So because we are kinda poor these days, we do not currently have internet at our place, which isn't too big of an inconvenience, except when it is. For example, it has become quite a problem on nights when I need the internet for homework (which is often) and it is too late to go to the library or other places that so kindly host free Wi-fi! But that is a different story, entirely.
Anyway, with finals currently taking place this week, and the library being super full, I have found a new place to study and work! Hidden away behind the many shelves of books and magazines, there is a cute little Seattle's Best Coffee cafe in Borders. I have found this such place bring great comfort in reading and working there. The atmosphere is just so cozy! I usually warm up with a hot chocolate, or chai latte and can stay for hours. (And they constantly play Christmas music, which I love!) Is this sad? Perhaps.
When I'm here, I spend about 5 hours on average, during which I see plenty people coming in and out. These people range in all different races, ages and styles. They all seem, for the most part, like people I would like to get to know. With my recent experience with The Zoo story, combined with sitting in the coffeehouse has made me think about why we isolate ourselves in public. Why do we put up our guards and keep our distance from strangers? Are there relationships and experiences we are opting out of because we don't want to step outside of our comfort zone? And what could we be bringing to other people by simply offering a smile and small conversation?
I think this is something I would really like to work on personally. Maybe this could be my New Year's resolution for 2010: To allow myself to be more comfortable engaging with people I do not know. Because when you think about it, all of our current friends and family members were at one time strangers.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
In case you weren't aware of my absent-mindedness...
I have a little update:
I locked my keys in my car again last week.
That makes me locking myself out of things (ie. car, house, etc) THREE times in the past three months!
I locked my keys in my car again last week.
That makes me locking myself out of things (ie. car, house, etc) THREE times in the past three months!
my love and life for the past couple months
I have successfully finished directing my first play! It is a pretty good feeling, I'm not going to lie. The process was pretty exhausting both emotionally and time-wise. (hence why I haven't blogged in a month!) But through this process I have learned so much about myself as an artist and person, and how
"...sometimes it's necessary to go a long distance out of the way in order to come back a short distance correctly."
"...sometimes it's necessary to go a long distance out of the way in order to come back a short distance correctly."
After each show, there was a talk back session. As people told what they saw in the show and how it affected them I was so surprised at how different each person's experience was. (This is one of my greatest loves with art and theater: There is no one correct answer.) Listening to their thoughts and responses about the show, was when I really felt success. I hope that their exposure with the play has become a learning experience. I just want to share a quote from the playwright himself:
"One must let the play happen to one; one must let the mind loose to respond as it will, to receive impressions, to sense rather than know, to gather rather than immediately understand."
-Edward Albee
Friday, November 20, 2009
Because we are such a pretty couple...
Check out Rebecca Hansen's new blog BECAUSE:
WE ARE ON THE COVER OF A BRIDAL MAGAZINE!
(Then scroll down to the Nov. 12th post!)
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
HALLOWEEN!
Let me just tell you that I love Halloween! I love dressing up. I love CANDY. I love spooky places. Scary movies. Crazy parties. To me this is Halloween. (Well that, and the Haunted House at the Playhouse!) Halloween in Utah is pretty awesome! Everyone gets pretty into it. There are haunted cornfields, mansions, and even forests by the dozen! People celebrate Halloween like crazy here. I love it.
So, this year, Andrew & I went with Shawn & Shawn, Kathleen & Levi, and Justin & his date to see Thriller. Now, for those of you who don't know, Thriller is a put on by the Odyssey Dance Company in Salt Lake and is pretty awesome. They use different types of dancing to personify zombies, mummies, bones, Frankenstein, etc. Um.. it is really cool. The only complaint I had was that it was the exact same performance I saw a couple years ago. I think they should think of some new acts; it needs a fresh start. But I still recommend going to see it if you never have. It is pretty awesome!
On Halloween, Andrew & I scrambled to get our costumes together (I know, so irresponsible, right?) before we headed to see a play of Frankenstein. It was very good and of course a great spooky treat for Halloween night! Then, we visited Andrew's family (you know, to show off our costumes...and to see Chloe). Then we rented and watched Drag me to Hell. It was pretty funny. Although, somewhat disappointing because I was expecting it to be really scary. Anyways, it was a great Halloween!
I hope you all had a fabulous Halloween, too!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Ingrid, you are wonderful
A few weeks ago Andrew & I went to see Ingrid Michaelson and she was fabulous! She is just so talented!
This is why I'm crazy.
So lately I have been doing the most absent minded, crazy things.
Exibit A: This morning after driving to campus, I locked my keys in my car. Not only were my keys locked inside, but also my backpack with EVERYTHING that I so desperately need for school today. So now, I am waiting for Andrew to come save me so that I can actually work on homework instead of blogging...
Now, this is not the first time I have locked myself out of something this semester, however! About a month or so ago, I locked myself outside our apartment in my pajamas and awful bed hair. (you see, we have a lock on our handle where when it is locked, you can still open the door from the inside, but not the out.) Despite my best efforts to climb onto our balcony, I was unsuccessful. Our neighbor (that I met for the first time right then) graciously let me use his cell phone to call Andrew to help me!
Things such as this keep happening to me, and every time it makes me feel so crazy!
Exibit A: This morning after driving to campus, I locked my keys in my car. Not only were my keys locked inside, but also my backpack with EVERYTHING that I so desperately need for school today. So now, I am waiting for Andrew to come save me so that I can actually work on homework instead of blogging...
Now, this is not the first time I have locked myself out of something this semester, however! About a month or so ago, I locked myself outside our apartment in my pajamas and awful bed hair. (you see, we have a lock on our handle where when it is locked, you can still open the door from the inside, but not the out.) Despite my best efforts to climb onto our balcony, I was unsuccessful. Our neighbor (that I met for the first time right then) graciously let me use his cell phone to call Andrew to help me!
Things such as this keep happening to me, and every time it makes me feel so crazy!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Also....
I died my hair.
It's VERY dark.
Pretty much black.
It's scary for me.
I don't think I like it.
I'll post a picture when I get more confident.
So it's been a while....
I cast my show! I'm SOOO very excited. I pretty much can't wait to start rehearsals!
I'm super busy. There is no way I can keep up with my LOADS of school work, find time to relax, have fun, and keep the house nice and tidy...so one of those areas is suffering a little more than usual. Let's just say, it's a good thing we don't have company over often...
This weekend was so much fun, but I will post separately about that later. For now here are just some random thoughts I've been thinking lately, in case you care.
1. I hate how parents will offer their kids an certain amount of money if they will just not have a wedding reception. It's like saying "Hey, we don't want to put the effort into making your most important day memorable." (Sorry if anyone's parents have done this.) I just think it's kinda selfish on the parents' part. If the kids want money rather than a reception, they will probably ask for it, or think of it themselves. That's all.
2. It's always been so fantastical to imagine living in a castle. Well today I found out that castles are apparently very cold... I don't think I would like that very much.
3. I don't think I like the new "No Shhhh" zone in the Library. I liked it better when I could curl up in the semi-comfortable chairs and take a nap in the sun.
4. I'm so excited for Christmas in Portland this year! And I'm so excited to start my Christmas shopping/making!
5. How does one such as myself eat an entire box of Cheese-its in one day?!?!
6. I miss this little guy.
I cast my show! I'm SOOO very excited. I pretty much can't wait to start rehearsals!
I'm super busy. There is no way I can keep up with my LOADS of school work, find time to relax, have fun, and keep the house nice and tidy...so one of those areas is suffering a little more than usual. Let's just say, it's a good thing we don't have company over often...
This weekend was so much fun, but I will post separately about that later. For now here are just some random thoughts I've been thinking lately, in case you care.
1. I hate how parents will offer their kids an certain amount of money if they will just not have a wedding reception. It's like saying "Hey, we don't want to put the effort into making your most important day memorable." (Sorry if anyone's parents have done this.) I just think it's kinda selfish on the parents' part. If the kids want money rather than a reception, they will probably ask for it, or think of it themselves. That's all.
2. It's always been so fantastical to imagine living in a castle. Well today I found out that castles are apparently very cold... I don't think I would like that very much.
3. I don't think I like the new "No Shhhh" zone in the Library. I liked it better when I could curl up in the semi-comfortable chairs and take a nap in the sun.
4. I'm so excited for Christmas in Portland this year! And I'm so excited to start my Christmas shopping/making!
5. How does one such as myself eat an entire box of Cheese-its in one day?!?!
6. I miss this little guy.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Slice of my life..
So I usually try to bring lunch with me to school, but today I didn't have time/ just didn't pack one. This was no problem, because I thought I had my wallet with me.
I thought wrong.
I did not have my wallet, and therefore, no cash, credit card, or even my BYU signature card. I began to panic, when I found my checkbook!!! I was so thrilled!
So I ordered my delicious Greek salad wrap at L&T, and had just finished writing out my check when this evil girl (Well, she wasn't really evil, but she plays the antagonist role in this story, and it makes me look better if she is evil.) at the cash register told me that I could not use a check if I didn't have my driver's license, or photo ID. As I mentioned earlier, I had neither.
So I ordered my delicious Greek salad wrap at L&T, and had just finished writing out my check when this evil girl (Well, she wasn't really evil, but she plays the antagonist role in this story, and it makes me look better if she is evil.) at the cash register told me that I could not use a check if I didn't have my driver's license, or photo ID. As I mentioned earlier, I had neither.
So I called Andrew. He suggested I find a friend, write them a check and have them cash it at the Wells Fargo in the bookstore. A great suggestion. However, I couldn't find a friend. (Sad, I know.)
Then, I ventured over to the Ticket Office, hoping that maybe one of those girls might have cash and I could just write them a check. What I ended up with was my boss' signature card. He offered to let me use it and I could pay him back. So back to L&T where the evil girl worked! This time I asked, before they made my food, if I could pay with someone else's signature card. Guess what she said?! ... "No."
At a loss, I turned around to walk away and a strange feeling came over me. I began to feel my breath stutter and my vision became blurry.
Yes,
oh yes,
I was crying.
In the middle of the Wilk.
For no reason.
And I couldn't stop.
Then, as if that wasn't embarrassing enough, I ran into a friend from my directing class! I was totally embarrassed and ashamed to tell her why I was crying. But she gave me a huge hug, was able to help me out with the money, and didn't even laugh at me for crying over something so silly!
....sometimes I feel so crazy....
At a loss, I turned around to walk away and a strange feeling came over me. I began to feel my breath stutter and my vision became blurry.
Yes,
oh yes,
I was crying.
In the middle of the Wilk.
For no reason.
And I couldn't stop.
Then, as if that wasn't embarrassing enough, I ran into a friend from my directing class! I was totally embarrassed and ashamed to tell her why I was crying. But she gave me a huge hug, was able to help me out with the money, and didn't even laugh at me for crying over something so silly!
....sometimes I feel so crazy....
"AnniVEGASversary!"
So a couple weekends ago, some of my best friends from high school & I celebrated Taylor & Tiffany's 21st Birthday in Vegas! (They are twins.) Their parents treated us all to a wonderful weekend getaway! Needless to say, we had a great time! We stayed at the Palazzo in a very nice suit. We ate delicious food. We went shopping. And we saw Jersey Boys! (Perhaps not the best performance, but it was still wonderful - I loved the style of the performance, and I pretty much could stop dancing & singing "Sherry" all night.) My favorite activity was probably the piano bar. The pianists were so talented; they could pretty much play any song requested. And they were hilarious! (and so were they guys from South Dakota hitting on Rachel!)
Beautiful group a girls, wouldn't you think?
Getting ready
Our lovely brunch
Swimmin
Getting some sun (kinda)
How I love these girls! And I miss them so much, already! I hardly get to see them, but once a year. (That probably has to do with me moving thousands of miles away but I guess that is what weddings are for...)
*By the way, I suggest we begin planning our cruise for next Summer!*
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Zoo Story
Since my last post, a lot has happened! I have officially decided that for my class, I'm going to direct the short play call The Zoo Story, written by Edward Albee. It's on the existential and absurd side of theater. I'm very excited to work on this play. I think it will be a great challenge for me, and hopefully equally rewarding.
*I have auditions in a couple weeks and I'm beginning to get a little nervous!*
Anyone who can and would like to, are welcome to come and watch! The play will be performed on Thursday December, 10th at 1:00PM, 2:00PM, and 4:00PM in the Nelke Theater.
I would love to have family & friends there!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Camping!
For our Labor Day weekend, we went up into the mountains of Utah and camped out for a night. It was so much fun! We saw a shepherd herding about 200 sheep, we made delicious S'mores & foil dinners, told ghost stories, watched the sunrise in the morning, and were visited by a few friendly animals!
The Sheep
I got somewhat attached to the white horse. Andrew said I couldn't keep him. He can be so mean sometimes....
Boys and their toys. (We had to buy the hatchet for the trip - it was necessary!)
Monday, September 7, 2009
Rock Climbing Pictures
Here are some pictures of our most recent rock climbing trip. I am the only one who takes the pictures, so of course there are none of me. But I promise I climbed all the way to the top!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Check This Lady Out!
So, as I mentoined earlier, my sister-in-law opened an Etsy shop! The name of her shop is For your little Darling, and it is absolutley splendid. She has made the cutest little hats! I seriously love them!
...you know you want to...
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
BYU again!
So, yesterday was the first day of my Senior year in college. It's pretty strange to think about that, really. I don't feel like I've had enough learning and experience to be a senior yet! It kinda makes me want to hang around BYU a little longer....just kidding!
I am really excited about my classes for this semester though! I'm just so happy to finally be taking only the classes in my major and the electives I choose! Even though I have a pretty full schedule, I am way excited for every single class! This semester I am taking:
TMA 395 - Dramatic Literature
(I took the other half of it last Winter and learned SO much!)
SFL 185 - Basic Clothing Construction
(I will finally learn all the real techniques of sewing!)
TMA 262 - Costume Design
YAY!
REL 234 - LDS Marriage and Family
(The last of my religion courses, but it will be fabulous!)
TMA 436 - Advance Directing Principles
This is the class where I will direct my own short play!!
TMA 485 - Intermediate Dramaturgy
This is where I will do research upon research about Lorca's Blood Wedding
Perhaps none of this means anything to you, and that's alright. But I just love getting excited about school!
I am really excited about my classes for this semester though! I'm just so happy to finally be taking only the classes in my major and the electives I choose! Even though I have a pretty full schedule, I am way excited for every single class! This semester I am taking:
TMA 395 - Dramatic Literature
(I took the other half of it last Winter and learned SO much!)
SFL 185 - Basic Clothing Construction
(I will finally learn all the real techniques of sewing!)
TMA 262 - Costume Design
YAY!
REL 234 - LDS Marriage and Family
(The last of my religion courses, but it will be fabulous!)
TMA 436 - Advance Directing Principles
This is the class where I will direct my own short play!!
TMA 485 - Intermediate Dramaturgy
This is where I will do research upon research about Lorca's Blood Wedding
Perhaps none of this means anything to you, and that's alright. But I just love getting excited about school!
For my fellow students:
I just want to make sure you are aware that every Thursday in September, Sunflower Market is giving 20% off to college students!!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Fun-filled weekend
I've been so out of blogging, I feel a little rusty at this!
So, Andrew and I pretty much had a rockin weekend! On Friday we got some FREE furniture! Oh, yeah! Including an awesome dresser, bookshelf, TV stand, and desk!
Friday night we hung out with Parker and Caden, who are pretty freakin cute! Also, Carolyn, Andrew's sister (which I suppose, makes her my sister-in-law!) is opening her Etsy shop on September 1. Expect only super cute things from her shop. She is creative and a fantastic seamstress (she made my wedding dress - see below post). You should check out her blog and Etsy shop!
On Saturday we hiked up Rock Canyon to find a nice shaded place to rock climb. We tagged along with Andrew's friend, Ryan and his wife, Kristen. They are pretty much awesome. They let us borrow their extra harnesses for climbing and are helping us on our way to becoming more athletic people!
That night Andrew surprised me by taking me to see The Fantasticks at the Sundance Summer Theater. (Don't I have such a great husband?!) I had no idea we were going until we got there. We were a little late due to a flat tire....but we only missed about the first couple minutes. And then, we noticed the front row was empty. Apparently those seats were reserved, but the party didn't show. So we sat front row center for the whole play! woot! (We always talk about how the people who come to the shows late always benefit rather than those who plan ahead. Usually this makes me angry, but somehow when it's you, it feels wonderful!) Anyway, the show was great and the singing was fabulous!
Sundays are our days to sleep in. We don't have church until 2:30PM. So, really, we don't have to get up at all on Sunday. But this Sunday we didn't even have church, so we really got to sleep in. We woke up to the pouring rain, so we sat out on our balcony couch (that is another story) and let the rain pour over us.
Then we began our Lord of the Rings marathon, complete with chocolate chip cookies. I've never seen the movies (I know, right?) so Andrew promised to watch them with me. The Fellowship of the Ring pretty much entranced me. I'm very very excited to watch the second movie tonight!!
So, Andrew and I pretty much had a rockin weekend! On Friday we got some FREE furniture! Oh, yeah! Including an awesome dresser, bookshelf, TV stand, and desk!
Friday night we hung out with Parker and Caden, who are pretty freakin cute! Also, Carolyn, Andrew's sister (which I suppose, makes her my sister-in-law!) is opening her Etsy shop on September 1. Expect only super cute things from her shop. She is creative and a fantastic seamstress (she made my wedding dress - see below post). You should check out her blog and Etsy shop!
On Saturday we hiked up Rock Canyon to find a nice shaded place to rock climb. We tagged along with Andrew's friend, Ryan and his wife, Kristen. They are pretty much awesome. They let us borrow their extra harnesses for climbing and are helping us on our way to becoming more athletic people!
That night Andrew surprised me by taking me to see The Fantasticks at the Sundance Summer Theater. (Don't I have such a great husband?!) I had no idea we were going until we got there. We were a little late due to a flat tire....but we only missed about the first couple minutes. And then, we noticed the front row was empty. Apparently those seats were reserved, but the party didn't show. So we sat front row center for the whole play! woot! (We always talk about how the people who come to the shows late always benefit rather than those who plan ahead. Usually this makes me angry, but somehow when it's you, it feels wonderful!) Anyway, the show was great and the singing was fabulous!
Sundays are our days to sleep in. We don't have church until 2:30PM. So, really, we don't have to get up at all on Sunday. But this Sunday we didn't even have church, so we really got to sleep in. We woke up to the pouring rain, so we sat out on our balcony couch (that is another story) and let the rain pour over us.
Then we began our Lord of the Rings marathon, complete with chocolate chip cookies. I've never seen the movies (I know, right?) so Andrew promised to watch them with me. The Fellowship of the Ring pretty much entranced me. I'm very very excited to watch the second movie tonight!!
Our Lovely Wedding
So, I've recently gotten very into collages. So instead of uploading a billion pictures, I made collages of each photographed section of the wedding. All of these pictures were taken by Rebecca & Chad Hansen. You can check them out here! I hope you enjoy!
Pre-wedding: getting ready
The Ceremony
To sum it all up: It was wonderful.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
One of the best things about being married...
... is Cooking!
It has been so long since I've had a kitchen (that was clean enough) to cook in! It has been fun to finally put some recipes to use that I've been wanting to try. Plus my cooking makes him think I'm a good wifey!
Here is a picture of the pretentious looking meal I made the other night.
And one of our scrumptious apple pie (made from our wedding centerpieces!)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Don't be mad...
I know, I have pretty much fallen off the face of the Earth lately. For that I am sorry. I have been spending countless hours trying to bring this whole wedding together.
Whew! I had no idea what I was getting myself into, with this whole "planning a wedding" thing! My friend Holly is starting her own Wedding Planning business and I do NOT know how she does it! I would not enjoy meeting with cranky brides (such as myself) and rushing to create perfect weddings, over and over again. Bless you, Holly.
The nice thing is that the closer and closer the wedding comes, the shorter and shorter my To-do lists become. This is a great feeling.
Another great feeling: crossing things off you list. Completing a task, no matter how small, feels ten times better when you write it down and then cross it off as finished! Ahh. Success.
But just for clarification:
Whew! I had no idea what I was getting myself into, with this whole "planning a wedding" thing! My friend Holly is starting her own Wedding Planning business and I do NOT know how she does it! I would not enjoy meeting with cranky brides (such as myself) and rushing to create perfect weddings, over and over again. Bless you, Holly.
The nice thing is that the closer and closer the wedding comes, the shorter and shorter my To-do lists become. This is a great feeling.
Another great feeling: crossing things off you list. Completing a task, no matter how small, feels ten times better when you write it down and then cross it off as finished! Ahh. Success.
But just for clarification:
I AM SO EXITED TO GET MARRIED TO ANDREW ON SATURDAY!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Today
I am going to the gynecologist for my 'premarital exam.' I hear it is painful. I'm very scared.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
You will never belive this!
So, I did get a response back from my landlord. She emailed me saying that the house was up to standard and that BYU inspects it every August (which I highly doubt, because in the BYU handbook it said explicitly that BYU does not have time to inspect every place once a year.) Anyway, so I decided to go a head and contact BYU housing and request an inspection. And so I did.
Well when I was in Texas, I received a call from my landlord. She told me they had a 'situation' and wondered if I could help them out. She said there was a mix up from some of the girls who had already moved out. They both sold their contracts, but one of them had promised the new girl a private room, and it was a shared room. So basically, they were overbooked. She then asked if I would mind if she released me from my contract for the rest of the summer.
YES, PLEASE!
So, I moved out on Friday, the day I got in from Texas. I got a written confirmation of the release, and my deposit being sent to me as we speak!
This is obviously a wonderful blessing. It is going to save us about $600 and we are getting my $300 deposit back now rather than later!(which will be very helpful)
The only negative aspect about this situation is that I am homeless right now. Andrew and I are furiously trying to find a place to live, where I will just move in right away. This will be nice because I can get somewhat settled before the wedding and before Andrew moves in. We've looked at plenty of places and they are either totally disgusting or too expensive. Clearly we are looking for something in between: nice and affordable.
Well when I was in Texas, I received a call from my landlord. She told me they had a 'situation' and wondered if I could help them out. She said there was a mix up from some of the girls who had already moved out. They both sold their contracts, but one of them had promised the new girl a private room, and it was a shared room. So basically, they were overbooked. She then asked if I would mind if she released me from my contract for the rest of the summer.
YES, PLEASE!
So, I moved out on Friday, the day I got in from Texas. I got a written confirmation of the release, and my deposit being sent to me as we speak!
This is obviously a wonderful blessing. It is going to save us about $600 and we are getting my $300 deposit back now rather than later!(which will be very helpful)
The only negative aspect about this situation is that I am homeless right now. Andrew and I are furiously trying to find a place to live, where I will just move in right away. This will be nice because I can get somewhat settled before the wedding and before Andrew moves in. We've looked at plenty of places and they are either totally disgusting or too expensive. Clearly we are looking for something in between: nice and affordable.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Drama, drama, drama
So, I live in this house that is incredibly nasty.
It. is. SO. Gross.
Let me give you a little background on this house:
It is a pretty old house. It is apparent that the people who tried to fix it up did a sloppy, quick fix. (the molding in the shower is almost gone, the wooden floors are completely thrashed, the shelves are falling off, the counters are no longer touching the walls (does that make sense?) and so on and so on.) The landlords live in California, so they are unable to swing by for any maintenance checkups. The only time they fix things is when there are big problems, such as mold, dead heater, etc. The house holds 6 girls - 2 shared rooms, 2 private. The shared rooms are $265 per occupant, and the private are $325 & $345 per occupant. So in all the landlords are making $1730 a month! What's worse, the contracts are year round so the rent does not change for Spring/Summer terms, which make it impossible to sell for the Summer. Around here in Provo during the Spring/Summer, private rooms in nice houses run about $150/month or so! So the tenants are stuck paying a horrible rate during the Spring/Summer for a poorly maintained house!
On top of that, the house smells HORRIBLE. All the time. I seriously and literally gag when I have to walk through or around the kitchen (which is where the horrid smell is coming from, to make matters worse). Luckily, I do not store food, prepare food, or eat food at my own house. The Nevin's have been gracious enough to let me steal their food for the past couple months, but that is a whole other story. We also are not required to do cleaning checks ever (only when we are checking out - ergo, nobody is forced to clean, so nobody ever cleans!).
And here is another thing: I am a good tenant. I am a good roommate.
Exhibit A: I always pay my rent on time. Never ever has it been late!
Exhibit B: I do the dishes sometimes. I shouldn't even have to, because I never use the dishes. But I do wash them sometimes. You know, when I'm feeling generous, or just super grossed out by the mess!
Exhibit C: I have never been the cause of any type of concern. No physical damage. No honor code violations. ~ I am never even in the house, really (except to sleep and shower).
So, I have had it. I am so fed up. I cannot and will not deal with this any longer. I wrote my landlords an email today giving them a few options:
A. Lower my rent to $100/month. I told them I would be willing to pay this through August even though I will be moving out in July.
B. Release my contract. I told them I would have no trouble finding another place that was more reasonably priced.
If neither of these option were satisfactory enough, I would resort to plan C.
C. I will go to BYU Off-Campus housing and schedule an inspection. BYU has very specific instructions for a house to be considered "BYU approved." I'm so sure this house would not pass an inspection as BYU livable! In which case, BYU would grant all of the occupants a release from their contract.
And now I impatiently await their reply.
Don't worry, I'll let you know how it all works out!
It. is. SO. Gross.
Let me give you a little background on this house:
It is a pretty old house. It is apparent that the people who tried to fix it up did a sloppy, quick fix. (the molding in the shower is almost gone, the wooden floors are completely thrashed, the shelves are falling off, the counters are no longer touching the walls (does that make sense?) and so on and so on.) The landlords live in California, so they are unable to swing by for any maintenance checkups. The only time they fix things is when there are big problems, such as mold, dead heater, etc. The house holds 6 girls - 2 shared rooms, 2 private. The shared rooms are $265 per occupant, and the private are $325 & $345 per occupant. So in all the landlords are making $1730 a month! What's worse, the contracts are year round so the rent does not change for Spring/Summer terms, which make it impossible to sell for the Summer. Around here in Provo during the Spring/Summer, private rooms in nice houses run about $150/month or so! So the tenants are stuck paying a horrible rate during the Spring/Summer for a poorly maintained house!
On top of that, the house smells HORRIBLE. All the time. I seriously and literally gag when I have to walk through or around the kitchen (which is where the horrid smell is coming from, to make matters worse). Luckily, I do not store food, prepare food, or eat food at my own house. The Nevin's have been gracious enough to let me steal their food for the past couple months, but that is a whole other story. We also are not required to do cleaning checks ever (only when we are checking out - ergo, nobody is forced to clean, so nobody ever cleans!).
And here is another thing: I am a good tenant. I am a good roommate.
Exhibit A: I always pay my rent on time. Never ever has it been late!
Exhibit B: I do the dishes sometimes. I shouldn't even have to, because I never use the dishes. But I do wash them sometimes. You know, when I'm feeling generous, or just super grossed out by the mess!
Exhibit C: I have never been the cause of any type of concern. No physical damage. No honor code violations. ~ I am never even in the house, really (except to sleep and shower).
So, I have had it. I am so fed up. I cannot and will not deal with this any longer. I wrote my landlords an email today giving them a few options:
A. Lower my rent to $100/month. I told them I would be willing to pay this through August even though I will be moving out in July.
B. Release my contract. I told them I would have no trouble finding another place that was more reasonably priced.
If neither of these option were satisfactory enough, I would resort to plan C.
C. I will go to BYU Off-Campus housing and schedule an inspection. BYU has very specific instructions for a house to be considered "BYU approved." I'm so sure this house would not pass an inspection as BYU livable! In which case, BYU would grant all of the occupants a release from their contract.
And now I impatiently await their reply.
Don't worry, I'll let you know how it all works out!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
My newest obsession:
Sonic's new Mango Limeade!
It is so delicious. I'm afraid it won't be around for very long, so I'm trying to get my fill on it while I can. Which is valid, I think.
The only thing that would make it better was if there were real chunks of mango in the limeade!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Let me explain...
So I haven't posted anything in a while, and I don't really have a valid excuse for this, but here is the one I am claiming:
My computer cord died. The wires came loose a while back but I was able to jiggle them into a place where they would create a good enough connection to charge my computer. But then, my roommate's boyfriend kicked it and it came completely apart! Needless to say, it does not work at all anymore. No computer cord = No Computer.
Not having a computer has made for some great awkward moments for me. Because I was unable to watch Grey's Anatomy & Desperate Housewives season finales on my computer in the comfort of my own home, I had to resort to the Provo library and BYU computers. The awkward parts came when I burst into tears in the library/computer labs in front of many strangers. Oh, well. I tell myself it doesn't matter because I will never see those people again!
I have been putting off buying a new cord because well, they are expensive. On Saturday, I finally broke down and bought a new cord. It should be here any day now! I'm so excited!
My computer cord died. The wires came loose a while back but I was able to jiggle them into a place where they would create a good enough connection to charge my computer. But then, my roommate's boyfriend kicked it and it came completely apart! Needless to say, it does not work at all anymore. No computer cord = No Computer.
Not having a computer has made for some great awkward moments for me. Because I was unable to watch Grey's Anatomy & Desperate Housewives season finales on my computer in the comfort of my own home, I had to resort to the Provo library and BYU computers. The awkward parts came when I burst into tears in the library/computer labs in front of many strangers. Oh, well. I tell myself it doesn't matter because I will never see those people again!
I have been putting off buying a new cord because well, they are expensive. On Saturday, I finally broke down and bought a new cord. It should be here any day now! I'm so excited!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Mmmm
I am so craving pancakes! Every topic of conversation today has led to pancakes, and thus my overwhelming desire to eat them. Maybe I will make them tonight. Maybe even...Banana Pancakes!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Today at Work
Katie informed us all that there is no official word for that feeling you get when you need to sneeze but you can't. Her and her friends came up with their own word that I think is perfect:
SNIZZLE
(noun)
Used in a sentence: "Ahh! I have the snizzles!" - Esther
What do you call that feeling when you need to sneeze but can't?
Saturday, May 2, 2009
and now my turn.
1. sHe's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen?
grey's anatomy, friends on dvd, desperate housewives.
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does she get on his salad? .
balsamic, italian, really there's a myriad of choices. by the way, earlier she asked me if that was a real word.
3. What's one food she doesn't like?
fishy fish.
4. You go out to eat and have a drink. What does she order?
dr. pepper or water.
5. Where did she go to high school?
permian. and she's SOO proud.
6. What size shoe does she wear?
7, but if the shoe fits...!
7. If she was to collect anything, what would it be?
shoes, pictures of babies, the actual babies.
8. What is shis favorite type of sandwich?
the ones i make!
9. What would this person eat every day if she could?
food. all types.
10. What is shis favorite cereal?
golden grahams. i know, not a very good choice.
11. What would she never wear?
a bionic spaceman suit.
12. What is shis favorite sports team?
she pretends she cares what happens to the aggies and byu.
13. Who did she vote for?
ron paul. she's such a conservative radical.
14. Who is shis best friend?
moi.
15. What is something you do that she wishes you wouldn't do?
creepy voices.
16. What is shis heritage?
historically? doesn't matter, when you're from texas, you're from texas.
17. You bake shim a cake for shis birthday; what kind of cake?
birthday cake.
18. Did she play sports in high school?
no. she acted and sang, and other stuff.
19. What could she spend hours doing?
blogging, as is evident.
20. What is one unique talent she has?
s'not a talent, but she snorts when she laughs hard enough.
grey's anatomy, friends on dvd, desperate housewives.
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does she get on his salad? .
balsamic, italian, really there's a myriad of choices. by the way, earlier she asked me if that was a real word.
3. What's one food she doesn't like?
fishy fish.
4. You go out to eat and have a drink. What does she order?
dr. pepper or water.
5. Where did she go to high school?
permian. and she's SOO proud.
6. What size shoe does she wear?
7, but if the shoe fits...!
7. If she was to collect anything, what would it be?
shoes, pictures of babies, the actual babies.
8. What is shis favorite type of sandwich?
the ones i make!
9. What would this person eat every day if she could?
food. all types.
10. What is shis favorite cereal?
golden grahams. i know, not a very good choice.
11. What would she never wear?
a bionic spaceman suit.
12. What is shis favorite sports team?
she pretends she cares what happens to the aggies and byu.
13. Who did she vote for?
ron paul. she's such a conservative radical.
14. Who is shis best friend?
moi.
15. What is something you do that she wishes you wouldn't do?
creepy voices.
16. What is shis heritage?
historically? doesn't matter, when you're from texas, you're from texas.
17. You bake shim a cake for shis birthday; what kind of cake?
birthday cake.
18. Did she play sports in high school?
no. she acted and sang, and other stuff.
19. What could she spend hours doing?
blogging, as is evident.
20. What is one unique talent she has?
s'not a talent, but she snorts when she laughs hard enough.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Happy Little Things
So in a blog I follow called the rockstar diaries, the writer asked what little things in life make you incredible happy. I especially liked her post about how the little things in life aren't insignificant, and can make life worth living. So, I started thinking about what little things in my life have recently and continually brought me happiness. And here is my list:
1.the color green
2. Sonic's Cherry Limeade *with extra cherries*
3.sleeping in
4.blooming tulips
5.friendly strangers
6.chocolate-covered cinnamon bears
7.picnics in the sun
8.Andrew's hugs
9.long phone calls
10.game nights with family & friends
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
My Summer Book List
It is finally SUMMER!
As it turns out, I'm going to spend my Summer here, in Utah. I'm enrolled in only one class for the Spring term and am working part time at the ticket office. This means that I have a lot of extra time (for now). Extra time is a rarity in my life, so I'm going to fully take advantage of this opportunity and catch up on all those books/plays I want to read. There are so many books/plays that I need to catch up on so I don't have to plug my ears to avoid potential spoilers. Also, I have started so many books that I just never got around to finishing! So, I am going to start a book list. Today I started 1984 by George Orwell. I am already entranced.
Everyone please give me some summer reading suggestions!
Better Late than Never
All About Andrew
1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen?
Well...he's not much for TV, but can be hypnotize by anything sports, or news, and sometimes even the Disney Chanel.
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?
Ranch or Balsamic Vinaigrette
3. What's one food he doesn't like?
Lasagna
4. You go out to eat and have a drink. What does he order?
Mountain Dew, usually
5. Where did he go to high school?
Umm...Independence, Timpview and Mountain View...I think.
6. What size shoe does he wear?
11 1/2
7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be?
keys - he has about a bazillion keys just lying around that he doesn't know what they go to.
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich?
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich?
Loaded. With meat, mayonnaise, veggies and of course, salt and pepper.
9. What would this person eat every day if he could?
Candy, Sweets, and probably Sushi.
10. What is his favorite cereal?
Waffle Crisp/Eggo Cereal
11. What would he never wear?
11. What would he never wear?
Clothes that match whatever I was wearing
12. What is his favorite sports team?
12. What is his favorite sports team?
The locals: Jazz & BYU Cougars
13. Who did he vote for?
He didn't
14. Who is his best friend?
Me!
15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do?
I cry a lot.
16. What is his heritage?
I know there is some Native American in there somewhere.
17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake?
Pretty much anything - Probably chocolate
18. Did he play sports in high school?
Lacrosse, JROTC (if that is a "sport") He wishes he had been a part of the wrestling team.
19. What could he spend hours doing?
Watching various political conspiracy videos online.
20. What is one unique talent he has?
20. What is one unique talent he has?
He can always make me laugh. Seriously. It does not matter how stupid the joke is - I laugh. Even when we are in a fight, he can turn my anger into laughter!
I tag:
Allison Barnes
Karris
Celi
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
In case you are wondering...
I still have no idea what I am going to do with my life this summer.
I am still waiting to hear back about the American Theater Wing internship in NYC! I called them today and they said that they still haven't reached a decision. I really really really hope that I get this internship because it would be an amazing opportunity for me to gain experience in administration work, live in the city, and get acquainted with famous theaters and people! What's not to love?
What is the most difficult thing about i, is just not knowing. Even if the answer is no, I want to have an answer. It freaks me out that I don't have a plan. And I can't make a plan because I don't know anything.
So, I wait.....
In the meantime I am trying to plan my summer as if I will be in Utah. Here is my plan so far:
1. Work part time at the ticket office
2. Do an internship at the Covey Center or just get really involved in some shows
3. Work part time at Victoria's Secret
4. Take a few classes (but not full time)
5. Go to concerts: possible festivals include Sasquatch, Bumbershoot, Summerfest
6. ROADTRIP!
7. Lagoon
I have decided that even though I could graduate in December, if I stay in Utah for the Summer, I won't. I want to give myself a little off time from school, and I also want to make sure I get to take all the random elective classes I want to take before I graduate. Also, I hear it is harder to get a job right after Fall Semester, as opposed to after Winter semester. And I'm not quite ready to quit being a student just yet.
Those are my thoughts as of late.
I am still waiting to hear back about the American Theater Wing internship in NYC! I called them today and they said that they still haven't reached a decision. I really really really hope that I get this internship because it would be an amazing opportunity for me to gain experience in administration work, live in the city, and get acquainted with famous theaters and people! What's not to love?
What is the most difficult thing about i, is just not knowing. Even if the answer is no, I want to have an answer. It freaks me out that I don't have a plan. And I can't make a plan because I don't know anything.
So, I wait.....
In the meantime I am trying to plan my summer as if I will be in Utah. Here is my plan so far:
1. Work part time at the ticket office
2. Do an internship at the Covey Center or just get really involved in some shows
3. Work part time at Victoria's Secret
4. Take a few classes (but not full time)
5. Go to concerts: possible festivals include Sasquatch, Bumbershoot, Summerfest
6. ROADTRIP!
7. Lagoon
I have decided that even though I could graduate in December, if I stay in Utah for the Summer, I won't. I want to give myself a little off time from school, and I also want to make sure I get to take all the random elective classes I want to take before I graduate. Also, I hear it is harder to get a job right after Fall Semester, as opposed to after Winter semester. And I'm not quite ready to quit being a student just yet.
Those are my thoughts as of late.
Yesterday
-Woke up at 7 AM
-Woke up sickly (congested sinuses & swollen lymph nodes)
+Got a ride to school
+Ate a fabulous breakfast
-Spilled egg yoke all over my jacket
-Took my lighting final
+Went to work
+Secured a part-time job for the spring & summer in the ticket office
-Stressed about my dramatic literature paper that was due at 5
-Wrote my paper
-Turned my paper in late
+Got a FREE water bottle!
-Left my lunch locked in refrigerator at work
+Went to Utah Flash game
-Suffered from monthly cramping & hunger
-Spilled honey all over me
-Woke up at 3 AM to let my roommate into the house
All things considered: It was a pretty good day.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Utah Flash!
Last night Matt, Angela, Andrew and me all went to a Utah Flash game. It was quite the event. We got a basketball game + spectator entertainment...I'm afraid that if I try to explain it, the meaning will be lost...I just wonder where these Flash fans are hiding during daylight hours?!
Also, the "Flash dancers" were pretty awful. How do they think they are going to earn some 'R-E-S-P-E-C-T' by grinding and shimmying?
Also, the "Flash dancers" were pretty awful. How do they think they are going to earn some 'R-E-S-P-E-C-T' by grinding and shimmying?
Friday, April 10, 2009
Rewind: Festival of Colors
I was so excited to attend this year's Sri Sri Radha Krishna temple celebration of Holi, or The Festival of Colors! I had never gone before, but had heard all about it from friends and such. I am working evening shifts this semester, and realized about a week before Holi, that I would not be able to go because of work!! BUT the day before the festival, I found out that I did NOT have to work and was overly excited about going.
Andrew and I were on our way to the festivities, but the traffic was so horrible on the freeway that we got off and try to find our way through the back roads. We eventually got there, but the colors were thrown as we were parking, so we missed most of the excitement.
Andrew and I were on our way to the festivities, but the traffic was so horrible on the freeway that we got off and try to find our way through the back roads. We eventually got there, but the colors were thrown as we were parking, so we missed most of the excitement.
But we had fun petting the llamas, looking at the peacocks, looking at the gift shop inside the temple, and getting a little color on us from other people who still had some powder left.
It was very fun, but next year we will be on time!
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