Kind of like Popcorn, but way deadlier

Happy August, everyone! August means:

• Kyler and I will celebrate our 3rd anniversary! And, for the first time ever, we have real plans. We're going to stay the night at a bed and breakfast in Salt Lake and eat tasty dinner and have fun.
• It's been nearly a month since my mother came to visit, and I haven't posted about it yet. Ooops.
• My soccer games start again. I'm both looking forward to and dreading them. I love to play, but it was kind of nice to have relaxing Saturdays that didn't require us to go anywhere if we didn't want to.
• We moved and have officially had the keys to our new apartment for one week. Our new place has central air conditioning, but it appears are cell phones are incredibly stupid anywhere are the premises.
  

Sorry, I don't have pictures of the new place or all of the ones from when Mom visited, but I do have a few:
View of the temple from the top of the church office building, I think. Mom and I went all over Temple Square, touring where we could (and, uh, where we couldn't) and feeling all tourist-y. It was fun.


Utah State Capitol building, also from the top of the Church Office Building.


Mom and I at the top of the church office building.


Mom and I also had a sewing lesson. I bought a sewing machine a few months ago, so we attempted to make use of it. The results as follows:
I made the skirt (with Mom's help). What do you think? Justify my vanity and flatter me, please.

Also, yesterday morning, I looked out the window and what did I see?
Lightning flashing near the apricot tree.
Summer has brought me such a nice surprise:
Lightning flashing right before my eyes....
Seriously, it was so loud. It invaded my dreams before it finally woke me up. (In the dream, the lightning was somehow and indicator for the number of children you were going to have. Katrina and I decided Liz was going to have seven children, including a set of triplets.)
I loved the fact that it was stormy and raining, even if tons of people at work were glaring at the windows all day... I was happy!

I do not believe that it should be 80 degrees outside at ten o'clock at night. I think we should ban such time/temperature combinations. All in favor, say "aye." Any oppose, say "nay." Seems like the "ayes" have it!

Cute farmer boys and soccer

I love my family, and I miss my family, a lot. So, getting to see my parents, sister, grandma, aunts, and cousin for a family reunion was great. It was the Butikofer family reunion: my Grandmother and her brothers, in other words. Aren't they cute:
I think they are adorable. My grandma is now the only girl, surrounded by boys. They are still quite protective of her.
See her lovely family? Don't we all look nice?The family reunion was nice, partially because my mother brought me plants. She brought my some mother hens and chicks, and a clover plant that is from my mom's clover (which came from her grandmother) and my grandma's clover (which came from her mother). In other words, this is a combined clover that came from 2 of my great grandmothers! And I haven't killed it yet, see:
First sprout of the new plant. It's so exciting!

I got to spend time with my family, but Kyler hasn't, so I tried to help him celebrate Canada Day. We ate poutine, drank Canada Dry, and I made him a cake:It's kind of, sort of, looks nothing like a maple leaf, but it certainly tasted good, so that's what counts, right?

And, in celebration of Canada Day, Independence Day, and the World Cup (the latter being the most important, probably), we went to a Real Salt Lake game! They kind of sort of slaughtered their opponents 5-0, and we got to see a member of the US national team play and score, although he was probably a little tired. I give you a yellow card.So does Kyler. Too bad he can't ever look angry, even when he tries.

I'm obsessed with the World Cup. I'll abstain for everyone else's sanity's sake, but I'm obsessed. What will I do to feed my addiction once it's over? Will I experience a World Cup hangover/crash?

And, my mommy is coming to visit TODAY!

Writing to reach you

These first two pictures are for my mother:
They are from the BYU ball, way back in April. Ooops.

Also way back forever ago, Kyler turned 25. Does turning 25 mean you have to start acting like an adult? Or is that 30? 40? 50? 100? I'm hoping for the latter, myself.

This is the cake I made him, completely from scratch. My aunt sent me the pecans from Texas, and boy were they good.

For Memorial Day, Liz, Jake, Kyler and I went up the canyon for a picnic and hike. We ended up not going quite so far up as we initially planned because... it was snowing. But we found a warmer (lower in elevation) place for the picnic.

We found a cave, too, but since we didn't have flashlights on us, the exploration ended here. Pity.

Kyler and I by the stream. Nice cold water.

Also, I'm a good tissue TA. Still. Even though I'm not actually TAing anymore (sad!). The reason I say I'm still a good TA is this:
We have been doing some experimentation/quality control with our staining procedure, and so we've accumulated three different procedures and we decided to test which one was the best stain. This meant we had to have slides to stain. We could have made our own, but we had some random slides on hand that were made at an affiliated company in error, so why not use them? However, we didn't know what tissue was on these slides. After I finished the staining and everything, I decided to try my expert hand at identifying the tissue. And by expert, I really mean novice. So, I inspect the slides I stained... and I reach my conclusion. It was based on the epithelium I saw (stratified squamous) and the glandular tissue (sebaceous glands and a few that looked like sweat glands), mostly. My conclusion: skin. Thin skin, more specifically, in case you cared.
So, I tried to see if I could figure out what it was for real, see if I was right. I asked around and got my answer: skin! You heard me, I was correct! I feel so successful!
Being a TA during your undergrad kind of means nothing... I need to be a certified pathologist to be taken seriously.

Two more things. First, soccer. World Cup is great, I'm mildly obbessed. I'm currently adding up points and saying things like "well, if Uruguay and Mexico tie, then France can't go on, even if they win" and "if Algeria beats the US and Slovenia beats England, those two teams will go on." Stuff like that. Also, I had to buy new soccer cleats, and I'm still a little in mourning. It all happened because I actually played midfield for one half of a game. After that, the Diadoras just weren't the same. And.... my soccer team has officially won a game! Yay

Second, I am so glad that we have the Pope and the Vatican to tell us this.

Eloquence

I wish I had more eloquence of speech (or in this case, writing). I wish I could stir up people’s emotions, inspire them to want to change the world. But I can’t.

I will say this, though: what happened to my sister this year is not fair. She did nothing wrong. She taught her students well, with knowledge and love. The way that her principal and the school board have treated her is not fair, but there is nothing that can be done about that now.

I hope my sister won't be afraid to stand up for her students next time, because sometimes they need it. I hope she won't stop teaching, because she is so good at it and such an asset to her students, her school, the world...

Maybe her students will learn from this experience. I just hope they learn that they should stand up for their convictions, not that they should give into pressure from administrators to censor themselves. I hope her students learn what journalism really is all about: trying to get the truth heard by the public.

I wonder if the school board will give her a letter of recommendation… and what exactly it is going to say.

Believe me, I felt it!

Wow, two posts in two days? What's going on?

Sad, no game tomorrow. Next week, same time and place, but not tomorrow... at least we can get the car's struts taken care of without too many problems now.

Also, earthquake yesterday! I actually felt it! I was sitting on the couch with my feet up on the coffee table (I probably shouldn't do that, huh, Mom?) when the coffee table shook a little, but I wasn't moving it! Our apartment complex groaned a little, so to speak, and I turned to Kyler and asked, "Did you feel that?"
He answered affirmatively.
Me: "Was that an..."
Kyler: "Earthquake. Yes."

In other news, my boss told me to enjoy my life and not have kids yet. This kind of made me shake my head for a number of reasons: first, it's not like I've mentioned to her I'm planning on trying or anything. She has no idea my plans on the subject; I could never want to have kids! Second, what business of it is hers when Kyler and I decide to start having kids? It's our decision and I don't intend to consult really anyone except Kyler... not even my mother, much less my boss! Third, isn't that just a little bit awkward in general? I felt like it was.

Kyler and I went to a sports bar and had tasty poutine and watched hockey. How Canadian, eh?
Life is sometimes exciting.

Spring brings change!

The last little while, since the semi-annual Change Day for the bus routes, I’ve been having trouble being noticed. By the bus drivers, that is. They changed bus drivers on Change Day from one who had picked me up nearly every day for months to a new one each time I hop on. As a result, three days in a row had the bus zipping past me as I waited, only to realize I’m there and stop a half block away. The second and third day I tried to signal to the bus driver I was there using a flashlight, but to no avail. Then yesterday, blessed yesterday, I signaled with my light and the bus driver actually saw me! And stopped! And told me the reason he saw me was my light. It actually worked! And this morning, it was the same guy, meaning I signaled and he saw. Pretty soon he’ll just know to watch out for me, but until then, I’ll keep signaling. He apparently actually sees it.

I’m oddly obsessed with this. It’s the Royal Shakespeare Company performing Romeo and Juliet… on Twitter! It’s often a bit melodramatic, but what twitter page/Shakespearian tragedy isn’t? I will admit, I check it everyday, making the messages go back to the last time I saw them and catching up on everything I missed while I was doing something crazy like sleeping.
Somehow, it kind of reminds me of Loradona’s Macbeth blogs, but these are professional actors. Crazy.

My first soccer game is this Saturday. It was supposed to be last week, but the fields were too wet. I’m a little nervous, but hopefully I’ll do okay… or at least survive.

So, instead of playing soccer last week, Kyler and I went to a ball! It was at BYU and I wore my prom dress. We danced and ate good food and listened to fun music… It was great! I wore my navy blue Converse, which Kyler said looked funny, but I didn’t care: my feet were comfortable! Also, almost as soon as we got there, a woman came up to me and said, “I’m so glad someone else decided to wear comfortable shoes!” I’m nothing if not practical…

This is the first time I’ve really thought this, but I wish Kyler and I had a second car. It would make life easier.

Oh, and Kyler and I are probably moving back to the Provorem area... specifically Orem. We're thinking end of July. To be honest, I'm not terribly excited... I hate moving.

Guess What!

That's right, guess what! No, really, I'm waiting for the guesses......








If you guessed Kyler got a job, you're right!
If you guessed I'm pregnant, you're wrong.
If you guessed we might be moving, you're right!
But there's something else I want you to guess, and since I'm self-centered, it's about me.
Want a hint or two? All right, here you go:



Hint Numero Uno:I am sitting on the kitchen floor, playing with mink oil and some old, trusting, loving Diadoras.

Any guesses as to what I'm trying to hint at? Want a second hit? Very well.




Hint number two:I went out and bought black shorts and black socks and shinguards...








So, any more guesses? Or should I just tell you?










I joined a women's soccer league! I'm going to play goalie, and I'm super excited. Games start in April. Let's hope I don't get kicked in the face or anything.

Yay!

In which Jeanette waxes sentimental about her job and Kyler wants to

I've officially been working at my job for over a year. Technically, I worked at the Morris Center and as a TA longer, calendar-wise, but I've put in more hours here and this is a real job, not a fake one like the other two. Some days I really like it... some days this job drives me crazy. Such is life in general, though. I've had kind of a revolving cast of people around me, so to speak, so that the other lab tech and the lab aides are all newer than me... I'm the senior, more experienced worker! Strange, but kind of nice to have the power and be in control! Muahaha. I've learned a lot, and I think I'll learn even more in the next little while (new requests from investigators!). Plus, the job has ensured that Kyler and I can afford to pay rent, bills, for food, stuff like that. Who would complain about that?

Plus, work gives me all sorts of interesting stories.
Yesterday, I was leaving an OR with a specimen, on my way back to pathology (so they can tell me I can have it!) when I was stopped by a little old lady. She was right by the door, and asked if I could walk her to her daughter's car, which was outside waiting at the curb. Sure, I tell her (I'm reminded of my own grandmother), and I offer her my arm. She walks at a pretty decent clip with a cane and support, and as we're walking she says, "This is what happens, honey, this is what happens when you're a ninety-four-year-old grandmother. The Lord provides for you; the Lord cares for you and sends someone like you along to help me!"
Honestly, I spend all of 30 seconds or a minute with her; it wasn't long, and what I did wasn't a big deal. But her words to me resonated with me all day. The elevator in that building is slow, and I was urging it to hurry up earlier... but because I was there at that time, I was able to help her. And to feel lifted up as a result.

Today, I went into My Favorite Surgeon's OR, and when I come in, he says, "You're not Jan." Sounds familiar, as he says this every time I come in. This time, I stop and look at him, "I'm the same one that's come into your OR the last five times, Dr. My Favorite Surgeon." He looks at me, and for once, he doesn't say anything. He just looks at me. And then one of the nurses says, "Don't mind him, he's getting old." Ouch! Later, My Favorite Surgeon asked, "So, where is Jan?" "Probably in her office." "Is she too good for the OR?" "Uh, sure." So when I got back to the lab, I made sure to warn Jan that next time she sees My Favorite Surgeon, he might just think she thinks she's too good for the OR. Jan just laughed.

Kyler is officially finished with his novel. However, it's only book one of a series, and I want to know what happens next. He told me today that odds are he'll keep writing, even if it's just me that wants to read it. Aww, sweet.
Speaking of his novel, since it is "done," Kyler is soliciting anyone who wants to read/edit/give opinions/enjoy his book to let him know, and he'll send it their way. So, Anyone want to read it?

Kyler's also had numerous job interviews and things, and here's to hoping one of them results in something good. Or at least something that pays. We're not terribly picky.

The Grand Adventure! Part-the-Third

First, a few things I forgot to mention earlier:
Wicked mad props to Vancouver public transportation. In the words of a fellow passenger, taking the train and bus was "impressive" and "painless." Anytime public transportation is painless, it's impressive.
Also, we saw a total of ten different teams, and three of them won medals! Two bronze and a gold!

Now, onto how amazingly cool curling is. There are many reasons for this.
Curling is, in Kyler's words, a combination of bowling, golf (because Scotsmen are cool), polo, chess and Starcraft. If you want further explanation, you'll have to consult him.

It's very much a gentleman's game, or a game of kings. The officials do, basically, nothing, except keep score. They generally don't even DECIDE the score, they just record it. If the two team captains (skips) agree, that is the score, without any officials needed. The only time the skips don't agree is if the stones are literally so close together that they can't tell which is closer. This is the only time the officials are called over, and it's just to measure. The players don't call foul, they don't say someone cheated, or this judge or that official favored this country or that. Heck, if they want the game to be over early, the two teams just have to shake hands and that's the end. No need for officials at all.

The game we went to started with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police leading out the teams (score!), and then had a bagpipe band open the match! Apparently all curling stones are made in Scotland, always. Awesome, no?

It's a sport that you can learn later in life, and keep playing later in life. Whereas figure skaters retire at age 30 it seems, some curlers in these Olympics were in their forties. Curling isn't easy, the precision is amazing and the strength it must take the sweep those stones... crazy. But it's something your body can learn to do and handle for basically your whole life, which is sweet.

Curlers also have awesome fashion sense. Well, at least the Norwegians do:
As the sign that we saw at our curling match said, "Canada's Men=Gold. Norway's Pants=Silver." And it came true!

The curling match we went to had three separate pairings: France v Sweden (who ended up with fourth), China v Switzerland (who ended up with bronze), and Great Britain v Canada (who ended up with GOLD! Go Team Martin!). Let me tell you, if felt more like a hockey game than a curling match. The Canada/Britain match was especially exciting, and Wayne Gretzky was there! The coolest part of the curling match, and of the Olympics for me, was when the entire crowd started singing "O Canada." Don't believe me? Watch the video. (Each word, except "O Canada" and "Watch the video" are different links, by the way)
You may be saying (if you watched the gold medal match) that people sang O Canada another time, it can't be all that cool. But I have four reasons why the time we sang it was cooler:

1. We sang it first. While those who sang it at the gold medal match were imitating us and thus knew cool when they saw it (in us), they still just got the idea from us, not on their own.
2. Theirs was the gold medal game, which everyone knows includes at least one national anthem. This means their spontaneous singing was more expected, thus less original, and less cool.
3. Our singing was more in tune. At least one of those articles linked above even mentioned the in-tune-ness.
4. Our match was much closer, with Canada actually being down by one instead of up by three, when the singing broke out. This means it was less celebratory and more helpful, in attempting to give the Canadian boys the spirit and will to win. While celebrations are fun, helping give strength to a team when they need it is cooler.
5. And, I know I said four, but here's another one: Kyler and I were actually there!
   

In conclusion, curling is the coolest sport ever. If you get the chance to watch it, do so. If you get the chance to play it, let me know! I'm dying to try.

The Grand Adventure! Part-the-Second

Here it is, folks, the one you may or may not all be waiting for: The Rasmussens Go To the Olympics!

Kyler and I rented a car and headed to the Great White North... which wasn't particularly white. It was, however, completely gorgeous weather. We were completely loving just that aspect. I was even a little worried I'd get sunburned! We also walked all over Vancouver... by the end of the first day, both Kyler and I were sore, but we survived.

Vancouver itself was really fun. Every one and everything was about the Olympics. Random stores had huge signs,the college didn't have classes,buses supported to home country,random street performers reigned,and there really is a McDonald's at the Olympics!(A Burger King, too, to be fair)We waited in way too many lines including ones for the Russky Dom(not nearly as cool as it looks, sadly), the Olympic Superstore,and Security.
We stalked whatever random athletes we saw,got our picture taken with Mounties,and tried to guess who lived where at Olympic Village.
What do you think? Korea?The fightin' 'Roos!

This particular picture is rather fun:Want to guess where we took it?
...In a Sleep Country (Canada). We also bought an official Olympic cowbell there. Go figure.

In addition, we did actually go to a few games, a dressed to show our support.We actually had a couple of random people we didn't know (or ask) take our picture in the facepaint, one while Kyler was painting my face, and one after we were both done.

This is at Germany v. Finland, Men's Hockey. Look at all the flags!And, the final score.Suomi! Suomi! Suomi!

We also went to Switzerland v. China, Women's Hockey. Final score: 6-0, Hop Suisse! Lastly was Curling, but that was cool enough it actually will get its own post!

I like this picture. How many different affiliations can you spot?

All in all: Olympics are really, really cool. Totally worth it, but if I were to do it again, I'd have another day of just wandering around Vancouver (no events), and really do my research into where everything was that I wanted to see... and into what was actually worth standing in line for.

The Grand Adventure! Part-the-First

I've decided to divide our recent adventures into three parts, with this being Part-the-First. We'll see how long it takes me to finish all three parts, but the third is my personal favorite, so hopefully they will all get done as a result.

Kyler and I took off, on a jet plane, for good ol' PDX, or Portland, Oregon, for those of you who don't speak Airport Codes. For the first time in over a year, we got to hang around Oregon for a few days, and it was pretty much awesome.

First, we got to see a bit of family, and enjoy spending time with them and thinking of new restaurant/shop ideas (brownie/choc-tacos anyone?). I've missed my family, especially not seeing them at Christmas, and this helped a lot. Plus, they tell some very interesting stories...

Also, Kyler and I went to the beach with my mom, dad, and sister. It was seriously amazing at the beach. So warm and sunny. Well, except at night, when it rained so hard that it woke us up. But we were in a yurt:

and thus warm and dry.

We took lots of pretty beach pictures, as should be obvious,

and I tried to make a sandcastle.

I ran to get Loradona to come and look at it, but then a big wave came and... the motte-and-bailey castle just couldn't handle waves twice or three times its height. Such is life.

We also went to the Tillamook Cheese Factory, where Kyler and I had a discussion on who should be who in this picture:

Jeanette: Should I be the cow?

Kyler: I can be the cow if you want. (He doesn't want to offend me...)

Jeanette: But the cow's a girl. Are you a girl?

Kyler: How do you know it's a girl? It could be a boy.

Jeanette: It's a dairy cow. It has to be a girl.

Kyler: Fine, you can be the cow, I'll be the farmer. After all, I used to call you Angus.

Jeanette: (shakes head)

Loradona and I also decided at the beach that we were twins, especially in our awesome mittens! Who doesn't agree?

Kyler and I also went to Powell's, had lunch with my dad, went to the Scandinavian Store, and rented a car... but more on the latter two in the next entry.

All in all, it was a blast to be able to spend time with my family and my beloved homeland.

And, since I'm not sure where else to put this picture, and it is in Oregon after all, the view of Mount Hood from our airplane window as we headed back east.