Christmas Break Highlights

Despite my nice camera, I rarely ever take pictures. My apologies. This year we'll be re-capping this Christmas Break, photo-free... which I'm sure is pleasing to no one; including myself.

Highlights:
-picking out the Christmas tree with my Dad. Our #1 tradition.
-decorating the Christmas tree with my Mom. Our #1 tradition.
-decorating/making all four batches of Christmas cookies.
-spending lots of time with my nephews, Randy and Amanda, and Sarah.
-attending Randy and Amanda's 4th annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party (the best yet!)
-seeing lots of old friends and flames ;)
-first real date with a guy who has a real person job!

Lowlights:
-lots of driving...everything is simply stated, so sprawled out.
-throwing up in an ex-bf's apartment... that's a long story!
-sore throat.
-those awkward times when you're up until 1am with nothing to do...

Overall the good FAR outweighed the bad! I'm sad to be going back so quickly... it was definitely a fun break. On to Vegas for Brionne's wedding and Cedar City for New Years!

Greek Christmas Party

 I have been once again appointed Vice Pres of the United Greek Council. Mostly because no one else was available to do it, but that is beside the point. Part of my duties include planning the annual Christmas Party. I didn't even remember last years party so I wanted to do something that was fun and would kick of the holiday season right! Overall I think it was pretty successful, the only mishap was people mistaking the juice container for a trash can... but other than that it was a total hit! (In my opinion...) I couldn't have done anything without my wonderful friends and helpers, thanks guys!

Marte and Rachel assembling the Christmas Tree

Kaily and Emily stringing the oodles of paper snowflakes we made

Marte is my great-grand little I just love her. She's also from Norway!

Chris- our UGC advisor and Dallen made the whole night a huge success.

My best neighbor friend Tommy and I... I may have dressed as an elf...

Group Picture!!!

My wonderful roommates and I!

Tommy got the food and drinks... some of the drink got him

Our food and very own cake and cake pops! Thanks to Rachel and Wingers!

Thanksgiving

Mom and I... and my slippers.

 My sister surprised the rest of my family this year by bringing me home! It was the first time I'd been home for Thanksgiving in 3 years! It was so much fun and I'm so grateful that I got to spend the holidays with my family!

Mary Ellen (my Mom) kept saying "oh my goodness!" over and over again when she first saw me, and then asked me if I'd gotten kicked out of college. I'm not sure where that thought came from! I quickly reassured her I was still a student in good standing. 

Things got a little bit crazy... Oh the Welch Clan.   

 

 

 

 

Surprised Faces!  

After Thanksgiving Sarah (my sister) surprised us with a trip to New York City and tickets to the see the Christmas Spectacular Show at Radio City, featuring... the Rockettes!!! I've always loved them since I was a wee little Kady who would wait all year just to watch them on the Thanksgiving Day Parade. The show was simply fantastic!!! It even had LIVE camels and sheep in it!!! Might I add that the weather could NOT have been more perfect. It was 70 degrees and completely comfy weather for no coat! This is certainly a rarity for the Grand Ole city.

Radio City Music Hall!!! All decked out for Christmas :)

 

Sarah and I in front of the tree at our hotel.

 We walked around Times Square and 5th Ave, bought Godiva chocolates for $14 (who spends that kind of money on chocolate?... We do.) We went to Central Park, the Plaza Hotel, I accidentally tried to break into a cupcake place and had a total blast. We had dinner at this fantastic little place called The Glass Tavern, and later Sarah and I had pizza right in Times Square. I LOVE NYC and kept yelling about how I could live there and be totally happy and content. I just love the fast paced way of life and the hustle and bustle of it all. If you've never been to the city of cities- well that is just crazy talk!! Everyone should make it their next trip!

Mom and I at the Michelangelo hotel. It was both fancy and fun!

Sarah and I... I know... We look nothing alike.

Our hotel room. I slept on that couch and give it 5 stars. Very comfortable.

Sarah really wanted this picture... I don't know why.

Hate

I would normally describe as an optimistic person. We all have things that we hate though, that annoy us or dare even say it? Just drive us "up the wall." To get some things out of my system I've made a list. 

#1. I hate that I use all of these vitamins and still get sick.

#2. I hate when your pants don't fit when you take them out of the dryer and you feel really fat for a couple minutes.

#3. I hate when you straighten your hair and wear a coat or hoodie and you get that funky bump and it looks like you missed a whole section. 

#4. I hate when people quietly mumble things and then get offended when you don't hear them. 

#5. I hate when you can't find that receipt you need to return something. I want my $3.88 back from that terrible Great Value ice cream.

#6. I hate when you really want to talk to someone and they don't pick up the phone... and their  voice mail is full.

#7. I hate when you're lonely and no one is home. So you're forced to make a blog post of things that you hate that you know no one will even comment on.

#8. I hate when people use papyrus or comic sans. (I hate that I notice when people use them).

#9. I hate when I hear things wrong- "your gums" does sound a lot like "you're welcome" though.

#10. I hate odd numbers. 

#11. I hate when you forget clothes in the washer and then you remember the next day and they smell.

#12. I hate when you're using toilet bowl cleaner and it starts randomly coming out the side of the bottle and smells all bleachy.

#13. I hate when you send a really awkward text... and then they never text you back. I believe the answer no is better than no answer! I also hate that I send awkward texts to begin with.

#14. I hate when you charge your phone at night and then somehow in the morning it is mysteriously uncharged. 

#15.  I hate when you start a countdown to something- it instantly feels further away, but for some reason you just have to make the countdown!

Maybe tomorrow I'll make a list of things that I love, in order to balance out the negativity here.

Just a little preview...
I love coke and ginger-ale when I do get sick, no thanks to those useless vitamins... 

Sisterhood Retreat

Due to some mishaps our typical Italian Wedding social was canceled this semester. So the E.C. decided to have a sisterhood retreat in the Fall! It was a huge success to say the least. We had it at one of our sister's Jaclyn's house and there was plenty of room for everyone. We played oodles of games and had the best bonding time. I feel more connected to the chapter and I hope our new initiates feel the same way! I love Alpha Phi and I always will! It was so strange to be the oldest member there. I'm happy and excited to graduate, but Alpha Phi has made my collegiate experience and I might be just a little bit sad to say good-bye.

A Mexican Wedding with Americans

The Allegro Cozumel Resort. Randy kept saying "Welcome to Paradise!" It's a pretty accurate description though.

This is my favorite picture with The Bride and Groom and my sister Sarah... Shows the world what we're really like

The Groom before the wedding. He was swimming in the the ocean an hour before the ceremony.

The Bride before the wedding. She was also swimming in the ocean... but two hours before the ceremony.

During the ceremony

All the friends and family who attended

My brothers wedding was beautiful and simply perfect! I wish Randy and Amanda all the happiness in the world!

Marathon

No. I did not run a marathon, but I did learn where the word comes from. It's a fascinating story that I'll share with those who are interested in their own private time. 
The important thing here is how I learned it, while studying for one of my three midterms that all happened to fall on today. Never in my whole collegiate career has such a thing even dreamed of happening to me. While normally it'd be more stressed than a worm on a driveway I'd like to think that I handled it all quite well. For the most part they landed on the same day because I just got back from a lovely trip to Mexico for my brothers wedding. Pictures to follow!

Blog love

In the ever classic upstate new york elementary school scene, there was about 12 years ago a little Kady attempting to learn math. We were taught that when goldie (< <-- that is goldie, the fish) was facing this way < it meant the thing to the right was what goldie wanted to eat more, and vice versa. In an attempt to delete a majority of wasting my time and energies on useless things I have since decided that facebook needed to go and that I love my blog more. We'll see how long it lasts, but its been 1 day and I could care less about it!
In other news I have recently read my friend Kelsy's blog. You know when you meet that one person who you want to marry and you're hopelessly in love with.... If Kelsy was a man she would be that person. Since she's not a man, I'll suffice for us being "twins." The sentence previous to the last one sounded a lil erotic... don't worry world, I still like men. Anyway! Just read her bucket list and so many of our things are the same! and she had a lovely piece on the miracles from her mission, which just gave me goosebumps. So thank you twin for reminding me what's really important out there. 
Thank you world for working in my over-all favor today.

A Few Thank You's

I have just a few thank you's to give out tonight.
- thank you roommates for being making this the best place to live. I love our happy home.
- thank you gingerberry for a second chance. I love my piggyback rides, trips to your work and late night kisses
- thank you math accuplacer test for placing me in math 1030 so I can graduate on time. I don't love math, but I do love that I only have to take 1 semester of it.
- thank you classes, for being easy A's.
- thank you Alicia for being the best big ever and hanging out with me before you went up to your cabin tonight.
- thank you Kaily and Julia for reminding me how wonderful Alpha Phi truly is.
- thank you SUU for providing me with the best four years of my life. I'm afraid nothing else will compete.
- thank you parents, you've always been so supportive. 
- thank you Dr. Ping, for letting me occasionally fall asleep in class... and for still giving me A's.
- thank you God, for just being wise ole' wonderful you.
  and last but in no way least...
- thank you life, you're wonderful. 

Round Four

(Disclaimer: I have had fun, on occasion the past two weeks... and I'm not depressed or anything)
Almost done. That is the phrase that plays in my head a thousand times a day. Whether I'm thinking "almost done with class," "almost done with Polish days," "almost done with rush (which hasn't even started),"or "almost done with college." I don't know what it is that has made me so stressed these past two weeks. It could be the pile of girls who complained about the constant lack of the weather not being pleasing to them, it could be my fault and my lack of planning, but I'm almost done.
One saving grace has been my roommate Tommy. With so many girls in such large quantities I enjoy hanging around guys much more. We are strictly friends, in case you're wondering, but Tommy has saved me from myself these past two weeks and I'm very grateful.
("heart attacking" the DPO house)
I couldn't have made it without my little sister Kaily either. She was so willing to participate during Polish days and so willing to listen to me moan in my passively complainey way. Thank you K-new.
(Ridiculous picture of Kaily that makes me laugh everytime)
I feel as if I'm giving the impression that these past two weeks have been hell. After I saw Silence of the Lambs for the first time last night, I will no longer claim that they were hell... but yes, yes they were bad. I am glad they are over and I realize why it's not totally the norm to elect someone to the same Vice President position twice. Four rushes would make almost anyone want to kick the bucket, but it's okay... because I'm almost done.

Feliz Birthday!

The list of things I should be doing when I'm actually blogging is quite long... but once again here I am.
Yesterday was my 22 birthday! I know you're saying "22!?!? She doesn't look a day over 19!" Thank you, thank you for that thought, but yes, I am 22. Anyway it was easily one of the best birthdays I've had!! At least in the top 5 or 10. I never really remember my other favorite birthdays. 21 was fun.... Refocusing.
My birthday began bright and early at 6:30 when I woke up and started thinking about recruitment. From 6:30am to 9am I happily puttered my way about some rush projects I'm working on. Then at 9am Tyler and Alicia made me delicioussss strawberry pancakes with homemade whip cream! I'm going to miss the food they cook almost as much them!
From there, I showered for the first time since, oh yeah, Sunday. That was a real treat! Then I headed out to the art center where they made me a cute thank you card and then to visit Alicia at work for a bit.
My friend Connor informed me that he was on the U campus and while I was supposed to be attending a baking party with some frat at the U, I decided to postpone that and hang out with Connor. The U campus is a LOT bigger than I thought. I ended up wandering around for about an hour. Connor and I even ended up in a hard hat construction zone, with some construction workers who expressed some hard feelings they had about our presence there.
Eventually I ended up at the baking party, where not much baking was going on. They had moved on to the eating portion and I, of course, was okay with that. I hung out and made some new friends there and then I left too late for my birthday dinner at Buca.
Dinner was so fun and I'm so grateful to everyone that came!!! I felt so loved, and I truly have the best friends anyone could ask for. My whole Alpha Phi family even came!!! I'd never ask for a different family away from home.
After dinner Kaily, Connor and I went to the free Bright Eyes concert (and they were AMAZING!) and met up with some friends there. I ended up taking trax home and had some time to reflect on the fantastic people in my life. My reflection only led me to an extreme sense of gratitude. So thank you everyone for a great, fun and exciting birthday!

What do I want?!

My lovely red-head and I have (most likely) permanently ended our relationship. After an intense brief mourning period I've tried to use this experience to gain some perspective. Austin, bless his heart, was always so patient with me. One time I kept asking him what he wanted and he proposed the question "do you know what you want?" and I didn't!
I'm not looking to mope around and say I'll never find this person. In fact, I believe being single can be an excellent positive growing experience and I am most certainly in need of growth (mostly physically, but in a couple other ways too). After much reflection I've decided to post a list of what I think would be ideal in a future mate.
1. Suggestions of things he should probably like: reading, furry creatures, dogs, harry potter, being active, eating, napping, cuddling, watching movies, not watching t.v., traveling, new places,(live) music, indie/bluegrass music, laughing, texting, pictures, big dreams.
2. Should adadvisably not like: being obbsessed with a sports team, lying, being boring, being crunk
3. Good personality traits (for him, for me... people in general really): patient, easy to talk to, understanding, honest, flexible, caring, confidant... but humble, smart, hard-working.
4. My biggest personality pet peeves: ignorance (occasionally tolerable), bad spelling, rudeness, laziness, dull, narcissistic, oblivious.
If this mysterious knight on my horse happened to be loaded, tall, dark and handsome I wouldn't complain either. I wouldn't complain if I got the horse too.

End of Invierno (that's summer in spanish right?)

My summer in the 801 is coming to a swift close. I am so grateful that I was able to move up to the Sleazy and a make ton of new friends, live with an amazing couple and get some real world experience.

My internship at the Salt Lake Art Center was super positive, while occasionally boring it provided me to find my long lost twin Kelsy and have the best two supervisors (Talia and Maggie). I love working here and I'm so sad to leave. Even if we didn't get paid it was well worth it. I will miss Mags, Kels, Talia, Sam, Felicia, Jared and even Logan all so much!! Feel free to hire me when I graduate.

Working at abercrombie was a flash back to high school. I feel like no matter what store you work at there's always the same people. At least one cool manager (luckily all of mine are awesome) the odd girl who you kinda feel bad for, the one guy that everyone thinks is hilarious and the new kid... There's always a new kid. Poor new kid.... I was the new kid. Everyone made me feel welcome though and if all else fails after graduation then I'll be back abercrombie.

And lastly there's Joe's Basement... You didn't know that I'd be leaving after only a month and sorry I just broke the news to you. We have had some SERIOUS good times and good laughs. I've loved working here!! I'm sad to leave, but maybe I'll come back before I graduate. Heaven knows that if I'm waiting tables with a college degree under my belt... all hell will break lose. (This probably will in fact happen... both all hell breaking lose and me waiting tables even after I have a college degree. Overall an empty threat).

So Thank you Summer 2011. It has been real and although the weather is still awesome and it's not even officially over I must mentally prepare for, what is sure to be, a most epic Senior year.

Sharing

I am always tempted to post things on facebook that I shouldn't. I usually resist temptation, but sometimes I crumble. I've done pretty well lately, but I have to let it out somewhere... this seems an appropriate outlet.
- my mango peach vegetable juice has reconstructed fruits and veggies listed in the ingredients. Does this mean they were deconstructed? How do you deconstruct fruit??

-Song lyrics are my biggest weakness. I always want to post them:
The universe is shaped exactly like the earth, if you straight along you'll end up where you were
If you'll be my honey I'll be your bee
When you hold me I'm home
I just haven't met you yet?

I could keep going... but for the sake of my dignity I'll stop.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

There is something in that mixture of flour, butter, sugar and chocolate that makes me emotional. I should avoid chocolate chip cookies like the plague but instead I drift towards them like I drift to sale signs that say "50% off!" If only I could stay away, but in the end I'm not strong enough and that's why I've ended up blogging. I believe it's the butter that ladens me with fat oils and emotions. Tonight it has caused feelings of missing. What do I miss you may (or may not) be asking? Well I'll tell you.
1. I miss my family. From Mom and Dad down to Emmett and Brigg. I miss them all so much and wish we could all just hang out for a couple days.
2. I miss Cedar City, it's slow paced ways, tumbleweeds and deep ditched irrigation things that scratch the bottom of my car.
3. I miss Austin... I miss him making me laugh and kissing me. (tmi?? probably.)
4. I miss Alpha Phi. It's incredible how much I work on improving our organization, how much it drains me and how much I love it.
5. I miss running... even though I did it yesterday that cursed cookie dough has made it impossible for me to run today.

That's all. Remind me next time readers... to stay away from the Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Tips for a Succesful Shopping Adventure

I realized recently that there is a swift decline in love for shopping. What has caused this?! I believe it's simply that people don't know how to shop anymore! It is not a chore, but a joy to shop!! We are women, since the time of Marie Antoinette- maybe even before, have been called upon to enjoy this blessed art. Below I provide some tips for a successful shopping adventure from someone who knows how to have a good time among the cottons and silks of the world (and even polyster)
1. decide what you need before hand! Unless you've had a bad day and just need some retail window shopping therapy not having a plan will only frustrate you!
2. Do a little pre-shopping! Feel free to wander around the internet looking for those items that you need before you head to the store. Make sure you know what you like!
3. Don't go on a day where you're like "oh i ate that whole chocolate cake!" You'll be bloated and miserable- unless you still weight 100 lbs after eating that whole cake. If you weight 100 lbs... my advice to you? Go eat another cake.
4. Be friendly to the store associates! Most don't even work on commission anymore and they're forced to offer you those ridiculous lines about 'buy one get one free'. They're there to help you and most are happy to do so!
5. Recognize if you prefer shopping alone or with a friend. It's okay if you like one better than the other.
6. Go when you have ample time. Nothing is worse than being rushed and not being able to find what you want.
7. Unless you and your mother have the same style (or she's paying) I recommend avoiding shopping with your albeit amazing maternal figure.
8. Have fun- try on things you think are hideous and cackle in the changing rooms as you model them!
9. Try new colors and styles, you never know when you might stumble upon that new "date" shirt. You know the one.... the shirt that gets all those men asking fo yo numba... if men knew how to ask for numbers anymore.
10. I like to pretend that shopping is the most epic scavenger hunt. Find good deals, listen to what sales people pitch (sometimes they are GOOD deals) and find something sexy.
You can do it anti-shoppers!!! I believe in you!!! Now - go stimulate our economy.

Inconsistency

(Inconsistency) Would be the word for my entire life. The only thing I appear to be consistent about is my inconsistency. I don't do my laundry often enough, I don't blog everyday when I say I will and I most certainly don't do my school work consistently. How do I manage in life? Haha who even knows.
Tonight I'm taking a break from Joe's Basement. I'm too inspired by the last Harry Potter movie, diet coke and a plethora of candy and treats provided to me by Kelsy.
I think that people are put in your life for a reason. Why it may not always be clear I'd like to think I have some of them figured out and I'd like to list them here... This isn't fact, just theory.
In Chronological order from who I've met from first to last.

1. My mom- well she obviously gave birth to me and that's a pretty big reason, but she has gotten me through the thick and thin. I don't know how many times that poor woman has been the brunt of my anger and anguish and I love her for everything she's done.













2. My best friend Hannah- This girl has made me laugh so hard. She's cried with me, listened to my problems, taken me to Florida. She inspires me to live (not that I want to die), she just has such passion in life (and brains) and I've always been grateful for her willingness to share that passion with me.


3. My friend Kelly Thompson- Kelly helped me live through being a teenager. She gave me guidance and fun experiences that kept me going. She was living proof that I could be okay even during high school drama.













4. My Big Sister Alicia- I honestly don't think I'd be alive without her. She's taken me to the hospital and doctors only a few times less than my mom. She's is my shining example, and one of the few people who I appreciate life advice from. I'm so blessed to have her.

5. My Little Sister Kaily- She is wild, fun, witty and full of almost constant energy. She loves so many things. We've gone through up's and down's but we've always been there for each other when it mattered.
6. My Roommate Michelle- Michelle has taught me how to be a clean person. I know that sounds silly, but she really does make me clean my room! She also taught me how to pay a bill. Michelle is someone that would literally give you the shirt off her back (as long as she had appropriate attire on underneath) and do it happily. She is on top of her shiz and inspires me to do the same.
7. Austin Taylor- The only boy I've mentioned on here so far... Austin never judges me and he knows some downright awful and embarrassing things about me. From him I learned the lesson I will always be okay. Life is hard, but you will always be okay. I feel as if I owe him a debt of gratitude for showing me how to be a better person, while still remaining true to my personality.

...and last but not least!!!
8. My new-found friend Kelsy- Part of me almost believe we were separated at birth... and two years... since she's 2 years older than me. Although we've only known each other a short time I think she is one of the most fantastic people I've had the pleasure of encountering. We've already shared so much, especially as far as calories go, and I hope we stay friends for a long time. It's been a challenging summer and she's aided me in my efforts of self-improvement and fun, both of which I am very appreciate of.

There are many many more people of whom I could list, but off the top of my head and for the sake of my need to get to bed, I'm stopping myself. If only that temptation of my sweet bed and pillow hadn't consumed me. At least I'm consistent in my love and almost constant desire to sleep.

Joe's Basment: Part One: Episode 4

All the inspiration that was lacking in Saturday's post has now been delivered in this one. Friends, it is time to speak about Jane. Our first female featured on Joe's Basment; Jane deserves this honor. She is one of our darling hostesses. She seats people in a fine manner and gives excellent kitchen tours. Jane is about 5' 5" and reminds me of a blonde koala bear, she has the half blonde half dark hair thing goin on. She's 21 and only four days after her birthday she went to vegas with 11 of her other friends and had an awesome time. She enjoys Twilight and Harry Potter. You can often find her at VFW Bar on Tuesday nights, since they have bud lights for $.75. Jane really is a nice girl, she quizzes me on menu items and tells me what to study for my food test, she is informative and friendly.
Other than the fact that she likes to travel and has been to Hawaii and Puerto Rico, and that her best friend is getting married August 21 and she's not too happy about it, there's not a lot about Jane that I can tell you. Although I am quickly discovering that people who work in restaurants are kinda hardcore. They make pot brownies, smoke a lot of pot, and get black out drunk often. They also do shrooms! They also talk about all of this at work. I don't have a lot to contribute to these conversations, but I thoroughly enjoy listening to them. I don't believe that Jane is going to school, just working the buca life. And really, what more could a girl want? Nothing is better than that sweet buca life.

Joes Basement: Part One: Episode 3

I have received no great inspiration as to which one of my beloved fellow buca workers will be portrayed next, so I'll stick with a classic: Pedro. Pedro is our salad and dessert man. He is a back of house worker. That doesn't mean that literally he works in the back of the house, which I'll admit, I didn't understand that term at first. All of our back of house staff, excluding the dishwashers, help bring food out, which is actually cool and really helpful and something that the garden house totally stunk at (both being cool and helpful).
Pedro is quite old-fashioned and not a big talker. However, he does enjoy being talked to. In fact he insists that whenever he brings out a dish to one of your tables that you say either "Thank you Pedro." or "Gracias Pedro." He will not put the dish down until you audibly speak either (or both) of those. While this often annoys other servers, and I'm sure will eventually annoy me, I currently am charmed by this demand.
Pedro has to be at least 40, with a round face, glasses and about 5'10". I like to think that he enjoys his work, since I see him literally every time I am there. He likes to remind me to smile, which is something that I believe everyone tends to forget to do at work. Little else is known about Pedro's personal life to me, considering we have a small language barrier. He speaks fluent Spanish! I speak fluent Not Spanish. I like to think of Pedro as a bachelor, who lives his life in decent modesty. He supports a family back in Mexico- smaller siblings and parents, and hopes to one day be able to sneak them across the border (or maybe legally do it too). Sometimes I envision Pedro out on the town and doing his grocery shopping, getting frustrated when the cashiers don't say "Gracias Pedro." I picture him with a decent apartment in downtown salt lake, and drinking a cold beverage in a lawn chair after a long busy night.... Of course this is all in my imagination and he may have a family of 6 and not even be from Mexico! But until our language barrier is burst, you stay classy Pedro and enjoy that cold beverage. You deserve it.

Joe's Basement: Part 1: Episode 2

Due to his extreme popularity, or his self-belief of popularity I am forced to call our Manager/Owner of Buca Di Beppo, by something other than his already common name. For the time being he will be John.
John is I'd say in late 40's or early 50's. He wears a gold chain under his typically plum colored dress shirts and I'm not sure if he's tan all year round or just because he got back from a family trip (that was supposedly very pricey- according to him) to Disneyland. Standing at around 6 ft and an average build he's decent looking for his age. I'm reminded of a blend of Ralph Lauren, The Situation from Jersey Shore, and since he's a little bizarre, Albert Einstein.He has two kids (one son and daughter)... I think.... and has been working for Buca since it opened 10 years ago. He started as a chef, moved to head chef and eventually became the store manager. He likes it working for the franchise since, "It's basically like I run my own restaurant, but when something breaks, guess whose pocket it doesn't come out of? Yeah, that's right. Not Mine."
He is perhaps one of the most friendly managers you will ever meet. He insists on greeting every table (with around 100 tables that must be challenging on the busy nights) and like Cody he is a talker. He reminds me of a science teacher I once had, I believe the subject was chemistry. This teacher was the kind of teacher who when you asked a question proceeded to tell you the mysteries of life and basically everything you wanted to know except the answer. How is this possible? Well I still haven't figure that out. Since he failed to notice that I was an hour late to work yesterday (for good reason!) I'll let it slip... this time.

Joe's Basement: Part One

Buca Di Beppo, which translates as "Joe's Basement" is my current work environment. It has it's ups and downs, as do most places, but my favorite part is that we pride ourselves on being the "#1 place for celebratory dining." (See page 4 of the server training guide). What this really means is that people don't usually just go to the Basement for your regular ole' dinner. People come to the Basement to hang out and have a party, so they're usually pretty happy!
The Best (and worst) part of where you work always seems to be the people that you work with. In the blogs following this one I will introduce you to every employee at Joe's Basement. Of course I'll tell the slightly scandalous, so anonymous names will be used. If you prod me however I'm sure you'll find out whose who. (This seemed way more interesting and easy than doing stupid things before I die)

Today you'll hear about my beloved Cameron (name has been changed). I started training with Cameron and so far we've worked every shift together. The lucky duck already even has a nick name- Bieber, on account of his hair looking like Justin Biebers. Eventually I think it will just get shortened to Bieb, because one of the things Cameron likes to do is abbreviate things. I find his constant need to abbreviate unusual since he is one of the most talkative people I know. He likes to repeat often was just said to him. I'll recite a conversation that was had the other night.
"We always like to greet everyone that comes in- almost like we're welcoming them to our home!" - Our Boss
"So it's like you want to make everyone feel comfortable, like "Oh hey! Welcome to Buca!" yeah that totally makes sense, people love feeling like they're comfortable."
In my mind I often think- "really?! Did you need to say that?!" Luckily I have a morsel of self-control. Cameron is also 21, he likes to smoke pot with the claim that it calms his A.D.D. He has a girlfriend who he refuses to see chick flicks with and he wears a banana republic shirt to work. I got my work shirt at the D.I. Imagine how un-trendy I felt when that news was received. He's a good server, but doesn't know the food very well and tonight tried to describe a wine as "spicy." He however, is kind and offers to help me and show me how to do things (even though it's usually the wrong way). He also loves food and loves cooking. He once shared with me that he goes home and tries to re-create our Buca Dishes. Best of luck to you Cameron and I can't wait till we both start serving!
And that will wrap up Part One of Joe's Basement.

Date #2

Name: Bryan
Age: 24
Location of Date: Gateway Mall/ California Pizza Kitchen
Part of the original message I got from him: "So here is a little about myself and I hope it sounds appealing. I'm going to BYU right now and studying Statistics. Sounds so fun right! Pretty much everyone I meet loves statistics so I'm sure that you are no exception ;) I am fairly sarcastic. I have a pretty dry sense of humor. I served a mission and have been home for almost 3 years now.
So I guess that's a start on getting to know me. Hope you are intrigued ;)"
Can I just note that this outfit is exactly what he wore on our date? Bryan is a little shy, but I give him props for being the first guy to ask me out on a real date. I have a feeling that if every guy out there was as polite as him that this 30 day thing would result in me having a lot of leftovers, since I can't seem to finish a meal. That is the one word I would pick to describe Bryan- polite. He was careful not to say anything that could even be considered offensive, and he didn't seem to have too many surprising opinions. Which is unfortunate since opinions stimulate discussions. Little to say if we weren't agreeing on something the subject was quickly changed. He wasn't very outgoing but was... polite to all we came into contact with. I believe that with a little confidence, gumption and a spoonful more personality and spunk Bryan would make a great first date.
I'm giving this date another 2 out of 5 stars.
Come on men out there- make me laugh already!

Date #1

Date #1:
Name: Ray
Age: 23
Original message I received from him:" I agree... and you're honest I like that. Do you like anything besides kissing? Like polo or wingsuit flying?"
(On my profile it says I like kissing, running and chess... I really only do two of those activities, I'll let you guess which two)
For our date, Ray and I were supposed to meet up for 4th of July fireworks in Murray Park, however both of us got there, couldn't find each other and so we watched the fireworks from opposite sides of the park. After they were over we met up and sat on the grass and talked. Ray did a decent amount of talking and I did a decent amount of question asking. (Thank you to Rush for teaching me how to ask more than yes or no questions...). Ray was very nice, openly blunt but didn't really catch onto my constant sarcasm. Ray would be great for you if you're a girl that's interested in video games and if you don't wear jeggings, they're one of his biggest pet peeves. He also really likes sports, anything except baseball. Overall a nice guy, but I loathe video games, so I don't think it'll work out too well.
I'd give this first date 2 stars out of 5.

A Date a Day: The Plan.

For the next couple of days this blog will be better than your favorite romantic comedy. I am going to go on a date a day (or close to it). I recently joined an lds dating site, upon encouragement from my friend... we'll call her Kelsy. She also paid for it, as an early birthday present... which if you're ever wondering what to get someone for their birthday, let me tell you haha there's nothing quite like this gift.

Half of the guys on this site are total odd-balls that are 47, bald and still put up their high school graduation picture from the 70's. Then there's a quarter that just want some action- plain and simple. As long as you have all your appendages and are of the female gender they will make out with you. Then there's the group of what I like to call "life maybe's". They are the guys that are okay to go out on dates with. Remember though, they're not life rejects or creepers... they're just the boys that got swept under the rug of life. Those are the boys that you'll hear about on my dates. (I'll try and get pictures of each of them too).

Stay tuned for Date #1!!!!
P.S. This is more for the sake of my fascination with people than to find my one true love.

Death Be Not Proud

One of my favorite things about summer is that I get to read for fun. So far this summer I've read Gone with the Wind, The Alchemist and now Death Be Not Proud. It's an amazing memoir about a boys struggle with a brain tumor, written by his father John Gunther. It takes you on a journey of a struggle with life and death and the acceptance of both. It's inspiring, while remaining raw and real. Truly a great read that gives wonderful perspective on life. It reminded me that so much goes unappreciated. All the joys of life are so commonly overlooked, it has prompted me to try and notice the incredible and intense beauty that lies all around.

Is this Love?

obbsessed with this song.
It's honesty in chords.
A combo of Jessica Lea Mayfield- a folk singer from Kent Ohio
and Seth Avett. Seth is part of a duo with his brother. There band is, no surprise here, the Avett Brothers. Hopefully I'll get to see both in July. "Murder in the City" is a great song by the bro ho's. Seriously, don't miss out!

"the boo"

I recently got over a case of the boo, more commonly refereed to as the flu. Since the word flu isn't nearly negative enough, boo has been found to be an excellent substitute. Not only is boo more scary, but it is an excellent word to show contempt and disapproval. Since the boo is also constantly "going around"... that makes it sound sleazy... here are a couple tips for surviving it.
1. stay in bed

2.have lots of dvds handy

3.ignore your phone

4. except to call your mother

5. if necessary, see a doctor

6. take LOTS of baths. even though you're still contaminated this will make you feel it a little bit less

7. have great roommates

8. drink lots of water

9. DO NOT drink diet soda, it has aspartame... which severely upsets an already upset empty stomach

10. it's okay to moan in pain

(the) sleazy

Definition of sleazy: 1. verb- to be promiscuous 2. noun-Salt Lake City, Utah 3. noun- poor. Of these three definitions I assure you I only intend to employ the use of two of them.
My journey of almost independence continues with my move for the summer up to the sleazy. I'm living with Alicia and Tyler and I must say they truly are fantastic roommates who cook, clean, have netflixs and a garabage disposal. There is nothing more one could ask for.
My internship at the salt lake art center while incredible and awesome has left me quite sleazy... I never knew how much a burden working for free was.
I start volunteering at an animal shelter next Wednesday and I'm beyond excited!!! I have weird dreams every night... last night it was that their was an earthquake, the night before that it was that Jim from the office was in love with me and left Pam.... they continue, but I'll stop.








The before of my room.







... 24 hours later....