To Dad

I removed the music from my blog, I had heard it tended to blast you at work. And it kind of bothers me too.

Christmas is Suddenly Here

Again, as in my last post, I am so bad at this blogging thing. It's almost been a month and a half. But if you read my previous posts, I don't really have much going on in my life, so there is never much to say. And............. I kind of forget I have this.

Some things of note are that Christmas is indeed sprung upon us, and I blew quite a chunk of change on prezzies for family and friends last week. That is what this season is about, spending more money than you have on presents for loved ones. I truly love Christmas and everything about it. Our apartment is so richly decorated, you would think you had entered a Macy's store or something. (And seeing as though I don't have a camera these days, I think I'll try and persuade my roommate to take some pictures for the purpose of posting for you here viewers.) I also put together our annual roommate Christmas dinner, this year taking place at TGIFridays. Though it was not a Friday, the food was still delicious, and I had some again for lunch today. This is a picture we took of the roomies on Sunday, we figured it was about time.

Last year the dinner took place at, wait for it, Los Hermanos. Our server ended up being someone we work with now (says Becky). I remember how Christmasy it was, and how much I liked it. Ironic. I actually love working there during the Holidays because they have it decorated all up and down and they play Christmas music constantly. I have really loved working there because it is a friendly place, and the work isn't really all that difficult.

Some things I do to occupy my time whislt not toiling away carrying trays and whatnot are reading and organizing. I went on quite a reading kick awhile ago. I read Atonement in about 3 days total, which I must recommend for anyone, it is the best book I have read in AGES. I also read the Twilight series in a sum total of 5 days. Fluff, but entertaining fluff. If you are bored and are in need of mindless stories, read those books. And I am currently re-reading Farenheit 451, which I found in the Science Fiction section of the Library (which I zoomed in and out of because I didn't want anyone I knew seeing me in that section).

I've also started organizing everything. I actually went through all my purses and de-junked them. Anyone who knows me knows how much I hate this kind of stuff, but that is just how bored I get. I did find some cool stuff though, like my delicious Burt's Bees Chapstick. If you have not experienced Burt's Bees, I heartedly suggest it, especially with the Winter months upon us.

On to something more interesting, on Monday night I went with my sister to the Body World's exhibit at the Leonardo Museum downtown. This exhibit was beyond cool. However, I did get tired toward the end of seeing endless corpses put in odd acrobatic positions. Do not scroll down for the picture if you have a squeamish stomach. All the facts were interesting, but it was slightly depressing as most were facts I have learned over 4 years of college, and have yet to retain. Oh well, that's what grad school is for, eh?

Also, I promised (and I know there were some of you just sitting on pins and needles) I would post a picture of the roomies and I in our Halloween garb. Seeing as though only Becky and I were together that night, the picture is of just us two. However, you get the picture. I ended up having to work that night, and Becky also did for a time. Then they had a party after the restaurant closed, so we hung out there for awhile. I was at work from 11 AM to 12 PM that day. Wow.

And on a much sadder note, a good buddy of ours is moving away. His name is Dan (and he better be reading this, and before Sunday as well) and he is moving home to make money for Dental School. He was our close buddy during the last school year and over the summer. He better be coming to Sunday dinner, and I have encouraged him to start his own blog to keep Sammy, Becky, and I happy. We'll miss you Dan, and constantly raise the roof in honor of you.

(Dan is on the left, his cousin Michael is on the right; At an Owlz Game in Orem)

That's all for now, I'm sure some of you were hoping that was the case about 4 paragraphs ago. I feel like I condensed the last month and a half of my life well. More to come, I'll be all alone over Christmas break, so there will be no one to distract me from blogging all the live long day!! I'm leaving you with a picture of our Thanksgiving Turkey on our door. Everyday we had to write something we were Thankful for!!

Donny Osmond Sighting

So I after becoming increasingly angry at my brother and his wife for not posting at least once a day on their blog, I realized I was somewhat of a hypocrite. Not like this is a super vital situation, but I thought that the three people who actually read this might want an update. These three people including my family I saw twice last week, and my roommate. Anyhow, I have also realized what I weak blogger I really am. I watched my sister-in-law blog when she was visiting us, and she was so speedy and efficient, I aspire to be like her.

I am still serving as Los Hermanos, I am actually serving both lunch and dinner today. I am really enjoying it because unlike the other jobs I have had I am working with other young LDS kids. At the Bean I worked all alone, and at Winner School I was about the only Mormon one there. Lets just say I never went out to the bar with the crew of them after work. The job isn't really all the hard, it's just learning how to multitask and stand on your feet for ages. Anyhow, times are good and money is sparse.

Last week was super awesome because Bethany and the babe Ainsley were in town. That little girl has grown so big! Not just in size, but when she left she couldn't really sit up or make little gibber jabber. She was so much fun and two morning when I slept over I awoke to find her in bed with me (thanks to dad). We would sit and chat for awhile while she played with her feet. She also managed to throw up on every pair of pants I brought home, and even somehow spit up down my shirt, but not on it itself! What a talent. For cute pictures click here. It was kind of sad without Tom though, it felt to be all together without him. I spose we'll just have to wait until Christmas.

My life is actually quite boring, so I don't have much else to say. I wake up, watch music videos on VH1 with Becky and sometimes Sammy and eat breakfast. Then I mess about on the computer for awhile while concurrently getting dressed. I may have work, or I may then eat lunch. I may run an errand or two, but mostly it is just sitting around and working. Some quick points of interest to the common reader are

1-Becky, Landon, and I had lunch at Zuppas the other day and the girl at the counter told us to turn around because Donny Osmond was there. It was quite exciting, let me tell you!! I make fun of this guy a lot, but I got to give him credit for whatever it is he does now. And for the 10th time, yes he is as good looking in real life.

2-There is a fantastic show on VH1 I think everyone should watch, this actually takes up some of the laying about time. It is called The Pick Up Artist. I noticed Becks already posted a bit about this man, but it is this guy called Mystery, and he has travelled the world and written books on how to pick up women. The show is about picking the nerdiest men ever, and giving them lessons. It isn't that sleezy, and is actually cute because these dorkies get quite the self-esteem boost.

3-The roomies and I had every intention on becoming the Clue characters for Halloween, but didn't have a ward party to attend. I think Becks and I are going to wear the costumes for a work party, but I'm not sure. We went shopping for an entire Saturday to find the dresses, and I want to make sure mine gets used. I will post pictures if the costumes ever happen. Also, in preparation we watched the movie Clue. I offer a suggestion for both the movie, boardgame, and books for anyone that gets a chance.

That's about all I got for now. Hopefully I can start posting some pictures of me. However, that can't happen until my life gets more interesting. Anyhow, thanks for reading.

Listening to while blogging: Queen: The Show Must Go On, Under Pressure; Gloris Estefan: 1,2,3,4; Rick Astley: Never Gonna Give You Up

Verdict: Combos are Disgusting

So I've been fluctuating between finding a shirt to wear and viewing other blogs for the last half an hour. I did finally settle on one and took off my dramatic wolf shirt I wear for bed. I needed something apropos for work that also matched pigtails and an army green hat. It was not the easiest thing in the world, but Mission:Accomplished.

This morning I have officially done nothing. And by nothing I mean watching the America's Next Top Model Episode from last night. Lauren Brie left by the way, which was quite startling. I have also tried to figure out how to vote. Yes I realize this should have been done ages ago, but if you look at my track record (GRE, application for Grad programs) you might find I never get things done on time. I have to go into some office now and change my address, that was the problem I was trying to remedy. AND, if you got one of those Utah Voting things in the mail, take a gander at page 67 and look for a familiar Reese face. We have put that page up on our wall in our apartment so everyone can see what a good judge we have in the familia!

And on a sad note, but also happy, one of my best friends Christa went into the MTC yesterday. I am really happy for her, but it is sad to see her go. I met her the very first day of college in 2004. She was standing outside our American Heritage class and seemed friendly, so I sat by her when we went into class. Then an hour later we saw each other in psychology class. We realized we also had a music class together. We bonded instantly and have remained close friends ever since. She is Christers, and I am the-SUZE. We will one day have our own talk show, I'm sure of it. We can gab your ear off, and spend most of our time just chatting over lunch or something similar.

I will miss her so much, and she actually came by Tuesday night to say goodbye before she went into the MTC. I almost missed her because I was at work, but they let me off early so I could catch her. I had sent her a package of goodies that were also memories, and I came home to find a pack of Pizza flavored Combos on my computer. In one of our many pointless convo's, or any time we went to Wal Mart, I have expressed my great disgust of Combos. I tried them just to make sure, and they are still terrible!!

I don't have much else to say except: I PASSED MY SERVERS TEST!! As of next Monday (after my root canal of course), I will be learning to serve and serving. I am excited but a bit nervous. I really don't wanna suck. And I also have an interview for a part time job as a classroom aide at Provost Elementary. It would be over before I had to start work at Los Hermanos, and would be perfect. Anyhow, I actually have to run to work now because I am learning how to make the specialty drinks. Try the Oasis Bliss, it is surprisingly good. Mmm, pureed dates!!

Bloggin Too Much? Maybe.

As my previous post so eloquently stated, I am employed and started work on Monday. I have learned to cash, hostess, and thousands of other applications that I will learn eventually. I am currently studying to pass my servers test, which will be more difficult than anticipated. Since every item in Mexican food is absolutely smothered with sauce and cheese, I am learning to differentiate between 1 or 2 olives with 1,2,3 tomatoes on the side and what that means. And then times that by 50 other little things, with prices included, and that sums up my flashcard explosion. However, if I can pass biochemistry and other detailed concepts, I bet I can get this eventually.

It sure is awesome having a roommate work with you. Becks has been so cute and welcoming, and I couldn't have asked for a nicer welcome from her!! She has been so supportive.

Whilst not working, I have been keeping up on my internet surfing which really died down during the GRE studying months. I am proud to say that I have returned to checking my email about 20 times a day!! This is growing old however, and I am desperately looking for projects. I am even planning to return down to the dusty boxes of my scrapbook, and wrap the whole thing up. It is quite a chore considering that I haven't touched it since my freshmen year of college. Yowza!

I really don't have much else going on, just choistering my little heart out on Sundays, and working the rest of the week. It is kind of a bummer that I am working both Friday and Saturday nights till late, and cannot come home for my family tradition of having dinner after Priesthood meeting. These feelings are exaggerated by the fact that I am listening now to a passionate ballad by Leona Lewis. That girl can tug at your heartstrings no matter what the song is about.

Anyhow, I must head to my couch to continue memorizing the difference between the Combo Burrito and the Stuffed Burrito.

Good News All Around

Well folks, after bumbling about for almost 4 weeks I have finally landed a job. That's right, I am currently employed. The fantastic and fine folks at Los Hermanos have offered me a job. I will take this time to give a quick shout out to Becky (or B-Tuck as she has been labeled) and thank her for helping me get a job there. There is nothing like a good roommate. I must say that I do have the sweetest roommates. I told them I got the job, and all three have been genuinely happy for me. It's nice to know that I am surrounded by three girls who really care about me and how I feel. I feel the same way for them!!

Also, I take the GRE on Thursday. After that is done, it is just the small application process. I am probably going to apply to the Nutritional Science MS programs at the U and BYU also just so I have a back up. Anyhow, my life is starting to take shape again, and it feels so good!! Anyhow, I have a busy week ahead of me with all sorts of craziness looming up. I am gonna head to bed at 9:49 pm, and get some good sleep.

Most Awesome Night Ever

As I mentioned in my previous post, Sammers and I were headed to The Rocket Summer concert on Friday (tonight). As our disgusting clothes are washing in the machine, I am taking a moment to reflect on the awesome-ness that was this night. We'll start from the beginning.

Sammy and I headed straight for the car when she got home from work, and then took a pit stop to Carl's Jr to fuel our night. And we didn't care much for missing the first two opening acts. I have never heard of The Secret Handshake or The Morning Light, and I would rather eat then see them.

We had a bit of a time trying to park near In the Venue, but found a slightly illegal place which was pretty close. We were in luck because we had just missed the second opening band. We walked in, and this place is pretty cool, there is a picture below. Some short teching, and Phantom Planet came on. I have never really heard much of them except that California song form "The OC". They were actually not bad, and they had good stage presence, always important. At the end of their set, Sammy and I started wriggling up to the front so we could be in the "active" section during Rocket Summer.

This is In the Venue from the upper levels you can stand at.

This was not the smartest idea Sammy and I have ever had. As soon as we wriggled our way in, we could see it was a tight fit. If you can see from the picture, there is not a ton of room, at least compared to big arenas. We were tight at first, but then some "super awesome" kids tried to squeeze in, and it started to hurt. We were getting pushed, and we were absolutely pressed all up against everyone else. It is so hot from just the body heat that you start to feel faint. And then because people are bored waiting for the set to start, they start trying to push and mosh. Sammy and I almost both went over several times, and so spent the evening locking arms so we didn't get separated. I have been to my share of concerts and never experienced this before.

Then the best part, Mr. Bryce Avary came out in all his glory. His previous show I had seen wasn't that long, and this set was almost twice as long. This guy knows how to put on a show. He has so much energy, and you can see he puts everything into it, see the following pictures. However, I can say I have never (sorry if this is gross) sweat this much in my life. I mean, I exercise and jog and stuff, but this was unreal. My hair was completely wet too. It was gross, but everyone else sweats pretty bad, so you don't feel weird.

The security was unreal as well. Toward the end people kept crowd surfing in huge waves. Three or four at a time; the security guards were lined up all along the front catching them. I have also never seen quite this much security before. Anyhow after a three song encore, they finally left the stage. We headed back to our car to bask in the glory of the night. If anyone has a chance to see them, they totally should because it is a cheap concert and it is an amazing show!

Over all, Sammy and I were glad we didn't bring a camera because we were so gross. These pictures are courtesy of the internet. It just gives you an idea of what it all looks like. Anyhow, I'll blog in awhile. I don't have much else news.

PS Shout out to Christa. I wish Sonny had opened!!

Hard Decisions

Well, it's been a couple weeks since I last blogged, so I spose it's about time I jumped to it. Take a deep breath because it's gonna be a long one!! I am still very unemployed, so that's always super to think about. I had gotten offered a job in housekeeping at a Best Western in Lehi/American Fork, but I felt like I had to turn it down. I don't feel like I am a very proud person, but I didn't feel like driving 20 minutes to a $8.00/hr job to clean rooms, as well as most Sundays. I figured there would be opportunities still here in Provo before I resorted to that.

I am actually looking into working at Elementary Schools either as a substitute or an aide. There is one job in particular that pays pretty good, and is almost full time. I'm gonna try and make contact though it still isn't something I really want to do. I didn't realize how few jobs there really were with my undergraduate degree, it's kind of sad. Especially in Provo. And sadly enough, I am thinking about moving back to Salt Lake. It costs too much to live here, especiallly while I am making no money. And if I move back to Salt Lake, I could also get a job at the U which will pay more, plus might knock quite a few thousand off of tuition. It's a hard decision, and definately one taken prayerfully. Prayer has become quite a large part of my life right now as I am trying what to do. I find myself so often praying even though there might not be a specific reason, it just feels right to do so. Hopefully this will all work out.

Soon though, I will have one stress off my back. I am officially taking the GRE next Thursday!!!! I am feeling okay about it, I have been taking practice tests with this CD-Rom from a Kaplan course which is the format I will be using when taking the test. I am doing much better in math then when I started, but did find one struggling point. THEY DON'T LET YOU USE SCRATCH PAPER!! All the math, simple or difficult, has to be done in my head! Yikes, that has taken some getting used to. The vocab part of the test is not getting much easier because there are so many words I don't know. That is what I am really going to have to focus on.

This past weekend was quite a bit of fun. We had another home game here at the ol Blue and White BYU. We shut out UCLA 59-0. There were three turnovers which we turned into touchdowns shortly thereafter. By the time the third one happened, I just kept screaming "You gotta be kidding me!!" I admit, though I graduated a Cougar, I have never felt that much Cougar pride, I still have my Ute loyalties. And now that I've graduated, I think I have even less loyalty. I love BYU and the school and everything, but I just don't seem to care about being a Cougar. However, this weekend I was a little bit proud. This is Sammy, Cheryl and I at the game. Becky disappeared about halfway through, so we didn't all get a picture.

We also got to attend our first Ice Cats game!!! Whoo hoo. For all of you that don't know the Ice Cats are the BYU Mens Ice Hockey team. Sammy dragged me to one in February, and I ended up loving it. Becky joined the fan club shortly thereafter, and by the last game of the season we had made shirts. (mine is the crappy one in the middle). We made them as a joke, kind of....

We were pretty excited because since the Ice Cats were now an official BYU sport, and we didn't think we would have to pay the obligatory $5 per game. Becky and I headed with much glee toward the event, and were almost turned away though we had proof of purchase of our Sports passes. The man assured us that even though they were official, it would still cost money. I used all my little sister charm and he let us what was the exhibition match for free "just this time". Though there was no announcer, that didn't stop Becks and I from having a first Churro ($1) of the season, and just all around fun.

Also on Sunday I got to lead for the first time as the Ward Chorister. How I got that calling, I don't know, but it was kind of fun. I am very visable, which also means I need to get some new clothes so I don't have to look the same every week. The parentals are helping me out with that one!!

And tragically I had my first root canal on Monday. About 3 years ago I cracked my tooth in half, not quite sure how but the tooth finally gave into pressure when I bit into a Snickers. I had a HUGE filling put over it instead of a crown. It started aching last week, so I made an appointment before I had to worry about scheduling it around a job. I went to the dentist and he was unsure of the problem. I then went to a specialist next door just to make sure, and he started right away. I didn't really hurt much at first or during, but as soon as that stuff wore off I was in throbbing pain, still am as a matter of fact. I have to go back in a week and a half to get it finished and crowned. Hope I survive till then, fingers crossed.

And last, but certainly not least, I am going to one of my two favorite bands concerts this weekend. No it is not McFly (who I am listening to RIGHT NOW!! You should get their new single Lies, it's pretty good, but don't take my word for it, buy it! Or listen to it on the playlist to the side.), it is The Rocket Summer. I discovered them in January, and it is essentially a one man band. He writes, produces, arranges all his own music and plays all the instruments on the CD recording. He tours with his school buddies. I found out he was coming to town in March, so I begged Christa to go with me to The Avalon theatre. These are some highlights of the eve. The first picture is how Christa and I felt about the opening act. He was a Corey Feldmen look-alike, and the most disgusting and awful singer I have ever seen/heard. I particularily like Christa's face, it's a keeper. The second picture is of Bryce Avery of The Rocket Summer, it was the best concert I have ever been to. He has so much energy, and it is such positive good music.

Anyhow, Sammers and I are going this Friday Eve. We have been counting down for ages, and I am been excited for this since when I left the concert last March. I'll let you all know how it goes. The Morning Light, The Secret Handshake, and Phantom Planet are also going to be there, but I don't know how much I care about them. It is all about The Rocket Summer!!

Yeah, I know that was long, forgive me, but I had to get it all out. I'll write back soon and kisses to all and to all a good night.

1st Day Without School

Well, today was my first day without having to go to school. It was kind of weird not to go back to school when everyone else is. I spent my first day running 1 or 2 errands, watching some TV, and job searching, and the day is not yet over. I gotta get some good GRE sutyding in at some point.

On a good, and not stressful note, we got moved into our new apartment successfully. I will post some pics of our new digs soon, but until then be satisfied with my description. It is much nicer than the Riviera, that much can be said, but that also isn't saying much. It is very white and tan-ny, with very nice carpet. We also have these couches that you can absolutely get lost in. Sammy and I spent all Friday setting up our bedrooms, and the front room and kitchen. It was quite a day I might add, my arms were so sore the next day, I could barely move them. We also successfully got the piano moved in, no small feat I can assure you. It is starting to feel like home.

We also had the first BYU football game on Saturday, which we won. Pretty soundly too, I might add. We celebrated by attending Red Robin for late night deliciousness.

This is Becky, Sammy, and I during the game, not paying attention, shocking.

This is Landon, Sammy, and I making "crazy faces." Can you handle it?

Also, if anyone has a job that is hiring, could they let me know? I am getting desperate. I should write more here, but I get sick of it after about 15 minutes, so maybe I'll add more tonight when I'm feelin more type-y.

Roomies

Thought I'd a picture of these great roomies I am going to have for fall.

This is Sammy, Becky, and I on the 4th of July eagerly anticipating Mylie Cyrus

Update for B-Tuck

I am currently gmail chatting with Becks, and she asked about this blog. I haven't written in it for over a month, so I thought I would update it before I head off to another day at the Winner School.

Before I start the catch-up, I should mention that I am dreading work in a half an hour because I am working with the Bears (3-year olds) for the rest of the night, and working with a brand new girl, which means I have to do everything. I am also coming down with a cold, and to top it all off, I am looking for a job. This is the hard part because I now have to pay for everything, plus save money for grad school. AND study for the GRE. What a load, but it'll all work out at some point......I hope.

Anyhow, to catch up on what happened since I last blogged (a small list to start off): I graduated most importantly, found myself homeless, and had family move away to Indiana.

Yes folks, it's true, I graduated. It is a good feeling to see all those years of hard work pay off. Although, I will admit that I am not such a fan of the whole ceremony. It is so formal, and I feel weird having people stand up as I enter......kind of weird. I did it though, and ate some delicious CPK after in celebration. This graduation showed me just what a supportive family I have. My parents brought me flowers, and my sister brought a goodies bag full of my favorite stuff. This is the second time she has done this, and she always makes a funny card "signed" by famous scientists or entertainers. This time it was signed by Al Gore, David Cook, and Mia Michaels, among others, though my favorite was from Howie Mandel. I also have amazing support from extended family who have given me loving notes and generous gifts. I am so lucky and blessed to have such an amazing family.

After I graduated though, my roommates and I, the Bathroom Holla gang, found ourselves homeless for two weeks. The Riviera kicked us out, and Victoria Place won't take us. However, some of us did beat the system by staying with friends at the Riv. We moved all our stuff into a storage unit (with no room to spare) in two days, and I moved home. Though it was an incredibly stressful day, Emily very graciously offered to take all four of us to Mamma Mia in payment for letting her stay with us rent free. It was a great movie, and a great way for the four of us to part ways.

Being home has been fun though. I like being able to relax without drama at the family casa, and not have to pay for food. I am also back at the Winner School, can I possibly get away? I do love that place though, it feels like home no matter how long I've been away. It is awesome to walk in and have so many people and children excited to see you. I have never felt so old though because my first class I ever had are now going into 2nd grade. I remember when some of them were born!! I love all my kids, and will miss my two boys Emilio and Aiden the most when I leave since I have no intention on ever returning again.

And some sad news, Thomas, Bethany, and Ainsley have left us for Indiana University. I miss them all so much, especially when we have family gatherings and their absence is very obvious. The baby is really starting to grow up, we've seen from pictures and skype. And I miss my granola older brother and my sweet sister-in-law. I think we get to see Beth and Ainsley in October sometime, and will probably see them at Christmas, but that still doesn't seem soon enough. We are such a close family that it is weird to be so distant. I'll say it again, I have the best family in the world, and am lucky to feel like I could tell any member of my fam anything.

That is a long blog, I'm sorry. I will update more often so they don't get so long, and possibly add pictures. You never know. Once I have a job and no more studying, I may have more free time at nights on my hands. We'll see,

S

Catchin Up

Well, I thought I'd write another post since my mom seems to be checking this blog......though it was started as a joke. I must air a grievance, I just called home to discuss the results of So You Think You Can Dance, and my family was too busy lotioning Baby Ainsley, that no one could talk to me. I was left shootin the breeze with Tom. I was once the baby of our family, and clearly now I have been replaced.

On another note, I ordered my graduation announcements, and I am SUPER thrilled to be so close. From now on I can say "My degree in......." instead of "my major is......." Fantastic

Also, I am heading home, again, tomorrow for a special wedding. I am excited to be done with school for the week, but when I come back I have a test, so that stinks. Anyhow, I have to get some reading done because in 30 minutes THE WHO is doing a concert on VH1, and I've been waiting for this for months. Ciao

Bathroom Holla

I have heard of this awesome new band called Bathroom Holla, except great things, and I will post their news as much as I can!!!

This is a Shout Out to Christa

This is really just set up because Christa told me to do it. I don't actually have anything else to say! Just a holla at to the Christers!