HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVE!!

Not that you read this, but HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY!!

I'm looking foward to our adventures for this year.

Pictures - I think I should post more of them

Because some of you readers aren't on Facebook (or at least I like to pretend some of you aren't) - I think I'm going to start posting some pictures on here that way you can see the cute things that go on... haha!

Just another weekend of having fun!! (And yes, those are the elders in the background of both pictures.)

Hello, Beach. It's been too long...

Good-bye, Ryan. Enjoy Italy!!

What am I eating??

Do I really need to know that certain yogurts or drnks have ground up bugs in them?
Do I really need to know that certain ice cream and puddings have seaweed in them?
Do I need to know that the shiny coating on candy and fruit is also from bugs (excretions to be exact)?
And is knowing that gelatin (gummy bears, Jell-O, etc) is made from animal parts going to stop me from eating it?
NO!

Regardless of how the food is made or what it is, it's still tasty, it's still necessary and it's still something I'm going to consume. So why would you want to tell me these things??

I guess some people are anal and some people are vegetarians to the extreme degree. I, however, am not. Give me something tasty and I'll eat it.

Have you ever had frozen gummy bears?? I always put them in the freezer and they make for a yummy treat because they don't really freeze, just get cold.

Brenton Lee Marcom

For those of you who don't know Brenton - he's a pretty great guy.

And we had a conversation recently (okay, maybe a few weeks ago) about blogs. Somehow I agreed to writing a blog just about him. So this blog is dedicated to Brenton.

Although I may have stole some of the pictures - they were definitely already on the internet (thanks, Facebook).

Brenton seems to always have a smile for you.

Brenton is a good example and a good friend.

He loves sports and is a HUGE Tarheels fan - even if he goes to NC State games and attends a completely different school than both.

He loves his friends - he's there for them whenever they need a pick-me-up.

He is a great dancer and looks good in a tux/suit.

He's great at games and loves being silly.

He enjoys the closeness with his friends.

He loves to kiss and be kissed.

But mostly by/with girls.

Brenton is a sweet guy and a good friend. You should meet him and be his friend too!!

To keep the boredom to a minimum

(Almost every paragraph is a different thought process. I'm by myself - what do you expect?)


Have you ever noticed that most of the women on shampoo/hair product commercials have the same style of hair? And most of the time they are brunette or at least dark blonde - rarely lighter?


On my drive to/from Danville - I happen to pass by a lot of abandoned houses and/or some very run down houses. And everytime I do it makes me want to go be productive. I want to go tear it down, build it up, gut it, and start over again. It makes me want to build things, demolish things, paint, install, and do a big hands-on project. I don't have anything to do that with. Maybe part of it is because I work for a construction company. Maybe part of it is because while growing up we would have different projects and renovations on our house that I got to 'help' with. Or maybe it's just because I feel like I have nothing to show for my work. I can't step back and look at a finished product and go, "WOW. I'm good."


I went and saw 'He's Just Not That Into You' last nite. I thoroughly enjoyed it. But I got to thinking afterward that it seems as though that's all anyone/everyone wants in life. To have that someone there, to be married, to be with someone. And it's not just a religious thing - it's a common humanity thing. It's as though that's our sole purpose. We grow up, we live and the whole point to that life is to find that someone to be with forever. Interesting thought that leads to others.


I've been teased about having gypsy blood - but I'm beginning to think that I really do. Mom - are you sure I'm your child? I get antsy after being in a place for so long. And although I want to move from Raleigh, I am probably going to be too chicken to make any bold moves. I AM however - going to satisfy my gypsy blood by traveling. Out of the country at least once this year. Out of the state a LOT of times (state classifying NC and TN). I figure if I'm on the go and out different places then maybe I won't feel so antsy and itching to move far away again. Although the desire will probably always be there (gypsies can't reside in one place too long) I will attempt to keep that desire at bay with small moves on the weekends. If you want to join me, just let me know! I'm always up for a traveling companion.

I have certain foods that I really like. Last nite I was in the mood for a smoothie. So - as I was walking the mall I figured I could find a half-way decent smoothie shop. No such luck, but I settled for one from a cookie place (of which we'll leave nameless for obvious reasons). I was pretty disappointed. It was just a sugary mess - like an ICEE, but smooth instead of ice. I should've opted for the Starbucks across the street. I wasn't so hungry for lunch today, so I figured I'd just get a hot pretzel from the department store I was in (again, nameless). I figured it couldn't be that bad and with some cheese I might actually like it. No - it was pretty gross. I ate it anyway, but it definitely did not meet my want for a hot pretzel. Where does one find such good ones?? Oh - I've had some that were DELICIOUS before... perhaps I'll find one again.

Males. I think they are the cause of my stress in the past few months. If it's not one thing, it's another. Although all the girl drama that gets involved with the boys doesn't help. So I think I'm going to stick with not getting involved - at all. There's a guy that I'll probably keep a crush on, only because he's the guy I think is most attractive 'round these parts. But other than that shallowness - he's only a friend. So - let's stay friends, Males, and all will be well.

My friend and I have made this sort of 'bet' of who can last the longest. It's not a publicly known thing - nor do I think we want it to be, but since this is not a very frequently read blog - I think I can share it. We're trying to see who can go the longest without kissing someone. Now - a kiss on the cheek and sillyness like that doesn't count. And really it started because we're sick of stupid guys. And really there's no one around that we hold any interest in - yet - so this bet won't be very hard for either of us. Although she is meeting a lot of new males, so maybe I'll just win this one.... hahahaha!!!

Build-A-Baby

Do YOU want a baby?

Well - visit the doctor and pick out which one you want.

You don't have to pick from what's there - you can CREATE YOUR OWN.

(Picture shows options of whether to make baby alone, together, hair color, skin color, eye, hair, personality, etc)

That's right. Create your own baby. Not only do we check for diseases, but we can give you whatever gender, eye color, hair color, personality trait and many other choices you would like.

We're much further in technology than just cloning sheep - we've gotten into creating people. We'll just play with nature and life. We tweak, twist, manipulate, save and destroy the embryos we have so you get whatever you want. It's all about what YOU want.

So, come on in and decide exactly what you want your child to be like.

_________________________________________________

I honestly think this is extremely wrong and disgusting. But it's true. They are seriously studying and testing to make this possible... Craziness really. I actually wrote my philosophy final paper on this topic.

Should we be able to choose the traits of our children? I understand people not wanting their child born with some disability or defect - but is being brunette instead of blonde a defect? Is being brown-eyed over green-eyed a defect?

I think not.

Since when were we given permission to start tampering in such creations of life? When people decided that it was 'okay' to have an abortion? When people decided it was 'okay' to throw their child in the dumpster? No - there is no permission. There is no allowance. Those who are having children should accept their child for how it was created - parts of each of them together to create a whole new life.

Can't we learn to be happy and love what is created, not try to create something that is deemed 'perfect'? And whose definition of 'perfect' are we going by? Please just have your child through the natural and good way and not try to create a baby by picking and choosing.

Living for the weekend

definitely makes the weeks seem so long. Either that or having only myself to talk to makes conversations minimal. (Although I do talk to mom a lot - so Thanks Mom!!)

I do, however, have my first trip of the year planned. Nothing too big or exciting, but it definitely has me happy and geared up for planning the other ones.

I'm going out west in March. Technically I fly into SLC, but I'm going to Rexburg for a few days. I get to visit with my brother and some friends. It should be a lot of fun. And if I'm lucky - there will be lots of snow!!!

Hopefully for the next little while things will be busy. This weekend - over booked actually. Next weekend I don't technically have anything, but am thinking of a few ideas (Knoxville, beach, DC, or visit my younger brother and friend in TN).

March:
6th: Dance
7th: Something - beach?
13-14: Idaho
20-21: First Day of Spring - deserves a trip somewhere
27th: Party prepping?
28th: Cassie's party!!

So - those of you who know Cassie, better put that on your calendars!! It's going to be amazing fun! I mean - I'm planning it, so of course it'll be great. Haha!

But this living for the weekends makes my weekends seem so far apart. And then I want them to be so fun and sometimes they are, sometimes they aren't. I'm sure this weekend will just be craziness. Maybe I'll actually take and post some pictures this time... maybe not.

I've started the trip planning for the year - so let's keep it going. YAY!!
(Can you tell I'm trying to find something entertaining to do in between work?)

Starbucks "The Way I See It #298"

"Our prejudices arise from the fear of things we do not understand. If my generation has a single goal, it must be to promote education - education that advances us not only technologically, but also intuitively and emotionally. In today's fast-paced world, advancing has to mean more than scientific discovery; it is our responsibility to force ourselves beyond our comfort zones and become knowledgeable about the people around us." ~ Jessica Arden Ettinger Starbucks customer and student at the University of Virginia

Pay it Forward

Or in other words - I want a cool handmade gift from Courtney - so I'm going to make some gifts from other people too. (Even though she said I didn't have to post this, I think it sounds fun and I have time on my hands....)

So -
"Here's how it works: the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, at some point during the year, a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive are a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well – before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going. Then come back, let me know you're going to play, and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift! Remember that only the first 3 comments will receive a gift from me, so be quick!"

And if there's more than 3 comments by the end of the weekend, then I'll just be picking randomly from them all....
YAY for gifts to people!!

Where do You get good advice?

Who'd have ever thought that a Starbucks cup would have good advice on it??
(Yes, even when it's warm I like to start my day with a hot chocolate.)

"I used to feel so alone in the city. All those gazillions of people and then me, on the outside. Because how do you meet a new person? I was very stumped by this for many years. And then I realized, you just say, "Hi." They may ignore you. Or you may marry them. And that possibility is worth that one word." ~ Augusten Burroughs (Author of Running with Scissors)

That is some great advice - perhaps that's what I should try. Because how else do you meet anyone?? (And no I don't want to get set up with someone - MOM, Alice and everyone else!!)

Spiritual Giants can feel Small too

(Some of you may not understand the references used as they are in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. )


As I was driving the other nite, I realized that those spiritual giants we know have low/hard times too. They have their down days, their tough days, their days when they question life.

Take these people for example:

- Joseph, Jacob's son - was cast in prison and quite down on himself until he was able to interpret Pharoah's dreams.

- Lehi and Sariah - when her sons were taking a long time in returning with the brass plates, she started to murmur and question her husband's visions, which in turn made Lehi question.

- Joseph Smith - while he was in Carthage Jail he was quite down and upset, wondering if it was all worth it.

- And those in my life that I know personally and consider spiritual giants (leaving them nameless) but am close enough to them to know that they have hard times too...

There are so many others and so many people that are strong in the Spirit, but sometimes it's just tough. Sometimes life just gets us down in the dumps, but we've got to just suck it up, push it away - do whatever we have to do to get our life back in line. And remember that we aren't alone - there are others that went through and are currently going through struggles as well.

To those I know that are having a tough time - Good luck!
To those I know that are doing well and strong - Congrats and keep it up!

Colors of Roses

According to Julie Mulligan - certain colors of roses mean different things. Having been around flowers quite a bit in my life, I have also heard those things. But here is what she says:

Red Says Romance
The red rose says, "I love you." A vibrant and dramatic color, it stands for romance and passion. It's the perfect choice for your true love, the love of a lifetime or someone you want to get the message that it's time to get serious.

White Says Innocence
A white rose tells your favorite angel that they're simply "heavenly," and it's a great color choice for the romantic in your life. White roses also stand for innocence, which makes it a perfect color choice for dads to give daughters or sons to their moms.

Pink Says Grace
Send deep pink roses and you're telling that someone special you appreciate their graceful style and gentle nature. Send them light pink roses and you're saying, "I really admire you." This rose color is just the right choice to send to someone with love "from your secret admirer."

Yellow Says Friendship
Bright, sunny yellow roses symbolize friendship, affection and joy. Send your best friend a bunch of these stunning blooms with a card that says, "You'll be my best friend forever."

I'd have to say that I agree with all these colors. That's what I've always heard. And I definitely think I would like to stay away from red roses (roses in general, but definitely red). Although I will admit that I've been given roses of every color. I don't think very many guys understand the color meaning, so I figure from those guys it doesn't mean anything.

Addictions

In Relief Society this week (class for the women of our church and Yes, I actually went) we were told about addictions and over coming them.

Jokingly we mentioned we were addicted to a few items - boys, facebook, food - but we weren't really. However I have decided that if you are constantly with it, on it, checking it, and even dreaming about it - then you are obviously addicted.

So - as for the first step of actually admitting the problem:

I'm addicted to facebook.

Yes - it's sadly true. I dreamt about facebook last nite. I even dreamt that someone (or maybe it was me) uploaded pictures - but those pictures happened to also be from events in my dreams.

I believe that may indicate addiction. So somehow I need to get over that addiction. Which is going to be pretty hard while here in Virginia because it's my social outlet. That's where I get my social interaction with others throughout the day. That's where I talk to people and keep from getting too bored. Uh-oh.

Perhaps I'll start reading the news, blogging more, and even looking up different things (activities to do on weekends, places to travel, etc).

If anyone has any fun sites or things to do to take a break from working - let me know. I can always use some good ideas.

(I'm also addicted to other things, but I'm not sure I'm ready to admit to them yet. hehe. )

Moon Sign

Your Moon is in Libra

On the day you were born, the Moon was in Libra. A love of beauty and your own personal charm, grace, and diplomacy are the characteristics that make up the main part of your emotional nature. You relish being in social situations, and you are able to navigate that area of life easily and well. It is easy for you to relate to others, and you instinctively know how to have a good time. Having to choose among a deluge of admirers is just one of the perks you get by being you.

I always enjoy reading 'signs' about me. Horoscopes, Sun signs, Love signs, Moon signs - whatever the sign may be. They are all usually the same, and all pretty entertaining. I don't believe in horoscope signs and I don't follow Astrology, but it's entertaining anyway.
Like the above - my moon is in Libra?? But my Zodiac sign is a Scorpio. Hm....??
Eh - either way, it says that I have a 'deluge of admirers' to choose from and who doesn't like a sign like that??

Songs that just fit me.

There are lots of different songs that just seem to fit the situation, the feelings, the whatever is going on in my life. Lately there's been this one by 'Taylor Swift' that I really like.

A Place In This World
I don't know what I want
So don't ask me 'cause I'm still trying to figure it out
Don't know what's down this road
I'm just walking, trying to see through the rain coming down

Even though I'm not the only one who feels the way I do

I'm alone, on my own and I'm starting off
I'll be strong, I'll be wrong, oh, but life goes on
Oh, I'm just a girl trying to find a place in this world

Got the radio on, my old blue jeans
And I'm wearing my heart on my sleeve
Feeling lucky today, got the sunshine
Can you tell me what more do I need

And tomorrow's just a mystery, oh, yeah, but that's okay

I'm alone, on my own and I'm starting off
I'll be strong, I'll be wrong, oh, but life goes on
Oh, I'm just a girl trying to find a place in this world

Maybe I'm just a girl on a mission but I'm ready to fly (etc...)

For some reason - I just really like it.
Another one - by Kelly Clarkson - was one that fit me when it first came out a few years ago.

Behind These Hazel Eyes

Seems like just yesterday
You were a part of me
I used to stand so tall
I used to be so strong
Your arms around me tight
Everything, it felt so right
Unbreakable, like nothin' could go wrong
Now I can't breathe
No, I can't sleep
I'm barely hanging on

Here I am, once again
I'm torn into pieces
Can't deny it, can't pretend
Just thought you were the one
Broken up, deep inside
But you won't get to see the tears I cry
Behind these hazel eyes

I told you everything
Opened up and let you in
You made me feel alright
For once in my life
Now all that's left of me
Is what I pretend to be
So together, but so broken up inside
'Cause I can't breathe
No, I can't sleep
I'm barely hangin' on

Here I am, once again
I'm torn into pieces
Can't deny it, can't pretend
Just thought you were the one
Broken up, deep inside
But you won't get to see the tears I cry
Behind these hazel eyes

Swallow me then spit me out
For hating you, I blame myself
Seeing you it kills me now
No, I don't cry on the outside
Anymore... (etc....)

But this one I really like - by Natasha Bedingfield - is just fun, upbeat and makes me happy!

Pocketful Of Sunshine
[Interlude]
I got a pocket,
got a pocket full of sunshine
I got a love and I know that it's all mine.
oh.oh,oh
Do what you want,
but you never gonna break me,
sticks and stone are never gonna shake me
oh.oh,oh
I got a pocket,
got a pocket full of sunshine
I got a love and I know that it's all mine.
Oh.oh,oh
Wish that you could but you ain't gonna own me,
do anything you want you can't slow me down.
oh, no.

[Chorus]
Take me away (take me away)
A secret place (a secret place)
A sweet escape (a sweet escape)
Take me away (take me away)
Take me away (take me away)
To better days (to better days)
Take me away (take me away)
A hiding place (a hiding place)

I got pocket,
Got a pocket full of sunshine
I got a love and I know that it's all mine.
oh.oh,oh
Do what you want,
but you never gonna break me.
oh.oh,oh

[Chorus]

There's a place that I go
That nobody knows
Where the rivers flow
And I call it home
And there's no more lies
And darkness is light
And nobody cries
there's only butterflies

The sun is on my side
Take me for a ride
I smile up to the sky
I know I'll be alright

There's more, of course, but these ones stuck out to me while I was writing this post. If you can think of any other songs that fit me, please state them! It's always nice to know...