Hooray for Photoshop!

People at work have been bugging me for the last year now to get my picture taken to put on our company website. I really don't like pictures of me - so I have been avoiding it. Well, I was informed last week that we are sending out a letter to a bunch of potential clients and I was the only person without a picture - so I couldn't put it off any more. I called around to see where I could get a business photo taken - but it was SO expensive. So my coworker said she would just take my picture at the office and use that. After a little mini photo shoot yesterday - we realized that it just wasn't going to work - the picture was so different from the professional ones - it really stuck out.

So I bit the bullet and went in to get some professional pictures today. It took 10 minutes to take the pictures and I was really getting upset about spending so much money on 10 minutes of pictures - then I sat down in front of a computer screen while the photographer airbrushed my photo and touched everything up - suddenly I was seeing the value of a professional photographer.

I have to say - even knowing that my next birthday will be the big 3-0- I have never felt as old as I did while watching him zoom in on my forehead and under my eyes and erase all the little lines and bags!

Before

After

Tagged

My coworker tagged me a little while ago - sorry it took so long for me to get to it Mel.

8 Shows I like to watch:

1. Chuck
2. Eli Stone
3. Pushing Daisies (and yes #2 and #3 were both just canceled - not too happy about it)
4. Gilmore Girls
5. Amazing Race
6. Anything on HGTV
7. Most things on TLC
8. Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (I was quite obsessed with this show in Middle School)

8 Restaurants I like to eat at:
1. Wingers
2. Macaroni Grill
3. Olive Garden
4. Fongs (in Rexburg - best Chinese ever!)
5. Mings (next to my house - second best Chinese ever!)
6. Bombay House
7. Paradise Bakery or Kneaders
8. Red Lobster

8 Things that happened today:

1. Overslept (that happens everyday)
2. Got my picture taken
3. Got rid the office Christmas decoration out of my office (it gets passed around from person to person every day)
4. Ate a greek salad
5. Went to Enrichment and had yummy tomato soup
6. Went to tithing settlement
7. Updated my blog
8. Watched the end of a bad cheesy Christmas movie on Lifetime

8 Things I look forward to:

1. Christmas
2. Getting the rest of my house painted
3. Getting my attic turned into a loft
4. Going to Russia
5. Going on a date (the drought has to end sometime right?)
6. Getting married
7. Seeing my siblings get married
8. Playing in the snow

8 Things on my wish list:

1. A new washer and dryer
2. A completed loft
3. A new bed
4. New couches
5. A boyfriend
6. A healthy family
7. My car and house paid off
8. World Peace :)

8 People I am tagging:
I think most everyone has already done this - so if you haven't - tag you're it!

I ♥ The Men in My Life

So, I started this post over a month ago - and just never got around to finishing/posting it! I am a slacker, I know.

I have THE BEST Dad and Brother in the world. You see, there is a little known fact about me, I hate - HATE - textured walls. I just don't like them. Unfortunately, my entire house is textured. Except where the previous owners hung their pictures - in those places they covered the holes up with Spackle - but didn't texture it. So - randomly throughout the walls there are splotches of smoothness. It just looks really cheap and tacky. So the first home improvement item on my list was of course, getting rid of the textured walls. Has anyone tried this before? I hadn't, but my Dad has. Let me tell you, it is not the easiest or neatest process. Despite knowing this, my sweet Dad agreed to help me and my brother smooth out my walls. I figured we would start with a small, easy room. So the first weekend in October we had a mudding party. Now to smooth textured walls requires a lot of mud. You have to mud all the walls, let it dry, sand, and repeat - until they are smooth - for us it took 3 layers of mud - that is three times scraping mud onto the walls and three times sanding it smooth - with dust flying into every imaginable corner of my house. Of course then you have to prime the walls, and then paint the walls. For two weeks my roommate and I survived with our dining room set up in the living room while my kind brother and dad spent all their free time helping me mud, sand, prime, install a chair rail, and paint (and help me decide what colors to paint - I am a TERRIBLE decision maker). I am really happy with the result - except that it makes the rest of my house look even worse than it did before.

After it was all done, I was considering hiring someone to do the other rooms. But now, six weeks later, the memory is fading and I am thinking I can tackle the other rooms after Christmas. Anyone want to join in a mudding party?

Proposition 8

I have read a lot of articles and blog posts about Proposition 8 in California and the support given to this proposition by my church. Most articles seem to bring out a lot of negative comments about intolerance and a lack of Christlike love. I have wanted to voice my support not only for the proposition, but also for my Church leaders who are asking for our help. But writing a persuasive argument hasn't ever been my forte so I have been putting it off. I read an article today by Orson Scott Card that expressed my thoughts and feelings better than I ever could, so in lieu of my own words, here is the link to his article "Disagree But Don't Be Unkind".

No - We're Not Crazy (Despite What Some People May Think)

My roommate and I have a tradition of going to Lagoon for Frightmares every year. It just may have something to do with the fact that we are slightly addicted to their hot chocolate. Seriously, I think this is the only reason my roommate - who HATES being cold - even goes. So, we picked a date and invited all our friends to join us on our annual trip. Of course - we both forgot that it is impossible for us to go to Lagoon together without rain. As in, we had season passes last year and every single time we went together, it rained - even in the middle of July. A fact we both remembered the closer it got to our scheduled date and the weather forecasts started showing rain and snow with highs of 40.

The big day came and one by one we started receiving phone calls and texts from friends, in the end there were only 4 of us brave enough to face the elements. Surprisingly, my roommate was one of them (I swear there is something in that hot chocolate!). So, with double layers of clothing, my winter coat, and my mom's ear warmers, we headed off to Lagoon. The sun was shining and it looked like a beautiful day - in Salt Lake. As we approached Bountiful though, the storm clouds rolled in and we were suddenly in a downpour! After pulling off the freeway in Centerville to fix the windshield wiper - which for some reason decided to detached itself - we arrived at Lagoon - and it was lightly snowing.

Did that stop us? No, we rejoiced in the lack of cars in the parking lot, parked right outside the main gates, pulled on our coats, and headed into the park.

Some might read this and think we are crazy - I promise - we are not crazy - we are just brilliant. Instead of going to Frightmares on a normal Saturday night and waiting in line for an hour to go on Wicked, and another two hours to walk through a haunted house, we spent the same three hours in a much better fashion, riding Wicked 4 times without waiting in any lines, walking on to numerous other rides - most of which are faster and slightly more terrifying when the tracks are wet, and walking through 2 haunted houses (well, my friends did, I rode the Space Scrambler by myself while I waited for them - translation - I was THE only person on the ride ☺) Seriously - NO ONE was there - it was like having the park all to ourselves.

Crazy? I don't think so. It wasn't even that cold because we weren't just standing around in lines. Yes, I came home with wind burned cheeks and nose, and our teeth did freeze a little when we were screaming and smiling on Wicked - but all in all - the hot chocolate more than made up for that slight inconvenience.

Me and my roommate on our favorite ride - The Ladybug Drop (don't judge)










After our last ride for the night - our second trip on the white roller coaster - no frostbite!

Where I've Been

Wow! So it's been over a month since my last post. So, I guess it's time to update on my most recent experiences. I had a conference in Las Vegas for work two weeks ago. I was a little worried about my boredom level on this trip - since I was going with my coworkers, all of whom are male, not exactly the crowd I normally hang out with. But it turned out to be a lot of fun. Of course I got my own room, so there was no arguing about what to watch before bed like there usually is when I am on trips with my family, and it was nice and quiet, no snoring! I have to admit, I have never really understood the whole Vegas thing, the last time I was there it was loud and dirty (in more ways than one) and, besides wandering around the strip, there didn't seem to be much to do. But, although Vegas is still not my most favorite vacation spot, I did find some fun things to do. First on that list was watching my coworkers gamble. Some of them were actually pretty good at it (one came home with an extra $500) so it was fun to see them win - I doubt it would have been as much fun if they were losing.

The next good thing about Vegas was that I got to see my sister. Since Lauren just moved to California, we decided it would be fun to meet in Vegas and play. She didn't have any classes on Wednesday, the last day of my conference, so she drove up after her afternoon class on Tuesday. Of course things don't ever work out quite the way you plan - but she tells that story MUCH better than I could - so go to her blog to read her point of view. Just remember that the entire time she was wandering around who-knows-where in Vegas in the dark, I was being the typical worrywart big sister - stressing out about rescuing her. She is such a good example to me, it didn't bother her in the least, it was just a fun adventure (note to self, stress less).

Of course, the final reason Vegas grew in my estimation would have to be this place --

I had never had a favorite store until I found this place. The first time I entered this store was after a year of living in Russia - where you buy your clothes in a street market - so the store in Finland was a wonderland to me! But, despite having a few more options now, I am still in love with this store, someone PLEASE tell me one is coming to the City Creek Center! So, yes, finding my favorite clothing store in Vegas made sin city seem a little less dirty and pointless, does that make me a bad person? :)

All in all, it ended up being a really fun trip, and I am very grateful for good coworkers who rescued my sister, and kept me from hiding out in my room every night.

At least some people got the message to pretend we were on the roller coaster again.

My Favorite Time of Year

I am SO not a heat person, there was very good reason I was sent to Russia on my mission and not Africa! So - I was SO excited for the cool, stormy weekend we had over Labor Day. I was with my family at our cabin and I LOVED being cuddled up in blankets, with the fire going, watching the rain and hail, and going to sleep hearing the rain on the tin roof. I was even more excited Monday afternoon to look outside the kitchen window and have snow topped mountains greet me! Fall and Winter are just around the corner and I couldn't be happier!!

Being Brave

I had to put a quick post in here proving that I can be brave! A couple weeks ago my ward went on a campout to the Heber Valley Camp. They have challenge courses there with team building activities and a zipline or swing (depending on which course you are on). Those who know me know I HATE heights. But, after seeing everyone else in my group do it, I figured I needed to be brave and go for it. They strap you into a harness and then the other members of your group hoist you up to the top of a tree - a good 25 feet off the ground - then you let go of the rope and go swinging. It was slightly terrifying - and not that comfortable - but it was FUN - and I am glad I did it!

Later that day we went on a hike, it was INCREDIBLY hot - I am SO not a fan of hiking at 3 in the afternoon. But, the view from the top was gorgeous! So - it was almost worth it.

Oh What Do You Do In The Summertime? Part 3

My family went to California for a vacation the last week in July. We spent most of the time on Catalina Island - our favorite vacation spot.

Oh What Do You Do In The Summertime? Part 2

Lagoon
I wasn't going to do it - but Dan talked me into it - it helps that I got some extra money from the U for doing some TA work for my boss - so, I bought a season ticket to Lagoon again. Of course June was CRAZY so it wasn't until last week when we finally went to Lagoon for the first time. We figured out the best time to go is Saturday morning right when it opens! We went on Wicked twice, the Spider, felt like VIPs with our very own ride on the Colossus, Cliffhanger, walked onto Rattlesnake Rapids (twice) and the Log Flume - all within an hour and a half of getting there! It was perfect - we were SOAKED - the pictures don't do it justice - lets just say we were both wearing light brown when the day started. My clothes were still wet three hours later! By the time it got really hot - and the lines were getting longer - we were done! Thanks for talking me into bug - it was fun!

After our water rides

It was slightly bright and Dan is too tall to completely fit in the picture

Oh What Do You Do In The Summertime?

I have been informed that is has been too long since my last post. So I guess I'll post some pictures from my latest summertime activities.

Camping
Every 4th of July my family goes camping at the Spruces. It is SO fun to get away from the heat and relax. We have the best campsite - cool and shady with a lovely running stream as background noise! This years trip was a little longer than most because the 4th was on a Friday - we went up Thursday night after work and stayed until Sunday night. I was INCREDIBLY disgusting by the end - I think three days with no shower is my limit!
Dan set our hammock up right over the stream - then he fell asleep in it and almost fell out.









I don't know about you - but this is what we do when we go camping! (sorry guys - you know I had to post them)
























The waterfalls and scenery in our campsite





I had way too much fun taking pictures of our fire!



Our neighbor's granddaughters "painting" with wet sidewalk chalk


Grandma came up for dinner a couple nights - but apparently didn't want her picture taken.


Poor Dan got some tree bark stuck in his eye - his two "nurses" tried to flush it out with some water - but that only succeeded in giving us a shower - some of it ran into his mouth and he sprayed it all over us! We finally got it out with a q-tip.

Fabulous Friends

Here are some pictures from our fun time playing Girl Talk at the Cabin - sorry to everyone who has asked to see my new haircut - you can't really see it in these pictures!

Treasures you find at the DI

Last weekend we had a bridal shower for another friend from Middle School (that is two in less than 6 months!) We went up to my family's cabin for a little getaway. When we were in High School we thought it was hilarious to play the silly teenage girl games like Perfect Match, Girl Talk, Sweet Valley High the board game, etc, so Thursday night I was thinking about what games I was going to bring and wished I had Girl Talk - but I really didn't want to spend $20 to buy a new game. I work close to a DI - so I decided I would stop by the DI on Friday - just to see what they had. I was running late on Friday and was thinking I would skip the DI - there was no way they would have it - but decided to just run in anyways - imagine my surprise when sitting there in the midst of all the games was Girl Talk - in excellent condition - zit stickers and all - and for only $2! I was so excited - I'm sure the lady at the register thought it was a really strange purchase - but I was happy! And we had a blast playing it that night - even if some of the questions were a lot less revealing now then they were back then - it's hard to get excited to hear who someone has a crush on when it is their husband! What treasures have you found at the DI?

Yet Another Funny Grandma Moment

So, we celebrated my sister's birthday last night - she had all the bows from her presents in her hair and tried to get my cousins to give her kisses to get them out of her hair. They are kind-of in a girls have cooties phase, so instead, my grandma helped out.

The Mole

Monday was a very exciting night for me, one of my favorite shows is on TV again - The Mole! I LOVE this show. I think it is so much fun - and it keeps you guessing. Basic premise for those of you unfortunate souls who have never seen it - 12 people travel around the world and have different challenges they have to complete to earn money for the eventual winner - the only catch, one of the players is actually a mole assigned by the producers to sabotage the rest of the group. Each week the players take a quiz asking questions about the identity of the mole. The player that gets the worst score is eliminated. I love playing along and trying to figure out who the mole is - so, watch the show on Monday nights - and then vote on who you think the mole is!

Mormonads

So, I found this website and it completely cracked me up - here is just a sampling. Go to divine comedy to see the rest.

Funny Pictures

I think he was mad that I put his coat on upside down!


My cousin with his little boy - showing us his "surprised" face


Have I mentioned how much I love my Grandma!


Who can resist this smile!

From Graduate to Silly Girl

Wow! The last week has been SO crazy! I spent all of my time outside of work studying and rehearsing. I had big exit exam that is a requirement to graduate from my program on Thursday morning, and performances of the show I was in Thursday, Friday and Saturday! I passed my exam (I am sure they were incredibly generous in scoring the exams because I guessed on at least a third of the questions)!

I think I thoroughly confused my Grandma this weekend. She spent the whole day Friday at my Graduation being proud of her Master's Granddaughter, and then spent all evening watching me be a ditzy, flirty blond. I had a blast doing the show and I think I really surprised a lot of people. I kept getting comments from people in my ward about how they had no idea I could act like that (yes, I am a TERRIBLE flirt in real life) - and my bishopric didn't even recognize me! I'm just not sure what to do with myself now that both school and the play are over! Maybe I will actually have time to clean my house!

Tag you're it

Michele Tagged me, here's the rules:
Answer the questions below on your blog. Tag five people at the end of your post by leaving their names.

3 joys
3 fears
3 goals
3 current obsessions/collections
3 random/surprising facts

3 Joys: My family, finishing a project, good books
3 Fears: Heights, Being VL the rest of my life (haha), Snakes
3 Goals: Graduate (if I can pass my exit exam, I can cross this off my list on Friday!!), Go on a date in the next month (anyone know any good guys?), Finish my quilt
3 Current Obsessions/Collections: I'm afraid I spend way too much time on Facebook, Gilmore Girls (I have all but the last season on DVD), fixing up my house (who wants to come to a painting party?)
3 Random/Surprising Facts: I am currently flirting it up as a "Silly Girl" in my Stake's production of Beauty and the Beast premiering this weekend (Broadway here I come!), I am a clothes junkie - I can't seem to let go of clothes, there are things in my closet that I have had since Middle School, but I get bored of my clothes very quickly and am always looking for new stuff - yes, a walk-in closet was high on my list of priorities when looking for my house, I have never had a professional manicure or pedicure.

I tag Juli, Claire, Alicia, Katie J., and Maria

My Aunt Norma

My Aunt Norma passed away on Friday. She was actually my Great Aunt, but I feel like all of my Grandma's siblings are closer than Greats - they are just my Aunts and Uncles. I am so lucky to have them all in my life. My Aunt Norma was an AMAZING woman. I always loved bragging about her when I was younger - well, I guess I still do because I am going to right now! :)

Aunt Norma was a deep sea diver, she held the world record for the deepest dive by a woman for many years. She was also in some of the old "B" Movie horror films, like "Phantom from 10,000 Leagues" - she was the person inside the big monster suit coming out of the ocean!

My family owes most of our family vacation memories to Aunt Norma and Uncle Al. They kept a house on Catalina Island and let family schedule a time to stay there every year.

One experience that is special to me happened on my 16th Birthday. I was born on the same day as my Aunt Diane. My 16th Birthday was the same year as her 60th. Aunt Norma and Uncle Al came out to Utah to celebrate Aunt Diane’s 60^th Birthday. We told them that they didn’t need to get me a present because we never exchanged birthday presents with them, but Aunt Norma had my Grandma take her to the mall, just to get me something small. Grandma was really surprised when Aunt Norma walked over to the fine jewelry counter and picked out some 14 karat gold hoop earrings. She told me when I thanked her for the gift that every 16 year-old girl should have some gold. I felt so mature when she told me that! I still have and treasure those earrings.

I am really going to miss my wonderful Aunt Norma! She really knew how to make people feel loved and important.

Blast from the Past

There are times when I am really grateful the DVD was invented, especially when it means my favorite movies from my childhood are finally available. My sister is a member of the Disney Movie Club and about a month ago I was browsing one of her catalogs and found one of my ABSOLUTE favorites - Polly. For those of you who missed out on this fun show - it was one of the "Wonderful World of Disney" TV movies that aired in the late 80's. It is a fun version of Pollyanna with really fun singing and dancing. My Grandpa recorded it for me when it was first on and that tape is about worn out after the many times I watched the movie so I was thrilled to be able to get a new copy. It finally came last week, and, bad influence that I am, I convinced my roommate to watch it with me instead of studying - her for the MCAT, me for my CRA class final. Oh well, it was totally worth it! This show is still as cute as ever. Of course, when you are younger you don't notice the really bad lip syncing that bugs me now - but it was still a fun blast from the past. Now if only they would release Mr. Boogety!