A new toy

So last week I got a new toy: an iPod touch. I've been wanting one of these and had been saving up since at least April. When apple released their new generation of iPods, I knew my time had come. I was going to get one at the BYU bookstore, but they took longer than I wanted to get the new iPod touches in. Oddly enough, they had all other new models in, just not the touches. So, I borrowed Liz and went to Best Buy. And it was fun. And shiner. And I got a case, so it stays shiny. Except basically all they had was pink. And my iPod is named Calcifer. And pink is no color fit for a fire demon. So I'm looking online for a cool orange or blue or orange and blue one. ( if anyone has any suggestions, it would be most appreciated) So that's the main news right now. And the fact that homework is killing me slowly and I am in fact sick. Whoops. (yes, I did type this whole thong on my iPod. I need the practice. ;) )

I'm here. Maybe.

So, I've been meaning to blog all week. But, school started, and with it came a giant pile of homework. :D To recap my week:

Monday school started. Yay? It's exciting, but I have lots of math homework. Due every day. I hope I don't die. My Computer Science classes sound fun. I'm excited to learn more Java.

Tuesday the concert was "postponed". Also, I bought a guitar. A nice, expensive guitar. A post will follow. Sometime this semester. :D

Wednesday I got to play the guitar. And learn 2 cords. That I've been trying to practice. That I've been killing my fingers on. I hope callesus form soon! Also, more math. Like, 3 hours of it.

Thursday was long. I got up at 4 (like usual) and wasn't able to get to bed until past 11. Yikes! But, my computer animation class is worth it. I made a snowman! Woot!

Friday I about died. But, I didn't. And it was fun. I did more math. And hung out with a friend of my roommate (as well as my roommate). Then tried to go to bed early. And failed.

Today I had a nice breakfast, cooked mainly by my most awesome roommate. I helped a little, and did the dishes. :D Also, I'm supposed to be doing more math. But, my brain is dying and not understanding some of this. So, I'm blogging instead.

Mondays a holiday, which means no work! Or school! Hanging out with family, and some of my roommates family.

Maybe one day I'll get around to posting about my trip to New York (upstate, not the city), but don't hold your breath. Because if this week is any indication, I will be doing math almost everyday for the next 3 months. Really. Like, 2 hours at least. Every day. Except Sunday.

But, I have a guitar! And a awesome roommate! And cookie dough! And that makes everything happy. :D

desperate

So, I've not posted for a while. Yeah, I went on vacation, etc. It's been fun. I'll tell you all about that later. With pictures. If Liz reminds me. :D

What I have is a problem. You see, about 3 months ago, I voiced a desire to go see Dave Matthews Band live in Salt Lake City. Completely out of the blue, my sister-in-law bought me two tickets. I figured I could either take a guy-friend, or my best friend.

Well, the concert is Tuesday. And both my friends are busy. Another friend is in Florida. I don't want to waste these tickets, but I really don't want to go by myself.

So the question is: Who wants to go with me?

spuds. that rock.

friday?

1. When will my prince come?

2. The Diamond Throne by David Eddings was the last good book I read!!

3. Everything has its beauty but sometimes it's hard to find.

4. I don't even remember is what I had for dinner last night!

5. I'd like your advice, but i don't know how to ask for it.

6. New York is where I want to be right now.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to a family reunion, tomorrow my plans include a birthday party for my sister and Sunday, I want to go to church!

now I know my abc's....

So, I was tagged. I like being tagged. Yay!

A - Age: 21. and a half. or so. :D B - Bed size: Um, Single? Something smaller than I like to have. C - Chore you hate: I've learned to have Vacuuming with a passion. Thank you, early morning janitorial job. D - Dogs' name: Don't have a dog. Don't really want one. Will one day if my husband really wants one. If I can have a cat. E - Essential start your day item: Shower. That's all I ask. 5 minutes. F - Favorite color: Right now...Green. G - Gold or Silver: Silver or even white gold... H - Height: 5'1". I'm short! :D I - Instrument(s) you play: Violin. Can sort of play piano if I sit down and plunk. Will be taking guitar lessons in 3 weeks. J - Job titles: Um, here are the ones I remember: Deli Worker. Custodian. Wait Staff. (so glamourous, I know) K - Kids: None. One day, hopefully. L - Living arrangements: My best friend will be moving in with me in 3 weeks. Or so. M - Mom's name: Marjorie. N - Nicknames: Shorty. Supershorty. M&M. Yellow M&M. O - Office: I don't have one.... R - Right or left handed: Right. S - Siblings: 4 brothers and 4 sisters. T - Time you wake up: about 4 am Monday through Friday. Sleep in as long as I dare (until about 10) Saturdays and Sundays. U- Underwear: Always. V - Vegetable you dislike: Trying to think here....I guess I don't really like green beans. I can tolerate them though. W - Ways you run late: I hate being late. So I try to be early everywhere. X - X-rays you've had done: Teeth. Wrist. Y -Yummy food you make: These potato logs I cooked today. I should post the recipie one day. Z - Zoo favorite: Haven't been to the zoo in a year, loved the Okapis and White Alligator at the Houston Zoo.

I tag people wearing blue. :D

august friday

1. Sleeping and reading are my favorite summertime activity. 2. My favorite John Hughes movies is ?? who the heck is John Hughes?? 3. Grass is something I love to touch. 4. The full moon is always amazing. 5. I don't feel so good right now. 6. When daylight fades it's past my bedtime. 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to um, cleanind?, tomorrow my plans include hopefully hanging out with friends and Sunday, I want to sleep in!

Vacation, pt 1

So, I went on vacation. One month ago. Approximately. I went with my mom, granddad, and Sylvia. Granddad and Sylvia are from England, so they wanted to do some touring they invited me to go along, since I didn't get into the Wales study abroad (actually, he never emailed me either way, but I sort of doubt that I made it - since they've been gone a month now. Not that I'm bitter or anything.)

Anyway, I took 611 pictures. As much as I'd love to post them all here, I can't. I can't even put them all on facebook. So, you'll get some. I won't put captions under all of them, but I'll try to explain most things. And yes, there will be more than one post. I was gone 3 weeks, I can't do that all in one post.

My mom hit a sagebrush on our way down to Moab, our first day. To be honest, it was flying across the highway. Wasn't really my moms fault. :D I just love my moms expression. I love you, mom! Granddad and Sylvia in Arches National Park. Aren't they cute? Balancing Rock. Then we went to Mesa Verde, cliff dwellings in Colorado. The view was pretty spectacular. A cool tree. Flowers!

my life according to coldplay

So, I guess this is going around facebook, maybe? I found it and thought it was kind of fun. [edit] I guess I forgot to explain the rules. Whoops. So, you choose a band, and then you answer all the questions using song titles from the band, with no repeats. Which is why some of my answers are really weird. Actually, that's why all of them are kind of weird. :D [/edit] I chose the band I have the most music of, which is not necessarily my very favorite band.

Pick Your Artist: Coldplay

Are you a male or female: Yes

Describe yourself: Trouble

How do you feel: We Never Change

Describe where you currently live: Lovers In Japan

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Postcards From Far Away

Your favorite form of transportation: Strawberry Swing

Your best friend is: The Scientist

You and your best friends are: Spies

What's the weather like: Rainy Day

What's your favorite time: White Shadows

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called: Don't Panic

What is life to you: Life?

Your last relationship: Talk

Your fear: Swallowed in The Sea

What is the best advice you have to give: Death Will Never Conquer

Thought for the Day: Everything's Not Lost

How I would like to die: Sparks

My soul's present condition: 42

My motto: Now My Feet Won't Touch The Ground

Daily Gratitudes (yeah, I really want to do this. I just keep forgetting. Whoops):

1- Having a canyon 10 minutes away to spend the evening

2- Family to go up the canyon with

3- Cameras to capture memories

4- My iPod playing exactly what I need

5- My job

Last one of July!

1. It's time for school soon! 2. My bedroom; it's not a bad place for sleeping! 3. I must be myself at all times. 4. Family is the best thing I have ever known. 5. My family is simply wonderful. 6. The last time I laughed really loudly was yesterday. 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going up the canyon with family, tomorrow my plans include a birthday party for my niece and Sunday, I want to spend time with family!

friday

1. Right now is not the end of the world.

2. Sitting here, listening to the sound of rain falling, I think of you.

3. Chocolate tastes so good!

4. Sometimes, putting others first is overdone.

5. Life is breathtaking, really.

6. Well, maybe there is something here afterall.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to celebrating the 24th, tomorrow my plans include who knows what and Sunday, I want to relax!

extending my vacation

I was supposed to go home today. I'd be home right now, in fact. But, I choose a different route. Something fun.

We met my sister in Beaver. Toured Cove Fort together. Then, I decided to go home with her (to Richfield) instead of going home. So, here I am.

I'll get home Saturday. Or Sunday. I don't actually know when we're going back. Except I do have to go back to work Monday. Probably. This is why I didn't give them a specific date to come back. :D

I don't have my cord with me, so I can't do photos until next week. Oh well, I probably won't post that many anyway.

Have Fun!

sleep

My body makes no sense when it comes to sleep. I've tried to figure it out, really. But, no matter what I think is going to work, it ends up still leaving my tired, which is not happy. Oh, after my shower I'm up and going, and not grouchy, but I hate getting out of bed when I know I could just roll over and fall back asleep in minutes. Less than that, even.

This all started a few months ago. School had gotten out, but I still kept my early morning custodial job. I tried going to bed at 8, but as the days got longer and longer, it never seemed to work. Even if I went to bed at 8, I'd have my computer up and still wouldn't make it to bed until 9:30 or 10. And then, wake up at 4. Some nights I'd be up later, talking to family and friends. And then on the weekends I'd be up until midnight (or later) but get to sleep in. I'm sure this all threw my body totally off wack.

Then, I go on vacation. I kept telling myself that once I went on vacation, everything would get better. I'd have constant sleep, 8 or more hours a night, and I'd finally feel rested. Well, kink number one: Someone in the room snores. I'm not going to name any names, but they snore, loudly. Like, it wakes me up at least once a night. Kink number two: even if I do get 8 or 9 or 11 hours of real sleep, I still wake up exhausted. Like, I could really sleep for another few hours. Which makes no sense to me.

Let me throw in a little story here: once upon a time, it was Friday night. I had gotten 4 hours of sleep the night before (with a 1 hour nap), had worked nearly 12 hours (not straight, but bad enough) and had decided to not set my alarm, but to sleep until I woke up. I ended up sleeping over 12 hours, and my mom had to wake me up, saying I had to be to work in 30 minutes. Now, I'm always afraid to sleep without an alarm set, or someone to wake me up. I can't chance missing the whole day again.

Anyway, the thing is: I don't get it. I'm as tired with 8 or more hours of sleep as I am with only 5 or 6 hours of sleep. If I was getting too much, I'd assume that my body would automatically wake me up. But, it doesn't do that. It hasn't in years. Maybe I'm so sleep deprived, that I'm past hope? I really don't understand. Maybe when I'm back in my own bed, and I can really sleep with no distractions, maybe then I'll be better.

Or maybe I'm just fooling myself.

friday fill-in, from Vegas!

I'm in Vegas, but I have high speed, wireless internet, so I'm going to do this. I mean, it's Vegas!

1. Baked potatoes and steamed peas make a quick and easy dinner. (every Sunday, at least)

2. I finished my book two days ago, so I'm not reading one, is the book I'm reading right now.

3. July brings back memories of hot weather, family, and lots of work.

4. Vegas is expensive, this fact was obvious.

5. They say if you tell your dreams they don't come true.

6. I usually take time to think it over.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging out in Vegas, tomorrow my plans include going to St. George and Sunday, I want to um, drive around Utah? I'm not sure what's on the agenda for Sunday...

HI!

So, I have internet. And not just any internet. Wireless internet, that apparently works best on Windows XP. I don't have Windows XP, and yet it works just fine on my computer....I wonder how it could be any better if I was on Windows XP?

Anyway, I didn't really pay much attention to the hotel book, other than to see that yes, it did have wireless internet. And there wasn't a password needed (Although these things always worry me, why not have a password? Can you not figure it out? You can always hire me to figure it out for you!), so I got online very well. In fact, I've been online an astonishing amount this vacation. Just not regularly, and I don't want to post too much about this trip until I have pictures, and I left my cord at home. Thankfully, I have a 4 gb card in my camera, so that should last me until Monday. Hopefully. :D

Anyway, I am having fun. It's been a bit rushed in my opinion - a park a day + about 100 miles of driving a day != (does not equal) the best vacation ever. Add to that snoring and me not getting the best nights sleep, (which leads to me sleeping in the car - never a good idea for me) and you have a almost grumpy me, who feels bad, since I'm supposed to be having fun on vacation! Oh well. I have about another week after I get back until I have to go back to work for BYU, so maybe those days will be full of sleep. And maybe pigs will fly, too. :D

hello, goodbye

Well, this past week has been interesting. Lots of family. Some friends. Last big week of work.

Today I turn in my Macey's uniform. For my second, and hopefully last, time. I'm really ready to be done. I think. To be honest, I will miss it. Parts of it at least. But, that part of my life is over. I will miss everyone I worked with. Good thing I'm friends with most of them on Facebook!

Tomorrow I'm going on a trip. For about two weeks. I'll be touring down south (well, southern utah, grand canyon, Las Vegas, etc) with my mom, granddad, and his friend. It will be lots of fun. But, I'm going to try to be away from my computer as much as possible. So, I probably won't blog. Not that I've been blogging much lately, anyway. Whoops. But, when I get back there will be pictures. And stories. Yay!

Daily Gratitudes:

1. My family. I'm so sad to see them all leave, but at least I'm leaving, too.

2. Friends. They cheer me up when I'm feeling most down.

3. Money to buy a plane ticket to visit Liz, who lives in New York. That's right, I'm going to upstate New York. Yay!

4. Technology. It makes talking to and seeing friends and family so much easier.

5. No longer working at Macey's. It was a fun job, but so very stressful.

Last friday post for a while. I think

So, I'm going on vacation next week. I still can't believe it's so close. Tomorrow's my last day at Macey's, monday's my last day at BYU custodial (for 3 weeks). I'm not sure how much I'll have internet or even want to be online during my trip. I'll try to post plenty of photos when I get back, though!

1. When I heard that I was going on a road trip, I wasn't as excited as I am now. 2. Laughter and great friends are the best medicine. 3. It's late, but at least I'm awake before noon.

4. I try to smile always.

5. My eyes have seen quite a bit, and yet not enough.

6. I can't figure out what to put before strongly.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to my last friday night at Macey's, tomorrow my plans include going to the 4th of July Parade with my granddad and celebrating my last day at Macey's and Sunday, I want to bask in the family festivities surrounding my nephews blessing!

Love

Wait, no, that one also loses. How about a nice game of chess?

meme

Apparently this is a meme for grown ups. Since I consider myself mostly a grown up, I decided I'd mostly do this. You can do it, too. If you feel like it.

1. What bill do you hate paying the most? About the only bill I pay right now is texting on my cell phone. And that's entirely my choice.

2. Do you miss being a child?

Yes. Especially days like today.

3. Chore you hate the most?

I'm learning to hate vacuuming, mainly due to my custodial job.

4. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner? I've never had a romantic dinner.

5. If you could go back and change one thing what would it be? To give myself more self-esteem.

6. Name of your first grade teacher? I don't remember, sadly enough...

7. What do you really want to be doing right now?

Want to be doing? Spending time with friends. Should be doing? Sleeping.

8. What did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be an author. I figured it would be easy, since I love to read so much. Little did I know...

9. How many colleges did you attend? Technically? Two.

10. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now?

It was 4 am and I wanted something simple.

11. What are your thoughts on gas prices?

I don't own a car... so I try not to think about it. Other than I've noticed they're going up again.

12. First thought when the alarm went off this morning? “So soon?”

13. Last thought before going to sleep last night? “I wish I could get to sleep quicker.”

14. What famous people would you like to have dinner with? Um, I have no idea. Really.

15. Have you ever crashed your vehicle? Nope. I've been in the car when it's crashed, but never when I'm driving. Except that one crazy dream.

16. If you didn’t have to work, would you volunteer? Probably. I'd have to come up with something to do with my time.

17. Get up early or sleep in? Sleep in all the way. I really hate getting up early.

18. What is your favorite cartoon character? Um… don’t have one.

19. Favorite thing to do at night? Twitter, facebook, sleep, text a friend.

20. When did you first start feeling old? I don't really feel old. But maybe 20 I started feeling weird about my age.

21. Favorite lunch meat? Don't really have sandwiches that much. But one of my favorite meats at the deli is Kretchmar Buffalo Style Chicken Breast. So good. Except don't ever order it, since it is a very messy meat to slice. :)

22. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart? An exercise in self-control.

23. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual? Nope.

24. A favorite movie you wouldn’t want anyone to find out about? Maybe Shawshank Redemption.

25. What’s your favorite drink? I'm a big fan of water right now. Maybe lemonade.

26. Whom from high school would you like to run in to? No one.

27. What radio station is your car radio tuned to right now? I don’t own a car, but it would be turned to either 99.5 or 101.9, depending on which one had no ads last.

28. Sopranos or Desperate Housewives? Neither.

29. Worst relationship mistake that you wish you could take back? My first (and only) kiss.

30. Do you like the person who sits directly across from you at work? I don't sit down on my jobs, unless I'm on a break. And if I'm taking my break with someone, then yes, I like them.

31. Have you ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purposes? Nope.

32. Last book you finished reading? Don't remember it's name. Borrowed it from my sister while she was here.

33. Do you have a teddy bear? Yes. Several, in fact.

34. Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth? No idea.

35. Do you go to church? Every Sunday.

36. How old are you? 21.

37. Have you ever been arrested? No.

38. Have you ever attended a public protest against a major corporation or a government? Nope.

39. Do you feel that your type of employment traps you or liberates you?

Traps. Which is why I'm quitting Macey's (16 days left!).

40. Is voting a duty, a privilege, a right, or an option?

A duty and a privilege.

41. Have you ever sat on a jury? Almost. But it was cancelled.

42. Have you ever seen someone die? Yes. A few, actually.

43. Are you making any preparations for old age or for retirement? Not yet!

44. Do you have children? Or, if not, do you wish to? No, and yes.

45. Have you ever served in your country’s armed forces? No.

46. How is your relationship with your parents different from what it was when you were a child? I want to be more independent. I'm not sure my parents see me as a grown-up yet (but I don't really, either). It's more complicated now, that's for sure.

47. Have you ever had a substantial conversation with a homeless person? No.

48. If life is “a journey”, then where are you going? Crazy. Or just to see what's at the end of the road.

where I don't want to sleep

I stole this from a blog that I read. I just don't want to sleep right now.

*1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?* From the bible. :)

*2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED*

Today, actually. *3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? * Yep.

*5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?**

Nope. One day though. I have to get married first, though.

*6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?

Maybe.

*7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT*

Yeah. It's my second language or something.

*8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?*

Yep.

*9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?*

Never.

*10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?*

I haven't had much cereal lately.

*11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?*

Yeah.

*12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?*

Noo.

*13. FAVORITE **ICE CREAM**?*

Um, I actually recently found out I'm lactose intolerant. So I've been avoiding ice cream. Maybe one day I'll have it again.

*14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?*

Their eyes.

*15. RED OR PINK?*

Red

*16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?*

My insecurities.

*17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST*

Not sure.

*19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?*

I’m barefoot

*20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?*

A double chocolate chip cookie that I made myself.

*21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?*

Music. ;)

*22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?*

Green.

*23. FAVORITE SMELLS?*

Rain. Fresh cut grass. Some people.

*24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?*

My dad's cousin.

*26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?*

I'm not into sports.

*27. Hair Color?*

Brown, currently with light brown highlights.

*28. EYE COLOR?*

Brown.

**29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?**

Most days. I'm trying to get back into it.

*30. FAVORITE FOOD?*

No idea.

*31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?*

Happy

*32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?*

The end of Hook, the beginning of What About Bob.

*33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?**

White. With black letters.

*34. SUMMER OR WINTER?*

Summer all the way.

*35. HUGS OR KISSES?*

Hugs

* 36. FAVORITE DESSERT?*

Chocolate anything.

*39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?*

I’m in between books at the moment. No time!!!!

*40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?*

I am mouse-less. Laptop FTW!

*41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST Night? *

I never watch TV anymore. No time.

*42. FAVORITE SOUND?*

Music. My family's voices.

*43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?*

Neither.

*44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?*

England.

*45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?*

Not that I'm aware of.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?*

Provo, Utah.

Daily Gratitudes:

1- My family. Even though some of them are leaving tomorrow, I'm grateful for the time I've been able to spend with them.

2- Sleep. When I do convince myself to get it, it's great.

3- Work. I have 2 jobs that pay okay. At least I can afford collage without debt.

4- Friends who care.

5- Music that matches my mood.