Merry Christmas/Holidays 2010

As holidays often do, they make you take time to recognize your blessings and are accompanied by loved ones - how often do we in the hustle and bustle of this season of giving do we actually give, I know for me I would add a big fat ZERO... Do you know that it is literally days away from the big day and we still have yet to put the tree up or the lights. So at the first of the month I explained a lot of hardships that we were facing and it seems that they are still going on, and yet slowly slowing down. Schedules have been the problem and just now getting done with school and then I busted my elbow with a fracture last week has left the house in a bit of a shambles and just yesterday it has become the old apartment we recognize. I just wanted to post a quick hello and update and to wish every one a big hello! and Merry Christmas!!!!

I am fortunate enough to get 3 weeks off from school and 2 weeks off from work about. In this time I am going to be taking it a bit easier and getting caught up on things, and clean house on all my projects and otherwise left on the table. I am working on some sketches for an old friend and you can check out her music journey at

http://saraelizabethchandler.com/

I volunteered to do her logo and album art elements...? We will see how that turns out. I do a lot of free stuff and as time goes on, I am thinking of charging a flat rate for friends and family just to cover my expenses and time. Linda is enjoying her new job at Wells Fargo and works from 3 t Midnight, we rarely see each other and it makes the heart grow fonder - basically on the weekends and when we are school its even worse. This year is going to be our proving grounds to see what we are made of and the testing and growing will be new challenges to over come. We want to thank all those that have given so much to us and only wish that some day we can return those favors back to you - we miss and love our family's so much and only wish for the return of love comes back. We are all humans and miss the mark on a daily basis, and so it is my prayer that we can all do better in showing our family, friends, and all those the love they and us deserves.HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY and may your new years be a good one!!

Bad Week - Hope it gets a bit better?

UPDATE: CHESTER FOUND!!!! He was near our house the whole time!!!!!!! He is a bit confused as to the old surroundings but is alive and well!!!!

So, I feel a bit like this cat - frazzled to say the least. Linda is feeling just about the same as we shared this horrible week together and all I have to say is TGIF! Monday was not too bad but the thing was that our cat Chester has gone missing and so far it has been officially a week. I have put fliers everywhere in our complex to get some response. He was last seen Sunday with a neighbor's cats and that was last we heard. I have looked online since to see if he was picked up by animal control. - NO LUCK. So Monday not so bad, just missing the cat. Well I was going to take our new car we purchased via loan to the mechanic to see why it was acting up - and Tuesday night after work I put gas in the car and when I started it up - a loud noise and then nothing... I waited 3 hours for a tow truck in a Crown Burger joint (at least I was warm) Then I waited for Linda to get off of work at midnight to pick me up at her Step Dad's Al's. The next morning the dealership called and said that our engine is blown and the radiator has been dry? Funny thing is I just had it serviced at Jiffy Lube a couple of months ago and they said that the coolant was just fine...? No leaks, no signs... So we were told that we could purchase a new engine for $2,000.00 - What a do we do, we both have to have cars... well we are in the middle of working out some things and its a bit hush hush for now, but it might have been a blessing that the car died on us. (More to come later)
We had an appointment with a dealership and on the way a girl kissed our bumper at a red light and cause a bit of a stir and debate - it was a tiny car and I am in a Jeep and she just bumped me enough - I had to keep our appointment so I ignored it and left...I had just about enough that day and a little tap is nothing I want to get police and insurance agents out. To back up a bit in the story Linda was getting ready for work that she can not be late in and she had a bit of a toilet problem (valve) and the bathroom flooded. She did the best she could with the time she had to get ready for work... long story short the carpet got really bad in the closet and we were not aware of it for the next day or so..because of the drama about the car's engine. So $50 bucks later the house smells a bit smoldy and a bit swampy but the guy said it should work. We will see.
Then at work they are going to give me some artwork that I absolutely hate - it is re-inventing the wheel every time we work on it and it gets to be very frustrating... After work I decided to go to the animal shelter and see if my cat was there or not. I was sadden by the amount of animals there and to see some that looked just like my cat but not the right markings. I was very sad and I am going to take better ownership of the cats we do have still; Oliver and Queen Nala. It was sad to go through the sheets of paper of the cats found dead on arrival and luckily my cat was not one of them. (I hope)
Also one last thing, my work gave me a shirt and I am a big guy and they got me a 5xl and it does not even fit. WHAT A DEPRESSING DAY... and week. Linda and I both stressed with school, money, time management and the house is a wreck because we never have time or energy to come and clean it.
In conclusion there have been moments for me that have kept me going, Christmas music, a roof over my head, my sweet wife, and moments of some laughter in all the mess. May this month better then this week and may the mangy looking cat I see in the mirror like the picture I posted look more tame and rested is my hopes for the weekend. Look for my Holiday post to come in the following weeks.

Turkey day thoughts....

Just a brief post to express my thanks this year and looking back and forward to the many thanks to come. This year it was just the three of us, Linda, Alan, and I. My dad was ill and didnt want to make the journey across 90 miles of I-15... The picture above is in no way shape or form of the way our place looked like, this would be a dream setting to have at least this many around a table, but though we are few in numbers we are great in appetite. Linda fixed a great meal and we had all the fixins' - the cats are enjoying the bones and fatty remains. We watched John Wayne movies All day (Alan's favorite) So it was a lazy day and hit the bed running. One last thing before I leave, I wish there was more I could do to be able to be with those we love - For us it has been just the three of us for the past few years and I have to say it - I miss the big family functions and the great turkey day to see relatives you rarely see. What happened to the days of old when we traveled far to do so... I plan on having a house some day and with it, thanksgivings should be filled with lots of food, laughter and joy! I am going to invite as many people that will come and maybe if we are lucky enough to have a child of our own to spread the joy of the holidays. I hope your thanksgiving was great and looking to the future, may I see you around the dinner table is my prayer.

LINDA A PASTRY CHEF, YUM!!!!

Linda is going to my school to be a pastry chef, it was a funny moment when she reminded me that she always wanted to have a cookie bar and any one that knows me knows, I love milk - so that made Linda and Ryan OFFICIALLY soul mates!! With the stress of my school winding down and gearing up for graduation, If I am 40 more pounds in a year, you might have a clue as were I found the food - Linda's homework.

We are doing fine at the moment but did post on my face book status a saying or phrase that goes like this. "They're coming to get me aha, they are coming to take me away he he."

Yeah if the white coats are coming its no alarm it's just me stressed with web designing. At least Linda's homework will be a pie, call me goofy but that seems a bit enjoyably fun.


Well look here for more updates on the continuing saga. - bye for now...

ITs Fall time yet again - BOO!

This is going to be a very short post. - This is a time in life that we see change the most, the weather gets colder, the leaves on the trees are so brilliant with new colors until we see the last leaf fall then it changes yet again. There is a lot of change in the Pilkington house as of lately. I have gone to part time work and full time School - I am so close I can taste it. I am just 10 or so classes away from having my (BS) Bachelors in Graphic Design. It is major stressful, mainly because of all the homework and schedule issues. Linda is great and she works so hard in a job that lets say - is not up to her snuff. She is the best cheerleader and I wish so many great things for her in the future. We are working on having a baby, but nothing to report and the lord willing we will have a little family some day. Halloween is coming soon So I posted this image for fun and wish that we had some extra cash and time to go do some maze stuff but I will be in doors with Linda, both doing homework. Alan or Pa as we call him has moved to our old neck of the woods in Sun River in West Valley and has his own studio apartment. He seems to like it and we hope the very best for him. Things are going to be tight for us yet again for the holiday season, but looking forward to a better tomorrow and next year were I might have a better job and better pay.

I will leave with a quote:

Why does the eye see a thing more clearly in dreams than the imagination when awake?
-Leonardo da Vinci

A NICE BREAK FROME SLC

Well, we got a chance to escape from SLC for the weekend! We left to Morgan (Ogden Canyon) to Linda's Grandpa (mothers) @ grandpa Noyes 90th b-day party. He and his wife had 13 children and at the b-day party, well over 200 people attended, mostly children and grandchildren and great....so on.... It was a nice drive and a gorgeous day! We were going to go to Bear Lake after but we ended up there to late. So we headed to Cache Valley / Logan to see my family and Pops. It is good seeing him, and I know he misses us. My sister pre-invited us to spend the night at here house and sleep in her camper trailer. Great Idea!! The next day we made a slow start to getting to Bear Lake, but around 11am we headed 35 minutes through Logan canyon to Bear Lake - Utahs best kept secret... Anyways it was Sunday so we packed a lunch and headed to the beach on the north shore. We swam in the refresing water for a few hours and then got out and ate. (I did get stuck in the sandy beaches with my jeep, but got out unharmed) We were both sun soaked and stuffed. Felt great and relaxing. Then we left to go back to logan and regroup for a dinner party with my nephew and great nephew and neice. We stopped at Toni's Grove (Logan Canyon) and took a power nap over looking the awesome scenery. We had a great remaining evening chatting and eating at my sisters around an old familiar table. I sure do miss Logan and wish some how I could live and work there. Chatting with my family was my hightlight and playing with the kids and holding a baby. Linda trampled off to the park (mini zoo) and showed the kids the animals that are awake during the night - they loved it! Then we said our goodbyes and headed back to the big city. It was a great relaxing fun weekend filled with happy memories!!

Ryans Broc/Cheese/Rice Addicting Dish

Above pic is example only, it shows it with almonds...and the added real broccoli; in the which you don't really need to make any less addicting.

1 can of Broccoli Cheese Soup

1 12 oz Sour Cream

1 cup of rice

1 Chicken Breast (Cubed)

1 Pkg of fav. shredd. Cheese

*ADD real Broccoli for extra flavor!!!

Instructions:

Boil rice, cook chicken with desired seasoning; In a large bowl mix sour cream and soup mix together with 1/2 cup of water or milk - mix well and microwave for 2 minutes depending (do not over cook). When rice is done spread it onto a casserole dish (spray with non stick spray). When chicken is done cube into pieces and put into soup mix and mix well. Dump soup mix on top of rice and top with pkg. of Cheese and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and gooey. (makes enough for up to 4 servings)

Created by the mind of Ryan Pilkington

Pioneer Day - Bees Game!

Well on the 24th Linda and I decided to take trax to the Bees game and enjoy the open air and the crowds and to see some fireworks! The game was good, however a bit boring because the score was 12-1, Bees won but the game pretty weak. That aside, the chance to get out and do something we rarely do was great, the food was expensive and the crowds were pushy. But we had a good time any ways. I got my exercise for sure walking to and from the trax station. The highlight was the firework display!!! They were AMAZING!!! - They went on for a long time and kept going and going and faster and faster and louder!!! Music and all that! I actually laughed like a little kid at one point, while Linda Clapped!! We had a blast and went home very tired. Good day. The next day we had a good Sunday and had fun with our primary kids, they are too fun for sure! Next week (7/31/10) we are going to a birthday party in Morgan for Linda Grandpa... he is 90 something. Good times...

I love JULY!!!

Something about the smell of an open Barbecue, hamburgers grilling and the air of summer time and our independence, not only for our freedom of our country but with freedom of religion. We have been very busy this past month, working hard and fixing jeeps and paying bills and working on our weight. We went to our hill to watch some fireworks but no, we did not go to any big display - it usually cost an arm and leg or we just don't want to bother with people some times. I love July so much - it is almost as better then Christmas... I hate the cold weather, Linda doesn't mind at all.. Food, friends, fireworks, forever memories of the 4th will always be a point of reflection in my life. Another reason is because of paid holidays and another chance to see fireworks for the 24th. The only one thing I wish I could to is see a demolition derby, see the Logan Cruz in and hang with my family. Well for those that we miss, we hope you are safe and enjoying this weather, this month like us. Peace out my brothers.

Our Hill, a point of reflection.

Back when I was in College and a single guy, I lived not to far away from a hill, basically I wanted to see the whole valley that I was in coming from a small town to a big city. I found the perfect hill to sit and reflect my life. I wondered if I would ever get married, have children or make millions. That was way back in 2000 and now 10 years later here I am. I have returned back to the very spot and only a block away from were I was living with some room mates of mine. I am now married and have been for 6 years, no children (cats maybe) I now have a Associates Degree and working on my Bachelors to be finished by next year some time. Instead of going up on "my" hill it is now OUR hill, Linda's and mine. We come and reflect, relax and just enjoy the view. The above picture is not accurate at all, but it conveys the message. We usually are there at sunset and to overlook the hustle and bustle of SLC is amazing. We once watched a thunderstorm and fireworks going off for 4th of July. We say "we saw gods fireworks that night!" To more recently - We drove up little cottonwood canyon (snowbird etc.) and the canyon was amazing! The rain lately has made the trees so green and next to the granite stone - truly breathtaking. Then with a thunderstorm and rain we headed to our hill, along the way we saw a stunning 2 rainbow! At our hill we watched the rainstorm roll by and roll on again along with the background music thunder! We danced in the rain that night along side a hill above the chaos of our lifes. We each need a hill to get away from all the pain sometimes.. we are looking forward to new adventures and new trials along the road of life and say farewell to Alan as he has moved on and moved out from our apartment. We love him and wish him the very best.

May is my most favorite month besides July, and mostly because it brings flowers, green grass, bluer skies and that feeling that live has renewed itself!! BUT - the most favorite thing about may is... My Birthday month!! We are shooting ideas right now on what we should do, because there is a lot of b-days in may. I want to do a shout out to my nephew Bob - his is on the 25th! One other thing is all the cool movies coming out and spring blockbusters in May! I always got to see star wars around my b-day and those were some awesome memories!!! I want to thank my wife as well for always making my day special and to just be with her makes my b-day wish every year! Look for a update on this b-day topic, I feel a BBQ coming on!! and the sounds of a big splash (go to these links to see what I am thinking of) http://www.cowabungabay.com/ - http://www.patsbbq.com/ ~ Still working at Ad Wear, Linda is at ACS, and life is going alright, if the JAZZ can get a win with the Lakers, that would be even better!!! GO JAZZ

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)