Life is funny.

This weekend has definitely had its ups and downs.
I cut my bangs yesterday morning.  Not my best job, but not my worst either.  And they'll grow back in like two weeks, and then they'll be perfect. Optimism, it's a specialty of mine.
Also, I lost my wedding ring.  I'll be honest, I've misplaced my ring a few times.  But I always find it in thirty minutes at least.  This time, I have no idea where it is, even after frantic searching.  I'm afraid it may have gotten flushed down the toilet.  (TMI? Sorry.)  Hopefully it's somewhere around my in laws house.
This morning, I woke up and got on my computer.  Or tried to.  While I was checking my e-mail, it froze up, which is par for the course with my laptop, so I didn't think too much of it.  Then a little box popped up that said something like "Critical Error, Hard drive failure," or something like that.  Long story short, I frantically tried to save what I could before my computer completely crashed (which it did, within the hour).  I don't know how much I lost, since a lot of my files are backed up at home, but I don't know how long ago it was since I last backed them up.  I may have started to cry at the thought of losing some of my pictures, but I sucked it up like a big girl because we had church.

Obviously all these happenings are not ideal (read: kind of horrible/nightmarish/biblical-rending-my-clothes-upsetting), but honestly I haven't been too emotional or worried or distraught.  I have a long weekend, I'm spending it with family, I get to go to the beach tomorrow, I had a wonderful day at church today, I'm married to the love of my life, I'm healthy, and my life is full of so many blessings.  Life is full of bumps in the road like computers crashing and such, but sitting there and fretting about it and letting it tarnish everything else can't be good.  So I'm just gonna keep on trucking and enjoy my day tomorrow.

Happy Memorial Day!


P.S.  Here's a California King Snake we found in the yard today.  It was over four feet long!

Jane Austen

She's more than just chic lit.  And that's what this book teaches you.  Written by a male English professor, he shows how Austen's books can pack a powerful punch when it comes to life lessons, and how to be a decent, sucessful human being.

This book is a fun, quick, and eye-opening read, providing not only insights into Austen's often belittled genius, but also in the importance of our daily interactions with others.  Extremely well-written and a delightful read, I gave it to both my moms for mother's day.  And I'd recommend it to you too.

22 things before I turn 22

(I stole this idea from Lyse, because let's face it, she's full of good ones.)
1. Learn to sew. Learn to love it.
2. Hike that trail through the hills by my in-laws all the way to the beach.
3. Try 3 new recipes each week.  There are stacks and stacks from which to choose.
4. Exercise every day, except Sunday.
5. Visit the "English Village Shoppe and Tea Garden" that I drive by every day on my way to work.
6. Finish a completed draft of my book.
7.  Learn five new songs on the piano.
8. Learn to say no.  ...to chocolate. 
9. Spontaneous date night.
10.  Dress up for the midnight premier of Harry Potter.  Cry when it's all over.
11. Visit the temple once every month.
12. Go visit those cool antique shops in San Juan Capistrano.
13. redecorate my home into something I love.
14.  Go to the Getty!!
15.  Learn to spend less than $50 bucks on groceries every week.  You don't need all you think you do.
16.  Visit San Francisco.  (I don't know if that can happen, but I can try!)
17.  Go camping.  And really rough  it--no phone or internet.
18.  Make a new friend.
19. Live it up at Rashelle's wedding.  Take so many pictures.
20.  Visit the pet shop by my office.
21.  Have friends over to dinner once a month.
22.  Meet my friends from San Diego and reminisce.
23.  Get pregnant.





[That last one was a joke.  I'm turning 22, not 23!]

"If I lived on a farm, all my problems would be solved"

--Myself, freshman year of college.

This was something I exclaimed to my roommate after a hard, complicated day at school.  I was frustrated.  Frustrated with my life, with myself, with some of my friends, with my lack of discipline, with the world, with government, with the food industry, with the economy, with my own impatience—with just about everything.

Don’t misinterpret this statement.  It wasn’t a longing to shovel manure for the rest of my life.  Rather, it was a hope that maybe farm life would simplify some of these problems and great predicaments that had me feeling so trapped.  This thought has kept returning to me over the past weeks, and I realized that I kind of still feel this need to simplify, but more importantly, I have this increasing desire for self-reliance.  Perhaps I’m being melodramatic, but sometimes I feel like we’ve begun to lose that ability.  

I have a comprehensive and ever-growing list of what problems I could solve if I just lived on a farm, but I’ll spare you.  Just know that it includes things like better health, decreased dependence on technology, greater connection to God, law of the harvest, and world peace.  Just kidding about the last one, but you never know.

Obviously, this is completely idealistic of me.  There isn’t one solution to all my problems, or all the world’s problems.  We’re given trials here on earth because without them we wouldn’t grow and we wouldn’t become any better than we are right now.  We’d be forever stagnant, with no potential to reach.  I’m incredibly grateful for the ability that we have to all be works in progress.

At the same time, why not reach for the gold and work to solve the many daunting problems that face us?  Just accepting the problems and issues in this world or in our daily lives as the way things are doesn’t allow for progression or growth either.  So what do you guys think?  What do you see as problems in the world today, and how do you plan on combating them?  Please tell me I’m not alone in my nerdy fantasies.

Always listen to Elaine

Remember that post I made a year ago about reading the English Patient and then discovering the Seinfeld connection?
Well, I really enjoyed the book, and I figured I'd like the movie.  Who cares if Elaine said it sucked, I'm cultured, gosh darn it!

Yeah, don't watch the movie.  It's rated R for good reason.  I turned it off.  They took a book with multiple story lines and plots, about war and suffering and overcoming PTSD, and focused solely on one plot line and managed to turn it into a-rip-our-clothes off fest.  Maybe it gets better after torrid affair, but I'll never know.

I'm sorry Elaine, I should have trusted you. 

Pick up lines and Bugs

Normally little creepy crawlies would give most women the heebie jeebies.  But that doesn't scare the men folk away from using them in sexual innuendos (or sexual in the windows, as my roommates and I used to say).  Today when I was driving home from work, Brad Paisley's song, "Ticks," came on the radio.  If you haven't heard it before, I've placed it below for your listening pleasure (complete with lyrics!)

This song always gives me a laugh, because let's be honest, this is the best pick-up line in the world. It gets me every time.

What's really funny is everytime I hear this song I think of John Donne.  John was a ladies man back in the 17th century, and wrote some pretty racy love poems.  But also some pretty funny ones.  One of my favorites that we studied in class was called, "The Flea."

THE FLEA.
by John Donne

MARK but this flea, and mark in this,
How little that which thou deniest me is ;
It suck'd me first, and now sucks thee,
And in this flea our two bloods mingled be.
Thou know'st that this cannot be said
A sin, nor shame, nor loss of maidenhead ;
    Yet this enjoys before it woo,
    And pamper'd swells with one blood made of two ;
    And this, alas ! is more than we would do.

O stay, three lives in one flea spare,
Where we almost, yea, more than married are.
This flea is you and I, and this
Our marriage bed, and marriage temple is.
Though parents grudge, and you, we're met,
And cloister'd in these living walls of jet.
    Though use make you apt to kill me,
    Let not to that self-murder added be,
    And sacrilege, three sins in killing three.

Cruel and sudden, hast thou since
Purpled thy nail in blood of innocence?
Wherein could this flea guilty be,
Except in that drop which it suck'd from thee?
Yet thou triumph'st, and say'st that thou
Find'st not thyself nor me the weaker now.
'Tis true ; then learn how false fears be ;
Just so much honour, when thou yield'st to me,
Will waste, as this flea's death took life from thee.

A little explanation might be in order.  Here's the story: John is flirting with his lady, when all of a sudden she finds a flea on herself (pretty common back then I guess, since he's not weirded out).  She's about to smash it, but he exclaims out not to.  That kind of catches her interest, because why wouldn't you kill a nasty little bloodsucking flea?  John then goes on to say that since this flea has sucked from both of them, their blood has mixed and it's similar to a physical union between the two of them, and it's just not fair that flea gets to have all the fun.  Poor John, it just breaks his heart their union took place in the flea, and not in reality.  She must have thought that was pretty funny, because he continues to elaborate on the metaphor, calling the flea the emblem of their union, their marriage bed, etc., and that smashing it would be a sin times three, because she's killing the two of them as well.  Finally she gets sick of the nonsense and smashes it, albeit in a saucy and flirtatious manner.  John pretends to be all torn up about it, and then says, "Whatevs, baby girl, I know you want me."

So there you go.  Bugs.  Men have been using them in pick up lines for centuries, and they're just not stopping.

Kind of Obsessed

Anglia Dolls Houses

The detailing is just absolutely incredible.

I want a life size one!

I would so get one for my future daughter, except they're probably a bajillion dollars.  Sigh.

Diamond Jubilee Historical Vignette

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to perform at our stake Relief Society Activity.  Shout out to Melissa for inviting me to be in it/being the best musical director ever.
This was a really neat experience that allowed me to learn more about the history of the Pasadena Stake.  It seems like Pasadenans...Pasadenians?  Pasadena-ers?  Pasadena-ites???  Are really proud of the heritage of this stake.  I guess you can be when Howard W. Hunter is among the stake president alum.  (Oh yeah, Mormon name dropping.  We just entered a whole new dimension of nerd.)
It was also really nice to get to know some of the other sisters in the stake and my ward a little better.  Plus it meant Melissa and I got to hang out a lot, and who doesn't like spending time with Melissa??

Here are some pictures thtat Jenny O'Neil took of us rehearsing and performing.

Our buddy, Shakespeare.

P.S. This song we're singing is from the first musical I was ever in.

We could be on Broadway!!

Plastic Grapes...you just had to be there.  (And by there I mean the 70's)

Shakin' my tail feather.

This was just too good not to share.

We crave sustenance!

(One of my favorite 90's movies, for the record.)

Here's a little peek into my kitchen lately.  Success stories only.

Roasted red bell pepper pesto

This really doesn't do it justice, but it's a homemade tortilla for Cafe Rio Salads!

Italian Bracciole (sp?)

Mom’s Italian Bracciole

1/2 cup Italian style bread crumbs
1 clove garlic, crushed with press
1/4 cup finely grated Pecorino romano cheese
1/2 cup packed, fresh flat leaved parsley leaves, finely chopped
1 Tbls plus 1 tsp olive oil
1 beef flank steak (1 3/4 to 2 lbs)
2 pints grape tomatoes

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. In small bowl combine bread crumbs, garlic, percino, parsley, 1 Tbls oil, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. On large sheet of waxed paper, with flat side of meat mallet or heavy skillet, pound steak to even 1/2 inch thickness. Spread crumb mixture over steak in even layer; press into meat. Starting at 1 long side, roll steak into long cylinder (about 2 1/2 inches in diameter) to enclose filling completely. (some bread crumbs may fall out). With butcher twine or kitchen string (I just used long bamboo skewers soaked in water), tie roll tightly at 1 in intervals. Place roll in center of 18x12 inch jelly roll pan. Rub remaining 1 tsp oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper all over steak. Scatter tomatoes around steak.  Roast 25-27 minutes or until temp on meat thermometer, inserted in thickest part of roll, reaches 130 degrees. Let steak stand in pan 10 minutes to set juices for easier slicing. Remove and discard twine (or skewers). Cut roll crosswise into 1/2 inch thick slices. transfer meat and tomatoes with their juices to serving platter.

I cooked mine 27 minutes- it was "medium" on the ends and rare in the center- so if you like your meat well done, leave in longer. We served it with rice and veggies.

The makings of mint brownies.  I've never had them do this before, and I don't know what happened.  They still turned out ok, so I'm not complaining.  Pretty cool though, huh?

It's hard being photogenic.

This one time in high school, a boy told me, "You're so photogenic."
I didn't take him seriously, because: A. He was saying this after viewing the photo on my school I.D.  B. He was jealous/a control-freak trying to woo me away from my boyfriend at the time.  C. He'd never seen my family try to take a picture. 

Now tell me I'm photogenic, Mr. Poopsmith.

Isn't my mom's dress fabulous?

Almost...Hopefully my mom got some good ones...

My sister is super good looking.

Wuv...twu wuv.

P.S. Here is a secret: I wore this dress three Sundays in a row because I was in a different ward each Sunday.  Special thanks to Ross for providing me with a last minute Easter dress at ten o'clock the night before!

I wish I had money.

Kind of digging on this elephant bag from Baggu.

Isn't it precious? I'd be the cutest grocery shopper on the block!

Mother, I love you. Mother, I do!

My momma is awe-inspiring.  She is the ultimate home-maker.  I wish I had the talent that she has in her pinkie-finger when it comes to sewing, crafting, cooking, etc.  I guess  practice makes perfect?

My mother is a reader.  One of her favorite quotes is by Thomas Jefferson--"I can not live without books."  She instilled a love of reading in me at a young age, and you could say I followed in her footsteps when I went off to college, since we both graduated with a degree in English.  I'm so glad that my mom taught me to read at a young age and opened a gateway into something that has become one of the passions of my life.

My mom is a hard worker.  Whenever she does something, she gives it her all.  She knows that nothing in life gets accomplished with out some elbow grease.  Her plate of things-to-do is almost always overflowing with so many responsibilities, but somehow she manages to get it done, and get it done well.  Growing up, she was PTA President, my sister's girl scout troop leader, chauffeur extraordinaire, ultimate party planner, book club member, family chef, personal tutor, cheerleader, shoulder-to-cry-on, and had a full-time church calling.  Isn't she great?

Happy Mothers Day, to my mom(s)!

[Sorry, no pictures; I'm at work!]

Osama

I've been trying to gather my thoughts about this whole situation, because honestly it is rather overwhelming.

On the one hand, I am happy that after a decade of searching for a man responsible for the deaths of thousands, he has finally been caught/killed and thus prevented from ever masterminding another horrific massacre again.

On the other hand, I feel that his death will be viewed as a martyrdom by many, and inspire, not deter others from following his path.

I also want to say (although some may be angry with me for this), that I don't think it right, noble, or just to celebrate the death of anyone, no matter their actions, mantra, or crimes.  I believe Osama was evil, misguided, and a horrible excuse for a human being, but I'm not going to get up and dance now that he is dead.  Osama was dangerous for his ideas, and his ideas live on after his death.

When this war is over, and hate is dead, maybe then I will celebrate.

There's so much more I could say about this, but sometimes leaving things brief is best.

Days 4&5: Jacksonville

On Thursday we all crammed into my parents' suburban and drove the two hours to Jacksonville.  It was like a dream, rediscovering places I once knew.  There's just something so poetic about the trees and the river.  I know I romanticize it, but Florida is really where I came into my own.  How can I not romanticize a place where so much soul-searching and growing took place?  I think we all fall in love with places we grow, at least in some sense.

The first thing I did was have my mom drop me off at the home of my best friend/kindred spirit/other half, Miss Ellen West.  There was much giggling and jumping around and pure joy.  Ellen is such a great friend and we have been through so much together.  She is so inspiring and it's so wonderful to have a friend that completely and whole-y understands you.  My favorite thing about Ellen is that I can tell her anything, and not fear any sort of judgment.  Ever.  Or maybe it's that we can have a meaningful conversation about faith, or love, or family, or the future, and the next be doubled over in hysterics about some joke we just cracked.  I love her, but sometimes love just doesn't feel big enough a word, you know?  We're sisters.  I wish I had words to describe the seemingly infinite nature of our closeness and friendship, and the love and greatness I feel emanating from her, but I really can't find any.

We hung out at Ellen's house for a while, and I got to say hi to her parents (her mom was so cute, she just had to take a picture of us girls, together again!)  We tried to get a hold of Trey and Chris, but Trey had mixed up the dates I was coming and was in Georgia for the weekend, and Chris was in Daytona for that night.  But we decided to make the best of it and go to our "Secret Place", which really isn't that secret anymore.  Oh well.

Isn't he magical with his little blue tail?

We have no pupils!  Thanks Florida sunshine!

After our Secret Place fun, we went back to Ellen's house and I got to meet her boyfriend, Andrew.  He's a great guy, and I love seeing Ellen happy, so he's a keeper in my book.  We all waited for Dan to finish golfing with my dad, and then went on a cute double date to St. Augustine.  We had dinner at my and Ellen's personal favorite: Pizzalley's.  (It's pizza!  In an alley!)  We walked around a bit and went to some cool little art galleries.  We were going to get ice cream at Kilwin's because Ellen and I would always go there in high school, but they'd already closed for the evening.  Fortunately we found this great gelato shop that more than made up for our lost Kilwin's.  I wish I had taken more pictures, but these were the only ones I got.

Sitting on the comfiest couch ever in the most posh hotel lobby I've ever seen.

Ellen and Andrew.

It was such a fun evening, even when we had to walk down the dark, creepy street to get to our car.

The next day was full of more Ellen-filled fun, this time with a splash of Chris.  Dan went golfing with my dad again, and Ellen came and picked me up for round two!  Since we were close to my old house, we decided to go and see it.  They repainted it, so it looks completely different.  It was so sad to drive by and know we couldn't go in.  It felt weird, like an intrusion.  Plus somebody had stuck this giant stuffed leopard in one of the upstairs windows, and it's the first thing you see when you look at the house.  Weird.  We should have taken a picture, but we didn't want to look like stalkers.
We then drove to Chris' house (fortunately he woke up and got dressed for us like ten minutes before we walked in the door).  It was fun to see him and his mom.  We all did some catching up, and Chris told us all about our friends and all the haps of the past two years.  Life changes after high school, and definitely not always for the better.  It's sad to hear about some of the wasted of potential, and friends that have thrown their lives away.  It's hard to look on while they do that and not be able to do anything about it.  At the same time, it makes me grateful for choices I have made that may have not made me the coolest person, but have definitely helped my life turn out for the better.  And I'm so grateful to have faith in and a testimony of Christ, as well as for the support, love, and example of my parents.  I wish I could give those things to some friends, but it's something they have to desire for themselves first.  We went out to lunch with Chris and spent a little more time back at his house, where we watched MGMT music videos and played the story game.  I forgot to take any pictures.  Oops...

Ellen then drove me home and we had to say goodbye.  That's always so hard, but I know I'll see her again.  Probably not soon, but I know it'll happen.

The rest of the evening included a delicous homecooked meal (thanks Karie!) shared with family and friends, and a girls night out to do a little last minute shopping before Easter.  I love hangin' with my mom and her friends, especially when my mommy is buying me new clothes!
It was a good day.  Even though home can change, it's still home, and it will always have that charm that draws me in no matter how far away I am.