Monday, December 28, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
california
This past weekend I took a trip to the sunshine state. Wait. That's Florida (and hopefully my next vacation). Nevermind. I took a trip to the golden state :) California! I took of Friday from work, flew to Orange County and spent the weekend with my great-aunt, Judi. We had a great time.
My flight got in about 9:40 am. It was awesome since I left Arizona at 9:20am. It was amazing! Only a 20 minute flight, can't beat that! :) Judi and I went home and dropped off my bags. I said hello to her two dogs, Sahsa and Casey, then we spent the rest of the morning/early afternoon running errands. That night we went to the Carpenter Performing Arts Center at CSULB and saw "RENT."
It was a great performance. The acting was incredible and the voices those people have were amazing! I love going to the theatre. I wish I could do it all the time.
Judi is on the Board of Directors of Musical Theatre West which is the company that produced the play so before and afterwards she was sitting out in the lobby mingling and talking to various people. As we were out there at the end I was given the most bizarre and awkward pick-up line I've ever gotten. I'm still laughing about it! An older gentleman came up to us (and by older I mean older than my Dad). After saying hi to my aunt he then turned to me and asked, "Is it hard breathing out of such a small nose."
Pause. What?!
I was taken by surprise for a minute. I mean, after all, it's not everyday someone asks me a question like that. Then I kind of chuckled and said, "I've never had a problem with it." He then said, "It's just so cute and little like a little button."
Thanks.
I guess.
Weird old man.
Again I kind of chuckled and then he walked away.
Awkward.
Saturday we spent all day. And I mean: ALL day at Disneyland. It was fantastic. I figured out that the last time I was there was in 2002 when my family went for Spring Break. Seven years is way too long to go between Disney trips in my own humble opinion. (You can see the rest of the pics I took on facebook.) We got to the park at about 10am and left at 10:30 that night. I was great! I'm already trying to plan when I can get back there! We at at "The Blue Bayou" (the restaurant that is part of "The Pirates of the Carribean"), I actually went on "Pirates" for the first time ever (yes, I said the first time ever--when we were there in 2002 the ride was closed for maintanence), went on my favorite ride ever (The Haunted Mansion which was all decorated with Nightmare Before Christmas), Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Indiana Jones (which was having techincal issues that morning...but all the cute guys that work on that ride more than made up for the longer time we had to wait in line!), and went to California Adventure as well (the roller coaster there is AWESOME!).
Sunday we went to church, and then had to get back to the airport. My flight ended up being delayed a half hour, but eventually I made it back home to Phoenix! The weekend was short and fast, but I had a ton of fun! It was a much needed break and it was nice to be able to spend some time with my aunt who I don't get to see very often.
My flight got in about 9:40 am. It was awesome since I left Arizona at 9:20am. It was amazing! Only a 20 minute flight, can't beat that! :) Judi and I went home and dropped off my bags. I said hello to her two dogs, Sahsa and Casey, then we spent the rest of the morning/early afternoon running errands. That night we went to the Carpenter Performing Arts Center at CSULB and saw "RENT."
It was a great performance. The acting was incredible and the voices those people have were amazing! I love going to the theatre. I wish I could do it all the time.
Judi is on the Board of Directors of Musical Theatre West which is the company that produced the play so before and afterwards she was sitting out in the lobby mingling and talking to various people. As we were out there at the end I was given the most bizarre and awkward pick-up line I've ever gotten. I'm still laughing about it! An older gentleman came up to us (and by older I mean older than my Dad). After saying hi to my aunt he then turned to me and asked, "Is it hard breathing out of such a small nose."
Pause. What?!
I was taken by surprise for a minute. I mean, after all, it's not everyday someone asks me a question like that. Then I kind of chuckled and said, "I've never had a problem with it." He then said, "It's just so cute and little like a little button."
Thanks.
I guess.
Weird old man.
Again I kind of chuckled and then he walked away.
Awkward.
Saturday we spent all day. And I mean: ALL day at Disneyland. It was fantastic. I figured out that the last time I was there was in 2002 when my family went for Spring Break. Seven years is way too long to go between Disney trips in my own humble opinion. (You can see the rest of the pics I took on facebook.) We got to the park at about 10am and left at 10:30 that night. I was great! I'm already trying to plan when I can get back there! We at at "The Blue Bayou" (the restaurant that is part of "The Pirates of the Carribean"), I actually went on "Pirates" for the first time ever (yes, I said the first time ever--when we were there in 2002 the ride was closed for maintanence), went on my favorite ride ever (The Haunted Mansion which was all decorated with Nightmare Before Christmas), Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Indiana Jones (which was having techincal issues that morning...but all the cute guys that work on that ride more than made up for the longer time we had to wait in line!), and went to California Adventure as well (the roller coaster there is AWESOME!).
Sunday we went to church, and then had to get back to the airport. My flight ended up being delayed a half hour, but eventually I made it back home to Phoenix! The weekend was short and fast, but I had a ton of fun! It was a much needed break and it was nice to be able to spend some time with my aunt who I don't get to see very often.
Friday, December 11, 2009
no future??
So...I went to lunch yesterday with my brother and I'm still bothered and a bit freaked out by something that happened. We went to Panda Express (Orange Chicken, how I love thee!) and after eating I had the customary and traditional fortune cookie. I unwrapped it, cracked it open and...
...nothing.
There was no fortune inside.
None.
What the crap does that mean? Do I not have a future??
Any thoughts would be appreciated....
...nothing.
There was no fortune inside.
None.
What the crap does that mean? Do I not have a future??
Any thoughts would be appreciated....
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
my closet
For those of you wondering what my room/stuio apartment looks like, take a look at this article I found today. It pretty much describes my place, except I do have a closet. And I think my bathroom is a little bigger than theirs. And I have food in my fridge. :)
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/cozy_crazy_couple_makes_tight_studio_R15ToNFTaJE3c17zkw4efP
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/cozy_crazy_couple_makes_tight_studio_R15ToNFTaJE3c17zkw4efP
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
sometimes
sometimes I wonder if I'm really as funny as people say I am
sometimes I wish I could go back to being 16 and make a couple different choices in life
sometimes I want to go up to random strangers at Wal-Mart and tell them what they are wearing is wrong and inappropriate
sometimes I wish I had a personal masseuse
sometimes I when I'm driving to work I want to keep driving until I get to California
sometimes I'm jealous of the fictional lives of my characters
sometimes I wish I were cooler
sometimes I eat brownies for breakfast and I don't feel guilty about it
sometimes I contemplate just getting drunk and forgetting about everything for awhile
sometimes I feel left out in life
sometimes I wonder how much wood a woodchuck really COULD chuck
sometimes I text while driving (okay, actually, that's ALL the time...)
sometimes I wonder why I'm so blessed
sometimes I wish I could go back to being 16 and make a couple different choices in life
sometimes I want to go up to random strangers at Wal-Mart and tell them what they are wearing is wrong and inappropriate
sometimes I wish I had a personal masseuse
sometimes I when I'm driving to work I want to keep driving until I get to California
sometimes I'm jealous of the fictional lives of my characters
sometimes I wish I were cooler
sometimes I eat brownies for breakfast and I don't feel guilty about it
sometimes I contemplate just getting drunk and forgetting about everything for awhile
sometimes I feel left out in life
sometimes I wonder how much wood a woodchuck really COULD chuck
sometimes I text while driving (okay, actually, that's ALL the time...)
sometimes I wonder why I'm so blessed
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Found this list online and it made me laugh because it's soooo true!!
The 46 stages of Twitter
1. Hear the word Twitter. Scoff.
2. Hear it again from someone else. Scoff again.
3. Hear about famous celebrity who is apparently "On Twitter." Scoff, but make mental note to check it out.
4. Log into Facebook to comfort self.
5. Sign up for Twitter.
6. Give up because it seems dumb.
7. Loudly criticize others on Twitter.
8. Follow @johncmayer, @aplusk, @rainnwilson, @wilw, @mrskutcher, @oprah, and one other person you actually know.
9. Post tweet that is a variant of: "Trying out this Twitter thing."
10. Attempt to dig a little deeper into Twitter.
11. Notice rampant usage of words: "Tweet," "Twitter," "Twitterverse," "Tweetie," "Tweetdeck," and something called "RT."
12. Scoff again, this time in confusion.
13. Tell friends you "tried that Twitter thing, but didn't get it and it's stupid anyway."
14. Log into Facebook because that site at least makes sense.
15. Read story about Twitter somewhere.
16. Log back into Twitter.
17. Try to avoid saying Tweet, Twitter, Twitterverse, Tweetie, Tweetdeck, and ReTweet.
18. Respond to @rainnwilson.
19. Curse self for fanning out.
20. Log off for 4 months.
21. Come back, just to see.
22. Post something relatively funny.
23. Get RT'd.
24. Discover that RT means ReTweet.
25. Make it your life mission to get RT'd.
26. Install Twitter app on your phone.
27. No longer ashamed to say "I've gotta Twitter that."
28. Attend events with the sole intention of "Tweeting" them.
29. Pray to get RT'd.
30. Refresh. Refresh. Refresh. Refresh. Refresh.
31. Close computer.
32. Open computer. Refresh. Refresh. Refresh.
33. Think in 140 character sentences.
34. Compulsively check phone all day every day.
35. Tweet that you compulsively check phone all day every day.
36. Alienate actual people in your life in an attempt to impress ones you don't know.
37. Lose weight because you forget to eat.
38. Place phone by bed so you can check first thing in the morning.
39. Defend Twitter to the death from detractors.
40. Hear self, and vaguely recognize that you have become "That Guy."
41. Feel like, and start to behave like River Tam.
42. Vow to quit Twitter to preserve sanity.
43. Read this and change mind.
44. Think to self, "I should twitter that."
45. Recognize irony.
46. Twitter it.
Source: http://www.shanenickerson.com/nickerblog/2009/06/the-46-stages-of-twitter.html
The 46 stages of Twitter
1. Hear the word Twitter. Scoff.
2. Hear it again from someone else. Scoff again.
3. Hear about famous celebrity who is apparently "On Twitter." Scoff, but make mental note to check it out.
4. Log into Facebook to comfort self.
5. Sign up for Twitter.
6. Give up because it seems dumb.
7. Loudly criticize others on Twitter.
8. Follow @johncmayer, @aplusk, @rainnwilson, @wilw, @mrskutcher, @oprah, and one other person you actually know.
9. Post tweet that is a variant of: "Trying out this Twitter thing."
10. Attempt to dig a little deeper into Twitter.
11. Notice rampant usage of words: "Tweet," "Twitter," "Twitterverse," "Tweetie," "Tweetdeck," and something called "RT."
12. Scoff again, this time in confusion.
13. Tell friends you "tried that Twitter thing, but didn't get it and it's stupid anyway."
14. Log into Facebook because that site at least makes sense.
15. Read story about Twitter somewhere.
16. Log back into Twitter.
17. Try to avoid saying Tweet, Twitter, Twitterverse, Tweetie, Tweetdeck, and ReTweet.
18. Respond to @rainnwilson.
19. Curse self for fanning out.
20. Log off for 4 months.
21. Come back, just to see.
22. Post something relatively funny.
23. Get RT'd.
24. Discover that RT means ReTweet.
25. Make it your life mission to get RT'd.
26. Install Twitter app on your phone.
27. No longer ashamed to say "I've gotta Twitter that."
28. Attend events with the sole intention of "Tweeting" them.
29. Pray to get RT'd.
30. Refresh. Refresh. Refresh. Refresh. Refresh.
31. Close computer.
32. Open computer. Refresh. Refresh. Refresh.
33. Think in 140 character sentences.
34. Compulsively check phone all day every day.
35. Tweet that you compulsively check phone all day every day.
36. Alienate actual people in your life in an attempt to impress ones you don't know.
37. Lose weight because you forget to eat.
38. Place phone by bed so you can check first thing in the morning.
39. Defend Twitter to the death from detractors.
40. Hear self, and vaguely recognize that you have become "That Guy."
41. Feel like, and start to behave like River Tam.
42. Vow to quit Twitter to preserve sanity.
43. Read this and change mind.
44. Think to self, "I should twitter that."
45. Recognize irony.
46. Twitter it.
Source: http://www.shanenickerson.com/nickerblog/2009/06/the-46-stages-of-twitter.html
Friday, November 27, 2009
tis the season
I am a firm believer in the fact that every holiday deserves to be celebrated indepenent of any other holiday, so I hold off on getting out any of my Christmas decorations or listenting to any of my favorite Christmas CD's until the day after Thanksgiving (which, in case you somehow lost track, is today).
As I was driving to Blockbuster tonight with my sister Julia, I remembered that I can now listen to Christmas music and excitedly got out my N SYNC "Home For Christmas" CD and popped it in. I skipped right away to my two favorite tracks and made Julia listen to them a couple of times each. As were driving and singing along I made some comment about how much I love them even though I'm not a fan of ALL of their songs (it took me a LONG time to finally warm up to "Girlfriend") to which Julia replied, "All of their songs are good." (My job of corruption is done here...)
Below are my two favorite N SYNC Christmas songs. "O Holy Night" (Me: I think Joey's the only one not wearing anything made of leather. Julia: Good. I'm proud of him.) and "All I Want Is You This Christmas."
As I was driving to Blockbuster tonight with my sister Julia, I remembered that I can now listen to Christmas music and excitedly got out my N SYNC "Home For Christmas" CD and popped it in. I skipped right away to my two favorite tracks and made Julia listen to them a couple of times each. As were driving and singing along I made some comment about how much I love them even though I'm not a fan of ALL of their songs (it took me a LONG time to finally warm up to "Girlfriend") to which Julia replied, "All of their songs are good." (My job of corruption is done here...)
Below are my two favorite N SYNC Christmas songs. "O Holy Night" (Me: I think Joey's the only one not wearing anything made of leather. Julia: Good. I'm proud of him.) and "All I Want Is You This Christmas."
Saturday, November 21, 2009
team edward or team jacob
When I was first introduced to the "Twilight" series, I became an instant and devoted member of Team Edward. How could you not love him? He is the perfect gentleman and is completely devoted to Bella. Although his actions are often stupid and he can be a bit self-righteous and stubborn, his intentions are always good and his heart is in the right place (after all, we have to remember he is only 17 years old...how many 17 year olds are really all that bright??). I have dreamed over the last several years of finding my "Edward." I never understood why anyone would be on Team Jacob. Jacob irritates the hell out of me in the books. He's cocky and can be a real jerk sometimes. I hate that he comes between Bella and Edward and forces her to make a choice between them. I hate that he promised he would never hurt Bella but he does it anyway when he makes her feel guilty and torn about her feelings for him and their friendship. And (don't read this if you haven't read the series and you don't like spoilers...) I hate that he becomes a pedofile and imprints on Bella's daughter. Can you say gross?! *gag*
Last night, I may have swtiched sides.
He's still cocky and can be a real jerk, and it still gives me the creeps knowing how everything ends and who Jacob ends up with but...he is HOT! I now have a new appreciation for Jacob.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
interpreter needed
Below is an actual response that someone in my online class posted today. Anyone care to interpret it for me? I don't have a clue what the guy is trying to say. Maybe if someone introduced him to spellcheck??
"I was curios as tp why the author of my text staede that the easiest portion of data collection is the data analsisi. This portion seems to be the first portion that is susetabele for mistakes and error. It seems it can genrate doubt and confusion if not processed correctly."
"I was curios as tp why the author of my text staede that the easiest portion of data collection is the data analsisi. This portion seems to be the first portion that is susetabele for mistakes and error. It seems it can genrate doubt and confusion if not processed correctly."
Sunday, November 8, 2009
the state fair/kelly clarkson concert
Once a year the State Fair comes to town.
Once a year we indulge in deep-fried goodness, and all things "on a stick."
We feel safe making a fool of ourselves because we know there's always someone "freakier" than you at the fair. No offence if you are reading this and consider yourself one of those freaks. I mean it in the best possible way and say it with a lot of love. What would the fair be without you? :)
This year I wasn't planning on going to the fair because, let's be honest...once you've been once, there's really no need to go again. It's all the same...same hot dog stands, same fried cheesecake, same animals, and the same rides (and while we on the topic of fair rides, who is actually crazy enough to trust those things?!). However, this year I went with my former roomies (and additional significant others) because Kelly Clarkson was performing last night. The concert was great! We had pretty awesome seats (thanks Kristina!), and it was fun having some "girl time" while the guys went to the Demolition Derby.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
did you know that...
I promised somebody I would update my blog. Since nothing really interesting has happened in the last two days (how's the novel coming, you ask? 4,000 words down, 46,000 to go...), I decided to post some useless trivia facts. A) because I like useless trivia and B) I want to see if anyone knows these things for real. Be honest.
Did you know that...
A rat can last longer without water than a camel.
A raisin dropped in a fresh glass of soda will bounce up and down continually from the bottom of the glass to the top.
315 entries in Webster's 1996 Dictionary were misspelled.
Ketchup was sold in the 1830s as medicine.
If one places a tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion, it will instantly go mad and look like it is stinging itself to death. It spasms a lot. :)
Birds have the right of way on all Utah highways.
Dachshunds were originally bred in 1600 to hunt dachs, which is German for badgers. (Historically speaking, 1600 was a slow year.)
A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds. (The reason a goldfish swims back and forth and back and forth across the fish bowl all day long everyday is because by the time it gets to one side of the bowl it forgets what's on the other side of the bowl. Every trip is a new adventure! Hey, I wonder what's over there!.... Hey! I wonder what's over THERE!)
A snail can sleep for three months.
Now you know! :) You can find more useless trivia facts here. Happy Hump-day!!
Did you know that...
A rat can last longer without water than a camel.
A raisin dropped in a fresh glass of soda will bounce up and down continually from the bottom of the glass to the top.
315 entries in Webster's 1996 Dictionary were misspelled.
Ketchup was sold in the 1830s as medicine.
If one places a tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion, it will instantly go mad and look like it is stinging itself to death. It spasms a lot. :)
Birds have the right of way on all Utah highways.
Dachshunds were originally bred in 1600 to hunt dachs, which is German for badgers. (Historically speaking, 1600 was a slow year.)
A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds. (The reason a goldfish swims back and forth and back and forth across the fish bowl all day long everyday is because by the time it gets to one side of the bowl it forgets what's on the other side of the bowl. Every trip is a new adventure! Hey, I wonder what's over there!.... Hey! I wonder what's over THERE!)
A snail can sleep for three months.
Now you know! :) You can find more useless trivia facts here. Happy Hump-day!!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
nanowrimo
nano-whody-whaty?
November is National Novel Writing Month. The goal? To write a 50,000 word novel by midnight on November 30th. The point is to write something, everyday, and see what you are able to come up with by the end of the month. The only limitation is that whatever you write has to be something brand-new. I'm going to be starting today on an idea I have been kicking around for a while. I wrote down a brief description of my characters a few months ago but haven't really written anything on the story. However, that is changing today. So, stay tuned...
November is National Novel Writing Month. The goal? To write a 50,000 word novel by midnight on November 30th. The point is to write something, everyday, and see what you are able to come up with by the end of the month. The only limitation is that whatever you write has to be something brand-new. I'm going to be starting today on an idea I have been kicking around for a while. I wrote down a brief description of my characters a few months ago but haven't really written anything on the story. However, that is changing today. So, stay tuned...
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
backstreet boys...on ice?!
Although I have been a fan for the last 11 years (the first CD I ever bought was theirs and I own all seven of their albums and listen to them still almost every day), my first Backstreet Boys concert was tonight! They performed in Phoenix at the US Airways Center as part of the "Kristy Yamaguchi and Friends" ice skating show. I was a little worried about how exactly the boys were going to perform while on the ice, but everything turned out fine and no, they weren't actually skating while they were singing.
Our seats were literally 20 feet from the stage! And, to make things even funner (more fun?) the show was being taped for a TV special to be aired on NBC in November so, if you catch it, be sure to look for me in the audience! :)
Our seats were literally 20 feet from the stage! And, to make things even funner (more fun?) the show was being taped for a TV special to be aired on NBC in November so, if you catch it, be sure to look for me in the audience! :)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
today
Today I...
...started my 6th Master's class. "Research Methodology." I know. Sounds super exciting, huh? You're all jealous about not being able to be in class with me, aren't you? I knew it.
...found a new cup holder compartment in my car I didn't know I had! How awesome is that?! I mean, come on! You can never have too many cup holders.
...discovered that Rubio's has changed their salad recipes. Not cool, Rubio's. Not cool. Apparantly they missed the memo about all changes having to be pre-approved by me.
...made my friend's day at work by giving her the pictures of Taylor Lautner that were in the GQ magazine I got in the mail yesterdy. Yes, I get GQ. What of it? There are hot guys in that magazine!
...listened to this song about a million times. I love it. Favorite lines: I might have to wait, I'll never give up. I guess it's half timing, and the other half's luck. Wherever you are, whenever it's right, you come out of nowhere and into my life... Enjoy :)
...started my 6th Master's class. "Research Methodology." I know. Sounds super exciting, huh? You're all jealous about not being able to be in class with me, aren't you? I knew it.
...found a new cup holder compartment in my car I didn't know I had! How awesome is that?! I mean, come on! You can never have too many cup holders.
...discovered that Rubio's has changed their salad recipes. Not cool, Rubio's. Not cool. Apparantly they missed the memo about all changes having to be pre-approved by me.
...made my friend's day at work by giving her the pictures of Taylor Lautner that were in the GQ magazine I got in the mail yesterdy. Yes, I get GQ. What of it? There are hot guys in that magazine!
...listened to this song about a million times. I love it. Favorite lines: I might have to wait, I'll never give up. I guess it's half timing, and the other half's luck. Wherever you are, whenever it's right, you come out of nowhere and into my life... Enjoy :)
Saturday, October 17, 2009
tv will rot your brain
But it's oh, so fun to watch!
I really need to get a life...
This past week I have been on Fall Break. Translation: no work, no school, and nothing to do but get caught up on all the TV and movies I've been missing the last couple months. It's like I've been storing up for the long winter that is ahead of me where I won't have as much time to watch the shows I love because of having to buckle down and really concentrate in school.
So...on top of my regular list of shows that I watch every week: Glee (which makes me laugh every week), Bones (they were THIS close to kissing this week!!), Vampire Diaries (why are evil vampires so frickin' hot?), Jonas (yeah, that's right, I watch Jonas...but are you really surprised about that one??), Drop Dead Diva (which I'm kind of glad is over for the season), and Ugly Betty (excited that the new season finally started last night!), I have two new shoes to add to my list of shows I am addicted to.
#1. Eastwick--I've been told I look and act like Penny...and after watching the first four episodes yesterday, I'm in agreement. But...what do you think?
#2. Grey's Anatomy--I know...I know...a little slow getting on the train for this one, but better late than never right? After watching the frist 5 episodes of this new season I find I am REALLY attracted to Eric Dane (aka McSteamy). Look at him...isn't he yummy?
I really need to get a life...
Monday, October 12, 2009
my weekend in vegas
6 months ago: I received two letters in the mail. One of them was from my brother who was on a mission in Des Moines, Iowa. The other letter was from an elder he knew in the mission and wanted to "introduce" me to. The elder's name was Austin. After reading the letter (and laughing a couple times) I contemplated writing the guy back. Should I? Shouldn't I? Why was my brother (who hadn't written me anything yet on his mission) suddenly so interested in having me write this guy? I thought about it for a few days then figured, "What the heck?" I wrote him back. We exchanged letters over the next couple months, trying to get to know each other as best you can through the mail.
1week ago: I received a letter from Austin telling me he was being released in a week and "formally inviting" me and my brother to come to Las Vegas (that's where he lives) to hear his "Homecoming" talk. I contemplated it. Should I? Shouldn't I? I talked to everyone I could and got their opinion on it then figured, "What the heck?" I emailed him (he had given me his email address in the letter) and asked for directions. He replied a few days letter giving me the address to both his home and ward building. I talked to my brother, booked a hotel room and started gearing myself up for my weekend in Vegas.
Saturday: Steven and I left Phoenix about 11am and headed to Vegas. The trip went pretty smoothly (I've decided Wickenberg is the most random town in Arizona: a random white bicycle statue on the side of the freeway, a huge sign advertising "Nothing", large bronze dinosaur statues for sale, and "The World's Largest Alpaca Store"...what the crap is the matter with that town?!). We checked into our hotel about 5, went and got something to eat, and tried to find a grocery store for breakfast on Sunday. Once we were back in the hotel room, relaxing, the phone in our room rang. My brother answered it and a minute later, Austin showed up at the door! So...after six months of writing we finally met face to face. He had come with one of his younger brothers. They stayed and the four of us talked for about an hour. Austin invited us to come to dinner on Sunday and we accepted (after all it was better than the alternative--the bread and peanut butter we had bought at the store). My first impressions of him? He was cute and funny.
Sunday: Steven and I went to Austin's ward to listen to his talk about "service" (I know...original topic for a missionary to speak on, huh? lol). After Sacrament Meeting, Austin introduced us to his Mom and one of his other brothers (his Mom gave us each a hug stating, "We hug in this family."). After finding out what time dinner was at, Steven and I went back to the hotel room and took a nap. At 3 we went over to Austin's house. The three of us (Steven, Austin and I) along with his 12 year old brother, Preston, sat and talked in the Living Room until dinner was ready. Preston (being a normal 12 year-old) sat on the couch playing his GameBoy and making random statements. At one point, he tried to get Austin to play the game and beat a particular point for him to which Austin replied, "Preston, I have Steven McLaws here, best friend from my mission and his sister, the girl I have been writing letters to, which is more important than playing GameBoy." To which Preston asked me , "Are you two dating?"
Awkward pause.
The conversation moved on and dinner was ready. His mom had made a roast, salad, mashed potatoes, carrots...and for dessert: an almond poppyseed cake with homemade buttercream frosting and ice cream. After dinner we went back into the Living Room and talked and played around with his younger brothers and sister. Marcus (the three year old) picked up a flower pin his mom had been wearing earlier and handed to me saying, "Here I got a flower, for you!" To which Austin replied, "Quit showing off for her, Marcus, that's my job." We went into the Family Room and played RockBand for a while (a game I'd never played before, but must say I did pretty good as the drummer). After 5 hours of being at his house, we decided to leave. As we were standing on the driveway Austin gave me a hug then, when we reached the car, he opened my door for me. I gave him my number, he gave me another hug and we left. When we got back to the hotel room, I checked my email and Austin had added me on facebook.
So...there you go! There's the play-by-play for my weekend in Vegas. To quote my best friend, "What happens next?" Answer: I don't know. This entire weekend was out of character for me and the strange part was, I wasn't nervous about any part of it. I'm just going to see what happens. So...stay tuned, and I'll keep you updated :)
1week ago: I received a letter from Austin telling me he was being released in a week and "formally inviting" me and my brother to come to Las Vegas (that's where he lives) to hear his "Homecoming" talk. I contemplated it. Should I? Shouldn't I? I talked to everyone I could and got their opinion on it then figured, "What the heck?" I emailed him (he had given me his email address in the letter) and asked for directions. He replied a few days letter giving me the address to both his home and ward building. I talked to my brother, booked a hotel room and started gearing myself up for my weekend in Vegas.
Saturday: Steven and I left Phoenix about 11am and headed to Vegas. The trip went pretty smoothly (I've decided Wickenberg is the most random town in Arizona: a random white bicycle statue on the side of the freeway, a huge sign advertising "Nothing", large bronze dinosaur statues for sale, and "The World's Largest Alpaca Store"...what the crap is the matter with that town?!). We checked into our hotel about 5, went and got something to eat, and tried to find a grocery store for breakfast on Sunday. Once we were back in the hotel room, relaxing, the phone in our room rang. My brother answered it and a minute later, Austin showed up at the door! So...after six months of writing we finally met face to face. He had come with one of his younger brothers. They stayed and the four of us talked for about an hour. Austin invited us to come to dinner on Sunday and we accepted (after all it was better than the alternative--the bread and peanut butter we had bought at the store). My first impressions of him? He was cute and funny.
Sunday: Steven and I went to Austin's ward to listen to his talk about "service" (I know...original topic for a missionary to speak on, huh? lol). After Sacrament Meeting, Austin introduced us to his Mom and one of his other brothers (his Mom gave us each a hug stating, "We hug in this family."). After finding out what time dinner was at, Steven and I went back to the hotel room and took a nap. At 3 we went over to Austin's house. The three of us (Steven, Austin and I) along with his 12 year old brother, Preston, sat and talked in the Living Room until dinner was ready. Preston (being a normal 12 year-old) sat on the couch playing his GameBoy and making random statements. At one point, he tried to get Austin to play the game and beat a particular point for him to which Austin replied, "Preston, I have Steven McLaws here, best friend from my mission and his sister, the girl I have been writing letters to, which is more important than playing GameBoy." To which Preston asked me , "Are you two dating?"
Awkward pause.
The conversation moved on and dinner was ready. His mom had made a roast, salad, mashed potatoes, carrots...and for dessert: an almond poppyseed cake with homemade buttercream frosting and ice cream. After dinner we went back into the Living Room and talked and played around with his younger brothers and sister. Marcus (the three year old) picked up a flower pin his mom had been wearing earlier and handed to me saying, "Here I got a flower, for you!" To which Austin replied, "Quit showing off for her, Marcus, that's my job." We went into the Family Room and played RockBand for a while (a game I'd never played before, but must say I did pretty good as the drummer). After 5 hours of being at his house, we decided to leave. As we were standing on the driveway Austin gave me a hug then, when we reached the car, he opened my door for me. I gave him my number, he gave me another hug and we left. When we got back to the hotel room, I checked my email and Austin had added me on facebook.
So...there you go! There's the play-by-play for my weekend in Vegas. To quote my best friend, "What happens next?" Answer: I don't know. This entire weekend was out of character for me and the strange part was, I wasn't nervous about any part of it. I'm just going to see what happens. So...stay tuned, and I'll keep you updated :)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
rainy days
You know you live in the desert when the 17 sprinkles of rain that fell at 4am in North Scottsdale are the featured news story of the day.
For someone who spent 8 years and learned how to drive growing up in Oregon, it is frustrating when it rains here in Arizona. While today was nice and cool and overcast, when it rains (or at least attempts to) people here FREAK out and suddenly don't know how to drive with a few water droplets desperately clinging to their windshields. Really? It's just water, people! Unless you're the Wicked Witch of the West...it ain't gonna hurt ya!
For someone who spent 8 years and learned how to drive growing up in Oregon, it is frustrating when it rains here in Arizona. While today was nice and cool and overcast, when it rains (or at least attempts to) people here FREAK out and suddenly don't know how to drive with a few water droplets desperately clinging to their windshields. Really? It's just water, people! Unless you're the Wicked Witch of the West...it ain't gonna hurt ya!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
october
I have come to the conclusion that October just may be my favorite month. Here are some of the reasons why:
O--Outside. The weather is finally cooling off here in Arizona and it's safe now to vernture outside and remember why it is we put up with the 100+ degrees during the summer.
C--Conference. Hard to believe it's been six months already, but I'm looking forward to watching/listening to General Conference this coming weekend. It's such a blessing to have a modern day prophet that can give us direct counsel from God!
T--Television. All of my favorite shows (and a lot of new ones this season!) are back on with new episodes. Hoarders, Glee, Bones, Vampire Diaries, Drop Dead Diva, Jonas, Cougar Town...just to name a few...
O--One more month until New Moon comes out! When did Jacob become so hot?!
B--Backstreet Boys. Not only is one of my favorite boybands releasing their seventh album this month ("This Is Us" available October 6th...you should buy it...) but they are also coming to Phoenix on the 23rd and, you guessed it, I have tickets! Second row tickets, that is. That's right. I know you're jealous.
E--Elastic waisted pants. Okay, I know this one was a stretch (ha! no pun intended!) but I couldn't really come up with anything that stated with "E". October does generally start the whole holiday eating season though and we all know what that means...bring on the sweatpants!
R--Release of new music. Along with the aforementioned BSB album being released, Michael Buble is also releasing a new album this month that I am excited about and have a spot waiting in my CD case for.
O--Outside. The weather is finally cooling off here in Arizona and it's safe now to vernture outside and remember why it is we put up with the 100+ degrees during the summer.
C--Conference. Hard to believe it's been six months already, but I'm looking forward to watching/listening to General Conference this coming weekend. It's such a blessing to have a modern day prophet that can give us direct counsel from God!
T--Television. All of my favorite shows (and a lot of new ones this season!) are back on with new episodes. Hoarders, Glee, Bones, Vampire Diaries, Drop Dead Diva, Jonas, Cougar Town...just to name a few...
O--One more month until New Moon comes out! When did Jacob become so hot?!
B--Backstreet Boys. Not only is one of my favorite boybands releasing their seventh album this month ("This Is Us" available October 6th...you should buy it...) but they are also coming to Phoenix on the 23rd and, you guessed it, I have tickets! Second row tickets, that is. That's right. I know you're jealous.
E--Elastic waisted pants. Okay, I know this one was a stretch (ha! no pun intended!) but I couldn't really come up with anything that stated with "E". October does generally start the whole holiday eating season though and we all know what that means...bring on the sweatpants!
R--Release of new music. Along with the aforementioned BSB album being released, Michael Buble is also releasing a new album this month that I am excited about and have a spot waiting in my CD case for.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
faith
One of the things I like about my job is being able to listen to all of my students random ringback tones and voicemail messages when I'm calling and trying to get ahold of them. It's funny to find out what music people pick. For instance, I had one student named Justin (a guy, obviously) whose ringback tone was "Single Ladies." Cracked me up everytime I had to call him!
All of my students live in Houston, TX and the surrounding areas, and the majority of them end their messages with, "Have a blessed day." I don't know if this is a Texas thing, or a Southern thing, but I like getting blessed so often during the day! Then I have the handful of students who like to leave inspirational messages on their voicemail recordings. This was the one I heard today that really stuck with me: "Faith is not believing God can. Faith is knowing God will."
All of my students live in Houston, TX and the surrounding areas, and the majority of them end their messages with, "Have a blessed day." I don't know if this is a Texas thing, or a Southern thing, but I like getting blessed so often during the day! Then I have the handful of students who like to leave inspirational messages on their voicemail recordings. This was the one I heard today that really stuck with me: "Faith is not believing God can. Faith is knowing God will."
Saturday, September 26, 2009
raise your hand if...
...you had one of these growing up:
Bonus points if you can remember the first cassette you bought and spent hours listening to. Me? Amy Grant, "Baby, Baby."
Last week I bought a new Walkman and found it intersting how far technology has come...
Thursday, September 24, 2009
seriously?
One of the Finance Counselors that is on my team at work got a call today from one of her students. What was the student's issue, you ask? She wanted to make sure that the check she was receiving from the University hadn't been sent to someone else and cashed. What would make her suspicious of this happening, you ask? Apparantly her next door neighbor just bought a new boat and the student was worried about where they got the money to do that.
Seriously?
The Academic Counselor that I work with every day told me today that the reason she hasn't been feeling very good the last week has been because, "My dream told me it was a virus." (Her dream last week told her that she should buy the black cat at the pet store--which she did--and that her lost ID badge was in her purse--which it was not).
Seriously?
Seriously?
The Academic Counselor that I work with every day told me today that the reason she hasn't been feeling very good the last week has been because, "My dream told me it was a virus." (Her dream last week told her that she should buy the black cat at the pet store--which she did--and that her lost ID badge was in her purse--which it was not).
Seriously?
Monday, September 21, 2009
numbers
time my alarm clock goes off every morning = 5:30
pillows on my bed = 8
hours I spent on the phone today at work = 3:46
pounds I have lost in the last 7 weeks = 30
number of times JC said the word "moment" during this season of ABDC = 16
words needed in the paper I am currently procrastinating = 1050
pillows on my bed = 8
hours I spent on the phone today at work = 3:46
pounds I have lost in the last 7 weeks = 30
number of times JC said the word "moment" during this season of ABDC = 16
words needed in the paper I am currently procrastinating = 1050
Saturday, September 19, 2009
dude, you're getting a dell
After about a year of saying, "I need to get a new laptop," today I actually put my money where my mouth is. Literally. Since I went back to school in March I took out a student loan and I used some of the money today to buy a new DELL laptop. I'm in love with it. It's amazing!
My old laptop served me well, and we had a lot of good times together, but there comes a point in every relationship when you have to stop and ask yourself if you want to continue to be with someone who is slowing you down and can't keep up with all of the things you want and need to do, or if it's time to break it off and find someone that's more your speed. It was a hard decision to make, but I feel it was for the best.
My old laptop served me well, and we had a lot of good times together, but there comes a point in every relationship when you have to stop and ask yourself if you want to continue to be with someone who is slowing you down and can't keep up with all of the things you want and need to do, or if it's time to break it off and find someone that's more your speed. It was a hard decision to make, but I feel it was for the best.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
no one should have a name that ends with "omi"
Favorite random quotes of the day:
Elaina: "Your place is small, but it has a good floor."
Elaina: "Satan's Bible Church."
Me: "How is THAT possible?!"
Kari: "Timeless Romance."
Betty: "What kind of romance?"
Kari: "The timless kind."
Elaina: "Naomi is a weird name. No one should have a name that ends with 'omi'."
Elaina: "Your place is small, but it has a good floor."
Elaina: "Satan's Bible Church."
Me: "How is THAT possible?!"
Kari: "Timeless Romance."
Betty: "What kind of romance?"
Kari: "The timless kind."
Elaina: "Naomi is a weird name. No one should have a name that ends with 'omi'."
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
farewell to summer
What better way to end the summer than with a concert? And what better concert to go to (since my favorite group is no longer together...) than the Jonas Brothers? Last night my sisters and I spent their last night of summer before heading back to school at the Jonas Brothers concert and it was awesome!
Opening Acts: Honor Society (never heard 'em before, but really liked 'em!) and Jordin Sparks
Sunday, May 24, 2009
i'm just a girl
May 23, 2009: No Doubt concert at Cricket Wireless Pavilion. By far one of the best concerts I've been too! Granted the only other concerts I have been to have been The Jonas Brothers and Michael Buble, but STILL...one of the best! :) The band sounded great, Gwen was amazing, and the best part was that it was Elaina's first concert! She is no longer a concert virgin!!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
the town too tough to die!
Yesterday my roommate Elaina and I decided to head south and visit Tombstone, AZ. I had been there once before a few years ago but wanted to go back. We had the day free and decided, why not? It turned out to be more adventurous than we anticipated!
What we saw:
*An orange submarine. No joke! There was a flatbed truck carrying an orange submarine down the highway.
*The Donut Depot. Who knew Huachuca City (I think that was the town it was in...) had a Donut Depot? We were going to stop, but the sign in the window said they were sold out. Elaina's response? "So make more!"
*Children undressing themselves at Texas Roadhouse! We stopped for lunch and as we were leaving the girl in the booth next to us was out in the aisleway taking off her skirt and then putting it back on. Her dad's response? "You don't do that here!" Needless to say we had a good laugh about that one.
*A tiny bit of water in the San Pedro river.
*A mountain on fire.
*A montrous dog on a leash with a ginormous head. Breed: unkown.
*"A really, really old skull"
*A bunny on the side of the road.
*A herd of llamas.
*A guy carrying a rather large, plastic blow up Spider Man doll.
Elaina also decided to speak in tongues on this trip. Here are my favorite lines she came up with...
"Now we're going to go down aways, a little bit, you know--over to there." Translation: we're going to drvie through the mall parking lot from Texas Roadhouse to the theatre to see what time the movie is playing.
"I don't want to cop a pass with this." Translation: It probably wouldn't look too good to pass a cop drinking out of this bottle (don't worry, it was a bottle of Sassparilla).
Good times were had by all!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)