I am...Kelsey Fierce

Stubbys

2012-02-06T23:05:00.008-07:00

I've been falling out of this thing called blogging. I just don't do anything interesting. Ok actual I do. Unfortunately (for you people) the stuff that happens to me either has too much of a back story for it to be funny to anyone else OR is a "just had to be there" thing. My strengths lie in story telling so I haven't wanted to blog until I had something worth telling. I think I have a topic that we all can enjoy. I call it "My Ticket Stub Collection".

My Ticket Stub Collection

The other day I was going through my purse. I have a tendency to collect receipts. Or it's stage one of my hoarding problem. There really is no way of knowing. Anyway, I start going through the secret compartment of my wallet that I keep my old ticket stubs in. This also may be part of my hoarding but again, we'll never know. (Not for a few years anyway when I find my favorite cat, Pickles, smashed and mummified under a stack of 10 year old newspapers and Arby's bags. Seriously though, I could be a future hoarder.) As I'm looking through my stubs, I'm reminded that A) I have done some sweet stuff and B) all the good times that came from those tickets. There are 46 total, minus a few that got thrown away before I started collecting them. Among those are 3 Salt Lake Bees tickets, 4 include the name "Anberlin" somewhere on them, 2 that include the name "Taking Back Sunday", 3 haunted house tickets (one being for the Stanley Hotel), about 4 from high school events (prom, state events, etc) and a select few are movie tickets. Yes I've been to a ton of movies, but only a certain, special few get to stay. Example! Transformers 3-Dark of the Moon. I went to the midnight premiere with my sisters, friends and dear cousin Carlee. No movie since Old Yeller has made me as emotional as Transformers did. Did I mention I'm a 9 year old boy?

Oh yeah, we did all wear Transformers t-shirts. I'll spare you from reading about all 46 events. I'm just going to randomly grab a few from the pile and write about those. Next up is a little orange guy from the Jonas Brothers concert. I do not particular like the Jonas Brothers and they certainly don't fit in with the other concerts I've been to, but this one was one to remember. I saw them in Ecuador with my chicas de OSSO. Even though I had my doubts, the show was pretty good.

Remember that time after the concert that we were in their motorcade? Yup, total accident but we ended up following them back to their hotel. And I mean that in the most non creepy way possible. We didn't see them but we did see their band so that's cool.

Next we have a.......ticket from the acappella group I saw on campus last year. No real cool story to go with that or pictures, but I remember it being interesting. Ever been to the Laramie ghost tours? I have. I went with my aunt and uncle. And yeah it was scary. Laramie is haunted as hell. Best part? The most haunted spot is the old Territorial Prison. You know, where people like Butch Cassidy hung out at. Did I mention lepers also stayed there? Because crazy, outlaw ghost are the best kind.

The final ticket stub I'm going to share is from a little concert called Flogging Molly. Saw this gem on a cousin date with Tristyn, Carlee, Lindsay, Jess, Adam and Jason. The band was great, the crowd sucked. I almost died 8 time in the mosh pit. Let me just say I respect mosh pits. They have a sacred place at concerts. I respect them, but 99% of the time I want to not be part of them. As tough as I think I am, I know I'd get killed. At this particular show, the whole crowd was the mosh pit. It was terrifying but enjoyable all at once. But the best part of the show, of my life, what is known now as the Adam Sandwich. Let me paint this picture for you. The concert was at the venue called The Venue in Salt Lake. Fun Fact! When The Venue isn't The Venue, it's a gay club called Gossip or Rumor. Something like that. Anyway there are two levels; the general audience level and an upstairs bar. Because Jess happened to be pregnant with Carson at the time, she wisely decided to hang out in the bar because it was a lot calmer and less violent. Well Adam, being the good husband he was, goes to check on her in between sets. Somehow he get sandwiched between 2 dudes. The guy behind him was jumping up and down and gyrating all over the place, unaware he was more or less groping Adam. Johnny Cash was playing on the stereo, you know so the crowd would have something to listen to while waiting for the roadies to set up the gear. The gentleman just kept screaming, "They always come on after Johnny Cash". And that remains, to this day, one of my top 5 favorite quotes.

I could tell stories all night, but they won't be Adam Sandwich good. Keep your tickets people. Nostalgia is a cool thing.

I accidentally stole this from Jersey Shore...

2012-01-24T00:26:00.007-07:00

Or the internet. What I'm saying is I didn't come up with this on my own, but I certainly use it as my own. Without further adieu, I give you White Girl Problems.

(From my personal experience) I bought a dress I can't wear until spring because it's too cold outside.
The clasp on my earring broke so now it slides off my ear.
(From the personal experience of my friend) I left my seat to dance because the DJ played "Low" and now my feet hurt.
I missed "Teen Mom 2" tonight.
My nail polish is chipped after 1 day.
I only got 3 notifications on Facebook today.
I had to specifically buy longer leggings because the leggings I had only reached mid-calf and didn't look good with the outfit I had in mind.
I hate all the songs on my ipod.
Kim and Kris weren't meant to be and now I don't think I believe in love.
My jeggings are too tight.
I did crunches yesterday but my stomach still isn't flat.
Tim Tebow isn't in love with me.
Neither is Ryan Gosling.
I have to roll the window down in my boyfriend's car to open the door because it doesn't open from the inside.
Olive Garden is too fattening.
The Twilight Series only lasted 4 books and 5 movies.
Third Eye Blind didn't sing "Closing Time", Semisonic did.
I cry every time I hear "Someone Like You".
My blogger friends don't update their blogs often enough for me to be entertained daily.
I'm losing at Words With Friends.
My toe ring cut my toe.
I regret the tribal tramp stamp.
I can't go to Mexico for Spring break.
They canceled "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition".
Oprah isn't telling me what books to read.
I need to wash the teddy bears that are still on my bed.
I still don't understand SOPA/PIPA/Occupy Wall Street.
Nobody repinned my pins on Pinterest.
People found out the craft/recipe/outfit idea came from Pinterest and not my brain.
My favorite band/actor didn't respond to my tweets.
That skank is wearing the same outfit as me!

Adding the phrase "White Girl Problems" to anything makes your problem seem like not a big deal anymore. I could think of White Girl Problems all day. But it is almost 1:00 A.M. and I have school tomorrow. Ugh, White Girl Problems.

Pep Says

2011-12-30T00:18:00.002-07:00

(Every time I think I'm done blogging, I think of one more thing....)

My dad, (Ward, Pep, Peppy Son) is probably one of the most unintentionally hilarious people I've ever known. He's brilliant. Tonight at dinner (Chinese buffet) I was reminded of this as we were talking about New Year's resolutions. Mine was to wear heels more. Pep's was to eat more cashews. And he said it without missing a beat, like it was as normal of an answers as "lose weight" or "watch less tv". Without further hesitation, I give you other words of wisdom by my dad.

Am I gay? (Referring to driving my car around and boys checking him out.)
I'm not praying for this because I'm not grateful. (Said after a hellish dinner consisting of Hamburger Helper and Lord only knows what else.)
We could have gotten you guys the kids dinner and they still would have made money off you two. (Talking to Lindsay and Laurel about their lack of enthusiasm at buffets.)
He was a sailor boy! (Trying to sing "Skater Boy" by Avril Lavigne.)
Listen to the Ward. The Ward won't lead you astray. Praise to the Ward. etc. (Anytime the word "Lord" is in a church song he changes it to his name.)
I can't quote this one because I don't know how to spell it. He likes to yell at our dogs in a forgein language that he made up. This and the fact that he likes hanging out in the dessert in a hole (antelope hunting) has lead me to believe he is somehow involved with Al qaeda. (Only kidding Patriotic Act, my dad is not a terrorist.)
Damn! We're in a tight spot! (He loves this quote from Oh Brother Where art Though)

Ok I could probably go on, but I can't remember all the good stuff he says. It's one of those everyday things you just have to be around to notice and appreciate.

See Ya Suckers!

2011-12-20T15:30:00.005-07:00

The suckers I'm referring to would be my tonsils. I got them out Friday. Hizzah! Except not Hizzah. Recovery blows a little. I thought laying around all day would be awesome, specially after this semester. But no, it is not awesome. The first two days were awesome, but once me and Lindsay finished season 1 of the Walking Dead, I ran out of things to do. Tv can only be so entertaining before you've seen the same episode of "Toddlers and Tiaras" three times. And you know what? Samara earned that Ultimate Grand Supreme, she was the cutest.

So let's talk about me and anesthesia. Apparently I was the funniest thing those OR doctors had seen or heard all week. First off, I don't remember any of this, my mom told me afterwards....and she was embarrassed. I was obsessed with taking my tonsils home. I wanted them "in a mason jar" to "show boys". Because what's sexier then a jar of pickled tonsils sitting on a shelf? Either I was incredibly persuasive or obnoxious because they let me see them. I kind of remember seeing them. Those puppies were huge, I should have put them in a county fair. They looked liked two puffy McNuggets. When I wasn't talking about my tonsils, I was telling the doctors how I met Anberlin and how it was the greatest night of my life. Which was all true. Then I wanted Lindsay to take out my IV because she took a phlebotomy class and knew how. No one can say I don't believe in my sisters. When I was going on and on about my tonsils, I was asking for a Diet Pepsi. Which I got. What I didn't get was bigger boobs. I didn't understand why they didn't give me bigger boobs since they were down there anyway. Yeah I'm a good time under the influence I guess.

Since Friday, I've taken on a Tracy Morgan from 30 Rock attitude. When I go to sleep nothing happens in the world! And I'm developing a fear of the outside world. It's scary! The outside makes the tonsils go away! But I have a buddy in all this. Lindsay got her wisdom teeth out the day before my surgery, so we've been fighting about who the Alpha Sick is. If you're wondering, my mom is ready to smother both of us while we're in a drug induced state.

47

2011-12-17T13:59:00.003-07:00

I MET ANERBLIN! I highly doubt my wedding will top this moment. Because seriously, everyone can get married, but not everyone meets their favorite band.

Insomniac

2011-12-13T14:41:00.003-07:00

Remember that one time I complained about never being able to sleep? Well I found the root of it. Call me Sherlock because I done solved it. The issue is my pre-bed routine. It takes me a good solid 20ish minutes before I actually go to bed. Alright so here it is. I have to take off make-up, brush my teeth and because I'm OCD I brush my teeth twice so my house doesn't burn down. (That's not true, it's a habit I got into when I had braces because my teeth never felt clean enough, now it doesn't feel right if I don't do it twice.) Then I have to wash my face. And not to get too personal but certain times due to hormone influxes, my face thinks I'm 13 again and breaks out, making me look like a heroin addict. Then I have to take out my contacts and dust off the ol retainer. You'd think it'd be exhausting but I think it gets my heart pumping. By time I get everything done, I've got my second wind and I'm ready for round 2.

Enough talk! Here's some pictures of me and my sisters violating each others' privacy while we sleep.

Thankful

2011-11-22T14:40:00.005-07:00

Thanksgiving is this week. I haven't had classes since Monday, because I don't have classes on Tuesdays or Thursday. So basically a whole week off. YaY! Sadly, I will not be enjoying Thanksgiving with my family. I have to work. Story of my life. But when the football teams needs catering, I'm there. Those (insert insulting name here) better be grateful for all the weekends, social activities and now holidays I've given up to feed them. Whatever, this isn't meant to be a hateful post, it's a grateful post. So without further ado, the things I'm grateful for.

First and foremost, I'm grateful for the news that's put me on cloud 9 for the last month and a half. My favorite baby Sara has gotten adopted! I'm so so grateful she has a family now. I don't know if her new family knows how lucky they are to have that little girl, she's incredible. I'd give anything to see her again, but I'm so happy she's going to grow up with parents and siblings. I'm grateful that some of my other babies have been adopted too. And as always, I'm grateful for all those babies. They mean a lot to me.

So we aren't suppose to publicly post pictures of the orphans, but

since she's not an orphan anymore, I figure it's ok to post her picture here.

I'm grateful that I moved into my new place, because I'm very grateful for my new roommates. I've been super lucky with roommates. They've always been winners, and not in a Charlie Sheen way, the real, not sarcastic way. I like that whenever one of us leaves the house, we leave with chorus of "I love you, you're beautiful". I won't lie, I was a little nervous to move in. 2 of my roommates graduated with me and one the year behind me. And they were all the pretty, popular girls. The Kelsey from high school is different from the present day Kelsey. I was awkward and shy. Well I still am awkward. Anyway, I didn't get to know a lot of my fellow classmates. So I wasn't sure how it'd all work out, but it worked out pretty well I'd say.
I'm grateful for my education. Even though I'm not the biggest fan of school or studying or waking up for class or homework or tests or..... I'm grateful I have this opportunity. Whenever I really start to hate school I just think, "I could be back at Maverik, making $9 an hour, living at Ma and Pa Brinkerhoff's Bed and Breakfast". And as much fun as that sounds, it's not for me. I'm grateful that I at least have the opportunity to better my life.
I'm grateful for the White Torpedo. That van has been through hell and back. It's been in my life since I was probably in 6th grade. By now it's worth more in sentimental value then it is in real value, but it's keeps on truckin nonetheless.
I'm grateful for my life decisions. It's no secret I love trashy T.V. Whenever I feel like I should be closer to graduating and becoming an adult, I just realize I'm doing pretty good. I'm not 16 & pregnant, a hoarder, I don't need an intervention and I'm not finding out who my baby daddy is on Maury. So yeah, grateful for life decisions.
I'm grateful for my job. Yes I'm bummed about not going home for Thanksgiving, but I'm incredible grateful I've been able to support myself. There have been weeks where I had $20 to my name, but I've done it. I can live off almost nothing. But I'm grateful I have an income to depend on. Also I like the people I work with, so it's pretty good.
I'm grateful for the people in my life. I've been lucky enough to be surrounded by some amazing people. People from my childhood, Ecuador, college, I've known some good ones.
Last but not least...

My family. I kinda feel bad for the rest of the world because I have the best family ever. And I mean it. My family knows me better then anyone else. They are the only people who can make me laugh until I can't breathe. They are the only ones who I can tell anything to. They are they only ones who know all the sides to me; my dorky side, my inappropriate side, my hunting side, my girlie side, my serious side, all of them. They can tell when I'm full of crap and call me out on it. I love that we can fight and be over it and happy again within the span of ten minutes. It's crazy how important they are to me. They support me in anything. Whether it's running off to South America or going to college, they're there. And I've been blessed with an amazing extended family. My whole life, I've had all four grandparents around. I have aunts and uncles who would drop anything to help me. I have cousins who are always there to make me laugh. I just love them all ok?

Have a great Thanksgiving and don't worry about me. Yes I'll be working but I'm going to celebrate Brainsgiving. It's a new tradition I started and it consist of watching zombie movies. Did I mention I'm grateful for zombies?

Save Me San Francisco

2011-11-14T15:28:00.006-07:00

Did I ever mention that my cousin Tristyn is pretty dang cool? She is. She used to babysit me. One time I ended up on the roof. But that's for another blog post. I think I'll call it, "How I used to think I was a cool kid but actually I was an idiot". Anyway, since we've both become adults, we've become pretty good friends. Let's see, we've been to concerts galore together, we discuss books, we quote movies, we ogle shoes together, we have a good time is what I'm saying.

When Tristyn asked me, oh about the beginning of September, if I wanted to go to San Francisco with her at the end of October, of course I said yes. Well saying yes and meaning yes are two different things. After I said yes and got excited I thought, "Hey self. Sooo quick question. Can you afford this?" Actually I could. You see, I've been work my, pardon my french, ass off. I have a part time job. Part time. At the time, I was putting in over forty hours every pay period. Sometimes over thirty hours a week. So yeah, between that and my student loan, I could afford it and eat the rest of the semester. But there was one more factor. School. Freakin school. It always gets in the way of fun. I go over my syllabuses and find that I have one thing due that Monday (we were gone from Thursday October 27 to Tuesday November 1). But lucky for me, the teacher wants us to email it to her. Perfect! And Tristyn was taking her laptop so I could just do homework on vacation. Yay! Also keep in mind I don't have classes Tuesdays and Thursdays so I'd only be missing 2 days of school.

Everything is set. All my plans are in motion. Everything is worked out to the tee. Low and behold, Wyoming doesn't let me down. Tuesday, it snows. It snows a ton. A butt load even. By Wednesday morning the roads from Laramie to Cheyenne are closed. Did I mention I was planning on flying out of Cheyenne and driving down Wednesday night because my flight was 6:00 Thursday morning? Yeah I was panicking. Tristyn was panicking. I was this close [--------] to canceling my whole trip. By noon, the Sun Gods literally smiled upon me and the sun out. Everything had melted enough for the roads to be open and I was good to go.

After a little hitch in Denver, I get to San Francisco safe and sound. I meet Tristyn in luggage claim and our super cousin vacation has officially begun.

Without further ado, our trip:

We did all the tourist things, but I think my favorite part was just walking around the neighborhoods of San Fran. Whenever I'm on a trip, I like pretending I'm from there. And that everyone else is all stupid tourists. I don't dress like a tourist, I don't whip out a map and I sure as hell don't have a fanny pack. (But in all seriousness I wish the fanny pack would be stylish again because it's super convenient.) We must have done a good job at blending in because there were several different times that people asked us directions or what bus to take. Proof that the two of us should move there.

Basically running off to California was a pretty good decision. I needed a break. All I do is work and school so I needed something to not make my life so mundane. I loved San Francisco. Loved it. I've never had any urge to live in California, but I could live there. If it wasn't so expensive that is. I just loved the vibe and how the people dressed and how chill everything was. I could fit in there I think.

Braiiins!

2011-11-06T22:48:00.002-07:00

Ok so lately I don't know whats gotten into me. I've been a little obsessed with zombie movies. I don't know what's come over me, I don't know if it's the Halloween season (which I realized is over) or if I just finally gone overboard on playing Left 4 Dead, but I love me some zombies.

False. That's not true. I do not love zombies. They're not even real people. They're gross, life destroying, mindless, brain eating monsters. I love the idea of surviving a zombie apocalypse. I think I would fair well. I mean I know how to use a rifle so that's not a big deal. I just really need to learn how to creep and out smart a zombie horde. My obsession has centralizing around one series, "The Walking Dead". Holy Crap. I really need some one else to watch it so I can talk about it with you. It's so intense! Yes it's a little gruesome, but it's not as gruesome as some movies I've seen. It's just so good I can't describe it enough to do it justice. But maybe I'm in love with one of the characters. And by maybe I mean I am. Is it:

Rick. The fearless sheriff's deputy turned leader of the survivor group. He's your typical everyman turned super hero in the face of danger. He always figures out how to get his fellow survivors out of danger. I'd be lucky to be on his side during a zombie apocalypse. He'd seem like the stereotypical perfect tv character crush, but he is not the one for me.

Shane. Rick's best friend and right hand man. While Rick is always taking the moral high road, Shane would rather pick a different route. (And if you saw last Sunday's episode you'll know exactly what I mean. SPOILER! He straight up murders a dude by letting him get eaten by zombies in order to get away and get medicine to a dying kid.) Yes he's a bad boy who knows how to wear a shirt but he is not my crush either.

Daryl. I'm hopeless devoted to Daryl. I'm not sure what it is about him. It happened during the first episode I ever watched. Which happened to be the first episode of the second season. I watched him shoot a zombie in the head with his cross bow, then gut it to make sure it didn't eat a missing child. Also he rides a motorcycle. Yes he's a redneck and loses his temper sometimes, but I can change him! He's got a rough side but all he needs is a good woman.

Un Año

2011-10-07T15:04:00.006-06:00

Today is my one year Ecuadorian anniversary. Say what?! I know right? I feel like I've been in the States a week. But a year ago from right now, right this second, I was on a plane to South America. Let me tell you, it's been a hell of a year.

(Caution! This post is about to get real.)

I think it took me longer to be ok with not being in Ecuador than time actually spent there. January and February were rough. I'm not big on emotional outbursts. I'm a closeted cryer. I cry when no one is looking. It's just how I roll. But I had my fair share of nights sobbing in my bed. Since March, things have gotten better. I've finally reached the point where I can think about my babies, the other chicas de OSSO and all the memories without feeling depressed, but feeling glad they happened.

I miss my babies as much today as I did the day I left. Probably even more because I know what life without them is like. The weirdest things get me nostalgic. Like seeing a baby not wearing layers of clothes. I can't help think,"Who dressed this kid? He's gonna freeze!" And Shakira songs. Whenever I hear a Shakira song, mainly "Waka Waka" and "Loca", I think of Ecuador. I have the strangest reaction to babies. If I'm around a baby and it's being dotted on, I just have no desire to join in. Nah that baby is fine, he's got attention. Show me a kid who doesn't get that kind of love and I'll go nuts.

Let me tell you this. I am selfish. I'm incredibly selfish. I want to go back to Ecuador more then anything. Even if it's just for a week or two. But I don't want to go back because I think the kids miss me. I don't want to go back because I think they need me. I want to go back because I need them. I need them in my daily life again. I need them to make my days feel fulfilled and happy. I'm long long forgotten to them. There have been ten, eleven, twelve more groups full of volunteers. They don't remember me, they don't have the capacity to remember me. I knew that going in. But I think about my babies everyday. I just miss them is all.

It's crazy how much those ten weeks changed me. I don't do this very often, but I know God put those babies in my life for a reason. My Heavenly Father knew how much I needed them. They were my biggest and best blessing. I've been thinking about crashing the van just to go again. They gave my life direction. Before Ecuador, I had no idea what I wanted out of life or where I wanted to go with it. I had no passion. But now I do. I know what I want and I (kinda) know how to get it. I want to work with non profits. I want to help other kids in the world. Professional Volunteer is what I like to tell people. I basically just want Angelina Jolie to look at what I've done and say, "Damn". Is that so much to ask?

And if you feel like giving me an anniversary present, just click below and donate to OSSO. Much appreciated.

http://www.orphanagesupport.org/donors.html

Whatever Rawlins

2011-10-03T14:37:00.007-06:00

This is Rawlins, Wyoming...

...and I hate it. It is my least favorite Wyoming town ever. But don't worry, the feeling is mutual. Ok that's not true. I can't decide if Rawlins hates me or is trying to suck me in like a big black hole of doom. Why do I hate Rawlins so much? Other then the fact that it's sole purpose is a truck stop along the interstate, me and Rawlins go way back. But let me start with last night.

Saturday was October 1st. If you don't hunt, this date means nothing to you. If you do hunt, then you know that it is the opening day of deer season. Also, it's General Conference but really what's more important there? I decided to go home last Friday to hunt deer with my dad. Cute father-daughter bonding right? Wrong, we didn't see any deer the first day and I couldn't get a shot at one the second. Anyway, that's a whole different post. I was home from Friday to Sunday. Usually when I go home I try to leave Evanston at a reasonable hour because Laramie is a good 5 hours away and I suck at night driving. But yesterday was different. My mom wanted to take pictures for Christmas cards of me and my sisters wearing our school colors (yeah I would be stuck with brown and gold because that looks so good on pretty much everybody). Catch! Lindsay didn't get off work until 3:00. So I go out hunting with my dad that morning, take a nap and wait for Lindsay to get home and finally at 4:30 I'm on the road back to school.

All is well, except for the long drive alone. Whatever, I've done that drive about a thousand times. Well 24 miles outside of Rawlins (I remember because I passed a sign), the battery sign on my dashboard starts going nuts. Super, because I know so much about cars. I look at the temperature gage and it's at maximum level. Wow. Real mature van. It's dark now, about 7:30, luckily I was close to those random truck parking lots that are on the side of the interstate and call my dad. He gives me step by step instructions to add more anti-freeze. Also, he keeps asking me questions about the van's parts. All I could say was "Yup everything looks like it's there". Clearly I have no idea. I get back on the interstate and call him back. The temperature still won't go down and now the steering wheel is acting up. At least I'm 76% sure steering wheels aren't suppose to be stiff. So he calls a guy he works with who has a brother in Rawlins. Hooray for me because the brother was only 20 behind me driving home.

Picture this: Me in my mini-van, pulled over on the side of the interstate, talking to my sister on the cellular phone. Also I had to um, how would a lady put this, urinate pretty bad. But I'm too nervous/embarrassed/self conscious to drop trou on the side of the interstate in the dark with the whole state of Wyoming driving past (or is it passed?). Mind over bladder my friends. Anyway, dad's friend's brother pulls up and about twenty minutes later I'm sitting at the TA's Subway with all my junk. If you think walking into a TA with a bag, dirty clothes hamper, backpack and purse is a little bit embarrassing, you'd be right. And if you think the ex-con sandwich artist (I'm judging. Because I suck) keeps coming over to clean the booths, you'd also be right. Well about 9:00 my dear cousin and his dear wife pull into the TA and rescue me and bring me back safe and sound to Laramie. Basically I owe a lot of people "Thank you for saving me from the interstate/Rawlins/ex-con" cookies.

Oh yeah! Did I mention Rawlins is also where I totalled my car? And this is the second time I've been stranded in the aforementioned town with all my stuff waiting for someone to rescue me? I'm not lying when I say Rawlins keeps trying to drag me back in. Suck it Rawlins. Suck it big time.

Sleepless in...well pretty much everywhere.

2011-09-19T13:20:00.004-06:00

I've heard it takes the average person 7 minutes to fall asleep. Well I'm proud to say I'm finally above average in something. It takes me a good 30 minutes to an hour to fall asleep. So take that ACT, I'm above the average in something! For the longest time I just assumed it was because I drink so much Pepsi. So I cut back and try not to drink it after 9:00. Nope not that. Pretty sure I just suck at falling asleep. But I also suck at waking up. It's so hard for me to go to bed before midnight, no matter what time I have to wake up in the morning. I just don't get tired, so I stay up late trying to get tired (if that makes any sense). The only time I ever remember being able to fall asleep consistently fast was in Ecuador. I'm going to attribute that to taking care of babies for 12 hours, 6 days a week. Obviously the only solution is to take care of a kid again. Surely a baby will solve my insomnia issues!

Productivity

2011-09-06T21:30:00.005-06:00

I'm in this certain class. And this certain class is once a week... for 3 HOURS. It'd be ok if the teacher presented the material in an interesting way, but he literally just lectures for the entire time. Also, it's a video conference class. That means me and my classmates meet in a classroom, then call our teacher via conference call in Las Vegas and he just talks over the phone. It's hell. Sometimes I get distracted. Sometimes I don't pay attention. The teacher can't see me or what I'm doing, what do you want from me? I'm only human! So today I drew this:

It's a unicorn. With the face of a koala bear. Yes it does have a star on its butt and a necklace on.

Then I drew this:

I call it "Polite Zombie". See how he's holding the door for that old lady?

And finally, I give you this:

I call him "Suspicious Chicken". Is he about to cross the road? Peck the ground? Lay an egg? Or something more...suspicious. Something more...stabby. Because there is a knife laying there. Hmm, who am I to judge?

Yeah so that's how I spent class. Sorry about the picture quality, I do not have a smart phone. Or art skills.

About Last Night...

2011-08-28T17:40:00.009-06:00

Let me tell you about my Saturday night. My first Saturday night of the new school year. Fun? Exciting? Crazy adventures? Eh...sorta. I had to work last night. Shocking right? Well my manager calls me and asks me to come in at 2 instead of 4. Not a big deal. Well I get to work and find out we are catering a wedding for 270 people and a 5oth wedding anniversary for 100. Also I'm working the anniversary dinner alone. Not a big deal because it was a buffet so all I really needed to do was put the food out and clean up plates. Alright from here on out I'm gonna tell you about my night in 3 parts. The first part will be called "Pre Fire Alarm" and the second will be "During Fire Alarm" and the third will be....."Post Fire Alarm".

Pre Fire Alarm

Everything was going fine. I got my food out, was cleaning dishes and what not. Not a big deal. Well this couple had decided to go all out for their 50th anniversary. Which they should because that's a pretty big deal. They had hired a band. A pretty legit one too. They sang a lot of oldies and country songs but they did a swell job. The wife decided to surprise her husband with a song. She sang a super cute song about how she'd pick him again out of all the boys in the world. It was then I realized I was Drew Barrymore in "The Wedding Singer". You know, the part where Adam Sandler helps that little old lady with singing lessons so she can surprise her husband at their anniversary? And I'm Drew Barrymore. I just hope some kid doesn't grab my butt at his Bar Mitzvah.

Just imagine her with curly hair, but yeah, that's pretty much me. Now I just need to find my Adam Sandler.

During the Fire Alarm

So my dinner is pretty much done. The people are dancing and I'm almost done clearing plates. My fellow co-worker, Jeremiah, says hey lets have a smoke break. Fun fact! We probably take more smoke breaks then anyone else. Except neither one of us smoke. But why should smokers get more breaks anyway? We're about to take our smoke break when the fire alarm gets tripped. We both go running for our manager, who told us he was going to take a nap in his office. So there we are both with our radios out calling our manager. We finally find him at the wedding. He can't hear the alarm in there because it's so loud. Him and Jeremiah take off to figure out what's up and I go back to my anniversary party. On my way, I find a family of three huddled in the employee only back hallway. Oh did I mention it was 11:00 at night by this time? Because it was. So this family is just huddled and scared and in their jammies. I tell them the alarm was tripped but there isn't anything to worry about, because there wasn't. Well my anniversary party has mostly gone outside because the alarm is pretty piercing. My manager tells me to get the rest outside or in the conference center. And when I relay this message to the husband he's A) concerned because clearly I'm kicking him out of his own party and they have the room until midnight, B) upset because the band can't play their music in the conference center and finally C) wants a discount. But really it was my fault for causing the alarm to go off. Obviously I wanted to ruin their party. Finally all the anniversary guest go outside and with nothing left to do I go back and help put dishes away in the kitchen. Fifteen minutes later they stop the alarm.

Post Fire Alarm

After the alarm goes off, me and Jeremiah go to the break room and get freezy pops. Because after an alarm explosion, we deserved a freezy pop. It's there that we decide if the hotel ever did catch on fire, the banquet staff would be the band members on the Titanic. The ones stuck doing their job while disaster is all around. The waitresses in the restaurant would be the first to be evacuated because they're all kind of a little bit dramatic, then front desk and house keeping. Anyway, we head back to the anniversary party where one (slightly drunk) guest wants my name, my manager's and the manager on duty's. Awesome. So I call my manager and he basically gets chewed out because no one knew how to stop the alarm. Unfortunately how to deal with fire situations wasn't covered in my training when I was learning about forks and how to fold napkins. Well after all that fiasco, I finish cleaning the room. And the guy who complained was acting really nice. Also the husband gave me a tip so I don't really know what all that was about.

Did I mention I didn't clock out until 2:00 a.m.? Because I did. Yup, first Saturday night of the school year.

Sweet Dreams

2011-08-06T13:18:00.002-06:00

I have weird dreams. Lots of weird dreams. I know dreams are suppose to be a little bit out there but I feel like my dreams are weirder then most. People say dreams are suppose to be your subconscious telling you something. If that's the case, I'm worried. Let me give you some examples.

Last night I had this dream. I was in a town, I'm assuming it was Evanston. The town was having this weird zombie fest where everyone dressed up like zombies and some people, myself and Lindsay included, were zombie hunters. Except, bad news bears, some of the zombies were real and were trying to eat people. Also there were witches there to mess stuff up. Natalie Portman was one of the witches. So we had guns to shoot the zombies with but the bullets would just be absorbed into the zombies like no big deal. But once they were shot they backed off. When we didn't have a gun, we could just use our shoes and pretend they were guns. That also seemed to do the trick.

About a year ago I dreamt this little jem. I went with my singles ward at the time to do community service. Except once you finished your service, you got in this giant line. The line lead to one of those giant claw machines at the grocery stores. Once you got to the front of the line, you sat in this chair and the claw came down a squeezed you...to death! I remember being so panicked in my dream. I didn't want to die, I just wanted to do community service. Then suddenly my sisters were there and I was scared for them. I kept telling Lindsay to grab Laurel and run and I would distract everyone. I'm kind of glad I woke up before that one finished.

(Warning! This dream contains nudity.) Ok this is probably by far one of the weirdest dreams I've ever had. So I lived in a small town in 1800's Old West. It was one of those towns you see in every old west movie. Anyway I wore pants because I was foreword thinking obviously. I also ran a burger stand. A topless one. Yeah I don't know. But that was pretty much it. Me running a topless burger stand in an old west town. Whatever.

If anyone could give me some insight to what my subconscious is telling me that would be great. Because I'm kind of at a loss.

Obsessed or In Love?

2011-07-25T22:29:00.005-06:00

What makes for a perfect weekend you ask? My sisters coming to visit me+fellow super fan/bestie with testies Tilly+my favorite band preforming a free concert at theme park Elitch Gardens. Add in beautiful sun and Panda Express and you've got yourself my dream weekend. It was basically brilliant.

(Before I continue I just got to say that Adam Gines, this post isn't for you. I know how you feel about Anberlin.) Have I ever mentioned that I love the band Anberlin? Because I do. I'm pretty sure I've written about them before here, so just indulge me once more while I confess my love. As I mentioned in my opener up thur, my sisters came to visit me in Laramie. Why? Because our favorite band Anberlin was playing a free concert at Elitch Gardens in Denver. Ok "free" is kind of a generous term. See here's the thing, we had to pay $42 to get into the park but once in, we got to see the show for free. Totally worth it I think. I mean I spent the whole day riding roller coasters and see Anberlin all in one day. I just about screamed myself out between the two. Also, my legs killed the next day. Again, totally worth it.

Back to my intense love. This was the third time I've seen Anberlin live. The first time they were the openers for Taking Back Sunday (which continues to be the best show I've ever been too). The second was right before I left for Ecuador. Like literally two days before. Every time they blow me away. Every time I feel like I'm seeing an old friend or something. Every time they get me so pumped up I just want to jump up and down and scream my lungs out while singing the lyrics at the top of my lungs. I think one of the biggest reasons I love concerts so much is because you really can't get anymore in the moment then a concert. Go with me on this. What is a better way to be totally in the moment and enjoy it then singing your favorite songs with your favorite bands? How many times in a life does that happen? Gah it gets me! Also, I'm one of those suckers who gets so caught up in the moment that whenever the band I'm watching says "This is the best crowd ever!" or "No show has ever been this great!" or "(Insert City Name Here) rocks harder then any city ever!" I always believe them. Even though I know they say it to all the crowds, I honestly believe for a moment that I am part of the best crowd ever.

I can't lie, I was a little nervous for the show that night. Here's my thought process: Free concert. Also, Anberlin is going to Australia soon. So all things considering, I was afraid they'd do a half-ass show. I mean, I would. They've already been paid and the crowd wasn't exactly huge. But they lived up to my wildest dreams and put on an amazing show. Another reason this show was so great was because of the crowd. It wasn't a typical Anberlin/concert in general crowd. The majority of the crowd was under fifteen and 5 foot nothin. They had either A) Heard two Anberlin songs and declared themselves "super fans" or B) decided that hey we're here and we paid so we might as well see the free show. I showed both groups what being a fan really meant. It worked out in my benefit because not only did my group get an amazing spot (not right next to the stage because it was fenced off VIP area. And as much as I would have loved to be VIP, it was twenty bucks more and a girls gotta eat) but we weren't pushed out of the way. Plus the two people who were in front of me were short so I had a clear view. They opened the show with "Godspeed", ended with "Feel Good Drag" and the encore was "The Resistance". With amazing songs in between. Also there were no corny opener bands to suffer through. I think it's been the only show were at the end of it, the majority of the sweat I was covered in was mine. Plus it was Laurel's first general admish concert so it was pretty fun watching her get her channel her inner concert rat.

Ever since Saturday, I've been on an Anberlin binge. I've downloaded all the songs I didn't already have, been watching videos and bought a t-shirt via the web. If you've got free time check out "The Haunting" and "Paperthin Hymn". Gosh I love them and stuff. Here, pictures. Bask in their glory.

Did I mention that Stephen Christian came to the non VIP general admish side of the fence? Because he did and it knocked my socks off.

Dear Colbie Caillat

2011-07-21T20:44:00.005-06:00

Dear Colbie Caillat,

I've had this theory for a while. This theory includes some serious stuff. Stuff like my life, you and you being a big fat cheat. I'll stop beating around the bush and just come out with it. This is my theory: When we were in heaven, before the whole Earth being created thing, we were standing in line waiting to get our life assignments. I truly believe that you cut me in that line. I believe you snuck your way in front of me, stealing my life assignment. Of course I was too selfless, too kind and big hearted to say anything. I let you have my life assignment, I didn't think it was that big a deal. I was wrong.

Wipe that smile off your smug face lady

You should be living in the frozen desert tundra that is Wyoming and I should be playing my guitar on the beach in Hawaii. You should be making minium wage and I should be singing to sold out shows. You should be eating stuff from a Great Value can and I should be eating the real deal. I should be singing sweet duets with Jason Mraz. That should have been me!

See that? It's Rock Springs, Wyoming. That is what you could have lived by. Whatever, I just want you to know that I'm over it. I'll be the bigger person yet again. Don't expect me at any of your concerts. Ever.

Nerd Alert

2011-07-18T14:50:00.004-06:00

Want to know a secret? A secret of nerdy proportions? I love the comic book movies. Call me a poser because I've never really been into the actual comic books but I love the movies. Chick flicks are ok, I have to be in the mood for a romantic movie and I don't really like animated/talking animal movies. Comedies and super heroes are my thing. And here is what I'm excited for.

See you in the theaters.

Clean Your Plate

2011-07-17T13:50:00.003-06:00

I started working at the Hilton as a banquet server at the end of May. So getting close to two months now. And thus far I really like it. Except for one little thing. People, you are wasteful. I throw away more food during one shift then I'm sure families in third world countries see in a week. But the people who really get on my nerves are the ones who sit and stare at their plate. Hardly even touching it. Then I get to throw away a perfectly good, perfectly complete dinner. It sucks. Buffets blow my mind. People are so wasteful at buffets. You pick the portion size of your dinner. If you aren't going to eat the whole thing, don't make a mountain out of your potatoes. Don't take four pieces of meat when you know you'll only eat two tops. I know I can be wasteful at times. And I know that when I was a little tyke I was super picky. But I like to think I don't waste as much anymore. Moral of the story, eat your food dang it.

Stephen King, The Shining, Jack Nicholson...Oh My!

2011-07-04T23:41:00.007-06:00

Guys. Guess what I did for the 4th of July? Not gonna lie, you should be jealous. I,wait for it, visited the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. What? Not impressed? What if I told you it was the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write "The Shining"? That's right, this:

Herrrreeee'sssss Johnny!

I'm not a huge horror movie fan. Nor am I a big Stephen King fan. Both are ok, but not my favorites. I freakin love "The Shining". It's the right kind of freaky. Between the twins, redrum, Jack Nicholson being a scary a-hole, all work and no play make Jack a dull boy, Shelley Duvall freaking out. It's just pure genius. And that little kid who would talk to "Tony"? Gah! Good stuff I tell you.

Ok I'm getting carried away. Good movie. So when my buddies Maegan and Dustin invited me to go with them to the Stanley Hotel (THE STANLEY HOTEL!) the inspiration for it all, of course I had to go. And actually, it's pretty damn beautiful. Estes Park is super gorgeous. But any town surrounded by mountains and trees and nature usually is. And the drive up is probably on of the prettiest I've ever taken. I basically has hanging out the window the whole time. (Well because it was beautiful and because Dustin's car didn't have AC.)

We took a Ghost/Historical tour of the Stanley. I learned that ol F.O. Stanley was kind of a bad ass. Did you know he and his twin,F.E., first figured out a new way to develop pictures? Yeah they totally did. They made a million bucks a year and after ten years got bored and sold the company to do something different. Stanley Steamer? Ever heard of it? Totally created by F.O. and F.E.. Also, the whole reason F.O. Stanley and his wife went to Colorado was because he had tuberculosis and the doc gave him three months to live. So why not finish your days somewhere beautiful? That S.O.B went on to live to 91 years old. The Stanley Hotel started out as their guest house. Guest house! It was a giant "We will always be better then you but we're really nice and take good care of our guest so you can't hate us" showpiece. Basically I have a slight historical crush on this guy now.

This hotel is cool, let me tell you. It isn't as secluded like I'd always assumed. It sits on top of hill over looking the town and has an amazing view of the mountains. (P.S. there is no maze out front. I repeat: NO. MAZE.) It's got this foreshadowing feel to it. Like something creepy could happen. I can't really describe it, just like someone might be watching you.

I took a ton of pictures, hoping to find me a ghost. Well this is what I got. Note-you may want to double click my pics to see my ghost, they're kind of small here.

Room 217. The most haunted room in the hotel. Jim Carrey stayed in this room while filming "Dumb and Dumber" (another reason this hotel is so awesome). He stayed for three hours before leaving for a different hotel. Supposedly a former maid is still hard at work cleaning it.

This is the billiards room. The boys club if you will. Fun Fact! Women were allowed in, but they could only sit on a bench and watch. Not allowed to talk, but could cheer if someone made a good play. Rumor is this room is haunted by a man still playing pool.

Ghost! Oh wait, that's just a bro on our tour.

As you can see from all my photographic evidence, the Stanley Hotel is full of........light and furniture. That's what I captured anyway. Do I believe in all this stuff? Not fully, but it's fun and spooky. But will this lack of ghost hunting stop me from wanting to stay the night...possibly in room 217? Nope. Still love "The Shining" and still want to stay the night. Partners in crime are wanted.

89

2011-06-29T12:06:00.006-06:00

89-See midnight showing of "Transformers:Dark Side of the Moon."

I can't even describe how great it was. I love Transformers and I loved this movie. It's my Twilight, my Harry Potter, my Star Wars. I feel like everyone has that franchise that they love. Transformers is mine. I won't say too much because I don't want to ruin it for anyone, because it did come out 12 hours ago. Just go see it. Ok but I will say two things. 1-I'm naming my son (Insert 1st name here) Prime (Insert last name here). 2-I kinda sorta don't like how Michael Bay doesn't ever have tough girls in his movies. They're never really strong or independent, they're all pretty to look at and damsels in distress but whatever, still love Transformers. And Shia is pretty cool too I guess

God Bless the USA

2011-06-22T14:27:00.005-06:00

See that map? That's a map of all the states I've been to. 16 States. That's 32% of America. Obviously I dominated the West side of America, so maybe I'll start to focus on the East side. States that I do want to visit next are Oregon and North Carolina. Oregon because it has the ocean and mountains. North Carolina because I'm pretty convinced I'll meet Channing Tatum on the beach there. Plus I hear it's super pretty. Go see this man to see how many states you've visited http://douweosinga.com/projects/visited?region=usa.

Ward.

2011-06-19T12:19:00.004-06:00

In honor of Father's Day I'd thought I'd tell you, the Internet, a little about my dad. (Plus since I don't live at home and about 5 hours away, I'm counting this as my gift. Enjoy Peppy son.)

I look like my dad. I inherited the Brinkerhoff Head. A head that fits no hats and knows no boundaries. I also got his blonde hair and freckles. He gave me his ginger gene there is no doubt in that. Not the blue eyes though, which is too bad because blue eyes are pretty. I got a lot of my personality from him too. We're both pretty laid back. Which drives my mom nuts sometimes.

He's taught me a lot throughout my life. I can load a gun and, more importantly, aim that gun. I know how to unhook a fish from lure. I can drive (not stick shift though, still haven't learned that one yet). I know how to start fires, basically I can survive in the wilderness.

In my communications classes I learned that boys and girls are different. Women will express love verbally and men do it through actions. I know my dad loves me from this one specific example. When I worked at Maverik and would have to be at work at 5 in the freakin morning, he would get up at 4 with me and start my car so it would be warm by time I left. Ahhhh right?

Father's are proud of their kids. I know my dad is proud of my but I remember 2 times that he was extra proud. The first was when I shot my first (and so far only) bull elk. The second was when someone asked me about my trip to Ecuador. My dad was there and he said something about the kids being the most darling kids he's ever seen. I don't know why those 2 times stand out to me, but they must mean a lot or something.

Happy Father's Day Peppy, Keep on Keepin on.

Proof I Should Stay in School

2011-06-09T19:46:00.003-06:00

Kelsey Brinkerhoff

123 Paradise Street

Dreamland, Wyo 825413

307-555-5551

kelsey@istheman.com

Objective

I want an adult job, an adult paycheck, an adult house complete with adult dog but I don't want to be an adult. I would like to sleep in late, show up to work late, but leave early. Plus I would like a thirty minute nap break followed by an hour and a half lunch. And I would like that lunch to be catered by Quiznos and Panda Express. Taco John's would also be acceptable but only if that one lady in Laramie makes it. Also I like me some Internet time. Does the benefits package include a list of blogs/websites I have yet to discover and will find entertaining? I would be very good at a position that involves frequent trips to Europe. Hire me and you can expect sarcastic comments and no job skills daily!

Qualifications

I am a very qualified individual. One time, I was even qualified to perform CPR. That's neat right? Also I know how to handle firearms. So 6 years ago, if we were ever handling guns together and something accidentally happened, I could have totally done CPR on you. Comforting no?

Experience

I took care of some brown babies for a while. And they didn't even learn any swears from me on accident. Pretty mature, if I do say so myself. And I do. I can also bag a load of ice in under fifteen minutes. Can you? didn't think so.

Past Work Experience

Company- Maverik, Adventure 1st stop

Job Title-Adventure Guide

I owned the Maverik on county road. Owned.

Company-Hace (J.C) Penney

Job Title- Jewelry Counter Associate

I tried on a lot of rings because it was boring.

Education

Evanston High School, but don't hold that against me.

The prestige Casper College

U Dub what! what!

Skills

I speak fluent Spanish. Emphasize on the "ish". And by fluent I mean I can count to ten, tell you where the library is and my favorite foods. That's good enough right? I have amazing organizational skills. I know exactly what piles to look for on my floor for things. Example: My sweatshirt pile is in the corner at the end of my bed and my mail pile is by the door because that's a convenient place to drop it. I have seen enough episodes of Law and Order: SVU to know when a perp is lying. Plus I'm pretty sure I have almost have the Miranda Rights memorized. I could basically take the Detective test right now and pass. I am a great people person/judge of character. I suspect my dad has a secret family so I plan to make any potential husbands take a DNA test with me.

References

Available upon request. But if it's any clue as to the kind of people I associate with, Hannibal Lector and Charlie Sheen are both listed as inspirational people on my facebook.

Hire me today! I'm totally ready for real life. I swear.

96

2011-06-07T18:09:00.004-06:00

#96- Make a list of my favorite 101 songs

(in no particular order. except the top 10 because they are my ultimate favorites)

Paper Thin Hymn-Anberlin
MakeDamnSure- Taking Back Sunday
Life is Beautiful- Sixx: A.M.
The Taste of Ink-The Used
I Don't Care- Apocalyptica
My Blue Heaven-Taking Back Sunday
Do It For Me Now- Angels and Airwaves
Jesus Christ-Brand New
Blood on My Hands-The Used
Diary of Jane- Breaking Benjamin
Prayer of the Refugee-Rise Against
Mona Lisa-All American Rejects
American Girl-Tom Petty
Dismantle. Repair.-Anberlin
I Will Not Bow-Breaking Benjamin
What Sarah Said-Death Cab For Cutie
Tears Don't Fall- Bullet for My Valentine
Burning Down the House- The Used
Best I Ever Had- Gary Allen
Celery Stick-Mury
Wonderboy
Set Fire to the 3rd Bar- Snow Patrol
Anthem of Our Dying Day- Story of the Year
If I Ever Leave This World Alive- Flogging Molly
The Kill- 30 Seconds to Mars
I'll Follow You Into the Dark-Death Cab For Cutie
New Divide-Linkin Park
First Date-Blink 182
No Scrubs-TLC
Friends in Low Places-Garth Brooks
Savior-Rise Against
Can't Be Saved- Senses Fail
The Man You Love-Il Divo
I Cross My Heart- George Strait
Wonderwall-Oasis
Fields of Gold- The Police
Bitter Sweet Symphony- The Verve
Wheels-Foo Fighters
You Outta Know- Alanis Morissette
Only One- Yellowcard
Weightless-All Time Low
What I've Done-Linkin Park
Yellow-Coldplay
She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy-Kenny Chesney
The Cave- Mumford and Sons
Lack of Color-Death Cab For Cutie
Deathbed-There For Tomorrow
Stolen-Dashboard Confessional
The Red-Chevelle
Breath-Breaking Benjamin
Riot- Three Days Grace
Thunder-Boys Like Girls
B Side to the Truth- Mury
Change the World-Anberlin
Decade Under the Influence-Taking Back Sunday
Johnny and June-Heidi Newfield
Best of You-Foo Fighters
I Believe You But My Tommy Gun Don't-Brand New
Pinch Me-Barenaked Ladies
Alive With The Glory of Love-Say Anything
Re-education Through Labor-Rise Against
What's Left of the Flag-Flogging Molly
All Around Me- Flyleaf
That Summer-Garth Brooks
Vindicated- Dashboard Confessional
Ocean Avenue- Yellowcard
I'm The Only One-Melissa Ethridge
Cover of the Rolling Stone-Dr. Hook
Feel Good Drag-Anberlin
Animal I Have Become-Three Days Grace
The Quiet Things No One Ever Knew- Brand New
Cute Without the "E"- Taking Back Sunday
Sleep Sweet-Mury
So Cold-Breaking Benjamin
Rains Down In Africa-Toto
Tribute-Tenacious D
I Believe In You-Il Divo
Until the Day I Die- Story of the Year
Monument-A Day to Remember
All These Things I Hate-Bullet For My Valentine
Lady in a Blue Dress-Senses Fail
Little Death-+44
You Are So Beautiful-Escape the Fate
Rolling in the Deep-Adele
Your Guardian Angel-Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Songs About Rain-Gary Allen
Papa Loved Mama-Garth Brooks
She'll Leave You With a Smile
All of This-Blink 182
Ain't Nothing 'Bout You-Brookes and Dunn
Polyamorous-Breaking Benjamin
Lemonade-Chris Rice
Welcome Home-Coheed and Cambria
You Got Me-Crash Kings
Hands Down-Dashboard Confessional
Cowboy Take Me Away-Dixie Chicks
Ten Thousand Fists-Disturbed
Lollipop-Framing Henley
Out of My Hands- Green River Ordinance
Smells Like Teen Spirit-Nirvana
Shadows of the Day- Linkin Park

Bonus Track!

I WHIP MY HAIR BACK AND FORTH! Willow Smith

Today

2011-06-01T20:36:00.005-06:00

(I think this will be the first of very short, very weird posts about something that I saw or experienced on special days where I feel the need to blog but have nothing to say. I'm calling them my "Today" series. Just put up with me ok? Mostly I think I'm bored)

Today I say a dead squirrel while I was walking to class. It caught me off guard, I did not take a picture of it. Today I also noticed a used condom under my van. I took a picture of that and sent it to my sister with a "Hangover" quote ("What's this? A snake skin?"). Because that's the only way to handle the found-a-used-condom-under-my-van situation.

Would you rather........

2011-05-25T20:51:00.006-06:00

Hang out with Han Solo or Indiana Jones? Which one would you rather be friends with? Both are played by the awesome Harrison Ford. Both are BAs in their own right and both are pretty iconic movie characters. (Also both are brain children of George Lucas and/or Steven Spielberg. And those guys are legendary in their own right.) Take that into consideration. Seriously, it's a typical hypothetical Friday night. You're bored and you think to yourself, "I'll just call up my bro ________, he's always got something going on." WHICH NAME IS IN THE BLANK?

(WARNING! Sorry if this comes off as biased, I've already made my choice.)

Indiana Jones: Indy has a P.h.D. for crying out loud. That's pretty awesome. He's also an archaeology professor. I'd like to take his class if you know what I mean. *wink* And by that I mean it'd be very educational and I'm sure I'd learn lessons about life as well as the past. Weapon of choice is a whip. A friggin whip. That's some hard core stuff. And can we address the issue of his outfit? Fedora+Flight Jacket+Belt with holster+Khaki shirt/pant combo= the sexiest archaeologist you've ever seen. Also, he is the star of his own movies. Four Indiana Jones movies. It's all about him. And they all rock. (Ok maybe not so much the new one with the crystal skulls. But it's not his fault, they tried putting in a meaningful message. Their greatest treasure was their knowledge? Really?) When you hear the theme song you think instantly of Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. Plus he has his own ride at Disneyland. And it's awesome.

Han Solo- Solo first appears in a bar, desperate to pay off debts. Whatever, won't hold that against him. But he does get his act together. What I like about Solo is that he is a sarcastic S.O.B. I feel like we could get along. Maybe he'd get my sense of humor better then Indy, but the world will never know. Solo's weapon of choice is that weird laser gun. Probably more effective then a whip but not as impressive. You don't need a whole lot of skill to point and shoot a laser gun. The outfit that is Han Solo is made up of a holster, a sweet vest, dark pants and a nice v-neck shirt. It's a cool outfit but just a little too 1970's for me. But it was the 70's soooo can't fault him too much. Also I like that Solo pretty much only had eyes for Leia. More than that, I like that when she said she loved him as he was being frozen, he said,"I know." Seriously, that's awesome. He didn't go all mushy and lame in the last second, he stayed hard core Han Solo to the end.

After all is said and done though, I have to go with Indiana Jones. I just feel like Han Solo is a little more selfish and punkish. Indy is the total package for me and I'd love to hang out with him any day.

Editors Note: This would you rather almost tore my family apart. Half of us picked Indy and half picked Han.

Summer Lovin

2011-05-15T20:15:00.004-06:00

My summer officially started last Thursday after I turned in my final paper for my Women's Studies class. (Not a big deal, just a 95 on it.) Then I spent a week at home before my summer class started. Man I love going home. My family is hilarious. This is my first summer not going home. This summer will be something totally new and different for me. Since I was 15 my summer has been spent working at the Maverik. I would work 9 days a week and that is not a joke. I felt like whenever I wanted to do something fun, I had to plan it weeks in advance so I could fight for the time off. My boss wasn't a slave driver or anything, in fact she was great about giving me time off when she could. I really am appreciative of that. No, I had to fight with my fellow employees. Sadly not everyone gets every weekend off and some one has to work the 4th of July. I really don't mind working a lot, but sometimes I needed a break. Anyway, I found a job in Laramie plus I'm taking a summer class so my butt is staying here. But I'm determined to make this summer legen........dary. Summer goals? Glad you asked.

Concerts. I love me a good concert. Last summer all the good bands decided that they didn't want to go on tour. Blah. This summer I am set on going to some sick shows. I know nothing could top the Summer of Concerts 2009, but damn it a girl can dream. I already have my heart set on a Taking Back Sunday concert in June and I know that Death Cab For Cutie will be in Utah this summer too so I'll see what I can do about those.
Warp Tour. Yes, Warp Tour is technically a concert, or I guess a series of concerts. But I feel like I need to set this one as it's own priority. You see, every year I plan to go to Warp Tour and every year something comes up and I can't go. This year I am determined not to get cock-blocked. I'll be there.
Baseball. I want to go to either a Salt Lake City Bee's or a Rockies game. I love baseball. It's pretty much the only sport I know most of the rules too. Plus what's better then sitting in the stands, eating a hotdog/burrito/nachos with a giant Diet Pepsi, in the sun, with friends and family enjoying a lovely game? That's my version of heaven.
Denver Zoo. The zoo is awesome. I went to the Denver Zoo one time when I was a tyke but don't remember much. Why not go back?
Pig wrestling. Last year my team came so close to getting that stupid pig in that stupid barrel. We will not fail this year. We will be victorious.
The beach. I freaking love going to the beach. If I don't go at least 64 times this summer, it will be a fail.

That's all I have so far. But don't worry, I expect this list to grow. Here's to summer 2011.

Ma.

2011-05-06T16:17:00.009-06:00

Mother's Day is right around the corner. And I'm pretty sure this is the first Mother's Day I've been home for since I've moved out and went to college. I've had the good fortune of having a pretty rockin mom. Not only have I had a rockin mom, but there have been some other ladies in my life that have been pretty spectacular. And I know how extremely lucky I am to have them. This post is for them, the ladies who have shaped me to the weirdo I am today.

First off is my mom. She's pretty cool I guess. And by pretty cool, I mean very. She's always strived to give me the best childhood and life possible. I had the best childhood ever and I can thank her and Peppy Son for that. My mom taught me and my sisters to be strong and independent. And to be good people. She works so hard for us and in return we learned responsibility and gained an incredible work ethic. Thanks to her I know how to take care of myself. Minus cooking. I still can't do that. But don't blame her, it's due to my laziness and unwillingness to learn. I love getting random texts messages from her about the lady of ill repute who lives down the street or updates on our home renovations. I love that she talks to me like I'm an adult and that I can go to her with any problem. I also love how we gossip like two old ladies at the beauty parlour. I know my mom doesn't get enough credit. And me and my sisters give her a lot of crap basically all the time. But I love you Mrs. Boss and I really appreciate all you've done.

Grandma Staley. What a champ. I can't wait to be old and crazy like her one day. But she's crazy in a good, hilarious kind of way. She's the toughest lady I know. I wouldn't want to get into her cross hairs. On the flip side, she's also the most caring and loving lady ever. Grandma Staley has the best quirks. Examples? She gets her hair done every Friday. And keeps it looking fresh until she gets it done again. To keep it fresh, she wears some kickin scarves in the weather. And Grandma Staley loves her some Jazz basketball. I don't dare sit by her during a game, it's too scary. She'll yell at the tv and slap the knee of whoever sits next to her. She keeps all her grandkids pictures on the fireplace mantle. My cousin Jared met Deron Williams and took a picture with him. Deron Williams got to be in a picture frame on the mantle until he left the Jazz. Now he lives in the drawer. She's swell and I love her.

My Aunt Marilee. This lady is down for anything. She's been on so many trips with us and we've had a lot of crazy adventures. She took me rafting when I graduated high school. Yeah, it was cool. Some of the best memories I have include her skiing down a hill in her big purple snow suit. Yeah she's weird but I like it.

Sor Alba. Talk about on of the greatest examples of motherhood I've ever experienced. Ever. She was in charge of the cuna at the orphanage in Ecuador. Sor is amazing. The love she has for the babies is crazy. And they all love her. They would light up with a little chorus of "Sors" when she walked into the room. They would always run straight to her. I don't know what made her want to be a nun, but she really is an inspiration. I respect her so much. She was always so patient with the kids and with me and my lack of spanish. And one thing I always loved was that she kept the babies dressed and looking nice. They never ran around with holes in their clothes. They always looked good, not like dirty little street orphans. Anyway, Sor is great.

There are three other great ladies I want to tell you about, but I don't have their pictures, so here they are anyway.

Patricia Arnold. She taught me to channel my inner goddess. She's a true free spirit. And that's something I want to be one day.

Silly Green. This lady took me to so many girls camps throughout the years. She really taught me to be silly.
Mrs. Currie. The Currinator. My favorite high school teacher. She dragged my butt all over the place; San Diego, the Grand Canyon, Hawaii. Those are my favorite high school memories. She also gave me words to live by, "Live young."

I love all these ladies. They've taught me so much about, well, so much. I hope one day to be as great a lady as they already are.

I'm sick

2011-04-30T21:53:00.003-06:00

I am sick. And I've been feeling this way for about three weeks. Basically my tonsils are rebelling and decided it would be a good idea to triple in size. I can't eat, drinking is difficult and apparently I snore now. It started out as an irritating sore throat but has grown to something beyond my comprehension levels. And it's finals week so I've got that going for me too. Today I just got fed up. After a night of no sleep because I was so sore and starving because all I've eaten the past two days is yogurt and pudding, I did what any full functioning adult would do: I called my mommy. Because sometimes when you're sick all you want is for your mom to make it better. Issue-my mom is 5 hours away. So instead of her coming to take care of me, she sent me to the E.R.. Good call. I called up my dear friend Brody to take me. And can I just say how much I love Brody? He sat with me in the E.R for a couple hours and then took me to Walmart to fill my prescription. I don't know how I'll repay you Broseph but I will. Maybe I'll break your arm so then I can take you to the hospital myself. I'll think of something.

There I am at the hospital. Mind you, this is the first E.R. visit I've had in my entire adult life. Before this, I was there when I was a little tyke. All I remember is getting an IV and a teddy bear. I got an IV this time too, but no bear. So there's that. Maybe you should reconsider your teddy bear age cut off, hospitals. Just sayin. The doctor comes in and says he'll do a strep test. I told him I had one earlier this week and it was negative. To which he responds, "So what do you want me to do?" Um I don't know, fix me? Make it so I can eat without wincing in pain? Just some suggestions. Certainly they taught you more in med school then how to do strep tests. At least just give me a hand full of Loratab and we'll call it a day.

All in all the staff that took care of me were really nice. Even the doctor was nicer when he came back to give me the results of my blood work. I think my favorite was the E.M.T student who just came out of retirement to go back to school. He was super nice, and gave me my IV. Also for some reason he thought Brody was going to school to fly helicopters. Still did a good job though.

Let me just say this; I don't really ever get sick. I've always prided myself on my ability to get over things quickly. I just like to chug a bottle of Nyqil and call it good. But I am glad I went to the E.R.. I feel way better now. But if you still want to send me flowers or get well balloons, that would be acceptable.

Def.

2011-04-25T18:11:00.003-06:00

Easter weekend was def great.
I def worked my last shift at Maverik.
I def was part of a reunion with 3/4 of the fab 4 from Ecuador.
We def played the bean game in Cafe Rio.
We were def there for 2 hours.
Our babies def got talked about.
Reminiscing def occurred.
Flan was def talked about.
The mudslide was def sung.
Def brought up def mo simp.
Def was the best lunch. Ever.

Or at least until we meet again, but with all members this time.

(Don't like my usage of the word "def"? That's ok because this post def isn't for you.)
Total Def count: 17

End of an Era

2011-04-16T12:45:00.008-06:00

Guys, sit down. We need to talk. I don't really know how to say this so I won't beat around the bush. Our very best friend, Michael Scott, is leaving Scranton and moving to Colorado. Just take that in for a minute. It's ok to be sad but this will be good for him. He'll marry Holly and finally get the happily ever after he's always wanted. I'll miss him too. Do I think Will Ferrell will do an adequate job? Yes, but the show won't go on without Scott. Let's just remember the good times ok? I made you a list of my favorite Michael Scott quotes to get nostalgic about.

"I'm very fast. I'm like Forrest Gump except... I am not an idiot."

"Battleship got me through my parents divorce. Operation got me through my vasectomy."

"This is a dream I've had...since lunch...and I'm not giving it up now."

"I hate, hate being left out. Whether it's not being picked for a team...or being picked for a team and then showing up and realizing the team doesn't exist. Or that the sport doesn't exist. I should have known. 'Poop Ball?'"

"Since I pay her salary, it is like I am paying for the wedding. Which I'm happy to do. It's a big day for Phyllis, but it's an even bigger day for me. Employer of the bride."

"The rules of shotgun are very simple and very clear. The first person to shout 'shotgun' when you're in sight of the car gets the front seat. That's how the game's played. There are no exceptions for someone with a concussion."

"I just...I fell in love with these kids. And I didn't want to see them fall victim to the system. So I made em a promise. I told them if they graduated from high school, I would pay for their college education. I have made some empty promises in my life, but hands down, that was the most generous."

"This is our receptionist Pam. If you think she's cute now, you should have seen her a couple of years ago."

"Yeah I went hunting once. Shot a deer in the leg. Had to kill it with a shovel. Took about an hour. Why do you ask?"

"Yes. It is true. I, Michael Scott, am signing up with an online dating service. Thousands of people have done it, and I am going to do it. I need a user name, and I have a great one. 'Little Kid Lover'. That way people know exactly where my priorities are at."

"Toby is in HR, which technically means he works for corporate, so he's really not part of our family. Also, he's divorced so he's really not part of his family."

"Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy, both. I want people to fear how much they love me."

"I don't want someone sucking up to me because they think I'm going to help their career. I want them sucking up to me because they genuinely love me."

(as Prison Mike) "The worst thing about prison was the...the dementors. They were flying all over the place and they were scary and they'd come down and suck the soul out of your body and it hurt!"

"They asked for cash, but you know, I give them cash every week. So how much cash does a person need? I have taken it on myself to do something a little more special. I have painted a portrait of the two them, from memory. And I have another one of them in the nude. But that one is for me."

(as Date Mike) "Hi I'm Date Mike. Nice to meet me. How do you like your eggs in the morning?"

And finally....

"That's what she said."

So let's all raise our "World's Best Boss" mugs and give a toast to Michael Scott.

Three Wolf Tee

2011-04-06T20:17:00.005-06:00

The Internet is a great thing. It has the power to reconnect old friends, find love and sell crap. The other great thing that goes along with selling crap is customer reviews. So you can read about an item from a real person who really bought it. Amazon has this feature. Without further adieu, I bring you the Three Wolf Tee and it's reviews.

See this? After reading the reviews, you'll want ten I promise.

One happy customer said:

"This item has wolves on it, which makes it intrinsically sweet and worth 5 stars by itself, but once I tried it on, that's when the magic happened. After checking to ensure that the shirt would properly cover my girth, I walked from my trailer to Wal-Mart with the shirt on and was immediately approached by women. The women knew from the wolves on my shirt that I, like a wolf, am a mysterious loner, who knows how to 'howl at the moon' from time to time (if you catch my drift!). The women that approached me wanted to know if I would be their boyfriend and/or give them money for something they called mehth. I told them no, because they didn't have enough teeth, and frankly a man with a wolf-shirt shouldn't settle for the first thing that comes to him. I arrived at Wal-Mart, mounted my courtesy -scooter (walking is such a drag!) sitting side saddle so that my wolves would show. While I was browsing tube socks, I could hear aroused asthmatic breathing behind me. I turned around to see a slightly sweaty dream in sweatpants and flip-flops standing there. She told me she liked the wolves on my shirt, I told her I wanted to howl at her moon. She offered me a swig from her mountain dew, and I drove my scooter, with her shuffling along side out the door and into the rest of our lives. Thank you, wolf shirt.

Pros: Fits my girthy frame, has wolves on it, attracts women.

Cons: Only 3 wolves (could probably use a few more on the 'guns'), cannot see wolves when sitting with arms crossed, wolves would have been better if they glowed in the dark."

Sadly, not everyone is as satisfied with this product. Here's a negative review:

"The effect that this t-shirt has on women is pretty impressive. Unfortunately its natural healing powers reversed my vasectomy and I impregnated nine women in two weeks before I realized. They all had twin boys. Now I have 18 sons and spend most of my money on child support and condoms."

With great power, comes great responsibility. Use t-shirt wisely.

Ketchup

2011-03-25T15:54:00.004-06:00

Remember that 101 things in 1001 days list I said I was going to do? Totally on it. I named this post ketchup as in catch up. Because I have some catching up to do on the list. Get it? Anyway, lame jokes aside, check out what I've managed to complete. P.S. It's out of order so...get over it.

#43-Buy Toms. Check it, my very own Toms. Let me tell you a little story. There once was a girl who had no money because she was in college and college is expensive. But one day a magical fairy came to the girl. The fairy said, "Helllloooo Girl, my name is the American Government. I have a gift for you based on all the gold you've given the kingdom throughout the year." "What is this magical gift?" the girl asked. The fairy said,"It's called an income tax and it's all yours to do whatever you wish with." Well the girl thought and thought long and hard about what she could use the magical gift for. She could give it to the land lord and continue to live in her cottage. Or she could by food and continue to eat. Finally the girl made a decision. She said, "Screw it, I want me some Toms." So that's what the girl did. And now she has Toms and some one else has Toms because that's how they roll.

#100-Find a Banksy. I'll admit, I'm a new fan to the Banksy band wagon. Right after the semester started, my dear friend Justine said, "Hey, watch 'Exit Through the Gift Shop'." So I did and now Banksy is my new hero. If you're unaware of who Banksy is, just know he is basically awesome. He's a graffiti artist out of England. Sometimes he pops into America to paint on some walls. Yes, his artwork, by definition, is vandalism. But it's not just any run of the mill graffiti of the male anatomy or four letter words. It's actual art. And he makes a political statement with it. Did I mention no one knows his real identity? How rad is that? By now, you're wondering why I would mention a random movie and how did I manage to find a Banksy if the majority of his work shows up in England/L.A./far away from me. Here's how it goes down. "Exit Through the Gift Shop" is a documentary Banksy made. It originally was suppose to be about Banksy, but the guy making it kind of sucked...a lot. Long story short, Banksy takes over and makes the film about the guy who wanted to make a film about him. Got all that? Good, I'll keep going. "Exit Through the Gift Shop" showed at the Sundance Film Festival. Which is in Park City, Utah. Which is about 45 minutes away from my hometown. And low and behold some of Banksy's art showed up around Park City and Salt Lake City. Over spring break, me and Lindsay did a tour de Utah. We started out in Ogden and ended up in Park City. Where we found Banksy. TA-DA! And number 100 is off the list like that. We found the above picture on the side of a coffee shop in down town Park City. It's so much better in real life. Most the other Banksys in Utah have been covered, but not this guy. Hizzah!

#69-Last a week without Facebook. I'll admit, I purposely decided to do this one during spring break. Because A) I worked most of spring break so I had something to fill my time instead of wasting it. B) I was with my family and not bored so I didn't need Facebook. C) We have tv at my house so I could fill my down time with that instead of the computer. Cheating? Nope, not at all. Just giving myself an advantage. And I've got to say, it was nice taking a break. It was nice not seeing the same ol crap all day long. The same annoying few who think I want to know what every second of their day was filled with. And it was also nice being productive and not a stalker. Maybe I should give this one a second shot. I'll save it for finals week.

Friday! Friday! Friday!

2011-03-22T16:39:00.006-06:00

Ok I can't sit here and act like I don't love Rebecca Black's song "Friday". And I dare you to watch it and NOT instantly download it. It's beautiful. It's how my generation will be remembered and I'm proud of that fact.

But in reality, I think, nay I know, Ark Music Factory owes the American people and their clients an apology. The music they produce is just...just terrible. Hilarious too. Don't get me wrong, finding out that Thursday was yesterday, Friday is today, Saturday is next then afterwards comes Sunday was the highlight of my week. Finally! A way to remember the days of the week. I just feel bad because Ark Music Factory has made music videos for anyone with a tween daughter with a hunger to preform and 2 grand lying around. And you can tell those precious lil pop stars are singing their hearts out. But now everyone just makes fun of them. Vicious cycle.

Can we talk about the videos themselves for a minute? First of all, I'm pretty sure I could make a better music video with the camera on my cell phone. Or by making a flip book. Because really, what's cooler then a flip book? Second of all, who is the creepy rapper trollin (thank you Charlie Sheen) in the back ground? I'll be honest, I watched a few because it's a hot mess vortex that sucks you in and gets awesome lyrics stuck in your head. In one, a girl has a crush on a boy (AWWWWWW). She's goes dancing with her friends and just can't figure out how to get this boy to notice her. Then rapper MC Creepster pops in the 16 & under dance club she's at. Naturally they proceed to sing/rap together and I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure she was singing about him. And I think he's encouraging her school girl crush. Also the kids in the club start a pillow fight. Ummm...what? Yeah I'm worried too.

Long story short. You get what you pay for. You put a lot of time and effort and blood, sweat, tears in honing your craft, you may not ever be famous, but people will respect you. You give some company $2000 you get "Friday" and referenced on Tosh.0.

Unless of course you're Willow Smith. Then you're just born with Tiger's Blood and are ready to go.

Rambling

2011-03-15T20:45:00.005-06:00

With the upcoming nuptials of Prince William, it's got me thinking: How do you even meet a prince? I mean, according to the magazines and what not, they met at college. But this just raises more questions for me. What does a prince major in? Is there a course for country ruling? Why even go to college? I mean, you're basically set for a career and that's really the whole reason to go to school. If you're dating the prince of your country, do you act like you don't know anything about his family and life so you can ask those awkward first date questions? And what about when you meet his family for the first time, do you wear your best outfit and curtsy or do you go casual? I feel stressed out and I'm not even marrying the guy.
Know that voice command thing on cell phones? The one where the lady says, "Please say command" and you yell "Call Mom" and then it says, "Did you say call Wanda?" and then you yell "No!"? Does anyone use them? I just feel like it's not convenient at all. Isn't it way faster to just go to the Mom contact and hit call?
Where do peacocks originate from? Is there anywhere in the world where there are large flocks of peacocks roaming free? You always see them in zoos and at the Playboy mansion, but are they ever free?
I know I'm a dumb townee? city girl? non farm/ranch girl? Alright I don't know the proper terminology for what I am, but I don't understand how they give cow pregnancy test. I just don't get it.
On the subject of cows, is the plural of cow "cows" or "cattle"?

Spring break has been very productive for me.

Day 30-Someone I Miss

2011-03-10T13:12:00.002-07:00

I miss this little girl so stinking much. She was my ultimate favorite. She loved snacks. Whenever we would go on walks and one of the workers would pull out an orange or cookies or something, she'd always jump up and down and clap her hands. I remember once we had a fiesta. There was a bounce house and snacks set up on tables out in the back yard. She circled the snack tables like a little shark. She also loved whenever we'd sing songs. Pati, one of the nurses, was always singing songs with her. And she would sit there and try to sing along and do the actions with Pati. She was always chattering away in some language she made up. And no, it wasn't Spanish and I just didn't understand. I loved how she'd say my name when I'd walk into the cuna. "kel-SEY!" With an emphasis on the last part. Whenever I'd ask her what my name was, she'd always say it simple. "Kelsey". Almost like "Duh don't you know you're own name?" She'd always try to tell me she was poopy, even when she wasn't. She would always yell "Acho!" and "Al caballo!" She thought it was hilarious to tell the volunteers no and go to the horse. (Side note: The horse was a play horse the kids would get set on if they were being extra naughty because they couldn't get down.) She's probably one of the most fearless kids I've ever met. She loved the teeter toters and climbing up things. And oh man! Did I tell you about her cute little fat rolls? She had the cutest fat rolls on her arms and legs. And the sweetest dimples. Basically I just miss everything about this little girl.

I still dream about Ecuador a lot and she's always in those dreams. Before I left, I heard about the "Baby Nigthmares". Dreams former volunteers had where their kids were in danger and they couldn't do anything to help them. I've never had a baby nightmare. Whenever I dream about Ecuador, I'm just back at shift playing with the kids and taking care of them. And those are the best dreams ever if you ask me.

(Editor's note- I miss all my kids, I'm just using her as kind of a representative because I feel like I talk about the kids as a whole a lot. And it's nice to talk about one specific one sometimes.)

Day 29- A Picture That Always Makes Me Smile

2011-03-09T12:26:00.001-07:00

I'm not a big fan of emoticons but :-D.

Day 28- Something I'm Arfraid Of

2011-03-08T17:18:00.004-07:00

My biggest fear is that people will use up all the gas in the world then we can't see our families or mow our lawns and the environment will be all gross and nasty because we used up all the gas in the world and the air qualitity will be poor and we won't be able to breath and we'll have to wear gas masks to go outside.

Ok not really. But I am pro not wearing gas masks. My real biggest fear is that I'll have a masters degree and still work at a gas station. I'm scared I'll end up in a job I hate just to pay bills. I can't do anything fun and follow any of my dreams because I have to work. That car won't pay for itself! I don't want to be miserable the rest of my life. That's why I'm in college right? What if I spend all this time and money to go into a field that a few years down the road, I find out it's not what it's cracked up to be? I think when I really exam my biggest fear and get to the root of it, I'm scared of being alive but not living. Of wasting a perfectly good lifetime waiting for it to be over. And where's the fun in that?

Day 27- Me and a Family Member

2011-03-07T15:14:00.004-07:00

Ah Toast, my little baby sister. It took my parents 3 tries, but they finally it right.

Day 26- Something That Means A Lot to Me

2011-03-06T16:59:00.004-07:00

I can't think of any that means more to me then my memories. If there were a fire, I'd save my pictures and my laptop. My laptop only because that's were all my pictures of the babies are. So here are a few of my favorites memories, or life moments as I like to call them.

The Taking Back Sunday concert. It was the first of many many epic (and some not so epic) concerts. At the end of the show, the crowd started chanting "Make Damn Sure. Make Damn Sure" and the band came out and sang their most popular song. Pure magic.

Bull fights in Ecuador. Alright, maybe not so much the actual bull fighting. But it was part of the Fiesta de Quito. My favorite moment here was when the whole crowd yelled "Que Viva!" That's the most Ecuadorian I felt the whole time. I'm not sure why most of my life moments include being part of a crowd but hey it was awesome.

Life moment number 3. When I shot my first elk. After a few good hours of crawling around the desert waiting for the right moment was all worth it in the end.

Other moments:

When the babies starting recognizing me and would yell my name when I walked into the cunas.
Graduating high school.
Graduating Casper College.
Swinging on the swings with Aleja and seeing her sweet little smile.
All you can eat crab night in Casper. And yes I did challenge that.
Putting my rabbit, Clairabell, in the basket of my bike and riding around with her in it.
The Adam Sandwich.
Learning to ski.
The most amazing, delicious, incredible chocolate pie I've ever had in my life at the Pie Shop in Otovalo
That incredible tall Asian man I saw at the Gateway mall that one time.

25- Me Last Year and How I've Changed

2011-03-04T15:20:00.004-07:00

Hellloooo Kelsey from the past. I see you still have that flannel and curly hair. But sadly, no giant bottle of chocolate. I wasn't really sure what picture to put up so I went with this one because it was taken last year during spring break. And it's almost spring break. Yup this is me and all my glory at the Hersey store in Times Square.

How have I changed? Well, my hair is shorter, I've been to another country, I graduated from Casper College, I no longer live in the dorms and once I get the ok from my insurance, I'll be able to switch my gender....finally. Ok so one of those is a lie. I've never been out of the country. I really don't think I've changed much. Every year I think back to the year before. To the things I did, stuff I said, thoughts I thought and I always think, "Holy crap, I'm an idiot." Usually that's followed by a quick montage of how I'm so mature and wise today. Being honest, I'm still an idiot.

Day 24-Something I Wish I Could Change

2011-03-03T13:12:00.004-07:00

I wish little kids didn't have to suffer because of the stupidity of adults. I wish I could give all kids families who love them and take care of them. I wish all kids could have the same opportunities I do; college, a job, disposable income, a car, a house, food. I wish I could make this planet a better place for kids to grow up in.

Day 23- Favorite Book

2011-03-01T14:02:00.005-07:00

How appropriate is it that I'm writing this in the library? I love this book. I love this book. Did I mention I love this book? Whenever someone says they need a new book to read, I suggest this one. Khaled Hosseini also wrote "The Kite Runner". Yeah he's legit.

"A Thousand Splendid Suns" is about two women in Kabul who happen to be married to the same guy. But it's about so much more than that. It's about their constant struggle to survive. Their husband is an abusive prick and they live during the time that the Taliban came into power. It's such a powerful book. It makes me all choked up every time I read it. I'm not doing it justice. Go read it for yourself. Seriously, go out and get your own copy or borrow mine. It's amazing.

Day 22- Something I Wish I was Better at

2011-02-28T17:38:00.003-07:00

I stink at keeping in touch with people. I have a problem remembering things that aren't right in front of me. That could be why procrastination is such an issue with me. Anyways, I feel like I don't talk to people I don't see regularly enough then, I'm totally out of the loop when I do see them. Long story short, I wish I could keep in touch better.

Day 21- Something I wish I Could Forget

2011-02-27T16:20:00.005-07:00

This movie. I wish I could forget this movie. It. Sucks. The only reason I watched it was because redbox didn't have "Precious". I should of known from the very first scene how bad this movie would be. And I don't mean bad as in scandalous or naughty, I mean bad as in everything about this movie was just...just awful. The acting is terrible to non existent, there really isn't a plot and it tries too hard to be edgy. To myself I thought," It's about chick rockers, that's awesome. Yeah sure Kristen Stewart is in it but how bad could it be?" Oh how wrong I was. Seriously, "The Runaways" is just an excuse for Dakota Fanning to dress like a slutty ballerina and Kristen Stewart to swear and not be in love with vampires. If you ever get the chance to see this movie, don't do it. You'll thank me later.

Day 20- Somewhere I'd Like to Travel

2011-02-26T11:28:00.004-07:00

Greece is my motherland. My great grandpa immigrated from Greece to America. And I love me some Greek food. Gyros and baklava and lamb oh my! Look how beautiful it is? Really, who doesn't want to go there?

Day 19- A Habit I Wish I Didn't Have

2011-02-25T12:28:00.003-07:00

Need I say more? I procrastinate. A lot. I know how to change it, I guess I'm just too lazy. Or maybe I'll change later.

Day 18- Favorite Place

2011-02-23T12:23:00.005-07:00

Ah Grand Tetons. Is it possible to take a bad picture of you? Didn't think so. You are so majestic. In my eyes, you are Wyoming's only redeeming quality. I've lived in this great square state my entire life and never witnessed anything like you. Devil's Tower ain't got nothing on you. I've endured -40 degree weather, snow in July, wind that could pick up a buffalo, Dick Cheney being the most famous person from this state and the eternal ugliness that is Rock Springs. You make it all worth it. One sight of you and everything makes sense again. Covered in snow, you are just as beautiful as in the summer time, with trees and flowers blooming all around your base.

I've never felt this way about another mountain range before. I think you might be the one. Dare I say it? Yes, I dare. I love you, Grand Tetons.

Day 17- Biggest Insecurity

2011-02-22T11:17:00.004-07:00

Hi, my name is Kelsey and I'm shy. Those who know me well will look at that and say,"No way! She's like the loudest person I know!" Remember when we first met? What was I like? I was quiet and shy and awkward. Once you got to know me though I was still awkward but more outgoing and talkative. I don't like talking to people I don't know. Not because I'm a jerk, but because I don't know what to say. It takes me a little while to figure out a new person. I am loud and obnoxious when you get to know me. I like to think that I'm pretty funny too. But I just don't know what to say to people. What if I say something I think is funny but they don't? And I hate those forced conversations. Those ones where you're in class and the teacher tells you to introduce yourself to the person next to you. My shyness isn't just one on one either. I hate hate hate public speaking. School presentations and talks in church are the worst. I get super nervous and start talking in a monotone voice. And I get all sorts of nervous twitches, like playing with my hair or fiddling with my hands. I always talk way faster then intended. I hate that I'm this way. It does make me feel insecure because I know that the person I'm with isn't seeing the real me. To all those future people I will meet: Don't give up on me. Just give me some time to warm up and figure you out. Don't write me off right away. Please?

Day 16- Someone I've Been Friends with the Longest...

2011-02-21T14:23:00.004-07:00

...And still feel close to.

See that tall, goofy guy with the fohawk? That's my friend Brody. I honestly don't remember meeting him. When I was 4 ish I moved across the street from Brody and his family. I've known him forever. Brody and his brother and sister would play with me and my sisters almost everyday. We would spend hours riding bikes all over our neighborhood, always going home when the street lights turned on. Brody (or Boob as we call him sometimes. But that's another story for a different day) is one of the few people I know I can trust completely. I know that whenever I'm in a jam, he'd be willing to help. I go to him for advice basically all the time. He helped me when I had questions on my student loans and when I wasn't sure weather or not I should drop a class, he helped me weigh the pros and cons. And that's just been since January. He tells me I'm a good person when I don't feel like I am. And most importantly he believes in me. I love this Boob. He's been a rock for me when I needed it. We fight sometimes. Actually I wouldn't call it fighting, it's more like bickering. But I've never been mad at him. I doubt I could stay mad at him if I tried. For all these reasons and more he will always be in my life and close to me.

Day 15- Something I Want to Do Before I Die

2011-02-09T12:45:00.007-07:00

What do I want to do before I die? That's a hard question. I want to do so much. I don't have any desire to jump out of a plane or learn to scuba. But when I really think about it, all I want to do is travel. Cliche? Yes, but it's what I want. If Ecuador taught me anything, it's that there is a huge world out there. I want to experience different cultures. When someone says," I'd love to go to ____ and do ____" I want to say I've done that. When I'm a little old lady and my grandkids go through my attic, I want them to find jewelry from China, drums from Africa and nesting dolls from Russia. I want to look through my photo albums and see pictures of famous places like the Taj Mahal or the Sistine Chapel. My most favorite memories are of driving cross country to Nauvoo with my family and going other places with good friends. Long story short, I want to travel. Everywhere. And I want to experience whatever that new place I'm in has to offer me.

Day 14- My Favorite Pastime

2011-02-09T12:45:00.005-07:00

Ok ok, so I'm slightly behind. My sister came to visit me this weekend so we were too busy playing to blog. But here I am, catching up. And today's (or rather Saturday's) prompt is my favorite pastime.

Not going to lie, I love watching TV. I'm a reality show junkie. Yes I have seen Jersey Shore, Keeping Up With the Kardashians and Teen Mom. And pretty much any other trashy reality show out there. Remember, I didn't say I loved these shows, just that I've seen them. I usually watch until I have no more faith in my generation then flip the channel. I also love naughty cartoons. The Simpsons, South Park, Family Guy, all of them. I can't help it, they're hilarious. I just like watching TV.

I wouldn't dare call myself a gamer. I've done nothing to earn the title. I do, however, have an xbox 360, but I don't have xbox live and I would never stand in line for hours for the new COD. But I love Left 4 Dead. Lindsay bought it a couple months ago and we play pretty much whenever we're together. It's basically about a zombie apocalypse and you're one of four survivors trying to escape. You fight your way through 5 levels. Once you've reached the fifth level, it's the grand finale and you got to fight off hoards and hoards of zombies before the rescue helicopter/truck/boat/plane comes to save you. It's pretty epic if I say so myself.

Finally, music. I love listening to music. I do it all the time. My favorite part of the day is when I walk to class, listening to my ipod. If the right song comes on it pumps me up for the day. I also basically love music videos. I spend a lot of time looking up and watching music videos. I'm pretty sure in alternate universe land, I'm a music video director.

There you have it. My favorite pastimes.

Day 13-My Favorite Band

2011-02-09T12:44:00.010-07:00

I love music. And I think I have a pretty broad range of musical taste. It was hard to think of my favorite band. But after reviewing my ipod, I have more Breaking Benjamin songs then anything else. I like listening to them when I work out or am in a fighting mood or just when I'm relaxing and doing homework. They are epic. I'm not sure if they are my ultimate favorite but I do like them. A lot. I would even venture to say I love them. OK I do love them. I've never seen them in concert but if they ever came to a town near me, I'd be upfront by the stage.

Bands that came close:

Anberlin
Taking Back Sunday
Rise Against
The Used
Three Days Grace
Brand New
Linkin Park
30 Seconds to Mars
Angels and Airwaves
Tenacious D

Day 12- Something I Love

2011-02-09T12:44:00.008-07:00

Alright today is something I love. I'll try to make this an extra cheery post since yesterday I got a little caught up in the "something I hate" prompt.

My family. Dang, aren't we a good looking, slightly awkward, bunch? What would I do with out them? They always pick me up when I'm down. And I know I have their love and support on any adventure I go on.
Ecuador and brown babies. Some of my best memories are with these kids. I love them to pieces. I loved walking into the orphanage and hearing a little chorus of holas and hearing my name in their little baby voices. I loved taking them for walks and crawling around on my hands and knees growling and chasing them. I'm just going to say it, brown babies (more specifically Ecuadorian babies) are the cutest babies in the world. Go ahead and try to prove me wrong, but I doubt even my own kids will change my mind.

My friends. I don't really see them much anymore, on account of us all growing up and stuff, but I love them. I've known all of them since middle/elementary school. And that is a long time. We've made a lot of good memories and I'm pretty sure we still have more to make.A good thunderstorm. I love when lightening strikes and floods the room with light and thunder rolls and shakes the whole house. It sends chills up my spine, but the good kind.

Transformers. I feel like everyone has that movie franchise that they love. Like Harry Potter, Star Wars or Indiana Jones. Transformers is mine. I almost cried in the 2nd one when Optimus Prime was killed. And I didn't even cry during Old Yeller. Oh and you better believe that I will be first in line when the 3rd one comes out on July 1, 2011.

What else do I love?

Betsy and Gunner. The naughty, spoiled, shedding mutts I call my dogs. Gah I love them.
Hunting. I've been tagging along with my dad for as long as I can remember. I love the rush I get right before and right after I pull the trigger.
The color blue. It's my favorite.
Guacamole. I would eat it on my pancakes. It's good on everything.
Going to concerts. I love the thrill of live music, I love mosh pits and I even love the sweaty grossness that results afterwards.
Getting some one a present they actually like.
Chocolate. I wouldn't be my mother's daughter if I didn't add that.
Finding money in my pockets or at the bottom of the washer.
Thinking of something funny that happened, then laughing out loud because it was so funny, then seeing the looks of everyone around me because they think I'm crazy.
Greek food. So greasy, so delicious.
Family Guy, American Dad, The Simpson's, Bob's Burgers, South Park and any other inappropriate cartoon you can think of.
Curling up with a good book.

See? I'm not just full of hate. I love stuff too.

Day 11- Something I Hate

2011-02-09T12:42:00.007-07:00

Something I hate huh? Hate is a strong word but I was able to come up with a few things I dislike. I mean if these things were vaporized by a giant laser, my heart wouldn't be broken.

I hate using the same napkin more then twice. If I use one side of it, I have to flip it over and use the other side. I hate dirty napkins. They gross me out. Whenever I eat something I always end up with a pile of nasty napkins. Not only do I hate using them, but I don't even want to see them. I always try to hide them under my plate but sometimes the pile gets too big and my plate ends up lopsided. And I really hate when they are balled up. I have to fold them to make them look less disgusting.

Onions. I hate them. I hate their texture, I hate their smell, I hate how they are oddly juicy. I can't stand onions in my food. I have to give myself a mental pep talk whenever I eat something with a ton of onions in it and I have to be polite and eat the whole thing. They make me gag.

Birds. I hate them so much. Everything about them freaks me out. Their claws, their wings, their beaks. I don't think they're pretty or beautiful or anything. I only like to eat birds. And by birds I mean chicken and turkey. I hate all birds. Except bald eagles. They are so majestic.

Annoying fan girls. More specifically Bielbers and Twihards. Get a life. Bieber is Canadian. CANADIAN! I just want to know why you insane Bieber fans think it's OK to send death threats via twitter to anyone who beats Biebs out of an award. I'll take you seriously when you grow a pair and say it to their faces. Why am I not a hypocrite? Because I will gladly tell any crazy Bieber fan that they are indeed crazy to their faces. And Twilight? Really? Could there be a more poorly written series out there? The characters all blow and there isn't even a plot. In 20, or less, years no one will remember Twilight. And if you think it'll show up in English classes as a "Great American Classic" you are mistaken.

Stuff I didn't find pictures for:

Annoying Facebook people. When you put "I don't understand", "Life is soooo hard" or any variation of, you are an attention whore. Stop, it's not cute. Statuses are saved for song lyrics, movies quotes and funny sayings. Don't ruin it. Also, if you have an album titled ":)<3>
Jersey Shore. Enough said.
Anything that comes out of Ann Coulter or Sarah Palin's mouths.
Kids in classes that ask question just to sound smart.
People who think money is the all important factor in life.
Actors who think they can sing and singers who think they can act.
Whatever is on Lady Gaga's head right now.

OK well this put me in a spiteful mood. Tomorrow will be better because it's stuff I love. Maybe if I would have planned better the love one could have been on Valentines Day. I hate that I don't plan better.

Day 10- Someone I See Myself Marrying in the Future

2011-02-09T12:42:00.004-07:00

I'm not currently in the market for a spouse. But whoever I do marry better be hilarious like James Franco...

Charming and good looking like Channing Tatum....

And tan and athletic like Cristiano Ronaldo.
I hope you're out there Jaminng Ronaldo.

Day 9-The Person Who Has Gotten Me Through The Most

2011-02-09T12:41:00.008-07:00

Look at these gangstas. Picking one person is just not going to happen. So I pick all of them; My sisters, my parents and my grandparents. They've gotten me through a lot. I mean, my life really isn't that drama filled but they've always been there. Sometimes with tough love, telling me to buck up and deal with the problem. And sometimes by letting me just cry it out.

Day 8- A Picture That Makes Me Laugh

2011-02-09T12:41:00.005-07:00

The picture that always makes me laugh is in 2 parts. You see, this is the night of our banquet. It's kind of like graduation in OSSO. Our last big party before we went home. These two pictures make always make me laugh for one simple reason, our faces. Look at the intensity and concentration before we jump and the pure bliss and joy while we're in the air. We're kind of dramatic. Maybe just a little.

Day 7-A Picture That Shows My True Self

2011-02-09T12:40:00.007-07:00

Uncontrollable curly hair? Check. Cute coordinating yet stylish outfit? Check. Bare feet? Check. Something for my hands to play with because I'm a fiddler? Check. Are my eyes closed or squinty because that's how I look in every picture? Yes. Dead animal? Check. Yup I'd say this picture covers all the basics of my true self.

Day 6- Somewhere I've Been

2011-02-09T12:40:00.005-07:00

Quito, Ecuador. Oh you are pretty. And wonderful.

Day 5- My Favorite Memory

2011-02-09T12:39:00.002-07:00

The scene: Hawaii March 2008. We're at a luau hosted by our hotel. I'm the with EHS After School Adventures club. ASA by the way is NOT a club we made up so we could call our trip a "field trip" in order to legitimize the whole thing. We were there to study volcanoes. It was serious business I assure you. No fun was had.

At our luau, there was a huge buffet. Being our daring selves, me and Tasha grab one of everything. We also grabbed sushi. The above picture is my first experience with sushi. It was also my last. Picking a favorite memory was hard. I have been fortunate enough to have a lot to choose from. Is this my ultimate favorite memory that will flash before my eyes during a near death experience or an epiphany of my life? No. But my Hawaiian adventure, as a whole, is definitely a top 5 memory. So instead of posting a majestic picture of waves or beaches, I picked this picture mostly because it is hilarious.

Day 4- A Picture of My Day

2011-02-09T12:37:00.002-07:00

A picture of my day. What could I put as a picture of my day? I could take a picture of a beautiful sunset or a picture of me hanging out with friends. I could maybe even try to find a meadow with some deer in it or something. So why is a plumbing truck the picture of my day? Because this picture has a way better story behind it. You see yesterday I was in the bathroom. While the toilet was flushing, I managed to knock over one of those glade air freshener cans right in the bowl. You know that big white lid on said air freshener cans? Yup, it popped off and went straight down the hole of no return. After saying a few swears and making sure nothing was overflowing, I went to class. Because in my mind, if you act like it didn't happen, the problem will fix itself. I come back from class only to find that my toilet still isn't flushing. Not overflowing or anything, just not flushing. Which is kind of a big thing for toilets. Problem did not solve itself. After calling the land lord and a plumber, I got an appointment for someone to come remove the lid from my pipes. With my land lord more or less saying,"Because you're a klutz, you know you're going to have to pay for it right?" Yes I am well aware. Fast forward to today, oh about 20 minutes ago, the plumber showed up. And within 5 minutes had that stupid plastic lid out. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why a plumbing truck is the picture of my day. (Basically this is a milestone. It's the first time I've ever called a plumber. Adults say what?)

Day 3- Cast of My Favorite Show

2011-02-08T10:35:00.004-07:00

The Buried Life. I love me some TV so figuring out my favorite was a real doozy. (Also, I just used the word "doozy". That's weird). I thought about doing The Office, 30 Rock, Modern Family and Family Guy. But when it comes down to it, I love these guys. If you're unfamiliar, The Buried Life is a documentary series on MTV. You know how we all make bucket list? Well these four (hilarious, good looking, charismatic) guys gave up on real life and are trying to complete their list. Who doesn't want to do that? Their list is interesting to say the least. Items include, but aren't limited to; streaking and getting away with it, crash a Playboy party, ask out the girl of your dreams, play ball with Obama and throw the biggest party of the year. To make it better, every time they cross something off their list, they help a stranger cross something off theirs'. I've seen them reunite family members, give computers to an underfunded school and help people face their fears. Also did I mention I basically have a collective crush on all of them? Yeah, I love this show.

Day 2- Me and the Person I've Been Closest to the Longest

2011-02-07T12:18:00.003-07:00

This is my sister Lindsay. I think it's fair to say that I've known her longer then anyone else (excluding parents). My first memory is when I was 2 and she was freshly born. I remember my mom telling me not to poke her eyes. So I poked her eyes. My second earliest memory is when the bird flew into our house. Me and Linds were playing in the other room and I remember hiding behind the door so if the bird flew into our room, it would attack her and I could escape. I haven't always been the best sister, but now I love her and wouldn't want a bird to attack her. Sometime in high school we went from being sisters to friends. She's the first one I tell when I have good or bad news. She keeps me humble when I'm full of myself and she makes me laugh when I'm mad. And unfortunately for her, she's always the first one I go to with my problems. For all these reasons and more Lindsay is the person I'm closest to.

Day 1- Me with 10 Facts

2011-02-06T16:49:00.004-07:00

My favorite color is blue.
I have an intense love for the Transformers movies.
I've lived in Wyoming my whole life.
I can't wait to move out of Wyoming.
I'd love to live in Oregon or North Carolina.
My favorite food is pizza.
My sisters are my best friends.
I miss my Ecuador babies.
The song I'm currently obsessed with is "From Heads Unworthy" by Rise Against.
And yes I am still rocking the van.

Becky, I'm stealing your idea

2011-02-05T20:18:00.004-07:00

# 55 on my 101 in 1001 is to complete the 365 picture challenge. After attempting to do that and failing miserably, I decided to switch it to the 30 days of enlightenment challenge. Why? Because I realized I don't see that many different and interesing things everyday and because it's my list and I can change whatever my heart desires. So for the next 30 days, you will see a picture along with the assigned prompt.

Day 1- You with 10 facts.
Day 2- Yourself and the person you have been the closest with the longest.
Day 3- Cast from your favorite show.
Day 4- A picture of your day.
Day 5- Your favorite memory.
Day 6- Somewhere you've been.
Day 7- A picture that shows your true self.
Day 8- A picture that makes you laugh.
Day 9- The person who has gotten you through the most.
Day 10- Someone you see yourself marrying in the future.
Day 11- Something you hate.
Day 12- Something you love.
Day 13- Your favorite band or artist.
Day 14- Your favorite past time.
Day 15- Something you want to do before you die.
Day 16- Someone you've been friends with the longest and still feel connected to.
Day 17- Biggest insecurity.
Day 18- Favorite place.
Day 19- A habit you wish you didn't have.
Day 20- Somewhere you'd love to travel.
Day 21- Something you wish you could forget
Day 22- Something you wish you were better at.
Day 23- Favorite book.
Day 24- Something you wish you could change.
Day 25- You last year and how you've changed since then.
Day 26- Something that means a lot to you.
Day 27- Yourself and a family member.
Day 28- Something you're afraid of.
Day 29- A picture that can always make you smile.
Day 30- Someone you miss

And yes, I am stealing my friend Becky's idea and doing this on my blog instead of facebook. Enjoy!

Damn you Leo

2011-02-04T12:33:00.004-07:00

Today I had a test in psych class. Yesterday I literally spent hours in the library studying. Last night I dreamed that I couldn't spell my last name right on the scantron. Every time I wrote "Brinkerhoff" I would look up and there would be random P's or Z's or numbers. It kept changing! And I couldn't fill in the bubbles right. By the time I figured out how to spell my name right, the rest of the class was done with their tests.

Then, as I was filling out my bubble sheet, thinking about my crazy dream, I look at my name. It spelt "Kelsy". My only explanation is that a Japanese millionaire hired Leonardo DiCaprio to incept my dreams so I put the wrong name on my test. That's obviously it. It has nothing to do with the fact that I'm an idiot and can't spell my name. Now I just have to figure out why a Japanese millionaire is trying to break into my head.

I'm on to you.

The Nothing Post

2011-01-29T18:27:00.006-07:00

I feel the need to blog. I like blogging, mostly because I like to write. And I get a little high every time someone says they read my blog and it made them laugh. Issue? I have nothing to blog about. Yeah not a thing.

I could blog about Ecuador again. I could constantly talk about Ecuador. But I don't know how many times I can say what an amazing experience it was before everyone stops listening.

Then there's always school. Is there any topic more boring than school? I don't think so. Let's see; I wake up, go to school, eat lunch, go back to classes, come home and study. There. You're caught up on my activities.

Maybe I'll talk about how I'm thinking about switching majors. But I'm looking at Public Relations. So I'd take the same classes as I would be for journalism. Not really a stretch or a new challenge.

Well I did go to UW Idol last night. I suppose I could write about that. It was some what interesting. Just picture American Idol the UW version. There were some good singers. Then there were decent. And then there was the french foreign exchange student who didn't realize we were making fun of her during her version of "Hit Me Baby One More Time" and then randomly ran back up onstage ten minutes later to sing "Oops I Did it Again".

Yeah sorry. I'm a dud. I've got nothing worth saying. Here's a cool picture I found on the Internet to make up for it.

Yeah some guy create it with sidewalk chalk. Obviously he's got more going on than I do.

Do-Si-Do or Something

2011-01-13T17:03:00.003-07:00

It's almost been a week since I said goodbye to the familiarities of Evanston and hello to the newest chapter in my life, Laramie. There are many differences between Laramie and Casper, the last place I was at college before transferring.

In order to get in touch with Laramie's cultural side, I went swing dancing last night. Ok let me rephrase that; I went with one of my friends and watched him swing dance while I talked with some people I knew on the side lines. What were you thinking? You don't know how to dance! You think you can do these things Nemo but you can't! Yup that's basically what my inner dialogue looked liked.

I can't dance. It's fine, I've grown to accept this as my cross to bear in life. I'm totally cool with it. Remember that Will Ferrell skit from SNL called Janet Reno's Dance Party? Yeah I'm Janet Reno in that scenario. Dang it, I try but it's...it's just painful.

Swing dancing truly blows my mind. There is no "feeling the music" or "going with the flow". There are steps and style and timing and all sorts of shizz. And you freakin better know the steps, because if you don't, you will be hit. Literally, another couple will swing into you or your partner just may drop you or send you sailing across the floor.

So I respect you, swing dancers. It looks hard and scary and I want nothing to do with it. I tip my hat to you

Don't Cry for Me, Ecuador

2011-01-03T18:12:00.005-07:00

I've complained about birds, edible roaches and parasites. Now let me tell you what I really think about Ecuador. It was the time of my life. That trip was the best decision I've ever made. Even if it was a guarantee that I'd get a parasite 10 times more powerful then the one I had, I'd go back in heartbeat.

For two and a half months I played mommy to 28 of the sweetest, greatest, smartest kids in the world. I woke them up, bathed them, dressed them, brushed their teeth, fed them breakfast lunch and dinner, changed their bums and kissed their bo bos. I played with them, I taught them what I knew (well the best I could with the Spanish I had), I took them for walks, picked them up when they fell and kissed their little faces every moment I could. At the risk of sounding dramatic, I felt like they were mine. I still feel like they are mine.

I've never felt so much love for any other human being (the exception being family). I'd do anything for my babies. They make me insanely happy. Everything they do is cute. Everything they do makes me proud. During my time with them, I was probably the happiest I had been in my life. I woke up everyday at 6:00 in the morning, ready and excited to go to shift. That's never happened in my life and I don't know if it ever will happen again. Needless to say, I'm not a morning kind of kid. I worked 9 hour days, 6 days a week. Sounds exhausting right? It was, but I never dreaded going, I never didn't want to go.

If I could say anything to them, it'd be this: I love you babies. I love you with all my heart, from the bottom of my heart. I have so many hopes and dreams for you. Know that just because your parents abandoned, you doesn't mean you aren't loved. You are loved very much by a lot of people. Sor Alba loves you, the workers love you, the other chicas de OSSO love and I love you. All of you are special to me in your own way. My best and favorite memories are of you. Everyday that I was with you, you made me proud. I was proud to know you and to be seen with you. I feel so honored and blessed I got to work with you and care for all of you. There will never be anyone or anything that can take your place. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I miss you so much it hurts sometimes. I don't know when, but I will come see you again. I don't worry about you because I know you're in good hands and I know you're being well taken care of. All of you have great futures ahead of you. Don't let anything stand in your way. I know that as you grow up, many (if not all of you) of you won't remember me, just know that I love you always.

Two and a half months is such a short period of time. But those two and a half months have changed me. My experiences in Ecuador have probably changed me in ways I don't even know yet. I'm so grateful for my trip. And I can't imagine a life never knowing my babies.

Casa Sweet Casa

2010-12-27T20:34:00.002-07:00

I've been home for, holy crap, almost a week. And one hell of a week it's been. OK it doesn't seem that intense on the surface, but just like a Where's Waldo book, once you start looking at the details, you find that random man puking behind the bleachers at the open craft fair in the middle of the park. Right next to the dogs stealing the sandwich out of the picnic basket. Which belongs to the couple busy making out. With the old lady starring shockingly at them while knitting.

My last day in Quito started at 4:30 in the morning. By 7, I was in the air. I had 2 layovers in Miami and Dallas. I had to go back through customs in Miami. And yes, I was scared they were going to take my Kinder chocolates I had hidden in my suitcase. Don't worry, they didn't. In case anyone doubts my adulthood, I flew home alone. Yup all alone. Well, all the way to Dallas, where I met Olivia, then flew home with her. But I went through customs all alone and found all my gates and other flights before Dallas alone. Yup I'm growing up. After meeting up with Olivia, we fly from Dallas to Salt Lake City. There, we ended up waiting half an hour because our plane has a leaky toilet. After all the passengers promised we would make due with only one bathroom in first class, we headed home. Arriving at about 11:30 at night.

My welcome home party included my family...holding a Lafawnduh sign. Written on card board of course. And after hugs, gathering up my luggage and saying good bye to Olivia, I headed home. Arriving at my final destination of Evanston Wyoming at 1:30 in the morning.

There is nothing that says "Welcome Home" like a trip to the doctor. My first day home, I find my self snuggled into the couch, drinking my weight in sprite. Because I got a parasite. That's right. Have no fear, I'm sure I got it on my Amazon adventure, not in Quito. I ended up calling in sick to work the next day because standing made me want to vomit. Walking made me want to vomit even more. And my job includes both of those.

On my third day home, we go to Powell for Christmas. While in Powell, I wake up covered in hives. So now I'm on malaria medication, two different antibiotics, an anti diarrhea and an anti nausea. And I'm allergic to one of them. Time to play the guessing game. Merry Christmas!

Day Zero

2010-12-14T19:15:00.015-07:00

Because of a failure to communicate, the OSSO girls did not go to shift this afternoon. Instead of heading to our seperate rooms and being anti social for the night, we got creative. Sara found this website called the Day Zero Project. Basically it inspires people to make lists of the 101 things you want to do in 1001 days. A minnie bucket list if you will. So that's what we did today.

101 things in 1001 days

January 1, 2011-September 29, 2013

1. Get a B.A.

2. Move out of Wyoming

3. Quit Maverik

4. Come back to Ecuador

5. See Breaking Benjamin live

6. Go to Warp Tour

7. Go to the ocean

8. Finish reading 100 books

9. Do something cool for Spring Break

10. Reunion with OSSO girls

11.Throw underwear on an undertree at ski hill

12. Buy a car

13. Visit another country

14. Volunteer more

15. Learn to cook dutch oven stew

16. Learn to cook clam chowder

17. Make peach cobbler

18. Get back on friendly terms with certain people

19. Road trip of Wyoming’s finest things

20. Bungee or Base jump

21. Make a list of 100 things that make me happy

22. Walk Betsy weekly until it snows

23. Parasailing

24. Learn to drive stick shift

25. floss more

26. Learn to keep in touch better

27. Get back into Nia/Yoga

28. Get into shape

29. Eat healthier

30. Cut back, not out, pop

31. Have a conversation with a stranger on an airplane

32. Do something cool enough to get into a newspaper

33. Get better at interviewing

34. Develop better writing skills

35. North Carolina with Lindsay

36. Gretchen’s Vegas Bachelorette Party

37. Get my own dog

38. Get my own apartment

39. Take a train ride

40. Crash a big party

41. See Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”

42. New Years in Time Square

43. Own toms shoes

44. Get into hiking or mountain biking

45. Camp as much as possible

46. Discover the perfect dessert

47. Eat all the famous foods in the famous places (like cheesecake in New York or deep dish pizza in Chicago)

48. Save money for Lasik surgery

49. Take my parents out to dinner, I buy

50. 50 questions that will free your mind

51. Watch 26 movies starting with each letter from the Alphabet

52. Help out kids in America

53. Go to a Yankees vs. Red Sox game

54. Skinny dipping

55. Complete 30 day picture challenge

56. Visit Holocaust Museum in D.C.

57. Spend a night in a hammock

58. Learn to longboard

59. Buy a WII

60. Make plans and follow through with them

61. Have an article published in a real newspaper

62. Drink more milk

63. Find SVP sponsors

64. Encourage someone to volunteer with OSSO

65. Write in journal once a week

66. See my top 10 favorite songs live in concert

67. Read 20 books recommended by my peeps

68. Get to level “hard” on Guitar Hero

69. Last a week without Facebook

70. Hit up Sundance Film Festival

71. Eat a meal at Randolph, Utah’s Testical Festival

72. Go to the Hare Krishna Festival

73. Win a fight or contest

74. Listen to new bands/artists every day for a month

75. Finish any projects I start

76. Random acts of kindness for strangers

77. Volunteer abroad

78. See all of IMBD’s top 250 movie list

79. Road trip with Brody to find grad schools

80. Have a conversation using only song lyrics without the other person knowing

81. See West Side Story on Broadway

82. Visit the Museum of Modern Art

83. Learn to play poker well

84. Make and stick to a budget

85. Buy all new ski gear

86. Watch meteor shower with Laurel

87. Buy a bike, preferably with banana seat

88. Go shopping at a H & M

89. Midnight showing of Transformers 3

90. Go sailing

91. Attempt surfing

92. Recycle more often

93. Join a flash mob

94. Get rid of clothes I no longer wear

95. Get rid of clutter I no longer use

96. Make a list of my 101 favorite songs/movie quotes

97. Learn to change a tire

98. Learn to check oil

99. Go to garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores in search of treasures

100. Find a Banksy

101. Let those I love know how lucky I am to have them

This works out because going to Ecuador was the only thing I did worth blogging about. Now I can blog about my progress. And yes I know my "read 100 books during one summer" goal was a bust but I feel like 1001 days is plenty of time to accomplish this list.

Now I'm a Believer

2010-12-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

I always had issues whenever I heard people say that everything happens for a reason or that God works in mysterious ways. I couldn't figure out why random acts of violence happened or why bad things happened to good people.

That was until this........

turned into this.

Yes, I no longer have a car. Yes, I'm back to driving the gas guzzling Mormon Mobile (which seats 7 safely). And yes, paying for a new car is going to suck. But I wouldn't change a thing.

Hows that for a cheesy post?

Between Bulls and Orphans: A Love Story

2010-12-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

There, standing in the middle of the arena, she spots him. The proud handsome matador (with the metal knee he def didn't get from bull fighting...it was another kind of accident apparently. Probably during a motorcycle race but that's all speculation.) dancing a dance of death with the 418 kilo bull. It was during his sexy dance that the young humanitarian new she was in trouble. In trouble...of losing her heart. From the stands they lock eyes. Then suddenly BOOM! The bull hits the matador because he is so distracted due to her beauty.

This is the start of the novel I'm writing about today's adventure. The OSSO girls went to a bull fight. Right now in Quito, it's the Fiesta de Quito. Which basically means a city wide party for Quito. Part of the celebration included bull fights. All the matadors were from Spain and according to Sor Alba (nun in charge of SVP) they were "muy caliente". The way I see it is if a nun tells you a guy is muy caliente, check it out. And they did not disappoint. ANYWAY....

Believe it or not this was my first bull fight. I knew they killed the bulls during the fights. I think I learned that in 6th grade spanish class. Honestly, I didn't think it would bother me to see a bull die in the arena. I've seen animals die before. Heck, I've even killed them, hunting has been part of my life longer then pretty much anything else. But I wasn't totally prepared for what I signed up for today.

First the bull came out. Then like 4 or 5 matador guys waved capes at it. But they weren't the red capes or anything. It was just the warm up crew. I think they were just trying to piss the bull off. After that, one guy on a horse came out and stabbed it with this big half spear half fire poker dealy. After he stabbed it, the warm up crew taunted it some more. Then 2 more guys on horses came out. The horses were blind folded and had on a ton of padding. Probably because if they saw a bull coming at them they'd peace out of there. Those guys stabbed the bull with these giant dart looking things. Then the main matador appeared. Wearing pants so tight the Jonas Brothers would look at him and say "Ouch". Him and the bull went around for a while. He wows the audience with his mad dodging skills and the bull continues to chase the red cape. And then the band started up and the matador finished the deed. We watched three fights in total. 2 like the one I just described. The other one was just a matador on a horse. And he threw all the spears and everything into the bull himself. Then stabbed it with his sword. Then when the bull was close to death he jumped off his horse and pushed his hand onto the bull's head. I swear he used the Force to finish the bull off. Or he's the Grim Reaper. Either way it was pretty boss.

The first fight we watched was rough. Mainly because I had no idea really what to expect. And the matador took forever to kill the bull. But after getting over the intial shock of everything. It was pretty cool. And I did enjoy myself. Specially during the other 2 fights. Those matadors knew how to put on a show. Also, that's when I set eyes on Diego, my matador boyfriend.

All in all, it was an awesome cultural experience. It was cool to see something you only ever hear about. And it was great being part of a giant celebration. Whenever some one in the crowd would yell "Viva la Quito!", everyone would yell back "Que Viva!". It made me wish we had some kind of cheer like that in America.

As for an ending for my novel. I think the proud, handsome matador and the young humanitarian will run off to Fiji. But I like to write from real life experiences so if you'll excuse me, I've got a matador to fall in love with.

Dia de Foto

2010-12-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

Today was my picture day. The thing is, we work with these kids everyday for 2 or 3 months. Sometimes volunteers are here longer then that. But we only get one day to take pictures. And by day I mean shift. One single shift. And during our picture day, we still have to work. We still have to feed the kids, change bums, break up fights, etc. The pictures we walk away with are priceless. Basically, picture day is like if your birthday and Christmas got together and came trick or treating at your house dressed up like Transformers. But instead of giving them candy, they give all the pets your parents said went to farm outside of town. Enough talk! Here is a sampling of a few of my favorite pictures.

This is Hipi chewing on the handle bars.

I like this picture she looks like she's in deep thought.

Emily on the swings.
She looks like Michelle Tanner right here.

Sara is my favorite in the older group.

I love her cute little smile and she's got dimples I'd kill for.
Camilo and Vicky. We're all pretty sure they're getting married one day.

Everytime we told them to kiss, they both would get the biggest, cheesiest smiles.

Josue, Manuel and Angie.

I just love this picture because they are all looking at the camera.
Kids have short attention spans, who knew?

Emily again. She is just a doll.

Angie is the most gorgeous baby I have ever seen.

When she's a model, I'll tell everyone I used to wipe her butt.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. And after today, I've stocked up on about 20 million words. I love these kids so much. It's corny and stupid but they really do make my heart smile. Working and spending time with them everyday is a privilege. One that I'm not sure how I got but I won't be taking it for granted any time soon.

Protein

2010-11-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

So there I was...

(I felt the need to go back to my story telling roots. Pretty sure my dad is the only one who will get that.)

I'm in Sala Uno the other day with the littlest babies. For some reason there is a ton of people there. Usually it's just me and others float in and out but that day there were between 6 and 9 thousand people running around rearranging cribs, cleaning, etc. So I'm sitting in a chair against the wall so I won't be in the way. The doctor was in that day too, giving kids medicine and neubilzing one of the babies. Well everyone clears out and the doctor, Juan Carlos, comes back in the room with a small tuber ware bowl full of something. Then he says to me in english, "My lunch". My first thought, "Hey awesome! Having lunch at 9:00 in the morning, makes total sense." My second thought, "Why is he coming towards me with a creepy this-is-going-to-be-hilarious-I-can't-wait-to-tell-everyone-I-know kind of smile?"

He shows me what's in the bowl and politely offers me some of his lunch. At which point I throw up a little bit and politely say no. What's in this bowl? This mysterious lunch? Friggin cockroaches that's what. Apparently they are some kind of delicacy only available in November.

Then, the morning nurse, Sandra, comes in and gets the same creepy smile. By the way, we don't get along. Mainly because she thinks I'm an idiot 4 year old. She comes over and now I'm cornered. I'm repeating "No gracias" and "No necessito" and they continue to get closer and closer. How did this happen? The day started out with me trying to stay out of the way, doodling innocently in the Sala Uno notebook and now I'm fighting off two medical professionals who are trying to shove a bug down my throat, while looking like the bad guy from the Saw movies.

And what's their selling points? "It's protein" and "New experiences". Sandra then takes a bug and is about to literally put it in my mouth. To save myself some self respect and dignity, I take it from her and put it in my own mouth. And eat. The bug. One crunch at a time.

It was too salty.

I hate anything bird related.

2010-11-09T18:16:00.000-07:00

I already posted today and I'm not one of those kids who updates daily or anything, but I felt this story needed to be shared. And I have a few minutes on my hands so why not.

Last week, I'm at the orphanage. Not expecting anything tramatizing to happen. Not expecting any repressed memories to come surgering back. Not expecting anything out of the ordinary to happen. Little did I know, that's exactly what was about to happen to me.

I'm in Sala Tres with Olivia, another chica de OSSO. By the way, Sala Tres is the oldest group we work with, they are all one to almost two. Anyway, we go about our usual routine; baths, dressed, breakfast. Then we come to the part of the morning when we take a walk. We take the older kids for walks because they all get a little cabin fever other wise. Besides me and Olivia, Naomi goes with us. Naomi actually works for the orphanage. When she leads the walks, we go for pretty intense walks. We all have 2 kids each. Right next to the orphanage is the National Defense Center for Ecuador. And right across the street from that is a little park area. There aren't any playgrounds or anything, just a few monuements and benches.

Naomi takes us there for our walk. The kids sit down and get a snack. While they are eating their snack, two ladies come up to Naomi with a bird. It was some kind of little sparrow thing. They then tell her that they rescued the injured bird and wouldn't the orphans just love it? Sooo giving of them. Thanks for giving the orphans a flea infested, salmanila carrying, deranged injured bird.

Anyone who knows me will quickly laugh and point out the fact that I hate birds. I hate them. They freak me out. Their stupid feathers, creepy claws and wings. Gah, everything about them I hate. The only bird I like is the one covered in gravy or fried by the Coronel. As soon as Naomi takes the bird from the strange lady, I start having Nam flashbacks.

I'm taken back to the time a bird flew into our house. I was 2. I hid behind the door so it would peck out Lindsay's eyes and I could escape. Then I'm taken to the time at Hogle Zoo when Carlee and I were chased by a peacock. Next, I remember Justine's birthday party when her cockatiel went crazy and chased us around her house until we hide in the bathroom. Finally, I'm back at Maverik when the sparrow flew in and refused to leave for my entire shift. I really dislike birds. And I'm willing to bet the feeling is mutual.

I'm in, as Ron Burgundy puts it, a glass case of emotion. I know I can't freak out because then the kids will freak and Naomi will judge me. She starts showing the kids the bird. Some don't care, some don't like it, however others are intrigued. Of course, one of my favorites, Sara, loves it the most. The girl has no fear. She starts kissing the bird and rubbing her face all over it. Throw up a little bit? I did too. Even writing that made me queas.

Oh wait, the story gets better. I look over and Naomi is doing something to the bird. I don't know what but all I know is the bird then dies. It could of been from it's injuries or natural causes or all the kids just witnessed a bird mercy kill. Not judging. Sara is still intrigued so the natural thing to do is put the dead bird on her head. Good call.

Then my nightmare is complete when Naomi tries handing me the dead bird and says to throw it away. No. Way. In. Hell. I hunt. I see dead animals all the time. Putting my hands in nasty guts is the norm. But, I have drawn a line. A line I physically can't cross. Dead birds is over that line. And snakes. Snakes is over the line too.

Lucky for me, Olivia took a bullet for me and scooped it up in her apron and threw it in the trash. Thanks Liv, I owe you one.

That day I faced something that disgusts me more then anything in this world. But I want everyone to know I held it together. On the outside the only mild freak out I had was when I was asked to throw away the bird. I jumped slightly and said "NO me gusta". I think I did well. Mentally however, I was reduced to the fetal postion searching for my happy place.

Lessons from the Youngins

2010-11-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

Thus far (and yes, I did just use the word "thus") on my trip I've learned one or two things. I've learned lessons on cooking (including how to safely light a gas stove with a match), I've picked up some spanish and I'm figuring out Harry Potter's complex life...one movie at a time. But, the most important lessons I'm learning comes from the kids. And about kids in general. Up until this point, the last kid/toddler/baby I was around for extended periods of time was Laurel. And she's 14. For your entertainment and mine, I've made a list. Because I'm getting really good at lists now.

Pick your battles. Sometimes letting them cart around a piece of trash isn't worth the fight to make them put it down.
Anger is forgotton and forgiveness comes quick.
People will be more willing to do what you ask if you ask nicely instead of forcing.
Sometimes, you just need to cry.
Taking off your shoe is a sure way to get sit on someone's lap.
"CaCa" translates in every language.
All kids are mesmorized by tv.

and last but not least...

Time flies when you're having fun.

top 10

2010-10-27T12:25:00.000-06:00

This marking my third week in Ecuador, I feel like I am now equipped with enough information and experience to compare my life here and my life in the US. Without further hesitation, here are the top 10 things I love most about Ecuador:

10-The pop. It's made with real sugar or something because it's so much sweeter.
9-The rice. I don't know how they cook it, but it's delicious.
8-The fact that the other volunteers shorten words. Def mo simp.
7-Alpca blankets. I bought one at an open market and it's the warmest, most cuddlest thing I've experienced since the snuggie.
6-The little detail of no snow. I suppose I shouldn't complain too much though because if it weren't for snow, in a round about way, I wouldn't be here.
5-Yogoso (spelling). Think of a gogurt. Got that in your mind? Ok now magnify the delciousness by 60 and that is a yogoso.
4-Our awesome field trips. Easily the best way I've gotten to experience Ecuador.
3-The babies.
2-The babies.
1-Did I mention the babies? Because they are the best part of Ecuador. Everything else is just a nice bonus.

At the risk of sounding whiny, I've also decided to make a top 10 list of thing I miss most about home. Reader beware, most of these items are food.

10-Maverik hotdogs. I hate my job but it fed my addiction for Maverik hotdogs. Oooh, specially when we grill them during the summer. aahhh...
9-The Buried Life. And tv in general. But The Buried Life is one of my favorite shows that I can't find online to watch. And yes if you're wondering Hulu and MTV.com only service the States. Racists.
8-Biscuts and gravy. I have no idea why but I've been craving them since I landed.
7-Being able to go places and know how I got there. I get so disoriented here I forget which way to turn.
6-Seeing wild animals. Maybe I do have some country in me, past my skinny jeans and screamo music, because I miss seeing wild animals from the road.
5-Here's comes the selfish American. I miss english. I've found that there is a certain comfort that comes when you can eaves drop and understand the conversations around you. It's funny though because whenever we see white people, we almost get mad. Go home! We're the token whites here. There is no place for you.
4-Yellow cheese. Did you know that Ecuador doesn't have yellow cheese? Because I didn't. And the things I would do for a grill cheese sandwich are disgusting.
3-My dogs. I love those stupid mutts.
2-My friends.
1-My Family.

Once I figure out how to combine the best of both worlds, I'll let you know.

mindo, mindo, mindo

2010-10-16T10:50:00.000-06:00

After the last obnoxiously long and scatter brain post, I have made a promise to myself that will benifit anyone who reads my writings. Instead of trying to cram all of Ecuador in one post, I'll spread it out, concentrating on certain topics instead of everything.

With that being said, let me tell you about Mindo. Every Friday is "Free Friday". And yesterday for Free Friday, we went to Mindo. Mindo is a place full of your wildest adventures. We zip lined, went to a butterfly farm and went "extreme tubing" down a "white water river". I'll explain why those are in quotes in a minute.

Before I get to that, I better start at the begining. We leave our house about 7:30 and drove 2 hours. The first adventure we go on is zip lining. Mindo had 13 zip lines. Of which we did 11. So yes, I did zip line over the jungle. It was amazing. The view was to die for. At some of the zip lines we could go down with a guide and do tricks. One trick was the super man. To do this you layed flat and wrapped your legs around the guide. Basically it looked like you were flying like super man. The second trick was the butterfly. And basically you hung upside down while the guide held your legs in the air. Guess what I did?

Yes, getting in the postion for both looked some what dirty and brought on a chorus of giggles from on lookers each time some one did it.

Next was the butterfly farm. It was a pretty cute green house type of building with a million butterflies flying around. There was fruit sitting out that you could put on your nose or hand and butterflies would land on you. I didn't really have much interest in having a butterfly on my face.

Finally, the "extreme tubing" down a "white water river". It's in quotes because that's as sarcastic as I can get with one key on the keyboard. It was anything but. More of a scenic float trip then extreme tubing. The river, for those of you in Evanston, was no bigger then the Bear River. The only reason it had any bumps that were considered rapids was because it did have some huge rocks in it making waves. I guess I didn't really give it a fair chance though because once I noticed the guide in the back pushing us and the guide in the front pulling us off rocks in knee deep water, I was slightly over it. To top it off, we had to wear helmets and life jackets. Worse case scenerio, I get out and walk to the shore. But I did see some pretty scenery so it wasn't all bad. Just sayin that once you've floated the Platt River with a $5 tube from Walmart and rafted the Snake for graduation, anyone who offers you "extreme tubing" has a lot to live up to.

Now imagine flying over this on a zip line. Mindo was sweet.