No thanks.

Yeah, because I always let the illiterate puncture holes in my body.

Don't hate

Megan-2, Ryan 4 1/2

Maddie-10 months

but I think my nieces and nephew are possibly the cutest kids ever.

Thanks!

Dear readers, thanks for all the suggestions!

So here's where I am now....despite what Jason said I'd decided I would download a couple seasons of Arrested Development and Alias.  However, when I logged into itunes I found they only have the 4th and 5th seasons of Alias!  Lame!!  So I'm still trying to figure out what I'll watch instead.

Now for the book recommendations, I loved hearing all your thoughts.  I've actually read Eat Pray Love and The Shack.  Well, I read part of Eat Pray Love.  I couldn't put it down until the middle of Pray in India.  I got so bored with that section and quit reading.  I know, who am I?  Apparently a bad reader who doesn't finish books when I lose interest.  But I still love the suggestions because that's exactly the type of book I'm looking for.  As Kimmy put it, light like a beach read, but still a page turner.

I did think about getting a Kindle, and it would be really useful for this trip, however I really like to have books for a collection/library.  If it was more affordable I'd get one for the trip, but I can't really drop $300 just for this.  But good idea Janie!!  Also, I watched the first couple seasons of Desperate and loved it!  But quit watching the third season when I lost interest.

I also almost downloaded the app for the iPhone once a couple months ago, but I think reading a book would get a little strenuous on my phone.  Plus, I'm not taking my phone with me.

So where does this leave me for books?  Thanks to your suggestions, and a little research, I'm considering:

We Need to Talk about Kevin

The Glass Castle

Memory Keeper's Daughter

Three Weeks With My Brother

Firefly Lane

Has anybody read Firefly Lane?  I saw it was a best seller and it looks really good, but I just wondered if anyone had read it, or heard of anyone who'd read it.

Oh yeah, and you should know me better, KB, to know that Pillars of the Earth is WAY too big of a book for me.  Isn't that the one that's like 1000 pages??

Lastly, I'm so hesitant to even admit this because I know what I'll hear buuuut.......I've never picked up any of the Harry Potter books.  I never really had any desire, and then, like most things I don't care about that get a lot of hype, I turned anti.  I mean really, wizards and magic?  Eh.  Fantasy really doesn't do anything for me.  But there is a smidgen of intrigue only because I've had friends who said they were like me and then had to eat their words.  What I'm wondering is, is there anyone out there who didn't like these books???

And yes, Mom, I do know I still need to read Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man and Why Him, Why Her?  But relationship how-to books aren't what I'm looking for for this trip either.

(How are you supposed to take it when your mom sends you two relationship books, anyway?)

Complete!

Good morning

This mafia looking man walking these pink dogs was the first thing I saw as I left my building for work on Thursday.  Weird?  Yes.  Surprising in New York?  Not really.

Thank goodness for laundry day

I planned on doing my laundry Wednesday night, but instead I went to dinner with friends.  I planned on doing my laundry Thursday night, but instead I went shopping with a girlfriend.  This morning I tore apart my sock/underwear/nylons/misc drawer (you know the one) looking for a backup pair.  Just when I was about to resort to bikini bottoms I stumbled across a pair I'd forgotten I owned.  My most grandma-ish pair.  Yes!

It was a gorgeous day today, albeit a slow day at work, which means I left the office at 4:30pm.  I ran an errand and on my jacket-free walk to the subway I noticed a Pinkberry.  Yum!  Of course I had to stop.

I was walking along 14th Street, headed to the 2/3, thinking about what a perfect spring moment I was having, cup of froyo in one hand, spoon shoveling in the other, when whoosh!!  And up flies my dress.  I'd changed into comfier flats so I didn't think twice about walking over the grates that run above the subway I usually avoid when in heels.

I scrambled to pull the spoon outta my mouth, stick it into the cup, and use the one now free hand to push down my dress and I scampered off the grate.  I wasn't super successful.  Oh yeah, and it was 5:30, when everyone's leaving work and heading to the subway.

Thank goodness for laundry day.  Had it been any other day I wouldn't have been so...covered.

Dear (not so) Anonymous in Salt Lake City

You were up blog stalking early this morning!  Before I go off on how annoying it is when people leave "anonymous" comments, let me remind you, in this day and age, with all the tracking devises, do you really think anything is that "anonymous"?  Just fyi, so you don't leave too many other "anonymous" comments, thinking the blog owner won't have an idea of who you are.

Now really, was it necessary to mention to me that Obama won the popular vote and will be in office for the next for years?  I mean, come one, did I complain about his policies?  Have I whined about how the market has tumbled since he was elected (minus a one day rally on Monday)?  In that post did I even mention one thing that said I didn't vote for him or didn't agree with what he believes in?

NO!  So why are you leaving me a comment, as if I was complaining that I didn't like our new President?  For all you know I could have freaking voted for him.  If you go back and read the post, it's about how I'm sick of hearing about the Obama family so frequently.  I feel like there's other things in the world that can grace the covers of my magazines.  What I don't care about, is what kind of dog they're adopting, what Michelle is wearing, or where Sasha and Malia are going to school.  I don't care that the White House will be decorated in Pottery Barn or that Barack and Michelle are so in love.  He's a politician, not a celebrity (supposedly.)  I would feel the same way if it was McCain's face and family all over the magazines.  Regardless of the fact that I'm a republican, I have the right to get sick of hearing about the same topic over and over and over again.

Besides all this, most of that post was dedicated to my annoyance for Hollywood and their abuse of their public voice, not the Obama clan.

Lastly, this is my blog, and even if I did feel like blogging every day for the next four years about how I don't like our commander in chief, guess what?  I can do that.  And guess what else?  You don't even have to read it!!  So no, I'm not going to be "sour grapes" for the next four years, but in case I change my mind, do yourself a favor and quit reading my blog.  I went private a year ago because of "anonymous" commenters like yourself, please don't make me do it again.

What would you do?

As excited as I am for Australia, I'm seriously dreading the flights.  The good news is I'm flying on Virgin Australia so I'll have access to power outlets to recharge my iPod when I need to.

Including my flights from NY to LA and back, I'm looking at about 40 hours of flying time.  (And that's not even including the flights within Oz.)  Ugh.  I decided I'm going to download a season (or two, or three) of a tv show, and I want something that's going to be super entertaining, addictive and make me forget about the time as much as possible.  That being said, I'd love some suggestions.  The following are shows I'm considering:

• Arrested Development
• The Wire
• Damages
• Alias
• Entourage
• Mad Men
  

Other than a couple episodes of Alias I've never seen any of these shows, but have heard good things.  I'd love to hear any other recommendations, except for the following:

• CSI (I've watched all the Vegas episodes, and I'm not into Miami or New York)
• Prison Break (Loved the first two seasons, but became bored with the third)
• 24 (Obviously seen all the seasons, but wish I could find a show as addicting for this!)
• Felicity (Seen em...during recluse time after a breakup.  SUCH a great show.)
• Sex and the City (Obviously seen em a million times.)
• Lost (No desire)
• Smallville (No desire)
• Gossip Girl (Totally bugs)
• House (I CAN'T STAND Dr. House...so obnoxious)

Sitcoms like Friends or Seinfeld aren't really what I'm looking for either, as those shows are too light for what I'm looking for.

Also, I'm not just planning on watching tv and drugging up to get some sleep.  I want to read too.  I'll have some traveling time from city to city within Australia, and I'm not the kind to just pass out on a bus or a plane.  The thing with reading, however, is books take up space, and we're backpacking so space is limited.  Luckily (in this instance) I'm a slow reader.  I'm thinking I'll bring two books.  I want something really entertaining.  Like I can't put this book down addicting.  I'm currently reading The Mole People which is really interesting, but it doesn't really fit that description, so I might be leaving that one at home.

So I want anyone and everyone to please leave a comment with your advice!!!

Oh yeah, and no Twilight series.  Gag me.

Meet my BFFs: Aim Brow

Aimee and I met while we were living at the Ridge at BYUI in fall semester 2005. She lived above me and was one of those girls I saw all summer but never actually knew. All I could ever think was, "There's that gorgeous girl who's incredibly skinny, has amazing hair, and the best clothes." Little did I know we'd finally meet the first Sunday of fall semester and become instant BFFs over discussion of missionaries.

Aim rivals Mikey for my funniest friend.  You wouldn't really know it right away, as she can come off a little quiet at first, however once you get to know Aimee you quickly fall in love with her quick wit and random humor.

Even though Aimee and I were neighbors for only a year it seems like so much more.  We had the best times, and made so many memories over that year, and since then.  I could never choose my favorite (as I tried unsuccessfully to make her do, in the interview) because we've had so many amazing times.  I loved converting her to Gringo's and going for amazing gossip sessions, sharing ridiculous dating stories, talking on facebook in code, and discussing politics even though her super liberal views rarely have anything in common with my conservative beliefs.  We always find a way to disagree without having any contention.  We are able to learn so much from each other, and no matter how much time passes in between visits or phone calls, we always pick up right where we left off.  One of my favorite things is getting voicemails from Aimee.  Since we have a tough time getting in touch with each other frequently we've started leaving long voicemails for each other, catching each other up.  There's nothing like listening to a four minute voicemail from Aim.  I've saved many messages from her, and played them over and over, laughing every time.

I feel truly safe with Aimee Jo.  I can confide anything, and show her my truest self.  (Not to mention I can always count on her to make me feel justified in my spending splurges.)  :)  I can honestly say she might be my most supportive and nonjudgmental friend, especially when it comes to dating.  Aimee is a wonderful listener, and always there when I need her.  She's able to turn on her skills of therapy in a non threatening way, and I always feel like our conversations end with me feeling like I have so many answers I was looking for.

Aimee has such a huge heart, always looking to help out those less fortunate than her, and wanting to lift up her friends and acquaintances when they're down.  I love Aim so much, and am so blessed to have her in my life.

At Rigby Lake, most likely gossiping.

Where do you live?

Canyon Country, Ca...but as soon as I find an apartment in LA I will be moving (yay!)

What do you do for a living?

I am a Children's Social Worker for LA county.

What's your favorite thing you've done in New York?

Wow...it feels like I have so many but I've only been there twice!  Last year I went there on my birthday and that was pretty fun.  I ate at Chocolate by the Bald Man (in my track suit because my luggage was lost!)  It was amazing.  Great food, great company.  :)

What would you do if you randomly had the day off work?

This happens to me sometimes (when I call in sick ;) and I lay by the pool and read.

Living in LA on a budget is tough; what's something on which you're willing to splurge?

Pedicures, spray tan in the winter, and Mac makeup.  And shoes and handbags.  Okay I like to splurge.  That is why I'm still driving the same little green car my dad bought me back in college.  Haha.  But I've turned over a new leaf in 2009!  Not only have I cut most of those things out (Mac makeup excluded) but I am now putting away for a car.  At the rate I'm going I just might have one by 2020!  (Just kidding.)

If I could give you front row tickets to any concert, what would you pick?

Hm...Radiohead or Beyonce...

If you only had time to watch one tv show a week, which would you choose?

Oprah and Biggest Loser are tied.  (Sorry ANTM.)

(Aim I have to say, I totally thought you'd go with ANTM.  And how did I not know we shared the same obsession for Biggest Loser???)

What makes for a perfect date?

A great make out...just kidding.  Um...doing something fun but not too cheesy, dinner at a great restaurant...and then followed by a hot make out on the beach (ok so I wasn't kidding.)

What's something people would be surprised to know about you?

That I used to play water polo in high school.  I don't consider myself athletic.  Neither do my friends.

(I admit it, I'm totally surprised.  I thought you were just a hippie in high school.)

When you've had a really bad day what makes you feel better?

Chatting with a friend, or lighting some candles and watching Oprah on my chouch (half chair half couch.)  And of course shopping!

Who's your celebrity crush?

Pharrell Williams. So hot.

Who's someone who has changed or shaped your life for the better?

Well I would definitely say Rachel has.

(Likewise love.)

After the big haircut.  Aim came along to hold my hand, and was the best support.

What book are you currently reading?

Too many.  But the last one I started is called Thorn Birds.  I'm only two pages in.

What beauty product can you not live without?

ZOOMLASH

(A girl after my own heart.)

What's one trend that totally victimized you?

When we lived in Rexburg I think I fell victim to a lot of bad trends...I can't be held accountable for that portion of my life because the closest store we had to shop in was Wal Mart.  It was not my fault.

(I can promise you that Aim was always dressed to impress.)

What's your favorite comfort food?

Cupcakes.

You've got two roundtrip tickets anywhere in the world.  Where do you go and who do you take?

Africa, and I'd take Oprah.  Just kidding, I have been saying for years that I want to go to Africa but recently I have really been wanting to visit China, and I think I'd take my favorite travel buddies, Rae Hoe, TonEva, Gordon, and Shantay.

(I'm in!!  Let's do Hong Kong or Africa 2010!!)

At the NBC store during our spring break trip to New York: 

Shantay, Aimee, Jordan, me, Toni.

What's your favorite memory of the two of us together?

OMG.  This is so hard, but if you had a gun to my head and you were making me choose I'd say...wow this is so hard.  Can I name a few???  Ok...since we were just talking about it this morning, late nights at Danny's, skinny dipping, NY, riding in Cinco after hot tubbing, trying on church outfits at night, riding around in Alfie around the Ridge being crime stoppers, spin the bottle at Joshua Tree, and...I remember actually right after we first met in the hall of the Benson during church in the 49th ward she came up to my apartment one night (I think she caught me trying on church outfits in the mirror that night too) and brought me a card after I had just broken up with my boyfriend.  Rae is the best at card giving, among other things.

(None of this is quite as scandalous as it sounds...Aim, my favorite time after hottubbing was the time a certain nameless someone accidently dropped the f-bomb while singing along with Kanye.  And I was never the one trying on Sunday outfits, haha.)

Aimee and I with BFF Chelse the night of the skinny dipping, for which Aim's been in trouble way too many times.

On top of the Empire State Building.

What three possessions do you value most?

I don't have anything that valuable...but I guess I would say my semi-new grey handbag because it's been a great staple item lately, my new county badge (it makes me feel so official and reminds me how happy I am to have my new job,) and I guess my GPS because I wasn't really using it until I got my new job and now I am glad I have it otherwise I would be completely lost in LA.

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

I would have told myself to avoid dating a few guys that I ended up dating!  What was I thinking!?

(Dodging bullets Aim, dodging bullets.  Besides, we'd be without SO many hilarious stories if you wouldn't have dated them!)

*Some questions stolen from Natalie.

Instincts

There's something wrong...You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad."

-Morpheus in The Matrix

(Complete quote found on www.aroomofmamasown.com)

I've recently been made aware of the accuracy of my instincts.  It's sort of scary.  People talk a lot about how you need to trust your instincts.  Oprah frequently discusses "the moment" when you should have listened to your instincts when you had an uneasy feeling, just before something bad happened.

Instincts are a tricky thing because we second guess ourselves.  I wish I could get past the "psyching myself out" issue, and really only tune in to my instincts.  With the disaster that is Wall Street/the economy I've had a few times I was convinced I was going to lose my job in the next layoff.  Thankfully, I have yet to face that situation (knock on wood.)  I guess I chalk those moments up to nerves and anxiety.  

It's so difficult to distinguish between nerves and instincts.  Sort of similar to distinguishing between the Spirit and our own thoughts.  I've learned that, no matter what, if I have a thought, whether it's truly a prompting or just my own thought, if it's to do something for the good, to just follow it.  But where does that leave me with instincts?  Obviously if my instincts are telling me to make a decision that will keep me safe (like a few weeks ago when I got up and moved away from the creepy guy on the subway, even though I felt like a jerk by my obvious move) I will go with playing it safe.  But what about when it's looking after the safety of my heart?  It's not so cut and dry.  I could follow my instincts and protect myself, or I could be throwing something great out the window.

Due to a recent revelation of information I've discovered things in my life would have gone down a different road, had I listened to my gut and pursued action, and not let some things go.  It's so difficult to not be persuaded by rationality, and lack of evidence.

I've starting thinking in the future when in similar situations I will not just "let it go" when I've got that "splinter" in my mind.  (Gosh, is that a great description or what??)  But I'm scared.  Scared of going out on a limb and following my instincts to the unknown.  

Oveeerrrrrrrr iiiiiiiiiittttttt

I'm not trying to be a hater, but I'm just seriously over seeing the Obamas on the cover of half the magazines, every other issue.  I take two weekly mags and it's like at least once a week that I open the mailbox and see one of their faces looking back at me.  Can't we talk about something else?  Freak!

I've gotten really sick of the media anyways.  Ever since this year's Academy Awards I'm just really over the Hollywood idiots who used their voice to influence, when a lot of them are no more intelligent than some high school drop outs.  Not to mention how freaking liberal the media is.  I've gotten so sick of the way things are twisted to accomplish an agenda.  I seriously don't believe anything I read or hear anymore.  Everything is taken out of context.

I've really considered trying to boycott all media, but I really enjoy being able to participate in conversations about current events.  I really don't want to be that person that says, "Who's Bernie Madoff?"  Before I moved here I was so clueless and I don't ever want to be that way again.

Help

The amount of these that I can consume in one sitting is ridiculous.  It can't be healthy.

Finally

After working at Bryant Park for two years, and four Fashion Weeks, I finally saw someone good.  Blake and Penn.  Gorgeous.  Except her hair looked like she'd brushed it with a hand mixer.

I can't wait to

cuddle a koala

feed the kangas

sail the Whitsundays

scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef

experience Uluru by camelback

watch the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island

drive the Great Ocean Road and see The Twelve Apostles

climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

attend an Aussie Rules game

and who knows what else?!  One month from today I'll be there.

I.  Can't.  Wait!

Happiness is

getting $340 worth of clothes from Anthropologie for $90.  They didn't have pictures on the site, but I got a camel colored cashmere boyfriend cardigan (been dying for a bf cardigan,) high waisted knee length black skirt (been needing one) and charcoal capris nice enough to wear to work.  The best part was when the cardigan price was supposed to be $89.95 and when it was rung up it was really $39.95.  Best part of the day.

Meet my BFFs: Mikey Perkey

I decided to steal an awesome idea from my uber-talented friend Natalie (with permission of course) and take some time to highlight my BFFs every once in a while.  

First up is the hilarious, talented, generous, helpful, intelligent, handsome, and all around amazing guy Michael James Perkes.

I was so excited to meet Mike after he moved to the city for so many reasons.  First off, you know those people whose names you hear all the time, but you've never met?  That was Mike Perkes.  It seemed like he was friends with everyone.  He also was a fellow BYU-I alum, and if that doesn't bond two people together I don't know what does.  Not to mention he was friends with a lot of my friends while we were in college; I'm not sure how we missed each other, seeing as how we were in the same apartment complex and knew all the same people.

Luckily for me he moved to New York!  I'll never forget the first thing he said to me.  We were sitting next to each other in Sacrament Meeting (he lived with our mutual friend Steve) and after Steve introduced us he said, "Aren't you like, bff with Aimee Brower?"  I couldn't help but laugh because it was so random, and so true!  Plus, how many guys can drop something like "bff" into a sentence so nonchalantly, and still sound so cool?  Apparently we'd both heard a lot about each other.

Being in the same ward (until I moved downtown), working two blocks from each other, and having a shared love for eating out made us fast friends.

At the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2007

Where's your favorite place to go in the city?

Central Park or the 5th floor of the Museum of Modern Art.

(Mikey, that's MY favorite floor too!!)

What would you do if you randomly had the day off work?

Wake up at 7:30am and watch Saved By the Bell, go sample the cheeses for free at Murray's Cheese on Bleeker Street, take a nap, read, go to dinner, go to a movie, or hang out with friends.

Living in NYC on a budget is tough; what's something on which you're willing to splurge?

Definitely dinner.  A few times I have spent half a day's pay on one meal.  And it was delicious!

If I could give you front row tickets to any concert, what would you pick?

Blues Traveler, Talib Kweli, Garth Brooks, or Lil Jon.

(I'm with you on Garth.)

If you only had time to watch one tv show a week, which would you choose?

The Office or Three's Company.  (Suzanne Summers was a fox!)  But most likely The Office.

What makes for a perfect date?

A funny girl who doesn't mind laughing at my lame jokes + good food = best date ever.

What's something people would be surprised to know about you?

Even though I have horrible grammar, I have always wanted to write a monthly restaurant review column with friends.  And I still want to be a firefighter when I grow up.

When you've had a really bad day what makes you feel better?

I am a big hug person, but don't expect me to cry...

Who's your celebrity crush?

Kate Hudson

Who's someone who has changed or shaped your life for the better?

My brother John.  The level of enthusiasm he has for his passions in life is truly awesome, and pretty inspirational.

Who's your favorite baseball team?

Atlanta Braves.  As far as Yankees or Mets, definitely Yankees.

(Good call on the Yanks.)

What book are you currently reading?

Since it is tax season and I'm an accountant, I don't have time to read.  But I plan to read The Road by Cormac McCarthy as soon as I get my own life back.

(Am I the only person who couldn't get into that book??)

You've got two roundtrip tickets anywhere in the world.  Where do you go and who do you take?

I would love to visit a Polynesian island, and I am currently taking applications for a travel buddy, so submit your resume soon!

(Oh!  Me!  Me!)

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

Don't set your expectations for life based on other peoples' limits.  And maybe lay off the Krispy Kreme doughnuts a little.

Here's Mikey helping me paint my new room just before I moved in.  He told me he was "one of the top 10 best non-professional painters" so I mean, how could I not ask for his help??  Mike's helped me with so many things from painting, to setting up a ridiculous IKEA wardrobe (and making me "hug it out" after said wardrobe fell on my foot), to just making me laugh all the time.  He sends me hilarious emails that have me cracking up at my desk (literally, coworkers always know when I'm reading an email from him) and when we hang out I never stop laughing.  He listens to my endless dumb girl stories and actually makes me believe they're not that boring.  Everyone needs a Mikey Perkey in their life!!

Top 10 all time favorite

You know when you're listening to your iPod and one of those songs comes on that just pierces your soul?  You know, when you just have to blast it and, depending on your environment, sing at the top of your lungs?  The song where you say, "Oh this is one of my all time favorite songs!"  Now I'm not talking the favorites that make you want to bust a move and get down with your bad self, I mean the song that makes you so excited to hear, but at the same time makes you want to burst into tears for some reason.

Lately I've been coming across those songs a lot.  In my head I always think This is totally one of my top ten all time favorites, and then I always laugh to myself because my dad says that regarding about 100 different songs.  I think it should be an unwritten rule that Top 10 lists really don't have to include only 10.

That being said, here's my Top 10, in no particular order:  

To Make You Feel My Love-Garth Brooks

Crazy for You-Madonna

She's Got a Way-Billy Joel

Let it Be-The Beatles

New York State of Mind-Billy Joel

The Scientist-Coldplay

With or Without You-U2

Forever Young-Alphaville

The Way You Look Tonight-Tony Bennett

When You Love Someone-Bryan Adams

The Dance-Garth Brooks

I'll Stand by You-The Pretenders

Last Request-Paolo Nutini

Remember When-Alan Jackson

God Blessed the Broken Road-Rascal Flatts

At Last-Etta James

Unchained Melody-The Righteous Brothers

Strong Enough-Sheryl Crow

What's on your list?

Thoughts from the treadmill

• Can things really change?
• Six months will fly by, but so much can happen.
• Why do my legs suddenly feel like cement?
• I hate that I compare my speed with the runner next to me.
• If I got to my ideal weight would I want a boob job?
• Should I go back to the one piece swimming suit?  There's so many cute ones out there these days.
• I really need to get those expenses done at work.
• I love Suze Orman.
• How could that chick on Oprah today not tell her fiance about her debt???
• Should my future husband and I show each other our credit reports just to make sure?
• How much weight can I lose in two and a half months?
• How do girls work out with their hair down?
• I need to get my hair cut.
• Will I be able to let go?
• What's the best thing for me?
• What can I start eating at lunch that isn't so boring, and not ridiculously unhealthy?  The chips and cookie I had today and Monday aren't cutting it.
• I wish this tv wasn't in front of me because I'd rather zone out while staring at that building in progress all lit up.
• Walking at 4.0 is the perfect pace for listening to Vogue.
• I'm so glad I don't watch The Bachelor and also that I'm not watching American Idol this season.
• How can I get what I really want in a living situation?
• I need to pick a day of the week where I don't watch any tv and just read instead.
• I love that I was asleep by 8:30 last night.
• Don't forget to read the scriptures tonight.
• I think I know what to do.
• I can't wait to go to Australia.
• I can't wait for my dad to come this weekend.