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.

It's happening

My bff, twinner, wifey, soulmate, love Shantay arrives tomorrow.  CAN'T.  EVEN.  WAIT.

Kinda sad, but really funny

How fairy tales should really be told

I love the part in the movie Sex and the City when Carrie's reading a fairy tale to Lily and after it ends happily ever after Carrie explains to her that that's not always reality.  Prince Charming doesn't always pull through.

We need more fairy tales like this one, so as not to grow up confused with unrealistic expectations.

Girls, quit trying so hard, he's probably not worth it.  And you're better than him anyway.

Weekend recap

Two weekends ago was one of the most fun and busy weekends I've had in a really long time.  It started off Friday night with seeing Push.  I'm a fan of Dakota Fanning's and really enjoyed seeing her in an older role.  The movie wasn't anything I'd say you have to see, but I thought it was entertaining and enjoyed it.

After the movie we got dinner at Chevy's, and then headed up to Pacha for Anita's birthday.  This was actually my first clubbing experience in the city if you can believe it.  Even though I always have fun dancing, and the friends that were there were awesome, I have to say, I was not overly impressed with the whole club scene.  I wasn't that into the music (even though there were three or four floors with different music) and I just felt a little violated.  There was about a 10 minute period where I wasn't with Curtis and I was groped by a totally drunk guy (he stole second!) and some other dude tried to get all up on me dancing.  Yikes.  Let's just say I'm glad that's not the way I have to meet people in the city.  It was so hot in the club though, that it was so nice after leaving to walk from 11th and 46th to 7th and 42nd.  Love those nights you can just walk and walk.

Saturday was super fun.  Got up early(ish) and went to Alice's Teacup, one of my favorite brunch places.  I'm obsessed with the vanilla yogurt and granola.  We had to wait a bit so we headed over to Pets on Lex to look at the puppies.  I'm not all for buying puppies at a pet store because it promotes the business of puppy mills, however I didn't think it would hurt to look.  I absolutely fell in love with this Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  I've never given those dogs a second look but this one just stared at me and I felt as if he was choosing me to take him home.

After brunch we saw He's Just Not That Into You and I have to say we totally loved it.  Maybe it's because I went into it with low expectations?  I don't know.  They've been shamelessly advertising for so long, and I feel like most movies that have so many A-list actors end up being a flop, but I really loved it.  I'm surprised so many people are hating on it.  I feel like so many of the examples shown are so many classic mistakes girls make, and I laughed really hard a lot of times throughout the movie.  Yes, I hated the way a marriage was represented, but honestly, isn't that in every movie and tv show?  Whether blatantly or subtly, Hollywood has a way of getting us to root for the cheating husband and the dirty mistress (hello MerDer.)  Not that I was necessarily rooting for that scenario in this movie, it just seems like a lot of people are up in arms about the marriage situation, and I don't get why because it's nothing new for movies.  I'm not condoning it, just saying I guess I've come to expect it from Hollywood.  I don't know, I'm sure I sound hypocritical because I hated Nights in Rodanthe because we were supposed to root for Richard Gere and Diane Lane and HELLO!  She was married!  But I feel like that movie was different than this one.  Anyway, the point is, I really enjoyed the movie.

After the movie we headed over to Rockefeller Center to do something I've always wanted to-skate at the famous rink!  I'll be honest, I don't even really like ice skating, hurts my ankles.  But I just wanted the experience, and that's pretty much all it was.  SUPER small rink that gets so cut up so it's not the most slick (and we got on just after the zamboni) and very expensive.  I'm glad I could do it once though.

After skating it was home for a bit.  I was exhausted and had a crazy headache (thanks to a little "fun" activity we participated in on our walk from the theater to the rink which led me to walking into a parking meeter....my knee still has a gnarly bruise and I think I may have gotten a mild concussion.)

Took a little nappy nap and then headed to one of my favorite restaurants Harry's Burritos.  Mmmmm. So good.  Then it was up to Anita's for the party at her apartment.  We didn't get there till after midnight but it was still super fun.  I honestly have more fun dancing at these Mormon parties than at a club, I decided.  She lives across the street from my first apartment so it was fun to be at the old stomping grounds.

Best email I've gotten in weeks

Thoughts from the treadmill

• Sheryl Crow was wrong; if it makes you happy it can be that bad, and the first cut isn't always the deepest.
• There are days when things are just awful at work, with my family, and my love life and I feel like I'm isolated and can't talk to the only person who I can really talk to, but my Heavenly Father is always patiently waiting to listen.
• The media portrays Wall Street (and pretty much everything else) so poorly.  A vast majority of the population has the wrong idea about traders.
• The heart can be broken more than one ever imagines.
• There are people to whom I'd really like to give a piece of my mind, and it's probably a good thing they live 3000 miles away.  I still might, next time I see them.
• I am absolutely floored people twenty years my senior still behave as though they were in high school.  Completely astounding.
• Few things in life are better than being behind the wheel with an open road, blaring the music and singing at the top of your lungs.
• I am such an advocate of mental therapy, whether it's going to the gym or speaking with someone who's licensed.  
• Men are selfish.
• I'm so lucky to have found some very true girlfriends in New York, even if it took a while.
• God really hears my prayers.
• There is always more to a situation than one can perceive, and it's incredible some don't understand that.
• There will always be people who hurt me.
• There will always be people who help me put myself back together.
• At the end of the day, you can't rely on anyone else to take care of you forever.  One must always have the capability to take care of ones self, even if one doesn't always have to apply those abilities at the moment.
• Coldplay is genius.
• One day I might get pushed enough to the edge that I might swear at some traders, and I'm pretty confident I'll get some applause.  Everyone's just waiting for the nice Mormon girl to crack.
• I'm really lucky that even though I live in a super liberal area, my work environment is very conservative and respectful of my standards, and despite the fact that I work with a bunch of lushes, if I ever succumbed to having a drink everyone would get really mad at me (not that I would, but I like the fact that even my non-member colleagues would keep me in check.  And I know, just because someone's liberal doesn't mean they're not respectful or supportive.  I'm just happy to be around people with similar points of view.)
• I never thought I could run at 7.0 for a whole song.  Apparently I was wrong.  I hate running, but for some reason I keep trying.
• I'm constantly surprised at how easily my blood boils when it comes to someone thinking negatively about a family member.  I never considered myself the protective type, but it turns out I am.
• It's weird when one day you realize you're better at some things than your parents.

I'm the worst sister-in-law

Steve's birthday was Jan 31 and I'm totally lame and missed it on the blog!  Steveo, I hope you forgive me.  

Luckily Steve is maybe the nicest person in the world, so I think he will.  :)  Steve also is an awesome dad, perfect husband to my sister, great provider, amazing example, and just all around wonderful person.  Every family needs a Steve.

Hope your day was great Steveo!!

Happy birthday Dad!

So excited you got a new toy for your big day!  I can't wait to go for a ride.

Happy birthday to my favorite guy in the world.  I love you.

Happy Anniversary

Happy second anniversary my love.  I can't believe another year has already gone by.

Obsessed

I have become obsessed with Magnolia's red velvet cupcakes.  It's bad.

Making me happy

So lately I've sort of been focusing on the sucky things in life and letting the winter blues get me down, but today I got super excited when I realized I have a lot to look forward to!  Like....

The warmer weather forecast for this weekend!

This boy coming into town this weekend (yes, we're still friends, get over it.)

Jac attack coming up next weekend!

Getting to give up the crowded subways for a few days....

and getting to get behind the wheel(!)...

to take a girls' trip here!

And spending Valentine's Day doing this!

And this!

And my wifey coming to visit the last weekend in February!

And getting to stay with Aim in LA in April!

And getting to reunite with my favorite Aussie Freya in Brisbane!

And remembering today that the Great Barrier Reef is in Australia!

And deciding to face my fear of deep water and look into getting certified so I can go scuba diving there!

And maybe even see Nemo!!

Wow, I've decided the only way to get through life (especially in the winter) is to always have something exciting to plan and look forward to.  It makes things a million times better!

I'm going to.....

And I'm so excited!!!  It all happened so fast, and out of no where!  So I've been thinking about my two week vacation, and Australia was one of the places I had in mind, but realistically it wasn't at the top of the list.

So on Sunday some adorable Aussie boys that were visiting New York were at my ward.  I got to chatting with them and casually mentioned that I was thinking of taking a trip down under this year.  We talked for a while and exchanged information and they said we'd have to meet up if I ended up going.  I didn't think too much of it.

Then yesterday morning I started looking up the price of tickets, you know, "just for fun."  Then I went on with my day.  At the end of the day I got a random email from my friend (and total travel hero) Karen.  She mentioned how she came across my post from a couple weeks ago where I brought up my two week trip, and invited me to join her on her two week trip to......Australia!  Are you kidding me??  That is so random that she would email me that same day!

I immediately responded telling her I was super interested and asked for more deets.  Of course, being the non-impulsive, must plan in advance, hate to commit person that I am my first thoughts were, Oh gosh, April??  Wow, that's way sooner than I'd planned on taking this trip.  Australia is seriously so far.  Is it worth it?  Am I really going to pull this off?  Then I got to chatting with some coworkers who'd been to/lived in Australia and it got me a little more interested.  

I came home and sent a message on facebook to my good friend and old college roommate Freya, who lives in Brisbane, to see if she'd be around.  Being the doll she is, she immediately responded insisting I stay with her and her soon to be husband (three weeks!) in their new condo.  Love love love her.

So there were still a few hurdles to cross.  I went to work and cleared the days with my boss, and then checked out flights.  I found a good deal, and then it was just a matter of booking it.  Talk about panic!  I finally pulled the trigger.  Karen and I were emailing all day, totally freaking out.  Seriously?!?!?  We're seriously going to Australia???????!!?!  I'm trippin.  I haven't left the country since my family went to Europe when I was 17.  I can't even believe we're doing this!

So we're meeting up in Sydney on April 13th (our flights land within 10 minutes of each other!) and then will be jet setting around the country for two weeks!  We'll be staying with Karen's friend in Sydney, and Freya in Brisbane, and who knows where else we'll end up!  Flights within Australia are super cheap, so we'll figure out the rest of the details in the coming months.

If anyone's been there I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Until then....Aussie!  Aussie!  Aussie!  Oy!  Oy!  Oy!

I finally saw it

I absolutely loved Benjamin Button.  I've heard all sorts of reviews so I tried to go into it with no expectations.  I went to a 6:50pm showing and made sure to grab a Diet Coke (one of my lasts) and didn't even get a bit sleepy, thank goodness.  I struggle in movies, even early ones.  I was worried it would be too long for me but other than during one part I never felt like it was slow.  I thought there were great lessons, amazing special effects, and phenomenal acting from Brad.  And seriously, how could one tire of looking at this face?  He is honestly perfection.