Friday, September 30, 2011

Perspective

One of the best parts about today was that I found a pack of Orbit Wintermint gum in my desk.

One of the best parts about her day is this:


It's all about perspective, people.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Letter of Complaint.

Dear McDonald's,
Please hire people who speak fluent English.
Sincerely, I Just Want a McDouble with Mac Sauce and Fries.

Reason to Celebrate 8.5.2011

I guess it's been a while.

But I've got some news. Big news.

I'm engaged.

To a boy. A very, very nice, cute, amazing, wonderful, fantastic, exciting, attentive, spiritual, funny, silly, adorable, sweet, kind, smart, thoughtful, hard working, perfect boy.

This boy:
(That's us on top of the Space Needle in Seattle. Awh.)

Do you know what this means?

I'm getting married.

Stay tuned, friends. And celebrate with me.

Because this is kind of a big deal.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Killer Heels

This morning I was hobbling to work and was stopped by the most polite young gentleman.

"Wow, I still haven't figured out how women have learned to walk in those stilts" he commented.

"Yeah, well, neither have I."

Hence the hobbling.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Reasons to Celebrate 05.23.2011

1. I'm dropping off my first roll of expired PROFESSIONAL film tonight. Eek!
2. 40-hour work week. Bam.
3. The weekend. A simple sigh just doesn't cut it.
4. Straight hair. (Whaaaaat?)
5. Clorox wipes.
6. Horses.
7. Dinner and Glee.
8. My mother.
9. I'm an adult.
10. Amazing coworkers.
11. Sleeping until 4:30 PM yesterday afternoon.
12. Friends.
13. Someone left his Blink-182 CD in my car. (Thank you.) (Collateral.)

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Twenty One

"What am I if not ridiculous?"

I got flowers.

See?
And they're even prettier in real life.
Believe me, I'd know. This is just a phone-shot.

I'm celebrating.

Monday, May 2, 2011

America, America...

Osama bin Laden.
Here's how people are "celebrating".
Yes, he was an awful, awful, horrible terrorist.
Yes, it's a huge deal that he's gone.
Yes, I'm just as relieved as you.
Yes, I'm completely and absolutely grateful for our brave troops who have fought for us.
But must we stoop so low?

I'd like to think America has more class than this.
I'd like to think that we're above this.
That we're better than this.
Wouldn't you?
And frankly, I'm more than a little disgusted and ashamed that Americans act like this.

We are not petty.
We are not small.
We are proud.
We have honor.

And we are better than this.

I'm proud to be American.
And I'm certainly relieved that bin Laden is finally gone from this world.
But I'm not proud of this exhibition.

Stand taller. Show more poise. Have more dignity.
Prov. 24:17-18 "Do not gloat when your enemy fails; when he stumbles do not let your heart rejoice, lest the Lord see it and it displease Him..."
God bless America. 
picture source: here 

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Oh, you little BYU folks

"So. You single?" he leaned over the desk seductively.
"Ah, no, actually," I replied. "I'm not."
He glanced quickly at my left hand resting on the keyboard, attempting to be discreet but making it totally obvious.
"I don't see a ring," he accused.
I rolled my eyes and sighed. "That doesn't mean I'm available," Just stop, please. Can't you tell I'm not interested?
"Oh. Are you just waiting for it, then?" He leaned closer. I could see the the gel clumped in his stiff hair.
"No," I huffed, trying hard to not look annoyed. "I'm just not single." I turned my attention back to my computer.
He paused for a second, debating on whether to keep prying.
He did.
"So, when will you get it?" He smirked.
I gaped at him, my mouth hanging open. This kid was unbelievable. Before I could answer, the elevator door opened.
"Your ride is here." I stood and gestured towards the doors.
"Can I get your number? You know, just in case?" He said the last three words in a sing-song voice as he backed into the elevator. The confident yet hopeful smile he flashed was almost too much.
My irritation flared and I took a deep breath to cool it off. I watched him as the elevator doors closed slowly. With one eyebrow raised and my arms folded I answered, smiling icily, "No. Thank you."

He asked again when he left.
I pretended to be caught up on the phone.

What is it with those crazed BYU RMs?

And I had Hagermann's for lunch. Just thought you should know that.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Beauty

I've been captivated by beauty lately.
In art. People. Words. Nature. Color.
In life.
 It takes my breath away.
And makes me want to search for it even more.
Truly, there is beauty all around.
Take a second.
See it.

Reasons to Celebrate 4.5.2011

1. I'm alive.

2. Gummy penguins.

3. Rockin' curls.

4. Friends.

5. School is almost out.

6. New ideas. Seriously, I'm a freaking genius.

7. And it's time to break out the sewing machine. Anthropologie is too expensive, but fabric can be pretty cheap.

8. Burt's Bees.

9. Summer's coming. Summer = more light = more playing with my camera.

10. The gym. I'm quite content. (And tan.)

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Is Chivalry Dead?

I was walking out of the store, cradling my drink and trying to keep from spilling it as I shoved my wallet back into my purse.
A group of siblings had just reached the entrance as I opened the first set of doors. Their mother trailed a few feet behind. I held the heavy door open so the kids wouldn't have to struggle with it.
Four little girls skipped in ahead of their brother - he couldn't have been older than five. The little boy politely held the outer door open for his mother. He smiled up at her earnestly as she thanked him. I held the other door open for him, expecting him to hurry through behind his mom.
He waited. I waited.
I looked at him. He looked at me.
For a few seconds we both stood there, still holding the doors for each other.
"Go ahead," I encouraged. "It's okay--"
He cut me off with a shake of his head and a shy smile.
"Nope," he said, opening the door a little wider.
He was determined.
I grinned, unable to hide my pride and delight in the little gentleman. This child was actually going to hold the door for me. Already a sweet gentleman at such a young age.

I thanked him on my way out. He gave me a high five.

Here's to the hardworking moms who teach their sons kindness, respect, and courtesy.
To the sons who listen.
To the daughters who are grateful.
And to the little stranger who reminded me:
Chivalry is most definitely not dead.

Don't worry, little ladies.
The future is looking pretty bright.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Film

©
A huge thank-you to THIS lady.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The Difference

Consider the definitions of two elementary words: listening and hearing. To hear is defined as “to perceive by ear.” To listen is described as “to concentrate on hearing.”
Our culture today widely accepts hearing and listening to be interchangeable, one and the same. Unfortunately, we are disregarding the difference between the words and the fact that we, as humans, are programmed with an exigent need to communicate. Without effective listening skills, we cannot effectively communicate, and without effective communication we cannot effectively build natural human relationships. We are slowly but most definitely losing the ability to shape and support those bonds.
How often do we catch ourselves merely “hearing” what others are trying to say? How often do we actually remember the words spoken? Listening has an influence in every aspect of our life; work, school, home, and in our social lives. Just hearing can only get us so far. Listening provides us with necessary knowledge as well as testifies that you can actually listen. When we practice convincing and direct listening, we are proving to others that yes, we care, and yes, we have the desire to understand what they are sharing.
Catching and understanding the difference between hearing and listening is such a crucial quality. So many times I have tried communicating a point to someone who just couldn’t listen. They didn’t know how. The thought briefly wisped through their mind and was lost in the void. I felt unimportant and neglected. The listener (or “hearer”) couldn’t even remember half the things I said, most of which were actually important to me. This revelation broke my confidence; I felt as if my opinions didn’t matter. Whether the topic is more trivial like peanut butter cookies (and how I truly don’t like peanut butter) or actually a thought worth knowing, I’m constantly finding myself in “bad listener” situations.
What if we treated our managers and coworkers with such disrespect? What about our spouses or children? Our friends and neighbors? Obviously the outcome wouldn’t be too positive. By failing to communicate correctly we bar ourselves from keeping close those who are important to us. People begin to mistrust us and feel that their thoughts and words are not important enough to be given our attention. It takes a shot at their confidence, making them even less likely to trust you with their information.
Every person communicates differently. Sometimes we really are listening but don’t seem to be paying attention. My father, who has been struggling with hearing problems all his life, has to physically and visually show that he is listening. We’re never quite sure if he actually heard us or not until he’s able to prove it. By establishing a habit of making eye contact, showing a reaction in his expressions, and responding to comments, he has proven himself as effective listener. If we couldn’t see his response we would assume he was just hearing, or wonder if he was even hearing at all.
From experiences like these, we see that effective communication and listening relies on more than just hearing. Listening requires concentration. Concentrating on what you’re hearing can include making direct eye contact, acknowledging the speaker with your facial expressions and responses, not interrupting, and showing the actual desire to hear what the speaker has to say by remembering it in the future. Ascertain that you actually are understanding and processing the content. In many cases people forget these simple qualities of listening and revert back to the norm of “hearing” instead.
There is nothing to be gained by simply hearing except an appreciation of the sound of a rainstorm and fear of the rumbling thunder. Listening – real, genuine listening – brings knowledge, trust, success, and confidence. We would do well to understand the difference.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Finding Beauty

Remember this goal?
Some days are more difficult than others.

Today I have to dig for it.

But it's there.

There is beauty.

In music.
In friendship.
In the gray, overcast sky. Just waiting to rain.
In chocolate.
In technology.

There is beauty.

In creativity.
In kindness.
In laughter.
In work.
In family.

There is beauty.

In summer. (It's almost here.)
In my curls, which just happen to rock today.

In responsibility.
In time.
In life.

There is beauty.

Ah, there it is.
I found it.

(P.S. My teacher just told me I'm fabulous. Pretty sure that's beautiful, too.)

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Brother: D

©

He's not posing for the camera.
For once.
It's kind of a big deal.

Adopted.
And I'll be forever grateful.
He is a gift.

Brother: M

©

Yes, he looks like a gremlin or something. I know.
He truly is a little monster.
I love him.

For the Love of Cons

©

How long have I had these things?
Five years. (At least.)

Where have they taken me?
Everywhere.

They've seen people. Places. Things.
They've seen tragedy. They've seen greatness.
They've seen love and heartbreak.
The best of times. The worst of times.
They've tracked through mud and tread on soft marble.

What else will they see before I completely wear them out?
That's my question.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Goal: March

Look for beauty everywhere. In every place. In every person. In every situation.

Observation and optimism.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

So let's behold it.

Bana Nah Nah

 
I just can't get enough.

Reasons to Celebrate: 03.03.2011

1. Billy Joel was on the radio this morning. And then it was The Beach Boys. I'll take some Uptown Girl and I Get Around any day.

2. And it's kind of nice outside. Ba-boom. Scratch that - it's really nice outside.

3. Rockstar Recovery lemonade drinks at Rite Aid were 3 for $5. I bought 'em.

4. Tax return: received and deposited.

5. I've already filled up several pages of my notebook. I'm thrilled. Random thoughts.

6. I have a new goal. Stay tuned.

7. Forgiveness. It's more than saying, "Sorry."

8. It's March. Whaaaat?

9. Mindy is in my CD player at work again. Happy, happy day.

10. I'm dropping off my film tonight. Woot.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Why Not?

Today I bought this little beauty here. And it looks like this:
"Why not? Anything can happen."

It even has little inspirational quotes scattered throughout.

This is what I'm living by. Starting...now!

And guess what's going in the notebook? All my random little thoughts and adventures I experience throughout my day.
My goal? To write in my notebook daily. At least once.
Maybe twice.

Document.
Write.
Remember.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Reasons to Celebrate: 2.25.2011

1. My hair is straight. It's kind of a big deal.

2. I hit the green light on my way to school yesterday. Usually I miss it because it only lasts about uhh 3.7 seconds. But it waited for me.

3. Sibling is coming to visit me tonight.

4. And we're gonna play Just Dance. (I don't think you are fully comprehending my excitement.) Imma kick his little bum.
(Yeah. I just said that.)

5. Took the Color Code test. I'm a red. Should've seen that coming.

6. My math teacher and I are officially FB friends. Well, technically I guess he's my ex math teacher. But we're past that.

7. Oldies 94.1 has been good to me lately.

8. I bought a new "purse". It's really just a big canvas bag with lots of pockets, but it suits me. I do like pockets.

9. I've been rather chipper lately. I couldn't tell you why, though.
(Because then I'd have to kill you.) 
(No, no, I'm just kidding about that last bit.)

10. Sibling and I are road-tripping to Boise tomorrow. It's been years. Too many of them.

11. Free fives on Fridays! It's become a tradition at the office. Woot.

12. And I bought Spiderman socks last night. Go ahead, be jealous. I won't mind.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Only Joking

"What do you call a man with no arms and legs floating in the ocean?"
My answer: Dead.
Correct answer: Bob.
It took me a second to get it.

"What do you call a man with no arms and legs laying on the grill?"
My answer: Dead...and burned.
Correct answer: Frank.
I get it, I get it. As in hot dog.

"What do you call a man with no arms and legs laying by your front door?"
My answer: Dead...and the authorities are on their way so you had better come up with a good explanation.
Correct answer: Matt.
I like my answer better.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

It's the End of the World

Doors open.
Toilets flush.
Faucets run.
Paper towels are dispensed.
Blinds open.
Stairs move.
Even sidewalks move.

I get confused all the time. Will the door open for me, or will I have to physically move it? Will I find out before I run into the glass and look like an idiot?
I'm pretty sure this is the beginning of the end. When society is too lazy to open their own doors or even flush their own toilets, there is a huge problem.
(And, yes, I do understand that sometimes people do not flush, and I am incredibly grateful for automatic flushers in those situations.)

I'm still geekin' out about it.

That's all.

Monday, February 14, 2011

I Believe

I should have died.

I heard the sickening crunch of metal on metal. I saw the gray-blue hatchback spinning uncontrollably, too fast...right toward the driver's side of my Passat.

I was trapped. There was no time. I was paralyzed. I shut my eyes, held my breath, and braced myself as shards of glass rained on my windshield. The seconds ticked by. I asked God to watch over my family. To keep my sister safe. To forgive me my sins. I hoped that I wasn't too late. I thought about my life. My choices. My mistakes. I thought about him. Her. Them.

The sound of screeching tires interrupted my prayer but was soon drowned out by the dull throb of my heartbeat. Thuh-bum. Thuh-bum. Thuh-bum. It echoed in my head.

I squeezed my eyes tight and gripped the steering wheel. Every muscle in my body tensed, just waiting for the impact.

And then...
Silence.

My eyes opened. Bits of glass covered my car. Chunks of metal settled across the intersection. I looked over my shoulder. The totaled Subaru sat ten feet away. Behind me.

I should have died. It was coming straight for me. Considering its direction and speed, there was no way the car should have not hit me. I was right in the line of fire. I saw it. I know.

I believe in miracles. I believe in prayer. I believe in angels. I believe in God.

I should have died. But I did not.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Sound

I want to learn to play the cello this year.
It has such a beautiful, deep resonance (isn't that a great word?).
It makes me sigh.
It reminds me of chocolate.

(And, hey, who doesn't like chocolate?)

Dark chocolate. Creamy, melt-in-your-mouth Dove chocolate.

Anyway. That's my goal for the day.

(Check this out.)

Monday, February 7, 2011

"Special" K

This morning I poured water in my cereal. I'm still trying to figure out how I managed to do that.

I'm blaming the pain killers.

(I've had a lot of those lately - that's a story for another day.)

Definitely the drugs.

It's okay, though. I caught myself before I could fill up the bowl with tap water and completely destroy my breakfast of champions. 

Breakfast was saved by the ninja reflexes of the Bee.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Me and My Brain

"Ya jus' can't fight loooove!.....I guess."

Please tell me I didn't just say that.

(I'm anti-romantic. And I really don't use the word "love" unless I'm talking about tall socks or Taco Bell.)

Happy Valentine's Day in a few weeks, by the way. I'll be celebrating by myself (away from my apartment - the roomie already called dibs for the night).
I'd take myself to a movie but I might gag from all the lovey-dovey crap surrounding me.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Reasons to Celebrate: 1.27.11

I've been munching on Cadbury Mini-Eggs all morning. Duh-licious.

I'm almost over this dreadful sickness.

Rockin' curls. Yet again. (Thank you, diffuser.)
Packed an apple with my lunch.

It's Thursday. One day closer to jean-day.

And by jean-day I mean Friday. And by Friday I mean the day I get to go home to see my mommy. I sure do miss my mommy.

Kleenex with lotion.

Excedrin.
Fake wedding rings that repel the creepers.

My phone finally updated. Congratu-freaking-lations to me.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Haunted

I swear my lobby is haunted.

Here I am, sitting quietly at my desk, waiting for the phone to ring. Men of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir plays softly in the background. "You raise me uuup..." I keep the volume low.

Suddenly, the elevator doors open. Very, very slowly. Ding...ding.

I turn to see who'll be walking out.

But...there's no one.

The doors are open long enough for me to sneak a peek inside.

Nothing.

"...Creeeeeepyyyyyyy....." I say aloud, turning up the volume of my church music.

I'm thankful it's light outside. Because that was just weird.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Reasons to Celebrate

1. I love my job.

2. No caffeine. Even better: No headache. (yet.)
  
3. My curls are pretty rockin'. (I always get so excited when my curls look good.)
  
4. I've been using my phone all day and still have over half battery life.

5. The taco stand guy remembered me and made me an exceptional $4 burrito.

6. Have you looked outside today? 

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Name

Wanna know one of my favorite names? It's like...I don't even know. Classic. Fun. It makes me think of jazz music.
If I ever have a kid, I'm going to name him (or her - turns out it's a girls name, too
Freddie.

Pet Peeve #564

I'm no photographer.
In fact, I barely know anything about photography.

Okay, wait. That's a lie.
I have two cameras. Both are old. One is antique. Film (beautiful, beautiful film). A Canon Rebel and a Nikon Nikkormat.

I know a bit about photography. The basics. (Basically.) Thanks to my amazing experiences assisting an amazing photographer and friend. I know enough to get me started.

The first thing I ever learned on this subject was
how to hold the camera.

This doesn't matter if you're using a wimpy point-and-shoot.

But if you actually have a decent camera, at least carry it correctly so you don't look like a total fool.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Like a G6

Brother: "What's that really repetitive, annoying song called?"

Me: "Um. I don't know."

Brother: "It's got something to do with drinking. Getting drunk."

Me: "Ahhhummm...."

Brother: "It's got like a Q in it. Oh, or a 6."

Me: "Oh! Like a G6. Wait...how did you get Q out of that?!" 


I really do love my family.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Date Night

My original plan for this weekend was to go home and spend some time with family and friends. You know, seeing as Monday is a holiday and all.
(No work, no school!)
But I might have just come up with a different idea.
(Different. Not better. Different idea, same greatness.)

Date night.

As in, going out and actually do something.

As in, I'm going to be taking myself on a date.
(On the way to visit family and friends, of course.)

I've done this a few times in the past, but it's definitely been a too long since my last "self date".

How nice it will be to take myself and a book to a local coffee shop, curl up on an old, comfy ripped couch with a tall hot cocoa, and just...relax. I'll keep my headphones in to show that I'm just here for myself. Don't try socializing with me.

Or maybe I'll do something else. Local bands playing live shows. I support local music. I love stuff like that. Jamming to some new tunes while swaying to the beat. With a tall hot cocoa, of course.

I might not be in that mood tonight. What shows are playing at the theater? Just me, the big screen, and a large (buttery, salty, beautiful) bucket of popcorn. Oh yeah.

Date night. "Me" time. All alone, no worries, no stress. I don't have to try to impress anyone or worry about if I'm saying the right things.

I might have to plan these more often.