Good Times with Ash... Went to see Avitar!

Christmas with my new camera!

Put on your seatbelts, everybody... Put on your food belts!

(Richard Simmons:)
Put on you seat belts, everybody! Put on your food belts!

Oh no! It's not that time of year again. No, it can't be! It can't be! Tell me. Pinch me. Tell me it's not here!

It's The Most Fattening Time of the Year
(Parody of It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year)

It's the most fattening time of the year
With that pumpkin pie filling
And everyone swilling
Down eggnog and beer
It's the most fattening time of the year

It's the lip-smackingist season of all
While you're shopping you're cheating
Impulsively eating
That junk at the mall
It's the heav- heaviest season of all

There'll be turkeys for basting
And stuffing for tasting
And giblets and gravy will flow
There'll be cookies that mom baked
And leftover fruitcake
From a Christmas a long time ago

It's the scale flattening time of the year
While your diet you're blowing
There's calories going
Straight down to your rear
It's the scale flattening time of the year

(Hey wait a minute. Wait a minute. I know there's food everywhere. Eggnog flowing out of fountains. It's like one big Bar Mitzvah. But listen, you don't have to do that. You could have small portions. And make ribbons instead of fudge. You can do it! Please try!)

There'll be after meal dozing
And arteries closing
Cholesterol levels will grow
It's too cold to go jogging
Too brisk for tobogganing
So pass me a hot buttered roll

Don't you dare touch that roll! I'm watching!

It's the most fattening time of the year
All those gingerbread shingles
And chocolate Kris Kringles
Will tremble in fear
It's the most fattening time
It's a belt loosening time
It's the most fattening time of the year

*** Sad to say, I am already feeling it!***

Click HERE to listen to a sample of the song... it's great =)

Are you mad at me????

As I have been working out at the SJSU gym, I have shared a few smiles and a couple "hellos" with another avid exerciser. Mind you, we have never had a conversation before, and to this day I still don't know his name. As I go to jump on a treadmill, I smile at my exercising friend. He then does something out of the ordinary.... He approached me. The first thing he says to me is, "Are you mad at me?" I was somewhat taken back by the question. Why on earth would I be mad at him when I RARELY see him and have no clue who he is??? I politely say, "Um, no, what gave you that idea?" He then proceeds to tell me that the last time I worked out, it didn't seem like I wanted to see him. I seriously had to stop myself from laughing. Sadly enough, because my schedule has been so dysfunctional, I couldn't remember that last time I worked out; therefore, don't remember being mean to him. I quickly say it must have been a misunderstanding and we laughed it off...

My thought is, would that really be the best way to start a conversation with someone you don't even know? I mean, I have my socially awkward moments, but I know better than to come up to a complete stranger and say, " Are you mad at me?"

Thought of the Day...

It is a part of the human condition to think, 'because I am doing that which is correct in the sight of God, that God will make my path easy.' Recently, I have been reminded that the truth would be better stated as 'when we are doing what is right in the sight of God, we prevent ourselves from making our own path harder. And God will have fewer 'hard lessons' to teach us'
-- A FB Friend's Status

A Pick Me Up!

"Life is fun and exciting! Take discouragements and disappointments as time to regroup before you do something even MORE fun and exciting."

Saw this on a Facebook Status, and it was totally what I needed to read.... I'm just feeling a little down. Maybe it's the stress of finals or another bout of change is coming... but it's nice to remember that something "Fun and Exciting" is around the corner! (Hopefully!)

Oh, those Red and Blue Lights....

I love this time of year when you get to see all the fun Christmas lights around the city! However, there are some red and blue lights that I never wish to see.... I am speaking of those awful cop car lights that only make you feel sick to your stomach!



I was walking home tonight and watched someone get pulled over. I could just feel their stomach churning.... I swear, it's one of the worst feelings getting pulled over. I am not sure what the individual did, but whatever it was, I am glad it wasn't me getting pulled over.

Glee - Lean On Me (HQ) [Official Glee Cast Version Music]

I know I have said I love Glee, but I just can't get enough =) I think their songs are REALLY GOOD!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I just want to say I am super Grateful for all the people in my life that make me Happy =) Thanks! I love you all =)

REPOST FROM MAY- Just thought I'd bring this back.... Needed a little boost

Despair kills ambition, advances sickness, pollutes the soul, and deadens the heart. Depair can seem like a staircase that leads only and forever downward.

Hope on the other hand, is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstances. It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn. It encourages and inspires us to place our trust in the loving care of our Eternal Heavenly Father, who has prepared a way for those who seek for eternal truth in a world of relativism, confusion, and of fear.

-- Dieter F. uchtdorf

I just needed a little pick me up today, and believe this says it all!!!!

This is what Happens when I'm Bored...

I decided to see if I could stand 4 pennies up... and it worked. I did it last night, and they are still standing! The weird thing is I really wasn't paying attention to what I was doing. I was talking with my roommates and it just happened! Talent, I say... Talent!

Check out my 2 funny fart stories: 1st story: skyestories.blogspot.com 2nd story: This one's for Ashleigh

Sometimes you will cry

and no one will see your tears...

Sometimes you will laugh

and not one will see you smile...

Sometimes you will fear

and no one will see you shudder...

Sometimes you will lie

and no one will catch you...

Sometimes you will fall

and no one sees you struggle...

Sometimes you will be late

and no seems to notice...

BUT JUST FART ONE TIME............................

Here's to hoping that someday we will ALL find our penguin!

Click on the picture to read a story about my penguin days!!!

He is always there!!!

(Click on the image to make it bigger)

This brought tears to my eyes! Lately, I have been reflecting on the goodness of our Heavenly Father and the Savior. I have come to realize they are always there for us. I have been writing in my journal every day about how I see the Lord's hand in my life each and every day. It has brought me peace and comfort. I feel like have a pep in my step! Since we are in the Thanksgiving month, I just want you all to know how thankful I am to have the gospel in my life and that the Lord loves me!

The New Chewy!

Before the grooming.... he looks so funny in this picture!

After the grooming... he actually looks kinda cute! He's so soft now!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

**picture from http://www.stumbleupon.com/s/#1G4Xdp/www.cleavelin.net/archives001/killer.jpg/

I grew up in a college town, and one Halloween our doorbell rang and we opened the door expecting to see trickortreater—but what was in front of our open door—was another door! Like, a full-on wooden door, that had a sign that said “Please knock.” So we did, and the door swung open to reveal a bunch of college dudes dressed as really old grandmothers, curlers in their hair, etc, who proceeded to coo over our “costumes” and tell us we were “such cute trick or treaters!” One even pinched my cheek. Then THEY gave US candy, closed their door, picked it up and walked to the next house. MLIA

**story from http://www.stumbleupon.com/s/#9hWQDJ/mylifeisaverage.com/story.php?id=877471/

Christopher Walken

So I was thinking of being Christopher Walken for Halloween! What do you all think? He always plays scary characters, which means I think he's pretty scary! HAHAHA- J/K I thought this cut out was classic, and if I ever need a quick Halloween costume, I know where to turn!

RaNdOm

There's this tree on campus that I walk past that smells like throw up... It grosses me out every time I have to walk by it. I can't really choose a different route... it's like I either suck it up or walk half way around campus to avoid it. I guess I will just keep holding me breath.

I love it when the mirrors in the gym make you look good! I feel confident when I am lifting weights and look in the mirror and see this awesome looking person... I'm like, "YEAH! This working out is paying off." Then I moved to another mirror and it's a whole different story!

OUCH... I do hate when I nick my shin on weight room equipment! NOT FUN!

Why do dogs/Cats always have to lay on blankets or new material that is out??? Tigger (Lindsy's cat) would do it, Tommy (Stein/Nicollete's cat) would do it, and now I see Chewy do it. They are claiming it, I guess!

It's breast cancer awareness month---SO get your mammograms or do a self-breast exam! I know it's scary, but early detection is KEY! As I was walking yesterday, I was think about why people don't get check ups or don't do something as easy as giving yourself a self-breast exam... It's the fear factor. What if you do find something? It's easier to deal with if you don't know about it = out of sight, out of mind! BUT... I can't say it enough, EARLY DETECTION PEOPLE! You can do more about it if you know it's there! I am just keeping it real!

Glee Single Ladies

Thought this part was HILARIOUS! I learned this dance over the summer..so I felt a little connection to this part! Sadly enough, I think they dance it better than I do (in football pads even!). Anyhoo... enjoy!!

"I Will Never Know Why"

By Susan Klebold (Click here to read the story)

I have always been affected by the Columbine school shooting story. I have always been intrigued about what had happened. I remember being sick that day and staying home from school. I listened to the news all day long about this tragic experience. I just couldn't fathom that this actually happened. It was just shocking. Unfortunately, like the rest of the nation, I blamed it on the parents of the kids that caused this horrific tragedy. Didn't they know their kid was losing it? WRONG... After I did some growing up, I realized it's not always the the parents' fault. After reading this article by Susan Klebold (Mother of Dylan- one of the shooters), I can only grieve with her. No one expects to raise a "monster" (as she puts it). I can only imagine what she is going through and keep her (and her family) in my prayers. Don't get me wrong.... I know there are situations where kids act out because of how they are raised. However, you can't always blame the parents. Every person has a responsibility to make their own decisions. Her son made his decision...

I Completely Understand... I even finished college!

We aren't supposed to color!

Yesterday I subbed for a third grade class. They were wild and rambunctious kids. Some of them would get done early with an assignment and ask me what they could do. I mentioned that they could color... Boy, they just love that idea. HOWEVER, they were quite scared to do it. One student came up to me and was like, "If someone walks in we, will get into trouble if they see us coloring." My heart just broke. Apparently, now days kids aren't supposed to color in schools. WHAT THE X? What happened to developing their artistic ability? What a bunch of crap! Students are just supposed to learn what is going to be on a standardized test... There is more to life than standardized test, people!!!! I think I am a pretty smart person, but I am terrible at testing. Most of the kids couldn't focus long enough to really sit through the assignments. This is my theory: because they don't get the opportunity to express themselves through other activities, such as art, they are going stir crazy! You should have seen their faces when I said they could color... they lit up and were so happy!!!!!

Oakland Temple Outing...

The view from the temple.... that is San Francisco some where out there... It would be cloudy the day I go!!!

Don't mind my squity face...it runs in the family!

Daniel thought it would be fun for me to check out the Oakland Temple... So we decided that we should do some baptisms today. What a great day--- Going to the Temple is always a fun experience. I absolutely enjoy going to different temples and seeing the unique features. We also has some random experiences. When Daniel was getting baptized, the Brother baptizing him had him just squat down. It was the oddest, yet funniest thing to watch. I actually had to stop watching because I couldn't stop laughing. Then, I decided to just a little "trip" into the font.... I was ok, but I think everyone around me was SHOCKED. They seemed more affected by my spill than I was. My dignity was a little damaged, but besides that, I was fine. To top it off, we ate lunch in the Temple cafeteria, and some man walks by and was like, " you both look like you are having so much fun! This is definitely the place to do that!" Yes, I agree. The temple is a great place to have a good day.

TErrible COUGH....

I have had the weirdest cold.... I felt it coming last Wednesday... It quickly hit my throat and ears, then made it's way to my chest.... Now I have this lingering cough that won't go away! Even if I think about sleeping, my cough acts up!!!!! GO AWAY COUGH... You are not wanted here.

SO TRUE!

He's growing on me....

Here's King Tut!

He likes to rest his head on my foot!

He was being lazy one day... He wouldn't moved for like an hour!

The ROK!

WOW- I had quite the experience yesterday. Eating lunch was an event. Daniel Garrett works at this intense restaurant called The Rok. He thought it would be fun to show me what it is all about. Let's me just say we ate like a King and Queen for the day!

First off, We started with a cheese fondue. YUMMY- I think fondues are so much fun. Then, we got a salad that had salmon in it.... That should have just been the meal right there. NOPE. We ended up getting meat (I got chicken and he got stake). That might not sound so out of control, but it was! They bring this meat to you half cooked on this smoking hot rock, and the meat finishes cooking in front of you. It was so out of the world and dee-lish!

TO top it off, we ended with a fondue chocolate (Snickers flavor) and dipped goodies into it. The funny thing about the desert was the waitress turns to Daniel as says, "You know the rule if you drop anything in the fondue? You have to kiss a girl for 6 hours!" HAHAHAHA we about died when we heard this. Before she said the 6 hours, we were like, that seems reasonable... just have to kiss- but for 6 HOURS! Who has the time??? The funniest part was when she said she has witnessed this... Some man stayed at the restaurant and kissed his woman for 6 hours. Good Grief- Get a room.

So ya... I pretty much ate all the food. It was amazing. When I was in high school and ate at Ashleigh's house, her mom would always say it was an event when I ate. So it this just reminded me of that. This was for sure an event that I loved- Eating delicious food always makes me happy!

You Look Like.... So and so has that bday too!

Without FAIL, Someone always knows someone with my same birthday, AND someone always knows somebody that I look like!

I guess I just have one of those faces, with a very common birthday!

The End

Community Service

I am part of the Community Service Committee for my MPH program, and we took part in a beach clean up in Santa Cruz. It was super chilly, but when we got to walking the beach, I warmed up a bit. It was a fun filled day of service!!!

Maggots, Hiking, Paper...

MAGGOTS- AHHHHH!!! So maggots were coming out of our trash can yesterday! yuck! I happened to be making some rice (what a coincidence) and the dog (Chewy) happened to be looking at something moving on the floor. I realize it's a MAGGOT. So I pick it up, squish it, then threw it away. I then hear something in the trash move. What the X??? I look closer and there are tons of maggots coming out of the trash. I look at the floor and it it's covered in maggots as well. I go wake up my roommate ( I needed some moral support) and she helps me clean it up. Through our Squeals and Shrieks, we eventually clean up all we can. Needless to say, I didn't eat the rice I was making.

Went on a quick hike today! I wouldn't really call it a hike. It was short and sweet, just like I like them! I went with Daniel Garret (a guy in my YSA branch), and he showed me around some hills in the San Jose Area. I have to admit, looking out at the valley kinda reminded me of Provo. It was a fabulous outing! I finally got to get out and do something in San Jose. Daniel and I had some great chats... Ducks, Bird Poop, cheesy movies, just to name a few topic. It was a good morning.

I got a 97 on my first paper! WOOT WOOT! Lets hope I can keep that up. My first test is on Thursday. I have to admit I am a little nervous... who knows how hard it's gonna be. I just need to STUDY, STUDY,STUDY! Hope all goes well.

Struggling...

1- I can hold my own at conducting music. I am not a pro, but I can get up there and wave my arm around to the beat! However, yesterday at the Women's Relief Society Broadcast dinner, I just couldn't do it. The song wasn't hard (As sisters in Zion), and it was in 3/4. I get up there and just can't find the beat for the life of me. I wasn't nervous, I have conducted before... The Visalia 7th Branch has me conduct all the time. Yesterday just wasn't my day!

2- I always have the hardest time saying SOCIAL. It just doesn't come out smoothly. I ALWAYS slur that word. Today I had to give a talk. As I got the the word, I completely butchered it. I tried it again, still didn't quite get it out right, so I just flew right passed it. I am sure they got the point of the word! Also, as I was reading a story, my mind kept mixing things up- There was this one sentence that I had to re-read 2 or 3 times. It was ridiculous. Not sure why I am struggling so much. I haven't been sleeping well- so maybe it's just from lack of a good night's sleep. Let's hope I get over this quickly!

To get up in the morning only to know

that you will have to face another

obstacle takes strength.

To smile whenthe only thing you

want to do is cry takes bravery.

To act happy & laugh when you know

that times are at their worst takes courage.

To be joyous when the only good news is the

best of the bad news takes support.

To be there & help others through

the roughest times in life takes love.

- Unknown

Keep the Faith

This dog was born on Christmas Eve in the year 2002.

He was born with 2 legs -

He of course could not walk when he was born.

Even his mother did not want him.

His first owner also did not think that he could survive

and he was thinking of 'putting him to sleep'.
But then, his present owner, Jude Stringfellow, met him

and wanted to take care of him.
She became determined to teach and train this little

dog to walk by himself..
She named him 'Faith'.

In life there are always undesirable things, so in order to feel better you just need to look at life from another direction.
I hope this message will bring fresh new ways of thinking to everyone and that everyone will appreciate and be thankful for each beautiful day.
Faith is the continual demonstration of the strength and wonder of life.

RaNdOm

While walking on campus, I saw this awful looking tree trunk. It looks like it should be in a movie. It stands out among the palm trees, so I couldn't help but notice its presence. Just thought I would share that with you.

Oh how I just love a shower that drains. The last couple weeks, our shower drain was getting slower and slower. NOT A GOOD THING. So, I cleaned it (absolutely hate to do it) and now it's draining like a champ. I don't have to stand in watter that won't go down! I feel at peace in the shower now =)

I just finished the worst writing assignment EVER- It took me way too long to understand what to write, but it it over. Phew!