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

...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!!!

*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...

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 :-)

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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. :)

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. :)

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...

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!

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.

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! ;)

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

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!

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...

" [ 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!)