The Life I Loved

There is nothing I love more than going home to good friends, great parents, and familiar surroundings. Therefore, last weekend was simply amazing.

Every Saturday afternoon when cougar football comes on, I instantly get depressed. Not literally, but I long to be at the games, cheering on my team, amongst a rambunctious crowd of crazy Mormons. It just doesn't get better than that, really, it doesn't. Especially when BYU is highly ranked and seems to destroy whomever they're playing (although, at this very moment I'm watching the BYU/TCU game...now THIS is depressing). I hate being on a losing team, so BYU is always (or usually) in my favor. The east coast isn't. I think LaVell Edwards Stadium and I have equally missed each other, so being the true BYU Alumnist I am, I paid my respects to my beloved home away from home. It just happened to be homecoming week last week too, so it only seem fitting for me to be there.

I may or may not have made an appearance in the LRC and faked being back at work in my Lab Assistant days. The LRC truly was my home way from home!

Naturally there would be blue bunned J-Dawgs at the tailgate party!
Naturally Lauren and I would be wearing matching sweatshirts!
And naturally someone thought we were sisters! I take that as a compliment.

#1, Fui Vakapuna. We would have dated if I didn't move back east. :)

Lauren, BryBry, and I way too excited to be at the game. BryBry and I both flew home to see our cougars.
We're true blue through and through!

Nothing says welcome home than 45 degree weather in the middle of October. And yes, it snowed while I was there, and then proceeded to be 70 degrees two days later!

Sadly my camera remained in my bag the rest of the trip, and an entertaining night has no true documentation. Cafe Rio, hanging out with some old friends, and an embarrassing game of catch phrase, all made for an AWESOME Saturday. I just love Provo. I realized if I were back at school, it wouldn't be the same. I may no longer have status as a BYU student, but I'll always have rock star status whenever I visit Provo!
I hate upsets, the destruction of a perfect record, and a 16 game winning streak being destroyed! It's just like BYU to lose on the road. That's depressing too.

Mmm Mmm I'm Lovin' It

Dear McDonalds,

I don't know the last time I was conned into eating your food. I'm thankful for that.

Please tell me how you've esteemed yourself to be sprawled across the entire world, clogging one artery at a time? I just don't understand?

In this time of financial crisis I wish you'd go bankrupt too. Only I wish the government would be wise enough to leave you ruined.

You don't deserve the worlds business. Perhaps if you were serving us real food, the kind that comes from animals and plants, I might think otherwise.

You tell me that you're dedicated to serving me the highest quality of foods. But alas, you've contaminated our food with chemicals, convincing us that it's Mmm Mmm good.

Where is the quality in that?

I see right through your cunning ways. I wont be fooled for one second.

We may have been friends when I was a child, but only because I didn't know any better.

Please tell me how you sleep at night, knowing this is what you're serving thousands of people on a daily basis?

You should be ashamed of yourself.

Sincerly,

Baffled and dismayed

Wednesday's Words of Wonder

When I should have been working, my mind was thinking of other things...

Running, one mile left, past the point of exhaustion, and a man with weights on his back sprints past me. Am I THAT out of shape? Or is he just a showoff

Changes in your ranks
#12 most desired (gained 2 places)
#13 most useful (lost 4 places)
#45 person with the prettiest eyes (lost 13 places)
Thank you facebook, and my many cyber friends for thinking SO highly of me and lowering my standings. Why in the world are people being compared on facebook? Who are these people who actually take time to compare their friends? And what do people do with this information anyway? Maybe I should start telling people, "According to facebook, I may have lost 4 places for being the most useful, and 13 places for having the prettiest eyes, but I've gained 2 places making me the 12th most desired." Will that entice someone to want to date/befriend me? I would sure hope so.

The restrooms in my building have signs in each stall that reads, "Please flush toilet. Repeat if necessary." Isn't that just common sense? Common courtesy?

Is it ironic, or just bad luck that the creepy man who stared at me on the bus the other day has been in the same metro car as me the past few days? Not just the same train, but the same car? Creepy!

So Long, Farewell

22, I never really cared for you.

You sent me away to become someone new,

And I didn't really care to do what you wanted me to.

22, you weren't particularly that fun,

A year full of heartbreaks, realities, and then some.

Looking back on my years trials as a whole,

You've done way too much to leave me feeling dull.

22, is it really true,

That I'm no longer a student going to BYU,

And I have to grow up and do something new?

22, why did you ship me off to the east coast?

I always thought the west coast would be my residing host?

You've rudely awakened me to the realities of life,

And caused me to go through some unnecessary strife.

23 will be better, leaving behind my past pain.

Only to show the east coast I can rule and reign,

But not in a way that will cause me to be feign,

And not rightly so, if it leaves me feeling vain.

Well 22...

...you and I are finally through.

23, I hope you can inherently see,

That I need you to take extra good care of me.

Pure Confusion

I was patiently waiting for the Metro to come pick me up and take me home. It was a little before 5, and work was over for the weekend. I stood watching the minutes slowly wind down until my train would be arriving, 5..4..3..2..1. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the busy and tired workers that crowded the metro station, my people watching mentality kicked in. I noticed two individuals, possibly friends, possibly lovers, perhaps mere acquaintances. I don't know why they caught my eye? But for some reason they stuck out--just the way a redhead sticks out in a crowd. The train finally arrived, and I stepped on. So did they. Since I no hablo español, I was quickly shunned from eavesdropping on their conversation. I exited the train. So did they. I made my way past them as I quickly walked up the escalator, leaving the thought of them behind. I stood in line to wait for the bus, and quickly noticed, so did they. It wasn't until I was standing in line waiting for the bus that I realized, that who I thought was a girl was actually a guy, and who I thought was a guy, was actually a girl. I stared...probably longer than is polite, (although, I don't think it's polite to stare at all, so I applogize for my lengthy gaze) to make sure what I just discovered was actually true. Yes! I boarded the bus, giggling to myself, feeling slightly embarrassed for me thinking poorly, and for them being deciving. I glanced a few more times, just to make sure I was right. Yes!

This got me thinking. Why/how do women lose sight of their femininity and men their masculinity? It just doesn't seem right.

Seize the Moment

We've all been on the receiving end of gag gifts, or perhaps been the contributor of these unnecessary items. They're funny, generally inappropriate, and naturally make the present moment extremely uncomfortable, only adding to the humor of it all. A few weekends ago, I discovered the gag gift of gag gifts. A special thanks to the Amish in Lancaster County, and the small city of Intercourse, Pennsylvania, for selling merchandise with the phrase "I love Intercourse" written all over it (pun may or may not be intended). Perhaps I'll give my new Pennsylvania keepsake away as a bridal gift, perhaps I'll be selfish and keep it for myself, only to be worn on a special and inapporpriate occasion. Decision still pending.

On a side note, the Amish have a lot more to offer than merely cheap "souvenirs". Their home cooked cooking is exceptionally delicious. Their lifestyle unique in many ways. And a buggy ride through Intercourse is not only educational, but gorgeous as well. If you're ever in this area, I highly recommend visiting. As the Amish would say, "Intercourse, Pennsylvania, come out and play!"

Going Green

I'm not a tree hugger in anyway. I occasionally remember to recycle the newspaper, milk containers, or any alumminum, plastic, or glass containers I may have accumulated throughout the week/month. I don't buy organic foods. I can't afford them. I've yet to purchase a "hip" and newly deemed, fashionably accteptable, reusable grocery bag. And by no means do I drive a hybrid car. However, just today I realized I'm doing something that can land me a spot in the eco-friendly category. Seeing that the lights in my office are on a timer, and naturally when you don't walk around enough they turn off, it's safe to say, I spend a majority of my day sitting in the dark. Some may say I'm lazy, I say I'm conserving energy (no pun intended). Oops, it just got dark again.

Turn the Lights Off

It's nearly 12 in the afternoon as I lay in bed listening to the cries of Mother Nature. Don't worry, I didn't just wake up, I just haven't moved much in my last few waking hours.

Most people would consider today a day of bad weather, I consider it blissful. As nice as a sunny day with a gentle, cool breeze is, the tears from heaven are far more pleasant and relaxing to me, than having the sun beat down on my face and having to wipe away a drop of sweat that has accumulated from the heat. Today is a good day.

Today is also my last day of "vacationing". I've somehow managed to turn my five days of vacation into a month long retreat. From Utah, to Idaho, up to New York, and now back to DC, I've had one adventure after another. I'm ready to start working again, but I'm convinced that in another month, I'll be ready for some more time off. Here's a recap of my month of relaxation.

• Doctor, dentist, hair appointment
• Got a new job
  
• Oral surgery
• Steph' wedding
• Worked at Joe Morley's (who doesn't like to make money on Vacation?)
• A trip to the cabin in Idaho to go wakeboarding
• Visited the "Big Apple" for the first time

to include: Central Park, the Zoo, Empire State Building, Time Square, Battery Park, Ground Zero, Shopping, 5th Avenue, Greenwich Village, Chinatown, Little Italy, walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Center, Mary Poppins, the US Open, and ate way too much good food for one weekend.

• Got another new job...apparently I can't make up my mind
• Spent a week "relaxing" in/around my apartment
• Vicariously lived the first week back to BYU through all of my friends still in college (I probably shouldn't admit to that)
• Had a tooth fall out
• More dentist visits

It's been fun, but it's time I wake back up to reality and begin working once again.

I've been cursed

Let's rewind six years:
I was merely a teenager that refused to believe "mothers know best". So, when my Mom told me not to go out with all of my friends the night before we left for Mexico, what did I do? Naturally, I went out with all of the boys. A mother's intuition is far more trustworthy than my own selfish desires. However, as a teenager, listening to my Mom was the last thing I ever wanted to do. But of course, as the events of the evening unfolded, I instantly wished that I would have listened to my Mom for a change. Going home with a knocked out tooth wasn't my ideal way to end the evening. To make matters even better...no, worse, the dentist was out of the office the next day, and my tooth couldn't get fixed before I had to board the plane for Mexico. My family joked that I'd fit in with the Mexican's with a missing tooth. I didn't see any humor in that.

Let's fast forward six years to the present:
Ever since getting my tooth knocked out, I have a fear it will happen again. Every time I walk up and down the stairs, I think to myself, "I better not trip, or I'll fall and hit my teeth and they'll all fall out." Without fail, that is my thought process every time I put my first foot on the step. I can't count how many times I've frantically woken up to feeling my teeth to make sure they're all intact. My worst nightmare is that my tooth will somehow fall out again. Well, funny that as I sat on my bed yesterday afternoon, talking to my Mom, my worst nightmare came true. I'd be lying if I said this time I found it humorous. Looking in the mirror only caused the tears to become more and more uncontrollable...I looked like one of those freaky witches that haunt you in the movies. I was a mess. Thank goodness for dentist, but I've had my fill of them for the year. From a cleaning, to surgery, to a tooth falling out in the course of three weeks, what more do I have to endure? Let the humor begin.

Uh-Oh

Thanks to JoNel Aleccia, a health writer for MSNBC, and my sister for sending me this article, the reasoning behind my sweet tooth addiction is now crystal clear. I should have guessed that the horrible ear infections I'd have as a little girl would end up bitting me hard later. I like to think of myself as tolerable to pain, sometimes too tolerable actually. However, the ear aches I'd get as a little girl left me screaming in tears, now running for sweets, and a future of obesity? Yes on the first two, NO on the latter. Maybe you can blame ear aches for your sweet tooth too. While you're reading the article contemplating this new found knowledge, I'm going running. Obesity and I are not friends, never have been, and never will be.

Welcome Home

I'm a big advocate of people going on missions. I don't think there is anything better you can do with your time than to serve the Lord. Sometimes I wish I'd gone on a mission, sometimes I think it would be such an incredible experience, sometimes I rather be on a mission working than in the real world working, and then, when I sometimes think of those "sometimes", I remind myself that someday I will serve a mission...when I can have my husband as my companion. Missions are great and the world is in need of devoted missionaries to bring people into the church. However, as much as I love missionaries, I love even more when they come home.Welcome home Sister Schallenberger!!!I'm glad I have friends who are willing to give their time to the Lord, but I love when the Lord can give me back my best friends!

Tell me I'm dreaming

My trip to Utah has been a trip full of unexpected events. In less than 36 hours of being home I got a new job, had surgery, and shipped my car off to DC. Well, there goes wondering what I’m going to be doing with my life in the near future, and whether or not I should stay in Utah or go back to DC. I'm going to be a Health Policy and Advocacy Coordinator for Systems of Nuclear Medicine. Problem solved. Simple as that.

Despite all of the craziness that has occurred since being home, I can’t help but feel blessed for everything that has happened. God really does have his hands in each of our lives and is so mindful of our needs. This simple truth has been manifested to me once again.
Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure:

We may be college graduates, but you can never be too old for sleepovers. Stephy's wedding festivities. Who would have ever guess I had oral surgery only a few hours earlier? Laughing, eating good food (or attempting to do so), and a dance party were definitely not part of the doctors orders.


My swollen cheek is a little (or a lot) more evident the day after. I don't think the previous days festivities were good for the swelling and bruising. But hey, I wasn't about to miss my friends wedding. After all, that's what I came home for.

One way ticket

I'm sitting at work right now, too antsy to actually be doing anything, enjoying the imaginations that seem to have taken over my mind. In less than two hours, I'll be sitting on the Metro, patiently awaiting my arrival to the airport. Normally, the thought of going back to Utah leaves me kicking and screaming not to make me go back. Today, I can't wait to go home! I can't wait to see my parents again. I can't wait to see my friends again. I can't wait to see the mountains again. And I can't wait to sleep in my own bed, in my own room, in my own house. No matter where I end up, no matter how far from Utah I'll be, that little bedroom, up the stairs, down the hall, second door on the left, will always be mine. Now, the real question is, should I stay or should I go? My one way ticket home has left the ending of my trip undefined. Maybe I'll come back to DC, maybe I wont. Do I really want to stay in Utah? That's the underlying question at the moment. Coming home for a good friends wedding, hanging out with all of my best friends from college, and indulging myself in familiarity, may make my decision slightly biased. For now, I'm going home, back to the place where I belong...I don't regret this life I chose for me...I'm going home.

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."

I have a theory

I love living in DC. I love everything about this city. I love that I'm finally moving into my very own apartment, and can end this two month streak of living out of a suitcase (although I'll miss living with my brother and sister in-law). And best of all, I love getting to be a tourist when good friends come to visit. So, needless to say, this has been a week of love. Thanks to Erin for letting me play tourist.

Utah, a place I'm supposed to be missing, but having a hard time doing so. Pictures speak louder than words, so I'll let them do the talking, (although a few explanations may be provided.)

We had a lovely tour of our nations Capitol, thanks to Peter and John. Then, it was off to the Bureau of Printing and Engraving to watch millions and millions of dollars get printed that will never be ours, or will it?


Apparently the U2 3D Imax concert is supposed to change your life. Although, maybe not so much the second time around. However, sitting on the back of the Lincoln Memorial to watch the sunset, will change your life.



Now that I'm posting pictures, I'm realizing how much we did that didn't get captured...what kind of tourists were we?

Saturday had to have been my favorite day by far. Following a trip to Eastern Market, and a few Smithsonian's, we ended the day with some crazy four-wheeling that left us covered in mud...it doesn't get better than that. Plus, I saw my first firefly EVER...if there is such thing as the coolest insect, the firefly wins my vote.



To finish it off, I made a great Sunday dinner for all of my siblings...aren't we just cute?



I have a theory...you either love the east coast, or you don't.

They Call This News?

Usually after reading news articles, I walk away feeling somewhat more educated on the happenings in the world. Today, that wasn't quite the case. I was reading on msnbc.com tonight, catching up on the latest health articles, when I stumbled across some of the most ridiculous articles I've ever read. All I can think is, some people have lost their minds, and some are just plain stupid. Let me summarize my two favorite (or not so favorite) articles I read tonight.

The first article: "700-pound man's birthday wish? Marriage."
I thought about adding the picture of this man, but quickly realized that for the sake of my blog, his picture will not be displayed.
This article is about a man who once weighed a half ton (1,235 pounds to be exact) and is now down to 700. His birthday is today, and the only wish he has for the upcoming year is to lose enough weight to walk his fiance down the isle at their wedding. He hasn't been able to leave his bed for the last six years, and the one attempt he tried to make in leaving his house, and I quote "failed when a flatbed tow truck brought to transport his reinforced bed got caught beneath an underpass." Isn't that unfortunate? He blames America for gaining so much weight. He moved here from Mexico and began eating a consistent diet of junk food and soda.
My first thought is, HOW? How in the world do you let yourself reach that weight without realizing something needs to change? How do you even get to 500 pounds without realizing something isn't right? My second thought is, how do you fall in love with someone when you haven't left your bed in six years? Have they even been on a date? Maybe she's the one that feeds him since he can't leave his bed and is partly to blame for his obesity? Go figure

The second article: "28 million women face unwanted pregnancy" just made me laugh.
Apparently half of American women will wind up with an unintentional pregnancy, due to a lack of proper protection. Well, obviously if you aren't doing anything to prevent a pregnancy, you'll likely end up pregnant. If people only thought before they acted, maybe the pregnancies wouldn't be so unintentional after all. Just a thought.

Got to love the news...or the people that create it.

Happy Father's Day

I don't even think my Dad reads my blog. To be honest, I'm not even sure if he knows I have a blog. Maybe he doesn't even know what a blog is? Regardless of whether or not he sees this, he's amazing, and I love him! I feel lucky to be his little girl who's not so little anymore. I wish I could go back to the days of being little. I loved being little, I loved when he'd hold me, when he'd tuck me into bed at night and help me say my prayers, and I loved when he'd do his "funny laugh"for me even when it hurt his jaw. Can't I just be little again? Life seemed so carefree back then. The only thing I worried about back then was keeping up with all of the boys.
Well Dad, I love you. I've always told him if I can marry someone half the guy he is, I'd be one lucky girl. Some of my favorite memories with my Dad are:
1. Having him coach my Jr. Jazz games
2. When he sang supercalifragilisticexpialidocious on the bus with all of the first-graders after our field trip to Wheeler Farm (I thought he was the coolest Dad after that)
3. Getting to go to California with just him and Shawn and Jeff Lowder
4. Playing basketball every night before dinner. I couldn't go in for dinner until I'd make three baskets in a row
5. The night he came into Joe Morley's by himself while I was working and just sat and talked to me. We laughed, we cried, and we ate some good BBQ
6. When he left work early to drive me to Idaho just in time for class, because my carpool had to leave without me
7. When he called me out of the blue one day, while I was at BYU-Hawaii, just to tell me he loved me
8. Running in 10K races with him (even though he ALWAYS beats me)
9. Going to Giants games with him for our birthday's
10. Having him always wash my car and fill it up with gas every time I went home (which was practically every weekend I was at BYU)
The list could go on and on, but I don't want everyone reading this to be too jealous that they don't have my Dad as their own.

If Only

I have amazing parents and incredible siblings. A perfect family? I'd say so. However, we haven't always been so perfect. FHE was always a struggle in our house. But, I think our nightly family dinners were a fair compensation for a Monday night lesson. If only my parents had taken us to Giants games for FHE, there never would have been an ounce of complaint from any of our mouths. I guess it's true that with age comes wisdom...and wow, how wise us kids are now! We're having FHE all on our own.Here are my siblings and I (Brittany where are you?) enjoying the last game of the Giants sweep over the Nationals. Go Giants! FHE doesn't get better than that.

Livin' On a Prayer

Well, I've officially been welcomed to D.C., and I almost died in the process. Sure, call me a drama queen, but I'm going to call it "livin' on a prayer".
Everything was normal when I walked out of the office at five o' clock yesterday, minus the previous monsoon that I thought had quickly swept through the District. Boy was I wrong. All I wanted was to get home, change my clothes, make dinner, eat (of course), and go work out. Instead, I was informed that the Metro would be stopping ONE stop short of my destination due to a power outage. Therefore, EVERYONE on the Metro would have to exit, catch a shuttle that would take us to the next Metro stop, and continue on to the desired destination. Everyone quickly exited the Metro hoping to run and catch the shuttle and get home. Boy were we all wrong in thinking that would happen too. Thousands of people were crammed into the Metro station trying to catch a shuttle so that our work day could finally end. One problem, for the first twenty minutes there was only one shuttle bus, and it only carried 12 or so passengers. I was now standing with a thousand + angry people who were pushing and shoving to be the next to the bus. Our cell phones didn't work, it was pouring rain, and we all wanted to be home. In the back of my mind I thought my life was going to end right then and there. I felt like I was on the Titanic and was hoping that I'd be the next passenger off the ship before it sunk, and I was left to drown. I felt like another number. I felt like the world was ending. Thank goodness for answered prayers because miraculously the Metro started working again, and I was able to slip through the crowd and catch the first Metro out of East Falls Church. Finally, I had made it to my long and awaited destination, but the fun had just begun. Running in heels from the Metro to my car in the torrential down pour, I nearly got struck by lightening. I had no time to think, only time to realize that a bolt of lightening virtually blinded me, so I ran faster and harder hoping to avoid being electrocuted. I was now drenched from head to toe. I ran up to the fifth and last floor of the parking garage, only to have to run in the rain one more time to get to my car. I was now shaking, completely soaked, carrying my heels, and praying that tonight wouldn't be my last. I began driving out of the parking garage, only to come to a sudden stop on the third floor. And there I sat, in a puddle of water from being so wet, for over a half hour, never moving more than two feet, wondering when this day would ever end? And it didn't for a few more hours. My dear sister and her friend said they'd come pick me up, the car could stay parked at the Metro for all I cared, I just wanted to go home. I parked the car, took my heels off, and began walking to meet them so that they wouldn't get caught in the massive Metro traffic jam. Trampling through mud puddles with no shoes on and rain for over a mile, I was finally rescued. They informed me that the power was out at the apartment so, we decided to go out to eat, but everyone else in McLean had the same idea in mind. We bagged that idea, and it was homeward bound at last . What should have been a five minute drive home took over twenty. With all of the rain we couldn't see out the windshield and the power outage had wiped out all of the street lights. Nothing in this town was working. Now, over three hours since I left work, we FINALLY made it back to the apartment, where we had to function by candle light. A few hours later my sister and I decided to pick up her car. Having seen"I am Legend" I think I can now relate to how Will Smith felt when there was NO ONE left but him. I'd never seen streets so empty, so dark, and torn apart by the storm. Apparently in the combustion of the storm three tornado's had touched down in the D.C. area, one almost right here in McLean. We were informed that that power would most likely be out for two or more days. So, this morning I had to have an ice cold shower by candle light. Luckily it only took a little over 24 hours for the power to start working again. Just in time for the first night of the NBA Finals. Thank goodness prayers really do come true.

Doctor Doctor Give Me the News, I've Got a Bad Case of Lovin' You

There are a few things in life that I absolutely hate, mainly dishonest or deceiving people, bad weather, and being hungry and having no food. There are also lots of things in life that I absolutely love, like my family, friends, the church, learning new things, getting lost in a good book, deep conversations, long runs, good food, and spending the entire day at the beach. But just recently, I realized I also have a few obsessions...and they need help. So, any advice you can offer me on how to overcome these obsessions will be greatly appreciated.
The obsessions include (but are not limited to):
1. Dark chocolate. Not milk, not white, just dark, and I'll eat anything that has it in it
2. Any dessert...especially if it's made with dark chocolate. I always want dessert after every meal I eat (even breakfast)
3. Food. Even if I just had a big meal, I'm always ready to eat again (that's not normal)
4. Sleep...as soon as I wake up, I'm ready for a nap again. I think I'm capable of hibernating, which is a new feeling for me. Normally I don't/can't sleep
5. Chips and Salsa...it will satisfy me for any meal and besides dark chocolate, It's all I ever want
6. Working out. My day doesn't feel complete unless I've done it. Plus, with how much I like to eat...enough said
7. Spandex. If I could wear them all day long, everyday of the week, everywhere I went, I would. They're just so darn comfortable
It's kind of sad that almost all of my "obsessions" have to do with food. So, maybe I answered my own question on how to overcome these obsessions...it's called self-control. Maybe that's where my struggles lie.

Something's in the Air

Have you ever noticed that the moment you start thinking about someone you forgot about, or haven't seen in awhile, within a short time span they're back in your life, even if it's just for a brief moment? Or, how about when you learn a new word that you've never even heard before, and then it seems like everyone around you is using it? I think the same thing applies to conversations; they become alive after the discussion is over. This past week, I've had more conversations about the bodily exchange of gas than the average person, or should I say the average guy has ever had. It's natural, it happens, and yes, even girls have gas. Some friends (girls) and I had a long discussion regarding this topic and how embarrassing it is to have to flatulate (the correct term for farting) in public. One of the girls explained to the rest of us her way of secretively flatulating when engaged in a conversation. "You just squeeze it in, let a little bit out to 'test' it to see how it smells, and if it's bad you say, 'wow, it smells awful.' And while you walk away you let the rest out." So, there's one way of secretively flatulating in public. I'll spear you readers the rest of the details of this conversation, but this I will tell you, unfortunately, everyone has gas.* With that being said, and with the discussion of flatulation only a few days in the past, I can't tell you how often I've smelt other peoples gas since that conversation. If I were walking down the streets of DC when a terrible smell came over me, that would be one thing. But no, it's always occurred while riding the metro, in a confined space, leaving us passengers the victim to someone else's flatulent. All I ask is for a little bit of decency the next time you're feeling the need to relieve yourself. Assess your surroundings, then act accordingly. And for Pete's sake, is something in the air?

*When I say everyone, I mean everyone but me of course. That would be both gross and unladylike.

So Naturally Overheard

I've ridden more public transportation in the past two weeks, than I have in my short, yet wonderful 22 years of life. And wow, what an experience it has been. In these past two weeks, the knowledge—or lack thereof—I've gain from eavesdropping is astounding. I grab the Washington Post every morning I get on the Metro, and occasionally I'll attempt to read Jane Eyre on the twenty minute ride home from DC. But it seems that no matter what I try to do to keep my mind on my own business, I somehow find myself listening to the conversations that are going on around me. The ride home is usually full of funny conversations about the drama, annoyances, and poor work ethic in the office. Then, just the other day I "overheard" two women talking about the lack of men in their lives, and how they like it that way. One of the women commented that she's too set in her ways to even consider allowing a man into her life. The other just replied that all they do is complicate life, (as understood from her story about her children, her ex husband, and the joy that accompanies dealing with the two). And best of all—so far anyway—was the high school couple who couldn't figure out why at 5 O' clock there was so many people on the Metro? Oh teenagers, so naive to life. But I guess in a big city, I am too. Regardless, the Metro has been a great experience. Who knew public transportation could be so fun? With that said, and I know it's only been two weeks, I think big city life and I are like peas and carrots. We just go together.

Small and simple things

I have to say that I believe one of the greatest facilities ever invented is the restroom. And when you don't have one, it's the worst thing possible. Well, that's been my experience the past week of working at my internship. It took me until Monday (I started work the previous Wednesday) to discover where the restroom on the 10th floor of the Blake Building is, and it took me until Wednesday (an entire week later) to discover how to get into that restroom. So, if you're wondering, the answer is YES. I've been working 8 hour days never having gone to the restroom (and I'm sure who's ever reading this wanted to know that.) If that doesn't have "intern" written all over it, I don't know what does. How was I to know that you have to have a key to get in? The last time I checked restrooms were open to anyone needing to use it.

Far away from the world I know

There wasn't time to think about the change that was taking place. And just like that, I walked away from Provo without the slightest recollection of doing so. Much to my surprise, the same kind of arrival greeted me this morning as I sat on the Metro headed into D.C. I had been in D.C. for less than nine hours and sleep was the last things my eyes were yearning for. Instead, my eyes were focused on the life of Jane Eyre. The words "Farragut West, exist on the left" had to stir me from my deep concentration. There was no time to think. No time to wonder what did I get myself into? Time didn't permit me to do so. I was quickly pushed out of the train and mixed into the hurried crowd of businessmen. I stood on 18th street gazing at the buildings that seemed to swallow me up, wondering which way to Connecticut Avenue? The gray haired man kindly pointed me in the right direction, and I was on my way. It was 9:21 as I stood in front of the doors which read, American Diabetes Association. I was nine minutes early for my first day of work. And just like that, I was given my own desk, my own responsibilities, and my own title as, "the intern". I still haven't fully grasped the concept that I'm no longer a student at BYU and living in Utah. But, I now reside in Virginia, my home for the next few months. Where did my life go? How did I get so far from home? And why are the right things always the hardest to do?