Things I am Thankful for...

I am Thankful for:

Excellent health insurance
My dogs
My husband
My job
The simple things
Not being obsessed with how I look/material things
Christmas
New friends
Old friends
Cold weather
Being able to help others
Temple work
My family
Doctors/medicine
many more to be added at a later date...

Since I'm posting here are our plans for Christmas day:

Get up, cut the dogs nails, go to the beach with the dogs, give the dogs a bath, straighten up the house, get everything together for our trip, kiss and love on my dogs (because I will miss them  :o(, eat dinner and be on our way!  :o)

Wii

We bought the Wii!  Now Hillary HAS to come visit!!  Also, this is to ease her concern about The Christmas Story!

p.s. - Next thing you know, I'll say I don't like Pee-Wee's Big Adventure!  

I think someone is missing something

Is there a cute little girl somewhere (AZ or NY) that just happens to be missing this?

Too bad she isn't going to get it back unless her mommy lets her come visit me!  I'm holding it for ransom!

*This was found when I took the air mattress out.  It was all folded inside!

I guess there's a first for everything...

So I was asked at church today when I was expecting....I'm not.  I guess that means I'm looking a little fat!  Darn, I thought I was the only one that was noticing.

Birthday Girl

Does anyone else have a flashback when you're called "birthday girl"?  There is something about it that just makes me giddy and feel like a little kid.  I obviously recently had a birthday and the day after at work (I took my birthday off) one of the guys I work with said "Hey, Birthday Girl!".  It made me all excited inside and made me feel like it was so exciting to have a birthday.  It was that feeling that you used to get when you were younger and it was the night before your birthday and you just couldn't sleep because of the anticipation.  Anyway, getting back to my birthday.  It was a really good one this year.  I took my birthday off and it was my parents last day in town, so my mom and I went to Kohl's in the morning, Dustin took us out to lunch and then we just hung out and played "Sorry".  Then my mom made me dinner (Dustin was going to, but it was something that my mom usually makes) and we watched a movie....oh and had birthday "cheese"cake.  It was so good.  I had already gotten my presents the prior week (one of which being going to see The Lion King).  Dustin got me a keyboard for my birthday.  I have been wanting one, so that I can start practicing my piano skills again.  I played for so long and now I feel like I've lost a lot of it.

 

It is a pretty cool keyboard, it has a lot of different features that I don't even know how to use.  I have started practicing a few songs and I am getting better at them.  So my actual birthday was really relaxing.    Then I went to work the next day and they had decorated my little space.

Victoria had put white confetti all over so it would look like it had snowed, since she knows I like snow and Anthony had gotten me a hot chocolate and had it on my desk for me when I got there.  It was really sweet.  Then they brought donuts, milk and juice for breakfast.

This was after we had eaten most of them!

Then they ordered pizza for lunch and we all ate together and then later in the afternoon they brought in cupcakes and cookies!  Both of which were really good!

Many people came down and wished me a Happy Birthday!  It was a great day.  It was an all day party and everyone also gave me a nice card and Victoria (she's into all natural things) made me an all natural facial moisturizer.

I really do have the best co-workers/friends.  It was a really nice birthday.  I appreciated all of the festivities that they put together for me.  I went home thinking that everything was over.  Then I got to work Wednesday and received a package from Lauren!  She used to be the receptionist at work.  It was really thoughtful and really unexpected!  It was a surprise that she didn't tell me since we talk everyday, but she said she wanted it to be a surprise!  She even gave me a puzzle to figure out!

  

Aren't these the cutest little slipper socks?  I think they are!

The whole package!

Needless to say it was a great birthday!!  It lasted for more than a day and it ended with me feeling extremely loved and appreciated!  Thanks to everyone for making my birthday special!  :o)

Minivan Jess?!?!

Ok, so I am kind of ashamed to admit this but after many disagreements with Dustin and internal conflicts, I have decided, I like minivans. I know, I know, it's not the cool thing, but they just have so much room in them! It all started when we rented the minivan for our Grand Canyon trip. I drove it home and thought, that is a pretty nice ride. Then after 8 hours of driving it, I had fallen in love! Although we had a...

Kia Sedona

I would opt for the luxorious and wonderful...

                                    

Honda Odyssey

I know I am a little wierd.  Dustin and I have talked about how when we have kids, we will need to get a minivan and I was fighting tooth and nail.  I would say "well, you better get me a Yukon or some kind of big SUV, because I am NOT driving a minivan!".  When I came home from the Grand Canyon there was no more discussion, it was final, we were getting a minivan.  I don't want to wait until we have kids now to get a minivan.  I want it NOW!  So I asked Dustin "Do you think it would be wierd if we bought a minivan before we have kids?".  I don't remember what his response was, but needless to say, move over CR-V, let the minivan through!  I know people would make fun of me if I had a van with no real reason for it, but I think I would be willing to take the ridicule!  Am I weird for wanting a minivan with no reason for it?  Well, I still have two more years on my CR-V lease, so I guess it isn't an issue I need to worry about right this second, but I can dream!!

Bear's Tussle

Sunday after church Dustin and I brought the dogs to the beach.  We brought them to this new beach that doesn't have shady people or dogs like the other beach that we go to.  There weren't that many people there and the dogs really didn't mind, they just went about their playing.  There were two black labs next to us playing and so Bear and Lily went over to see them.  All of a sudden Bear and one of the dogs was fighting.  It was a very quick, not even that involved fight.  More like bickering.  Unfortunately, Bear got injured.  He has a huge gouge out above his eye, and his eyelid was cut, among other smaller cuts.  There was blood in and running out of his eye.  We washed it off and decided that we would watch it to see how it looked on Monday.  He didn't seem bothered by it at all, he wanted to keep playing.  So I put antibiotic ointment on his cut and have been wiping his eye to check the discharge.  Poor guy had a swollen eye for a few days but now the swelling has gone down.  His big and small cuts are getting scabs on them and his eye looks as though it is getting better.  He is getting better, thankfully.  As all of you know, I would have paid whatever it would have taken to have this situation taken care of, but I am glad for his sake, and ours that he was/is fine.  Here are some pictures.

See his left eye is swollen....poor booger!

The cut is in the corner of his eye.

I'm so glad that he is getting better!!

The Lion King

While Mom and Dad were in town so was The Lion King (the play).  Mom and Dad decided that they would take us there for my birthday!  It was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.!!!  The costumes were unreal and the singing was so good!  We really enjoyed it and if you have to opportunity to go definitely take it!  It is worth the money!

Dustin and I waiting to get our seats!

Mom and Dad outside the theater

The Grand Canyon

Mom, Dad and Amy came to visit and we all (except Dustin and the dogs) went to the Grand Canyon!  It was gorgeous!  We had a really good time, but it was unexpectedly cold at night!  Remember I haven't felt anything less than 50 degrees in two years and it was 22 the first night we were there.  I was freezing!  I guess it was just training for Christmas in Plattsburgh!  We had a fiasco with the rental car, but it worked out.  We ended up paying for a small size car but we were able to rent a van!  It was great!  It gave us all the room we needed and was a really nice ride!  We had a really great time during Amy's visit and we're glad she was able to come!  I had more pictures added, but they somehow got deleted!  So this is the only one you're going to get!  :o)

Bear is missing his friend...

I have lots of things to blog about and I haven't been doing it.  If I don't do it all at once, I might not do it at all!  First things first, Bear would like to send a special shout out to the Darbinator.....he misses her so!

Lately...

Lately, I haven't been watching a lot of T.V.

Lately, I haven't been getting to work on time!!  Eek!

Lately, I haven't been getting enough sleep.

Lately, I have been enjoying my family!!

Lately, I have NOT been doing laundry!  :o/  (Dustin has, and I haven't even folded it!)

Lately, my dogs have been so adorable!

Lately, I've been taking time off of work.

Lately, I've been being babied by my mommy!!

Lately, I've been eating way too much and exercising way too little....well not at all!

Lately, we've been putting offers in on houses!

Lately, I have reorganized our little office area!

Lately, I have been missing my husband too much!

Lately, I've been neglecting my blog!

Lastly, I'll have tons to post about next week after my company leaves!!

Someone's always got it worse...

Today I got home from work and hung out with Dustin for a few minutes, then made his lunch and left to go meet with our realtor.  While I was meeting with the realtor we called on a place and the woman said we could come over, so we went to look at a house.  It took longer than I had wanted as I still needed to go to the grocery store and make dinner, as well as fold laundry, do the dishes and spend some time with the dogs.  Not to mention that Dancing with the Stars started at 8.  So anyway it was almost 7:30 and off I was to the grocery store.  I had to get a few things for dinner and a few other things because I am making a meal for a family at church because the mom is sick right now.  I go about my shopping and get to the check out.  I was about to get in line 14 but it looked like I was going to line 15 and so this punk of a kid (he was probably my age) stops behind the person that was in front of me getting into line 15.  Seriously buddy, if I was getting into line 15 first of all, you would have known it, second of all would one person ahead of you with maybe 15 items in her cart really affect how long it takes you to get out of the store??  SO he stops there blocking me from getting to my destination.  I was getting irritated, so I said "Excuse me!" and he responded with "Oh sorry about that, I didn't see you!"  I just went on my merry way two steps past him and to line 14.  Right, like you didn't see me and you were just coincidentally looking the other direction that whole time!  Anyway, I get into line 14 and quickly realize that I had made a very very bad choice.  There was only one person in front of me and the person in front of them was paying but they were paying in change.  GREAT!!  Dancing with the stars was already starting and I was freaking hungry.  The person checking out was an older lady and the people in front of me only had 10 items but somehow it seemed like I was going to be there until they closed.  I tried to tell myself that I didn't know the situation the old lady was in, and maybe she had this weird reason for getting rid of her change.  I was just trying to not get irritated because you never know the situation.  Then the cashier and the manager (who was bagging) were talking about how much she had and how much the total was she was at $27 and she needed to get to $49.  This poor woman didn't have enough money for groceries.  She wasn't being weird or just paying the last few dollars with change, she was just trying to survive.  Just as I was about to say that I would pay for the rest of her order, the woman in front of me said that she would pay and then continued to insist to the old lady not to worry about it, and made her take (by putting it in her purse) the change from the money.  It warmed my heart to see someone be so nice.  Why don't we hear about things like that and people like that these days?  I was really glad that I had the thought to stop myself early on from criticizing and getting angry.  I am thankful that I am able to afford my groceries and have extra.  I don't have to be on such a tight budget.  I have never in my life had to pull together my pennies to afford a meal.  I have been very fortunate in that aspect.   I was then thinking as I walked out to the car and drove home how I think that since I have been working at the Temple my eyes have been opened more so I see the good in people.  I am very glad for that, because even though I try not to be critical of people, I am.  I judge them.  Lately, I have seen that I have been able to catch myself doing this and try to back up and have compassion and love.  Obviously, I haven't perfected that yet and doubt that I will in my life, but it's a goal.  Anyway, I got home and started taking the groceries out of the car and one of the bags ripped and the big bottle of Frank's Red Hot Sauce (because I had to get the big one because it was cheaper to do that) broke, shattered and splattered all over me and the ground.  Fortunately, the first thought that came to my head was, "I CAN afford to go back to the store and get another one."  I'm thankful for that!!

Fun Times

Judd Family Picture, July 2009

I love these people!  I was looking through pictures from this year and I saw this one.  I miss them!  That's all!  :o)

Simple Pleasures

I wish I were more like my dogs.  Forget toys (although they like those also), just give them a cardboard box.  We finished 2 Costco sized granola bar boxes and had them ready to be recycled.  The dogs decided they were going to play with them.  They were digging at them, chewing on them, and then playing tug of war with the pieces.  I don't mean this all happened and then they were done with it.  They played with them and then I went to the store and came home and they decided that the pieces all over the floor (that I hadn't cleaned up yet) still had some life in them!  They were playing with them like they do all of their other toys, then bringing them over to me to throw like I do their balls.  Silly puppies!

Makes you think

A few weeks ago I received a phone call.  It was totally out of the blue and something that I never in a million years would have expected.  It was from an old best friend of mine, now when I say best friend, I mean spending any minute that we could together kind of best friend.  We knew everything about each other.  Obviously as we got older we grew apart.  We didn't always make good choices together and we didn't always make good choices apart, but we were good people none the less.  We both had the same spiritual foundation, she might have even had an advantage.  Family wise I definitely had the advantage (how couldn't I with my family, right??).  So as we grew up, we made our decisions, together or apart whether they were good or bad, but we were still friends.  We weren't best friends anymore but we were in touch every now and then.  As time passed a little more, we were in very different places, but no matter what I had a soft spot for this person.  They could call me after not having talked to them for months and nothing would be different, our relationship would go back to being as it was before (we were just older and {wiser??}).  I would drop anything to be at the aid of this person.  Well, this last conversation was different, it wasn't there.  The friendship that we had built and would always come right back was gone.  Talking was awkward, silences with nothing to say even though we haven't talked in many years.  This time I wasn't so quick to jump to this person's rescue, even though I offered whatever "help" I could, I was more cautious.  The trust wasn't there.  Had I been burned so many times before that I had learned my lesson??  We floundered back and forth for a bit and then I said I had to go.  Never before would I have ended the conversation in case something needed to be said for me to help with.  That was it, we have nothing in common anymore.  We are so different and took such different paths that there is no basis for a friendship.  This friend that I have doesn't know who she is or what she needs.  I just feel so sad for her because she isn't happy.  It is such a testimony to me to see how the gospel can influence a person's life.  We were at the same place 10 years ago.  Now we couldn't be farther from it.  I am so thankful for the knowledge that I have of the gospel.   If I didn't have this knowledge maybe I would be in the same place.  I am thankful to know who I am and what I am worth.  I'm extremely thankful for my family who loves me and would do anything for me, and my husband who is a righteous priesthood holder and example to everyone around him, younger and older.  I am thankful for the choices that I have made to put me where I am today in my life.  I am most grateful for the opportunity that I have each week to work in the Temple.  It is such a blessing to my little family and more selfishly to me.  I have learned to much and there's much more to be learned.  I know that Heavenly Father knows what we need and if we just listen, we'll know also.

CROCS!!

I have loved Crocs since the first time I saw them, which was on our honeymoon.  We were at Universal Studios Hollywood and a woman (our age) wasn't getting on a ride because she was 9 weeks pregnant so she was going to get to another part of the park to hold a spot for the rest of her family.  We were walking and talking with her and the rest of the family met up, they were all wearing matching crocs.  Anyway, I loved them even then!  I have no idea why, many people hate them, many people love them, many people think they are hideous.  I love them for some reason.  I can't vouch for their comfort because I have never had a pair or worn a pair for that matter.  When Dustin was working at Agway (a local garden store in Plattsburgh) they sold them there and I really wanted to buy a pair since Dustin was able to get everything for store cost.  Then the Border Patrol thing happened and he left that job quickly, so I didn't get them.  They are pretty expensive little buggers and I kind of forgot about them.  Since I have been working at the temple on Thursday nights, I have been noticing people's shoes.  I was told that I should buy something comfortable since I would be standing for considerable amounts of time.  I bought these expensive shoes from the temple store and they have been killing my feet every Thursday since.  I thought maybe I can get a pair of white crocs, those would probably be really comfy, but I would of course need to buy a regular pair first to see if they are comfortable.  I was looking on the crocs website and contemplating buying a pair, they were just so darn expensive.  Well tonight I went to Costco and saw out of the corner of my little eye, some shoes that resembled crocs (don't ask why but for some reason I am particular about having Crocs, not alligators or any other knock offs, but I'll buy and wear a shirt from Walmart, I know, I'm weird!).  I decided that on the way back around I would go check them out and see if they were really crocs.  So I totally forgot about it and then remembered as I neared the aisle.  I meandered down and looked for the crocs.  There wasn't a display of them or anything.  So I took the one pair (of real, not knock off) crocs, that just happened to be my size and tried it on.  It was like Cinderella trying on the glass slipper!  Love at first fitting!  So I looked around and there were no other crocs.  Not knowing the price I put them in the cart and brought them with me to the register.  I asked the kid the price and when he said $12, I just about kissed him!!  $12 for something I would have spent at least $40 on to have them shipped and delivered to me!  Hallelujah!  I was so happy, and now I have my own pair of crocs!!  These are my try them out pair, if I like them, I will spend the money to get the white ones for the temple!  I'll let you know how our courtship advances!  ;o)

$7

Ok, so a few weeks ago, I bought a shirt at Walmart for $7.  It was cute and I am definitely not to good to buy clothes at Walmart.  I woke up the next morning excited to show Dustin my rare gem that I had found.  I felt like running in and waking him up just so I could show him, but I controlled myself.  I finally showed him and he gave me a face and said "Jessica, you don't need to buy clothes at Walmart!". I responded with "Dustin, I'm trying to save us money, it's cute and cheap.  What, do you think you are too good to buy clothes from Walmart??  At least I am trying to buy new clothes unlike you who is still wearing the same clothes you've had since you were 12!" (not kidding on this one.  He recently went to take a shirt off and it ripped and we had to throw it away.).  Neither of us are that into fashion!  Obviously, I buy my clothes at Walmart and my husband wears his until the literally rip into shreds!  A few days later I wore the shirt and Dustin actually liked it.  I thought it looked cute.  What do you think? Be honest!

Playing at the beach, Sailing and Fondue...OH MY!

What a day Dustin and I had on Wednesday! We celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary! We decided that we would do something bigger than normal and something we hadn't done before.

We both took the day off (which was a treat in itself since we don't normally have days off together) and made plans to go with the dogs to the beach, go sailing and then go out to a nice dinner. First thing in the morning we got up (by 8:30, we know we're old because that's sleeping in for us) and I made eggs and toast for breakfast. Then we got ready and brought the

dogs to the beach. They had a fun time and we enjoyed ourselves also. It was cute because there was a little old lady and her grandson (who was probably our age) sitting near where we were playing with the dogs and as the woman was leaving she stopped us and said "I really enjoyed watching your dogs play, they are so cute and they cooperate so well!". It was cute. After we played with the dogs for a while we came home and gave them a bath, then got ready to go sailing! This was quite an experience! Let me start by reminding everyone that I am a Nervous Nelly and get easily frightened! Another thing everyone should know is that I didn't know that when you are on a sailboat the boat tips and it looks like you're going to do a face plant into the ocean! Ok, here goes! Dustin and I were waiting for our captain to come and get us so that we could get on the boat. Our captain, Joe, came and got us and we walked down to the boat. We got on and I was all excited. We pulled out of the dock and off we were. After about 3 minutes of sailing Joe asked Dustin to take the wheel! So Dustin took the wheel and was a pro. He steered the boat while Joe raised the sails. A few minutes later Dustin asked me if I wanted to take the wheel. At this point, everything was going so smoothly it looked like a piece of cake! I said, "alright". So there I was standing there at the stern of the boat, feeling like I was hot stuff. Then all of a sudden some gusts of wind come up, rendering the need for a correction in steering to stay on course. I started steering the wrong way. Joe tried to correct me with what I should do, but I just wasn't understanding. Our boat was a rockin' and NOBODY had been knockin'. I was scared! As you can see in the picture! Needless to say that the boats around were probably wondering what we

were doing since it looked like we were doing ballet (spinning circles) in the middle of the harbor. Unfortunately, our captain wasn't too amused and after he fixed my impending disaster he kindly asked Dustin to take over. While I was at the wheel and I saw my life flash before my eyes, is when it first happened, the tipping of the

boat. The rim of the boat was just about equal

with the water. THAT WAS SCARY!! The whole

rest of the time we were sailing I was trying to figure out why that was scary because I know how to swim, it wasn't antarctic waters, and we were in the harbor and ocean that was frequently traveled. So I decided that it wouldn't be the end of the world if we fell into the ocean. We'd be wet and probably wouldn't be able to go to dinner, but we'd survive. Joe finally took the wheel and Dustin and I hung out together. We went to the bow of the boat and laid down. It was a really relaxing experience when we weren't face to face with the water. When we were we had to hold on (or at least I did) so we didn't end up IN the water. We were able to see some nice views of downtown, Naval Air Station North Island, Point Loma, lots of helicopters flying over, a great time. After we were back in the harbor Joe asked if I wanted to give it another try, I quickly replied with "No Thanks, maybe next time!". I felt that it would be safer for everyone on board that way! We had a little bit of

time before we had to be at our dinner reservations so we headed up that way and stopped by the temple! Dustin needed to go to the store there and we decided since we got married in a temple 5 years ago, it would be a good way to spend our extra time! While we were there one of the grounds workers helped us out and took a picture of us. After this unexpected stop, we went on to our final destination, a fondue place called The Melting Pot. We tried the different courses and enjoyed our meal, but decided that it wasn't really for us. We were glad we spent the time there and tried something new and different, but decided we probably wouldn't go back! I'm thankful that

Dustin and I were married in the temple, because I know that it has made our marriage stronger, and who knows if we would have made it this far. I'm so thankful for all of the things that he does for our family and the patience and understanding that he has with me. I am very proud of him for the job that he does (even though it's a bit scary for me) and the reasons that he does his job. The real reason is to keep the bad guys and terrorists out! I'm thankful for the support that he gives me and the confidence he has in me in various areas of our relationship. I love him and can't wait to celebrate many more years together! I love you, Dustin!!

Yippee!

Happy Birthday to Dustin today! Happy 5 year Anniversary to us tomorrow!! I'm excited we have fun things planned. Stay tuned for pictures and a play by play! :o)

Lauren goes to Law School

This past week was filled with reunions and farewells. The receptionist at our law firm had her last day because she was leaving for law school. She's got more ambition than I do, because law school is definitely not up my alley. She came back after her last day to have lunch with our "

lunch crew". Lauren was my buddy at Cooley (where I work) so now, I have a void. We would go to lunch together, have arts and crafts (shh, our bosses don't know that! Plus, it was all in good fun to help celebrate co-workers birthdays!) time together. We really had fun together. I know that Lauren has bigger and better fish to fry than Cooley, but it doesn't make it any less sad that my buddy is off to San Francisco!! I'm excited for her and I know that she'll do great things on this new endeavor of her life! Good Luck Lauren!!

BTW - I don't know what the heck happened to this post, and I don't know how to fix it!!

A little bit of Plattsburgh comes to San Diego

This past week I received a phone call from one of my old teachers (actually it was a couple, they were both teachers) saying that they were in San Diego and they wanted to get together for dinner. I used to babysit their three kids. Interestingly enough, I actually had Beth as a teacher while she was pregnant with their first child, Zachary. Needless to say we knew each other on many levels, not just in school. Anyway, I digress. They called and said they were in San Diego and wanted to get together. I called them back and we decided to get together on Tuesday. I met them at their hotel and then we went to a fish and chips restaurant near by. Their kids have gotten so big. Their oldest is going to be 11 next month and the youngest just turned 7. Sheesh how time flies!!

The kids were so big and self sufficient! I wasn't used to that at all! It was great to be able to see them, and visit with their parents. They had just gone to LegoLand and they had their new Lego toys. They wanted some funny pictures as well as serious! I'm glad they took time out of their vacation to visit! It was good to see them!

Lily and Her Idiosyncrasies

Idiosyncrasy - a mode of behavior or way of thought peculiar to an individual

Example - Lily

Lily has many many quirks. She loves to be in the middle of things. I have many pictures of her in between everyone so she can be right in the action. This is why she loves to lay all over my laundry. Dustin and I had done laundry over the weekend and hadn't folded it yet so it was sitting on the love seat (had it been on the floor Lily would have been nesting in it). When I came home from work yesterday the wonderful husband that I have, had already folded the laundry and put it in piles on the floor. I got home went about my normal business and Lily was laying on top of the piles. One of her true loves, is unfolding (with her teeth) the piles of laundry that I (normally) have spent folding. Well last night was no different. She was laying on the pile using it as her bed (don't ask me why she thinks it is more comfortable than the couch), and then we were getting ready for bed. I sat down on the floor and started making more distinct piles out of the clothes and Lily decided that she was going to lay down right in the middle of what I was doing. Nothing different, but this time I got a picture! Needless to say, I think I need to lint roller all of our clothes.

This is what we call a "Sister Mary Lily". From the time that Lily was a few months old she has always done this. She loves to walk behind my curtains, comforter, sheets, anything that hangs down and then sit down with it on her head.

Her last idiosyncrasy is recent. I don't have any pictures at this point in time, but I will post more later!

To be continued...

The only Judd not covered in hair

Well, this is my first post! I have finally given into the blogging world, thanks to my in-laws! To start off my blog I will introduce you to my family! To warn you, I am the only one in my family that can't produce enough hair in one day to warrant a drain-o run to Walmart!

Exhibit 1

Dustin, my husband that always keeps me laughing!

Exhibit 2

Lily Billy, the princess of the family

Exhibit 3

Booger Bear, the biggest teddy bear you will ever meet

Hopefully I will be able to keep our family and friends informed and somewhat entertained through blogging. I am a bit of an exclamation point over user. Sorry about that!