful to be where I'm at thus far in life. When I think about it, responsibility allows for freedom. Work and everything else that seem drudgish, make the other things I want possible, and so much better.

Good thing I have a wonderful husband who supports me and good thing I can escape to places like this in my mind whenever I want:

Ahhh....just looking at that makes me feel better already.

snl digital shorts=brilliant

My sister forwarded this video to me and I laughed so hard. I'm not a huge Twilight fan, but this SNL digital short made me rethink that decision. It cracked me up. We're talking, 'made me laugh out loud all by myself' kind of cracking up. Please enjoy 'Firelight'.



This will be shown to Kent tonight.

And who knows, we just might see New Moon now....

10,000 steps

A few years ago, I remember hearing that a person should walk at least 10,000 steps a day to maintain a healthy lifestyle. After learning that, I did what every normal person would do, I went out and bought a pedometer. (Yep, those beeper-like contraptions that you attach to your front pocket, very chic.) Unfortunately, I lost that one, but luckily, I happened across a free one at a health fair. (Those pedometers make great promotional items.)

Well, the second one had been missing for a couple of years until it recently showed up in the garage (it's amazing the things you find when you clean the garage) and I couldn't be happier. The excitement of tracking my steps has returned, but it has brought a new revelation: I don't come remotely close to taking 10,000 steps per day. Not even close. I went running today and it only left me with a whopping 4,501 steps. Granted, I only ran about 2 miles, but still. Is it time to train for another marathon? Sheesh.

I knew working from home would make me more stagnant, but I wasn't counting on chunky. I need a baby to chase around or a dog to walk. (I'd prefer the first option over the second.) The step record thus far: a little over 8,000. Sad. So sad.

Anyway, I'm going to work on this 10,000 step thing again. No more 4,000 steps a day business. Plus, I get to wear a pedometer and that makes me feel like a fashion icon. Don't you know that beepers were and are the trendiest things out there? You should try sporting one. You'll be pleased with the glances on-lookers give you. They really boost the morale.

All this talk of beepers and walking reminds me of a classic.

Proclaimers 500 Miles
Uploaded by stevanhogg.

Happy walking!

shopping before dinner is dangerous

This is what happens when I go grocery shopping on an empty stomach:

I try to be healthy, but I couldn't resist this temptation. New York Cheddar with Herbs? I don't even know why cheddar from New York would be better, but it just sounds better and it is (at least in powdered chip form).

The Naked Juices also caught my eye, plus they were 2/$6.00. Not really a deal, but it sounded like one. Forget that we have a Vita-Mix that can make the same type of smoothie for much less.

Justification: Everything in moderation, even potato chips. They aren't that bad. Well, maybe they are, but I feel like the good things in the Naked Juice canceled the bad things in the potato chips. Faulty logic? Of course, but doesn't it seem like that should make sense?

Anyway, I enjoyed the random purchases (so did Kent), but I should eat before grocery shopping next time. Better for the budget and a healthy lifestyle.

superman surprise

I had no idea that I married CLARK Kent. Dang. I knew I was lucky,
but Superman? Jackpot.

I found out that Kent doesn't really need glasses or contacts, it's just a front. He also doesn't need to go to the gym to pump iron, he's naturally one strong guy. He just wants me to think he needs the exercise. Incidentally, he can also fly. Why do we even buy airline tickets? I wish I would have known about this ability before we went to Europe, we could have saved a lot of money.

I'm so glad I discovered Kent's true identity on Halloween.
I really scored.

a product for your thoughts?

I'm in the process of updating the West Dermatology website and I really want to make sure we include things that the general public wants to see. We also recently started a blog (I need to update it more often) and we're offering a give away: The product of your choice, if you submit the best suggestion for the West Dermatology website. Simple enough, right? Anyway, I would love your feedback and ideas. I have some rolling around, but a second, third, or fourth opinion is great, too. (Oh, and I know the October information on the front page of the website must go, I'm just waiting for my other computer to get fixed. Should change tomorrow.)

Click here to participate. You won't regret it.

May the best idea win!

Thank you.

the arrival

I think I've arrived. Arrived at what you might ask? Well, when you start spending hours on a project that includes bows, candy and Personal Progress, you've entered the realm of Young Women. It's a fun place to be, but wow, I'm on the outside looking in now. When I refer to my high school days in class, I'm talking about days that happened over 12 years ago. Junior high was 18 years ago! I don't even think junior high schools exist anymore (it's middle school or bust these days).

That being said, and although I'm practically ancient, I'd like to think I somewhat understand the teenage mind. I think to myself: Oh yeah, I remember being 13 like it was yesterday. I get it, Josh Eagen likes you, but you don't like him more than a friend, and that Ricky Ramos fellow is a heartthrob, but you can't date for another 3 years. And in student government, you just got put in as Intramural Sports Commissioner when all you really wanted to be was Pep Commissioner. Such a bummer. Life is rough!

And it is. That place between childhood and adulthood is difficult, but now, my thirty year old self gets to look in on teenage lives and make things like this to keep the girls going in the right direction.

Will it help? Hopefully.

I use bribes. That's okay, right?

Anyway, I love working with teenage girls. They are fascinating, fun and keep me feeling young.

not all chocolate is created equal

I think I might be a chocolate chip snob. Last night, we made some banana oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and I was so grateful to have some Guittard chocolate chip morsels on hand (sale item at Ralphs-couldn't resist). Would any type of chocolate chip have done? Probably. Chances are I would have still eaten somewhere between 4 to 6 cookies in a two hour period (I lost count after 3), but those Guittard people really know how to make fantastically-rich chocolate.

Their chips leave all generic and brand name competitors in the dust (so sorry, Nestle). Any time they go on sale, they are guaranteed a spot in my shopping cart. No buyer's remorse, not even a smidgen, with these chocolate chips. (Well, at least when they're on sale, but I might start buying them at full price, they're that good.)

Anyway, I don't really know the science behind creating quality chocolate (less wax or something?), but I know a good chocolate chip when I taste it. Thank you for delighting my taste buds, Guittard.

one hot harvest

We planted a garden way back in April, which did pretty well (tons of zucchini-thanks for the recipe ideas everyone!), but we had a few duds, late bloomers if you will. Now that October is here, the late bloomers have decided to grow and bear all sorts of fruit-spicy, hot fruit-that I don't know what to do with. Our chili peppers are out of control. They're almost as plentiful as our zucchinis were, but not quite. We didn't think the plants would grow, but here they are, 7 months later, offering up chilies galore.

Little red ones....

Long green ones....

It's a chili jungle out there.

Anyway, if you have any good recipes (salsa included) that call for chili peppers, please feel free to share them. I don't want these vegetables to go to waste, I just don't know what to do with 20 chilies.

Muchas Gracias.

brrrroston

We came, we saw, we went, in one short day, but what a great, chilly day it was. Kent and I happened to have two vouchers with Delta, so we thought it would be fun to take a quick trip back east to see the fall foliage. I had been to Boston a couple of times and love the mini city with a scholarly feel, but Kent hadn't so our decision was made. Here it is in a nutshell (a rather large nutshell).

After surviving the red eye flight, we met up with Kent's friend, Crisette. She and Kent were friends during the law school days, but she currently lives in Boston with her husband. She oriented us with parts of the city then took us to Regina's Pizza (so delicious) and Mike's Pastries (not so delicious). I thought I'd like the cannolis at Mike's, but they were a bit overloaded with cream and chocolate. I know, I didn't think that was possible either.

We then found our way back to the Government Center and passed this lovely place -->

Durty Nelly's. That's right, dUrty nellY's. My friend, Katie, who lived in Boston for a while, told me this place reminded her of me when she would drive by. (I promise I'm not a hussy.)

We then began walking the Freedom Trail. Cruising around town by foot was great, but freezing. It was maybe 45 degrees. Maybe less. I don't know, but I do know that our Southern California faces were freezing.

One of the many brick and gold-domed buildings in the city. This is where the Boston Massacre took place.

There were a few cemeteries along the path which made my day. I have a strange obsession with them. I love the gravestones, the names of the deceased, the dates from so long ago-who were these people and what were their lives like? Old, old cemeteries are the best. I suppose if you locked me up in one at night, I wouldn't love it, I'd probably cry, but they're fascinating otherwise. If you're a graveyard connoisseur, the Hong Kong cemetery is probably the best, followed by one on the way to Coney Island.

Kent, frozen in a graveyard, wondering why on earth I'm taking multiple pictures there.

The Massachusetts State House, last place on the southern end of the Freedom Trail.

We made our way back up the trail and found this statue of Paul Revere. You know, the man who shouted, "The Redcoats are coming, the redcoats are coming!" (or "the British are coming", not really sure.) We tried to get into his house, but we were too late. Next time.

This is inside of the church where they hung the lanterns to warn the Colonists of the approaching Brits. It was a beautiful, quaint church. I love the staircase and window, but this is the best photo I could get.

Master Kent in the Sommer pew box.

Not really. It was reserved "for strangers and wardens". That works though.

Lovely Nameless Bridge. Okay, I just looked it up, it's called the Zakim Bridge. Interesting. I would thought it would be something like Hamilton or Westley.

I love the sun's rays creeping through that one spot, highlighting the leaves. A sublime sunset.

If you didn't get enough of the Zakim Bridge, here it is again, this time with the two of us in front of it.

We made it to the USS Constitution, but unfortunately, we were too late to tour the ship. We will do that, and hike Bunker Hill, next time. We completed our Boston sojourn at a theater where we watched Stomp. I wanted to see it back in 1990-something, but it was too expensive for my high school/college self. It was definitely creative, but I did nod off a couple of times-I just couldn't keep my eyes open! That's what the red eye does to people.

The next day, we drove to Connecticut to visit my brother's family. They live on a tiny island near Mystic and it is fabulous. It's everything you imagine when you think of the New England coast and more.

Here we are on the dock at their house. And yes, that is the Atlantic Ocean at their doorstep.

This is the view from the back porch. How lovely is that?!

And this is their daughter, Maddie. Such a cutie, even with the blood-shot Halloween eyes.

I had to throw this house in because I love it. It is on the island as well. I told Kent we might have to build something like it someday. I wouldn't mind the ocean view either.

On the way back to the airport, admiring the fall colors through the rain-covered windows. (We heard it was supposed to be 65 degrees and clear the day after we left-so sad.)

We had a wonderful time and we're grateful we got to take a quick trip to Boston and Connecticut. It was tiring, but so worth it to see one of my favorite cities and to visit with family. We will go back one of these days.

welcome fall

These guys (shoes) made it out of the closet today and that makes me happy. Their appearance signals the weather is changing and some great holidays are on the way. I know Ugg boots aren't the most attractive boots out there (there's a reason they're called Uggs), but they are comfortable and oh, so warm. Plus, I get to wear my trusty jean skirt with them, with tights even. I think Kent wants me to burn the jean skirt, I wear it way too often, but I can't get myself to get rid of it-my skirt and I have a bond. I think I found a replacement for it at the mall the other day though, but the current one has become a habit. It's so easy to put on in the morning.

Anyway, happy fall and enjoy those cold-weather clothes!

birthday boy

Happy Birthday to Kent Merrill Sommer, my husband.

He is simply the best.

I love talking with him,

and I especially love laughing with him.
Life is just better with him.

Plus, who else can appreciate random Spice Girls videos as much I do?

Spice Girls - Viva Forever

No one, I'm sure, except for Kent.

I'm so blessed to have Kent as my husband and best friend for life. I still wonder how on earth I got so lucky. At 16, when I made my 'future husband' checklist, I didn't realize I'd actually find someone to fit it. I doubted the list even more as I got older. I thought I'd just have to settle here and there. That was before I met Kent though. He has it all--good-looking, fun, funny, smart, spiritual, ambitious, athletic, hard-worker, thoughtful, likes music, interesting, patient, does the dishes and dresses cool--who knew I would actually find someone that spectacular?!

Oh, how I love Kent, and I hope he has a great birthday.

Happy Birthday, Lover!

(And yes, I still love our wedding photos as you can see. Thank you, Rachel.)