Laugh Outloud

NEW SITE...

2010-10-09T08:46:00.002-06:00

Have you changed your reader yet?

Come check out the new site!

http://nicoleelkington.com

Best Friends Forever: Jennifer Weiner

2010-10-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

I have a thing for Jennifer Weiner books. I have to be in the mood, that girly, la-di-da... almost like a summery feeling to read them, but I like them.

The latest one I read when we went camping last month, its called Best Friends Forever.

The book is about two former best friends, that I had sort of, lost their friendship at the end of high school. It's been 10 years since then, and when some crazy stuff goes down at their reunion, they are able to find their way to each other, and to the friendship they once had.

I really liked it. Y'all should check it out.

What are you currently reading?

New Site!!

2010-09-29T22:59:00.001-06:00

Alright y'all! I have picked up this here blog, and moved us on to greener pastures. It was good here, but we need to move from this proverbial studio apartment, and figure out our penthouse / fixer upper. {Yeah.. I lost the metaphor somewhere}.

Come join me at the new site here: www.nicoleelkington.com

This site is basically only for those that read mine blog in some form of a Reader. The old blog does automatically redirect to the new one. Buuuut who knows if that will work for everyone.

Anyway, UPDATE YOUR READER! COME SEE ME ON WWW.NICOLEELKINGTON.COM

Merci Beaucoup!

Week 2: Being healthy is hard.

2010-09-27T00:00:00.002-06:00

This last week, I had every intention of being healthier, of being better.

I failed :/

(but I also didn't gain any weight.. so it wasn't a complete fail, right?

I didn't lose any either... )

The goals.. revisited:

I drank more water, but I think I also drank more caffeine. Maybe I just drank more overall. It was a thirsty week? That doesn't make much sense now does it.

I did continue to eat out. But I have excuses! (like that makes it better... ) it's been a crazy week with issues everywhere I look, not leaving a lot of time for home-cooked, pre-prepared meals. But I feel like I did better. I was trying to at least pay attention to what I was eating again. Instead of just ordering what sounded good.

I did the 30 Day Shred, once. The goal was to do it twice, so at least I get a half point there, right?

The 20 sit ups... I DID do. But it about killed me.

IN MY DEFENSE... I have been feeling sick, achy, nauseous, headaches, and now I feel a sore throat coming on. Why must I always feel yucky when the seasons change? I know, I know, its the changing temperatures or something. {does that mean now that they have the temperatures more regulated at work, that I could stop ~~dying~~ freezing, and getting sick?}

So this weeks Goals, are going to be the same.

DRINK WATER! I really need to start filling up my giant water mug as soon as I get to work; as well as soon as I go downstairs to do homework / blogging at night. I drink what's convenient, I just need to remember to make water what IS convenient for me.

EAT OUT LESS! I am determined this week to write everything I eat down. This way I think I will feel much more. ACCOUNTABLE. I need to Plaaaan my meals, and lunches so that I don't end up running to Taco Bell .. or Cafe Rio for Lunch. I need a plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. (the goal is to plan, in case you didn't follow my subtlety). I also want to try one new healthy recipe this week. Any suggestions? ;)

30 DAY SHRED: Let's go for twice this week. As I did once last week, one more time shouldn't be that hard.

20 SIT UPS: I need to feel better about this goal, before I can move on to something else. I was originally thinking that I would do a "fitness goal" like this for a week, but maybe it should be more of a monthly thing. Thoughts?

And.. the Couch 2 5K... is again upon the hold shelf. I need to be stronger, more motivated, and have more time to be able to do that. Maybe in the Spring- my school load should be somewhat simpler then.

What do you do to stay motivated?

Shar

I'm a Cat Lady

2010-09-25T00:00:00.005-06:00


But who can resist that face? haha.

Happy Saturday!

Happy Birthday Tim!

2010-09-23T01:01:00.008-06:00


Happy 13th Birthday Tim!

2008

I can't believe you're so old! Time flies :)

2002

I love you Tiny.

You're my favorite boy, tha'ts fo sho.

Here we go again..

2010-09-20T00:00:00.002-06:00

As you may have noticed, after my first post about the Couch 2 5K… there was never another post about it. No, it’s not because I was trying to be modest, at my greatness. More like I did it for the first week {almost?} and then life got in the way, and I haven’t made it back to it. How sad is that?!

I’ve written about lack of motivation more than once on this blog, but somehow I just keep returning to that same idea. I was SO motivated when I first started to lose weight. I lost 50 pounds that’s a BIG deal! But now that I have been able to keep it off {plus or minus a few pounds}… I feel like I actually like the way I look, overall.

However, as I typed that, just like every girl out there, was able to think of a few things that I wish were better about my body. So, I need to get back to that. I am constantly making to do lists and goals at work, and I create a map in my planner every week of my school assignments. Why don’t I go about my fitness, my health in the same manner?

I need to.

So this week, these are my goals. Let’s hope I don’t forget them as soon as they are published.

Drink Water! I was so good at this… until I got addicted to the Diet Coke with a Cherry shot from Chevron by my work. Oops! I should be drinking at least 64 oz per day.

Don’t eat out so much!! I am a victim of my own busy lifestyle. I get Jamba Juice breakfasts, Café Rio Lunches, and Sizzler Salad Dinners way too often. This is hurting my waistline {and my wallet!} I need to cut down to 2-3 times a week, which still sounds like A LOT but when I’ve ate out 5 times in the past 2 days…

30-Day Shred. Hey, Jillian! Remember me? Yeah… it’s been awhile. I know, I know I’m sorry…. No more excuses, right? {This is my imaginary conversation with Jillian, I’m really not quite fat enough to go on the Biggest Loser, nor do I ever want to be!} My goal this week is to do this twice. I am so busy… but I should be able to fit that in. Right? Yes!

Last but not least. I want to incorporate some sort of general fitness goal each week. Let’s go for doing 20 sit-ups. That shouldn’t be hard, right? But since I never really got into the 100 sit-ups thing like I wanted, and I’ve never been a sit-ups aficionado... 20 is a good goal to start with. Yay!

Typically, I do too many goals. Goals that sound fabulous at the time, but that are then quickly forgotten, especially when there’s too many of them. So 4 sounds like a great number. Yay me.

What are your fitness goals this month?

Doing anything different now that Fall is here, and the Holidays are coming up?

Here's to new motivation. Next maybe I'll write goals to get rid of my flaaaabby arms.

Sunday Grid Iron

2010-09-19T13:23:00.000-06:00

What’s your favorite day?

In Elementary my automatic reaction to that question was FRIDAY! with a squeal. Naturally, it was because Friday was my early day at school. Friday was the day that meant the week was over, and the weekend was coming. I still love Fridays, but I can’t call them my favorite.

In High School, and up until the last year or so, my answer evolved to Saturday. Saturdays were for sleeping in, and not doing much. Even if I had to work at The Rack, somehow Saturdays were just different than other days. I still love Saturdays, but they’re not my favorite.

Now that I am busy, and go to school six out of the seven days in the week, my favorite day is Sunday. And, not for the usual reasons that Utahns say they love Sundays. I don’t go to any church, and I don’t really go to any family dinners. Sundays are my absolute favorites because I can sleep in, I can stay in my pajamas all day, and I do have time to sit around and do homework, do the laundry I’ve ignored all week, cuddle with my Oliver, and blog. These are the reasons I love Sunday.

But…. The best part about Sundays, during my favorite season is this:

source: here.

FOOTBALL!

What’s your favorite day?

i heart fall

2010-09-17T00:00:00.002-06:00

Rosy Leaves

Crisp Air

Pumpkins

Leather boots

Football games

Candy Corn

Sweatshirts

I love Fall

What's your favorite thing about Fall?

What now?

2010-09-15T00:00:00.009-06:00

What happens when you graduate?

~ a friend of mine keeps asking me this question. I wish I knew the exact answer. In general, the last few years have been easy to plan around. Hard, stressful, and annoying: yes, but I at least knew what was most important to me. School.

There was always school there to plan around. I knew that if my work schedule didn’t work with school, I needed to find something different. Firm was my belief that school was my first priority, everything else came second, or third, or fourth, etc. School was going to lead me to my career.

But now what?

Over this last summer I took a class that mostly focused on applying to graduate schools, and what comes next after getting a Bachelors in Behavioral Science. It was a very interesting class. I feel like it taught me a lot. Especially, surprisingly, with things that I thought I already knew about, like resumes. I learned many tips and tricks that I had never even thought about before.

However, that class left me slightly anxious when it comes to graduate school applications. I feel like there is so much to do! Like perhaps I need another 4 years just to gather up and prepare to apply!

I have known for a while that I will take a year off between graduating with my Bachelors, and attending Graduate school. This will give me time to perhaps intern somewhere, rack up some more volunteer hours, and frankly, take a break. {as I’m actually doing the whole applying process}

I feel like there should be some sort of goal list {you know I like lists… you have noticed right?}. A list of things to do on my year off, however, then I thought holy shit why would I want to make a list of things to do on my YEAR OFF? Why don’t I take it just as that, a year off?!

Perhaps the thing behind the goal list, is then maybe my life would look predictable again: I have no idea what will happen after graduation. I have no idea where I will be doing my practicum. And I have no idea if it will all work with my current job like I want it to. That’s part of the problem, {or is it a problem?} I actually enjoy my job. Most days. But it has nothing to do with social work.

Who knows. Maybe I could do both. I only work 32 hours, is that part time? It feels like more than that... Maybe I will only be able to find a part time social work related job. Maybe I will want to travel, and jobs won’t even matter for a while. {but then where will I find the money... } There are those French internship programs that I keep looking at. There are those African humanitarian treks that I always want to go on.

I fear the unknown.

And I have a whole year to be afraid.

What are you currently afraid of?

Freedom for Sarah

2010-09-14T08:02:00.000-06:00

I am so excited for Sarah and her family. I hope she can get the medical attetion she seriously needs, and that perhaps Iran will realize that to get the goodwill intentions they yearn for at the UN General Assembly, they will need to release ALL of the hikers.

But at least we are moving somewhere. I'm sure today was really hard for Sarah though, leaving her fiancé behind, in prison. Eep.

Hair Evolution

2010-09-13T00:00:00.006-06:00

I'm never sure how I want my hair. Over the past year, this is how my hair has evolved. I wonder what that says about my personality ;)

And how about the part where I really don't know which one I think is the best. Hmmmm.

I meant for this picture.. my hair NOW to be added later, but I kept forgetting to take one! So here's my picture, added... hours after people have commented. haha ;)

The picture is my sister and I, from my cousin's birthday party. Yes, my sister and I look alike. We know. :: wink wink ::

September 2010

May 2010

January 2010

October 2009

9.11

2010-09-11T07:55:00.000-06:00

Nine Eleven.

For the past nine years, these words, nine + eleven, are more significant to the world’s collective conscious than most other words combined. Nine, eleven. They didn’t used to mean much.

They were just numbers.

There are few moments in history that everyone can recall exactly where they were, and what they were doing at the moment it occurred. JFK’s assassination, the infamous Pearl Harbor, and nine years ago this very day: September 11, 2001.

Next year marks the tenth anniversary. And now at “Ground Zero” they are building a memorial. I love that we’re building something else there. That it won’t always be a place of sadness, no longer a place of terror.

I remember where I was. I was sick. I had been sick that week, and had planned on going to the doctor for blood work that afternoon. I was a senior in high school, but I didn’t go to classes that morning. I wanted to sleep in. My mom came running down the stairs telling me to come see what was on the TV. I sat there in front of CNN with my mom, amazed as we watched the second plane hit. I remember feeling like it was a movie. Like it wasn’t real. And to be honest, not being a New Yorker, I don’t think I fully grasped the significance of that moment, of that building, and of what was really happening.

Then came the small figures jumping and falling to their deaths. Then came Rudy Guiliani with his mask, walking through the streets of New York… covered in ash. Then came the news of the firefighters that ran IN to the buildings, doing their heroic jobs, many never coming out alive. Then came the cell phone pings of people trapped. Then came the stories of the man in the wheelchair, that couldn’t get out because of the stairs. Then came the tales of people miraculously being found, alive, their stories of reunion giving the world precious happy tears. Then came Peter Jennings choking up, on air – this wasn’t the kind of thing they teach you in journalism courses.

Next came the pictures of the gaping hole at the pentagon, and the news of a fourth plane. To this day, I am in awe of what they did on that doomed flight. I’m not sure I could be that brave.

We share these collective memories. And although we all disagree on political ideology and religious dogma, for a few moments, in our history we all stood together in sadness, but also with a sense of pride. I am proud to be apart of the American tapestry that created those that fought for their lives that day, and those that were lost when they were simply doing their job. Sometimes I think we forget how alike we all really are.

It wasn’t only Christians that died that day; there were Jews, Muslims, Agnostics, and Atheists among them.

It wasn’t only Americans that died that day; there were Europeans, Africans, Asians, and others among them.

It wasn’t only Caucasians that died that day; there were Asians, blacks, Hispanics, and many others among them.

Today we should celebrate our diversity.

And, above all remember the heroism of those that were lost.

Love,

Nicole, The girl that normally considers herself “not too patriotic”

How?

2010-09-04T10:12:00.000-06:00

I am sitting here at school.. waiting for my next class to start {after the previous class was cancelled, argh!} I am sitting here with my MacBook Pro. I have NO IDEA How I was able to handle and survive school before I had this fabulous tool! It is SO nice to be able to look at something during class. Perhaps I won't be as attentive.. hmmm but maybe I'll be more attentive because I'll be able to look at things as the teacher speaks, and keep much better organized notes right? Not just blog as I wait for classes to begin?

Now I just need to get better internet at home.

For sure.

My name's Nicole. And I've been a Mac for a long time, but now I'm a Macbook Pro!

How to be Alone

2010-08-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

Here's a video that I thought was interesting.

What do you think?

Interesant, oui?

Happy Birthday Amanda!

2010-08-25T00:00:00.007-06:00

Today is My Manda's Birthday.. Mosy on over to her blog: here, and tell her Happy Birthday!

August 2010

Happy Birthday Amanda! We need to go to Citta's (followed w/ Zumba!) to celebrate!

I heart Camping

2010-08-23T11:35:00.001-06:00

I haven't been camping in SO long, but I really don't know why not. I love it! Especially Mt Nebo. We've been going there since I was tiny, so this weekend it was fun to go and see how familiar it all was. My mom, my dad and my brother all went. Ashley was sick s she wasn't able to come. Boo!

Birdy

Deer!

We look just a little bit different....

I also went out with old friends on Saturday. It was so much fun! I miss them... not the job we all worked at the Library, but most definitely the people. I was going to have us take a picture but I forgot!!! Next time, fo sho.

What did you do this weekend?

{to see the rest of my camping pictures, click here}

Happy Birthday Sarah!!

2010-08-18T00:00:00.001-06:00

Today is one of my most favoritest people's Birthday.

SARAH BETH WOODMAN HOLMAN

Halloween Hippies, 1994

Love her; looking at pictures, choosing which one to put on this post made me want to hang out with my Sarah! I am going to have to work on that, fo sho.

Sarah and I were inseparable from about the age of 9 to 13. We were obsessed with 90210 (the original!), making hors d'oeuvres (which we NEVER pronounced correctly! - we basically said "orders"), soupy mac and cheese, and "making time fly." We went to year round school, and during those three weeks of being off track, Sarah would be at my house by 10am, and wouldn't leave until 5:30pm. Somestimes to come back right after she had dinner. I have so many memories with her, this post will not do her justice.

Happy 26th Sarah! Friends Forever.. For Real.

I miss it.

2010-08-16T18:00:00.021-06:00

I'm sure many of you remember when my Grandma was in the Hospital. She's okay now, she doesn't love her new facility, and I hope we can get that figured out. But this blog post isn't about her... but in some ways, it also concerns her 100%.

When she was in the Hospital, some ugly stuff went down. Some stuff that I am not proud of, some stuff that if I met a genie, one of my three wishes would be to erase that awful memory for everyone concerned. You see, as I wrote here, everyone in my family loves my Grandma. We would all do anything for her. However, in the kind of big family we have, not everyone agrees on everything.

As for what went down at the Hospital, everyone got in an argument. A big, heated, passionate, lots of f-words thrown around... Argument. The kind of argument that cannot just be taken back, and the kind of argument that shouldn't be ignored. I don't want to get into the he-saids and she-saids of the argument that happened in June. What I do want to get into is how sad it makes me feel that I haven't spoken to any of those people since that day. I haven't spoken to those people that I love, people that are part of my family.. and are part of me.

In our family, there has always been some interesting family dynamics. Some of my dad's siblings are closer to each other than others, and slowly, over the last 5 or so years there have been "battle lines" kind of drawn. Which is HORRIBLE, and I hate it. But I really just kind of accepted it as it was.. but why? I hate that I accepted it. I hate that we all accepted it. And I don't want to accept it anymore.

Before my Grandma was taken to the Hospital in June, I felt like we were making progress. I felt like we were getting to know each other again, and that the walls were slowly coming down. Now everyone has built fortresses around themselves, and I'm not sure any of us will ever be able to cross over, and make it better again. The worst part of it all is that it is affecting my Grandma. My Grandma is not getting the visits, phone calls, and attention that she deserves because of the drama that is ensuing. This hurts me the most. You can hate me, you can hate my dad, my family, whatever; but when you don't pay attention to your mom/grandma because of something she had no control over, I cannot stand it.

I was watching CNN the other day and I saw a story about a brother that donated a piece of his liver to his brother. He gave it willingly, and without question. They interviewed him before hand, and he was adamant that him and his brother were going to be friends forever, and go on living because of this gift that he was giving him. He was giving his brother the gift of life. The brother that donated passed away. He DIED so his brother could LIVE. The story in itself, made me sad, how awful is that?

But as I watched it.. I thought about my family. I would give my liver, kidney, whatever to anyone in my family. I would give it to the people that are not talking to me, willingly. I wouldn't want anything in return. I would just want them to continue living, because they lead happy fulfilling lives, and their families count on them, and most of all.. Because I LOVE them. And, call me stupid or naive, but I believe that if I were in the same situation, they would do the same for me. 100%.

So, if we would risk our own lives for each other, why can't we even speak? I know it's not simple, and I know that it can't be fixed in one day... but I miss my family. I miss my aunts and uncles, my cousins, I miss the laughs and the stories. Some of my very favorite memories involve these people. My uncle making cheese eggs, and listening to "Check Yes or No" on repeat, watching soap operas and Bon Jovi with super buttery popcorn with my aunt.. Hanging out with my cousins on my Grandma's tramp.. or searching for "snipes" for my uncle. And the best of all, Breakfasts in the Canyons, Fourth of July Breakfasts, and Grandma passing mints around at Christmas. I miss it.

One of my friends even said to me, that I was LUCKY that we were having this kind of problem. She said that if we didn't care.. we wouldn't have such arguments.

We've all made mistakes. We all need to apologize. And, we all need to forgive. I just hope we can make it back to each other before my Grandma leaves this Earth. And I pray I'm not the only one that thinks all the work will be worth it.

Our most basic instinct is not for survival but for family. Most of us would give our own life for the survival of a family member, yet we lead our daily life too often as if we take our family for granted.

~Paul Pearshall

WTF Should I DO with My Life

2010-08-15T12:07:00.000-06:00

I saw this, and I couldn't resist.

This is what WTF Should I Do with My Life told me.. Have you checked it out?

YUMMM Organic.


I always wanted to be a Kardashian.. or maybe I should marry Brody.


OH man.. Yeah, you can giggle.

Mwahaha, I have permission now!
:: wink wink ::

I would LOVE to go to Africa and do this. LOVE.

OH the things you find online..

Happy Sunday!

(Which I have to admit I DO call Kardashian Day - oops)

Less than 2 Weeks... of FREEDOM

2010-08-14T00:00:00.000-06:00

As of yesterday, Summer semester is over.
Now I just wait, impatiently for my grades.
My Cognitive Psych class ended a few weeks ago,
and I know I got an A in that class.
So now I am just crossing my fingers for the others!

Since I will now have 11 days of Freedom before Fall semester starts on the 25th, I don't know what to do with myself. I have SO many things I want to do. Perhaps I will run away to Vegas for a few days. Who's in? {Yes, I'm half serious}

What do you like to do at the end of Summer?

H-I-K-E

2010-08-08T16:50:00.005-06:00

Amanda and I went hiking yesterday, and it was so fun! I have not really been hiking for YEARS and years! But now I think I may be addicted. It was so fun!

(click here to see the rest of my pictures)

Do you have a favorite hike?

Lets go for a Hike..

2010-08-07T00:00:00.000-06:00

Today I'm going here, with mine friend Amanda. I've wanted to go for a hike for weeks - but with crazy schedules, doing things like that are so hard! I hate that. I wish I could have a Summer like kids in Elementary do.

I'm excited! Pictures to come!

Can you believe it's already AUGUST?! Where did the Summer go?

What are you doing on this Splendid Saturday?

C25K

2010-08-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

This week I'm starting the Couch to 5K, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous.

Advice? Stories? {but not the horrific kind} Tips? Anything? haha. I'm hoping someone will do it with me, but I'm not sure that will happen.

Wish me luck! I'm sure I'll post about it.

Former Running-hater,

Craftin

2010-07-30T00:00:00.000-06:00

As I was perusing blogs the other day {translation: slowly going through my neglected google reader} I found this blog, through Kyla Roma's. (I think..), and I really liked it. It was so much fun!

So, since I don't seem to have time/inspiration/something to do many blog posts 'round here lately, I thought I'd share one that did inspire me. Check it out!

Promise to be back soon! I'll be posting Tim McGraw pictures from tonight next week, complete with Cowboy Garb, you can be certain. ;)

Happy Friday!

Tonight..

2010-07-27T17:00:00.000-06:00

I'm not feeling too hot. I don't know if its the heat {probably} or the stress to get so much stuff done {likely} or the fact that Auntie Flo will be here in a few days {awww.. that's it}, but I've just got that nauseous, dizzy, tummy ache thing going on. ~~It's not fun~~ I thoroughly enjoy it {NOT!*}

So tonight..

This is what I am doing..

Watching this..

and reading me new book...

I've only read the Prologue so far, and I LOVE it. But that shouldn't surprise considering this is one of my absolutely favorite books.

*Yelling "NOT!" at the end of a sentence that you mean sarcastically, completely proves that you grew up in the 90's. Guilty as charged. Move along.

What do you do when you don't feel well?

~~Share~~

Flower Melon Pops

2010-07-23T11:17:00.001-06:00

I SOOO want to make these!

See here.

Happy Friday! annnnd Happy Pioneer Day Utahns!

Yogis Unite!

2010-07-19T11:34:00.000-06:00

This is so awesome!

10,000 Yogis Gather at Central Park

Thanks to Lina, for sharing it with me ;)

Dear beautiful boy...

2010-07-15T17:23:00.000-06:00

Dear beautiful boy on a Motorcycle,

I saw you on my way to school today, as I traveled to Orem for school. You were on a super busy street, on your motorcycle, without a helmet.

Because you didn't have a helmet, I could see how beautiful your face was. That was enjoyable, I have to admit. However, I encourage you to wear a helmet!

You wouldn't want to mess up that pretty face in an accident, would you?

Thanks,

Nicole

your admirer in the big maroon truck

*** PS~ believe me you're not the only one! But every time I see one of you without a helmet, and you're on the FREEWAY I get so infuriated! Wear an effin' helmet dammit!

Whew.. now that that's off my chest.. time for some Cognitive Psychology homework.

What letters do you wish you could send to strangers?

So excited tomorrow's Friday!

Can I get another weekend?

2010-07-12T08:17:00.003-06:00

First off, I have to apologize for my lack of blogging. I could say it was because of my foodblog, but I have also slacked on that. As I mentioned here, school has been nuts. I think I have a better system this week though, hopefully, because I some of my reading - and responses to the reading, yesterday as I watched The Hills marathon (can you believe it's over?! OMG!).

But here's a recap of the last little while..

Thursday, was Ashley's birthday. I failed miserably at a present for her, and feel awful about it. What kind of sister am I? But with missing so much work when my Grandma was in the hospital, my funds were tight.

Happy 22nd Birthday Ash!!

BUT the plan was to go buy something for her on Friday - payday. Until my car broke down on the FREEWAY on the way to get her a book, that they only had at the Barnes & Noble in Sugar House. I'm super thankful this boy was in the car with me. He probably isn't. But my Tim helps calm me down when those things happen ~ perhaps because I'm trying to be the tough, calm, in control big sister. Who knows. I love this boy.

<~ Tim being a complete dork after we went and saw Toy Story 3, in 3D. He decided to take the lenses out of the glasses. Ohhh 12 yr olds ;)

.. so Ash only got her book. I am going to have to go shopping again this week, hopefully today. Maybe I should give her one thing every day this week to make up for it. Hm. What do you think Ash?

Saturday, my Uncle Jeff got married. That was exciting. Definitely a high after my low Friday. That's for sure. Melissa is really nice, and they have a lot of fun. I'm happy that he is happy. Weddings make me want to get married. Hmmm.

and, Sunday... I did homework, and watched The Hills marathon. Its awesome that they're playing so many episodes. I am such a Reality TV addict lately! After The Hills marathon, I watched.. Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami. SO embarassing.

OH well. I'm lame. Guilty as charged.

Today I am feeling sick, so I'm skipping school to catch up on other stuff (blogging isn't supposed to be on the list.. ) and then heading in to work. Hopefully I start to feel better. Its just one of those stupid stress headaches / stomach aches, over stuff I can't post here - yet.

What did you guys do this weekend? Do you watch The Hills? I'm excited for the finale tomorrow - but mostly just because that means LC is coming back for the after party. I could never wrap my head around Kristen being friends with all of Lauren's peoples in Hollywood. It just didn't jive for me.

Do you watch the Kardashians?

Happy Monday!

Dreams

2010-07-11T00:00:00.000-06:00

I say you don't chase dreams,
you live them.
~ James Bond

School makes me need Therapy..

2010-07-05T00:00:00.000-06:00

School last week was nuts.

NUTS!

.. makes me want brownies. Yes, chocolate brownies. (hint, hint)

Somewhat because I procrastinate, somewhat because I had a lot to do, and somewhat because I was also trying to work extra hours after all of the Grandma hubbub that happened the week before.

I have 2 new classes for this second session of Summer, Intro to Counseling & Psychotherapy; and a behavioral science Career & Major exploration required class. In all honesty, I kind of thought the Career class would be simple, it would involve taking personality tests, and talking about the different jobs for behavioral science majors. Ummm Nope! We have to do a Graduate school research project, and basically prepare ourselves to apply to Graduate school. Which.. is GOOD because we all (or at least a lot of us), are going to need to do that - but its hard! haha. So if you have any ideas, comments, suggestions, etc. about applying, let me know!!

My Therapy class seems interesting. I don't know that I really want to do therapy. But this class has already made me think that perhaps I could do it. We will see. We will see. My teacher's mantra is "don't have sex with your clients.." which is funny and refreshing, 'specially in Utah County!

Another side effect of my Therapy class is that its already making ME feel like I NEED to go to Therapy. Uh oh.

So that's that. School, shmuel. I'm still on track to graduate a year from now, in August 2011, everyone cross your fingers that I pass my Math class this Summer so that I can stay on track! A life riding on my fate in a math class makes me sooo nervous. That's fo' sho!

Are you going to school? What are your classes?
(or are you smarter than me and skipping Summer, as I did last year.. OH last year.. I miss thee)

If you're graduated - what was your favorite class?

Why do you live... ?

2010-07-02T22:21:00.001-06:00

SOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!

Voldemort: Why do you live?

Harry: Because I have something to live for!

ONLY I CAN LIVE FOREVER ~ Voldemort

OHH yeah.

Movies are like an expensive form of Therapy for me ~ Tim Burton

2010-07-01T10:16:00.001-06:00

Today's post brought to you by NaBloPoMo's Writing Prompt of the Day.

Buuut first, CAN YOU BELIEVE ITS JULY?! I'm so stoked! Because July better be better than June dammit, or I'm outa here. (sounds like such fightin' words until I start to think about what I would even DO.. go get August to kick out July? oh bah.)

On to the prompt..

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?

This is kind of a hard one for me. I have 2 favorite movies. One classic, and one modern.

Breakfast at Tiffany's

I love Breakfast at Tiffany's, for its classic humor, and wit. Its the best! But I AM an Audrey Hepburn obsessed person, so really who can be that surprised that I love the song Moon River, and seriously thought about naming Oliver, "Cat"? (his name is Oliver, but his middle name is Cat, if you wondered).

and..

The Pursuit of Happyness

I love Will Smith. But I love this movie SO much! Everytime I watch it, I cry. Especially during that bathroom scene. Its a beautiful story though, it shows so much courage and determination. I can't imagine being that poor, and that helpless, but I think we all are really just a few weeks shy of being just that destitute. What's amazing to me is how he really did the whole "pull up by your boot straps" thing, and really got himself, and his child into a newer, better life - so inspiring.

Now I want to go watch both of these!

What's YOUR favorite movie(s)?

Strong

2010-06-28T00:00:00.002-06:00

Finding Motivation

2010-06-27T21:13:00.000-06:00

I've been trying to find motivation for months.

MONTHS.

So, I finally decided to make myself more accountable.

I am going to start an exercise & food journal on my new tumblr page.

Come on over and say hey!

And if you have a TUMBLR follow me! ;)

USA! USA!

2010-06-26T10:13:00.002-06:00

"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that."
~ Bill Shankly
(English soccer manager)

I LOVE the World Cup!

Even the buzzzzzzzzzzzing sound of the vuvuzelas.

What happened to Rooney? I can't believe how bad England has been doing. They're lucky they're still in it.

{But I guess we're lucky Wayne hasn't stomped on any crotches as he did in 2006, eh?}

If for nothing else, Cristiano Ronaldo is a reason enough to watch the World Cup. Yum.

But this part has been THE BEST so far...

.. Team USA has had a lot of problems, from the Goal taken away from us {you knew I had to bring that up sometime}, to the fact that for some reason we like to let people score on us first, and play catch up the rest of the match.

But that's all going to change today, we're going to kick some Ghana ass! {even if I DID cheer for them in the previous round, someone in Africa had to at least get to the next round.. but now it's war}.

GO TEAM USA!

Amazed. Infuriated. Pissed. Helpless.

2010-06-20T21:54:00.001-06:00

Last night as I started to get into my pajamas, took an 800mg ibuprofen for my mouth, and was just going to get settled into my bed. My mom came down the stairs to let me know that my Grandma's nursing home had completely messed up, to no other. I'm still in amazement, like its some sort of bad dream. What the HELL?!

Come to find out what happened is she was given someone else's pills, with the same first name. My grandma is NOT a pain patient, she is not a hospice patient, the only reason she was really in the stupid effing home was because we wanted her to be safe. We TRUSTED the facility to be able to care for her well being, so that she wouldn't fall, and so her medication could be on a set administration schedule. That trust is completely obliterated. But despite her not being a hospice patient, she was given a HUGE dose of extended release morphine tablets, along with two different types of anti seizure medications. She doesn't have seizures - and even then, the doses she was given are NOT okay for an elderly patient in the first place. Shit.

I am now sitting on the computer in the waiting room, competely in amazement. This is my worst nightmare.

She is slowly coming around. She has been on a breathing machine, with a scuba-diver looking mask, and an anti narco drip. She still recognizes us, and understands, or at least she does now, for the last few hours. Just competely confused on what the hell is going on. I think as soon as she truly realizes what happened, and gets her gusto back, you aren't going to want to hear them fighting expletives that will be coming out of her mouth.

I love you Grandma!

But you have to get better so we can DANCE!!

Coffee Bean Dreams

2010-06-17T06:00:00.005-06:00

As I mentioned on Monday, I've been a little bit out of commission since I had my Wisdom teeth (plus 2!) removed. I have been on percocet, an antibiotic, and 800 mg Ibuprofen. I'm usually not THAT crazy on drugs, but I've been having some crazy dreams. {truth be told, I've had crazy dreams before, see here.. but I can blame it on the narcotics, right?}

One dream involved my good friend (and boss), Lina, and her husband Bryce. I don't even know what Lina was saying to me, but she was gesturing, and talking, and giggling. I was just staring at her, confused. Bryce was standing behind Lina laughing HYSTERICALLY. But I don't have a clue at what.

I then interrupt their laughter and yell, "I NEED black coffee!!"

I mentioned this on Twitter, and Tori recommended this dream meanings dictionary. Let's see if this offers any insight.

First, the laughing:

To dream that you are laughing, suggests that you need to lighten up and let go of your problems. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. Laughing is also a sign of joyous release and pleasure. If you are being laughed at, then it indicates your insecurities and fears of not being accepted.

To hear the cheerful laughter of children, denotes splendid joy and vital health.

To hear evil, demonic laughing in your dream, represents feelings of humiliation and/or helplessness.

Sad! I don't feel like I have insecurities, especially with Lina. She's one of my bestest friends. EVER. Maybe Bryce makes me nervous.. haha. Whatever that means. OH man.

and then the coffee...

To dream that you are drinking or need your coffee, suggests that you should gain some insight and knowledge before making a decision or tackling some project/relationship. You may be acting too hasty and need to slow down. Alternatively, it may imply a need for you to change your routine.

To dream that you are drinking coffee with someone, indicates that you might have feelings for that person. Alternatively, having coffee with someone denotes your hospitality and sociability.

To see a coffee pot in your dream, signifies hospitality and sharing of knowledge, hopes, concerns and/or ideas. It may also represent neighborliness, comfort, and companionship.

I don't even really like coffee. Weird.

Any insight for me before I tackle a big project? I don't have a clue what THAT means.

Have YOU had any weird dreams lately?

I have an Addiction

2010-06-16T10:24:00.001-06:00

I NEED these.

NEED.

PANDA Cake!

2010-06-15T00:00:00.000-06:00

How cute is that?!

(courtesy of Krallecakes, and the super fun Epi Cute Food Blog)

Ouch!

2010-06-12T06:26:00.002-06:00

Sorry for my being M.I.A. I am posting this from my phone, via gmail.com. I had my wisdom teeth, plus 2 other teeth, removed on Thursday. And I had been feeling pretty okay, until this morning. I started to ease up on my percocet last night, and woke up with my mouth hurting. After some vanilla ice cream, ice packs, and 2 percocet
later I feel better. BUT I also feel the foggy percocet halo above my head. I hate that! (I also hate that I only slept for 5 hours, and was eating ice cream at 5 AM, wtf?!)

Soooo.. I'll be M.I.A. a little bit, for the next few days.

But here are a few random thoughts:

Go USA today! I love the World Cup! and am excited for the game, even
if I think Rooney and crew are going to kick our American asses.

Can you believe today is the 1st anniversary of that crappy pseudo
election in Iran last year? Wow! Time flies. I hope the Iranian
revolutionaries haven't lost that fire that Ahmadinejad ignited.

Any Judds fans out there? They were my FAVE as a child, and They're
going back on Tour! I cant help but be giddily excited. My cousin,
Erica, texted me about it on Thursday and I just started giggling.

.. and, last thought for today - I went to the REAL SALT LAKE soccer game
on Thursday, which was followed by a performance by David Cook!! I
LOVE him! 2nd time I've seen him in 7 months.. I want to be his
Groupie!

What are you doing this weekend?

Give Peace a Chance

2010-06-09T00:00:00.000-06:00

Random peace sign.. maybe there are secret hippies in Salt Lake City.

Where are they hiding?!

Happy Birthday to one of my favorite people!

2010-06-08T00:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Things I love about Grandma Jeaner..

When she acts "tough"
But I love when she gets emotional, and shows she's all soft inside
SO many good memories with her - she made every Holiday special
Fernwood Mints on Christmas :)
Home made strawberry ice cream
Yummy buttery rolls full of goodness
That time that she peed her pants at Arby's.. will make me giggle forever
Her love for Jennifer Aniston and Julia Roberts
Watching sappy lovey movies with her
How big her smile gets when she talks about Mamma Mia
Her itsy bitsy perfect handwriting
So stinkin Stubborn - I love it.
She's been to almost every one of mine and my siblings sporting events, or dance and school performances - she's one of our personal cheerleaders
All of her funny sayings "I see.. said the blindman, as he picked up his hammer and saw" ~ and the fact that I didn't REALLY understand this until many years after she had engraved it into my brain

I love you Grandma!

fill in the blank friday - TRAVEL style!

2010-06-04T10:01:00.001-06:00

Yay! for fill in the blank friday, brought to you by Lauren at the little things we do. Love it.

Join in the fun! The more the merrier..

1. My dream vacation would be THAT is so hard! I think my ultimate dream vacation would be the "around the world" trips where they take you everywhere, and you do everything. Or on that show the Travel Channel sponsored a few years ago, where they did everything in the 1,000 things to do before you die book. Love it.

2. The best trip I've ever taken would have to be my first real BIG trip - to Europe! I studied abroad in London for 6 weeks, and fell in love with everything about that city. I have been dying to get back to England ever since I got back - 5 years ago.

3. The most important items to take on a road trip are fattening food and great music!

4. The next trip I'm looking forward to is hopefully Europe in 2011! Happy Graduation.. to me!

5. If I had to pick one CD to listen to for a long road trip it would be Savage Garden. haha. That's the best California road trippin' music. Right Ash?

6. The biggest disaster I've ever encountered while traveling was umm.. probably losing my passport in London? Yeah, that wasn't cool. Or the guy with the chocolate bar gun in San Francisco. Or that whole Germany fiasco. Hurl.

7. My favorite traveling memory is This is the hardest question ever! I think one of my favorite memories is when my sister and I took our very first road trip down to Los Angeles & Disney Land. That was the best. We've been hooked on traveling together ever since!

Happy List

2010-06-02T15:54:00.001-06:00

I'm back! From my unofficial MIA. I'm not really sure what happened.. I guess with the weekend, and with life.. I just didn't have any blogger time. But I'm back!

These are some things that are making me happy this week..

Family BBQs - my cousins came in from California, it was good to see them and everyone on Memorial Day. YUMMY food too! We need to make it an occurrence that happens often!

Oliver.. My favorite boy.

I can't believe he's almost 1!

July 2009

My new apple keyboard!! On Sunday our keyboard just stopped working! The stupid space bar just decided it had lived a long enough life, and was retiring. So sad! I even tweated:

nicoleelkington: myspacebarstoppedoworking!;(

(I don't know why I added an 'o'.. I guess my space bar stopped o-working?)

But now I have this! and it.is.awesome! It really is the little things.. right?

LAKERS back in the NBA Finals. Love them.

Lee won Idol! He's the best! I can't wait to see him in concert & buy his CD!

and, last, but definitely not last: the latest Harry Potter trailer. I am so pumped for some HP!

Carina Nebula

2010-05-26T00:00:00.002-06:00

(picture source: HuffingtonPost.com)

How amazing is that?

Wow!

This has post has been a part of May's Lookup fun. Thanks for reading! ;)

I can do anything..

2010-05-24T00:00:00.000-06:00

This little girl's daily affirmation is awesome, and hilarious.

We all need to remember that we CAN do anything, and that we ARE lucky to have many things that we take for granted.

Happy Monday! ;)

Sending Love to the Hikers

2010-05-23T09:43:00.003-06:00

Ugh ~ this just makes me sad. 10 MONTHS is such a long time! I feel awful for the hikers, and their families and their friends. How terrible would that be, to be stranded so far away, to not be able to see or speak to your family, and your friends.

Follow @freethehikers on twitter, for upto date information on their plight.

* News release from Reuters, about 5 minutes ago states that Iran has said that the hikers are spies (NOT true), BUT they've offered to do a prisoner swap:

Iran's intelligence minister said on Sunday he had no doubt three U.S. citizens arrested last July near the Iraq border are spies and called on Washington to propose a prisoner swap to secure their release.

Crossing my fingers for a solution. I really thought there was a big chance the hikers would be allowed to return to the United States with their mothers.

Sending Love,

My Happy List

2010-05-22T00:00:00.002-06:00

These are just a few things that are making me happy this month:

my new haircut!

annnnnd my new header avatar

spending Mother's Day weekend with my family - especially my ~~crazy~~ awesome Alaskan Uncle Brent

my silly grandma

freshmade salsa - yum!

ulta eyeshadow

I'll probably get a lot of crap for this.. but, I'm excited for Kate Plus 8

babysitting Lauren's two cute 2 year olds

Kobe Bryant & the Lakers

the world cup starts in 3 weeks!

Jared Leto's pomegranate mohawk

AND the weather is finally starting to look up!

What are you happy about this month?

fill in the blank friday

2010-05-21T14:26:00.000-06:00

It's Friday! and I'm in one of those moods.. so I got excited when I saw that Lauren had chosen to talk about FASHION on this fill in the blank. 'Cause who doesn't like Fashion? Remember to click on her page, and add your name to the McLinky! That way we can all see everyone that's participating!

1. One fashion trend I really regret is... scrunchies! Especially those that I didn't even really put any hair in! So they just looked like a fancy colorful multi-colored scrunchy SITTING on my head! Eep!

2. The one thing that always completes any outfit is... Jewelry. I HAVE to have earrings, a watch, a necklace.. or a scarf! I feel naked without those accessories.

3. I would describe my personal style as... Eh? I have no idea what to call it. lol. Depends on the day?

4. My fashion muse is... I love Jennifer Aniston's and Reese Witherspoon's styles. But I don't really feel like I have one so-called "muse". Maybe I should.. hmmm

5. If I could own one designer piece of clothing it would be ..... I would really love some designer jeans! someday..

6. I would love to raid the wardrobe of ... Reese, Jennifer Aniston.. even like Sarah Jessica Parker (but NOW not when she was on Sex & the City, those outfits now really date the show!)

7. Today I am wearing ... its casual Friday! at work, so I'm wearing jeans, a purple shirt, and brown mary janes. I love Mary Janes. What does that say about me? Hmmm..

Happy Friday everyone!

Frenchy Friday Seize

2010-05-21T00:00:00.002-06:00

J'ai pensé que cette vidéo était amusant.

(I thought this video was funny)

Accepting Donations

2010-05-19T00:00:00.003-06:00

.... for a Nikki goes to Paris fund, will foxtrot for money.

Target Adventures

2010-05-18T00:00:00.003-06:00

A few nights ago Ashley and I went to Target... on search of the elusive perfect summer sandals for Ash.. with a heel of course...

I always try on hats.. I don't know why. I look stupid in most of them..

I want those shoes we saw that one time we were here, remember?
Me.. Uhh.. no?

Oooh.. I love Vintagey things.

Hmm, Asian inspired scarf anyone? Yeah.. I want one,

but.. I own too many scarves.

I can't decide if I like the big oversized rings.. Do you?

They kind of remind me of candy.

.. or children's jewelry.

I can NOT believe these are back in style. I had these!

.. In 1995.

I love these, they're so cute!

Ashley: "Everything's cute, smaller"

She has a point.

I kinda like this big one.. hmmmmm...

AT LAST! She found her shoes!

Good thing, cause I was getting hungry..

How depressing is that?! I wanted a freakin' TWIX,

I was willing to waste my 250 calories.. and yet I totally got jipped!

Slacker Shredder

2010-05-16T14:10:00.001-06:00

I was SO bad this last week, and haven't done any 30 Day Shred! Oops!

This week will be much better though. Yes, ma'am. I am determined to keep changing and I want some 'guns'! (meaning more muscles in my arms.. no way in {beep!} am I joining the NRA ~~anytime soon~~ EVER)

I think my problem is I just. get. bored. Which really means I should probably just join the gym, because really, at least there's a lot of options there. Right? But I like the IDEA of going outside and working out, whilst soaking up some Vitamin D. I'd like to some day do this program: The Couch to 5K Program.

Has anyone out there done that?

New shoes! New shoes!

2010-05-15T00:00:00.003-06:00

I love shoes..
I love red..
I love shoe dazzle..

Can I just have SUN instead of WIND in this stupid Utah weather and maybe I could wear these outside and not freeze? K. Thanks.

Frenchy Friday Quinze

2010-05-14T10:39:00.002-06:00

Yummm.. I am SUCH a bread person, and french baguettes are perfect for bread people.

Ever wondered where the French got the idea for the baguette? Wonder no longer..
(history from French bread and French baguette)

The baguette is a derivative of the bread developed in Vienna in the middle of the 19th century. At that stage steam ovens had just been brought into use, enabling loaves to be made with a crisp crust and the white centre, similar to todays baguettes. Long Then in 1920 a law was passed preventing bakers from working before 4am. This made it impossible to make the traditional loaf in time for customers' breakfasts. The longer, thinner baguette solved the problem because it could be prepared and baked much more rapidly.

Au Revoir,

fill in the blank friday

2010-05-14T09:30:00.000-06:00

I missed a few weeks of fill in the blank Fridays.. oops! To participate, click on Lauren's blog over at the little things we do - she's awesome!

1. The very best thing about the summer is... the overall relaxed attitude. Even if I still have just as many things to do, somehow the sun shine, the barbecues, and the popsicles make life just that much better.

2. My first crush ever.. Brett Hendricks, in 2nd Grade. Aw man. Him, and Michelangelo, the best ever Ninja Turtle. Hands down.

3. This may sound really silly but.. I look forward to Fridays each week. Not because of fill in the blank Fridays, even if this IS stellar.. but because its casual day at work. Somehow wearing Jeans makes my day.

4. I squeeze my toothpaste from.. the middle of the tube. I know, I'm a rebel.

5. My absolute favorite "comfort food" is... mac and cheese from Noodles & Co.. mmmmm yum! Or $1 hot fudge sundaes from McDonalds - the only thing I ever purchase at the evil golden arches.

6. A random fact about me is.. I was on the Radio once, when I was probably 6 or 7. My uncle used to work at a Radio station here in Salt Lake, and I thought I was the raddest.

7. The one piece of technology that truly makes my life better and I couldn't live without.. is my phone. At least, that's what I'm obsessed with. I love that it has internet, and I can get on facebook, and twitter, and google reader all from anywhere I want. Ha. Even if it is just a few feet away from my iMac, I'd much rather lounge around with just my phone in my hand. My next wish is a MacBook though! So I can do all of the above.. and more. ;)

All that I'm after is a Life full of LAUGHTER, as long as I'm laughing with You..

2010-05-13T00:00:00.001-06:00

Ashley, Tim, and I went to see Daughtry on April 22nd. It was awesome! LOVE it!

I love Jason from Lifehouse.. sooo yummie..

and who doesn't love Chris?! I voted for him a gazillion times when he was on Idol. Cause, really, who wouldn't?!

I'm a concert freak. Yes..

Sunny Sun, Cloudy Clouds

2010-05-12T00:00:00.001-06:00

Changing Slowly

2010-05-10T00:00:00.003-06:00

I am at a stale mate as far as my weight loss is going. I haven't been very motivated the past few months, and haven't GAINED any weight back, but I definitely haven't lost. A few weeks ago I was going to go swimming, but to do that I'd have to buy a new suit. Not the typical reason - because it was too small - but because it would be WAY too big if I went swimming in it, and flashing people at a family friendly pool just isn't my thing.

Instead of buying a suit, I decided not to go. Partly because I want to buy a suit smaller than what I would need right now, and mostly because I just didn't have the money to spend on it.

When I told my friend I wasn't going, and that my suit was too big, she hadn't even realized that I have lost 40 pounds in the past year. This made me kind of self conscious, like really? Do I not look different? So I decided to look at some pictures. I don't have for real, official "before" and "after" pictures.. but I think even just these pictures of my face show that I'm smaller.

Befores..

really? who let me wear those glasses?! ick!

Afters..

Its so weird the way our mind's work when it comes to self image. People told me months and months ago, when I worked at the Rack that I looked better, and they noticed that I had lost weight. But I don't think its really been drastically noticeable to me, until recently. Maybe my friend just knows me too well, and loves me no matter what my size is. I guess I'll keep her.

This picture of me, from 2003, is my motivation. If I was that small at one point, I can do it again, right?

Don't ask what we were sad about .. I don't have a clue.

Except that I want some muscles too.. yessss

What are your weight loss goals? What do you do to stay motivated?

Hopefully my 30 Day Shred will improve my Shreddin'. Eh?

Happy Birthday AND Mother's Day MOM!

2010-05-09T00:00:00.007-06:00

little tiny me..

Denver, 1986?

Photobooth, 1988?

Kenny Chesney concert, 2009

We might not always get along...

but when we do, we have a lot of fun!

2010

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

AND... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Rockband Rockstar, priceless

Shreddin'

2010-05-08T20:37:00.003-06:00

This week, I started the 30 Day Shred. I am now on Day 5 and its HARD but its fun! I really like Jillian, and I really feel like I am making progress. I don't think I've lost any inches yet.. but I am gaining endurance, and that's what really counts this early in the game, right?

The first day.. I couldn't even finish the whole session without sitting down for a minute!

And yes, my arms hurt.

OUCH!

.. so do my thighs

What I wouldn't do to look like her..

and when she says, "if you feel like you're gonna die... " I want to SMACK her everytime!

What are you doing to stay active?

I'm excited..

2010-05-08T00:00:00.007-06:00

I get to see 30 Seconds to Mars tonight! Yes!

Frenchy Friday Quinze: Touring le Tour Eiffel

2010-05-07T00:00:00.002-06:00

(source: World City Photos)

Bonne Anniversaire le Tour Eiffel! (hier)

(Happy Birthday Eiffel Tower! - yesterday)

The Eiffel Tower turned 121 yesterday, May 6th. It was built in 1889, and was only supposed to stand for 20 years. However, from the popularity, and radio signal technology, the tower stayed. It has now become one of the most recognizable french icons ever.

I love the Eiffel Tower. I'm glad they kept it!

I visited the Tour Eiffel on my trip to Paris in 2005. It was the beginning of June, and it was kind of windy. Those elevators scared the living {beep!} out of me!

Looking down from the Elevator..

They're so rickety.. and creepy.. and then you go half way to the top and the tower sways a little as you step out onto the platform and look down on the city of Paris. I loved it.. and as soon as that eep! feeling leaves your stomach, you look up and think, "now I have to get to the top" your feeling of nausea, anxiety, and excitement returns instantly.

The view from the top is even better.

Some random history of the tower..

Tower Happenings

During its period of existence, the Eiffel Tower has witnessed a number of strange scenes, including being scaled by a mountaineer in 1954 and two Englishmen parachuting off it in 1984. The arrest of the infamous World War I German Spy, the Danish dancer Mata Hari, was due to the interception of one of her radio messages by the tower's radiotelegraphic center.

In 1923, the journalist Pierre Labric [who was later to become mayor of Montmartre] rode a bicycle down from the first level. Some accounts say he rode down the stairs while others suggest that he rode on the exterior of one of the tower's four legs which slope outward.

In 1925, a con artist by the name of Victor Lustig, managed to sell the tower for scrap.

Politics have also played a role in its life. During World War II, the Germans hung a sign on it that read: "Deutschland Siegt Auf Allen Fronten" ["Germany is victorious on all fronts"]. In 1958, a few months before Fidel Castro's rise to power, Cuban revolutionaries hung their red-and-black flag from the first level and, in 1979, an American from Greenpeace hung a sign reading: "Save the Seals". In 1989, the Tower celebrated its centennial with music and fireworks [the show lasted 89 minutes].

(source: ClaudonLake)

Je l'aime, vous l'aimez?

(I love it, do you love it?)

Master Alisha

2010-05-06T19:42:00.001-06:00

Last weekend I went on a little Roadtrip down to Cedar City, to watch one of my bestest friends, Alisha, graduate with her MASTERS in Education!

We went in hopes of sun.. well.. it wasn't 80 degrees or anything, but at least it didn't snow until Sunday, right?!

I loved seeing this Southern Utah sun, and these pretty mountains, made me miss Utah's Dixie

(stole this one from Alisha)

Can you believe we've been friends for so long? Wow!

Junior Year of High School.. High School Graduation, 2002

Congrats Alisha!

She even made me try on her cap n gown.. made me motivated for next year, cause really who doesn't love that get up?! haha.

Attitude & Gratitude Award

2010-05-06T00:00:00.003-06:00

First, I have to thank Ashley from http://www.labirdsnest.com/ for passing this award on to me last week. I am honored that out of all the blogs out there she picked mine! Thanks Ashley! Everyone should head over to Ashley's blog and see how awesome she is.. but not until you find out who I'm passing the award to!

Now I get to pass on the award, which really.. is the hardest part for me. How to choose, how to choose?!

Ash, at Ashley
Amanda, at Me, My Blog, and I
Lina, at Hello, my name is Lina
Kim, at Kim's Thoughts
Alisha, at Crazy Days
Amber, at Girl with The Red Hair
Mary, at A Merry Life
Kath, at Kath Eats Real Food
Nic, at PinkNic's Planet
Clew, at Clews Blues

Congrats Girls!! :)

You received the Sisterhood Award, now what? Here's what you do:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post

2. Nominate up to 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!

3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

CONGRATS!!

Feliz Dia de Cinco de Mayo!

2010-05-05T00:00:00.011-06:00

mmmmmmmm makes me want chips and salsa at every meal!

(picture from BisayanLady)

Which is more Humane?

2010-05-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

I was randomly watching Animal Planet the other day.. and I saw this video. It almost makes me cry everytime, how awesome is that dog?!

.. and then I see video like this, and I just get mad. Really?!

One more down, four more to go

2010-05-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

That's right ladies, and gentlemen I will be done with school in exactly 4 semesters. Count them, 1-2-3-4. And, just like in High School knowing that I will be done in a little over a year from now, has already given me that Senioritis bug. But! I am determined this Summer semester to stay strong, and not end it like I just ended this last one.

I don't really know what happened, but I definitely got lost in last semester. Don't get me wrong, I still pulled it out in the end, kicked some butt on my finals and really feel like I will do okay. I guess my only problem is, I could have done a lot better. However, I think that's always been my problem. Somewhere, I became okay with just getting by.

Does anyone else do that? I make excuses, excuses that have been in my psychee for so long that I don't even consciously realize I'm making them. Excuses like, well I have a job, and a lot of classes, and I don't JUST study - I have a life. Or rationalizations like "I'm not stupid, I could do better.. if I wanted to." But that's the one that I started to think about today. Why wouldn't I want to?

In all honesty, school has never been hard for me. I have always been able to cram just before a test, and get at least a B, usually an A. So why would I study? I know in my head, that I should study, because school isn't just about that piece of paper at the end, I'm supposed to be learning things so I can use them in 'real life' right?

So, after ending Spring semester this week with a big headache and stressful nights full of cramming, I have decided I am going to put my whole heart and soul into Summer semester. I am really going for all A's, and I'm going to do it this time. It can't be that bad, its only Summer semester, right?

Any ideas on how to get all those A's would be greatly appreciated ;)

Interruption of our Regularly Scheduled Programs for..

2010-04-30T00:00:00.001-06:00

me to say I'm out! on a Road Trip that is. Yay!

Cedar City, Utah

Where I hope to see a lot of this..

and maybe do a little of this..

What are your vacation plans this Summer?

I would really love to go here..

or here..

But that will probably have to wait till next year.

(don't worry there are posts scheduled to entertain you while.. I'm being entertained.. haha)

Terrific Tulips

2010-04-28T00:00:00.000-06:00

Aren't these the cutest?

Again, from EpiCuteBlog..

I need to take some cake decorating classes.. yes!

400

2010-04-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

Today marks my 400th post. 400. I should have some fancy giveaway to celebrate, but I don't. I've never done one of those, and with it being finals week, and me leaving on a road trip in a few days, it just isn't the right timing. (I typically hate that idea, 'not the right timing' is it ever really the perfect exact timing for things? don't you sometimes have to force the timing to fit?) <-- sorry for the rant. I don't know what that was.

SOoo.. what if you guys just ask me questions? You can do it here, in the comments section, or you can do it anonymously on my formspring.me. And, when I get back from my trip and all my scheduled posts are done posting (and there are some good ones!) I will answer the questions. Yes?

Common Misconceptions about the Niqāb

2010-04-26T00:00:00.017-06:00

The other day, Octavia Nasr from CNN tweated (@OctaviaNasrCNN) this article, about the Niqāb (aka: Burqa). I thought it was really interesting.. check it out!

(picture from: wikipedia)

From Times Online July 21, 2009

The niqab, fact v fiction

How much do you really know about the niqab?

An insider guide to common misconceptions

Fatima Barkatulla 185 Comments

Recommend? (69)

1.The niqab is a symbol of female subjugation.

None of the niqab-wearing women who I know, wear it because they have been forced to. They see it as an act of devotion to their Creator: the culmination of a spiritual journey. In fact most of them are women who were born and brought up in the UK; many are White or Afro-Caribbean Muslim converts to Islam who have chosen to observe it. The hijab, niqab and abaya are outer garments and are worn only when outdoors or in the presence of men who are not close relatives and so, contrary to popular belief, underneath their robes, in family and female-only settings Muslim women are often very fashion conscious and outgoing. They dress in everyday clothing; they get their hair done, go on holiday and even buy lingerie!

2. Women who wear the niqab cannot possibly contribute to society

People are surprised to hear that niqab-wearers come from varied vocational backgrounds. They include doctors, teachers, dentists, authors, social workers, university graduates, lecturers and more. They usually prefer to work in a female environment and so would not wear the face-veil all the time. Other women say that wearing the niqab actually makes them feel more comfortable when they are working with men. It is ironic that the very women who are the subject of debate are far from being a burden on society: they don’t get drunk and disorderly, don’t smoke and are likely to be very good citizens. Many of them are full-time mothers who take pride in raising well-educated children who will be an asset to British society.

3. The niqab isn’t in the Qur’an

The Qur’anic worldview presents a complete system of living, which permeates the daily lives of observant Muslims....

Frenchy Friday Quatorze

2010-04-23T00:00:00.008-06:00

Fellow Frenchy lovers, have you ever been to the French Embassy's FRENCH CULTURE website? It is very interesting. I liiiike it.

It led me to such awesome things like..

Samedi Culture, the weekly KUSF radio program based in San Francisco.

EspaceFrancophone.org

and made me want to go to festivals like..

French Touch at 2010 PEN World Voices Festival

Sacramento French Films Festival (!)

ColCoa French Films Festival <~ that is happening RIGHT NOW in Los Angeles, without me. Sadness.

and education stuff like..

French language certificates information

and.. Grants to travel to France!

and.. I wish I was a millionaire and could do this internship.

and listen to new french music like..

AIR
Corneille

Au revoir!

Earth, Daughtry & Lifehouse

2010-04-22T05:00:00.000-06:00

As seen below.. its my 2nd blogoversary, but its also EARTH DAY!! And, in somewhat related news.. I love these new product (RED) shirts from The Gap!

But its not only Earth Day.. but I get to see these two great bands tonight! YAY!!

Happy Earth Day! :)

Blogoversary #2

2010-04-22T00:00:00.025-06:00

Today marks my 2nd Blogoversary. Can you believe that? Sometimes it feels like I've been blogging forever, and other times it feels like I'm still not exactly sure about it - or that it really hasn't been that long. But then I read my first post and..... I hope I write better, and have grown up a little since then!

Not only that.. but life has definitely changed a lot since then.

When I started that blog, I was going to move to Germany: yeah, that only lasted a week.
When I started that blog, I thought I was only writing for my family and close friends, but now I have a lot of blogger friends, and love meeting new ones every day!
When I started that blog, I was working at that stinky credit union.. after 2 years of various jobs, and craziness, I finally have a job that I really like. Success, yes.
When I started that blog, I hadn't really gotten very far with my dream of being a Social Work, I don't think at that point.. I was even 100% sure that was what I wanted. Now, I'm a year away from getting my Bachelors - totally burned out on this Semester.. but still excited to finally graduate! A year's really not that far away.
When I started that blog, I was taking German - to live in Germany, of course. Now, I keep throwing around the idea of getting my minor in French. Because, I love everything about the French language (and it definitely helps that I love Paris too.. ). Crazy.

But.. I definitely don't feel like I'm done blogging.. and in the next year I really hope to grow more (except NOT my waist line.. eh?).

Here's to many more years to come! ;)

The Earth Laughs in Flowers ~ who doesn't love Emerson?

2010-04-20T08:45:00.002-06:00

Oh man, I want these shoes. Stupid Nordstrom emails. I mean, really? Who has $120 to spend on these super cute Dansko sandals?! Not me.. that's for sure.. but I still want them. Yes, yes I do.

I love that its all summery now in Utah! FINALLY! Except that its supposed to rain tomorrow.. so it was short lived. But rain can be good too, right? I really do like rain, I just feel like that time should be over now. I'm ready for SUMMER.

I think I have some sort of 'spring fever' or something. I just want to be outside, sitting in the warm sun, not at school or work, being productive! Ick!

Yesterday I went walking with my friend Alisha. It was good. We are going to try to do it on a weekly basis, and maybe that will get me motivated to work out again. I still haven't bought a gym membership.. and yeah, first I blamed it on my debit card fiasco with the fabulous Jordan Credit Union, but now its just like.. I'm.. lazy. I might join in May though. Let's make it a May thing, right? I have all of May and most of June off from in-person school (meaning I have online classes that start in May). THAT in itself makes me so excited! I get to work normal hours at work - YES! I will only be working from 9a to 3:30p - so it better not rain too much in May because I am going to Lagoon dammit!

On Sunday Ash, Tim and I went to Lagoon. It was fun! But for some reason we were all totally worn out afterwards, and we left before the park even closed. Must be something in the Water.. Or maybe we just aren't used to being in the warm warm sun after that loooong annoying Winter, who knows. But aren't we cute? I loves them.

Two of my friends are graduating this week and next week. I love that I will always feel academically inferior to Jihyei and Alisha. Just kidding, just kidding. I am proud of them! Jihyei is getting her Law Degree - LAW degree. WOW! and Alisha is getting her Master's in Education.. but somehow, I doubt either one of them is really finished with school. Silly, silly girls. Jihyei is spending her summer in Maryland with her parents, so we all got together last week. I know I don't see her very often, but I'm going to miss her, nonetheless. Maybe a trip to DC is in my future - what a good excuse to see Jihyei and Barack, right? Just say yes. Here's us at Jihyei's house, we had a lot of fun. I look gynormously tall in this picture.. I really am sitting on the edge of the couch. I swear. Blah.

Lindsey, Suzanne, Daija, Jihyei, Alisha, Me

Alisha's graduation is perfect for me, becaaaaaaause its down in Cedar City - southern Utah. So, I get to go on a mini road trip! How cool is that?! I'm excited. Not that there's a TON to do in Cedar City, but its the act of escaping for a couple days that sounds superb. So, next weekend. Me = Mini Vacation.

I'm also going out to Dinner with Ol' Accessories Dept, Rack people tomorrow. I am excited for that too.. yeah, see? How am I supposed to lose weight when all I do is go out to eat? Should probably fix that.. maybe I'll become an avid bowler. Ha, yeah right.

How is YOUR Tuesday?

Share

PS: GO LAKERS tonight!

B.I.G Poppa

2010-04-19T00:00:00.000-06:00

In honor of BIG month..

Who else?

The Notorious BIG

Awe man, its funny how music can make you feel like a little kid again.

GO LAKERS

2010-04-18T00:00:00.010-06:00

The Lakers play game 1 of their playoff journey today.

GO LAKERS!!

Cakealicious

2010-04-17T00:00:00.000-06:00

SO awesome.

Nikki wants.

NOW.

Thanks bakingarts!

Frenchy Friday Treize

2010-04-16T10:00:00.000-06:00

Je suis desole, non frenchy friday vrai, aujourd'hui. J'ai devoirs beaucoup! eep!

(I am sorry, no real frenchy friday today. I have lots of homework! eep!)

Mais, cette photo fantastique, oui!? J'aimerais aller à France..

(But this picture is fantastic, yes? I would love to go to France cette semaine)

Au Revoir!

picture from: inmagine.com

Fill in the Blank Friday

2010-04-16T07:40:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Lauren at the little things we do for this fun Fill in the Blank Friday! Happy Friday!!

1. The first thing I do in the morning is hit the snooze button.. at least once.

2. Every night before bed I check my email, facebook, and twitter.. as well as ya know brush my teeth, and if you're lucky Ill check to make sure I have something to wear the next day. Yeah, some days I live on the wild side. (these are the days I look poorly dressed, fyi)

3. My favorite thing to do when I'm having a bad day is go SHOPPING! Retail therapy is real, and its very productive.

4. Something that makes me cringe is when people chew really loud.. or when they pronounce people's names, or names of countries wrong.. uhhh find out how to say it before you totally butcher their name, k? thanks.

5. Social situations are fun, and I like them. But I get worn out after wards. I think my favorite 'social situation' is going out to eat.. which could be my diet pitfall. Oops.

6. I like to collect old photos. They are my favorite.

7. Weekends are for.. well, Saturdays I still go to school, but its so much more laid back then my classes during the week. Except for this Saturday, when I have to give a presentation - I hate those. But I love coming home from school on Saturdays, and not having to go to work or go anywhere if I don't want. Sundays are for sleeping in, homework, and watching sports on TV. Yesss.

Haaaaaaaaaaaapy Friday!

ONE DAY

2010-04-15T00:00:00.000-06:00

I can't get enough of this song.
I love it.

... and check out the video! My favorite recent video, for sure.

Lyrics:
Sometimes I lay under the moon
And I thank God I'm breathing
Then I pray don't take me soon
Cause I am here for a reason

Sometimes in my tears I drown
But I never let it get me down
So when negativity surrounds
I know someday it'll all turn around because

All my life I been waiting for
I been prayin for
For the people to say
That we don't want to fight no more
They'll be no more wars
And our children will play

One day

It's not about win or lose cause we all lose when they feed on the souls of the innocent blood drenched pavement keep on moving though the waters stay raging and in this life you may lose your way, it might drive you crazy but don't let it phase you no way

Chorus

One day this all will change
Treat people the same
Stop with the violence down with the hate one day we'll all be free and proud to be under the same sun singing songs of freedom like...

Who's your favorite?

2010-04-14T06:00:00.002-06:00

Looking at this picture, I couldn't help but stare at certain people. Who draws your attention first? For me it was the guy near the front, with the long hair, and dark hat.

Then it was the two people in the very front, on the left side. Is it a girl laying against a boy?

There's one animal, at the very front, the dog. But can you see the other one?

(Picture courtesy of: crystalcanyon & magicinmyeyes)

4 Semesters

2010-04-13T00:00:00.007-06:00

In one year.. this is what I'll be doing..

Last week I registered for my Summer and Fall classes. I kind of freaked out about it, see my tweet:

ahhhh, registering for fall semester. so stressful! I just want to graduate NOW! #school

I was totally stressed about it. Because there's SO much to make sure of, and I really just don't like it. I used to think it was fun.. to register, to pick new classes, blah blah blah.. but I have a major case of Senioritis (as a Junior.. yes, history is repeating itself, I had the same problem in High School). So I realllly just want to be done!

.. WELL after figuring it all out, I should be able to Graduate August 2011! Which has been the plan for a few years now, either May or August 2011.. but it feels better when I can see my plan, and see that there are only 4 semesters left, and that it is truly doable.

Love it.

For those who care.. These are my classes for Summer & Fall.

SUMMER
MATH (huuuuuuuurl)
BESC 3100: Career Prep for Behavioral Science majors (blahh)
ENGL 2300: Shakespeare
SW 4300: Counseling & Psychotherapy
PSYCH 3420: Learning, Memory + Cognition

FALL

FRENCH 2020
PSYCH 2250: Psychology of Interpersonal Relationships
PSYCH 3010: Psychological Statistics
SW 3150: Dispute Resolution
BIO 1010: Bio-freakinnn-ology

So yay, I will get to walk next May, 2011.. if I decide to don the whole cap n gown thing. Yes. And, I will finally have my diploma in August, 2011. Yahooooooooo!

A Saturday of Rollercoasters

2010-04-12T16:07:00.000-06:00

Me, Lina & Kim at Lagoon.
I love those girls.

Random things said this weekend at Lagoon... (an amusement park in Farmington, UT)

My legs are short!
I wanna FLLLLY!
"have a nice day!" .. "oops, I'm supposed to say that when I give you the food."

Bring on SUMMER!

HILARIOUS: Random Thoughts of 25-35 year olds

2010-04-11T00:00:00.000-06:00

I've seen this travel around bloggerworld a few times, and every time I read it, they really make me giggle.

Aren't these the best? I think I identify with all of them! haha.

"Random Thoughts of 25-35 year olds:

- Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
- I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?
- Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.
- That's enough, Nickelback.
- I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
- Is it just me, or are 80% of the people in the "people you may know" feature on Facebook people that I do know, but I deliberately choose not to be friends with?
- Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.
- Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what was going on when I first saw it.
- I think everyone has a movie that they love so much, it actually becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.
- How the in the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
- I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.
- I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
- The only time I look forward to a red light is when I’m trying to finish a text.
- LOL has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".
- I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
- Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.
- How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?
- I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!
- While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.
- MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
- I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.
- Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty.
- Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!
- If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.
-Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem....
- You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.
- Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.
- I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
- "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.
- I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
- When I meet a new person, I'm terrified of mentioning something they haven’t already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.
- Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...
- Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
- I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
- Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.
- Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I’d bet everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...
- It really pisses me off when I want to read a story on CNN.com and the link takes me to a video instead of text.
- I wonder if cops ever get pissed off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.
- I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
- I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dangit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?"

Which is your fav? I think Number 8 is mine.. or, 34.. and definitely 25 and 26!

Happy Saturday!

I. LOVE. Lee Dewyze!!

2010-04-10T00:00:00.004-06:00

He's the only guy this season that I have voted for.

(the only girl is Crystal.. and she's in a FAR second compared to Lee, in my book)

and.. he's the only one that I want to win.

Love him.

Fill in the Blank Friday

2010-04-09T10:21:00.001-06:00

If you want to play Fill in the Blank Friday go over and see Lauren at: http://thelittlethingswedo.blogspot.com/

1. The strangest thing I've ever eaten was seaweed crackers. Ick.

2. My best friends are my brother and sister. They're my absolute favorite people.

3. If could live in a different era, I would want to live in either the 20s, or the 50s. I don't care if I couldn't pull them off, flapper dresses and poodle skirts, need I say more?

4. I like strawberry energizer smoothies from Jamba Juice - and I really WANT (and need!) one right now.

5. If you only know one thing about me it should be that I act tough, but I'm really all squishy and sentimental inside.

6. My favorite book of all time is Midnight Tales through The Middle East. It really makes you think, and I love that.

.... But man, that was hard to pick just one - later today I'll regret that, and be like "no! wait! I meant _____" oh well.

.. I also love Anderson Cooper's memoir. Yes.

7. The one beauty product I couldn't live without is definitely liquid foundation.. I hate how white and blochy my skin is, especially after I shower. But foundation is followed up by a close second with eyeliner - without eyeliner I really look like I'm either dead tired, sick, or 12 yrs old.

8. Blogging is something that I am seriously addicted to. As some of you know, but many do not, this blog started as a way to chronicle my being an Aupair in Germany for a year, that was a total bust - but I do have to say, this blog and me joining the blogger world was definitely one of the good things that came out of that experience.

9. If I could star in a movie with an actor/actress, I would have to work with George Clooney AND Brad Pitt. Maybe in Oceans 20? I love both those men. Soooo much. Not just because they're cute, cause they both definitely are hawwwt, and not because they are both uber talented, cause they are; but because they have such BIG hearts, and I love it.

10. One of the best feelings in the world is that feeling of adventure. Like when you get on a plane and you're so excited to get to where you're going! Or even when silly people like me that are still college students start new classes and get giddy because we actually want to learn about subject. (which is short-lived, yes, but its good when it initially happens).

Frenchy Friday Douze: devoirs

2010-04-09T00:05:00.001-06:00

Ce soir, j'ai fait un publicité pour devoirs de mon cours de francais... Voila

Maintenant, nous allons à Nice !

Apprécier votre vendredi !

Honesty

2010-04-07T06:00:00.001-06:00

Travel Wish: Seaquest Motel

2010-04-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

I book travel for management at my work, and some of them travel around Washington state quite often. I've never been there, and never really had a desire to go there -except to see Seattle of course! Until one of them requested this cute little place, the Seaquest Motel. I'd never even heard of Willapa Bay until working here.. but I want to go now!

Doesn't that look like the perfect place to just sit in the sun on a lazy summer day?

Who's with me?!

No more Diet Coke, and my dreams of Santa Monica Pier

2010-04-05T09:03:00.002-06:00

I love Andy Warhol. Maybe he'll brighten up a Monday. Eh? Mondays are so not my favorite days.. but I need to kick some major butt the next few weeks - especially when it comes to school. I have SO much to do. Eep!

So maybe this shouldn't have been the week I decided to stop drinking carbonation.. (including my favorite diet coke!)

I might regret this.

In other things.. I heard Savage Garden on the way to work today. It flashed me right back to the 90s. I can't believe how old that song made me feel! But how I also knew every. single. word. of that song. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I sang a few lines outloud, in my car, alone.

The first Savage Garden CD was the soundtrack to one of our family vacations to California when I was little - about 11 I think. That song really made me want to go back to California.. Santa Monica pier could really hit the spot right now, if you know what I mean.

Pretty random Monday post, yes.

What are your thoughts this Monday?

BIG in Design

2010-04-03T00:00:00.009-06:00

I think these are awesome, can I have my own house now? With all of this BIG stuff? K, thanks.

BIG Windows!

BIG Argyle!

BIG Designs

All this BIG stuff was in honor of NaBloPoMo.com's BIG month for April!

Frenchy Friday Onze: the French Diet

2010-04-02T09:09:00.005-06:00

Since I've been trying to find a good lifestyle change, to help me lose weight.. I decided to turn Frenchy Friday into a way to look at the French diet. I mean, as the article I found (posted below) suggests, how do they eat so much wine, cheese & yummy baguettes? Seriously!

I just might have to check out this book.

yummmm.. baguettes!

Joyeux le vendredi saint! (Happy Good Friday)

The French Women Don't Get Fat DietIt's a diet based on eating for pleasure and portion control. Experts explain how it works. If you have ever wondered how the French manage to eat cheese, butter, baguettes, and drink wine while staying slim, then French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure, by Frenchwoman Mireille Guiliano, may be the book for you.

French Women Don't Get Fat is actually a non-diet book, loaded with
pearls of wisdom from the chic and fit Mireille Guiliano, also CEO of the
champagne company, Veuve Clicquot.... (see rest of article here).

Motivation? YES please!

2010-04-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

Where the HELL is Spring?! Seriously Utah? SNOW?! What did we do to deserve such punishment. Sadness. That was not a good April Fools Joke yesterday! Them weather gods, they're seriously mean.

But.. in other news, I think I found the Motivation I wrote about needing: here. But its not like I can really pinpoint the exact reason behind it.

I have met a lot of new blogger / twitter friends, and I think they've really had a big impact on me, some of my newest favorites are here, here, here, and here.

I've been keeping a food journal this week. Not even to count calories, just to keep track of what I eat, and to maybe figure out why I've been feeling so run down lately. Sometimes, I get sick after I eat, but I don't really know why.. so we'll see. Speaking of sicknesses, if you remember my post here, when I wrote about going to the Doctor excitement: YEAH that was silly. I shouldn't have been excited. I went to the Doctor last week, and she actually told me that my neck was swollen because I'm overweight! Which, yeah, I'm a little overweight, but I'm getting smaller.. and she's the one that told me that I could have a thyroid problem in the first place. Sigh.. she did the TSH test, and it came back normal, so I have a normal thyroid, so its like back to square one. Sigh. A little frustrating that she put the hypothyroid idea into my head clear back in November! Sheesh!

I've been toying with a few ideas this week, and I'm not quite sure which ones I will go with... Any thoughts?

I am pretty sure I am going to sign up for Gold's Gym. Right now they have a deal where you join for a $1 , and then its only $20 a month. I think that's a pretty good deal! And I really want to check out some group classes.

I also bought the 30 Day Shred for $7 bucks at Target last weekend! I only have a few more days to finish my Wii Active 30 Day challenge, so I'm excited to start something new. Even if I already know its totally going to kick my ass. Target also had vinyl jump ropes for cheap, so I bought one of those. I haven't done that in years! and it was a lot of fun! I was so proud of myself for doing the criss-cross jump. Next I'll be jump roping backwards, guess there are just somethings you don't forget. (wink,wink)

Because of some inspiration from Kat, I have decided to try the 200 Sit Up Challenge. Lina and Ashley are both going to do it with me too, so I'm excited to get started! Click here to join in too!

I've also been toying with the idea of trying some form of the Eat Clean Diet. Has anyone out there tried it out? I just don't know that I could do the eating 6 times a day thing. My life involves a lot of eating out with friends, and work, and everything - so I am a little leery about it.

formspring.me

2010-04-01T19:32:00.001-06:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/nicoleelkington