I drove all night to get to you...

Well in a couple of hours my friends and I are packing up the car and leaving on yet another adventure. We are heading to utah to spend a couple days and ring in the new year. The actual reason for our trip is to attend the homecoming of elder jay helquist

or "helquist" as he will be known forever. he served here in the moses lake singles ward for like....ever...and we all became really good friends....so why not head to his homecoming. plus it gives us a really good excuse to get away. I am also wayyyyyyyy stoked to see my sista Tamu and hang out with her family. I have known them for almost ten years now, that seems crazy, and I love love love hanging out with them. The twins are 18 now, weird, so we are taking them dancing saturday night....so I expect i will be back home in a couple days with some new dance moves to show off at papa's. holla! The roads down to Utah don't look super amazing, so with some good driving skills, caution, and a prayer hopefully we get there safe. Since I will be out of town for the new year I am posting now my new year's resolutions....plus i figured if i write them down here then I am more responsible for getting them done.

1. fit into a size 8 jean in time for family pictures this summer
2. learn how to cook like my mom
3. get my own place
4. actually learn how play at least one song on the guitar I bought a year ago.
5. Be a better, nicer person

happy new years to all of you!

No one...can get in the way of what I'm feelin'

in honor of her birthday here is my...

TOP 5 REASONS I LOVE EMILY:





5. She loves costumes just as much as i do.
Whether it be dressing up in cool wigs or figuring out the perfect outfit for a themed dance, Emily puts it all together so perfectly. She may change her mind a few dozen times, but in the end it always turns out.






4. She is..well..emily.
No concept of time or distance. Puts her foot in her mouth on occasion. Spills food on herself almost every meal. Things never change and i love her for that.



3. She is goofy.
Whether it's kissing the pickle, posing for awkward pictures, or krumping in the empty parking lot, emily is our little clown who is willing to do what it takes to make us laugh.



2. She has soul.
Whether you hear it in her voice or see it in the way she dances. The girl feels the rhythm. She is my rap partner and my dance partner and "going-out" would not be the same without her.




1. She is a perfect friend.
Non-judgmental, good-hearted, kind, funny, spontaneous, loyal, encouraging ......emily is everything that you look for but rarely find in another person. she is always there for me, and i am grateful that i found her.
(wow...that got a little sentimental at the end there...sorry)




happy birthday bootsie!

i'm a loser baby...

(warning: biggest loser spoilers ahead)



watched the finale of the biggest loser last night....
and shocker a guy won....
yeah is it even possible for a girl to win this competition? Many of the contestants looked just amazing, and some looked like they had been slacking a little bit. that made me sad for them. I would be so strssed about going on national television knowing that I hadn't lost as much weight as people would expect...don't know if i would even show up. But some of the contestants had obviously been doing their best to shed the pounds and get into amazing shape. Those were impressive. Kae, down to 97 lbs with tons of muscle, looked gorgeous. Neil, who had lots tons of weight on the show, looked super slim, and had lost 51% of his original body weight....amazing. Julie, one of my favorite contestants and one of the final four, came back looking super fabulous and a little bit like jenny mccarthy. She had lost about 40% of her original body weight and was finally confident enough to go into her husbands office, although they were missing the christmas party (that she hasn't attended in years because of her weight) because the show was taping the same night. but the biggest losers of the night were the twin brothers Jim (winner of the 100K) and Bill (winner). They each lost about 50% of their original body weight and both looked buff and very tan. I think it would be easier in a competition like this to have a friend, sibling, etc that you are very competitive with, in order to keep you focused with an eye on the prize. but congrats to them both cause it worked.

Wishin' and hopin' and thinkin' and prayin'

So I made another offer on a house last night so we will see what happens. It was uber awkward though cause I was still at the office talking to my realtor when the owner came to pick up the offer paperwork. He stood there reading the papers and then was like "her name sounds familiar, I'm just trying to figure out if a know her" (I didn't know him) --the realtor and I shot glances at each and I just sat there quiet, not knowing if I should say something. Then he was "did she used to own a purple camaro?" and finally I was like "that's actually me.....and no". Way awkward! We ended up all talking for a bit, asking and answering questions, which may work in my favor because he can put a face to the offer and see I am a "normal" girl. Who knows. This stuff is all so confusing.

i had a dream my life would be...so different from this hell i'm living

Okay so the title lyrics are a little dramatic, but they were the first ones that came into my head so I had to use them. I am a little disappointed though. I was so looking forward to posting a big announcement this morning but it just didn't work out. here's the story:

I am in the market to buy a house. This is huge. Me and commitment are not the best of friends and the thought of committing to moses lake, let alone a home for 30 years seemed to hard to bear. But lately I have come to grips with the fact that I really do like moses lake, and let's face it...its time to be a grown-up and plant some roots. So after talking to a lender and figuring out what I could afford and then looking at what's out there (not a whole here in moses, especially if you want to avoid some of the more "questionable" neighborhoods) I found a really cute house. So on thursday, after getting my mom's opinion, I put an offer on it......and found out this morning....I WAS OUTBID. This sucks. I'm just the kind of person who doesn't put forth a whole lot of effort into most things, or who bails when things get too complicated, so when I actually put forth effort and hopes into something and it doesn't work out it stings a little. I know the market is a tough business and I need to just get back out there...and I will. There is this other house that I kind of like, although it will take a little more work to make it my perfect house but it is cheaper so that's a plus. I am meeting with my realtor after work to see what to do from here....but I just wish I could have written a post with the title....

I'll be home for Christmas

This one's for the children...

I am an aunt again! Jared and Lindsay had a little girl 7 lbs. 6 oz. (I'm sure they will post about it soon). They think the name will be Chloe...cute right? anyway I am so excited. for someone who is single with no kids, adorable and fun nieces and nephews are about the best thing you can ask for. I have such amazing ones and I am excited to spoil yet another one.

OH HAPPY DAY!

(I feel like I need a gospel choir right now to sing the hallelujah chorus...but this will do)



Just thought I would let everyone know. My uncle David, "Dr. Dave", and my boss....has been temporarily reinstated to practice medicine!! We are so excited. This is a good sign of things to come. Our own little Christmas Miracle!

Now let's get back to work.

baby i'm amazed by you...

Sad day. My favorite team is now out of the race, no big surprise, the team I usually like never wins and such is the case this year. Its crazy how the race changes every week, I think this is one reason why it's such an amazing show that people really like. It's not like survivor, where most seasons the power never shifts around and you can almost guess who will be in the top two or three in the end. On this show, one bad decision, one missed flight, one misread direction, and you are "the last to arrive". Such was the case last night. My team, brother and sister azaria and hendekea

signed up for business class tickets instead of the economy class ones, and therefore had to take a later flight...and cost them the game. devastating. this team was a class-act, very nice to other teams, trustworthy, and kind-hearted to the locals....meanwhile you still have "dysfunctional dating couple" in the race, that pretty much "break-up" every episode...how are they still on there?? my new team is the "goth couple".

it made me laugh to find out that vyxin comes from a military father (I wonder what he thinks of her and especially her boyfriend). They have surprised me from the beginning with their athleticism, kindness, and competitive spirit. I am now rooting for them.

shout shout let it all out

JUST HAD TO LET EVERYONE KNOW...I JUST BOUGHT A PAIR OF SIZE 12 JEANS! CRAZY RIGHT.

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas

Last night bootsie (formerly em wizzle---it's a long story)

came over and we all decorated the house for christmas.

Its become our little tradition. Christmas music blared from my Ipod stereo as we hung our stockings (which we decorated last year), put up the tree, hung up the mistletoe

and set out our collection of holiday decorations

I love decorating my christmas tree, mostly because I love putting up all the ornaments that I have received from my Grandma Earl since I was born.

I love remembering each christmas and what cool and perfectly fitting ornament my grandma was able to pick out for me. There is the grant hill ornament for the time I was an avid NBA basketball watcher and was totally in love with him (still am, he's a beautiful man). The tennis playing moose for the years in junior high when I was on the tennis team. The ruby red slippers for the year I started my miniature shoe collection. And my personal favorite, the best ornament I own, and the last ornament to go on the tree every year. It always gets the prime viewing location complete with perfect lighting....it's the flying Miss Piggy Angel that I received in 1981.

I love it. Complete with glittery wings and a diamond ring, this ornament signifies the beauty of christmas and the start of the holiday season.

After decorating the house, I had a sudden surge of domestic energy and decided to make my lemon bars for us girls to enjoy. They turned out delicious and really topped off the evening.

New York to the heart but got love fo' all...

I went to bed at 5:30 last night. yep, that's right. when I say I am tired and perhaps need to get some sleep you know it's gonna happen. I woke up a couple times in the evening when friends called or text me, but was able to go right back to sleep. Oh man. what a great night. socializing with people is fun, watching tv is fun, but laying in a comfy warm bed and sleeping as long as you want...that is priceless.

this morning I got up, got ready (which was easy cause my hair only needed "touch-ups"--I must not have moved a whole lot in the night), then made some poached eggs on toast and watched I love New York before work.

anyone else watch that show? I love it. Such a guilty pleasure show. It's so crazy and New York is so trashy and yet she has amazing men like Ezra aka: "Buddha"


and David aka: "Punk"

fighting for her love....makes no sense. Those men are wayyyyyyyy to good for her. I hope she winds up with "Tailor made"


that guy is a spineless weasle who would be perfect for someone like New York who needs to boss the men around. Buddha doesn't take that stuff from her and it drives her crazy. Plus Sis. Patterson, New York's mom who is possibly a transvestite, loves Taylor made cause she can control him. If New York was smart, not likely, she will pick Buddha. He would help her get out from underneath her mom's control and make her a better person (he would have his work cut out for him). But we all know that won't happen. Most likely whomever she picks will probably only last until the reunion show where more drama will ensue....and I, of course, will be watching!

I...who have nothing

It's true. I have no thoughts to speak of. I have sat in front of this computer the last couple days trying to figure out something to write and i can't think of a single thing.

I was going to post a couple videos from a performance by my friend emily who performed a 30 minute set of christmas and non-christmas songs in the town center for the lighting of downtown, but unfortunately the quality isn't outstanding and so i don't want to post them. but trust me she was awesome.

i could also talk about my weekend, but since nothing too exciting happened it would be a worthless recap and minutes out of your day that you will never get back.

I think i am just tired. maybe a good night's sleep (something I haven't gotten since friday) will revive my creativity and tomorrow i can come out with somethin bangin'. but right now it's hard enough to concentrate on folding 500+ statements correctly and stuffing them into envelopes.

it's that time of year...christmas time is here

I love music, and Christmas music is no different. I currently have about 11 hours of Christmas music with artists ranging from Smashing Pumpkins to Michael Crawford, from Boyz II Men to George Strait. It just makes me so happy. Once thanksgiving is over and snow starts to fall it's time to put on the holiday music and get into the Christmas spirit.
So here is my...

TOP 5 FAVORITE "TRADITIONAL" CHRISTMAS SONGS:

1. O Holy Night. By far, the best song. gives me chills everytime.
Favorite version: Michael Crawford's (the original Phantom of the Opera).

2. Silent Night. Classic.
Favorite version: Boyz II Men (acapella=amazing)

3. Up on the Housetop. just fun.
Favorite version: Jackson 5 (this Christmas album defined my holidays as a child)

4. O' Come all Ye Faithful. gorgeous.
Favorite version: Celine Dion

5. White Christmas. never goes out of style
Favorite version: Bing Crosby (of course!)

Honorable Mentions:
-Angels We Have Heard on High by Donny Osmond. c'mon it's Donny.
-Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Luther Vandross. all you need is some hot cocoa.
-The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting) by Nat King Cole.

TOP 5 "NON-TRADITIONAL" CHRISTMAS SONGS:

1. Last Christmas. love it love it love it.
Favorite version: Savage garden

2. All I want for Christmas is you. when those jingle bells kick in I smile everytime.
Favorite version: Mariah Carey

3. This Christmas. soulful.
Favorite version: Christina Aguilera

4. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays. fun fun fun.
Favorite version: N'Sync. :)

5. Grown Up Christmas List. such a good song.
Favorite version: Monica

Honorable Mentions:
-Funky Funky Christmas by NKOTB. The st.nick rap part is the best
-Christmas Don't Be late by Alvin and the Chipmunks. "gee i want a hula-hoop"
-River by Robert Downey Jr. kind of a depressing song, but perfect for those "lonely" holidays.

you can dance right through your life...

well it didn't work. dominic did not fall in love with me, and I was forced to drive back home. sad day.

The concert was amazing though, and so much fun. Getting there and driving back was a different story. With ugly snowy conditions on Snoqualmie Pass, rush hour traffic from Bellevue to Everett, and completely retarded drivers it took us 4+ hours to get to the events center. It was well worth it though, as our seats were amazing (once the "even though we are on the second row we need to stand up for every performance" people were forced to sit down), and the performances were just as exciting as they were on tv. Dominic, of course, was hilarious and completely blew me away with his solo (song choice: Bel Biv Devoe's Poison). The breakin' performance choreographed and performed by Dominic, Hok, and Sara was also a personal highlight. Lacey was injured, so she didn't dance much (no biggy), except to perform her latin number with Danny (hip-hip chin-chin) and the highly over-rated daddy-daughter routine with Neil. Jesus, Hok, Anya, and Shauna, all not in the top 10, were there to fill-in for dancers and perform. Which meant we got to see the hummingbird/flower routine with Hok and Jaime, and the Vagabond dance with Jesus and Hok which I was way excited about. I was a little upset though that I didn't get to see the "Waiting on the World to change" dance live...okay not really.

Leaving the concert I was dumbfounded by the amount of stupidity and ridiculous driving skills that many people possess. On two separate occasions cars stopped in the middle of a street to "wait" for their passengers. Also, many drivers felt the need to stop and let every person in a 100 yard radius cross the street before they would even attempt to keep the flow of traffic moving. insane. Luckily I am a defensive yet aggressive driver and with my cunning use of car horns, yelling, sarcastic comments, and constant forward movement I was able to navigate my way through the traffic and hit the road home. We arrived home about 2:45 am and I hit the sack.

dancing through life...

Tonight is the night! I get to watch Dominic "D-trix" Sandoval live....yippee. For weeks he danced himself into my heart on "so you think you can dance" and now I get to see him and the other dancers dance live. I am seriously so excited. We head over today at 3:00, in time to grab some dinner, and get to the arena. I am sitting on row 15, so I think if I put out the "vibe" strong enough Dominic may realize that he loves me...what do you think? anyway here is the video of my favorite performance of his from the season. I heart Dominic.

santa clause is coming to town...

In light of the holiday season which is among us I decided to post a blog I had written a couple years ago on a previous blog site. Many of you never got a chance to read it and since my thoughts (as crazy as they may be) still hold true today, I thought I would share..
so enjoy...

My worst nightmare involves clowns and Santa clause

I love Santa, don't get me wrong, but you couldn't pay me enough money to get on the lap of some stranger in the mall and take a picture, let alone let kids hop up on "potential molester" guy's lap for the season's greetings picture you send to family and friends. I hate Santa Clause's in the mall. I hate them for some of the same reasons I hate clowns. They are these iconic characters that you love without prejudice, when in fact you have no idea who is in the suit or the make-up.

You don't know if jolly old' st. nick is "homeless Henry" or "child molester Charlie" 330 days out of the year who somehow was able to sell enough pop cans to afford a used Santa suit and white beard and get a temp job at the local mall. And yet you freely sit.. or even worse...put your innocent children on his "welcoming" lap, and let him rub your backs as he asks with his alcohol laden breath, "now what do you want for Christmas?" I’ll tell you what I want...I want a car, a TV, and my innocence back you perv, now stop touching me!


You have no idea if minks the clown whose parading around the local fair is really "Merv the Perv" who freaked you out the day before as he smoked, stared creepily, and somehow managed (with his high school dropout IQ) to work the carousel, and now it's his turn to wear the red nose, over-sized shoes, and creepy perma-grin. You don't know...and yet you smile, laugh, give hugs, and let him tickle or poke you, and you think it's fun and cute. Why?


Perhaps I am just cynical? Perhaps I need to see the beauty that.... Nope. They are creepy!

Your hand in mine, we walk the miles...Thanks to you it will be done

TOP 5 SIMPLE THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR: (part 3 of a 3 part mini-series)

1-5. Family. Of course right? Thursday night my mom and brother Jared joined me and my friends for a night of karaoke. My top moments of the night, are good examples of why I love them: my brother Jared, with his sense of humor and entertaining personality joined me and my friend Emily for an amazing rendition of "we are the world" complete with bob dylan, bruce springsteen, cyndi lauer, michael jackson, tina turner, and al jarreau voice imitations. Then my mom, with her motown soul and rhythmic feet, stood up and danced by the table as my friend Emily sang "let's get it on". so awesome. My sister Kimmy, with her good heart and joyful diposition, called to tell me she had been listening to the Boyz II Men motown cd I had sent her (which I praised in an earlier post) all morning and she loves it as much as I do. She even sang and danced to it with Elsie, and I think Elsie may be a second-generation fan. :) When Mitch, with his chill demeanor, was here for a couple days he let me lay by him on the couch to snuggle as we watched "Gossip Girl" (my choice--not his), and then took me out to dinner. Aaron, who is fun and silly, says the most ridiculous jokes that he thinks are so funny, and although they are completely silly I laugh every time because he is so happy with himself. Lindsay, with her friendly personality and talkative spirit, is always so interested in peoples lives, and never fails to asks me about my friends and the events I go through, I love talking about random stuff with her because she is always there to listen.

You were right there...And I thank you (thank you)

TOP 5 SIMPLE THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR: (part 2 of a 3 part mini-series)

1.The Dentist. The joy I get the first time I rub my tongue across my freshly cleaned and buffed teeth is indescribable. I've never had a bad experience at the dentist, so to me these people- this experience- is so refreshing. Plus the constant compliments about my clean, straight, and cavity-free teeth that come my way each visit helps the ego a little bit...which is always a plus.

2. Scarves. I can't wear turtlenecks, necklaces, or collared shirts because I feel like they are slowly choking me to death, but scarves...for some reason scarves are different. Maybe it's because I own a couple really cute really soft scarves and love to show them off at winter time, but I love getting all bundled up with a scarf on when it's cold outside (like this morning)

3. Lotion. I currently have 5 different scents of lotion in my purse, along with about 15 other scents sitting on my desk in my room. I have an addiction, but I love it. I love the feel of soft skin, and I love smelling delicious. I get a high every time I walk into Bath and Body works, because I can smell all the scents that will soon be purchased and taken home. Everyday brings a new scent, or a combination of scents that I have put together special.

4. Movie Musicals. Glorious cinematography, catchy tunes, and brilliant costuming--this movie genre has so much to offer. I am excited to see the resurgence of movie musicals as blockbuster gold, and the new audience that it is reaching, but I love the fact that I have been a fan since childhood. Movies such as Annie, Little Shop of Horrors, Wizard of Oz, Newsies, West Side Story, Grease, Funny Girl, Sound of Music, and even Grease 2 gave me an appreciation for this magnificent film genre. And now with such films as Chicago, Dreamgirls, Moulin Rouge, Hairspray, Across the Universe, Rent, and coming soon Sweeney Todd...men/women/and children across the globe are realizing the beauty as well.

5. Naturally Curly Hair. If there is one thing that I can claim a slight OCD about it's my hair. My day's mood is determined by how my hair looks, and I will spend as much time as needed to make sure it looks amazing. But the awesome thing is, having naturally curly/wavy hair means that I always have a Plan B. I love the fact that no matter what, IF ALL GOES WRONG, I just scrunch, spray, and go.

and I...want to thank you

in honor of the upcoming holiday here is my...

TOP 5 SIMPLE THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR: (part 1 of a 3 part mini-series) :)

1. My friends. Nette's kindness and good heart, Michelle's odd sense of humor that makes me laugh on a daily basis, Emily's soulful voice that makes me smile and her willingness to be the butt of every joke, and Aubrey's fun and playfulness. These girls are my core and I'm glad we found each other (ahhhh...we just had a moment)

2. Modern Electronics. I have no idea how I survived life without an IPOD and DVR. They make my life of entertainment gluttony so much easier.

3. Driving. So far my car has been good to me and has provided me with so many memories. I love to drive, whether short distances across town or on long road trips to exciting destinations. Getting behind the wheel and settling in to the perfect driving position, makes me feel so in control. Sometimes its the perfect selection of music, or the sound of the open road echoing through the silence, or the laughter coming from passengers as we discuss our favorite topics...either way, driving is one of favorite past times, and I am thankful I have the ability and the means to do it on regular basis.

4. My job. Who knows what the future will bring so it will be nice to look back on this time and remember how awesome I had it. The people are so fun, my boss is amazing, and everything is so laid back which makes dealing with even the hardest patient totally worth it.

5. Stephen's brand Mint Hot Chocolate. So delicious. One of the only things that make me excited for the cold winter season.

I...I live among the creatures of the night...

I have come to the conclusion that I am NOT an animal lover. In a world of political correctness, where animals are considered, by many, as equal to humans, I dare to say....no they aren't.

I am sitting at home last night watching a couple different reality shows, (america's most smartest model and the amazing race) where challenges involving animals were played, and all I kept thinking about was how smelly, disgusting, and annoying these animals were. It hit me with 100% certainity. I am not an animal lover. I have no desire to calmly caress a camel's nipple in order to extract a bowl full of milk,

nor do I have a need to play nice with a chicken

or worse yet...an ostrich.

I love Ellen Degeneres, but after hearing all the drama about the adopted dog, all I wanted to say was "it's a FREAKIN' DOG...get over it".

Through the years, our family has owned a couple dogs and some cats, and I have enjoyed (for the most part) these animals. But could I take them or leave them....yes. I don't get attached to animals. In my head they are a lesser species, one that darts stupidly in front cars, eats their own poo, and makes obnoxious noises into the night air for no apparent reason. I love zoos, because the animals are in seclusion and I don't have to interact with them. Instead I can just stare at them through a glass window like a scientist watching a lab rat. I'm not saying that animals are not amazing creatures that are wondrous to watch, but I like my animals at a distance. I don't let the dogs kiss me on the mouth or eat off my silverware, and forget about letting them on my lap if they aren't smelling good. No...animals have a long way to go before I consider them "one of my own".

We both know why we're here I see in your eyes...

FYI: for those of you that were interested in watching Legally Blonde: the musical. It is replaying on MTV this Thursday Nov. 22nd at 10:00am and 5pm (PST). Again, I was impressed with this musical and can't get the music out of my head... so check it out....you don't want to miss the "Bend and Snap" number.

Motownphilly's back again...

Two of my favorite things in the whole world have collided in what I believe is a gift directly sent from heaven. Boyz II men (one the greatest r'n'b groups of all time, and my personal #1) have come out with a Motown tribute album and it is amazing. I have been listening to it for the last couple of days, and a smile permeates my face all day. Their soulful vocals combined with the hits of motown that I grew up on make this album one of my favorites and a pure classic. Their version of "Easy" "Ribbon in the sky" and "Just my imagination (running away with me)" have the simplicity of the originals with the the smooth harmonies of a typical Boyz II men slow jam. These boys have been putting out amazing songs for over a decade, and in my opinion, still got what it takes.

Do you really know what it's like to be me...

14 things you may not know about me
(takin' the "7 things" list to the next level)

1. I have weird eating rituals. I eat in sections and don't move on until that food section is completed. I tend to eat the foods that taste the worst cold first. I also eat certain foods in layers, for example, Mcdonalds hamburgers (bun, then meat, then bun) and twinkies (cake then inside filling).

2. I only sleep on one side of the bed and barely move around. In the mornings, I can usually just fold up the blankets on the one side and my bed is perfectly made. this works great for me, because I am also weird about having my sheets laying perfectly straight across my body while I sleep.

3. I stopped biting my nails as a child after reading the Berenstain bears book "The Berenstain Bears and the Bad Habit".

4. When I was a child I desperately wanted to be a solid gold dancer. In fact, one time in church they were going around the room asking what everyone wanted to be when they grew up. Most girls said mommies, I confessed my need to be a solid gold dancer...the teacher told my mom afterwards that that show was inappropriate.

5. I used to be a math nerd. In third grade I tested out of math and was sent to a 6th grade classroom to continue my math studies. I studied with that same teacher until I was in his 6th grade class, by then I was helping him teach the class math out of the book while he gave me separate projects to work on.

6. I often entertain myself by playing a game called "six degrees of separation". I try to link two different actors or actresses in the lowest amount of actors as possible (with a maximum of six). For example, you can link chevy chase to jake gyllenhaal in two actors (chevy to martin short in three amigos-martin to dennis quaid in innerspace-dennis quaid to jake in the day after tomorrow) or katherine heigl to patrick swayze in three actors (katherine to gerard depardieu in my father the hero, gerard to andie mcdowell in green card, andie to emilio estevez in st. elmo's fire, emilio to patrick in the outsiders). this game is all done in your head, and if you can't remember the movie title or actors full name you cannot use them.

7. I hate shopping. Nothing puts me in a bad mood faster than setting foot inside a mall. So to eliminate multiple trips or too much time searching for items, I buy a shirt or pair of shoes I like in every color they have. As you can imagine, my wardrobe doesn't have much style variation.

8. The longest relationship I have had was my 3rd to 5th grade boyfriend Shawn Osborne. It started out with him breaking my ruler and having to buy me a new one...the relationship blossomed from there. We hung out all the time, bought massive presents for each other on holidays, and I even went on vacations with him and his family.

9. During college I changed my major four times. I started out as an english major, changed to home and family, then home/family with secondary teaching, then graduated in sociology.

10. I get panic attacks. Most of them are pretty mild, with just difficulty breathing and very shaky. But one time I was brought to the hospital via ambulance....that wasn't so cool. Good thing I don't stress out that much.

11. My freshman year of college I trained myself to sleep sitting up so I could take naps during class breaks without messing up my hair. I have a general rule that I don't get ready twice in one day, so this skill comes in handy. Currently, I don't sit up anymore but I do know how to nap and not mess up my hair.

12. I didn't know how to ride a bike until I was in the 5th grade and was required to learn for a bike field trip the whole class was taking. We grew up a on a ridiculously steep hill and never wanted to learn before then.

13. All throughout childhood and into my teenage years I thought "Egypt" was possibly the coolest name for a child and was convinced my first girl would have that name. (hmmm...perhaps this is why I don't have children)

14. When I was about 12 my sister Kim and I racked up a 500$ phone bill calling 976-hits (a music trivia phone line) and 976-easy (a social phone line where people talked to each other but kim I would just listen to conversations). The funny part is when my mom got the bill she first thought my brother jared was calling sex hotlines. I dominated that music trivia thing though, and to this day am still waiting for my prizes to come.

O' Canada...my home and native land?

So what do three single girls do on a saturday with no plans?


Head to Canada eh!

Saturday morning, I

headed with my friends
Michelle

and Emily

on a day trip to Canada. We had no agenda just a Canadian musical artist mix on the ipod (nickelback was excluded) and a need for excitement and adventure. Shania Twain, Nelly Furtado, Bryan Adams, Celine Dion, Barenaked Ladies, and Avril Lavigne entertained us during the bleak drive through northern Washington (I had forgotten that Canada also gave us the hip-hop artist Snow and his one hit "Informer"....dang it). We drove through Osoyoos (Canada's only desert), Oliver (Canada's largest wine country and home to a Mosque....fascinating right?)

(We were going to park the car and take a picture, but got the sudden feeling that we were not welcome... so this picture was taken very quickly by Michelle from the passenger side window, as apparently the muslim men weren't to keen on three white young women hanging around their building....who knew?)

and Penticton (where we had an amazing lunch at Earl's).



We then hit the mall to buy souvenirs and headed home. Getting into Canada was so easy that we expected getting back into our homeland to be even easier...who knew that the homeland security agent would be skeptical that three young girls went up to Canada for a few hours with no good reason?

After answering questions about how I knew my roadtrip mates, how long we had been friends, why we came to Canada (a question he asked multiple times), and where we grew up... he finally decided we were okay to enter.

As we started our drive back to Moses Lake-- Neil Diamond's "America" blared.

"Far, we've been travelin far.
Without a home, but not without a star"


We got home, took a three hour nap, went out dancing, then hung out talking until 3:30 am.

All in a days work for a girl like myself.

That's fine with me...Just let me be...Legally Blonde

This past weekend I noticed that MTV was showing "Legally Blonde the musical" and of course I taped it. Monday night, em wizzle, nette nette, and I went to dinner then sat down to watch it (it was our own personal girls night FHE). We are all huge musical fans, and were excited but a little skeptical of this motion picture to broadway version of Legally Blonde. But it was AMAZING. did you cry at the movie? yeah neither did I, but add in some melody and great lyrics and you have me and em wizzle shedding tears as elle quits law school after being kissed by her boss. tragic.

This musical is so funny, so well written, and the music is catchy and so fun. I would highly suggest looking on MTV (you know they love replaying things over and over and over again) and watching it. We were thoroughly impressed!
favorite songs include: serious, legally blonde, so much better, there!right!there! (with lyrics that ask gay or european?) and what you want.

Never knew I had such a lesson to learn...

"i'm feeling good from my head to my shoe,
know where i'm going and i know what to do,
i've tidied up my point of view,
i've got a new attitude" -Patti Labelle

I usually don't like to talk to much about personal stuff, the attention- whether good or bad- from others makes me uncomfortable and self-conscious, but something miraculous has happened in my life and I felt the need to share.
As many of you know 6 months ago, I decided to take control of my life, and my weight, and I received the lap-band surgery in order to change my unhealthy lifestyle and become the woman on the outside that I was on the inside. I realized that, unfortunately, the world isn't fair and as much as I would like to believe that socially I could succeed on my "amazing" personality alone, I realized I couldn't and needed help. What a difference it has made. 6 months later and I am feeling wonderful. The road hasn't been easy, I've had to cut out a lot of foods that had become best friends and emotional crutches when I needed them. I have missed them, I don't know if those cravings will ever end, but I am a strong person and have finally learned the ability to say "no thank you". It has been so worth it. I feel like I have truly made a lifestyle change and I see the difference every day. I have cut out my once necessary daily "naps", go to bed earlier, have energy throughout the day, get attention from boys, and can "drop it likes it hot" on the dance floor and not get winded. I love my life.
So on to the news....
I bought my first pair of jeans from a regular store yesterday! size 14. To many of my "non-weight challenged" readers, this may seem uneventful, but for me-a girl who hates spending money on clothes yet has had to buy jeans from plus-sized specialty stores since she can remember- this is a huge accomplishment. I don't remember the last time I could buy clothes in regular sizes, and it feels so good to finally be able to. The total amount of my weight loss is a mystery, since I never weigh myself as to avoid becoming a "numbers" person instead of a "how I feel person", but for the record-I am down from a 20 to a 14 in pants and a XXL to a M in shirts. Amazing.
I am so thankful for the courage and strength I have been given to accomplish my goals and the support of family and friends each day. I still have a ways to go until I reach my final goal, but these little victories, these small accomplishments give me the drive I need.

Before:


After:

(this picture is a movie re-enactment from atop the "rocky" stairs in philadelphia----and not a cheesy "biggest loser" I DID IT picture)

do you remember the time...

TOP 20 FAVORITE MEMORIES OF MY BIG BROTHER JARED:
1. as children, riding around on our toys with buckets on our heads, and star wars action figures in our mouths.....we are retarded.

2. growing up, being known to others as simply "jared's little sister". you were really cool...so hey it worked for me! too bad you couldn't help me out in high school.

3. making fun of your ridiculously random halloween costumes you put together from a young age to the present. ever heard of just going with ONE idea?

4. as children, sneaking play time with your nintendo while you were gone, because i couldn't afford your prices to play and didn't want to "pay" for it. poor kim wasn't so smart...you really made some money off of her.

5. peaking through your cork wall at 9536 while you and your hot friends (ah! chris warren) hung out in your room.

6. kicking kim out of the room in high school while we watched movies or NBA basketball.

7. laughing at the sunburn you got in hawaii when you and mom took me to school. apparently you thought it would be a good idea to "lay out" with socks and shoes on...but no sunscreen. brilliant!

8. being so jealous that you took breakdancing lessons while I was stuck with jazz and ballet.

9. taking a personal vow to never again ride a sled after seeing you cut your head open going under a car one winter at 9536.

10. watching you and tyson woodruff compete for the "largest" graham cracker gingerbread house every christmas. oh the amount of candy and frosting that was used...disgusting.

11. getting free ice cream when you worked at dairy queen. although i remember a couple times going there and you were out.....how does dairy queen RUN OUT OF ICE CREAM?

12. stealing $1/$5 bills off your dresser when you worked as a pizza delivery driver. you never noticed....i am good.

13. waiting in anticipation for your amazing (and long) letters from your mission and sharing them with all my friends (i was the one with cool and funny brother). we loved your "you know your a mormon if" columns and your random drawings.

14. being afraid you would be weird after your mission, but then realized you were not only really funny and not shy anymore...but that you became a little ho-ish. impressive.

15. being your "movie buddy" for a few years, until you got "good" on me.....thanks. that didn't help with my abandonment issues at all.

16. tears coming down from laughter as you cried in agony after mixing taco bell and chocolate milk on a roadtrip up to sandpoint.

17. the loud "bathroom noises" that emerged when we finally reached the cabin at sandpoint. remember the rest of us trying to quietly sneak in as people are sleeping, but you destroying the bathroom and then realizing the toilet didn't flush. (oh i'm laughing even now)

18. my awesome intricately drawn cards you used to make me for my birthday. i still think an "angie basketball association" would totally work.

19. working with you for a couple months at the doctor's office after we graduated from college. you were the worst receptionist and embarrassed yourself all the time, but you got the whole office to participate in a football bowl pool, did movie trivia with me during the boring days, and made everyone laugh on a daily basis.

20. watching you, as children, take hours to complete a game. ANY KIND. boards games (oh my gosh, i still can't play risk to this day), arcade games (you could play for hours on one quarter), choose your own adventure (your kind of books required notepads and intricate note taking), invention games (i still remember the nintendo game you designed complete with graphics...how old were you?..nerd)



HAPPY BIRTHDAY JARED!

i'm amazed by you...

The AMAZING RACE 12 started again last night, and I am so excited. This is one of my favorite reality shows. I often think about how awesome it would be to go on this show, but then I remember that I am afraid of heights, can't even climb fences, have issues with weird food textures, and don't "run"....so that kills that dream...but I would be good comic relief. it's still to early to decide who the"frontrunners" will be, but here are my personal thoughts:

I really like: brother and sister team Azaria and Hendekea. They are smart, athletic, and genuinely nice people. I hope they do well. Plus I am always impressed with siblings who go on this show together and can get along.


I am surprised I like: goth couple Kynt and Vyxsin. They look strange, and frankly I am a little depressed that Kynt looks better with make-up than I do, but they seem nice and are good competitors so I am anxious to see how they do.


I couldn't stand: gay guy and fag hag Ari and Staella. So glad they got eliminated. I am pretty open minded about things, but I don't think I could handle his overly-stereotypical "gay man" cattiness all season.


I am anxious to see: what "dating" couple explodes first. These teams are always the most entertaining to watch, cause they always come to the brink of "breaking up" at some point during the show. so much dysfunction...and so entertaining.