I remember when I was seventeen, working as a secretary at a school during summer hours trying to kill time. I got online, which was really high-tech and new at that point, and found some calculator that told you how much you would need to earn to live the lifestyle you wanted. I remember thinking how frivolous most of the items were that you could check: gym membership, manicures/pedicures, nutritionist, physical trainer, hair stylist, dining out weekly with friends, own apartment, own car, attend concerts, vacation a couple times per year, owning a pet, living in the city vs. living in the country...you get the picture. I went out on a limb to check mark all the things of which a little girl from a farm town in Ohio could only dream.
I remember for ten summers (13-22) riding along on our riding lawnmower for three to four hours at a time singing Broadway songs at the top of my lungs in our back field while dreaming of the day I would finally make it to New York City. And those girls who would get their hair cut at a stylist and colored - oh man, I knew their families had to be loaded. I felt so very blessed to be able to be part of the YMCA gymnastics team, a baton competition team, and show choir. My parents made huge sacrifices for me - driving me all over the country for competitions, ponying up money for costumes, and helping with ridiculous fund-raisers. I was never at a want for anything, but probably because my parents taught me the value of a dollar. I would sleep anywhere as long as I could sleep, wear anything, eat anything, etc. I would cling to my $30 on vacations as long as I could and then treasure whatever I finally decided to purchase as if it were a crown jewel. I would cry when my mom bought me something expensive and beg her not to spend that kind of money on me.
I look at my life now. You can scroll through my phone and find numbers for my: stylist, nutritionist, physical trainer, pedicurist, and favorite take-out. You can follow my life and know I travel regularly, have a VIP gym membership, have my own place, and am pretty much up-to-date with fashion and technology trends.
When did I become that girl? When did I start living this life I once thought was a frivolous dream? As much as I feel I am living a dream-come-true, I feel slightly guilty knowing that I can be 100% happy with so much less. Regardless, I do know that my life is extremely blessed and I need to remember to count those blessings much more often.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Showing My Age
Two years ago, whenever I would have someone play the guessing game about my age, they always guessed 6-7 years younger. Now, when I have someone guess, they only guess about 4 years younger. Am I aging faster now? How can this be? I do have a theory that every break-up ages me a year from the trauma - so that would work out if this is the case. If this is the case, I also need to stop dating...
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Another Letter
Dear hairy, sweaty, smelly, wife-beater-wearing, old man at the gym,
There were 9 machines to my left, 3 to my right, 13 in front of me, and 11 behind me - all open and free for your use. I counted. Why did you make yourself right at home on the machine next to me? I do not understand. Do you like the smell of my sweat? Cause I don't reciprocate...
There were 9 machines to my left, 3 to my right, 13 in front of me, and 11 behind me - all open and free for your use. I counted. Why did you make yourself right at home on the machine next to me? I do not understand. Do you like the smell of my sweat? Cause I don't reciprocate...
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Two Letters
Dear Foreign Hair on my turkey sandwich,
I know not from whenst you came. Why do you adorn my sandwich so? You repulse me, you nauseate me.
Dear Turkey Sandwich,
You are very lucky I am famished, lest your fate would be the same as unidentified Foreign Hair.
I know not from whenst you came. Why do you adorn my sandwich so? You repulse me, you nauseate me.
Dear Turkey Sandwich,
You are very lucky I am famished, lest your fate would be the same as unidentified Foreign Hair.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Once There Was a Snowman...
Saturday I fully intended on playing a rousing game of ultimate frisbee after pumping some iron at the gym. I arrived at the frisbee field to find dear Eric and Jim passing the disc around alone. Ultimate in the snow is the best, I don't know what is wrong with everyone else, but I was willing to settle for just tossing around.
First we tried throwing the frisbee and hitting it with snowballs.
Next we built a snowman! I haven't built a snowman in years!
After all the laughter and totally mind-clearing, much overdue joy, we tried to knock off the snowman's head with our rockin' frisbee throws. It really is astonishing how bad one's aim can be when throwing a frisbee at a stationary object. Regardless, we were at this for...oh...maybe 30 or 45 minutes. Just as we were relenting to our wet, frozen toes, I threw the disc. BAM - right in the kisser. Then a wobble...more wobble..more...ooOOooOoooh yes! The head rolled right off and splattered to the ground. I did it!
The day will forever be known in history as the great snowman massacre.
First we tried throwing the frisbee and hitting it with snowballs.
Next we built a snowman! I haven't built a snowman in years!
After all the laughter and totally mind-clearing, much overdue joy, we tried to knock off the snowman's head with our rockin' frisbee throws. It really is astonishing how bad one's aim can be when throwing a frisbee at a stationary object. Regardless, we were at this for...oh...maybe 30 or 45 minutes. Just as we were relenting to our wet, frozen toes, I threw the disc. BAM - right in the kisser. Then a wobble...more wobble..more...ooOOooOoooh yes! The head rolled right off and splattered to the ground. I did it!
The day will forever be known in history as the great snowman massacre.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Median
Driving through Sandy Wednesday night, I saw quite the peculiar incident.
A car, turning left, shoots out into traffic to dart full-speed into what we in Utah so lovingly refer to as the "suicide lane."
My thoughts, "I wonder if the driver knows there is a 1-foot high median obstructing the....ooooohhh no....definitely didn't know."
Jaw agape, before I can even process my thoughts, the driver swings the car into reverse and speeds away as if nothing had happened.
I don't know how that car/driver didn't get damaged. Maybe it did, but it sped away with exhaust between its tires (my pathetic attempt at paralleling the phrase "tail between its legs") so quickly I couldn't tell.
I mean...seriously! Wow. That median wasn't exactly inconspicuous. Why are we all amused so much by others' mistakes?
A car, turning left, shoots out into traffic to dart full-speed into what we in Utah so lovingly refer to as the "suicide lane."
My thoughts, "I wonder if the driver knows there is a 1-foot high median obstructing the....ooooohhh no....definitely didn't know."
Jaw agape, before I can even process my thoughts, the driver swings the car into reverse and speeds away as if nothing had happened.
I don't know how that car/driver didn't get damaged. Maybe it did, but it sped away with exhaust between its tires (my pathetic attempt at paralleling the phrase "tail between its legs") so quickly I couldn't tell.
I mean...seriously! Wow. That median wasn't exactly inconspicuous. Why are we all amused so much by others' mistakes?
New York at Christmas Time!
I failed to mention that I fled the sorrow that was encompassing my life a few weeks ago by taking a less-than-one-week's-notice-holiday trip to NYC!
I have had a dream of being in New York at Christmas since, well, at least since Home Alone 2.
I stood there watching the Macy's Thanksgiving parade in Times Square and thought to myself, "I feel so foolish. The only reason I'm standing here is because I am running away from my problems." Then I realized, no matter the reason I was there at that moment, I was living a dream come true - not just for myself, but for so many others. I received a text from my mom during the parade about how she has dreamed her whole life of doing what I was doing.
I also decided to fly in my little sister as her Christmas present, although she couldn't come in until the day after Thanksgiving. She somehow convinced her friend Ryan (who came with us in April) to come as well. The three of us had a blast.
I can't describe the feeling of your heart being filled with sorrow and joy, both overwhelming, at the same time. My life is extremely blessed. I know this even when I'm going through any sort of emotional or physical challenge. I know my Heavenly Father loves me and watches out for me - including making the fares to NYC the same price five days in advance as they would have been a year in advance:-)
I have had a dream of being in New York at Christmas since, well, at least since Home Alone 2.
I stood there watching the Macy's Thanksgiving parade in Times Square and thought to myself, "I feel so foolish. The only reason I'm standing here is because I am running away from my problems." Then I realized, no matter the reason I was there at that moment, I was living a dream come true - not just for myself, but for so many others. I received a text from my mom during the parade about how she has dreamed her whole life of doing what I was doing.
I also decided to fly in my little sister as her Christmas present, although she couldn't come in until the day after Thanksgiving. She somehow convinced her friend Ryan (who came with us in April) to come as well. The three of us had a blast.
I can't describe the feeling of your heart being filled with sorrow and joy, both overwhelming, at the same time. My life is extremely blessed. I know this even when I'm going through any sort of emotional or physical challenge. I know my Heavenly Father loves me and watches out for me - including making the fares to NYC the same price five days in advance as they would have been a year in advance:-)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Oreode
This is my oreode to charity.
Last night my ward held an auction to support the families we are sponsoring for Sub-4-Santa.
Many volunteers donated items and services while equally as many bid.
I offered a tutorial on how to make my famous homemade oreo's, as well as taking home the freshly created morsels of heaven.
Imagine my shock as the price jumped from $5 to $30 in about 10 seconds!
$35 going once...going twice...sold!
One of the most amazing young men I know will now hold the magical powers of oreo creation.
What is more amazing than the amount of the auction are the hearts of those participating. Last night wasn't about getting a bargain - last night was about giving the blessings we have received to others. My cookies are certainly not worth $35, but the joy an individual in need will receive is worth far more.
In all, we helped to raise over $3,000 for charity. I am in awe.
I also just realized that all those times I've thought I had to beg for help making cookies could really be quite a profitable venture...just kidding, of course:-)
(and for those who are wondering - I bid on, and won, the opportunity to have the lovely Stacey-Marie Hansen -aka Miss Murray- fix my hair as well as a cut/color for my hairs from my professional stylist whom you should ALL go to/good friend Leah!)
Last night my ward held an auction to support the families we are sponsoring for Sub-4-Santa.
Many volunteers donated items and services while equally as many bid.
I offered a tutorial on how to make my famous homemade oreo's, as well as taking home the freshly created morsels of heaven.
Imagine my shock as the price jumped from $5 to $30 in about 10 seconds!
$35 going once...going twice...sold!
One of the most amazing young men I know will now hold the magical powers of oreo creation.
What is more amazing than the amount of the auction are the hearts of those participating. Last night wasn't about getting a bargain - last night was about giving the blessings we have received to others. My cookies are certainly not worth $35, but the joy an individual in need will receive is worth far more.
In all, we helped to raise over $3,000 for charity. I am in awe.
I also just realized that all those times I've thought I had to beg for help making cookies could really be quite a profitable venture...just kidding, of course:-)
(and for those who are wondering - I bid on, and won, the opportunity to have the lovely Stacey-Marie Hansen -aka Miss Murray- fix my hair as well as a cut/color for my hairs from my professional stylist whom you should ALL go to/good friend Leah!)
Monday, December 7, 2009
Banana Wheat Thins
Does this sound like a good idea to you?
Well, it is most definitely not.
I had my wheat thins in a baggie next to my banana all day and the aforementioned happened...two great things, one bad combination.
Well, it is most definitely not.
I had my wheat thins in a baggie next to my banana all day and the aforementioned happened...two great things, one bad combination.
Writing
As I was word-vomiting yet another e-mail venting to someone, I had this thought:
Sometimes the only time I feel like I can be completely honest is through my writing - there is no body language messing me up, no stuttering, no correcting myself based upon someone's reaction - it is just pure and out there in black and white.
Sometimes the only time I feel like I can be completely honest is through my writing - there is no body language messing me up, no stuttering, no correcting myself based upon someone's reaction - it is just pure and out there in black and white.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Hunchback
Something made me laugh this morning. As glorious as the feeling of laughing is, I have to share what thought provoked the rush.
There is always that person who stands up during church, a movie, what-have-you, to walk somewhere they shouldn't be walking - behind a speaker, in front of a seated person, you get it. Perhaps the person is on the stand and stands up to walk 5 seats away. Have you noticed how they always walk hunched over?
Uhmm...helloooooo...I still see you! Hunch lower? Yoo-hooo....still see you! Maybe a little bend of the knees for more of a shuffle? Weird enough, I still see you!
Why don't we just walk upright with dignity and grace so as to not look like a deformed ape? Doesn't hunching just make the whole matter worse?
If hunching were equal to a cloak of invisibility, perhaps this would make sense. Instead, it just makes me laugh:-)
There is always that person who stands up during church, a movie, what-have-you, to walk somewhere they shouldn't be walking - behind a speaker, in front of a seated person, you get it. Perhaps the person is on the stand and stands up to walk 5 seats away. Have you noticed how they always walk hunched over?
Uhmm...helloooooo...I still see you! Hunch lower? Yoo-hooo....still see you! Maybe a little bend of the knees for more of a shuffle? Weird enough, I still see you!
Why don't we just walk upright with dignity and grace so as to not look like a deformed ape? Doesn't hunching just make the whole matter worse?
If hunching were equal to a cloak of invisibility, perhaps this would make sense. Instead, it just makes me laugh:-)
Monday, November 23, 2009
Acceptance
As I get older, I often worry if I am becoming "hardened" or "past feeling" because I don't feel as upset about something in my life as I did when I first went through the experience.
I read this thought today that helped to calm my worries:
"When we first encounter or anticipate a difficult or painful life circumstance, we may be overcome with fear, dread, shock, or horror. As we come to terms with these life challenges, we begin to accept them for what they are. This frees up our mind to actually start working on productive solutions or adaptation. As you begin to accept things as they are, you become less frantic, and can actually have more influence on potential outcomes."
I feel a little as if I am walking around on a broken foot. Sure, I can make it look easy and painless and even quite normal, but inside I am aching with every move. Just because I am walking and learning to move doesn't mean I don't hurt. Part of me feels I have to keep hurting to remind myself how much I cared, how much I still care, how much I will for some time to come...
Good to know that accepting this and healing will never take away from the sincerity of those feelings.
I read this thought today that helped to calm my worries:
"When we first encounter or anticipate a difficult or painful life circumstance, we may be overcome with fear, dread, shock, or horror. As we come to terms with these life challenges, we begin to accept them for what they are. This frees up our mind to actually start working on productive solutions or adaptation. As you begin to accept things as they are, you become less frantic, and can actually have more influence on potential outcomes."
I feel a little as if I am walking around on a broken foot. Sure, I can make it look easy and painless and even quite normal, but inside I am aching with every move. Just because I am walking and learning to move doesn't mean I don't hurt. Part of me feels I have to keep hurting to remind myself how much I cared, how much I still care, how much I will for some time to come...
Good to know that accepting this and healing will never take away from the sincerity of those feelings.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Viscious Cycle
I'm not big on the woe-is-me blogging, yet I am going to do it.
I feel like my recent situation is an occasion that has frequented me all too much the past year and a half. Maybe this is a good thing - these men breaking up with me...it means I am dating and every failure leads me closer to a success!
Each man I date I feel I care about more than the last (with one exception). I feel as if I am closer and closer to being exactly who I want to be in a relationship. Yet, each time....they dump me. I almost wish I could say there were something legitly wrong with me or that I was a little crazy...anything to explain why they just don't want me.
I am well aware of all of the cliche thoughts: "It will all be worth it in the end," "You deserve someone who wants to be around you all the time," etc. But that doesn't make this any easier. At this moment, I want to be with the man who just broke my heart. I'm even good at getting dumped - I shower him with compliments and tell him how wonderful he is...who does that?!? Yet, I honestly feel that way. I care so sincerely. I wouldn't date him if I didn't truly care for him, so why on earth would I ever be cruel? I just don't have it in me. Then there is that part of me that hopes they wake up the next morning realizing what a mistake they have made and they will come crawling back to me. But they never do.
I know some man will have the right broom to eventually sweep me off my feet without knocking me to the ground. I would love to think this latest young man will realize he knocked me over and come back to pick me up...but I can't count on it...even though he's probably the best man I have ever dated. I only write this because I know he doesn't read my blog.
I'll be fine. I have so many dear friends who love me so much (and I, them!) and I realize I can't be that big of a reject if they can love me and care for me. I'm just tired. I have no idea how many more times I'm going to have to live these experiences and I would gladly give up those sleepless, tearful nights of joyous images running through my head like a movie...knowing I'll never get to live them again with that special person.
I feel like my recent situation is an occasion that has frequented me all too much the past year and a half. Maybe this is a good thing - these men breaking up with me...it means I am dating and every failure leads me closer to a success!
Each man I date I feel I care about more than the last (with one exception). I feel as if I am closer and closer to being exactly who I want to be in a relationship. Yet, each time....they dump me. I almost wish I could say there were something legitly wrong with me or that I was a little crazy...anything to explain why they just don't want me.
I am well aware of all of the cliche thoughts: "It will all be worth it in the end," "You deserve someone who wants to be around you all the time," etc. But that doesn't make this any easier. At this moment, I want to be with the man who just broke my heart. I'm even good at getting dumped - I shower him with compliments and tell him how wonderful he is...who does that?!? Yet, I honestly feel that way. I care so sincerely. I wouldn't date him if I didn't truly care for him, so why on earth would I ever be cruel? I just don't have it in me. Then there is that part of me that hopes they wake up the next morning realizing what a mistake they have made and they will come crawling back to me. But they never do.
I know some man will have the right broom to eventually sweep me off my feet without knocking me to the ground. I would love to think this latest young man will realize he knocked me over and come back to pick me up...but I can't count on it...even though he's probably the best man I have ever dated. I only write this because I know he doesn't read my blog.
I'll be fine. I have so many dear friends who love me so much (and I, them!) and I realize I can't be that big of a reject if they can love me and care for me. I'm just tired. I have no idea how many more times I'm going to have to live these experiences and I would gladly give up those sleepless, tearful nights of joyous images running through my head like a movie...knowing I'll never get to live them again with that special person.
Friday, November 13, 2009
I Love You
I was out on a date with a wonderful young man who began to tell me about a movie I have not seen - rib sauce covering his face and all. I love when he tells me about movies because he gets so excited and uses such vivid descriptions.
My brain responded with: "Can I just tell you I love it when you tell me about movies?!"
My mouth responded with: "Can I just tell you I love you?"
WPIGJPW@@!&!
I immediately began laughing hysterically, not knowing what to do to cover this mother-of-all awkward slips.
I vaguely heard him quip, "Wow, with rib sauce all over my face and everything?"
We both got a good laugh, no one freaked out, and now I have an awesome story to tell:-)
My brain responded with: "Can I just tell you I love it when you tell me about movies?!"
My mouth responded with: "Can I just tell you I love you?"
WPIGJPW@@!&!
I immediately began laughing hysterically, not knowing what to do to cover this mother-of-all awkward slips.
I vaguely heard him quip, "Wow, with rib sauce all over my face and everything?"
We both got a good laugh, no one freaked out, and now I have an awesome story to tell:-)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Planner
Sunday I got a call from LaserQuest saying they found my planner in their parking lot. WHAT? So I picked it up yesterday and the teenage girl working the counter smiled REALLY big and asked if I was Larissa.
Hmmm....something tells me those fools were going through my planner and everyone at her work today is going to be so jealous of her because she got to see who this mysterious Larissa is that they now know EVERYTHING about. Yes, I am one of those folks who puts everything in my planner. Ideas for gifts and dates, all my plans - I even enter retrospectively, addresses, commentary on dates with words or pictures, shopping lists, birthdays, travel arrangements, health information.....so...yeah...they stumbled upon quite the goldmine of juicy info...
Hmmm....something tells me those fools were going through my planner and everyone at her work today is going to be so jealous of her because she got to see who this mysterious Larissa is that they now know EVERYTHING about. Yes, I am one of those folks who puts everything in my planner. Ideas for gifts and dates, all my plans - I even enter retrospectively, addresses, commentary on dates with words or pictures, shopping lists, birthdays, travel arrangements, health information.....so...yeah...they stumbled upon quite the goldmine of juicy info...
Eating Out - The Results
I made a goal.
I followed all the rules that I could not eat out unless:
1. I am invited to go out to eat - as a date or with a group
2. I get to go out for my "Birthday Dinner"
3. I am running on "E" and it is one of those days where I am away from home from 7:30am-10:30pm
My goal was to save money and fat - the result? TOTALLY backfired!
I found myself taking up every opportunity friends extended to go out to eat. In fact, I found myself telling them they should invite me to go out to eat otherwise I couldn't and ends up this must be true torture for most people cause they would all invite me right then and there! I did one time take awesome Shayla out for salad cause she had a less-than-stellar week, but I hardly think that counts against me.
I found myself running straight from work to rehearsal and not getting home until 11, which meant a quick Subway sandwich or Wendy's dollar menu.
I found myself going out on dates more often than not and we all know men love to eat...and I like to pretend they like a woman who loves to eat. At least one of them does, I know that for sure;-) Since I was going on dates regularly and typically not paying, that means I would have spent even more if I were eating on my own.
I did obey the rules and never ate out "just because," however, I spent more money stocking up on groceries because I was eating out, then getting invited on a date or to go eat, then the food I bought would go bad! I had more food around the house, thus eating more often.
The end result? $25 more spent for the month and a few pounds gained! What the?!?
I followed all the rules that I could not eat out unless:
1. I am invited to go out to eat - as a date or with a group
2. I get to go out for my "Birthday Dinner"
3. I am running on "E" and it is one of those days where I am away from home from 7:30am-10:30pm
My goal was to save money and fat - the result? TOTALLY backfired!
I found myself taking up every opportunity friends extended to go out to eat. In fact, I found myself telling them they should invite me to go out to eat otherwise I couldn't and ends up this must be true torture for most people cause they would all invite me right then and there! I did one time take awesome Shayla out for salad cause she had a less-than-stellar week, but I hardly think that counts against me.
I found myself running straight from work to rehearsal and not getting home until 11, which meant a quick Subway sandwich or Wendy's dollar menu.
I found myself going out on dates more often than not and we all know men love to eat...and I like to pretend they like a woman who loves to eat. At least one of them does, I know that for sure;-) Since I was going on dates regularly and typically not paying, that means I would have spent even more if I were eating on my own.
I did obey the rules and never ate out "just because," however, I spent more money stocking up on groceries because I was eating out, then getting invited on a date or to go eat, then the food I bought would go bad! I had more food around the house, thus eating more often.
The end result? $25 more spent for the month and a few pounds gained! What the?!?
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Goldfish
As I sat at work, needing a little snackage, I pulled out my bag of Goldfish and realized, I cannot eat Goldfish crackers without singing, "I love the fishes cause they're so delicious!"
All together now - "Gone Goldfishin'!"
All together now - "Gone Goldfishin'!"
Monday, November 2, 2009
Frank & Ralphie
Meet Frank. He scares me every time I come down the stairs to my condo.
Meet Ralphie. He likes Red Ryder BB Guns and really resembles me on Halloween:-)
Also meet Lady GaGa and man-with-blanket-around-neck (thanks Dr. Tripp for reminding me!). He had the most hilarious crash and burn attempt I've witnessed in awhile. For future advice, neck-blanket man, when a Lady rejects you, leave - don't stick around for five more minutes awkwardly shuffling around behind her. And wipe up your drool as you walk away.
Meet Ralphie. He likes Red Ryder BB Guns and really resembles me on Halloween:-)
Also meet Lady GaGa and man-with-blanket-around-neck (thanks Dr. Tripp for reminding me!). He had the most hilarious crash and burn attempt I've witnessed in awhile. For future advice, neck-blanket man, when a Lady rejects you, leave - don't stick around for five more minutes awkwardly shuffling around behind her. And wipe up your drool as you walk away.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Private Thoughts
I overheard some co-workers talking about someone's blog and some information that neither of them would have posted for public viewing. They could have been referring to anything from a baby photo to some highly personal romance issues - I have no idea.
One of them said, "Does she not understand the difference between private thoughts and public thoughts?" They went on to talk about how some things you should keep to yourself.
I then sat back and analyzed what I blog about. Do I feel any of it is too personal? Perhaps others would, but I don't really think so. I don't think too many random people are just running across my blog thinking, "Oh my goodness! I have just run into the juiciest information about this total stranger! OMG - it is like a fountain of gossip and juiciness!" I think those who are reading my blog are the folks I would like feedback from if I share something personal... the ones I want to know what is going on ...the ones who care about the often pathetic sentiments of my deranged mind.
This whole eavesdrop just made me wonder - am I sharing too much information? Then again, I don't really care - there is probably a lot more I'd share if I knew no one reading the blog would know exactly to whom or what I was referring:-)
One of them said, "Does she not understand the difference between private thoughts and public thoughts?" They went on to talk about how some things you should keep to yourself.
I then sat back and analyzed what I blog about. Do I feel any of it is too personal? Perhaps others would, but I don't really think so. I don't think too many random people are just running across my blog thinking, "Oh my goodness! I have just run into the juiciest information about this total stranger! OMG - it is like a fountain of gossip and juiciness!" I think those who are reading my blog are the folks I would like feedback from if I share something personal... the ones I want to know what is going on ...the ones who care about the often pathetic sentiments of my deranged mind.
This whole eavesdrop just made me wonder - am I sharing too much information? Then again, I don't really care - there is probably a lot more I'd share if I knew no one reading the blog would know exactly to whom or what I was referring:-)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Irrational
I pride myself on being rational in all things and then *bam* a weird thought strikes and you find yourself concocting the most bizarre-o scenarios and purchasing a ticket on the crazy train.
A few that have crossed my mind lately:
My windshield is now cracked, so I wondered what if my windshield just shattered and a shard of glass got stuck in my wrist and then I had to take off my shirt to use it as a tourniquet? Or wait...maybe I'd just want to apply a lot of pressure so that way I wouldn't have to get my hand amputated...
My neighbors have this creepy little Frankenstein man outside their door who scares me every time I come and go. What if a real killer hid behind Frank and jumped out and got me just cause he knew I wouldn't suspect...
What if I were able to win the McDonalds Monopoly lottery...
So-and-so didn't respond to a text I sent saying said individual is awesome. Crap. That must mean that said individual doesn't want to be my friend anymore...
Should I talk to my cat when I am home alone? What if someone snuck in to surprise me and then hears me talking to the cat and thinks I'm crazy...
A romantical interest wrote me that his parental units find me to be awesome. I respond I only care what he thinks...he responds with nothing. Oh dear...he must not find me awesome.
Definitely irrational, wouldn't you say?
A few that have crossed my mind lately:
My windshield is now cracked, so I wondered what if my windshield just shattered and a shard of glass got stuck in my wrist and then I had to take off my shirt to use it as a tourniquet? Or wait...maybe I'd just want to apply a lot of pressure so that way I wouldn't have to get my hand amputated...
My neighbors have this creepy little Frankenstein man outside their door who scares me every time I come and go. What if a real killer hid behind Frank and jumped out and got me just cause he knew I wouldn't suspect...
What if I were able to win the McDonalds Monopoly lottery...
So-and-so didn't respond to a text I sent saying said individual is awesome. Crap. That must mean that said individual doesn't want to be my friend anymore...
Should I talk to my cat when I am home alone? What if someone snuck in to surprise me and then hears me talking to the cat and thinks I'm crazy...
A romantical interest wrote me that his parental units find me to be awesome. I respond I only care what he thinks...he responds with nothing. Oh dear...he must not find me awesome.
Definitely irrational, wouldn't you say?
Friday, October 23, 2009
Gym Etiquette
There is proper gym etiquette, common sense if you will.
If you enter the cardio section and there is a row of 7 empty elliptical machines, do not hop on the one right next to someone else.
If you stinketh, weareth deodorant.
I fell victim to both last night. Some woman obviously wanted a new friend, but I moved. I've been sick for a week and close proximity to another in a deep-breathing environment wouldn't be fortunate for said individual....and she was grunting. Within 5 minutes el stinko came and occupied the machine next to me. I succumbed to the smell and ended up covering my nose with my shirt until I could no longer breathe. How could you not know? But by this time, all the machines were full, so I had nowhere to run (ha ha - pun alert!).
I would love for someone to invent a stink-o-meter you have to pass through, like security, in order to enter the gym. Sure, after one too many bean burrito's or one too few swipes of deodorant, all of us would fail at one point or another, but it would save a LOT of trauma!
If you enter the cardio section and there is a row of 7 empty elliptical machines, do not hop on the one right next to someone else.
If you stinketh, weareth deodorant.
I fell victim to both last night. Some woman obviously wanted a new friend, but I moved. I've been sick for a week and close proximity to another in a deep-breathing environment wouldn't be fortunate for said individual....and she was grunting. Within 5 minutes el stinko came and occupied the machine next to me. I succumbed to the smell and ended up covering my nose with my shirt until I could no longer breathe. How could you not know? But by this time, all the machines were full, so I had nowhere to run (ha ha - pun alert!).
I would love for someone to invent a stink-o-meter you have to pass through, like security, in order to enter the gym. Sure, after one too many bean burrito's or one too few swipes of deodorant, all of us would fail at one point or another, but it would save a LOT of trauma!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Just an observation...
With that last post, I got to thinking about the show, which got me to thinking of something that kinda bugs me.
*Disclaimer* - I know many of you who are reading this have very legit excuses and please don't think I am referring to you when I write what I am about to write. If you are guilty, you know who you are and you probably aren't close enough to me to be reading my blog.
We had rehearsal approximately 4 days per week for 2 hours per session for 5 weeks.
The last two weeks before the show, our rehearsal time summed about 27 hours over the span of 7 rehearsals.
The days of the performances, we spent 4 hours preparing/performing/tearing down.
These times do not include extra hours we spent rehearsing outside of practice, writing the script, preparing the musical tracks, auditioning, choreographing and arranging the technicalities of the production. This also doesn't figure in the years and years of dance and musical training many of these people have.
For those of you math defunct, that is at least 75 hours each over the span of 6 weeks.
There were more than 40 people involved in this production, at least 30 of them with those 75 hours of contribution time and the other 10 with at least 20 hours the weeks prior to the production.
We are talking 2450 hours total, at minimum, invested in this production.
That's equivelant to one individual putting in over an entire year of 47-hour work weeks.
My soap box? I am baffled, utterly baffled how someone thinks some pathetic excuse will fly like, "Oh, I'm sorry I can't make it, but it was a long day at work," or, "Yeah, um I won't get out of class until 6:30 and your show starts at 7, so I don't think I'll make it." The show is two hours long, by the way...and in place of an activity (FHE) planned for every week by these folks anyway! You know what? We had long days at work too and then went to five-hour long rehearsals and sweated our brains out. Or, how bout this one, "I procrastinated this paper I knew I had due for the past four weeks, so I can't make it because I spent all day yesterday playing video games."
How dare someone assume our hard work is worth so little. The least someone could do for a dear friend is sacrifice two hours of their time to support them! If I knew someone I loved had dedicated six weeks of their life to something, pouring in their heart & soul, I would definitely do whatever it took to support them in that endeavor...especially if that endeavor were free and involved a group of individuals I cared for. I just feel like so many are a little selfish and only see those two-hours dedicated on one night, when in reality it is so very much more.
I'm really not as bugged by this as this post would indicate, but seriously...something to think about next time you are considering not supporting someone you love in something they love.
*Disclaimer* - I know many of you who are reading this have very legit excuses and please don't think I am referring to you when I write what I am about to write. If you are guilty, you know who you are and you probably aren't close enough to me to be reading my blog.
We had rehearsal approximately 4 days per week for 2 hours per session for 5 weeks.
The last two weeks before the show, our rehearsal time summed about 27 hours over the span of 7 rehearsals.
The days of the performances, we spent 4 hours preparing/performing/tearing down.
These times do not include extra hours we spent rehearsing outside of practice, writing the script, preparing the musical tracks, auditioning, choreographing and arranging the technicalities of the production. This also doesn't figure in the years and years of dance and musical training many of these people have.
For those of you math defunct, that is at least 75 hours each over the span of 6 weeks.
There were more than 40 people involved in this production, at least 30 of them with those 75 hours of contribution time and the other 10 with at least 20 hours the weeks prior to the production.
We are talking 2450 hours total, at minimum, invested in this production.
That's equivelant to one individual putting in over an entire year of 47-hour work weeks.
My soap box? I am baffled, utterly baffled how someone thinks some pathetic excuse will fly like, "Oh, I'm sorry I can't make it, but it was a long day at work," or, "Yeah, um I won't get out of class until 6:30 and your show starts at 7, so I don't think I'll make it." The show is two hours long, by the way...and in place of an activity (FHE) planned for every week by these folks anyway! You know what? We had long days at work too and then went to five-hour long rehearsals and sweated our brains out. Or, how bout this one, "I procrastinated this paper I knew I had due for the past four weeks, so I can't make it because I spent all day yesterday playing video games."
How dare someone assume our hard work is worth so little. The least someone could do for a dear friend is sacrifice two hours of their time to support them! If I knew someone I loved had dedicated six weeks of their life to something, pouring in their heart & soul, I would definitely do whatever it took to support them in that endeavor...especially if that endeavor were free and involved a group of individuals I cared for. I just feel like so many are a little selfish and only see those two-hours dedicated on one night, when in reality it is so very much more.
I'm really not as bugged by this as this post would indicate, but seriously...something to think about next time you are considering not supporting someone you love in something they love.
Time
Blogging requires time - who knew? That is exactly what I have had none of. I usually blog during a break from work, but haven't even had any of those the past couple of weeks.
Would you believe I have survived over 18 months with no internet at home?
Regardless, life is wonderful!
The show is now over and I am looking forward to spending the upcoming holiday season with my friends outside of a rehearsal setting, although I am highly anticipating show withdrawal. My frequent flyer miles covered my plane ticket home for Christmas! Hopefully my blogs return more regularly now:-)
Cast at Applebee's after Closing Night
Braelin's First Birthday
Would you believe I have survived over 18 months with no internet at home?
Regardless, life is wonderful!
The show is now over and I am looking forward to spending the upcoming holiday season with my friends outside of a rehearsal setting, although I am highly anticipating show withdrawal. My frequent flyer miles covered my plane ticket home for Christmas! Hopefully my blogs return more regularly now:-)
Cast at Village Inn after Opening Night
Cast at Applebee's after Closing Night
Braelin's First Birthday
Monday, October 12, 2009
Tres Belle - Stake Musical!
My next show is coming up this Friday 10/16 and Monday 10/19. It is totally free at the ward building on 4600 South and about 160 East in Murray!
It will be cheesy, but it will be fun - and I'm Belle! How cool is that?!?
(the photo is from a dress rehearsal, so I'm kinda all skiwampus)
It will be cheesy, but it will be fun - and I'm Belle! How cool is that?!?
(the photo is from a dress rehearsal, so I'm kinda all skiwampus)
Friday, October 2, 2009
If You Love Me...
I often times have a flashback to a giggle-worthy memory of days gone by.
Recently, I thought about one particular Sunday after church when I was about 4 years old. I was being a pain-where-a-pill-can't-reach to my mother and, consequently, was sent to my room.
Random side note - I have always had the nose of some acute hunting animal. I would come home hours after my mother had eaten a chocolate bar and immediately ask, "Where'd you hide the chocolate?" She was astonished at my ability to sniff out even microscopic amounts of chocolate.
Back to my story. As I was imprisoned in my room, I smelled the delectable aroma of chocolate wafting through the cracks of my door. I creaked it open, looked down the hall towards the kitchen, and pleaded as only a 4-year old can do, "Mommy, can I have some chocolate?" My addiction started at a very young age.
Her response? Sometimes our poor, distraught mothers stooped to the level of those 4-year old screaming children. "You can have some when you tell me you love me!"
I slammed the door, thought about it for a moment, opened the door, and said, "Mommy, I love you!" I remember being so torn between being stubborn or getting the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I opted for the pot of gold...or pot of chocolate fondue with bananas, as luck would have it :-)
Recently, I thought about one particular Sunday after church when I was about 4 years old. I was being a pain-where-a-pill-can't-reach to my mother and, consequently, was sent to my room.
Random side note - I have always had the nose of some acute hunting animal. I would come home hours after my mother had eaten a chocolate bar and immediately ask, "Where'd you hide the chocolate?" She was astonished at my ability to sniff out even microscopic amounts of chocolate.
Back to my story. As I was imprisoned in my room, I smelled the delectable aroma of chocolate wafting through the cracks of my door. I creaked it open, looked down the hall towards the kitchen, and pleaded as only a 4-year old can do, "Mommy, can I have some chocolate?" My addiction started at a very young age.
Her response? Sometimes our poor, distraught mothers stooped to the level of those 4-year old screaming children. "You can have some when you tell me you love me!"
I slammed the door, thought about it for a moment, opened the door, and said, "Mommy, I love you!" I remember being so torn between being stubborn or getting the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I opted for the pot of gold...or pot of chocolate fondue with bananas, as luck would have it :-)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Butter-side Down
I butter my toast before I put it in the toaster to cook in that mouth-watering buttery goodness. Upon removing my toast, I put jelly on the side that is not buttered. Then I partake of my delectable treat, placing the butter-side down on my tastebuds. Yum. But weird. Right?
Monday, September 28, 2009
Dressaholic
Hello everyone, my name is Larissa and I am a dressaholic.
"Hi, Larissa!"
Nothing quite gets me like the rush of garnishing myself with a pulchritudinous dress. There is a welling deep inside of me that just knows that my closet is the place this luxurious, lavish piece of fabric has been longing to call home, that just knows that my body is the perfect hanger to drape itself upon. When I am having a downer day, I am perked up just thinking about what I will adorn myself with come Sunday. Each of these little lovelies is like unto a child to me.
Therefore, I have.... an addiction, if you will.
The first step is admitting you have a problem....and I have 70 problems to be exact.
That's right - I own 70 dresses. My name is Larissa and I am a dressaholic and I will never hang my head in shame, but I will hang my dresses in bliss. (after all, I get most of them on ebay for only $5-$15 dollars brand new with tags!)
"Hi, Larissa!"
Nothing quite gets me like the rush of garnishing myself with a pulchritudinous dress. There is a welling deep inside of me that just knows that my closet is the place this luxurious, lavish piece of fabric has been longing to call home, that just knows that my body is the perfect hanger to drape itself upon. When I am having a downer day, I am perked up just thinking about what I will adorn myself with come Sunday. Each of these little lovelies is like unto a child to me.
Therefore, I have.... an addiction, if you will.
The first step is admitting you have a problem....and I have 70 problems to be exact.
That's right - I own 70 dresses. My name is Larissa and I am a dressaholic and I will never hang my head in shame, but I will hang my dresses in bliss. (after all, I get most of them on ebay for only $5-$15 dollars brand new with tags!)
Friday, September 25, 2009
What's in Your Wallet?
I have the most random collection of gift cards in my purse (a very cute, very little purse might I add), as well as several other strange objects...
Gift Cards
3 Cinemark Passes
1 Smith's Grocery
1 Einstein's Bagels
1 Jordan Commons
1 Staples
2 Starbucks (I don't even drink coffee! But one is from Ellen Degeneres...)
1 MasterCard
1 Barnes and Noble
Other Objects
1 Bulldog and Cross bones temporary tattoo
1 First class Stamp
1 Insurance card
3 Photos of my niece and nephew
3 Pairs of stick-on earrings (thanks, Karl)
2 Savings Bonds
1 Eyeglass prescription
1 Rock of Ages LED light shaped like a lighter
1 Shiny square of confetti from Rock of Ages
1 USB drive
1 Memory Card to USB drive converter
1 Nail file from Le Parker Meridien in NYC
1 Wallet
1 Pack of Gum
1 Le Parker Meridien Pen
1 Camera
1 Phone
1 Container of hand sanitizer
1 Victoria's Secret lip gloss
1 Hair tie
3 tickets for Arsenic and Old Lace at the Empress Theater
Gift Cards
3 Cinemark Passes
1 Smith's Grocery
1 Einstein's Bagels
1 Jordan Commons
1 Staples
2 Starbucks (I don't even drink coffee! But one is from Ellen Degeneres...)
1 MasterCard
1 Barnes and Noble
Other Objects
1 Bulldog and Cross bones temporary tattoo
1 First class Stamp
1 Insurance card
3 Photos of my niece and nephew
3 Pairs of stick-on earrings (thanks, Karl)
2 Savings Bonds
1 Eyeglass prescription
1 Rock of Ages LED light shaped like a lighter
1 Shiny square of confetti from Rock of Ages
1 USB drive
1 Memory Card to USB drive converter
1 Nail file from Le Parker Meridien in NYC
1 Wallet
1 Pack of Gum
1 Le Parker Meridien Pen
1 Camera
1 Phone
1 Container of hand sanitizer
1 Victoria's Secret lip gloss
1 Hair tie
3 tickets for Arsenic and Old Lace at the Empress Theater
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Unwanted Dates
Looks like no one wants to have dates at work. At least that's what it looks like in the lunch room. :-)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Mini Freak Outs
Every day I have some mini freak outs about a few things:
1. I l-o-v-e my new sunglasses from Hawaii. They are pink, sparkly and I perhaps should not love them as much as I do. Every day as I leave work, I immediately panic - where are they?!?! Whew...always nearby (except yesterday when I left them on my desk). You just know how you search forever for that perfect pair of sunglasses and then you lose them? What a nightmare!
2. I am at a red light. The light turns green. I start to go. Um...why is no one else going? I panic. I look around. Ok, ok, finally other people start going too.
3. I wake up without my alarm. Oh crud, did I turn off the volume and it is now 10am and I am late for work?
4. I press "send" on an e-mail with incriminating information. Did I send it to the person I meant to or the person it was about? (yes, I have before made that mistake)
5. Where are my mail keys? I only put them in one of two places, but a few months ago I knew where I had placed them and they were MIA. I had to call the locksmith. I am a neat freak, as you all know, and they were nowhere. Gremlins?
6. Did I pack my gym clothes today? Yes, I have shown up at the gym before, gotten half changed, then realized I had no pants. Sheesh.
7. Am I forgetting anything? I wonder this all the time about everything. Like this post - I'm sure there are other mini-panics I have ever day, but I'm just forgetting... :-)
1. I l-o-v-e my new sunglasses from Hawaii. They are pink, sparkly and I perhaps should not love them as much as I do. Every day as I leave work, I immediately panic - where are they?!?! Whew...always nearby (except yesterday when I left them on my desk). You just know how you search forever for that perfect pair of sunglasses and then you lose them? What a nightmare!
2. I am at a red light. The light turns green. I start to go. Um...why is no one else going? I panic. I look around. Ok, ok, finally other people start going too.
3. I wake up without my alarm. Oh crud, did I turn off the volume and it is now 10am and I am late for work?
4. I press "send" on an e-mail with incriminating information. Did I send it to the person I meant to or the person it was about? (yes, I have before made that mistake)
5. Where are my mail keys? I only put them in one of two places, but a few months ago I knew where I had placed them and they were MIA. I had to call the locksmith. I am a neat freak, as you all know, and they were nowhere. Gremlins?
6. Did I pack my gym clothes today? Yes, I have shown up at the gym before, gotten half changed, then realized I had no pants. Sheesh.
7. Am I forgetting anything? I wonder this all the time about everything. Like this post - I'm sure there are other mini-panics I have ever day, but I'm just forgetting... :-)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Triple Rainbow
I emerged from the gym Friday evening to the most glorious sight - two rainbows to my right and one to my left. I've never seen three rainbows in the sky at the same time! Doesn't a wonder like this just cause you to pause for a moment, releasing all of your cares, and realize life is just pretty much amazing? :-)
Friday, September 18, 2009
Tiger's Blood
I have an ongoing debate with one of my besties.
Tiger's Blood, the flavor, is it raspberry and coconut or strawberry and coconut?
I am definitely under the impression it is strawberry, and I have photo evidence!
Vote on the poll on the side if you want:-)
Tiger's Blood, the flavor, is it raspberry and coconut or strawberry and coconut?
I am definitely under the impression it is strawberry, and I have photo evidence!
Vote on the poll on the side if you want:-)
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Seating Arrangements
Kind of carrying on the same topic as "stall choices", I am also a little mystified when I take a seat at the airport, or anywhere else with mass seating accommodations, and some sweet soul feels the need to pop a squat next to me.
Never you mind that there are 100 other seats available....heck, the personal-space-invader could have an entire row...but no...they choose to sidle up next to me. Why?
Never you mind that there are 100 other seats available....heck, the personal-space-invader could have an entire row...but no...they choose to sidle up next to me. Why?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Bathroom Choices
When you enter a restroom and there are five stalls and all of them are empty, do you choose to go to the middle stall? No! This makes any new bathroom-goer have to a) walk across the entire bathroom to the nether regions of the room b) Choose the peep show stall (first one) where everyone sees you through the cracks as they walk by or c) awkwardly enter a stall next to you - making the situation uncomfortable for everyone!
This irks me every time at work. We make wise decisions every day, I think that should carry over to the loo!
This irks me every time at work. We make wise decisions every day, I think that should carry over to the loo!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Eating Out
I have decided I will not eat out until Halloween. I am experimenting to see if this will save me money and fat. There are three exceptions to this rule:
1. I am invited to go out to eat - as a date or with a group
2. I get to go out for my "Birthday Dinner" since this is my birth month and I haven't done so yet
3. I am running on "E" and it is one of those days where I am away from home from 7:30am-10:30pm
Do you think I can do it?!?
1. I am invited to go out to eat - as a date or with a group
2. I get to go out for my "Birthday Dinner" since this is my birth month and I haven't done so yet
3. I am running on "E" and it is one of those days where I am away from home from 7:30am-10:30pm
Do you think I can do it?!?
Monday, September 14, 2009
My Best Friend's Wedding
Are you familiar with the scene in "My Best Friend's Wedding," where the bride and groom are leaving and Julia Roberts, the best friend, is left standing there looking dejected lost in the crowd when all of a sudden her best friend is standing in front of her and gives her a big hug before he leaves?You know how people always talk about how nothing in real life is like the movies? I beg to differ!
I do not have a "best friend," I love so many folks, but I do have "best friends." One of them, Scot Fetters, grew up with me - our mom's were pregnant at the same time. Whenever I needed anything, Scot was there. Whenever Scot needed anything, from someone to take his extra musical ticket to a listening ear, he would call me. There is no way to describe how much I love this man, how much he means to me, how much he will always hold a place in my heart...
Scot married the most amazing girl, Megan, this weekend. I could go on and on about her, but just knowing she married Scot is enough to tell you how amazing she is :-)
I was so proud of myself for not crying during the ceremony - I have a difficult time realizing Scot doesn't need me anymore, but I am overcome with joy seeing how incredibly happy he is...happier than I have ever seen him and pretty much happier than I ever thought he would be.
I watched as he and Megan had their first dance to "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You." I fought tears, still dry, good. I watched as Megan and her daddy danced...still clear. I then sat there, staring off into the distance feeling a little lost, as Julia Roberts did in the aforementioned movie. All of a sudden, I felt a presence and I looked up. There stood Scot with his hand out saying, "Don't you think you are going to get out of this!" He grabbed my hand and pulled me onto the dance floor and gave me the hugest hug as he danced with me and said, "I love you so much!" I lost it. Heck, I'm almost losing it just writing this. I know what it is like to live a moment from the movies now. An era of my life has come to an end, but an even brighter era is beginning :-)
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Grow
Monday afternoon a long-time friend and I were talking about how challenging relationships can be. The definition of "challenging" can be negative or positive depending upon your view. If you like the game of ultimate frisbee, playing for two hours is a good challenge, but if you don't...
She said, "I ask myself this question - 'Am I in this relationship to be comfortable, or am I in this relationship to grow?'"
I almost felt a switch flip inside of me. I've known this all along - date someone/develop friendships with those who make you better. But how can they make us better? By taking us out of our "comfort zones!" Our relationships need to stretch us, to push our limits to make us more than we are. After all, our muscles need to be stretched and strained to become beautiful and strong - the same goes for our minds and spirits!
Ask yourselves this question next time you are setting out on any new endeavor or relationship: "Will this help me to grow?" Get into a new zone!
She said, "I ask myself this question - 'Am I in this relationship to be comfortable, or am I in this relationship to grow?'"
I almost felt a switch flip inside of me. I've known this all along - date someone/develop friendships with those who make you better. But how can they make us better? By taking us out of our "comfort zones!" Our relationships need to stretch us, to push our limits to make us more than we are. After all, our muscles need to be stretched and strained to become beautiful and strong - the same goes for our minds and spirits!
Ask yourselves this question next time you are setting out on any new endeavor or relationship: "Will this help me to grow?" Get into a new zone!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Random Laugh-Worthy Thoughts
My friend forwarded me an e-mail. Now, typically I hate forwards, but I read this one and I swear they plagiarized my mind, so I have to share!
I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.
When someone is telling me a story sometimes all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.
Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
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.
I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
The letters T and G are very close to each other on a keyboard. This recently became all too apparent to me and consequently I will never be ending a work email with the phrase "Regards" again.
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.
There is a great need for sarcasm font.
Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck 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 heck 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.
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.
Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".
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 team up to prevent someone 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, and you can wear them forever.
I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
Bad decisions make good stories
Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 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.
There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
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 being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'
I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Darn it!), 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?
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 guy, I'm terrified of mentioning something he hasn't already told me, but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.
I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.
Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...
As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.
Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.
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, finding their cellphone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet anything 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 hacks 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 ticked off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.
I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Bud Lites than Kay.
The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by
myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fatty before dinner.
I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.
When someone is telling me a story sometimes all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.
Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
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.
I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
The letters T and G are very close to each other on a keyboard. This recently became all too apparent to me and consequently I will never be ending a work email with the phrase "Regards" again.
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.
There is a great need for sarcasm font.
Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck 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 heck 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.
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.
Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".
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 team up to prevent someone 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, and you can wear them forever.
I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
Bad decisions make good stories
Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 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.
There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
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 being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'
I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Darn it!), 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?
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 guy, I'm terrified of mentioning something he hasn't already told me, but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.
I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.
Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...
As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.
Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.
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, finding their cellphone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet anything 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 hacks 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 ticked off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.
I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Bud Lites than Kay.
The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by
myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fatty before dinner.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Guilt
Guilt is getting to me!
Guilt for (in no specific order):
- going out with a man a week after he broke up with my friend (thankfully they are back together now and I only went cause he asked and he needed a friend! I swear I had no intentions! I'm pretty sure he didn't either, but it hurt her :-( )
- not spending enough time with my kitty
- not spending enough time with my friends, especially when I know they are crying many nights:-(
- not spending enough time with myself
- not spending enough time with my Heavenly Father
- not spending enough time working out
- not calling my family more often
- living so far away from any family
- spending too much money
- going out with a guy who misled another dear friend's heart (a man whom I never want to encounter again in my life!)
- eating jalapeno burgers when I should be eating my veggies
- having 5 bites of ice cream or a couple handfuls of goldfish instead of dinner...at midnight
- not being more grateful for my employment
- not being more grateful for my reliable transportation just because it is old and cracked
- not sleeping more than 5-6 hours/night
- not showering immediately after the gym sometimes
- then going out in public in my nasty gym sludge
- letting someone give me a hug although I know it is more than a hug to his heart
- not befriending all the new amazing people at church every week
- not keeping my condo a little nicer
- not washing my car more (and replacing the cracked windshield, and torn off pieces, and and and)
- not working harder
- shoving all my CDs/paperwork/what-have-you in a big box in my closet instead of organizing
- not reading all my glorious books - opting for the guilty pleasure of Entertainment Weekly (I don't even have cable!)
- relaxing when I know there are a million other things I should be doing
Ah, the list goes on. Alas, one girl can only do so much. I'm always happy and optimistic, I just always wish I could do SO much more. One thing I am very grateful for is that I usually have my priorities straight- which does lessen the guilt. :-)
Guilt for (in no specific order):
- going out with a man a week after he broke up with my friend (thankfully they are back together now and I only went cause he asked and he needed a friend! I swear I had no intentions! I'm pretty sure he didn't either, but it hurt her :-( )
- not spending enough time with my kitty
- not spending enough time with my friends, especially when I know they are crying many nights:-(
- not spending enough time with myself
- not spending enough time with my Heavenly Father
- not spending enough time working out
- not calling my family more often
- living so far away from any family
- spending too much money
- going out with a guy who misled another dear friend's heart (a man whom I never want to encounter again in my life!)
- eating jalapeno burgers when I should be eating my veggies
- having 5 bites of ice cream or a couple handfuls of goldfish instead of dinner...at midnight
- not being more grateful for my employment
- not being more grateful for my reliable transportation just because it is old and cracked
- not sleeping more than 5-6 hours/night
- not showering immediately after the gym sometimes
- then going out in public in my nasty gym sludge
- letting someone give me a hug although I know it is more than a hug to his heart
- not befriending all the new amazing people at church every week
- not keeping my condo a little nicer
- not washing my car more (and replacing the cracked windshield, and torn off pieces, and and and)
- not working harder
- shoving all my CDs/paperwork/what-have-you in a big box in my closet instead of organizing
- not reading all my glorious books - opting for the guilty pleasure of Entertainment Weekly (I don't even have cable!)
- relaxing when I know there are a million other things I should be doing
Ah, the list goes on. Alas, one girl can only do so much. I'm always happy and optimistic, I just always wish I could do SO much more. One thing I am very grateful for is that I usually have my priorities straight- which does lessen the guilt. :-)
Friday, September 4, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Hawaii 5-0!
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true existence of my presence in every state before the time of my thirtieth year: "I hold this truth to be self-evident, that all states are visited equal."
My dream has been fulfilled! I returned from Hawaii, my 50th state, last Thursday!
We ate shave ice, snorkeled, toured sets from Lost and Jurassic Park, attended a swap meet, swam in the ocean waves, ate Dole pineapples from the plantation, swam in a waterfall, got stuck and slept in the airport for 2 nights, and the list goes on.
The question is: What should my new goal be to hit before I am 30? I accomplished this goal with over a year to spare. I figure I should come up with something else spectacular albeit a little less grandeur to accomplish!
My dream has been fulfilled! I returned from Hawaii, my 50th state, last Thursday!
We ate shave ice, snorkeled, toured sets from Lost and Jurassic Park, attended a swap meet, swam in the ocean waves, ate Dole pineapples from the plantation, swam in a waterfall, got stuck and slept in the airport for 2 nights, and the list goes on.
The question is: What should my new goal be to hit before I am 30? I accomplished this goal with over a year to spare. I figure I should come up with something else spectacular albeit a little less grandeur to accomplish!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Ironic
Last night I went to musical rehearsal. Fortunately, they deemed me tiny enough to be part of this really neat lift. Unfortunately, it means two men touch my bum the whole lift. How is it that I declare my non-bum touching agenda one day and the next this happens? *sigh*
Monday, August 31, 2009
Butt Slapping
I've had enough!
Whilst there is nothing wrong with a playful slap towards my posterior end with a towel or pillow, I am fed up with men thinking it is ok to just grab a handful of my booty! NOT acceptable! The next man who does this is going to get slapped.
Am I joking? Am I for real? I can count at least 5 men who regularly participate in aforementioned activity. I am a pure, clean woman and plan on staying that way, so keep your hands off!
I have a difficult time getting upset with people I love, especially when I know they are just playing, but there are lines and they have been crossed. Again, I've had enough!
Whilst there is nothing wrong with a playful slap towards my posterior end with a towel or pillow, I am fed up with men thinking it is ok to just grab a handful of my booty! NOT acceptable! The next man who does this is going to get slapped.
Am I joking? Am I for real? I can count at least 5 men who regularly participate in aforementioned activity. I am a pure, clean woman and plan on staying that way, so keep your hands off!
I have a difficult time getting upset with people I love, especially when I know they are just playing, but there are lines and they have been crossed. Again, I've had enough!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Did I Swear?
I have never sworn, as I have blogged about before.
Through a series of late nights and fresh awakedness from a nap, I may, however, have had a slip of the tongue last week. You will all have to tell me if you think I can still claim this marvelous feat.
I was with MI2 (whom has since offered his basket to Girl C), helping him organize the shirts in his closet. He was mentioning how he doesn't even wear several of the items and I remarked, "Well then why don't you just get rid of those shi**?
We had a pretty hearty chuckle as I exclaimed that I've never sworn before.
He taunted, "Well you have now!"
If you slip, but it isn't even as if you would have ever put a swear word there in the first place, does it still count?
Through a series of late nights and fresh awakedness from a nap, I may, however, have had a slip of the tongue last week. You will all have to tell me if you think I can still claim this marvelous feat.
I was with MI2 (whom has since offered his basket to Girl C), helping him organize the shirts in his closet. He was mentioning how he doesn't even wear several of the items and I remarked, "Well then why don't you just get rid of those shi**?
We had a pretty hearty chuckle as I exclaimed that I've never sworn before.
He taunted, "Well you have now!"
If you slip, but it isn't even as if you would have ever put a swear word there in the first place, does it still count?
Departing Awkward City
Ends up that Girl B decided to keep the date with Male Interest 1 and will now have an amazing date story to share for the rest of her life. Let me share a few of the highlights:
1. He arrived an hour and a half late
2. He carries a "murse" - aka "man purse" that is no satchel, no over-sized wallet, no purse even - it is a double-layered plastic Walmart bag
3. We got half-way to our destination and he got sick, so we pulled over for him to lay down at a gas station for a moment and then headed back to my house
4. He SNIFFED me - a deep, long inhaling of my Ora kinda sniff
5. He kept feigning anxiety, telling me I make him very nervous but that the one thing that would make it better is a hug, which led to aforementioned sniff
6. All of these techniques (and more I have not mentioned) would have worked perfectly on me as a 21-year-old BYU co-ed, but...that time has past...I'm on to the game...DROP the show - I need someone who is real and up-front. That being said, he is a very handsome gentleman (when he isn't late), but WOW...what a story.
Girl B then decided she really is interested in Male Interest 2 whom she had spent time with every day last week until the weekend, only to find out Male Interest 2 had spent all weekend out-of-town with Girl C. *sigh*
So, Girl B is disillusioned to say the least, but moves forward one step at a time:-)
1. He arrived an hour and a half late
2. He carries a "murse" - aka "man purse" that is no satchel, no over-sized wallet, no purse even - it is a double-layered plastic Walmart bag
3. We got half-way to our destination and he got sick, so we pulled over for him to lay down at a gas station for a moment and then headed back to my house
4. He SNIFFED me - a deep, long inhaling of my Ora kinda sniff
5. He kept feigning anxiety, telling me I make him very nervous but that the one thing that would make it better is a hug, which led to aforementioned sniff
6. All of these techniques (and more I have not mentioned) would have worked perfectly on me as a 21-year-old BYU co-ed, but...that time has past...I'm on to the game...DROP the show - I need someone who is real and up-front. That being said, he is a very handsome gentleman (when he isn't late), but WOW...what a story.
Girl B then decided she really is interested in Male Interest 2 whom she had spent time with every day last week until the weekend, only to find out Male Interest 2 had spent all weekend out-of-town with Girl C. *sigh*
So, Girl B is disillusioned to say the least, but moves forward one step at a time:-)
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Welcome to Awkward City - Population 3
What would you do?
Girl A: Takes Male Interest 1 to a location where they both encounter Girl B who is a dear friend of Girl A
Male Interest 1: Finds Girl B's phone number a week later and calls to ask her out
Girl B: Asks Male Interest if he is dating Girl A
Male Interest 1: Says not dating Girl A, would love to take out Girl B
Girl B: Calls Girl A to verify aforementioned information and to see if it is ok if Girl B and Male Interest 1 go out. Girl A wasn't able to respond until four days later and by that time Girl B had already accepted Male Interest 1's invitation because he had attempted thrice and she assumed all was well
Girl A: Hurting, not aware that Male Interest 1 has deemed her "just a friend"
Girl B: Digging Male Interest 2, but recognizes the need to date around and Male Interest 2 is occupied during the requested time of Male Interest 1 BUT she can't betray Girl A cause she loves Girl A more than Male Interest 1 or 2 BUT she can't put all her eggs in Male Interest 2's basket cause she isn't sure if he is offering his basket yet or not and Male Interest 1 is a catch
Girl B: Stuck between a rock and a hard place - does she cancel date with Male Interest 1 or not?
Girl A: Takes Male Interest 1 to a location where they both encounter Girl B who is a dear friend of Girl A
Male Interest 1: Finds Girl B's phone number a week later and calls to ask her out
Girl B: Asks Male Interest if he is dating Girl A
Male Interest 1: Says not dating Girl A, would love to take out Girl B
Girl B: Calls Girl A to verify aforementioned information and to see if it is ok if Girl B and Male Interest 1 go out. Girl A wasn't able to respond until four days later and by that time Girl B had already accepted Male Interest 1's invitation because he had attempted thrice and she assumed all was well
Girl A: Hurting, not aware that Male Interest 1 has deemed her "just a friend"
Girl B: Digging Male Interest 2, but recognizes the need to date around and Male Interest 2 is occupied during the requested time of Male Interest 1 BUT she can't betray Girl A cause she loves Girl A more than Male Interest 1 or 2 BUT she can't put all her eggs in Male Interest 2's basket cause she isn't sure if he is offering his basket yet or not and Male Interest 1 is a catch
Girl B: Stuck between a rock and a hard place - does she cancel date with Male Interest 1 or not?
Another Show!
For all of you craving another slice of Larissa pie - here you go!
I auditioned for another show, the results are in, and I'll be playing the part of "Belle" in the singles stake musical coming up in October! Now, this isn't your typical "Belle," this is a musical review of sorts and my character is one of several who travel in and out of other musicals. Lots of my friends are involved and I can't wait to play with them!
I auditioned for another show, the results are in, and I'll be playing the part of "Belle" in the singles stake musical coming up in October! Now, this isn't your typical "Belle," this is a musical review of sorts and my character is one of several who travel in and out of other musicals. Lots of my friends are involved and I can't wait to play with them!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Rodeo
I went to my first rodeo Friday night!
One cannot fully appreciate the nuances of a rodeo clown, a rodeo announcer, sparkly 80s Western get-up, tight pants, fringe, and beastly groin straps without having attended such a spectacle. Need an excuse to be all WT? You got one! I love the boots, the smell of leather, the hats, the popcorn coated with something sweet that isn't exactly caramel, the pleasant aroma of manure wafting about, bodies flying every which direction, excuses to yell "Yeeehawwww....
Ah yes...Dear Rodeo, I will return someday!
One cannot fully appreciate the nuances of a rodeo clown, a rodeo announcer, sparkly 80s Western get-up, tight pants, fringe, and beastly groin straps without having attended such a spectacle. Need an excuse to be all WT? You got one! I love the boots, the smell of leather, the hats, the popcorn coated with something sweet that isn't exactly caramel, the pleasant aroma of manure wafting about, bodies flying every which direction, excuses to yell "Yeeehawwww....
Ah yes...Dear Rodeo, I will return someday!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Cutting Costs
I have been making a concerted effort to use less energy at home, realizing I'm only there to sleep and then a few extra hours on weekends.
Check this out:
Electric Bill July '08: $94.03
Electric Bill July '09: $35.74
WOW!
Check this out:
Electric Bill July '08: $94.03
Electric Bill July '09: $35.74
WOW!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
What Would you try to Accomplish if you Knew you Could Not Fail?
Ask yourself this question.
My trainer, Jeremy Overson, asked me that question and - wow. I didn't think it would make much of a difference, but immediately my thoughts turned towards all the gymnastics moves I never tried, all the shows I never auditioned for, all the people I never talked to, all the fitness goals I never believed. Interesting. Probably about time I change that.
My trainer, Jeremy Overson, asked me that question and - wow. I didn't think it would make much of a difference, but immediately my thoughts turned towards all the gymnastics moves I never tried, all the shows I never auditioned for, all the people I never talked to, all the fitness goals I never believed. Interesting. Probably about time I change that.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Do I Look Like a Thief?
I've been battling allergies and the stress that comes with knowing they may move into my chest and cause my voice to take vacation and I can't have that AND sing in a show.
Friday, as a preventative measure, I ventured to the great world of Walmart and bought the most feature-heavy humidifier they have. As I was hauling the huge box out the door, sniffling like...I dunno...something that sniffles a lot, the man at the door stopped me and demanded, not asked politely, demanded to see my receipt. I ruffled through my stuff trying not to drop my huge box and he just stood there saying, "Ma'am, Ma'am I need your receipt now." After about 10 seconds I think I finally handed it over and then he smiled sheepishly and thanked me. I glared in stone cold silence - the "look" I've heard it called. I'm usually so much more Christlike than that, but I couldn't help it. I was sick, he harassed me, and SERIOUSLY - do I look like a thief? And a thief stupid enough to just walk out of the store with a box half as big as I am? SHEESH! Walmart and 7-11 are in a conspiracy against me!
Friday, as a preventative measure, I ventured to the great world of Walmart and bought the most feature-heavy humidifier they have. As I was hauling the huge box out the door, sniffling like...I dunno...something that sniffles a lot, the man at the door stopped me and demanded, not asked politely, demanded to see my receipt. I ruffled through my stuff trying not to drop my huge box and he just stood there saying, "Ma'am, Ma'am I need your receipt now." After about 10 seconds I think I finally handed it over and then he smiled sheepishly and thanked me. I glared in stone cold silence - the "look" I've heard it called. I'm usually so much more Christlike than that, but I couldn't help it. I was sick, he harassed me, and SERIOUSLY - do I look like a thief? And a thief stupid enough to just walk out of the store with a box half as big as I am? SHEESH! Walmart and 7-11 are in a conspiracy against me!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Game of Cat and Mouse
For some reason, my little Conor loves to climb in any box she can find, no matter how big or little, and also to be the center of attention.
Of course, that means game night really rings her bell (yes, she has one on her collar). Silly kitty.
Of course, that means game night really rings her bell (yes, she has one on her collar). Silly kitty.
Opening Night!
In case anyone is wondering, we made it out alive!
Opening night had a few technical glitches, such as a valley-wide power bump, but all-in-all we felt pretty good about everything. Now we have opening night jitters out of the way and can have a blast up there!
I even got some beautiful roses:-)
Opening night had a few technical glitches, such as a valley-wide power bump, but all-in-all we felt pretty good about everything. Now we have opening night jitters out of the way and can have a blast up there!
I even got some beautiful roses:-)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
OPENING TONIGHT!
Nunsense opens tonight!
Everyone come see the show! Invite all your friends and family! Even if you don't like theater yourself, tell people who do!
DETAILS:
Host: Murray Arts Council
Dates: Tuesday July 28, 2009
Thursday July 30
Saturday August 1
Tuesday August 4
Thursday August 6
Saturday August 8
Time: 8:00pm - 10:00pm (doors open at 7)
Cost: $8 (12 & under, 62 & older - $6)
Location: Murray Park Amphitheater
296 East Murray Park Lane
Murray, UT
Once you park, you will follow a short trail by a little creek (I think the northwest corner of the lot), into the woods, that leads you to the amphitheater - it really is quite lovely!
Everyone come see the show! Invite all your friends and family! Even if you don't like theater yourself, tell people who do!
DETAILS:
Host: Murray Arts Council
Dates: Tuesday July 28, 2009
Thursday July 30
Saturday August 1
Tuesday August 4
Thursday August 6
Saturday August 8
Time: 8:00pm - 10:00pm (doors open at 7)
Cost: $8 (12 & under, 62 & older - $6)
Location: Murray Park Amphitheater
296 East Murray Park Lane
Murray, UT
Once you park, you will follow a short trail by a little creek (I think the northwest corner of the lot), into the woods, that leads you to the amphitheater - it really is quite lovely!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Extra! Extra! Read All About It!
Check it out - I'm in the Salt Lake Tribune!
And in the Deseret News!
And on the Murray Arts Council Home Page!
And in the Murray Journal!
Then there's the Facebook Event Page.
How cool is that?!?
And in the Deseret News!
And on the Murray Arts Council Home Page!
And in the Murray Journal!
Then there's the Facebook Event Page.
How cool is that?!?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Anything You Can Do...
When your AC isn't working, do you call one of your fix-it-guy friends or just have at it yourself?
Of all times for me to get all gung-ho, "I can do this!" I mean, the AC is something I could really screw up.
Regardless, it was 11:30pm and I would wait no longer. I pulled the cover off and first thing I encountered was a button. Hmm...hark, a button...I shall push!
Upon said pushage the purr of the miraculous AC fired up. What satisfaction in drifting off to dreamland with the cool air streaming and your pride beaming!
Of all times for me to get all gung-ho, "I can do this!" I mean, the AC is something I could really screw up.
Regardless, it was 11:30pm and I would wait no longer. I pulled the cover off and first thing I encountered was a button. Hmm...hark, a button...I shall push!
Upon said pushage the purr of the miraculous AC fired up. What satisfaction in drifting off to dreamland with the cool air streaming and your pride beaming!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Smart Cookie
My favorite cookies in the world are at Smart Cookie.
If you haven't tried them, you need to - Lemon, Almond, and Sugar cookie bliss!
If you haven't tried them, you need to - Lemon, Almond, and Sugar cookie bliss!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Innocent Until Proven Guilty
Friday evening I had an intense session with the trainer before heading off to practice more for the "tap-dancing nuns" number. Fresh out of water, I decided to fill up my Super Big Gulp cup at the closest 7-11. I asked the cashiers if there would be a charge for the water, knowing that they never charge for filling your own cup with water, but wanting to be honest just in case policy has changed. They, of course, said no but that there would be a charge for the cup. The following conversation ensued:
Me: "I brought this cup in with me."
Man 1: "I didn't see you bring in the cup."
Me: "Are you serious?" (I really thought they were joking)
Man 2: "I didn't see you bring it in either."
Me: "Are you kidding me?"
Man 1 & 2: "No, you didn't bring that cup in."
Me: "Ok, well look - here is the dent from where the cup has been sitting in my car and I can show you the puddle outside of my car from where I dumped out the warm water to refill it with cold."
Man 1 & 2: "Well next time you need to show us the cup, but we still don't think you brought that cup in here with you."
Me: "So, do you want me to pay you then?"
You can tell when someone does and doesn't believe you and they most definitely think I am a thief.
Naturally, the next day, I stopped by the same 7-11 on my way to rehearsal. Man 1 was working with a line of 5 or 6 people at the register, but I SHOUTED as I entered, "I'm bringing in a refill cup!" As I walked out, not even waiting in the line, I just shouted, "I just filled it up with water!" He nodded and said, "Thank you."
The lesson I learned? The people at 7-11 like annoying, loud people more than honest, quiet people. I just wanted a super big gulp of water!
Me: "I brought this cup in with me."
Man 1: "I didn't see you bring in the cup."
Me: "Are you serious?" (I really thought they were joking)
Man 2: "I didn't see you bring it in either."
Me: "Are you kidding me?"
Man 1 & 2: "No, you didn't bring that cup in."
Me: "Ok, well look - here is the dent from where the cup has been sitting in my car and I can show you the puddle outside of my car from where I dumped out the warm water to refill it with cold."
Man 1 & 2: "Well next time you need to show us the cup, but we still don't think you brought that cup in here with you."
Me: "So, do you want me to pay you then?"
You can tell when someone does and doesn't believe you and they most definitely think I am a thief.
Naturally, the next day, I stopped by the same 7-11 on my way to rehearsal. Man 1 was working with a line of 5 or 6 people at the register, but I SHOUTED as I entered, "I'm bringing in a refill cup!" As I walked out, not even waiting in the line, I just shouted, "I just filled it up with water!" He nodded and said, "Thank you."
The lesson I learned? The people at 7-11 like annoying, loud people more than honest, quiet people. I just wanted a super big gulp of water!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Clothes B.O.
I was rehearsing the other day, sweating profusely - the fire department could us me as a hose - and I caught a whiff of this stench. My first thought? "Oh no, I forgot to put on deodorant!" In as sneaky a manner as I could, I sniffed the pits - nope, good. I sniffed the shirt - nada. I sniffed the feet (I'm flexible) - nothing! Then I remembered thinking my gym pants weren't quite dry as I had pulled them out of the dryer that morning. I bent over and sniffed the pants - GUILTY!
Seems the smell of mildew-y laundry can cause the same kind of wretched odor as "au natural" proponents. Blagh.
Seems the smell of mildew-y laundry can cause the same kind of wretched odor as "au natural" proponents. Blagh.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Crocodile Tears
Do Crocodiles even cry?
Not the point. I am a girl. I cry. I hate being vulnerable enough to cry.
I struggle with the fact that I am not a stone-hearted, tearless individual. I somehow gauge "how I am doing" with how much I am not crying. But what's the big deal?
I have never cried at a movie. I pride myself on this. But seriously - isn't it better to be in touch with your emotions and feelings and let it out? Or does my lack of water-emitting over fake plots just mean that I have more control over my emotions?
I have several times gone stretches of at least a year without crying. What kind of a game am I winning with that?
Recently, I've wanted to cry a lot - so I do, I let myself cry. Yet the second someone else sees me or asks if I'm ok, I apologize profusely. But why? I've even got myself so psyched out about crying that half the time I want to I can't! But I'm a girl, I'm human - I should just be allowed to cry!
I hate having this internal conflict. I'd like to say I'll cry more, but this vulnerability is not something I'm willing to accept yet. And seriously, "crying face" is probably God's greatest reason for us not to cry :-)
Not the point. I am a girl. I cry. I hate being vulnerable enough to cry.
I struggle with the fact that I am not a stone-hearted, tearless individual. I somehow gauge "how I am doing" with how much I am not crying. But what's the big deal?
I have never cried at a movie. I pride myself on this. But seriously - isn't it better to be in touch with your emotions and feelings and let it out? Or does my lack of water-emitting over fake plots just mean that I have more control over my emotions?
I have several times gone stretches of at least a year without crying. What kind of a game am I winning with that?
Recently, I've wanted to cry a lot - so I do, I let myself cry. Yet the second someone else sees me or asks if I'm ok, I apologize profusely. But why? I've even got myself so psyched out about crying that half the time I want to I can't! But I'm a girl, I'm human - I should just be allowed to cry!
I hate having this internal conflict. I'd like to say I'll cry more, but this vulnerability is not something I'm willing to accept yet. And seriously, "crying face" is probably God's greatest reason for us not to cry :-)
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