life and stuff

The Next Chapter of Life

2011-11-19T15:55:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling a little sentimental today. As many of you know, Blake Nordstrom flew out to good old Utah yesterday to announce the closing of our little Orem Nordstrom store. A lot of employees took it pretty hard and not necessarily because they are losing their jobs, but a family as well. Our little store was the 2nd smallest Nordstrom in the entire company which means we only have about 170 employees compared to the average 400 employees most other stores have. Therefore, we all got to know each other really well.

Lately, I've been struggling with the decision of whether or not to go back to school. I've been feeling like I'm in need of a new start, a new career path, or just something new. For months now I've toyed with the idea of being done with retail forever, having a more "meaningful career," and literally moving on. I never expected to work at Nordstrom after I graduated college and have been frustrated with the fact that I am still with the company despite the fact that I finished school in April. However, since the news broke yesterday, I can't help but feel like I'm losing all of my best friends and all of the sudden staying at the Nordstrom in Orem is the only job I want. I guess it just goes to show you never know a good thing until its gone.

Now I know this job has had its ups and downs and I've done my fair share of venting (especially in the last 5 months) but I really am sad to see this job come to a close. However, we all know that when one door closes another door opens. Shortly after our store closes in Orem the City Creek store in Salt Lake City is scheduled to open (the old Crossroads store). We have all been encouraged to apply for those positions if we wish to stay with the company. Until yesterday, I had never even given the new store a thought. I kept making up excuses for why I wouldn't want to work up there but in reality, I was just scared and intimidated to switch stores.

This whole thing has been a completely humbling experience for me. I truly feel like this is an answer to my ongoing prayers. I'm pretty sure that I have now decided not to go to school, but plan to apply and move to the new City Creek store and make a fresh start there. It wasn't exactly the career path I had planned on taking, but I know our prayers are answered in mysterious ways. Because of this store closing, I feel as if I am being forced into a situation that I normally would not have chosen. But I believe this situation is what is going to truly benefit me in the end.

The experiences and friendships this store gave me have changed my life. I'm without a doubt a more confident person and have loved the "home away from home" Nordstrom has given me. We literally fought like a family but had each other's backs as well. I know it sounds so cheesy and perhaps hard to understand how a retail department store can give that to you but its true, and I am forever grateful.

Well...on to bigger and better things I guess! Here's to the unknown! I'll keep you posted.

Oh I'm sorry Sir...the beach is actually THAT way...

2011-10-19T20:26:00.000-06:00

Now this isn't something you see everyday...in Utah...in October...at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. My question is, where does he think he's going to use that surf board...in Utah...in October...at Bed, Bath, and Beyond? 'Tis a mystery.

The Catch-Up Post

2011-10-06T17:32:00.000-06:00

Okay its obviously been awhile since I've been a part of the blogging world, or at least part of the "publishing" blogging world. Little did you all know, I've still been stalking all your sites so ha! Anywho, I've been avoiding this dreaded post because so much has happened since I last blogged and I don't even know where to start. Here goes nothing...

June

I officially graduated. Like for real.

July

Attended the wedding of the year. No not Kate Middleton's silly...Annie and Ben's!

Visited new baby Penelope in Texas

Finally, I survived yet another Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. And seriously hoped that it would be my last one...Um wait what? Did I just say that out loud? Oops.

August

Successfully caught up on all episodes of Glee. Yes, I finally understand this phenomenon.

We hit the news stands!

September

Celebrated our first year! We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast in Midway and hung out in Park City. These were taken on our way up to the Alpine Slide...which still freaks me out by the way...(thanks to the crash of 2003)

Blake was SOOO excited!

And then of course...attended the BYU game the next day

Which put Blake in an excellent mood for our actual anniversary which happened to fall on the Sunday after the "Holy Massacre."

As you can see this picture was taken before the 2nd half...

Apparently we've had a super exciting summer...Hey lay off! We really did! And I was finally able to get that dreaded catch up post out of the way. Phew!

I Think My Sister's Kids are Destined for Greatness...

2011-05-07T20:21:00.001-06:00

...I only hope my future prosperity can compete. Some of you may recall about two years ago when I posted the "Everyday in the world video.." Just in case you forgot, here it is again...

http://amandasuzannegedicks.blogspot.com/2009/10/everyday-in-world.html

Although Thing Two happened to be in the background during Thing One's ground breaking performance, it seems she's developed quite a knack for the lime light...

Dramatic much? I love these kids.

I do not, however, love my annoying camera voice.

Oh and PS, Thing One has still got it. I over heard him singing "Just gonna stand there and watch me burn, well thats alright because I love the way it hurts..."

Um yes, that song IS indeed sung by Eminem and Rihanna.

Meet Tracy

2011-04-10T21:19:00.002-06:00

Movin' On

2010-12-17T21:52:00.001-07:00

There has only been one thing standing between me and graduation for the last two days. The dreaded Statistics Final. I could've taken it Wednesday morning or night, but felt that I needed to prepare more. So I did. Then came Thursday. And then Thursday night, and all of the sudden it was 5pm on Friday night and that big awful thing was still lurking over my head. I finally took a deep breath and found myself in the testing center (against my will, okay, not really, but kind of) and conquered that thing. It wasn't so bad minus the fact that I was in there for 2 and 1/2 hours and I had to wait in line an hour prior to that to take a test I never wanted to take in the first place (who knew there were so many procrastinators like myself? At least I was in good company). I also feel the need to mention that I spent the most time studying for this test and got the lowest score out of all my finals on it. Go figure. The score still ended up being decent and most importantly, I'M DONE!

It's a bitter sweet feeling to be done at the Y. I remember only months ago when I couldn't wait to be done with flip flops in the snow, no parking spaces, weekly campus shutdown for devotional, 2 week engagements, egotistical religion professors, and Bush supporters (JK). However, as I was picking out my very own "Y" sweatshirt yesterday (I figured I needed at least 1 before I graduated) I all of the sudden became nostalgic and almost (emphasis on almost) wished I had at least one more semester left. I mean I didn't even get to say goodbye! Now all I can think about is how much I am going to miss all of those crazy and unique things about BYU. I mean, do you really think at the U (bleh) FHE groups stand outside the testing center to give you hot chocolate, sing hymns, and congratulate you on completing midterms? I don't think so...

Yes BYU, you've been good to me. And you shall be missed. However, I'm excited to see what life has to offer me next. I don't know what, when, or where that will be but I know good things are to come. And here's the thing...If I ever miss you too much, I can come visit my husband. He'll be there at least another year :)

Peace out Brig. Thanks for developing such a find institution. You da bomb.

I'm Having a Good One...

2010-12-07T21:26:00.002-07:00

Yes, that's right. I'm having a great week. It's my last week of classes EVER at the Y which I never imagined would feel so good (or would ever happen for that matter). I can't believe I am finally leaving BYU. I really thought I might be here until I'm 30. I think Fred did too. But alas I am leaving with a BS in Public Health this December (applause). I don't, however, get to walk until April once I finish my internship.

Which works as a nice transition to the second part of my great week. I got an internship today (applause again)! I will be interning for the Office of Domestic and Sexual Violence at the State Capitol building in Salt Lake City. Primarily, I will be part of the committee working on bills to present while congress is in session (I hope I'm explaining everything correctly, I'm learning). You might see me in the newspaper with my poster yelling things such as, "No excuse for Child Abuse!" Just kidding. But I do actually get to attend meetings at the capitol building and be vocal about our subject.

Now if I could just figure out which light bulb(s) went out on my strand of Christmas Tree lights I'll really be in business. Who was the genius that decided to make all the lights on a strand go out when only one is malfunctioning? I think I will have a word with them in the next life.

We Got Married!

2010-11-30T14:05:00.001-07:00

Shocking I know, since I haven't posted anything since we got engaged. The engagement post came about a month late so I only felt it appropriate to blog about my wedding late as well.

Well, September 18th really was the perfect day. Here are some of the highlights...

That pretty much sums it up! Thanks to Dan Hixson for taking such great pictures of our amazing day!

The Long Awaited "Engagement" Post

2010-05-19T22:03:00.001-06:00

It's true, I'm engaged! I've been meaning to blog about the big event for quite some time but I didn't want to take away from the Golf Post that I had so carefully prepared that very day. Like Neesh said, it was your typical Cinco de Mayo until someone decided to propose (no complaints here)! Blake pulled the classic fake out. You know the, "Oh the ring isn't ready," or the, "I'm so scared to talk to your Dad," even though he'd already talked to him. Me, being the naive, trusting, and completely patient (ha) person that I am, believed him.

So, Wednesday night I went to dinner with some friends while Mr. Moore was supposedly at work. I was pleasantly surprised when he got off work early (pretend work that is) and again, I wasn't even the slightest bit suspicious. We stopped at our friends' house to wish him a happy birthday but we were only there for about 30 minutes because Blake said he needed to hurry and get up to Sandy before it was too late (he was scheduled to have surgery the next day). So upon driving home to the apartment he randomly changed his mind and said that he wanted to go up to "our spot" (ya whatever, we're cheesy, we have a spot we always drive to). While driving up to "the spot" Blake randomly gets this phone call and tells me that its just work. Again, I believe him.

Finally, we park and we're listening to my personal favorite FM100's Love Songs After Dark (yeah I may be a tween but I'm also a sucker for those 80's and 90's love songs) and Blake turns up the radio stating, "I have a feeling this next song is going to be good." All of the sudden his voice comes on the radio. I just sit there and stare at him only half believing that the guy on the radio is my boyfriend and the Amanda he is talking about is actually me. I felt semi-famous for .5 seconds. It was the perfect proposal!

Oh PS, the "work" phone call was actually the DJ from the radio station telling Blake that his song was next...that's how he knew the next song was going to be good...sneaky sneaky!

The Spot

The ring

The basket full of chocolate
(the real way to a girl's heart, or at least mine)

The photo shoot with Neesh

Okay, I may have been a little too excited

The date is September 18th (was originally the 17th but we pushed it back a day to accommodate weekend wedding travelers), and hopefully we will see you all there!!! Abby informed me that she has to "wash her hair that weekend" so her spot is available for anyone who would like to take it...

Move Over Bagger Vance...

2010-05-05T10:44:00.000-06:00

Okay I have to be honest. I don't even really know who Bagger Vance is but I couldn't think of a creative title and I knew he is a "golf related" subject. Soooo...yaaa... And now I just revealed my lack of creativity. Awesome.

Anywho, now for the real reason I brought you here (haha Abby)... I had my first official golf game on Monday! The big sis informed me that this mentally aged me at least 20 years (I think she may just be suffering from middle child syndrome, she's delusional) but I figure 40 is the new 20 anyway. Just ask Jennifer Aniston. I've taken a few lessons and hit a few balls at the driving range but I've never actually played on a course.

As you can see we went up to the Homestead to play. It was still pretty cold (Utah Spring) so I convinced Blake to let me take the blanket that was sitting in his car. I think he was worried about what it might do to his "image" but we were the only ones on the course anyway so luckily no one saw.

My first shot of the day was great. Unfortunately, I don't think any other swing was quite up to par (pun totally intended) the remainder of the holes. Not even this one...

This was a quick photo op after Blake's awesome put. PS Check out his short sleeve shirt and shorts. Even though he would never admit it he was glad I brought that blanket..

Mal and Adam came along too. It was fun to have them there, plus Mal didn't really know what she was doing either so we were amateurs together. (Ignore Blake trying to be Tiger Woods in the background).

Despite the fact that I had to wake up at 8AM and the 43 degree temps it was really fun. It may just be a new hobby of mine. 40 or not here I come!

A Wildcat Detour

2010-04-12T23:54:00.000-06:00

Friday night Blake and I were meeting up with some friends who live in Salt Lake. On our way we just happened to pass none other than East High School! For all of you non High School Musical fans out there (shame on you!) East High is the school where all of the High School Musical movies were filmed. Naturally, I was dying to stop. However, I played it cool for a second... The convo went something like this...

Blake: You want to go take pictures?

Amanda: Nah. It's okay, we're up here a lot. Plus, I'm not that nuts (starts biting nails)

Blake: You sure? We have time? You know you're dying to stop...

Amanda: Okay if you insist. (Little did he know I was about to burst from excitement. I guess I am that nuts)

"E" for East! (I think Zac probably sat here)

As you can see Blake was SO excited to be at East. "E" can also be for Efron!

Okay. So I'm kinda lame. But whatever. This made my weekend!

Oof. They Found Me. And Then They Proceeded to Get to Know Me.

2010-03-15T14:27:00.000-06:00

Apparently the ward wanted to get to know me better. This is how it turned out.

After sacrament I got plenty of comments such as,
"Your answers were so creative!"
"I loved your clever responses!"
or my personal favorite..
"Can you really not tell *Blake and Adam apart?!"
Little did they all know I was just being honest.

*Blake= "The boy." He's a twin. They look the same. I'm often asked, "How can you tell them apart?" I simply answer, "I can't," which is usually followed by an awkward stare.

For Chelsey, I'm having breakfast with the President tomorrow at noon if you wish to join me. Oh and by the way I solved world hunger and won the noble peace prize. And I'm dating a boy.

A Lesson on Procrastination

2010-03-04T09:11:00.000-07:00

I was 15 minutes early to class today. Normally, this would be quite the accomplishment. Today, it was not. I have a group and we have a project. I was in charge of a portion of that project. It was due today. I found out my assignment and the completion date about 2 weeks ago. So what did I do? Well quite simply I didn't worry about it until late last night. At this point, I was hanging out with "the boy." I complained to "the boy" about my project. Finally, after much stress and anxiety I resorted to waking up early this morning. Naturally, I slept terribly since there was a looming dark cloud above me entitled "Grant Proposal." I woke up at 7am. Hit the snooze button until 7:45am. I pulled out my assignment. I did it. It took ten minutes. Ten minutes is all. Seriously, that is all it took. So I actually had time to eat breakfast, make my bed, and do laundry this morning. I was fifteen minutes early to class. Moral of the story? Find out how long the event procrastinating will take. Then at least you can sleep in an extra half hour.

Question...

2010-03-01T00:13:00.000-07:00

Will somebody please tell me why he. . .

Is still dating her. . . (Woof)

And not her??

Disclaimer: Some objects pictured here are not as big as they appear (ahem..feet).

Adam

2010-02-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

Okay so I don't normally post reviews because I'm not very picky about my cinematic experiences. I'm always looking for a good flick but generally, I'm easily entertained (Unless of course I have to watch Nine, 9, Leap Year, or Did You Hear About the Morgan's again.. Okay, so maybe I'm pickier than I thought). However, I recently saw the movie "Adam" which first premiered in the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. If not, go rent it. Seriously. I haven't seen a movie that I have absolutely loved for awhile but this did the trick. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me think (I know right? Rarity), and the soundtrack is borderline amazing.

Here is my non-professional overview of the movie. Adam is a twentysomething year old guy suffering from Asperger's whose father recently died. Beth is likewise a twentysomething year old who happens to move into the same apartment complex as Adam. There is a great chemistry between the two but Adam is clearly oblivious to social norms and awkwardness. Basically, the movie is about their interesting/challenging relationship while stretching out of their own comfort zones to unknown territory.

I haven't seen too many Sundance films but the ones I have watched I've really enjoyed. There is something about them that just makes them more raw and real than your traditional box office hit. They take these awkward human experiences and turn them into something that people can relate to. You don't always walk away feeling bubbly and happy but you definitely come away with a new perspective and a few good laughs.

Anyway, here is an official trailer of Adam if you are interested or if my synapses didn't pull you in. I wouldn't blame you if that were the case.

Sisters

2010-01-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

Could this possibly be the four Stimpson sisters, Nicea, Coy, Ceri, and Shawn? I'll let you all decide which gets to be "Judy."

My Favorite Era

2010-01-09T15:38:00.000-07:00

My biggest (and uncontrollable) regret was that I wasn't a teenager in the 80's. I swear I was born to wear those clothes, watch those TV shows, and show off those dance moves. Pat Benatar is my hero. Saved by the Bell (The Prom episode? AMAZING) is genious. And yes, I own colored skinny jeans. Now that I am older, and somewhat wiser, I realize that I missed out. Therefore, I'll just survive on watching old music videos, SBTB re-runs, and borrowing my mothers old workout leo (puff sleeves included) and Jane Fonda videos.

This is one of my all time favorite music videos. Teen rebellion, check. Man in leather pants, check. Man in crop top, check. Man in short white shorts, check (unfortunately). Girl power, check. Dance break, check. 5 minutes of sheer and total tubular awesomeness, CHECK.

The Silver Lining

2009-10-26T15:14:00.000-06:00

Last week we found out that my Grandpa passed away. He'd been suffering from Alzheimer's the past few years and had gotten progressively worse within the last few months. I was torn about the whole situation. I did not know whether to feel happy that he was finally able to move on, or sad that for the first time, I would pull up that gravel driveway in good old Wapato, Washington and know that he would no longer be inside. I figure that in the end, it was better for him even though my selfish desires wished to keep him hear as long as I could.

This man never ceased to amaze me. I remember my visit this past June on the way to the traditional Stimpson Family Reunion. I sat on the recliner next to his and visited with him for at least an hour, reminding him that I was Nicea's daughter, which made me one of his granddaughters. The channel on TV was set to CNN which was flooding with stories regarding WWII, specifically D-Day. Grandpa had been there. He repeatedly told me he was a war veteran, and on June 6, 1944, he landed on Omaha beach. That he had faught in that war. That he had served his country honorably.

I'll never forget the numerous times I was thrown into the pool even before I knew how to swim. Grandpa thought it was the best way to teach me I guess, or perhaps he forgot which of us cousins knew how to swim and which didn't. Either way, I learned and swam in that pool millions of times. I probably went down the slide even more and lets not forget about the time when I was 6 years old and I learned how to dive.

"The Monster" was another Grandpa Stimpson trademark. With either knee as an "on/off" button we'd play this game with Grandpa at least twice a day. By simply hitting the "on" button he would grab us and tickle us until we could manage to hit the "off" button (he made this very hard to do). During the game, Granpa would frequently "blow a fuse" which I now realize meant he was tired and didn't want to play anymore. I think this is a prominent memory for all the Grandkids which only goes to show how much we all loved it.

All these memories and more came flooding back as we all gathered together in 101 Skoneway to say goodbye. Every single cousin, aunt, and uncle was able to make it to the funeral (I suppose we'll excuse Loren, him being on a mission and all) and I believe this alone is very telling of the family this incredible man raised. Grandpa is gone but we know he is in a better place and that we will see him again soon. And that's the Silver Lining.

Nice Notes

2009-10-08T11:50:00.000-06:00

Isn't it the best when you walk from class to your car and a little piece of paper is flapping on your wind shield? "Someone has left me a note!" I think to myself, "aw, I probably don't even know this person. How kind. See, this is why I love BYU!" And then you actually pick up the note...and read it...and realize people have way too much time on their hands.

P.S. Go ahead and send me back to Driver's Ed. I'd quite like to perfect my spit-wadding skills. Prank calling Mr. Ashdown from his own classroom again wouldn't be so bad either.

Everyday in the World

2009-10-04T19:05:00.000-06:00

Everyday in the world many a thing could happen...

One could win the lottery...
fall in love...
make a new friend...
discover a hobby...
quit a job...
find a job...
finish a good book...
invent a new ice cream flavor...
dance in the rain...
learn a language...
write a short story...
have a good cry...

or anything else one could think of...

and if it all becomes too overwhelming

perhaps...

one could just sing.

Rip Roarin and Ready to Run!

2009-09-21T17:33:00.001-06:00

Okay. So picture a bunch of crazy people that join a team to run 180 miles straight in 24 hours. Nuts right? Totally. So what kind of people would participate in such a feat?

WE WOULD!

Allow me to explain. I participated in the Red Rock Relay a couple of weekends ago and it was the hardest, funnest, coolest experience. For those of you that have heard of the Ragnar "Wasatch Back" it is the same exact thing. It is a relay race that runs for 24 hours in which someone from your team is always running. So yes, you run through the night, and pretty much you get no sleep for 24 hours and run your heart out. I ran about 14.5 miles of the total 180. We were 2 people short so some members of the team ran twice as much as I did. Oof. I could never.

This was me before my first leg. Notice the smile and excitement. It faded around 4am.

And here is your proof. Like I said, excitement slowly faded. In fact, I think Jen and I completely slept through Mike and Clint's final legs...sorry guys.

As time progressed we had to find ways to keep ourselves busy...
So we took plenty of scenic pictures (since we all looked so fresh and clean, sarcasm, please tell me you caught that)

We brushed Jen's hair.

And most importantly, we played some intense road games. This was approximately 8am of day 2 when the game was played. Therefore we had some pretty creative answers. They go as follows:

Things you fear that start with Letter "F": Fugly Friends.
Famous Athletes that start with Letter "R": Rarl Malone.
Or my personal favorite, contributed by a passing (and panting) runner
Ice cream flavors that start with Letter "H": Oh hell no. (Now, I don't know if this particular runner was aware that this flavor doesn't actually exist, but what a great idea?! The Oh hell no ice cream flavor. "Uh yes, give me two scoops of 'hell no.' Thanks.")

Marks on our calves represent each time we finished a "leg."

Our team shirts.

All in all we had the best time ever and most importantly, WE FINISHED! I have never been so exhausted in my life and at the same time felt so great. I can't wait to do it all over again!

Alohamorra!

2009-07-22T22:15:00.001-06:00

OMG! Did you guys think I died? (and by "you guys" I mean the like 5 people in my fam that actually read this) Seriously though, I thought I might have. Not to fret. I am here, back and better than ever. Awesome. Perf. Spectac. So here is a little recap of le summer so far...

Got some new wheels...

Spent some quality time with the fam...

Which includes this dude...

And this babe...

Drank some DC.. (this is an actual picture of our washer, funny joke boys)

Made a new friend...

Cooked..(or at least attempted)

Took Spring semester at BYU..But then dropped out of summer because this happened to me after the first day of classes. True story.

Visited Heidi AnnE in California..

AND FINALLY...DRUM ROLL PLEASE (BLLLLLLLL)

I saw HP6 at midnight and it was AMAZING! Whatev, I know. I'm a freak. I don't even care. If being a freak means watching Harry Potter for the rest of my life I'll take it. If you haven't seen it yet RUN, don't walk, and I'll pretend not to pass judgement upon you for waiting over a week to see sheer genious on the big screen.
Well dudes, thats it for me. Peace out.

Life as a Musical..

2009-05-14T23:24:00.001-06:00

How do I love thee Zac? Let me count the ways...

Meet Zac Efron. The leading man in my life, and an inspiration to many. If you don't know Zac, then you don't know anything (too harsh?) Yes, my friends, he is that "tween" idol, and I realize that I am 22 years of age, but look at that face! What's not to love? Recently he broke my heart when he announced he was pulling out of the new "Footloose" remake but I am oh so forgiving and I'll let that one slide. Anywho...some of you may know that he's dating this awful human...

Blah, blah blah. Terrifying, I know. But alas, life goes on and I can only dream that one day my boy will come to his senses and find someone worth his time (ahem ahem), I know the perfect candidate..hint hint..

Okay, so moving on.

After repeatedly watching HSM 1, 2, & 3, I began to feel inspired to sing my feelings. In fact, one of my roommates and I thought it would be an amazing idea to sing everything we could for a day. Her little sister took the challenge and actually sang everything that came out of her mouth for a full day. That's dedication. Unfortunately, I sang about my bean burrito and got bored with the idea all too quickly. The point is, Zac inspires us all. Is that the point? I really don't know...Maybe I just felt like talking about Zac....

I'm pretty sure Zackie inspired these people too..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkYZ6rbPU2M&feature=fvsr

"Hoppy" Easter

2009-04-14T00:06:00.001-06:00

Yay for the Gedicks', they've managed to get with the times. Not only did Freddo invest in dish network and high speed internet this year, oh no, there's more.. Get ready for this folks...WE TOOK DOWN THE CHRISTMAS TREE! (gasp!) I know, I know, how could we have done such a thing? I mean its only Easter...Christmas is still a mere 7 months away or was only4 months ago depending on how you percieve the situation. But alas, it is another step forward into "the now" as I like to call it, and we are cruisin' right into 2009 in style. Since I'm trying to help my parents "get wit it" the actual taking down of the fake green thing in our living room only seemed right. My next feat...convincing Prof. Gedicks he can't live without Tivo.
And there she (tree) is sad, lonely, and finally realizing that her time ended long ago. It's a shame she got the boot on Easter Eve but bad news never had good timing. I bet it feels like our VCR did when we finally replaced it with the DVD player two weeks ago (okay okay we've had a DVD player for awhile, but I submit it was probably purchased much later than all of yours)Although I know this was for the best I was truly sad to see the tree all wrapped up in her cocoon ready to hibernate for the summer. How generous of her to go down without a fight and help us embrace "the now." Goodbye C. Tree, we shall see ye in 7 months! Until then!

Viva Las Vegas!!

2009-04-07T21:01:00.001-06:00

Graduation is approaching rapidly and I have anxiety. No no, not because I am graduating but because all my best friends are and I'm at the BYzoo (ba ha!) for another YEAR. Oof, what a hassle. Anywho, because all these friends of mine are taking off every which way we decided we were in need of a bonding trip. And what brings people closer together than a VEGAS VACATION?! Okay, I can think of a lot of things but this was the best we could come up with on such late notice. Plus, Vegas + Conference= the ultimate juxtapose. Or at least I think it does, truthfully I just really wanted to say juxtapose. There. I said it again. Okay so anyway, the weekend was just fab. We ate In n' Out 4 times in 3 days, laid by the pool, and shopped.

One of the many In n' Out runs..Caesar's Palace
Our favorite pastime..Imitating hallway pictures, this kept us occupied for at least an hour one night...Ya, ever wondered what Mormon girls do in Vegas? Here ya go.
Well bonding was acheived and good times were had, we even taught Heid (right)how to go cross eyed. Love the Vegas.

Hare, Hare, Hare, Krishna!

2009-03-31T11:00:00.000-06:00

Okay so the best kept secrets of Utah are kept in Payson (Sarcasm kids). So that probably isn't true BUT the Lotus Temple is housed there so I think we owe those Payson folk some credit. Saturday I decided that I needed to become a more culturally diverse individual (aka I had homework to do and tried to find any excuse I could to get out of it) and teamed up with my roomie, her brother, and some friends to participate in The Festival of Colors. And a celebration of colors it was! This is a Hindu spring celebration that ends up being about 95% college students that go to BYU or UVU and are of the Mormon faith. But whatev, thats beside the point. Basically its broken down to this..You arrive, you park a mile away, you get your bags of colored chalk, and you wait to throw them at each other...

And this is the end result...

Literally, the sky is colored powder..its nuts!

And of course...this is where the magic happens!

So following the actual throwing of the powder (which truthfully goes on for the remainder of the festival) a rockin' band starts to play and you just start dancing. Oh and if you can remember "Hare Krishna" you'll be able to sing along with every tune. It's great. So my friends, next time you're in Utah looking for a good time, hopefully its Spring! You'll want to hit this up at least once in your lifetime...

OMG I've done it.

2009-03-31T00:03:00.000-06:00

Yes, yes my friends 'tis true. I am now officially a blogger. Oh dear. What have I done?