Technical Difficulties

I just realized today that the link to my new blog on the last post wasn't working.

I'm kinda embarrassed. Sorry.

This one works, I promise.

www.calipalooza-2.blogspot.com

New Blog

So, apparently, I have exceeded my photo upload allotment for this blog.

It really sucks and I'm totally bugged.

But, rather than pay for extra storage, I'm just going to start a new blog.

I'm not happy about it, but I'm too cheap to pay.

So, my new blog is:

 

www.calipalooza-2.blogspot.com

(I'm fully aware that I'm not that creative).

Futbol

I have been wanting to go to a Real Salt Lake game for a while. Years, actually.

There's nothing wrong with incredibly attractive men running around chasing a ball.

Nothing at all.

I went with 2 of my favorite gals, Kristie and Amelia.

We had a lot of fun.

My favorite player was #7 (also my fav#) Fabian Espindola. He is really good and was all over the field gettin' stuff done. Very fun to watch.

(I got this photo here)

I actually agreed to go and bought my ticket, then later found out it was an area mid-singles activity. Had I known what it really was, I for sure would not have gone. I know I'm a 'mid-single,' but the activities absolutely scare me. They are awkward and painful and give me anxiety. As we were leaving for the game, Kristie told us that the dance afterward was cancelled.

What?!

We were planning on going to a mid-singles' dance?

No way. There is no way in HELL(o kitty) that I would've gone to a dance afterward. I probably just would have started walking home from Salt Lake and they could've picked me up at point of the mountain on their way home. I didn't even like dances when I was 16 and I don't think there is ever a reason for adults (single or not) to hold a dance. Not ever.

But, thankfully, I was spared that horrible experience.

Actually, we didn't really talk to anyone or have to socialize at all, which was fine by me. (Except the creepy guy behind us who meowed the whole game. So annoying). Basically, I have a bad attitude and want to be a lonely hermit for the rest of my life.

I probably need to try harder. I'll start Monday. :)

Graveyard Birthday

Today was such a great day!

Last year, for Erica's birthday, I gave her The Rock, so I wanted to do something great this year too.

I love decorating for holidays and when I get to decorate for someone, it's even more fun. I love Halloween decorations and since Erica is 41 years old - officially IN her forties, I decided to decorate her cube like a graveyard.

I knew she would love it.

The biggest problem is that not many stores carry graveyard paraphernalia in July, so it was tough to find what I needed. I got 10 small (really cool) headstones on eBay and found a few things at Michael's - thankfully, they get stocked for Halloween early.

The best part though was the dry ice. It was so awesome! It's my new favorite thing.

Nothing's better than a scary, foggy graveyard.

The birthday girl! She's one of my very favorite people.

The 'fog' made it's way over to her work space. So awesome.

I'm so glad Erica is such a great sport. She loved it!

Jordan and I were talking about showing excitement this morning. She said that she's had to adjust back to the American way of being excited. I have totally forgotten that Latinos are overly excited about the smallest things. I think it's so great. She said that her feelings were a little hurt that we didn't jump up and down about the presents she brought us back from Argentina. That made me feel a little sad, but she was quick to say that we just don't get as excited as the people in Argentina about presents and stuff. I think it's best to err on the side of over-excitement, so I'm going to work on that. To help people know how I appreciate them and their kindness.

Erica is really good about that. She was so happy all day and was overly excited about her celebration.

But, how can you not be excited about a foggy cemetery in your cubicle?!

Winning!

My dad emailed the family this gem today.

I've been laughing about it all day

It's seriously one of my favorite pictures, and today's the first time I've seen it.

Not sure why we're holding our other hands, maybe for leverage?

Regardless, I am clearly winning.

Winning!


Which reminds me of a story that my dad tells about when Kyle (above) and I were little. I was probably 2 so Kyle was 3 and a half or 4 and we were all hanging out outside when Kyle pulled up on my trike ---> MY trike. Well, apparently, I freaked out (so glad I've grown out of that!  ha, ha) and chased him as he went behind a car. My dad isn't sure exactly what happened, but he heard some thumps and cries and I came out from behind the car riding my trike.


I'm sure I was very pleased with myself.




I had to be scrappy to survive as the 3rd child.




Kyle says he remembers it crystal clear and that he lovingly got off my trike and handed it over to me.






Yeah, I'm sure that's exactly how it went.

Cinder

About 15 years ago, when I was a sophomore in college (I know...I'm old), a friend of mine found the smallest, most adorable little black kitty who needed a home.

She was seriously the smallest kitten I had ever seen.

I'm such a sucker for kittens, so I rescued her and made my parents take her home to Idaho because I couldn't keep her at my apartment. My dad named her Cinder and she has been a part of the family ever since.

Oh, and she's evil. Did I mention that? Especially in her old age. She will hiss and growl if anyone other than my dad gets within 5 feet of her. But, it's not all the time. Sometimes, she is the most cuddly little creature, then when she's done being pet (petted?), she hisses at you and runs away.

Oh, and every single other cat we've had in the past 15 years has either met a very unfortunate end or just disappeared altogether.

Like I said...EVIL - like the fruits of the devil.

A couple of years ago, I was at my parents' house for the weekend. It must have been Thanksgiving or Christmas because the only available bed was in the loft, so that's where I slept. (Yeah, since I'm single, I get last dibs for beds so I usually get the couch or the loft. Rude). For some reason, Cinder was extra cuddly that night and insisted on sleeping with me and when I say extra cuddly, I mean literally laying on my face. It was really annoying and I dropped her to the floor more than once, but she would always come right back.

The next morning at breakfast, I mentioned how friendly Cinder was the night before and my dad said, "Oh, she has worms."

Of course she does.

Best news ever.

Stupid cat. 

"Uh, do you have an extra deworming pill I can take immediately?"

But, I do have some sad news. Cinder has been missing for 2.5 days. I know it's not uncommon for some cats to leave for days at a time, but it's not normal for her. She always 'checks in' with my parents every couple of hours. My parents are pretty sad. I just hope she went quickly, even though she was evil.

Maybe she found a new home, but probably not. She probably got eaten by some wild animal since my parents live so close to the wild frontier.

This is the #1 reason I don't have any pets. It's just too hard when they get sick or die.

Rest in peace Cinder. We'll see you on the other side.

love this.

Superstitious

Happy Friday the 13th!

This day has never been bad for me, but I'm not very superstitious.

I mean, I don't walk over grates or sewers, but that's just for safety, not because I'm superstitious.

Contrary to the norm, I had a pretty craptastic day today...a couple of them really. But, I got this fortune today, so hopefully things are looking up.

I can be superstitious today, I guess.

I sure hope so.

(there's not beer in that red Solo cup, I promise - although, it might have made work more bearable today).

Living The Dream

This pretty much sums up my day...

got this on Pinterest

Lola & Penny

I love that Lola has a garage mate.

Her sister Penny.

Best buds.

Criminal

Apparently, I'm going through a rebellious phase.

And it involves shoplifting.

On Thursday morning, after I almost died from hitting a construction barrel, I stopped by Smith's and got a bagel and a single-serve package of cream cheese.

When I got to work and got my bagel out of the bag, I realized that I didn't pay for the cream cheese.

Oops.

Last night, I stopped by AlphaGraphics in Provo to print some address labels that I designed. (I am learning all kinds of new graphic design stuff and I'm so excited!) The girl had some problems getting them printed and it took about 25 minutes.

When she was finally done, I grabbed my labels, thanked her and left.

At least I was polite.

I didn't realize that I hadn't paid for my copies until I was almost home. I called right away but they were already closed.

I know the grand total of both items is less than $3, but honesty is the best policy.

So, between my 2 shop-lifting extravaganzas and the fact that both my drivers license and my car registration are currently expired, I think it's best that I keep a low profile.

Happy 4th!

I'm so in love with my iPhone lens. It makes me take pictures of stupid things.

I just can't help myself.

This was when I was waiting for Jordan to get her butt out of bed so we could see the hot air balloon launch. I thought if I waited in the car she would hurry faster.

It didn't really work.

And, we missed the launch. It's ok. I had a hard time getting up too and there were like 5 billion people in attendance so there was no place to park within 10 miles of the launch pad/park. And, the wind was blowing so much that the balloons never got too high. They just got above the tree line and went directly to their landing spots.

But, we did get to see some as we drove to Ihop for some breakfast.

Can you see the balloon?!

Yes, I was driving in all of these pictures.

Safety first.

(I just showed Jordan the above pictures and she said, "I didn't know you took pictures while we were driving." Really?! I literally had to reach over her to take them. #observantmuch).




Here are a couple of pics Amelia took from her office window. I'm so jealous of her view. All I see at work is my cubicle wall...

Yum. We had strawberry crepes. Delicious.

And, don't forget bacon. Jordan was in heaven. She loves her some bacon and hasn't had it since before her mission.

(It was still really early which is why she looks tired).

There was a parade in Provo and it's a pretty big deal to a lot of people. So many people camp out to save spots. That's some serious dedication/insanity.

I'm so not a parade person. I think I have crowd-induced anxiety. And man, was there a crowd. It was ridiculous. I dropped Jordan off semi-close to her group of friends then it took me 20 minutes, lots of turning around and a few choice words just to find my way out of Provo. Not only was University Ave closed, but so was Center Street and 900 East.

Seriously annoying.

I went home showered and went back to bed. I was not wasting sleeping-in time on my rare day off. For lunch, Jordan and I went to a BBQ with some family friends that we've known since I was a baby.

In the afternoon, I went to the movie Rock of Ages with my friend Rachelle.

It was hands-down the WORST movie I have ever, ever seen. And, 2 of my friends had already seen it and didn't warn me that it was so awful. I really wish we had walked out. Our whole entire row left, but we stuck it out. Unfortunately. I guess I just hoped that it would get good at some point.

It did not.

Please don't see it.

I seriously wanted to clean my movie palate right away and immediately go to a better one, but we went to Ruby River instead.

I'm not much of a steak lover, but I had 6 ounces of steak heaven. It was so great. Mixed with the delicious garlic mashed potatoes, I was one happy gal.

Rachelle and I were going to go to Park City but they cancelled their fireworks show because most of Utah is currently burning, so we decided just to find a high spot in Utah County and enjoy the Staduim of Fire fireworks.

We found a pretty sweet spot up on the bench next to my old 'hood.

I didn't get any good ones of the actual fireworks (not really surprising) so you'll have to believe me that it's a good spot and the fireworks were cool. And the best part is that I got home in under 15 minutes.

It would have been A LOT longer if I had actually gone to Stadium of Fire.

***

On my way to work the next morning, I almost died.

Well, Lola (my car) almost died.

I was in the far left lane (you know, the fast one) when all of a sudden a HUGE orange barrel started rolling into my lane from the left hand side.

It was basically the size of my car.

AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!

I couldn't move over because there was so much traffic so I scootched all the way over to the right side of the lane and braced for impact.

I had no other choice.

However, by some major miracle, I didn't even touch it. I have no idea how it happened. I had to have missed it by mere centimeters. 

I got this image here.

The Toyota Corolla behind me did not have as good of luck and he totally hit it. I'm sure it banged up his car some.

***

I saw this on Facebook the other day.

I love Matty. I hope he comes in concert again soon. And that I can go this time.

Question

How do you get your kids to clean their room?

I'm having a bit of a problem with my child and her unwillingness to clean.

It really doesn't bother me, I just like to make fun of her. When do I try to mother her, she is quick to remind me that she is almost 24.

She'll always be 5 to me.

Quality Time at the Range

We spent Family Home Evening at the Orem Rec Center Gun Range.

It was so fun.

Here's my posse.

They've got mad skills.

This is Jordan and her non-boyfriend David.

She says he's not her boyfriend, but he's at my house every single day.

She's freaking been home for TWO WEEKS!! SLOW DOWN!!!!!

This was Jordan's first time at the range.

She was so scared.

Such a wimp.

And, this her first time shooting. Not sure how she missed out on that growing up in Idaho and all, but she did.

And, she absolutely sucks at shooting.

Here's the proof:

I was so worried she was going to drop the gun and kill someone. I mean, seriously, does she have no muscles in her hands?!

(Sorry that I sound like such a freak. I'm kind of embarrassed).

Yeah, she shot about 20 times and only hit the paper (not even the target) once.

Bless her heart.

Good times.

A Little Bit Country

I went to the Strawberry Days Rodeo in Pleasant Grove yesterday. Well, first, I did home inspections all day long.

It was 105 degrees at one point.

I was literally melting. It was so painful. But...I got 30 INSPECTIONS done! It was definitely a miracle, which I totally needed because I am behind and need to get caught up ASAP.

When I got home - after I drank a gallon of cold water - I laid on my bed and was reading a book in front of a fan. I reached to the top of my head and felt a bump. I thought it was a bug bite and was totally grossed out. But then I felt another, and another. In fact, the whole top of my head was covered in bumps. Not just little bumps, but big welts.

What the...?

So, unless a very hungry little bug was nesting up there (I promise that I wash my hair every single day, without fail), I had hives as a manifestation of heat stroke.

So embarrassing.

Sorry if that's TMI...

Thankfully, as soon as I cooled down, they went away.

***

A little while later (after spending an hour looking for my stupid debit card - found it!), I met up with some of my pals and we headed to the rodeo in PG. It was still blazing saddles and a little rough being outside but I was optimistic that it was going to be a good time.

We got to the rodeo grounds right at 7 and the stands were already completely full. Crowds are not really my thing, especially when it's 100+ degrees, but I had spent $15 on the ticket, so I was determined to have a good time. Other friends were supposed to already have been there saving seats, but they weren't so we had to push into the crowd and find some open space. We found an area with some vacancies and most of the people were super nice (I say most because one guy was a complete tool - so unnecessary) and scooted over to make room. I think a total of 20 people eventually showed up to sit with us, so we were lucky to make room. 

Bleachers are never comfortable but these were the most ridiculous ones ever constructed. There was literally 6 inches between the seat part of the bleachers down to the next seat. No room for anyone's legs. So, I was straddling the guy in front of me and the guy behind me was straddling me...and I didn't know either one of them.

So awkward.

Plus, my back started killing me about the first 5 minutes, so I was seriously tempted to leave. However, there was no way I was getting out of there. I was praying there wasn't a fire because we all would have burned - no way out. It was the biggest game of sardines I have ever been a part of.

And did I mention that it was 5,000 degrees?!

However, despite the less than ideal conditions, I had a good time. Once the rodeo action started anyway. Very entertaining.

I don't really understand what possesses people to participate in rodeos, but I'm glad they do because they are so fun to watch.

Plus, I kinda like going back to my Idaho roots.

Cowgirl Amelia.

And, the night ended with a (literal) bang - a little fireworks show.

There's never anything wrong with that.

And, I got a real cowboy hat. I even went to Cal Ranch - twice cuz I couldn't find my debit card the first time (see above).

I figure since I now live in Spanish Fork, I'll be using it a lot.