La Belle Dame Sans Regrets

Calm amidst the Storm

2011-10-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

Today was not a good day. In fact, today was a really horrible, no good day. Stupid things happened. Frustrating things happened. Infuriating things happened. And I felt the stress of it all. And I cursed. And I cried. And I couldn't understand why so many bad things have to happen to me all of the time.

And then I stopped. And I watched. And I remembered that, this is life. It's ok if it's hard. It's supposed to be hard. But that doesn't mean I have to be hardened. So I quit whining.

I am not alone in this. I have angels all around me. We all do. We are each others angels. And if I really look, I see miracles. I know Heavenly Father is actively participating in my life. If I pause, and look, I can see His hand in my life every single day. When I acknowledge the love and support I feel each day from my friends, my family and my Father in Heaven, in that moment I truly feel peace, even if it is amongst the storm.

you really must watch these. they are amazing.

*Many thanks to me and ma vie for the reminder

random... not randon

2011-10-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

calle strand. he's pretty. google him.

6 batches of zucchini bread later... i have a lot of zucchini bread.

16 more days til maui/oahu.

i made some homemade halloween decorations (at home).

after 2 runs i can confidently refer to myself as a runner again. i'll never be a great runner. but i'll never not be a runner.

i'm probably not back for good

2011-09-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

why is it that every time i say "i'm baaack!" i'm not really back?

perhaps it's all just wishful thinking... or wishful speaking, as it were.

so, what's what? good question.

life continues in an extended holding pattern. after 3 years, i still answer "i don't know" when my mother asks me what i'm going to do about my life. and yet, i feel change creeping over the horizon. good change? to be determined.

i may be orphaned. i may be relocated. i may be happier. i may be lonelier. i may be poorer (as if that were actually possible). but what i will be doing is going forward. daring to change. and it scares me to death and excites me to no end.

the important thing is this:
to be able, at any moment,
to sacrifice what we are
for what we could become.
-charles dubois

any one still here?

2011-04-12T18:12:00.000-07:00

hello my pretties,
i just wanted you to know that my life just changed big time. like, my life will seriously never, ever be the same. and i'm so pumped about it i'm using words like 'pumped'.

so i just wanted to let you know that i'll be here more often. and i was also wondering if anyone was still here. anyone? (echo... echo...)

for an idea of what's new head on over to the photo blog... but not until after i've posted about my weekend. here's a hint:
photo via

33 for 33

2011-01-09T23:00:00.000-08:00

I was sorely tempted to put "steal a baby" on this list (I've got my eye on a few of them) but I decided to keep things legal (at least for the time being).

read the Book of Mormon in french
ride a horse
take my mom to Italy
blog... regularly
run 5 races
get medical insurance
piece a quilt
go to Disneyland
watch Gone With The Wind
get out of debt
go hiking
meet my adorable, nice neighbor across the path
buy new boots
go to boston
learn to shoot film
form a running group (for slow people)
go longboarding
go skiing
go to an aquarium
go to a museum
have a dinner party
go to the Getty Villa
bake bread
fit into all the jeans in my closet
finish reading the Little House on the Prairie series
go to a pawn shop
go camping
buy from bountiful baskets
have a "shooting strangers" day
do a 52 week photo challenge
skype with a far away friend
memorize a few songs on the piano
move (to austin. or australia.)

I can't remember how old I am

2011-01-03T23:15:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday.

It's very convenient to start a new year and a new age at the same time. I celebrate a new year on January 1st and January 3rd. I've always loved my birth date.

Looking back on this year the thing I remember most is that I went to work. Then when I got off of work I went to work again, just at a different job. Then when I got off work again, I went home and worked more. I remember exhaustion. I remember a lot of tears. I remember feeling completely lost. I remember feeling like I'd lost myself, my sense of humor, my ability to have fun, my ability to manage my life. I remember feeling a lot like this.

But, I also remember a family I can't get enough of, parents who were more understanding and compassionate than I ever knew they could be, sisters and friends who'd walk to hell and back with me just so I'd have a shoulder to cry on, friend's parents who worry about me like I am one of their own, a bishop who let me cry about my job/financial/life situation every time I walked into his office and never made me feel embarrassed about it, a friend who loved me without even knowing my name (may she rest in peace), being able to simultaneously call 3 different people my 'best friend'. I remember Switzerland & Spain, puzzles and pictures. I remember being happy. I remember being hopeful.

Thank you, 2010.

In 2011, 33 year old me will nurture my spirituality, work less, work smarter, have more fun, lots more fun, be more adventurous, take care of my body, take care of my home and take the one big risk I was too scared to take in 2010.

The first song I listened to in 2011 and my theme song for the year:

32 for 32 - recap

2011-01-03T02:09:00.001-08:00

stop putting off going to the grand canyon and go to the grand canyon already - Check! Best 4 hour drive to see a big hole I've ever taken. It's just too bad about the Frosty fob.
read "Les Miserable" (unabridged) - Fail. I didn't even buy it.
get rid of everything in my closet that doesn't reflect my true style (attempt replenishing) - Fail. I still hate almost all of my clothes.
send Thank You cards - Fail. This does not mean that I was unthankful.
quit at least one of my jobs - Check! Too bad I unquit. Now I just have to requit.
ride a razor scooter in Europe - 1/2Check. I went. I saw an old man in a suit riding a razor scooter in Basel. Sadly, I did not ride a razor scooter while there. Bitchin' trip though! Please watch this video.
piece a quilt - Fail.
go to the temple monthly - Mega Fail. At least I went once. Yes. Just once. Oh man...
learn to make stir fry like my mom - Fail.
start a beach cruiser bike gang - Check! Best damn beach cruiser gang ever. We don't even need a beach! (Thank goodness the BlackWidow blogged everything for me)
turn a photo into a jigsaw puzzle - Fail. Sad fail. But you should see my puzzle collection. I'm thinking about building a special closet for it.
throw a fancy party - Fail.
crash a wedding - Fail.
go to calico ghost town - Check! Probably one of the most amazing days of my life.
go to 20 concerts/live shows - Check. Too easy. Best of? Fun. And Keane.
photoshoot at the dry lake bed - Fail. Meh.
go to a play - Fail.
have a mohawk... or fauxhawk - Fail. Didn't even have anywhere cool to wear one. Then again, isn't my life just a cool enough place to wear one?
do tin foil dinners - Fail.
keep my room clean for two consecutive weeks - Epic Fail. Couldn't even keep it clean for two consecutive days.
post more pics on le blog - Fail. Ya know... cuz I didn't even blog.
knit something - Fail.
attend a photography workshop - Check! Very, very successful check.
put shelves in my storage room - Fail.
learn to play the ukelele - Check! I learned 3 chords. Which means I can play one song... which is probably one more song than you know.
go hiking in Zion - Fail.
watch a meteor shower - Fail. Did we even have one of those this year?
go kayaking - Fail.
road trip with just one other person - Fail. Unless you count driving across town.
read the book of mormon in french - Fail. Again, I say: Oh man...
pay off my car loan - Check! Getting the title in the mail was the second best piece of mail I've ever gotten.
go to a rave - Fail.

9 of 32.
Considering the hell of a year it was I am actually amazed and proud that I even checked that many items off my list. Despite the hell of a year it was, it was a good year. A real good year.

but i like you

2010-11-19T00:08:00.000-08:00

him: you don't watch House?
me: nope.
him: that surprises me. of anyone, I thought you would love it because he is witty and he hates people.
me: just like me!
him: yes. except for the witty part.
me: i hate you.

favorite song of all time

2010-10-21T23:31:00.000-07:00

and i seriously mean of ALL TIME:

i wish by skee-lo

my favorite IM convo ever

2010-10-21T16:11:00.001-07:00

him: herro
me: que pasa?
him: asian hello
me: mexican what's up

Well THIS made me happy

2010-10-07T00:04:00.000-07:00

*photo via here

I look forward to weekends so much more now that I don't have to work every weekend... or if I do I get to work at doing something I love.

I just looked at my October calendar and the weekends are fillin' up fast! Lovesit!

What will your 5 October weekends look like?

Things I decided today:

2010-10-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

I will say my prayers every single morning & night
I will go to the temple at least twice a month
I will study the scriptures every single day
I will prepare my sunday school lesson before I get to sacrament meeting
I will write in my journal more often
I will say thank you much more often... esp to people who annoy me
I will stop going to the store on sunday
I will try to go to sleep early and wake up early
I will exercise and eat well
I will keep my house and car clean

It's pretty sad how difficult everything on that list has been for me lately and how everything on that list seems completely impossible. But, after an amazing General Conference I'm motivated and energized to be the person I want to be and live the kind of life I want to live.

As Elder Scott said, Become what you want to be by being what you want to become.

Summer? Where did you go?

2010-08-24T02:19:00.000-07:00

OK... so the "summer of fun" kind of turned into the "summer of work" and "other stuff" that made the time pass far too quickly. Not that I'm complaining. The less 100+ degree weather I have to live through, the better.

I've got lots to blog about but I feel the need to ease back into this blogging thing. So, here's a little treat. This is what happens when you hang out with cool people on a sunday night. And might I just say, my video editing skillz are off da hook. Fer realz.

Thanks to the viral internet sensation, F*bomb, for introducing the glory that is Robot Unicorn Attack!

Summer of Fun Kickoff!

2010-05-27T23:47:00.000-07:00

!KA-BOOM!

Know how to start of a good summer of fun?

*fireworks in the desert*

One good thing about living in Las Vegas is its proximity to Moapa. The only good thing about Moapa is the firework store. We happened by there the other night with the express intention of buying some explosives... but, shhh! They're illegal. Don't tell.

Tif got a really big sparkler.

I jumped over fire... succesfully.

Josh is a nerd. He creeps into photos. He can't jump over fire very well. Thus, it becomes imperative to shoot Roman Candles at him.

A small sampling of our goods.

Is this a hurricane?

2010-05-10T02:50:00.000-07:00

I never really want to do my long runs. Does anyone? I'm really good at talking myself out of them, justifying the need to postpone them (then never getting around to doing them) 0r just running out of time to do them. It's easy to do that when you don't want to do something.

This week's long run- 8 miles. Eight.

The facts:
a- I cannot run that far on a treadmill. Anything over 3 miles and that spinning belt makes me lose my mind.

b- I cannot run that far on the indoor track at the gym. Lit'rally running in circles should not apply to distance (and I use that term loosely) running (I also use that term loosely). Even if I could stand to go that far on a 6-1/4 laps/mi track I'm positive that after a few miles I'd lose count of how many laps I'd run and just give up.

The weather report in LV for what seems like forever:
Windy.

Not just windy but scary windy. The kind of wind that blows garbage cans down the street, upturns trees (seriously, part of someone else's tree was in my yard the other day) and sounds like a horror flick.
Is there such thing as torrential wind?

My options:
a- Skip the long run this week. T minus 4 weeks 'til race day. Still plenty of time to train. This is the lie I tell myself.
b- Run. Run outside. Run in the torrential wind.

I decide to run before I skillfully talk myself out of going.

Laundry's not done so I grab my smelly pants, jogbra and shirt. At least I have clean socks (I think). Requisite wrist band... well turn that puppy inside out and it's so fresh and so clean (clean). Hydro belt: check. Ipod: check. Off we go.

My chosen route:
4 miles uphill. Turn around. 4 miles home.

Mile 1- Uphill. Just getting started. I'm always tired in mile 1. Wind sucks but it's too early to stop and walk.
Mile 2- Flat. In the groove. Good tunes. Holy gusty wind.
Mile 3 & 4- Fight! Fight the hill! Fight the wind! Wind sucks.

Here's the weird thing. I felt better, faster, stronger running uphill into the wind then I ever do on flat ground on a calm day. Why? Because I have to fight. It certainly isn't boring attacking the forces of nature. Plus, when I get home I get to post on facebook that I ran uphill into the wind for 4 miles and all my non-runner friends will be all "That's crazy! You are so awesome!"

Let's be honest for a second: Praise. That's a big part of why I run; so people tell me how awesome I am. I know I'm not awesome (yes, I am) but I sure do love hearing it (because I am) .

Mile 5 & 6- I swear this hill was steeper when I was running up it! But, I love the wind! It's lit'rally pushing me home. All I have to do is lift my feet and it basically does the work for me. Though, somewhere in mile 6 the wind makes me kick my own ankle. That hurt.
Mile 7 & 8- Feeling good. Almost home. Plus, the wind is still pushing me. This is so easy!

I did it. I feel awesome! Runner's high? I don't get that while I'm running. I get that as soon as I finish my run because I'm done! And I don't have to run anymore... until tomorrow.

Stats: 8 miles. 83 minutes.

more tales from lunchladyland

2010-04-30T23:53:00.001-07:00

...and then my coworker said, "i just yanked on that thing and it came!"
...and then i was all, "that's what she said."

Stream of Consciousness: BOLD!

2010-04-29T02:05:00.001-07:00

I was inspired my Marta's latest post about stream of consciousness writing.

I kind of can’t believe I did it. I also can’t stop with this boldness. It’s the new me!

I met a cute boy last weekend. I couldn’t stop looking at him, watching him in my peripheral. I even snuck (though it didn’t look too sneaky) a photo of him. Later that night I facebook stalked him (friend of a friend of a friend, you know). Yes, I’m a stalker, and a damn good one at that. I didn’t want that day’s meeting to be the last contact. After 3 days of deliberating and building up courage I decided to send him a message via facebook. I didn’t bother mentioning how I found him. He’s a guy. He probably won’t even wonder.

Once I made the decision to be uncharacteristically and ridiculously bold I acted. In fact I didn’t even spend time thinking about it because I knew I could talk myself out of it. I just did it. Bold and brazen. I emailed him, told him I’m up for getting together and left the rest to fate. We’ll see what fate does with it.

It felt good to be bold. So good in fact that I decided to be bold with 4 other boys- one I recently went on one date with, one I’d like to go on a date with, one from the past and one with whom I’ve never managed to get out of the ‘friendzone’.

I made a decision about an hour before I sent that first email. I am going to go after what I want. I’m going to make things happen in my life. When you look at all the really lucky people in the world there is one common trait. These are people who are not afraid to be bold and take risks. The risks don’t always pay off but sometimes they do. And those are great pay offs.

Of course, there is the likelihood that I’ll be rejected by some or all of these boys. And that’s ok because at least I’ll know. And once I know I’ll be able to close the door of wondering and move on, move forward.

How will YOU be uncharacteristically and ridiculously bold?

And just for funzies, here's a picture of my friends that i happen to fancy (the picture, not the friends, you know).

Jacob & Lisa: give them a baby

2010-04-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

Apparently this has turned into a Mom Blog. But, I'm not the mom.

Meet my dear friend Lisa and her husband Jacob (who I'm sure would be my dear friend if we lived anywhere near each other and spent any quality time together because the guy is awesome). There is a very special spot in my heart for these guys. I'm not sure why but you know when people come into your life and you just adore them? That's what happened when I met Lisa and subsequently Jacob.
These guys were just approved to adopt! Hurrah!
You can read their beautiful profile HERE.

Please, if you or anyone you know of is looking for some awesome parents, consider them. If I had a baby I'd give it to them because I'm 100% sure they will be way better parents than I could ever be!

lover boys

2010-04-06T02:54:00.000-07:00

As long as there are little boys in the world there will be reasons for me to fall in love.

While in Utah I fell in love with 2 new boys. What can I say? My friends make cute kids!

Sam. All 14inches and 1lb15oz of him. This guy decided to come 3 months early and is now fattening up in the NICU. Grow, baby boy! Grow!

Grey. He gives the best baby hugs I've ever had and even smacked an open mouth kiss on me. Ridiculously cute.

*totally stole these pics from his parents

5 days in UT + pictures = awesome

2010-04-06T02:35:00.000-07:00

Everytime I leave Utah I think maybe I shouldn't be leaving. It's home and I love it.

Driving. Driving Driving.
I know it's super vain to post (mediocre) pictures of myself on le blog (even though it's my blog and I can do whatever I want) but, I just wanted you to see my blue hair because I love it. I'm so badass (not really).

My crazy Auntie Lu and Jane. Tongan dances... well there are just not words enough to discribe.
See what I mean? Seriously. Are you seeing this?! I didn't even try to be stealthy in order to get this picture.
My sis and me. We be good posers.
Meeting up with my favorite SuperBonBon. Love. Love. Love.
Bein' all cute and junk in downtown Provo.
Workin' it with the locals.
So much cotton candy! Cotton Candy with PopRocks! Genius!
Conference with the ladies.
Other really good stuff happened but I don't have pictures to prove it.

Dear Utah, you always treat me right. I'm ready to come back.

Church of Calico

2010-04-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

Did I tell you about the time we went to Calico Ghost Town?

The Black Widow summed it up nicely so you'll have to go here to check it out.
All I can say is: MAGICAL!

Jack, a Bible and a Smoking Gun

Goodbye, Vegas. Hello, Utah.

2010-04-01T02:34:00.001-07:00

I'm heading up north for a long weekend (me and all the other Mormons making the semiannual pilgrimage). Me, I'm just going home. R&R.

Thought I'd make a mix for the drive. I like driving alone but I need entertainment.

"This is a long drive for someone with nothing to think about"
1. Animal - Neon Trees *New fav band
2. Burden of Tomorrow - Tallest Man On Earth
3. Unloveable - Babybird *Soul wrenching, anyone?
4. We Will Walk - Matisyahu
5. All the Pretty Girls - fun.
6. Middle Distance Runner - Sea Wolf
7. Lasso - Phoenix *Have I mentioned how much I love Phoenix?
8. Float On - Modest Mouse *This song is on almost every single mix I make.
9. Fireflies - Owl City *Guilty pleasure
10. Walking On A Dream - Empire of the Sun
11. Hot Venom - Miniature Tigers
12. Spaceman - The Killers
13. Fire & Rain - Mat Kearney *Crush
14. Selfish Jean - Travis
15. I'm A Machine - Shark Speed
16. 1983 - Neon Trees
17. Rome - Phoenix *Seriously, I really like them!
18. Tik Tok (cover) - Air Raid Anthem *SOOO much better than the original

Most likely I'll just be listening to The Killers "Day & Age" and The Neon Trees "Habits" albums the whole way. I cannot get enough of them this week.

Email me if you want a copy of the mix. I'll send ya a disc.

school is cool

2010-03-27T23:45:00.000-07:00

The other day in lunchladyland a group of 1st graders was asking me what I'm doing for spring break.

me: I'm going to Utah!
girl: I'm going to Atlanta. (She walks away)
boy: (whispering) Doesn't she mean Atlantis?
me: No, sweetheart. She means Atlanta.

I love that I live in a world where people truly believe in mythical cities.

help

2010-03-08T22:54:00.001-08:00

The thing about it is...

I want to blog.

The problem about it is...

I don't know what to blog about.

So, what do you think?

What should I blog about?

oi

2010-03-04T01:03:00.000-08:00

I just looked back over the last year+ of my blog.

Remember that I used to be funny? and fun? and 20lbs lighter?

kalanicut!

2010-02-08T14:38:00.001-08:00

Go enter the contest on my sister's blog. Seriously. Go. Now.

kalanicut.blogspot.com

What's your motivation?

2010-02-02T16:20:00.001-08:00

Just posted over at Fitlanthropist. Check it out here.

32 for 32

2010-02-01T01:32:00.000-08:00

Right now I have a mile long list of things I should be doing (sleeping being high on the list) but instead I can't get my mind off of how excited I am about being an even age this year. My odd years are never quite as good (ie- they suck) as my even years so for 362 of the 365 days of 2009 I was just waiting for the year to get over with. Arrival!

I herewith present my 32 for 32.

stop putting off going to the grand canyon and go to the grand canyon already
read "Les Miserable" (unabridged)
get rid of everything in my closet that doesn't reflect my true style (attempt replenishing)
send Thank You cards
quit at least one of my jobs
ride a razor scooter in Europe
piece a quilt
go to the temple monthly
learn to make stir fry like my mom
start a beach cruiser bike gang
turn a photo into a jigsaw puzzle
throw a fancy party
crash a wedding
go to calico ghost town
go to 20 concerts/live shows
photoshoot at the dry lake bed
go to a play
have a mohawk... or fauxhawk
do tin foil dinners
keep my room clean for two consecutive weeks
post more pics on le blog
knit something
attend a photography workshop
put shelves in my storage room
learn to play the ukelele
go hiking in Zion
watch a meteor shower
go kayaking
road trip with just one other person
read the book of mormon in french
pay off my car loan
go to a rave

sister

2010-02-01T01:29:00.000-08:00

My sister has a blog. She's the creative one in the family.

I was perusing today and found something she wrote about me that I loved:

"a small part of her never grew up although she turned out quite grown up and lovely anyway"

And that's why it's great to have sisters. They know me like no one else does.

ps- is it any wonder that one of my favorite books in the world is Peter Pan?

Megan's Monster MToL

2010-01-28T17:06:00.000-08:00

Megan wins for best cover art. Hands down. (Maybe if I miraculously get some time I'll post a photo of it). I sure do like Megan. An awful lot.

Playlist:
1- I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That) - Meat Loaf
2- Lost In Your Eyes - Debbie Gibson
3- Is This Love - Whitesnake
4- I'll Make Love To You - Boys II Men
5- I'll Be Loving You (Forever) - New Kids on the Block
6- Crush - David Archuletta
7- I Need Love - LL Cool J
8- Intermission (Instrumental) - My Fair Lady
9- Forever - Ben Harper
10- Nothing Fancy - David Barnes
11- I'd Die Without You - P.M. Dawn
12- Sleeping To Dream - Jason Mraz
13- Everything - Michael Buble
14- No One's Gonna Love You - Band of Horses
15- Look After You - The Fray

Johnny's MToL

2010-01-24T22:40:00.000-08:00

Have I told you about my friend John and his awesome project the Fitlanthropist? Both awesome. You really aught to follow him and help him raise $$ for a good cause.
Turns out he's also super awesome at making mix tapes. He was a veryclose second.

1- Will You Still Love Me? – Chicago
2- Heaven Is A Place On Earth – Belinda Carlisle
3- Bad Medicine – Bon Jovi
4- Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) – Journey
5- Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’ - Journey
6- Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
7- Nasty Girl – Inaya Day
8- Modern Love – David Bowie
9- Simply Irresistible – Robert Palmer
10- With Or Without You – U2
11- A History Of Lovers – Calexico/Iron & Wine
12- Fix You – Coldplay
13- Needs – Collective Soul
14- Me And Bobby McGee – Janis Joplin
15- Are You Gonna Be My Girl – JET
16- Wonderwall – Ryan Adams
17- Love The One You’re With – Stephen Stills
18- Dance Me To The End Of Love – Madeleine Peyroux
19- You Are The Best Thing – Ray Lamontagne
20- Love You – Sondre Lerche

Val's MToL

2010-01-24T22:35:00.000-08:00

Not just any MToL. The WINNING MToL!

I've known Valerie for over a decade (yikes). At one point we shared a room. I have always been amazed by Valerie. She's like no one I've ever met before and that just makes me like her even more. Thing is, we rarely see each other, talk, etc aside from keeping up on each others blogs. But Valerie will always and forever be one of my very favorite people in the world. Like, if I was stranded on a desert island and could only take 5 people with me she'd be one of them.

Val did an awesome job. I think she won me over with the oozing cheesy goodness of Bread and Air Supply not to mention the delightful surprise of Mr Joel. I was never a fan until now.
Well done, Valerie. Well done.

1) When I See You Smile - Bad English
2) Lovin' You - Minnie Riperton
3) I'd Love You to Want Me - Lobo
4) Do That To Me One More Time - Captain and Tennille
5) Everything I Own - Bread
6) Somebody - Depeche Mode
7) Take My Breath Away - Berlin
8) The One That You Love - Air Supply
9) True Companion - Marc Cohn
10) She's Got a Way - Billy Joel
11) In The Dark With You - Greg Brown
12) Gotta Have You - The Weepies
13) Hesitating Beauty - Billy Bragg and Wilco
14)You Are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne
15) Have a Little Faith - Michael Franti & Spearhead
16) Lay Lady Lay - Pete Drake
17) Kathy's Song - Simon & Garfunkel
18) Chariot - Page France

MY MToL

2010-01-24T22:26:00.000-08:00

Sorry this has taken so long to post. I have excuses but I won't bore you with them.

In the spirit of the game and because I have a great love for making mix tapes I thought I'd make my own MToL. Too bad I didn't win.

May I also add that it was terribly difficult distinguishing between the super cheesy and the super awesome. And, keeping it to just 20 songs was nigh unto impossible.

Alas- I present MY MToL

The Bad
1) All My Life - K-Ci & JoJo
2) Faithfully - Journey
3) That's When I'll Stop Loving You - NSync
4) From This Moment On - Shania Twain & Bryan White
5) With You - Jessica Simpson
6) Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
7) I Don't Want To Miss A Thing - Aerosmith
8) Everything I Do ( I Do It For You) - Bryan Adams
9) The Way - Clay Aiken
10) I Want To Know What Love Is - Foreigner

The Good
11) Golden - My Morning Jacket (Possibly my new favorite song of all time)
12) 14th Of February - Billy Bragg
13) Longer - Dan Fogelberg
14) When U Love Somebody - Fruit Bats
15) I Will Not Take My Love Away - Matt Wertz
16) First Love - The Maccabees
17) When Did You Fall - Chris Rice
18) Make You Feel My Love - Adele
19) Hold You In My Arms - Ray LaMontagne
20) I Believe In A Thing Called Love - The Darkness

31 for 31: recap

2010-01-05T22:39:00.000-08:00

What a craptastic year. I'm not kidding. This was undoubtedly the most challenging, stressful, exhausting, frustrating, dissappointing year I have ever had. I'm almost embarassed to do my recap this year because the majority of my goals were forsaken in lieu of work, work and more work. Alas, it must be done. Here goes:

31 for 31

go to the Grand Canyon - Fail.
ride a horse - Fail.
take photos in a photobooth - Check!
read the Book of Mormon in french - Fail. I didn't even read it in english.
read 20 books - Check! I loved this.
run 500 miles - Fail. It was more like 5 miles.
run a marathon - Fail. I signed up and didn't follow through. Again.
photograph an entire wedding - Check. I love my job.
go geocaching outside of Las Vegas - Fail.
buy art - Fail.
frame my own photography - Fail.
ride my bike to church - Fail. First it was too cold, then it was too hot and now it's too cold again.
go to DC - Fail.
pay off credit cards - Fail.
take swimming lessons - Fail.
go skinny dipping - Fail.
go to an amusement park - Fail.
find a (photography) mentor - Fail.
research organic foods - Check. Organic food = overrated. Organic milk = yes, please.
have a spa day - Check! And it was lovely.
go to a demolition derby - Fail.
attend First Friday - Check.
share a Book of Mormon with someone - Fail.
read the entire Harry Potter series again - Check. Kind of. I'm still have half of book 7 to finish.
go hiking in the Valley of Fire - Fail.
make a quilt - Fail.
play the piano in Sacrament Mtg (special musical number) - Check. Blew the roof offa dat house.
donate money to a worthy cause - Fail.
compile a book (a la David Sedaris) - Fail. But at least I came up with a new book idea that is genius. Genius! It's half written in my head.
lose 31lbs - Fail.
get married - Fail. I'm over trying to accomplish this one.

Hmm... that was even more depressing than I thought it would be. Oh well. That year is over with. On to the next! Huzzah!

One Thing Leads To Another

2010-01-02T02:04:00.000-08:00

2009 will officially go down as my worst year ever; the year that shat on me over and over again. So, I say, "Good Riddance!"

2010, however, is my year. That's right. MINE!

I'm under no illusion that everything will be handed to me on a golden platter this year. I'm going to have to make it a great year. Thus, I've set three goals that will officially make 2010 my year.

1) Shower more frequently
2) Hold nightly/weekly planning sessions
3) Become independently wealthy

It all starts with the showering. I mean, you don't see dirty rich people. You don't see really clean, homeless bums. So, I figure, if I shower more frequently the natural next step is wealth. It's basically a flawless plan.

Happy New Year, y'all.

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

2009-12-16T22:41:00.001-08:00

I quite sure you're still waiting on the edge of your seat for this news. Behold! We have a winner of the Mix Tape of Love contest!! Huzzah!

And the winner is...

VAL!

I should have known you'd win, since everything you do, you do awesomely. Woot!

It was a tight race to be sure and you all did very well with the challenge. I'll post the playlists this weekend (when I'm not working steady 6am-10pm).

Stay tuned for a Mix Tape of Breakup Songs challenge in the new year.

And the winner is...

2009-12-10T23:11:00.000-08:00

gonna hafta wait.

Sorry, dearhearts. But, I'm exhausted. I'm working about 25hrs/day this week and don't have time to finish listening and declare a winner of MToL (although I'm pretty sure I already know who it's going to be).

Stay tuned. Maybe saturday will be the day. Perhaps sunday. fml.

Brie, please!

2009-12-07T18:02:00.001-08:00

I know it kind of feels like contest central around here. Sorry to bombard you but... BUT!

I think you all need to head over to a little sussy to vote for my sister's Toasted Cranapple Brie Sandwich (France). The one by Kalani Cropper.

Also, you should head over to Kalani's new blog Kalanicut. Delightful!

And since I haven't posted any good photos of anything good for a good long time I'll share the ditty I created for my birthday invite. Yes, I stole the pic from the interweb but I made it better.

PS- If you want to celebrate my birthday with me, save the date for January 2 & 3. You're all invited. Flogging Molly. Singstar. Cupcakes. Need I say more?

MToL

2009-12-06T20:08:00.000-08:00

Big thanks to everyone who entered the contest. I'm waiting for the last few entries to trickle in and I've started the listening.

Might I say: You are all brilliant and I love you for entering.

Winner will be announced on 12/10(ish).

Mix Tape of Love: addendum... OK, FINE!

2009-12-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

OK, y'all.

I fully sympathize (empathize? I never know the diff) with the inability to either gather or actually SEND your submissions for MToL.

SO...
I'm extending the deadline for 4 days only.

Also... submissions may be emailed to me in the form of a playlist only- artist & song.

I'll do the work and find the songs. The important thing here is that I get the playlists.
If you would like to submit via actual CD that is still encouraged. But, I'd love to help the helpless here (not that I think you're helpless even though you've had a month to do this and still haven't been able to get your butt in gear... I'm just saying).

Playlists (song & artist) due by Dec 5th.

Email to cropstar5 at hotmail dot com

Seriously, if the Black Widow's MOM can do it, so can you.

MIX TAPE of (un)LOVE?

2009-12-01T00:43:00.001-08:00

Guess what day it is. December 1st.

Guess how many contest entries I've received. Zero.

FAIL!

I guess I win?

If you do have a submission, let me know and I'll extend the deadline for you. Seriously, I would love it if you submitted. Please? Pleeeeease?

Day 26 of Gratitude

2009-11-27T23:48:00.000-08:00

I was going to do an awesome picture post documenting my awesome day full of awesome Thanksgiving activities. I didn't make it past this activity though:

Wow. SUPER flattering picture, n'est-ce pas?

Yep. That's me. In bed. And yes, I do sleep with my computer, books, water bottle and other sundry items. I had tentitively planned on doing some lovely things but ended up spending most of the day in bed- sleeping, lounging, internetting. I watched movies, puzzled, ate. My crowning accomplishment for the day was showering. Yay, me.

This year I didn't get to spend the day with my family (sad), cooking or eating. But I truly felt the spirit of the holiday as I was able to spend much of my lazy day reflecting upon the things for which I'm thankful. And indeed, I have much to be thankful for:

1. My knowledge of God and His plan (even though sometime I wish His plan for me aligned more with what want and not what I need).
2. My good health despite the lack of care I give to my body.
3. My supportive family, their love and friendship.
4. My dear friends who I love spending time with but who understand when I just need to have some alone time.
5. And, you, my dear blog readers, my pets, my lovelies. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to send my thoughts into cyberspace and to feel like they mean something.

Hope your Thanksgiving was full of thanks and giving.

Day 25 of Gratitude

2009-11-25T23:43:00.000-08:00

Today, I am grateful for all the lovely people in my life who invited me to share Thanksgiving dinner with them (since my mom told me not to come home this year *single tear) even though I politely declined all offers so that I could spend the entire day with ME, doing whatever I feel like doing. I am so excited.

Day 24 of Gratitude

2009-11-24T23:56:00.000-08:00

Today I'm grateful for a black & white dress and electric blue tights. Those tights made me (and some other people) happy.

Day 23 of Gratitude

2009-11-23T16:56:00.000-08:00

Stuffing. Creme Brulee. Pumpkin Pie. Carmel Apple Cake. Roast Vegetables.

Today I'm grateful that I work in a catering kitchen and get to bring home delicious left overs all. the. time.

Here's to celebrating Thanksgiving early!

Day 22 of Gratitude

2009-11-22T16:37:00.000-08:00

Today I really, truly am grateful for all things church (except the last talk in Sacrament Meeting, because, boring!).

I'm grateful for the Lord's patience with me when I'm being stubborn. I'm grateful that when I decide I'm ready to listen, I can hear what He needs to tell me, whether it be through the Apostles, the Bishop, the Relief Society teacher or the teenager who was forced to speak in Sac Mtg.

Day 21 of Gratitude

2009-11-21T17:46:00.000-08:00

My backlog of gratitude is coming. Let's just say, it was hard to get back into "real life" mode after being on "vacation" mode for a week.

Today I'm grateful that my bride (of the wedding I'm shooting) is so freaking gorgeous and such a natural in front of the camera. It makes my job so, so easy. Seriously, she's one of those girls that you just want to hate because she's so beautiful. But, then you get to know her and realize how awesome she is. Then, you can't help but love her. Love. It's the word of the day.

Day 20 of Gratitude

2009-11-20T01:09:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm grateful for skinny jeans.
I just love them.

Day 19 of Gratitude

2009-11-19T00:54:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm grateful for GLEE! And, I'm grateful that I can watch it online whenever I want (for free) since I'm never home to watch TV and can't pay for dvr(tivo).

If you haven't started watching this show I'd highly recommend you do so now. Genius.

And, here's my fav thing that's happened lately.

Day 18 of Gratitude

2009-11-18T17:19:00.000-08:00

Today I'm grateful for my new alarm clock. I'm not happy that it went off at 5am but I'm at least relieved that I didn't sleep through it. Waking up to NPR is great.

Day 17 of Gratitude

2009-11-17T17:28:00.000-08:00

Today I'm grateful that I get to come home to my lovely little house and sleep in my lovely litle bed and be with all of my lovely stuff. As great as it is to be on vacation, it is also great to come home.

Day 16 of Gratitude

2009-11-16T00:47:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm grateful for the Clark County Library System. Seriously, it's genius.

Books. Movies. CDs. I take full advantage. My local library is one of my favorite places to go.

Day 15 of Gratitude

2009-11-15T00:48:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm grateful for the discount I get at work. Buying clothes for myself and others is so much nicer when you only have to pay 1/2 the price.

Day 14 of Gratitude

2009-11-14T17:45:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm grateful for my family. As is true with most families, they are crazy. But, I love them. A lot.

I'm grateful that we had a peaceful week together. I'm grateful that we all have fun together. Like, seriously, we're hilarious. I'm grateful to know that if ever I was in need, no matter what it was, I could turn to my family and they would be there for me in a split second. They're the best.

*Commence sassy comments from the sisters.

Day 13 of Gratitude

2009-11-13T17:13:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for my polynesian heritage. It is such a rich, beautiful culture.
Everyone who ever knew a poly, who ever spent time in the islands or saw one (a poly, not an island) walking down the street feels like, wants to be or thinks they are poly by association. There's a reason for this.

I'm grateful that I don't have to fake being a polynesian or that it's not a culture that I get to experience for one day at PCC. I get to keep it my whole entire life and beyond. Maybe someday I'll take the time to really write a good, hearty post about this topic but for now, I'm just grateful for my heritage. And, that because if it, I can get a really great tan.

Day 10, 11 & 12 of Gratitude

2009-11-12T01:48:00.000-08:00

I'm still in Hawaii. And, for now that's all I need to feel grateful.
Sometimes gratitude needs to be simple.

Day 6-9 of Gratitude

2009-11-09T15:27:00.000-08:00

I'm in Hawaii. Need I say more?

Booyah.

Day 5 of Gratitude

2009-11-05T22:46:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm grateful that I seriously injured my car by backing into a stucco pillar and will most likely need to get my entire rear bumper replaced.

Oh... except that I'm not grateful for that at all. In fact, I'm really upset about that. Stupid accident. Should have paid better attention.

So, for realsies... Today, I'm grateful for a really enjoyable night at a job I usually hate to go to.

Day 4 of Gratitude

2009-11-04T23:59:00.000-08:00

Yes, people. This really is going to happen everyday this month. Get used to it.

Today I'm grateful for ChaCha being a fat kid with me and stopping at two fast food joints to fulfill our cravings. It's good to have friends who will support you in your bad habits.

I should also say that I'm grateful that ChaCha went to the temple with me. I definitely needed a friend as it had been a very long time (cough cough seven months cough cough) since I've gotten there. I'll spare you the reasons why (and no it's not because I wasn't worthy... what kind of a girl do you think I am? Don't answer that). It's also good to have friends who will encourage you to get better habits.

Day 3 of Gratitude

2009-11-03T23:20:00.000-08:00

A stoplight. The breakroom. In line. Eating.

These are the little moments I'm grateful for today. Stolen moments wherein I can enter a literary world so different or so similar to my own. Sometimes a sentence, sometimes a paragraph, sometimes a few pages. I cherish these moments.

I always carry a book with me. Always. In the rare instances when I've forgotten it I panic. I feel like my left arm has been cut off. Waiting in line, at a stoplight, anywhere without a book is excruciating (only a slight exaggeration, I think).

The thing is: I love books. I love reading. I love passages that describe something so perfectly. I love learning. I love escaping to another world. I love connecting with myself through other's experiences. So not only am I grateful for the few moments in each day when I get to read, I am grateful for a conscious decision I made at the age of 21 to learn to love reading.

Day 2 of Gratitude

2009-11-02T23:59:00.000-08:00

I'm grateful that I finally found someone to play Battleship with me.
And, that that someone bought me pizza and ice cream, too.

sidenote:
This is the same box that I have for (one of) my battleship game(s). I bought it at D.I. a few months ago because it was the same version I grew up with. I know I shouldn't find this funny but notice where the women are. Yes, in the kitchen doing dishes. Lovesit.

Feet meet Street

2009-11-01T23:25:00.000-08:00

This morning I was watching the telecast of the ING NYC Marathon and heaven help me if I didn't cry through the whole thing.

I was pulling for Paula Radcliffe and Ryan Hall naturally. But as they fell back and the finish line neared my attention was turned.

Derartu Tulu was strong. She sprinted away from the competition looking like she could run another 26.2 miles. But it wasn't her win that impressed me most. It was her character.

"She ran alongside me and was like, come on, come on. We can do it, we can do it," a disappointed Radcliffe told reporters.
"Even when the girls took off she kind of waited with me a bit. But that's Derartu, She's always been like that." [Source]

I cried alongside Meb Keflezighi as he crossed the finish line with USA written across his chest and broke down in tears. Tears of joy. Tears of exhaustion. Mine were tears of awe. Tears of gratitude and pride in someone who became a citizen just over a decade ago yet represents the spirit of this nation better than most who have lived here forever.

It wasn't just the runners that moved me. It was running in general. There is something very special about running. I can't describe exactly what it is nor can you know unless you've allowed your feet to meet the street. Perhaps it has something to do with putting miles behind you, not only literally, but figuratively. Something to do with letting go of the past and embracing what lies ahead of you. Something to do with having the courage to do what and go where you never thought you could. Perhaps it has something to do with conquering a particular distance, a particular course that reveals your physical strength and mental tenacity. Something to do with teaching you about yourself and your ability to conquer the challenging course of everyday life.

Whatever it is. Running is special.

And, after a year long hiatus I am ready once again for my feet to meet the street.

Day 1 of Gratitude

2009-11-01T23:20:00.000-08:00

I'm grateful that I never have to cover my entire face in black makeup or spray my hair black ever again.

Though the results were super awesome. Happy Halloween.

Get it?

MIX TAPE of LOVE

2009-10-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

Attention- THIS IS A CONTEST. And, I want you to enter.

The other day I was driving around and listening to my ipod, George Michael (named in honor of the great George Micheal and George Michael Bluth). So, I started thinking about mixed tapes and how it would be nice to have someone to make a mix tape for... you know... someone like a boyfriend. And, I was also thinking about how there is so much amazing music out there that I don't even know about and how I know a lot of great music that other people don't know about and how it would be really awesome to share it all. Because, who needs a significant other just to enjoy love songs. Also, I go to a lot of weddings. I always laugh when a DJ plays a song that sounds like a love song because it's slow and pretty but really if you listen to the words you realize it's a breakup song. Gets me every time. I also spend a lot (more than is healthy) of time thinking about wedding videos and songs that would be awesome on a wedding video. Anyway...

Thus was born in my mind the "Mix Tape of Love" contest. So will you enter?

Here are the rules:

1) Mix Tapes must be submitted to me in the form of a CD (I know... seems wrong to call it a tape) via hand delivery or mail. Email me at cropstar5 at hotmail dot com and I will email you back my address.
2) MToL entries must have a minimum of 10 songs and a maximum of 20 songs.
3) The first half of the MToL must contain super cheesy, cliche love songs that you are embarassed to admit you love. The second half of the MToL must contain really amazing, rad love songs- the kind that you listen to on repeat for hours on end.
4) Entries must include a playlist including song names and artists.
5) Entries must be received by December 1st. That gives you one month, people.
6) Points will be given to cheesy love songs that make me laugh. Points will be given to amazing love songs that make me hit repeat. Points will also be granted based on originality and creativity.
7) The Winner will be declared... as soon as I listen to all the CDs (depending on how many entries there are... you know, like if all 1 of you who still read this blog want to enter).
8) All playlists will be posted here when the winner is announced.
9) The Winner will receive, um, something really cool. Like an iTunes gift card. All entries will receive some sort of prize (though it probably won't be as cool as a gift card).

For reals- spread the word to everyone you know, especially all the music connoisseurs you can think of. The more playlists we get, the more amazing music we all discover. It's a win, win, win situation, n'est-ce pas?

Edit- Bonus point for including a break up song posing as a love song. You know, the kind you'd hear at a wedding.

the climb

2009-09-05T01:48:00.000-07:00

Hello? (echo... echo...)

I know I have no right showing my face around here after abandoning you. But, there is something really important I need to share with you.

It's this: Miley Cyrus is right.

Wanna see what my bedroom looks like?
This:
I'm not kidding you people, I disgust myself. I cannot believe the filth I allow myself to live it.

If ones bedroom is a reflection of one's life I'll give you one guess what my life feels like.
The correct answer is: chaos.

Perhaps chaos is the reason there's been no blogging. Any given day for me involves running between 4 different jobs (yes... four), trying to maintain some semblance of a social life (thus maintaining my sanity, and that's not even an exaggeration) and what little energy I have left for spirituality, cleanliness, nutrition and sleep. Obviously, there has been no energy left for the latter 4 (yet I seem to have enough time to facebook and don't you dare judge me).

Life has been pretty crazy lately. I haven't really had (taken?) the time to process through the daily emotions so they've been accumulating. For months.

I photographed another wedding today. It was great. But, weddings are stressful. Very. Being responsible for the lasting memories a bride and groom have of their special day is a lot of pressure. It was awesome. Yet, it was the tipping point for me.

And that's when I found myself crying a little at the end of "Hannah Montana: The Movie". For those of you who haven't experienced the fine art that is HM:TM, at the end of the movie Miley (as Miley, mind you, not Hannah) sings The Climb. Let's not pretend you don't know and love the song... or that I didn't come home and purchase it on itunes and put it on repeat for the last... ahem... while (and if you really don't then you should just listen to it for the sake of knowing what I'm talking about here).

Here's the thing. The wedding really was great. I got to shoot alongside an amazing videographer and learned a ton from him. It was a beautiful day. The bride and groom were seriously two of the most quality, good people I've ever had the pleasure to meet. I was so genuinely happy for them. I feel like I got some beautiful shots. Then I started thinking about how I want... nay, need a new camera, lenses, a reflector, a video light, experience and more business. And, do we really even need to talk about the stress of trying to manage my daily schedule and figuring out where I need to be and when? Or, how all I really want is a husband and kids and I don't have that? Or, how I wish I was skinny and healthy and exercised all the time but haven't had (made?) time for it? Or, how I wish I could fix all my friends problems? Or, how I need to read the scriptures, pray and go to the temple but I can't find the motivation? Ugh. But, I digress...

I felt like I was on a high from the wedding until I started considering how much higher I want to and am able to get. I want to be good! I want to be great! I want to be amazing! And yet... getting to that higher level is going to take time and money (money that I don't have and have no idea how I'm going to get even though I feel like I work, and work, and work but can't even keep up with my current financial responsibilities and maybe I'm considering prostitution to get it... ok, not really) and hard work and innovation. And that realization was a little depressing and frustrating. I want it all. And I want it now.

Seriously, I wasn't even sure what I was feeling- happy? sad? loved? lonely? talented? inexperienced? hopeful? stressed?

And that's when Miley reminded me that:
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
It's the climb
And I knew she was right.
IT'S THE CLIMB, people!
It's the climb.

i think i can dance (aka- the day pasha hugged me)

2009-06-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

Go HERE to see what I did last tuesday. Otherwise known as the greatest day of my life.

totally inappropriate humor

2009-06-11T15:13:00.000-07:00

anyone who knows me knows i have the sense of humor of a 15 year old boy.

which is why:

a) i laughed myself to tears last weekend when at the circus (that's right... the CIRCUS! the circus at circus circus!) the announcer said of the juggler, "now watch as he manipulates seven balls!" didn't help that the guy was wearing skin tight pleather pants.

and

b) why i found this really funny:

Dear Me

2009-05-31T10:10:00.000-07:00

My awesome blogfriend Katie (girl crush, anyone?) started a project called Dear Me wherein "women write letters of advice to younger versions of themselves at crucial points in their personal histories". Genius.

Check out the first wave of letters posted here, then keep coming back for more. It'll make you laugh. It'll make you cry. It'll make you seriously ponder what advice you would give to yourself.

You can see my letter to me over at Dear Me but in case some of you are super lazy I'll post my letter here because you all know how I love talking about me. And what's better than me writing a letter to me?

Dear Creek,

Feels weird trying to give you advice as I'm pretty sure I'm the one who should be taking advice from you.

You're leaving for college in the morning. I know tonight feels like the end of life as you know it but I promise you (I PROMISE!) it only gets better from here. It sounds crazy now but pretty soon you will forget almost everyone from high school and the thing about it is... you won't even feel sad about it. Why? Because you are going to meet some amazing people and experience some amazing things.

It is sad to think about all the friends and acquaintances you will never see again and this will be a reoccurring theme as life goes on and you move from chapter to chapter. And even though life won't always turn out the way you'd hoped it would, you will always be blessed with great friends wherever you go and they will make every experience richer by their presence. Some will cross your path for only a short time and others will stay with you for life but rest assured, one constant in your life is fabulous friendships.

You are such a good person. It amazes me. As disappointing as it may sound, I wish I were half as good as you are. So, trust that you are good. Trust that you are great. One of the greatest days of your life is when you realize that you are great just the way you are. Forcing yourself to like Dave Matthews Band (at least more than you would on your own) just for the approval of a boy will one day seem just as absurd as confessing to the boy you like that you are a mega fan of Backstreet Boys (and seeing them in concert will, indeed, be one of the best nights of your life).

Which leads me to the next thing I must tell you. You aren't always going to make great decisions. There will be a lot of things you will be able to look back on and regret but you know what? Don't. Don't regret anything. Like the fact that your mantra in college will be "C's for degrees!" and you will heartily adhere to it? You won't have to regret that because college will be damn fun and the social and emotional education you get there will be worth more than a 4.0gpa any day. Be La Belle Dame Sans Regrets!

Now, having said that, pay attention to the most important piece of advice I will give you: Never underestimate yourself. Don't put limits on yourself. It'll take a lot of fear and a lot of difficult situations (ie training for a marathon) before you realize it but you are capable of WAY more than you give yourself credit for. You can do anything! It's amazing what dedication and consistent hard work will accomplish.

So there you have it. Go forward. Be brave. Be amazing. You already are. It's just time for you to believe it for yourself. Cheers!

xoxo, the 31yr old version of you

Who doesn't love free music?

2009-05-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

THIS is yet another reason why I love Coldplay.

more facebook fun

2009-05-28T01:33:00.000-07:00

I used to be in this ward that has this bishop that is... well... he's just Bishop Z. To know him is to love him. The best thing about him is his status updates. Full of righteousness, they are.

Today's was not atypical:
Bishop Z is ready to find all the members at the temple!!!
The follow up comment was gold:
will they be hiding?

What's tricky about being friends with your Bishop on Facebook is censorship.

My status today:
Cropstar is warmed up like biscuits... yeah, dance biscuits.
Bishop Z's follow up comment:
Hey dance biscuit where is the party?
My desired follow up comment:
In my pants.

i got my hair did... it didn't do like that before

2009-05-22T02:11:00.000-07:00

I've been threatening to do it for years. I couldn't come up with 5 good reasons not to do it. So...

I took some before pictures.

And then The Other One chopped off my locks. Doesn't it look like she's enjoying it a little too much?

And then I cried. Lit'rally.

15 inches. Gone.

This is why I should never let my hair air dry without product in it. Hello, 80's!

I usually love when people play with my hair but not like this.

The Other One did her magic and made me down right sassy.
Sometimes when your friend does your hair after hours at the salon she makes you clean up your own hair. And then you realize that you ~~have~~ had a sh'load of hair and that your friend cut most of it off. I'm still freaking out.

garage + glow sticks =

2009-05-14T03:23:00.000-07:00

I'll make you one too.

2nd time's a charm

2009-05-11T22:05:00.000-07:00

St George Marathon 2009
HERE I COME!!

This year I will actually make it to the start line
...and hopefully the finish line.

Not sure how I manage to draw for every running lotto I enter.
But, I'm glad I do.

Look forward to lots of running posts.
Official training starts on 6.1.09

Anyone else running it?

DO(n't qu)IT

2009-05-05T01:02:00.000-07:00

Lately, this idea of giving up plagues my mind.

I mean, really.
What's so bad about giving up?

If you give it your best, if you give it your all, if you give it the old college try, when is it ok to say "I give up"?

Is it wrong to abandon hope?
Is it so wrong to forsake goals you've been unable to achieve?
Is it wrong to want to end the heartbreak of unfulfilled dreams?
When can you say, "enough is enough"?

Maybe I don't really want a "real" job again.
Maybe being single for life isn't so bad.
Maybe I can be fat and happy.

I throw my arms in the air and exclaim "I give!"

But, then. There it is. That little voice in my head that says silly things like, "Just hang on", "Someday soon", "You can do this", "This won't last forever", "You will be loved", "Anything is possible".

And the crazy thing about it all is that little voice speaks louder than any other and I'm foolish enough to listen to her.

Blogs

2009-04-28T17:52:00.000-07:00

I still consider myself a blogger in these days of light posting because most of my blogging activity has been in the form of reading other blogs and wishing I was clever enough and had enough motivation to blog about what other bloggers just blogged about. Here's two for the day:

I realized it's not dirty hippies that I hate. It's hipsters.

All I really want is a boy who will sin for me.

(oxy)moron

2009-04-06T01:48:00.000-07:00

Let's talk about the contradiction that is me:

I'm a self proclaimed conservative republican. I really am. I just see no other way to be.

However... I'm addicted to NPR.

I know! I know! I can't stop! I know I'm supposed to be listening to Hannity and Rush (seriously, I don't like either of those guys) and Glenn (love him though) but try as I might I cannot stop listening to NPR. It's been going on for weeks now and the end is no where in sight. I feel like such a traitor to my party when I listen to such "liberal" news (seriously, it's not). I don't love it just for the news. I also love it for all the dirty hippy, tree huggin, liberal, weed smokin, indie lovin, eco-freak, soft spoken, socialist, patchouli scented other crap on there too.

My father would be so ashamed if he knew.

LunchLadyLand

2009-04-06T01:23:00.000-07:00

Seriously, do you know how hard it is to follow up a post like the last one? I mean, there's a lot of pressure.

Apologies for the absence. I've been away a while because thanks to webMD I'm a self diagnosed ~~sexaddict~~ depressed person. Seriously there's nothing more depressing than realizing that you just might have depression. It's a bitch of a downward spiral. Not to worry though. It's not that serious. I've just hit a bit of a rough patch on my life path (to nowhere... or so it seems).

You see, my career in engineering (and thus my ability to pay my bills) is a thing of the past.
My career as a lunch lady, however, is a thing of the present.

Here's the thing about being a lunch lady: It's awesome. Seriously, the kids... loves'em. I hear a lot of funny things everyday but the very best conversation happened last week between 2 third grade boys discussing soft vs crunchy taco shells.

B1: I like the soft ones.
B2: Most boys like the soft ones.
B1: Yeah, and girls like the hard ones.
Me: That's what she said!

OK... so maybe I didn't actually say that out loud but you know I wanted to.

Playgroup

2009-02-24T16:16:00.001-08:00

This is the true story about how I joined a playgroup and got kicked out on the same day.

All my working life I envied 'stay at home moms'. Anything with "stay at home" in the job title has got to be awesome. Right? Cue all the stay at home moms screaming "NO!" A few weeks ago I got a taste of how that job title is not all it's cracked up to be.

I had some friends/family staying at my house for the weekend, one of which was a miniature person. She was 3 and we were instant-a-friends. On the last day of the trip she and I went on a walk. It was a gorgeous monday and since I am basically unemployed I wanted to experience what people do during the day when they're not stuck in an office. (I mean, seriously, did you guys know that the sun shines ALL DAY?) I had no destination in mind but 1 mile and 20 minutes later we ended up at the park in my neighborhood. Perfect.

I saw 3 moms sitting on the grass chit-chatting and watching their kids play. I didn't take much notice of them until they said they recognized me from church. My bad. I totally didn't recognize any of them. But I did recognize their kids, probably because kids in church are still a novelty to me. Anyway, I got to know them a bit then turned my attention back to the playground to get in some time on the slide and in the sand. As my friend the Black Widow noted, "So, you joined a playgroup... as one of the kids?" Apparently! While the "other moms" were talking amongst themselves I was on the slide with my 3 yr old and their 3 yr olds making a train over and over and over. Oh, we were having a great time.

Suddenly, there was a problem. My miniature friend looked at me with panic in her eyes and exclaimed, "I have to go potty!" Unfortunately, there were no bathrooms at the park. Being prepared for a moment like this did not occur to me before we left the house. Call me self centered.

I asked the moms in vain if there was a bathroom nearby. Graciously one of them offered to let us go to her house across the street to use her facilities. They started packing up but, I soon realized that would not do. My dear, miniature, panicked friend had waited until the last possible moment to inform me that she was fixin' to talk to a man about a horse and there would be no walking across the street to do so. The panic spread from her eyes to mine as I looked to the moms for some guidance.

"We make our boys go in the rocks" they said. Hold up. My minifriend is a girl. She ain't skilled in the squatting if you know what I mean. By the time I got my wits about me minifriend had already started the accident in her pants and added tears for effect. I whisked her to the rocks, yanked down her pants and sat her over my arm so she could finish her business. When I thought the piddle had petered out I asked her if she was finished. She looked at me with a blank look in her eyes which I had no idea how to interpret. At least the crying had stopped. I asked her again. No response. And then... she dropped the deuce. Oh yeah. She went #2 right there in the rocks while I held my arm out for her to sit on.

Do you know what you do when you have a kid go #1 and #2 in the rocks while sitting on your arm? You pray there is a mother standing there with her magical diaper bag full of tricks. It was now me with the blank look in my eyes as I turned to my new mom friends with no clue what to do next. There they were with babywipes and a plastic garbage bag for me to clean up the mess. Thank th'goodness. Once minifriend was taken care of (and smiling and happy again with no consideration for the trauma I was now going through) I took the plastic bag and picked up the poop.

People. Do you know the main reason why I don't have a dog? I don't have a dog because picking up dog poop makes me dry heave. It's disgusting. Let me tell you, picking up child poop in the same manner? Not. Any. Better. But, I did it.

I now considered the mile long return walk home and the chaffing that would occur on that poor girl if I didn't carry her and the pee soaked pants she was wearing that would get all over me if I did carry her. Umm... But, there they were again, my new mom friends offering me a ride home. Again, thank th'goodness. I didn't want to get pee all over the mom's seat so I made minifriend sit on my lap on the way home thus saturating my clothes with pee anyway. But, we were home and I could pass her off to her parent to clean up the rest of the mess.

As we walked in the door she exclaimed with a smile, "I peed in the park!" as if it were her greatest accomplishment. We were both proud of ourselves. She peed in the park and I didn't sell her to the gypsy family down the street for putting me through the trauma of dealing with it.

So, while the moms haven't called me to invite me back to playgroup (understandably) I can take heart knowing that I taught my miniature friend one of the most valuable skills she will ever need in life: how to squat in nature.

The end.

31 FOR 31

2009-02-24T16:15:00.000-08:00

I'm almost 2 months late posting this so I'd better get on it. I hereby present you my list of 31 things I will do at the age of 31 (seriously, I can't believe I'm now "in my thirties").

go to the Grand Canyon
ride a horse*
take photos in a photobooth*
read the Book of Mormon in french*
read 20 books
run 500 miles
run a marathon
photograph an entire wedding
go geocaching outside of Las Vegas
buy art
frame my own photography
ride my bike to church
go to DC
pay off credit cards
take swimming lessons
go skinny dipping*
go to an amusement park
find a (photography) mentor
research organic foods
have a spa day*
go to a demolition derby
attend First Friday
share a Book of Mormon with someone
read the entire Harry Potter series again
go hiking in the Valley of Fire
make a quilt
play the piano in Sacrament Mtg (special musical number)
donate money to a worthy cause
compile a book (a la David Sedaris)
lose 31lbs
get married* (I'll just keep this one on the list for good measure until it finally happens)

Who wants in on what??

*denotes unaccomplished repeats from 30 for 30

30 for 30: recap ammendment

2009-02-11T01:32:00.000-08:00

confess to a crush - retro check! I think it went very well. I didn't confess to my girl crush. I confessed to a boy. A real boy. I think he already knew ;)

30 for 30: Recap

2009-02-09T10:10:00.000-08:00

I can say without hesitation that 30 was seriously one of the best years of my life. Nothing huge or overwhelming happened. It was the best because I felt happy for the entire year (which was a huge relief from kind of crappy years 27, 28 & 29). Just REALLY happy.

Alas, 30 couldn't last forever, which is just really unfortunate... but then again, maybe I'll just lie about my age and 30 really CAN stay forever! Anyway, here's a recap of the 30 things I planned to do this year.

30 for 30

run a half marathon - Check! In fact, I ran 3 of them (Moab, SLC & Hobble Creek) and LOVED each one. The half is now my favorite distance and I will continue to run several each year.
take a continuing education class - Check! I took a beginning photography class at CSN. I did not expect to fall in love with it as much as I did, nor did I expect it to launch me into a new career.
read "The Count of Monte Cristo" (unabridged version) - Check! That's a good book.
stay out all night - Check! I learned to carry a toothbrush with me at all times because you just never know when you're not going to go home.
write a short story - Half Check. Consider it a VERY short story. I wrote the first part. I still intend on writing the middle and the end.
karaoke in a crowded bar - Check! "Total Eclipse of the Heart" never sounded so good. By the way... it's a very, very, very long song.
attend an mlb playoff game - Half Fail. I bought my tickets for a playoff game that never happened. Boo.
use a fake name/story - Check! You can call me "Shelby".
road trip to nowhere - Fail! Unless you consider Utah "nowhere".
play in the rain - Check!
make a budget and at least try to stick to it - Super Fail!
kiss someone in a crazy location - Fail! I don't even want to talk about this one.
attend church services of a different religion - Fail!
cook with homegrown herbs - Fail! I didn't even try to grow them.
go skinny dipping - Fail!
confess to a crush - Fail! I should probably have made this "get a crush". OK, truth be told, I did get a crush. But it was a girl crush and I never got the courage to confess to her because I was 200% sure she'd freak out and never talk to me again.
have a spa day - Fail! The sad thing is I really deserved it.
make a rad bleach pen shirt - Check! I made several and have more in the works. Who wants one?
hike havasupai - Fail! I had my trip planned and everything. Then, a couple of weeks before the trip a flood wiped the whole place out. Very dissappointed!
go one month without tv - Fail! I hardly watch TV anyway. I did go a whole month without soda though.
swing on a rope swing - Fail! I didn't even SEE a rope swing.
take photos in a photo booth - Super Fail! It seemed so easy and fun that I kept putting it off until it was too late. Bad idea.
go to a drive in movie - Check! One of the greatest nights of my life.
read the Book of Mormon in french - Fail! At least I read it in english. Too bad I only read it once.
get a stamp in my passport - Super Check! Amazing trip! Though I should probably finish blogging about it.
buy a digital SLR camera - Check! It changed my life.
ride a horse - Fail! Very sad about this one.
transition to a family ward gracefully - Check! And I love it. A lot. I don't miss the singles ward AT ALL.
lose 20lbs - Half Check. I lost it, but then I gained half of it back at the holidays. Oops.
get married - Fail! But I'm totally cool with that.

14 out of 30. Well, it ain't bad but it ain't good either. Regardless, it was a fantastic year.

something's rotten in denmark

2009-02-09T00:16:00.000-08:00

I've always suspected I am a victim of multiple personalities - I mean, how could someone like demolition derbys AND broadway, roller derby AND art museums, country music AND punk pop, camping AND 4 star hotels, country towns AND big cities, Walmart AND Nordstrom? I love everything. Everything is my favorite.

While my multiple personality disorder was suspected it was never confirmed until the other day as I was working with a darling British girl who was in town from New York. She asked me where I was from. This question always throws me into a bit of a panic because I'm never quite sure what question they're really asking. Do they mean 'Where were you raised?' or do they mean 'What is your ethnic background?' I never know. See, if I know people are asking the latter question I kind of like to mess with them and answer "Utah" just to watch them squirm a bit until they figure out how to ask the question correctly. This time around I went with the standard answer.

"I'm from Utah."

Her follow up to my answer was NOT expected.

"Oh really? I would have guessed you were from, like, Denmark or something."

Denmark? Really? I'd never gotten that one before. But then it hit me. A realization that was both embarassing and wildly entertaining.

I have a Utah accent.

It's true. While my friend and family would most likely disagree with me (because my everyday accent is not Utahn) it is nevertheless true. See, I have this thing that I do when I am trying to sound professional or am around people upon whom I'm trying to make a good impression. I subconsiously adopt a fake accent. I try to speak clearly and confidently but what it comes out sounding like is a Utah accent. Did you catch the irony in that statement? When trying to sound smart and educated I come out sounding exactly the opposite. My professional personality is apparently a small town Utahn.

It hit me then and there that I've been doing this for years without realizing it. Kind of like how half way through the mission I realized that when I spoke french I spoke with a higher voice to sound... I dunno... more french (though everyone thought I was either from Canada or the Netherlands).

I suppose a NY based Brit wouldn't really know what a Utah accent sounds like so the closest thing she could guess was Danish. Why can't I adopt something more sophisticated like her darlin british accent? No... I choose to go back to my roots... or 'rhuts' as we'd say up 'Narth'.

Now that I know I do this am I going to stop? Nope. Why? Because, I love Utah. Also, because the fake accent totally aligns with my plans of one day becoming legit crazy.

good morning

2009-02-06T09:33:00.000-08:00

Hey guys.
I miss you. I know it's my own fault. I've been a little out of it blogwise.
I've got a few posts milling around in my brain. I'll do my best to commit them to type soon(ish).

In the meantime please enjoy this song/video I found on another blog. It may be the most fantastic video I've ever seen. Then again, how could I not love something that combines my two favorite things in the world - being in bed during the day and awesomeness.

Christy is blogging.

2009-01-10T19:11:00.000-08:00

First- don't you hate it when people on Facebook change their status every few minutes to the most boring things?
Second- my friend dared me to do this.
So... Just in case you are not my Facebook friend* and weren't able to track my day on friday here is what I was doing in backwards chronological order. You are welcome.

12:38pm - Christy is done updating about the minutiae of her day and knows you are all sad about that.

12:55am - Christy is home now.
1:00am - Tifani
I like that I can look back and see all your activities for the day. So many activities!9:09pm - Christy went to dinner with Tifani and is now going to go take photos of flowers... and is not mad at josh.

5:48pm - Christy is leaving work and driving home... and is by no means mad at josh.

5:17pm - Christy is marvelling that she has only taken ONE potty break today... and this has nothing to do with not being mad at josh.

5:07pm - Christy just turned on her space heater... and couldn't be mad at josh if she tried.

5:04pm - Christy is working again... and is not mad at josh.

5:01pm - Christy is IMing w/ Tifani & wondering if other people would think they are as funny as they think they are and is sure that yes, yes they would... and is not mad josh.
1:00am - Tifani
We really are the funniest people I know.4:36pm - Christy is blogging... and it's not about josh.

4:15pm - Christy is ready to start detailing again and counting down until she leaves the office... and is not mad at josh.
4:23pm - Josh
so nice.4:00pm - Christy is floss picking her teeth... and has never been mad at josh.
4:28pm - Josh
this one too.3:44pm - Christy pounded those fries and is now eating her bacon cheeseburger toaster in order to properly observe fast food friday... and is not mad at josh.

3:41pm - Christy is eating her fries and fry sauce... and could never be mad at josh.
4:28pm Josh
i like this one3:38pm - Christy is back from sonic and is mad at the wind... but is not mad at josh.

3:19pm - Christy is going to sonic for lunch and will be back in a minute... and is not mad at josh.
3:23pm - Kelli
im so glad you are not mad at josh :)
3:23pm Tifani
lunch just now? Really! Interesting!3:18pm - Christy thinks SHE is the most interesting person on linkup and is wondering where have all the good guys gone... and is not mad at josh.

3:16pm - Christy is wasting time on ldslinkup right now... and is not mad at josh.

3:05pm - Christy is texting and responding to emails... and is not mad at josh.
3:44pm - Megan
Come on Christy!!! Everyone is secretly mad at Josh, even if they don't admit it. I am so mad at him right now and I can't even remember why. I just know he deserves it. Haha.
5:07pm Josh
i hate you megan.2:58pm - Christy is back from the bathroom and is thinking about what to eat for lunch... and is not mad at josh.

2:55pm - Christy is going to go to the bathroom... and is not mad at josh.

1:10pm - Christy is going to a meeting at an architects office.
2:16pm - Amanda
I'm almost sorry I confirmed you as a friend - there are too many updates! ;)
2:33pm - Maren
Are you done with your meeting yet? I need to know what else is going on in your life! And I am mad at Josh.1:06pm - Christy is drawing steel beam details... and is not mad at josh.
1:10pm - Tory
I am getting mad at this Josh, just because you are SO not mad!
2:32pm - Maren
I don't know you but I like you Tony!
2:38pm - Josh
what the hell! this is going too far. strangers are hatin' on me!12:56pm - Christy is going to use the copy machine... and is not mad at josh.
12:58pm - Tifani
Now the copy machine! Amazing! I am literally on the edge of my seat waiting to hear the latest updates in the exciting life of Christy! And, I am mad at Josh.11:43am - Christy is back to drawing details... and is really not mad at josh.
12:02pm - Tifani
Thank you for providing the minute by minute details. I feel so much a part of your day now. Like I am there in the office with you. And, I am mad at Josh.11:39am - Christy is talking to a client on the phone.
11:44am - Christy
... and is not mad at josh.11:38am - Christy just walked back to the drafters' office and is now back at her desk... and is not mad at josh.

11:27am - Christy is back to drawing details... and is still not mad at josh.
11:31am - Maren
Wow! That is so interesting and fascinating. By the way I am STILL mad at that dirtbag Josh.11:11am - Christy is drawing floor framing details... and is not mad at josh.

11:05am - Christy is talking to her coworker about hot rod and nacho libre... and is still not mad at josh.

10:35am - Christy is drawing framing details... and is not mad at josh.

10:05am - Christy is totally not mad at josh at all.

*Let's be Facebook friends!

i ain't no childbride

2009-01-09T16:27:00.000-08:00

When I get married I'm not going to change my Facebook**** status to "married" and my new last name* the day I get married like so many childbrides** do.

No, I'm going to change them the day before I get married just so I can booyah in their faces for being lame enough to wait as long as they did.

See... ya learn a thing or two from being single for as long as I have.

*Let it be known that in real life when I do actually get married I am not changing my last name. This is not out of principle. It's out of shear laziness.
**Also let it be known that this is not a bitter diatribe. No really. I swear***.
***Does it sound like I'm trying to convince myself?
****Let's be Facebook friends. I only need 8 more friends to get to 400 and I'm all about the numbers.

yum yum

2009-01-06T15:03:00.000-08:00

Seems even the gods of fortune cookies support me in this career change.
Today after a delicious Thai lunch I got a real fortune cookie, not one of those lame advice/statement cookies.

"You will soon be changing your present line of work"

If that isn't a sign I don't know what is.

Christy Cropper Photography

2009-01-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

*an email I just sent to all my contacts. Same info applies to you!

Hello friends and family!

I'm excited to be venturing (slowly but surely) into a new career field- Photography!

I've done a fair amount of landscape work but am looking to expand into wedding and portrait photography within this next year (Hurray for 2009!). You can check out some of the work I've posted on my blog at http://cropstar.blogspot.com/search/label/photos and I will eventually start posting all photography work at http://christycropperphotography.blogspot.com/ (say that 10 times fast!)

As I need to expand (ie. start) my portfolio and get some much needed practice doing portraits I'm offering free photo sessions for the month of January (after which my fees will be very modest until I become legit... too legit to quit). Anything from family photos to individual shots. This will include a CD of all the best shots as well as several "enhanced" photos (read: I also need to practice using photoshop!)

Some ideas:
Family group shots
Couples
Children
Newborns
Pregnancy
Head shots
Senior portraits
Pets
Engagements
Bridals/Groomals

I am really excited about this and would absolutely love to "shoot" you and your families. Please feel free to refer any of your friends and family to me as well. The more shooting I do the better!

Feel free to contact me via email at christycropperphotography@gmail.com to schedule a shoot. If there is enough interest from you Utah folks I would love to make a trip up towards the end of the month.

I hope your Christmas was lovely and wish you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR! Love to you all!
-Christy

PS- to all the Las Vegans, I'm still accepting piano students if you (or anyone you know) are interested in piano lessons.

Recession Schmecession

2008-12-31T13:26:00.000-08:00

There's a recession going on. Did ya know?

Seems that every time you turn on the television there are endless reports of economic doom and gloom. Frankly I think the media is doing more to harm the economy than anything economic. But I digress...

If you're one who has not felt the effects of the economic downturn then I implore you to be grateful. Get down on your knees and thank the good Lord. I for one have felt it. Intensely. I still have a job, yes. But my once booming employment is merely a shadow of what it was just a few years ago when we were turning away work we couldn't handle. Now we are chomping at the bit for any scrap of work that falls our way. For the past few months I've been billing about half of what I'm used to, becoming something of a part time employee with a lot of lovely (unpaid) days off simply for the lack of work. And while I immensely enjoy not working, I enjoy money (ie. the ability to pay my bills) even more. And for a gal with a mortgage, car payment, credit card bills, etc this economic downturn has daily forced me to my knees pleading for the Lord to work His mighty miracles in behalf of my coworkers and myself.

Confession. I love Joel Osteen. Love 'im. He spoke of God's power and I completely agree with him about what can happen when we put our faith in the Almighty.

God is ready to present you with new opportunities. He wants to open new doors before you. It doesn’t matter what’s happening in the world around you, in the economy, the housing industry, or with job reports; God’s Word still remains true. He rewards the people who seek after Him. He’s not the least bit concerned about how He’s going to supply your needs. There is no recession in heaven. He has His eye on you, and He still opens doors that no one can shut! In an instant, He can bring the right people into your life, the right opportunities, and the right resources to take you to a new level.
But in order to go to a higher level, you have to have a higher way of thinking. You can’t stay focused on what’s happening in the natural nor allow worry and fear to fill your thoughts. Remember, God’s ways are higher than our ways. He is working on our behalf behind the scenes in the supernatural realm. Choose to keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. As you do, you’ll move forward through the open doors of blessing God has prepared for you.

Happy (belated) Thanksgiving.

2008-12-17T13:07:00.000-08:00

The man who forgets to be thankful has fallen asleep in life.
-Robert Louis Stevenson
I have so much I want to say on this subject right now but I think it's best left unsaid (by me at least). I so loved this thought from Kristin Armtrong's blog which reminded me that no matter my troubles I am well served by being grateful.

Let's let Thanksgiving serve as a reminder, not an exception. What if gratitude could become our default? There is nothing as potent as gratitude when it comes to quelling a longing, calming restlessness, quieting anxious thoughts, filling emptiness, overcoming doubt or celebrating abundance. It is a force we can tap into at will, one with the ability to change out perspectives and fuel our potential. When our starting point is gratitude we have already won before we begin.
-Kristin Armstrong 11/29/08

I kind of glazed past the month of November without really reflecting on all the things I'm thankful for. I feel it's better late than never for giving thanks. My current top 10 thankfultudes:

Jesus and the Book of Mormon.
The space heater in my office and any heater for that matter.
My Morty boys and their mom and M1's and my new blog.
Date Night Tuesdays and Singstar Saturdays (which occur anyday of the week, not just saturday).
Having any work to do at work and getting a paycheck no matter how small. A boss who doesn't care what time I come to work. Not having a Christmas Party this year because the company is too poor.
My new ward. How kind and welcoming everyone has been. Not feeling like a fish out of water as a single amongst the families.
Fiji water and cheap gas feuling my road trips to/from Utah.
Support and encouragement in going forth in a new career field even though I feel completely inadequate and scared (albeit excited).
The public library.
Music that expresses my emotions better than I ever could.

You can call me Shelby Rae

2008-12-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

Did I tell you about the time when I went to NFR last week and when the Rodeo Queens rode out I clapped my hands like a little girl and squealed "Oh! They're so pretty!" outloud? It's the honest to goodness truth.

I love everything about rodeo. I love it so much that I want nothing more in life than to be a Rodeo Queen. I still have to work on my collection of sparkly shirts, beltbuckles & chaps and making my hair really big. Oh, and I need a horse. But, when those things come together I will be ready because ya see... any great rodeo queen needs a great cowgirl name and a cowboy husband and little cowbabies and a cowhorse... well, just a horse. And I got that all figured out.

So... when I become a rodeo queen my name will be Shelby Rae McCann. My cowboy husband will be named Brooks (oh, and he'll be a steer wrestler) and our little cowbabyboys will be named Colt and Beau*. And my horse will be named Oakley.

The scary part about this is... I'm actually serious.

Oh and at NFR we were really close to cutie little bullrider BJ Schumacher. See?

*In reality I really do want to name my future sons Colt and Beau. See how I have trouble distinguishing between reality and non-reality?

It's snowing.

2008-12-15T09:53:00.000-08:00

Yes. It's snowing in Las Vegas.

Did you hear that?

Snow. In Vegas.

It would behoove us all to go home and repent because Hell just froze over.

Canyonlands Half Marathon 2009

2008-12-13T20:04:00.000-08:00

Here I come! I'm coming to PR!

Anyone else running it?

Finally found what I'm looking for... in a relationship.

2008-12-09T17:58:00.000-08:00

*more photos coming soon

As you noticed (or not) I’ve been away for a while. Much of this is due to the fact that I am now in a serious relationship … with these two:

The Black Widow & The Other One

OK, OK sorry. I always hate when people try and trick you into thinking they’re datable/marryable. Lest you worry, I’m still here. Your singleton friend, ever faithful, ever true. Ever undatable, ever unmarryable (apparently).

But, I am happy. I’m always happy (except when I’m not, but I digress). The point here is to tell you about my lovers, er… girlfriends, er… friends. Don’t get the wrong idea about me. I’m all about the men. (Hey Balls*, have I ever told you how much I LOVE MEN?) But a girl needs her girls and let me tell you… I got awesome girls!

Every Tuesday night has turned into DATE NIGHT with The Black Widow (the erstwhile Consumer) and The Other One. Our relationship started out strong- a weekend trip to UT which included egregious amounts of food (Hello JDawgs!), a dress-up/photo shoot and SingStar! (obviously…) Things went so well that we took family photos (I'll show you later). And, decided that we need to see each other on a weekly basis.

Tuesday 1 was food again… TC’s Rib Crib. Excuse me while I wipe the drool off my keyboard. If you ever come visit me in Vegas I’m pretty sure we should eat here.

Tuesday 2 was the drive in movie. How long has it been since you’ve been to the drive in? I highly suggest going again. Soon. Seriously. So. Fun. True to form we had food and lots of it. What food? KFC! We’ve been on a KFC bender ever since because damn, that was good. Oh, and we had candy. Lots of it. What can I say… We like food!

Tuesday 3 was a failure as I was out of the country (ie. I was in Utah) and had to miss out. It’s true what they say about absence making the heart grow fonder.

Tonight is Tuesday 4 and thus marks our one month anniversary and subsequently my longest serious relationship to date (kidding… kind of). We’re going to go see it snow in Las Vegas. “But it doesn’t snow in Las Vegas!” I hear you thinking. I know. It doesn’t. But keep in mind that everything about Las Vegas is artificial (and yes, the breasts are very much included in that statement) so naturally we’d have artificial snow. You know what’s NOT artificial about Las Vegas? The cold and the wind. BRR!

Now would be the appropriate time to congratulate me on finally finding a fulfilling, serious relationship.

*This is not nearly as dirty as it sounds. Balls is a person.

JOKE

2008-12-07T06:01:00.000-08:00

I had a Japanese intern once; I asked him to get some supplies and he never came back. In the end I went to look for him and he jumped out waving his arms and shouted "SUPPLIES!"

I'M BACK!

2008-12-05T14:13:00.000-08:00

I'm alive and I'm back.

I had to take a little hiatus from blogging for personal reasons (ie- just didn't feel like blogging) but I missed you all so much and I'm sure you missed me too. But I'm back now and boy, do we have a lot to talk about.

Expect a big post this weekend full of funny, serious, interesting, dull, random, whatev.

Until then... here's a funny picture:

DRUMROLL....

2008-10-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

And the winners of the 300th Post Giveaway are....

Anne! who said... I love your blog because I love you.

Reagan! who said... Cropper you have to know how much I love you! And I love everything you post.

Amander! who said... I like you cause you are funny and smart and cute (your blog is also all of these things).

An honorable mention goes to ~*Holla at a PLAYA*~ who was actually one of the winners but since I'll be spending the next 10 days with her I figure that is prize enough. Don't worry playa- you'll get the goods too.

OK Ladies- email me your address and shirt size (I typically use the Gap Essential T) at cropstar5 at hotmail dot com and in 2 weeks you will receive your package chock-full of awesome!

Thanks everyone who participated for telling me how much you love me and my blog (I feel so good about myself)! You're the best! I love you all!

Last day to enter the GIVEAWAY!

2008-10-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

Time's a tickin' peoples! Just a few hours from now and I'll be announcing the winners of the 300th POST GIVEAWAY!

Not too late to enter. All you lurkers (just deluding myself that there actually are some) can come out of the wood works and enter.

Just as a side note:

The prize package will include my infamous red velvet cupcakes (even if you live far away, I'll overnight them to you!) and also a fantastic little souvenir from Hawaii (cuz I'm going there tomorrow. booyah!) oh and also maybe one of my ridiculously awesome bleach pen shirts.

I just registered for this today:

2008-10-29T00:01:00.001-07:00

The Valley of Fire Half Marathon on November 22nd.

Anyone wanna join me?

Read some reviews here.

Who's the best? I'm the best! Booyah!

2008-10-27T23:22:00.000-07:00

Ack! I'm so behind on blogging! I have so much to tell you about!!

But, most importantly, I need to tell you how awesome I am. Seriously people. Awesome.

Remember how I told you I wanted to be better than everyone else in my photography class? Well, guess what. I AM!! They like me! They really like me! (And yes... I do feel total validation from external sources... I mean, why the hell do you think I have a blog in the first place?)

After the critiques of our 5-in-1 assignment in class tonight our instructor asked who did the best overall. I was the only one who didn't vote for me. I mean... I really wanted to vote for myself (and in my heart I did) but I didn't want to look like a complete douche (or whatever the female equivalent of a douche is).

I'm pretty sure the only reason everyone didn't vote for me on our composition assignment was because they didn't want me to win unanimously again (jerks)... but I know they all wanted to vote for me. (kidding... kind of). I still got voted best though. So, I got extra credit on both my assignments. Woot!

I already showed you my 5-in-1's (which were described by my instructor as "killer shots") so today you get to see my compositional photos. Enjoy. And please... leave me some feedback. I'd love to hear what you think (even if you think my photos are crap, let me know so that I can improve).

Cheers y'all!

1. Lines & Shapes
2. Framing
3. Simplicity
4. Asymmetrical Balance
5. Symmetrical Balance
6. Rule of Thirds

300! GIVEAWAY!

2008-10-21T02:13:00.000-07:00

My little baby blog is now officially 300 posts old.

Does it feel older than that to anyone else beside me?

So what are we going to do to celebrate???

GIVEAWAY!

I know, I know... giveaways are a totally shameless tactic to get readers and comments. But, I am shameless so this kind of works out. And if y'all knew just how much validation I get from your comments you'd totally go along with me on this one. So, ya know, go along with me on this one.

The prize: Well... I'm still working on this one. But it's going to be chock-full of awesome.

Here's how you enter: Leave me a comment and tell me how much you like me and my blog, why you come here or what you'd like to see more of. I'll gladly oblige any of your suggestions.

Since this seems to be the year of 3s and 0s, we'll keep the contest open until October 30th at 3pm PST at which time I'll pick 3 winners.

So, spread the word.