MOAB!

So, I've never been more excited to go camping in my whole life! And, believe you me, as someone who absolutely lived for Girls' Camp every year, that's really sayin' something! I'm goin' to Moab! I'm goin' to Moab! A long weekend up fun and fire. Campfire, that is. Mostly, I'm just pumped to see the Utah Peeps. I miss those little buggers. Hee-hee! And I get to see my cutie patootie sister, Mona. In fact, she's comin' down with us. Oh, it's gonna be so F-U-N!

Isn't She Lovely?!

Truly the face that only a mother could love! Okay, that's not necessarily true 'cause I sure do love this silly little girl! Truth be told, most people love her the very second they meet her. Ah, so tender.

24 Goin' On 30

Sometimes I forget that I'm still just a young'un. I find myself cutting out several years of my youth by developing attitudes generally reserved for people many years my senior. Now, I don't want to get too specific but I do want to say that, for the most part, I'm in a good place for someone my age and I need to remember to gauge myself by my own timetable - not by someone else's. Ultimately, it's the Lord's timetable that really matters. But until I understand that completely, I'm just gonna have to do the best I can. Know what I'm sayin'? Oh, good.

Fuh-Lap

So, I started tap lessons last week. Did I already tell you this? Either way, last night was lesson #2 and, believe you me, it was a real treat. On the positive side, I'm pretty positive that I can cross "Professional Tapper" off my list of potential life quests. That said, I do really enjoy it and I look forward to the day when I can not only tell the difference between a shuffle and a flap (pronounced "fuh-lap" by our delightful instructor, Gemma) but actually be able to do them both with some level of skill.
Here's to trying new things and looking like an idiot!

MySpace

I would just like to make it known that MySpace is the dumbest website ever. I mean, what's the point? I don't get it. My sister buzzes around it all the time and I succumbed to peer pressure and set up my own account. LAME! Okay, I'm done rippin' on it but I just wanted everyone to know that I just don't see the point of it or the reason for the MySpace craze.
I'm leanin' that way real quick with regard to LDSLinkUp, too. I just don't get the point of it all. I mean, I don't wanna knock it too bad 'cause I know that lot of people are into that kind of thing and that they meet a lot of people but it's just not for me. And that's okay, right?
In conclusion, I'm gonna stick with blogger.com, baby. That's right - bloggin' 'til the cows come home.
Peace, love and Internet dating.

Riverdance!

Last night, my long-time dream of seeing Riverdance live came true! Okay, so maybe the word 'dream' is a little dramatic but watching those people spin and zip around was like watching a dream. It was so amazing to see the talents expressed in that production. It was downright unbelieveable. The program was simply awesome! It was a thing of beauty. Okay, laying off the cheeziness now. Seriously, it was incredible and I would highly recommend it to everyone. The dancer's feet move so quickly it almost seems superhuman. No lies here, my friends. It's amazing. And there was a sextet that sang a few hauntingly beautiful Gaelic songs.
Speaking of Gaelic, I watched this really funny show called "Street Smarts" where they pull people off the streets and ask them random questions. It went a little something like this:

Q: In what country do they speak Gaelic?
A: In San Francisco?

Yep, we've got some geniuses on our hands, folks.
Anyway, back to Riverdance. There were a few Flamenco numbers - the girl was amazing. Full skirt and all. She even did a sassy little number with some of the Riverdance boys. Hell-O, Nurse! One of the highlights (okay, they were all highlights) was when they brought out a couple of really amazing tap dancers to perform a lighthearted duel with some of the Riverdancers. It was so mueh fun! Riverdancing is kind of a stiff dance. I mean, it's very expressive and passionate but there's not a lot of facial expression while the dancers are doing their thing. That said, it was fun to see them kind of let loose while they were funnin' around with the tappers.
All in all, I give Riverdance an A+! It was so beautiful and I'm glad I finally got to experience it. Two thumbs way, WAY up. Check it out if you get the chance!

Center Stage

Okay, let's just let it be known that I was not born to be a tap dancer. Or a jazz dancer. Or any kind of dancer that is actually supposed to look good while she's doing it.
Angel and I (along with some other pals) started a tap class this week. Let it suffice to say that I struggled. Big time. I've got the shoes, I've got the heart but I haven't got the skill. Luckily, it's a 4-week gig. Maybe by the end of the session I'll know the difference between a shuff-full and a fuh-lap (dance terms, I guess). Either way, it's a great workout and it's kinda fun to boot! I'll keep you posted. 'Til then, keep those feet a-tappin'!

Live and Let Live

Man, time just seems to fly right away from me. One minute I'm chillin' with my Utah peeps at the DL for New Year's and the next minute I'm tryin' to decide on a Valentine! Good times, good times.
I am really strugglin' these days. Let it suffice to say that people are frustrating. And tryin' to change them is like beating your head against a brick wall. Repeatedly. Apparently, I'm a glutton for punishment! I respect the principle of agency but I have a hard time with the bounds it sets for me with regards to letting people live their lives as they see fit. It's interesting because I recognize that I make mistakes and don't have all the answers but for some reason I can't help but judge others when they aren't living their lives as I see fit. Irrational? You bet. Presumptuous? Mmm-hmm. So what's the problem?! I'm in need of some serious repenting. What's a girl to do? Get on her knees, I guess. I'll let you know how it goes.
Meanwhile, all drama aside, life is pretty dang good. I'm pretty much a lucky girl. I've got a good job and a roof over my head. I've even got a few friends lookin' out for me. I should probably spend more time counting my blessings than pointing out others' mistakes. Once again, I'll let you know how it goes.

Bring 'em Out, Bring 'em Out!

Basically, I'm a babe magnet. I move and all my babe-a-licious friends move with me. Angel came down to visit in October and moved down in November. She's got a great job, a great apartment (well, it's a place to live) and a great roommate (me!). And she is lovin' life in the OC.
The newest addition to the OC gang is Miss Kari Grimnes. Kari came down to visit just a couple of weeks ago and now she's makin' plans to move down this weekend. I'm really excited for her to be closer to Angel and I. I think we're gonna have a great time together rockin' the OC!
Really, I feel pretty lucky to be living in such a great place. There are so many fun things to do down here - the beach, the shopping and don't forget Disneyland! A good time is always had by all!
So, if you're havin' a quarter-life crisis and are just not sure what to do with your life - c'mon down to the OC! You won't regret it!

California Livin'

I was flippin' through photos from my first summer in the OC and I just can't believe how quickly time has flown by. It's seriously insane. I mean, I've been living in California for 9 months now. 9 months. That's the length of time it takes to grow a baby! Seriously, though, I just can't believe all the people I've met and experiences I've had in that time. It's always kinda neat to look back and see where you've come from. More and more, this feels like home to me. I'm glad I came. And, you know, I think I'm happy here. I'm almost sure of it.
I am totally gearin' up for the next summer. I mean, now that I'm a Disneyland oficionado, it's time to tackle the high seas! Surf's up, dude! Part of me still feels like I'm just getting settled in but I'm ready to take on new things. I have a list of so many things I want to do while I'm living in SoCal - every minute counts! I'm so excited to hit the beach in the next couple of months. Good times, good times.
So, anyone sick of bein' landlocked is welcome for a visit! You just can't beat the wonders of the Pacific! Life is good here is SoCal so c'mon down!

Sisters

Sisters, sisters - there were never such devoted sisters! Oh, I love my little sissies - SO MUCH! They are just a barrel o' fun! And they drive me BONKERS! Isn't it funny how that works? Being home for Christmas was so great. And, like always, after a few days I was ready for another vacation! Seriously, though, I love my little sisters so much! I am super protective of them and I am always so excited to see what's around the corner for each of them.
Here's the lowdown: Regina is a Junior in High School right now. She thinks she rules the school! She is so hilarious and I'm delighted to see that she stepped right into the role of parental tormentor when I left home. I swear, we're more and more alike each time I see her. She's so FUNNY!
Ramona moved to Utah in November and seems to be doing well. It's crazy 'cause I worry about her so much now that she's away from home - you'd think I was her MOTHER! But I always look forward to hearing about her new adventures in the great state of Utah. Mona's a doll and she deserves all the happiness life has to offer. Yes, my little sissies are the apples of my eye. I'm glad to call them my own!

Peeps!

Oh, man! I just had the best weekend with the Utah Sistas! We encountered a bit o' adversity when they tried to bar us from The Happiest Place On Earth but we weren't havin' it! We stuck it out and, well, let's just say that good things come to those who wait! Once in the Magic Kingdom (and completely soaked to the bone from hours of rain), we had the time of our lives. Ridin' around on caterpillars, scammin' on the Princes and soarin' over California - it was GREAT! We ran around California and laughed our heads off. A good time was had by all - at least, I know I had a good time. Next Stop: SLC to return the favor! Bring on the Cafe Rio!

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!