Escape by Carolyn Jessop

I just finished "Escape" by Carolyn Jessop. It was the first choice in my newly gathered book club. (okay its a book duo...thank you Ciara!!) We finished last week and had breakfast to talk about it on Tuesday. It really was a good book; definitely an eye opener. To read first hand about the FLDS culture and the harsh ways of their religion was jaw dropping.

The book is based on the life of Carolyn and her escape from the FLDS. She married a powerful man in the community and had 8 children. She tells stories of brutality and unfair treatment from her sister wives. Plus she recounts the moments of absolute power of the infamous Warren Jeffs. His control over the community was completely irrational and heartbreaking. Reading the book from a faithful FLDS woman was amazing. (Her devotion to her faith was altered the day she married.) Finding out truths and trying to understand the ways of her "priesthood head" were incredible to read. Carolyn showed extreme amounts of courage and patience throughout her 13+ years of marriage. When she finally fled, she was able to start fresh and raise her 8 children in a more normal environment.

It was definitely an interesting read. I knew about the FLDS religion and culture, but she describes so many experiences that were mind blowing.

The book was completely out of our comforts zones, but it was inspiring to read. And very informative. Its isn't written well, jumps around a lot and she repeats her self many times. (With good intentions. There are so many occurrences to remember.) Plus you can tell she hasn't written before and the rawness and inexperience really showcases her true persona.
I would recommend the book to anyone curious about a lifestyle different from their own. It definitely made me more aware of all the precious things around me that I usually take for granted. ***There is a movie in progress, based on this book. Katherine Heigl (27 Dresses and Grey's Anatomy) will be playing Carolyn. I anxiously await!

I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. Pick it up and jump out of your comfort zone like we did. Discover something new.

Well I haven't blogged in awhile. Guess that means nothing in my life has been blog-worthy. Oh well. I may not have any blog-worthy events happening, but 2010 is starting off a lot better than 2009.

I hit my 1 year anniversary for managing my salon - woot woot! Its been a trying year but very rewarding. Its has been a great experience and I've truly learned a lot about myself. As of this month, I'm now competing with my payroll numbers from last year. Which is more challenging - I have incredible motivation in trying to beat my own numbers. So far, so good. I've increased over 30% in the first 2 weeks...we'll see what the rest of the month holds.

Plus I did make some resolutions this year...keeping them to myself though, but I am going strong!! Lots of emotional work and I've been keeping a journal that is helping as well.

Andee's having 2 girls, which is going to be a strain on my wallet. There are just too many cute girl clothes!!! I'm going to add this to my monthly budget! We're excited for the twin girls and helping with name ideas and decorating plans. Its going to be a fun 5 months.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and a terrific new year! I'm hoping something blog-worthy happens TO ME sometime soon.

Merry Christmas EVE!

Merry Christmas all! It has been such a wonderful Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, like most, I had to work this morning. But the salon was busy, so the work day came and went. We are spending the night over at my dad's house. My whole family was here tonight. Brittany and her friend Tiffany, drove up from Vegas this morning. Kalie & Jesse came over and Robyn & Jarron stopped by for a bit as well. When we're together, there is A LOT of noise and some yelling. All good of course!!! We always have such a good time. Getting the family together is one of my favorite memories and past times. We had a wonderful dinner, thank you dad. APRICOT CHICKEN!! Yummy! There was a good game of Apples to Apples as well - can't wait for the rematch tomorrow! We've had a few Christmas movies on in the background. Home Alone 1 & 2, Mickey's Christmas Carol and believe it or not Havana Nights. (Don't know where that one came from...but hey, its 11:30pm...)

But now we are up wrapping presents and sharing some good times. Kalie & Jesse and Robyn & Jarron have headed home, to get their kids in bed. Santa's coming!!! And the rest of us are listening to Havana Nights, wrapping gifts or jamming to Rock Band downstairs. The rest of us are having 1 big sleep over. Joe & I, Andee & KJ, plus Brittany & Tiffany, and Jessica, Dad & Nancy!!!! I love this time of year! I love my family and all the good times we've had! Joe and I are so lucky...we both have such loving families. Plus, we get Grandma's quiche in the morning - HECK YES!!!!

Happy Holidays to everyone! I'm just psyched for tomorrow and I hope you all are as well. I wish you all a VERY MERRY Christmas!

I must go...we're now putting in The Hangover....where did the Christmas movies go? Oh well, I'm up for some more laughter!! Good night - and hope you've been good....Santa knows it!

Love to all!!!

I made gingerbread people!!! That was my one and only holiday indulgence. Its tradition in my family to make toffee or sugar cookies...well I started my own tradition! A ginger kid making more GINGERS!!! Not homemade unfortunately, I used a mix, but I decorated each and every one all by myself!

I made about 3 dozen, so I don't have lots to pass out - but you just might get one!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

Got blogs?

Come on people! There are so many of you who aren't updating regularly..... I want something to read. Get blogging!!

My Thanksgiving...

Turkey day has come and gone. Oh my heck did we have some good food! It was a wonderful day, spent with wonderful people.

As I posted before, I'm grateful for many things in this life. I'm blessed every single day. I was able to spend today with my family and I know there are some who weren't as lucky. I feel so bad for anyone working retail today. Or any "emergency" type positions as well. Our neighbors had a visit from Roter Rooter plumbing....bummer. There really are so many people who were unable to be with their families today and I feel for them. How hard must it be to work on a holiday that should be filled with visiting and eating with family? I honestly try to NOT make them work; by getting all my grocery shopping done the day before. Getting last minute odds and ends at Wal-Mart at 11pm last night. However, I had to make a run to the gas station for ice today. Thank you Holiday Oil for being open!! And we all ended up seeing a movie today - bless all the employees at The District - it was PACKED and I'm sure it had been all day long! I tried to avoid it, but something always comes up. Thank you to anyone and everyone that had to work today and sacrifice their time with family and loved ones. I was thinking of you today.

I hope everyone was able to take a moment and reflect on what's most important today - and to realize just how much we should all be thankful for.

I know I am blessed. I never take any of this for granted. Thank you to all - I love you!!!

It finally arrived!!!

I ordered this kick-butt cake pan well over a month ago. We held a party for Kalie's 30th birthday and I wanted to make a cake, just for her - from scratch!! But I wanted to find a really different pan to bake it in and make it just that much more unique. Enter www.bigtopcupcake.com! I saw this on The View and I knew in a second it would be a great idea!

The party was on Oct 23rd, so I ordered it around the 1st, so it would arrive on time........well it didn't. 3 days before the party I checked my bank account and there wasn't even a transaction for it. Of course I assumed the order didn't go through correctly and I was s.o.l. on making something creative. I opted for purchasing a cake instead - red velvet - her favorite. It went over well, but I was still bummed.

Well here is, over a month later. I was looking at my bank account online and on the 12th of November, sure enough, a charge went through from the website. Gee, like its useful now!!!

I received the package today with the intent on just shipping it back and getting a refund. But then I remembered what drew me to the product in the first place. Then I got all excited again and decided tonight was the night to back my Big Top Cupcake. Silly to pick today, of all days. (Joe's grandpa passed away last night, so we're kinda in mourning.) But what better way to cheer us up!

I ran to the store for some eggs and I baked it all by myself - ok, not from scratch. I wasn't feeling as ambitious as I was for Kalie's party. Plus, this cake is just for me and Joe. He doesn't care if it comes from a box!! ;)

Here are a few pictures. The pan comes with an insert, so you can "fill" it with something. I decided to fill it will banana creme pudding. It turned out amazing and I just can't stop smiling!!

Sorry I couldn't make this for you Kalie. I really tried. Maybe I'll surprise you with a random cake day!! But enjoy the pictures and know this creative idea came from the heart. I LOVE YOU!

Don't you just love when something so simple can turn your attitude completely around? This just made the day. YAY!!