Ashley and her date....and Laura...

One of the awesome parts about living with me is that Ashley has to deal with all the baggage that comes along with it. She's a good sport. I monopolize all her time and unfortunately that carries over into her love life. Some people might call this..."being the third wheel." I'm almost like the kid that comes along with the single mom. Half way into the first date, a single mom might inevitably drop the, "oh, yeah, I have a 3 year old" bomb. Midway through Ashley's dates she has to bring up the, "I have this friend, Laura...." topic. Well, last night was a good example of why if this continues, Ashley will never get married and her family will form an intervention to get rid of me (I know they are worrying as they read this - don't worry, I exaggerate just a little).

Ashley and I went to dinner last night and as we were finishing, a guy that Ashley has been on a couple of dates with called and wanted to hang out with her. Of course, she told him that she was with me, and so he kindly asked "us" to come meet up with him (but also thinking to himself, "Why is she with HER again?") To give myself a little credit, I thought he was with a few people, so I technically wouldn't have been the third wheel, and I would not have gone if it was just the two of them. (I'm still only comfortable being Carlee and Ben's third wheel) We met up with him, and to both mine and Ashley's surprise, it was just the three of us. Awesome. The funny thing is, is that it isn't awkward for me or Ashley. But the poor guy that has to sit in the middle of our conversation - that is who I feel bad for. Throughout the night he has to listen to our inside jokes and sarcastic comments. Normally, we can keep the guy entertained, just enough so he feels included, but last night it took a different turn. I could see Ashley's date progressively get more and more annoyed as the night went on. He would switch between looks on his face of, "Why is Laura here, and how do I get rid of her?" to, "Why does she laugh at her own jokes so much?" By the end of the night he was pouting. I'm not kidding. Pouting. He walked ten steps ahead of us to the car, and once he got there, barely said two words before he drove off into the night.

This leads me to my two philosophies on dating. First, as just a general rule of thumb - I do not think I could date a man that had a Chiuaua or Poodle. Can't handle a real dog, can't handle a real relationship. And second, which is a direct result of last night - if you can't handle both Ashley and I together, you are probably not worth it. Keep the lesbian jokes to a minimum please.

Scrapbooking, my worst nightmare.

There are a few things in this world that I have always wished I could do, but have never had the talent. I wish I could sing. I've always wanted to be really girly and get creative with my makeup and hair. I wish I was a little bit taller so I could make the volleyball team, etc, etc. And I really wish I was artistic. Sometimes I am in awe of how artistic my siblings are. Amy, who is studying art at the U, has talent in almost any form of art. She can paint, draw, sculpt, build, etc. My brother Bryan, is the same. He has always been able to draw anything. Anna, has more style in her pinky finger than I have in my whole body and is an amazing photographer. I guess the "art gene" just skipped me. Still, my lack of craftiness and artistic ability has never left me wishing I could scrapbook. It is my own personal hell and I don't see the appeal.
While visiting Barnes and Noble this afternoon (insert "lack of life" pun here), there were two incredibly perky females working a "scrapbooking booth" outside of the main entrance. Once I saw them and the determination in their wide eyes as I inched closer to the door, I knew there was no escape. I think I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, and I'm not proud of how sarcastic and negative I was feeling, but nevertheless, the dialogue went a little something like this:

Scrapbook Enthusiast: "Hello dear, how are you doing today? Do you mind if I show you some of the new scrapbooking tools we are showcasing today?"

Laura: "Actually, I was just going inside to study. Thanks though..."

SE: "It will only take a minute hon. You look like you are creative, and I think we have some stuff you might enjoy. Have you scrapbooked before?"

L: "Well, no I haven't. I prefer to just download my pictures on my computer and leave them there."

SE: "Well, what if your computer crashed and you lost them all?" (she was obviously prepared for this) "Its nice to keep a book that is pretty to look at and that you can share with others. Do you have a husband, wedding pictures...what about kids?" (dagger in the stomach) I shook my head no, with a hesitant smile. "Pictures of all the fun things you and your boyfriend are doing...?" (rubbing salt in the wound)

L: "Is it necessary to be in a relationship to scrapbook?"

SE: (nervous laugh) "Of course not. We have a lot of examples of scrapbooks for trips with friends, family and holidays, and....oh, we have supplies here that will help you throw your OWN scrapbooking party..." (what?????)

L: (cutting her off as I'm walking towards the door) "Really, I appreciate it, but I don't think I will be getting anything today....thanks....".

I could not have run away from anything faster. I didn't feel that bad though because I was in Mesa (the Provo of AZ) and I'm sure she had a lot of interested people to bug besides me. Maybe its just me, but I do not see what is so appealing about cutting out teeny tiny shapes and letters just to put under your pictures and stick them in a huge book that people oooh and aahhh over. It seems like an unnecessary waste of paper if you ask me (I apologize to all my scrapbooking buddies). I will be the first one to volunteer to change your tire, help paint your house...I will even ooh and ahh over your scrapbook. But, for the sake of our friendship, please do not invite me to a "Scrapbooking Party".

Sappy Moment Tuesday: National Friendship Month

So, with no help from any of YOU (which leads me to assume that Ashley really is the only one that still reads OUR "dual-blog"), I have come up with a topic all by myself. And after a brief absence, my mind has returned to its normal state of craziness and a million thoughts - and while not necessarily everything needs to be written down, it helps keep my head organized. So bear with me.

With that being said, I read way too many magazines. If I read as many books as I read magazines, I'd be really intelligent. Even more so than I am now :) I picked up an old issue of SELF magazine that I had among my collection this morning, and it flipped open to an article titled "National Friendship Month". It discussed a study done at UCLA about friendship among women and how important it is to our actual EXISTENCE (yes, I'm capitalizing for emphasis). The study suggested that the special bond between certain women "soothe our tumultuous inner world, fill the emotional gaps in our marriage, and help us remember who we really are." It went on to say a lot more, but the bottom line being that the women that nurture their friendships as one of the most important aspects of their lives, live longer, happier ones.

The article hit close to home because over the last couple of months, I have really taken the time to re-evaluate my relationships/friendships, and have learned to appreciate my own friends on a completely different level. Ashley and I were talking last night about our "relationships," and how they come and go, but the true friendships we have will remain consistent and constant our entire lives. I know I have let some of my friendships take a backseat at times, so I only hope I can be the kind of friend to those that have stuck by me through everything, like they have been to me. There are so many of my close female friends that have literally, breathed life back into me, on my darkest of days. I would not be the person I am today, nor the one I have yet to become without them (tear :)). I know there are days I take advantage of it, but will forever make a effort to always recognize them as the most important relationships I have.

So, thanks to all my friends...this post is a shout-out to you.

"You were the one who made things different, you were the one who took me in. You were the one thing I could count on, above all, you were my friend." - Tom Petty

Article:
http://www.anapsid.org/cnd/gender/tendfend.html

Drawing a blank....

Have you ever had those days where you feel like you are walking in a trance with not a whole lot going on in your head? Well, unfortunately, that is what is going on with me right now. Carlee pointed out that it has been over a week since I posted one of my many random thoughts of the day, and I can't help it. Usually I'm writing a novel in my head, but something is going on with me the last little bit. I got nothin. Someone please give me something to write about. A topic, a quote, a book to read, etc. etc. I'm drawing a blank. I think the heat is getting to me.....

Thought of the Day: Random acts of kindness

Have you ever seen the commercial where someone witnesses another person doing something nice for another person or themselves, and in turn does the same for someone else? I was at Wild Oats yesterday (my home away from home, away from Borders), and after I had put my groceries in my car, began walking my cart back to the front of the store. It was especially warm yesterday, and I was wearing a sweater in rebellion, so my heat exhaustion was obvious. There was a woman in the car across the street from mine walking her cart back as well, and as I turned to walk towards the store, smiled at me, and said, "Let me take that cart for you..." It seems like such a small thing as I am writing this down, but at the time, it completely changed my mood. The drive home, during rush hour (which is insane in Phoenix), seemed like so much less of a chore, as I consciously tried to be courteous to other drivers. This approach to helping out others around me, continued all day - all because another woman offered to take my cart. I believe, no matter how small the favor, if we can be more aware of the treatment we give others around us, the world will be a better place. People would start caring more about others, which in turn, would make them care more about world and environment around them. And then we would all recycle and live in peace. Ok, maybe I'm getting carried away, but I can dream.


"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."
- Mother Teresa

Grayden Blaine Dumas

Some of my best friends in the whole world, Cole and Lindsey Dumas had their sweet little baby boy yesterday. He is a whopping 8 lbs. 5 oz, and 20 1/2 inches long of sweet baby perfection! Cole and Lindsey are already amazing parents to the littlest love of my life, Laney, and Grayden is so lucky to be blessed into such an incredible family. I'm dying to fly home and meet him! Congratulations!!!

Epiphany

All I want to do today is wear a sweater. Its 115 degrees outside and I just want to wear a sweater. I had an epiphany today that maybe we are put in positions sometimes - maybe when we have spent too many months focused only on ourselves and our own problems - only to help us realize what we may be taking advantage of and not appreciating like we should. Like four seasons. That's all I have to say about that.

sheababy

So, a few of the regular visitors to our blog may have noticed the link to "sheababy naturals" on our site. I'm not one to promote or market products, but this I am much too excited about to keep to myself. Developed by some of the most talented, innovative, creative (not to mention ridiculously good-looking) people and young parents I know, this line of beautifully desiged baby clothing, produced from organically grown cotton is something everyone should be looking into. Those that know me best know how much I love and respect the Crawford's and Allen's, and their commitment to help preserve the environment has had a huge affect on me (as most of you have seen) and I know that their business is the next big thing. I have seen the designs first-hand and they are amazing. They are just starting up, so keep watching the site and look forward to their Fall 2007 collection!

http://www.sheababynaturals.com/

"I'm on call, to be there"

So, it happened. Something managed to keep Ashley awake past 8 pm. Last night we went to the Kings of Leon concert in Tempe and it was amazing!!! Don't make fun of my pictures. I know you can't see them, but I only had my phone camera to work with. Anyway, the concert was awesome and the venue was perfect. I don't know if you have all heard of them, but they sound even better live. To be honest, we've been a little worried with the "Arizona scene" we've been dealing with the last couple of months, but this last weekend we found that the people in Tempe were pretty laid-back and hippie-ish and so was the crowd at the concert. Lots 'o' fun. Note to self: wear shoes with a heel. I was on my toes the entire concert because for some reason, people that go to concerts are unusually tall. And I'm not. The bikram yoga I have been doing has come in handy though....I can now stay raised on my toes for an incredible amount of time. What a useless talent.

Pinkberry is my life.

Over the weekend, Lacey and Darren introduced us to my new favorite thing in the whole world! I don't know if any of you have been priveleged enough to try the new phenomenon that is Pinkberry, but it is AMAZING. It is 4 oz. of refreshing, invigorating and fruity goodness. It is a franchise, so if the opportunity arises, I've got dibs. But it is worth the flight to California to have some. So you should.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is a hard day for me, being away from home. It is my wonderful Mom's birthday today and I wish I could be back home to bake her a huge chocolate cake! She is an amazing mother and I hope she knows how much I am thinking about her today.

Top 10 reasons I love my mom (and there are thousands):
1) She is the most unselfish person I've ever known and would do anything for those that she loves.
2) She doesn't judge people.
3) She still calls me "sweetheart".
4) She l.o.v.e.s. her family.
5) No matter how old I get, I know she will always be there if I need her.
6) She always encourages me to do my best, and in a way that makes me want to.
7) She has lots of friends of all ages.
8) All my friends love her.
9) She is one of my best friends and the first person I turn to for advice.
10) She raised 4 spectacular kids, if I can say so myself.


I love you, Mom. Happy Birthday.

This last weekend you could find us:

driving the 5+ hours to L.A. to see Lacey and Darren

riding the Tower of Terror at Disneyland over and over because there were no lines

getting SOAKED on Grizzly Rapids (typical)

eating Churros at Disneyland

driving around and falling in love with L.A. (never thought that would've happened)

cruising the Sunday afternoon vintage market and buying a rad painting and cool jewelry

eating LOTS of Pinkberry (a new fave and we are OBSESSED)

being sad to leave the Neilson's and the somewhat normal-temperatured Cali.

singing Disney songs while driving the 5+ hours back to Scottsdale

We've been tagged!

We were tagged by cute Jenny Bowen!
1. What is the best thing you cooked last week?
I haven't cooked in months, but I baked Ashley an amazing birthday cake last week!

2. If money, time and babysitting were no object where would you go and with who?
That's tough to pinpoint one particular place. I'd travel all over the world with my close friends and family! And then I would buy Disneyland.

3. When was the last time you cried?
Leaving Utah a couple weeks ago, when I had to say goodbye to Carlee again. I can feel some built-up tears that might come through today though.

4. What is the most played song on your i-pod right now?
I shuffle my songs.

5. Is there something on TV this week that you are more excited about than the So You Think You Can Dance Finale?
I'm really big into The Hills right now....

6. Who are you tagging?
See below...

HERE IS MY SECOND TAG!
4 Jobs I've had...
1. U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association - PR/Events
2. Wheeler Machinery Co. - Marketing Assistant
3. Wheeler Machinery Co. - Marketing/Sales Rep.
4. Taneko

4 Movies I can watch over and over...
1. The Last Kiss
2. Anchorman (also a Will Ferrell fan)
3. Best in Show
4. Knocked Up

4 Favorite TV Shows...
1. Sex and the City
2. Friends
3. The Hills
4. The Office

4 Places I have lived...
1. Salt Lake City, UT
2. Jackson Hole, WY
3. Draper, UT
4. Scottsdale, AZ

4 Places I have been...
1. Maui, HI
2. Mexico
3. all over California
4. all over WY and Idaho...(I need to travel more, and plan on it!)

4 Favorite Foods...
1. Mexican food
2. Ice cream
3. anything from Pita Jungle
4. breakfast food (eggs, pancakes, etc)

4 Favorite Websites...
1. perezhilton.com
2. USnews.com
3. blogger.com
4. greenissexy.org

4 buddies I'm tagging...
1. Carlee Roderick
2. Ashley and Ezra Lee
3. Kelly Edmondson
4. Lacey Latimer