"They're always after me lucky charms. . . . why does everyone always laugh when I say that!" -Irish guy in Austin Powers

Happy St. Patricks Day Everyone!!!!! I'm sorry for the sabbatical I took from the blogging world last week. I was in Yakima for a conference and they had this ridiculous excuse for a business lounge so I couldn't blog, the good news is I have plenty of stuff to talk about this week!



I love holidays, and I love going all out and making those days as special as possible. Most of the time I fail and build them up to be better then what they are, but I guess it's the thought that counts?Anyway, St. Patricks Day is especially disappointing, because all I can do is dress up, everything else associated with this holiday I never participate in like. . . . drinking. . . no matter if it's jello shots or green beer this is not a favorite holiday pass time I can do, and it's a shame because it seems so festive.

Getting kissed because I'm Irish, my Grandma says we do, and my Padre says we don't, there's a chance I could have some Irish in me, but I haven't done the research to find out for myself. . . . .which means I'll probably never know!

Reuben sandwich. . . . um A)Sauerkraut whose idea was that? B) Rye bread, double Yuck!, and C) There is something kinda weird about corned beef it just doesn't make sense, why is it called that? I don't understand there fore I don't eat it!

I think I should start my own St. Patty's day traditions, like only using Irish Spring soap, Eating Lucky Charms, or only watching Movies with Colin Ferrell in them. Does anyone else have any fun and exciting ways to celebrate this holiday mainly used for an excuse to get drunk?

So enough of my rant on this topic here is a list of some of my favorite Holidays, and why I love celebrating them.


New Years Eve/Day-

You get dressed up and can wear silly hats or crowns, it's expected of you to stay up late, and unless you work somewhere kinda lame you get the day off to recover from the party! AWESOME!!!! New Years, for me rarely disappoints!

Easter-

2 words. . . . NEW DRESS! Always the best part of my Easter Sunday, my new digs, and sometimes a hat! Oh and the Easter Candy wasn't too shabby as well!


Valentine's Day-

Even though it's a day people celebrate the kind of Love I don't currently have in my life, I still Love the idea of it, and I hope someday I'll learn to love it like the people around me that actually get stuff on that day love it!

Christmas-

This is kind of a Duh! but I love the carols, I love the shopping, I love the whimsical feeling it fills my heart with. I love the marathon of "A Christmas Story" and the countless cheesy hallmark or lifetime made for TV movies about the miracles that happen during this special time. Christmas rocks my world not just because of the gifts, but there so much about this holiday that's special!

Pioneer Day-

Ok so only Mormons celebrate this holiday, but when I was a school we had this day off, and it usually was like the funnest day of the summer! Of course the whole Mormons crossing the plains thing is pretty special as well. . . .I guess, but the fact that we had the day off and nobody else did was something to be excited about!

My Birthday-

I think someday this may actually be a National Holiday, So you might as well start thanking me now for the greatest holiday of them all. Birthdays are special I don't care what anyone says, and I love celebrating mine!


Also I wanna wish a big "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY" To My Favorite Sister and Brother in Law, Amy and Darin!!! I hope you guys have a good one, and I Love You more then my luggage!

Peace OUT!!!!!

"... I need to know who put my calculator in Jell-O or I'm gonna lose MY FREAKIN' MIND!" - Andy Bernard (The Office)

My Co-worker Tabitha and I are buddies, we get a chance to bond a lot because we aren't as important as the other people in our office so we have time on our hands to be friends, shhhh don't tell the boss! Anyway we both work with a guy named Eric, Now Eric is a man of many rituals one of which is drinking his morning and afternoon cup of green tea (also known as "Hot Sock Juice") in his favorite mug from Cat Tales the feline zoo in Spokane (I'm sure there is a more official title then Feline zoo, don't judge me Eric it was the best I could come up with!). One day Tab and I where shooting the breeze and decided it would be fun to play a prank on someone, and since we both LOVE the Office, I said why not put something in JELL-O, and I believe tab said, why not Eric's mug, and I said BRILLIANT!!!!!!!

While I was in Disneyland it was Tabitha's mission to confiscate it. The opportunity never presented itself, so we kinda just bagged it. But then the Gods smiled on us and amazingly enough Eric left his mug by the sink before he left to teach sword fighting in Mexico City, and project JELL-O was back on.

Not to toot my own horn, but I think I did a pretty good job of pretending like I didn't know what happened to the mug when Eric and I discussed it, so to those of you who think I can't keep secrets. . . . .your still right, I suck at that, but like I said Heaven smiled upon me!

As you know Wednesday's are our "Finer Things Club" night and I invited Tabitha to come, and in honor of that we put our plan into action. Here is how we did the deed, for those who'd like to know!



I got 4 boxes of jello and a four pack of gelatine, but that wasn't enough so last minute steal som from Nette, all she had was orange so the Jell-o turned into an Army Green instead of Lime like I had originally intended. And a plastic container with a lid big enough to fit whatever you want to mold, for a regular mug I recommend upping your gelatine to six instead of four, that way it might even firm up more.

















Eric Lovingly refers to his mug as "Pumug" Because there is a puma on it and it's a mug. . . .funny right?

Here's Tab, looks like she means business

Then Proceed with your regular Jell-o making instructions!

When I checked it out online the site I looked at for instructions said to use dentil floss and tape to actually make your item look like it's suspended in the mold, but it ended up being unneccessary, maybe it works better with a stapler. Here's how it works anyway!

You tape 3 strings of dental floss (duck tape works best) to one side, slide the items through the string and then tape the other side, it's not really rocket science!

Then make room in your fridge, because it takes atleast 8-10 hours to set! I left ours in for a good 24 just to be safe!

This morning, because I was late as usual, we didn't have much time to fancy anything up, to get the JELL-O out I took a thin bladed knife and cut around the container, and it slurped right out! We then set it on a platter, and placed it in front of Eric's computer! I tried to get a face on photo of the JELL-O, but Eric was rounding the corner, and I still had to put new batteries in my camera. For the next victim I will be more prepared! I think since Eric reads my blog maybe he should leave a comment and tell you about his reaction. Nobody in the Office except Tabitha and I have really actually watched the Office, so not a lot of people saw the humor in the prank, but they just wait until I throw someones cell phone in the ceiling, then it will get all sorts of funny up in here!

All in all for the first time around, not to shabby if I do say so myself. But I issue this warning. . . . . .WorkSource staff beware because the prank train doesn't stop yet!!!!

Have a GREAT! Weekend and peace out!

"Memories Light the Corners of My Mind"- Barbara Striesand

When I was teaching Relief Society in Rexburg, I taught a lesson about keeping a personal history of your life and meaningful experiences. I've never been super johnny on the spot with journal writing, but the lesson ingrained in me a greater appreciation for why that's important.

And thankfully prior to that I decided to start writing down some of my favorite stories through out the years, because I was starting to forget some of my favorites. So I didn't feel like a total hypocrite, telling the ladies how wonderful recording your life is and then not actually doing it myself.



This last week there's been a few times I've kicked up some stories and memories I haven't thought about in forever. . . . .stories I love because every time I tell them or think of them, they remind me that my life isn't as boring as I think.





For Example. . . . . . .



Last year around this time Angie and I road tripped to Reno to visit by friend John Walker. We wanted to hit up a Karaoke Bar, and the only one open the night we went was a Lesbian Bar called "The Patio" A Gathering Place. Angie and I where disappointed in the music selection, it was not what I expected from a place like Reno (apparently Lesbians AND gay men love show tunes!) Any who, I guess it was more disappointing that they didn't have our signature song "Shoop" by Salt and Peppa. We have been bringing down the house with that jam everywhere we go! And had great luck conquering the hearts of Vegas when we blew the roof off the Tropicana Karaoke lounge, but I digress. We had to settle for "Push It" by the same artist, but please believe we made some fans with our amazing rendition of "Don't You Wish Your Girlfriend was Hot Like Me!". . . . . . . You can't tell me that's not funny! That's like comedy gold! What has two thumbs and sings Pussy Cat Dolls at Lesbian Bars. . . . .this Girl!


American Idol asked their contestants this week about there most embarrassing moments, and it reminded me of mine.

When I was in middle school, eighth grade to be exact. I was really excited about my Mom and Dad picking me up from school because Hey no Bus, right? Plus I thought my Mom had a pretty nice ride at the time. So I'm waiting outside with the rest of the school, getting kinda cocky. I look across the parking lot, and through the parked cars I see this vehicle full of garbage with a broken rake sticking straight up and flapping in the breeze like a big "White Trash Banner" and I literally thought to myself "Man that would be so embarrassing if that was my parents!". . . . . . . (Can you guess where this is going?) The vehicle pulls up to the pick up zone and I realize, "Oh My Gosh, that's my Dad's car!" My Parent's picked me up from school not in our nice new red Ford Taurus, but instead opted for an El Camino full of garbage! And the worst part was my Mom opens the door and exclaims "Emily! Get in the car we're going to the DUMP!" I mean can you believe that? A side note for those of you who aren't familiar with El Camino's, I'd say they fit two people comfortably. . . . . and My family and I aren't exactly small. So stuffing three chubby people in a two seater car wasn't exactly the best idea! I couldn't hide my face too well because I was stuffed up against the window! Is your heart bleeding yet?

Also another thing I get reminded of a lot (especially recently) is our YCL (Youth Camp Leader?) skit we did my last year of Girl's camp, the summer before I graduated. There was a lot of drama that year because they switched up some stuff, and because nobody likes change, we all kinda threw a fit. So any chance to rebel, was usually taken. We where supposed to do like a 10-15 minute skit introducing ourselves, and we made it into like an hour long production! We may have had some leaders upset with us, but it was kinda worth it! We did this beauty pageant spoof, that was nothing short of amazing if I do say so myself. Kacey Earl (Nielson now) rocked a "Spear Britney" shirt and slam danced to the punk version of "Hit Me Baby One More Time" Nicole Hansen (now Gartner) did a little spoof on the scene from Miss Congeniality when the dumb girl exclaims about red underwear being Satan's Panties. . . . . .and the Stake President was there. . . . .so awkward, but hilarious! I had this red Lycra bag that I'm pretty sure I stole from my best friend from elementary school. It's hard to explain, the bag is like a costume, and it's big enough to fit an averaged sized male, when it's on it kinda looks like a burca that Muslim women wear. I sported this, while I danced to Michael Jackson's "Thriller", mind you this was like six or seven years ago before that song was kinda played out, but I think it was a big hit, I think this because all the little girls I was a leader over at Girl's camp, keep coming to singles ward and reminding me of it! It was a good memory, I wish I remembered every detail because everyone made an amazing effort, and I just remember that night having such a euphoric feeling of job well done!

I was checking out my walls on Sunday, and I saw the picture of Dee and I all dressed up for the 80's dance we went to the summer we where roommates at BYUI. I think you where supposed to have dates, but Dee and I went stag. I can honestly say we had probably the best outfits there. . . . .I kid you not, well if we had to rank, Dee's was far more amazing then mine. She sported my tube top as a mini-skirt! Anyway we both where nominated for best outfit, but Dee got screwed over, and I ended up winning. It took some effort though, there was a guy booing at me in the front row, but I made sure he was aware my shirt said "Fat Chicks Rock!", and that seemed to shut him up. I won tickets to the enchanted ball they had a little later in the semester and got hooked up with a guy that served his mission in Moses Lake, but I don't think I ever met him then. In the two years I attended BYUI that was the only time I ever saw that guy I think his name was Alan, he was shorter then me and he had one of those chains clipped from his pants to his wallet, and he was rocking big skater pants (You know before they switched to skinny) that if I remember correctly where stapled on the bottom and pretty beat up Airwalks and then a white shirt and tie, he was a funny guy. What was also funny was when we went to take our picture the lady asked if we where dating and he said we just got engaged that night, and I was thinking they musta thought we where a funny pair what with me being obviously bigger then he was. But really that night was fun!

I think Pres. Monson was right when he said memories are like June in the December's of our lives, or something like that. But anyway I love recollecting and reminiscing about things I've done, and I appreciate your going along for the ride, for my sake!

Peace Out!

"Honest to Blog" -Ellen Page in Juno

Last Thursday me and the girls had a little night out, we hit up Tsunami Sushi (which was tasty) I actually had Sushi. . . . .Thanks Tabitha for introducing me to the good stuff! And we hit the Movie Theatre to catch Juno which indeed was amazing, It was like an intelligent "Napoleon Dynamite". I loved it and "Next time I see that Bleeker kid I'm gonna punch him in the wiener!" SO Funny!


Anyway after dinner and between the movie, we had a little time to kill. So I bummed some quarters off of my buddies and got my game on. I'm not normally a lover of video games, I lack the hand eye coordination, and whenever I got roped into playing games like James Bond or Halo. I usually just found a way to kill myself, it was a lot easier then trying to figure out those buttons.





I don't understand guys obsession with video games, and I especially don't like how it turns them into completely different people. Since I was in High School, every time I went to hang out with my buddies that where serious gamers, it was like I didn't even exist they where so focused on there "mission"! I mean the hottest chick in the world could have walked through the door and they wouldn't have noticed. The biggest culprit is World of War Craft, that game's is like the bane of my existence. I think Satan may have invented WOW and he lures his gamers slowly to Hell by sucking them in and forcing them to abandon all priorities, and only focus on killing other mythical creatures and getting more magic skills. . . . . .I do like the create your own character mode, that's fun, oh and sometimes your characters have super sweet dance moves, also entertaining! But that's not important, I'm pretty sure WOW is evil! And that's all I have to say about that. . . . .wait one more thing, I believe it was recently stated that guys that play video games loose there sex drive! Just something to think about!





OK back to my gaming experience, it started out as a photo op, but then I actually played one of the games and it reminded me of why I don't, because I suck so much. Here are some of the shots!






This is a shot of my car getting towed?







































This is a shot of my car on fire!
































This is actually how close I sit to the wheel in my own car!



































I guess You'll just have to ask yourself one question. . . . .do you feel lucky?. . . .well do ya?. . . . .Punk!"
































"You know my name, now gimmie my money!"















































I'm sorry we could not capture the moment I ran in to plane getting ready to take off, or the many pedestrians I killed as well as my very own passenger. I did how ever turn into a monster truck Taxi, which meant I did something right, I don't know what though!

Video games are no good (minus RockBand, SingStar, and sometimes Guitar Hero but even that has its moments) and because I don't like them, that means they suck, but thanks for keeping me entertained before the movie!

Peace Out!

"I'm gonna make a change. . . . for once in my life!"- Michael Jackson "Man in the Mirror"

As my friends and family members have made their endevors this past year to lose weight and get healthy, it's been nagging at me for some time now, that maybe I should follow suit and start making some changes myself, but then I'd get hungary. Then Angie's fat jeans started to get unbareably tight and I couldn't handle it anymore, so I put my comfy pants on and ate some candy. Then I started noticing a third chin creeping up on me in various pictures, but yet I continued to indulge thinking "yeah it be a good idea to cut back. . . . .maybe I'll start tomorrow!" So finally my Mommalla asked me last week if I wanted to start Weight Watchers with her, and I said You know what, why not!





So last Thursday I attended by first meeting, I weighed in (it was pretty bad) and since Friday I have been watching my points, and trying my hardest to kick the bad habits I have built up so much over these past years or wait actually my whole life. I know it's only been 5 days, but it's almost like every 2 hours is a struggle with my mind. For example, after I got off work on friday I had to talk myself out of getting an Arby's Chicken Cordon Blu sandwich, and then at I was hanging with Angie and a Pizza Hut commercial came on and I had to convince myself I didn't need any pizza, then we went to Burger King and Angie got a frozen coke, it took a lot of effort for me not to order anything, especially after seeing that advertisement for the York Peppermint pattie pie they have now.





Anyway that's just a few instances, but it's almost like my mind goes into panic mode if I don't seize the opportunity to consume the food available. Why do I think it's the last time I'm ever gonna be able eat that stuff.





All of these things got me thinking. I'm pretty much just like anyone else addicted to something. Drugs, Porn, Food. . . . . it's all the same. It is in my nature to be accesive as every personality test has elluded too, so I guess I really have to put off the natural man on this one and tell myself no.





I'm doing pretty good, I'm giving myself a lot of pep talks, and I really hope I can eventually re wire my brain to think better when it comes to food, what a silly thing to let get out of control right? Well It's sad but true!





Another thing I've been thinking about is since I was little I've tried so hard to be "Fat and Proud" and "It's ok for me to be this way", and "Why can't people accept me for me", and blah blah blah, but I've come to realize no one should be proud of being un healthy! Right? I think Jeffery R. Hollund said this in conference 2 years ago-



"We should all be as fit as we can be—that's good Word of Wisdom doctrine. That means eating right and exercising and helping our bodies function at their optimum strength. We could probably all do better in that regard. But I speak here of optimum health; there is no universal optimum size."



I remember that really sticking with me, and now I think it's time to put that into action.



Although I seriously doubt I would be anything like I am today If I didn't struggle so much with my weight all my life, having to push extra hard for exceptance, really molded my personality, and for that I don't regret. I am a little concerned, because one time someone told me they couldn't imagine me skinny, and that it would change me. Well I really hope the only thing that changes for me is the amount of hearts I brake!!!!!! Yeah! take that boys who didn't like me when I was fat!

I'm getting ahead of myself, I haven't even lost any weight yet that I know of, but just to some things up. Michael Jackson said it best when he said "I'm starting with the Man in the Mirror, I'm asking him to change his ways, and no message could have been any clearer, If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change!" Cue the gospel choir, and Peace Out!

"This is American Idol"- Ryan Seacrest

Um. . . . . I didn't know Jessica Alba Had a gay little brother on American Idol. . . . .did you? Seriously has anyone elsed noticed how much these two look a like!!! I think Danny has a decent voice, but I can't handle how confused I get when he performs, because the way he santers, the way he flicks his head, the way he pouts. . . . .all girly and even annoying when actual girls do that!!! It's driving me crazy. . . . anybody else?

You can't tell me these to aren't related!!!

But on to more important issues. . . . . . . I can think of four stand out performances from American Idol that have made me say "Now that's a star performance!" I wish I could post the videos, so you could see for yourself, but look it up on YouTube, and tell me your feelings!

1st- Carrie Underwood "Alone"

I mean she was just this quite girl from Oklahoma, but when she took the stage with her huge country hair and belted that song like she was packing major DIVA attitude! (which is super hard, I mean it's Heart!), I think all of America knew she was the one to beat! And they where right!!!

2nd- Katherine McPhee "Somewhere over the Rainbow"

I like Katherine, but I will say I did vote for Taylor, and I have since seen the error of my ways. . . . .so get off my back, but the performance that gave me chills was Katherine's rendition of "Over The Rainbow", I mean normally that song is pageanty and a song not suited for Idol, but i liked it even better then the original, Katherine's beautiful clear voice, and amazing range, literally wowed me! And the second time she did that song she sat down the whole time!!!!! How did she do that?

3rd- Jordin Sparks "I Who Have Nothing"

While Simon said it was depressing, I said it was touching, the perfect song for any scorned lover, this song gave me chills once more, and I believe we rewound it and watched it over again! Jordin can also be added to the list of powerhouse voices and she really showcased her skills on this song. I would also mention she blew me away with her rendition of "Broken Wing" by Martina McBride.

And 4th- David Archuleta "Imagine"

If you didn't see this performance last night you are missing out, because it was sooooooooo amazing, and if this kid doesn't win something from this show, then people are a lot dumber then I thought, some people are show stoppers and some are not. . . . .but this kid is undeniable awesome, and has that star quality that everyone else can only fake! sign me up for The Arch Angel club!!!!

That's all she wrote. . . . Peace Out!

"Tag Team Back Again"- Lyrics from Whoomp there it is, by Tag Team

Well, I can't think of things to blog about and Lindsey did tag everyone who hasn't done this. . . . .so here goes nothing!


10 years ago...I was

14, in middle school and I was a performer and the Assistant Director for my Drama class production of "September and Everything After" a collaboration of skits we made up and monologues about school. I was very proud of my contributions to that show, I came up with some amazing ideas, that I mainly stole from SNL. And I only got called bossy and a stage hog once, so good for me!


5 things on my list today-

1. Cover the Front Desk, because Gary's sick
2. Buy supplies for me and Tabitha's surprise I will be blogging about later!
3. Look like I'm doing something important, while i'm really blogging
4. Eat Chinese with Eric (hopefully I don't need to use chopsticks, because that'll be embarassing!)
5. Watch American Idol with Angie, I have my fingers crossed for better song choices!



My Favorite Snacks-

A better question is my least favorite snacks . . . . ha ha ha!

I love sweet treats. . . . . .mainly hostess cupcakes, and snickers bars (especially ice cream, but I settle for regular)

I also love tortilla chips with a hint of lime, and mild salsa because I'm a pansy!

And on my good days, which are rare, those 100 calorie grasshoppers are delightful!


What I would do if I were suddenly a millionaire?-

Let's see I owe Angie an Italion Villa. . . . . . My Parent's a trip to Panama. . . . . My Sister and brother in law a sweet guesthouse. . . . . . I owe nette atleast a years worth of grocery's. . . . . and Michelle $25 from christmas. . . . So I guess once those debts are paid off I might splurge and get a video i pod like all my friends!



3 Bad Habits-

Oh it's so hard to think. . . . . .what are my bad habits. . . . . .anybody wanna help me out here?

1. I could probably love people less

2. I don't think I take time to think of myself enough

3. And my friends could really handle me mooching off of them more. . . . you know service opportunities!



5 Places I've Lived (Or actually 3)-

1. What's up Tacoma, What's Up?

2. Mo-Town, Mo-Town definately in the house!

3. The Burg, aka IceBurg, aka Rexburg


5 Jobs I've Had-

1. Waitress @ JonathINN's (it's now closed)
2. Perkins Family Resaurant and Bakery where I was the quote "Hostess with Mostess"
3. Columbia Basin Federal Credit Union now Horizon Credit Union, Member Service Representative, why do I feel like I'm filling out a job application!
4. Style Associate @ Payless ShoeSource, and devoted SMILES captain
5. Quality Assurance Leader @ National Frozen Foods or to my friends I worked in a Pea Factory


5 Things People Don't Know About Me-

Well really my life is an open book and I don't hide much from anyone, but just for funzzies, let's see if I can surprise you!


1. I'm way more comfortable talking to multiple people, then one on one, I more often then not get really awkward with conversations only between me and another person, I like talking in groups way better!

2. By someway unknown to me, I passed some kind of test to get into the NOVA program, which was a program for smart kids, and I have no idea why I got put in that class, because when they started doing logic stuff, I was not getting it, and then when I was in 7th grade I passed the test to get into pre-alegebra a year early (I think I just might be a good guesser) but I had to drop it after a month or two, because It was WAYYYY over my head!

3. I stole a candy bar from Excell when I was like 8 or 9 because my sister only gave me enough money for two, and I didn't want to share. . . . .which is why I believe I have a weight problem to this day, it's God punishing me for not sharing! Ha Ha Ha

4. I did a commercial for KDRM when I was in young women's to promote a fire alarm service project we did for Youth Conference. That could be considered my 15 minutes of fame, Maybe?

5. According to the Red Cross I have Aids and I can't ever donate blood again! (Don't worry, unless you CAN actually get it from toilet seats there is absolutley NO WAY!!!!! I have AIDS!)




Well that's all from me! It's closing time!

Peace Out!