Why the Utes are like a Co-Dependent Boyfriend

So Danny and I made the trek from St. George up to Happy Valley yesterday, but it wasn’t so joyous for us. I’ll be the first to admit that the Zoobies outplayed us . . . but that doesn’t mean that they necessarily should’ve won.

I’ve participated in enough sporting events over the years to know that the better team isn’t always going to be going home a “W.” (And I’m not referring to our current president. Taking Dub-ya home would actually be worse than a loss as far as I’m concerned.)

I think when teams are as closely matched up as the Utes and that team down south, it comes down to heart. And Brian Johnson is significantly lacking in that area. And I think "attitude reflects leadership." (Yeah, I got that quote from the dude on “Remember the Titans.”)

Anyway, what kind of quarterback (when you’re looking for a crucial first down and it’s 3rd and 15) slides to protect himself from getting hurt when a title's on the line?!?! (or a chance for a title, small as it may have been.) It’s the last game of the season (excluding bowl games, but come on!!!); PUT IT ALL OUT ON THE FIELD! If you get injured, you’ve got an over excited Freshman waiting to pounce and prove himself at any given chance. (PS. I wish we’d ditch Johnson and just go with the freshman.)

That kid plays with heart. . . he’s out there; in it to win it.

Johnson . . . well, I think we’ve seen Wittingham put too much stock in Johnson … like the real key to the Utes losing early on the season was that their “Captain” wasn’t out there.

Well Captain my Captain; I defer to Steve Tate. That guy lays it all out on the line.

I’m so disappointed in Jonson; he reminds me of Rod Tisdell (sp) from Jerry Maguire (before he gets knocked out and finds his love of the game.) He plays with his head, but not his heart.

Anyway, back to my title. The reason the Utes are like a codependent boyfriend, is because despite all the crap they put you through . . . you still hold onto the memories of the good times and somehow think that makes up for all the time they break your heart. And just when you start to expect less. . . you begin to plan on disappointment .. well that's whenyou look back on the golden years; the good times (aka the Fiesta Bowl) and trust that even they if they broke your heart this week, they’ll find away to do something splendid (like beat UCLA) down the road. And you’ll take them back because truth be told . . . you never let them go.

There’s a reason that blood runs red, especially if you’re cut deep. ;) As my husband put it bluntly yesterday: “I’d rather be a loser than a cougar.”

Thanksgiving Work and Rewards (from Sabrena Suite-Mangum)

Happy turkey day everyone. I took the last two days off from work; which means I’ve only spent a couple of hours on the phone and email for work. ;)

There’s a lot to be thankful for. . . Danny’s the first that comes to mind. It was his first Thanksgiving with our family (we spent last years with the Mangums). It was actually super cool this year because the whole entire Suite posterity made it to Saint George. All three of my sisters, plus husbands and children. It was a full table and uber fantastic.

Some quick thoughts before I move onto the “email of the week,” and a short video of the neice and nephew.

I'm not sick anymore . . . I know it seems like I'm sick a lot. . . but I'm seriously a pretty healthy person. I just need to get my chakras aligned, or something.

My nephew thought the first prophet of the LDS church’s name was Joseph Suite-Smith (my sister also hyphenates).

Kids can start snoring as early as 2 (mostly this is caused from boogies though)

Cassandra is a size 2/4 because she’s a workout queen AND because she never eats sugar

It’s nice to wear stretchy pants on THXgiving

The Sound of Music still makes me cry (I wish it was because I think musicals are so painful, but I think it has a lot to do with my hormone levels)

Remember the “procreate in 2008” post? I’m thinking we’re moving that timeline a little later in the year (like start “thinking” about it late summer, early fall. . . so no one hold your breath ok?

I have a facebook, myspace, Linked In AND a blog account . . . and this is pretty much the only one I know how to use. But feel free to friend request me, because I at least know how to say “yes.”

PS. My brother in law Dave just got into Med School in Eerie Pennsylvania – they’re looking at a DARLING 2200 sq foot home for $99,900. Seriously, who can by a home for under 100,000?????

OK, moving on . . .

I don’t know if it’s legal to write this stuff; but here’s one of my favourite emails from this week at work. . . Our Communications Manager was throwing some ideas around for a new online forum they’re looking into. I’ve edited a few things to protect the innocent. . . otherwise, enjoy the antics of moi e mes amies.

_________________________________
From: MS
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 3:45 PM
To: BH; SSM
Subject: Titles

Which one do you like best for the new Board Room post that will replace Leading Edge?

Exclusive
INSight
In the Know
Board Room Briefs
The D-L

Thank you for your collaboration!

______________________________________
From: Sabrena Suite-Mangum
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 3:48 PM
To: MS; BH
Subject: RE: Titles

Well, Board Room Briefs makes me think about [our Executive’s] underwear . . . Which doesn’t thrill me at all. ;)

I like INSight.

In the Know is nice but a little boring . . .

Exclusive is pretty good; but a little too sensational I think.

And The D.L. is totally hip.

I vote for the D.L. or INSight . . . Thank you for asking.


_____________________________________________
From: BH
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 3:49 PM
To: SSM; MS
Subject: RE: Titles

That is hilarious!!!

I conquer!



_____________________________________________
From: MS
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 3:51 PM
To: BH; SSM
Subject: RE: Titles

Um, I think she means concur. ;)

LOVE IT! LMAO

_____________________________________________
From: BH
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 3:52 PM
To: MS; SSM
Subject: RE: Titles

Stupid spell-check… now what in the world can I trust if it's not spell-check????

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: SSM
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 3:53 PM
To: BH; MS
Subject: RE: Titles

Only your heart . . . And the force . . . You can definitely trust the force, especially if you are a Jedi.

Wait, you're not as Jedi. That friggin sux! We need a department yoda, really soon . . .

_____________________________________________
From: MS
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 3:55 PM
To: SSM; BH
Subject: RE: Titles

You're over job descriptions -- let's post a Yoda position!!


------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: SSM
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 4:03 PM
To: BH; MS
Subject: RE: Titles


What do you think?
Master's Degree or lifetime experience fighting the dark side
Oversee spiritual enlightenment of all SkyWest Airlines activities
Speak in hushed tones and backwards grammar so that no one can understand you unless they speak a hybrid of pig Latin
Ability to multi task
Familiarity with light saber a plus but not required

I should be in Bed, but instead. . .

This is so ridiculous! I came home from work today, honestly feeling like death warmed over . . . I mean, my throat was closing off, I felt wheezy and nauseous AND on top of that achy and tired all over. So I barely make it into the apartment and don’t even have the strength to take my fabulous lavender washable suede coat from Nordstrom off before I practically pass out on the bed.

Danny came home, tucked me in . . . gave me some Advil and a few hits of Echinacea and vitamin C and I slept for a couple of hours . . . and now, I am wide awake.

Wide awake and fluish. . . which really sux because I have a plane to catch tomorrow and I am in fact going to Chicago on Sunday and Monday. That’s a decent amount of travel in a few days . . . I need my strength. I’m going to have to invest in some serious airborne if I don’t get this fixed ASAP!

So send me all your positive thoughts. . . I need “The Secret” now more than ever (Becca nee’ Whipple), your positive energy too! ;)

Well, since I can’t seem to rest and I fear talking Nyquil is certain to make me vomit, I might as well relax and blog. . .

It never ceases to amaze me how many typos I can find in any single post of mine. . . you’d never believe I was a professional writer by trade, eh? (Well, ok . . . not by trade, but it is part of my resume/).

Speaking of, I was kind of thinking that “Suite Spots” the actual column from SkyWest Magazine in the Delta Connection edition was going the way of the bison . . . but it turns out that even if Delta doesn’t want to keep our publication on their planes, my editor said they’ll move it to the United edition. So I’ve got a new audience . . . pretty cool.


PS. I know it seems like I get sick a lot. . . but this is a FREAK fall season for moi. I swear, I'm a realitively healthy person.
PSS. I finshed Twilight again. . . amd I decided that my Edward Cullen looks like Billy Elliott when he grows up and dances at the end of the show . . . yeah, kind of like a cross between him and Danny.

YES UTAH!!! We voted NO!!!

What a friggin great day to be alive (especially if you're a democrat!)

First of all, Ref 1 (aka subsidized tax break for the rich to send their kids to private school) defeated!

Second: Another Dem for SLC's mayor! Yep, Danny and I voted for Becker. . . did I mention he sat a few rows in front of us at that session of LDS Conference that we went to? And I don't even think the dude's mormon. PS. That is one thing (of many) that I adore about living in the downtown SLC

Also, Danny and I had a romantic evening . . . we ate dinner at the Roof Restaurant overlooking the Salt Lake Temple.. . it was soooo awesome!!! We were celebrating another tremendous day at work! They have a great buffet; and they even bring you those fresh hot buttery rolls to die for from the Lion House. . . . I gorged on two varieties of chocolate cake, some key lime pie, a tart that wasn't that great and about 10 different offerings of cream . . . whipped pototates with butter/cream; pasta with butter cream sauce, strawberries with whilled cream . . . good thing I've been trying to gain a little weight lately, eh?

Man, am I tired.

But good news! I got to hit a yoga class last night -- so my chakras are feeling much more aligned.

I'm diggin' on my job. i get to do so many different things. I was reflecting back to my first month of training at SkyWest and I remembered thinking that I wanted to be the person that gave the new hire orientation . . . that told employees all about SkyWest's travel benefits, and talked all about our culture . . . and I remember thinking that was coolest job ever. . .

And now i do that as part of my job!!!! So crazy.

I think I may be taking a business trip to Chicago next week. . . I'm hoping I get a chance to track down some Gino's East pizza . . . I'm trying to convince him to take a "business trip" with me; but his schedule is a little complicated.

And the Suite-Smith's (Cassandra and co) are relocating to Cincinatti for a year. I told Tatum and Max (Sassa's two kids) I would miss them when they moved. (Max is REALLY excited about going to Ohio ... the kid must be a Buckeyes fan). Anyway, I told him I would miss him; he said I would be coming with him... aren't kids fabulous.

Well, sorry this is kind of boring. . . I'll try to be funny later this week. . .

Love you - namaste.
ssm

Phoenix Rising . . .

Greetings from Sunny Arizona. . . Danny and I are in Glendale this weekend checking out Thunderbird Global Business Academy or something like that.

They paid for our hotel and are hosting us this weekend, so I have to say I dig their hospitality. I have not been tame about my love for France and the possibilities of living in a country with Universal Health Care (not to mention the benefits of choclate crossiants!!!!); so I am game for checking this place out.

Plus, it was 91 degrees on campus today; so we laid out at their pool. (I am going to have to get a "spray-on" tan before anyone sees me, so I can just say it's from the vacay. . .

Their all about "globalization" and all that jazz . . . environmental consciousness on the world stage. . . but I had a hard time absolutely buying in since they were watering their lawns in the middle of the afternoon (again, in 90 degree weather!) Oh well, he who is without sin, you know . . . Danny and I are crappy recyclers, so I can't really point a finger.

Anyway, not much else to report.

I will say I'm feeling somewhat mentally stable, and I'm rereading the vampire books...so Edward is back on the mind. But my husband NEVER complains since he ALWAYS reaps the titillating benefits of the books. ;)

"Think Global, Buy local." -- I think I'll use this platform when I run for Mayor of SLC in 10 years. ;)

C'est tout!

Tuesdays with Sabrena -- Part II; Because I couldn't think of a catchier title

Picture of the Day. . . me and my Tatum at the reflection pond at El Tempo. Just as a side note, when I asked her and her little brother Max what they liked better. . . the temple or Costco? Good News, they both responded the temple. :)

Random Thoughts I probably shouldn't share with the masses:

* My feet have smelled a lot like apple cidear vinegar lately

* I really enjoy my job (that's a weird thing to say, right?) Seriously, I kicked-ace and took names at my meeting today. . . I shouldn't brag, but it felt great to be so prepared!

* Sometimes I wonder if I'm a figment of someone else's imagination

* I've already started listening to Christmas Music in my car (and I sang Christmas Carols to Danny Sunday night in bed)

* There's this girl in my Monday yoga class that I "compete" with in my head. Like who has the lowest Warrior I or who does the most chatarunga (I know I spelled that wrong). Anyway, that COMPLETELY defeats the purpose of yoga . . . I need to "stay on my mat"

*I taped the number "135" on my scale in the bathroom, because I was tired of seeing 150+ pounds on the scale (this has actually done wonders for my self esteem too!)

Have an uber fabulous Tuesday.
For Halloween I think I'll dress up as someone who's mentally sound... costume ideas?

P.S. And a special hello to my friends in cyber-space from Parsons...I'm sending you fabulous little law ladies an extra dose of Suite-Chi. ;) Danny says you're out there, but there's no way to really know . . .

1000 Words of Suite Spots (the Wed Chronicles)

It’s Wed night . . . I missed yoga for about the 7th day in a row because of sickness and my work schedule. I hit St. George yesterday and will be back on the road again on Friday . . . but let’s be honest, you don’t read this for my travel log. . .

(Hmm, why do you read this? Feel free to tell me and I’ll try to tailor my remarks for your amusement.)

So “Feist” is playing in the background of our downtown apartment. The living space is uncharacteristically clean for the (Suite-)Mangums. . . truth be told, it usually only looks like this when we’re entertaining. In fact, just last week Danny wanted me to explain why we only vacuum BEFORE the parties, when it’s really AFTER the party that the place needs a good once over.

Admittedly, I’m more concerned about “looking’ put together than actually being put together. (Which is apparent if you look at my purse . . . designer on the outside, a disaster on the inside). And let’s not even talk about the science experiments in my fridge, or the fact that my car hasn’t been cleaned since the summer . . . (I’ve still got decorations from the Church Luau form the summer.)

Oh well, life is a beautiful disaster and I am happy to be a part of it.

So back to the apartment – which, I am happy to report is not a disaster. Some of you may be thinking I am bragging about being a “real woman.” (Is that what “Sister Beck” from the last LDS General Conference referred to it as?) No, I wasn’t the home-maker . . . (you all know better than that!!!)

It was Monsieur Mangum . . . Danny friggin’ cleaned the pad today!!!! It was the best present ever . . . (well, may next to diamonds, but that’s not really a fair comparison is it?)

Hey ladies, have you ever thought about the difference between man’s best friend (a dog) and (diamonds) a girl’s best friend? Well, if you haven’t . . I think it’s pretty easy to point out which is the more refined of the two species. . .

So, my friend Becca Winegar nee’ Whipple, was telling me about how annoying she thinks bloggers that just ramble on about their perfect spouses and families and lives . . . and so in honor of her, I would like to take a moment and point out some things that she thinks SERIOUSLY need to be addressed.

They’re a little controversial . . . so read at your own risk. . . (In no particular order)

• Becca’s anti-secret. . . not to be confused with the deodorant that’s strong enough for a man, but ph balanced for a woman. . . no, she’s anti – THE SECRET. You know? The book, the movie . . . think happy thoughts, the law of attraction, lose weight because you think THIN?!?! In fact, I get out of thinking about how much she loathes this book. Because I am a huge fan!!! I lost 5 lbs in one week on THE SECRET . . .just telling people I could eat whatever I want because I have a high metabolism . . . But then, much like weight watchers, I gave it up . . . and WHAM! The pounds packed back on like the freshman fifteen. . . (B. Wilde, this is not self-deprecation . . . just a fact).
• Point #2 in the Becca Winegar nee’ Whipple tirade. . . Becca is totally ANTI-Bumper sticker. . . here again we have to disagree, though my husband (and my old man) definitely side with her. They drive her crazy (not my old man and my husband, bumper stickers). But man, back in the day [college] when I drove a white 1995 Subaru Impreza (as opposed to my 2005 silver subie hatchback currently in tote). . . well, my car was covered in them. Some of the highlights: “Women make great leaders – You’re following one” and “I think, therefore I don’t listen to Rush” and “Feminism is the radical notion that women are people” and “Free Tibet.” I think I also had a “Sierra Club” sticker at one time when I was sending them money, and an EarX-tacy [www.earxtacy.com] sticker to boot. That reminds me . . . I bought a “namaste” sticker at Golden Braid Books and Oasis Café last month. . . I ought to Christen the new Subie. (Becca, don’t hate me).
• Point #3 is actually where Becca and I find common ground. Although, my husband and his family might be a bit offended by my words. . . but mind you, these are not my words. . . but Becca’s. And so how can you hold me responsible for her thoughts and feelings? Don’t kill the messenger. . . and I quote: “Dogs are not humans.” She then followed this little ditty with advice that they are not to be dressed up, or to expect the rest of the world to have the same sentiments for your puppies that you have. (Brandi Honey doesn’t think puppies are cute either, and I am telling you, this woman is an excellent judge of character. She knew all of my terrible x-boyfriends were losers long before I figured it out.) Anyway, love your dogs. . . that’s fine. Just please don’t expect me to love them with the vigor and intensity that you do. I think they’re smelly, have bad breath and leave hair everywhere . . . it’s really in your best interest NOT to consider them as humans. . . because who wants a friend with halitosis and a body odor problem? And as much as Danny gets annoyed with my “locks of love” decorating the bathroom floor, I can’t imagine fido’s tresses being much more welcome. ;) In defense of my canine loving friends, I do understand that they are part of “your” family…
• Becca is also anti-txt. I am going to save my feelings on that bit for a “Best of Column.” I was dating a guy who thought txting was an adequate form of communication. . . the story that resulted was, well . . . you’ll just have to check it out down the road. . . ☺

Good night my pretties. It’s time to watch Jon Stewart and the Colbert Report. (Hmmmm, re-run. . . never mind),
Anyway, thanks for hanging in there . . . this was a long post. . . we made it through. And now it is time for me to go to bed, in my clean house . . .

PS. I’m flying solo tonight because Danny’s “out with the Boys” which I completely encourage. He’s getting a bit of exercise which I think is great; I like a man who isn’t afraid to sweat. ☺