Fancy That

Weekend Project

2009-05-23T14:24:00.001-07:00

You guys, I painted this nightstand this weekend, and I think it looks so good. It was quite the process, several coats of paint, hammering, sanding, distressing, and then a coat of brown stain stuff, and then touching up. And then, it was done, and it looks awesome.

It's All Over, For Now

2009-05-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

I'm done with my first semester of nursing school, and I've never felt so free in my entire life. I thought that once I got through the pre-reqs, nursing school would be a breeze, not so. Nursing school is sort of ridiculous. My weeks were long, my days were long, my classes were long.

Mondays: Up by 4:00, out the door no later than 5:00. Monday was clinical day. That means I was suppose to have valuable, learning experiences in the hospital or nursing home. The most valuable things I learned during my first semester clincials:
1. I will never, ever be able to work at a nursing home.
2. I will never, ever be able to work in a small hospital.

Tuesdays: Physiology, one of the hardest classes I have ever tried to understand. And the tests, the tests. The questions would read something like:

Which of the following would stimulate the release of erythropoietin?
A. Low blood oxygen
B. Increased blood carbon dioxide
C. Decreased blood pressure
D. Pernicious anemia
E. Diabetes Mellitus
F. High blood oxygen
G. Both A and B are correct
H. All of the above
I. Two of the above answers are correct
J. None of the above will stimulate the release of erythropoietin.

(I'm not exaggerating)

Somehow, someway I got a decent grade in the class, and I have never been so happy to be done with a class in my life.

Wednesdays: Even though I didn't have class, I found myself at school every Wednesday but two of them. I would study or I would be testing.

Thursdays: I had physiology, and then I had physiology lab. Physiology lab taught me nothing, literally, nothing. Every Thursday I would wake up totally irritated because I had to go waste countless hours testing the osmolarity of my urine.

Fridays: I had class from 9:00-5:00. Sometimes I had breaks, sometimes I didn't. And in that amount of time I had TWO classes. And Two teachers, one of them, really drove me wild. If you raised your hand to answer a question, and you answered it in a different way than she was looking for, she would make the sound of a buzzer and scream WRONG! By the end of the semester, no one participated in class.

Saturdays: I was at school on Saturday loads, because of these infernal physiology quizzes I had to take at the testing center. Totally stupid.

I'm done though. And I am way happy. Three more semesters and I will be a working RN. I'm thrilled.

And now, I need a job and some projects. I have about 10 yards of fabric for skirts. And a huge quilt that has one block almost done, maybe I'll show you that block soon. And I have a quilt I made in October, its nearly finished.

And I'm really excited about two recent purchases!

Let me tell you some things

2009-03-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

I'd like to tell you some things:

1. I went to New York last week and had a great time visiting just the best guy, my brother, Bridger.

This is a ribbon and trim store I spent a good two hours in, I ended up buying three really cool buttons.

One of my favorite destinations was a great candy store, Economy Candy Mart. I love candy.

It was a great time.

In other news, I had a really rough week I'd like to tell you about.

I returned home late Sunday/early Monday. I slept for one hour. I went to clinical. I then went straight to Tacos Nacos, only to find that they had closed while I was away. It was heart wrenching and sickening. Tacos Nacos is my favorite restaurant of all time. What could have possibly happened? I hope and pray that they will reopen really soon. REALLY SOON. I don't know what I'll do without my tacos.

Also on Monday, my brother's dog had explosive diarrhea all over the place.

But really the worst thing, really of the month and the year, is that Tacos Nacos is closed. PLEASE TACOS NACOS, REOPEN. PLEASE.

Spring Photo Shoot

2009-03-03T18:43:00.000-08:00

A while back Bridger commented on a photo of Dawn and me, he said something along the lines of "You two make a great photo team." I thought to myself, yeah, we sort of really do. So, I called Matt McFarland and set up a photo shoot for me and my best friend.

I HIGHLY recommend that if you ever need a picture taken, you call Matt McFarland, he really knows what he's doing.

We took a lot of pictures, here are a few of my favorites.

Gmail Tutorial

2009-02-25T19:48:00.001-08:00

You guys, I don't know if you know about these features on Gmail, but they are really great.

Feature 1: LABELS

I have this person who sends me loads of forwards and it sort of really drives me out of my mind. So, I created a label its called ANNOYING FORWARDS. And anytime this person sends me an email with "FW:" in it, it gets sent to a file that is overflowing with annoying forwards.

This is what you do:
1. Pinpoint emails that you can't stand

2. Go to the top middle section of Gmail and put the pointer on Labels, click manage labels.

3. Create a new label.

4. Open your email without the fear of being bombarded by obnoxious forwarded messages.

Feature 2: CHOOSE YOUR OWN COLORS

This honestly made my day. Google recently introduced themes for your account. Cool enough. I had a cute little fox or something at the bottom of my screen for a while. Now I have a streamlined bright aqua, orange and white appearance that I just love.

This is what you do:
1. Go to the top of Gmail and put the pointer on Themes.
2. At the bottom is an option that says Choose Your Own Colors

3. Knock yourself out. The options are endless.

Everybody else is doing it

2009-01-30T16:35:00.000-08:00

Thank you Elizabeth for writing this great new survey. Cassidy in order to not let you down, I am doing it.

1. What's something new that you like?--Free time. In days past I never really appreciated or realized the potential of my free time. Now that I am in Nursing School I have about 95% of my time taken up doing modules, assessments, quizzes, and other "let's keep these students busy out of their minds," assignments. So, free time is something that I really love these days.

2. What's something new that you despise? --I have begun this new habit where I am certain my alarm clock will not go off in the morning, so I wake up about 40 minutes early on my on each morning. When I wake up on my own, there is no going back.

4. What's something that made you feel terrible?--Getting pink eye late last week. Yes I got pink eye. Luckily I am superb at catching it the moment it starts, so although my eye was a tad bit swollen, it never really went pink.

5. What's a great quote you've come across recently?-- I haven't really come across to many great quotes lately.

6. Who is a great mom? My mom. My mom. My mom. My mom makes me cakes, cookies and pies minus the gluten. My mom goes to Tacos Nacos with me on a regular basis. My mom is a great mom.

7. What is a word you cannot seem to get a hold of?--There is a whole group of words I have been introduced to lately that I can't get a hold of. Example: Percuss.

8. What's something that let you down lately? -- My cat. He has been non-stop biting me since yesterday afternoon.

9. What's something that did not let you down lately?--My ballet students. Especially my 8 year-olds. They totally impressed me this week. And my hair. My hair has been on its best behavior lately. Especially my bangs, I trimmed them and I think they look excellent.

10. Now just list some words you think sound great:--
fancy
plethora
gorgeous
yeah (Me saying, "You understand, yeah?"
thanks
apron
either
brilliant

I can't do homework ALL the time

2009-01-21T17:19:00.000-08:00

I got tired of studying physiology today so I whipped this little baby up. I have needed a little bag to put my stethoscope in.

Notice my stethoscope is a really nice color of blue.

If you know any little girls, or people interested in dance

2009-01-04T20:15:00.000-08:00

On January 17th, that's a Saturday, C&C Ballet (my place of work) will be holding a dance workshop. From 12:00-12:45 children ages 3-6 can come. They can try jazz, ballet or tap and maybe even hip hop. Then from 12:45-3:00 ages 7 and up are welcome to come try jazz, ballet or hip hop. Its $5 per person. So, if you know any kiddies who want to learn to dance, or they know one kind of dance but want to know more than that, or are thinking maybe they would like to learn to dance, or maybe you want to force them to dance, send them my way. I'll be waiting.

C&C Ballet Academy is located at 10128 South Redwood Road in South Jordan. Near Maxwell Carpets and the South Jordan Post Office.

The Beautiful Dachshund

2008-12-30T23:25:00.000-08:00

Is there a cuter puppy?

I made this little shirt for Bridger tonight. It is a sort of going away/late Christmas gift. I originally did it with fabric but I ruined the whole thing and had to start all over. I personally think the stitches look better on a dachshund anyway.

Bridger found the design on wikipedia a while ago. Luckily I printed it right away, the post has been deleted. I wish I could give more credit to the person who designed such a charming little dog.

The Great 2008: Year End List (Part I)

2008-12-28T17:03:00.001-08:00

I’ve revamped my list for 2008. I’ve added some categories, I’ve removed some. There are no runners up this year, there are no (s). You know like best idea(s), job(s). I have forced myself to really zero in on the very best and worst of the 2008. This is all for the best.

Best Restaurant (Fast-Casual): Tacos Nacos. Let me first use adjectives only: affordable, quick, delicious, wonderful, friendly, delicious. Now let me string that together for you. This restaurant has the best service in town, awesome Mexican food (especially the tacos and nachos), it’s affordable, it’s quick, it is really good.

Worst Restaurant (Sit down): Ganesh Indian. As noted earlier Indian food is tricky. This place had a cold atmosphere, ridiculously small portions and food that wasn’t anything to shout about. I spent about $12 on two small pieces of chicken and a quarter piece of naan, I’m not kidding.

Best Restaurant (Sit-Down): Royal India. Indian food is a tricky thing. It is usually quite pricey and the amount of food you get is totally unpredictable; sometimes you will get one cube of chicken and a bowl of sauce for $14.95, other times you will get lots of chicken and in a large bowl of sauce for $9.95. Royal India is the King of Indian food. They offer large portions that are not only incredibly delicious, they are affordable. Royal India is a must.

Worst Restaurant (Sit down): Thai Siam. This is honestly the worst Thai food in the state. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I’m quite sure the pad thai is nothing more than a bowl of rice noodles and ketchup. DO NOT GO.

Best Restaurant Overall: Tacos Nacos. It’s just so good. Did I mention that most menu items are gluten free?

Worst Restaurant Overall: Thai Siam. At least the food at Ganesh is edible. I am telling you the food at Thai Siam is not edible.

Best Device: Canon Powershot SD1000. I haven’t really purchased too many devices this year. In fact I am going to go ahead and say I absolutely haven’t. But I got my Canon for my birthday last (2007) December. This is a great camera. Canon really makes a good product. There isn’t one specific feature that makes this device stand out, it just is a shining example of an excellent camera.

Worst Device: Apple wireless keyboard and mouse. I got these late in the year 2007 so I wasn’t aware of their battery sucking nature. And as soon as they suck the batteries away my computer is right on top of telling me at 2:30 in the morning. I wish I had gone with the wired option.

Best Idea: Buying this quilt pattern. It just looks so pretty. I bought loads of fabric, I am talking a box full of gorgeous fabrics. This is going to be good.

Worst Idea: This quilt pattern. Will I ever be able to finish it? I want to, but it is so hard for me to focus on a quilt that will take me ages to complete. I am so good at starting things, I really hope I can finish this one.

Best Cat: For the third year in a row, Bosley David Winegar. Bosley. This animal does something great everyday. And let me tell you, he has learned a lot of words and phrases, examples: “Up!”, “Do you want a treat?”, “Come into the bathroom,” “Are you hungry?”, “Do you want to go outside?”. I feel like he is getting smarter by the day.

Best Dog: Max. Max has had a really good year. He hasn’t had any accidents in my room, and he hasn’t ruined any of my possessions. I feel like that alone makes him dog of the year. He is also really a grateful animal, he loves absolutely any attention or any scrap of food, sweet little thing.

Worst Pet: I love pets. Moderately sized pets. The following do not belong anywhere near a house: mice, rats, hamsters, (rodents in general), birds, snakes, ferrets, spiders, lizards. I think you get the picture. Cats and dogs are the only creatures that should be domesticated.

Best Concert: Neko Case. I didn’t go to many concerts this year. But I imagine that if I had gone to several concerts I would still pick the Neko Case concert. This was a free affair and once again, even if I had paid $45 or even $95 for this show I know it would still be the best concert of the year. Neko Case has an awesome voice and puts on a fantastic show. Let me guide you here to take a peek (thanks Jordan).

Worst Concert: Broke Social Scene. It could have been my impending illness, it could have been the thousands of people smoking at a non-smoking event, it could have been that it just wasn’t a good concert. I didn’t really enjoy myself and I am glad I only paid zero dollars for it.

Best Movie (For Everyone): Wall-E. Another stunning, yes stunning Pixar picture. Wall-E evokes nearly every emotion. That little robot couldn’t be sweeter.

Best Movie (Maybe not for everyone, but for most): Slumdog Millionaire. I loved this film. I loved, loved, loved the little kids in it. I really just loved this movie. Could I be any clearer?

Worst Movie: Indiana Jones. I didn’t expect much, I really didn’t. But I honestly couldn’t believe how dumb this film actually was. I asked Bridger if we could leave the theater several times.

Best Book: Love, Lucy. Some really wonderful people gave this book to me for my birthday (December 2007). This book is a sparkling example of a fabulous autobiography. Lucille Ball, one of my favorite women, is fascinating. Included in the book are some great pictures. I will probably be reading this little number again in the coming year.

The Great 2008: Year End List (Part II)

2008-12-28T17:03:00.000-08:00

Best Part: The exact moment I found out I got into nursing school. I got the mail, noticed an envelope from UVU and threw the other mail who knows where. I then proceeded to scream at the top of my lungs. It was a pretty exciting moment. Think of how many gross things I am going to learn about!

Worst Part: Between mid July and November 11. I had a stomachache for about 98% of this time. Plus, I had a whole slew of other symptoms (sleep deprivation sleeping at most 2 hours a night, numbness in my fingers, pain in my bones, headache, numbness in my stomach, on and on and on). I had to have a scope put down my throat, which ended my life goal of not ever being put under. Thank heavens this is behind me.

Best Album: Islands’ Arm’s Way. I love it. When I listen to it I feel like I have been given extra energy. I don’t think a single track goes wrong.

Worst Album: Weezer’s Weezer (Red Album). I didn’t expect anything and I was still disappointed. What an embarrassing piece of work. Honestly, these men need to STOP.

Best Trip: Chicago. Chicago is a charming place. And, it was just my mom and me and we had a pretty good time. Plus, I got to ride on a real train.

Best Gift I received: I Love Lucy THE COMPLETE SERIES. Thank you Bridger. Thank you. I will never need to watch another TV show again. And the package this set comes in is unbelievable.

Best Job: Ballet and tap teacher. This is a great job. I have a lot of really good students.

Worst Job: I have only had my Ballet/Tap teaching job this year and I have loved every second. However if I had to pick a worst moment at my job to my list I would add the following: A young (4 year old) girl taking her tap shoes off and throwing them at me and then proceeding to scream at the tip-top of her lungs; all because she didn’t want to do shuffle ball change. The same young girl running up to me in the middle of practicing the Christmas dance and hitting me in the face over and over and over.

Best Store: J.Crew. I really love J.Crew. I really love the J.Crew outlet too.

Worst Store: Joann Fabric. Oh my. If you want to waste a lot of time go to Joann. You can wait for 40 minutes to get your fabric cut (if you can find some that is decent), then you can wait 40 minutes for the woman who cuts your fabric to figure out her little machine that adds up your total, then you can wait 40 minutes in line to pay. This is all if you can even find anything worth buying.

Best Fashion Industry Idea: Dark Purple.

Worst Fashion Industry Idea: 1980s style clothing. Stupid. The fluorescent colors, the stupid designs, the stupid clothes.

Best City: Chicago. Like I said, it’s a charming place. Lots of rivers and flowers and city-prettiness. A fabulous place. Go there.

Worst City: Draper. I just don’t feel like this city is very well planned. And the kids in my neighborhood always run around in the street while their parents stand on the sidewalk chatting.

Best Candy: Does anyone realize how much I love candy? The best candy I tried this year was Haribo Gold-Bears. I don’t even know what possessed me to try a Haribo Gold-Bear because I thought I hated gummy bears. In fact I think I knew I hated gummy bears. But I love Gold-Bears. They are an honest-to-goodness delicious candy confection.

Worst Candy: Hershey’s Kiss Mint Truffle. How in the world do you ruin a mint truffle. Honestly. I think in about 5th grade I made mint truffles and they turned out. How does Hershey’s ruin a truffle? They fill a waxy chocolate with minty, green goo.

Best Snack: Sundried Tomato and Parmesan Riceworks chips. Whether you can eat gluten or not, this is such a good snack. I could easily eat a large size bag within two or three days. I highly recommend this snack. The only places here in Utah I have found these chips are Super Target and Costco.

Worst Snack: Salsa Fresca Riceworks chips. Not good. My expectations were so high for these and they were a total let down. They have a really gross flavor.

Best Find: Bridger came across Sam Cooke live at the Harlem Square Club. This album makes me feel like no concert I go to will ever be exciting enough. Sam Cooke blew me away this time. In fact, Sam Cooke always blows me away. Thank you Bridger for finding this.

I'm making dreams come true.

2008-11-18T20:00:00.000-08:00

Tonight as I was locking up the studio a mysterious PT Cruiser pulled up. A woman threw six bags of tutus at me and was on her way. Since the studio was locked up, I threw the bags in my car and sped home. Come to find out, the tutus are for my youngest dancers. They are three.

In class each week the question "What color do you want your (insert crayons on toes, butterfly, beach ball) to be?" At first these girls just said they wanted pink or purple. Then a new student came and she said she wanted her crayons, butterflies, beach balls and everything in between to be "spotted." I think that is adorable. Spotted crayons. Anyway, then the color of choice became "Rainbow with sparkles and butterflies and flowers."

Little do they know that on Monday they are going to be getting their costume for the year and it is rainbow with sparkles with butterflies and flowers and spots. Because I still think a spotted crayon is a great idea.

The costume lady did a great job this time around.

Most Recently

2008-11-10T20:07:00.001-08:00

I just finished this quilt. I really like how it turned out. And the black and white floral fabric on the back is one of my favorites. I also think the woman who does the quilting (stitching on the top) did an excellent job.

AAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah

2008-11-08T14:32:00.001-08:00

I got into Nursing School. I couldn't be happier.

Grains

2008-11-06T18:46:00.000-08:00

I have had a stomach ache since July. First, it was an ulcer, that was when it was just a stomach ache. Then it was "a really stubborn ulcer," that was when it was stabbing pains in my spine with a stomach ache. Then when I was sleeping two hours a night, my stomach and fingers were going numb and I would turn scarlet after a shower, it was time for me to have a scope stuck down my esophagus to see what was really going on.

During all this I was convinced I had any or all of the following: pancreatitis, a hiatal hernia, gastroesophogeal reflux disease, stomach cancer, gallstones, a spastic gallbladder, kidney stones, diabetes, blood clots, an abdominal aneurysm, the list goes on and on and on (I got all those ideas from the internet mind you). My family was convinced I had become a total hypochondriac due to the fact that every time I turned around I had some new weirdo symptom.

After several thousand co-pays, two trillion blood tests, and 8 zillion visits to the doctor, I have an answer. Thank everything. I have Celiac Disease. As soon as the doctor told me that I said, "Oh I know a little boy with that, all I ever fed him was potato chips and marshmallows." What this means is, I can't have any gluten, that means I can't eat any food. So starting Tuesday at 2:00 PM my life changed for the better. I have eaten my weight in popcorn, jelly bellys and corn tortillas, with a dash of yogurt here and there.

A woman told me today she cried for six months over this problem, I replied with, "I am so glad I have this and not something like dairy intolerance or something really serious, this was a total relief, I have been sick for months."

I have two points to make with this story:

1. If you have persistent symptoms, go to the doctor until they know what is wrong
2. If you know anyone with this problem, I would like to eat more that corn tortillas for lunch and dinner. I would love any tips.

The good news is most candy is gluten free, that suits me well. The best news is, I haven't had a stomach ache today.

The ultimate pet, with the ultimate problem

2008-10-22T18:01:00.001-07:00

I think cats are the ultimate pet.

They are:
-Extremely low maintence
-Lovable
-Loving
-They will play with you
-Will sleep on your feet
-Have a great look
-And if trained properly will take a bath

My cat isn't really allowed outdoors. He will go sit on the porch occasionally, but generally he prefers his cat nest from IKEA. Because my cat is always inside he requires a litter box. A litter box. Litter boxes are gross. They usually smell bad and the litter tends to get all over the place. I have found some pretty good litter in the past few years, but still, it gets everywhere.

My first preference is to train the cat how to use the toilet, however that seems like a lot of work that the cat won't really want to do. My second preference is to buy a $200-$300 cat litter robot box. But I don't carry that kind of cash. However, I recently found this product and I am considering giving it a go. Does this look like a scam to you?

The new project

2008-10-12T18:14:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I had an idea. I thought it would be neat to make a collage sort of thing with fabric. When I had the idea, I pictured a tree that I really wanted to make.

I gave this to Bridger for his birthday, I think it turned out pretty well.

The tree was made of hexagons cut from fabric and the trunk was tiny strips of brown fabric. I then added a picture of an adorable dachshund, and printed some little birds which I watercolored.

A few notes

2008-10-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

Some things:

-My orchid is still alive. Many said it couldn't be done. But 7 months later I am saying, it could. Although there are no blossoms, and no spikes for buds yet, I have faith that within the next few months it will spike a couple of spikes and there will be buds on them. It is green, growing and gorgeous. I can't wait for it to flower again. I think I will go get it some fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen to encourage flowering.

The moss around the edge turned brown, so today I gave it a makeover with new Super Moss. Hopefully it will stay green, it looks so good.

-The kids in my neighborhood are dumb. I came about 7 inches from running over two boys today. I was going 20 mph, so it wasn't my fault. It was these stupid boys' fault, they were in the middle of the street on bikes that they could hardly manage, their dad stood on the sidewalk as I nearly killed his children. I stayed stopped for a few seconds, looked at both of them in the eye and yelled "Get on the sidewalk!" I also swished my hand in the air in a shooing motion. I was pretty annoyed.

This happens ALL THE TIME in this neighborhood. I am considering a door-to-door campaign telling parents how stupid they are to let their kids play in the street.

I honestly cannot express my anger to its full extent.

-Why, why do people put music on their blogs? That is so obnoxious.

-I am thinking of starting a sewing blog, I have loads of projects on the horizon. The name I had chosen for the sewing blog, when searched for on the internet, turns out to be a book or something, so I am trying to decide what to do about that.

-I still haven't found a day job.

-Elizabeth is giving me this painting and I cannot wait.

-I have a new sort of project up my sleeve, I hope it turns out.

-Have you heard Ben Kweller's new songs? I am in love with each one.

My cat sits up like a human more than he sits like a cat.

That is a cute little nephew I have.

Diane

2008-10-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

I am worried about Diane Rehm. I try to listen to her show as often as possible. And for the past couple weeks Diane has not been the host of The Diane Rehm Show on NPR. I am highly concerned. Where has Diane gone? Is Diane in trouble? Has Diane offended someone? Did Diane disappear? Where is Diane?

She has this annoying man sitting in for her and I can't stand him for another show. He is snappy, lets callers talk for too long, interrupts the guests and has a tone of voice that is so mechanical and dry I want to strangle him.

Diane, where have you gone?

Just full of fun and beauty

2008-09-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

This evening I was searching for dance recital music. Not only did I find a perfect song, I found a great short film. Its called Paradise. This gal did just a lovely job. And what a beautiful song. Unfortunately at this time I do not have a clip to show you. Just the above picture. Just take my word for it. Go to iTunes, find it. Spend two dollars. Have a nice time. Or view it on her website, it is much smaller. But still a nice time.

In other notes, I ran across this this evening and I am really benefiting from this young man's advice. I'll never have to make a decision again. Go ahead, try it.

A fun read

2008-09-25T19:11:00.000-07:00

I think this is a great interview. Go ahead and read it.

Just in time for Fall

2008-09-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

Here is my most recent project. I started and nearly finished this last winter. I just needed to bind the edges which took me a while to get around to.

This is a pattern that I tweaked a little bit. It had words stitched in each corner like Imagine, Dream, Create. I wasn't a huge fan of that, nor was did I like the giant flower pattern that was in the center. So I used a Martha Stewart bird template and stitched that for the center.

This cat really loves quilts. I am not kidding. He curled up in it today as I finished the edges and refused to get off. He is now sound asleep on the quilt.

The lady who does the quilting (designs in the top stitching) does just a remarkable job. It takes forever to get them back though.

I really like the fabric I used on the back. It is one of my favorite fabrics I have used.

The bird I stitched up. It was really my first time doing handwork like that, it went surprisingly well considering I just made up a stitch to do.

I am sort of considering selling this one. I love it, but I am curious to see what would happen if I did sell it. I may give it a shot, what do you think?

Chicago

2008-09-21T23:13:00.000-07:00

My mom and I decided to take a little holiday this weekend, we went to Chicago.

Chicago is a great city, they keep it very nice. There are loads of flowers all over which I love. Plus there is a ferris wheel on the lake. Lots of great architecture. Plus I got to ride a passenger train a few times which was a great time. Here are some nice photos:

A church right in the middle of the city hustle and bustle.

Apparently the kind woman who took this didn't realize zoom was an option.

A view from the ferris wheel.

My mom, she love fountains and she loves ivy. This was her perfect picture.

This is a great sculpture in Millennium Park

Just a real great time. Great city.

Something I did this afternoon

2008-09-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

I have a REALLY busy schedule lately. I typically wake up around 8:45 and then wander around the house until 3:20, and then I go teach kids how to dance.

Today I woke up at 10:45. I slowly got ready for the day. Then I had a nice lunch at Simply Thai with my cousin. After that, I made a skirt. Here it is.

Don't mind the tutu on the dress form.

Finding lace in Utah is literally impossible. I ordered this from a great place called Lace Heaven.This is just a nice dress form I have. I am hoping to buy a functional dress form in the next few months.

Project complete

2008-08-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

I have been working on this baby for 18 months, it's finally done. I started it thinking that my unborn nephew would be a girl. He ended up being a boy, which I am really glad about, because I can keep this puppy. I am thrilled with the way it turned out. It is almost completely my own design. The center block was a pattern that I tweaked here and there. The rest was all me. And most of that fabric is from Heather Bailey, just an incredible designer of great fabric.

The cat insisted in being in several photos. I am not kidding.

He really stole the spotlight here.

Yes, I drew, cut and stitched every bit of that. I am so impressed with myself.

Prepare yourself, I have two other really great quilts nearing the finish line. Plus a cool skirt that I might even show you.

Bored

2008-08-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

Well, here is what I've been anticipating. I went to school all Summer, went on a nice little holiday this past weekend and now I have nothing.

Due to the fact that I did not get into nursing school for Fall, I have no school this coming semester. That means I am free as a bird each and every day.

I have been searching for a job off and on since June, I have found nothing.

If you know of any jobs that need to be done, kids that need to be watched, things like that, you should let me know. I'd really like to be fully employed for the next few months.

Lions

2008-08-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

What needs to happen is everyone needs to watch this. My brother, Jesse showed it to me last night and I nearly became teary eyed, what a sweet animal. Disregard the music, and the message at the end. Some of you may even need to hit the mute button.

Then watch this:

How can you not love a cat?

I Think I've Had My Last Trip to Wal-Mart

2008-08-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

I went to two mass-retailers today: Super Target and Wal-Mart. One of these is by far the inferior store, I will tell you why.

This morning on the way to school I heard this.

But I still went to Wal-Mart this afternoon. My mom needed help getting some pictures of her newest batch of kindergarten students developed and I agreed to go with her. While at Wal-Mart we got a few things. Here is the list of things we got:

Hostess Cupcakes - My mom needs these for the first day of school tomorrow. She rarely gives these kids treats, but the first day of kindergarten is a big deal, they get a treat, with some cute card that says "My first day of kindergarten was a piece of cake." Cute. Anyway.

A large thing of cat litter - It is easier to buy a whole bunch of cat litter then go every week to get a new thing of it. Enough said.

Hot dogs - We NEVER eat hot dogs. But my mom is a scout leader now, and tomorrow is the first day of scouts, so she is giving them a hot dog. Cute.

Milk, grapes, cantaloupe, lotion, etc.

So we proceed to the check out. This is where the real problem began. I am so sick and tired of waiting in Wal-Mart lines. People with two and three cart-loads of garbage. (Target rarely has lines, and when there is a line, they have checkers that can move people through quickly.) We picked the line with a woman with only one cart overflowing with food in front of us. I thought we might get out of the line within ten minutes. NO.

The checker at this checkstand had some nerve. Some real nerve. She slowing rang items through and paused intermittently to tell the customer about: veggie burgers at Costco, how many carbs a day she eats, carbs, carbs, healthy food, carbs, juice, donuts, carbs (keep in mind this is a 200 pound woman talking like she is a health store fanatic).

FINALLY, finally after probably 15 minutes she rings the last item up and it was our turn. The first thing this bimbo says to us, while ringing up the hostess cupcakes, is "You know, for the same price you can buy fruit." No kidding. And then she says "All that sugar, ALL THAT SUGAR." Neither my mom nor I said a word. She continues ringing food up, she gets to the hot dogs, "You know, these are high in fat, all these high fat foods." I was on the verge of strangling Jacqline (that is her name) at this moment. Then she gets to the cat litter, "MY GOSH, MY GOSH HOW MANY CATS DO YOU HAVE?" I wanted to scream "Forty-four what's it to you?" Instead I quickly said "ONE." She replied with, "I would NEVER own a cat, I have two chihuahuas and that is all I need. Cats, NEVER. And chihuahuas are much easier and cheaper than kids, I will never have kids." At this point I nearly said "Thank goodness, please don't bring ANY more of your DNA into this world lady." But I just continued putting groceries in the cart.

She could tell both my mom and I were pretty annoyed with her I am sure. So when my mom asked for the receipt, she threw it at her. THREW IT AT HER. And we left. And I will NEVER return. Its Target or nothing folks. I don't care if the last piece of food in the world is at Wal-Mart, I can't ever return.

Stay away

2008-07-28T17:55:00.000-07:00

I was really excited to see an Ice Cream Parlor Jelly Belly Mix at Target today. I instantly put a scoop of this new creation into my mix bag.

Do not be fooled by the inviting pastel colors and flavors like Chocolate Devotion, Our Strawberry Blonde, Mint Mint Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Birthday Cake Remix and Apple Pie A La Cold Stone. Each of these beans tastes like a cleaner. Windex, Lysol, Comet Cleanser, whatever. Just don't buy these beans.

You are going to want to stick with:
Pomegranate
Cherry
Coconut
Pear
Peach
Toasted Marshmallow
Pina Colada
Island Punch
Lemon Lime
Wild Blackberry
Orange Juice

Get me off this bus

2008-07-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

I ride the bus to school.

Several times in the past few months the following has happened to me:

I am sitting on a seat, with my bag that is half the size of me on the seat next to me. I am usually either half asleep, totally asleep or reading on the bus. And generally speaking their are plenty of open seats. PLENTY of open seats. Yet for some odd reason, there is always some maniac that has to come sit next to me. Why? And if that isn't bad enough, sometimes these people who have eyes to see that I am reading or listening to music or something try to strike up conversation with me. WHY?

Example 1: I was 100% asleep when an old woman came and shook me, yes shook me, and asked to sit in the seat next to me. Once I got past my near cardiac arrest from being startled awake, I became incredibly angry. There were at least four seats with no one and about 3/4 of the seats with only one occupant. Where was this woman's logical thinking?

Example 2: I am sitting on outer seat with my bag on the inner seat. Again most of the seats were either unoccupied or only had one occupant. And a 50-something man asks to sit next to me. Why? I nearly asked him "Why? Can't you possibly find comfort in one of the empty seats?" I was incredibly close. Instead I sat there thinking "Get me off this bus, please get me off this bus."

These people are walking past EMPTY seats to wake me up, disturb me and sit by me.

WHY?

I read this book

2008-07-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

I saw this man on the Colbert Report a while ago. I was immediately interested.

I read his book, Life in the Valley of Death, this week. I really loved it. I encourage you to read it as well.

He has three other books, I plan on reading each of them in the next little while.

Concern

2008-06-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else concerned about these jean styles?

These are popping up at places like Gap and Nordstrom.

Incident

2008-06-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

Last night was the big show for the studio I teach at. Everything went really well until the finale. Usually the finale consists of the older girls doing a dance number and then all the kids filing on stage to take a bow. However, the other day one of the teachers decided it would be a good idea for the instructors to do a little piece for part of the finale. I was thrilled, I haven't performed in just over four years. Since we only had about three days to get the dance down we did a very short number to a song the Company girls picked -- Matchbox 20's "How Far We've Come." I wasn't exactly pleased with this choice, I can't stand Matchbox 20, but whatever.

Back to last night. Everything went great. I had a one child (an 11 year-old, meaning way too old to be confused about this) that had a really hard time understanding what side of the stage she was to enter on, so she went running on the stage after the dance had already started, I wasn't exactly happy about that. My class of 11 three year-old tappers did a great job, they looked awesome. Anyway, it comes time for the finale and the teachers go running on stage. We do our little number, and as I am doing my eight counts of dancing off the stage I realized I had injured myself earlier in the dance. I had to switch what I was doing and leap off the stage as big and as fast as I could. After that I ran on, took my bow and then made my way to the dressing room. After a few minutes of refusing to take my ballet shoe off, I did it, and there was my second toe, sticking straight up and sideways, I just knew I had broken my foot. I was not very happy.

Dawn gave me a piggyback ride out to her car and got me to Instacare in record time. I went back and got my x-rays from a man wearing lavender scrubs. He took a ridiculously long time x-raying my foot and at one point taped the rest of my toes down to the table which just about shot me threw the roof it hurt my foot so bad.

Then I returned to my exam room and the doctor came in and had great news, no broken foot, just a dislocated toe. I was thrilled. He then said he could give me two numbing shots and then put my toe back in place. I declined the shots (I had a dinner party to get to) and just had him go for it. I am surprised Dawn is still in once piece I was squeezing her so hard as he pulled my toe up and shoved it back into its place. He then sent me back for another set of x-rays to make sure he had done the job correctly, which he had. I asked how long this baby is going to hurt for and his answer was "It depends on your body, however long it wants to hurt." I am hoping that means no more than a week or two, however I was just reading about dislocated toes and lots of people take up to six months, this is slightly concerning to me. I am just happy I am not in a cast and using crutches for the next 10 weeks.

Notice the zig-zag nature at the top of the second toe.

Microbiology

2008-06-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

I decided to take microbiology for the first block of summer semester, what a joy. The class consists of a 2 1/2 hour lecture and then a 2 1/2 hour lab. The lecture isn't so bad, my professor is impossible to listen to so I usually end up just reading through the chapters and taking notes from the book while he goes on about topics that will never be touched on the exam.

HOWEVER, lab is a whole different game. My lab professor is possibly the most wordy person I have ever come in contact with. He takes close to two hours to explain something that could be said like this "Take a swab, swab the culture plate, put it in the incubator, come back tomorrow add the reagent, if it turns red it is positive." So we sit there for two hours while he draws pictures on the whiteboard of things that are sitting right in front of us, such as, swabs, tubes with bacteria in them, petri dishes, bunsen burners, gloves, etc. He has to color each diagram completely. Each time he starts his drawing on the board it is like he has never seen one before and just has to use it. After sitting in lecture for all that time and then sitting through this man I am almost driven insane.
Today I just about snapped. After sitting there for an hour listening to him go on and on and on about anaerobic bacteria I was losing patience. And then all of a sudden this man was able to draw me back in. He started talking about germ warfare. Wow. This had loads to do with lab. What really caught my attention was, "One of the most exquisite forms of germ warfare was in the 17th or 18th century, the Chinese dumped bags of lice infected with the Plague on their enemies." EXQUISITE? How is dumping bags of Plague infected lice exquisite? Someone enlighten me.

Then he went on to open a tube of Clostridium, the bacteria that causes gangrene. He walked around the room wafting the smell this way and that so we could all have the "privilege" of smelling it. I just about died. Does he realize no one wants to have to smell something that stinks that bad? What on earth. After that little escapade he went on to tell us that the jars we were using to seal our bacteria in cost anywhere from $100-$400, "All it is is a little plastic container! And it costs that much, class can you believe that a little plastic container costs anywhere from $100-$400?" I nearly screamed at the top of my lungs "DOES IT MATTER?" Every lab he has to stress how much each container costs, "This little thing cost $45, $45." "Now these gloves are expensive, they run around $5 per box class, please only use one pair." "This particular tube costs about $200." Give me a break.

P-L-E-A-S-E

2008-05-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

I am so incredibly sick of Urban Outfitters. I got an email today with this picture:
Someone tell me who on earth is buying shorts like this.

I am a little bit upset

2008-05-09T08:11:00.001-07:00

EXCUSE ME. The government said they would be giving me $600. I was just checking my balances in the bank and noticed I had more money in savings that I had the last time I checked. I checked my savings and noticed the government deposited my money, but it was only $300. Thank you government, for months I have been looking forward to my $600. My hopes have been dashed.

Conquering of a Fear

2008-04-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

Today my dad asked me to drive down to Orem and pick him up because he had to drop off a machine. I was fine with that, I had nothing to do. I got ready and grabbed my keys and he asked that I drive his truck in order to keep the miles down on my car. I just about turned inside out. I am literally terrified of backing that thing out of the driveway, let alone driving it out of the neighborhood and onto the freeway. I used to wake someone up in the morning if it was in my way. If a car is any larger than a postage stamp I have a real hard time controlling it. But he insisted. I was convinced I would either kill myself or someone on the road. The only close call was backing out of the driveway when I narrowly missed backing over two women with strollers. I went no higher than 55 mph the entire way, I am sure people loved me. On the way down I imagined myself barreling down the road going about 85 mph in this huge red truck, but couldn't bring myself to leave the slow lane, let alone go above the speed limit. Probably 3/4 of the time I was driving in two lanes because I had no perception of how much space it was taking up. By the time I pulled up to the place I was sweating out of every pore in my body. However I made it. And I can now confidently back that thing out of the driveway without too much fear. But I will do everything in my power to avoid driving it again, it goes against a major belief of mine: Driving trucks is stupid.

Look How Cute

2008-04-23T20:54:00.001-07:00

I can't resist letting you in on this adorable feature from CNN.

Keep Your Hands on the Wheel

2008-04-22T21:32:00.000-07:00

Today as I was driving back from school I used the controls on my steering wheel to adjust the volume of NPR. As I used the controls I was sent back to the time when the car was being purchased. The salesman informed my dad that with these controls on the steering wheel I would never have to take my hands off the wheel. Then I imagined what I would do without these controls -- both hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, every finger touching any button it can get to, car wreck after car wreck. Thank heavens for those controls.

Spring Has Sprung (Here In My Bedroom)

2008-04-11T13:14:00.000-07:00

My orchid has blossomed. I am really pleased with the flowers, they look very exotic. I love the spots on them. I was going to show how the flower morphed over time, but as I added the photos they didn't stay in order and it was too much work to reorder them. Anyway, it took about two days for the first flower to open and now about eight flowers have opened. I hope they stick around.

I am also really pleased with Bosley, who has learned to sit like a human. Now he just needs to build strength in his lower back and hind legs and I'll have him walking on two legs.

Brilliant

2008-04-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

Due to the lack of an mp3 hookup in my car, I listen to NPR while I am on the road. Yesterday on the way to school, I heard this and loved it. I think this woman is brilliant. And although I would probably never do what she did due to my extreme paranoia of child predators, I think her premise is great and so is her attitude.

Breaking News

2008-04-04T18:52:00.000-07:00

Six or seven times a day I check CNN, just to be sure I'm not missing anything. Usually I'm not missing a thing. But I did find this, this and this on my most recent visit. Oh and this, which just breaks my heart, especially the last shot.

#1-I just adore kittens so I like to watch this little thing move around, and I like that there is no news commentary just showing this average kitten's markings.

#2- I just adore kittens (someone was telling me about this and I don't remember who) but I ran into it on CNN and thought I'd better share. I can't decide which part is cuter, the kittens, the bear or the last bear.

#3-What on earth. WHY? Just ADOPT a child. Morons.

Changes

2008-03-30T16:48:00.001-07:00

My blog is under construction and I don't want you judging it just yet.

Great Show

2008-03-29T22:37:00.000-07:00

I was a little wary of seeing Odyssey Dance's Shut Up And Dance this evening, I have never really had a whole lot of interest in modern dance. But I had heard great things about it so I decided to give it a shot.

Every Spring they do Shut Up And Dance which has three options for shows. This year the options were The Beatles, Club Calloway or Moulin Rouge. We initially set out to see Club Calloway, but were late last week and decided to postpone until this weekend, THANK HEAVENS. We got a great deal on seats, buy one get one free and were able to sit in the second row which was really nice. We saw Moulin Rouge and it was just fantastic. I am not going to go into length about any single part, the entire production was really magnificent.

I highly recommend you start supporting Odyssey if you don't already. I am going to put away money every month for the next year so I can see each of the three productions next March. I suggest you consider doing the same.

Bringing Life Into My Bedroom

2008-03-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

For a while now I have wanted to add some plant life to my room. After seeing all this green I decided to proceed. This morning my brother Jesse and I went to Cactus and Tropicals, we were there for a good two and a half hours. I planned on getting a modest $15 bonsai tree and ended up with a modest $50 orchid. I was having such a hard time deciding on any single orchid that I decided to get one that was all buds and no blossoms so it would be a surprise when the buds open up.

Orchids are pretty neat, once they blossom the flowers stay fresh and pretty for three or more months. Then you go five or six months with just tow sticks and leaves as they get ready for another flowering period. That is why I had them all the moss at the bottom, it will keep the pot looking alive for the long period in between flowers.

I am going to be taking multiple pictures of it a day so I can see how it morphs over the next few weeks.

Beginning:

Notice that there are two spikes (that is what the sticks the flowers grow on are called) I feel like I got a really good deal, this flower was much cheaper than the rest with two spikes, I don't think they noticed that this one had grown this way, otherwise it would have been $43 just for the plant.

Can you believe how green that moss is?

Here are the buds, there are a lot of them, so I can't wait to see what the plant looks like once it is in its full flowering state. They are a dark purple and it look like the flowers might have spots, which I think would be great.

Is there a cuter shoe than this?

2008-03-27T19:12:00.001-07:00

Won't this child...

(Forgive this not so great picture, it was the best I could do.)

Look great in these shoes?

I don't think I have seen a more stylish pair of toddler shoes. So for his upcoming birthday my nephew gets a pair of designer Keds.

Offering a Reward

2008-03-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

The other day I was on a very nice shopping trip that included a visit to Anthropologie. In Anthropologie there was a great song playing, a really great song and I didn't know what it was. Now all I can remember is the lyrics "ai, ai, ai..." If you can tell me what this song is called I will give you $2. I think originally it was sung by a man, however this version was done by both a man and a woman. I think at the beginning it may say something about a boy maybe at a train track or a garbage dump or something sort of pathetic. I know, very vague. But maybe you know exactly what I am talking about, or maybe you can figure it out. Let me know.

ALERT

2008-03-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

Everyone please follow my directions. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE EAT AT ALBERTO'S. Doesn't matter what one, don't eat there. I ate there Tuesday night and exactly 7 hours later (food poisoning occurs 6-8 hours after eating) I became violently ill. I just now have gained strength to sit for extended periods of time. I am scared I will develop blood clots in my legs from laying around in bed for so many days. I can hardly eat. I am dehydrated. My mother had to wash and blow dry my hair today because I did not have the strength. Don't eat there, I beg you.

Great News

2008-03-11T11:25:00.001-07:00

My sweet cat has learned a new form of communicating to me that he needs water. He rubs his paws on the wall where is water dish is kept.

A Few Things

2008-03-06T15:24:00.000-08:00

First, if you go here you will see a beautiful place, be sure to watch all the pictures. I want to live there so bad.

Next. Lately this girl, Sandra, has been sitting next to me in biology. Biology 1010 is a very understandable course. She is constantly asking me to clarify what the teacher is saying. Currently we are learning about Meiosis. Meiosis involves a small amount of talk about reproduction. The professor was talking about gametes. This girl would not stop asking me about gametes, "Who has gametes? What are they in men? Women have them? What are they in women? What do they do?" I just about died. HAVE YOU NEVER HAD A SEXUAL EDUCATION CLASS? It is NOT my job to give you a birds and the bees lesson lady. "When do the gametes come together?" FIGURE IT OUT.

Next, I was in a computer lab today and a young man came and sat at the computer next to me. Every few minutes I would hear this hiss. Finally I looked over to see what on earth was going on and I found that he was shooting whipped topping into his mouth. He downed an entire bottle of whipped topping in maybe 10-15 minutes. I thought I would die of not laughing. It took every ounce of strength in my body to not collapse on the floor in laughter.

Which brings me to my next topic. I have been having SUCH a hard time controlling my laughter lately. I will think of something someone has said, I will get a text that is maybe intended to make me smile and I will not be able to control my laughter. It is usually in an inappropriate place: during a lecture, during a presentation, in the study hall, in the computer lab. I also have had a hard time with this in church and during things like prayer. If anyone has any tips on how I can stop it would be greatly appreciated.

Oscar Party

2008-02-24T21:34:00.000-08:00

I wasted a lot of time tonight watching the Oscars and I had a great time. Pre-show I made some Granny Goose Popcorn and colored it blue, just to honor everyone at the big show.

Recipe:
1/3 cup popcorn kernels
2 cups sugar
3/8 cup evaporated milk
3/8 cup regular milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
three drops food coloring

Melt the sugar and milks together and heat them until your hand is burning not only from stirring so fast, but also from the heat and the temperature of the mixture reaches 240 degrees, take it off the heat EXTREMELY FAST add the vanilla and food coloring. Then pour the sugary mixture over the popped popcorn. Let it dry for about 1 minute. Tastes great. Serve that in a blue goblet and you will have a great party treat. (No one but me eats this popcorn)

I am real glad "Falling Slowly" from Once won. Those two people are the sweetest two people around. And thank heavens he let Marketa Irglova say something.

I am real glad Ratatouille won best animated film even though I didn't get to see that happen.

I cannot believe Juno won Best Original Screenplay. That was the biggest problem with that film.

I wish they had just given No Country For Old Men and There Will Be Blood each an award for "Most Nominations, You Won Big!" That way I wouldn't have had to hear about them so much.

I could NOT stand the music numbers from Enchanted. GIVE IT UP.

A Heart Full of Thanks

2008-02-13T20:38:00.000-08:00

In the 7 semesters I attended the U, one of my classes got cancelled. And I didn't even find out about it until I got to school and saw the note on the door.

In the 6 weeks I have attended UVSC I think I have had at least 4 classes cancelled.

This week my biology class was cancelled not once, but TWICE! I am thrilled. What a great break. I am so thankful that UVSC teachers don't get substitutes. I have 3 hours between my first class and third class and I don't mind one bit. Thank heavens, thank heavens.

Sick As a Dog

2008-02-11T17:26:00.000-08:00

Last Tuesday I was bragging to a mom at the dance studio that I hadn't been sick all winter. On Thursday night I came down with a fever and by Friday morning I was feeling about like death. Yesterday was the sickest I have been since April 9, 2006 when I ended up in the ER.

All of this illness has led me to one question, why is everyone sick in the winter? Las year I worked at Kidscare, and the winter was the worst thing ever. I was at work 2-3 hours extra because these kids were sick, and it was winter. In my seventh grade health class Mr. Asay stressed that the cold weather didn't make you sick. I beg to differ.

From my very own NPR:

"A recent study by Eccles is one of the few to suggest a link [between cold weather and illness]. Ninety college students dunked their bare feet in a bowl of chilled water for 20 minutes; a control group kept on their shoes and socks while they sat with their feet in an empty bowl.

Volunteers in the bare-foot group were three times as likely to develop cold symptoms within five days, according to the study published last fall in the journal Family Practice."

What do you have to say to that Mr. Asay? Nothing, because the cold makes you sick.

Two things: The day before I became sick I waited an extra long time for the bus and it was freezing cold, with an awful wind chill. That same day I was in a fabric store that has no heater for a really long time. This is why I am sick.

No, no not germs, the cold. The cold is helping the germs survive.

Moral of the story: STAY WARM

All about me

2008-02-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

Craig is always filling these out so I decided to give it a whirl. I didn't mind it. I really found out a lot about myself that I already knew.

1. Whats your middle name? Don't have one. Wish I did. I asked my mom if I could get one for my birthday last year and she said yes, but I still don't have a middle name.

2. How big is your bed? A modest twin bed. I feel very comfortable in it except for when the cat lays right in the center while I am trying to sleep that causes a minor problem.

3. What are you listening to right now? My cat give himself a bath as well as ABBA

4. What are the last 4 digits in your cellphone number? 2272

5. What was the last thing you ate? Half of a burrito at Cafe Rio, it was unusually good. And it was a free meal.

6. Last person you hugged? A young lady at the dance studio who insists on giving me two hugs after class.

7. How is the weather right now? It couldn't be worse. Freezing cold, a forecast of snow.

8. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Craig

9. What is the first thing u notice in the opposite sex? What do you care?

10. Favorite type of Food. Mexican food, I love Mexican food.

11. Do you want children? Tons

12. Do you drink? Stupid question.

13. Ever get so drunk you don't remember the entire night? Nope.

14. Hair color? A nice orange. I really love the color of my hair. I got it cut on Saturday and I kept thinking how great my hair color is.

15. Eye colour? Depends on the light and what I am wearing, sometimes they look quite brown, sometimes quite green and other times their usual color- hazel.

16. Do you wear contacts/glasses? When I drive at night I sometimes wear glasses to increase my level of safety.

17. Favorite holiday? Christmas, although it is a very long day.

18. Favorite Season? I love the weather of Spring, but the clothes I can wear in Fall make me love it. But with Spring I have warm weather to look forward to. And with Fall cold will soon be inevitable.

19. Have you ever cried over a girl/boy? No. Don't care to.

20. Last Movie you Watched? Everyone Says I Love You

21. What books are you reading? Cassidy recommended Jane Eyre and I am LOVING it. In addition to that I am reading Sense and Sensibility which I am also really enjoying.

22. Piercings? In my ears. I love earrings, they make it look like I care when I get ready, and a lot of the time, I don't care when I am getting ready.

23. Favorite Movie? I love Pride and Prejudice so much.

24. Favorite college football Team? I couldn't care less about football teams.

25. What were you doing before filling this out? Preparing my room for sleepy time.

26. Any pets? Absolutely, I have a beautiful cat, Bosley David. And a generally nice dog, Max.

27. Dogs or cats? My heart belongs to cats.

28. Favorite Flower? I love Sweetpeas, they smell great and come in a wide variety of colors. I also really like Chrysanthemums.

29. Have you ever loved someone? Of course.

30. Who would you like to see right now? That is a tricky question. I won't answer.

31. Have you ever fired a gun? NO absolutely not. One time at my grandpa's cabin my dad was shooting some sort of gun and was pressuring me to shoot the gun and I was pissed.

32. Do you like to travel by plane? Oh I love it. I wish I could do it twice a month.

33. Right-handed or Left-handed? - Right handed.

34. Are you missing someone? Always.

35. Do you still watch cartoons on Saturday mornings? No I prefer to sleep, if I wake up early I usually make an extravagant breakfast. And we only have one tv in this house, and it is in Bridger's room and I wouldn't dare wake him up, especially to watch cartoons.

36. Are you hiding something from someone? I don't believe so.

37. ARE YOU 18? I am 21, but I don't look like it. Why are these all in capitals all of a sudden?

38. DID YOU GET ENOUGH SLEEP LAST NIGHT? No, I woke up feeling so awful, the first thing I said when my alarm went off at 5:20 AM was, ALREADY?

39. FIRST THING YOU THOUGHT ABOUT THIS MORNING? I am going to have a pounding headache today. After that, where have I put my pants?

38. WHAT DO YOU HAVE HANDY AT YOUR BEDSIDE? A bottle of water, some books, recent magazines, chapstick, the February J.Crew catalog, my alarm clock, a journal, a pen and my lamp.

39. GRILLED OR FRIED? I prefer grilled I guess.

40. WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE? What's it to you?

41. ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK? Terrified. I am always trying to turn the light on as fast as I can to see if someone will jump out and attack me. I am being 100% serious.

42. FAVORITE HANGOUT? I don't know.

43. 3 THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT? Chapstick, gum, milk, a recent addition is lotion.

44. FAVORITE SONG? How am I suppose to decide that. I usually pick a song of the week. This week the song is Climb the Ladder from Of Montreal.

45. WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? The better question here would be, what are you not afraid of. I am possibly the most fearful person on the planet. I worry about EVERYTHING. I am terrified someone is sneaking around my house, afraid someone is sneaking around my car, I am afraid of being alone in parking lots, I am afraid of this, that and everything in between.

46. ARE YOU A GIVER OR TAKER? I think I am a giver, I really like giving people things.

47. WHAT IS YOUR DADS MIDDLE NAME? LeMar. And thats that.

48. WHATS YOUR MOTHERS MIDDLE NAME? She doesn't have one. However my grandma has offered several times to give her a middle name, my mom usually declines.

49. STUCK ON A DESERTED ISLAND & COULD TAKE ONE THING? This is a stupid question. I would take my swim suit.

50. FAVORITE T.V. COMMERCIAL? I don't have one.

51. WHO'S YOUR CELL PHONE PROVIDER? Verizon

52. FIRST THING YOU'LL SAVE IN A FIRE? MY CAT. And if I could, I would grab some quilts I have made.

53. WHAT ARE THE THINGS YOU ALWAYS TAKE WITH YOU? My purse, my phone, gum.

54. WHAT DID YOU WANNA BE WHEN YOU WERE A KID? A veterinarian. Then I found out you had to put animals to sleep and I went straight to wanting to be a pediatrician.

55. WHAT DO YOU USUALLY DO WHEN THE CLOCK TURNS 11:11? I never notice. But one time I heard a lady on Oprah or the Today Show or something that said she got really emotional because it was the only time that had all 4 digits the same.

56. THE COLOR OF YOUR BEDSHEET? White with a blue border. I think tomorrow I will change them to my new flannel sheets that are also white and blue, but have a great design on them.

A new discovery

2008-02-03T19:29:00.000-08:00

Today I found a great new service, Amazon mp3 downloads. I highly recommend it.

Most songs are a good 10 cents cheaper, and most albums a couple dollars less. They have a great selection that gets wider with each passing day.

Snow Day

2008-01-28T10:40:00.000-08:00

I hate the snow. HATE IT. But today, I LOVE it.

Driving all the way to Orem for a 5o minute class is really hard for me to do. But today, the snow made it so I don't have to. It is a total whiteout here. And I refuse to leave my house, possibly even the top top floor of my house. I am so comfortable inside.

Right after I canceled school, my fantastic boss called and cancelled dance classes today, so I have the entire day to do nothing. I finished all my homework over the weekend so I wouldn't have to worry about it tonight, and now I have nothing to do. Well, not entirely true. I think I will start a new quilt today and finish up a purse I have been working on for ages. Or I will go into hibernation.

Phones

2008-01-27T15:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my father chose to install EIGHT phones in our house. The phone he picked is a real great model, 24 lines, a hold button, a transfer button, a conference button and an intercom button.

When he came in my room to install my phone I tried to resist it. I told him, "I don't ever talk on this phone! I barely talk on my cell phone, why would I want that? I don't have room for it on my desk! No, it can't go there, it won't fit!" I turned around to talk to Dawn and when I turned back around he had my new office equipped phone propped up on my printer.

I have now hidden the phone behind a picture frame, and as soon as they are connected I will be unplugging it and setting it in the hallway for his use.

Other locations of the phones: Laundry room, Bridger's room, Mom and Dad's room, Mom and Dad's Bathroom, Kitchen, Family Room (this one really gets me, it is literally in the same room as the kitchen phone) and the office. I am just waiting for the one to arrive for the garage, the entry way, the living room, the dining room, the stairway, the hallway, the pantry.

I think one phone in the kitchen would have been more than sufficient.

I am going to try harder than my hardest to NEVER answer the phone here.

Cozy, cozy

2008-01-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

I went to make my bed this morning and this is what I found:

How I am suppose to make my bed when this animal is looking this cute is beyond me. I refuse to disturb him.

Cold weather

2008-01-24T19:08:00.000-08:00

During the Summer months, I complain about the heat. I long for winter when I can finally be comfortable. This week I have decided that I am going to try my very hardest to never complain about being too hot again.

Winter does have its advantages:
-I can layer my clothing and look great
-I feel more immediate comfort when I come in from the cold into the heat
-I can drink hot chocolate

With these advantages come disadvantages:
-Driving in snow or on ice is dangerous and scares me
-When I walk outside for extended periods my nose and ears turn scarlet and my eyes water, ruining my mascara
-I have to wear long johns to stay comfortable
-Waiting for the bus in 5 degree weather is misery
-Cleaning the car off is also misery

Now if you count those, it looks like there are more cons than pros, which means that Summer wins over Winter.

I have one other thing I need to say. Shuttles at school are the absolute BEST thing there could be.

Last night I couldn't sleep because I had to take a test today and didn't quite know how to get to the testing center. Actually, I have two things to say.

First, I hate the idea of testing centers. What is wrong with administering the test in class? Why force me to use my time to take the test?

Okay, back to my lack of sleep due to my fears about the testing center. I looked at a map last night and the center seemed to be very far away from the rest of the campus. This infuriated me, as I have grown quite fond of being able to walk from class to class in a matter of seconds and never have to leave the outdoors.

So this morning I had a one hour break between classes and I decided I better try to get to the testing center. I walked out the back doors and low and behold there was a shuttle just waiting for me to get on. I just prayed that it would take me to the testing center.

A few moments later I was dropped off basically at the doors of the testing center. And after my ten minute test I walked outside to see the shuttle waiting for me again.

My point here is: Shuttles are a dream come true, take advantage of them, especially in this cold winter weather.

This cat has the BEST table manners

2008-01-18T09:18:00.001-08:00

I can't stop watching this.

Great find

2008-01-17T21:52:00.000-08:00

UVSC doesn't have tons to offer. The campus is bleak, the classrooms are bleak, most of the people there are quite bleak, the food selection is the bleakest thing around. But today as I was passing one of their 1,000 vending machines something caught my eye. In a machine full of garbage was a line of skim milk bottles. I couldn't believe my fortune. I love skim milk with all of my heart and a small bottle of it is hard to come by. I immediately fed the machine $1.25 and was very satisfied.

One other note, there is a boy in a few of my classes that is driving me crazy. He won't stop talking to me. At one point he asked if he could take a look at my iPod and made the comment that my music collection was "very eclectic." I was pissed and demanded the iPod back very soon thereafter. Today he was gushing about Garden State. He is in my intro to nursing class and keeps telling me he wishes nurses were still prostitutes, I don't know how to respond to that. Basically, he has earned himself the #1 spot on my Five People I Refuse To Tolerate List.

NOT OK

2008-01-14T20:37:00.000-08:00

Today in the tap class I teach one of the little girls was going wild. Not unusual, the average age in the class is four years old. I am sitting there trying to give them a talk about what is appropriate and what is not appropriate while they stand in line to wait their turn to do side-togethers across the floor and this monster bites another little girl. And it was just a nip, she drew blood, lots of blood. I was so angry. I made the offender feel so bad for what she did she began to cry, which I was totally fine with.

Don't send your kids my way unless they have manners. I don't want them.

Your thoughts

2008-01-13T15:55:00.001-08:00

Every year around this time I begin looking for a swimsuit. I don't know why, because I swim maybe once a year, but the idea of a good looking suit is intriguing. Last year I bought three. I returned two and kept one, I have no idea why because I know I will never wear it.

I haven't had a one-piece swimsuit in years. I have always felt that they look somewhat ridiculous. The last one I remember was blue and had shocking pink watermelons on it, I was maybe four or five.

The question here is: Is this a good looking one-piece? I can't decide. And since I am trying to limit my impulse buys this year I was hoping you could give me your thoughts. One-piece? Or two?

By the end of the weekend or so help me

2008-01-10T18:10:00.002-08:00

By Sunday at 9:00 PM I plan to have several thousand things finished, done and off my mind, and I can't wait.

Bosley recently went through paw surgery because he had a piece of rotting claw in his finger.

For the past two weeks I have been medicating him with Amoxicillin twice a day. It is a NIGHTMARE to give a cat medication. Especially bubble gum flavored medication. He has pink all over the fur around his lips because it is such a fight. The above picture is a gives you a great idea about what goes on. The white blur to the left is the cat taking flight at the very sight of the medicine.

So the good news here is that his stitches come out this weekend. So I won't have to stay up at night worrying about where he is and if he is trying to chew them out. One more traumatizing trip to the vet and we are finished with this ordeal.

I have three sewing projects that I insist on getting done.

This will turn into a bag for my mother. It has been waiting for ages.

This will turn into a quilt.

And then Monday bright and early I am taking this quilt along with another quilt to the post office to ship them to a lady named Paula who will quilt them.

Then I will turn some other fabric into a bag. I didn't feel like getting a picture, you don't care that much.

I have a bunch of new, exciting projects on the horizon and I can't wait to get them going.
For example, helping Bosley grow back that hair he is missing on his arm from a bandage he tore off. Counseling Bosley on the advantages he has over other cats--baths, vet visits, a warm home, cat treats. A new quilt or two. Some spring skirts, with all of this fabric http://purlsoho.com/purl/products/fabricdetail/1695. I can't wait.

WE ALL KNOW

2008-01-09T15:23:00.000-08:00

There is a girl in my chemistry class that I CANNOT HANDLE. She always is sitting behind, no matter where I sit.

Basically what she does is answer obvious questions really loud. Questions that are 100% common knowledge.

Examples include but are definitely not limited to:

Teacher: "....and then came the General Theory of Relativity from..."
Obnoxious Girl "Albert Einstein!"

Teacher: "And does anyone know where the English system of measurement came from? What is a foot anyway?" (There was a picture of a 12 inch ruler with a foot next to it on the screen)
Obnoxious Girl: "It is the size of an ancient foot. Oh and England!"

Teacher: "Well, how much is a foot?"
Obnoxious Girl: "12 inches"

Teacher: "How much is a yard anyway?"
Obnoxious Girl: "Three feet, or 36 inches."

WE ALL KNOW. I was extremely close to whipping my head around and letting her know that everyone knows. And if she continues this behavior I will be forced to tell her that unfortunately she is not a genius, and the teacher will never be impressed with her wealth of common knowledge.

Sweets

2008-01-08T20:21:00.000-08:00

During my long school days, I have very few choices for food. Either I eat meat that is called chicken covered in sauce that is called teriyaki, nachos or frozen pizza advertised as fresh. NO THANK YOU. So I turn to candy.

There are two types of candy that stave off my hunger for nine hours. Butter Rum Lifesavers and Orange Tic Tacs.

These are by far the best lifesaver, the best hard candy for that matter. I don't care what you say, butterscotch is a classy flavor. I can't get enough of it. And when I am sitting in a 75 minute class with a girl who can't stop talking about how pissed she is that Al Gore won "that award," that we have to watch "his stupid Inconvenient Truth," and that "global warming has been going on for years, a proven fact, but also global cooling! No one needs to worry about a thing!" Butter Rum Lifesavers keep me sane. They are an actual lifesaver, which I appreciate.

Orange Tic Tacs are what keep my stomach from growling continuously. I put about ten in my mouth each time I feel like I am going to die of starvation and my hunger is satiated. And when my head is about to explode I just pour a few in my mouth and feel fine again.

I will never spend $1.39 on rice covered in salty teriyaki again. I will just keep to my sweets. Type 2 Diabetes here I come.

Bus Riding

2008-01-06T21:57:00.000-08:00

I was fairly excited to go back to school. I was going to get on a great schedule, learn lots, get closer to graduating, and best of all-- ride the bus.

The moment I got to the bus stop on the first day of school I realized I had the wrong idea. There was a woman running in circles. A young man chatting with himself. And it was so bloody cold.

The bus ride itself wasn't that bad. My biggest complaint was that we had to keep getting off the freeway.

The ride home was one thousand times worse. I sat freezing at the bus stop for 45 minutes waiting (I could have driven home twice). By the time the bus finally did arrive (9 minutes late) I had an awful headache and an awful attitude. One of the passengers was literally Mr. Bean. I hate to even bring Mr. Bean into the picture, but this man was the living, walking version of Mr. Bean. He was constantly smiling, staring and grunted to communicate. I was terrified he was going to follow me home.

Then to top it all off, I got dropped off on the opposite side of the street than I wanted. So I had to walk all the way down to the crosswalk, and walk all the way back to my car.

Basically, I would rather pay for gas.Forget time for studying, reading or thinking, I much rather transport myself. However, I have convinced myself to ride the bus two of my four days of school. Tomorrow, I get to drive and I am THRILLED.