There Is A Cave Above Whoville That Has An Opening

I love Christmas.  It is seriously one of my favorite times of the year, especially this year due to performing in Savior of the World.  One thing remains though...I hate hate hate Christmas shopping.  I understand the overall happy idea of giving gifts to those you love in remembrance of the gifts that were given to the Christ-child, but it brings out a really frustrated unhappy side in me.

My problem is that I'm obligated to come up with a present by a certain deadline in order to show how much I care.  I'm the type of person that likes to buy a gift for my friends when I come across one.  When they have a need or when I see something that I think they would love or when it reminds me of an inside joke.  And I give it to them whenever.  No deadline.  No panicking.  No forced presents or half hearted giving.  Of all the wonderful things that Christmastime brings, I don't love the frustration Christmas shopping evokes in me.

Or A Combination Of The Three

I've come to the conclusion that I am going to marry a guy from a small town, or one who is heavily involved in the theater, or one who is 22.  I'm trying to just accept my fate. I can't get away from them!

Why Should It Bother Me?

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE JOHN KRASINSKI.  Not only as our beloved Jim from The Office, but as a person.  I've watched many interviews of him and they just make me love him even more.  He's so genuinely funny, my roommates and I would quote things he said in interviews.  From the lawn dart story to the strange woman sticking fingers in his mouth...I just love him.  I honestly think that we'd be really good friends in a regular world.

But alas, he lives in Hollywood and despite my every wish to know him, I never will.  I understand that.  I accept that.  Why is it that I was so disheartened to learn he was engaged then?  I'll never meet him.  I had absolutely no chance of dating him.  It's not like I'm losing him or anything.  But the fact still remains, my heart broke on the day I found out.

Instant Guy Friends

There have been some guys that have come into my life in the last few months that I could see myself as instant friends with them.  I don't want to date these guys (I honestly doubt we would be compatible in that way) but they are the type of guys that I'm naturally really good friends with.  The problem?  Well...there are many actually.  First off, I don't run into them often.  Second, we don't have a solid base of friendship to be where we could be solid friends.  Third, people are slow to let you into their friend circle in Utah.  They are really nice here and friendly, but it is nearly impossible to break into that "going out and doing stuff with" circle.  What do I need to do?  Fill out an application?  Facebook message them? "I just thought you should know that you and I are destined to be great friends...so...let's do that."

And it is not like I can just forget and move on though.  There are little things that remind me of these three guys every couple of days.  I hear one guys voice on the radio every couple of days, I hear the words that first endeared me to the second guy every other day and I see the mutual friends of the third guy every other day.  It's like they are subconsciously taunting me and don't even know it.

To these three guys that I know will never read this blog...LET'S BE FRIENDS ALREADY!!!!!

The Bearded Man

So, I've never been one to love beards on guys.  Actually, when it comes to facial hair...I prefer the clean shaven man.  I appreciate goaties, like a little stubble sometimes, abhor mustaches (just filthy), up for debate on soul patches, but never have been one for beards.  And then I was in Savior of the World and all the men have to grow beards.  I didn't realize it changed my perspective until I was in church on Sunday.  In a ward full of clean shaven guys, there was a guy visitor that was sporting a nicely trimmed beard.  My usual reaction of "Bleh, beard" was changed to "oh, hey look, a beard!"  It is the strangest thing.  At least I didn't subconsciously think that he was a shepherd...that would be weird!

Double Oh Seven

I find a little piece of happiness each time I have to give the credit card number for my corporate purchasing card.  Why might you ask?  Because the last three digits of the card are 007 and even though I typically call them zeros instead of ohs, I go out of my way to say double oh seven.  I know the person on the other end is rolling their eyes, but it still brings me a little bit of happiness.

Some Lessons I Will Never Learn

There are some life lessons that I will never learn.  I have developed patience in most things in life, but when waiting for my boiling hot soup to cool down, patience seems to elude me.  And now I have a hole in my tongue and everything tastes like rubber.  Why must I feel the need to taste the soup as soon as they give it to me?  And why must it take what seems like hours for it to cool down?

The End Of The World Movies

I love movies.  It's true.  I haven't seen real movies (movies in the movie theater) for a long time.  The last one was Star Trek and that what...May?  There have been many movies I wanted to go to, but just didn't get around to seeing.  I've been very disenchanted with chick flicks recently.  I've given up on them.  Besides Penelope, I haven't seen a good one since...I don't know...a long time.  I love spy/thief movies.  Italian Job and Ocean's Eleven rank in my top ten favorites.  There is a very special place in my heart reserved for disaster/end of the world movies.  They are usually not amazing, but I enjoy them none the less.  Characteristics of these movies include, well known landmarks getting destroyed, predictable weak plot lines with very unbelievable events, mediocre acting and mediocre graphics.  For some reason though...I still love them.  There are two that are legitimately good movies (Armageddon and Independence Day) but the rest are only ok movies.  Still, the following movies hold a special place in my heart:

Twister (I love love love tornados)
Day After Tomorrow
Deep Impact
Dante's Peak
Volcano

So, today I watched 2012.  I don't have high expectations for disaster movies, but this one surprised me with how bad it was.  I mean...really bad.  I might even consider this movie a comedy with how much I was laughing.  And it was a really long bad movie.  It felt like it would be 2012 by the time the movie was finally over.  I couldn't handle all the long "the earth is crumbling two feet behind us but we are always able to outrun it" scenes.  And I just laughed as a limo is driven through the basement floor of a crumbling glass building only to be launched out the other side unharmed.  It is also very important to try to fly a plane through the downtown of cities so you can constantly narrowly miss falling skyscrapers and landmarks.  And in order for it to be a good take off, the runway must crumble under the landing gear of the plane right as you take off.  There were some redeeming moments of the movie.  I enjoyed Woody Harrelson's character and his blog that served as comic relief and plot background.  I also strangely found satisfaction in seeing The Strip of Vegas crumble and be destroyed.  Overall though...it was painful to sit through (even for a disaster movie that I have low expectations for)...and I really had to go to the bathroom by the end because it was close to three hours long.  I'm glad I didn't spend any money to see it.  Maybe I should have taken a nap instead.

Man Up?

It's not very often that I get told that I need to Man Up about something and it is even rarer that they might be right about it.  But I've been told to Man Up twice this morning from two different guys about two different subjects.  One feels I should Man Up about confronting the married guy at work that flirts with me and the other is telling me I need to ask out this guy I'm interested in.  I don't do well with direct confrontation.  I'm not mean. And I always worry about hurting the other person.  I do need to Man Up about the first issue. Passive aggression has not gotten my point across yet.  Nor has un-friending him on Facebook. 

As far as the other issue at hand, I honestly feel that girls should not ask guys out.  If the guy is interested, he will ask her out, right?  There is nothing more pathetic than a girl chasing after a guy that doesn't like her.  I've seen it/been it many times.  I've read the "He's Just Not That Into You" book.  I know the signs.  I also know that no one likes to be rejected so a girl's responsibility is to let the guy know she is interested so he feels more secure about asking her out.  I feel like I've done my job.  I've flirted, I've genuinely complimented, I've gone out of my way to talk to him, I've invited him to things.  Isn't that enough?  My young guy friend says NO and I need to Man Up and ask this guy out.  BAH!!!  I should just make a shirt that says, "Um...I really want you to ask me out."

Savior Of The World

I've been so blessed to be in ensemble of the Conference Center's production of Savior of the World this fall.  The experience has honestly changed my life forever.  The show reflects the events leading up to the birth of the Savior and after his resurrection.  For most of the show, I am an angel in heaven looking down and supporting the people on earth.  Even though the rehearsals are long, and physically & spiritually exhausting, I've been immensely blessed.  I've witnessed the faith of Mary & Joseph, the sorrow and then joy of Mary Magdelene, the doubt transformed into faith of Thomas, and the strength and power of Peter's testimony, and the loving kindness of the Savior.

I've been honored to work with such a talented cast and loving directors.  I've always wanted to be an angel that sang at Christ's birth, and now I finally get to...and it is just as amazing as I thought it would be.  This production, the beautiful music and the love of the Savior have healed my heart and made me whole.

I wish that everyone could see this show and feel of its spirit.  It has the power to change lives.  I know it has changed my life.  It's strengthened my testimony and shown me yet another example of the Savior's never ending love for us.  Now I humbly join my voice with so many others as we sing "Come, Lord Jesus, Come."

I Miss Old John

Anyone who knows me knows that I love John Mayer.  Whether you like him or not, that is fine...but I love him.  Well...mostly.  I love old John Mayer.  I loved the early years.  He's such a talented guitarist and his lyrics are so powerful.  "When you're dreaming with a broken heart, the waking up is the hardest part."  They are very real and very relatable.  He perfectly puts into words the experiences you've had.  His Gravity song made me fall in love with electric guitar ballads...and made for one of the most memorable 4th of July's ever in Taylor, AZ.

I've watched countless youtube clips of live concerts and interviews.  My roommate and I followed his blog and registered every day to try to win free tickets to the MayerCraft cruise.  We quoted him in everyday conversation "I'd like that," "Let me give you some advice from your Uncle John," "Pro-bono pro-bongo?" "Who wants to arm wrestle the bear?" "throwing punches under water," "And perfect...oh, hello!"

In the early years of John Mayer were filled with quaint concert settings, genuinely connecting with the audience and sincerely gratitude for coming.  Then he got big. Then he grew his hair out.  Then he dated stupid girls.  Then he did concerts drunk.  Then he wore low V-neck shirts (which should NEVER be worn by guys).  Then he looked like he did drugs.  Then he got obsessed with Twittering.  Then he wrote a song about getting stoned.  And he lost that magic.  He lost what I loved about him.  I used to think that John and I would likely be friends in real life.  I don't think that anymore.  I miss the old John.

Ninja!

I was a ninja for Halloween this year.  It rocked.  Nothing like a ninja at the front desk to welcome everyone to the company.  I found I had the natural tendency to walked crouched down and along the walls, peeking around everycorner.  When people would walk into the front lobby from the rest of the building I would snap my head to look at them with an alarmed look...then follow them with my eyes.  This was quite possibly one of my favorite Halloween costumes I've ever done.

We Brought Sexy Back (where did it go?)

For FHE last night, we hosted a 80's Murder Mystery party.  It. Was. AWESOME!

Reunionize

Reunionize might not technically be a word...but we made it a word this weekend.  BYU-Idaho had an alumni choir reunion this weekend.  That might sound lame to normal people, but to one whose life was not only enriched, but changed forever from the experiences I had from my time in choir...it was a little slice of heaven.  I got to rub shoulders again with people that I loved and respected so much.  It was amazing to sing in the Barrus Concert Hall again next to life-long friends.

Weekend Highlights: road trip with girl friends, Craigo's pizza bombs, flirting shamelessly with old guy friends, my college stalker being married, the feel of the lights on the stage of the Barrus, Let Zion In Her Beauty Rise arrangement, feeling confident, bleu cheese steak, giving dozens of tight "I've missed your face" hugs, and seeing the new temple from campus.

This weekend breathed life back into my soul.  I think I've finally kicked the funk!  I finally feel like I'm back to the old Marie (sassy, flirty, confident).  Watch out world...Stella's got her groove back!

Revolving Doors

So I have a mild fear of revolving doors...I always have. Things were made worse when my roommate Laura was visiting me in Vegas and the revolving doors at the Bellagio abruptly stopped causing us both to slam our heads into the glass.

There is a revolving door at the front of my building and since I'm stationed in the lobby now, I see all kinds of shenanigans with the revolving door. My favorite is two of my friends, Eric and Spencer that go to get coffee every day. Eric always goes through the revolving door first and Spencer always stops the doors so Eric runs into them. It's silly, but very entertaining. You'd honestly think Eric would learn by now. They are always good for giving me my morning laugh! I love those guys!

I Miss Guy Friends

I've always been the girl that hangs out with all of the guys. I like guy friends. I grew up with an amazing set of guy friends in Denver. We were so close in fact that I was adopted into their families. I had really close guy friends in college too. It started out with my "Fly Guys", Jeremy, Shane, Brent & Kyle, Scott & Sam (SEGA!), and Mike and the Clarke FHE brothers. All of them hold dear places in my heart. I even had guy friends in Vegas that kept me in check. And then I moved here. I have some guys that are friends, but no guy friends. It makes me feel empty inside.

I had the opportunity to spend the day with Jason Wade today...and it was fun. Not because there are feelings between us...but just because we are good solid platonic friends that care about each other and make each other laugh. It reminded me of better days and gave me a little more hope in life.

Goodbye to 27!!!

Everyone knows that 27 wasn't an easy year for me...our house was robbed, I broke off an engagement, my friend's daughter passed away suddenly, I was diagnosed with cancer, I was demoted in my job, and my roommate walked into THE job that I had been hoping for and counting on. I've been patiently waiting for 28 to role around. Not that I will be immune to bad things, but it is a new year and a new start. September is actually a rough time of year for me. I always re-evaluate my life and let's just say that I'm definitely not where I want to be right now.

But...there are a couple of up things. I am now a temple worker in the Salt Lake temple and I get to be in the production Savior Of The World. Both are huge blessings in my life.

As for the actual birthday this year...I'd say it was one of my favorites. It started with being on the radio when I visited a live broadcast of my favorite radio show...and finding a guy that should really be one of my close friends. Then I enjoyed a delightful lunch with my parents and a fun dinner with my Vegas friends at Texas Roadhouse.

Chivalry Isn't Dead

I attended an event for my favorite morning radio show yesterday. It's funny that radio personalities never look like what you think they do. I chatted with one of the coordinators for a bit then listened for awhile. Finally the time came when I had to head off to work so I waved goodbye to the coordinator. He offered to walk me out to my car. A simple gesture, but a genuinely chivalrous one as well. He wasn't hitting on me or had a hidden agenda, he was just being nice. My guy friends from Denver would ALWAYS walk me out to my car after our activities and I loved it. It is such a simple gesture but it speaks volumes about a person's character and rearing. It was nice. I wish it would happen more often.

Copy Machine Salesmen

I officially believe that copy machine salesmen sell their souls to the devil. I can spot them as they walk in my lobby. I'm not fond of salesmen in general, but copy machine salesmen are as low as they get. They are smug, slimy and pushy.

Physical vs. Emotional Cheating

An interesting article popped up on my homepage this morning discussing the gender's perspectives on physical vs. emotional cheating. I found this article intriguing for many reasons. If you get a minute, you should check it out.

http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/he-said-she-said/articlemc.aspx?cp-documentid=21429002&GT1=32023

No Expectations

When you don't have expectations, you don't get disappointed. I know it sounds like a defeatist attitude, but you should try it. You'll stop worrying all the time! Just take life as it comes.

Politics of a Set Up

I don't think a person realizes the politics of a set up until it is too late. Before you think that it is a good idea to set one of your single friends up with another (which seems to be the only criteria) think about the consequences. So many things can go wrong and the blame inadvertently will be placed on you. After all, YOU were the one that set them up. And miraculously, all three of you will change into middle schoolers and talk and over-analyze everything. It took us years to become adults and one date to revert back to middle school.

Longboarding on Labor Day

My Labor Day weekend was jam-packed, but really fun. On Monday I went with The Weagles to Bridal Veil Falls in Provo and learned how to longboard along the creek-side trail. Granted most of it was Matty pulling me along while I steered, but I worked up to doing everything solo.

I haven't been on a skateboard since I lived in Kansas City back when I was 7 years old, but it came back quickly. I understand why people think longboarding is so cool. It's fun. I still think skateboards are silly though. You exert so much energy to get them to go and they don't even go that long. It was still fun though.

Kisses With No Strings Attached

We went to the Draper Temple for Ward Temple Night last night. Since it is a smaller temple, the 7pm session was full and 10 of us got to do sealings. I married my good friend Abe Sloan. The sealer called me Sister Sloan a few times on accident (Insert awkward glace and half smile between Abe and I). Afterwards, Abe said he was waiting for his proxy kisses. "If we do it on behalf of someone else, it doesn't count between us." Kisses with no strings attached. Silly Abe. Maybe we'll get another shot on Saturday when our ward is officially doing sealings in the Salt Lake Temple.

Draper really is a beautiful temple. I love how it looks over the valley. It reminds me of the Bountiful temple in that way.

Flakes

I usually don't rant on this blog (except about married guys not wearing their wedding rings), but I'm just going to state that I'm REALLY sick of flakey friends. REALLY SICK OF THEM. They are good people with good hearts, but man, don't ever try to depend on them. Sometimes I just want to punch them.

Temple Worker

I accepted the call to be a temple worker in the Salt Lake Temple last night. I'm so excited. I look forward to serving and getting to work with the youth in the church. The temple has always been very important to me in my life and I'm excited to officially serve there now!

Work In Progress

Tonight I got to support a talented friend of mine at his first gig. I ventured to a shady area of town (Redwood Road) to The Outer Rim. Interesting venue. Interesting people that frequent there. I loved it. Unfortunately I had to go solo because my hot date had to work late tonight (Kathy would have loved it too). Taylor sang 5 original songs and a cover. I knew Taylor was a singer, but man, the boy ROCKED IT. Granted, I am biased because he is my friend, he has the type of voice that I enjoy most and he sings the style of songs I just love on his acoustic guitar...but really...he ROCKED IT!!! I'm quite picky when it comes to good singing and he totally impressed me...and that is hard to do. I'm so proud! Excellent job Taylor!

Vampires!

We had a blood drive today at work. I know it is weird, but I love giving blood. I feel it is one little way I can easily do service...maybe even save someone's life. Plus I have great veins...and rare blood. I knew I probably had to wait a little while after my surgery. I had to wait 6 months after my appendectomy. But I learned today that I have to wait 10 years to donate after having cancer. TEN YEARS!!! Ten years is a long time. I've only been donating for ten years. In ten years...I'll be almost 40. I know it seems weird, but I am MAJORLY bummed about this. And now I have another reason to hate cancer!

Outside movies ROCK!!!

I've always loved watching movies outside. That is one of the best things about summer. If you can't stroll with a guy on a perfect summer evening...watch a movie. I appreciate communities that give me this opportunity. Denver has Film On The Rocks. Red Rock Amphitheater is one of the coolest venues EVER...so watching movies there is awesome as well. In Vegas the summer evenings don't really cool off too much. But, the park put misters in the trees to cool us off a bit. And now Millcreek township adds their name to my favorites list. Last night we watched Stardust at the base of the Wasatch Mountains. There was even a falling star during the movie. It's nights like last night that make me happy to be alive.

Happy Anniversary!

Well, not really, but it could have been. I've been dreading this day for the last six months. I was supposed to get married today. August 1, 2009. My friend Josh Budinger made a prediction back at my farewell sushi dinner (March 2008) that I would get married in August of 2009. He was almost right. I would have given him $50 just for that!

When it came down to it though, I wasn't sad today. I slept in then went to the temple. I even tried to do proxy sealings today, but there were SO MANY real marriages today, they couldn't spare a sealer. I'm not meant to get married today...one way or the other! So instead I meditated for a couple of hours in the temple. There was no sadness, no heartache...only peace. The visit was topped off by seeing my old dear friend Kathryn as the Temple President's Secretary. I might have an opportunity to be a temple worker in the near future...and that makes me happier than I can explain.

The chorus of a Relient K song has run through mind a lot this week. I'll forgive their Christian Rock roots because of songs like this!

and you said I know that this will hurt
but if I don't break your heart then things will just get worse
If the burden seems too much to bear
Remember
the end will justify the pain it took to get us there

On this potentially devastating day, I have no regrets.

How To Properly Read A Book

I was informed that this is the proper way to read a book.

Bee's Game

For FHE on Monday, our ward went to family night at the Salt Lake Bee's minor league baseball game. We had 50 people from our ward go. I'm not a lover of baseball and minor league is almost painfully boring, but we actually had a lot of fun. I found out one of my friends had to kill his hamster when he was ten and my other friend got her super cute shoes from the lost and found at Utah State. The Bee's lost to Fresno 6-2, but at least we didn't go into extra innings...that would be torture.

Bear Lake

On Friday, July 17, Business Development had a team build activity. That's right, instead of working that Friday, we played at Bear Lake. It has to be the best work day I've ever had. It's unbelievable how much I love these people. I miss them so much now that I'm chained to the front desk. There were only seven of us, but we had a blast. We rode around on ATV/4x4's, played on waverunners, had a catered dutch oven lunch and relaxed. Oh my goodness it was so much fun! I got some pretty sweet jumps in the waverunner...I even made my co-worker giggle like a little girl with excitement. I got up to 52 mph at one time. Yeah...that made me nervous. Craig purposefully tried to get me thrown off on one turn. Greg and I got in a water fight and I straight up tackled him in the water. We had hamburgers and famous raspberry shakes from LeBeau's on our way home. I've never has so much fun not working in my life! I might have been exhausted, bruised, sun burned and feeling like I got hit by a boat the next day, but it was so worth it. It was a good sore because I know I had a lot of fun getting that way!

Anything Nae Scottish is Crrrrrap!

Kathy, Paul, Matty and I went to the Scottish Festival in Payson Utah on July 12th. I love going to cultural festivals...especially with these folks. I love the crafts, the music, the games, but I mostly love the people watching. We spent a good time watching the Highland Games. Manly men in skirts, I mean kilts, stabbing a 16 pound bean bag with a pitch fork and flinging it over a pole 28 feet above them. We also watched the caber toss where they pick up a 100 pound 18 feet tall log, run awhile and then launch it end over end. I agree with the conclusion that all Scottish food or sports were created due to a dare a long time ago. We also watching the bagpipe bands compete. I also got a henna tattoo while there. I've always wanted one and this one only costed $5.

FHE - Summer Survivor Series 2009

I'm in charge of Family Home Evenings for my singles ward. It can be stressful sometimes, but also very rewarding. During the summer we have what is called the Summer Survivor Series. We divide the ward into 4 teams and they compete each week in different events for six weeks. We made tie dyed shirts with the teams' colors. We had Field Day Games, Photo Scavenger Hunt, Stake FHE games, Fear Factor and Water Balloon Volleyball. One of the events for the Fear Factor night was a chocolate pudding eating contest. With the Bishop participating, it QUICKLY became a chocolate pudding fight. The water balloon volleyball also turned into a water fight. I love our mischievous bishopric.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House

I went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House on June 27th. It was delightful. I have loved attending the open houses and dedication of the two new Utah temples. I'm truly blessed to live in Utah where I have eight temples within an hour drive of my home. It makes it really easy to visit the temple often. People can say what they want about Utah...it shows their norrowmindedness, but it really has been a blessing for me to live here.

Oquirrh Mountain has now become a contender for the temple I will get married in. It's between Mt. Timpanogos and Oquirrh Mountain. If only I could find a guy from San Diego then we'd be talkin'!

The Cab Concert

Jamie, Wendy and I went to The Cab concert on June 26th at Kilby Court in downtown SLC. WHAT AN AWESOME VENUE!!!!! I have a thing for quaint, unique, or creative places. I love hole in the wall venues. LOVE THEM. So, Kilby Court is an old cinder block structure that I swear was once an auto body garage. The concert might have been overrun by teenagers in skinny jeans, but the atmosphere was electrifying. Even though I've never met The Cab, I feel like I know them from all the stories from Ashbury Brian. The Cab did not disappoint. They gave a rockin' concert that made me happy to be alive. I had so much fun. I love live music. I hope they make it big.

The Kiddie Dance

I am SOOOOO far behind on posts, so I'm making an attempt to catch up. I went to the dance recital of my nieces and nephew on June 11th. It was a very entertaining evening. They all worked so hard to prepare and did so well. I was so proud. I have to say though...there are few things cuter in life than a handful of 3 year old ballerinas in pink tutus. Absolutely darling!

Humble Pie

Today a sales guy walked in the front door of MarketStar and I recognized him from BYU-Idaho. We were in the Integrated Business Core (the refiners fire of the Business Department) together senior year. We were even in the same company. It's been five years since we graduated, but it was fun to run into him.

It's hard to look him in the eye and show him that I'm 27 and a college graduate and what have I made of myself...I'm a receptionist. If it wasn't intimidating enough to graduate with that group of people that had jobs lined up with Fortune 500 companies, I get to run into one five years later...and I'm a receptionist. Awesome.

Johnny, the mailroom guy, called me on my crap yesterday. He nailed it on the head when he said I haven't left yet because I'm scared. I'm 27 years old, I have a college degree and no husband or children to be responsible to. He thinks I should go crazy and get some random job in Hawaii and live it up. I've actually thought about that. I'm adventurous, but like stable things in my life. I would hate living from paycheck to paycheck in some spontaneous world. Would I like to travel...of course...no question about it, but it's time to settle down and be responsible. I'm paying off my debt and saving on the side. I want to get married and have a family. I want to buy a house. I can't do that as some cruise director being gone for weeks at a time. Alas, I'm just going through another quarter-life crisis.

Washing Windows

I've decided it's time to be more proactive in my dating approach. When talking with a good friend, he advised me that I needed to flirt more. It's true. I'm a very friendly person, but haven't been much of a flirt in Utah...for many reasons. After an engaging all day conversation with a guy at Bear Lake, Stella's got her groove back. I made a lofty, but hopefully attainable goal for the month of July.

The goal? I'm going to be asked out on a date. It sounds simple right? The conditions are:
1) He has to ask me
2) It can't be a blind date or a set up
3) It can't be a sympathy date at the end of the month by one of my guys friends

My strategy? I went on a mini shopping spree and purchased some new "date shirts" (shirts that I look good in, feel confident in and that are flirty and sassy). Next, I've made it a point to stay after church and activities awhile to chat it up with my guy friends. I'm also going to more activities than just church and FHE. I'm making a conscious, proactive effort to engage in conversation. It's been fun

So...wish me luck! It has already been an interesting start to the month!

Guilty Pleasure # 62 - The Bachelorette (with Jillian)

I don't watch a lot of TV. There are a couple of shows I love and follow...Chuck and The Office. There are a couple of side shows I periodically follow now as well (my roommates are corrupting me!). If it wasn't for DVR, I would never watch TV. I don't like the idea of being so obsessed with show that you change your interactions and activities with real people to indulge yourself in a fake reality. DVR is nice because I can watch my show whenever I have time. I hate reality TV...hate it, hate it, hate it. P.S. - it's not reality!

But, am I now willing to admit I have a guilty pleasure in TV watching (besides Buffy the Vampire Slayer). I am really enjoying watching The Bachelorette this season with my roommates. I really like Jillian. She is smart, funny, quirky, adventurous and has a good head on her shoulders. And...SHE LIKES THE NICE GUYS!!!! We have a whole group of us that get together to watch the show. We've placed our bets on which guy she will choose. My top three are Kipkyn, Jake and Jesse. Only time will tell!