cursed

FYI, i think my blog is cursed. Any time I mention a guy on my blog, they turn weird shortly there after. I think they are great, blog about how great they are, then BAM! they turn weird.

Blah, men. So I'm not going to blog about them anymore.

P.S. If you type "curse" into Google picture search, you get some really weird pictures.

Perfect Man

Steph and I have decided that this guy is the perfect man! He may be a model from a website that I was shopping on..... and he doesn't know that I exsist... but I'm pretty sure he loves me. We named him Alejandro. :)

Skydiving

It's become a tradition for me to do something a little crazy or out of the ordinary for my birthday. About a month ago I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do to celebrate and I came up with Skydiving. I had wanted to skydive for a while, but never really looked into it. I told some friends and family that I was going to go skydiving. Several people contemplated joining me, but it came down to just my brother Reed and my friend Amanda that decided to make the jump.I scheduled our jumps for Saturday the 5th, 2 days before my birthday. The weather has been horrible for June, but we got lucky and Saturday was a beautiful day. Once we got to the field we all felt pretty good about our decision to skydive. It was comforting to see that there were lots of people there, and we even saw a few groups suit up, take off, skydive and land. It was reassuring to see them land and come off the field smiling and saying it was the best experience.Getting suited up wasn't the most comfortable. I was glad that I wasn't a boy, because as is there seemed to be some discomfort in the crotch area with all the straps and harnesses going on. Safety before comfort! We took a few pictures of us all suited up, met our tandem instructors, and then loaded onto the plane.It was an interesting 15 to 20 minutes in the plane while we got to the right altitude. It was loud and we were all sitting between eachothers legs, facing toward the door we would ultimately jump out of. Once we got up to the correct altitude our instructors helped us with our helmets and goggles, tightened our harnesses and clicked us into the connectors on their chests. The door opened and we did an awkward scoot toward the door. As I saw Reed and his instructor drop out my heart began to pound a bit harder. I scooted more. Saw Amanda and her instructor drop out and spin into the air. At this point we are at the door and my heels are touching the bottom of the plane. "one.. two - go" and we were spinning into the air. It was an exhilarating feeling. It didn't feel like falling as much as it felt like flying. Never once in the air did it cross my mind that I could die if something went wrong. It was just surreal.
We all landed safely and agreed that we would go again if we could afford it. The adrenalin was strong and even though I was no longer nervous my hands were shaky for another 15 minutes or so. It was an absolutely amazing experience, one I'm sure I'll do again!

Visiting Grandma

Over memorial Day weekend Reed and I went to visit Grandma Risenmay. We arrived Sunday in the late afternoon and had a relaxing evening playing 5 dice and watching the movie The Blind Side and then a couple hours of the tv show "I shouldn't be alive." It was nice to hang out with grandma. Monday morning I woke up and went out to the living room to find grandma awake and drinking her warm water. We sat and chatted and eventually Reed woke up and came out to the living room as well. Grandma was very worried that Reed did not want to go to the bathroom when he woke up. She asked him several times "dont you want to go to the bathroom? I always need to go to the bathroom when I wake up." Reed insisted that he didn't need to go to the bathroom. Grandma went to McDonalds to pick up breakfast burritos for us while Reed and I got ready for the day. Once we were done with breakfast and ready for the day we loaded things into the car to go decorate Grandpa's grave for Memorial day. I was amazed at the amount of decorations at the graveyard. There were several people there decorating graves. Grandma was so grateful that Reed and I were there to help her. She tried to help us, but said she found out how useless she was. We were happy to do the work while she directed us in what she wanted done. We then went back to grandmas house and played a few more rounds of 5 dice. Grandma was very tired so we decided to hit the road and try to beat the holiday traffic. We did not miss the traffic rush, but it was well worth it to be there with Grandma.

My Hopes

I was reading a blog post written by a friends wife, about her hopes for her life, and the type of person and mother she hopes to be. It made me think about what my goals are as a person, and what I want to be, so I thought I'd make a list as well.I hope to smile and laugh, and be happy more than any other emotion. To focus on the positive, and the blessings in my life, more than on the sadness and frustrations.

• I hope to always be forgiving, and to try to understand other people and their true intentions, and to realize that when people do harmful things, it is only because they are hurting within themselves.
• I hope to always take care of my body and strive to be healthy but be able to stay balanced in my health. Eat well, exercise, but also enjoy life and eat dessert. :)
• I hope to always have a home that feels comfortable. To have it well decorated, but lived in. A place where your heart feels warm.
• I hope for my home to also be an open, loving environment. One like my mom's where there are always visitors, and those visitors often feel like they are at their home away from home.
• I hope I always have a dog. This may seem silly to some, but I feel like a family is not a family without a dog. I also feel that having a dog can help teach children how to be loving and caring toward all creatures.
• I hope to never have my children (Will and any others I may someday have) doubt that I love them. I want them to know, no matter what, that their mom will always be there for them.
• I hope to someday be a wife. I want my husband to feel as though I am his biggest fan. I want to make him dinner, and rub his back. I want to snuggle, and laugh. I want to have a loving relationship with my husband that I know is a good role model to our children of what a relationship should look like.
• I want to not live my life in fear. I want to love and laugh and play. I want to live my life to the fullest.
• I hope to be a non judgmental person. I want to have friends from all walks of life and to love them for who they are and where they have come from.
• I hope to raise a family, who laughs as much as my parents and siblings do when we are together.
• I hope to teach my children how to be charitable and giving. I hope to teach them them that giving to others brings love and happiness to their own hearts.
• I hope to learn from my children as I realize that each child and person has their own strengths.
• I hope to always value myself, and not let things in life weigh down my inner self.

One of my favorite quotes: "I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived." — Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Ok, maybe not a station wagon... but you get the idea. I hope to live a life that is a reflection of love and happiness.

And the not so little things

Events of Yesterday:

• Woke up late because the NyQuil I took the night before worked a little too well
• Arrived late to work
• Felt tired all day - contemplated hiding in a closet to take a nap at work
• Received a text from Joel reminding me that he was going to make dinner that night and that my job was to bring home a movie
• Watched the clock, waiting for it to finally be time to leave work
• Received some texts from Joel while he was at the grocery store
• Smiled for the millionth time that day
• Finally 5, hurried to pick up the movie and get home
• Joel was waiting for me at my place
• Tried to help Joel prepare dinner, was physically picked up and placed on the couch and told to relax
• Tried again, and again and finally realized there was nothing that I could do to get him to let me help
• Watched one of my law shows while I waited for dinner
• Dinner was ready - smiled at how absolutely amazing Joel is
• Ate tons of the super yummy dinner - Talapia stuffed with crab, green beans with cashews and honey glaze, spinach salad with fruit
• Stared at Joel in amazement
• Washed the dishes together, even though Joel wanted me to sit on the couch while he did it.
• Watched tv while I rubbed Joel's back and listened to him answer the questions on Jeopardy
  
• Watched the movie Brothers and drank a glass of wine, while snuggled up with Joel
• Smiled each time he kissed me on the top of my head
• Joel told me he had tickets for the Mariners game in 2 weeks.
  
• Smiled thinking about last time we went to the Mariners game.
• Snuggles, kisses
• Fall asleep smiling - again.

(Am I dreaming?!)

Best Invention

I may never use my sewing machine again.

Mariners game.... it's the little things

Last Monday morning while sitting at my desk at work I recieved a text from my friend Natalie. "do you have Will and do you have plans tonight?" "No, and no" I replied. She told me that a friend of hers had tickets to the Mariners game that night, that she and her husband Jake were going and that they needed one more person. "not that it matters, but he's pretty cute" she added. "ok, sounds good. I'm in" We figured out logistics and that we would meet up in Bellevue a bit after 6 to drive to the game together.I hurried home after work to change and let my dog out to go potty. I had no idea what to wear. Knowing Natalie I knew she would not be in jeans with flats on. "Do I dress nicer to match her more, or do I go with the normal casual stuff that I would typically wear to an M's game? I wonder if this guy is expecting me to be like Natalie since I'm Natalies friends??" But I decided to stick with my typical casual, going to a game, attire and threw on some jeans, pumas, t shirt and a jacket.

When I met up with them in Bellevue I found that I was right in my assumption. Natalie was wearing a sweater dress, leggins and knee high boots. :) I had looked Joel up on Natalie's facebook at some point during the day, so I knew in general what he looked like, but I thought he looked even better in person. Joel drove to the game. He and Jake in the front and Natalie and I in the back. I was sitting behind Joel and I liked that he opened my door when I would get in or out of the car. He didn't make a production of it, I could tell that he was just really a gentleman.

Throughout the game Joel and I talked and joked around. He was very easy to get along with. We made bets on the hat trick and the boat races. Both of which I won. He told me that he let me win them so that I would come back for more. :) I felt 15 again. I was excited when our arms touched when we both put our arms on the arm rest. Wow, right? I'm how old? But it made me happy.My favorite moment of the night? The "little thing".... When we were leaving the game, walking through the hordes of people, back to where the car was parked, I had to stop to tie my shoe. Jake, Natalie and Joel continued walking, but when Joel noticed that I had stopped he came back and stood next to me. When I stood up he said "I just didn't want anyone to trip over you." Little thing, but it made me feel good that he even thought to do that. Gentleman.

After the game we stopped for milk shakes (except for Natalie who of course ordered a salad and just drooled over our shakes) and then headed back to where all of our cars were. We said our goodbyes, Joel and I hugged and then I headed home. I think I fell asleep smiling that night.

more randomness

Some of you may have read this post last year about 25 random things about me. Well I dont have 25 more to share, but I thought maybe I'll give you 5 at a time every once in a while.

1. I find myself counting random things without intending to. Like stairs, or steps to the car from the door. There is no purpose for the counting and once I realize I'm doing it I wonder why I'm doing it, yet I catch myself counting a lot.2. I really really dont like artificial sweeteners. Diet soda = yuck! I can't stand the taste. And they say Coke Zero tastes like regular coke. WRONG. Tastes yucky. I rarely drink soda anyway, but if I do it'll be a chubby coke. And I can taste artificial sweeteners in food as well so dont think you can trick me. Plus, sure they may be less or no calories, but I prefer sugar. My body knows what to do with sugar, it doesn't know what to do with chemicals. And I believe we will someday find out that all of the artificial things we put in our bodies are cancer causing, so I'd like to avoid them for that reason as well.3. Melons make me gag. Watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe..... gag, gag, gag. The sucky thing is that I want to like them. I still buy watermelon every summer because I like for other people to eat it. People look happy when they eat watermelon. But not me. The closest thing to a melon that I can eat is a cucumber. Cucumbers aren't a melon you say.... well my mouth thinks otherwise. I literally gag if I have a melon, cucumber by it's self has the same reaction. Cucumber smothered in ranch or hummus, I can get down.4. I'm a biter, or more of a nibbler I guess. My favorite thing to bite it my sons buns in jammies. Seriously, when he's climbing up his ladder to get in his bed at night I just can't help myself, I have to get a nibble of those cute jammie buns! Weird thing is I think this is a genetic urge. Weird right? But anyone who knows my Grandma Risenmay knows that she's a biter too. She hugs and kisses everyone, but you know that she really likes you if she gives you a nibble.

5. I love people. Sometimes when they probably dont want or deserve it. I think I smoother them. (Come to think of it, I think I get this from Grandma Risenmay too.) I want people to be happy and I try to make them happy. But I'm learning {slowly} that I can't make people be happy, and that I can show my love but I need to let it happen not force it.

Habits

Many people are near the conclusion of their observance of Lent. Lent is a Catholic practice, it is a special time of prayer, penance, sacrifice and good works in preparation of the celebration of Easter. Many people choose something to give up or fast for the duration of lent. I personally have never participated in lent but other peoples fast have gotten me thinking about what I would give up if I were to participate. Friends of mine have given up meat, soda, or the like as their lent fast. What would I give up?

I eat meat sparingly
I drink soda maybe once per month
I drink alcohol maybe once per month
I dont eat a lot of sugar (which is a huge improvement from my past)
I dont spend much money on unnecessary things

I think I do most things in moderation. So I dont know if I have something that I really need to give up. However, I am not saying that I am perfect. I have come to the realization that, I dont have any horrible habits, but I dont have any good ones either.

I rarely exercise (which I used to be religious about)
I dont drink enough water
I dont participate in service activities as much as I have in the past

So I guess what I'm saying is that I think I need a reverse lent.... but I guess that's what new years resolutions are for... and really I'm probably too lazy anyway. I guess I'll stick with being mediocre.

Are you participating in lent? Did you have a new years resolution? How's it going? You're doing better than me just by attempting. :)

funky green chair

I really needed a side chair to put in my room since there is no where to sit to put shoes on or the like. My room is currently decorated with just black and white since I like a minimalist, clean look in my bedroom, but I had decided that I needed to add a pop of color. Green is my favorite color, so naturally I wanted to do green accents in my room. When searching for a chair I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted, and then I found this chair.


It immediately caught my eye, and had a funky apeal to it. It's nothing like the rest of my furniture... but that's why I like it. It looks like it's straight out of my grandma's house, and would totally go with the old orange shag carpet that used to be in my parents house. Totally not what I would expect for myself to want, which really made me want it more. After a few e-mails with links to the above picture of the chair to my design advisors (aka, steph, amanda and dan) I decided I had to have it. Oh and did I mention that it was only $160 from craigslist? It's a bit warn, which I expected, because it's probably really from the 70's, but still in pretty great condition. I'm currently in the process of painting the base/legs black to better match my room. I'm not sure what other green stuff I want to do to tie it all in, so let me know if you have ideas. :)

my color

According to this quiz, Red is my color. Funny because I've never loved red.

"You boast incredible willpower and are capable of overcoming obstacles that would normally leave others shaking in their boots. You have a penchant for colorful environments and often impress others with your energetic bursts of energy. Your interests in many areas of life often leave you scattered, but when you focus you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. "

My Mom

My mom is someone who I love very much. The older I get the more I love and appreciate my mom. Being a mother myself has also taught me a lot about my mom. It's made me understand her love for me more than I did before.

Here are just some of the reasons why I love my mom:

• She has a fun sense of humor. I think those who don't know my mom well don't know this about her, but she likes to joke and laugh. I think this aspect of her personality creates a lot of fun moments.
• She is very creative. She comes up with creative activities, she gives creative gifts. She makes life more fun by adding twists and turns to the everyday ho-hum stuff.
• She is non judgemental. I really respect that my mom is not quick to judge. She sees the big picture in many situations and understands that it does no good to judge others.
• She loves. There are many qualities that I hope that I have of my moms, but I'm pretty sure that I have this one. From her I have learned to always be someone who loves.
• She also loves animals. We have always had a dog in our house and my mom has always treated our family dogs as a member of the family. I think this love and respect for animals has helped to teach all of us in our family about how to love and care for people, animals or things.
• She has the ability to keep her home a place of love. There have always been lots of people who are not members of our family who come by our parents house on a regular basis. I think this is because they feel comforted by the feeling of love in my parents home.
• She is very good at creating traditions. This probably goes along with her creativity, but my mom has created so many fun traditions in our family. From 7pm ice cream time every Sunday night, to our family Christmas traditions. She gives us opportunities to have fun together and have moments that we can look forward to and depend on.
• She is a wonderful Grandma. As most of you know, my mom takes care of my son while I'm at work. I am forever grateful for this. I know she absolutely loves William, and she shows it constantly.
• She is selfless. She will give of herself for others and she never looks back or holds it over your head.
• She taught me how to be independent. She always made us aware that she would be there for us, but that did not mean that she wouldn't have us pay natural consequences. I think I am a better, more capable adult because of the responsibility that my mom taught me by loving me, but not babying me.
• She is my friend. We cry together, laugh together, talk together.

2009 in review

Last year I filled out this little survey about my year, and planned to do it again at the beginning of the year, but I forgot. Better late than never.



1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Bought at home


2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?My goal was to get into a condo - I did that. As for this year. Ugh. I dunno.


3. Did anyone close to you give birth? My friend Julie, from work. And my friend Amy.


4. Did anyone close to you die? Both of my mom's parents died. Amy's baby died shortly after being born.

5. What countries did you visit? none - wah!


6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? Goals beyond owning a home.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Steph and Trevs wedding day because even though it seems ironic now, it was the party of a life time. Also the days surrounding the birth and passing of Amy's baby. I think many of us felt deeply for her through those days.
8. What was your biggest personal achievement of the year? Getting into my new home.

9. What was your biggest failure? I try not to keep those flagged in my mind. they happen, you learn, you move on.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? yes, click here or here to read about them. oh and here

11. What was the best thing you bought? condo and trip to disneyland

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Steph's commitment to Trev. We had a fun bachelorette {weekend} and she had the most amazing party.


13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? not a happy question. I'm not answering.


14. Where did most of your money go? There seems to be a pattern..... condo. Also spent some good money on taking my little man to Disneyland.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Steph and Trevs wedding

16. What song will always remind you of 2008? Beyonce - Put a ring on it. Will remind me of dancing to that song with the girls in SeaSide for Steph's bachelorette party weekend.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer? Happier in some ways, sadder in others, probably fatter, poorer but hopefully with some equity?

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Spent more one on one time with Will doing things that HE likes.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worry

20. Did you fall in love in 2008? I love, have loved, and will continue loving many people.

21. What was your favorite TV program? Criminal Minds - I miss having tv

22. What was the best book you read? the 5 love languages

23. What was your greatest musical discovery? not new, but I've found that I really enjoy some metallica songs. I love singing to Enter Sandman with Will.

24. What did you want and get? condo

25. What did you want and not get? Same as last year: To win mega millions :)

26. What was your favorite film of this year? The Proposal and The Hangover. Funny flicks.

27. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 24 (not 25) . Click here for a summary of my b-day
28. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Winning mega millions :)

29. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? I used to be really boring. Black and white. I've become more comfortable in colors but still kinda blah. Kinda elementary-school-teacher-who-is-trying-to-be-cool, type look.

30. What kept you sane? My mom and Will

William

Being February, the month of love, I've decided to focus on the people and things that I love. Lately there have been a lot of {not good} things happening to people that I care about. A lot of things that have made me sad or hurt. So I think focusing on love will help me realize all the beautiful, lovely, relationships and things that I have in my life.

I will start with my biggest love in my life. My son William.

- I love Wills cuddles. They make my heart feel different than anyone else can.

- I love that when we lay down next to each other he puts his arm out and wants me to lay my head on his shoulder, just as if he were a bigger boy that I'd cuddle with

- I love how he randomly tells me that he loves me

- I love how he touches my face (even though sometimes he touches it too harsh, and once he told me that he likes his daddy's face more.)

- I love his buns - naked, in jammies, in jeans.... I just love them

- I love having tickle wars, because unlike other kids, he doesn't try to tickle me back. (I don't like how kids tickle) He just laughs and laughs and then tells me to do it again.

- I love how he holds my hand. We don't always hold hands, but he always knows when I want him to hold my hand and he'll grab my hand before I even ask for it.

- I love it when he sings to music. His 2 favorites: "bubbly toes" by jack johnson and "Enter Sandman" by Metallica

- I love it when he makes up his own songs, that actually sound like they could be real songs and have repeating chorus'

- I love the pictures he draws even though I am a huge blob with eyes in his mind.

- I love how he starts conversations with adult like sayings like: "so I was thinking..." "I have an idea..." "how about we..."

- I love how he loves. He has a big heart and loves people quickly.

- I love that he's become more giving and aware of others feelings lately. He says things like "sorry" and "please" more often than he used to. And I think he actually means them when he says it.

- I love when he tells me jokes. He actually makes me laugh.

- I love that he makes me laugh all the time, without intending to

- I love that when he smiles he has several cheeks

- I love the dimples on his hands, even though they're starting to fade.

- I love that he wears boots a lot. Usually rain boots but occasionally cowboy boots. I especially love when he wears cowboy boots.

- I love how good his memory is, and that he'll randomly say things like "remember when you left my hot dog and your drink on top of the car at costco and started driving? that was funny"

- I love that he loves animals even though he hasn't perfected the "love gently" thing.

- I love that he makes me want to be better.

- I love that he wants to be like me

- I love how much he is like me.

photos by casey brevig

Haiti Relief

It seems as though there is a lot of hurt and heart ache lately. One such situation that brings much heart ache is the devastation in Haiti after the earthquake. I don't watch the news much but the glimpses that I've caught about the situation in Haiti are absolutely heart breaking. So many people hurt and in need.

Service Steel is a steel provider that Primus (the company that I work for) works with. Mike Hightower, the General Manager of Service Steel, had a daughter, Molly Hightower, who was working at an orphanage in Haiti. Her body has been recovered from a collapsed building where she lived and worked in Haiti.

While she was alive Molly had started a shoe drive to provide shoes for people in Haiti. What an awesome idea! Her parents, along with Service Steel, are continuing this effort. Other business and churches in the area are helping with this shoe drive. To any of you who live on the Eastside, let me know if you have shoes that you'd like to donate. I'd be happy to come by and pick them up to put in the drop box at my work.

Of course financial donations are also needed. There are several organizations helping in the Haiti relief. I encourage you to find one that speaks to you, and donate, even a small amount.

If you would like to donate to rebuilding the orphanage that Molly worked at please visit www.friendsoftheorphans.org/molly

Also if you'd like to read a little about Molly's work at the orphanage please visit her blog at http://www.mollyinhaiti.blogspot.com/

get a new hobby

Dear Punk who stole my Saab emblems,



Please get a new hobby. I don't understand why you'd want them. I finally replaced them and I don't want to have to do it again.

Thanks,
Saab Owner

Curtains

So my wonderful boyfriend helped me paint my living room and kitchen/dining room while he was visiting from California over New Years (what a champ!) but now I'm dying to get some curtains up. I went ahead with the colors for the rooms that you guys all helped me decide on. The living room is the dark grayish blue, and the dining room is the green (similar to the ones that are in the below picture)

Because I used somewhat dark colors I'm thinking that I should use a lighter and brighter fabric for the curtains, in order to brighten up the space. Here are two that I like... but I'm worried that:

A. are they too busy?

B. are they too bright?

C. are they too girly?






What do you think? Which do you like? Or should I keep looking? I'm open to suggestions!

Heart Strings

You know how there are those people that you have an undeniable, unexplainable connection with? Those people that you feel drawn to, they make your smile that much brighter, you feel more like yourself when you are with them, more whole, more of an understanding?

The first time I remember experiencing this was on the first day of 5th grade. I was in a 4th/5th split class. There were only going to be ten 5th graders in the class and I was very nervous that I wouldn’t be happy and wouldn’t have as many friends, since our class was somewhat separated from the other 5th grade classes. Then Steph walked in. (sounds cheesy already right.) She had just moved here from California, and was the new kid. I instantly new that she was going to be my best friend. She and I have talked about it several times since then and we both agree that we were instant best friends. We've had our struggles, just like any friendship, but most importantly we have always, and will always be there for each other.

Most of you who read my blog know Amy. She’s awesome. I was always drawn to Amy. My first memory of this was when I was probably 16. Amy and her husband Damon were the youth leaders who drove the vehicle I was in over to a church youth retreat. I don’t remember who else was in the car, but I do remember thinking that they were both awesome. I clearly remember thinking that I wanted a relationship like they had. That I wanted to be more like them. I thought that that feeling of being drawn to Amy was just a one way thing until about a year and a half ago. Not being active in church I had asked not to have visiting teachers (a person from church who is assigned to check up on you once a month.) I really DID NOT want to have anyone from the church checking on me. But then Amy told me that she had requested to be my visiting teacher because SHE had always felt drawn to ME for some unknown reason.

The funny thing about my friendship with Amy is that we’ve never hung out. I don’t have a picture of myself with her, or any real inside jokes or crazy experiences. But I completely adore her and I do consider her to be my friend.

What was I thinking?!?

This morning as I arrived to work I noticed that there was a note on my desk. It was folded up so I couldn't see the context of it. I was a bit nervous to see what was inside... Erin (please open)

When I opened the note and saw it's context I totally laughed...

What were you thinking ?!!? naughty grin (Snickers Wrapper included)

I always have a bowl of candy on my desk (mostly just to make me popular, because then people want to come talk to me) but apparently people aren't so happy with me this time. Everyone loves Snickers. What WAS I thinking?! There goes every ones new years resolutions. Sorry! ;)

White Elephant Party

It has been a tradition the last 3 or 4 years for Steph and I to have a white elephant party in order to get our long time friends together during the holidays. I love it for several reasons but mostly because

1. I LOVE these people but rarely see them

2. We laugh and have a great time

3. It's like we're still 15 when we get together

Life goes on, we change... but really we dont. We get together and we're all exactly how we were years ago.

This years party consisted of

• "Let's go fishin'" competition
• some food, but pretty much just what the girls made, because the guys apparently dont understand the concept of bringing something to share (some of them did bring drinks, and I think Trev and Noah may have contributed but that's because they were with steph...)
• of course the white elephant exchange with many wonderful gifts, but these 2 were my favorites

Whatever this is that Trev brought?!

And Noah's gift of LIVE mice! (At least it was better than his gift last year!)

• and a rousing game of King Elephant. This time Jon Williams was not King Elephant the whole time, and even though Risenmay's apparently suck at this game, Reed and I made it to the top! Booya!

We sure do know how to party! ;)