Why now??

I'm exhausted. And I will tell you why. I have not slept well in two nights. Why? well because I have been having nightmares about my sunday school lesson on Sunday. Can I just tell you how ridiculous this is?? I have been teaching Gospel Doctrine for a little over a year now, through the Isaiah chapters of the Old Testament even- this is the first time I've had dreams about it. You'd think after a year all dreams about not preparing or forgetting my manual would have happened already. Why Now? I'm not really sure what triggered it but I'm not losing one more night of sleep over this. I can take a hint, I sat down and started my lesson this morning instead of waiting until tomorrow night...now that I've read it I see where the anxiety came from...it is a crazy lesson, all of 2 Corinthians and it jumps from chapter to chapter...ahhh. This is going to take hours...but hopefully I will at least get some sleep tonight.

The Gift of Winging it...

Recently my church chior has had a slight overhaul. And by slight I really mean huge. The regulars have mostly moved out and its still in transition of gaining more members. Two weeks ago there were six men and 3 girls. My friend Anna and I took turns singing the melody...because did I mention all 3 of the girls sing alto. Amazing. Anyway, this last sunday we were scheduled to perform and we actually had quite a few people show up for practice. At practice we had probably 10-12 men, 6 sopranos, and 2 altos....plus the pianist who decided to sing with us. NO big deal, I am a belter, I can project. Especially in the alto range where its comfortable and more fun to sing. Well all of a sudden its time to perform. I walk up to the front, get in my place and realize, i'm standing alone in my alto section. where the other girl from practice went I have no idea. I just chuckled to myself, because that's totally my luck. So now we are down and alto and gained another soprano. I calculate this in my head and panic slightly- I had never practiced this way...just how loud does a person have to sing to harmonize with 7 sopranos??? Good questions right...and then what is too loud, because you don't want to not blend??? Good thing i'm blessed with the gift of "winging it" the pianist, in her mercy, sang with me and no one in the audience could tell so all in all it was a success. Although can we please not do that again unless i'm prepared before hand??? yikes.

Stop with the dating sites already

How many dating websites do we need in this world?? seriously. I get a new add on facebook like every other day... "plenty of fish" "singles who love Jesus" I mean really....this is getting out of hand....

What does balanced mean???

one blog post in July? none in August? wow, I'm really slipping. Mostly I'd say its a lack of balance in my life. There are so many things I want to do, and so many things I have to do and no time to sit and get it all straight. Each week bleeds over into the next and before you know it, all the things I have to do take over my life, make me tired, and then all of a sudden those other important things just fall through the cracks. I hate that.
I've been thinking lately about who I want to be and the habits I want to have. I want people to be important in my life. And theoretically they are. But my actions don't reflect that. I have a friend on a mission I never write. I have friends in Idaho that I love but never call back. I have friends in salt lake that I never call and a standing rain check to go dancing with a friend I haven't really spent time with in almost 2 years. I am a crappy friend. I think this is why all my life I've never had more than one or two really good friends at a time....I'm not good at balancing things and they probably just get fed up with me and find someone better. I don't blame them. But its not because I don't love these people...because I do. I think about them and so many others on a daily basis...I just can't straighten my life out long enough to actually make good on my thoughts. It frustrates me to no end.
I would wish for more time in my days, but it wouldn't do any good. I know I would some how manage to fill up those extra hours with good things...but am I filling my hours with the best things??
also, I think I have something called chronic fatigue syndrome...I get tired ALL the time. and not just a little tired...but exhausted beyond anything I have felt before I had mono. The problem is...I just need to learn to deal with it. Its not going to go away. which is another reason to find balance...if I do to much physically, mentally, or emotionally I am a walking zombie...so one way or the other I'm going to have to find my limits and stick to them so that I can be a better friend and get all that stuff done that I need to do and maybe even some of the stuff that would be nice to do....its a goal anyway.

I just don't understand...

I am in LOVE with zumba. I go a couple times a week and for the most part I see the same people and we do a lot of the same routines. So basically you learn them pretty fast and can get a pretty good work out if you want to. And I say 'if you want to' because its the kind of class that you will only get out of it what you put in.

Well one morning two couples came to this zumba class. In truth, the two women come all the time. I see them a couple times a week but this particular day they brought their love interests. well, I am assuming that's what they were and I'll tell you how I came to that conclusion. This one woman in particular- we will call her sue, suddenly couldn't remember any of the routines. Sue was acting like it was her first time ever to class. I'm pretty sure she didn't even break a sweat. she couldn't have, she was hardly moving. I am always in the front row because I don't like people in my way and I pretty much just watched them in the mirror -because quite frankly it was hilarious. Sue's man friend ended up watching my feet the whole time so he could figure out what he was supposed to be doing.

In my opinion, if sue wanted to make a good impression, she should have done it full out if for no other reason than to help him through the class. totally stupid. I mean seriously, just be yourself. you are in an aerobics class for heaven sakes, everyone is sweaty- don't worry about how you look. why pretend to be something you are not-everyone gets sweaty when they work out.....its a fact, no one is exempt. If you want to look pretty take him to a movie- not a zumba class.

SUMMERFEST

Here in Utah County every city has its 'days' or a week long summer celebration that includes a parade, a carnival, and for some cities a rodeo. well, this year the Hale Center Theater Orem was asked to give a concert in the park for the orem summerfest. And that included me. Linda Hale called and asked if I would like to sing Gimme Gimme

as part of their presentation. Of course I said yes!!! They let me wear a costume and the coolest hat ever!! The only problem was- the park was packed so I had to park several streets over and walk to the park in said costume. I got several weird looks from people along the way but whatever. I was a little nervous since there were a ton of people in the park but it wasn't too bad. The stage was awesome and there was a set of speakers facing me so I could actually hear myself- which is always a plus. I had SO much fun!!! I would totally do it again- it was an amazing opportunity.

Continue in Patience

I was looking through some videos today and I found one that goes well with my Limbo post. Watch video here I guess that's what i'm learning...to wait for my second marshmellow.

Gorgeous music

North and South has The BEST musical score ever!! Click here to listen. It totally makes me want to play the violin- and really someday I will. I LOVE IT!!

Limbo

I'm going to get slightly personal on this- so if you are looking for a good laugh this probably isn't your post. I really should pick up my journal -that I never use- and write this there, but perhaps someone else is feeling the same way and will relate to this post. maybe not.

Limbo. Defined as, and intermediate, transitional, or midway state or place. That's what my life feels like right now. That is not something I'm used to feeling. I always have a goal I'm working toward. Always. I think, I see, and I achieve. that's who I am. That's who I've always been...until now. Don't get me wrong, its not because I'm not thinking or seeing...I am. Its just that every time I move forward I get yanked back.

To be honest, the one thing I really want to do is get married and start a family. But I can't really do that on my own and I have really no options on my doorstep right now. So, I made secondary plans to get my MBA. But every time I move forward with that decision something gets in my way to slow it down or prevent it from happening altogether. which leads me to believe that right now, maybe that isn't where I am supposed to be.

so where am I supposed to be? Because right now I am doing the same thing, day in and day out. its basically killing me. how? well you see, I can't stand to feel unproductive- so since I'm not "accomplishing" much or working on any long term goals right now- I manage to fill my life so full of other things that I wear myself out physically. Hundreds of little things in a week that are good, some are better, but not all are best for me.

I know where I'd like to be, and what I'd like to be doing. But I also know better than to act on a decision I know isn't right for me. So I'm learning to be patient in all things. I'm learning to trust in the timing of my Heavenly Father. I know he loves me-so I will continue to trust in his plan for me- even if it is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

Check Yes or No

A few weeks ago we had our first official stake conference as a young single adult stake. Hello meat market! Anyway, there was a girl sitting in front of me, you know the type, super tan, platinum blond, lots of make up and fake eyelashes-the ideal picture of beauty. All of a sudden this note comes down the row to be given to her. Its from a guy at the end of my row-and it says, "will you have dinner with me? check yes or no" REALLY?!?! did that just happen?? indeed it did. I'm sure he thought he was being totally cute and charming but she put the note away and totally blew him off. It was like a scene from a teenage movie. Guess you can't check yes or no after kindergarten. Sorry George, but this is NOT how love goes.

Correction....

I was reading through some of my old blog posts, because I wanted to make sure I was not going to duplicate a blog-yikes, and I realized that I wrote a blog that was untrue. ( See BLOG HERE ) I claimed that I couldn't handle a cowboy because I am too much of a city girl and the big big lie was that I like to shop. I read it and thought- who wrote this??? Truth is- only half that blog was true.

Truth:

I don't want a man who ALWAYS smells like horse poo
I do want a man who has a normal weekday job
I do want a man who plays cowboys on the weekends
I do work retail and I was born and raised in the suburbs of California

False:

I love shopping.
I am not country at all
I don't find real cowboys attractive

I don't know what I was thinking. I HATE to shop and I love cowboys! I find them incredibly attractive. I just like the stability that comes with a normal job. I'm all about horses and chaps after work and on weekends. I may have been born and raised in the suburbs but it doesn't mean I don't like country things- I just never had the chance to try any of it. Did I even know one person who owned a horse?? no I didn't. so how was I supposed to ever ride one? I wasn't even exposed to country music until I was 13- it just wasn't cool in my ghetto town. I don't mind getting dirty- I just want to know so I can dress appropriately.

Really you could say I'm a half blood. My dad was born and raised in Cali but my mom is from Utah. My dad's mom was a shopper and liked nice things. But my mom's dad and brothers are hunters who own livestock and such. so yes, I do own some nice things and I like to get dressed up and look my best...but that doesn't mean I never want to get dirty or ride a horse in the rain and mud. I'm not country all the time but I do love it some of the time- to say I'm a complete fake is not a correct representation at all. I just never had the chance to explore the option of doing country things. I felt like I insulted my self and my grandfather by suggesting I was a fake. If I could find myself a half and half cowboy he would be perfect.

My own trail of tears

Memorial day is a great holiday. I am a sentimental person so I'm all about memorials and remembering. That's one reason I love history and genealogy so much. But along with being great its also a little sad. I am grateful to everyone who has sacrificed so that my life could be better. But I also feel things very deeply. So when I remember, I feel keenly the loss of those same individuals. Even people I don't know. When I touched the Vietnam memorial wall or walked through the Holocaust museum in Washington DC I felt physically ill thinking of all the families that have been touched by sadness and pain. I also remember those I have known, my grandparents and my friends and I have a selfish moment thinking how great things would be if they were still here...but I know life doesn't work like that. We can't live forever. All we can do is make the most of the time we are given and cherish the memories we make. So yes, its a wonderful holiday- those who have gone before us should be remembered and celebrated for their accomplishments and sacrifice but with those memories comes my own trail of tears.

Watch for falling walls...

A couple of weeks ago a friend and I were having a conversation about the way we are perceived by others and why...let me give some examples. There is a girl we know who is crusty to everyone. Upon first speaking to her you would assume she hates your guts. I did when I first met her. However, on further acquaintance you realize that she is such a great person. She really does like people and wants to be friends with them- and that crusty shell is just a way to protect herself in case someone doesn't like her.

There is also a guy we know who presents himself as, well...a jerk. He seems really arrogant and says some really rude things to people. But underneath all of that, he really is a great guy. He just hides behind his wall of protection- the wall that says, "I don't care what you think"...

Well, this friend and I were talking and I compared these two individuals with each other. They are very similar in many ways- they both want to protect themselves from being hurt or rejected by those around them. The wall is presented in two very different ways but it is there. I explained to her that everyone has walls- no one wants to be vulnerable. Some walls are very high, others not so high. Some walls are thick and others barely there- but they are there. The wall of arrogance, of apathy, or anger, hurt, distrust, judgement...there are so many walls.

The question is, when you come up against these walls, what do you do? Do you walk away? maybe. Because lets face it- walls take time and effort to break down or to scale over. Is it worth it to try? Everyone has a wall- but if you step back and see it for what it is, you will discover which tools you need to bring it down, or to help you scale over it.

With patience and diligence the walls of Jericho fell to the earth (Joshua 6), The walls of troy were breached with a wooden horse and superstition. The Persians conquered Babylon- despite their impenetrable walls by taking a dry river bed beneath the walls. The Maginot Line -between France and Germany- a reinforced concrete wall of fortified bunkers and heavy gun emplacements- was never used. The enemy simply went around it through Belgium rendering this strong force completely useless. The great wall of China in all its magnitude could not hold back Genghis Khan. These historical walls were strong and "indestructible" and yet they show that when there is the will to get around it- people do.

It is the same with us. If someone really wants to get past another person's walls, they will. But its not easy- sometimes it takes a great deal of patience and a creative mind to try something no one else has. I will be honest- I find the best way to circumvent walls is with love. A genuine interest in the other person and their welfare. You have to be patient and not be looking for anything in return. But I will also tell you- it is amazing to see someone for who they really are and what they can be without the wall of "protection" blocking the view.

Howard W. Hunter said, "If we are content to hide behind self-made walls we willingly forgo the blessings that are otherwise ours...may the Lord bless us that the walls of our minds may not obstruct us from the blessings that could be ours" I think this goes both ways- if we are content to let others hide behind those walls and judge them at face value we also lose out on blessings- maybe even just the blessing of gaining another friend and seeing someone for their true worth. Mark Twain said, "one learns people through the heart, not the eyes or the intellect" If you want to truely see people, don't use your eyes.

So yes, everyone has walls but with the right tools they will come crashing down...

Looks better on the hanger...

There are times when you walk into a store and maybe you aren't really planning on buying anything. Or maybe its a super expensive store and you just went in to look around and then you spot a dress you absoultely adore. You have a decision to make- do you walk out without the dress, or do you find your size and try it on. If you walk out, there is a chance you will always think about that dress and wonder if it would have been perfect on you- or you'll have somewhere to go and think, oh that dress would have been perfect. BUT if you try it on, you may fall in love with it and then you will have to decide if you really can afford it. There is also the possibility that it will look horrific on you. Because lets face it- dresses are a lot harder to fit on any body type than a skirt and top. It just might not be a great fit for you...in which case, you put it back, say "gee that's too bad it was really cute", and move on- never thinking about the dress again.



Why do I mention this? Because for one thing, it happens to me all the time...But mostly because I am going to relate it to dating. You walk around not intending to "buy" anything and you see a guy/girl that looks just perfect "on the hanger" and you have a decision to make...do you date (try it on) or do you just walk away because he/she is too good looking/popular/stuck up/ nice...etc? I usually go for the try it on approach. Some people say i'm crazy for it because most of the time it doesn't turn out great- but neither do most the dresses I try on. It doesn't mean i'm going to stop shopping or trying things on. It doesn't really hurt anything to try, except maybe my pride. What I get from the experience is peace of mind, knowing I didn't walk away from something that could have been great. 9 times out of 10 it isn't going to work and that's ok...move on with life. But for that 1 time that it does work- its totally worth it.

I'm not saying you need to date every person who walks past your face. As with shopping, somethings have potential, some things are better left for someone else. Even if you do try it on- you don't have to keep it on forever to see if its going to work. Somethings you have the dress on for two seconds (or one date) and you just know its not right for you. Don't keep it on. Take it off and try on the next. Who knows, that next one might just be the piece you never want to take off. Some dresses, or some people, are worth the time to try on...and some dresses will always look better on the hanger. But you'll never know if you just walk away.

Now what coach?

I think my niece has become my muse. She has inspired my last several posts, I do have other ideas but they are much more time intensive. So I've opted for quantity right now and not necessarily quality. Tonight we were on facebook and she was showing me pictures of all her crushes. And she has a lot! Anyway, she friend requested one of them- the "super corner" boy from her seminary class . He accepted, and then popped up a chat box. She gasps and says, "Oh my gosh, he's chatting with me. what do I say?" It was hilarious. I had to coach her through the whole conversation...it went something like this:

"what do I say?"
"how about- what's up"
"oh ok. good. ...Now what?"
"I don't know ask him anything. what do you want to know"
"I don't know. ahhh" bites her nails and chews on lip
"ok, ask what his favorite movie is"
"oh that's a good one!"

... this type of thing went on for probably 20 minutes. But the funny thing was- I was totally like her at 15. I couldn't talk to boys at all...they were scary. Just nice to look at during class and think about all day long- but if one ever even looked at me I freaked out. Sadly I did not have "the coolest aunt in the world" to coach me :) It took me forever to become un-awkward around boys..and lets be honest, I'm not sure I've totally gotten over it all the way. But, I think with my help, she may make it through her teenage years much smoother than I did- I mean I got my first credit card before I got my first kiss. Not that that's a horrible thing, but I'm going to get my niece dating BEFORE she's 18! We just have to teach her how to talk to people she doesn't know....especially if they are male.

This is my theory...

A few weeks ago (yes I know I've been terrible at blogging lately-but I've been terrible at life right now) I was having a discussion with my teenage niece and nephew about dating and boyfriends/girlfriends and kissing of course and my niece says to me, "how do you know if you are a good kisser? what makes you a good kisser?" I had this conversation with a friend of mine a few years ago as well... this was our theory ...

and I shared it with my niece....

"if you kiss the same way he does...he will think you are a good kisser." All guys think they are the authority on how kissing should be done...and therefore they are the best kisser in the world...so....if you kiss the same way he does you are automatically a great kisser as well.

There you have it ladies...(if any men are reading this I dare you to argue with my logic ;) ) if you want to be a good kisser just figure out his style and conform quickly. If you don't like his style then I suggest you find someone else to date- you are obviously lacking chemistry.

A whole new level...

Some people have too much time on their hands. There is a guy I know who really gives his best effort at being a creeper. I don't know why you would want to be known for that but he really is great at it. Anyway, its kind of a joke I think he likes to get a reaction out of people and boy is he getting one from me tonight. I get an anonymous tip to look at this guys profile tonight- weird but OK. I go to his facebook page and what do I see- I see that he is in a relationship with ME. only he's not. I sit there for a minute thinking "what the? how did he access my page" because don't you worry the profile picture is the same. the education info, all my interests and likes are the same...this took some time. He created a page under my name with my info, friend-ed that person, and then accepted a relationship request between him and this alternate ME. But the best part is- he then comments as "me" on his status saying how much "I" love him....WHO does that?? I know he probably thinks he's super funny- and truth be told if it was someone else I would probably be wetting myself with laughter right now but as funny as it is...it is also really really creepy. I think more people need to find hobbies so they do not have time to be psycho. I am truly disturbed- he has taken his creeper-ness to a whole new level.

He's looking at me...

OK teenagers are so funny. I'm sitting at the table listening to my niece talk and She tells me a story about a boy in her class named...Spencer, I think. Anyway she says, "I saw from the corner of my eye that he was looking at me through the corner of his eye"...and then she starts to explain how he's been looking at her through the "super corner of his eye" wait wait wait...I must be too old to understand these terms...what is a super corner? She explained to me, her decrepit feeble aunt, that a SUPER corner is looking as far as you can to the side without turning your head. (The picture above is a demonstration of my nephew doing the "super corner" stare.)

Go ahead and try it. There is a huge difference between the corner and the super corner. I wouldn't have realized it before because everyone uses the corner of their eye but only creepers use the super corner. In order to look out the super corner of your eye your face has to be somewhat distorted and creepy. There really isn't a need for the super corner in normal life. I caution you to use this technique sparingly- only in times of dire necessity.

Who am I to judge?

Today I want to write a serious blog- because I've been doing a lot of thinking the last week. Last Sunday I was sitting in church, by a friend of mine, and the thought came to me that she is more than I realized. I mean, she's my friend so I think she's great but it really hit me that she is a child of God with promised blessings and a purpose in life. Then I realized the same was true for everyone around me....and yes I've known this my whole life but I don't always give it the consideration and respect it deserves. Most of the time I am just impatient because people aren't doing or saying what I think they should. I admit I am not perfect and sometimes I forget that I'm not the only one on this earth trying to accomplish something and be a better person. Then last night my mom and I were watching a show called "who do you think you are". its a show about celebrities who find their genealogical roots and stories. Anyway, last nights episode was Gwenyth Paltrow and she was researching her great grandmother because her grandfather and family had said horrible things about her. Anyway, through the course of her research she discovered that her great grandmother, who had once been ambitious- had been kicked out of college the same year her mother and brother had died of illness. Then she married and her 3 yr old girl was run over by a wagon just 3 weeks before she delivered another baby- The woman was probably suffering from depression and her family didn't understand and resented her their whole lives. Why do I tell you this? because I think we all do that to some extent- we are too quick to judge those around us without knowing the circumstances that make us each who we are. We sit back, without any knowledge of an other's trials or maybe we think we do know and understand everything (but we probably don't since we can never feel what another feels) and conclude that they are mean spirited, arrogant, unforgiving, weird, a hermit, etc....when perhaps we should just be kind and reserve judgment. In this particular case- two generations were submerged in bitterness and resentment because no one bothered to look a little deeper- they were too focused on their own wounds to consider that someone else may be hurting as well. Then tonight my niece played the video of Susan Boyle singing "I dreamed a dream" click here I've seen it before but in light of my thoughts this week I was touched by it again. No one expected her to sing well because she wasn't a beautiful woman and yet- the talent she had inside of her was incredible. I know this is sappy but I really am amazed by the talents the people in my life posses- and I'm not just talking about performance talents- I'm also talking about the talent of patience, to love others, to withhold judgement, the talent for listening and understanding others. I am talking about the talent for sharing the gospel and speaking with the spirit I am talking about all those talents which are so often overlooked by the world. I have been overwhelmed this week by the worth of those around me and so grateful that they have been placed as examples in my life. I am so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ- that when I do fall short and pass judgement too quickly on others I can be forgiven, that each of us can through that atonement rise again and continue on our path to become someone great- maybe not in the eyes of the world- but in the eyes of God and all those whose lives we touch and improve. I pray that each of us remembers who we are- beloved children of God. A God who knows us each by name and cares what we become. I pray that after we remember who we are- that we will also remember the same about the people around us. "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God" - that includes strangers, friends, family, and ourselves.

Captain Creeper

so ya'll know that I work at the mall. I am not a shopper so I usually walk into my store, work my shift, and walk back out without looking at anyone or anything. Well today was different. Today I had a gift certificate in my wallet for another store in the mall and I had an hour and a half until my voice lesson. So shopping I went. (if you consider a music store and bath and body works shopping) Anyway, outside my store is a kiosk that sells something...I never have really noticed what. There is a girl who works there and I think her boyfriend works somewhere in the mall- at least I hope he does because he's there all the time. well a few weeks ago - the first time I really noticed the couple- I was opening the gates to my store and they were sucking face. seriously people I thought he was going to swallow her tongue. gross. Since then I see him everyday. He comes and visits her at work- which at the kiosk there is no manager to object. Anyway- so today- I left work on my way to the music store and the face sucking hormone was sitting on a bench next to the kiosk staring and winking at his girlfriend. no big deal right....maybe he's picking her up because she's off soon. well and hour and a half later when i'm leaving the mall to go to my voice lesson, senior slobber face is STILL on the bench. Same bench- still making wink faces at the girl. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! that is just creepy. I don't care if you are dating. to sit and watch someone work for over and hour is a bit obsessive and says to me that this is an unhealthy relationship. Heaven help them if things don't work out- I have a hunch it will be a really messy break up. But captain creeper just weirds me out...maybe she will get fired and they can take their lusty liason and park it outside someone else's store.

Pageant winners

Well last night was the Miss/Ms/Mrs. Utah US Continental pageant. My sister and my niece both entered. And BOTH won!!! They looked beautiful....also I did their hair and make up! I had a great canvas to work with and their confidence showed!!! My parents with their beautiful daughter and granddaughter.

Me and Shelby after the crowning.

Group shot...Taylor had to get his pretty face in the background. So much fun! Me and Taylor were the loudest cheering section in the room!!! we may have annoyed a few people in our enthusiasm.

The reigning 2010 royalty with the new 2011 winners. The Mrs. didn't quite make it into the shot- I think she was still adjusting to the news.

Congratulations Ladies!!! you were awesome!!

Happiness all around

What is my favorite part about the Magic Kingdom?? I could never pick just one thing. I absolutely LOVE Disneyland. The rides, the Churros, the characters, being with family (my sister and two brothers came this time), the weather, the way too expensive souvenirs (but really can you put a price on happy Disney things??) and just the feeling you get being in a place where everyone is smiling 98% of the time. how can you not love that?! Every time I go I learn something vital to making the next trip even better...such as: if you ride woody just before world of color the line is SUPER short.

Now, world of color....AMAZING! I may or may not have cried. It was incredible I would totally recommend it to anyone. My niece Karra was over stimulated from all the excitement of the day and would not sleep- and who can blame her- Disney magic all around. I was holding her during world of color and the scene playing was Aladdin's "a whole new world". Karra loves singing and I love Disney songs. So naturally-I started singing to her. She slowly moved in closer and closer so she could hear me....

And then.......

She fell asleep on my head. I'm not mad in this picture I am just trying to balance dead weight on my head while not laughing at the whole situation. So stinking cute. I can honestly say this is the first time anyone has used my head as a pillow. Glad I could be of service.

This handsome dude is the proud papa of sleeping beauty. My studly brother. So fun to have him and Emily with us this time around. As you know if you've been to Disneyland recently, Indiana Jones is always one of the longest lines- so that is always the ride I manage to take pictures on. Anyway he's a goofball and I loved having them with us!!

The Kids! In front of Monsters Inc. I look so short- I'm not sure if my nieces are just tall or if the door is just dwarfing me- either way I'm not totally sure I'm comfortable with it.

The bears were some of Karra's first character and boy did she love them. We almost didn't get any pictures because she wouldn't face forward. All she wanted to do was touch the bears! And can you blame her- I mean they are pretty awesome!

All in all my trip was pretty amazing. My feet were dead as usual after a Disneyland trip- Miles of walking and I had a serious lack of sleep but it was totally worth it!! As I stood on Disney main street I was more sure than ever that some day I have to work for Disney. Either as a performer or when I have my MBA- who wouldn't want to work in the happiest place on earth- a place where people are usually genuinely happy to be there and totally OK spending their money. Man Walt- you were one smart guy and I admire your vision and ability to make dreams come true.

Where have I been??

I really stink at blogging. But let me tell you why. On Monday (of last week) I worked all day. Then Tuesday morning I got my hair done, then I caught a shuttle to the SLC airport. I had a connecting flight through Vegas and once I got to my new gate found out that all of the airlines computers were down and they had to hand write everything. Which meant that my flight to orange county was delayed by an hour. Great. I flew to John Wayne airport, grabbed another shuttle and finally got to my brother's hotel. The next two days I partied in Disneyland- my very favorite place to go. Then Friday at 4:30 am (pacific time) my shuttle picked me up and I caught a 7am flight back to SLC. I managed and hour nap before I got up showered and headed over to pick up my friend Dan and headed down to BYU. Once there I registered for my voice competition and waited. They were behind schedule by 30 min so we waited in the hall. Finally we went in, Dan played and I sang- "now that I've seen her" from miss Saigon and "gimme Gimme" from thoroughly modern Millie. I drove Dan home and waited to hear the results from my voice teacher. He called me about an hour later to tell me I placed first in my division. Which meant it was off to bed. I woke up the next morning, picked up Dan again and headed back down to BYU. I sang just one song in the final round, Gimme Gimme. I won first place! woohoo. Then by the time I got home I was totally sick with the flu- but not the quick 24 hr kind. I spent the next 4 days in bed and then went to work for the next three which leads to today in which I had a hair and make up appointment to prep my sister and my niece for the US continental Pageant. Ok that's where I've been. and my next successive posts will be pictures and greater detail about the things I've just discussed...except for the sick part. I probably won't post pictures about that. :)

Just make it better...

Yes. this is a picture of a walker. I'm sure you've all seen these around...but you have probably seen them with a yellow tennis ball on the back two legs. I saw one at the mall yesterday which is the reason for this post. NO- I am not going to relate it to something spiritual or life changing. I'm just going to pose a question. If these things have to have tennis balls on the back why don't they just make them with something similar? instead you have to buy the walker at full price and then being old you naturally have a lot of energy and mobility to then go to walmart and purchase a pack of tennis balls, go home and with your super human strength and probably arthritic hands-cut a hole in two of those balls and attach them to the rear legs. Makes perfect sense. I mean really, you'd think someone after all these years would just improve the product. whatever. someday when I get a walker of my own I may understand more fully this concept but for now I am baffled.

Why do I do this?

Well turns out I'm not a very good blogger when life gets crazy and let me tell you it has been crazy as of late. My world has pretty much turned upside down- well maybe not a full 180 but I'd say things have shifted a bit. Mainly just day to day life and things at my house...but lets focus on something positive right now. My show. I say my show but it really isn't my show...I'm only on sage for probably about 3 1/2 minutes but I will still refer to it as my show. As I mentioned before I am in Scera's Night of Broadway and I am having one of the best experiences of my life. I am singing "I can't say No" from Oklahoma-which is not a beautiful song but it is really fun. I also have several friends in the show with me-and I've made a few new friends along the way. It is a little hectic. I come straight from work, get in costume, help my friends with hair and make up and don't get home until about 10:30. So its a long day but I do love it.

And why do I love it? Why do I constantly put myself through this kind of craziness until I'm so tired I want to collapse? I'll tell you why...
Its things like this. This is my sweet tape mark from where the mic tape holds my mic on my face. I get to rock this every night. I simply pull the pony tails out and wear my hair down to cover it for the finale. Once its there- there is no fixing it. Besides the random things that happen I love singing. I love to be on stage- I love to bring a little excitement to others lives. I also love being part of something bigger than myself. I love the rush you get waiting for your turn. I love knowing that I am conquering my fears one performance at a time. I love the conversations I have in the dressing rooms. I love meeting new people. I love learning from others and their experiences. I love to know that I'm growing in new ways. I love to know I am accomplishing my goals. I love to watch other people sharing their talents and growing. I love seeing my friends and family that come to support me. I love the experience I am gaining and I love knowing that someday I won't grow old with a list of regrets for the things I was too afraid to try.

Ick!

I know I already posted today but I have to get this out while it is fresh on my mind...or in my mouth rather... let me back up

I have really great teeth- but not so great gums. I used to like the dentist- and then I stopped going because Every time I go I have to have this discussion:

Hygienist: Are you sure you are flossing everyday??
Me: yes I am sure.
Hygienist: Are you flossing the right way?
Me: yes (I think to myself- how many ways are there to floss really??!)
Hygienist: It really doesn't look like you are flossing daily.
Me: I do. If I didn't there would be plaque on my teeth, which there isn't.
Hygienist: That's true. I guess there must be another reason (she says half in disbelief)

basically I get really sick of it. for heaven's sake I am not 12 yrs old. Anyway, because of this gum issue the dentist prescribed me a medicated mouth wash and told me to use it morning and night for a week to two weeks. No big deal right? WRONG. This stuff tastes worse than anything I have ever tasted. The night time rinse ruins my breakfast in the morning and the morning one ruins my food all day- that's how strong this stuff is!! Imagine if you will what it would taste like if you licked a hospital floor....that is what I'm tasting right now!!! it is horrible!!!

Here I go again...

A few weeks ago I heard about an audition for a show called "night of Broadway". Really its just a bunch of people singing Broadway songs for an audience. I pretty much audition for everything around here but this time I wasn't sure I was going to. I just finished up plaid tidings not too long ago and I didn't want to push my limits at work. The audition was on Saturday from 10-12pm and so I just decided I wouldn't take the day off but if it so happened that it didn't conflict with work I would go. well...low and behold I miraculously got the day off...and it was a miracle because I work retail and hardly ever have a whole Saturday off. So I figured I would just go and see how it went. Well, turns out it went really well and I will be singing in this show- by myself, on stage. AHH I'm freaking out a little bit right now but I'm also way excited!! This will be good for me- talk about stretching your comfort zone.

I can't play the game...

I am a people watcher. I especially like to watch people on dates. Maybe because I'm not good at dating- who knows. well actually I am OK at dating- I'm a fun date. I am just not good at playing the game of catching a man. Let me explain with a little example. Last weekend I went to a movie with some of my girlfriends and afterward we went to get hot chocolate at this cute little shop called "the chocolate". Its a cute old house that's been turned into a dessert cafe. Anyway, we were sitting at a table just discussing things when a couple across the room caught my eye. Let me describe the scene....



Boy faces girl. He is chowing down on his cookie ice cream brownie combination (which is delicious). Girl takes a tiny bite of her huge chocolate cake (that costs way more than its worth) then sits and sucks on her spoon for several minutes while she smiles and gives him the eye. boy continues to talk and stuff his face- and why shouldn't he- he spent good money on this stuff. This pattern continues for about 15 min. The boy has almost finished his dessert and she still has only nibbled on her cake. Boy gets up to get a drink- girl eats a few quick bites, chews fast and then when he sits down- sucks on her spoon again. Perhaps to draw attention to her mouth. who knows- like I said I'm not good at this game so this is all just speculation. Boy finishes his dessert and excuses himself to use the restroom. Girl digs into her cake- shoves almost half her cake into her mouth in a bite or two. Boy comes out- she smiles sweetly and they get up and leave.



WHAT THE?!?!?! what is that??? why can't she eat her cake in front of him. If she didn't want it why have him spend money on it? I assume he's smart enough to realize that her spoon can not taste better than the cake. I'm too practical to play the dating game successfully. I probably should have been taking notes- this girl is obviously a pro but I just have too much self respect to sit and twirl my spoon around in my mouth while someone talks to me. What was she thinking?! what was HE thinking?! I would have loved to climb into his head and hear his thoughts on this girl. I just don't understand why guys find that kind of behavior attractive. I think its deceitful. She acted dainty and ladylike in front of him and as soon as he left the room- she shoveled her cake in like she hadn't eaten in months! I'm more a fan of "what you see is what you get" -I can't play coy so I guess I'll never be good at dating. But I am OK with that.

LAME

OK I looked at the rest of the list for the blog topics and I've decided to jump ship...they are kind of lame and I think I need to blog about what I want to blog about- I don't like following a cheesy predetermined list. So I'm going back to my random rantings. Goodbye 30 posts in 30 days.

Day 7- My Best Friend

Let me tell you about me and my friends. Most of my friends are my best friends. I don't do things half way. Who my best friend is depends on which part of my life we are talking about and in what situation...because one friend may be just the one I need at a particular moment while another may save me from sadness a few weeks later. Generally I am the girl who has one very small tight circle of friends at a time- and as life changes so does that circle...but each one of those people I would still consider my best friends because they have helped to shape me into the person I am...So I will tell you about just a few!


My very first best friend I do not have a digital picture of but she was amazing. Her name was Carly Seavers and we met at church when we were six years old. I love and miss her so much!!


Above and to the left is my very best friend from high school. Rachel. We had So much fun and I don't know what I would have done without her. So many great memories of seminary, boating, shopping, youth conference--and lots of long talks and countless notes and code names for boys...we were pretty silly but I love this Lady!!

My friend Emily I haven't known quite as long as some of the others..just about 3 years but if feels like a lot longer. She moved into my ward and we hit it off- for actually very strange reasons- we were kind of dating the same guy- go figure. We also spent many many hours serving in the relief society presidency together. She is such a great person and puts up with me and all my flaws! She understands the way I think-which is NO small task.

This lovely lady is Kara. First let me say I love a person who is not afraid to wear color. But she is one of the most fun people I know!! She makes me smile and I always enjoy her company- she is like a sister. So fun to talk to And so beautiful!

This is her brother Brendon. I think when we first met I scared him a little but after hours of early morning dance practice together we became very good friends. I love this kid!! I seriously could talk to him for days on end- Crazy fun and what a stud right?? I love the Kopps. I wish they lived closer!

these two lovely ladies lived with me for over 2 years and I miss them all the time. Cortney and Maggie were two of my most fun roommates- I mean come on...look at that belt buckle- and the broken wrist is from one of our adventures together! These girls are always there for me and understand and love me even when I'm being difficult-They have both moved away now so I don't see them often but when I do we can talk like we've never been apart.

This is JeniLynn. My longest running roommate ever. We lived together from the time we started college until she replaced me with a husband. (love you Greg- I wouldn't have parted with her to anyone else) Our friendship started out rocky- as the best relationships often do- she thought I was obsessed with my seminary class and I thought she was super self righteous-we got over that after a few weeks. Jeni and I could talk for hours...and we did. Usually at night when we were supposed to be sleeping-we talked about anything and everything. we also spent hours squealing over books and movies- she has moved across the country now but I still love her.


I love all my friends, and if you didn't get a shout out and picture on here I am so sorry!! my blog can only be so long- it doesn't mean I love you any less or that you are any less important to me. Every person I call a friend has changed my life for the better!! My friends are always there for me and help me to smile- especially when I don't feel like it ;) You are all amazing!!

Day 6- what a day!

Today I am supposed to tell you about my day- but I will of course only do part of that because that would probably under normal circumstances be pretty dull. What I will tell you is that today I realized how much I have to be grateful for. I don't want to sound mushy and stuff but I think I take life for granted most days and today it was brought to my attention.

DO you ever have those experiences where you realize after the fact that you barely escaped death ...I had three of those experiences today. Now that's driving the point home. Nothing like 3 wake up calls to make you grateful to be alive.

1. The first I can't really tell you about because it isn't only my experience and the others involved have sworn me to silence (for the time being) I will say that it could have ended very very badly for quite a few people if someone hadn't been in the right place at the right time.

2. As I was coming down a hill at about 45 mph a car decided it wanted to turn into the suicide lane but at the last second decided they were going to slow down and not actually enter the left turn lane and instead came to almost a complete stop in my lane. Lets just say its a good thing I have really good tires and brakes- I really was not in the mood to t-bone a car tonight.

3. also involves a car. I decided I was going to leave work early tonight because I was just tired. So I clocked out about 15 min early and grabbed my stuff. But for some reason I didn't leave. I just stood there and talked to a co-worker about nothing for about 10 min and finally at 5 to six I though "what am I still doing here, I have things to do tonight". So I left the mall and headed home...after missing the suicide driver I realized that traffic was pretty much stopped at the intersection ahead. Then an ambulance sped past me in the opposite direction. As I drove past the accident I saw two very totaled cars- probably someone ran a red light- The accident was bad- and judging from the scene I'd say it had happened about 10 min before...give or take a min or two. Had I left work when I originally planned that might have been my car...it might not have been...but I would have been real close and at least would probably have had to watch it happen.

So today I am grateful to be alive. I am now going to go play with some friends, see tangled, and then come home and work on my lesson for Sunday school tomorrow and hope that tomorrow I don't have to do any speed watching of my life tomorrow.

Day 5- Love

"To love another person is to see the face of God"

Les Miserables

What is Love. The generic definition is "a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person" but I don't think that really sums it up. Love has so many definitions in so many different situations. But I think that to love is to be God like, because true love requires selfless giving of yourself to another. In any situation, to love another requires you to give your time, your talents, your heart, etc....you cannot experience love if you think first of yourself.

I believe this is true in any relationship. Marriage, friendship, family. I'm sure you've heard the phrase "you hold the key to my heart" I don't believe that...no one else can hold that key. It is something you alone can hold. We all hold the keys to our own heart- we choose when it is open or locked.

I'm not sure I can tell you in my own words what love is so I am going to share my favorite quotes about love from some really smart people:

"In real love you want the other person's good. In romantic love you want the other person"

Margaret Anderson

"I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I'm with you"

Roy Croft

"the only true gift is a portion of yourself"

Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own"

Robert Heinlein

"The more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite"

William Shakespeare

"Love is friendship set on fire"

Jeremy Taylor

"Love means to commit oneself without guarantee, to give oneself completely in the hope that our love will produce love in the loved person. Love is an act of faith, and whoever is of little faith is also of little love"

Erich Fromm

"you come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly"

Sam Keen

"True love begins when nothing is looked for in return"

Antonie de saint-Exupery

"true love is eternal, infinite, and always like itself. It is equal and pure, without violent demonstrations: it is seen with white hairs and is always young in the heart"

Honore de Blazac

"if you know what love is, its because of you"

Herman Hesse

"one word frees us of all weight and pain in life. That word is love"

Sophocles

"there is no remedy for love but to love more"

Henry David Thoreau

To love is to see others through God's eyes. To accept someone for who they are as they are. Love is to serve with all our heart and to forgive when we are wronged. To love- one must give.

Day 4

I'm sorry I think this blog topic is totally stupid. Day 4 is supposed to be "what I ate today"...who the heck came up with that and thought that was interesting. Anyway for the sake of the blog I will tell you that I've only been up for 30 min and therefore haven't eaten all that much today. This morning I ate, as I do most mornings of the year, a fried egg and whole wheat toast. Yes I eat that for breakfast probably 350 days a year. (except for fast Sundays and probably holidays and the occasional day when I crave blueberry muffins instead)
Sounds kind of boring I guess but I don't ever get sick of it. Plus its healthier than a bowl of cap n' crunch and it keeps me full longer. And I also don't have to waste time figuring out what I want to eat for breakfast- it saves me time in the morning. So there you have it- that is my breakfast of champions.

Day 3- My parents

These are my parents. Some of you know them, some of you don't. They are pretty great. They have worked their whole lives to raise six children and that is no easy task- but as far as I'm concerned they have been pretty successful teachers. My parents have shaped and molded us into the people we are today. How did they do it- they taught us correct principles and let us govern ourselves. Smart parents. My parents also are really great at encouraging us to achieve our goals and to work hard for what we want....

This is my mom. She doesn't like her picture taken but I don't know why because I think she is gorgeous! My mom is hilarious- she has a crazy language that comes out when she's stressed and she would probably be so mad if she knew I put that on here but we all love it! My mom has an amazing testimony of the gospel and taught me to love and serve the Lord. My mom is the social one of my parents and she loves to talk- especially to her family. My mom can't ever sit down, she always has to be doing something for someone- she gets that from her mom. My mom is always supportive and gives the best back tickles. She is pretty cool.

This is my dad. He is a handsome guy. My dad is the hardest worker EVER. He has owned his own businesses and even worked for the secret service when my parents first married. He is a jack of all trades and excels at everything he tries. From my dad I learned how to work hard and do my very best. My dad is super intelligent and an inventor and makes the most amazing things. He teaches himself new skills and does an amazing job at anything he puts his mind to. Education is very important to my dad and so he encouraged us all to try hard and finish our education. Also he gives the BEST head rubs ever. My dad is pretty amazing.

Day 2- First Love

Ok so I know the idea of the post was to tell everyone about the first time I was ever in love- but truth is i'm still waiting for that to happen. I have never been in love...I have had boyfriends and crushes but if i'd really been in love with any of them we might still be together. So instead I will tell you about my first love in another area of my life....Les Miserables.
When I was 7 years old Les Miserables came to Sacramento and my parents got tickets for everyone but my little brother and I. I thought I didn't care so much but a few weeks before I decided I felt left out and I really did want to go. So my parents- being the amazing people they are got me and my brother a ticket to see the show. So off we went to our first musical theater experience...

Hello amazing!! The songs the stage the props it was all amazing. The characters had depth and emotion and I absolutely fell in love. I didn't want it to end. So I came home and from that day on I listened to the soundtrack. I memorized the words and it became a central part of my life.

Inside one of our closets was an old dress coat and I would put it on and sing "on my own" at the top of my lungs and dream of being on stage as Eponine some day. That's still the goal but for now I am content to just watch it from the main floor every chance I get. I LOVE this play and I don't think I will ever get tired of listening to it.

Day One- Me in pictures and words

I was reading my friends blog and she started this 30 posts in 30 days challenge and I thought it was pretty cool...plus sometimes I just don't know what to blog about so here you go...In 30 days you will learn probably more than you ever wanted to know about me. The first day is "Me: in picture and words"

Hi. This is me. Lori. My name is pretty short..you wouldn't think I had too many nicknames, but I do. I have a lot. Some of which are longer than my actual name. Kindobabs, luca, lori lou, etc...I love my nicknames even though some of them make no sense. I will pretty much answer to anything as long as I know you are talking to me.

I have the coolest family and I always wanted to be part of the action. If my sisters were doing something I wanted to do it too. They were so cool then and they are all pretty awesome now! I also have two amazing brothers who are just as awesome as my sisters. I love my family.

I used to have REALLY long hair. And also I loved my dress. I still have it and sometimes I dress up in it and pretend to be a fairy queen with my nieces.

The day I graduated from BYU- wow, that was an amazing feeling. I set the goal to go to BYU when I was 13 so this day was pretty great for me. I am a big goal setter. If i'm not working toward something i'm wasting my life.

Rain or shine the summer is my favorite time of the year because it brings the RODEO! and with a rodeo comes cowboys. I secretly want to marry a cowboy- but not a real one, just a half cowboy. Love them!

I love to dance. I was part of the BYU ballroom dance co. for about 1 1/2 and I loved it! I love performing, the costumes, being part of a team and all the friends I made. So fun!

I love to dress up and I love to perform. My mom says I have a flare for the dramatic. I sing and am obsessed with musical theater- these girls are amazing and I love spending time with amazing people backstage. I have done only two plays so far but I had so much fun.

Besides being in front of a camera I also like to be behind the scenes and make other people beautiful!!! I get ideas of how I can use my cosmetology license and my sister comes over with her camera and makes it happen. (this is one of my 3 sisters- she's beautiful even without my help)

Also, when i'm not doing a "shoot" I rarely take a normal faced picture...and as you can see i'm passing my legacy onto my nieces and nephews.

Not only do I love disney but yes I am still single- (hard to believe after that last picture but its true) I am still waiting for my real life mr. incredible. so I suppose this will have to do until then.

I miss my short hair. I have had to keep my hair long for my shows but someday it will look like this again. Also, I love to laugh. Its one of my favorite things to do. Life is too short not to enjoy!

Besides being a disney freak, and loving to take pictures I LOVE this dress. My mom helped me sew it and it cost me quite a bit but snow white is the only princess I can pull off with my super pale skin.


well, that's me. Actually there is a lot more to me but I am getting tired and I don't want to look for more pictures.

In the eye? or the Mind?

I just had an eye opening experience. You've all heard the phrase "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" well- its true. But perhaps I should say, "beauty is in the mind of the beholder". Let me explain.

This morning was kind of a blah morning for me. I'm getting over a cold, I've not been exercising, and I've been eating not great things. So basically I feel gross. I didn't want to get dressed because I felt fat in everything I put on. I did my hair but it just looked faded, flat and lifeless. I put my make up on and surprisingly it didn't help. I just looked ugly. Usually when I feel like this I can at least find something about myself that looks OK- usually my eyes but today I thought even my eyes looked yuck. As I was sitting on my bed feeling sorry for myself I decided I should just be grateful that I am feeling better than yesterday and that my cold hasn't completely over taken my voice enough to prevent me from singing in my voice lesson today. that thought brightened my spirits! I love my voice lessons and I haven't had one in two weeks.

Interestingly enough when I looked in the mirror again I didn't look quite as bad as I originally thought. I actually thought I looked pretty today. And it occurred to me that my appearance hadn't actually changed at all. My attitude and therefore my perception of myself had. My negative feelings caused me to see everything negatively- and once I had changed my thoughts in the direction of gratitude- things looked better. I know that sounds cheesy but there is no other explanation for it. My eyes were seeing the same person, but they way my mind processed it had changed- therefore beauty must be in the mind of the beholder.

Break time

I am taking a break. A "buying" break. Which is going to be a real test of my self control. You see I work in a clothing store...a clothing store that I happen to love. I never go 'shopping' I simply go to work and see things day in and day out that I think I need. But the fact is I don't need them. I have had a standing rule that if I buy something and haven't worn it, or in some cases even taken it out of the bag or even out of my car in a week then it must go back. No matter how much I "love" it or "need" it. Don't get me wrong, my spending is never out of control- I can always pay off my credit card. But just because I can afford it doesn't mean I should be spending all my money on it. I have better things to use my money on- and lets face it, I'm running out of room to keep all this stuff.

I'm already doing better and in fact- I have a credit on my card. I don't think I've ever had a negative balance on that card before...but its not just a store card- its a visa, which means I will just use that credit to buy my friend a bridal shower gift. problem solved, credit gone, spending done :)

A reason to celebrate

I am not a fan of New Years- actually I think its a pretty lame holiday. I also dislike the idea of New year's resolutions. Let me explain- I think the idea of a resolution is great. I'm all about setting and achieving goals. However, I hate the idea of setting a goal or a "resolution" simply because it is the beginning of a new year and you feel like you should. If you know you need to change something then just do it- don't wait until January. If you set the goal simply because the holiday dictates that you do, you probably will not achieve the goal anyway. The motivation for change is not really there. You will most likely work on it for a month and then forget all about it. Therefore you have not resolved anything. And therefore I make a point of never setting new years resolutions. I simply continue working toward the goals that I already have set for myself. I always have goals- in multiple areas of my life. Education, spiritual, physical, etc...so the new year brings nothing different. I think everyone should always have at least 2 or 3 goals they are working toward- otherwise they probably aren't improving or progressing. But those goals should not be set simply to ring in a new year.

I know I sound like a scrooge- but to me it seems so hypocritical. The idea of a new year bringing new opportunities and a clean slate is fantastic- but rarely do we ever really take advantage of it. We hang on to our past so tightly because its comfortable, its what we know- and the new opportunities are scary- so we fall right back into our rut and never truly experience what the new year really could be. therefore- I am not a fan. It is a waste.

also, I never stay up until midnight. The new year will come whether I'm awake or not- why should I lose sleep over it. If other people want to celebrate new years- more power to them. Someone has to love it-its just not me.

And THAT'S how we start the new year!

This is my room...well part of it. (YES its purple)

I'm not going to lie- I think new years is a waste of a holiday- except for the fact that I worked a full day today and got time and a half, also holiday pay. Have I mentioned I LOVE my job. Anyway- that's not what this post is about. So I had new years eve off and what does a person who doesn't really celebrate new years do? She cleans her room. And by 'cleans' I do not mean I pulled out the vacuum and ten minutes later it was done. NO. I stripped my bed, dusted everything like normal but then I decided that wasn't good enough. I pulled all the furniture out (except my bed, that's too big to move by myself, I simply crawled underneath) and cleaned all my baseboards, I dusted my shoes, my books, I cleaned under my bed- I vacuumed every square inch of carpet and every surface and item in my closet. I even vacuumed the speakers on my stereo. that may not sound like a big deal but my closet alone took me over an hour- probably closer to two hours. As you can see, I have quite a lot of stuff in my closet- books packed on the top shelf and shoes stacked in boxes below.

My whole room took just over four hours but can I just say it looked amazing and smelled fresh and clean and there was not a particle of dust left in the place- maybe because it was all over me. Also, I don't think I've sneezed so much in one morning ever. But it was totally worth it and I can't think of anything more productive to do on the eve of a new year.