Merry Christmas.

Have a wonderful holiday!

It could be worse....

You could be stuck here.

Holiday Party 2006


I hate this picture of me, but Michelle and Rachel look great so I went with it.

Ceremic donkey. This was actually the most coveted item of the night.

Isn't Anna pretty?

Me and Chris

Here are some pictures from the party. Everyone looked really good and it was a blast to hang out with all my best friends in one place. Hopefully, we'll make it a tradition.

Going home on Friday night. Can't wait.

Night Trains

I'm going to blog about the Christmas party soon. Not right now though. Since I made such a big deal about it, a post like that would require pictures, which I have, but haven't yet downloaded. But it was a good time, definitely. Stayed tuned.

Last Thursday I went to see Amos Lee at The Depot here in Salt Lake. I love going to concerts, small ones, like this one, at good venues. A good venue is key to a good show. The Depot is a a great venue, the best in Salt Lake I think. It Amos Lee was rad. He is the definition of cool. He seems to be one of those people who you would love to just sit and talk to at some hole-in-the-wall blues club or something. I bet he has some awesome stories. His music is great. His voice is so smooth, so rich. Listen to him. Love him.

Utah got worked by a snow storm this weekend. All the ski resorts got a good 2 feet of new powder over the weekend. I'm not going to sit here and pretend to be some raging snowboarder, but I would definitely want to get in on that action. Falling is a lot less painful when you are in powder....

I went to the BYU-Utah State basketball game on Saturday in Provo. Waste. Of. Time. USU didn't even show up to play. They were horrible. It was sad too because there were SO MANY Aggie fans there. Tons. What's cool about Utah State fans though is that it didn't even matter we were losing. Everyone still cheered and yelled and made fun of BYU, which is really why we all showed up anyway.

Tomorrow night I am going to a Christmas dinner party at my friend Quela's. Quela was my original roommate during my freshman year of college. She is married now so I don't really see her that often, but she invited all our friends from freshman year, many of whom I haven't seen in a while so it wll be a lot of fun.

I hope they find those missing climbers on Mt. Hood. How scary would that be? Sometimes me and Heather watch Man vs. Wild on the Discovery channel. The host gets dropped off in the middle of some extreme habitat and has to find his way to out, all the while giving you tips on what to do to find food, shelter and water. It's basically a survival guide show. It makes you wonder how or if you could hold it together if you were lost in the rainforest or in the mountains or something. Have I talked about this before? I think I might have...or maybe not. I can't remember.

Kings beat the Jazz on Friday. They came back from 15 points down in the 3rd quarter and beat them by one point. YES. And can I mention Mike Bibby's new hair? It's a good look for him. He should keep it grown out a bit.

Enough.

Depending on who you ask, it's probably the most wonderful time of the year...


Lonely leaf

Lawn

Tree w/o flash

Tree with flash

The post where I get all Stephen Covey up in here....

Over Thanksgiving I got really sick...like, you guys don't even know. I hardly ever get sick, maybe once a year, but I had the worst cold EVER over Thanksgiving and I'm still recovering. Not only did this horrible cold produce endless streams of grossness and cause me to convulse with coughing, it also left me without the ability to taste anything. Although my cold is pretty much gone, my sense of taste is unfortunately still warped. In addtion, I have lost my apetite (which is NOT like me) and haven't been eating as much as I usually do. This is probably a good thing since I have been trying to lose a few pounds, but it's annoying when I need to eat and nothing sounds good. When I do eat, it doesn't taste the same. I have heard of colds doing permanent damage to taste sensations and that is scary. I hope mine comes back soon.

Lately, I have been thinking seriously about moving home for a while. I can't help but feel like I have outgrown Utah and I've been getting restless to go out and find something, someplace I love. Moving home would give me a chance to save more money, something I haven't been doing at all. It would also give me a better opportunity to look for jobs in San Francisco, since that's where I want to be. Making a decision like this is not easy and I still don't know if it's the right one, but I feel like I am at a point where I can finally do something to change my situation. Even though it's scary, I have the confidence to do it. Last night I had a conversation with a friend that was long over due, and even though it was hard, I did it and hung up with the most awesome feeling of relief, which is something I have never felt before. Never have I felt so capable, so motivated to change the things in my life that have overwhelmed me. This conversation meant more than just what was said. It tested my insecurities and shortcomings and even though it's taken me a while, I think I may have finally passed.

Yeah Caridee!!!

Caridee just totally won America's Next Top Model!! YEAH! Although I am absolutely embarassed that I watch this show (and that I'm a closet Tyra Banks fan-well I guess not anymore) I am all about givin' it up to Caridee. She worked Melrose and sent her packing, thank goodness! Melrose was such a snob, such a drama queen and so up tight (uptight?). I would post a link to the page, but the website is overloaded right now so I can't.

Anyways, still no dress. I don't really care about it anymore. It's not about looking good (well, not completely). I am just excited to have all my good friends together and to have a good time. We still need to get a tree and some decorations and stuff, but we still have a week.

I really want to see this movie. I love, love, LOVE Kate Winslet...Cameron Diaz, not so much. She kinda bugs, but she is a great actress so I will see check it out.

I moved up in my Fantasy Basketball league. All I can say is..

IT"S ABOUT TIME.

I have been camping out at the bottom for so long. Hopefully my team gets healthy and, oh I don't know, STARTS SCORING POINTS. But I'll be honest, 8th place feels good right now.

As I type this, I'm listening to a show on Vh1 about the drug revolution in the 60's. I keep hearing phrases like "Freedom, love and LSD", "The psychodelic experience is an adventure", "Experience America on acid" Uh, what? Weird. Apparently the Beatles were total potheads.....

Have I talked about my niece, Lillian June (name pending)? Well, my sister Jen is pregnant and due at the end of March. I am beyond excited and don't like thinking about it too much because March seems like forever from now. Jen being pregnant is very strange. I never looked at her as the mothering type, but I am certain she will be a great mom. Pip and JP seem to like her, so there's that. Seriously though, she will be and this baby is one lucky kid. She already has a pretty tricked out wardrobe and is getting some sweet furniture too.

Anyways, Caridee won, I'm in 8th place and Bush is going to have to suck it up, lose the attitude and figure this whole Iraq thing out.

Not too bad.

Dragging

I really don't feel like blogging right now. Only because I have nothing to talk about really. It's been a slow week. Sorry in advance for this lame post.

I have been trying to find a dress for my party and it's not going well. Salt Lake has some decent shopping and I've still struck out everywhere. It's so frustrating. I hate shopping too, so that doesn't really help my situation. Shopping to me is such a chore. I get so exhausted so quickly with all that walking around....wow I sound so lazy. But really, I hate trying on clothes. Nothing ever fits and it's not fun for me. Don't get me wrong, I like having new stuff, it's just the process of getting that stuff is so annoying.

I'm really into America's Next Top Model and the finale is on Wednesday. Very exciting. I hope Caridee wins. She won't though. Melrose however, will. Melrose reminds me a a cartoon. She smiles way to big for way too long. It makes my face hurt just looking at her. Sick.

I'm done. I told you this would be lame.

Winter. It's here.

I made it back to SLC after the best flight of my life from Sacramento. I'm going to take the opportunity now to thank Delta Airlines for being so awesome. I haven't flown Delta in like 4 years so I was shocked and thoroughly delighted at the accomodations I found while on that sweet airplane. It was roomy, each chair had a T.V. with actual live television, and they served Coke products. I flipped back and forth between CNN and the E! True Hollywood Story of Sex and the City for the entire hour and a half flight. It was great. I will definitely be using Delta again, unless Southwest is cheaper, and then I will just suck it up and deal.

Thanksgiving was great. Well, mostly great. I got a horrible cold. I was coughing and sneezing and blowing my nose ALL DAY LONG. And I couldn't taste anything so Thanksgiving dinner was sort of a let down for me. But I know you all want to know about the Jello. So let's talk.

I was feeling really confident going into Jello attempt #1. A little nervous, but you know, optimistic. The squeezing of the pineapple took approximately 2 hours and when I couldn't get anything else out of it, I squeezed some more.
Everything went south when I misjudged the consistency of the Jello and left it in the fridge too long. You see, you're supposed to let the Jello partially set before adding the fruit. Really, though, and I made a note of this on the recipe, you just need to let the jello mixture cool and then you can add the fruit.

Jello attempt #1

So, after my emotional breakdown, I went back to the store to get the ingredients for Jello attempt #2.

Jello attempt #2 was successful I guess. I got the initial consistency right and added the fruit. Later that night, my mom helped me with the whip cream. This is where we screwed up a bit. I think we may have whipped the cream too long so it was a little thicker than the Jello cream should be. Overall, the Jello was ok. Not the best, but for my first effort (or second) it was ok. Better luck next year.

The rest of my visit was good. My mom, Jen and I did some shopping, we hung out with Christian, Maureen and their puppies, Louie and Cacie.

Louie on the left, Cacie on the right.

Me and Louie

They are the cutest dogs EVER. So much fun. They are really well behaved too. Chris and Maureen are doing a good job breaking them in (is that the right term, "breaking them in?") And of course, we played some Monopoly and Clue. My favorites. We also got to watch some of Ryan's Africa video. That was cool. He thought it was boring for us, but it wasn't. It was hilarious and totally interesting. Africa is serious business. I would love to go, but I think I would have to pass on treking up Mt. Kilimanjaro. I would have no business being up there. Anyways, it was a great Thanksgiving.

Monopoly. Judging from our faces, it's clear, we don't mess around.

Bootsie wanted to play too.

Checking out Chris's new property on the Sacramento river.

So let's talk about the snow that has been falling. Winter is totally here and I don't know how I feel about it. The roads were covered this morning, but mostly just slushy. I was turning left at a light and TOTALLY fish-tailed into the other lane. Luckily, no one was in that lane, but it was scary. I forgot how much driving in the snow scared me. It's not cool.

Rachel and I are going snowboarding at Snowbird on Saturday. I'm really excited. I really want to improve this season and am ready to get the first day out of the way. The first day is always a little sketchy. Lot's of falling. I fall a lot anyways, so it's really all relative to me. Should be pretty fun though!

Our One Classy Christmas Party is set to go . Invites are out and everyone should have gotten them today. I have never thrown a party like this so it's a little scary. Dinner reservations have got me the most stressed, only because I don't know how many people are definitely coming so I can't give the restaurant a set number. Having worked at a restaurant, I know how crazy this time of year can be for a place like this and I really don't want to be "one of those" people, but I am just going to have to deal with whatever comes and hope the restaurant can accomodate us. Should be a great party! Hope everyone can come!

The Success of Thanksgiving Rests In My Hands

I'm flying home to Redding tomorrow to participate in the Olsen Family Thanksgiving Festivities 2006. This year will more than likely be much like years past; lots of noise, complaints about the fairy rolls and vicious critique over Grandma's jello.

Grandma's Jello is never made except on Thanksgiving. It just isn't. But for good reason. This jello is not like some sick Utah, Relief Society jello. This jello is special, not only because it is jello perfected, but also because the time and preperation it takes to complete is so rewarding. Every year Grandma would bring out the jello and say "I just don't know about it this year." But her jello never let us down. Ever. And we loved her for that. As she got older, it became a little more difficult for her to do things, but she always came through when it came to the jello.

Apparently, I have been enlisted to tackle on the responsibility of producing Grandma's Jello this year. Why? I have no idea. Maybe because everyone else is too lazy (actually I am pretty sure that's the reason). Either way, it's rather intimidating.

Grandma's jello consists of raspberry jello, pineapple, bananas and whipped cream, but none of that Redi-Whipped crap in the can. No, this is serious handmade whiped cream with a touch of pineapple juice.

Sounds easy, right?

WRONG

Over the years, there have been those who have taken on the challenge of making the Jello, however the outcome is usually disappointing.

One Example of Grandma's Jello Disaster: It's Thanksgiving 1995. For some reason, we decided to hop in the green van and road trip our Thanksgiving to Provo, Utah, thanks to Jen. (Why she chose to live in Provo? I do not know, but we all make mistakes) Anyways, we attempted to create a Thanksgiving dinner as close to perfect as that icky apartment would allow , which included Grandma's Jello. I don't know who to blame this disaster on, maybe it was all of us, but it was indeed a DISASTER. The Jello attempt was pathetic, inexcusealbe really. The Jello didn't set, the cream was too runny and I think, I THINK someone forgot the chopped nuts. Looking back, we should have known better. Come to think of it, I believe this is where my loathing of all things Provo began.

Grandma passed away two years ago and since then the responsibility of who has to make the Jello has been quite the issue. My cousin Cara is probably the one who has come closest to mastering the recipe. Since I have been bestowed with the task this year, I am definitely going to have to call her up and get every detailed step. I am really nervous about this. Seriously. I have heard you have to start like 2 days in advance, use stainless steel bowls that have been chilled for a certain about of time and crush the pineapple until it's at a perfect consistency, all while chanting some achient Wiccan Jello prayer....or something to that affect.

We'll see how it goes.

Seriously though...

You can't make a change unless you make a change.

I was looking at all of my pictures from Europe tonight and I was left aching to go back. Traveling this summer was the best thing I have ever done and probably the smartest decision I ever made. Not only did I get to see parts of the world that I may never get to see again, I learned so much about myself. It sounds incredibly cliche and it's so true. I learned not to take for granted the opportunities that lay before me. I left feeling this overwhelming sense of accomplishment and couldn't wait to get on with the rest of my life. The realization that I could do whatever I wanted with my life was exciting but terrifying at the same time. Settling into life after college however has had it's challenges. I have never felt so stagnant before. Here I have the world at my fingertips and I can't decide where I want to be or what I want to do. The last 6 months have been the most trying in my life. My mind is stuffed full of ideas and plans, but my inability to decide on what idea and what plan to jump on has been stiffling. It has been so hard to get excited about my future when I can't decide on what future I really want. The past couple weeks though I have definitely felt better. I haven't been happy or more importantly, satisfied with my job and I have tried to make some decisions to better my situation. I have come to except the fact that I don't need to have all the answers now. I don't need to have my life planned out for the next 5, 10 or 15 years. I guess that's the fun in it. So if I don't like something, I have resolved to change it because you can't make a change unless you make a change. That was one of the things that I took away from my training in Phoenix. I have always been a firm believer in the possibilty that anything is possible as long as you put the work into it. Unfortunately, I never thought it applied to me. Funny how that works. But I know now that I am the only person to blame for the things I am unhappy about in my life. If I have goals and aspirations in my life, the only way to make them happen is to work at it until they happen. I get that and am looking for to the challenge.

In honor of my rant...

Insert witty headline here

Well I am back from Phoenix after a very motivating, very long few days. The workshops I attended were for the most part very good. However, I felt like I was back in school, having to sit for hours listening to lecture after lecture, scrambling to take notes or in some cases, stay awake. The weather was beautiful, perfect actually, 75 or 80. I had the chance to meet a lot of nice people, especially ones in my section (intermountain). Out section met up for dinner one night at a very trendy Scottsdale restaurant called The Old Torilla Factory. Lots of spicy southwest style goodness. Our section director is a cool guy so he ordered tons of appetizers for us and told us to get anything we wanted. I ordered a red chile pork chop that came with this spicy raspberry sauce. I know, you totally care.

By the end of the trip, I was rather exhausted from spending so much time with my coworkers. Travelling with people you work with is much like travelling with your family, except when you get annoyed with your coworkers, you can't yell at them. And trust me, I got annoyed. But overall, good trip.

I really, REALLY want a cat. I have been looking in the Trib and on Craigslist everyday searching for kittens being given away. I thought about calling one ad tonight, but before I did, I remembered that I would be going home next week and would want to bring it with me. So that's about the time I called Delta and asked them about their pet policy. Here's the deal: you can carry on a small pet (cat, small dog, ferret, etc.) for a $50 one-way price, but you have to make a reservation for your pet before you leave because Delta only allows 2 pets as carry-on per flight. And your pet counts as your carry-on item. It's all quite ridiculous to me. I mean really, $50 to put your cat under the seat in front of you? Please. I swear when my brother Christian would travel with his cat Saki, he didn't have to pay a dime. He just liquored her up with Benedryl, sent her through security and was on his way. I should ask him.

Right now the Jazz are killing the Clippers. The Jazz are good this year. 7-1. Everyone is trying to turn me into some fan. Ok listen, it's not going to happen. It's just not.

My fantasy team is struggling right now. I was in third place like 4 days ago, now I am almost last, only ahead of Ryan and Juice, who are on top of Mt. Kilimanjaro right now, with no access to a computer. Figures. Everyone on my team is hurt though. It's pretty beat.

Deal or No Deal is on again. Have I expressed how much I loathe this show? These people are WAY too overdramatic and it's painfully annoying. I can't help but scream at the tv, "YOU ARE SO STUPID!!!!" They really are.

Last night I had a dream that I went to a high school basketball game and Barack Obama was the coach of one of the teams. I was freaking out in my dream because I needed to run home and get my camera. But I didn't want to leave the game because hello, Barack Obama was there, so I never got my camera and didn't get to take a picture. I am convinced this is a sign that he will be our next President and now I totally believe in that whole "personal revelation" thing.

This blog has gone nowhere fast. I'm out.

Take effects, TAKE EFFECTS!

Tomorrow I am flying to Phoenix for a USTA National Staff Training Meeting. It's sort of a big deal and I am a little confused as to why they are spending all this money on me going, but I could definitely use the warm weather and private suite so I'm not complaining. Although I will be in seminars all day, it should be a good time and hopefully I meet some cool people who could hook me up in the future. It's all about networking, people.

Speaking of networking, I may have a real-live, legit connection with the Jazz.

Yesterday, my friend Dave invited to me to go to the Jazz game. Dave and I did broadcasting together for a year. We teamed up and had our own 10 minute segment on Utah State's dorky features show ,"Cache Rendevous. It was called Road Trippin' and the premise was us basically going to little po-dunk towns around Cache Valley and finding stuff to do. It was a blast and we had so much fun meeting all these crazy people and getting to know these tiny towns. My favorite show was when we visited a working dairy farm in a town called Lewiston. We milked cows, rode horses, and fed little baby calves....

I'm rambling. Anyways...

So Dave recently got hired on with the Delta Center broadcasting department. Basically he helps shoot all the things you see up on the jumbo-tron during Delta Center events, mainly, Jazz games. So we went to the game, (which was GREAT, by the way. They played Detroit. I have a huge crush on Tayshaun Prince) and after, Dave took me onto the court and we watched the broadcasters interview Carlos Boozer. It was really cool. Boozer is such a nice guy, really. Then we went and listened to the press conference with Jerry Sloan. We were waiting there, right next to Jerry, for like 5 minutes, as the press made their way over. Jerry Sloan is intense. He's all about business. I brought my camera and tried to sneak a picture of him since he was standing like 5 feet away from me Of course he turns around though, right as the flash goes off and just stares at me, probably thinking, "What in the hell is this girl doing at my press conferece?" Whatever, it was cool and made me really miss my days doing the news at USU. I was good at it, not going to lie. Not because I am some journalistic genious, no, more like I am really good at acting out the whole journalist persona. I may not know what I am talking about, but I can definitely fake it. Anyways, Dave is the same way, but he actually is really smart at this kinda stuff. He loves camera work and editing and all the behind-the-scenes crap that goes on. He also took me up to the control room and introduced me to his boss, the Director of the Jazz, I guess. He showed me what all the boards do and how they basically put on a Jazz game. It was very interesting and I am so glad Dave thought to invite me to check it out. Dave, who is very supportive of my career aspirations, told me he would drop my name around the Delta Center and keep his ears open for any opportunities to get me up there. Thanks Dave!!!!

SO I guess I will be back on Sunday.

Jen is having a girl! Exciting for sure.

Halloween





I went as Audrey Hepburn circa Breakfast at Tiffany's for one party, and as punk/emo to another. I ditched Audrey after having to pull up my dress every 30 seconds. It got annoying. My punk "costume" was totally weak, but I didn't really care.

Yet another reason Utah should be it's own country

Pretty soon, they'll be kicking-off the holiday season in July.

Where Did All the M&M's Go?

Yesterday at work, there was this Junior Tennis meeting for all these moms whose kids are part of this elite tennis team. One of these mother's showed up along with her red-headed, freckle-faced chubby 4 year-old son. I was up at the front desk doing something on one of the computers and I overheard the mother say this to her son,

"You can't go in with me. This lady will keep an eye on you."

What? Are you talking about me? Because if you are, don't even think I am going to baby-sit your child while I am doing very important things like making mailing labels and putting check stubs in numerical order.

I sound like a brat, but it wasn't the baby-sitting part that got to me, it was the fact that this woman just assumed I would watch him for 2 hours. She didn't even ask. She just left him in the lobby, on this big blue chair, next to the M&M dispenser - the M&M dispenser that is now EMPTY.

That kid figured out the M&M dispenser faster than you could believe. Every 2 minutes I would hear the stupid thing pouring out piles and piles of M&M's that this little boy would then gobble up. He was trying to be so coy about it too. I could see him out of the corner of my eye, checking to see if I could hear him pulling on the plastic tennis racquet that unleashed the seemingly endless flow of M&M's. I know he is 4 years old, but I couldn't help but think,

"Dude, I know you are eating all the M&M's over there. It's not like I can't see you or hear you slobbering them up. Seriously."

Thoughts like that make me seriously question if I am deemed fit to have children.

Anyways, long story short, the kid totally cleaned out our M&M dispenser. Like literally ate every last M&M in the building. Really though, what was I supposed to do? It wasn't my child and I wasn't about to go over there and take the M&M dispenser away. That could have been awkward.

Things I Have Observed and Have Strict Opinions About...

1. Never buy that dress one size too small thinking you will lose weight to fit in it because you totally have a trainer now and are totally committed to maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. You won't. Get the 8, not the 6.

2. I will never like drinking Diet Coke. Never.

3. Eating the hostess cupcakes while driving up to Logan is not cool, especially if you think it's ok because it's a "tradition".

4. My definition of cool is The Killers....or Barack Obama. Either way.

5. Ashley's perfume smells better than Mary-Kate's.

6. Suri Cruise is THE most beautiful child I have ever seen, even though I think her parents are crazies.

7. Who is Justin Timberlake to bring Sexy Back? I don't know about you, but I don't recall Sexy ever leaving.

8. One of the fastest ways to annoy me is to use the acronym LOL. Seriously, I don't need you to make sure I know I am making you laugh, out loud or in any other manner.

9. Izzy is starting to piss me off.

10. Fine. You all win. Whatever, I'm over it.

In celebration of Election Day being just 13 days away and because my sister's husband is chin-deep in his own political agenda (so much so that he is hopping a plane to Africa on Nov. 8th...yeah, not kidding here) I wanted to comment on my recent issue with the Salt Lake County Clerk's Office.

A littled PO'ed at them, not going to lie.

It began when I printed off my voter registration, signed it and sent it on its way.

That was 60 days ago.

However, when I picked up my mail on this past Monday, I received a letter from the SL County Clerk's Office claiming my registration could not be processed. Something about my place of birth was insufficient - it's Redding, CA nothing insufficient about it. Look it up.

The letter stated that I needed to call the office and speak to an Elections Official. Usually, I would have huffed and puffed, put the letter on the table and sat back down to watch Laguna Beach or something, but I went against my usual procrastinating instincts and called the place right away. And let me just say, IT'S A GOOD THING I DID.

You see the deadline for voter registration was Monday. THE DAY I GOT THAT STUPID LETTER. I couldn't believe it. I get on the phone and ask the dude to fix my registration and he says,

"you made it just in time."

What? I sent that thing in weeks ago.

"The deadline is today"

Oh ok, so you waited 60 days, 2 MONTHS to tell me I am ineligible to do the one thing that will validate all my opinions and ideas about Utah and it's screwed up ways because you think Redding, CA is what, how did you put it?? INSUFFICIENT?

Whatever, they can't stop me. The Salt Lake County Clerk can't stop me.

Hands Down




Last night me, Michelle, Eliza and Chuck went to the well-anticipated Dashboard Confessional concert in Orem. We bought these tickets a month or so ago as a birthday gift to Eliza, who LOVES Dahsboard and has been a fan for years and years. Brand New Opened for them which I was initially really excited about, but actually quite disappointed after their set. It was a little too head-banging for me. They sound much better on their albums than they do live, which is sad.

Dashboard was unreal. I wasn't expecting Chris Carraba to be as good an entertainer as he was but dude, go see Dashboard Confessional if you can. He sounded amazing and not all all off pitch or whiney, which I was afaid he might. The guy has this awesome way of getting everyone involved with the show. You can't help but follow him wherever he goes, back and forth, up and down the stage, which was amazing by the way. Such a creative set design. The backdrop was this cool windowed wall thing with huge red velvet curtains drapped along it. These huge paper lanterns hung from the ceiling, changing colors throughout each song. It was so cool. Dashboard played a great variety of new and old stuff, which was nice. After they ended their set, they came back out and encored Vindicated and Hand Down which are two of my favorite Dashboard songs. The encore was so fun. They just kept going and going - he even said he didn't want to leave. It was a great show, one the best I have ever been to. There's just something about going to a live concert. Nothing beats it.

We had a blast.

Take your time, figure it out...

I have this one song in my head and it's been there all freaking day. Me and Michelle discovered The Fold this weekend. They are rad and happen to be playing in SL tomorrow and I am totally going. Listen to "The Title Track." There's really nothing better than discovering a new band, one that you know is "all about the music" and still unknown by the lame MTV world that's waiting to pounce, throw them on TRL and put them on stupid 98.3 VFX. Really, it's the best. I'll take some pics at the show tomorrow.

Dooce is a blog I read pretty regularly. I think she is a fantastic writer and she takes really cool pictures wth her really cool camera. Dooce can be a little extreme in some of her topics but still, her writing is so great. Anyways, this past Saturday there was this huge story about her in the SL Trib. It's pretty good. I had no idea about some of the things she talks about, like her depression and thoughts of suicide, but I'm glad the article was so honest. You should read it.

This past weekend Michelle came up to hang out a bit. Our good friend Chris lost his mother to cancer last week so we went with some of our friends from Logan down to Tooele for her funeral. It was the largest funeral I have ever been to. The entire church chapel and overflow room was packed. As I awed at how many people were there to pay their respects, I couldn't help but wonder if I could fill a room like that at my own funeral. Probably not. But it was so great to see how many people were touched by this one woman.
So Saturday was a little bit of a downer, but it was good to have all our friends there supporting Chris through this difficult time.

I am STOKED for Oprah tomorrow.



Barack Obama is supposed to be on and I think he is great. He is so cool and so put together. I am a fan, definitely. He's so handsome too! I wonder if he will run for President. Maybe he'll say something on Oprah tomorrow.

I want to make some salmon SO BAD but it's just too stinky to cook when you have roommates! I made it like a month ago and it definitely reeked up our house. Maybe I will just go get takeout from somewhere so I can eat some without having to cook it. Hmm...

Welcome Alumni!


This weekend I got talked into going up to Logan with a couple friends of mine. I know, I know I broke up with Logan, but it was Homecoming and technically Homecoming is for alumni and since I am totally an alum, I was practically required to attend. It was a a pretty fun Homecoming too. We actually WON our football game which is some sort of miracle seeing as how we are the worst Div. 1 football team in the nation (we really are, look it up). The game was pretty exciting, we came from behind and beat Fresno State 13-12. Afterwords a big group of us went to dinner and then went to this Homecoming party on campus. I thought I would get really depressed and sad about being back on campus, but it was actually nice to know that I didn't have to worry about going to class or taking any tests ever again. Plus, the crowd at this party seemed so young to me. Everyone looked like they were 16 years old so even though I did feel a little out of place, for the first time in a long time, I felt much better about being a post-grad adult.

Sunday, I didn't make it to church. However I did make it to lunch with Chuck and Eliza, who also didn't make it to church. It was really good to see them. They just bought a house so they showed me around and everything they've done to it. They painted one of the bathrooms and were so proud to show it off. It was really cute. They were so funny because they kept talking about their "cool" neighbors who are about their the same age but they have a baby too. Chuck and Eliza couldn't stop talking about how cool these people were and how much they wanted to be friends with them. I asked them why they didn't just ask this cool couple to come over for dinner one night.

"Oh my gosh, no. They are way too cool for us"

"I think you two are pretty cool, though. Maybe your neighbors think you are the cool ones."

"No. Not possible."

So despite that fact that Chuck and Eliza have a serious "Couple Crush" on their neighbors next door, they are really two of my favorite people in the world.

I wish my sister would find out the sex of her baby already. Jeez. Everyone seems to think it's a girl all of a sudden. I thinks it's a boy, but whatever. Hopefully she finds out soon.

Has anyone ever seen the show "Deal or No Deal"? OMG. So dumb. Maybe it's just the episode I sat down and watched tonight but this lady was insane. Way dramatic, pacing all around the studio, lying on the ground, trying to make the ultimate decision...DEAL OR NO DEAL??? Lame. Howie Mandel, you are so lame.

I hope the A's win it all this year. How sweet would that be....

I am watching Sportscenter right now and they just asked viewers the following question: Who would you rather have as a teammate? Alex Rodriguez or Terrell Owens. I say A-Rod for sure. Who would want T.O on your team??!?! He is out of his wide receiving mind. Did you even see him during the Philly game this weekend?? Please. The dude has serious issues.

Does anyone who watches college football know who Eric Weddle is? He plays like every position at the University of Utah. He is a pretty big deal around here. Heather is obsessed with him. I totally know him. He married Chanel, one of the girls that lived in the dorms with me. They are from L.A. He was baptized about 2 years ago and they got married 6 months ago. Eric is an awesome football player. Look him up. I bring him up because he is on the news...again.

I took a total of 3 pictures this weekend. The first is the selfie at the top. I hate selfies. I am embarassed that I even took this one, but I think it's kinda cool. Whatever, I've got nothing on Jen or Shannon. They invented the selfie.

These are the other two I took. I need to take some pics of the trees around my neighborhood. It's definitely fall in Salt Lake City.






We pulled off a miracle of a win and then peeps rushed the field. Kinda lame. But whatever, that was probably the one time Aggie fans will get the chance to rush the field so we'll take it.

Smiley Riley

Last night my good friend Sara called me to see if I could babysit at the last second for her 18 month-old daughter Riley. Riley is the funniest child ever so I had no hesitations with saying yes.

Sara was going to Park City with her boyfriend to listen to some famous house techno DJ she loves. Sara is way into techno, like she could be a total raver is she didn't have a small child to raise. I didn't even know DJ's had fans, let alone techno Dj's. I'm sorry, I don't mean to hate on techno DJ's but techno music is THE WORST music ever created. I don't get how anyone can actually enjoy listening to the same exact beat over and over and over again, until the wee hours in the morning. We went to a club in Paris and that's what they played all night. We went with it for about an hour and then couldn't take it anymore. By the end of the night I wanted to scream, "It's the same song, people! Don't you see, it's the EXACT SAME SONG! I feel like I am taking crazy pills!" (shout out to Zoolander)

Anyways, Sara and her rave.

So Sara wouldn't be back until around 2 am.m so I just brought stuff to stay the night. Since she lives right by my office, I could just head to work without having to go home.

I haven't babysat since I was like 15 or something and haven't been around little kids a lot, but Riley and I had a good time. She is hilarious. We watched Laguna Beach together and a couple times I would let something like "Oh my gosh" or "She is so mean" slip, and then Riley would immitate me. Probably not the best show to be watching with a baby, but still, she liked it I think. Riley ended up falling asleep after 20 minutes so after I put her in her bed, I flipped through the channels until I could no longer keep my eyes open.

Sara came home from techno party at 2. Sara is probably my oldest friend. We were BFF from kindergarden till about 9th grade. when we got to high school, she began cheerleading and I was into sports and student council so we kinda lost each other among our other friends. However, our senior year she joined Student Council and we had some history class together so we got to talk more. But I hadn't really seen or heard from Sara until about 2 years ago when she called me up out of the blue. She had got my number from my mom. She said she still remembered my house number after all these years. Weird, I still remember hers too. Anyways, Sara had gotten married right after high school and moved to Layton, Utah with her husband who was in the military stationed on Hill Air Force Base. She had Riley pretty soon after and that's when she decided to call me up. She remembered I had gone to Utah for college and she didn't really know anyone out here. I am so glad she called me. Sara and I were like peas and carrots when we were little. We were always together and my best childhood memories definitely include her. I am so happy we are friends again. It's weird when you remember someone as a skinny 11 year-old with bangs and a side pony tail and then have to get to know them again as a divorced adult, with a baby, nonetheless. Crazy.

It's rainy today. Chilly and rainy. Makes me want to go home and take a nap. I have to go to the gym today though, I mean I really HAVE to go. I am meeting with a trainer to go over my fitness goals and to start a workout plan. Should be interesting. I hope he doesn't laugh at me...

How is this happening??

I can't even believe what is going on in this world. There was another school shooting this morning, this time in a little Amish schoolhouse in Pennsylvania. You can read about it HERE.

This was been the third school shooting in the last seven days. Last week, there was one in Colorado, near Columbine, where a man took 6 girls hostage, molested them and killed one before he turned his gun on himself. I don't know why these stories have affected me so much but they have. Maybe it's because it wasn't that long ago that I was in high school, I don't know. I can't believe how something so horrible can happen in this country. How can we be so preoccupied with the condition of other countries that we are allowing lunatics to wander onto high school campuses and shoot our kids? This doesn't make sense to me. People talk about terrorism but they never talk about like this. When a parent sends their child to school and can't help but feel afraid for their safety, how is that not terrorism? I am not a mother but it's teriffying to think about one day bringing a child into a world like this. Something has to change.

I remember in high school, right after the Columbine shootings, I was a sophomore and there was so much paranoia circulating my school. Everyday there was another rumor of someone getting caught with a gun in their locker or a teacher finding a threatening note in her class. It was chaos. It got worse when one morning, the fire alarm went off and our teachers were instructed to take us out onto the football field. No one really knew what was going on, but our shaken minds were immediately filled with potential scenarios of guns and violence. After an hour on the field, with questions still unanswered, I went over to Mr. Schwerdt, my student council advisor (and good friend to this day). If anyone knew what was going on, he would. After his inital reluctance to tell me, I finally got it out of him that there had been a bomb threat and that the police were checking the school for explosives. I remember feeling sad that day, if anything. I was sad for my school, sad that instead of being excited for the next football game or dance, we were talking about bombs in our classrooms. Instead of laughing with my friends at lunch, we were sitting together on the football field, while police raided our school. We stayed on the field for 4 hours before being let back inside. Nothing had been found and the police declared the threat a hoax. But I remember how that felt. The fear, panic. It isn't right. I pray that one day this country will figure out it's priorities so kids aren't more concerned with someone walking into their classroom with a gun than with what they got on a calculus test.

This is what's up...

Last year I participated in a Fantasy Basketball league created by Ryan, my brother-in-law. I did horribly however. I was so busy with school and working two jobs that I didn't have the time or the energy to put into managing a fantasy team, which if you have ever played before, you know, is a BIG DEAL. Especilly when you play with the people I play with. They are fierce and intense about it which is why I was surprised I was invited back this year to participate. But, lucky for me (or maybe not so lucky actually...)I have a rather boring job that allows me to waste a ridiculous amount of time on the internet so I should be able to produce a more committed, more successful team. We are having a live draft which is awesome because you get to pick your players, instead of Yahoo doing it for you. It's kind of a big deal, doing a live draft. I need to start scouting players now so I am prepared for the big day. Fantasy sports are huge. They have a Fantasy league for EVERYTHING. Football, baseball, golf, even Nascar. It's crazy. I don't know enough about Nascar or football, but I would do ok with the others. I have watched this show on ESPN2 that is completely dedicated to Fantasy sports. They give injury reports, stats, tell you who to get rid of or who to pick up. It's a pretty in-depth show. I think I'll start tuning it.

Project Runway last night was pretty good. Everyone sucked it up on their designs except Uli, who finaly designed something that was relatively different than what she has done in the past. Her dress won, rightfully so, which left me very nervous because I didn't really want to see anyone go home. I like all the remaining designers and so I was THRILLED when Heidi let them all stay and go to Fashion Week. Although Michael has had a rough couple weeks, I still believe he will win. I like them all, but Michael is clearly the best.

Grey's Anatomy is on tonight. Sweet. I have been looking forward to watching it all week. I have read the spoilers because I just can't wait a whole week between episodes so I know what's going to happen. I won't say anything to damage the viewing of those who wish to remain in the dark, but let's just say I am stoked for the next couple weeks...

The latest with "Operation: Make Friends" is going ok. I have gone to insitute TWICE in the last two weeks, a feat that has only really got me some free cookies and an awkward run-in with a former make-out buddy. However, things could look up because of someone I like to call McModel. McModel is about 6'3", tan, sandy brown hair, wears glasses and dresses like he owns his own J. Crew. I mean he's a babe, seriously. Um, I have no idea what his name is and have yet to talk to him, but it will happen. It will. And when it does, you will know about it.

....and you are???

This weekend I stayed in Salt Lake in a valant, yet desperate effort to make friends. I was actually excited to stay and go to church with my roommates. Rachel however got a random case of Pink Eye and couldn't go, but me and Heather made it and met some pretty normal people. Our ward is massive, like really huge. I feel like I am in middle school again, totally intimidated by everyone that I don't know and very uncomfortable trying to talk to people I don't know. Especially since all the girls in our ward dress like celebrities. Very well-dressed celebrities. They all have such cute style! I was amazed at a couple of them, actually more amazed at their shoes, but you get the picture. That feeling got worse when we decided to be really religious and go to ward prayer. In Utah, singles wards have ward prayer every sunday night, apparently to grow closer as a ward family, but I am certain it's another scheme to try and pair us all off with the opposite sex. Whatever, ward prayer was another throw back to 1996-Parsons Jr. High, me having a total of 3 friends and trying desperately to sit with the cool kids lunch table. Ok maybe not that traumatic but certainly close. Heather and I stayed together, trying to mingle as best we know how, but it was still a little awkward. Overall though, I am glad we went. We met some really nice people and although I doubt they will remember my name the next time I see them, I don't think they will mind if I try and sit with them during sunday school.

Breaking-Up.

I am breaking up with Logan, Logan, Utah. It's time. I miss it terribly and had a very hard time coming back to Salt Lake on Sunday morning. I have thought about breaking it off for a long time and I think by continuing to go up there I am just tearing out the sutures (like that Postal Service song).

This past weekend was really fun. My friend McKenzie if getting married and her shower was on Saturday so I went to that. McKenzie and I worked together at Hamilton's and she is marrying one of the managers. They are great together, the type of people you can't imagine being with anybody else than with each other. Anyways, it was good to see Kenzie and a lot of the people I used to work with.

Later that day I went to the girls soccer game. I used to live with a lot of soccer girls and a couple I have known since my freshman year so that was fun to see them. The weather was typical Logan: cold and unpredictable, but I sat through as long as I could until I couldn't take the pelting hail that eventually found it's way to the soccer field. That night I went to the USU/Utah football game which was such a waste of time. The Aggies were humiliated 48-0. Anyways, I left during the 3rd quarter and hung out with some friends that night.

I know. I know some of you reading think I am pathetic and need to get over Logan and to you I say this: I am trying. I really am. I am not going up there until I make some friends down here. It's for the best.

Anyways, new subject. Grey's Anatomy OWNS ME. I bought the second season on dvd and it has consumed my life. I have been watching it non-stop since Sunday afternoon and finally finished (is that redundant?) it tonight. All I can say is, wow. Wow, I cannot wait until tomorrow for the season premiere!! I watched the season 2 finale today, twice. So intense. I cried.

Work is good. Today I made 400 Rules of Tennis pamplets. Exciting.

One of my favorites...



This is probably one of my favorite pictures from europe. These are some French boy scouts, or I should say the French equivalents to boy scouts, we met in Paris. There were like 12 or 13 of them walking behind us through the catacombs. If you are unfamiliar with catacombs, they are these really creepy underground tombs where millions and millions of bones have been stacked because the Paris cemetaries were overcrowded. Anyways, it's really very scary down there in the dark so we thought it would be funny if we scared these boys a little. We sped up a little to get some distance on them and then my friend Rachel hid hehind a corner and jumped out and yelled at them as they came around. It was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Those boys screamed so loud! Once they settled down they were lauging so hard. The funniest kids ever. Once we got outside I asked them if I could take their photo. They didn't really know what I was asking and were a little reserved about it at first but then they were posing all over the place once they figured out that I just wanted to snap a picture. They were cute kids. Such a fun day.

It's a Boy!

Britney another baby boy yesterday. Not much details yet, but I am sure they will come out sooner than later.

Weekend

This weekend kicked-off with a fun filled Friday night at the SLC Greek Festival in downtown. Greece was my favorite place I visited in Europe, so much so that I made myself an honorary Greek for life and gladly adopted the Greek nationality as my own. So naturally I felt completely at home during Greek Fest, kickin' it with "my people."

I went with my friends Brett and Tyler whom I used to work with in Logan. Tyler is a legit greek. His last name is Koupinolpolis, he speaks greek and listens to greek bands. It was fun to go with him and listen to him chatting it up with fellow Greeks. We stood in line for an hour to eat som authentic Greek food. They had everything. I had some souvlaki, creamed rice pilaf and and greek sald with olives and feta cheese. It took me back to my trip to Greece for sure. So good. After, we watched some Greek dancers perform traditional dances for a while, right up until Cuba Gooding Jr. decided to make an appearance, along with his 15-person entourage. I mean, what ws Cuba Gooding Jr. doing at Greek Fest in Salt Lake City, Utah? I really don't know. Rumor was that he was filming a movie in Park City. I guess he got bored up there and wanted a taste of the Greek life. Whatever, Cuba looked so stupid sitting with his bodyguards, who by the way, looked like the secret service, complete with the Ray-Bans and ear pieces. Lame. Cuba, you're short and don't need a entourage at Greek Fest. No one cared that you were there anyways.

After Greek Fest we tried to find the Greek After Party at some club called The Hotel. However, when we got arrived, there were no Greeks to be seen, so we bounced.
Greek Fest was a blast. We are such a fun loving people...

Saturday was pretty low key. I was stoked to watch the women's U.S. Open Final, but soon lost interest when Maria Sharapova took over and looked as though she'd walk away with the win. I was slightly disappointed with Henin-Hardenne's game. She didn't look to enthused to be at the U.S. Open Final. That's the one cool thing about Maria, she always looks fired up to play. It left me hoping the men's final would return a better result...


yeah right.

Andy got beat. We all knew it would happen, but it was still so sad. I don't really want to talk about it. I'm still a little upset. (DO NOT COMMENT ON HOW AWESOME FEDERER IS OR HOW OVERRATED ANDY IS OR HOW MUCH HE LOOKS LIKE A BIRD. I WILL BE UPSET. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE...)

I took my car in this morning to get fixed from the accident caused by my former roommate back in April. I am so excited to get it back so I can clean it top to bottom. It's been slightly neglected lately but will look good as new by next week. I just didn't see the logic is washing my car that had blue paint on the bumper and a taped down hood. Call me crazy.

Today was the 5th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on 9-11. Last night I watched a special on CBS about two filmmakers who happened to be shooting a documentary about a firhouse in NYC on 9-11. It was crazy, some of the footage they captured. Unreal. I haven't really seen all of that since the day it happened.

I was a senior in high school and heard bits a pieces of information on my way to school. By the time I got to first period I was filled in on what had happened. My teachers, Mrs. Wren and Mr. Moynahan immediately had us go to one of their classrooms which were equipted with televisions (our large class met in the theater). There we stayed, a usually loud, energized group, now silent as we watched history unfold. No one talked, we just gaped at the images on tv, as the second tower was hit, as the first crumbled and as the second one followed. I can remember Mr. Moynahan and Mrs. Wren, usually the images of adult poise and perfection, not knowing what to say, what to explain to us. They were just as confused and shocked as we were. The rest of the day was spent in a similar fashion. Every classroom's television was on the entire day. I didn't take a lunch that day. I don't think anyone really did. Five years later, as I watched the images again last night, the same feelings of shock and confusion came over me. I was talking to my friend Rob the other day about 9-11 and where each of us were when it happened and then we got to talking about how we've changed individually since that day. I intially told him I haven't really changed personally but as we talked longer, I realized I had. Everyone has. I can't look at an airplane without the thought of it blowing up or it plunging to the ground crossing my mind. That realization of this left me very angry. Angry that the people who did this succeeded. They accomplished their goal and although they didn't fly every American into a building, they scarred us all for life. Our country is still wounded from that day and as we become more and more divided on the politics involving terrorism, I get more angry because even though we can rebuild what was lost, we can't seem to mend this seam that has divided us. And that's their real victory. I am not trying to pretend to be some expert terrorism theorist but that's just how I feel. It's such an exhausting thing to try and wrap my mind around how unbelievable Sept. 11th was. I can't imagine having to continue to get up every morning after seeing and experiencing what so many people had to that day.

I will just consider myself lucky.

Finally...

Last night the stars finally aligned and Vincent was given his long over due heave ho off the runway. All I can say is...

IT'S ABOUT TIME.

I mean really, this should have happened on day one when he put that ridiculous basket with the hanging paper clips, or whatever those things were, on that poor model's head. Really. Shame on you Heidi Klum for keeping him around so long.

Vincent's send-off was the only highlight of the rather "blah" episode. In fact, so was last weeks, so much so that I actually found myself thinking about going to bed early instead of watching it last night. But alas, I didn't want to miss it when the judges finally did get a clue and realize Vincent is deranged. So I watched.

I had been watching tv all afternoon-big day of tennis. Big, huge.

Maria Sharapova beat this way hotter Russian, Tatiana Golovin in back-to-back tie breakers. BTW, I don't get what all the hoopla is about Maria Sharapova. I mean, she's like this huge big, burly Russian girl with acne. She looked horrible last night. She must clean up well or something. Golovin is so much cuter. Why isn't anyone freaking out over how hot she is?

After Sharapova's match, Roddick WORKED Leyton Hewitt in straight sets. Andy looks amazing. He is playing so well and rolling over these other dudes so bad it's almost unfair. If you didn't see any of his match last night, check out the highlights here.

Andy is my number one.

Definitely.

Signing Off




CBS and Katie Couric are apparently not creative enough to come up with her own nightly news sign off so they are asking the public to submit their ideas here.

Mine was "That's the news for now. Be well, America."

Kinda boring. I'll think of something better.

Did anyone watch her debut last night? I missed it but I read that she reported on Suri Cruise. Lame.

Suri is on the cover of Vanity Fair this month with her 'rents, Katie and Tom. I saw the cover online and I must admit, she's really cute. Not as cute as Apple, Gweneth Paltrow's baby, but up there for sure.

Whatever, they are still freaks and I wouldn't hang out with them.

Getcha Open On



It's U.S. Open time.

Game on, dudes.

The U.S. Open is my favorite grand slam in tennis because of one main reason. Two of my favorite things combined into one awesome event: sports and celebrities. This tournament is sort of like the greatest sporting event ever meets Us Weekly. Because the U.S. Open is played in New York, it's sort of like a mecca of who's who in celebrity sports fanaticism (I don't know if "fanaticism" is a word,in fact, I am pretty sure it's not, but just go with it)the U.S. Open is a tournament with all the makings of a great issue of Us weekly. Already I've read that Gwen Stefani and that odd-named baby of hers have made an appearance, Paris Hilton stopped by the Opening Party and rumors have been swirling over the "are they or aren't they" relationship of Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova. This hook-up excitement reminds me of that horrible movie, Wimbledon, with Kirsten Dunst, who I hate, but was forced to watch on a plane from London as to not go totally insane with boredom. In the movie, Kirsten is this up and coming tennis star who hooks up with veteran British cutie, Paul Bettany. They fall in love and improve each other's backhands all at the same time. It really is a ridiculous movie. Kirsten Dunst makes for a HORRIBLE tennis player. I mean really. It's comical. Go rent it just to see how bad she is.

What was the point of talking about Kirsten Dunst?....

Oh yeah. Andy and Maria. Anyways, these rumors remind me of that movie because I wonder if Andy sneaks over to Maria's hotel room at night or if Maria watches his matches from a private box. That's what I'd do If I were them.

But I'm not...and if you saw me play last night, you'd realize how far from tennis domination I am.

Me and Heather FINALLY got to play last night at Liberty Park. Heather is better than me, I mean, I'm not even going to front about that. But last night was so frustrating. I could not keep the ball in the court. I was beating myself. I feel that if I could just control my shot better, I would be able to beat Heather. She would probably beg to differ, but I am confident I'd be able to better compete. I need a new racquet too, that might help.

School started for the peeps up in L-town. Not going to lie, still not used to this whole "graduated" thing. I still miss Logan a lot.

It's P.R. night. This is it. Vincent is gone. I CAN FEEL IT.

Is anyone else off-the-chain excited for the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy because I can barely handle it. I watched two old episodes last Thursday night and during the commercials, they played one of those 2-minute montages for the season premiere. It looks way intense. If you haven't seen Grey's Anatomy then I feel sorry for you. I really do. It's the most witty, clever, gut-wrenching show on television. I used to say that about Lost, but then I discovered "McDreamy", Cristina and the rest of the crew and now my feelings have changed. Cristina is my favorite. Sandra Oh is the funniest woman on TV. She is hysterical. I want to be friends with her. I'd like to think we would get along quite well. I didn't get to watch the Emmy's last night but I checked out the Best and Worst Dressed List this morning. Katherine Hiegl was my favorite. She looked so beautiful. Grey's Anatomy didn't win anything (lame) but they all looked the best.

This weekend I went on a relatively short camping excursion in Idaho. I'm not much of a camper so combine that with the fact that it rained and I was the only girl hanging out with 7 guys who spent the entire time loading up empty bottles with a BB gun, it wasn't exactly a good time. I can only handle that for so long so I bailed out of there early on Saturday. I spent the entire summer as "One of the Guys" and I vow never to be that girl again. It's not fun and I am so over it.

Sunday night I went out with my Venezuelan friend, Freddy. We went to see World Trade Center with Anna and her boyfriend. It was pretty good. Some of it got a little boring, but I think it's because the movie focused on one particular story rather than taking on all the chaos and drama of September 11th. It's worth seeing though. One of the main dudes that is trapped in the WTC rubble was the Hispanic locksmith in Crash, you know, the one with the daughter. He's a great actor.

I drove down from Logan this morning and went straight to work. I am really tired and I need to take a shower.

I am really excited for fall. I am sick of the hot weather. I want to wear pants, sweaters and jackets again. Bring it on.

Hitting the Clay

Today my office had a little staff tennis tournament out at the Salt Lake Tennis Club. I was a little nervous when I found out that I was basically REQUIRED to participate, but the real kicker was when I found out we'd being playing on clay courts.

Aw crap.

We are talking, Ausralian Open style, genuine clay courts here. I have never seen a real clay court, let alone played actual tennis on one. My anxiety level peaked when I found out. All the people I work with have played tennis their whole lives. Me? Yeah, I touched a tennis raquet for the first time 2 years ago.....not exactly a seasoned veteran. But after I warmed up a bit and got the feel for the clay, I definitely held my own. We played doubles and even though me and my partner lost both our matches, I had a lot of fun. Playing on clay is a trip. The ball skips really bad and then just dies so you have to move a lot more, which is a task in and of itself. I about went down several times. But overall, good day on clay. I really want to join a team leauge. One of the league coordinators told me I should. We'll see.

The Format is in SLC again tonight. I completely forgot they were coming so I didn't get a ticket, but I am stil trying to track one down. Great band. Check 'em out.

Project Runway is on tonight.....SAY GOODBYE VINCENT!!!!!

I am starving right now. I want Paradise bakery but I went there yesterday. I swear they must know me by now. That place is delicious. So is Panera Bread, but we don't have one here...not that I know of. Anyways, I need to go eat.

Mitt
That is Mitt. Mitt Romney. Currently he is the governor of Massachusetts, but is you ask him, he would probably tell you he is the future President of the United States.
Mitt seems like a decent guy. I mean, if you ask me, he is a little too tan to be the leader of the free world, but what do I know. Also, what kind of a name is Mitt anyway? It reminds me of little league.

"Mom! Where's my Mitt?!!!"

Mitt is a real big deal down here in Utah because Mitt is Mormon. There was this article in the Trib today about Mitt's ancestors and how they were polygamists. It's sort of interesting. Anyways, I don't know exactly how I feel about Mitt yet. We shall see.

I am stoked for Project Runway this week. If they do not throw crazy Vincent off, SO HELP ME.... Seriously, the dude needs to go. He needed to go on day one, but because he is so crazy and causes so much drama, they keep him on, even though his sense of style is so whacked. It pisses me off. Just so they can draw more viewers and so Heidi Klum can make more money, they keep the crazies on there. Same goes for Angela. However, Angela has surprised me the last couple of shows. Her Audrey Hepburn dress was really good. But still, she has a little bit of crazy in her too and that doesn't fly with me. Michael is my pick to win. Michael is so rad. He is sort of this gangster, Kanye West wannabe, but all his clothes are so awesome. You look at him with this baggy jeans and iced out jewelry and can't believe he creates these soft, feminine, beautiful clothes. I love him. Thank goodess for Michael.

You know what I'm thankful for?

Cohabitation.

Because my brother decided to move in with his girlfriend, I am the beneficiary A LOT of really nice furniture.

My brother, the deal-maker, talked some dudes into driving a UHAUL all the way up from Vegas to drop off the items. There were a lot of items. A couple couches, a bedroom set, coffee table, end tables, kitchen table and chairs. The best part of the day was opening up drawers to find random things folded up in towels and such. This donation couldn't have come at a better time either. We were desperate for some furniture and now our house looks so cute. We almost didn't get one the the couches inside. The thing about our house is that is was built in the 40's and for some reason house builders in the 40's didn't think about how those living in the house would get their furniture in and out. I had already cursed the house when my box spring wouldn't fit up the stairs, so when we couldn't get one of the couches through either of the doors, I was pissed. Here I have a beautiful suede couch that I can't even get inside. It was so annoying. Me and the movers put it in our backyard when we gave up on squeezing it through the door. Later that night though, one of our friends, Greg, was over and he and Heather decided to give it another shot. I was a little pesimistic about the situation. In fact, I thought it hopeless. But Greg and Heather wouldn't give up and against all odds, THEY GOT THE COUCH INSIDE. I don't know how they did it and I don't know how we are ever going to get it out, but that couch is in and I couldn't be happier. There is something about having a well furnished home, one you can relax in and feel good about coming home to. For me, it makes everything in my life more in sync. When I live in a environment of chaos, the rest of my life feels out of control. I still can't get the stupid box spring up the stairs, so I'm going to have to buy a split queen box spring. So until I do, my room is a little incomplete. But I do have a new dresser to put all my clothes in which were previously still in their respective plastic storage bins, so it's progress if nothing else.

"NO LIQUIDS...REALLY"


I realize it has been a while since my last post, and for that, I am sorry.

This past weekend I headed home for a friend of mine's wedding. I have known Tiffany Hurley for as long as I can remember. We went through elementary school, junior high and high school together so I really wanted to make it to her big day. I didn't know if I should actually should go home that weekend. My parents were going to be down in southern California hanging out with Jen, Ryan and his family so I was going to be there all weekend by myself. But I'm glad I decided to go. I got to see a bunch of friends I haven't seen since graduation. Reuniting with high school friends is a trip. It's cool becuase even though most of us haven't really keep in contact with each other, when we get together it's like nothing has changed. We all have the same personalities we did in high school and end up laughing about the same dumb stuff.
Tiffany's wedding was really beautiful. She married a Hawaiian dude so they had a Hawaiian styled celebration. I am not really a fan of "themed" weddings, but this one turned out to be an exception to that rule. Tiffany and her husband are natural born performers-they sing, dance, act...you know the type, so their whole wedding was very entertaining. Lot's of music, lot's of dancing...just a big party.


Tiffany looked beautiful. She wore a form-sitting laced, halter gown that her mother made. Very pretty. Her and her new husband make a great couple. I'm really happy for her.

The rest of the weekend I spent hanging out with a couple friends. We went out to Win River Casino (a Redding landmark for sure) and spent the night playing blackjack and dancing with Redding's finest. If you've ever wondered why our end of the valley gets a bad rap for being a little white trash, go to Win River. You will understand.
Sunday my good friend Kristina took us out on her family's houseboat. It was so relaxing. We just kicked it out on the lake for a few hours, laughing at each other, recalling all our classic high school stories. Since all of us have been fortunate enough to travel abroad, we also talked a lot about where we've been, what we've seen and where we want to go.


Monday morning I drove my brother's car down to Sacramento and hung out with my sister Jen for a couple hours. If you aren't familiar with Jen, then let me tell you that she is pregnant. Come March, she is going to be a mother. Weird. Lately though,Jen hasn't been feeling so hot. I have never been pregnant so it's hard for me to sympathize with her when she complains to me how bloated she feels and how much she hates being pregnant. We went to lunch and then hit up Target and Old Navy. By the end of the outing we were both exhausted. Jen, because she is pregnant, me because I don't like to shop and a mere 30 minutes into any shopping adventure, I am spent. So she drove me to the airport where I hopped a very empty plane to Salt Lake City by way of Las Vegas.
This whole "No liquids" deal is quite intense. I flew to Sacramento the day all that stuff in London went down and so when I got on the shuttle from the parking lot, I was bombarded with fliers and announcements about "No liquids of any kind." It didn't really cross my mind that I might be carrying the types of liquids that could be considered dangerous or suspicious so when I got in the security line (which was insanely long) and noticed some guy walking around with a huge cart full of lipgloss, hair products, and beverages I realized that these dudes were NOT messing around. I had to get out of the security line and go check my suitcase I was going to carry on because there was no way I was throwing away all my stuff. I mean seriously, there was some expensive crap in that cart. So I went to the check-in desk, checked my little suitcase and got back in the security line, where I waited for 45 minutes. Good thing I had a copy of the latest Us Weekly (thanks Jen) to keep me occupied while the line in front of me whittled down. Had I not been so interested in Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn, I might have noticed I was about to miss my flight. I got to the gate and saw NO ONE. Then I heard over the intercom, "This is the final boarding call for flight 328 service to Las Vegas" Oops. There was no one at the entry to the jetway so I just cruised on in and walked on the plane. I mean, no one was there to make sure that I actually had a legit boarding pass valid to get on the plane. I mean, how can airport security be seizing lipgloss and bottled water but there be no one checking to make sure who does and does not get on the plane? Huh. Whatever, I made it and needless to say I got to and from Sacramento sans any liquid/security incident.

Game On

Many of you know my good friend and roommate, Heather. Heather and I are so much alike it's scary. Among other things, we both love sports, being unhealthily tan and are both unlucky in love. I can't tell you how many times I have called her, obessed over a new song or band and she will already have the song burned to Cd, blaring in her car. We even, unknowingly, have the same hair dryer and flat iron. Althought we are so similar, we are also total opposites. Heather is a lot more low-maintance than me (according to her, I am an 8.25 on the "high-maintence" meter, a little high if you ask me...) She is also more blunt and to-the-point than me, which is refreshing especially when I desperately need someone to snap me back to reality...

"Brianne! He is just NOT THAT IN TO YOU!"

Right.

The reason I bring Heather up is because Heather has one of the coolest jobs ever. She coaches the University of Utah volleyball team. She got this job after coaching Utah State's team for 3 years. Now, I feel bad saying this because I feel like it's going against some Aggie Alumni Code of Honor or something but Utah State's volleyball team doesn't even compare to the Utes. Really. I watched the Aggies for 3 years myself, having lived with some volleyball players and being friends with Heather. I actually liked to look at myself as an unofficial coach. I would often come early to the matches, scouting out the team, and chat with Heather about who was on, who was off and who needed to take out her pigtails (seriously...) I got oddly involved with that team, getting frustrated with every piece of drama that plagued that them. I know, I have no life. You're telling me...

Well good-bye Aggies...

Bring on the Utes...

I am rather exited to see Heather's new tean in action. I am looking forward to getting to know the players and seeing how they play. I am sure they will be awesome and NOT wear pigtails... According to sources, this team puts Utah State's to shame and I have no problems going along with that. They play one of their first matches against USU on Sept. 8th so that will be extra fun to watch. Can't wait. I need some sort of hobby in my life again. If cheering for a vlleyball team of which I have ZERO association is what it takes, then so be it.

P.S. Heather sorry I cooked salmon and stunk up our house. I won't be doing that again anytime soon. But not going to lie, it was delicious!

Summer Time

I can't believe it's already August. Jeez. Where did the summer go? I guess it went to Europe with me. That month really took a chunk out of the summer. But seriously, summer has flown by and I am getting sad. Everyone will be going back to school soon and I will be alone. My social life resides in Logan, unfortunately without me. I guess I will have to make some new friends so I don't go crazy. Actually Heather finally got to stick around for a weekend. We hit up the pool again yesterday. That's always fun. We end up talking about the same things we always do but it's the best. Her season starts soon so that's exciting for her. I can't wait to watch them play. They are good-so I hear.

This picture is from July 24th AKA Pioneer Day. It's kind of a big deal in Utah. July 24th marks the celebration of the Mormon pioneers arriving in Salt Lake Valley. It's by far the biggest holiday in Utah, I'd say. Lots of picnics, fireworks and sales....very reminiscent of the Fourth of July. We got a big group together and went to Ogden for the big Pioneer Day festivities. Pretty fun.

This weekend was really low key. Saturday I went to watch a friend of mine play in a tennis tournament. He lost, but I was very impressed with him. He has only been playing a year and decided to enter with tournament. He did really well. Later, some friends and I made dinner and watched the MLS All-Star game against FC Chelsea from the European Soccer League. The MLSers pulled off the upset and beat Chelsea 1-0. The MLS is so fun to watch. I have been to a couple REAL Salt Lake games and they are fun. I wish America would get in to soccer more. Europe is nuts about it. I mean, it's life for them. It's such a huge part of their culture. Soccer in Europe can't really be compared to any sport in the U.S. EVERYONE is a soccer (futbol) fan. It's really cool. Anyways, America should get excited over our league. REAL Madrid, the European sister team to REAL Salt Lake, is coming over to play RSL. Madrid is good. David Beckham plays for Madrid. David Beckham will be in Salt Lake City in about 6 days. Rad. I really want to go, but the tickets are sold out and really expensive on EBay and stuff. Oh well. I am supposed to go home for my friend Tiffany's wedding next weekend anyways. I still need to get my ticket. I am looking forward to it. I'll get to see a lot of friends from high school I haven't seen in a while so that will be fun.

Well, I need to take a nap. That's what Sundays are for.

These are a few of my favorite things...


Andy Roddick is my favorite tennis player. He's also my number 1. He's been struggling lately in Grand Slams, but I have a feeling he'll come around at the U.S. Open this year.


If you know me at all, you know how I feel about cats, kittens especially. This one is way too cute. I just want to pick her up and squeeze her....but I wouldn't.


Mike Bibby represents my favorite team. Kings 4 Ever.


Lost is the best show on television. If you haven't seen it, beware. One episode and your hooked. It's like heroin. But if you have a free weekend, go rent the DVD's or get them on iTunes. Great show. Matthew Fox is a babe.


This is one of my favorite bands, Jack's Mannequin. They're kinda like the Beach Boys meets Ben Folds meets Dashboard Confessional. Check 'em out.

So there. Some of my favorite things. My bout with tonsilitis seems to be coming around. My tonsils have recessed and are now a more subtle red than the flaming hue they were a few days ago. I got a job finally. I am now the a marketing/PR assistant with the U.S. Tennis Association. So now I am really looking forward to making that Andy Roddick thing happen...

Tonsilitis.

What are tonsils? Really? I need to know because mine, I think, are KILLING ME.

I should have woken up yesterday morning to the sounds of the derenchal down pour and deafening thunder going on outside. But no, I woke up to an agonizing pain nestled right at the top of my mouth, just north of my throat. It hurt so bad, it took everything I had to try and swallow. Then I began to feel really claustrophobic because I could actually feel how my tonsils had expanded over night, partially cutting off airflow to my lungs. I don't get claustrophobic usually but when my air supply is cut off, I tend to get slightly (and understandably) panicked. The more I thought about it, the more I freaked out, but I soon realized that although I was freaking out, I was still conscious and therefore must be getting sufficient oxygen. I went straight to the bathroom to examine my throat.

What I saw looked very simliar to this:


There. Just like that. All inflamed and what not. I even had a couple white spots on the right side. Gross I know, but listen, it was painful. The underside of my jaw, around my lymph nodes, was also very tender and swollen.

Great. Just what I need as a broke, ex-college student with no health insurance.

Knowing that we fear what we do not understand, I did some serious research to figure out what was going on up in my throat.

After looking around on WebMD I have diagnosed myself with Tonsilitis

I most likely have a bacterial infection because I don't have any cold-like symptoms (coughing, sneezing, runny nose, etc.) And because it is most likely bacterial, there is a chance I have strep throat. Upon further reading, there is also the possibility of me have mononucleosis. They think (the WebMD people) I should be tested for strep and mono.

Fantastic.

I guess I am just going to have to see if this thing gets any better before I am forced to find a doctor and get checked out. Maybe I qualify to go to one of those traveling clinic things. You know, those RV's that park outside homeless shelters and give the needy free check-ups and such. I bet I do qualify.

I wonder if they give free antibiotics too...

Hopefully, it doesn't come to that.