Looking Back on 2007

I have spent the past few days going through my room at home and packing to return to New York. As I rummaged through old college things and unpacking here in New York I have realized that this has been quite the year.

I finished my last semester at BYU in April. I completed all my advertising classes and the one remaining stats class that I had been putting off for several years. It was a great way to finish my time at BYU. I had my capstone class, which was so much fun. I had an amazing group and a fun client. Much to our surprise and delight, we won our section of the competition. YAY! I had amazing roommates that made my last year at BYU something to remember.

I technically graduated in August, but I walked in April. My parents and sister came out to see me walk. It was nice because they helped me pack and load up the car. I’m one lucky girl. My Grandma and one of her friends also came to the graduation. We went out to lunch and had a little photo session. Good times. After the ceremony we took a few photos, jumped in the car, and didn’t look back.

My parents took me to Disneyland for my graduation gift. We drove there from Provo, stopping in Las Vegas along the way. It was fun to spend some time with the fam before I headed our for New York. After two days at Disney my parents dropped me off at the airport and I left for my internship in New York. I remember being very excited, yet very nervous at the same time. It was a dream of mine to live in New York and it was finally coming true.

When I got to the airport I discovered that the airline had lost my luggage. I started to cry. I was just so stressed-out because all my closes were in there. I had nothing. I didn’t really know where I was going and the lady was mean. Luckily they found my luggage before I got in the taxi. I was relieved that they found my luggage but nothing can explain how I felt when my phone started ringing and it was Sarah. “Where are you? When are you getting here?” From the minute I arrived at International House, Sarah and I were practically inseparable. I really enjoyed my internship days. Sarah and I played everyday after work. We went to shows, museums, shopping, and central park. Good Times! I was truly lucky to have Sarah.

After my internship Anna helped me get a job at Wunderman as a freelancer. I’m really grateful for this experience. I learned a lot at Wunderman. If it wasn’t for this short little experience at Wunderman I probably wouldn’t be here in New York still. I really owe Anna. She also helped me get the job at R/GA. I love my job at R/GA. I’m learning so much and have an amazing great team. I’m truly blessed.
I have lived in four different apartments this year: one in Provo, International House, a little place on west 104th and now my current place of residence. I hate moving. I really hate moving in New York. Luckily I had my parents help in Utah and Korts help this last time. I hope I don’t have to move too soon.
Well, this has being a very busy year, but very exciting. With graduating and my fires big girl job, this has been the year to remember. I have two truly amazing roommates that make my time here in New York ten times more enjoyable. I don’t know what I would do with out them. With the big city at my doorstep I’m sure that next year will be just as great. I just hope.

Send out Search and Rescue…I’m LOST!

There are very few shows that have had such a large impact on my life as to cause me to drop everything to watch them. You know the shows that you go crazy over and throw a temper tantrum if you miss. For some reason recording and watching it later just isn’t enough. You have to be there live and in person when it first airs. I can think of only three shows that have had such a powerful influence in my life. That would be Power Rangers, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, and LOST. Power Rangers and Dr. Quinn are of the past, but LOST is alive and thriving in the exciting pastimes that are my life.

I am a first season LOST fan. I wish I could say I have been since the beginning but I only started watching on episode 10, Raised by Another. I can remember that episode so well. I have been addicted since that very night, converting several loyal lost fans along the way. From roommates to family members I have created a loyal LOST legion.

Now it is time to prepare for the fourth season. Will any of the questions be answered or will a hundred more be raised (in true LOST fashion). Sarah and I plan to watch the first three seasons before the next season starts on January 31. (I’m not sure how I feel about this because it’s on a Thursday and usually Lost is on Wednesday.) That will give us a month to watch three seasons worth of LOST. Can we do it? With our busy schedules and living in a city that beckons for us to explore, will we find the time? I think yes. Anything for LOST!

My family and I are trying to watch all of season three so that I can take it home with me. With my sister and mom both working I don’t think we are going to find the time. I knocked out five of the 23 episodes last night. We’re going to do our best to finish it. I love the thrill of it all!




If you want to kinda catch up on what LOST all about you can watch a video on abc.com that sums up the first three seasons in 8 minutes and 15 seconds. It’s wild! http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/index?pn=index

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!

(I like this picture because in most picture we have of Grandma she is looking away from the camera. Now we are all looking away but she isn't!)

I got to fly home on Christmas Eve to spend a week with my family. Kari picked me up at the airport and we went out to lunch at one of our favorite places. I told her before I came home that there were three things I wanted to do when I was home. They were to eat crab puffs, get a Papa Murphy’s pizza, and a Burgervillee cheese burger. I was able to achieve two of these goals the first day.

We spend Christmas Eve with my mom’s family. It was good to see everyone again. One of my cousins lives in New York too but we’ve never met up. We finally swapped phone numbers so we can get together for brunch. My favorite! This family tradition is always the same. Pizza, conversation, presents, and then we leave. Of course Peter and Uncle Scott keep us entertained with singing and jokes. I always laugh when I’m with the Olsen family. We then went home and opened up our pajamas. I’ve always loved the tradition on opening new pj’s on Christmas Eve.

Our Christmas morning was delayed a bit because Kari had to work. She got home at around 9. I was glad because I still had to wrap her present that morning. Dad was acting like the paparazzi again, taking annoying pictures while we opened presents. Oh dad! We then had an amazing breakfast and started getting ready for the Anderson family to come. Christmas day is always my favorite part of the holiday season, because we always have so much fun with this side of the family.

Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Susan and her family (my two favorite cousins and their husbands) and Janice and Cody Ward came to have Christmas dinner with us. Grandma walked through the door and then instantly started handing out presents. I love it! There is no waiting in this family. Grandma gave us some of her jewelry this year as our gift. It’s so beautiful.

We had a nice little addition to our Christmas party this year. Aunt Susan brought her dog Newman. Oliver didn’t like him too much, but he was fun to have around. He’s a nice little addition to our family. We always have a good time with the Andersons. I just wish I could see them more.

These next few days will be fun. I’ll be working from home and going and visiting friends and family. It’s the perfect way to spend the last few days of a rather exciting yet tiring year.

Never have truer words been spoken!

One of my favorite movies is “An Ideal Husband.” It’s so witty and there are some classic quotable lines in it. I could watch this move over and over and still find something new. Some of my favorites are:

Lord Arthur Goring: To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.

Countess: Aren't you going to congratulate me?
Lord Arthur Goring: Congratulations.
Countess: Aren't you going to ask what for?
Lord Arthur Goring: What for?
Countess: I've made a great decision. I've decided to get married.
Lord Arthur Goring: My God! Who to?
Countess: That part is yet to be decided.

Lord Arthur Goring: I'm sorry, Father, but the truth is, this is not my day for talking seriously.
Lord Caversham: Well, what do you mean, sir?
Lord Arthur Goring: I mean that I only talk seriously on the first Tuesday of every month. Between noon and three.

My Favorite!

Lord Arthur Goring: I am glad you have called. I am going to give you some advice.
Laura: Oh pray, don't. One should never give a woman something that she can't wear in the evening.

I love this movie! There are many more, but I can’t put the whole script up. Rupert Everett, I want to marry you!

I'll take one of those please!

My roommate showed this to me last night. It was a nice little treat! I don't know what it is but I swoon at the idea if a hot men's a cappella choir. I would date any one of these men. The song is funny too.

Roommate Christmas Party!

My roommates and I decided to have a little Christmas get-together this Friday night. We had Rice to Riches and Papa Jones Pizza. It was my first time having Rice to Riches and I will confess I love it. Dang it Leah! It’s just one more thing for me to be addicted to. Great! We had a little gift exchange and then ended with what we do best. Roommate photo shoot! We ended up taking 83 pictures in about 15 minutes. That has to be some kind of record. If you want to see some of them you will have to go to my facebook page. There are way too many to post here. We had a good time with lots of laughs. I love these girls.

Gifts:

Leah got a girl talk jenga game. I thought it was perfect because she loves games and she loves playing truth or truth (that’s truth or dare without the dare). This is a nice little combo of both. She also got a beautiful necklace that Kort made. Kort also gave us hand lotion

Kort received a really cute clutch from Leah. I gave her “The 20th Century Art Book,” thanks to my Barnes and Noble discount! She really loves art and there were so many books to choose from. I just hope she likes it.

I got scrap booking paper and stickers! Kort knows the way into my heart. I loved the paper. Good job Kort! She also told me where she got it. Yay, now I have a place to get emergency scrap booking paper. Leah gave me a Leah original. A picture frame with a mate that holds multiple pictures, but she colored in some of the picture spots. She said my walls were very blank and I needed to decorate. Thanks Leah!

Movie of choice: “While You Were Sleeping”

I love these nights were we can sit around and talk and have a good time. We need to do it again sometime.

I can’t believe I’m doing this! Sorry!

Tagged by Anna

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

5 Things I was doing 10 years ago:
1. I think this was about the time that my family was moving to La Center. It really sucked because my dad was building our house and we had to live in his shop with no insulation or heater. It was very very cold!
2. It was my first time playing volleyball. I really liked my coach. I also started playing basketball. Good times.
3. Going to school. I got my first locker…I was so excited.
4. I started babysitting
5. Doing what I do best, causing trouble and reeking havoc

5 Things on my to-do list today
1. Go buy my sisters Christmas present.
2. Go to the gym during lunch
3. Buy some socks…I really need more. It’s getting way to cold out
4. Go hangout with the roommates for our little Christmas get-together
5. Take a nap…I’m not sure when that’s going to happen

5 Snacks I enjoy
1. Apples and peanut butter!
2. Fruit Snacks
3. Cheez-its
4. Any thing with a chocolate peanut butter combination
5. Gatorade…is that a snack? I don’t know but I love it!

5 Things I would do if I were a Billionaire
1. I would go to Europe. London would be my hub because I want to go there so bad. I would travel all over
2. I think I would get as many apartments as I can in different cities. One in New York, one in London, Las Angelou, Portland (for my moms sake), and any other place I decide I wanted to travel.
3. I would arrange for a private day at Tiffany & Co and invite all my friends and shop until we drop.
4. Similar to the Tiffany’s experience I would rent out Disneyland and invite all my family and friends.
5. Wow, I wonder how much this will all cost. We’ll if I have any money left over I would start handing it out on the subway.3 of my bad habits:1. I assume things too quickly2. Thinking I’m always right…I hardly ever am3. Being too selfish…are these habits?

5 places I have lived
1. Canby, OR
2. Battle Ground, WA
3. La Center, WA
4. Provo, UT
5. New York City, NY

5 Jobs I’ve had
1. The best job ever – the BABYSITTER!
2. Girls Scout Camp Councilor…I was that for three summers and then the arts and crafts master the last year. It was fun but I don’t want to talk about it.
3. Student Supervisor of the Weekday night custodial crew. Wow what a title. Love it! The crew is what made it fun.
4. Wunderman….The data freelancer
5. R/GA…Making websites better one analysis at a time.

5 Things people probably don’t know about me
1. I have a fascination with the British monarchy. My favorite is Princess Diana, but her sons come in a close second. I love reading about the history of the family. I would love to meet the Queen.
2. I played volleyball in middle school and first two years of high school. They asked me to continue onto varsity but I decided school work was more important. Yeah, I’m regretting that now.
3. I sang in my high school jazz choir. I’m not that great of a singer but I think my teacher felt sorry for me.
4. I have the largest ‘N Sync collection ever. I have all the marionettes, games, fruit snacks, jewelry, blankets, clothes, and posters, posters, posters!
5. I'm a day dreamer...People can be talking right to me and I will be looking right back at them, but my head is a complely different world. I really need to stop this.

I tag Alison, Christine, Kelly, Melissa and Brenna

I Love My Job!

I have the best client ever!

Attack of the Marshmallow Stuffing Roommate!

I’m a very peaceful person. I really try to avoid confrontation at all cost. Life has so much drama as it is, why create more? Right? Well, I was sitting on the couch in my living room preparing to create a little book/card thing for Leah’s little party. I know, I know I’m a saint! I always try to serve my roommates to the best of my ability. While trying to figure out how I was going to create
this little treasure with the limited utensils that I have I was attacked by Leah. Armed with a marshmallow she threatened to shove it up my nose. Plugging my nose, I fought her off. Unfortunately she decided that the marshmallow to the nose wasn’t necessary, but any opening would do. That’s when she tried to shove it in my ears.

You may not know this about me but I’m a fighter. I may be big but I’m scrappy. Leah failed miserably. Not being able to take defeat she shoved the marshmallow down my shirt and gave up. I don’t get it. Everyone says that Leah is soooo sweet. They just haven’t lived with her! I live in terror in my apartment. All is well and then Leah will strike. It could be anything from a tree hug or jumping on me while I’m sleeping. Kort does it too, but I’m certain the Leah is the ring leader. I have my eye on you Leah! I’m one girl you’re not taking down.

Sisters?

I went to New Jersey with Kort on Saturday for a youth center dedication ceremony. Kort had volunteered at the church with her youth group when the center was first being built. She helped dig dirt and carry it out of the churches basement. She told me that there were areas under the church where a person had to crawl, but that they had removed all the dirt. It has been several years in the making but they finally finished it. It was so great! Everyone was so excited and you could see that a lot of work was put into it.

While I was there several people came up to us and asked Kort if I was her sister. We thought it was funny the first time that it happened, and by the eighth time it happened we were laughing so hard. Kort and I sisters? Do we look anything a like? I just thought it was so funny that so many people asked about it. What do you think? Could we be sisters?

Flaming Christmas Cards!

Our December enrichment activity was to get together and write our Christmas cards. Sounds like a fun time, right? On our way to the activity our quite snowy walk was distributed by the annoying sounds of a fire truck honking. Covering our ears, we quickly tried to walk past it. To our complete delight the fire trucks, yes trucks there were two, stopped right in front of the building we were suppose to go into. We watched as four firefighters rushed the door. We didn’t know if it was safe to go in or not so we asked the man in the truck. He just nodded as if there was nothing wrong and said sure.

Leah and I climbed the two sets of stairs to find that the firefighters were going into the apartment where enrichment was supposed to be. Lucky us! We stood at the door and looked down the hall at several firefighters looking up at a carbon monoxide alarm making an annoying noise. Making our way past them we wandered to the end of the hall to the women infest living room. Everyone seemed in high spirits. Can you blame them! We all sat and waited for the firefighters to turn off the alarm. I think they enjoyed the outing as much as we did because they all took turns coming down the hall and peaking into the living room. The diagnosis was sampling: Get a new battery!

HAHAHAHAHA! The firefighters laughed about the whole thing and left. I decided that a pic of the fire trucks in the street was necessary and started taking pictures from the window. To my great surprise all the firefighters in the truck started waving and then one pulled out his camera phone and took a pic of me. I hope he treasures that one! What a way to start enrichment! God bless the firefighters of New York! You’re Hott! I LOVE NEW YORK!

What's Wrong With a Bet Between Friends?

I’m not a betting girl. I bet on random things every once in awhile but it’s not a favorite past time or anything. I just think little innocent bets can make life a littler more interesting. Like when I entered a bet with Anna in June about dating. Let me explain…

Dating is a hard thing in New York City. There are more women then men, and the men who do date all date the same circle of girls. I’m lucky that I learned this early in my New York career. I have accepted the fact that I will probably date very little while living in the city. Don’t get me wrong, I’m quite sad about it, but I have learned that this is just the way it is. While talking with Anna and Sarah about this, Anna disagreed with my lack of dating. Sarah understood completely and totally took my side, but Anna was 100 percent confident that I would date out here. Thanks but yeah right ANNA! What man infested world are you living in!

That’s when we decided to make things interesting. We decided to bet on my love life. We laid out the rules and what was at stake. Whoever lost had to buy the other person dinner at the Russian Tea Room. I’m down with that! This is one bet you’re going to loose Anna! With the beautiful rules I can still date and win. Win win for me!

If any of you read Anna’s blog the other day, you will notice that she put a post up dedicated to me. While Sarah and I think that this is cheating, there is no stopping Anna. And to tell you the truth, I don’t think it will help her cause one bit. Keep trying Anna! You’re going to need all the help you can get. I’m already planning on what I’m going to order.