My Best Friend is a GENIUS!

My best friend Heather just launched her Hippie Sack business. With her own two hands, she created all kinds of neat handbags and beach bags that are colorful, lovely, and very functional!! With scraps of fabric she found from all over Hawaii, she has managed to put together the most beautiful collection of bags. Go take a look at her website, HippieSacksHawaii. If you want to order one, email her at heather@hippiesackshawaii.com

Heather, you're so talented!! I can't wait until I get my very own hippie sack in the mail! :)

Down in the LBC

I spend 90% of my time with one man. As much as I absolutely LOVE that man, and enjoy every second with him, sometimes I just need my girlfriends! Who else can accessorize the perfect dress, or tell you what color eyeshadow to use.

Long Beach is the perfect place for a girls getaway. Helya lives in a quaint little part of town called Belmont Shore. Her apartment is walking distance to bars, restuarants, shopping, and the beach! I got there about 8:30 on Friday night, after a few detours and fighting my way around the Gay Pride Festival on Ocean Blvd.

As soon as I walked through the door, Helya was ready with vodka shots and chasers. Unfortunately for me, I was a bit unaquainted with taking shots, so of course I took too many. Four of us girls made our way to Legends (Helya's home) and...ok...you'll need some background info for the next part: imagine this...three girls between 5 feet and 5'2'', skinny mini's (80-90lbs), and we probably don't look a day over 18. Ok, I get it! It's the law to make sure we are of drinking age, but after awhile looking young gets so old!

Anyway, the Bouncer not only examined my ID forever, but asked for a credit card to verify. That has NEVER happened to me before. Then, the bartender asked for our ID's again!! I am so sick of that crap. To top it off, these ugly-fat-geezers came up to us and said, "are you ladies tall enough to ride the rides?" So I gave him a dirty look and rolled my eyes, "haha you are so hiliarious, jerk!" Three insults in about three minutes! We start walking away and the guys are like "oh but we meant that it's sooo cute and adorable!" Okay then, did you ever think about just saying that instead?!?! What losers.

I think we were at the bar for less than two hours when I desperately needed to just go to bed. Helya gave me water and a trash can and fell asleep to the sound of a "water-fall" (as she put it) coming out of my mouth. Yeah, I know, not so pleasant. Sorry about that. But I was out of practice!!!!

The next day I woke up in agony, but we got pedicures and sandwiches and layed out on the beach. Let me tell you...Pedicures, Subway, and sunshine are the perfect hangover cures. P.S. I am NEVER drinking again! :)

Saturday night we went to sushi where Helya taught me a new trick! SOY PAPER INSTEAD OF SEAWEED! I write that in CAPS because that's how excited I am about this. The worst part about sushi has always been the seaweed. I cannot stand it. I usually embarrass everyone with me and eat out the inside of the sushi roll with a fork so that I don't have to touch the seaweed. (Hi, I'm 5 years old!) But now, no more humiliation my friends.....I can eat an entire piece of sushi without wanting to vomit! THANKS HELYA! It's the best trick up your sleeve (and you have a lot of tricks!)

After sushi I experienced GUITAR HERO! for the first time. It was so freaking fun. I am usually very anti-video-gaming but this game seriously ROCKS! Lucky for me, my little brother has it in Montana, so next week I'll be spending most of my time Hero-ing it up. Look out girls, next time I am going to be the Champion. We also played Taboo for a bit and ate cheese and crackers and tried our hardest to sip on some wine (my body was rejecting it the moment it hit my lips!)

Girls weekends are always fun, but this one was extra special. Good friends are hard to find, so when you do, keep them around, stay in touch, and visit often! Thanks for the lovely time Helya, I can't wait to do it again!

Goatmeal

We didn't arrive to the campground until after dark, but lucky for us, Rachel and Scott already had a fire going and the bevs ready. Rachel made incredibly tasty burgers, bigger than our faces with a side of blueberry vodka. Scott spoiled us with "goatmeal" chocolate chip cookes and the rest of the night was spent by the fire talking about camp hookers.

Apparently there were really camp hookers because on two separate occasions, in two different bathrooms, we found used condoms strewn across the floor and dirty panties. YUCK! Scott also witnessed a couple together in the shower. We came up with different ways to ruin this inappropriate romance: by plopping things into the toilet and grunting, or squirting water out of a water bottle into the toilet. Next time Scott!

The next day, we went on a grueling hike up to pfeiffer falls. Actually, it only took us about 10 minutes and led us to Bug City. But, there were some HUGE Red Woods and tree trunk caves and tunnels, and lots of great photo ops!


We drove down Hwy 1 about 10 miles to another water fall, where some rude people took all the parking spots, and stood in the middle of the road. They were all there for a wedding at the end of the trail...the same trail we were going on. It was very annoying, and probably the WORST place for a wedding. But the view was spectacular and we got to see lots of strange people.

After our hike, we made it back to the campsite for a cat nap. I got up to start dinner: BBQ chicken and grilled veggies. Rachel made margaritas, with a blender!!! Yes, we brought a blender camping :) We camp in style! The yummy dinner only made us want more goodies, so we brought out the s'mores and finished off two giant hershey bars! YUM!

The rest of the night was filled with laughter, and lesbian talk (our neighbor campers were butch lesbians!) and then I got real cranky and whined my way to bed.

The next day we took our time getting up and Scott made pancakes with bananas and blueberry syrup! We really ate well this weekend. We packed up and headed our separate ways. :( It was a very memorable weekend, and I am very grateful for my lovely friends!

See you again in Catalina!

Camping!

We're off to Big Sur this weekend for some camping fun with good friends! I'm sure I will have some good stories and pictures to share when I get back!

Is it 5:00 yet?! Chomp chomp!!

Gullible

Today, I got a text from Heather saying, "We're having a baby! I'll call ya later...still at the Dr."

I texted back, "OH MY GOD. Call me AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!" and screamed to myself, "AUNTY JAIME! YAY!"

Mid-text to Rachel, telling her the wonderful/crazy news, Heather texts me back, "Haha! April fools!"

Me: "I HATE YOU"

Heather: "Ya, I'm a BITCH"

Me: "I really wish you were pregnant though!"


Heather, get pregnant please. You're going to be so freaking cute. :)

Try that bowl of salsa!

My best friend from home came to visit this weekend. We met in third grade, when I was the new girl and sat next to her on the first day of school. We have one of those friendships where we don't see each other very often, but when we finally do, the time and distance fade away, and the memories and laughter bring us back together. There was one thing about Jillian that I did not know about before - her hidden talent of balancing objects on top of her head. She can balance anything and everything upon request, and she does it with grace and ease! My favorite part was when we asked her to balance the glass pitcher and she goes, "ok, but that's easy. Anyone can do this one." Ha! She belongs on David Letterman!

So You Think You Can Dance?

Halloreunion!

It was another successful Halloreunion. The cub, pup, and roo all came to stay at the cottage for a festive fall weekend getaway. This year, we ventured out in the rain to the Avila Barn to pick out our pumpkins, and take our annual family photo. Each of us found a unique pumpkin. Kara's was a red chode, Rachel found the perfect mini, Scott's was bright orange and the perfect shape for a good carve, and us goat's picked out a yellowish one to cover the fall color spectrum in our photos. Carving would not be complete without some tasty pumpkin cake, a few bevs, and some poot. Roo carved stars, Pup carved a ghost, Cub carved some bats, and Goat and Bun carved Sweet Kitty.

After all the detailing and poot pictures, we cleaned up and got ready for the birthday celebration at Shins. We couldn't do Sake BOMBS! but we managed to have some fun anyway with our chum sake, and mickey mouse birthday dessert. After dinner, we crammed into a nearby apartment where we sipped strange Dr. Pepper bevs. Black Sheep welcomed us with open arms, but Kara's Dirty Martini combined with sushi gave her a belly ache. Rachel sobered up quickly, and Steve got his beer spilled on his crotch and almost got in a fight. We had to carry another pal home, and put her to bed. It was quite an interesting night, but a memorable one nonetheless. Sunday we Gussed, lounged, tivo'd, and laptopped until the animals had to depart.

I loved seeing my wonderful friends. They always make my heart real warm. It's nice having a few girls around the cottage to help me pick out clothes and make-up. I miss that. I miss you!

A record!

I just noticed that my last 5 posts (over the past 4 months) have been nothing but GOOD NEWS and HAPPY TIMES. I don't think I've ever felt more excited about my job, my boyfriend, my upcoming summer plans, or life in general. Things are going really great for me! I must have done something great to deserve this! My only complaint is that my family moved to Montana so I won't be seeing them as often, and my friends are still far away. Lucky for me, we all still visit each other often and keep in touch on a regular basis. You all are my life-long friends!! No matter what, I know I have you, and that's what keeps me going the most. THANK YOU!

Congrats to Rachi on getting into San Jose State. Part of me is sad that you won't be staying at the cottage as much, but at least you're not too far up north and I couldn't be happier that you get to be near Cub.

I just saw Joanna in Mission Viejo two weeks ago and I got to meet all of her southern friends!! It was a really fun trip. I'm hoping to go out to Arkansas next year for her graduation. By the way, she got an interview with the Pittsburg Steelers.

Helya is coming tonight to visit me!! We have a fun weekend planned! Concert in the park, happy hour, downtown, pedicures, and wine tasting (chauffeured by S.J.D.!!) Can't get much better than that!!

Ness

The HAPPY part has been:

- in Hawaii for a week with her best friend Heather. Best. Vacation. Ever. (Hey everyone, I learned how to surf!!!!)
- visiting mom at home for presidents day weekend. Shopping, eating, and sleeping. I LOVE MY MOM!
- LBC girls weekend with the ever-so-lovely Helya. ROSCOES!!!!!
- soon to be VEGAS! Girls-5, Days-3, Nights-2, Rooms-1, Fun-tons, Shots-lots

Sweet November

So I've been trying to decide what to do with my life...as usual. I have a great job, but every day I come up with another reason why it is not for me. Yesterday we had a science poster session after work so that all the chemists could share their research posters from their trip to Wisconsin. First of all, they were ugly because it was just 8x11 sheets of paper pinned up in order. The main reason to take interest in a poster is the pictures right? Yes. I had no pictures to look at so I decided to try to read them. It was impossible. I felt like I was reading a different language, or English with a very heavy chinese accent. Anyway, as I was staring absently at the posters, a coworker asked how much chemistry I had taken in college. I told him I was a chemistry major, and he goes "oh cool, so you've seen all this before." HA! Yeah right. Apparently I haven't' had enough chemistry classes. So, I felt really dumb, and I hung out with the finance and admin people instead. We talked about how good the snacks were Wahoo.

On the flip side, today at work, another coworker came up to me asking if I'd be interested in writing the local ACS newsletter for next year! I told him I was definitely interested, so we'll see if that works out! I am supposed to be getting one in the mail soon to check it out and get ideas.

I've also been brainstorming other ideas for my life. Helya and I were discussing different options we had as chemistry majors and she came up with getting a masters in nutritional science, and I looked into food science. They offer the programs at Long Beach State, but we'd have to take a lot of prereq classes first which would take FOREVER. Ugg. I started looking for MS programs that didn't require the same BS degree. There are a lot of random ones out there like "MA in Fundraising" or "MA in tourism and travel management" How freaking awesome is that? Who does this stuff? Do people actually go to school to get a degree in fundraising?? I also looking into Cal Poly's teaching credential program too....I think teaching kindergarten would be fun ;) Haha

Other than that, life has been OK. Halloween was awesome because Rach, Kara, and Scott all came to stay with me! I went to a hippy party which was great because I got to see some old friends and listen to a great band. We also went to sushi and downtown in costume...after pre-partying with Alize at the travelodge of course. We are so classy.


My dad comes tomorrow for a weekend visit! I am looking forward to it. Hopefully the weather is nice so that we can go outdoors and hike or play at the beach. YAY dad.

Lastly, I booked my ticket for HAWAII to visit Heather for her birthday in January! I got a sweet deal so I couldn't pass it up. I am using every last hour of vacation time for Christmas and Hawaii. Woot Woot. I wish it was January already.

As far as my love life goes, John Mayer explains it better than I ever could.

"I don't know where you went when you left me, but it says here in the water, you must be gone by now, I can tell somehow. One hand on the trigger of the telephone, wondering when the call comes, when you say it's alright, you got your heart right. Maybe I'll sleep inside my coat, and wait on the porch til you come back home. We share the sadness, split screen sadness. 'All you need is love' is a lie cuz we had love but we still said goodbye. Now we're tired, battered fighters. And it stings when it's nobody's fault, and there's nothing to blame, at the drop of your name, it's only the air you took and the breath you left. I called because I just need to feel you on the line, don't hang up this time. And I know it's me who called it over but I just wish you'd fought me til your dying day, don't let me get away. Cuz I can't wait to figure out what's wrong with me so I can say this is the way that I used to be, there's no substitute for time, so leave me alone, just leave my side. It's alright, we share a sadness, it's alright, it's yours and mine, it's alright."

Missing my summer heart

Tim and I ended the summer with a bang. Disneyland was a spontaneous trip as we left town Friday at midnight, arrived in Anaheim at 4am, slept in our king sized pillowtop hotelroom bed, and spent all of Saturday enjoying being kids again. Space Mountain was our favorite, but Thunder Mountain was a classic thrill. I hadn't been to Dland in at least 8 years, so it was nice to experience it again with my lovey.

Our next adventure was to Lake Tahoe to visit my dad during memorial day weekend. Tim had never been there before, and since I was born there, I figured it would be nice to show him around somewhere so beautiful and so familiar to me. We spent the night at my aunt's house in South Lake Tahoe the first night, and met up with my dad in Gardnerville the following day and took a little road trip to Reno to pick up my brother. Tim was able to witness all of the awesomeness that the Carson Valley and Reno have to offer. The next day we went hiking up near Kirkwood, to Winnemucca lake. It was a beautiful hike and we even saw snow and my brother shoe-skiied down a snow patch :) Tim and I drove to the stateline in Tahoe to walk around the casinos and quaint shops. It was a perfect evening, but home was calling, and our 7 hour drive was ahead of us.


The very next weekend, we flew out of SLO on Friday night to Vegas!! We didn't get to Treasure Island until after 11, so we grabbed a bite to eat, gambled a bit, and passed out in the most comfortable hotel bed I have ever experienced. Tim woke up early to bet on sports, while I slept in like the princess that I am. The weekend began with a long walk down the strip all the way to Luxor. We stopped to eat at a buffet in the Monte Carlo, and again for huge daquiris from Coyote Ugly in the New York New York. We walked through the MGM, and back to Ceasars to visit my friend Audra who works as Cleopatra. She was soo beautiful! I hadn't seen her in three years, so we were all smiles, and I could see the real Audra underneath the costume. Tim insisted on getting a daquiri refill back on the other side of the strip, so I agreed and the minute it touched my lips, I knew I'd made a big mistake. We had to take the monorail back to Harrahs, and the walk from Harrahs across the street to Treasure Island was excruciating. I felt like I was going to explode from too much liquid and alcohol. I went back to the room, got sick, and passed out for a few hours. Dinner was impossible, as I still felt sick to my stomach, and every single restaurant was either about to close or packed. Finally at 10:30 we managed to find a mexican restaurant that would have been really good but the second I took a bite, I felt nauseous again. I had to lay down again, and slept until Audra called at midnite. She and her boyfriend came to our room and we had some drinks, and went out to the Tangerine. It was crowded, and the drinks were 10-12 bucks a pop, so we didn't stay long. Sunday, Tim and I walked around the Venetian shops, and went to the Wax Museum and took pictures with all of the "celebrities". We also ate at a quaint sushi restuarant, walked around the new Wynn Hotel, and went to see Mystere, a cirque de soleil show at Treasure Island. It was AMAZING. Oh my gosh, it was the best show ever. Those people are incredible talented, and I honestly can't figure out how they do what they do. GO SEE IT!! Unfortunatly the weekend was over, it was time to go to the airport. It was one of the best weekends ever (besides getting sick), and I miss Vegas already!!!

Since then we've been relaxing at home in SLO. It's nice to just sit and enjoy our little town, but I do love to travel and experience other places. Now school is starting for Tim tomorrow. It's weird seeing all of the incoming freshman and everyone walking around looking for parties. I feel like I am left out in a way, but at the same time I am so happy I don't have tests and homework to worry about. I actually like the autumn season. The air becomes crisp, the town is alive again, and I get to cozy up next to my love and fall asleep with a cool breeze through the window. Life is not so bad.

"when autumn comes it doesn't ask
it just walks in, where it left you last
you never know when it starts
until there's fog inside the glass around your summer heart"

Life's waiting to begin...

I am lonely. By the end of next weekend, nearly every single friend I have made in college will be gone. It is a very very sad thought, but I know it is just life. Unfortunately for me, my dear friends are not only departing from their college experiences, but they are leaving their lovely, safe, exciting, nurturing home of 5+ years. They will all travel to wherever their sparkling new career takes them, and by this time next year, we could all be very different people.

I thought I was lucky to get a job in SLO, so that I could still be with my best friends and call this beautiful place, "home", but now I am not 100% sold. On one hand, I am so thrilled that I get to be near my Tim while he finishes school. He is my world and I am 438438754 times more happy when he is around. Also, I found a decent paying job that will build my resume, and helloooo I get to live in San Luis Obispo! Then my mind wanders to a more pessimistic outlook...why can't I move away and go on a big life-altering adventure? I wanted to! I tried so hard getting into schools far away and applying for jobs all over California, but to no avail, I ended up here. I love going new places. I want to travel. I am not afraid of leaving home! So why am I the ONLY one staying?!

This leads me to the point that I believe everything happens for a reason. There must be a reason I am still in SLO while everyone I love is moving away from me - I guess I will find out someday. For now, I will try to be positive, and enjoy living here as much as I can. Tim and I want to find some sort of club to join...a salsa club perhaps. We kinda live in a town where if you don't go to college, there's no way to meet new people. Arggh...at least I have Tim, right? YES!

Anyway, I just want to tell everyone who is leaving (or has already left) that I hate you all. No, actually I love you and I am very proud and happy that everything is working out for everyone. I know in my heart that my dearest friends will stay that way forever. "Even though we are far apart, you will always be in my heart", yadda yadda and all those other mushy quotes about being away from those you love. I just please ask that you all keep in touch *cough myspace cough cough* and that you call me if you are ever lonely or sad, but mostly when you are happy so that I don't become even more depressed, thank you very much.

"The most important thing in life is creating loving relationships"

My Amazing Lovelies who I think about every day:

• Tylia - Genentech, Oceanside - I WILL live in San Diego one day my love
• Joanna - Grad student for athletic training in Arkansas- I WILL visit you!
• Shannon and Joe - the crazy couple...good luck in grad school in Oregon you nerds!
  
• Heather - Hawaii with your new hubby. ahh I hate that you are so far away, but thanks for picking an awesome place to visit!
• Rachel - I hope you don't become the little old lady from Pasadena, but I am glad you found a suitable first job at a hospital. You rock. I am coming to visit you...on your first day away. hahahaha I am soooo weak!!!!!! Does this mean we are too old to get drunk and dance? (please say no)
• Helya - :( please dont leave me. I am only okay with it because Jon is still here, so that means you HAVE to be here sometimes. I am SO happy for you though. I hope you love your new job, but mostly I hope you still let me whine to you about all of my problems.
  
• Jess - you said you are leaving in March...so until then, let's play!

I will miss you all. :(

My other friends who left me:

• Jay - Genentech Vacaville
• Dobber - Monterey farmer :)
• Brie - grad school in Texas
• Michelle - grad school UCSB
• Pf - Texas Instruments! TX
• Alissa - Washington DC
• Jon - still in UCLA ;)
• my new friend Scott- you're lame for going North! (and leaving Rach)
  

Tim, come home soon so I am not lonely anymore!

"The things that are worth it are never easy"

Don't be sad because guess what? I got a new car! A Mercury Mariner SUV. All white with tan interior..I'll post pictures soon. :)

Also...
Tim and I are going to Tahoe for labor day weekend

and...
Vegas the weekend after that. :)

So my life isn't completely bad.

Well Hello There!

After over a month without an update, I FINALLY have some time to write a little bit. SO much has happened since May. I went to Jillian's Bridal Shower in Vacaville with my super cool convertible rent-a-car. A bunch of friends and I helped Tim celebrate his 24th birthday at Tsurugi. Everyone and their mom graduated (congrats Helya, Rachel, Jess, Sara, Reza, Mike, Heather, Ryan, Lazy, and whoever else I am forgetting, sorry, there were just SO many!). It was a great weekend celebrating everyone and seeing their families. My only real vacation this summer was when I went to Cabo for Heather's AMAZING wedding week. It was probably one of the most loving, luxurious, beautiful, exciting, and memorable events I have ever witnessed! We stayed in a beachfront house with a pool, and all the food and alcohol we could ever want - for free- all week long. The wedding included tiki torches, pink and orange lanterns, fireworks, fajitas, and a giant pool party! YAY for Heather and Ryan!!

The biggest life change is my brand new CAREER at Promega Biosciences a week and a half ago. I am a pro Mass Spec user, and an expert-in-training on the NMR. It's been really great learning new things, meeting new people, and drumroll please....sitting at my very own desk with my very own computer. I feel important, and the days go by fast and I receive my first paycheck this week which will make it all worth it! Today I tried pipetting for the first time since my sophomore year in college (~3 years ago), and I spilled all over the place like a big re-re hahahahaha. The only thing I'm insanely qualified for is using the software, clicking around like I know what I'm doing. Otherwise, I just try to look cute and do what I'm told. Really, all I do is wonder how the the general manager got her job sitting in the big office doing paper work and making phone calls all day. I want that job.

I also moved around the corner from my last apartment. My mom came down last weekend to help and she brought along her minions - Philip (or "Phil" as he likes to be called) and his friend Michael (Mike?). My mom is so nice, I need to learn how to be more like her. Anyway, I am now the proud resident of a quaint little studio above a garage in a new residential neighborhood. It has a cute kitchen and a porch with a balcony that makes my heart warm. I LOVE it. Come visit!

Tim and I celebrated our one year anniversary (of meeting ;) last weekend too. He took me to Montana de Oro to eat Tahoe Joe's take out looking over the ocean. It was BEAUTIFUL! Then, we went to Sycamore Mineral Springs and had a romantic evening in the hot tubs! Thanks Timo! You're the best. I love you! Since I had Monday off (whoo hoo), Tim and I BBQd, went to see Nacho Libre, and organized my apartment a bit. For the 4th, we went to Cayucos and watched the fireworks!

Well, I'm spent. I'm sure I am missing something in there, but I am too tired to think about it. Time to crawl under my new sheets and watch my very own TV! I love my life, and I love even more that YOU'RE in it! All of you. xoxo

Upcoming summer events:

• Brie's wedding - Saturday!
• Jillian's Bachelorette Party - July 15th - San Francisco
• Jillian's wedding - July 22nd
• I live for weekends and Vacation days.
  
• I want to go to Disneyland, Tahoe, San Diego, Big Sur, Yosemite
  
• Take me?
• K, Thx.
  

"She's Pretty Great"

• I like sushi. Well, kinda. I went out with some friends and actually tried it, and yes, they were proud. The first roll I had was the Ninja (heeyah!) and I put the entire thing in my mouth as instructed, and blech! it was sickening. The seaweed-wrapped mound was NOT good, so on the next one, I took off the seaweed and ate the insides with a fork. It was delicious!!!!!!! Then, I had a Crunchy Roll. This one was better because it wasn't wrapped with seaweed, but it was huge, so when I put it all in my mouth, I couldn't even breathe, chew, swallow, nothing! I tried another one, this time cutting it in half, and it was much much much better. Finally, I had another similar roll without seaweed again and it was quite nice....with a fork. Overall, the highlight of the night was the edamame and my dear soda. I would definitely go again as long as I can use a fork, and you don't make me eat a whole piece at once.

• I have been job hunting because EAS isn't paying the bills. I decided I need more experience in the industry because a) there's better paying jobs out there for my qualifications and b) I'm bored and I want to try something new. Eventually, if I get into grad school, I'll probably go, because I am 80% sure I will not enjoy running instruments and analyzing data for too long.

• I am currently looking for a new roommate. My roommate is moving home for the summer and won't be coming back because he is transfering to Saint Mary's up north. This sucks because his dad pays most of the rent and I give him $500 for my own room and bathroom in a really nice apartment. Since I don't want to move again I am staying but the rent is going up! I haven't found a new roommate yet, but a couple people have been interested. Let me know if you know anyone who needs a home starting June 1!!!

• I threw Heather's Red Hot Lingerie party last weekend, and it was a HUGE success. Heather had a great time, and she got a million pairs of new panties, and crotchless bloomers compliments of Ryan's parents! How great is that??

• A bunch of us went to Vallartas for Cinco de Mayo for dinner and margaritas! We ended up having 5 or 6 pitchers, and pretty much the entire restuarant was drunk and crazy. It was a great time with great friends!

• We leave for Vegas in 10 days!!!! Heather, Rachel, Alissa and I are driving from here and we are picking up Joanna and Lindsay from the airport. Vegas + 6 girls + bachelorette = insanely good times. I can't wait!!!

• That is my grand update. Life is getting better, and things are starting to work out....maaaybe.
  

Not Bored for Long!

I haven't written anything lately because my life has been DULL. It's about to get wild though, so get ready for some exciting stories. Besides being a brunette, the only thing that is different in my life is that I finished my senior project (besides making edits for RS and printing it out), and well, that's all that is different. Lame. I'm supposed to hear back from Kent State in 2 weeks, but I am not so sure I even want to go anymore. RS said "if you really want to do Science Journalism, don't let NYU or BU tell you that you can't." But how would I do it without being accepted to a program? The only other program is at MIT and I sure as hell won't get in there. I found some "environmental writing" programs at schools like Missouri, Wisconsin, and Michigan, which sounds easier and still interesting, but I'd still have to wait another year to apply...so what do I do until then? I 'm too poor to sit around and wait for application season. Another idea was to get my teaching credential to teach chemistry in high school. I think I would really enjoy this, but again, it's too late to apply and I'd have to wait until January to start. It's still an option, and I will probably still apply. I just have to figure out which CSU's to apply to. I'm thinking either Cal Poly or SDSU. Last, but according to my mom, most definitely not least, I am job hunting. I like my job at EAS, but it barely pays the bills, and I am ready for something new. I pretty much guaranteed them that I will stay till August, but I an currently searching for something new - something to give me a different type of experience - and more money! Anyway, thats my life right now - that and my wonderful boyfriend who tells me that I should be more positive because I have a degree in chemistry, all of my limbs, no terminal illness, a family who cares about me, and I'm "hot". Thank god for him.

Some wonderful things to come:

• Today:Housesitting for my boss for a week at his beautiful home - pretending I'm a queen.
• April 29: Heather's Bridal Shower at my house- "Red Hot Lingerie Party"
• May 6: Mom, Grandpa, Lisa and fam come Bisit! We're staying at the beach!
• May 19-21: Vegas for Heather's Bachelorette party!
• May 27-29: Memorial Day Weekend! (Kara is coming!!)
• June 5: Timo's 24th Bday!
• June 10: Lots of loves graduate! (Helya, Rachel, Heather, Jess, Brie, Ryan, your mom)
• June 17-24: CABO for Heather's wedding week!!!!!
• June 30: Jillian's Bachelorette Party!
• July 8: Brie's Wedding!
• July 19-23: Jillian's Wedding weekend!

I'm exhausted just thinking about it!

Starting July 24 I will be homeless for bills. Please donate.

Also, I'll take you away in the way that you take me and go where I go.

"Don't wake me...

...I plan on sleeping in." I think The Postal Service wrote that song just for me. I love to sleep. Today (Wednesday) was the first day since Friday that I've had to be up early for work. So, all weekend I've enjoyed harmonious sleep. "Sleeping in" to me requires that I sleep past 9:00, but usually when I have the opportunity, I sleep as late as possible. Saturday I slept in til 11, Sunday till noon, and Monday till 1. Notice a trend? :) I love my life. Monday was amazing because I didn't have work (thank you Mr. President) so I stayed in my pajamas all day watching Nip/Tuck season 1, playing on my new ibook, and eating yummy food with Timo. He surprised me with these really pretty earrings that I told him I liked in a magazine a few weeks ago. It's thoughtful things like this that make me like him so much.

For Valentines Day he had me over to his house, and he answered the door dressed up in a shirt and tie, with candles lit all over his apartment. He was cooking dinner, and had the table set, and offered me some wine. It was the cutest thing ever. No one has ever put so much effort into making a sweet Vday for me. Thanks Tim! This weekend should be pretty fun. Sejal is coming from San Jose, and we always have a great time going out with her. Tim also might be having a friend come visit, this time a better one ;) It's Mardi Gras, so we are going downtown to show our boobies...just kidding. Mardi Gras 2003 is when Helya first corrupted me...but that's a good thing because I was a lame-ass prude. Thanks to her I am no longer with Adam (woot!), and I enjoy being social with my friends! She's my hero. So, it's our anniversary, and we are going to break out the vodka and skittles with a side of hookah. Friday will be just what I need after last weekend's debaucle.

My favorite things right now:

• Starbucks Hazelnut Mochas
• Tim's down comforter
• My new earrings
• Cuddling with Rachel while watching Grey's Anatomy
• Nip/Tuck
• my ibook
• my future wedding dress
• listening to Tim talk (Crazy!!)
  
• sleeping in
  

I am a Believer

There are really no words to convey my experience seeing the Coldplay concert with Rachel last week, but it was

"amazingextrodinaryincrediblesexysensationalastoundingbreathtaking" ;)

First of all, our seats were FABULOUS. I think my eyes popped out of my head and I had to catch my breath when we found out how close we were. We could see that Chris Martin's black pants weren't the same shade of black as his shirt (shame on him), and we could see the sweat dripping off his face, and we knew the guitarist was married because we could see his wedding ring. Pinch me, because I think I am dreaming!

The entire concert was a big exciting blur, partly because I was pretty much in shock the entire time--I mean come on, COLDPLAY, my favorite band of all time, was 20 feet in front of me--all I could do was sing and scream and jump up and down and dance and squeeze Rachel! But also, we were second hand high, which did not help my memory of what songs had been played. I don't even remember Chris singing my favorite song, A Message. :( Stupid pot smokers.

I <3 yellow balls with gold confetti. Enough said.

I DO, however, remember Clocks. Holy shit. Clocks was the most incredible performance I have ever witnessed. I think I had a "concertgasm" (thanks Rach). Chris danced around stage and crawled on the ground, and the lights went crazy, and my heart beat and melted and aaaahhhh I could die happy. Next time you see me, I'll do Chris' crazy dance. Rachel will too.

Okay, so it was the best concert I've ever seen, but WAIT, what about the encore?!?!?! Let me just say, tears almost streamed down my face as Fix You came on. Probably the most beautiful song ever, and I can act out the whole performance, right Tim? (first he sits soulfully at the piano, then...wait for it...wait for it.......then he swings the light!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Tears stream down your face!!!!!!) I have an idea readers! Go to your itunes. Click on "Fix You", and go ahead to about 3 minutes into the song...listen to the music build up, then imagine Chris standing in the middle of a dark stage with a single lantern hanging from the ceiling, and then the song climaxes, and he takes the lantern and throws it out and it swings around in circles and it just captures all the feeling and all the love of his glorious music!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay, sorry, I just think Coldplay was the most incredible concert ever, and I am a tad psycho about it. Thanks Rachel for the best birthday/graduation/Christmas gift in the whole world, and I couldn't imagine seeing it with anyone else. Coldplay is our new religion.

We are believers.

I'll leave you with my theme song (note picture):

"The Scientist"

Come up to meet you

Tell you I’m sorry
You don’t know how lovely you are

I had to find you
Tell you I need you
Tell you I set you apart

Tell me your secrets
And ask me your questions
Let’s go back to the start

Runnin’ in circles
Comin' up tails
Heads on the science apart

Nobody said it was easy
It’s such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be this hard
Aww take me back to the start

I was just guessin’
At numbers and figures
Pullin’ the puzzles apart
Questions of science
Science and progress
Do not speak as loud as my heart

Tell me you love me
Come back and haunt me
Oh when I rush to the start

Runnin’ in circles
Chasin’ tails
Comin’ back as we are

Nobody said it was easy
It’s such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be so hard
I’m goin’ back to the start

Ahhooooooooooooooooo
Ahhooooooooooooooooo
Ahhooooooooooooooooo
Ahhooooooooooooooooo

WORST 10

Why did I decide to embarrass myself and post incredibly lousy pictures of myself (and my friends-hahahaha suckers!*) for everyone to see? In hopes of making you laugh, of course!! These ten photos are the the ugliest, weirdest, and most freakish pictures you will ever come across on this blog. Now you can see a part of me that I usually like to keep locked away in the depths of My Documents. Enjoy, giggle, make fun of me, but please, I beg you, don't stop being my friend (or anyone else pictured here). :)

In order of least bad, to delete-NOW-and-empty-the-recycle-bin-HURRY!

"Helya, you're beautiful."

"Hi, we're relatives of Bozo the Clown, and we're here for the party."

"You chopped off my head!"

"Don't eat me!"

I'm pregnant, and her name is Smirnoff.

I don't even know what to write here.

Can you see the hangy ball thing? I can. Click to enlarge and die.

Be a friend and cut them off. WTF!?

Whoever decided it was okay to take this photo needs to put down their drink.

and the #1 worst photo of 2005:

They let me out on a day pass.

* if anyone posted here would like to be removed, please leave a comment. I am sure I can find a substitute-my computer is full of nasties.

Best of 2005

I dedicate this post to the best twenty three photos of 2005. Laugh, remember, but most of all...enjoy! (click to enlarge)

*Thanks Rachel for helping me decide among our millions!