Back in the Day

So, naturally I've graduated from college. I have a diploma that will be arriving in the mail as soon as I get my internship material turned in. I have a job. I'm working in the real world and I get my first paycheck tomorrow, (cross your fingers that that's really true). I tell everyone who's going back to BYU how jealous I am that I'm no longer a college student, and that I'm no longer living the college lifestyle.

So, why just today, did it just hit me that I'm really NOT going back to BYU? That I'm really not done working at the end of August. And that I'm really stuck working for the rest of my life? Maybe reality takes awhile to set in for me, knock me into line, and wake me up to what's instore for the next several years of my life. It's a rude awakening.

From my childhood to my adolesent years, and now this whole young adulthood chapter, life has had some crazy twists and turns. What happened to those days of watching Saturday morning cartoons like the Smurfs, CareBears, Fraggle Rock, Gummi Bears, and DuckTales?

Sing, Floss, Stretch, Travel

I first heard this when I was living in Hawaii three years ago, and have continued to listen to it regularly ever since. I'm sure most of you have heard this before. I'm sure it's new to some. And I'm sure if you listen to it over and over again like I do, something new will stick out at you each time. It has a tendency to relate to your every day, your every worry, and your every moment. So, when you're in need of some good advice, sit back, relax, and take in these seven minutes of pure goodness. I like to call this, my sauntra.* You can thank me later.

*Note, this word is not in the dictionary, I merely made it up. It will soon be found in trusting websites such as Wikipedia and Urban Dictionary. However, it will not be found in Webster's dictionary. It means poetic advice.

Is it Funny?

It's funny how life lessons have to be learned the hard way sometimes. It's funny how sometimes we think we know better than God. And it's funny that sometimes we can be so caught up in the moment, that the last thing we want to do is listen to the advice of everyone around us. It's funny isn't it? It's funny until we realize that the hard way is usually the best way. That God knows each of us so personally, that he knows what we need to experience, and for that I am eternally grateful. And when we're caught up in the moment, others advice is usually a lot more realistic than our own. Well, here's to another lesson learned. Here's to realizing yet again, God is directing my life. And here's to wishing I had listened to everyone around me, but thankful I can walk away from this experience with a greater understanding of myself. Usually life's lessons are priceless...this one cost me $200.
In the words of Wicked:
"It's time to trust my instincts, close my eyes and leap...Too long I've been afraid of losing love I guess I've lost. Well if that's love, it comes at much too high a cost...as someone told me lately, everyone deserves a chance to fly, and if I'm flying solo, at least I'm flying free. To those who ground me, take a message back from me!"

Two in One Day, No Way?

I set a goal this week to wake up every morning before work to go running. Meaning I should be waking up every morning around 6:15. Which is why, at 11 o' clock at night, I'm posting yet another blog entry. Naturally, I'm stalling going to bed early. Isn't that what little kids do? Apparently, I still have childish behaviors in me, and I'm okay with that. Moving on...with all of the kids on the east coast, and my parents still stuck in Utah, they decided to come celebrate the 4th with us. They're just great. Here are some pictures of our thrilling 4th of July.

The Candrian clan hanging out at Mt. Vernon...


Waiting in the rain, on the steps of the Lincoln for the fireworks.

And going crazy at the pool.


Togetherness, it's a beautiful thing. My parents definitely need to come visit us more.

Sorry, wrong number

Naturally I don't get embarrassed too easily. Naturally. Until I call someone who is on his honeymoon. Naturally that's a good time to be embarrassed. Not only is that awkward, but really embarrassing.To make the situation even better, not only is this guy on his honeymoon, he's on his honeymoon with the lady I work with. Shouldn't cell phones be turned off on a honeymoon?

(for the record, and so I don't appear creepy that I called a married man...the phone call was strictly business related courtesy of the ADA)

Tell Me I'm Dreaming

I used to be bad at updating my blog. Then I got better. And now, sometimes I forget I even have a blog. I always joke about making my daily happenings "blog worthy", but somehow actually forgetting to record that "blog worthy" material. This post may or may not be what I consider "blog worthy", but it'll have to do for the time being.

As of lately, the most commonly spoken four words from my mouth are: "When I have money...". Living in DC, working at a non-paid internship has led me to speak these words more frequently than I would deem acceptable. Yet, almost daily, they pass through my lips into the ears of those around me. Unfortunate for me, and unfortunate for everyone who has to hear it over and over and over and over again. Am I being greedy with all the things I say I'll get "when I have money?" Most definitely not. You can be the judge of that.
When I have money...
...I'll decorate my room really cute
...I'll be able to go out to dinner with friends and eat more than the complimentary appetizers that are served before you get your actual meal that you have to pay for
...I'll buy hangers to hang up my clothes
...I'll be able to afford plugging in my fan to cool down my 100 degree room
...I'll be able to take the bus up to NYC
...I can go shopping for a substantial supply of groceries
...I'll be able to fly home to Utah to visit my parents
Is it safe to say the homeless man, who sits outside of my building, everyday I walk to work, makes more money than I do? I would undoubtedly say so. Thank goodness the ADA decided to be generous and start paying me, as of last Monday. Now, if I could just see the actual paycheck, maybe the phrase will transition from "when I have money" to "when I have enough money."