Take Me Out To The Ballgame

On Friday Spencer took me to a Bees game! I love the atmosphere of baseball games. It's pretty chill and laid back with moments of intensity so infrequent you can focus your energy on capturing the essence of the experience (or other people's baseball food).-Jack Norworth-

The Sweetest Thing

Freshly picked flowers from Millcreek Canyon. :)

-U2-

Unknown

Several months ago, Erika tagged me to do the 'eight unknown things' post. I thought about it and quickly realized that my life is practically an open book. There's very little that people don't know about me. I'm going to work on changing that. But I figured as long as I'm in a listy mood, I might as well try to conjure up something for this one as well:

*I make killer chocolate chip cookies.

*Sometimes (ok, quite often) I think about quitting my job and jumping on my bike to do the cross-country thing a la Forrest Gump... only on a bicycle.

*I worry about settling down.

*I also worry about not settling down.

*I feel like it's a lot easier to be 25 than it was to be 24.

*Somehow I'm convinced that I would love to live in downtown Seattle, even though my only memory of it is eating mediocre food atop the Space Needle when I was about nine years old. For some reason I'm pretty sure it would be a perfect fit.

*I work in a place where my co-workers constantly belch aloud, almost as though it were a burping contest. I sit quietly at my desk and work while this happens. What they don't know is that I could beat them all.

*I made my own web-page when I was 14. I know, so nerdy. Whomever can find it first will be rewarded. (Leave a comment)

-Animal Collective-

Am I Real

My sister Amanda had this on her blog and tagged me, so here goes

4 Jobs I've had

1. Paper Delivery Girl
2. Slide Librarian Assistant
3. Nike Marketing Intern
4. Israeli Mafia Intern (maybe I shouldn't be so forth-coming with such information?)

4 Movies I Can Watch Over and Over

1. Forrest Gump
2. Anne of Green Gables
3. The Sound of Music
4. Sense and Sensibility

4 Places I've Lived

1. Oregon
2. Virginia
3. New York
4. Belgium

4 TV Shows I Enjoy

1. The Office
2. 24
3. Seinfeld
4. The Wonder Years (I don't really watch TV anymore, can you tell?)

4 Places I've Been on Vacation

1. Greece
2. Vermont
3. Cinque Terre
4. Brazil

4 Favorite Restaurants

1. Cheesecake Factory
2. Jesse's (Washington Heights, NYC)
3. Baja Fresh
4. Bubby's (Brooklyn)

4 Websites I Visit Daily

1. google.com
2. amazon.com
3. the blogroll
4. indeed.com

4 Places I'd Rather Be Right Now

1. In my bed
2. On my porch swing
3. Italy
4. Beach

4 People I Think Will Do This

1. Erika
2. Jack
3. Meredith
4. Anna

-Animal Collective-

Rock Upon A Porch With You

On Friday my dear friend Jenny got married. The whole day was perfect.-The Boy Least Likely To-

Run

Yesterday Spencer ran the Deseret News 10K with me.I know, sick, huh? I hate these love is comics... at least they are wearing clothes in this one.

-Snow Patrol-

Home Cookin'

I've realized recently that I have become quite the collector of small kitchen appliances. Random ones. Of course I've got your average 5-speed blender (for smoothies, so delish)And a rice cooker/steamer
But how many people do you know that own a real Belgian Waffle maker
And a panini maker? (It also opens up to a griddle, which is great for pancakes)
Yesterday, I topped off the collection with my first batch of homemade ice cream. Thank you, Cuisinart for making raspberries, strawberries, eggs, cream, and sugar taste so delicious together.-The Animals-

California Dreamin'

I went to California this weekend. I didn't want to come back to Utah. Here are some photos.Laguna.
Zoo.
Ocean.
Petting Zoo.
Hats.
Shameless product placement.
Burgers.
Mexican chastity hats.
Sisters.
Happy.
Peace.

- Mamas and The Papas-

Open Book

Last year Seth and I threw around ideas of starting a business. Every business needs to be based on a fabulous idea and this one was. Blog books. Blog books - how cool! Yes. We thought so too. So when the digital age goes down, the blog lives on.

Well, it has finally come to fruition. Not our business. Someone else's. It's called Blurb. But it's essentially what we thought of (doh!) and it's beautifully integrated with blogger. So perfect. Look for your own copy of Part of Your History Volume One on blurb.com soon. (yes, you can buy other people's books too - kinda cool, kinda creepy.)

-Cake-

Here's Your Future

Spencer passed the CPA exam (woohoo!) so what's he going to do?

He's going to Disneyland!

Actually that's not true. But we are going to San Diego this weekend to extend the deserved celebration. And because last-minute flights on Delta were so incredibly cheap.

-The Thermals-

Dream On

I think I may start a section of my blog dedicated to my strange dreams. Because honestly, they happen a lot. A few weeks ago I dreamed that I got fired from my job. It was so vivid and real. Last night I dreamed that I was with a woman (a stranger) who was in pursuit of a shark. She needed to capture the shark in order to retrieve a book that was hiding inside of it. She found the shark she was looking for, but when she brought it to shore the process of getting inside it to recover the book was a bit more meticulous than either of us planned on. As she opened the shark a scar started to form on her arm - one that grew as time progressed. The labor of the situation took longer and the scar inched up her arm. Finally, she pulled the book out and dusted it off (de-gooed it) to reveal the title, which was when the dream faded.

It might seem pretty insignificant (and probably is) but after a little research, I've been able to uncover some of the hidden meanings:

To see a shark in your dream, represents a person whom you see as greedy and unscrupulous. This person goes after what what he or she wants with no regards to the well-being and sensitivity of others. The shark may also be an aspect of your own personality which exhibit these qualities. Alternatively, you may be going through a difficult, painful, or unpleasant emotional period. The shark symbolizes feelings of anger, hostility, and fierceness. You may be an emotional threat to yourself or to others.

To see books in your dream, indicates calmness. You will advance toward your goals at a slow and steady pace. Books also symbolize knowledge, intellect, information and wisdom. Consider the type of book. It may represent a significant calling into a specific field of work. To see dusty (or gooey?) books in your dream, denotes forgotten knowledge or previous "chapters" of your life.

To see a scar in your dream, symbolizes struggles and/or painful memories and bad feelings which may have never entirely healed and still continue to linger in your mind. It suggests that your past still has some influence or effect on your life. Alternatively, a scar may represent deep-seeded insecurities which may be holding you back from accomplishing your goals.

To dream that you are on the beach and looking out toward the ocean, indicates unknown and major changes that are occurring in your life. Consider the state of the ocean, whether it is calm, pleasant, forbidding, etc.

In conclusion, I think this dream means that there is something or someone in my past that has treated me insensitively. As I seek the calmness ahead, i can't help but confront the painful memories that linger. Apparently change is ahead.

Or it might be that I saw a picture of a bunch of sharks yesterday (that I discovered today were dolphins) that stuck with me.

Any other takes?

This is kinda fun.

-Depeche Mode-

You Gotta Wake Up Slow

Two summers ago I worked at Nike and it changed my life. But not in the way I expected it to. I didn't land some fabulous job at headquarters, nor did I become a fabulously good athlete that they named a building after. Though I should mention that my athletic wardrobe is still benefiting from a hearty injection of free/nearly free Nike gear.

The real change came on a Wednesday morning when I sat in one of the conference rooms with all of the other interns for our weekly guest speaker. On this particular Wednesday, we didn't hear about his exciting job or brushes with fame... he was there to preach. (I later learned from my manager that he is known throughout Nike campus as 'The Preacher.') I laughed inside at his trite wisdom. He honestly told us "spread your wings and fly." You get the idea.

However, in his lecture he asked a question. "How many of you made your bed this morning?" A handful of people raised their hands. "Good," he said, "that shows discipline." Immediately I thought, "hey, I'm disciplined. I can do that."

And the bed-making began.

And it hasn't stopped. For over two years I've been diligently making my bed everyday. It may not seem significant, but I think I've gotten to the point where I'm physically incapable of leaving the house without making my bed. And that's why I'm a little worried. This morning I was running late. A pile of clean laundry was on top of my sheets and my covers were thrown recklessly towards the wall. I glanced at the clock. And then at my bed. And back at the clock again. I dropped my bag and made my bed.

The laundry? That's another story.

-Jack Johnson-

Laughing

-The Guess Who-

Summer in the City

Let the games begin. With the celebration of summer solstice yesterday, summer is not only official - it's quickly escaping us. Here are some of my summer plans:

- Alpine Slide
- Bike Wasatch Crest Trail
- Camp in the Unitas
- Visit Bryce Canyon National Park
- Rock Climbing
- Dance Classes at RDT
- Friday Night Flicks
- Swimming & BBQing
- Outlets in Park City
- Deseret News 10K
- Bike up Emigration Canyon to Ruth's Diner for breakfast
- Hike Lake Blanche/Sundial Peak
- Brunch at Emigration Market
- Arts Festival
- Visit the Spiral Jetty
- Hobble Creek Half Marathon
- Raft the Colorado River
- Run Through the Lavendar 5K
- Ryan Adams Concert at Red Butte Garden

-Lovin' Spoonful-

Someday Never Comes

I was just reminded by one of my faithful readers that I have a blog that I've been neglecting. There's really no excuse except for the fact that I don't have the internet at home and sometimes (only sometimes) I feel bad about blogging from work. Apparently now is not one of those times.

So here's a post to satiate all thirst for updates on my life.

Last night I saw a rattle snake. And I heard a Brandi Carlile concert from outside Red Butte Gardens. And I went swimming.

Recently I've discovered that one of my co-workers says, "Right on" every time she either a) wasn't listening or b) has no clue what you're talking about.

I've also confirmed that I have zero to little tolerance for those who pride themselves on being politically correct. Or PC. Is one of those more politically correct (or PC?) than the other? I would hate to offend any of them. Seriously. Find yourself something worthwhile to pride yourself on. Like making fabulous chocolate chip cookies.

In other news, I have gotten three unsolicited phone calls about jobs elsewhere this week (and it's only Wednesday)... so maybe change is in the stars. Which would explain that horridly vivid dream I had a few weeks ago about getting fired from my current job (even though that would never happen) (unless I get in trouble for blogging from work).

More to come later. Promise.

-Brandi Carlile-

Till The Sun Turns Black

There's seriously a lot to catch up on - between a grand opening of my favorite store, a trip to Boise, one of the best concerts my ears/eyes have yet experienced, a hike to Silver Lake, a visit from my sisters, and a midnight hike to Lake Mary, I'm in serious need of some blogger time. But I've got to start somewhere...

On Friday, under what was thought to be the first of two full moons in the month of June, (later I discovered that my 'phases of the moon google calendar' is set to the eastern hemisphere, making Friday's experience nothing more than a waning gibbous) Spencer and I hiked through the remaining snow of Brighton to Lake Mary. It was a bit chillier than expected but the night was clear, the moon was nearly-full, and the company was good. We played with flashlights and cameras and got a few cool shots.

Click on this one to see it big - that's the big dipper!One flashlight, two people, night
Sepia mountains, moon and starsProbably some time around 3:30 am
The moon setting
Morning Lake MaryIn the early morning-Ray LaMontagne-

Long Is The Day

I have a ton of catching up to do, but I wanted to post this video. I drove to Boise yesterday to see this girl (Brandi Carlile, not the little girl in pink) perform and she was absolutely incredible. One of the best shows I've ever seen. I could tell she was a very down-to-earth girl, but things like this just make me like her even more.


-Brandi Carlile-

Past In Present

I keep thinking about last summer.And New York.
And how great it was.
And how my roommate had such amazing photoshop capabilities.
And I miss it all.


Miss miss miss.

-Feist-

Taste The Summer on Your Peppery Skin

Last night I saw the clearest falling star.-The Decemberists-

This Could Be A Brand New Start

I know it's been forever since I've blogged and I'm not even on a technology hiatus. I guess I don't really have a good excuse since there's been plenty to blog about. I mean, I even bought an amazing porch swing that has yet to make an appearance here. I feel like a purchase that officially takes you out of the "I can fit my entire life in a Honda Civic and go anywhere" category is worthy of a blog post. But let's face it, I hardly fit into that category before. But I digress.

For Mother's Day the siblings put me in charge of the flowers since I'm the only local to our now Utahan parents. I meant to go to a florist to get a beautiful pre-made arrangement, but instead bought several bouquets and arranged them myself. Maybe I'll quit marketing and take up a new career as a floral artist.
On Friday evening Spencer and I hiked to the Living Room. It's a fairly simple hike to an overlook where furniture has been cleverly constructed out of flagstone. We brought a picnic along, watched the sunset from our "loveseat" and met a laser-chasing dog named Deuce.
Last week we got to see Damien Rice perform at the McKay Events Center in Orem. It was the third time I've seen Mr. Rice perform and this was by far the best. Despite the moderately large venue, he was able to create an intimate concert experience that was heartbreakingly beautiful. Despite his folksy Irish roots, Damien knows how to rock -- I particularly liked the rap solo by his unassuming cellist Vyvienne Long.
Oh, and I can't forget the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point two weeks ago.
Yeah, so things are good.

-The Postal Service-

1-2-3-4

Feist released a new album yesterday. Tuesday becomes pretty competitive for the "best day of the week" award (which clearly belongs to Thursday) when the great new releases in music abound.

-Feist-