Doogie Howser got me high!!

I’m sick, and it’s all Ben’s fault. I’ve not had a cold or flu all winter. With the small exception of food poisoning inflicted by Arlo, I’ve been completely healthy.

Like a good sister I picked Ben up from the airport Sunday and gave him a ride home. He coughed the entire time and spewed his disgusting boy germs all over my car.

I started feeling gross yesterday, and then woke up this morning with a fever and coughing so hard I puked. Awesome. It was obvious I was Instacare bound. Ben called to see which one I was going to so we could meet there. The jerk is still sick. I told him where to go, but he never showed. Is he OK? Who cares. Part of me was hoping he had overdosed on NyQuil. Not because I don’t love him, but because he totally deserves it.

After waiting an hour in the lobby, my name was finally called--music to my insanely clogged ears. Another wait in the room and finally a doctor arrives. And by doctor I mean Doogie Fucking Howser, MD. Young doctors before have seen me but this was ridiculous—he looked like he was in high school.


"Bad news, Sarah. Looks like you don't have strep throat."

"Um, why would that be bad news? I didn't really want it."

"Strep we could have treated. This particular funk you've got can't be treated. I can, however, give you a prescription of codeine pills to ease the pain a bit."

"Pills? Can't I just get some cough syrup? I think with my throat this swollen I won't be able to swallow pills."

"Unfortunately there's a shortage on codeine syrup, so pills will have to do. Try crushing them in ice cream."

"Ohhhh, is that what your mom does, too?"

He glared at me. I'm guessing he gets wisecracks about his age all the time. Quite honestly, I was just excited at the prospect of ice cream. I swore off ice cream a few months ago and was very much looking forward to having a reason to buy some.

"Go home, load up and get as much sleep as possible. You should feel better in a few days."

Maybe having a young doctor isn't all that bad. Loading up sounds just like what I need. And who am I to defy a doctor's orders? Exactly.

Carter is Fired

My brother, Matt, called me yesterday. He rarely calls me, typically his wife is the one who calls. Despite being out to dinner with my other brother, Ben, I took the call thinking it may be an emergency.

Matt: "Thought I better call and inform you that your nephew is now a NASCAR fan, and he really wants to go deer hunting."

Me: "That kid is fired! I need a replacement nephew. I liked it much better when Carter liked Dancing with the Stars. Seriously, you and Holli better get knocked up ASAP and give me a different nephew. Or else."

Matt laughed, but little does he know I am not kidding. NASCAR? Unacceptable. I'm not too worried about the deer hunting bit. Carter is such a sweet, sensitive little tyke there's no way he'll grow up and kill animals. He's terrified of my dog, and she's tiny. It would be difficult for him to get close enough to an animal to kill. But this NASCAR thing, is very serious. I HATE IT! His obsession with cars is understandable, he's a boy kid. However, I think the love of cars needs to stop at his race car bed.

Also, spending time with his uncle Ben needs to be limited, and with adult supervision. Otherwise Carter will grow up with a mullet and drink beer in cans. I can't think of anything worse.

Notes from the Weekend

If your driver license has expired and you’ve been too busy to renew it, bar hopping is a bad idea.

Carpet burns are better on your elbows then face.

Broken toes hurt.

Men from Holland bounce their heads way too much.

When you talk shit on someone and then make your girlfriend stick up for you, you are the one who should be kicked in the baby. Even if you are my brother.

Lemonade and Southern Comfort doesn’t make me barf.

Breaking up for Hillary

Sarah: "Are you avoiding my calls because you don’t want to hear me lecture you in the importance of voting today?"

Ben: "No. I already listened to your messages."

Sarah: "Good. Go vote. Also, you should know I emailed your girlfriend today and broke up with her."

Ben: "What?! Why?"

Sarah: "Her Obama shirt… I told her she had a vagina and should use it to vote."

Ben: "Oh man…"

Sarah: "Don’t be mad. She’s the one that said she was torn between Hillary and Obama. She had to either vote for her vagina, or vote for her 'brown' vagina."

Ben: "SARAH!! I really didn’t need to hear that the girl I’m dating and my sister are discussing vagina together. I’m never letting you meet anyone again. I mean it."

A Lesson in Love

Ben called when I was picking up the kids from the daycare last week. After discussing whatever weird thing was on his mind that day, I handed the phone to the kids so they could say hello.

When Hannah was on the phone I said, "Make sure you tell Uncle Ben you love him." She looked at me in complete disgust and said, "No, Sarah, love with boys is gross! But when you get married love is OK, and it's not gross anymore."

She handed me back the phone and left Ben and I to discuss how weird our family is. Even the kids.

In which I steal Arlo's word

I met the girl Ben has been dating last night.

In the past I've never really liked any of the girls he's introduced me to. Essentially it's the same girl over and over, just with a different name. The new girl, K, was nothing like the others. She had personality, style, and wasn't nervous around me. In the past that's been a problem. Ben claims the others have always been intimidated by me, but I think that's a bullshit excuse for having zero personality.

K easily won me over in two simple acts: 1) she remembered what I wanted from Starbucks when Ben couldn't, and 2) she pulled a flask out of her purse five minutes into the Sundance movie we were seeing.

In the reality show of Ben's life. I vote K all the way.

Taking Pigskin to a New Level of Weird

Sarah: "Hey, I'm going to meet the punk rock kids at the bar to watch the Patriots game. Do you want to come?"

Ben: "I can't, I'm watching Silence of the Lambs and the game here."

Sarah: "Um, why?"

Ben: "I'm comparing the two. Hannibal Lecter and the Patriots have lots in common. Hannibal likes to tease his victims and take his time, just like the Patriots."

Sarah: "I'll never understand why girls like you. I know you're a cool guy, but you probably come off as the skin-suit kind of guy."

Ben: "Chicks dig the mullet."

Bacon & Blankets

This year for Christmas I gave myself this blanket from Restoration Hardware. It's quite possibly the best blanket in the entire world. I've never had a blanket so soft. I'm positive I'm snuggling under the skinned carcasses of teddy bears. I'm from the country, I'm down with dead animals touching me. As long as they stay away from my digestive system I'm good.

The description on the website says this blanket is "generously sized for cuddling." Which is a big fat marketing lie. I'm not a large girl and there is no way I could fit another person comfortably under this thing. I am selfish with my blankets and like to be covered head to toe before allowing my blanket to tough another individual. Any individual, even a dog.

Daisy seems to think just because she is the same color as the blanket, I won't notice her hair all over it. Once I caught her laying on the blanket, I moved it to where she couldn't reach it while I'm gone. This afternoon when I got home she had found the blanket and was sound asleep on it.

Needless to say, I was pissed. This one-eyed dog who can't manage to pour me a glass of wine or anything useful, can find a well-hidden blanket. Dogs would do anything for a good nap, which is way more than even Ben would do for comfort. Unless the blanket smelled like bacon.

Inspiring the Children

My brother, Ben, has always fancied himself a trend setter. Which is complete and utter nonsense to all those who know him, but we just nod our heads and agree because it makes him feel good.

His latest hair "trend" was indeed copied, but my a much younger crowd: our nephew Carter:Who is related and therefore shouldn't count. Besides with Lightning McQueen so popular, what kid wouldn't want a lightening bolt shaved into the side of his head?

Skin Suits and Therapy

Sarah: "Ben, you have to go see Juno ASAP, it's really good. Or Sweeney Todd. You can't beat a throat-slitting barber."

Ben: "I can't see that one. You know I'm scared of Tim Burton movies."

Sarah: "Still? You sort of an adult now."

Ben: "Sarah, I was four. Not exactly a movie to force a small child to watch over and over. This is totally your fault."

Sarah: "Well how was I to know you'd grow up to be a baby man."

Ben: "You have no room to talk, remember, you're terrified of Silence of the Lambs."

Sarah: "Because that is REAL! You could be a skin suit at any given time. Beetle Juice isn't real. Proving once again I'm way tougher than you."

Ben: "Perhaps tougher, but still in need of therapy. We really should get a therapist on staff for the entire family."

Not The Only Adult Child In My Family

Ben: "Stop telling people I like Nascar. I don't!"

Sarah: "Benjamin, you have a mullet, therefore you must like Nascar. It's okay, don't fight it."

Ben: "People read your blog. No more Nascar talk. BUT, I do really want Carter's bed. I'm going to request one from Santa next year."

Sarah: "You could probably just wait a couple years and Carter will outgrow his."

Ben: "Outgrow it? Why? It's awesome. Seriously, Sarah, how cool would that look in my extra bedroom? I may kick my roommate Vegan Joe out so I can."

A Princess Christmas

My niece, Hannah, called me this morning to tell me that Santa brought her a brand new princess bed. She wasn't kidding. I drove down this afternoon to see for myself and found her cuddled up with her dolls wearing a velvet princess costume. I asked her if there was room for me and she looked up with the sweetest face and said, "Yes and always, but NOT EVER BEN!" Which is totally fine since when I walked out I noticed Ben in Carter's room begging him to trade beds. Not all surprising since Carter scored a race care bed. Ben is sorta weird and into all that Nascar crap.

Merry Christmas everyone! May you all be as happy as this little girl:

Band Aids & Ben

In the middle of my front room is a pile of presents that need to be gift wrapped; only I keep forgetting to buy wrapping paper.

Each year Ben and I share gift duty, which means I shop while he wanders around and pretends to help. The helpful part comes when we split the bill. This year has worked brilliantly for the past few years. This year, however, Ben has flaked on both Saturdays we had plans to shop. The first time he was still on a bender in Wendover, which I can completely sympathize with, but the second time he was spending the day seeing a movie with an old mission companion. Yes, the irony in my family runs deep.

He finally made a contribution. He was supposed to buy something to add to the package we still haven’t mailed Chad, and a gift for Boy AK. He bought band aids. Yes, band aids: sushi and Jesus ones for Chad--Scooby-Doo, Curious George and regular ones for Boy AK. And since it’s the holiday season and you’re supposed to be charitable I told him he’d done an excellent job and didn’t call him a freak.

In Utah This Week #83

To read my lazy version of a holiday greeting card go here. And here's proof of the mentioned "haircut."

Sometimes Math IS Useful

Last night was cheap beer night at the Grizzlies Game. So we all went. I was late getting there since I have a Tuesday night Math class, but I arrived just in time to hear Ben arguing with the beer vendor.

Beer Vendor: "You can either get a 10 oz. beer for one dollar, or a 32 oz. beer for four dollars. But I recommend you get the larger beer. It's a better deal."

Ben: "Actually that's not true. If I get the small beer I save 2.5 cents per ounce. Trust me, I did the math before I got here."

BV: "But the 32 oz beer is larger therefore you have more beer."

Ben: "Yes, but that's not the point, the point is to save money on beer. That's the whole idea behind cheap beer night. I can buy a large beer at four dollars or four small beers at four dollars. Same amount of money but 8 oz less, which makes zero sense."

At that point the beer vendor stopped talking to him and poured the beers. I guess math really is used in every day life, and here I thought it was a waste of my time.

Jesus Drives a Prius

Sarah: "I decided how you can get Mom & Dad off your back about your hair. Next time they start complaining about how long it is, just tell them grown up Jesus had long hair."

Ben: "It wouldn't' work. I know Dad and he would say something about Jesus walked everywhere and that I never walk anywhere."

Sarah: "That's stupid. Jesus only walked because they didn't have cars. If they did Jesus would've certainly been driving."

Ben: "I wonder what Jesus would have driven."

Sarah: "Obviously a Prius. It just seems like a Jesus kind of car."

Ben: "Really? I don't see it. He probably would just have angels carry him around everywhere. Sorta makes me want to be Jesus."

Sarah: "Maybe you're right, but either way we've turned Jesus into a very lazy man."

Friday Night Bush

When KCPW announced Jenna Bush would be in town for part of the station's Forum Speaker Series, I mentioned it to Ben. He has a huge crush on both Bush sisters. And while I'm no fan of the Bush family I'm a huge fan of KCPW, so we went.

Bush spoke about her time in South American with UNICEF, reading from the book she wrote about a young woman she met who was born with HIV. During an especially moving moment Ben leaned over and asked, "I think her boobs are probably a C cup. What do you think?"

I hushed him, but it was useless. He didn't listen to a word she said, instead stared at her boobs the entire time--only stopping long enough to tell me her poor-fitting skirt ruined his crush.

On the way home he informed me he'd be spending his time focusing on Barbara from here on out. He then called every family member in his phone to let them know his very liberal sister attended something that could be construed as pro-Bush.

Sleeveless for the Holidays

I love Apple products, but absolutely detest The Apple Store. So much in fact, I drive clear out to the 'burbs to visit ExperCom whenever I need help.

A couple weeks ago Maddie and I were shopping at Gateway and decided (after much pleading on her part) to go inside so she could get a laptop case. Since I was already there and had to wait in line with her, I figured I might as well pick up a much needed pink sleeve for my iBook.

I got home and found it was the wrong size. Which was sort of annoying since the salesperson helping me had looked up the exact dimensions of my computer and recommended that size. But whatever, I knew Marky and I would be down there the next day so returning it would be no big deal. And it wasn't, I walked in and traded for what I was promised would be the perfect fit for my treasured Stella James.

Again, I got home and it was the wrong size... still way too big, and isn't the point for the padded sleeve to be snug? When Ben and I went to see a movie a few days later we stopped to return it. While processing the return I asked the salesperson what it would take to get a sleeve that fit my computer. He looked at me and said, "You have to buy a new computer." I laughed, but quickly realized he wasn't kidding. "So you're telling me I have to spend $2,000 to get a $30 sleeve to fit?" "Exactly," he said. I wanted to tell him how ridiculous he was, but by this time Ben was getting the worried "My sister is going to FREAK OUT" face, so I let it go.

Since I refuse to buy a new computer it looks like I'll be sleeveless this winter season.

How I Know My Brother Loves Me

If Ben had a house fire he'd grab two items before running out the door: his baby blanket, and his MC Hammer/Vanilla Ice album. Seriously. As an afterthought, he may go back for Vegan Joe, his roommate. But only after MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice were safe.

Ben let me borrow this cherished CD last night, with the promise I'd return it in exactly one weeks time. I'm going to listen to the wise(?) words of MC Hammer and hope for Christmas gift inspiration. I have a difficult time buying for other people. Attempting to find the perfect gift stresses me out. Ben, however, is easy. Obviously I'll be buying him a pair of parachute pants.

Cooking with Max Headroom

Our Thanksgiving dinner was amazing, even if we did forget a green salad. But as Ben said, "It's just filler. Why waste stomach room on salad?" The entire day was so much fun, even the parts where I learned stuff from Arlo... like how to make gravy. Ben and I made the mashed potatoes, Mormon style--which means lots and lots of fatty ingredients and a Book of Mormon on the kitchen counter for luck.Unfortunately, AK ended up out of the country on a business trip so he wasn't able to be there in person, but thanks to Skype video he was able to supervise our activities. He didn't have a lot of faith in our kitchen skills and made sure we knew where the fire extinguisher was at all times. No, seriously.Mrs. AK, however, didn't need any supervision. Her turkey was perfect! Can't wait until next year!