Splendid Times with a Smuggled Santa

Before the Christmas break my friends, Paige and Travis, and I smuggled a light up Santa from a few of our friends' apartment. Although we were never caught red handed, it was clearly evident who took the coveted decoration. We never denied our guilt, but when Paige and I were questioned as to Santa's whereabouts, we played dumb. We claimed up and down that we didn't know where he was, and truthfully I didn't. It wasn't until just a few days ago that I discovered Santa's true hiding spot...behind Paige's Christmas Tree. We felt bad for Santa, making him spend the whole break alone and behind a Christmas Tree no less, that's just cruel. So naturally, we thought it only right to spend the night hanging out with Santa. These photo are the result of our splendid time together; just three friends hanging out and doing normal everyday activities. 

Shaking with Anticipation of NaNoWriMo 2011

Quite possibly some, and more accurately most, of you may have no idea what NaNoWriMo stands for. Which means you aren't as nerdy as some of us who shall remain nameless (me), so congratulations! However, if you did perk up in your seat with looming anticipation at the mere mention of NaNoWriMo, then we should be friends, since I am desperate need of writing buddies for next month. I guess the time has come to reveal the true meaning of NaNoWriMo...National Novel Writing Month! The month in question being November, and frankly, I am slightly scared of November the more I think of it (excluding Thanksgiving), but who wouldn't be. Trying to write at least 50,000 words in 31 days on top of school, work, and a social life(?), is not an easy task to take on. Oh, and did I mention the writing has to be completely fresh new content? EEEEEK! Fortunately, NaNoWriMo has no rules against brainstorming/mapping/profiling or anything else I might want to do in preparation of the great writing journey, so you can bet that is what I spent my Saturday doing (nerd, remember). 

Well, check in to see how I am doing, and do feel free to offer any words of encouragement. Actually, I encourage you to do so. If everyone is super nice and very lucky I will probably post a snippet of two throughout the month so keep you eyes peeled. Plus, since you know how much I love music, you can almost be sure I will be provide a playlist or two (or three, or more) with songs that are reflecting the vibe of my novel. In short: Stay tuned folks!

Oh, and before I forget....check out the NaNoWriMo site to learn more about it

Marriage is What Brings Us Together...Last Saturday

One of my best friends, Daniel, is got married last Saturday, and I couldn't have been happier for him. In the past year quite of few of my best friend group have entered into eternal marriage, but my reaction to each of announcement of "big news" has varied. That is not to say any of my reactions were of the negative sort, quite the contrary...I was ecstatic every time. But still each one just felt different, because my relationship with each of my boys is very different (none of which are romantic). So it only seems right to not maintain one emotion. I may have called me the Ice Queen in high school, yet I can't claim to be a robot. Possibly the second greatest part about the weekend (obviously the wedding is the first) was seeing the group together once more.  For all we know, the occasion was more than likely the last of such reunions. Well if it was or wasn't our last hurrah I love and adore you all!

Orem=Out of This World

Sure Orem has ice cold winters, Walmart weirdies, and the most dreadful drivers I have ever had the misfortune to encounter; but I am slowly beginning to realize this town has more to offer than the blatenly obvious negatives. 

The first great heaven sent positive was my roommates: Rylee, Ashley, and Meagan. Those girls made my transition  from STG to Orem nearly seamless, because even though I met them an hour after I stepped "creeper style" into the apartment for the first time, I feel like I have lived with them forever. I can't began to explain their coolness, or how grateful I am for them to allow me into the group. 

Secondly, it is so nice to have family here in the great "Up North." I have lived by Aunts, Uncles, and even young cousins before, but having cousins my age near by is a comforting thought. In fact the complex I am living in was even recommended by one of my cousins. His advice turned out to be gold, so I think I can trust him now.

Third plus: my job totally rocks! Truthfully, sitting on the phone for 4 hours a day is not ideal, but the people are pretty cool so it makes the time fly by (at least for now). I have a work "best friend" who is really the kid I sit by and pester for all the secrets of the job. I wounder if he is sick of me yet? Oh, and today I got to walk 2 feet down the imaginary runway, scoring a 8.9, which I consider a victory over my former 7 status.

Lastly, I have met the first absolutely adorable boy, on a list of what I'm sure will be many, that for one reason or another I can never have. Man, life is just so unfair. Fortunately, Orem seems to be swarming with all sorts of boys: gorgeous, cute, nice, fun, fit, intriguing, musical, you name it Orem has it. YIPPY!

Ciao Ali Ciao STG

I feel as if I have been bidding a lot of farewells this week, but I am not the only one saying "au revoir St. George" (or rather ciao). One of Harbor and Duran's best friends, Ali, a girl I consider a little sister, is setting out on the brave journey of being a nanny in Italy. I couldn't be more happy for her! Ali is such a great girl, and considering I have known her since she was in the 4th grade I am completely qualified to make such a statement as to her character. She just graduated high school and with my brothers leaving on their missions come September 7th and nearly everyone else off to school, I think she felt like she needed an adventure. Only, she took it one step further and actually did something about it, which sadly is more than I can say for most of us, my self included. I gave her some of my clothes, some big hugs, and lots of advice on how not to look like a tourist. I am so proud of her and I have no doubt she will do great things! Also, Ali is going to be keeping up a blog (or at least intending to) on all the great things she does so please go check it out and show her some support!

To celebrate her European travels, my departure for school, and Harbor & Duran's leave on a 2 year LDS mission, we gathered the neighborhood kids and took one last trip to Denny's. The midnight outing was bitter sweet, but much more on the sweet side of things. There had been lots of hanging out with family, friends, and even people we don't really know, but it was a joy to have the "neighborhood siblings" together for one last time, well for the next couple of years at least. I am going to miss everybody, but I am not going to morn their loss just because we are separating. Believe me, there will be plenty of communication thanks to good old modern day technology!

Ciao!

Ali modeling her new clothes

My brother Duran

Duran and Harbor. Can you tell their twins?

Ali and Priscilla.  What good friends they are

My (tallest) littlest brother Ryker with Spencer (aka Fiddy Spence)

Kami, Ali, and I.  The neighborhood girls.

Fiddy Spence striking a pose.

Ryker.  Would you believe he is 6 foot 2?

Denny's food...yummy

Saving Friends and Strengthening Friendships

The day started out with a 2 am text message, and no, it was not a booty call. It was a cry for help, okay it wasn't that dramatic, it was more (not exact conversation):

A: Hey are you awake?

B: Sadly yes. I am horrible at sleeping.

A: Yes you are, hence why we are soul sisters. Are you possibly still in STG?

B: I shall be in town for the remainder of the week. Why?

A: I am in need of some saving.

B: Oh no! From what? Or who?

A: Just from this kids house. My ride fell asleep and we got in a tiff so I don't want to wake him.

B: Then I shall make hast.

A: Kay Kay, see you soon.

If you are wondering why my text started to sound somewhat old fashion, the answer is a simple one...I was reading Pride & Prejudice at the time. Anyways, to make a long story short, I picked her up, drove her home, then we had an awesome chat about boys, life, and my ever nearing move to "Happy Valley," Utah. 

My "soul sister" and I are a peculiar pair. We used to be the best of friends at the beginning of my Junior year of high school, which was her sophomore year. We were crazy wild, but not in a naughty sort of way; There was no sex, drugs, and rock and roll for us (well there was a little rock and roll). For better or worse, we encompassed the meaning of reckless abandon. We said senseless things, made stupid moves, and loved every single minute of it. Come on, who wouldn't love demonstrating how to drop and roll out the moon roof of a moving vehicle? However, life happened, as it often does, and we slowly drifted apart. The rare occasions we happened to see each other were joyous ones. We could talk for hours, but it was clear we ran in very different circles. Here we are, years later finally reconnecting, with a friendship just as random as it was before. I rescue her, she accompanies me on a spontaneous midnight trip to Lake Powell, you know the usual sort of thing. It is reasons like these that reassure me that our friendship is a lasting one. Growing older might cause us to loose touch again, but that doesn't matter much: I'll still save her at 2 am if she needs me to.