A Week of Celebration

Well, this past week has been a big one. I got an offer from the company that I wanted to work for, and it was Branden's birthday. So I was in the mood for a big night of celebration, and it was my turn to plan the perfect evening.

After piecing together everything that I wanted to do, the plan was to go shopping at the mall, run 15 minutes away to the movie theater, and then go out for a celebratory dinner at the Cheesecake Factory in Murray. I was planning on using the tickets that I won in the radio contest to go see the new twilight movie.

That day I hung out with Bryce while the Pugh girls went to see the movie (did I mention it was opening day?). We went down to the lake to check on the sailboat, and then we drove around the airport and watched planes takeoff and land. We picked up the lock from the boat, and I taught Bryce how to open combination locks. By the end of the trip he could do it every time! I guess I wasn't paying enough attention to the clock, and I got home later than planned.

From that point on, nothing really went as planned that evening. We went to the mall, and crammed a brief shopping trip in. I put the wrong time on my calendar for the movie and I couldn't find the proper address for the theater. I called them for directions, at which point I realized the time on the tickets was about 10 minutes away. After discovering that there was no way we could make the movie, I called the theater to find out if we could trade our tickets in, and they told me that we could. After driving out there for a half an hour, the workers told us that I couldn't trade them in because they were a part of a group sale. I was rather embarrassed, and frustrated that my plans for dinner had been pushed off, making for a very hungry dinner. In the frustration of the moment, a few tears trickled down my face. It seemed like everything was going wrong on that day.

I will say though, that Branden was the perfect gentleman. After some deliberation, we decided to drive the half-hour back to Murray to go eat at the Cheesecake Factory. I will say, it was worth it for sure!

The wait was probably near an hour, so we went back into the mall and actually had an enjoyable shopping "spree" (in which nothing was purchased, but plenty was tried on). Because by that point we were starving, we stopped by the coffee shop at Nordstrom, and picked up a steamer and a Mexican hot chocolate.

After a while we made our way back over to the Cheesecake Factory, and this is the real point for my post. I have never had such good food in my life! That probably ended up being one of the best evenings of my year. We sat there having such pleasant conversation, and just enjoyed the atmosphere. It really is a perfect "night out" restaurant, though the decor never fails to remind me of Las Vegas, but then again, Las Vegas reminds me of the concert that Branden and I went to in May. We started out dinner with calamari. It was a great texture, and not nearly as chewy as most calamari served in restaurants. Branden got the goat cheese pizza (which he said wasn't great), and I ordered the Mahi Mahi Mediterranean. It was the most expensive thing on the menu (about $20), but it was the most delicious food that I have ever put in my mouth... ever!!!


We sat there for quite a while just chatting about the future prospects in our lives and enjoying the moment before we headed out into the windy night carrying take-out boxes with the rest of my food, and a slice of cheesecake each. I got the chocolate raspberry truffle cheesecake, and I enjoyed that thing for the next 3 days.

On the way home we took a slight detour to my possible future office, and I couldn't help but feel like I had the world at my feet. It was a pleasant evening, and a great time spent with my best friend.

Here's to growing up!

3. BYU Footbal - third "goal" accomplished

Well, last Saturday was the BYU football game against Airforce. The next game is against Utah, and I was starting to panic when I realized that I hadn't made arrangements to attend either game. I put out a desperate plea on facebook for someone to take me with them, but then I realized that BYU had re-opened sales, and I could buy tickets online.

Well, I found that one of my friends was selling 4th row tickets for the airforce game, and I bit. I think we got there a little late, but after bundling up and walking down the street to the stadium, we found our seats after asking other sto vacate them (I'd feel bad, except that I actually had the seats written on my ticket). It was an awesome view, and I wish that I had a blanket to wrap up in. The game was awesome...when the players were close to us. As I was sitting there, I couldn't help but wish that I had made game-going a habit the whole time I was at BYU. It always takes me a little while to warm up to new situations, and by the end of the game I was thoroughly enjoying it (though I still don't know any of the cheers). In any case, it was fun. As we sat down, we couldn't help but notice that there was a black card taped to our seats. I thought it must have just been an advertisement to Sierra West, and although it was, it gave me the hope that I had won a diamond.
Well, I took it in to Sierra West a few days later to learn that it was indeed just a CZ, but, it did give me $10 off on getting my pearls restrung. I still wish I wouldn't have had to re-string my pearls, but they did a decent job. We left with about 5 minutes on the clock because it was absolutely freezing, and we were so far ahead. It was nice to get this checked off my list of things to do, but it also gave me a lot to think about. As I've spent so much time in Salt Lake recently I can't help but feel like I kind of missed a little of that "college experience." I went to one solitary football game. I never had those best friends who I lived with and would not be caught dead at a social function without. Thinking about all of this made me wish I had considered cheerleading at some point. I guess my idea of the typical college experience is that college is about socializing with friends who spend ridiculous amounts of time together, but I made a small group of friends, that always shrunk as people got married one at a time. But I did get a lot of great friends, and I've loved the experiences that I've been able to have.

I will say though... BYU isn't quite like any other college out there.

Digital Scrapbook

This morning as I've been applying for internships, I ran across a job opening for a reporter for a news station in Idaho. As much as I've never wanted to live in Idaho, I kind of wish that I would have gotten my foot in the door for something like that. Don't get me wrong -- I'm very happy with the direction that I'm taking. I just think that being a reporter would be a neat thing to do. One of my friends told me that she had a dream that I wrote a cookbook. I told her that it sounded like something I would do. After all, I secretly have a dream of compiling my grandmother's recipes into a cookbook and doing freelance work for a newspaper some day. Who knows?

Anyway this is all a tangent. I came across something else completely awesome. I'm always looking for new blogging resources, and I found a great one! I ran across the blog of a lady who makes digital scrapbooking kits. These are what make up a lot of the backgrounds that I've used. Now I'm excited to start creating some of my own backgrounds for my blog, and if you ever want to add stuff to yours, you can find her blog at http://summertimedesigns.blogspot.com/.

"Things I've Done"

This is a pretty interesting list. I stole this off of facebook. The whole idea is to post done beside the things that you've done.


1. Started your own blog -
Done

2. Slept under the stars -
Done

3. Played in a band -
Done (flute, clarinet, and tuba in school bands, and Drums and guitar in a garage band)

4. Visited Hawaii -


5. Watched a meteor shower
Done

6. Given more than you can afford to charity- mmm... what does afford mean? I've given the last cent I had, but I haven't taken out a loan to donate money.


7. Been to Disneyland/world -
Done

8. Climbed a mountain -
Done

9. Held a praying mantis -
Done

10. Sang a solo- Ha


11. Bungee jumped -


13. Watched a lightning storm at sea –
Done

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch -
Done

15. Adopted a child -


16. Had food poisoning -
Done

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty- I'm so mad that they don't let you do this anymore.


18. Grown your own vegetables -
Done

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France -
Done

20. Slept on an overnight train -


21. Had a pillow fight -
Done

22. Hitch hiked - Yea right.


23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill -
Done (and it made miss the national honor society inductions when I was in 11th grade.)

24. Built a snow fort
Done

25. Held a lamb -


26. Gone skinny dipping -


27. Run a Marathon - no desire... though I'm still considering a Triathlon


28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice -


29. Seen a total eclipse -
probably?

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset -
Done

31. Hit a home run!-
Done in my back yard as a kid

32. Been on a cruise-


33. Seen Niagara Falls in person -


34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors -
I visited the homestead of my grandfather's family (and of course his grave)

35. Seen an Amish community -


36. Taught yourself a new language –
Done

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied -


38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person -


39. Gone rock climbing-
Done

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David -


41. Sung karaoke -
Done

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt -


43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant - I've brought a stranger a meal from a restaurant.


44. Visited Africa –


45. Walked on a beach by moonlight -
Done

46. Been transported in an ambulance -


47. Had your portrait painted -
Done

48. Gone deep sea fishing -


49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person -


50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris -
Done

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling -
Done

52. Kissed in the rain -
Done

53. Played in the mud
Done (what kid hasn't)

54. Gone to a drive-in theater - This is going into my goals list!


55. Been in a movie –
Done

56. Visited the Great Wall of China -


57. Started a business -
Done

58. Taken a martial arts class -


59. Visited Russia -


60. Served at a soup kitchen -


61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies -
Done

62. Gone whale watching -


63. Gotten flowers for no reason -
Done

64. Donated blood, platelets, plasma -
Done

65. Gone sky diving -


66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp -


67. Bounced a check - :-) no... though I did overdraft about $500 when I got my wisdom teeth removed. Right after regaining consciousness I didn't realize that putting it on the wrong card mattered.


68. Flown in a helicopter-


69. Saved a favorite childhood toy -
Done

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial -


71. Eaten Caviar - Def. turned that one down, though I think I've tried escargot


72. Pieced a quilt
Done

73. Stood in Times Square -
Done

74. Toured the Everglades -
Done

75. Been fired from a job -


76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London -
Done

77. Broken a bone -


78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
-Done

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person -
Done (but from the car, and nowhere close enough for it to look any bigger than a crack)

80. Published a book - one of my life goals


81. Visited the Vatican -


82. Bought a brand new car -
Done - if it couts me picking it out with my mom and her buying it for herself. It is the car that I have today.

83. Walked in Jerusalem -


84. Had your picture in the newspaper
Done

85. Read the entire Bible -
Done

86. Visited the White House


87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - I leave that up to the boys.


88. Had chickenpox -
Done

89. Saved someone’s life -
???

90. Sat on a jury -


91. Met someone famous -
Done

92. Joined a book club -


93. Lost a loved one -
Done

94. Had a baby -


95. Seen the Alamo in person -


96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake -
I touched it. That's about all I want to do I think. We'll see after I get involved with the GSLYC.

97. Been involved in a law suit -


98. Owned a cell phone -
Done - in two countries

99. Been stung by a bee-


100. Read someone else's "Things I've Done" List - DONE

This has definitely given me a few more ideas for my goal list!

First Offer I'm Considering

Well, today was a dream come true! As difficult as it has been to find interviews at this time, I've had a few, and I've been pleasantly surprised about the outcomes for those. I interviewed with a particular company that has two sets of double interviews. When I got my response from the first set, I started crying. They wanted me to come for an on-site interview. I felt like my on-site interview went really well, but I didn't hear back within the time frame that they had given me. As of Friday, I didn't hear back within the time frame that I was expecting. I finally stopped eagerly checking my e-mail every five minutes, and I figured that my chances were low of getting a position. I was debating sending another follow-up e-mail, almost to ask them if I would be contacted if I wasn't selected.

As I headed home to think about how to word this e-mail, I stopped in the grocery store to get a few ingredients for Barbecue Chicken. (yum!) As a splurge I decided to get a small chocolate ice cream cone from the deli. As I was checking out, my phone rang, and I figured it was probably someone from the insurance agency calling me about my car. Well, turns out it was that company extending me an offer of employment. I was barely able to pay for my ice cream I was in such shock. I'm pretty sure that I circled the store about 3 times, and all I needed was chicken and ketchup!

I came home and made dinner for me and my friends to celebrate this occasion. I haven't accepted the position yet, and I'll update everyone when I make my decision. Still, today is a special day in my life - the day I got the first offer that I'm considering.

Leonids

Last night I got a group of people together to go see the Leonids meteor shower. I've never been too impressed with them in the past, but then again, I've always been a little too close to the city lights and surrounded by trees. This year, we decided to drive out to west desert to check out the stars. I've always been amazed by how clear the night sky is out there.

We loaded 3 camp chairs, 4 jackets, 3 guns, 2 walkie talkies, 2 head lamps, and 1 quilt, and 4 excited friends into "Jaws" around midnight. After driving out into the country we made our way into the desert. We pulled off from the "main" dirt road and headed up the smaller path to a clearing with a fire circle. It was beautiful.

The sky was so clear, and I could see the kind of stars I'm only used to seeing when I'm out on the ocean. We stepped out of the car, and a breeze came up similar to an ocean breeze, except it was freezing cold. I bundled up in about 4 layers, but after a while the cold just penetrated every fiber of my body.

The boys pulled their guns from the truck, and each shot, accompanied by a warm lash of fire from the end of the gun, rumbled like thunder through the quiet night. I sat and listened to them as they ran off into the distance. I saw a few stars streak across the night sky, but nothing too exciting. The best part of the night was sitting and looking at the beauty that I don't get to enjoy every night.

After about an hour we became too cold to continue, and decided to pile back into the car and head home. I fell asleep watching the country side slowly turn into the city. All in all, it was a great night.

Christmas Wishlist

Well, once again, I know that there is no way that I will remember what to tell my family if they ask me what I want for Christmas. So here's a catalog of things I would like to have, and I suppose I'll put a large price range in there. If you want to get me something from the list, check the comments section, and I'm pretty sure that you can put an anonymous post in the comments at the bottom so that other people don't get me the same thing.

Love yall, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

~and don't forget that the greatest gifts of all have no price.

NEW!!! Flats - I don't wear flats, I don't know how to wear flats, and I don't own any flats, but I need some flats that I can wear, especially with skinny jeans.

NEW!!! White Scarf - I want one like Amy has.
NEW!!! Snow Boots - I got some for Christmas last year, but they aren't water-proof anymore. I could really use some that don't let the water in, and that can also be worn daily.

Pajamas - This is the set that I would like to have.
NEW!!! MHS Afghan - I've wanted one of these since I was in 10th grade. The order form can be found here: http://mhs.wcpss.net/ptsa/0910/Millbrook%20Afghans%20and%20Blankets%20Order%20Form.pdf

NEW!!! BYU Pendant - I wanted one of these so bad when I went to the last football game, and I'd love to be able to support my university. I found it at http://www.onlinesports.com/pages/I,LGA-BYU015-S.html NEW!!! BYU Earrings - These match the necklace (pendant). I found them at http://www.onlinesports.com/pages/I,LGA-BYU016ERD-SS.html
NEW!!! Blackberry -I am finding that I really need a smart phone that I can sync with my calendar. I'm having trouble keeping everything as organized as I want, and it makes it really difficult because I always have to be in front of a computer before I can make an appointment. Being able to check e-mail would be nice too. Of course, this means that my service plan will need to be beefed up some.

NEW!!! Express Gift Card - If there's one store that I love to shop at, it's express.

NEW!!! MAC Liquidlast Liner in Inky - This is what I use now, and it just ran out.

NEW!!! MAC Fluidline Liner - I haven't used these, so I don't know what color would work for me, but I do want to try it.

NEW!!! College Ring - This is the ring I want. It's available through Herff Jones, but it's really expensive, so I'd also love contributions for it. I want white gold with the natural finish, block initials engraving (MEJ), along with the split graduation year (2010) on the sides. I get a discount if I order it at the Grad fair today or during the first week in March.
DVD Player- I don't even care what kind it is, but right now I can only watch DVDs on my computer.

Old VCR - Yes. I need an old VCR. I have a TV that doesn't have a coaxial input, so I'm going to fix that. What I need (and this is specific) is a VCR that has a Coaxial input and an A/V (red, yellow, white) output. This will allow me use of my beautiful big TV.

Make up - I can always go for new shades of highly-pigmented eyeshadow. My eyeliner has also dried out and my little sister says that MAC now has an awesome-coverage mineral foundation. I usually don't need a heavier coverage foundation, but every now and then what I have just doesn't cut it. I will say unfortunately with the make up, that's something that I need to be there to pick out/up. My preference is MAC though.

Bath and Body Works Black Amethyst - Perfume (Eau de Toilette), Triple Moisture Shower Cream, Triple Moisture Body Cream - This year I'm really really into black amethyst from Bath and Body Works. I've also really wanted the perfume for a while. Also, as far as the shower gel and lotion are concerned, the more moisturizing, the better.




Sewing Machine - Mine doesn't work (I got it from DI, for about $12). I would love to have a new one. I've gotten into quilting and other types of sewing, so even a basic machine would be great! (it does need to have zig-zag and straight stitches)

Bewitched Seasons 4-8- In 2009 I finished the I Dream of Jeannie series, and now I'm getting into Bewitched. The online episodes end after season 3. For me it's just a great pick-me up after a hard day.

Black Diamond Primrose Harness Package - I'm not quite sure if I need a small or a medium. Maybe I'll try some on this week. Just the harness runs around $35, and this $99 package is a great deal and is everything I need to continue my rock climbing (well...except for the ropes). (and just to let everyone know, I am set on the Black Diamond Primrose Harness)
KitchenAid Stand Mixer - I have spent some time buying cheap mixers, but they keep dying on me. I'm thinking that it's time for me to get a good one. I would prefer the 5 qt size, and I like Blue, Red, Black, and Silver (right now Costco has a pretty good price on them).
Paper Trimmer - I need a paper trimmer that is at least 12" so that I can cut my scrapbook pages. I've liked these rotary trimmers that are set up so that they have to be straight, like this one:
NEW!!! Diploma Frame - This is at the bottom, because it is more of a graduation thing that I want. I would like one of the official frames for my diploma. They're so nice.

Hectic.

I'm beginning to think that life never slows down or gets less hectic. Yesterday, like the irresponsible person I am, I went shopping with my little sister. It was fun, but was a very bad use of my time. By the time I got home, I still hadn't finished my part of my group project, or studied for my finance exam that I forgot about.


This morning I woke up early to start on homework and studying. I put in my new contacts (new prescription), and I couldn't believe how crisp the world was. I ran to class at 9:30, just to find out that class was canceled, but we were still expected to turn in our homework. I was a little frustrated, but it wasn't too bad. When I got back home I turned back to my homework and studying...though I spent more time locating resources than anything else.


Well, seeing as how today was so beautiful, Aaron and I couldn't help ourselves. We went for another motorcycle ride. For me, our rides are always a time of reflection. A time to be introspective, and a time to thank God for the beauty of the world and my life. I've realized something on these rides--the writer in me comes out. When I was little, I used to narrate my life. I'd add "she said" or "he said" or "she thought" or "she felt" or "she decided" etc. to just about anything. I do that while I'm on the back of the motorcycle. And I think I've discovered why it is that I'm always chasing adventures. Yes I do love trying new things, but even more than that, when I write my life in my journal, I want my children to find it interesting. I don't want them to be bored. And I think I secretly (not secretly now though) have wanted to write a book one day based on my life experiences.


ANYWAY, Today we rode around West Mountain (though we only went half-way and turned around, rather than going to Genola, like we did last week). There is just something so beautiful about it. It doesn't look like the Utah that I'm used to, though I suppose that it is more of what the natural Utah looks like. There is a section that is so picturesque with an orchard on one side of the road, and Utah Lake on the other. It is flat gorgeous and it lets me feel like I'm getting away from everything. The lake is particularly beautiful in this section, and it seems so natural.


After the ride, I went back home, and got right back to studying. Unfortunately I was tired enough at this time that nothing really stuck. I headed out to dinner, and when I came back I had just enough time for a half-an-hour cram session. Then I ran to the testing center and did really horrible on my test. Since I started waking up earlier, life has been so much better, except for the fact that I'm mentally drained by the time the evening comes around.

And now, why the late post you may ask? I just got back from taking one of my friends to the ER. I was really glad that she called me, and that she felt comfortable enough to. I love being there for people. But as I said, it seems that life just gets more and more hectic, like everything wants to happen all at once, and I see no reason for things to slow down anytime soon (only 4 more weeks of classes--I had no idea until today)!

P.S. I got accepted to the internship in Mexico program. I'm still hoping to find an option here, but at least I know that Mexico is a possibility.

New Sailing Chapter

So, my triathlon starts in 10 minutes. And I'm ok with that. This is one goal that has to wait until the spring. I have to admit, given the past two or three weeks, throwing down $40.00 for a triathlon didn't seem like a judicial use of my time OR money.


This past week has been just as crazy as my last few. In the past week or two I planned the entire Commodore's Ball/10 Year Anniversary Gala for the Sailing Club. Let me just say it was insane, but I think it went over really well.


I spent hours designing logos for medals and etching vases to give to the leadership. I also spent some time and designed plaques for Skipper and Mike. I suppose I'm still proud of how those turned out. For dinner, we had grilled rosemary pork chops, rolls, salad, and baked potatoes. Lets just say that when I washed, foiled and stuck 40 potatoes in my oven at once, I was just praying that they'd turn out all right. 4.5 hours later, when people cut them open, the potatoes were steaming and perfect. It was a huge relief.


I had originally wanted linen table cloths and a catered meal--but to do that, we would have had to charge every person who came, and I wasn't a huge fan of that. So I got disposable table cloths, disposable forks and knives, and just about disposable everything. Overall, I think it maintained most of the atmosphere that I had been hoping for.


I think one of the biggest successes was the slideshow that I put together. But overall, I know that I wouldn't have survived without my two best friends: Nicki and Aaron. They really saved the night!
After everything, I ran to the testing center, and did well on a test. Knowing that I hadn't done it yet kept me on the edge of my seat all night.


Oh, and apparently raingutter regatta boats can fly if you have enough balloons!

The sailing club has been my life these past few years. Now I'm thinking that I'm ready to move on, as I'm growing up and graduating. I was ready to hand the leadership over to Isaac. It's been a blast, and it's taken a whole lot out of me. Still, I have to say, Thank You. It has made my life super enjoyable, and really prepared me for the future. Now I can't wait to own my own boat one day so that I can enjoy the water, the wind, and the waves.

Band

Today in one of my classes we watched Drumline. It reminded me of high school. Marching Band still fills me with pride. I was a member of some awesome Marching Bands. Millbrook High with the Piccolos and Flutes. Coral Glades High as Drum Major and Sousaphone. And with Timpview High with the Flutes and Piccolos again.



Last Sunday a friend of mine told me that I was one of the most engaged people he had ever met. He said that I am so involved in the things that I do, and that I'm always doing something. I took that for quite a compliment.


I tried to be involved in the Indoor Drumline while I was at Coral Glades, and I would have been, were it not for the other things I was involved in. My year at CGHS taught me so much. It was where I learned how to manage my time, and really understand what I was capable of doing and what I didn't have time for. In the years since I moved away, my marching band has won some major competitions and were even 2A state champions one year. I'm proud of them.


As I watch this movie, I can't help but be a little critical of some of the music, and a lot of the marching. And I can't help but wonder, do I still know what an 8-5 feels like?

{Halloween}

How could I not post about Halloween? This year it wasn't about the candy. It was about the competition! I'm a huge fan of decorating things and dressing up, and I'm under the impression that the way to do it well is to go over the top.

This year for Halloween I did my stake's trunk-or-treat. That's where you decorate your trunk (works really well for college kids), and then people go around the trunks and get candy. I finally decided to be a sailor this year, so I grabbed a boat that needed to be moved and borrowed it for the evening. If I could do anything different, I would have gotten the boat earlier so that I could put the mast up and string Halloween lights or garland to the top. In any case, I was happy with what I did do.


I made a "night time ocean" backdrop out of butcher paper and used it to disguise the car. Then I filled the area of the trunk closest to me with sand. I lined the boat with tea lights, sat my pumpkins out (one carved like a sailboat and the other like palm trees), and put some Halloween decorations inside the trunk. It was my version of a freezing beach for the night. I know it was a bit of a fire hazard (candles right beside butcher paper) but it was fun. Branden complained for days afterward that his car smelled funny. Really, is autumn spice that funny of a smell? I rather like it.


I ended up winning the "most seaworthy" trunk award, and got to take home Phase 10 (tough decision between that, Jenga, and a blanket) as my prize.