MISSING:

PENGUIN

Black and White, with orange beak.
Height: 2'6"
Weight: 5lbs
Answers by the name, Penguin.
Can be distinguished from other penguins by the Mardi Gras beads around his neck, and a green "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" necklace.

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Penguin has been reported missing since 3/13/07 from MPG Orange County Office. After an office-wide search and rescue was executed, MPG decided to take further action. An extensive missing "person" (penguin?) report has been filed to MPG Headquarters, as well as South Coast Offices Security. Although there has been some speculation as to whom the perpetrator(s) is/are, no direct evidence can be linked. Many employees have been adversely affected by the event, and have trouble focusing on their work; therefore a leave of absence due to grief may be the only way to deal with the pain. The employees on the Northeast side of the office seem to be affected most detrimentally, as they were the closest to Penguin. Myself included.

Eat Me.

A co-worker presented me with a chocolate American Idol Sucker. At first I thought it was a lame marketing scheme for Kelly Pickler, until she explained it was a photo of her daughter (who works for American Idol)--digitally screened onto the chocolate.

This caused me to wonder ... could I eat a chocolate sucker of myself? Hmm.

Inappropriate

"You look hot"

Can sometimes come out badly. Like when the managing partner says it to you.

Perfect Proposal

Recently I was given the opportunity to take advantage of my mischevious skills and partake in a perfectly planned, and executed Proposal surprise for one of my favorite girlfriends. (I really felt like I was on that TLC show, Perfect Proposal). The entire evening went on without a flaw, and the proposal was absolutely perfect. This event caused me to reflect on many of my friends' proposal stories, good and bad, including the folowing:

Gondola ride in San Diego
Helicopter Ride
Bonfire in the Mountains
Weekly trip to the Temple
A Christmas Light stroll through the neighborhood
The Montage Resort, overlooking the ocean at night
Airplane banner in the sky over the beach
At dinner on an exotic cruise
The LA Temple at Christmas
On the Heber City Train

... I suppose I am an example of the recency effect and only remember those proposals that were super recent ... or really good. Most of these guys did a fantastic job of keeping the proposal a surprise, despite the mormon-esque culture of the bride expecting the ring to be placed on her finger at any time.

A Moment for Britney.

How does one go from this:







To this--------------->








Oh Britney. I wish she would hurry up and figure her life out, and become the beautiful pop star we all know and love. (Instead of going psycho in rehab, and letting her LAME ex-husband profit off her trials and attempt stardom... again, and again, and again).

Become An M&M

So I recently discovered a disturbing phenomenon. The serving size of an average bag of M&M's is actually 2 servings(?) All these years I've been eating an entire bag of M&M's, without realizing the detrimental effects. One would think that America's Favorite Candy would be more health conscious of consumers, and sell the appropriate size bag for a single serving. Needless to say I was happy to realize I only had 1/2 a bag left to eat.
In an attempt to make some sense of this earth-shattering insight I recieved this afternoon, I visited the M&M official website, and was entertained by innumerable activities and a pletheora of information. In case you are curious too, visit http://us.mms.com/us/. Apparently there's an "M" in everyone.

TGIT (The new TGIF)

"ITS THE END OF AN ERA!"

Ok, so maybe that's slightly dramatic, but I am already having nastalgia for this heartrenching teen-age soap opera we all know as "The OC". Although many are celebrating the show's early finale, I can't help but admit I will miss Cohen's dorky humor, Summer's trendy-granola passion for animals (I have considered naming my next bunny "Pancakes"), and of course the crazy rants and raves, and even stalker-esque personality of Taylor, and then there's the rugged/frustrating Ryan. And let's not forget the adorable "perfect" Sandy and Kirsten. Despite the cheesiness of the last episode, I have to say that I am in full agreement with how everything ended. Some may have unanswered questions, but I thought it was perfect.

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And just in case anyone was concerned I wouldn't have anything to fill my Thursday nights with ... no worries -- these are a few of my FAVORITE shows:

The Americanized Day of Love. It seems as though people either love it, or hate it. And often too many guys are forced to love it, for the sake of the women in their lives. It seems as though many, who find themselves single on this commercialized holiday, have some sort of animosity towards it because of their "unfortunate" status. I, however, always look forward to the chance to express my love and appreciation to my favorite people in my life; whether they are a "significant" other or not.

So this year, I recieved an anonymous Valentines Day Gift, flowers (my favorite) this morning on my doorstep. However, to my surprise, the card was labelled "Kylie". I can't say the surprise wasn't slightly tainted by this lack of execution on my admirer's part. Is this the time to recognize "it's the thought that counts?" Or is it weird/creepy/thoughtless that my admirer doesn't know how to spell my name? ...

Happy Day of L.O.V.E.

Grannies know how to break it down. I hope I can move like that when I am a Grandma!! This is honestly amazing! I had no idea grannies could have such attitude! I was in Utah last weekend, and while getting ready had Good Morning America on in the background. They had the newly formed NJ Nets Grannie Cheer Squad on the show to perform. To my disapointment, I realized the squad doesn't travel with the team when I saw the Nets play the Jazz that night.

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2831516

I left my heart in San Francisco...
I love chocolate. Anything chocolate, really. But I really love hot chocolate. I have found that I drink it almost everyday. Its my form of coffee, I suppose. However, I don't drink it because I'm addicted, I drink it because it makes me happy (that's not the same as addiction, is it?). Anyway, while I was in San Francisco this past weekend we visited Boudin, where my choice of SF treat was a chocolate chip muffin. Needing a little pick me up, I ordered a Dr. Pepper to accompany my delicious muffin, only to have the Boudin worker, not only discourage my beverage choice, but also inform me that a large Hot Chocolate is what I needed instead. "The soda will ruin the muffin", he told me. I was ecstatic with my switch, and the audacity of the Boudin worker, especially when I found that my Hot Chocolate was overflowing with whip cream, my favorite of course.
(Oh, and I did get some funny looks from my neighboring Boudin eaters while taking this picture, for some reason they thought I documented everything I eat; however, I quickly explained I planned on Blogging about it... 'nuff said.)

It's so cliche but I am feel refreshed and excited for 2007. I have, of course, made new years resolutions, and plan to keep them (well lets be honest. I'll keep them until I have a nervous breakdown about who knows what at this point). But at any rate, I am ready for the new year! I plan on
(1) Being Happy every day!
(2) ... hmm maybe that's it!
It's better to focus on one thing, than attempt to do too many things, right? Right. I just (re) watched the FRIENDS episode where they each make New Years Resolutions. Honestly this episode is hilarious! Ross wants to try 1 new thing every day. Rachel isn't supposed to gossip. Chandler can't make fun of anyone in the group... and I forget about the others. But the moral of the story was that they shouldn't make resolutions to change themselves. I agree. We should embrace ourselves for who we are. Sometimes the "bad" things about us are the things that we are loved for. So my New Years Resolution suggestion for everyone is to be the best YOU!

Holiday Season Over?

I am so sad to see the 2006 Holiday Season come to an end. Despite my excitment and exuberance for the holiday throughout the month of December (ok and it began in November as well) I still felt like I didn't completely grasp the Christmas Spirit. I place some of the blame on my failed attempt to watch my favorite Christmas Classics, such as, It's a Wonderful Life as well as A Christmas Story (I know! How could such a thing happen?!) However, I did watch Mr. Kruegars Christmas, and a plethora of other Christmas Movies that got me in the Christmas Spirit. I was able to enjoy spending quality time with my family and creating new memories, as well as planning for future traditions. Below is our family Christmas Card Photo. I think it turned out Fabulously! My favorite part about Christmas this year was being able to feel the love of my family. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful family, and I wish we could share that with one another more.


This time of year also tends to strike a note on the "resolution" side of us all. We come up with a long list of goals to achieve before midnight of 2007. I can not say that I am excluded from some of these typical resolutions, such as, going back to the gym and actually going to the grocery store so I can eat healthy once again. I have many other goals for myself, however, instead of getting overwhelming and listing them all, instead, I simply wish that this next year I will take a few more minutes each day to be thoughtful, caring, and kind towards others. That is my favorite part of the Christmas Season, is that we are all striving to make others happy. "If everyday could be Christmas, what a wonderful world it would be. We could carry this feeling of Christmas, all through the year..." Ok, so its a cheesy BoysIIMen song, but its true. If we each thought more of others, and less of ourselves, we could make the world a better place, just by being better at being ourselves.

Tis The Season.
Ok, so we all know I am obsessed with Christmas, so sorry to expand on this concept, but this is just too funny to not post on my blog. If you want to hear the most amazing rendition of a christmas song:
http://www.thesneeze.com/mt-archives/000570.php
I just cant get enough of it, and seriously had tears in my eyes. Enjoy.
Oh, here's a picture from my first Christmas Party of the year:

Oh, and I attended the Huntington Harbor Boat Parade this weekend, however, sadly it started raining and since I forgot my umbrella, my first boat parade experience was cut short.

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

Ok so I'm done with finals---yay!! I can be normal again! Now I have time to totally endulge in the Christmas spirit. As some of you already know, I am obsessed with Christmas (yes I have been listening to the BEST Christmas music...Celine, Mariah, Amy Grant, Frank Sinatra etc etc...for at least 6 weeks now and am in no way sick of it!) I watched the Original Miracle on 34th Street last night, next to my blazing fire (I swear its freezing in my house) and drank hot chocolate; only to be interrupted by a fabulous Christmas enrichment night with some amazing girls. Anyway, I just decorated my desk at the office and loving the garland, red bows and miniture christmas tree (literally 6" tall soooo cute!). Just thought I would spread my christmas cheer with today's Christmas quote:

"We all enjoy giving and receiving presents. But there is a differencebetween presents and gifts. The true gifts may be part ofourselves--giving of the riches of the heart andmind--and therefore more enduring and of far greater worth thanpresents bought at the store."

Remember to give of yourself this holiday season and take advantage of the time that is dedicated to our Saviour, Jesus Christ. If anyone wants to do some Christmas Shopping or look at lights, or wants a Christmas cd---let me know!

Oh, here are some pictures of my favorite Christmas Things.

I Heart Ralph Lauren.

To get myself going in the morning when I get to work, I have somewhat of a routine. I walk in, say hi to everyone, get my tall glass of water, and then sit at my desk. However, I typically (briefly) check my email before diving into my workload. Today, I had to give a shout out to Ralph Lauren, who by simply sending out a mass distributed email with the new fall arrivals, helped make my morning just a little bit better.

I call the 2nd one on the left ;)

Your Birthdate: April 20

You are a virtual roller coaster of emotions, and most people enjoy the ride.Your mood tends to set the tone of the room, and when you're happy, this is a good thing.When you get in a dark mood, watch out - it's very hard to get you out of it.It's sometimes hard for you to cheer up, and your gloom can be contagious. Your strength: Your warm heart Your weakness: Trouble controlling your emotions Your power color: Black Your power symbol: Musical note Your power month: February

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

GMAT

So, I realize this is 2 posts in 1 day...but I just had to rant in an attempt to slow my heart rate down and relieve the butterfly/heavy feeling that is currently residing in the bottom of my stomach right now. I just registered to take the GMAT on September 22, 2006 a 2:00pm in Pasadena, Ca. Apparently waiting 5 weeks before you sign up for the test isn't nearly enough time to secure the ideal day and time, however, I am engaged in some post cognitive dissonance in an attempt to convince myself that this is, in fact, an ideal choice. Taking a day off work and driving an hour to Pasadena to take the most stressful/influential test I may ever take in my life is a good decision. I now have less than 5 weeks to prepare, which means my lunch breaks will be filled with my GMAT Review Guide (11th edition) and my week nights will no longer consist of dating, friends, or even TV. Wow, I'm getting depressed writing this, however, after the 5 weeks is over and I take this monstrous test I can go back to being a social butterfly and actually enjoying life...

Wonderland

I have been inspired! I just read an article about the Wonderland Bakery in Newport Beach, Ca that was created less than a year ago, and has already become a huge success-- it is known to be a celebrity hot spot, including Kobe Bryant, as well as become a local favorite! This incredibly smart and talented young women has fulfilled (at least one) of her dreams by age 20. I am jealous, and yet at the same time proud of her and all her accomplishments. (Would it be weird to tell someone that?) I am sure she has worked extremely hard to be where she is today and I feel inspired by her and her accomplishments. I can't believe I haven't previously heard of the bakery or seen it for that matter (it is located next to Pei Wei on Bison/Macarthur). At any rate, I will probably go there today and get a cookie, or cupcake or chocolate covered strawberry...Oh lets be honest I will probably try them all! :)

Dessert anyone?

www.wonderlandbakery.com

I thought I would make my blog a little more interesting with some summer photos...
Ok so this is spring time...but i didn't want to leave Seth out of the photo album of my favorite people!
Only the Best Date Ever! The only true love in my life...Miss Brookie
The Lil Bro (Matt) and Lil Sis (Ash) at the Sacramento Temple Open House -- Family Vaca 2006

My lovey ladies at the beach...Amy Jen Ash and Me!

The Story of My Life
So here I am bored at work...yet again. Although I recently moved up in the MPG law office world and have my own desk, I just wish work were more consistent. The near-death, painfully boredom that I am currently engaged in only leaves me to stress out about all other contributing life factors...mainly school and life after school which are both fueled by the stress that I have been under in my preparation of taking this hideously ridiculous test called the GMAT. I'm sure my friends will be more happy than I after it is all over so they don't have to hear me complain and stress out about it. Although over dinner the other night Seth did have some insighful words of wisdom--so here's a shout out to you--thank you Seth. Other than the aforementioned monster of a test, my Life, in general, is pretty good. I am in my "independant woman" mode (Just think of the songs Miss Independant by Kelly Clarkson or Independant Women by Destiny's Child and you'll get where I am going with this), and am loving my new home, new rommates and of course, SUMMER FUN.