Chip Chop

**Caution** This post is completely done "tongue in cheek"...if you don't know what that means, either stop reading or go call your Mom and ask her, then proceed.

CHOPSTICKS
There are those pivotal moments in friendships or relationships that really change the way you look at someone. If you share things in common that are important to you, it makes you feel like you can really connect on a certain level. However if you find out that they are inept in areas that you feel are important, you tend to look at them differently. Not necessarily less, just different.
That being said, I believe that being able to use chopsticks or not is one of those things for me. Albeit INCREDIBLY shallow, but none the less, it is one. If I find out you can use them, chances are I will like you better all of a sudden. I have often said my only stipulations for marriage is that the guy is LDS, filthy rich, and can use chopsticks. I plan to hold to that as much as possible, and if I had to let go of one, I guess I could do with being upper-middle class.
Think about it; having the ability to use chopsticks says a lot about a person.
For example...

• Incredible self control

-Many people try and soon get frustrated, and and "give in" to the temptation to grab the nearest fork, but not the chopstick user...he/she perseveres.

• Patience

-Many people just plain give up altogether, and never even grab the chopsticks while they are in line at Panda Express. Then, when they see their very chopstick adept friend grab a pair of them, they make some insecure comment about how chopsticks are lame. But this young Grasshopper patiently practices, no matter how much defeat, and learns much more than just the art of the sticks.

• Believing in Oneself

-Nowadays, many people will try to cut you down at every good thing you try to do. Especially if it makes you look better than them. But the person who uses chopsticks believes that they can, and so they do. They have a better, firmer grasp on reality, and the great things that they can accomplish with a little trust in themselves.

• Accomplishing Goals

-Those who do not try, do not know the great feeling that comes with accomplishing a goal you have patiently and consistently worked at. There is no greater feeling than accomplishing something you put your mind to. The chopstick user, clearly understands the importance and value of accomplishing goals.


Now do you understand the importance of chopstick usage? There are clearly exceptional qualities about a person who has mastered this art. (granted, you don't have to be able to eat a whole meal by picking up one grain of rice at a time, just get by-eating the meal successfully.) I know that when I have children I will teach them from a young age, so that when they grow up, they too, can have these admirable qualities.

For all of you who are saying, "Oh dear, I always use a fork at Teryaki Stix," don't worry. You can still learn. Just be patient, and have a loving friend or family member help to support you, and I know you can do it. I don't love you any less if you can't, I just like you less.

P.S. There are do's and don'ts of the art.... this is a don't... (click on it to enlarge)

2 Legit to Quit

"Stop collaborate and listen.......Can't touch this......Ice is back with a brand new edition....."

Seriously M C Hammer and Vanilla Ice are getting together for one night only and its in , of all places, OREM, UT at the Mckay Events center. (poor David O. Mckay, if he only knew)

Apparently they are poor and desperate, and need money from....Mormons? I'm still trying to figure out why Utah, but anyway, its called, get this.."Hammer Pants and Ice." Seriously, how can I NOT go to this. Click here for more details.

So come on all you children of the 80's, teens of the 90's. Who's with me!? Get your parachute pants out and come party with me! We'll break out our tapes and rock out to our ghetto blaster in the parking lot. Anyone (and I mean anyone, any age) who is in the area and wants to go, lemme know. tix are 30-35 bucks...so worth it.

Best Day Ever!

1. I was actually early to my 830 class today which never happens, but I love when it does because it makes me less stressed

2. Most classes I interpreted were very laid back, and easy today.

3. 3 of my classes were canceled today... which is honestly a really nice break

4. I got my hair done! **PAH** its been like, over 3 months and I basically gagged every time I looked in the mirror and saw my regrowth. It feels so good, even though it sounds vain :)

5. This is the best one!! I got my level 2 Interpreter Certification results back and when I took it, my goal was to at least pass one of the 5 components, and today I found out I passed 4 of the 5!!!!!!! Im so excited! I hope they didn't mix me up with someone else, but I quadruple checked to make sure and it seems legit! YAY!!!!

The Lord is so good to me, I can't tell you how much I truly sincerely needed a good day! He has blessed me so much, and I don't deserve it. I am so grateful He loves us no matter what. :)

Help me decide!

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted a Dog. Now that I am done with school, I have been itching to get one, and have (I think) narrowed it down to 2 breeds. A Puggle or a Yorkie. I have done a lot of research, and I want to be sure I am ready when I do get one. Yes, I of course want a "cute little dog," and they are both that. I don't want a big one, since I will be in an apartment probably for a while. In short, here are a few of the pros and cons of both:

Puggles- "pros" They are good in apartments, good with children and strangers, short hair- no trimming necessary, bathing only once in a blue moon, they are friendly and loyal, they don't get stressed or depressed easily, they are super cute!
Puggles- "cons" They can get to be up to 15-20lbs, they need the folds of thier face and eyes cleaned often, they can be hard to potty train, they shed, they may be prone to "digging"




Yorkies- "pros" They are loyal and loving, they are small and good in apartments, they don't need tons of excercise, can be trained well, they are easy to take around if needed, they don't dig or destroy things, they are adoreable!
Yorkies- "cons" They can get lonely easy (I work a lot), they need to be trimmed often, and brushed regularly, Must be bathed 2-4 times a month (not too bad), may have a tendency to be yippie.

I need help in making a decision, especially if you know more about either of them. OR...if you have any other suggestions for dogs, lemme know. So comment away...

MEEEEEE

I have been tagged by Laurel, so here's my 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about me...

1. When I sleep, I love being cold, and bundling up in lots of big warm blankets. I absolutely can't stand being to hot, or even normal temp when I am sleeping. 50 Degrees is Ideal.
2. When I clean, it is usually at night, I get my 2nd wind after about 11, and get this desire to deep clean everything.
3. I have the greatest desire to be creative and musical, I have 700 times more interest in creativity then I do actually have creativity. I feel like Salieri sometimes(the man who was accused of Mozarts death), but don't worry I am not gonna kill any creative-types.
4. I love photography, and while I can't afford anything related to actually being a photographer, I will someday, I already have a plan.
5. I love movies, even movies that aren't that great, if they still entertain I like 'em.
6. I love soy anything. Soy burgers, soy beans (edemame), soy milk. Too bad I'm supposed to avoid all soy products cuz of my thyroid medication. :(
7. I hate feet. Don't come near me with your feet.
8. Politics make me angry most of the time. I am interpreting a class related to this topic, and while I actually find it really interesting, I cant stand how skewed EVERY single fact becomes.
9. If I have too much to do, and feel overwhelmed, I get paralized and cant do anything because I don't know where to start. So I watch a movie.
10. I really want to be married right now. I am not all crazy about it, but its true.
11. I LOVE my job interpreting, but I never feel good enough at it.
12. I love making lists. I love writing them down, and making a detailed plan and list of things to do , or accomplish, and ticking them off. Its so fulfilling.
13. I am super self concious, hopefully not annoyingly so, but I analyze EVERYTHING people say and do and everything I say and do.
14. But.... I genuinely like people and get along with almost everyone. Even if I am totally different than someone, or they are super drama, I still will most likely sincerly enjoy being around them.
15. I am DYING to get a dog right now. I have been researching it since the summer and have narrowed it down to 2 breeds, either a puggle or a yorkie. I WILL get a dog, hopefully in the next few months.
16. I really like my hands.
17. I have recently become obsessed with saving money, and I am super excited about it. Well actually I am in the stage of paying off school debt, and then I will be saving, but I have big plans, and its SO fun.
18. I avoid hugging people most of the time because I have a fear of awkward hugs. Lemme tell you though, its a self fullfilling prophecy.
19. I despise public restrooms. This is a problem since I work over 8 hours most days, I can't avoid 'em, so I pick the ones most don't know about, or try to use it when I know everyone is in class. I don't like people listenting to me or waiting for me, thank you very much.
20. My Idol growing up was Debbie Gibson. It was the first CD I ever owned. Though I did have all the tapes of Paula Abdul, and The New Kids. (thats until they became The New 'pigs' on the Block, mmmhmmm)
21. I have moved over 20 times in my life, (and thats not including 11 times on my mission).
22. I hate moving.
23. I am not a big fan of crowds, or big parties. I am a one-on-one kinda girl. I am NOT a social butterfly.
24. Music is a big part of my life. I love music, I have a wide variety of what I like, and its probably not what you'd expect. (I still haven't accepted most forms of country though, sorry)
25. My sense of humor is important to me, I have whay you might call a "subtle yet surpirsing" sense of humor. At least I like to say that, so when you don't think I am funny I can blame your inability to pick up subtleties.

Now TAG, you're it.

5 Movies I Can Watch Over and Over....

....And believe me I have. These are some of my favorite movies, and they are the kind that I literally could watch every day and probably never get tired of. I can't even tell you how many times I've watched them. Some of my favorite movies of all time though, are the kind that I just can't watch over and over, so keep in mind that this is not a list of my top five favorites of all time as much as it is the ones I never get sick of. So, with no restraint, and holding back my pride, I list the 5 movies with the risk of loosing the respect of some of you, if I happen to mention a movie one might think too girlie or too stupid :) Here they are....


#1 Clueless
The first time I saw this movie was when I was 13 and living in Pennsylvania (shudder...) and due to the lack of entertainment there we went to movies a lot, especially the drive-in. It was always a double feature too, and I believe we saw the movie "9 Months" with Hugh Grant also. Anyway, if you haven't watched this recently, do it! It is an ingeniously written script, and while not perfectly delivered, it is close enough to be believable. It is the first of its kind and a huge part of pop culture (even still I might say). I love every part of this movie, and think it is quirky, funny, charming, and just delightful. I mean it practically changed teenage culture of the 90's, c'mon its where we got the big "W" hand sign when saying "whatever" with as much of a valley girl accent as can possibly be achieved.


#2 Pride and Prejudice

I am actually watching this movie right now (sheepish grin). I actually didn't love this movie when I first saw it, because I had seen the extended English version with Colin Firth, and liked the detail and thought it was done better. However once I got past the comparison, I have loved the music in it, and the calm, yet conflicted nature of it, and can usually watch it when I am cleaning or writing or just when I want something with a feel of romance. Its possibly quite cliche' to add this movie, but I truly do love it.


#3 Overboard
I don't even remember when the first time I saw this movie was, but I know that I have loved it ever since. I probably should put this first, as this probably holds the record for most times watched. It is hilarious, in a different way, than most comedies, and I LOVE it. I love Goldie Hawn in the role, she plays it impeccably. There are so many great lines in this movie, and she has 'em all. Really well written and incredibly well executed. If you haven't seen this movie, put it on your Netflix queue and hit the "put at top of queue" button. :)

#4 Anchorman
I am sure most of you that know me well were waiting for this one. I am not a big movie quoter, but I am an Anchorman quoter, or at least a recovering one. Its a disease and I am trying to overcome. There are just so many ways to apply this movie and its many ridiculous phrases. It is most certainly over quoted by many, but there is good reason. As a disclaimer, I definitely recommend the "clean flix" version of this, if that's even possible now. This movie is SO rediculous but it has several comedic geniuses in it, and even when its not being funny, its funny. The pauses, and scene transitions, and cameos are all dripping with passive yet enormously funny content.

#5 The Devil Wears Prada

This movie is one that I almost can't explain the reason that I love it so much. I almost don't know why myself. I think its just one of those movies that fulfills some sort of girlie part of me, that I rather enjoy. Its fun, and I love Merril Streep's character in it, and just think its a fun movie, and I am never sick of it. My brother says he hates it because it has no point to it, but I rather disagree. I haven't quite figured out the point of it, but when I do, I will let you know.


#6 Spanglish
Ok so I realize that I said my top 5 watchable movies, but I had to mention this one too. It is like the others, extremely well written, and one of my favorite things about it is that it is not predictable in any way. It doesn't follow the typical rules of plot and climax and character development, but it fulfills all of that in its own delightful way. It somehow feels very human. I tend to really hate Adam Sandler's movies or love them. This happens to be my favorite of his because he doesn't over act at all. The young Hispanic daughter in this movie is really great, and Cloris Leachman (aka the oldest Dancing with the Stars dancer), is absolutely hilarious in this move. I love it.

So there you have it, if you have some time to waste.... go waste in an enjoyable way on these :)

Happy New Yizzle!

Wow, when I look back on 2008, I can't believe how much has happened and how much has changed! I definitely never would have never guessed that I would be in Utah! Its been a good year though, and I have accomplished a lot that I am proud of. This next year though, looks SOO exciting, and I am really looking forward to what the future holds for me! I have lots of exciting plans, and hope this year is better than ever! That sounds really overly-optimistic, but its true. :)

Christmas and New Years was great this year! My parents, brother and Taylor (his g-friend, and my friend/old roommate) drove up from Ca, and stayed for about 1 1/2 weeks. Taylor's dad came up from Az for 2 days and it was great fun too. (he's a retired NFL player, so my uncles and Dad had a lot of fun interviewing him:) Anyway, it was fabulous! Enjoy the pics!




New Years "drunk" pics- Me, Taylor, James (bro)


Yeah this ones bizzare, sorry



12:01 Jan 1st 2009! SLC!



bro and sis -New Years Eve


CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER and FESTIVITIES:



Our Traditional Sled races, everyone makes one, I got in the semi-finals, but my Uncle Mark one the championship round! (ingredients: one chocolate santa, a hersheys kiss, 2 andes mints, & 2 paper clips)



Intensly focusing on trying to make the most aerodynamic sled...




CHRISTMAS MORNING!!




14 people under one roof=mass chaos, lots of gifts, and lots of fun



My Mom gave us Trader Joe's Bags. :( I miss it!!!


Our View from the house Christmas day!


My cute Grandpa and bro, hiking the mountain behind the house.