Wanna share?

You know what I just realized? My Christmas this year lacked the magic of Trader Joe's Truffles. I'm going to have to go get me a box...maybe during my lunch today...

I have a confession...

I'm an addict. I know this may be surprising to a lot of you (a select few have caught me) out there, but I am. I know that we shouldn't allow ourselves to be that dependent on anything--but I NEED it. Anytime a question or doubt comes up I run to the only source of comfort I have--It's like a reflex for me now. I'd say I could stop anytime I wanted to, but I don't know if that is true. All I know is that I don't want to stop. Please, don't stop being my friend. I promise, it will come in handy for you too! There are much harder substances I could crave. There are crazier things out there. Really. It started innocently enough...Some may think it spiraled out of control, but...I need it... I know this may be shocking, so I'm just going to post a link to my addiction that way you don't have to look at it if your skittish.

PS. I may have another addiction. It's just starting, but I do LOVE it.

Christmas Activities

For whatever reason, I am particularly craving holiday spirit this year. I know of Thuroughbread in Alta Loma/Rancho Cucamongs, the Festival of Lights at Riverside's Mission Inn, The Nativity Scenes on Euclid Avenue in Ontario, the Euclid Star, and The Living Nativity at Granite Creek in Claremont. Google/maps is advertising this, which could be an interesting way to pass time.

Can you recommend anything else? What are your favorite holiday traditions?

Quote Me

I was going through my old drafts, and I found one from the end of August with this quote:
"Why are you trying so hard to fit in, when you were born to stand out?"
I'd started the post by keying in the quote, but that was as far as I got. I can't even remember where it was from. I just Google-ed it and was led to sites like these, which included the quote, but no source. I IMDb-ed it and got this. I don't remember watching What a Girl Wants, but I like Amanda Bynes, so it's a possibility. I'm not sure if I got it from that movie, I obviously liked that line.

It's funny how we focus so much on blending into the crowd. I'm sure I work harder at that than most people, but not many people want to too far from main stream society...We may be unique, with a flair, but for the most part we fit the American form (which, I admit, is broader than most other cultures' may be). But in high school/teen years especially it seems people really are "trying...hard to fit in." Why is that? I know that I did it because if I can blend in, I can avoid being noticed. I hate unwanted attention. I never know how to react. I need time to process things, and that time is never given in social situations. Maybe my desire to avoid notice shows that I was not one of those "born to stand out." I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing either. You need the rest of the "boring" crowd for that one funny person to be funny. You need the audience to have a show. Most of the time I am more than happy to be the audience. But sometimes people do it because they want to be accepted by the "cool crowd" (at least that's what the media tells us), which may indicate some social need going unmet (I think I've already bored-I mean- blogged enough about psychological needs.)

But there are people who really were "born to stand out." And some times these people need to be reminded of this. They need to be reminded that we love them no matter what they do, so they will feel comfortable on the stage. When we were younger, my older sister's friend was living with our family for a little while, and she seemed to understand this. She was always fun and outgoing, but she recognized that my brother was longing for a spotlight too. In his lack of understanding, he would try to "fit in" but was really annoying. My sister's friend noticed this bothersome behavior and would sing "(insert name here) needs attention; (name) needs attention." At which point we would all look at him, he'd tell his joke, or do his trick, or whatever it was he needed to get out, and then he'd be fine and we could go back to whatever it was we were doing before. That's all it took. He needed to stand out a for a few minutes and then he was okay. I have a friend now that I do that to. Generally I'm not so obvious about it (at least I try not to be), but every once in a while I cannot resist the urge to sing "(Name) needs attention. (Name) needs attention." And after he's had his time to "Stand out" we get back to whatever we were doing before.

This has turned into a different topic than it started out as, hasn't it? Oh well, Let's just follow the stream of thought and see where it leads us... I think it's sad that some people work so hard at fitting in that they forget that everyone is unique, and that's a good thing to be. Then there are others who are working so hard to stand out, that they forget that it's okay to blend in a little. I knew someone who was so anti-conformity that sometimes she actually did the opposite of what she wanted to do, just because she didn't want to be like everyone else. While I can respect and encourage individuality in a group, I also think it is important to follow your internal compass, instead of trying to avoid the paths of others.

I guess the thing that ties these random strings together is this: You shouldn't worry about what the people around you are doing, but rather strive to live your life according to what you know to be true. You can change if you see something you like in others, but these changes should come because you want to behave that way, not because you want to behave like them.

I guess I will have to try harder to be okay with who I am, so that I can stop worrying so much about what my reaction should be, and just act. I need to realize that the world doesn't revolve around me, so if I make a mistake, that's okay. People probably weren't paying that much attention to me anyway. I need to realize that the slights I perceive to be against me, don't really matter unless I let them. Whether or not they are aimed in my direction, I should have the inner strength to be myself in spite of others. I need to change because I want to improve, and not because someone told me to. I can understand being an example, and there are always people who look up to (or down on) you without your knowing, but really, we shouldn't worry so much about that. If you are living your life to make yourself happy with who you are, that stuff will work itself out.

Homework: A Love Story

SIDE NOTE: This is loosely based on a factual story--I did change some things so it would fit the assignment's parameters. Just so you know.

After graduating from college, Karen accepted a job in Southern California. As she was getting situated in her new job and apartment she decided to visit a friend, in a neighboring city.(*1) They went to a church meeting together and that’s when her life changed. Jim was standing in the doorway of their religious chapel. He then did something that he would call very uncharacteristic: while it usually takes him a few months to think things over and to get to know her a bit better before he asks a girl out, Jim asked Karen out within two seconds of meeting her. He was already in a long-term relationship with a girl who was away at school in another state and therefore felt very secure and confidant that he didn’t need to work hard to meet anybody else. When he saw Karen walking through the hallway with a friend of his, he walked right up to them and said: “Hello Linda, who is your friend, and when are you going to set me up with her?”
“This is Karen—we met in the parking lot. She just moved to the area. How about we all play miniature golf on Friday night?” So, they went out on a double date on September 28th. She was away from her home and everything she was familiar with, so she was initially(*2) very flattered by his unsolicited attention. She became even more impressed with him as the evening grew cool when he went to get her jacket from the car for her(*3).
Jim looked at the relationship as “a filler relationship” while his girlfriend Charlene was away studying at a college in another state. Jim had been dating Charlene for almost 2 years and was slowly getting used to the fact that they would eventually get married, but there was never an engagement ring, nor a proposal. When Karen came along Jim considered it recreational dating: he didn’t see himself as breaking any insinuated vows-- it was more a matter of having fun and enjoying themselves.
Over the next 6 to 8 months, he progressively fell in love with her(*4), until it reached the point when he needed to make a decision. Over the next few days off from school, usually surrounding holidays, Charlene would write to Jim to inform him of her intended dates of returning home for short visits. Before he could come up with an excuse not to see Karen during that time, she’d inform him that she would also be out of down during that weekend. Up until that point he’d thought the “relationship gods” were smiling down on him. In reality, Karen had been finding out from Jim’s sister, who was also Charlene’s good friend, what Charlene’s plans were and would then plan to return home to visit her family during that time. Karen had known that Jim was dating someone else, but willingly pursued the relationship(*5).
Jim eventually realized that he couldn’t be that lucky for very long. Jim participated in a great deal of soul searching and personal evaluation, which led to a response one day while he was working at the rock quarry: he should marry Karen. This realization was confusing to him because he’d invested a lot of time and money on his relationship with Charlene(*6). It just didn’t make sense to him to practically start over with Karen when he’d already progressed so far with Charlene. Upon more thought he realized that one of the primary life goals he had made was to have a large family. This was something he could achieve no matter which girl he married, so why not Karen?
Jim’s decision was confirmed for him as he was saying good-bye to Charlene on a Sunday night following spring break when she would be departing for school, (with plans to welcome Karen home an hour later). Charlene informed Jim that she had a surprise for him, and would be staying in town for 3 extra days. In the blink of an eye Jim had a big decision to make about what to do and say. Jim knew he had to come clean with her so he could go see Karen.
As time passed, Jim just kept falling in love with Karen all the time. Jim and Karen shared a religious background(*7), which discouraged the socially prevalent practice of cohabitation(*8), and were married about 6 months later. Every time they did something together he found something else to love about her(*9)-- even when she had their first child. After 12 hours of delivery room labor, she held their newborn baby boy, and said “Next time(*10)….” He knew that if she would was willing to go through all that again there must be something special about her. He also loved the way she treated his mom. He felt she was better to his mom than he was: She was always including her, looking after her, checking in on her.
After they were married, Jim was reviewing Karen’s calendar from when they were dating and saw that one Friday night was Ken’s name, and on Saturday night was Jim’s name. And it was the same the next weekend! Jim no longer felt bad for his dual relationships during the courting days. He felt that Karen had done the same thing he’d done to her, even though she’d argue that it was just two dates with Ken. As time passed, Jim found ways to make sure Karen stayed happy, and she in turn kept him happy. They each had secure attachments to their parents, which helped in their relationship.(*11) Together they had 8 children, and while they occasionally disagreed, they made sure to work it out together before it became a bigger problem, and maintain a united stance in front of the kids.



Footnotes:
*1 Karen was seeking to satisfy her need to belong, as Baumeister and Leary (1995) suggested; by finding a circle of intimate partners to establish friendships in her new city. The 1995 study showed that these interactions with others who love us are important to those who want to function normally in society.
*2 First impressions are very important, as proven by Sunnafrank & Ramirez (2004). It is often the decision of whether or not future interactions occur. Bar et al., (2005) found that it takes only 39 milliseconds to see anger in a stranger’s face. In 1/10th of a second is all that is needed to determine attractiveness, likeability, and trustworthiness (Willis & Todorov, 2006). Carney et al. (2007) researched to find that it takes only 5 seconds of watching a stranger have a conversation with a member of the opposite sex to determine extraversion, conscientiousness, and intelligence.
*3, 9 Assumptions that the partners are acting in accordance to the individual’s expectations is an example of confirmation bias, as explored by Snyder (1981). It was found that people want to be true, and look for examples that make them correct, more often than looking for proof that they are wrong. Levine & McCormack (1992) introduced a similar concept called the truth bias, in which people assume that their partners are telling the truth.
*4 Companionate Love as described in the Friendship-Based Love Scale created by Grote and Frieze, (1994) the scale tested couples long term love, which differed from passionate love. It is this friendship-based love which couples in long term marriage relationships described. Companionate love has more stability than romantic love (Sprecher & Regan, 1998).
*5 Davis et al. (2007) found that many people (54% of men, and 34% of women) world wide, participate in actions that are trying to attract someone who is already in a relationship, called mate poaching. Most men and about half of women have been “poached,” giving in to the advances and leaving trading their mates. Greiling and Buss (2000) suggest that allowing oneself to be poached is because the poachers offer more benefits than were found in the previous relationship.
*6 Rusbult et al. (1994) described how the amount of investment one has made in a relationship predicts the likeliness of ending the relationship. Higher levels of investment equate longer lasting relationships. Investments can be one’s tangible goods (furniture, dishes) left behind in a split, or intangible psychological goods (love and respect from friends) (Goodfriend & Agnew, 2004)
*7 Similarity exists in several different contests, as defined by Watson et al. (2004). In the above situation the similar religious background displays demographic similarity, which also includes age, sex, race, education and social class. There is also similarity in attitudes and values similarity. There was found to be a tie between the proportion of mutual attitudes and the level of attraction (Byrne and Nelson, 1965). The last similarity defined here is similarity of personalities. Those with similar styles and traits tend to have happier marriages (Gaunt, 2006).
*8 Research done by Bachman et al. (2001) showed that the majority of seniors in high school now believe that it is a good idea to for a couple to live together before they get married. This cohabitation is thought to be a way for the couple to get a better view of how they interact to determine their long term compatibility. Interestingly, Dush et al. (2003) also did a project which determined that cohabitation actually increases the couple’s risk of future divorce. Stanley et al. (2004) blamed this increase on a decreased commitment to each other. The lack of marriage vows shows that they want to keep themselves open to other options. They generally do; Treas & Giesen’s (2000) study showed that married couples tend to encounter less conflict and infidelity than cohabiters do.
*9 (see footnote 3 above) Confirmation bias
*10 Planning to continue the relationship in the future is a positive outcome of commitment (Weigel, 2008). Hampel and Vangelisti (2008) listed other qualities of commitment such as sharing, supportiveness, honesty, faithfulness and trust. Sometimes commitment is negatively instigated, and due to a feeling of entrapment or an obligation to stay put (Miller & Perlman, 2009)
*11 Miller and Perlman (2009) described attachment styles using 3 terms: secure, anxious-ambivalent, and avoidant. Those with Secure attachments easily adapt to new situations and relationships; anxious-ambivalent attachment styles develop into clingy, nervous and needy partners; and those with avoidant attachment styles often try to avoid close relationships and are suspicious of and angry at others (Bowlby, 1969).

Intersections

There is a chart in I hate you--Don't Leave Me that defines Personality as a series of intersecting lines. Each line represents a personality trait, and where it is intersecting is where the individual lies on that trait's continuum. I couldn't find an image, so I replicated it in Google Docs (Have I told you that I'm obsessed with Google? I am.):



According to the above chart, this person is a compulsive dieter, who is afraid of commitment, and a little selfish, but otherwise fairly balanced. Did you see that?
I like this because it presents the traits as a continuum. I also like the control it conveys to people. If they want to change a certain trait, they can with work, by making conscious choices in the direction they choose. It is easy to understand that everyone is unique. It is also easy to see that people would react differently in similar situations.

Human Needs

Manfred Max-Neef and a few others defined the Fundamental human needs, not as a hierarchy, but rather as an interconnected system of needs which are complementary and seeking to be satisfied at the same time. He offers a matrix which breaks down the Fundamental human needs into how they are displayed with in oneself (being), one's possessions (having), one's behaviors (doing) and one's surroundings (interacting). (I tried to insert it, but it wouldn't fit right.)

Henry Murray elaborated on this view of needs. He said that one's individual personality determines how strongly they desire each of the basic human needs. A few of his needs are listed in the below chart with the behaviors people take to meet their needs.

Domain	Need for...	Representative behavior
Ambition	Achievement	Overcoming obstacles
	Recognition	Describing accomplishments
	Exhibition	Attempting to shock or thrill others
Inanimate objects	Acquisition	Obtaining things
	Order	Making things neat and orderly
	Retention	Hoarding things
	Construction	Building something
Defense of status	Infavoidance	Concealing a handicap or a failing
	Defendance	Giving an explanation or excuse
	Counteraction	Retaliating for something
Human power	Dominance	Directing others' behavior
	Deference	Cooperating with or obeying someone
	Autonomy	Standing up to authority
	Contrariance	Being oppositional
	Aggression	Attacking or belittling others
	Abasement	Apologizing or confessing
	Blame avoidance	Stifling blameworthy impulses
Affection between people	Affiliation	Spending time with others
	Rejection	Snubbing others
	Nurturance	Taking case of someone
	Succorance	Being helped by another
	Play	Seeking diversion through others
Exchange of information	Cognizance	Asking questions of others
	Exposition	Delivering information to others

I think this is so interesting to me because I like how they tied the need into a behavior. That's what I'm usually most interested in. What is it exactly that motivates two people to react to identical situations in differing ways? These charts don't explain that per se, but they do offer some more insight. People have differing degrees of each of the needs, so their initial reflex is to meet the need they hold in highest regard. That's why people in a similar situation react differently: not only have they had different experiences which give different perspectives, they also gave different their goals prioritized differently, so they are searching for different results.
People are complex. This social thing is hard!

Red + Blue = _______

*Disclaimer: There is no real point to this post. If you don't like Psychology, you probably won't want to read this.

Relationships are funny. They are constantly evolving and adapting because the people involved are. I was looking for an image that
would appropriately portray the area involved in a relationship, and this is the best I could find. There is Person Red and Person Blue, and they each exist independent of the other. A relationship is like the line between the two of them, blending to become Purple (it's not actually purple in this picture, but it should be). Based on experience, perceptions and personality differences, they each contribute to the relationship. They can maintain that Purple relationship while each also maintaining a unique identity, and role in the world. Some relationships have more overlap than others, I.E. they may or may not have the same friends, work, hobbies, religion, etc. And this is where is get's tricky: These two people can each have an independent relationship with a third Yellow person, and end up with an Orange relationship, and a Green relationship- which can be completely different from the Purple relationship Red and Blue share with each other. Make sense?

I think many people think that if they are witnessing a volatile relationship, they want to avoid those two people so as not to find themselves in a equally volatile relationship. This is not necessarily the case. Lets say the above Purple relationship was abusive. It is possible that Red and Blue bring out the worst in each other, and that their Orange and Green relationships with Yellow are healthy and not abusive. Obviously someone in an abusive relationship is a warning flag, but you know what I mean, right? It could be the case that those two personalities cannot mix in a productive and healthy way.

The point (I know: I said in the disclaimer that there wasn't really a point...I lied. I'm sorry.), I guess, is that relationships are complex, and are all unique. We cannot base our relationship expectations on the relationships of other people because our relationships are hugely influenced by our unique personalities.

Maslow's Needs

I love this hierarchy. When I first saw it, I was amazed by how true it is. Before you can reach Self-actualization at the top of the pyramid, you have to establish the lower levels. I sincerely doubt people who are starving are worried about others respecting them. They are more concerned with basic survival than social interactions, which would allow the Robin Hood type stealing-of-food-to-feed-the-family behaviors from an otherwise moral person. We are each at different levels of our development, and they probably fluctuate a little in your day-to-day. Not necessarily that one would be demoted in levels, but simply that priorities may be given to meeting the lower needs, before returning all attention to the proper level's needs.

I'll use myself as an example of this process. I used to be concerned with things in the Esteem category, but for whatever reason I have been struggling with my Love/belonging level lately. It's funny how easy it is to shake your world and make you re-evaluate your psychological standing. I remember not too long ago that I was very much concerned with eating--I felt like I was always hungry; and when clean bathrooms were seldom available, that was in the forefront of my mind all day. Now I have all my Physiological needs met, and I feel Safe in my employment, health, home, etc. So the next level is Love/belonging. It's interesting how we subconsciously know we need something before we even realize what it is. I have been craving spending time with my kids lately. I've gone to my sister's place hoping to see them because I know they love me. It took me a little while to realize that I just needed to remember that I have people who love me. Next I will (hopefully) strive to improve my relationships with others. I will seek others whom I can hold in high esteem, and try to live my life to be held in high esteem by others. That will hopefully give me the confidence to seek Self-actualization.
I try to remember this model when I meet others. I try to remember that you cannot expect higher level interactions with people who are struggling with the lower level needs. I try to be patient with those on lower levels, while expecting them to progress upwards just as I hope those on higher levels are patient with me. ...but sometimes I forget. And then my expectations are unmet and I'm disappointed. Other times I think people are on a lower level and they get mad at me for treating them differently than they expected. (This is leading into a topic for another blog entry, so I'll leave it for tomorrow...Relationships!)
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs also helped me understand things like eating disorders a little better. People who feel they have no control of their higher levels, use food (and other physiological needs) as something they can control. It gives a sense of power in their daily lives. Like, maybe if they changed the way they ate, it would somehow provide a sense of safety or belonging. I never really understood it, but now I do. I'm sure I've done it a time or two--like when I eat Ice cream because I'm sad (or happy, or celebrating, or mad, or upset, or...).

Point: Don't try to expect complex interactions with people struggling to meet their basic physiological needs. Help them do that if you can, and then, eventually, they will have a stable foundation so they can help you meet your needs.

Books

I don't think there is anything better than reading to my kids.
When ever I go to my sister's place around bedtime, I get to read a bedtime story (or 2 or 3).
Last night it was Miss Suzy and Puss in Boots and the truck book. (Today I went over for lunch and we read Brown Bear. A few nights ago it was I Am Not Going to Get Up Today! I love them all.) And it was fun because I usually just have the two little ones, but last night two of the older boys joined us. I was laying on the couch, with the two little ones sprawled over me, and one boy on the couch across the room listening. Then as I was reading the pre-teen sat on the floor with his head on my shoulder. It was so nice. It was comfortable and safe, knowing they all love me, and knowing that they also knew I love them.
Reading is such a simple joy to me. I love books that are written far below where my college professors expect me to read. Reading so my mind is free to enjoy the story, instead of trying to figure out what wordy writers are trying to express. I know it is important to do the hard studying and learning too, (I'm currently reading I Hate you--Don't Leave Me, and next will be Stop Walking on Eggshells) but I like the easy books I can relax with (I am also reading the Austin Family Chronicles).

I was talking to a classmate at school (shocking, I know--It almost never happens) about books. He was rolling his eyes because he actually loved some Zombie books a friend made him read, and his wife who loved the Twilight books. I embarrassingly said that I was reading a book called "I Hate You..." and joked about how angry people must think I am. The other girl sharing the table with us pointed out that she doesn't read for pleasure anymore--too many textbooks. It's funny how differently people react to the same situation. We were all assigned an overload of books, and yet some of us stop reading for pleasure, some seek easy books add to their collegiate literature, while others make time for books they are embarrassed about, but find they enjoy, and then there's me. I read the mindless books while neglecting the textbooks. I guess as long as people are reading I am happy. Whether it is the text books, the girly books, the zombie books, children's books...As long as you are reading.
I loved reading as a child. In Elementry school years I'd stay up past midnight, reading books just for fun. I'd read so much that my mom learned the way to make me do my chores: hide my books. But then I got into Junior High and High School where reading was for reports, and I stopped. I didn't like reading when I had to look for deeper meanings, or to write reports, because I thought there was a right answer, and I always found the wrong one. I don't have the memory for all that. So I just stopped reading. For over 10 years I avoided books. I wasnt until my sister almost forced me to read the first book in a series, just for fun, that I remembered the pleasure in it.
I think that might be why I love reading with my kids--because it starts a good habit at an early age. And it's a great way to keep those mental synapses forming and connecting. And it is just for fun. There are no reports, no right or wrong answers, no pop quizzes. We read to be close to each other. We read to learn about social interactions. We read to read. I hope my kids learn to be happy and have fun, and not dread reading. I hope their teachers keep it as a fun activity that the kids get to do, instead of something they have to do.
I have an assignment for one of my classes to write a story...and as much as I enjoy reading stories, I have a hard time writing stories... I've been wanting to do Liz's recommendation of NaNoWriMo but I've missed it this month. Mostly because this year has seemed to fly by, so we were a week into November before I even realized it, but also because I have nothing to write about...I guess this is moving into a topic for anothe blog, and this one is long enough.
Why do you read? What's your favorite book?

Things that always make me feel better:

The beach
Ice cream
Reading a good book
A good hug
Throwing keys in the grass
Discovering new places
Spending relaxing, drama-free time with friends
Massages
Cereal
Kisses on the forehead
Salsa dancing
Ice cream
Watching a good comedy
Hearing gossip about myself*
Getting flowers
Service projects
Watching someone purposely drool mouthfuls** of water
Churrasco***
Pretty much anything Brazilian
Someone telling me I'm gorgeous
High heels
Curling up in my bed
Ice cream
Teaching my kids**** new tricks*****
Helping others who really appreciate it
Meeting new people
Getting dressed up
Road trips
Ice cream******

*Did you know that I was engaged? It was quite an exciting surprise for me, too.
**yes, that is mouthfuls, plural.
*** I love that the spell check options for churrasco are Churchwoman, Churchgoer, churchgoing, and Churriguera)
****My kids=my nieces and nephews. I claim them.
*****I am kinda a horrible person here--but it is so entertaining for me! Last week my 2 year old nephew wanted a piece of the candy I was eating, so I taught him to give butterfly kisses, and then gave him a treat for doing the new trick. I'll still quiz him on his new trick, and then give him a treat. When the oldest were little, I taught them to fetch. Seriously. We didn't have a dog, but for whatever reason we had a little chew toy, and I taught the kids to get down on all fours and bring it to me in their mouths. Hilarious. ...I taught them that their noses say "beep" and mine says "honk"...When I touch their chins they have to chew...to raise their hands over their heads and yell "bonsai!"...the "5 Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree" song, complete with hand gestures...thumb mic-ing...They know where each others' dimples are...How to do-si-do and do arm turns...The list goes on.
******Did I already mention this one? I guess that just goes to show how much I like it.

You pick

What should I be for Halloween? I've never been very good at costumes. so far my options are:
-Stranger with Candy,
-Facebook--everyone's been telling me I should be on it, so maybe this is as close as I'll ever get to giving in,
-Renaissance girl (I made a corset a few years ago...I wonder if I can find it.)
-50's girl--my little sis has a poodle skirt(again, if I can find it)
-Any suggestions you have

...I think that's about it. I told you I wasn't good at this. Please help me.

Past Adventures

I've finally finished a few posts about my monthly adventures that I was waiting to post till I had pictures...I never really got around to putting in the pictures, so I'm just going to post them now.
June
July
August
September
October

Adventure: October

From Picture of the Day 2

I took another road trip to Utah--surprised? Don't be. I might make one more this year...In addition to my regular visits up there, I also got to see some of my Portuguese speaking friends! I really miss them. It was so fun to reconnect with them, and get to practice a little. It inspired me to watch Brazilian movies. You never really know what to expect with their movies, so I always have to give a little disclaimer to people who don't know Brazil. I watched one called "The Other Side of the Street" which was pretty good. Tomorrow I'm going to watch one called "Favela Raising" with my little brother, his wife, and our friend John. Im glad I don't have to explain questionable content to them, because this one could definately be questionable--It's about the ghettos.
Anyway--Pictured above are a few of my friends, sadly some are missing. I really do miss them! I hope we can get together again soon.
It was a pretty crazy weekend trying to fit everything in, but I loved being able to visit with so many friends. This was a nice trip because I had a friend for the drive up and back, but he spent the weekend with his girlfriend, so I was pretty much free to do whatever I wanted. I'm a jerk, but I really do like that freedom in a weekend trip...I'm so bad at making plans, so it's easier to just fly off and do something whenever my friends are free. I did that several times this weekend... "Hey Chrystal, I'm in town--when are you free? ...Right now? OK!" "Your roommates want to stay up all night watching chick flicks--OK!" "You are craving a giant Horchata from the gas station? Lets go!" "Can I crash your breakfast? Thanks!"
Fun.

Dear Becca,

When are you going to come visit again? I miss watching you drool. I have some good key-throwing material. I miss you!
Love,
Heather

Today

This morning I woke up with this song in my head*:


It's been one of my favorite songs since before I heard it. Seriously--I didn't even know it was a song. Someone I know wrote the lyrics in my notebook, and I thought it was a poem she'd written, and I loved it then. I eventually heard it in a sound-car driving down the street and I was shocked and even more in love. Here is a version of the lyrics in English, in case you wanted to know...It's pretty hard to read, but you can probably copy and paste it in a word document if you are really interested. I love how simple it is. I love that sometimes it doesn't matter what people are saying, just the fact that they are talking to you can somehow scare the demons away.

*Does that mean I was dreaming in Portuguese? ...Cool.

A Home for Everything, and Everything in It's Home.

I had a really productive weekend. I washed and vacuumed my car on Saturday morning (with the help of my little niece and nephew...it was a long process...but they are so cute I don't mind!).

From Picture of the Day 2

Isn't she pretty? That night I bought some Armor-All and and car perfume from Wally's, so I'll probably spend the evening doing that. It's really exciting to work on my car--I've been neglecting her for so long, I was happy to finally have a day to shower her with my affection. Maybe it's just me, but there is something extremely exciting about sparkling tires!

While shopping I also found this:

From Picture of the Day 2

I have been looking for an organizer like this for a while now; a way to keep my jewelry organized, because it keeps getting all tangled up. It was in one of the containers I use for my make-up and hair clips:

From Picture of the Day 2

I love, Love, LOVE these containers!!! I believe I got them in the kitchen section of a Target or something. I used to keep them in a little zippered pouch, but I got so sick of having to dig through everything, so now I keep all my essentials in one tray, my multi-colored eye shadows in the second, and all the other pens and misc stuff in the last. I loved my new system so much I got another stacker for my hair clips and barrettes. It's so nice to have everything divided up and organized. <--That plus the fact that I was spending my Saturday night shopping made me realize that I'm old! So I decided I might as well get myself some yarn and a good hook so I can pick up crocheting.

From Picture of the Day 2

I decided I wanted to make an afghan, and I was just going to do a basic crochet stitch, but then I saw this pattern; it's basically a huge granny square. I've done about a square foot now, so by the time it's cold here in California, I should have something made-by-me to curl up in.

In case you were thinking about hating me,

I have been informed that is apparently a bad idea, because I am:
Generous
Kind
Unselfish
Helpful
Trustworthy
Obedient
Thrifty
Punctual
Open Minded

...um...thank you?

Have I ever told you...

I remember seeing this sign often while growing up, because the Montclair Plaza was the only mall in the area. It used to confuse me. "what's so important about 96? ...or is it nine sixths? What does that mean?" I used to ask myself. ...It was years before I finally figured out that what I thought said "9 / 6" is actually a fancy M, as in Montclair. I know.

Adventure: September

We went on a WHIM Weekend--Rachel said so.
Actually, I had two Adventures this month because we also went to the FAIR!!!
We saw pig races:

From Picture of the Day 2

Jealous? You should be.

In the garden area I found these boards, and they are super interesting. I'm not really sure what attracted me to them, but they remind me of the rose parade, and things earthy, and beans--all of which I LOVE.

From Picture of the Day 2

If you know you shouldn't...

I like to pretend to analyze lyrics. I'm sure I miss a lot, especially any and all deeper meanings but I do try to figure out the possible meanings and roots and key terms, etc. I know I'm often wrong*, but even then I'm usually content that it at least could make sense to me...

I was talking to my neighbor Carrie (love her!) yesterday and she told me about a song called "Lies, Lies, Lies." I think it's this one by the Thompson Twins:



It's a pretty funny song, but I do think it's interesting that people would lie. I mean, I can understand the lies people tell to cover their butts, like "oh, I forgot..." or "it was an accident" or "I didn't know that would happen." But to blatantly invent a false story is amazing to me. If you know you have to lie because it's the wrong thing to do, why do it? And if you decide to do it even though it isn't right, don't try to cover it up. Man up** to your actions. Or at least do it right,*** by making it believable and getting the people involved in your alibi to go along with the story. I had a friend once who I like to call a compulsive liar. I'm not sure he was, or even if it is a condition that exists, but it got to the point that our group of friends would just wait to hear his next huge story. And they were big lies. Like, "Last night I rode my bike to the Sun and married the most beautiful Martian you have ever seen" big. And on some level, I think he actually believed he was mostly telling the truth...except that he'd tell me that story, while also telling our mutual friend "Last night I found a glowing moon rock in my back yard, and when I picked it up it exploded and my hand fell of, but this morning my hand grew back" and someone else "Last night I watched ANTM because Tyra is so hot." Dude, keep track of your lies and stick to one story.

Maybe I'm just upset because I'm so bad at lying that when I try it sounds something like this: "Oh...um...ya. I-um...my phone died..." (while I look down and fidget with my fingers); but I've never really understood why people lie. I guess I could understand lying to strangers, because who cares? There's a good chance you'll never see them again any way...but why do it when you are lying to someone why knows you well, so you know**** you're gonna get caught.

Anyway, back to the song: I like the thought that lies are stolen/borrowed and exist in and of themselves, just floating around the world trying to catch people...It actually takes some effort to tell the truth sometimes. Now, that is not an excuse or justification to lie, but (for some people especially) it just comes naturally to lie; little white lies like "of course you look good in that dress" or "I love your hair" or "she doesn't hate you" or "no, I'm not Superman. My name is Clark." They've just gotten so used to saying whatever makes people happy that it is almost reflexive for them...

I also liked the line "twisted truth and half the news" because I think I do that all the time. ...That is a lie I could probably get away with, because I don't like to hurt people and I'd probably say the "he's just not that into you" half-truth instead of "ya, he thinks your really pushy." Although I personally would rather know the whole truth, because then you can make am informed decision in your reaction. If someone just doesnt like me, it's got nothing to do with me, so I'm "perfect" but if I know that they think I'm pushy I can evaluate myself and decide if I disagree and am fine, or if I agree and that I need to change.

I think what it comes down to is how often someone lies, and say they'll change. "You say you'll try harder, but I think it's just too late." I think that's the key. Everyone tells a lie at some point in time. Everyone does something wrong. No one is perfect. But when you keep saying you're gonna change, and then you don't--that's when it becomes a real problem. And the sad thing about lies is that they snowball. They might start out as white lies, but as soon as you become accustomed to lying so you don't hurt people, you begin to lie so you don't get hurt, and you lie to yourself, and then you lie just to do it. It's funny that the song says "well the car is revving in the drive, and I'm not the sort to wait" because I am totally like that! I'm totally willing to give chances, but then I'm off to live my life. I can't wait around for you to finally decide to tell the truth. The song ends with "yeah, you know I know" which goes back to my question from earlier: Why lie if you know you're gonna get caught? Do people just not realize that?

I think I'm glad I'm a bad liar--because at least that way I know when I'm lying, and with my need to be perfect, I think being imperfect in that keeps me from doing it. Thank goodness for that, because I also lack the memory to remember when/where/to whom I lied, and that would just make it worse.

* (Like, for example, when I thought that a song said something about hiding pain like dorian rain(?)...I'd heard it often, but the only explanation I could come up with was about how maybe drops of rain would hide the tears caused by pain...but I never had a computer nearby to look up what kind of raindorian rain was, or what it could indicate. ...well, it was pointed out to me last weekend that the song didn't say "dorian rain" but rather "Dorian Gray" which is a reference to " The Picture of Dorian Grey"by Oscar Wilde. It's a novel about a vain man who sells his soul so his portrait, and not himself, would suffer the effects of his sins. Pretty different from what what I'd thought.)
**I know women lie too, but "woman up" just doesn't sound right.
***I know someone who works in a prison, and she used to tell the inmates that they are the dumb criminals because they got caught, and then she'd go on to tell them how she would have committed their crimes differently so she didn't get arrested. I can't imagine saying something like that to a jailbird, but she was fearless, and it made for great stories.
**** at least you should know

Adventure: August

Road trip to Utah! This is my third trip up this year. My record is from when I was living there; I think I made the trip 6 times in 6 months. I'd thought it would just be a quick trip, and I'd be in Utah for like 48 hours before I'd have to head home, but things are looking up and I have a few extra hours. This is the plan: Drive up to Vegas after class gets out at 7pm Thursday 26 August 2009; drive to Provo area Friday and meet up with my BFF who I'll be staying with; attend a friend's wedding reception on Saturday night; start the drive home on Monday; maybe stay in Vegas that night; be in So Cal for class at noon on Tuesday...interesting.

Update:
We stayed pretty close to the plan...went up Thurs. night, ate breakfast with a friend at The Original Pancake House Friday morning, and then drove the rest of the way up to UT. It was pretty late at night when we got there, so I just chit chatted with my friend, and then we went to bed. The next day we waited for her parents to come up and sent the boys off while my friend, her mom and I had girl-time. What else would we do if not go shopping? :-) I was a really nice relaxing time with my second family. I have a great family, don't get me wrong there. But I've also been unofficially adopted into their family. This is the friend I got into trouble with in High School. The friend who was just across the border when I was in Brazil. The friend I lived in UT with--and while there I spent a lot of time with her family. I love them all! And because it's about my birthday, I got presents!
After the bonding time, we met up for dinner at a Mexican food restaurant--and pretty good food, for UT.
After that the two of us went to the reason for the trip: Sarah's wedding reception! I was even able to see a few friends I didn't realize would be there. :-) That was fun. And I got to support my friend, and see my cousin, and eat goodies, and joke a little. It was fun. I miss having you in CA Sarah, but I'm glad you are happy! ...And I'm always up there anyway--haha!
Sunday I crashed a Singles ward, and then visited some more.
Monday it was time to head home again, but it was a leisurely drive because I didn't have plans to meet my Vegas friends till dinner, then we all wondered the neighboring Bass Pro Shop.
Then in the morning I had to rush back to CA in order to get to my class on time.

PS I'm bad at taking pictures on vacations...

Delighted Embarrassment

Most of you know that my sister married a Samoan, so their kids are dark. Well, most of them. My niece is pretty much 100% white. But she is adorable! I can tell she has a little bit of Samoa in her though, but she is a great hula dancer! When we ask her to practice her dance at home she throws a little fit and pretends to be shy. She loves the attention to be on her, and is very brave when on stage. This is me and my nephew at my niece's first dance show:



It was so fun!!!

Changing

What do you do when someone you trust tells you to change? Should I accept it because it's someone I trust and therefore is probably for my best? Or do I stick to my own ideas? Because it is a change that will change who I am...and I don't think I'm okay with that. I was told last week that I am too generous and kind. And I'm at a loss as to how that's a bad thing. Why do I have to stop that? Is it because it makes me too easy to love? Too hard to be mean to? To be honest, I think I'm kinda selfish and self-involved, but that's besides the point. Who are you to say I need to change? You, who can't say no? You, who is so angry at the world you can't see any color but red.
It's hard to imagine a life without you in it...but I'm not sure I can talk to you. I'm not sure how to act around you anymore. I'm not sure where the boundaries should be, and I'm never going to be okay with what you are doing. As Kate Hudson's character in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Andie, said "I love you Binky...but I don't have to like you right now." Well, I love you (fill in name here), but I don't have to like you right now. I don't feel appreciated. I don't feel important. So I'm not going to feel bad for ignoring you for a few days...I mean, I will, and it will break my heart every time, but...I don't know what else to do...
And the sad thing is that you probably won't even notice.

Adventure: July

Did I do anything this month? Yes I did!!! We went to the 1800's Country Fair & Logger’s Jubilee, in Fawnskin. Aside form the few moments of fear as we watched an old man teeter as he carried a chain saw up a log ramp, it was a really fun day. And I've been craving a snow cone ever since!
Rachel already wrote about it, and since she's so good at blogging, you should just read hers. :-)

Did I just stall?!?

View Larger Map

Friday was my sister's anniversary, so we decided to have a family temple trip. It was fun. We went to dinner after and I was stuffed after eating less than half my food--weird. But things got weirder as the night went on. After we got home, I gave my friend a ride. As we were getting off the freeway I stopped at a red light, to wait my turn to go right...and then someone rear ended me! As you can imagine I had no clue what to do or what had just happened. My only thought was "Oh no--my poor baby*!" The offending Mustang pulled up next to me and I put my window down. I heard Chris say something about the guy having a 40 in his hand, so I reach for the Ka-Bar I keep next to my seat, as if it will protect me from a gun...Ya, turns out "a 40" does not mean ".40 caliber gun" as I'd understood it, but rather "40 oz. drink" as in alcohol...I told you I had no clue what was happening. Anyway, the guy in the 03 Mustang said "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry guys."
"Would you please pull over up here?" Chris asked.
"Sure," Mr. Mustang replied. He then pulled around us and slowed down at the shoulder of the road only to speed off! What?!? Who does that? Punk. So we took off after him and slowed down at the next intersection where we found him with his lights off hiding in a community entrance drive way. When he realized that we saw him he took off, so I had to flip a U to try to catch up to him, but he'd gotten back on the freeway and was soon gone. Luckily Chris had already gotten his Plate number, so during all that chasing, he was also on the phone with CHP reporting the make, model, Year (I don't know how people can tell what year a car was made. I have a hard enough time remembering the year of my own car, and I have the owner's manual! It's a good thing he was there. We lost him pretty quick, because I couldn't really remember how to drive...So we pulled over on the side of an off ramp and waited for CHP to get there to file the report...but as we were waiting Chris got out to look at the damage to my bumper (because I was too much of a chicken, and I didn't think I could have taken seeing my baby hurt**. Want to know what he found? This. Pretty crazy right? I mean, it's really ugly, but it's not nearly as bad as I'd expected. CHP finally got there and we decided not to make a report because I don't want to show an accident on my record if there was no real damage***. So we got back in the car and (after I figured out how to drive again****) continued down the off ramp, then I turned where I thought I should to get us back to where we were initially heading...but turns out I was wrong. Again, I blame the accident messing with my mind. We got off the 10 in...I'm not really sure what city it actually was, but somewhere between San Dimas or Covina and instead of heading east towards our destination, I was in El Monte*****. Needless to say, I did not drive the rest of the way home.
PS- I'm a hypochondriac. I totally thought my neck was injured. I can still feel it when I think about the accident.

*Baby is what I call my car.
**I guess I'm really vain, because I don't think I could drive around with a smashed bumper. I'd probably have to get a new car. Seriously. All I was thinking about at the time was the fact that I can't afford a new car.
***Chris was nice enough to clean it up for me; good as new. Well, almost. The bumper isn't quite aligned right. There are also a few little chips and cracks that will never go away, but you can't really see them, and the huge black streaks are gone. I told you I am vain.
****Seriously. I didn't know how to drive. I even turned on my windshield wipers as I was trying to figure out how to make the car go.
*****I still don't understand what happened, because we never hit any big streets, and I wasn't driving that long...I knew I was on the wrong street from the one I wanted, but I figured we were at least heading in the right direction. Nope.

Adventure: June

From Picture of the Day 2

I decided I wanted to try a day trip from the Westways Magazine put out by AAA. I had planned on doing one in PV, but things for that...well, they didn't really work out. Maybe another time (anyone want to come?) Instead I spent the morning at the Botanical gardens (where I got the above picture) and then I did the Old Towne Orange tour--from a different issue of Westways. I have been there before, but just driving through, and I've always wanted to visit when I could walk around.
I started at Watson's Drugs and Soda Fountain, because who doesnt love a soda fountain? Then I went around and saw most of the places listed, and a few others that just looked interesting. One of my Favorite parts was eatting my food at the little park in the round-about. We don't have very many of those in modern USA. I admit that they scare me a little to drive on--especially if they are large--but they are so old townsy I love them!!!
It was nice to take some me time, sit there watching people and reading my book. I am a pretty fun chick--why don't I spend more time with myself?

Beach Poem*

I've been thinking of the beach,
and how I long to go.
Wondering why I love it;
what appeal does it have?
Is it the sound of the ocean
waves washing shore?
Or the warmth of the sun
reflected all around?
Perhaps the free pedicure
as sand exfoliates feet?
Maybe all. Maybe none.
I think it's my inner laziness
longing to escape.
A place free from expectation
where all that's required is
relaxation and enjoyment.
No steps to memorize.
No tests to pass.
No names and dates to correlate.
All that's begging my attention
is the summer book on my lap,
and maybe the friend at my side.
Where reading is for pleasure,
and when I want to stop I can.
No hurry to finish before the exam.
Conversations aren't intense
but lay in random musings
of no worldly importance.
A quick nap in the sun.
A stroll down the pier.
Decisions made in the moment.
That's where I need
to live my life.
That's where I'll find success.
A vacation on my door step,
or a quick drive away.
My retreat within sight.


*I hope you don't expect much because I use the word "poem" loosely...I'm pretty much making it up right now, so it's probably not going to be good. You've been warned.

Here's Your Sign

If you think your car is so valuable that you have to take up two (2) parking spaces so there's no chance that other cars will hit it while you are at the park, you can't afford it--and therefore shouldn't have bought it.
PS-- Dear person, This is a little parking lot, on a busy park day (There was a hula show, in case you park this way so often you can't remember each offensive incidence) so next time think of the people you are making park 4 blocks away. It wasn't me, but it could have been the little old lady who went to watch her granddaughter do the hula. And, just so you know: If I still had my little Suzuki Samurai (or a motorcycle), I definitely would have parked in one of those parking spots, which would put me very close to your precious car. Think about that next time.
Love, Me.

Time to Step it Up

I agree with Amanda, let's help Rachel win the Funniest Blog Award! I'm not good enough at voting to do it, so I need your help. Click here:


And Vote for "Rachel Says So." You can vote once a day, so go back every day and put lets put her in her place! (1st place, that is.)

Advenure: May

I was so afraid that I wouldn't be able to make my trip for May because I was supposed to go to AZ, but then Andrea got married which I definitely didn't want to miss, and I had work...so I didn't go. But then the next weekend was a 3 day weekend, and I didn't have any plans... so at about 9pm on Friday night I decided I wanted to go to AZ and visit some of my cousins. And I conned a friend into taking the trip too, so I didn't have to drive alone through the worst stretch of highway in the middle of the night. It turns out I wouldn't really have been alone because JR and Summer were heading out too, and they were only about an hour ahead of us...but still, being the only one in the car is all that really matters. I mean, there is absolutely nothing to look at to keep yourself from going crazy.
Anyway, we finally found my cousin's place (seriously, in the middle of no where.) at like 4am.
Now, is it just me, or does AZ have a ton of speeding camera's on the highway/freeways? They seemed to be everywhere. I don't think I like it, because even if you are going with the flow of traffic, you could get a ticket, without even realizing it. I can appreciate that they want to do something to control traffic, but I'm a huge fan of the old fashioned getting pulled over. I mean, it sucks to get pulled over, but at least then you know you did something wrong at the time you did it....As I learned in school, the closer the punishment (ticket) is to the undesired action (speeding), the more effective it is. Getting a letter in the mail up to a month later (I hear it can take that long with our red light camera's. lame.) doesn't really create a mental correlation to the action. It just seems like a lazy way to give tickets. ...Ok, sorry. I guess I'll stop now. Back to the trip!
So, we got there at around 4am, and the next morning I was awakened at 7am by one of my cousins to go shooting...ya, I appreciated the gesture, but we decided sleep was more important. Especially when we heard that everyone wanted to go shooting again on Monday morning. When we got up I spent the day hanging out with my family. :-) Several of us decided to make a trip to the "local" Cabela's (it was the longest trip ever. I don't know why, but I seriously felt like I was in the car for 4 hours. I wasn't, but I felt like I was). On the way home, we had to make a quick stop at Costco,
On Sunday they all had church at 8am...So I decided to hit up the singles at 2. Haha. I slept in and then watched TV and then hung with my family.
Monday morning we got up and drove about 20 minutes to the open state land (I told you we were in the middle of no where) we went past the dairy

and the hay stacks

around the corn fields

to a dirt road

where shooting is allowed, and we set up some targets in the side of a cliff to shoot at with .22's

and a hand gun.

My cousin saved my life.

Then my other cousins threw some clay pigeons which we shot at over the desert brush. I hit about half of mine-not too bad.

When did my family become such gun nuts?
After that we all went to lunch at Logan's Roadhouse (my uncle's favorite place),

and then started our trip home. It was a long drive, but much easier during the day. I was a passenger for most of that trip--I was going stir crazy. I'm sure I irritated the driver to no end with my useless questions and fidgeting, but other than that it was a really good trip. So good, in fact, that I already want to go back. I love my family.

Remember this?

For whatever reason I was telling a coworker about the katie-palooza trip to Santa Barbara and I mentioned that I was on the news in February of last year*...So he made me show him the video clip. That was a fun trip.
*I actually said that. "in February of last year" and then I realized that that was from a song and I had to quickly research which one.

I still can't believe it.

A while back I was hungry as we left a sporting goods store and saw this place:

We decided to go in and try it out. It was fun because we got to sit in the special area (I cant remember what they called it) Where there are blocks placed around the table, so it's almost like siting on the floor to eat your food. You have to take your shoes off before entering the booth, and you walk around on the blocks to find your seat. We ate some interesting food.
I ordered the teriyaki chicken.

It was very good, and well presented. (This is after I'd taken a few bites because I forgot my camera in the car...Someone was super nice enough to go get it for me. :-)) It came with some California Rolls (in the front of the picture--Don't you love the tray it is served on!?! I think the rolls in the background are called spicy rolls, but I'm not sure.).

But definitely the most crazy/exciting thing I ate has to be the Vegas roll, with cream cheese.

You notice that in the last picture it's white on the outside, because of the rice? And see how on top of the Vegas Rolls it's not white? That would be because there is eel on it. That's right--EEL. And I ate it. Two pieces of eel topped sushi. I definitely deserve some ice cream. Something with chocolate and caramel and peanut butter and...*

*Sorry--I'm lost in a dream of ice cream toppings. I might have to make a trip out to 21 choices on my lunch break...

Look at that Smile

I just wanted to share these pictures because they are so dang cute!

Hidden Mickey?

I wonder if Disney is somehow involved with Buick (or maybe there will soon be a lawsuit):

What's This For?

I can already tell this is going to be a good day--Want to know why? Because my boss came in with this:

And since I was on the phone he just handed it to me and walked away. I was a little confused, but thought someone had come in to make a payment for their software and I needed to process it. But when I asked what it was for, he replied "You."
Yep--my we-survived-tax-season bonus. :-) A good start to the day. A good start to the week.

* And in case you are thinking about robbing me as I leave the office tonight, you should know that I have my nunchucks class tonight, and am prepared accordingly, if you know what I mean. You've been warned.

Nunchucks

I was looking for a good picture of nunchucks so I could write a clever* blog about how our class is going, but instead I found this picture on the Lord of the Rings Online website:

Pretty funny.

*Ya, I'm not that funny anyway, so it's probably better I found this picture!

Why?

Why is it that the day I get a
Is also the day I'm wearing a
?

"I'm Sorry" Roses Explained

I love my roses!
My story is not entirely unusual:
Girl meets boy.
Girl and boy spend time together.*
Girl asks boy not to do something;
Boy does it anyway.**
Boy lies about doing it.***
Girl knows boy is lying.
Girl and boy fight.****
Girl cries.
Boy feels bad.*****
Boy brings girl flowers at work in an attempt to make her forget what he did.******

*Can you figure out who it is? I'm not gonna put it in the blog world...although maybe I should...He'd probably love the credit for the flowers.
**What he did isn't really all that bad (but dont tell him that. As far as he knows it's the end of the world). He just had really bad timing. And I'd already asked him not to do it (which is the problem).
***And then he lied about it, which automatically makes it worse (well, actually this is the real problem).
****By "fight" I mean: he apologized profusely while I sat quietly because if I tried to talk there will be no stopping the tears.
*****Really. He put it second to when his mother passed away.
******Except that instead of just flowers they are Roses. Beautiful Roses. A whole dozen of them. In a vase. With a bow. And purple (my favorite color) filler.

Roses really do make an apology better.

I got flowers today. And while I was really trying to stay upset, they make me smile every time I come back to my desk. Which has been often today, because I was working it the conference room, but the phone was still on my desk in the lobby.

Hot shot

I went to Bass Pro Shop with a friend and while he was continuing his love affair in the ammo department, I was left to wonder around and entertain myself...And I came across this arcade style game. I played once and my score was somewhere in the 300's, a "fair shot" according to the score chart.

I played a second time, and guess what my score was:

629!?! Ya- I'm good. In fact, I'm so good, I'm off the charts. I'm totally impressed, since I didn't hit a target with every shot.* And just as I finished playing my friend came up behind me and I could brag about it a little. He recommended that I take a picture so I could blog about it. Now that's a real friend.

*There really must have been a mistake, but who am I to refuse a gift from the point master in a video game?

Advenure: April

My adventure for April was another road trip to UT. I'm sure you all know what I was doing in UT during the first weekend in April. It was so nice to take a few days off work! And since it was my spring break from school, I got to leave as soon as I finished working on Thursday. I had so much fun!!! Saturday was a really long birthday party for the BFF with her family. I love her family. They are like my unadopted parents. :-) They always take really good care of me, and my friend is a riot of fun--I love her (even if she doesn't update her blog. ever.). I finally got to go to the "temple with the green roof" that I've heard so much about. I also go to meet up with some friends I haven't seen in a long time and stay in a room with a "Jack and Jill" bathroom--So cool! When they told us there was a Jack and Jill bathroom, I instantly thought of 90210. And I haven't remembered that show in a long time.
Oh ya, and it turns out I did take one picture on my trip...but since I keep forgetting to upload it, I'll just tell you: It's snowing! ...On my car. My poor Baby. But she was a good girl driving through it all.

I needed it. Honest.

For my April adventure I took another road trip* but guess what I did not take: Pictures. Not even one. Sad. So, I bought myself a present. It was a total necessity, and not at al something I got just because I wanted it. And it's really responsible. (And also, I'm lying a little.)
But I am very excited to get it and play. I'm not really a good photographer, so it might not do me any good, but at least for the next few days you should expect to see me with it in my hand at all times (as soon as I get a case/cover for it).


*I'll blog about that soon.

Actual Conversation

Phone rings.
ME: "(Company name), This is Heather."
Voice on the Phone: "Yes, I need to speak with the person in charge of purchasing printer supplies."
ME: "That's me."
Voice, suddenly nicer: "Hi, how are you doing today?"
ME: "I'm fine. How can I help you?"
Voice: "Oh good--glad to hear your day is going good. This is Jason, at (company name I can't remember). I just wanted to bla, bla, bla. Bla, bla, bla. Bla, bla, bla. What machines are you running most down there? Is it an HP, or--"
ME: "It's a Brother."
Jason: "Is it a multi-unit?"
ME: "Yes."
Jason: "And what's the model number?"
ME: "I don't know off the top of my head." (I'm lying. It's a 8660.)
Jason: "Oh, that's alright. You know, I really don't mind being put on hold while you go check."
ME: "You know, I'm actually really happy with my supplier, so we're not interested."
Jason: " That's cool. You know sometimes in life people hand us a life preserver. If you were swimming, and I threw you a life preserver, would you take it?"
ME: "Probably not."
Jason, laughing: "No? So you'd just drown?"
ME: "Sure." [Thinking about the fact that (going along with his analogy) I'm "swimming" just fine right now, and that being the case, why on Earth would I take a floaty from a stranger who's just trying to get his hand in my wallet?]
Jason: "...Ok. Have a nice day."