Facebook Status

Rachel Johnson is on the hunt for the perfect mascara.  Any suggestions?

Seriously, is this the never-ending struggle of womanhood?  I can never seem to find one that leaves me satisfied for more than a week.  Grrrr.  Your suggestions will be appreciated and purchased.  Have a wonderful week!  (PS - I'll be in Vegas again this week for work, I'll do my best to refrain from a quickie marriage....always such a temptation!)

Ouch

Barbie

  I love Barbie.  I don't feel as though I have been her victim of body image issues because of her insane and impossible physical proportions.  Barbie rocks.  She has more clothes than Paris Hilton, college degrees like you can't imagine, and great legs.  What's not to love?

As a kid, my cousin gave my sisters and I a giant bag full of Barbies, clothes and accessories.  I loved playing with them and coming up with scandalous story lines involving Ken and the trampy little sister, Skipper.  Mine always was something like this:

Barbie is a working woman, typically a lawyer or ad executive.  Ken is lazy, but hot, so he's forgiven for not having a job.  That is, until Barbie finds Ken and her sister, Skipper, kissing one day.  Barbie drives off, in her pink Corvette, in a huff, determined that she and Ken are done.  Ken races after her because he realizes that it's Barbie he wants and Skipper was just a distraction. In his haste, Ken overcorrects his car, hits a light pole, and breaks his leg.  Barbie rushes to his side at the hospital where they makeup and kiss in his hospital bed.

Barbie was good for my creative side, even though most of my stories were some variance of the one above.  I have no idea how I came up with that stuff because we weren't even allowed to watch Baywatch or 90210 when I was growing up.  Sheltered!

What's your story?

"Life is something like a trumpet. If you don't put anything in, you won't get anything out."

- W.C. Handy

Another Notable Happening

Happy Thanksgiving, etc.  Now that that's over, we can get on to celebrating Discovery of King Tut's Tomb Day.  It's not an official holiday, but it's still pretty cool.

His tomb was uncovered in 1922 in the Valley of the Kings.  It has been called one of the greatest archeological discoveries of all time, and I have to agree.  Although, Indidana Jones has provided us with some pretty cool finds ;)

When I was in fourth grade I was obsessed with everything ancient Egypt.  The stories, hieroglyphics, ruins, etc because we had a wacky substitute every Friday that would lecture on it.  I have a distinct memory of telling Miss Schlappy (seriously, that was her name) that I wanted to take my honeymoon to Egypt.  Yeah. 

Happy eating....and remembering the boy king.

More Please!

Two of my favorite things, together on YouTube.  Sigh.  What a fantastic way to start Thanksgiving! 

Sally Sue

My mom rocks.  She is the coolest.  One reason she is rad is that she always sends us kids a holiday card.  Not for holidays like Flag Day or Boxing Day (go Canada!) but for the major hitters, like Thanksgiving.  Yep, I got my Thanksgiving card today and rather than be a traditional cornucopia or pilgrims, she did this:

Finished puzzle.

My mom is the coolest!

Ok, now the meaning behind the title of the post.  My nickname is Sally or Sally Sue because when I was younger I was obsessed with Sally Brown, Charlie's sister.  For a period of time I named all my dolls Sally and would only respond if I was called Sally as well.

Now, any time my mom sends me something in the mail she seals it with a Sally sticker.  Isn't she so sweet?  I'm lucky to have a mom who takes so much care to do the little things that mean so much.  I'm also lucky to share the name with such an awesome fictional character!  Sally is tough and sassy, like me!

"Men are like steel. When they lose their temper, they lose their worth."

- Chuck Norris

I Want, I Want, I Need, I Need

I want a mini pig.

 I would name it something awesome like Kevin or Fido.

We would be best friends.

He would be super clean and be allowed to sleep in my bed.

Someday.

Colett Yarro

I am not creative.  I want to be, but I'm not.  I found this painting a few weeks ago and knew that it needed to be mine.  The artist's name is Collette Yarro and you can see more of her work here .  I really like her style and might have to buy a few more of her designs to compliment the one I already have.

Sorry about the poor quality photo, but believe me - it looks fantastic on my wall!  PLEASE click to enlarge to get a better look.

Also, notice how my bedspread matches the background on my blog.  I swear I didn't do that on purpose.  I am drawn to yellow, black and polka dots.  It's fate.

We Did It

Jerilyn and I went to the midnight screening of New Moon. As you may remember , I don't understand the hysteria behind Twilight, vampires, Edward, etc.  But, Jerilyn, being the kindred spirit she is, thought it wise to invite me to the one thing that tweens, teens, young marrieds, middle aged women and soccer moms all swoon over.  It was AMAZING!  The movie wasn't half bad; the fun part was the screaming, the energy from the crowd, me and Jer mocking them and us deciding once and for all that we are on Team Jacob.  A lot was accomplished last night.

See how excited she was?!?!

Interpreters are such nerds.  I count 7 interpreters total, 8 if you count me taking the picture.

It was a two thumbs up sort of night

PS - some people waited hours and hours to get a good seat.  Our group waited for about three but we decided to be jerks and ask them to save us seats.  Aren't they peaches???

So In Sync

Keep cool, this is not a post about our beloved boy band N*SYNC (although look for that post soon).

This is Eliza.  You see her name often because we are roommates and take lots of adventures together.

On Tuesday I brought home a bag of Giant Cheetos for her, only to find that she had a container of cream cheese brownies for me.

In sync?  I think so.  Us junk food lovers always manage to find and enable each other.

This Is It

Last Saturday, this awesome lady asked me to go see "This Is It", or what everyone else is calling the Michael Jackson movie.  I was skeptical but I will pay to see almost any movie in the theaters.  I know, it's a weird, expensive habit but I love the theater experience.

My feelings about the whole MJ issue have been very neutral.  I think he made some great music but I wasn't necessarily sad when he died.  It was odd and kind of surreal but I was never upset....

...until now.

This was a great movie.  A really great movie.  I want to see it again and again.  MJ was definitely eccentric but in a way that was so undeniably passionate.  He was such a fantastic performer and oversaw every detail of the stage show.  He also, humbly, made sure that his dancers, backup singers and musicians would have ample opportunity for recognition.  He seemed like quite the class act.

He was preparing for a 50 date concert series that would be his return but also retirement from the stage. He was 8 days away from the first show when he died.  The footage of the rehearsals was being taken for his personal library.  It was going to be an incredible show, one which the world has never seen before.

I used to always think of him as frail and well beyond his dancing days.  Um, no.  He was showing up dancers half his age.  His rehearsals were full of laughter, smiles, "God bless you", and all of his greatest hits.  It made me very nostalgic.

I know that he has been a very public and controversial figure for the past 15 years, give or take, but who are we to judge?  No one, except him and those involved, knows what actually happened.  I can understand why he left the public eye for so many years.  The film shows us a glimpse into his personality and I can see how he could be easily misunderstood.  I just hope that now he has found peace.  He is was an undeniable genius at his craft and will hopefully be remembered for that.

"I and the public know 

What all schoolchildren learn, 

Those to whom evil is done 

Do evil in return."

W. H. Auden's poem, September 1, 1939

Pony Trouble

Last Sunday, Eliza and I went for a walk down Timpview Drive.  This is something we do fairly regularly because we are basically an old married couple.  IT was already dark when we started out and getting pretty cold.  We were walking down a block that was lined with trees (making it even harder to see) when we both caught sight of something.  It was walking toward us slowly and creepily.  I thought it was a giant dog so I stepped behind Eliza to avoid the danger.  (I'm an awful friend, it's true).

Eliza screamed.  Then she said, "It's a pony!"

Indeed, it was.  We stood there for a second calming our nerves and then Eliza went to the nearest house to see if they owned the pony.  I hung out on the sidewalk with her as she trimmed the grass in the neighbor's yard.

Eliza came back with the guy who rents out his pasture for the pony.  He let us know that her name is Patty.  It was unsettling to be hanging out on a Provo sidewalk with an unnamed pony so I'm really glad he cleared that up.  He went to get a rope to lead her back in the pasture so Eliza and I waited with her.

Then she ran.  She took off down Timpview Drive for no apparent reason.  I, being the animal lover of the two of us, didn't want her to get hit so I took off after her with the goal of guiding her safely home.  Wrong.  Patty is much faster than me and surprisingly more stubborn as well.  She ran for about three blocks and then promptly turned and ran home.  Chasing Patty is the most exercise I have done in months.

When I got back to where I left Eliza, she was no where to be found.  I even yelled her name, thinking she was maybe also looking for me.  A neighbor with horses had helped put Patty back in the pasture and told me that Eliza was in his house.  As I was outside, freezing, thinking that Eliza was trampled or maimed by another errant pony, she was actually in some nice, warm house enjoying dried apple slices.

Eh, all's well that ends well.  I exaggerated.  I didn't think she was trampled, I thought she went home.  And she didn't get apple slices until we were both in the house.  They were divine.

If ever you're in Provo, keep an eye out for Patty.  She's a wild one.

"What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Delectable

I'm burning through a big bag every few days.

It's not healthy.

They're delicious.

They're round and humongous.

I'm planning a tropical trip for January....hopefully I can balance Cheetos consumption with a few apples and baby carrots.

How Rude!

I had an impromptu night of hilarity last night.  I was working in Ogden all day (an hour and a half North of where I live) and I got a text from my friend asking if I wanted to go to the USU vs Weber State game in Ogden.  How could I pass that up?  I was already there, I love basketball, my work clothes made it so I had to go buy a new outfit....I fail to see any downside.

My friend is an alumni so we sat in the student section.  He said USU is notorious (infamous?) for having mean/offensive/rude/belligerent fans.  He was RIGHT!  But it was SO fun!

The first example was when they announced the players for Weber State.  All the Aggie fans literally turned their backs; it is quite the sight to see!

Then, all the mean (awesome) cheers/jeers done by the students!  Inspiring!  Wait, I need to back up.  The cheerleaders definitely do not lead the cheers for USU basketball.  Just so we are clear on that point.  Anyway, some of my favorites:

• When an opposing player was taken out of the game the crowd would chant "left, right" as he took each step to the bench and when he got to his seat everyone would scream "SIT!!!
• When the ref made a lousy call I heard a group of guys yell, "Ref, Ref, Referee B-A-S-T-A-R-D!" 
• When an opposing player would foul the crowd points at him and yells "You, you, you, you SUCK!" in unison.  

Of course there was more, but if you would like to experience it for yourself you may join me on Wednesday at the USU vs UofU game in Salt Lake.  Now I need to figure out how to get some Aggie blue to wear!

....But to God

I am grateful on this Veterans Day for all veterans, past and present.  I have always been especially touche by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  When I was younger my dad told me stories about the people who have the honor of guarding the tomb.  They are more dedicated to the men they guard than I have ever been to anything.  They are impressive and deserve much more accolades than they get.  Here are some interesting facts for you:

• The Guard takes 21 steps during his walk across the Tomb of the Unknowns; it alludes to the 21-gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
  
• There has been a Sentinel on duty in front of the Tomb every minute of every day since 1937.
  
• Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
  
• The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.
  
• There have been 3 female Sentinels.
  
• Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.
  

Lessons Learned

These are things I have learned so far during my short stay on Earth.  I'm sure you will agree with some and disagree with others, but either way, they work for me.  This list is no where near complete, look for a Part II eventually.  Please share your life lessons in the comments section, I always learn SO much from my friends!

• Ex boyfriends should stay just that - they are rarely better the second time around
• True and sincere change takes time
• It's easier to keep a tidy room if you pick up a little everyday (I have learned this but I have yet to apply it)
• Nothing is better than a mom at making you feel better when you're sick
• People will judge you.  It's how you react that is important because 9 times out of 10, that person doesn't matter
• We should embrace and celebrate the uniqueness in ourselves and others
• True friends will stay, no matter the time or distance between you
• How you start your morning will effect the rest of your day - if you let it
• Facebook, texting, email, etc will never replace the honesty and genuine nature of face-to-face communication
• Brushing your teeth before drinking orange juice will only end in misery
• You can't force love
• When you find sunglasses that look good on you - buy in bulk
• Knowing who you are is the greatest gift you can give yourself
• Don't beat yourself up over a scoop of ice cream, it's all about self control (again, not one that I apply on a regular basis)

Unladylike

This is awful!  This has nothing to do with it being against BYU, I have basically zero loyalty there. This player should be ashamed of herself!  I read up on this a bit and the New Mexico player, Elizabeth Lambert, has been suspended indefinitely.  If this was a collection of hits throughout the whole season, fine.  (Except for that hair pulling incident)  But this was in ONE game!

Someone needs some etiquette training - stat!

What Was That...?

I love memorizing a song only to find out that you've been singing the wrong words.  Who has not had this happen to them?  I know I have.  I especially like catching others in the act!

When I was little I thought the Elton John song "Tiny Dancer" actually said, "Hold me closer, Tony Danza".  It makes sense, he was on Who's the Boss at the time....OK, fine, justifying it away doesn't make it any better.

One summer my sister, Meghan, and I were tormented with a Mariah Carey lyric from the song "Without You".  We were torn, did she say "You always smile, but in your eyes your summer shows"?  Or was it "sorrow".  I know, I know.  Your eyes don't show summer but we swore up and down that we heard summer!

I caught my sister, Elisabeth, singing to a Dixie Chicks song one day and have not let her live it down since.  She sang, "you can't take back every chubby chill you give me" when it should have been "little chill".  I'm not sure the difference between a little chill and a chubby one, but I am open to experiment with that.

My last (and possibly favorite) example comes from my best friends in high school.  We (me, Tira, Brian and Sean) noticed that in the beginning of the song "Everything I Do (I Do it For You)" that Bryan Adams is supposed to sing, "Look into my eyes, you will see" but it sounds like "Look into my eyeth".  Bryan Adams brings out the lisp strong on that first line.  I promise.  Find it on your iPod (because you know you have it on there) and listen to the first line.  You will laugh.

I know I have lots and lots more, they're just escaping me tonight.  So, all I can say is thank heavens for lyrics.com!

Photo found here 

My Life in Lists

I go this awesome book whilst on my recent month long excursion to Las Vegas.  I found it at Urban Outfitters (love) in the Miracle Mile Shops on the Strip.

I am a lover of lists.  I make at least one list everyday for short term "to do's" and I have several ongoing lists for long term goals/accomplishments/waist size, etc.  I think I got this from my sweet mama who is also a list enthusiast.  She has stacks of scratch paper by the phone for this purpose.

This book is just page after page of titles of lists and then blank lines for you to fill-in your answers.  I know, this is just for suckers like me who could record all these things in an actual journal but prefer to throw away money on this sort of kicky treat.  I love.

Some of my favorite lists:

List things most people probably don't know about you

List your best purchases

List your past lovers

List the things you'd save if your house was on fire

Leave me a comment and you just might end up on my favorite friends list

"So let's be honest with ourselves and not take ourselves too serious, and never condemn the other fellow for doing what we are doing every day, only in a different way."

- Will Rogers

(Happy Birthday Will Rogers!)

Today's To Do List

1. Take and pass my NIC written exam
   
2. Buy the Glee: Volume One soundtrack
   
3. Chipotle for lunch
   
4. Target for hangers and discount Halloween candy
   
5. Catch up on Desperate Housewives
   
6. Take a nap

I'm almost done with my list!  :)  Ok, this was really just a ploy to mention that I passed my written exam and to be able to use the fun strike through feature.  Have a good one!

Dry Ducts

Since returning from Asia I have pretty much stopped crying.  I used to weep with the best of them but lately I have kept my typically overworked tear ducts stopped up and drying out.  Case and point, on Saturday afternoon, Eliza and I went to see "The Time Traveler's Wife" and I shed roughly 2.64 tears the entire movie.  You may think that this is not a blog worthy feat, but believe you me....if I had watched that movie 3 months ago, I would have left the theater with sleeves damp with salty tears.  Even Eliza was surprised at my lack of emotion.

I don't know what the big physical or physiological change has been, but I don't necessarily miss crying so I'm fine with this new turn of events. Especially because I have been able to cry sincerely when it was warranted and that's what makes all the difference.  I would never want to give up my sensitive soul if it meant I could no longer cry with or for a friend.

Maybe I should watch "Steel Magnolias"....that should probably get the ole' tear ducts free flowing again.  Then again, I think I'll abstain for now!

Found on PostSecret.  I believe this to be true, and I hope you do too.