Drug Bust at the Helmantoler House

Just when I thought life was settling down, we have neighbors move in that not only create lots of drama, but a little bit of entertainment, as well. Just so you know, this post will probably be fairly long, but it'll be totally worth it because it is a fabulous story!

Disclaimer: Chris and I live in a duplex that has two apartments--an upstairs and a downstairs. We live upstairs and another couple with their baby moved into the basement about 4 weeks ago. Even though the apartments are completely separate, we still share the same walls. Unfortunately, we hear and know a little more about our neighbors than we would like to :)

Last Friday, Chris and I took our nephew Stallone to a Utah Flash basketball game at the McKay Events Center. For added spectator enjoyment, we invited a bunch of our friends (Jason & Sasha, Shawn & Erica, Jeff & Leslie, Tom & Danni, Sean) to go with us. After a boring first half, the Flash came back within a few points, but still lost the game. Afterwards, we all headed back to our house for treats.

The second we walked in the door, we were hit with an awful, rank smell! Every one of us noticed the smell and the sheer potency of it. Without much hesitation, it was decided that the smell was marijuana (this would normally be a surprise to most people, but because of what Chris and I have heard over the last couple of weeks, we weren't too shocked). This fact alone gave most of the guys something to chat and laugh about, while the girls expressed their worry and concern with each other.

Before long, our dear friend, Sasha, decided to call the police. She mentioned to them that we could smell pot coming from the downstairs apartment, and that we needed someone to come and check it out. Within minutes, Orem PD pulled up in front of our house. Being the nervous-nilly that I am, I asked Chris to go out and meet the officer and explain the situation before letting him around back (the downstairs entrance is in our backyard). The cop then explained that if he could smell anything when he went back there, it would be reason enough for him to press charges.

Keep in mind that all 11 of us were so excited for the abnormal action on a fairly normal Friday night. We quickly turned out all the lights and took up posts at each window in the house. With everyone on the look-out, we had a pretty good idea of what was going on the whole time--it was hilarious!

While the cop was downstairs, the neighbor's buddy pulled up to the house (he is always there so we immediately recognized his truck). Well, because we had so many of our friends over, there was limited parking in front of the house. After asking us to move one of the cars, the guys headed around back--except for the neighbor. He must've seen the cop car parked up the street, because he took off on foot (unfortunately, we didn't realize it was the neighbor until later, so no one paid much attention to him when he walked away).

After several minutes, back-up showed up and they proceeded to arrest two of the neighbor's underage buddies (suckers!). Along with the idiots, the cops found and took a large bag of drugs, paraphenalia, alcohol, etc. from the apartment. At this point, the excitement levels inside our aparment were almost too much to handle. The guys were going off about this, that and the other, and the girls were discussing their rapid heart rates and increasing stomach butterflies (I know--we're such wimps!).

As soon as the perpetrators were hauled away in the back-up squad car, the officer came back to talk to Chris. He told him that the idiots would be charged with use and possession of illegal drugs/paraphenalia. He also stated that because the neighbor let them in, he will be charged with possession of illegal drugs/paraphenalia, as well as distributing to a minor. Due to the charges, he will be evicted--if not by the landlord, then by the city. However, in order to press criminal charges, he'll have to catch the neighbor, so he told Chris to call him if the neighbor came home.

Seeing as our neighbor is a complete idiot anyway, he probably didn't realize that it was a bad idea to go home as soon as the cop left. After spotting him walk down the staircase in the backyard, we realized that the neighbor was the same guy that took off when the truck pulled up. So, not only was he having a drug party at his house while his wife was out of town, but he got all of his buddies in trouble while he saved himself! Seriously, this guy is a piece of work. Anyway, we called the cop back and told him that the neighbor had come home. The cop came back, but after knocking on the door for 15 minutes without any result, he left--but not before assuring all of us that he would follow-up on the charges.

With all of the excitement, I didn't have much time to be nervous about the situation. I figured that everything had been handled and that everything would be okay. We didn't hear much from the neighbors on Saturday, even though we noticed that the wife had come home. I thought for sure there would be yelling and fighting because that's quite normal for them; however, it was quite calm--until yesterday. The dude proceeded to yell at and threaten his wife yesterday. I was especially bugged because he woke me up during my Sunday nap! So, being the nosy neighbor that I am, I peeked out the window when I heard them leaving. To my surprise, the dude saw me, and yelled at me, "Can I help you?" Needless to say, I wanted to crawl in a hole! If I would've been brave, I probably would've yelled something back, but it's probably good I didn't.

Fast forward to Monday: Chris has his shotgun and shells under our bed, I am carrying pepper spray everywhere I go, and we have contacted the landlord. And as of today, the neighbors have been issued an eviction notice! Hooray! It would be an understatement to say that I'm a little nervous being at my house. I told Chris that I didn't want to be there without him, so until the neighbors leave, that's the way it'll be.

We just wanted to give a shout-out to all of our supportive friends who made what could've been a scary situation, not so scary. And to Officer Adams--thanks for regulating the law with the idiots downstairs. Here's hoping we get some great new neighbors before the month is over :)

My Dilemma

To eat ice cream, or not to eat ice cream...that is the question!

As many of you are probably aware, I have an obsession for ice cream. It is an understatement to say that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE ice cream! I love it in all forms; I love it in all flavors (well, mostly); and I love it at any time of any day. Until recently, I have never even thought twice about eating ice cream. Quite frankly, I have enjoyed many moments with family/friends/roommates who share my afinity for the frozen treat, and have looked forward to such occasions. Unfortunately, times have changed.

During our courtship, engagement, and marriage, I have been able to share lots of things with Chris--including my love of ice cream. He quickly came to know that I ALWAYS have ice cream in my freezer, and that it's quite common for me to want to go out and get ice cream. For the most part, he has been very accomodating--until now!

Don't get me wrong...he's not prohibiting me from eating ice cream, he's just refusing to eat it with me. Honestly, half the fun of eating ice cream is eating it with other people (at least I think so). Chris is on a huge health kick right now because he would like to shed a few pounds (and no, he hasn't gained weight since we've been married--it's just weight that he's had for awhile and doesn't want anymore). And one way he has decided to work towards that goal is to not eat as many sweets--including ice cream. Therefore, I have had to eat ice cream twice this week by myself.

So here's the dilemma: do I continue to eat ice cream as I normally would, even though I feel like a fatty eating in front of my husband who is trying to be more health-conscious; or do I accept that he is trying to be more healthy, and join him in his endeavors? I'm seriously having issues with this--especially because he made a special trip to Wendy's last night, just because I wanted a Frosty. How embarassing!

Wedding Pics

Our wedding pics are coming soon to a blog near you! We have had several requests for the pics lately, so I figured it was time for an explanation. We received our discs from our photographer a few weeks ago, but we have yet to look through all of them. Between the temple, the luncheon, and the reception, we have over 1200 pictures! And because there are so many files on each disc, we have had a hard time viewing all of them (we are having quite a few technical difficulties). However, I promise that I will have some ready to post by next week. I'm hoping to spend some time sorting through the pics during General Conference, so hang tight for a few more days. You won't be disappointed, I promise :)

I am so excited for all of you to see them! The ones I've seen are beautiful, and I'm so excited to share them with everyone.

I would've DIED!

I'm sure that we've all done extremely embarassing things before. Some of which are worth sharing with others, and others which are taken to the grave. Seeing as I was able to escape an embarassing moment just a few moments ago, I consider it safe enough to share with all of you.

I had just gone to the bathroom at work, and I was washing and drying my hands in front of the vanity mirrors. I just happened to turn to the side to check my butt (you know you do it, too), and I realized that the bottom of my skirt was tucked into the waistband! There, for everyone to see, was my garment-covered butt and thighs--just out in the open. I quickly threw the paper towel into the garbage and tugged at my skirt until it was back into place.

Can you just imagine what it would've been like for me to walk through the halls of my office (which, by the way, is full of men) with my butt hanging out?! Oh my gosh--I WOULD'VE DIED! The worst part is that I didn't feel anything different. You would expect to feel a draft, or at least a bulge where the fabric was bunched up...but I didn't feel anything!

My advice to you: always check your butt before leaving the bathroom :)

My Biggest Pet Peeve

I'll admit it...I have become a "Utah" driver (sorry, Shelly!). You know, the kind that tailgates other cars, drives faster than the speed limit, and swithces lanes with reckless abandon. I'm not proud of this, nor am I afraid to admit it. Truth be told, I'm quite proud of my driving abilities. However, I have noticed recently that my driving habits are beginning to affect other areas of my life. Let me explain.

For the last 2 years and 10 months, I have been communting to Salt Lake City from Orem. Even though this commute is quite mild compared to those of larger metropolitan cities around the country, it has still taken its toll on me. In the beginning, I carpooled with my fabulous cousin, Heather, and a couple other girls that she worked with. By having four different drivers, the actual driving time for each person was cut down to one, possibly two, days a week. And the best part is that we used a portable DVD player during the commute (we successfully watched 10 seasons of "Friends", 2 seasons of "Lost", six seasons of "Alias", and countless movies.) It probably wasn't the safest thing to do, but it sure was entertaining.

Over time, the other girls have moved or had babies--leaving me a lone man on the freeway. Since last September, I have been driving to and from work by myself everyday. I have tried a few things to ease the burden, such as listening to books on tape, and purchasing an Express Lane decal (it allows me to drive in the carpool lane without any other passengers). And even though these measures have lessened my despair, I still find myself getting more and more aggressive as the days go by.

For example, my biggest pet peeve has become the drivers using the carpool lane that aren't driving as fast as I want them to. It is SO aggravating having to drive behind a slow vehicle when there are no other cars in front of them, and I have no opportunities to pass them. I have quickly memorized all of the entrance/exit points for the carpool lane, and I frequently make lane changes in order to pass slow drivers. Unfortunately, my driving motto has become: "If you don't want to drive as fast as I want to...GET OUT OF MY WAY!" Sad, huh?!

Like I said before, this attitude has filtered its way into other areas of my life. For instance, I am usually in a bad mood when I first get to work. I constantly feel anxious and frustrated, and it can take awhile for me to get over it. Likewise, I feel the same way after driving home. I try not to let it affect my time with Chris, but it doesn't always work that way. Plus, Chris doesn't really like to drive with me anymore. He thinks I'm too impatient and that I yell at the other cars too much (it's true!).

With that being said, I should also mention that I am currently looking for another job--one that is MUCH closer to home. I hope to be rid of this anxiety and frustration before long, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

I did it!

As many of you may know, I love American Idol! I wouldn't say that I'm a die-hard fan, but I certainly enjoy watching it, and am thoroughly entertained by it. We usually have to record it because we're not home to watch it live, but last night was an exception. And even though it was nice to watch it live, I almost didn't like it as much--mostly because I couldn't fast forward through the commercials. However, I came to realize one of the greatest perks of watching the show live: VOTING!

I know, I know--you're thinking that I'm quite silly for voting for a reality competition show, but I'm not ashamed. Chris laughed at me when I first told him I was going to, but that certainly didn't stop me. In fact, I voted and then continued to vote again and again (about 15 times!). But compared to the die-hard fans, my few votes probably don't mean much. For example, I work with a darling 64 year-old lady that votes AT LEAST 100 times a week! Now that's dedication.

By now, I'm sure you're wondering who I voted for. Must you really ask? Of course I voted for David Archuleta! Isn't he just precious?!

The latest & greatest!

I just thought I would share the latest pictures of my darling nephew, McKay (affectionately known as the Mac-Daddy, or Mac-Dizzle). He is the cutest thing in this world, and I could just eat him up! He is the happiest baby and loves to laugh and play. Don't you just want to kiss his chubby, little cheeks?! Oh, man--I love this little boy!

There's always a first for everything

I had the opportunity of experiencing something for the first time today, which I'm sure many of you have previously experienced...EYE DILATION! And I'll tell you what--it's been quite the experience! First of all, I had no idea what the process entailed, nor did I know what the after effects would be like. And since I consider it to be an interesting experience, I'm going to share it with you.

First of all, I like to make any and all appointments first thing in the morning (it's a lot easier for me to go into work late, than to leave early). So, I went to my scheduled eye exam appointment at 8:15 this morning. After a quick and fairly routine exam, the doctor was happy that my eyes hadn't changed much and was pleased that I was enjoying my contacts. He mentioned that unless I had any problems, I wouldn't need to come in again for another year--which is quite standard. And then, out of nowhere, he suggests that I have my eyes dilated at some point. He said it didn't matter when I did it, but that it should be done in the near future. He then proceeded to ask me where I was going afterwards, and what I would be doing for the rest of the day. I told him the truth, and nothing but the truth: I would be driving to Salt Lake and going to work as an administrative assistant for a construction company, and sitting in front of a computer all day (of course, I didn't say it quite like that, but all those details came out in the course of our conversation). He figured that was a good enough answer, so he gave the go-ahead for the procedure. He said that besides being a little blurry for awhile, I should be fine. And that, my friends, was an understatement!

I left the doctor's office and remembered that I needed to get some gas before I got on the freeway. I knew I was in trouble when I couldn't read the gas pump--at all! I guessed at which way to slide my debit card, and squinted really hard when selecting the gas grade. I figured it would get better as time went on, so I continued on my way to work. I'll admit--the road signs were a little difficult to read, and my spedomoter was even worse! Keep in mind that I had my sunglasses on this whole time, because the light was too bright.

Forty-five minutes later, I got to work, but not much had changed. I tried to take off my sunglasses, but my eyes instinctively shut and started to water. I figured I would risk looking like a fool and wear my sunglasses in the office. I wasn't sure what, if anything, I would be able to do, especially because I couldn't see anything, let alone read anything. Luckily, I know where most things are on my desktop, and I was able to make out a few things in various Excel files. I was able to get a few things accomplished, and I was able to avoid major mistakes.
Fast forward to now: 3:30 pm. I have removed my sunglasses (even though the light is still really bright) and I can actually read most things--including this blog post :) I have a bit of a headache, but I'm sure I will live. I am looking forward to the drive home because I know it can't be any worse than my drive to work was.

The best part of this whole experience was hearing what people said to me. Several people commented on my diva-like glasses, and figured I was starting a new trend. Many others had experienced eye dilation themselves, so they sympathized with me. I actually had one guy ask me if I had a shiner--true story! I thought to myself, "I'm so sure. I've only been married a month, and my husband is already beating me. And in order hide my shame and/or embarassment, I decided to wear sunglasses to work, in hopes that no one would notice." It was hysterical!

All in all, this has been a very interesting day. And I would have to say that eye dilation is more of an annoyance than anything else. I'm just glad I don't have to it again anytime soon.

Hello, DJ!

I just wanted to welcome David James West into the world! My cousin, Keri, delivered him by emergency C-section last night at 11:32 pm. Even though he was born two weeks early, he is doing very well. He weighed in at 6lb. 15oz. and was 19in. long. We are so happy for Keri and James, and can't wait to meet little D.J. Hooray for new babies!

The truth hurts!

So, I've been told by my loving cousin that I'm a bad blogger (thanks Amber!). And even though I know it's true, it's still a low blow :) In my defense, I'm still new to the blogging world and still trying to figure everything out. Speaking of which, I need some help with the cuteness factor of our blog. I've taken several suggestions and looked up various websites for blog backgrounds, but I'm still at a loss--I just can't figure out how you all have such cute backgrounds, and mine is still lame. If you have any suggestions, please pass them on.
Also, I've been waiting to post until I had more pictures. I, myself, love all of your posts that include pictures, so I think it's only fair that I return the favor. And let's be honest--blogs with pics are just more fun! So, I told myself that I wasn't going to post again until I had some pics to post, hoping that would motivate me to get my pics in order. The only problem is that I usually post to the blog while I'm at work, and I don't have any access to my pics on my work computer. Truth be told, most of our pics are still on the camera, waiting to be uploaded onto Chris's laptop. And even though I've had the best of intentions of working on the blog during the last couple of weekends, it just hasn't happened. Chris and I have been spending so much time getting our house (and lives, for that matter) in order, we haven't had much time for anything else.
Needless, to say, I haven't put the time or the effort into maintaining an entertaining blog, and for that, I'm sorry. From here on out, I promise to be a better blogger!