SPRING IS HERE! New Beginings..

Changes are often good but unfortunately can be a bad thing as well - As for me change is a hard thing but strangely enjoyable?! Linda is finally out of training and has started her crazy shift from 11:30-8pm with Tues. and Sunday Off. She is hoping that she can beg her way back to the company she loves and inspired her to achieve a goal of going to school and what she wanted to do with her education; in the Hotel Biz. I am crossing my fingers as well, but very thankful she has the job she has now and mine as well. Another change is our calling in our church (ward). To refresh any memories, Linda and I were assistant coordinators for a senior living center. We basically were never at our home ward and I conducted Sacrament services occasionally as a extension of the Bishopric responsibility's. NOW - we have been called to serve in the Primary with the 6-8 year old's; it is a small class and a small primary but my first Sunday went better then I worried about. I am rarely around little children, so I get nervous but once you are with them you start to realize that they are very welcoming. In a world full of so much chaos, children are our inspiration of how we should live, not childish but child like. So - Changes... good or bad they come regardless, in fact Alan brother that lives in Montana Passed away of old age and we are going to the funeral this next week. Along with Alan he had a MRI on his Brain and we are awaiting results soon. Many changes for him might be in store and around the corner. It has been sad to see his memory get worse and worse - we are confident the lords hand is in it all. The above photo is a poster I a made for the children and a reminder for us all. Have a great spring and remember to dance in the rain and smell the blossoms, I love this time of year! Love the Pilkington's

A New car, a new Era.....

Well, some times you have to go in debt to get out of debt or to at least establish any credit just to get ahead... with that said - Here is our new car (not actual car, above car is sample only; same color and model) We wanted to get a new car because of Linda's new job and the horrible schedule of only one car was not going to make it. It is in good shape and is a 2003 Chevy Cavalier Ls. I am still in shock at this moment and relying on the fact we both have jobs, so we are good (crossing my fingers) In one year we are going to re-finance and lower the interest rate and then have some positive credit when buying a home. Work-school-homework-church-life has kept us pretty busy. We almost bought a lemon and thankfully we took it to a mechanic and realized the many problems with it. We were at the dealers all day it seemed and then finally we were let out. The car has been real fun to drive and way different then a jeep. The stereo and automatic windows are a plus and the interior is unblemished. Spring is in the air and I am thinking of a nice long road trip....peace out.

March update....Spring is coming!!

Well, let me share some thoughts with you today... I realize that we need our seasons and I am very thankful that we get winter so that we can have spring, I just wish it didnt take so long to get here. There has been some changes from last post so I wanted to just update every one on the latest news from the front lines; I Ryan have been cut some hours at work and average 4 days a week, I was hoping that the census job that I was hired for would of called me. Instead they shafted me and now I am in the process of filing a complaint. Linda has returned to the work force and is in training from Wed-Sunday at a place called A.C.S. and she is on the phones learning to be a customer service rep for Verizon Wireless. Along with school and house work and life and work she is walking the fine rope of life. This is in regards to getting out of debt and getting the things we want. House, Car, Career, Adoption, etc. I met with my school to find out how many credits or classes I have left; they made some errors and saved me from one whole quarter = less money for me :) - I have 21 classes to go from my Bacholers Degree in Graphic Design, and I can taste it... I am getting so sick of homework, but the classes I have coming up are ones that I am excited in learning about. Such as Business, internship, etc. So It has been a crazy week and we are trying to buy a car in the next couple of weeks as well - just like 1000 dollars is all.. or less. Are schedules are to off whack to have only one.

Well, lets sum up the past couple of weeks... Continued teaching lessons for the retirement in for our calling, I am getting better at conducting. We all got A's for last session and I am currently at a B+ in a class were we are designing a board game for 9-13 girls as a team. I chat online with them and it is in it final stages. Next quarter I am taking 3 classes; Marketing Design, Physiology, Economics. (18 classes left) - Linda is wrapping up her online course and is doing great!!! (English and basic computing)

I am in the mist of applying for scholarships and trying to get some extra funds for school and life. I am also in my next stage of creation mode... basically itching to create new art. Lastly I am putting my idea of owning my own Design Firm. I have decided to hire friends and interns in the next year and be my own boss. I am posting images of my logo, Pickle Productions is now Pickle Designs LLC and will be hiring designers from all over the states to be on my team. If you know any one that is interested please email me. Well take care and hope that life is treating you good and to my sister that might read this - we are thinking of you and prey for a speedy recover.

Pickle Design Collateral pieces: (I have stayed away from using a big pickle in the logo, I wanted the use of color to imply the pickle theme. In branding and logo designing it is like a puzzle and a creation - like the periodical time tables along with the use of the Adobe icons to also imply process much like science, and the real science that goes with the over all design of an Identity. Any ways I hope that made sense. Basically like the cucumber uses science of the brine to change into a new food type to something more and better pickle is now a metaphor of the process of identity; The pickle man is a symbol like bio hazard but has 3 "pickles" creating the face.)

WE HAD A BLAST!!! & Latest News!

It was Valentines Weekend and on that Friday, I decided to take my Linda out! We rarely go anywhere do to money and life and school and life... But I really wanted to have some fun! Recently we ate at the greek owned restaurant that serves great meals and they were running a AWESOME special for that whole weekend; 24.99 for 2 dinners that included: Soup or Salad, 12 oz. Steak and Shrimp with sides, and desert!!! It was great!!! Linda took most of hers home it was so big. We had to watch the clock because my little surprise was at 7:30 and I did not want to be late. We needed to go downtown and parking is horrible, but I found out that that day the trax light rail was free for the whole day!! Again - AWESOME! So, we parked at 45th south and took the free light rail to the front door of the surprise. THE OFF BROADWAY THEATER is across from channel 2 news, and we took a minute to find it... it was a old theater building kept up and we got tickets and waited for the show - A parody on The Wizard of Oz. Linda was excited (I did good!) Then we went and got our seats about 20 feet from the stage of this little theater. From start to finish we busted out laughing and had a great time! Linda liked it so much that she wanted to stay and watch the improv comedy next. It is like "Who's line is it anyways" with Drew. 3 guys and a girl just having a good time acting out scenario's.. Linda was selected to go up on stage (it was a late night Friday party going on) and she was laughing so hard, it was great - our stomachs ached from all the laughing... You need to check em out if you ever want a great date night and for cheep (since Linda participated, we got free tickets!!) You can go to this web site to check them out!!!! http://www.theobt.com/

As for life, my work has been using me as a Guinea pig and trying new ideas on silk screening. I am just glad it is over, they just did not get it at all and I did not have the heart to tell them... Then they finally got a new printer and that was just as fun. I am very lucky to have a job, although I need a freakin' pay increase. Linda is working really hard at school and earning great grades and every one should be very proud - I am. This spring we are going to change things up and the future is looking a bit better, I hope. I really want to graduate faster then 2 classes a qtr and the only way to do that is going part time and Linda work Full time. We have decided to have her work on schoolwork and take care of Pa and try and get Pampered Chef going, we are trying this out until May or June the latest... Then she has to go to full time status. The sooner I graduate the sooner I can look for better opportunities. Well, hope all is going well with the small readers out there... peace out!

We are cheering for the SAINTS - Super Bowl - THEY WON!!!!!!

Alan went on his mission and served in the New Orlean area, we have to go for them this year - GO SAINTS!!!

FOUND KITTY - Chester !!

Well, I posted 15 or so flyers and within a couple hours he was found. He followed girl and the girl gave him to her friend and he has been well fed and in good company for the whole day. We are lucky to have him back. Thanks to those that were honest enough to call the number on the flyer and give him back. Chester (even though he is a pest sometimes, your home...)

Chester and Life update

A quick update - We are doing just fine... I wanted to say the latest news about our small little life. I said I would post a picture of our new kitty - I have none at the moment of him, however the picture posted above is a close resemblance; He is a tornado of a kitten and loves to wrestle with Oliver (needless what Oliver wants) - He is into every thing and anything. We are hoping he grows up quickly! We re-arranged our apartment and it has been great, I have to laugh though; we have two computer desk in the bedroom now and when Linda and I are doing our homework it feels like a small school. If you didn't know - Linda is back in school, Major in Business at South University (online school). We also have good news, my nephew and his wife just had a new baby boy 15 minutes before New Year's! Congratulations to them and warm wishes to the new year, what a way to start new. I start working 2 jobs in February - 2nd one is part time at the census on the phones + going to school. I am grateful that this job is temporary until May the latest.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2010 !!!

I just wanted to give a quick update in the past few weeks - To sum it up... Had my work Christmas party, got another coat - got a nice white elephant gift (food!). Let me back up a bit here; my sister came from Logan and gave us gifts! she is our Santa this year!! A big thanks goes out to her for all she does!!! Now back to around the 24th of Dec. - went and opened gifts at Linda's Dads in SLC. They gave us great gifts from Hawaii and we thank them as well as Linda's Pa for his generous gift as well. We woke on Christmas day around 10 am and I made Rhodes Orange rolls and we opened gifts and listened to music and watched our new kitten go to town on the wrapping paper - he is a hoot!! Then Linda, Pa, and I drove to Morgan for a nice sun shine drive. It was a peaceful day. Then we took the next days to lounge and take it easy and rest. On the 29th we drove in a winter storm (Linda and I) to Provo for a pre-Linda-Birthday party and go to a wedding reception (weather was to bad, we didn't go to the rec.) We wanted to eat at a nice italian place we loved, Octavio's - it is closed and our dreams were dashed. We at across the street on a wonder spot looking out at the traffic in the falling snow... magical.. at the end of dinner we all sang to Linda Mexi style!! she was red as her hat they put on her!! Then we drove home in the winter crud. Then we celebrated Linda's official B-Day party later that night with some pizza and ice cream cake from Dairy queen! We watched Princess Bride and laughed until we peed our pants!! Took our friend home and Got ready for New year Eve... We went to our friends in Herriman (?) and ate pizza, watched movies, and played games. Then to celebrate Linda b-day again we went to her dads in N. SLC and had a great dinner and she opened her gift and went home... we were pretty partied out by then. This weekend was o.k. and now heading back to work and the same old thing has me all confused (money good, work bad...no, it is a blessing.) Take care and may 2010 be your year of all dreams to come true!!! May all be safe!! (UPDATE: My nephew Bob, wife had her Baby on New years Eve - I am still waiting for the name and more info...CONGRATS TO OUR NEW ADDITION)

Just had to post this, see more on the link!!

Click Here for More!! >>

Even the littlest bumps tend to be hardest... Enjoy!

Merry Christmas - Warm Wishes to ALL!!!

UPDATE: We are officially getting a new kitten today... I have to come up with a name - its a boy! I will post a photo too.

Well, with that out of the way I Ryan (Linda too) wish our family and friends warm wishes and may your holiday's be filled with good memories! This is also my chance to update every one on the latest news in our lives. We have been real stressed actually and I have been mostly sick from Thanksgiving. My cold went from a basic cold, then a flu and then Bronchitis.....? Don't ask how that happened and Today I still have a tickle in my throat. I have around 18 classes to go until I get my Bachelors Degree, but with that comes some major struggles. We would like Linda to work full time so I can go Full time Student and work at the school and graduate in 2011, if not then we are looking at 2013 if I go 2 classes at time. Linda starts her school in January and is not working at Marriott for now and will hope to re join them in the spring (cross your fingers every one). Alan still lives with us and has been able to go to the doctors and get all things checked out and he also goes to therapy for his leg from the accident. Some days he walks with out using his cane.. impressive. We are excited to have my sister and dad over for a early Christmas Dinner and share memories with them this Sunday. I will be working on some side projects with my 2 weeks off from work. I feel that ordinary people can become extraordinary people in what ever, just as long as you never stop believing!!! So, to sum it up... Me sick, Linda frustrated with work, watching movies and T.V., Eating out, playing on our computer and face booking! Take care and I truly hope that you have a Merry Christmas and a safe new year!!

In-n-out Burger joint...outstanding

So, they opened a in-n-out fast food joint in Draper, Utah. In case you never heard of them, me neither. (until a few months ago via the net.) There was only one in Utah, near St. George and Vegas, I think? They are from California, decided to venture out. So we saw the news and heard that Draper was opening one and we decided to go a few days later to avoid the lines!? We got there around 8pm Saturday to eat our first In-n-out burgers! As we drove by the drive in, it was pure craziness! Cops were directing traffic and there was a line around the building...? We, were like, what the heck is going on, are these burgers made of gold?? So we got in line and in about a half an hour we were inside the crazy scene! People were everywhere.... and there were about 100 workers, I am not making this up at all. ALL THEY HAVE IS BURGERS, that's it. The gimmick is - they're made fresh? (like we don't here that everyday). The fries are cut from the potatoes right there and then fried and then served to you... so we got our order and went outside to eat them in our jeep, because there was no were to eat them inside. Then we made our final decision on these new mysteriousness burgers.... THEY WERE AWESOME!!! (prices = 2.99 for a double double cheeseburger..really affordable!) for a fast food joint, they are great and absolutely fresh! The fries tasted like a real potatoes, Burger King, mcdees, Wendy's watch out. They are addicting and right now craving another one... I have to say though, I have eating much better burgers in other joints, but for a fast food it ranks #1. In all burgers I have ever tried, I put it in 5th on my list.....(Whopper, Woody's double Burger, Red Robin any burger, my home made burgers, and in-n-out burgers.)

So, if you get the chance, take a test drive! They are opening 2 more locations in the Salt Lake area! My problem is, they are right by my school...good thing I am an online student or I might have and issue...

WE GOT TO SEE A FLASH OF A METEOR SHOWER!! (Random Footage)

 
So, this is the way I saw it, along with Linda by my side. We were getting ready for bed and just turned the lights out in the room and turned the t.v. off; I was sitting on the edge of the bed looking up into the night sky through the venetian blinds, when all of sudden this light, like a spot light was piercing in on us. (we live in a basement, so I was looking up) Then the light went from normal to really bright! It gave me the sensation of something coming down on me, to take cover, so I ducked and as soon as I was to do that - it was gone in a flash... We both had seen it! We looked outside to see if was a person flashlight, I heard no one outside by our window.. We were stumped. Alan told us it might have been a spot light from a helicopter..We left it to that. Then I got to work and every body was talking about a meteor shower last night! WOW!! I got to see it!!! and know that I wasn't going crazy after all!!

TURKEY DAY IS COMING!!!!

Let us all have a good T-Day this year and all those that we will not see this holiday, we miss you and are thinking of you!! With much love!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Great times, trying times...you know right?

Well - I have not written in a while, I have been busy people. I just wanted to take about 2 minutes and write a friendly Hello. HELLO. - Well that took less then 2 min. now what...? Seriously, life is a great big farris wheel of fun, some time the view from the top makes you puke and then sometims it makes you cry. Not to say that I am at the top of my life and crying or puking but that is how farris wheels go some times. I am busy right now with school, and chores and life. Linda is busy with work, chores and life too. We are both doing great and Al has settled in very nicely and has been great to hear stories and such. I have just recently started facebook and it has been a tremenous blessing. Friends I thought have gone are back again, old friendships renewed. Mission buddies reconnected. Technology is wonderful!! I have enjoyed pics, video's and comments. Well, I think my 2 minutes are up... have a great day and I will be posting some new things shortly. Bye for now, and let the road you travel be a darn bumpy one like mine...lol :)