cheese nips and a paid companion

I had two different thoughts today.

Thought #1: Cheese Nips

The last couple days I've been having a craving for these salty, cheesy squares of deliciousness. I went to the store yesterday after work when it became apparent that my craving wasn't going to go away until satisfied. Today as I ate the first nip I was reminded of a another time that always comes to mind when I eat this snack.

When my family lived in Oregon, our ward moved to a new building that was built in the stake. This new building was about 30 minutes away from our house. Dad was in the Bishopric and had other callings that meant he had to stay after church was done for one meeting or another. Since the building was so far away, the rest of us waited for him to be done. My mom started bringing a box of Cheese Nips (or Cheezits) as a snack and this soon became a tradition. Sunday Cheese Nips. Not the most healthy of snacks, but I smile everytime I think about sharing a box of Cheese Nips with my mom and siblings as we sat in our old grey and blue Suburban (Hank the Tank) on Sunday afternoons while we waited for Dad to be done with his meetings.

Thought #2: A paid companion

I have been reading a lot of books recently that have been set in Regency England (aka Jane Austen era) I love this period in history. I love the romance, the clothes, the way men behaved. The book I'm reading currently ("A Change of Heart" by Candice Hearn) has a heroine who is single and 29. I find myself connecting with her and her feelings of "being on the shelf." In that time I, like her, would be considered far past our prime and very settled as spinsters--all hopes of procuring a smart match (or any match at all) gone. The only difference between myself and the heroine of the book (besides the fact that she ultimately finds love) is that in her day in age she had to have a paid companion with her at all times because it was unacceptable for a single woman to live alone.

Perhaps I should get a paid companion? It would certainly prevent me from becoming a crazy cat lady and dying all alone...

tender mercy

I woke up this morning with a song stuck in my head. It's one I like and listen to on a mix CD I made about a year ago, but I haven't heard it recently so it was kind of a surprise to have the words and music going through my head while I was in the shower.

"What song?" You ask.

I will tell you in a moment. After explaining something else that happened today.

As you may, or may not, know, I have had my picture and profile up on different dating sites for the last almost 10 years (yes, you read that right: 10 years). I started with LDSmingle, then tried LDSsingles, went back to mingle, then branched out to eharmony (hated it) and finally match.com. Currently I have my profile up on match and LDSmingle and a couple other ones I can't remember right now. What have my 10 years of online dating gotten me?

1 broken heart

1 horribly awkward date

1 fun date with a guy I never heard from again

Countless email and IM conversations

1 text conversation that never went anywhere and made me mad

and a slowly, yet steadily declining sense of self-esteem

It's one thing to not have anyone you interact with in daily life find you attractive. It's another thing entirely to know that millions of men the world over are viewing your picture every day and passing you over. It's torture. And I'm not sure why I do it to myself.

Actually, that's a lie.

I do know why I do it. Because, as much as it hurts, I refuse to let go of my hope that the right guy is out there. No matter how many email conversations to nowhere, or awkward dates, or guys who are old enough to be my dad "winking" at me, I can't let go of the belief that he's out there. Somewhere. If I do I will crumble. I will completely fall apart and become so depressed and such an emotional wreck that I'll have to be committed.

I have to keep hoping.

I have to keep believing and putting my faith in God and His promises to me to the test.

I don't know if I'll actually meet Mr. Right online, but I don't want to miss any opportuinty of finding him, or of having him find me.

Today, while at work, I received a text alert that someone had sent me a "wink" on match.com. I eagerly pulled up his profile, hope flaring to life that maybe this was it. Could it finally be him? My own Prince Charming?

His profile picture greets me and I'm surprised. He's hot. Why is he winking at me? A lifetime of being rejected has made me question the sanity and intent of any guy who does show interest. I look at his other pictures (again wondering why he's chosen me) and read his profile. He lives close. He's in my age range. He's employed. He has a college degree. He likes music, going to concerts, vacationing in Cali, loves his family, and has never been married.

There's just one problem.

He's a "social drinker" and is not a member of the Church.

My heart sinks. There's always something that keeps any of them from being perfect. Don't get me wrong, I know no one is actually perfect but somewhere out there is the guy who is perfectly imperfect for me.

I start debating with myself whether or not to reply to him. He's cute! What could be the harm in winking back? It probably won't lead to anything anyway. What if it does? What if he wants to meet or go out on a date? You marry who you date. I don't want to marry someone who doesn't share my religious beliefs and convictions. "Flirt to convert." Remember how I suck at flirting? You're almost 30. Kind of running out of time...I'm not that desperate. Yes, you are.

Then, the song I had woken up sinking this morning came back to mind.

I ain't settlin'

For just getting by.

I've had enough so-so

For the rest of my life.

Tired of shooting too low,

So raise the bar high.

"Just enough" ain't enough this time.

I ain't settlin' for anything less than everything

I've watching too many friends the last couple years settle. I don't want to settle and miss the chance of getting everything. My perfectly imperfect Prince Charming will be a Latter-day Saint. He will share my beliefs and convictions. He will be able to take me to the temple. He will be able to bless my babies in church and lead and guide our family with the priesthood.

Elder Bednar gave his oft-quoted General Conference talk about the "Tender Mercies" of the Lord in April 2005. Some may say this was just a random coincidence that I woke up singing a song that then came back to mind to help me make a decision later in the day, but to me it was a tender mercy. A gentle reminder of what can be mine and a renewal of my conviction to not settle. Some may say I'm being too picky, but I don't think so. I've seen the heartache that can come from a husband and wife being divided on different topics. Marriage is hard enough (or so I've heard) without starting out by being on opposite sides of the fence religiously. I don't want that. So I will wait and continue to put myself through the torture of online dating until I find my perfectly imperfect Prince Charming.

i know

I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES

Lyrics: Samuel Medley

I know that my Redeemer lives;

What comfort this sweet sentence gives!

He lives, He lives, who once was dead;

He lives, my ever living Head.

He lives to bless me with His love,

He lives to plead for me above.

He lives my hungry soul to feed,

He lives to help in time of need.

He lives to grant me rich supply,

He lives to guide me with His eye,

He lives to comfort me when faint,

He lives to hear my soul's complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears,

He lives to wipe away my tears.

He lives to calm my troubled heart,

He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly Friend.

He lives and loves me to the end;

He lives, and while He lives, I'll sing.

He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

He lives and grants me daily breath;

He lives, and I shall conquer death.

He lives my mansion to prepare,

He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives! All glory to His name!

He lives, my Savior, still the same.

Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:

"I know that my Redeemer lives!"

He lives! All glory to His name!

He lives, my Savior, still the same.

Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:

"I know that my Redeemer lives!"

30 day challenge - Day 30

Day 30: A picture of someone you miss

I've been thinking about this one for a couple days and I decided to change it to "a picture of someone you're going to miss."

My roomie Katy. She has found her Prince Charming and is getting married next month. I will miss living with her. She is one of a select few who gets me and lets me be my crazy self with no judgment.

Okay, with only a little bit of judgment.

We've had a lot of fun times together and a lot of laughs over the last year and a half. I'm going to miss her when she's gone.

30 day challenge - Day 29

Day 29: A picture that can always make you smile

I love these boys. And this picture makes me smile every time I see it. They're just so cute!!

meet vincent

Everyone, this is Vincent.

Vincent, this is everyone. Say hi! :)

30 day challenge - Day 28

Day 28: A picture of something you're afraid of

Octupii! They creep. Me. Out.

I'm convinced that cepholopods are going to take over the world one day. They are smarter than we all give them credit for. They're just waiting for us to turn our backs and then: WHAM! They're going to start crawling out of the ocean and begin their take-over of the human race.

Just wait. It's coming.

We all need to remain vigilant. Don't let the tiny ones fool you. You might think they're cute, but that's just part of their plan of world domination--a way to lull us into a false sense of security.

The only good octopus is a one made out of cake. Can you believe this is a cake?!? If I wasn't compeltely terrified, I would almost want to have that as my next birthday cake.

Almost.

I'm not sure when my fear of cepholopods began. Maybe the first time I watched "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea?" I think it was when I was watching some documentary on PBS years ago about these creatures. An aquarium was having issues with fish in one of their tanks dying. They tested the water for bacteria. Nothing. They made sure all the ph levels were correct. They were. They tested the fish to make sure they were healthy. No sickness. As a last resort, they set up a camera in the lobby (where the fish tank was) to see if someone was coming in at night and sabbatoging the tanks. What they captured on film has haunted my nightmares ever since.

On the opposite side of the lobby from the mysteriously dying fish, was a tank containing a single octopus. At night, that octopus would crawl up the side of it's tank, OUT OF THE WATER, make it's way across the floor, then crawl up and into the fish tank and begin feasting.

OH.

MY.

HECK!!

After a leisurly dinner, this sneaky cepholopod would then make it's way back to it's own tank and go about business as usual.

30 day challenge - Day 27

Day 27: A picture of yourself and a family member

Hook and Loop forever! I've had a special bond with my little sister Julia since she was born--despite the 14 years separating us. Mom started calling us Hook and Loop a long time ago because we're always close together and stuck to each other like the hook and loop sections of velcro. I love my little sis and I'm so proud of her! I love going to watch her perform. She's an amazing singer and a great actress. She's a great example to me of a righteous and virtuous young woman.

what?

Since finishing my three-week long "Lost" marathon last week, I have been having "Lost" inspired dreams. Mostly it just involves me walking through a jungle. One time I was fishing in the ocean and caught (along with a couple big, ugly fish) an airplane seat. You know...from the plane crash.

What?

Last night my dream again was of me walking through the jungle. There were a couple other people with me, but I don't remember who they were. All the sudden we were at this tree house village place and who was there? The Backstreet Boys.

They were there to perform a concert.

On the island.

What?

In my dream it made sense. I got excited and promplty got in line at the mechandise table (becuase of course there was a merchandise table at this lost island concert) and bought several T-shirts in different sizes, then stood in line to have the shirts autographed. The shirts were single neon colors (pink, orange, and yellow) and all they said was "Backstreet Boys" in black letters across the front. (Note to self: don't ever become a t-shirt designer. Because I suck at it). The boys came out to sign autographs one at a time which was lame. Howie was the first one who came out. He signed all the shirts. Then I had to wait for the next one to come out. Guess who was next....

Nope, you're wrong.

It was Sanjaya. You know...the crazy pony-hawk guy from a couple seasons ago on American Idol.

What?

Apparantly, he's the newest member of the group.

Okay....

So, anyway. He signed the shirts, then everyone disappeared. I wandered around for a while trying to find the rest of the guys, because I HAD to get at least one shirt signed for Kristy's birthday. Because, you know, I'm the best best friend ever. No matter that I'm somewhere in the jungle on this lost island, I am going to get my best friend an autographed tshirt from one of our favorite groups, dang it!!

Finally I found the rest of the guys in another part of this building we were in (along with a whole whord--what?--horde of girls surrounding this long line of counters which the guys were all behind and signing stuff. So, I got in line. Pretty soon all the rest of the girls disappeared and it was just me. I got up to the first guy. Matthew Morrison.

What?

You know, Mr. Shuester from Glee. Yeah. He's in the group with Sanjaya and the other guys as well. Who knew?!

He signs the shirt (by now I only have one. I'm not sure where the other twelve that I started out with went) and the CD that I magically have and send me down the line. Next is Howie. Again. He gave me a dirty look for making him sign something again. Then I moved on to Kevin (who, by the way, had turned in to this black leather wearing motorcycle guy and even though he's not in the group anymore he came to this lost island concert and signing with the rest of the guys).

Then I woke up.

What?

30 day challenge - Day 26

Day 26: A picture of something that means a lot to you

This is a picture of a sampler I bought a few years ago. Right now it is sitting in my laundry room in storage because I don't have the perfect place to hang it. As soon as I saw it at an antique store I went to I knew I had to buy it. It's not technically an antique (just made to look like one) the sentiment stitched on the fabric is no less true.

One of the talents I have that I am thankful for, is my ability to sew. This talent was taught to me by my mother. Although I know how to (and can do it if an emergency arises) I don't like to use the sewing machine. I prefer to hand sew. Quilting and cross-stitching are my favorite and something I enjoy doing. They help me to relax and I enjoy seeing the beautiful finished product once I'm done. It's an awesome thing to see this work of art that I've created with my own hands.

Thank you, Mom, for helping me develp this talent!!

30 day challenge - Day 25

Day 25: A picture of your day

This is what most of my days entail. Work. I'm still in training and feel like all I'm doing is stumbling around in the dark. The training leaves a lot to be desired, and I'm beginning to wonder if this is actually punishment for something I did....

r.i.p

Finn died today. I had to flush him. He was a good fish and lived a good life. He will be missed.

My Kristen friend wrote his eulogy: "RIP, Finn. He was a lovely fishy guy. Never bothering anyone. He stayed in his own world and loved everyone. He made the best fishy faces. He will surely be missed deeply. No one will be able to take his place. As the famous Dory once said, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming."

30 day challenge - Days 19-24

I looked at the calendar and counted days. Since I started January 1st on Day 3, I need to be on day 24 today. So...here's another catch up post....

Day 19: A picture of when you were little

I went through my scrapbooks this morning to find a picture that I had a strong memory of. I found, as I flipped through the pages, that there were a lot of pictures of when I was younger that I no longer remember the circumstances of when that picture was taken. Kind of sad, but I'm glad I have all the pictures I do. This picture is of me and my brother J.R. at my uncle's wedding. When I was 7 my uncle Andrew got married on my birthday. I thought it was cool to share my birthday. Plus, I got to wear a fancy purple dress with white gloves and new shiny black shoes.

Day 20: A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

Rome! The history buff in me is dying to visit all the ancient cities, but especially Rome. The Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican, and every other ancient structure that is still standing. I am awed by the incredible architecture and the engineering of the ancients. I want to go spend a few weeks taking my time exploring all these sites.

Day 21: A picture of something you wish you could forget

I feel like there is way too much that I have forgotten in my life. I wish this one was "something you wish you could remember." I've been sitting here for the last 20 minutes trying to think of something, but nothing is coming to mind. There are things in my past (and present) that I regret but I don't wish to forget any of them. If I do, there's a good chance I'll just make the same mistakes again. Being able to remember is a blessing. Like the old saying say, "Learn from history, or repeat it." There are a lot of things I don't want to repeat, so I remember what I did so I can avoid the pitfalls in the future.

Day 22: A picture of something you wish you were better at

Perhaps if I were, I wouldn't still be single...

Day 23: A picture of your favorite book

I love this book! It has it all: adventure, action, mystery, comedy, and romance. It's been made into several movies and plays. My sister Julia is actually going to be in a production of The Scarlet Pimpernel next week. I'm excited to see her in it! I love Percy. The Scarlet Pimpernel is an English version of Zorro (actually Zorro is a Spanish version of him...) He helps save French aristocrats from Madame Guillotine while being chances by his arch nemises Chauvelin and falling in love with his wife Marguerite.

Day 24: A picture of something you wish you could change

I don't understand 1-ply toilet paper. It needs to be banned and abolished.

30 day challenge - Day 18

Day 18: A picture of your biggest insecurity

I'm fat. I've been fat for as long as I can remember. There have been times I have taken some of the weight off, but my self-control inevitably always falters and I end up putting all back on again. My weight prevents me from doing some things I want to do. Sometimes I feel invisible, even though I know there's no way anyone can miss seeing me.

i thought i would be disappointed

Three weeks ago I started a journey. I decided to watch the TV show Lost on Netflix. Here are the things I liked about the show and what I learned while watching:

#1. The Volkswagen engines are actual Volkswagen engines. Because of the exposure I've had to VW's throughout my life, thanks to my Dad's love of them and the two I've personally owned, it is a HUGE pet peeve of me when someone in either TV or movies drives a VW and it's so painfully obvious to me that the engine sounds are NOT from a VW. So...when several 1970s VW buses showed up in the story I appreciated that they stayed true to how a VW engine actually sounds.

#2. Jack does CPR correctly. Again, this is another pet peeve of mine. I HATE when people on TV and in movies don't do CPR correctly. How exactly do you expect to help pump the blood when your elbow are flailing around everywhere?? Locked. Your elbows need to be locked. Jack's elbows were always locked. He knows how to do it right.

#3. The writing. The writers never played what Katy calls the "Crap in a Hat" game. There are SO many times when I can tell that the writers are making up a storyline as they go. It's like they put a bunch of random scenarios into a hat and each week they draw one out and then write that week's episode. I didn't get that feeling with this show. The writers knew what they were doing from beginning to end. Yes, there were several episodes that were boring and I basically hated season 3, but I could still see the direction they were going and I understood the need for the boring "filler" episodes. I also loved that I could never guess what was going on. There were so many twists and turns that I was always left saying, "I don't understand!" By the end of the series I loved some characters I started out hating, and hated a character I started out loving. I consider that a mark of truly great writing. If you can change my opinion of a character so completely, you have my vote of approval!

#4. The religious messages. I found it interesting how religious the show was. It was acutally surprising that a show that was so popular on primetime stayed so popular with all the religious undertones going on. There is a constant struggle throughout the show of good vs. evil. Destiny vs. fate. At one point, one of the characters is told (when they are sent out to confront the "evil") to "don't let him talk to you. As soon as he talks, it's too late." That is exactly how we need to be with Satan. As soon as we let him talk to us, it's too late. As soon as he talks, we've let him get his foot in the door. With that foothold, he is able to exploit our weaknesses. He knows exactly how to get to us and he will, if we let him.

#5. I am never traveling to Australia. One of the items on my bucket list is to learn to scuba dive and to explore the Great Barrier Reef. However, after watching this show, I am now TERRIFIED of flying anywhere near Australia. If I do, there is a significant possibility I will be involved in a plane crash.

#6. Be nice to everyone you meet. I loved how interconnected everyone was on the show. They had all bumped into one another at some point in their lives without realizing it. The lesson: be nice to everyone you meet because you never know who you're going to end up stranded on an island with.

#7. I have a thing for Arab men. Who knew? I think it's the element of danger that surrounds men of that ethnic descent. They're like the ultimate bad boy to me. You know at any time they could snap and kill you. One of the characters on this show is an Iraqi and I found him VERY attractive from the first episode. Of course, he then went crazy and became the character that I loved but then hated by the end of the show. However, no matter his craziness I still wanted to nibble on him.

#8. The finale. As I started the final episode this evening, I thought I was going to be disappointed in how it ended. But, surprisingly, I wasn't. I actually got a little teary-eyed in fact. I loved when everyone remembered who they were and how they knew one another. I loved seeing the couples reuinte (especially Sawyer and Juliette cuz they're my favorite couple). loved Jack's dad's final speech, explaining to Jack where he is and why he's with the people he's with at the end.

"The most important part of your life was the time that you spent with these people. That's why all of you are here. Nobody does it alone. You needed all of them, and they needed you...to remember and to let go."

30 day challenge - Day 17

Day 17: A picture of something that has made a huge impact on you

This is the title page I designed of the first book I wrote and finished. This book spawned a few sequels and helped me grow and develop as a writer. Without this first book I wouldn't be where I am today in my writing. I have learned so much about myself and about writing over the 4-5 years since I began a crazy journey with my characters Megan and Jackson.

30 day challenge catch-up

I know, I know. I'm slacking again. But, it's really hard to be consistent when you don't have a computer at home. But...there is an update and some good news on that front! I got a call from my insurance company on Monday. They are replacing my TV, laptop, and camera and having the new items shipped to me. I have about $240 that I have to pay for my deductible. As soon as I send them my credit card information they will have the items sent to me. Yea! Now, I need to get an alarm system set up. I don't really want to get new stuff only to have it stolen again. I'm going to be calling a company today to see if they are able to come out this weekend. Since my Katy is leaving at the end of next month after she gets married, I will feel a whole lot safer living alone if I have some sort of alarm system set up.

Now, on to the challenge days I missed...

Day 12 - A picture of something you love

I love funny greeting cards. One of my favorite things to do is browse the card aisle at the grocery store. I will often find one or two (or twelve) cards that make me literally laugh out loud. When that happens I promptly put them in my cart and buy them. Sometimes they make me think of a specific person so I will send them to that person, or save them for that person's birthday. Othertimes, there's no one in particular that the card makes me think of. I just happen to find it funny and it makes me happy so I buy it. I will give the cards to random people to help them laugh and feel happy too.

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist

Do I really need to put a picture of this one up? This is a no brainer for those who know me. If you don't know who my favorite band is, then we're not really friends and you should consider spending more time with me because I'm a really awesome person! :)

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

My FAMILY!! I love each and every one of them and can't imagine life without them. There was a time when it was only my parents, my two brothers, and me. I'm so glad my sisters (and sisters-in-law) joined our family and I adore my niece and nephew more than anything!

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die

This is something I've secretly always wanted to do. Let me tell you why it will never happen. #1. I'm afriad of the open ocean. JAWS is one of my favorite movies of all time, but has irreperably scarred me for life. There's no way I'm getting in the ocean where something like that can actually eat me. #2. You don't want to see me in a wet suit. However, that doesn't take away my desire to one day overcome my fears and insecurities to one day be able to explore the ocean. Specifically the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. But I now know for absolute certainity that THAT will NEVER happen. Why? I will explain in a later post...

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you

10 points if you know who this guy is without me telling you....

J.J. Abrams represents every screenwriter and every other great writer I've had the priveldge of reading and experiencing their creative genius. Each one of them inspires me to keep going in my dream of one day becoming a published author.

I picked J.J. because I'm currently finishing the last season of the TV show "Lost" of which he was a creator, I fell in love with his shows "Firefly" and "Serenity" thanks to Katy. "Felicity"
was a guilty pleasure for me back in high school. "What About Brian," "Alias," and movies like "Regarding Henry," "Forever Young," "Star Trek," "Super 8," and even "Morning Glory" have all been touched by his genius. While his excessive use of lens flare (I had to explain what that was to my mom a few weeks ago...a lot more difficult than you think it would be to do) and his love of the inexplicable (Red Matter, anyone? Or how about the Smoke Monster on the island??) are sometimes over the top, you can't argue his brilliance.


I think that gets me caught up. I hope!

30 day challenge - Day 11

Day 11 - A picture of something you can't stand

Macaroni and Cheese. I hate it probably more than anything. It makes me gag just thinking about it.

30 day challenge - Day 10

First off, please forgive me for missing a few days this week. I started ANOTHER training class at work and it's been a looooooong week! I was originally moved over to the processing department and put on the team that works with continuing files (students who have attended more than one year and need to be certified for financial aid for a new year). A week after getting out of training for that, I was then moved over to be on the "re-eval" team (doing files that have previously been certified for financial aid and have to be re-evaluated for one reason or another). This one's hard and has been taking more of my brain power.

On to the challenge!

Day 10: A picture of the person you do the silliest things with

This one was kind of tough, because there isn't one single person that I'm silly with. Basically, I'm silly ALL the time! My family and my roommates (obviously) are the one who either instigate or suffer through my silliness. Here are some silly pictures...

30 day challenge - Day 9

Day 9: A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

Again, this is a picture of Kristy. There have been other people that have helped me through a lot (mainly my Mom) but no one knows as much about me as my bestie. We've had our ups and downs but somehow our relationship survives. She helped me through my emotional breakdown last summer when turning 29 snuck up on me and I was completely unprepared. She knows what it feels like to still be single and never been kissed. She encourages my craziness without making me feel silly. She is the one who went to my first Backstreet Boys concert with me. She helped me get through all the "crazy cat lady" drama at work my listening to me vent almost every day for two years. She reminds me to pray when I'm feeling discouraged.

30 day challenge - Day 8

Day 8 - A picture that makes you laugh

I laugh every time I see this picture. Faith and I got a little crazy one night in our hotel room when we went to California last year. I love my sisters and the crazy, funny times we have together!!

30 day challenge - Day 7

Day 7: A picture of your most treasured item

I thought about this one for a while. I have a lot of great stuff, but most of it is just that: stuff. It can all be replaced and I wouldn't be THAT sad to see it go (case in point: my recent burglary. Yes, I was sad to see my TV and laptop go, but they can both replaced and are just things). However, if this were to be stolen or damaged I think I would cry. It is the memory quilt that my mom and I made for the time that my family lived up in Oregon.



It hangs on my bedroom wall and it makes me smile every time I look at it. There are so many memories represented on this quilt and a lot of work went into it. It truly is a treasured item to me. I would be heartbroken if anything ever happened to it.

30 day challenge - Day 6

Day 6: A picture of a person you'd love to change places with for a day

Jessica Biel. Why? Because of this:

She's been dating Justin Timberlake off and on for the last 4 years and now there are rumors circulating that they got engaged over Christmas (though it hasn't officially been confirmed yet). Needless to say, I would LOVE to change places with her for a day and be his girlfriend/fiance!

30 day challenge - Day 5

Day 5: A picture of a favorite memory

This isn't my favorite picture of me, but it is a favorite memory. San Diego with Katy Labor Day 2010. A lot of great quotes came out of that trip and we still laugh about them. We saw dolphins while we were spending the day on Coronado. It was a great trip.

30 day challenge - Day 4

Here's today's challenge picture.

Day 4: A picture of your night

I watched the first two or three episodes of this show when it started in 2004 but then I started a night class that semester and missed the rest of the season. By the time I was able to watch it again it was already into the second season and I had no idea what was going on. I was lost. So I gave up. All of the seasons are on Netflix now, so I decided today to start watching. I'm only about 8 episodes in to the first season. I'll let you know how it goes and what I think once I get to the finale...

30 day challenge - Day 3

Due to the burglary in November, I slacked off on this 30 day challenge thing. But, since it is New Year's Day (Happy 2012!) and the day to make changes, I am resolving to finish this challenge as a way to document some things about me that people may (or may not) want to know.

Day 3: A picture of the cast of your favorite show

This one was hard. I tried to think if I had just ONE favorite show, what would it be. The first one that came to mind was this one:

This show started in 1993 and I was hooked from the first episode. I actually still remember watching that first episode with my mom and my brother. At the time I was 11 and Mom wouldn't let us watch anything on TV unless she was there watching it with us so she could monitor whether or not it was appropriate and turn it off if necessary. Needless to say the show didn't get turned off and I was an avid fan. I watched it religiously every Saturday night, to the point that Mom would actually get frustrated with me because I wouldn't come down for family scripture reading until it was over. Her statement of, "Don't let TV run your life." Stuck with me and is always constantly in the back of my mind when I find myself getting sucked into watching more TV than I know I should. I was devastated when they cancelled this show in 1998, but luckily the re-runs have been on ever since on one channel or another. I think it's safe to say I've seen each episode at least 10 times (probably more for some).

There are several TV shows that I have become a fan of over the years and which I will stop and watch whenever I happen to find a re-run playing, and which I own seasons on DVD.

Except for that last one, do you sense a theme? I'm a sucker for a good Western. There's just something about a good looking man with a gun and a cowboy hat...

Currently my favorite TV shows are (in no paticular order):

Bones

Castle

Vampire Diaries

Psych

Once Upon A Time

After this post I realize I watch a lot of TV. Maybe that should be one of my New Year's Resolutions...? Nah! :)