A little ditty

I feel like a putz

This is my ALL time favorite children's book. Pickle Chiffon Pie. It's about a king trying to find the perfect prince for his beautiful daughter. My Mom read this book to us all the time when we were younger. We spent hours looking at the detailed pictures and playing I spy with my little eye.

A couple of years ago I made a list of 100 things to do before I died. Item number 74 was: own the book Pickle Chiffon Pie. I thought piece of cake, right? I'll just buy the book and cross it off my list, right? Well, as I started to look for the elusive book I discovered it was out of print and very hard to find! I finally found 4 very expensive used copies. I thought they were the last copies on Earth (They should've been for the price I paid). Because I love the book so much and wanted my future kids to love it too, I spent a whopping $80.00 to get an copy.

My brother, who's expecting his first little bundle here in a couple of days, decided to buy a copy too. Umm...he found copies EVERYWHERE and as cheap as $8.00! I guess they started reprinting it. I'm glad I bought it when I did, I rather be safe than sorry but I still kinda feel like a putz.

Cutest thing ever!

YAY! I finally figured out how to post a video.

Plan B

The day I finished my last final up at the U, I applied to the Art Institute of Salt Lake City. My plan was to get an associates degree in graphic design while I continued to get the much needed experience in event coordinating. I knew I needed about a year of experience if I ever wanted to get a job somewhere else. Then, my perfect plan fizzled. I was a victim of the real estate market. I had just switched over to the marketing department when they decided to pull back on their marketing budget. Which I can understand, no matter how much money they could have budgeted, it wasn't going to be enough to change the negative message the national media was putting out there. SO, I had to find a new job. I was REALLY frustrated. Frustrated that I discovered I wanted a degree in graphic design a little too late and not having enough experience to get the job I wanted. Fortunately, my new job doesn't require too much brain power, so I can teach myself graphic design. Not my original plan. But I'm buckled in to see where plan B takes me.

Here are the products of trial and error.

Dinking around

I wasn't ready for bed yet. SO, I decided to dink around illustrator some more. I want to take a class so I can learn how to use the bagillion buttons on that thing. It's been fun just messing around.

I had the day off today. A guilt free day to do absolutely NOTHING. But I did do something. I went to Provo with Brooke and Lindsey to have lunch with an old roommate, Rechele. I haven't seen her for years, so it was fun to catch up on life. AND I got an unexpected free lunch. I love free food. We went to Zupas and they're no longer accepting their punch cards but are giving a free meal to reimburse their customers. I also went up to Brighton Ski Resort for FHE. Our stake president is LOADED and has the nicest cabin up there. So, today was filled with good friends, food and fun. I like not working.

Recharged

Take a closer look at the graphic. Can you see Earth, Fire, Air and Water? You can read it backwards too. I dig mind teasers.

I love this "warm" weather. I'm anxious for my favorite season to start, even the thought of Spring physically does something to me. After these last couple of weeks and my snowy commutes (it took me over 2.5 hours to get home in that snowstorm on Wednesday) I've never been more ready for Spring to come. I hate Winter! Which is probably why I'm in LOVE with Spring. I went for a long walk today and soaked up the sun and along with going with my friends to see Step Up 2 (corny and lacking Channing Tatum), going out for lunch and getting a pedicure yesterday...my batteries are defintely recharged. And if my weekend wasn't great already...I get work off tomorrow. *Sigh* With all this I could probably stick out one more storm.

In case of an emergency I'd grab...

1. MaryKay eye makeup remover (to wipe off my mascara, which is not listed but is a given, right?)

2. LA Looks gel for when I do my hair curly.

3. Yellow eye concealer.

4. Eyelash curler.

5. Five gum.

6. Shea & Cocoa baby lotion.

7. Bare Minerals foundation.

8. Hempz lip gloss.

9. Hanea Mori perfume.

Here's a list of some of my favorite things. Kinda cheesy. I know. I'm just teaching myself how to use Photoshop. I'm loving it.

Eating a BIG slice of humble pie

It's exactly what I need right now. Let me tell you about my new job. Well, like I said before, I work at a nonprofit law firm. The nonprofit helps protect laws and the legal rights of people with disabilities. On the first day of work I discovered a few of my coworkers have disabilities too. The managing attorney is a burn victim. He had his back to me when I walked into his office to meet him, me still having no idea, was completely shocked when he turned around. I just hope it didn't register on my face.

I met another coworker who has cerebral palsy (his hands are crippled and he moves around in a motorized wheelchair) when we first met I thought he had his hand up for me to shake, so I grabbed it. Looking back now I think that's just how his hand is. I'm such a dork! The last thing I wanted to do was offend anyone. I really hope I didn't! After getting to know him and some of my other new awesome coworkers I learned they just want to be treated like everyone else (DUH, Ashley). This new experience has reminded me that I have nothing to complain about! Sometimes, I get caught up on pitty parties and constantly worry I'm not pretty, skinny, smart, funny and/or not qualified enough to be successful. It's really dumb to think like that. Seriously, it is truly humbling to see people who have overcome so much to achieve so much.

Working downtown is also a huge cultural change. Sometimes, I feel like I drove 30 minutes to the other side of the world. On one of my lunch breaks I bought some gum at a gas station close to my work. The cashier was east indian, wearing a turbin and had slicked his long goatee beard back onto his cheeks. Weird and interesting. Until then, I've honestly never seen someone like that in Utah. This just goes to show how sheltered I am. I'm glad I'm coming out of my shell.

God answered

I made my decision. I went with the secretary job at the law center. I guess you could say I'm super pysched to start my new life. I feel really good about it. The people I met there seemed really nice. Usually, when people work for a nonprofit they're not there for a big paycheck but are there because they love what they do. So, ya know...really good people. It feels so good to have a plan.

asking god who i'm suppose to be

Listen to this song-- DREAM by priscilla ahn.

Still searching...

...for the perfect job. I've finally come to the realization that I'll end up where my Heavenly Father wants me to be. I just hope that when the right job does come around, I won't accidently pass it up. I've had several interviews (some I have completely BOMBED...very embarrassing) over the past couple weeks and I got a job offer today. Halle...freakin'...luja. I'm still trying to decide if it's the right job. I have two options on the table right now and they are completely opposite of each other. I need help deciding.

Seminar Specialist at Ultradent--I'd market, coordinate and set up continuing education seminars for dentist around the US and fun places.

Pros:
-I'd get to travel.
-It pays well. (I can maybe pay off some freakin debt)
-I'd put my hard earned education to use.
-It incorporates everything I'm interested in. (The creative part of marketing and event coordinating)
-Get a company phone and credit card. (I'd feel like a hoity toity (sp?) New York career woman)
-Work with a fun group of girls. (I like making new friends)

Cons:
-I'd be traveling all the time. (When would I meet my future hunky husband?)
-I'd be very, very busy. (stressed...leads to weight gain)
-I'd be working ALL the time. (I'm naturally a lazy person)
-I'd have to do a little public speaking and on occasion have to wine and dine the seminar speaker all by myself. (This really scares me)
-I won't know if I got the job until next WEDNESDAY.

Secretary at a nonprofit law firm--I'd basically be filing, mailing and copying documents for a group of lawyers.

Pros:
-They offered me the job. I have to tell them TOMORROW if I want it or not.
-The job comes with really great benefits. (a ton of paid vacation and sick time)
-It's a very low key, non-stressful atmosphere. (I could wear jeans to work)
-Work would just be a job and not a lifestyle.
-Gives me a chance to relax and not worry about school or work. (Lose some freakin' weight)

Cons:
-The job pays less than what I make right now.
-I can see myself getting bored.
-I'd have to drive downtown.
-I feel like it might be a step backwards rather than forewards.
-I'd might have to get a second job to make ends meet.

So, do you see my dilemma?? Should I hold out for the sexy, glamorous, high stressful job that I don't know if I even have the chance of getting? OR Do I take a paycut and go with the easy, non-stressful job that I actually know that I have? Is this an easy decision? Ugh. I'm confused. What's new?

Whelp...looks like I'll be spending some time on my knees! I'm hoping I can get some insider information from my SIL Marci who works at Ultradent to help me make the desicion.

What would you choose?

Anyways, on a less boring note...or this could be just as boring. Has anyone ever tried edamame? I'm obsessed. It really doesn't taste like much so it's not the taste I'm obsessed with. I think it's the action of sucking the little beans out of the pod. I'm weird, but if you haven't tried it, you should. It just so happens to be really healthy too. Wow, this blog is random. I actually had two bowls of this for dinner tonight AND because it's so healthy I thought I'd offset it with chips and queso and chewy, chocolate chip cookies. YUM


**It's late and my spell checker isn't working and I like to say words in my head and forget to actually type them. So, sorry if this doesn't make any sense.

Dreaming

I would give anything to be laying underneath that tree right now. With my eyes closed (thinking and worrying about absolutely nothing), listening to the waves and feeling the sun beat down on me. I can already smell the yummy Banana Boat sunscreen on my skin. Dreaming.

I have a new favorite song that's making me feel OH SO HAPPY! Listen to it HERE.

Drool

Um...I feel kinda guilty looking at these pictures but it's for a good cause right? (you can basically justify anything) I honestly think it's a little inappropriate but it's definitely giving this single gal something to drool over. DAAANNNG! If you want a closer look go to mormonsexposed.com. November is my favorite guy...seriously, he makes me giggle:)

As promised...

More sexy guys to stare at!

I need to apologize for being such a lame blogger or lack of blogger lately. My life is suddenly CRAZY. I'm in the process of looking for a new job (which scares the poop right out of me). It has been a long time coming (so you'd think I'd be better prepared) but I know it is the right thing to do. My anxiety which is usually around a level 2 or 3 is now 26! However...staring at this picture has now brought it down to a level 11.5. *Sigh*...hairy...chests...so...relaxing...teehee. For reals though, I've learned getting a great job is basically based on "who you know." SO team, I need some hook ups. I do have a couple interviews set up that look promising. So in order for me to prepare, please ask me your favorite interview question. Thanks a bunch!

P.S. I'm in LOVE

with these sexy guys AND this movie!

My friend Lisa gave me 10 premiere tickets to see this movie on Monday at The Gateway. So, I took the whole family to see it. We went to the Olive Garden downtown before the show. I got the stuffed chicken marsala (which I'm in love with too). We were kinda celebrating Christmas because Chelsey and Zach are leaving for Hawaii tomorrow. I love hanging out with the fam, especially when there's good food involved. Anyways, back to the movie...OH MY GOSH! It was really, really good! It's sad but oh so good! No one really knew what it was about but were all pleasantly surprised. Remember to take a box of Kleenex! I had a headache afterwards from fighting the ugly cry. We all had tears streaming down our faces. It comes out this Friday and I really want to see it again. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it all week.