In conjunction with the new year...

I have been weighed, I have been measured and I have been found wanting. (except in the weight department. ha. definitely no wanting there, that's just part of the quote.) I apologize. I have been busy.

I've come to the conclusion that blogging for me is much the same as keeping a journal. I make these resolutions to actually write things; however, after a few entries I realize just how uninspiring my life is. I have nothing to write about. I stop writing. Six months later, I have a few things to chronicle for posterity and I make new resolutions to do better. Because of this, my journal is actually quite entertaining. Not because I am particularly witty or captivating, but simply because almost every other entry starts with something along the lines of "I've decided I'm going to be better at this..." Oh yes, I am a champion at this game.

Anyway, two jobs and school is what has been eating up the majority of my time lately.

Speaking of which, work is fantastic. This second job is pretty much the greatest thing I've done in a while. I don't think I've mentioned what exactly it is that I do with this second job. Allow me to remedy this situation.

I work inside sales at OrangeSoda. And no, contrary to popular belief, we're not Fanta's competition. Quote of the year goes to my dear friend Jenni.

"You mean you don't actually make soda?"


Ha. Sorry to disappoint Jenni, but no. We're online marketing with fizz. Even ask our billboard.

Despite the disappointment, I love my job. My favorite thing about it is the guys I work with. That's right. The guys. I'm the only girl in my particular portion of our sales department. Yet, in spite of my minority status and the merciless teasing/hazing that goes on, dare I say even because of it, I love every minute I spend at work. I hear rumors about another girl on the other shift, but I'm starting to seriously question whether or not she actually exists...

Myths of the Cubicle. I should write a book.

I've only worked at OS for about a month and a half, but I've already been dubbed the worst movie ever, the guys want me to grow a beard and they call me Lawrence. Oh yes, I love my job.
(for those of you that are wondering, no, i couldn't grow the beard even if i wanted to. just wanted to clear that up.)

On a more depressing note, my best friend left me today for the cursed island of Hawaii. (yes, cursed.) She was accepted into BYU-H and she decided to actually go. Talk about crazy, right? I couldn't believe it. Dropped her off at the airport earlier, never to see her again. For the next two years while she finishes her degree, at least. All I can say is she better visit home. And I may have to make a few trips out there myself.

Lucky for me, I'm within just a few months of having all of my really good friends come home from their missions. I am having a hard time coming to grips with the fact that it has been two years already. This prompted the following question: What the heck have I done with my life?!

Not much, and that's a bit depressing. Lucky for me I've still got a little bit of time to do something amazing. Any ideas?

I suppose as long as I'm not married, that would be accomplishment enough. Especially to anyone who knows my mother...

Good thing it still runs...

I am a fan of Thanksgiving. Oh yes, I am.

Contrary to popular belief, the mashed potatoes are not my favorite thing about it. (they're my second favorite)

I love the time I get to spend with my family. I love my family with all of my little heart. They are my best friends and they are always there for me. I am thankful for each and every one of them. My extended family is also very much a part of those last few statements.

Thanksgiving this year was celebrated with my father's side of the family at our house.

Because of that, of course everything had to go wrong. A few weeks ago, the upstairs washing machine decided it didn't remember when to stop filling up with water, so it overflowed into the laundry room and flooded the room below it. Onto the drum set in said room. Delightful!

A week or so after that, I was craving one of my delicious, delicious popsicles. I opened up the freezer and pulled out the box. However, inside this box I did not find my beloved popsicles. I found little plastic bags full of strawberry juice and a stick floating around. Also a puddle in the bottom of the box. The fridge is broken too! Awesome!

Where are we going to keep all of the food for the upcoming feast? That is the million dollar question.

Then the ripped carpet on the stairs was discovered. And dad needs a new car because his was totalled in an accident. (stupid druggy motorcycle man trying to run away from the fuzz. moron.)

Despite all the madness going on, dinner was pulled off without a hitch. My mother is Super Woman.

I was in charge of the mashed potatoes and jello salad this year. My two favorite dishes. Really though, my jello salad is a bit inappropriately named. Definitely more of a desert than anything else...

12 people were at dinner this year, and we had food for 30. Part of which were two turkeys... yeah... Still working on those leftovers.

My favorite part of Thanksgiving this year was my Uncle telling me that if I'd get up to Logan, he'd take me shooting. (basically, he's the best and has a wicked gun collection.) Couldn't be more excited about that. Really, I can't wait. I've wanted to go shooting for a looooong time.

+1 foot of snow on the ground this morning. I need new snow tires. And a new bumper. 'Nuff said.

An adventure to remember

So I almost died yesterday. It was great! Super exciting, yet at the same time, I didn't freak out as much as I would have thought I would... if that makes sense. Let's just start at the beginning, shall we?

Yesterday, one of my very best friend's older brother got married. This was a very exciting thing. Not just because it was a wedding, which is an exciting event no matter who you are, or what the circumstances are, but Josh was on the path of eternal bachelor-dom and nobody thought that would ever change.

SURPRISE!! Now he's married.

Anyway, the reception was held last night up in good ol' Salt Lake City. I was running a little late because we (my family) were putting up the roof on our covered patio. Because of this tardy-ness, I ended up driving into the big winter storm that hit the valley last night. Let me tell you, driving 30mph on the freeway when you're running an hour or so behind is not great for the nerves. No, sir.

However, I get to Salt Lake all in one piece and make my way towards and arrive at (despite the wrong directions I received from my GPS) the Utah Pickle Company. Oh yes, you read that correctly. The Utah Pickle Co. I love it. I love that that name was seriously on a wedding invite. So much.

I had a great time. The bride was beautiful, the groom was handsome and everyone was happy. Fabulous! The only fly in the ointment was the serious lack of parking (finally I just parked behind one of the catering vans and was later asked to move haha). (also my bestie's bf, but we won't go into that...)

The party is great, we eat gelatto and the couple is sent on their merry way via sparklers. Aww, tender.

The time comes to leave. It is snowing again. I love it from inside the car, with the car still parked because the snowflakes are just big and fluffy and gorgeous. Then I remember I have to drive home in this.

Woot.

I begin the treacherous journey home. The roads are icy underneath all the slush, it's just great. Welcome to Utah!

I wasn't too worried about anything. I was going pretty slow and I had Michael on to keep me relaxed. All is right in the world when Michael sings.

And then the truck came.

Basically, this truck was a total jerk. I swear, it was trying to get on my nerves, and boy was it working. It kept driving off to the side just enough so the slush would spray directly from under his wheels onto my windshield (faster than my wipers could get it off, I might add). Awesome. Zero visibilty. That's always fun. I ended up drifting a little bit into the slush in the middle and to the side of my lane. Oh, and then hydroplaning.

The funny thing was, as precious as Caesar is to me, I stayed surprisingly calm. If I had guessed how I would react in that situation before it happened, I probably would have expected myself to lose it. What if something happened to my baby?? I'd be horribly depressed.

Despite the odds, I kept my wits about me and the car under control. As soon as it was over, I actually quite enjoyed the experience. It was like unto a mini rollercoaster. I was still alive and Caesar was well and whole, so I could enjoy the experience and not feel guilty about it.

And Michael continues to sing. Ahhhh, yes.


Also, I am 87% sure I lost my toe ring in my friend's couch. Sad day.

A new chapter

I started a new job today. It's the best thing ever! It's so fun, I love it!

In this economy, does it get any better? I posit that it does not!

Many good things shall come from this.

Of that I am sure.

....the cereal, the game, the real thing.... just go

So I stopped by my friend's apartment tonight after work, and had a much needed conversation with her. I am so very blessed to have such amazing people in my life that I look up to. I am very fortunate.

My family wondered where I was so I got a few calls and texts from them during said conversation. As I leave the apartment and start walking to my car, I look at the texts and start talking to them (its a weird habit of mine. yes, I talk to my texts. no, I can't help it). Meanwhile, as I'm staring at my phone, I basically just about walk into this girl who looks at me like I'm totally insane. I don't really blame her though. I mean, who just talks to their phone? That's odd.

Also, I got another job today. AAHHH! Sorry for yelling, but I'm really, really excited. Life is fabulous once again.

Plus I bought a new sweater today (it's warm and soft and is a gorgeous color), so really, it just doesn't get any better than this.

My life is so great, it should be a movie. Please, someone make my life into a movie. It would win many, many awards. Ha. Most Ridiculous, here we come; my life and I.

Go, life, go.

I have many warming feelings

Wow.

I am well aware that I say this quite often, but yesterday was awesome. Truly awesome. Just fabulous.

The delight all began at work. Now, there are many reasons why I love my job so very much, but the majority of those reasons will have to wait for a later post. I'm going to focus on just one reason today: the crazies.
Seriously. I don't know why it is, but the optical business boasts the largest "crazy customer" population of anybody out there. Go ahead, try to prove me wrong. I dare you.

My boss told me a story about a Crazy from awhile back. His name is Fezzik*. He came in for an exam and a few days later, a letter arrived in the mail. In this letter, Fezzik proceeded to express his gratitude and the "many warming feelings" he felt towards the doctor and "his place" and declared that he would be referring said doctor to his family and friends.

I have many warming feelings toward this story.


Onward! I had my public speaking class again yesterday. I gave a speech again. It was actually really fun. Somebody please explain this to me. I prepared no more for this particular speech than the previous two, which were disastrous. I was still quite nervous and I started off on a few tangents, but I was able to keep BSOS at bay. Totally weird. Perhaps it had something to do with the topic, which I was very excited about.

Informative speeches were the torture of the day. I spent much, perhaps too much time deliberating on a topic. For some reason, when my cousin/professor announced the assignment to my class, the first thing that came to mind was the American Black Bear. What the crap? I have no idea where that even came from, so don't ask. Problem was, as soon as that totally random thought entered my mind, it wouldn't leave. I was at a total loss. Every time I tried to brainstorm, my mind could would not get around that ridiculous American Black Bear. So I considered giving it a shot. That lasted about two seconds.

There are about 20 people in my class and 90% of them are dudes. I would have totally put them to sleep, and I really didn't want to do that. My previous speeches had been disastrous. This was my chance to redeem myself! (perhaps that was the reason things went so well... I'm pretty stubborn, and I was going to do well at this one dang it!)

Despite my determination, I still didn't have a topic. I ended up asking sister-in-law/coworker for help. This is how the conversation went:

Me: What topic is there that would be informative and not put a classroom full of college males to sleep??
Sister: Talk about how people's glasses work.
Me: I don't know how people's glasses work!
Boss: Well you should...
Me: Oh, by the way, I found my training binder in my room when I was cleaning it the other day
Boss: Maybe you should read it...
Me: Glasses are boring. Nobody cares how they work.
Sister: Informative speeches are supposed to be boring...
Me: I refuse to be boring!! Give me an exciting topic or give me death!!
(ok, so I didn't really say that, but I should have)

Enough of that. Sister proceeded to suggest talking about something that I was interested in because my interest is contagious and would make everyone enthralled with any and all words coming out of my mouth. Fantastic idea!

I like architecture. Well that's not going to work. There's too much to inform people about for a 7-10 minute speech. It would have had to go along these lines:
Me: This building is pretty. This one isn't. Etc....
Yeah. No.

I like cars. Well that's not going to work. My class is made up of mostly guys. They know all of this already. (yes, I realize this is a gross generalization. sue me.) Plus, as it turned out, there was a guy in my class who picked that very topic. It would have looked like I copied him. No bueno.

I like shoes. Hey.... this could work.... Bwah hah hah! My class is made up of mostly guys! They so don't know this stuff! I will inform them of it, and it will be FABULOUS!

Oh yes. Greatest idea. Ever.

Shoes turned into clothes and clothes turned into Haute Couture. Thank you Chanel and Dior for inspiring me to give the greatest speech ever. And what do you know, the guys seemed interested. They even asked questions when they didn't understand something.

"What's a frock?"

"So with the French regulations on the term 'Haute Couture', design houses can only have shops in Paris?"


Oh man. So funny. I guess I should have done a slide show to go along with it.

Next time, next time...




*names have been changed for privacy and entertainment purposes.

This is the song that never ends

Dog tired.

I am so familiar with that phrase at the moment.

My family and I plus my super-duper awesome buddy hauled, lifted and cut beams all day yesterday (not necessarily in that order) for the covered patio in the backyard. And by all day, I mean until 2:00 in the morning.

I can't lift my arms today.

I am so excited for it to be done. It will look great! Yet, I know as soon as this project is done, there will be a new one lurking just around the corner.

Yipee!

Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti, DO!!

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot
With a pink hotel, a boutique, and a swingin' hot spot
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you got 'til it's gone
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot

They took all the trees, and put 'em in a tree museum
And they charged the people a dollar and a half to see them
No, no, no
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you got 'til it's gone
They paved paradise, and put up a parking lot
-Counting Crows, Big Yellow Taxi


I love this song. A lot. However, it seems that I haven't listened to it for quite some time and I have forgotten the lesson to be learned. *big, deep, dramatic sigh* Go figure.


I've had a vacation from my problems and I most certainly did not appreciate it. And now, now my vacation is over for a period of time. (hahahaha. pun.) I need to spend more of my time and effort on being grateful and focusing on the positive things in life. I think everyone could stand to be a little more grateful for the things they've been given.

I have resolved to do this. You should consider it also.

Here are just a few things that I am grateful for: Autumn and everything associated with it (this includes, but is not limited to: the changing of the leaves on the trees, the crisp chill in the air, Halloween, and Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner.), my family, my very dear friends whom I don't know what I would do without, the ceaseless opportunities there are for learning and growing, books, music (especially michael), technology, warm sweaters, indoor heating, ice cream, laughter, doctors (but only sometimes), facebook, hats, the scriptures, victoria's secret, shoes, c.s. lewis, intelligent people, sarcasm, bath and body works, fingernail polish, eirdach, popsicles (dreyer's fruit pops ONLY. preferably strawberry, tangerine or lemonade.), zombie runs, cell phones and a whole bunch of other stuff that I can't think of right now.

I think that's a good sized starter list.


I went to my auto class today. My oh my, I love it. I LOVE IT! First of all, my teacher is great. He's kind of an old dude, and there is one other girl in my class with me and then a bunch of guys. Teacher is just the greatest. He asks questions, makes fun of the girls for not knowing everything, and then answers any and all questions that either any of us have with what seems like a never-ending supply of patience. I talked to him today about a problem I was am having with my car and he told me to just bring it in to class next week and we'll take a look at it. He is just great! He asks people in the class what they want to learn and that's what we talk about. I haven't ever had a teacher that did that and it's fantastic. Gotta love a teacher who actually utilizes the input that he gets from his students.

I love learning about cars, what makes them go, why certain things happen, and how things under the hood work. I'm so stoked for next week; we're bringing in a bunch of cars (mine included) to run diagnostics on them. We're gonna get down and dirty. I can't wait.


When good things happen, it makes the bad things seem like such a small, insignificant part of life and everything is right in the world once again. As it should be.


I love days like today.








(Dang it. Now I'm craving popsicles....)

The Deadly Duo

Tonight I found myself in a bit of a sticky situation. You see, I was eating a popsicle in a rather warm room...

Seriously though. I'm taking a public speaking class at school this semester. It is divine. However, please allow me to add a small disclaimer to that statement. >I hate talking in front of people!< (those are my disclaimer marks, just in case you were wondering) So, as you can imagine, I have a somewhat difficult time.

Here's why: I get stage fright. Now, this isn't your typical case of nerves. We're talking full on brain-numbing, sweat-inducing, hand-trembling, you-get-the-pointing terror. Yes, terror. Pure, unadulterated, paralyzing terror. Convinced? No? Try this: Forget butterflies! It's more like my stomach being infested by a swarm of African killer bees. (how's that sound for a parasite? painful.)

Yet, for all that, the real kicker isn't the physical ailments. It's the mental ones. As you are well aware, (or at least you should be. for if you're not, you clearly don't know how to read subtitles) I have a condition. BSOS. Now combine what you know of that with terror so intense your brain forgets how to function properly. With the control I have over my brain under normal circumstances wrenched so unceremoniously from my grasping, metaphorical fingertips, the BSOS takes over. Let me tell you, it is the epitome of merciless.

Allow me to attempt to describe to you the horrifying process. >those of you with weak stomachs should read no further< (HA HA! another disclaimer)

No amount of preparation on my part can stay the wrath of the dreadful BSOS. My brain starts going about a million miles a minute, and my mouth blindly follows. It has recently become known to me that I also forget how to read. (Et tu, Brute?) Thus, my possession of even the most detailed of outlines is to no avail. I may cling to my sanity long enough to get the first, slightly coherent statement past my lips, but then I'm gone. BSOS running rampant through my mind, making the most asinine of connections between thoughts, stories, experiences and statements. It's pure chaos! The more disgruntled I become, the stronger BSOS clutches to my mind. My mouth lags further and further behind. I'm making exponentially less sense as the seconds tick painfully by, lost in the dust haphazardly thrown about from corners in my mind that have been neglected or ignored for years.

Finally, in my half-crazed state, I see in the distace the hand of my teacher go up. The end has come. Those 5 minutes of hellish torture have concluded. I'm so relieved I haven't suffered a serious cardiac arrest that I somehow manage to gain the upper-hand and shut my mouth. As the silence settles in around the victims of my violent attack, I begin to comprehend the full extent of the damage I've done. I take my seat, my cheeks cherry red after my brain registers the confused, yet relieved look in my classmate's eyes. And that's just the looks from the conscious ones, clearly they've got the brains and wherewithal to withstand the words coming out of my mouth to a small extent. As for the rest of the class, their glazed eyes convey to me the message I dread. I've done it again. Lost the battle.

I'll gladly take the fail if I never have to suffer through such agony again.

Twice.

I suspect half the terror comes from knowing it WILL happen again. Why oh why am I taking this class? I must be some sort of psychological masochist...

Good heavens have mercy

Grumble, grumble...

I want a horse. I've wanted one ever since I was a wee little one when my brother would break the legs off my toy replicas of the beautiful creatures (I would secretly wish for a real one that would break his legs).  And I have one lined up, all thanks to my FABULOUS aunt and uncle. Thing is, I never realized how stressful the whole process of finding a place to feed and board it would be. Or how much it costs. Geez.

Yet, somehow, I seem to have exhausted my resources as far as people I know who do this in my area... bugger. I really need to find my friend who pretty much has dropped off the face of the planet. I know she knows this stuff. Hannah, where the heck are you??

Oh well, I've got an interview set up for a second job tomorrow, so I can at least start saving money again. Talk about peace of mind. I have been SO stressed trying to live from paycheck to paycheck. I'm not cut out to be in debt or struggling financially... Speaking of the job interview, I'm super stoked about it! I've got a couple of friends who already work at this particular company and they both really like it. I'm really, really hoping it works out. I'll be crossing my fingers tomorrow...

I am so excited about Halloween, It's just around the corner! I got some awesome contacts for the occasion. I showed them to my little sister the other day and her response was, "Oh, of course you picked that pair." She was referring to the name (hellraiser), but that's totally not why I got them. I'll have to post a picture later, because they are fantabulous.

But hey, if I never do get the horse (which would be devastating), I'm sure the money will be put to good use. Such as my car, more fantastic colored contacts, feeding my MAC addiction or heck, maybe I could even afford to move out of my parent's house. That would be unspeakably fabulous.

De. Light. Ful.

Today has been one of those days where I feel like singing to everyone around me! (lucky for them, I have the good sense not to) It really could not have been more delightful.

Firstly, I was gifted a new piece for my wardrobe by my wonderfully amazing mother. Goodness, I really would like to sing praises to the world about this fabulous piece of fabric, but I feel like that's a little too much too soon. Either way, I'm ecstatic and my shoulders no longer ache.

Secondly, I have a car. It's a beautiful car and I'm madly in love with it, but as the world would have it, Caesar is my champagne car for my beer budget. (That's Caesar as in Julius Caesar. Not some mexican drug lord.) However, our different backgrounds will not keep us apart! I am willing to fight for this relationship. I want it to work. And apparently so does he. Ha ha the oil change that I had done for him today was only about $84! I was expecting something over $100, so I am Thrilled! (appropriate for the season, don't you think?) Tickled, even. We got some other great news today as well. He had me quite worried for awhile because his "check engine" light came on a little while back. Turns out the battery is just a little old. No biggie, that's an easy fix. Also, the camshaft is getting a touch dirty but nothing a few synthetic oil changes won't take care of. No big, serious problem that will eat up the next three months of my paychecks.

That's true love right there, that is.

Now I just need a great new pair of running shoes, an outfit to wear to Zumba, a cooperative insurance company and a few more months for my life to be complete. Well, and a major but that's just implied, right?

Like I said, today just couldn't get any better. (and you probably thought I was being sarcastic. Ha.)

Addictive? I'd say yes. Definitely.

The question: what would life be without popsicles?

The answer: a dark, dismal abyss with no joy to be found. Zero fun, Sir.


Another night spent escaping the undead. Epic. Especially with a guest this evening. Welcome to the game Makayla, lovely having you.

Discovery: more zombies are WAY better than faster zombies. Us ladies could only outrun them for so long before the pain wasn't worth the loss of brains. And I don't care if it's dark, I'm not going to hold them... too much awkward for me. Nevertheless, more players definitely equals more fun. Although technically, all three of us should now be among the ranks of the undead. Eric's brains were devoured too.

Zombie Run followed by a necessary Popsicle Run. New flavor in stock today! Tangerine. Delicious. Go try them.

Stalker update (just in case you were wondering): Apparently he doesn't read my blog. Firstly, because he is still coming 'round work, and secondly, because he doesn't know I have one (Nor will he. Ever.). HOWEVER, there has been a somewhat entertaining development. Ever since The Boss called him out on having a bit of a crush on me and getting him all defensive, he now doesn't bother actually coming IN the store if he can see that I'm not there. At least, as far as the sister can tell. I wasn't there to witness this event or I'm sure he would have come in. Feel free to shudder with me at this point. *shudder*

Enough of that. Now on to contemplating what kind of epic speech topic I am going to use next week in my public speaking class... Joy! (but only because of the popsicles)

I don't think so...

I have a secret admirer. Except he's not really a secret. At all. In fact, he is quite the opposite. And I don't know what to do. 

He's a very nice person, but I am so not even remotely interested. Even if he was super hot and had the greatest personality in the world, I wouldn't be interested. I had a terrible/unbelievably stupid summer and I have absolutely no desire whatsoever to even bother with men at this point in my life. I am happily single.

Thing is, this guy just won't quit. I mean, kudos/props/whatever for not giving up and all, but seriously. Enough is enough! Take a hint! I understand that may be a bit hard for some guys so I am going to spell it out for him, and everyone else.


Dude-

No, you may not have my number. No, I will not call you. No, I don't really want to go to dinner and a movie, and no, I already have a walk-in-the-park buddy who is pretty darn irreplaceable (see previous post. Ha.).

I feel bad about all of those "no's". Here's a yes or two: Yes, it is annoying when you come into my place of work and just kind of hover over me with nothing to say. Yes, I was very, very glad that I wasn't at work the last three times you have come in looking for me. Oh yes, Boss Lady and sister-in-law did tell me that you had come searching. While laughing at me, I might add. Boss got a particularly good laugh when you brought your friend into my place of work to check me out today. Heck, even the patient that Boss was helping knew what you were doing! When a complete stranger can see through you, saying things like "We'd just go as friends" isn't really gonna cut it...

Please. Please. Do me a favor, do yourself a favor. Just stop. You are more than welcome to come in and visit me or anyone else in the store, but only if you stop hitting on me and asking me out. However, if you really feel the need, you have my permission to hit on the Boss and the sister. Just as long as it's not me. 
Thank you.


Now that I've got that off my chest, I had a revelation last night! I have figured out how to become famous and possibly make my first millions! Great news, eh?? And I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you... You'll just have to wait and see. Tangible excitement. That's what that feeling is, oh yes.

I now welcome the apocalypse.

I have this sort-of tradition with a friend of mine where we go on walks at the park track at night and talk. This is typically followed by a trip for delicious frozen yogurt. We strongly believe in re-consuming any and all of the calories we may have burned during our walk as soon as humanly possible. I love these walks! We have the greatest time creeping on people whose lights are on with their curtains open, searching, or rather sniffing out the mysterious grape cloud that seems to have a mind and will of it's own, moving other track patron's items after they toss them to the side and continue with their run (my personal favorite), and we have great conversations. I look forward to these almost-nightly adventures with great anticipation. However, as fabulous as our previous capers have been, I do believe that tonight takes the cake.

We spent a good chunk of the evening running away from zombies. I kid you not.

Now, I'm not the zombie fanatic in my family; that role was taken on and has been very well upkept by my older sister. I'm not into the whole zombie movie genre (like, at all), zombie video games, and I consider the zombie version of Pride & Prejudice to be completely and utterly unholy. That being said, I downloaded a zombie game onto my phone this evening.

Ha. By far the greatest app currently to be found on my phone! It taps into the GPS system on my phone and plots my location (very accurately, I might add. we're talking to the meter here.) on a map. I pick my destination and the game shows me where the zombies in my infested neighborhood are, and I get to determine the best route to avoid them and arrive at my safe spot, well, safely. I swear to you I have never had so much fun running aimlessly around my neighborhood. Or so it may have seemed. Little did those high school kids doing drugs on the park bench know that they were surrounded by brain-hungry zombies and we were just running and screaming to safety.

This is definitely going to become a regular activity.

Double 10 Day All the Way

I love Double 10 Day and the fabulous chinese food that my family makes every year. Today was even more delightful because it was, in fact, Triple 10 Day. Only happens once every hundred years, so hooray for that! However, what I loved even more than the food and the rarity of the occasion were the people I shared it with. I absolutely adore my family! They really are my favorite people in the world. Brother and sister-in-law came over, and I love seeing them! (Especially brother, because I see Ali quite frequently at work. Because we work together.) Anyway, we had the greatest conversation after dinner, it started while we were all in the kitchen washing dishes and putting food away. Topic of the evening: dreams. More specifically, nightmares.

I wasn't aware of this, but it seems that my family member's dreams are just as vivid as mine. There are so many details in my dreams, and when I remember them, I remember every little thing. This is somewhat a blessing and a curse. A blessing when it is a good dream and I have fun when I retell the story. A curse when it is a nightmare and I wake up in a cold sweat, freaked out of my mind. Like last night. Basically, I watched a girl get bit and eaten alive by a ginormous snake. Woke up at about 3am with her red, tortured face in my mind's eye and her choked, gasping and wheezing breath ringing in my ears. Ha. Delightful experience, let me tell you. According to my little sister's interpretation of my dream, I'm the girl and Satan is the snake. So I feel like Satan is swallowing me whole...? Not quite sure about that one... So the majority of the rest of the evening was spent telling tales of flesh-eating demon babies and Canadian border police driving Hostess trucks. Again, I just love my family.

I treasure nights such as this, spent in laughter and happiness, and dread the days when they won't come as frequently.

Rinse, Lather, Repeat.

Long day today. Work. Home. Work. I'm not really loving my life as a poor college student... it's not so fun. Definitly miss the days when I had money! Ah, but more of them will come. I'm sure of it.
However, long as the day was, I did manage to squeeze in a visit to Barnes & Noble. Two new books today! So, so exciting. Recommendations from my boss: The Help and The Gurnsey Literary and Potatoe Peel Pie Society. Finished up Blink (by Malcolm Gladwell, a MUST READ. Top 5 for sure!), then started on the potatoe book. Too soon to issue any sort of verdict, but there is a line in the book that I completely related to and made me excited to get to know this character. That quote is as follows: "That's what I love about reading: one tiny thing will interest you in a book, and that tiny thing will lead you onto another book, and another bit there will lead you onto a third book. It's geometrically progressive - all with no end in sight, and for no other reason than sheer enjoyment." How delightful! I feel a kindred spirit in this fictional character. (I love it when that happens, makes me feel very confident about my social health) I really do see no end in sight, I love reading far too much to give it up. What a fabulous ray of sunshine in my day.
Just remembered i forgot about a paper that was due yesterday... hmmm.... I should get on that. I have a feeling the fact that my professor also happens to be my cousin isn't going to save me on this one. Nor should it.

Day One

I was told a few days ago that I needed to start a blog. Well here it is! My life as a whole is somewhat underwhelming. (don't worry, I'm working on that) However, there are many moments of tear-inducing humor, and I shall attempt to share them with you.
A few things about me to start things off:
I'm 21 years old. I am currently working as an optician in a Dr's office and attending school at UVU. I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up. I constantly stab my fingers with the screwdrivers at work (not on purpose). I love cars! I am in the process of becoming an entrepreneur with three of my very best friends. I am going to Europe for a summer with my friends as graduation presents to ourselves. So, picking a major is kind of integral to that plan. If you have any suggestions, let me know.
Fun story, patient came in to work today wanting a cheap pair of glasses. She was totally crazy and really fun! We talked about hair products, books I'm currently reading, and my brother and sister-in-law's wedding that was last April (I work with the sister). Boss was out to lunch. I sold the lady two complete pairs of glasses and an extra frame for later. Ha. When my boss came back, patient told boss that she needed to get rid of me because I was getting rid of all her money. Boss said she was going to give me a raise. Loved it. New favorite patient!