Angela Corinne's Craziness

20twelve

2012-01-11T21:41:00.002-07:00

I always say that I won't do resolutions, but I always end up with some anyway. I decided that I wanted them to be far more realistic this year, so I came up with a few . . . but hey, no big deal, right?

1. Be more punctual. I guess it should say BE punctual, but I am trying to be NBD about it. I just want to be on time. I have had a tendency to be 5-15 minutes late pretty much my whole life. This year I am actually making a conscious goal to change that.

2. Read more books. This is always on my list and I think I do better every year. I just REALLY want to read more books. There are so many out there and all.

3. No more soda. I stopped drinking caffeine and most soda for 2 years. And then I planned a wedding. That went down the tubes. I was practically injecting it in my veins the days before the wedding and it's been downhill from there- so I am back on the wagon. But this time ALL of it. I will indulge in the occasional shirley temple on special occassions (they are special to me).

4. Be ready to run the SLC Half Marathon in April. I signed up, I paid the money and the starting line is practically in front of my house. I started running again this week (this time with a dog in tow) and I have been struggling! But I will get there. I have too.

5. Be Healthy. Look, I realize this is a very broad, not very measurable goal, but I want to all around be more healthy. This means, be more consistent with taking my vitamins, eat smaller portions, Less to no fast food, no soda (see?), exercise. Etc.

6. Learn to sew and play the piano (to an extent- meaning more than I can now, which is I can't at all now, so whatever I do learn would be a vast improvement than my current knowledge of the two subjects- get it?) Hey, I have two hands, two feet, a piano AND a sewing machine, what more do you need?

And I think that pretty much wraps it up. All pretty selfish. None of them are very churchy (my resolutions normally are) but I feel pretty good about them.

****BONUS CHURCHY RESOLUTION****

I was called to be a sunbeam teacher and I want to be really good at it and not screw up the little 3 and 4 year olds. So far our lessons have gone from "I am a Child of God" to "Spiderman shoots webs out of his hands" and "When does my mom come get me?" I hope it gets better.

Our Christmas house

2011-12-29T22:37:00.001-07:00

Our house looked like a gingerbread house and I loved it. So festive and fun with a live tree and everything! Valerie and Dennis flew in for Christmas. We spent christmas eve at our house with my parents, ate steak salad on the 24th and grilled cheese on the 25th. And I played Santa and filled all the stockings (Valerie added lots too). It was a fantastic first married Christmas!

It's a boy!!!!

2011-12-28T21:38:00.004-07:00

We had a baby!!!! A cute furry mutt baby. He is half border collie and half australian shepherd and half whatever else is mixed up in there ( I know that doesn't add up) but he is 100% adorable and we love him. His name is Batman. Nathaniel named him and it totally fits. We rescued him from a shelter in Roosevelt and he is the perfect dog. He is sweet and kind. Loves to be chased at the dog park. LOVES to cuddle. Has learned to sit, lay down, shake and roll over. He has stolen our hearts. We call him our practice baby, but he feels more like our actually baby, except he licks his own butt and eats gross things (hopefully that will be different than our future human baby). Batman Johnson, welcome to the family.

Thanksgiving fort!

2011-11-29T15:01:00.003-07:00

So the tradition continues!!!! This is the first fort as a married couple and in our home. For those of you that don't know, I like to build a fort on Thanksgiving eve and sleep in it. So we did. And it was fun!

Thanksgiving was good. Lots of food. LOTS of food.

We went and saw two movies. The Muppets which was amazing!!!!!! I loved it. I felt totally nostalgic and it just made me miss being a kid. Then we saw Breaking Dawn and it was just as awful as I expected it to be. At one point I felt like I was watching one of those movies where the animals talk- it was that stupid. They did a great job of making Bella look terrible though. We saw a double feature and thank goodness we saw The Muppets first because I think Nathaniel would have not wanted to see anything else after the mess which was Breaking Dawn. It's been fun to make jokes about it though, so at least there is that.

Yesterday we bought all the Christmas lights for our house and tree. We are going to get our tree tomorrow. I am so excited to decorate!! I love the holidays. I am going to a craft night tonight to create some Christmas magic of my own, so I will post my creations later this week (as long as they aren't too ugly). HOORAY!

Sugar Cookies!!!

2011-11-13T16:13:00.003-07:00

I am addicted to pinterest. I like to find new recipes and try them out. One of my favorite things about the holidays are sugar cookies. So I found THIS recipe on pinterest and I tried them out! They are soooooooooooo good. I will be making them again, maybe with a little color next time (we didn't have any food coloring!).

I have been sick all week. Coughing, sneezing, can't breathe. I am so over it. I hate being sick. But my cute boy took care of me. Man, I love that guy.

OH! And we bought couches!! They'll be delivered this week. Just in time for Friendsgiving, it's at our house this year.

I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS!!!!

The Elegance of the Hedgehog

2011-11-07T21:02:00.005-07:00

I just finished this lovely book. I have been wanting to read it for months, I put it in my library queue and then couldn't pick it up in time or hadn't finished another book I was reading so I had to put it in my queue again. The woman that I sat next to on the plane to Seattle was reading it AND there was this preview at the broadway . . .

. . . so I knew I had to read the book. It was a little slow at first, but I feel like she developed the characters well. I was really invested in them and loved them. This book really got good about half way through. I couldn't put it down. I cried my eyes out. I was so touched by a story of love and respect and self worth. It was beautiful.

I am super bummed though, the Broadway stopped playing the movie a week ago (lame) and I can't seem to get it on netflix yet.

Read it. It's totally worth it.

Unpopular

2011-11-04T22:07:00.002-06:00

So I looked at my hotmail account for the first time in probably 6 months and looked at an email from my site reader. It turns out no one reads my blog.

Like literally no one.

It's ok though. That means I can write whatever I want. (fart, balls, wiener, bum, boobs)

Halloween!!!!

2011-11-01T19:44:00.002-06:00

We didn't dress up this year. Which was kinda disappointing since last year our costume was AWESOME. But Nathaniel doesn't love dressing up (but he so good at it!) so I guess we'll just have to be something super awesome next year (and we will, I am already brainstorming). So this year we stayed home and passed out candy. Can I say that I loved it?? This is the first time in my adult life that I have lived somewhere that kids actually come and trick or treat. The best thing is that most kids wanted to tell you all about their costumes. It was really fun.

We also played the game clue with Amy and Jon and watched a super scary The House of the Devil. I was really proud of Nathaniel, he watched the whole movie, even though he watched half of the movie from the hallway- he still watched it! We also ate pizza hut pizza, did you know that any pizza is ten bucks?? I haven't had pizza hut pizza in years. I must admit it was crazy greasy good.

So all in all- a very good Halloween. How was yours?

Scared

2011-10-26T20:59:00.002-06:00

I love to be scared. I just love it. Scary movies, haunted houses, ghost stories. I don't know what it is, but being freaked out is so fun.

So lately I have been attempting to freak myself out. We have been watching The Walking Dead, Which is totally fun and makes you jump. The other night I watched American Horror Story and had to watch 30 rock afterward so that I didn't pee my pants in fear. And then the other night I watched the newest Paranormal activity movie- not as scary as the first two but I did scream pretty loud at one point.

SO, I have decided to read a scary book. I have House of Leaves in my library queue. I hope it's super scary. I'll let you know what I think.

What is it about scary stuff that is so fun? What's your favorite scary thing?

Wedding Pictures (teasers)

2011-10-25T18:10:00.004-06:00

Sharing

2011-10-13T02:36:00.004-06:00

I have always been somewhat of an insomniac. Some nights are better than others. Obviously tonight is one of the bad ones. I am sleeping on the couch, well actually I am interneting on the couch, but when I finally sleep it will be here as well. Don't worry, our marriage isn't in jeopardy, we aren't fighting- nothing scandalous is happening. I am learning to share my bed. . . and my covers . . . and give up on sprawling diagonally on my queen size bed. Most nights are fine. In fact, most nights are great and I love it. But some nights I kick Nathaniel all night (unintentionally), some nights I nearly push him off the bed, some nights I steal all the blankets. Tonight I could tell I would toss and turn and most likely keep him up and since he gets up so early, I decided to couch it and give him a good nights sleep.

33 years of sleeping alone- it's gonna take a while to get used to this sharing thing.

Hot dang!

2011-10-07T17:53:00.002-06:00

Wanna know one of my favorite dates? Going to Costco and walking around and then eating one of their hot dogs. I love it. Nathaniel and I have done it at least 5 times since we got our Costco memberships.

The last time we went to Costco we thought "why not bring the fun home?", so we purchased the hot dogs and buns (grilling them on the George Forman makes them delicious btw). We have been eating them almost everyday for a week and can I say they are still delicious? Although we had to invest in beano, they are the perfect thing to eat while watching Dexter.

And that's exactly what we are doing tonight. Eating hot dogs and watching Dexter. Are we boring already?? or just totally awesome??

HOT DOG! I am going with awesome.

The heat is on

2011-10-03T22:01:00.002-06:00

My handsome husband fixed the water heater. After a couple of swears and a rootbeer float, we have hot showers again!!!! Hooray!!!!!!

Water Heater Woahs

2011-10-01T22:34:00.002-06:00

When I was little, living in Wisconsin, it was hot in the summer, but not always for long and the nights would often get chilly. I remember our baby pool in the backyard that we would fill with hose water . . . ice cold hose water. My mom would boil water on the stove and pour it into the baby pool so that the water was at least a little bit warm. Good memory.

Fast forward 25 years. Our water heater is broken. It's going on almost a week. Tonight I boiled water and put it in the bath tub with the ice cold tap water, did the same for Nathaniel. It took me back to my baby pool. Not as fond of a memory, but funny none the less. Good thing we weren't in the back yard- the neighbors might talk.

I really hope Sear's put a rush order on the water heater part we're missing.

Wedding Favors

2011-10-01T11:55:00.004-06:00

I had decided a long time ago (during the wedding planning) that I wanted to give out buttons at the wedding. I wanted something cute, but not SUPER cheesy. So I commissioned someone to draw a picture of Nathaniel and me so that we could put it on buttons. Matt Page was so kind to create this masterpiece.

Didn't matt do a wonderful job? Here is what the button version looked like.

So I went to Etsy and ordered 250 buttons. When they arrived, I just didn't think they would be enough, so I ordered 250 more. We passed them out at both receptions, but I still have hundreds left!! I guess people will be receiving them from us for years to come (let me know if you want one, or three).

I told Nathaniel we just need to start a band and then it could be part of the schwag we sell.

I am sure people would be interested in the music of Nathangie or Angthaniel.

Right?

Wedding Day

2011-09-29T22:46:00.006-06:00

My life has been kind of chaotic. But totally in a good way. Buying a house and planning/having a wedding can really be a lot to handle. It was INSANE and I hate to even admit that I am glad that it's over. . . but I am glad that it's over.

But it sure was wonderful. So many amazing people came in for the wedding. Aunts and Uncles, friends I haven't seen in ten years, friends I felt like I hadn't seen in ten years because I had been so busy, family, in-laws, coworkers, neighbors. It was truly amazing.

We made the decision of having the wedding in the backyard. Well, I should say I made the decision and then my amazing husband went a long with it. 5 months ago the yard was a MESS. Seriously. There was a random sidewalk, terrible grass and plants, dead stumps and bricks- EVERYWHERE, So many bricks and rocks, I am not sure how they all got there. Nathaniel is a genius. He had a vision and the yard is now amazing. We have a brick patio and a brick wall and lush green grass and a sprinkler system. I can't believe how handy he is and in turn how lucky I am to be married to him. The yard was finished just in time for the wedding (literally). Nathaniel was still laying brick at 3 in the afternoon and we were married at 6. But it all came together.

Everyone chipped in. All of my friends and both of our families that flew into town just for the wedding as well as those resident friends were mulching and setting up tables and hanging lights and decorating and getting sunburned, all to make my wedding beautiful. And it was.

We also had neighbors and ward members that we've never met show up to help. One woman in my ward named Maria iced all 250 cupcakes. ALL OF THEM and they were beautiful, each cupcake with a different icing design. Another couple in the ward showed up and just went to work. I couldn't believe the outpouring of love I felt.

Bishop Bullough married us. He had been my bishop in the single's ward years ago and was my last bishop in my family ward just recently. He did such a wonderful job of making the ceremony spiritual and intimate and unique.

My sweet father walked me down the isle- so worried he would lose his balance or mess up, but of course he didn't. I loved standing arm in arm with him as the once only man in my life handed me off to the man OF my life.

Nathaniel is such a sweetheart. As we heard the words of the Bishop I looked at how nervous he was (I was also very nervous), but could tell there was no doubt for either one of us that we were doing the right thing. There were some slip ups, the Bishop called Nathaniel Nathan at one point, and I put Nathaniel's ring on his right hand instead of his left- but it all turned out alright because we are married!

The reception was also lovely. Sandwiches and potato salad and beans and limeade and cupcakes and flags and lights and Polaroids and some dancing. Nathaniel really didn't want to dance, but because he loves me, he did, and it meant so much to me (see video in post below). Dancing with my Daddy was really special too, something a girl dreams of all her life.

When we took a bite out of the cupcake together, I accidentally stuck my finger in Nathaniel's mouth and he bit me! (Also in video) Throwing the bouquet was so weird, I can't even count how many times I have been the single girl on the other side. And leaving the house to go to the hotel, knowing the next time we came back would be to OUR house as a married couple was such a wonderful feeling.

By the end of the night I was sunburned, we were exhausted, it took 30 minutes to take my wedding dress off because Nathaniel has no finger nails and we forgot a crochet hook AND we had to be up at 6am to fly to Costa Rica, but we were married. It looked, felt and was exactly the way that I wanted it.

Thanks to all that helped. It was the most wonderful day of my life thus far and I know it will only get better.

Cha cha changes

2011-09-22T20:43:00.005-06:00

MRS. Angela Corinne JOHNSON, LCSW

Thank you very much.

I got married!!

2011-09-12T17:28:00.001-06:00

Nathaniel + Angie // 9.3.11 from rob nyland on Vimeo.

Thanks Rob for the amazing video.

More posts to come!

Engagements by Sarah Mellor

2011-08-11T21:01:00.004-06:00

Seattle Shower

2011-08-05T15:52:00.006-06:00

Valerie and Dennis flew me to Seattle two weekends ago for my first bridal shower! It was so wonderful. It was nice to be able to stay the weekend with my future in laws with no Nathaniel (no offense Nathaniel), I just mean getting to have my own relationship with them is important. I had so much fun.

I flew in Friday night and we picked up my good friend Sarah and her adorable baby Kai and we stayed up until 1am with Valerie making muffins for the shower. The shower was saturday morning and it was so lovely. There were so many amazing women there and they were so sweet and kind and gracious. We had the shower at Michelle Gorman's home, a dear friend of Valerie's. The house was beautiful, such an amazing view. And the home was decorated with pictures of Nathaniel and me as well as amazing quiche and muffins and macaroons with nuetella in the middle (AMAZING).

Here are some pictures from the shower:

As you can see, something went awry with my registry and I received three rice makers and two crock pots!

My lovely mother in law chatting it up.

Here's me and Sarah trying on fun masks at a really cute (and really expensive) shop in Seattle).

I had another wonderful shower last night. Nathaniel's Dad's Cousin (did you get that?)threw me a shower with all of her family. It was so amazing and sweet. It was wonderful feeling like I am already part of a much larger family then I have ever had.

One more shower to go!

29 days left!!!!!!!!!!

Bridesmaids!!!!!!!!!

2011-07-31T00:34:00.011-06:00

OK, so I wanted to talk about the most amazing friends I have every had. They also happen to be my bridesmaids. I have 8 bridesmaids and all of them are important to me and are my very best friends. I am going to tell you about each one of them in alphabetical order.

Aimee-

(Taken by Beth? Chris? Some random stranger? STOLEN from Facebook)

Aimee is probably one of the sweetest (and funniest) people I know. She seriously cracks me up. I remember the first time I met Aimee. It was when I first moved to Florida at age 13 and I met her at a ward pool party. I was so excited because I had made a friend and then I found out she was eleven and my heart broke. I told my dad we couldn't be friends because she was so much younger than me. Little did I know that she would be one of my very best friends all through high school and in my adult life. She married her high school sweetheart (my good friend Chris) and has two beautiful children, Kyler and Kerrigan (Kyler is in the picture, it's an old one). I love her so much and don't know what my life would be like without her.

Aliah-

(No idea who took this, but isn't it super cute? STOLEN from Facebook)

Aliah and I met when we started working for DCFS in 2004. I just remember thinking how beautiful she was and how I loved her style and wanted to be her friend. We ended up having offices that shared a wall and we would chat online during work and I could hear her laughing through the wall. We then lived in the same apartment building and then the same house for 4 years. We have the best luck with going to see movies together (see Into the Mix, it's fantastic) and have had many a laugh or a cry cuddling in one of our beds. She's amazing. I am so honored to call her my friend and my bridesmaid!

Alissa-

(Self Portrait of Alissa, modeling a necklace that I purchased for her, STOLEN from Facebook)

Where do I even start with Alissa? We met in 8th grade. She let me sit at her lunch table when I was new and lonely and we have been inseparable ever since! I love this girl. She just gets me and loves me in spite of that. I love that we get to see each other often even though we live across the country from one another. We make the best songs up and have the most hilarious jokes (at least we think so anyway). She has been there through it all. She's my BFFSSANWIAABAILH.

Alyssa-

(Self Portrait of Alyssa and STOLEN from Facebook)

I met Alyssa at Ricks College. She was my roommate and we clicked right away. She was funny and fun and our time at Ricks was such a blast. Of course it didn't stop there. Every time I am with her, it's like no time has passed at all. If I could model my upcoming marriage after any other marriage I know, it would be hers. They are loving and kind to each other and they are best friends! I love it! And she has four adorable little rug rats (I can't wait to see Joshua). She is no longer pregnant but I we seem to have a visit every time she has been pregnant, so I thought it was an appropriate picture. Besides, isn't she the cutest pregnant person you have every seen? I think so.

Amy-

(No idea who took this STOLEN from Facebook)

I also met Amy at Ricks. She had long corn rows and a hippie style that was amazing. She was such a free spirit. So free in fact, clothing was often optional, but that is another story for another time. I didn't NEED Amy when I was 18. Don't get me wrong, I loved knowing her and having her as a friend and roommate at that time, but I didn't need her. We lost touch for a few years and met up again in salt lake about 8 years ago. In these last 8 years, I have needed her in my life and she was there. She is always there. This girl can organize the heck out of anything. She's smart and capable and really good at many things (especially helping to plan weddings!). I'm glad I need her, but more importantly glad I have her in my life.

Erin Marie-

(Picture taken by Sara Boulter)

I used to say, if I could just marry a guy that is like Erin, I would be set. I can tell her ANYTHING and totally be myself around her. We've had the best of times and the worst of times and through it all our friendship just keeps getting better and better. She is an amazing musician. I could listen to her play the guitar and sing all day long. Some of my favorite songs in the world have been thought up in her complex brain (even surgery couldn't break it). She's such a talent and I love her so much.

Sarah-

(Picture taken by Jesse Draper)

We often joke that I forced her to be my friend. Funny thing is, it's not a joke. I totally did. But she totally let me. This girl is the best. I can't get enough of her. I just love being around her, it makes my life better. I'm sad she doesn't live close by, but I see her so often it feels like she does. She is definitely one of my favorites and anyone that knows her knows you can't help but love her! Thank goodness I made her be MY friend, but I'll share her if you'd like. Also we found out we will totally be related by marriage- great right?

Stacey-

(picture taken by Sarah Mellor)

It's always just been my brother and me. I love my big brother, but I think a girl always dreams about having a sister. Well, I got one 7 years ago. Her love of horror scared me at first, but who knew someone who loved Freddy Kruger as much as Stacey could also be so sweet? She has the prettiest smile of anyone I know and when she laughs, her smile lights up a room. Stacey and Tom just fit. I am so glad to finally have a sister. A friend for life, really a friend forever and ever.

And an honorable mention to my little flower girl who I just adore (don't those blue eyes KILL you?) Quinn-

(Picture by Sara Boulter)

This sweet girl is going to be the best flower girl every. How could she not be? Especially with her mom Erin playing beautiful music as she throws petals on the ground.

I know what you are thinking. THERE ARE SO MANY!!!! But throughout my life I have chosen to be surrounded by so many lovely and amazing women, that there couldn't possibly be any less!

34 days to go!!

2011-07-05T17:25:00.001-06:00

make animated gifs like this at MakeAGif

Ghost Stories

2011-06-28T23:10:00.012-06:00

Over the weekend, Nathaniel and I went camping in a Tepee. A TEPEE!! Well, kind of. We drove up to Bannack, Montana and camped at the edge of a ghost town in a tepee. It was freezing. And we weren't as prepared as we thought we were (thought we brought a down comforter- didn't, thought we brought a workable air mattress- didn't) so half way through the night, after we were freezing to the bone and a bug dropped on Nathaniel's face and a monster was rubbing against the tepee, we ended up in the car. BUT the time we spent making fires and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows NEXT to the tepee was awesome. As was the ghost town. FYI- Nathaniel is excellent at making fires. I was very impressed by my wilderness man.

Let me talk about the ghost town. Bannack is only 5 short hours away from SLC and it is located in what is now a state park, so it's pretty well preserved and only 5 bucks to see. We went fairly early in the morning and stayed until the afternoon, just walking around (hence my ridiculous sunburn).

We also had a ghost experience!There was a bridge over the creek and I wanted to take Nathaniel's picture on the bridge. We were both on it and as I was about to take the picture I could feel footsteps on the bridge so I thought that someone was coming onto the bridge behind me so I took the picture fast. At the same time Nathaniel thought someone was coming onto the bridge behind him so he stepped out of the way. We both felt the footsteps, but when we looked, no one was there. Later we asked the park ranger if there were any ghost encounters. He said that the main ghost that has been seen is a girl named Dorthy who drowned it the creek when she was 14! I totally think we felt her presence on the bridge! Here is the photo and the bridge.

Check out the Orbs in this one. Maybe they're ghosts! (Or dust) Or dusty ghosts!

Alphabet soup

2011-06-28T16:13:00.002-06:00

So I have joined a new club. A CD mix club. I am not sure what to call it. Playlist club? Music Share club? Well anyway, some girls and I are making mixes for each other each month based on a theme. I really like the idea, because then I can get introduced to new music AND make mixes from music I love and share it with other people. The first mix is called the A-Z mix. You have to pick song titles that consist of one word- A-Z. This was a little more difficult than I thought. I had multiple of some letters and none of others. I never found a Z! So my mix is actually A-Y.

Here is my Mix:

Aime- Damien Rice

Birds- Kate Nash

Calgary- Bon Iver

Dilate- Ani Difranco

Edit- Regina Spektor

Free- The Colorful Quiet

Gatekeeper- Fiest

Headlock- Imogen Heap

Intervention- Arcade Fire

Jacksonville- Sufjan Stevens

Kiss- Prince

Lions- Headlights

Miserole- Emily Hope Price

Names- Cat Power

Older- Band of Horses

Politik- Coldplay

Quiet- Rachel Yamagata

Regret- Wye Oak

Stars- The Weepies

Transcendentalism- Death Cab for Cutie

Undertow- Stars

Videotape- Radiohead

Window- Album Leaf

Xanax- Maria Taylor

Yesterday- Pulp

Z ???????

What would your list be? What would your letter Z be??? I am sure I could come up with something, but my ipod did not help. It will be interesting to see what new music I will get.

96 days

2011-05-30T22:42:00.002-06:00

I had a dream the other night that it was a week before the wedding and I hadn't planned anything. It was terrible. I was in panic mode and threw a bunch of things together and it was awful. I know that won't happen, I have too many capable and talented friends for that to EVER happen, but I do fear running out of time.

I have so many ideas, but have not tried to execute a lot of them- SO I better start!

This memorial day weekend was filled with house stuff. My future in laws are in town and we accomplished a lot. Valerie gave me a much needed tutorial on gardening. The front and sides of the house look 150% better. It's starting to really look nice . . . on the outside. The inside looks like a construction zone. As it should. Exposing brick walls, fixing the torn out kitchen, adding doors, removing plaster, emptying out the swimming pool in the basement (this is the wettest May in recorded history and our basement can attest to that). Who knew a house that is over one hundred years old could need so much TLC? (just kidding, we knew . . . kinda)

It's so exciting, but so stressful as well. So much to do, it's kind of overwhelming. I am so lucky to have such a great family and to be marrying in to such a great family, but I will be relieved when I am sitting on a beach in Costa Rica on my honeymoon and some of the stress is behind me.

Oh, and did I mention Nathaniel bought us tickets to Costa Rica for my birthday!?!!!????!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Things could be much worse.

Moments . . .

2011-05-18T19:42:00.003-06:00

I took today off to celebrate my birthday. This has become a little tradition of mine, to hang out with myself and celebrate my birthday. I slept in, took myself to the movies (Bridesmaids, seemed appropriate) and went shopping. I bought myself a little somethin' somethin' NOT on sale at anthropologie and when I got home, opened a lovely birthday package from my future mother-in-law. SUCH A GOOD DAY. And to top it all off- Nathaniel and I picked up the keys to OUR house (well, technically HIS house until September). It was so exciting!!! I am getting an amazing husband and we are moving in to our first home together soon and I am so excited!!!!!!!!

It should say SOLD, since it is totally SOLD- to us!!!!!!!!!

This is on the wall in the master bedroom and is SO true. But is also SO getting painted over as soon as possible.

Home sweet home!!!!

P.S. The wedding is in 108 days. UGH!! I need to start figuring stuff out.

He liked it so he put a ring on it ("it" being me)

2011-04-24T22:39:00.003-06:00

I'm engaged! Still so weird to say.

Nathaniel and I have been dating almost ten months. And I'll be honest, I've known for a while that I wanted to marry him. He is probably the kindest man I have ever known and thoughtful and quiet and not to mention handsome (those blue eyes of his KILL me). I can guarantee he already hates this post (sorry Nathaniel), but I am pretty sure he knows what he is getting into by marrying me. He makes me laugh until I cry. He knows how to kiss me just the way I like. He loves my crazy family. He loves his crazy family (significantly less crazy than mine btw). He is such a loyal friend. He is such a hard worker. He listens to me and tries to make me happy. He is so talented and smart and capable. He's my best friend, like the kind that you make up songs with or goofy dances or tickles you until you almost pee or the kind that cries with you when you are sad and gets mad at things you're mad at or the kind that knows you love non fat iced chai and brings it to you just because. And I love him.

A couple months ago we went looking for rings, very casually. We weren't engaged, we were just talking about it. I found this amazing antique ring that I loved. And I made it very clear that I loved it. I would check the website everyday and just look at it. One day it was gone, I secretly hoped he had bought it, but couldn't be sure. He kept saying that we should look at rings and asking me to email pictures of rings that I liked, so I had my doubts.

On Friday we were in Provo for his family reunion. I met his sweet grandmother and got to see other family members that I had met before. I was totally exhausted, it had been a very rough work week. He started talking about BYU chocolate milk and how he really wanted some. So we went to the cougareat to get some. It was 9pm and just closing up. There were only a few people there. But we purchased our chocolate milk and sat down to enjoy. He was telling me about how he had worked there as a janitor many years ago. I was joking with him about people getting engaged at the cougareat and what that might look like when he pulled out a ring and set it on the table, got down on one knee and proposed! Just prior to asking me, he said something about it being really funny if two grown people who weren't BYU students anymore got engaged in the cougareat and I agreed. I was SO surprised. I cried like a baby. And to make it even more exciting, it was the antique ring I was in love with. He bought it a week after we saw it (of course he did).

Here is our first picture as an engaged couple (chocolate milk and all).

The ring is circa 1930 and I love love love it.

September 3rd can't come soon enough!

Sometimes I really miss Thailand

2011-04-03T01:16:00.002-06:00

Sick Day

2011-03-21T19:32:00.002-06:00

Stayed home from work due to a sickness. I pretty much looked at blogs all day. Why am I not more creative? Why can't I sew clothes, make bunting flags or pompon wreaths? Why do I not have fancy pictures to post or clever things to say? I spent a long day of comparing myself to others, which never makes you feel better. Especially when you weren't feeling well to begin with.

Besides, I think the internet LIES.

Not Getting Any Younger

2011-03-14T23:24:00.003-06:00

So I am in my 30's. Like ACTUALLY in my 30's. I am going to be 33 this year, that seems so crazy. My friends and I were talking about our age and our skin and how we just don't look/feel as young as we used to. Then someone brought up skin care. I have to admit, I am not the best at taking care of my skin. I wash it with Dove soap most nights and that is about it. So I decided to make a change, to actually put forth an effort, which cost me a little more than my normal skin care regimen (when I say a little I mean A LOT). I bought a Mia. I had never heard of one, nor seen one, but apparently people swear by it. Tonight was the first time I used it and can I already say that I think I love it? My skin has never felt so clean.
I guess it better, since I could have bought 140 bars of Dove soap for the price of the Mia. I'll let you know how it goes.

Sharing the Light

2011-03-02T23:05:00.002-07:00

I have a new camera and new pictures, but when I tried to put the memory card in the side compartment of my computer it was too small and became lost and I had to dig it out with some tweezers. SO I will have to wait to upload those pictures. They are of my sweet friend Alyssa and her family at her sons baptism and some of me and Nathaniel in Boise, except I forgot to really take pictures of anything Boise like so it's really just me and Nathaniel in coffee shops and restaurants, but IN Boise. Ok, so maybe I won't upload them until I have something exciting.

Tonight Nathaniel and I went to target to buy Settlers of Catan. I have never played, so we thought it would be fun to buy and play. As we were at the check out, the nerdy high school checker said "Oh no, you can't be serious, this looks just like Settlers of Zarahemla," Nathaniel quickly assured him it definitely was not and that surely the Settlers of Catan was made first. I don't think the boy believed him, he was sure we were purchasing a knock off of his favorite Book of Mormon based board game. Adorable kid, I humored him and then he told me all about taking the ACTs the night before. Nathaniel asked me what I might diagnose him as and I said "nerdy Mormon kid." I feel I can use that diagnosis since I too was a nerdy Mormon kid in high school. Takes one to know one I guess (my vice was nerdy Mormon teenage novels and EFY soundtracks, not boardgames, but definitely the same affliction) and I turned out alright.

I still haven't played the Settlers of Catan and now I kinda wish it was the Zarahemla version. Or maybe something more racy like Setters of Babylon.

Layed Up

2011-02-18T21:07:00.003-07:00

Here I am, on my couch, with a heating pad on my back, on a Friday night. Maybe I'm old, but my back has given up this week. It is done and I have no choice but to give in to it's incessant whining in the form of intense pain when I make any sort of movement. I have been "hobbling" around all day (as my friend Nicki said), more like waddling and I was caught more then once doing stretches and yoga poses in my office today.

But now I'm just here, lying prostrate, at first watching 30 Rock and now listening to the new Radiohead album, (it's good, REAL good). Give up the Ghost may be my new favorite song.

All in all, not a super terrible Friday night . . . as long as I don't move anything. Dancing is NOT an option, although I really want to follow Thom's example.

Connected

2011-02-05T20:34:00.002-07:00

After living in my apartment for over 7 months I finally got internet. FINALLY. Not that I have been wanting it so badly or really need it for that matter, but it's nice to be connected. And my goal- to blog again.

I have blue ray that plays netflix and I have been watching 30 rock all day (I am still in my pjs). But I can't get the pandora to work (annoying) and my wireless keeps booting me off (SUPER annoying). I wish I knew anything about internet.

So here I sit, on my couch, with my laptop, watching 30 rock, while my cute boyfriend cooks in the kitchen (sweets for the super bowl), how did I get so lucky?

Confessions . . .

2011-02-01T16:46:00.002-07:00

If I don't make my bed before work, I think about it all day and have to make it as soon as I get home.

Sometimes I do my "stand up" routine in front of the mirror and use a hairbrush as a microphone.

I am either a little superstitious or a little OCD (probably both).

When I'm out at a restaurant I sometimes pay more attention to other people's conversations than I do to the one I am having (rude, I know).

When I fantasize about winning the lottery I don't think about things I will buy or places I will go, my biggest fantasy is paying off my debt.

I think that if Zach Braff and I met we would end up being good friends.

November!

2010-12-06T16:50:00.002-07:00

What a great month. I did it. I DID IT!!!! I ran my half marathon and finished without dying. All of the training really paid off. I smiled pretty much the whole run and I took my sweet time. I loved it. Here is a picture of me at the finish line. I promise there were other people in the race and that I wasn't the very last person (even though it REALLY looks like it). I was so excited to cross it off my bucket list. I plan to do another half marathon in 2011. I've caught the bug!

And here we are (Dainon and me) post race, all sweaty and with our nifty medals. It was a good feeling.

Other fun things this year- FRIENDSGIVING! This picture is a Tracy Keck original. I thought it was funny because Nathaniel looks drunk (he wasn't of course) and I look a little tipsy myself. Friendsgiving was fun- there were so many potatoes and so many friends. When we walked in it had been snowing a little and by the time we left there was snow everywhere. It felt like the holiday season had started. It was great.

I have a silly tradition I started about 5 years ago. On Thanksgiving eve, I build a fort, sleep in it and watch movies. This was the 2010 fort. Nathaniel helped (he's in construction after all) and we watched Scrooged. So fun. I can't wait to see how great December is. I love the holidays!!!

You've gone mental . . .

2010-11-02T14:00:00.003-06:00

I must have, if I am going to post these pictures of myself on this blog and facebook. SO UGLY, but so funny and fun. Nathaniel and I decided to be Wayne and Garth. It was determined that I am not a good blonde, but it was so much fun dressing up. (OH and Nathaniel never dresses up, so this is a first and I am pretty sure he loved it)

Enjoy my hideousness.

SCHWING!

Made a Cake

2010-09-17T12:55:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday Nathaniel!

Happy Belated Birthday to me!

2010-08-30T15:28:00.004-06:00

This weekend was great. I got a belated birthday present, a grilled cheese sandwich made with bleu cheese (my favorite!), made homemade chocolate chip cookies (they were delicious if I do say so myself), ran 4 miles and went to IKEA.

My belated birthday present was . . . drumroll please - ROLLER SKATES!! I love to roller skate, I always have. SO, I skated around liberty park and was in heaven. Even though this guy in roller skates totally made me look bad as he skated and danced and sang to "No Diggity" and looked like he should have been in Roll Bounce. He is my idol. Here are my skates.

13.1 miles

2010-08-23T19:46:00.004-06:00

Me sweaty and happy just after a run.

Well I have decided I am going to run a half marathon. THAT'S RIGHT. So now I am in training? I put a question mark, because I am not sure what that means exactly. But I am following THIS running schedule and I am doing THIS race . . . in Florida . . . in NOVEMBER! With THIS guy. I'm excited. It's going to be great. I hope I don't die. Anyone that has done a half marathon before please let me know what to expect and/or any advice to give. It is on my list of 50 things to do before I die- so as long as I finish I guess dying wouldn't be so bad.

More . . .

2010-08-23T17:55:00.004-06:00

Cathedral Park

2010-08-20T14:53:00.004-06:00

Pictures By Sarah Jones Mellor

So I did it

2010-08-19T19:31:00.002-06:00

I drove to Portland and drove back all in one weekend. I didn't bring a camera so the only picture I have to show of it is this:

We went to the science museum for free. It was mildly educational and fun. Except for the part where they showed all the dead babies (gross) and the fun house that made you feel like you were in an earthquake (Sarah got sick) and helping the two little kids build an arch out of blocks (sooo many high fives), oh wait, that last part was awesome.

We also ate so much- food carts, grilled cheese, creme brulee oatmeal, iced chai tea (shh don't tell on me). Saw two movies. Cyrus (eh) and The secret in their eyes (soooooo goooooood).

There also was a night of camping in a super small tent and we were so exhausted. We were there at Cannon Beach to see the meteor shower, clearest night ever, until we got to the beach and it was all foggy (sad face). But the camping was worth it. Even if I did smell like a pet store.

All in all, awesome trip. I got to see my favorite pregnant girl (she is ADORABLE by the way) and my favorite town. September 2011 it WILL be my home.

P.S. Sarah took tons of pictures so I will be sure to post some when I get them. Also I love rest stops, especially the clean ones.

I wish . . .

2010-08-11T15:20:00.002-06:00

I wish that 8 hours didn't feel like 80 hours and I was already on my fun trip to Portland.

I wish I wasn't still waiting for my library book requests to be filled. It's been a month and I really want to read them.

I wish the dress I just ordered from Mod Cloth would magically show up on my doorstep today even though I only bought it yesterday.

I wish I could eat pretzel M&M's all day long and not feel like I needed to run ten miles to make up for it.

I wish every weekend was a four day weekend.

I wish I was driving to Portland and not driving back, but staying there forever and had a cute little apartment right in the city and a great job and a cute boyfriend and was living happily ever after . . .in Portland . . . Oregon. THE END

Guess what?

2010-08-09T17:00:00.005-06:00

This weekend I am leaving this town:

To drive to this town:

To visit this girl:

And eat this doughnut:

Keep runnin' runnin' . . .

2010-06-30T18:55:00.004-06:00

I’ve started running. Yep, that’s right, RUNNING. I have never liked running because the whole time I am doing it all I can think is “I’m running and I can’t breathe.” Supposedly that changes at some point. I am living near memory grove and I like it there, so I have made this little run for myself. Today was day #3 and it was much better than day #2. So we shall see.

The problem with running is that it gives me an excuse to do things like eat a cookie with 500 calories in it. “Hey, I went running today” is my justification. I have not hit that runner’s high thing yet either, most likely because it’s only day #3 and I am still in that walk/run phase. But I am feeling better. I really worked on my breathing today- but I still get a stitch in my right side after a while. Why does this happen? I just ran through it (well then walked when I couldn’t bear it any longer).

My running music mix sure helps motivate. I don’t have the internet so I have to use whatever music I have, but I like it. Sexyback really gets me going, as does a little LCD Soundsystem. Also, there is this Zebrahead song that takes me back to the days when I moved to Salt Lake and tried running for the first time. I actually found the Zebrahead CD on the side of the road, now it’s on my running mix. I need more suggestions- the goofier the better, I find.

So that is my life. I work 12pm-8pm (I know- don’t even get me started). I wake up in the morning and run, get ready for work, work until 8, go home and read. That is my life. I have read 8 books in the past month. Oh and I have started playing The Legend of Zelda again. I am such a colossal nerd. Hopefully I will start being more social and doing “summer” things, but working odd hours and being on call twice a week kinda hinders that a little. Tonight I am going to the movies (Exit through the gift shop NOT Eclipse) and tomorrow I am doing a night hike and a fire and Friday I think I am doing something fun too- so that’s something, right? Right.

But for now I am going to keep on running. Until I get high.

This week . . .

2010-06-04T18:06:00.003-06:00

I’ve moved into my new place and it’s almost completely unpacked. I missed two days of work this week because my stomach has been AWFUL, went to the doctor twice- with no real solution, just more money out of my pocket- oh and I am getting my kidney stone broken up (sounds awesome). Taught relief society and felt like it went fairly well. Have had a lot of gospel discussions with new friends, old friends and family and feel like my faith has increased. Have had one of my favorites staying at my new place and will be staying for a few more days- I’m glad it’s not time to say goodbye yet. Hung out with someone I have missed. Made these s’mores brownies (they’re ok). Had my parents over for dinner where we ate my homemade chicken noodle soup, s’mores brownies and enjoyed my new digs. Broke my mixing bowls when I opened the hatch back of my dad’s jeep and they shattered all over the street. Received a gift of new mixing bowls from my mother in an attempt to cheer me up (it worked).So many ups and downs this week, I hope I can recuperate this weekend and have more ups next week than downs.

The World's Shortest Fairy Tale

2010-05-28T18:44:00.003-06:00

Once upon a time, a girl asked a guy, "Will you marry me?"

The guy said "No" and the girl lived happily ever after and went shopping, drank martinis, always had a clean house, never had to cook, stayed skinny and was never farted on.

The End

Funny the things you find as you pack up your stuff. Thanks Aliah.

LOST

2010-05-25T00:03:00.004-06:00

I know what you are thinking, that I am going to write a blog about the finale of Lost . . . but you're wrong. The title is totally deceiving (however I did watch all 6 seasons and watched the finale and kinda loved it). What is actually "lost" is far more disturbing.

I live in a big house (for 6 more days anyway), there is a basement apartment where two guys live and an upstairs house where we live and an up up stairs room in the attic where I live. I was informed today that our downstairs housemates LOST a boa constrictor. That's right, they "lost" it. Now I do believe you can lose things, like your keys or your wallet, but losing a snake in a house is a lot like losing a kid at the zoo- it instills fear as well as urgency to find said kid (or more importantly, SNAKE). But no. When the guys were asked about whether they were concerned about the whereabouts of Mr. Boa constrictor, their response was "it happens." Oh does it? Does it really? I share a basement laundry room with these bozos- many times since the snake has been "lost" I have gone downstairs in the dark, damp basement, in my bare feet and without my knowledge I could have been coiled to death (not sure if that is the proper phrasing but you get me) as I innocently washed my unmentionables!

Maybe I am being a little dramatic, but I can't stop thinking about it. The slimy thing creeping it's way up my stairs, into my room and under my covers. UGH. I almost can't stand it. Where is Samuel L. when you need him? Or Paula Abdul? Hopefully snakey and I won't cross paths in the next 6 days. But if we do I can't be held responsible for the action I take- chopping off it's head, spraying it with hairspray and setting it on fire (who has hairspray anymore?) or kindly donating it to the zoo (pretty sure I would do one of the other two first- in a fit of panic of course).

PETA, don't get mad at me "it happens."

Sweet 16 x 2

2010-05-21T15:41:00.002-06:00

So Wednesday was my birthday and I had a fantastic day. I took the day off and just had a great time. First I went to the Salt Lake Temple and did a session. It is a birthday tradition (new one), a time to reflect and feel the spirit in the house of the Lord. I have been needing some comfort and guidance and I feel like I received both of those things while I was there. I just love being there.

Then I met my mom for lunch at the beehive tea room . We wanted to do high tea, but my mom had to work so we just went for lunch instead. I had my favorite very berry tea and a spinach artichoke sandwich with the potato leak soup and it was delicious. My mom bought me a cute little tea pot and I bought very berry to enjoy whenever I want.

Then I went and bought myself a dress and a skirt from Anthropologie. I love both of them. Here's a little look:

I then took myself to the movies. I saw a really dumb movie and not the movie I actually wanted to see. I won't tell you the dumb movie (it's too embarrassing), but I did want to see Babies, I just thought maybe it would make me sad- so I didn't. I still want to see it though.

Then my friends had an amazing BBQ for me where we just hung out and talked and laughed. It was great. I had so much fun and all in all a great birthday.

I love being in my 30s. I think it's fantastic.

Gone in 60 Hours

2010-05-16T11:29:00.003-06:00

Last weekend I went to Florida. My best friend from high school (the beautiful Alissa) is now the mother of two and needed a break. Her wonderful husband and sister thought it would be nice to give her a weekend off and have me fly out to surprise her. So I did! I was literally there only 60 hours. I took a red eye Friday night, arrived Saturday morning and left Monday night. The thing that stinks is that I actually took a lot of pictures this time (normally I am a terrible picture taker), but I used my mom's camera and I can't get the pictures onto the computer. It won't read the memory card. There are pictures of us eating and swinging on swings and eating and then eating some more, hey we didn't have time to do much else. But also pictures of her lovely babies that I adore. Ava and Olivia are the best. So I stole these pictures from face book.

I love that I was able to see Alissa, I need a good Alissa fix every now and again and this one couldn't have come at a better time.

What is not given to man?

2010-05-05T16:38:00.001-06:00

I have not been the best blogger as of late. I have been extremely busy with work and with spending time with a certain someone that my blogging has gone out the window. I may have a lot of time on my hands, since the certain someone and I will no longer be spending that much time together (if any at all).

It’s been an interesting couple of days for me. I have so much happening all at once. My schedule has changed to an hour later (11-7) which may be difficult, we’ll soon see. I am moving out of my house at the end of the month and trying to find a place and that really stresses me out. I find it incredibly nerve wracking. Financially it will be a strain due to the increase of rent (I am moving in alone- which I LOVE, but will make money tighter). Then packing up all my junk and moving it to a new locale will have it’s own stresses. I also might be taking on another job in the mornings; it’s in the works . . . maybe. And now a breakup. Not really the perfect timing to lose my most recent support system, but is it ever a good time?

I’m sad. Of course I’m sad. Things were great and then they weren’t. That’s how it goes; they “love” you until they don’t. Or I “love” them until I don’t. So this has caused me to think a lot about love. Last night, when I was crying and distressed and seeking comfort and relief, both of which were impossible to find- I went to my best friend Erin. She took me in, cooked me dinner (which I only ate two bites of), put me in a hot bath tub, read me a story and cried with me. I felt comforted and loved but the pain was still there- it will be a while before that pain dulls. But she was there right when I needed her.

She read me “What Men Live By” by Leo Tolstoy. She read, we cried and she read some more. It was a beautiful story of love and compassion. One of the things I struggle with is knowing what I am to learn from heart breaking situations, especially when there is a common theme, a common thread and ultimately a common denominator (me). One of the main points of this story was “it is not given to man to know his own needs.” Only God knows what we need and sometimes that is a hard thing to swallow.

The thing I do know is that I am a loving person. I cannot stop loving or serving others just because it could mean my heart could get broken. Falling in love is wonderful and the risk involved is worth it- although right now it doesn’t necessarily feel that way.

I am so grateful that my Heavenly Father knows and loves me and only he knows what I need. So I will rely on him to help me through this and guide me to those things I truly need.

Although, a crystal ball would be nice.

nostalgia

2010-03-27T13:50:00.004-06:00

I used to think that I got my teeth from my dad, but after seeing these two pictures side by side I am pretty sure it was my mom.

I have been going through old pictures a lot lately trying to make a present for my father for his 70th birthday. There have been so many pictures that have tugged at my heart strings and I am starting to get nostalgic. I also want to find out about my ancestors and what they did and who they were. I am starting to really feel it. Maybe I should do something about that.

Check out this picture of my grandpa and me. Man I miss him.

Oh, Mexico

2010-02-21T21:54:00.004-07:00

So I didn't take very many pictures on our cruise. Aliah and Amy had better cameras, so I let them take pictures, but I always forget to get copies- so this is what you get.

We drove to LA and stayed with Johanna and Ryan and had breakfast with Laura. It was so nice to feel warm for once. We almost missed our boat on Sunday- it's a long crazy story that ended with us getting on the boat just as they were untying it- me in a full on panic attack and lots of blood. I won't get into it, but it was super DRAMATIC.

The artwork in our state room was phenomenal.
Aliah and Amy pretending to know what to do with the alcohol in our fridge. People kept thinking we were under 21 because we didn't drink. Hilarious.
We ate so much. SOOOO MUUUUCH. We shared a table with a great family from Canada and our waiter was adorable- pictures are on other cameras. Maybe I'll post them later, but I will most likely forget.
Puerta Vallarta. So cool.
Ed, our new best friend and star of his very own telanovella (at least he should be with the stories he was telling us). Talk about drama. Punched in the face by women he dated- old women threatening him with brooms. I would have loved to spend 12 more hours with this guy.
Perfect, secluded beach. It rained on us, but we didn't mind. NOT our Corona. We stuck to Coconuts.

I wanted to live on this beach in this house. It was quite magical.
Here is a picture of the beach we stayed on all day in Mazatlan and the a guy that was in love with Aliah. He made her promise to come back in a year and see him again. Turns out he was only seventeen, so she would have to wait the year for him to be legal. He did provide us with free coconuts all day.

So many things that weren't captured. We danced every night on the boat- hard. I got hypnotized during one of the shows and thought I was a model, throwing my sweater into the audience. We formed our own boat posse which consisted of us and some super young 20 something guys (they were cool). We snorkled and ate some more and went to the spa every day. It was the longest 7 days of my life, but in such a good way.

I could use another vacation.

My Valentine

2010-02-14T01:17:00.001-07:00

Oh, Holden

2010-01-28T13:19:00.002-07:00

I am really glad that I decided to read The Catcher in the Rye recently. Not only did I love that book, but for some reason hearing that J.D. Salinger died means something different to me than I think it would have.

If you have never read it, please do and if you have, read it again. I think I just might.

“What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff — I mean if they're running and they don't look where they're going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That's all I'd do all day. I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all. I know it's crazy, but that's the only thing I'd really like to be. I know it's crazy."

Complacent

2010-01-27T15:06:00.003-07:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about what is important to me and what I want out of life. I had an experience that I hope I can put into words and actually make sense of. I have been trying to be more “active” at church. Now, first let me tell you, I attend church every Sunday (all three hours), teach relief society and occasionally do my visiting teaching- so I am not exactly “inactive”, but I wasn’t doing anything else. In fact, I had been feeling quite complacent. I had something happen recently (I won't go in to the details) that forced me to really look at myself and what things I have been missing in my life. So I made a decision that I was going to attend more church activities. This included FHE and firesides. I haven’t been to a fireside in years- seriously. I listen to the CES firesides online sometimes, but can’t remember the last time I attended a ward fireside. Sunday I attended a ward fireside. The speaker was a ward member’s grandfather who had grown up in WWII Germany. As I sat in the chapel among the other ward members in attendance, the ward building had a different feel than it did during the day. I had this overwhelming feeling of déjà vu- the feeling that this is exactly where I needed to be, the feeling that I had once made certain things a priority and a part of my life-but they had stopped being a priority at some point and I wanted those things to be a priority again. I hope that made sense. I guess what I am trying to say is that I have been in the habit of filling my time with things that have no meaning. They weren’t necessarily bad things, just not edifying things. And on Sunday I realized that I wanted that to change and I am consciously making an effort to do that. Not just with firesides and such, but with the people I surround myself with and the media I watch or read or listen to. I need things that build me up and not break me down.

I am heading on a cruise for a week and I fully intend on taking some time to enjoy the beauty all around me (I am not talking about cute cruise boys either). I am talking about the beautiful world around us that is truly a gift. I am going to take some time to relax and reboot. I am going to take some time to think about what is really important to me. I'll let you know what I come up with.

(oh I am also planning on eating lots of food)

Saturday funnies

2010-01-23T20:48:00.002-07:00

Went to the movies with my mom and my friends. My mother wore her full length mink coat to the movie because she "never gets to wear it anywhere" (truth be told, she wore it once driving her school bus and my father was furious with her- hilarious). She also brought treats to the movies . . . in a cooler . . . which consisted of cheese, crackers, pickles, olives and tootsie pops- fancy food. I now understand the need for a mink.

I love my mom.

So many dates . . . but not the kind you're thinking of

2010-01-22T22:58:00.009-07:00

I love dried pitted dates. I always have. It kinda makes me feel like a grandma, but I find them quite delightful. However, as I was eating them today, every time I grabbed one to eat, I couldn't help but think that they reminded me of cockroaches. Gross huh?

But I just kept on eating them.

Pylones

2010-01-21T20:16:00.006-07:00

Have you heard of this store? I hadn't either until just recently, but I love it. My coworker and friend Anni bought me this really cute birdie that is magnetic and holds my paperclips and when you grab one, it tweets. I love it.

I looked at their website for an hour today. I think it would be the perfect place to get presents for birthdays or weddings or just 'cuz. Here are some of my favorites:

Cheese Grater

Broom and Dust Pan

And Super cute Tweezers

Check them out here.

And if you're a friend of mine, consider yourself lucky, you might just get something.

I hate my guts

2010-01-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned this before, but I am pretty sure there is something wrong with my insides. I went to the doctor and I am trying some different things, but not having much of an improvement. It’s pretty frustrating because sometimes I hurt so much it messes up every day life. Work is harder. Hanging out is harder. Everything is harder. I have had a pretty good couple of days and I am reluctant to say that because I don’t want to jinx it. UGH.

On a happier note, I am so glad that I can see the mountains again. This inversion thing wasn’t helping anything. I feel like spring could be right around the corner and then summer and that makes me unbelievably happy.

Know what else makes me happy? In 8 short (I hope) days I am going to California to get on a boat for 7 glorious days on the sea and stops in Mexico. This was the cruise I was supposed to take in May but the swine flu messed everything up. But now I am grateful because I really want tons of food and sunshine. TONS of food. I fully intend on gaining ten pounds. What do I care? No one to impress and I am so broke that I will have to starve myself when I get home because I won’t be able to afford food (kidding).

My loans go into repayment next month, I just bought a car and I have other bills necessary for life. I need to win the lottery or find a sugar daddy or hit Oprah up while I still can.

Being a grown up is hard- it’s not as easy to get hand outs.

I'm conflicted

2010-01-06T21:29:00.003-07:00

So do I call it two thousand ten or twenty ten? I just don't know. I feel like they are two separate camps and I am not sure which camp I want to commit to. My life is so hard.

I am struggling to feel comfortable in this new decade. I keep writing '09 on everything, but I normally catch myself and before I write the nine I throw a one before the zero. It just seems so weird. But I love it. This year is going to be amazing. I dub it the year of no expectations. When I say this some people start to freak out and think that means I am giving up or I am depressed or something- but no, it is the complete opposite. I am hopeful and I am allowing whatever is to happen to happen this year. I am open to whatever. How exciting is that?

My New Year's Eve was awesome. I decided I was going to stay home (after a brief singing gig at temple square) and do what I did when I was a little girl to celebrate. Aliah and I pinned a sheet to the ceiling (wall) and stuffed it full of balloons. At midnight, we pulled the sheet down and stomped on balloons with high heels as we got totally wasted on Martinelli's. BEST. NEW YEARS. EVER.

I am so excited for this new year and especially this new decade. Bring it on 2010- whatever you may bring.

Boo Radley is my BFF

2009-12-22T16:49:00.003-07:00

It’s been such a busy month. Singing a lot, working a lot, reading a lot. I just finished reading “To Kill a Mockingbird” which I have never read. Apparently everyone that goes through the tenth grade has read this book, not sure how I missed that one. Anyway, I loved it. Hmm, maybe that is why it's a classic? I am not sure that I would have appreciated it as much in high school. This will be my 3^rd book in a week. I am back on the reading train (what does THAT mean?) meaning, I am reading a lot again and I love it. Next up, "The Catcher in the Rye"- you are probably thinking I must have skipped a lot of school and I did, but not that much.

It has been really hard for me to get in the Christmas spirit. I didn’t start my Christmas shopping until this past weekend and I am not yet finished. I don’t know what my problem is. I have decorated, watched Christmas shows, listened to Christmas music and admired the snow, but the spark just isn’t there. Hmm. I hate that. I used to love Christmas. The entire month was excitement filled. I believed in Santa until I was twelve for hells sake (don’t judge, I love the magic). People say that once you have kids the magic of Christmas returns- I wish someone would knock me up already (kidding mom).

My all time favorite Christmas show is the Christmas Toy. You can’t get it on DVD, I own it on VHS. It’s a Jim Henson show they used to play on the Disney Channel. It’s the same idea as Toy Story but way better and only a half an hour. Hmm. Maybe if I watch it the spark will return. Also listening to the New Kids on the Block Christmas could get me in the mood. I will have to try it and see what happens. Maybe it will help you too.

First up, I still believe in Santa Claus.

And, Funky Funky Christmas.

I really hope my Christmas is funky this year. It's about time.

MAS*H

2009-12-06T10:57:00.004-07:00

I love things that predict the future. I don't necessarily believe that they will, but I love them none the less. Like the game MASH (play it here). It's so silly, but I get some strange satisfaction and maybe even a little hope when it goes my way. Like it's possibly fated to turn out. I also love horoscopes and numerology and making wishes (coins in a fountain, shooting star, at 11:11, when I lose an eyelash, etc). I really like good fortunes in fortune cookies and I have always wanted to go to a psychic- mostly just for fun, but I have some weird interest in it. My old coworker read my tarot cards once and I loved it.

I am not sure where this began, but I am sure every girl, as a child, played these games and secretly wished they would come true. Thank goodness they didn't or I would currently be married to Ralph Machio, but that small amount of belief in magic has lasted my whole life. Maybe I am a romantic? Maybe I am a psychotic? Who knows?

I do this other thing that is a little weird. I like to call it musical roulette. I play my Ipod on shuffle and think of a song and if it comes up in the next ten songs, I win, or I make a wish and it comes true or the boy I am thinking of is totally thinking of me too. I know, it's ridiculous. But it's kinda fun too and I like to think maybe I am creating psychic abilities of my own. Hey you never know. I could have a job on the side predicting the future for people by playing MASH. I will be charging 5 bucks a game, let me know if you're interested.

***In case you were wondering, MASH told me today that I will be marrying Adrien Brody, we will be living in an apartment in SLC, driving a purple BMW and have 4 lovely kids together. ***

Thanks for nothing

2009-12-03T17:38:00.004-07:00

I was told yesterday that I needed to write a new blog. Well here you go Amy, brand spanking new. Thanksgiving came and went- it was a pretty depressing day for me actually, but the weekend that followed was great. Erin and I took our little road trip to Boise. We stayed in a hotel just a block from the Egyptian Theater. They upgraded our room to a suite and we had to sleep in the same GIANT king size bed (the front desk guy was concerned this would be a problem for us, until we informed him that once, as roommates, we slept in the same bed for 9 months . . .we’re close). The view was pretty amazing from our room- Boise is better than I expected.

We then went and saw The Swell Season at the Egyptian Theater and they did not disappoint. Rachael Yamagata opened and was amazing. Glen Hansard made me cry numerous times. He is just so talented. He stood in front of the mics and unplugged his guitar to sing Tell it to me now. It just blew me away. Their closing number was a mash up of Red Chord, Josh Ritter’s Come and Find Me and an Irish drinking song The Parting Glass. My little celtic group actually sings that one, so it was great to hear.

Erin and I had a really good time just talking and laughing and singing and sitting and swimming and just being best friends. Here is a video of her dancing on our king size bed, singing a song from the band we just saw. I dare say, her rendition makes me laugh.

On a more work related note- what is more embarrassing than having an appendicitis attack at work? NOT having an appendicitis attack at work, but all the doctors and coworkers at the hospital where you work thinking something is really bad and treating you in one of the rooms and discovering it is actually only constipation (true story). Humiliating. Oh and then about a week later I was walking out of the nurses station and fell on my face. Seriously, what is wrong with me? People must think I am insane- or drunk. Which doesn’t bode well working at a rehab hospital, they might try to admit me.

Self Preservation

2009-11-16T23:19:00.002-07:00

When you've been hurt, you learn how to protect yourself from feeling further pain. By "you" I mean "me" of course. I do things like delete people from facebook or from my cell phone- not to be dramatic or to get back at anyone, but as self preservation. Sometimes I just can't stand to see what is going on in their life or see pictures of them or have the temptation of contacting them, because I ALWAYS regret it. I even make sure that I don't go anywhere where I might run in to them or into someone that might bring them up in conversation or make me think about them too much. Not forever, just until it doesn't sting anymore.

I went to a restaurant for dinner recently and when I walked in, there he was, sitting at a table, staring right at me- the one person I really didn't want to see again(or the one person I would give anything to see again, I can't decide). And my stomach dropped. Just as I was about to acknowledge him and say something super friendly and act like I was super ok, he looked away, like he didn't even know who I was. I then looked around at the rest of the people at the table and didn't recognize a single person (which I thought I would). We sat at our table in the restaurant and his back was to me. I realized that everyone was speaking another language and I don't think it was the second language that he speaks- but I couldn't be sure. I watched him through the dinner, he had the same look, the same mannerisms, the same EVERYTHING, but it couldn't be him. He isn't supposed to even be here. But I hate how it made me feel. I hated that we treated each other like perfect strangers (even though we probably were) and I hate that even right now, even though I am about 99% sure it wasn't him- I feel sad about it. I am writing a blog about it for goodness sake. What's going to happen when I actually do run in to him? Ugh.

Self preservation is a bitch.

ROAD TRIP!!!

2009-11-12T21:25:00.004-07:00

I went grocery shopping this week and honestly it has probably been over a month since I have done that. That's always a tough position to be in, because then you want everything because you don't have anything.

And I bought these-

Yes, Vienna Sausages. I love them. Weird, I know. But it's true. I am aware that they are totally disgusting, but ever since I was a kid I have loved these chicken, beef and pork sausages in chicken broth- on crackers of course. We used to get them when we went on road trips. I bought them (4 cans to be exact) and I just can't get enough. We had a Sunday school lesson about food storage and I have decided that if I stock up on these babies I should be able to survive through anything, because I know they will survive.

I also bring this up because in just two short weeks I will be going on a mini road trip and I am so excited. Erin and I are going to BOISE!!! Yeah, that's right. But that is not the exciting part, it's WHY we are going to Boise that is great. The day after Thanksgiving Erin and I are going to Boise to see The Swell Season. Their Salt Lake concert is sold out and so we decided, why not drive to Boise? This will be my third time seeing them and I am just as excited as the first time. Plus I get a mini road trip. I'm bringing the Vienna Sausages . . . don't tell Erin.

I hope he sings this heart wrenching one.

You talk, I listen

2009-11-08T11:25:00.003-07:00

When I was younger my parents loved their talk radio. Anytime we were in the car they would listen to it and it would drive me crazy. I hated it. I hated it so much. I just wanted to be listening to the top 40 of the time or one of the many tapes I had acquired and listened to on repeat. Now that I think of it, I am sure my parents hated listening to everything I had on repeat as much as I hated their talk radio- nah, that couldn't be true. ANYWAY. I don't know if it's an adult thing or what, but guess what? I love talk radio. More specifically, 88.3 KCPW, NPR talk radio. If I am in the car, I am most likely listening to it. If I am at the gym (Big IF these days) I am listening to a podcast from it. I can't seem to get enough. Whether it's the news or it's one of the many programs they provide- I just love it.

I am also one of those people that loves This American Life. Yeah, Yeah, I know- me and the rest of the entire world, but I find it interesting and funny, sometimes sad and often captivating. And I think I have figured out why. I don't know about your group of friends, but my group of friends loves to share stories. Have you ever found yourself at a "party" or a dinner or something and at the end of the night everyone is just sitting around sharing stories about work, or their childhood or their hilarious southern mother? We do all the time. And I think it's great. You learn so much about other people and what makes them who they are. I think that is why I like This American Life. It's like sitting around in someone's living room listening to stories. It's great.

So I would like to apologize to my parents for my whining and complaining as a child. Because I am sure if I had listened, just once, without wishing that I was actually listening to Paula Abdul, I just might have learned something (not that Paula hasn't taught me anything).

So for you, my all time favorite episode of This American Life entitled Fiasco! I promise you'll laugh out loud.

Conspiracy Theory

2009-10-30T17:09:00.000-06:00

I suppose I need to write another blog so that the super depressing one I last wrote won’t be the blog everyone reads and then assumes I am still depressed and moping around. I do have my moments, the weather has suddenly turned to winter and my body would much rather hibernate than emerge out of my electric blanket each morning- but I do emerge and life goes on.

I like my job. I might even say that I love my job. I just love having a job (being able to pay my bills always makes me happy) and I love the people I work with. They are hilarious, fun and smart and I don’t dread going to work each day. I have the best possible schedule for me 10am-6pm. I am NOT a morning person and so this schedule really works. I work at a hospital and I interact with all sorts of people all day long (mostly people who are psychotic, suicidal or drug addicts) and it’s exciting most of the time. Today I was told I was “part of the conspiracy” by one patient and another announced that they were a prophet. It’s totally great.

I have been spending a lot more time with my friends lately. We have kinda been doing our own thing for a while and so it’s always nice when we get back into the habit of hanging out. I have amazing friends. They always make me feel better. I especially love that I have been spending more time with Erin. She and I have been having sleepovers and it feels like old times.

This is the most boring blog post ever. But I wanted everyone to know things are looking up.

Today is Kumran

2009-10-19T00:32:00.003-06:00

If I was any good at writing poetry, I think now would be a good time to write it. I am feeling so many different things and I think that it would make some amazing prose or at least lyrics to a song. Unfortunately, that has never been one of my strengths. It just doesn't translate- my emotions onto the paper (or blog post) anyway.

This month has been hard. This week has been hard. Today has been really hard.

I need a reprieve. I need to know that the hard decisions have been the right decisions. And I sure wish, for once, my heart and my mind were on the same page- or at least in the same book.

My stomach has hurt for days as has my head. I am not even sure which thing is making me the most sad because I seem to be sad about everything- or everyone. Believe me, I know I am being cryptic, I am just hoping that some documentation of how I am feeling will be cathartic. I could really use a good emotional purging at the moment.

All that I want to do is listen to Bon Iver and drink chai tea and somehow that is helping- or at least not hurting.

Everything that happens is from now on. Whatever the hell that means.

The Quest Continues

2009-09-27T21:34:00.005-06:00

On Friday I went to Market Street Grill with my coworkers (that's right, I said COWORKERS. I have a job!!!!! Talk more about that later) and I knew I needed to try their Shirley Temple.

Here's how it rated.

1. Presentation- about the same as CPK. Pretty, boring glass, but fine. 3.

2. Only one cherry. 1

3. The waiter was great about this. He was really excited about getting me a Shirley Temple and he brought me three, yes three! 4

4. I didn't pay for this lunch so it was free! I don't know how much it would have been if I was paying. 4

5. It actually tasted great. Wasn't too sweet, it was really good. 4

With a total score of 16/25

I got this one at Z Tejas at the Gateway.

1. Well when I saw the cherries I was super excited. But it's still in a boring glass. I liked that the four cherries weren't just dumped in the glass, but the waitress didn't bring me a second one even though she said she was getting me one and then she said she was getting me one to go and never did! BOO. 1

2. Four cherries, four points. 4

3. The waitress bugged me! She talked way too much. Didn't come back when we needed her and when she did come back, she wouldn't leave. Oh and she did not deliver on her promises about the Shirley Temples. 2

4. $2.50. 2

5. It wasn't strong enough. It tasted like soda water. Even though I sounded mad about her not bringing me another one, I was kinda glad because it wasn't good. 1

Z Tejas Shirley Temple Score 10/25

So far, Market Street is the front runner.

People have asked why I am doing this. I was thinking about this today in Relief Society. We had a lesson about taking care of our bodies and not doing things that defile it. There was a whole discussion about the internet and trying to portray ourselves a certain way on the internet when we really aren't that way. I thought about my blog and didn't feel guilty. I feel like I portray myself exactly as I am.

As far as the Shirley Temples, this is me. I love Shirley Temples. Maybe it's a vice, all that sugar and artificial color, but it's an honest vice. And I want to find the best one. I'm obsessed.

My Quest

2009-09-19T20:16:00.005-06:00

I have decided to find the best Shirley Temple in Salt Lake City. Or maybe in Utah. Or maybe in the WORLD . . . mwahhhaahhhaaaaa! So, I am documenting my search. I am judging the Shirley Temple with 5 main criteria. One- presentation, this will include glass, color, how quickly the waiter brings me another, etc. Two- how many cherries they put in the glass without me asking for them. Three- the waiter's reaction when I order said Shirley Temple. Four- price. Fifth and finally- TASTE!

So I need a deadline, because lets be honest, this could go on forever. I am going to test out 20 different Shirley Temples and then choose the best one!

The first one was tonight. I went to the 9th and 9th street fair and then to the Gateway to window shop. We stopped at CPK and had a pizza and decided that it's now or never and ordered a Shirley Temple.

Here's how it rated.

ONE-As you can see, it was just in a simple glass, but a pretty red color and the waiter brought me another one when my first one was getting low, without me even asking. I give presentation a 3 out of 5.

TWO-Each Shirley Temple had one cherry in it. I like more than that, but some places don't give you any. So CPK gets a 1 out of 5 for number of cherries.

THREE- When I ordered the Shirley Temple the waiter didn't even flinch. He acted like I was ordering something super normal and everyday. I give them a 4 out of five.

FOUR- $2.49. Kinda pricey. I give them a 2 out of 5.

and FIVE- I said that it was "pretty good tasting, but sweet- too sweet." so I give it a 2 out of 5.

For a total of 12/25. This is just the first of many, but I hope I can find a better one somewhere.

Then we went and saw District 9 which was AMAZING. I loved it, seriously. It was totally intense.

Let me know if you know of places that have good Shirley Temples, I will find the best one, if it kills me . . . death by maraschino cherries!

I didn't mean to miss your birthday baby . . .

2009-09-09T21:56:00.004-06:00

I was born in New Jersey. Did you know that about me? Well, it's true. In fact I spent the first 4 years of my life in New Jersey and I cried and cried when we moved to Wisconsin because I didn't want to leave my red house. I don't remember much, I hardly remember the red house, but I do believe some of New Jersey has stayed with me throughout my life. The biggest part being my love for Bon Jovi. There is really no other explanation. I love Bon Jovi because I was born in New Jersey, I just know it. This week I busted out the old Ipod that I haven't listened to in ages and played it on shuffle. As I was driving home tonight, to my surprise and great pleasure, Bon Jovi's I'll be there for you came on and I sang my little New Jersey born heart out. Hearing this song brought back so many memories- sitting in the back of the bus in third grade looking at Jon Bon Jovi's poster and thinking he was the cutest thing ever in his tight spandex pants, crazy hair and bandanna. Jump then to middle school when Ginger and I made a bet that it was Bon Jovi that sang I'll be there for you and Skid Row that sang I'll Remember You, I won that bet, but I don't remember all the logistics. Then in High School when I was embarrassed to admit one of my favorite songs was Blaze of Glory- embarrassed no more, I freaking love that song. In more recent years when Jon Bon Jovi was on Sex in the City and I, once again, thought he was so cute (thank goodness he was minus the spandex and bandanna- still has somewhat crazy hair though). And then to tonight where the flame was rekindled.

I blame it on my birth place.

Unemployment

2009-08-31T12:32:00.004-06:00

Receiving the new title of Master as well as CSW (certified social worker) has also provided me with another title- unemployed. It's funny how one minute I can be a student and the next somewhat of a failure. Everyone asks you what you do or where you work and it is getting harder and harder to choke out the words "nothing" or "nowhere". I know, I know, I am still new in the job search game, but my patience is wearing thin. Just because the loans stop or school stops or there aren't jobs doesn't mean I don't still have to pay my bills. And I am not at all being picky. I am sending my resume EVERYWHERE, even for jobs I am super over qualified for. The only response I have gotten are for out of state positions, of which I am interviewing, but not one job in Utah has given me the time of day. Maybe it's a sign.

Ok, so to my avid readers (I am sure I have a few) if you hear of a social work job anywhere, send it my way. I will apply for it and then I will bitch and moan about how they have never called me back.

If only

2009-08-27T12:20:00.004-06:00

The construction on our street starts at 7am. It's loud, oh so loud. I actually put ear plugs in this morning.

Still in my pajamas . . .

2009-08-24T15:26:00.003-06:00

and it's almost 4pm. The job search is at a standstill. I am trying, really I am, but I just can't seem to find anything or hear anything back. Ugh. Discouragement- what a dirty word.

Last night I watched home videos with my mom from when I was 8. We watched my baptism, vacations, birthday parties, we watched me dancing in the back yard, dancing while we're camping, dancing in the basement (hey, I REALLY liked to dance). It made me nostalgic for simpler times. It made me want a family of my own. It made me want to dance like an 8 year old with no inhibitions.

It was my mom and brother's birthdays and we celebrated them last night. Man, I love my family. They're kinda crazy. But I love them. While I was there I asked my dad for a father's blessing. It was such a comfort to hear words of guidance and love. I know that things will work out, it just doesn't feel that way sometimes.

I will leave you with the song I loved to dance to as an 8 year old. I may or may not be dancing around my room to this song right now.

What's love gotta do with it?

2009-08-20T03:36:00.003-06:00

I was explaining to someone the other day how I think I fall in love with every guy I date (or have a crush on) just a little bit. They said that it sounded like a line, but it's true! I am a hopeless romantic and part of me just falls hard. The problem with falling hard, frequently, is that I also seem to get heart broken frequently and can't seem to get over the heartbreak, all the while falling in love just a little bit with someone new (are you following me?). I am sure it isn't the worst position to be in, but it's not the best either. To be in a constant state of heartbreak and twitterpation can not only be confusing, but can also be quite exhausting. I have this idealistic, optimistic side that sees me riding off into the sunset on a white horse with prince charming during or even after he destroys my heart.

I don't know where I was going with this. It was just an observation of how truly messed up I am. The end.

Today I didnt even have to use my a.k.

2009-08-18T23:11:00.006-06:00

I got this in the mail-

My stomach was tied up in knots, I couldn't sleep at all last night. This morning I sat in a cold room and stared at a computer for three hours and walked out with this-

I went for a walk and found this for FREE at the side of the road-

These showed up at my door because someone was thinking about me-

I went to dinner with Maren and Aliah and Maren bought me this to congratulate me-

I went to see these guys for free-

Today was a good day.

Saturday Morning

2009-08-15T11:20:00.002-06:00

I have been feeling really introspective lately. I am sure it has something to do with the changes going on in my life and my completely unknown future. It's funny that things can be so great, SO great and you don't even realize it and then when things start to go a little crazy that's when you realize how good it was. Don't get me wrong, life is pretty good. I am not depressed or unhappy. I just have my moments of wondering what it is exactly that I am supposed to be doing or feeling or even being.

A friend of mine put pictures on facebook from high school. Some of them were positively mortifying (what is it with the 90's and floral dresses???) but they brought back so many feelings of that time in my life. I loved my friends, I loved my family, life was really fun. I thought it would always be like that- or at least I wanted it to be. Now, of course I still love my friends and family. That hasn't changed. But life has changed, age and responsibility has changed and things are just . . . different. I am sure I would be completely annoyed with my high school self. I was extremely obnoxious, but I do miss that idealistic side of myself. Anything was possible. I was going to do so much. And I have, just not the way I pictured it. Not at all.

I have amazing people in my life. I really do, my friends (old and new) are really a part of me and I love them. My family is still wonderful, although we have had a lot more tragic times in my adult years than we ever had when I was a child- some of which we have not fully recovered from. I still love and appreciate them.

I definitely have stressful money woes, wondering where and when I will get a job. But I am educated and I feel so blessed for that.

I still have the gospel in my life- I never thought there would be ups and downs in that area, but there has been. I always seem to make it out OK.

I have had heartbreak. Sometimes big, sometimes small, but you change a little with each one and I am not sure you ever truly recover. Maybe you aren't supposed to.

Sometimes I wish for a crystal ball, just for a minute, just to get a peak at how it all turns out. Until that time, life goes on, the good the bad and the ugly- and I guess all I can do is sit back and enjoy the ride.

2009-08-06T11:13:00.003-06:00

So I get in a funk and then blogging seems near impossible. BUT TODAY I WILL BLOG. I am not sure anyone even cares, but I do. It's not like I keep a journal- this blog is for posterity. I'm sure when I finally have posterity, blogs will be completely primeval, but whatever.

What have I been up to lately? Hmmm. Studying. It's official. I have paid my money ($175) and I am taking the big licensing exam on August 18th. I really hate that I just put that in writing, because now I will have to admit it if I fail (please don't fail, please don't fail). It's a four hour exam and I have no idea if I am ready for it. Oh and my degree posts tomorrow. I will officially officially have my masters degree as of tomorrow. Crazy.

My mom had surgery over two weeks ago and they kept her in the hospital for about 5 days longer than planned. It was scary. She is better now- although we have had a fair share of drama since then. I hate drama. But things are looking up.

My room has been so hot (I live in the attic), so my roommate helped me make curtains so that I have a makeshift cubicle of cool where my bed is. My bed is in a little alcove and I have a window unit, so when I sleep I close the curtains- as seen here (they are open and sorry my bed is disheveled).

Tomorrow I head to Arizona for a week with Nolan. He is moving there for 2 years to get his MBA at Arizona State. Sad. We are taking the drive past the grand canyon (which I have never seen) so I am super excited about that.

The job search has begun. Who knows where I will end up! I am totally freaking out about money, but I found this cool free budgeting website where you can keep track of ALL of your finances. You should check it out here.

Boring post, I know. But I will soon be adding some amazing pictures of the grand canyon!!!

July 4th

2009-07-16T04:23:00.012-06:00

If you have read my blog for some time you will already know that the 4th of July isn't really my favorite holiday. It's probably not even in my top 5. It's not that I don't love my country or that I am not happy we have independence or anything. It's just the hassle of it all.

So this year I celebrated a little differently. A group of us went to Yellowstone and stayed in a cabin for a couple of nights. There were no fire works, just steaming holes in the ground and animals, as well as playing cards, watching silly movies (The Little Mermaid and A Pirate movie), not showering, but jumping in a VERY cold lake and roasting marshmallows for breakfast. Oh yeah, and really good company as well. I LOVED it. Here are some pictures to document the fun.

The view from the cabin and the lake we swam in:

The hilarious warning and then the risky picture (I could have been gored . . .) from the safety of the car:

The steaming holes and beautiful water:

The people I went with:

Why there are no pictures of Jeff, Aliah and Shereka I do not know. I only used my camera phone- so this is what I have. This next picture freaked me out. Jeff the Dentist was not afraid, but my hands were sweating when I took this.

What a good way to celebrate independence.

I am in love with this song

2009-07-16T04:21:00.001-06:00

But can't find it so that I can put it on my Ipod and listen to it on repeat. Can someone help me?

Pacific North West Day 6

2009-07-09T13:37:00.006-06:00

On our last full day, we decided to go to Seattle, since we were flying out from there the next day. We drove to see Nolan's cousin and spent some time with her and her little boy and lots of animals and then took the ferry to Seattle. I had never done this before. It was really fun and a little cold, but totally worth it.

We then ate at the Crab Pot right on the pier. So good. They steam everything you want together and dump it on the table right in front of you. You have a crab fork, a wooden board, a mallet and a bib.

When we started . . .
Nolan dared me to eat a shrimp eyeball and with much protest and whining I finally did. I don't know what took me so long, I lived in Thailand for goodness sake.
When we finished . . .
We were stuffed, but it was so good. Then we just headed back to the hotel, sat in the hot tub for a minute and slept to get up early for our flight. The trip was super fun and quite a success. These are all the pictures I have. Sarah took some and I will post them when I get them.

I love Portland. So so much. (and Sarah)

Pacific North West Day 5

2009-07-09T13:29:00.002-06:00

This is the only picture I took of Day 5. We went to this old old hotel in Washington. It is an old bath house that pumps in hot mineral water. You sit in a really hot mineral bath in a big claw foot porcelain tub. I love baths, so this was amazing. Then you get wrapped in blankets and sweat for another half hour or so. It was really nice. The girl side was a little more modest then the boy side (from what Nolan told me).

That night, we went with Sarah and Joel to see I Love You Man (yes another movie), but this theater was so cool. It was like Brewvies, but way better. A really old theater, with over stuffed chairs and love seats, beautiful inside. Their food was really good too. I had their hummus plate- so good. And the movie only costs 3 bucks.

Pacific North West days 3 & 4

2009-07-09T13:08:00.005-06:00

Ok, I didn't take any pictures of Day 3, but it consisted of a lot of walking. I mean a lot. We went to the Saturday market, rode on the street car (well a couple), went to the farmer's market and ate cherries. That night, Sarah and Joel went to Seattle, so Nolan and I set out on an adventure of our own, which started out at Sarah and Joel's and ended up at Powell's books only after we walked over the whole city. Pretty much literally. My feet were killing me, but it was totally worth it. We spent about an hour trying to figure out how my GPS (on my phone) would get us to a Thai restaurant. We found one and ate Som Tom, one of my favorite things in the world and then rented another movie (leave me alone, we were on vacation).

Day 4 we drove to the coast and stopped at a cheese factory. Not really what we expected. Lots of families and not much opportunity to really see how cheese was made. So we got ice cream instead and even though we stayed less than 15 minutes, Nolan insisted he get a picture in the cow cut out. How could I say no to that?

The coast was beautiful. We headed to Cannon Beach, saw Haystack Rock, drove through Seaside and ate in Astoria. I wanted a Goonie adventure, the closest we got was going into a restaurant, sitting down and realizing it was not what we wanted. We tried to think of an eventful escape plan (before ordering) but couldn't, so we just walked out.

The drive home was beautiful, but I totally fell asleep with my mouth wide open, head bobbing and probably some drool.

Pacific North West Day 2

2009-07-09T12:49:00.005-06:00

Then we went to Multnomah Falls. I love this place. It's like a little piece of Heaven just off the freeway (with lots of touristy people, but heaven is probably like that too, right?). We stopped and got lemonade at this cute stand some girls had up, hiked the falls (a little), Nolan stepped in dog poo (a lot) and Sarah's hair caught on fire (not actually, but doesn't it look like it?).

Then off to the infamous Voodoo doughnuts. As you see by the sign below, they have VERY clever marketing. You should see what is written on their box (I left it off on purpose, children read this blog!), also they have some doughnuts shaped as body parts. I won't tell you which body parts, but it's strangely appropriate for a doughNUT, if you get my drift.
We ate this wonderful thing. I know, I know, it looks gross, but it's divine. Maple syrup frosting and covered in bacon. Seriously. SERIOUSLY.
Then we watched this movie:

of which I really liked. The thought of just finding a place where you fit and moving there is really appealing. Maybe I'll do it sometime.

We then had Korean tacos. SO good. And then rented a movie (hey we like our movies).

Pacific North West Day 1

2009-07-03T16:05:00.009-06:00

Went to Seattle and Portland for a week and it was so fun. Left the rainy weather of SLC and it didn't rain once while in the North West. Day number one was jam packed.

Got off the plane and headed straight to Pike's Street Market.

And then ate the juiciest peach of my life. I kept dripping juice on my shoes. But enjoyed every minute of it- as did Nolan.

There were samples everywhere, cherries, jellies, crackers, peaches. So delicious and so free.

The flowers were AMAZING and cheap. So Nolan bought me a bunch- such a nice boy.

There were street performers everywhere. This guy made this saw sound beautiful.

Then we headed to Portland to stay with Sarah and Joel. They weren't home when we first got to Portland and so we drove around a bit. We ended up in a rose garden that was gorgeous.

I took this picture because it is my exact favorite color.

We arrived in time to meet her relief society presidency and I said premature ejaculation (it was in context of what we were talking about and regarding my profession- I guess you had to be there) and then went and ate at this hipster hang out with carts of food. We ate fries with poutine (cheese curds and gravy) and they were delicious- I wouldn't have believed it.

Nolan and I dubbed it the trip where we try things we normally wouldn't, hence the poutine. More to come on that.

In fact, more to come on all of it- this is only day 1.

The Erin Schefer Project

2009-06-24T13:50:00.004-06:00

Last night my best friend in the world, Erin, played a show at Liquid Joe's. I was running a little late because I was visiting teaching. I asked all of my visiting teachees to join me for the show. Only one was brave enough to come and we had a blast! Vanina is such a good sport.

Ryan and Erin sounded amazing together last night. She played all originals.
Here we are, Me, Vanina and Jeremy listening to the music. Small fan base, but devoted.

Erin has crazy eyes in this picture. But I love them.
Ryan has crazy eyes in this picture. But I love him.
Here we are at freaky Dee's to make the night complete.
Come see Erin play at Lumpy's on July 17th and then again at Liquid Joe's on August 14th. You won't be disappointed. To hear what she sounds like go to her myspace page HERE.

Walkabout

2009-06-23T16:23:00.004-06:00

Every year Aliah and I do our annual walkabout. We always know it's going to happen, but we're never sure when. We just wake up one morning and look at one another and say "Today is the day." That is exactly what happened this morning. The fun thing about the walkabout is, there is no destination. We just walk. Wherever. For as long as we want.

Today we walked into downtown, went to a few shops, decided to go to the gateway, changed our minds before we got there, decided to go to the avenues and then decided to try this new place I heard about and walked down to 300 west and 300 south. It's Bruges Waffles and Frites and the waffles? TO DIE FOR. I don't even like waffles. These were AMAZING. I got the vanilla waffle with belgian chocolate and homemade whipped cream. Aliah got the vanilla waffle with vanilla ice cream. After every bite Aliah said "Oh my gosh". They are so good. Go and try them. I will be back and I want to try his twice fried frites. If they are half as good as the waffles I will be 400 lbs by the end of the summer.

Then we went to the gateway and shopped a bit and jumped on trax to home (I made a dumb footwear choice and walking back wasn't happening). All in all another very successful walkabout!

Fahrenheit 451 Review

2009-06-22T11:09:00.004-06:00

I have decided that since I like to read and I like to read good books and sometimes I write about books that I read on my blog, I am going to start reviewing books. Just in case others would like to know what I think. Maybe you don't care, but I'm going to tell you anyway.

So, here goes. I just finished Fahrenheit 451. It was first published in 1950 as a short story and then published as a book in 1953. For me it had the same feel as 1984, but with an even more captivating story (and I LOVE 1984). It is an easy read, I finished it in just a few hours time, but I didn't want to put it down. The book is a story of a man named Montag, who is a fireman, but not the kind we would recognize. Firemen in this time set fires rather than put them out. They set fires to books. There is a list of over a million books that have become illegal to own and especially read and so the books are burned and the people are arrested. Montag starts to question his purpose and his life and wants to know more about the books he has been burning for years. I loved this book. Maybe it's because I love books and I would hope I would be like Montag and want to defend what is inside them. Ray Bradbury is the author and it's amazing how he was able to capture a lot of our current time 50 years before it ever happened. The distractions of the media, people no longer wanting to be educated and just the distractions all around us, amazing. If you have a couple hours to kill, maybe a plane ride or just a day on the beach or at a park, pick up this book.

I give it five stars.

Happy Father's Day Daddy!!

2009-06-21T11:51:00.002-06:00

I love my friends.

2009-06-18T15:19:00.002-06:00

Even more books for my birthday!!!

Thanks Sarah & Joel, Jamie and Johanna!!

OINK

2009-06-17T12:18:00.005-06:00

Ok, so it might not be the swine flu, but it's been pretty bad. I have been in bed since Saturday night and the few hours I left my bed almost destroyed me. Today I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Yesterday I just wanted to die. I did receive some TLC in the form of homemade chicken noodle soup and a snow cone though- I am sure that contributed to my slow recovery.

I woke up Saturday morning with a sore throat and then was stuck in a terenchal downpour. Citrine sang at the Scottish Festival until we got rained out. It was fun though and we captured some shots of us mid rainstorm.

It was a lot of fun even if it led to my near death experience.

I love singing with these girls and I especially love that my best friend sings with me. I don't get to be with her enough. Here is one of my favorite pictures-

Best Friends Forever.

I may need an intervention . . .

2009-06-07T23:11:00.002-06:00

Life is a Bugs Life

2009-06-04T17:40:00.009-06:00

We went to Florida and successfully went to the beach 6 out of 9 days. It was wonderful. We rode bikes on an island, ate lots of sea food, met up with old friends and went parasailing. And I didn't get burned once. Reapplying 70+ sunscreen every half hour really works!

It was so great to see old friends too. I didn't get to see everyone that I wanted to, but I did spend quality time with Alissa, Melissa, Nate and Aimee and my new friend Rachael. . . and of course the Amy that went with me. We are really good vacation buddies. I have decided I love pandora, also that my nokia phone is virtually indestructible. I also learned that kids really do say the craziest things, Ava kept me super entertained. Life is a highway and I want to ride it all night long.

Here is our trip in pictures:

And yes I do realize my glasses are huge. I like them that way. The more this pale face is covered, the better. Vacation rules.

Insomnia in Florida

2009-05-26T01:47:00.002-06:00

I'm here! It's wonderful! The sun, beach and good company seemed to be exactly what I needed and exactly when I needed it. We went to the beach nearly all day. The sand and the sound of the ocean seemed to calm my soul. I applied 70+ sun block on my entire body, since I learned a long time ago (the hard way) that beautifully bronzed skin just wasn't in my DNA- red painful soreness was more my fate. BUT NOT THIS TIME! As I sit here typing, I am relatively pain free. I somehow seemed to miss (with the sun screen) a small streak on my back which is throbbing, but all in all operation "don't get fried on day 2 of a 9 day Florida trip that would leave you miserable for the rest of the trip" was a success.

Tomorrow- Siesta Key Beach. So so beautiful. I intend on lounging and reading and talking and swimming and loving every minute of it.

***One of my favorite things- friends that are just friends- no matter how far away they live or how long it's been since you've talked, just picking right up where you left off and it feeling as though you had seen them just yesterday. And there are still more of those friends to come!

Unfortunately my insomnia did not take a vacation, but at least I get to blog.

I will upload some pictures when I can.

Gosh I needed a vacation.

5/19/78

2009-05-19T12:59:00.009-06:00

I'm faking.

Today is my birthday and so far it has been wonderful. Last night, my awesome friends threw me a birthday party. Full of BBQ and chips and brownies. We rigged a white sheet at the end of Maren's yard and used a projector to watch one of my all time favorite movies Superstar. It is so silly, but so awesome at the same time. Here are two of my favorite clips:

Erin and I were laughing so hard throughout, I am not sure the rest of the party was as appreciative. You probably need to watch it ten times to really get the humor. I love it.

Alyssa sent me this wonderful gem of a song, just for me on my special day. Listen to it all the way through. AMAZING(ly awful).

Also many friends bought me books, it was great! I am also told that more are on the way. I am so excited to read all these amazing books (especially the zombie one).

I was also given an amazing original art piece from my friend Matt. Peeps, googly eyes and blood- doesn't get much better than that. It definitely goes with the motif of my room, so that's an added bonus.

So my party was amazing, my birthday was amazing, my presents were amazing. I am pretty sure that this year is going to be amazing. All signs point that way. Here are some pictures from my party.

Birthday with the fam.

Book List

2009-05-13T13:49:00.003-06:00

It's my birthday next week. Last year I had a whole wish list of things I wanted and many were fulfilled- a thoughtful surprise (Alissa) and a locket (Alyssa). This year, I want the gift of knowledge. If anyone is so inclined to purchase me a gift, I want your favorite book. I have this mission, a mission of having a totally awesome book collection. Not just to look at either, but to actually read. I am compiling a list of books I want to read in my life and I am gathering recommendations from all of the people I most respect and trust. This may include you. So please buy me your favorite book . . . or at least let me know what your favorite book is so that I can add it to my list.

Happy Birthday to me.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!

2009-05-10T12:03:00.001-06:00

I love you Mommy.

PROOF!

2009-05-10T01:46:00.010-06:00

So, I graduated. Well sorta. I walked around in my Hogwarts robes with a square hat and received a leather folder that will one day be filled with a very expensive piece of paper- oh and I got these too---------------------------------------->>>

Oh my family loves me.

Monday I start the last of it. I have two weeks of an eating disorder class and then one week in June where I take two classes all day. Differential Diagnosis and Adolescent self harm. So it should be an uplifting summer.

We've had some terrible news. Our Mexico cruise trip has been all messed up due to this crazy swine flu. They emailed me and said that they had rerouted us to Vancouver. Seriously???? Our beach trip was going to turn into a parka wearing, ice capades cruise (ok, so maybe not THAT bad, but definitely not the sunny beaches of Mexico). I am so furious, that I have banned all pork products and kick pigs whenever I can (which oddly enough, isn't very often). So we canceled the cruise. With no refund (jerks), but the intent to go at a later date. I am so bummed. I even bought two swim suits in preparation. Blast.There is a slight possibility that we will get on a cruise to Honduras or Belize, but I am not holding my breath.

Graduation was long and boring, but the result was great . . . relief. Now the real work begins. Finding a job is terrifying. I wish I could work where I did my practicum. I love loved it there. Adolescents and drug abuse, does it get much better than that?

Oh and guess what else? I am turning 31 in ten days. Wow. Where did the year go? I have been telling people I am 31 for the past month. Not sure why, I guess I am ready. One big change will be where I go to church, that has yet to be determined, but I think a family ward is going to be the best fit for me. I have a feeling it's going to be a great year. A party will soon be announced so keep your eyes and ears open for the news.

Here are some graduation picture highlights. ENJOY!!!

Doesn't my robe look unusually larger than everyone elses? Oh and I don't have a red thingy because I didn't want to pay an extra 20 bucks for a stole of gratitude. I felt incredibly ungrateful on the day though, so I probably should have just done it. Ah well.

MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE

2009-05-08T12:09:00.002-06:00

Ok, or maybe just social work.