"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

"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

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.

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...

...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

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!

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.

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 :)

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 :)

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?

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.

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!

To my wonderful mother....

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

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 :)

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...

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!

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 :)

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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...

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

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!

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

"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?

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...

...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.

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

ABC...123...

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...

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

...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!)

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...

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...

Monkey....

Awww....cousins....


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

GASP!!!

My new car!

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)

Home again...

Just got home today from the best vacation EVER with my best friend Danielle. We have known eachother for about 13 years and this is the first vacation we have ever taken just us. We drove to San Diego on Monday and spent time on the beach and at Sea World. Basically, we just relaxed and destressed and scoped out all the good lookin guys. I'm too tired to actually write about it, but here are a few pics from the past few days.

'Do' it

The new hair-do. Short. Cute. LOVE it.



And a few pics from my friends wedding last weekend (Heather and Brant). The ceremony was at Community Church of Joy and the reception was at the Sheraton Crescent. It was beautiful. It's weird that one of my friends is married(or two actually because I'm friends with the bride and the groom). I'm getting old. Pretty soon everyone will be married and popping out babies. Cept me. :) Well...not soon at least.

Tonight was our last night working out with Todd...it's sad. Hopefully I can reach my goals without him.

We got home tonight and went into the garage and found that our hot water heater was leaking majorly...there is water from the back of the garage where our the water heater is all the way to the front garage door and about four feet wide. Not good.

On a better note, I went to Josh and Jacob's preschool graduation today! The pic below is of the graduates with their big sis Kassidy.

This is Josh receiving his "diploma" (and a special necklace from his teachers). Too bad his eyes are closed... Jacob is in the middle of this pic...his class had little caps and gowns!! It was so adorable!

Basically I can't believe how old they are...they will be FIVE tomorrow! They each have such great individual personalities that come out more and more everyday. I can't wait to see them grow up, but I still cherish every moment I have with them now that they're young and they still hug and kiss me without being forced! I love my nephews and neice more than anything! They bring a smile to my face no matter what else is going on in my life. They'e amazing!

A few books on my summer reading list (in no particular order):

• A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah (a true story about a boy in Africa forced be a soldier...much like the movie Blood Diamond)
• Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson (chic-lit)
• The Virgin Suicides by Jeffret Eugenides (never seen the movie...thought the book looked interesting)
• Saving the World by Julia Alvarez (LOVE her...I've read two other books by her- How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents and Yo!)
• The House of Mirth and The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton (Read Ethan Frome by Wharton and it's one of my favorite books)
• The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence that Points Toward God by Lee Strobel (Interesting... I also want to read the Bible because I never have, but more because I think it's an important historical piece and referred to very often in different contexts...not so much because of religion. )
• Something Borrowed by Emily Griffith (more chic-lit)
• The Post-Birthday World by Lionel Shriver (started it awhile ago, but never finished it. It's very very long and hard to follow, but for some reason I have to finish every book I start no matter how boring it is)

These will probably last me through about the end of June, depending on how often I get to read at my job. I love bookstores. I think it'd be so much fun to work in a small bookstore where you can sit around and read all the time. I don't get to read books I actually want to read during school, so I have to catch up over the summer. Although my pile is not nearly as large as Amy's !!!

So this is the tattoo I'm going to get....

The only problem is that I don't know anyone who can read Japanese. I found it on Google, and according to the site it means "Inner peace, Inner strength" but I want to know 100% for sure before I go putting something permanent on my body. For all I know it says something really obscene.

Hey Kev- do you have any linguist friends who know Japanese???

you know what the best feeling in the world is?

when the guy you loved and trusted and depended on for 4 years calls you up out of nowhere and accuses you of cheating on him because some random s**thead told him that I was. And this guy chooses to believe said s**thead said over you.

yup-it's amazing.