American Idols?...or Rejects?

So, I mean you figure a girls gotta have some fun in her life right? You only live once... gotta stop and smell the roses... live like you'll die tomorrow...make a fool of yourself by auditioning for American Idol???
Well I did just that. I've been meaning to check this one off the list for quite some time. I know that most might think that music/singing is not my strong point. How sad that I would even know of that truth which should be hidden from me and only gossiped of behind my back. After all, I grew up with my mom telling me I had a beautiful voice and my singing was music to her ears. But somewhere along the way my singing career was demolished due to the reality I slowly came to accept. I figured it can't just be a coincidence that every time I sing in church I have at least 3 rows giggling and turning their heads, or that on my mission- as I sang in the choir - they asked me (and ONLY me) to please lip sync.
But my mom also taught me to not really care what other people think. So what do I care? - The truth is I would love to be on American Idol and I have envisioned myself belting out a certain song since season 1. For the past 2 years I almost tried out, but didn't quite make it there. Not this year!!!
With Gary Samuelian back in town you better believe that dreams are going to get realized. So Lindsey (and baby), Gary, Skylar, and I made our way to San Diego to become discovered. We showed up early Monday morning (6am to be exact!!) and got our wrist bands. Don't worry that the 5 billion other people that were there had been there since Thursday night. ( Are you kidding me? Thank heavens the world is full of suckers that follow the rules) The line was ridiculously long. So we stood to the side and I did an occasional warm up and followed Gary on some harmonies and then we made our way effortlessly to the front of the line.
We came prepared for a long day in the sun so we found the most comfortable seats (wheelchair seating of course) and got comfy. I took a little rest as the stadium sang their hearts out for all the pre-recorded stuff. Then people started going upto audition, and Gary and I went to warm up. Now by this time I had let it sink in that I'm basically doing this audition (against my mothers wishes) just to say I did it, not because I think I'm getting on. And it doens't help me with the serious factor when Gary is telling me to kick at this part and sit on the judges desk at that part. So I decided if all else fails to put on a good show for Gary and Linds.
Well let's just say that I surely did that! I sang with all the pizazz a broadway wannabe could muster and performed my heart out. I gave them a rendition of Chorus Lines' "T and A" they'll never forget! Lindsey said that from the bleachers all she could see were my arms and legs flailing and everyone looking my way once I started singing. And then once I finished (umm...don't worry that the judge cut me off before I was finished and I told him he was missing the best part!) everyone from all nearby rows gave me their enthusiastic applause.
I have to say it was a nice thing to experience rejection with Gary by my side. In my opinion those dang judges should have followed some peer pressure and put us past the second round! That crowd was loving us from 6am on. Ohh but don't you worry....we've always got next year baby!

URGENT***Do you know anyone that wants to rent my Darling Condo?

I seriously need everyones help!!! I'm bored out of my mind in southern Ca. (umm...maybe cause I don't have a job...I don't know? :) ) But - regardless of my reasons, the truth is I gots to change it up a bit. I loved being away last winter and wasting a lot of time in good 'ol Provo - but this time around I'm thinking a little bigger. (don't ask where...I'm not sure yet. I'll go where the wind takes me...or wherever I can find a sweet deal!)
So I have bravely posted my condo for rent on the infamous Craigs List and have heard from quite a few people. Perhaps one will work out. But I'm hoping that by getting the word out here on my blog (dang it - only Lindsey reads it I think...) that maybe word will get to the perfect and ideal renters. I'm wanting to rent it fully furnished and it would be just perfect if it was some newly married mormon couple who aren't ready to buy quite yet.
I have put my heart and soul into making my place just perfect. It's approx. 1200 sg. feet with 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The location is amazing and the community is ideal as well.
PLEASE PLEASE!!! Pass the word around and if you could help me find my perfect renters than you would be my BFF for life. Thanks everybody!!!

My Babies Daddy...

That's right...I know you're jealous - Gary has promised me the greatest gift one could give. (No it's not the gospel - I already have that silly!) He has promised to be the lucky donor in the case that my streak of single-dom continues on into my 30's. I figure if I can't have children the way I wanted to when I was like 20 million years younger than I'm going to alter my family fate and do something about it. So you just might be gossipping about me in a year or so when you see that I'm pregnant and not married...however keep in mind I will be the only Single and Virgin 30- something you know. Gary and I just say, "Let's give them something to talk about..."
Let's just say it's a decision that I'm not going to pray about. I know you might think I'm crazy and I just might be. But that little chit-lin of ours is going to be one talented, good-looking, Broadway star! Don't worry I'll post pictures of the whole proccess. Yaahoo...(turkey baster and all!)
p.s. Gary says he called Mucchia Prada and she's already working on his designer hospital scrubs for the future delivery!!!

The King on (or in) his throne!

Don't be mad at me...he just crawled on in and I happened to be there to snap a few photos. That little guy is sooo mischievous! (and plus it was totally bleached out - so stop contemplating if you want to call child protective services on me!)

Sorry - gotta add a few more - can't help it!

Yeah...better watch out Mary Kate...here comes Skilly!!!

Apparently looks are in her genes - nothing is more fun than having a photo shoot with my little niece Skylar Blue!

I have a GIFT!!!

Matchmaker Matchmaker Make Me a Match...I guess you could call that my theme song cause I'm a freaking genious at finding my friends the love of their life. Do you know that I have been responsible for the marriage...TEMPLE marriage of at least 8 different couples. Think about it - that's a lot!
You see - I have a gift. I see someone and I immediately start placing them with someone else I know. Not only do I have a gift at picturing 2 strangers together in blissful harmony - but I also have some great skills at making it happen. Like for instance...Spencer Munns. This guy has one heck of a particular taste. I, knowing the surface aspects of his taste can pick his type out of...hmmm...let's say...a movie theater?! Yep - I did that once. I was on a date and saw this girl that was just darling and as far as looks wise, a definete homerun! So I scoped her out for a bit and decided that her personality might also be hitting the jackpot. So during the previews I went and sat beside her and asked if she was single. Now you might be thinking that she might be thinking I'm a lesbo etc. But the thing you have to understand is that I have great skill at this. You see - people - these strangers - they like me. I know exactly how to take all awkwardness off of them and onto me so they feel comfortable and flattered and most important of all they quickly trust my opinion. I mean are you kidding - who in the world doens't like to be the person thought of as the perfect match for someones single friend. I can sell the idea to any old grouch!
With this girl that I wanted to set Spencer up with - I had to let her know that I was on a blind date and (no offense) my date was not a reflection of my taste in men. She totally trusted my high recommendation of Spencer and gave me her number. And of course, having many times set Spencer up, Spencer trusted my taste as well and called her up. Yeah...don't worry that they dated for like 5 or 6 months! Skills...I got skills!
Well today another lovely opportunity presented itself to me. I was at 7 peaks and this gorgeous girl sat right in front of me. I have a total staring problem and proceeded to do just that. I was immediately wondering who I could set up with her. Well lucky Chad Ahearn happened to be at 7 peaks as well so I chose him. I prepped him up with a nice pep talk and then sent him on his way to meet the love of his life. Now I'll have to admit that after they talked for a while I went over and talked to her and found out that she had a boyfriend. - So it looks like this time it's not going to result in wedding bells. But having captured Chad's sly move in- on the beach towel I felt the need to admit publically of my gift.
I think because I'm so dang good at setting people up I assume others are the same. NOTE TO SELF: Ummm...that's not the case!!! And in the past 3 years I've felt it's been my duty to be the victim of blind date after blind date. Well - this is exactly how I know that I have a gift...no one else thus far has even come close to matching my abilities as they've tried to set me up. I-yi-yi...the stories I could tell you! And perhaps I shall...

Freaky Friday!

So at about 9pm tonight I was finally informed that today was Friday the 13th...a day destined to make you squirm. Well I will have to admit that I was squirming all day as I swam in the cesspool they call "7 Peaks" - however...I was hoping for something a little more haunting to come along.
I went out to eat with my Fister...(fake sister)Alice Hobbins and we went to a very scary restaraunt to visit our friend Hailey. Don't worry that Chili's stuck with the gross theme and served me up the nastiest tortilla soup I'd ever tasted. But Hailey came to save the day and took good care of me. That's my girl!
Alice decided to take me over to her new favorite boys house for me to meet. She talked them up so much that I was just positive they were going to be willing to go along with my desire to spice this freaky friday up a bit. Let me tell you that I was not dissapointed.
Cam...my new personal favorite (in fact Cam - here's a T.F. (remember that's a 'tell first' straight from me)for you - I think that not only do you smell really good and know how to show a girl a good time, but that just in case you wanted to take me horse back riding the answer is YES!)
Ok...so back to Cam the new favorite of mine - well tired as he was after a long day of being on the lake- he said he'd take me out on his motorcycle to the graveyard. He told me that there was one that glowed in the dark. Oh man - I was in! So we took off and went searching.
No ghosts in the graveyard tonight unfortunately...A for effort though Cam....your still my new personal fav!

Away Station

I would just like to be the first to mention that I am a true "Band Aid" to the up and comming music sensation, "Away Station"!!! Oh - you don't know what a "Bandaid" is? Well let me tell you. A "Band Aid" in the music world is way cooler than a groupie. It's the kind of person that inspires the artist to write their music etc. At first I wanted to be known as their #1 groupie - but Steven Waite, the bass player for Away Station told me that being a band aid is way cooler.
I was in Vegas last weekend and I went to church with my old mission companion, Marleen Waite's (now Gunnerson) little brother Steven. He's about to hit it real big and I gotta say the music was pretty sweet. I even got the low down on what the lyrics really meant! Oh do I love insider information! Church was kinda boring ( I know that's bad to say!) so Steven and I worked on some lyrics. He did a great job in helping me out on the Bridge (that's the kind of one liner that ties it all together) and I requested that he share my thoughts with the band and get back to me. I'd must also mention that Steven did in fact suggest that I go into lyric/music writing. Wow - who'd of thought I have another hidden talent to work on!
So keep your eyes open for these guys. It's good clean fun music, sort of like U2 or some might even say Coldplay? I think you can look them up on MySpace - but I don't know how cause I don't get that whole MySpace phenomenon! Check them out...and know that my p.f. is for sure the one that sings about needing something else to get me through this!!!! I love it!

Cougars don't cut corners...oopps!!

Are you kidding me? I hated running cross country in High School...what makes anyone think that I'm going to start liking it now?! Lindsey and her bright ideas! She picked me up early in the morning to go and run a 5k with her. Well, the good sport that I am I hardly even complained. In fact - Skylar and I decided to start right at the front of the start line to see what it felt like to be a winner. So we threw Lindsey the leash to the dog that we weren't even allowed to have there and off we started at the front of the pack! Holding hands we quickly moved to the side so we didn't get trampled and waited for Lindsey and Page (Ryan's friend) - we couldn't find them. So then we decided to wait a little longer because maybe Micah and the baby would show up for us to walk with. Umm...we never saw them either! So what did we do? We made our way to the finish line and waited there!
Now that's my idea of a 5k done well! This cougar has got to cut some corners...in that kind of heat...you better believe it!

The 1st step is to admit you have a problem...

Well let me take care of that...
My name is Tristen and I'm freaking obsessed with anything produced by Apple! I couldn't help it - I bought an iphone! Now I'm generally pretty good at not living outside of my means. But talk about major temptation taking its toll on me. I mean, I am currently unemployed (should that embarrass me? cause it doesn't at all) and it's not like I have my lovely paychecks perking up the end of my work weeks right now. In fact, the other day Summer Thacker asked me if I was collecting unemployment checks. I told her that of course I wasn't! And she was very confused as to why I wasn't. Um -how about that I quit my job...I didn't get fired. And how about the other fact of my being somewhat responsible and having some sort of financial plan to save my day! How classic is that girl! Gotta love her. But - I have come up with an ingenious temporary plan! While I am patiently waiting for the most perfect sales job to come my way that I can conquer, I have decided to become an Apple Store employee! Did you know they train you on all of the products and applications? How awesome is that?! I have a goal to become MAC certified and this will totally help me be on my way! I have already sent in my application and have been assured I'm good to go! Tell me you're not some what jealous about that!!!
So the point of this story is - save your money cause there might be the funnest treat in the whole world that you just can't live without that you need to purchase the first day they come out and if you save a little collection of dough then maybe it's ok to sort of live outside of your needs for just a tiny second!!!

p.s. Butterfly's are a beautiful thing!!! They can really save the day!