Barbaloot Suit

It's National Peanut Butter Day!!

2012-01-24T11:04:00.003-07:00

I'm trying to figure out how to celebrate. Reese's peanut butter cups, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, peanut butter and celery? Probly just a straight spoonful of peanut butter from the jar. Crunchy, of course.

Also, I've been thinking lately that it might be really boring to be a baby. I mean, they can't do anything but lie down. Maybe sit up if someone is willing to hold them that way. What if they're thinking, "Man, if I could just lift my head up things would be SO much better!!" Or, "I want to stretch my legs, but they just keep going back into the frog leg position."

Or maybe they don't care.

And another thing. Captain Crunch cereal tastes really good if you just eat it dry. But it's not so good with milk. Why is that? It rips your mouth to shreds either way you eat it, though.

Too Many Things

2012-01-13T10:17:00.003-07:00

I've found I can't just concentrate and do one thing at a time anymore. If I'm watching TV, I have to have my banjo or guitar out and try to figure out songs. Cuz that makes for some great practicing... If I'm reading a book, I also have music in the background and I'm probly making a CD. Even right now, I'm in the middle of writing a document for work, listening to music, doing bank statement things and a blog post. Why can't I just do one thing? What did I do to shrink my attention span and how can I get it back? I can't even just sit down and read a book anymore. I have to have things going on in my head, in the background and I'll stop every few chapters just to find something new to do for a minute. I need to slow my brain down.
How?
Does anyone else have this problem?
I blame technology. I'm so used to getting things so quickly, that now I can't just slow down and wait.

Also, I keep having dreams about TV shows I've never watched. It's weird. I don't know anything about the show, so how can I dream about it? And why am I dreaming about TV shows anyway?

Apparently it's 2012

2012-01-05T08:35:00.003-07:00

I guess no one in my neighborhood made resolutions to exercise more. Or if they did, their schedules are different than mine cuz I haven't had to fight anyone for the treadmill at the clubhouse. Cheers to that.

****

I have a new niece. Her name is Macie and so far she really likes me.

****

I heard Taylor Swift is going to play Eponine in the new Les Mis? It's nice that Hollywood listened to me on the Hugh Jackman thing and all, but I guess they didn't hear me say Lea Michelle would do a better job than Taylor. I think Taylor's great, but she's not Eponine.

****

I'm liking the "warm" weather we're having, but I severely distrust it. It just means it'll probly be snowy and cold all the way into April.

****

Happy New Year! My word for this year, I just decided, is EXCELLENT. We should all be EXCELLENT to each other.

Just Some Stuff From This Weekend

2011-12-20T16:54:00.001-07:00

Everyone should get Christmas vacations as awesome as our family's.
-With matching jammies (that we wear for 48 hours straight).

-And me fitting into a seven-year old's boots and looking super glamorous.

-And a counter full of junk food.

-And 3 really cute nephews.

-Card games. (That I always win.) (Don't be mad.)

-And hot tubs in the freezing cold outdoors.

Hope you're having a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Song Questions

2011-12-13T19:32:00.002-07:00

How exactly do Eskimos frolic and play?

What is the Feast of Steven?

Why are we telling scary ghost stories during Christmas?

Why is Michael Buble singing Santa, Buddy?

Does anyone else realize that Baby, It's Cold Outside is kind of a sketchy song?

Who is Jeanette, Isabella?

Did anyone else think it was "Troll the ancient yuletide carol," when they were little?

Sometimes

2011-12-01T14:33:00.003-07:00

Sometimes I try to turn my car off before I put it in park.
Sometimes I buy an entire book of music in order to get one song.
Sometimes my mom finds my dad's old banjo and before she can sell it I decide I want to take banjo lessons.
Sometimes I use my GPS if I'm more than 20 miles from home. Okay-that's all the time.
Sometimes I wish it were appropriate to wear pajamas to work.
Sometimes I think I want to try bikram yoga even though I actually loathe and despise yoga.

What do you do sometimes?

Also, December is my favorite month.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

It's a Good Thing I Don't Stress Often

2011-11-15T20:28:00.003-07:00

In general, I'm a fairly relaxed person. I very rarely get overwhelmed or stressed. It's a good thing, too. Cuz when I do stress, I spend money. Like that one time I randomly went to China on vacation. Or when got on amazon and bought $200 worth of books.

Or like today when I just barely bought this dress. Click on the link. You have to see how cute it is. It's so cute, that I bought it in three different colors.

What? You don't do that? If you find something that you really like, having it in multiple colors in just good sense. Besides, two of the colors are gonna look really cute with my new boots. And maybe I bought some cute clothes for my niece that will be born very soon.

And now I need new hangers for my new clothes.

Someone should probly take my credit card away.

The Awkwardness That Is My Life

2011-11-02T22:00:00.002-06:00

I get called the wrong name a lot. Not sure why---maybe cuz people aren't used to someone my age being called Barbara? Whatever the reason it happens often enough that I usually just respond. I get Deborah and Brenda the most. Even Margaret. But I've also gotten Heather. How that one sounds like Barbara, I'll never know.

The newest one is Laura. But this time, I tried to correct the person calling me that. Cuz we're going on a date. And I corrected him the first time he called me Laura. And the second time. Then I spelled my name out for him when he put my number in his phone. Afterwhich he said, "Okay, I'll call you later, Laura." What? How does B-A-R-B-A-R-A = Laura?

I don't know what to do. I'm pretty sure he's the one that should feel awkward for consistently getting my name wrong, but I'm pretty sure I'm the one that's totally uncomfortable about it.

Don't Pretend You Haven't Been Dying to Know What I Did This Summer

2011-10-24T13:50:00.000-06:00

*Warning---there may or may not be lots of pictures in this post. But I may or may not have had an epic summer that I want recorded and shared.*

I went to some great movies, concerts and plays.

Like Aida at the Scera

Benton Paul at Sammy's. Is it just me, or does my foot look creepily tiny in this picture?

Outdoor concert featuring the entire Abbey Road playlist.

Monte Carlo with cousins. (And no, there is no sarcasm involved when I say it's a great movie.) (Okay, maybe a little bit of sarcasm.)

Played in the mud...

...at the Dirty Dash

...and on an epic slip and slide.

I scootered.

And defended my Leg-wrestling Champion of the World title.

And reconnected with old friends. Not old in age---but old as in I've known them since I was seven. SEVEN! And the four of us haven't been together like that since high school. And we talked for three hours and still didn't talk about all we could have and I loved every second of it and I love that those three girls are such a huge part of my life!

I went hang-gliding.

And remember how I told you about climbing that awful mountain? Here's the proof.

I made it to the top of this thing!

Here's the glacier of death. I swear it's ten times more steep than it looks.

And here I am with the brothers I still like even after they guilted me into hiking with them.

I Already Cried and It's Only Week Three

2011-10-05T10:20:00.004-06:00

It's ridiculous how well reality TV manipulates my emotions. Stupid sentimental music and slow-motion montages. One of my favorite people on Biggest Loser won the weight loss challenge this week and it made me cry. Plus it kept his team safe and so they all cried and so I kept crying. Ridiculous.

Also, maybe watching JR Martinez' story on Dancing with the Not-So Famous People made me cry.

Also, maybe I cry watching Anne of Avonlea. And Gilbert won!!!

Hugh has never made a movie that made me cry, but I still love him. And nearly three years ago I wrote about how much he needed to be Val Jean in a musical movie of Les Mis. Clearly Hollywood reads my blog since it's happening now! I hope they give me tickets to the premier cuz I totally deserve them.

Finally, I really wanna tell you guys about all the awesome stuff I did this summer, but I'm waiting to get all my pictures first. Soon. I hope.

I almost forgot---you really need to watch The Sing-Off of NBC!!! More than any other show---except maybe Psych. But for real, it's amazing! SUCH talented people, AMAZING judges AND Vocal Point is on there and I've been in love with them since 2006. And one of the singers of Delilah is in one of my most favorite bands ever in Provo. So watch it. And fall in love with them.

Most Hated Plot Line and THE FINALS!!

2011-09-26T13:47:00.002-06:00

First, the bad news. I don't think I can watch The Ringer. I kinda wanted to cuz I rather like Sarah Michelle Gellar, but it's not working out for me. And it's not just cuz I don't like seeing her play a helpless, weak, non-vampire-slayer. It's weird seeing her get beat up knowing that if she really wanted, she could totally hurt someone, right? But what really bugs me is the pregnancy plot. I hate when people pretend they're pregnant. How does that even work?! You can't use that story forever. Who are these people that don't have enough common sense to realize they should drop the act and tell the truth? ASAP. It was one of the many reasons I could not deal with Glee. That much stupidity is just offensive. Ugh.

Now, the good news: no one voted for Harry in that last round. Bless you all. It came down, as I predicted at the beginning, to Hugh Jackman vs. Gilbert Blythe. Don't know how I'll make up my mind on this one... Also, I have to apologize for my huge error in leaving out Jim Caveziel! What was I thinking? He could have been added as himself, as the Count of Monte Cristo, or as his new character in Person of Interest. Either way, he is an honorary winner in my heart. Him and Joel McHale.

I Almost Died Before Round 4

2011-09-06T08:54:00.004-06:00

Seriously. Almost died. On Mt. Timpanogas. Remember one time when I said I hate hiking? And that I never, ever wanted to hike Timp? Well, somehow I ended up doing it. I blame my annoyingly persistent brothers who changed the date they were going just so I could go. How do you say no to that? I'm not gonna lie---part of it was enjoyable. But not enjoyable enough to outweigh the scary parts. Or the part where I almost died sliding down a glacier. Okay, maybe I didn't almost die, but other people did. I'm talking broken tailbones, bloody legs...all that. I was overly cautious and thus, came out physically unharmed but mentally destroyed. I'd give you pictures of the Snow Slide of Satan, but I don't have them yet. Maybe next time. I think I'm scowling in most pictures. Or giving a not-very-sincere smile. And the hike is LONG! Longer than a marathon. Whatever. I did it and can confidently say I'll never do it again.

And now time for round four. Since this is gonna end up with three winners---I'll take the two with the most votes for the final round. And if one of them is Harry Potter I quit.
Guy Patterson vs. Gene Kelly
Harry Potter vs. Hugh Jackman
Jack Callahan vs. Gilbert Blythe

Round 3 and Some Letters, Cuz I Multitask Like That

2011-08-23T08:07:00.003-06:00

Dear Blender-
You're the worst! By your very name one could assume you blend things together, but the smoothie I just ate (you can't drink chunks of fruit) would suggest otherwise. The only reason you haven't been thrown away is cuz I'm cheap and I refuse to spend $100 on something as simple as a blender. That's just ridiculous.

Dear 24 Hour Fitness
Um, if my membership were going to expire, do you think maybe you could give me a week or two notice? Instead of telling me as I go in one day that it's over and I can't work out? Yeah, awesome customer service on that one. But hey, you're still better than Gold's Gym on that front so...that's something.

And now---round three.
Kevin Arnold vs. Guy Patterson
Steve Young vs. Hugh Jackman
Harry Potter vs. Brian Mills (Taken)
Michael Buble vs. Gene Kelly
Ferris Bueller vs. Jack Callahan (While You Were Sleeping)
Emmett Cullen vs. Gilbert Blythe
I personally think this is the easiest round. I really hope you guys don't disappoint me and pick Harry over Brian cuz that's just wrong.

Round Two!

2011-08-01T08:22:00.002-06:00

Alright. I've calculated the results both from comments and from randomly asking some friends. I eliminated a few categories that didn't get a whole lot of interest (shame on you people!) and we're down to 11 brackets. Here are your new ones.

Neil Haskell (SYTYCD) vs. Michael Buble. I put these two together because they both got all the votes in their previous categories. This is definitely a tough one. Neil is really really good looking, but so is Michael. Plus he can sing. And I do love singers. A lot. I think I vote Michael.

Kevin Arnold (Wonder Years) vs. Riley Poole (National Treasure). They both pretty geeky, so it's a good match. I think I pick Kevin on this. Riley's always gonna be off treasure hunting and getting trapper in scary situations. Kevin's life is much more calm and safe. I prefer that.

Amos Lee vs. Guy Patterson (That Thing You Do). Cuz they're both musical? I know-it's a stretch. Guy is one of my favorite leading characters and drummers are very hot. But Amos is real. And makes amazing songs....I'm going with Amos.

Apollo Anton Ohno vs. Steve Young. Based on the fact that I would watch football WAY more often than speed skating, I'm going with Steve. If Apollo would shave his facial hair, he may have beat him out, though.

Harry Potter vs. Ted Mosby. They're not even remotely similar, but I hate Harry (you guys were supposed to pick Percy) so I don't care. Ted is romantic, has a good job, he's funny...and Harry's lame. I pick Ted.

Stewart Petersen (Where the Red Fern Grows) vs. Hugh Jackman. This is really hard. Because I have always loved Hugh and word on the street is that he really may be starring in Les Mis like I've always hoped!! But Stewart is my cousin. And he's in some of my favorite movies ever. I'm picking Stewart.

Gene Kelly vs. Carey Grant. Carey is pretty great, but he can't sing like Gene, and he can't dance and roller skate at the same time. Gene for the win.

John Wayne vs. Brian Mills (Taken). I have to go with John Wayne on this. It's close, but I like cowboys.

Emmett (Twilight) vs. Ted Logan (Bill and Ted's). Carlile and Emmett actually tied---so I made an executive decision and picked Emmett. Ted is funny, but Emmett is funny and strong and attractive. Emmett wins.

Gilbert Blythe vs. Mr. Knightly. We could probly just call this the finals---they'll both beat just about anyone else, but putting them against each other will keep it more interesting. Definitely a tough one, but I think Gilbert barely edges out Mr. Knightly on this one for me.

Jack Callahn (While You Were Sleeping)vs. Dmitri (Anastasia). I love Dmitri, but Jack is my favorite. He's unintentionally charming, he's funny and he makes cool furniture.

Shawn Spencer (Psych) vs. Ferris Bueller. Ferris is great and all, but Shawn is more attractive, slightly more mature, funnier, and I just like him better.

Some Really Important Stuff

2011-07-22T08:28:00.003-06:00

First of all, I've listened to this song 7 times already this morning. And it's only 8:30.

Now then, on to the REALLY important stuff. With the help of my cousin, I've created a bracket. Not unlike the kind you see for March Madness. But this one's different. Cuz it is for guys. No, I'm not shallow. This is really important. I need to know who's gonna win Best Guy In the World when put against so many good options. So, I'm gonna list the categories and competitors today. You have have time to give input, make cases for other guys etc. but the real battle begins....next time I feel like posting. So seriously, give me lots of input. Or this post will just stay up forever and you'll get sick of it. Mmkay?

Friday Night Lights: Matt Saracen vs. Luke Cafferty
How I Met Your Mother: Ted Mosby vs. Marshall Erickson
Childhood Favorites: Zack Morris (Saved by the Bell) vs. Kevin Arnold (Wonder Years)
90s Favorites: Joe Hackett (Wings) vs. Dr. John Carter (ER)
Totally Unrealistic Jobs: Shawn Spencer (Psych) vs. Chuck Bartowski (Chuck)
Dads: Jonathan Kent (Smallville-Jonathan Schneider) vs. Brian Mills (Taken-Liam Neeson)
Singer/Songwriters: Amos Lee vs. Ryan Innes
The Triple Threat: Gene Kelly vs. Frank Sinatra
Themselves: Hugh Jackman vs. James Marsden
Past History: Mr. Knightly vs. Mr. Bingley
Athletes: Grant Hill (NBA) vs. Josh Wolfe (MLS)
Olympic Athletes: Michael Phelps vs. Apollo Anton Ohno
BYU Athletes: Jimmer vs. Steve Young
Mormon Stars: Aaron Eckhert vs. Stewart Petersen
John Hughes heroes: Ferris Beuller vs. Jake Ryan
The Sidekick: Napster (Italian Job) vs. Riley Poole (National Treasure)
So You Think You Can Dance: Gev vs. Neil
Musicals: Jack Kelly (Newsies) vs. Guy Patterson (That Thing You Do)
Classic Men: Gregory Peck vs. Carey Grant
Western Stars: John Wayne vs. Clint Eastwood
Vampires: Angel vs. Spike
Twilight: Carlile vs. Emmett
Boy Next Door: Gilbert Blythe vs. Wesley
The Other Brother: Nathan Steed (Work and the Glory) vs. Jack Callahan (While You Were Sleeping)
Canadians: Michael Buble vs. Joshua Jackson
The Idiot: Ted Theodore Logan (Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure) vs. Lloyd Christmas (Dumb and Dumber)
Cartoons: Dmitri vs. Prince Phillip
The Supernatural: Harry Potter vs. Percy Jackson

I Wish

2011-07-08T22:44:00.004-06:00

I wish people knew that you don't have to come to a complete stop at roundabouts.
I wish all Rob Thomas songs would be banned from the radio.
I wish summer would last for 9 months.
I wish Christmas would last for 2 months---without eclipsing Thanksgiving.
I wish this song was more popular than this song.
I wish it weren't illegal to own penguins.
I wish Friday Night Lights, Psych and Chuck would never, ever be canceled.
I wish lettuce tasted like chocolate.

Singles Vaccination

2011-05-03T08:40:00.001-06:00

I drove past a drug store the other day that advertised "Singles Vaccination." I didn't realize that being unattached had turned into an epidemic. But hey, if they've got the cure, I'll subject myself to a shot.

Then I looked again and it said "sHingles Vaccination." Rats. I'm not really familiar with shingles, so I looked it up. Wikipedia says, "It is characterised by pain and a blistering rash that occurs along the nerves...The disease starts with tingling, itchiness, or pain on an infected person's skin. After a few days, the disease causes a blistering rash."

I'm not sure if singles or shingles is worse?

And hey, it's my birthday! For my present, go here and read The Barrel. It's great.

I Don't Know What to Title This Post

2011-04-20T19:56:00.001-06:00

This past weekend I attended my grandma's funeral. Lois Taylor Dayton. At the risk of sounding crazy, I had really been looking forward to it! My grandma was an amazing woman: she was strong, beautiful, giving, sweet, loving, funny...just so many wonderful things and I will miss her like crazy. But she was also 101 and had been without her husband for nearly 10 years. We may not have been ready to lose her, but she was ready to go. The funeral was wonderful. It was such a blessing to be with SO many loved ones and to feel my grandma's spirit during that whole weekend. I love nothing more than family gatherings and with my grandma's passing, the reunions of that generation will most likely become less frequent and so I wanted to take advantage of being with everyone this weekend. Especially my brothers. There are so many of us that being all together is rare, but everyone made a huge effort (like flying in from China) so it could happen. I was also honored that one of my Uncles asked me to accompany my sister-in-law singing a song he wrote about his mother. I've always loved my Uncle Lyman's music and his song was so beautiful. I've been listening to it constantly, and he said I could share the demo recording with you. Unfortunately, I don't know how to put a song on here out of my itunes folder... Awesome. If anyone wants to teach me how, I'll let you. In the mean time, pictures!

Most of my immediate family that came at the cemetary.

Of course it's impossible to get a decent picture of everyone, but at least this is all 12 kids with my parents.

My parents in the receiving ling.

The pallbearers: 8 of her grandsons.

Choir rehearsal for the 47 of the 49 grandkids and spouses that were there. We sang the closing song, "Oh, What Songs of the Heart." Or, for some of us, we tried to sing the closing song. There wasn't a lot of sound coming out of my mouth.

This isn't everyone that made it---many had to leave directly after the funeral. But here's the family picture we got of Lois Taylor Dayton's kids, their kids, grankids and great-grandkids outside the church.

*Awesome photos courtesy of my awesome cousins, Damian and James*

My New Best Friend

2011-04-05T08:32:00.004-06:00

I love her. I can't get enough of her. She makes my life so much better. When I'm having a good day, she makes it better. When I'm having a bad day, she helps fix it. When I feel skinny, she makes me look amazing. When I feel...not skinny, she boosts my esteem. She's the best thing that ever happened to me.

She only has one drawback. She makes me a little lazy. See, I have this thing where I really don't like the process of washing my hair. It's so tedious and time-consuming!! Blow-drying isn't pleasant. Styling is hard. But with my new best friend, I don't have to do it nearly as often!

Bless the makers of my new best friend, Dry Shampoo!

That's an actual picture of me. If you think I look different...it's cuz I'm basically a new woman with this dry shampoo. Now, instead of washing my hair three times a week, I'm down to two!! Stop judging.

In other news: the April issue of The Barrel is out. Hooray! I would read it for the pretty, spring cover alone (which you can't see because I failed in trying to put the button on this post) as I'm currently longing for warm weather and pretty flowers, but there are actually fun articles as well! Bonus.

My Bucket List

2011-03-16T10:15:00.002-06:00

So, I know this author. Well, I fake know her cuz there's been some blog commenting back and forth. Anyway, she wrote a book and I want to win a copy of it. Cuz it looks good. And I just read three books in two days and am out of new books to read and want another one. And also, I think she was being facetious when she said she was "giving" us an idea for a blog post---but really, I needed it. I was starting to think I'd have no posts at all in March. I do hate March, so it makes sense. Still, the blog was lonely. But anyway, anyone can enter the giveaway by writing their own Bucket List and linking back to her blog. I mean, I'd rather you didn't enter cuz then my winning chances go way down...but if you want to be selfish like that, go ahead.

Bucket List---in no particular order
1. Fly first class. I don't care where---I just wanna fly first class.
2. Pet a real-life penguin.
3. Hang-glide.
4. Change my last name.
5. Learn this song on the guitar.
6. Learn to play the organ.
7. Go on a Mediterranean Cruise.
8. Put up curtains in my house.
9. Bungee jump. Again.
10. Win a book in a blog giveaway.

What's your bucket list?

A Veritible Smorgasbord

2011-02-24T20:53:00.002-07:00

I know smorgasbord usually implies food, and there's no food in this post, I just think it's a fun word.

I just read that CBS is dropping Two and Half Men cuz of Charlie Sheen. I've never watched the show...but if I were the kid on it (whatever his name is) I'd be pretty ticked at Charlie. I mean, some tool of an actor destroys a show cuz he's self-absorbed and this kid is the one that's paying the price. Not cool.

******

Also, I'm pretending to be a medical professional again cuz I have new behavioral disorders to discuss.

1. "Hovercraft Harry/Harriet" This is what people do when they want your attention and you're clearly busy. They hover nearby. And they think that it's not grossly irritating that they're just floating around your personal space while you're on a phone call, talking to someone else, etc. Drives me to distraction...which I suppose is their point. But really, catch my eye, tell me you need something when I have a second and walk away. Don't hover and definitely don't try to talk to me when you can see I'm busy. Not cool.

2. "Monotony Induced Mistakes" This happens when you do the same, simple thing over and over and start to make mistakes cuz it's become such an automatic thing you miss small changes. Like writing the same document for you boss that you do nearly everyday and forgetting to switch peoples' names. Silly mistake. The cure---take a vacation.

There's another one, but this post is already long so I'm stopping. And tomorrow I'm taking a vacation. I'm going to my least favorite state to visit some of my most favorite people.

I'll leave you with my current favorite song. You're welcome. Also, I think I'd like to marry the man who's singing this.

Things I Love

2011-02-14T13:30:00.001-07:00

I started writing this post about a week ago, but clearly I'm not that original as there are a few posts floating around today with lists of things people love. Anyway, here's mine.
1. Penguins

2. I love going to bed on Saturday nights knowing I can sleep in the next day.
3. Soccer

4. I love this song
5. Starting a new book
6. The rain
7. Hide-a-bed couches
8. Girls' night (which apparently usually involves me dressing up in some way)

9. Two year olds

10. Cloudless skies

11. Muscle twitches
12. Barefeet

13. Germany

14. Summer

And in case you were wondering, I did get my treasure hunt yesterday. There was much yelling and confusion while a bunch of kids (ages 40, 32, 28 and 26) looked for their presents (Utah Senate blankets courtesy of this awesome lady). My dad had way too much fun this year making the hardest hunt ever that left people moving furniture, searching trees outside, and looking for something rustic that kept people warm (no, it wasn't the Navajo blanket).

Because Valentine's Day is FUN!

2011-02-09T14:45:00.001-07:00

I think Valentine's Day gets a bad rap. People waste too much energy being angry at cupid when really they should be directing their anger towards St. Patrick. I don't care if you're single, married, 5 or 55, it's a great holiday and if you don't believe me then you need to move out from underneath your rain cloud.

You know what Valentine's Day means? An excuse to give someone you love something sweet. How is that a bad thing? Or how about special holiday candy. You don't have to be dating anyone to appreciate that. It's the best time of year for cheesey romantic comedies which are high on my list of things I love. Very high. It results in magnified colors of red whever you go. Red is beautiful and makes the world prettier.

And finally, my family happens to have the best two traditions for Valentine's in the whole world. First, my mom's side of the always mails Valentine's to each other (all pictures below come from the 80s, hence the awesome style).

I loved getting the family chains and personalized cards with school pictures and seeing them on the bulletin board all month.

My older brother and I were the only ones home my senior year of high school. He didn't want to participate in the family card making so as a joke (and cuz it was easy), I mailed out an old picture of the two of us in our jammies to the family.

That was the year we got more compliments on our card than ever before.

Even better is our family treasure hunt. I don't love this because it results in presents at the end (although I'm not complaining about that) but because of the competition. Racing around the house trying to beat my brothers to the finish line, hearing each other yell about how there is only ONE blue cupboard in the house and it's not there!!, or they checked all the horizontal mirros and didn't find anything!!, taking perverse pleasure in the fact that there have been angry tears as a result of not finding clues (sadly, I have no pictures of that), or getting locked in the garage...some of my best memories come from Valentine's Day treasure hunts. (And yes, Mom and Dad, this is my not-so-subtle hint that despite my age I'm still expecting a treasure hunt this year.)

If you're not looking forward to this day, then find someone you love and figure out something, big or small, that they'll appreciate to make their day better. I promise it'll be worth it.

Do You Know What's Not a Good Idea?

2011-02-02T07:55:00.004-07:00

Leaving your bedroom window open all day when the temperature is in single digits! I was gone from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. yesterday and when I finally walked into my bedroom to go to sleep I about died it was so cold! Seriously, my floor felt wet it was so cold, the pillows felt frozen and my 2x2 heating pad could only do so much.

Also, I think Groundhog Day is so lame. Who looks to a rodent for weather predictions? Do you know what I do to rodents? I shoot them. True story. That's me below, shooting one. Or many.

In other news, a new edition of The Barrel is out. Hooray! I still don't know how to put a picture of the magazine on my blog, so just click on the link, okay? Okay.

I Am A Mormon

2011-01-26T11:00:00.001-07:00

I've never written my beliefs down on this blog. Not because I wasn't sure, or was ashamed or avoiding, but because I'm usually silly or sarcastic on this blog and there is nothing silly or sarcastic about my testimony. However, I attended an institute class the other night led by a director of the More Good Foundation. He talked a lot about the LDS presence on the web and the importance of having positive LDS websites and discussions to counteract the anti-Mormon stuff out there. They're making huge strides in youtube, facebook and lots of other sites, but he encouraged everyone to play some role. It inspired me to do my part, however small. So.

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know that I am a child of God, my Heavenly Father. He knows me personally. He knows who I am, what I want to become, what I feel and He wants the best for me. I know I can talk to Him through prayer and that He will listen to me because He loves me and cares for me. I know His Son, Jesus Christ, is my Savior and my brother. He came to earth, He established His church, He performed miracles, He gave us the greatest example of all, and then He chose to suffer for my sins, for my pain and for that of all the world. Because He loves us. And He wants us to return to live with Him again. I know that His church exists on this earth today and is led by President Thomas S. Monson who receives direct revelation from our Heavenly Father to teach us and guide us through this life. I know Joseph Smith was the Prophet of the restoration and it's because of his faith and his work that we have the Church, the Book of Mormon and all the blessings that come with it. I know my family can be together forever; not just in this life but in the life to come and we can receive that blessing in the temple.

I know I am a Child of God. I am important to Him, and I have a role on this earth.

I Liked Them Before They Were Famous

2011-01-19T14:54:00.004-07:00

I think I might be a trend setter. I have all these old movies that I've loved for years, and now the actors in them are big movie stars. Hollywood should just track the stuff I watch to know who's gonna be big in about 5 or 10 years.

Long before he was a creepy magician, Batman or a coke-addicted fighter, I love him as Jack Kelly/Francis Sullivan/Cowboy as he improved the truth to sell papers.

Then there was Patrick Dempsey. I don't really like him these days, but he starred in a little made-for-TV movie called "Lucky 7" several years ago. If you know me at all, you know I love made-for-TV movies and I loved him. Of course, he was in "Can't Buy Me Love" as well, but that didn't resurface till Grey's Anatomy started getting popular.

The rollerblade version of "Karate Kid" and "Rad" is "Airborne." Not only is it one of the best shows ever, but it stars two of my favorite people: Seth Green as "The Wiley Man" and Jack Black Augie. If you haven't seen this movie, you're missing out. Yes, I know Seth was in "Can't Buy Me Love" with Patrick.

And finally, there's Hugh. Okay fine---I didn't really know him till X-Men but I really like him and it'd be a shame to have a post about movie stars without him on it.

If you're wondering who'll be famous in about 5 years I'd put money on David Henrie and Jake T. Austin. At least, that's what I'm thinking after watching Wizards of Waverly Place for the past couple years.

*I almost forgot Aaron Eckhart! Sadly, I couldn't find a picture of the seminary movie he was in, "Godly Sorrow" but who could forget his classic line, "What about the pain?" And now he's starring opposite Christian Bale! This also means I've successfully connected all my actors!
Patrick Dempsey/Seth Green: "Can't Buy Me Love"
Seth Green/Jack Black: "Airborne"
Jack Black/Hugh Jackman: hasn't happened, but it should.
Hugh Jackman/Christian Bale: The Prestige
Christian Bale/Aaron Eckhart: The Dark Knight.

Open Letters

2011-01-12T21:44:00.002-07:00

Dear Honda-

I purchased a car from you about 2.5 years ago. It's a nice car. Well done. However, just cuz I bought one, doesn't mean I want another one. Why do you keep sending me emails about your car sales? What makes you think I need more than one car? What makes you think I can afford more than one car? Do you really have people receiving these emails that actually come in to your store to buy another one? Who are these people? I'd like to meet them and see how they live.

Sincerely-
Starting to Get Annoyed Customer

Dear Brad Womack-

I applaud you on ridding yourself of two of the three crazies in your dating pool. In doing so you proved you have at least 5 brain cells as opposed to the standard 2 of most contestants.

Signed,
Person Who Is Shamed to Admit She Watches the Show

Dear Biggest Loser-

What's the deal with not showing the new trainers' faces? It's getting old.

From-
Person Who is Comfortable Admitting She Watches the Show

Dear Chex Mix-

Why do you put pretzels in your traditional mix. It throws off the whole balance and makes me upset. If I were you, I'd leave them out altogether.

Regards-
Person Who is Tired of Picking Pretzels Out of Her Bag

Dear Blog Readers-

I'm supposed to dress up like a Viking on Friday night. Anyone have a Viking costume laying around I could borrow? Oddly enough I can't find my helmet with the horns sticking out...

Thanks-
Barbaloot

New Things

2011-01-06T09:26:00.003-07:00

Things that are new about me in 2011.

-New boots. I like them---but I feel like a poser. I mean, I've never worn boots like this, so what makes me think I can actually pull it off? I feel weird. But I still like them.

-New blog background! Okay, so that hasn't happened yet. But we're working on it. And when I say "we" I mean someone that's not me that won't blow up a computer if they try anything besides emailing and blogging.

-New ward calling. I'm the ward picture-taker now. Best calling ever? I think so.

-New couches. As awesome as it was having a wide open, basically empty living room, I thought I'd be kind enough to provide my guests with a place to sit when they come to visit now.

-New title. I'm a notary public. Or, I will be soon. I just have to actually take the test...

-New Mexico. My new least favorite state.

-New issue of The Barrel.

-New resolve to look not behind me. 2010 was a pretty good year and I have little to no complaints. It'd be easy to spend my time looking back on it and wishing I could relive certain things, but I'd rather not turn into a pillar of salt. So, I'm looking forward to 2011 with the belief that it'll be just as good as, or better than, 2010.

Because I Should Really Finish Christmas Before New Year's

2010-12-31T19:46:00.000-07:00

December moves way too quickly. I vote we eliminate March and make December twice as long.

Since it's nearly 2011, I thought I'd better hurry and put up the rest of Christmas 2010 pictures.

I love the pewter nativity on this coffee table. I loved it so much that I asked my mom for it last year. She said she wasn't sure. Later that afternoon, someone dropped by to give my parents a gift and it was the exact same nativity! So she gave that one to me:) Christmas books are one of my favorite parts of the season. I've read and re-read all of the books on this table. Including the one I got from Rychelle last year. Thanks for that.

I think this is my favorite Christmas spot. The poor cement nativity wasn't even going to get picked at my parents---and I ended up taking pity on it before it went to DI. And I'm SO glad I did! I bought the red runner in Germany two years ago, and I love how that looks under the nativity, and ties the color of the book together. It's one of my favorite Christmas books. I boutht the crystal nativity when I went to the Waterford Crystal Factory in Ireland. It stays up in my house all year long.

And here are Christmas Eve pictures:

Some of the grandkids doing the nativity. I'm particularly fond of the enthusiasm of the Asian angel in the top right.

Our two Babies Jesus. We were extra holy this year.

The result of trying to do more than just recite Luke 2:1-18: The sheep's head is off, the donkey sat up, one of the Baby Jesus' is getting angel accessories and the shepherds returned to their fields.

My parents with 17 (of their 45) grandkids with new jammies.

Grandma with some of her granddaughters.

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christmas Pictures #2

2010-12-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

I think this is the first time all year that I've posted 3 times in one week. I'm really getting in the Christmas spirit by sharing all these awesome pictures with you guys, no? Anyway.

This spot is an open window (I really don't know what the technical term is) between my kitchen and my living room. It makes the house feel all "connecty." One of my brothers gave me the Grinch doll several years ago. The animated version of that is one of my family's favorite movies. (The Jim Carrey one is pretty great, too.) The Richard Scary Christmas book leaning against the wall is one of my family's favorite books. We love the story of "Abe and Babe, the Bad Twins" best. There were fights over that book---so I got online and ordered extras so we could all have one. I bought the nativity on the red, wooden background from Metal Moms. I love it! It's one of my favorite things I own. The wooden half-circle nativity I bought in Germany a couple years ago.

It used to be my job to decorate the little Christmas tree and I hated it. The branches were scratchy and hard to get into the right place. So why'd I end up with it? Cuz I like all the ornamnets that went with it. And cuz I needed a tree:) The three nativity pieces at the bottom are all ornaments, but they're too heavy for the tree so I left them on the music cabinet. The two other nativities are made of olive wood and were given to me by two of my cousins. Chrissy brought me hers from Jerusalem several years ago---I'm not even sure how many. And this last year, Becky brought me the other after spending the semester studying there.

Christmas Pictures #1

2010-12-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post a lot this month. And by a lot, I mean I was thinking I'd get up to four posts... I love Christmas and have so much to say about it, but I've just been spending all my time enjoying the season instead of writing about it.

So, I started writing a picture post with all my house decorations. Then it was too long. So, I'm splitting things up. Maybe I'll get up to four posts this month after all.

Anyway, this was my first year to really decorate my house. I had just moved in about this time last year and was still in the unpacking phase and didn't take the time to make it festive. Earlier in the month, my parents divided some of their Christmas decorations (that we've seen in their home our entire lives) amongst the kids. It was fun. And it was sad. Sad to think that the house won't always be the same and we'll all get older and things will change. I could live without that. But I did end up with some nice things for my home and so finally did my own decorating this year.

This nutcracker isn't actually mine. It belongs to my brother's family---but they weren't going to put it up this year so I borrowed it. He greeted everyone that came to visit me this month. I think my dad was glad to get rid of it, cuz big kids like to crunch dry noodles in his month and it makes a mess. I think my brothers are sad it's not in the house anymore, cuz they used it to scare little kids.

My niece (who's very cute)(and who is moving to New Mexico next month) (and I'm not happy about it) actually refers to him as a "mutcracker." Nobody's bothered correcting her cuz we all think it's funny.

Several years ago (19 in fact) my aunt took her kids to Germany for Christmas. But her youngest at the time(Becky)was only one so she left her at our house for a month. My brothers and I LOVED having a new "little sister." My parents weren't complaining either.

Our traditional Christmas Even nativity---with new jammies. Becky was a very patient Jesus in the manger that was too small for her.

We loved it so much we didn't want to give her back in January. As thanks for keeping the child, and then begrudingly returning her, my aunt brought this decoration from Germany.

Since I'm such good friends with Becky, and since I love Germany so much, I received it for my own house.

Help/Advice! Please?

2010-12-17T09:16:00.003-07:00

See these cute boys? And their cute parents? (I don't care about the dog.) It's one of my brothers and his family. Well, I get to buy a Christmas present for them. They live down in Arizona. And I really like them. A lot. And I want to buy them something they'll like. Our family usually does games for the gift exchange but I'm not sure what to get. The boys are 6, 9, 12 and 15. And seriously, aren't they really handsome?

Any advice on what to get?

PS-don't judge me for doing this so late. I just got my gift exchange assignment yesterday.

And don't worry-they don't read my blog so you won't give away any surprises if you comment and tell me what to get.

The One Where I Talk About Christmas

2010-12-02T11:00:00.002-07:00

I read this Christmas list off a few blogs recently. Apparently the people who did it were competing for a prize. I'm a little late on that aspect...but I still liked the idea so, in the spirit of being completely un-original, I'm using it.

1. What is your holiday wish for your family?
That the jobs and school taking them away from Utah and away from living close to me will become unnecessary and we'll all live near each other. (This doesn't have to be realistic, right?)

2. What is your Christmas morning tradition?
Forlornly listen to the children outside playing with their new toys while we're banished to our bedrooms to wait for Dad to get home from working at the hospital. Then, when we finally get up, go into my parent's inhumanely cold room, patiently suffer through Mom's ubsurdly long prayer and finally (around noon) get to go into the living room to see what Santa brought. Then, about half-way through, get re-banished to our rooms while Dad goes back to the hospital to deliver a baby and we wonder if there will ever be a Christmas that Dad doesn't have to work.* I highly resent any child that was ever born on Christmas.

3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be?
Is it weird that I don't know? Can Santa bring a boyfriend? I guess that would be decadent.

4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money?
Spend my parents money.

5. What games did you play with your family growing up?
Any games you can play with Rook cards. Oh Heck, Hearts, Golf, Rummy, Speed etc. Or, we'd play The Glob: one person throws a blanket over their head and tried to catch and smother someone else to make them The Glob. Wonder why I'm claustrophobic?

6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood?
Well, I still insist that my parents do Christmas Eve jammies. And I still try and force everyone into the same car (which is clearly impossible at this point) to see lights. And did I mention the whole waiting-for-Dad on Christmas morning thing? Guess who's working Christmas Day this year?

7. Where would you go for a Christmas-away-from-home trip?
Nowhere---I love being home. Instead, I'd want all my family to be here, too. I guess if I had to go somewhere, I'd head up to Cokeville, Wyoming.

What about the rest of you? How would you answer these questions?

Also, it's the beginning of a new month which means a new edition of The Barrel. And I still don't know how to post the picture link. It features all kinds of Christmas ideas (lots of saving money ones so you don't have to spend your parents money either), great recipes to make you gain holiday weight and fun stories. Plus, stories from other bloggers outside of the U.S. with different cultural traditions. So go check it out.

*Don't let my dramatics fool you---Christmas morning was actually always wonderful. Yes, there were interruptions, but it didn't matter. It prolonged the time we sat around the tree opening presents and being together.

Thanksgiving and Such

2010-11-22T14:06:00.002-07:00

Because it's almost Thanksgiving and because I want to show gratitude like everyone else, this is my list of things for which I'm thankful. My brain is a little full right now of all the things I have to get done today (and tomorrow...and the day after that) so I couldn't even think of a decent title for this post. All I had were titles of hymns and elementary school songs running through my head. Anyway, this is my superficial list of "thankfuls" (cuz the non-superficial list would be long. And heavy):
1. I'm grateful for pretzel m&ms (big shocker there).
2. I'm grateful I worked out before I weighed myself today. If I had weighed first I probly would have gotten back in bed, pulled the covers over my head and cursed the world. Oh, and I would have eaten pretzel m&ms.
3. I'm grateful that the ward Thanksgiving dinner that I have been planning will be over and done with in about 6 hours.
4. I'm grateful that I'm learning now, and not later, that planning a dinner for an entire ward is a stupid idea and I'll never do it again.
5. I'm grateful my office is closed Thursday and Friday.
6. I'm grateful for my three youngest nephews. They're very cute and very sweet and very fun to hold.
7. Fine. I'm grateful for all the other nephews, too. And nieces.
8. I'm grateful abc puts episodes of Dancing with the Stars online so I can watch them the next day.
9. I'm grateful for yams.
10. I'm grateful I live in Provo. Very close to my parents and several siblings. (Fine-that wasn't superficial.)

Also, my cousin and her husband have recently started a non-profit business that supports families in third world countries. They are selling handmade clothes, jewelry, bags etc. made by workers in India and 100% of the profits go toward humantitarian projects. Their website has all the information and, lucky for you, there are products that would make great Christmas presents! So go check it out. You're welcome.

Happy Thanksgiving!

iPod Exchange

2010-11-11T16:46:00.002-07:00

First off, can I just say (or write) how upsetting it is to me to start a title with a letter that isn't capitalized? It's just wrong. What's with mac people creating products that start with a little i instead of a big one?

Anyway, a few months ago, I participated in my cousin, Damian's, iPod exchange. Basically, I gave him my iPod and got someone else's in return to use for a couple weeks. The purpose was to introduce me to new music, remind me of stuff I liked, etc. It kind of did that---but it also reinforced my dislike of some artists/songs. Here are the thoughts I had as I participated:

1. Willie Nelson, although he's really annoying and has lame hair, isn't half bad.
2. I still hate 'Come on Get Higher' by Matt Nathanson.
3. It doesn't matter how sad your song is, if your voice is annoying, I won't like it. I'm talking to you Pearl Jam.
4. Anyone who has George Straight on their ipod deserves a life full of happiness.
5. Second Willie Nelson song. Turns out he is as much of a tool as he looks. Good to know my initial judgments weren't incorrect.
6. I still hate 'Come on Get Higher' by Matt Nathanson. And any other song he sings. Is it just me or do they all sound exactly the same?
7. I'm never not in the mood to listen to Paula singing 'Straight Up.'
8. An entire country list and not a single Rascal Flatts song? The owner of this ipod is the smartest person alive.
9. Ashley Huff's 'Heart of Gold.' First song on the ipod that I'd never heard before and quite liked. Second was Don Williams singing 'If I Needed You' with Emmy Lou Harris.
10. Seven Abba songs in a row makes for a great work-out playlist.
11. Running out of iPod battery when working out=immediate loss of energy.
12. I like my music better than anyone else's.

Letters

2010-11-04T00:15:00.005-06:00

Dear Katy Perry-
Please stop being popular. I don't want to hear your songs anymore. Your voice is like a black hole that sucks all good from the world.

Dear Killers-
You are a dumb movie. You have a dumb concept, made somehow dumber when it's put on film. However, Tom Selleck is attractive, so points for that. And it was smart of you to put Catherine O'Hara in the cast. You must have known you were going to be a dumb movie and that she would be your only saving grace.
You're also the name of a dumb band. Double whammy.

Dear Pretzel m&ms-
Please stop being manufactured.

Dear People Reading This-
There's a new online magazine out that you need to read. It's called The Barrel. And if you click on those words, it'll take you to the site where you can read it. Cool people like Melissa write/edit/design it. And cool people like Shelle write stories for it. And you can win stuff like photography sessions, or a blog makeover. And it's all online so you can read it anytime. And I'd post a picture-link to it, but I don't know how. So just go read it.

Dear Self-
It's nearly 12:30 a.m. and you're getting up at 6:30. Why the heck are you blogging instead of sleeping?

Good night.

It Wasn't My Fault

2010-10-20T19:36:00.000-06:00

Alternate title: Why I Blame Others For My Road Down to You-Know-Where That's Paved with Good Intentions.
I had this plan for my day. It involved work, gym with my friend, institute, then meeting up with another friend. But do you know what happened? While I was at work, I got a text from my friend saying she's sick and couldn't work out today. So do you know what I did? Instead of going to the gym and working out alone, which I am fully capable of doing, I did the opposite. I went to Gandolfo's to get a sandwich. And it was good. And I liked it. And then, maybe I totally skipped institute. But hey, my plans for meeting up with a friend later tonight are still standing.
But that's why it's my friend's fault, not my own, that my good intentions are leading me down the hot place.

In other news, it turns out I have a non-medically-diagnosed case of multiple personality disorder. Awesome, right?
But seriously, I love nothing more than being barefoot, and yet I own...a lot of shoes. I was going to put how many I own, but I don't want you to judge me.
Also, I am hating that the summer is ending, but I am in love with the fall colors I'm starting to see every day.
My favorite TV shows are Biggest Loser and Man vs. Food. No way can those two concepts co-exist peacefully.
And, my "pump up" songs on my ipod are Lose Yourself, by Eminem (don't worry-I linked to the clean version) and Reach for the Stars, by S Club 7. Those songs aren't even kind of similar. I'm pretty sure if they ran into each other on the street, Eminem's song would beat up S Club 7's song. But seriously, both of them get me going on the treadmill (that I skipped running on today...remember?) when all I want to do is push stop and go spend an hour in the sauna.

Maybe can one of my personalities take the punishment for things that aren't my fault, and the rest can still be saved in the end?

Dancing with the Questionably Famous People

2010-10-05T10:02:00.003-06:00

It's not like it's a surprise that I like Dancing with the Stars, so I won't pretend I accidentally saw it last night and am now commenting. The truth is, I watch it on abc.com the day after it airs. Judge if you want. I don't care.

Anyway, I wasn't going to watch this season. They announced the cast and um, it sounded really lame. The few names I did recognize were ones I didn't like. But I was reading a review of it, and decided to watch just the one dance...and got sucked in. Just like every other season. Here are my thoughts thus far (don't pretend that you're not interested).

Florence Henderson. I automatically want her to leave cuz her partner, Corky, irritates me so much. His personality is even more irritating than his name. But this week, she talked about her husband and it was sweet. And then they danced to Edelweiss. I love that song. It's one of the songs that makes me want to cry for no reason. I didn't want to like it...but I kinda of did. Just kind of.

Kyle Massey. Like it's any surprise that I love the Disney channel. But, I never loved Kyle's shows. They were too loud and annoying. And I was prepared to think of him in the same way. But, the dang kid is actually charming in a goofy sort of way. Which, quite frankly, is the best kind of charming there is.

Kurt Warner. Well, he's athletic and attractive. Why would I not like that? Plus, he had a tea party with his daughters. I don't care if it was staged, it was cute and he's my favorite. He also pointed out that it's a positive thing to show "I can dance next to a beautiful woman for six to eight hours a day and still honor my wife." Favorite.

I still don't care enough about the rest of the cast to have an opinion.

Fish vs. Squirrels

2010-09-21T23:52:00.000-06:00

Boys are fish. Girls are squirrels. It's true.

Fish are easily caught. Put something sparkly in front of them and they'll bite without even thinking about it. They are just as easily distracted. If the certain something sparkly doesn't have a substantial hook (she's boring, lazy, high maintenance, involved elsewhere), the fish are just as easily un-hooked and they swim away never giving the sparkly thing another thought.

Squirrels. Now, they're more cautious. They see something of potential interest, like a nut, but they're not gonna rush right in a grab it. Nu-uh. They circle around it, finding out all they can about the nut before they're gonna commit to wanting it. And they'll try and keep the nut from realizing it's being evaluated. Once they've decided they want it, they rush in, grab it, and then hurry and hide it before some other squirrel comes along and creates competition. And the squirrel won't forget about the nut. She'll hang on to it for a good, long while.

There's a reason fish and squirrels don't co-exist. What on earth makes men and women think they can?

I Already Graduated. Thanks.

2010-09-10T13:34:00.006-06:00

I got a packet in the mail the other day from my alma mater. Being that a certain amount of time has passed since I graduated, they want me to fill out a questionnaire. So, I open it and the dang thing is 10 pages long! And, they're making me fill it out with a #2 pencil---making sure I don't go out of the lines. I'm surprised they didn't ask me to come to the testing center to complete it. Good grief.

Anyway, I'm filling out questions about if I read a wide range of literature and appreciate and understand the texts and cultures they discuss....what? I just finished reading Mockingjay. Before that I was busy reading The Alchemyst series. Suffice it to say, there's little to no analyzing going on when I read.

Then, it starts asking me about my writing. Let's begin by saying that I hate writing. Research papers were death, in my opinion. I don't think I managed to ever get anything over 11 pages. And they want to know if I can "tailor my message to my audience," or if I "construct effective sentence patterns." Do I develop my central idea well? Um...I never really have a central idea, let alone develop it. If I weren't so concerned about filling in the bubble so carefully, I'd makes notes in the margin telling them that the only writing I do is on this blog. That I write at the spur of the moment when I get an idea and give zero thought to sentence structure.

I still have 5 pages of the questionnaire left. Do you think they really want my responses? Are they going to take away my diploma? Cuz I wrote a lot of hated research papers to get it, and I'm not gonna give it back.

On a completely unrelated note, look at this picture. Not because I think the movie looks good and am recommending it. Cuz really, I think it looks horrifically lame. And inappropriate. I do, however, like the way he's "leaning."But look at her right arm.

What the heck? Is it over his shouler? Reaching around? Under his arm? What is going on here?

Bad Prediction

2010-08-23T15:40:00.002-06:00

Why does my predictive text write "perverted" before "requested" when I text? Do people really use that word more than "requested?" Cuz that's just weird.

Also, the name Brian comes up "Asian." This is funny to me cuz I have an Asian nephew named Brian. Except he spells it (or rather, his parents spell it) Brien. Oh well.

My phone also chooses "in" before "go," and "he" before "if." It bugs me cuz I use the second options more often.

Maybe what all this means is that I text too much?

MOS and Vacation Anxiety

2010-08-11T16:12:00.003-06:00

I've never made it a secret that I hate hiking. A lot. My dad and a few brothers will be hiking Timp this Saturday morning and I can't go. And I have a good excuse for it. And in reality, I don't want to hike it. Cuz I hate hiking, remember? But I still have MOS (missing out syndrome) and I'm bummed that they're gonna be on top of a mountain without me. It's probly better this way. I'd probly be half hour into the hike and be angry that I let my irrational MOS take over my hatred of hiking. Still...they'll be on top of a mountain. Without me.

And I have another edition of really important questions. Who knew it'd happen twice in a row? Not me.
1. Coconut m&ms versus almond joys? I think I vote for the m&ms...but I'm not sure.
2. Which is better: anticipating the vacation, or being on the vacation? I'm about to go out of town for a whole week and I'm all kinds of excited! I haven't taken vacation time from work since last summer and I'm ready for a break. Not a national holiday kind of break that everyone gets, but the kind of break where normal people still have to live their normal lives, but I get to sleep in, and swim, and relax, and maybe eat too much. But then, I look at the calendar at work, and see what's gonna happen as soon as I get back...and I start to feel like the vacation is coming too soon. I'm just gonna have to go back to real life after it's over. How can I go back to real life after vacationing? How can I go into vacationing with this kind of stress? More importantly, am I the only one who feels this way, or are there other irrational stressers out there?

Questions

2010-08-06T15:51:00.003-06:00

Welcome to today's edition of "really important questions." I don't know why I wrote it like that. It's not like there are daily editions. Or like I've done any other editions for that matter. Nor do I know if there'll be future editions. I just know I like the way that sounded.

Anyway.

1. If you had to choose between chicken or beef for the REST of your life, which would it be?
Personally, I'd go for beef and I can tell you why in one word: Steak. Oh, and hamburgers. And Sunday roast. Okay, maybe more than one word...

2. If you could have ANY pet in the world, regardless of cost, safety, living standards etc., what would it be?
I'd have a penguin. I don't think I need to explain this. Penguins are awesome and everyone should want one.

3. Would you rather be able to sing really well, or dance really well?
I'd pick sing. I'm always a bit jealous when I accompany for great singers. When I see people dance, I mostly just enjoy watching rather than coveting.

4. Which is better: the new pretzel m&ms, or the old crunchy ones?
I'm leaning towards pretzel these days, but that may be because I've had them more recently.

5. Have you ever watched the TV show 'Psych'?
If not, you should. It's great.

24th of July

2010-07-28T19:25:00.005-06:00

Last weekend I headed to my favorite place on earth (besides my own home town), Cokeville. It's a mini-town in Wyoming where my dad grew up and where I've spent all but two Pioneer Days in my entire life.

We started out Friday night with a BBQ out at the ranch...but I have no pictures of that. Suffice it to say, there were s'mores and that's all that matters when it comes to BBQ's.

Saturday morning, early morning, was the David Dayton Memorial 5K Fun Run. Although the term "fun run" is a complete oxy-moron, it was great being with so much family. Below is the picture of all the David Dayton relatives that ran the race. The race official was yelling out directions and no one was paying attention (cuz it's impossible to get lost on a course with zero turns) and so finally just shot off the gun before anyone was even lined up! I'd like to blame the fact that I never found a good pace on the surprise start, not on the junk food I ate the night before.

At 10:00, the best parade in the world starts. It goes up and down main street, and takes 20 minutes tops. And there's TONS of candy! Here we are waiting for the Grand Marshall to get things started.

More of my nieces and nephews waiting.

This float has 4 generations on it---beginning with my 100 year old Grandma. She's the one waving under the very large umbrella.

That afternoon was the Family Flag Football Tournament. Daytons won---because they are awesome. There may have been another team that actually won overall, but I can't remember...

My brother took everyone out to the ranch later that night to set off his homemade bomb. I missed the event...but I hear it wasn't quite as great as anticipated. But hey, at lest the kids waiting are cute, right?

It's a great event. The best things about it are the fact that it brings SO much family together and it's always the same. Right down to the town dinner on Saturday---it's been roast, dutch oven potatoes, cole slaw and cupcakes my whole life.

There's nothing like a celebration in a small town.

All Nines!

2010-07-27T09:20:00.004-06:00

Guys, check out the odometer on my car!

I reached 9,999 miles the same time that I reached 99.9 miles for that gas trip. You can't plan stuff like that! Except that maybe I totally did. And maybe I drove around with a camera in my car for a couple days to make sure I got a picture. And maybe I drove slowly around a parking lot right before it happened cuz I didn't want to try and take a picture while I was driving on a busy road. So what? It's all nines. Isn't that awesome?

I'm Brilliant. Shh.

2010-07-14T23:57:00.002-06:00

I started building a bookshelf for my room today. It's the DIY, comes in a box with all the screws, nails and stickers you need type shelf. I'm no Tim Taylor, but I still feel accomplished after the building is completed and the shelf becomes filled with my massive amounts of books.

Anyway, I'm opening the box, creating my assembly line, and I pull out the provided glue. There's a bright orange sticker on the package that says, "Dangerous if ingested." Well, duh. Anyone that has made it past kindergarten is aware of the fact that glue doesn't belong in your mouth. Without giving it another condescending thought, I began to build and as I was transferring screws, pegs and the like between hands what did I nearly put in my mouth? The glue. Yeah---that knocked my self-assumed brilliance down a few notches.

On a completely unrelated note:Kent on So You Think You Can Dance. I've always like the kid. He seems decent. But the worst thing they could have done to him was make him dance with Neil. Neil is everything that is right with dancing...as far as my limited knowledge goes. Next to him, Kent's previously charming, endearing self seemed trite and immature. Love Neil.

Also, if you know the reference of my blog title, you get 25 fake points. Unless your name is Emily K. in which case you should fully know it and if you don't you should be ashamed. Stop blushin. That's lame.

Computer Maintenance

2010-07-07T23:22:00.002-06:00

Has anyone else ever had bugs living in their computer? I don't mean virus, robotic bugs. I mean real-life, six legs, antenna bugs. Seriously. I just had three (THREE!!!) crawl out of my computer! I'm grossed out. And freaked out. And my skin feels creepy crawly. And now I'll probly have horrid, yucky dreams.

Has this ever happened to anyone else? Is there a way to kill these bugs that doesn't involve taking a sledgehammer to my computer? As satisfying as that would feel, the aftermath of having lost pictures, documents and, oh yeah, an expensive computer, makes me rethink that solution.

I Vote for More Power Outages

2010-06-17T10:10:00.003-06:00

First off, this might be my new favorite version of one of my favorite songs: Listen to it while you read. I promise you'll like it.

I always think it's fun when the power goes out. Kinda exciting and such. It went out twice yesterday while I was at work. Listen, if the phones are down and I don't have to hear people whining at me, I'm not gonna complain.

Maybe one of my attorneys was super uptight about it, though. And made me call the phone company (pretty sure they knew the power was down). And when the power came back and the phones still weren't working? I had to call more people (if only power outages turned off cell phones as well). And maybe he pushed every single button under my desk trying to fix things and turned my computer off more than 3 times. Maybe I was laughing inside cuz I got a kick out of how uptight he was.

But really? It was nice to turn off technology for a minute. At work I always have things pulled up: my work website, my music, my email etc. It was nice to have it all go off, take a break, just talk face-to-face, and listen to the storm. We need more moments in life like that. I think.

P.S. For those of you who care (and really, who doesn't?), my living room is now TV free!! Wahoo!!

Guest Post

2010-06-11T08:11:00.002-06:00

Hey guys. I'm guest posting over at The Real World: Venus vs. Mars today. Come check it out.

Thoughts on Tuesday

2010-06-08T08:58:00.003-06:00

My first thought: this isn't thoughts about Tuesday, it's thought I'm having on a day that happens to be Tuesday. Just sayin.

I love whoever it was that fixed my AC. If I had to sleep another night in 80 degree weather I may have died. By melting.

I'm watching The Bachelorette right now. Yes, I watch that show. Yes, I'm at work. Yes, I'm watching it at work (but all my work is completed right now---don't worry). All I can think is that The Weatherman is such a goober. I feel awkward just watching the poor kid.

I think I actually might be even more awkward than him, though. Bummer.

Getting up early in the morning isn't so hard now that it's not freezing cold outside. I can handle being outside at 6:00 if I don't have to wrap up like an eskimo.

My right arm is sore from dodgeball. Dodgeball---really. How does that small rubber ball have the capability to make me sore? Lame. We played it for FHE last night and I brought some little balls about the size of small cantaloupes. I figured they'd be harder to catch and it would maybe even the playing field for boys and girls. Yeah-I did not take into account how hard the boys would be able to throw them. I think most of the girls in my ward are mad at me now. Oops.

I'll be guest posting over at Real Word: Venus vs. Mars later this week. It's a site about relationships and I'll be writing about how not to speak to those that don't have one. Ironic? First step: if I truly am as awkward as The Weatherman, you can tell me. But please be gentle.

My Mutti

2010-05-30T20:31:00.000-06:00

Memorial Day always makes me think of Mutti. Mutti was my mom's mom. She claimed each birthday that she was turning 26, and was never referred to as "Grandma." It was always Mutti to everyone around her.

Some of my earliest memories are of going to the East Lawn cemetary to visit my Grandpa's grave with Mutti and other family members. This Monday when I go to East Lawn, I'll be visiting my Mutti's grave as well. She's been dead nearly a decade and my memories are stating to fade a little. But I still remember her home phone number. I remember watching Jeopardy on the tiny TV in her kitchen and the weird footstool in her basement that was stuffed with nylons. Kinda creepy. I remember the figurine of a Chinese man fishing that sat on her piano. I remember her always perfectly manicured hands. I remember the Eagle Scout wall with pictures of all her grandsons who had received their Eagles. I remember her beautiful garden and the many flag inspired sweaters she owned. I remember learning how to make apple pie with her, and even though I hate making pie, I'm glad I have that memory. They are all great, happy memories, but I'd trade them all for a chance to see her again. I think she would've loved to do Sudoku puzzles with me. And she would've helped me decorate my house. She would still cook my mom's favorite birthday dinner of salmon loaf and scalloped potatoes while the rest of us avoided it as much as we could. She'd play Rook with us, make homemade chocolates, and continue writing poems. And she'd be so happy to see all of her amazing posterity.

I'm pretty sure she's busy up in Heaven directing choirs and insisting that every member have their music memorized. But I hope she knows how much her family loves and misses her.

Here's the Thing

2010-05-21T08:23:00.003-06:00

So, those people that stand on busy street corners with company billboards dancing around and acting crazy? I don't get it. While I vaguely admire their confidence/lack of shame, their crazy dancing and spinning the sign makes it impossible for me to see what it is they're supposed to be advertising. How am I supposed to know what company is having what deal? I think the companies that do this (seriously, who are they? I can't read the signs) could save a lot of money with a self-standing sign stating their promotion. The dancing people are just making me dizzy.

Bands I Don't Like With Songs I Like

2010-05-12T13:45:00.002-06:00

I get irrationally irritated when a band I don't like comes out with a song I do like. I feel like I'm not being legit anymore. Like I was too legit. Too legit to quit. But now I'm not legit. I'm unlegit. (Bonus points if you know that movie.) I mean, these are bands that really irritate me: their voices, their style, their name etc. It all combines to serious irritation.

That being said, here's some songs I like from bands I don't like.
-Soul Sister by Train. Serously though, that Drops of Jupiter song is lame enough that I can't stand the band or any of their other songs. How does one get drops of Jupiter in their hair. What does that even mean?
-Viva la Vida by Coldplay. But Yellow? I mean, really? And also, Clocks. Just gross. Plus, Chris Martin. Ew. He gives me the creeps.
-Carry this Picture by Dashboard Confessionals. What is a Dashboard Confessional? That's just weird. So is the rest of their music.
-Home by Foo Fighters. In my defense, this song sounds nothing like their usual style. I think Foo Fighters sounds like something a little kid is trying to pronounce but not getting correct. It's annoying. You're grown men. Act like it. Also, Long Road to Ruin is slightly enjoyable. Mostly for the video, though.

Anyone else have songs like they by bands they hate?

Things I Learned Before I Turned 26

2010-05-06T10:55:00.000-06:00

-There is no such thing as too many white shirts.

-You will always run out of windshielf wiper fluid when you need it most.

-Reese's peanut butter cups taste best when you buy the special holiday ones in new colors. They're fresh, so the chocolate hasn't had time to get yucky on the grocery store shelf.

-Pomegranites are totally worth the effort it takes to eat them.

-You will never regret making credit card payments before they're due.

-Soccer players are always the hottest.

Things I Should've Learned Before Age 25

2010-04-30T09:00:00.000-06:00

-Shaving without water is never a good idea. No matter how much of a hurry you're in.

-Even though ending sentences with a preposition is grammatically incorrect (and super irritating), it's impossible to avoid all the time.

-What purpose the freeway belt loop serves. Seriously, where is that thing supposed to take me?

-Glaring at your alarm clock doesn't stop the annoying sound.

-Flossing is a necessary evil. I hate flossing. Hate Hate Hate. Double hate.

-How to put up curtains in a house. My windows look naked.

-Just because you don't tell people when you're birthday is, doesn't mean you won't get older. So, you may as well tell them so you can get presents.

On May 3rd I won't be 25 anymore. Just so you know.

I Shouldn't Admit To Liking Reality TV As Much As I Really Do

2010-04-28T10:17:00.005-06:00

I was already cheering for Evan whatever-his-last-name-is on Dancing with the Stars. Cheering in the sense that I want him to win---not that I voted for him. In my mind, if I don't vote for people then I'm not really sucked into the show, right? Just agree with me, okay? Plus, I really like Evan's partner. I liked her better with Chuck Lidell, but I think that's cuz I liked Chuck better. She's probly still the same person. But anyway, here's a quote from Evan last night which makes me like him even more:

"It's just such a positive show, and there's so much stuff on TV right now that's not positive. You've got murder mysteries, shows about rehab, or trashy love shows. "Dancing With the Stars" is truly a positive show and you watch people go through a brand new challenge and face the fear. And it's a show you can watch with your whole family."

How can you not like someone that says things like that? If only there were more people like him, TV might be cleaner! Maybe, maybe I'm guilty of watching those trashy love shows. And I do like Psych, but that's less a murder mystery and more a mystery comedy where sometimes there's murder. So, that's okay, right? Please. But I've never watched the rehab stuff, so that's something.

Glamour Shot Envy

2010-04-15T14:59:00.002-06:00

Kristina is hosting a glamour shot party over at her blog today and I have turned a serious shade of green.

All my life I wanted to have a glamour shot!! I remember the ones my older cousins got together and couldn't wait till I was "mature" enough to do that with my cousins. I planned so many times what I would wear, how I would pose, how I'd do my hair. Or rather, how I'd have my hair done since I don't know how to do anything besides brush and straighten my hair. I even had a photographer picked out! He took my baptism pictures, my performing-with-an-orchestra-newspaper pictures, our family pictures, he's even promised to come out of retirement for my wedding pictures. (He's not retired yet, but clearly he will be if that time ever comes.)

Bottom line? I never got my glamour shot! I waited patiently to get my braces off: nothing. Waited till I turned 16: nothing. Waited till I graduated: nothing. Not fair. The closest thing I have to a glamour shot it at the bottom of this post which totally doesn't count cuz there was no glamour involved and I never had any delusion that what I was doing could be considered glamourous.

When do I get my glamour shot? If you want to see pictures of the lucky people that DID get their glamour shots, go here.

Did You Know?

2010-03-31T17:55:00.002-06:00

-Youtube has a feature where you can make your own playlists? Where was I when that happened? Okay, I realize that's probly a basic feature that everyone knew about, but I'm one of those people that didn't score real well on the world-smarts portion of life. I'm better with useless facts. My playlist is currently a weird mix of Weezer, Michael Buble and Chopin.

-Americans dislike Shannen Doherty and Pamela Anderson even more than they dislike Kate Gosselin? What? Really America? I mean, don't get me wrong, Pam and Shannen aren't anywhere on my list of people I care about, but are they any better than Kate?

-Despite her ridiculous work-out outfits, (who really works out in a skirt?!) (unless they're a tennis player), the Turbo Jam lady has decent work-out videos. Actually, I don't really like any of her dancey/cardio ones, but she's got a Turbo Sculpt one that works my you-know-what off. And since that's my goal, well then that's actually rather nice. But seriously-I can't take anyone seriously who tried to work out in a tiny, pink plaid skirt.

Teeth Whitener, Eye Brightener, Coverup!

2010-03-29T21:55:00.000-06:00

New magical make-up product from Hare Krishna!

Makes your teeth look whiter, your eyes much brighter and it covers up any pesky skin problems.
Side effects include fluorescent chalk that you cannot remove from your scalp, underneath your fingernails and the bottom of your shower curtain. But it's totally worth it!

My cousin chastised me for my two line post last time. Well, I hope the fact that this post is more than double that in lines makes up for it!

In Retrospect

2010-03-22T15:29:00.002-06:00

Maybe continuing to run after rolling my ankle was not the brightest idea. At least that's what my new cankle tells me.

Apparently I Feel Like Being Random Today

2010-02-26T11:19:00.002-07:00

I'm still not crazy about blogging these days, but I feel like forcing out some random things today. If it feels forced...well, like I just said, it is.

~

I never get sick. It's a weird source of pride for me. And yet, for the past three days, I haven't necessarily been able to breath, my head hurts and I've been forced to gargle with salt water in the morning. I'm not sure what this means.

~

I've never told anyone that wasn't family that I loved them. Because I don't think I do. I might like them a lot, but that's not the same thing. When my friends say good-bye to me it's always, "K bye. Love you." I usually respond with a "See you later." Sometimes I wonder if they notice that.

~

Supposedly I'm going off junk food for Lent again this year. I have no idea where those candy wrappers in my garbage can came from!! I may need some help in the self-discipline area this time around.

~

I used to think I wanted one little girl. Now I think I want none cuz then I will have no money. Every time I see cute little girl clothes it's all I can do not to buy them for my nieces. They I remember that I need to pay for other things like food and mortgage.

~

I'm done forcing. Have a good weekend!

Something New

2010-02-18T11:04:00.002-07:00

So, I have this sister-in-law (actually, I have 11 sisters-in-law) but the one I'm talking about now just started a blog.

She's one of those people that's super, amazingly creative. She always looks amazing and I'm pretty sure it's not right to be as gorgeous and talented as she is. She's one of those people that can pull off wearing a whole bunch of bracelets at once, and big rings on her fingers and it doesn't look pretentious or silly-it's looks awesome. She makes jewelry and it's amazing. I don't wear a lot of jewelry, I don't like feeling things all over my fingers, wrists and neck---but every once in awhile I'll be brave and wear something and more often than not it's something that she created.

She's known me for longer than I can remember. When I was 8 and got my ears pierced she gave me a pair of little silver hoops. She probly regrets doing that now---cuz I only ever wear little silver hoops now. Never take them out. I'm sure she thinks I should branch out.

Anyway, what I'm saying is, she's beautiful and brilliant and she has a fun blog now that you should check out if you want ideas on how to also be beautiful and brilliant.

Ranting Part II

2010-02-10T16:07:00.003-07:00

Guess who has a TV in their living room right now? Guess who does not want a TV in the living room right now? Or ever?

If you guessed me on all of those, you'd be right!!

My roommate decided it would be too costly (for whom?) for her to store her TV at her friend's apartment so she went ahead and hooked everything up and re-arranged the living room furniture while I was at work and couldn't do anything about it. And she and my other roommate agreed that putting her TV in the living room shouldn't be a problem if I'm willing to compromise. Well guess what tiny aspect they left out of that equation? It's MY house and I'm NOT willing to compromise. If she's willing to start paying the entire monthly mortgage then she can store her TV in MY room for all I care. But until then, the TV will be moving out of the living room, it will not be stored in the family room or any other public room and she's just gonna have to deal.

And I told her that. Not quite that strongly...I'm still working on that whole confrontation thing. But seriously, there's no way that there can be any question about how I feel about this issue.

And one more thing. I plan on sleeping VERY well tonight!!!

Recovery

2010-02-07T10:15:00.002-07:00

Thanks everyone for being upset with/for me. It helps to have that when I'm wondering if I'm over-reacting. The good things is-things are fixed. I think.

I never did end up sleeping Friday night---and I even went on a anger fueled six mile run that day. You know, the kind you always read about? I didn't think they actually existed. Anyway, my roommate was gone when I got home from that, and I was leaving for the day, so I took the chicken way out and wrote a note. But I think it was a good thing cuz I was able to explain how I felt and why---something I probly wouldn't have been able to do in person. We talked yesterday and she said that she'll change things back to the way they were Monday. My mama thinks this is just a sign of things to come. I disagree. I choose to believe everything is fixed. On Monday my TV will be back where it belongs, hers will be stored somewhere (I told her I don't want it just hanging out in the family room) and all will be well.

And I still haven't changed my mind about Dear John. Awful movie.

Ranting

2010-02-06T05:51:00.002-07:00

I'm a little uptight right now. It's almost 6:00 a.m. and I haven't fallen asleep yet. It all started this afternoon. I got a text from one of my new roommates (remember how I bought a house? I have people that live in it that pay me rent now) saying her dad had bought her a TV and where should she put it. Well, that's nice and all...but there is already a TV down in the family room. I wrote back and told her I didn't want it in the living room. I grew up in a house where the piano was in the living room and pianos and TVs don't mix. I'd like to keep it that way. So, I told her she could just put it in her room if she wanted because there really wasn't any other place. She suggested putting it where the current TV is...but I told her that didn't make a lot of sense, cuz then where would that TV go? Right? So that conversation was all by text. Then later, I talked to her on my lunch break. Again, said I didn't want the TV in the living room, there was one in the family room...cool that her dad bought her a TV, but she either has to store it or put it in her room. Clear enough, right?

Okay-so I get home from seeing a movie with my friends later on that night (Dear John-lamest movie ever. Except for the Notebook which nothing could be worse than that...anyway) I walk in and guess what? The TV her dad bought her is in the place of my TV that I set up in my living room in my house! What?! Gosh-and my mother thinks I'm passive aggressive? I think this girl takes the cake on that! And, she had unpacked all my movies and put them in the entertainment center that apparently came with her TV. I guess that was nice of her? And she even alphabetized them. But do you know what? I already had them split up into genres and THEN alphabetized. It took me quite a while to get them that way, too. So, I came in and she's watching a movie, and basically I'm kinda speechless. In addition, I don't do confrontation well. Not to mention the fact that I live with this girl and I don't want things to be awkward. Then again, it's my house! Right?

So, where does that leave us? Well, I don't know about you---but it leaves me with one entirely sleepless night, which has never been the case for me before. Not even when I was in school when people supposedly pull all nighters. Seriously, I've slept zero. But I did go down to my family room and fix all my movies back how I want them. But guess what? She threw out the boxes they were in! Why are they still in boxes? Well, I just bought a house---and so things like DVD and book shelves haven't quite made it onto my grocery list at this point. I'm slowly getting the feel of my house and where I want things to go and movies have taken a back seat in the priority process. I want them back in their boxes! And I want my TV back where it belongs! So I've decided when she wakes up today that I'll say I appreciate her efforts at organizing my movies, it was nice of her dad to send a TV, but would she please put my TV back where it belongs. I really hope this goes over okay. Cross your fingers that I survive confrontation and get some sleep tomorrow night.

And seriously-don't waste your money on seeing Dear John. Lame.

Running Out Of Reasons

2010-01-18T12:36:00.002-07:00

I feel like I'm blogged out. I've had a few post ideas floating around in my head, and I just don't feel like turning them into anything.

It's kind of hard cuz I've made good friends through blogging, and been able to stay in touch with family and friends and I feel like I may lose touch with them if I stop. Hopefully that won't happen. And I'll still post if I find something I want to write down. It could be tomorrow, it could be next year. I don't know. But it used to be fun, and it's just more of a hassle now.

I'm not going to delete this blog, I'm not going to go private or declare the blog finished, I'm just not going to write unless I want to. Right now I don't want to.

I Hate Resoluations

2010-01-11T19:28:00.002-07:00

Not mine. I don't make 'em. Not really. I hate other peoples'. Because know what? They all make resolutions about losing weight. So they go to the gym. And they take over!

I had big plans today. I was gonna do an interval/speed run on the treadmill. It was gonna be my best workout of the year so far. So I walk in the gym---and out of the gazillion treadmills they have, 40% of them are broken. No joke. Cuz the resolutioners have worn them down and they haven't been fixed yet. So, of the 60% left, all were in use. With people waiting. So I played on the stair-stepper for awhile. Treadmills still packed. Did the bike for a half an hour. Treadmills MORE packed. Did the poor-mans version of the elliptical. Seriously, that machine was so disgraceful I think I would have lost more calories picking up a remote. Once. Treadmills still packed. So then guess what I did? I left.

I can't wait till February and all those resolutioners leave me and my treadmills in peace.

Best Way To Watch Biggest Loser?

2010-01-05T18:19:00.003-07:00

Eating steak and chocolate.
Bring it on Bob and Jillian. I'm not afraid of you.

Happy Birthday!

2009-12-30T21:56:00.008-07:00

Today I went to my grandmother's 100th Birthday party. She told me she hopes I live to be 100. I'm not so sure I feel the same way... She also told me I was her favorite part of the party. I may or may not have pressured her into saying that.

This picture is of my mom(standing), my Aunt Barbara, my grandma and me at our family reunion this past summer.

My grandma is an amazing woman and it was great to go to her party and see so many of her friends and family who are better people for having her in their lives. If I live to be even half as awesome as she is I'll consider my life a success.

Top Ten Christmas Songs About Which I Have Strong Feelings

2009-12-18T07:20:00.003-07:00

There a a gazillion Christmas songs that could be on this list, but I'm limiting it to ten. And since I already told you about my favorite song, "Thistlehair," it didn't make this particular list.

10. Very Bad. 'Little Drummer Boy." I'm sorry-maybe I'm a huge Scrinch (Scrooge+Grinch) but I cannot stand this song. I mean, playing drums for a baby? A newborn baby? No way is that good for a baby's cognitive development. I realize that's not the point of the song. That I should focus on how nice it is that the little shepherd boy is doing the only thing he can for the Christ child. But the logical side of me (surprisingly, I do have a side like that) can't get past playing a drum for baby. And also, "the ox and lamb kept time." Really? How? Stomping? Swishing tails? It's just silly.

9. Good. Manheim Steamroller's "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." This is the first song on their blue album and it always got me so excited for the Christmas season. If this song was on during our decorating I was much more prone to quickly arrange and display things rather than drag my feet and do as little as possible.

8. Bad. "Linus and Lucy." I mean, really? It's not a Christmas song people! I get that it's on a Christmas movie...but you know what, so is the song you hear George Bailey and what's her face dance to before they fall in the pool. You don't hear that on the radio. Same goes from "My Favorite Things" for Sound of Music. You're taking songs I love and making me angry about them by playing them in the wrong context, people!

7. Good. I'm vaguley ashamed of these two (yeah, they're basically the same so they count as one) but still, I love them: "All I Want For Christmas" Mariah's version and Celine Dion's "Christmas Eve." They're grossly cheesey, but so fun to listen and sing along to in the car. And also to dance to with crazy cousins.

6. Tremendously Bad. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." I struggle with movies and/or books that give animals human characteristics such as, I don't know, talking. (Don't even get me started on a walking, talking pile of snow.) Apparently that carried over to songs as well. Reindeers can't shout with glee. And also, it reminds me of the freakish clay-mation movies that are the stuff of nightmares.

5. Good. "Last Christmas" by Wham. Mostly cuz they say "...but the very next day, you gev it away." Gev. I swear-that's how they pronounce it and it makes me laugh every time.

4. Sort of Bad. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." Now really-this isn't a bad song. And it is as Johnny Mathis claims, arguably, the most wonderful time of the year. But, the part where it says, "...there'll be scary ghost stories..." What? Why? Why would there be ghost stories. Hello, it's not Halloween. I'm fairly certain none of my Christmas traditions involve ghost stories. Okay---and as I write this I may or may not have suddenly thought of A Christmas Carol. But I stand by my original belief: Christmas is not a time for ghost stories. Especially not scary ones.

3. Good. Kurt Bestor's "Silent Night." Just hearing that song makes me feel like I should be sitting by the fire in my parent's living room with no lights except those on the tree and drinking hot chocolate. Or maybe I'll turn some lights on so I can read a good Christmas book while I listen. Either way, there'll be hot chocolate.

2. Tremendously Good. "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas." I mean, whoever sings this some is made of pure awesome and has a voice cuter than a basket full of puppies. I could listen to it constantly during the holidays and still love it. And really, what's the thought process behind wanting a hippo for Christmas? What would one do with a pet hippo? And also, the hippo doesn't talk. I have no aversion to songs about animals who have solely animal characteristics.

1.5. Really Good. I'm cheating---but I have to include the entire Jackson Five Christmas CD. Except for songs 5-7 (which are mentioned in nubmers 10 and 6 on this list). I love Michael's younger voice---and the arrangements are not unlike my number 7 songs where I really just have to turn up the volume and sing in the car.

1. The Most Good. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Mostly, Judy Garland singing that song in Meet Me In St. Louis. Such a gorgeous voice and sweet moment in the movie (even though I'm mad at her for not staying engaged to John Truitt. And even though Tutti a little bit drives me crazy). It's just awesome.

What songs would you put on the list?

The Spirit of Christmas

2009-12-14T21:37:00.004-07:00

I have a couple posts that are swimming around in my head right now that are somewhat sarcastic. Me? I know, weird right? But as I was thinking about posting one, my mom reminded me that today is my brother's 3rd "birthday." And that birthday made me feel much more like posting something positive.

A little over three years ago, my dad called me one night to say my brother Perry's kidneys were failing. Big time. He'd need a transplant ASAP or he'd have to go on dialysis. It was terrifying and heart breaking and I was so scared for him. No 23 year old should ever have to face a life-threatening situation like that. But Perry was. And he was so brave and positive about it. The response to people finding out about his failure was so amazing. Brothers, cousins, uncles, aunts...all were willing to offer up one of their own kidneys to save Perry's life. Our brother Joey grew up knowing about Perry's kidney condition and knowing that he'd probly end up being a donor one day. As soon as he found out about Perry, there was no hesitation on his part. He told Perry he'd always planned on giving a kidney to his brother---and he was ready.

There were a million prayers leading up to December 14, 2006 for the safety and health of Joey and Perry. I know the doctor's hands were guided that day so that everything went well. I know they were both blessed in their recovery.

Joey truly is a modern-day hero. He didn't hesitate for one second to give up a part of himself to save his brother. I'm so impressed by his sacrifice and grateful that today it could give me a feeling of the true spirit of Christmas.

Christmas is such a wonderful season and such a great excuse to open our hearts to serving and loving others. It's also a time to remember our Savior, the miracle of His birth and His sacrifice for us. I hope this season we all have a chance to recognize the heroes in our own lives and the blessing of our Savior.

My Gift to You

2009-12-06T13:06:00.008-07:00

As my Christmas gift to all of you...I am introducing you into my cousin, Becky's, new blog.

That picture is Becky and me at Christmas-time, 1992. Becky was actually supposed to be my sister. But my parents stopped having kids after me...something about 12 being enough? Anyway, that means Becky was sent to my double cousin's family so she would not be left up in Heaven to suffer the almost-similar fate of poor Emily in Saturday's Warrior.

She (Becky, not Emily) also mistakenly went to BYU-Idaho and I'm still trying to convince her of the error of her ways...but for now will have to content myself with the fact that she finally has a blog. The picture below is Becky and me right before jumping off a bridge in New Zealand.

Becky is hilarious, her ability to quote movies is inspiring and her taste in cheesy romance books unparalleled. As my Christmas gift to you, I've provided you with the link to her blog. You're welcome. Go check it out. She even dedicated her first post to me.

Merry Christmas!! What are you planning on giving me?

Get a Backbone. Please.

2009-12-01T13:44:00.002-07:00

I started watching the newest BBC version of Emma today. Against my better judgment. I've never liked that movie and it's not just because Gwenyth is in it. It's a bothersome movie. (That's not to say that it's remake, Clueless, isn't one of the best movies to come out of the 90s.) Anyway, I found out about it from my friend, Michelle's, blog.

I will say this: it's the best version (so far, I'm not finished yet) of Emma I've ever seen. And the girl who plays Emma does a fantastic job of NOT making me want to wring her neck as I usually do in such movies. Harriet, though. Poor Harriet. I mean-if the girl just had a backbone. If she could just make up her own mind. If she just weren't SO desperate to please Emma! Why can't she just marry Robert Martin in the first place? Really-it's ridiculous.

Even more ridiculous? Being so enamored with a painting cuz of who painted it. I mean-was the pastor (preacher? reverend?) so dim-witted as to think Emma would interpret his love of the portrait as his love for her? Honestly.

Anyway, after that marvelous review, here's the link of the first part of the first episode if you want to watch it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIDDka3X-LI&feature=related. One positive thing this movie had going for it: Mr. Knightly finally has a first name. It always drove me crazy that he never had one. Ridiculous.

I realize I may have some people want to stone me for my dislike of this so-called classic. If that's the case, so be it. I have a backbone and will stand by my opinion.

So Freakin Excited!

2009-11-24T08:12:00.005-07:00

Seriously, starting Wednesday at 5pm, this week is gonna be AWESOME! I love Thanksgiving and here's why:

-Family is coming into town! My double cousins have(with one exception, I think?) always been with us on Thanksgiving. This year we also get four, maybe five, of my brothers, and an uncle and his family. This is the uncle that writes awesome music that I love to sit and listen to.

-Earning money. My mom gives us $5 if we quote Psalm 100 at dinner.

-Friday night sleep-over with said double cousins. We're gonna watch an old school favorite, and eat yummy food and then we'll get up in the morning to do Tae Bo.

-Yams. I make the yams. I make good yams. There are crazy people that don't think yams taste good and I try to make them SO yummy that even those people like them. How can you not like food that has marshmallows on top?!

-After dinner, my cousins and I break out our Nutcracker duet book and start the Christmas festivities. Plus, if we play real nicely, we don't have to help as much with the dishes:)

-The day after Thanksgiving, I'll go with my dad to pick out a Christmas tree. And we start decorations. And, the BEST part, we turn on Thistlehair, by Alabama. It's our quintessential family Christmas song. Dad LOVES it, mom HATES it, and the kids love watching the power struggle between the two of them turning it on and off.

-There is a small, local sports event happening on Saturday. Not too big of a deal...just BYU vs. Utah!!

And that is why I am so FREAKIN excited!! I know just how Sue feels.

What are you so freakin excited about?

Sort Of Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-18T14:20:00.004-07:00

As of a couple weeks ago, I own this.

Also, I really want to go to this: http://www.utahchocolateshow.com/

Virtual Shopping Spree?

2009-11-10T08:14:00.004-07:00

So over on Chief's blog yesterday she wrote about the five clothing items she'd buy with an open ended line of "cyber credit." Meaning...the money doesn't actually exist, but if it did, this it what I'd get.

First of all, I'd get this jacket. I used to have it---obviously. Seeing as that's me in front of "Barb's Place" somewhere in Canada. But then it got lost. I have no shortage of jackets, but this was a favorite. And I want it back.

Second, I'd get some Uggs. I spent many months mocking these shoes. Mostly cuz whenever people wore them it was with mini-skirts. A mini-skirt and sweaty-feet shoes? Not exactly a realistic combination. Then I put my friend's on the other day. Holy cow those things are comfy! Her's also happened to be five sizes too big so I tripped about eight times in the 30 minutes I had them on. But, now I want some. I have no idea when or where I'd wear them...but I know I'd love them.

I don't have a picture of my third item, cuz it doesn't exist. I want a magical pair of running shoes. It's SO hard finding good ones! I have really small feet, so more often than not I have to order them. But I also have high arches so I need good support. Or I need to add it in. And then if I run too much I start to get shin splints. I want shoes that make that not happen. For now I've solved the problem by not running. Yeah...not a good solution.

Anyway, I said five things, but those are the only three I REALLY want. That's not to say I wouldn't buy more clothes...I happen to love new clothes. But I just moved into a new house (more on that later) and am still reeling at the amount of clothes and shoes that needed to be moved and trying to figure out how I'll find room for them all. My family likes to joke that I've gone above and beyond the requirement to have a "two year supply" of things and I have my eight year supply of clothes.

What would you buy on your virtual shopping spree?

Random Randomness

2009-11-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

I don't know if Motherboard is doing her Random Fridays with tunes yet. I'm writing this on Thursday and setting it to post on Friday. I've never tried to pre-write a post before. I just write when I feel like it, and then hit publish. We'll see if this works.

*****

I have a serious amount of movies. And I organize them by genre and then alphabetically. My biggest genre is chick flick, but my favorite genre is sports. The most recent addition to sports was Forever Strong. Great movie.

*****

I have even more books than I have movies. Shelves and shelves of books. Some shelves are doubled up. I have boxes of books up in the attic. I just bought a new book yesterday. Libraries are all well and good, but I like to own my books.

*****

I have a lot of music, too. I don't buy CD's as much, because now I just use youtube, playlist, or itunes to listen to what I really want. I have long lists of music that I like to listen to, though. And I own LOTS of piano music. More music than I could play in a week. And you know how I double up my books? I do that with sheet music, too. When I accompany, I put sheet music in those clear page holders. And then when I get a new song to accompany, I put that in front of what I already had. It just keeps getting thicker and thicker.

*****

In the past 3 days I've eaten 12 apples. I think I've become addicted. But there are worse things to be addicted to, right? I don't eat apples whole. I only like them if they've been cut up.

*****

I love Thanksgiving. I refuse to steamroll it by getting into the wonderfulness of Christmas yet. I need to focus just on that holiday. We used to have MASSIVE family gatherings for Thanksgiving. For some reason, those gatherings have gotten smaller and smaller over the years. I tried to make it a big one this year...had my mom invite more of her siblings and what not. But they're all busy with they're own families. Stupid growing up and having new families.

*****

I have only one song for this Friday's tunes: The Future Freaks Me Out by Motion City Soundtrack. Good song. Accurate.

Two Top Fives

2009-10-29T08:27:00.002-06:00

I'm following along with Top Ten Thursday again---but I couldn't really decide on two things I had top ten's to list. So, two top five lists. Lucky you guys!!

Top 5 Things I Did Not Want in my Halloween Bag
5. Smarties. Really? That's what you're handing out for Halloween? Do you hate children? Do you want you home to be egged?
4. Those pumpkin colored taffies. They may look festive, but they taste like metal.
3. Anything sour. I think I broke my jaw eating sour candy once. No joke. The stuff is evil.
2. Kit Kats. I love chocolate---but for some reason, I don't think Kit Kats really have any place on this planet.
1. Candy Corn. Why don't you just give me sugar to melt instead. It's cheaper---and it'd taste better, too.

So, what candy did I buy to pass out at my parent's this year? Kit Kats and sour stuff. It's a survival thing. While I pass things out I have zero inclination to snack.

Top 5 Movies I'm Certain I'll Never Not Wanna Watch
5. Anne of Avonlea. Enough Said
4. Singin' in the Rain. Maybe the story is about Don Lockwood and Cathy Zelden, but I always loved Cosmo.
3. 7 Brides for 7 Brothers. The first musical I ever knew and loved. It's entirely possible I can quote this by heart. (Close behind are Newsies and That Thing You Do.)
2. Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken. With the guy from 16 Candles, only he's way hotter in this. Plus, there's a red-headed side-kick. If that's not a recipe for success, I really don't know what is.
1. She's the Man. Full on hilarious and not even kind of believable. I could watch this movie 5 times in one weekend. Oh wait, I definitely have. With my roommate before she ran off and got herself married. That was a good weekend.

If you wanna play along with the movie top ten, check out this place. Or, you can find out the top ten uses of peanut butter and why I'm going to be eating it very soon over here.

How Do You Go Green?

2009-10-24T12:59:00.006-06:00

Personally, I try to save on bathwater...by putting my niece in the sink when I give her a bath. And hey-while she plays around, I get the dishes done!

And while I did dishes, she helped me by wiping off the counter. (Her idea.)

Being green is SO much fun that my nephew wanted to join in, too.

And some things that are definitely NOT going green:

I am a summer girl. I LOVE the heat! But these Fall colors are out-of-this-world gorgeous, yes? I had my camera in my car and just took a few pictures of the trees around BYU campus. I couldn't get over how beautiful they were.

My mom thinks our neighbor's tree is the prettiest one around.

And here's the pretty fire bush I see every day when I come home from work.

Yes, I suppose the Fall colors make up for the fact that it's not 80 degrees outside anymore.

The Best Thing About Movies?

2009-10-19T23:09:00.002-06:00

The soundtrack. Movie soundtracks can make or break a movie. I mean, when you think about Star Wars, or Jaws or Superman---isn't it all of .2 seconds before you start singing the theme song? And it's not just John William's scores that are amazing. What about Anne of Green Gables? Love that.

Rudy is my favorite movie and I'm not sure if I love it so much because of the music, or if I love the music so much cuz it's a great movie. Either way, if there were one without the other I'm pretty sure I wouldn't own both. Other good movies made awesome by the music: any and all Pirates, Pearl Harbor, Truman Show, Transformers...I could go on.

Master and Commander? Uh, horrid movie. Boring as all get out. The soundtrack? Awesome. Totally own it.

So, this past weekend I watched Collateral. Um...tolerable movie. I didn't love it all that much. Granted, I don't like Tom Cruise or Jamie Foxx, but I tried not to let that sentiment blindly prejudice my opinion. I only do that with Hilary Swank movies. Anyway, there's one scene in the movie where they've included an amazing interpretation of "Air" by Bach. It was amazing---best part of the movie. You might even say it redeemed the movie a little bit in my mind. Thank heavens youtube enables me to listen to it constantly now.

What about you? What soundtracks do you love?

Homemade Oreos

2009-10-15T14:56:00.002-06:00

Our internet is down at home so I'm breaking one of the only rules I made for my work-self and getting on my blog at work. The things I do for this blog... Of course, watching TV episodes, browsing facebook and other peoples' blogs is totally fine at work. Please don't ask me what the difference is.

Anyway, CaJoh is doing Friday Feast tomorrow and asked for some recipes. I'm sending him my fail-proof homemade oreos. Fail-proof cuz everyone likes them and if I ever have the desire to make something for a boy, these are my first pick. These things ridiculously easy to make and so good. The only thing I don't like is that the frosting aspect can be time consuming. Anyway, here's the recipe:
Cookie
2 pkgs Devils Food Cake Mix
4 eggs
2/3 C oil
1/2 C flour

Mix with dough hook
Roll into walnut sized balls (I usually do bigger-who wants a small oreo?) and flatten a bit.
Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.
Frosting
I prefer store-bought frosting, you can pick the flavor of your choice and I'm not all that partial to home-made frosting. But if you want homemade filling:
1 lb powdered sugar
8 oz cream cheese
1 cube margarine

There ya go---hope you like it. I don't know what my deal is, but lately I've been addicted to food blogs. Mostly food blogs featuring desserts. Mostly featuring desserts that are chocolate and peanut-butter centered. There's a chocolate cake I found with Reeses mixed it and used for frosting...pretty sure I'm gonna need to make that. Soon. Maybe for movie night at my brother's this Saturday.

Top Ten Favorite Books

2009-10-08T12:04:00.002-06:00

Gosh-I hardly know where to start, and I'll warn you, this post is kinda long. I just have so much to say about the books I love. I love to read. Love it so much that when I find a book I really like I will basically ignore the world that day and finish it all that same day. I love getting a brand new book and seeing all the pages I get to read. I'm always sad when I get to the end of a book---I get so excited to read a brand new story, and then it's over so soon! Anyway, now that I've revealed how much of a nerd I am (actually, it gets worse; just wait till you see the list) here are my top ten books.

10. True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Ruth E. Avi. I first read this book in fourth grade. Actually, my fourth grade teacher read it to our class and everyone, boys included, loved it. She read a lot of books to us and I had a hard time picking a favorite (Call it Courage, Banner in the Sky, Indian in the Cupboard series...all brilliant) but this one won out cuz I've re-read it the most. I even re-read it that same year with my mom. It's such an exciting book---seriously, all little girls should read this. And, I just found out it's being made into a movie. Yea!

9. The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss. Brilliant stories, fun words, silly rhyming. What's not to love? I'm not joking when I tell you my family quotes Dr. Seuss frequently (probly not hard to believe considering my blog name). I wrote a paper on the story/poem "Too Many Daves," in college. My brother sent us a picture from his mission of somebody wearing pale green pants like the ones in "What Was I Scared Of," and I still can't figure out why the south-going Zax didn't just let the north-going Zax leap-frog over him becuse that would've solved all their problems. It was hard to pick a favorite Dr. Seuss book, but since this one contained multiple stories it won out.

8. Princess Academy by Shannon Hale. I love the stories Shannon Hale writes. The fairly tale aspects she includes are always something new to me and so fun to discover when I read her books. The places she writes about are described so well that it's easy to imagine them as you read along. And the mother figures in her books are such wonderful woman; strong and honest and supportive, really such great examples.

7. Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. One of my earliest memories is of my mom reading these books to me and my three older brothers. It was so fun to sit near her for a half hour or so and just enjoy these stories. Although, I'm fairly certain that my fear of panthers stems from these books cuz I remember Pa being chased by one in Little House in the Big Woods. I don't care if there aren't panthers near where I live, they're still scary! And I was always amazed at how much Almanzo Wilder would eat (Farmer Boy) and it always made me hungry.

6. The Goose Girl series by Shannon Hale. I just read the fourth one in this series last week and couldn't stop put it down. Seriously, I was almost tempted to miss the BYU football game I was so into it. But, since I knew I'd be meeting Pat, T and April, I decided to put the book down for awhile:) The characters in these books are so engaging and fun to read about. I think Shannon Hale did a wonderful job making these new stories from fairy tales. The last one, Forest Born, was so exciting and interesting. I think any girl age 10 and older should read these series.

5. The Work and the Glory series by Gerald Lund. I won't lie---I was obsessed with these books. As in, I've read them all multiple times. It truly was a big reason why I got so into Church History when I was younger. That doesn't mean that when I lived in Nauvoo I looked for Steed Row, or that I actually think Nathan went with Parley Pratt on his mission to Canada---I'm not that obsessed. But those stories made church history more alive to me.

4. Another series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan. This books may have scored higher on my list if I had not just re-read #3 and #1; honestly, they're all interchangeably wonderful. Anyway, I had been talking about Twilight with my then-12 year old nephew and he told me about this new series that he really liked, even better that Twilight that he wanted me to read. I was kinda reluctant, but after he gave me the first book he kept texting to me to see if I had started it. Well, being the awesome aunt that I am, I finally started reading it on a road-trip I was taking with some friends. Coudn't put it down. LOVED it. Riordan did a great job making Greek mythology fun and engaging and I seriously laughed out loud in all five books. Multiple times. When I was reading it on the road trip, my friends kept asking me why I was smiling or laughing or whatever...I felt kinda nerdy when I showed them what I was reading, but I got over it. They are great books. I bought the fourth and fifth ones the day they came out and had them finished that same day. Shocker. I also shared them with a good guy friend last year, this one was 28 years old, not 12, and he also loves them.

3. Enna Burning by Shannon Hale. (I know-could I have more Shannon Hale books on here? Clearly, the woman is amazing.) I was assigned to read this book in an LDS Literature class I took my senior year at BYU. I'm not entirely postive (my last couple years there are kind of hazy) but I think it was taught by this woman's husband. If not, I know I took a class from him---just maybe not that class. Either way, I loved it. I loved the imagery, and the relationships in the story and how easy it was to cheer for the heroine. I didn't know at the time that it was part of a series---but this will always be my #1 favorite in that series cuz it was the first I read and I learned to love the characters through it.

2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I will ALWAYS love this book. It's one of the few I had to read in high school that I didn't hate. I love Scout and Jem's relationship, and I think Atticus is amazing. And have you seen the movie? Cuz that's just as wonderful. When I grow up I wanna be Miss Dubois; a mean old lady who sits on her porch with a gun on her lap and yells at little kids, "Don't you say 'hey' to me, you ugly little girl, you say 'Good afternoon, Miss Dubois.'" Classic. I wanted to put this book at number one so I appeared semi-scholarly, but I had to be honest...

1. Ella Enchanted by Gail Levine. SUCH a good book. It's so sweet and sincere and I just adore it. I could read it over and over...oh wait, I have. The movie was horrid! Seriously, the most awful attempt at book to screen I could imagine. I'm still angry about it. But, to calm the anger, I can always go back and re-read the book. The whole story just feels so genuine.

Alright, I kind of cheated with putting whole series on, but how could I pick a favorite?! And there are so many more I could include (Nancy Drew? Chronicles of Narnia? Not to mention the books that are in the back of my bookshelf---the ones I don't want anyone to know I own cuz they're so cheesy but I continue to re-read them semi-often). I also really enjoy reading biographies...but I usually don't re-read those once I've finished them and every single book on my top ten has been read by me multiple times. Except Forest Born, but that's cuz I just finished it last week.

Check out http://www.itsabeautyfilledlife.com for other Top Tens.

I Got Cut

2009-09-29T20:31:00.002-06:00

At the very young age of seven, I first memorized the BYU fight song. My dad's seasons tickets to football and basketball gave me lots of opportunities to sing it. And sing I did. And I loved it. Except for the part that it's in the exact wrong range. A little too low to sing at the band, but if I go an octave up it's too hight. Anyone else with the problem?

Anyway, things have changed. I noticed the first lyric change about six or seven years ago...one I was mostly apathetic towards. Instead of singing, "stalwart men are true, wear the white and blue..." it was changed to "loyal, strong and true..." I guess they thought stalwart was a tongue twister?

But this newest change...I don't like it. I feel like I've bee kicked off the team. Always before I sang, "WE'RE on OUR way to fame and glory...as WE unfold OUR victory story, on WE go, to vanquish the foe..." Well now, I'm supposed to sin, "YOU'RE on YOUR way, YOU unfold YOUR victory story..." I mean seriously, why don't you just write my name below the line that says "CUT"? What did I do to deserve this? Nothing, I say. So, I'm just gonna keep singing it the way I like it. Cuz I'm pretty sure I'm part of that team.

Top Ten Reality "Stars"

2009-09-24T17:34:00.002-06:00

I realize writing this post will expose just how much I enjoy reality TV...but I think I can at least find a support group with Kristina and Deb , so I'll risk it. Now, this top ten list is comprised of my current top ten reality stars so it means I can't write about Gev from SYTYCD, Pete from Season 2 of Biggest Loser or even New York (not the city or State, but the crazy female whose mother is "always telling the truth even when she is lying!"). And I do realize that I'm using the word "stars" in a VERY broad sense of the word.

10. I can't think of a #10---I did this backwards. I'm sure once So You Think You Can Dance is in full swing I'll have plenty more favorites...but I guess you just get the top nine for now.
9. Michael Irvin: former NFL wide receiver on Dancing with the Stars. I love how he's trying to compete with Jerry Rice and I love when he mouths the words to the song when he's dancing. Hilarious.
8. Laura on American's Next Top Model.The girl seems beyond clueless, but according to the judges takes a fierce picture. Now, I don't know if it's fierce or frightening, I'm just telling you what they say. I just like her attitude---she's very southern country and humble, and really, how can you not like that?
7. Clinton Kelly and Stacy London: hosts of What Not to Wear. Considering my last post, do I even need to explain that? Speaking of which, I just have no idea how to upload my video of that...if anyone knows how and can tell me, I'll be happy to share it. Or at least parts of it.
6. Rev Run and his family: starring on Run's House on MTV. Okay, their lifestyle is definitely not normal or something with which I can relate---but c'mon, it's a family on a reality show that is actually supportive of each other and that communicates and cares for each other. How do you not like that? Plus, one time the mom got confused (okay, she always seems a little confused) but she thought her daughter had bought a mountain lion. I'll never understand the process of how she got there.
5. Can The Soup count as reality TV? Cuz if so, then totally Joel McHale. He's absolutely hilarious---and I'll never get tired of the Whitney Houston clip he plays.
4. Kelly Osbourne: Daughter of Ozzy on Dancing with the Stars. Seriously---who would've thought that the offspring of the most disoriented, dysfunctional couple could make me almost cry? She was darling on Tuesday night, and her mom was crying she was so proud. I'm sure Ozzy would have been too if years of drug use and communing with the dark side had not rendered him incapable. She's totally my favorite of the women right now.
3. Coach Mo on the Biggest Loser. His face looks so sad to me---hopefully that changes after he loses lots of weight, right? But he still is so kind to everyone. I just hope he's always that awesome, and doesn't go all crazy like some other past contestants.
2. Louie Vito: Professional Snowboarder and current competitor on Dancing with the Stars. Seriously-watch 5 minutes of this kid in rehearsals and you'll love him, too. He kind of looks like he has no idea what he's doing....but he tries so hard and I love watching him and Chelsea together.

1. Chuck "the Iceman" Lidell: Mixed Martial Artist and former UFC champ now on Dancing with the Stars. I might like this man even more than I liked Ty Murray when he was on. He started out the first week so clueless, and I got a kick out of watching him try to remember to smile while he performed. I hope he's on the show for a good long while.

Who are you favorite reality stars?

Check out Sara at Domestically Challenged if you wanna do your own top ten.

Why Is It Monkeys and Not Monkies?

2009-09-18T12:42:00.005-06:00

And really, why moose (plural) and not meese? Or at least mooses? Weird.

I'm linking up to Motherboard today for Randoms and Tunes, FYI.

*I went to the State Fair Wednesday night for the sole purpose of going on the Yellow Slide. LOVE that thing.

That's me with my cousins, Hilary and Garret. Also known as Celery and G$. At least in my phone.

*When people start to say the word "BBQ" I always think they're going to say my name. Kinda bugs. One time I convinced a boy that my middle name was "Q." Just Q---it didn't stand for anything. And that my family called me Barbie Q. He was mad when I told him the truth.

*I made some other boys mad when I told them that I had grown up in England and moved here when I was 16. Apparently my accent is THAT good that they'd believe me. They were angry when I told them I was joking.

*My old roommate, Emily, and I used to watch "What Not to Wear" together all the time. (We also watched awesome things like Biggest Loser, Laguna Beach, What I Like About You, She's the Man...I'm sure we did other things besides watch TV but I can't think of what right now). Anyway, we worked together and there were some issues with the dress code---so we shot a professional video of "What Not to Wear: BYU Independent Study Version." It was awesome. She was Clinton and I was Stacey...as far as our attitudes. Anyway, it's probly the coolest thing anyone has ever done at the place. And our kind-of supervisor TOTALLY took credit for it when it was finished. Said it was her idea, what she had done to work on it...let me tell you, she did NOTHING other than give her permission for us to work on it during our regular shift. I was angry---but also really passive so I never confronted her and her name is listed as Executive Producer. Lame. Whatever though, the video is still AMAZING. They should consider using it on the real show. Maybe I'll write TLC...

*I drank three 16 oz. glasses of water between 8 am and 11 am today. Hasn't made for the most comfortable work day. Just sayin.

TUNES:
1. I Can't Smile Without You-Barry Manilow
2. Within You-Ray Lamontagne
3. Over the Rainbow-Eva Cassidy
4. Honk and Wave-Limbeck
5. Forget the Flowers-Wilco
6. Be Calm-Fun.
7. Somday-John Legend
8. All Will Be Well-Gave Dixon Band
9. I Was Made For You-Rivers Cuomo
10. Stand out-A Goofy Movie

Those are all on my playlist at the bottom of the blog if you wanna check them out. And really, you should want to.

I Must Be A Better Actor Than I Thought

2009-09-14T20:04:00.002-06:00

So, I'm sitting in church Sunday before the meeting starts, reverently listening to the prelude music and pondering things of great importance (cuz, you know, that type of behavior really exists in a singles ward...) and this guy asks me, "Hey, will you teach Sunday School for me next week?" My immediate response: "Nu-uh. No way." He blinked and kind of sat there a second. I think I heard crickets chirping between us. Then, "Wow. I don't think I've ever had anyone turn me down so vehemently." I think he thought that would make me feel a little guilty and I'd retract my initial response. Wrong. I proceeded to explain to this fellow that I'm petrified of teaching. That when I was a Relief Society teacher I got sick every week, and stressed and hated, nay--loathed it, and how I will never, ever teach Sunday School cuz there are boys there. Way too scary. And he responds, "Really? You're so outgoing that I would've never guessed that."

Wha? Um...does he know me? At all?

I then reminded him I was in the ward a good 6 months before we ever even spoke. That it's basically like pulling teeth to get me to play hostess to game nights. That when given the choice between a movie with 2 or 3 friends and a monster party, I'd pick the movie LONG before the party. After thinking about it for about .2 seconds he agreed---and asked someone else to teach.

Random Things

2009-09-09T20:48:00.003-06:00

First, I would like you all to take a second to recognize the monumental event that just occurred. I posted videos on my blog. Real-life videos. I've never been able to do this before. Unlike Kip, I am not such a fan of technology. Also, if you only have time to watch one video---make it the third one. It's less than a minute and you won't regret it. Unless you have no soul---in which case I can do nothing for you.

Now, on to some random things.

1st: you're going to want to watch this video twice. I promise, it won't make any difference.

2nd: Why am I wasting my time learning how to Pop it, lock it, polka-dot it when I should be learning this dance?!

Whatever happened to all the manufactured British bands? Steps? S Club 7? A Teens? The world is a darker place without them.

3rd: if you don't think this joke is funny, then you're dead inside. Just sayin.

What Do You Do At Family Reunions?

2009-09-03T17:17:00.008-06:00

Do you...

...Hang out with your 14 year-old nephew that has no business being taller than you? (Same with the 13 and 11 year old nieces, and 12 year old nephew.)

...Have a monster slip-n-slide for the little kids?

...Or the big kids?

..Or the gorilla?

...Have two year olds struggle with swimsuit modesty?

...Or one year olds struggle with swimsuits in general?

...Have so many photographers that it'll take 8 years to make it through ALL the pictures taken during the week?

...Participate in strategic planning sessions for the Gold Medal (aka Snickers) in Family Olympics?

...Get confused and embarrassed after you hold hands with the wrong dad? (Understandable when there are 11 to choose from.)

...Stay up till 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. every night playing volleyball and soccer?

...Attempt to fit 27 adults and 42 kids into a cabin with 40 person capacity?

No? That's just my family?
Good to know.

Top 10 Things That Made Fiji Awesome

2009-08-27T07:28:00.000-06:00

Sara at Domestically Challenged has this new thing: Top Ten Thursdays. I thought my trip wrap-up in Fiji would work well for that, so here goes.

10. Walking on the beach at night. The weather was SO perfect!! After trying to squeeze in all the activities we could in Australia and New Zealand it was great to get to Fiji with no set plans and just relax in the warm weather.

9. Seeing this guy catch a fish while we were walking. I tried to get a non-blurry picture, but I don't think that guy was crazy about us taking pictures so this is what you get.

8. Running into the missionaries in Nadi. (PS-they pronounce it Nandi. Who knew?) Even better? They were wearing dress-skirts-lava-lava things.

7. Hard Rock Cafe. Enough said.

6. Our awesome hostel that wasn't at all creepy.

5. We were a little nervous about the cleanliness and such, so we used out t-shirts as pillow cases. And we pushed our beds all together cuz it's fun..not cuz we were arguing about who would sleep closest to the door.

4. Day Cruise=AWESOME. So pretty. So fun. Blue water. White beach. Apparently I can only use two-word sentences to describe the wonderfulness thereof. Do you know what I did there? I went scuba-diving. That's HUGE for me. HUGE! I have this thing where I'm terrified of the ocean and all things inside it. I've never even wanted to scuba dive...but when the Fijian guy was talking about it, for some odd-spontaneous reason I signed up. I'm not gonna lie, I was too freaked out the whole time to really appreciate it and I'm most likely never gonna do it again as long as I live...but at least I did it the one time. Right?

3. Being mermaids. In theory it was a good idea but once the idea was carried through the massive amounts of salt water in both my nose and ears dampened the activity.

2. I told you; pretty pretty beach. Can you believe a place like this really exists?!

1. Seeing this guy at our hostel reading Twilight! I know it's fuzzy. My cousin that took the picture was trying to be sneaky and not have the guy realize what she was doing. C'mon, whether you like the books or not, it's kind of awesome, no?

Verdict: Pretend that for some odd reason I have lots of money when I get married: I'm fully going there on my honeymoon. The only thing I'd change? Maybe not stay in a hostel with inordinate amounts of geckos and questionable bedding.

Defying Gravity. And Death.

2009-08-23T11:53:00.007-06:00

First I defied death. Many times. I hate driving. I hate it in Utah when I drive on the right (literally) side of the road. But then I went and did it in New Zealand! On the left side of the road, but the right side of the car. It was weird. And many times I would try and turn my blinker on, but guess what? The blinker mechanism is on the other side in these cars, so I would turn on my windshield wipers instead. It happened way too many times.

Do you see the crazy speed of the cars around me in this picture? They were going 100 mph!! Oh wait, that was kilometers. JK Still, it was scary. But, I prayed for help, and I can promise you I got it. Hence the being able to come home in one piece.

As far as defying gravity, I mostly just helped it along when my cousin Becky and I went bungy jumping. Marie was too scared/sensible to join us.

These are the bathroom signs. I'm not really sure how that would work out...

Here I am getting multiple safety things attached to me.

And here I am taking the dive. I wish I would've jumped instead of just falling. I think it would make the picture more exciting. But hey, the jump was pretty amazing by itself. Seriously-it's one of the most exciting things I've ever done! I got a post-card of this picture and I REALLY wanted to send it to my parents before I got home to surprise/scare them. But alas, the mail would've been too slow. Sad day.

And don't worry, here I am being towed back up to safety.

And now I'm able to enjoy the amazing New Zealand skyline after surviving my fall.

In case you were wondering which one I liked more; I would bungy jump a MILLION more times before I rented another crazy car.

Scenery and Such

2009-08-19T22:48:00.005-06:00

One of the best parts of New Zealand was how amazingly gorgeous it was! My cousins and I went on a day hike just outside of Rotorua in a rain forest type place that was very green and very lovely. There were double rainbows as we drove home that we tried to capture, but my digital just couldn't fully show how beautiful it was! After the hike, we stopped at a natural hot spring (shockingly enough it smelled of rotten eggs!) to take a little swim.

Of course you HAVE to stop for pictures when you see a ginormous chair like this.

There were sheep everywhere!

See?

This is at Piha; a black beach where they filmed the second Johnny Lingo. It was SO amazingly beautiful! We had the place basically to ourselves for a good hour and half and had fun hiking around, playing and jumping in the waves, and taking crazy pictures. We wanted to stay for the sunset, but I was a little nervous about driving back on the winding, rainy road so we decided to forego that option.

I can't explain why, but I just think this picture is great. I love the outline of the feet in the review mirror. So relaxing and carefree.

Coming up: the two craziest things I did in New Zealand.

New Zealand, Part I

2009-08-14T18:58:00.005-06:00

I don't know how many parts there will be to New Zealand. I just know I really loved it there and have lots of pictures.

We landed in Auckland on Monday evening and headed to the house of strangers/friends. Thanks to Royce (PS-where the HECK are you?), who hooked us up with this amazing family. We had so much fun staying with them. We had a big Family Home Evening that night (which included Tim Tams as treats!). The girls started doing a native dance for us...then dragged my cousins and myself in to dance with them. I'm sure they regretted that since we (or at least I) looked very foolish. Anyway, I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about these people and I'm SO glad we got to meet them while we were there. Hopefully they come to Utah soon since my return plans to New Zealand are in the distant future.

The next morning we got into our rental car (more on that later) and headed down to Rotorua. On our way-ish we stopped in Hamilton to see the LDS temple there. It was beautiful! It is the same model as the Swiss temple, and one of the first temples built outside of the United States. I was not aware of that until this trip.

More of the three-headed beast.

Then we continued on to Rotorua which, quite frankly, smells awful. No joke---smells like rotten eggs. My cousin Becky was, for once, grateful for her allergies which prevented her from smelling it. Marie and I just tried to not inhale very deeply. The reason for the smell is the sulfur in the area. The nice thing about it, though, is the natural heat in creates. Here we are in our hostel that had heated floors which were awesome in the 55 degree weather! We laid our clothes out on them at night so they were toasty in the morning.

There was a naturally heated mineral pool in our hostel. It felt amazing, but you could only stay in it as long as you can stand smelling like rotten eggs. Hence the plugged nose.

We took a walk that evening (Tuesday) around Rotorua. The scenery (and the wind coming off the harbor) more than make up for the smell.

Before we left for New Zealand, another cousin told us about this thing called the Zorb and said we HAD to try it. I'm so glad we did! It was a blast. Basically, you get inside these large rubber balls and are then pushed/rolled down the hill. We did the water version, so our balls were filled with about a foot of warm (thanks heavens!) water that sloshed around while we rolled. It was amazing.

Here we are after---by the official "Zorbonauts" sign. The hill we cruised down is behind us. We're freezing here cuz we're back out in the cold. But it was fully worth it. I can't wait till the bring something like this to Utah!

And now, I have been wanting to tag-along on Motherboard's Friday tunes that she puts up, so I finally am! But I'm only doing 5 songs cuz it's already a long post.
1. Within You - Ray Lamontagne
2. Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
3. Tune Out -The Format (great road-trip song)
4. Stella's Theme - William Joseph (this guy is fully LDS)
5. Write You a Song - Plain White T's

Now, I'm off to a party cuz it's Friday and I'm single so apparently that's what I should be doing!

Sydney, Australia

2009-08-10T23:45:00.005-06:00

First stop on the crazy trip I took with my cousins was Sydney. We had a delayed flight, missed flight and lost luggage---but finally made it there and headed straight for a ferry to take us across the harbor to the Taronga Zoo.

Here are the three of us in front of the opera house. Me, Marie and Becky.

I wish I could kiss a penguin in real life...they're my favorite animal. But it looks like I'll still have to content myself with plastic ones for the time being.

This zoo was amazing and we were able to get really close to some animals. This kangaroo ate out of my hands!

This would be me eating kangaroo steak that night. Seems a little evil I suppose after I played with his cousin, but it tasted really good:)

We took a taxi to the Sydney, Australia temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that night. We just had a google map and pointed to where we wanted to go. The driver was definitely confused, but luckily when we got close it was there lit up like a beacon and we spent a few minutes taking pictures and wandering around.

'Member how I said luggage was lost? Yeah-this is the result. I borrowed a dress from my cousin for church, but when we were walking around afterwards, I had to use my tennis shoes cuz my feet were too small to keep wearing hers. Plus, it was kinda chilly outside, and so even though I'm morally opposed to leggings I had to wear some to keep me from freezing. Maybe my cousins were kind of embarrassed of how I looked and walked far ahead of me...

Here we are in Chinatown---we took a lot of these pictures that I think make us look like a three-headed beast. But how else were we all gonna fit in?

Then we headed on to Paddington market---crazy crowded and busy, but tons of fun! I found a boomerang there for my brother...now we just need to learn how to throw it.

And can you guess who I immediately thought of when I saw this at the convenient store?! My cousins and I bought TONS of these. Every day we bought some to take home...and that night they magically disappeared and we had to buy more!

That's the conclusion of Australia. Up next: New Zealand!

I Need a Vacation From My Vacation!

2009-08-07T12:44:00.002-06:00

I'm back! And I'm exhausted. And maybe a little head cold-ish. And maybe I have bruises up and down my legs and a fat lip from volleyball, scrud and soccer. And a sun-burn. But it was so worth it! Traveling in far off lands was amazing, my family reunion was all kids of fun, and I can't wait to sleep in my own bed tonight!!

I came home to a google reader with about a million new posts! Gosh-you guys write A LOT! Sorry if I didn't read your posts...but I'll be back in the swing of things once I can remember what day it is. Seriously, is it the 5th or 6th?

Pictures coming soon.

Pants, MOS and Vacation

2009-07-22T20:43:00.002-06:00

Do you have a pair of pants that you just love lots? Cuz they always fit, and you can wear them when you really can't wear anything else? If you do, don't wear them and then go on a big fatty rope swing cuz they'll rip. And you'll feel foolish. And you won't have your fit-anytime pants anymore. Stupid rope swing.

I going to have MOS this upcoming weekend. I'm gonna miss one of my most favorite celebrations of the year (24th of July) in one of my most favorite places in the world (Cokeville, WY) with some of my most favorite people on the planet (my family). We go to Wyoming every year to celebrate Pioneer Day (yes, it is slightly ironic that we celebrate a Utah holiday in Wyoming) and I'm missing it this year! But do you know why?

Because I'm going on a monster vacation. To Australia. And New Zealand. And Fiji. I leave tomorrow!!! I should probly be packing right now. So, while I'm definitely sad to be missing out on Cokeville, I will just have to try extra hard to make up for it by having lots on fun in the country where the toilets flush the wrong way. And where they drive on the wrong side of the road!

See you in a couple weeks.

I'm All Shopped Out

2009-07-15T22:26:00.003-06:00

Who would've ever thought such thing was possible? I've never been much of a shopper to begin with...but that didn't mean I wasn't capable of spending money on occasion. And I have always found fun things at the Park City Outlet mall where my family goes every summer. Not so today.

My sister-in-law, Buffy, and I headed out this afternoon to see what we could find. Lucky for both of us, we have similar shopping styles. She's one of the few people I can shop with and still be friends with afterwards. I've learned that if I want to save friendships, as a general rule, I should just shop alone. But I think I even enjoy shopping more when Buffy is there. Plus, she's very familiar with what I wear/own so when I try things on that I really like, she responds with, "Yeah-it's cute Barb. I thought it was cute when you bought it last year, and I still think it's cute when I see you wear it." In other words, a large part of what I pick to try on, I already own. Bless her heart for saving me from double purchases.

Anyway, after about two hours and several stores today...I had bought a total of one shirt. One. It's white and short-sleeved. That's good, cuz right now I only have six other white, short-sleeved shirts in my closet...But, none of them have a square neck like this one. And really, can you ever have too many white shirts?

Life's Best Lessons Are Learned on the Bench

2009-07-08T22:35:00.004-06:00

So, I actually had a t-shirt that said that when I was younger. I got it at a Piano Festival I attended at BYU. Could I have been a bigger nerd? Probly not. So, when I begged all of you for blogging ideas, Erin asked me about piano---specifically, how much I practiced as a little kid. She also asked me my dream calling in church...which totally involves piano.

When I was in my hard-core, playing lots of piano, preparing for competitions, tour, recitals or what have you mode, I probly averaged one to two hours per day. I'm sure if my teacher knew that at the time, he'd have freaked out and told me to tack AT LEAST two more on each day. I'm sure if I had done that, I'd have ended up abhorring the piano despite all the cool things I got to do as a result. Usually the week or so before something big I'd try and put in at least 3, maybe 4 hours, but otherwise I tried to keep it under 90 minutes. And, in keeping with my nerdiness, I spent a huge part of that time sightreading cuz it's what I love most. And it would keep me entertained to try and play different things when I was spending so much time on ONE piece and needed a break. I remember when I was younger my mom used to set the buzzer for how long we had to practice. So while I look like I'm diligently working away in the above picture...I was most likely playing very softly listening for the buzzer because there was no way I was gonna sit at that bench any longer than was required!

Now, I'm teaching this cute little girl and let's hope she doesn't rely on her sightreading skills when it comes time for lessons as much as I did...

My dream calling in church would probly be Relief Society pianist. That may make me sound like a total slacker, but I'm pretty happy being a behind-the-scenes girl. Accompanists are needed, but they're rarely acknowledged. I'm okay with living my life that way.

Patriotism and Shameless Exploitation

2009-07-03T13:52:00.005-06:00

I come from a tremendously patriotic family and the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. I love the music, and the atmosphere and the fireworks and everything. Except parades. I hate parades. I've been listening to patriotic music all week at work and marching around to the beat whenever I walked around. And yes, I looked awesome. My grandma was married to a Colonel in the Air Force and so many memories I have of her involve patriotism in some way or another whether it was her dress or how she would write letters to businesses informing them that their flag was tattered and they needed to replace it.

Last weekend my mama had a big fund-raiser of the patriotic variety. It was a no-kids event unless your child had memorized the Preamble to the Constitution. I had a REALLY cute video of my 5 year-old niece and 3 year-old nephew quoting it...but it won't upload! Can anyone help me with that?! You're really missing out by not seeing it. At least I can include some pictures of the kids being cute in patriotic clothes. The top is my niece, Mia, and in case you were wondering she REALLy likes me. The bottom is my mama with some of her grandkids. I personally think my nephew on the right has one of the cutest smiles I've ever seen.

I Think I Broke My Kidney

2009-06-27T00:34:00.003-06:00

Okay, so that might not be the best thing to say considering my family sometimes has this kidney disease that requires transplants...but seriously, it is the best description of how I feel. I walk like I have scoliosis and I do the pregnant-lady stand. You know, where you put your hand on your back and sort of roll-up out of your chair? Basically, I look awesome.

I went on a super-fast trip to AZ this week for my former roommates' wedding. And while there I managed to have two friends that were awesome enough to take me boating with them. We wake-boarded and as it turns out I'm not very good. Weird---cuz the last time I went was six years ago and I assumed I'd just be amazing. At this point my soreness rivals the worst P90X workout I've yet to do. Whatever. It was fully worth it. See my very white skin in that picture? Yeah, it's mostly hot pink at this point in my life. Awesome.