Melanie

My Faults of Dating & Sleeping...

2012-02-08T12:25:00.000-08:00

So the other night I had a dinner date..

First off, I didn't really want to go on this date. I had meet the kid the weekend before and really wasn't feeling anything... Obviously he was.

Second off, I woke up that morning with an ugly migraine and after sleeping a couple hours I went and worked most of the day.

So, it comes time to leave work and I go home and shower. (Shower, bathing, and eating - can't feel my migraine... weird!) Anyways, when I get out of the shower it is 6pm. My date was coming at 7pm. I thought, "I have time to lay down for about 15 minutes".

Not so much. I woke up to my doorbell ringing and was so confused. Than I hear a knock at the door. I finally gain a little composure look at my phone and realize it is 5 minutes to 7. Oops! The greatest part was that I was only in my robe and had no makeup on. So after another doorbell ring I answer the door in my robe to my date. AWKWARD! I just had him come in and went to go pick out cloths and literally started at my cloths for like 3 minutes. I was so out of it!

I told my date that I feel asleep earlier and was just getting out of the shower when he came. Not sure how much he believed me due to the pillow lines on my face.

3 Lessons Learned:

#1: Don't attempt a date when I have a migraine (it was all a weird night)
#2: I am sick of being asked out by guys I don't have interest in. It gives me no motivation and makes dating a pain
#3: Don't fall asleep before a date. I should know by now how easily sleeping comes to me.

Song of the Month: December

2012-01-30T11:59:00.000-08:00

Ok I got a couple songs this month. Music is just so great isn't it!First we got Snow Patrols "Called Out in the Dark"Next, is Gotye's "Somebody that I use to know" followed by Walk off the Earths version which is absolutely AMAZING!!

Life According to My iPhone

2012-01-22T14:49:00.000-08:00

Ok we have photos from fall... Sad I know but things are going to be good on my blog this year!

2012 Goals

2012-01-22T14:45:00.000-08:00

Finally I have got my 2012 goals in order. Because of my lateness the exercising will start in February :).

I have also set my scripture reading goal very high but I need that. Who knows if it will get completed.

Here is to 2012!

Home Sweet Home

2012-01-12T16:41:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to post pictures of my apartment forever... Obviously cause these are from before Christmas. So here are a few of the front half. I will do the rest soon!

This is what you see when you walk in the front door:

To the right is our Family Room

To the Left is our balcony

Then there is our Kitchen. I love the opening in the wall to see out.

My first ever Christmas garland!

Then off of the Kitchen is our dining area

Not much yet but it is home!

Tommy Boy!

2012-01-06T15:24:00.000-08:00

I don't know why it has taken me so long to post this. This little guy is to cute to wait any longer. I went to the hospital and took some pictures of the little guy the day after he was born.

I love being an Aunt!!

These siblings are lucky!

2011 Goals

2012-01-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

Time to review my 2011 Goals:

I actually did pretty well. If you remember (which you probably don't) when I originally set up these goals this was my first year really putting down my goals and actually striving for them.

Just got that bloody student loan left. I lost 5 pounds (thanks to sickness & moving out of my parents home) but I gained about 1.5 of that back over the holiday... blah. Had a new BOM challenge this year that help with that goal. Get a new job was amazingly successful. And my weekly goals were improved upon even though not yet achieved.

I have my 2012 Goals in mind and hope that 2012 will be as good or even better than 2011!

Home for the Holidays Baby!

2011-12-30T12:22:00.000-08:00

I am not going to wait till a month after Christmas to post about my Christmas. That usually seems to happen to me with most holidays. But no, I am turning over a new leaf!

A few weeks ago me & Heather (a.k.a. my roommate) went to this live nativity in Salt Lake. It was in a beautiful gorge with a river. Perfect spot for the nativity but dang it was cold.

I got really close to the camel: (my first close up camel experience)

This year for the Perkins family party we went to Bella's Mexican Restaurant. It was a good change up. Santa still knew where to find us!

There is also a video of the kids singing a Christmas song. Well sorta. If you watch Mia closely she sings the whole thing but all the boys just giggle.

Christmas at my parents is always wonderful. I love it! And since we have a new baby we did the nativity. (I am not sure I mentioned I got a new nephew on Dec.17th. Baby Tommy!). It was pretty much ciaos but its the thought that counts. Mary (Mia) only lasted when she was on the donkey's (Casey) back. We don't know where she went after that. Not a good mom!

I must also put out there that I have my camera to my brother Chad so I could be a shephard and the pictures didn't turn out so well. He needs some practice with my camera!

Joseph isn't caring for the baby either. He is just laying on the ground!

Perfect shot of Garet's head!

Garet asked after if Tommy was really baby Jesus. It was so precious. We told him no but that he just came from being with Jesus. He liked that!

Some shots of the evening:

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Book & Music Update - Episode 11

2011-12-27T13:45:00.000-08:00

I haven't done a book & music update in a really really long time. I have been in a not reading much phase so there aren't a ton of books but my music isn't lacking.

MUSIC:

ColdPlay
Mylo Xyloto

Rating: MMMM1/2 (out of 5)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Top 3 Songs: Hurts Like Heaven, Paradise, & Up in Flames

I have never been a huge Coldplay fan but than all of sudden they started playing like 4 different songs from this album on the radio and I was really digging them. They were different from there past songs. There are still a couple of songs on the album I don't dig but most of them are awesome!

Grouplove
Never Trust a Happy Song

Rating: MMMM (out of 5)

Genre: Indie Rock

Top 3 Songs: Love Will Save Your Soul, Colours, & Itchin' on a Photograph

Grouplove is new to me. They play Colours on the radio so I tested out the album and was kind of digging it and than bought it! I really enjoy this album, the songs have nice beats and catchy tunes.

Kelly Clarkson
Stronger

Rating: MMMMM (out of 5)
Genre: Pop Rock
Top 3 Songs: What Doesn't Kill You, You Love Me, Alone, or maybe Let Me Down, oh wait maybe The War is Over

Haha when you can't pick a top 3 you know it is a good album. And the fact that there is 18 songs on this album. You get a real bang for your buck with Kelly. I have been a fan of her since album 1 and this one is at the top of her favorite albums. I love the sassy, angry rock chick songs. This album is a must and one that is so awesome to sing along at the top of your lungs in your car!

Mat Kearney
Young Love

Rating: MMM1/2 (out of 5)

Genre: Folk Rock

Top 3 Songs: Hey Mama, Count on Me, Young Dumb and in Love

My Mom loves Mat. I have never really been a fan but her and my sister always burn me his CD for my collection. I listen to this album and was kind of diggin it. His first album well shall we say bored me. But this one is pretty sweet.

Panic! at the Disco
Vices & Virtues

Rating: MMMM (out of 5)

Genre: Alternative Rock

Top 3 Songs: Ready To Go, Let's Kill Tonight, Trade Mistakes

Everyone knows the Ballad of Mona Lisa. Whoooaa Mona Lisa... You know, that one?? That is from this album and the rest of the songs are just as good. Panic! never disappoints me.

Paul Cardall
New Life

Rating: MMMM1/2 (out of 5)
Genre: Piano
Top 3 Songs: Gracie's Theme - Favorite

I couldn't tell you the names of my other favorites! With no lyrics and always listening to the album on shuffle I don't know which is which. But I can tell you this is a beautiful album. I go to bed every night wishing I could play beautiful music like Paul Cardall. It calms the soul.

BOOKS:

Uglies
by Scott Westerfeld

Rating: MMMM (out of 5)

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

This book is about this town that lives in control of there government and at the age of 16 the teenagers get a surgery that turns them from ugly to pretty. But of course there has to be some rebels... I liked this book. It is a series of 4 but I haven't jumped out to buy the rest of the series yet. The story was good but it wasn't one of those books you can't put down. I will definitely read the rest but I am not sure when!

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter
By Seth Grahame-Smith

Rating: MM (out of 5)
Genre: Mashup Novel (pulled from Wiki!)

This is a book about Abraham Lincoln's life. His True Life. Waahahaha (evil life). It seriously is about Abraham Lincoln as a Vampire Hunter. It pretty much takes his life and adds the twist of this secret Vampire Hunting Life. To be honest I couldn't tell what was real and what wasn't in this book. Obviously he wasn't really a Vampire Hunter but the writer throws my off in a few different things. I have yet to finish this book though. I started in October... I am not one that really likes to read biography's and I feel like this is what this is. There isn't a strong story for me to grasp on too.. Look it up though. It will interest you.

30 x 30 Update

2011-12-26T11:07:00.000-08:00

I haven't update by 30 x 30 list (see sidebar on the left) in quite awhile. I have a few things I can mark off the list! Wahoo!

First is one I can totally mark all the way off. "Move out of parents basement" I thought marriage is what was going to get me out of that one! But no, an awesome job has helped me accomplish that!

Next, we have "take multiple photography classes". I can halfway mark that one as I have taken one photography class. It was pretty good. I bought a deal off Groupon and I have to say I was impressed and learned some cool things about my camera. I need to work on taking more photos (which there while be some to come soon...) and than take another class to keep on improving and officially mark it off.

Next, is a small portion of one but to "move forward in my fear of public speaking". I am not going to mark this one off yet but I think my improvement is coming. I gave a talk in church about a month ago and wow, I was not near as scared as I thought I was going to be. I was very comfortable with what I was talking about but I had a lot of people tell me I looked so comfortable up there which boosted my confidence with that a lot. I think with getting into my career and all the other things thrown at me lately I have grown in that area. I am going to wait till I have to speak a couple more times to get that one checked off.

And last, is "increase my piano skills". I am happy to say I am back to loving the piano once again. About 4 months ago, I got a calling in church to be the ward pianist. I had to start playing for Relief Society & Sacrament. Talk about scary, especially since I only knew like 4 Hymns! I have learned a lot more and really grown to love the piano again. I am kind of sad not having one anymore. I always play when I come home and hope someday I will get a keyboard and a nice baby grand when I get my own home!

I think I owe a lot to my Heavenly Father on some of these goals. He put me in places to help achieve these goals that may not other wise been accomplished!

Hair Today... Gone Tomorrow

2011-12-25T09:58:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

I probably should be blogging about my Christmas day right now but nothing has really happened yet. My sister works until 1:30 so we wait for her to open presents and than everyone else comes over at 5. So this is my time to sit, relax, and catch up on my blogs!

I was thinking the other day about how long my hair was getting. I use to have long hair as shown in the pictures below:

Then about 5 years ago I cut it and have never gone back. Than I started thinking about how many different hair styles & colors I have had within that time. I think I was changing it about every 2 or 3 months. I decide to do a collection of those photos because I am thinking the hair may start going long again. (according to my Dad, it is how I will get married!) And hey this is my blog and can post lots of pictures of myself.

I do want to give a shout out to all my wonderful models in these photos. Also some of the hair styles may look the same but the color is different.

Talk about ADHD!

Song of the Month - December

2011-12-24T13:05:00.000-08:00

I haven't had a song really stuck in my head this month but I found this well common Christmas song done quite well. Enjoy!

4 in the morning...

2011-12-16T11:50:00.000-08:00

I woke up at 4 this morning hearing singing outside. Like harmonizing choir singing. It sounded like Christmas music. I thought it was me cause I can be very delirious when I am half asleep. But it stopped and than a new song started. So I took a peak outside and on a balcony from the units across from me was a group of about 7 or 8 people in a circle singing. Singing at 4 in the morning in the freezing cold...

Odd....

Hello, My Name is Melanie.

2011-12-11T18:45:00.001-08:00

I have been terrible at blogging. I apologize with all my heart.

I was all excited that internet was included in my new apartment but come to find out the whole entire apartment complex shares a wi-fi with EVERYONE and it never works at nights or the weekends. The times I am home. Awesome, huh?

I already have new goals for 2012 in mind and blogging is included, so good things are to come.

In the meantime I appreciate your patience....

She's Baaack!!

2011-11-19T20:50:00.001-08:00

Yes! I love it!

Halloween!!

2011-11-19T20:31:00.000-08:00

Can you believe I am actually posting Halloween?? Only a month later!

This year for Halloween once again was Roller Derby girls. (Check out my 2009 Halloween post for the originals). We dressed up for a big church party they were having at Weber State and when we got there they made us take off our roller skates because we were a "Safety Hazard". Safety hazard my butt.. it was dumb.We were a hit though.

Kelsey aka "Scary Fairy", Me aka "Rainbow Bite", Heather aka "Princess Paralyzher", Jill "Jen VonSpankya", & Celisse "Destiny Danger"

Me & Jessica the Peacock!

Below are pics from our yearly pumpkin carving party:

My kiddo's on Halloween Night!:

Isn't Emett's face in the back ground the best??!:

And enjoy a wonderful Halloween song: (my treat to you!)

The waiting is over... Mia & Emett Pics

2011-11-19T20:29:00.000-08:00

Can you believe I am actually getting around to posting these?? I can't! Not having good internet at my new apartment is hindering things. Below are some of my favorites. Check out my photography blog here (or see my link on the left hand side) to check out even more beautiful pictures of these beautiful babes!

The wonderful things you can do with Fringe...

2011-11-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

My friend Kendra does a top 10 Tuesday on her blog. The other week we found a piece of fringe lying on the floor at work at decided to find the top 10 ways to effectively use fringe. Below are the examples:

As Bangs:

Chest Hair:

Toe Hair:

Ear piece:

Leg hair:

Eyelashes:

Goatee:

Armpit Hair:

Unibrow:

And of course a mustache!:

Life according to my iPhone 11/9

2011-11-09T11:46:00.000-08:00

Moving on...

2011-11-09T11:36:00.000-08:00

This has been a week of moving on...

Monday I moved down to West Valley. I have left the comfort of my parents home and am now on my own. Not going to lie...I miss my mom like crazy. I miss seeing her everyday and hugging her. I miss having my dad always there ready to help with my needs. He helped move me and Heather down and he is the bomb. He is what a dad should be. But this is going to be a good thing for me and I am excited to see what the future brings, plus my commute is now only 20 minutes...aahh its awesome.

Friday is my last day at my Internship... Moving on to a new job next week. So excited!

I have a whole list of blog posts that need to be completed by my "high speed internet" at my apartment is slower than molasses. Seriously. I may have to get a whole bunch done when I am home this weekend.

Thriller

2011-10-31T11:54:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we had our family tradition of all the girls going to see Thriller. Heather tagged a long with us also. Thriller is so good... Strongly encourage you to go if you haven't.

Check out how creepy this girl looks in this photo:
(She is a ghost!)

Day 29 - In this past month, what have you learned

2011-10-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

Wow..

I am not sure how to explain everything I have learned in the last month. Life is kind of crazy right now and I think the main thing I have learned is that crazy times come a lot and I think I have gained some knowledge on how to keep going in those crazy times. I have gotten to a few little breaking points but I am suprised that I have never actually broke down and just cried. This use to be a common occurance for me.

I have learned I am capable of doing a lot more than I think I can.

I've learned that I actually have talents. I use to always think everyone else had all these great talents and I didn't but life has shown me that I have some and I better dang well use them. I was given them for a reason.

I've learned how lucky and blessed I am.

I've learned that though life can be crappy and things will happen when they are meant to happen but in the meantime it is one rockin party all the time!!

Song of the Month: October

2011-10-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

Once again I have chosen 2. I can't help it!

First we have Kelly Clarkson. I have always been a huge fan and this song just rocks:

This next song if from Grouplove. This is one of my favorite albums right now and my favorite song from the album:

Halloween Fright!!

2011-10-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize I worked with a Zombie until...

She turned me into one!!

Freaky, right?

(HauntedFace app on iPhone)

Day 28 - A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?

2011-10-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

Then:

Now:

Man I look so much wiser :)

A Few Thoughts..

2011-10-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

I am not big into politics but I think it is awesome Mit Romney is running for President. He is a good guy and his religion shouldn't determine if he should be President or not. No one else gets judged on their religion, we live in America people. One thing that drives me crazy is how much Mormon's get judge and people don't think we are Christians. I wish they would get to know our real name. I can get so frustrated when I hear people bad talking my religion when they don't even know anything about it. It is totally cool if you don't believe in it but don't go knocking on it. Especially when you find out we are pretty normal people.

I found this video that I wish would've got the funding to make but it is interesting to watch:

Also check out this video about Brandon Flowers, singer of The Killers.

See we are normal!

Disneyland... such a happy place!

2011-10-15T17:58:00.001-07:00

Have you seen this video? If not, check it out. It is so cute!

Day 27 - Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

2011-10-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

i had every intention of doing this 30 day challenge within 30-60 days and am now on my 10th month. Oops! but i wanted to do this challenge for my viewers (and myself) to get to know me better. Get some stats that would otherwise probably wouldn't be posted. i think it work, what about you?

Sneak Peak

2011-10-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

I recently did a photo shoot of my niece & nephew...

Can't wait to post the rest!

Malan's Peak

2011-10-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

Remember a while ago I did a post about friends and how me, Heidi, & Jaisha did an activity that we were feeling the effects of? Yeah, I didn't think you did. But I am finally posting about this!

Say hello to the top of Malan's Peak:

This picture is the result of an accidental finger pushing... turned out pretty cool huh?

We were all SOOO sore for days but it was a lot of fun!

30 x 30 update

2011-10-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

I have achieved some of my 30 x 30 goals (see sidebar). Wahoo!!

5 out 30. 25 more to go!

I got me an iphone (goal: have a cool phone)

I love this baby.

Next: iPad!

As mentioned in a previous post I got a new job (will be starting in November)

Goal: Become an Interior Designer

Funniest Video

2011-09-29T17:24:00.000-07:00

I have been stuck at home ALL day with something nasty. Stuffy, body achy all over, and I can't decide if I want to be hot or cold. Its driving me nuts and I hate it.

But this chears me up!:

Amazing

2011-09-27T12:02:00.001-07:00

Want to here and amazing talk by an amazing man?

Go here

It makes me want to cry tears of joy just thinking about it.

Song of the Month: September

2011-09-25T21:01:00.000-07:00

Hello!! How was everyone's weekends? Mine was absolutely crazy.... It was a
non-stop busy weekend. Kind of glad it's over actually!

Once again I choose two songs this month. This could happen quite frequently!

This first one is awesome. Sometimes whenI hear a song I think of how awesome it would sound in some type of video. If I ever find the time I would love to learn about filming and making videos. I picture this one on a really cool wakeboarding video... Saweet!!

Who doesn't love some Panic! Great song and also great album.

WOW

2011-09-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

Life has just handed me an amazing opportunity and I feel so blessed.

On Tuesday I got offered an amazing job. I am still in shock. I thought as my internship would start to come to a close I would have to send out Resume's to everyone possible to find something. And than I still wondered if I would find anything.

Here I am only halfway through my internship and the design studio I wanted to work for the most just offers me a job. No work on my part. Wow. I am blessed.

So in two months I will no longer be an Interior Design Intern, I will be an Interior Designer. Me, a career women, who would've thought? Certainly not me.

Life is definitely being about being in the right place at the right time. Meeting the right people at the right time. Whether it comes to jobs, relationships, or anything else. Sometimes we need to learn the gift of patience to get us to those right places at the right time. It can be difficult but the result is so worth it. Heavenly Father is looking out for you, no need to worry.

A shout out to all my fellow interns: You got this, don't give up, you deserve this, and I love you!!

A shout out to all my friends in a rut: You got this, don't give up, keep pushing along, be patient, you deserve this, and I love you!!

Day 30 - Who are you?

2011-09-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

Very last day!! Never thought I would actually get done with this!!

I am Melanie Jones. If you don't get a feel of who I am from this blog be my friend. I like friends!

Life according to my iPhone

2011-09-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

Work::

Nature:

Home:

Life:

THE BUILDING IS ON FIRE!!! (...not)

2011-09-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to pull a fire alarm?

they can be so tempting sometimes

well, i got to pull one in a building with 28 floors

yep, you heard me right, 28 floors!!

we had a fire drill at work and i was given the duty of pulling the fire alarm

made my day so good!

(side note... it only rang on my floor but still. its cool)

Day 26 - What you think about your friends

2011-09-12T21:10:00.000-07:00

I think glorious heaps of wonderful thoughts about my friends!

They are beautiful
They are strong
They are wonderful mothers, wife's, and friends
They make me smile, laugh, and just plain make me proud
They are reliable, trustworthy, and I know I can count on them

.....and I miss hanging out with them all the time like crazy!!

Below are some pictures of my friends. We have had some

awesome times and I know there will be more awesome times

to come.

(Like last Saturday... details to come but me, Jaisha, and Heidi

have been feeling the effects of this fun time!)

Nikki Sticki & Big Red:

Sexy Sexy, Frenze, & Jess

Kar Dog, Jess, Shauna, Andrea, Jaisha, & Heidi-ho

For some reason they all had nicknames at one time. I am
barely just getting around to changing them to their real
names in my phone!

Bear Lake!

2011-09-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my singles ward went to one of my favorite places for our Super Summer Activity:

BEAR LAKE!!

I love this place. Everything there just seems so chill and relaxing. I could live like that all the time.

Couldn't you enjoy a view like this all the time:

One night we went to the Pickleville Playhouse and saw "Who Shot Juanito Bandito". O My Heck. Go see it. Now! It is the funniest play ever. I need to see more of those. I guess the Playhouse has a bunch of them and the guy who plays Juanito is hilarious. Go see it. Now!

We spent another day at the beach enjoying the sun and boating. I got a little crisp that day.

There was a gorgeous sunset one night. The photo doesn't quite capture it, but a sunset over this lake is beautiful!

We also hiked up to Bloomington Lake and enjoyed the rope swing and the snow! (Snow in August...crazy!)

Jones Family Reunion 2011

2011-09-01T11:33:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month we had our first Jones Family Reunion. It was really fun! My Dad, the great man he is, decided it would be a good thing for our family and I think it was so he put it all together. About 1/3 of the family is missing but we still had a pretty good turnout. I missed my Jessica though :). Each family was suppose to where the same color shirt for the big family photo... As you can see below the Jones family can be stubborn.

I got designated as the photographer, which I never mind!

(all smiles)

(all funnies)

(all serious...expect Kassie with her hand over her mouth, I love it!)

My Dad put together a variety of games for the little ones to play. The favorite was the doughnut game. And the best pictures!!

We played a guess who game with all the cousins and learned some great things about each other and had yummy food. How much better could it be! Until next year, and I know my photography skills will be even better!

Song of the Month: August

2011-08-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

This month is songS because I couldn't decide between the two! Andy Grammer's "Keep Your Head Up" is such a great song. We need more songs with uplifting lyrics and awesome beats.

Young the Giant's song "My Body" is my new ring tone. It rocks :)

Books & Music - Episode 10

2011-08-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

I haven't done this since May... I am terrible! So here is a wide variety of goodies!:

Books:

Pure Before Thee
by C. Robert Line

Genre: Religious
Rating: MMMM (out of 5)
The Atonement is such a huge aspect of my religion. It entails so much, so I am always eager to read a book on the Atonement to try to grasp more knowledge on it. This book talks about how the Atonement includes Justification & Sanctification. It's not just about being forgiving of our sins but it also is about trying to become more like Christ and pulling away from the desire to sin. It is pretty good. I haven't been able to finish it all the way but there a lot of good quotes and references in it.

The Help
by Kathryn Stockett

Genre: Novel
Rating MMMMM (out of 5)
Most of you have probably either read or seen the movie. If you haven't done one or the other make sure you do both! The movie does the book justice. It follows it along fairly well and is quite entertaining. The book includes so much more information though. You can never put everything from a book into a movie. This is one of my favorite books and I strongly encourage you to read it!

Leven Thumps & The Eyes of the Want (Book 3)
by Obert Skye

Genre: Fantasy Novel
Rating: MMMM (out of 5)
I am over half way done with the series, YEAD!! Don't get me wrong, these are good books but they just aren't capturing me like some series. I do think they get better and better the more I read though.

Make Lemonade

by Virginia Euwer Wolff

Genre: Fiction

Rating: MMM1/2 (out of 5)

This was an interesting book. The whole thing is in stanza's. (I think that is what they are...I am not very knowledgable on my grammer terms.) Anyways, it is just a bunch of short paragraphs. It made it really quick to get through. The story itself was pretty good. It is about this young girl of 14 who becomes a babysitter for this another young girl of 18 who has two children and doesn't have much else in her life. The story left me longing for a little more but I think it may be a series and has a very good message.

MUSIC

by Adele

Genre: Singer - Song Writer

Rating: MMMMM (out of 5)

Top 3: Set Fire To The Rain, Someone Like You, Rumour Has It

I am sure you all have heard of Adele. Rolling in the Deep has been a huge hit and is a great song. But if you don't have this album I STRONGLY encourage you to get it. So great and even 10x better than her first, 19.

Lovestrong

by Christina Perri

Genre: Pop

Rating: MMM1/2 (out of 5)

Top 3: Bang Bang Bang, Bluebird, Tragedy

I am sure you all have heard Jar of Hearts, right? This is the artist. This album is so so. It has some really good stuff on it but I haven't been able to get super into it. If you love Jar of Hearts type music you will definitely love this album

Passive Me, Aggressive You

by The Naked & Famous

Genre: Indie Rock

Rating: MMMM1/2 (out of 5)

Top 3: Spank, Punching in a Dream, Girls Like You

At first when I heard this album I wasn't so sure about it until I got to Girls Like You which is the very last song. That songs sparked something in me and from than on I have loved it and listen to it very often! Every song but A Greek in Wolf's Clothing is great (that one seems a little out of place with this album)

TRON Reconfigured

Genre: Soundtrack Remixes

Rating: MMMM (out of 5)

Top 3: Honestly couldn't tell you right now. These ones are hard to remember which on is which cause they all have similiar qualities and not many words!

But if you liked the music in TRON definitely check this out. The moment I heard the first song on TRON I knew the soundtrack was going to be good. And than to hear it was all done by Daft Punk was even better. Than Remixes became brilliant. I really enjoy this.

Universal Pulse

by 311

Genre: Reggae Rock

Rating: MMMM1/2 (out of 5)

Top 3: Count Me In, Sunsets in July, Weightless

I love, love, love this album. I have never owned a whole 311 album but this is a good one to start at. I just love the chill music, plus as you know from my earlier post the singer is HOT!

Day 25 - What I would find in your bag

2011-08-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

oh man... bad question. my purse is a mess (communiting makes it worse than normal), but here it is:

headphones

tissues

hand sanitzer

lotion

pepper spray

Book of Mormon

Notebook

Wallet with lots of goodies

Checkbook

Sunglasses

Pen & pencil

Keys

Planner

Business Card Holder

Coupons to Restuarants in Downtown Ogden

iPod

Eyedrops

And many little personal items

My bag is big....

AwEsOmE OvErWhElMiNg FeElInGs In LiFe!

2011-08-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

I have experienced a couple of those awesome overwhelming feelings we get in life within the past couple days, thought I would share:

The other night I got an overwhelming feeling of how much I love life. How Heavenly Father has blessed me with an awesome life and I am so grateful. I got these amazing feelings of how much I can do with just my life and how much love I have for those in my life. It overwhelms in the fact that I hope I don't fail myself and those I love but I know with Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ I can achieve anything and make this life AMAZING! Wow I love these moments...I wish they happened more often :)
Today I had the overwhelming feeling of Home Decor!! I don't think I can describe the feeling Home Decor gives me! This is no joke, it is truly a passion of mine and there is so many possibilities out there it actually overwhelms me. It makes me so excited to own my own home one day. I think the thing that triggered this feeling was seeing a ton of Halloween decorations. Halloween is my far my favorite holiday when it comes to decor and crafts!

I Wanna Have Your Baby

2011-08-14T19:02:00.000-07:00

I ask a boy to marry me the other day....

I think this is the next step:

life according to my iphone

2011-08-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

Jones' Family New Addition

2011-08-04T12:03:00.000-07:00

Please meet:

Sooner Junior

Some of you my have known Sooner Senior (who I still hold a gruge against my Dad for selling). Sooner Sr. was black and my parents thought it was fitting to call him Sooner. I wanted either Clover, Leven, or Zorro but they weren't digging it.

Anyway Sooner has definitely been a joy in our life. He is full of it. Seriously. That dog will follow you around hanging onto the bottom of your pants with his teeth.

Some of his other attributes are is he likes to attack your face, hands, feet, and especially hair.(See Below)

He also loves to chase after you and be chased after.

Even though he can be EXTREMELY naughty and annoying he still can be very cute!

Day 24 - A letter to your parents

2011-08-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom & Dad:

I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you! You are the reason I am the person I am today. I am so blessed to have you as my parents and am so glad I will be with you for eternity. I also am extremely blessed to have you both with me here on this earth today. I hope I never take that for granted. Thank you for all you have done for me and giving me the best life I could ask for.

Love forever,
Mel

Song of the Month: July

2011-07-31T13:26:00.000-07:00

I decided I am going to try a new monthly thing and have the Song of the Month. This will be a song that I pretty much can't stop listening to for a while. I little way for you to get to know me :)

July's is 311 - Sunset in July. Fitting right? I know this is an old band but this new album is wonderful and the singer is still VERY good looking! Enjoy!

Hot Tub Time

2011-07-28T16:59:00.000-07:00

Summertime is full of sun, cool drinks, sunburns, having fun, and days spent in the Hot Tub. Wait? Hot Tub? Should be a winter thing, right? Not at our house. It is a year round activity. My Dad cools the water so it is like a mini swimming pool... at least if you are between the ages of 1-8. A couple weeks ago I came home to Emett & Mia playing in the Hot Tub with their Papa. First thing they both did was show me how they plunge in the water. Even little Miss Mia. She has absolutely no fear! I had to get some pictures and these are best seen as a slide show. I just held down my finger and let the camera do the work by taking consecutive photos of the kids going under water.

Look out for Mia in the background on the end photo's. Her face cracks me up!

Independence Day

2011-07-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

I am finally breaking down and posting about my 4th of July!! Its about time. This year was probably the most fun I have had in quite a few years. The morning started out bright and early with a 5k at 7am... (told you bright and early). This year it was just me, my mom, and Maegan. It definitely is more fun with more of the family but they had good excuse, such as pregnancy, floats, etc. You get the point. I ran it in about 27 minutes which I think is pretty good with not training AT ALL. The last time I ran was for the Dirty Dash. It was hard but I did it.

This year my Dad got the idea in his head to build a float. So that is exactly what happened. He built a massive Liberty Bell and had my nephews dress up as the founding fathers. It was pretty sweet and he won Most Patriotic! Go Dad! It kind of made me sad to realize how far away from the actually Independence celebration we get away from. He was the only one playing patriotic music and the only 4th of July themed float. Instead we get kids dancing to the hits on the radio. Whoopie!!

Anyways below are some pictures of parade time:

Close up of the bell, it turned out really good:

This is the crew with some of the vehicles we had following the float (for those of you who don't know my Dad is an insurance agent so he had some nice classic and custom cars he insures follow behind.)

I love this shot of Garet:

Meet Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, & John Hancock. Did you know they had Mickey Mouse Lightsavers back then? Yep!

By the middle of the Parade Emett was done. I mean done. This was what would happen when we would tell him to smile. And the others loved to get giggy with it!

It turned out really good and a lot of people loved seeing a patriotic float. Way to go Fader!!

After the parade, the whole crew went and got some pizza. I wish I would've gotten a picture cause we were all wearing our red Jones Insurance shirts.... all 12 of us!

I than went home and took an amazing nap, went swimming at Kari's parent's, than I think watch some TV... the rest is a blur!

Happy July!!

DiSnEyLaNd!

2011-07-10T16:25:00.000-07:00

This year for my Birthday I treated myself to Disneyland!!! What I wonderful friend I am huh? Me & my sister just went over the week and had some much fun. I haven't been there in FOREVER and it all just seemed so new and fun to me!

We stayed in Seal Beach in a very nice hotel. Seal Beach was very convienent. About 10 minutes from the Long Beach airport, 20 minutes from Disneyland, and 5 minutes to the beach. I loved it. Our rental car is shown below... I was so scared to drive it because I have really only driven smaller cars but I found my new love. I am getting me an SUV for my next car.

One day we spent at Seal Beach. Ate some awesome food at Taco Surf, did a little shopping, ventured out on the pier, and got nice and crispy at the beach.

(My feet love the sand and so does that little girl!! Doesn't she look like she is skipping out into the water?)

Then we spent 3 days in Disneyland. So fun! The first day we went was on a Friday and it was wonderful...hardly any lines and actually quite pleasant. Come Saturday the floods hit and lines where crazy. We got to do all the rides we wanted (even Tower of Terror three times, it would've been more if I had a choice) but Star Tours was ridiculous so we didn't get to do that one.

(The World of Color show was awesome)

Huge Tron fan right here. They had this thing called ElecTRONica that I was so excited for but it ended up being kind of a disappointment. I was expecting this huge dance part but it wasn't. Oh well I got an awesome T-Shirt though!

Best Birthday Vacation Ever!!

Day 23 - Something you crave for a lot

2011-07-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

These days I crave Reese's Pieces alot. But I also crave Guacamole & Jalapeno Poppers. Good Stuff.

A snuggle buddy is something I crave to... my body pillow just isn't cutting it these days =)

Day 22 - What makes you different from everyone else

2011-07-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

I am me. What else?! Haha... Not sure exactly how to explain me but I am a very laid back person who is extremely planned but go with they flow type at the same time. I am trustworthy and dependable. I do what I say and say what I do. I love to have fun and love my family and friends. I am pretty cool... what else do you want me to say?!

Andrea's Wedding

2011-07-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

My friend Andrea got married a couple weeks ago. Doesn't she look beautiful??

It's official, I am the only one from my group of friends growing up that isn't married. ahh... I got some work to do!

I am so excited for Andrea and she had a beautiful wedding!!

The Mormon Bachelorette: { THIS JUST IN! }

2011-07-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

Check out this online series: (I think I may become addicted!)

The Mormon Bachelorette: { THIS JUST IN! }: "Season Opener Airs JULY 1st - GET EXCITED!!! Follow our YouTube channel - tmbseason3 to watch all the latest and greatest videos for Se..."

Have you ever??

2011-06-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

Shown up to work with your feet looking like this??

(I have)

Have you ever put on a pretty boa and modeled for the camera?

(Mia has)

Have you ever tried to fit in a high chair that is way to small for you?

(Garet has)

oh the awesome random things of life!

I have a ton of things to post so come back soon!!

this is how you share a recipe...

2011-06-14T11:55:00.000-07:00

beet cake from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

I don't think I would ever make this but seriously? how cool is this video!

Dirty Dash #2

2011-06-05T14:43:00.002-07:00

Once again it was Dirty Dash time... This time it was only a 5k and so much easier! Yesterday was the first decent Saturday we have had in a long time. It was so so nice and worked out perfectly. Our team name was The Disco Ninja's (outfits don't really work but who cares?). Here are a couple before and after pictures:

(BJ, Nate, Nat, Heather, Me, & Maegan)

Definitely no lack of mud... there were so many people there and the later on in the day it was the more muddier it got. We went at 2:00 so it was pretty muddy.

I feel like I got a lot more beat up this time than I did before. Below is a picture of my knee, my arms and other knee look just about the same.

These are all the pictures I got on my camera so I am hoping to get more from the others and I will post those.

So fun! Can't wait to do it again.

Day 21 - A picture of something that makes you happy

2011-06-05T14:43:00.001-07:00

Sun!!

Sunny days make me so happy! This weekend has been beautiful...finally. I love it!

Day 20 - Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future

2011-06-03T11:33:00.001-07:00

Silly questions. I have no IDEA! I am proud to say I have actually had dates lately. Kind of a nice change. I also got asked out by some gross guy on the front runner... gross, but still a guy (and ofcourse I told him I had a boyfriend, didn't lie just fortold the future right?). Things are looking up!

ps.. I am totally on day 20...like 6 months later!

Ready, Set, Go...

2011-05-26T18:52:00.002-07:00

First things first...

Sweetest girl EVER!!

I love love love this chick!

Wouldn't you??

My favorite Temple is closing :(. I spent a day there the week after it closed...I am going to miss this place. Good thing there is so many more around us!

Ogden Marathon!!

Last minute I decided to run the 5k in the Ogden Marathon (my mom & sister ran the half). I got one of my wonderful migraines the week before and pretty much did notraining. Wanna hear the good news? I ran the entire thing! Never been done before...yeah! I ran it in 36:44. Not to bad. I have come to the conclusion that I have a slight addiction to running in races but I absolutely hate training... weird huh? I think I am to the point where I don't really need to train to the 5k so screw it!

Please don't mind the ugliness of me in the pictures below:

My mom got the stomach flu the night before. I thought there was no way she was going to be able to run but she ran the whole thing. She is a mighty mom!

Day 19 - Nicknames you have; why do you have them

2011-05-26T18:52:00.001-07:00

MelBel is the most commonly used nickname.

Story: I use to babysit The Lund family. Their Dad always called me MelBel but was really the only one that did. One day their kids were at our house getting their hair cut and one of the older boys was sitting on Gavin who was about 4 at the time. All of a sudden Gavin yells "MelBel help!"...it was so cute and funny everyone started calling me that. Even people who aren't super close to me who hear that will start calling me that.

Other names:

Mel, Melanie Felanie, Melanalani.... Awesome, Beautiful, Princess, Your highness, etc... the usual :)

Books & Music - Episode 9

2011-05-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

BOOKS ONLY

Today is a book only review. I haven't gotten much music lately but next time there will be plenty!

A Thousand Splendid Suns
by Khaled Hosseini

Rating: MMMMM(out of 5)
Amazing book. This was my second time reading it but I don't think have done a book review before. We read it for book club and I was so excited to read it again. It is sad, very very sad. But oh so good at the same time. Its about the life in Afghanistan and pretty much how crappy it is over there. It follows the life of two totally different women who end up merging together. So good. About a week or so after I finished, Bin Laden was killed. He not only did awful things to our country but also to his own country and this book show that.

The Schorch Trials (The Maze Runner Series)
by James Dashner

Rating: MMM1/2 (out of 5)
I don't think I ever did the review on the first book (The Maze Runner)...it has been awhile since I read it. This is about these boys that get dumped into this place that is surrounded by a maze that is filled with creatures that can kill them so they always stay inside the gates. At the end of the first book they escape and in the second one they find out they are part of an experiemnt and there is also a group of girls the same thing happened too. They than get put into the Scorch Trails which is yet another maze for them to escape. I actually really liked this one. These books are pretty out there but it really keep me attached and I enjoyed it.

The List
by Melanie Jacobson

Rating: MMMM1/2 (out of 5)
This is a book by a LDS author. It is so cute! It's about this girl who goes to California for the summer and tries to complete items she has on her List. This is a list of things she wants to do before she gets married. But like life a boy comes and starts messing things up. A really cute boy. I feel in love with the boy but I was slightly dissapointed with the ending. It ended good but I think it could've been slightly better. This is Melanie's first novel so I sure hope she writes more!

Aww Man...

2011-05-24T11:36:00.001-07:00

Q: What is more embarrassing than running after the train in a dress, in a blizzard, having everyone on board watch you, only to have it leave you behind?

A: Walking down the stairs in the train, totally missing the last step and falling flat to the ground. Twisting your ankle, bruising your knee, in a dress, and having some lady freak out about it and make a scene.

Pure luck!

Day 18 - Plans/dreams/goals you have

2011-05-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

You may have recalled from a previous post my goals for 2011. One has offically been meet: get a new job. The rest are being worked on.

I have decided I need to travel this year though, also enjoy being outside every minute I can. With my new job I can't really take a lot of time off so I will be creative, but here is the plan:

Get a Lagoon Season Passport

Disneyland! (end of June)

YSA activity (end of July...kind of forced to go with the calling and all but I will get to try new things and enjoy a vacation..)

Arizona to visit two of my best friends who live there (end of September)

Thats the plan and I am going to do everything in my power to do these things! oh yeah!

TO COME IN THE NEAR FUTURE: A great book review and finally pictures of me with my shorter hair...even though it is pretty much grown out but i will post pictures!

...Sorry about the spacing on this post, I don't know how to fix it.

Record Table Makeover

2011-05-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T14:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all those Mom's out there. I love you!

(My Annual Mother's Day potted plants)

Day 17 - Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

2011-05-08T14:27:00.000-07:00

This is a tough one... there is not one person in particular I would want to switch but I would love to spend a day in one of my friends shoes. Those ones that are married, have their own homes, and kids. The kid part doesn't excite me to much but I can't wait till the day I have a best friend to always talk to and a home of my own to make beaut-i-ful! I would love to spend a day with that stuff to see what I have in store for me in the future.

It's funny the way life can work on ya. I was just realizing as I was contemplating in church today that on a scale from 1 to 10, I am about at a 6 to wanting to have children soon. Last year I was probably at a 1.5-2. As I have grown so much as a person this past year I have realized what things really mean something to me and what things I can live without and don't mean so much to me. To be honest I don't look forward to the young years, I think I am looking more forward to the years of about 8 and up. I want to have skater boys (watch I will end up getting nerds!) that don't like to date until at least 18... and than when they do they realize the cute, ditzy girls are so not worth having as girlfriends. They will realize average looking, nice girls like there mom are the way to happiness. I want them to be gentlemen to everyone around them and I want them to serve missions and come back having an amazing appreciation for there mom (me) and do good things with their lives. I want girls who are driven and head strong. Who like there mom, don't sit around waiting for Prince Charming to come and then realize there is no Prince Charming and find joy in the imperfections of men. I want them to be smart and don't let others take advantage of there kindness. Headstrong girls and funny smart boys. Thats what I am talking about...

Ok, no idea how this post turned into that but it did... :)

30 by 30 Item

2011-04-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

I have accomplished another 30 by 30 Item. Pretty much. On Sunday my sister and I played a piano duet in my ward. My list says a piano solo but I think that counts. Plus, now everyone knows I play the piano so I am pretty sure I will get asked again... which could lead to a solo.
It went pretty good though. We play "The Spirit of God" which we played back in the High School days in our home ward but we had to relearn it all. I was a little worried as to how it would turn out but I think it sound pretty darn good.

One down... 27 to go!

Books & Music - Episode 8

2011-04-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

Kind of short this time...

BOOKS:

The Hand That First Held Mine
by Maggie O'Farrell

Rating: MMMM(out of 5)
Two stories of Lexie and Elina and there struggles and joys of life and motherhood. Eventually the two stories end up intertwining. I really liked this book and even though it scared me out of my mind to be a parent I would definitely refer you to read it!

Leven Thumps and the Whispered Secret
By Obert Skye

Rating: MMMM1/2 (out of 5)
I am not sure if I ever did a review on the first one but this is the second of the series. There is five in all. I am really liking these books and I think the second one was better than the first. They are a mix of Harry Potter and Narnia. You learn about a whole new world of Foo and how Leven is one who can save the land from the evil. If you like fantasy books you will definitely like this. And I love the authors writing style. Some of the things make me laugh out loud!

MUSIC

Yellowcard
'When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes'

Genre: Alternative
Rating: MMMM (out of 5)
Top 3 Songs: Hang You Up, With you Around, For You, And Your Denial
Good album. A good addition to their collection of music. I don't think Yellowcard could ever go wrong but nothing can top of their Ocean Avenue.

Next time there will be more!!

Day 16 - Another picture of yourself

2011-04-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I am just not photogenic...

I am getting my hair cut this week, so say goodbye to the longness!

_______________________________________

I confess. I have been a MAJOR slacker when it comes to blogging. All my fault. Even though I slightly blame it on the weather. I have no motivation when it is cold. Finally yesterday was spring weather and today is also, even though it is raining. April showers bring May flowers! I feel summer on the tip of my fingers, can't wait!

As you know I have the cutest nephews and niece around. Emett loves to "read" the Harry Potter books. He goes through every page, pretending he is reading. He has seen the movies and can remember everything that happens in each one, so he totally knows what is happening even though he isn't reading! Garet saw me on my laptop one day so the next Sunday he brought his and made us play on our laptops together in my room. This is that taking place, along with Emett reading Harry Potter and Mia just wanting to hang out:

So cute!

Yesterday I taught Pake how to play the piano and we did Yoga together. I love being an Aunt!

Internship is going amazing! This is what I walk out to at the end of my days:

If you haven't been to Temple Square you got to go soon. They have been working on all the flowers, the trees are starting to bloom, and the water displays are everywhere. Its beautiful.

Day 15 - Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play

2011-04-03T14:39:00.000-07:00

This is going to be fun!!

1: "Song For Someone" by The Frames

2: "Who's Got My Back?" by Creed

3: "Big Jumps" By Emiliana Torrini

4: "Never Gonna Be The Same: by Sean Paul

5: "Lovers Without Love" by Joshua James

6: "Look At You Girl" by Chris LeDoux

7: "Canvas" by Imogen Heap

8: "Do What You Do" by Cute Is What We Aim For

9: "We'll All Be..." by The Maine

10: "Water Runs Dry" by Boys II Men

Some good songs... and some oldies!

I hope you all got to watch or listen to General Conference. It was wonderful. If not go here. I think I get most excited to go download them onto my iPod to listen to again!

Day 14 - A picture of you and your family

2011-03-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken back in 2008 but it is the only one I have with all the "adults" in the family. I think I show enough of the kids =). We went to the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona to watch the Oklahoma Sooners play. They are my dads fav. It was a really fun time...except that all of us drove down in one vehicle....have had better experiences that way!

Love ya family!

It's here... 30 by 30

2011-03-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

I have finally gotten to posting my complete 30 by 30 list! Yay! I have had it done for quite some time so a couple of things are complete. You can find the list on the left hand side below the People I Love section. The things that are complete are a linked to the post that talks about it. Which I need to take advantage of this post and let you know that I bought a Cricut Cutter....one of my 30. It looks like this:

Pretty amazing machine... I can't wait to really start using it and make some fun stuff!

Also can't wait to start getting some of those awesome fun things accomplished.

These little boys are just so cute...

2011-03-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

Day 13 - A letter to someone who has hurt you recently

2011-03-20T14:39:00.001-07:00

Thank you. Thank you for being strong enough to do what I couldn't. Thank you for being you and teaching me so many things. Thank you for loving me for who I am and who I want to be. You broke my heart in a way words can not explain but because of that I am who I am today. I am eternal indebted to you. You will always have a place in my heart and even though you chose a different path I will always love you and will always want the best for you.

Day 12 - How you found out about blogs and why you made one

2011-03-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

Blogs. I use to be the one that would say I would never start a blog (I used to say that about reading Harry Potter too...now look at me). I use to look at my friends' blogs all the time. I would get to see pictures of them and there families and all those cute kids and I would think "my life is boring...why would I create a blog?". Than. Life hit rock bottom. I graduated college, couldn't find a job in my degree, couldn't get full time at work, living away from home, and the boy I was madly in love with decided he didn't want to date me anymore. Tough, tough times. So you would think the last thing I would do was start a blog right? Still not quite sure why I did but now I am addicted! Even if no one reads it and it isn't exciting I would still do it for the sake of me. Selfish I know but in some ways it is a life saver. :)

p.s. Life is good. Sun is shinning with decent temperatures, I finally am feeling better after days of awful sickness, and I am loving life! I hope your life is going good too. If not, go here for some great inspiration!

Books & Music - Episode 7

2011-03-06T15:24:00.000-08:00

BOOKS

Matched

By Ally Condie

Genre: Fantasy / Romance

Rating: MM1/2 (out of 5)

When reading about this book it sounded like it had a lot of potential but I was slightly disappointed. Its about a Society that determines your outcome in life and leave nothing left to chance. They pick everything for you from your job, what you eat, and who you are matched with. But when Cassia gets her match, another face shows on the screen and she is left with the thought of what one she should be with. The author didn't write the story so that it really grasps you and I was a little disappointed in her writing style. It wasn't terrible but not as cool as it seems.

Little Bee

by Chris Cleave

Genre: British Fiction

Rating: MMMM (out of 5)

This is a story of a friendship between a Nigerian refuge girl and a white British magazine editor. There past and present has intertwined with many very sad events involved. I really liked this book and even though it had some pretty sad stuff in it, it was good. It also had some British language, so if you struggle reading that this is not your book.

The Graveyard Book

by Neil Gaiman

Genre: Children's Fantasy Novel

Rating: MMM1/2 (out of 5)

Even though this is a children's novel it still can be a little freaky! I enjoyed it though. Bod (Nobody Owens) is raised in a graveyard by the ghost who live there. The events that placed him there to begin with return as he gets older and he is faced to defend himself. At first I wasn't sure what the point of the book was but as I got going it all started to come out and there at the end I struggled to put the book down.

MUSIC

Across The Universe Soundtrack

Genre: Soundtrack

Rating: MMMM (out of 5)

Top 3 Songs: I Want To Hold Your Hand, Strawberry Fields Forever, Hey Jude

I have always wanted this Soundtrack since I saw the movie.. which I thoroughly enjoyed (even though a couple parts where a little out there) but oh how Jim Sturgess gets my heart. His looks and his voice. And what better to have The Beatles songs at the same time right?

The Lower Lights

Genre: Gospel

Rating: MMMMM (out of 5)

Top 3 Songs: Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy, For The Beauty of The Earth, There Is A Green Hill Far Away

Oh by golly do I love this. And I bet you will too. It is a bunch of church hymn revivals. It is about 20 different people making some great music. Go here to listen to some songs and download/buy.

Mumford & Sons

Sign No More

Genre: Folk Rock

Rating: MMMM1/2 (out of 5)

Top 3 Songs: The Cave, White Blank Page, Dust Bowl Dance

Great, great, great music. Love the singers voice and the music they make. I bought this one on Vinyl and it is so wonderful. Much better than in MP3 format.

Day 11 - Another picture of you and your friends & a View

2011-03-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

I think I posted most of my friends pictures in the first one! I am the only one of my friends that is "totally" single these days so honestly I don't have many friends to hang out with :). These boys below have been my bestie's! I spent a lot of Saturday with Pake & Garet and the weekend before with Emett & Mia. This picture totally fits (except I look drugged).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I survived my first week of a new job! It is going to be a pretty sweet internship. I am still learning the ropes but already I have learned some pretty cool things. It's just amazing that everything is finally coming together and I am here! I am loving it... and loving the view from my floor:

I am on the 10th floor which is only about 1/3 of the way to the top. This building amazes me. (Church Office Building)

Day 10 - Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad

2011-02-27T13:26:00.000-08:00

Happy: I love to put my ipod and shuffle and just take what it throws at me. Especially those oldies but goodies. Its the best when I am in my car cause I will skip to songs that I can belt it out. I also love to listen to music with a good beat when I am happy. Nothing like getting your groove on.

Sad: I actually like to listen to Punk music when I am Sad. Stuff such as Mayday Parade, The Maine, Boys Like Girls, Quietdrive, you get the point. Most punk music pretty much talks about the crappy of life. It just feels good to listen too!

Bored: Bored is when my Singer/Songwriter music comes in. Strip down to the raw stuff and unbored yourself.

Hyped: Hip-Hop definitely. This is when my best dance moves come out!

Mad: Crystal Castles is a good stuff for me to listen to when I am Mad. It takes me to a whole other place and lets me get rid of some emotions. Also like to listen to some angry rock music. Always makes you feel good.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

We had another snow storm this weekend. The thing about snow this time of year is that it doesn't stay stuck to the road once the sun comes out and it makes those tree's look beautiful. I am ok with snow storms these days...I still would choose spring over it though!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have a good music/book update I need to post but until than enjoy this music video of this new song I dig. Rock on!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

p.s. I start my new job tomorrow...wish me luck!

Day 09 - Something you’re proud of in the past few days & Monster Jam

2011-02-20T19:35:00.001-08:00

I got my toes done the other night... not going to lie. I am pretty proud of them! Even though I didn't do them myself, i love them:

Dang I have cute feet!

MONSTER JAM:

On Saturday night I ruined boys night and joined my Dad, brothers, and nephews for the Monster Truck Rally. I have always wanted to go to one and this was my chance! It was good but honestly not as intense as I was hoping. I think the Energy Solutions Center is a little to small for this kinds of thing. But here are some pics from the evening:

(that above would be a snowmobile doing a back flip if you can see it)

Day 08 - Short term goals for this month and why

2011-02-17T20:06:00.000-08:00

Goals... I love & hate goals at the same time. I think goals are very important things but I hate making a goal and not achieving it. Therefor a lot of times I don't make goals and than I just feel good about everything I do achieve...goal or not! But this year things are different for me. Wanna know why? It's 2011 and this is my year =)

So this months goal is to try to figure my body out. Right now it is out of whack... I had a headache from Monday-lunch today (Thursday). I have been lacking energy so so bad and am finding Vitamin B helps (but may also cause headaches...since that all happened at the same time). My new job is going to be requiring me to be to Salt Lake by 730ish so I gotta figure this stuff out. I need energy and I can't get headaches with a new job! I do know that my Heavenly Father will help me though...he's got my back!

I have been debating whether to post my 2011 goals or not on here but I think this is now the perfect time. I think expressing your goals publicly makes you a little more accountable but I didn't want to put this on here because of the one goal about a new job but since that has been laid out in the open I think we are good!

I have done pretty good on everything except the piano & losing 5 pounds... I cannot seem to get out from around my weight... grr!

Day 07 - A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

2011-02-14T15:20:00.000-08:00

First of all I want to thank everyone for the congrats and wishes on my new job! My years of being patient are finally paying off and I have so much support from family and friends. Thanks! It is so nice to be able to put some good news on my blog... I could get use to this! I knew 2011 is going to be a good year!

Now on to my next blogging challenge. If I was to choose one person that has had the biggest impact on me it would be my Mom all the way. She is awesome and is so unselfish in everything she does. She is always putting her family first and is there for everyone. I lover her so so so very much!

I would also like to add the my Dad & my sister have had an impact on me...cause how can you not when you cheese like this:

A couple other people:

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
This man is full of many many inspiring words. He is the one apostle that I probably have learned the most from.

Jillian Michaels
Who else can kick your trash in a work out, yell at you like there is no tomorrow, and show the upmost compassion and care for you, along with a rockin body? Only Jillian. She rocks.

BREAKING NEWS!!

2011-02-11T17:30:00.000-08:00

I regret to disturb your scheduled blogging for this very very important news:

I just received a Interior Design Intern position!! Wahoo!! I will be working for the LDS church. I will be designing and maintaining interiors of buildings that look like this:

and this:

I am so EXCITED!!! I will be starting on the 28th and will be doing this full time and getting paid (paid internships are the best!)

Day 06 - Favorite super hero and why / Time Out For Women

2011-02-06T20:55:00.000-08:00

i am not a big super hero fan. not sure why. they have never been things that really fasinate me. but i do have one i would choose as a favorite:

Elastigirl

she would be a cool mom or be a cool mom to be, plus that is one sexy A outfit =)

This last weekend the girls in our family took the wonderful oppurtunity to go to Time Out for Women. it is a weekend (Friday evening and most of Saturday) full of uplifting and inspirational speakers and music. put on by Deseret Book and they have stops all over the country throughout the year.

this years them was Choose to Become - "All things are possible to him that believeth" Mark 9:23

Our line up was this:

Friday Night:

Virgina H. Pearce (President Hinckley's daughter)

Jason F Wright

Music by Macey Robison

Saturday Night:

Dean Hughes

DeAnne Flynn

John Hilton III

Mathew Baldwin

Kris Belcher

Music by Jericho Road

It's so hard to pick a favorite, they were all good and most of them where pretty funny. i was very very humbled by Kris Belcher but i loved DeAnne Flynn's personality. she is someone i would want to be. and i loved Jason Wrights humor. it was all so good. check this out to see about the presenters. also go here to learn more about TOFW and to check out the 2010 schedule.

Here are some pics. the ones in the middle are from my phone and are not the best.

(mom, maegan, me, hallee, kari)

Day 05 - A picture of somewhere you’ve been

2011-02-03T21:12:00.000-08:00

once again how am i to put just one picture! i obviously am not good at making choices... i thought i would highlight a year in my life. in 2009 i had the chance to go on 2 cruises throughout the Caribbean. one of the most amazing times of my life!

here are some pictures in order of my arrival:

(Miami, Florida)

(Bahamas)

(St. Thomas - Virgin Islands)

(Puerto Rico)

(Grand Turks)

(Texas...our cruise left from Galveston but we stayed somewhere else for a while...)

(Jamaica... totally ziplined through the jungle and got asked about my virginity by a young Jamaican man..not awkward at all)

(Grand Cayman... thats right folks, that is a large sting ray in my arms)

(Mayan Ruins of Tulum, near Cozumel, Mexico)

the Caribbean is gorgeous.. i strongly encourage you to go, you will not regret it!

Day 4 - A habit that you wish you didn't have

2011-01-31T10:03:00.000-08:00

i have to admit that i am prefect. ok. i have no control over it...i am sorry.

haha totally messing with ya! tricked ya didn't i??

my one habit i wish and i am going to work on kicking out is also something i love to do. Sleep. aahh sleep. sounds really really nice right now. and that is why i need to work on not doing it so much. i do not believe one should go on 4-5 hours a sleep a night. i really truely believe this will shorten your life span. but i fall asleep everywhere! i need to work on that. its causing some bad situations. for example: driving. yeah i get pretty sleep while driving. not good. there are so many things i want to do in life and sometimes i choose to sleep over it. winter also makes that difficult. when i am cold sleep takes me away. so starting spring i am going to work real hard on kicking the habit of sleep all the time and just sleep my 7-8 hours a night!

Day 3 - A picture of you and your friends

2011-01-23T18:47:00.000-08:00

how in the world am i suppose to post one picture of me and my friends?? totally impossible. first of all there are too many to choose from and second i don't think i have one with everyone in it. so i decide to go for the collage. there is no order or time line for these pictures...just a bunch of wonderful randomness. enjoy, i sure did!!

couple of things i noticed when doing this post:

i don't have very many guy friends that stick around... they either fall in love with me or i fall in love with them. awkward. the girls are the ones that stick around for life.
two of my ex-boyfriends are pictured above
a kid who i have had a crush on for years is pictured twice above (one of those things that it is just best to stay a crush)
yes i meet Cartel
and yes i am wrapping my leg around a Chippendale dancer... its how i roll!

Day 2 - The meaning behind your Blog name

2011-01-22T13:41:00.000-08:00

this is going to be a hard one to explain.... hmm.

so my blog name is Melanie. the reason behind that is my name is Melanie. i know it is hard grasp but i think if you dig down inside you will understand it. =)

i am a lone ranger these days...maybe when i find me a man the name will change. (speaking of lone ranger. i totally went to a movie by myself last night. it was actually really nice. i haven't had many movie going buddies lately so i decided to take matters into my own hands. i think it did me a lot of good!)

i think we could now go into a discussion about my name. i wasn't intended to be name after anyone but my name is actually made up of my grandparents names. this would be my Dad's parents who passed away long ago. i have never meet them so i like to think that i am named after them. there names are:

William Melvin & Annie Dora Jones

pretty coolness i think so. i can't not wait till the day i can meet them. i think we will be chillin a lot in heaven and talk about all the stupid stuff they watched me do!

since day 2 wasn't much i thought i would share my talent in hair styling. the pig tail and mohawk in one:

Day 1 - A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

2011-01-22T12:49:00.000-08:00

(to many good ones to choose from and my hair really is more copper on the top than the bottom...the pictures emphasizes it a lot more though. just an fyi)

1. i love sleep... i mean LOVE. unfortunately i can't sleep like i use to but i still enjoy every second i get.

2. i have OCD when it comes to make sure things are unplugged. i have to look at my straightener at least twice each morning to make sure it is unplugged. when leaving on vacation i unplug almost everything. i worry a lot about plugs starting fires...not sure it happens a lot but its something i can prevent.

3. this may not be new but music and books are my favorite. i love getting new awesome music and am constantly listening to it whenever i get the chance (at work, in the car, on the computer, working out, etc. ) currently listening to Cute is What We Aim For. i read every second i can. especially at lunch at work. there are about 5 of us at work (all members of my book club) and you will find a library in the lunch room around 1-2. its awesome!

Note to reader: i didn't realize i had two #3's until it was to late...i didn't know what to take out so i left it. bonus!

3. i have no idea how to take a shower less that is less than 20 minutes. is that really possible?? i also take a bath about 3 times a week (maybe not so much in the summer). nothing like a hot bubble bath and a book!

4. i love to organize. organize is like a stress relief for me. my downfall is i can organize something and 3 days later it can be a total mess...

5. i have 3 nephews and 1 niece who mean the world to me. i think my blog has way more pictures of them than me! i am in no place in life right now to want kids. i am sure someday i will but i am in a selfish mode and don't want to give up all my time for kids but i would drop anything to be with my babies (only one is actually a baby). they are what life is about.

6. CSI is one of my all time favorite shows (especially NY). i would watch an episode everyday of my life if i could. sometimes i will watch like 3 in a row if time permits.

7. i did ballet throughout all of high school. i miss it. i miss the clean lines, the beauty, and just dancing in general. i am a little jealous of dancers...that would be an awesome profession. to make up for it i dance to pretty much anything. i do got skills...my friends and family will let you know!

8. i am not a sports fan. my ideal mate would be someone who loves soccer and doesn't really care much about other sports. i like to watch other stuff here and there but i could slap everyone who is obsessed with sports. it drives me NUTS! i could never marry someone who is a major sports fanatic.

9. i was always the one in school who was last to finish running the mile, always took dance instead of gym if i got the chance, and never participated in sports. Now I go to the gym at least twice a week, work out at home, have run multiple 5k's, and even a 10k in the mud! i am not a huge runner or a major gym freak but i love the stress relief it gives me. plus i am going to get myself a six pack by the summer. oh yeah!

10. i can get really pissed off while driving. people drive me nuts. naughty words just fly out of mouth sometimes while driving. i apologize in advanced to any of my passengers.

11. i tend to keep things bottle up inside for to long and can explode and boy do the fountains take a while to turn off! i am not one to talk about my feelings much and it takes someone special to get them out. i have only had a couple people in my life who have been able to do that and unfortunately i don't talk to them much anymore. Currently i feel that bomb reaching its edge...watch out!

12. Mornings are the worst ever! i hate hate them. i hate getting up early and i hate talking in the morning. give me about 2 hours and than i am good.

13. i am always cold. unless i am sitting under a 90 degree sun. i am definitely retiring to Arizona.

14. i am not one that cares much about my looks. i have no problem going out in public with no make up and my hair not done. i am who i am, God made me that way and i don't need to change that. and honestly i don't care what others think about me. i do wear makeup but not a lot and i choose comfy clothes over cute not comfy clothes any day.

15. i love color. amazing. i think color is one of my strong points in interior design. i have a knack for finding colors that look good together. i pray that my eyesight will always stay good so i can see the many different colors in this world.

30 day challenge

2011-01-20T10:58:00.001-08:00

i need to challenge myself with blogging. one of my new years goals is to blog at least once a week. my time and motivation for blogging has kind of disappeared..but i am going to regain it! i came up with a good new monthly post special i want to do but i think i need more time to think about it. it could be quite personal... so i found another challenge. i think it will help me to write about things that are personal to me and help me to master my idea! i found this on my friend Kate's blog...she was so nice to let me steal the idea.

now, i will tell you right now there is no way i will be able to do this everyday but i am hoping for at least every other day. i have to think about the first one so hopefully i will get something posted by the weekend!

________________________________________________________________

Day 01 - A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02 - The meaning behind your Blog name
Day 03 - A picture of you and your friends
Day 04 - A habit that you wish you didn't have
Day 05 - A picture of somewhere you’ve been
Day 06 - Favorite super hero and why
Day 07 - A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08 - Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09 - Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10 - Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11 - Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12 - How you found out about blogs and why you made one
Day 13 - A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14 - A picture of you and your family
Day 15 - Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16 - Another picture of yourself
Day 17 - Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18 - Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19 - Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20 - Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21 - A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22 - What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23 - Something you crave for a lot
Day 24 - A letter to your parents
Day 25 - What I would find in your bag
Day 26 - What you think about your friends
Day 27 - Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28 - A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29 - In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30 - Who are you?

Music & Books - Episode 5

2011-01-12T20:52:00.000-08:00

this episode is packed full of goodies... i have found some keepers.

Music

Broken Bells

Genre: Alternative/Indie Rock

Rating: MMMM (out of 5)

Top 3 Songs: The High Road, The Ghost Inside, Mongrel Heart

this band is composed of artist-producer Brian Burton (aka Danger Mouse) and James Mercer, the lead vocalist and guitarist for The Shins. totally digging them. highly recommended. i am not a huge Shins fan so i was a little worried. ended up being there was no need to worry. it is pretty awesome stuff.

Joshua Radin

The Rock and the Tide

Genre: Folk / Singer Songwriter

Rating: MMMMM (out of 5)

Top 3 Songs: Here We Go, We Are Only Getting Better, You Got What I Need, Wanted (ok...4. i can't help my self!)

OMG! one of the best albums ever. Joshua is just pure amazing here. if you like his other stuff you will LOVE this and if you haven't heard him before you will LOVE this. his voice will grab you right after the first word and the lyrics, beats, and everything else are just plain yummy. this is what i call great music. he is coming in March and i will be there. let me know if you would like to join after listening to this!

Quietdrive

Self-Titled

Genre: Alternative Rock / Pop Punk

Rating: MMMM1/2 (out of 5)

Top 3 Songs: C'est la Vie, Fading Light, Until the End (but i also really like Always & It Says Alot)

Quietdrive has done it again! Deliverance was a great album and this one totally meets its expectations. Quietdrive definitely knows how to put what you want to say into a song. i wish i was that talented. i wish they would get more songs on the radio...they could do some good for all those punk kids out there!

Books

Moonraker's Bride

by Madeleine Brent

Genre: Historical Romance

Rating: MMMMM (out of 5)

this book has made it to my top list. i loved it. written in 1973 it tells a story of a young british girl who has lived in China her whole life and knows nothing else until she goes to England and life takes some crazy turns for her. i just looked up the author on wiki and come to find out Madeleine Brent is the fictious name for Peter O'Donnell a british writer of mysteries and comics. wow...who would thought? this book is out of print and i am sure his others are too but i would like to check them out.

Hate List

by Jennifer Brown

Genre: Honestly not sure...it is a novel though :)

Rating: MMM1/2 (out of 5)

don't judge a book by its name...or its description. this book is about Valerie. one day at school her boyfriend brings a gun and shoots a ton of people that were on a hate list they had created (which she thought was just for funnies) and than himself. the story is about her coming back to school and dealing with everyone blaming her for what happened and the lose of her boyfriend who she thought was someone else. by the end of the book you want the best for Valerie and you feel her pain. i love books that make you fall in love with the characters and this book did just that.

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows

by J.K. Rowling

I hope you all have read this... i think this was my 3rd time. i had to read it before the movie came out (which you have to see if you have not) so i thought i would add it to the list. it so gets 5 M's!

Christmas, New Years, and more..

2011-01-03T21:26:00.001-08:00

Tis the Season to be Jolly!

the joys of Christmas:

(the Christmas Tree all ready to go Christmas morning)

the family Christmas day:

(being the photographer means you are in no pictures so i had to get a snapshot of myself!)

the dinosaur hats were a hit...in all kinds of ways:

i got some pretty awesome gifts this year:

RECORD PLAYER!

it also plays cds, cassettes, radio, and mp3 players. it is da bomb

my first official record: Sara Barielles

my parents have old ones but this is the first new one. i love to listen to it on the vinyl

Camera Bag:

i got this bag from Jo Totes. i finally have a cute way to carry my big camera. it also fits the extra lens, notebooks, and more. love love love it!

i also got the first 2 season of The Big Bang Theory (one of my favs)

such an awesome Christmas!

2011 is going to be a great year. i can feel it. i know i said the same thing about last year but you know what? it was totally true. 2009 was crappy...really really crappy. but 2010 was amazing. nothing big happened but life was just better and i was happier. what more can you ask for? i have a feeling some exciting things could happen for me in 2011... i hope that means i will have things to show for it shortly ;)

(me, Kelsey, & Heather @ about 12:14am January 1, 2011)

p.s.. my room is coming along good. can't wait to show pictures. here is a sneak peak of one of my favorite additions:

isn't she gorgeous?? i think i have a girl crush on her!

(NOTE TO READER: this post was finished with my eyes being half dilated. please disregard anything that doesn't look right because i don't see right)

outpouring of quotes...

2010-12-29T15:51:00.001-08:00

i have so many i need to share...i hope one is what you are needing in your life right now:

-"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." - Mother Teresa

-"When I was 5 years old my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down 'happy'. They told me I didn't understand the assignment, and i told them they didn't understand life." - John Lennon

"Sitting next to you doing absolutely nothing means absolutely everything to me." - Anonymous

"Everday is an opportunity to be creative.
The cavas is your mind,
The brushes & colours are you thoughts and feelings,
The panorama is your story,
The complete pictures is a work of art called 'My Life',
Be careful what you put on the canvas of your mind today,
IT MATTERS" - Anonymous

"Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule" - Buddha

"To live a creative life we must loose our fear of being wrong." - Joseph Chilton Pearce

"To be nobody but yourself in a world thats doing its best to make you somebody else is to fight the hardest battle you are ever going to fight. Never stop fighting." - E.E. Cummings

"The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet." - James Appenheim

that is all for this evening! i hope you all had a Merry Christmas. someday i will get time to post pictures. i am so excited to share with you what i got!

p.s. it is a freakin blizzard outside.. time to curl in a ball, cry, and guage my eyes out... that doesn't sound depressing at all.

life these days...

2010-12-23T15:54:00.000-08:00

most people know i am not a fan of winter. but sometime last week i woke up to a winter wonderland. snow can be a very beautiful thing. this particular morning it was. it was that really fluffly snow that sticks to the trees. snow covering trees = beauty. snow cover streets = panic attacks. as you can see from the pictures below it was a snow that covered the trees but left the streets in good condition, i had to snap some pics on my way to work, it was to hard to resist:

this last week we had Mia while my brother and the rest of his family went to Hawaii (not fair). i totally tried talking my little nephew into taking his place but he wouldn't go for it. crazy huh? someday i will go.. someday i will go... (i just have to keep telling my self that).

she was so precious. i miss coming home from work and having the little girl come running up to me smiling, welcoming me home.

(me & mia enjoying some Tigger Movie...she totally has my bottom lip ;))

i apologize for my lack of blogging. i could go on and on with excuse but don't we all not have enough time this time of year?

instead i will update you on life which is pretty much the same thing:

work is busy. busy, busy, busy. there have been some changes which give me a lot more work to do. it does make the days go by faster. yay!

i have had christmas parties galor. i have a nature to plan things so i usually end up being the planner for most of them. i had a friend, work, and church one to plan this year. they are all over and were a succesful hit. phew!

i have also come to the conclusion that i am a hoarder. maybe just like 1/4 hoarder. don't think i am crazy. at least i admit unlike all you unadmiters out there. i have recently moved into a new living space and i have so much crap. i hoard. but i am improving and throwing a lot of unnecessaries away. thank you!

i will post pictures of the new space shortly. i need to make a trip to Ikea asap to get some additional furniture and it will not be complete until that is done. i am excited to show ya!

i hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and do not forget the reason we celebrate this time of year: the birth of our Lord & Savior.

oh, and just in case: Happy New Year!

2010-12-13T22:06:00.000-08:00

i am absolutely loving Joshua Radin's new album. i can't get enough of it. you gotta check it out!

my near death experience...

2010-12-13T22:03:00.001-08:00

ok not really...

but we can pretend.

so Saturday evening about 8ish i am sitting home alone in my room watching Hawaii 5.0. (new favorite show)

all of a sudden i hear all thes loud banging noises

freaked out

i paused my show and just sat there. i literally had nothing in me to move my body. i couldn't yell or move an inch. i thnk i may have blinked a few times but that was it

after about sitting there for 3 minutes in totally silence i got the nerve to get up

i had some scissors sitting on my floor from Christmas wrapping. i grab them and held on for dear life

as soon as i reached the doorway to leave my room i heard the garage door go up

i booked it up the stairs and saw as the door was going up my dad pulling in

for a moment i thought it was him doing something outside and a waive a relief washed over me

and than it hit me that he was just barely pulling in, it happened over 3 minutes ago

as soon as he got out i asked him if he did anything outside and he said he just barely got there

great, i thought....

now i have to search the house

oh of course my dad wouldn't come do it so i held on to those scissor, went downstairs, and started searching

at last i came to my mom's old salon and found this:

now can you realize why i was so freaked out?

three doors falling over makes A LOT of noise.