Sometimes

Acting like a tourist in your own city is really fun, and you can get free stuff from it.

finally

I woke up this morning and the first thought that popped into my mind was I don't HAVE to do anything today, school is over.
Then, I heard Courtney move on the blow up mattress next to me and I remembered that Courtney was here!
And I knew it was going to be a very good day.

brekfast, lunch, dinner

Believe it or not it is possible for me to eat a whole one of these in less than 24 hours.hummus just might be my favorite food,
and this hummus just might be the best there is.

Mary Wollenzien is a GENIUS

Many of you have probably already seen this, but as part of their Thanksgiving celebration this year the Wollenziens made a music video together. It is incredible. I am of the opinion that everybody should watch this at least 100 times. Posting this is my way of spreading the joy and letting Mary know how amazed I am by her talent.

the Wollenzien family is awesome.

oh what a sad day

I apologize for yet another blog about TV.

But I am sitting here trying to do important things,
like write papers,
and all I can think about is the fact that ABC CANCELED Pushing Daisies today.
The show is:
magical
creative
vibrant
intelligent
unique
charming
funny
aesthetically pleasing
sensitive
entertaining
romantic
clever
perfect

It is truly so sad to know
that such a beautiful world of fantasy and imagination
is coming to an end.
Now that I got that out, maybe I can get some papers written.

is it worth it?

I need a doorstop for my bedroom door. I fell in love with this one today but can't decide if I should pay $24 for a doorstop. Any opinions?

and just like a dream it was over so quickly

Halloween has come and gone. My Halloween season was everything I could have dreamed of.






I dressed up as a bee:












I was planning a different costume but gave in to peer pressure and at the last minute decided to be a bee with all my roommates.








We all did our own version of a bee:











Our house had a big party. We probably had over 130 people attend. People had a good time, and we danced hard. Lily came up from Portland and told fortunes the entire night. Our guests couldn't get enough of her. On several occasions I had people come up to me and say "who was that? she was good, she was real good."

Overall it was a successful Halloween season and we only have 354 days till next Halloween. I am already making plans for my costume!

a great combo

I love Ugly Betty
and
I love Halloween
So, dressing up as Ugly Betty for my first costume of the Halloween season was perfect.
and having Megan and Kurt be Amanda and Mark was even more perfect.Thank you guys so much for being an "accessory" to my costume!

I WANT...

one of these:
or these:

or these:

it can be so hard when the other half of your soul lives in a different state

Sometimes I think that there is no one else in this world that understand me quite like Lily Von.
my proof ( a text messaging conversation we had today):

me: I am writing a paper about you right now.
Lily: about me?!
me: yes mam, it is for my multicultural class.
Lily: what was the the assignment exactly?
me: well, there were three multicultural experiences we could choose from, one was to spend the weekend with a family of a different ethnicity and I didn't have time to do one, so i just wrote about the weekend I spent with your family a while back.
Lily: can i have a copy? or is it racist? if it is racist I don't want it
me: it is totally racist. i am afraid to give you a copy.
Lily: fine. i still kinda want a copy though. i thought i wouldn't want one if it was racist, but i do.
me: ok, i'll see what i can do.
Lily: maybe just delete all of the racist parts before you send it.
me: I'll try really hard to take out all of the times i call you oriental.
Lily: and chink...
me: EXACTLY! I almost said that in my last text, but was afraid I would offend you.
Lily: i can't wait to read it. i love when people consider me a multicultural experience.
me: you were the best I could think of.
Lily: i'm honored
me: and privileged.
Lily: i owe you
me: you are kinda famous now
Lily: i need to hire a bodyguard and stylist
me: you have actually needed to do that for a while

When pepole ask us how we met. we often reply: "magic." And i can't think of a statement that could be more true. Our souls were meant to find each other.

going political

it isn't exactly my style to talk politics, but I liked this poster and thought I would share it:

this is the original

It must be the phase of the moon or something

The last 24 hours has provided me with an excesses of creepy man stories. (warning: long post and not in bullet form.)

story #1

I was at DI yesterday looking at the tables. I found a table and a couple of chairs that I was thinking about purchasing. I sat the chairs up next to the table and was trying to figure out if I liked them together. I backed away and examined the set, then came back and sat in the chair. At this point I looked to my left and saw a man staring at me. He then said, "those are nice chairs." I looked at him smiled and said, "yeah they are." I then went back to my business of standing up, looking at the table, backing up, sitting down, standing and sitting. At this point I looked to my left again to find the same man looking at me with his phone out pointed at me like he was taking a picture of me. As soon as I looked at him he moved the phone and then mumbled something about how his phone was broken. Moments later he got a phone call and totally lied to the person on the phone about what he was doing and where he was. CREEPY!

story #2

As I was working at Lucy (a women's clothing store) yesterday a man came in and started looking around. When a man walks in we make it a point to help him quickly because he is probably looking for a gift and feeling a little out of place. So, naturally, I approach this man and ask him if he needs help with anything. He didn't really answer so I went on to ask him who he was shopping for, he was quiet and reserved for a minute like he didn't want to say, then after several moments of awkward silence he said, "a woman." Really??? I start helping him pick stuff out for his woman friend and at one point I was showing him a purple shirt. I then asked ifshe likes or wears purple. He looked at me and in all seriousness said, "I don't know, and it really isn't about what she likes is it? It is all about me and what I like." WOW!!! I was dying, who is this guy?? And what woman would ever be with him? The rest of the interaction was strange and awkward and the whole time I just had an icky feeling. DOUBLE CREEPY!

story #3

Today I was at a store shopping for a wig for my costume. As I was trying on different wigs a man came over to share my mirror with me and try on hats. He started talking to me about how his head is abnormally large. He then said, "When my mom was about to have me God asked my mom what kind of head she wanted me to have, and my mom thought he said bed, so she asked for a large and soft one." I gave him a courtesy giggle and continued with my important business of wig selection. We exchange a couple small awkward exchanges, then I turned to a couple of girls that were near by and ask them for an opinion on which wig I should get. The guy then decides to tell me that they are both "babealiciously hot." The rest of the time he keeps looking at me and saying weird things. EWWWWW! TRIPLE CREEPY!!!

oh and this guy keeps trying to talk to me and be my friend on LDSLinkup. WHY??

Why can't I just have normal male interactions?
Maybe I choose to hangout with so many gay men because I can't handle the heterosexual creepiness.

could anything be funnier

The other day I was looking through my cousin's facebook pictures and I ran across this picture from his wedding. I think it is practically the funniest picture I have ever seen.For those who don't know my family: this is my brother Garrett, my Mom and my Dad, in short the picture is funny because you don't often catch my family doing super silly things

online dating

After talking to many friends and weighing all of the pros and cons, on my 27th birthday I officially decided that it was time for me to enter the world of online dating. It has taken me a little while to really get into it but I am now officially signed up on LDS singles and LDS LinkUp. I am still very nervous and unsure about the whole thing, but am willing to give it a try.
So far one person has added me to his favorites list, he's 57. This should be awesome.

big secret

I just officially decided what I am going to be for Halloween, I am so excited!!! SO EXCITED.

junkie

Thanks to Cassie's wonderful discovery on YouTube, I spent a good portion of my day watching Project Runway Australia. It is much like the American version except for with awesome accents, a funky flair and no Tim Gunn or Heidi Klum.

It amazes me how much I enjoy TV these days, sometimes I think I may have a problem. The other day Megan asked me how many full seasons of television shows I have watched since living in Seattle.
This my answer:

-Ugly Betty, seasons 1 & 2
-Lost, seasons 1, 2, 3, & 4
-Alias, season 5
-Brothers and Sisters, season 1
-Heroes, season 1
-Project Runway, season 4 and currently watching season 5
-American Idol- most recent season
-So You Think You Can Dance- most recent season

For a grand total of 13 full seasons of TV in a year. Wow, that is kinda scary, and I am not exactly sure how I have done it. Hard work, I guess.

Long Overdue

pictures taken on my computer camera, so they aren't the best pictures. oh well!

Maybe this isn't new news, but I thought I should let all of those who I don't see often know:
I am officially BLOND.

As of right now I am going to say that blonds have approximately 23% more fun.
ps. macs are more fun too.

Fall inspired thoughts

The rain has arrived, and to be honest I am not at all upset about it. Summer has left us, and Autumn has finally come. This is my favorite time of year. I love the smell in the air. Everything seems so magical right now.

As I drove in the rain this morning these are some of the thoughts I had:

• I am so glad my windshield wipers work again.... Whitney is still blessing my life long after she has left.
• I am in love with hot car driving. The only way to survive the cold is to turn the heat in my car to full blast.
  
• I am so happy that Kanye and Estelle finally made the top 10 in America's Top 40.
• I am so grateful for my friendship with Mark Stoelk. After all of these years I never knew it could get better, but it has. He is the greatest joy in my life these days, what would I do with out him?
• I am so blessed to live in Seattle.
  

excuses

top 3 reasons I haven't blogged recently:

#1: I was homeless for a while
#2: Don't have the internet at my new home
#3: I have so much to do that blogging makes me feel guilty

sorry, I'll do better.

WHY???????

could someone please explain to me why i CHOSE to go to grad school.
this paper could be the end of me.
i am not afraid to fail.
or die.

counting the days

Only one short week until I get to hold this in my arms again!!

vampire mania

I don't really like nor do I support the books, but somehow I found myself at Barnes and Noble tonight for the book release party of Breaking Dawn (the 4th Twilight book).

Even though I think the books are ridiculous, a part of me loved being there with so many people excited about reading. The store was full of people in full costume, bubbling with anticipation. Regardless of what the book is, I am glad that so many people can be so excited and energetic about the series.

A group of girls I know got the book at midnight, then got in their car and headed up to Forks (the town where the book takes place). They are going to camp out there all weekend in a tent, and listen to the book on tape together while they read along in their own copies.

It seems slightly crazy to me, but maybe a small piece of my soul is just a little jealous of them. I guess I wish I could have been that excited.

this is huge

It has been at least 1.5 years since I have changed any of the settings on my speed dial. To have a position on my speed dial means everything. You really have to earn your place there. In fact, I keep people on my speed dial not because I talk to them often, but because the friendship deserves a spot.

Tonight I changed one of the settings. The new lucky occupant of space #5 is (drum roll)...

MARK JOHNSON
congrats mark, you deserve the honor.

I AM SO SO SO EXCITED FOR THIS

Here I go posting another video. It is like once you start with these videos you can't stop.

It looks so good, and so scary. Tom Riddle looks so evil.
Did I mention I am extremely excited about this!!!
November 21st, I'll be there... in my cloak.

animal inspirations

I never wanted to be the girl that posts a million videos on her blog, but tonight I just can't help it. The other night my roommates and I spent hours and hours looking up YouTube videos of animals.
I couldn't stop thinking about some of the videos, so I have decided to share. These are my top 3:

#1:


#2:


#3:

(All 3 make me cry, for different reasons.)

I am a Pioneer

Happy 24th of July!
Here is to my pioneer heritage, and all of the sacrifices my ancestors made because of their faith.

America has made a HUGE mistake

I think I might still be in shock.
I can't believe this happened.
Did we really kick off the very best dancer on SYTYCD this early in the season?!?!?

I am honestly more heart broken tonight than I was when David Archuleta did not win Idol.


I already miss you Will!!! You deserved to win.

it is finally finished

3 summers ago my roommates and I started watching the Alias series. During that time, we were practically obsessed. In fact I am pretty sure that some of the girls may have even made Jack Bristow t-shirts.

At one point I remember frantically calling all of the video stores in Provo looking for a specific disk. I even think that we may have driven all the way out to Springville or Spanish Fork to get that disk. Later the general manager for the nearest Hollywood Video moved into our ward. When he first met me and Lily he knew we seemed familiar, moments later he said "you are the Alias girls."

Our obsession ended midway through the 4th season, as the series seemed to be going down hill fast. We decided it just wasn't worth the dedication anymore, and we gave up.
Ever since then, a part of me has always wondered how it all ended. I wanted to know what happened to Sydney Bristow, and to agent Vaughn. Over the years I have asked around to find out what happened, but I was never able to get a clear answer.

A little a while ago I noticed that Justin owned the 5th season. After noticing I asked him to tell me what happened. He suggested that I just watch the 5th season and find out for myself.
So I did. I watched the 5th season of Alias in 5 days. It feels so good to finally know. I have all of the answers I ever needed. I feel a sense of peace and closure. I had no idea it would be this fulfilling.

I really enjoyed this

I can't believe it took this long

Last night, running charades made its debut in Seattle. It went over really well, in fact I would say it was a major success. But, of course it was a major success. How could it not be?
I realize that some people may not know what running charades is, so I thought about typing up an explanation. Then I just felt lazy, so I googled it and was surprised when I found this perfect description.

David Archuleta, Will You Marry Me?????

My friend Justin and I went to the American Idols concert tonight.

Performance Reviews

• David Cook was AMAZING. He really puts on a good show, and is ruggedly handsome.

• Brooke was finally able to redeem herself in my eyes. In fact when she puts out an album I might actually buy it.

• Carly's performance was touching and powerful. She has such an incredible voice and is a great performer.

• Ramiele's outfit was too sparkly and it prevented me from paying attention to her music.

• Syesha failed to impress me.

• Jason Castro was not boring, and he still has the prettiest face I have ever seen on a male.
  

• Kristy Lee Cook loves Seattle and loves to sing God Bless the USA.

• Michael Johns never stops being attractive, and I still think he got kicked off too early in the show

• Chikezie was a bit on the boring side.
  

• David Archuleta stole my heart all over again. It is a little upsetting how quickly he walked right into my life and then walked right out. How can one person be so lovable?? I kinda want to shrink his head and hang it from my rear view mirror, oh shucks, I think Paula thought of that first.
  

Overall, it was a master class.

According to Nordstroms

I now officially see the world in 3D.

i don't think i was ready for this

I am not sure you can ever be really prepared to have your heart broken.
Maybe I was holding out for things to change. Maybe I thought things would go my way.
I never wanted this.
I feel sick.
I want to cry.
I want to scream.
It all seems so final now.

oops

I just spent a ridiculous amount of money on a swimsuit. I do look dang good in it. Any guesses how many dollars equals ridiculous??

Today I Learned

That I should never double dutch without a sports bra.

Goals for 2009

• Graduate from my program.

• Quit my regular life.

• Lose 3/4 of my body weight.

• Do nothing but take intense dance classes.

ALL TO ONE END:

• Try out for So You Think You Can Dance?

Free Gelato!!

To celebrate May Day *tomorrow this place is offering free gelato from 11-1. Free gelato is way better than a 31 cent scoop at Baskin Robbins!
Unfortunately, during that time, I will be deep in the middle of a busy day at Evergreen Manor. Shucks!
Free gelato is almost enough to make me want to skip the internship.

*i wrote this at 12:26 am, so it i s technically already May 1st. If we are being technical the event is actually happening today.

I've said it before

and I'll say it again.

Being in Utah is so EASY!

reflections

Seeing as how it has been almost a month since Kim's wedding, I thought I would finally post some thoughts and pictures from that wonderful day.
So many things about this picture seem so unreal. In all honesty the picture leaves me questioning many things:

1st- Are we really that old?

2nd- Is this really Kim's wedding?
3rd- Is that Damon Schmidt I have my arm around?
4th- Could that actually be David Bassett?!?
5th- Did this really happen??

I secretly wanted to post a picture from 8 years ago, when Kim and I were living in the dorms together, so we could all do a compare and contrast to see how much we have grown up. However, I thought I would save Kim and I the embarrassment.

Oh, the Chopllette's. (That is all I have to say about this one)

The day was a truly lovely day. It felt good to be surrounded by so many very important people from my past. It felt good to see Kim so happy. She is a lovely person. Since the wedding I have tried a couple times to really get my thoughts and feelings out on paper, but it has been harder than I expected. I think the whole event just made me so grateful for my friendship with Kim. I think back to the young and naive 18 year-old I was when we met. I am hardly the same person I was back then, I have learned so much and changed even more. The crazy part is, I feel as though I owe a lot of those changes and lessons to my friendship with Kim. I am a better and stronger person because of her. Many of our stories and memories are a bit crazy and humiliating (the kinds of things you hope no one ever hears about) but I wouldn't change any of it for the world. I love that girl. I feel so much joy knowing she is happy, and wish her the best, because she truly deserves it.

Everybody Listen Up!!!

A MIRACLE HAS HAPPENED!!!

no miracles

I keep praying for a miracle, that when I turn on my computer it will magically be fixed. No such luck!! Still broken, still annoyed.
It took me 6 minutes to type that.

GRFRFRF!!!!

OLqawst nikght my colmp;ujtedrf wstqarfteded edolikng thikws wsedikrfed thikng wshedrfed edvedrfy tikmed ik p;ikujsheded olned ikedy, wsedvedrfqaol oledttedrfws wsolujoled typ;e. IKt ikws wsol qannolyikng!!! EDqaviked thiknikws thqat ikrf ik rfedpbololt my colmp;ujtedrf ikt mikght wsololved thed p;rfolboledm.
IK p;olqan tol edol thqat vedrfy wsololn, bujt bedrfolrfe dIK edolo thqat IK tholujght IK wsujoled tqaiked qan olp;p;olrftujnikty tol wsrfikted qa p;olwst. IK rfededol olikiked thikws wsolujoled bed qa grfedqat tikmed tol wshqarfed wsolmed wsedcrfedtws wsikth yoluj. thed wsqay ik wseded ikt, ikrf yoluj cqan rfikgujrfed olujrt wshqat thikws wsqayws, thedn yoluj ededwsedrfved tol iknolws wsolmed olrf my wsedcrfedtwsP.
WSolmed WSedcrfedtwsP:
1: My molm olrftedn tedololws med thqat thed rfedqawsoln IK qam nolt mqarfrfikeded ikws bedcqaujwsed IK qam tolol ololujed.
2: Thikws wsededik wsqaws olned olrf thed hqarfededwst wsededikws olrf my olikrfed, IK rfedolt molrfed brfolikedn thqan IK edvedrf hqaed.
3: My hqarfed wsededik cujolmiknqateded wsikth thed hujgedwst edmoltikolnqaol brfedqaik edolwsn olgrf my olikrfed, qaned ikt wsqaws iknr rfrfolnt olrf my wsujp;edrfvikwsolrf.
4: IK wsqaws colnviknceded rfolrf twsol edntikrfed yedqarfws thqat rfolb wsqaws my wsolujol mqated, IK wstikolol ikikned olrf bedolikedved thqat.
5: IK cqan olnoly edqat qa bqannqanqa iked ik cujt thed tolp; olrfrf, ujujwst tedqarfikng olrfrf thed rfujiknws thed edntikrfed tqawsted olrf thed bqannqanqa.
6: IK qam edededp;oly qaned wsedcrfedtoly ikn ololved wsikth EDqaviked Bujrfiked
7.IK hqaved qa ololt olrf wsedcrfedtws.
8: Ik olrftedn mikwsws ujtqah
9: IK wsolmedtikmedws rfedqarf IK wsikolol nedvedrf hqaved qa olikrfed qaws grfedqat qaws thed olned ik hqaed ikn ujtqah
10: IK ujujwst tololteded

Thedrfed ikws qa tikny qaned cololujededed wsiknedolws tol my wsoujol.

April Fools!!

I sent the following text message to several people tonight:

Hey everybody! I thought I should let you know, it finally happened...
I'm pregnant!

These are my friends responses:

Becky: Congratulations Kaylene! Who is the father?
Mary: Sick
Erin: Dude... old news. I saw the pictys.
Mark Johnson: Even though it is April Fools Day, I still could believe it.
Whitney: Yea! I get to throw your baby shower!
Collin: You wish.
Lily: Hey! Whaddya know! So am I! Let's try to have our babies on the same day! Mine is gonna be half black. Yours?
Mark Stoelk: April Fools!
David: Oh, you totally had me! That's not a joking matter. I take you getting pregnant very seriously.

What a fun day!

speaking of dreams

While I was in California I was able to visit an old friend of mine who is currently working at Pixar. He invited us to the Pixar campus for a visit, and gave us a tour around the place. It was really really awesome. It was neat to think of all of the magic that takes place in that building. It was even neater to realize that my friend gets to take part in that.
He is truly living his dream. It was strange being there. I found myself oddly jealous of him and the life he has chosen. I don't think it is because he is an animator (that hasn't been a dream of mine since I was 14), but I think it is because he is doing something extremely amazing, and he is honestly happy and satisfied with what he is doing.
Truthfully I am really happy and satisfied with the life I have chosen. However, I am a dreamer, I always have been. I dream of doing so much more with my life, helping so many more people, and making the very most of the gifts I have.
Sometimes i wonder if there is something more, something I haven't yet discovered, and sometimes I find my soul searching for that extra something that would make me wake up every day and pinch myself, because I would be living my dream.

Yes my friends,

DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE
Or, at least I can pretend that they do.
(yes, brittany is really pregnant)

Hot Glue is My Lifeblood...

Erin and Kaylene's New Adventure
seattle to san diego

Day 1: Arrived in Portland for a lovely evening with Lily and her family. Laughed harder than I ever wanted to. Ate some nachos with the most perfect blend of flavors. Felt content to be surrounded by some of my dearest friends.

Day 2: Spent the morning exploring Portland. Discovered the most perfect humus. Watched Lily get hit on by a 45 year-old Greek man. Drove through all of Oregon and was amazed by the beauty. Checked into the Redwood Hostel.

Day 3: Fell deeply in love with the Redwood forest. Finished a book. Had my breath taken away moment after moment as we drove down Highway 101. Arrived at the Ryan's. Had some of the greatest conversations of my life with Brittany and Erin. Once again, feeling happy and content.

to be continued....

Worst possible thing that could have happened to me right now

I finally found a way to watch all of the episodes from Season 2 of Ugly Betty on the internet! I want to be happy about this, I want to shout for joy and sing praises of hallelujah. But, I can't.
This is the worst possible time for this, I feel like it is going to ruin my life, and my grades. And, somehow I feel powerless and willing to let it do that.

Apple Strudel

Just a couple of blocks away from my house there is a local market every Saturday morning. Since I moved here, I have wanted to go check it out, but never was truly motivated to go on my own.

Today Cassie (one of my roommates), our friends Danny and Jason, and I all went to the market. It was really enjoyable, we wandered in and out of local bread and cheese vendors, saw a sign advertising the sale of woolly pig, and safely avoided talking to the woman who wanted to educate us on global warming.

As we were wandering through the market I saw a table strewn with the following items:
I had a couple moments of severe confusion. It all looked so familiar, yet it was the wrong place and the wrong time. I looked up to see a sign advertising baked goods from Prague.

My heart jumped! I was so excited and I knew instantly I would have to temporarily abandon my goal to not eat sweets.

As my stomach started to grumble and my mouth started to water, I slowly became aware of the fact that there was a gruff looking older woman standing behind the table.

I immediately and tactfully asked her where she was from, when she replied Prague, I switched over to Czech. I wanted her to know, that I speak her language and love her country. We spent a good amount of time chit chatting about nothing and becoming immediate best friends.

Her eyes lit up as she spoke Czech and spoke of her home. My guess is, that my eyes lit up as well.

It felt so good to be speaking Czech again. I don't get to speak it much, especially with a real authentic Czech Babicka (grandma). After talking for a while she gave me her phone number and told me to call her anytime I wanted to speak Czech. She then proceeded to give me a free piece of apple strudel.

The strudel was delicious, it tasted so authentic. I could have sworn that it was Sister Brouskova in Zlin that had made it.

The whole experiences filled me with warmth. It made me a bit homesick for my mission, for the country, and mostly for the people I loved there. It reminded me of how kind, genuine and giving Czech people can be. When I talk about Czech people I often emphasize the hard exterior they use to keep people at a distance. Today, however, I was reminded of the warmth they give the moment you are able to break through the hard exterior.

I love those people dearly. It amazes me what kind of impact they had on my life. I don't think I will ever get over my love for them. I imagine that even 30 years down the road, speaking to a Czech person will bring the same warmth.

So, I left the market today with a warm heart, a piece of strudel, and a phone number for a new friend. I think I will probably call her. The way I see it, everyone needs a Babi in their life. Who knows, maybe I will get some more strudel or maybe I could even talk her into making me some svickova.

The Truth

David sent me this video in an e-mail today, saying it was the perfect song for me.

I watched it, and agree with him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOAbvaIVp2c

Guess who's comin' home!!!

That's Right!

MARY JANE WOLLENZIEN
Returns from her mission tomorrow!!
And, I couldn't be more ready...

Welcome Home My dear Friend!
Welcome Home!

in 3 weeks life will make sense again

I just got off a conference call with 2 of the Chopplettes. I am left with a sense of longing for their company. Talking to them is so easy, and so much fun. We laughed a ton, it was really good for my soul. Sometimes I forget how much I miss having them as a constant part of my life.

In 3 weeks Erin and I will be going on a Chopplette tour. We will be starting in Seattle, driving down to Portland to spend some time with Lily, then continuing down the coast to Brittany's house in San Jose. We will then head south to San Diego to end our journey at the Heimback's (Becky and Kim's).

I am always excited to be around those girls, and to hold them in my bosom.
I feel so blessed to have such good friends.

guest appearances

This year, for one of my new years resolutions, I decided that every time I had a dream about someone I would let that person know. No matter how little I know the person, or how far from my past they are, I am still obligated to inform them of my dream.
This morning I ran across a bit of a problem. What am I suppose to do if I don't actually know the person, or if I have no way of contacting them?
I've decided that making it public on my blog will have to do.

The following people made an appearance in my dream last night:

Bill Clinton
Barack Obama
John McCain
John Edwards

Needless to say, the dream was slightly political. I was at some sort of a rally/debate. The details are a little blurry, all I know is that everyone was cheering for Obama, and Bill Clinton shook my hand.

friends (new and old)

For as long as I can remember the stars have been some of my dearest friends. I could probably go on for days and days ranting and raving about the things I learn from the stars, and how they make me feel. I am not going to do that to you though. Well, at least for tonight I'm not.



I think that one of the hardest things about this whole Seattle move, has been the loss of these dear friends. Because Seattle is almost always cloudy it is nearly impossible to see the stars. I miss them a ton. There are nights I would give almost anything to be in Southern Utah, amidst the red rock and brightly clear night sky.



I imagine I will always miss the stars and what I am going to say next does not in anyway decrease the love I feel for them. I just hope they will not take it personally.



Here is my confession: I am falling madly in love with the clouds. I know it doesn't make any sense that the one things which prevents me from spending time with my dear friends is now becoming my new obsession.



From the day I moved here I have had my breath taken away on a regular basis by the beauty of the clouds. However, I have not allowed myself to admit it. The other night as I was heading south on I-5, I couldn't take it anymore. I had to give into them, I no longer had the strength to resist their power.



The clouds here are perfect.






My relationship with the clouds is new, fresh and exciting. I look forward to all of the things I will learn from them, and all of the experiences that await us.
But, like I said earier, I sure do miss those stars, and probably always will. They are my constants, I will always love them, and I know they will always be a part of my life, even if we can't be together at this time.

duh...

I have to go to work right now, and I don't want to.

But on a more positive note: We got a new roommate a couple of weeks ago, and I just found out that she owns Dr. Mario!!! The quality of my life is about to go up by 45%. Knowing that this wonderful little game is waiting for me when I get off work will help the day go by much faster.

Now all I need is a Courtney to move to Seattle and all things will be right.

St. Valentine's Day

I know I am a bit late in getting a Valentine’s Day post up. However I didn’t want to end this day without saying how much I love it, and how much I love LOVE.

Today was the perfect day. I celebrated the traditional ways by eating a heart shaped pizza and writing love poetry with Lily (via text messages). I was also able to have a wonderful moment of a love infused roommate rescue mission. Then I finished the day off by humiliating myself at a Karaoke bar.

I love this day because it gives me an excuse to focus more on loving others. I believe in Love; whether it is true love, neighborly love, or brotherly love. No matter the form, it has a deep power that lies within it. I am trying to understand this power better and to use it more often.

I want to love more. I want to love deeper. I want to love openly.

I also want to find True Love.

I bought a book full of love stories to celebrate the holiday. The following quote is from that book. I think the quote is beautiful and hopeful. I love the way it describes the process and nature of Love, and how it finds us.

Maybe fate’s arithmetic is so diffuse that it’s not arithmetic at all.

The lights. The sleeve. The park. The taxpayers of Hoboken. The parents. The friends. The past. The swaying of the streetlights. The car passing. The present. The hopes. The break-ups. The conversations. The invention of the lightbulb.

It is the miracle of all these things coming together that constitutes love. The orchestra has been assembled . . . and now it plays.

It doesn’t have to be on Valentine’s Day. It doesn’t have to be by the time you turn eighteen or thirty-three or fifty-nine. It doesn’t have to conform to whatever is usual. It doesn’t have to be kismet at once, or rhapsody by the third date.

It just has to be. In time. In place. In spirit.
It just has to be . . .

--David Levithan- How They Met

Grammy Awards

I love that Daft Punk made a surprise appearance. This is their first live television performance, and as far as I know, also the first time showing footage of Daft Punk actually playing on the controllers inside the pyramid. They are touch screens!! It's blowing my mind.
It would have been so dreamy to be there, someday I will see them perform live.

Just for this week

I am giving up:
1. sweets
2. saying OMG and WTF
3. speeding and aggressive driving.

I feel like this will be a really good way to exercise control over myself and my life. Not that I am Catholic, but it is kind of like a mini Lent. Actually it has nothing to do with Lent, I just think it will be good for me.