bjean

New Stuff in my Shop

2010-09-07T09:53:00.004-06:00

Hi friends. I have many lovely new things in my

Etsy IVF Fundraiser shop.

New hats for men, women and kids. New earrings too.

Check it out:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Plummique

Thanks for your support. :)

I am trying to have a baby!

2010-07-22T16:23:00.007-06:00

IVF is insane. I am a crazy woman. Hoping to raise some money for the process. Take a minute to check out my new IVF fundraiser Etsy shop, Plummique:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Plummique

Plummique has been created as a small side business to help my husband and I raise money to start our family. Four years ago, Derek was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He recovered after treatment, but the side effects from his chemotherapy make it impossible for us to conceive children naturally. The good news is that we can do IVF. The bad news is that it is super expensive. For my day job, I do freelance graphic design. I opened this little shop of my handmade items not only because we really need extra cash to pay for this pricey baby, but also because I love to make things. Some of you have asked me over the years to make you hats or bags. I have time now! And...I can do custom orders. Just shoot me an email. Thanks for browsing my unique little shop. Maybe you'll find something lovely that you or someone you know can't live without. I hope so.

Thanks for checking it out.

Finally Found Reprise

2009-12-08T10:13:00.005-07:00

I like this version better than the original:

Check it out on YouTube

Musically...

2009-10-16T09:12:00.005-06:00

Hi. A few things:

The new Mollies album is recorded. Miles left us for grad school in Bath England a few weeks ago. We're still working out how to get the album mixed and mastered but we're shooting for production time around Christmas.

The new Late Night Alumni album will be digitally released next Tuesday, Oct. 20th. We're hoping for hard copies by Christmas. There are a few low-fi, low-budget acoustic version videos we put together up on YouTube. This one of just John Hancock and I in his studio is my favorite:

As for Derek and I, life is good. We bought a condo in South Salt Lake, but we're hoping we can keep renting it out and stay here in the loft and manage the building. Oh, and my brother John's band "Faded Paper Figures" is going to be played on Grey's Anatomy! That is rad.

Williams Family Vacation '09

2009-09-04T14:41:00.005-06:00

Check out my pics from our Whidbey Island Vacation.

Apart from the rampant flu

contracted by 3/4 of the family, it was lovely.

Wedding Video

2009-07-31T15:13:00.003-06:00

Watch our wedding video on Vimeo.com or Facebook.

What's Done is Done

2009-06-16T10:28:00.007-06:00

The Cut

Thanks Lunatic Fringe

Stylist: Jaque

I like it.

Rive Krispies Karma

2009-06-16T10:21:00.002-06:00

For Heather's Day of Birth

Cast Your Vote

2009-06-09T10:57:00.008-06:00

Hair Anxiety. What should I do? (If anything)

The Please Don't Take My Elvis Suit Dream

2009-04-30T09:50:00.003-06:00

I was in a forest wearing an Elvis suit when I was approached by two teenage boys. They asked me if I had that special Mormon underwear on under my suit. I said "Why yes I do, thankyouverymuch" in my best Elvis voice.

Suddenly, the two boys came at me. I knew they were plotting to beat me up and take my Elvis suit. For a split second, I was grateful that they thought to ask if I was wearing Mormon underwear because I'm sure they knew that it would provide a little more coverage than my regular underwear upon my being stripped of the pantsuit and having to walk home in my skimpies.

So I ran away, yelling "Wait! No! I haven't been endowed yet!", hoping this might prevent them from advancing upon me...but no, they chased me through the forest while I beat them off with a stick.

Strangely though, every time I hit them, they grew younger and younger until eventually I couldn't justify smacking them any longer. After a while, they had morphed into two cute little toddlers. Another false threat.

THE END

Coconut Over The Rainbow

2009-04-14T12:29:00.005-06:00

Happy birthday Joanna! I got the idea for this from my new friend Shanua's blog. The original recipe is for a 14-layer yellow cake with chocolate frosting. Yum. Click here for that recipe

Oh My Funny

2009-03-31T09:57:00.015-06:00

My friend Lili's nine year old niece created these worksheets.
Check them out:

Mabel's Satirical Worksheets

Yummy

2009-02-13T10:09:00.007-07:00

They gave out free chocolate bars at work last week. However, the labels were very poorly designed and in order to feel justified in gifting them, I was forced to make my own personalized labels for my roommates.

P.S. Just to clarify, I don't have a roommate named yummy. Fun.

One Ring to Bring Them All...And in The Darkness Bind Them

2009-02-13T09:46:00.005-07:00

We sent the ring back to American Pearl in NY to have a smaller pearl put into the setting so that it'd be less top heavy. A few weeks later we got it back and took it into Bennion Jewelers to get it sized. Sadly, the size of my ever-popping knuckles poses a fitting problem. If I can get it over the knuckle, it's too big for my finger. So, we opted for this senior-citizen "spring in your ring" option (see image below). Having that soldered into the ring took another few weeks. Derek picked it up yesterday and...sigh...now it's too small. Turns out the old lady option is not ideal. Back to the drawing board.

Do you think it's a bad omen? A sinister message from the engagement ring gods? I'm pretty sure I don't think so. I should stop cracking my knuckles.

Lo and Behold...

2009-01-15T10:15:00.022-07:00

It's true. I am engaged...to be married...to Derek Eugene Swanson. I know, I'm eating my words, but they taste pretty good. It hasn't been a long, drawn-out courtship. I knew pretty early on that Derek was high-caliber marriage material, but if you'd told me back in September when we first met, that I'd be engaged by mid-January, I'd have laughed you to scorn and followed the aforementioned laughter with something like, "Do you even know me?"

Tuesday night we went to dinner with some friends. I knew Derek was planning on having a little chat with my dad to ask for his blessing, but he'd asked me for his number only the day before...so what followed after leaving dinner was completely unexpected.

We stopped at Hatch Family Chocolates (great little place) in the Avenues for hot chocolate and then Derek casually drove up to a park that overlooks the city. This was exactly what we did on our first date in between conference sessions last October.

Derek really wanted to get out of the car and walk around but I was freezing and not wearing socks so I resisted. He then took his socks, put them on my feet and insisted we catch the view from a better spot. I reluctantly agreed and we walked about 50 yards before my teeth began to chatter uncontrollably.

So...I convinced him that we should get back in the car because I might die (still clueless). But as we approached the car, he stopped and said, "Becky, I have to tell you something. I haven't been completely honest with you." My first reaction to this statement was something like, "Oh no, he's gay...or he's addicted to something" but that was a quick, fleeting suspicion...you see, I have no doubts about Derek...but after so much dating...the wiring in your brain can become a little faulty. It quickly occurred to me that the thing Derek wasn't telling me was that he'd actually already talked to my dad and that he probably had a ring in his pocket at that very moment; which he did.

Just then a car drove up and interrupted Derek spouting out a myriad of sweet, knee-weakening words. We back-peddled behind the car and Derek got down on one knee and the rest is a little blurry. I'm pretty sure he said, "Will you marry me?" and opened the ring box. My reaction was completely unrehearsed as I was not prepared for this moment. I think I leaned in to look at the ring (it was dark), said "uh huh" and then proceeded to take the ring from the box, and slip it onto my finger. No sooner had I done this, than I realized with some mortification that this was not the traditional protocol. I hurriedly took it off and handed it back to him so that he could place it on my finger himself. I am a nerd.

The ring is perfect. A simple Japanese pearl in a dainty platinum setting. It's just a little too big so I might have to wait a week or so to wear it while we get it sized.

And there you have it. We are getting married. Most likely in May. Crazy. I am crazy. But I feel good about it. I was never going to be one of those nutty people that rushed into ETERNITY with one person...so it's ok, you have my permission to call me a happy hypocrite. These last two days have actually been quite humbling. I've been so independent for so long that playing the role of the engaged girl is quite a transition and a little bit of a shock to my system. But I wake up excited about my future with Derek. That has never happened to me. Ever. Also, the unsolicited attention is hard for me. You might be asking yourself, "Why, Becky? It would appear that you love attention." And in some cases, as with my music, yes I do. But this is different. I find myself blushing like mad whenever someone sends congratulations my way. I think I'll get over it...in time. It still seems a little unreal at this point. But I'm excited. Wow.

La Viv

2009-01-15T10:07:00.003-07:00

Vivian, my roommate/second cousin/fellow band member, is one of my favorite people in existence. Her mom was just recently diagnosed with colon cancer and poor Viv has been madly running around helping her with the kids while Ann Marie undergoes chemo. It's been crazy and I've been amazed at how well Viv is coping. It's a lot to deal with. Keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Oh Christmas

2009-01-08T16:34:00.009-07:00

Angelina went nuts with our Christmas presents this year. They were themed and everything. My theme was "A satisfied reality" and satisfied I was. What a gem she is.
The beautiful Angelina

Oh Derek

Derek and I at the Space Needle.

We spent Christmas in Seattle with Amy's cute family. See her blog for more details if you like.

Pizza Cake

2009-01-08T16:29:00.005-07:00

I made this pizza pound cake for my co-workers Lucas and Derek H. It has cream cheese frosting for sauce, coconut for cheese and Airheads for pepperonis. Fun....or gross. Whichever.

Angelina The Musical

2008-12-15T09:28:00.012-07:00

For Angelina's birthday this year, Viv and I wrote a short, surprise musical in which we enlisted beloved ward members as cast and crew. Leo has a video we'll post on YouTube soon. What a smashing success! Angelina really rose to the challenge as we handed her the surprise script. Miles played the leading man: A janitor at Primary Children's Hospital whom Angelina mistakes for the new Medical Unit MD and falls desperately in love with. When she learns the truth she is devastated...but like in all good romantic comedies, she ends up loving him anyway. I think we might take this one all the way to Broadway. Happy Birthday Ang.

Angelina The Musical Cast

Review in IN Magazine:

2008-12-12T09:55:00.005-07:00

They had such nice things to say about us! I get so excited when we get positive feedback like this...

http://www.inthisweek.com/articles.php?id=1360#article

The Mollies

'Yours Around the Rosies'

For fans of: Ditty Bops, Joanna Newsom
www.myspace.com/themolliesmusic

The Mollies may sound sweet, but beware, they are secretly little sirens. With their gorgeous voices, Becky Jean Williams and Vivian Smith carefully lure sleepy sailors into deadly waters.

The vocals on "Yours Around the Rosies" are nicely complemented by acoustic guitar, bass, and hints of violin, cello, and ukulele. Though the album has an overall folk-y feel, the songs range from soda jerk ditties like "Float My Boat" to the ghostly "Costume" with its haunting strings.

The stylistic changes are held together nicely by Williams' clever lyrics. "If we sink we die/If we float, we're dead/Witches under water holding our breath." Witches or no, these sirens will suck you in.

Merry Christmas From The Windsor Ladies

2008-12-11T15:42:00.001-07:00

This is what happens when they do free family portrait sittings at work: Magic.

Mollies For The Special Olympics...etc.

2008-11-18T11:12:00.007-07:00

Did you miss The Mollies show last week?

Well...it's ok because we're playing again this weekend.
Friday and Saturday!

U of U Special Olympics Benefit Concert
Friday, November 21st
@ The Officers Club at the U of U
150 S Fort Douglas Blvd (Bldg 649)
Salt Lake City, UT

7:45-8:45 pm

The University of Utah Special Olympics Team has three athletes going to the World Winter Games 2009. We need to raise around $2400 for each of them! Suggested donation for the benefit concert is $5.00. Come support the Athletes... they need your HELP! Each band will play for one hour. As of now the order is Send no flowers (6:30-7:30), The Mollies (7:45-8:45), and the D'loreans (9-10:00).
http://www.myspace.com/themolliesmusic

Mollies with LAKE and Desolation Wilderness in Provo

Saturday, November 22nd
7:30-11:30 pm

369 N 300 E
Provo, UT

We were first introduced to LAKE last year when we both opened for Half-Handed Cloud.
You'll like them. Come see us all get together to play some little ditties. Cover charge: $5.
http://www.myspace.com/lakemusicmusic

Mollies with Paul Jacobsen

2008-11-10T13:14:00.008-07:00

Come see The Mollies play with fellow local wonders,
Paul Jacobsen And The Madison Arm.

Thursday, November 13

7:00pm - 10:00pm $5

At The KAYO Gallery
177 east 300 south

Also, listen to THE MOLLIES LIVE on KRCL (90.9 fM)
this TUESDAY, Nov. 11th at 12 noon.

And then! Listen to PAUL JACOBSEN LIVE on KRCL (90.9 fM)
this THURSDAY, Nov. 13th at 5 pm.

http://www.myspace.com/pauljacobsenmusic
http://www.myspace.com/themolliesmusic

We'd love to see you there.

Halloween at Work: Costume #2

2008-10-31T16:36:00.015-06:00

For work today I dressed up as my Emo Co-worker in the Design deptarment, AJ. He dresses like this every day. His hat has the DW logo on it which I recreated to read AJ. And...I won first prize for funniest costume! Thanks AJ.

Yes, I dressed as a man twice this year without experiencing any gender confusion. No worries.

Two Chord Songs Are My Favorite

2008-10-29T12:12:00.004-06:00

See previous post

In Flight

2008-10-29T11:08:00.013-06:00

This year we combined our Halloween party and Open Mic Night. We very appropriately dressed up as Brett, Jemaine, Murray, Leggy Blonde, and Mel from the HBO series, Flight of The Conchords.

We played the two-chord intro to the episode until it stopped being funny...which didn't take long. Then we just sang some Mollies songs dressed like men...and woman. It was a good time.

Murray, Bret and Jemaine...all present

Leggy Blonde and Murray

Mel and a Redneck

Looking cool

Only in Vegas

2008-10-17T09:39:00.012-06:00

Last weekend I took a quick trip to Vegas to see Mates of State. Good show. Dainon and I were there for a total of 12 hours...which is the perfect amount of time in my opinion. Spending more than a half hour on the strip can make you a little bit physically ill.

It was a marathon trip...exhausting...but nice. As a result, on the 5 am drive home, I fell asleep in an awkward, mouth-open, car-sleeping position and was soon dreaming...

We were still in Vegas perusing through the casino mall when we happened upon a kiosk advertising Body Replacements. Turns out, for a small price...you can be decapitated and have your head placed on an entirely new body. There was a crowd assembled to watch the modification process, which believe it or not, proved to be disturbing. Especially when a full-faced elderly woman opted to have her wrinkled, toothless, old-lady head welded onto a cryogenically frozen Playboy Bunny body.

(Sigh)...only in Vegas.

Jennifer Rose: Even Better Than the Real Thing

2008-10-13T09:26:00.011-06:00

Last March, the Windsor ladies and I discussed adopting a fish for my birthday. We even had her name picked out: Jennifer Rose. After a bit of research, it became a bit too complicated and the idea was pushed aside. I was disappointed at our foiled attempt. We simply wanted an orange goldfish in a traditional goldfish bowl. This is now considered unethical in the fish world...apparently aquariums should be used for all fish except bettas...but alas, bettas aren't orange.

One day I had an epiphany. Kathy, my talented artist sister, made a bird mobile out of sculpted felt. Why not a fish? I promptly commissioned her to make me a little orange friend. When he was finished, (Kathy says it's a male fish but his name was already Jennifer Rose and I think he's ok with that) I bought a fish bowl and some pretty rocks, and hung him from the ceiling by a string of fishing line. When the wind blows from the open window....he swims. How delightful. Check out Kathy's Etsy shop here: Leaves on Trees.

Montage Creative

2008-09-24T12:28:00.006-06:00

My friend Dallas has a great on-going project called Montage Creative. It's a daily documentary series where he interviews and photographs Salt Lake locals. At the end of the year he'll combine them all for an art show. He recently did a bit on me and The Mollies and posted it today. There's also a podcast of the interview. Check out the Montage if you should feel so inclined:

Click here

Cosmic Forgetfulness

2008-09-16T12:25:00.006-06:00

Did you know that I love outer space? I've been slowly reading Death by Black Hole, by, Neil DeGrasse Tyson...mostly because black holes are my favorite! But the book covers a myriad of cosmic topics taken from Tyson's monthly "Universe" essays in Natural History Magazine. I can only legitimately recommend the first half of the book because I've only read the first half. I tend to read fiction and non-fiction at the same time...and fiction usually takes precedence. But...when I do pick this one up...I transform into the nerdiest kind of nerd.

On my way to work this morning, my fascination with the moon was rekindled when I noticed it looking pale and innocent opposite the sun. What came of this moment was some subsequent mind blowing...and this little poem:

Cosmic Forgetfulness

For crying out loud.
There's a moon!

It poses in the same sky,
an accessory to the source this morning,
hoping to be of use
but not really needed by the same sun
that never really rises or sets
on both sides of this place we thought
was the center of the universe.

But this moon is a thread;
common and habitual,
smaller, but closer.
Always face-first, keeping a watchful eye;
predictable, or so it seems.
Not unwanted, but allowed, rather,
to offer itself up aesthetically
for a few more hours of the morning,
maybe flattering the sun...the whole time.

© Becky Jean Williams

Another Zombie Dream?

2008-09-09T15:30:00.004-06:00

I don't even like Zombies...but I dream about them all the time. I'm not sure why. I don't find them any more frightening than other antagonistic, fictional creatures...but for some reason I have about one zombie dream per month. I also repeatedly dream about shoes...but that makes sense because shoes are a significant part of my reality.

In this week's zombie dream, I was not being chased by a zombie or group of zombies as usual. This time...I was the zombie. I was hideous. When I looked at myself in the mirror, my heart sank. What to do as a zombie?

To make matters worse, I was at my parents' house where a very prestigious social event was being held. I resolved to somehow quietly leave the party without trying to eat anyone or without being seen...particularly by my mother, whose heart I knew would break if she were to discover that her daughter had transformed into such a hellish, half-dead thing.

I made a break for the front door. My only mistake was glancing behind me as I reached for the doorknob. My mother was passing through the hallway as our eyes met. No! As I opened the door...I mouthed in slow motion..."I'mmmmm sorrrrrrry..." and I left...forever. Tragic.

Any interpretations?

Family at Jordanelle

2008-09-09T15:06:00.004-06:00

I'm finally blogging about our family vacation to Jordanelle.

Here's a link to my pics: Flicker.com

My favorite part?...The family talent show:

Watch Dad ride Dave's motorized bike invention...with no hands!

Baby Stacking

2008-09-09T15:04:00.003-06:00

Watch Alex perform a very dangerous Baby Stacking Routine.

We have such a talented family. It blows me away.

Clare & the Reasons

2008-08-29T11:01:00.006-06:00

I'm so happy about this Brooklyn band's existence. Check out their Myspace page. Listen to the song Pluto first, then Rodi and then

Obama Over The Rainbow.

New Mollies Album on iTunes and CDbaby

2008-08-27T11:16:00.008-06:00

Hip hip hooray! It's finally done!

Wanna hear some of the new songs? Go to: myspace.com

Wanna buy it? Go to: www.cdbaby.com or iTunes.

Irvine-ness

2008-07-24T15:54:00.006-06:00

I took a quick trip to Irvine over the 4th.

Favorite parts:

1. Harry showing me the rash on his arm (generating sympathy) and then pointing out that bubble gum would probably make him feel better.

2. Miles explaining to his neighbor friend that he couldn't play because his aunt Becky Jean (it makes me so happy that they call me Becky Jean) was in town and that he needed to spend time with her.

3. Catching up with John and Brooke...sitting in on a Faded Paper Figures practice.

Harry was having so much fun playing guns that...he fell asleep.

Mollies Mollies Mollies

2008-07-24T15:39:00.007-06:00

The Mollies at the Utah Arts Festival

The Mollies at the Salt Lake Library: Music @ Main

Our full length album Yours Around the Rosies is in production now.

Arrival date is August 1st!

www.myspace.com/themolliesmusic

John's Faded Paper Figures album is now available and amazing.

Baby Mine

2008-07-16T14:00:00.004-06:00

The new Deseret Book lullaby album is out. Our track is "All the Pretty Little Horses". Libbie Linton's "When You Wish Upon a Star" is my favorite. Check it out my friends.

Celebrity Collage

2008-06-26T09:27:00.013-06:00

This post was inspired by Dave (Billy Idol) and Mikelle (Hillary Clinton). I may never be a renowned American poet, but at least I look like one...apparently (Ezra Pound). Thank you? Although I do look 4% more like Kirk Hammett of Metallica (ranked 11th in Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time). Wonderful.

The Mollies at The Utah Arts Festival

2008-06-25T15:41:00.006-06:00

Come see us this Saturday the 28th at Library Square for the Arts Festival. We'll be on the festival stage from 12:00-12:45 pm. We'd love to see you there. Really.

P.S. Our album Yours Around the Rosies is finished and being mastered at this moment. Hooray!

www.myspace.com/themolliesmusic

Moab

2008-06-11T13:27:00.005-06:00

We took a quick trip to Moab this weekend. Alex flew in from the U.K. and is here for a few weeks before taking off to Nauvoo. Hooray! A few of the many highlights of the trip include:

1. Not realizing we'd pulled into the parking lot of our cheap hotel as we called for more detailed directions.

2. A vague memory of trying to escape Viv spooning me in the middle of the night.

3. The perfect weather and fantastic Thai food.

4. My sun-resistant skin. I don't burn. Came back white as ever.

5. An epiphany: I look like a big goof in my huge sunglasses.

Movies

2008-06-05T11:57:00.014-06:00

Indiana
Last week I saw two movies in the theater. The first was Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. It was a lot like the other Indiana Jones movies...a campy adventure film. Entertaining no doubt...but there were a few things that just made me giggle (If you haven't seen it yet and don't want to know...read no further):

1. Mutt Williams (yes, Mutt) observes the monkeys swinging from vine to vine and opts to do the same...successfully, mind you.

2. Marion Ravenwood driving a truck off of a cliff onto a tree like it's something she does frequently.

3. Irina Spalko disintegrating into beams of light. I know I shouldn't have been laughing at this...but the whole movie you're led to believe that the person who replaces the skull will be rewarded with marvelous power and knowledge. Was anybody else confused by this? Maybe the legend was just a scam set up by the aliens to trick gullible archaeologists and power-hungry Russian torture ladies into returning the skull to the kingdom so that they could take off home to Nabali. Or...maybe the promise of power and truth was legitimate...but in the end the aliens have a laugh and say, "Ha ha Russian lady...you can't handle the truth. It makes you explode".

Son of Rambow
The 2nd movie I saw was Son of Rambow at the Broadway Theater in Salt Lake. I loved it. It's an independent film about two young British boys who make their own short film. It is ever so clever and as funny as anything that is funny. Go see it.

Allen

2008-06-04T14:58:00.008-06:00

I bought a new (used) car. His first name is Forest (Subaru Forester) but he prefers to be called by his middle name: Allen. He uses all 4 wheels when I drive and he's an automatic...plus he doesn't drink a ton of gas. Granted he has a healthier appetite than my old Honda, Steve (I traded him in...he was very sick) but nonetheless we've been getting along just smashingly.

See How My Garden Grows

2008-06-04T14:48:00.007-06:00

It grows so slowly. I'm so impatient. Those big cabbagey-looking guys?: brussels sprouts. Could life get any more exciting? I don't think so. To our left we have some friendly tomatoes, mint, a dying cucumber plant, some weeds for good measure...and along the fence we have green beans. Not shown here are carrots, beets, zucchini, Thai basil and parsley. Wonders of wonders...miracles miracles.

Pick Your Nose For Jon's Birthday

2008-06-03T16:04:00.005-06:00

Viv bought these wonderful

"Pick Your Nose"

cups for Jon's B-day Party.

What fun.

I made a chocolate pound cake with Horchata.

Success.

Some Things

2008-05-29T10:13:00.011-06:00

My desk is shaking. The whole building is vibrating. No, I'm not blogging during an earthquake...they're just re-paving the receiving dock. Anyway, I keep thinking of things that I should blog about...and forgetting them.

How about a list?

1. We played our new convention song Send Me to The Moon for my boss. He commented that The Mollies have a sound similar to Enya...and oh, Jimmy Buffet. Go figure.

2. I made a delicious sugar free rice pudding. I have triumphed.

3. Kathy's little baby River is a dear. Her existence has fueled my unconsciousness with pregnancy dreams. I have this dream quarterly at the least. It usually starts with me discovering that I am "in the family way" (thanks Joanna for the euphemism).

I then question how this could be. It can't be...it's physically impossible. And yet...I am convinced that I have mysteriously become pregnant. But I can't leave it at that. In every dream...in order to defend my honor, I set out to determine the cause. I usually come up with these two options:

a. Artificial Insemination (by stealth...possibly in my sleep)

-or-

b. Immaculate Conception (not likely)

After carefully considering these options...I eventually come to the realization that I may be dreaming. My thought process then proceeds thusly:

"There is no way that I could be pregnant right now...right...so I must be dreaming. Yes, and if I am aware that I am currently dreaming, I can probably make an effort to regain consciousness and consequently end this madness. Yes, do it. Wake up".

I then awaken...flooded with relief. Not because I think being pregnant would be the worst thing in the world. Babies are gems. I'm just not ready...or married.

Mollies This Weekend

2008-05-12T16:25:00.003-06:00

We're also playing live on the KUTV Morning Show (Channel 2)
this Saturday, the 17th at 7 am. Tune in all you early risers.

P.S. I love my mom. I wish we could have had more of a Mother's Day celebration
but a very wonderful thing happened: Kathy had baby River!
She turned out pretty good. Wish I'd had my camera.

Oh Joy

2008-04-28T09:29:00.006-06:00

Thanks to Luke Drake for sending me a link to this video.
Korean Baby singing Hey Jude

Pregnant Kathy/Pregnant Barbie

2008-04-22T14:50:00.009-06:00

Pregnant Barbie on bed rest cake

This particular cake was for Kathy's baby shower a couple of weeks ago. It was my first time with fondant. The quilt is patched because her little feet were poking through. Ah well. It's more like a Kathy quilt that way.

Pearl

2008-04-18T16:56:00.003-06:00

Meet Pearl, the newest addition to our family.

Pearl was a birthday gift crafted by my talented sister Kathryn.

Unicorn of My Soul

2008-04-11T10:03:00.025-06:00

Last night was Joanna Samuelson's birthday. Tuesday I happened to be in Toys R'us and found an undoubtedly magical unicorn. There was no question that it was to be placed atop a cake for Joanna. The stars were aligned. Later that night, Angelina named him "Courtney, The Last Unicorn". The very next day, I received an entry for the SendOutCards Poetry Contest entitled, Unicorn of My Soul.

Don't call it a coincidence.

So last night, before the unveiling of the cake, Angelina recited the poem while Viv and I acted it out. I wish I could post the copy of the elusive Unicorn poem...but it wouldn't be fair to the well-intended contestant. Suffice it to say that the protagonist of the poem searches the forest and brambles for a sweet, brief glimpse of the mysterious creature, only to find in the end...that it is, in reality, her soul.

Mollies in the Backyard

2008-04-08T15:13:00.005-06:00

SendOutCards and Majesty of The Seas!

2008-04-02T15:22:00.004-06:00

Ok. The Cruise. There were fun moments...and from the pictures, (which are mostly of me because Amy wouldn't pose for any), we seem well off enough. I suppose I was...but poor Amy was more than a little nauseated the whole time.

The fun moments consisted of the following:
1. Snorkeling in CocoCay and the pina colada that followed.
2. The Atlantis Aquarium
3. The Rock Wall on the top deck
4. Dinner
5. Walking and talking on the deck with Amy

Not so fun moments:
1. The flight from Salt Lake to L.A. to Miami and back
2. Feeling like a caged animal in our mouse hole of a cabin
3. Poor Amy puking and puking
4. Intrusive photographers catching me in my skimpies

Amusing moments:
1. Arriving on the island of CocoCay, only to find a Royal Caribbean theme park. Turns out the little island is owned by the cruise line. Hmm...very authentic.

2. Near the end of our tour of the Discover Atlantis Museum, Amy asked our tour guide how many of the artifacts were based on actual findings...to which the tour guide sheepishly replied, "Well...none of them really...it's all just based on speculation." Hmm...

3. Amy getting hit on by an older guy in the lawn chair next to us...and by the guy at customs who tried to analyze her handwriting by saying that from the hurried way she checked the boxes on her customs form...he could tell that she was either a career woman...or a mom.

Overall...it was a good experience...something I'd always wanted to do. I'm grateful it was free and I had fun...but I think I'd prefer a bit more freedom if I were to spend the same amount of money that was fished out. The boat idea was novel enough...but I found myself getting a little stir crazy at times. Maybe under different circumstances it would have been more of a relaxing experience. Poor Amy...makes me look forward to pregnancy with zeal and optimism. ;) Alas, I'm grateful I had the opportunity to see a bit of the Bahamas...even if it was just a bit.

Squid Aren't Always What They Seem

2008-03-25T10:50:00.012-06:00

So I've noticed a pattern in my dreams these days. I'm always running from something that in the end proves to be non-threatening. Last night I dreamed that Viv and I were at my parents house in my old room. We were trapped. A giant squid was banging on the door. It would only be a matter of minutes before he/she (I'm not sure of the gender) broke through. I remember thinking, "This is where The Becky and Viv Adventure Show reaches its predictable climax." Conflict=giant squid at door. The window was our only option. I opened it frantically and we narrowly escaped into the front yard. After running for a while, we stopped to catch our breath in an empty stable. Suddenly, our enemy was upon us once again. Only now it had manifested its antagonistic self as two of our fellow 31st ward members, Steve and Laura. They stood facing us; the moment of truth. Nothing happened. They looked at us...we looked at them. After too much silence, I pointed out, "this is awkward" to which everyone agreed. I added, "Especially with Viv just standing there in her garment bottoms". That broke the ice and we all chuckled as Viv looked down and noticed that she was indeed not wearing pants. I felt sorry for her...she was understandably embarrassed...but I was also quite relived that the conflict had ended and we were no longer in any real mortal peril.

Greens

2008-03-18T16:20:00.008-06:00

Yesterday was the first St. Patrick's Day in the history of my conscious life that I have failed to wear some shade of green. I realized this early in the morning as Amy and I were waiting in line to leave the cruise ship (more on that later). I laughed it off as if it were a mere trifle, but at various times during our travels that day I felt little waves of panic hit me...not so much because of the vulnerability of my pinchable condition...but more so because of my complete disregard for tradition. It was unsettling. When I finally arrived home, I asked Viv to pinch me because it felt like the right thing to do.

Captain Joanna

2008-03-12T12:34:00.009-06:00

Last night I dreamed that Viv and I were running from pirates in the John Wayne Airport. My little friend Joanna was the Pirate Captain. Suddenly it was a play and Joanna marched through the audience brandishing her sword. We then discussed how ironic it was that the omniscient "they" should choose little Joanna for the fierce pirate ship captain role. But her hair looked really good. We discussed that too.

City Weekly on The Mollies

2008-03-11T11:14:00.011-06:00

Hooray. They like us in spite of our insipid sweetness.

Click here to access the blurb on City Weekly's site:

The Mollies "O Dinosaur"

Our EP is now on iTunes.

Get on and write a nice review for us.

If you like us, that is.

Click here to buy it on iTunes!

Break Dance...Not Face

2008-03-11T10:35:00.010-06:00

Last night we showed off our recently acquired breakdancing skills at the ward talent show. It was more like a "mock" talent show with performances such as interpretive dance to Shel Silverstein and a piece by the 31st Ward Air Orchestra...among other things.

We tried so hard to look tough. Viv's outfit is pretty intimidating. However, her dancing just exudes too much sweetness. My stalls were terrible. Too much adrenaline I guess. Katy's stalls were rad. It was a good time. Leo was a good sport to dance to Gloria Gaynor. His moves are pretty solid. Don't go hatin' on us cause we're so dope. Yo.

And a Very Happy Birthday it Was

2008-03-06T16:34:00.008-07:00

It's been a great birthday week. Viv and Angelina went all out for the "March First Ask Questions Later" party for Fran and I last Saturday. We still haven't cleaned up the balloons and streamers. You'll never guess who showed up. Well...maybe you will.

Elvis singing to Fran, Wendy and I. Wendy displaying some Elvisphobia.

Elvis (aka Dainon)

HTML Cake

2008-03-06T16:33:00.001-07:00

Code cake for Jason the Programmer.

Edith: Shoe Zombie

2008-02-29T16:26:00.010-07:00

Last night I dreamed I was being chased by a group of Zombies in the Seattle Airport. My strategy was to keep running in circles around the baggage claim in hopes of confusing them. It was working until I lost a shoe (one of my orange flats). This is the second dream I've had about these shoes.

So I'm running with one shoe when suddenly one of the zombies wises up and changes the direction of her pursuit. Damn! We both stop and stare each other down. Lo and behold, it's my cousin Edith. I'm suddenly torn. I know I must defend myself regardless. I look down at my feet and use the only weapon I have at my disposal: my other shoe...it's useless now anyway. I take it off and throw it in Edith's direction with all the gusto I can manage. I have a pretty good arm but the shoe lands anti-climatically at her feet. She leans over to pick it up with a look of delight on her face, does a happy little dance, and leaves.

They're pretty great shoes.

Mollies in the Studio

2008-02-27T10:07:00.005-07:00

Spur of the moment photo shoot in Miles's basement...aka the studio. We have an official deadline for the album now. Hopefully it'll be done around June...but it absolutely must be ready by August. The CEO of SendOutCards saw our "Float My Boat" video and wants us to write and perform a song at the SOC 2008 Convention. Hooray for that.

Leo's Barnyard Birthday

2008-02-27T09:42:00.009-07:00

A very random cake for a very random party. The barnyard theme was adopted on a whim. We would have preferred a "Littlest Pet Shop" themed evening as Leo is in the process of animating a "Littlest Pet Shop" video game. But...barnyard animals from the dollar store was all we could feasibly come up with. Hence the fenced-in cow, pig and chicken.

(Leo and Mr. Chicken) Another stroke of luck: A good friend happened to be in the neighborhood and dressed as a chicken...(or rooster) and kindly stopped by to provide us with some good old barnyard entertainment. I think it went over well after the shock subsided.

Viv bought some window art paints and we set everyone loose on our windows. Damian (possibly the rooster) really got into it.

Bathroom mirror art by Damian.

This is all Brooke's Fault

2008-02-26T15:09:00.006-07:00

She tagged me and I cannot resist as she could not resist:

The rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. No cheating!
2. Find page 123
3. Find the first 5 sentences
4. Post the next 3 sentences
5. Tag 5 people

Ok...I'm reading the Stephenie Meyer vampire books. Why am I reading them? Because I trust Brooke as a valid literary source...and she liked them. To be honest...I don't understand my intrigue in the slightest bit.

Anyway...my three sentences (or three lines) from Eclipse:
"Sorry," I muttered. "You're serious, aren't you?"
"Yeah, I am."
"Love at first sight? But more powerful?" My voice still sounded dubious, and he could hear that.

If you've read to the end, consider yourself tagged.

Mollies EP Finally Available!

2008-02-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

Check it out here: http://cdbaby.com/cd/themollies

Buy one maybe.

Thanks to Kathryn Knudsen for the heart art.

Breakin' Stuff

2008-02-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

So last Thanksgiving I witnessed some of the greatest breakdancers in the world perform in my sister's living room. Needless to say I was inspired. I found an SLC Community Education class starting in January and Viv and I quickly signed up. Leo, Alyssa, Manda, Katie and Brent joined the ranks soon after. We've only had four classes...so we're not pro yet...but nevertheless...I'm posting a video of my progress as of last night's class. Maybe one day we'll be as good as Zack, Ike and little Josie. Maybe.

Here's a better stall.

New Mollies Video

2008-01-29T10:16:00.001-07:00

Float My Boat

Manda sent me this:

2008-01-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

4 Things in no particular order that you may not know:

A) Four jobs I have had in my life:

1- Graphic Designer/Copyeditor
2- Paraeducator
3- Kids Camp Counselor
4- Telemarketer (I failed at this)

B) Four movies I would watch over and over:

1- Waiting for Guffman
2- The Princess Bride
3- Elf
4- Jesus of Nazareth (in parts)

(C) Four places I have lived:

1- Sandy/Salt Lake
2- Logan
3- Ecuador
4- Chile

(D) Four TV Shows that I watch:

1- The Office
2- Flight of the Conchords
3- Lost
4- Discovery Health

(E) Four places I have been:

1- Israel
2- South America
3- Hawaii
4- East Coast

F) People who e-mail me (regularly)

1- CutesyShoes
2- MySpace
3- Robert Dalley (Air Quality Notification)
4- Wisdom News

(G) Four Favorite foods

1- Thai Curry
2- Salmon
3- Really Dark Chocolate
4- Peanut Butter

(H) Four places I would rather be right now:

1- Sleeping in my bed
2- Biking on my bike
3- Reading on a comfy couch
4- Shopping somewhere with sweet deals

(J) Things I am looking forward to this year:

1- Bahamas Cruise in March
2- Finishing The Mollies album
3- River Knudsen due in May
4- The Unknown

New Mollies Song!

2008-01-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

Check out our new song "Catcher"

http://www.myspace.com/themolliesmusic

People in Order

2008-01-14T17:09:00.001-07:00

Viv sent me this today and I smiled.

Ugly Becky

2008-01-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

So the other day one of our programmers instant messaged me saying, "Hey, I found your high school yearbook picture online." He then proceeded to post a link to this picture:
This is "Ugly Betty". Ugly Betty is based on the popular Colombian telenovela called Betty La Fea. I had to laugh...because this does indeed look a little bit like me. You have to admit that. Granted...I no longer wear braces and I'm not Hispanic...nevertheless...

The End...Again

2008-01-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

Alas! I have finished the Harry Potter series for the 2nd time around. Now that it's over again...I feel like I'm mourning the loss of a family member or going through a difficult break-up. I'll be ok....in time.

Plus...I have a bizarre crush on Professor Snape. I know...I don't understand it either. It must be the debonair manner in which he carries himself. It's not just the actor. I had a crush on the book Snape first. Maybe it's because he's got this evil guy front going on...yet you know the whole time that he's really just heartbroken and a tad bit bitter. Oh Snape.

SendOutCards

2008-01-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

I've finally posted my favorite card designs on Flicker. Check them out if you should so desire.

click here

Happy Christmas

2007-12-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

Close up of my Kim Parker floral from Mom

On the wall in my front room

Red bag I made for Mom

Mom's pretty tree

Mikelle as the Christmas Fawn (Fawn hat made by Kathy)

Bangs

2007-12-28T16:26:00.001-07:00

I did it. I have bangs. I like them...it was a much needed change. All is well.

Joanna gave us some hair bobbles and fancy jewelry for Christmas.

I put them on promptly.

Fran Flowers

2007-12-28T16:21:00.000-07:00

Fran Flowers: A week and a half later. Mine is the orange one on the right.

Does that mean Fran loves me the most?

Happy Birthday Angelina

2007-12-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night we had a slumber party for the beautiful Angelina's birthday. In light of recent events...no men were allowed. My Egg Nog cake was rushed and is therefore not fully displayed. You cannot rush a beautiful cake. Although it was rather yummy.

We did all the required slumber party things such as: painting nails, eating cake and fancy chocolates, giggling, and of course...sharing the juicy details of our dramatic lives. Quite refreshing. Happy Birthday Angelicious.

A Very Design Team Christmas

2007-12-18T12:48:00.000-07:00

On the way to Wendover.
Possible Alien ascension/descension happening here.

The sky growing more ominous by the mile.

Jason, a bit concerned as I tell him they come for the skinny ones first.

Ryan, my boss, got each of us in the design team a room at the Peppermill Hotel Casino in Wendover for our interdepartmental Christmas party last Saturday night. Never having been to Wendover...and never having had the desire...I was skeptical. But I can adapt...I had a good time. I didn't exactly gamble. I was politely watching the dealer pilfer my co-worker's cash when Brandy, the boss's wife grabbed me, sat me down at the Black Jack table and slammed down a $5 chip in front of me. Turns out I won 90 bucks. Not bad for being resistant and a novice eh? Jason came with me to the Wendover branch sacrament meeting Sunday morning which was almost as entertaining as the casino. (The tiara and earrings I'm wearing were a white elephant gift from Jason...'cause I'm a princess).

Fran Fillerup

2007-12-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

Yes that is his real name. Francis Fillerup. We put our money together at the ward Christmas Auction and bid on a date with "The Fran Fillerup". Yes...we all took him on a date together. What a lucky guy eh? Maybe not.

When we showed up at his place...he was waiting with a flower for each of us. Tender heart. No, I didn't cut bangs...yet. Those are just wispies.

He endured much. Poor Fran. He was a good sport.

Close up of Fran flower.

Mollies Cakes

2007-12-12T12:41:00.001-07:00

We filmed our first Mollies video last Saturday. Viv and I dressed up in our Domestic Goddess costumes and Miles and John wore smart sweaters. We filmed the video in Mandy's (the videographer) retro kitchen that has pink curtains and even a pink fridge. As we sing...we go through the process of baking a very blatantly symbolic heart-shaped cake. I made three the night before because at the end of the video...WE DESTROY IT! And we had to make sure we got a good take. I think it went well. I'll post it when it's done.

She Bang?

2007-12-04T12:38:00.000-07:00

Shall I cut bangs? I need a change. Here's a rough Photoshop job of what it might look like. It'd be more layered on the edges however. Yes or no? Be honest. I know I look a little bit like Velma from Scooby Doo...but she was pretty smart. I'd rather be Velma than Daphne...I think.

P.S. Amy, I already know what you're going to say.

2007-12-04T11:30:00.001-07:00

Click here to listen to our two new Mollies songs up on MySpace:

"Boyfriend In a Coma"

"Tinfoil"

Happiest of Thanksgivings

2007-12-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad and I flew to Seattle and spent the weekend with Amy and Trav and the kids for Thanksgiving. Oh what fun. Amy posted some great pics here on her blog.

Highlights were:

Isaac and I talking Harry Potter talk for 2 hours during the drive to Mt. Erie.
Zack saying he loved us infinity and only loved the Game Boy like...40.
Josie hugging everyone in little fits of happiness.
Amy's superb cooking.
Staying up late talking with Amy, Trav, Mom and Dad.

The Greatest Breakdancers in the World

Bahamas Bound!

2007-12-04T10:33:00.001-07:00

We had our SendOutCards Holiday party recently and they gave away an all-expense paid cruise to the Bahamas to each department. I won the drawing for the Design Team and now I'm headed for the Bahamas in March! I even get to bring a guest. I drew Amy's name for Christmas...and she needs a break...so she's coming with. How fun will that be? Probably pretty fun. Who knows...neither of us have ever been on a cruise. Exciting.

Mary's Lullaby

2007-12-04T10:25:00.001-07:00

I have two songs on the new Mary's Lullaby album from Deseret Book. Miles and Viv helped with "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing". "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is from the Single's Ward Christmas album a few years back. Check it out here: Deseret Book.

Latest Cakes...

2007-11-06T10:53:00.001-07:00

Pumpkin Spice cake for Kathy's B-day

Light Saber birthday cake for my boss Ryan

Halloween at Windsor St.

2007-11-02T10:30:00.000-06:00

Domestic Goddesses

Viv reveling in domesticity.

Demoniac, determined and demure.

Yay! My oven!

What shall we bake today?

Angelina beautifying.

Me wearing my Domestic Goddess brooch with dangly household charms

Jon is sad because Viv is a Goddess and he is a Clown.

Jason took this one with his iPhone. They come out a bit grainy. Ah well.

Oh...and watch this if you want to be happy:

Irvine

2007-10-30T13:20:00.000-06:00

I took a quick business trip to Irvine last weekend. I volunteered to help with the Treat 'em Right Seminar at the Marriott there on Saturday. I love the Marriott beds. I slept like a happy baby for the first time in weeks. It was also well worth sitting through the 8-hour seminar just to be able to see John and Brooke and the boys for a few days. Sadly, I forgot my camera. Brooke snapped some good pics of the boys at the ward Trunk or Treat: http://200things.blogspot.com/

P.S. We still haven't been paid for our Late Night Alumni show and I doubt we ever will. I don't think it's Kevin's fault...but Atlas Marketing is crooked. Don't do business with them.

Pre-Halloween

2007-10-30T12:41:00.000-06:00

Angelina and I went to the FHE Halloween party last night. We decided to wait to debut our Domestic Goddess costumes at our own smashing party on Wednesday. We came up with these quick alternatives for FHE:

I'm tattooed. Ugly.

Ang is pretty and Asian

Goodbye Again

2007-10-30T12:29:00.001-06:00

So Alex came back for a week and then left for real...that is until the next time she comes back. She made us all an exquisite English dinner the Sunday before she took off. Roasted Chicken with Yorkshire Pudding...parsnips...trifle...etc. Yum. We miss her.

New Mollies Songs

2007-10-15T12:39:00.000-06:00

We have two newly recorded Mollies songs up on our MySpace page.

O Dinosaur

Float My Boat (written by Miles)

Check them out:

http://www.myspace.com/themolliesmusic

Things...

2007-10-10T15:07:00.000-06:00

The LNA show went well. I made it out alive and we made a little money. All is well. Went to breakfast with Jessie, Pam and Amanda yesterday. It was absolutely lovely to get together again.

Jessie tagged me. Here we go:

5 Things I was doing 10 years ago:

1 - Finishing my senior year at Hillcrest High School
2 - Playing my last year of competitive softball
3 - Wearing only polyester and unknowingly convincing everyone that I must be on drugs.
4 - Singing sweet little angry songs with "State of Bliss"
5 - Driving "The Secret Garden" Subaru Justy complete with bullrushes and butterfly stickers.

5 Things on my To-Do List Today:

1 - Finish my skeleton animation for the SendOutCards homepage.
2 - Update my blog.
3 - Rollerskate at Liberty Park and/or ride my bike and do yoga for back pain.
4 - Eat squash
5 - Mollies practice at 9:00 pm.

5 Songs I know the Lyrics To:
The funny ones?...

1 - "Can't Get You Out of My Head" by Kylie Minogue
2 - "Passion Boys are Firemans" by The Passion Boys
3 - "Stayin' Alive" by The Bee Gees
4 - "Keep Up With Me" by Late Night Alumni
5 - "Cars That Go Boom" by L'Trimm

5 Things I Would Do if I Had One Million Dollars:

1 - Record my album in two weeks
2 - Get a new Mac and/or iPhone
3 - Work very part time and travel
4 - Invest in something shockingly profitable
5 - Do benevolent things with the rest

5 Things I Will Never Wear Again:
This is hard. I can't make many promises...but

1 - Big bangs
2 - Anything physically restricting
3 - Daisy Dukes
4 - 5-inch platform flip flops
5 - Old clothes that make me sneeze

5 Favorite Toys:

1 - My Mac at work
2 - My bike and my new rollerskates
3 - My sewing machine
4 - My cake pans
5 - My guitars

5 People I'm Tagging:

1 - Kathy and Amy
2 - Melinda
3 - Jason and Dave
4 - Edith and Shelly
5 - Brooke and Mikelle

Late Night Alumni Live!

2007-09-26T11:53:00.000-06:00

This Saturday Late Night Alumni is playing a show! Our first live show ever! My old friend Kevin Swiss from High School approached me about having LNA play at his Atlas Marketing Awards Ceremony. We'll be playing 2 songs at Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake on Saturday the 29th of September at 8 pm. It's a free show so anyone can come. The drawback is sitting through the awards...and I may make a fool out of myself. We'll see.

Viv's Disco Skating Party

2007-09-26T11:28:00.000-06:00

Viv and I have been roller skating at Liberty park. We were flagged down last week by a Salt Lake City Roller Derby Girl who very abrasively tried to convince us to try out for the team. She was a part of "The Death Dealers", the only undefeated team in Salt Lake City Roller Derby Girl History. We were flattered and amused....but I don't think we have what it takes to be honest. We've had a lot of fun skating around the park though. We both have numerous blisters on our feet and ankles but we are determined to break in our skates before winter comes.

Viv about to open her new skates.

Viv and Jon R. at Classic Skating

Me and Jason the Programmer

Side view of Jason the Programmer's sweet Discosaurus outfit.

Roller Disco

2007-09-17T13:24:00.000-06:00

Come for cake...come and skate...come for Karaoke...come...for Viv.

Cake Burger

2007-09-06T09:43:00.000-06:00

Cake Burger I made for Amanda's birthday.

Not a great pic. But the cake angle is nice.

Alex's last night in town...until October. Happy Birthday Amanda and Alex!

Mandy Eats Her Burger

2007-09-06T09:32:00.000-06:00

Mollies at Open Mic Night

2007-09-05T15:13:00.000-06:00

We had Open Mic Night outside this month. Great ambiance.

Lagoon Day

2007-09-05T13:22:00.000-06:00

Ang and Viv on the white rollercoaster

He he. Viv wearing my wetsuit at Lagoona Beach.

The Mollies at Farmer's Market

2007-08-14T10:01:00.000-06:00

Murmur Murmur