The Old Adventures of the New Linda

Mad For No Reason

2009-09-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

I'm not one to get upset easily but here are a few things that I know I have no reason to get mad but kinda do:

1. There are 3 stalls in the bathroom at work and I always use the furthest left b/c it's the biggest and most discreet. Plus no one can see my feet. It bothers me when people can. I find it really rude and illogical when someone chooses the stall next to me. Logically if there are 3 stalls and the furthest left is used then you go for the furthest right. Only when the 3rd person comes can they use the middle stall. Sometimes I want to tell the person to move one stall over but I know it's ridiculous so I just stare at their shoe in resentment.

2. When people put their Facebook/Myspace on private so I can't stalk them (even though I have everything on private myself).

3. When people won't let me cut in line while I'm driving. I may not have the right of way and I won't let people in myself but I really think it's rude for them to not let me ease in.

4. People who still write checks when they pay. Then if they insist on doing that, I really don't like it when they don't prefill the information. It's not like they don't already know the date, store and their signature. The only thing that changes is the price.

5. People who don't clear the microwave timer esp when there's only a few seconds left.

6. When the car garage door is locked.

7. Fancy hair and no make up.

8. When people walk slowly across the street. I think people should have the fear of being run down and start running. It's very pretentious of them to think that I would really not hit them.

9. Long closing prayers.

10. People who tell me that the word "hate" is a bad word. It just expresses how I feel about something. It doesn't have to mean something really bad.

I'm really not a negative person.

A Few Reasons to Love Summer

2009-07-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

Warm summer days means Music Under the Stars at the Botanical Gardens. We also got free tickets to watch My Sister's Keeper. Score!

Summer+water+friends= tons of fun.

Kieri's artistic feet shot. I love it.

This was the most efficient 4th of July fireworks watching ever. We got there just in time to watch fireworks and left. No long lines, waiting in the hot sun, waiting for the show to begin. Everyone else was exploring the lake but I was happy to just enjoy the summer wind.

Catching up

2009-06-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

I had misplaced my camera's battery charger so I haven't been able to take pictures thus not being able to blog about it. So I will just give updates on my life thus far:

- Completed my first triathlon. I did better than I thought I would but there is PLENTY of room to improve. Next one is on Labor Day.

-Went to visit the family in Phoenix for my baby brother's HS graduation. How can he be this grown up already? I still think he's 10. I was a proud older sister.

- Went to Chicago for the first time. Great place, food, buildings, etc. but I can never live there. It's just too crowded and dirty. I liked it a lot though. I did get to see Obama's house, eat a hot dog off the street, eat a real Chicago deep dish pizza, ran on Lake Shore Park (which is so pretty cause you're along side the lake with the heart of the city as your background), and a bunch of other cool things with my good friend Kelly Kitchen.

-Ran a full and half marathon relay (did better than I thought on one but worse on another)

-Slept at the airport b/c I missed my flight

-Camped at Canyon Lake which has restore my faith that outside of California, you can still find cool bodies of water.

-Floated the river a few times

I am going to enjoy this summer the best I can. I want the rest of my 20's to be amazing. I don't have much to complain but as I get older I also realize how precious this time in my life is and I can never get it back once it's over. I wouldn't go back to being younger for anything and am going to really just enjoy life.

-

Live Long and Prosper

2009-05-09T23:32:00.000-07:00

You know what is going to be the best movie of the summer? Star Trek baby. I never have been a Trekkie but this movie rocks and I don't say that about a lot of movies, especially action ones. It had humor, a storyline (sorry Wolverine), history, cool special effects (again sorry Wolverine), eye candy and just overall coolness. This is my new obsession. I'm going to google all sorts of history on Star Trek. But what is so very cool about this movie is that you could have never seen or heard of the series and still totally love it. All I have to say is go see the movie. This is the trailer that got me super hooked when I first saw it a few months back. And honestly, I don't like most trailers that I see. Go get your tickets now.

My Fellow Stocktonians

2009-05-05T20:26:00.000-07:00

This made me nostalgic and think of a time far far away in a ghetto land called Stockton. I can't imagine ever moving back but it's always home. If you understand the following then you can proudly (or shamefully) call yourself a true Stocktonian.

1) You get offended/defensive when people assume that Stockton is a small town in the middle of nowhere.

-Yea we are not a cow town. That's Stanislaus.

2) "March" is not just a month of the year.

3) You try to avoid Sherwood Mall unless
a. You are going to Macy's - I worked there.
b. It is completely necessary...Which in most cases, it is not.

4) Some of your best/worst middle school days were spent at Lincoln Center Live.
- I thought it was so cool to eat 3 dollar bagels from Noah's Bagel there.

5) You're tired of seeing snobby moms at Lincoln Center Live.
-Yeah but I wanted to be one of those snobby people

6) You can't count the number of times you've been to Discovery Zone [may it rest in peace] and you refer to it as "DZ".

-DZ was the new Chuck E Cheese man. And the roller slide was the best

7) You get excited when you meet other students from Stockton and think, 'FINALLY, someone understands!'

-Instant bond

8) You've gone bowling. A lot. For too many birthdays. It's not that fun.

9) Non-Stocktonians don't understand why you're so gangster. There are just some things you can't explain...
-That's why Im the YANGSTER
10) You've seen enough Escalades and rims to last you a lifetime.

11) You've been to/been in the Delta.
-It smells

12) You got excited for the new Target to open on 8 Mile and you drive out there because you think it is better than the old one...but they're exactly the same.

-It's the only reason that I ventured to that haunted 8 Mile Road.

13) College is too difficult or you are homesick and you wonder why you didn't apply/go to UOP.

-Honestly I think that now

14) You wonder what UOP students do for fun outside of school.
-Never would have guessed Stockton was a college town
15) It's 110 degrees outside and you learn to deal with it.
-Until you live in AZ then you know what the heat is

16) 95.1, 93.1, and 97.7 are programed in your radio.

-97.7 is so ghetto but when in Rome...

17) You and your friends go to Java when there is nothing else to do and you end up staying for hours because you run into random friends.

-Man those were some of my best memories drinking the same smoothie for 4 hours

18) You've almost been or have been late to school because of the fog in the winter.

-I'm still so scared of driving in fog to this day

19) You've been to Delta College on [too] many different occasions such as for elementary school field trips, the SATs, extra credit plays, summer school, regular school...

-Can't even comment on this

20) People ask you what you do for fun in Stockton and you're at a loss for words because you can't think of anything significant.

21) No matter how bad you want it, Stockton is not part of The Bay. Get over it.

-LOL guilty of that. But it just makes us sound so much cooler

22) You know that there has to be a back road to get from Point A to Point B.

23) You see way too many emo people wherever you go. Come on, people! Mix it up a bit!

24) The downtown movie theater opening was the best thing since sliced bread.

-It actually made it become a real downtown

25) Taking a field trip to Golfland was pretty much the most exciting place to go for a field trip.

26) You were super depressed when Golfland closed.
-*tear* I didn't even know it closed down. Another place of memories

27) You've been stuck in traffic on Swain one too many times.
-Dang those stop signs and elementary schools

28) The Asparagus festival is the biggest event of the year.

-I am so sad to confess that I never went. I took it for granted and now live with regret

29) You've been to Hammer Skate too many times and although you laughed a little when you found out it was closing, you later realized that you would never again skate in that rink or buy gifts from that gift shop.

-Another place that saddens me it closed. So many memories and bruises and I actually won during the games they played

30) The word "legit" is part of your vocabulary.

31) You used to Trick-or-Treat in the big gates of Brookside because you thought they'd give king sized candy.
-Yeah but they were shisty

32) If all plans fail, you can always have a bonfire.

33) You never went to Krispy Kreme and you can understand why it would have to close down.

34) You considered a day trip to Manteca Waterslides to be fun times.
-Manteca Waterslides rocked

35) You know you're from Stockton if you ever got a haircut at Sir Gauuan's.
-I thought I was so chic paying for my 25 dollar hair cut

36) You don't dare travel down Wilson Way or around the fairgrounds past 8 at night and try

to avoid this area as much as possible during any part of the day.

Let's just say that with the amount of cop cars there you'd have thought it was the police station

37) You go to the Baskin Robbins on Swain and Pacific because that's the 'best' one, even if the line is out the door.

-I used to get free blueberry freezes all the time AND I wanted to work there so bad but they had a million interviews so I said screw that

38) You refer to it as the 2-0-9 or the Dub Nine.
-HOLLAR!!

39) You went to Philip's Farm every year until you were 10 and you took pictures with the Raggedy Anne and Andy cutouts every time.

40) You've been to Tepa Taqueria too many times to count.

41) You remember when the Stockton Royal was actually open for cheap and classic movies.
-Yeah it was like a buck, it was ghetto but hey it was a buck

2) You know that the biggest hill in Stockton is the Feather River bridge.

43) You can name all the exits off of I-5 until 8 Mile.

44) You call speed bumps 'undulations' and no one knows what you're talking about...Then you realize it's just a fancy name Brookside made up for them.
-Dang Brookside and their gated communities. FYI you're still in Stockton, even if you think it's its own city

45) You flip out when you hit one red or yellow light on Pacific because you know that hitting one red light means that they'll ALL BE RED.

46) You crave Yen Du.

-It's all about the cheap Chinese food at Food 4 Less grocery

47) You call it "Five" or "I-5". Regardless, it has never been, is not, and NEVER will be "The Five."
-No one gets it outside of Cali

48) You get really excited for a new business or restaurant to open, only to realize that two weeks later it has become just as ghetto as every other place in town.
-True that

49) You know what the Pershing bumps are.

50) You go down Hammer Lane and still do 55 when the new speed limit says 40.
- Yeah after the 10+ year construction

51) People say, "Yeah, I know Stockton, My *insert random relative* ALMOST went to UOP."

52) You learned to drive in the Delta parking lot on a Sunday.

53) You thought you'd never afford a meal at Le Bistro.

-LOL how little I knew

54) You go away to college and tell your friends you're so excited to go home for the Asparagus Festival and they say, "There's a festival for a vegetable?"

55) People ask where it is you respond that it's the Foreclosure Capital of America and then promptly wonder why you would share such negative information.

56) You tell people you're "30 min from where the whole Scott Peterson - Modesto thing happened."

-That's my claim to fame. And we can't forget the Chandra Levy/Congressman Gary Condit murder investigation

57) You got your senior picture taken by Fritz Chin.
-It was mandatory for schools to do that

58) You are not really phased by the "bad" part of any city you've ever visited.
-I always thought all cities were ghetto until I moved away and realized it was just Stockton

59) You've waited in line to drive down Lincoln so you could look at Christmas lights.
-Where Spano lives and see what his family did that year

60) You actually know who Benjamin Holt is and why he's important.

-He made farming easier and no we are still not a cow town

And that my friend, is my childhood, teens, and young adulthood in a nutshell.

I'm Baaaaaccccckkkkkk!!!!!

2009-05-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a crazy long time since I've blogged. I hate to blame it on being busy crazy busy but it's the truth. I work upwards of 60 hours a week and had to give up Internet time. So here's a run down of my life so far:

The new love of my life. I highly recommend the iPhone to everyone because it does EVERYTHING. It's convenient and saves so much time. Honestly there is an application for anything you might ever want to know about.

For some insane reason I decided to actually sign up for a triathlon. It's one of those things we all talk about but never really do. Well thanks to my triathlon friends encouraging me, I'm really going to do it. I'm not worried about time, just finishing. Training has taken up all my free time, hence not being able to blog so blame them for believing in me.

So even though I'm working crazy hours, my schedule is a lot more set so I can finally take little vacations. I'm going to be in Phoenix and Chicago this month. Super excited since I've never been to the Windy City. I plan on eating hot dogs on the street and a real Chicago deep dish pizza. Yummy.

Yes, These Made Me Cry

2009-03-11T17:24:00.000-07:00

The Unthinkable

2009-02-27T23:28:00.000-08:00

I have never voted in any of these reality contest shows but my love for Beat Freaks is to profound. I texed 1 to 2244 about 5 times. I encourage everyone to do the same. This is bigger than Obama/McCain, Bush/Gore, to be or not to be. It's girls vs guys Quest Crew. They did do a good job on the last show but it's about all over showmanship. Voting goes on until Thursday March 5th 1:00 AM E.T. or on MTV.com. Good Luck!

Kittens Inspired by Kittens

2009-02-25T16:58:00.000-08:00

This is the cutest little girl. It just cracks me up.

Rekindled Love

2009-02-21T00:55:00.000-08:00

Thanks Chrissy for reminding me how good America's Best Dance Crew is. I respect and admire all these amazing crews who are so creative and dedicated to expressing themselves through dance. I love how diverse they are and believe in staying true to themselves. These are my favorites in order:

Beat Freaks are my absolute FAV!!They should totally win. They are an all girl group who can throw DOWN on breaking. It's hard enough to do so when a group of girls can show that kind of athleticism is very empowering. It's also cool that they don't have to dance "sexy" to own it.I've loved everything they've done. Notice at the end when the girl spins that she puts on her shades. How cool is that?

Jabbawockeez had great theatrics. From the masks to their stunts to their moves, they always play up the audience. They deserved their win.

Episode 5 - JabbaWockeez in America's Best Dance Crew - Watch more funny videos here

Kabba Modern has the best technical hand movements. This is probably my favorite one b/c it equally showcases the guy/girl dynamic.

Fanny Pack was so unique with their 80's flare but they had such good choreography. I like how creative they are. This is just a clip of their greatness.

Can You Pass the Facebook Challenge?

2009-02-16T02:23:00.001-08:00

I found this on my good friend Bex's page and I'm ashamed to admit that I'm NOT ashamed to be Facebook obsessed. I'm not as bad as I used to be but it passes the time. I really like outlets like Facebook and Myspace simply because I love to know what's going on with people without having to talk to them. Honestly I'm really not social as much as I am nosy. I like Facebook because it allows me to channel my curiousity without the hassel of small talk. Let's see how you fare:

10 warning signs that you may be addicted to Facebook
1. Facebook is your home page.

(I've thought about it but have settled on GOOGLE because I can do a lot more "curious" researching)
2. You update your status more than twice a day.

(It keeps you on the news feed rotation)
3. You have over 500 "friends" half of whom you've never actually met.

(My rule is that I have to have met them once.... or b/c I'm the Institute liason.Current friends: 489)
4. As soon as you step away from your computer you're on FB on your phone.

(Carlo and Woody have banned me from their IPhone)
5. You are a FB stalker. You qualify as a FB stalker if you

(My mott:Don't put your biz-naaz out there if you don't want people to access it)
a) click on someones profile more than once a day even if they haven't messaged or tagged you in a photo.
b) have dragged and dropped more than 3 FB photos (not from your own profile)
c) actually go to a place mentioned on someone's page in hopes of seeing them in real life...creepy!

(I've never done this BUT I do check if people clicked "attending" on events to decide if I want to go or not)
6. You change your profile picture more than a 12-year=old girl.

(I love pictures of myself. What can I say?)
7. You have checked your FB page while reading this article.

(It's always pulled up just in case)
8. You clean up your "wall" so it looks like you spend less time on FB.

(ehhh I don't care)
9. You are a member of more than 10 groups and respond to every event invitation "attending" even if you have no intention of going.

(Actually I believe clicking "attending" is a form of commitment so I rarely do it. I hate when people do it and don't show up)
10. You change your relationship status just to mess with people.

(OK once as a joke but I didn't realize how seriously people took it. The few other times were changed by friends who hacked my account as a joke. I had to send out a few weird apologies to guys so they wouldn't think I was a weirdo. Thanks Woody and Sara.)

And in case Chrissy is reading this, yes I am doing this at 4 AM. You always notice my time blogs.I need help.

Linger

2009-02-11T17:49:00.000-08:00

Chrissy, Zach, and Chloe I'm taking this from you guys cause it's cute. My playlist was from my "Memories" collection so the songs will be old school. I've been in a nastolgic mood lately.

Here are the rules:

1. Put your music library on shuffle.

2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.

3. You must write that song title as the answer to the question, no matter how silly it sounds! Most of the time they seem to work though, strangely enough.

4. Ok, go!

1) IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OK?" YOU SAY?

Please Don't Go Girl- New Kids on the Block

2) WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?

Its the Hardest thing - 98 Degrees

3) WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?

On Bended Knee- Boys II Men

4) HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?

Iris- Goo Goo Dolls

5) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?

Steal My Sunshine- Len

6) WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?

She Drives Me Crazy- Fine Young Cannibals

7) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?

If We Hold it Together- Dianna Ross from The Land Before Time I Movie

8) WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?

Foolish Games- Jewel

9) WHAT IS 2+2?

If You Don't Know Me by Now- Simply Red

10) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?

If it Makes You Happy- Sheryl Crow

11) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

A Whole New World- Alladin Soundtrack

12) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?

Opposites Attract- Paula Abdul

13) WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

Take a Bow- Madonna

14) WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Tonight I Celebrate my Love- Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack

15) WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?

Africa- Toto

16) WHAT SONG WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR WEDDING?

Water Runs Dry- Boys II Men

17) WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?

Someone to Love- Jon B featuring BabyFace
(This would make me happy)

18) WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?

All Out of Love- Air Supply
(kinda sad)

19) WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?

Praise You- Fat Boy Slim

20) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?

Eternal Flame- Bangels
(awww very true)

21) WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?

Linger- Cranberries

A Very UnLinda Post

2009-02-02T23:45:00.000-08:00

I'm not much of a sports fan but I do like to keep up with what's going on. With Super Bowl XLIII(43) I was kinda excited because the Arizona Cardinals were actually playing. It's not because I lived in Arizona for a year and a half. Honestly, I didn't much care for them when I was there except that I learned a lot about them. I just really like that they are probably the ultimate underdog. No one was betting on them to even make the playoffs. Their quarterback, Kurt Warner, is pretty old by sport players definition but he came on this year and took them all the way. It's even cooler cause Matt Leinart, who came to quarterback the Cards 2 years ago as like the best pick, Heisman trophy winner, golden boy who was supposed to do it but sure didn't. Maybe he should have practiced more instead of knocking up chicks and partying with Britney Spears. I like him, I even feel bad for him but dude, he didn't do his job. I think they won 2 games that season. Their head coach left (or got fired cause they had such high hopes). I think they also got a few other really good first draft players and they still sucked.

Then this year, they changed a few things and bam, they are in their first Super Bowl ever. I think they have only ever played in one playoff like in the 60's.Fitzgerald (running back?) and Warner make such a great team. Not as good as Montana and Rice or Young and Rice but hey only time will tell. Anyways, I just really like the story of achievement and that anything can happen. A never Super Bowl team going against the Steelers who are up to become the reining Super Bowl Champs. It's like David and Goliath, except in this one Goliath won. So many people were against the Cards. They really played an outstanding game. Even though they lost, I think they garnered respect as a team that really gave the Steelers a run. I do have to give it to the Steelers though cause they played a great game. James Harrison made like this crazy 100 yard dash to score a touchdown then he needed an oxygen mask cause he's a defensive player who isn't a runner. It was crazy and all within about 18 secs to half time. Crazy. Fitzgerald's' face for the Cards last touchdown was priceless and they almost tasted victory taking a 3 point lead. It was an amazing feeling until Steelers made another really cool touchdown that almost wasn't. The replay was insane based on whether or not his foot was inside the line before it touched the ground.

Anyways, it was a great game. It had 2 great stories and lots of suspense throughout. They played everything down to the seconds and had many highlights. Honestly though I couldn't take the ups and downs of sports. There is a reason besides boredom that keeps me aways. I was so ancient and the thought of the team your rooting for losing really sucks. This is probably the most sports like I will be unless the 49ers ever make it to the Super Bowl again. They can't let the Steelers have the most wins. Maybe their new coach is what was needed to turn the team back to the team they should be. I'll be into the NBA if the Suns or Kings ever make it to the championship. I love the Kings but I think it's a long shot. At least the Suns have a chance at the playoffs. I can't even get started on Steve Nash.

Anyways here are some highlights and next year Cardinals. It'll be your turn for that ring.

The Human Body

2009-01-20T14:23:00.000-08:00

Very late Sunday night, my friend D.K. and I went to the UT Health Science Center to look at cadavers. Why you might ask? Cause I've never really touched a dead body before. He's in medical school and was talking about how interesting the human body is based on the cadavers they are learning on. I said that I would love to see and that's how this crazy idea was born. So it's 10:30 on Sunday night and we sneak in the class. Technically I'm not supposed to be there but... no one was there that night. I have to admit, once the body rose from the formaldehyde, I was starting to rethink the whole idea. It just took awhile for me to calm down. It really helped that D.K. has absolutely no qualms about handling the body. He showed me the human anatomy and it's very interesting to see how simple yet complex the body is. It makes me rethink cutting up whole chicken. It was weird to see a severed leg. Just one of the reasons why I didn't become a doctor, mortician, detective or anything that involves dead bodies.

The smell of formaldehyde was overbearing. Eventually I mustered up the courage to touch the heart, kidney, hand and muscles. Very weird. It also left the smell of formaldehyde on my hands forever. The hardest part was going to an empty home. My roommate chose a very bad time to go on vacation. Since it was now past midnight, my imagination started to creep up on me. I couldn't take the smell of my fingers anymore so I sprinkled bleach on my hands. It stinks also but at least it doesn't make me think of dead bodies. I didn't have a nightmare that night but I did last night. I had to think about the gospel a lot to get me through the night. It was quite an experience.

Romantic Heros

2009-01-19T20:50:00.000-08:00

Since I've rediscovered my love of Anne of Green Gables, I've started thinking about all those romantic leading men that every girl crushes on. They are the men that every girl uses as the bases of her ideal man. Let's see if you agree and please let me know who you would want to add.

Tall, smart and handsome Gilbert Blithe.

Mr Darcy is the epitome of that arrogant, moody, wealthy, unapologetic but oh so desirable. Every girl can see his true loving self deep inside waiting to pour out for that "one" person.

Legolas: unfailing loyalty, heroic nature, protector of the meek. He out shined royalty.

Ok, this was very highschool of me. Angel, the forbidden bad boy. Every girl wishes she will be the one to reform that one guy.

Love that endures the test of times.

The boy next door that you can take home to mom.

Sweet Home Alabama makes you realize the root of who you are and who your first love is.

Who doesn't want their Prince to rescue them?

Asian + Rice = Bliss

2009-01-17T18:06:00.000-08:00

My amazing roommate made me this lovely gift for christmas. We have lived together for over a year now so she knows most of my habits. It is a very fitting gift.

My latest obsession

2009-01-15T20:12:00.001-08:00

Words cannot express how this movie has shaped my life. Enjoy

Inspirationl movie video

2008-12-16T21:44:00.000-08:00

Since I have discovered Movie Maker, I appreciate so much more the efforts other's do for their videos. Here is a funny inspirational video that brings me down memory lane.

40 Inspirational Speeches in 2 Minutes @ Yahoo! Video

My New Love

2008-12-15T21:57:00.000-08:00

I have discovered Windows Movie Maker and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It's more fun than Photoshop... unless you combine it all together. This tech world of Google, Limewire, Photoshop, Movie Maker and digital camera's have made me soooo happy. With this new found love, our Institute has made me the unofficial Facebook/Marketer to which I have soooo much fun doing. Here is my first really big project. Enjoy.

Prank

2008-12-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

I really like my friends.

I Farted on Santa's Lap

2008-12-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

I just love this song.

Make up 101

2008-12-02T01:26:00.000-08:00

Since I'm kinda obsessed w/ make up, every now and then I research different make up techniques. Youtube has been great w/ video instructions. I stumbled upon this cute girl who really does a step by step guide in many different looks. She edits thru the basics and highlights the tricks. I also appreciate the time and effort put into the making. I spent way too much time watching the videos and cannot wait to try out the looks. Here is one look that I will be sure to use.

Turkey Bowl

2008-11-30T22:28:00.000-08:00

I believe in playing Turkey Bowl every year. Since our activities committee didn't put one on, I decided to open Relief Society Enrichment to the boys. It was super fun and we had a great turnout. The irony is that we had probably 45 guys to 15 girls. I made sure we had posters, 4 different set of colored flags, even a trophy. With about an hour until game time, my friend Monica asked me if I had footballs. That never even dawned on me to get. Remember this is an enrichment activity. Luckily my home teacher Brandon brought the footballs. As a good RS sister I did take lots of pictures.

Christmas Carolers

2008-11-30T00:32:00.000-08:00

I know it's still November but tonight as I was leaving to go have dinner at a friends house, the door bell started ringing. I wasn't expecting anyone and most of my friends don't ring the bell so I was leery. I hear a lot of ruckus and thought, "oh man, punk kids. What do they want?" As soon as I opened the door...10 neighborhood kids ranging from ages 7-12 started to sing Jingle Bells in a loud booming voice. It was so very sweet. No adults were within view and it made my day to see that there are still people/children out there w/ Christmas joy (even in Nov.)I took out my camera cause it's always w/ me but my batteries were dead. Very sad. So happy early Christmas everyone.

Simple Thanks

2008-11-26T13:21:00.001-08:00

My simple list of thanks:
My Family

Temples,gospel,priesthood, Heavenly Father, and everything that comes w/ the truthfulness of the gospel.

Friends

America

Diversity

Internet

Auction for charity

2008-11-24T00:27:00.000-08:00

We had our annual auction at church to raise money for charity. A few girls from the ward decided to make a collection of Cd's dedicated to break ups and man hating. Needless to say, they were a huge hit.

These are the I am Woman collection. 3 really cool girls from our ward made these. There were 48 songs total and they really arranged them so it flowed. And yes, all the songs were legally downloaded.

I put on my best "got dumped" face to bid. A lot of girls really wanted the Cd's cause there were really good singles on it.

When the guys found out about the man hating alums, they were appalled. All the guys
at the auction gathered money together to out bid anyone for the Cd's.

Determined to get their manhood back, the guys won the auction and plan on destroying the Cd's. It was very fun.

It was very nice to raise money for charity. I put up cooking dinner for 4 and it went for 45 dollars so that was nice.

Why Fall Rocks

2008-11-22T15:38:00.001-08:00

It is starting to get cold and there is only one reason why I love it. It's the fall fashion!

This is my new favorite coat. For some reason it makes me feel like a little girl in Russia during WWII. I think it makes me think of my favorite children's book "A new Coat for Anna" by Harriet Ziefert.

Some of my scarfs. Most of them are homemade. I don't care if it isn't cold enough,I wear them anyway.

Ohhh I'm cold. My mitten will warm me up. Ahhh warmth. Wait now I'm too hot. How do I solve that?

Bammm! Problem solved. Also if I become a hobo, I'm set.

With my bangs, I feel very mysterious. I'm trying out the bold liner w/ deep lips look. I think I look like a hooker but my coworker said I should say exotic instead. What do you think?

Yangster the Gangster

2008-11-21T16:02:00.000-08:00

There is this radio station in Arizona that I am OBSESSED with. It's with Johnjay and Rich and you can check it out at johnjayandrich.com. I was so sad when I moved to TX and had to leave them behind. Then I discovered "Podcasts".Honestly, the only reason I wanted an Ipod was to listen to them. I've yet to put actual music on my ipod. They are just really funny and Johnjay is probably one of the most random people ever. He doesn't ever remember any lines or quotes but repeats what he thinks they are and he never knows the lines to any songs. He is like my guy counter part. Everyone made a bet that he wouldn't be able to rap to JayZ's Roc Boyz. He had a whole year to learn it, and miraculous he did. That honestly inspired me to be able to do it too. I've always wanted to be able to do things like that, lacked faith. With his glory came much confidence in myself. I vow here and now that I will be able to rap to Weird Als White and Nerdy. No reading lyrics, no stumping and I will get the flow down. I will truly earn my Yangster status. This seriously is all thanks to Johnjay on a radio show. I also added them to my friends list on Facebook. My obsession is bordering on sad and pathetic. Right now it's just extremely weird and I'm ok with that.

Here they are w/ Joey from Nsync. Of all the things to talk about Johnjay chooses to ask how to dance to bye bye bye. I'd probably do the same.

This is another look to how random and dumb they are but hilarious. I like Johnjay's response to how he responds to emails. Sometimes I say the same thing about much stuff in life.

The World of Bloggers

2008-11-19T22:52:00.001-08:00

I've been slacking a little in my blogging life. I was feeling the blogging blues and then, POOF, I am inspired by all you bloggers out there. My good friend Bex got a blog (in part to my encouragement) and I saw that my home teacher Brandon starting blogging again. I was truly inspired to blog again from reading the blogs of others. So thank you to all bloggers in this cyber world for inspiring me to be so much more.

Texas??

2008-11-19T20:41:00.000-08:00

I looked up San Antonio and it is ranked as the 7th largest city in the U.S. How is it that sometimes they do things so backwards here? Case in point. I got a ticket earlier in the month and had a court date today. I made the trek downtown. That, in itself, I don't like to go b/c all downtowns are crazy. So I end up lost for a bit and have to circle the same block 10 thousand times. Finally, I make it to the Municipal Courthouse. I go to the Information desk and the lady tells me to go to courtroom 4. I go and besides the judge and clerks, it's just me. They call me up and I'm thinking that wow, this will be fast and simple. Nope, I'm in Texas and they do things the long way here. So the clerk gives me a paper and tells me to go to room 1&2. It's one big room. Well then why is it called 1&2? Whatever, I roll with it. I go talk to the prosecutor who tells me how much I owe and that I need to go to room 4. I was just in room 4. I go back, give the same clerk my paper, she tells me to sit down and wait to be called. The room is practically empty. Finally the judge calls me up, tells me how much I need to pay (which the prosecutor already did) and sends me to the other clerk in the room. Mind you all this is happening all in one room and everyone is sitting next to each other. I'm thinking, fine, I can pay the 2nd clerk and be done. I give her my paper, she also tells me how much I need to pay and that I need to take my papers to the cashier. Ohh O.K. I've had 2 other people tell me that and I've walked around in circles. I saw absolutley no point to any of this. So then I walk around to the cashier, which is right where the prosecutor was. Finally, I get to pay my fine and leave. It wasn't that it took a long time, cause I was out of there within 30 mins. It was that there was no point to walking from the same room to the next. It was just pointless and a waste of time. It surprises me that a city this big is still so backwards. And no offense to Texas but they don't find anything wrong w/ the way the city is run. I find a lot of things they do here backwards. The road system, the lack of drainage on the streets, parking lots that don't join w/ the lots next to them, how you can't register your car at the DMV. I really really LOVE Texas and San Antonio but I really question how they run things here. It's like a big city w/ small town mentalitly. I think things can be a lot more productive if they cut out useless wastes if time. Now I'm off my complaining soap box.

Inspired by Chrissy's Inspiration of the CMA's

2008-11-12T23:25:00.000-08:00

I was watching my friend Chrissy's blog on the video by Sugarland's Stay and how powerful that song was to her and it got me thinking about 2 songs that really struck a chord w/ me. I'm not very big on music videos so it means a lot when one is so good and powerful that I actually watch it. A few years ago, I came across Martina Mcbrides' Concrete Angel. It just made me cry the whole time.

It just makes me incredibly sad knowing that there is this kind of abuse in the world. Children are so precious that I can't even imagine anyone would hurt them. I just think of how lonely they must feel but it also sends a message of hope. I am so grateful to have the Saviors love to carry me through my hard times. It makes me sad to know that some people don't have that but we do all have the chance to make it back to our Heavenly Father. Even if our life here isn't the best, everything will more than make up for it eternally.

The other song that captivated me is Duffy's Warwick Avenue. I could just feel her hurt and pain and longing. It's really simple but I understood exactly where she was coming from. Makes me think about the times where I've been in that situation and it really is just sad. So this is for anyone who's ever had a heartbreak.

I am American

2008-11-11T11:37:00.001-08:00

I am so proud to be an American. My family came here to the United States of America in 1980, one year before I was born. I always new how lucky my family and I are to be able to live here and have the freedom of the U.S. My family was always very proud that I was the first born American. I was a symbol of hope and opportunity. They were so proud to have a true, legitimate American in the family that they named me after the most American person they knew, Lynda Carter, AKA Wonder Woman. I am so thankful to all who has served this country and rose up to fight for their cause. I am so grateful for those who fought in the Revolutionary War because that was the beginning of this great nation. I am grateful for this country and for the Lords hand in getting my family here. I know that this is His work and through faith, love, charity and obedience, we can restore the true gospel and return to Him. Thank you Veterans, may God bless you.

I found this video that I really liked. I appreciate people who put forth effort to show their appreciation. I especially liked some of the picture transitions. So enjoy.

Youtube? You be the judge.

2008-11-10T23:27:00.000-08:00

I'm not much of a Youtuber, but someone had mentioned to look up a video on a Mormon spoof so of course, I ended up spending way too much time watching things. I stumbled upon this which I thought this was super cute. I always remember things more if there is something catchy about it. Here is to the leaders of our church.

I also came across some anti Mormon videos which made me very irritated and I won't dwell on what is was. I don't like to watch too many b/c I get sucked in the negativity. I decided though to read some of the comments to see what people's reactions where. A young man made a comment really recently which really stood out to me. He was curious about religion and were asking those anti Mormons on gospel truth. He sounded like a very impressionable young man who truly just wanted to find truth and had no clue where to look.I have been working very hard on missionary work this year and had just taken a missionary prep class Sunday where we talked about commitments to share the gospel and how intricate commitments are to getting people to listen. At the end of the lesson, she made us all pick a commitment to do this week. I didn't want to make the commitment b/c then I was liable(which was the point of the lesson). I picked the easiest commitment, which was to pray for the missionaries and for opportunities to share the gospel. I distinctively made it clear that I can only commit to the first half which is to pray for the missionaries. It is very hard for me to share the gospel but when I read what that young man was saying, I thought about the commitments we had made and I was very prompted to email him. So I got his user info and sent him a message that he should go to lds.org for correct information and to contact the missionaries. I also said he can email me if he wanted. It felt really good to turn that negative video into something that could change another's life greatly. It was nice because it took aways any feeling of irritation I had and made me focus on what really matters and that is sharing the correct gospel. I don't know what will happen, but I felt good about following through on my commitments which is helping to spread the word.

Los(t) Maples

2008-11-10T19:43:00.001-08:00

My friends and I decided to go to this beautiful state park in TX called Lost Maples or as I call it Los Maples. It was so much more breath taking than I could imagine. I love seeing the leaves change colors for fall. It was so picturesque and serene. I've taken some pictures from Chrissy because she was able to truly capture the beauty of the maples and their colors. There was also the cutest little apple store that had homemade apple goodies. I recommend a cup of apple ice cream. the store was joined to this burger place that had delicious homemade buns. What an experience.

I like how this makes us look like cool hikers. I feel this is an official hiker's pose.

Can you imagine a better place to stand underneath?

Celestial Marriage

2008-11-06T13:34:00.000-08:00

I usually work on Wednesday nights so I miss out on Institute but I was able to go last night and it was one of the best classes in awhile. I went to Celestial Marriage w/ Bro. Facer simply because my friends were in that class. I've always thought, Celestial Marriage? How desperate do I need to look? I thought it would be a class about how much we aren't doing what we're supposed to do cause we aren't married yet. I thought that the whole time, getting married would be shoved down our throats. Boy was I wrong. I've heard a lot of good things but I saw how the class really is about giving you tools to have a successful marriage. It really shows how the gospel is the core and driving force of marriage. It gives faith, light and hope in a time where marriage is disinagrating. It puts back the perspective on why we are here, get married and have children. It is like counseling but w/ the Lord as our therapist.

The lesson was on the differences between men and women and the need of respect for one another. Today, too often, we fight about equality and Independence and lose site on balancing and learning from each other. Bro Facer stressed that Women are highly respected and have the precious gift of being mothers. I've struggled in the past with not wanting to be submissive and wanting to do everything that men are able to do. This article by Boyd K. Packer titled "For Time and All Eternity" reminds me of the bigger picture the Lord has giving us on Marriage.

Camping in the great outdoors

2008-11-02T21:59:00.000-08:00

I planned this camping trip last week for me and a few of my friends. This is what you get when you only drive 30 mins to camp.
A few funny things about this campsite. Where we were sleeping, there was no grass. I just always thought that when one camps, grass is a given. When I was looking up the campsite, they also mentioned there were fire rings. They just failed to mention that the fire rings were transportable and you had to request for them to bring it to the campsite. There was also an apartment right across from where we were sleeping and illuminated our campsite. You can see the lights from the buildings. It was a weekend of laughs, irony, trains, fun and friendship.

I always make Monica bring her guitar everywhere we go. She has a lot of talent and she plays all the songs I know. Notice Garcia holding the space lights that I couldn't work all the while playing the nose flute. Yes, such a thing exists and he is never without it cause you never know when it'll come in handy. I think the way it works is to blow out your nose and use the size of your mouth to change the notes. Yes, it's gross but entertaining.

I have never been serenaded in espanol before. I felt very worldly. Derek did a good job of making a Spanish guitar out of Monica's guitar.

Steve totally gets the Man Mode card for the night. Bless his manly skills for getting the fire started and keeping it going all night.

Our amazing foil dinner. Meat and veggies with worchshire sauce. That made all the difference in the world. We didn't bring tongs so I made pot holders with layers of foil. Everyone made fun of me until it worked. I was surprised how good it tasted and how simple it was. It was just a guess and check for doneness. As I told Garcia, pink means NOT done.

Give it to Anel and Bex who toughed out the night on concrete floor and train lullabies. And they did it all with laughter.

I think Chrissy and David were looking for more wood to burn. There really wasn't any since there wasn't even any grass. Or they were hiking to the "waterfall." It was really pretty if you block out the banner and buildings surrounding it. It almost looked like nature.

Who knew that there would exist a campsite that was 20 feet away from train tracks. Literally, the train schedule ran all night every hour. It wasn't just that it traveled all night but that it blew its horn every time. The worst was sometime around 5ish when the horn blew for a minute straight. Glad I wasn't asleep during that time.

Bex took this picture of me. I always sleep under the covers every morning to block out the light. Derek and I stayed up til 6:30 in the morning so I slept in til 11. At least the trains were no longer running to disturb my sleep.

This is our lovely campground in the morning. Take note of "civilization" across the river. I guess there is some comfort knowing that if we ran out of food or water, we can just knock on a door and ask for help.

Halloween: the best day of the year

2008-11-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

I was super excited to dress up for Halloween because I conviced all my friends to dress up with me as Greek Gods. I all had wicked costumes and were so excited to put them together. It was just fun getting ready and pulling together. It was also very cool to walk in together as one group. I really loved how it all turned out. I was very happy with how my snake hair turned out.

I just loved our theme. We were the best Greek Gods. We have Athena, Hades, Poseidon, Nike, Aphrodite, Hermes and Medusa. I loved how everyone got so into their costumes.

Only in Texas will you find UT coaches. Hook em Horns!

Bex was so convincing as a goth girl that I didn't even recognize her. She was standing in front of me for awhile before I knew who she was.

The most amazing thing happened. I won the best door prize of the night, an IPOD Shuffle. If anything else, I wanted to win this. Well, for some reason I ended up with I think 5 raffle tickets. Out of that, 2 of them were winners. I also won tickets to the Messiah concert.

Pre Halloween

2008-10-28T23:36:00.000-07:00

Everyone who knows me knows that Halloween is my FAVORITE time of the year. You can be anything you want, it takes no effort and all you have to do is show up to a party. It's probably the reason I like New Years too, there is no effort on my part and I just get to have fun. More than anything on this great holiday, I love themed costumes. I had been talking nonstop to any and everyone about being part of my theme for weeks and no one was really taking me seriously. I had pretty much given up so I decided on a wicked cool costume. It just so happened that Chrissy decided on the same theme and so I convinced 6 other friends to be a part of our theme too. It is to remain top secret until Halloween. But since there was the barn dance, we decided to go but be a lame theme instead of our wicked cool theme this week. We decided to be all be one part of a costume so here is what we were.

We won the "made it on the way here" contest. We were a traffic light intersection. Chrissy, in white,is the walking man signal. Kelly, in green, is the go light. Me, in yellow, is yeild. Anel, in black, is the stop light.(Monica was our original red light but she showed up too late so I grabbed Anel to fill in for her. We have to be a complete theme.)Aubrey, w/ the red hand, is the red hand signal that means don't walk. Little did they know, we actually spent some time planning this.

See, traffic light.

All the winners from the night. Two of my dreams came true: being a theme and winning a contest. I love that my friends are willing to go along w/ these lame ideas of mine which they know bring me so much joy. Next up, the really wicked cool theme for Halloween.

Tagged

2008-10-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

Blogging life is an amazing new culture that has it's own rules and experiences that only other bloggers understand. This is my first blogger experience of being "tagged." My friend Thoamee has passed the blogger torch to me. Here are the rules:
Okay, here are the rules for this tag: 1: Each player starts with 8 random habits/facts about themselves. 2: People who are tagged need to write a post on their blog about their eight things and post these rules. 3: At the end of the post you need to choose 8 people to get tagged and list their names.

1.If there is cable T.V., I refuse to watch any network channels. I feel I have to take advantage of the paid cable, even if the shows suck and I would rather watch network shows. It probably has to do with the face that I didn't get cable until I was 19 years old so I'm trying to make up for lost time.

2.I try very hard not to have the same hair style or make up 2 days in a row. Even if no one notices, I know. It can be a different part or a different eyeliner, but there has to be a conscious difference.

3.Although I kicked the habit of biting off my nails the summer I turned 10, I still chew my nails almost daily. I won't bite them off, just chew on them. I do it more when I'm bored, nervous or anxious.

4.I look to my family for inspiration and when 2 of older sisters were able to twist their tongues, I made it a life long endeavor to do it too. I usually would practice when I was driving by myself in the car and try to will my tongue to roll over. Honestly I spent a few years to perfect it. Along the way I learned how to triple curl my tongue and eventually was able to roll it over both sides.

5.I LOVE Halloween. It's my favorite holiday. It's mainly because I love to get scared. It probably has to do with all the ghost stories my mom and family members would tell me when I was little. I would get so scared but in a weird way, is very comforting. I also like the aspect of being so scared and then realizing that nothing is actually happening. You get a thrill but none of the actual bad aftermath. The Others is my favorite movie of all times because I was so scared watching it that I had to sleep in my mom's bed that night. Sad but fun

6.I cannot listen to music from the the 80's or early 90's for too long because it makes me very nostalgic and then sad. It's not that I had a bad childhood or anything but it just makes me think of times of old and how life just changes and that we can't ever go back except for memories and I just get very sad thinking about it. I have to stop otherwise I'll get depressed. It always starts with good intentions of going down memory lane though.

7.These are my childhood dreams that I really thought would come to pass when I was old enough to have them:a)a hair cut where the bottom half is super short. Up to the nape of the neck and then the top layer super long. That way I get the best of both worlds. Everyone would think I have long hair and then when I put it up, poof, short hair. b)Randy Travis's Forever and Ever, Amen was soooo going to be my wedding song. It just spoke to me. I still love listening to it. c)I wanted my first born son to be named Sebastian because of this character in a book I read about. I just thought it was so sophisticated and distinguished. Then everyone I told that to said that was the gayest name ever so.... back to the drawing board.

8.I'm a talker. I know this isn't much of a shock but people are still amazed that I can talk as much as I really can. I don't think it's so much that I can talk as much as how long and late I can have the energy to talk. I just like company and that gives me energy to continue. I have yet to meet someone who can talk as long into the night as I can.

So here is a little more insight to me and I am tagging Chrissy, Chole, Brittany, Luisa, Katie, Emily, and Blia. Hope to learn more about you.

Me and Mr. Paisley

2008-10-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

I found out on Saturday that that Brad Paisley was going to play at the Verizon Amplitheatre that day and was totally bummed that I couldn't go. Some strangers had extra tickets to sell me but I had previous plans with my good friend David Uminski to watch him sing at the Majestic Theatre so I passed regretfully. Then, my old coworker called and said she had an extra ticket and if I wanted to go. I couldn't pass up a free ticket to Brad Paisley so with a regretful heart I broke the news to Uminski. I was so happy to hear that he completely understood and supported my Brad ticket. So here is a heartfelt love story about a girl and a country star.

Little did I know, we had VIP status. My boyfriend wouldn't have it any other way.

Double the fun of Brad. He was playing on my side so we could be closer.

This is my man in action. I love how he owns the guitar.

Honestly, he was looking right at me so all the other girls would know not to hit on him.

This reminds me of the many late nights of him serenading me.

I like to give him some "boys time" every now and then. Just because ur in a relationship, you should still remember who ur friends are.

Some of his "celebrity" friends come to visit from time to time. Taylor swift is the blond rocking out to Guitar Hero.

Just a tender moment w/ me and my honey Brad. We aren't too afraid of PDA's.

Karaoke

2008-10-17T01:13:00.000-07:00

Mama Margies on Wedsday after institute is always a fun time. I will always look back on these nights with fond memories.

I love the song All I wanna do is BANG BANG and a CLICK CLING and take your money. I have no clue what the song means but I really like to do the gun motions.

We girls just like to fool around. Something about karaoke just makes everyone looser. No alcohal needed.

Morgan took my camera was we started doing stupid things. It's fun

A Day in the Life....

2008-10-14T23:59:00.001-07:00

This is a very typical day in hanging out with me and Chrissy. Brooks knows to always have his lap top with him otherwise he will be quite bored. Facebooking, blogging and Googleing takes up a lot of time. We might as well internet as we hang out.

My Best B-day Ever

2008-10-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

I love how colorful and cartoony this cake looks. Chrissy always remember my favororite. Yellow box cake with chocolate forsty.

This is the Chrissy herself. Thanks so much for wanting to give me the best bday party ever. I never would have thought I deserved this much joy. I love how domestic you are but still looking so stylish. This is so you.

I've never had so many people sing happy birthday to me and cheer at the end. I finaly got to feel like the prom queen/head cheerleader. I take my birthday wishes very seriously and know that it will only come true if I blow out all the candles at once. I expect now a great year.

Mike Garcia is so endearing. My present was wrapped in newspaper (which he doesn't know but it's one of my favorite wrapping styles). There was a comic he drew of a conversation we had about me complaining that I'm too much like a guy so hence the How to be a Lady book. I am so touched by his Garcianess thought.

I love this shot because it captures the beauty of the house and people just being themselves.

I love the passion Morgan, Monica and Jeff have for music. Their musical talents bring me so much joy.

A jazzy rendition of "happy birthday."

Candid shots are the best.

This is my favorite shot of Morgan and Monica because it just embodies who they are when they're together. Morgan belts out the lyrics and Monica sings harmony. Love it.

I don't remember what we were talking about but it looks funny.

It's never a party without a water fight.

...or some dancing.

I took this picture from Chrissy's blog. I would like to think that I am this charming and engaging all the time. ;)

Princess me.

2008-10-14T02:37:00.000-07:00

Free-spirited and wise. You have a strong passionate spirit that touches and changes all who know you. The wisdom and common sense that you have is really what guides you through life. Even so, you also have a very playful side that loves adventure and excitement.

I guess. I've never thought of myself as Pocahantas out of all the Dinsey princesses but I think it's cool. I love that she was her own person and didn't marry John Smith b/c he didn't give her want she needed. John Roth was willing to man up.

Anventured Filled Weekend in Austin

2008-10-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

I kicked started my birthday weekend with the Midsingles weekend in Austin. It was so much fun. We got lost in Texas chainsaw murder territory, sweet talked the front desk clerk Tinashe for an extra room key, snuck into the hot tub in the hotel across from where we were staying (thanks Fernando), service project planting seeds, canoe racing, showing up at the wrong hotel (thanks Steve for the wrong directions), making Anel, Monica and Kim scared we weren't going to make the dinner cruise on time, having a blast on the dinner cruise, getting lost over and over again and calling Kati U a million times even though she gave us detailed maps and sharing 1 bathroom between 6 girls. Wow. Fun times.

If you know me, you know I made a beeline for the smallest bucket. Unfortunately for me, Anel had the same idea and called dibs first. I was forced to work hard.

Looks like I was working hard right? Well I was really posing. Monica pointed out that I could really be seeding as pictures are being taken. Good point.

I think it's amazing that this many people showed up seeing it was so early in the morning. We did good.

I've finally been able to fulfill a year long dream of going to eat at Salt Lick. Ever since I saw it on Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels I've been obsessed. I researched the menu, history and watched the video clip of the restaurant over and over again. I had this face the whole time.

I have wanted to eat here for so long but I never thought I would get to eat in the private room. I feel so VIP.

I shared this massive plate with Monica. We had sausage, ribs, brisket, beans, potato salad cole slaw, pickles, and delicious bread. Yummy. I was so full.

This was so cute. This was on every table. I wonder if they are used boots or made specifically for this purpose. No matter though cause it just added to the amazement of Salt Lick.

Even their bathroom was cool and decorated for Halloween. Monica was embarrassed to take the picture, esp when a stranger got out of the stall. She felt the need to explain why we were taking pictures. I had no shame. What is so weird about taking pictures in a stall?

In the history of the Salt Lick, it states that it used to be the old stopping ground for Paul Bunyan and his blue ox Babe. This is his official boot so it has to be true. I almost sprained myself climbing this pillar.

Off we went to canoeing. Anel and Kim thought they could beat us. I don't think so.

Good friendly competition between friends. Steve, Christy and Sunshine may have won but that was only because they were holding Monica and my canoe back. I say do over. Competition was the only way I pushed myself to finish though.

We needed to be back at the hotel by 4 so we could get ready in time for the cruise. We pulled up with a minuet to spare but.... the hotel looked different. We made it to the wrong hotel.

This is the correct hotel 7 miles North of where we were at. Technically though we made it to the Fairfield Inn by 4. Just the wrong one.

All aboard. Get ready to meet and mingle.

Kati was dancing to New Kids on the Block. She is a die hard fan and will be seeing them on the 17th. Only she can make something as lame as that seem cool. She is what I call classy funny.

A dentist on one said and a doctor on the other. I'd say this is a hard choice ;)

This could have been our engagement picture...

Kim, Anel and me after a long fun day. These poor puppies are in need of a foot massage.

Much Blessed

2008-10-08T23:30:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I really just feel so loved and blessed and right now, as my birthday rolls around, I am reminded of how great my life is. As the big 27 looms near, I was feeling a little weird about being the oldest I've ever been. I went through a lot of the normal freak out and just wanted a quiet birthday dinner w/ close friends. Lucky for me, my very good and wonderful friend Chrissy Freeman (who makes me feel good about every decision I make in my life) wanted to have a big birthday party and invite everyone. She really outdid herself w/ her lovely photo shopping and Facebooked it to everyone we knew.

Just that picture alone made me happy. What really surprised me was the out pour of love and friendship from everyone. Bear w/ me on this one. It's a very Linda thought. As of right now, 31 people confirmed to come to my party. That's a huge deal. Even if they don't come, it takes a lot to actually confirm on Facebook. I always check "maybe" or "no" to most events because I don't want to be accountable for flaking. "Yes" is a huge commitment. It was a very nice thought from them.I got some really nice and positive messages from people who couldn't come and wanted to wish me a happy bday. It just brought a huge smile on my face and was more than I could have ever asked for. I even went so far as to compare the number of confirmations I have to confirmations in other events like dances and parties and my confirmations holds up very well against them. What I'm getting to is that it feels so nice to be blessed w/ such wonderful people in my life that this small act means so much to me. It really shows me that to some degree, people think of me and that makes me feel good. Sometimes I get to thinking about how little of something I have, or how much more I need to improve or that I'm just not enough. Then something as little as confirmations on something as superficial as Facebook makes me feel like I could have been some sort of impact on others. Maybe every now and then I brightened someones day. It means a whole lot to me that someone is willing to spend an hour of their time w/ me when they could be doing something else for them. I don't need a lot, just the knowledge that I was able to be someone fun, if even for a moment, in their life. Service is so strong and makes such an impact on a person's life. A lot of times, people don't even realize that they are doing a service and that exactly is what those confirmations and messages my friends wrote is; a service to me in raising my spirits and making an old gal feel important and special.

nemeses

2008-10-05T00:44:00.000-07:00

I will roll w/ the punches for the majority of the time except when it comes to my nemeses activities. When these things come up, I will state that it is my nemesis and shake my fist in the air in defiance and refuse to participate.

- The game Apples to Apples. I've only played it twice and never want to play it again. It's because you really have to know your opponents in order to win. It doesn't really have anything on skills. Also it really irritates me when I know that I picked a much better word and the player picks something that has nothing to do with the word association. You just don't want to play with me.

- Mr. Cheeks Cha Cha Slide Song. I refuse to dance to this song because I refuse to let some dude tell me how I need to dance. Maybe I don't want to slide to the right and take 2 hops 2 hops. I will dance how I choose thank you very much.

- Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette. I know Chrissy likes the film but I can't stand it. I have never wanted to walk out of a movie before until this one and since I was there with someone and it was free, I stayed. There were many times where I wanted to stand up and say, "seriously? Does anyone else want to pull out their hair too or is it just me?". I didn't because I didn't want to embarrass the person I was with. **Spoiler alert** The one thing I was looking forward to was Marie Antoinette getting her head chopped off and you know what? That didn't even happen! That would have at least made me happy but no, the film continued to disappoint.

Go Cougars!

2008-10-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

I watched my very first college football game tonight. It was the BYU vs. Utah State game. It was ok. I am just trying to do new things with new people and I accomplished that. BYU is ranked 8 nationally (or 7 depending on the stats ur looking. This said for Brandon's sake). They won 34-14 and continued their winning streak of 15-0. That being the longest winning streak in college history. What I do find amazing is the ability for me to learn and remember these facts to something I really don't care for. I try to keep up enough to last in common conversations. I would like to say though that they played very sloppy considering Utah State is ranked really badly. I also have to say that I was quite proud of some of the plays Utah State did, esp. in the last half making 2 touchdowns in 10 mins. I rather like the underdogs and I liked how the quarterback ran the ball a few times. OK that is all the football talk I can do. Maybe Texas is really getting to me.

Ugly/Silly

2008-10-03T12:19:00.001-07:00

I had a very enjoyable evening w/ my good friend Mike Garcia AKA Miguel Garcia. There is just a randomness about him that is very endearing. In my quest to find a new BFF via Facebook pictures we are tagged together, I was giving Mike an edge over Monica with these 2 new pictures.

I was hoping against all hope that he wasn't going to do his Ugly/Silly pose.... but I should have known better.

I always have to ask him (or beg) to get a "nice" picture with him. So far I think this is the best I can get. Honestly though, I think this is part of what makes him Mike, and that's a really cool thing.

Some Like it HOT

2008-10-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

I've fallen in love.... with salsa. It's been a long journey but now I can't turn it down. I discovered a few years ago that fresh salsa tastes so much better than store bought salsa. So I slowly started to eat more. Then the past year, I've been surrounded by friends who are die hard salsa fans and so I've had more opportunity to savor the flavor. I've also found that it is a quick and easy fix for my occasional hot pepper fix. It's also easier on the stomach than straight up peppers. So I am going to attempt my first salsa using this recipe. It's fairly simple and I can add more heat if I'd like. I will do a follow up on the results.

PREP TIME
5 Min
READY IN
3 Hrs 5 Min
SERVINGS (Help)

INGREDIENTS
2 (14.5 ounce) cans peeled and diced tomatoes, drained
1 bunch fresh cilantro
3 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, mix together tomatoes, cilantro, garlic, and salt and pepper. Mix well, cover, and chill for at least 3 hours before serving.
FOOTNOTE

Girls rule and Boys drool.

2008-09-28T21:36:00.001-07:00

Midnight bowling rules. The music is great and everything glows. The best part is winning though. Well... I was dead last in the first round but came out 2nd last on the 2nd game.

I think the score said 112 to 102 in favor of LYang. Sorry Mr. Head.

It was a close one until Brandon totally guttered.

And to the winner of the whole night 2 times over.... Monica Harmonica. It was close though, she only beat Mike by 2 points.

Happy B-day

2008-09-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying a birthday dinner of sweet and sour. Thanks for getting me the recipe Sai.

This is Kim, the best roommie ever. Happy Bday.

Yummy yummy.

2008-09-25T01:08:00.000-07:00

These are the best desserts ever. Not too sweet

but satisfies the tooth.

These are the reasons why I love California. This is what I call the Asian Subway. Instead of lettuce, tomatoes, and mustard, you get picked carrots and beets, cilantro and jalapenos slices. It honestly is the best sandwich ever. I water just thinking about it.

The Loves of my Life

2008-09-23T22:47:00.001-07:00

Here is a rough list of the few Hollywood crushes I've had in the course of my life:

- My first: John Cusack in the Journey of Natty Gann

- Chris O Donnel. He was the only reason I watched Bat Man and Robin.

- Brendon Frasier in George of the Jungle and The Mummy I only

- Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs... Don't ask.

- Jordan Knight and Joey Mcintire of New Kids on the Block.

- Antonio Banderas in the Mask of Zorro

- James Marsden in 27 Dresses

- Captain Shane in Mulan... Yes a cartoon. So what. He was hot.

- Prince William. I really truely believed that I was going to marry him and become a princess.

- Geof Manthorne from Ace of Cakes. He is the quirky right hand man chef.

- Zack Braff as Dr. Dory in Scubs. I like that quirkyness

- Jim from the Office. Need I say more.

- Eric Foreman

- Michael Buble. He is the only guy who I wouldn't mind singing to me.

I'm not sure what these guys or characters all have in common but they strike my fancy one way or another.

Sweet and Sour

2008-09-22T03:21:00.001-07:00

There has been this sweet and sour recipe that is the BEST I've ever had in my life. Somehow my sister got the recipe and I've never met anyone who didn't like it. Not only is it good, it's really easy. Somehow though we lost the copy of the recipe but luckily my dear friend Sai wrote down the copy. Unfortunately for me, I always bug her for the copy and then always end up losing it. It has happened way too many times to count and about 3 or 4 years ago, she told me that it was going to be the last time she recited the ingredients over the phone for me. She said if I lost it then that would be the end and she would never give it to me again. Honestly, I didn't think she would stand by that statement because of course, I lost my copy. When I called her she had the nerve to tell me that she was teaching me a lesson. I thought it was a little excessive but I honestly don't blame her. There were quite a few phone calls to her in the middle of random times where I made her slowly repeat everything for me so I can make it whenever I fancied it. So she has stuck really hard to her word. There was even a time when I bribed her younger sister Karen to sneak the recipe for me and email it but Sai caught her and she was forbidden to give me the recipe. I guess time heals all because Sai finally broke down and emailed it to me today. I feel like I've found Atlantis or the Fountain of Youth. It is this unattainable legend and now I hold the keys to unlocking greatness.... only this has to do with food and I already know it exists because I've made it plenty of times. It is greatness though and I can't wait until I can go home and make it.

California Love

2008-09-20T00:03:00.000-07:00

From the moment I stepped off the plane, I knew I was back in Cali. I just loved to see all the diverse faces as I walked through the airport. It is so funny how much I remember about my home town. The streets are familiar, the crisp morining air, the lack of humidity. Of course I love the fact that I can get all sorts of Hmong and Asian food. This sounds weird but my sister and I drove across town to get some papya salad from an ice cream truck at the park. It was really good. The papaya lady even gave me a free dessert of tapioca (Na Va). I have just been away from this kind of environment for so long that it is nice to reexperience them. I doubt I can do this everyday but it just brings back so many fond memories and it is just so nice to be another Hmong girl again.

2008-09-16T09:50:00.000-07:00

Top 10 funniest movies I've ever seen. Not neccessarily in this order but probaby close:

- Napolean Dynamite

- Maverick

- She's the Man

- Big Daddy

- Dumb and Dumber

-Austin Powers 1&2 (sorry Beyonce)

- Robinhood Men in Tights

- Rush Hour 1&2 (maybe I just don't like the 3rd ones)

- Baby Mama

- Kung Fu Panda

Runner ups:

- Spaceballs

-The Producers (starring Gene Wilder)

- Tommy Boy

- Oceans 11

- A Bugs Life ( I'm a beautiful butterfly)

- Team American: the Jung Lee Story

- The Simpsons Movie

This will give you a little insight to my humor.

Dear Anonymous

2008-09-15T00:26:00.000-07:00

Hummm... I was catching up on comments people leave on my blog and I got a most interesting one from Anonymous. I will post it so you can be clued in. It was in reference to my post tittled "It Was the Best of Times, It was the Worst of times." Here is the comment: "Once I figured out who R.A. was that worst compliment became 100 times funnier! - sounds like him.2 nights ago I was reminiscing with a friend about the BEST laugh I've had in my entire life. You, him, my brother, & I were all there & LAUGHING. The 4 other people there weren't laughing...can you guess who this is?" This is of much intrigue to me. From those clues I have it narrowed down to possibly 2 of my friends from Stockton. It has to be either Matt or Ben. I am basing this because I know who R.A. is and the time I knew and spent time with him. Since there was a mention of brother it has to be Matt or Ben since they are brothers and we were probably making fun of those 4 people and that's why they weren't laughing. Please Anonymous, I am putting an official search warrant for who you are.

I sometimes think about times of past, esp as of late as I have been able to reconnect with my friends from back in Stockton and Sacramento CA. Gosh, that was so long ago that it is crazy. There were so many fun times and I feel like I was so much more carefree. There is something about the past that is just so fascinating. It's almost like when you recall those memories, you only remember the good times. Everything seemed so pure and like a cool movie that has been edited to just all the best scenes. There are times when I just wish I can go back to the past and relieve all those great moments and appreciated them more. Life grows on and new experiences are made so I am so deeply touched when friends of past are able to remind me of how rich and amazingly blessed I have been. So thank you to all my friends I have made in my 26 years of life. With out any of you, I wouldn't be who I am today and for that I am forever grateful.

PMSING??

2008-09-07T22:26:00.000-07:00

For some reason I have been getting really irriated at people lately. I think they are all warrented though but still, I shouldn't be so irritaed. For starters, this person that I already don't really care for was totally telling me what to do today. First of all, I am a grown person. Even my mom doesn't tell me what to do. I was just joking around with some friends when she told me I needed to get to class. Seriously?!?!?! Yeah maybe I should have been in class and maybe it is immature of me to be chit chatting with friends but still, who do you think you are. I was really irritated and if I wasn't at church I would have said something more blunt but I mostly bit my tongue. I'm not sure if she heard my complaints about her in the hall but I really don't care. I hope she did cause I don't care if she knows I don't like her. Seriously, who are you to tell me what I should or should not be doing. I am fully aware of my actions and for right or wrong, I choose to do them. Sometimes I just simply want to say "chick, I don't like you so please don't talk to me." I don't think that's rude. It's just honesty and if she were to say that to me I wouldn't be offended. I understand that I rub some people the wrong way. We don't need to talk. I don't feel like a bad person when someone doesn't like me. So whatever.
Then 2 other people really got on my nerves. It's again probably because they aren't my favorite people to begin with. They were just making comments that were kinda dumb but it irritated me more b/c I generally don't like to talk to them. I feel like I just need to chill and not sweat it. For the most part I am a really chill person but lately I just am very vocal about my irritations. I don't PMS so that can't be it unless I'm changing as I get older. I really do think that those 3 people were just irritating and even a normal person would feel like I did.

More useless goals and obsessions

2008-09-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

One day I will really be productive and make logical, productive and meaningful goals but for now, I'll make fun ones. I'm secretly afraid that I will take over the world if I started useful things so I'm am doing mankind a huge selfless favor by being frivolous. Here is my list:

-Having my nails constantly painted. Minimum of once a week possibly 2 times. Wednesdays and Sundays.

-Making 250 friends on Facebook by the end of summer

-Getting a phone that plays FM radio, downloads music, slides out, has a full keyboard, be a cute color of pink, green or blue, comes with head phones and be practically free. I don't think it's too much to ask.

-Getting a lap top so I don't have to go to the Mac store, Sony store, or use Carlos' IPhone

These things have practically consumed the past 2 weeks of my life. So far I am making good progress. I actually am getting a Sony lap top as I write but I have to wait while they get it all situated so I'm blogging. I think they workers here all know me now.

Shopping? Shoe betcha

2008-08-31T20:30:00.000-07:00

I encountered the best deal off shoes this Saturday. Bandalino's shoe store is having their end of summer sale and because I know some of the people who work there I got an additional 50% off the sale items. Here is the greatest use of money ever. I got 5 pairs of shoes (yes 5) and a brown purse. Retail value: $410. I paid $80. How can you pass that up. Yes I did need it all..... well.... I wanted it all. Here is the thing about shoes. No matter how bloated you feel or how much weight you've gained, they will always fit. It's a great way to feel good about yourself. Plus shoes completely make or break an outfit. So now I have 5 more pairs of shoes to all to all the other pairs that I don't have time to wear all BUT at least I have the option if I wanted. I actually do wear most of the shoes I own. I'm trying to wean myself off flip flops. They are a staple in and to my life. So I got a few cute flats that will enhance my casual outfits. I will promise not to buy anymore shoes for a while..... at least until the next big sale.

Is it hot in here or is it just me?

2008-08-27T09:46:00.001-07:00

Last night was the HOTTEST night of my life! O.K. before you get dirty thoughts in your heads, I'm talking about literally being hot. I was helping my friend Carly Cutie unpack at her new house and because no one had lived there for awhile, I don't think the air conditioning worked so it was HOT. It didn't help that we were moving things around either. She didn't want to stay the night alone so I slept the night and man was it HOT. I couldn't sleep at all. I was sweating and uncomfortable. I even took a cold shower at 3 in the morning and couldn't get cold. Finally at 4 I had to wake her and tell her I had to leave. It was impossible. I felt bad for leaving but man was I HOT. I don't think I've ever felt that way before. I usually don't have that problem of being so HOT I can't sleep but it happened. I was so hot that even when I got home and had coldness, I still felt HOT. I'm finally easing to normalcy.

It Was the Best of Times, it Was the Worst of Times

2008-08-25T14:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of some of the best things that have happened to me and some of the worst things.

Worst pick up line:

"So you busy tonight?" by nurse practitioner as I was handing him my urine sample.

Best pick up line:

"Is your name Linda, O Linda." (The Spanish pronunciation) by Adam Tobler.

Worst compliment:

#1:"Wow Linda, you look 100 times better than when I first met you." by R.A. the 2nd time we saw each other since he picked me up from girls camp.

#2:"... your hands are big." by David Head as he interrupted me to point out.

#3: "you look tore up." Robert Palmer when he surprised visited me early in the morning.

Best compliment:

#1: "you look beautiful." by K.A. early in the morning when I was cramping, sore, had no make up and didn't do my hair.

#2:"You know Lin, you take compliments very well." By Karen "Jigga" Yang and my response was "Thank you."

#3: "I just love your beautiful smile when you conduct music." Bro. Barton

Best date:

Going to the beach, having a bonfire, walking along the shore at night, almost kissing to the sound of the ocean and then driving one and a half hour home.

Worst date:

Watching The Ring with a certain UC Davis grad who was the cheesiest person I've ever gone out with. It ended with him trying to kiss me good night and me just laughing over the whole ridiculous situation.

Best decision:

Moving out of California

Worst decision:

Moving out of California

America's Best Dance Crew and XXIX Olymics

2008-08-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

I spent all of today catching up on my hip hop dance crews. I was very sad to see my fav Fanny Pak not be in the final 2. I have to admit that when I first saw them I thought they were a joke. They have this 80's look that doesn't necessarily scream hip hop but I fell in love the moment they started dancing. They are creative, fun and sadly underrated. Week after week, they continue to prove themselves and rise to the top. They are the ultimate underdog. But they were eliminated right before the final, which I thought was crap b/c they were so much better than the other crew. I laughed out loud when I saw them perform. Oh well, they did their best and gained a cult following. My favs are as followed: Jabawoki's, Kabba Modern and then Fanny Pak. The final was today and Super Crew won. I wasn't particularly interested. Until the next round.

On to the Summer Games. This is actually the first year I've watch the Olympics since the great 1994 games in Atlanta. I spent a grueling 2 weeks obsessing over the women's gymnastics team and discovered swimming, track, syncro, diving and basically all the other sports played. I don't think I saw the sun for 2 weeks. As much as I loved the anticipation, the joys, the sadness, the pride of being an American, it makes me very depressed watching. I get so overwhelmed by their dedications. Seeing their ups and downs and tears really take a toll on me. I cry at every medal ceremony and I just can't keep putting myself through that. So I've kinda been on an Olympic strike ever since until this year. I've watched a few rounds and it wasn't that bad. Mainly I've watched gymnastics but I've been ok so far. I have to turn the channels at times and I can't watch too much before I start to get anxious but it's been a great experience. I haven't cried once.... well I've teared up but that's a huge accomplishment to how it has been. I caught myself googling the medal count for this year and of all the years past. Then I started to check on the countries of who've won, who participated and how many different countries joined. I started to get a little overwhelmed so I had to stop. I just want to enjoy the beauty and pride of the games without getting crazy obsessed so I just need to pace myself.

Obsessed

2008-08-18T21:52:00.000-07:00

I am pretty laid back but I've come to realize that when I like something, I really go all out for it. In a really obsessive way until I get bored. Case in point: My Facebook obsession. I've now come to realize that the Mac store And Sony store will let you just sit and search the web. I've even made some cool friends at the Sony store and the Mac store lets you print. Just an FYI for all those who can't live without the internet when they're running errands. Then I've discovered IPhones. Well I've discovered friends with IPhones. It's to the point that they just know to give me their phone when we see each other. I'm also super obsessed right now with performing. I've always been really into skits and presentations and always go all out. It's a little top secret but I'm working on something really cool and funny coming up that I've spent way too much time on instead of being responsible. But I always make sacrifices for my unimportant and frivolous hobbies. One day I'm going to be a real girl. (Kinda stole that line from Stephanie Hatch.)

As summer has not passed yet, I will continue to add to my list of summer fun:

-Karaoke at Mama Margies

-ditching class with Shayla Garcia

-motor boating Aaron Woodhouse

-Carlo's IPhone

-Sharing an awesome moment with Wes AKA WAN Nash at 6 Flags

-Ultimate frisby in the dark and sacking Rachella

Narcissistic? You be the judge.

2008-08-09T23:48:00.000-07:00

I've realized that I feel I am doing a great service to my friends when I blog about them. I'm not being conceited, I truly believe that I will bring them joy. If anyone (namely Chrissy Freeman) blogs about me, I jump for joy a little. So as I sit here with Austin and Mikey, and them reading my blog as I write, I can see them jumping for joy on the inside. As men, I now they don't want to express their joy to me but I can see it in their eyes. So here is my official shout out to you, Austin and Mikey!!

5 Minuets of Fame

2008-08-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

I have Myspace, Facebook, a blog and videos on Youtube and I still have not made it on Regis and Kelly yet. I have this slight obsession with getting fame through one of these outlets. I watch a lot of entertainment news and read Yahoo News and there is always some random person who is featured because of something stupid and irrelevant that they posted. I can totally be that person. There is the guy who traded a paper clip for a house on craigslist, the guy who took a picture of himself everyday for a year, the guy who dances at random cities, Tila Techila and her MTV show. The more I think of it the more I realize that usually it's the guys who have cool fame and the girls just look like sluts. I now want to get my internet fame to show the world a smart, classy and sophisticated woman does exist. So what if I gain fame by having the most Facebook friends or by waxing and cupping my friends. It's not about the journey it's about the destination. I don't need to be president to make a change in the world.

More Adventures

2008-08-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been so long since I've blogged. I will rectify this manner from now on. Summer is ending and I've had a blast. Most of my close friends were in and out this summer but it was still good. Here are some highlights:

-Schlitterbahn with the family

-Boys II Men concert at 6 Flags

-My nephews remembering who I am

-Elijah still wanting to cuddle and hold my hand

-Random pool partys

-Fake surprise going away parties(Chrissy Freeman)

-Real surprise going away parties(David U.)

-Any late nights with Sara Payne

-Getting Chrissy back in my life

-The randomness that is Mike Garcia

-New callings: Enrichment

-Beating a certain named person at HORSE (I only had H O )

-Catching up on life with Kim

-For always having Karen, Sai and Jenny in my life

-Becoming a minor celebrity on YouTube

-Trying some hip hop dance moves found on YouTube (Soulja Boi)

-A sensation on Facebook with my fake haircut

-Getting a real hair cut and liking it

-creating a disgusting sensation on Facebook with Spencer Hamilton

-Monica's patience with me and my obsession with her guitar playing

- Surprise Date Dos!

-Meeting people who actually know something about Hmongs

-Meeting Adam Tobbler thru Jenny Alaska

-Many late nights at Sonic

-The Dark Knight

-Calls from Jess, Nina, Yee, Chris and all my other Cali and AZ friends

-Finally putting up pictures on Facebook

-Joining the 200 club on Facebook

-Becoming a little too obsessed with Facebook

-All my friends who constantly visited 6 Flags

-Converting people over to Origins

-Crying over my dad

-My mom's undying and unconditional love

-Falling in love with Google

-Getting over Cali past and anything that makes me miss Cali so bad

-Discovering that I am even more complicated and spastic than I ever thought but still very charming

America's Next Best Dance Crew

2008-03-21T06:34:00.000-07:00

I never thought I become addicted to one of those voting off talent shows on T.V. but America's Next Best Dance Crew is really really good. I've always secretly wanted to be a hip hop dancer so I covet the talent of these people. They dance street and hip hop and do great choreograph. Plus there are a lot of very talented Asian people which I always have to support. Next week is the finale and I can’t wait. I hope my favorite team Jabbawockeez wins. I think they have the most talent.
I’m also doing one dress for a fashion show at school. I’m really excited about it but kind of stressed too. I’m always afraid that I’m not creative enough but I don’t want to do too much. I know my designs are simpler than most and I like clean lines and solid colors. Prints are not my strong point. I think I’ve done a good design until I look at the person next to me and I feel like they’ve done so much better then I have to tweak mine. Then I feel like I’m not very good but I really need to focus on my visions and likes. I know I have to not compare myself to others because we all know how bad that can turn out. Plus those that I compare myself to always turn to me and say they like what I’m doing so I think the lesson I need to know is that I have to have confidence in myself and I’ll be O.K.

Phantom of the Opera

2008-03-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

D.U. and I went to Phantom of the Opera last night and I had one of the best nights of my life. Any theater experience is always nice but this was Phantom. I've wanted to go since I can remember. This was when I was in Cali still and dreamed of going to the San Francisco Opera House. Probably because I wanted to be like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman (not a prostitute but being at that theater). I was hooked as soon as the chandelier came to life and Phantom's theme song roared through the stage. I was in awe of the creativity that puts the whole production to life. I didn't like the movie too much but this totally makes up for it. I love how you get to see the actions but still have to imagine that they really are on a boat ride, or peaking on the roof top with the city below or running up and down stairs to a secret underground lair. The singing was phenomenal. I've always loved the songs but to hear it live and projected so well. Everything was wonderful. The musical was also a little humorous and scary. I startled a few times. I won't ruin the ending but I really want to know how it gets accomplished. D.U. had seen it already and was prepared to study the ending and still he couldn't figure it out. They always say it's the magic of cinematography but I think theater work has a lot cooler magic. We also got to go to the starlight room. Translation: no waiting in line for the bathroom. I felt so V.I.P. To top off a great evening D.U. suggested we wait backstage and get autographs. This is not a very typical Linda thing to do but I was excited so off we went. It was the best topper for the night. We got to meet some of the stars and they were so nice. They signed our playbill and let us take pictures. We weren't prepared for autographs so we didn't have a pen. D.U. had to run all the way back to the car and get us one. Good thing he's in shape. I wanted to follow the Phantom to his hotel room but I didn't. It wasn't because that was stalkerish and crazy but because I couldn't think of anything witty to say to him other than "good job." So we left on a great high and the desire to go to as many musicals and Broadway productions as we possibly can. I am so going to see Wicked and possibly Wedding Singer and Spamalot. Life is much more fun when you're willing to be adventurous. I am going to do a lot more things that I've just always fantasize about.

Overeaters Anonymous

2008-03-05T12:03:00.000-08:00

I've been eating so much lately it's not even funny. I know I love food but the love affair needs to end, or at least take a little breather. I just get into this weird pig out mod where I can't stop eating. My clothes are getting tight and everything feels loose. It's do or die time. I cannot afford (money wise and pride wise) to buy a bigger size. So here's to curbing my appetite and fitting in my clothes again.

Balls

2008-03-03T15:50:00.000-08:00

Last evening I get a phone call from my old rommies SP and SH. They were on their way home from church on the 410 and I10 exchange when their tire blew. I automatically offered to go help. I was still at church so I wasn't that far. For a split second I thought about asking one of the guys around to help but I thought, whatever, I know how to change a tire and I'm fully capable. I'll do it myself. So there I was on the shoulder of the freeway, in 4 inch heels and a not so long dress changing a tire. I know my crack was totally showing to oncoming traffic but you have to do what you have to do. I am proud to say I got them changed in under 10 minuets because I was still able to make it back to church for the end of CES. I have so much more balls then most guys I know.

Project Runway

2008-03-01T11:32:00.000-08:00

I had a fashion show last night and it was awesome. I've been interning with a local designer for the past month and it's been an experience. At times it was a little stressful and other times it was very chill. I didn't really know what to expect. On the day of, we were just putting last minuet details on the clothing and I thought it was just going to be very homey. When I pulled up to the venue, it was this huge incredible house that seemed more like an art gallery. There was an open bar (always classy even if you don't drink) catering, and artsy dressed up people. Totally not my scene at all but it was great to be a part of it. I got to watch the models get ready and help. I had no clue what I was doing. I've been a part of a large fashion show before but on this one I got to be more hands on. I do enjoy to he madhouse during a show when the models have to change clothes and you have to rush and there are clothes everywhere, naked bodies (but no one cares cause we're all too busy), and yelling and screaming. It's always do or die and you just have to roll with it. It's quite a rush. This aspect of fashion is not at all what I want to do but it is so much fun to be a part of and experience. I was glad my friend K was able to make it. It was a huge step for me in allowing someone I know into my life that they are not a part of. I always have trouble opening up in that way. Whenever I've had any productions or events that only I am a part of, I don't really like my friends and family to be there. It's very personal to me. It's not that I'm ashamed, I think I'm just afraid of disappointing those I care about. I didn't want anyone at my graduation and I've always gone alone to award ceremonies, plays, and symphonies that I've partaken in. I am working really hard on being more open this year and allowing people to join in my accomplishments and joys.

Martha Stewart eat your heart out

2008-02-29T10:01:00.000-08:00

My friend D.U. is so amazingly sweet and thoughtful. He planned a dinner for four of us and I was excited. I thought it would be the standard food and fun. When we arrived, there was a beautiful table scape and the house and a nice ambiance. There was a tuna and salmon spread laid out very fancy like. I ate it and I don't even like seafood. We had chicken parmesan which was delicious. It wasn't just the food. It's about the thought and effort that went into the presentation. It was the small little details of plating and garnishing. I think everyone wants to feel important and special. When anyone does something that requires effort, it doesn't go unnoticed. It is always amazing to know and see that there are truly thoughtful people who make a point to impress and have others enjoy themselves.
My two other friends who were there was making a dating documentary. I think it's a great idea. I think everyone needs to have awareness towards the opposite sex. I got to video tape some of the skits and let me tell you it was hilarious. I can't say too much because there will be the official unveil on March 10th but I think that this documentary is a nice approach to dating. It isn't about making people date more but to understand men and woman better. Even in this late age and the experiences people go through, there is still the mystery of the opposite sex. I have to admit I was amazed to learn new things. No one should sad about themselves or think they are desperate to want be a part of the documentary because we are all in the same boat. Smart, beautiful and charming people are also single. You can't compare yourself to anyone else. It's just about understanding you, your situation and knowing how to work it to you.

Useless Goals

2008-02-27T10:56:00.000-08:00

I’m a pretty laid back person. Most things don’t bother me. Well I should say the things that should bother me don’t but the things that people can care less about, I really dwell on. Case in point: I lose my wallet all the time. One time it was stolen out of my car and I didn’t realize for two days. I was annoyed but it didn’t really freak me out. I knew what I needed to do to take care of it so I did. The reason it got stolen in the first place is because not only do I not care to lock my car, I don’t always roll the window up. As my sister J said, it’s not really stealing if you leave it out there to be taken. It’s just called finder’s keeper. I constantly run out of gas because I really hate to pump gas. It’s just really tedious and occurs way too fast. When my car cruises to a stop ( on the freeway twice) I don’t really get nervous. I take it quite well. I also don’t care to lock the door, close windows and I go to the bathroom with the door open. Most people make these things a priority to care for but not me. Yet I obsess over “climbing the facebook ladder.” It’s a pathetic goal I know. What makes it even more pathetic is that I don’t really care about it; it just strikes my fancy right now. I also choose to be picky about how my oranges are eaten. It takes me such a long time to eat one because I have to peel everything and take off as much of the membrane as I possibly can. I can’t eat any of the skin. So it becomes a huge mess trying to get only the meat. I can do it the easy way by just slicing it and sucking the juice but I can’t waste anything either so sometimes I just don’t eat them. I won’t take 2 seconds to go back home to put my contacts on if I forget but I’ll drive over an hour if I leave my makeup somewhere. I question my priorities at times. I know everyone thinks they have quirks and theirs are the weirdest. I don’t think I’m exceptionally weird but I am misplaced at times. I don’t really care to change either. I mean I’m… of a certain age. At this point I know myself pretty well and I’m pretty O.K. with most of it. I’m fully capable of changing anything when I want to. I guess I’m satisfied with who I am. Anyone who wants to be around all this glory will just have to love me for who I am and believe as much as I do that I’m really charming.

Jack of All Trades

2008-02-26T17:54:00.000-08:00

We all know mechanics or should I say the mechanic industry robs us blind. I try not to be a victim of this as much as possible. So my brakes have been grinding for the last week. I basically know I need to change them. It’s just such a pain but as I’ve encountered problems with my car, I’ve also become a lot savvier to those thieves. I’ve changed my brake pads before and was so amazed at how simple but time consuming it was. I’m not as daunted by the mechanics of cars but I’m still always annoyed because I know it’s going to be a day’s work. So I took my car to Just Brakes (yea I’m calling them out) and I think they think I’m a sucker. The dude in charge was telling me all sorts of stuff that I needed to get done and I was like, um ok, so just need new brake pads? I’ll do them myself. He was nice to me at first because he thought he could sucker me. When it seemed like I somewhat new my stuff he started to be more curt and annoyed. I guess I would be too if someone had me take off all the tires, do an inspection and then say no thanks. Whatever though. That’s his job. It passes the time. I’ve worked customer service so I know how it is. He was going to charge me 90 bucks for front, 90 for back brakes and 90 bucks to change a fuel filter. I know that the filter costs $7 at Auto Zone and I can get brake pads for under $30. The only think is I don’t have any tools and I kinda need supervision. Luckily I know someone who can do the labor for cheap and he doesn’t lie to me. Just Brakes told me I needed back brakes but I really didn’t. I watched the whole time they were doing my car and the mechanics showed me some shavings left on my back brakes. They said that was the shavings of the drums wearing down. They lied though because if you know the operations of how back brakes work, you know those shavings are normal. All cars do that. I may be a girl, and yes, a very typical girl with cars but I’m not stupid about them. I know my stuff. I can change my own tires, batteries, oil and other minor maintenance work. I can even push start a car. The more I learn about cars the less intimidated I get with mechanics. I remember when I was really young and took my car in to get repaired I paid $300 for the maintenance. I was pretty happy until I read the itemized list and thought about what the parts did and realized that I basically paid that much for a simple spark plug change. I vowed not to be stupid like that ever again or at least to research and ask questions. Today I also learned how warranties work. I had paid for pads before and they had a lifetime warranty but I don’t ever pay too much attention to them. So I bought new ones and the person fixing my car today told me that I can always get free pads b/c of the warranty. Sweet. So I saved even more money because I didn’t have to buy new parts. I want all women to not be scared about cars. Honestly they aren’t that complicated and a lot of things you can do yourself. It really is just time consuming and dirty.

I'm Not Five Anymore

2008-02-24T11:04:00.000-08:00

There was this crazy cool gymnasium party I went to last night. Now I know it said we were going to be at a gym and there were gymnastic stuff there but it was also a birthday party so I was in a it’s a Saturday Night Party state of mind. I wore my flowy top and sparkly heels. Boy was I way off. We were literally in a gymnastics studio and we were doing gymnastic stuff. I was happy enough to make my grand entrance in my cute outfit (even though it made me look like those high maintenance girls who wear makeup while camping). Well anyone who knows me knows that not having the correct attire has never stopped me from getting down and sweaty. Within minuets the heels were off and I was on the verge of breaking my neck on the trampoline. I quickly realized that a gymnastics trampoline isn’t the same as the wickedly safe ones you find in someone’s backyard. It is 10 times more potent. There were times I thought I was going to die. The best thing was I was able to fulfill my childhood fantasies of being a great gymnast. I couldn’t do any flips, twists or cartwheels but I can leap into to air and fall flat on my front like no other. My one attempt to flip ended with my neck landing on the floor half a second before my body. I heard at least 7 bone clinks coming from my neck. For a second I was really scared I broke something. But as I heard the laughter and looks of fear from the people around I didn’t want to look stupid so I got up and ignored the pain throbbing in my neck. In my defense I really wanted to flip. It’s just that it’s so scary so I chickened out at the last second which was a critical second. That kinda stopped my fantasy of being a great gymnast and played Frisbee instead. I’ll just watch the summer Olympics this year for floor exercises and balance beams instead. I woke up with my neck super sore and my calves in pain. I’m getting really old and out of shape but it was awesome.

All hail Servers

2008-02-21T06:59:00.000-08:00

I am very grateful that there are people out there who can serve food to others. For one I would eat a little from each plate I handed out and two people are annoying when they are eating. I went to Chile's last night and had a great time. There was just a point during dinner when I realized how loud our party of 10 or so was. The poor waiter. We weren't exactly annoying but if I were him I would be thinking "they better leave a huge tip but I'm sure they're not." I don't have that happy optimism that is needed to serve others. I might be able to fake for a few minuets but then my annoyance will start to show. I wouldn't be a spitter, mind you, but I would be a loud exhaler and obvious eye roller. Which would then make me lose my tip, which would make me despise the customers and make me fantasize about spitting in their food. Mind you I’ll probably still be that loud annoying customer but I have a higher appreciation for those that have the patience to work as a server. Here is my salute to the service community.
In my life as a blogger I’ve acquired a new Asian brother Wan. (he's really truly one of the whitest people I know). He was my Facebook buddy and has graduated to becoming my Asian brother. I feel a lot closer than if we were blood siblings. Anyone can become that by the emerging of two bloods. This is much deeper, much more meaningful. It is an oral contract made by two people who only see each other periodically, randomly read each other's Facebook persona and make empty promises. It is the friendship that brightens up your day for those few minuets that you exchange witty quips. So here’s to Wan and the many internet connections in the future.

I'm not a good mom

2008-02-19T23:22:00.000-08:00

I woke up and found Hunter dead. I think I just numbed my feelings because I didn’t want to feel like failure. Part of me wanted him to live so I can feel validated about being responsible and that I can actually keep something alive. It wasn’t that I had emotions for a fish but I think it symbolized my ability to care for something other than myself. I think what might have done him in was the lettuce. I found him tangled in it. Oh well. I’m not sappy enough to have a watery funeral so he had a garbage disposal funeral. It was convenient.
I got a cool pen from my roommate K.M. It’s from Sibiu. It was the European Capital of Culture in 2007. She say’s it’s the most romantic city she’s ever been to. I’ll take her word for it because I’ve never seen a romantic place before. Stockton, Phoenix and San Antonio don’t exactly make for romance. One day I will travel to the places that she tells me about. I’m just collecting souvenir through her right now.

Hunter Lives another day

2008-02-18T13:31:00.000-08:00

I Googled goldfish food and discovered that they love lettuce. I know I was supposed to buy fish food but I keep forgetting. My roommate suggested I feed it bread and I did. I think that's what has helped Hunter survive the weekend. I don't think that bread can keep him alive forever and since I keep forgetting to buy food, I asked Google. Google knows all. If you can't find what you want on Google it's only because you aren't asking the right questions. Anyways, it said that they like lettuce and cooked peas. I totally have lettuce. So Hunter will be a very happy pet from now on. I hope he doesn't die. I might be a little sad.

Welcome Back Roomie

2008-02-18T13:08:00.000-08:00

My roomie Kim finally is back from Romania. It's great to see and be able to talk to her again. It took most of the afternoon to catch up. Again I am reminded of how lucky I am to have all my great friends. The old ones from childhood and all my new friends. Here's a shout out to Brad Auble from the bottom of my (chocolate) heart. You know what I'm talking about.

27 Dresses

2008-02-16T22:28:00.000-08:00

As a girl, I'll admit I'm a sucker for romantic comedies. My friend D.U. and I went to see 27 Dresses and it was pretty cool. I've been disappointed in the last few romantic comedies I've seen but this one was worth it. It was funny and sweet and James Marsdon was not only cute but very very charming. In my fantasy I would love to meet someone like him. Nice but not a push over, confident but not cocky, able to push the right buttons, a little irritating but charismatic. Basically my dream guy. Anyway watch 27 Dresses. It's movie full price worthy. Another movie that I just think is really cool is She's the Man. I thought it looked really stupid but it's really funny. Amanda Bines does really good goofy comedy. I was very surprised at how much I liked it and laughed at the stupid, even predictable, plot line. I would go so much as to day it's one of my favorite movies. Watch it, you won't be disappointed.

Hunter

2008-02-15T23:34:00.000-08:00

Hunter is the goldfish leftover from the Surprise Date. He was acquired during the scavenger hunt. That was a week ago. He is still alive and I have yet to feed him. I feel so bad every night when I find that he's still alive. I always promise that I will buy food the next day but I always forget. I get home late and see that he's still swimming and remember that I need to buy food. Amazingly he isn't dead. Why is it that people are always telling me that their fish died. Apparently it's easier to keep a goldfish alive than I thought. It's not that I want him to die it's just that he hasn't eaten in a week and is still living. I hope to buy food tomorrow cause right now I'm a bad pet owner. I guess I should feel good about my parenting skills. If Hunter dies tomorrow then all hope will be lost.

Valentine's Day Date

2008-02-14T22:39:00.000-08:00

Some people call today S.A.D. Day (singles awareness day) or Love Day. We all know who means what. I don't think that not having a valentines date makes you a single loser. A friend invited me to a reject party which I find kinda lame. I would never call myself a reject or anyone who wasn't dating someone during this time of year. Who says you can't go out on this day of amour? Who says you can't just spend today with your friends? I decided a few days ago to take my good friend Chrissy out. Her boyfriend had to work and she had helped me so much for the Surprise Date that I wanted to pay her back. We went to Macaroni Grill and man was it crazy. Good thing I put my name on the list on my home. The wait time was one hour and forty-five minuets. That gave me just enough time to go home, get ready and get Chrissy. The timing was great and we had a good dinner and caught up. I think this should be a lesson to all who think they are rejects and have to stay home on this day of Valentine. Go out if you want. Have fun and don't care what anyone else thinks. I refuse to deny myself the right to participate in whatever holiday I choose.

what the...??

2008-02-13T14:33:00.000-08:00

This month has been one for weird comments/compliments. First, I was hanging out with a friend when he stated that I had "Big" hands. Who says that first of all and second, who says that to a girl. He corrected himself by saying that my hands are ginormous compared to my height. Thanks again buddy. I just said my customary thanks and guilted him into apologizing. It's not that I was offended, it's just more of a thinker. It was actually quite funny in a "he's so weird way." Then on Monday my other friend gave me an idea to get me on Regis and Kelly ( for my 5 minuets of fame I've always wanted). I was into it until he said I can represent Asians and show the whole world that we too can be pretty. What the ?? Again I said thanks with a bewildered look. He tried to explain but I just told him to put the shovel away. I don't know if I should feel good about being the best of the worst or if I should feel bad because I am destined to be doomed. Then this other dude was telling me that there was no way anyone should confuse me for Chinese because I'm too dark. Now I know that doesn't sound so insulating in the age of Tanorexia but as an Asian person, the lighter you are, the prettier you are. I don't really buy into that belief but when you've grown up hearing that your whole life, it kinda strikes a chord. It's not that any of these comments are insulting or meant to be negative towards me but what the ****? How is one supposed to take any of this. It's like a backhanded compliment or observation. I'm not sounding off as much as just trying to get it. Or boys are just really dumb and don't know the right things to say. I think I've just been in awkward company.

Sad day

2008-02-12T20:11:00.000-08:00

So I didn't get the chance to go to IHOP. I'm sad but not as sad as I thought I would be. I guess I'm growing as a person. Makeup is my down fall. I am very conscious of my spending but when it comes to makeup, I'll spend what ever I want. I just can't get enough different colors. I will try to control myself when I go shopping tomorrow. The only consolation I have is that it will last me for a long time.

Free Pancakes

2008-02-12T10:19:00.000-08:00

Today is the free pancakes at IHOP day. I’m super excited but I haven’t had the chance to go yet. I will not let the chance of free pancakes go. The only thing better than food is free food. I have until 10 pm tonight. Mission is a go.

New Me

2008-02-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

This new year is really about experiencing the same things but with my new perspective on life. I’ve been having a lot of interesting conversations lately. It’s helped me a lot on how I look at myself and how I want to be. I was talking to someone about relationships and friendships. It helped me see an insight to myself that I hadn’t quite grasped before. I am so much more comfortable in my own skin and my own right than I was years ago. There is something comforting to know that I’m fine with being alone. So with that new assurance it makes making friends so much better and less stressful. Since my new goal of being more social this year, I’ve discovered that having friends are nice. I’ve spent the past two years being independent of people that I forgot how nice it is to talk to others. It helps to give me a perception that I can’t on my own. I feel like I have a good balance on my personal life and social life. I guess what I’ve learned is to just be yourself and get to know others. My attitude used to look at what others can do for me when I should be asking what I can do for others. That has changed so much how I look at social settings. I was so selfish before when I was judging others on how they can contribute to my life. There is a new attitude when I try to be a better person in someone else’s life. It takes away my fears of meeting new people and then I can genuinely just get to know that person. Fear is still a constant in my life but I think the more conscience I am of it the easier it is to overcome it.

Long live Surprise Dates

2008-02-10T10:40:00.000-08:00

Success!! Surprise date night was awesome. Thanks so much to all my friends and especially Chrissy. She is just awesome. She dropped by and helped me set up. She made the most awesome poster. (Visual will be put up) Again I am reminded of how great of friends I have when they willingly come to my aid without any questions. Because of my lazy days, I wasn’t as prepared as I wanted. It was a scramble to get all the activities that I planned prepared. When all 11 of my friends arrived (some later than others) we started off with a “get to know each other” game. Then we discovered who our surprise date was and took a compatibility test. Happy to say that Spence and I were only 17 points apart. The closest couple was 9 points apart and the farthest was 47. One of the highlights was dinner. The course included spaghetti, salad and bread. The catch was all our hands were tied together. That‘s where the fun comes in. I think it helped to teach communication and assertiveness. In order to be able to eat you had to have the help of whoever’s hand was tied to you. You also have to help them. If you didn’t let them know that they had to help you then you didn’t get to eat. It was funny. I know it sounds like a very clean and simple dinner so I am proud to say we only had one mishap involving salad, spaghetti and Fantastic soda all on one plate. The scavenger hunt was quite a blast too. As groups of 4 we had one hour to find as much scavengers on the list as we could. As far as Spence and I went, my favorite hunts were stalking this family of 4, making a mother think we were going to kidnap her 2 little girls, having two late teen boys think they were going to show up on myspace doing yoga, a very confused and probably miffed balding Indian man and a helpful WalMart employee. I think the scavenger hunt helped every bond and work together more intimately. When we all came back to the house, it was nice to see how every one interpreted the list. The video tapes, pictures and items were classic. My favorite interpretation was raw fish. We got a picture of fresh fish from the butcher, one group got a gold fish named Hunter, and the last group took a picture of sushi. My goal was to make new friends and hopefully have new friendships formed. There was a nice mix of people who don’t normally spend a lot of time together. I think everyone had a lot of fun and hopefully will feel more comfortable to talk to each other in social settings now. Only the future will show if any love matches will be made. If there is, I will officially become a match maker. I’ve assisted in 3 other couples who are now married. A forth will make my resume more solid.

After that long and fun night I had to wake up around 6 to help out at the rodeo. If I wasn’t sure I was in Texas before, now I know I am. A rodeo. I was telling my friends from California about it. I’ve never seen so many cowboy boots and Stetsons in my life. It was pretty fun though. I was helping my friend promote a membership for her work. I am so amazed at how the thought of a free dum dum would entice people to come over. A dum dum lollipop! Come on. If it was a Blow Pop I can at least understand that. Whatever though. It was cool but a very long day. I was just a little stressed cause I was going to the orchestra at 8 and we ended at 7. I made it just in time and I’m glad I did b/c the orchestra was awesome. The solo cellist was an amazing virtuoso. I really liked their performance of Mozart’s Magic Flute. By far, it was one of my favorite performances of all time. D.U. is always such a delight to spend time with. I am just really happy with my life right now.

Lazy Days

2008-02-08T11:39:00.000-08:00

I’ve decided that this week is just my lazy week. I didn’t feel like doing much and accomplished that goal. Next week will be better, I promise. It’s been a good week though. I got time to myself and relax. I’ve been needing that.

Tonight is the “surprise date” night. I’m excited. I’ve been planning it and hope everyone has fun. I need to finish getting the little things done. I didn’t realize how much work it would be. Also more people are into it than I thought. It makes me see who is open minded and who isn’t. I like people who are open minded. This will be a good experience to my ultimate goal of hosting a mystery dinner party. That will take a lot of planning and cooperation from people. I’m aiming for next month. I will be a lot firmer for that party because whoever comes will have to more than just open minded. I think it’s going to be creative and fun if everyone gets into it. More details will follow.

I’m also going to help out in the rodeo. I really am in Texas now. I’ve always wanted to go to a rodeo. Next up is working in a dude ranch. I think I’ll last for about thirty minuets but that has always been a life long dream. New thought, I need new and bigger dreams.

Enlightenment

2008-02-07T09:28:00.000-08:00

Life really does get better. You can be so frustrated one day and then the next, everything falls into place. I’m back in command of my sewing skills. Sometimes you just have to walk away and when you return, bam, it all works out.
So I was at institute yesterday in the JS History class and Bro. A. said something that really stuck to me. He said JS didn’t get things perfect right away. He was a great man who lacked experience. The early struggles and disappointments he went through was to help him gain experience so we shouldn’t be discourage by failures. It made me feel better about not having all the knowledge I think I should have right away and that if things don’t work out, it will in the end. I’m learning in this life and need to gain experience. If a great man like JS can endure then I certainty can work through the petty things in my life. Bro. A. sounded a lot more eloquent and meaningful than I do but the point is to learn and endure in life.
Another almost as great thing happened at institute is my new friend D.U. brought me carrot cake. (Food always makes me happy) How sweet was that? I am always amazed at how good and selfless people are and it is a great example to me to become a better person. Acts of kindness humbles me to the core and I am reminded of how blessed I am to have such great people in my life. Recently the wonderful people around have inspired me give service. Their kindness and generosity sparks such happiness within me that I hope I can give an ounce of that to someone else.
Here’s my blog shout out to Anel: You rock girl! First caroling, then facebook buddies and now blogging. These are the recipe for great friendships.

Matchmaker

2008-02-05T09:46:00.000-08:00

Dating has never really been my thing. I've either done it or not. I don't know how to be coy or play into the games. So as a selfless act I’ve decided to become Matchmaker. I think we all need a helping hand now and then. So I’m going to host Surprise Dates. It’s a spin on blind dates. As members of the church we all know each other. We are one big circle of friends/acquaintances so it can’t really be considered blind dates. I’m going to ask men and women if they are free for an evening and then pair them off. No prior knowledge on who will be their date, no questions on what they look like or if they are interested. It’s called “surprise” for a reason. I think this will take the edge off of trying to make a good impression since both parties don’t know who their date is but they will recognize each other. I think this is genius and people should be open minded to trying it. Apparently what they’ve done so far isn’t working. Since I’m not getting any action I might as well see about giving others the chance. Plus this will help me be more social, as that is one of my New Year’s Resolutions. We shall see how it pans out since the first official Surprise Date is going down this Friday. If no marriage comes out of it at least new friendships can be formed and who can ever say that is a failure.

I am blogging because I'm frustrated sewing right now. Patience really is a virtue. One day everything is smooth and I have garments that I am very proud of and other days, like today, I just want to throw all the fabric away and make towels. I think I just need to clear my mind and things will fall together. Oh well back to the sewing lab.

Public Persona

2008-02-04T15:46:00.000-08:00

Well I am officially a "blogger" now. Thanks to my very good friend Chrissy Freeman, who also introduced me to Facebook, I can now journal my thoughts. As a shout out to her, she is the coolest person that always make me feel sane about teh choices I make. So thanks Chrissy and love ya lots.
It's almost a whole year since I moved here to San Antonio, TX from AZ and I have to say I love it here. Never thought I'd end up in TX of all places. I'm a Hmong girl, born in Salt Lake City, UT, raised in Stockton, CA and now lives and loves TX. Lesson learned: you never know where life will take you. My adjustment have been really nice. It really has a lot to do with the great people I've met here. TX is a very welcoming place. I reccommed it to anyone. Not sure how long I'll stay but I'm enjoying the ride.
So as I reflect on the year past and plan for this new year, I've decided to make some assertive changes in my life. The first one being that I won't let fear control me. If I'm making a decision and fear is stopping me, then I will have to truck forward. Case in point: I really wanted to learn more about clothing construction and wanted to apprentice at a tayloring store. I was super excited then started thinking that people would think I was weird and they would discover I have no talent. Normally I would have stopped but no, this is a new year and a new me. So I got the address of a company I wanted to test out and walked right in and asked if I can learn from them. It actually worked and now I go in a few hours a day. I've learned a lot about fashion and am so grateful I didn't let fear come between me and want I want.
It's still a struggle. I find myself in that fearful predictament everyday, sometimes more than once, but I'm working through it.
My other new self will try not to be so prideful. Sometimes I feel I'm the most prideful person I know. I know that it has hindered a lot of potentially great things for me. As I've slowly let go of my pride , I've learned that I'm still fine. The world didn't end and my friends still like me. I don't have to be so independant and solid all the time. It's O.K. to fall and feel stupid at times. I just have to work better next time.
I feel good about the new year though. So far it's been off to a great start and I feel like I'm back to my old, fun, outgoing self but with a much more mature emotional mind. To quote Michael Buble, "It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me and I'm feeling good."