Road Trip

Last week, a 17 year old kid backed into our car at Gold's Gym so we were given a rental car until Tuesday. They gave us a Ford Escape and I have to say, it was so much fun to drive. Not too big and not too small. We decided to take advantage of having the bigger vehicle (plus we didn't have to put any more miles on our car....it already has 150k) so Erik, his friend Jon, and I went down to Vegas for the weekend. The boys golfed for the first time this year and I got to hang out with my sister and her family. It's always fun to get away for a few days and we really needed it after last week's computer disaster. I'm still waiting on my sister to email me the pictures we took from her camera, but I had to post these two that were taken on mine. I had so much fun taking pictures of my adorable little nieces. Avery (the younger one) didn't want anything to do with the camera at first, but somehow snapped out if it. Ashlyn (curly hair) thought it would be funny to try not to smile. We managed to get a few cute ones. If it was any other family, I would have been really stressed and annoyed about it all, but since they were relatives, I could use more "force" than usual. :) Anyway.....stay tuned for more pictures of our fun weekend in Vegas.

Not So Fast!

For a while now, Erik has been using a laptop computer (on loan from his boss) to do all of his school and investment work. He thought this morning that we would have to return the computer so he asked me to put all of the files onto flash drives because he wanted them moved over onto our desktop computer. I quickly did this and went on with my day.

We got home from working at the laundromats at about 6pm tonight and Erik told me he no longer needed the files on the flash drives because his ex-boss is letting us keep the computer. I put one of the flash drives into the computer and pushed "delete". I put the second flash drive into the computer and pushed "delete" again. A split second later, I realized that I did not "copy" the files onto the flash drives, I "moved" them onto the flash drive. My heart stopped and for that second, it felt like the world came to an end. Everyone of the files that were originally on the laptop were now gone! What had I done?

Usually, my ability to do things very quickly works in my favor, but every now and then it stabs me in the back. After many calls to computer savvy friends and former co-workers we had recovered most of the files but all of the file names were jibberish. For hours we thought Erik was going to have to go through every file and rename it. Thankfully, I did one last search on the Internet for some better software and it worked. The files are back (with their names) so now he only has to put them into folders.

I am proud to say that Erik remained very calm throughout this disaster. Meanwhile, I cried (just like I always do) and told him repeatedly how sorry I was. From now on, I am going to do things a little slower so I don't make any more stupid mistakes; and for all of you out there that are speed demons as well, slow down!

P.S. If you ever delete a file off of a flash drive and you need it back, take a deep breath and download Recuva. You can thank me later.

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Surprising Feeling

I sat in Relief Society today and felt a sigh of well....relief. I had just finished playing A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief as the "music appreciation" number and I was glad it was over. I've been playing piano for 20 years and I still get extremely nervous but that's beside the point.

On the row in front of me, a clipboard was being passed down the line. On it, was an almost full list of sisters willing to have the missionaries over for dinner throughout the next three months. I have to say, I think there has only been one time since Erik and I have been married that I signed my name on that line. Typically, I pretend to read what it is for and then casually pass it along. This time was different. I sat behind watching as the number of open spaces got smaller and smaller until there was only one left. The list was passed to the woman next to me and I watched as she wrote her name on the last open line.

With my parents serving a mission in Bermuda, I feel a certain closeness to the ward missionaries even though I sadly can't even recall their names. I surprised myself when as the last line was filled in, I felt dissapointed. A somber feeling came over me as I realized my eagerness to serve would now be benefited by no one. When I got home from church, I immediately called the contact person listed on the sign up sheet and told him that if there were ever any time that the missionaries needed a dinner, to give me a call and I would happily provide one. Oddly enough, I am anxiously awaiting the time I receive a call from him.

I am so grateful that as my parents serve the wonderful people in Bermuda, I also get to reap the benefits of their hardwork and dedication to the Lord. Little by little their faith, testimonies, and willingness to serve rubs off on me and I am eternally grateful. Through their example, I have gained a greater desire to serve and emerse myself in the gospel.

I know many more opportunities will come my way and I hope I continue to have the burning desire to serve. Thankfully, I know two missionaries that will save a night on their calendar for me, but unfortunately I have to wait another nine months. To my benefit, my parents will probably have many open lines on their list of needed dinner appointments and I guess that makes me the lucky one because I will be able to serve them any time I wish.

What Can You Do In Mid-Air?

Last weekend, Erik and I (as well as some friends) attended the Visa Freestyle International World Cup Arial Skiing event at Deer Valley. It was a lot of fun to do something other than watch TV, workout and play Wii on a Friday night...and it was free! For some reason, I didn't think about the weather before we left (very odd for me) and ended up being FREEZING for a couple of hours; but after seeing the atheletes twirl around four times in the air after going off of a HUGE ski jump, it was well worth it. Some people are so talented! My arial talent is limited to about a foot of air and zero spins.

I wonder what they are thinking about while in these positions?

For The Love Of Football

As you all know, football is huge in the Olafsson household and the Super Bowl is a bittersweet day for us. For most people, it's a day to make nachos and have a few friends over, however most of the time no one even pays attention to the game, they are just there to enjoy the company, good food and commercials. For Erik, it doesn't matter what food is there or how many people are around him and when a commercial comes on you leave to go to the bathroom. I'm here to warn you, whatever you do....DO NOT walk in front of the TV during a play.

Every year, I grow to enjoy the sport more and more, which makes Erik very happy. Words cannot explain how much Erik loves to watch football and when the Super Bowl comes to an end, it's a very depressing night in our house. Thankfully, it won't be too long until Erik can get out on the golf course, although this is just a Band-Aid to cover the hole in his heart until football begins again in the fall.

Last year, I posted my Super Bowl prediction the Friday before the big game. After many comments by Erik's friends, they convinced me to change my prediction. Well, my first prediction ended up being the EXACT score. So, to all of Erik's friends out there...here is my prediction for Sunday's game and don't even try to persuade me to change it.

Cardinals - 21 Steelers - 17

I'm sure my prediction will be wrong, but it's worth a try. What's the Super Bowl like in your house?

In Need Of A Photographer?

Now that I have finally finished my degree, I've decided to do something I love...photography.

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Is This A Hint?

"Erik, did you and Tanya ask Jesus not to give you any babies?"

My 6 year old niece, Kayla, asked us that when she was visiting around Christmas time. We all laughed and I immediately said "no" although my sister piped in and said "yes". :)

Little kids are too funny!

Like A Kid Again

Sorry I've been slacking on the blog front. Who knew you could be so busy when you don't even go to school or have a 9 to 5 job?

Anyway...this year, Erik and I both left the beautiful, albeit freezing Utah snow and spent New Years apart.

(Photo taken out of the airplane window)

Erik flew to New Orleans to watch Utah play in the Sugar Bowl (stay tuned for that post) and I went to Phoenix to visit my sister and her family. We had a fun, eventful three days together. Everytime I spend time with my nieces and nephews, I feel like a kid again. I guess I am the young, cool aunt (seeing as the next oldest has three kids) so they always want me to play with them. (No offense Erika...but you're one of "them"...a "MOM".) Over the New Years weekend, we played many rounds of Twister...

went roller skating for their elementary's family night...

played in the house (my arms were so sore after doing this for hours)...

painted nails (I think this niece takes after her aunt Tanya)...

cut Lindsay's hair after a minor disaster at the salon...

ventured out to take a family picture...

celebrated New Years on New York time so the kids could go to bed...

got Kayla's ears pierced (she was so proud of not crying)...

and then celebrated my sister's 33rd birthday.

By the end of the weekend, I felt like a kid again, but also wanted to get back to my hubby after having to wish each other "Happy New Years" over the phone.

Thank you Liisa and Eddie for hosting wonderful weekend. I had a blast!

Joys of Christmas

Christmas was wonderful this year, despite my being extremely sick with the flu. The day started with Erik and I "Skyping" (talking on the computer via webcam) with my parents in Bermuda. I am so greatful that technology enabled us to see each other even though we are miles away. Shortly after, Erik and I opened our stockings which were brand new this year. We even got Khloe a little one for herself.

(Khloe with her new winter coat. Isn't she cute?)

(Here is the platter we painted for Liv and Steve. Baby Soren's footprints are inside the pumpkin.)

Our first stop was at the Osmond home. We had a yummy breakfast with Erik's extended family which was a tradition started by Farmor (Norwegian name for Grandma). After a few games, we headed over to Erik's parent's house where we opened presents. It was so much fun being with the Olafsson family and by the end of the day we were all worn out.

Thank you to all of you who blessed us with your thoughtful gifts; they are very appreciated. I am already looking forward to next year when my parents will finally be home from their mission. There's nothing better than being with family during the holidays. Erik and I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

Traditions

Since I was so busy with school, I didn't put up a single Christmas decoration this year. Sad! Because of this, it didn't feel like Christmas until last Thursday when my sister and her family came in town for a few days. I really wanted to get into the Christmas spirit so I tried to think of all the things I did growing up in the Johansen household. Many things came to mind, but here are just a few of my favorite things to do during the holidays:

Make homemade scones. These are absolutely delicious. My Mom makes the dough from scratch, but my sister and I decided it would be easiest to use pre-made roll dough. Yum!

Between Thanksgiving and New Years, we consume many bottles of Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider. We drink it like it is apple juice. It doesn't seem like a holiday without it.

Many cups of hot chocolate. I love to cozy up in front of a fire place (this year I had to imagine since we don't have one in our house). Erik always makes fun of me because as soon as it gets a little chilly outside, I want to make hot chocolate. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside when I drink it.

Cuddling in front of the TV and watching Christmas movies. I always have to watch Christmas Vacation on Christmas Eve (this year we watched it early). It is by far my favorite Christmas movie, although ever since Elf came out, it isn't too far behind. The beginning of Elf is so funny, but by the middle I have to say that I get a little bored.

Hickory Farms sausage, cheese and crackers. Erik thinks this is absolutely disgusting, but I love it. It will always remind me of Christmas at home.

Christmas music. I love to play Christmas music on the piano and I put my first Christmas CD in the day after Halloween. One of my favorite songs to listen to is "Christmas in the Northwest". It's a special song written about Seattle (well, probably the Northwest in general) and it will always remind me of home. I have so many fond memories of Christmas and life in Washington.

One of the Christmas traditions I will not be taking part in this year is making Norwegian fattaman bakkles. This is a Norwegian tradition my family has done every year. All of the husband's think they are gross, and to be honest, I don't think they are that tasty. I guess I just love them because of the idea. It always makes me think of family, tradition and togetherness.

I love to wrap Christmas presents. Each year, I decide what my theme will be and all the presents have to match and coincide. This year, it was red and silver. Unfortunately, I only had four presents to wrap, but it was still a lot of fun.

Last but not least, we get pictures taken with Santa. Since my oldest sister was born, we have gotten Santa pictures taken every single Christmas. Erik is mortified that we continue to do this, seeing as the oldest, Eddie, is 35 years old. My sisters and I came to the conclusion that until Erik and I have a child, the adults have to be in the picture. Once that day finally comes, it will be a "children only" picture. For some reason this still hasn't influenced Erik's idea of having a baby.

I'm happy to say that it feels a little more like Christmas. Sadly, my sister and her family have left and my parents are miles and miles away on their mission. I will miss my family a lot during this holiday season, but I have a little piece of them with me every time I take part in one of the traditions we created together many years ago. I am excited for Erik and I to start our own traditions as our family grows, but the Johansen family traditions will always have a special place in my heart. There is nothing like Christmas as a child. Merry Christmas everyone! We love you.

Snow - Like or Dislike?

Under very rare circumstances do I like the snow. I despise being cold and unfortunately, the warmer you dress, the more uncomfortable you usually are. I have to put on so many layers in the winter in order to stay warm and style usually goes out the window. The worst thing about snow is when I have to drive in it. I practically have a nervous breakdown because I get so scared. If you ever see someone driving about 10 miles an hour on the freeway, it's probably me. The only thing I do like, is that every once in a while, you get a beautiful picture. After seeing this picture of when Erik, Khloe and I braved the cold last week, I think the snow gained a few points in my book. Maybe someday I will actually like the snow, although I don't think a million beautiful pictures could make that day happen.

I Am Pleased To Announce....

...that I am a college graduate! No, I'm not pregnant, but I know I fooled you.

It has taken me about 7 years to finally get to this point and is the best Christmas present I could give myself this year. To be honest, a couple of years ago, I never thought I would finish. But the idea of going back was always looming over my head and deep down, I really wanted that little piece of paper.

It is such a relief to be done with school. In the scheme of things, it's probably not that big of a deal, but for me it is. I can now proudly support my future children and say that I worked hard to get my degree and that they should also.

I want my parents to know how thankful I am for supporting me financially through school. I know that not all students are as fortunate and it has been such a blessing. I also want to thank Erik. He never pushed me to go back to school but was always a silent supporter of whatever I decided to do. I know, Erik...silent?

The second best thing about this moment is that I don't have to go find a 9 to 5 job now that school is over. Erik has worked so hard over the years and I now have the opportunity to do something I love; photography.

So, cheers to me. You did it Tanya!

Will Khloe Forgive Me?

Yes, Khloe sleeps in bed with us. Erik and I love having her cuddle by us while we sleep because any other time, she prefers to not be touched. Khloe usually spends most of the night laying by my feet which completely cuts off the amount of leg room I have. I have never been able to move her because I think it's just too cute. In the end, it doesn't matter to me that I spend half my night uncomfortable.

Last night, I was extremely tired. I remember feeling like the blanket was stuck by my feet and I tried to move them. Usually, I can tell that it's Khloe taking up my leg room so I move to a new position that isn't in her way; but not last night. All of the sudden, I heard a thud. I had kicked Khloe off of the bed. Poor little thing was sound asleep and woke up to hitting the floor. I immediately woke up and felt so bad. I heard her shake out her fur and walk over to Erik. Erik lifted her back up onto the bed and for the rest of the night, she slept by his feet. Hopefully, she'll forgive me and move back over to my side tonight. :)

Thanksgiving in Bermuda

Erik and I were fortunate to spend Thanksgiving this year with my parents in Bermuda. I was so excited to see them, spend five days in paradise and not do any homework. Unfortunately, I came back to a pile of work with finals being next week. No matter how much I try and tell myself that homework is more important than editing pictures and blogging, I had to do a little something. Here is a teaser of what's to come:

(Horseshoe Bay)