DESTROYING ANGELS vs. THE MURDERING MERMAIDS

Have you heard of Church Ball? It's like that...but for girls, and so much better.

Orange Countys' LDS women take football seriously. As I walked up to the game, heard the roar of the crowd, I couldn't believe my ears; then I couldn't believe my eyes. This game was hardcore. Technically it was flag, but on the field, it was way more intense than that. Being a Newport Coast Alum, and current member of Irvine, I was torn. I sported my Irvine Colors, but I did sneak over to the other side to support my girls over there. Many asked why I was not participating. Sadly, I was traveling during the majority of the practices ... otherwise I would have owned that game. Since I wasn't in the game I decided this was a perfect opportunity for photos. Oh, and I would like to thank my father for being there. He was a perfect photographer.

Lindsey decided to cross sides as well...

Rommate Love. "I want to be on you".

The Ringer.

Go Green or Go Home

I enjoy learning about the environment, and ways in which we, as consumers, can individually (and collectively) protect it. We are so blessed to have such an amazing place to live, is it bad to want to "give back?", wait, let me rephrase that, not even give back, just be conscious of the effects each of us have on our earth? For instance, did you know, the average American has a "carbon footprint" of 20 tons per year?!
To Be Green:
To conserve natural resources and consume consciously to reduce our impact on this big blue planet we call home. Think about how you eat, what you wear, how you drive. This isn't about everyone doing everything. No one is perfect. But we all play a role in the problem and can take part in the solution. If everyone does something, it would have a tremendous impact on our world and the legacy we leave for future generations.
Carbon Dioxide gas (CO2) is the major cause of climate change in the world. Humans are emitting millions of pounds of CO2 gas into the environment. CO2 gas is referred to as a "greenhouse gas" because it allows sunlight to enter the atmosphere like through the glass of a greenhouse and it keeps the heat trapped inside. This warms up the planet.

So my question is, Does knowing this automatically make me granola? You decide.

"Going Green" is a popular topic these days. Companies are realizing they have a competitive advantage when they endorse Green Business. Celebrities are also taking a stand. My favorite this year is Sheryl Crow's Global Warming Tour (ok, so really it was her blog that caused a scene; urging readers to "only use 1 square of toilet paper; 2-3 for those pesky incidences.") Thanks Sheryl for making us all look like freaks.

Recently in my International Environmental Law class we have focused on recent efforts to be "more green". We have discussed whether these efforts actually make a difference, or if they just make people feel better about themselves. Professor DiMento posed the question: How many of the girls in the class would buy a hemp dress? I decided that I would possibly buy the dress to encourage alternative forms of consumer goods; however, if I were to ever wear the dress I would have not only crossed, but jumped over the line and would need someone to bring me back to the light.

Cinco De Mayo. err Cinco De Quatro, Mayo and Seis?

What does it really mean? And what is the appropriate way to celebrate it? ... Clearly after examening my weekend celebrations (yes that was weekend) one would think "Cinco De Mayo= Tacos" (and Tacos again. and Tacos again.) Is this just an American excuse to eat a lot of tacos? Does Mexico/mexicans even like it when Americans attempt to be cultured by having "fiestas" and taking any excuse we can to dress up, have a party and [if your not mormon] get drunk?

Don't get me wrong. I love Tacos. I like Mexico. and I think I've had my best Cinco De Mayo yet. However, it has caused me to ponder the meaning and connotation of such a holiday.

Ole'!

Sundays.

Since I have lived in the beautiful Orange County, I have made an observation: Sundays are PERFECT. Don't get me wrong, we do live up to our "Perfect Weather" name, however, Sundays are always, a little bit warmer and definitely beach worthy. For any other Orange County resident, they probably basque in the amazingness of Sundays, however, I can't help but get a little bitter each and every time this happens to me. Simply because I can't enjoy the Sunday in quite the same way. This weekend is a perfect example of this.

Fri: 68/57

Sun: 81/55

So while the rest of you are frequenting the harbors this weekend in your Sailboats, just know I'll be in church "coveting my neighbor".

The Space.

It can be such a source of drama. Why do people go looking for things they don't really want to find? If you aren't friends with a person, then don't go looking on their page to see what their friends have "written on their wall". The owner of the page doesn't have any accountability for what is there (in fact, they may not even be aware of it!) So then why would one search the page and then make accusations/freak out/start drama? All I am saying is if you aren't friends with someone, don't go looking at their myspace (unless you are a myspace stalker; on that note, maybe I need to post another blog solely on that).

Technology can be such a nuisance.

What is your idea of a perfect date?

Famous words:
"My idea of a perfect date would be April 25. It's not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket."

So true.

"Your birthday is a special time to celebrate the gift of 'you' to the world."



Momma always told me I was a shining star on a [historically] dark day. Yes, today is my birthday, 4.20. Clearly I don't celebrate the day as [most] others do. However, I can't help but admit that I love having a "Popular" birthday ... for whatever reason that may be.

EASTERN BOUND?

This week has been a BIG one for me. At least, in regards to my future (totally not a big deal). Let me explain:

On Monday night I recieved acceptance to the BYU MPA graduate program. I was relieved to know that, if anything else, I was not rejected (I don't think my self esteem can handle rejection right now) ... anyway, I began to envision myself as a Cougar, a dream I thought would NEVER play through my mind.

On Wednesday I recieved a phone call from ABC (Advisory Board Company) regarding a final interview with their company-- in DC! I had an initial phone interview with them last week, but had not given it much thought ... however, after corresponding with the recruitor, I suddenly envisioned myself living in DC, and travelling all over the world marketing for this company!!

I may need to start a poll on which decision I should make. I think I'm still 50/50. At least I know I have options.

"Punctual people have nothing better to do."

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.

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

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!