Little Smiles

Its days like today that Im sad Im not living in the Northeast and able to just jump in my car and within an or so, can be hang out with my favorite little people and make Gingerbread Houses.  Not sure how I was ever able to move away from these little smiles and little hugs.  

Here are a few of the pics from my phone from their visit over Thanksgiving break.  

Little Luke, the Cali Baby!, enjoying the slide.  He seriously wouldnt leave that slide. 

Melia and Jack enjoying the book statues outside of the library.

Taylor and Melia.  Taylor was trying to get her to smile for the camera. 

I have way too many of these lovely shots from the years. 

Little girls are silly!

Crazy Dude

Is it to hard to ask for a normal dude to date?  Someone that I can enjoy life with, and who can make me laugh.  I really dont think Im asking for to much.  But with my recent interactions, Im starting to see that I just might be.

The latest.  I ventured onto the online dating world for about 2 weeks before I got off.  Ugh.  Depressing. Dudes didnt know how to interact.  And the ones that did interact where ones I had no interest in.   Well.  One dude from a different state mentioned that he was coming to mine for a job interview, and wanted to know if I would like to meet up.  Sure.  What ever.  Not like anything else is going on. And he seemed half way normal, at least compared to the others.   After a bit of back and forth about timing and what not, phone numbers were exchanged last night.  And this is the text conversation that ensued today. And to protect the weirdo guy, Im referring to him as Dude or rather the intial D.

D: Hey Lisa it's XXX!
Me: Morning!
D: What's up!
Me: Not too much. Just plugging along at work. You?
D: Haha sounds familiar :) What you do for work?
Me: I work at Time Warner Cable doing Database Marketing. And if you know what that is, can you tell me?!
D: Haha. Nice! If we get married do I get free cable??
....  [UGH,  What am I suppose to say to that?!  Awfully presumptuous.  After a definite lag time, and conferring with a few dudes ....)Me: Haha. Something like that. What do you do? And will it give me any good perks, that is if we do get married!
D: Haha. I'm a marketer in hospice. So u can hook you up when you get really old and ready to die :)
Me: Oh fabulous. I was worried about that.
D: Well worry no more :)
D: So remind me. Any kids?
Me: Nope.
D: So we are going to have to pump out a few then eigh :)
... [Another UGH.  What?!  Is that suppose to be an Eh?  or an eight?  Again, Presumptuous.  You pump out 8 children and let me know how that goes! .. You dont even know me dude.  Maybe I cant have kids, maybe I dont want kids, or maybe I dont want to think about at the moment. . .  Seriously.  This conversation is going no where FAST.  I dont want to continue, and Im really thinking twice about this getting together/date thing. ...] Me: Yeah. Something like that.
D: Haha. Something like huh.
D: How do you feel about potentially moving to Utah?
... [3rd Ugh in a short while. Im done.   .....]Me: You are rather presumptuous! Let's start with less dramatic questions like what is your favorite color, what is your middle name, and where did you grow up.
D: Haha. Whatever you want to tell me :)

At least I have my free cable to snuggle up with on the cold winter nights!


PS.  I changed the title of his blog from Presumptuous Dude to crazy dude.  If it was a girl that was saying these things, she would definitely gotten defined as crazy.  So, he deserves the same consideration.

Ho Hey

Most every work day, I listen to Josh Ritter's Pandora station when I have my earbuds in.  I love Josh. I love his lyrics. I love his sound.  I love the smile you can hear through his music. I also love the similar songs that Pandora pipes through his station. Ahh, I simply love Josh. (There is alittle bit of home I feel considering he has been around for years and I have been able to see him perform in my last three cities.)  

But I feel like Im cheating as I recently found something that has overtaken my listening pleasure.  I totally have regret while I have my new music on. But I think Josh will be ok with it, that is when he hears this new band. He is great like that.  Just meet him. (Yes, Im such a  groupie, I have!)   ...

The Lumineers.  They make my heart happy.  And here is one of my favorites from them, Ho Hey.

Oh yeah.  You might have heard them after Hart of Dixie. (Decent new CW show.)  It pretty much made my heart sail when I heard them on my big screen.  

Thanksgiving

Im really slow at posting.  And partly because I dont have many pictures to show for the week.  But I was luckily enough to host my family in Charlotte for Thanksgiving.  I had my parents, four brothers and the associated spouses and children, totaling 13 of us.  My dad rented a house down on one of the lakes and it worked out perfectly for feeding us all for Thanksgiving dinner and all the other functions.  A few of my highlights:

• Spending time with my siblings in my town. 
• Making cupcakes with my niece (and baby nephew). 
• Dance competition with my older nephew.
• Making s'mores out by the lake. 
• Sleepover with my favorite little people.
• Playing games with the family.
• A little friendly competition during Minute-to-Win-it. 
• Trying to help with 2000 piece puzzle.

Thanks for coming! 

People in the Past

Do you ever miss people?  But feel like you should be passed missing them.  Maybe like you are being abit childish for still missing them.  But love the memories and experiences that you had with them. It is possible that paths are always cross and sometimes were only meant to be in our life for a but a moment.  But I still continually think of all different people from all different times in my life.

My childhood neighbor Travis.  We were best of friends at the age of 4 years old.  I would ride my bike down to his house and we would play and swim and hang out for hours.

My childhood neighbor Kat.  We had a girls club and our club house was in the front bushes of my house.  (Sounds weird, but it was actually pretty great.)  Kat's family would always have great summer parties and we would play night games for hours with lots of the kids from school.

My 5th Grade Bestie.  I was so intrigued by her and her Swedish Dad and Mexican Mom.  I never knew what was being said in her house, and I loved it!  Maybe this is were apart of my desire for travel started.She just lived up the street from me and I started watching Beverly Hills 90210 at her house.  That is until my Mom realized what I was disappearing and watching every week at the same time.

My Middle School Besties.  Ahh, there were some epic summers.  We were good kids.  But we also knew how to have fun.  And we knew how to hide someone when it was necessary!

My 8th grade Walk-Home-Buddies.  We would walk the 5 blocks from middle school to my house, as it was first, together.  We would laugh and talk about the day together.  Adam and I had a bit more history together as we went to school together from 2-12th grade.  And there is one particular experience from Senior year that Im grateful for.  He was a kind soul.

My High School best friends.  There was a group of us.  We hung out for two years.  Most every weekend.  Most lunches.  Summers.  We were together.  Of course there was some drama.  But what high school group didnt have drama.  There are days that I miss driving down in Megan's mom volvo with the windows down and the music blaring. And Im sure we watched Top Gun about 100 times.

My Plano Church friends.  Im so thankful for the oh so many of us.  Whether it was the kids in my congregation or the others in the area, that made high school fabulous and easier for me.  Its taken moving to areas with such few LDS kids in the area that I realized how good I had it during such important years.  So many good kids to help remind me of the good things in life.  Miss all those.

My freshman roommate.  I miss her nicknames. Her enthusiasm.  Her love.  We went on lots of road-trips together and she was the best DJ a girl could have. And that was back when CDs were the main source of musical enjoyment and so she would always ride with our huge CD albums on her lap.

My Ricks and Disney friends. We had a tourism class together, and went off to Disney together. Loved my class with the husband.  Loved my Pizza nights with the wife when the husband was working late.

My Senior year roommates.  We played football together, and had went to Spring Training together.  Miss our girl chats with our FHE brother that would come over specifically for girl chat.  Ahh. And Tim McGraw.

My dinner/movie buddy.  During college, I could often be found dining and enjoying life with my buddy.  He was my devils advocate in a time when I needed that more than anything.  he helped me learned so much about me, and for that he will always hold a special place. I was lucky enough to cross paths with him during my Manhattan days, and he got me through some hard times.

My Brookline roommates.  They are much more like sisters to me.  Singing goodnight in a different language.  Concerts. Snow storms. The stories that only could be told in the "guy voice."

My Cambridge roommates.  Sitting around in the living room enjoy the Sunday, laughing, cooking, working, watching movies.  Chips and Salsa, Large Diet Cokes, and laughter.

My forever best friend.  Or atleast the person that I thought would be my forever best friend.  I miss us. But Im so thankful for having the memories and all the things between us.  But the end of the forever best friend has also helped me to be a better person.  I have learned so much.  Just hope that some of those walls arent made of stone.

Im so grateful for those mentioned and those not mentioned but are still in my heart.  I really have crossed paths with SO, SO many wonderful people.  When I look back at the years I have under my belt, its about the people that you have made memories with.  Excited to see what more memories and people the future holds.

Story Time

Hey Blog Readers.  Its time for a story.  I am a firm believer that life really is for the stories to tell later. And for stories to be remembered, they need to written down, right?!

Since Im not quite in a place where I want to talk about how I split my pants. (Sadly, it was recent, and it was in front of a guy.  Ugh. Embarassing.  But definitely a story for another time.)  But I have another one to share.   The names in this story have been change/omitted to protect... me, from ever really admitting to ... this.

In church this week, I sat next to a lady who recently moved to Charlotte.  During the last hour there was a fussy little guy next to us that couldnt make it through nursery and was not having it being in our class.  I was trying to get his attention in such a way that he might be quiet for a few minutes.  After a good 10 minutes of this, I mention to my classmate that I can usually get the 18month olds to flirt with me, but I cant seem to get the guys my age to even look at me.

After church she mentioned that she had someone she would love to give my email to, so I gave it to her.  I mean.  Im in the land of nothing, so I kinda figure if I am going to actually meet one than its going to come through acquintances and what not.  He just moved internationally and was up for meeting new single Mormon women.

And since it is 2011, and we do have this lovely, little website, Facebook, I came home and looked him up.  I couldnt exactly remember his name, but found someone with the name I was vaguely remembering, and who we had some mutual friends from a city that we had in common and figured that it was him.  And I was shocked. And might have even stared and started drooling.    I basically pulled up a guy with washboard abs, and a pretty face, pretty close to the level of say ....

JAMES MARSDEN 

JOSH DUHAMEL

OR (a straight) MATT BOMER

So. Needless to say.  I went to sleep that night with sweet dreams, but also realized that it was highly unlikely that I would ever hear from this guy.  And I was resigned to the happiness that atleast someone thought me cool enough to pass along my info to someone.  

I was out tutoring yesterday evening.  I had a quick minute to check my email, and was pleasently surprised to received an email from said young fellow.  I might have even beamed a smile at the promptness of the email.   I noticed that I was correct on the name, but sadly not the spelling.  His email was nice and was definitely interested in getting to know me. etc.  I headed home, and of course got on said lovely, little website.  And instead of my James Marsden/Josh Duhamel/Matt Bomer look alike, what I got was a ....

zach galifianakis

Ok.  Yes.  Swallow and horrible am I, in my first reaction.  Completely. I know.  And he really wasnt quite a Zach.

I will be emailing him, with all the excitement and flirtation that he deserves in a reply email.  Because he just might make me laugh more than most any other guy, and be more than I could ever know from a picture.  ....  

DIY Projects

I found this little gem on the side of the road about 1.5 months ago.  I borrowed sanders from my co-workers.  Bought some paint.  And....  

Now it looks like this.  I have a 2 bedroom with nothing else in it, so I could do whatever I wanted to it.  Loving gray and yellow at the moment.  

And with some leftover gray paint, I created this little beauty.  A scarf rack.  Love it!
I got the inspiration from this website.  

Cemented

Got a LDSLinkUp message tonight.  (Ugh, Ive been on the site for too, too long. Since back when it was considered a "keeping-up-with-old-roommate/mission-companion site more than a dating site.) And its comments like this that cement myself in the world of the single:

came back from putting the bulls on the market...we dd ok. Hope ya sleep well 

And for any of those out there that know me, what part of this life would be mildly appealing to me?!  "Bulls on the market?"  Like what is needed to keep the cows replenishing at farms? Like what that are used at rodeos?  I only have a pair of boots for the show. They have never seen anything that would remotely resemble life on a farm.  .... At least I really dont think he was talking about a bull vs bear market.  Not that I know much about the finance world.  Except that generally people that work in that world live in cities!  Big(ger) cities.  I like that.


Ugh.  Long live singlehood.  

Thrisis

Ever heard of it?  I hadnt til today.  But it looks to be an ever growing issue.  I will be the first to say, that leading up to my 30th Birthday was definitely filled with such feelings.  And I wasnt always able to verbalize them, and then I read this fabulous article by a fellow Planonian, and Im so grateful to know amazing people from all chapters in my life.

Thoughts from Today

I have been blessed in my life to have crossed paths with many, many wonderful people. Whether its people that I spent alot of time with intertwined paths, or a quick jaunt, there are many people who I hold dearly.  I might not speak to them often, but there is still a soft spot in my heart for them.  I do think of them, and hope for their happiness and health.

Today, my heart is hurting for a friend from my high school days back in Plano.  She went to another high school, and a different church congregation but we had mutual friend and would see each other every so often. I also had the pleasure of working with her for a time at a little restaurant.  Now, years later, she has a darling little family with two little boys.   But her 10 mnth old has been diagnosed with cancer.  I personally dont have much experience with this, my own children, cancer, etc.  But I can only imagine how much pain, heart ache, frustration, and confusion that she, and her family,  are going through.  But one thing that brings solace is that I know that she is a strong and amazing person. That she knows has a heart of gold and that she has amazing strength. That she has an understanding of the gospel of Christ, and a love for a Savior.  But at the same time, it makes me want to send even more prayers her way. It makes me want to jump on a plane and race back to her and all those that I love and hug them, spend time with them, and just simply be there with them.  Sadly, that is not feasable as the people that have a hold on my heart are all across the world.  But please know, if you read this, that I think of you often, and pray for happiness and health for you and those you love.

While in High School, I was told that I 'just care too much, and that I need to stop'.  I was really hurt by this, and remember the pain I felt the night I was told this, and the friend that consoled me through it.  And I look back on this often.   ....  I dont know if 1) its possible to either care too much or to stop caring, or 2) that I want to change this.  Sometimes I feel like there isnt enough caring in the world.  Caring for oneself, caring for loved ones, and caring for those that you dont know.  Caring and Compassion is not freely given, and I feel like the longer we go in a world not filled with compassion, the worst our world will get.  Compassion breeds self-confidence, strength, integrity, happiness, honor, loyalty, and really the list can keep going.


Sadly, I know that there are a few people right now at this moment, that would be super confused by my last paragraph.  That makes me sad in myself, and I know  I need to do better. 

Josh Ritter ....

Is coming to Charlotte in Nov.  Really?!?! Little ole' Charlotte.  Ahh, this more than made my day.

I listen to the Josh Ritter Pandora Station all day, just about every day.  I have seen him multiple times in Boston, and in Asheville, NC, and in New York City. He is amazing on stage.  He loves his music, and he loves performing.  I can. not. wait.  ....  Just had to share my excitement with you!

End of an Era

Today is my last day in my 20s.  Its kinda surreal.  I definitely feel like Im leaving a land I have known so well and embarking on a land that Im a tad bit afraid of.  Afraid just in the sense that its unknown.

When I was a child and thought of the 'Adult Lisa', I always pictured myself as a Soccer Mom. Married.  Lots of kids.  Busy.  On the Go.  Settled in one place.  And in my twenties.  I never thought of myself older than that. Not exactly sure why.  Might have something to do with a sub-conscience desire to be a "young" mom.

And here we go.  Embarking on a land completely unknown.  Time to readjust my thoughts of the future.   Enjoying the journey, but still figuring it all out as I go.   Any words of wisdom are appreciated.

Just wish one of you, from the few that read this blog, were here with me to celebrate another year in person.  I have been missing those friends that even when time and distance has been between us, we are able to pick up like neither of those have been there.  Thinking of all of those friends that have made my 20s, and even the early years, so much more amazing than I ever could have imagined.  Thank you.  And excited for what the next decade will bring.  ....

Balkan Peninsula

So.  Milestone birthday was coming up, and if I didnt leave the country on, before, or after said date, then I felt like my world would fall apart. Ok maybe alittle dramatic, but really, that is nothing new!  ....

I found a travel companion.  We figured out a destination.  Tickets booked. General Itinerary created. Patiently waited for the day to arrive.  And then off we went.  .... England, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania.  .... And here are a few pictures from it.  I wont bore you with all the details, but feel free to ask specifics.  Im definitely looking at doing an Island Hopping tour in Croatia.  LOVED Croatia.

Relaxing in Hyde Park, London

Buckingham Palace, London

Krka National Park, Croatia

St Alexandar Nevski Cathedral, Sofia, Bulgaria

Roman Bath Ruins, Varna, Bulgaria

Cathedral, Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest, Romania

Happy September!

Why hello there!  Its been alittle while. I do apologize for being a bit of a recluse from the blogging world. ...  How are things  for you, and what have you been doing to enjoy the summer?  Here are a few things that I have been up to:

Mountain Biking. This is a popular sport here in Charlotte.  I have started to get the bug for it.  Even been initiated with a tumble over the handle bars.  Luckily I walked away with just a few bruises. *Disclaimer: Not me in the picture.  Have yet to think its worth it to buy actual biking gear! 

Swing Dancing! Oh how I miss the dance scene in Manhattan, but  happy for  the little scene that is here.  

Sand Volleyball.  Yes, yes thats not me, but much prettier shot than what I would have done!  Its been fun to get and   do alittle bump, set, spike after a long day in the office. 

Pool Time!  Sadly, the pool at my apartment isnt exactly this beautiful, but having a pool at my disposal has been fabulous!  I have really enjoyed it this summer, and will be sad when its no long as easy to enjoy a few chapters in a book while at the pool.  

Myers Park HS Football.  Between my love of HS Football during my HS days, my love of FNL, and for my desire to feel alittle bit more apart of the community I live in, I have been attending football games.  Its been fun to go and cheer on the Mustangs, and they are pretty good.  It does really make me miss the band at PSHS.  This band does not compare.

And now on to my favorite time of the year, FALL!  I love the cooling weather.  The fall colors.  The fun boots to wear.  The holidays to celebrate.   The new tv season and tv shows.  And this year Im especially excited for a trip to the Balkan Peninsula.  Beach time at the Adriatic and the Black Sea?  Yes Please! 

Ray of Sunshine

"i could sure use a lunch with you today. ... i miss your enthusiasm."

This gchat totally brightened my day. And it was even from a dude. I have some fabulous friends.

Sisters

Big sisters are the crab grass in the lawn of life. ~Charles M. Schulz

Sisters are different flowers from the same garden. ~Author Unknown

Some days, I wish I had a sister. And other days, Im fine with not. I hear of sisters sharing clothes. That is a day. I hear stories about sisters stealing clothes. Thats a not day. I hear of sisters laughing and sharing. That is a day. I hear of sisters arguing. And not that day.

But today. Today is a day that I wish I had a sister. I have brothers. And I love them.

Im lucky. I do have dear friends from the many different years and life stages that I consider sisters. Love them all dearly. And really, they are the flowers in my wild flower field, and what a beautiful field I truly have. Im blessed.

Along I-85 to Raleigh, NC

Unlimited

I went over my messages last month. And not just a little. But by 2000!!! Yes, that is a 2 followed by three zeros! Seriously. Ridiculous. I immediately changed my plan to be unlimited! Why did I not do that before?!?!? And yes, I havent been able to claim being a teenager for almost 10 years now! Silliness.

Thoughts of the Day

1) I love to laugh. I love to smile. I love to be happy and express that in merriment and amusement. Im sure this is really nothing new to most of those that probably read this. But its true. Im a laugher. I might have even gotten in abit of trouble at work for laughing too much. Really? Is that possible?!

There is something in my brain that finds humor in super simple things, and sometimes, er alot of times, I really cant explain it. I just laugh. It makes people nervous. I understand. It makes me nervous sometimes too.

I love comedy. I love witty people. I love smiling. I love people that have the ability to make others laugh. I might laugh at cheesy and corny jokes. But someone that doesnt need to use that, and they still make me laugh, they are a keeper! And I love being able to make others laugh. Sadly, Im not as witty as I wish I was, but I do have my moments. And last night was one of them. I was out to dinner with a friend. The server just couldnt stop laughing because of me. It was fabulous. I might have had to point this out to my dinner companion. And this companion might have taken it the wrong way because the companion likes to think that they are funnier than me. Well. Sorry to inform you dinner companion, but I was last night! :)

2) When I was in high school, I liked to watch Days of Our Lives. It started after I became friend with a particular girl. Her mom watched it, and during the summer I would watch it with them. I did realize how pathetically slow the plot line was. And how ridiculous the stories were. But I did love a few of the characters. I watched a few episodes years later, and realized that it was like time had just stop still. Literally!

Well. Today, there were a few moments that I seriously thought that something happened when I drove from Manhattan to Charlotte on that New Years Day with all my belongs, and something transformed and I really drove into a Soap Opera. The last 4 months have been alittle bit on the ridiculousness. And in an effort to not just completely air my life in such a public forum, Im going to keep that at that. But if you want to chat, I would love to share my Soap Opera story with you personally.

3) Soccer was a huge part of my life for many, many years. I played from 2nd grade until 10th grade, and alittle during college. I was lucky enough to make the High School team and wear the colors of the Wildcats for two years. But I realized that that life was not particularly for me, and I didn't continue on into my junior year. Part of it might have been with the rigorous workout schedule we had. I didn't like it. I might have been in fantabulous shape. But it was just too much.

That has highly influenced my desire, or lack of desire really, for exercise post high school soccer. I have to admit, that I might be relying on the amazing genes that my dad was able to pass along to me. I have gone through spurts of working out. Paying for gym memberships. Buying fancy workout shoes, shorts, and shorts in the hopes that that will help motivate me. But I have never been very consistant with it. I would do it for a few days or weeks, but quickly it goes by the wayside. While I was living in Scarsdale, NY, I was probably the most consistent I had yet been. I found a few classes that I liked, and would go to those. But I definitely did not get my moneys worth at that gym.

One of the many goals I had for myself for this move, included working out. It might have taken a few weeks, er month, to finally make my way the 50 yards across the parking lot, but I did it. I have been going. And its been amazing. I actually look forward to it. I don't go for a super long time. And I don't have a lot I do. But its been fabulous. Im kinda really stinkin proud of myself. But really. I have one person to thank for getting me out of bed continually. And that is my fabulous Heavenly Father.

Life is good! :)

Palace de la Midge

People have asked, and so Im delivering. Here are some pictures of my apartment. Its 850 sq feet of my own space. Its pretty much my favorite place to be. I love it. Hope you do too.

This is what you see when you first walk in. Love the counter height table! And I put them together all by myself. Ok, maybe with alittle help from the dudes at the shop.

My kitchen! It has so much space. And I love my valet trash service. Heaven.

My living room. Im still wanting a coffee table, but Im alittle particular with which one I want. All in due time.

Another angle of my living room. Some people much recognize that leather chair. Its been with me since my first apartment in Boston. It might be missing a few bolts, but I just cant part with it yet.

Ahh. My room. And I don't have to put all my personal belongings in it. Between there just being breathing room and my most comfy bed, its my slice of heaven.

Bathroom. Love the shower curtain.

If any of you saw my closet in Manhattan, you would understand how much this is such an upgrade for me. Its a walk in and a door. Amazing. And it fits ALL my clothes. Seriously, Amazing.

I didn't add a picture, but another fabulous amenity of my apartment is that there is laundry! I haven't had an apartment with laundry in so long. Its worth every extra penny I pay for that.

After my interview back in Nov, I went and looked at about 6 apartments that I found online. They were all further away from work than I was looking for, and none of them felt like my place. Moving from Manhattan where things like dishwashers and garbage disposals were not a standard, and where my particular apartment was a basement apartment without windows. (Haha, and one entrance! Yes, death trap if there was a fire!) Pretty much anything was a step up. And I really have been so happy with this place. There is gym that I have been frequenting weekly, which has been an awesome change for me. And there is a pool. A couple even.

I might not be in the city where the lights inspire you, or where the streets will make you feel brand new. But this apartment has helped to make the transition a little bit easier.

Joy in the Journey

This was the theme of one of my EFY years. Maybe I should have learned more about it then!

I have recently been told that I need to learn to realize the joys in the everyday life, whatever that might be. Granted, this discuss came in regards to dating, and about how I hate the game and just want to get through it. So, in light of the reality that that end is still far away, I need to really take stock on what a dear friend kindly reminded me of.

But come on. Not everything is about dating, even though it might seem like that when we are single. Pres Monson said back in 2008 to "not let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do." Ahh. Very wise. And relate-able all stages of life.

I might or might not have the Mormon Bachelor website on my Google Reader! :) They are up to the 3rd contestant. And as I watched her little bio video, she sad something that struck me. Ok maybe a few things. 1) Honoring the Ordinary. Enjoy the little things in life, and relish in it. The day to day things are just as important as the large milestones. 2) Its ok to say that you like to just simply be with people. I remember a few different times that I have been asked what my hobbies are and not really knowing how to answer. I seem to fill up days with stuff that seem productive at the time, but looking back it was just simply spending time with a friend doing what ever that person wanted or needed to do. And that is just find.

The last week or so, I havent been as happy as I might have been in the months prior. And I think its because Im already looking ahead, and not looking at the now. Time to reevaluate and to just enjoy. Stop and smell the flowers. Stop and enjoy relish in my quieter evenings. Stop and spend more time doing the things that make me happy, each and every day. ... Joy in the Journey.

Love me some Peonies!

Delight

My life is infinitely better. . . . . I can buy these in my city! Oh how I have missed them. And if only I could get Fanta Exotic and I would never feel the need to travel to Europe. Oh wait! That will never happen.

According to S Korea:

The following was found on an ad in the subway in S. Korea by a fellow NYC friend. After spending this past weekend in NYC, It feels appropriate to post.

New York is always with you

New York has only best hair designers

New York pursues the best of beauty

New York can make you special

Vegas to Logan

I just got home from a quick and rather unexpected trip out west. My mother's brother has had cancer for years, and in the last few months it had gotten much worse. And within about 4 days his health absolutely deteriorated so much that he is in such a better place than where he was here.

I flew into Vegas, to be picked up by my Mom's cousin. We had a little errand to run for my boss before heading 2+ hrs to Hurricane, UT. We got there just in time for me to throw a black dress on, hug family, and join in the funeral services.

After a few days of clean up both financially and physically (his house and personal items), we headed to Salt Lake in a snow storm. (Mind you, I had about an hour to pack, and didn't see the snow in the forecast, so I only brought flats!) My mom and I drove in my Uncles car, with my Uncle in the urn. Weird?! Yes. And we stopped in Provo to go to the BYU Art Museum and see the Carl Bloch exhibit which was totally worth the stop. I also got to run into a dude that served his mission in Manhattan last summer.

We stopped at Cafe Rio for dinner before heading to my Aunt Lani and Uncle Rons house for the night. We attended their ward in the morning, and then got to visit with a favorite Boston friend and her husband and new baby. We hurried back for dinner with all the Walkers in the SL Valley, and then played a game of Ticket to Ride before hushing off to visit another favorite Boston friend and his wife and new baby. Then a short stop to visit my Moms other brother and makes sure all the graveside service details were done.

Monday was an early day as we had to get to Logan with enough time prior to make sure all the arraignments were being taken care of by the cemetery. Neither my mom nor I really planned for snow, but luckily I had a cousin who had a pair of boots that I could squeeze my foot into. After checking things at the cemetery, we ran to TJ Max and got my mom a proper jacket. So now we were both ready to stand in the snow for awhile, relatively speaking.

My cousin JP drove me to the airport from Logan. He is the only cousin I have that is my age. All the rest are years older/younger. It was nice to visit as I havent really seen him for years. And we made such good time, that I got to end the trip with yet another fabulous meal at Cafe Rio.

It was nice to see family, and even be in Utah. But next time I go there when snow abounds, I will be making it to the slopes! I so miss skiing in the West.

Happy Face

For those fellow Mormons that read this and have your own blog, do you sometimes feel like posting on your blog is alittle bit like sharing your Testimony during Testimony meetings?!?!?! I open up my blog and stare at a blank page feeling like I should update, but not really knowing what to share. But there are other times that I have something I really want to share, but I just save it as a draft as Im not ready to share those thoughts with the world. Ahh. Maybe if I wrote in my real paper journal more often I would feel less like I needed to share big things here, and can share the more fun things that go on in life. . . .

Well. Thats where I am this evening. Not really knowing what to share. But feeling like I have a lot on my mind. But what I really wish is that all those that actually read this could be sitting in my living room and we could just share in person the fabulous, and not so fabulous things, that are going on and those things we are thinking, feeling, and dealing with.

Alas, I live hundred of miles from any of you. And most days, Im content to just hear a voice on the other end of the phone. Or to read sweet words that someone either emails or texts me. But then there are days that I would just love a hug from you.

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of going to AZ for a dear friends wedding. I got to bunk with a few of the girls from Manhattan and one of them being someone new. And there was just something so nice about having roommates for a few nights. It was a little slice of heaven amongst the craziness that can be wedding weekends.

I went to my first RS Activity as being apart of a family ward in my Adult years. And as I was walking in to my apartment afterwards, all I could think about was how genuinely happy I felt. I still don't know why Im in Charlotte. I don't have many friends in town. I don't really feel like I absolutely belong. But I feel like me, the most I have felt like me in years. I feel at peace with who I am and where I am in life. Granted, there are still moments that I really wonder if those blessings talked about in my patriartical blessing will ever come or if I messed up somewhere. But Im happy, Im confident, Im content, and Im ready for the rest of my life. Its taken a long time to get here. I know I have so much more to learn. But for now. I am happy.

Here is one of my favorites of the pictures I have yet seen from the wedding:

Facebook Status

There is something about a facebook status that can say alot, or not! And here are a few of my recent favorites, and thank you for letting me borrow these, if they are from you!:

I never get jealous when I see my ex with someone else, because my parents always taught me to give my used toys to the less fortunate.

Mom: Do you want milk or water?
Son: What day is it?
Mom: It's Wednesday.
Son: I only like milk on Tuesdays. That's when I change my socks.

‎4 days till valentines.. Not 2 late to break up...

Aint Going Down

60 degrees, sunny skies, driving with the windows down at lunch with old school Garth and Tim on the radio followed by "your hot" compliment at work. Its a good day. And that is all on top of getting a 'you have a nice butt' compliment the day before from a dear, but amusing friend. Two funny compliments in one week. The most I've gotten in a year. (Ok, I don't count the cat calls on the streets of Manhattan. Eww. Gross.) A girls gotta take what she can get. . . . And on top of fabulous winter weather?! I cant stop smiling! ;)

www.Despair.com

A co-worker introduced me to these. And I just had to share. There are so many other ones, check out the website!

The Year of. . . .

Weddings and Births.

Such happy chapters in some dear friends lives. So blessed that I have been able to, and will be able to experience them. Well, the wedding ones. Not the Births. Ewww. So not ready for that one! I just like meeting the little ones months later!

Here is a picture from the already wedding. Williams-Reintjes. Denver, CO. ... Kinda love that the Boston 'family' had precedent when it came to picture time.

It just warms my heart to see all the goodness in those that are dear to me!

Josh, You Have Out Done Yourself

It was back in 2006 that a good friend, Diana, had an extra ticket to see this guy, Josh Ritter, and made me go with her. I had faith that she wasnt just trying to get me to take the ticket but that she was right in saying that I would really enjoy the show. Previously she enticed me to see KT Tunstall and Augustana before they were household names.... And now 5 years later, Im so glad I took that ticket!

Josh Ritter, you love your music and performing more than anything and exudes from your being on the stage at every show. And even emanates through your cds. Oh, How I love thee.



So, Valentines day rolled around, and after sitting at my desk being alittle sad that I have no friends in my town, I looked up Josh's tour schedule. I was stoked to see that the NEXT day he was going to be in MY state. Ok, still 2+ hrs away, but nonetheless, MY state! I asked a few peeps Im becoming friends with, but no takers. (Maybe calling him folk music turned people off. Its really singer/songwriter music, if there is a difference!) Have to be honest, I wasnt sad over that. Im not ready to share my love of Josh with locals, just yet.

Singing don't let me into this year with an empty heart
With an empty heart
Don't let me into this year with an empty heart

All the other girls here are stars—you are the Northern Lightsr

Babe we both had dry spells
Hard times in bad lands
I'm a good man for ya
I'm a good man

Everywhere I went oh
I was always searching for ya
Bright smile dark eyes
I'm looking for some peace

If there ever was a "list" that I had for things that I would like in a spouse, then I would have to have that I want that person to at least understand my love for music, and live music. During the show, Josh wanted to have a 1 minute slow dance. So during a song he slowed down the music and everyone was just suppose to turn to who was around them and dance. I was absolutely left to myself as everyone I was around was with some. But dont worry, drunk Sam saw me, and came over to my rescue. Needless to say, I would have much rather had someone I wanted to dance with be there!

PS. The guy on the left in the picture is Austin Nevins. I first saw him play with Brian Webb. Actually saw him almost every time I saw Brian play. Its fun seeing him play with Josh. He no longer plays in Adidas Sambas, but rather fancy loafers. I guess he is big time now! ;)

Left for love, Right for spite!

They say that if your ears are burning, then someone is talking/thinking about you. Is this more than just an old wives tell?

As I write this, my ear is burning. Noticeably so that I want to get a cold washcloth for it, or something. This has been happening to me a lot within the last few months. Being that Im a hopeless romantic, I would love for it to be some old crush or new crush, and for that person to finally say something. But reality is that really isnt going to bappen.

There must be a medical reason for this, but all my googling has yet to find it. Anyone know anything about it?? Until I hear other wise, Im just going to think that there is someone out there saying really fabulous things about me.

Moving on and Learning

I dont learn lessons very well. Sometimes I really have to go through an experience multiple times. Take dating as an example. I think I have spent way too many years trying to figure out how to get a guy to like me. And in reality, if he doesnt like me, than I just need to move on. I have started to realize this better in my life, and in other ways not so much. Since Im one to have to say something out loud before I really take it to heart, here I am saying that I need to move along and away from the guys that arent interested in me, but who I was/am interested in. There is one in particular that I need to make a conscience effort to move on from. One would think that because there are thousands of miles between us, it would be easy. But thanks to modern technology, there are other ways to communicate. So. This time its my decision. And I need to stick to it.

Whats the old saying . . .

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me!

On another, but similar note, I went on a date last night. I know, I know! Kinda shocking. One month in and I had a date. Never has happened so fast to moving somewhere. .... I meet this guy at a swing dance thing over the weekend. It was actually darling how he asked for my number. And within a few minutes later he had texted to set up a date. Now, I dont think we are soul mates or anything. But I was super impressed with his ability to date. Ask a girl out, plan something, be engaging, etc. Its amazing to finally experience after not for so long. . . . And I realized last month that Im a bad dater. Maybe its from my lack of experience, or my weird idealogys. One reason that I think Im a bad dater is that I dont really like for the guy to pay. Simple yes. But I always wanted to make sure that someone didnt think I said yes so that I could get a free meal. But there is something important to the simple act of letting a guy pay. It seems that guys need to feel like they can take care of something as simple of the bill, and a girl needs to allow/accept the guys willingness to take care. I am learning the hard way, and probably lost out on a great guy. But that is what life is about, right?! Learning and improving, hopefully!

Update

Here is alittle hodge-podge of an update.


I bought myself alittle something. Ok. Lets be real. I might have gone on a sorta shopping spree over the last few weeks. And lets not forget the lovely Broadway shows I treated myself too! Here are some of my favorites. Now. Back to the budget! ;)
I bought 6 of these fun little containers from my favorite little dishware shop in Manhattan. Fishs Eddy


Seriously. How many computers can I purchase in a 2 years. Well. Im done. And this is the one that is going to make it longer! I pray! :)

I really wish I could post a picture of my Miz Mooz boots that Im obsessed with. But I cant find a picture online that I can copy/save. And mine have salt stains due to my brilliance in wearing them in NYC during, er after, the snow storm. I have my roommate, er previous roommate, to thank for them! Love them!



I love my new bedding! Bloomingdales does it right.


I miss:



And



Ok, maybe this is the Brooklyn Skyline and not Manhattan, but I just love the Nautical flags with a cityscape.




Ahh, to have visitors, who you can be silly with, and who can make you laugh non-stop.




Karaoke, aka Dance Parties! Good Times.


I had the pleasure of seeing the following last weekend:


Congratulations Kristy Williams Reintjes! Thanks for giving us all the excuse for a mini Boston reunion. Sadly I dont have the picture of all 17 of us!