Catch Up!

Oh, man - I can't believe it's Christmas already! It's been over a month since my last blog - where have the days gone? Okay, let's see - I'm sure there's a thing or two to report.
Angel moved down to Laguna Niguel just after Thanksgiving. Yippee! We're livin' in a cute little 2-bedroom now. Okay, so maybe cute isn't quite the word that I'm looking for but it'll do. It's a place to live, I guess. The parking sucks and we don't have a washer or dryer but, like I said, it's a roof over our heads. Note: Don't get Angel started on how much our living situation sucks. She's got a vendetta against the management team of Laguna Summit Apartments.
Let's see, the fam came down to visit in the middle of December. A great time was had by all. We went to Disneyland, SeaWorld and all the other tourist hot spots. It was a whirlwind week but it was really fun. Good times, good times.
Now, it's Christmas and I'm back at home. I haven't been back to the Tri-Cities since I moved to California so it's weird to be here. I love it so much, though. The Tri-Cities is a great place and I'm definitely planning on being back here to raise my family.
Speaking of family, I have to comment that it's weird to celebrate Christmas with all of the kids going their separate ways. Ben's married, Brice is married and Brittney's off doin' her thing (whatever that means) - so it's up to Mona, Gina and myself to hold it down for the Holidays. It's not necessarily a bad thing but I can just tell a difference as I get older. It's an interesting transition. I wonder what it'll be like next year. Time will tell.

Head 'Em Up, Move 'Em Out!

Yay! Life is SO good! Angel is moving down next weekend and she's gonna have the cutest little apartment waiting for her! And a great roommate to boot! I am really excited - it's everything we wanted and more! And the price was fantastic. We seriously lucked out with this one! I'm moving all of our stuff in this weekend and I am so excited! Hee-hee! Par-tay time!
Things are coming together so well for me here in California. I keep asking myself why I didn't move down here sooner. I guess it's all about timing though. Things just keep coming together here - it's getting better and better! I should probably start looking for the other shoe to drop! Either way, I am so grateful for the experiences I've had in the past few months. I'm not there yet but I'm on my way to starting a real life for myself!
P.S. I just have to say how impressed I am by people who totally step up to help people out. Word got out that I was moving and I have had people approach ME about helping me out. Offers for packing, moving and everything else under the sun! It's so great. And the wonderful thing is that it makes me want to reach out and serve others the same way that I'm benefiting from others' charity. It's full circle and I think it's a GREAT program.

Halloweenie

As mentioned in previous posts, I lovey-love-LOVE Halloween! I think it's such a fun time! And the best part is getting pictures back. Most years I have several Halloween costumes - for example, last year I was a pirate for the Friday night round of parties and Medusa for the Saturday night dance and round of parties. Good times! This year, however, in the interest of time, I had to stick with the same costume for both nights of revelry. Sad, but true nonetheless. No worries 'cause my costume ROCKED! I had always wanted to be a flapper (you know, fringed dresses, long pearls, fishnet stockings) and this year was a dream come true. Bring on the feather boas and fake eyelashes! Jeni decided on a throwback to her days as a youngin' and picked up an old school white sheet from the local Wal-Mart. The results were stuntastic! I don't think I've laughed so hard in quite some time. Just the thought brings tears to my eyes - tears of hilarity, that is! Ah, and to think that she almost opted out for lack of a costume. The joys of Jeni the Ghost is just too much hilarity for words to express. It was my duty to show the OC how to par-tay Halloween style. And let it suffice to say that Halloween ROCKED!

Dude, Where's My Costume?

I heart Halloween. That's pretty much all there is to it. The decorations, the costumes, the parties - good times, my friends, good times. This year, Halloween has been pretty darn great. Aside from a flakey friend or two - I'd venture to say it's been a success. My throwback to the 1920s (aka a flapper costume) has been well received. I am quite pleased with it.
Deep thoughts by Paula Peralta: I think that whether or not people dress up for Halloween says a lot about what kind of person they are. If someone really gets into it and is willing to go out a whoop it up with their peeps – they’re cool. If they mope around the house and decline multiple invitations to the myriad of Halloween functions that are almost certain to be occurring – they’re lame.
Your thoughts?

Victory!

Yippee! Angel's coming! I'm not sure when and I'm sure she doesn't know how - but she's comin'! Oh, I'm so excited - I can barely stand it! This has been a long time comin' and she's comin'! Hee-hee!
Better yet, she may be getting a job in my office! Oh, I hope, I hope! If she gets the job then she'll be here at the end of November. If not, then she'll be comin' down in January. Either way, she's comin'! Yahooey!

Where My Peeps At?

Man, I got really nostalgic today and totally missed all my cruise peeps - the little darlings. Seriously, I don't think I've ever known such a well-rounded and fantastic group of people. I could literally list something great about every person on that trip. Incredible. The Utah love is a-flowin' and I have had the chance to be a lucky recipient of all that lovin'. It's almost enough to make me pack up and leave the beach behind for snow-capped mountains and the Cruise Groupies. But, alas, my place is here in the land of palm trees and movie stars (although I've yet to see one - a movie star, that is).
My little sister is moving to SLC in a couple of weeks. I think it's a great place for her to move to. She hasn't lived away from home yet so it may be a good place for her to cut her teeth. We'll see. I worry about the viciousness of girls that don't realize what's really important and can't see the beauty of a person if it's not manifest in well-applied makeup or the right label on their clothes. I dunno. Maybe I'm being too stereotypical. I just worry! I'm entitled, aren't I? Bein' the big sister and all. I just hope it all works out for her. I hope that she'll meet a lot of people that recognize what a sweetheart she is.

New Callings

Everytime I receive a new calling, it always seems like it's just what I need in my life at that time. New callings always bring such a new motivation to be a little better and work a little harder. There's just something great about knowing that the Lord trusts you enough to let you serve within His kingdom. I am really looking forward to the learning experiences that always come with a new calling. I am grateful to know that the Lord is mindful of me and my abilities. It's a wonderful thing!

Angel - Part II

It's so good to have friends that understand you. No explanations...just understanding. Understanding and acceptance. Not the reluctant acceptance, but the kind that sees you for what you can become and loves you enough to wait for you to get there. That kind of acceptance. It's fantastic.
Angel came and we had a fantastic time! Our itinerary went straight to H-E-double hockey sticks the second she walked off the plane but it's all good. I'm sure there's some quote about spontaneity being good for the soul. Blah, blah, blah. We had a fantastic time. We shopped our socks off.
You know how you know that you love someone but you kind of forget until they're there and then gone again? That's how I feel about Angel. All I can say about her is that she's incredible. She's just NICE. That's the only way to describe it. She is the embodiment of all that is good and kind. I wish I could be more like the woman she is. Now, don't get me wrong, there are times I forget how awesome she is but the reality is that it always comes back to the fact that she just wants what's best for the people she loves. Ah, she has such an incredible capacity to love. She's awesome and I'm so grateful we're friends.
Now that she's gone, I miss her dearly. BUT, there's light at the end of the tunnel. She's thinkin' about moving here. Oh, I would be in HEAVEN! I'm trying to do everything possible on my end to get her down here but in steps that whole agency thing. Drat! If it were up to me, she'd have been here MONTHS ago. Alas, I have to wait on her final decision. We'll see. Oh, I hope, I hope!
Either way, I know we'll always be great friends. I'm glad to know such an awesome woman!

Halloween

I love Fall. I just love it. The smells, the clothes and all the awesome things you can't get any other time during the year. Giant pumpkins. Courduroy. It's such a great time. It's a shame that it flies by so fast because of all the holidays! OH! The holidays! They'll be here before we know it!
I got my costume last night and I am SO excited! It seems like I get a little more excited for Halloween with every year that passes. I didn't get the chance to decorate my office this year and I feel like I got totally gypped! I have a costume and will be the epitome of "All Dressed up and nowhere to go" this year. Oh, well. It was so fun to try on the costumes and decide on the perfect costume. I swear, I've got a 10 year backlog of costumes. I'm planned out through 2015! I'm sure I'll be able to find SOMEWHERE to go this year. I'll just have to peak around. It'd be a shame for the world to miss out on me in all my Halloween regalia.

Angel

My friend, Angel, is an angel. She's comin' to visit this weekend and I am so excited! She is so funny and I know we're gonna have a grand ol' time together. She's always crackin' me up with her inexhaustible wit. Seriously, it's never-ending. We were roommates back in Washington and we had a lot of good times. The thing about Angel is that she's usually down for whatever. That makes for some funny experiences! She is a wonderful friend and a fantastic woman. I'm grateful to be her friend. I'm excited for her to come visit. Let the good times roll!

Seis Meses?!

It makes me so sad that I haven't been able to blog as much lately. For a bit there, I was bloggin' almost daily! Ahh, those were the days. I guess this whole life business is taking it's toll. You know, I read another girl's blog today and she was talking about getting so caught up in the day-to-day things in life that you forget to take time to enjoy where you're at. I think I've done just that. I got sidetracked and let myself forget how lucky I am to have such a great life. I've been so caught up in budgeting and relationships and housing that I've forgotten how great California Livin' is. But not anymore! This is my wakeup call. So, back to bloggin'!

I went to the beach with some friends on Friday afternoon. And I was HOT! Can you imagine?! I could hardly believe I was sunbathing in October. Granted, the ocean was cold enough to put you into a deep freeze, but a towel on the sand with the sun a-shinin' while I took a nap wasn't half bad! It's things like that that remind me how much I love living in California.

I've been here exactly six months today. I can hardly believe it! I just called my dad. And my roommate. And my mother. I feel like celebrations are in order. It's been an interesting six months, to be sure. I've met a lot of incredible people and I'm sure there'll be plenty more in the next six months to come.

Okay, I've just decided that this is going to be the marathon blog. I have so much to write about.

Mostly, I just want to get out how much I love my li'l Chazlyn Robbins. She is such a doll and I was able to see her last weekend. There is a standing tradition that all the kids meet up at the Jensen/McCombs household on Conference weekend. Well, Chaz has been up in Montana with her hubby, Tim, and so I haven't seen her since the wedding. As luck would have it, she was able to make it down and so I flew to SLC and hung out with her for a couple of days. It was so great to see her. She is all that is wonderful and womanly. She is a fantastic person and I feel so blessed to call her my best friend. Blink, blink. I just love her. I can't even handle it.

Times Are A-Changin'

Okay, so the cruise was A-mazing and it's been back to reality for 3 weeks now. I'm STILL adjusting! A great time was had by most. I know I thoroughly enjoyed myself. There are too many pictures to put up here (560 last time I counted) so I'm gonna direct ya'll to the trip's Photo Album. Feel free to peruse all five hundred sixty of the li'l buggers. Like I said, good times.
So, the time back has been filled with overflowing inboxes, sinus infections and plans for the future. And I must say that I'm not too thrilled with the upcoming agenda. However, the light at the end of the tunnel is General Conference this weekend. If ever a person could use a healthy dose of the Spirit...it's me! I get tickle belly just thinkin' about it. Last weeks RS broadcast got me all geared up and ready to go! I'm grateful to be surrounded by such powerful leaders.
And here's to making life-changing decisions in the blink of an eye. It's almost never easy but it's almost always worth it!

Reality Bites

Where have the days gone?! Oh, yeah...I forgot...I was in the CARRIBBEAN for a week! It was so awesome! Good food, good fun, good friends! Life doesn't get any better than beautiful blue water and chocolates on your pillow everynight. Is anyone else having a hard time adjusting to the reality of time clocks and life's responsibilities? I mean, I was anxious to get back but now I'm beginning to question my sanity!

Make Me Lose My Breath

I can't even handle it. Jeni and I went to the Destiny's Child concert in Anaheim last night. They are so HOT! What divas! It was an incredible show. And I do love me some Destiny's Child. Hee-hee! I can't even handle how awesome they are live. Those girls can SING! Oh, man! You can't help but get down with your bootylicious self when listenin' to those lovely ladies. And, believe you me, I've done my fair share of scoffing at Pop Culture...but you can't help but love these ladies. They are VERY talented. And I saw their faces...now I'm a believer! Hee-hee! Fo' sho!

Can You Keep Up?

Aargh! So much to do and so little time to do it. This week is Cray-zay! FHE, Institute, Destiny's Child, Caribbean Vacation...mix in 20 loads of laundry, dusty suitcases and a stressful workweek...and you've got my life! Hee-hee. I am SO not complaining. I am so blessed to have so many fantastic things going on in my life. Yes, yes, YES! I am the luckiest girl in the world!

Zoom...Zoom...Zoom

Aw, how 'bout those cutie-patooties that performed in the Newport Beach Temple Jubilee! This weekend was the Newport Beach Temple Dedication. What a weekend! We spent most of Saturday at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim...the Jubilee and THEN we got to hear President Hinckley speak.

You're doing great. You're better than you think you are. We have confidence in you. May you have the strength and the will and the resolution to do what is right at all times.

It was fantastic. President Faust accompanied him and spoke to the congregation as well. Needless to say, it was fantastic. The Church is true and the leaders of the Church are called of God.

The Celtic Dutchman

I am a sucker for the arts. I know that "the arts" can be a pretty vague term but let's just say that the second I hear an orchestra or see a painting...I am drawn to it. It's like it calls to me. Okay, enough of the cheeziness...I have a point.
Tonight I was flipping through the channels and landed upon KOCE (it's the Orange County branch of PBS) and they were broadcasting Andre Rieul: The Flying Dutchman. He never actually flew so I'm not sure why PBS felt the need to title the program that. Anyhoo, Andre Rieul is a famous violinist that tours with the Johann Strauss Orchestra. A-mazing! I heart PBS. And I heart Andre Rieul. The orchestra was incredible. They played some beautiful arrangements.
THEN, it only got better. One of my favorite programs, Celtic Woman, followed Andre and his fantastic orchestra (or Strauss' fantastic orchestra, rather). It may have something to do with my obsession with the Celtic culture but, either way, there is a special place in my heart for the step dancing and fantastic fiddles that accompany the music of the Celtic lands.
Finally, to the reason I am even blogging this in the first place. I'm not even sure what to say or, more importantly, how to say it. When I was watching both of these programs I thought, "Now, this is true beauty." Maybe that's a "duh" comment but I really felt that. There is something so powerful about music and the arts that encompasses and expresses beauty in a way that no other medium can. Languages are generally so limited and do not contain the words or nuances needed to express such a complex idea as beauty.
Okay, enough of the philosophizing. Bottom line, I'm just really grateful that the Lord has instilled in me a love for the arts. I'm grateful for mentors that have shown me how to appreciate a canvas or an instrument that can express emotion and life views in a way that nothing else can. It is truly a beautiful thing.

These Words

Read some Byron, Shelly and Keats
Recited it over a Hip-Hop beat
I’m having trouble saying what I mean
With dead poets and drum machines

I know I had some studio time booked
But I couldn’t find a killer hook
Now you’ve gone & raised the bar right up
Nothing I write is ever good enough

These words are my own
From my heart flow
I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you
There’s no other way
To better say
I love you, I love you…

I Am a Common Man

Everybody needs a good love story once in awhile. I got mine tonight. There is something about Noah and Allie's love that just takes my breath away. It sounds SO cheezy but it is SO true. It literally takes my breath away. Oh, wait...maybe that's just Ryan Gosling's skill. Hee-hee! Just kidding. The book is so well written and the movie is incredible. I remember the first time I saw "The Notebook" in theaters. I was with my best friend, Chazlyn, and we were bawlin' our eyes out at the end. A lady came back to ask us if we were okay 'cause we were cryin' so much! Ah, the memories.

I am nothing special; of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts, and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I've loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough.

I know it's fiction but there is something about seeing such powerful love that is so inspiring. I wonder. Noah and Allie were literally CRAZY about each other. Allie was all Noah thought about and vice-versa. How does that happen?! I can't even begin to understand it! But it doesn't make me love it any less. I want that same passion for life that they had for each other. And maybe someday I'll have that passion for another person. Heaven help us when that finally happens. Hee-hee!

Whirlwind Weekend

Man! The past four days seems like a blur! My mom came to visit and we had the time of our lives! It was so good to see her and play with her and love on her and laugh with her. Seriously, I had forgotten how hilarious my mom is. What a crack-up! Pictures to follow...but this was our itinerary.

Friday:
Flew in (boy, were her arms tired...hee-hee!)
Universal Studios
Pageant of the Masters

Saturday:
LA City Tour & Movie Stars Homes Tour
Downtown Disney
Dinner @ Cheesecake Factory

Sunday:
Church
Recovery Time

Monday:
Office Visit
Newport Beach Temple Open House
Key Chain Hunting in Laguna Beach
Lunch at Johnny Rockets
Flew Home : (

It went by so fast and we were SO exhausted but it was SO much fun! I am so glad she got to come visit. The California sun wasn't shinin' so brightly but we had a good time. The whole fam is comin' in December...that'll be four times the fun...can't wait!

Teaser

I'd like to revoke the previous blog stating that Kimberlini was moving in with us. She has received a better offer (although what could be better than living with me, I don't know) and will not be moving into our apartment. So, back to the scrambled confusion of square one. It's so good to be home.

Summer Lovin'

This is the 3rd time in just as many years that my summer has included a Jack Johnson concert. And lemme just say that it gets better every year. However, as much as I love the great state of California...UCSD's got NOTHIN' on The Gorge at George. Not a single thing. The concert was fantastic and I fell in love with Jack all over again (seemingly impossible, I know...nevertheless true). He is such a great musician and a fanstastic human being. He does so much good. Anyhoo. Enough about my crush on Jack...which, I might add, is harmless, respecting the fact that he has a beautiful wife and a cutey-patootie son named Moe. Hee-hee! So, Jeni and I met up with Holly, Dan and Co. for the concert. Great seats. Great pizza. Great weather. It was just plain ol' great!

To Say or Not to Say

Kim is going to move into our apartment! Clap, clap, clap! Yay! I love you, Kim...wherever you are! Kim's moving in so we can stay in our apartment through at least November. I don't think it's the best situation, per se, since it's just delaying the inevitable...but it'll be nice to push that stress back for a bit longer. Granted, the decisions have been made and the lease is more or less signed, sealed and delivered...but I've learned a thing or two during this little escapade.

This above all: to thine ownself be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
William Shakespeare, "Hamlet"

Since moving down here, I've really developed a more real sense of independence but I still allow my fear of people's reactions to my decisions color the decisions themselves. It's really too bad but I'm getting closer and closer to really becoming my own person and allowing myself to be in a position to be the best woman that I can be. I'm learning what environments I am happiest in and I am learning how to create those environments. At the risk of sounding VERY cheezy...it's very liberating to know that I am in absolute control of my own happiness. My happiness or lack thereof is my own fault. Either way. Pretty cool, huh?

A.L.O.

A.L.O opened for Jack Johnson this weekend in San Diego. And while I wasn't immediately impressed...they definitely grew on me. I think most of it stems from the fact that Zach (keys & vocals) played for Jack during his set later in the night. He is definitely one talented dude! Good music and even better lyrics...minus the Pecs song! Okay, so maybe I kind of liked the Pecs song...but just a little bit. It wasn't my favorite or anything. Honest, it wasn't.

And in this life we're free to dream what ever we want to
But that doesn’t' mean that your dreams are gonna come true
Instead as a way of getting us to move
Life dangles your dreams in front of you
And unable to resist the temptation
We continue

Good times all around. I'm really glad we hit Jack up for the 3rd time in just as many years. It was worth the hours spent on the 5 stuck in traffic and sweatin' our bums off in Jeni's non-air conditioned car. I love you, Jeni's car...wherever you are! And I love you, Jack!

Blessings, Blessings Everywhere

I've been semi-stressed about the whole moving situation but last night...a ray of light broke through the crowds...I mean, clouds. Hee-hee. Shantel has decided not to move just yet and is doing everything in her power to maintain our contract so that we can stay in until the end of the year. So, cross your fingers, everybody! I hope it all works out and we won't have to move until January-ish.

Home Life

I think I'm gonna stay home; have myself a home life.
Sitting in the slow-mo and listening to the daylight
I am not a nomad, I am not a rocket man.
I was born a house cat by the slight of my mother's hand.
See, I refuse to believe that my life's gonna be
Just some string of incompletes; never to lead me to
anything remotely close to home life.

Wishin' and Hopin'

In the midst of the joys of planning ahead, I spend too much time wishin' away the days. Some of it is wishin' away time 'til the next payday. Some is until it's the weekend. What is WRONG with me? It's not a very nice feeling 'cause it makes me one of those people that's never satisfied. That makes me feel yucky.

Newport Beach Temple

When I was at Fluor, I worked next to the SWEETEST lady...Carolyn Hoag-Hansen. She was such a sweetheart and I had the chance to invite her to the Newport Beach Temple Open House before I left and she accepted! I took her and her husband to the temple. It was a beautiful experience. They were very reverent and respectful of the temple and they were VERY grateful for the invitation. They are fantastic people and I hope they had a positive experience with the temple. The Spirit that resides there is so incredible. I love it! And I can't help but want everyone to have the opportunity to visit it and partake of the sweetness. The temples are very beautiful but it's so much more than the physical beauty. It is truly the House of the Lord. I feel so blessed to have a temple so near to me.

Moving

Melissa and Shantel dropped the biggity bomb of the century and told us they're movin' to Utah. And while I am very happy for them...I am not so happy about having to find a new place to live. Rar! They're names are on the lease and so when they move...we ain't got no home! Stinky. I guess we're not TOTALLY without options. It's just that 4 girls in a 3-bedroom makes for super cheap rent...well, cheap by OC standards anyway. So, Jeni and I are on the hunt. We've got a few friends that may be in the market for a move but it's going to be a pain either way we look at it. I'm NOT looking forward to it. It's times like this when I just want to live alone so I don't have to depend on anyone.

Blog Content

I spent some time be-boppin' (yes, be boppin') around some other blogs and I cannot help but feel that mine is lacking content that would paint an accurate picture of who I really am. On the one hand, this blog is primarily for close friends and family who just want to know the basics. But on the other hand, there is so much more to me than cutesy pictures and play-by-play blogs. I can't decide whether or not I want to use this as more of a creative outlet or not. Perhaps I'll start adding quotes from books I'm reading or pictures of paintings I think are fantastic. Let's just go from there. One thing I do know is that I have a hard time "lettin' it all hang out" to millions (hypothetically, of course...i don't think more than 5 or 6 people have ever seen this blog). And, to be honest, I'm not one to sit around pensively and struggle to know the mysteries of the earth. Don't get me wrong...I can certainly APPRECIATE the mysteries but it's not something that weighs upon my mind every second of everyday. Does that make me sound shallow and undeveloped? So be it. We'll see how it goes.

Land of the Free

I love Rachael. I love her because, like me, she is perfectly happy chillin' at the house watchin' movies and eatin' pizza every once in awhile. She takes joy in the little things and is often content to just be. Anyhoo, to celebrate the Independence of our beloved country, we got a pizza, rented some movies and took a minute or two to look at all the fireworks. It was actually really neat 'cause the house we were at is on a hill overlooking San Clemente that allowed us to see San Onofre, San Clemente, Mission Viejo and Laguna Beach fireworks! It was a great vantage point.

The Ladies

Happiest of Birthdays

I have the best friends in the whole world. Hands down. I know I'm hard to live with but it seems that the Lord keeps blessing me with people that are willing to put up with me. I'm a lucky girl.
So, for the big 2-4 the girls got together and threw a birthday party for me...Hollywood style! They reserved the theater in our complex and decorated it with stars, a faux HOLLYWOOD sign (it was a beaut!) and my very own red carpet. Cute Kim walked me up to the room and when I walked in it was completely dark and flashes were going off everywhere. I was so confused. Then I heard, "Miss Peralta, smile for us!" "Over here, Miss Peralta." "Paula, can we get an interview?" And then I realized what was going on...PAPARAZZI! I started crackin' up and, of course, took a minute to strut my stuff on the red carpet.
After cupcakes and sparklin' cider, we hit Downtown Disney for some dinner at The Rainforest Cafe. So fun! It was fantastic! Definitely one of the best birthdays EVER! Props to Jeni & Co. for makin' my day super special!

Temple Call Center

Rachael and I spent the past month working most Thursday nights (and a few Saturday afternoons) at a little corner of Moneyline Lending Services for Mike McBride who was put in charge of arranging VIP tours for the Open House of the Newport Beach Temple. It was, indeed, a most riveting time. I'm fairly certain that I've never been so bored in all my life. There literally was nothing to do. We had to bring books to read, cards to play and websites to surf. And while I'm grateful to the opportunity to serve, I will honestly say that I am glad its over. Good times.

New Job (Again)

It seems like every week that goes by confirms in some way that this is where I need to be.
It's been a rough few weeks since Fluor announced they were moving their Headquarters to Dallas, TX. So many people are scramblin' around to find new jobs before the layoffs start happening. Or they're tryin' to cement their position within the company so that they can move with all the Executives. To them I say, "Don't hold your breath." Anyhoo. I, the lowly Executive Assistant who has only been here for a couple of months, quickly realized it was imperative for me to find another position somewhere in South Orange County very soon.
POOF! In walks Advent. Or in I walk into Advent, rather. Or Kim, who already walked into Advent, walks into me.
Okay, let me back up. A few weeks ago, I was complaining about my unusually stressful day at work when my friend Kim said, "Hey, I think my company is looking for an Office Manager-ish kind of gal...you interested?" I jumped at the chance to submit my resume. Luckily, Kim gave me a great recommendation and I got the job! Even better, the position ended up being for a Contract Manager...not an Office Manager. Good enough. So, I don't have a ton of Construction experience...okay, I don't have ANY is more like it...but I think I can tackle this. I'm excited to go to work for this company. They are growing very quickly and I think this is a great time to jump into the fray. We'll see how it goes but I feel really blessed to be given this opportunity.
I feel kind of bad because I had another position lined up within Fluor that I was supposed to begin after the 4th of July holiday but I'm starting at Advent the 1st of July. But I do think it was time for me to leave Fluor. It was a great few years and I am so grateful for the experience I had but it's time for me to move into a career track. Yay! Advent, here I come!
Thanks, Kim! And we love you Advent...wherever you are!

Memorial Day Weekend

Scott, Clark and Ryan came to visit for Memorial Day weekend. Magic Mountain. Disneyland. Bonfire @ Corona del Mar. Need I say more?
It was so much fun to have the guys here. Scott loves Disneyland more than anyone I've ever met...probably more than Mickey himself! True story. And the man is a master with the Fast
Passes. We definitely lived it up at Disneyland.
No regrets.
Clark has a thing for Magic Mountain so we hit that, too. It was SO much fun! I got sick, though...no bueno. "The X' was pretty much the scariest ride I've EVER been on! But it was worth every second of the 2-hour wait. Oh, man! It was a great time. There was one point where you're falling, spread eagle, towards the ground and you just KNOW you're goin' to hit it. Then...WHOOSH! You're back up spinnin' and screamin'! It's a great time.


Sunday night, we had a hot dog party at Corona del Mar. We couldn't get a firepit 'cause the place was PACKED! Holly and Dan saved the day with they're party grill. We grilled up some dogs and had a grand ol' time. Hey, it just goes to show that it really is about the people and not necesarily the activity. Good times.
I was sad to see the boys go. Everyone here loved 'em and I was so proud to call 'em my boys. Hee-hee! I'm so grateful to have so many wonderful friends.

Green Knight! Green Knight!

For Shantel's birthday, a big group of us went to a dinner show called Medieval Times. It was so much fun! They bring everyone into an arena that is organized by color. They seat you in your group and the color that your seated area is corresponds to the knight that you are supposed to cheer for during the jousting and other competitions. It got SO crazy! Dinner was served in mugs and stone plates...no utensils. Roasted chicken, potatoes, soup and ale (aka Diet Pepsi) was served by tavern wenches. Hee-hee! It was a lot of fun. The knight competitions were the best! People were screaming and cheering like you wouldn't believe. It was hilarious. There was a group of graduating seniors in one section and they were SO loud! They kept chanting, "Green Knight! Green Knight!" Our knight was the Blue Knight. He got his trash kicked in the competitions but we loved him just the same. He even gave me a flower! Kim got the "Queen of Beauty and Love" sash...I'll be honest, I was a little jealous about that. But it was SO fun! Definitely on the Top 10 List of Fun Things to Do in the OC.

San Onofre

Sarah (a friend of Holly's -- and now a friend of mine) had her birthday at San Onofre beach. It was so much fun. We tried to body board but couldn't quite get the hang of it. The bottom was SO rocky and we were totally cuttin' up our feet just to get out to where the waves were breaking. Fun times. I'm gonna get good -- just you wait!

Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon

All I have to say is I'm so grateful to have met so many loving and welcoming people since I moved down here. Let me see if I can explain. Jeni has a really good friend from the U -- Holly. Holly and I used to get on the phone and joke around with me when I was talkin' to Jeni when she was in CA and I was still in WA. SO, when I got down here and finally met Holly it was like we already knew each other. Anyway, Jeni met some people through Holly and when I hung out with all of them at Holly's birthday (at Bucca di Beppo -- the best restaurant EVER) it was like they became my friends, too. It's just nice to meet so many nice people. I feel really blessed and I am more and more certain that I made the right decision in moving down here.

Body Boarding

I went body boarding for the first time today. Talk about makin' memories! It was really scary but at the same time! I got caught in a wave -- that was scary. But I rode a couple of waves, too -- that was FUN! Rachael, Jeni and I went to Newport Beach. Melissa (one of my roommates) has a brother that is a pro-surfer and he was in a competition there so we all went out to watch him. In between heats, we went to catch some waves of our own! Hee-hee. It was really fun. I love the ocean so much and I'm so grateful to be living somewhere that allows me to go anytime I want.

The Happiest Place on Earth

I love Disneyland. It's pretty much the happiest place on earth. Need I say more?
I went to Disneyland for the first time today. It was SO MUCH FUN! I bought an Annual Pass so I can go whenever I want without having to wait in line or pay. It's pretty much the best invention ever! I love it so much! I'm going to go everyday -- well, as soon as I figure out which highways get me there, that is!
Jeni loves Disneyland so I'm sure we'll be going quite a bit. It's cool 'cause lots of people around here have the Annual Passes so we can just hop over after work or anytime we want. Emails have flown about recently with invitations to Disneyland. It's fun to go with a group 'cause then you have people to stand in line with. It's the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland so this year there all kinds of fun things going on. There is an extra special fireworks show every night. And Cinderella's Castle has been repainted and redecorated. It's all just SO awesome! I didn't think I'd like it as much as I do. I think EVERYONE should go to Disneyland at least once in their adult life. It's too good to miss!
California Adventure is awesome, too. My favorite ride there is Soarin' Over California. It's a flight simulated ride. So, it's like you're flying over all the best parts of California: the orange fields, the ocean, the forests, the Grand Canyon...it's too awesome for words!

Old Friends

It's funny how one person can be the spark that brings it all together. Funny thing, coincidences. An acquaintance from Tri-Cities, Susan May, is totally BFFs with a girl in my ward, Rachael. Susan was down visiting and we ran into each other at church. So, now Rachael and I are going to be good friends. Yay! Friends! Susan and her husband and Rachael and Kim (another girl from the ward) came over to hang out and eat fondue. Fun times! It was so great to have a fun group together. I think that I'm going to be good friends with Kim and Rachael. They are so much fun! I'm so grateful that Susan was the link. It's funny how those things work out.

The Bairds

Jeni's family came into town this weekend. It was fun to hang out with them -- they are so great! It made me miss my family and got me really excited for them to come visit me. I hope it's soon. Jeni went to Disneyland and California Adventure with them -- she had such a great time! I went to Laguna Beach with them to have a picnic. It was so fun! I'm so grateful that the Bairds let me hang out with them. They are so great and it was nice to see someone I know!

Fluor Update

Mervyn is SO great! He is one of the most intelligent people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I am so honored to work for him. He is so aware of the world around him and it seems like he knows EVERYTHING -- from the political unrest in Iraq to who Tom Cruise is dating...he knows it all! It's actually really great 'cause it encourages me to be on top of current events. I love that I can go in and ask him questions about anything and have a great conversation. It's wonderful! Mervyn is from the UK. He's got a great sense of humor and we have an easy repore with one another. I'm very grateful. I was worried about working on the "Executive floor" which has a reputation for being VERY haughty and stuffy. It's not that way at all! It's very professional and business-like but Mervyn is very kind and cracks his share of jokes!

Chatelle aka "Mama T"

Jeni introduced me to a girl she works with -- Chatelle. She's the blonde bombshell from Down Under! She is SO much fun! We went for a walk on Laguna Beach and just got to know each other. Then, we went to Islands and had the best bowl of endless tortilla soup known to mankind! It was SO good! Chatelle is so funny. She gave me a nickname -- Donny D. She calls Jeni -- Gladys! Gladys Knight and Donny Osmond are the only Mormons (excluding Jeni and I) that she knows so those are the nicknames she made up for us. Oh, and Napolean Dynamite -- that's where the "D" in Donny D. comes from. Good times. I call her Mama T. 'cause she's Catholic and so was Mother Theresa. So, maybe it's a LITTLE irreverent but it's all in good fun. I'm grateful to have met Chatelle. I am meeting so many great people in the few weeks I've been here. It just keeps gettin' better and better!

Fluor Corporation

I got a job with Fluor Corporation! I have worked for them for the past 3 years in WA and a lady I worked with a bit in WA, Deanne Uberin, helped me into a position with Mervyn Sambles, Fluor's VP of Strategic Marketing. It's an answer to a prayer! This job is so perfect! It's a great environment and a fantastic opportunity. I feel so blessed and I can't help but feel like this is affirmation that I made the the right decision in moving here.

The Big Move

It all came together so fast. It was one of those things that you always consider doing but never really think will happen. Well...it did! I packed up and moved to California. One of my best friends, Miss Jeni Baird, moved down here to Aliso Viejo to work for Fluor in November 2004 and absolutely loved it. We always joked that I'd be down in 6 months...sure enough! On April 10, 2005, I hit the road to California! I think I was in shock the whole drive down. I couldn't quite believe I had packed up and left everything that was familiar behind. And to be perfectly honest, there were several times where I almost turned tail back to Washington. But (finally) I made it to Orange County.

The first few days have been pretty hard. I'm in a completely foreign place (I had never been to CA before I moved down here) and Jeni is the only person I know. It has been tough but Jeni is great about lettin' me leech onto her until I get my bearings. I don't think it'll take long for me to feel at home but I hope it comes quickly. I just keep clingin' to the fact that I felt so good about this move and I really believe it's the right thing for me to do.

Jeni took me to the Irvine Spectrum tonight. It was really fun and boosted my spirits (shopping always does!). We went to Red Robin (an old reliable in WA)! It was the pick-me-up I've needed. I've really been having a hard time. Granted, I've only been here a few days but I didn't anticipate how HARD this would be. I remember when Jeni moved down here...she would call me cryin' about how hard it was and how much she missed everyone back home. I feel like I am TOTALLY walkin' in her shoes right now! And it's NOT my favorite thing! I just keep prayin' that it'll all work out. Like I said, I know I am supposed to be here so I'm really leanin' on that to get me through the rough patches.

California or BUST!

So, I've always wanted my own website...unfortunately, I lacked the know-how to make it happen. And, to be honest, I always secretly snickered at people with they're own websites. What kind of dorks are they anyway?! A website? Bah! But NOW, thanks to a friend of a friend, I've got this handy-dandy blog in a box. We'll see how it goes. Bring on the dorkiness!

I have been looking for a way to keep people updated on what I'm up to here in Cali. BAM! Here's the answer! I want to make this a place for my friends and family (near AND far) to come and see all the fun stuff that's been goin' on with me since I moved to the great state of California. We'll see how it goes. To those I have left, I love you and I miss you. Thank you for your prayers and support. Come visit!