Truth be Told...

Slow Down... Christmas!

2011-12-15T09:20:00.009-07:00

How come the Holidays can’t be like they were when I was a kid… Christmas took FOREVER to arrive, the anticipation and excitement would almost just cause me to burst! The highlight of my day was being able to take that little tiny chocolate out of the countdown calendar, just to make sure to get one day closer to the jolliest of holidays! Now I have a countdown calendar and it gets too far ahead of me… last night I changed it from 16 days left to 10 days left. Ahhhh! It just comes too fast now! I want more time to savor and cherish this special time of the year…

So to help remedy that some… I have been doing something Christmasy as often as possible. Started the season off with the annual Girls Christmas Get Together. So fun to catch up, reminisce, and dream about the future. Had a couple of craft nights, and made some super cute decorations to increase the holiday ambiance in my home.

Went and got a REAL tree! Ohhh how I love the smell of our apartment when I walk in…. Kelly and I really enjoyed picking it out together, had to make sure it had some “personality”, and strapping it to the roof of our car was quite the team work activity. Glad I have me a man now :)Found some random Christmas decorations that we are slowly adding to the tree daily.

Making yummy treats, such as hot cocoa stirrers. I created quite the mess in my kitchen… but they were sure yummy! And of course we can’t forget about making gingerbread houses aka a graham cracker ghetto rambler with hot tamale shingles. Had a triple date with some of our friends. It was so fun to get together and create our Christmas masterpieces.

We have several other festivities on our list… the Dickens Festival… Christmas movie-athons, the perfect stocking search, Temple Square Christmas lights, MY BIRTHDAY, ornament exchange, and creating new and lasting traditions for our future family. Oh how I love the Holiday Season… no matter what I do… I just need to soak it all in, not rush through it, and just enjoy the moment I am in!

Merry Merry Christmas to You, to You!!

Half FULL…

2011-11-23T08:48:00.001-07:00

I need to be more positive! This is not a recent realization, just a realization that I constantly remind myself of, but do not continually act on. I feel that I am positive for the most part, but those sneaky Debby Downer attitudes like to creep in occasionally, and get the better of me. I hate when they do! I hate it because I know I am much better than that. I believe I am generally a happy person… then why do I take on such a cruddy attitude at times?!

As I have gotten older… not that I am old or anything ;)… I have noticed that this “Realist” perspective has begun to make its presence known. Why can’t I have that mind and heart of that little girl, where everything was great, and everything would work out?! Where have I hidden her?! I know I can find her. I am always so impressed with my Kelly and how positive he is… he takes each day as it comes… and does not get stressed over the little things that he has no control over. It really is a good way to be. He has already helped me take those “Realist” glasses off… to see how great I have really got it! I need to take that happy persona that I have been given… and use it to lift me up… along with others.

In honor of one of my favorite holidays… I really do have so much to be thankful for…

My Hubby: I sure got lucky with him! He is my best friend, who makes me laugh, holds me when I cry, packs my lunches, thinks I am perfect :)

My Family: A mom who loves and supports me no matter what, a sister who is there for me, who I can share every deep dark secret with, and a dad who makes me laugh and will give even if he has nothing.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ: I would be sooo lost without it! I love my Savior and all that he has given me. It provides the faith and hope to see everything half full… and more!

A great job: Grateful for the security it provides, the difference that I am hopefully making in student’s lives, and the supportive co workers I have.

Amazing Friends: You know who you are! Those who love me through the ups and downs, who I know will be there for me when I need them, most.

That is just the beginning… HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! Turkey Turkey!!!

Just Resting My Eyes...

2011-10-18T13:27:00.000-06:00

Geesh! I am sleepy today! I don’t know what it is, but I could lay my lil ol head down on my pilla and take a snooze! This is a happy thought for me not just today… but often! 8 hrs or more… is common…so it’s not like I am not getting enough sleep. I either have too much energy…where I can be a lot to handle for some…or I am crashing. I feel like I am not often a happy medium. I am pretty sure my inner being is battling whether it is a hyper active 6 year old or a withering away elderly woman! Talk about inner confusion!
I just think about that 8+ hours of sleep and all the other things I could be doing… then I get exhausted and just sleep. I was talking a lifelong friend the other day about how we used to go out dancing and stay out until 3am then wake up in the morning at work all day. The topic alone exhausted me! How did I ever do that? I am certainly not that girl anymore… but dang wish that I didn’t have such a love affair with closing my eyelids for long durations of time! I hate that I have come to believe that 10pm is late. I can see it now… my grandkids (or kids at the rate of exhaustion I am on) nudging me to wake up in a variety of non-nap situations… and in reply I will open my exhausted lids to say, “Just resting my eyes”!
(In Memory of Grandma Pearson)

Biggest Looser...

2011-10-03T12:57:00.001-06:00

Marriage has brought many things...including more than a few pounds :( I blame it on being too happy and not caring! But it is time to shed those pounds and get back on track. Still be happy :) but start caring!

Kelly and I have challenged another couple friend of ours to the Biggest Looser! We are excited for this much needed motivation... not that our decreasing wardrobes, due to the fact of everything shrinking, was not enough! We are going to check in on the other couple monthly, whoever has the least weight loss percentage owes the most weight loss couple a fun and active date night. Then the ultimate prize is a trip to Vegas Baby in March! Where the winners (losers) gets trip perks complimentary of losing team. Yipeee!

We are super excited to get back on track and motivate one another along the way! So.... Goodbye late night Del Taco Runs, Weekly ice-cream tastings, daily 44 oz DDP stops, tasty baked goods, Holiday Popcorn retreats, and saying yes to any food paraded my way! Hello to...Feeling better about selves, fitting in to our "skinny jeans", more energy, healthier lifestyle, and more accountability to what we put into our bodies.

I shall keep you posted :) Expect Success!!!

Lazzzzy....

2011-09-12T14:14:00.001-06:00

Laziness ….I have decided that this has got to be my biggest pet peeve! I just don’t understand the concept of laziness… maybe I am a little too far the opposite of lazy. I really have a difficult time just relaxing. I cry all week that I just want to chill… and then when I get the opportunity… I am go go go. I probably do not let myself relax enough…but I would much rather be too far this way then the other and be lazy.
It just drives me bonkers when people have so many opportunities in their reach and they do not go for them. People have so much potential, but are not willing to do what it takes to change and reach what they can obtain with a little hard work. I have seen so many people in my life that give up and not push through. There are some people who just expect things to come to them… I say… Get up…and move! Things may not work out perfectly, but at least you got some exercise (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) in the mean time. No effort, whether the desired outcome is the result, is ever wasted!
Be Buzzy...NOT Lazzy!

Skinny Potato...

2011-09-07T13:15:00.001-06:00

Every day I walk by many offices and cubicles, and everyday one lady always sticks out to me for a certain reason… she always is eating a big bag of potato chips. Potato chips… Normal, Lady… Skinny, Petite, Fit!!! It just does not seem right to me that this lady can get away with eating a bag of potato chips on a regular basis. Potato Chips and skinny just don’t mingle well in my mind. I can count on one finger how many bags of potato chips I have eaten by myself… and I would not call me Petite or skinny on any level. I eat well, and work out regularly, and am ok with my body… but it still boggles my brains that some can get away with this. I like to think that I have a better heart and cholesterol then people like that skinny potato colleague of mine… Some folks have all the good genes (no pun intended)!

Hungry Hungry Hippo...

2011-09-06T12:24:00.004-06:00

I constantly want food, food, and more food lately. I eat… and then I want to eat again! When I have a spare minute to think… only food filled thoughts prance across my mind. I am not sure what the deal is…
Am I not eating enough? Na! This girl and her limited food intake have seen better days…
Am I not eating enough of the right foods? Maybe… I could be better in that department…
Am I sick of the foods I eat on a constant basis? I think this could be a big part of it… Eating the same thing day in and day out can get pretty boring! I am super sick of sandwiches! Blah! Oatmeal makes me wanna vomit… just smelling it makes my salivating vomit glands hyperventilate! I am having issues with poultry as well…having a grilled piece with veggies every night for who knows how many months straight… not so much my favorite item of food these days.
Ok… So I may need to change my food up a bit…but what about all the cravings I am having to battle all the live long day!?! I guess deal with it and chew some gum… yum?!?
Or… I just stretched my tum tum out so much, that it has no idea how to eat like regular old me anymore. I think it may have discovered that it likes to be fed yummy, fattening, filling foods… I realize now what good aka not so good for you foods are delish…. And I don’t want to go back to healthy boring. I love food, but I know I can’t answer to every rumble and tumble… here is to Happy and Hungry!

Stay at Home Wife...

2011-08-12T09:46:00.003-06:00

I could most definitely get used to the Stay at Home Wife lifestyle! Stay at Home Mom is one thing.. but a Wife is BLISSFUL!!!Having the summer off has been wonderful. It has been nice to go to bed late and sleep in, and not have too many cares in life. I get to spend all day long with my honey...but that has to come to an end now :(

My first day back to work was today... Boo! I am not a fan of early mornings, it will be an adjustment I am sure. Wish I got paid to stay home and just be :) One day... Until then I have a great job that I love, and I am completely, officially, finished, done, no more with my Masters Degree! Woot Woot!
What a great feeling that is... I am a Master of School Counseling!

So I will be happy with this position until that whole Stay at Home Wife position has an opening!

I Need to Update...

2011-07-14T01:14:00.002-06:00

I Know... I Need to update "ALL" of my readers out there :)
So here is a quick update....

I AM A MARRIED WOMAN!!!

I am still in honeymoon mode...so I promise I will start sharing my random thoughts again soon.
But Life is Good! I love us! :) We certainly were made for each other.. NEVER a dull moment at our place! Keeps life interesting!

P.s. I need to get on that name change thing... I am seriously considering changing it to RuddRocks! :) So Rad!!!

22 DAYS...

2011-05-17T09:46:00.004-06:00

It's the truth... ONLY 22 days until the BIG DAY!!! It's just 3 weeks and a day away...but that also seems like eternity to me!

I love my Kelly, but I am not in love with engagement! Lots of planning, lots of stress, not being able to be together, just wanting our lives to get going! I am so grateful that Kelly is a patient man! I tend to take roller coaster rides now and again (ok maybe daily), but he is just so calm, and helps me see that everything will be ok. There is so much that goes into planning a wedding... I never knew! What color this, where to put that, who needs what! I wish there was a wedding planning fairy... POOF... it would all be done!

There is no wedding planning fairy... But I have lots of little helpers! My sister April, aka maid of honor! I would die without all of her help! She deserves the Noble Peace Prize for all she has done for me! Me Madre… who has helped make phone calls, came on appointment after appointment (a floral one on her birthday even!), and found me a FREE wedding planner!!! My bridesmaids who helping with the final countdown, and showers, my good friend, Hoppes who was ever so thoughtful and wanted to throw me a bridal shower, who is keeping me in line until the big day, and reminding me and helping me with the small details I tend to forget about along the way. Of course my honey man, who runs all my errands I can’t get to, who stuffed, stamped and sealed envelopes for countless hours, and reminds me to enjoy it all and brings me back to reality!

There are so many more… So thanks for all the help I have been receiving! I have so much on my plate right now, and I am so thankful for all those who have been understanding, and taken a serving or two off my filled plate! It has helped this whole engagement thing become doable

22 DAYS!!!!!!

Where's the Fire...

2011-04-18T13:07:00.005-06:00

We were on our way to have our engagement pictures done on Saturday... we were running late of course! Kelly was driving...a bit too quickly... 20 over to be exact.... when flashing lights appeared behind us. What? Where did he come from!?! The H.P. Officer moseyed on up to the passenger side... my side… And asked "Where's the fire?!

Wanna know where the fire is? My life is the fire! School full time, work full time, doubling up on classes, graduating, moving, still R.S. Pres, and you know, planning a little party... MY WEDDING!!! It's all good, but it may or may not be leading to a breakdown... and quite possibly to numerous speeding tickets!

You may be wondering what happened that Saturday mornin, near mile marker 291, pulled over to the shoulder... Nothing!!! He was the friendliest officer I ever encountered! When asked where the fire was, we explained, and he let us go... NO TICKET! Told us to slow down, drive safe, and to stop being flustered! How thankful were we? Mucho!

It was a good lesson for me! I do need to slow down, take one day at a time, and enjoy the ride! This is probably the greatest time of my life so far, I should take it all in and not wish it away!

Thanks Officer Friendly! ;)

Prom...

2011-03-08T12:33:00.014-07:00

I never got to go to prom... Kelly brought prom to me with a lil bling bling!!!

Kelly called me Wednesday afternoon and told me we have dinner reservations at 6pm...and to dress up... "I am taking you to your "Prom" tonight baby!"

I could not focus for the rest of the afternoon...I was a kid on Christmas Eve (or just me on Christmas Eve). I went home after work and got all dolled up for the night. Curls, heels... the works! He arrived with bouquet of choral roses in hand, a snazzy suite (with a tie that matched my dress Perfectly!), and a smile that made my knees weak. We rolled away in a brand new black BMW (something borrowed).

Our destination... Millcreek Canyon's, Log Haven restaurant. ( I had always dreamed about going here as a young girl, when I would fish with my daddy just across the street. I imagined my boyfriend taking me there for a fancy dinner, or having an outdoor wedding by the stream).

After the waitress took our orders, Kelly showed me around, since he had been there before. We found a nice quite room, with a nice open floor, and twinkly lights, that over looked a water fall. Kelly then took my hand and introduced the dance portion of the night... fiddled with his techy phone... and my favorite slow songs entertained us from his suite pocket. He held me close and told me how much he loves me and can’t wait to start his life with me. During this time his hands were fidgeting in the small of my back. Lifehouse’s, Everything, began to play… soon after, a giddy school boy grin stretched across his face, and he slowly shimmied down to one knee. I was in shock… and of course began to cry! He then told me how he wants to be with me forever and asked me to be his wife! Through my whimpers and tears I managed to get out an “Ofcourse!” and he put the stunning ring on my fing!

He stood up, seeming to still want an answer from me… “So…?” “Of course, you silly!” Then I cried some more. I am pretty sure some tears weld up in his eyes too! :) We danced for a while longer… then went back to our amazing meal! My stare was torn between looking at my hunk of a FIANCE and my blingy ring, for the remainder of the evening.

We arrived back at my place… much to my surprise this magical evening was not over! We walked into my apartment, and the prom fairy had visited and threw up everywhere. Kelly and my sister, April, got a bunch of our friends together to surprise me. They were all dec’d out in fancy prom attire. Cake, group photos (with a full on backdrop), and a dance party followed!

All I can say is… I am one LUCKY LADY! He is soo soo good to me! They still do make good guys, and I got one of the best! I can’t wait to marry my best friend!

I love you Kelly Horrocks :)

(p.s. June 8th 2011...Save the Date!!!)

Never Say...Never!

2011-02-16T11:22:00.008-07:00

Ok, this title has nothing to do with the incredibly cute pop icon, Justin Bieber...But these words are words to consider, and realize we have all had to eat up a few "never(s)" a time or two!

(Warning: if you have a weak stomach, you may not want to continue...possible goosh and moosh may be dripping from this blog entry!)

I NEVER thought I could be so happy I wanna cry! Crunch...Smiling with tears!
I said I would NEVER find a man that treats me like the princess I am! Chewing...Found Him!
I was adamant about NEVER letting anyone get too close... Come on Over Baby!
I NEVER knew Good Guys existed...GOOD? I got the Best!
I said I would NEVER be a producer of PDA! Swallowing Whole... SMOOOOCH! :)
I for sure would NEVER want to give all my time to one person! Gulp... Can he come to girl’s night too?! :)
I NEVER understood how goodbyes could be hard!? Hard? Painful more like it! And that's if he is just taking out the trash!
I NEVER knew I could be so sure about something! Chomp! I am sooo sure about him!
I may have mentioned I would NEVER be all eewy...gooey, mooshy...gooshy, lovey...dovey! Yum Yum... Call me all of the above!

I always said I would NEVER fall in LOVE...Ate that Never right on up! I am so in LOVE... it is quite disgusting!

Glad I was wrong! Glad I am eating all those Never(s) right on up!
I never knew it could taste so good!

(I NEVER thought I would write an entry like this! I bet you are wishing I NEVER did! ...I warned you!)

Is it over...

2011-01-21T16:47:00.003-07:00

I have had the LONGEST 3 days ever! During these longest 3 days...EVER...the following may or may not have occurred:

Changed over 200 students schedules ... Never Never Never Ending! Come on kids, I am not your personal scheduler!!!
Had thoughts of possibly causing a number of students to loose useful limbs...
Dealt with a "parent" who insulted my life as a independent, happy, single woman. even though I fixed her problem... she kept insulting... and i kept telling her to get out of my office.
Consumed unheard of amounts of chocolate and Diet Dr. Pepper!
Cried several times over possibly unnecessary reasons... We all deserve a good cry now and again :'(
Woke up at 3:45am a few times to fit the gym into my packed tight schedule.
May have looked up several getaway vacay destination...
Thought of switching degrees... this happened more than 10 times.
Said "Damn it!" in front of a few kids...uhhhhh....sssshhhh, don't tell!
Closed my eyes as walked down halls... just to give my eyes much needed, and deserved rest.
Skipped way too many meals... Not good... I get grumpy!
Typed up this blog entry to help these last painful 30 min go by quickly!! It worked! I am outie!

It is over!!!

Your Life is Sad when....

2011-01-13T16:35:00.003-07:00

You get excited for the Temperature to reach 38 def. F!!! Ok, maybe my life is not sad, but the weather sure is! I am already counting down the days until spring... 68!!! Spring oh Spring... Come to me!

To Cali...and Back!

2011-01-05T10:33:00.005-07:00

For my BIRTHDAY and CHRISTMAS gift I was given a road trip to Southern CALIFORNIA from this amazingly awesome man in my life!!! He had read a previous blog entry about how much I love Long Beach Cali, and he planned a trip for the 2 of us to spend a few days there. He waited until my birthday to tell me where we were going exactly. I opened up an envelope on my b-day, and the destination was placed inside! I was so excited I nearly..ok I did attack him!

We started our fun field road trip on Sunday December 26th, and ended on New Years Eve.
Road Trip Adventures included; Coke Factory, M&M Factory, H&M, car dance parties, sing-a-longs, and several Diet Doctor Pepper (DDP) stops.

I had the time of my life, non stop fun, adventure and relaxin! Amazing sunsets, walks on the beach, ice cream on the pier, morning swims, window shopping, lots of pictures, sushi sushi sushi, tooooo much food...nearly exploded (literally), wind and rain, SUNSHINE, hotels on the beach, palm trees with Christmas lights, drives along the coast, and I must mention DDP at McDonalds :)

I cannot forget to mention the road trip home! Not much to say except: -14deg temps, shorts, and road side stop in Santaquin Ut as the clock struck twelve-OO...HAPPY NEW YEAR!

(I LOVE CALI! thanks Kelly!!!)

ZOOM...ZOOM...

2010-12-07T13:53:00.002-07:00

My lease is up on my car next week! How did Roxy (my cute lil Mazda 3) get to be 3?! Time sure flies when you are zoomin along. I am meeting with someone from Mazda tonight. Having some anxiety on what to do.... To keep Roxy or trade her in for a CX7 (name unknown)? I feel saddened by the thought of not having Roxy any longer, but having me some 4WD would be pleasant. I am just not quite sue what to do. Such a temporal decision, but it has been on my mind. I have procrastinated it until the week before. I am thinking I will probably just keep her around, I just bought her new tires...all terrain... can we say Snow Bunny?! Who knows... until tonight!

ZOOM ZOOM!!!

Sunshine...

2010-11-23T14:31:00.002-07:00

Since there is currently NO sunshine these days... I wanted to focus on sunshiny things.

I got an email from JetBlue with a special inside with options to fly to a number of locations with sunshine for super cheap! There was my favorite option...Long Beach Cali! Oh how I love Long Beach. I am in complete LOVE love with their cute airport. I day dreamed as I read this email, of me getting off the plane, there in Long Beach, and the sunshine beating down on me, with a warm gentle sea breeze. Man! I have to wipe the drool off of my chin! If I could get the time off of work, and had the extra cash... I woulda sooo been on that! Until then.... my day dreams will have to suffice :(

I have been also been craving a nice, cold, tropical, Pina Colalda! Yum! If I am drinkin one of those..it means I am somewhere warm... and not here!

I miss my bathing suites! I would so love to hop into one of those and hit the pool with towel, tanning lotion, and shades in hand! I am so craving a sun burn... weird?! Yes... but it means the sun kissed my skin... and my skin is in need of some action these days!

HAPPY WARM THOUGHTS.... :)

A.D.D. and HALLOWEEN

2010-11-02T11:45:00.008-06:00

Ok... So I may have some A.D.D. tendencies. Its' all good. i have just learned that it can be quite entertaining... even if just to myself.
For Halloween this year I did not just have one costume... I had 4!!! Yep, and they were all pretty much last minute...and Rocked!

1. A Witch...Witch Witch you're a Witch!

2. Crazy Eccentric Governess from England/Transylvania...Murder Mystery.

3. A Pirate...Ok maybe more like a Wench...Hott?!

4. Zombie.... Thriller, Need I say more?!

Ok so I may have A.D.D., but with it you cant get too bored! HAPPY HAUNTING!

4 in the morn...

2010-09-28T12:31:00.006-06:00

Trying to figure out when to work in my much needed gym time! I have a new schedule with my great new job. I work from 7 am to 3pm. It is pretty great actually! I do not have to deal with as much traffic in my work commute...which is good, cuz I am known to get hit with a dose of road rage every now and again. Before starting this new schedule... I thought how great it will be to go to the gym in the afternoon. I tried it out a couple of times last week...but I was not the biggest fan of that time. I have been an early bird at the gym since January of this year... I like earlier! There is less people, more machines, quicker workout, and I feel like it is more of me time. In the afternoon... I feel as if I am just shoving the workout in! In the afternoon I doddle a lot more, and am super tired from work. All I wanna do is crawl in my bed and sleep sleep sleep. So I decided to try on the early bird shift again...
which means 4 a.m. !!!

I am beginning to get the hang of it.. 4a.m. comes mighty early...but I love having my workout done for the day! It's a glorious feeling! Yes... I am so darn tired right now... but I can take a nap when I get home if I feel so inclined. Love that!!!

p.s. made it to the gym at 4 a.m. yesterday... but the gym was NOT ready for me :( They are open 24 hours.. except for Mondays... when they open at 5a.m.!!! I had to learn that the difficult way!!!

Changes...

2010-09-16T19:30:00.003-06:00

I have a love/hate relationship with CHANGE!!! Think about it... no one just kinda likes change! It is either one extreme or the other. For me it depends on the change...and if I wanted it or not.

Well...I am LOVIN change these days! I left my job as a DCFS social worker to become a paid intern as a high school guidence counselor! I am pretty darn excited about this new adventure. I was in defenite need of this change. I was completely BURNED out as a social worker. There was a day when I loved my job...that day has left me long ago. I knew I needed a change for a while...but the change I was looking for was not falling into place...so I just kept hanging on!

I am grateful I did...because the change came! It not only came in the nick of time...but it is the miracle of my life these days.

Someone was lookin out for me and holdin off on this change...when I would deeply appreciate it!

MUCHAS GRACIAS for CHANGES!

9-teen...

2010-08-15T17:05:00.005-06:00

At church today we had a new girl in our Relief Society...she was so darn cute and 19! Even before I asked her, her age, I knew she was a young one. Then it got me wishin for a few moments that I could be 19 again, and people thinkin... oh she is young and cute! I swear it was just yesterday... I was fresh out of high school, ready to take on the world! I loved 19 and 20....they were my favorite ages... but I have added a few more favorites as time has gone on...27 is definitely NOT one of them! I had so many dreams and goals...where have those gone today?! I know 27 is not old...but when I sit next to cute 19 year-old gals, I do wonder where I fit it on the old spectrum. It really starts to put things into perspective for me. I have sure experienced a lot since 19... school in Hawaii, mission in New York, heartache, passing of loved ones, relationships that helped me learn so much about myself and what I want.
But hey at least I have lots of people fooled...I get 22 all the time! I'll take that! Totally random thoughts...but Truth be Told... I was thinkin them!!!

Could I Get that on Video....

2010-07-22T23:14:00.006-06:00

I tore the tendons in my lovely and oh so handy right foot! How did this happen you may be asking...
I live quite the wild life style, as most of you may know ;) I went on a getaway vacay to South America. I decided to be adventurous and go base jumping in a tropical rainforest. It looked ridiculously exciting! there were no thoughts in my head of what damage could result from this activity...I just wanted an adrenaline rush! Woo Woo! So I took my chances. Long story short... I landed wrong on my foot, and really tore it up. Can you believe this?

DON'T!!!

Truth... I was working and had to go to court for one of my cases. I was sitting there waiting for the bailiff to call my case in. The courthouse is nice enough to provide wood benches for our sitting pleasure. I had right leg crossed over my left leg. They called my case, I quickly stood up, but realized I was missing something... my right leg! I could not feel it! Did I leave it back at the bench? Nope it was still attached...but had fallen asleep. No it was more than asleep...it was pretty much burried, might aswell had been 6 feet under. That is how useless it was to me. The darn thing gave out from underneath me, and my foot and ankle went north, east, south and probably even west. I became well acquainted with the courthouse's marble floor, I did not just plummet down once I went down twice,twisting my foot the other directions, if there were even any other directions left at this point!

Did I mention I was wearing a dress...Yep, I surely was wearing a dress, and that dress...flew up for all the courthouse people to see! I jumped up quicker than a jackrabbit, many people starring at me, wanting to run to my rescue. I announced to all that everything was alright, and that there was nothing to see here. I went into the courtroom, and went on with my business, while my foot went forward with it's own business... swelling beyond known capability! I stood up and could not walk. So I hopped...hopped... and hopped!

I hopped over to the bailiff when leaving and asked... Is there anyway I could get that on video?!

Lets go base jumping in South America...But I have to wait until this foot heals first!

I started another BLOG...

2010-07-15T10:45:00.003-06:00

I am giving up sweets...and decided I wanted to BLOG about it...check it out @ http://itsasweetsurrender.blogspot.com/!!!

Join me in my sweets-free adventure!

SUSHI....Good!

2010-07-07T13:21:00.006-06:00

I have a confession...I am a Sushi addict! I found this place called Red Ginger Bistro...Their sushi is to die for! I am pretty sure they know me by name there. I am probably there on average, twice a week. I am dedicated to trying something new each time. Their sushi rolls are 1/2 off at all times... can you blame my addiction. I wonder if a sushi addicts anonymous exists? If there was, I am not giving up this addiction.

On the addictive note... I realize I have an addictive personality. If I find something I love (whether is be food, music, a book, or a movie) I tend to want it, listen to it, watch, read, play it all the time. I usually get to a point that it is not as obsessive which takes some time.
Current addictions: Sushi (of course), "Just Say Yes" by Snow Patrol, Diet Dr Pepper cake, Pride and Prejudice (the book currently), Hi-Chew Japanese candies, "Edge of Desire" by John Mayer, eyeshadow, "500 Days of Summer", and the gym (which is a norm for me).

I guess I am just a girl who knows what she wants.... mmmm Sushi!

So... I am a Ho!

2010-06-23T16:55:00.004-06:00

Did you know... I am a ho?! Well that is the word on the street these days!!! Hahaha :)

One reason...I wear swimsuits that FULLY cover my "goodies"...apparently a HO qualification to some!
Another reason....I have pictures of me in my fully covering swimwear on Facebook...GASP!!!

Yet, another reason....I had/have MONO...The kissing disease!

Yep...I am a HO... just so you know!

HAWAII, Oh, How I Love thee...Let me count the ways...

2010-05-11T12:57:00.006-06:00

I cannot believe that it has been a month since i have left the place I was supposed to be from.... Oh how i miss the lovely tropical air and sunshine of HAWAII. Pretty sure I was supposed to be Hawaiian...Darn parents! They just had to be living in Utah and no Polynesian decent whatsoever! Boo :( Well I will just pretend to be... so there.

On my tropical getaway to the "place of my birth"....I was reminded why and how much I friggin love that place with all my heart, mind, and soul..

10. The people are so chill... i need to adapt that quality into my life. Less stress that way! I need to start saying... 'whatever man...' for all that I encounter.

9. Fresh Fruit Stands! Had to stop regularly to pick up fresh coconut, mango, pineapple, papaya..... in the bundles. Pure Deliciousness!!!

8. The soft, warm sand! My toes become so giddy on the Hawaiian beaches.

7. Tropical rainstorms that come from....Nowhere! With rain...always comes adventure!

6. Matsumotos Shaved Ice!!! Need i say more. YUMMMMMMM! :)

5. Discovered Macadamia Nut Hershey Kisses... A little tasty chocolate treat that literally says,
ALOHA! Does not get bettter than that!

4. Hawaiian tan... or in my case Hawaiian sunburn. I don't mind one bit...I was touched by the
Hawaiian Sun! No complaints!

3. Massive Northshore waves!!!! Wipe Out!

2. Night swims.. So refreshing!! Ahhhh Plumerias...mmmmm

1. My soul sisters!!! It would not have been the same without them... You Know Who You Are!!!
I wanna be bback with you in Hawaii so Frickin Bad!!! Love You

This is just a snipit of the love I have for my homeland ;) ALOHAAAA!!!

Too Long...

2010-03-08T13:06:00.007-07:00

Life keeps getting busier and busier. A busy life has it's good and bad points.

Bad...I never get to update this blog, I can forget my name at times, doing more of what I HAVE to do then WANT to do, headaches, lower immune system, and less sleep!

Good...I forget my name, better at prioritizing and organizing, being anxiously engaged in a "good cause", I get a lot more done, less focus on myself and more on others, happier and progress!

Anyway... I am going to try and write more often... The End!

a whistle...

2009-12-12T14:46:00.005-07:00

My nose has been so dang dry lately...darn desert we live in mixed with darn winter!!! Anyway along with that dry nose, I have noticed that my nose has more whistling talent then I have ever had! I will be talking and here a little whistling tune coming from my nostril area...geesh what is that about!? I had one of those whistling occurrences yesterday. They can be quite embarrassing when in the wrong company. I was reminded of one of those awkward and embarrassing nose-whistling moments that occurred on my mission.

My companion and I were tracting, and a lady let us in from the bitter cold outside. After we entered her house, we started sharing a bit of the gospel with her. As I began sharing our message, my nose decided to join in as well. The funny thing was, at first I did not realize the whistle was coming from me at all. My companion, the lady and I looked around at first, in wonderment of where this whistle was coming from. Every time I stopped talking, the whistling would stop. I soon realized it was coming from my nose.

My companion realized soon after. I tried coughing and sniffing but it would just not go away. Here I was trying to have a moment, and my nose just wont shut up. The lady was slightly confused. My companion quickly took over...to give my singing nose a break. After we left the home, I could not get my nose to whistle for the life of me. I guess it is one of those noses that only likes to play for a crowd.

A whistle nose…who knew I had talent!

BLISS List...

2009-11-29T18:48:00.005-07:00

Ever heard of a bliss list...you know a list of things that happen to you that just make you smile...and feel all warm n' fuzzy inside? Well I have been thinking of a few lately...feel free to share or add to my bliss list...

-Finding along lost lip gloss, treasure or money in your coat pocket from last year

-Warm, fresh from the dryer, sheets and towels

-Sonic drive-thru's Happy Hour

-The tasty lil' mints from Olive Garden

-Someone remembering your name

-An unexpected thank you note

-A nice hot shower at the end of a stressful day

-A call from a friend you have not heard from in far too long

-When you have just the right amount of change for the cashier

-Your favorite song plays on the radio

-A big bear hug, just when you need it

-Hoodies that are super soft on the inside

-When a store brings back a favorite discontinued item

-A friend who kidnaps you after a hard day and takes you to a JAZZ games

-Carmel Apple Cider from Starbucks

-When a child whispers that they love you, softly in your ear

mmmmmmm hmmmmm....I feel all warm n' fuzzy just thinkin about it all.

Potty Peeper...

2009-10-02T00:06:00.004-06:00

Last week I was shopping and had to use the public restrooms...nature called...I answered. As I was answering this call...a mother and her small child came into answer their calls as well. There were only 2 stalls...I was occupying one of them. The small child, about 4, I was guessing, went into the other. The child had some...how would I put it politely...sound effects while answering it's call. Well I was just finishing up my call...when suddenly a brown little head with grinning white teeth appeared on my side of the stall...ahhhhh! What a surprise to have a small African American boy join my conversation with nature!!! He even said "Hi!” He then went back to his side of the stall wall as gracefully and nonchalantly as he had appeared!

WOW! You never know what you are going to get in those public restrooms, when nature's calls cannot wait until you get home.
Potty peepers...

Funny...

2009-09-22T22:22:00.006-06:00

I swear a million funny things usually happen to me (either around me, or directly involving me)...but when I go to share them...I just cannot seem to recall them all. I want to share them with everyone...but then they are gone. Funny...it is what you make of it I guess. I love funny! So I got to thinking...maybe it's me, and I am not finding situations AS funny these days...or are less funny things happening around me? HMMMM??? Not sure, maybe both?!

The only two funny things that I can think of lately…
I was driving to LAGOON…It's what fun is... and I looked over at the car next to me...it actually was not a car...an old 1960's Winnebago...with an old man driving going to town, pickin his nose! Even though he knew all passengers in my car were staring at him…didn’t stop this fierce nose pickin machine Ha...shoulda gotta pic!
Another funny that took place...I was at work, and heard laughter that then turned into a high-pitched squeaky noise. I knew who the laughter was coming from...2 hallways down from mine...yes I could hear it...but the squeaky noise...could it really be coming from him? Sure was. So from my office... I stated to my lovely friend/co-worker.. "Oh my gosh! What is that sound? Sounds like a Giant Choking Squeaky Toy...Someone needs to get that checked out!!!" It's true... that is not normal, but it sure has provided hours of entertainment since. Beware of GIANT CHOKING SQUEAKY TOY.
This actually makes me think of laughs I just can’t stand. I have a few of those in my office…and it just seems that no matter how many doors are shut, and how many notches I turn my music up to… seems to not be able to drowned out that "LAUGHTER" ! Any of you ever encountered those laughs? I often want to send an anonymous letter...telling them to fix that laugh of theirs...NO, too rude?! heehee J I just wonder, do they know how terrible they sound...do they not realize that it causes those around them to want to put their ears in sound proof box and ship them off to China? Come on people...its not cute! But I guess funny...after my ears stop bleeding.
Anyway... those are my random thoughts. Nose picking to Ugly Laughs in 60 seconds!!!

My PASSION...

2009-09-08T22:44:00.005-06:00

Who am I? What do I love to do? What drives me? These are some thoughts on my mind these days...but it really hit me hard today. I am not sure what prodded it...but it sure needed to.

I do not love what I do...I am a social worker. I have gone through ups and downs with this job for the past two years. Then I started my master to be a school counselor. Then I got to thinking...WHAT IS MY PASSION? I am not sure I really have one, and I am bound and determined to find it...even if it is the last thing I do...but lets be honest, I sure hope it is not the last thing I do. That would sure be the pits if I finally find it...then I kill over.

Sure I like all sorts of things... I like to interact with people, I like kids. I like fashion, I like movies, I like fitness and nutrition, I like to write as well as read. I like to be creative and artsy...but do I really LOVE these things??? I need to figure that out.

I also need a change, because I am not feeling passionate about any particular thing I am doing right now. In order for change to happen...I must do something to make the changes. Maybe a job change or a change of scenery...just something has gotta change.

Hopefully on this quest to finding my PASSION I find myself...but shouldn't I have already found myself...I am 26?! I guess I will some how figure it out. I did come up with a great analogy earlier about the state I am in. I love analogies!

Basically I need a door to open for me, because I am just hanging out in this hallway that has gotten pretty dark, with all the doors shut. I find myself too scared to push open any door myself to find out what is on the other side. Now I am becoming to realize that anything is better then a dark hallway...I get nowhere in a dark hallway...

Now I just need to be brave enough to start knocking at or even pushing some doors open.

BLOG INSANE...

2009-09-03T16:51:00.002-06:00

Not sure if it was from watching Julie & Julia so close to hittin the sack...but i have decided I am a bit BLOG insane! I wonder if that will one day be classified as a psychological disorder in the next addition of the DSM (V) ...hmmm just a thought.

Hold the phone…back on track...BLOG Insane. I could not fall asleep last night because I kept thinking of an array of BLOG topics. I am nuts!!! I kept tossing and turning...thinking what I would share next.

Finally...I turned on my desk lamp and grabbed a trusty pencil and my mini comp notebook...and wrote away. I came up with quite the list. After writing them down...I was able to fall quickly asleep.

SO ODD!!! Not sure if I will share all those random BLOG topics...since who knows what my half asleep brain can produce...I would be scared if I were you...they probably are not the most appropriate or sane ideas. I will weed through the list I am sure.

Who knew...a BLOG could drive a woman who prizes her sleep beyond most possessions valued on the earth, to giving up her own sleep.

LOVE IT HATE IT I WILL GET OVER IT!!!

Summer...Please don't Go...

2009-09-02T11:42:00.004-06:00

Can I please in live in a land where SUMMER graces my presence all year round??? SUMMER and me just go together. September 1st hit yesterday...RUDE awakening...21 days left of SUMMER. For all you SUMMER lovers...this may bring a tear to your eye, and for all you SUMMER haters... well I have nothing to say to you.

SUMMER is great because of...sunlight, long days, warm SUMMER nights, being outside, swimming, hiking, camping, BBQ's, flip flops, less layers, 4th of July, snow cones, sunbathing, running, fresh veggies and fruit stands, running through sprinklers, parades, fireflies, smell of sun block, LAGOON, road trips, yard sales, lemonade stands, picnics, and the list goes on and on.... AHHHH

I guess instead of dwelling on the little SUMMER I have left...I should be grateful, enjoy, and look forward to counting down the days, weeks and months until June 21, 2010!
There is light (SUMMER) at the end of the tunnel (the rest of the year)...

Are you ACTIVE....

2009-08-24T18:46:00.008-06:00

Car accidents...they happen to me!!! I was in one last week. Not fun at all. No broken bones...just bruised up pretty bad. Actually I have a temporary built in seat belt (bruise) across my body. Thank goodness for seatbelts...even if they do a bit of damage. At least I am not broken.

Car accidents...make ya Crazy! I went into panic mode...the paramedics (who i kept referring to as pediatrics as well as periandrics...huh?) were trying to ask me questions and I went on a swearing spree. Weird! Then I started crying because I had sworn so much. (Crazy). I went to the other cars...and kept apologizing, and would start crying again. They were great...I was not! (Crazy)
Car accidents...make you say Looney things (or maybe it was the drugs). I was very ok with sharing intimate details of my life with my supervisor (who so kindly sat with through this whole ordeal) (Looney). The heart doc came into my room to perform an EKG on me. They have to place those sticky circles across your chest. Lets just say that was the most action I have ever gotten. Well he had to stick one quite close to an intimate area. When taking them off he ripped that one off quite fiercely..."Hey, could I get my nipple back?!", I replied. (Looney)
They wanted to make sure that I was not broken and ran all sorts of tests...Which means the hospital staff persistently asks... are you pregnant? NO! Is there any possibility that you could be? NO! They have to! So I was getting used to answering these questions. My last test, a MRI...I was asked those same questions followed by "are you active...?" I replied with a firm YES! Not seeing this as a problem, she asks me to do a pregnancy test. I asked her, whatever for? Then it clicked and I said to her "oh, NO, I am not SEXUALLY active... I thought you meant active as if you can move around!" (Looney) Ooops… I blame it on the drugs!!!
Ok maybe I am Crazy and Looney already…but if anything, car accidents and the drugs to ease the pain … are nice reminders!!!!
Drive Safe and Buckle Up!

There is still HOPE for you...

2009-08-13T16:23:00.013-06:00

I was at a wedding reception recently, chatting away, gettin my groove on, ya know doin my thang... and this lady (who shall not be named)...came up behind me and gave me this awkward side shoulder hug and said "See, Amber, there is still HOPE for YOU..." Bahahaha. Yep she surely did say that. Loved it! I looked at her with my quizzical, bewildered eyes...and said "Hope...whatever for?" She then proceeded to go on about the whole marriage thing. blah blah blah. I told her I was not too worried about. Which to be honest, I am not. Ya sure, I wouldn’t mind getting married as much as the next chick (ok maybe not that much), but it will happen when it happens. She was dumbstruck that I was NOT worried. "You are not worried...well I am!?!" , she said. Bahahaha, for the second time. Geesh I am 26... Get ova it lady!

Receptions... gotta luv um, family...gotta luv um too!!!
While I am not worried... I will continue to get my groove on, and do my thang...no use wasting time worrying. Life is too short, and continues to get shorter...

Zupas...It's about time!!!

2009-08-08T11:43:00.005-06:00

My First encounter with ZUPAS occurred this week. If you are a fan of ZUPAS...you may be thinking...where has this chick been living...a cave?! Well I feel like I have, after indulging my taste buds in the amazing sensations of ZUPAS! I can now never go back to life before ZUPAS. I have been told time and time again that I need to eat at Zupas. Ya ya...I know. But never really got a round to it. They are not in the most convenient of locations. But after trying out ZUPAS...any location is convenient. I ate there for the first time on Tuesday, and then on Friday. But the 2 days between I continued to brainstorm how I could get there for a quick bite to eat. Who knew you could be completely obsessed with an eating establishment? I now know that you can... I can!!! I first treated my palette to the pina-colada salad and Hawaiian chicken BBQ panini. WOW! A tropical paradise on my tongue!
I am in no way trying to advertise for ZUPAS...I am advertising the fact that we should never fear trying something new and to venture out of our boxes. There are a world of experiences to discover...even if it is just that food joint you have never tried, down the street...get out there and experience! ZUPAS!!!

Oh my gosh, you cut your hair...Do you love it!?

2009-08-05T22:26:00.001-06:00

So my hair...I cut it...ok CHOPPED it!!! I have to admit the best part of about doing something...and by something I am mean drastic...to your appearance, are the people reactions...the comments... the expressions. What fun! It almost makes me want to do something drastic on a daily basis, just to be completely entertained by it all, all the time.
I have to admit, I LOVE my hair. It is great hair. I am not being prideful, just admitting something I like about myself. But I have come to realize that if I am starting to defined by a physical trait...such as the long blonde hair...I must do something about it. Drum roll please....CHOP it!!! So I did just that. I had become to be known as, you know that girl... she has the long blonde hair. It has happened once or twice in my duration upon earth. I always fix i by the CHOP.
Anyway... the comments. Some make me LOL, other should make me wanna cry, but mainly they just put a happy little :) on my face.

Top 10:

10. "So chick!!!" (yeppidy yep)

9. "It makes me wanna chop mine" (do it!!!)

8. "Did you cut your hair?" ( nope...it grew back into my head!)

7. "ahhhh...you look so cute and sweet!" (exactly what i was going for, the flower girl walking down the aisle)

6. "Your hair...it's gone...all gone" (wow! it amazes me how others can be more attached to my hair then I am attached to it...and it was literally attached to me...baaah)

5."Are you new?" ( sure am!)

4. "Why did you do that to your head (hair)?" (it's that bad huh?)

3. " You look so hot and sassy!" ( I am hot and sassy)

2. "Oh wow... it makes you look so.. mature... mid 30's almost" ( should I be flattered...or offended?)

1. "Oh my gosh, you cut your hair...Do you love it?!" (hate it, hate it...really...did u just ask that?)

In short...no punn intended...ok it really was intended.... Get a hair cut....and receive free quality entertainment for a week or even two.

choppidy chops away...

a Blog...Why not!

2009-08-05T10:42:00.001-06:00

I have been thinking about being a blogger for a while now. You may even come across a few of my blank attempts out there in blogger land. They will be the ones that say...nothing…because I never really got around to actually getting anything written or I would completely forget that I had even started one. So...here I am again. But I am going to actually do something this time. I realize I have a lot to share, so I am gunna share it. I notice on a daily basis, how often I would love to share my thoughts with the world, but I only end up sharing them with a few of my co-workers, who often hear my non-stop chatter coming from my office, or my roommates, who occasionally hear me chat or even sing to myself from the other room. Then with my sister, who enjoys playing the "shhh...can you hear that?" game, just to get me to be quiet for one minute, or there is my mom who I know thinks to herself on most occasions, "where did this girl come from?!". I figure... I am a chick with a lot of random thoughts...and a lot of random feelings…so might as well share. If you do not want to partake of this randomness that I like to call, LIFE ...I am totally cool with that...No hurt feelings here. If you do, proceed with caution, cuz it's gunna be good! Might as well get my creative juices flowing through the power of blogspot. A BLOG... WHY NOT?!