Earlier this week Melanie called me and need to reschedule our weekly tennis game/exercise day from Thursday to Friday because there was something else she wanted to do. What could that be you wonder to give up tennis, even though it's been hella cold (that's right I said it) this week? A college rodeo tournament down in Heber City. Of course, I was invited even though rodeo's aren't normally my thing but I had a bought a cowboy hat (a very very cheap one) on another excursion with Melanie and Sarah B. and where else was I gonna sport that sucker. So I decided to go even though I didn't know that I would be dog tired at the end of my work day on Thursday.
Yesterday after work, geez I was tired. Falling asleep at my desk tired. But I would push through. I didn't need another night of sitting at home watching the television, I wanted it but I need to get out more. I'm seriously an old woman at 26! So I called Mel to find out the time and carpooling plans. She then told me that after the rodeo we would be going to a bar called Harry O's to watch this band play that her roommate Sarah D. knows a guy in. Oh lord, could I do it? Yes! Went home and redid my hair so that it looked fabulous with my hat on, all the while sucking down a monstrous glass of highly caffeineted Diet Coke. Made it to Mel's and she was looking for more information about the rodeo like the address and time. We found out that it started at 7:00 which it almost was and so we were going to be late. So talk of scrapping the rodeo and just going to the bar later occurred (I was pretty hopeful) but no we were just gonna be late to the rodeo.
We picked up Sarah B. and her roommate Amber and we chatted and sang along to a great mix. Once we got to Heber we had some trouble finding where the rodeo was but once we found it we found our seats and took in all the splendor. The smell of horses and cattle and variety of stetson wearing folk. We got to see roping, barrel racing, and bucking broncos and bulls. Not to mention some mighty fine (though young) cowboys. Some cowboys can be really sexy, don't you agree? Hm Hm Hm.
At the end we had to brave the dropped temperature and very brisque wind to get to our car. We could barely stand it so we ran until we were warm inside the car. Some of us were hungry so we stopped at the Dairy Keen for some food. I haven't eaten inside there for quite a while. They are mostly known for their amazing shakes but I resisted and just got a cheeseburger and fries. Plus a much needed diet coke for refueling. As more exciting events were yet to come.
Again more loud singing as we drove to Park City. As Sarah D. was approaching the exit we saw three police cars with lights on parked towards the end of the offramp. Then when Sarah put on her brake on the offramp we began to slide and made a 180 degree turn. We began shrieking especially us three girls in the back were not seatbelted. Amber who was in the middle, being brave, braced Sarah B. and I while I held on to her. It seemed we were surely going to slide back into one of the parked police cars but suddenly the car stopped near the side of the road. As we were turning we noticed a policeman running towards his car. We were stopped, but before we could heave a sigh of relief we were worried about cars coming onto the offramp that may slide as well and into us, but luckily they passed by. So after pulling ourselves together and getting us all seatbelted we were back on our way.
We decided to try to find parking on Main Street, even though it's usually a hard thing to do but we figured on a Thursday night we would be alright, which we were, only half a block away from Harry O's. The place was pretty dead when we got there and the band we were there to see was already playing. They were called All American Hitmen and is made up of former marines. The lead guitarist who Sarah D. wanted to see was pretty cute and a really amazing guitar player. They played mostly covers which were fun and good but when they played their original stuff it wasn't very good. As time passed more people made their way into the bar and it was interesting to watch all these people interact with each other.
When the band was finished around 11:30 we headed out of there and back to the car. On the way Melanie decided to start a small snowball fight with Sarah B. Poor Sarah, she didn't have a coat and got nailed so ran for the car. Then for the capper of the evening...
For a little background, anytime we are with Sarah B. we have to yell out to pedestrians, usually men, as we drive by. What do we yell? "He..ey!" I'll have to do it for you somtime if you don't get it. It's pretty funny to see what reactions we'll get. Sarah B. has a couple of megaphones in her car that we use to emphasize it. But we were in Sarah D.'s car so we had to rely on our own voices and as we drove down Main we yelled at whoever we saw and giggled our way out of Park City. Quite a fun night and all home by midnight. Not bad.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
What Motivates Me?
This has been a burning question of mine for several years. It usually coincides with how to reward myself when I reach specific goals like losing weight. My friend Melanie is really pressuring me to figure this out so that I will be more motivated. I decided that sticker charts definitely don't matter and even something I want to buy won't work. I have never been one to deprive myself, hence why I need to lose weight. But even in non-food areas, if I want something I'll buy it. Even if it starts out as a reward whether I hit my goal or not I'll still buy it for the plan and simple reason that I want it and it's my money to spend how I choose. So it was quite a conundrum for Melanie to figure out.
The next step was to figure out something that I would really like to have but I couldn't just go out and buy. They turned out to be things that other people had to provide for me. For instance, Loralee gave her a sister Melanie a home-made giftcard for her services as wardrobe guru. I happened to stop by one day while they were in the midst of the first phase which was going through Melanie's closet and seeing what she should keep and what she should get rid of. The next phase was to create outfits out of her existing clothes and together we did a pretty good job. Melanie was really styling when the day was through. The next phase is to go shopping to fill in any holes for staples she might need. It was so awesome, I totally wanted it. But I can't just go out and buy that, well I could but not for very cheap. Or design advice from Loralee. Or a photoshoot of my friends to practice posing and photoshop stuff. So it's up to you people to motivate me. At least at first. If I happen to say something I want from you and I really it want then hold it over my head until I lose a certain amount of weight. Let's get this going. Any ideas from you? I already know one my aunt "booklogged" could do. I would love to learn how to make the hat you made me for Christmas. So think of the reward and the appropriate goal to go with that and I'll create a list. Thanks in advance. One more thing to try.
The next step was to figure out something that I would really like to have but I couldn't just go out and buy. They turned out to be things that other people had to provide for me. For instance, Loralee gave her a sister Melanie a home-made giftcard for her services as wardrobe guru. I happened to stop by one day while they were in the midst of the first phase which was going through Melanie's closet and seeing what she should keep and what she should get rid of. The next phase was to create outfits out of her existing clothes and together we did a pretty good job. Melanie was really styling when the day was through. The next phase is to go shopping to fill in any holes for staples she might need. It was so awesome, I totally wanted it. But I can't just go out and buy that, well I could but not for very cheap. Or design advice from Loralee. Or a photoshoot of my friends to practice posing and photoshop stuff. So it's up to you people to motivate me. At least at first. If I happen to say something I want from you and I really it want then hold it over my head until I lose a certain amount of weight. Let's get this going. Any ideas from you? I already know one my aunt "booklogged" could do. I would love to learn how to make the hat you made me for Christmas. So think of the reward and the appropriate goal to go with that and I'll create a list. Thanks in advance. One more thing to try.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Grateful for my faithful readers
So enough is enough and I need to quit my unofficial break from blogging. I think blogging has become hard because I feel like my regular readers are those I talk to on the phone and tell everything to and so writing it would be redundant for them. Sure I know blogging isn't supposed to be for the readers but sometimes I feel that way. The grateful thing has kind of passed. It's really hard to think of things that would be interesting to write about. But I'm gonna try but not limit myself to just grateful posts. So I'll fill you in on some developments to better my life.
A month or so ago I was talking to Julie about saving for a trip to France and she mentioned that she was gonna try to pay off her surgery by the end of the year. That is quite a hefty amount so I was mind boggled that she would be able to do that and she must be making tons more than me. Julie has never wanted to tell me what she makes but she told me so I could figure it out. She actually makes slightly less than me. (I hope I'm not giving away too much information, Julie.) I do have slightly larger expenses than her. I pay more for my car payment, student loans, tithing. I have internet and netflix, but she pays almost double my rent for her mortgage. So can she save that much money. She does have roommate income, but I'm offsetting that against her actual mortgage payment. She mentioned that shop more and eat out more than she does. Which is true.
So I decided to change my ways and really pay close attention to how I spend my money. I found this great website called Mint.com where you can input all your financial account information so it can update when you pay something, lets you know when a payment is due and file your spending into various categories. I can also fix something if it gets filed wrong but mostly it learns where things go really fast so I almost never have to do anything. Also, you setup a budget each month for each category that you want. I set up mine so that I would be able to save $200 this month for savings if I stay within budget. One of my favorite elements is the Trends Tab. It gives a colorful pie chart of your spending so you can see what the percentage of your spending goes to and then you can click on one of those areas and it will break it down even further if you have it set up that way and to the side shows where you spent the money like Walmart or whatever and how much went to that store over how many visits. It's so awesome.
The month is almost over and I have gone over on a few things slightly, but it's my first month and I'm not beating myself up about it. I just won't be able to save as much which is the kick in the pants I need. The goal is to get up to saving $400 a month, which should be doable. I absolutely love that website and check it religiously everyday and have an APP on my phone for it as well. It hasn't kept me perfectly in line but it does make me consider if I really want to spend that money on that and not get to spend it on other things later. I'm also hoping, because I drastically reduced my fast food spending from what I normally spend that it will help me lose weight. I've learned though that the groceries I buy need to be somewhat healthy too if I really want that to happen. I'll give an update next week of how I did and other things I'm gonna be struggling with that I want to buy and how I'm going to fit that into my budget.
Anyway that's one thing to improve my life, I'll tell you about another thing sometime this week.
A month or so ago I was talking to Julie about saving for a trip to France and she mentioned that she was gonna try to pay off her surgery by the end of the year. That is quite a hefty amount so I was mind boggled that she would be able to do that and she must be making tons more than me. Julie has never wanted to tell me what she makes but she told me so I could figure it out. She actually makes slightly less than me. (I hope I'm not giving away too much information, Julie.) I do have slightly larger expenses than her. I pay more for my car payment, student loans, tithing. I have internet and netflix, but she pays almost double my rent for her mortgage. So can she save that much money. She does have roommate income, but I'm offsetting that against her actual mortgage payment. She mentioned that shop more and eat out more than she does. Which is true.
So I decided to change my ways and really pay close attention to how I spend my money. I found this great website called Mint.com where you can input all your financial account information so it can update when you pay something, lets you know when a payment is due and file your spending into various categories. I can also fix something if it gets filed wrong but mostly it learns where things go really fast so I almost never have to do anything. Also, you setup a budget each month for each category that you want. I set up mine so that I would be able to save $200 this month for savings if I stay within budget. One of my favorite elements is the Trends Tab. It gives a colorful pie chart of your spending so you can see what the percentage of your spending goes to and then you can click on one of those areas and it will break it down even further if you have it set up that way and to the side shows where you spent the money like Walmart or whatever and how much went to that store over how many visits. It's so awesome.
The month is almost over and I have gone over on a few things slightly, but it's my first month and I'm not beating myself up about it. I just won't be able to save as much which is the kick in the pants I need. The goal is to get up to saving $400 a month, which should be doable. I absolutely love that website and check it religiously everyday and have an APP on my phone for it as well. It hasn't kept me perfectly in line but it does make me consider if I really want to spend that money on that and not get to spend it on other things later. I'm also hoping, because I drastically reduced my fast food spending from what I normally spend that it will help me lose weight. I've learned though that the groceries I buy need to be somewhat healthy too if I really want that to happen. I'll give an update next week of how I did and other things I'm gonna be struggling with that I want to buy and how I'm going to fit that into my budget.
Anyway that's one thing to improve my life, I'll tell you about another thing sometime this week.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Grateful for wonderfully timed eye-openers
I've been thinking a lot about old friends that I used to be super close to but now only talk to every now and then. Trying to figure out how it happens, that friendships fade. I'd been getting pretty depressed about all the friends that have gone from my life that I didn't want to let go. I'm super happy with the people in my life now, but what if they go away some day too. Anyway, today a good friend sent me an email, well a forward that I'm sure I've seen before but it was perfect timing for me to read it again. This is what it said:
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person..
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to
have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to
use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life. . . . . . .
. . .. . . . . Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
P.S. Let me know if the yellow is readable.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person..
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to
have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to
use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life. . . . . . .
. . .. . . . . Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
P.S. Let me know if the yellow is readable.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Interesting Night at the Dollar Theatre
So tonight since most of my friends were busy it seemed I decided to go to a movie alone. I had been at home all day and needed to get out. Also, my roommate Tam came home with her practically live-in boyfriend and she was going to teach him guitar lessons and I wasn't about to stick around for that. I decided to go see Coraline in 3D in west valley. First off there were stupid drivers everywhere so my road rage was well...a rage'n. I was running late too which adds to it. Anyway got to the theatre and found a good seat and the previews had started. I liked my seat but unfortunately it was near this guy who laughed at everything and very loudly (he might have been a little "special"). Well, I couldn't take it so I moved. Still could hear him though but the movie is pretty dark so there wasn't much laughing once we got into the movie. I liked it but not as much as I thought I would.
Well, it was still kind of early and I didn't want to go home yet so I looked up on handy dandy phone what else was playing. Nothing really, so I decided on Twilight at the dollar since I didn't really want to fork another 8+ dollars for something I'd already seen. There was a 10:20 showing but it was only 9:30. Well, I drove around for a bit, picked up some food and ate it in the parking lot until it seemed close enough to go in. I had a book with me so I figured I'd just take a seat and read until the movie started. It was a good plan, just didn't happen. There was a small line for the tickets and then line after line for each movie to go in. Mine was last. The theatre was short staffed I guess and so cleaning each theatre was taking longer than usual. So when we finally got to go in it was already past the time for the show to start.
I sat in the back row second seat in. There were two people in front of me but one seat over and then this middle aged asian guy comes and sits on the end seat in the row in front of me so I had a perfect view of the screen and could crouch in my seat. The previews started and this guy kept looking back and up at where the projector screen and looking at me but I don't make eye contact I just keep my eyes on the screen until he speaks.
"Do you think it's too loud?" I shake my head no, thinking we're in a movie theatre it's supposed to be loud. Ironically, when the next preview starts the sound is a lot quieter and then goes very quiet so you can barely tell what the people are saying. The longer this lasts the more people go out one by one to tell an employee. And I'm thinking how I'm not having very good luck at dollar movies these days as last week I went to see Australia at a dollar theatre in west valley and they accidentally started playing The Tale of Despereaux. At least they fixed that quickly. Not the same for Twilight. The movie came on and kept playing with really low sound. The asian guy kept looking up at the projector and at me. He looked at me a lot, at least to the point that I was bugged. Someone came in and announced they were working on it and I overheard someone say they had asked if the movie would be rewound but were told it wouldn't be. About five or ten more minutes in the lights come on. I start reading my book and the asian guy still keeps looking back at me every now and then.
Finally a manager comes in and announces they are still working on it but probably won't be done anytime soon so our options are to get a refund, a rain check or go see the 11:30 showing in the theatre down the hall. I opted for the last one and headed to get a good seat. I stuck to the back. It was a much bigger theatre than the last one and much colder. It's ten minutes to eleven so I pull out my book but decide to text Julie and Aly while I'm waiting. Aly didn't answer right away but Julie did even though she was in bed reading and ready to go to sleep. So we texted a bit and I read in between texts and then as Julie dropped off Aly started texting me until about 11:25.
Next thing I know I hear, "What book are you reading?" I look over and it's the asian guy! He's sitting across the aisle from me.
"Confessions of a Shopaholic," I say.
Smiling, "Are you a shopaholic?" Seriously I am so bugged right now. Why is this guy talking to me. I'm not even looking at him because I'm pretending to be texting until Aly responds.
"No, it's just a silly book."
"Oh, it's a movie too, isn't it?"
"Yep." Still not looking. Evading eye contact.
"Is that the 3G?"
"Yep."
"Is the service expensive?"
"I pay $70."
"Oh that's not bad. Is that T-Mobile?"
"No, it's AT&T. I have the cheapest plan."
"Is that unlimited?"
"It's only 400 minutes."
"But the phone costs a lot?" I just nod. "$400?"
"Yep." Then the lights go down and the movie starts. Thank goodness. I think he was still looking at me for a little bit but I'm not sure. As soon as the end credits started rolling I grabbed my stuff and headed out. At first glance as I was getting out of my seat it looked like the guy had fallen asleep and then as I headed toward the door I glanced back and still in his seat he was looking at me as I was leaving. Slight eye contact. Creepy! I picked up my walking pace and didn't look back until I got to my car. Fun night at the movies.
Well, it was still kind of early and I didn't want to go home yet so I looked up on handy dandy phone what else was playing. Nothing really, so I decided on Twilight at the dollar since I didn't really want to fork another 8+ dollars for something I'd already seen. There was a 10:20 showing but it was only 9:30. Well, I drove around for a bit, picked up some food and ate it in the parking lot until it seemed close enough to go in. I had a book with me so I figured I'd just take a seat and read until the movie started. It was a good plan, just didn't happen. There was a small line for the tickets and then line after line for each movie to go in. Mine was last. The theatre was short staffed I guess and so cleaning each theatre was taking longer than usual. So when we finally got to go in it was already past the time for the show to start.
I sat in the back row second seat in. There were two people in front of me but one seat over and then this middle aged asian guy comes and sits on the end seat in the row in front of me so I had a perfect view of the screen and could crouch in my seat. The previews started and this guy kept looking back and up at where the projector screen and looking at me but I don't make eye contact I just keep my eyes on the screen until he speaks.
"Do you think it's too loud?" I shake my head no, thinking we're in a movie theatre it's supposed to be loud. Ironically, when the next preview starts the sound is a lot quieter and then goes very quiet so you can barely tell what the people are saying. The longer this lasts the more people go out one by one to tell an employee. And I'm thinking how I'm not having very good luck at dollar movies these days as last week I went to see Australia at a dollar theatre in west valley and they accidentally started playing The Tale of Despereaux. At least they fixed that quickly. Not the same for Twilight. The movie came on and kept playing with really low sound. The asian guy kept looking up at the projector and at me. He looked at me a lot, at least to the point that I was bugged. Someone came in and announced they were working on it and I overheard someone say they had asked if the movie would be rewound but were told it wouldn't be. About five or ten more minutes in the lights come on. I start reading my book and the asian guy still keeps looking back at me every now and then.
Finally a manager comes in and announces they are still working on it but probably won't be done anytime soon so our options are to get a refund, a rain check or go see the 11:30 showing in the theatre down the hall. I opted for the last one and headed to get a good seat. I stuck to the back. It was a much bigger theatre than the last one and much colder. It's ten minutes to eleven so I pull out my book but decide to text Julie and Aly while I'm waiting. Aly didn't answer right away but Julie did even though she was in bed reading and ready to go to sleep. So we texted a bit and I read in between texts and then as Julie dropped off Aly started texting me until about 11:25.
Next thing I know I hear, "What book are you reading?" I look over and it's the asian guy! He's sitting across the aisle from me.
"Confessions of a Shopaholic," I say.
Smiling, "Are you a shopaholic?" Seriously I am so bugged right now. Why is this guy talking to me. I'm not even looking at him because I'm pretending to be texting until Aly responds.
"No, it's just a silly book."
"Oh, it's a movie too, isn't it?"
"Yep." Still not looking. Evading eye contact.
"Is that the 3G?"
"Yep."
"Is the service expensive?"
"I pay $70."
"Oh that's not bad. Is that T-Mobile?"
"No, it's AT&T. I have the cheapest plan."
"Is that unlimited?"
"It's only 400 minutes."
"But the phone costs a lot?" I just nod. "$400?"
"Yep." Then the lights go down and the movie starts. Thank goodness. I think he was still looking at me for a little bit but I'm not sure. As soon as the end credits started rolling I grabbed my stuff and headed out. At first glance as I was getting out of my seat it looked like the guy had fallen asleep and then as I headed toward the door I glanced back and still in his seat he was looking at me as I was leaving. Slight eye contact. Creepy! I picked up my walking pace and didn't look back until I got to my car. Fun night at the movies.
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