Kate's blog

Rockin' at the Winter Wonderjam 2010

2010-12-12T14:22:00.000-08:00

Last night my good friend Amy and I headed down to Tucson for the Winter Wonderjam concert. After listening to an iPod full of music from the ar tiss who were playing during my trip to Anaheim last week, I was excited to see (and hear) them live. The bill included Chrinsntina Perri, Ryan Starr, Ingrid Michaelson, the Plain White Tees and Sarah Bareilles.

92.9 "the Mountain" made a good choice to open the show with Christina Perri. Her haunting and powerfil voice started it off with a bang, which carried throughot the concert. Her first hit "Jar of Hearts" is on the radio everywhere, and I'm sure the world will hear a lot more of her very soon. Amy and I quickly got in line to buy her EP and get her autograph. I told her that I would try to fit one of her songs onto my wedding playlist, but since most of them are broken- hearted messages and she begins recording her new album in January, her songs passing final selection is unlikely. Oh well. I will listen to them while im working out or something.

Ryan. Starr was okay. I felt like I'd seen him before. But he does have a spot on the P.S. I Love You soundtrack, so he scored points anywah.

Ingrid Michaelson was the best act of the night. If you haven't heard of her before, you've probably heard her music somewhere. Her songs are pkayed on Old Navy and Apple commercials. She has an awesome stage presence- so funny and endearing. In a moment of hilarity she shared with us that she recently had her toe nail removed - and that she kept it. Out of context - gross, but it was funny at the concert.

Has anyone noticed that the bass guitarist for the Plain White Tees looks like a young Zack Galakinakis? I kept looking for his satchel.

And of course, Sarah Bareilles was awesome. She has an upbeat way of sharing her attitude and breaking bad news. I love it!

The more concerts I go to, the more I think I was a groupie in another life...

Engagement

2010-12-07T12:28:00.000-08:00

~~It was a dark and stormy night.~~

It was perfect!

Here’s What You Need to Know

I am getting married to my favorite person, Matt Hubbard.
He proposed in Disneyland in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle (and my whole family)
I will be on cloud 9 until further notice

Our Engagement Story

The Lead-In

Last week, I headed to Anaheim for a vacation with my family at the Magic Kingdom. It was fun to see my nephews enjoy the park and to spend time with my parents, my brother and my sister-in-law. Disneyland during the holiday season is fantastic! It really felt like Christmas was all around. When I met up with them, my family had already been in Disneyland for 2 days. Originally, I thought that I had 2 days left at the resort, but then found that I had an extra 2 days with my 4 day pass.

Despite being the happiest place on earth, Disneyland is place best experienced with someone else. Since my family was leaving on Saturday morning, I called up matt to see if he wanted to spend the day with me.

The Coordination

Little did I know, Matt was on his way to the Diamond district in Los Angeles with his mom to pick out an engagement ring. His plan was to propose in the ensuing weeks, having taken my dad’s number from my phone and asking for his blessing.

It didn’t work out that way.

When I called Matt, he said that he had to work the next day, but that he would try and work something out. (He really did need to work and he really had to move things around.) For those who do not know Matt, he does not like crowds. When the park got crowded a few hours later, I called him to let him know. To my surprise, he didn’t mind. (He was picking out the ring at that moment.)

Around 3pm, my family had just sat down to lunch at Denny’s when matt called. He could make it! He said he would be in Anaheim around 12pm, and that he needed a place to stay. He asked that I hand the phone to my dad for hotel advice. Right there, with my dad sitting across the table from me, Matt explained the situation, told my dad the original plan and asked for his blessing.

From Matt’s end, the line was silent. Then my dad created the perfect phrase that simultaneously answered the affirmative and gave nothing away to his daughter, who was a foot away and completely clueless.

Dad came up with a random excuse to leave the table. Matt and dad then proceeded to orchestrate a series of events that dad would later deem “not difficult, because it was impossible”.

The Proposal

After three days straight of long activity, I was exhausted. I went to the hotel to get a few hours of sleep so that I could spend time with Matt when he got into town. When I woke up, plans had changed. We were meeting at Sleeping Beauty’s castle at 7:30 to take a family picture. Since we are not often all in the same place, this is not uncommon during family gatherings. I re-did my makeup and dressed warmly for the night.

I think everyone in L.A. came to Disneyland that night. Main Street USA was packed, and as we negotiated the strollers and my nephews through the crowds, music played and it started snowing. For the record, Disneyland is a magical place.

We found a discouraging surprise when the castle was roped off, and we were informed that we could take pictures in two hours. I asked my family what we were doing next. By this time, they already knew what was going on. Collectively, they said “Umm…I dunno.”

All of a sudden, Matt was there! And his mom! And then, a staff member came up to the other side of the rope and asked if we were ready. “For what?” I asked.

Matt escorted me to the other side of the rope and proposed. Time slowed down and sped up at the same time. My heart raced and my ears buzzed. In front of at least 10,000 people, the love of my life wanted to spend his life with me.

I’m a wordy person, but in these moments my brain just doesn’t work. I think I said yes, but I really don’t remember….in essence, I said something to that effect.

I am so grateful that everything worked out the way it did. Matt and I are so happy, and we have a great story. I’m glad my family (especially my dad) was involved. My ring is exactly what I wanted (and what Matt wanted too). The Lathrop family is small, but strong and Matt will be a robust and happy addition. I hope I have the same effect on matt’s family as well.

I could gush forever. For now, I’m signing out.

What A Year!

2010-07-21T14:28:00.001-07:00

So obviously I forgot I had a blog.

Whoops.

But you didn't miss much. All in all, I would prefer if this year was a blank entry. Had I written, you probably would have quickly tired of my negativity.

But everything is coming together now. I have to be proud of myself for getting through it all (and give lots of credit to Matt Hubbard, who saw me at my ugliest).

Though this summer is exhaustingly hot, I have a lot to be grateful for:

My new nephew Bryson
Matt's neice Lark, and soon-to-be-born nephew Orion
An unofficial offer for a writing job
A new zeal for writing
A great trip to San Francisco
My amazing boyfriend
My fantastic roommate
Supportive friends and
My family, who never ever gives up on me

A Nice Day

2009-07-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

About every 6 months or so, I take a day and do absolutely nothing. I'm usually pretty active, and a full day of unconscious bliss doesn't sound appealing. Occasionally however, the option to not answer to anyone or exert any effort toward anything; to recharge is the most appealing. Aside from a small efforts of Jenn and Alice to wake me, I remained in bed and asleep for most of the day. Tomorrow I will be back on my feet and living life. Until then, it's a lazy day.

Petsmart

2009-07-03T10:08:00.001-07:00

Xerxes and I went to Petsmart yesterday, which was a far more crazy experience than I thought it would be. We hopped in the car, and it was a normal ride until we pulled into the parking lot.

From that point on he was pretty much jumping out of his skin. We got 2 toys: 1 long blue squishy squeaky dog, and a rattley scrunched up dog. He likes them both, but the blue one is his favorite.

I know he can't wait for Kennie and Aubree to get home, but I'm trying to be the best dog sitter ever. (And I promise, if I ever get a dog of my own, I will not put so many pics on my blog.)

Berxerxes

2009-07-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

We're getting along great - me 'n Zerk. He goes nuts sometimes...when we see another person...when along dog is around...at 8am...when I get home from work...at 9PM...at 10PM...

He's funny when he plays.

And he got a new toy from Jenn. Crustacean! Say with a french accent.

House 'n Dog

2009-06-27T15:42:00.000-07:00

I've come to the conclusion that life just doesn't slow down. I used to have a full day every week or so to recoup, organize: do what I wanted. Once I graduated from college, life gained momentum and now It's like a rock rolling down a hill, gaining speed momentum and excitement. On average I'm going from 5am to 10pm and then I crash.

As an update (I've been absent lately)
- I'm trying to lose 30 pounds
- working a lot
- busy all the time

Now for the adventure this week:

I'm housesitting for Kennie and Aubrey while they vacation in Oregon. It's a long drive from my place, but it's close to work and I get to play with Xerxes, their spunky dog.

I just got here a few hours ago and took some pics. When I got him to somewhat sit still.

I think he was happy to see me.

Sitting did the trick. He is a very photogenic boy!

This will be fun!

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

2009-05-04T21:32:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Loco Rocco

2009-04-15T19:13:00.000-07:00

I have found a yummy nut.

Loco Roco2 is the most cheerful video game I have ever played. Made for the PSP, the main feature of the game is to tilt the screen from side to side using the bumpers. This allows you, a smiling little adorable jello- ball- thing, to roll and bounce across each level, collecting more balls and making yourself bigger.

The one game where getting fatter gets you points.

In tight spots, you can separate into single parts (if you have 5 of yourself, then you will have 5 little jello balls.)

Pick your own Loco Roco, I'm playing with the Kulche- or Energetic Youngster. I am the hero of the Mui Mui, and the worst nightmare of the Bui Bui. (Exactly the same except the good guys are black and the bad guys are red.)

Yes - even the least suspecting video game character has enemies. While the cheerful music plays, you need to worry about avoidig shapr objects and getting away from unfriendly things that will eat one of you, like the black spider Moja, and the Gigi. Play on (and in) the over-sized penguin, Domingo- Popo. Ram against black clouds.

And the best part: following along with the songs. The game is Japanese, but all the songs are in a gibberish language that makes no sense and makes you feel silly. It reminds me of being six at Girl Scout camp.

When I beat this game, I wanted to play again.

Ferducious Car!

2009-04-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

A long time ago, there was a show I watched called "Young Hercules", featuring Ryan Gosling as Hercules. He travelled around mythical ancient Greece with his friends and occaisionally had to go to school, taught by a Centaur Ferducious.

fantastic + righteous = ferducious

My friend Lindsi and I picked it up as a catch word.

And yesterday I saw a ferducious car in my apartment parking lot.

Check it out

Apparently they like Billy Idol

Excuse my shadow

And my favorite part: the Moose on the hood.

Closer up

Whoever owns this car, you're awesome.

Whoever painted this car, you're more awesome.

I believed him

2009-04-01T22:42:00.000-07:00

As I was rushing around my apartment getting ready for a Thornbirds extravaganza with Jenn (yup- she's back in town!), and I get a text.

"I broke my leg"

From my boyfriend.

How worried was I? He works at a gym for little kids. How is he supposed to work? I texted and texted and I wasn't getting a response. Shortly after I left his sister a worried voicemail, did the thought come that I was getting April fooled.

I didn't know whether to be worried or good naturedly pissed.

Then he texted that he was at the ER and that he couldn't have his phone. He didn't tell me where he was or if I could come help.

For the next two hours, Jenn and I continued our descent into forbidden love melodrama...

and Matt had me going on this horrible April fools joke.

It wasn't long after he texted that Holly had dropped him off at the hospital that she called me.

"Did Matt April Fools you?" HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Dang it.

He called five minutes later.

"Ironic that it would happen today, huh?" He sounded sad. Down in the dumps.

"Matt, Holly just called me." (I caught you, you dip.)

"Crap"

Good job Matt!! You had me going!

Busy is buzzin, bored is dangerous

2009-04-01T16:44:00.000-07:00

An occasional lazy day is a nice treat, but when I'm not ripe for one, I will go crazy. I have discovered that being bored to tears is not just a saying. For me, it's an emotional state. I work hard to increase the irregularity of these episodes, but especially after school ending, I have a lot more time on my hands. It really makes me crazy.

You know it's bad when you play tetris for hours just to fill the time.

Or read two books in one weekend and regret that you were not doing something else. Reading is my favorite activity.

Or organize your iTunes because it makes you feel like you are doing something constructive.

In other words, do busy work when you don't have to. I don't cherish these times. I would rather be talking to people, driving around town...catching up on things I need to do.

My solution to this problem is to plan for the weekend. (With Jen back in town, this should be easier.) I should also get some hobbies. What do you think? Cooking? Hiking? Painting?

What Guys Think?

2009-03-27T14:55:00.001-07:00

While girls seem to value their wedding day as a penultimate event in their lives, (socialization, of course being a culprit in this mindset), guys seem to disvalue the day just as much. In guys math

marriage = death

At least social death. Most guys point out the advantages of marriage.

I always hated the guys in movies who viewed their role as groom- to- be, husband, and father as a pain. I didn't understand until recently.

Yes- I am a girl and I want all the matrimonial gushiness, but I want to have fun in the meantime. Yes, logistics sucks sometimes (I don't live with my boyfriend), but freedom and fun rules.

What helped me to understand this? The part of The Lion King where they sing "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" Pumba and Timon sing their version at the end of the song and burst into tears.

Simba, Pumba and Timon have been having fun in their bachelor pad jungle, and in comes Nala, who physically attacks Pumba and takes Simba away. If I was Timon or Pumba I wouldn't be happy either. How dare she beat me up and take my friend away? Then Nala tells Simba he needs to reclaim his gone- to- waste kingdom. In other words: leave paradise and re populate the flora and fauna of an entire Savana. Yeah- not fun.

But on the other hand- he does get to roar and have the lionesses get food for him- so how bad can it be in the end?

Here's my glimpse of understanding, guys.

Mind you, I live in a crappy apartment complex

2009-03-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

There is a family of six living across the way from me. Six people crammed into a two bedroom apartment. The parent sit outside and smoke at night.

So when I come home at night, I have to walk by them. I say hello and stuff. Sometimes I'll stay and talk.

And sometimes they say hello back and want to talk. Other times they just stare. SUper creepy. I thought maybe they had brain damage or didn't want to talk. But after nine months of doing this, I realized that the times that they didn't respond were when they were tweaking.

That explains why their kids wear rags and they are always late on rent. And why they need food stamps.

I wasn't surprised once I figured it out. I'm more embarrassed that I'm so sheltered.

Hangover 24

2009-03-23T09:37:00.001-07:00

I've always loved stories for their characters.

If you're an awesome character (be you good or evil), I will love you until the end. The end of the book, or the movie, or the end of the TV series.

Some of my favorites are Scarlet O'Hara, Darth Vader, Serena Van der Woodsen, and Jack Bauer.

Unfortunately the last of these is why I feel like crap today. 24 is entralling, and exhausting. There's no cut- off between episodes, you just keep watching. You don't mess with Jack Bauer. But when you watch him for 11 hours in one day, he definitely messes with you.

I will go home tonight and watch more until season 5 is done. (I started season 1 in January). Until then, I'm working, and my head hurts and my stomach feels weird (but clean) because I got carried away eating grapefruit while I watched yesterday. Overall, I am lethargic and all I want to do is find out what happens next.

Jack Bauer, I love you, but

DAMN IT!

Dozer!

2009-03-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

Matt's brother Bridger just got a puppy on Sunday. The cutest Bloodhound in the world! Dozer! (Or Doser- not quite sure.) Here's a pic of him with Holly.

And here's a video. That's Matt's voice in the background.

Pretty but...

2009-03-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

One thing I don't understand: decorative pillows. Chic- definitely. Useful and comfortable- not usually.

I look at pillows like this and I love the designs. I think: when I am in charge of decorations, I will accent my furniture perfectly.

But when I come home and throw myself on the sofa for a night of TV.

Or cozy into a couch corner for a day of reading.

Or situate myself for a productive day of work at home.

Decorative pillows just don't do it.

So awesome, I don't want to get them dirty or mis-shapen (not a good move for the puppies I want in the future).

So awkwardly shaped that they befuddle all cuddling.

I would either avoid them or remove them when I needed to use the furniture.

Yet they remain a temptation for their general brightness and completion of theme.

A great addition and a pain in the butt.

And I love the pillows featured.

Slumdog Millionaire

2009-02-13T20:30:00.000-08:00

This was the best movie I have seen in a long time! Loved it! Can't wait to see it again!

Here's what I think about YOU, Stephen King

2009-02-05T12:28:00.000-08:00

You're awesome!

I'm reading the third book in the Dark Tower Series, "The Waste Lands". I was skeptical of the series at first, just because it was written by Stephen King and I thought it would be scary, but it is really good! Roland's world in "The Dark Tower" series is very intriguing, and it's mixed with different times of ours. The characters are so true and the descriptions and words King uses are pinpoint perfect.

It was late and I was getting a little reading in before bed and I ran into a word. Didn't know it. Looked it up in the dictionary. Not in dictionary. Stephen King is a genius!

Also, King and I share a common viewpoint. Stephanie Meyer can't write. (Come on. Stab me through the heart, Twilight fans.) Twilight was interesting, and I liked it right after I read it, and everything after that was soap opera crazy. Check out Evil Beet Gossip to see the direct quote from King.

If Stephen King says it, it's good for me, he's earned the right to say that someone's a bad writer.

Does not Compute

2009-02-04T11:02:00.001-08:00

Sadly, my computer has broken, and must send it to CA to have it fixed. I won't go into the details, but I hope it will be okay. My blog entries will be less frequent while my computer has surgery, which could take a few weeks.

I'm writing this at ROCKET MEDIA right now on my lunch break.

Here's the good news: I'm going to be writing blogs for ROCKET MEDIA! Yay!

Interesting?....Or AWESOME- ting?

2009-01-28T21:59:00.000-08:00

Web logging, or blogging, as it more popularly called, is a growing art.

What once was the world of online journals, and then the place for writers to show off their talent, and then a place to celebrate the daily short message, picture, or video; is now being used by businesses. Everyone who is anyone has a blog. Even if they don't USE it, they still have a PLACE for it on their website.

I spent the past hour and a half reading my subscribed blogs (hooray for RSS feeds!), and checking out new blogs (and adding them to the RSS feed). I strongly believe that in order to become a stronger, better writer, you need to READ.

Multiple writers.

Multiple genres.

Multiple subjects.

Multiple media.

And blogs are one of my favorite media to read...and write.

I was so quiet for the past hour that Matt kept asking what I was doing. I usually am doing whatever I'm doing, and partially paying attention to his video game. I'm sure it was out of the ordinary when he didn't hear a peep from me.

I tried to explain blogging to him, but he doesn't get it. Oh well. You can't love everything.

Here's the thing. I was doing more than having fun. I was finding blogs that would help me at my new job at Rocket Media! I was bettering myself! I was learning!

So in this ironic blog- about- blogging, I reaffirm my love of the Blogosphere.

Gran Torino

2009-01-24T12:53:00.001-08:00

The only thing that would have made Gran Torino a better movie would be to have been IN a Ford Torino while watching it at the Drive- In last night.

Clint Eastwood is such an awesome badass! It was like if Jack Bauer was 80. You just don't mess with men like that!

My roommate and i laighed and cried and loved it!

Funny? Yes! Meaningful? Yes! Would I see it again? Yes!

I recommend this one.

OD on OJ

2009-01-24T12:23:00.000-08:00

For the past few days, Tropicana has been my best friend. Somehow it managed to nurse me through a coughing, sniffing, blurging, pill- popping altogether miserable cold. I have emerged from my convalescence to return to work today. (I thought I would die of boredom).

I have made a few conclusions about colds:

1. Battlestar Galactica is bad to watch while having a cold. It's an already depressing show. (My apologies to BSG lovers, I've given it three attempts and an honest effort. I'm halfway through season 2.5, and I'm done.) So it doesn't help an already depressed immune system. I switched on How I Met Your Mother, and it made me feel a lot better.

2. Life is better when you pretend you don't have a cold. Go about your daily business and schedule time for naps.

3. Don't drink milk while having a cold.

4. OJ is good!

Movie Review

2009-01-17T23:18:00.000-08:00

To be social, I went to see Paul Blart, Mall Cop. Funny, Yes. Dumb, Yes. Meaningful, No. Will I see it again? No way.

I need to make a rubric for movie ratings

Had to try it!

2009-01-16T20:55:00.001-08:00

Aubrey was my roommate for two years, so I definitely thought this was awesome when I saw it on her blog!

1. Put Your iTunes/iPod on shuffle
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write down the name of the song no matter how silly it sounds!
4. Put any comments in brackets after the song name.
5. Tag at least 10 friends.
6. Anyone tagged has to do the same, because fun pointlessness spreads like a virus.

If someone says, “Is this okay?” You say?
Poker Face- Lady Gaga
(Yeah- I'm totally unreadable...psych!)

How would you describe yourself?
Represent, Cuba- Orishas
(I do have some spice to myself)

What do you like in a guy/girl?
So Long, Farewell- The Sound of Music
(I must like it when they're not around. I do like being around Matt, but I DO love my autonomy.)

How do you feel today?
Stuck on You- Stacie Orrico
(I am stuck on this survey.)

What is your life’s purpose?
Wish I- Jem
(I do keep wanting things I don't have.)

What is your motto?
Play That Funky Music White Boy- James Brown
(LOLOL! I'm the whitest person ever!)

What do your friends think of you?
Can't Stop Loving You
Van Halen
(Aww.)

What do you think of your parents?
Same Direction- Hoobastank
(They definitely think along the same lines. At one point in my teen years I thought they shared a brain.)

What do you think about very often?
Anytime- Kelly Clarkson
(It's a love song. I do think about Matt a lot.)

What is 2 + 2?
Thanks for the Memories- Fall Out Boy
(Yeah, the memories of when I had to take math in school.)

What do you think of your best friend?
Lift Me Higher- Poets of the Fall
(My best friends make me a better person.)

What do you think of the person you like?
Upside Down- jack Johnson
(He is a little wonky somtimes.)

What is your life story?
A New Day Has Come- Celine Dion
Yup. Especially lately. Lots of opportunities. Just have to get through the tough spots.)

What do you want to be when you grow up?
The Warmth- Incubus
(Whatever that means. Maybe my writing is hot or something.)

What do you think of when you see the person you like?
Breathe- Anna Nalick
(1.5 years and he takes my breath away. Cheesy.)

What will you dance to at your wedding?
Believe- Disturbed
(I will have a hardcore wedding.)

What will they play at your funeral?
Take me Home Country Road- IZ
(This version of "Take me Home Country Road" talks about Hawaii. Sweet! I'm gonna have the afterlife in Hawaii!)

What is your hobby/interest?
Irish Drinking Songs- from Boondock Saints
(Matt is Irish.)

What is your biggest fear?
This is How We Do It- Montell Jordan
(How about having to dance to this song in front of lots of people. I dance in my car, but that's it.)

What is your biggest secret?
Boys Are Back In Town- Thin Lizzy
(I'm not clever enough to connect this one to my life.)

What do you think of your friends?
My Love- Justin Timberlake
(Ain't No One Who Can Take Your Spot, friends.)

What will you post this as?
My Girl- The Temptations
(Not Really, I like the title I made up)

Judge the Meltiness

2009-01-16T20:32:00.000-08:00

I love the mozzarella sticks at Sonic. (Sonic has the tag-line America's drive- in; however does not exist in the Bay Area, and I was ignorantly deprived of such deliciousness as I grew up.)

Cheese stick just don't match up to anywhere but Sonic. I order them consistently.

Now I was at Sonic with Aubree today and a guy with a clipboard walked up to our table. I shook my head no at him, thinking he was trying to "help the environment" or "increase minimum wage" or something like that.

Not at all.

He had a survey about the Mozzarella sticks! I marked "excellent" on everything. The overall look of the food, the temperature at which it was served, the taste, the speed of delivery, and the cost. (I could afford those things when I was dirt poor.) My favorite part?: marking "excellent" on the overall meltiness of the cheese.

Way to go Sonic. You are awesome! I will use the $5 gift card I got for taking your survey in the near future.

And Pop

2009-01-15T23:33:00.000-08:00

My roommate decorated my apartment for my birthday. It was pretty much awesome to find a card slipped under my door in the morning and the "living room" filled with balloons and the wall covered in posters declaring "Happy Birthday Kate!" The balloons were HUGE though. Amy (my roommate) said that one popped when she was blowing it up and her ears rang.

I didn't believe her until one popped on me and HOLY CRAP! I thought the church bells were ringing for the second coming. It goes without saying that I was spoiled rotten for my birthday. Thanks everyone in my life! I feel so loved!

And since I love everyone in my life so much, I will not cook for you.

My cooking is about as easily combustible as my birthday balloons.

Matt is closing every night at the gym, so I told him I would help him out and make dinner for him once a week. Last night was the first week, and I messed up tuna casserole. I forgot potato chips (1 of 4 ingredients), and even though I put it in the oven, I forgot to mix it up so it was icy cold. Yeah- wow- who does that?

Matt and I had a good laugh about it. He said "Well, now WE'RE cooking every week."

New goal: get better than my boyfriend at cooking. It's kind of disgraceful. At least I don't have an easily combustible boyfriend!

Glued

2009-01-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

Right now I'm watching 24. Very Addicting. I mean, I'm getting stuff done...thank you cards, crosswords, cleaning up my computer, socializing via facebook. I couldn't just sit here and watch TV. Jack Bauer is awesome!

Also- another opportunity just popped out of the blue. I'm tutoring a 7th grader in english. This will be so fun!

Playing Again!

2009-01-02T20:58:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of perpetual motion. End of school- for good. Graduation. Christmas. Full of friends and family, parties, traveling and many things to do in between. I sat down to write a blog about graduating, but it's super surreal right now- being done. Everything was happening so fast, I had trouble soaking up my experiences, as great as they were.

So I'm skipping the holiday season and talking about current events

Yesterday was awesome! Matt and I relaxed at his house watching the Bowl Game. I went home to bathe and eat sourdough bread (brought straight from Fremont. Let me tell you: yum.) We added a short excursion to Borders and Best Buy. Then Stopped for dinner at Joe's Farmhouse, where he ate a burger and me a big ahi tuna salad. Then we hung around in bed and I did my book of crosswords and he played video games. One whole day with my boyfriend.

Is it me or do the best things in life start with B?

Forgive the cheesiness. I'm having fun.

I've also really enjoyed playing the piano. I brought my sheet music back with me from home, and It has been fun plinking away. I'm rusty, but it feels really good to be playing. I'm excited to expand the types of music I play, and get better as I do it.

What Happened to Bit Bit?

2008-12-03T11:29:00.001-08:00

I like Chihuahuas. They are always very cute. I was buddy- buddy with Matt's brother's Chihuahua Cujo over the weekend, and that was fun. Despite the paranoia of squishing him in some way.

Then of course there's Paris Hilton, who still carries fiesty Tinkerbell around.

As I'm listening to Britney Spears new album Circus, I'm wondering what happened to Bit Bit? Did he die in all the drama? Did K- Fed eat him?

Hello December!

2008-12-01T23:05:00.000-08:00

The chill air has finally arrived in Phoenix!

There's something about it that carries and enriches smells. It prickles your skin and makes you wrap whatever you have on around your chest. You can wear your fur lined jacket and your chocolate brown Uggs.

Then there is the factor of your water heater breaking and you freezing through the shower and being late to your internship. (On a side note, the heater in my car does make a good blow dryer.)

The brisk air also seems to rush people along. Maybe to keep warm, but always to stress out. Over Christmas. Over the end of your last semester. over finding that job that you constantly complain about needing, but never finishing your resume. (Should have done that awhile ago.) My bad. And I did finish my resume today-- ready to go out tomorrow!. (Pretty darn good, if you ask me!)

It's programmed into me- when the air nips at my ears and nose-- I am filled with Christmas cheer and pre- finals anxiety. It will all be over in a month and a half. One month and I will hopefully be graduated from college, have had a wonderful Christmas and rung in 2009 with glee. Then I will celebrate my 23rd birthday, and by the beginning of February, be holding that first paycheck in my hand, and know that everything will definitely be okay.

Toys

2008-11-04T20:16:00.000-08:00

Water Snakes

I never knew what they were called! I would always play with them and know they were awesome!

Happy If...

2008-11-03T13:51:00.000-08:00

Everybody wants something.

Material goods. Happier love life. Fewer problems.

It's ingrained into human nature to project a better future for themselves. Whether that future happens is up to the person, and the situations they are in.

It's easy to say- I want a Coke in 5 minutes...and then taking a break from work and getting one.

It's harder for other things.

I'm at a particularly difficult part of my life for wanting things.

My boyfriend always gets to the heart of things. Last night we were having a casual conversation about happiness. I found myself listing what would make me happy.

And it was the things that would put me at ease.
1. graduating (hopefully I'll pass that communication class)
2. not owing anyone money
3. getting a good job

Reality has hit me. Hard. And I'm worried. What am I going to do? I'm tired of not having money. Having holes in my shirts and knowing I can't go get new ones. Tired of being tired every day because I'm too ambitious for my own good.

On the bright side, I'm on track to having financial peace of mind
1. I'm graduating no matter what. I'll meet with my teacher soon.
2. I can pay the minimum on my credit card
3. I can still work at the Christmas store!

Is happiness peace of mind? What will I want if I don't have to worry about money and school anymore? Will I continue to want things? Will I put pressure on my friends and family?

If now is the time for working on anything, it's time to work on being happy with what I have (or don't have), and do the best I can.

Working on it...hard.

So if you see me and I look happy and carefree on the outside--

Just remember

I'm worried on the inside...and trying not to be.

Little Halloween

2008-10-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

I looked forward to it all year.

The Little Gym Halloween Party!

My bf and his sister work for The Little Gym. Last year he asked me to volunteer at their annual Halloween party. I spent most of the night at the fishing game. (Throw the string over the curtain- get a prize!). Having not been around kids a lot since a started college, I ate up every moment I was with them.

Not to mention I got to see my line- backer- sized boyfriend do summersaults and play with kids.

So I volunteered myself to go to the party this year. Borrowed a geisha costume from bf's sister (complete with white foundation- whoa!), and jumped into the fun! I played mini basketball and bowling.

And I can't find a picture, but there were babies dressed up like dragons!

I hope I can go again next year!

A Word to the Wise, I Probably Stink

2008-10-27T13:39:00.001-07:00

I've come to accept that I'm falling apart. And not slowly.

Yes my friends, age is catching up with me. (Or I just took on waaay too much this semester).

I usually love getting ready for the day. I love washing my face and brushing my teeth. I love doing my hair and makeup and coordinating earrings to wear. This is how I get ready for weekend nights. And how I used to get ready in the morning.

However, all of that has changed.

I'm lucky if I pull myself out of bed in time to snap on a bra and throw my disheveled hair into a super- messy bun. Then I wear...whatever is on the top of the pile of clothes and run out the door. Wallet, phone, keys. All I need...I guess.

I feel so unprepared. And I definitely don't fit in with all the beautiful people here at ASU.

I must look like I got caught in a mouse trap.

I'll pull it together though, I'm sure. Right now all I can think about is going back to sleep....

Sip Sip Yum Yum

2008-10-22T09:47:00.000-07:00

New Flava= Herbal Tea

Jen gave me some tea months and moths ago when i had a cold. Tazo Zen. I didn't use them (I slept through the rest of the cold), but I found them in a cup last week, and figured I'd try it. I'm usually reallly jittery before bed, and this stuff calmed me down.

And warmed me all the way to my toes.

And since winter is coming, I need my toes to be warm. Everyone seems to think Arionza is boiling hot year- round. Right now it's cooled to a simmer and I've started wearing sweatshirts. How did I ever survive in San Francisco? (jk- I love you SF!). It really does get cold out here though. My Uggs are waiting impatiently in their box.

Back to the tea...

My roommate noticed the tea boxes stacking up on the counter and asked me if it was my "new thing". You could say that. I like it because I don't crave it. It soothes me and it's a pre- bedtime snack with zero calories. Not to mention it doesn't cost much.

Yesterday at work I found the tea drawer in the break room. Lemon. Vanilla. Green. Loved the green. It has anto oxidants. D' Rick made fun of me- said if I wanted to drink grass derivatives, green tea was great. I guess I like grass. I could even to that cold in the summer. I hated vanilla though.

So many left to try!

Californiacation

2008-10-20T12:55:00.001-07:00

In a moment of confusion with my boyfriend, I blurted "Dude, you're not getting this!"
Awkward silence.
"Kate, don't call me dude. I'm not a dude to you. I'm your boyfriend."
I laughed, and then over- analyzed the conversation.

I figured that saying dude must come from my California roots or something. Whatever happened, I was raised saying "dude" all the time without thinking about it. When Jess and I get into our groove, we say "dude" every other sentence.

So what's the big deal about "dude"?

I could see that someone might seem stupid in some situations if they said dude.

Guys call each other dude all the time.

And I figured it out. Used in context, most of the time "dude" is used as a mode of emphasis. For example, you could say "I really like Kate's blog", or you could say "Dude, I really like Kate's blog". Which one should more exciting.

So I called him dude again. He got even more mad, and gave me the same speech (gotta love him for being consistent). He didn't buy my explanation. I think it's perfectly legit.

Can't Live Without 'Em- My top 5

2008-10-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

The previous post outlines my busy busy life. It doesn't say much...because I didn't talk about my favorite blogs!

1. Clever Girl Goes Blog (www.clevergirlgoesblog.com)- this chick is awesome! She lives a normal life and writes it so...excitingly! To Clever Girl- I hope I can blog as good as you someday! I look forward to your blog every day!
Google Blogs actually had her as a blog of note a few weeks ago!

2. Cake Wrecks- super awesome (www.cakewreck.blogspot.com)- made by a cake chef about cakes gone disastrously. Most of them are pretty funny. She also puts up the most amazing cakes. I loved the cookie monster cupcake cake and the 4 tiered Mario Brother cake.

3. Entertainment Weekly- provides great updates in many forms about the media- a must- have for me.

4. My style blogs- found most of them on elle.com and the Vogue website. I love Fabsugar!

5. and of course- my sister- in- law's blog. (sigh) I am not the best sister or sister- in- law or aunt. In fact, I've been a terrible family member and friend lately, but I hope to get better at it. In the meantime, I always love seeing pictures of my brother's family up in Utah, and my two super- cute nephews!

blogging

2008-10-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

I have been on Blogger every day for the past three weeks. I love it! I love how you can subscribe to other people's blogs and follow them. I love that everyone has blogs nowadays. (My boyfriend says they are online diaries, but I think they are so much more!!!)

And I've been paying so much attention to other blogs that I have forgotten to write my own.

Life remains busy. I wake up in the morning and I want to go back to sleep. Then I look forward to sleeping all day and when 10pm rolls around...I stall..I'm like a little kid...I just don't want to go to sleep.

I go to school and work at ASU and the Christmas Store. At home I read and watch Boston Legal on my computer...

That's it!

More updates later!

Brooke White

2008-09-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

How terribly do I wish i took my camera?

Saturday night.
Free concert.
Mesa Amphitheater
Brooke White!

In June, my roommate and I had just signed our lease and were celebrating at Sonic. As I sipped my strawberry limeade she asked if I wanted to go to the American Idols Love! tour. I hadn't watched the show, thinking it would be a repeat of past seasons. I quickly familiarized myself with scruffy Cook and Kid- Goes- Adorable Archuleta. As I walked up to the arena for the show, I had no idea what I would see.

My camera ran out of batteries. I recorded everything. One of my favorites was Brooke White, from Mesa, Arizona. She played the piano and sang with her raspy voice. Her versions of "Let it Be" and "Every Step You Take" seemed like new songs. I loved them!

And after 51 more shows, Brooke came back to Mesa for her welcome back concert. Saturday September 27, 2008 was declared "Brooke White Day". She sang "You're So Vain", and "Let it Be" again. I loved it!

Perhaps it was the fact that the opening band was on-stage for 40 mins and sucked the entire time that she was better than ever. (The band announced they had been asked to do one more song before Brooke came on. In unison, the audience groaned.)

She said to look for her CD within the year...I'm buying it.

Starting up again

2008-09-29T15:01:00.001-07:00

My internship has inspired me to continue blogging. One of the many things we can do is go to literary events and write about them on the Hayden's Ferry Review blog. (check it out because it's a whole lot better than mine). So if you go to an event, it's credit for the internship.

So I figured....maybe I can get credit for life if I record what's happening....

I realized that my life is pretty eventful. And even on the boring days (and today is one of them), I have a story to tell. So if anything, this blog is here to prove that I have an amazing life.

Tune in later, it's about to get more amazing....

Stronger

2008-02-16T00:07:00.000-08:00

I'm one for cheesy movies. I love inspiring movies, and I bought one yesterday that really makes me feel good. It's "We are Marshall", about how a town, a college, and a football program heal after losing 75 team members, coaches, boosters, and leadership to a terrible airplane crash.

I'm also one who watches the special features of movies I like. One of these was a collection of interviews from famous sports coaches. One of the messages that stuck out to me was that adversity makes you stronger. Each of the coaches interviewed had their own struggles to go through, whether it was losing family members, having hard childhoods and lives, or the challenges of going to the Olympics.

I really believe this: that the trials we face in life make us stronger, tougher, wiser, more motivated, BETTER people.

Made in Australia, keeping college student warm in Arizona

2008-01-30T17:36:00.000-08:00

I wonder if people from Australia wear UGG boots. Is it just an American fad? hmm...

I used to think UGGs were the most unsightly boots that ever were. I would see girls wearing them all over campus and tell myself that I would not get sucked into that fad. To me it was a dumb status symbol. A way to be like everyone else. That's why I never bleached my hair or bought Flojos or joined a sorority. I like being myself, and I HATE it when someone wears the same clothing as me. I never judged people for wearing UGGs, just didn't want them myself.

Them I was home in December and my best friend made me try hers on. Up in San Francisco, I am always cold. I pulled on the long chocolate brown boot and my toes warmed up like rolls in the oven. I saw that UGGs were more than a status symbol. They were comfortable and kept my feet warm!

And I just received some chocolate brown ones for my birthday. I don't plan on wearing them over my jeans, just underneath. I plan on being warm for the rest of the winter, thanks to my boots!

Horsepills

2008-01-29T22:19:00.000-08:00

For the first time in my life, I have lost my voice completely. I sound pretty funny. My friends have saved my increasingly squeaky voice on their voicemails, and one of them wants to make it a ringtone. It's all in good fun. I can laugh it myself.

The problem I have is that this all could have been prevented in the first place. I went to ASU's Health Center on Friday to see if I had strep, and the doctor looked at me weird, like I was some kind of hypochondriac. I hated it. If I'm going to go into that disgusting place, I'm going to be feeling pretty nasty. He didn't even want to do a culture to make sure. he said he was 95% sure that I didn't have strep. Sooo....what about the other 5%?

So i went back today and squeaked out my problem to another doctor and she prescribed me some tame pills to take. I'm not sying I need pills to help me feel better, but holy geez! I thought doctors were supposed to improve quality of life, not look at you weird. What's all this about putting prevention beforereaction or whatever? Ugh!

But one thing is for sure...I'm a talker...so I miss my voice and I want it back!

Matt's Birthday!

2008-01-28T12:01:00.000-08:00

I wish I had pictures, but Matt's birthday is today and we celerated this past weekend. His friends threw a party for him at their house. The guys played video games on his new TV and made steak. Then there was a family party on Sunday with dinner and cake. i made him a fleece blanket with football helmets on one side and black on the other side. Matt's probably having fun with his TV today

Crossword nerd

2008-01-22T22:40:00.000-08:00

I'm glad to have the school paper back in print for the semester, not it's not because it gives me a very liberal view of current events. And Emma, if you're reading this, I'm sorry, but it's not because of your articles, although you're the best reporter I know. I get the paper every morning to do the crossword puzzle.

I'm a crossword freak. And I know I'm not the only one. Matt and i went to several stores tonight which sold video games, and I could not find the Nintendo DS New York Times crossword puzzle game at any of them. Geez!

After about three years of doing corsswords, I bought "the Complete Idiot's Duide to crossword Puzzles", just so I could find out more.

I know how my ideal morning would be spent: I would wake up about eight and make myself a bowl of fruit and cereal and sit down to a crossword. They're the best things on earth!

For the Girls

2008-01-18T21:59:00.000-08:00

Girls nights don't happen as often as they used to. It was the highlight of my week when my parents would let my best friends stay overnight. This was between the ages of 8 and 17. We wound read magazines and paint our nails and giggle about boys and the mysteries that their genre of people held.

Once college hit sleepovers like that became a thing of the past. I lived with other girls, so every night could potentially be a sleepover. They never got old, I just got busy.

Sleepovers are important parts of girls lives though. They teach girls the value of girls nights. And every so often we bring them out into the light and remember how much they mean to us.

Women don't usually bring out girls nights for the highlight of their week. They usually are post- boyfriend, post- job, post- anything she considered good in her life, or pre- moving away.

Or a boy doesn't have to dump her for her to feel bad and need a girls night. In fact, she could be the one to mess things up, but still need comfort.

I've recently appreciated times with my girls who were there for me. Once Jen found out I wasn't happy she was at my bedroom door with an assortment of movies (depending on if I was in the mood for funny or romantic, or just plain stupid, or ready for deep thought to get my mind off of things), and take out thai food, and a bear.

Aubrey was there to listen to me, as she always is and which I always appreciate. Aubrey and Amy were there to go to the movies and watch a chick flick with me.

MaryAnn was there to calm me down and put things in perspective.

I'm grateful for my girls, and I hope to have many more sleepovers and movie nights and thai food nights. girl nights.

Thanks girls.

22nd Birthday!

2008-01-14T22:10:00.000-08:00

This birthday I was...well fed.
My birthday was Sunday the 13th, but it all started on Friday
First: My boss Elaine made strawberry ice cream
THEN: people from work took me to lunch at the Bamboo Club
THEN: on Saturday
My roommates took me to my favorite restaurant right now, the Macaroni Grill! You can write and draw on the paper on the table!My roommates already know this, but I'm a klutz and I say weird stuff all the time, so I don't embarass easily. The waiter did drop the drinks all over Aubrey, which wasn't fun for her. He asked me how old I was and I told him that you don't ask questions like that. He made everybody sing happy birthday. But that didn't phase me.

Here is everyone!
from left to right: Aubrey, Braden, Jessica, Jessie, Amy, and ME!
THEN: they got me a Coldstone birthday cake (yum cookies and cream). That's become a roommate tradition of ours.
THEN: we looked at all the pics from dinner.
THEN: We went and saw Juno after. It's really good and really funny.
THEN: I was so pumped up from the day that I couldn't go to sleep until 5.
THEN: Aubrey made waffles and Matt made eggs.
THEN: Matt took me on a trip to Jerome and Sedona! We had lunch up there at the Haunted Hamburger and hung around a bit. We hiked around Sedona a little.
THEN: I went home and slept!Mat wouldn't take a picture with me. He had a cold. I look pretty good. And it's beautiful up there!

Quite Frankly, the best New Year's!

2008-01-04T22:50:00.000-08:00

The plans weren't final until about 9:30, but we had fun nonetheless! We took BART to San Francisco and then watched thee fireworks from Pier 39.Here the group of us. (from left: Mat, Emily, Jessica, Shane, Me, Yo, and Justin.)

And I got to hang out with my best friends at the same time!

What's Your favorite cookie?

2007-10-07T21:33:00.000-07:00

Please let me know if you don't like cookies
because I've never met anyone who doesn't

One of my favorite characters is the cookie monster.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhUFxaauNTE

What's your smurf name?

2007-09-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

I was browsing the bulletins of myspace and my friend Sarah posted this. (Thank you Sarah, for always posting the best!).

http://bluebuddies.com/smurf_fun/what_is_your_smurf_name/what_is_your_smurf_name.htm

I typed in my name: Kate Lathrop, and got Summer Smurf

Then I did a mix of my roommates name and mine: Aubreykate Yeanoplos and got Smarty Pants Smurf! We got a kick out of that one!

Other names have been Angelic Smurf, Lovable Smurf, Ol' Mac Smurf, Photographer Smurf, Vanilla Smurf.

What's weird...my roommate is a photographer, and she's photographer smurf!

Check it out!

taking care of business

2007-09-25T13:22:00.001-07:00

suggestions please!
What is the most effective way of getting things done?
I just made a list of everything I need to do for school and I'm trying to figure how to get it done best.
Step one: turn off phone.
Step two: close door
Step three: buckle down and DO THE WORK! don't let anything distract from what is important to get done.
Step four: Mantra- "you'll feel better when this is all done."

But does it work better to multitask, or get one thing done at a time?
Does it work to have scheduled breaks?
Do I get the hard stuff done first? Or do I get the easy stuff out of the way so I'm not thinking about it anymore?
What do I do?

Text Mania

2007-09-24T20:35:00.000-07:00

If phones could make food and water, anyone could live on a desert island and get by just fine for a month or two.
It's not a new craze.
People are addicted to their phones.
We put everything we need on our phones. GPS, MP3, TV, internet, everything!

And I'm at 600 text messages 10 days into my billing period. I'm texting my friends.Coordinating rent payments with my roommates. Texting my boyfriend "good morning", "how's your day" and "goodnight". Communicating during boring classes. Taking care of business in general.

I get around 50 text messages per day, give or take. That's about 2 per hour. But in those hours that I don't get text messages, I wonder what is wrong. I wonder why no one is talking to me.

A little obsessive? YES!

I'm not alone. Their are support groups for people who are addicted to their cell phones. Like for alcoholics.

I'm going to be careful...

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,204046,00.html
http://media.www.cm-life.com/media/storage/paper906/news/2007/09/19/Lifeline/My.Cell.Phone.Addiction-2976361.shtml

Bettas

2007-09-23T22:29:00.000-07:00

Anxiety
I have two new pets at the office. Shown at left are my red and blue betta fish respectively, Dragon and Munch.
Soo... look at how close the bowls are. Are they too close together?
Reason I'm concerned: My friend Brittney told me about how one of her betta fish jumped into her other betta fish's tank and killed it! I just got these fish and I just don't want them to die. I knew they wouldn't get along. (My boyfriend Matt told me that if two male betta fish are in the same LAKE, they will find each other and have a fish war.)
It makes me wonder who the tougher fish is, Dragon or Munch? I'm NOT testing this out. I'm rather attached to both of them.
So I'm headed to work early tomorrow to clean their tiny bowls (I'm getting bigger ones soon). Hopefully I'm find them both alive and swimming.

Here's Munch- he's my favorite color, blue! he's the smaller of the two, the therefore, a munch.

And here's Dragon. Red Dragon! He's my roommate Aubrey's favorite color!

I've been researching how to care for bettas. Here's some sites that have helped.
http://www.bettafish.com/
http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/anabantids2/p/betta.htm
and of course- wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siamese_Fighting_Fish

A little bit of luck

2007-09-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

I did a nerdy thing today.
I picked up a penny from the ground.
I do that. I pick up pennies that I see on the sidewalk, or the street. I put them in my back pocket and forget about them. At the end of the day I find the forgotten penny and put it in my dish of extra change.
I couldn't tell you of this helps me in any way. There was one time when i lost my debit card and had to scrimp for change to buy food for a couple of days. But most of the change I spent were quarters, dimes and the occaisional nickel.

"See a penny, pick it up
All day long you'll have good luck"

A superstition or a random rhyme? I haven't measured the amount of "luck" I've had on the days when I've picked up pennies. I have a hard time deciphering "luck" from "not luck". I suppose my surprise at the end of the day when I find the penny would constitute as something that makes me marginally happier.

Maybe that's all the penny is needed for- a little bit of luck. Pennies, or pence, or fennig, or pfennig, or a penni (depending on what country you're in) are all 1/100 of that currency. Should pennies bring the picker- upper 1/100th more luck than they otherwise would have had that day?

"Spending a penny" means "to urinate" (thus the word pee). So does having an extra penny help one to ne less constipated later?

Lots of businesses have little change holders for extra pennies. People take them and leave them. And yet there are talks of discontinuing the use fo the penny in the U.S. (http://www.pennies.org/poll_july2002.htm). Will this gradually lead to the run- down 1/100th of luck for the American people? I really doubt it.

But some things are "worth every cent", (like google or the iPhone apparently) don't believe me? google "pennies"...

Talk like a pirate day!

2007-09-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

don't forget about Talk like a pirate day! it's tomorrow! My boss Elaine is crazy weird about pirates!

This is the main page
http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html

...and instructions for how to talk like a pirate!
http://www.talklikeapirate.com/howto.html

Find out your pirate name!
http://www.talklikeapirate.com/howto.html
Mine's Epileptic Antionia Smythe

and another pirate name quiz
http://www.piratequiz.com/
my name is
Dread Pirate Cash

and of course, the pirate translator!
http://www.syddware.com/cgi-bin/pirate.pl

and some pirate jokes!

Why is pirating addictive? They say once ye lose yer first hand, ye get hooked!

What does a Dyslexic Pirate Say? RRAAAAAAAAAAA!

What does a pirate say when he has a heart attack? Arrr! Me heartie!

A pirate walks into a bar wearing a paper towel on his head. He sits down at the bar and orders some dirty rum.

The bartender asks, "Why are you wearing a paper towel?"

"Arrr..." says the pirate. “I’ve got a bounty on me head!"

LDS Institute dedication

2007-09-16T18:12:00.000-07:00

Among the talks given at the LDS Institute of religion at ASU, overall message was the importance of secular and religious education being intertwined in order to find truth. President of ASU, Michael Crow noted the changes that had been made to the university in the past few years in order the facilitate secular and religious education side- by- side. he used Thomas Jefferson's gravestone as an example of the importance of standing up for religious freedom. Jefferson understood this principle despite being a deist, and out of the three achievements he put on his gravestone, the last one was the addition of the rights to religious freedom in the constitution.

Elder Henry B. Eyering, an apostle in the LDS church, told the story of his family, and the testimony of his father being a combination of chemistry and God. His father found truth in both, and knew them to be true.

I had a reminder today to be the best I can be in every way. It is easy to work on one part of life at a time and forget the others. I'll work on my spiritual side, and then I'll put that aside to work on my emotional side. I always thought that this was the way I was supposed to do things before tonight. I learned that I should be working on everything simultaneously, always striving to make myself better.

Myspace or Facebook

2007-09-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

Until recently, I've sworn by facebook as the greatest online social utility. Though less popular, facebook was easier to navigate and kept me updated on my friends better. Then I started playing with my myspace account, and found that this worldwide networking site let me say a lot more about myself than facebook. The idea is the same with both of the, but the options are different.

Knowing html lets a user make any graphic they want to on myspace, with makes it possible to choose backgrounds, icons, and formats. People can be friends with their favorite television shows and the characters on these shows. They can befriend nightclubs, schools, and cities, as well as their friends. Videos and websites are posted.

Facebook provides games which users can play with each other. It informs users when their friends make changes to their profiles, and tell how they are doing. The format is the same for all pages, which makes a uniform feeling to the site.

These are only some of the features of each of the websites. I've decided that I need both. Perhaps it's just my addictive personality speaking, but I have friends on facebook who are not on myspace, and vis versa. Not everyone needs to use both websites, but I find myself checking both of them often. Both social utilities. Both forms of communication. Both addicting. Who cares abnout the differences

Mama Mia!

2007-08-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

This play was fun! It reminded me of girls nights.

Girl Groups

2007-07-06T15:48:00.001-07:00

So the Spice Girls have reunited for a world tour...I wish I could afford tickets...
Reason being that I liked the Spice girls when I was nine, and a decade later, I still groove to their music.
I turn it down when people come into the room, but it's usually too late- they've heard the embarrassing poppy music and cheesy lyrics, and pictured five skinny girls in silly clothing.
To my surprise, they say "Hey, turn that back up! I love the Spice Girls!"
(these people are usually girls. I haven't tried the Spice girls on any of my guy friends as of yet. My nine year old guy friends were more into other music.)

I've even added the Spice girls as one of my radio stations on pandora.com. Pandora takes your music selections and mixes them with similar music. I like it because it introduces me to new artists I might like and even opt out of music I don't like. My Spice girls radio station usually comes up with other pop music of the 90's. Britney, 'NSYNC, The Backstreet Boys, Janet Jackson, and Destiny's Child are among the mix. Yes- this is the blissful Spice Girls station.

I listen to it all the time.

And then, as I am nostalging over the 90s, a song comes on the radio station that does fit in.

And then, it DOES fit in...but it's NEW!

The Pussycat Dolls have sung their way onto my Spice Girls station.

This doesn't make sense to me at first. How are the lingerie- wearing, sultry, come- hither singing Dolls like the....wait...

They pretty much are the spice girls- 11 years later and up- to date. A clique of attrative women. Revealing clothes. Suggestive lyrics. Attitude. Personality. Lots of production. The center of the pop world.

Girl groups begain in the 1960, when Ron Spector started the Ronettes and Motown supported the Supremes. Girl groups were fun. The british invasion and put girl groups in the background. Flash forward to the 80s with Salt 'N Pepa, and continued with TLC and then Destiny's Child. The Spice Girls were the most successful of all of these.

Each wave of girl group fun was up- to- date on society's norms. Each has gotten more risque with their clothing and their lyrics. They seem to come into the spotlight and then leave after their run is done.

But people still like the Supremes. My conservative, too- embarassed- to- dance mother shakes it UP when she hears them.

And girls my age like the Spice Girls...

Are girl groups more classic than I gave them credit for? They might not seem serious enough to be taken seriously. But what is classic music? Could it be the stuff we listen to and love repeatedly, no matter how long it's been or how many times we've heard it?

And the Village People wrote silly songs a long time ago. People still listen to them.

sigh BITE

2007-06-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

Watch this. Tell me what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb3g3F7cttc

After watching, I think we're probably thinking the same thing. Yeah. Saddest movie, but one of the best. Right?

No!

Did anyone notice that Satine is a VAMPIRE? You might want to watch it again now...

Alright, let's go over this. As soon as the lights go off, Satine convulses in pain. Anyone's notive how white her skin is? Christian runs to her. She does even have the strength to raise her head, but after she "has a coughing fit" and has been close to Christian, there is blood on her nouth. Everyone is sad.
theme: "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is to love and be loved in return."

Yeah...here's how it really went. The lights onstage are pretty bright. Anyone who's been up there knows. It gets bright and hot. Guess what? Vampires don't do well in the light. In fact, they die.

Now Satine, is a pretty strong vampire. She can stand the light for a little bit.Did anyone notice how she doesn't go out during the day? Yeah- She's a "lady of the night", in more than one way.

The pale skin just adds to her vampireness.

Anyone notice how Christian gets all pale and crying after Satine "coughing" on him. There she is with blood in her face, and he's looking pale, sweaty and upset.

I would be too if I were bitten by a vampire.

At the end of the clip, you see Christian typing up the story. (i guess being bitten by a vampire is one kind of inspiration.) (depression is another) and he's both!.

Anyway. of anything her could write, he has to type "live forever".

Hmmm. what kind of person lives forever? Oh! Vampires! Unless they've been shot with a silver bullet through the heart....or stabbed in the heart with a cross....or out near garlic....

....or being under a spotlight for too long.

But before she died, Satine passed her vampiric qualities onto her lover. How sweet. Now HE will live forever!

The best love story ever!

*Please note. I really did appreciate this movie. I see myself purchasing it in the future. The way the movie was shot was amazing. I liked the way the mood changed between the crazy parties with many distractions and the long romantic shots. It really showed a difference between the fleeting, valuless things and the true, everlasting things in life. It's sad that people try to overpwer things so pure and true.
I thought about the above section because I was joing around in an effort not to cry and the end.

In Cold Blood

2007-06-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

I read Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" recently. It made me think about how i judge people. Both men who killed the Clutter family seemed friendly and sane on the outside. Most people who met them thought Perry was a nice man, though a little off kilter, and Dick was a personable person.

I don't let people into my life very easily. When I meet new people I try to feel them out quickly. I think I'm pretty good at feeling people out. for the most part. I usually don't decide I like someone who ends up disappointing me later. If anything, I choose to not be close to someone and then change my mind when I know more about them.

"In Cold Blood" made me change the way I look at people. I shouldn't judge people by how they act, but also by what they do. A look into Perry's and Dick's past shows clues to their erratic and lethal behavior. It's what people do that make a difference. This is in addition to how they act and what they say.

2007-06-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

I want a dog!

I want a dog. Period.

The are a few problems though....

Other than considering things like roommates, landlords, the lawn and my bank account, dogs can be rather...well....gross?

Aren't dog's the ones who slobber? and pee? I would grow to hate any dog that peed on my stuff. I would hate anyone who peed on my stuff...Maybe that's why I don't lie babies or my brother...they have the potential to pee on things....

Don't they eat their own poop?

Sometimes they smell bad...not all the time though. And it seems like fun to give the dog a bath. If worst comes to worst I can just spray it down with a hose and squirt some shampoo at it. This dog thing is sounding more fun with each passing moment.

I'm thinking..it can't be a BIG dog. I couldn't afford to feed one. and if it sat in my lap, the circulation in my legs would stop. I have a hard enough time with my parent's cat and comes and sleeps on my chest. Imagine waking up to find a fifteen lb weight on you. Yeah- you can't breathe.

It needs to be able to have a small yard. I don't own a golf course or anything.

If I did own a golf course I wouldn't mind dog pee on it. The dog could dig holes wherever they want too. Aren't there holes all over the golf course anyway? Someone with a dog must have invented golf.

More about golf:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X04wZpqx3U

Anyway. So here's what i'm thinking. Jen- if you're reading this, please take especial note...tell me if you want it or no...

Ladies and Gentlemen
I'm thinking of getting a Corgi!

(Maryann said this would work well since i'm such a corgi person ha..ha..)

But look at it!
If it looks short, that's because it is. No- this is not lame.

Corgi's were bred in Wales to be herding dogs. If cows or sheep kicked them, they were so small they could just roll out of the kick without being hurt. Or the cow would just miss because the dog was located so close to the ground.

They are agressive dogs, and want to please their owner.

Who know's? I could even get a dog like this. Notice how happy HE is just sleeping...awww

Book Club Listhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

2007-06-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

I never feel quite as well- read as I would like to be. At the book club yesterday, everybody had really good suggestions as to what we should read next. Her's what we came up with

1. One flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - Ken Kesey *- we're reading this now
2. Mrs. Dalloway- Virginia Woolfe
3. The Giver- Lois Lowry
4. To Kill A Mockingbird- Harper Lee
5. Beloved- Toni Morrison
6. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn- Mark Twain
7. The Poisonwood Bible- Barbara Kingsolver
8. Invisible Man- Ralph Ellison
9. Jane Eyre- Charlotte Bronte
10. The Number One Ladies Detective Agency- Alexander McCall Smith

designers take note!

2007-06-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

The judges at the MuchMusic video awards gave a sigh of relief when a certain starletf stepped out of her limo. Hilary Duff decided to censor her cleavage for the night.

A good move for the coming of age pop star. But can someone just give her a clue- "Hey Hilary, it's okay to show your stuff. You're not on the Disney channel anymore. Apparently she hasn't noticed her famous forerunners, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera who have successfully transcended the Disney world- to- Hollywood barrier.

Perhaps this is a stylistic choice.

Maybe she dribbled some mac and cheese on herself during the Duff family dinner. What a great way to cover up a stain!

I have to give her props though. My mother would be happy if she saw me wearing this. Once time she said "Honey, why do you show off your cleavage so much?"
"mom, it's kind of hard to pretend you don't have boobs when you're a C cup"
Mom, (an A cup, trying to be a B cup), nods aquiescingly, "Well, you're right, I guess the only thing I can do to keep cleavage is this.
and she pushed her boobs together.

Thank you Hilary, for being such an outstanding model of modesty. The next time I see a cleavage furrow, i'll make a mental note to censor my own clothing.

oh, the places I go

2007-06-19T22:09:00.000-07:00

I always thought my family was kind of wonky...
There were just some things I would never tell anyone about my family's habits...until yesterday.

It was then when I visited my best friend's girlfriend's house, and their family quirks were put on display. I'd heard funny things from my friend...and I consider myself quite adaptable....but some things just have me rolling on the floor.

Her brother, J, had graciously made us dinner...(some salmon they had found while cleaning out the refrigerator) You see, the dad, Cliff, has kind of a habit when it comes to food. Come 5pm, you hear the grill being fired up. My best friend has never had so much BBQ in her life. He also keeps food...for a long time...In fact his most precious posession is his vaccuum packer. You know those vacuumed bags where you can't tell what the hell kind of food is in there? it looks like food from space. He vaccuum packs EVERYTHING. His kids joke around that they'll vaccuum pack HIM when he dies. He'd probably be happier that way.
But Cliff had gone on a long road trip with her sister (who apparently has an inordinate amount of lingerie. Subsequently, this is all she wears...even when there is NO ONE in 5 five mile radius to seduce.) anyway Cliff gone on road trip= ideal time to clean. and keep things clean.

Dinner was good, and they let me make brownies....

Just to let you know...J. isn't their brother. No, I don't know what he is...b ut according to him.
"I've lived in this house my whole life...except for when i lived next door."

I've made a mental note to figure this relationship out....becuase if my next door neighbors moved in and started cooking for me and sleeping naked....and...living there...I don't know what I would do.

J. is proud of his butt. I made some comment about how guys usually have skinnier butts than girls...and got this:

J.: My Butt is rock hard! One time my mom spanked my butt and her WHOLE HAND turned red! Here- spank my butt and feel how hard it is! One time, I couldn't get me shorts on because my fat, hard butt wouldn't give. When i finally got my shorts up, I was like "Yes!" and then the button poppedoff and like...out of the room.

He was wearing those shorts- still buttonless- when i was there.

And then we got set up to watch a movie (Hitchhiker's guys to the Galaxy- really loved it). We grabbed somee vanilla ice cream and the brownies I made and headed to the living room.
The cat was sitting in front of the couch. J. He snuck up to the couch and pulled the recliner lever- thus sending the cat flying across the living room. Ahh yes- flying cats.

I think I'll go back real soon...

The Great Gatsby

2007-06-18T23:27:00.000-07:00

"Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter- tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arm farther...And one fine morning-
So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."

this passage, no matter how many times I have read it, has always made me feel the same way. It encourages me to keep stretching and reaching for my dreams. Even though Gatsby didn't achieve his dreams, I believe that I can get what I hope for. I think that the problem with a lot of dreamers is that they reach for things and then don't realize what they have once they have it. They keep wanting more. Keep reaching for more. All Gatsby knew in his life was his want for something- someone. I wonder what would have happened had Gatsby gotten to keep Daisy. Would he have been happy?

It's in many people's nature to want to become better. achieve more. Whether it means earning more money, having more children, achieving more degrees, having more materially or begin closer to God. Success means something different to each person. Yet once that success is reached, each person will want more.

When I was in the third grade, I looked up to my brother who was in high school. To me, he had "the life". he could go wherever he wanted to when he wanted to. He had his own money. He had a house key. He could go off by himself. he got to toilet paper houses. I wasn't allowed to go to the end of the street on my bike. Little did I know thechallenges I would face when I got to High School.

The secret to dreaming about things is to be content with what you have. We will always be unhappy if we reach for tings we do not have. We can always say "I'll be happy when i have...." This brings on a constant struggle.

Work on being happy with what you have. Not what you don't have.

the new cast of Charlie's Angels

2007-06-17T23:20:00.000-07:00

The New Cast of Charlie's Angels:

Natalie, formerly played by Cameron Diaz will be: Kim Heywood
Alex, played by Lucy Liu, will be: Amy Tait
Dylan, played by Drew Barrymore, will be: Kate Lathrop

Primarily these choices were based on hair color similarity. Then, as the movie was re-viewed, we found that we each had personalities just like our characters.

Kim is cute, fun, and likes to dance. She also knows how hard it is to find quality men. She's working on dancing around in her underwear. But her room is always clean, and so is Natalie's.

Amy is attractive and blunt. She doesn't let just anyone get to her heart. She's very selective. She let's her girls know what's up. Chances are, if she had a high profile spy job where she could wear hott shoes and learn new things every day, she would be happy. (She can cook better than Alex can though.)

Kate has an attitude and she eats a lot, so she wouldn't mind licking a few steering wheels and kicking a few asses on a daily basis. She likes weird guys, but finds the fun in dorky things like shake and bake and scrabble. She also doesn't mind being naked.

There's no reason not to...

2007-06-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

I don't have picture of him, but about two months ago I bought my new true love..my digital camera Bobby. Jenn named him. When we go out we can talk in code or something..be like "Are you bringing Bobby?" or "Smile for Bobby!".

Bobby's first adventure was a trip to St. Louis, Missouri and then a road trip from St. Louis to Fremont, CA with me and Jess. i've posted the videos (take by Bobby) on youtube. Here are the links:

Jess woke me up waaay too early in the morning...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQER-WAZA5Q

we went and saw the Arch in St. Louis:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxamdXsvQQU

we cruised thee streets of St. Charles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_yRsiuYIPU

We had some trouble packing the truck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNVeYpU1T78

Once we got out of St. Charles we drove west for awhile. I was feeling mexican food, so we stopped at some very random mexican place. i can't even remember what town we were in. But it was the best food I'd ever eaten! and the best cheese!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-DYyJcSrWs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reooN2T66r0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeV-wmdQymo

And then there was the trip...here's a clip from Kansas:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQcqCOlj7mc

we stopped in Salt Lake City and toured the conference center with Elder Ducky
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGLF_0GfyE4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFmp2NooD50
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AM8oMo1Xo1E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AzYZnNEfys

check out more vids in youtube!