well, hello there.

channel surfing.

2011-04-19T00:42:00.003-06:00

channel surf |ˈ ch anl sərf | (verb): the act of conversing and changing the subject a minimum of 2 or 3 times with an accompanying (and relevant) anecdote or fact, ultimately returning to the main topic.

hap birt.

2011-02-07T00:36:00.005-07:00

February 6 marked my half birthday. During the Soup Bowl Party I invited everyone to sing to me because half birthdays are equally as important as birthday-birthdays. (Each milestone in life should be celebrated. Life is to be enjoyed, so celebrate when you get the chance!)

I found a wonderfully festive candle, lit it and let the singing begin. Unfortunately, I prematurely blew out the candle because I was laughing. No worries though. My loyal posse patiently sang through another chorus.

Delicious homemade Oreo baked by Natalie topped off with a festive, recycled candle.

Calculate when your half birthday is and resolve to celebrate it this year.

Don't be fooled that half birthdays are half as fun as regular birthdays. As mentioned earlier, that is false. I find events like these are simple pick-me-ups that remind me that one can experience happiness each day.

Everything good is worth celebrating; I am worth celebrating.

And so are you.

soup bowl sunday.

2011-02-06T23:58:00.004-07:00

Today I hosted the second annual Soup Bowl Party. It was a more intimate group than last year and consisted of Natalie, Ben, Jake, Melanie, Amber and myself. In lieu of watching the Super Bowl (overrated...) we enjoyed homemade soup bowls and chicken noodle soup (a splendid alternative).

I hit a speed bump in the creation becuase couldn't remember the ingredient ratios for the noodles. However, I was fortunate enough to reach Dad (the noodle expert) just before he boarded his flight today. (This wouldn't be an issue if I would just write down the noodle recipe!) My timing was perfect, as were the noodles.

(Hand-kneaded bread bowl filled with hot, homemade chicken noodle soup)

Thank you, Dad, for the wonderful recipe. And thank you for football and my lack of desire to watch it. This American pastime has inspired my annual get-together.

tasty paper.

2011-02-01T22:39:00.005-07:00

Today my coworker offered me some popcorn. I had a small bowl and continued working. But the enticing smell lingered from below as the empty bag sat in the trash can. Even though the former residents of the bag were no longer there, it wasn't actually empty. The salty, buttery residue remained.

Sounds disgusting, right?

Wrong.

Let me take you back about 14 years when after school snacks consisted mainly of pretzels and popcorn. I'll be the first to tell you about my food phases (ramen noodles, Western Family waffles, HyVee cookies, baked potatoes with beans, etc.) but this one tops the list as being a shameful vice.

Although it wasn't allowed, I would wait for the kitchen to be unoccupied so I could reach into the trash can, tear open the popcorn bag, and lick the bag clean of its salty, buttery, clog-my arteries-in-a-minute excess that clung to the paper. It was a salty lollipop, and I enjoyed every second of it.

By the time the deed was done the trash can would be filled with notecard sized strips of popcorn bag, damp and licked perfectly clean, fully used to the measure of its creation.

(Although this is not the bag from today, this photo perfectly illustrates the salty butter that tempts my taste buds from time to time.)

I am happy to report that I refrained today and that I have at least an ounce of self control. My arteries are pretty happy about it, too.

a corny story - part II: the battle.

2011-01-23T23:39:00.007-07:00

Wanting to redeem myself and having an insatiable desire to satisfy my intense craving, I reentered the kitchen. I prepared the cutting board to begin the process again. But something caught my attention. Something black that normally wasn't there.

My mind told me it was a leaf that happened to trail inside since the door is so close. But for whatever reason I looked anyway. I'm so glad I did.

It was a black widow spider.

(My unexpected, unwanted pet.)

I screamed. (You would too if you had been there!) I scrambled for my phone so I could call someone--anyone! I called home and told Dad, "There's a black widow spider in my kitchen!" Luckily I said it twice before I got off the phone (I ran to my neighbor to recruit help) because he thought I said, "There'a fire in my kitchen!" (Those are two very different situations, but both equally dangerous in my eyes.)

With my neighbor we set up the vacuum to suck it into extinction. But that was not to be. The vacuum by all appearances worked, but there was absolutely no suction in the hose.

I screamed again as the spider crawled under the shelf. I had made it angry, and I was convinced it was plotting its revenge.

My neighbor took the items off the shelf so we could turn it over and finish the deed. Meanwhile, I selected the perfect shoe to murder the arachnid and put on jeans (as I had bare legs in my dress) so the spider wouldn't attack and have a suitable place to sink its fangs.

It had situated itself in the center of the base, coincidentally next to four (yes, four!) egg sacks. My heart was racing. I raised my hand, and lowered the shoe. (Ok, that's a total euphemism. I beat down on that spider like nobody's business.)

(Note the black splotch in the middle & the white fluff balls full of would-be spiders. Bleh!)

I am happy to say that my evening is now officially black widow free (at least to my knowledge) and I will sleep well tonight, victorious.

a corny story - part I.

2011-01-23T21:39:00.007-07:00

Before you read this post, you must first take a short placement test.

1-Are you capable of turning on a stove/oven?

2-Are you literate?

If you answer yes to both, then you are capable of cooking or baking.

________________________________________

Occasionally my former roommate would make creamed corn, and whenever she did my taste buds rejoice. Tonight my taste buds wanted to experience that again, especially since my dinner didn't turn out the way I had planned. (Substituting ingredients doesn't always work, unfortunately.)

The recipe instructs to place the ingredients in a crock pot and let it cook on high heat for two to four hours. Hours! I had the ingredients and the appetite, but seriously lacked in the patience. I nixed the crock pot plan and pulled out a pot. Crock pots are for convenience, so it shouldn't affect the outcome. Or so I thought.

I placed the ingredients in the pot and turned the stove on high. The recipe instructed to not stir until everything had cooked for 2 hours at least. I disregarded this because I was worried that the corn (being on the bottom) would burn. After 20 minutes, I heard an ominous crackling from the pot.

Logic would soon confirm itself to me as burned, black corn appeared when I mixed the pot's contents. My creamed corn was ruined!

(As you can see, the corn next to the can is neither sweet nor golden.)

I learned a sad lesson this evening. Sad only because it was avoidable and obvious.

________________________________________

Shall we revisit the placement test from earlier?

1-Are you capable of using a stove/oven?

Before this evening I would have answered a solid yes. Unfortunately I will have to reconsider at the moment.

2-Are you literate?

Literacy is more than just knowing how to read and write. It is "having or showing education or knowledge, typically in a specified area." I am not recipe literate--at least for right now. It will take a few successes before I can regain that title. Bon appetit, and more importantly bonne chance. (I'm going to need it!)

hand sauna.

2011-01-19T21:58:00.006-07:00

I may have chosen the wrong career path.

My hands are ice cold as soon as I settle down at my desk to begin the work day. I rub my hands to get the blood flowing and occasionally hold them against my neck for extra warmth, but nothing does the trick. Even the bathroom conspires against me by drowning my hands in frigid water even though it's cranked as hot as it can go.

So I've been thinking about occupations that could provide warmth for cold hands sufferers. It's so obvious! A dental hygienist. (I say the hygienist and not the dentist because dentists are usually the ones that deliver the bad news, and who would want that? "Well, your teeth have been harboring delicacies of mass sugar consumption. It looks like we're going to have to infiltrate." I digress...)

I thought about this as I got my teeth cleaned when I went home for Christmas. The hygienist was scraping here and brushing there, making my teeth beautiful. Meanwhile, I was thinking, "I hope there isn't anything in my nose...I hope I'm not breathing too much on her...but how can I not breathe on her when her hands are in my mouth?"

: : Lightbulb moment : :

Her hands were probably so warm! My mouth, a slightly-below-average temperature at 97.8 degrees F must have felt like a tropical vacation for her hands! Forget cavities--her hands were warm. Talk about job satisfaction! (At least in my book.)

Have you ever wondered why dentist appointments seem like a torture session of never-ending poking, scraping and who knows what else? It all makes sense now. It's because the hygienists are stalling. And why wouldn't they when their hands are enjoying an appointment in a mini sauna?

i'm in love.

2011-01-17T18:12:00.007-07:00

At least, my ears are. And with whom? James Horner.

Say what?

This past weekend I became reacquainted with Mr. Horner and his masterpieces from Glory. I am not ashamed to say listening to the soundtrack has made me absolutely giddy. On Saturday afternoon, I couldn't concentrate on anything but listening to the Glory soundtrack and listening other James Horner masterpieces (like Titanic, A Beautiful Mind, and get this--The Land Before Time! Who knew?) I only had a handful of songs from Glory because tragically, the original CD I bought 10 years ago got scratched, so I was only able to salvage a handful to my iTunes.)

_________________________________

Glory and I were introduced back in Mr. Holt's 8th grade 6th hour History class. I loved the movie so much I went to Borders to buy the soundtrack and to the library to check out Peter Burchard's One Gallant Rush — Robert Gould Shaw & His Brave Black Regiment. It was a bit advanced for a 13-year-old, but it was the thought that counted. I may have had a slight crush on Matthew Broderick (who played Colonel Shaw), but that was not the sole source of my love for all things Glory. Sometimes these things just can't be explained. I loved it, and nothing could change my mind.

_________________________________

I resolved to go to Barnes & Noble today after work to buy it and was surprised at the minimal selection of CDs they have now. CDs are slowly becoming obsolete. That worried me a bit seeing as Glory came out in 1989. Luckily they had one in stock! My heart skipped a beat (I'm not kidding) and I quickly made my purchase; I felt so accomplished and so satisfied.

(Best. Purchase. Ever.)

So here I am, listening to my favorite movie soundtrack of all time. My favorite song, Preparations for Battle, is up next, and my heart is racing already. The powerful orchestra playing chords of dissonance that resolve into such flowing melodies...sigh...

There are no words, just a feeling of ecstasy mixed with love.I get chills every time.

So the next time you see me marching around and waving my arms (with intense goosebumps) as though I'm leading an orchestra, you'll know why: I'm listening to Glory.

friends.

2011-01-16T21:09:00.006-07:00

Animals and humans are different. Our levels of intelligence, definitions of a refined palate and proper hygiene definitely differ, but what else? What about our abilities to love and build relationships? Some animals cross an intangible, invisible plane that leads me to believe that we are more similar than we let ourselves acknowledge. It's more than personification; it's seeing the similarities between the creations of a loving God.

I'll let the following video speak for itself:

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow..."

-Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

What kind of lessons can we learn from the examples of our four-legged friends? What kind of animal are we? Do we just stick with our own pack, or do we reach out and see the best in everyone?

It's something to think about.

get excited!

2011-01-13T22:44:00.006-07:00

Dear Customer Service,

I like to think of myself as a people person, which is why we've been so close for the last while. Nothing brings more satisfaction to my work day than when I can connect with a client, understand their specific needs and be able to help them. I'm happy when I can make other people happy. It's as simple as that.

On occasion though, no matter how much of a people person I am, some people don't like to treat me like a person. It's a bit rough. So I think it's time to let you know that I'm moving on. I'll keep in touch, but from a distance.

Take care, and have a great day!

-E

___________________________________________

Today was a cause for celebration. I am officially the newest Maps Optimization Specialist at work! I am so excited! I look forward to working on a fulfillment team where I can learn the tricks of the trade and personally impact clients' campaigns.

Training begins on Tuesday at 8 a.m. (That means I will be able to strengthen my relationship with my bed. An extra hour really makes a difference!)

Melanie and I went to McDonald's to get a McFlurry to celebrate and jammed to Hanson afterwards.

(Naturally, since I'll be working so closely with Google Maps, I had to search for the McDonald's closest to me..even though I already know where it is.)

So the next time you're searching for a local company and they show up, you never know...maybe I worked on that listing!

Get excited! (I know I am!)

double double the love.

2011-01-08T22:40:00.010-07:00

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, satisfying hunger is at the base of the pyramid. Today, I ate to In-N-Out...twice. By doing so I was twice as close to reaching self actualization! I had told myself that I was going to stay away from fast food--at least eat it in moderation, (since I obviously struggle with that) but I couldn't resist the double double with cheese.

(Double double with cheese. No tomato. Yes on the onion. Animal style? Nah.)

I went to Google images to look for an acceptable picture of a double double. I couldn't find the perfect photo, but luckily I had one saved from a trip I took to In-N-Out this summer. Isn't it beautiful? My taste buds thought so.

When I was searching through the photos online, something stood out to me: a kitten. I had searched for "In-N-Out Double Double with Cheese." Hmmm...if kittens are an ingredient, maybe we've got a potential PETA v. In-N-Out lawsuit in the future? (It's ok. I'm sure Wendy's will be able to give good advice in that instance.)

Speaking of kittens...

everyday heroes.

2011-01-06T16:07:00.007-07:00

As a 5th grader my school district was required to write a "Heroes Report." We selected our hero, researched the individual's life and explained why they are a hero. We even had a huge assembly where we listened to speakers and sang along to Mariah Carey's "Hero." (I give you permission to reminisce to the 90s now.)

My hero? Harriet Tubman. I don't know if slavery in the 1800s was the focus of our history curriculum at that point in the year, but she is who I chose. If I had it to do over (now that it has been over a decade) I would probably choose someone else.

I don't say that because Ms. Tubman isn't worthy of the honor; I greatly admire her tenacity and fearlessness. Her selfless service has forever impacted the lives of countless people and the history of the United States. She just doesn't personally touch me like others have.

The word, "hero," can be internalized and defined differently to each of us. Unfortunately I feel that lately the term has become commonplace and the qualifications to reach that honorable title have decreased significantly. Faithful fans may define their favorite athlete, entertainer or politician as a hero, but do they actually deserve it? Some do. Others don't.

Being in the public eye does not necessarily earn someone that title. However, a hero may receive enough publicity via word of mouth that they become a local, national or world-wide celebrity. (It's similar to the concept of a square being a rectangle but not vice versa. I was never too keen on mathematical concepts, but it most definitely applies here.)

To me a hero is an everyday person going above and beyond to make the world a better place. It is someone that lives and leads by example. Fame does not interest them; they would continue in their philanthropic endeavors regardless if anyone was watching.

A hero may not necessarily be changing the world by changing tangible things, but overcoming all odds to even live, and doing it with a smile.

I have a difficult time using the word hero because I feel it doesn't properly define how I view someone of that caliber. Rather, it's something I internalize on a deeper level that has no letters or pronunciation. It does have an origin, and it resonates deep within my soul. It is a deep admiration that moves me and makes me want to be a better person.

Today I drove to the dry cleaners and was disappointed to see that someone was already in the drive thru. I felt awkward parking behind them because I didn't want to wait right in front of the door, and I would feel more productive by standing inside. I glanced up and saw the driver who was paying for their clothes.

It's a good thing my legs were on auto pilot because I probably would have stopped dead in my tracks and just stared when I saw who it was: Stephanie Nielson. She is a plane crash survivor who has documented the trials and blessings from that life-changing event on her blog, Nie Nie Dialogues.

I pointed out Mrs. Nielson to my roommate, excitedly whispering that I knew who that person was at the window. I wanted to say hi to her! But then it hit me: she has absolutely no idea who I am. How will I be perceived?

Trying to act casually, I only periodically would look up and went about my business. But then I started to over think: What if she overheard me say her name? Or even worse: What if she thought I wasn't looking at her because she is burned.

(To anyone famous out there--what would you like people to do when they see you? Let you live your life as normally as possible, or would you like people to approach you? It's a rare enough occasion that I run into any of you, so let me know so I can prepare now!)

Mrs. Nielson, if you ever happen to stumble upon my sparsely-updated blog, please know that I didn't say hello today because I didn't want to bother you while you were running errands. Also, know that you are an example to me of how I need to live my life: with passion and love, allowing myself to experience and share my emotions with confidence no matter what stumbling block is put in my path.

cheers.

2010-12-17T20:02:00.006-07:00

"Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name,

and they're always glad you came..."

Last year I worked at the Mercedes dealership. I felt that the mandatory eight hours at the front desk was sufficient time to spend inside, so I frequently went out to lunch for my half hour of freedom. Unfortunately, 30 minutes really isn't a sufficient amount of time to travel to an eatery; wait in line; eat, drink and be merry; and fight traffic on the drive back. That leaves only the closest locations as options.

The prime options: Costa Vida, Hogi Yogi, and McDonald's.

Costa Vida gets expensive after a couple visits, so visits there were special occasions or when a craving wouldn't permit me to go anywhere else.

Hogi Yogi is tasty, but I feel like I'm sitting in the drive-thru or standing in line for a solid five minutes. That's fine if you have more than 30 minutes, but the clock is ticking, my friends...

McDonald's may be greasy and it may be the brunt of jokes, but we have grown quite attached over the years. My taste buds seem predisposed to salivate at the thought of its chicken selects, fries, double cheeseburgers (no pickles, please) and Oreo McFlurries.

My developing addiction began to make an appearance in more areas than my hips and thighs--it had its own special place in my car: the passenger seat floor, and at times the actual seat. And the red speckles on my front seat and arm rest? Ketchup. (Yeah, I know.) One time as I was changing radio stations, my finger retreated in disgust as it felt something incredibly sticky. The verdict? Ice cream from a hot fudge sundae from the dollar menu. (Yeah, I know.)

If those weren't signs enough that I had a problem, I began recognizing the employees and would sometimes even wear my sunglasses so they might not recognize me. (Pathetic, I know.) I even resorted to switching up when I'd walk in or go through the drive-thru so I wouldn't see the same employees all the time.

One day, I walked in and ordered my regular meal. As was standard practice, they asked me my name so they could call it when my food was ready. However, on this day (one year ago today, to be exact) something different happened: the cashier started writing my name before I told her what it was.

I was absolutely mortified.

As my embarrassment rose, my appetite plummeted. Moments later, they called my name (not that they needed the receipt to tell them!) I grabbed my food, sat down and forced my meal down. I strategized my future lunch plans and vowed to myself that I would never set foot in that McDonald's location again. (I had to be honest with myself; I wasn't just going to give up McDonald's because I had no shame at one location.)

(The actual receipt of that fateful day.)

You will be happy to know that my McDonald's addiction is under control, and I have overcome my embarrassment. I have even since returned to that McDonald's, though it took me a few months to face it again. I kept the receipt as to remind me of a time when I realized that shame shouldn't be part of my daily routine.

But is it really that shameful? (Ok, the answer is yes.) When I think about it, I feel as though I can relate to the friends on Cheers because they liked going to a place where everybody knew their name. (And unbeknownst to me at the time, that's what I was doing too.)

And the employees of McDonald's were always glad I came.

turkey pumpkins.

2010-11-01T23:24:00.007-06:00

November is probably my least favorite month of the year. Actually, March is probably tied for first, but November takes the cake (or pumpkin pie...) for worst. I attribute it to the following reasons:

1-October is the peak of autumn beauty, and it's downhill once November hits.

2-Everything is brown and dead.

3-The crisp, October weather quickly turns to bitter cold with its unfriendly winds and overcast skies.

4-Daylight savings ends.

5-I never get to go home for Thanksgiving.

I figure, if it's going to be cold, there might as well be snow on the ground. I lived in Rexburg long enough to have that rub off on me, so I prefer a winter wonderland over brown, hibernating flora.

In an effort to not dislike November, I have decided to make the effort to see the beauties and blessings this month has to offer that I'm overlooking. I welcome any suggestions because right now my ideas are limited.

____________________________________________

November 1st (Day 1) - Turkey Pumpkins

Back in 2005 I bought an amazingly large and orange pumpkin and managed to procrastinate carving it before Halloween. The purpose of pumpkins is to carve them, so even though Halloween had passed, I carved my pumpkin. It was November 1st, so I had to go with a post- Halloween theme: Thanksgiving. The turkey pumpkin was born:

(The original - 2005)

It would be another four years until I revisited the turkey pumpkin and its overall worthiness to become a tradition. Last year I carved the second turkey pumpkin and vowed to pursue this art form as an annual event.

(2009)

This year's turkey pumpkin was a bit of a struggle. I didn't exactly plan in advance, although I was determined to carve one today. Apparently no stores sell pumpkins past October 31st. Maybe one day turkey pumpkins will be commonplace, and the post-Halloween pumpkin won't be so difficult to find. Luckily Melanie had an un-carved pumpkin we could use. Unfortunately, it was incapable of standing up on its own, so we had to readjust a bit. Here is the final product:

(Turkey Pumpkin 2010. *Note that Bumble is already decked out in his November attire.)

I still have to say that my favorite one is from 2005, but this one didn't turn out so bad. Awkward pumpkins make for awkward turkey pumpkins.

November satisfaction score: So far, so good.

inspirational.

2010-09-30T23:42:00.003-06:00

This evening I listened to Stephanie Nielson share her special story of survival and personal growth. She and her husband were in a plane crash in August 2008 and both survived. Both were burned, but Stephanie's injuries managed to cover over 80% of her body.

Brigham Young University is currently advertising a Recapturing Beauty campaign, and Stephanie was a guest speaker tonight. Her words were encouraging and truly inspiring as she shared her physical and emotional struggle of readjusting to a new life with new struggles and a new face.

The message I left with tonight: Beauty can be found everywhere and in everyone. Beauty is in health, humility and harmony. True beauty is seen through God's eyes, for he sees us for who we truly are: His children.

I highly recommend reading nieniedialogues.blogspot.com. By doing so, you will be enlightened and uplifted and know that you will always have a friend who can share your load in times of adversity.

365

2010-09-29T23:51:00.003-06:00

Well, I managed to do it: not write in my blog for an entire year.

It's not much of an accomplishment, but it's something. In other news there are 93 days left in the year. I think I'll go accomplish something worth sharing...

99

2009-09-29T13:09:00.004-06:00

As of September 23, there were only 99 days left of 2009. It triggered an idea: make a list of 99 things to do before the end of the year.

Originally I was going to complete one thing from that list every day, but some things take more time than others, so it isn't going to work out that way. But I will try to be fairly consistent and not procrastinate everything until New Years Eve.

I think it's safe to say I have a love-hate relationship with to-do lists. I love making them; it shows so much potential of productivity. And completing things is so satisfying. Unfortunately, I hate the initial push I have to give myself to actually complete them. Maybe I have this subconscious fear that if I complete everything, I will literally have nothing to do anymore.

Falso. (That's "false" for the non bilingual readers out there.)

Ironically enough, I haven't completed the number 1 thing on my list of "99 things to do in 2009." It simply states: Create list.

(I've started the list...but it's hard to think of realistic things to do that are goalworthy to complete in 99 days. You try it.)

However, I have completed one thing: #11. Mail Jenny's wedding gift!!

Suffice it to say it was well overdue and has been sitting in my room for the past month. It feels good to get something done. 98 to go...

brought to you by the letter "a"

2009-08-14T00:22:00.003-06:00

I realize I don't post very often, but the two most recent posts were in April and August.

I came to the conclusion that maybe I will only update my blog when the month begins with "a." Or if there are holidays that start with "a."

Are there any holidays--besides April Fool's Day--that starts with "a?"

Teen actors needed.

2009-08-04T11:59:00.002-06:00

In my quest to find employment, I came across this add:

Teen actors needed (must be able to play 13-14 years old). Short silent film. Must be comfortable with giving the middle finger. Auditions are this wednesday. Shoots this Friday through Saturday. Filmmakers have had their work in major festivals. Email headshot and resume asap to set up an audition time.
Compensation: Copy/Credit/Meals

Unfortunately, I am no longer capable of passing as a 13-14 year old. And I may be a little camera shy with the whole middle finger thing. Also, I'm at the point in my life where meals--although very tempting--will not suffice. I can't hand a sandwich over to my landlord and convince her that it is how much my utilities were this past month.

So the search for a more reasonable job continues.

Coming Soon!

2009-04-09T09:27:00.002-06:00

Well, I'm going to be cliche and talk about how I'm moving on to a new chapter in my life. College has been a fairly long chapter (4 years!) but not nearly as long as preteen/teenage awkwardness was. That lasted 5 years.

I digress.

I graduate tonight, which means today is my official last day of school.
I don't know how I feel about that. It almost feels as though I'm being fired from my job of 16 years. So much for tenure.

I am excited to start fresh, wherever that may be. Starting this Saturday that "fresh new start" will be in Provo. This chapter will last 12 days, and I will document each of them here for you to watch this metamorphosis. (Just so you know, this soon-to-be college grad just tried 3 variations of "metamorphosis" before she figured out how to spell it. That's endurance.)

Stay tuned for the upcoming "12 Days of Provo" excitement. It's bound to be at least moderately entertaining.

Series

2008-12-10T12:06:00.006-07:00

From time to time as I’m sitting at a stoplight, I notice the person in the car next to me. Sometimes they are singing along with the radio, sometimes they are staring straight ahead, and sometimes they have just been looking at me. I can’t help but wonder who that person is, what their passions are in life, their personality. I wonder where they’re going and why. The light turns green, and we both carry on to our individual destinations. For one moment in time our paths had crossed, probably never to be crossed again.

I feel a certain desire to know those around me and what makes them who they are, and I believe I’m not alone in thinking that. Also, I believe everyone in the world has some sort of connection to one another, whether it’s having the same favorite color, political ideals or in the case of this series, where one does his or her laundry.

I photographed the D&L Cleaners Coin-Op Laundry building for a Monet assignment for my Color Photography class this Fall 2008 semester. I loved the simplicity of the building and mysterious, nostalgic feeling I got whenever I saw it. I am ashamed to admit that I have lived less than a block away from this building three out of the four years I have lived in Rexburg, but had never even explored the inside until now.

For the longest time I had wondered what this laundromat was like. It was as though I was sitting at a stoplight wondering what or who was in there.

I find most satisfaction in photography through portraiture and photographing my subjects in their natural habitats, which is generally in more “cityscaped” areas. Thus, my love of people-watching, portraiture and curiosity of this Coin-Op Laundry led me to photographing it and its people as a series.

Photo Journal #10

2008-12-01T18:14:00.002-07:00

My grandma's house was built in the early 1900s. Its basement walls are dirt, which is pretty amazing.

Change is good, but like I mentioned in an earlier post, I love that everything is always the same when I visit my grandma's house.

This is the door to the one bathroom in her house.

It's the same door handle my dad used when he and his 9 siblings all used that one bathroom when they were growing up.

Photo Journal #9

2008-12-01T18:09:00.002-07:00

This is a photo of the cabin my grandpa built in the early 1900s.

I love that it's still standing. Things made in this day and age just aren't made to last.

He made this with his hands, and the harsh Idaho winters have yet to destroy it.

Photo Journal #8

2008-12-01T17:54:00.003-07:00

I love old curtains. They are remnants from a different era.

These are the ones in my grandma's house. Things just wouldn't be the same if there were fresh, modern curtains in this window. That's why I like going there--you can always count on things being the same.

Photo Journal #7

2008-12-01T17:49:00.003-07:00

I spent the evening with my sisters and cousins working on a puzzle. After my cousins left my sister was showing off her pearly whites. See what two years of orthodontia has done? Created a wonderful smile..enhanced only by a magnifying glass.

Photo Journal #6

2008-12-01T17:45:00.002-07:00

I almost died.

Basically sparks started flying when I was moving something out of the way and it pushed the cord.

I literally saw my life sparking before my eyes.

This is the result of the "explosion."

Another tragic result of the "explosion" is that my hair was frizzy all day today.

Photo Journal #5

2008-12-01T17:40:00.002-07:00

Walking around downtown Provo I found this interesting doorway.

I liked how the yellows and reds created a warm feeling even though it was quite chilly outside.

Photo Journal #4

2008-12-01T17:37:00.002-07:00

I haven't had access to a card reader for a while, but I have been working on the assignment.

I took this picture the night I got back from the internship expedition.

We had been walking all over downtown Salt Lake. I was "smart" and chose to walk in heels.

This is the result.

Note how swollen they look and the dried blood.

Beauty is pain I guess? (They were cute shoes...)

Photo Journal #3 (I took this last night)

2008-11-13T11:01:00.004-07:00

This is what I see every morning (before my eyes are focused).

Photo Journal #2

2008-11-12T10:21:00.003-07:00

Sometimes even the most ordinary things can be extraordinary.

Photo Journal #1

2008-11-12T10:06:00.004-07:00

It has been wet and grey this week...just like this newspaper.

Tag! I'm it.

2008-11-10T09:54:00.002-07:00

6 Questions Tag

1. Six places I go often: Spori Building, the library, Broulim's, my apartment, New Fong's, Special Collections and Archives (work).

2. Six people who email regularly: University Relations: Student update, professors, Natalie, and an accumulation of family members.

4. Six places I would rather be right now: In bed, in Kansas, at New Fong's, visiting New York or D.C. (I really want to see the museums and such), or Bennington.

5. Six TV shows I like to watch: CSI, Project Runway, Without A Trace, Real Housewives of New York City, Gilmore Girls, TV Guide shows

6. Six people I TAG: Anyone who reads this blog? I bet that's still less than 6 :(

6 Quirks:
*I go through food phases. Right now it's baked potatoes. I've had a baked potato every day in the past week. (Except yesterday. Yesterday I mostly just ate Skittles.) In previous weeks it's been Blueberry/Strawberry Western Family Waffles, inspiring the name of my blog.
*I enjoy being stealthy. As I walk through the library and see someone I know on a computer, I ever-so-quietly sneak up behind them and blow in their ear. The reaction is always the same: a gasp/jump, turn around, realize it's just me and a hushed "Emily!!"
*It drives me crazy when people use the end of the toilet paper and just leave the roll. Just refill it!!
*I have the bad habit of doing pointless things before homework. The fact that I'm more concerned about this Q&A than my homework that's due in an hour proves that.
*If I like a movie, I'll watch it over and over again. In the past two weeks, I've seen Pride and Prejudice at least 8 times. Go big or go home, eh?
*I throroughly enjoy listening to Spanish pop music. I don't even know if these artists are popular in their own countries, but I fully support them!

A rose by any other name...

2008-11-04T17:17:00.001-07:00

That's right.

This blog celebrates everything good in life: Food, photography and everything in between.
Of course, politics isn't in between. But you already knew that.

I think I'll go home and pop a couple of Blueberry Western Family Waffles in the toaster.
After all, they are better than Eggos.