If I had time, I'd Blog.

it's not always genetic.......

2012-02-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

the moment we've all been waiting for...

2012-02-01T14:28:00.000-08:00

i finally crammed my surgery foot into a high heel!!! BIG news for this girl. this happened back in december but i am now announcing to the world that i am regularly applying heels (my minimum for a heel is 3 inches) to my wardrobe again! WOOOOT!!! here is the victory shot of the crammed foot. excuse the swell:

so, naturally i ordered one of these!!!

yes, i am in shoe heaven. i took a picture before all of the shoes were up because i don't want anyone to be able to see how many pairs i actually have. DON'T JUDGE ME!
so as with any collection, i get many FAQs:
where did you get this shelf?
amazon.
how many pairs does it fit?
it SAYS 50, but i've gotten WAY more than that.
can i go shopping in your closet?
certainly. i'm always game to allow a borrower don my collection.

State of the Union address

2012-01-27T11:05:00.000-08:00

i am the opposite of into politics. i don't like them at all. but i came home from work the other day and turned on the tv and the state of the union address was on and i couldn't find the remote so i watched it. allow me to share with you some of my very deep and provocative thoughts:
- i cry every time i see gabrielle gifford. she is such an inspiration!
- is hilary clinton growing out her bangs? why is her hair like that? WOOF!
- politicians kiss WAAAAY too much
- oh! there's Gab Giff, again! SUCH an inspiration!
- is that LaRee???
- who is the a-hole that is wearing that stripey tie on TV. RIGHT behind the pres. it's doing that weird thing and giving me a headache.
- OH! is that the vice president??? i didn't even know that's what he looked like!
- i wonder what his name is.
- i wonder what his he does. huh.
- GAB GIF!!! SHE IS SUUUUCH AN INSPIRATION!
- mrs. obama looks like an african-american sigourney weaver, doesn't she?
- if they show GG again, i'm going to have to get another tissue box.
- gosh, all this standing and sitting. this is like catholic mass!
- GABS!!!!! YOU ARE SUCH AN INSPIRATION!!!!

all in all, i'd like to think that i am now very knowledgeable in this field.

seriously cool website

2012-01-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

my mom told me about this REALLY cool website and i've spent HOURS on it now just exploring!!!
http://lds.org/service/volunteer-and-contribute/create?lang=eng
you can submit photos, songs, videos, graphic design projects, etc. that LDS and non-LDS members can use world-wide! i'm stoked because one of the things they need is a picture of the anchorage alaska temple and i totally have one!

enjoy!

crazy cool video!!!

2012-01-10T15:02:00.000-08:00

5 people playing 1 guitar... at the same time!!!!!

A Girl You Should Date by Rosemarie Urquico

2011-12-27T13:41:00.000-08:00

I really love this article my friend posted on facebook. so clever!! i have so many friends that could appreciate this.

A Girl You Should Date

Date a girl who reads. Date a girl who spends her money on books instead of clothes. She has problems with closet space because she has too many books. Date a girl who has a list of books she wants to read, who has had a library card since she was twelve.

Find a girl who reads. You’ll know that she does because she will always have an unread book in her bag. She’s the one lovingly looking over the shelves in the bookstore, the one who quietly cries out when she finds the book she wants. You see the weird chick sniffing the pages of an old book in a second hand book shop? That’s the reader. They can never resist smelling the pages, especially when they are yellow.

She’s the girl reading while waiting in that coffee shop down the street. If you take a peek at her mug, the non-dairy creamer is floating on top because she’s kind of engrossed already. Lost in a world of the author’s making. Sit down. She might give you a glare, as most girls who read do not like to be interrupted. Ask her if she likes the book.

Buy her another cup of coffee.
Let her know what you really think of Murakami. See if she got through the first chapter of Fellowship. Understand that if she says she understood James Joyce’s Ulysses she’s just saying that to sound intelligent. Ask her if she loves Alice or she would like to be Alice.

It’s easy to date a girl who reads. Give her books for her birthday, for Christmas and for anniversaries. Give her the gift of words, in poetry, in song. Give her Neruda, Pound, Sexton, Cummings. Let her know that you understand that words are love. Understand that she knows the difference between books and reality but by god, she’s going to try to make her life a little like her favorite book. It will never be your fault if she does.

She has to give it a shot somehow.
Lie to her. If she understands syntax, she will understand your need to lie. Behind words are other things: motivation, value, nuance, dialogue. It will not be the end of the world.

Fail her. Because a girl who reads knows that failure always leads up to the climax. Because girls who understand that all things will come to end. That you can always write a sequel. That you can begin again and again and still be the hero. That life is meant to have a villain or two.

Why be frightened of everything that you are not? Girls who read understand that people, like characters, develop. Except in the Twilight series.

If you find a girl who reads, keep her close. When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are.

You will propose on a hot air balloon. Or during a rock concert. Or very casually next time she’s sick. Over Skype.

You will smile so hard you will wonder why your heart hasn’t burst and bled out all over your chest yet. You will write the story of your lives, have kids with strange names and even stranger tastes. She will introduce your children to the Cat in the Hat and Aslan, maybe in the same day. You will walk the winters of your old age together and she will recite Keats under her breath while you shake the snow off your boots.

Date a girl who reads because you deserve it. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable. If you can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then you’re better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a girl who reads.

Or better yet, date a girl who writes.

cooking.

2011-12-16T08:48:00.000-08:00

so, anyone who knows me knows i am not a cook. what i CAN cook? i specialize in the pastas: mac n cheese, top ramen, spaghettios, cup-o-noodles, etc. i have been known to cook the occasional fettuccine alfredo, but that's about it. but my sister-in-law (who is an AMAZING cook) gave me the confidence on trying this. (thanks, tris. my husband is going to owe you BIG time.)

Cream Cheese Chicken and Vegetable Soup
*Note: this recipe calls for already cooked chicken. I cooked the chicken in a pot of water on the stove while cooking the veggies.
*Serves 4 (LARGE portions)
INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 stalks celery, diced
1/2 cup diced carrots (about 2 regular carrots or a handful of baby carrots
3 cups chicken broth
2-3 potatoes, peeled and finely diced (I like to leave the peels on red potatoes, if using them)
1 cup milk (1% is my milk of choice)
4 tablespoons flour
1 (8 oz. package) regular or light cream cheese
2-3 (about 1 pound) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
DIRECTIONS:In a large pot, melt the butter and add the onion, garlic, celery and carrots. Saute, stirring often, for 3-4 minutes, until the veggies are slightly tender and the onions are translucent. Add the chicken broth and potatoes. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook, partially covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. In a liquid measuring cup, vigorously whisk the flour and milk together until smooth. Whisk the mixture into the soup, stirring quickly, and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until the soup begins to thicken slightly. Stir often to ensure the soup doesn’t burn. Soften the cream cheese in the microwave until it is very soft/melty. I like it really, really soft so it doesn’t leave lumps in the soup. Add the cream cheese to the soup in small tablespoon-size pieces. Let the pieces sit in the soup and warm through then whisk or stir the soup until the cream cheese melts and mixes in well. Add the cooked chicken and heat through. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

Things to note for next time:
- i would put more cream cheese... i couldn't really taste it and i think it would really add to it to be able to pick out the taste of cream cheese. maybe.
- served it in a bread bowl (sourdough) with cheddar cheese to melt atop the soup. D.E.L.I.S.H.
- no celery. but i don't really like celery.
- closer to 2 potatoes. i did 3 and it was too many/too much.
- served 4 people in bread bowls, then 3 people for leftovers the next day.
- i did like a tablespoon of diced onion and it was the PERFECT amount.
- soup was even BETTER reheated for lunch the next day!!!!

All in all? 1 cooking success under my belt. stacy vs. the kitchen

stacy wins.

most beautiful wedding video i've ever seen.

2011-12-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

Jackie & Tony - The Narnia Estate from Amy Johnson, One Fine Day Prod. on Vimeo.

you should all like my page! :)

2011-11-28T16:43:00.001-08:00

so i know i've bugged you about Stacy's Squibs but would it be too much trouble to tell you to "like" me on facebook???

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stacys-Squibs/165532173545299?sk=friendactivity

not for the faint of stomach. or foot.

2011-11-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a log of sorts that i kept on my foot progress. enjoy.

my photoshop skillz.

2011-10-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

i have none. BUT, i am pleased with this picture of my awesome family. this is my only picture of ALL of us that i have! (others exist, i just don't have them). can't wait for spencie to come home in MARCH!!! 4 months!!!!!

for the unbelievers...

2011-09-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

please direct your attention to the red portion. from tyty's blog.

Josh and the kids didn't come to church. :[ We are working hard and keeping the faith !!! We are going fishing with Ricky today and so I am pumped about that.

Thank you so much cousin Jeni for writting, it means so much to me. To answer your question: Yes, we do get a lot of opportunities to serve in the area I am in. Things like helping build a barn, chopping fire wood, helping people move, paint etc. Its really great ! I am happy to hear your family is doing well, thank you SO MUCH for your prayers. Love you !!!

Sister Wright !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for writting me as well !!! HAHAHHAA I died laughing when you said you call me "Elder exclamation point" Its so true !!! Then when you pointed out that my Maa does the same thing I again was reminded how much I am like my Maa. Not that thats bad ! ;] But thank you so much, it really touched my heart. Thank you for your love and support.

This is for the unbelievers. Stacy did pick me up before ... It blew my mind and I thought she would have permanent back problems from then on ! She is as strong as an OX !!! HAHHAA
I love serving my God !!!! The mission is the best thing I have ever done !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love you Maa, miss you a ton. Tell Stace that I got her letter on Saturday.

"Elder Bentley's dad sent me a post card since Elder Bentley has been getting so many. HAHA That was really cool of him and I look forward to trying one of his milkshakes someday!"

Elder Hathcock

i will never forget.

2011-09-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

10 years ago today i was in my room getting ready for school (8th grade). my alarm clock was actually a radio that would switch on when it was time for me to get up. the usual music program i would listen to in the mornings was not what came on, rather a news broadcast that one of the twin towers was on fire and early reports were stating that an airplane had crashed into it. i went into my parents' room (both snoozing) and woke my dad up and told him. both of my parents said that it was a joke or a lie but my dad got up and went downstairs and confirmed on the Internet that it HAD happened and it was a hijacked airplane. i went to school only to watch news coverage for 5/6 classes i had (ms. balch was a science teacher and didn't believe that it was okay to watch because she felt it was encouraging our enemies to continue to attack. different tokes for different folks.) i remember being really upset because my naaive mind thought "who doesn't like americans?!" i'm so grateful for all of the emergency response and public safety people who were there. to the invisible heros, victims, survivors, loved ones who lost, lost ones who loved, i am remembering you today.

a family affair...

2011-09-07T10:08:00.001-07:00

It's a genetic passion.

veeeery important email.

2011-08-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

so i got this email a couple of days ago and i just wanted to share it with the blogging world so you could all see how important i am:

Dear Professor Lawrence,

I hope you are well. I'm writing to you regarding WH Freeman's first edition majors intro biology text, How Life Works.
We are very interested in getting your feedback on how close we are to meeting the goals of our mission statement in 1) our table of contents and 2) our chapter manuscripts. If you teach the following content in your majors intro biology course, would you be able to participate in an online review for us?
Chapter 37: Animal Movement: Muscles and Skeleton

The honorarium for this review is $125 and will be due Monday, 9/5.

The following links are here to make your response easy:

If you are interested in this project or would like to be considered for future projects, please click the following link and provide us with your profile information. (Yes)

No, I am not interested in participating. (No)

Once we receive your profile information, I will send you an email with the review instructions.
If, due to your browser/security settings, the links above do not work in your browser, please email me at donna.whfreeman@gmail.com with your response.

Best regards,

Donna Brodman
Review Coordinator
WH Freeman Publishers
--

so i responded:
Dear Ms. Brodman,
I received this email in error as I have never been a professor of biology anywhere but in my dreams.
Sincerely,
Stacy

kids.

2011-08-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

so i know i brag about my nieces and nephews a lot but, let's face it, i haven't children and i am old enough to obsess over them so i do. don't judge me.
i got this text message gem from my sister last night:

R: Charlie keeps standing on my head and saying, "Stop it, mama...."
He is standing on my head. what could i POSSIBLY be doing to annoy?!
--
BAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!!!!! kids say the darndest things.

8.6.11 Paige's Wedding

2011-08-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

i really am a professional bridesmaid...

paige looked BEAUTIFUL!

bridesmaids all together... plus "little" jordan, who isn't so little anymore....

ryan and i cutting a rug like old times.
thanks to mom for being my date

more foot fun...

2011-08-24T09:36:00.001-07:00

here is a BEAUTIFUL photograph of my foot. notice that the bone is free floating. doing as it pleases. obeying zero laws of.... bones.
they're going to cram that free-floating sucker back into alignment with my other bones by utilizing a metal screw, now available at a home depot near you.

places you will find me whilst on disability:
1. disneyland
2. rachel's house
3. tristen's house

places you will not find me:
1. the gym
2. driving a stick shift
3. the gym

its official.

2011-08-23T16:41:00.001-07:00

my surgery is scheduled for middle of september. i will be incapacitated for 6-8 weeks according to the doctor. we'll see about that. HAH!

for those of you who forget...

2011-08-03T09:17:00.001-07:00

i have a "design blog" (i put it in quotes because it is hardly design... it's just my hobby... maybe i should start calling it a hobby blog?).... go check it out, follow it, give me feedback, etc. i need it in my family.

www.leafletlady.blogspot.com

surgery.

2011-07-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

so, it's official. after 4 podiatrists, its confirmed i need surgery on my left foot. apparently, one of my foot bones isn't attached to the rest of my foot so they have to go into the foot, put some metal screws in the bone to attach it to the rest of the bones, shave down the bunion that has formed as a protective barrier, straighten out my toe, then sew me up. i'll be "out" for 6-8 weeks but i should only be laid up for 1 or 2. i say 3 days. i bounce back, man. anyway, i request a steady dose of visitors, so be sure to schedule something with me.

i started a new blog.

2011-07-11T17:01:00.001-07:00

www.leafletlady.blogspot.com

it is where i'm going to post my "design stuff". enjoy!

alaska.

2011-07-07T10:02:00.001-07:00

wow. SO beautiful. more beautiful than i ever could have imagined. more cold than i ever could have imagined. people were wearing shorts and flip flops in 47 degree weather. also, it is sunlight out side. twenty.-two.hours.a.day. sleep was not an option. but i took a nap each "night" (night time was like dusky) and held my head up high.

11:30 pm. Yes, PM. Night time. well into night time.
i went on a 38 mile canoe trip on the swanson river. it was amazing. i also almost got attacked by a mother moose who viewed me as a threat to her little guy who was stuck in a mud hole. don't worry, we were stuck on rocks and she was literally seconds away from jumping into the water and ending our careers in canoe-ing... and living.

okay so these moose weren't the threatened mum, but they WERE at a wildlife preserve which was awesome. I'd say i saw about 7ish "wild" moose just along the road and such. they were pretty rad. and much larger than i would have guessed. some other animals we stumbled across:
caribou
musk ox... there was one named stacy. she and i are BFF.
brown bear.
elk.
some of the "cool food" i tried:
reindeer dog. deep fried halibut (YUM). deep fried clams that i, myself, assisted in digging for. moose burger. VERY fresh alaskan clam chowder.

so much more. if you should desire to see more pictures, check out my fb. there are lots on there. i intend to post more entries with more pictures.

HUGE HUGE HUGE THANKS to Brittini and her family for hosting me and making it happen for me!!!! you guys are the BEST!!!

ladies and gentlemen, i give you world peace...

2011-07-06T14:34:00.001-07:00

if the entire world could just see this picture, i am confident they would unite and all of our problems would go away.

for more photos... wednesday, may 18th.

more "graphic design"

2011-06-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

i know i'm no professional but i still love to do it! here is some of my latest stuff.
lissy's very hungry caterpillar birthday invite

an african sunset themed baby shower...

fantastic discovery...

2011-05-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

i love when i discover little tidbits online... i was searching for a patriotic bathing suit (thank you, target!) when i stumbled across this bad boy:

http://themeanestmom.blogspot.com/

it. is. awesome.

i think i love it so much because it reminds me of my sister-in-law and my sister. their lives make my life result in a serious case of the giggles. honestly, the things that moms have to deal with... it's a jungle out there!

i digress.

i recommend you take a looksie at this blog and laugh; she is hysterical!

consider this a tribute to the mums out there.
xo

dear college gods,

2011-05-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

really? cancelling summer semester, altogether? don't you think this is getting a little ridiculous? tuition is already a rape, the already thin class selection continues to narrow, and the fact that ALL classes fill up within a couple of days is kinda aggravating seeing as the athletes, disabled students, and poor students get to register before everyone. that's kind of a large group of people, college gods. what is left for the rest of us? what is weird to me is that i'm pretty sure you don't make money when students aren't paying tuition... so why would you cancel a semester causing NO one to pay tuition? no wonder you are broke! i find it very (un)comforting that you say, "we do not ANTICIPATE having to cancel Fall semester." did you anticipate cancelling summer? because i'm pretty sure you've been telling people (me) for the last MONTH that, "the schedule will be up any minute now!". i'm sorry you haven't a penny to your name, but you're screwing up my education.

(more) sincerely (than you know),

a frustrated co-ed

p.s. no one in my family appreciates your "rejection of financial aid" letters. stop sending them.

from my sissy

2011-03-21T15:30:00.001-07:00

my sister made this for me for my birthday:

i <3 her. she is my favorite sister.

22 things i did this past year...

2011-03-21T00:03:00.000-07:00

all in all i'd say age 22 was a pretty good age.
1. chopped all my hair off

2. sent 2 boys on missions (spence + tyty)

3. got additional callings in church

4. went to south africa

5. went bungee jumping on the world's highest bungee jump

6. expanded my book collection. a lot.

7. drank 3 times my weight in lemonade

8. participated in 2 weddings

9. saw off 3 moving best friends

10. visited britt in texas

11. read 19 books

12. facebook stalked religiously

13. visited many family and friends

14. fixed my own gas tank door thingy

15. frequented the zoo and WAP

16. purchased more shoes. way more.

17. graduated with 3 associates degrees

18. attended several baby and bridal showers, including that of my newest niece...

19. frequented chick fil a

20. attended University of Arizona for a semester

21. changed my hair color more times than i can count

22. purchased an iPhone

goal for 23? make it to 24. year siezed.

my hair can't keep up with me

2011-03-18T09:39:00.001-07:00

andrea's at it again... making marvelous masterpieces with the horsetail on my head....

go to BELLEZA to get a new look!!!! you won't be disappointed!!!

surprise!!!!!!!!

2011-03-15T12:17:00.001-07:00

rachel h. and kendie d. threw me a surprise birthday party this past weekend.... i had NO idea!!! it was a total surprise!!! it was 80's themed in honor of my birth year and it was FANTASTIC! here are some picture highlights:
this is my adopted family... jeffy, cho, chichi, and garbear

one of the FABULOUS party planners, kendie.

the initial shock, caught on film

family, minus cho.

the two party planners

still shocked

my real family here to celebrate minus ken/tris/kids/spencer. they were there in spirit.

blowing out the candles

workin' the 80s.

HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE thanks to those who came and an even BIGGER thanks to those who helped execute it... it was seriously my most memorable birthdays EVER!!!!!!!!! :D i love you all!!!!!!!

more on the orange hair.

2011-02-16T09:23:00.001-08:00

the master behind my hair: Belleza Hair Salon

for the record... I LOVE IT!!!!!!! i'm really loving all of the fun things andrea is doing with my hair. they are a major conversational piece, too. i HIGHLY recommend trying something new... and andrea is the person to do it!

happy valentines day.

2011-02-14T16:20:00.000-08:00

and, yes.... my hair is orange.

missing this guy...

2011-02-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

more pictures and updates on www.elderhathcock.blogspot.com :)

ringtones...

2011-02-10T12:46:00.001-08:00

i am very pleased with my assortment of (free) ringtones i've downloaded from audiko.net .... and i'm pleased to hear this:
indiana jones theme song when my dad or brothers call
star wars theme song for alarms and alerts
imperial march when work or pres. clegg call (aka the two places that will ask me to do something i probably won't want to do)
neil diamond whenever my sister or close female friends call
and ramble on by led zepp for everyone else.

feel free to call me. i may not answer, but i'm listening.

i am in love.

2011-02-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

This bad boy:

pleases me so much. i won't be so lonely whilst tyler is gone....

An article in the Ensign...

2011-02-09T09:27:00.000-08:00

Similarities and Differences By Heather McOmber

That Relief Society lesson helped me see myself, and others, in a way I never had before.
I will never forget a particular Relief Society lesson I heard in a young single adult ward. At the start of the lesson there was a blank chart on a white board with two columns. The first column was labeled “Similarities” and the second “Differences.” The teacher began by asking us to list the similarities between a married Relief Society sister and a single Relief Society sister. There was an almost audible groan and a collective mind freeze. One sister started with a hint of sarcasm, stating: “Well, we are all female.” And that seemed to neatly summarize how we all felt on the subject.

But the teacher persisted. Gradually hearts opened and the list of similarities began to grow: hopes, fears, strengths, weaknesses, responsibilities, talents, the gospel, covenants, faith, courage, potential, pain, sorrows, fatigue, and personal need of the Atonement.

The list continued until the teacher had to ask us to move onto listing our differences. Of course, everyone immediately called out: “husband!”

But then there was a stunned silence. Surely there had to be more than that. The list included a few feeble attempts at finding differences—things like “we may or may not have children” or “we have different responsibilities.” Most of us, though, were simply stunned by the fact that what we thought would be the short list ended up being the long list, and what we thought would be the long list was actually the short list.

Until that lesson, I had not realized how different I had let myself believe I was from other sisters in the gospel simply because they are married and I am not. This simple activity instilled in me a bond of unity with my sisters. I saw with new eyes. I realized that even in a world where people are often prone to focus on what makes us different from each other, sisters in the gospel do have a lot in common. We need not act based on fear of rejection or the assumption that we have nothing to offer each other. Seeing how alike we truly are has helped me feel confident to stand as an equal with my sisters in the gospel.

But the exercise reached even further still. Not only did it build a bridge between married sisters and me but also between all of God’s children and me. That we are all His children is our common heritage. Our differences lie only in the details and packaging of our lives. Satan and his work thrive by enhancing our differences—teaching us that we cannot relate to one another. But the similarities among Heavenly Father’s sons and daughters are so great that if we choose to focus on them instead of on our differences, unity is bound to increase (see Moses 7:18).

I will always be grateful for that lesson that helped me see others with new eyes, focused my vision on similarities, and brought me to a more understanding state of mind and heart.

For additional reading, see Jan Underwood, “Seeing beyond the Category: Reflections on a Single Life,” Ensign, Mar. 1984, 27.

art.

2011-01-27T13:24:00.000-08:00

i really love art stuff. i have been making a lot of invitations and letterheads and such and i wanted to showcase some of them up here:

these are freaking hysterical!!!

2011-01-18T09:58:00.000-08:00

thanks to lauren for putting these in my life.

Books.

2011-01-13T09:38:00.000-08:00

i love to read. seriously. adore it. i think i always saw my sister reading growing up and it taught me to try and love it. also, my dad read to me and my sister EVERY NIGHT before going to bed til i was about 8 or 9. he very seldom missed a night! anyway, i am the type of person who waits for someone to recommend a book or i will do extensive research on it before i buy it to read it. however, a couple of months ago i was looking for a book that my barnes and noble didn't carry but while looking for it i came across this book:

the ONLY reason i purchased it is because i thought the cover just looked SO CUTE! what happened next totally surprised me: i couldn't put it down! it is a little embarrassing to admit but it is like the shopaholic meets murder mysteries! it is SO wonderful! so i decided to do some research on the author and found out that this book is number SEVEN of SEVEN! so i of course bought all of them and read them in 3 weeks and LOVED THEM ALL!!!!!!!! so anyone who is looking for an easy/fun read, GET IN THERE!!!! (but start with number one)

have you ever????

2011-01-12T10:19:00.001-08:00

so my friend just forwarded me this video and i've seriously watched it like 5 times because it just warms my soul!!! it is SO cute!!!

ENJOY!!!

Graduating.

2011-01-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

I graduated in early June of 2010 but i'm just now getting around to posting them...

i'm sorry.

2011-01-04T11:35:00.001-08:00

i have disappeared from the blog world. so much has been happening that i've put my blog on the back burner. i don't feel THAT badly though because my sister-in-law has slacked on blogging and she is a WAY better blogger than me. anyway, a quick list of what's gone on: tyler left on a mission, i've changed my mind (again, ugh) about arizona, i spent thanksgiving with the hathcocks, christmas, new years. here are some comments on those events:
1. tyty's mission. inspired by my sister, a blog has been started to document his weekly emails: www.elderhathcock.blogspot.com . he is doing swimmingly and although i miss him a lot, i feel like my life has been SO blessed by his HUGE sacrifice. he writes the BEST letters home. i've been saving them in a binder so that he can re-read them when he gets home. despite tyler being gone, i have seen his family regularly and have been loving it.
2. don't ask. i don't have a new life plan. it is frustrating. i'm trying to figure out what i should do next. i did take one semester at U of A (online) and did very well. i also nearly bankrupted myself (not really, but close) due to paying out of state tuition and not getting ONE PENNY of financial aid.
3. thanksgiving was WONDERful!!!! the hathcocks are so fantastic! tammie made the most delicious mashed potatoes and i'm STILL having dreams about them. i would get the recipie, but i don't know if that would do me any good since i don't have tyler to cook for! hahaha.
4. we got to talk to spencer on christmas! he is doing SO well and it was great to talk to him! i miss him so much! can't wait to see him in a year and 3 months! got some wonderful presents from family and friends.
5. new years. nothing exciting. i had to clean the church building the next morning so i didn't want to stay out too late. i spent the time with my boss/landlord pat watching movies and eating junk food. it was great! we have netflix on our wii now so we get to watch TONS of movies.

all in all, 2010 has been one of the BEST years of my life! so great to feel like i've had a good year!

HALLOWEEN!!!

2010-11-01T13:36:00.000-07:00

so i like halloween more and more as i get older because now i get to pick my costume. honestly i cannot remember ever picking my costume growing up. i probably would have wanted to be something boring anyway but whatever. tyler and i did two different costumes: one for friday night party and one for sunday night halloween candy handing-out-ing with tyler's brother and sister-in-law. here are some photos:
Cruella DeVille and Russell from "UP"
ANDREA D. from Belleza Salons did my hair... isn't she amazing?!?!?!?!?! (yes, it IS my real hair!!)

i was texting my sister (one of my favorite past times) and the boys started dancing all up on me. did i notice? no. we were discussing important things like cinnamon toast commercials. ah, the desensitization that comes with dating....

Costume # 2:

(five hair washes later)

tyler was a "cage fighter" and i was his trashy girlfriend.

love spending holidays with my boyfriend.

ELDER HATHCOCK!!!!!!!

2010-10-29T14:56:00.000-07:00

Elder Tyler Ray Hathcock will be serving the people of Colorado Springs, Colorado, reporting to the MTC on December 15, 2010!!! I am so proud and ecstatic for him!!!!

an example of a potential letter from him: (written by stacy)

dear mom,
it's been 4 days on the mission and i've been working hard. could you please send me some of your homemade ranch? they don't have that out here. also, do you know what "rocky mountain oysters" are? a member forced me to try them. i think i'll be losing a lot of weight if they keep that up. i love the people and i love the work and miss you all.
love,
tyty
p.s. can i send my laundry home for you to do...?

TALENT!

2010-10-15T11:38:00.001-07:00

natey had another recital and SPANKED IT! i am so impressed!

just wanted to share....

2010-10-12T12:39:00.001-07:00

i feel like the mormon religion has been getting a lot of negative attention because of this most recent general conference and the issue of homosexuality. i refuse to go into detail about this but i did want to share the following letter my sister-in-law sent me...

"PROPOSITION 8: A CLEAR MESSAGE FROM SOMEONE WHO'S BEEN THERE"
Hi again everyone!! This was sent to me from someone in the ward,
might be of some interest! I am so grateful for this "wind-whipped
wildfire" also because it is allowing us to put some of these issues
into the mainstream issues of the church-- to love and support people
just like Erin Eldridge (who wrote this). And I love that we can
still love and support while still voting Yes on 8 if we choose.
Tristen

----------------------------
This was written by Erin Eldridge, a faithful Mormon whose struggle
with same-sex attraction is described in her book Born That Way? A
True Story of Overcoming Same-Sex Attraction, published by Deseret
Book. From her unique viewpoint she shares her conviction about the
importance of taking a stand on Proposition 8 in Tuesday's election.

PROPOSITION 8: A CLEAR MESSAGE FROM SOMEONE WHO'S BEEN THERE
I am going to attempt the impossible: I want to try to discuss
Proposition 8 in an honest, equitable manner.
To demonstrate the divisiveness of the issue, let me first point out
that I could only call it "Proposition 8." If I'd called it by its
original name, "Proposition 8: California Marriage Protection Act,"
you would think that I want you to vote "Yes on 8." After all, who
wouldn't want to protect marriage? If I'd called it by its new name,
as determined by California 's attorney general and legislative
analyst in July, "Proposition 8: Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples
to Marry," you would think that I want you to vote "No on 8." After
all, who would want to eliminate someone's rights?
And, to demonstrate how far-reaching its effects, I didn't even need
to call it " California 's Proposition 8." No matter where this email
goes, to any of the 50 states that may have propositions up for vote,
I'm confident people will know which state's "Proposition 8" I'm
talking about.

Laurie Goodstein of the New York Times describes the Proposition with
poetic imagery: "it is raging like a wind-whipped wildfire in
California ." More poetic still...from an article in Monday's San
Francisco Chronicle:
"Michelle Sundstrom and her husband gave $30,000 to the Yes on 8
campaign and put a sign on their home. But in response, two women
parked an SUV in front of their home, with the words 'Bigots live
here' painted on the windshield. Sundstrom believes such responses
must come from deep places of pain-and that gays and lesbians are
entitled to the same rights as heterosexuals, just not the word
marriage. Any animosity toward gays or lesbians is wrong, she said.
"There must be such deep, deep, deep hurt; otherwise there couldn't be
so much opposition," she said. "They've lived with this. I guess we're
getting a taste of where they live."

Wow. Perhaps all this craziness and hate-slinging is actually getting
us somewhere. A heterosexual Mormon couple has a "Bigots live here"
sign parked in front of their house, and what's their response?
"They've lived with this. I guess we're getting a taste of where they
live."
And she didn't just say "deep hurt." She said "deep, deep, deep hurt."
I know the depth of that pain. I grew up Mormon and gay back in the
1970s. That was when we were shunned, ridiculed, bruised, battered,
and discriminated against by nearly everyone, religious or otherwise.
We hid in the closets because it hurt too much to come out. People who
did come out were called perverts, child molesters, predators, queer,
sick, you name it. For those of us who were Mormon, it was even worse.
We were attracted to the same sex, yet Mormon doctrine stated we were
supposed to get married only to a member of the opposite sex. It is a
direct conflict between the two strongest, most significant desires in
life.

When I was in college, I met a woman with whom I thought I'd spend the
rest of my life. But after a couple of years, we broke up. That was
when I had this feeling, an impression, to talk to my bishop. I had no
idea who he was because I hadn't gone to church in years.
That bishop used the power of the priesthood in my behalf, just as the
divine plan had been laid out. He met with me for almost three years
as I struggled and faltered. Suicide was a very real threat. I feel
blessed, or lucky, or both, not to be among the many who have already
pulled the trigger.

I wasn't suicidal because of the Church's unwavering stance on
marriage. I hadn't been forced to believe, or guilted into it. I had
not been brainwashed. My testimony came from the heart.
In time, my spiritual identity began to gain strength over my sexual
identity. I was finally able to choose the right. But it was a
troubling choice. I had no desire, whatsoever, to spend a lifetime
with a man - much less an eternity. So that left me with celibacy. To
this day, sacrificing same-sex relationships is the greatest sacrifice
I have made.
Years ago a friend said: "The sacrifice of a loved one for an attempt
to live righteously cannot go unnoticed. The loss is real, the sadness
is real, in a world where so few things are real." Now, the sacrifice
is being publicly recognized by Church leaders. In a fireside for
Latter-day Saints in California , Elder Quentin L. Cook said, "There
are faithful temple-worthy members of the Church who struggle with
this great challenge, often in silence, fear, and great pain."

Back when I was battling same-sex attractions, I couldn't find any LDS
resources dealing with the issue. I'd insist, "The Church doesn't
understand. They don't even care enough to help." Finally I realized
that the Church I was criticizing was not just "they". It was also
"I", and perhaps "I" should quit complaining and start writing. So I
did. The title of the book sums it up: Born That Way? A True Story of
Overcoming Same-Sex Attraction. Few people were offering hope back
then for those who wanted to overcome same-sex attraction. I felt
compelled by the spirit to try and provide hope for others with
struggles similar to mine.

The secular resources did more harm than good. Back then, the only
claims you heard from the "experts" were: "Sexual attractions are a
permanent part of who you are. They're indelible, unchangeable, and
unavoidable." Fortunately, the "experts" are now realizing that, just
like other aspects of who we are, sexual attractions are influenced by
genetics, environment, upbringing, experiences - all of it. Nature and
nurture are no longer pitted against each other.

For almost 20 years, I've had the unique opportunity to witness the
journey of many people who face this trial. I started in 1990, when
Evergreen asked me to help as a volunteer phone counselor. Evergreen
is an organization established to help Mormons struggling with same-
sex attractions. Over the span of nearly two decades, I've seen some
of those Latter-day Saints get married in the temple. I've seen others
work to remain celibate - either because they have not found a spouse
or because they have not developed attractions toward the opposite
sex. I have also seen those who once had very strong testimonies, who
tried desperately to bring their lives into accordance with gospel
principles, but finally gave up. At least for now.

THIS IS SO IMPORTANT: Some people, no matter what they do or how hard
they try, will never find themselves attracted to the opposite sex, in
this life. They deserve our utmost respect. So do those who identify
as gay or straight or bisexual or none of the above. They all deserve
our respect.

No doubt because I have lived both sides of this issue, I am not
surprised that the wildfires are raging in California . Also, it's not
difficult for me to understand how the body of the Church has become
divided. I've felt divided, too. Our family lived in California in
2000, when the Defense of Marriage Act came up for vote the first
time. My husband and I had been sealed together for time and all
eternity, and our children had been born under the new and everlasting
covenant. We, as an eternal family, were and are the direct
beneficiaries of the Church's unwavering stance on marriage. What once
created angst so severe I considered suicide led me to a life I never
thought possible. One in which I have been happily married - to a man
- for 15 years.

However, I know all too well what it's like to be discriminated
against. And the thought of "eliminating" someone else's rights seems
wrong. Up until this week, it seemed to go against my sense of
fairness, democracy and justice as a citizen of the United States . It
also seemed to run contrary to the core of my faith - the second
greatest commandment - to love one another.

Despite my apprehensions in 2000, my husband and I acted in faith and
supported Proposition 22 because the prophet asked us to. I hate to
admit this, but it wasn't until this week that I was able to reconcile
the opposing viewpoints I have continued to debate in my own head. I
now understand why the leaders of the Mormon Church have been taking
such an active role in all of this. It happened while I was reading a
National Public Radio report entitled "When Gay Rights and Religious
Liberties Clash". It says, "In recent years, some states have passed
laws giving residents the right to same-sex unions in various forms.
Gay couples may marry in Massachusetts and California . There are
civil unions and domestic partnerships in Vermont , New Jersey ,
Connecticut , New Hampshire and Oregon ."
I was astonished when I read: "So far, the religious groups are
losing." They listed examples such as Catholic Charities in
Massachusetts who had to pull out of the adoption business because
they refused to adopt to same-sex couples. Individual rights are being
revoked, too. A woman declined to photograph a same-sex couple's
commitment ceremony, saying her Christian beliefs prevented her from
sanctioning same-sex unions. She was found guilty of discrimination.
When I read that article, it was like a light bulb went on over my
head. More importantly, I felt a spiritual confirmation in my heart
that the prophet truly is prophetic. And that was when this impression
came to me:
It's not that the Mormon Church is trying to get into politics. It's
that politics is trying to get into the Church. And not just our
church. Any church or congregation or individual who believes that
only a marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.
I'm sorry I couldn't see what the prophet could see. I'm sorry I'm not
sending this letter until now. I'm sorry for my apathy, for being
"lukewarm". (I thought it was only a matter of time before same-sex
marriages became legal everywhere.)
Yes, we're behind in the polls. Yes, it's the Friday before Election
Day. So PLEASE, email this letter to anyone and everyone you think
could benefit from it - as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, someone has to lose with Proposition 8. Somebody's
right to something will be limited after the polls close on Tuesday.
I, for one, do not want it to be my right to worship as I please.
Sincerely,
Erin Eldridge

P.S. For those who would like to respond to this letter - whether in
anger or frustration or support - I will do my best to respond to
every email I receive. But please, be patient. All our kids are still
at home and I work part time. Email riverwalk8@gmail.com.

the old san francisco steakhouse...

2010-10-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

so when i went to texas to visit my Bee eff eff brittini, we happend to go to a restaurant called "The Old San Francisco Steakhouse" in san antonio. if you're ever ANYWHERE near this place, GO THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it was seriously one of the coolest places i've EVER been in my life! i totally want to start a restaurant in california just like this place! it was set in like 1800 wild west-era and it looked like it was straigt out of the movie tombstone!!!! totally saloon-style everything! they even had a live pianist playing saloon/ragtime music. it was SO NEAT. the COOLEST touch MUST have been this swing they had from the like 40 foot ceiling. the girl swung and swung on it SO HIGH that she KICKED a bell hanging down from the ceiling!!!!! THEN at the end of the song, she BACKFLIPPED OFF the swing, and LANDED on the BAR on her FEET!!!!!!!!!!! it was SO COOL! here is a quick video clip i got of the early swinging-stages...

i HIGHLY recommend you check this place out at: http://www.theoldsanfrancisco.com/index.html

check out their gallery and be jealous!!!

LA County Fair...

2010-10-12T10:41:00.000-07:00

so i can't really think of very many family traditions that we've had but one that MIGHT qualify (thoughts, siblings?) is our yearly trip to some sort of fair... we USED to go to the del mar fair every year growing up and now (even though we don't necessarily go together) i usually make it a point to go to either the del mar, LA county, or orange county fair. this year me, wes, and tyty went to the LA county fair. it also doubled as a branch activity which was awesome. it was a TON of fun. tyler wouldn't go on any rides with me because he said they weren't made for big kids. but i went on several. unfortunately, my real camera is already broken (got it 8 months ago. siiiigh.) so i only got a couple of cell phone pictures.

Wesley and i in front of the sham wow counter... they are SOOO convincing. even though i would have no need for a sham wow, i wanted to buy one just because they did so well at selling it!

we got to ride a real elephant!!! it was so much fun!

many many thanks to wes and tyler for coming with!!! i have so much fun spending time with wes. i have to capitalize on it now before he turns 18 and starts making his own decisions and has no time for me. LOVE YA, BUBBY!!!!!

Sassy Gay Friend... Again!

2010-10-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

here is the latest sassy gay friend. i just LOVE these!!!!

(for rach and tris) i got this funny email....

2010-09-29T16:39:00.001-07:00

....and i HAD TO share it because it made me laugh so hard... (this is mainly for my sister & sister-in-law who will get the largest kick out of it)
10 Things Men Don't Say Enough:
10. "I hate to miss the game, but this floor could really use a good scrubbing."
9. "Why don't you buy a nice new pair of shoes to go with that outfit?" (these are like my DREAM words!!!)
8. "Let's rent a romantic movie. If I see one more car chase I'm gonna hurl."
7. "Yeah, I'm pretty tired, too, so let's just cuddle."
6. "Why can't they show real-looking women in those lingerie catalogs?"
5. "My thumns are getting tired. Would you mind holding the remote for a while?"
4. "I'm not sure we've seen enough of your family lately."
3. "You got enough blankets over there?"
2. "Sure, I'll be glad to hold your purse while you're standing next to this construction site."
1. "I'll love you forever, and I sure hope you know it!"

emily's wedding!!!

2010-09-20T15:45:00.000-07:00

so i think this is my last wedding for 2010... emily and brigham were married on friday, august 13th, 2010 in the San Diego Temple... way for me to go out with a bang with the last wedding of the year! their reception was SO awesome! the best way i could describe it is it was totally emily! some pictures:

brigham plays violin BEAUTIFULLY so he played a rendition (that he made up!) of "families can be together forever" (a popular mormon hymn) and "fools rush in" (by elvis).

The bridesmaids! i have to say one of my favorite parts about weddings is meeting the new friends! pam, lynae, emily, marly, and me!

emily and stacy

bouquet shot!

emily just looked SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you for letting me be apart of your special day! everything was just perfect!!!! :) LOVE TO BOTH OF YOU!!!!

updates on my life... (DISCLAIMER: this is WORDY!)

2010-09-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

so MOST of you have probably already heard what's going on in my life through the grapevine but i'm ready to come out and say it myself!

but anyway, i have decided to go here:

to become one of these:

i have decided to do this in an FAQ fashion:

Q: So you’re not going to ASU?
A: No. I was originally going to go there because they were cheaper and I actually knew more people there but I have since changed my mind.
Q: Why aren’t you going to ASU anymore?
A: When I got my UA acceptance letter, I looked into it just for fun. Everyone there was WAY nicer (my counselor actually knows who I am as opposed to my ASU counselor who would respond to each email saying, “are you assigned to me? Because your ID number suggests you’re assigned to steve.” And I’d have to RE-explain that I was one of the students that got assigned to her while “steve” was on medical leave. Every. Freaking. Time.) I felt like just a number to ASU but UA has always tried SO HARD to help me get everything underway! I just felt so much better about UA.
Q: Soooo, why haven’t you left yet?
A: Originally I was scheduled to leave in August (2010). I decided to extend my stay in Murrieta and go to UA online for this semester. A few reasons why: 1. Tyler (boyfriend)’s Mission Papers don’t go in til October 1, 2010 which means he would still be here while I was there and I would either a. be in Murrieta, B. wanting to be in Murrieta, c. be on the phone with him in Murrieta, or d. devising a way to get to Murrieta. That seemed silly to me. 2. I had to take one more language class than originally anticipated and since I had taken the first 3 years through the MSJC program, I decided to finish it up. 3. I could continue to work here and save more money (UA IS DANG EXPENSIVE!). 4. Its what I wanted to do.
Q: When DO you leave?
A: First week in January. I’ve already turned in my notice and my last day of work is December 30th. I’m depressed about leaving my job.
Q: So do you know anyone in Tucsan, Arizona?
A: no.
Q: Aren’t you terrified?
A: yes.
Q: How will you get through?
A: The amazing support of my friends and family! THANK YOU TO ALL!!!

Berkeley for Fourth of July!!!

2010-08-19T11:01:00.001-07:00

so i know i'm really late in posting these pictures but i just found out that ken & tris are moving from berkeley so these are my last pictures i'll have of visiting them in berk. they'll be moving even FURTHER away which is sad. but hopefully this means that ken will be able to be a millionaire and live in a big house in southern california some day. sigh, wishful thinking... anyway, i digress. here are some pictures from our fun weekend... it was the first chance that ken&co. really got to meet tyler and let me just tell you... he was a big hit! megan also came up with us because she was scouting out living prospects and she was ALSO a big hit with the kidlets.

Alex in Wonderland Wedding

2010-06-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

here are some pictures from alex's beautiful wedding! i was the maid of honor and felt SOOOO honored to be apart of their special day!!! everything was beautiful and the reception was a BLAST!!! i brought tyler and lauren and sam and the four of us danced our hearts out!!!
the bride and her dad on their way down the aisle...

tyler and stacy before the ceremony. QUICK bragging sesh: i have the best boyfriend! he goes to all of my weddings with me and even though it isn't fun for him to sit around and wait for me to get ready, he still does it! lucky lucky LUCKY me!!!!

inside the gazebo where the ceremony took place

their dad and aunt teamed up to perform their ceremony. don't they all look so beautiful?!?!? compliments to sam who did hair AND make up!

the bridesmaids watching the ceremony

the bride and maid of honor

tyler and i dancing... we danced for like 3 solid hours! it was SO fun!

i also enjoyed the occasional female dance partner...

breakin' it down...

the bridal party together. stacy. jolie. courtney. amanda. and alex the bride in back.

their wedding was alice in wonderland themed decor which really made for some fun decorations! alex and her mom did a GREAT GREAT GREAT job in planning and executing such a beautiful wedding!

my latest youtube favorite.

2010-06-29T16:37:00.000-07:00

i die of laughter every time!!!

ENJOY!!!

The COOLEST wedding invite ever!!!

2010-06-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

so, as i've mentioned in previous posts, i am a wedding-holic. i get invited to weddings, receptions, bachelorette parties, engagement parties, bridal showers, invite stuffing parties, trinket making parties, etc. all. things. weddings. i've also been a bridesmaid for several weddings... including 2 this summer!! anyway, my friend JEN sent this to me today and it is DEFINITELY the coolest wedding invite i have ever seen out of the THOUSANDS i have seen. such a cute idea and so unique! just wanted to share it with you.... (i think you can click it to enlarge.)

this kid is amazing!!!

2010-05-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

he's only 12...

have you EVER?!?!?!?

2010-05-26T08:49:00.001-07:00

i have the MOST talented nieces and nephews. below are two from the ken&tris variety.

Avery LPP from Tristen Lawrence on Vimeo.

^ Avery singing little purple pansies. she learned it in primary at church. and then it was corban's turn....

Corban LPP/AOF from Tristen Lawrence on Vimeo.

he decided to do what mama cass elliott says and "make his own kind of music." avery tried to help him sing the words that matched his "pansy prop" but he continued on in his ballad. in case you are not mormon and therefore don't know the song he is singing, the words are:
"we believe in God the eternal father
and in his son, Jesus Christ,
and in the holy ghost."

WHAT TALENT!!! :D

NEW BABY!!!!

2010-05-14T10:50:00.001-07:00

Felicity Grace Ashcraft
7 pounds, 14 ounces
born 9:09 am 5/11/2010

she. is. precious!!!!!!!!!!!

OPERATION: Bye bye brittini

2010-04-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

so one of my best friends has moved. far far away. to the land of texas. anyway, she moved yesterday.

report on my recovery:

4 phone calls

3 text messages

1 facebook comment.

overall analysis: doin' good!

don't judge me. i get attached.

birthday

2010-03-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

remember how i have the GREATEST friends?! well i had a great 22nd birthday this year... on sunday i went to my parent's house and ate el dorado casserole which is just delish! my parents, wesley, rachel/greg/charlie, and tyler were all there to celebrate with me. i got New Moon (movie), a ipod to car player, a REALLY cute sweater, a ipod/boom box thingy, a whole BOX of tupperware, dish stuff (for when i move to arizone), a new movie, and a really sweet card from tyler (that's not all he got me, but it was definitely of note). the next night i went out to eat with a bunch of friends. we went to RJ's with heather g., rachel h. and the girls, david s., mehgan o., sierra k., claire l., and rebecca g/s. they all got me a cake and mehgan got my dinner for free!! thank goodness she's a good flirt. from this bunch i got skin care products (praise heaven... my skin has been awful lately!!!), a REALLY pretty necklace, a BEAUTIFUL bouquet of flowers, an itunes giftcard, a journal, and a night with some of the GREATEST friends of all! thank you to everyone who wished me well and helped make my birthday special!

bye bye sir american pie....

2010-03-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

yep, my little brother left for the Missionary Training Center monday march 15th early in the morning for a two year stretch. we can email, we can write, and we can talk on the phone on mother's day and christmas, but that's all. he'll be transferred to Mexico City, MX in about may and begin his 2 year service to the people of mexico. i gotta say, he couldn't be more ecstatic! there are two things he wants to experience there: danger and poverty. i think he'll have no trouble finding those things. here are the last couple of pictures with him (excuse my looking homeless...)

Berkeley

2010-03-12T12:59:00.000-08:00

so since it was probably my last time visiting berkeley (ken and tris are moving and so am i), i took some pictures to commemorate how WELL this family functions in this big city!!!

Tristen take the kids to the local YMCA pretty regularly. Avery had ballet class there so she looked SO DANG CUTE in her little leotard and ballet slippers. Click on any of the pictures to make them larger :) (i have placed a few disclaimers throughout the blog so that no one has the opportunity to think that the family are anarchists.)

The kids played on the rock wall for hours! they love that thing. I really like this picture because it shows ken's true "daddy nature"... he's such a fun dad! totally interactive with the kids and everything. it's so fun to watch him play with them.

we haven't known penny for too long but she is already SO full of personality. She lets her older siblings carry her around even when it doesn't feel to comfortable (DISCLAIMER: this activity is HIGHLY supervised. tristen doesn't just let her kids trek about with this delicate cargo.)

avery was sitting on the fountain and had picked a flower and just looked TOO cute to pass up. it's so funny how when a camera comes out she starts a photo shoot! (ANOTHER DISCLAIMER: Avery picked the flower without her mom's permission. tristen also does not allow her children to strut about the bay area plucking foliage.)

tristen will KILL me when she discovers this picture on here but i HAD to point out how JEALOUS i am of how CUTE my sister in law looks in exercise clothes!!! when i wear exercise clothes, i look like the grim reaper. when she does, she looks like an athletic trainer. which parent's genes do i blame for that?? (final disclaimer: tristen is not generally the homocidal type but she is totally unaware of how stylish she looks when she gets ready to exercise.)

NEWS!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-12T12:52:00.000-08:00

BIG news!!! on February 26th, i got my acceptance letter to become a

because i got accepted into

It was my #1 choice of schools and i got into the anthropology program which was my #1 choice of major! now, just hoping that ken and tristen and the kids happen to move out there, too so i could still have a little taste of home. I start classes august 19th, 2010. Arizona, here i come!!!

SIDE note: my boyfriend got me maroon and gold (ASU colors) flowers as a congratulations gift... isn't he the sweetest?!

South Africa

2010-03-11T10:34:00.000-08:00

so i know i haven't posted nearly anything about south africa.... this post will be full of pictures. i'm sorry there are so many but it was so hard to choose just a few!!! if it were up to me, i'd post all the pictures from me, britt, nate, and robbie's camera! it was SOOOOOO beautiful there and i will DEFINITELY go back. :) (p.s. i'm not a master blogger like my sister or sister-in-law, but i did the best i could with this formatting... hopefully it translates over to the blog properly. if not, please forgive.)

yoga on table mountain. overlooking a huge canyon.

swimming with penguins. canoeing masters.

hiking to the edge. monkeys on the safari in the road.

hiking to waterfall bluff. at waterfall bluff (waterfall that goes directly into the ocean)

giraffes on the safari. water buffalo. i think we pissed him off....

fave group shot. overlooking capetown. 1-2-3 BUNGEE!! highest bungee jump in the WORLD.

elephant on the safari. Baboon PDA.

hippo on safari. group shot with our d-bag faces mid-hike.

hyena on the safari. i pet one!!!! gordon the penguin.

i have the funniest friends!!!!!

2010-03-09T11:53:00.000-08:00

this is a really funny story. for those of you who don't have pretty open senses of humor, i advise that you maybe skip this one.... otherwise read on!!!
so in our office we use "google chat" to communicate from room to room. Arnie is the other attorney here who rents space from my boss... he's an entirely separate practice, etc. he has a secretary named jennifer. well, mindi (the new girl) went to inform arnie's office that his client was here. i have TWO jennifers on my google chat buddy list: jennifer arnie's secretary, and my friend jennifer diffley. just to be sure, mindi sent the following message to BOTH jennifers, since she wasn't sure which was which. Here is her conversation with jennifer diffley:

Stacy (mindi using my screenname): Your client is here.
Jennifer (WITHOUT missing a beat!!!): oh, good. Tell them to wait while i get my crotch-less panties on.

Jenn never even asked what was actually being meant but when i came back to my desk and read this I. About. Died!!!!!!!!!!!!

hope this brightens someone's day.

back from south africa.

2010-01-25T12:17:00.000-08:00

amazing. that's pretty much the best word i can use to describe it. i promise to blog about it later, but for now, i will say that south africa from december 31st, 2009 to january 16th, 2010 was so so so so so awesome and i HIGHLY recommend it. some quick highlights:
1. bungee jumping from the world's highest bungee jump. terrifying, but worth it.
2. seeing all of the animals!!! giraffes, hippos, elephants, impala, zebras, wildebeest, water buffalo, rhinos, birds, chameleon, etc.
3. being with friends... seriously, this group of people to travel with turned out to be so much fun and totally awesome
4. hiking to Waterfall Bluff-- a waterfall that falls directly into the ocean, BEAUTIFUL!
5. swimming with penguins, MAN they're cute!

I <3 Books

2009-12-28T14:23:00.000-08:00

Tagged by RACHEL!
1. What is one of your favorite genres? Children’s books.
2. What is your least favorite genre? Textbooks… amen, rachie.
3. What is your all-time favorite book? Angus, Thongs, And Full-Frontal Snogging
4. What is the first book you remember reading? We Went to the Beach Just Grandma and Me OR Horton Hears a Who
5. Do you prefer books or audio books? Books.
6. Who are your favorite authors? Austen, Dahl, Dodie Smith, Louise Rennison, Robert Burns, Rachel Ashcraft, etc.
7. How many books do you read in a year? Whole books? I don’t know… I frequently pull books of my shelf and open them to a random page and just read particularly when I can’t sleep or I’m really stressed or procrastinating.
8. Do you buy books or borrow them from the library? I have a book buying problem that I got from my sister most likely.
9. How many books do you own? I have 2 bookcases plus a box full of books that don’t fit on the shelves.
10. What is your most prized book? I wasn’t allowed to keep any of my own books when I moved out so all of my books are equally treasured.
11. What are the worst books you have ever read (or tried to read)? Hmmmm… I didn’t like the giver. It was sad. I will surely be stoned for that, though.
12. Have you read any modern day sequels you liked? Hmmm…. None that I can think of…….
13. What is your favorite quote from a book? Anything snappy that Elizabeth says to Darcie in Pride and Prejudice.
14. Who is your all-time favorite male character? Darcie. I <3 Douche Bags sometimes.
15. Who is your all-time favorite female character? Definitely Georgia from the Georgia Books.
16. What highly recommended book have you not liked? The Giver.
17. A character you love to hate? Mrs. Bennette… elizabeth’s mother.
18. Do you belong to a book club? Does me forcing all of my friends to read the Georgia books count? Kendie and I once had a twilight book club where we’d sit and read together. It was awesome.
19. What was the last book you purchased? The latest Georgia book but I can’t read it ‘til south Africa on Thursday.
20. What are you reading now? A Teaspoon of Courage… my gramma got it for me for Christmas!
21. What book made you cry the hardest? The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe when Aslan dies.
22. What book made you laugh the most? Once again, Georgia Books.
23. What is your favorite children's book (one you would choose to read to your kids)? HORTON HEARS A WHO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
24. If you were to choose a book to give as a gift, what would it be? Georgia books… starting to think I’m obsessed?
25. List 5 books you have read more than once: Pride and Prejudice, The Witches, Angus Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging, The Lion, The Witch, And the Wardrobe, and I Capture the Castle.
26. What is your favorite book made into a movie? I love the Count of Monte Cristo movie MORE than the book (rarely the case).
27. Did you like the book or movie better? Oops…. See above.
28. What book would you like to see made into a movie? Hmmm… I would love them to make more Georgia movies.
29. Do you prefer hardcover or softcopy? HARDCOVER!!!!
30. Do you leave the dustcover on while you are reading a book? Nah… it get’s all folded and wrinkley.
31. Where do you usually read? Everywhere: my bed, my bathroom floor, my bedroom floor, my car, work, school, church…….
32. When do you usually read? Early in the morning I read my scriptures but at night is when I do most of my leisure reading.
33. Do you keep a TBR (to-be-read) list? GOODREADS!!!!!!!!
34. Do you usually have more than one book that you are reading at a time? Frequently. Especially when in school.
35. Do you remember how you developed a love for reading? Dad reading to us every night before bed… sometimes he’d do the voices which made it fun. I’m pretty sure it all started with the fact that he ALWAYS let us pick which book to read so we always read books we LIKED to read.
36. Who do you tag? Charlie? Anyone who likes to discuss books. :D

pros and cons

2009-12-23T16:38:00.000-08:00

pros to working with one's brother-in-law who is really more like a brother:
1. when one is having difficulty opening a water bottle, one does not feel lame asking him to pop it open.
cons:
1. when one's landlord professes the time that one returned home the night before after being out with someone of the opposite gender, one's brother-in-law never ceases to harass.

christmas newsletter

2009-12-18T09:40:00.000-08:00

so i'm not married, i don't have kids, and i'm not a college graduate but i do have fun things to report for the year 2009 so i thought i'd do a little christmas newsletter here in the blogosphere, kristin-style. i just finished my penultimate semester of MSJC. i will graduate with 3 associates degrees in spring 2010 and will transfer to arizona state university in fall 2010. my three degrees are: arts and humanities, liberal studies, and social and behavioral sciences. we welcomed my newest niece into the world in september. she is a gem! i served in several different callings at church: FHE teacher, newsletter committee, teachers development course instructor, and now activities chairperson. i've contiued to work at the bankruptcy law firm and continue to Love i am so blessed and lucky to have remained friends and family with the people i am surrounded with. i'm also lucky to have maintained employment through these hard times and continue my education. i'm grateful to live in this great country and to be permitted to worship who, what, when, where, why, and how i may. i'm so grateful for the birth of the Savior. i love you all and hope that your holidays are filled with laughter, love, and memories. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!!!

lots of love,
stacy

nieces nieces nieces!!!!!

2009-12-07T15:31:00.000-08:00

rachel's baby is a GIIIIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we are SO excited for her to come into the world. her current name is squirt but she will get a real name when she is born... rachel is considering the names lillie and mollie. i love BOTH names. i LOVE THIS AUNT BUSINESS!!!!

daniela's birthday...

2009-12-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

here is a video from daniela's birthday... we went to PF changs and had a BLAST!!! this video was from before when we were at my house.

happy birthday, avery noel!!!

2009-12-01T08:37:00.000-08:00

as i have mentioned time and time again, i LOOOOOVE being an aunt! my oldest niece Avery Noel has turned THREE today!!! congrats, avey!!! ten reasons i love my aves:

1. i LOOOOVE her red hair

2. she loves dance parties

3. direct quote from her to me, "i like your boobs!"

4. she takes good care of her siblings

5. she loves neil diamond

6. she eats her green vegetables

7. she likes to blow out candles

8. she recognizes religious symbols (i.e. temple, Jesus, etc.)

9. she is an animal lover

10. she is my oldest niece :D

thanksgiving.

2009-11-26T00:03:00.000-08:00

things i am thankful for (since i am 21, i did 21.)

1. God/Religion/Church
2. family
3. friends
4. freedom
5. music
6. art
7. food
8. dancing
9. peanut butter
10. cell phones
11. language
12. education
13. patience
14. time management
15. baths
16. massages
17. partners in crime
18. presents
19. e-mail
20. organization
21. employment

prank day...

2009-11-23T12:32:00.001-08:00

(NOTE: everyone mentioned in this post works with me.) so last night i get a text from kellee saying something to the effect of, "i think i might have food poisoning. i can't come in tomorrow." totally concerned about her i told her, "can i bring you anything?!" she assured me she'd be okay and would return when healthy again. this morning i get a text from kendall saying that she's got "the runs" and won't be coming in. no big, right? WRONG! THEN i get downstairs and pat has written a message on our message board saying, "stacy, court was mis-calendared and i had to go in... have greg and jocelyn cover my appts." uh, WHAT?!?!?!?!?! so i get into the office... WHERE IS GREG AND BRITTINI????!!!! i check the calendar, brittini had the day OFF!!!!! i was panicked. i called greg, no answer. jocelyn was freaking out, too.

9:00 rolls around. we have two clients filling out the consultation packet. i'm definitely turning in my resignation today before i have to live through this hell.

in.
walks.
everyone.
EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

they planned this little prank on friday when i had to miss work for class. i'll get them back.

new hair...

2009-11-12T12:11:00.001-08:00

more pictures to come!!!

meeting tommy lasorda!!!

2009-11-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

so i met tommy lasorda from the dodgers on saturday with my dad and let me just say... he is the COOLEST! he is 82 years old but so full of life! he's been married to the same woman for 60 years and talked about how wonderful she was. here are some pictures.... (these also serve as my "fat face" pictures for wisdom teeth extraction)

he signed my hat!!!!
my friend mark (a true fellow dodgerlover), tommy, me

me, tommy, dad... THANKS DAD FOR INVITING ME!!!!!!

wisdom teeth.

2009-11-05T16:56:00.000-08:00

they're coming out. tomorrow. wish me luck............

peeping tom...

2009-11-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

so a cop came into our office yesterday ... apparently a man had setup a CAMERA in the women's restroom in the building next door to us!!! the funny part? the police officer gave me a stack of pictures to see if i could identify the man... where did he get the pictures? FROM THE GUY'S OWN CAMERA!!!! HE CAUGHT HIMSELF ON TAPE!!! what an idiot! needless to say, we check the bathroom every time before relieving ourselves.

who are these freaks?!

New Calling.

2009-11-04T10:16:00.001-08:00

say hello to the new activities chairperson for the murrieta springs singles branch of the murrieta stake. (deep breaths.)

10 random thoughts...

2009-11-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

1. most hated place in the world: winchester exit in temecula, ca
2. 1 person i wish would start a blog in order to improve MY life: brittini
3. it's always cold... why is this?
4. i'm SO unmotivated to do my shakespeare paper that was due monday
5. i've decided to bring back slang from that show "street sharks" so don't look at me weird when i exclaim in a jovial manner, "JAWSOME!!!!!"
6. a) i am STILL overwhelmed about my new calling... and haven't been released from my other two.
6. b) i got called to activity chairperson of the singles branch.
7. i've decided that since i accepted this new calling, i will buy myself a new camera to document
8. i'm getting my wisdom teeth out on friday
9. i am dying to purchase the new georgia book and read it
10. i hate time changes. surely they were designed to throw me off. this is why i choose arizona.

HALLOWEEN 09!!!!!

2009-11-04T09:50:00.000-08:00

halloween was a BLAST for me this year!!! i don't DISLIKE halloween, but i'm never that into it. i'm a scaredy-cat so it's usually a good day for me to just sit in and enjoy some happy feel-good movies.... but THIS year, i totally went all out. i put together a costume and was SO proud of it!!! it was super cute, not just for halloween, if i do say so myself. on friday, brittini and i went to "the boat dance" which is just a halloween dance for young single adults... but it's on a huge yacht! it was pretty crowded, but still fun. we danced the night away! on saturday, i threw a huge halloween party. it was a big success! (thanks to rachel a. slash husband, wesley, rachel h., britt, mike, gramma h., and my boss for lending me her whole downstairs for party usage!!!) here are some pics from the boat dance... more to follow, hopefully!

some detailed thank-yous: (please forgive me if you helped and i forgot to add you!!!)
rachel/greg a.: cupcakes, decorating, moral support
brittini: STREAMERS!!!, decorating, crock pot, moral support, water
gramma h.: that DELISH chilli!!!!!!!!!
rachel h.: moral support, clean up support, co-hosting, decorating
mike: technology truman
wesley: decorating (has anyone seen how this boy can make cobwebs!?!?!)
pat: allowing us to be noisey/rowdy in your house for hours on end!!!
guests: thanks for coming and making the party a success!!!!!

WHALE WATCHING!!!

2009-10-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

so my latest environmental science engagement was a whale watching trip... let me tell you, if you've never been, DO IT!!! it was so fun and exciting. addish, when one sees a whale, they get to bellow, "WHALE HO!!!" at the top of their lungs... what more could one want?! anyway, lauren s. came with me. here are some sweet pictures of our trip. (sorry about the lack of photos of whales, my camera broke before i could get any!)

the BEAUTIFUL ocean

Sea Lions.

My lover and i enjoying some snacks.

the bunch minus stacey and her rad friend dyllan.

"The Stac(e)ys"
james, stacy, stacey.

james is an honorary staci.

gratitude...

2009-10-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

whenever i'm having conversations with people from high school and they ask, "so are you still living with your parents?" i very PROUDLY exclaim that i haven't lived with my parents since high school and will likely never live with them again. this usually is followed by the obligatory question, "why, you don't like your parents?" to which i explain, "no, i love my parents. but i don't do rules." this is usually followed up by a monologue of how i was just SOOOO ready for my independence and ready to be on my own and out of the house and how much i love being independent from my parents. what i usually fail to remember is how my mom has packed lunches for me to take on my school field trips, my dad fixes my computer on a regular basis, my mom took my car in today and waited for the smog check because i didn't have time, my dad takes me out to lunch at least twice a month, my mom took my books to the post office to mail off after i resold them, my dad on countless occasions has loaned me this gadget and that gadget....... the list goes on and on! so, yes, i still maintain that i am completely, undoubtedly, and entirely independent.... but i couldn't do it without my parents.

promotion pending...

2009-10-21T13:51:00.001-07:00

my sister is having another baby!!!!!!! the child's name is squirt until we know a gender/real name. charlie's was tater tot, so i think squirt isn't so bad. anyway, they are SOOOO excited and due about mid-may. YAAAAAAAY for me!!!!! (and them, i guess ;) )

funny friends

2009-10-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

brittini always says the funniest things. seriously, she is one of the most hysterical people i know!!! a comment she made recently:

"i think the only way you can really tell if you're attracted to someone is if you see them in 3D glasses so you might as well get that out of the way."

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

halloween

2009-10-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

i'm sooooooo excited for halloween this year because i'm having a huge halloween party at my house! i'm MORE excited for the fact that i came up with an awesome costume that i'm sooooo excited for. i'm going to be CARMEN SAN DIEGO!!!!!!! i know, i know, SO rad! i'm looking to recruit someone:

brilliant!!!! (i'm hoping to recruit my brother spencer... everyone send him encouraging vibes.)

my first time

2009-10-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

Officer: license and registration?
))i hand them to him((
officer: i pulled you over for two reasons: for one, your speed, and for two, your registration tags are expired.
stacy: yeah, my tag got stolen off my car, i've been waiting for the DMV to send me my new ones. (show him proof of current registration)
officer: do you have any idea how fast you were going.
stacy: 79 miles per hour?
officer: yeah, i clocked you at 80 the first time then 83 the second time. i'll be right back.
))he disappears behind his crazy bright lights((
officer: okay, sign here please. i'm writing you a fix-it ticket for your expired registration tags...
stacy: even though i have proof of registration? (NOTE: said VERY respectfully, legitimately asking a question.)
officer: look, this is called me giving you a deal... you can take this fix it ticket which will be around 25 dollars, or you can take the speeding ticket which will be between 300-500 dollars which do you want?!?!?!?!?! (VERY abrasively)
stacy: thank-you.
officer: (still abrasive) i'm ASKING you!!!! which do you want?!?!?! huh?!?!?! HUH!?!?!
stacy: thank-you.
officer: because this is a really good deal you're getting.
stacy: thank-you.
officer: because i could just scratch the fix-it ticket and give you a $300 speeding ticket.
stacy: thank-you.
officer: the reason i did this is because you were honest with me about how fast you were going and i don't get that very often.
stacy:thank-you.

he then went on to give me a couple more scenarios of what he COULD have done.

geez, some cops are total jerks. anyway, i got lucky.

SO proud of my brother!!!!

2009-10-05T10:50:00.001-07:00

so my little brother (NOTE: he's about a foot taller than i am... so it's a loose interpretation of the word) got his mission call!!!! he is going to the Mexico City, Mexico (north) mission!!!!! we are SOOOOOOO excited for him! i am buying him a suit for his birthday/christmas/mission gift so if anyone knows of any really good deals out there, he has very expensive taste.... i.e. armani, hugo boss, ralph lauren, etc. but we are SOOOO proud of him and he is soooooo excited!!! WE LOVE YOU, SPENNY!!!!!

i got the whole mission call opening on video but i haven't been able to figure out how to post it so that is soon to come.

talent.

2009-10-02T15:32:00.001-07:00

i'm lucky because i have lots of talented friends. here's one showcasing his stuff....

Way to go, natey!!!!
(the jazz flutist is nate's teacher.)
((rachel and i looked up flutist on wikipedia so don't try to correct me.))

... i just want to establish myself...

2009-09-28T12:29:00.003-07:00

my sister-in-law posted a tweet(is that what one calls it?) about two kinds of people in the world: those who love neil diamond, and those who don't. i just wanted to establish where i land...

LOVER!!!!!!!!!!!!

when i was small, if he came on the radio, even if i didn't know the song i would say, "MOM! MOM! IT'S NEIL DIAMOND!!!!" i totally knew his voice. my best friend brittini and i paid $120 (the most i've EVER paid for a concert ticket... inCLUDING radiohead...) for floor seat tickets to his concert and will probably do it again when he comes back. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!!!

one last picture...

2009-09-23T09:15:00.000-07:00

my last post wouldn't let me upload these last two images

the hostesses ^

The new baby's family...

Thank you to the BRIMHALL'S who brought SOOO much food and were so so so awesome and helpful! (i made a good choice in a best friend.)

sarah's baby shower!!!

2009-09-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

congrats to sarah who is having a baby in early december! brittini, rachel, and i threw a little baby shower for her. she and her husby decided not to find out the gender ahead of time so it will be a little surprise!!! personally, i am CONVINCED it is a boy!!!! anyway, the shower was a big success and a lot of fun!!! thanks to kristin for being the photographer (as usual!)...
We webcammed sarah's mom in....

the group picture

the only picture kristin managed to get of me... lovely.

the brimhall clan...

a few of the guests...

Thanks to my MOM for allowing us to use her house... it looked SO great and was a big hit!!!

my favorite FAQ....

2009-09-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

bankruptcy is not a very widely-known form of law so we get some special questions... one of my favorites generally goes like this:

Client: but they said they were going to take me to prison! can they arrest me for not paying my credit card payment?!?!?!
Stacy: no... they don't do debtor's prison anymore.
Client: are you SURE?!
Stacy: yes, they haven't done that since about Charles Dickens' time.

the things that these creditors/debt collectors SAY to these people!!!

1/2 BIRTHDAYS

2009-09-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

today is my 1/2 birthday... kind of cool because my sister and i are 1 day away from being TWO AND A HALF EXACT YEARS apart... in exactly 6 months, i'll be 22. i'm already planning my party!! hahaha

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RACHEL!!!

2009-09-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

24 things i love about my sissy
1. our twin language
2. she's hysterical
3. the douche bag face
4. her updating on various reality stars' relationships
5. she talks me into making purchases
6. she is my college cheer-leader
7. charlie. need i say more?
8. she is very protective of me. she loves to make enemies out of randome people who mistreat me.
9. inside jokes.
10. she is my only sissy
11. she does my laundry for free when i bring it down to her
12. she loves bones like me.
13. she introduced me to twilight-- a TOTAL guilty pleasure
14. she likes to husband shop for me
15. she doesn't mind making huge deals out of birthdays.
16. she makes baked goods and coherces her husband into giving them to me
17. she loves beyonce.
18. when she finds a great sale or a cute item, she gets it for me
19. we have matching doc martins
20. we still have sleepovers
21. sometimes i'll be sitting doing something and i'll randomly think of something involving her and break out into hysterics whilst everyone backs away... slowly.
22. she helps me do homework sometimes
22 1/2. most of my essays are named by her.
22 3/4. she composes the majority of my topic sentences.
23. the "im not gay" dance.
24. SHE'S AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

2009-09-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

i know i'm late on this post... but i just wanted to be sure to make mention of how grateful i am for this fantastic country. thank you to all who are in support of/ apart of/ have family who are part of the military. I LOVE THIS COUNTRY!!!! Here's a video my sister-in-law posted that i thought i'd pass along.

to increase endorphins

2009-09-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.
I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
The letters T and G are very close to each other on a keyboard. This recently became all too apparent to me and consequently I will never be ending a work email with the phrase "Regards" again.
Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work?You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no Internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.
There is a great need for sarcasm font.
Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.
I think everyone has a movie that they love so much; it actually becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that every one's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.
How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.
I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.
Was learning cursive really necessary?
LOL has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".
I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".
How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?
I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!
MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.
Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.
I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
Bad decisions make good stories
Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted....546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!
Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous?Like I know my name, I know where I'm from; this shouldn't be a problem....
You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.
Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.
I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
"Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this. Ever.
I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV.There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still befriends after this?'
I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.
Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...
As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.
Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.
I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.
Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my bottom dollar everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...
My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the heck do I respond to that?
I wonder if cops ever get pissed off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.
I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.

working with besties...

2009-09-08T10:57:00.001-07:00

i am SO lucky to work with people i totally love!!! a couple of weeks ago, two of my best friends and i went to a rodeo in Norco... it was SO fun!!!!!!! something about a human being launched off of the back of an angry animal and then almost killed/trampled REALLY gets me excited!!! (perhaps it's the redneck in me? thanks to gramp henry for that okie blood, hahaha!) anyway, i went with kendall and brittini and we got some SWEET pictures!!!

First we sat in the car in traffic for AN HOUR after taking our exit! less than a mile! so we made the best of it by taking some crazy pictures:

kendall and i call this one our car "myspace picture".

then we went to a liquor store and took a picture with the statue out front...

here's from at the actual rodeo:
kendall's nephews with the rodeo clown. he was pretty funny... he blew lots of stuff up. (p.s. are kendall's nephews not the CUTEST?!?!?!?!?!?!?!)

ode to beer... we were meaning to take a picture of our cowboy boots and there were so many beer cups around that it only made sense to include one in our picture.

in front of the arena

all in all, i HIGHLY recommend rodeos! it is just so much fun! thanks to kendall and family for letting brittini and i crash!