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