The Fabulous Life of Rebecca

Zach!!!

2011-09-04T11:07:00.002-06:00

My Brother Zach came home from his mission this past May from the Eugene Oregon mission and we were so excited! I got off work early and went to meet everyone gathering up at the Airport to welcome him home.

I have photo's I promise but again I think Jenny took most of them so you will have to wait for her to send me them.

The waiting was not fun...it took forever and there were all these families waiting around for their missionary to make it home as well, finally it was Zach's turn...He would be of course one of the last missionaries off the plane but once we saw him on the escalator we freaked out cheering and crying.

Mom and Dad got him first, and Mom was so excited to have her baby boy home! Hugs all around and then we headed home to eat tacos and enjoy having him around.

Sunday we headed down to Springville for Zach's talk ( He left from Springville so he reported in S-ville.) It was nice to visit that ward, Zach gave an excellent talk and then the massive amounts of people who came to hear him headed back to Provo to eat yummy food at our house and to visit.

I am so glad Zach is home and we have had a good time getting back into the swing of things. Zach is now working with me and I am so proud of him and everything he does!

Zach rocks!!

April with no Photos

2011-09-04T10:42:00.002-06:00

I swear that I took photo's of this month and I know I have a video somewhere of my Mom's 50th party but I can't find them just now so here is a run down of the rest of April.

Mom's actual Birthday:

My Mom turned 50 this year and as she is amazingly awesome Us as kids decided we wanted to do something extra special for us, so we had this necklace made with all our birthstones in it in the shape of a heart, we kept it secret and hid it so well she never saw it coming.
On her birthday those of us in Utah gathered at home for what seemed a normal birthday with cake and presents, at the end of the gift giving we were like "oh there is one more" and we handed her this little gift bag. When she opened it and saw what it was she cried and cried, she loved it! Success!
We then had cake and ice cream and it seemed like the big 5-0 was done but oh she did not know what was coming next.

Mom's 50th Surprise Party:

My Dad had been talking about doing a party for my mom for so long and we had a video ready for her and everything, we were ready to go when it came birthday time. We wanted it to be a big surprise so we had Mom's birthday like normal and then 2 days later came her party, Jenny had the cakes ready to go and I grabbed the decorations, Dad took her to his UVU final and the family came in droves. We had the family park down the street and we did "drills" until they pulled up. Mom was all "Where did the girls go?" and then walked into the family room to a loud "Surprise!!". Mom was so shocked! It was brilliant! We ate cake and sang Happy Birthday and then Dad pulled out the video, it is so cute I will post it if I get a copy soon.

We love our Mom and it was fun to do stuff for her for a change rather then her just serving us.

Uncle Ben:

My awesome Aunt Linnea got married in Hawaii the weekend before my Mom's birthday to a nice guy named Ben, kinda funny to have an Uncle Ben but we like him :) I wish we could have been there when she got married but alas we couldn't make it. We had a reception for her in May and it was nice to celebrate this change in her life with her. Besides like I said we think Ben is pretty cool :)

That was pretty much it for April, it was pretty busy :0

Back Post: Purple Photo Shoot 4/3/2011

2011-09-04T10:04:00.009-06:00

My sister Jenny has taken up photography in the last year or so and she is actually quite good, after I had quit my job at Infomercials Inc I decided that I wanted to change...so I cut my hair and Jenny then suggested that we do a sister photo shoot. We wore my favorite color purple and headed up to the new walk way on BYU campus to have some fun.

Here is Jenny our Photographer.

True to our nature as girls and Curtis's we um...goof offed when it was not our turn to be shot, Thus we took some silly shots throughout the shoot. This being the massive pile of shoes that we took off to walk in the stream.

Hannah was wearing this big fake ring and wanted a picture with it and Abby was loving her big hair..hence this picture, it looks a little creepy but gorgeous!

This was our big try at a Beatle-like shot, yes we held up traffic to get this picture.

It was not all silly-ness, we got some great photos out of it and here is the nice one of me ( you may have seen this on my blog banner..)

The end result was actually really nice we had a great time shooting and we looked amazing so it was a good day.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T20:55:00.003-06:00

Today is that day where we get to think and thank that one person who gave you life:

MOTHERS

So to my own dear Madre this I say:

Mom, thank you for reading to me and for opening my mind to far off places and people, to ideas and to thinking.

Thank you for the music I was surrounded by from the Eagles, the Beach Boys, John Denver and the Safety Kids. For the movies we watched, quoted and loved and for the popcorn that came with it.

Thank you for being my ultimate and literal teacher for being patient through math and my short attention span.

Thank you for letting me be dramatic and for loving to dance and sing off balence and off key, for being my audience.

Thank you for showing me that a woman can be soft and strong, kind and powerful, important and charitable.

Thank you for letting me cry and for always cleaning up my messes, for listening and for caring about the lame things in my life. For laughing at my jokes.

Thank you Mom for everything!

I want to also give a shout out to those other awesome women in my life that are Mother's and there is no possible way to name you all but thank you for being such great examples to me!

Go Mothers!!

I want to be a Princess

2011-05-02T21:14:00.007-06:00

So after work Thursday I ran home threw on my new sweats and jumped into bed...at 3:00 in the afternoon? what? You see...I then woke up around 11:00pm to climb into my car and drive down to my grandmothers...what on earth could spur this change of schedule? There could only be three things that it could be on April 29,2011.

1. A gorgeous dress that the world has been talking and speculating about for 4 months!

2. A Wedding of the highest importance....

3. A ROYAL WEDDING!!!

I was tired and I fell asleep on grandmas couch before it started and during the forever long ride from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace.....other than that I watched the whole darn, amazing thing!

It was FABULOUS! oh I adore this couple who not only are royalty...(if you don't know that I adore royalty...then you should talk to me more) but so obviously in love. Watching their wedding was better than any chick flick I have watched ever. Sad. Slightly...so on to the wedding what details did I love?

1. THE DRESS! This Sarah Burton designed, Grace Kelly inspired dress was all I could ever want in a wedding dress for a princess...don't believe me? Take a look at this:

I mean how do you not love this dress? The whole outfit was PERFECT: the tiara, the veil, the shoes, the hair, the train length....just so amazing! Plus Kate even let her sister look amazing....I will admit that when I saw that Pippa was wearing white I was not a fan but oh wow it looked so good!

2. The Little Moments: The couple had so many little moments in the ceremony and all the time in between and I loved it! True LOVE! some of my favs were:

-Kate was walking down the aisle and Prince Harry turned to look and then whispered to his brother and they both grinned...what did he say?

-Everytime Kate had to move, kneel or get out of a carriage or walk down stairs William was right there to help her..so cute!

-During the sermon after the vows the camera caught William turning and winking at Kate....WOW!

-Here is a picture of another cute moment; when Kate and her Dad got to the alter William leaned toward her and whispered something to her...so adorable!

There was alot that happened during the wedding but the most anticipate?

3.The Wedding Kiss. The couple are so cute and not at all PDA overkill so it was sweet to see 2 simple cute kisses...yay!

I totally love the look on the little girl's face...she is so bored and done with the wedding!

Well, They are married and I hope they live happily ever after! Here are my favorite of the official wedding photos.

So Royal......

So I do know how silly this post is but come on...how many times in my lifetime is this going to happen? And in our world of wars and political mud slinging it was nice to see some happiness...let me enjoy it people!

March? When did that happen?

2011-04-26T22:37:00.006-06:00

I know that I have not been the best at keeping up with my blog....don't guilt trip me....
Well the past Month or so there have been so many changes in my life that I haven't had

time to keep up with everything.

After many interviews lots of praying and weekly nervous breakdowns I was finally offered a new job, so I said goodbye to Infomercials, Inc. and on April 4th started my new job working in the billing department at BlueHost.

What is that you do one may wonder? Well, here it goes so try to keep up :)BlueHost is a webhosting company which means it has server space for people to rent to create websites.

I do the billing, so I take inbound calls all day long and answer questions between "What did I just get charged for?" to things like "I forgot my password" to "Let me talk to a Manager!"

We deal with ownership issues, chargebacks, payment, canceling accounts, and so much more! Now you are probably thinking...uh Becca you worked at an office that seemed awesome why would you go back to a call center-ish job?

Well, at bluehost I make more andI have benefits and it is an amazingly comfortable work environment, angry people on the phones sometimes yes but honestly...once the call is done it is over and I leave work with hardly any stress at all. Plus I am headed back to school and now I can work full time and go to school as well.

Also I have the most amazing schedule...I work 6am to 2:30pm M-Th and then Saturdays. I love it!
I have not been very open about the verbal and emotional abuse that I have faced at my other job, while I loved some of my co-workers with all my heart! (Loren...Steve...Randy...Emerson..Gary) there have been some individuals that have made my life hell, literally. I am usually a pushover person (not one of my favorite things about me) and I try to put up with crap until I just can't take it anymore. I was working 50+ hours weeks with the emotional stress of twice that amount, trouble sleeping, high blood pressure, crying and seriously questioning my abilities were just a part of my daily routine. NOW? I go to work and I enjoy what I do, I get compensated for it and I don't have the same stress level and yet I am exceling. I didn't realize how bad it had become until I was sitting in the Temple between jobs and I felt a peace that I hadn't in such a long time. This was a great move!

Before the new job I spent almost all of March trying to get over the worst round of sickness ever..RSV? Pnuemonia? (sp?) I had all of it! basically I felt like:

Yes, life felt like this.....gross I know!

Another big change? well my car died....I know I sound like a broken record but I am serious..the starter went out and that was the last straw. I hated not knowing if I could make it to Orem and back without something falling out of the engine or if I was going to be able to start my car every morning so the search was on.

I have been thinking about a new car since December's car melt down but haven't had the time to deal with it. so......I finally called my Grandma, she had talked with me about helping me get a car loan and I told her how I wanted a car I can count on and she agreed. I called and looked and nothing was working out in my budget range so in frustration I expanded a little...on March 15 I got on KSL to see a X-Terra that had been posted literally moments before...Cute...check...Price...check.....History....check. I called the owner right then and got a time to come look at it, then I called my Padre and he agreed to come look it over as well.

It was love at first sight, silver and shiny, smaller suv, power but cute. it was not the Honda Pilot I have been dreaming about but oh it was so close! we drove it and my parents loved it too (Mom was so jealous!!) as soon as we got back I made an offer...it was $2,000 below bluebook so I took it.

Meet my new baby:

Beautiful right? this is not the actual car but it looks just like it.

So...Much more has and will be happening in my life and I am re-dedicating myself to you dear blog...here is just a smattering of what is to come:

*General Conference

*Mom's 50th Birthday

*Photo Shoot with Girls

*Aunt Linnea's Wedding...Reception to follow in May

*Zach is coming home!

*Spring in general...goals for Summertime.

Stay tuned folks as always my life is one exxciting ride :)

February Recap

2011-03-02T22:06:00.002-07:00

Hey so I am trying to be better about posting but oh well it is just what it is. So here is a quick blurp about some stuff that happend in February:

*I got sick: and by this I mean I got sick right after Valentines Day and I am still coughing and just now getting over feeling like royal junk all the time. Bleh!

*TRUMAN ROBERT HUFF: On Feb. 10 my sister Megan had her baby! There are pictures of him on her blog and he is so darn cute!! Topher is his older brother and so this makes 2 cute Huff boys and 4 Nephews for me!! YAY!

*Another Baby: I don't know this one's name yet...but my friend Ashley had her 3rd baby a week after Megan and I am super excited to meet this little one as soon as I am all better!

*My car broke down again: so my car likes to die and then be revived by the able hands of Ray our car dude. it is getting to be an old pattern and I am tired of it so...the search is on for a new car yay! more on that as the hunt narrows.

*Facebook: so after a year absence on Facebook (blah) I am back on and this time I am not friending everyone (if you really are my friend than yes..look me up). I had stopped thinking in terms of status updates and now I am struggling to post...oh technology you will be the death of me!

*Reading: I have picked up again on my reading and am doing quite well, I read The Bell Jar, My Sister's Keeper (again, and the 2nd time it sucked too) and some random awesome books...I love reading!

so thats just a few things that have been going on in my life, it is kinda dull right now but I can smell summer!

And I thought I KNEW books

2011-02-20T11:17:00.003-07:00

Yesterday the girls in my family whom are still in Utah went up to my Aunt Linneas Bridal Shower and on the way up we stopped ot drop off some movies and a book for my cousin Kirk. Kirk has a heart issue and I don't even think the specialist he is going to see knows what is wrong. it is really sad because he can't do anything now but lay in bed or on a couch, it is hard for him to even sit up. so I wanted to buy him something to read and my Aunt Lauralyn said that he loves Sci-Fi novels and books like the Lord of the Rings and books by Terry Brooks. Only problem there: I am a complete opposite.

Thanks to my sister Megan and the internet I went to Barnes and Noble armed with a VERY short list of authors and a few titles to look at. I went over to the appropriate section of the store and I have never felt so overwhelmed in my life(they were not in alphbetical order at all!), how on earth was I to pick out a book from that section. then the thought came to me: some day I want to be a librarian and if I am going to do that shouldn't I know something about different kinds of books?

A strange looking girl looking for a book finally took pity on me and asked what I was looking for and I handed her the list and she brought me over to where they were. Super nice except then she proceeded to tell me what I should buy (all of them had to do with vampires in space or aliens having babies) Finally I thanked her and grabbed a classic (apparently?) Foundation by Issac Asimov it is then. (Kirk had already read the Hitchhikers Guide books, because that would have been too easy) I ran then back over to the general fiction area and breathed a sigh of relief.....I was home.

Stars

2011-02-10T16:47:00.001-07:00

I love this quote so all I can say is ME TOO.

Presidents by Jonathon Coulton

2011-02-04T10:02:00.002-07:00

Thanks Megan for making life a whole lot more entertaining :)

The Boy with Purple Socks

2011-02-03T21:51:00.002-07:00

I have always been a reader, I can't remember a time before I read and since I was always reading I became quite fast at it. My speed reading talents drove my siblings nuts! When I would finish a book in less time than anyone else in my family my sister Megan would open the book and quiz me on the content. I couldn't help but read fast I pick up a good book and I have to devour it as soon as possible. It is the best kind of addiction I can think of.

Since I have read so many books in my short little life I find that I am always thinking of a book and sometimes I can't even remember what book my thoughts are coming from.

The other day I was doing laundry and I found this pair of sock of mine that are awesome and purple and the first thoughts that came to my mind were from a book I have read so many times. In Harriet the Spy, Harriet is this vivacious girl who is inspired by her nanny Golly to write in her notebooks all the different things about the world and the people around her. Some of the people she meets and watches are so interesting, a man who has so many cats and builds bird cages, or the woman who never leaves her bed and sits on the phone and talks all day long.

Hariett also writes about the kids in her class at school and she writes all about their lives and makes up names for them if she doesn't know them. I stood there holding my pair of purple socks thinking about the boy in her class who she calls the Boy With Purple Socks. she writes the silliest things about him and his taste in socks, it turns out that his mom was so worried that the BIPS (Boy In Purple Socks) would get lost so she wanted to make a purple suit so she could always find him in a crowd...the socks are where he stopped.

Yes this was random but I have been thinking about those socks and that book for days now and I just had to get it out. Gosh I love that book.

New Skills

2011-01-31T22:29:00.002-07:00

So I look at all these wonderful blogs and they are not only interesting but they are so pretty! I quickly came to want my own blog to look as awesome, so what to do: GOOGLE IT! I found this amazing step by step process on how to create your own header using Picasa and I tried it out on the Curtis Girl blog and voila! I do think that both blog headers are so pretty!

*Notes on Pictures in Header: The Group one is of a bunch of friends from my ward when I lived in Blue Condo, we are at the Carnival! Middle picture is my Padre and I during the summer of 2010, and then the last one is of my friend Amanda A and I at the Brandon Flowers Concert Nove 2010.

Colors and Words

2011-01-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

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Letters to the Universe

2011-01-24T19:06:00.002-07:00

Dear Construction Workers,
You may not realize this but with crews and crews of guysout working on what seems like EVERY road in Provo it makes it REALLY hard to get to work in a decent time frame...9th E has become a nightmare and Center St is going to set a record number for how many times I can break in a 10 foot area.
Please finish your project soon!

Tired Driver

People at Work: YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

I am not happy that you got me sick...enjoy the coughing into the phone!

Vindictive Receptionist

To; Jetted Tub at Madre's

If I was into the whole Facebook thing I would totally like this a million times! I have found my one true love! I could lay in you for hours...oh wait I have :) the gloriousness of this tub easied my wretched sickness this weekend...heres to you jetted tub...you beautiful thing you!

Regards,
Glorious Patron...

Dear NY Jets,

You LOST! now I have to rooton the Packers...Take that Ben Rothlesberger!
Super Bowl Super Fan

Super Bowl Halftime Show Pickers:

THANK YOU!! enough of the boring halftime shows..America has paid for the whole "Wardrobe Malfunction" instance...Yay Black Eyed Peas!

Girl who will watch the Halftime Show this year

Dear Universe

Thanks for having my back there pal..and for listening!

Blogger Author

When were you born?

2011-01-06T14:59:00.003-07:00

Birthstones & Characteristics
MONTH GENUINE SIMULATED CHARACTERISTICS
JAN Garnet Garnet Loyalty & Truth
FEB Amethyst Amethyst Dependable Nature
MAR Aquamarine Aquamarine Elegance & Grace
APR Diamond White Zircon Light & Innocence
MAY Emerald Emerald Success & Wealth
JUN Rhodolite Alexandrite Purity
JUL Ruby Ruby Perfection
AUG Peridot Peridot Gladness of Heart
SEP Sapphire Sapphire Prosperity
OCT Pink Tourmaline Rose Zircon Hope
NOV Citrine Golden Topaz Cheerfulness
DEC Blue Zircon Blue Zircon Calm & Faithfulness

Christmas time update...videos and more to come later!

2011-01-04T14:57:00.017-07:00

I am missing a bunch of photos but I have some videos to make up for it that I will post later. every year our family makes Bola which if you didn't know is divine, delicious Swedish Christmas Bread and I love it to death! we make so many and we also do bag and bags full of Gingerbread Cookies...it is so fun to smell the yummy smells in the bakery and it is such a great way to start off the season :)

After frosting and boxing the Bola and bagging and boxing the Gingerbread for the year the kids got kind of crazy in the front of Apple Spice so I made them line up and march around the bakery in the back...they all had a fun time doing it and here they are saluting me...because I am awesome :)

Katy and I looking at the light on Temple Square...I am wearing my new coat and I love it!

Madre and Padre in front of the SLC Temple...30 years of Marriage!

The Curtis Girls (+Kamberlee) in front of the SLC Temple.

Lights on Temple Square...I love this Pic.

I only took this photo at my Ward Christmas Party and I am sad I don't have those other ones...anywho, my Ward went to Aspen Grove for our party this year and we had a band and a guy in my ward was the MC and he was SO funny! we had a super nice dinner and we got to color and talk and it was a great party :)

This Picture is of my Roommate Joni who sang with the Band and she did awesome!

Amanda Atkins was my Date to my Company Christmas Party, We had such a huge party this year...very plush and so fun!

The awesome Presidential Suite at the Waldorf Astoria in Park City!!! So big and pretty!

Loren (our Line Producer), Me and Colleen all matching and looking awesome!

Doug Boyd our Editor and his Wife Patrice, they are so fun..Doug B was our MC and he is so funny!

My Co-Worker Steve and his awesomely amazing wife Rachel! They are both so fun to hang around and so funny!

My Yummy Dinner at the Company Christmas Party: Food should not look this good :) it sure tasted amazing!

My Roommates and I decided to have Christmas this year early since they were all flying home to various destinations...so we made a huge feast and exchanged presents and did stockings. it was a lot of fun to spend time and get to know these girls better and to celebrate CHRISTMAS!!

My Roommates eating our yummy Christmas Dinner!

Toast to 2011!

2011-01-01T12:26:00.003-07:00

2010 was a good year although a little rough around the end but overall a stellar year! So Here is to you 2011, hoping that you bring good things and that I accomplish what I need to :)

(This was taken when we ent country dancing for my birthday this year..the drink is virgin, don't worry!:)

Song for 2011: "Raise Your Glass" by Pink and "FIREWORK" by Katy Perry

Goals:

*NO SODA for the whole year!
*DO 6 week cleanse diet with my Madre
*Take Temple Prep
*Read all Church lesson's before church
*Build up Savings account

This will be a good year!!!

4WD

2010-12-30T09:51:00.002-07:00

Don't worry a Christmas Update is coming just not at the moment. Yesterday I woke up to wet snow and slush all over the roads and my car and it was still coming down. Driving in these conditions was not fun but since I have a Trooper I lived. But Mother Nature did not stop there, around 5:00 last night the temps dropped and the snow came down again....what does this equal? ICE COVERED ROADS!!! it was frightening, I got stuck in my work parking lot and then again just trying to get to my parent house 5 blocks away. Mom, Dad and I were going to dinner and we decided nothing was going to stop us so we jumped in my car since it was running and tried to find a way to Orem. Turns out I was not in 4WD so that was why I was sliding all over the roads...silly me! An hour later than we were supposed to we got to dinner whew! I have never seen so many cars ran off the roads, and this morning the radio said that there were over 100 accidents reported last night in Salt Lake County alone...crazy! Needless to say I spent the night at my parents house and am now at work wearing one of my mother's shirts.....at least I am alive!

Now on to dinner: we went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse which is a new favorite of mine, my boss sent me there for my birthday dinner in October and I have been hooked since, I couldn't wait for my parents to try it! My mom and I are going on a massive diet starting next Monday for 6 weeks so we were having a last feast before that...more on that later :) The food was SO GOOD!!! my parents loved it (of course) and the service is FABULOUS! Even though I had called ahead and we were an hour late they sat us in 10 minutes right in the middle of the Dinner rush! Seriously was a fun night, I highly recommend it!

2010 Year of Good Movies!

2010-12-22T10:07:00.001-07:00

Awesome Video

2010-12-13T09:29:00.002-07:00

I would love to be part of something like this! My favorite is the little girl in pink.

<br/><a href="http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/flash-mob-dances-with-umbrellas/20hx3nut?q=Viral&rel=msn&from=ol_en-us_msnhpc&form=msnhed&gt1=42007&playermode=&ad=&adFull=&adPartial=&timePlaying=&gallery.categoryRequests=videobytag.aspx%3fmk%3dus%26vs%3d0%26ns%3dgallery%26tag%3dv5%2520hero%2520playlist%26sf%3dVideoId%26ipt%3d1&fg=sharenoembed" target="_new"title="Flash mob dances with umbrellas">Video: Flash mob dances with umbrellas</a>

10 Things I love about Christmas!!!

2010-12-09T13:33:00.013-07:00

1. JESUS CHRIST: and here is my #1 the reason for it all, the baby who came and died and now lives for me. I get all teary eyed when I think about it. there is something so humbling and wonderful about that little baby in a stable.

2. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! I need Lights!! I have so many strands of lights and I love them all, from the new looking ones to the year where EVERYONE had those Icicles to the big bulb colored ones and my favorites the all white twinkle ones! I love Lights and I love going to temple square in Salt Lake City and walking around enjoying the lights and the atmosphere. it is heavenly :)

3. Christmas Songs: Day after Thanksgiving I pull out my CD's of Christmas songs to get me in the mood all around me I turn it up! Some of my Favorites are: When Christmas Comes to Town, All I want for Christmas is you, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, The First Noel and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas from Meet Me in St Louis.

4. Christmas Movies: Here are 3 of my favorite Christmas Movies, they really get me in the mood for the season, among the long list of favorites is White Christmas, Holiday Inn, A Christmas Story, A Muppet Christmas Carol and the ultimate classic: It's a Wonderful Life.

5. Ornaments: and for some reason I can't get the photo to work but I love decorating the Christmas Tree with ornaments and this year thanks to Merrick I did a centerpiece with ornaments and I wish I could show you because it turned out great!

6. STOCKINGS! On Christmas Morning we open up our stockings first and it is never full of candy but of the most awesome little gifts and things we need, I love getting a new brush, a hair thing, a new toothbrush etc.. Santa knows we love our stockings the best!

7. Baking Bola and Gingerbread: Every year my Dad and his siblings and their families get together and make(and eat) Gingerbread and Bola (Swedish Christmas Bread) and it is divine and a blast! Not to mention it tastes amazing!

8. SNOW! I love a White Christmas, makes me feel all festive and clean :)

9. I love planning and finding the perfect gifts for those on my list, I think that I like the gift giving WAY more than the getting :)

10. Christmas EVE: I love the night before Christmas almost more than the morning of itself, we eat tacos and celebrate hard core all night long. plus we get new PJ's..it is the most fun all year.

Little Thoughts

2010-12-07T12:14:00.001-07:00

Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.
“Memoirs of a Geisha” by Arthur Golden

Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.
Albert Einstein

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Audrey Hepburn

Books are for people who wish they were somewhere else.
Mark Twain

Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart.
Anne Frank

I like nonsense - it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living. It’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope…and that enables you to laugh at all of life’s realities.
Dr Seuss

The maddest of all is to see life as it is and not as it should be.
Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote

155 and more to go!

2010-12-01T11:33:00.002-07:00

Dum Dee Dum! I have posted 155 times on this blog...wow that feels awesome!

1. Where are you from? Have you lived there your whole life?
I am from Utah County is what I say, I have lived in the following places: Eugene OR, Alpine UT, Lehi UT, Orem UT, Grandma's House in Orem UT, Elberta UT, Springville UT, Mapleton UT,New York NY, Fresno CA, Springville UT, Provo UT...this is not counting moving for college sake....I am in Provo for a while I feel!

2. How would you classify your clothing style?
Comfy, Classic Casual.

3. What kind of car do you drive?
A 1995 Isuzu Trooper and I love it! But I want a Honda Pilot like no body's business!

4. What would your dream home look like if you could have it (or already do!)?
This is an easy and yet complicated answer, thanks to my Father and 4 semesters of interior design I know EXACTLY what I want my dream house to look like...in fact I have drafts of the floorplan and I have a specific idea of what I would do inside..the simple version is I want a 2 story farmhouse...or country look with a massive wide porch in front (the porch is very important to me) I will need:A large kitchen, a family room and a living room, a Master Bedroom on the main floor and at least 4 bedrooms upstairs...needless to say I would love to have an older house and add a porch if needed :)

5. Do you have kids, and if so, how many and how old were you when you had them?
None but I would love some in the next 10 years....I need a man first.

6. What is your favorite hobby?
Reading, and Music(Dancing, Singing, listening) Dancing, Movies...I love Media and it is a good and bad thing :)

7. Are you going to have any New Year’s resolutions for 2011?
Yes...Guess you will have to wait and see:)

8. What is something, if anything, that you’d want to change about yourself?
Physically I would love to motivate myself to look more fit. I love myself though..I could be a better listener, and slow down more...but that comes with time :)

9. What is something that you love about yourself?
I love that I am independent that I don't have to ask to do things and I can make my own decisions. I also love my blonde hair and blue eyes...I am the only one is my family that is a girl that way.

10. Pick one of the following: Someone to cook for you, someone to do your laundry, or someone to do your dishes.
Cook for me!!! I don't mind dishes and I don't mind laundry...in fact I kinda like both...but I am the worst cook which is why I have a horrible eating out habit!

2010-11-24T11:01:00.002-07:00

1. What are your plans for the holidays? Do you travel at Thanksgiving? If you celebrate Christmas, do you travel then, too?
This year for Turkey day I am going with the rest of my family in Utah to my aunt Laurlynns house for Dinner and then we will probably come home and eat another feast later...just to make sure that I sleep in a turkey coma :) for Christmas I will also be staying town with the family, however this year there will be no nephews and Megan and Jared and their families are not coming :(

2. How do you make the plans for the holiday? If you have a significant other, how do you decide which family to visit?
I find out what is planned and it is always spent with my family which I guess will change once I find a significant other....

3. Do you have your Thanksgiving meal at lunch or later in the day?
I prefer it to be in the late to middle afternoon but this year it will be at noon in South Jordan and who knows with the other one....

4. Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
Grandma's Sausage stuffing...it is mandatory! Also we sing a hymn before we eat and I love it!

5. After a big meal do you lounge around or get up and take a walk?
Sleep I choose sleep and visit with fam.

6. Do you shop on “Black Friday” or do you avoid it?
I want to try it someday but I just can't justify the lack of sleep for the sale...

7. When do you usually finish your Christmas shopping?
I like to avoid most of the crazy last minute crowds but I love the shopping hustle and bustle in the middle of the month. it depends on who I get for the sibling exchange but most of the time I am done early.

8. Do you and your significant other exchange gifts? Is there a budget?
I don't have a significant other...I think a set budget or a theme would be fun though:)

9. When do you decorate for the holidays?
Friday after Thanksgiving, on goes the Christmas music and I will be putting up lights and baking cookies!!!

10. Do you go “all out” with the decor or do you keep it simple?
I love lights...I buy so many every year and I keep them in my closet to add to the ones from the previous years...also I will be putting lights up at my desk at work!

After the Storm..

2010-11-24T10:22:00.002-07:00

So the storm was bad up in Salt Lake county but down here in Provo-ville it was windy and the snow fell for only an hour...when I woke up it was barely on the ground at all! Thus it is true, Weather Men Suck!

Let it Snow!!! just not a Blizzard!

2010-11-23T10:48:00.003-07:00

One of the worst storms in years is about to hit this afternoon, power outages and freezing temps and lots of snow. right now it is calm and quiet outside which just makes me more nervous as the it is going to get worst. Please let everyone be over expecting this storm!

Salutations and Hello!

2010-11-16T13:28:00.002-07:00

Here we go some more letters to the World via my blog:

Dear Media Companies,

I am sure that you don't think about it or realize that when you email us over 150 requests for tapes that there is NO WAY that they are all being shipped in 1 day. Let me help you with that math: 1 tape = 30 minutes X 150 = Becca not getting more than 5 hours a sleep a night if that. See the numbers don't add up :) so glad we cleared that up...

Thanks,

Soon to be Dub Coordinator at Infomercials Inc.

On that same Note:

Dear UPS people (you know who you are)

We keep you in business so why do you complain when we drop off tapes to be sent out? it is not only really annoying but it makes me want to switch to FEDEX (I already am mostly)...you are receiving a warning!

Not Happy Customer

Dear King Sized Bed,

I know I have been neglecting you lately and no one feels the pain of that neglect more than me I assure you. I will make time for you during the Thanksgiving holiday and then we will spend lots of time together I promise!

XOXOXOXO,

Sleeper who switched from the right to the left side of the bed this week.

Dear ALIAS,

Season 1 so far has been interesting and I am throughly enjoying watching this show....HONORABLE MENTION: Michael Vartan you are one hot dude!!

Sigh,
Me

Dear Season,

Winter and Fall! Holidays oh how I love you! Thanksgiving is next week and I am so ready to sleep, shop and stuff (me full of yummy foods!)Thanks for being my saving grace this year :)

Hearts,
Jolly Happy ready to Party!

Dear Calendar,

THANK YOU in advance for tomorrow and Thursday and for November coming so quickly, besides my accident and the total exhaustion that I feel this month is going on my good list. Tomorrow is Brandon Flowers Concert! and then it is Harry Potter 7.1 at Midnight!

One....EXCITED LIBRA!

Summer Photos Part 2 The End of Summer 2010

2010-11-13T22:56:00.004-07:00

Here are some images from the 2nd part of my summer, it was a good one :) Lots of fun and hard work and good times! I love me some summertime :)

10 on Tuesday

2010-11-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

1. Who makes your Thanksgiving dinner?
My Mom and Dad do, Dad does the mashed taters and the Turkey and Ham and mom does everything else, with random people chipping in.

2. What is your favorite recipe that includes pumpkin? (Bonus points for including the recipe)
PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES!!!! Yummy times!

3. What are 5 things you want for Christmas?
I want: a ipod dock and charging station with speakers, New York City by Edward Rutherford, a Tea Pot, Independence Day on DVD, a Tea Kettle.

4. Does your family draw names or do you buy for everyone?
We draw names and it is always exciting to see who you get…I got Libby this year and since she is the baby of the family it will be easy to shop for her.

5. How do you feel about motorcycles?
I love them…I want to learn how to drive one.

6. What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy Saturday?
Sleep in, Read or go to the Library, Watch a movie and stay in bed.

7. What is the coolest thing to do in your city?
The College sports are rampant in Utah and there is always something musical going on…I love to hear local bands.

8. Do you paint your fingernails?
mostly I paint my toenails or more accurately I have Hannah paint my toenails…..

9. Who is your favorite actor over the age of 50?
George Clooney or Sean Connery they are totally hot and manly!

10. Do you have a high school letter jacket?
No and No

Work is so busy right now but at least I have my glasses so I can see!

Voting and 10 on Tuesday and the Giants!

2010-11-02T12:08:00.004-06:00

Today is Midterm Election Day and I am a huge believer in being part of your community and being politically aware! VOTE it is your Civic Duty!! Today I got up so early to be at the Voting Polls before work and now I am proudly wearing my sticker I VOTED!!

So the San Fran Giants won the World Series last night and I got to watch the last 3 inings and a player on the team had the most inspiring quote so here it is:
"We don't have any stars, we are just a bunch of guys who wanted to win"-Cody Ross

YAY GIANTS!

1. Do you color? If you do, is it with markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc.?
YES! I use all of the above but I love me some Crayons, I have to use Crayola Crayons though...I have the box of 96 right now :)

2. What’s the most organized part (or system) in your house?
My Bookshelf, I have it by size and genera. I also have shelves with knick knacks and I keep those pretty organized. Also my closet...I break it down to categories.

3. What’s the most unorganized part (or system) in your house?
My Bathroom stuff, I need to clean and sort it out asap. also the random stuff in my room....

4. If you had unlimited amounts of time and money, what museum would you want to see and why?
I would go to London and see the Royal British Museum and I would stare at the crown jewels for a long time! I would go see lots of the different museums in London while I was there....

5. What is your favorite part of the fall season?
EVERYTHING! I love the Colors, The smell, the clothing, the sound of crunching leaves, Hot Apple Cider, Pumpkins, Fresh Apples, the Cool Air, Football, Baseball, Scarfs, gosh everything!

6. Did you dress up for Halloween?
I did, I was a nurse...comfy was what I was going for.

7. Have you started Christmas shopping?
Nope but I have started pricing for them, I don't like to shop until December because now that I am old I feel like the season goes by so fast so I like to stretch it out and I have a big shopping day/night set aside to go to the big malls and walk around in the hustle and bustle.

8. Do you crack your knuckles?
No I think it is kind of gross.

9. If you had to live in another city for a year (all expenses paid), which city would you choose?
LONDON, or Chicago or Boston, San Fran or Seattle. those are the ones topping my list for awesome must-see cities. I already did New York so I would need something new.

10. Do you have any reoccurring dreams?
Sometimes....not any for right now though :)

Well That's all folks!

Being Blind

2010-10-27T16:17:00.003-06:00

The whole month of October I have been having massive eye issues (hence the freaky eye picture) it turns out it is all due to the fact that I have a. not taken care of my eyes while wearing contacts and b. that I have been sericously overwearing said contacts. Now I am blind while waiting for Friday to come when I will be in a new shiny pair of glasses (I have been banded from Contacts for a while to let my eyrs take a rest.

in the mean time I am blind....literally almost and it sucks!!! I can only see from about an inch from my face so yes this post is being typed without being able to see what the heck I am doing....sacrifice.

Having been without sight for 2 days now here is a list of things that I miss about being able to see:

1. I miss being able to drive, I have had to have my Mom drive me to work and home and Jenny has had to do the same. Lunch time Jake has been great to come and take me wherever I want to go....I feel so helpless!

2. I miss movies, I can't see to watch a movie or TV or the World Series :( (Game 1 is tonight..GO GIANTS!!) on the other hand I have been reading...even though it is hard to do with the page so close to my face.

3. I miss down time at work! no internet surfing because I can't see the dang screen!!!

4. Seeing facial expressions: This one is huge as I work with sarcastic people and I can never tell what they are trying to say without seeing their face...not fun!

5. I miss people! when I can't see I have such a hard time talking to people so I am hibernating until I can see this weekend.

There...as you can tell I am quite sad and miserable without my eyes!

PS

I do have lots to tell you about my birthday and I am considering putting up some pictures...we will see if I have time to post it this weekend.

Top 10 Fictional Guys that I have a crush on :)

2010-10-19T15:37:00.003-06:00

I saw this on Coffee Girl’s blog and thought how clever a list it is so I decided to copy her and post my list. However, I am not sure what order I would put these guys in so I am just listing 10 of the most awesome fictional guys ever (that I have had a literary crush on :) Enjoy!
10. Nathaniel Bowditch from Carry on Mr. Bowditch: When I was in 3rd grade Ms. Dixon read this book to us in class and as soon as she was done I checked it out from the library and re-read it. Even as a young girl I loved how adventurous and smart Nat was and how much he loved Polly and how he cared for his younger siblings and how he saw the world. Now that I am older I still love his character.
9. Roger Hamley from Wives and Daughters: Again I love how adventurous and smart he is but I LOVE where he realizes that he loves and has loved Molly and his father comes to talk to him to tell him to let Molly know of his feelings and he is worried that she doesn’t feel the same and he would rather have her as a friend then to not have her in his life at all. It is so beautiful!
8. Geoffrey Pinchingdale Snipe from The Deception of the Emerald Ring: The Men in this series by Lauren WIllig are great but of all of them Geoff is my favorite! He is forced into marriage to Letty instead of her sister Mary and yet manages to realize that he never really loved Mary but rather adored her and that he loves, truly loves Letty with all of her flaws and imperfections. He too is adventurous and smart but has this wit in his lines that are brilliant!
7. Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird: I think it is so amazing how he stands up for what he believes is right no matter who is disagreeing with him and I like how he teaches his children those same values. He is such a moral upstanding man, he is honest and sees people for their actions not their skin color.
6. The Scarlet Pimpernel from The Scarlet Pimpernel: He pretends to be someone he is not for the safety and care of others! How awesome of a man is that! He save lives and is daring and yet smart and witty. I think it is so beautiful how it hurts him so deeply to just think that his wife betrayed him. He is awesome!
5. Mr. Thornton from North and South: The second Elizabeth Gaskell man to grace my list, she can sure write them! I like that he is hard working and logical and I love how his feelings for Margret throw him for a loop that he did not expect and even though she refuses him he still loves her and is good to her and her family. She softens him up and I love how when things fall apart for him he goes to the South just to be reminded of her.
4. Dirk Pitt from Clive Cussler: Dirk Pitt is the main character in most of Clive Cussler’s novels and I would LOVE to meet a real life man like him! He has this sense of humor that is great, he collects old classic cars, he flys, dives and loves history…oh perfection!
3. Almanzo Wilder from These Happy Golden Years: It is one of my favorites from the whole Little House series, they way they fall in love is beautiful! My favorite thing Manly does is when he surprises Laura on Christmas Day, just because! He is strong, hardworking and so dedicated even though she is much younger than him.
2. Mr. Knightly from Emma: I LOVE HIM!! Seriously why is there not a real guy like him? I love how he understands and patient with Emma and how he cares for those who are in the lower classes even when they are annoying. He is older and more mature and even though he doesn’t like to dance he goes to the ball for Emma.
1. Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables: Here is the perfect man! He is funny and smart, ambitious and even though he ticks Anne off he apologizes and moves on. He is handsome and good and kind and wants to see the world. From the time I was little I loved him…still my #1!

There are some Great guys out there in books but I would have to say that while they are based on some men the author may have known...no one including men are perfect.

Staus Update

2010-10-06T16:19:00.002-06:00

Since I left Facebook at the end of last May I have had to get used to not thinking in terms of status updates. now I know you all know what this means...you go to the mall and someone steals your parking spot and instead of thinking "Gosh what a jerk!" you think "Update: dumb chick at the mall just took my parking spot, want to key her car...what a jerk" and then you get a bunch of comments like "Go for it!", "Idiot!", "I hate it when that happens" and so forth and then you feel validated in your feelings. I have caught myself doing this a number of times so here is my life recently in Status Updates:

"Labor Dabor Day is here and I am sleeping in!"

"Payday is the best day ever!"

"Pillow Pets just won People's Choice Award Best Short Form...the infomercials industry's version of the BEST PICTURE AWARD, eat your heart out Avatar"

"Waiting in line for the John Mayer concert...Half of my Heart is pounding!"

"John Mayer seats just got updated to the first ROW!!!"

"John Mayer is SO drunk tonight!"

"Uh some gross guys just spilled his beer all over me!"

"One Month to my Birthday!"

"Wish I was waking up in Vegas!"

"In the last 2 days I have worked 24.5 hours....I need to get a life"

"The Focus Group was a success! Now I need to sleep!"

"My co-worker Steve used to work with Megan my sister...how random!"

"October is here!!!"

"YAY Football season!"

"Football is sucky times this year"

"ITS A BOY!!!!" (Actually I would never post this cause I promised Megan I wouldn't but now that it has been long enough I am letting it out! I am having another nephew!!)

"A week to my birthday!! can't wait to be 23"

"I watched Bandslam tonight can't watch Pheobe in a movie without wanting to sing Smelly Cat"

"I HAVE TICKETS TO SEE BRANDON FLOWERS!!!!!"

"General Conference is here and I love it!!"

"I am so ready for Halloween!"

ah....I am so glad that I don't have to stress about being interesting in my status updates!

Here is this little tidbit from today:

"Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin" Steve asked me: is it more important to make my dislike for the sin known or the Love towards the sinner? WOW I did just witness this moment!

Letters to......

2010-09-23T16:39:00.004-06:00

Dear Network TV

Thanks for bringing back so many of the great shows that I love but never get to watch, Criminal Minds, ANTM, Dancing with the Stars, Glee and finally Bones! yay the internet is so much more interesting now!

Online TV Addict

Dear BYU Offensive Line

Please I beg of you, BLOCK FOR THE QB!!! I can't take another game of sack after sack for loss of yards...I blame you! Show up to the game this weekend with a brain please.

Hoarse Girl from Screaming

Dearest Fall,

YOU ARE FINALLY HERE!!! Thank you for making life so much cozier and beautiful. I love walking out my door each morning with a sweater and seeing all the colors that are slowly spreading across the mountains. way to paint the world!

Girl who still piles up the leaves just to jump in them

Dear Brandon Flowers(lead singer of the Killers)

Just wanted to let you know I have been listening to your new solo album non stop and I LOVE it! I can't wait to see you in concert, I will be the chubby blond girl screaming :)

Dedicated Fan in the GA section

Dear Clean and Dirty piles of Laundry on my bedroom floor,

I wish that you had the awesome super power of putting yourself in the washer or on hangers...I am way too tired when I come home to want to clean but so help me this weekend you are being moved!

XOXO
The Messy Bedroom Owner

Dear Elder Curtis aka Zach-y-Poo

Hey there kid! it is almost 6 months until you get home and I can't wait! I miss you so much so keep up the good work and I promise to get you a better letter in the future...for now this will suffice....I have She's the Man ready to go!

Love tons!

Rebecca

PS
Keep up the good work! you are a stud.

Here's Your Sign

2010-09-23T09:32:00.001-06:00

Today since it was a headline on MSN I noticed that it is the first day of my Astronomical sign...I am a Libra and as such I looked up what it means to be one and here is what is said:

Balance is the keyword for this sign, and when it comes to keeping everything on an even keel, a Libra will lead the pack. Peace loving and judicial, this sign abhors being alone. Partnerships are very important for the Libra, especially those on a personal level. With their winning personalities and cooperative style, they aren't apt to be alone for long!

Friends and Family
Fun loving and willing to help out, the Libra makes an excellent friend. Even though they can be late and indecisive, once they're on the scene, they're ready to go. This flexible sign loves to spend time with friends and family and doesn't hesitate to initiate gatherings. Sociable and suave, Librans naturally draw people to them. They have a way of creating a compelling aura of harmony around them. When it comes to challenges, this balancing sign can see both perspectives in a disagreement, making them excellent problem-solvers. Companionable, they're apt to keep their friends and family busy.

Career and Money
Harmony is the keyword for this sign. For the Libra, maintaining this is of the utmost importance. They can be excellent leaders and will work hard to earn and deserve the privilege. Truth and justice always prevail for Librans as they go about their days. Working with others or in a partnership is ideal for this social sign. Artistic and persuasive, these folks are gifted talkers who do well in any position that provides a platform for them to chat.

Careers that involve justice such as police officer, lawyer, or judge are excellent choices for Libra. They will also succeed at such occupations as diplomat, civil servant, interior decorator, composer, and fashion designer. Group settings pose no challenge for Librans - in fact, the more the merrier. Their strong sense of diplomacy serves well in almost anything they do.

If you go shopping with a Libra, best to plan some extra time! This sign can be terribly indecisive when it comes to purchasing. Balancing their money, however, is a snap for Libra. Keeping a good balance between savings and spending money is a real talent for these folks. Their love of fashion and housewares can see them out and about in stores quite often. One of Libra's favorite pastimes is to shop for someone special.

Love and Sex
Finding the right partner will be a priority in the Libra's life. For those already in a relationship, maintaining the peace and harmony takes center stage. A Libra alone is a sad thing indeed, not to mention unnatural. They need to connect with others. As lovers they are expressive, creative, and balanced. They love to make their partners feel completely and thoroughly satisfied from conversation to lovemaking. Librans' charm and dedication to striking the perfect balance with others makes them wonderful partners.

LIBRA TIDBITS

Health
Each sign has a part of the anatomy attached to it, making this the area of the body that is most sensitive to stimulation. The anatomical areas for Libra are the kidneys, lower back, adrenal glands, and appendix.

Ruling Planet
The ruling planet for Libra is Venus. This planet's action is gentle and harmonious. It governs beauty, charm, emotional contacts, possessions, unions of all kinds, singing, art, culture, sweets and sugar, and moral character.

Color
The color of choice for Libra is blue.

Gemstone
Libra's star stone is the sapphire.

Lucky Numbers
Libra's lucky numbers are 1, 2, and 7.

Compatibility
Librans are most compatible with Aquarius and Gemini.

Opposite Sign
The opposite sign for Libra is Aries.

The Perfect Gift
The best gifts for a Libra are music and items that create relaxation.

Likes
Pleasant conversation, beauty, balance, fairness, romance

Dislikes
Being treated unfairly, ugly places, rough people, making a final decision

House
Natural sign of the Seventh House. This house focuses on marriage, partnerships, public relations, open enemies, and other people.

Famous Librans
Hugh Jackman, Gwen Stefani, Matt Damon, Eminem, Kate Winslet, Sting, Viggo Mortensen

Best travel destinations
Tibet, Japan, Burma, Austria, Johannesburg, Copenhagen, Vienna

Strengths
Social, fair-minded, cooperative, diplomatic, gracious

Weaknesses
Indecisive, will carry a grudge, avoids confrontations, self-pity

Charismatic marks
Attractive, graceful, medium build, no sharp features

Best environment
Any place that is beautiful where the company is harmonious. Very social and happiest doing things in the company of another.

I AM A LIBRA! whats your sign?

Redaing as an Addiction

2010-09-21T10:35:00.002-06:00

I stole this from Rosemary who is in fact Brilliant! Thanks Rosemary!

Are You a Literature Abuser?
by Michael McGrorty

LITERATURE ABUSE: AMERICA'S HIDDEN AFFLICTION

Once a relatively rare disorder, Literature Abuse (or "readaholism") has risen to crisis levels due to the accessibility of higher education and increased college enrollment since the end of the Second World War. The number of literature abusers is currently at record levels.

CAUSES of PROBLEM READING:
Excessive reading during pregnancy is the major cause of prenatal Literature Abuse (LA) among the children of heavy readers. Known as Fetal Fiction Syndrome, it leaves its tiny victims prone to a lifetime of nearsightedness, daydreaming, and emotional instability.

Most abusers have at least one parent who abused literature, often beginning at an early age and progressing into adulthood. Siblings of abusers are also likely to become literature abusers. Spouses of an abuser may themselves become problem readers.

Other predisposing factors: parents who are English teachers, professors, or heavy
fiction readers; parents who do not encourage children to play games, participate in
healthy sports, or watch television.

SOCIAL COSTS of LITERARY ABUSE:
Abusers become withdrawn and uninterested in society or normal relationships. They
fantasize, daydreaming about "castles in the air," while neglecting work, friends, and family. In severe cases "problem readers" develop bad posture from reading in awkward positions or from carrying heavy book bags.

SELF-TEST FOR LITERATURE ABUSE
How many of these apply to you?

I have read fiction when I was depressed, or to cheer myself up.
I have gone on reading "binges."
I read rapidly, often "gulping" chapters.
I sometimes read early in the morning, or before work.
Sometimes I avoid friends or family obligations in order to read novels.
I often read alone.
I have pretended to watch television while secretly reading.
I keep books or magazines in the bathroom for a "quick nip."
I have denied or "laughed off" criticism of my reading habit.
Heavy reading has caused conflicts with my family or spouse.
I am unable to enjoy myself with others unless there is a book nearby.
I seldom leave my house without a book or magazine.
When traveling, I pack a large bag full of books.
At a party, I will often slip off unnoticed to read.
Reading has made me seek haunts and companions which I would otherwise avoid.
I have neglected personal hygiene or household chores until I finished a novel.
I become nervous, disoriented or fearful when I must spend more than 15 minutes
without reading matter.
I have spent money meant for necessities on books instead.
I have sold books to support my reading "habit."
I have daydreamed about becoming a rich & famous writer, or "word- pusher."
I have attempted to check out more library books than is permitted.
Most of my friends are heavy fiction readers.
I have sometimes woken groggy or "hung-over" after a night of heavy reading.
I have wept, become angry or irrational because of something I read.
I have sometimes wished I did not read so much.
Sometimes I think my fiction reading is out of control.

If you answered "yes" to five or more of these questions, you may be a literature abuser--know the risks. Affirmative responses to ten or more indicates a serious reading problem --seek help now! Fifteen or more "yes" responses indicates a severe or chronic "readaholic" personality; intervention is seldom effective at this stage.

WARNING: "Reading Addiction" has been classified as "behavior with a significant voluntary component," as defined in the Beatty-Eisner Amendment. If you are declared a "known literature abuser," you will become INELIGIBLE for SSA disability payments and/or ADA protections. Your fate is likely to be a life of poverty and despair, drifting from one dead-end job to another, as you wallow shamelessly in and escape into the causes of your addiction.

Source: http://home.tiac.net/~cri/1999/abuse.html

Um....I guess I am a junkie but I don't want rehab!!

20 on Tuesday...or 2 10 on Tuesday!

2010-09-21T09:21:00.002-06:00

Ok here is the first one!

1. Favorite way to travel (plane, train, automobile, etc.)

I LOVE adventures and I honestly LOVE road trips, Flying and I also love trains! so if I could only pick one I would do a train...because I love how comfy they are however you can't go across oceans so I will need a train a car and a plane...

2. Where’s your favorite place to travel to that you’ve been to?

EAST COAST!!! I love how easy it is to get from one place to the next when you are there and there is always something to see!

3. Where’s the place that you want to go but have never been?

Europe all the way! England more specifically.....I will get there one day!

4. Do you deal with traffic well?

Depends on if I am late for something, but not really as long as no one tries to kill me and I have got some tunes :)

5. Ever had an emergency while traveling?

we have had our car brake down so many times! we once had to spend 5 days in Colby Kansas waiting for a new transmission...but no life or death moments.

6. Do you have a passport? What countries have you been to?

I don't but I am determined to go get one! I want one so bad!

7. Are you’ve light packer or do you pack everything but the kitchen sink?

I like to pack light but plan well for just in case moments.

8. Do you take the fastest route or the road less traveled?

This all depends on my time frame and where and why I am going, in 2008 I went to AZ and just to cross Hoover Dam we went the long way...and on the way back we stopped at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon....so really I like the road less traveled.

9. Do any activities on the road? (like road games, reading, sleeping, etc. )

I have a strong tendency to sleep in the car, it is so relaxing to me that I just get tired! I also love to listen to music and watch movies...but mostly music so I can watch the road (if driving) and look out the window. Road games are so much fun!!!

10. Use a paper map or GPS?
I like GOOGLE MAPS the best! it has my back! but a GPS is ok although I get frustrated when people don't use their own heads as well...I have had more then one GPS lead me down the wrong road.

Part 2

1. What’s the one thing you always do when you’re stressed?
Bite my nails and I am trying to stop...that and I sleep the stress off...I love sleep.

2. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done for a friend?

Wow I don't even know, I do weird things for friends all the time, I guess it would be when one of them had a fight with a boyfriend she wanted to email him and had me write it for her....I will never do that again!

3. What cleaning supply could you not live without?

A vacuum, or dishsoap...I don't handle dirty dishes or floors very well....

4. How long do you plan on living where you currently reside?

A year, although I think I might do 2....I never know :)

5. Do you usually vote straight party, a mixture, or not at all?

I never/rarely vote straight party, I like to do my research and vote on who will best represent my values and interests...I have voted Republican, Democrat, 3rd Party and Independent...I think more people ought to.

6. What’s something that you love to do, but seem to never make time for?

Reading, I never have time to read anymore and also Exercise, I make time for it but it is always a little bit here and a tiny bit there.

7. What’s your favorite store to buy things for other people?

Depends on what I am buying and who for, Old Navy...Target, these I just love. The Mall in general is good...

8. What’s the weather like around you today?

Warm Fall, Crisp cool air. LOVE IT!

9. What’s the worst book you’ve ever bought and read?

I think it is called "American Wife" it is about Laura and George Bush...kind of loosely based and I hated it! and I gave it to the Library just cause I can't stand to throw away a book.

10. What’s the closest thing to you that is yellow?

Wow Nothing not even a highlighter, there are some awards in the case that are Gold so I guess that counts....

Fast Food Too Fast?

2010-09-10T11:13:00.002-06:00

The other day I got a craving, Jr Bacon Cheeseburger...mmm yummy times. so I headed out to lunch to Wendy's to give in to this craving, it was raining and windy but I didn't think anything of it.

I remembered why I am a huge fan of the food but not the service at Wendy's, I order pull up to the 1st window to pay, I am reaching into my purse for my visa when I hear this noise that sounds a lot like an irritated growl and as I hand over my card the woman who couldn't speak English glares at me like I am taking up too much of her time. Bewildered I look forward and there at the 2nd window is another girl hanging her arm out side in the rain with a bag in her hand...My Food. ah! how hard is it to wait 30 seconds for a customer to pull out a visa? or to pull up to the next window before you hang out the order to soak in the rain?

I am guessing that I won't be craving a Jr Bacon Cheeseburger anytime soon.

Summer Photos 2010 Part 1

2010-08-29T11:16:00.004-06:00

So Much happend this summer and as I am now in anew ward and as of tomorrow everyone I know will be in some form of school I decided to let you see what I have been up to this summer...I have no captions and these are in no particular order so have fun looking!

Moving On Up

2010-08-29T01:01:00.002-06:00

So last week I moved into my new apartment and I love it, moving can be so difficult with all the adjustments but at the same time it can be such a good time to start off on the right footing with no stigma attched to you.

Now it is my families turn to move, they are moving to Provo! I went and saw the house they are moving into today and it is huge! the backyard is amazing and I love the layout of the house. my mom deserves a nice house right now. Yay for change Boo for having to pack everything up and unpack it....blah that is the not fun part of moving.

A Chage is going to come.....

2010-08-23T22:52:00.002-06:00

I love this time of year, with the coming of fall everything seems to change; gone are the long hot days of summer which are replaced by days of schedules and regularity. I loved these changes from the weather to the color of the trees to moving into a new apartment and singles ward, it all has to change. I find that sometimes that is one of the only perfectly constant thing in life: Everything Changes.

Today I moved all my stuff into my new apartment(I have been sleeping there for 3 nights already) and I spent the day unpacking and situating myself, to be honest and not at all humble: my room looks great! I am unpacked and ready to go so let me tell you a little bit about what makes this new place so great:

-I have my OWN Room, this is a plus because I am getting tired of always sharing my space and if things go as I hope in my long distant future I will be sharing my room forever so I should enjoy it while I can.

-I have a KING SIZED BED!!! for this I am super excited, I can lounge on it and toss and turn to my hearts delight! ahhh the comfort of a bed!

-I have my own TV, I love that as I am blogging I am also sitting here watching my new movie from my Netflicks account, no one to bother me or to make me feel lame about watching High School Musical...yes I got HSM on netflicks....I like them ok?

-I have an exercise machine!!!! Thins means I can work out at my own discretion, like tonight when I was done napping I wanted to move but not put on my shoes so what did I do? I worked out in my room for 30 mins!!! I am feeling great!

-My room has 6 outlets!!! yes this seems like a silly thing to add to this list but honestly I have so many things that need to be plugged in and before in my old rooms I was always looking for a good location to plug in things I needed to use. I am all plugged in now!

So here I am enjoying these changes in my life and getting ready o face some more. Sara Jane at my office is quitting and her last day is tomorrow and I have become her friend and will miss her so much. Time for her to move on though.

Now if the leaves would paint the world in gorgeous colors or Red, Yellow, Orange and Brown we would be good to go :)

Thoughts

2010-08-20T15:24:00.002-06:00

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.
~T S Elliot

Mad Hatter: Have I gone mad?
Alice: I’m afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers, but I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.
~Alice in Wonderland

We shouldn’t teach great books; we should teach a love of reading.
~B F Skinner

The power of imagination makes us infinite.
~John Muir

Let me live, love and say it well in good sentences.
~Sylvia Plath

10 on Mardi

2010-08-17T12:47:00.002-06:00

1. Where did you go to college?
I went to Snow College for my Freshman year and then went to BYU for 2 years after that and I have yet to finish...

2. What did you study?
let me list them in the order I declared them :) Communications, Interpersonal Relations, Psychology, Sociology, Marriage Family and Human Development (2 years) and Finally English Lit. Minor has always been History.

3. Was college really all that it was cracked up to be?
No, the work was a lot harder and I got no sleep ever!

4. How far were you from home?
40 minutes at the longest but mainly around 15 minutes....

5. Did you have the same roommate all four years?
Nope I like trading in roommates....

6. Where did you order food from at 2am?
Utah sucks for late night deliveries....but we would go to the store and get ice cream or various snack foods, IHOP is always good at 2am.

7. Did you date in college or were you tied down?
Dated around....still dating!

8. Funniest drunk college moment?
None I don't get drunk or drink....

9. Did you make it to class on time?
Yes if I was going to be late I just skipped it all together.

10. What was your favorite class in college?
There are WAY too many to put here but I adored my history classes at Snow college and my English 115 class was amazing!

I have more years to go in my college life but the College lifestyle is far behind me now!

Stages Blast from My Past

2010-08-13T13:11:00.002-06:00

I learned about this theory of Development so long ago and I thought I had forgotten it but lo and behold I still remember, all the years so far spent on my education is not worthless!

Summer Images

2010-08-12T11:21:00.001-06:00

Tuesday...Ten!

2010-08-10T09:02:00.002-06:00

1. Do you have an innie or an outie?
Innie but I always think this question or questions resembling this one are kinda gross.

2. What kind of milkshake do you order?
Strawberry, or some form of fruit although I really got into Vanilla shakes at one point.

3. How often do you repeat outfits at work?
Once a week or every two weeks, I try not to wear the exact same thing all the time but it is hard to do that when you feel confident and comfortable in a certain look.

4. What are your feelings about thank you notes?
I think that they are great! Everyone likes to feel like the effort they made was noticed and appreciated.

5. Do you like spicy food?
I am the blandest food eater....I am so not into spicy at all.

6. How many toilet paper squares do you use?
I have never counted and I think I am ok with that.

7. Were you in Girl Scouts?
Nope, Achievement Days and then Young Womens, there was not time for anything else.

8. Notebooks/Journals: College ruled? Wide Ruled? No lines? Spiral Bound? Plain front? Decorative?
I love Journals and Notebooks and must have hundreds of them, I like to change it up from time to time what they look like and everything,, I have to have it ruled to write in. My currant Journal my Boss Colleen bought for me; it is White with a pattern on the front and back and it is bound in this most gorgeous blue on the side and the inside covers are the same color...so is the ribbon to mark my place...I love it!

9. Do you snack throughout the day? What do you pack for snacks?
I snack all the time and that is a problem!

10. What is your favorite month? Why?
October, My Birthday, Football, Conference, Halloween, FALL! Fall Colors...Need I say more?

Wedding Weekend

2010-08-09T09:29:00.002-06:00

This last Saturday my friend/co-worker Sara Jane Lundquist became Sara Jane Isom. it was a beautiful wedding and the bride was stunning! I love how happy people are at weddings, the bride and groom could not stop smiling the whole day. The receptions was beautiful and we danced all night long! Weddings make me so tired though so yesterday I caught up on some major needed sleep....now with a day to recover from the wedding I feel awake again.

Summer Rain

2010-08-04T15:38:00.003-06:00

I woke up in the middle of the night last night to the wonderful sound of rain pounding on my bedroom window, soon I heard the thunder roar and the light from lighting filled my room. I laid there in my bed all wrapped up in my comforter and listened to the comforting sound. I love rain, the feeling it gives me of comfort and calm and renewal. it smells so clean and fresh and new, when it rains I open windows and doors and will sit on my porch just to bask in the smells and sound. Right now the front door to my office is open and I am doing just that...listening and smelling!

Bring on the rain!

1 year and more to go!

2010-08-03T09:41:00.002-06:00

1. What is your current favorite television show?
I am loving those silly TV shows on ABC Family, Make it or Break it and Pretty Little Liars....those are so dramatic and awesome! those shows and Royal Pains on USA make the summer season just fly by...can't wait for FALL!

2. Apple juice or orange juice?
Apple Juice all the way! it is so yummy and I go through it so fast when I buy it that I should get an endless supply!

3. It’s Shark Week on Discover Channel. Do you watch? Why or why not?
If I had cable I so would! I am terrified of Sharks but I feel that as I slowly learn more about them I get less and less afraid. They are super interesting creatures but I would not want one to go swimming with me :)

4. What are the non-blog websites that you visit regularly?
Goodreads, Gmail, People.com, Real Simple, KSL, FEDEX and UPS and GOOGLE.

5. What is your favorite way to prepare green beans? Asparagus? Potatoes? Carrots?
*Green Beans and Chicken Breast from Panda is so yummy but I love the Green Bean Cassarole.
*Asparagus is so yummy with spring veggies cooked with Garlic and light pepper.
*I am HUGE mashed potatoes fan! with sour cream and pepper!
*I love Carrots! I like them cooked with Brown Sugar as a glaze....so yummy!

6. What is your favorite flower?
Daisies! and I like the boring small white or light pink ones! I just think that they are so warm and friendly :)

7. How do you feel about handkerchiefs?
I am not a fan, when I blow my nose I want to throw it away not keep it and wash it!

8. If you could only shop at 3 stores for the rest of your life, what would they be? (You probably should include a grocery store.)
Macy's(the grocery store), Old Navy and Wal-Mart....Macy's is my fav for food and Old Navy just makes the best clothes! and then Wal-Mart you can find everything you are looking for!

9. If you could only use wine for one purpose for the rest of your life, which would you choose? To cook with or to drink?
Chicken Marsala wouldn't taste that great without the wine so COOKING!

10. What’s your bedtime?
Anytime my sad tired body drops in the sack...so last night it was 12:30 but I try to do more around 10:30-11...no wonder I am so tired!

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary at my Job with Infomercials, Inc. I am so proud of myself and I know that there will be many more years to come! I love the people and the place I work and I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Quotes

2010-08-03T09:36:00.002-06:00

125 and Staying ALIVE!

2010-07-27T10:16:00.002-06:00

There has been lots of Drama in my life lately and strangely enough even though I can be dramatic none of it deals directly with me...blah! This is my 125th post on this blog and that makes me feel pretty darn awesome! YAY!

1. How do you take your coffee on an average day? How do you like your coffee if you’re spluging?
I don't drink coffee and although I used to be anti the smell of it and then I moved to New York City in the winter time and to escape my boss and the small apartment I would take the kids to Starbucks for some Hot Cocoa....so I don't know if that answers this question but it does make me want to be in NYC!

2. What is your genre of books to read?
Historical Fiction, Classics and I like me some LDS action or thrillers....

3. Where do you want to retire, if you could go anywhere?
The Beach!!! I would retire to California Santa Barbara or Carmel! or Malibu!

4. The 17-year-old you is told to write a 10-minute speech. What topic would you have picked?
History or American Studies....or something to do with Literature....that is what I did in HIGH SCHOOL

5. What word describes you best?
Vivacious!

6. What is the next “event” that you are looking forward to? (ex.: vacation, moving, date, job change, etc)
Girls Night Tonight! Nicklecade Tomorrow! Murder Mystery Date Night on Friday!

7. Do you like to discuss controversial topics or do you prefer to avoid those types of conversations?
I like to discuss almost anything and will only get frustrated if the person I am talking to is dis-respectful of my opinions...I try to respect other people's point of views.

8. Would you rather add 4 free hours to each day, or add 1 extra day to the week?
I would do the 4 hours extra a day as long as they were at the end of the day(so they didn't add to my work day) or the 1 day to the week as long as we had 3 day weekends.

9. If you created a sports team; what would your colors and mascot be?
We would be the Amazons and our Colors would be Deep Purple and Gold....royal women!

10. If you had to be a teacher, what subject would you teach?
English or History, I think I would actually make a great teacher, or a librarian :)

No Time!!

2010-07-20T11:33:00.003-06:00

So I have to say I am sorry that it seems I only ever post on Tuesday...Work has been so crazy and I will probably not have loads of time to post until August or September but wait til them and you will have an overload of posts (I am keeping a list of what to post:) and photos I promise! Until then just enjoy a post every Tuesday!

1. Cell Phone
This year I got my own Cell Phone plan and I am on ATT with most of my family (this way I have mobile to mobile) I love how good they are to me and I just got my very first brand new phone last month and it is a blue Pantech with slide up texting pad...nothing too awesome but I love it!

2. Email
I have a Gmail and a Hotmail but all my spam and less important goes to Hotmail and I only check it once in a while...Gmail is much nicer!

3. Toothpaste
Colgate. I like the Whitening kind....

4. Car
Isuzu Trooper, this car has guts and I love it....However it needs a name...

5. Writing Utensil
Pens, I like the ones with the finer point at the end, but I also love Bic Crystal pens in Black!

6. Lotion
I like the Body Creams from Bath and Body but on my desk at work is Victoria Secret Garden Honeysuckle Belle...I tend to like the Citrus smelling lotions and scents the best.

7. Interior Paint
Behr I love the quality of the paint, we just did my parents living/family room in Banana Creme on the Trim and Carmel on the Walls and it looks FABULOUS!

8. Soda/Drink
I am trying to be better at Water Drinking but I love COLD water!!! ICE!! At work I have a water bottle but when I splurge or need the kick I love Dr Pepper!

9. Laundry Detergent
The only preference that I have is that it is liquid....I like clean smelling kinds!

10. Medicine
This is an obscure question because what kind? I hate Medicine and will only use it if I absolutely have to. when I have the flu or a cold I take herbs and stay away from Meds. but I will on a special needs basis use Excedrin or Ibprophen.

Ten on Tuesday on Time!!!

2010-07-13T11:37:00.002-06:00

1. What is the worst movie you have ever seen?
Gosh there are so many that I would put in this category....Um Twilight (just the first one I am not dumb enough to make that mistake twice) Alice Sweet Alice, there are more I am sure of it but I just can't think right now...

2. Do you have a favorite Disney/Pixar film?
I love Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast and I tend to love the live action Disney more then the currant stuff, they just don't make them like they used to. As for Pixar...TOY STORY!!!! those are the best ones ever!

3. Do you have a favorite movie from the 80′s?
FOOTLOOSE, FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF, BETTER OFF DEAD, DIRTY DANCING, THE KARATE KID, Man they made some seriously awesome movies in the 80's!

4. Are there any movies you saw more than once in the theater?
I see lots of movies multiple times in theater...but I think the most goes to the first Pirates of the Carribian movie...My aunts alone took me 4 times and I went a total of 13 times to see it.

5. What is one city/area of the US (or country you live if you do not live in the US) that you have not seen but would like to see?
The South, I feel like I have seen the West and the East for the most part but I want to visit the deep south and everything!

6. What are your favorite toppings on an Ice Cream Sundae?
Carmel....that is pretty much it..

7. How many proms did you go to? What color was your prom dress? If you went to multiple proms, what color was your favorite prom dress?
I never went to prom...I think I am ok with that :)

8. Is there a sport or extra-curricular activity that you didn’t get to try as a child that you wish you would have? (e.g. gymnastics, piano lessons, ballet, etc.)
Dance, I would have loved to have been a dancer!

9. How many siblings do you have? Are you the oldest, middle, or youngest?
10, Jared, Jake, Megan, Me, Zach, Jenny, Katy, Hannah, Abby, Amy, Libby.....I am the Fourth.

10. Do you feel like you fit in with your age group? Or do you feel younger/older than your age group?
I mostly do better with people who are older then me or lots younger.....now that I am older I do just fine with all age groups...

I am sick but doing fine dealing with it but I promise pictures and a real post are coming!

10....late again...

2010-07-08T16:24:00.002-06:00

1. If given the opportunity, would you choose a mediocre job that paid well or your dream job that paid poorly?
Dream Job of course! if you don't love what you do it is so hard to get up and go to work...I don't have my absolute dream job but I sure do love it and that helps!

2. What is your favorite thing about the 4th of July? (For the foreigners: What is your impression of the 4th of July?)
EVERYTHING!!! Fireworks are my favorite thing ever!

3. What’s the most random fact you know about American history?
I love American History so this one is hard for me since I know so many random facts but it has to be: James Madison was the shortest US President...how funny is that!

4. What is the best fireworks display you’ve ever seen?
I loved the ones on the 24th of July a few years back but honestly any firework is a good one :)

5. Who taught you how to put on makeup?
Mom, Megan and various Roommates...to be totally honest I am not a makeup person and still cannot master eyeshadow and I don't wear anything but eyeliner, mascara and coverup when I need it.

6. Have you ever gone through a financial planning process? Tell us about it.
I honestly have not but I am really good at know what is exactly in my bank account at all times :)

7. What was your favorite outfit as a kid? Bonus points for pictures.
I LOVED my Yellow Dress that Grandma and Grandpa Curtis bought me for Easter, I have dozens of pictures of me in that dress everywhere!

8. Do you prefer a beach, lake, swimming pool, or no water?
All of the above :) I love the water but since we live in Utah where there is no Beach we make do with the Lakes and Rivers but I love a good swimming pool as long as it is not too crowded :)

9. Do you recycle? If not, why?
I started the Recycling at my work for all the paper we go through....so yeah and I use a metal water bottle...I am so green :)

10. What are your thoughts and feelings about the Twilight Saga?
I don't think anyone wants me to tell them how I really feel....WHAT A WASTE OF LITERARY SPACE! Worst Vampire books ever! and the characters are such trash and she destroys the whole myth of vampires and it is just wrong! Bella and Edward have the most abusive relationship and it is such a bad example to young girls whose parents let them read this trash. honestly this is what writing has come too? even simple LDS romances are better written and more interesting and the same goes for any other "fluff" book...just cause it is fluff doesn't mean it has to dumb you down. ask any English Major or any well read person...they all agree with me :)

More Clips!!

2010-06-23T12:18:00.001-06:00

Old Videos

2010-06-23T12:17:00.001-06:00

A New Toy and Lots of Stress

2010-06-22T10:23:00.002-06:00

I bought a new toy this weekend and last night I was able to pick it up from the store and I love it! It is a point and shoot camcorder, and I am way excited to use it! Also my boss went on vacation so I am spending my week at the office running things and deep cleaning....seriously I need a break!

1. If you could trade lives with another blogger for a day, who would it be and why?
I love the fashion blog Sea of Shoes and I would want to go and try all the new clothes that she gets to wear, plus I am a HUGE fan of shoes!

2. Do you prefer receiving handmade or store bought gifts? Be honest!
Depends on the gift, My sister made me a skirt once and I love it to this very day and no one can put more love into a gift like a homemade blanket from my Mom. but I love electronics and you can't make those at home, really it depends on what you are getting me. :)

3. Would you rather camp or stay in a hotel?
Hotel, although as a child I loved camping but we did it so often that as a teen I swore I would never do it again but now I camp about once a year and I am good with that.

4. What’s your favorite comfort food?
Ice Cream I guess...or Otter Pops, but I feel comforted by almost any homemade meal and eating out is just not the same.

5. You’re having a really bad day at work. How do you unwind when you come home?
I veg in front of the boob tube or I go to bed early....love it!

6. What’s your favorite chore? (Or, the chore you hate the least)
Laundry or Cleaning the Oven or Doing Dishes.

7. What got you interested in blogging?
In 2006 I decided to have an online Journal and everyone I knew was talking about these new things called blogs so I started one and it has been going ever since :)

8. Are you currently reading a book? What is it?
I am not reading anything right now and how sad is that!!! I am just way too busy, I don't even have time to get a full nights sleep let alone read a book.

9. Do you have a favorite artist?
Monet and Thomas Kinkade, I love the emotion Monet puts into his painting and I love the quintessential comfort of Thomas Kinkade.

10. Have you ever met someone famous?
Lots actually, let me list them for you:
Gary Sinise: Met him after seeing Wicked in LA and he was super nice!
Madonna: in a park in Central Park with her little boy
Nigel Barker(ANTM): Met him at a Tibi fashion show
Bono (U2): Met him before the Vertigo concert here in Salt Lake City
Ivanka Trump: My Boss was interviewing her for a cover for Elle Mag. she is surprisingly so nice.
Paul DiMieo: he did an infomercial for us...he is from Extreme Makeover Home Edition
That is all I can think of right now although I know there is more, what can I say? I get around :).

What is it I do all day...

2010-06-16T21:06:00.003-06:00

Lots of people in my life ask me if I can explain what on earth I do for a living and in a word I am a Receptionist..however that is not a very good title or description of what I do all day. So since I can't just give myself an all encompassing title here is my a list of my duties...so what I do every day:

-Sign for and recieve the packages.
-Clean the Offices and the bathroom
-Keep track of Travel schedules and flights...hotels and all that stuff
-Answer Phones and take messages and screen calls from creepy sales people and annoying wantabe clients.
-Keep track of all the production calendars and of my boss's appointments..
-Help with meetings and take care of the mess afterwords
-ordering tapes for Duplication and for production
-Ordering Shipping and Packaging supplies
-Making label for all the duplicate tapes
-Shipping all the Duplicate tapes
-Help Dub Manager with email and Media communications
-Keep and Update Company information binder and contacts.
-Assist and Help Colleen in whatever she needs
- Google for questions, make maps for prodution shoots.
-Track and spreadsheet for all the dubs we do...

So This isn't even a complete list but right now it is all I can think of..

I LOVE MY JOB!

2010-06-15T16:18:00.002-06:00

1. What would the title of your autobiography be?
I am ME
Subheading: And I love it!

2. What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever heard a child say or seen him/her do?
When we lived in Mapleton the Primary did these spotlight posters for every child over the course of the year and in the Jr Primary every Sunday without fail the same little boy would stand up and yell the loudest that the spotlight was him....it would go something like this. Teacher: "This little child's favorite food is Pizza" Little Boy:"I LIKE PIZZA!" (this would of course sound like..."I YIKE PIZZA!") CLASSIC!!! I would laugh so hard!!

3. What is your favorite kids game to play?
I am a game junkie but I have a HUGE soft spot for the game of Life...I love it! I even have it on my iTouch to play on the go. I also am a fan of 4-Square...even though I am so bad at it my youngest sister can beat me.

4. If you got invited to a potluck BBQ tomorrow, what would you bring?
A Salad, I am the go-to girl for Salads!

5. If your ears are pierced, how old were you when you got your ears pierced?
I had my ears pierced when I was a baby but for how old I was you would have to ask my momma.

6. If you were celebrating your 30th anniversary, where would you want to go?
Hawaii to stay in one of those cute little houses on the beach....on Maui or Kuai of course!

7. What one blogger would you love to meet and why? And what would you want to plan to do with them?
I love to read Blogs!!! I would love to meet and just talk with Stephanie Neilson/Nelson? I can't Remember right now....and I would love to meet up with all of my Blogging friends from my Rory Gilmore Book Club on Goodreads...we would talk about books of course!

8. On a scale from 1-10, how good at you at home decor? (Pictures welcome.)
I feel like I am bragging on myself but I aced 2 years of interior design and I love it so I would give myself a solid 8 or an almost 9.

9. Do you have good fingernails?
I am a biter, but lately I have been much better at it so right now they look good but I hope as time goes they look much better.

10. Pickles: Dill or sweet? Baby, spears, or chips? Plain or on a burger?
MMMMM PICKLES! I like all of the above except for the random times when I am just not in the mood (it is rare).

I will post a bunch tonight so get ready for some pictures!

Another Tuesday....

2010-05-25T11:12:00.002-06:00

1. What is your favorite piece of furniture in your house?
I love my Bed!! it is only a twin but tucked in the corner I just want to lay in it all day!

2. If it was raining so hard on a Saturday that you couldn’t leave your house, what would you spend the day doing?
Reading and watching a movie or two in my snuggie or in bed. I LOVE the rain!

3. What was your favorite candy as a child?
Skittles or Starburst...oh wait they still are!

4. Did you get an allowance? What was it based on? What did you do with it?
No way! if I wanted something I had to do extra work around the house to earn it. I started Babysitting hard core at 12 so after that I made my own fun funds.

5. Do you have a favorite Etsy store?
NOPE

6. Do you prefer time with family or time with friends?
Depends...most of the time family but sometimes I just need a break from them.

7. Looney Tunes, Tiny Toons, or Animaniacs?
Looney Tunes. all the way!

8. Best daytime talk show: Oprah, Ellen, The Doctors, Tyra (ha!), Dr. Oz, or Dr. Phil?
If I am ever home I love the View and Ellen...those ladies are so funny!
.
9. Would you rather have the power of invisibility or the ability to fly?
Invisibility but I would like to have other powers too....

10. Name 1 thing you love about being an adult.
I am my own person! I do what I want when I want to and I love being able to be taken seriously by other people.

There is the list for today...life at work is crazy so I won't blog for a while SORRY!

Facebook Break

2010-05-21T20:16:00.002-06:00

So after hearing way too many scary stories about the lack of privacy on the Facebook social network I Rebecca have removed myself from there for a while. I thought it would be harder to let go then it really was. account deactivated and I am feeling great! Now I will have time to devote myself to this blog and see what the heck I can do to amp it up a little bit...alos reading might actually happen...sounds good to me :)

Also Tomorrow Old Navy is having a huge flip flop sale...all pairs are for $1! I am going shopping folks! I will updated on that later til then....HAPPY WEEKEND!!!

One Small Step for Mankind....or just me

2010-05-19T21:57:00.003-06:00

So back in the beginning of April I made a goal to eat at home at night and to cook for myself, those who know me well know what a risk to my health this goal is, I am not a great cook nor am I a very imaginitive one but since I made this goal I have been trying to change that. Due to the lack of eating out so much and to kicking my soda habit (I have only messup once!) in the last three weeks I have lost some pounds.

Now I want tobe healthier but I don't like numbers wearing me down so I don't weigh myself regularly....so the question is how did I know that I had made a dent in my size?

Yesterday I tried on a pair of pants that 5 months ago I was not able to button and yet I was able to button them comfortably and wear them! it was such an amazing feeling that I was making progress and it made me even more determind to keep it up.

Now I may not be the next Rachel Ray but gosh darn it I am going to learn to cook, if not for my belly then for my waistline.

Dum Dum Dee Dum!

2010-05-18T17:06:00.003-06:00

To start off thanks for letting me vent last week... it was most needed and I felt better after it came out :) That happens to the best of us.
So here is this weeks Ten on Tuesday:

1. If your name was a verb, what would “to Chelsea” mean? (Insert your own name though…)
TO BECCA would mean to laugh at everything! Rebecca on the other hand would be to collect and store random bits of knowledge from equally random sources.

2. What myth have you always wanted to prove or bust?
I have never really thought about that....hmmmm

3. If you had the ability to get a message out to the entire world, what would you say?
Gosh I can think of tons of things! I would probably get all nervous and draw a blank....I would promote my religion and peace and Literacy!!!! Read World Read!!

4. I know you’ve answered a similar question before, but it’s been awhile. Please name your current top 10 blogs.
I read tons of blogs in my stalking but here in NO particular order are ones I am a regular reader of:
1. Monkey Business with the Huffs: My sister and her family!
2. Curtis Girl Blog: My sisters!!
3. Whichwaydidshego: I love the topics!
4. Aliska: close friend and so FUNNY!
5. Krista Miller: Bestie!
6.Post Secrets
7. Jeni Rudds
8. The Peterson family
9. Crystal and Rosemary
10. Kylies fam (through Kylies I stalk old HS friends...like Ta'mera!

5. Do you have a junk drawer?
Multiple ones....uhhhh I should change that!

6. Bottled water or tap?
Regularly on Tap but I love both! Springville Water is the best though...

7. As a kid, did you have a favorite Biblical story?
I like all sorts of stories from the bible and don't think I had a fav....

8. What is your favorite black and white movie?
The Philidelphia Story or Scared Stiff...I have lots of these I love old B/W movies! all the Fred Astair and Gingers Rogers!

9. Aside from your engagement/wedding rings, what is your favorite piece of jewelry that you own? Does it have a story behind it?
I don't have a E/W ring. I love Earrings and don't have a favorite.....I love my new ones from Grandma and I am in LOVE with the triangles that Hannah bought me for my birthday a while ago....

10. What sports/activities do you hope your kids will be involved in? (Answer for both a boy and a girl)
I don't care. Whatever they want to do I want to support them in that. I would love to have them try lots of different things though...Dance, Sports, Music, Student Gov, Drama... I will have them play an instrument and have another extracurricular though...I think they are important.

There it is! Happy Tuesday!

Anybody There?

2010-05-13T22:57:00.002-06:00

I love writing on my blog, I really do! It is like this odd feeling of contribution to the world. That somehow somewhere my seemingly boring life is interesting to someone else. I never get very many comments though and I felt like Meg Ryan in "You've Got Mail" ......"sending my words out into the empty void..." so what I want to know is: IS ANYONE OUT THERE? ARE YOU READING MY BLOG? well if you are can you please leave a comment once in a while....even a strong chick like me needs a boost once in a while. Thanks Void.

A day late and a few dollers short....

2010-05-12T11:09:00.008-06:00

Here is my list enjoy and I will try to blog more later....

1. What was your high school superlative (if you didn’t have one- what would it have been)?
Yeah I don't know or care....

2. What sports did you play in high school?
None I did things like Choir and Interior Design.

3. What was the best part about your wedding (if you’re not married yet, what are you looking forward to)?
I am not married yet but I am looking forward to the fun pictures and to all the planning that goes into something like this, I love Wedding Traditions so I am looking forward to all of that as well, from the Wedding Rehearsal Dinner to the Daddy Daughter dance...... basically I am excited!

4. It’s your last meal– what Appetizer, Soup, Salad, Entree and Dessert would you choose?
Appetizer: Cheese Fries from Training Table with the Dipping Sauce
Soup: My Mom or Dad's Homemade Corn Chowder or Taco Soup
Salad: Zupas, BBQ Chicken Salad
Entrée: This one is hard! Training Table Club on Sourdough or Honey Chicken from PF Changs.

5. What song is your guilty pleasure?

The song by Justin Bieber and Sean...something, or Break Your Heart by Ludicris and Solo by Iyaz

6. What is your favourite professional sports team, and why do you like them?
I like Professional Baseball and I don't have a FAV but I HATE the Yankees, Basketball I am a Jazz Fan but not hard core like my sister Jenny...they are from Utah so they represent! Football I like to watch a good game in the NFL but I love the Colts and the Giants (the manning brothers...talented and cute...)I LOVE college sports!

7. What is your favorite reality show and why do you like it?
So You Think You Can Dance. I am so ready for this new season! I also will watch Dancing with the Stars....

8. How would you classify your home decorating style (modern, classic, French country)?
Classic Traditional, from the array of family photos on the wall to the non matched furniture...it works perfectly with my dream house (farmhouse style with large outdoor patio's and porches).

9. Pizza- deep dish or thin crust? White sauce or red sauce? What toppings?
Regular crust with awesome think yummy ends, White sauce! and I like cheese and bacon and pineapple or Hawaiian or mushrooms and sausage.

10. Favorite weekend getaway within a two hour driving radius?
Logan to see family or Bear Lake, or Linnea and Alison's house in Salt Lake City.

10 ON Tuesday!

2010-05-04T09:10:00.002-06:00

I love how other people do these regular Blog posts and am trying to join in. so here is this weeks 10 on Tuesday:

1. Do you prefer markers, crayons, or colored pencils?
Crayons are my most favorite out of the 3 (although I enjoy using all of them.)I confess that even though I am an adult I still will buy the 64 box of crayons and a color book and go nuts!

2. As a child, how did your parents celebrate your birthday? (Parties, cake, you pick the dinner, etc.)
As far back as I can remember on our birthday we would either get a lunch out with just the parents and then a family Sunday dinner with dessert of your choice with presents, or dinner out with the whole family. YAY!

3. How do you feel about leggings?
GROSS! they are so immodest and nasty looking and they don't make anyone look good at all!

4. How do you prefer to follow directions? With a map? Words?
The Address with some simple directions or points.

5. What do you eat for snack?
I love snack food but it differs. Right now it is my water bottle and the office bowl of treats on my desk ie. Dum Dums.

6. Have you ever ordered anything from an infomercial or bought any As Seen on TV products?
This is a funny question because I work for a company that produces Infomercials here in Provo UT. I have never bought anything from the TV but now I have a bunch of free stuff...your should check out Pillow Pets (my sister is in the commercial) and the Miche Bag. I have both of those and I love the Pillow Pet and the big bag from Miche is my FAV!

7. What’s your favorite thing about summer?
EVERYTHING! I love the sports, WATER! SWIMMING! and being outside. overall the sunny days just make me happy!

8. Do you have a tattoo? What and where is it?
Nope!

9. Are you good at journaling?
I am alright at it. I used to be better but honestly now my blog is my online journal and then I write at least twice a week in my normal journal.

10. What’s your favorite way to eat a hamburger?
Off my Dad's grill with all the fixings! I am hungry now...thanks a lot!

New Wardrobe Wants

2010-05-01T14:48:00.012-06:00

I found this list online that had the basics of a Starter Wardrobe. So I took the list and online shopping I went. Here is the list and what I would buy, I am turning 23 this fall and have decided that I am in need of a more "grown up" Wardrobe. I have a pretty scattered wardrobe right now and I find that it is hard to buy clothing I need while shopping. I end up with lots of accessories and some tops but hardly any bottoms. Maybe it is because of my size that I have this issue but that is something I need to get over with. So I am going to redo my closet this fall and here are some of my picks:

According to this list the first thing an adult woman needs is a Little Black Dress.
This one is Micheal Kors from Macy's and it would be quite the investment at $108.00

Next you need a go to White Blouse and this one is from Old Navy I love it!

The list says a DARK colored Pencil skirt is a must have, I like Black and this one is also from Old Navy (if you haven't guessed yet it is my favorite store!)

This Jacket is also from Old Navy and is rather cheap considering what I thought it would be...

And of Course if you have a Jacket you need Pants to wear it with. These are also fromOld Navy. I love the pant line.

Next at least 2 pairs of jeans to start off with and I find that I like the darker wash jeans and again this pair is from Old Navy.

Now this is were I have issues. The list said to have 2 skirts or dresses that are a pattern or colored and 2 tops to match. I never seem to find skirts or dresses I like. I did find this one online at Sealed With a Kiss, but I am not sure I would ever wear it.

Next the list calls for 2 tops that you can wear to somewhere nice or casual but I didn't find any I liked well enough.

Last on the essentials part of the list is a good t-shirt you can layer and wear anywhere. the list recomended that you have 7 different colors. here are my color picks. (oh and shirt is the Perfect Tee from Old Navy) Dark Sea Blue, Tsunami,Surf Board Yellow, Purple Jazz, Dark Chocolate, White and Black.

The next part of the list was Pieces Worth Investing In and gave suggestions as to what those should be:

The list pointed out that a nice Trench Coat is always in style and is a classic piece, worth investing money in. I found this one at Old Navy and it was under 40.00!

To go with all the dark colors the list suggested that you should have a bright colored heel that can brighten any outfit and add some personality. This air is from Payless.

Also on the list of Pieces Worth Investing In were:
*Set of Pearl Earrings (I have some costume pairs that I just love already, plus a real strand that I am keeping for a special occasion.)
*A Pair of Boots(Rain, Cowboy and Black Leather are in this catagory...I didn't find any I liked.)
*A Cashmere Sweater. According to the list. Cashmere may be expensive but if taken care of it will last forever and is always in style.
*Other Coats. a good Pea Coat and Rain Coat.

I don't have lots of money to spend on clothes but I thought it would be nice to have a good wardrobe that I can count on. so This fall I will start picking up pieces one by one until I have fiished the list. Hopefully it won't take me a life time! :)

Also I am running out of stores to look at that sell good Plus- Size clothing...I would love some suggestions!

10 NOT on Tuesday....it's Thursday..

2010-04-22T17:26:00.001-06:00

2 Blogging friends had this on their blogs and since I liked the questions I thought I would do it too...I just work so much I didn't have time to do it on Tuesday like I was supposed to so here is 10 on Tuesday actually on a Thursday!

1. What two cities should be moved closer together?

What would be the point of this? I would like to be closer to lots of cities but that takes the fun away from the whole getting there part. just to be fair to the question I would like Provo and Hartford and Huston to be in the same 2 hour distance...that would mean my nephews are only 3 hours-ish from me.

2. What was the first plane ride you took?

I was a baby I think but the first one I can remember is when I flew with my sister Megan, My Mom and My Grandma to California...I don't remember if anyone else came but I remember the bag my mom had for us and I remember taking off at night.

3. What continent would you most like to visit?

Europe, I want to see everything there! London, Rome, Greece, Austria, Holland...you name it I want to see it!

4. What’s your favorite place to window-shop?

I don't really like this past time but I did have a blast window shopping down 5th Avenue in NYC.

5. What’s the least fun you’ve ever had at a place specifically tailored for fun?

LAGOON! it is a theme park here in Utah and I went with my Dad and my older siblings and some friends and they and I will always remember how I freaked out on the swinging boat ride...I don't like roller-coasters to this day.

6. You’re stuck on an island with plenty of food, a companion, and a relatively stress-free lifestyle. What do you say when the rescue ship comes?

its a toss up....between "I want my mom!" or "Go away!"

7. Which day of the week do you look forward to most?

I love Thursdays because that means tomorrow is Friday!!! and that means the weekend!

8. What’s your favorite place to enjoy the great outdoors?

I live in Utah...land of National parks and I enjoy them all! I love Provo Canyon and hiking to Stewart or Bridal Veil Falls. I also really enjoy the Beach so give me the Beach and some Mountains!

9. What’s on your “to do” list this summer?

I want to go see Megan, buy a new swimsuit top, float down Provo River and in general enjoy every minute I get of being outside!

10. Which natural disaster freaks you out the most?

I love Thunderstorms and Snow in its time...so I think an Earthquake would really scare me the most.

There is my list!

Dear.......

2010-04-16T09:48:00.002-06:00

Dear Daffodil's outside my office door,
Just wanted to give you a shout out for being so yellow and bright and for bringing me some serious joy when you kept your head up during the freak snow storm last week. Thanks for reminding me that spring is here to stay even if Mother Nature is a little messed up.

Yours Truly,
Me

Dear Drivers who never seem to see me,

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I drive a SUV and yet for some strange reason you can't see me when you try to merge into my lane without signaling? Same goes for all the other drivers who don't signal or pay attention....I can control my driving but not yours so WATCH WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!

-The GREEN TROOPER who drives like a human.

Dear Glee Cast,
You sang some of my favorite songs this week and I loved the renditions. Just a note: next week when you do Madonna songs.....don't mess it up! Right now you are sitting in my top 3 shows....mess up Like A Prayer and you are demoted. Other then that note you are the best!

-Girl who sings along

Dear Girls Next Door

SERIOUSLY?! how many times do we have to complain to the landlord about the parking situation to get you to understand? NO FRIENDS can park in the underground lot...TENETS ONLY!!! We are getting tired of telling your friends to move their cars and of coming and knocking on your door at 12:30am to remind you to have those guys move their cars. PLEASE!!
-The Girls of BCE (the nice ones)

Dear Blender

Last night you helped me make the most amazing batch of Virgin Margaritas and I needed that. Thanks for being there for me and all the people that came over.

-The Margarita Group Leader

Dear Ward RS Committee,

Thanks for the Finals Snack even though I am not taking Finals it was so nice of you to remember me and to care.

-The Full Time Receptionist

Dear UPS man with a girls name,
You may not notice it but when you come in and get in my personal space I don't like it and really wish you would take a few steps back and chew some minty gum....just saying.
-Face of Company

Dear Creators of Cougar Town on ABC
I love this show! Thank you for making me giggle for 30 minutes straight....so worth it!
-Girl who watches on her laptop

and Finally.......

Dear Jen,
I am going to try and give you a real note before you move but in case I don't get around to it. You have not been my most favorite roommate ever but I wanted to say Thank you for all the times I was sad or upset and you let me cry and then gave me a hug or for letting me use your blender or for making me laugh by saying or doing something crazy. Needless to say you are not the worst roommate I have ever had by far and as for roommate quirks yours were the easiest to live with.

I will miss you so keep in touch.

-The Blond Roommate

What happend on Night 2 in Vegas....

2010-03-28T22:39:00.002-06:00

So on the 2nd night of our Vegas excursion we went down to the fountains at the Bellagio and it was so beautiful. We then walked back down the strip to the Mirage to watch the Lava exploding out of the Valcano and it was pretty darn cool! we then went to dinner and then headed back to the Hotel, it was pretty crowded and crazy so we got a taxi to take us back down the strip to the comfort of our smelly Sahara. When we got back to the hotel we decided to try our luck at what Vegas is famous for: Gambling! While Krista and Jeni tried their hands at the slots I decided to sit down at a Black Jack table and I am going to admit it I was so nervous that I was going to lose all of my 20$ but it turns out I am pretty good at Black Jack and I walked away with 46$! woot I won! it was well worth it.

The rest of the night we.....well lets just say what happens in Vegas sometimes better stay there. :)

The next day we dropped Jeni off at the airport and promised we would all meet up again soon. Krista and I drove back to her house and then from there I picked up my car and then my Grandma and I drove that long ride home to Provo.

it was such a great weekend and it was well needed. I love my friends and the connection we have is pricless....Friends like that come few and far in between but they are amazing!

Love you girls!

Las Vegas Picture Overload Night 2

2010-03-28T22:28:00.004-06:00

Night/Day 1 Narration

2010-03-28T20:30:00.002-06:00

In March I drove down to St George to meet my friend Krista and then together we drove to Las Vegas and met up with our friend Jeni and we spent the weekend together. all together it was an amazing fun weekend and it was so great to spend time with my "New York City Friends".

NOT: Because I don't get Blogger right now I am uploading the photos and then telling you about them starting from the bottom up.

Our first day in Vegas we picked up Jeni and then drove to the Rio Hotel in search of a place to eat some lunch, we didn't find anything worth stopping for except a wonderful little store where I fell in love with Masks...and I loved them! I ended up buying a gorgeous blue one that I love...now I need some where to wear it.

We decided to go and try and check in and we did and while we were checking in Jeni went around the Hotel/Casino and found out all this crazy helpful information and stuff to have ideas on what to see and do on the strip. We ate lunch at the Nascar Resturant in the Sahara where we were staying and then we went upstairs and took a much needed nap.

When we woke up we went and got passes for the Monorail and then we headed down the strip to the MGM Grand. we walked passed the Lion Habitat and then out to the strip. it was so windy and pretty dark by then but we had a go time walking around the south end of the Strip,we stopped outside the MGM Grand to take pictures of NY NY and then we started up the strip. We made stops at the stores along the way, Cocoa Cola, Miracle Mile and when we were walking up to the Paris Hotel the wind was so bad we were having issues walking! seriously it was a wind tunnel!!!

We stopped at the Paris Hotel for dinner and it was devine! We ate at this little parisian cafe and it was so good! we were tired and it was cold so we called it a night and headed back to our hotel.

Next Day

We decided to start back on the strip where we had left off at the Paris Hotel and because Mother Nature loves us she made it sunny and beautiful outside. it was perfect. We walked down the strip and stopped whenever we saw something worth looking at...there was lots to look at let me tell you that!I was so perfect outside with the sunshine and fresh air (although somewhat tainted by the smell of smoke)there were families out and about and it was so wonderful to be walking about. I loved it when we went to the Venetian and saw the gondola rides and the amazing artwork on the walls. I would imagine that is a little what Italy looks like. We had lunch at the Foodcourt and then being tired we went back to the hotel for a rest so nice!!!!

Las Vegas Picture Overload Day 2

2010-03-28T20:20:00.003-06:00

Las Vegas Picture Overload Night 1

2010-03-28T20:06:00.005-06:00

Crossing my T's and dotting the I's

2010-03-22T15:02:00.002-06:00

I love this!

Handwriting analysis is truly an intriguing concept. It is a technique (similar to body language) used to interpret human behavior in areas such as achievement/work habits, thinking styles and even social skills. You
can also analyze doodles, drawings, paintings and sculpture. This skill can be used for many purposes including: recruiting, marriage compatibility, career guidance, child development, etc. I spoke to Sylvia Friedman, a certified Handwriting Analyst in Chicago, about how the process works. Sylvia explains, “Your handwriting is the blue print of your brain. How you think, feel, behave- your personality- comes through in handwriting. Many companies use me for the hiring process. HR can interview someone and they are pretty intuitive, but there are a lot of things they can’t see. When I do an evaluation for a company, I give the pros and cons after a candidate submits 3 pages of “their story” to me. I write a report on whether I think the person is a good fit for that particular job. Handwriting is a very powerful tool!” After she analyzed my own handwriting, I was astonished at how accurate she was (believe me, I was vague!) and my inner skeptic was put to rest. Try it out on yourself or a friend! In cursive, write a 1 page letter about your life. Compare your handwriting to Sylvia’s criteria and see if it unlocks any secrets… According to Friedman: HANDWRITING ANALYSTS LOOK AT A NUMBER OF THINGS…

SIZE Small handwriting- research-oriented, good concentration, methodical, not always social Large handwriting- people oriented, outgoing, outspoken, love to entertain and interlock Right in the middle- you like to be with people, but value your own time.

SPACING Good deal of space- you need your freedom, to do things in your own time, don’t like to be overwhelmed or crowed. Very little space- it shows a tremendous about of irritability and constant pressure on yourself.

HOW LETTERS ARE SHAPED Rounded letters- indicates creativity, artistic abilities (writing, painting, acting, etc.) Pointed letters- shows you are more aggressive, intense, very intelligent, curious Connected letters- you are logical, systematic, make decisions carefully.

LOOPING Loopy handwriting- very social individual, huge imagination, sensitive to criticism Not loopy- more isolated, reclusive, within themselves.

DOTTING YOUR I’s Right over the I- attention to detail, organization, emphatic in what you say or do High over the I- shows great imagination To the left- procrastinator Circle your I’s- visionary, child like Slashing it- overly self-critical, don’t have a lot of patience for inadequacy or people that don’t learn from their mistakes, irritation.

CROSSING YOUR T’s Right in the middle- you are personally safe Short crosses- shows a lack of determination Long crosses- great determination and enthusiasm, can be stubborn Very top of T- you’re an idealist, ambition, good self-esteem Cross downward at the top- you dominate your environment, authoritative nature O’s Open- you are talkative, social, able to express your feelings, have little secrecy Closed- you are very personal, limited sharing of your personal feelings, introvert.

LEAD IN’S OR EXCESS FLOURISHES Lead in’s (or excess flourishes) - shows family orientation is important to you Lack of lead in’s (or excess flourishes)- you tackle problems in a direct, practical way, unhampered by sentimentality.

MARGINS Writing all over the page- you can’t relax, constantly thinking Left hand margin- you live in the past Right hand margin- you are always looking towards the future.

PRESSURE Tremendous pressure- very intense, may have some evil qualities, aggressive, blow up easily Average or light pressure- laid back, go with the flow.

DOODLES Boxes- you need structure, stability and order Flowers- idealistic, romantic, creative Triangles- perfectionist, structured, people that feel stuck- don’t risk easily Circles- dreamer, creative, takes thinks personally, visionary Smiley faces- illusionary, wanting life to be beautiful, optimistic Color inside the box or shape- you are very intense, serious, worrier, can suggest sign of temper because of tension or frustration.

PUNCTUATION MARKS Lots of exclamation marks- ego is involved, you want to be understood, passionate.

SLANT If you write upward- you tend to be optimist, hopeful, honest, ambitious, motivated If you write downward- you tend to be negative, slightly depressed, dishonest.

SPEED If you write things quickly- you are impatient, dislike delays or time wasters If you write slowly- more organized, more methodical, more self reliant.

SIGNATURE (this is your public self image!) Legible- shows integrity, confidence, leadership, open to show your true self Not legible- very private person, hard to read or understand.

***EXPERT: Sylvia Friedman is a certified master Graphologist and Handwriting Analyst who has been working in the industry for 25 years! She currently resides in Chicago, IL.

My name is Rebecca and I am a clutter hog.......

2010-03-09T09:22:00.002-07:00

MSN has had some great articles on their homepage recently and I love them! I am a list person so I tend to click on the ones with lists but I like to read them all!

I admit it freely, I have a TON of stuff and I like to keep almost everything even if I will never look at it again. I have gotten better at throwing things out in the last few years but when I found this list this morning I thought I should post it so that I have it in a place I can always find it....plus I put a list of projects I need to finish on here and as you can tell this list is mainly for me.

The 10 Habits of Highly Organized People

You know those folks who seem to have it all together? They're not perfectionists (far from it). Instead, experts say, they follow a few simple rules.

By Sarah Stebbins

1. Walk away from bargains
Just because you can buy a cashmere sweater for $20 or three bottles of ketchup for the price of one doesn't mean you should. "Ask, 'Do I have something similar?' and 'Where am I going to store it?' before making a purchase," advises New York City professional organizer Julie Morgenstern, author of Shed Your Stuff, Change Your Life.

*I am so guilty of this one, I never have room to store my stuff*

2. Make peace with imperfection
Efficient people give "A-level effort" to the most important projects (say, work assignments or a kitchen redesign), and for the rest they do just enough to get the job done, says Renae Reinardy, PsyD, a psychologist who specializes in hoarding disorders. Maybe you give yourself permission to bring store-bought cookies to a school bake sale or donate a bag of stuff—unsorted!—to Goodwill. "Trying to do every task perfectly is the easiest way to get bogged down," says Reinardy.

3. Never label anything "miscellaneous"
You put a bunch of things into a file or box and write this catchall across the front. "But within a week you've forgotten what's in there," says Morgenstern. Instead, sort items into specific groups—"electric bills," "lightbulbs," and so on.

4. Schedule regular decluttering sessions
Rather than wait until an industrious mood strikes (we all know where that leads), have a decluttering routine in place—whether it's spending 15 minutes sorting mail after work or tackling a new project every Sunday afternoon.

5. Stick with what works
"I have clients who will try every line of makeup, every cell phone—it's exhausting," says Dorothy Breininger, president of the Delphi Center for Organization. Don't waste time (and money) obsessively seeking out the best thing.

6. Create a dump zone
Find a space to corral all the stuff that you don't have time to put away the moment you step in the door, says Breininger. Once you're ready to get organized, you won't have to hunt all over the house for the dry cleaning or your child's field trip permission slip.

7. Ask for help
"The organized person is willing to expose herself to short-term embarrassment and call for backup," says Breininger. Which is to say, that elaborate four-course dinner you planned? Change it to a potluck.

8. Separate emotions from possessions
It's healthy to be attached to certain items—a vase you picked up in Paris, your grandmother's pearls. But holey concert tees or cheap, scuffed earrings your husband gave you years ago? Just let them go.

9. Foresee (and avoid) problems
You wouldn't leave the house on a gray day without an umbrella, right? People who appear to sail through life unruffled apply this thinking to every scenario, says Breininger. Have a cabinet packed with leaning towers of Tupperware? Organized folks will take a few minutes to short-circuit an avalanche before it happens. (In other words, rearranging that cupboard now is easier than chasing after wayward lids as they scatter underneath the fridge.)

10. Know where to donate
It's easier to part with belongings if they're going to a good home. Identify a neighbor's son who fits into your child's outgrown clothes, or choose a favorite charity. "It will save you from searching for the perfect recipient every time you need to unload something," says Morgenstern.

Alright I am motivated! I love it when it hits springtime, I am getting spring cleaning fever and last weekend I deep cleaned my car (I have yet to tackle the very back) and it looks amazing all vacuumed and shiny! It makes me want to have a project every Saturday....hmmmmm maybe if I did that I might actually get Organized!

Fruit and Veggie Color Wheel

2010-03-08T12:29:00.003-07:00

When I was in High School I took Interior Design and loved the part of the class where we learned about the color wheel and this morning when I logged in to my work computer I found this article on a Color Wheel for Fruit and Veggies and since I am trying to eat better I thought it was so helpful so I am going to share it with you.

RED

Red foods such as tomatoes and watermelon, contain Lycopene, a phytochemical that may help protect against prostate and breast cancer:
-Guava
-Tomatoes
-Watermelon
-Pink Grapefruit
-Red Peppers

ORANGE

Orange Foods have Alpha and Beta carotene in foods like Carrots and Sweet Potatoes. The body converts these compounds into active vitamin A, this helps keep your eyes, bones and immune system healthy.

-Apricots
-Oranges
-Canteloupe
-Tangerines
-Carrots
-Sweet Potatoes
-Mangos
-Pumpkin
-Papaya
-Winter Squash

YELLOW AND GREEN Part 1: Leafy Greens
Many Yellow and Green Veggies are a good source of lutein and Zeaxanthin, Phytochemicals that accumulate in the eyes and help prevent age-related macular degeneration, also they are rich in Beta carotene.

-Corn
-Artichokes
-Wax Beans
-Lettuce
-Arugula
-Summer Squash
-Chard
-Collard
-Turnip Greens
-Mustard Greens

GREEN Part 2: Crucferous

Broccoli and Kale and other green veggies provide compounds called indoles and isothiocyanates, which can prevent cancer by amping up the production of enzymes that clear the body of toxins.

-Broccoli
-Kale
-Cauliflower
-Brussel Sprouts
-Green Cabbage

BLUE AND PURPLE/DARK RED

These are full of anti-oxidants, anthocyanins and proanthocyanins associated with keeping a healthy heart and good brain fuction.

-Blackberries
-Blueberries
-Plums
-Eggplant
-Cranberries
-Grapes
-Radishes
-Strawberries
-Raspberries

Party Time Weekend!

2010-02-26T16:47:00.002-07:00

1. A cup of tea WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE MAKES ME WARM INSIDE.
2. PERSONAL PHOTOS makes a place feel like home.
3. Everything has its beauty WE JUST MAY NOT SEE IT ALL THE TIME.
4. HAVE YOU EVER TASTED SOMETHING AS GOOD AS the taste of strawberries?
5. Art makes me THOUGHTFUL AND FEEL LACKING IN CREATIVITY.
6. LOL I just noticed I forgot MAKE NEW PHONE LABELS.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to SEEING LEAP YEAR WITH LAURA, tomorrow my plans include A DATE and Sunday, I want to SLEEP IN UNTIL STAKE CONFERENCE AT 2PM!

Finally Friday!!

2010-02-19T12:01:00.002-07:00

1. Johnny Weir SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN A MUCH HIGHER SCORE LAST NIGHT.
2. I LOVE THE 2010 Olympics.
3. And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud WOULD COST YOU THE CHANCE OF MEETING SOMEONE.
4. TRY AND STAY IN CONTROL EVEN if you get an urge.
5. Having sweet dreams MAKES IT HARDER TO WAKE UP.
6. What does it take TO GET PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to CLEANING THE APARTMENT...OH WAIT I AM NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO IT, tomorrow my plans include WATCHING INFOMERCIALS FOR MY BOSS and Sunday, I want to CURL MY HAIR FOR CHURCH!

The Quest: 1st Draft

2010-02-18T11:41:00.001-07:00

Since I have been working full time I have not written as much as I would like but I thought I would share this. I wrote it last night late and it is rough but enjoy!

The Quest
Everyone has felt that feeling before, it comes when after a long day at work you pull out your cell phone only to discover that in the last 4 1/2 hours since you checked it last you have not a single text, or missed call. What are you feeling? Some may say frustration that no one thought of you all day long or that the call you were expecting didn't come through or Disappointment in the rest of the world or who knows maybe in yourself. These feelings do not quite cover it all. Loneliness. That is the word I would use to describe what you may be experiencing.
Being alone is like the social version of a black hole; empty endless and everlasting. at least it may seem that way when you are a single LDS 22 year old female.

Growing up I had this idea of what love would be, true to girl form at one point it did include a white horse, a castle and yes, a knight in shining armor. It has not turned out that way at all! When females are young they are taught that love is this one moment and that it is "Happily Ever After", that everyone falls in love and that for one day you do get to dress like a true princess. I for one bought into this story hook line and sinker. Why are we not honest with the young females? Why do we not set them up for the potential disasters they have coming toward them? well it is the same with Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy and all those other "figures of imagination". we figure: Love is at least obtainable.
As those once little innocent young ladies grow into middle childhood they put love on the back burner, after all the boys which were so nice are not so much anymore, this is where cooties and hair pulling come into view. As the wise beyond our years female they are they decide to ignore the Boys, pretend that they don't matter at all to them. As we flitter into young adulthood though those boys weddell their way back into our lives. Start the drama.
Here is where the problem starts, from the moment a girl notices a boy for the first time as something more than the smelly body in her school class the mind games begin. Mind games does not always apply to just the games going on between the girl and the guy but in the girls mind alone the games are in high gear. Does he like me? why not? Will he ask me out? Why not? What did I do wrong? Am I not good enough? Am I ugly? Am I fat? on and on and on! On we go into our Teenage hood hormones racing and self doubts growing. Here the games and small thoughts turn into flirting and physical and emotional relationships. and from there it doesn't change much...the chase in high school will remain for the rest of your adulthood life. Marriage brings a whole new set of issues that I have yet to endure or experience.
Why? Every two year olds favorite question then must surface, why do we put ourselves through this madness? because when you come home at night you do not want to come home to an empty house or apartment, condo to that awful sound of absolute quiet. Because of some God given emotion in the human makeup that says we need someone. Though there will be many moments when we will raise our fists to heaven and curse that emotion there will come a time when we too are caught into love's never ending web, then it will be worth it. we will not be lonely or unloved. Just like Don Quixote and his crazy quest to be a hero, this is our quest. to find love to never be lonely or alone. Even if it is just so when we get off of work we can confidently pull out that cell phone to a missed call, a voicemail or a text.

Projects

2010-02-17T17:28:00.002-07:00

So I have this habit of starting projects and never finishing them so here I am making a list of the ones I can think of right now in hopes that someday I can check them off.

1. Get all Music files off my Toshiba laptop and put them on my Acer and hope (crossing fingers) that it doesn't crash. then hopefully put them all on my new itouch.

2. Make a running list of all my Movies and Book that I own...I loose them all the time!

3. Put all my picture (digital) on my Acer (again fingers are crossed) and finish picking out the ones I want to have printed....PRINT THEM! and then either frame them or put them into those nifty photo boxes.

4. Get a new bed set and finish with the decorations for my room.

All that Glitters is GOLD!

2010-02-12T09:28:00.003-07:00

Tonight is the opening Ceremonies for the Winter Olympics in Canada and I am so excited! I love the whole thing! I will watch prime time all I can and I will keep a medal count for the good ole USA.

Also today is Friday and it is a perfect segway into my 3 day weekend and it caps off a great week. Yesterday I got my tax return and the cord to my laptop which is working! FINALLY! I also bought an iTouch that will be here Today or Monday! Good Week!

1. Pickles are amazing in the summer!
2. LOVE at home.
3. The snow is BEAUTIFUL BUT I WANT IT TO GO AWAY.
4. I ENJOY BEING in nature.
5. It's 5:16 PM; that means I AM LOCKING UP THE OFFICE AND WAITING FOR FEDEX TO COME.
6. TRUE LOVE is hard to find.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to THE OPENING CEREMONIES, tomorrow my plans include SLEEPING IN AND SHOPPING and Sunday, I want to LOOK AMAZING!

Letters

2010-02-10T11:18:00.002-07:00

Dear Roommates,
Please wash your dishes so that I don't have to. It is really annoying and frustrating to come home to a pile of dirty dishes when you haven't been home all day and left it clean in the morning. for the sake of my sanity and then health of all of us let us institute this rule: if you used the dish...WASH IT!

Pleading,
Your roommate....the one who cleans

Dear Mother Nature,

Thank you so very much for the wonderful weather this past day or so. the Sunshine and the mild warmth has lifted my mood significantly. Please keep it this way.

Sincerely
The Happy Girl

Dear Winking Boy,

I don't know if anyone has explained this to you before but winking multiple times at a girl in 1 night sends out good vibes. So here I am waiting for you to make another move.....I am free next weekend! :)

From the Cute Girl in Blue Condo East

Dear Hottie from Criminal Minds

Would you be so kind as to flex your muscles more often? They make me swoon like a school girl and giddy as a 15 year old. I like it!

Love Your Biggest Fan

Dear SNL

Thank you for the opening skit this week, without it I would not be able to bust out laughing anytime I heard "Circ de soiel" and now I do without fail.....oh the miracle of laughing.

Yours truly,
Girl who almost wets herself from laughing

More about Me because I love me!!

2010-02-10T11:12:00.003-07:00

One word answers only!!

(1) Your Cell Phone? Black
(2) Your Hair? Blonde
(3) Your Mother? Amazing
(4) Your Father? Hard-Working
(5) Your Favorite Food? Chinese or Italian
(6) Your Dream Last Night? NONE
(7) Your Favorite Drink? Apple Juice
(8) Your Dream/Goal? Happiness
(9) What Room Are You In? Lobby
(10) Your Hobby? Books or Music
(11) Your Fear? Falling
(12) Where Do You Want To Be In Six Years? Married
(13) Where Were You Last Night? Bed
(14) Something That You Aren't? Dumb
(15) Muffins? Poppyseed
(16) Wish List Item? iTouch
(17) Where Did You Grow Up? UTAH
(18) Last Thing You Did? UPS Returns
(19) What Are You Wearing? Cardigan
(20) Your TV? Criminal Minds!
(21) Your Pets? Koda
(22) Friends? Funny
(23) Your Life? Roller coaster
(24) Your Mood? Placid
(25) Missing Someone? Always
(26) Vehicle? Trooper
(27) Something You Aren't Wearing? Dress
(28) Your Favorite Store? Wal-Mart/Barnes and Nobel
(29) Your Favorite Color? Purple (don't tell katy but I love that color!)
(30) When Was The Last Time You Laughed? Today
(31) Last Time You Cried? yesterday
(32) Your Best Friend? Megan
(33) One Place You Go To Over And Over Again? Office
(34) Facebook? Mediocure
(35) Favorite Place To Eat? Training Table

I tag Megan My mom(put it on the girl blog) and Brenda!!

More Lists

2010-02-09T09:15:00.002-07:00

1. Fill in the blank. Sometimes I wish my life was more ______.
Relaxed and Consistant

2. How do you cure the hiccups?
I distract myself with something else or drink a cup of water upside down

3. What are three of your favorite indulgences?
Books, TV and Music

4. Where is the most exotic place you would like to travel to? The most mundane?
Exotic: Fiji or the Bahamas Mundane: Fresno CA

5. Does having your time planned out stress you or relax you?
Relax, I like lists and plans then I can focus and get things done.

6. What are your favourite fabrics to wear?
COTTON: The fabric of YOUR life :) I am not picky though.....

7. Do you sleep through the night?
Sometimes, recently no.

8. When you were younger, what did you think you would be doing at this age? How close is that to what you are doing?
It would depend on the week you would ask me. I wanted to do a million different things. I wanted to help people and save the world but in my own way I guess I am.

9. What has surprised you most about growing up?
How much stress there is. when I was young I thought that Grown-ups could do whatever they wanted whenever they wanted to. Now being somewhat grown-up I find that it is very constraining.

10. Are you good at keeping secrets?
Not really...

Dum Dee Dum....

2010-02-05T13:38:00.001-07:00

And...here we go!

1. I know WHERE THE MUFFIN MAN LIVES.
2. JANUARY WAS the longest month.
3. You can't help but SMILE WHEN YOU SEE MY NEPHEWS.
4. VEGAS TRIP IN MARCH?; bring it on!
5. Where have you looked FOR CUTE SHOES?
6. REBECCA MICHELE CURTIS is now available.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to READING MY BOOK, tomorrow my plans include GETTING MY HAIR CUT AND EYEBROWS WAXED and Sunday, I want to CHEER THE COLTS ON TO VICTORY IN SUPER BOWL 44!

Another week has gone by.....

2010-01-29T09:37:00.002-07:00

1. Wouldn't it be easy IF I GOT EVERYTHING I WANTED?
2. TODAY better than ever!
3. I love the taste of ICE CREAM.....
4. My Nights are spent in the living room.
5. The first thing we're going to do is WRITE MY TALK.
6. THE RAIN GOES drip, drip, drip; I LOVE RAIN.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to NOT STRESSING ABOUT LIFE, tomorrow my plans include WRITING MY TALK and Sunday, I want to NOT BE NERVOUS AND GET EVERYWHERE ON TIME!

Letters....

2010-01-28T12:09:00.002-07:00

Dear Acer Repair Center,
I am still waiting for my computer and am starting to get worried. please fix it soon and mail it back to me in full working conditions soon so I don't have to join the herds of angry customers. I am freaking out without my computer! Thank you,

From,
Annoyed Customer

Dear Mother Nature,
Will you please make up your mind if we are going to have snow or sunshine? Going back and forth between the 2 is not only making me nausous but it is giving me false hope that a day in the not too distant future it will be warm outside so I can leave my coat at home.

From,
Girl with Cabin Fever and the Winter Time Blues

Dear Girls Next Door
How many times does someone need to remind you that NO FRIENDS and NO SIBLINGS can park under our duplex, Last night I had no where to park and would like to be able to park in my own spot. Please be considerate and have your people park somewhere else.

From,
The Obvious Girl Next Door

Dear Production Crew and Randy,

Wipe your feet before you come in the office or next time the carpet turns white from the snow salt YOU are cleaning it up!!! I mean it!

From,
Disgruntled Receptionist.

Books and Me....

2010-01-27T09:25:00.002-07:00

1. Favorite book(s) when you were a child and why?
I loved to read Anne of Green Gables and still do, I can't really think of just a few books that were my favorite but I LOVED the Nancy Drew Series. in 3rd Grade Ms. Dixson read to us Carry On Mr Bowditch and as soon as we were done reading it as a class I checked it out from the Library over and over again...I own it now.

2. First “grown-up” book you remember reading?
Uh...I don't remember because I have been reading for so long. I am guessing it was either a Robin Cook book or a Clive Cussler that I stole from my Dad to read while he was at work.

3. Favorite movie that came from a book?
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, all the Jane Austen movies and the Count of Monte Cristo, Anne of Green Gables....there are so many!

4. Movie that you loved so much that you WISHED there was a book out so that you could find out more about the movie.
I dont think there is one....Changling maybe???

5. Worst book you’ve ever read?
Mayor of Casterbridge or Twilight....at least Mayor of Casterbridge is a classic though I was throughly depressed at the end...Twilight is just crap.

6. Book that everyone raves about that you either a) haven’t read and feel slightly dumb for not having read it or b) have tried to read and hated and so feel slightly dumb that everyone is getting something you don’t?
Twilight Series....I don't feel bad about hating them though....

7. If you were forced to choose only 3 books that you could read for the rest of your life, which ones would they be? This is Cruel and Unusual Punishment!!!! They would be: 1. the six Wives of Henry the VIII by Strarkly 2. Carry on Mr. Bowditch 3. Our Mutual Friend by Dickens or Wives and Daughters by Gaskell.

8. Name one book that you would recommend everyone you know read.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova it is such a good read and a little scary! I am into the Hunger Games Series right now and everyone should read them!!

9. What is your “guilty pleasure” reading?
I like to read Young Adult Lit. it may be on a lower level but some of the authors are brilliant.

10. What book (excepting the Bible or other major document of your religion/faith) has changed your outlook on life the most? Rencently it was Reading Lolita in Tehran, That book made me think and it had me wondering about life and my purpose and a million different things.

Road Rage

2010-01-26T14:47:00.002-07:00

WARNING: May contain material that is inappropriate for people from out of state!!!

Friday night I got in an accident, don't worry my Trooper and I are just fine thanks to a trailer hitch on the back of my vehicle....so here is the beef: I was going to Barnes and Nobel to buy a book(it ended up being books...but that is not important here) and I am sitting in the parking lot waiting for this woman to pull out of a spot when around the corner whips this little blue car they stopped right behind me and then backed out of the parking lot. The woman trying to pull out needed a little bit more room so I put my car in reverse and then turned to give myself the all clear and then start to back up. I was going so slow I was barely moving....right then the stupid little car decided to move forward back into the parking lot and bumped into my car! I was so worried that something was broken so I got out to make sure everything was ok....he tried to blame me for everything! that made me mad as he was in fault. I said I would go call the cops but then he freaked out a little and said "no cops" I found out why...the jerk was driving his girlfriend's parents car. all that happened is that he got mad at me and then we parted ways.....JERK!!! How on earth did he not see my brake lights!!!

After spending money I don't have on Books and then grabbing some much needed things at Wally's world and then headed home, the whole way home I encountered bad drivers...I don't know if it was the snowy, windy weather that brought them out or that it is always that way. No Signals to merge, turn or anything! Cars not taking their turns at 4 way stops, Speeding even when it was super slick on the roads....when I finally made it home I had had enough!

Utah drivers are not bad but the students and other various people from out of state sure are! it frustrates me when someone tells me that Utah Drivers are the worst. How would you even know?!? Utah County is wedged between 2 Universities and Salt Lake County has a University and multiple Colleges, not to mention all those that move into the state anyway. Utah Drivers are so different then the ones that are on the road...they are few and far between but believe me we are here!!!

I am a Utah Driver and I approve this message :)

Friday! Friday O blessed weekend!

2010-01-22T15:03:00.002-07:00

Another Week in Jan. flew by for me and I am so glad and grateful for everything in my life right now! Peace!

1. You have a chance to Make a Difference.
2. LIVE right now!
3. There is a Reason why I am so Crazy.
4. Play now and pay later.
5. It's time to Pay Rent.
6. Everything up in the air but Nothing is for Keeps.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Finishing "Catching Fire", tomorrow my plans include Cleaning my Room and Sunday, I want to Take a sweet nap!

TGIF!

2010-01-15T10:54:00.002-07:00

1. The lesson I learned yesterday was DONT GO OUTSIDE WITHOUT A COAT IN JANUARY...IT'S COLD.
2. HOME where friends and family meet.
3. All these years I HAVE BEEN ALIVE!
4. IT'S ONLY A PARTY when I arrive.
5. The truth is I CAN'T WAIT FOR A VACATION.
6. THE MOOD is what I remember most from that day.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to SOMETHING....NOT SURE YET, tomorrow my plans include CLEANING MY ROOM and Sunday, I want to DRIVE TO LOGAN AND BACK IN TIME FOR THE GOLDEN GLOBES!!

Cell Phones

2010-01-15T10:49:00.002-07:00

Today at work a co-worker was telling me how her 7 year old keeps asking for a Cell Phone and she was concerned with how to deal with it. It made me think of all the kids I know who are young but yet carry a Cell Phone and how it affects their behavior for better or for worse. I found this article on MSNBC talking about the issue and thought it was interesting so I will post it at the end.
For myself I can see both sides of the issue: one 1 hand with the world around us swiftly becoming more and more disturbing and harmful to children of all ages I can see why some parents would want their 1st graders to carry an emergency phone so that they can stay safe, but the question remains at what cost? Parents should be worried about giving such a young child such a large responsibility when some may just not be ready for it. Another worry is that Cell Phones are such a distraction with texting and taking pictures that Children don't have the focus on more stimulating and healthy activities like schoolwork and physical activities.
Whether or not your child is ready for or needs a cell phone is something a parent will have to decide for themselves. Do make sure that your child can handle the responsibility for a cell phone though, before you buy one.

MSNBC Article

Cell phones and kids: Do they mix?
Games, other new features give parents more to think about

By Bob Sullivan
Technology correspondent
msnbc.com
updated 3:31 p.m. MT, Fri., Aug 20, 2004

It wasn't so long ago that parents asked their teenagers to double-check that they had a quarter so they could call home, if need be. Then came cell phones.

In 2000, just 5 percent of 13- to 17-year olds had cell phones. Today, 56 percent do, according to Linda Barrabee, wireless market analyst for The Yankee Group.

Teens aren't just using their phones to talk. From rapid-fire "texting" to full-fledged Web browsing to videos and video games, cell phones have become portable computers. And that's opened up a whole new set of concerns.

"Parents are totally clueless about what kids are doing on cell phones. They are taking pictures, surfing the Web, playing games and MP3s. They are harassing each other, cyberbullying," says child safety advocate Parry Aftab.

Even responsible parents who follow the time-tested advice of keeping the computer out of the child's bedroom and in a family room, where usage can be casually monitored, may not have control over what their kids are doing with cell phones, she said.

"The same parents who tell me the computer is in a central location are clueless that they're kids are chatting with anyone they want on their cell phones."

No ratings system
The growth in teens with mobiles isn't accidental. Kids represent one of the few growth areas in an industry where competition is fierce and opportunities are shrinking, said Barrabee.

Cell phone makers have taken aim at the segment, which is constantly being refreshed by kids coming of cell phone age. About half of the children with phones are signed up with increasingly popular family plans, designed to outfit entire households with phones -- and designed by industry to hook loyal users.

Teens have also been targeted by a recent aggressive move to push video games onto cell phones. When the games were simple, such as the knockoffs of the Atari-era "breakout," there wasn't much to worry about. But newer phones with color displays and higher processing power create a landscape that might make some parents worried about what their kids are playing on the bus home from school.

Games and videos with sex and violence are now a technological possibility -- even if the screens are still small, and the characters pixilated. And then there's the more subtle messages sent by some games:

"Prince of Persia," by Gameloft, urges players to rescue a kidnapped harem of women. "The Sultan’s wives have been kidnapped by the Vizier in order to carry out experiments on abstinence. The Sultan’s real mad! He no longer knows how to express his desires. Seven female prisoners – and only you can set them free and bring them back to life!" the game's description reads.

Complicating matters further, said Patricia Vance of the Entertainment Software Rating Board, is the fact that game ratings can't be used on cell phones -- the technology doesn't allow it.

Console and PC games have ratings on the outside of the package, so parents at least know what they are getting into when they make a purchase. Since cell phone downloads offer no method for displaying ratings before purchase, "there's no way to enforce a rating system," Vance said.

With more video game makers porting their console games onto the tiny screen, that could lead to a sticky situation. "There could be parents who decide they don't want their kids playing a game at home, but it ends up on their cell phone," Vance said.

Industry praised as self-policing
On the other hand, Vance said, she's had regular conversations with the cell phone industry, which tends to be conservative with its game offerings. And with game functions limited by the tiny screens cell phones have, there isn't a lot of concern about cell phone games today,. she said. By the time they make it to the tiny screen, most games would be rated "E" for everyone if they were rated.

"The carriers are doing a good job of self-policing," she said. "Right now I don't think it's much of a problem."

Executives at Sorrent Inc., one of a group of new companies that's writing cell phone games, say it's really premature to worry about cell phone game violence.

"In the U.S. it’s hard to get violent games on a cell phone," said CEO Greg Ballard. "We don’t have any issues facing the video game business, and that’s a good thing because we are still a maturing industry and we don’t need the extra issue right now. We can’t get any more violent than a boxing game." One game on Sorrent's site right now allows player to take part in a mano-y-mano between George Bush and John Kerry.

Sprint's Jason Ford, who runs the games and entertainment group, said his company has towed a strict line with its game offerings so far.

"We are a conservative company," he said. "If a game is questionable, that's not what we want to be associated with. We would would never sell the stuff. ..the things we present are incredibly wholesome, not even get close to the line."

But Sprint can't control games other companies make, or the Web sites kids may visit. Ford agreed that parents need to make an effort to remain well-versed in what their kids are doing with their phones. Web-enabled phones can go to all the unsavory places a Web-enabled computer can, so parents need to keep a watchful eye.

"If child has these (capabilities), parents need to be educated," he said.

Purse-string control
Erin McGee, manager of Public Affairs for the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association, said the best way to enforce strict limits is to keep hold of the mobile purse strings.

Since consumers must be 18 in order to purchase a cell phone contract in the United States, most parents are buying the phones their children carry in the first place. Don't let that be the end of it, McGee said.

"When a parent pays a child's bill, they can look at that bill, and see where and how are they are spending their minutes," she said.

But purse-string control is a getting little more complicated now, Barrabee said, because features like text messaging and Web browsing are increasingly included in bundles with extra weekend and night minutes. Fewer phones come with simple telephone capabilities, she said.

"Children are early adopters. Cell phones take it to another level of not being around your kids, and not knowing what kind of media they are being exposed to," said Patty Miller, another child safety advocate with Children Now.

"You have to really know your child. Different kids handle things differently. If your kid has a cell phone, it's really important for parents to talk with kids about what they are doing."
© 2010 msnbc.com Reprints

Whether or not your child is ready for or needs a cell phone is something a parent will have to decide for themselves. Do make sure that your child can handle the responsibility for a cell phone though, before you buy one.

Other things to consider when getting your younger child a cell phone, include:

* a pre-paid plan with a limited number of minutes so that you won't be faced with a lot of extra charges
* the ability to put strict limits on what the phone can do, including being able to turn off web access and text messaging. Some phone also let you limit who can call the phone and who your child can call using the cell phone.
* only giving the phone to your child when he really needs it, like during a trip to the mall or other time when he might not be near a regular phone
* get one with a GPS tracker so that you can easily find your child when you need to (this is probably the only reason that I would even consider getting a cell phone for my kids right now)
* have a discussion of some of the more serious cell phone issues, such as the dangers of driving while talking on a cell phone, cyberbullying, cell phone etiquette, and following rules for cell phone use at school

Currently, the ideal phone for younger kids that includes many of these guidelines is from Firefly Wireless. It includes prepaid minutes, a PIN encoded phone book, and call screening, so that you can restrict calls to and from the phone. And it doesn't include internet access. The only downsides are that it doesn't include GPS, its coverage area is somewhat limited, and at 25 cents per minute for domestic calls, it is a little more expensive than a plan that you might get from a bigger carrier, such as AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint.

Sources:

Effect of Cell Phone Distraction on Pediatric Pedestrian Injury Risk. Despina Stavrinos, Katherine W. Byington, and David C. Schwebel Pediatrics 2009; 123: e179-e185.

As for my parents I had my first Cell Phone a month before I turned 18, granted I was already a freshman in college but I feel like I was ready for one. Now what my parents do is When the child turns 16 and can drive they need a phone for safety reasons...This I agree with.

I think that it is so sad that children don't really get the chance to be kids anymore, I spent my childhood playing dress up and make-believe and reading books about princess and fairy tales. Now we expect kids to be more adult when really shouldn't we just let them be kids?

Serious Damage....

2010-01-14T10:18:00.003-07:00

This makes me sick, she is only 23 years old and look how nasty she looks now! I can't believe that anyone would think that is healthy!

Celebs are so messed up as it is but I wonder if they know how much damage they cause to the girls that watch them. it makes me sick!

2009

2010-01-03T13:27:00.002-07:00

A friend of mine on her blog had this list and as I read hers I kept thinking of what I would have answered so I decided to copy her and post my version.....Thanks Alisha!!

What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before
I moved to CA to be a nanny for my Aunt and Uncle, Yay Fresno!

Did you keep your New Years Resolutions??
Probably not so much, but I feel that this year I grew in many ways.

What are some of your Resolutions for 2010
To take some more classes and to improve myself.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
This is such a hard one so if I forget anyone I am super sorry!

Christyn Lindquist-> Colton
Melanie(Cousin) -> Baby Boy....I can't recall his name at this moment but he is so cute!
Meghan who used to be Shulties-> Baby Boy
Tons of different women in my ward, Sister Childs, Sister Weight, Sister Reynolds, Sister Birch, Sister Bird, etc.

Did anyone close to you die?
Michael Jackson

Did anyone you know get Married?
Oh gosh at my age this is such a long list!
Wayne and Kristen
Krista Winslow became Miller
Candace married Ty
Chanel married Daniel?
Johanna Hoover
Both the Hicks girls....Brandy and Chryistal
Sarah from Fresno
Both the Brittney's from my home ward
Aly Hansen
There are way to many more to list!

What States did you Visit?
California was my big one this year..Nevada, Arizona

What would you like to have in 2010 that you didn't have in 2009
A real Vacation....so help me I am going to have one!

What date from 2009 will you always remember and why?
I don't think that there is just one date that sticks out but I will always remember Fresno, Krista's Wedding, Getting my new car, Getting my Job, My Birthday, Zach going on his mission....if there is just one I had to pick it would be the day we took Zach to the MTC...Going to AZ to see U2 and the Peas

What was your biggest achievement of 2009
I bought a car, a forest green Isuzu Trooper! I made it to the end of a really hard hike in Bryce Canyon...I didn't think I would finish.

What was your biggest failure of 2009
I don't think I failed at really anything but I regret not spending my last full night with Zach before his mission. I am so sorry Zach!

Did you suffer any big illness's or injury?
I sprained my ankle slipping in the Bathroom...not a pretty moment.

What was the best thing you bought?
MY CAR! I also bought a computer but as it is broken at this moment I am not sure if that was the best thing :)

Where did most your money go?
iTunes, Food....and Movies...I spent way to much this year eating out!

What did you get really really excited about?
Moving out, seeing Megan and Topher...getting a raise at work, U2 Concert Fresno! 4th of July, Zach getting his mission call.

What Song will always remind you of 2009
This is yet another long list:
Love Drunk
You Belong with Me
The whole Black eyed peas album
My Life would Suck without You
Good Girls go Bad
The Climb
Party in the USA

Compared to this time last year are you: Happier? Richer? Nicer?
Happier: I think so yes, I am enjoying my job and my roommates and friends and Family and I think that I am happier then I have been in a while.
Richer: Not really but I am in much less debt which is a plus and I am getting by!
Nicer: I sure do hope so.

What do you wish that you had done more of in 2009?
Just taken time to enjoy everything! I wish that I had just done more things and not let the time slip by.

What do you wish that you had done less of?
Complaining, Fighting with my Family.

Did you fall in love in 2009
Nope but I hope it's out there for me!

What was your favorite TV Program in 2009
I Love TV so this is so hard for me...
GLEE
SYTYCD
BONES
CASTLE
ER(last season was this year...sad)
Criminal Minds
The Office

How did you spend your Birthday and how old did you turn?
I went to work and I got surprised with a cheesecake, my family made me dinner and we had dessert and open presents....I turned 22 and relaxed all day long!

2009 had a lot of great things about it and I had a great time, I am looking forward to making 2010 the best year I can!

Christmas and more posts yet to come!!

2009-12-31T12:01:00.002-07:00

This year Christmas was fun and different, for the first time Jared and Brenda and their boys did not come up from Texas to spend the Holidays with us and we were also missing Zach our missionary. I miss having us all together but as we grow up this is bound to happen more often.
I got lots of great gifts for Christmas: a digital picture frame, Gift Cards, a SNUGGIE!! a sweet snow cap, a room freshener, chocolate, earrings from Libby and Grandma and a necklace from Grandma as well. it was such a great Christmas and I actually slept this year!
This year as a surprise and it was the BEST surprise, my Uncle Sean came out to visit for the holiday which was nice as I hadn't seen him in over 10 years. he seemed a little shell shocked when he first came in but he soon warmed up and we had such a nice time with him....I hope he can come see us more often now.

I have been so horrible at keeping up with posting but I promise that I will post when I can. I have a list of posts to make and pictures to go with them but as I am still out a computer we will see when that can happen. until then Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! YAY 2010!

I will Blog sometime I promise!

2009-12-03T11:02:00.001-07:00

My laptop broke down and I am in the process of fixing it but until then I will try to blog on my roommates computer...I am not being neglectful I promise!!

First Friday in October!

2009-10-02T13:59:00.002-06:00

1. I have a history of talking too much.

2. How to speak another language fluently is something I wish I knew.

3. I'm eating (or recently ate) BBQ Hot Pockets.

4. This morning there was a dead cat on the road.

5. So that's it, that's my life in a nutshell.

6. Doing something is better than nothing!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a Cougar win, tomorrow my plans include President Monson and Sunday, I want to eat homemade Egg McMuffins!

Remember September

2009-09-30T10:50:00.002-06:00

I am having mixed feelings about seeing September fade into the back light as we are consumed by the coming of October and the following holiday season, so in tribute to the past month I will reflect on some of the highlights!

** The first weekend in September both of my parents went to Texas to see my brother and his family so it was an all girl weekend! we had a lot of fun taking pictures in a Greek Goddess photo shoot and eating pizza and playing around!

**Work: I love my job so much but this month it seemed to be really stressful and exciting as my little sister, got to be in one of the infomercials that we released this month!! check it out at www.pillowpets.com.

**Wedding Bells: My Uncle Wayne got married to Kristen and she is so nice and her daughters are really cute too! The wedding was nice and it was so great to visit with Grandma and Grandpa who we usually don't get to see until the end of November! I sure love them!

**I got not 1 but 2 callings in my singles ward: They called me to be VT District Supervisor and the Assistant Ward Chorister, good thing I am moving at the end of October!

**FAME: I have been waiting all summer long for Fame the movie to come out and I was so excited when it finally did last weekend! I went with my co-worker Laura and best friend Ta'Mera, we had so much fun on our girls night out and the movie was so AWESOME!!

**The Return of TV: Fall Premiers and new shows fill up the internet websites! the return of The Office, Bones, SYTYCD, America's Next Top Model, Castle, Lie to Me, Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters, Dancing with the Stars, Gossip Girl and plenty more, mixed in with the new shows of Glee, Mercy, Accidentally on Purpose, Eastwick and a whole bunch more! There is so much to waste your time watching!!

** Colors of Fall: it was on the 22nd of September that it marked the start (officially) of Fall and as it is my favorite time of year hands down I was particularly excited!! I love driving up the canyon to a breathtaking view of the trees in their fall colors of yellow, orange, red and brown. it is like God took a paint brush and decided to liven up the world a little bit. I just hope the colors last a while before the snow comes.

September was a good month and October promises to be a great one!

Friday Amazing-ness

2009-09-25T10:37:00.002-06:00

1. One week ago was the last time I got paid.

2. Full House was on when I was young.

3. Mama told me to always be a hard worker.

4. We are friends, you and me.

5. Take your time to live life you only get it once.

6. This too will pass!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to FAME, tomorrow my plans include the Relief Society Broadcast and Sunday, I want to skip church but I can't!