Can I have some Sour Cream with my Taco Salad?

So I have a stalker …. I know it’s weird. It has nothing to do with the post per say but I wanted everyone to know. It’s creepy. I will blog about that later when I can upload photos…..

Anyways, Saturday Crisco and I went to my cousin’s baby shower clear over in Draper. I don’t think I will ever live somewhere half as nice and I’m not sure I want to we had to drive forever up in to the mountains where your view is not obscured by other houses you just see the mountains and besides I think I would just want to rip something or draw on the walls or throw toys on the ground so that I would feel more at home. After Crisco and I got done drooling over the Poshness of the home we sat and chatted a little, saw the baby’s room. Way cute. Then we had refreshments.

It was Taco Salad and well you can’t really go wrong with Taco Salad. You know you have your chips, lettuce, salsa, ground beef, olives, and your Sour Cream. I love Sour Cream! It makes everything taste better. We assemble our plates and get some fruit to go with it and sit down to eat it. It was delish except I kept getting this blueberry taste and it was really pissing me off. Then I’d eat some more and BAM blueberry taste. I was really frustrated and the whole time I was like “what the hell is making my Taco Salad taste like damn BLUEBERRIES”. I was very upset but I finished my salad anyway. I DID NOT go back for seconds, threw away the plate. We then proceeded to play a game and watch her open her presents.

After the present opening, Crisco and I had a TRILLION other things to do that day so we left. As we sat in the car we discussed the shower, as girls do. We criticize everything like for instance: that raspberry brownie tasted like CRAP, that bedroom was way cute but if I were to have a little girl I would do this instead, those mints were DE-LISH, and so on. Then we got to discussing the salad and I said “That salad was good but something in it tasted like Blueberries and it was pissing me off”. Crisco says “I think it was the Sour Cream, I put it on the side and it tasted like Blueberries so I quite eating it”. Me, “Oh my heck it was fruit dip, for the FREAKING FRUIT! And I put it on my whole salad. No wonder it didn’t taste very good”. Then we laughed until we cried :~)

Just an FYI though and to make myself not sound so stupid I want to explain a few things #1. Crisco did it too, just not to the extent I did (Stupidity does love company). #2 They placed said fruit dip near the salsa and the olives NOT the Fruit (next time help a blonde girl out and put fruit dip near fruit and taco salad stuff near the taco salad… KAPEESH) #3. I am BLONDE need I say more :~)..... Yes I do #4 is I'm my Mother's Daughter and if you know my mom well you know what that means :~)

More Pics I Found

Here are some more pics from my trip I just found- Some of my stories from my blog before! I can't believe how many times I have blogged! That is what I get for being bored at work!

The whole group got to go meet former President Moi- Fun but I had to drink the tea they provieded and let me tell you it was Nasty!

Teresa and Me- Everyone there and a few people here in America have asked if we are sisters. At first we would say no but now we just say yes cuz were sick of telling them NO!

A small group of us Rafikis painted the logo on the benches that the Rafikis group paid for and paid someone to put in!


Remember me telling you about my boyfriend and you saw his arm in the blog about Kenya- Well this is a pic you can see me and him together! He said can you take a pic of me I said sure but what he really meant was -want to take a pic with me in front by these pretty flowers! I was set up no question about it!

Here we are again! My boyfriend who has a wife and a child already! He was our Safari driver. This was taken at Baboon Cliffs where there are baboons running all over including the van driver! I was down there getting my pic taken when he came over and asked to take one with me! I was shocked but what I really didn't know was this was the beginning of our relationship!

Art by Josh Bostwick

For Christmas my bro, Josh drew an awesome Family tree for my mom. She was so excited when she opened it. Anywho I thought it was really great so I decided to blog about it. He does a lot of watercolors like this - As you can see he did each of us on a tree branch with things that are from our present life or from stories we remember!! I also got a present from him that was a watercolor of me in the "The Tole Machine" with Scooby doo because I love Scooby doo! So he can do individual or big- whatever the client wants. So if your intrested let me, Char, Josh know - There on the market!!!

This is a pic of the other trees in background - family names- Heaton, Kerr(Mom's side) Riding, Bostwick(Dad's side)

Cade

Jordon


Davin

Me



Charlotte

Randy

Josh


The whole picture with all of us- Our Family Tree!

Let us know if you or family or friends want one-email- crystalebostwick@hotmail.com

He is a stay at home dad and had plenty of time to work on it!!!

My Big Fat Greek......... Walmart????

I know, I know I'm a lot of things but one of them is not Greek. So why the reference well, I felt like I was transported into the movie the other day.

I have been refinishing some old furniture so that I can feel like an adult and have matching furniture. I don't know why I just feel like I need to or maybe it's because I'm not married and don't have kids and I'm restless like I need to make the world a better place but really who knows. Anyways, I needed some white paint to refinish a dresser and a nightstand (pictures of the finished product still to come). My friend Jess and I decided to go to Walmart and check and see if they had any cheap misfit white paint that I could get. We found a quart of paint that was dented all to heck and had white paint all over it for $3.73 which is AMAZING because it would have cost me triple that to get one that wasn't deformed but hey I'm not picky not at all for $3.73.

The only problem was it didn't tell me what color of paint was on the inside and well I could have assumed that since it was covered in White paint it would have been White and I realize it was only $3.73 but I didn't want to take any chances. We decided to see if the paint person would open it and let us see what color it was. It was such a simple task, just open it and let me look in but NO it apparently is not that simple for some people. The lady was nice as she could be and you could tell she was Greek and she probably hadn't lived in America her whole life but she was slow. She pulls her glasses off her head and puts them on and then she has to find the tool that opens the lid and I've already wasted more time than I wanted but it was $3.73, I couldn't pass that up so I waited. She finally opens it and goes, "There's some oil on it and it's not just white I will shake it up to see the color"( Kay when she says things you have to think of the mother and aunt for My Big Fat Greek Wedding and when you read her lines that is the voice you should hear I am super serious.)

We wait and while we wait I decide to call Crisco, BIG MISTAKE, because she is working and needs her pimple medicine that they sell at Walmart but they were out and I had been to like a GAZILLION stores to find it and I needed to let her know that they didn't have it and see if she would call around to find it at a different store so I could pick it up. So, that was our conversation except Crisco didn't want to call around so I hung up. Little did I know that the Greek lady had been eavesdropping and I think that is against the law somewhere or something. Either way if it's not against the law it's not very nice and it's even worse when you try to fix the problem. So here is our conversation (that I can recall)

Greek: "What kind of medicine are you trying to get?"

Me: Look at Jess and then back to Greek lady "Ummm acne medicine"

Greek Lady: Blank Stare

Me: "You know like pimples, zits."

Greek Lady: "OHHHH I see, have you tried Rite Aid, Walgreen's. Walgreen's has everything. Have them call it in and they will have it."

Me: "Umm, it's an over the counter drug not a prescription drug."

Greek Lady: "Oh well Walgreen's has everything you should check there."

Me: "Okay."

Greek Lady: "Is it big or small?"

Me: Look at Jess going what the hell, "Is what big or small?"

Greek Lady: "Her zit is it Big or small?"

Me: I look at Jess and she looks at me and it's like we both know this lady is crazy and I thoughtI don't know nor do I give a shit how big her zit is, "Umm it's small"

Greek Lady: "My sister had one on her back once and you couldn't see it on the outside but it was deeeeep and the doctors had to go in and scrape it out. It was like this far in (lady points from her fingers to her elbow, might I add that is one big lady if it was that far in just a side note)"

Me: Disgusted and trying to not have a mental picture I say, "Really" trying to keep from looking at her playing with my cell phone.

Greek Lady: "You know that stuff that comes in a black Bottle called Hydro something"

Me: "Hydrogen peroxide."

Greek Lady: "Yes that stuff cleans everything. One time I had a rash/cut (I have no idea what it was I was trying not to pay attention) and I just poured it on it cleaned it right up. It fixes everything."

Me: "Oh that's nice." Thinking the paint shaker is taking FOREVER, wish it would hurry up.

Greek Lady: "You should clean it for her"

Me: I don't even have words to describe what was going through my head but it wasn't pleasant.

Greek Lady: "She would love you forever. While she's sleeping just pour it in and it will bubble up all the infection."

Me: Thinking you want me to clean Crisco, my sisters zits, I don't know what freaking planet you come from but not in my world would I ever be caught cleaning that. Not only that but I'm sure Crisco would let me take care of her zits sure, NOT!

Jess: Thinking are you kidding she won't even touch raw meat.

Me: "Ummmmmm"

Greek Lady: "Ya just clean it for her. I would do it for my sister. You know that Hydro stuff really works. It cleans everything out." As she is opening the paint to see what color it REALLY is.

Me and Jess: Blank Stares

Greek Lady: "It's got an extra color in it it's not just white."

Me: The paint is soooo white or white enough who cares it's $3.73 "Umm it will work I don't care it's close enough."

Greek Lady: "Okay but you should go to Walgreen's they will have it I promise."

Me and Jess: "Thanks so much have a great day."

We walked around the corner and started laughing so hard. I felt like I was talking to the Aunt in MBFGW when she talks about the bibobsy and that she had an extra lump on her throat. Seriously this lady had to be the understudy for that part I'm not kidding. I'm sorry but you can't make stuff up like that. True story through and through. It was the longest ten minutes of my life but I got a great story and White paint (with a little extra color in it) for $3.73. Totally worth it!!!! Not only that but Crisco gagged three time and told me to Shut up like four when I told her the story- now that is priceless :~)

SOAPSTONE FOR SALE!

So on our way back from Africa we brought all this Soapstone. I thought it would be easy so I carried mine- I found new muscles I didn't know were there. This is what we bring back to America to sell so Rafikis can raise money for the Orphanage! They are made by the orphans and come straight from Africa. They are still in the process of building the orphanage and is in need of more money. 100% of the proceeds go directly to building the orphanage! So these pictures are of what we have and brought back! Take a gander and if there is anything you want or need a bigger picture to see let me know! I am so excited to sell so I can see the orphans get a new home!! Email me crystalebostwick@hotmail.com. Thanks for looking any questions let me know!

Soapstone Nativity- I have 3 -$30 each

This is a Kikoy- what women use as skirts over there- I have 1- $25

Shirt from Kenya- I have 1- $15

This was made in the carpentry class of our Deaf students- I have 2- $10

Purse from Africa- I have 1- $20

Keychains made from carpentry students at Deaf School- $3

This goes in a woman's hair with zebra on front and giraffe on the stick- I have 1- $5



These are braclets- what we call Bangels $10 for 2 braclets

Soapstone Stars- Come in Pink and white- That is the natural color for soapstone- $2 each


Cute Soapstone heart boxes- $10

Soapstone bowls- I love these! - I have 4 left- $10


Big Standing Hippo- These are so cute!- Not sure how many I have left that stand- $5

Small Kenya Box- Shaped like Africa but the Key to Africa is Kenya ! To see how it works see pic below- I have 1 with the animal -$20

Big Kenya Box- The key is Kenya - I have 1- $25



This is how it looks closed




Black Mamba Snake Box- So fun the snake jumps out when you open the lid!- Don't know how many is left -$5

Little Hippos- Even cutter!- Red and Orange- $3


Turtles in Red or Orange- $5



Big Flat Hippos- in Pink Red or Brown- $5

Front view



Small Giraffe- I have 1- $5




Christmas tree ornament- $3

Christmas tree ornament- $3

Christmas tree ornament- $3


Hearts- $10- Good presnt for Valentines!


I use mine as a necklace!- $10

Angels- Don't know how many I have left- $5



Rhino- I have 1 $5

Mother & child- $10

Mother & Child- $10


Candlesticks- I have many colors- $10

Candlesticks- $10

Kenya

So sorry this is so 6 months later but I am finally getting around to writing about my trip. What a BLAST!!!!! For those of you who don't know I went to Kenya(that's in Africa) for about 3 weeks!! My plane left July 14, 2009 @ 1pm. I was so nervous because this was my first plane ride ever- yes I was a plane virgin!! I flew to Chicago where I had to hurry to my next plane which was leaving for London, England. There I had a 12 hour layover so me and the lady I was traveling with left the airport and got to see Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, St. Margaret's Church, The Royal Band marching down the street, the busy streets and how rude some of the English are.

These were chairs we sat in taking a break and a man came over and said we had to pay to sit there - OF COURSE we did cuz we already had our shoes off. We had approximately 2 hours to be there!

St. Margaret's Church- We couldn't go and see the big part cuz I had to pay and we didn't have much English money so we went in the part that was free!! SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!

The Buckingham Palace from a distance. There were many tourists there this is the good one with no people!

Big Ben- so much fun to see and the guards standing at the gates were also fun as well!

After London we got back on a flight at 8pm and headed for Kenya, Nairobi where we arrived bright and early at 6am but it was beautiful from the air. Fred(from Kenya) and Teresa(married to Fred) were waiting for us at the airport!! Me and the other lady were missing one suitcase- lucky me it was the one with all my clothes- girly needs- shower needs and so on!! We got them a day late which was fine except Me, Teresa, Fred and AK were off to Mombasa the next day! We stayed at Fred's parents house and got to meet the family- who are pretty great! Let me tell you though the driving there is crazy - I felt like I was driving with my dad and or brothers but this was a whole different story. Making up lanes, rear to rear, and I thought I was going to get Black lung by all the Black exhaust coming from these non-emission inspected cars, trucks, semis and Tuk Tuks and the burning garbage everywhere. Plus all the people running in front of cars because there is no crosswalks- Jay Walking is legal! Even on the highways. There was also people who tried to sell stuff while the cars were stopped. It sometimes gets so bad that they steal things off the cars. Fred's mom got her headlights taken while she was in the traffic jam! I didn't notice I was white until Fred asked if I was uncomfortable- then I notice how much they were staring at me- it is like they have never seen the sun!

The next day Fred's dad dropped us off in the middle of the street to catch the bus. Fred told us it was only 4 hours but come to find out 4 hours was the intermission where we could go pee in a hole if we wanted to!! Lucky us! It was really 8 hours! We did get to see some elephants from afar and zebras, baboons, wild dogs and such! We made it to Mombasa and it was raining so we caught a taxi to our Hotel which also was called a Restaurant and Restaurant's were called Hotels didn't know what we were getting in to- but ours had a pool and I was happy for that I hate HUMIDITY!!! What an awful thing I was so glad to go back to Nairobi to have dry air.

Anywho we went to Fort Jesus, Rugby game(that was fun to watch), the Ferry ride, a little bit of shopping, Played in the Indian Ocean(my first time seeing an ocean-yes I was a ocean virgin as well), Ride a camel- that was an experience, we went clubbing(my first time) it was so much fun and everyone was sweating like a pig I also got my first ever phone number from a guy who looked like he belonged in Jamaica and was high- he also gave me his necklace and told me that we were put in each others lives by God- It truly was FATE!! and then we took the 15 hour train ride back to Nairobi which was awesome we saw so many animals and the people we got to say hello to and we got to see the place called the "Slums" which was awful but the people were awesome. The train went from 7pm to 10:30am . I was lucky to be able to come a week ahead of our group to play before we cracked down and got to work!

Rugby Game




Fort Jesus

Boats on the Indian Ocean where we swam

When back in Nairobi I finally got my bag and was able to take a wonderful HOT shower!! It was like Christmas- really I am so serious I was so excited! I got to meet many wonderful people, friends of Fred's and his families. We went to the Giraffe park- my first time being tongued by anything, animal orphanage, a day with Fred's Friends and nights with his family!!! Then our group Rafikis flew in and we meet them at the airport- it was about 1am in the morning when they finally landed and got their luggage. All together there was 11 of us!!

Me and the Giraffe

The next morning we set off for Nakuru a 2 hour drive north- very beautiful scenic route! When we arrived we checked in to our hotel and met all the wonderful staff - got dressed in our school outfits(skirts) and headed to meet the students! We had to walk about 1 mile from our hotel to the school! When we walked in a rush of students at our feet, warm smiles, shaking of many hand from the little ones to the teachers! It was great going everyday to be with them- it was fun teaching them how to dance, help them write letters, playing soccer and other sports!

Everyday we got there we split for our duties and then around 10 am it was Tea Time where all of the students, staff and visitors gathered together to drink tea and have biscits(like Graham Crakers here) For us Mormons we went to the store the next day and bought us some Cadbury Drinking Chocolate-(hot chocolate) Then at noon it was lunch and we paid for ours so it was rude not to eat it. We had a lot of cabbage, and beans mixed with other stuff I didn't ask what it was, and oranges with really big seeds! After that the whole afternoon was to play with the students- it was kind of like finals at the school so testing in the morning and break in the afternoon-Really it was the teachers knowing the white people were here so they didn't have to watch the children. I didn't see half the teachers til the awards get together the second to last day- kind of sad! Not a fan of the teachers over there, don't think there all bad but most of them were.

A group of us(the 1st timers) got to go take a look at the old orphanage. Which was awful. And one Saturday all of us went to help build on the newer orphanage which is much nicer! The 1st timers also got to go visit the Nakuru Hospital where we donated a lot of items and got a tour and we were told we can not cry if we go visit. I was really good because I was interpreting for a Hard of Hearing lady that came with us on the trip, so I held my tears back for the whole time but after we left I cried so much because it was heartbreaking to see. I was so glad my nephew was born her and not there! The final big trip was Sunday we went to the Nakuru National Park( Safari) there was a lot of awesome animals- I am determined now to get to the Great Migration. On that Safari- my boyfriend, who was the van driver, asked me out. He has a wife and kid- I did consider- but I knew it was a no, no. My first time being asked out by a married man with a child. I had a very good laugh.

Just Born Twins



New born baby @ the hospital

Rafikis just getting done with a long day work at the new Orphanage

The new Orphanage

Some of the orphans at the old orphanage

The Bathrooms @ old orphanage (that is my boyfriends arm)

Midnight flight out of Kenya and we were on our 36 hour flight back to Utah. Arrived at the airport with my family there to greet me and had me a tall glass of ICE water that I missed so much. This was an eye opening experience I won't forget and I hope to go in 2012 again because I already miss the students! I had many firsts on this trip, more exposed than when I left. Good and Bad but had fun doing it!!! Any Questions let me know!!

One of the girls students!





McCall and me and our boys


One of my favorite students showing me his bed


Last day there

Afternoon playing time- I LOVE YOU signs

One of my favortie pics- taught them how to do kissy face- one of the boys even jumped in!!!!!!