I'm not a Princess

The End.

2009-10-31T00:26:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be taking this blog down within the next week.

I started this blog in the hope to connect with people I did not get to talk to very often. So we could catch up on eachothers' lives on a more personal level than just Facebook or MySpace. I had hoped that as I make changes and decisions in my life I would be able to share openly with everyone who reads this...no matter how emotional and difficult those changes may be.

Throughout my entire life I have used writing as a way to express my emotions. I am the first to admit that I am not the best at communication. I use writing as a way to de-stress and just let everything go. For me, it's so much easier than talking about it. Maybe it's some sort of defense mechanism? I don't know. But it helps and calms me. I had hoped that this blog would be a sort of journal. Somewhere that if I needed advice, or help, or encouragement, or just needed to get something off of my chest, I would be able to write about it.

Unfortunately, this blog has ceased to be a place for me to write free of judgement and ridicule. It has become the opposite of what I had hoped it would be...it has become stressful and worrisome to me. Instead of being a place to release my feelings - it has become somewhere that, even as I write this, I know that people are judging me. I have to be careful about what I write because I know it will backfire on me.

I want to assure everyone who may be wondering - I am ok. Do I have alot going on right now? Yes. Do I have some important decisions to make in the near future? Yes. But honestly - what 22/23-year old, (semi) recent college grad is not thinking about the rest of their lives right now? About what they want to do with their career, where they want to live, the type of family they want to have? I am in the process of re-evaluating where I am at right now, and deciding if I want to make changes to my current path.

I am the type of person who lives with no regrets. I do not regret anything I've done with my life up to this point. Even though I may bitch and moan sometimes, I really do love my life. I have a college degree and will hopefully be persuing my Master's within the next year. I have a stable job that, granted I do not love, but I definitely do like and I really could not ask for a better company to work for. I have an amazing group of friends who would be there for me at the drop of a hat if I needed them. My family, while not as close as we used to be, I know supports and loves me no matter what. I am living on my own and supporting myself. No - I'm not married and I don't have kids...nor do I have plans to do either of those things in the near future. When the time is right, those things will happen. I am in no rush. I believe that I am a good person. I am not perfect and I make alot of mistakes. But I believe that my flaws make me who I am. I mean, c'mon, who wants to be perfect?

I want to thank everyone who has read this blog and supported me and offered advice or giudance over the past couple of years. If you would like to keep in close contact, I do still have a Facebook or you can reach me by email at lcstratt@hotmail.com. If you want my cell phone number, email or message me and I will give it to you.

Thanks everyone.
Lisa

Adventures of a Single 22 Year Old: Tired.

2009-10-18T23:44:00.005-06:00

I feel like I've been taking care of myself my entire life. And I'm tired of it. I learned the essentials of living on my own since way before I actually lived by myself. I've learned that I'm the only person I can really rely on. I'm independent and I'm proud of myself for being that way.

But lately I just wish I had someone who could take care of me. I think it was being so sick the past few weeks that brought that on. I'm tired of not having someone to go and get me medicine and soup. Not having someone to come home to at night when I'm physically and emotionally exhausted. Not having someone to cry and whine to when I'm having a bad day.

I'm tired of coming home at night and I'm alone. When I work until 2 or 3 am I come home and no one is there to make me feel safe. I know my friends and family care about and love me, but it's not the same. It's not the same as having someone who just knows you and who is there every night and day for you. And everyone out in blog land who has that knows what I mean.

I'm tired of dating. Of pretending to be someone I'm not just to impress some guy who inevitably ends up being a d-bag. Of living in a city where everyone seems so fake. Of wanting to move and not having the courage to do so. Of pretending like I'm not in love with the one guy who really does know me and love me for me, but he's not here. Of broken promises and unrealized dreams.

I'm tired of being alone. I'm tired of taking care of myself. I'm tired of feeling like it's wrong for me to want someone to be there for me when I need them.

I'm just so tired.

Es Mi Casa

2009-08-03T23:16:00.006-06:00

Amy just posted pictures of her and Andrew's apartment after living there for 6 weeks....I've lived in mine for 6 months and, alas, no pictures. So - since I finally cleaned my apartment - here are a couple of photos!

This is my "guest" bath...which is funny because I rarely have guests and it's super tiny. It also has hot pink towels and candles/deco which I LOVE! I'm slowely decorating each room in my apartment, and started with this one... My living room from view of my entry way/"dining" room (which has no table or chairs, only a makeshift bar). Nice and big, but also weird layout, which is why my couch is in the middle of the room. Still not sure about what to do with the space behind my couch since there is basically a wall of windows on the wall behind it... (i didn't even take a picture of the patio since there is nothing on it but dirt and leaves...)

My itsy-bitsy kitchen. No explanation neccesary.

My bedroom from view of my door. There's a fountain outside the window, which sounds lovely, but it also makes me wake up every morning thinking its raining. It's dissapointing when I turn on the news and find out its 110 degrees and not a cloud in sight. My messy, messy desk in the bedroom.. "Master" Bathroom. sink in the middle...toilet/shower on the right side, closet on the left.

Two in One Post

2009-06-22T20:42:00.003-06:00

Not alot of time to post right now, so here is a quick picture from Danielle and Jon's wedding AND a picture of me and my daddy (in honor of Father's Day yesterday). This was at the very end of the reception, so I was super sweaty and tired after dancing and being on my feet all day.

I spent all day Sunday hanging at the hotel where the reception was held (my dad had gotten a room there) while he golfed, then we spent a couple hours hanging out together. And he came and had lunch with me at work today too! The best gift of all is getting to spend time with him, especially since I won't see him until his birthday in August again. I am a total daddy's girl and i miss him terribly when he is working out of town. I cherish every moment we get to spend together when he is home.

Out of time... I will blog about the wedding soon!

Quick Post

2009-06-19T22:12:00.002-06:00

My best friend is getting married tomorrow. I love her and he fiance so very much. They are soulmates in every sense of the word. It's surreal that this day has finally come. I am going to be a blubbering mess tomorrow...i've already cried twice today and it was only the rehearsal/rehearsal dinner. oy.

Love you Miss D! You are going to be a beautiful bride!

Adventures of a Single 22-Year Old: Changes

2009-06-09T00:02:00.003-06:00

I need to change my life. For my emotional and mental health. I have a few options i have been considering....most of which involve me moving away from my current life:

Joining the military - reserve, not active duty. It's something I have wanted to do for many years...Air Force, most likely, although I would look into other branches as well.
Out of State Grad School - UNLV, SDSU, UCSD and many others I have looked into. I won't go t0 grad school in AZ if I decide to go
Peace Corps/AmeriCorps/Red Cross - international non-profit work....amazing

Just some options. I feel so lost right now. I need to figure out what to do in order to be found.

Adventures of a Single 22-Year Old: Getting Over It

2009-06-02T23:17:00.003-06:00

How do you trust another after you have been hurt so badly you don't think it's possible to trust someone again? When you give someone your entire heart and they tear it into pieces? Honestly, after something like that...how is it possible to trust someone else not to do the same thing?

That's my dilemma lately. I hate being one of those girls who is so screwed up by the guy who screwed her over that she can't move on. It's not even that...I want to move on. In a lot of ways I have moved on. But I find myself getting close to someone and it's like something inside me pulls back and says "Woah wait - remember what happened last time you felt this way?" Which leads to the fact that I completely messed up an opportunity to get to know a seemingly great guy.

How do I get over it? How do I let someone in again?

"The reasons I'm alone I know by heart
But I don't want to spend forever in the dark
I swear next time I'll hang on for dear life
If love ever gives me another try"
-Josh Turner "Another Try"

2009-05-27T22:05:00.002-06:00

The best decision I ever made was to start turning off my phone when I go to sleep at night. Anything anyone wants to tell me can be told between the hours of 6:30am and 10:30pm.

I think I should put that on my voicemail. Like those annoying voicemails when offices are closed.

"You have reached the voicemail of Lisa Stratton. My eyes are currently closed. Please call back between between the hours of 6:30am and 10:30pm and I would be happy to assist you. If you need immediate attention...well...you're screwed because I only have one phone number. Thank you."

Adventures of a Single 22-Year Old: There's More to Me than You

2009-05-09T00:09:00.003-06:00

I hope that today will be the last day I have to deal with my ex-"fiancee". Jessica Andrews couldn't have said it better....

I spent years and all this time thinking I was better off cuz you were mine
You always said it was your way or the highway
So I'm shiftin my life into drive
I'm getting out, kissing the past good-bye
Like Toby said, "How do you like me now?"
This conversation has run dry

And I keep telling myself
There's more to me than you
Don't underestimate what I can do
Well I'm alright, it's okay
I know I'll make it through
Cuz there's more to me than you

I'm not saying I'm battered and bruised
but I might as well be with the words you used
I believe in myself, that makes me stronger

Things changed and so have I
I'm gonna make hay while the sun still shines
You can clip my wings, but I'm still gonna fly
I'm on my own and on my way
And I keep telling myself

There's more to me than you
Don't underestimate what I can do
Well I'm alright, it's okayI know I'll make it through
Cuz there's more to me than you

There's always something that meant more to you than me
And I'm just sorry it's taking this for you to see

There's more to me than you
Don't underestimate what I can do
Well I'm alright, it's okay
I know I'll make it through
Cuz there's more to me than you

2009-04-24T17:26:00.001-06:00

"That old me is dead and gone, but the new me will be alright"

Random

2009-04-07T00:30:00.000-06:00

I stole the idea for my “Random” posts from Amy’s “Etc” posts. Sorry. I hope you don’t mind.
My boss is talking again about hiring someone for the front desk.
I don’t think it will actually happen. Again.
I feel like my family is falling apart. Or one side of my family is at least.
I want to go back to Europe.
Amy is in England. Right now.
My friend Chelsea will be in Ireland for 10 days this summer and asked me to come with her.
I hate my lack of money.
Once I am more financially stable, I want to start an event planning business. With my sister.
I thought of that idea as I have been planning Danielle’s bridal shower.
I know way more about engineering than I ever wanted to.
Thinking about going back to school in a year or two.
I played an April Fool’s joke on my sister. Convinced her I was pregnant.
It was the highlight of my day.
I love turkey sandwiches. Wheat bread, cheese, tomato, lettuce and light mayo. Yum.
Thinking about dying my hair. Lighter or Darker?
Starting to babysit for extra money. Meh- at least it’s easy (mostly)
I haven’t gotten a full night’s sleep in almost 3 weeks.
I’m tired.
I’m going to Mexico in two weeks. Taking a Friday and Monday off work.
It will be my first day off since Mid-January (not counting weekends of course)
I shouldn’t complain about working too much….I guarantee we all work less than Andrew.
I love my niece and nephews. Brings a smile to my face just thinking about them.
Too bad my nephews have baseball games at 8am on Saturday mornings. So early.
I have watched my Twilight DVD 1,357 times since I got it last weekend.
It’s such a bad movie. Yet I continue to watch it. Over and over and over again.
Out.

Adventures of a Single 22-year Old: Settling Down

2009-04-05T17:00:00.001-06:00

(Notice that I had to change it to “22 Year Old”? …sigh…)

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it will take for me to settle down with someone. It is a known fact that a) I am a relentless flirt and b) I enjoy going out and meeting guys. It’s fun. I don’t do anything irresponsible or dangerous. I just like it.

I have yet to meet a guy who makes me want to not do that anymore.

What will it take for me to want to be in a relationship more than I want to be single?

I wish I knew the answer.

In reference to the post below...

2009-04-03T00:28:00.000-06:00

I get bored very easily. I think I might have a touch of ADD. So the fact that I have had the exact same routine for months now is…mind-numbing. To say the least. Monday through Friday I get up, go to work, work all day, come home about 6:30p, eat dinner, read/get on the internet/etc, watch a little TV and go to bed usually by 10pm. Weekends are spent doing miscellaneous things…running errands, cleaning my apartment, doing laundry, and hanging out with my friends. The end. I just described my life in two sentences.

Needless to say I need to change something. I just can’t figure out what. I think part of my boredom revolves around the fact that I am slightly unsatisfied with my career. Don’t get me wrong- I love my job and the people I work with and I have no intention of quitting anytime in the near future. But I always pictured myself doing something that would make a difference. I want to help people and change the world and all that really optimistic stuff. Right now all I do is help my company make money.

I have considered getting back into doing volunteer work because I have always loved that and it may make me feel more accomplished. However, I need to find something very flexible because my work hours can be very erratic at times. Plus- I can’t decide what I want to volunteer with. I love working with kids, but I’ve done the Girl Scout thing and would like to try something different. I wouldn’t mind mentoring, but I don’t want to commit to a relationship if time becomes an issue and I have to give it up- that’s not fair to the child.

I would also like to move but, considering I just signed a lease in January, that’s not a possibility right now. I think if I do move out of my apartment next year, I will most likely move to a different part of the Valley. Just for something different. I’m not ready to move out of AZ yet, but moving to Tempe or Scottsdale or Downtown Phoenix would at least be a little change of scenery. I really like my apartment/apartment complex, but I had to choose where to live so quickly when I moved out that I didn’t have much time to consider my other options.

I want to meet new people. This is not saying that I want to ditch all of my friends and make new ones, because that is not the case. I would just like to…expand my horizons I guess. Meet people that I haven’t known since high school. Hopefully, through my job and possibly through volunteering, I can start to do this. My problem is that I am so awkward around people I don’t know…I think I make a bad first impression. Hmm- that will be something I will have to work on I guess.

Anyways, this is just what I have been thinking about lately. Thinking, thinking and more thinking. Now it’s just a matter of doing.

2009-03-31T20:14:00.001-06:00

I'm bored. With life. Stuck in a rut. Tired of my routine.

I need a change.

I'm just not sure yet what that change is going to be...

On my soapbox

2009-03-24T22:26:00.003-06:00

It is a fact that I am obsessed with Twilight. I love it. I would read the series over and over and over again if I had the time. It is a fun, creative story and Stephenie Meyer is an incredible author. Twilight is an escape into a fantasy world full of passionate love, adventure, mystery and hope.

That being said, I understand that Twilight is not a "classic". It will never be up there in the ranks of books by authors like Ayn Rand, Jane Austen, Edith Wharton, Ernest Hemingway or any other number of really amazing authors (in my opinion, of course). It is not an intense and intellectually stimulating novel. It is fun. FUN. F-U-N.

I consider myself to be a pretty intelligent person, but I continually get harped on for being a Twilight fan. Who cares what I read? At least I'm reading! And the same can be said for the millions of teenage girls (and boys) who have read Twilight. All of these young adults who may have little to no interest in reading before are now locked in their rooms reading! It's better than having their brains rotting away watching TV or playing video games, right?

So give myself and my fellow Twilight fans a break. It's ok if you're not a fan. Just like I am not a fan of Harry Potter (Sorry, Amy). We all have different tastes. But please do not act like you are better/smarter/cleaner/prettier/richer or able to cure cancer because you don't read it. We all have our guilty pleasures.

...Mine just happens to revolve around sparkling vampires.

Lisa. Out.

Freedom. Sweet freedom.

2009-02-24T18:46:00.002-07:00

Quick update on life on my own:

-I love it.

The end.

haha just kidding.

- I just got internet/cable on Friday. I got so used to not having it that I still find myself grabbing my phone to check email, etc, then I go "WTH Lisa, go get on the computer!"
- I hate unpacking. But I love decorating. Unfortunately, I have to unpack my decorative items before I can actually do the decorating. Life is cruel sometimes.
- I have about 5,321 pictures that need to be hung on my walls.
- I've become a cheapskate. I sit in my apartment with no lights on, just the TV. People probably think I'm a weirdo when they come over.
- Don't always trust online bill pay. Annoying, but luckily problem was solved quickly. Dang APS.
- I have met exactly one of my neighbors. I am so antisocial.
- I love being by myself. Yes, there are times when I wish I had someone to talk to. But honestly, I talk ALL dat at work. When I get home, I want to just be quiet. Sit in my PJS, watch TV, read, whatever. It's wonderful not having to worry about what anyone else is doing.
- I have alot of boxes. If you or anyone you knows needs boxes, PLEASE let me know. Most of them are file boxes or computer paper boxes that I got from work.
- If you want my new address....please email me! In a perfect world I would be proactive enough to send out an email to everyone with it...but I'm not. And I don't want to post it here for all the creepers to see.

That's pretty much it for the apartment. I'll take pictures once I get a little bit more unpacked.

Other things in life:
- Work is good. My boss gave me Suns tickets to the game against OK City last Friday which was SO good. Row 18 in Section 121...which is lower level at the Suns bench end of the court. SO cool. I've been working alot of overtime, which is good because it gives me some extra money, but I'm getting a little burned out...I may need a mini vacation soon.
- My boy is wonderful. Sweetest guy in the world....or at least that I've met. Unfortunately we only see eachother on weekends because we live about 30 minutes apart and we are both busy with work (and he goes to school too). :) Happiness.

Wow...that's really my life. Working, unpacking, hanging out with Nate and other friends on weekends. Boring, but I love it!

Hooray for the internet!

Last Blog

2009-01-27T20:44:00.002-07:00

OK-not my last blog for FOREVER. Just for a few weeks...or longer.

I signed my lease and got my keys to my new place today. I absolutely love it. It's actually even nicer then the one I originally looked at...newer cabinets, counters and carpet. The location is great too...I only share a wall with one neighbor (well...and the ceiling since I'm on the first floor). It is so weird to think that it's my place. MINE. All MINE.

But I don't have cable or internet set up yet. I might not for awhile. It's expensive for one thing. I don't watch alot of TV. I have internet access on my phone and at work (if I really need to look something up or print something). So I figure for a little while at least I will live without it...until I get insanely bored haha.

Hopefully I will remember to bring my camera to the apartment tomorrow and take some pictures to post. If not...well everyone will just have to come visit me sometime!

Random

2009-01-16T13:23:00.002-07:00

Packing. So much packing.
I hate packing. Nothing is organized...just haphazardly thrown in whatever box it fits in.
Going to Tulsa next Thursday to see my daddy-o. I'm excited, but I think my dad is REALLY excited. He's so funny.
While in Tulsa, I'm going to see the Brad Paisly concert. It's my bday present from my dad.
Utilities are expensive. Suck.
Have I mentioned how ECSTATIC I am that I'm moving????
I can't decorate. My sister needs to help me.
I need to learn how to cook more than girlled cheese and chicken. Anyone know of some good easy recipe websites I can browse?
Trying to remember where I packed my Alexander Hamilton book so I can send it to Amy at some point...
Don't know what's going to happen to my dear old cat. I can't afford to take her, my mom doesn't want to keep her :(
Still dating super sweet guy. Going to Oregano's tonight and eating a Pizzookie. Yum.
Still don't know how to act around said super sweet guy. HE doesn't make me uncomfortable, but it's still hard to get used to someone treating me as well as he does.
I want to dye my hair. Blonder.....not blonde, but blonder
Actually, wish I had her hair. Mine is boring.
Gotta start bridal shower planning for my wonderful best friend. Bah she's getting married so soon! :)
Holy cow I'm moving in less than two weeks.
I have many HUGE piles of papers/mail/etc I need to sort through/file/shred. Gah.
I'm excited to go to Ikea and get cheap furniture. I love Ikea.
I hate crazy ex boyfriends. Idiot.
Being home alone rocks. Pretty soon that will be all the time! :)
Aunt Nancy needs to post pictures of Grandma Jaye's 85th birthday. Hint Hint.

The end. Lots of thoughts. Lots of stress. Lots to pack.

2009-01-09T11:27:00.003-07:00

Amy reminded me I have not yet blogged about my move!

You may remember back in October I was possibly going to be moving into an apartment. I actually filled out an application and was approved back then, but decided in the end to wait a few more months in order to save money.

But now I am officially moving! I sign my lease on the 27th of this month. The complex is at 7th street and Peoria (just south of the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs). I'm super duper excited. I can't believe I will FINALLY be on my own. It's been a loooooooong time coming.

Once I get settled I will post pics of the apartment and give you all my new address!

Adventures of a Single 21-year old: Nice Guys DON'T Always Finish Last

2009-01-04T10:56:00.002-07:00

I love nice guys. Guys who are genuinely sweet and respectful are SO attractive to me. I know alot of girls go for the bad boys because they are "mysterious" and "complex" (and I admit I have been one of those girls), but I am really drawn to guys who know how to treat a girl right. Unfortunately, these guys are few and far between. Girls who are smarter than I have already realized this and have snatched them up. Sad for us single gals, but true nonetheless.

I have been on a few dates with a guy recently who is one of these "nice guys". Picks me up for dates, pays, opens doors, polite, complimentary...etc,etc. Even if nothing more than just a few dates happens with this person, he has made me realize how badly I've been treated by other guys I have dated. On our first date, I was so...uneasy, because I didn't know how to act with a guy like that. I don't remember the last time I dated someone who offered to pick me up. Who opens car doors and offers me his jacket when I'm cold. I really didn't think guys like that existed. It is great to know I was wrong, but it makes me a little sad to realize how low my standards have been these past few years.

I will keep blogland updated on anything new...

An Update

2008-12-15T17:56:00.002-07:00

My Grandpa Stratton had a massive stroke last night. He is completely unresponsive and has no brain activity. We moved him into a Hospice facility because that was his wish. Right now it's just a waiting game. As sad as I am and as hard as this is, I am thankful for three things: 1) My Grandpa's one wish this Christmas was that he could spend it with my Grandma (who passed away in March). It's look like now his wish will come true. 2) Because the stroke was so severe, the doctors tell us he isn't in any pain. 3) I am lucky to have an amazingly close, huge and supportive family. It's times like these when we all need someone to lean on, and in our family there is never a shortage of shoulders for that.

Now it's time for me to vent. Is it really wrong for me to want to spend as much time with my family as possible right now? To be with my grandpa for as long as I can? So when I cancel plans with someone for that reason is it too much to ask that they be understanding and maybe even a little sympathetic? Instead of basically calling me a jerk and telling me that we shouldn't hang out anymore? (This is a "friend" by the way, not someone I am dating). So I'm a little pissed. No, I am ALOT pissed. I guess I don't need friends like that anyways right?

Anyways, please keep my Grandpa in your thoughts and prayers. I will keep everyone updated.

This Post is Dedicated to My Best Friend

2008-12-08T20:43:00.002-07:00

Mostly because she is awesome. And she deserves recognition.

So Danielle and I met in 2nd grade and we HATED eachother for some reason that I no longer remember. We went to the same elementary school and I joined the Girl Scout troop that her mom led. Like I said...we hated eachother. But eventually we realized how completely amazing the other was and by 3rd grade we were best friends. And it's been that way ever since. Danielle and I both have this picture of us around 3rd grade at Girl Scout....we are all attitude and young and it is perfect. I don't have it scanned in my computer....but D has it framed/hung up in her place.

Granted we have had our hard times (6th grade anyone??? haha). We've grown apart, but we have always come back together. That's what great about having a BEST friend...even when you don't get to talk or see eachother all the time you know they will always be there when you need them. It's not superficial. No time, no distance really matters. Even at 10pm on a Sunday night when one of us is having a mental breakdown...the other will always be there.

Right now we are at very different points in our lives. Danielle is engaged to this amazing guy that she has been with for 5 years and I have the extreme privelege of being her Maid of Honor in their wedding next June. She is beautiful and smart and when she graduates next May she will become an amazing teacher.

I am...well I am me. Screwed up, overly emotional, erratic me.

In the end it doesn't matter because D is just about the only person that I can truly be myself around. She accepts me and that's what matters.

So...thanks D. For being my friend and my sister. For allowing me to be myself when no one else will. For being my BEST friend. Love you always.

2008-12-07T20:45:00.003-07:00

"At least I can walk away knowing I did nothing wrong, that I gave it my all and YOU failed ME...I didn't fail myself."

I guess that's all I can ask for...

2008-11-29T21:25:00.003-07:00

I am going to start a book of quotes.

I was watching A Walk to Remember today, and in the movie, Jamie, the lead female, gives Landon, the lead male, a book of her mothers' favorite quotes.

Wouldn't that be a great gift to pass on through the genenerations? People could pass it on throughout time and add to it as they wish?

Hmm...

In honor of this...here is my quote for today...

"My life was an unending midnight...it must, by neccessity, always be midnight for me. So how was it possible that the sun was rising now, in the middle of my midnight?"

Twilight

2008-11-22T19:53:00.003-07:00

I guess I have to blog about Twilight considering my obsession with it. I went to the midnight showing on Thursday (which meant I went into work on Friday with only 3 hours of sleep...it's a good thing I only work half days on Fridays). Danielle and her sister were my Twilight companions....

I was EXTREMELY dissapointed in the movie. I know that it is impossible to recreate a 500 page book into a 2 hour movie, but honestly...SO many things were different. Pivotal, chapter long scenes in the book (like the meadow scene, baseball scene, and others) were reduced to two-minute scenes in the movie. The movie went into NO background of the Cullen family...how is that going to affect the other movies????? Plus the acting was horrible...I was laughing at scenes that were supposed to be serious because they were so cheesy.

Oh well...I'm a bookworm. Of course I like the book better. I actually might see the movie again...I might be less critical now that I know what to expect. I'm on my 5th time reading the series the whole way through....maybe after I'm done I'll move onto something else...maybe... :)

Although I had a BLAST at the showing. I picked up Danielle's sister, Ashley, at about 8:00pm and Danielle drove up from Tucson by 11 or so. Ashley and I sat and talked for hours...she really is a great girl (right, D?). She reminds me of myself when I was 17. That's what I've always said...that Ashley and I are one in the same. She's amazingly mature for 17 year old. By the time Danielle got there I was so tired (I'm usually in bed by 10pm) that I was a little weird. A few of my other friends were there as well, but we didn't wait in line with them.

Overall, it's a great memory... :)

Adventures of a Single 21 Year Old Part 4...?: Being Number 1

2008-11-18T20:46:00.003-07:00

In my entire 'dating' life I've never been anyone's number 1. Even when I was with someone for four f-ing years i was NEVER the most important thing to him. Not once. I've never been anyone's Number 1. I've never been a priority...never an "I'd rather be with her than anyone else". I know it exists...I've seen it happen.

I'm not high maintenance. I don't ask for much. I like having my own time and hanging with my own friends...but I want someone who is willing to make sacrifices and compromises to be with me too. I mean is that too much to ask? I think most of the time I am too nice...I get walked over. I will do anything for the people I care about...friends, family, anyone. I put myself last.

Is it to much to ask for someone to put me first? Just once?

Random

2008-11-16T18:50:00.003-07:00

Does it bug everyone that I am completely obsessed with Twilight ???? TOO BAD! It's amazing! Danielle, her sister (Ashley) and I are going to the midnight showing on Thursday. Can't wait. The last time I went to a midnight showing of a movie is when my dad and I went to see the Star Wars (almost as awesome...but not quite).

I bought a Twilight shirt from Hot Topic last weekend. I got a compliment on it today from a teenage girl. Sweet.

I wish Whitney Houston would make another CD. The Bodyguard is on TV right now. She has an amazing voice.

I'm getting a new phone this week...thinking about switching to Verizon. Anyone have that hates or loves it? I really don't talk on the phone that much...but I text ALL the time. Need a network that has a good texting plan...

I love clean sheets. If I weren't so lazy I would wash my sheets every week. Or every day. Not only do they smell good...but they are cat-hair-free after washing. Love it.

I keep wondering where the heck Andrew works? Wasn't he supposed to blog about it??? (He's still my favorite cousin by the way...no one has dethrowned him yet)

I love the holidays. I have the most amazing, craziest family in the world and I love seeing them. I'll be eating dinner at my Aunt Linda's house with my dad's family (it's the first Thanksgiving since my grandma passed away...it'll be sad without her there) then onto dessert at our house with my mom's family. Can't wait. PLUS my dad will be in town the entire week of Thanksgiving, which is great since I haven't seen him much lately.

Last Saturday was the 5 year anniversary since Nick died. I didn't blog about it because well...I didn't want to. Every year I try to ignore the day and every year it hits me like a ton of bricks. It's weird how one event can shape the rest of your life. Hm.

The Notebook is on TV now (apparently it's chick flick day on ABC Family)...although it is not the greatest movie of all time, Nicholas Sparks is one of my favorite authors of all time. He usually comes out with a new book this time of year...so I look forward to it as a Christmas present!

My cat is old. We have a column/pillar type thing in our house and she walks around it in circles all day....and meows alot. I should take her to the vet, but vets are expensive unfortunately. I can't afford tests and medications and all that.

I think Barack Obama will make a great President. Or at least I hope he will. Change is a-comin' that's for sure.

I might apply for a job with the the Red Cross. maybe. I feel like Phoenix is draining the life out of me. I hope I am brave enough to take a chance and move somewhere different. maybe.

I want to lay down in the middle of a street and watch the stoplights change.

I don't have any cool "Adventures of a Single 21-Year Old" stories lately. This has to do with the fact that I am too caught up to meet anyone new. Maybe someday that'll change.

I might take Friday off work, due to the fact that the Twilight premiere is Thursday night and I might got to the Dunes for the weekend. We'll see. I have a ton of PTO built up and don't have any plans to use it, so I might as well take a few hours off. I need it.

Bye bye. :)

"Yes we can"

2008-11-05T21:07:00.002-07:00

I've been posting alot lately...maybe I'll get in the habit of writing daily like Amy. Okay...probably not. Who knows though...it could happen. Today I will amuse you with another installment of......

"Adventures of a a Single 21-Year Old Part III: "What to do when you can't 'see' anyone else"

Here's the issue...what do you do when you are technically 'single' but still only want to be with one person? I meet alot of guys....not neccesarily high quality guys, because of where I hang out, but attractive people of the male species nonetheless. But I don't care, because in my heart, I'm not single. In my heart, there's only one person I want to be with. What do I do when I can't "see" anyone else?

It's hard to be "technically" single when I'm not "emotionally" single. In general, I have a hard time opening up to people. My boss said to me today, "Jeez, Lisa, you're such a private person". True. It's harder lately though...do I only allow myself to be open to this one person, or do I put myself out there for more? I don't know that answer.

Is it better to throw yourself into something that could be great and possibly get hurt, or only go halfway and never know what could've been?

And to leave you with a quote...

"And yet, to say the truth, reason and love keep little company together nowadays"
Williams Shakespeare A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act III, Scene I

2008-11-04T19:52:00.002-07:00

Did you?

I don't care what your politics are...if you didn't vote today you have no right to complain about or critisize who are next President is. Polls close in about an hour here in Phoenix...go vote!

Honestly no matter who wins this is a historical election...we will either elect the first African-American president, or the oldest first term President and first female Vice-President. With all of the bad things going on in the world right now, I am so proud to say I am alive to see and participate in this election. Absolutely incredible.

2008-11-02T16:59:00.002-07:00

Like the new layout?

2008-11-02T15:46:00.002-07:00

From Hope and Steve's Halloween Party...

Favorites

2008-10-31T15:04:00.003-06:00

As some (or none) of you may know, I tend to "favorite" things alot. The phrase "She's/He's/It's my favorite!" comes out of my mouth quite often. Still, me bestowing a "favorite" title on someone is quite an honor if I do say so myself.

I'd just like to let you all know that today I named Andrew as my favorite cousin. Why you ask? He referenced Twilight twice in one day (in comments to me on Myspace). He knew from my status about sparkly vampires that I was of course talking about my fictional vampire boyfriend, Edward. Awesome.

Although Amy is in close second after her amazing post today about lessons learned from scary movies. Made me laugh quite a bit.

Sorry to all my other cousins. Do something awesome, and you too will be my favorite.

2008-10-24T20:16:00.002-06:00

I realize I have been a little down and out lately. I want to assure everyone I really am okay. I haven't been quite my optimistic, happy self...but I'm okay.

I can't say why right now either. Fact is that I have alot of tough decisions to make in the next couple months (or weeks or days), and it's one of those things that no matter what road I take someone will be dissapointed. I am trying to balance what is right for me and what is right for everyone else and it's not easy. So I'm sorry if I've been a downer lately.

I honestly wish that I could write about what is going on, but I can't right now. It would stir up unneccessary drama. When I can I will.

Let me ask you all this...if you had a chance to change something in your life, for the better, would you do it, even if it meant probably hurting some people you love? How do you balanace your own needs and wants with everyone else's?

Oh and I will post a few pics from Mexico...there's some really cute ones of the kids. :)

2008-10-21T20:47:00.002-06:00

Can someone convince that everything really does happen for a reason?

I usually believe that, but at this moment I'm really not too sure.

Anyways, on a happier note, I had a great time in Mexico this past weekend. But what happens in Mexico stays in Mexico, so no pictures I can post :)

2008-10-15T22:16:00.002-06:00

Episode III: Have you ever...?

That's a great old song by Brandy. Late 90s I think. Not high quality music, but good none the less.

Ever seen the movie "The Holiday"? Probably my favorite chick flick of all time. Kate Winslet's intro is fabulous.

Ever watch "Sex and the City"? Carrie and Mr.Big's relationship is the best and worst of relationships all at once.

Ever think that if you wish for something hard enough it will come true?

I wish I knew how to walk away.

"Hate me so you can finally see what's good for you..."

The Adventures of a Single 21 Year-old

2008-10-13T21:48:00.007-06:00

Episode II: Does age really matter?

I seem to be attracting old guys. Old creepy guy with a serious cat fetish. Old married guy...just ew. Old guy who is awesome and funny and educated and has a ten-year old daughter...he wants a mom for his kid. crap.

Is there something about me that attracts old guys? I definitely don't give off a vulnerable, please-take-care-of-me vibe. Probably exactly the opposite actually. I don't think I look older than I am (although people keep telling me I look 25...odd...).

I don't think age really matters. Not the number itself. It's more the fact that older guys tend to be on the marriage/family track and I'm...not on that track. And I tell these guys that and they don't believe me!!! Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth???

(On a side note...does anyone else think it's creepy when a guy wants you to talk to his cat over the phone? Yes...this actually happened to me. More than once!)

This is a good song. "Without You" by Hinder
"Without you, I live it up a little more everyday. Without you, I’m seein myself so differently. I didn’t wanna believe it then, But it all worked out in the end. When I watched you walk away Well I never thought id say I’m fine... Without you"

maybe someday I'll get to the point of being fine without you

hall-o-weenie

2008-10-13T21:32:00.002-06:00

Need costume ideas...here's what I have so far...

A vampire...the Twilight version of course. But it's hard "dress up" like that. Find some yellow or black contacts, white powder to make myself pale, some light purple coloring under my eyes so i look "thirsty" and...nothing else. Normal clothes. No fangs. Kinda boring... D-any ideas for this???
Can Can dancer...always wanted to be one. It'd be a generic costume because i don't have time to make a cool one
A pirate wench...which i was last year. it's such a cool costume though, and this year I'll be going out in it! No time, no money...done.
Something sports themed...maybe a referee...or something. Due to my lack of sports knowledge, I've never done this before.

Think people! Less than 3 weeks until Halloween!

Love

2008-10-09T20:54:00.001-06:00

2008-10-07T20:31:00.002-06:00

I think I'm going to change the name of my blog to "The Life and Times of a Single 21-year Old" or "Sex and the (slightly smaller) City". Blog about life as a single woman, since it seems to me that we are few and far between these days. I do some crazy things and get put in some weird situations in my escapades. So I'm thinking that I'll blog about some likes, dislikes and general adventures...maybe you all will get a giggle out of it.

Tonight my topic will be about...an annoyance. Here's the thing. I'm pretty confident when it comes to the dating scene. I'm a (huge) flirt, I'm comfortable around guys, and I can strike up a conversation with just about anyone. I know I'm not a supermodel, but I also know I'm not an ogre.

I gave my number to 2 guys this past weekend. Both nice, normal guys. When guys ask for my number, I never actually expect them to call. Some do, some don't...most of the time I forget I even gave my number to anyone. So to my surprise...BOTH of these guys called (ok-they texted,but I've accepted that as the norm). Within 2 days. Wow. After talking for a bit, here's what I get from both of them

Guy:"We should hang out sometime" (ok....could you bit a more vague???)
Me: "Sure, maybe we could get dinner or something this week" (vague as well, but I do this in hope they will make a plan or already have something in mind)
Guy: "Sounds great just let me know like when you're free and stuff and whatever and blah"

Why even say we should "hang out" if you aren't going to be specific? Is it really that hard to say "How about we go to dinner on Wednesday?" or something similar? If I'm not free that night, I'll suggest a different day! So now it's up to me, to pick a day and plan a FIRST date, which I'm sorry should be the guys duty as the one who chose to contact me. Don't call/text me and then be all vague about hanging out.

Could I be the one who says "Let's hang out on Wednesday night"...yes. BUT the guy should be more proactive about asking. As much as I am for equal rights and all that feminist crap, some things are just common courtesy. And it's the same thing with every guy I've dated in the past year.

So here's something that goes on my "Pro" list. Guys who MAKE THE EFFORT. MAke the effort to call and plan a first date. Make the effort to let a girl know you're interested instead of playing games. I will do the same in return, but I'm not going to do it one sided.

So there's my single-gal rant. Keep in mind with these posts that I actually love being single. No desire to change it. My hope is that some random guy will run across this and say "Ah ha! That's the reason I'm single...because I don't make the effort!"

That's how a blog can change the world!!! hahahaha

End of rant. Peace.

2008-09-30T19:42:00.003-06:00

I drove up to Williams today for work...had to drop of a proposal. I volunteered to do this and everyone thinks I'm crazy for doing that much driving in one day. But look at it from my perspective...I got almost an entire day off work paid (but not taking away from my allotted PTO), I got to enjoy a leisurely drive up north and enjoy the cool(er) weather for a little while, and I get reimbursed for gas. Basically I got paid to get out of Phoenix for a day. Nice huh?

I get to Williams at about 10:45...walk up to the Library/City Hall (haha) to drop off this proposal and there is a sign on the door that reads "Tuesday, September 30th, is City of Williams employee appreciation day! Library/City Hall will be closed from 10am-1pm today".

Crap...what do I do for more than 2 hours in Williams. Granted it is a cute little town, but it's about 5 blocks long and the biggest attraction there is the Grand Canyon Railway. So I drove back to Flag (only a 20 min or so drive) and visited my old school. I haven't been back to NAU since I transferred in 2006, and so much has changed. It seemed as thought half the campus was under construction while I was there, and it seems as though it is all finished. Even though the school itself wasn't for me, the campus is gorgeous. A great mix of old architecture and new, modern buildings. And lots of trees. And it's surrounded by cemeteries on 3 sides...doesn't get much better than that! Plus it was not even 70 degrees when I was there, which is lovely.

Sad to say I didn't have my camera, otherwise I would've taken some pictures.

Get lunch, drive back to Williams, where I am informed at City Hall that there is no City Clerk's "Office", just a lady behind a counter who is the "clerk". Love small towns. Amy-there are some great vintage signs there for your project too. Once again...no camera. Dang.

Left for Phoenix around 115p. Get back to work about 345 and decide that I should've just gone home. I was going to just leave, then I started talking to my marketing manager about some upcoming projects, and I ended up staying until 545 (45 minutes past when I normally work).

Now I'm home and tired. Going to read. Maybe watch the not-so-great new version of 90210. Good stuff.

I will leave you with a line from a song that reminds me of someone I know...

"The broken locks were a warning, you got inside my head; I tried my best to be guarded, I was an open book instead"

The Toose 2008

2008-09-24T23:17:00.003-06:00

Went to Tucson this past weekend for my friends' birthdays...

DV Girls Reunion

Me and the birthday boys (Brant with glasses, Jon without)
I am lucky enough to be this AMAZING couple's Maid of Honor in their wedding next June :)
the host and hostess, Brant and Heather

So happy I got to be there for Jon and Brant's surprise party, and I got to see so many of my friends from high school. Hopefully I'll get to go once more before the semester is over....

2008-09-24T22:30:00.002-06:00

I want to go to Forks, WA for my birthday. Anyone want to come? And possibly pay? :)

2008-09-23T21:17:00.004-06:00

"Did you know that 'I told you so' has a brother, Jacob? His name is 'Shut the Hell up'"

haha good stuff. From Eclipse...can't find the page number though. One of these days I'll move on from the Twilight series, but for now I'm happy immersing my self in the world of a seventeen year old girl and her sparkly vampire boyfriend. Lovely.

In case I haven't mentioned it, I love my job. This is my last week at the front desk (I think..last I heard...this changes regularly though due to the previous receptionist's flakiness) then I'll be in my lovely cubicle. I'll take pics. I'm like...an adult. When did that happen?

Random

2008-09-20T14:11:00.002-06:00

"Even more I had never meant to love him. One thing I truly knew--knew it in the pit of my stomach, in the center of my bones, knew it from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, knew it deep in my empty chest--was how love gave someone the power to break you. I'd been broken beyond repair." New Moon by Stephenie Meyer pg 219

And a link

Twilight Trailer

2008-09-09T19:08:00.002-06:00

you know what i love?

when it's raining and sunny all at the same time. I took a picture of what it looked like when that happened today, but it's on my phone...i don't know how to get pictures off of it.

I think i'm going to start posting random things. Kevin does it alot. Videos, quotes from books, etc. I love it when i come across things like this, but have nothing to do with them. So i guess they'll go here.

nothing today though...on my way out to dinner with one of my best friends. :)

Peace Out.

2008-09-06T15:29:00.003-06:00

I keep getting yelled at for not posting...I just never feel like writing much after I get home from work. Plus, my life is boring right now...not really anything exciting to write about and I don't want to bore everyone to tears.

I still love my job, I can't wait until they find someone to fill the front desk position so I can start doing marketing full time. Doing both is getting to be overwhelming, and I feel like I'm neglecting some of the everyday office stuff. But soon enough we will start interviewing and someone else gets to do all that!

I'm still moving out...next month I think. Going to go look at apartments next weekend...

And that's it. That's life. See why I never write?

Here's some funny pictures to fill the nothingness that are my postings....

Excuse me while I brag...

2008-08-13T21:48:00.002-06:00

...which I don't normally do.

BUT I had lunch with the president of RPA yesterday and he offered me a permanent position with the company. I don't know what my "title" is yet...since the position is kind of being created for me. Something along the lines of "marketing specialist" or "marketing coordinator" or "queen of the world" (jk...).

Anyways, I'm jazzed. Stoked. Tickled. All those great things. RPA really is such a fantastic company. Someday I'll devote a whole blog to how much I admire my boss...I know I sound like a suck-up, but he really is an amazing person.

So that's my life...new job, moving out in 6-ish weeks, trying out a new relationship...all good things. I'm a pretty lucky girl :)

Would you like me to sing to you? I'll sing all night if it will keep the bad dreams away

2008-08-03T18:05:00.004-06:00

Here's some pics from the midnight release party I went to Friday night for Stephenie Meyer's newest (and last...) book in the Twilight series, "Breaking Dawn". It was really good. Unfortunately probably my least favorite of the four because she changed the way she wrote in the last book, but still an excellent book and well worth staying up all night Friday and most of the day Saturday to read all 750 pages. Danielle and her sister Ashley stayed at my house Friday night and all day Saturday so we could read it together. It was technically a sleepover, although it involved almost no sleep and we were all either in seperate rooms or sitting on the couch reading in silence. Great fun :)

Dinner at TGIF before the party

Our "Edward" fake tattoos

Doing some Twilight trivia

Funny bathroom mirror pics

My bite marks

I love these books!

With about 5 minutes to go until midnight....so excited!

Waiting in line...

The next day around lunchtime...took a break to eat and take a pic!

2008-07-23T14:58:00.003-06:00

Oh and check out my pretty new profile pic! it's look weird when it's small, but I actually really like the picture. I took it while I was messing around with my webcam on my laptop, then fiddled with it using the Picasa software that you can download from Google. Scha-weet.

2008-07-23T14:22:00.002-06:00

So apparently I'm not gonna have as much time to post as I thought...

I already started my "training" under the market manager on, oh...my third day here. I got to go to a marketing meeting last week and actually got assigned some projects to work on before the next meeting (which is tomorrow). Being the incredibly hard worker I am (haha) I finished them all this morning, and am taking a break before I start back up on this ongoing (but no due date) project I'm working on with the marketing manager. So basically I am being kept busy between the marketing stuff, plus all the "normal" receptionist stuff I have to do as well. I still love it and everyone here is great. Not one person I even remotely don't like. yay!

Some other ramblings....

Countdown to move out date (sorry, mom, nothing personal. I'm just excited): I have no idea. Hopefully by October 1st? There's these great apartments I found that are fairly cheap and living there would take about 10-15 minutes off of my drive time to work. Nice! They're right next to the Pointe Hilton at 7th st and Peoria-ish.

I am NOT a morning person! I don't like getting up at 6am. I am usually so tired that I pass out by 10pm. I think if I keep working here I am going to change my hours to 8:30-5:30, instead of 8-5. Give me another 30min of sleep in the mornings. I'm very rarely tired at work, it's just getting out of bed that early that's hard.

Stephenie Meyer's new book, Breaking Dawn, comes out in 9 days. I'm going to the midnight release party with Danielle and her sister, Ashley, who are just as obsessed with these books as I am. Cannot wait! It's going to be a blast...I will definitely take pictures.

Still haven't seen The Dark Knight :(

My sister and I are having a yard sale this weekend for my dad at his house (43rd ave and paradise ln), so everyone should stop by and buy our crap haha. There's actually alot of books, and some kitchen stuff...and possibly even some furniture if my dad decides what he's selling. So come by on Saturday, between 7:30 and 12:30. Tons o' fun! I love yard sales!

Um...I know, no Europe pics. In my defense, there are more than 200 on both my Myspace and my Facebook. It's a pain to upload pics and I've gotten to the point that I don't like to be on the computer much at home now that I'm on it all day here. Soon enough. Aunt Nancy, we really should just have a family get together sometime soon and I 'll bring my disc of pics to show you...they're much more entertaining with my narrations :)

I wish I had enough money to by a house :( so many people I know are getting houses built and it's makes me jealous. It also makes me feel like a loser because I'm 21 and still at home, but such is life. Maybe I'll be able to afford a house in a couple of years... on the beach... in San Diego.

Nothing else....gotta get back to work. FYI- I am working on creating a list of EVERY SINGLE math and science teacher in the Phoenix Metro area. If for some reason you need the name/number of ANY math or science teacher in the Phoenix Metro area, hit me up. Not just high school either...6th-12th grade. Phew. That's why I'm writing this instead of doing that...it's quite tedious. Thank God for the world wide web :)

2008-07-15T17:02:00.002-06:00

So I started my new job yesterday...it's pretty fantastic. I don't do a whole lot (obviously...I'm at work right now...), but I like it.

I actually I don't think I ever even posted about getting a job, did I?! I'm working as the receptionist for Ritoch-Powell & Associates, which is the civil engineering firm my brother-in-law Steve is a partner in. It's a good job for now...I'm actually just filling in for the regular receptionist while she is on maternity leave for 3 months. Full time, 8-5 Mon-Thurs and 8-12 on Fridays. Nice!

I kind of just fell into this job. I hadn't found one since I got back from Europe and Steve mentioned RPA needed someone to fill in. I know the president of the company and some of the other partners through Steve, so they basically just gave me the job. But here's the really cool thing...Karl, the president of RPA, sat me down on my first day and told me that he thinks I have a real future with the company and he wants to have their marketing manager train me to take on alot of the work she does now. SO...when my 3 months here at the front desk is up, he wants to move me into a salaried position under the marketing manager. Sweet, huh? He even told me he would work around my school schedule when I go back to grad school in January.

I'm excited...the job as it is right now is kind of boring, just alot of answering phones and mailing things, etc. But the people who work here (all 30 men and 5 women!!!) are so nice and funny. The guys tease and give eachother (and me) a hard time, but it's really a great group of people to work with.

Be expecting me to post more often since, like I said, there isn't alot to do until the marketing manager starts training me some more. Enjoy the randomness that will be my future postings :)

2008-07-10T17:30:00.002-06:00

I can't help feeling like everyone around me is moving forward with their lives, and I'm just stuck in the same place. When did that happen?

2008-06-26T00:10:00.003-06:00

I know, I'm slacking. No pictures yet. They're all uploaded, but it's so time consuming to go through all 1200+ pictures to find a few worthy ones from each city. Plus, I'm still waiting to get pictures from my friend/roomate who took pictures on the couple of days my camera battery died (and I was not smart enough to have bought a second battery...)

In other news, no job yet. Apparently I suck. Sure, I have a brand-spankin new degree under my belt, but no real world experience to supplement it. Dang me for never doing an internship.

Almost ready to send in my application to grad school

I read the "Twilight" series by Stephanie Meyer in 3 days. For those of you who know, this series is being compared to the quality and poularity of Harry Potter (which I have not read and therfore cannot compare). Right now it's only 3 books, all over 500/600 pages. That's the perk of not having a job, I get to sit around and read all day. The fourth book will be out in August, but I'm sure I'll re-read the first 3 before it comes out. SO good.

There's an artist I was introduced to by Danielle who I am now obsessed with named Chester See. Go listen to him on Youtube (his myspace is hard to find for some reason). Best song by far is "God damn you're beautiful", but there are many other good ones as well. He's unsigned, no songs on Itunes unfortunately. Soon hopefully.

I had a...weird night tonight. Hard to explain and I don't really want to. I get to go camping this weekend, so it'll be nice to get out of the city and clear my head a little bit. Apparently I need a vacation from my vacation.

Pictures up soon. Promise. By next week, if not sooner.

2008-06-06T19:46:00.002-06:00

I'm home and in (almost) one piece. Took about 1200 pictures so i will have to pick a few to put on here.

So tired and still jetlagged. Need to unpack, do laundry, and look for a job. Bah. I waana go back!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T10:47:00.000-06:00

To my wonderful mother....

2008-05-02T17:46:00.002-06:00

I love sitting around doing nothing all day. Fab-u-lous.

Two weeks from today I will have graduated from college. Ah!

Back to laying in bed...the first day I have had completely free in months and months and I am living it up. Gonna go see Ironman tonight. Tomorrow I'm going to Lake Pleasant to for the first camping trip of summer. Next week is gonna be full of packing and getting ready for Europe, one paper and a few hours of work.

I need a job when I get back...keep your ears and eyes open for something...I will work just about anywhere!

It's 2:30am

2008-04-30T03:15:00.002-06:00

and I can't sleep. Why? Well...probably because I am so sleep deprived that I have had about 25 cans of soda today just to stay awake and they all hit me at about midnight. There may be something more useful I could be doing, but really...it's 2:30am and I don't feel like it. So I figured I'd post a lil and bore you all with the thoughts and goings on of my life

I graduate in oh....10 days. Funny thing is that I wasn't really even excited about it until this week. People have been asking me all semester if I'm excited to graduate, and honestly I wasn't. I had too much going on, full class load, work, friends, etc etc to really even think about it. But I had my last class tonight and now all I have left is one final and one paper and I'm done. And now...I am ecstatic. I just can't believe it's almost here...I almost have my college degree. It's amazing feeling. I really am proud of myself, which is something I never say even if I think it. I'm just very thankful that I had the opportunity to even go to college. I'm really very lucky.

Next comes Europe. Leavin May 12th will be gone until June 4th. I met some of the people I will be going with last week and it is a really great group of people. I was nervous because it would have been terrible to not know anyone and get stuck with a boring group, but everyone I met is a lot of fun. I'll be taking TONS of pictures, but I probably won't be able to post em until I get back. I'm not bringing my laptop so I don't know what my interent access will be like because I'll have to find internet cafes. There's so much to do to get ready to leave though. Besides the obvious packing stuff, I have to figure out currency exchanging, call the bank to let them know i will be using my cards overseas, make copies of my important info, order a new drivers licsense, buy some things i need to pack, make sure i get my bills for the month paid before I leave, etc. Ay it's alot. But it'll be worth it. And since all i have to do is work a few hours next week I should have plenty of time to do it (hint hint: if anyone wants to get me a graduation present, a lil monetary donation to my Europe trip would be greatly appreciated...spread the word...)

I need a job still. I've had some interviews, but I'm either too qualified and the people think I will get bored and quit, or I'm not quite qualified enough. It's ok though, I will start seriously job hunting when I get back. I may end up working at one or two or three part time jobs until I find something more permanant. The problem is that since I'm planning on going back to grad school in January, I don't know if it's worth it to find a "permanent" job because I will either have to quit or only work part time come January.

I need to get my grad school stuff in order too. Letters of Rec, personal statement, etc. Hopefully I will have it all done and turned in by the end of June. eek.

I still need someone to sublet my apartment in Tucson...keep your ears open for anyone looking for a place down there. It's a really great apartment I promise!

I guess that's really all that's new. This semester truly has just been a whirlwind. I feel like I just started the semester and now it's already over.

But really that's how this whole year has been. This time last year I had just broken up with Davis, my parents were just about to split up, I was moving, starting a new summer job...my life basically was turned upside down. Ending what I thought was going to be a lifelong relationship was just about the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but honestly I have not regretted it once. I didn't realize how far away from my true self I had gotten in the time we were together. I am not saying that is anyone's fault, but I had gotten to the point that I really did not like myself because I had been sacrificing so much of myself for his happiness for so long. I feel like where I am today, I really am the person I used to be, only better. Well, hopefully better. I have gotten so much of my independent personality back and that was something I always liked about myself. I have allowed myself to open up to so many new people and new experiences in the past year, and I never would have had those opportunities if I hadn't left.

Also, I feel like I have had more honest to goodness FUN in the past year than I had had in so long. I have renewed alot of my old friendships, and strengthened ones that I had kept all along. I've taken chances and opened up and just really enjoyed life. I'm looking forward to continuing to do that. Spontaneity definitely creates some of the best memories.

I guess that's really all. Apparently I get very contemplative at 2:30am...haha. But I'm tired now so hopefully I will fall asleep soon. I hope to see you all at my graduation party next week!

Oh and ps...I've also been dating a really great guy for just about three months now...maybe ya'll will get to meet him soon :)

2008-03-28T23:36:00.002-06:00

This is what my grandpa said to my grandma today after we told him that she will most likely not get any better. She's been very agitated and restless...basically won't let anyone touch her. My grandpa kept trying to hold her hand, and she continued to pull away. After she did this a few times he said

"Don't let go of my hand...I might get lost..."

And the next time she held onto his hand for just a little bit longer than usual.

heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time. after 52 years of marriage they still love eachother like newlyweds...i hope i'm lucky enough to find that one day. i hope we all are...

Just an FYI...

2008-03-27T22:40:00.003-06:00

I graduate in 6 weeks. SIX WEEKS! which also means I will be on my way to Europe in 6 weeks and 3 days. awesome.

Of course, I will also be even more incomunicado for the next 6 weeks. What I have going on...

Surviving taking 18 credit hours. ouch. no fun.
Sending out graduation announcements and planning a graduation party.
Prepare for Europe...this means figuring out what I need to bring, learning some key words in 5 different languages, actually packing, etc, etc...
Work and try not to go completely broke before I graduate
Not turn into a hermit and try to actually enjoy this last semester
Apply for jobs. Oh the real world is a joy already.
Help my family out...for those who don't know, my grandma stratton is very very sick and probably will not live much longer. We've heard this before, but this time it's really happening. So I've been spending quite a bit of time at the hospital lately.

The end. See you all in 6 weeks, because you better come to my party!

2008-03-14T00:17:00.002-06:00

I know I'm a loser and I haven't posted hardly at all lately, but I had to post tonight. Why you ask...?

Because my best friend in the whole world got engaged tonight!!! And words cannot explain how excited I am for them both. They are the type of couple who can make anyone believe that true love and soul mates really do exist. I feel so privaleged to be her maid of honor and to be able to witness what will no doubt be an amazing wedding. The engagement was no surprise, but it is still so exciting that it is official now.

And since Danielle reads this (I think...) I LOVE YOU!!! Congrats again :)

2008-02-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

Just made another post on my Pop Culture blog. This one is about how the image of cowboys and western movies have changed over time. Enjoy!

2008-02-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone for making my birthday so special! I had a great time at all of my parties and loved my wonderful presents. So thank you thank you thank you THANK YOU!!!!

No time to post pics right now, but you can check out Amy's blog to see the beautiful pictures she took!

2008-01-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

I am OFFICIALLY going to Europe after I graduate!!!! Just put down the deposit. woot.

I can't wait...24 days of vacation, sightseeing, and history. I think NEXT summer (2009) I'm going to try to go to Spain for 10 days or so, since I've always wanted to go there and this trip won't be going there. Maybe...if I can save enough money over the next year. It's not like I need to save money for, oh I don't know, grad school or anything right??? :-)

Anywho, I'm excited. yay!

Oh and this is my 100th post apparently. Woo hoo I broke triple digits.

Exciting news!

2008-01-24T22:05:00.000-07:00

Awhile back I "applied" to be a penpal for soldier serving overseas and I just found out who I'm going to be writing to! For safety reasons, I'm not going to post all his information on here, but his name is Christian and he is serving in Iraq right now. I'm doing it through a great organization called Adoptaplatoon. I'm sending out my first letter to him tomorrow!

If anyone would like me to send along a message of support or anything to him I would be more than happy to do that. I will also periodically be sending care packages and if you want to send something I will do that too.

I'm pretty excited to do this. Hopefully having a penpal will make his deployment a little easier. Plus, doesn't it sound so old fashioned and fun to write real letters to someone?! :-)

blog, blog, blog and more blog

2008-01-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

So my blog for my Pop Culture class is up and running and you can check it out at

lcstratt.blog.asu.edu

My first blog is about the history of the Easy Bake Oven and how it reinforces female gender roles. Pretty interesting...and there are some fun pictures of original Easy Bake Ovens. Comment on it if you like...if my blog is the best on that topic then I get extra credit! It should be posted by tonight or tomorrow.

Enjoy reading about my crazy topics for that class! I feel like a blog officianado because I'm one of the only people in that class that already has a blog. So go Blogspot for making me sound knowledgable.

I'm sitting at work right listening to people get tutoring for O-Chem. I feel bad for everyone who has ever had to take that class.

The rest of my life...school life that is

2008-01-22T17:28:00.000-07:00

it's the second week of school and i figured maybe I should post about the rest of my classes.

Marriage and Family- OK when I signed up for this course, I thought it was "Family Studies". it turns out this class is identical to a class I took last semester titled "Courtship and Marriage", which I hated. I mean, it uses the EXACT SAME BOOK. Luckily, I have friends in this class, the professor is hilarious, and I still rememeber alot of the info from last semester's class. Should be easy.

Sociology of Deviance- Talked about whether or not stripping was a deviant behavior today in class. haha. I actually thought I would hate this class, but the professor is so great and it is very interactive...lots of class discussion. Plus, once again, I know a few people in the class. AND it's the professor's first semester at ASU West, and she thinks classes are only an hour long...not an hour and 15 minutes. So we've been getting out 15 minutes early every day. One day I'm sure someone will tell her, but for now it's nice.

Mexican Politics- I'm a little obsessed with Mexico so this is a great class for me. Plus, if I decide to go into the Peace Corps I will either go to Central America or Mexico (hopefully) so it's useful. My professor is this hilarious old white guy who has lived in just about every state in Mexico for some span of time. We get all these great stories from what it's really like down there, not just the tourist view. Muy interesante si?

Qualitative Methods- KILL ME NOW. Not only is the subject matter boring (basically social science research methods), but this professor is notorious for being a hard ass and the pickiest grader alive. Unfortunately she's also the only one who teaches this course and it's required for my major. This will be by far my most difficult class. I have to pick a research topic for this class...I think I've decided on teen suicide (because it's the most interesting of the topics we could choose from) but I'm having trouble finding qualitative research on it. ugh.

And the end. I love my job. I work with some fun people and I get homework done. yay!

Oh- and my birthday is in 8 days...woot. woot. :-)

The first day of the rest of my life...

2008-01-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

Or maybe just the first day of the end of my undergrad career. yay!

Class #1: Global Social Movements...GREAT professor (this is actually my 3rd class with this professor), I know (and like) a few people in the class, and the content should be interesting. We'll be going over things like the environmental/global warming movements, human rights movements, feminist movements, etc and how the media and politics affect the movements. Interesting....

Class #2: Popular Culture...professor seems good and very energetic, I know some people...but not really anyone I've talked to much before. There is NO BOOK (hooray!) and we get to watch a bunch of movies and things like that. We also get to make our own blog about different topics in the class, so I'll make sure to post the link on here so you all can check it out once I start writing in it. We get to study vampires...and Harry Potter...and YouTube. Should be fun!

That's all I have today...tomorrow I have class from 12:30-9:15 with only an hour break in the middle. Ouch.

What's new in '08

2008-01-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

This is what I'm up to...

Starting my LAST semester of my undergrad career on Monday. 18 credit hours...should be fun! I'm nervous and scared, but excited as well. I can almost put a check next to this spot in my "things I want to accomplish in life" list.
I got a job on campus as a front desk assistant at the Student Success Center. 8 hours a week...not much, but better than nothing.
I turn 21 in 3 weeks (from today!). It's not like being 21 will change my life, but it's still exciting.
I am saving up to go to Europe after I graduate. There is this month long trip for graduating students. I was planning on going to Europe next summer either by myself or on a cruise, but this would be so much better...and less expensive. That being said...if anyone is looking to get me a gift for the aforementioned birthday...a donation towards my trip would be a great one! :-)
Still single, still happy.
I'm writing this from my super cool new computer that I got for Christmas. My other one was about to die so hopefully this one will last me for a few years...if I'm lucky it'll last me until I'm out of grad school!
Oh! that's another thing. I'm considering going into the Peace Corps when I get out of grad school. It's a new idea and it's 3 years aways so alot could change by then, but I'm looking into it. I think it would be a life changing opportunity.
My New Year's "resolution" (I don't make resolutions so this is more like a goal or something) is to challenge myself. Meet new people, try new things, etc. I figure moving to Tucson in August will be a pretty big 'challenge' so I might as well practice a little before I move.

That's it! My life is not very exciting, but I figured I would post since I hadn't really posted in awhile. The Girl Scout Cookie Sale starts this Saturday, and anyone who knows my neice Kassi is required to order from her before anyone else! You can email me if you want to order cookies since I'm one of her leaders.

Happy very belated New Year!

2008-01-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in awhile, and I hate that the first thing I am posting about in weeks has to be something this tragic.

2 Deer Valley Students killed in Bus Crash

When this article was written only 2 students had been killed, but as of about 30 minutes ago a third student -a sophomore named Jasmine- has died as well. On top of that, a teacher at Bellair had a son in the crash who has broken bones but survived. Unfortunately he witnessed the deaths of two people in his best friend's family. His best friend and his friend's older brother both survived, but their dad, aunt, and grandma all died and their mother is barely holding on. The nephew of another woman who works at Bellair died as well. Can you even imagine? It's beyond tragic.

It's surreal because the bus was coming back from Telluride. I'm not sure if it's the same road I drove back on the few times I went to Telluride because the bus had to take a detour, but still. Deer Valley actually takes a bus trip to Telluride every year, but this trip was not through the school.

All the reports and witnesses say it was the bus drivers fault. He was speeding on a very unsafe part of the highway at night. And he walks away with minor crashes because he was the only one on the bus who had a seatbelt. Isn't that how it works? The jerk who causes the crash and kills close to a dozen people walks away fine. It amazes me that that's how the world works sometimes. And at the risk of sounding bitter and immature...it's unfair. Three teenagers with their whole lives ahead of them are dead because some idiot was in rush to get home.

OK-I'm ending now. It all just hits a little too close to home. And 95% of the time I am not angry...but something like this happens and I can't help but be utterly and severly pissed off at the world. And at that jerk who was in a hurry to get home and walked away with only a few scratches.

Pray for the people who died, the people who are still in the hospital, and all of their families.

A Real Fairytale

2007-12-11T00:09:00.000-07:00

"This is the fairy tale that should have been read to us when we were little:

Once upon a time in a land far away,a beautiful, independent, self-assured princess happened upon a frog as she sat contemplating ecological issues on the shores of an unpolluted pond in a verdant meadow near her castle.The frog hopped into the princess' lap and said: "Elegant Lady, I was once a handsome prince, until an evil witch cast a spell upon me. One kiss from you, however, and I will turn back into the dapper, young prince that I am and then, my sweet, we can marry and set up housekeeping in your castle with my mother, where you can prepare my meals, clean my clothes, bear my children, and forever feel grateful and happy doing so."

That night, as the princess dined sumptuously on lightly sauteed frog legs seasoned in a white wine and onion cream sauce, she chuckled and thought to herself:

I don't f*ckin think so."

ahahahahahahahaha

On the same note....I saw Enchanted the last night and it was simply the best movie ever. Well, maybe not...but it was really good. It reiterated the fact that I want to marry Patrick Dempsey. I get made fun of because I love those sappy, chick flick movies. I don't see what's so wrong in believing that true love exists, and that the perfect man is out there somewhere...even if it is just for two hours. :-)

Back to reality and my Volunteer Management final...

Interesting? Scary? Dissapointing?

2007-12-10T23:42:00.000-07:00

Phoenix is the 64th most dangerously drunk city. (The list goes from 100 to 1, with 100 being the most drunk and 1 being the least. Weird way to number a list, but such is life)

Denver is #100 (WORST!). Tucson is 77th (Can you say "college town" anyone???).

I guess be glad we aren't the worst, but considering only 36 cities are worse than Phoenix, it sure isn't comforting.

So here's my motherly lesson to all: Don't be stupid and drive home drunk. Chances are you will get home safe, but maybe you won't and you will kill someone else or yourself. So have a DD, or call a cab. Or you can call me. I'll pick your drunk butt up at 2:30am and take you home AND bring you back to get your car from the bar/party the next day-no questions asked. Trying to save yourself the embarrassment of asking for help is just not worth the risk of the alternative.

The end. Now go eat your vegetables and clean your room young lady/young man! :-)

Just thought I would post some pictures...

2007-11-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

...of some people I love. :-)

My Dad (We both look strange, but this was at the Coyotes game on 11/22)

All of my friends (Kristen and Valerie last weekend at Margaritaville)
My mom (It's her birthday today! Happy Birthday!)
My neice (because she's hilarious. Isn't her dimple adorable?!)
My nephews (This is Jacob...Josh was somewhere else. Doesn't he look happy???)

Amy posted some great pics from Thanksgiving as well. Some good ones of me doing Madonna "Vogue" poses. Some good ones of my Mom telling a story. Some of my amazingly beautiful Grandma. Check em out.

2007-11-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

oh yea...I'm totally gonna go see this.

ABC...123...

2007-11-29T00:25:00.000-07:00

I need a job....

I am so desperate I may end up going back to Petsmart pretty soon. That's how bad it is.

I love Christmas. My problem is that I LOVE buying gifts for people and even if I set a budget for myself I go way over. I can't help it!!! It makes me happy, but it also makes me broke....

Anyways, if anyone knows of any place that is hiring, let me know. Ideally, I would like to NOT work weekends (Saturday/Sunday...I will work Friday nights however). During Christmas I can work as many hours as needed, but once school starts it would need to be knocked down to less than 20. Preferrably not food service, but I won't count it out if the hours are good. Pay isn't a big deal...anything is better than what I am making now...which is almost nothing. That's about it.

I applied to work the counter at a bakery, but have yet to get a response back. I just applied to work at the daycare at LA Fitness, so we'll see about that. And I know the Starbucks inside the Barnes and Noble at Arrowhead is hiring (my friend Ashley works there), but it's kind of a far drive. I can also apply at the new SuperTarget by my house for temporary holiday work, but I don't know how hip they would be to me not working weekends. So we shall see.

But please, keep your eyes and ears open and let me know if you see ANYTHING you think I may be interested in/good at.

Thanks!

So Thankful...

2007-11-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for my family above anything. They are hilarious and loving and all of them are truly amazing. It's makes me so sad to think about people who have no one to spend the holidays with. I have always had at least one (if not two or three) Thanksgiving dinners to go to every year, and there are always dozens of people I love to share the day with. So I'm thankful for my incredible, slightly crazy family.

I am thankful for my friends. I have renewed many of my old friendships lately and have made some great new friends as well. It's a good feeling to always have people to hang out and have a good time with.

I am thankful for my education. Many people don't get the chance to go to college and, as much as I gripe and complain about it, I am thankful that I have the opportunity to learn new things everyday.

I am thankful for the men and women who protect this country every day. Police officers, fire fighters, and especially everyone in the armed forces. Without them we would not be here today. And no matter what one's opinion is of the current government, or the war in Iraq, or any other military campaign the US is involved in, we must support our troops. They fight for our right to have those opinions and that is reason enough to respect and be thankful for them.

Overall I am thankful for the life I have had thusfar. Sometimes I think about the less than happy parts of my life and I dwell on them, but then I realize that there are many people who have had it alot worse than me. People who can't think of one thing in their lives to be thankful for.

And I'm thankful for you. For reading this fairly boring blog and being at least somewhat interested in what I have to say. So keep reading. I'll keep posting. :-)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

(or as my crazy Aunt Sharon would say "Gobble, Gobble, Gobble!" ...than the weird turkey hand thing... I love my family. )

I think I've posted more today than I have in the past 6 months

2007-11-20T22:34:00.000-07:00

...but that's what happens when school is winding down and I am procrastinating doing my end of the year projects.

Ayways, I hope I get to go to see the Titanic Exhibit at the Science Center this year. I missed it last time it was in Phoenix. (Deer Valley's prom was actually at the Science Center the last time the exhibit was in town...I think it was Nick's senior year, which means I would've been a Freshman. Just an FYI...) Thanks, Amy, for reminding me it was here!

Who wants to go with me? I'll pay...well, I'll pay for me. I might pay for you, depending on who you are ;-)

WARNING:VERY VERY LONG POST AHEAD!!!

2007-11-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

*So I posted this blog on my Myspace blog a few weeks back, and I decided to go ahead and post it here too. I added some paragraphs onto the end too, based on a discussion I had with my mom tonight. It's long...but interesting to me. Read if you wish. If not, than too bad you're missing some really good stuff...*

Normally I hate my Contemporary Theory class. It's boring and long and all we learn about is these dead white guys that wrote confusing theoretical books 200 years ago. That being said, today's lecture was actually interesting. We discussed what the ideal American female and male look like. My class is pretty diverse: a good male to female ratie, some older, some younger, many different ethnicities. So my professor asked if we walked into a bar and saw the "ideal" man and woman, what would they look like? Now this is based on looks alone...they could be extremely smart or a complete idiot...we have no way of knowing.

So here's the ground rules: you're at a bar and it's happy hour. A woman and a man walk in they are presumably coming strait from work (our class decided they work at a law firm...I don't really know why we decided that though) and they are presumably single. GO.

Here's what we came up with:

Woman- sober (haha-this was the first thing that was said!), 25-35 years old, 5'7", 130lbs (about a size 6-8), light brown hair possibly with subtle blonde highlights, light brown/tan skin (natural, not fake and bake), some natural looking makeup, brown eyes, dressed business casual-not conservative but not slutty either. The biggest thing was a woman that exerted confidence in her walk and talk.

OK-so before I go onto the ideal man...here's my thoughts on this. I was actually surprised a little bit. First, a size 6 is a very thin by my standards, but I though most guys would want a 5'9" size 2 who weighs 110 lbs. So that's good. All the guys also agreed that the platinum blonde, heavily makeup look was only hot on porn stars- not women they would actually date. It's also nice to know that some guys like a girl who leaves a little to the imagination. :) However, it also means that a girl who is short and curvy like me is no where near the "ideal" type of woman...other than my hair color. Slightly depressing even despite the fact that I am actually very comfortable with how I look.

Now the Ideal Man: Also sober (haha), also 25-35 years old, 6'0"-6'3", 180-200 lbs, athletic, dressed in a suit (but he possibly took his tie off after leaving the office), green/blue eyes, well groomed and shaved, short dark hair and good posture.

Hmm...yea that sounds good to me. But once again it is depressing to think that there are alot of really attractive guys out there who are shorter or fatter (or taller or thinner) or have longer hair (or no hair!) who don't fit into this ideal.

I actually seriously objected to this discussion in the first place. I like to believe that, although this is the "ideal", that what one person finds attractive is completely based on individual opinions and biases. That although one guy might like someone who is tall and thin, another guy might like someone who is short and curvy (and yes-curvy is a euphamism and I'm stickin to it). I also objected to it because I believe that an opinion of someone's outward appearance can change once you know someone's personality. Someone who is absolutely gorgeous on the outside can be a complete jerk on the inside and therefore become less attractive (or vice versa).
Another interesting observation is that this is only the ideal in America. If you asked someone in China, Saudi Arabia, or even in Canada or England (which are the two countries closest to America in terms of image and pop culture) they would say very different things. This present "ideal" in America has only come to be in the past two decades or so...the Miss Americas after WW2 were size 12s (think Marilyn Monroe here...) and now they are size 2s. What has made this shift occur? Is it the media? But even then- how and when did the media decide that taller and thinner was better? You may not think so, but I think it would be so interesting to research this more and write a paper about it...maybe a master's thesis idea?

Anyways, that is my observation/rant. What do you out in blogger land think? Agree? Disagree? Totally different opinion of your ideal man/woman? Just thought I'd write my thoughts from the one lecture this year that actually captured my attention...

I knew I was a Sociology major for a reason...

Now, being single I get asked fairly often what I'm looking for in a guy (usually by my mom, but sometimes by well-meaning friends who are trying to set me up). I never know what to say because I feel like where I'm at and what I'm looking for now is so different than what I was looking for in the past. So now what do I want?

Honestly, the first thing that comes to mind is that I want a guy who will NOT make me his whole world. Weird? I don't think so. I have my own life and my own friends. I am too busy to make somebody my whole world and it isn't fair to someone who is looking to make me his. I want a guy who has his own friends and his own life to live. For so long I made the guy I was with my everything. I based my entire life on his wants and needs and it took me a long time to realize that that wasn't what I wanted. I want a guy who is secure enough in our relationship (if it turns into that) and in himself to NOT have to be with me every single day, or talk to me 5 times a day. Is it not possible to have a good, exclusive relationship and only see eachother on weekends or whenever time allows? I'd like to think so, but I guess I don't have the experience to truly know.

Don't get me wrong, when I like someone I do want to spend time with them and talk to them, but I am the type of person who is not dependent on someone else to be happy. I like my alone time and my girls nights. I love my life the way it is and I want to find someone who wants to share in the life I have (and hopefully let me share in his) without making eachother the ONLY lives we have.

I think people these days think I am anti-marriage because I make jokes about how I'm never going to get married. I'm not worried about no one ever loving me enough or anything like that, but I don't know if it's possible to have this sort of relationship before settling down. I mean, really, what ever happened to DATING??? When did it become one date then BAM! relationship? Can't you just hang out and get to know someone for a little while before picking out the colors for your wedding? OK-maybe that's a little exagerated, but you get my point. It's frustrating to be single when the world is like this. I mean, I love and have nothing against my friends who are married or who may soon be married, but it's not my choice right now. This may change. I may meet someone tomorrow is my soulmate and I want to get married in 6 months. But as of now, I have plans for my life that I want to live out before I settle down. If I can find someone who can accept that (and someone who hopefully has plans of his own, or plans that we can live out together), then great! If not, then I'll start looking when life settles down a little bit. I don't like people freaking me out telling me if I don't find the person I'm going to marry in college than I'm screwed. Just give me some time!!!

And, contrary to popular belief, I'm am not some party crazy party girl. Do I go out? Yes. Do I LIKE going out? Yes. Do I do it every Friday and Saturday night? No way. It gets boring after awhile. So I guess I want a guy who likes going out and having a good time, but who also knows other ways to have fun. I like trying new things and I want someone who is adventurous enough to do them with me. I like going places I've never gone to, and doing things I've never done. I HATE going to dinner and a movie ALL THE TIME. I do like it sometimes and I actually think it's a pretty good first date idea, but seriously...use your imagination every once in awhile. Phoenix is not that boring.

And on that note, a guy who wouldn't mind spending a little bit of time and money to travel would be good too. Otherwise...I'll go by myself. No-I'm not scared to do that. I would meet alot of great people and see some amazing sights. Having someone to share it with would be nice, but not mandatory. I'm going no matter what.

So if you are, or if you know someone like this, then send him my way. If not, I'll find him eventually. I'm not in a hurry.

Now that this is a novel, I'm off. Sorry if you're bored to tears...but I guess if you were truly bored than you would've stopped reading long before you got to the end huh? Back to reality and homework for me. :-)

<3

It's ok Amy...me too...

2007-11-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

2007-11-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

I love HAIRSPRAY!!!

The 2-disc Special Edition verson has a version that you can watch with the lyrics to the songs and one that shows the moves to all the dances.

I'm a dork...but you know you love me :-)

2007-11-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

I love Fall. Period. The end.

Of course, I would love it if it would snow here too. I want to go skiing so bad...especially since I won't be going to Telluride this year.

Only two more days until Turkey Day! I'm excited to see my family more than anything. I don't like the fact that life is so hectic all the time and we don't get to see eachother that often. I love my crazy family.

Then only two weeks and two days until the end of the semester and a nice long, relaxing break before my last semester of school! Ack. Scary thought.

I went to the So You Think You Can Dance? tour last night. So much fun. I'm so in love with all of the male dancers. So cute! OOOO...maybe I can post a video or two of the concert when I have time! I'll have to try that...

What an exciting post huh? I need to get a new camera so I can post pics more often, but as of now it takes way to long to upload from my camera to my computer, so that'll come later.

:-) Peace.

2007-10-30T03:29:00.000-06:00

I was so excited to get the mail today because it contained a very important piece of mail.

I FINALLY got my passport! It's amazing how one little piece of mail can make you feel so optimistic and energized and just amazing. I feel like I can go anywhere now. I can travel next year like I plan to. I'm already looking into cruises (namely because they're all inclusive and safer for someone traveling alone) and I've found a few that sound promising. How does a 16 day Mediterranean cruise sound to you? Because to me it sounds like heaven. Spain, southern France, Greece, Turkey, ITALY (Venice is #1 on my priority of places to see), and more. Then after that maybe fly to Paris and London and Germany?

You get the idea. I'm outta here. :) I'll be broke, but it's worth it to see what I will see. If I don't do it now I never will and I'll regret it ...and I don't live my life with regrets.

2007-10-23T00:16:00.000-06:00

This is so insane. I had no idea how bad the fires were until I watched the news tonight. My cousin who still lives there knows 3 people whose houses have burnt down, and her boyfriend was evacuated. Classes are cancelled in schools everywhere across SoCal. My cousin also told me one fire was/is really close to where my aunt and uncle's old house is.

I think losing everything in a fire would be the worst thing to happen to a person. I know they are just material things, and that being safe and alive are more important, but could you imagine? I mean having no pictures, no family heirlooms, and no place to call home. It's unfathomable.

So I'm keeping all those families who have lost everything or who have been evacuated and may very well lose everything in my thoughts and hopefully you will too.

2007-10-19T21:57:00.000-06:00

i need ideas for a halloween costume...any suggestions?

here's my criteria:

i may be going to a concert, so something cute and comfy and not too warm
nothing that involves spandex
anything inexpensive or that i can make from existing clothes
nothing skanky...i don't live by the rule that Halloween is the one time a year girls can dress like skanks and get away with it!
Creative!

Ideas? Come on I know you have some!!! Amy-you're creative...gimme something!

Thanks!

2007-10-16T10:05:00.000-06:00

Busy, busy, busy!

I feel like I have been running around like crazy the past couple of weeks! I just got back from Rocky Point on Sunday night (after a 4 and 1/2 hour wait at the border...ay ay ay!). I would LOVE to post pics, but my camera is being completely retarded and it won't let me upload any pictures from my camera to my computer. I have photos from JUNE on my camera that I haven't been able to upload! GRRRRRRRR!!!!!

Anyways, RockyPoint was so much fun! It was my first time ever going to Mexico. It was nothing like I expected it to be, but everything I expected it to be at the same time. I know that doesn't make sense, but it is hard to explain. It makes me thankful to be living in America in a house (not a shack) and just feel safe. And to be able to drink the water! I would love to go back again and see more of the actual town....and get the knockoff Coach purse I wanted!! haha

What else? I figured out my classes for next semester and it's a fairly good schedule. I will have an 8am class for the first time EVER and I will also have Friday classes. But I knew I would not be getting a great schedule because I am just trying to fit in all the classes I need to graduate. I still may have to add another class or take a winter intesession course depending on how many classes I need to graduate. Only one more semester....oh the anticipation!!!!

I am putting a call out to all my cousins who have been married in the past few years! My best friend is getting married fairly soon and she is looking for some good florists, cake makers, photographers, videographers, reception venues, caterers, etc...and any general advice/info about weddings! To say I am excited for her is an understatement, and when I am in Tucson and I going to be her personal wedding planner (whether she wants me to or not!). So if any of my family who reads this has any info that would help...let me know! You can either leave me a comment on here, or send me an email at angl_2005@hotmail.com.

Also, I really want to run/walk to PF Chang's Rock and Roll Marathon in January, and am looking for a few people who want to do it with me. If you're interested, sign up and get training!

That's about it for now. I am loving to cool weather and am looking forward to the upcoming holiday season. Halloween is only two weeks away and I have no costume! Oh well...I don't think I'm doing anything anyways, except trick or treating with Kassi and the boys like always.

Off to school...oh yay. :)

Musica!

2007-10-05T23:48:00.000-06:00

Check out this band. Good music...I don't know what genre would classify it...alternative with a little bit of emo and folkiness mixed in? haha Go to their site and listen to their music. I think every member in the band went to Deer Valley.

And if you're in the neighborhood...go to their release show! Hopefully I'll get a chance to go! If not, just spread the word because they really are a great bunch of guys (and a girl) and their music is just as great!

My new plan for life

2007-10-01T22:21:00.000-06:00

Anyone who knows me well knows that I tend to come up "plans for life" on a regular basis. So really this is a "plan for life...until I change my mind or something better comes along" :)

I am dropping my second minor (Special Events Management) and graduating in May (instead of next December) with my BA in Sociology and minor in Poli Sci.

Next summer I am going to spend all the money I have (well...some of it...) and travel. Probably to Europe, maybe back to NYC, possibly Alaska? I want to go everywhere really. I'm pretty frugal about money usually, and I usually do not spend large amounts of money on anything. But I figure if I don't travel now while I'm young and single, then I never will. Plus for some reason I've always loved the idea of traveling by myself. It just seems so...scary. haha-but that's what makes it exciting. Planning what I want to do, getting from place to place on my own, trying to communicate in languages I don't understand...all that fun stuff.

After my summer spent galavanting around the world, I am going to take a year off to work. At least part of that year I will be living with my best friend in Tucson, or I may end of spending the whole year down there.

After my year off from the evil world of school, I am going to move to downtown Phoenix and start my Master's in Nonprofit Studies at the DP ASU campus. It'll only take about 1 and 1/2 years to complete.

Then I'm done! From there it's work and family and all that jazz.

Granted...this plan is contingent on the fact that I can actually graduate next May, that I get into the Master's program, that I get a job for the year in between, that I have enough money to travel anywhere...etc, etc, etc.

Sounds pretty good huh? The idea of graduating in 7 months is so terrifying...but I least I won't have to worry about being in the "real world" just yet. :)

2007-09-19T13:43:00.001-06:00

So I didn't get the Suns internship.

But it's really ok. It would have been a fun opportuntity and good experience, but it was not really what I wanted to do. It involved alot of cold-calling companies to see if they wanted to make donations, going to stores to see if they would provide items to raffle off, putting up fliers....alot of sales-type stuff. And that just really isn't for me. And the 45 min drive to get down there everyday is another reason I'm glad I didn't get it. The $10/hr I would have made would have gone strait to gas! So everything happens for a reason. I'm glad that I went for it, but its ok that I didn't get it.

Today I get to apply for an on-campus office job! Probably not as much fun, but less stressful and I can get homework done at work. :)

2007-09-16T17:30:00.000-06:00

I have a second interview Tuesday at 8am for the Suns internship. I am nervous, but not near as nervous as I was for the first one. I figure they must like me pretty well to ask me back a second time, so it takes some of the pressure off. Of course this time I will be meeting with the director of the organization instead of just the admin assistant and another lady (can't remember what her title was...) like I did last time.

I'm pretty excited though. If I get it, I will most likely work the Panini & Pearls Event this Thursday night. Yay!

I'll keep you posted when I find out if I got it....most likely by Wednesday. Wish me luck!

Be Jealous...

2007-09-12T00:15:00.000-06:00

I have an interview on Thursday to be an intern for the Phoenix Suns. Actually it's for a Phoenix Suns charity called Suns Nite Hoops.

If I get it, I will be working on the Suns' annual Celebrity Waiter night, which means there is a good chance I will meet some players/coaches.

Aunt Nancy and Amy...are drooling yet? I promise IF I get it I will try to get you tickets...or autographs... :)

Anyways, think of me on Thursday around 3:30...I am so nervous!

2007-09-07T23:16:00.000-06:00

and one more thing....actually a comment to my mother more than anyone else. So disregard unless your name is Diane and you live across the hall from me...

STOP asking me if I have met/talked to/flirted with any cute boys. I go to school to LEARN and I go to the gym to WORKOUT and I go to the store to SHOP (etc,etc,etc). My life does not revolve around how many cute boys I saw tonight. I'm not a boy-crazy 12 year old and I LIKE being single thank you very much.

How bout ya try asking me about what I learn in my classes versus who I see? ok? ok.

2007-09-07T23:11:00.000-06:00

you know what I did tonight? Did homework while watching the movie "Wild Hogs" with my mom. Now it's 10pm and I'm going to bed....

This a sad life for a single 20 year old college student if I do say so myself...

oh well...next weekend I'll be partying it up with my friends in Tucson! Yay! Well...not partying...but we're gonna have one crazy dinner at Claim Jumper...

and the weekend after that I get to go camping AGAIN...

Now that's my kind of fun! ;)

2007-09-01T22:06:00.000-06:00

I decided I need a workout buddy. Not someone even to actually go to the gym with, just someone to talk with about our progress and who will kick my butt if I start slacking off. Todd (my trainer) did that, and now that I don't have him I have totally lost track of dieting and exercise. And I worked too dang hard to gain back all the weight I lost!!!!

Anyone interested?

A new year

2007-08-20T18:47:00.000-06:00

So I know it has been forever and a day since I posted anything substantial, but I really had nothing substantial to write about. My life this summer consisted of working, packing, unpacking, eating too much, working out too little, and trying to psych myself up for starting the school year single.

Truthfully, I enjoy being single. I like just being able to do whatever I want without having to check someone else's schedule. This summer I got to hang out with some friends that I neglected while I was in a relationship. I had alot of time to myself for reading and listening to music and everything else you can imagine. And it was so nice.

But now here I am, on the first day of school, waiting for my next class to start. I feel like I'm going to break down crying right here in the library because I don't have anyone to call in between classes, or talk about my day with. Sure, I can go over the major points with my mom, or with any of my friends who aren't busy enough with their own classes. But I have no one to tell about the little meaningless parts of my day with. It's a strange thing that something so little like that can send me over the edge.

And then there's the doubts. Doubts about me and the feeling that I don't know if anyone will ever feel about me like Davis did. I am an admitidly shy person, and I don't put myself out there, especially when it comes to guys. I get nervous and I don't say the right thing and usually make a fool out of myself.

And it's hard when I get asked weekly (if not more) if I have a boyfriend yet. It makes me even more self-conscious and it honestly makes me feel like there is something wrong with me because I have been single for all of 4 months. it makes it hard to be okay with being single when there is this constant pressure to find someone.

Anyways, those are my thoughts. I am freaking out honestly. What I need right now is a huge bowl of ice cream with chocolate and m&ms....but apparently I eat when I'm stressed/happy/sad/etc and I need to stop that. So I guess I'll try writing instead. Sorry if it's boring, but I guess you shouldn't read it if it is huh?

Vote!

2007-08-02T00:01:00.000-06:00

Even though I know most of the people who read this blog already know this, but go and vote for Obadiah Parker so the can play at the Austin City Limits Festival! It's a great opportunity for them. If you haven't heard their music, then check out their Myspace or their songs on Itunes...they're pretty awesome!

Here's a note from Mat (the lead singer)..."We're trying to win a spot to play at the Austin City Limits Festival in September and we need your help! The contest is based on four rounds of voting by fans and judges. We have from now until August 20th to get as many votes as we can from our fans to make it to the second round. You can vote every day for each email address that you have access to. This would be a really great opportunity for us to play at ACL so we appreciate your guys' support!" CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR THEM.

Why I love to read...

2007-07-16T22:10:00.000-06:00

" [ A friend of mine once] asked me if I thought people would even be reading novels in 2006, with so many other entertainment options available. I had to laugh, because novels are still the best entertainment option. Even a hardcover is cheaper than two tickets to the local multiplex, especially once you throw in gas, parking, and babysitting. Also, a book lasts longer and there are no ads. Need more? No tiresome ratings system to keep you out if you're under 17, the special effects are always primo (because you make 'em up yourself), and although I read nearly 80 books this year, I never ran across the Olsen twins a single time."- Stephen King

On a slightly different note, I am STILL unpacking from the recent move. I finally got shelves and a closet organizer so hopefully I will be done by the end of this week. I would post picture of the disaster that is my room....but I have no idea where my camera is! When I find it I will take some pics of my room and the new house (for those of you who haven't already seen it!)

2007-06-21T17:18:00.000-06:00

My sister has started her own company called 'ParTEAs by Hope'. It is a company that provides all the accessories to host the perfect teas party! It is perfect for many occasions, including birthdays, bridal/baby showers, or just a get-together with friends! Please check out her website and spread the word.

I need to think of an excuse to hold a tea party....maybe a small housewarming party? We shall see...

FYI...

2007-06-21T01:21:00.000-06:00

This is what I want for Christmas....or any occasion someone feels like spending $300 on me for :) It may end up being a present to myself at the end of the summer for surviving my job.

and this is where I get my inspiration and is the reason I need the aforementioned gift.

For Amy...

2007-06-14T22:23:00.000-06:00

Monkey....

Awww....cousins....

And one of my sister just for good measure...

2007-06-08T23:53:00.001-06:00

GASP!!!

My new car!

2007-06-08T16:34:00.000-06:00

I got a new car today! It's a 2008 Ford Escape XLT...I love it! I'm going to miss my good ol' truck though...it was a perfect first car. But- this one has satellite radio, a sunroof, 6-disc CD changer, MP3 input, direction and temperature gauges, and is BRAND SPANKIN NEW!!! Plus, it gets much much better gas mileage and the insurance will go way down! SO excited to drive it around! :) (It's a pearly-white color if you can't tell from the pics)