Senior moments

One of the best things about working with people with Alzheimer's is that you never know what you're going to get when you show up in the morning, so it's always exciting. Sometimes I'll have a cute little grandma give me a hug and tell me I'm an angel and then turn around 20 minutes later and say "Help me break this window or I will kill you" (just happened 2 days ago)- only to come back in another 15 minutes and say hello with no recollection. Needless to say, it provides for a lot of laughs.

One of my favorite old ladies is the grumpiest lady in the whole community, but I just can't help but love her. Today, she had me in stitches.

Me (as I walk by her in the hallway): Good morning!

Old lady: Shut up.

Me: Did you just tell me to shut up?

Old lady: No, I said "Have a nice day."

Me: Oh, that's what I thought. (And then I gave her a big hug)

Utahans love terms of endearment

Call me crazy, but I think terms of endearment (i.e. sweetie, honey, sugar, etc.) are supposed to be used with people that are dear to you, not by the man at the Taco Bell drive through. "Here's your taco. Have a great night sweetie." What? Did he just call me sweetie? For all he knows I'm not sweet at all.

Okay, okay, I don't really care that much. Maybe it stems from the fact that I'm not super comfortable using terms of endearment. I once had a boyfriend that told me that this bothered him. True story. Maybe I'll make that one of my 2010 goals "Use more terms of endearment". Then I'll be a true Utahan, darling.

I forgot what it feels like to be warm.

Luckily I'm headed to Southern CA for a reminder. Can't wait to catch some rays (I'm in serious need of some Vitamin D- and a tan). While the sun will be nice, the real highlight will be catching up with these lovely ladies. High school flashbacks, here I come!

Holidate '09 (not quite as catchy as Holidate '08)

It's that time of year again. The time to throw on a party dress, eat delicious food, and dance until my feet hurt. Check, check, and check. Already looking forward to Holidate 2010.

Good Company

Everyone loves a good white elephant gift.

Looks like the "hand on the hip" is not only my picture pose, but also my dance move.

BIG mistake.

I know better than to drink Diet Coke at 9:30pm.

I need something to keep my mind off the fact that it's going to be cold for the next 4-5 months.

I saw THIS on Kate's blog today and I got soooooo excited. It got me thinking about all of the other documentaries I've seen and loved- and yes, I realize that by admitting this, I cement myself in the dork category. I don't care. I've come to terms with it.

Anyway, I thought I'd ask if any of the 4 of you that read this blog have any suggestions of documentaries. Funny, informative, historical- I'll take it. It's starting to get real cold here, so I've got to come up with indoor activities to keep me busy until it's warm enough to hang out on the porch again.