Showing posts with label Just for Fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Just for Fun. Show all posts

12.31.2010

Auld Lang Syne

As another year comes to an end, it's time to revisit the bests and worsts of 2010.

Favorite Moments
Becoming a marathoner
Meeting Bart Yasso
Running the RRR with my Ryan
Attending the UFC Fan Expo
Stalking Kody Brown
House boating on Lake Powell
Becoming a SAHM

Not-So-Hot Moments
Potty training
Ryan getting the shaft from Sunroc
Moving out of the Camelot community
Deciding to be the RRR captain
The earthquake in Haiti
Wikileaks

Disappointments
BP
Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Kim Kardashian's DWTS debut
Jesse James
California voting no on Prop 19

Favorite Songs
Airplanes - B.O.B feat. Hayley Williams and Eminem
F!*# You - Cee Lo Green
My Chick Bad - Ludacris feat. Nicki Minaj
Tight Rope - Janelle Monae feat. Big Boi



Best Movies - I didn't really go to very many movies this year. I'm not too keen on paying $74 for a ticket at the theaters. Plus, my life is now consumed with all things toddler so it's no surprise my favorite movies this year are kids/family movies. My life is so glamorous.
Inception
Hot Tub Time Machine (That crap is funny. Don't judge me.)
Toy Story 3
Despicable Me


Best Reads - I always have to clarify that these book picks aren't books that were necessarily published in 2010. Rather, they're simply books that I read this year.
My Life on the Run - Bart Yasso
Heft on Wheels - Mike Magnuson
Escape - Carolyn Jessop
In the Forest - Edna O'Brien
The Rookie - Scott Sigler

Enjoy your final hours of 2010. I must admit, it was a good year. Let's see what 2011 has to offer.

11.29.2010

Fra-gee-lay

"A major award! A major award! I won, I won, I won!!!"

I know I'm late in posting this but notify the press, y'all. I won a friggin' blogger award!!! First one ever!!!

The sweet, little innocent Gnetchy over at Thank Goodness for the Good Ones bestowed upon me the following award:
A blog with substance!! You hear that?!?? I'm legit, son! But now, I feel like there's so much pressure to make this blog even more...uh....substantial.

Does that mean I can't just post lists of my favorite things, pet peeves, annoying habits, and phobias anymore? Do I really have to, like, write?

Dang, I liked it better when I wasn't an award winner. Now everybody is gonna be expecting me to produce Pulitzer Prize material and crap. Thanks, Gnetch. I guess this means I'll have to start proof reading my shiz now, too!

I guess to ease some of the pressure, I'll just tag other peeps with this award. Then maybe they can be the ones to stress out over keeping their blogs...substantial. (Someone get me a thesaurus. I really need to find a better synonym.)

So, I hereby pass this award along to the following bloggers:

Clem - Oh Clementine (Blog is currently under construction)
SilverNeurotic - The Quarter Life Crisis
Mackenzie - Whatever, Gatsby

So congrats, you guys! You got it goin' on! And thanks again, Gnetch, for the award in the first place. Now, off to compile my Christmas list, which I will be posting on here shortly. Don't you worry :)


11.25.2010

My cup runneth over

2010 has been a big year for me and I have a lot for which to be thankful.

  • The Ogden Marathon
  • Living rent free...again
  • Ward choir
  • Tuesday nights
  • YouTube makeup tutorials
  • The Budos
  • Audiobooks and podcasts
  • The potty watch
  • Lake Powell
  • Pittsburgh
  • Zumanity
  • 10 mile runs with Stephanie
  • Carinessa II garments
  • Extended calf boots
  • Centaurs
  • Red Rock Relay
  • The BYU math department
  • My Taralyn
  • Donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
  • Sparrows
  • Worthy priesthood holders
As always, I have to add a disclaimer that this is not a comprehensive list. I'm grateful for so many things but most of all my family, the gospel, and the love of my Father in heaven.



Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!





9.30.2010

Things I Just Can't Live Without

After taking a shower the other day, I reach into the cosmetics drawer for a Q-tip when low and behold, there are none left! Before I start to panic, I check our reserves in the cabinet under the sink. Phew! a whole new box!

Heaven forbid I can't squeegee my ears clean after a shower. That's like the best thing about taking a shower. After you're finished bathing, you get to shove that delightful cotton swab into your ear and massage it around until you think you might pass out! Probably one of the best feelings in the world, I'd say. So if we ever ran out of Q-tips and I was unable to get my fix, the entire rest of the day would be shot and I'd feel like I had water in my ears.

That got me thinking...what other essentials aside from Q-tips can't I live without?

Ponytail holder/hair tie
I'm generally too lazy to do my hair, so I pull it all back and pretend that I was out running or something just before and didn't have time to do my 'do.

Chapstick
I am not about to walk around with crusty crusts, mkay?

iPhone
Let's face it, the 3G network has revolutionized the way we poop.

30,000 pairs of underwear
I'm kind of OCD when it comes to showering. And after I do so, I can't just put on the same pair of underwear. That's common sense! But even if I don't shower 12 times a day, I still change my underwear like 27 times. I just like to feel clean. Don't judge me.



What are some of your every day essentials you just can't live without??

8.08.2010

Too lazy...

Well, I'm finally back from my Pittsburgh trip. I've got lots of pics of the wonderful meals I had...though they;re not very wonderful pictures. And I wanna post them and make you all jealous, but I'm too lazy too gather my thoughts right now to do all that.

But, I have been neglecting my blog so I wanted to post something. I've decided to take the easy way out and post a "Would you rather..." questionnaire, which I got here.

Feel free to copy and paste it if you like. If you do, link back to me so I can check out your answers, too. Thanks!

Would you rather have a freakishly huge smile or a freakishly small nose?
I'd go with smile. At least then I could be a kick-ass Joker for Halloween.

Would you rather slide down a 50 foot razor blade into a vat of alcohol, or suck all the snot out of a dog's nose until its head caves in?
I choose razor blades, but maybe that's just because I used to be a PETA member.

Would you rather survive a nuclear war only to become the podiatrist to a race of mutants, or smell the cheese?
I'd be a podiatrist. They make good money.

Would you rather be mechanically induced to scream at the top of your lungs for an hour, or have your eyes glued shut for a day?
I'd glue my eyes shut in a heart beat! Then I wouldn't have to go to work...or clean the house!

Would you rather be forced to preface everything you say with the phrase "Tuck it in" under threat of being slapped, or have a magnetic head?
"Tuck it in" could present some pretty funny conversations.

Would you rather be born with a refrigerator on your back, or have an elephant as a close, personal friend?
Elephant. Think of all the gas money I'd save.

Would you rather have 15 nails hammered into your tongue, or have your saliva permanently transmuted to urine?
Nails. It'd be like getting your tongue pierced, right?

Would you rather have needles for leg hair, or have flares shoot out of your nose every time you say the word "the"?
Yikes! This is a hard one. Could the needles still be shaved off? If so, I choose that.

Would you rather have eyes that always smile, or a voice that makes people calm?
Uh, the calming voice, I guess. Don't wanna get everyone all riled up.

Would you rather be able to fly, or have the ability to read people's minds?
I'd wanna read people's minds so I could know all the sh!t they talk on me behind my back!

Would you rather lose our keys three days in a row, or have your dog eat your birthday cake?
I'm not really big on cake so Puppy can have it.

Would you rather have the power of invisibility, or be able to produce sparks from your fingertips?
Invisibility, then I could stalk The Rock without getting arrested.

Would you rather be able to foretell the future, or have all the money you will ever need?
Hmm, need is different from want...I'll go with foretelling the future that way I can make millions on the stock market.

Would you rather be able to stop time while you slept, or never need to do laundry?
I'll go with stopping time. I'm a huge procrastinator and that skill might come in handy if I'm behind on a deadline.

Would you rather be able to bring about a lasting world peace, or eliminate all hunger and disease?
Boring!!

Would you rather be debt free, or eleven years ahead of schedule?
How much freakin' debt do you have that being eleven years ahead still doesn't cover it???

Would you rather suck on a live cattle prod for five minutes, or be imprisoned?
Would I only be imprisoned for 5 minutes, too? Though, 5 minutes is all it takes to be raped...I choose cattle prod.

Would you rather have spaghetti sauce you can sink your teeth into, or teeth that sink in spaghetti sauce?
Do meatballs count?

Would you rather have a foot long eyelash you can never pluck, or an earlobe the size of a basketball?
Eyelash. Maybe I could tuck it into my ponytail.

Would you rather hit every red light for the rest of your life, or always be wrong?
I'm NEVER wrong!

Would you rather catch a cold after freezing your face in a bowl of liquid nitrogen, or be unable to sit?
I'm pretty sure that liquid nitrogen would do a lot more damage than giving you a cold.

Would you rather meet the Beatles, or eat beetle meat?
WTF???

Would you rather bring home the bacon, or be water soluble?
LOL, I'd be water soluble. Then I could still be a stay-at-home mom.

Would you rather be a webmaster, or know only 7 words?
It would depend which words they were. All the swear words? Then yes!

3.26.2010

Reality TV


I LOVE me some reality TV. But I'm not talking American Idol and Survivor. I like my reality shows trashy, dirty, and ghetto!! Here are a few programs that keep me tuning in each week for the newest episodes:

Jersey Shore
I can't get enough of these guidos and guidettes. Are people REALLY that idiotic and self-absorbed? Only at the Shore, baby. GTL

America's Best Dance Crew
Ok, so it's not really trashy. But compared to So You Think You Can Dance? and Dancing With the Stars, ABDC is super raw! And what is it with Asians? Can they all dance?!? Every Asian crew or crews with Asian members have dominated so far. Pretty sure every winning crew over the past 5 seasons has had an Asian member. Coincidence?

Tool Academy
Pretty much, it's Charm School for guys; douche bags on parade.

Jerseylicious
This show just aired last week and I'm already addicted. I can't wait for the season to progress. Centered around Jersey's Gatsby Salon, this show reeks of catfights, ultra teased hair, and drama. But, I kinda feel like I'm cheating on Snooki when I watch it.

RuPaul's Drag Race
I love me some queens! Sache chante!


What are some of your favorite and trashy TV shows??

2.19.2010

I Wish Fashion

My loyal followers, I apologize.

I've been so super busy with work and life that I've severely neglected my blog. And, when I have had a free second to post, I'm usually posting about running. Sorry, I know that gets boring.

I wanna do a fun post about my recent trip to Vegas, but it will probably take me a while to gather my pictures and my thoughts. So in the meantime, I thought I'd steal another fun post idea from SSLA. This list entitled "Stuff I Think is Cute on Other People But Would Look Terrible on Me"

1) Strong Shoulders
An 80's era throwback but with a bit more sophistication and command. I'm not a fan of the boxier, over-sized look of the boyfriend blazer, but I do like the femininity of the Balmain and Givenchy styles. However, I have the broadest shoulders you'll ever see. (Thanks Dad.) I have no business accentuating these boulders nor could I even find a fitted jacket that wouldn't tear to shreds anytime I flexed my lats.

2) Skinny jeans
I love the idea of a skinny jean paired with adorable flats and a gorgeous, billowy, empire waist shirt. Or, to spice it up, skinny jeans and some rockin' stilettos. However, there isn't a single part of my body that'd I'd label "Skinny." So once again, I have no business squeezing my tree trunk legs into this type of denim. And don't even get me started on low-rise versions. Can anyone say, "muffin top?"

3) High-Wasited Pencil Skirts
Again, another era throwback. This time, a little reminiscent of the 1940s. But I can't seem to pull this look off cuz I don't have the right curves. Rather, I have too many curves, if you know what I mean.

4) Boots
Riding boots are my all time favorite style of boots. Complementing a crisp button-down and tailored jeans, paired with a lazy cardigan, or even worn with an airy boho-chic dress, this style of boot is one of the most versatile fashion trends. Of course, I have huge Poly calves that only dream of sporting ANY type of knee high boot. (Thanks again, Padre.) Riding boots were made for the long and lean, both of which I am not.



What are some fashion trends you wish you could pull off?

1.30.2010

If I were...


If I were a month, I'd be September
(Oh September I'm falling for you~Kalai)

If I were a day of the week, I'd be a lazy Sunday

If I were a time of day, I'd be 9:00am

If I were a planet, I'd be Neptune

If I were a sea animal, I'd be an dolphin
(Cuz they live in the tropics, duh!)

If I were a direction, I'd be West

If I were a piece of furniture, I'd be a coffee table

If I were a liquid, I'd be coconut oil

If I were a gemstone, I'd be jade

If I were a tree, I'd be a palm

If I were a tool, I'd be a vise

If I were a flower, I'd be plumeria

If I were an element, I'd be water

If I were a kind of weather, I'd be a thunder storm

If I were a musical instrument, I'd be a ukulele
If I were a color, I'd be deep plum

If I were an emotion, I'd be excited

If I were a fruit, I'd be a mango

If I were a sound, I'd be a melody

If I were a car, I'd be a Range Rover

If I were a food, I'd be a smoothie

If I were a material, I'd be fleece

If I were a taste, I'd be ambrosial

If I were a scent, I'd be Island Nectar

If I were an object, I'd be an iPod

If I were a song, I'd be Sing to Me by Melissa Polinar


If I were a body part, I'd be a pair of calves

If I were a place, I'd be Santa Barbara

If I were a facial expression, I'd be a cheesy smile

If I were a pair of shoes, I'd be Vans original Eras




**********Thank you to Katy for this fun post idea!**********

1.11.2010

$$$$$$$$$$

I LOVE lists!! Why didn't I know that the Secret Society of List Addicts existed?!? I've already gotten so many fun ideas for posts from their blog. Including this...

What I'd do if money were no object:

Pay off all my debt
I guess if money were no object, I wouldn't have any debt. But as it stands, I've got like a million credit cards, 19 school loans, and like 80 car payments. So, debt would have to be the first thing to go. I ain't owing anyone anything!

Pay off my parent's debt
I had to learn my poor money management skills somewhere, right? Both my husband's and my mother have incurred some debt of their own, including their homes and cars. If I paid off all my mom's debt, there's no question who the favorite child would be...like there was ever any doubt anyways ;)

Buy houses
Right now, I'd be happy with A-house. But if money weren't a thang, you better believe I'd keep multiple homes in Santa Barbara, San Diego, Park City, Miami, Hawaii, New York, and Australia. I've got places to go! Which leads me to my next item...

Travel
And I ain't talking about flying coach and staying at a Best Western. I'd be "Paying cash,first class,sitting next to Vanna White" And since I'd own a house in most of the cities I'd already be visiting frequently, lodging would be taken care of as well as transportation, because of course, every house we own has a 3 car garage, each stocked with a sports car, sadan, and SUV.

Build rock crawlers
Poor Ryan has sold every single one of his Jeeps. He's been reduced to driving a Toyota Yaris. Definitely not manly. I'd buy Ry his unlimited Rubicon and then let him go to town on lifts, lockers, bead locks, roll cages, stingers, etc. Even more fun, I'd sponsor him in building a tube chassis buggy. Then, we'd forget Moab and instead go Aussie to crawl our beasts!!

Commission a chopper from OCC
I don't care who you are, choppers are super sexy. And though American Chopper has turned into just one more dramatic reality show, it doesn't negate the fact that they build some of the most beautiful bikes known to mankind.

Hire a chef and personal trainer
Can you imagine just how skinny I'd be if I had someone cook for me and make me work out?

Purchase Betsey Johnson's entire line
I love me some Betsey Johnson and her 80's prom-esque style. Her leather purses are my favorite bags of all time and I love her funky and chunky jewelry pieces.

Establish a need-based scholarship
I'm a huge supporter and advocate of higher education. I also know how expensive college can be and I would not have been able to afford to attend if it weren't for the scholarships I received.

Host extravagant parties
I love hanging out with friends and I love throwing big events. I'd find every excuse to plan the most awesome galas and soirees for families, friends, and charities.

What are some things you'd do if money were no object?

12.31.2009

2009 Faves

With another year coming to a close, it's time to whip out my list of favorites and not-so-favorites of 2009. And in no particular order...

Favorite Moments
Lolli's 1st year luau
Baja Cruise
Ry's graduation from UVU and being accepted into Westminster's MBA program
The birth of new nieces and nephews
Lake Powell and the creation of the LPK
Weekend trips to the farmer's market
Beach hopping in San Diego
Signing up for a marathon

Not-So-Hot Moments
Almost getting shot up at the Olive Garden
Lolli's RSV hospitalization
Getting kicked out of the 9th East house and being temporarily
homeless
Summer trip back to Sacramento
Family drama
Swine flu
Breaking up with Joaquin

Disappointments
Buying the BMW
Senate health care bill
Chicago Olympics fail
Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol
Being slighted by Goldman Sachs
New Moon and Where the Wild Things Are
Losing the King of Pop

Greatest Songs - According to the Billboard charts
Use Somebody - Kings of Leon
Thinking of You -Katy Perry
Please Don't Leave Me - Pink (Though, the music video was disturbingly psychotic and creeptastic. No me gusta!)
Fireflies - Owl City
Bad Romance - Lady Gaga (This music video was just as psychotic as Pink's but some how, Gaga's level of crazy is more sophisticated and palletable. I loved it! But really, who wouldn't love Gaga in Alexander McQueen?!? Epic!)

Most Awesome Movies - There's actually quite a few movies that came out recently that I haven't seen yet; but if I had, they'd probably have made the list. As for the movies I have seen, these are the few that I actually enjoyed. Also, some movies listed were released prior to this year, however, I didn't actually see the movies until 2009. So, I figured I'd include those, as well.
The Blindside
Goodfellas

Zombieland

The Hangover
The Soloist

The Boondock Saints

Best Reads
Got Fight - Forrest Griffin
Mafia Dynasty: The Rise and Fall of the Gambino Crime Family - John H. Davis
Moloka'i - Alan Brennert
Skinny Bitch - Rory Freedman
Homeless Bird - Gloria Whelan


Now 2009, I bid you eff'ing adieu!!!!!

12.21.2009

Things That Must Go: Christmas Edition


Being broke

Cheesy Christmas movies on Lifetime

Car wreaths

Traffic

Crowds

Inflatable yard decorations

Trees covered with globs of tinsel

The "Christmas Shoes" song

Obligatory gift exchanges

Egg nog

Being broke

The hassle of writing and mailing out Christmas cards

Insomnia on Christmas Eve

Sluzzy girls who think it's cute and clever to dress up as "Santa's Sexy Helpers"

Being broke

12.03.2009

You've Got Mail!

To my amusement, I found this email in my inbox this morning when I got to work. I copied and pasted the email in it's original format. The horrible formatting, font, grammatical and spelling errors really add to the splendor!


Dear Respectful,

Good day, I know that this email will come to you as a surprise because you don,t know me and i don,t know you too. My name is HELEN DRAKOV,i am 23 years old and an ophan.My late father died in auto crash in Decembar 2005.

My late father was kill in a suspected road accident but the police reported that my late father was drunk and full of alcohol before his death.However,my late father was a successful business man who lived IN HONGKONG AND SHENZEN CHINA before coming back to my country, Latvia.Before the death of my father,he told me that he deposited the sum of US$5.000,000:00{five Million,united states dollars only) with a bank in china in the year 1999.

I have contacted the Bank and they told me that i am free to come and claim the money as the only daugther of my late father as i have the secret number my father gave me . Now,i am presently living with my unlce who is taking care of my school and my uncle is very wicked to me.

He has seized all my late father,s properties and sold them away without showing any consign to me.Now,i don,t want him to know about the US$5.000,000:00 with the Bank that is why i am contacting you to give me and urgently assist so that i can instruct the bank Bank to transfer the money to your account to enable me come to meet you in your country.

My main reason of contacting you is because i don,t want my uncle to know about the money because he may claim it and seize the money and i will not get anything. I am assuring you that this money belong to my late father and it is safe,risk free and legal. the deposit is withthe bank Let me know if your ready to help me on this so that i can give you the detail information of the bank,and we reach and agreement on what will be your share.

I am waiting for your reply, reply me direct to my email helendrakov@aim.com

Heln Drakov

House 71, apartment 56

lenin Street Almetyevsk

Zip code: 423450

Latvia


11.27.2009

Attitude of Gratitude

And in no particular order, I am thankful for:

  • My health
  • H1N1 vaccine
  • A supportive husband
  • A beautiful and happy daughter
  • Pain killers
  • The farmer's market
  • All-wheel drive
  • Bedtime singing sessions with Lolli
  • Photography & Photoshop
  • Opportunities to share my talents
  • Supportive friends
  • Sports
  • Music class
  • Social networking sites
  • Asian pears
  • iPhone apps
  • Novocaine
  • Low-brow literature
  • The Pink Lady
  • TJ Maxx
  • Cuddling
  • Caramel cookie bars
  • Down comforters
  • Plumerias
  • Memories of my father
  • Layaway
  • Team in Training
  • Thai food
  • WIC
  • Nerts
  • Good gas mileage
  • The Camelot community
  • A living prophet
  • Late night bike rides with Tara ;)
  • Family prayer
  • Vacations spent on Coronado

Of course, this is not a comprehensive list and I tried not to repeat things from last year. But as always, I'm thankful for my family, the Gospel, and the love of my Heavenly Father.







7.30.2009

Last Meal

Anything involving food, you know I'm game. So, I couldn't pass up the chance to give praise to my favorite foods. Thanks to a fellow blogger for giving me this opportunity.

Try this on for size:
Imagine that the world is about to come to an end tomorrow and you've said goodbye to all your loved ones. As you sit on your bed about to sleep for the last time, a genie comes out of nowhere and tells you that he will prepare a feast for you. List everything you want to eat and he will give it to you. Your stomach will temporarily become bottomless and it will be like a buffet; you can eat as much as you want. There will be no guilt for anything. Time will stand still until you're done eating. What will you want to have?

In no particular order:


Saimin - but only real kind Saimin. Like Zippy's...mmm! Not stupid Top Ramen, although I already do eat that pretty much every day



Manapua - Huge, fat, steamed ones with char siu inside. Like the kind you can get at 7-11 in Hawaii.

Sushi - Preferably something with Hamachi, tempura shrimp, lots of yummy sauces, and just a touch of ginger and wasabi

Lemon Bars - After sampling many a lemon bar across the land, I must say that I prefer my
own lemon bars above all else. Go figure!

Mochi Ice Cream - Either chocolate or mango flavored from Trader Joe's

Mangos - aka the fruit from the Tree of Life

Gummy Worms - I only like certain kinds of g-Dubs. They can't be those cheap kind. Black Forrest makes pretty decent ones. I like leaving the package open or sticking them in the freezer and wait for them to get
hard. It's the best way to eat them!

Hot Pots - Who knew that Utah County would be home to one of the best meals on earth?!? Thank the heavens for Four Seasons Hot Pots and Dumplings

Spam Musubi - Once again, the best is just straight from the 7-11 counter in Hawaii, but thankfully we've got an L&L BBQ in Provo that does a pretty decent musubi. But really, is it that hard to make??


Shrimp Fajitas - Mi Ranchito in Orem has the BASTE shrimp fajitas. The shrimpies are so plump and succulent and grilled up with the most delicious sweet onions and bell peppers. And the portion they serve is big enough for two...although I'd never share

Brownie Batter - Not brownie batter ice cream, not brownie batter blizzard. I'm talking straight up brownie batter. The stuff you prepare and then pour into the pan before putting it in the oven to bake. I LOVE brownie batter! Why ruin a perfectly good treat by cooking it?!

Dim Sum - And then some!!! I can't wait to get back to Las Vegas next Friday and hit up the dim sum carts off of Sahara. Except, I'll pass on the chicken feet.




I'm sure I'm forgetting to add some delectable treat to this list. But just looking at these items, my mouth is already watering.

What about you? What foods make you salivate just by thinking of them? What foods would be on your list?






3.27.2009

50th Post!!!!

I thought I'd take a break from my pity party to celebrate my 50th post with some sweet pay-it-forward action.

Here is how it works:

The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive at some point during this year a homemade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! Though most of you who know me know that I'm in no way crafty. So, don't expect a quilt or framed watercolor painting. You'll probably end up with a batch of brownies or some other yummy confectionery.

The catch is that you must participate, as well. Before you leave your comment here write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going (or cut and paste..no one will judge you, cause that is what I did). Then come back to leave your comment, sit back, and anticipate the arrival of your gift.

1.13.2009

2008 Favorites

The other night, I caught some of the Golden Globe Awards. It got me thinking of the movies I enjoyed this past year and what my picks would have been. I then thought back to a post that my dear ol' Shavs threw up on her blog about her favorites and least favorites of 2008. With both of these thoughts in hand, I thought I'd create my own list. (I guess I should have created this list a while ago, since we're already 2 weeks in to the new year. Oh well. I'm doing it now.)

Favorite moments of 2008
  • The birth of Lālea
  • Graduating
  • Spending the day at Glorietta Beach in Coronado
  • Eating dim sum in Vegas
  • The Deer Valley weekend
  • Watching Sopranos while eating bread and butter
  • Dancing hula for a ward activity
  • Watching Ryan play rugby






Not-So-Hot Moments of 2008
  • Quitting school and work to go on bed rest
  • Weekly visits to triage
  • Moku, poo blasting his cage and getting it all over the carpet
  • The boys' attempts at building hydrogen fuel cells
  • Trading in the 916 area code for the 801
  • Thinking we might have to move in to my mom's
  • Trying to get a hip hop routine together for a ward activity
  • The Comp4x4 shopping cart breaking down
  • Family DRAMA
  • Sarah Palin
Disappointments of 2008
  • Twilight movie
  • Mitt Romney dropping out of the race
  • Scarlett Johansson's album, Anywhere I Lay my Head
  • Releasing Britney Spears from treatment
  • Emergency bailouts
  • The ignorance of Prop 8 supporters



Greatest Movies from 2008
  • Dark Knight
  • Be Kind, Rewind
  • The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
  • Sweeny Todd
  • The Fall



Best Songs of 2008

  • No Air - Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown
  • Kiss Kiss - Chris Brown
  • Paper Planes - MIA
  • New Soul - Yael Naim
  • Disturbia - Rhianna
  • Sensual Seduction - Snoop Dogg

Best Reads of 2008
(not necessarily books that were published in 2008, but those that I happened to read in 2008)
  • The Last of the Menu Girls - Denise Chavez
  • Pillar's of the Earth - Ken Follett
  • Night - Elie Wiesel
  • Caramelo - Sandra Cisneros
  • Breaking Dawn - Stephanie Meyers
  • Index to English, Eighth Edition - Ebbitt & Ebbitt




There you have it. In my opinion, some of the greatest and not so great moments of 2008. What were some of your bests and worsts???

12.22.2008

Christmas Favorites

And yet, another list. This time, some of my favorite things about Christmas.
  • decorating the tree
  • gift wrapping
  • chili stack-ups
  • Christmas lights
  • wire trimmed ribbon
  • reminiscing about Grandma and Cheryl's tap dance routine
  • opening stockings
  • Christmas music
  • spending the night at my Mom's
  • watching Christmas Vacation
  • scourging TJ Maxx for hours
  • peppermint bark
  • the sound of bells, jingle jangling
  • our Christmas Eve talent show
  • the excitement of Christmas morning

12.05.2008

Things That Must Go: Second Edition

As I furiously hunted down a parking spot this morning at work, I was enraged by all the idiot people on campus. This was all the fuel I needed to create another list of things that must go.

*******

Parking lot followers; you know, the cars that follow people out to their car so that they can take their spots when they leave

Every single person who has their rides drop them off in the parking lot of our building. That parking lot is tiny as it is, and when stupid lazy people have their husbands or room mates pull in to drop them off at the door, it congests the rest of the flow of traffic. And even more importantly, there's a sign at the entrance of the parking lot that blatantly states that this lot is absolutely NOT a pick up and drop off zone. Apparently these people should get their money back from BYU, because obviously they haven't even learned to read.

HUGE 4x4 trucks that park in the compact spots. If you have a double cab truck with a 7 inch lift and 37 inch tires, you have no business even thinking about compact parking spots.

Stupid pedestrians on 700 N. They walk out into the middle of the road without even looking to see if there are any cars coming. And at night, it's 10x worse! It's like they wanna get hit. Well, one of these I'm gonna do it, and I'm gonna laugh and laugh and laugh.

975,300,000,000 handicapped parking stalls and only like 7 regular parking spots.

People who wear loads of makeup during the day, go for a 7 mile run, causing lots of sweat, but then don't shower or even wash their face before they go to bed. Then, they simply wake up in the morning and cover their already filthy face with even more makeup and comb more product through their greasy hair. SICK!!!

People who talk loudly on their phones in restaurants.

Annoying laughs

The guy who comes to the math colloquium and loads up his plate with mounds and mounds of food. This isn't an all you can eat buffet. It's light refreshments, which means, you take a couple celery sticks, and a handful of crackers...not the entire sheet of cookies and the whole gallon of milk! No Augustus. Save some room for later!

People who don't have email

Magic cards

Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky jokes

Stretch marks

People who honestly think and act like they're real vampires.

Paris Hilton

The phrases, "yadda yadda yadda" and "and what not"

The Greek food restaurant

The song Christmas Shoes..."Sir, I wanna buy these shoes for my mama, please." I think I just threw up a little in my mouth.

8 year olds with cell phones

People who don't wash their hands after going to the bathroom. Gross!

Charging $25.97 for shipping on an item that cost $1.23

Extreme PDA

Forwarded chain letter email messages, "Bloody Mary will appear at your bedside tonight if you don't forward this on to 19 people!"

Fees to use other banks' ATMs

People who say Nordstroms, it's Nordstrom

Horchata

Thinking your child is cuter than mine

*******

What would be on your list of things that must go??

11.27.2008

I Thank, Thee, Dear Father

I am thankful for many things. On this Thanksgiving, I've decided to list (in no particular order) some of the things I am thankful for.

  • The Gospel
  • higher education
  • rugby
  • music
  • Literature
  • dim sum
  • my Polynesian heritage
  • Betsey Johnson
  • The Office
  • Thanksgiving BINGO
  • iTunes, iPhone, iPod-pretty much anything that starts with i
  • chapstick
  • living rent free
  • Baby Einstein
  • The Huntsmaniacs
  • Grandmother Wonderful and free daycare
  • Stephenie Meyer
  • DC and Vans
  • snowboarding
  • Santa Barbara
  • musicals
  • the ocean
  • my mom thinking I'm the funniest person she knows
  • sushi
  • volleyball
  • rainy days
  • mohawks
  • trampolines
  • rock crawling
  • choppers
  • Four Seasons Hot Pot and Dumplings
  • Carnival Cruise Lines
  • Dr. Wayne
  • q-tips
  • lunch dates with my mother-in-law
  • Kosy 106.5 nonstop Christmas music
  • rollie pollie baby legs
  • the Las Vegas oulets
  • tithe payers that funded the scholarships that paid for my tuition
  • mangos
  • ukuleles
  • J Dawgs
  • living within 15 miles of all my immediate family
  • the time I was able to spend with my dad
  • eternal families

Of course, this is not a comprehensive list of all the things I am grateful for. But above all else, I love my family, I love my life, and I am thankful for all the experiences that have influenced me to become a better person.

11.20.2008

Because I'm bored at work, and because Nikki called me out.

Fantastic Fives, here I come!!!

5 things I'm passionate about:

1. Family
2. Music
3. Literature
4. The Gospel
5. Food

5 words/phrases I use often:
1. "Because it was funny"
2. "Uh, no."
3. "Really?!"
4. "Beeeyaaa!"
5. "Excuse me?!"

5 things I want to do before I die
1. Go on a mission with Ryan
2. Do a session at the Laie Temple
3. Edit a bestseller
4. Go to an All Blacks game
5. Become fluent in Spanish


5 things I've learned in the past:
1. No matter how early I go to bed, I'll never be a morning person
2.
It's easier if you do it right the first time around
3. Every family has drama
4.
Ryan (and all Priesthood holders for that matter) has a lot on his plate, and it's my responsibility to support him
5. Our Heavenly Father knows us better than we know ourselves


5 things I currently want/need:
1. $$$$$
2. More confidence and a better self image

3. Motivation to hit the gym

4. A Masters in Print Publishing

5. My own house

5 places I want to see/visit:
1. New Zealand
2. Hawaii (Ry's never been there before)
3. Santa Barbara (memories of my childhood)
4. Tuscany
5. New York (mainly Broadway)

5 TV shows I can't live without:
We've cut the cord...literally. We no longer have cable, dish, nada. But, I do keep up on The Office via the internet. And we've burned every single Baby Einstein ever made, without which, Lolli would never give me a second of peace!!

5 Things that happened yesterday:
1. Lālea sprouted a tooth!
2. I dropped $140 at Poomart
3. Ryan had his first interview
4. Lālea cried in her play yard for 35 minutes straight
5. I received a call back regarding my editing resume that I sent out


5 Things I look forward to:
1. The cruise
2. Ryan getting into Westminster or USU
3. Enrolling Lālea in a halau
4. Weekend getaway in Deer Valley with the Huntsmaniacs
5. Twilight movie

5 Things I love about winter:
1. Snowboarding (After missing 2 seasons due to surgery and pregnancy, I hope I still remember how!)
2. Christmas music

3. Hoodies
4. Going to the Huntsmaniacs to hot tub and fireplace snuggle
5.
William Sonoma marshmallows

5 People I tag:
1. Angenelle
2. Laura
3. Candice
4. Shauna
5. Alli
And whoever else finds themselves bored at work or just procrastinating their priorities!!