Birthday Countdown

It is that time of year again, fall. And with fall comes my birthday. Since I am old now, I have a love/hate relationship with my day of birth. This year all I want to do is stay at home, play with my nieces and maybe watch a movie on Netflix. No need for gifts, the love of my family and friends is gift enough. 

BUT- since you asked, if I were to fantasize about birthday gifts, this is probably what I would come up with. HYPOTHETICALLY.

iPhone 5. Only because my current phone is the worst. (and because I really want one.)

Ovation Cell Therapy. My hair would appreciate it.

A trip here...

And here. 

Why you ask? Because Cho and Hill-perro. I miss them so.

I can never have enough kicks.

Chrome nail polish. Amazing.

A lifetime supply of these because I can never get enough. Beauty in a completely pure form.

Good thing I have the love of family and friends because I am EXPENSIVE!

Snow Day

It snowed today. A lot. So much so my mom called me 5 times and warned me to "drive safe" on my way to school. You know what I did with those calls? I took them as a valid excuse not to go to school. Instead I stayed home and obsessed over Mondo and his brilliant Project Runway All Stars designs.

Why am I not at some beautiful, warm resort wearing this RIGHT NOW?!

I want this just so I can stare at its beauty.

Avant garde challenges are a personal favorite.

The judges really lost their minds when it came to this challenge. Never, never ever, will Kenley be superior to Mondo. And if I ever meet Isaac Mizrahi you bet I will tell him that in a very blunt tone of voice.

Other things I did on this glorious snow day:

-Caught up on my shows: I am officially a crazed fan of America's Next Top Model: British Invasion. You can't go wrong with bad teeth, accents, insecurity, and Kelly Cutrone!

-Played with the baby

-Baked a bit

-Read from a good book

-Almost spent more money...I have an addiction

-Surfed the web (cakewrecks.com haunts my dreams...)

-Looked for cool fabric

Things I should have done on this glorious snow day:

 (things I should be doing every day...)

-HOMEWORK

Valentine

My favorite Valentine

Oscar

Well, I did it. I accomplished my goal. Most would say it was a GIANT waste of time, but I loved it. I saw all of the Best Picture Nominees! I have always loved movies, and I think this is the perfect way to express that love. And let's not forget that all but one were "appropriately" rated--this never happens. Once I found that fact out, I knew this would be a perfect year to try and see all of the nominees--Black Swan and The Kids Are All Right ruined it for me last year...

So. Why did I do this? Because of the question...

The question is...Who should win ^this^ guy? 

That is the question I wanted to answer. 

What is the answer?

I HAVE NO IDEA. 

That is my answer. I am glad I am not on the Oscar judging panel because I don't think I could ever choose. Each movie was so different and well done. Sure, some were better than others, but for the most part, they all were entertaining, well acted, and appealing to the person watching.

Here are my thoughts-

And the Nominees are:

War Horse- I was as surprised as anyone. A movie about a horse? No thanks. Animals smell bad and look at you funny, I do not like them. Basically, I had very low expectations going into this film. However, I was wrong. Very wrong. I loved it. It is still shocking to day it, but I actually enjoyed a movie about a horse. This was one of the movies I attended by myself...yes, I am anti-social...and I realized at one point, 90% of the theater was in tears. Very touching, very well done, and absolutely deserved a nomination.

The Artist- Another surprise. It's a silent movie. And yes, it is silent. There is music, but no words. Since I wanted to kill myself watching Wall-e (no talking for like the first 30 minutes...) I though I was doomed for sure. Not true. I was riveted. Again, I saw it by myself, in a little theater, with about 6 elderly people. Loved it. I have never seen such charming people on a screen together. Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo are perfection.

Moneyball- Brad Pitt was great. Jonah Hill was less annoying than usual, and the story was interesting and even a little inspiring. However, it was kind of slow and took awhile to get into the nitty-gritty of the story. I still liked it though. I would maybe see it again, but I do suggest to see it at least once. (Side note: I am not a baseball fan, but I still enjoyed it. I bet baseball fans LOVE it.)

The Descendants- No comment.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close- Holy Cow. That is the first thing I thought when it ended. First of all, I have not read the book. Just want to make that clear. Second of all, I feel like the Academy lost its mind for a minute because the boy in the movie was NOT nominated for best actor. That is an absolute TRAVESTY. He was amazing! The story is very emotional and will pull at every heart-string you have. I would have to say everyone in the theater was probably crying at some point in the movie...except me. But I felt it. Very emotional. Phenomenal acting and writing. The cinematography wasn't bad either.

The Tree of Life- WORST. MOVIE. I have seen in a long time. I would say ever, but I recently sat through Breaking Dawn...There are no words for this movie. What was it about? A family....? A boy....? Good question. At one point the screen was black with multicolored swirls and stayed that way for about 5 minutes. There were dinosaurs and lots of whispering. This is one of those movies that is SO weird the Academy just thinks it is "artistic" and "moving" and if you don't get "it" you are dumb. Well, I say THEY are dumb for nominating it.

Midnight in Paris- Entertaining. Not bad. Awesome Parisian wardrobe. However, I am pretty sure the only reason it is nominated for Best Picture is because of one name- Woody Allen. All in all- good, not great.

The Help- If you haven't seen it, SEE IT. Only movie I have ever cried in. Incredibly moving. Incredibly acted, written, directed, etc. And the book is amazing as well.

Hugo- Pretty amazing. The story took me awhile to get into, but the set design was NUTS! You felt like you were in Paris. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Great casting as well.

None

School started today. Unfortunately there was not a Yuki, Brandon, or Thomas in sight. Dang it UVU. You have failed me again. 

(For those of you who don't know, Yuki, Brandon, and Thomas are all boys who have been in classes with me...boys who I have pined over, too shy to approach because I am mesmerized by their hotness. And yes. One of them is Asian.)

In other news: Beyonce stole my baby name, and I am NOT happy about it.

Sappy

So today I went to see this movie. I wanted to see it when it first came out, but after watching my fair share of action movies in the past couple weeks, my interest was losing steam. 

I was fairly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. First of all, when I heard ScarJo was in it, my hopes and dreams were dashed! She is not my favorite. However, thanks to the brilliance of Matt Damon (and even more so the little girl who played his daughter...) the movie was saved! Not to mention the animals were just the way I like them- on a screen, no where near me. (animals and I are not close.) 

There was just one thing that bothered me throughout most of the movie. And I hesitate to say it because it is not my style, AT ALL, to talk about things that are...sappy. That is the word I will use. 

The movie--SPOILERS, but not really because the movie is based on a book, plus the trailer is not subtle-- is about a man who loses his wife and then moves his family, a teenage angst-ridden boy and a cute as a button young daughter, to a run down zoo. From there, the story pretty much tells itself. 

The thing about the movie I was fixated on was the fact that this family could not get over the death of the mother. The boy was especially messed up, and so was Matt Damon in his own way. 

The whole time I was just thinking, Thank heavens for the Gospel! Keep in mind that I rarely think this way during movies. I usually spend the whole time making fun of poorly written dialogue or awful wardrobe choices. And don't even get me started if there is an actor faking an accent in the movie! 

Anywho, it was just awful watching these people suffer through the loss of their wife and mother. Like she was gone forever and there was nothing they could do about it. I am so thankful that I do not have that state of mind. It would seriously be miserable. 

After watching that movie I realized how much I take the Gospel for granted. So I am going to add something to my list of random thoughts: Stop taking the Gospel for granted. Start learning more. Live it. Don't be afraid to share it. And most of all, strengthen it.

So in conclusion, it is crazy to say that I felt sorry for a fake family. A fake family with a handsome Matt Damon father. But there is one thing I can do, Matt Damon--I'm going to convert you!

**Sorry for my sappy-ness**

Twenty-Twelve

Happy 2012 Family/Friends!

I took a nice break from the computer these last few weeks and it has been grand! (minus the fact I got the flu and thought I was going to die...)

So. It is 2012. I remember in junior high I had to write a paper about what life was going to be like in the future. Not your personal life, but the world in general. I had to have an art aspect to the paper and I remember I drew flying cars and pneumatic tubes, very 5th Element like. The point is, the "future" year I was writing about was 2015. Like in three years 2015. I hope Ford, or at least Toyota (those Asian smarties) releases a flying car soon, or else I will be labeled a liar. 

I have 12 random thoughts (not resolutions, just thoughts) to start off the year:

1. Although I have no intentions of getting married anytime soon (if ever) I already have everything planned- including the fireworks that will be set off as I drive away in a mint green convertible. 

2. I am not going to take any vacations this year.* I am saving my monies to go on an epic adventure the minute I graduate college. Or I will buy a new car. I haven't decided. 

3. Eating right then exercise. That is the order I will do it.

4. I got a sewing machine for Christmas. I am this much closer to becoming a designer on Project Runway. If only I could figure out how to thread the darn thing...

5. Practice, Practice, PRACTICE.

6. I am almost positive I want a new make-up look. However, I do not know what to do. Keep in mind I am afraid of eyeliner.

7. Speaking of eyes, I must go to the eye doctor this year. I officially have to sit on the second row of my classes. I have to get glasses before that turns into the first row. 

8. I know I said I wasn't going to take any vacations, but if I happen to be in California anytime this year, I will try my hardest to go see Conan O'Brien. Something on my bucket list must be crossed off. 

9. I want to start a book club. There are so many good books in the world, I want to read more of them. And then discuss. No one in my immediate family reads. I must go to outside sources.

10. I am pretty sure I need to focus my interests. I have never come across a person who would dominate school if there was a major for baker, FBI agent, psychologist, movie maker, office manager, pop culture specialist, aspiring artist, manicurist, seamstress, botanist, fashion editor, astronaut, all rolled into one. However, I would be that person.

11. Short or long hair, that is the question!

12. Make this the best year ever! Enjoy life, don't let others bring you down, try not to be as shy as usual, and most important: ENJOY THE OLYMPICS!

Hopefully I can turn these randoms thoughts into random actions.

Here's to hoping 2012 is an epic year for everyone!

*If an all expense paid vacation is handed to me, I will not turn it down. 

Thanks mom, because I am sure you will take me somewhere in the next 364 days...

Zit and other things...

Well. I have spent the evening studying (finally!) and what do I get? Not an A grade, but a giant ZIT. Right between my eyes. Yes. It looks just like a third eye. Thank you stress, for manifesting yourself in the worst way possible. 

IN OTHER NEWS....

I have seen this picture all over pinterest and I must say, I find it HORRIFYING. Most of the comments are positive but this is truly the worst thing I have seen in a long time. A bow, on your head, made of your own HAIR. Gross.

PS- I wore my lion sweater today and it made me feel good.

PPS- In my sex class I was the first to be STD free. (I would explain in detail, but I like it better this way...)

12/7

 December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy —

It happened 70 years ago.
I began studying it 10 years ago.
I visited 3 years ago.
Still an incredible experience today.

Babies

I had the wonderful opportunity of babysitting the geege last night. Although her mom was a little weary of what the night had in store, it went swimmingly! She was as sweet as ever, and didn't cry once (even when Elena did everything she could to change that fact...). I also get the credit of putting her to sleep, even though she ended up on grandma. What a sweet, sweet, baby.

PS- She took a step. Maybe two. No lie!!!!

Finals Week

Well. It is finals week. The library is packed and classmates you have never spoken to before are asking if you want to study with them. I have two finals and 3 papers due this week and two more finals next week. I should say yes to those classmates or at least lock myself in my room (after throwing my TV out the window). But alas, I can't bring myself to do it. After successfully avoiding any kind of social situation because "I have to study..." this is my life: (keep in mind I really should be studying or at least writing my papers)

 Catching up on all my shows. Or re-watching the good ones. I am seriously thinking about marrying hulu...

 Making Christmas cookies!! If you're close, expect a giant plate of deliciousness. 

 Shopping. I have such a love/hate relationship with it. Mostly hate, but anything to get out of homework...

 Staring for HOURS at our beautiful Christmas tree. Decorating was long, but totally worth it. We went all out and I love it all!! (not ours, but just as spectacular.)

Listening to this guy on repeat for days and days. Buble, you're next.

Here's to hoping I don't lose my scholarship! 

(I won't mom, promise.)

The Goobie

Wednesday, 11/23/11,was a great day. It was GG's first birthday! She is the sweetest, cutest baby ever! 

She loves to:

 crawl

 play with Wanes

try to walk

screech (and I mean SCREECH)

 suck on her hands

ironing board

 smile

eat baby food- preferably meat

be sweet!

So Marie asked if I could make a monkey cake for GG to mess up. I thought it might be a challenge, so of course I accepted. Above is the end product. I thought it was cute. GG on the other hand....

Did not. This picture is deceiving. About 45 seconds after this was taken GG started to FREAK out. Marie put her hand in the frosting and she was having NONE of it! Then she saw the face and all hope was lost. Luckily Bum caught it all on camera so we can taunt her for the rest of her life. But the thing to take away is, my monkey was terrifying. I will not be making one again. 

Since GG was not having anything to do with the cake, we tried a cupcake. Of course she LOVED it. Who wouldn't?

GG- full and slowly slipping into a sugar coma.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY sweet baby girl! I love you!

-Auntie Lo

11/18/88

Happy Birthday to me!

UVU

I have a new slogan for my dear university...

UVU- America's #1 destination for men wearing women's shoes.

Hyperventilating

Oh hey. Want to have an anxiety attack?

Just watch this show. For real. Instant panic.

Mustache

Is this still a thing? Why?

Bothered!!

Here are the things that BOTHER me lately...

(Here is the inspiration for this post...bothered.)

 This has happened to me before, and it bothered me just as much: Sharing my birthday with Twilight. I can never go out when Twilight premieres on my birthday because there are millions of screaming pre-teens (well, any female really...) crammed into every restaurant in Utah County. SO ANNOYING. If I see anyone dressed as a pregnant Bella on my b-day, there will be blood shed.

Parking at UVU is a JOKE. They charge you a ton of money for a parking pass, and then think is okay to hold events at the Mckay during classes. What does this mean? EVERY PARKING STALL IS TAKEN. And not by students attending class. They are taken by the event-goers. Really UVU? I mean really. Also, the parking lot by the LA building is a death trap. I am amazed no one has died...

Call them what you will, (I call them turn-indicators because that is what smart people call them) they are on your car for a reason. USE them. Thanks.

Have you seen this commercial? The song playing in it, WHAT IS IT SAYING??! I have an idea, but I am 100% positive I am wrong, and if I'm not, well that's just plain inappropriate Honda Civic...

November Blues

It's that time of year again. November. My birth month. What do I want for my birthday?

I want to never grow up.

Foot

Three posts in one night? Well, one hour really...Yes. And I will tell you why. I am trying to stay awake until midnight because at midnight I can register for classes. Did I stay up until midnight yesterday thinking I could register for classes then? You bet. Am I going to be cranky because of lack of sleep? Absolutely. But am I going to get ALL the classes I want? If I don't, I may go crazy. But really people, this is the first time I am actually being proactive about registration. I usually add classes the week before school starts and pray I get into the class because I am always on the wait list. This staying up late thing better work. 

But enough of the explanation. What I really want to talk about is my dang foot. Actually, I don't want to talk about it. I hate it. But I found some pictures, so here you go:

Here it is the day after surgery. My second surgery to be exact. It's cute! All wrapped up and cozy. However, the not showering thing was not cool. I felt like Hill-perro. (loves!)

Here it is 3 weeks after surgery. Gross. My toes did not appreciate the way the doctor treated them. My walking far more than recommended probably didn't help either...

And here it is today. Literally. I just took this picture. Right now. Why is it bandaged you ask? Ha ha, great question. I went to the doctor for my final check-up today and what did he find? Stitches still in the wound. But the wound was more or less healed. Therefore he had to CUT them out. It hurt to say the least. He also mentioned how weird it was because for some reason, disintegrating stitches do not disintegrate in my body. Instead they sit there and fester and get infected. How lovely. Here is to hoping my foot will be back to normal ASAP!

Wanes

It is quite a bit late but...Elena turned 1 in July. (time flies) I love this kid to death! She is a genius, and truly one of the sweetest babies ever. We have a great little bond. She loves her AUNT. (Aunt was one of her first words!) And I LOVE MY WANES!!!

She loves sitting on shoulders, singing songs, jibber-jabbering, playing with her bebes, eating food, walking all over, socks on the hands, upside down baby, shoes, saying "Bees" aka please, nanas (bananas), playing with GG, cell phones, giving kisses, playing with clothes, books, and being with her family. She also loves naps and going night, night. Surprising, I know.

Would a lady bug themed birthday be complete without a lady bug shaped cake? I think not! This is my first ever carved cake. I was a little hard, but I think it came out okay. Fondant does not taste good, but it sure makes cakes look pretty!

The sweet birthday girl getting ready to blow out her candle and start smashing the cake. Too bad 25 seconds later she realized everyone was looking at her and burst into tears. Like aunt, like niece. That's a saying right? Well it should be.