Round 2...

I have to say that I truly loved my college days in good ‘ol Provo - but I didn’t think I’d once again be living there. My decision hasn’t been finalized - and that in itself is driving me batty!!! So let me enlighten you and tell you a little about my life as of late.
After Christmas I had decided that I would go somewhere other than California for a little change of scenery. Having quit my job and undertaken the task of becoming an author...my days started to get boring and drab. Writing a book is a lot harder than I thought! I think I have adult A.D.D. because when I sit to write, 5 million ideas swarm me and little gets accomplished. But on I shall attempt.
Thinking that I might benefit from a writing class I decided I would take a class in New York, Salt Lake, or somewhere far from home. I wasn’t quite sure about anything actually. But Christmas came and went and I began to break out in hives thinking I might actually go through with leaving my new little condo all alone. But I told myself it was time.
I could hardly think about it. I started grinding my teeth at night I was getting so stressed. Unfortunately I didn’t loose any weight due to the anxiety -ahh well. I told myself that if I were to go somewhere like Utah I could just sort of check it out and if I didn’t like it I could easily drive home.
So a few days after New Year’s I packed 1 small suitcase full of clothes and drove to Utah. I pretty much lived out of my car for a while. I became the queen of sleep overs and was pretty impressed with my lack of a “high maintenance” attitude.
My plan was to check out the SLC scene. I enrolled in an English writing class at the U and excitedly documented my first day of school with my camera. I’ll admit I was quite nervous, and was thankful to Diane Canate for her support as I registered!
When my first class got out, I acknowledged that I didn’t know anyone and I walked to my car. “Now what?” I thought. And then I felt tears roll down my face. It was the first time in my life that I felt I had to make friends all on my own. What a nightmare! 27 years old - yet I felt like I was an 8th grader trying to find herself.
So pretty soon after that I was over it! And besides, the stupid creative writing class wanted me to read some nasty stuff to inspire me. No thanks! I’ll get my inspiration elsewhere.
So off to Provo I went...and the fun hasn’t stopped! Granted - I’m like the oldest person around. But people say I don’t look a day over 21. So most nights that’s what I claim.
I’m not really sure how long I’ll stay or exactly what will come next, but I’m trying to do all the things I’ve always wanted to do. I might try to rent out my place if I can find the “Perfect Renters” that will take good care of it. Pretty soon I’ll get myself another real job and join you all living the often dreary life of a career woman once again.
But this time around I’m looking for something that has some real purpose behind it. So until I find it...on I will play!

When I grow Up I want to be...

It’s recorded in a time capsule in Santa Ana, Ca. that in 1st grade I stated I would be a famous singer when I grew up. Now if you have checked out my attempt at following in Mariah Carey’s footsteps at the Karaoke bar last year, you know that dream has long since faded.
There was a time when I aspired to be featured in a Bone Thug’s N Harmony video...hence Bella Bone above! And there was even a time when I wanted to join the Marines. Can you believe that one? I went to the registry place to check it out and even switched my cell phone cover to a camouflage decor! I thought I could be like G.I. Jane or something? Wanna know what eliminated that dream? Realizing that no one would kill the spiders for me, and I was sure I would run across many throughout my enlistment. (That same reason should have killed my desire to live in my own place...that’s gotta be the worst part about living alone)
My goals and desires have changed and been added to, throughout my life. But I have come to an interesting conclusion having turned 27. I decided I didn’t want another year to pass me by and just be able to say that I worked really hard and made some more money. So I’ve decided that my career in the mortgage industry will only be a half time sort of thing to keep me afloat. Not to worry, I can still do your loans for you.
I’ve decided that my other part time job will be that of becoming an author! What an undertaking right?! I agree, and what fun I’m having at it. Now don’t go editing and critiquing my silly little blogs now that I’ve mentioned I hope to develop some talent in the area. I’m very aware that I’m no professional and if the time comes to actually attempt to do something with what I write - I’ll seek the help of the pro’s. But I’m super excited and each day that I dedicate to writing I become a little more focussed on where I want to go with it all.
The best part about it is that it’s fun. I’ve always wanted to write a book about My Mammie My Hero (my mom), but feel that might be too big an undertaking for the time being. And I’ve always wanted to write a book about my family...my Loyal Royalties - but 12 siblings is too much right now too! So I’m thinking I’ll head the route of writing about what I know all too well. Being a girl and just growing up. Sounds boring? Maybe it will be - and maybe you’ll never get to read it! And maybe I won’t change your name when I tell that embarrassing story you and I shared! We shall see....wish me luck!

Fisters...(fake sisters)

Just when I thought I was alone in the world, with no more sisters to call my own...I found my Fisters! Love at first sight I tell you.
Provo had it’s time and place for most of us and there comes the day when you just realize you gotta get out. (Well most of us come to that realization anyways...) That time came for Jessica Hobbins a few months ago. She moved back home to Ca. to join me in a pursuit of social sanity. We have yet to find it, so we traveled to the infamous “P-town” for a little taste of what we use to call home.
Her two little sisters Ally (aka: Alice) and Brianna (aka: Breazie) picked us up and the fun never stopped. I felt like I was once again a Freshman in the dorms with roommates, junk food, and endless laughter. We giggled about tiggles, coozied in cozies, and spoke like the English blokes!
I will apologize for all that were around us throughout the weekend for our loud, obnoxious, and quite natural behavior. I can’t wait to go back and get me some more!
We had a “spooktacular” time! Wether it was rocking out in a jam session with Greg...(who can’t make up a decent nick name for the life of him!), sending off yet another pair of newlyweds, or taking 50 million pictures because it’s hard to get one that everyone approves of...I can’t wait to do it again.
Fisters...Fister loves you. Thanks for letting me in. I have even grown to love (ok ok...I lie...it’s more like accepted) your gurgeley “it’s just air” but sounds like rising vomit, manly throat burps. Now you MInd the Gap and call me soon! Cheers :)

As Seen on TV

As if my first debut on national television during the O.J. Simpson trial wasn’t enough, I’ve gone and again made myself look the fool! Ahh well, I’m always about creating great memories.
So I was asked to be on a new game show where I could win a lot of money - I was anticipating riches. However I seemed to have forgotten that I am horrible when it comes to trivia and even worse at deciphering winning strategies. But it would be fun right?
Well after 2 entire days of being locked up in solitary confinement I was over finding any fun in waiting. It was just me, my ipod, and Sudoku (I wasn’t even able to complete an entire Sudoku puzzle without cheating) and a lot of time to kill. Well, eventually they called me and got me ready for stardom.
To make a really long story short and to the point basically I cussed, I fell out of my chair, and I lost. Actually, I really didn’t curse - but unless they edit on my behalf the entire viewing audience will think I did. I was saying, “SHIZ” repeatedly and habitually, and apparently over the mic it sounds a whole lot different. I told the host to please let America know that I was a good mormon girl and I don’t cuss. We’ll see....and I have now officially found cause to break that bad habit.
I did in fact fall off my chair in a bit of excitement and then moments later proceeded to accidently hit my own face. Again, if the editing is in my favor you will have never had known if it weren’t for my blog spilling the beans.
And yes, I lost...horribly so! I needed a partner to take charge and lead out our strategy. Instead they were trying to make me a love connection. But I will say that my partner John does in fact come off a lot more intelligent than I. However I tried to act the part as I eyed a few members of the audience in a plea for help. One poor guy kept trying to mouth to me the name of some Robin WIlliams film but for the life of me I couldn’t read his lips. During the break the producer asked me who I kept smiling at...I just told them some cute boy was flirting with me. Geez! Could I please think before I act?!?
All in all, I had a great time and was glad I wasn’t nervous and could be myself. The real test of truth will be when I watch it on t.v. and realize that me being myself is quite often embarrassing. I guess it’s a good thing I don’t have to watch myself be myself...but rather I get my amusement from watching you be yourself!

We're Going to Have a BABY(ies)

Finally! I’m hoping for triplets - that way I can basically have one and don’t need one of my own anytime soon. Today on Lindsey’s 30th birthday Micah was the one that got the best present of the day. Two days earlier Lindsey shared the long awaited for news that she was pregnant. Immediately the two of us left work and were out to shop for the newborns.
I did a really great job at holding the secret in for 2 whole days while we planned the perfect way to tell Micah and the rest of the family. On her birthday I accompanied and secretly video taped Lindsey driving to the mall and parking in the “Reserved For Expectant Mothers” space. Micah was appalled that she would park there - he said it was as bad as parking in a handicapped space. Well, UCLA grad and all -he still didn’t catch on when he was asked to open the glove compartment and there was a pregnancy test with “Pregnant” written on it. He couldn’t believe it. And it sort of finally hit him when Lindsey mentioned how neat it would be for his Grandma to meet her great-grand child. Then we saw the emotional side of the soon to be dad.
It was pretty awesome! We had fun milking the surprise to everyone individually in the family. We are so excited and have already made our guesses as to her due date. I’m pretty sure I’ll win. We’re also making bets as to the skin color of the little one. Will they (again I’m hoping for a multiple birth! So is Micah!) have Micah’s nice Japanese skin or will they be cursed like Lindsey and I are, and live their life with the sun as their enemy! Or maybe they will have that in-between red tone thing going on, Ha! It’s okay Lindsey, as long as they have our personality they’ll be just fine. Just like you told me my freshman year of high-school, “Tristen - your not going to get by on your looks, so you better have a dang good personality!” I’ll pass on the legacy to your red toned children!!!

Another Year Come and Gone...Happy 27th!

So I’ve been waiting for something really grand to occur in my life to give me reason to contact all those I’ve fallen out of touch with. How about this...I turned 27 yesterday and am doing great! Is that a big enough occasion? I’m going to say that it is.
I miss the people I have fallen out of touch with - especially those from the days of my mission. I can’t believe that I have been home just over 4 years...that’s crazy. I officially apologize for not keeping track of all those I left behind in Ct. Hopefully in hearing the updates of my life, you can return the favor and let me know what you’ve been up to.
Well I did just in fact turn 27, and I’ll admit for the first time I actually kind of feel old. I live in California and recently moved out into my own place. I’m in the mortgage business and have really enjoyed it. I’d like to balance my life a little better and get myself back into my hobbies that I love. But creating the right balance between work, play, and church can be a little exhausting. I’m impressed with those that do it so effortlessly.
I’m kind of excited getting into this whole “blogging” thing. We’ll have to see if it stays interesting. But, keep in mind - I do end up having some of the greatest, most embarrassing, and memorable stories of anyone you know. So perhaps with some proper editing and censorship of certain names, I can enlighten you with the latest in my life.