alix's archives.

the one time a kid threw up during the opening prayer.

2012-01-05T00:32:00.000-07:00

While Kirk and I were in Washington, we were able to stay at my near and dear friends house, the Beeson's!

OH how I have missed them so!

It was the first time I have seen their new house all finished and it was spectacular! We got to watch a lot of movies in their theater room, play a lot of RockBand and eat a ton of junk... Kirk and I felt very welcomed and probably gained 20 pounds due to our free refrigerator rights.
Kirk was also able to get everyone addicted to a few iPad/iPhone games... there was only minor competition going on.

We were able to spend some good, quality time with their entire family whom I practically grew up with. It felt like home.

I also went to my old ward, and even though it has changed quite a bit since I have last visited, there were still a few friendly faces have missed dearly.

We also were able to go to the stake's Christmas Devotional.

Kirk and I were pretty tired from the wedding the night before and debated whether we should go or not.

But I am OH SO GLAD WE DID.

You see, probably one of the most epic barfing stories of my life took place that night.

And so the story goes...

Kirk and I walked in just before the opening prayer was about to start.

We took a seat in the back row right next to the aisle.

Right when the prayer started, we heard a very strange yet recognizable sound followed by a huge commotion about 5 row in front of us.

Obviously a child got sick...

As the prayer is still taking place, the parents of the sick child start to run down the aisle with their him in their arms and the mother is holding the kids mouth...

All of a sudden the kid just let's it all out and throws up EVERYWHERE and since the mom had her hand over his mouth, the vomit sprayed in all sorts of different directions splashing a few people along the way.

Let me remind you, the prayer is still going.

Kirk and I are OBVIOUSLY not feeling the reverence nor the spirit at this time... We just stared in complete shock asking ourselves, "Is this REALLY happening right now?"

After the kid exits the room, still throwing up everywhere, people start to run out of the room too.

One girl in particular, who probably got some vomit on her long coat, tried to run out of the room only to slip and fall into the vomit and kept sliding around trying to get up. Like a fly stuck in a spider's web.

Mind you, the prayer... is STILL going.

Someone helped the girl up and they both walked out together. Oh the kindhearted. I just couldn't help her, I don't DO vomit.

Anyway, when the prayer was finally over, a rally of people got up and started cleaning up the pukey mess. I felt very grateful for people like that since I would probably NEVER be one of those people.

Bailey Beeson came over and asked us if we wanted to come sit with her family on the other side of the room. Once we sat down, Bailey's dad asked, "Did something happen over there?"

OH... how much you missed!

And although Kirk and I were sitting RIGHT in the middle of the action, we managed to walk away from the scene unscathed by the projectile vomit. Lucky.

Moving on with our trip.

On Monday, Kirk went to visit one of his friends in Seattle while Brandi and her son, Cade come to the Beeson household to play.
I was so excited to see Brandi because I haven't seen her since she told me she was pregnant! And now she is in her 2nd trimester and showing and I LOVE it. I even got to feel Miss Litchfield move around inside that belly.

We made caramel corn and enchiladas and watched movies.

That night, we went to Snowflake Lane in Bellevue with their family.

We stayed up late that night watching more movies and sneaking in a midnight snack, then a 1am snack and so on and so forth...

Sadly, we had to leave the Beeson home the next day to head to Portland to my aunt's house for Christmas... more on that to come. :)

Katie is MARRIED!

2012-01-03T00:05:00.002-07:00

A few weeks ago, Kirk and I were able to make our way to Washington for my dear friend Katie Pwotahhh's (now Katie Neilson) wedding!

The night before the wedding, Katie's in-laws threw a fabulous rehearsal dinner/party/bowling night at Lucky Strike's in Bellevue.

It. Was. A. Blast.

Such a great idea!

KHAM! OH how I have missed you! Don't worry, I'm representing the asian thing here. Apparently he didn't get the memo.

Whitney... The groom's sister. She was my very first and bff when I moved to Washington 17 years ago.

The next day was the wedding day for the happy couple.

The reception was true to Katie and Adam style... Straight up dance party.

Katie's sisters even organized a flash dance!

I am proud to say that I participated.

I am so happy for you Katie and Adam!

WOO HOO!

oh my word.

2011-12-31T00:47:00.002-07:00

good golly miss molly.

this holiday season has gone by much to fast.

i have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off for the past few weeks and i think this feeling won't go away until after March 9, 2012.

So many things to catch up on...

Katie Porter's wedding

Staying at the Beeson's abode

The kid who threw up during the opening prayer, all down the aisle... splash zone

flying on the tiniest plane I have ever been on in my life

A very Portland Christmas

The best crepe I ever had

Packing and moving (so glad phase one is complete)

Driving to California all by my lonesome while my oh so kind fiance decided to take a trip to L.A. and leave me alone on New Years. It's ok. I promise...

It is now time for me to relax and put my dogs up... at least for a day or two.

And then about to begin phase 2 of wedding planning. Let the fun begin!

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!

quite the thursday night.

2011-12-02T14:54:00.001-07:00

Sometimes the Turkey works a lot.

And by sometimes, I mean for the last 6 months or so.

You see, he and his friends started a business. It's called Scan Inc.

They are hoping to make their website public this week.

They are busy bees and nothing makes me cherish those moments that I have with the Kirk more.

Last night, we decided we probably should go on a date since I can't remember the last time we did so.

Usually, our evenings consist of me hanging out on the couch watching all manner of television - Sister Wives, House, Big Ban Theory, Friday Night Lights... The list actually is quite extensive and I just would hate to bore you with all the shows I watch. It really is pathetic.

(However, my cable at my apartment is not currently working due to my lack of motivation to do something about it... so I don't really watch TV unless I'm at Kirk's.)

Anyway, I watch TV while Kirk works in his office. Sometimes I make treats or dinner by myself and bring it to him as if I am his 1950s housewife. Sometimes there is no food around and I beg him to take me out.

Well, last night was my lucky night. We went to Guru's for some ever-so-delicious sweet potato fries and tortilla salad. I was mid sweet potato fry when in walks none other than Jimmer Fredette with his fiance.

I was all, "Hey Kirk, I think that's Jimmer."

And Kirk was all, "No... he wouldn't come here."

You see, Kirk isn't really a huge fan of the Guru's sweet potato fries. Sometimes they mess up Kirk's order every time he goes there and he doesn't like caesar salad wraps! So clearly, his logic is that if he doesn't like it, neither should Jimmer.

Moving on.

Jimmer ordered his food and sat only 2 tables down from us. Onlookers from around the restaurant stared and whispered and smiled and giggled.

I, on the other hand, played it cool... and snuck this photo:

I'm one sly dog.

Kirk then tried to demonstrate the way looked while I took the picture:

The Jimmer finished his meal while his fiance was on her phone... I thought this would be the perfect moment to ask to take a picture with him. Kirk begged me not to, but I stood up about to walk over when Jimmer and his beloved got up and walked out of Guru's never knowing my hopes and my dreams. Kirk told me that Jimmer could probably sense what I was about to do and hopped out of there so he wouldn't be bothered. Shoot.

The night continued. We wanted to see a movie and after careful research, it looked like HUGO would be the best option. 8.6 on IMDB? Ok. We'll give it a shot.

I came home to change into something more comfortable for the 10pm movie when Kirk informed me that he wouldn't escort me to the theaters if I didn't wear his gift to me.

My jumpin' jammerz. I fought him on the matter but ultimately gave in. I found it only suitable to wear some jumpin' jammerz to the movies on the night I saw Jimmer. They are my jumpin' jimmer jammerz.

I was only mildly embarrassed when the lady behind the concession counter complimented me on my cute pajama pants... and then I unzipped my jacket to unveil that the pants were actually a onesie. Oh the humanity.

I know I look psycho. And those UGGs. I already know all of the fashion rules I am breaking, ok?

The movie was pretty good in my humble opinion. Definitely long and kind of slow, but I focused on the story and the details of the movie and fell in love with it. Kirk on the other hand, slept during the vast majority of the movie.

Oh well, at least I had fun on our date night.

Turkey Day - The Most Wonderful Day of the Year

2011-11-30T14:08:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving this year came too soon and felt too short!

Ani, Kirk, and myself made the 11+ hour drive to California (deja vu anyone?) and spent the Thanksgiving holiday with the Parkinson side.

The food was remarkable and the company was amazing. We chatted and chatted and chatted and lingered and lingered some more. I was so busy gabbing with my CDF (Crazy Dysfunctional Family as we so lovingly call ourselves) that I didn't even get to enjoy the dessert!

All the grandkids with the pops... or Poppi as we call him. Can you say estrogen much? Girls rule in this family.

Calvin enjoying a nice beverage from his very own goblet. He was pretty proud of that thing.

And the scruffy turkey as I affectionately call him. I LOVE a little scruff on a man and it only took minor convincing - he ended up loving it more than I did! And it's red! Who knew?

I love this picture of my mom and great uncle Dellenbach! They look so happy.

After the feast and festivities, a few of us cousins decided to go see Breaking Dawn that night and drag our significant others to the movie - Kirk was a trooper. (I highly recommend movie theater going on Thanksgiving. You get the whole theater to yourself!) We had a grand old time pointing and laughing and cringing throughout the show. I didn't know honeymoons could be so awkward...

On Friday, we decided we wanted to get our hit of Chipotle - a must if you are in the Fairfield area - and invited everyone and their dog to join. It wouldn't be a true family outing if every family member didn't attend. We couldn't find enough seats inside the restaurant to we took over the outside patio area and dinned like true Parkinsons do - burrito bowl style.

We spent the rest of the day hanging out, watching home videos, talking wedding, and eating sweets. I even made a batch of chocolate covered oreos thanks to the great mind of Kirk Ouimet. (I know, the chocolate covered oreo thing is getting a little out of hand. But they are so fun to make and so delicious.)

We decided that should head east back to Utah on Saturday. We woke up kind of late and wanted to say goodbye to our mama llama and Bebe and Dolly (our family has quite the nickname repertoire.) The early afternoon turned to noon and by then we thought we should probably eat before hitting the road, so we made a trip to In-n-Out with everyone in stow in the back of the van and retrieved the extremely large order of cheeseburgers, fries, and diet cokes. $40 to feed 11 people? Not too shabby.

After our feast, we lingered a little longer in hopes that maybe if we stayed long enough, the day would never end. But alas, 4pm rolled around and we thought we should probably get on the road before Monday comes.

Travis, Rachel's BF, even loaned us his radar detector in an effort to help get us back to mormon-town faster. It did help. We shed off at least 2 hours of the drive and made it back and snug in our beds by 2am. We are leaving at 4pm every time now... JUST KIDDING.

Sidenote: The drive always seems to work out nicely for Kirk. He sets up camp in the back of the car and "works" while I manage to drive the whole way... funny how that happens.

Now it's time for the Christmas festivities to begin! Christmas shopping, staring at lights, listening to holiday music and a possible musical or two!
Happy Holidays EVERYONE!

a dress story.

2011-11-23T02:04:00.001-07:00

The time has come for me to knuckle down and do something important for the impending nuptials taking place in March.

I make it sound like the world is going to end. And so what if I am a negative Nancy about planning my own wedding? Have I ever mentioned that before? Are you sick of it?

I met with the oh-so-very talented Melissa Blackburn to whip up a wedding dress of the century. A wedding dress fit for a queen. Let me tell ya, when you see it, you will DEFINITELY think Kim Kardashian/royal wedding status. Only kidding.

Since she is working with probably the most indecisive person this side of the Mississippi, (that's debatable... I can't quite decide if I am...) Melissa has some wonderful and fabulous ideas to help move the process along.

The first meeting went something like this:

Me: I want it like this and like that and like this and like that.

Melissa: Ok, let's do this.

Me: Good. It's settled then. See you in three weeks.

She informed me that we don't have to make any hard plans at this first meeting.

I told her with every fiber of confidence in my being that I am "not afraid to commit to the plans."

Wait. What were those words spilling out of my mouth?

I just wanted to her to think that I wasn't going to be one of those "difficult brides." Or I suppose wishy-washy could also work.

I left that meeting feeling great about all things discussed... except for the sleeves, and the neckline, and the fabric, and the color...

I waited a day to contact her in fear that my indecisiveness was only happening because she said I could change my mind and it would be okay. Don't give me options, I will definitely abuse them.

I finally mustered up enough courage to email her (I couldn't call her because I did not want her to hear my weakness through the phone.)

I told her of all the things that I was unsure about and how I didn't want to seem difficult but, I think I want to change a few things.

We had a second meeting.

Melissa: You don't have to make all the decisions now. We can conjure up an outline and work outwards from there.

Me: SIIIIIIGGGGHHHHH.

She just gets it.

And so we spent the afternoon brainstorming ideas and making me feel comfortable again. The stress of the wedding dress is no longer and I now I know that I will at LEAST have a dress for the day. If nothing else, it's all I need.

this is actual brainstorming at its finest.

this and that.

2011-11-18T14:50:00.001-07:00

Well, as it turns out, this sicky is sick once again.

What the heck.

I'm not quite sure where I got it/am getting it from but it's getting a little old.

Today I had to cancel on my lovely friend Trudy and our outing to H&M today for fear of getting her and her little family sick. I am such a good friend.

Wedding planning is going... Everyone always asks me how it's going and that's just what I say. It's going. Who knew I would hate it so much? I think planning other people's weddings is fun, but planning my own is a whole other story. The one that I'm telling right now.

I am still on the search for a venue. I think I have decided that it will be in California for sure. I was going back and forth between a few ideas. And even considering a destination type wedding but in the end, I think I just should have a party for everyone, k?

Maybe.

I'm so back and forth with EVERYTHING. From location, to colors, to the actual wedding dress. My poor dress maker is probably wanting to strangle me.

However, moving is kind of fun. Well the actual act of moving is not. Packing, packing, organizing, packing and driving to the Golden State will probably not be a walk in the park, but I would rather move 10 times than plan my own wedding. HAHA!

I am moving down to California in January to live with my aunt and uncle (where my mom is) and staying there until Kirk and I get married. Kirk will (hopefully) find a place in the city to live in January and it will be the place we move into once we do get married! I have found a bunch of places that I LOVE and I am trying to convince the Turkey that they are all wonderful places to call home. He is not so keen on living in a loft apartment... He wants office space so he can work at home (which I am totally all for) but there aren't many decent spaces with 2 bedrooms. Well, there are. Just not with the San Francisco charm and architecture that I was hoping for. I mean, we will probably only live in the city once and not for that long... I want to soak up all that it has to offer!

I am seriously SO excited to live there. I have always wanted to live in a city and San Francisco is pretty cool with some awesome views. I have always felt like northern California had a piece of my heart and now I get to reunite with that piece of my heart very soon. I just can't wait to explore and find cool things. Don't you worry, I will document it all. Well, most of it. I'm still working on documenting my life now. But hopefully with new surroundings and basically a new life, I will be more motivated to do so.

We are going to California for Thanksgiving this year and it's a bitter sweet thing. I said this last year, but it's just not the same as having a place to call home. Holidays and family get togethers are always super crowded there (another reason why I'm excited to move there. Then I can just go home at night instead of drive the 13 hour drive back to Utah.) But I am excited to stuff my face with mashed potatoes and stuffing. Oh, stuffing.

Ok, I will get back to healing my sick nose and scratchy throat and finishing my online wedding registry (that part is fun. 1 point for me.)

Happy Friday!

animated.

2011-11-11T00:30:00.001-07:00

Have you seen this?

I love it.

I feel like the older we get, or rather, the older I get, the magic of life tends to be pushed by the wayside and I get caught up in the every day craziness of real life.

When I was a kid, I used to imagine my life and how it would be now. How different it would be once I became an adult. I used to make lists of my goals, my dreams, my aspirations. And although, I feel like this is definitely not the life I thought I would live, I wouldn't change it for the world. I still plan on doing all of the things that are on my list. But I plan on doing them with a partner. With my best friend.

I am so lucky to have someone in my life, someone who wants to be with me forever, who supports me and my dreams. Someone who wants me to succeed and someone who is there when I fall.

That is what love is.

Sometimes I feel like there is a confusion about what true love is.

We live in an era when comparisons are made left and right and there is that constant knocking on the door to remind us of what we don't have; what we are lacking.

I am so grateful that I have waited this long to be with the man that I know I am supposed to share the rest of my life with.

To be able to recognize true love and to be able to embrace it.

I have always been drawn to music and dance. And although I am no expert on either, I feel like I can appreciate the beauty and the expression of dance. And I can appreciate the ability that music has to move us. And the way a story can be told by both.

And this,

this is the perfect example of those two worlds coming together.

How amazing.

as luck would have it.

2011-11-10T02:55:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day in 2 weeks that I did not go to the gym.
I am getting a sore throat and I am blaming the gym.
It is so hot and steamy in there (and not in a good way, or else I would be there regardless of my health status...) I feel like it's the perfect place for the common cold and flu to infest and grow and spread.
I feel like every time I start to go to the gym again I get sick.
What the heck is up with that?
I noticed the sore throat when I made the trek up to Anthropologie blasting the heat and singing my heart out to Celine... I couldn't make that last note. How embarrassing.
I cleared my throat and continued on as if nothing or no one was around.

Once in the glorious store, I was floored by the Christmas decor. I felt like I was in holiday heaven. I couldn't get enough. Then I saw the price. "I can make ALL of this," I thought. Possibly true. Probable? Probably not.

(Photos taken by me and my iPhone. HENCE the quality... I do not credit myself to be a photographer. And I probably won't ever. So don't judge, eh? Sorry, bad mood sickness kicking in.)
I went ahead and began shopping around, losing the purpose of why I was actually there. I needed some Christmas presents. Specifically, some Christmas perfume. But, I was lost in the overwhelming racks of clothing and suddenly my closet needed everything. Everything including skirts and dresses. "My skirts and dresses selection is getting pretty pathetic."
I made it to the dressing room with my arms full of dresses and skirts galore. I tried them on but much to my dismay, not a single piece of clothing was inspiring me to pay the big bucks. About halfway through my dressing room session, I started to feel ill.
But, I couldn't quite put my finger on it. It was just a feeling. A sudden feeling of dizziness, headache, throat ache, nausea, confusion, hot flash, body ache... Do you know the feeling? The feeling before you get sick but you don't quite know what it's going to lead to.
The dressing room and I were not getting along so I walked out feeling defeated by Anthro's skirt and dress section.
I decided I would just get what I REALLY came to get which was perfume for some christmas gifts.
I needed two, they only had one.
I immediately asked one of the kind sales associates to check the back to see if they had any more. Since I was not about to walk out with only ONE of the TWO things I came all the way to Salt Lake to get.
She ran to the back and within the 5 seconds she was gone, I thought I was FOR SURE going to lose my lunch right then an there in the middle of the holy Anthropologie bedsheet section.
No, no. This could not happen to me.
I fought the urge to purge when she came back out and informed me that the one perfume I was holding was the only one left.
At that point, I didn't care anymore. I just wanted out.
So I made my purchase and left the store, got in my car and vamoosed out of there faster than you can say, "Tossing cookies."
I had also meant to make a little detour to Nordstrom Rack to return an item or two but, made an executive decision to just head back to my home in the good old land of Provo.
What a waste of a drive to SLC.
Once home, I made another executive decision to ditch the gym.
And that is the abbreviated version of why I didn't do my work out today.
I started to feel a little better. At least not nauseous which I feel is the worst of the worst of illnesses.
But the sore throat is kind of staying around.
I am trying to fight this bad boy with all my might. Vitamin C and hot tea with lemon and honey. I even read somewhere that you can kick a cold by ingesting a teaspoon of honey mixed with a 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon every 4-6 hours. So I am doing that as well.
This always happens when I'm trying to get in shape. And then, when I am better, all of the hard work from working out was all for nothing and I have to start all over again.
No siree bob. This girl is NOT going to let a sore throat and stuffy head get in the way of her goals.

new news.

2011-11-08T01:05:00.001-07:00

I have some news.

Something I have been wanting to share for quite some time... and I may have let it slip a time or two - not really knowing my audience.

You see, it wasn't really a secret. It was more of a technicality. A not for sure thing.

But now, now this is a for sure thing. Sure as the sky is blue and the poppies are orange.

Oh, poppies.

Kirk and I are relocating to the city by the bay.

That's right,

San Francisco.

Source: kevindart.com via Alix on Pinterest

This will be quite the adventure to say the least.

Some people are even telling us not to do it.

But, you see, I have always wanted to live in a city. At least for a time, just to see what it's like. To feel the energy and the hustle and bustle.

I am a country girl at heart. Give me a cozy cottage and a quiet town and I am good. As long as there is a Nordstrom near by. Oh, that's not real country? Shoot.

The point is, I am excited. This will be a new chapter in our lives and I can't wait to start it!

And when I go, I'll be sure to put a flower in my hair as Scott MacKenzie so eloquently put.

To blend, of course.

selling clothes.

2011-11-03T13:40:00.000-06:00

Hello ladies!

The time has come for me to go through my closet and part with some pieces that are near and dear to my heart.

I have decided to let everyone enjoy this momentous occasion and I have put these items up for sale!

A few things to know:

1. I am not getting rid of clothing that is worn or ugly. No, no my friends. These are simply items that I am just tired to see in my closet and are not being worn like the beautiful clothes should be.

2. I will ship anywhere within the U.S. A $5.00 shipping fee will be charged if such is needed.

3. If you live in Utah, we can arrange for a pick-up/drop-off sort of thing.

4. I use paypal and will give out the information when needed.

5. If interested, please email me at alixvanbuskirk@gmail.com

Let the shopping begin!

Gap Striped Long Sleeve Cotton Crew Neck

Size: M

Slightly worn

SOLD!

Old Navy Toggle Cape

Size: M

Only worn twice

$10

SOLD!

Gap Striped Tee with Sheer Neck

Size: M

Worn once

SOLD!

Nordstrom Sheer b.i.p. top

Size: L

Worn once

$12

SOLD!

Shade bow tie Tunic

Size: S

$12

Gap Dolman V-Neck top with gold buttons

Size: M

Worn once

$12

Forever 21 nude/grey sweater

Size: L

$10

Gap Dusty Rose v-neck with rouched sleeves

Size: S

Worn once

$10

SOLD!

Anthropologie Odille top

Size: 6

$20

Anthropologie Odille lavender top

Size: 6

Small bleach spot on top left bust

$11

Xhilaration ruffle top dress

Size: XL (runs kid of small)

Never worn

SOLD!

Shade Teal Pencil Skirk

Size: S (4-6)

Never Worn

$15

H&M black skirt with pockets

Size: 10 (medium)

Never worn

$12

the ultimate goal.

2011-11-03T12:55:00.001-06:00

As previously mentioned on my blog, I spend a lot of time doing a whole lot of hanging out with Kirk.

And I admitted that I have gained x number of pounds in the past 6 months (a number that I will not share. I'm too sensitive about it.) I blame the relationship because as most of you may already know, relationships make you fat.

There's a whole lotta eating out and hanging out and not a whole lotta working out.

So my goals have shifted a bit and I am trying to reverse my bad habits.

Which is really hard by the way.

I can't quite remember what I used to do before I did the things I do now... to replace the bad habits.

I haven't ever been a really unhealthy eater. Except for carbs. Those are my weakness.

But I am excited to report that yesterday while at dinner, I did NOT eat my slice of bread. A major feat in my eyes as I never pass up a slice of bread.

Never.

I have decided to make my goals small enough to reach. And to give myself rewards for reaching my goals.

Hunter rain boots when I lose x amount of weight

A facial when I lose the next amount of weight.

Until I reach my goal.

However, I have also decided that the scale is not really something I will be using to track my success. I am choosing the way I feel and the way I look as a measuring tool of my success.

Yes, it is nice to see numbers that tell you how hard you have been working, but we all know that the scale doesn't measure strength or inches.

It's not easy. I find that I get pretty hard on myself and sometimes I don't see the results of my hard work and I want to rip my hair out.

I also have made other goals that I feel are attainable for me and I can reward myself when I do them.

Drinking more water throughout the day. This is super hard for me because I love my diet coke. I have a hard time drinking the water here in Utah because it tastes funny to me so I have drink purified water or bottled water. I know I'm particular but listen, this is the only way for me.

Water allows the body to rid itself of the toxins you may gain from working out. It also helps the body rid of water weight AND makes my hair and skin nice and hydrated. In this dry Utah weather, there ain't nothing better than a glass of water to heal all dry wounds.

I won't beat myself up if I can't make it to the gym every day or if I eat something awful... I just need to remember that just because one mistake is made, doesn't mean I have to quit altogether. This is something that I want to do and change for the rest of my life.

I want to be around for my children and show them how to have an active lifestyle.

And that, my friends, is my ultimate goal.

2011-10-31T12:23:00.002-06:00

Here I am on this glorious Monday morning putting off going to the gym.

I should be more excited about the gym because Kirk has set up my phone so I am able to watch movies on it... and who can really say no to a movie and a treadmill?

Since Kirk has moved into his new apartment, I have gained a certain amount of weight that I will not share the exact number of.
What I will share is that Kirk makes sure to fill his cupboards with treats and snacks galore and with his amazing talents of having every single show known to man on his computer, I spend most of my time vegging.

And do you know what? He still wants to marry me!

So the gym is where I am headed after I write this pretty pointless post about my eating habits and my loathing for the gym.

But I wanted to also share with you all that Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries are calling it quits after a mere 72 day marriage.

I would say that it's a shame... but her $18 million wedding has already been paid for and I may actually agree with Khloe Kardashian Odum and her hatred for Kris Humphries. His voice really is too deep.

So with that in mind, I will clean my bathroom, finish my laundry and do some grocery shopping before heading to the dreaded gym.

UGH.

Where is the motivation when you need it?

the second engagement shoot.

2011-10-27T14:03:00.002-06:00

Tessa has done it once again!

These photos we took up in the canyon are climbing into my favorite's category very quickly. And let me tell you, that is not an easy feat!

Since we were rained-out last sesh, we decided to enjoy each other's company amid the mountains of Provo canyon for yet another photo shoot.

This time, the weather agreed with us nicely and the lighting was quite ethereal in my humble opinion.

Don't you even worry your pretty little selves, we are probably going to do another photo shoot because Kirk is that in love with me, and I am that in love with Tess. Say what?

Here are a few of my favorites.

Tess has some real talent. I love this shot.

This is what I mean when I say ethereal. Lighting from behind couldn't be more amazing.

My friend Ryan says this is Kirk's GQ face. I'm marrying that.

And of course this one is my favorite.

Can't wait for the next shoot. Third time is a CHARM!

peace.

2011-10-26T10:34:00.004-06:00

Lately, I have noticed I am telling people that Utah is feeling more and more like home.

Such a strange thing for me to say because I remember always thinking that Utah will never be home for me.

But, with the very definite four seasons that this state has to offer, who could really argue that?

Fall here makes me want to write poetry, and to read it.

It makes me want to read everything with romantic flair.

This year, I don't plan on dressing up. Sadly, I haven't dressed up since 2007 and I just don't want to kick my tradition of not dressing up quite yet. Just give me a few more years.
I remember my parents used to dress up when I was little. Halloween has always been a favorite. I loved dressing up for it and decorating for it and doing all of the fun activities that this holiday has to offer.
I still feel that way and I hope I can continue to feel this way with my own kiddlets.
My mom, always the witch with the green face and crazy witch nose.
She would tell us that one night a year she could fly on her broom and her face would turn green... that she was a REAL witch.
(She was. Just kidding.)
I have learned to develop a good sense of humor through out all of the turmoil and stress this past year had to offer.
Certain things have become ridiculously funny to us and all we can do is just laugh at it.
I am still sad about it all. There are some days that go by and it takes all that I can to not lose it and cry every second. Those are the worst days. The smallest things set me off.
One night, Kirk and I decided to go back in time and watch Land Before Time together. I couldn't watch the first 10 minutes (the part when the mom dinosaur dies) without bawling. And then I continued to cry throughout the entire movie. Bad choice.
I can't do the sad movies or shows. It's too hard.
I have to say however, that I have found things to get somewhat easier.
I am not as angry as I used to be. I am not as pitiful as I used to be. And I am not as stressed as I used to be.
I know that this has a lot to do with hand of the Lord in my life and all of the prayers that you guys have offered up for our family. I am overwhelmed everyday at how much people have been willing to help and serve and pray for us. It means a lot and has made a huge difference and impact on my life. I can just feel it.
I'm not going to lie, there was a time when I was really angry and frustrated with the cards our family has been dealt. If it wasn't one thing, it was another. I always asked why us? What have we done to deserve such a horrible thing? I felt very alone and very ignored. I forced myself to think about the positive. Because if I went down that road of hate, I wouldn't be able to come back.
It was hard for me to go to church. I felt like I had to put on a smile and pretend like everything was fine. I didn't want to talk about it. And I felt like if I were to say what was actually going on, it would put that weight on everyone else and I was embarrassed and I didn't want to do that to people.
When I went to Washington to help take care of my family and do the impossible/stressful move, I was feeling lost, confused, overwhelmed and upset. After a long conversation with my friend's mom about all of this, I told her that I just didn't know what to do with myself anymore.
She said, "Listen. I don't know how to solve all of your problems. I don't know if anyone does. But what I do know, is that you have to give this burden to God and only then, will you feel peace."
At first I was like, there is no way that this would solve ANY of my problems. It's happening now, here on earth and giving my burdens to God will not change the fact that I still have a mother with Alzheimer's who can't take care of her children and whom I can't ask what to do in this situation. Peace is not in my future. This is a life-long illness that just gets worse. It's going to get even harder than this. The weight of it all is on me.
This last trip to California was surprisingly not as hard as I thought it would be. It was still hard to see my mom get worse. It was strange to see her as a child instead of my mom, to see her needing and depending on others more. But it wasn't as difficult as I had anticipated. Maybe things had gotten easier. I had been praying for the past year for things to be easier. To lean on Him through all of these painful emotions and to give me hope and peace.
It was like a light went off and it all made sense.
Peace.
I get it.
My attitude has changed. I can handle more. I am stronger than before. And I have the support of my family and friends guiding me along the way.
It doesn't change the outcome of what is happening. That part is still sad.
But the hope part. The hope part has changed for me.

I remember having a conversation with Kirk about how there is no hope. Nothing will get better and life - especially my mom's - is just going to get harder. This disease doesn't get better. Hope does not exist with Alzheimer's.

Then he said that the hope that I should have should be the eternal kind of hope. The hope that we will all be together again, with no sicknesses. That her memory will be restored in the next life and that we will understand it all then.
Light bulb.
I'm still working on it though. It's not like every single day is a walk in the park. There has been improvement. But, I know there is still a lot ahead of me that I won't be able to control. I know I talk about it a lot. The situation our family is in and I am not asking for pity or consolation. I am mostly writing this post to remember this feeling and so I can look back on it and remind myself that even though, when times are so hard I can't breathe, that there is hope. It's so easy to forget that when bad things happen.
And I just want to be able to know that I'm stronger than I think I am.
And I'm not alone.

Oakland, CA temple.

wedding o wedding, how i am starting to loathe thee.

2011-10-13T03:34:00.000-06:00

Whoa.

I have been engaged for 3 months now.

Time sure does fly!

I realize that this wedding planning business is taking over my life.

I haven't really even done anything... just spent hours upon hours of TRYING to find the perfect venue.

For some reason I feel this immense pressure to make it exactly what I want and I know I am falling victim of the whole "bridezilla" faux pas.

I am even getting quite annoyed with myself... I can only imagine what the people around me are thinking.

I am being very picky and I am not helping the people who are trying to help me.

They ask what I want and I simply do not know.

Well, I do. But I know it's not out there because I looked... time and time again.

I swear if I have to look at herecomestheguide.com one more time I will torch my eyes. See? Now I'm just getting violent.

Although I already knew this about myself, I am surprised at how much I am caring about everything.

I want it to be fun - a celebration of loooove.

But for me, part of the fun is being able to put my heart and soul into it.

I want those that will be there to think, "this is totally Alix and Kirk."

So, yes I am having a hard time honing in on one place. Well, if I'm being completely honest, I am having a hard time finding any places to hone in on.

Every place that I think I like has had serious issues that I just can't overlook:

1. It's too expensive.

2. Too far away.

3. Too big - since the guest list is only about 100 people, I really would hate to have a venue fit for 1,000 people. That would just be ridonculous.

4. Too ghetto. You'd be surprised at how many ghetto places I have seen.

5. It's a winery - call me a crazy mormon, but I think it may be a tad inappropriate to come straight from a temple ceremony to a winery. However, don't judge me if I end up using a winery for the venue... It hasn't been entirely ruled-out.

6. It's in the city. Apparently, going across the Bay Bridge during the weekend is a nightmare and you can never be sure of what the traffic may be like so the easiest thing to do is just say NO so San Francisco. But, for me... this isn't all ruled-out either. Don't be surprised if the reception is in SF.

I am feeling very discouraged at this point considering this whole trip to California was to find a wedding venue. I kept telling myself I wouldn't start the fun planning (decorations, dresses, flowers etc.) until I found the venue. Plus, I feel like those things would fall into place once a decision has been made on a location.

Are you sick of hearing about my wedding planning woes?

I am sick of talking about them, feeling them, sharing them, ignoring them...

I have deemed this task IMPOSSIBLE and I am beginning to consider eloping. I am being serious.

The only thing holding me back from running off into the sunset with my handsome fiance is the fact that all families may be devastated. There is no way we could really know for sure unless the action is made so I can't say that the outcome will be entirely sad.

I mean, we would be married after all.

Brides have told me that after a while, you start to think that you're just doing the whole wedding thing for everyone else... but then those people don't really end up caring a whole lot about it.

The guy who cuts Kirk's hair told him that him and his wife just sent out announcements and got married in the temple with close family members and a few friends and then went on their honeymoon and called it a day.

That option sounds the tastiest.

this is for sure not that important.

2011-10-07T00:59:00.001-06:00

Remember how it's the first snow of the season today?

And how cold it was today?

GEEZ.

I had to bust out my wool sweater and boots today.

It's throwing me off because I'm heading down to California to do some wedding business (what's new?) and it's going to be in the 70's there!

I am wanting to pack my fall clothes but that would be ridiculous in 70 degree weather. Just ridiculous.

Does anyone watch the Jersey Shore anymore?

I watched it tonight - definitely lost some brain cells but who's counting?

I just feel like if I lived with any of those people, I would go crazy. No wonder everyone on that show is wacked out. Kind of random, but felt the need to share I suppose.

Did I mention I'm driving to California? Oh man, I am not looking forward to that 11-hour drive. I actually dread it. Whatever. It has to be done!

I'm trying this new thing where I drink a lot of water.

Don't you worry yourselves, I still am in a committed relationship with Diet Coke, but I am making it a point to drink much more water... especially when I'm thirsty. I swear there used to be days when I would just drink Diet Coke and nothing else. Of course I would be bouncing off the walls and jittery to the extreme. And in all honesty, I was just feeling dehydrated. I know there will come a day when I need to quit the golden drink, I just don't know if I could part with it quite yet. Especially on those days when I have a thousand things do to and a thousand places to go. It just keeps me going, ya know?

I am excited to see some family and get the ball rolling on these wedding plans.

I have mentioned before that I am just beyond overwhelmed that I don't even know where to start and what to do to make anything happen. I feel like after I make this trip, I will find a venue and then I will get the momentum to keep planning this wedding!

I will say that taking engagement pictures made it feel that way too. It was pretty fun. And Kirk was such a good sport... It's not every guy who enjoys dressing up, posing and getting his picture taken. At least, that's not really Kirk's thing - and he did it without a single complaint!

Anywho, I suppose I should get back to packing for this CA trip.

So, for now, enjoy this picture that won't make the cut. haha!

Uhhh, don't mind the part where my right leg went missing.

the story of engagement pictures.

2011-10-06T01:13:00.003-06:00

Engagement photos are hard.
First of all, I am the awkward queen of North America.
How on earth can I make them look the way that I want without trying so hard?

Secondly, I have found that I like it when pictures look unintentional and not so overly edited.
My friend Tessa has been taking film photos for some time and I have always loved her work.

We scheduled a session for this afternoon somewhere outside in some awesome places but, unfortunately it was pouring rain.

Definitely put a damper on our session but we decided to go with the flow and just try out a few indoor places to see if we could get some good pictures.

We went to the local grocery store and just improvised.

Tessa has explained a few key things about film photography that make a really good picture and one of the things was avoiding the flash.

It was difficult because grocery stores have terrible lighting but, I really like how some of these turned out!

I love the rustic look of these and how they look almost raw.

SUCCESS!

Of course we are going to have a few other photoshoots (with some seriously awesome ideas.)

Be excited for when those come!

Here are a few of my favorites!

We finished up at the grocery store and kind of thought we should find some other indoor spaces that have good lighting. Kirk offered up his office - there are brick walls, a fireplace and dark wood floors. It's quite industrial looking and we thought it might look good in photos. I had never seen it before and as it turns out, it's way too dark in his office for any sort of photoshoot to happen.

However, the office is located right next to the train tracks and as we were walking back to the car we just thought, "Hey, let's just take some pictures here..."

I LOVED the way the colors look in those pictures. Oh my goodness.

Can you just see how good the lighting looks outside?

Kirk's office is also located above a consignment shop that Tess and I could not pass up shopping through.

We found these little brass deer for $3 each and had to have them. How cute are they?

P.S. Did I mention that ALL of these pictures are COMPLETELY unedited? Amazing.

true story

2011-09-16T12:41:00.004-06:00

Everywhere I go, people ask me the story of how Kirk and I met.

However, through the years, we have noticed that my version of how we met tends to be a little on the snarky side while Kirk's is a little more sweet.

Obviously he doesn't remember it correctly.

Anyway, I always have to give the abbreviated story because it really is quite the novel. (We used to live at the same apartment complex.) And since blogs really don't have any sort of restrictions on length, I shall proceed with the story to the best of my recollection.

Almost exactly 4 years ago, I moved to Utah on a whim. I really had no reason to move there other than my sister was living in Utah and I just did not want to go back to Rexburg. Who can blame me?

My sister had dated this guy named Nick Killpack a few months before I moved to the beehive state. For those of you who might think to yourself, "My, that name sounds vaguely familiar..."

That might be because he served a mission in Washington, more specifically, the Redmond Stake. Ringing bells? Anyway, that didn't really work out and they parted their separate ways... So I thought.

My sister told him about the new apartment complex we were moving into and he informed her that one of his old mission companions was helping to manage it... and maybe we should all get together and do something fun.

Ani told me about this but, we kind of didn't really care or remember...

Ok moving forward. We moved into our fresh, new apartment at the end of August. Since they were so fresh and new, they had people going around to make sure everyone had their furniture, washer/dryer etc. Kirk came to the door one glorious morning when I had just gotten out of the shower, dressed like a hoodlum and wearing absolutely ZERO makeup.

He went through the checklist and then asked for my name.

Me: "Alix, A-L-I-X."

Kirk: "Van Buskirk?"

Me: "...yeah... how did you know that?"

Kirk: "Oh, no reason..."

Awkward pause... Seriously, it was awkward.

Me: (Remembering how Nick told me his friend worked there...) "Wait, do you know Nick Killpack?"

Kirk: (Looking VERY surprised) "Yes. What? How do you know him?"

Me: (Now, I'm really confused because I thought that the reason he knew my last name was because he knew Nick, but when I mentioned Nick's name, Kirk was shocked.) "My sister, Ani dated him."

Kirk: (Looking more awkward than before.) "Ohhhhh yeahhhhhhh."

Me: (I just laughed uncomfortably)

And that's pretty much how the first encounter went down.

Can you say awkward?

About a week later, Ani's dear ex came over with Kirk and invited us to get some ice cream with them.

At that point, I kind of forgot about the whole awkward fiasco.

I asked Kirk what his name was.

Kirk: "My name is Kirk Ouimet." (sounds like WE MET)

Me: "No, we haven't met."

Kirk: "No, Kirk Ouimet."

Me: (getting quite annoyed because I KNOW we haven't met) "No, we have not met."

Then something clicked. I remembered him.

Me: "We HAVE met! Remember, you came to my apartment and you did the checklist... remember? It was really awkward because I asked you if you knew Nick!?"

Kirk: "Ummm... I don't remember that."

Now this part of the story has two different versions. Kirk CLAIMS he remembers meeting me in my apartment but I definitely remember having this conversation about how he didn't remember me. I mean, I wasn't wearing any makeup. He was basically seeing me in my rawest version. It wasn't pretty and not many people get to see this side of me... and live to tell about it.

However, Kirk also claims that the reason for his so-called awkardness was because of how things ended with Ani and Nick. (I'm sorry, I have to share.)'

Basically, Ani was dating Nick and someone else at the time and there was a crossroads where she needed to pick one guy to stick with. She liked both but decided that she was going to have to break it off with Nick. Since Nick was on a trip to Boston with his family, this happened via text message. Or lack thereof. Mid texting conversation,
Nick said something to the affect of, "Boston is great, but it would be a whole lot greater if I had a beautiful girl named Ani to share it with."

To which Ani responded with: " "

Nothing. She didn't respond at all.

Poor Nick, "Ummm. Sorry, was that too much?"

"Any response is a good response."

And that is the way the cookie crumbled.

How they maintained an ok relationship after that, is beyond me.

As time went on, I started to develop a little crush on Kirky-poo. We would sit next to each other at church, I would make special trips to the management office to pay rent or make any unnecessary complaints...

One day, I went to the management office to pay my rent and Kirk was there to take my check.
I was just about to walk out of the door when Kirk said, "Hey tell Ani, we need to get together and watch the office or something."

Blow to MY ego! He liked Ani and usually there was no coming back from that. Plus, Ani and I had the same guy as our first kisses... We don't share very well.

I made an executive decision not to pass the message along.

Decision made.
This part of the story also has some discrepancies between Kirk and I. Kirk CLAIMS the reason why he told me to relay that message was because Ani had stopped him in the parking garage the night before and told him they needed to hang out and gave Kirk her number. When Kirk was telling me to relay the message to hang out with Ani, he was only following through. Kirk ALSO claims that our dear friend Nick was trying to set Ani and Kirk up. To this day, Ani doesn't remember ever talking to Kirk in the parking garage or giving him her number... interesting.

A few weeks later, Ani and I were hanging in the heated pool. One of Kirk's friends, Ryan approached us and asked if we would like to go to a Jazz game with him and Kirk.

We agreed to go but I was unsure who's date was who's. The comment Kirk made about wanting to get together with Ani was still haunting me and I was SURE that Kirk was intending to take her out. To this day, I still give Kirk a hard time about this. I was annoyed that he didn't ask me out, but instead made his friend ask BOTH Ani and I out... making it unclear who we were supposed to be with. Kirk claims he told Ryan to make sure we knew who we were going out with but Ryan DEFINITELY did not.

As the date went on, I slowly started to realize that I was, in fact, Kirk's date. That little stinker.

We ended up riding home together and singing rap songs all the way back from Salt Lake. Kirk says that's when he knew I was the coolest person he ever met... when shared my skillz of singing all of the words to "Thuggish Ruggish Bone" by Bone Thugs N Harmony. I was hardcore.

And that, my friends, is MY version of how Kirk and I met.

Officially official.

2011-09-08T12:37:00.000-06:00

Listen up ya'll!

(ok I'm totally not southern at all, wish I was, but I ain't. Oh, there I go again.)

We have set a date!

Give me a fabulous March 10, 2012!

We have spent months deliberating on this verdict and although when I tried to set our date with the Oakland Temple, they said they only book 6 months from the date. However, with Kirk's new business venture and his busy busy schedule, and my tendency to procrastinate, we feel as though this is the best date and we couldn't be more excited!

It's all becoming so much more real.

We do realize however, that this means we will be engaged for a good 7 more months and I am feeling only a smidge anxious about it, but I mean, we have been dating for 4 years. We could practically write a book about it (hey, there's a million dollar idea!).

I have a feeling that when we get married, I will still be weirded out with myself - the one who will probably never give in to growing up. I seriously still feel like I'm wearing someone else's ring and every once in a while have to convince myself that I AM actually old enough to make these big decisions.

With such decisions, I am having quite the battle at deciding on all the stupid little things.

For example:

What color do I want to use?

What kind of flowers?

Where will the venue be?

Should I even HAVE bridesmaides?

What food should I serve?

I seem to have all the answers to the things that I don't want, and when I have those conversations with people who want to help, I can feel their frustration as I'm saying "I DON'T want daisies. I DON'T want regular wedding food. I DON'T want all one or two colors."

Such answers do not narrow down any lists.

Whatever, I have always marched to the beat of my own drum. And I always get things done when I need to. I hope I don't procrastinate the entire wedding. That would be my nightmare. I know I have full control over procrastinating. But, I always have the dream that my wedding is tomorrow and nothing is planned.

I have a few other plans to finish before the blessed day.

I want to get into shape. Obviously, this will not be a quick fix. It will definitely take determination which, with my track record, has been lacking. I HATE working out and I LOVE food. Not the best combination. I think there are some people out there who possibly hate working out as much as I do... but I have always hated it. When I was on dance team and cheer and would be on regular work out schedules, I still loathed it. Some people say you gotta get over that hump and then you start to crave the work out.

This has never been true for me.

However, the time has come to suck it up and do it anyway. Whoever said being sexy was easy?

Here's to the countdown!

7 months and 2 days!

oh my word.

2011-09-02T12:03:00.000-06:00

I discovered these youtube videos that these guys made of their children retelling stories they heard their parents tell of themselves.

They are a series of 6 episodes and they are absolutely HILARIOUS.

This one is one of our favorites (and episode 4.)

But just watch the part when they are trying to sell candy... and one tries to get you to guess what song he's singing.

Enjoy.

I know you will.

holy cow!

2011-09-01T21:45:00.000-06:00

I seriously can't believe it's September already.

Like, Ani changed her calendar and I was all, what the heck? It's September?!

I feel like there were things that I forgot to do last month because September crept up so quickly!

However, in true September fashion I have a musical snack for you:

Fall is freaking HERE!

Get ready for costumes and leaves and cooler weather. It's my second favorite season after all.

2011-08-30T14:05:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to thank everyone so much for the supportive and kind comments, emails, texts and phone calls. I know I have some good friends and people who really care and love me and my family. I seriously feel so loved and am surprised at how many people who have offered their help with wedding planning. I am overwhelmed. In a good way.

Ani and I are planning a small trip to California sometime to pick out a venue and hopefully meet with a few caterers and flower people. I think once I pick a place, everything else will probably be easier to choose.

I just have so many ideas but I'm not really sure how to

A: Execute them.

B: Pick the ones that I like best...

If you look at my PINTEREST you can see that I have gone a little hog wild with the wedding category. (I love pinterest... I spend a lot of time there. Don't judge.)

In other news, I have found another new obsession.

Instagram.

If you have an iPhone, I highly recommend this app. I'm not sure if it's available for other smart phones but I am seriously in love with it and want more friends to follow so download it! I love it!

The last thing I have been up to is moving Kirk into his new apartment. Which will ultimately be OUR apartment when we get married. Kirk didn't have a single thing for a place so we had to do quite some shopping for furniture, kitchen stuff and a bed! We got a lot of things from Ikea and I don't know if any of you have gotten anything from there, but you have to put together EVERYTHING by yourself.

I'm not joking when I say we spent a whole 4 days putting things together. I am so SICK of building. HAHA! But we finally finished last night and everything looks great! The last thing the place needs is a woman's touch. That's where I come in. I can't wait to decorate it all and make it beautiful. Right now, it just looks like a bachelor's pad. Boys don't decorate. And in Kirk's mind, everything has to be black, white or grey. Soon it will be time to add color and I am dying!

I also want to get some highlights and I am loving Minka's color. Anyone know of a good colorist around here... that doesn't take months to get in?

this is going to be sad.

2011-08-17T01:23:00.000-06:00

Tonight I am feeling very overwhelmed.

This is the first time since being engaged that the hype of it all has kind of settled and I am now faced with this seemingly exciting task of planning a wedding.

I am excited to get married and be with my one and only, don't get me wrong.

I am just feeling sad that I will be planning this wedding without my mom.

I know she is physically here on earth, but the mom I knew isn't.

There are still moments when she is here. We see glimpses of it and it's like nothing has ever changed.

I miss that.

It's hard for me to think about let alone talk about it.

People ask, How's your mom?

And all I can really do is smile and say, She's doing well.

That's all I want to say. Because every thing else is too hard to talk about.

I will just start to cry.

There are times when that's all I want to do. Sometimes I think I don't remember what she was like. Sometimes I feel like I don't know who she was and people have to remind me.

And I hate it.

Sometimes I wish I could call her and have a conversation. I wish she could take over during moments like these. She was good at that. She always knew when I was feeling overwhelmed and was there to help.

Sometimes I feel sad for her. I know it's frustrating for her. Sometimes I wish I knew what she was thinking. And sometimes I can't go there.

Everyday I wish I could take back all the fights I had with her. I was such a bratty teenager. I wish I never said anything negative to her. I wish I let her know how much I appreciate her and how much I love her.

People expect me to have it all together. To go to school. To move on with my life. Which I am trying to do. But, there are moments, moments like these when I don't want to. Because I don't want her to miss out on all the things she was looking forward to.

Graduation.

My wedding.
Her first grandchild.

I just miss her.

I know God has a plan for everyone.

I just hope that someday I will be able to find peace and understanding through it all.

I mean, I know I will someday.

and he's all mine.

2011-08-11T14:31:00.000-06:00

It seems as though I have stirred up quite the controversy with my last blog post.

I must ensure and inform you all that no date has been set however, it looks like March is "WINNING." As Charlie Sheen would so aptly say.

I would like to mention a few important things about the impending marriage between Kirk-master-five-thousand and myself.

Well, it's more like a few reasons why Kirk can be categorized as "soul mate" material in my eyes.

Kirk allows me to call him all sorts of nicknames and if you are close enough to us, you will be able to experience the generational nicknaming that happens if you have grown up in my household.

I, for example am named Alexandra. However, if you call me that, most likely I will not answer. Alix is most preferred.

My little sisters are BeBe and Dolly. Nicknames that don't have much to do with their real names.

And don't even get me started on Ani's name.

Kirk let's me call him all sorts of things. And doesn't blink an eye. Literally, he just stares in disbelief: "Did you really just call me juicy-cakes?"

"Why, yes I did."

Another reason why Kirk is awesome. He's a master of electronics or more specifically, computers. Don't let my blog fool you, he is quite the web designer/entrepreneur/developer. I can't tell you how many times he has fixed or hooked my family up with some sweet software. He knows things we mere humans do not.

I enjoy cooking and Kirk enjoys eating. Yin and Yang people. Yin and Yang.

Kirk also is a goofball to the extreme. Although he may not be so outward with it around people, he is with me and I can seriously laugh until I pee my pants (talk about awkward.) He does these very interesting dance moves and facial expressions that I wonder sometimes, why we are even together. But, it's ok because sometimes I do things that are quite unattractive with my face and the feelings become mutual.

Kirk is an optimist. And I say this with the most extreme sense of the word. I consider myself to be a skeptic and a realist. Some may even refer to me as a pessimist. Whatever. But, Kirk's mantra is

"Life will find a way."

And for him, it always does. And sometimes it makes me jealous of his optimistical ways. But mostly, he makes me think positively even when life sucks. And I am grateful for that.

Kirk is a scientist. This is a blessing and a curse. He never wants to follow recipes or sometimes the rules. It can drive a lady crazy. I can remember the time Kirk thought it would be the best idea ever to mix real pureed strawberries into Diet Coke. It wasn't a good idea. He loves to create experiments and discover new things. I love this about him because we love to do this together. We are curious creatures and enjoy adventures.

Kirk and I can talk for HOURS. We love conversing with each other and telling each other the strange things we encounter each day. Trust me, there is always something to tell.

Lastly, Kirk is my best friend. He knows exactly what to do to turn my frown upside down.

Am I making everyone here jealous?

Well back off ladies... Because he's all mine.

they're magically delicious

2011-08-10T14:04:00.000-06:00

Welp, as it turns out, I was getting quite bored of blogging the NYC trip. And let's be honest here, I'm sure you were all too. So the break from the recount of NYC has been extended.

Don't act surprised, ok?

It's not like you have really seen me finish or follow-through with much. I mean, how many times have I said I'm going to give this blog a makeover? And how many times have I said I'm going to buckle down and get into shape? And how many times have I said I'm going to do this, that and the other thing, and have not done it?

My point is simply this: I acknowledge my shortcomings and have little to no desire to really change them. I'm getting married. All my personality flaws are no longer flaws but are endearing quirks that my fiancee just loves. That's how it works, you know. Anyone will tell you that.

For any other engagement or marriage advice, you know where to find me.

Wedding planning is moving at the rate of a tortoise race. For some reason, Kirk and I are not keen on making any sort of decisions and this my friends, is why you have not received a "Save-The-Date" or heard any news on the matter.

The following is a conversation Kirk and I had on picking a wedding date.

Kirk: You chose a date, and we'll stick to it.

Me: March 17, 2012

Kirk: No, St. Patrick's day should be left for St. Patrick. Not for us. We can't share a holiday with a leprechaun. What about all of the parties we won't be able to go to because it's our anniversary?

Me: Listen, when have you ever gone to a St. Patrick's day party? And think about it: it's the best excuse in the world to say you can't go - it will be our anniversary!

Kirk: I am just not a fan...

Me: I am. And we can even put a cheeky pot of gold somewhere at our reception in honor of the holiday. It's totally good luck. AND... who doesn't want to be lucky on their wedding?

Clearly we are on the right path to choosing a date AND a theme for decorations. I brought all my best arguments to the table and we still couldn't agree.

I will tell you that planning a wedding, at least in my eyes, is not my favorite pass time. I will leave those duties to wedding planners. However, finding a place for Kirk to live (and me to move into later on) is proving to be quite exciting. Much more fun than deciding if we should hire the town leprechaun to host our beloved event and if we should serve Lucky Charms as the main course.

If you, or someone you know, has amazing taste and loves to plan weddings, please contact me. I just don't even know what to do with myself and my indecisive fiancee.

Bridesmaid dresses anyone?

one proud fiance

2011-08-05T13:23:00.000-06:00

I have decided to take a little break from my lovely recount of the NYC trip and talk about something else.

Please put your hands together for this man:

(He will be so happy I posted this picture.)

And his fellow teammates:

Garrett Gee

and

Ben Turley.

They have made this fantabulous iPhone app that scans these little things called QR Codes.

They look like this:

Now that you have seen this pic, you will see them EVERYWHERE!

Yesterday as I was checking the daily stats on their app, I saw that they were placed

#10

Out of 400,000+ apps in the app store!

Talk about AWESOME!!! They were above FACEBOOK!

Let's just say that the future for these guys is looking pretty bright and I couldn't be more proud!

More news to come on their business!

Congratulotions you guys!

(Yes, congratulOtions.)

NYC: DAY 2

2011-07-30T12:45:00.000-06:00

Yo people.

Day 2 was all sorts of awesome.

I slept in until noon. Some of you may think I'm crazy because who would do that in a new city? The answer to that is ME. I would. I sleep in on trips. It makes for a much more smoother trip when I am well rested and happy. OK?

Little did I know, this was a good thing because Kirk was working out all the kinks and details of the proposal.

We finally got outside and did some adventuring.

Kirk's friend mapped out a TON of things we should do and we literally did ONE of those things. New York is not a city of many things in one day unless you start early in the morning.

Kirk and I wandered around Wall Street and saw Ground Zero.

Kirk's friend Nick (Nick is probably the person we can credit for our recent engagement... actually probably to credit for the entire relationship. Maybe a blog post on the story of Kirk and Alix is necessary. If you are all interested.)

Anyway, turns out, Nick was in NYC and so we met up with him for a little lunch around the Hudson River? (I'm not sure, but it was a waterfront.)

Nick took us to his hotel room where he had an amazing view of ground zero. That place is breathtaking. I stared at it in awe... the fear and emotions from that day were palpable.

After that, Nick took us on our first ride on a subway. I recommend a tour guide for New York. Especially the subways... I don't know how people ride those things everyday - mostly in the summertime. It. WAS. HOT. Kirk likened it to walking into the pits of hell. Kirk knows...?

But seriously.

We made it to downtown and did some shopping at H&M. It was magical. I got many awesome things and so did Kirk. It was one of the first times Kirk and I had enjoyable shopping experiences together. Usually I shop by my lonesome. :)

After doing some damage at H&M, we walked up 5th AVE and happened upon Rockefeller Plaza.

We took the elevators to the very top and the elevator was SO cool. They make the top clear and you can see inside the elevator shaft as you ride up and down. It was weird and made me a little nauseous, but awesome at the same time. The views were AMAZING. This city is GINORMOUS! We spent a long time up there just soaking up the views and feeling the energy - the hustle and bustle even at 10pm.

I secretly wished we would see a famous face but no such luck. Not many celebrity sitings occur on Sunday nights at 30 Rock.

After 30 Rock, we ran into a nice little magician man who stole our attention... he showed us a few card tricks and made me a lovely balloon animal. I believe his name was Merlin (how original.)

We walked over to Time Square and it was nuts! SO MANY PEOPLE! It was like daytime in the middle of the night.

Kirk got sucked in to get a caricature of us and it turned out looking nothing like us! haha I tried to warn him!

At this point, we were exhausted... we tried to take a subway back to the hotel but one of the trains closes after midnight and we could not figure out how to get back. Well, I'm sure we would be able to figure it out I mean, I had a map and all... but, it was so dang hot.

(the subway, almost unbearable.)

We had to jump to different subway entrances and Kirk had enough of the million degree subways. His lips were all white and he was really pale... He looked like he was going to pass out. So we gave in and took a cab to our final destination.

WHEW! We were happy to be in a nice air conditioned room and happy planning our next day. :)

NYC: DAY 1

2011-07-29T13:32:00.000-06:00

My trip to NYC needs about 35 different posts.

And for some reason posting all the pictures on here kills me. It takes forever and they always need to be manually moved around and blah blah blah. And I am complaining because it really is quite the chore ok?

However, the trip was fabulous.

Minus the scorching heat that I have previously mentioned, we managed to stay alive and not melt.

I want to go back in the fall with Kirk and do more fun things.

So here goes the story:

Day ONE:

We arrived in Newark Airport at about 9:30pm. We had to find a way to get in the city and we missed the train by about 3 minutes and the next train was supposed to come in 45 minutes. 45 more minutes in the airport seemed like such a drag so we found a bus that could take us and so we opted for that.

We were dropped off on 5th Ave and some street I don't know. Just about 2 blocks from our hotel. We walked and walked and walked and walked with our suitcases through the city. My suitcase was already 49 lbs. (Don't worry, I did some major shopping whilst there.) I immediately felt like a New Yorker walking through the city with my belongings. People do so much walking carrying stuff there...

We got to the hotel and they were booked and gave away our reservation! Uh... isn't that what a reservation is for? So they don't give it away? Anyway, they gave us $80 and hailed a cab for us (how thoughtful) and sent us to their sister hotel on Wall Street... FAR AWAY. We were supposed to be staying more Downtown so we could be kind of in the middle of everything. But we were able to see the Brooklyn bridge and check out some of the city on the drive. Kirk's 2nd ride in a cab was successful. No crazy driving - but don't you worry yourselves, crazy cab drivers were present on our trip.

By this time, it was about 11pm and Kirk and I were STARVING! So we went adventuring out into the world and found a random pizza bar and ate some thin crust pizza.

It was fun to kind of walk around Wall Street at night and get a feel of what the financial district is like. It reminded me of San Francisco... since they are TOTALLY comparable. Haha...

We finally went to sleep around 1am and I slept in like CRAZY the next day.

Day TWO coming soon.

the story of the proposal. nyc style.

2011-07-14T10:47:00.000-06:00

OK OK OK OK OK.

Listen to me.

By now you may have heard the news...

I'm ENGAGED!!!!!

Would you like to hear the full story? Ok, I guess I will tell you.

It's a good one.

It all began about 2 weeks ago.

My birthday was coming up and I wanted to go to Vegas and had been wanting to go for my birthday for months. Kirk had to go to San Francisco for business before Vegas (finalizing funding for his business... big deal, big big deal) and Kirk had mentioned how he needed to possibly go to NYC for work around the same time as San Fran and Vegas. So he offered to take me there for my birthday after Vegas. And I was like, DUH! Who wouldn't accept such a wondrous trip??

Move forward to the day before Kirk leaves for San Francisco.

Kirk and I were talking and I was getting really annoyed with him and how he had been working so much for the past 4 months.

I was all, "Listen, I don't even know if I want to go on this trip with you because I don't want to be having to do everything by myself because you're working. That's lame!"

And he was all, "Well, what can I do to make it better?"

And I was all, "Don't go to San Francisco. Stay here with me!"

I'm so selfish, I already know this. Looking back at this conversation, I'm slightly embarrassed at how I acted because little did I know that I would be an engaged woman soon, and this is no way for such a lady to act. How needy and crazy am I?

Kirk said, "Listen, I HAVE to go to San Francisco."

And I said, "Well, this just proves that all you care about is work. You don't even care about me."

Reasonable, right?

Kirk was silent for a minute or two. I could tell I was a little bit out of line and kind of hurt his feelings. But I was standing my ground. The last thing I want is a boyfriend who is a workaholic.

He then turned to me and said, "Alix, listen, I have to go to San Francisco. Not just for work but also because I need to talk to your dad."

Me: Shocked. Confused. About to cry and mostly confused. "Wait... why?"

Kirk took a deep breath and said, "I want to marry you and be with you and I want to ask for your dad's permission so I can ask you when I feel the time is right."

Me: Feeling stupid and rather ashamed for my immature and child-like behavior. I was getting on his case for not making this relationship work and he was doing the opposite. Yes, sheepish is what I was feeling. "Oh... Well, um... Well, uh... oh. Ok."

That settled that argument.

Then Vegas.

I met up with my cousin and her boyfriend who are also thinking about tying the knot and she mentioned that we should go ring shopping. The discussion Kirk and I had days earlier led me to believe that said engagement wouldn't happen for quite some time. He knew I wanted to pick out my ring and that I wanted him to be a part of it and we had some pretty sick connections to a diamond appraiser that we definitely wanted to take advantage of.

I told my cousin I would go with her but that I wouldn't really try on anything... I have no idea what I want. And I don't want to look like one of those silly girls who tries on rings after one or two mentions of marriage. That is SO not me.

My cousin was all, "Listen to me Alix, you're going to have to try on rings. And I am going to tell you something: Kirk asked me to help him figure out what kind of rings you like. So, you have to try some on. I'm sorry just told you that but, I just KNOW you won't try on any rings unless I told you that."

Me: "Uh... Oh... Well... Ok."

So we tried on a few and I liked a lot of them. Diamonds really are my best friend. And just go with everything.

The last night we were in Vegas, Kirk, Travis, Rachel and I were walking through the Aria hotel and they had a random jewelry store. We walked inside and browsed. I was looking at some rings that were in the displays and a lady asked me if I wanted to try one on. I said sure and she pulled out the one I wanted. I loved it. Only one problem: not a real diamond. Not exactly what I wanted. But it was still gorgeous.

I gave back the ring and left the Aria, never to see it again...

Or so I thought.

New York City.

If I were to liken that city to any beverage it would be a quadruple shot espresso with a martini olive on the side.

Like walking in between classes in high school. People everywhere.

CRAZY.

That's what it is.

It was hot. Sticky. Steamy. Sweaty. And a lot of walking.

OH, and absolutely breathtaking. I could not believe I was there and that I was seeing things I had only seen in movies.

(A post on New York City to come)

For my birthday, Kirk's friend Clint had hooked us up with some SWEET tickets to see Wicked on Broadway. It was seriously amazing. Everything looked like it was picture perfect. We laughed, we cried. It was awesome.

After the show, Kirk wanted to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

I, on the other hand, was tired, my feet were on fire and extremely hot.

But I agreed to the adventure. I heard the Brooklyn Bridge had some spectacular views and I really would regret passing it up.

We started to walk and it. was. hot.

I was dying.

Kirk tried stopping us a few times to take pictures and stuff but I was not having it. Nowhere to sit, no breeze and my feet. Oh my poor feet.

We got towards the end of the bridge and there was a little area to sit on some benches so we took a little break and sat down.

I continued to complain about the status of my piglets and show him my dime-size blisters.

Romantical, I know.

Kirk then turned to me and said, "Hey! It's time to give you your birthday present!"

Me: "YES! What is it? I don't see any presents on you..."

Kirk then got up and got down on one knee.

Me: "Ohmygosh. Ohmygosh. Ohmygosh. Ohmygosh."

Kirk pulled out a ring that looked very familiar to me. The ring from the Aria! I almost grabbed it out of his hand. Habit I suppose.

Kirk: "Alix, I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"

Of course I said.....................

..............................

.................................................

............................

"No."

Kirk: "What? Really?"

Me: "No!"

Kirk: "Wait... no, yes? Or no, no?"

Me: "YES YES YES!!! Of COURSE I will marry you!"

We sat on the benches for a while afterward just talking and I was trying to connect all the dots.

Kirk told me that while we were walking on the bridge, he was trying to stop me and propose to me. He said that every time we stopped he would get all ready and I would walk away and say, "Let's keep walking! Too hot!"

Kirk was all disappointed and thought that it wouldn't happen on the Brooklyn Bridge like he had been planning for weeks.

Poor guy...

The ring was also tough for him to get. He told me that when he saw me try it on at the place, he could see in my face that I liked it and that when we left, he sensed a sadness from me. Intuitive, right?

He tried to get to the jewelry store the morning we left but they were closed and didn't open until after our flight left. He called and tried to get the ring shipped to the place we were staying in NY. They finally agreed to overnight it and it came the DAY OF. Talk about lucky!

But Kirk wants me to have a REAL diamond and one that is EXACTLY what I want.

I told him that I didn't care and Kirk was like, "I CARE!"

So you may see a different ring on my finger soon.

My dad: When Kirk went to San Francisco, he didn't think to call my dad before he left. So when he got there, he called my dad to invite him to dinner but my dad was in Hawaii! So the day OF the proposal, Kirk got a hold of my dad and said he was planning on proposing tonight and my dad said, "YES YES YES YES!!! We would LOVE to have you be a part of the family! And we love you both!"

That was easy.

Since it was such a surprise, we don't have a date, a location or even a COLOR that we can decide on.

There are times where I feel like I am just playing house and my ring is just pretend. And there are times where I get giddy and weirded out that I am ENGAGED!!!!

I will keep you posted on any updates!

But for now, we are just enjoying engagement and calling each other fiancé.

the wedding.

2011-06-16T03:20:00.000-06:00

2 weeks ago, we made the trip to Northern California for my lovely cousin Christina's wedding.

It was a beautiful wedding held at a winery and vineyard in Suisun Valley.

I was pleasantly surprised at how everything went down with out a single hitch.

Cousins! She was a gorgeous bride!

If I were to complain about one thing about this wedding it would be that I forgot my black bra so I was sporting the white bra straps all night. I was so classy.

Kirk and I at the dinner. We literally ate in the middle of the vineyard and the entire wedding was catered by the Buckhorn. It was absolutely DELICIOUS.

They hired a live band to play for the rest of the reception. They were seriously awesome and everything they sang just made everyone want to dance. They even let my cousins do a duet of Justin Bieber Kirk didn't know that us Parkinson's could break it down on the dance floor. EVERY SINGLE PERSON was dancing. This is what made the wedding so fun and epic. I honestly have never had such a fabulous time at a wedding. And I wasn't even drinking. Haha!

I love this picture that my uncle secretly snapped. Christina's husband, Simon, was a singer for Disney and played Zach Efron in the High School Musical parades at Disney. He sang "Brown-Eyed Girl" for Christina and of course, it's like my anthem.... so Kirk and I danced our butts off.

(I kind of wish my legs were as tan as my arms and face. They are always the last to get sun.)

I would say if weddings had perfect outcomes, then this wedding was perfection.

Congratulations to Christina and Simon!

the story of brazil.

2011-06-07T14:30:00.000-06:00

Hi.

I am going to preface this post by telling everyone who reads my blog (all 24 of you) that this story may be a little too much information if you catch my drift.

But the thing is, I don't really care. If I see you in real-life I will probably tell you all about this so why don't we save the face-to-face conversation and just spill my guts out on this here blog.

I mean, I am pretty much an open book anyway.

Moving on.

My cousin and I decided that we were brave enough to endure a waxing of the southern hemisphere... the wayyy southern hemisphere.

Why you may ask?

Well you see, I have no reason to get one other than the fact that I HATE shaving and that I was curious about the results. Everyone I know who has had one said they are painful but well worth it.

I remember one of my best friends Karlisa telling me years ago that it was the worst pain she has ever experienced.

I am crazy. I already know it.

Curiosity has gotten the best of me.

We had been planning for a couple months to go together but our schedules did not allow us to do it together and so I decided I was sick of waiting and made the appointment all by my lonesome.

So I went.

I was so nervous I was shaking... not necessarily because of the pain but for the awkwardness that inevitably would follow.

The girl told me to lay down and drape this sorry excuse for a wash cloth over myself and she will be back momentarily.

I stood in the room for a few minutes trying to decide if I really wanted to do this. I had a mental battle with myself for a good minute and weighed the pros and cons:

Eventually, I convinced myself to stay and laid on the table waiting for the girl to walk in.

She got right to business leaving no time for me to get comfortable with the idea of having some stranger see my goods.

The first rip was just as I expected. Slightly painful but nothing I couldn't handle.

I thought to myself, "I can TOTALLY do this! I can totally handle this pain."

Let me just say that there was one point where I thought to myself, "What the heck did I get myself into... I want to leave now."

But I couldn't. Because the wax was already there. And there was no way I could get out of it except to endure the pain of the rip.

I am now relearning how to walk... and a little uncomfortable.

Verdict?

It's worth it. But, not recommended for the weak of heart or low-pain tolerant.

the story of the shake weight.

2011-06-02T14:30:00.000-06:00

Things have not been going as planned when I first purchased the Shake Weight.

I had high hopes for my arms at that point.

But, what I didn't realize is that I didn't have high hopes for my laziness.

Let me explain: I don't really feel like I have time to use the Shake Weight for 6 minutes a day.

I mean seriously, who has 6 minutes to spare? Certainly not me.

I need to sleep in until 11 and I need to go to bed at 2 am to make sure I have the most productive day I could possibly have.

That being said, I went shopping with the sister on Monday and tried on numerous things and stuff and quite honestly, shopping never puts me in the greatest mood because I realize how much I need to work out and stop eating all the good and evil treats and Rocky Mountain.

It really is so very hard though guys.

For example, yesterday I worked at noon until 4 at my first job and then straight from there I went to Rocky Mountain. I didn't eat lunch or breakfast so by the time I got to the treat store, I was starrrrving and decided that I should probably gorge myself on Oreo crumbs, ice cream and fudge. The evening was followed by my self-loathing and quite the stomach ache.

You see, I normally don't eat sugar. Not because of some high and mighty healthy reason. No no, people, self control is not my strong point. Clearly.

It's because I don't really crave it, I don't buy it, and I don't have it laying around my house on my normal day-to-day living.

However, if it's there for the taking, then I will surely eat it.

My point is simply this:

I have a wedding to go to in less than 2 weeks.

I will do the Shake Weight challenge.

6 minutes a day until I go to this blessed event.
I will document my progress.

Are you excited?

ok blogger.

2011-05-25T15:03:00.000-06:00

Dear Blogger,

You are making me annoyed.

I think this is partly my fault but mostly yours.

You are too difficult to navigate through,

Making it way too much work to change anything on my page.

I don't like the way my blog looks anymore.

It surely is a disgrace.

So, I am starting a NEW blog.

Yes, I will still be using blogger... unless I can get my boyfriend to help me use wordpress. Which I also am not a fan of.

I'm stupid, ok?

Anyway,

You can consider this our first official fight blogger. And quite possibly the end of our relationship.

Take it personally.

Alix

so many new things!

2011-05-08T14:39:00.000-06:00

Ok ok... I just get a little over excited about things that I have discovered that turn out to be AMAZING.

First things first,

My job.

Remember, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory?

I HEART it.

I get to eat whatever I may please.

And I get to make things.

Hello, can you say: WIN-WIN?

Downside (there's always one), it may not be helping me on my journey to lose 4 lbs. No but really, it's more like 15. But, everyone says that once you work there for a bit, you get used to all the delicious treats and don't really feel the need to eat it every second you're there. Still waiting for that moment. But, I have faith that it will come.

Nextly, I got my hair cut. Yeah, big news right? Well, it is when you go to Shep. Yeah, I'm totally advocating him here on this blog. I really enjoyed is extremely pricey hair cut and now we are besties. At least in the hair category. He introduced me to this stuff that is magnificent for my curly locks of frizzy proportions. I am always looking for new products that work better than the ones before.

It's called Bumble and bumble curl conscious creme. It's a-mazing and it makes it so I don't feel like I have tons of products in my hair. And it makes my hair look natural and not crunchy. I can't stand it when my hair is crunchy. I love it.

Fourthly, I got a new phone. So many new things! I am so happy about this new thing because my old iPhone was a piece of you-know-what. It was so slow, froze all the time... and best part is, we sold it on ebay for $50 less than the price of my new phone! WOO HOO!

Now I can play words with friends, look at my pinterest, and use instagram (I seriously am addicted to instagram) whenever I please.

Lastly, school. So it's not so much a new thing as it is a thing. I thought I was going to take all these crazy classes this summer to help catch up for fall but lo and behold, I have decided to take one online class and one 2nd block ethics class. It shouldn't be too stressful. I just have too many plans/obligations this summer that it's just too hard to smash a ton of classes together.

I seriously can't wait until I am established and don't have to travel every 2 seconds to see family and friends. It's such a downer. I wish I could just walk across the street and be with my peeps.

ANYWAY...

Those are the newest and greatest things happening in my life!

Cheers.

P.S. My cousin's cat had kittens... and they are adorable.

the story of the crepe.

2011-04-29T02:30:00.000-06:00

It's quite the experience when you realize that what you thought you thoroughly enjoyed is, in fact, something you detest.

A strange experience indeed.

I enjoy most foods that involve

mustard,

mayonnaise,

lemons,

cheese,

goat cheese,

tangy things.

Thus, the reason why I have an inappropriate relationship with deviled eggs.

(Which, by the way, I just discovered the reason WHY they are called deviled eggs... those suckers are a moment on the lips but forever on the hips if you know what I mean.)

Anyway, when Kirk and I were in Vegas a while ago, we went to the Bellagio and had a feast of crepes.

I was starving and so very excited to eat my savory chicken, basil and provolone crepe.

Then, I took the first bite and fought back the urge to gag.

Eggy mess.

DIS-GUSTING.

I didn't know how much I do not enjoy eggs in a crepe manner.

I thought I liked eggs. In every way they could be prepared:

scrambled,

deviled,

hard-boiled,

salad,

benedict.

But alas, only when eggs are boiled and served with mayo do I fully enjoy the flavor they bring to my pallet. And the reason being that they incorporate some sort of mayonnaise-y goodness. Did you know mayo contains a lemony flavor? Reason number 2 why mayo rocks my socks.

it's a very bitter-sweet thang.

2011-04-29T01:09:00.000-06:00

Bonjour readers.

Today was my very FIRST day working at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and I am proud to announce that I only ate 6 pieces of chocolate and 1 apple pie caramel apple.

Are you proud too?

My hope is that I don't gain 50+ pounds working there but then again, I really can't remember being so happy at work... So I feel as though it's ok if I do.

What does healthy diet really mean anyway?

NO but really guys, I will probably become the biggest fatty ever if I keep it up.

'Tis why I call it a bitter-sweet thang.

Tastes so delicious.

But as my uncle would say,

"You might as well glue that chocolate to your butt."

Classy.

Whatever. Some say you get sick of seeing, serving and tasting all the candies and delicious apples of wonderment, that you start to LOOSE weight. I'm going to wait for that day to come very patiently and enjoy gorging myself in all the flavors God as blessed us with.

Moving forward.

I want to go shopping SO very bad.

Every morning when I get dressed, I look in my closet with sadness and woe and wonder where all my cute clothes went. And then I remember I don't work at a mall anymore where clothing is so easily attainable and where I can see styles-a-plenty and copy them. Yeah, we all do it.

Now I feel like a frumtastic chocolatier.

You know when you feel like you have worn every single thing you own at least a thousand times and you need something new to make you feel sparkly and fresh?

That's how I feel.

So I will probably do something to rectify this wardrobe related issue.

Shop on.

Also, I found this picture of Jessica Biel

And may I just say that

a: J. Biel is a stunna. Meaning stunning.

B: How come SHE can do the middle part without looking like someone's butler? (aka, me.)

c: I love her hair. The color. The cut. And I am going to try to replicate it. Who's with me?

Oh and I got the shake-weight. I just had to try it. And believe it or not, it does make me feel like I did 50 pushups in 6 minutes.

she beat me to the punch.

2011-04-24T01:47:00.000-06:00

My beautiful sister graduated from COLLEGE!

WHAT the crazy!

I still got the whole born first thing going on, so that's great.

But it was an accomplishment to celebrate to say the least!

It started on Thursday with a commencement ceremony and Elder Richard G. Scott from the quorum of the twelve came to speak!

There were about 8,000 graduates this year and the Marriot Center was filled to the brim. My mom and I found a golden seat right above Ani who was quite easy to spot since I decorated her cap and all.

Don't mind my glorious state of beauty... it was a delirious night.

Sadly, we had to leave a bit early because I had my last class of the semester to go to and my mom kept complaining that the ceremony was boring. (I think we were bugging our neighbors...) So we hopped out of there and beat the traffic.

But guys, Friday is when the REAL fun happened.

That day started at 5:30 AM for miss Ani and 6:30 for everyone else. It was a killer morning and we were about 10 minutes late but we found another GOLDEN seat right in the front and had a great view of all the students shaking hands with the Dean and getting their diplomas. (Is that what college grads get? Diplomas? Clearly, I'm not graduating yet.)

There were a billion names. I swear. Which doesn't all add up since there were SUPPOSEDLY like a thousand graduates there... But I feel like there were more names than the program said. And I believe there was a guy with the middle name of "Stupendorf." I am not kidding. True story.

We then headed to the bell tower to have a mini photo shoot with both families.

I feel like I have to put a disclaimer before showing these photos because I was running on about 4 hours of sleep and for some reason was quite pale. Also, my outfit was really cute in real life... but for some reason didn't quite look as awesome in the photos. Obviously this was not MY day, but seriously.

The Mama Llama came to visit! Splendid!

My dad's side half siblings! Sarah B., David J. and my twin, Victoria!

The proud parents. We may or may not have given Ani a joint graduation gift and said on the card, "We are so proud of you!"

The POPS.

Moving forward.

We then went to Malawi's at the Riverwoods... a seriously fabulous pizza place, with my dad's family and Kirk and Jason. We ordered 9 pizzas plus 2 dessert pizzas. It was delicious! We stayed there for like 4 hours laughing, chatting, goofing off and being awesome.

We had so much fun that my throat hurt from talking so much.

We said our goodbyes and then it was back home for a little R&R before Ani's graduation dinner at La Jolla Groves with my Mama, Rachel, Travis and of course, Jason and Kirk.

Jason decided he wanted to go play tennis with a couple of friends before dinner and lost track of time and showed up wearing his tennis clothes... which included a pair of MY old basketball shorts from high school that may or may not have been about 4 inches above his knees and were also light blue and a teal sweat jacket... Quite the ensemble. I about died when he walked in like that and I REALLY wish I would have taken a picture of such a magical moment. Sometimes, we don't know what that kid is thinking. He will never live that down.

After dinner we FINALLY finally came home and relaxed. I feel like I'm still recuperating from all the hustle and bustle of yesterdays festivities and I should be focusing on planning my lesson for tomorrow.

Congratulations Ani! What a stupendous accomplishment!

next stop: vegas please.

2011-04-21T02:20:00.000-06:00

Yup. Kirk and I went to Vegas again. It's the fourth time we have been in our relationship and I believe the number will multiply as time goes on.

We seriously love it there.

It's just far away enough from Utah so we actually feel like we are on a vacation but, close enough so we can drive there in about 5.5 hours. It's worth it.

We pretty much hung out and walked the strip. (As per usual.)

The weather wasn't as warm as one would have hoped (ahem, me) so no pool time was allotted.

We did a little shopping, a little relaxing and some casino hopping.

I personally do not really find any gambling to be entertaining but Kirk finds it fascinating.

He always gives himself a little budget to squander (which generally happens, but he doesn't care.) It's fun to watch money disappear?

He gave me $5 to put on the roulette table. I wasn't allowed to have the $5 unless I put it on the table. But, as luck would have it, I won like 7 times in a row. What can I say? I'm a natural.

Whatever. It's totally the devil luring me in.

Anyway, we had a grand old time in sin city.

(My favorite hotel, the Cosmopolitan. Inside their chandelier lounge. Divine.)

But, may I point out that this time, I was definitely carded every time I was at any sort of slot machine, table or even in a restaurant that had a bar...

um, do I look like I'm not of age??

After about the 5th time of asking for my I.D. I became a little annoyed and finally asked, "Do I look like I'm 12?"

And the lady said, "It's the hair."

What? MY HAIR?

I suppose that's a compliment. Most babies do have soft, shiny, luminescent hair.

The next gentleman who asked to see my I.D. looked at it and seemed surprised that I am the age that my license says.

Seriously, what's going on here. I feel like I'm in the twilight zone. So, pretty much I look like I'm a child and I don't belong in the ages 21 to 25 bracket.

I remember when I was 18 and just moved to Rexburg, my roommates and I would ask guys (mostly the ones that we were totally crushing on) how old they thought we were and they would respond with, "Oh you guys look like you're 20 or 21."

OH! OH! And then when I went back to work at Color Me Mine about 3 months ago, one of the employees asked how old I was and I said, "23."

To which she quickly responded, "Oh my gosh. You totally don't even look like you're 23. You look like you're 20. MAYBE 21. I would have NEVER guessed you were 23."

Excuse me little lady, but what exactly does 23 look like? An old hag? I mean really.

If I were a bit older and confused for 20 or 21 rather than 30, then yes, compliment me away. The younger the better. Keep it coming.

But I think I'm still young enough to where I am slightly offended by the ages people assume I am.

Any explanations?

i definitely need a trainer or something.

2011-04-16T00:47:00.001-06:00

So, I'm starting to get this butt to the gym a little more often than I have been in the past 8 months. I'm supposed to be ready for summertime or something? I have a mostly LOVE/slight hate for summer because it's a wonderful time of the year where you lay out and be lazy and feel the sun on your skin... but then there's the whole bearing skin thing which I have ALWAYS had issues with.

I don't like to wear swimsuits and any pictures with me in one should and will be burned.

Anyway, I am trying to put more effort into my physical fitness. But it's hard and I have learned that I have like .078% self-control. What. The. Heck. I can't eat that whole pizza? Or that entire bag of chips? Lame. If I can't eat that, then whats the point in being healthy... or living for that matter. Shoot.

I totally buy healthy food but when I'm hungry, I don't want that. I want Cafe Rio and J Dogs hot dogs and Wendy's french fries. Apparently those aren't healthy. Whatever.

Here's my problem:

I'm a night time eater. My hunger sets in at the end of the day and that's when I want to relax and eat an entire Thanksgiving dinner. What? Don't act like you haven't wanted to do that either. There's nothing more comforting than going to bed feeling well fed.

Going to bed hungry? Not so fun. I seriously put all my focus on the fact that I'm STARVING and my stomach is howling at the moon. And I like CRUNCHY things. The crunchier the better. Like, I want to almost crack my teeth. Ya. I'm all sorts of crazy.

Tell me, what healthy things are that crunchy? NOT many my friends. Not many.

I guess I'm just complaining because losing 15 pounds is way harder than I thought it would be.

And it's mostly on my mind because I just came home from work about an hour ago and ate a delicious plate of homemade nachos.

I'm soooo bad. SOOO bad.

There's this show that was on MTV called "I Used To Be Fat." Think they should make one for me called, "I'm On the Road to Becoming Fat," or rather, "I'm 'gon be a fatty."

People. Motivate me.

under construction.

2011-03-27T01:17:00.001-06:00

i have a problem... it has to do with this blog.

I am rarely satisfied with it and thus, it undergoes many, many grueling, time consuming remodels.

The other problem is that I already began this remodel knowing that I wouldn't finish it for two reasons:

1. I am beyooooond tired and procrastinating my lesson prep for tomorrow.

2. I am already bored with it.

3. (ok, so I can't count? Who's counting anyway?) I don't have the time nor the patience to even OPEN up photoshop or indesign. People, people... why do I want to be an Art and Visual Communications major?

At any rate: slow, medium, or slightly faster than medium (never fast. never ever fast.) you, my friends may be impressed with what I'm about to do. But, most likely you won't be because I may not even do it. And to be honest, I would much rather paint my pottery and make my crafts and eat my smarties (the candy) than makeover the blogskie. Eh, what are you gonna do?

Anyway, the point is... it's under construction and soon all the colors might match and jive and flow and please the eye instead of giving you a possible seizure.

I love you all.

Bed.

Now.

Night.

jimmer.

2011-03-15T21:58:00.000-06:00

Oh hey, nice teeth.

Yeah, I'm doing a post on Jimmer.

But it's not what you think.

You see, I think he's a good athlete. I won't argue that.

I just don't quite understand the obsession. I guess I'm not really the kind of girl to get obsessed with any sport. But, people are like REALLY REALLY REALLY obsessed with him.

For example:

My sister saw Jimmer at Costa Vida one night and asked to take a picture with him. She was shaking just being in his presence. Shaking, people.

And today just proves my point as well.

Kirk and I were walking around BYU campus today and I have to say that the only thing I regret about not going to BYU is the overheard conversations I didn't get to hear.

I digress.

This guy was talking to a girl and telling her that he wanted to go to law school and that with HIS GPA he could get into any school including Cornell. BUT, he doesn't want to go to Cornell, he wants to go to NYU because Jimmer will probably be there.

Um... WHAT?

First of all, this kid just REEKS of annoyance and low humility. If it were ME in that conversation I would totally make fun of him for throwing out his GPA like that and rolling my eyes in pity for communicating with this specimen.

Secondly, I am glad you are basing the rest of your career on Jimmer and his whereabouts. You are surely not obsessed and definitely the most normal person ever.

And that my friends, is why I don't understand the obsession... with anyone famous for that matter. They are just people.

Am I right? Am I right?

creep.

2011-03-14T16:30:00.000-06:00

About a month ago, I was on my way to work and I decided to stop at Maverik for a snackaroo because I get REALLY hungry at work... and the vending machines just don't cut it. I MEANT to get an early start and take a quick trip to Walmart to get snacks but alas, I did not. So Maverik it was. I walked in and mosied throughout the isles. Nothing was tickling my fancy and I was spending more time in there than I initially wanted to. As I was walking out of one of the isles, a girl (I would say in her teens) caught my eye as she began to blatantly stare at me. I didn't want to acknowledge her and just kept walking through the isles of the tiny gas station food mart. I made it to the isle with the crackers and sunflower seeds and noticed the same girl right next to me. I moved a few more feet down the isle and the girl did the same. This girl kept her distance of 2 feet away from me and didn't even TRY to pretend she wasn't following me. She just followed and stared. I was getting a little uncomfortable. What does one DO in a situation like that? Samantha, a girl I work with told me I should have said, "Can I help you?" But, I'm going to be honest with you guys, I'm kind of scared of strangers. Especially ones that stare and follow. I didn't want to cause a scene. I didn't know if she wanted me to acknowledge her or if she wanted me to buy her something or if she just wanted to stare at me and creep me out. (Successful.) I didn't want to leave the store without getting some food so, I spent about 10 more minutes in there, paid for my diet coke and peppered beef jerky while she watched, and then headed out to my car. The girl followed me to the door where she stood holding the door open and watched me get into my car and buckle my seat belt. I locked my doors and finally looked up at her and smiled hoping that maybe all she wanted was to be acknowledged and that she didn't want me to give her my food or money or worse, a ride. She then smiled back at me and went back inside the store.

What is the meaning of this? I have no idea what that girl was trying to do... She didn't seem like a hoodlum or homeless. She seemed quite shy yet she had the balls to follow me for about 10 minutes. I didn't think she would do anything to me while I was inside Maverik because there were about 7 other people who would be able to defend me in case this girl decided to attack. I knew there would be witnesses to attest in my favor. I should have taken a picture of this girl because she was intense. She didn't just stare and look at me up and down like someone who wanted my clothes or something. She stared at me like she wanted my life. To KILL. CREEEEEEPY.

review: rango.

2011-03-13T15:37:00.000-06:00

Kirk and I went to see Rango last night and I quite enjoyed it.

I'm a sucker for animated films. Sue me.

It was witty, funny and cute... and weird. Which is good because I like weird.

I don't know of any children that would enjoy it because the graphics are a little too real and no bright colors. Seriously, that can make or break a children's movie. I wouldn't see it if I were younger than 18.

BUT, the graphics were A-MAZING.

Johnny Depp is awesome.

Isla Fisher is originally British? and she is doing a southwestern accent... it's weird.

Anyway, Kirk and I had a great time except for the movie may have been a little too drawn out.

We spent $12 on treats... (which only buys you 3 things FYI.) What's wrong with that? $3 small boxes of candy and $4 non-refillable diet coke, we were set for an hour.

But let me explain to you a few things that could ruin a movie theater experience but didn't because I had my $12 worth of movie theater snacks:

*Some boy on a first date DOUSED in cologne... bad cologne. Definitely smelled like someones creepy grandpa. And there were definitely no grandpas in that theater. I checked.

*When the lady behind you laughs too loud and too long during a semi-funny moment. (Like, it didn't even deserve a fake grunt.)

*When the couple next to you talk about "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" for about an hour during the movie. It wasn't even that great of a movie! They were probably on a first date and couldn't think of anything interesting to talk about.

*When someone sneaks in take-out food and it smells like something died. Between the cologne and nasty cheap take out, that theater smelled like a geriatric sumo wrestling match.

In summation, after watching the movie, I definitely wanted to go get some tacos and chips and salsa. It will probably do that to you too.

Next time, next time.

GROSS!

2011-03-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

If you know me... then you know that I don't do the whole vomit thing

I don't do it at all.

I whimper and cry when I even hear about it.

I close my eyes and plug my ears when I throw up.

I am such a baby.

I run in the opposite direction. I will not hold your hair, I will not rub your back, I will leave your house... and probably not return for 3 weeks. Until I know for SURE I won't smell it.

One time, a little girl I used to nanny threw up all over me in the car and I started to cry and her parents were like, what the heck is wrong with this girl. Up until that point, they thought that nothing phased me. They discovered my weakness. And it was mortifying.

It's unhealthy the fear I have of vomit.

So you could imagine my anxiety levels last night whilst at work, a woman told me,

"Uh, that little girl threw up right there."

GRRRREEEEEAAAAAAT.

First of all, we are not trained on this and I have NEVER cleaned throw up before.

When I asked for assistance from my fellow co-workers they ran in the opposite direction telling me they can't even be in the room and started to hyperventilate.

Oh, I must mention they were both MARRIED. This is important because they are much closer to having kids than I am, and thus this proves they are not ready... and I am.

Oh, that's not logical? Shoot.

What? Why am I the one that has to clean this up? As I fought back the tears, a VERY kind soul said he would help me clean up the vomit.

An angel from heaven.

As I stood there with a trash bag and held my breath, the man put bags over his hands and cleaned purely out of the goodness of his heart.

I fought back the urge to gag because if I did, I KNEW I would throw up and that wouldn't be good for business.

I kept thanking the man profusely and praised him for his strength and kindness and his response was,

"Well, I have kids and if this happened to my wife, I would hope someone would help them clean it up too."

Best part is that the man got a free item to paint and free studio time. That's what you get when you clean up someone else's kid's vomit. You get free stuff.

I learned a valuable lesson yesterday:

People surprise you and it's awesome.

And, I won't die if I see and smell and watch someone clean up throw-up. I really am proud of myself. For not crying. How embarrassing would that be?

So I guess that means I'm ready for babies.

Everywhere.

*Yes, I did just openly admit to desperately wanting children. No, I am not really pregnant.

good times.

2011-03-11T02:29:00.000-07:00

Alright. Listen to me.

There are times when I don't want to take pictures.

Ok, who am I kidding... I NEVER want to take pictures.

I thought I was a ham, but now that I think about it, I'm so totally not.

You know those pictures that you would be MORTIFIED if someone saw or the ones you hoped would be deleted?

Well, I am here to tell you...

DON'T DO IT!

I recently came across some gems that may have made me laugh out loud here in my solitude at 3am this Friday morning.

Seriously.

I am SO glad certain pictures exist. It doesn't mean I have to share them with the rest of the world (sorry friends.) It just means that when you are feeling a bit blue and let's be honest here, we all do, it's about time to pull out those horrifying pictures and look back on the good old days.

Exhibit A:

Here is me. (bad grammar?) This was probably taken approximately 5 years ago. Yes, those are spongebob boxers... Yes I rolled them to make them shorter... Yes I am jumping/leaping in a cheer pose with a Who/Grinch-face. Am I proud? Most definitely.

Exhibit B:

This is my mother. In all her wacky 70's glory? I have no idea what she is trying to achieve with this look but what I do know is that it's plain awesome. My mom takes disco dress-up very seriously.

Exhibit C:

I hate to have to explain this one because I think it's one of those things where you had to be there... but it totally brought back some funny memories. It was my roommate's 20th birthday and my roomie Steph and I made a cheesecake for said roommate. We didn't have any candles and it was too late to go to the store. What we DID have were straws. Clearly those straws represent the number 20. Two standing up for the number 2 and the bent one is supposed to be a zero. Genius.

In summation, disposing of dumb, embarrassing photos is just not a good idea.

Laugh on people. Laugh on.

And this one... because it's freaking adorable. I don't care what you say.

summertime?

2011-03-09T15:09:00.000-07:00

Today is a BEAUTIFUL day here in Provo, Utah.

Days like today get me very excited for summertime weather.

I just want to lay outside and take in all that vitamin d that I possibly can.

AND this summer my beautiful cousin Christina is getting married in wine country California and I am SO excited. It's going to be GORGEOUS and also a great excuse to buy a sexy dress.

I would love to take more trips this summer... New York City mayhaps? South Carolina? Please? Hawaii? Ok... I don't know many people there so it would be just for myself. haha

So let me tell you what I have been up to because it's REALLY interesting, I promise. Ok, I lied. It's not. :)

-School.

-Work (or lack thereof)

-Not cleaning my room.

-Not going to the gym.

-Thinking of projects to start. Start them. And then continue to not finish them.

-Watching T.V. and memorizing every television schedule there is. Ask me. I pretty much know every daytime television show and which ones are annoying, entertaining and my favorite, ghetto. I am getting very good at quoting all tech and vocational school commercials.

In my defense, once again, I have been feeling quite unmotivated to do much. I was sick for a good week and I did not go to work or leave the house. It was the pits. And now that I'm not sick, I still just want to lay in my bed all day and do nothing. This is a problem since I am not used to this level of laziness and I am enjoying it.

So pretty much, I haven't really been doing much. My room is a mess and I am probably going to clean it today. Maybe I'll make today a cleaning day.

I know it may sound like I am so depressed and unhappy with my life but it's actually the contrary. I am very happy with my life even though it seems like it may not be going anywhere right now. I like this feeling of not knowing and just seeing where the wind takes me.

Just give me some lazy southern summer days. That's all I ask.

beauty busters.

2011-03-07T23:11:00.000-07:00

Hello. My cute friend Becca posted about her top beauty picks... and I decided to copy her because it's such a FABULOUS idea! I love talking about products and what works for people. In my family we call ourselves "Product Junkies." I love to try new things... and in the process I accumulate my favorites. Here they are:

*I probably tried for about an HOUR to get this to be BIGGER on my blog but alas, my frustration got the best of me and I failed. Anyone know how to make pictures BIGGER on blogger? UGH! Seriously so frustrating... Anyway

1. Aquaphor. I absolutely LIVE by this stuff. I use it on my lips, cuts, really dry areas and even around my eyes. I love it and it works miracles.

2. Oral-B Satin Floss. I am a flosser. Guilty as charged. I love this stuff because it slides right in and out of my teeth and it also doesn't fall apart which I enjoy.

3. Eau de Toilette Vanille from Anthropologie. I love light vanilla-y scents and this one smells like something delicious. I wear it everyday.

4. Look Ma, New Hands hand lotion from Bath and Body Works. There are days here when my hands just burn from being so dry. It's not too greasy and it smells like fresh oranges. People ask, "Who's eating an orange?" whenever I put it on.

5. Aveeno Moisturizing Body Wash. I am a firm believer in Aveeno. I use the face wash too but, the body wash really does hydrate my skin. Utah sucks the life out of you. I have tried EVERYTHING and this stuff works. I love it! And it smells awesome.

6. Nars blush in "Orgasm." Dirty name, beautiful color. I'm pretty sure anyone can wear this color and it doesn't fade away at the end of the day. It perks my face right up!

7. Jane Iredale pressed powder. I have searched high and low for a great powder and this one does it's job. And it's healthy. A little 'spency but worth the bucks.

8. Fredric Fekkai Glossing shampoo and conditioner. Speaking of 'spency... this stuff is a bit pricey but, I think it's worth the money. It really does make my hair feel shiny and soft and I always get compliments on my hair when I use it. I definitely like to change up my hair products every once in a while so I don't use it all the time, but I LOVE this stuff and it seriously smells SO good.

9. L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes mascara. This is the ticket for voluminous lashes and it doesn't clump or flake. The search is over ladies. I have tried everything. This is my favorite thus far.

10. Revlon ColorStay eyeliner. I am an eyeliner gal through and through and have been using this stuff since high school... It doesn't fade off, or smear. And the firm tip makes it easy to apply.

What are your favorite beauty picks?

Adele.

2011-03-02T01:36:00.000-07:00

I love her style, her voice and this song:

Every time I listen to it, I don't want it to end.

oh hai.

2011-02-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

That was very Asian of me. It's ok, I have lots of Asian friends so it's ok for me to say it.

Anyway, in case you were wondering...

YES, I AM ALIVE!

I thought I was going to die there for a minute but alas, I have recovered from the deathly flu and I can live to tell all about it.

Let me start off by saying that I haven't been that sick... probably ever. Well, one time I had meningitis and I was probably sicker then... HOWEVER, this comes in close second. I was bed-ridden for a WEEK. I literally didn't leave my house for any amount of time from Sunday to Sunday. Except for on Thursday when I thought I was well enough to go to work. HA! That was funny. I got all ready and went to work, everyone told me I should leave but I felt bad for missing so much work... and then 20 minutes later I felt like I was going to pass out so I asked to go home.

I didn't want to eat or drink anything except for herbal tea and white bread with peanut butter. Weird, I know. But it's the only thing that sounded good. I lost 5 pounds. I'm going to keep it off too... haha.

Moving forward.

I want to tell you guys a story.

So Ani and I decided to go shopping tonight. I just got my tax return and although I should be saving, I have made an executive decision to spend it. It's the way to live right?

We went to our favorite boutique, Soel because let's be honest, it's awesome and I want everything I see in there.

We were looking at these bangle, charm bracelets and thought they were the cutest things ever and then Ani made a triumphant discovery.

The brand,

GET THIS,

is called,

"Alex and Ani"

NOT EVEN KIDDING.

Even though my name isn't spelled like that, we thought this is no fluke and so we now HAVE to buy these bracelets but they only had ones that had random letters for charms and NO A's. So we asked the sales lady to help us out and she said we could special order them and go to the website and pick out which ever ones we wanted.

We have actually heard about this brand before but didn't know they had cute things.
They are a little on the expensive side. At least it's more than I would really spend on any

jewelry BUT, it's fate and Ani and I are not going to mess with fate.

This is the one I personally ENJOY:

I'm a sucker for nautical themes.

Anyway, you all should check them out. We kind of want to contact them and tell them that we are Alix and Ani and we should get free stuff from them. What do you all think?

Happy Thursday!

hey it's the weekend.

2011-02-05T02:06:00.000-07:00

Well hello everyone.

It has been a while since I have last told of my feelings, stories and such.

Is anyone enjoying the hot pink? Because I'm really not. What am I thinking? So not me. I was never a pink girl... an orangy/pink girl. But never a HOT pink girl.

I kind of want to make a new header but to be honest, I am not in the mood.

I started working at Color Me Mine again. I haven't worked there in over a year.

I used to be so pro at it. I knew how to do everything. And then... and then I was retrained by someone I had trained! My how the tables have turned.

It's pretty exciting though. I'm going to start painting again. I love painting ceramics. It's quite relaxing and I feel very accomplished when I see that shiny finished piece.

I just learned that my great grandmother was a ceramic painter and worked at a department store in the early 1900's. She painted faces on china dolls and became the highest paid worker there... How awesome is that? It's in my BLOOD.

I'm starting to work out again. My workout schedule ebbs and flows. I can't seem to ever find my niche as it were. I went running for the first time in MONTHS and I had the worst shin splints EVER. In fact, I have never had shin splints up until this point. Sad times. Just shows how out of shape I am. Whatever. I don't even care.

In other news, I am excited to say that I want to go shopping more than you could know. I know Christmas was just about a month ago but, need I remind you that I asked for money and therefore no yule tide clothing for me. Since I have two jobs (still underpaid) I am spending all my cash. Yeah. I love shopping and clothes more than I hate the feeling of not being able to afford dinner. Anyone else feel like that?

Maybe tomorrow, Kirk and I will venture to SLC for a spree... He likes it. He does... I swear.

Time to drift to dreamland. Good night chickadees.

experiment.

2011-01-20T19:45:00.001-07:00

First of all, is anyone else enjoying the Christmas theme on my blog? Because I'm too lazy to change it so it may be there for longer. Whatever. I FINALLY put my Christmas decorations away TODAY. Yeah, that's how I roll and it's ok.

Moving on.

A few days ago, Kirk was telling me that his professor conducted an experiment with his students to see if people could differentiate between Pepsi and Coke.

EVERYONE FAILED.

There was even a kid in his class who proclaimed himself a die-hard Coke fan through and through.

And when he sipped the Pepsi he said, "YUP. That is the good stuff."

How embarrassing.

Upon hearing this story, I told Kirk that I would be able to figure out the difference between Diet Pepsi and Diet Coke because I drink like 37,986 Diet Cokes a day.

And also because I used to be a Pepsi fan.

But once I tasted the sweet nectar of Diet Coke I was immediately converted. Yes friends, that is how it all began.

Anyway, Kirk took my dare and we went to the local grocery store and purchased bottles of Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi and Diet off-brand Cola... Just to mix it up a little.

We invited Ani and Jason to participate as well.

Kirk poured 3 glasses of each flavor and we had to guess which was in each cup. We were also supposed to label each cup from most to least favorite.

Ani smelled each of them and declared she already knew the answers without taking a sip.

It took me quite some time to figure it out, but I wrote down my answers knowing I was right.

When the flavors were revealed the only person who got all of them right was Ani. And she claimed Diet Coke was her favorite. (Winner.)

I got Diet Coke right and that was also my favorite flavor. I couldn't figure out the difference between the off-brand an Pepsi. Which has stopped me from buying off-brand Pepsi. Sorry. (2nd Place.)

Jason's answers were the funniest to me.

Ani and I probably spend roughly $60 collectively on Diet Coke per month. I know, it's a little excessive but that's a Diet Coke each a day from McDonald's. So whatever.

Of course Jason thinks we're nuts and could save SO much more money by buying the off-brand because there is no difference.

So Jason claimed cup #2 was off brand and that it was his FAVORITE.

Clearly he was wrong and he claimed DIET COKE as his FAVORITE!

BOO YA. He loses. We win.

And now we can buy Diet Coke forever without a single complaint from Mr. Bosler. (Jason.)

And that, my friends, is how I came to know my true (embarrassing) love for Diet Coke to be real.

blah blah blah.

2011-01-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

I'm probably the most cynical person I know. And sometimes when people ask me questions about my life, I even get bored with myself.

However, let me fill you all in on what is going on, because a few things have changed.

First and foremost: SCHOOL.

Because of some discrepancies on my residency forms. Ok, I guess I didn't get my license within the correct time frame. I thought I wasn't going to be able to go to school and I was so bummed about it. I am so ready to go to school and finish my education. Ryan Burton, bless his soul, has made me a sweet deal. I can start classes for second block of this semester. Not exactly what I wanted and I can't take any of the art classes I have been SO looking forward to. BUT, I am happy to just get things started.

Secondly: WORK.

I found a job. A part time job. I work 12-20 hours a week. I am a part time receptionist/admin. I am still looking for another part time job because as of right now, I do nothing until the days I work and I need MONIES. Taboo? I don't even care.

Thirdly: BLOG.

I am making a new blog. This one is killlllling me. Sometimes it doesn't let me log in... it's with my OLD email address and it won't let me add my NEW email address to the list. Why? I don't know. I have actually been trying to fix this for years but now is the time I am moving forward and making a new blog. Don't worry, you will all know when it comes.

P.S.

Have you seen this?

It's awesome.

I love his blog and I check it on the daily. I love how creative he is and I love how he just self taught himself how to photograph. He's got an eye for fashion.

TheSartorialist = Scott Schuman = Amazing.

viva las vegas.

2011-01-03T23:33:00.000-07:00

So two days after I came back from California, Kirk and I decided to go on a quick trip to Vegas.

We are nuts.

But seriously, this year I feel like I can't get enough vacations.

And I missed my Kirk face terribly.

Kirk gave me $11 to put into the slot machines and see what happens and GUESS WHAT!?

I won $100!

WOO HOO!

So I went shopping... :)

We had a blast walking up and down the strip, sight seeing, eating our life away and just hanging out.

There are so many amazing new hotels on the strip. We walked through a bunch of them and there is this new area called the City Center. The whole thing cost more than $8 billion and it only took a YEAR to pay off! It's insane!

Here are some pictures. We are lame and didn't bring any cameras so all we have are iPhone pictures.

This is inside the new Cosmopolitan Hotel. It's outrageously sparkly and dazzling.

Oh, and I drove there... and back. Whatever, nbd.

I found Michael Jackson on the strip... although he was wearing about 34 pounds of makeup, he was quite hilarious.

The delicious crepe at Bellagio... definitely worth the 20 minute wait...

Inside the Bellagio at the gardens... This is the ONLY picture Kirk and I took together. :)

my thoughts. again.

2011-01-03T15:15:00.000-07:00

Hi.

Again, I have so much to do,

So much to update on,

and SO many thoughts.

OF course.

OF COURSE I am distracted by my own thoughts to actually get ANYTHING done with my day.

I have a few more last minute things I need to get done at UVU.
I have to say that I am more than excited to go back to school but I just gotta get this out:

They do not make it easy... I am sick of running to campus and turning in paperwork,

I am so sick of waiting for an email to tell me I got into the class I NEED.

I am so sick of worrying about how I am going to pay for RENT and my CELL PHONE and my CAR INSURANCE... let alone food and other such necessities.

Why is growing up so hard.
I guess I wouldn't be complaining so much if I had finished school when I should have. If I stayed in school for the last couple of years, I would be done and would have a grown up job... and maybe not so stressed out about my billz.

However, I do feel like I needed that time off. I needed to grow up a little bit. Understand how important my education is. Be there for my family, get that life experience under my belt. I don't know why, but I just needed that. It gave me the motivation to do what I want to do and not what other's want me to do.

My room is a disaster zone. Actually my house is. I finally cleaned the kitchen yesterday. It was time. And now I have half finished projects, copies of my resume, thank you cards, spray paint and glitter, gifts, tissue paper and ribbons strewn about my work space. And quite honestly, I am feeling quite unmotivated to clean it up.

When there is disorder in my life, you can see it on my desk. It's just what happens.

Oh and to make things worse, I am breaking out.

Gotta love my skin. Very strange, I was totally stressed out and overwhelmed while in California this break, but for some reason, my skin did not show signs of my stress.

I guess I should probably stop complaining.

I have actually been told TWICE this break that I am negative.

Lame. I didn't think that I would be that person. I used to think I was a somewhat positive person. Life has been getting the best of me, and I shouldn't let it change me for the worst.

So this year, my resolution is this:

To be more positive.

And to simplify.

And this my friends is what I plan to resolve this year.

2011, be good to me. I need it.

Happy New Year.

2011-01-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

2010 Billboard top 25 mashup...
2011: Please be good to us.

ENJOY.

i wanna see this.

2011-01-01T20:30:00.001-07:00

Hello folks.

I have much to update on.

From my whirlwind of a trip to California for Christmas,

to a spontaneous trip to Vegas...

I want to catch up on all of that.

HOWEVER,

I just want to let you all know that I really REALLY really want to see this movie:

Gweneth Paltrow. Tim McGraw. Leighton Meester.

GAHH!!

And it's already being nominated for a Golden Globe... it's not even out yet.

AND, they are all singing their own songs. Who would have thought Leighton had a voice?

January 7th, you bet your bottom dollar I will be seeing this movie.

2010-12-23T02:17:00.000-07:00

So, I can't sleep. What else is new? My mind has just been going a million miles an hour and so I went back in time to read some of my old blog posts. I was such a dork. It's kind of like going back and reading some old journal entries. I love the ones when I was in 6th grade and had a crush on so and so and thought he hated me... but then he gave me a high-five so maybe he liked me. They really were the things to worry about back then. Oh to be a kid again. Nothing really to worry about. Nothing big at least. No one warns you about the suckiness of growing up. Growing up is awesome. But, responsibility is not. Plain and simple. I have zero shame in admitting that. And you shouldn't either. Let's make a club. The "I-HATE-RESPONSIBILITY-CLUB" where only the elite may join and you have to somehow figure out a way to pay all of your bills and buy that way cute Coach purse without working full-time... and prostitution DOES NOT count.

Anyway, I was talking about going back in time and reading old journals. I always used to write the songs I liked at the moment when writing in my journal, or my favorite outfit, or food etc. I would look back and think, OH YEAH! I do remember that! Or, why did I ever like that? Well, I found this little tag I did 3 years ago and I am re-filling it out again. 

Want to read the old one?

Enjoy. 

8 Favorite Shows:
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Brothers & Sisters

3. 30 Rock

4. Real Housewives of New Jersey AND New York
5. Gossip Girl
6. Keeping Up With The Kardashians
7. Chelsea Lately
8. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
1. Ate Steak... TWICE.
2. Went to Target. Played with a bouncy ball... almost purchased it but, did not.
3. Played with kittens.
4. Wrapped 1 out of a billion presents that need to be wrapped.
5. Slapped Ani's butt and Ani got mad.
6. Ate TOO much chocolate.
7. Pretend to be a flying squirrel.
8. Attend my cuz's bridal shower. Did not win toilet-paper wedding dress game. I'm a sore loser. Whatever.

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:

1. Seeing Kirk in 4 days!

2. Christmas!
3. Summer. I know I say it a lot, but I am in SERIOUS need of a VACATION.
4. Saving the dolphins.
5. Going back to school, like a stay at home mother...
6. Babies. Someday... someday.
7. Having a ginormous house where everyone comes over.
8. When I have a grown-up job.

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Carrabbas. Still a favorite.
2. Acapulco FRESH -- Sadly it's gone forever and I am actually not sad about it, I'm pissed.
3. Guru's
4. Cafe Rio
5. In-N-Out
6. Chick-fil-A
7. Cafe Trio
8. Thai Ginger

8 Things On My Wish List:
(I'm really not so vain...)
1. A new NORTHFACE jacket (this was on last year, and I still want one... a white one.)
2. A new pair of EXPENSIVE jeans... ok like 10 new pairs. (Yup, still want this as well.)
3. Get married. Yeah, I said it.
4. iPhone4.
5. A vacation with my family.
6. A HOUSE! (still want this too.)
7. Everything I see when I go shopping. What... you know you want it too.
8. Wow... I guess I only want 7 things. I guess I'm not as vain as I thought.

And now I will be able to look back and remember what I liked on December 23, 2010.

Ohhh... New Years is just around the corner!

look what i made.

2010-12-18T14:20:00.001-07:00

So I was walking through one of my favorite little boutiques, Soel, at Riverwoods (which has gotten a very awesome face lift) and they had these REALLY awesome sparkly, vintagey, rustic, paper, Christmas trees.

I asked them how to make them and then I immediately went home to make my own.

Here is the result:

I am very proud of my craft.

I actually made 4. And they all look different but this one photographed the best so it is the one that is on this blog.

Want to make your own?

Go to MarthaStewart.com

Click HERE for the directions.

randomness upon randomness.

2010-12-17T02:03:00.001-07:00

Hey all.

I don't know why, but I always feel the need to greet all you lovely readers out there before starting my posts. I like it, I hope you do to.

It is 2:04 in the AM and for the first time in weeks, I am ACTUALLY tired. Weird? Yes. Mostly because I have the sleeping habits of most nocturnal creatures namely: owls, wolfs and wombats (yes, I did just google "list of nocturnal creatures" to get those animals... did you know cats are nocturnal? Add that to the list of reasons why I like cats so much. I'm a cat lady, sue me.) and I have been going to sleep between the hours of 3 and 5 am. I know, scold all you want people. I am aware of how awful that sleep pattern is. And I know I'm going to have a rude awakening once school starts in January. I know, I know, I know. And, while I'm being honest, I would just like to say that I also don't really enjoy people telling me that they think I'm lazy or scoff when I say I just woke up at noon. I KNOW they're just jealous. And, when there is nothing to wake up for, what is the point? Right.

Moving forward.

I have had quite the productive day.

I managed to get all of my Christmas shopping DONE.

And I have started my to-do list for my little Shadey Lady Party 2010.

I have an artichoke dip in the fridge just ready to be baked tomorrow.

I have made a few decorations. More on that to come. I found the AWESOMEST idea. Thank you Martha Stewart.

I have gone through some of my mother's Christmas ornaments. I am supposed to do something with them? But, there are boxes and boxes and I can't really part with them but on the flip side, I have absolutely no use for them. And probably never will. I will probably keep a few for memory's sake.

So tonight, I was STARVING and I looked through my fridge to find the following things:

a lemon

a zucchini

a serving of pasta

a chicken tender

I put my culinary talents together and whipped myself up some lemon, chicken, zucchini pasta with minced garlic and let me tell you something, it was DIVINE. I am pretty proud of myself and I will be making it again. Everyone was jealous of my food. And it was the easiest thing ever. I recommend making it.

We are driving to NorCal (that's what I call it now) on Sunday and apparently the weather is supposed to be "iffy". This my friends, is why I prefer NOT to drive ANYWHERE during the Christmas season. It is exactly why Ani and I have been driving home for Thanksgiving and FLYING for Christmas for the last 5 years. But I guess Californian's don't believe in snow. Or maybe it has something to do with us waiting too long to buy plane tickets THUS the prices have gone drastically up... hence the 12 hour car ride through Reno. Ahhh Reno, the land of beauty and wonder.

Sorry there aren't any recent photos to post... but there will be.

However, I found this gem of a gem.

Enjoy.

Yes, this scantily clad girl happens to be yours truly and I remember that horse. His name was Blacky and he was my best friend. I played on him on the daily.

Oh, and this is a picture my little sister, Julia (or Dolly as some of you know her as) drew when she was 4. Notice what she said it was... a whale. She always drew the best pictures.

Goodnight to all.

lights at the temple.

2010-12-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to see the lights at Temple Square this year.

I've been in Utah for 3 years and have never seen the Christmas lights and I decided that 2010 was the year!

So last week, Kirk and I ventured up to Salt Lake City and began our adventure at Gourmandise Bakery in Salt Lake for dinner. The dinner wasn't exactly amazing however, the baked desserts were beyond delicious and certainly above par.

We then headed our way to Temple Square and took about 20 minutes to find parking. It was a Tuesday night and I thought it wouldn't be too crowded but I was so wrong. I guess it was youth activity night and about EVERY single ward/stake from Utah County were there. Cool. It was so crowded! But, it was still fun and we managed to get about 15 different youth to take pictures of us.

The experience made me really want a sweet sauce camera and have mad picture taking skills and about 10 minutes into the evening my camera battery died but luckily we had Kirk's iPhone so all was not lost.

Here are some gems from our magical evening!

Christmas time is here.

Feel the magic.

Happy Holidays!

hahaha.

2010-12-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

Woke up this morning with a link to this in my email.

He's pretty funny.

Enjoy.

dreams are weird.

2010-12-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have dreams about people who you thought you would never dream about?

If you do, do you all of a sudden think you have this close bond with that person after you wake up?

This happens to me sometimes and it happened last night.

It's so weird.

I had a dream about someone who I thought I would never dream about and it made me feel so weird. I felt like I needed to have a conversation with that person and have some sort of relationship with them.

I feel like I know more about them than anyone else.

And that we are best friends.

Sometimes when I have these dreams, I dream about someone I used to know or sort of know so if I ever do talk to them or see them, I think I really am friends with them.

It messes me up!

Have you ever woken up from a dream happy because your dream felt so real and it was an amazing dream?

Or how about waking up in a horrible mood because someone ruined your life?

And then you carry around all of these negative feelings towards that person and you end up hating someone you shouldn't?

One time, I had a dream that I was Sabrina the Teenage Witch and I woke up thinking I still had magical powers but to my surprise, I had normal human powers. Which didn't thrill me. I was so mad.

Another time I had a dream that I had a love affair with Brad Pitt and it was A-MAZING. Imagine my disenchantment when I woke up only to realize he didn't even know who I was... But, I felt like I knew him!

Or how about flying dreams? I have had a few of those. I had to concentrate really hard on flying and then I could do it. But the moment that I thought of something else, I would fall.

Or how about the terrifying dreams when you can't run or scream? I ALWAYS have those kinds of dreams. I can't scream loud enough or run fast enough. It's the worst feeling.

The point of all this is to say that dreams are awesome. I love having dreams and waking up remembering them. It's like entertainment for the bored, sleeping mind.

Sometimes you wake up relieved that it was only just a dream, and sometimes you wake up disappointed that it wasn't real.

Today, I woke up sad that it wasn't real.

So weird how dreams affect us so much.

blah.

2010-12-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

Let me recap the last 13 hours for you.

In a nutshell:

Come home from Kirk's at about 1am.

Get ready for bed and slip under covers around 2am.

Quickly go over to-do list for next day:

Go to DMV

Fill out FAFSA

Drop off paperwork at UVU

Christmas lights at Temple Square

Toss and turn until about 4am.

Take melatonin (bring on the headaches and morning grogginess) and pop in a movie.

Toss and turn some more.

Finally drift off to dreamland around 6am.

Wake up at 1pm angry that I couldn't fall asleep, and now I slept half of the day away. Worst feeling ever.

Blog about it.

And that was how I spent the last 13 hours. I could have driven to Washington. Shame.

And now I feel like this:

BAHAHAHA!

OH and please enjoy this Christmas song brought to you by Coldplay. I am in love.

my grown-up christmas list.

2010-12-06T21:19:00.000-07:00

I know it's not very grown-up of me to have such a vain and materialistic list.

But hey, it's hard to get someone a college degree or a kitten (cough KIRK cough).

So I am resulting to THINGS.

Sue me. We all want stuff, don't lie.

Let us begin.

The Jessica Simpson animal print flat. J'adore this.

I had some gold flats from a shopping trip in Park City over a year ago and now those shoes are sadly worn to their bitter death. These will have to do. I really do enjoy them. Steve Madden metallic flats.

I have been wanting a pair of black boots and a pair of hunter rain boots. Why not combine the two and enjoy a wondrous marriage? Hunter Boots in High Gloss Black.

This stuff is a miracle. Found at Bath and Body Works, it is the ONLY kind of hand lotion that makes my hands feel moisturized all day and smells like fresh oranges. Delicious.

I have been having issues with my car having an odd scent due to some spilled spices and I finally decided to clip one of those portable scents things in my car. Works like a charm. Now I just need some good smelling scents! Please refill!

Old Navy has some pretty cute and trendy jewelry these days. I love the embellishment of the flower and the simplicity of the ribbon! Found HERE.

and a multi-chain beaded necklace! Found HERE.

I have been wanting a new watch for MONTHS. I can't resist this MARC by Marc Jacobs gold watch. I am drooling.

This ruffle coat makes me feel so happy and I LOVE the cream color. Classy yet, flirty.

Oh, and a new hairdryer. Preferably a Conair Infiniti found at Target. Then, I won't have to share with my sister anymore. Yes, we STILL share a hairdryer.

These and a partridge in a pear tree por favor?

No?

it's all about motivation.

2010-12-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

Bonjour lovely readers.

Are you still there? ok. good.

Just a quick little update.

Getting closer and closer to January 5, 2011 - First day of school in 2 years. I could honestly say I am nervous. It's ok. I'm comfortable with that...

I decided to get my associates in the Fine Arts and then use it to transfer to the Utah State and get my Interior Design Degree. We will see if I decide to stick to it or if I change it up... With this plan, I will be in school for MUCH longer than I thought I would be but, I will be doing something that I enjoy. (Hopefully.) The only reason why I would "change it up" is because I don't know if I will stay motivated long enough to be in school that long. Maybe I want to do something that will be quicker and easier. But, whoever said the road to happiness was quick and easy?

The other day Kirk and I went on an adventure... to BYU campus. We like to venture far and wide.

But, he really wanted to take a picture next to this fountain by the Joseph Smith Building? I don't remember the name of it. Go me.

(Oh, and we needed to document our trip to Carrabba's... because we don't have enough evidence of our obsession located mostly around our midsections.)

I am getting really bad at taking pictures lately. Mostly because I HATE being in pictures. I really don't like being in front of the camera because I just don't really like the way most pictures of me turn out. I gotta get over that I suppose. I found my external hard drive I used my freshman year of college at BYU-Idaho (ahhh memories) and I was SUCH a ham. Who is that person? I found some pretty funny pictures and I literally LOL'd. Heather - do you remember a little photoshoot we had? haha I can't post those pictures. Too embarrassing. Too incriminating.

Anyway, I was looking for my old music that I used to have, and I found it! Who is ecstatic about this? ME! And now I can listen to Celine Dion and Josh Groban in peace. Oh, and Coldplay. Oh I just love Coldplay. I desperately want to go to a Coldplay concert. I would be in heaven. Someday people, someday.

I have also been getting really bad at getting ready in the morning. Since I don't have any plans during the morning hours, I generally don't get ready until about 2 or 3pm. Who am I and when did I get so lazy? You ask? Well, I am Alix. And there is no reason for my lack of motivation in the mornings. Lo siento.

gwyneth.

2010-12-04T14:17:00.000-07:00

I love Gwyneth Paltrow.

I think she just oozes class.

She has a website called GOOP and I am a subscriba!

It has a plethora of Ms. Gwyneth's insights about balancing life, food, travel and shopping - among other things. I really loved her article on sugar addiction. I even sent it to Kirk. haha Basically, you can learn to be just like her if you wanted to... which I do.

I am especially thrilled about her recipe section. There are so many great recipes she writes about that I can't even handle it! One in particular is the Penne Arrabiata. I used to buy the frozen kind at Trader Joe's whenever I was in Washington. I looove it. A little spicy, a little tangy and so good. My little sisters even love it. But there is no Trader Joe's here and when I saw this recipe I almost cried. Why? I don't know. And it's so easy.

SERVES: 4

TIME: 15 minutes

Coarse salt
1 pound penne
2 cups of your favorite tomato sauce (see the recipe included with the Eggplant Parmesan)
1 long red chili, cut into quarters (remove seeds if you don’t want it too spicy)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup firmly packed, finely grated pecorino cheese (about 1 1/2 ounces)

Set a large pot of water on to boil and season with a few big pinches of salt. Boil the penne for two minutes less than the package tells you to. Meanwhile, heat the tomato sauce with the pieces of chili in a large frying pan over low heat to infuse the chili into the sauce. Reserving about a teacup of boiling water from your pasta pot, drain the pasta and add it to the frying pan with the tomato sauce. Stir the pasta and sauce together with the olive oil and let it cook on low heat for two minutes, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if necessary. You want the pasta to be just coated by the sauce, not swimming in it. Turn off the heat, remove the pieces of chili, stir in the pecorino and serve.

it's coming.

2010-11-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I want to thank everyone for their support after that last post. I was really feeling blue and I am so glad I have people in my life who are there for me and love me. I really do appreciate every single one of you... and you know who you are.

Nextly, let's talk about Christmas.

I am very excited about this. I think I am more excited for this SEASON than for the actual day of Christmas. I love the music. The snow. The holiday shopping traffic. The busy mall. The hot soups and hot chocolates. The lights. I could really go on and on. It makes me feel warm inside. Does it do this for you? It's quite possibly the most inspiring holiday ever.

It makes me want to do tons of holiday crafts. I have already made a wreath that really didn't turn out to be Christmas-y. It just turned out cute and totally usable all year round.

Here are some other crafts I want to make:

The yarn wreath. Actually, I have already made one and they are probably the easiest things ever. Just buy a foam ring and then your favorite yarn and wrap it around. Time consuming, yes. However, it's way cute and super cheap and I love it.

Another foam extravaganza. These are adorable and rustic and they look kind of homemade but mostly they look awesome. Even though I have inherited hundreds of ornaments, I still want to make these and find some sort of reason to use them all year round. Maybe put them in a bowl or on a plate for the coffee table? Yes.

And foam party #3. Foam cone with felt flaps. I love this idea. I love it. And it's perfect for the holidays. I bet you could use a different color felt and keep it up year round. Like, grey and yellow cones. They won't look like Christmas. I promise.

therapy.

2010-11-23T02:27:00.001-07:00

This post is about to get very personal.

I think I really do need a therapist but I have no health insurance and I can't afford to pay for it myself.

However, I think this blog is like therapy for me so that is why I am channeling my energy, or should I say EMOTIONS to here.

Thanksgiving was great. I was so happy to be able to see family and friends I haven't seen in literally a decade. I loved being able to spend time with my mom and little sisters and be able to share the holiday with them.

Thanksgiving was also strange for me. Like I said, there were people - family - I haven't seen in years. It was so odd and I felt so uncomfortable and out of place. I began to feel sorry for myself because what is more important than family? And I had not kept up any sort of relationship with them and I felt like nobody knew who I was or why I was even there. I noticed that I was not acting like myself and that I was becoming this silent, shy, introvert that I normally am not. I hated it. Absolutely HATED it.

I don't know why I became so not myself. But it hit me that I didn't like how everything has changed and everything is different from the last time I was around a decade ago. (Decade, I hate that I can say a decade ago and I can remember what I was doing a DECADE ago.) I felt like I didn't know these people, my family. It's weird to me that life keeps on going for everyone and things change for everyone and I am just seeing where people are right now... I don't get to see the change happen. I mean, who am I to get upset with the universe when life continues on? Things have definitely changed for me and my life.

I hate change. I hate it with an ever-growing passion. I wish things would stay the same forever and we would never have to deal with anything difficult. Of course, without change I wouldn't be able to grow and hopefully become a better person.

I never like to talk about it. I don't like to talk about how my mom's Alzheimer's affects me. I actually never talk about it. It kills me when I see her struggle with remembering what she is talking about. It tears me up when I see her spell my name wrong. My name, the one she gave me when I was born. And I hate that inevitably she will not remember me or any of her children. It has been hard for me to think of things to be thankful for when I feel like my life was the epitome of tragedy.

I try to look strong. I try to be brave about it. Life happens. People are dealt crappy cards in life. I get it. Oh, how I get it. But, the truth of the matter is that it's hard. And no matter how strong or brave I try to be, I feel like a child inside. Terrified of the future. Friends have told me that I adapt to change very well. Maybe I look like I do, but on the inside, I fall apart. I ignore it and it ends up killing my soul. I have gotten really good at putting on a happy face and pretending.

I don't even know this person that I am now. I have gotten so good at wearing this mask (so to speak) that when I take it off, I don't recognize myself anymore. That's what made Thanksgiving so weird for me. The people haven't really changed. I have. I didn't know who I was or where I fit in and I regressed to the days where I was still trying to figure out me.

I need to not keep things bottled up inside me. I need to feel the emotions that I am feeling and not pretend like everything is ok when I'm not. It damages the soul. It changes me and makes me into a person that I can't recognize. I don't mean for this to sound all, "Who am I? Why am I here? What is my purpose?" blah blah blah. But seriously, this was what I was dealing with for the past few months!

So on the drive home yesterday, I realized this and got a burst of motivation. Something I have not felt in so long. I just can't wait to get this life of mine going again. I can't wait to feel purpose and I can't wait to move on and grow up even more. I am getting that tingling feeling in my feet. The feeling of waking up, becoming alive again.

thankfuls update.

2010-11-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

Well well well, look who fell behind on her list of thankfuls. Way to go.

It's ok. I'm going to catch up on that RIGHT now.

Are you ready for this?

10. The gospel. It is unbelievable how important this is to me and the amount of gratitude I have for it just grows and grows.

11. Crafts. I am kind of one to be the master procrastinator when it comes to crafts - I like to start them but take FOREVER to finish them. It drives me crazy. However, I LOVE doing them. I love having something I am looking forward to see the outcome of and I love being busy doing something fun.

12. Diet Coke. I know I am so pathetic but my love for DC has not wavered but has grown. Whatever. I really don't care. I love going to McDonald's and getting my $1 drink and enjoy that first sip as the bubbles tickle my throat. Ohhh it's definitely love. haha

13. Chips and dip. Best. Snack. Ever.

14. My apartment. I know I said I am glad to have a place to call home, but let's be honest here, I'm pretty obsessed with my apartment. It makes me feel warm inside.

15. My calling. I never thought I would be grateful to be the Relief Society teacher because we all know how I hate speaking in front of any amount of people larger than 4. I have been known to refuse to give talks. And although I have minor panic attacks each Saturday before I teach, the feeling I get when I am done is absolutely amazing.

16. Stuffing. Let's be real here, this is the best side dish of Thanksgiving. And I am excited to stuff my face with it.

17. My family. Oh my family. I don't know if I could even express the gratitude I have for them. I love them all and I am really so very excited to see Julia and Natalia this Thanksgiving. I am grateful for how helpful and involved my extended family has been with everything happening with my mom. My family deserves it's own post. But, they are definitely HIGH on this thankful list.

18. Funny moments. I'm pretty sure laughing is the SOLE reason why I haven't spiraled down to the pits of despair. And seriously, I just have to shout out to Kirk for making me laugh EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

19. Kirk. Could I get any more lucky with this guy? I don't think so. He has been there for me when I have needed him most. He supports me and wants me to succeed in everything I do. I really do love him and I SO incredibly grateful to have him in my life. He's a keeper.

20. Music. This is such a generic thankful however, it's something I can't even begin to go into detail about. It lifts my soul, takes me on vacation and has the ability to change my mood.

21. The Food Network. We all know my love for the Food Network is undying. And divine. I love food. I love TV. Beautiful marriage.

22. While on the topic of television, I am becoming more obsessed with HGTV. I love getting awesome ideas to decorate and looking inside of people's homes.

And more to come as the month goes! Now I'm going to get ready for the day. BFF Mindy is in town and I do plan to see her tonight. And we leave for California on Wednesday. JOY!

sara bareilles.

2010-11-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

One sold out concert plus one friend who didn't want her ticket EQUALS I was able to see Sara Bareilles last night.

It was A-MAZING.

I love her and always have. I remember when I got her first album over 4 years ago, I listened to it thousands of times, memorizing every single one of her songs.

And the best part is that whenever I listen to any of her songs now, they are not old to me at all. I still love them just as much, if not more than when I first heard them.

I love that she writes all of her songs.

I love her voice.

She is unbelievably talented.

I expected the piano... and the guitar.

But when she whipped out the accordion, I was shocked!

Her voice is as smooth as honey and its no wonder that she is a Grammy Award winner.

I just love her and I would totally go see her again.

I love all of her songs and she played a lot of my favorites. However, my absolute favorite song of hers is "Gravity." When she performed this song last night, I may have gotten a little teary eyed.

She played the acoustic version but, the one on youtube doesn't do it justice.

decisions decisions.

2010-11-16T02:32:00.000-07:00

Alright alright alright alright alright alright.

Verdict is in and this old woman is going BACK to school... to prove to EVERYONE that I am freaking awesome. And to shut every one up.

For REAL.

I don't have to declare a major quite yet however, I have a few ideas of what I really, truly and deeply would love to study.

My family (extended included) believe I should study something that can make me money right after I graduate. I say, that is wise, but NO fun. In fact, zero fun since I do not have a passion for calculating someone's finances, or making graphs for my boss. BORING. Not for me. I find happiness and contentment in creativity and being able to express myself. I know I sound like a total hippie and yes, I have some hippie in this soul. Whatever, I own it.

Something I have been wanting to do since I was a wee babe was be an artist. Honest. People would ask my kindergarten self what I wanted to be when I grew up and I would say an artist. AN ARTIST!

Every single art class I had from grade school through high school, I was so happy and almost giddy with excitement to go to class. I was in my element. My zone. How awesome would it be to be able to study and major in ART? My uncle would say is, "Ahhhh there is no way to make a decent living with that degree!"

Then there is the whole culinary arts thing. This has been a more recent dream of mine. I remember telling my mom I wanted to go to culinary arts school right after high school and she kindly disagreed and told me to study something else and get a degree in something more practical. She probably meant business or something. Culinary arts is just another degree my awesome uncle would say "AHHHH there is no way to make a decent living with THAT degree!"

What my uncle doesn't know is that I have an entrepreneurial mind. That, and an entrepreneur for a boyfriend. With our powers combined, we could figure out SOME way to make a pretty penny. Or an ugly penny.

So I've got a lot of nay-sayers in my life.

There is also the whole teaching thing. I have wanted to be a high school teacher and think it would be a fantastic career. I had some pretty cool teachers in high school and I actually like high school students... good benefits, summers off... what more?

And also, nursing. Nursing would make some money. I LOVE science. I do. Vomit? not so much a fan of. In fact, just the word vomit kind of makes me gag.

Anyway, it is clearly decision making time. It's a tough call and the MAIN reason I decided to take a break from college in the first place.

Does anyone have any great advice? I am in need of some great advice.

Thoughts?

nonsensical.

2010-11-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells.

Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living.

It’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope.

Which is what I do.

And that enables you to laugh at life’s realities."

-Dr. Seuss

thankful: #8 and #9

2010-11-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

Hola.

I have a few more things I would like to share and add to my list of thankfuls.

8. I am thankful for Christmas music before Thanksgiving. Although I put up a fight every time it happens, the pre-thanksgiving Christmas decorations and music always gets me very excited for the holidays and definitely lifts my spirits.

9. Slippers. My apartment is bipolar when it comes to the thermostat. When the cool air is on, my room gets boiling hot. And when the heat is on, the thermostat will not let me set it above 62 degrees. WHAT is up with that? So I was moseying through my home and my feet were freezing! Then I remembered I had some very soft, very plush slippers. HELLO!

Making this list is very humbling... Everyday there are things that happen and can bring me down. Like today, I found out that GAY ObamaCare only includes civilians and NOT any government personnel. COOL. Thanks a lot OBAMACARE. Anyway, as I was about to curse the president, I remembered I needed to write my blog about my thankfuls for yesterday and today. Humbling. (Even though I'm still pissed. Yes, I am.)

Now I'm off to make some dinner... what to make? Decisions decisions...

i have thanks.

2010-11-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

I know it has been approximately one week since Halloween and I have yet to change my header on this here bloggy blog. And since I have approximately no job and do approximately nothing all day, I really have no excuse as to why it hasn't been changed.

But, you better be prepared because it's about to change. Probably within a day or two... Still working on my photoshop skills, ok?

Anyway, would you like to hear what I have been up to? I know I said nothing, but I'm going to be honest, I lied. I actually have been pretty busy until yesterday.

My mom came into town! She spent a good 5 days with us and we had a blast! We were even able to have a lovely photoshoot courtesy of yours truly. I should probably get into the photography business with my skills. I have learned through this experience that I am actually more comfortable behind the camera than in front of one. Weird. I thought I was such a ham... I guess I'm not. (I'm speaking as if I'm really a professional here.)

Here are a few of my favorites!

In other news, I am really excited for Thanksgiving! This year, we are making the road-trip to Northern California which means less travel time, and also means not driving through TWO mountain passes. I was getting pretty sick of the drive to and from Utah and Washington. Anyway, I also get to see MOST of my family. I get to see my daddio and my madre and both sides of the family. This has not been able to happen since I was about 6 or 7... WOW. It's gonna be crazy. AND I am bringing Kirk. He will get to experience my family first hand... we'll see how well he likes it :)

Anyway, I have decided I am going to copy cat my BFF Heather on her Thankful posts for the month of November. I think this is a splendid idea. And what better way to say "GREAT IDEA!" than to copy it? And since it is the 7th of November, it looks like I have to make up for lost time.

It's a little bit hard to think about things I am thankful for when I feel like my life is all over the place but here it goes: (in no particular order)

1. I am thankful for Disney movies. They make me happy no matter what mood I am in. Especially the ones that remind me of my childhood. Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, Cinderella, and The Jungle Book. For some reason the Jungle Book brings back memories of Bebe and Dolly when they were babies.

2. Friends. I have never been MORE thankful for friends until now. I have always been grateful for them but since everything has been going on with our family, it has become very apparent to me how IMPORTANT these people are to me. I honestly don't know where I would be without them.

3. Washing machines. I think I would probably die without one. Ok, not really. I would find another way to wash my things. BUT, I am grateful for this man made machinery that cleans my bedding, blankets, clothes, towels etc. I am a little bit OCD when it comes to my bed especially and I love that I can wash it lickity split and enjoy the clean smells of Tide and bounce sheets. MMMM.

4. Candles. Speaking of smells, what is better than the scent of cranberries or cinnamon vanilla wafting through the air? Not much, not much.

5. Today's technology. It is so awesome to me that we can keep in touch with people so easily these days. I can pick up the phone and call, text or email someone instantly.

6. Going to the movies with Kirk. I am grateful that Kirk enjoys the magic of movie theaters as much as I do.

7. Having a place to call home. Although, I can't say that Washington is my home, or California is my home, I have felt more and more that Utah is my home... for now. And I am giddy to come home to my apartment after a long day of work or a trip across the country.

(I'm also grateful for this picture... I love piglets.)

More thankfuls to be written soon!

Happy Sunday!

ew.

2010-11-06T01:50:00.001-06:00

Today I had an experience that was purely gross.

I was at Kirk's apartment tonight. I had to use the restroom like crazy so I walked into his bathroom that he shares with another roommate and there was a PUDDLE of URINE on the floor.

A PUDDLE!

A few things ran through my mind when I saw this.

1. How can one MISS the toilet like that and NOT bother to clean up after themselves?

2. Maybe this is a common thing among boys and since I grew up with approximately ZERO brothers, I have no experience in this matter.

3. However, I did have a step brother and although he only visited every summer and every other Thanksgiving and Christmas, I did not encounter any urine on the floor whatsoever.

4. Stop gagging.

5. Maybe that's why BYU has the honor code - which I was clearly in violation of - and thus it would have prevented me from running into such a disgusting scene.

I was actually more pissed (pun intended) than anything else. I ran from the restroom to Kirk and demanded that he should what was in the bathroom. Of course he denied any responsibility in the matter (he tends to be pretty neat and clean and I really appreciate that about him. I enjoy cleanliness. Who doesn't?) and continued to explain that it's his roommate and it has actually been going on for a while...

um... WHAT?

He then told me that he didn't know how to tell his roommate to clean up his PEE from the floor without sounding condescending or hurting his feelings.

I think the best way to handle this situation is of course with a sign above the toilet that says,

"Please control your aim or clean your mess, you filthy, filthy animal."

sleep?

2010-10-27T12:17:00.001-06:00

Have you been wondering what I have been doing with my newfound freedom?

If you think I have been going to bed late and sleeping in all day, you are so wrong.

I have actually not been able to go to bed late this ENTIRE week.

Why? Well, the answer could be one of two things. Or a combination of both.

1. It could be because I am used to going to bed around 11pm to wake up at 6:30am.

2. I am getting older and all my body wants to do is mimic the sleep patterns of a senior citizen.

No matter if I wake up at noon or 7am, I still want to go to sleep come midnight. Which is EARLY for me. I guess midnight is late for me now. Or if I fall asleep at 4, I still wake up at 7am.

Obviously, I have tried to go to sleep later and I have tried to sleep in, but my internal clock is getting the best of me and I don't want to give in. But, it looks like I have to.

I had an epiphany when the power went out on Sunday night. Back in the day, you could only work when the sun was up HENCE the saying, "early to bed, early to rise" and "the early bird catches the worm." I haven't really been a fan of these sayings mostly because I am the queen of the opposite. (Or at least I was.) But, these days - the days of electricity - who needs to wake up early? Who needs to go to bed early? Have you noticed that only OLD people make you wake up early? It's because they are still living on the notion that you can only be productive with your life if you wake up early. But then, if you do, you are so tired that you need to go to bed early stunting any work you may do after 10pm. Kirk is a prime example of this. He does his BEST work during the wee-hours of the night. It's quiet, it's dark. There are little to no distractions. I am the same way. I don't want to clean my room during the day. I would much rather do it at night. I feel like that is when my natural ADD is subdued and I am finally able to concentrate on what's important. I don't know why this is. But I do know that it's how I have been ever since I was little. I used to BEG my babysitter to allow me to stay up. In fact, I actually got her to let me stay up until 1am. Then my mom came home and she got in trouble. (Bad move to let the kid convince you to do anything. I've been guilty of that too. Karma.)

In all reality, I do feel somewhat more productive when I wake up early. I think it's because it's when most of the world is awaking up too and there are more interactions you could potentially have. At night, it is quite lonely. There are only a few people up and able to commune with me. Maybe I should create a movement to change the way we live. Let us be awake at night and sleep during the day. I guess what I am trying to say is let us all become vampires.

Halloween is coming.

Yes, I do have a slight obsession with YouTube lately. Can you blame me? Any song or video clip I could ever want is right at my fingertips.

Anyway, I found this gem and I love it so. Coldplay, you are my true love. Can I see you in concert soon? I bet you are magical.

Lost featuring Jay-Z

day man.

2010-10-26T11:20:00.000-06:00

Have I ever mentioned the crazy WEIRD dreams I have been having lately? Must be the spirit of Halloween haunting me while I sleep because I am not usually one to wake up in the middle of the night from a nightmare. I am 23 years old dang it!

I did fall asleep watching Karate Kid (with Will Smith's kid) so that may explain the part of my dream where I went to China. That does not explain the part where we are flying back home and decide to fly off the edge of the world. That doesn't make any sense. Or the part where I kissed what I thought was a human but then it turned out to be a HORSE. Well actually, I was watching a few episodes of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia... Charlie wanted a horse in one episode and in another Frank convinces Dee and Charlie that they ate HUMAN meat. So... actually that kind of makes sense.

Yes, this show is completely inappropriate, I mean BEYOND inappropriate. One episode in particular makes me laugh every single time I watch it, "Dee's Dates a Retard." Maybe the real problem here isn't my brain. Maybe the problem is the shows I am choosing to watch. They are affecting me in ways I never thought possible. But it's SOOOOOO funny.

But, let me be honest here, I don't want to stop watching these favorites. These are what bring happiness to my soul. So what if I depend on a television to bring me happiness. That's not bad right?

Shoot. I really need to find a hobby.

But for now, enjoy this song courtesy of It's Always Sunny. It's my new favorite.

I am not trying to get you to start watching this show because I will be embarrassed when you watch it and then stop because of how inappropriate it is. I don't want you to judge me either. So, I am recommending that you DO NOT watch it.

power outage

2010-10-25T11:16:00.001-06:00

The power went out last night... around 2AM.

It was so strange. I was watching episodes of Scrubs and Kirk was working on websites or something and all of a sudden everything just shut down. Kirk and I sat there for a second staring at the darkness thinking that we must have done something to create this power outage. We immediately looked outside and realized that all the streetlights and buildings, except for the hospital, had no power either. Of course Kirk's response is that the world is ending or aliens are going to come and eat us. I haven't had a power outage since I was living in Washington... probably for about 5 years. I remember growing up, it was not uncommon for the lights to go out for days at a time and I thought it was SO cool. We would play games at night with flashlights and eat BBQ every night and the best part was, NO school. A kid's heaven.

The silence was getting to me. I was getting stir crazy. We couldn't do ANYTHING! How pathetic is that!? Kirk and I discussed how we probably would be the first to die in a situation like this because our skills are useless in a powerless world. Well, at least Kirk wouldn't be able to make a living making websites. Sad how much we depend on electricity these days. But, whatever, I am not ashamed. I am a true woman of the 21st century. Sue me.

Luckily, the power came back on within a few hours.

In other news, I officially resigned from my job in American Fork. I just could not do it. And I know in an economy like this, it was probably a dumb move. But, when I was to the point of tears every day or so depressed to go to sleep because I had to wake up the next morning to work... or when my ulcer returned, I just couldn't stand to work one more day there. It wasn't HORRIBLE. No one was particularly mean to me, it just made me feel unsatisfied with life. I need human interaction. That is what I have learned about myself. I am now going to confess that I really do miss Shade. I miss the girls, I miss the customers, I miss the craziness and the unorganization of corporate. I believe I can say that now.

Anyway, I am now in the market for another job. But this time, I'm looking for part-time because I am going back to school in January and I can't have a full-time job for that. :)

Also, this is my new favorite song. Natasha Bedingfield has the gift of making happy music. It's true.

let's get physical here.

2010-10-21T20:28:00.000-06:00

There I was.

INNOCENTLY browsing the world wide web.

Digg.com had an article about the top 5 most creepy workout music videos.

Two strong thoughts raced through my mind:

First of all, who on earth would even think of such a combination of topics?

And secondly, there is no way I'm gonna pass up THAT article. I am intrigued. (Just like I was intrigued with Sister Wives but THAT deserves its OWN post.)

As I began to watch all the videos, the title of the article started to ring true to my soul and I was becoming more and more creeped-out.

Then, this little gem came up.

Now, I know this may be hard for some of you to watch. I am feeling the regret set in... and I am mortified at myself for even POSTING such a video. But, I had to share my surprise.

Who would have thought that sweet Sandy from Grease or Olivia Newton John would choose to be in such a sketchy, BIZARRE video?!

I mean, do we REALLY need to watch her shower with her sweatband on? Or how about watch her coach 4 fatties to perfect physical form in a matter of minutes?

I literally had to pick up my jaw from the floor when I finished.

I had no idea that was the intention of the song when I would sing it whilst working out. It not only was disturbing but it raised more questions about what the song was actually about.

Innuendos anyone?

creepy crawlies. sickies.

2010-10-18T20:00:00.000-06:00

Halloween must be upon us.

Today I experienced too many creepy things. TOO MANY!

A slug. 2 spiders. One bumble bee.

ON MY DESK. They were all alive.

How did they get there you ask?

My answer is Halloween put them on there. Logically.

Ok. I'll stop being dramatic now.

Alright, so remember when I got my current job? I was so excited. I needed a job so badly. SO badly. And now, I hate to say it, but I actually kind of dread going. I told myself that I wouldn't complain about it because no one REALLY enjoys going to work. But, when you start having panic attacks on your way to work, it's cause for concern.

I am so grateful to HAVE a job because let's be real here, it took me months to find one and I am so glad that lady friend, Cedar hooked me up!

But sadly, the 6:30 am wake up probably won't get old. And sitting a desk with not a thing to do may create a nervous breakdown. Oh, and the traffic... sigh. Last week, I may have had to excuse myself from my workspace to cry in the bathroom. It's ok though. I will get through it. Plus, I am starting school in January. I can handle it.

IN OTHER NEWS,

Remember when I went to South Carolina last week? Oh. My. Gosh. I was made for that place!

Want to see some pictures? Well, unfortunately I am at Kirk-face's house and therefore do not have photos saved onto his sweet sauce computer. BUT, if you go to MINDY'S BLOG POST you can see most of my awesome adventure. Yes, this is the lazy way to blog about my trip. I PROMISE I will do a better post about it later. It just stresses me out to post so many pictures.

Let us also discuss the following picture:

(one of my many favorite lines)

If you can name this movie, you get a billion points in my book. Trust me, you WANT to be in my book... with LOTS of points.

This is the FIRST PG-13 movie I watched and not only did I love this movie, it is also the first movie I have memorized all the lines of and have incorporated them into everyday conversation.

welp... gonna go watch a movie with my hun bunz. haha

P.S. Speaking of movies...

Three movies you and I should watch this all hallows season:

1. Edward Scissorhands

2. Nightmare Before Christmas

3. Hocus Pocus

summerville, sc

2010-10-13T00:42:00.000-06:00

Greetings from Summerville, SC!

I'm up.

It's about 2:45 in the AM here in South Carolina and naturally my sleeping schedule is all sorts of out of whack.

So yes, I am awake.

Mindy will kill me because she says she is gonna wake me up at 10 (also known as 8 in the AM in Utah) tomorrow morning for fun things and boating! Of course my poor self is not used to such early hours these last couple of days... waking up at almost noon. Who do I think I am? Royalty?

I'm gonna have a rude awakening when comes Friday and I gotta wake up at good ol' 6 o'clock. Grand.

This place is awesome. I wish I could stay here in South Carolina. Buy one of the charming plantation homes and live right on the beach. I love the southern style. I think I was meant to be on the east coast. It just feels right.

We went to Charleston today and I love that little city on the ocean. I love that the buildings are no taller than the tallest church. I love how clean it is! And I love the outdoor fans. It's awesome!

Anyway, I'm just checking in, it has been a while since I have updated and don't you worry your lovely selves,

a fully-loaded update is to come with pictures and pictures galore!

xoxo

Alix

haunted forest.

2010-10-03T19:52:00.000-06:00

Kham Udom was in town this weekend so naturally we went to the Haunted Forest in American Fork.

The experience itself was definitely worth the $20.

However, I did not enjoy waiting outside and having randoms come up behind me and breathe into my ear or invade my personal space.

My favorite part of the evening was going through a room that feels like it's spinning and it makes it VERY hard to walk straight...

Kham's response, "IT'S MOVING! IT'S REALLY MOVING!!!"

Haha... I am laughing out loud just remembering the moment.

I did not enjoy the loud noises, random dark rooms and the people I thought weren't real people... but then they were. Don't even worry, my throat hurts from screaming so much.

Also, not a huge fan of the chainsaws.

The evening was a blast! I am so happy I got to see my peeps from Sea-Town and finally go to a haunted forest that was awesome!

Kham, the mummy, and myself. We are really close.

Not really sure what this creature was... but he was getting a little grabby. Also, not a fan. What I am a fan of is Kham's eyes. Classic.

And what is a haunted forest without the Ghostbusters? Clearly, they were necessary. Don't mind our creepy eyes. It's all part of the experience.

The next morning I woke up from a HORRIFYING nightmare about a freaky clown guy trying to kill me while invading my personal space. Luckily, the police caught him and then I force-fed him cold hot dogs. That will teach him...

I think my subconscious is trying to tell me I can't handle the scariness of this place.

Like I said, worth your while!

candy corn.

2010-10-02T21:28:00.001-06:00

(Do you like my Halloween corner? I designed it myself. I wish I had more of those white pumpkins... I love them. Oh and that is 4 bags of candy corn... it's quickly being eaten away as I type.)

Just sitting here enjoying my caramel apple candle. It truly smells delectable. Ani thinks it smells like maple syrup and I am going to go ahead and call that accusation FALSE. If anyone knows maple syrup scents, it's me. I hate maple syrup purely because of the smell. I would know, ok?

Tonight I ate Costa Vida for the second day in a row because they have half pork salads with wheat tortillas and I think they are so good. I am still extremely full and I ate it at 5:30pm... it is now 9:30pm.

It is still feeling quite warm for the month of October. I'm not really complaining... ok, maybe I am. It's a little too hot for this time of year. I need to have an excuse to wear my fall coat and maybe start a fire in the fireplace... if I had a fireplace. Michael Buble is now serenading me with "Dream a Little Dream." Why does that man make me feel like I'm floating on a cloud dancing the waltz? I love him. I really do. I wouldn't be opposed to going to one of his concerts.

Tonight I tried to curl my hair with a straightener and I failed. I have pieces of curled tendrils and pieces of straight tendrils. That equals a fail. You will probably see pictures of my failed attempt and agree that I should probably never try it again.

Today was my unofficial last day of work at Shade. I have to admit I got a little sad about it as I walked to take the deposit to the bank this morning. (P.S. Ran into my friend Jeff O'Bryant who I have not seen in over 3 years. Seriously crazy.) I didn't realize how many friends I have made at the mall. Kind of funny. People at Chick-fil-A know me and my order... so what if I go there regularly? Or the people at Pretzel Maker... the mall office management. They have helped me break into Shade many a morning when I have forgotten my key. Ahhh memories.

Now Sam Sparro is blasting some "Black and Gold" and it is definitely getting me in the mood to go out... and get spooky. Yeah, I just said GET SPOOKY. I can achieve spookyness. Spookiness? Spookieness? I can achieve it. Can you?

Love Always,

Alix.

sitting here with not a care in the world.

2010-10-01T11:32:00.001-06:00

WOW. 3 blog posts in a day? I must be out of my mind.

It's Friday. My designated day off this week. Unfortunately, I am a kind soul and decided to help another co-worker out and take her closing shift tonight. Whatever... it's only 3 hours.

I have been feeling a bit of tension at work lately. I don't know who is involved or why I am feeling this way exactly. Maybe it's because Shade has yet to give us a date for the last day the store will be open. Or maybe it's because I still have to work a closing shift next week AFTER my 8-5 job. Whatever the reason, I can feel it and I can feel myself getting sucked into the tension. I am not a fan. I shall break the tension with a knife or maybe something that isn't so violent. Like a rubber band ball. Those are always delightful.

I am listening to my Pandora radio station. It has the following artists:

-John Mayer

-Florence and the Machine

-Vampire Weekend

-Earth Wind and Fire

-Sara Bareilles

-Ingrid Michaelson

As you can see, I am all over the place and I don't have a care in the world.

I originally decided to check out some blogs while my straightener was heating up. However, it's been a good 30 minutes since then and I am now making this post.

So I found a picture of a girl who was dressed as a candy corn. I have decided that's what I want to be for Halloween. I could probably make that... since I am an expert seamstress. Did I mention that I have had my Halloween decorations up since 2 weeks ago? I do what I want!

I can't wait until I have a house of my very own in a neighborhood where children run around going door-to-door asking for candy. And to have kids to dress them up in totally awesome baby television characters... like teletubies. HAHA. One year, my little sister Dolly was Dipsie (the green one, for all you fans out there) from teletubies and it was adorable. I wish I could find a picture of it.

One thing I am not too excited about this season is the scary movies that are coming out. It is actually making me very anxious because every time I watch TV, there is always a scary preview for a movie and try as I may, I can't stop the horrible process of it being embedded into my mind. I literally lay awake at night freaking myself out because of those dang commercials. I am such a wimp. Kirk totally wants to see a scary movie and I am so against it it's ridiculous.

Happy October.

It's gonna be a good month. I can feel it.

in OTHER news.

2010-10-01T00:19:00.000-06:00

Kirk and I went to see "Easy A" tonight and I would have to admit that I fully and completely enjoyed the cinematic adventure we shared. It was truly magical.

(Kirk likes the above photo best. I don't know why.)

(This one clearly depicts the current scene more accurately. I'm not even ashamed.)

NOW, we are watching some creepy documentary about under water sea creatures that really should never be seen by human eyes. That's probably why we know more about the surface of the moon than the bottom of the ocean. The ocean is freaking freaky! Did you know there are crabs the size of trash cans? Not the kind of trash cans in your house. Those are puny in comparison to the kind in your garage which happen to be the ones I am referring to. This is unsightly and purely scary. I disagree with the existence of them. I don't know what that means. All I know is that it's gonna take a lot of convincing before I enter into any ocean bottoms. Since I regularly visit the bottom of the ocean. Kirk likes to watch boring and sometimes creepy documentaries and fall asleep to them. He's a romantic I guess. I personally feel as though that is a remarkable idea considering all of the boredom that ensues once that British voice starts to lull the soul. Hey, that rhymed.

I definitely got a large diet coke at the cinema tonight and I am reaping the rewards of it now. MEANING, I am wired and therefore am writing this completely relevant blog post. And apparently I am making a recent habit of creating RELEVANT blog posts.

Today, a lady came into Shade and showed me two of the exact same shirt and asked me which one was prettier. I stared at her for a quick second or twelve and then thought that this woman may indeed be nuts. This perplexing story ends with me choosing a shirt and explaining to the lady that the one I chose was more pretty than the other because it seemed to be a more vibrant shirt. It spoke to me of course. I think that's what she wanted to hear.

In retail, I learned to kind of make stuff up as I go. Customers come in all the time with questions that I would never expect to hear at any point in my life and I have to be quick and on the ball or else I lose the sale. Not to be confused with SELL. That is what people here in Utah say for both the word "sell" and the word "sale." I digress.

That is a reason I will put on my list as to why I will not miss retail. It takes a certain kind of person to enjoy that field of work. Don't get me wrong, I love retail. From the shopping end of course. And maybe one thing that I will miss about my job is the discount.

Anyway, I am off to watch an episode of "Lie to Me" with my honeybabes (what? Not so keen on the nick name? Well, wait until you hear what I REALLY call him. Only a select few know the truth. You know who you are.)

Ow vider zane.

That's Austrian for see ya.

it's october?

2010-10-01T00:06:00.000-06:00

Seeing as how it was the last day of September approximately 17 minutes ago,

I believe a proper goodbye is in order.

And what better way to say au revoir (farwell) than with a song.

A song that inevitably will cause myself and others to dance (or in my case, fake a tap number) along.

Don't be scared to let your true Earth, Wind and Fire pride shine.

I assure you I am not afraid.