An Adventure, Twofold.

San Simeon Beach

Adorable Happy. (Total surfer magnet, BTW)

Pier at San Simeon Point. One of my favorite spots of all time.

Powell's Sweet Shoppe in downtown Paso Robles. A modern day Wonka Factory of Awesome. 

Sweet Salted Caramel and Dark Chocolate HEAVEN

          

Duckie's Chowder Shack in Cayucos. AMAZING food. Go. Now. 

This is my 'I'M SO EXCITED FOR FISH AND CHIPS I CAN'T BREATHE!' face.

Behold. Fish and chips in all of their glory. Seriously, the best I've ever let grace my lips.

Pier in Cayucos

Non profit Art Gallery. Fantastic work and people here. 

This is my beach face. 

 

Sunset on the way to Cambria Thursday. SO beautiful.  

This is my best bud and his gorgeous, incredible wife. Aren't they adorable?

Travel Log: Part II
Sunday: San Simeon Point
Monday: Errands,cleaning, freak out/ scolding. (Bad kids day)
Tuesday:Cayucos, CA
Wednesday:Downtown Paso Robles.
Thursday: Cambria night life.
Friday: Running, running, fuming, running...  

Hey pals! Ready for the second installment of my fantastical adventure?! Let's start on Sunday. I thought I'd take Happy to the beach because he had been on the best behavior ever. So we jumped in the blue pickup and hit the road. He sat in the passenger seat, tongue hanging loosely to the side, tail wagging, and eyes wide with excitement as the fresh sea air pelted our faces. He sat tall with his paw rested casually on my knee, so like an eager, love-struck man enjoying a casual adventure with his girl on a sunny afternoon. We zoomed through countless vineyards with rolling green and golden hills, misty hilltops, glades of lush oaks, winding narrow roads, and towering pines. We kept our eyes peeled for sparkling azure waves and the occasional zebra roaming with the horses near Hearst Castle. 
 We arrived at San Simeon, a dog-friendly, family friendly alcove; complete with fishing pier, picnic tables, a children's museum and a creek to wade in if the waves were a big deal. Next to Moonstone beach, this is my second favorite place to be. The water is pristine, the sand warm a midst black and green cliffs separating the sea from the road, and onlookers wander occasionally down the long stretch of rocky beach. After a lovely picnic lunch of gourmet peanut butter and honey sandwiches, Happy and I ran gleefully up and down the beach, playing tag with the roaring waves and each other. We slept under the sun, read together, met some new friends and climbed upon towering rocks as the salty spray whipped our faces and soaked our feet. After a delight-some, full afternoon, we climbed back in the blue pick up and puttered home. As if the day wasn't lovely enough, John Mayer's smokey voice echoed through the canyon on the cool, evening breeze as the sun set below the mountains. 
Monday was spent picking up poop, running errands, more poop, walking naughty dogs, and picking up more poop. Was I amused? I think not. 
Tuesday I needed to leave the house. So I jumped in the pick up again with my pal Happy and decided to go down the old highway to Cayucos. The day was colder and overcast, but I wanted to see what Cayucos beach was all about. First thing, I gave Happy some food and water and let him chill in the back with the windows blowing air through and walked back to my favorite chowder shack, Duckie's. The thought of not knowing when I'd have this beautiful food grace my lips again made me sad, so I ordered the fish and chips once more. I sat at a bar, in front of a window overlooking the beach. Sun-bleached and faded photographs of old sea vessels and fishing paraphernalia strewn the walls, people coming from every seam of the shack to greet old friends with hugs and smiling faces. My food arrived with a flourish and I relished every. single. bite.
Across the street, a non-profit art gallery held portraits of the roaring sea and its hearty, yet delicate, foliage, strange sculpture, and poignant pieces beautiful enough to make you want to cry. I purchased a hand painted water color original postcard and chatted a bit with the wonderful volunteer and wandered out the door delighted, with a brighter hope for the world. I grabbed Happy and wandered down to the gray sand and swelling waves speckled with families and children screaming with delight. We watched a senior tai chi class, exhales lost amid the whistling wind and crashing waves. We played tag again between the tangled mess of seaweed and made friends with adorable surfers.( Happy was quite the surfer magnet. These sun kissed Adonises in surfer suits would come out of nowhere to pet and compliment my "awesome dog" as he showed off and listened oh so well. Needless to say, I didn't mind one bit. )  I watched happy children giggle as their mother's held tightly to their pudgy fingers and kiss their cheeks. I spent the afternoon people watching and daydreaming of my family in the future. 

Wednesday I spent the day cleaning like a mad woman, but escaped as twilight started to settle in the valley. I wandered to down town Paso Robles to visit my favorite sweet shoppe, Powell's. Inside is a miniature Wonka Factory, candy and sweets covering every inch of wall space, glittering counters and overflowing tables.  The 1970's classic, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory plays and echoes through the shoppe, completing the atmosphere of wonder and delight of a world of sweets. Handmade chocolates and bon bons sit in pretty wrappers, candy dispensers line every wall neatly, new and vintage candies are showcased everywhere. At the heart of the store stands the holy of holies; a local authentic gelato counter, made with fresh, California flavors. I tried a shovelful of the sweet, salted caramel and the purest dark chocolate. I sat in the park across the street, watched the sunset and scooped the airy goodness into my mouth as the light of the day faded and the golden lights flickered on the quaint town square. OH, and did I mention I heard Van Halen play live? Sick. 

Thursday was the day Mam and Lindsey and Micah would make the journey westward and we'd spend the day in Morro Bay. Due to crazy flight delays, they weren't able to make it until late afternoon, early evening. Mam felt bad, so she and I jumped in the rental car and drove to Cambria to say goodbye before my flight the following morning. As we drove along the winding highway, the sun put on display unlike one I'd never seen before. Vibrant red, gold and orange lit up the sky, purple and silver hues caressing the outermost edges of the wispy clouds floating overhead. The air caught in my throat as I sat in awe. We arrived at moonstone beach as dusk kissed the sea and the tide crashed upon the jagged rocks. I blew a kiss to the invigorating breeze with a happy heart and the promise of eventual return and turned into the twilight toward town. After a dinner of warm pizza and laughter, Mam and  I headed back to Paso with the stars blazing overhead. 
Friday was a day filled with running, delays and frustration. Halfway to the airport, I realized I was without my wallet, phone and boarding pass. Luckily, we were able to turn around and get me to the air port in the knick of time, only to realize that my flight would be delayed for nearly two hours. By the time I got back to Vegas, we taxed on the tarmac for another 30 minutes or so. I sprinted through the airport to get to my ride, hug my friend goodbye and get stuck in an hour of bumper to bumper traffic and travel to get back to a best friend's wedding in St. George that started at 5. Needless to say, I showed up to the wedding looking like a disheveled hobo right as the bride and groom were leaving. It was crazy. BUT! They were adorable and I'm so lucky I got to see them before their departure. 

That...was pretty much my adventure house sitting. Well, the happy, great parts, anyway. I hope you enjoyed reading about it as much I enjoyed living it. If you ever get the chance to go to Cambria, Morro Bay, Paso Robles area, GO. It's gorgeous, wonderful, peaceful and a piece of heaven here on Earth. Remember the beauty of exploration and culture. Go find it. :) Until my next adventure kids. 

Easter Velociraptor Poem

Yes...I know it is NOT Easter,  but I promised a few souls that I would eventually write this epic poem. SO, here goes!

*clears throat*

A velociraptor traipsed through a forest glade

And came across some brightly colored eggs a bunny made.

Instead of gobbling the small treats placed delicately in the flower bed,

He snarffed  the legendary bunny up instead!

When the lizard saw all the goodies that would be laid to waste,

He devised a plan and made great haste.

He donned some spiffy rabbit ears and a fluffy tail,

Grabbed the basket and without fail,

Slunk from house to house to deliver the treats inside the bunny's pail.

He knocked politely on each cottage door,

Smiled crookedly, and knocked each child to the floor

Awarding each one their special Easter treat

And leaving quickly in search of  more tasty morsels to eat.

Soon, the beast's basket began to look bare

And the cottages of the villagers who once dwelt there.

The raptor stood and scratched his head,

 Looked around at all the dead,

 And began to think as the sun went down

Of how many children were waiting for the Easter bunny in the next town.

So with a twinkle in his eye and toothy grin,

the Easter Velociraptor stalked off into the sunset to celebrate his new favorite holiday once again.

Tah-dah! 

There you have it folks- a somewhat epic poem about a horrific event in history. 

Be grateful that bunnies can reproduce quickly...and that there was an Ice Age. 

Happy Easter when it comes...again!

Tarzan and the Wild Man

My dear friends. Prepare yourselves for an epic story deep in the heart of the African Jungle. I'd like to turn the time over to my dear friend, Spanky, to tell you the tale of danger, adventure, and romance as only heroes may portray.
 Now readers, this story is not for the faint of heart. If you have any pre-existing heart conditions, leave this site immediately. Also, I am not fully responsible for any giggling attacks that may result from cuteness radiation. Viewers digression is advised.

This is a replay of the clip below 2:30 in. I could watch this and laugh til the moon falls from the sky.

Ok. This is seriously the most adorable thing I've seen in a long time. Why isn't life as amazing as this anymore? Remarkable! Hope that brought a smile to your face!   * A very special thanks to my adorable friend, Mariah, for discovering this piece of joy and lighting up my life! She's awfully good at that. Check out her blog here- she's incredible!* Until next time, kids!

Every Day Holidays!

Well readers, a new post is very much needed. I really liked the last post and I've wanted some inspiration to strike me like a bone rattling lighting strike from the roiling heavens, but that hasn't happened thus far. *sigh* I could stand out in the downpour pelting the windows as I sit here typing, but I value my life a little more than the satisfaction one up-ing a purely inspired blog post from last month. I can and never will compete with inspiration. My God and Heavenly Father gets all the props for pure truth that somehow makes its way through me. For that, I will be eternally grateful and I pray that I may continue to live my life so I may receive inspiration to continue to help others in the future.

 I think that one of the reasons that I don't post as often as I like is because I'm a complete and utter perfectionist in my own way. If I think that I don't really have anything worth hearing or feel that the paragraphs composed are a complete waste of the readers' time, I don't post it. I also do like to maintain a bit of mystery, and quite frankly, don't believe I'm as quirky and adorable on demand as I'd like to be in the world of the blogosphere. So, instead of amusing you with the sheer whimsy of my life,  here are somethings that should brighten up your day.  Thank you, www.holidaysforeveryday.com for the inspiration!

Future Birthday Present!!! Hey..a girl can dream, can't she???

Today, October the 16th is National Dictionary Day! (which happens to be conveniently coupled with "Learn a Word!" day)  Happy Birthday, Noah Webster!!! Thank you for bringing such an incredible tool to the masses! Your invention encourages learning and discovery and happens to be one of my favorite things on this planet. Thanks for being so awesome, Noah! To honor you this day, I've learned the word:

fracas \FREY-kuhs\, noun:
A noisy, disorderly disturbance or fight; riotous brawl; uproar.

Two or three people who were not there during the fracas poked their heads in at the door to sympathize but that made Mrs. Turner madder.
-- Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God

Never was he present at any gathering without some sort of a fracas occurring thereat. Either he would require to be expelled from the room by gendarmes, or his friends would have to kick him out into the street.
-- Nikolai Gogol, Dead Souls

Fracas is derived from the Italian word fracasso meaning "to smash." It entered English in the 1720s.

My very own sentence for normal, lesser- beings goes as follows: Riotous men jumped into the fracas on the bar floor with furious fists and frothing lips.
Okay! Your turn! Find a word! Learn something! Thank Noah!

clearly, the best boss.

Next order of business: National Boss Day! Give that boss of yours a high five or  a hug! Way to help us become better citizens and not be lazy, no-account bums like myself! GO YOU!

...turn your books in on time, kids.

Among other awesome people, librarians deserve recognition too! Today happens to be School Librarian Day! Go say thank you, shelve a couple books for them, be extra quiet, bring them a bouquet of pencils...that sort of thing.
 

Happy Birthday, Frosty the Light bulb!

16- Frosted Light Bulb Birthday 1928  need an idea of what the heck their purpose is? Educate yourself, friends. Viola! Let there be light! 

16- World Food Day!! I love food, so I was excited to hear that there was an international day devoted to just food! But after some Food research,   I found out about this amazing corporation to encourage food cooperatives to help raise food to feed the 900+ million people starving all over the world. For more information about how you can get involved in the next world food day, click the words "food research" above. 

 

And at last,my very favorite.....

16- Let Them Eat Cake Day!...need I say more!? 

Enjoy, friends! Discover, eat cake, make a difference-personally and in the world around you! The world is yours for the taking, every day! Don't forget it! Until next time, hoping your life stays 'sweet'!

Secrets

So an adorable friend helped me realize the other night that I hardly write on this thing, and if I do, it essentially doesn't divulge the reality that is my life. I choose to tred the vague and whimsical road most oft, talking about nonsensical rubbish, ranting or sharing something, which is good, but it tells you practically nothing about where  in the world I happen to be living this week, my happenings, love interests (Yes, I give you permission to pause and laugh here) , new favorite ice cream, people who may or may not have punched me in the face and the books I may be reading. So, with that said,  I hereby raise my hand to the square and solemnly swear that I am up to no good and will divulge some more things, unless it alludes to any illegal activity. (We already know I'm not exactly on a 'good list' - and my prints are on file )

 Sometimes I wish I could instantly share with you all the pictures I've captured in my mind, the places I've been fortunate to travel, the warm featured faces, multicolored hands; We need an app for that. That's real social networking. I will try to live outside the box more- make more connections, do crazy things even though I feel like I don't have the time or friend base that I used to, take pictures,laugh, make a difference. 

I currently work full time (meaning all the time) at a therapeutic boarding school, which is really rewarding and difficult. I love my employers, the kids( most of the time) and the people I get to work with. I get to live with my amazing friend Abbs and her great family, and at the end of the month I get to go skydiving hopefully! I'm SOO EXCITED!!and to make it better, I get to go with two of my musketeers, so that should be amazing. 

Yes. This WILL be me.

 

Part of me feels like I may be going overboard, but let's face it. The past 6 months haven't exactly been the easiest months in the world, and I feel like if I don't do something for myself, I may be reduced to a pulsating, pink puddle. I'm working on maybe doing something about a fun vacation, but we'll see how things go. I'll keep you posted my friends! Keep it real, have fun, do something crazy, live life WELL. Adios!

Therapy

So...after the ensuing weeks, I've decided that I need therapy. Lots and lots of therapy. So I put on the ginormous glasses, loose fitting pants and frock, poised with pen and pad in a overstuffed leather arm chair glowering at the brain sitting across from me, trying to conceive a possible plan on how to fix this impossible, glorious, frustrating oozing organ.  It seems sluggish, exhausted, pale, and snappish. Diagnosis?

"7 days of sun and fun, Take one cruise ship to a warm location, Repeat every 3 Months" As prescribed by a brilliant physician. :)

PLEASE! So, as prescribed by my personal therapist, I've decided to compile a list of places I'd love to vacation to, even if its just to dream, I believe it will be better for my overall decreasing mental health.

 1. San Diego, Disneyland- Just California in general. That's a helping dose of happiness. I need the beach in my life.

 2. Africa.

 3. Machu Picchu, Nazca Lines in Ica, Cuzco, Lima; Go on a South American Cruise and explore the amazon

4. Islands surrounding and including Greece, Italy, and the Mediterranean

 

5. Mt. Everest

6. India

7. England - for real, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany etc.

8.  AUSTRALIA!!! and New Zeland

9. China 

10. Sky diving in Hawaii

11.The Moon- surf the milky way and be an astronaut and just get away from the world. 

  Its beautifully illustrated in this song by One Eskimo entitled "Astronauts" There are just a couple of ideas for now, but it has helped some. What are your dream vacations? Crazy aspirations? Thoughts? Therapy tricks slash advice? I'm always open to expanding my horizons. Or if you have some magic vacation already planned that you want to take me on, PLEASE HIT ME UP! Heaven knows I need one. Thank you readers for all your help and support! Keep it real!

Ramblings, Ramblings, and More Ramblings...

I remember there was once a time where I did, in fact, have a social life. It seems that nine months will have passed where teenaged kids have become an all encompassing part of my life. I work and sleep. Maybe watch a movie here and there, but mostly live every day in hopes of making a small difference in the lives of these teenagers I encounter on a daily basis. Maybe I'm learning more intimately about the law of sacrifice in a way. I can have a social life when I'm 80 haha.

So as I was driving home today, I just wanted to find my own place to gaze at the heavens, lay in my own field of dreams and thoughts and just sort them out, figure out my place in God's great plan.I felt so out of whack, so out of alignment- You just crave and seek solitude to figure that stuff out. I'm super excited for conference- maybe that will help bring some rest and peace to my restless heart.

One of my favorite paintings of all time - always makes me think.

so more random thoughts- the first clip is one of Adele's songs that I'm completely obsessed with and can relate extremely well to. The second is how I feel as of late because all my wingmen are disappearing! I'm tickled that they're so happy, but I just watch this clip and laugh because its so true!  Anyway, wishing you all the best.

Ruminations from a Rainy Afternoon

I love the rain- the smell, walking in it, being soaked to the bone. I especially love cold rain. The icy drops pierce the skin, like bitter tears from heaven, that wash away the filmy residue of the world. I love dancing in it, racing in my puny car as it comes down in droves, standing alone as the drops burst and encompass my shell, drenching me til the cleansing elixir sends ripples through my sullied soul. The rain makes me feel alive. Small. Hopeful. Recommitted. Significant. Like I am a very important part of a watercolor painting God created.

For the first time in a while, I feel that with all that I am. Today, I went and did my dental examination to finish up my mission papers. Everything went smoothly, no cavities to report. I can't tell you how incredibly excited I am.

I made a goal a long time ago that I would have my papers completed by the end of May 2011. After swimming in a sea of doubts, fears, false perceptions and foolish notions, I became tired and didn't feel like I could serve a mission. I kept thinking that church officials would take one look at my papers and dismiss me as a menace, a criminal. Unfit to serve and clearly too mental to preach the word of God. Filling out the papers honestly, truthfully and sincerely has been SO hard. I felt flawed, crazy, impossible. Turning in my papers would be complete and utter submission- A commit-a-phobe's greatest nightmare. The ghosts of my past dwelt in the convoluted crags of my mind, hanging like thick and sickly blankets. I keenly attempted to ignore them, forget their existence, but just like cobwebs, they seemed to only stick around and expand. So, I decided to deal with them. I started my papers to see with my own eyes what I'd have to conquer. I was shocked at the depth and detail I would have to divulge. I felt like I hit another brick wall, like finishing them would be utterly impossible. After attempting to do things by myself, slacking for weeks, and finally realizing that I needed help, I went to those dear friends I love so much and My Father in Heaven for guidance and assistance. The support that I craved so much really was there. I just had to recognize it and ask for it.

Tyson literally had to sit me down and walk me through it. I was able to get through the toughest part for me- re-living and writing a concise version of the nightmare I lived in November. I'm worried about what the church will have me do there, but we'll just have to see what happens. But it was so much easier for me to write it with him there, a quiet, encouraging voice urging me to keep going. I'm so grateful to him, to Moth-er and Fath-er, Terynn,Te, Tasia, sweet family members and so many others cheering here on earth and in heaven to continue to push forward, reach for my dreams and achieve them. I can't tell you how relieved I feel to know that this is really going to happen. I'm going to get my papers done by the end of this month. I'm going to serve Him faithfully for 18 months and for the rest of my life. I'm going to accomplish the things my Father in Heaven would have me do. I'm going to live my dreams and help as many people in this life as I possibly can. My heart is light, happy and full. I have things to offer.

I love people. I love learning about their journeys, triumphs, failures. I love this gospel with all that I am. I know that it is true, that it is as real as the air I breathe. It is the foundation of everything, and is my sure foundation. I love how its shaped and changed my life, and love seeing it work for good in other people's lives. I know what it feels like to dwell in darkness, to be without hope. I want to be able to share the light that can bring His children out of that encompassing void of depression and sin. I know that He is preparing His children to receive the goodness of the gospel and I know that there are people being specifically prepared for what I have to teach them. And I can't wait for the opportunity to finally do so.
I love my Father in Heaven with all of my heart and I know He loves me more than I can comprehend. I have been privileged enough to feel that influence dwell upon me the past couple days and I've never felt so fantastic. I pray that I may be able to keep this spirit alive in my heart, to let it guide my thoughts, actions, convictions, desires, hopes, and dreams. I pray that I can continue to move forward, complete my papers and do the things He'd have me do. I'm excited for the journey ahead and I'm grateful to you for supporting me and cheering me on. Much love, readers. Keep smiling, giving, loving. It brings the greatest joy and blessings. Until next time,

Again. I'm faced with the sad truth that I am, in fact, a pasty white girl

I know, I know, I know You're probably thinking "Why in HEAVEN'S NAME is Bella on your blog?! ABOMINATION!!! *BOOS and hisses ensue* *pitchforks raise, torches light, teenage girls are locked away* Okay stop thinking. I will explain later. Read on. Ignore this visage for the time being. *ahem* My dear readers, it has been a long time since I've strung a bunch of snarky phrases together into a post, so be prepared for a oh so random and slightly pointless one at that. ha-ha. I have never wanted to be an adorable Asian so bad in my life before today. For the past week, I've seen this sign on the Boulevard seeking to hire people for this new Japanese steakhouse that they are building. I memorized the number on the board outside the restaurant as I drove by and then proceeded to call. An adorable lady answered the phone, told me just to come in and pick up an application then. So today, I got gussied up ( I have a concert tonight you see and I figured it may help my case if I showed up not looking like a total slob from slobtown) and walked along the boulevard to the location of said 'steakhouse in construction'.

After a couple cat calls (I know its hard to believe) I was guided into the restaurant by a somewhat toothless, adorable construction worker. The construction crew started to swarm like flies, trying to sneak a peek at the innocent pretty thing that waltzed into a construction zone in heels. After a few minutes of waiting for the manager to come out, I was able to meet 'kenny', a small Asian man, who handed me an application and told me to fill it out, bring it back and we'd talk. So, I again walked outside back into the fray of onlookers and filled it out. I sat in my car thinking that I didn't have a chance in the world because I've never had any restaurant experience ( I mean, I learn fast, I've had my own bakery, can connect with people really fast and love serving them, but that doesn't mean anything), I wasn't adorable, petite, little and Asian, and I was afraid I didn't say enough. So i went back to Kenny, gave him my application, and he said that he would call and schedule an interview. The restaurant was so beautiful inside, with authentic Japanese decor, a beautiful mirrored mosaic wall, dark wood, and thin sliding walls. It'd be awesome if he calls me back, but until then, I'm going to keep looking. I want to do all that I can to get on this mission and work my hardest to get there. We'll see what happens.

Okay friends. Regard the weird, misplaced picture....NOW. On a random other note, I saw this today and freaked.
(either click on the word "this" or click to see the full image appearing at the beginning of this post) Can you say HOLY GUACAMOLE BATMAN?! Best picture of my week. Hermione will always win. She's naturally awesome. Bella has to get bitten and mutated to even pretend to be awesome. Yeah. Go jump off cliffs, Bella. That'll solve ALL your problems. *rolls eyes* I just proved my utter dorkiness, but hey. Embrace it people .

On another random side note, I'm meeting with my bishop this week to see if I can get started on my mission papers! Its taken a lot to get to this point, but I'm so happy. So happy to be a member of the glorious church and for the opportunity to share it with all I come in contact with on a mission. I can't wait.

Also, my family came into town and loaded up the rest of our things and trekked back up north. We were able to swim, hang out and just have a good time. We were going through a bunch of papers and I found something that I lost a long time ago. "The" List. Its a compilation of dreams, wishes, desires, and random events I want to do before I die. I sat down and created it the summer of '09 with Kristal Kay. It was so great to find and read again. Some of the events included Eating a pickle the size of my shoe, staying the night in a lighthouse, Going to Boston and throwing a tea bag into the harbor, Riding a yak, seeing a mummy, shaking the Prophet's hand, Going to Africa, saving little children, seeing a lion or two, petting a giraffe, and sleeping under the stars on the savanna. I'm excited for the life ahead of me, all that I get to do and the opportunity I have to be the best person I can be. Until then readers, I suggest you pull out your list or make one. There's no excuse to not have an adventure everyday! Go ride a yak! Much love readers!

Another snippet that needs to be in the movie of my life

You know that your Friday nights need to improve when you head over to Barnes and Noble for some entertainment. Evie and I opted out on the opportunity to cook in a cesspool of bacterium, staph infection and std's with some attractive men and we ate razzle-berry pie and ranted about stupid boys instead. (A much better idea, if you ask me. I'm a germ-a-phobe and a feminist, if you can't tell) After our binge fest, we hopped in the car and blasted awesome Spanish music (I'm in love with Joanes(pronounced huan-es for you gringo's out there)). The subject, who I will introduce in a moment, must have heard our music blaring from the parking lot and knew as the wind blew my beautiful auburn hair that I was the easy, naive white girl that could show him a good time. As I was taking a gander at the 'Oooh! Buy me! I'll teach you a pointless activity and make you so much cooler!' section with Evieface, a small Hispanic man approaches me and starts asking me questions. "Are ju from round here?" "It snow here?" "It snow in Cedar, where I live." Me, being friendly and still having faith in the human race, decided to engage in this man's game. I was hoping that he was just a nice guy, wishing to engage in normal everyday conversation. Drilling commences...

"How old are you?"
Oh I'm getting old. hahah I'm 20.
"oh, ju are old."
"So Ju student? working?"
I guess you can say I'm working. I work odd jobs here and there. I'm pretty much a menace to society.
All the while Evie is freaking out, trying to distract me, yelling random things like "look, a cupcake book! How adorable! We should look at that Heather!" "Look, is that an obscure man that we know." Its taking all that she is to not completely go Cuban on this little man.
"So are you married? Single?"
hahaha oh wow. *more nervous laughter* ( I REALLY didn't want to tell him I was, but I couldn't lie. I already was feeling bad for being so snarky)*dramatic pause* I'm single. but that's fine with me. I prefer it that way. I love being single! Men are such a drag.
I was hoping with all that I was that my response was dejection enough, but alas. Men don't understand hints. ESPECIALLY Latin ones. (its not a racist comment. its the truth)
"you have phone? can I get jour number?"
Just as Evie was about to grab my arm, say "No quieres!"(translation: she doesn't want you) and pull me out of the mall by my hair, I said 'I'm sorry, but I never give that out. Have a good night.'
He thanked me for talking with him and he skulked away as we giggled, shocked that it just happened to ME of all people.
So my faith was restored in the fact that creepy men, no matter what race, age, and religion, still find me attractive. Huzzah . *cacophony of eye-rolling commences*
For the record, picking up a girl in a book store usually doesn't work. And if you really, REALLY, want to attempt to pick up a girl in a bookstore, make sure she isn't looking at Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Bronte, or awesome anatomy books and you're in the children's section reading the latest edition of Thomas the Train: Thomas goes to the moon with the monkeys. Just a suggestion.
Here's hoping NEXT Friday will be fraught with more adventure and maybe actually getting hit on by an attractive male! hmm. Well a girl can dream can't she? haha anyway, keep it real readers! Much love. Here's hoping your love life is more exciting than mine.

Gratitude Alphabet of Awesomeness- a list for Jenni

Hi Readers! Ok, so I've been doing a lot of ranting lately. Things have been difficult, but I really have so much to be grateful for. Here is an alphabet of just a few things I am grateful for this morning. Its also a list, because Jenni loves lists. and I love her. Ok. Here goes.

A-Apple Dapple. I'm eating it right now. Great-great grandma, you're a genius! I'm very grateful for your ingenious recipes that are still in use today.
B- The Book of Mormon. I love reading and feeling the words feed my spirit and I love the influence it has on the hearts of humanity.
C-the Christensen family. They truly are the best surrogate family anyone could ever ask for. I can't thank them enough for all that they've given me, for all the support and constant love, for dealing with me when I'm such a menace to society, and for putting up with all my quirks and imperfections. They truly help me to be better. I don't know what I would do without them.
D-Dreams and the opportunity to remember and pursue them.
E-Eggplant. Its a very under appreciated vegetable. I don't understand why. Its tasty AND purple! Come on, people!
F-Freedom to be who I am, to live in this beautiful country and choose. oh and add Family and fantastic friends!
G-Globes.
H-Halo. I love you honey! Thank you for being such a bright light in my life! You help me to be better everyday! Thank you fore putting up with this crazy mom.
I-Igloos. So ingenious. I've decided if I had an igloo, it would be aqua. And I'd have a pet walrus named Waldo. and it would be a magic igloo that never melted and that had heated tile floors, a roaring fire and custom furniture to go with the ice motif.
J-jugglers. I feel they're under appreciated as well. They shouldn't be! They have amazing hand-eye coordination, do a million things at once with a smile and can probably still chew gum while walking when throwing razor-sharp knives. Plus, i wouldn't want to cross them. If you happen to be nasty, They could incorporate you into their act and just not catch one of the knives right as it flies directly over your head. I think of these things all the time. oh and I love Jenni. :)
K-Kitchen appliances and Kyle. Both rank superior in my book.
L-light. Natural, twinkling, starlight, candlelight. I love it all.
M-Missionary work, Mandy, Mothers,Made-line Anne, mud,Moe(my future starfish,) midgets and monkeys.
N-Nine puppies who let me jab sharp needles into their hind legs yesterday.I was able to administer vaccines to them yesterday. They helped reaffirm that I can aspire to be a doctor and I know I can do a good job.
O-opportunity to use the power of the atonement everyday, to start again, repent and become better.
P-Peter Pan, duh.
Q-Quills, Quilts, and Quasimodo. (also under appreciated.)
R- Romance. hahahah SO just kidding. How about row boats? Razors? really great soap?
S-singing- I love that I have the ability to raise my voice to express the feelings of my soul. I love music, the ability I have to make music and share that bond with others. Its truly a wonderful medicine and unifying power of humanity.
T-Traveling and exploring the world-experiencing how beautiful the world really can be. and to add to my favorite T's- Te, Taz (I will be forever indebted to you both-you are such a light and wonderful part of my life and I don't know what I would do without you. Thank you for being some of very best friends I could ever ask for), Tyson, Tern, Terynn, and any other lovely T's that I left out!
U-umbrellas. especially yellow and red ones.
V-Victor Dostoevsky and other obscure Russians who rock. and the vomer bone and the visceral pericardium.
W-words. I love being able to spin phrases together, to freely be verbose, and the opportunity to expand my vocabulary. Thank you word of the day!
X-xanthan gum
Y-years (20 to be exact) of living life in only the way that I can. I'm grateful for what I've been able to see, touch, taste, smell and feel with all my heart up to this point. I'm grateful for the years ahead and for the opportunities that await me.
Z-Zimbabwe, zebras and everything AFRICAN!!! oh and zippers.

There you go. And I'm grateful for you because you actually made it through reading that horrendously long thing! Take time to look at the blessings you've been given and thank God for all the wonder that He has so graciously bestowed upon you and those who matter the most to you. It makes all the difference. Thank you for blessing my life and for your influence. Much love. Make a great day, readers.

TA-DAH!!!! Gee, Isn't it spiffy?

Thanks to the lovely, glorious and/or stupendous magical workings of Mandy Freaking Fielding, my blog officially rocks, if I do say so myself. Mandy, I love you and adore you anyway, but this just sent you to the superstar friends list. If you were Mario, you would've tripled in size and won the game, leaving Princess Peach crying in the mud. Yah.

So this weekend I ventured northward to the snow to visit mi familia in the land of Lehihi. (I add an extra 'hi' because it makes the name much more intriguing and fun to say) Yes. It was just reaffirmed how insanely awkward and weird I am. Deal with it. Move on. We decided we'd go bowling today...lets just say I bowled the lowest score in the history of beautiful twenty year old women. The two year old in the next lane threw more strikes than I did. Are you ready to hear my atrocious score? *drum roll please* ... 36. yeah. 36. That's right. I disgraced the glorious goodness of the greasy lanes, stinky bowling shoes and the crash of pins. I think training with the Jackie Chan of Bowling is in order. I'll be the next Karate kid, but with bowling. Can't you just see it? "The Bowling Babe". I like it. ANYWAY...here's hoping you harness your bowling chi better than I did. Peace and Love kids. Adios.

Hair Fiasco of the Century

Hello friends. So, I received a GIANT piece of humble pie today. I let my mother die my hair. Lets just say it didn't exactly take the way I anticipated. Actually, it looked like I dunked my head into a giant vat of maraschino cherries, then had demon babies eat all the cherries, throw them up on my head and forever burn the color on my once beautiful mane. Yes. It was THAT bad.  I have proof. Please. Feel free to laugh. hysterically.

SEE?!?!?

My mom said i looked like a crazed scottswoman in this hat

Need I say more? Awful. Absolutely Awful. 

So, after sending a pic to Te, we jumped in my car, braved Target and picked up heavy duty hair dye, about the same color of ink. However, in the process of fixing the disaster, we happened to run out of hair dye. Te went to grab some more, little did we know that time was not on our side. When she came back with hair dye in hand, it was already 3:30 and Te had to work at 4. I was supposed to meet my dad for a hair appointment at 4 as well, so we slathered on some more really fast, waited five minutes and rinsed it anyway. I got in my car and saw i still had big chunks of red left.I was not a happy camper. Not to mention, My dad wasn't at Paul Mitchell, so i drove home looking and feeling more and more like an emotional gothic teenager filled with angst. When I walked in, my brother looked at my hair, and basically told me that I looked like a prostitute with my new hair do. Aren't brothers the best thing in the world!?

Lying in wait for the remaining hair dye, looking hard core, Pic 2=not a happy camper

I am praying desperately for a miracle. I have a hair appointment at 7:30 tonight to try and fix this. I will post results. Comment. I want to hear your exasperated cries and laughs.