Utah.Utah.Utah.

Even though I hated living there, I always go to Utah! It's ridiculous...Anywho, just wanted to let y'all know when I'm heading back.

Custom Countdowns & MySpace Layouts

This will make you laugh!

This is for anyone having a bad day or needing a little cheering up!

Why I hate the homeless...

Normally when I see a homeless person my heart goes out to them. I wonder why they're on the street, how they got there, and if they'll be able to pull themselves up and improve their life. I have a lot of sympathy for them.

As of today, NOT ANYMORE!!

An agency in San Diego does a "Point In Time Count" every year of all the homeless in the county, and all the other agencies in the county help with the count. Today was the annual event.

A co-worker and I got up at 3am and began the count at 4am! We were the "lucky" ones and got the beach area of Oceanside. We were absolutely terrified! 2 girls...at the beach...in complete darkness...our only protection a hot pink flashlight and a clipboard!! It's the basic plot of all slash films! We had other areas to cover so we drove around for almost 2 hours until we knew we had to face the beach.

The first time we walked on the sand (at 5:30am) we saw a man walking near the shore. All alone. No one else around.

As employees at a rape crisis center, we know the worst case scenario-we freaked and ran as fast as we could back to the car! There are more sexual assaults on that stretch of beach in Oceanside than we can even guess, so we weren't about to be another statistic.

We finally got some courage and ventured back down to the shoreline. Before we were even touching the sand we saw a homeless person...We had been freaking out all morning about coming face to face with one ((they tend to be VERY protective of where they're sleeping)). We realized they were still sleeping, but when we saw movement under the blanket we realized there were 2 and they were having sex! We basically sprinted away and continued down the beach.

The ocean did a sneak attack on us; completely soaking our shoes, socks, and pants. Once the sun came up a light sprinkle started. Even though we were getting wet, we were so exhausted we could barely walk. I understand why they use sleep deprivation as a torture technique because we were in physical pain.

Finally 8am crawled by and we were done with the count!! We returned to the office only to find out...

THEY POSTPONED THE COUNT UNTIL NEXT WEEK DUE TO THE LIKELIHOOD OF RAIN!!!!!!

"The Moment"

Tuesday was such a historic moment in the United States. 50 years ago blacks couldn't even drink at the same water fountains as whites, let alone run for public office. This video gave me chills the entire time I was watching it because I realized that day wasn't just historic for the U.S., but for the whole world.

I realize that there are some people who are still angry that President Obama is in office but that's the great thing about democracy. WE picked him. WE voted for him. WE wanted him to lead our country. The majority of the United States thinks he is the best choice and that's why he's in the White House. He's our Commander in Chief and he needs our support. Up until the end of Bush's presidency I never really said anything bad about him because he was my president, even though I personally didn't vote for him. I respected the fact that over 51% of the nation thought he was the best candidate and gave him my support.

I want to tell all those people who are still whining and complaining to just shut up already and move on with their lives, but that's another amazing thing about our country...WE'RE NOT ONLY ALLOWED, BUT ENCOURAGED TO VOICE OUR OPINIONS! It's amazing!!

I gave Bush 6 good years before I really started to dislike him. President Obama hasn't even been in office 6 days yet!! So give him a chance people!!

8 Things About Me

Here are the rules:
1)post these on your blog
2)answer the six "8" items
3)let each person know by leaving them a comment on their blog
PS these are not in order

8 Favorite tv shows
1. Law&Order-SVU
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. House
4. Brothers&Sisters
5. South Park
6. HGTV
7. The Daily Show
8. The Biggest Loser

8 Things I did yesterday
1. Woke up
2. Ate breakfast
3. Watched President Obama's inauguration
4. "worked"
5. Went to the gym
6. Came home&took a shower
7. Finished my book
8. Fell asleep

8 things I look forward to
1. Finding out if I'm getting a niece or a nephew!! PLEASE LET IT BE A GIRL!!
2. Summer time!!
3. Planning my vacation to Belize
4. Finding out about a job I applied for
5. Getting my new glasses next week
6. Having my car all fixed
7. My facial next weekend
8. Counting homeless people on Friday...I'm being totally sarcastic about looking forward to it, but unfortunately I'm totally serious about counting them

8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Polar King (RIP)
2. In-N-Out
3. Soup Kitchen
4. Cafe Rio
5. Panera
6. Texas Roadhouse
7. Eggs In The City
8. Mimi's Cafe

8 Things on my wish list
1. My car to be fixed
2. Being totally out of debt
3. A PUPPY!!
4. To never work a day in my life again
5. A niece!
6. To be fit&&skinny
7. Lifelong vacation!
8. To find a good guy to date!

8 People I tag
1. Traci
2. Trista
3. Jennifer
4. Natalie
5. Lisa
6. Amanda
7. Raquel
8. Chiara

Time for Change

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES...
PRESIDENT BARACK H. OBAMA!

WELCOME TO THE WHITE HOUSE!!

The Biggest Loser

So last night I was bored and channel surfing and stumbled upon NBC's The Biggest Loser. Holy Moly, that show is addicting!! I couldn't stop watching...it was a bit ridiculous how into the show I was
I'll admit it...I cried! A few times actually.

Oh Jerry...I fell in love with Jerry. I don't know what it is about old people, but my heart tends to break a little. He was working so hard and so determined to lose the weight and be healthy. I just kept looking at him and thought, "If this guy can do it, there's absolutely NO reason I can't!" I cried for like 5 minutes when they voted him off. I was so sad :( But then when they showed how he's been doing after the show I was shocked! He's awesome!! He has such drive, and such determination. I was that guy was my G-Pa! We could go jogging together :)



There was something about Tara that I really just clicked with. She has such a positive outlook on this whole experience. She was such cheerleader for every other member. I really felt like I related to her a lot more than the other contestants. She seemed like a girl you could go out and party with!



Ugh...now we have Joelle...Seriously, I felt like throwing something at the TV when I couldn't slap her across the face. She wasn't even trying! Everyone there was giving 110% and she was barely doing 50%! It annoyed me so bad! And then my favorite Jerry gets kicked off instead of her?! All I can say is she better step up her game or we're going to have some MAJOR issues!

The best advice I ever got...

A few years ago during a very hard time in my life my friend wrote me a letter. I've kept it with me this whole time and I pull it out and read it whenever things get difficult. My friend is going through a hard time right now and I told her I would post this for her.


"Sometimes in life things we want to go a certain way don't go as planned, not everything we want we get, and not everything we get we want. I have had many times in my life were I wondered why did this happen to me, I never did anything to deserve this, why me? Well sometimes we are not ready for that phase in our life to begin and somehow we all pickup on things like that in our minds and we break hearts and our hearts get broken as well. People are in our lives for reasons even if just for a short time or a long time and we may grow close to them or keep them at a distance, and sometimes we end the relationship with them in ways we never wanted or intended to but it is a fact that not everyone is meant to be together. No matter how picture perfect life seems it may not be what you truly desire in your heart and soul, once you can truly feel that they are the one and you are willing to give everything for them and they in turn are willing to give everything for you is it going to be the right time or place for a relationship. It has to be a two way process and both sides must give and take as each is supposed to and give support to the other always and in everything.

Sometimes people do need a break from one another to, well, sad to say, weigh the emotions of how they truly feel for the other person and in which time they choose what they are feeling and if they can be happy with the person in the future and if they truly do love them. Sometimes the people you think you are in love with are the ones that you just need as friends there to comfort you. Just because of one person your life is not over, it is taking a turn, sometimes for the better, never for the worst, it will only be the worst if you want it to be the worst. If you want to learn from it, move on and become stronger and you will be able to help other people on the same path as you and help bring them back up to where they should be, no one should ever feel as if the universe hates them.

Everyone has to remember that if one person breaks your heart or betrays your trust that there are still people there for you. The friends that people sometimes forget, the families that people neglect, and the people you can always count on, your best friends, who will go out of their way to make you have a great day and smile, these people may be forgotten sometimes when we are down and depressed or mad. But they are always there for us, we just need to remember that the person we are dating is not the only person in our lives. We must not dwell on things that can destroy who we are, and move on, even if it breaks our hearts to do so.

Just remember that God is always there for you, me and every person on this planet and all he wants us to do is ask, just a simple plea from his children is all he wants from us to show him we know he is there for us. It is such a simple thing that we forget that we can just kneel down and ask him for help, he is the greatest comforter. Remember that not only do I love you, your family loves you, all your friends love you, and most important of all God loves you."

My "Spot"

Whenever I get stressed, lonely, or overwhelmed I have a place I normally go to relax and think. It's probably the most beautiful place I've found in Southern California. Just thought I'd show everyone this amazing place! ENJOY

Check the FACTS!!

Okay, I'm a little annoyed with Vernal's "finest" newspaper, THE VERNAL EXPRESS, and here's why:

County Attorney’s Office reviews accident that killed Claye Robb

by Tabatha Deans

The Uintah County Attorney’s Office is reviewing evidence from a Nov. 21, 2008, traffic accident that resulted in the death of Vernal resident Claye Robb.

Robb, 48, was hit by a truck driven by Vernal resident Aimee Rowell, 24, while he was walking at night at 1000 S. 1500 W.

Evidence gathered from the scene by Uintah County Sheriff’s deputies, Vernal City police officers and Utah Highway Patrol troopers has been forwarded to the Uintah County Attorney’s Office and is being screened to determine if charges will be pressed against Rowell.

Joann Stringham, Uintah County Attorney’s Office clerk, says all reports have been received and will be reviewed this week. A decision whether to press charges should be made by the end of next week, she said.

Uintah County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Brian Fletcher says initial toxicology reports performed the night of the accident showed no signs of drugs or alcohol in Rowell’s system, and he doesn’t believe speed was a factor in the accident.

SERIOUSLY?!?! One of the first things you learn in journalism is to CHECK THE FACTS before you print the story and apparently the Express writers didn't catch this memo because they do this ALL THE TIME!! Usually they'll call my Mom the Deputy County Attorney and attribute the actual title to one of her MALE attorneys, but to call her an OFFICE CLERK is ridiculous! She's been an attorney since the 1980's and has been the OFFICIAL UINTAH COUNTY ATTORNEY SINCE 1992!!

I wonder if the County Attorney was a male if this "error" would have occurred so many times. Is it so hard to believe that a FEMALE could be in charge of an office full of men and have the highest position of authority?!

Gah it just annoys me! My Mom is an amazing woman and is one of my inspirations for going to school and making something of herself. She went to law school when women were still supposed to be at home with the kids, not out having careers. She was one of 10 women in that class and I'm VERY proud of what she's done!!

So, Vernal Express, how about you STOP GETTING YOUR STORIES WRONG AND CHECK YOUR FACTS ONCE IN AWHILE!!

Sometimes...

Most days I can handle the bills and the 40 work week and the being-on-my-own thing.

But then there are those days when I would give ANYTHING to be 8 years old again, in my old room, in my old neighborhood, riding bikes all day long. The most difficult decision I would have to make is what game do we play first, who was "it" for tag, and my only worry was getting home before dark.

Tell me that's not the life?!

Being an adult does have it's advantages...My orange juice now comes with Peach Snapps, my allowance is a lot bigger and I don't have to have someone with me when I cross the street, or in one case the Pacific Ocean.

Both has it's good and bad.

The worst thing about growing up is the heartbreak. But heartbreak knows no age.


My parents separated when I was 6, my Dad moved out, and the divorce was finalized when I was 8. One night my parents were fighting and my Dad said he was going to leave. I locked myself in a closet and wouldn't come out until he promised he would stay. I remember the nights he would come to read us stories before bedtime and when he would leave I would grab onto his legs as he was trying to walk out the door and beg and cry for him to stay.

He always left.

That's stuck with me my whole life. In my first relationships I would cry and cry and beg the person I was dating not to leave me when we were fighting. Even if I knew the relationship wasn't working I couldn't handle being abandoned again. I couldn't handle that hopeless, lonely feeling I would get.

When someone would "abandon" me the only thing to get rid of that feeling was to get mad--to get even. I said some of the most horrible things to people I cared about all because my feelings were hurt and I was trying to be in control of the situation again.

I eventually went to counseling and worked through a lot of those issues stemming from my childhood, but sometimes they sneak back when I'm least expecting it. Someone will hurt me or do something I think is wrong and all those feelings come rushing back. While my reaction isn't as severe as it used to be, it's still not something I'm proud of.


"Growing Up Is Hard" is an understatement.

Growing up is by far the most difficult thing you will ever do in your life. You'll be on top of the world one minute and rock bottom the next. People you loved and cared about will leave and new ones will take their place. Your heart will be broken more times than you can count and it feels like the pieces will never come back together. At times you will be absolutely miserable, and scream and cry and curse the world.


I have a quote that says:
"Someday everything will all make perfect sense. So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears, and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason."

That's really all you can do. Take life one day at a time and hope that one day everything will come together.

My Newest Addiction

SMILE BOX!!
I've been doing this all morning and it's so fun!!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Tantrums aren't just for kids these days

The end of the holidays, cold weather and economic gloom will make today one of the most stressful days of the year for returning to work.

But experts have come up with an unlikely remedy - throwing a tantrum.

'Releasing tension through shouting and screaming is a really beneficial way to expel the negative energies caused by stress,' said body language expert Judi James, the Big Brother psychologist.

Experts say throwing a tantrum can help people deal with stress

'When stress threatens to overwhelm you, try a short sustained burst of shouting, or alternatively, go somewhere quiet, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to help calm you down.'

The advice comes as a survey reveals that people are most likely to be irritated by colleagues eating noisily (28 per cent), sniffing (26 per cent), talking too loudly on the phone (21 per cent) and even singing (5 per cent).

Researchers found only one in ten prefer to sit quietly to combat tension, while more than a third admitted to having tantrums


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1105266/Feeling-stressed-You-ought-tantrum.html

First my Utes...

NOW MY CHARGERS!!!

23-17 IN OVERTIME!!!!

I LOVE MY TEAMS!!!

A few things...

First-- Rivers couldn't throw a pass to save his life...
Second-- Sproles was absolutely AMAZING tonight!! He basically won the game!
Third-- Weddle I think we should get married!! We both went to the U, both graduated in 2007, now both live in San Diego...What do you think?? Get back to me!!

13-0 BABY!!!

I'VE NEVER BEEN MORE PROUD TO BE FROM UTAH THAN TONIGHT!!!
MY UTES TOTALLY KICKED ASS, EVEN THOUGH I SWEAR "BAMA" PAID OFF THE REFS!

GO UTES!!

Faces Without Names

This is one of my favorite songs! These girls are amazing AND they're from Utah!! I heard them on The Morning Zoo when I lived in Salt Lake and was blown away!!
Listen!! I know you'll love!

2oo8 Remembered...

2008 was a year full of changes, and challenges for me. Even though it's only been over for 36 hours, I figured I can look back and reflex on all that happened to me.

January: Got to Washington on New Year's Eve. That first month was probably the hardest of my life. I missed my friends, family, and boyfriend ((all back in Utah!)) but I loved getting to know my cousin and experience life outside of Utah. It rained...A LOT!

February: Still trying to adjust to my new life...I interviewed for a few jobs in Seattle, but nothing happened. I even interviewed for a job in Utah and that didn't pan out either. I spent a week in Utah trying to figure out my life. A little depressed and still not sure what to do I decided to finally give California a shot!!

March: My Mom and Syd came to Seattle for a week and we played tourist. SO MUCH FUN!! It was actually pretty nice weather for Seattle in winter time!! After they left I made the long 21 hour drive to San Diego! I rented a room from a lady my brother knew and spent my spare time at the beach and looking for a job!

April: Pretty much all my life consisted of was the beach and job hunting! FINALLY I got my first "real" job at the Women's Resource Center as the Community Educator!! I was so happy I almost cried when they told me...

May: Time for training!! I had to complete a 60 hour Crisis Intervention Training with the Center for Community Solutions (CCS). It was by far the most emotionally challenging thing I had ever experienced. I cried so much and couldn't believe humans were capable of doing the things I had heard about. I also attended my first business conference in Sacrament, CA. CALCASA (California Coalition Against Sexual Assault).

June: With training over it was time to start presentations. I was SO nervous my first presentation! It was 2 full days at Torrey Pines High School but by the end I felt like a pro! I also decided to move to Carlsbad ((less than 1 mile from the beach!!!)) with two girls...

July: Came and passed without much happening. Again, I spent WAY too much time at the beach, but that's what happens when you live in California! Roommate drama started ugh!

August: Decided I was sick and tired of living in a one bedroom with 2 girls--yes, 1 room, 3 girls...NOT FUN! so I decided to move in with a friend from high school...BEST DECISION EVER!!! My step dad's mom, Donna Ann, died and I flew back to Utah for the funeral. $400 for a 40 hour trip. I was homesick so I flew back over Labor Day to spend get some family time. I hadn't been back to Utah in 7 months!!

September: Again, another month that came and passed without incident. It started to get too cold for a lot of beach time, so I began spending more and more time in Barnes&Noble...I really should get an award for being their most valued customer!

October: Quite a busy month for me!! My Mom and Syd came down for a quick vacation and I loved it! Beaches, musicals, rummy, Disneyland...it was all I could have hoped for! Then came the big 2-2!! What a better way to spend your birthday than with a bunch of drag queens! And of course spent an interesting Halloween in San Diego as a flapper!

November: Insert LOTS of time in Utah! I got to spend a few days in Salt Lake and a few days in Vernal...I loved seeing so much of my family! Still working...still going to the beach...still no life!!

December: LOTS more time spent in Utah! I got a big reminder of why I dislike Utah so much...SNOW!! I absolutely, positively HATE the snow!! Some people love it. Some people put up with it..Me, not so much. I would rather spend my time in sand and warm places then freezing to death in the snow. Met the infamous "crazy lady" and that night brought with it...Had a weird Christmas with my sister/brother-in-law in Argentina and my Dad in San Diego.

Overall it was a good year with lots of positives and LOTS of negatives. I'm just glad it's over!

We Will Never Forget...That Crazy Ass Lady!

THE NIGHT BEGAN INNOCENT ENOUGH...

OLD FRIENDS REUNITE...

DECIDE TO GO OUT AND HAVE A GOOD TIME...

GET A LITTLE CRAZY EVEN!

OVERALL, JUST GOOD OLD FASHIONED FUN!

TIRED FROM ALL THE FUN, WE RETURN HOME...

JUST A PEACEFUL EVENING SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS AND THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT...

UNTIL SHE CAME WALKING INTO OUR LIVES!!

IT WAS COLD, SO WE TRIED TO BE NICE AND CORDIAL...

BUT WE JUST COULDN'T STOP LAUGHING...

WHEN SHE PASSED OUT ON OUR COUCH AND HER FALSE TEETH FELL OUT OF HER MOUTH!

WE TRIED TO IGNORE HER, BUT THAT DIDN'T WORK!

MISSY: "HONEY, DON'T FORGET YOUR TEETH!"

OH THANK HEAVENS SHE DIDN'T LEAVE THEM SITTING ON THE COUCH!

WE MAY HAVE BEEN A LITTLE MEAN, BUT WE DECIDED TO MAKE THE BEST OF A VERY STRANGE AND AWKWARD SITUATION.

WE DECIDED TO DOCUMENT THIS INTERESTING EVENT!

SHE WANTED TO SHOW US HER TATTOO...

SO SHE STARTED TO TAKE OFF HER CLOTHES...


THIS IS AS FAR AS I THINK WE'LL GO!!!

SHE DECIDED TO STAY...

AND MADE SOME NEW FRIENDS...

WE HID FROM HER IN THE BACK BEDROOM...


AND KEPT A CLOSE EYE ON THE DOOR SO SHE WOULDN'T FIND US...

AND OCCUPIED OUR TIME TAKING PICTURES!


BUT TENSIONS STARTED TO RISE...

WHEN WE TRIED TO KICK HER OUT FOR THE 4TH TIME AND SHE WOULDN'T LEAVE!

INSTEAD SHE WANTED TO MODEL THE WATER BOTTLE FOR US...

SHE GOT A BIT ANGRY WITH US WHEN WE TOLD AGAIN SHE HAD TO LEAVE...

IT HAD BEEN LONG ENOUGH SO WE DID WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS BEST...

WE CALLED DISPATCH AND HAD A UINTAH COUNTY AND VERNAL CITY OFFICER COME AND GET HER...BOY WERE WE RELIEVED!!

THIS IS CERTAINLY A NIGHT NONE OF US WILL EVER FORGET...