Chocolate Chip Cookies

There is something in that mixture of flour, butter, sugar and chocolate that makes me emotional. I should avoid chocolate chip cookies like the plague but instead I drift towards them like I drift to sale signs that say "50% off!" If only I could stay away, but in the end I'm not strong enough and that's why I've ended up blogging. I believe it's the butter that ladens me with fat oils and emotions. Tonight it has caused feelings of missing. What do I miss you may (or may not) be asking? Well I'll tell you.
1. I miss my family. From Mom and Dad down to Emmett and Brigg. I miss them all so much and wish we could all just hang out for a couple days.
2. I miss Cedar City, it's slow paced ways, tumbleweeds and deep ditched irrigation things that scratch the bottom of my car.
3. I miss Austin... I miss him making me laugh and kissing me. (tmi?? probably.)
4. I miss Alpha Phi. It's incredible how much I work on improving our organization, how much it drains me and how much I love it.
5. I miss running... even though I did it yesterday that cursed cookie dough has made it impossible for me to run today.

That's all. Remind me next time readers... to stay away from the Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Tips for a Succesful Shopping Adventure

I realized recently that there is a swift decline in love for shopping. What has caused this?! I believe it's simply that people don't know how to shop anymore! It is not a chore, but a joy to shop!! We are women, since the time of Marie Antoinette- maybe even before, have been called upon to enjoy this blessed art. Below I provide some tips for a successful shopping adventure from someone who knows how to have a good time among the cottons and silks of the world (and even polyster)
1. decide what you need before hand! Unless you've had a bad day and just need some retail window shopping therapy not having a plan will only frustrate you!
2. Do a little pre-shopping! Feel free to wander around the internet looking for those items that you need before you head to the store. Make sure you know what you like!
3. Don't go on a day where you're like "oh i ate that whole chocolate cake!" You'll be bloated and miserable- unless you still weight 100 lbs after eating that whole cake. If you weight 100 lbs... my advice to you? Go eat another cake.
4. Be friendly to the store associates! Most don't even work on commission anymore and they're forced to offer you those ridiculous lines about 'buy one get one free'. They're there to help you and most are happy to do so!
5. Recognize if you prefer shopping alone or with a friend. It's okay if you like one better than the other.
6. Go when you have ample time. Nothing is worse than being rushed and not being able to find what you want.
7. Unless you and your mother have the same style (or she's paying) I recommend avoiding shopping with your albeit amazing maternal figure.
8. Have fun- try on things you think are hideous and cackle in the changing rooms as you model them!
9. Try new colors and styles, you never know when you might stumble upon that new "date" shirt. You know the one.... the shirt that gets all those men asking fo yo numba... if men knew how to ask for numbers anymore.
10. I like to pretend that shopping is the most epic scavenger hunt. Find good deals, listen to what sales people pitch (sometimes they are GOOD deals) and find something sexy.
You can do it anti-shoppers!!! I believe in you!!! Now - go stimulate our economy.

Inconsistency

(Inconsistency) Would be the word for my entire life. The only thing I appear to be consistent about is my inconsistency. I don't do my laundry often enough, I don't blog everyday when I say I will and I most certainly don't do my school work consistently. How do I manage in life? Haha who even knows.
Tonight I'm taking a break from Joe's Basement. I'm too inspired by the last Harry Potter movie, diet coke and a plethora of candy and treats provided to me by Kelsy.
I think that people are put in your life for a reason. Why it may not always be clear I'd like to think I have some of them figured out and I'd like to list them here... This isn't fact, just theory.
In Chronological order from who I've met from first to last.

1. My mom- well she obviously gave birth to me and that's a pretty big reason, but she has gotten me through the thick and thin. I don't know how many times that poor woman has been the brunt of my anger and anguish and I love her for everything she's done.













2. My best friend Hannah- This girl has made me laugh so hard. She's cried with me, listened to my problems, taken me to Florida. She inspires me to live (not that I want to die), she just has such passion in life (and brains) and I've always been grateful for her willingness to share that passion with me.


3. My friend Kelly Thompson- Kelly helped me live through being a teenager. She gave me guidance and fun experiences that kept me going. She was living proof that I could be okay even during high school drama.













4. My Big Sister Alicia- I honestly don't think I'd be alive without her. She's taken me to the hospital and doctors only a few times less than my mom. She's is my shining example, and one of the few people who I appreciate life advice from. I'm so blessed to have her.

5. My Little Sister Kaily- She is wild, fun, witty and full of almost constant energy. She loves so many things. We've gone through up's and down's but we've always been there for each other when it mattered.
6. My Roommate Michelle- Michelle has taught me how to be a clean person. I know that sounds silly, but she really does make me clean my room! She also taught me how to pay a bill. Michelle is someone that would literally give you the shirt off her back (as long as she had appropriate attire on underneath) and do it happily. She is on top of her shiz and inspires me to do the same.
7. Austin Taylor- The only boy I've mentioned on here so far... Austin never judges me and he knows some downright awful and embarrassing things about me. From him I learned the lesson I will always be okay. Life is hard, but you will always be okay. I feel as if I owe him a debt of gratitude for showing me how to be a better person, while still remaining true to my personality.

...and last but not least!!!
8. My new-found friend Kelsy- Part of me almost believe we were separated at birth... and two years... since she's 2 years older than me. Although we've only known each other a short time I think she is one of the most fantastic people I've had the pleasure of encountering. We've already shared so much, especially as far as calories go, and I hope we stay friends for a long time. It's been a challenging summer and she's aided me in my efforts of self-improvement and fun, both of which I am very appreciate of.

There are many many more people of whom I could list, but off the top of my head and for the sake of my need to get to bed, I'm stopping myself. If only that temptation of my sweet bed and pillow hadn't consumed me. At least I'm consistent in my love and almost constant desire to sleep.

Joe's Basment: Part One: Episode 4

All the inspiration that was lacking in Saturday's post has now been delivered in this one. Friends, it is time to speak about Jane. Our first female featured on Joe's Basment; Jane deserves this honor. She is one of our darling hostesses. She seats people in a fine manner and gives excellent kitchen tours. Jane is about 5' 5" and reminds me of a blonde koala bear, she has the half blonde half dark hair thing goin on. She's 21 and only four days after her birthday she went to vegas with 11 of her other friends and had an awesome time. She enjoys Twilight and Harry Potter. You can often find her at VFW Bar on Tuesday nights, since they have bud lights for $.75. Jane really is a nice girl, she quizzes me on menu items and tells me what to study for my food test, she is informative and friendly.
Other than the fact that she likes to travel and has been to Hawaii and Puerto Rico, and that her best friend is getting married August 21 and she's not too happy about it, there's not a lot about Jane that I can tell you. Although I am quickly discovering that people who work in restaurants are kinda hardcore. They make pot brownies, smoke a lot of pot, and get black out drunk often. They also do shrooms! They also talk about all of this at work. I don't have a lot to contribute to these conversations, but I thoroughly enjoy listening to them. I don't believe that Jane is going to school, just working the buca life. And really, what more could a girl want? Nothing is better than that sweet buca life.

Joes Basement: Part One: Episode 3

I have received no great inspiration as to which one of my beloved fellow buca workers will be portrayed next, so I'll stick with a classic: Pedro. Pedro is our salad and dessert man. He is a back of house worker. That doesn't mean that literally he works in the back of the house, which I'll admit, I didn't understand that term at first. All of our back of house staff, excluding the dishwashers, help bring food out, which is actually cool and really helpful and something that the garden house totally stunk at (both being cool and helpful).
Pedro is quite old-fashioned and not a big talker. However, he does enjoy being talked to. In fact he insists that whenever he brings out a dish to one of your tables that you say either "Thank you Pedro." or "Gracias Pedro." He will not put the dish down until you audibly speak either (or both) of those. While this often annoys other servers, and I'm sure will eventually annoy me, I currently am charmed by this demand.
Pedro has to be at least 40, with a round face, glasses and about 5'10". I like to think that he enjoys his work, since I see him literally every time I am there. He likes to remind me to smile, which is something that I believe everyone tends to forget to do at work. Little else is known about Pedro's personal life to me, considering we have a small language barrier. He speaks fluent Spanish! I speak fluent Not Spanish. I like to think of Pedro as a bachelor, who lives his life in decent modesty. He supports a family back in Mexico- smaller siblings and parents, and hopes to one day be able to sneak them across the border (or maybe legally do it too). Sometimes I envision Pedro out on the town and doing his grocery shopping, getting frustrated when the cashiers don't say "Gracias Pedro." I picture him with a decent apartment in downtown salt lake, and drinking a cold beverage in a lawn chair after a long busy night.... Of course this is all in my imagination and he may have a family of 6 and not even be from Mexico! But until our language barrier is burst, you stay classy Pedro and enjoy that cold beverage. You deserve it.

Joe's Basement: Part 1: Episode 2

Due to his extreme popularity, or his self-belief of popularity I am forced to call our Manager/Owner of Buca Di Beppo, by something other than his already common name. For the time being he will be John.
John is I'd say in late 40's or early 50's. He wears a gold chain under his typically plum colored dress shirts and I'm not sure if he's tan all year round or just because he got back from a family trip (that was supposedly very pricey- according to him) to Disneyland. Standing at around 6 ft and an average build he's decent looking for his age. I'm reminded of a blend of Ralph Lauren, The Situation from Jersey Shore, and since he's a little bizarre, Albert Einstein.He has two kids (one son and daughter)... I think.... and has been working for Buca since it opened 10 years ago. He started as a chef, moved to head chef and eventually became the store manager. He likes it working for the franchise since, "It's basically like I run my own restaurant, but when something breaks, guess whose pocket it doesn't come out of? Yeah, that's right. Not Mine."
He is perhaps one of the most friendly managers you will ever meet. He insists on greeting every table (with around 100 tables that must be challenging on the busy nights) and like Cody he is a talker. He reminds me of a science teacher I once had, I believe the subject was chemistry. This teacher was the kind of teacher who when you asked a question proceeded to tell you the mysteries of life and basically everything you wanted to know except the answer. How is this possible? Well I still haven't figure that out. Since he failed to notice that I was an hour late to work yesterday (for good reason!) I'll let it slip... this time.

Joe's Basement: Part One

Buca Di Beppo, which translates as "Joe's Basement" is my current work environment. It has it's ups and downs, as do most places, but my favorite part is that we pride ourselves on being the "#1 place for celebratory dining." (See page 4 of the server training guide). What this really means is that people don't usually just go to the Basement for your regular ole' dinner. People come to the Basement to hang out and have a party, so they're usually pretty happy!
The Best (and worst) part of where you work always seems to be the people that you work with. In the blogs following this one I will introduce you to every employee at Joe's Basement. Of course I'll tell the slightly scandalous, so anonymous names will be used. If you prod me however I'm sure you'll find out whose who. (This seemed way more interesting and easy than doing stupid things before I die)

Today you'll hear about my beloved Cameron (name has been changed). I started training with Cameron and so far we've worked every shift together. The lucky duck already even has a nick name- Bieber, on account of his hair looking like Justin Biebers. Eventually I think it will just get shortened to Bieb, because one of the things Cameron likes to do is abbreviate things. I find his constant need to abbreviate unusual since he is one of the most talkative people I know. He likes to repeat often was just said to him. I'll recite a conversation that was had the other night.
"We always like to greet everyone that comes in- almost like we're welcoming them to our home!" - Our Boss
"So it's like you want to make everyone feel comfortable, like "Oh hey! Welcome to Buca!" yeah that totally makes sense, people love feeling like they're comfortable."
In my mind I often think- "really?! Did you need to say that?!" Luckily I have a morsel of self-control. Cameron is also 21, he likes to smoke pot with the claim that it calms his A.D.D. He has a girlfriend who he refuses to see chick flicks with and he wears a banana republic shirt to work. I got my work shirt at the D.I. Imagine how un-trendy I felt when that news was received. He's a good server, but doesn't know the food very well and tonight tried to describe a wine as "spicy." He however, is kind and offers to help me and show me how to do things (even though it's usually the wrong way). He also loves food and loves cooking. He once shared with me that he goes home and tries to re-create our Buca Dishes. Best of luck to you Cameron and I can't wait till we both start serving!
And that will wrap up Part One of Joe's Basement.

Date #2

Name: Bryan
Age: 24
Location of Date: Gateway Mall/ California Pizza Kitchen
Part of the original message I got from him: "So here is a little about myself and I hope it sounds appealing. I'm going to BYU right now and studying Statistics. Sounds so fun right! Pretty much everyone I meet loves statistics so I'm sure that you are no exception ;) I am fairly sarcastic. I have a pretty dry sense of humor. I served a mission and have been home for almost 3 years now.
So I guess that's a start on getting to know me. Hope you are intrigued ;)"
Can I just note that this outfit is exactly what he wore on our date? Bryan is a little shy, but I give him props for being the first guy to ask me out on a real date. I have a feeling that if every guy out there was as polite as him that this 30 day thing would result in me having a lot of leftovers, since I can't seem to finish a meal. That is the one word I would pick to describe Bryan- polite. He was careful not to say anything that could even be considered offensive, and he didn't seem to have too many surprising opinions. Which is unfortunate since opinions stimulate discussions. Little to say if we weren't agreeing on something the subject was quickly changed. He wasn't very outgoing but was... polite to all we came into contact with. I believe that with a little confidence, gumption and a spoonful more personality and spunk Bryan would make a great first date.
I'm giving this date another 2 out of 5 stars.
Come on men out there- make me laugh already!

Date #1

Date #1:
Name: Ray
Age: 23
Original message I received from him:" I agree... and you're honest I like that. Do you like anything besides kissing? Like polo or wingsuit flying?"
(On my profile it says I like kissing, running and chess... I really only do two of those activities, I'll let you guess which two)
For our date, Ray and I were supposed to meet up for 4th of July fireworks in Murray Park, however both of us got there, couldn't find each other and so we watched the fireworks from opposite sides of the park. After they were over we met up and sat on the grass and talked. Ray did a decent amount of talking and I did a decent amount of question asking. (Thank you to Rush for teaching me how to ask more than yes or no questions...). Ray was very nice, openly blunt but didn't really catch onto my constant sarcasm. Ray would be great for you if you're a girl that's interested in video games and if you don't wear jeggings, they're one of his biggest pet peeves. He also really likes sports, anything except baseball. Overall a nice guy, but I loathe video games, so I don't think it'll work out too well.
I'd give this first date 2 stars out of 5.

A Date a Day: The Plan.

For the next couple of days this blog will be better than your favorite romantic comedy. I am going to go on a date a day (or close to it). I recently joined an lds dating site, upon encouragement from my friend... we'll call her Kelsy. She also paid for it, as an early birthday present... which if you're ever wondering what to get someone for their birthday, let me tell you haha there's nothing quite like this gift.

Half of the guys on this site are total odd-balls that are 47, bald and still put up their high school graduation picture from the 70's. Then there's a quarter that just want some action- plain and simple. As long as you have all your appendages and are of the female gender they will make out with you. Then there's the group of what I like to call "life maybe's". They are the guys that are okay to go out on dates with. Remember though, they're not life rejects or creepers... they're just the boys that got swept under the rug of life. Those are the boys that you'll hear about on my dates. (I'll try and get pictures of each of them too).

Stay tuned for Date #1!!!!
P.S. This is more for the sake of my fascination with people than to find my one true love.

Death Be Not Proud

One of my favorite things about summer is that I get to read for fun. So far this summer I've read Gone with the Wind, The Alchemist and now Death Be Not Proud. It's an amazing memoir about a boys struggle with a brain tumor, written by his father John Gunther. It takes you on a journey of a struggle with life and death and the acceptance of both. It's inspiring, while remaining raw and real. Truly a great read that gives wonderful perspective on life. It reminded me that so much goes unappreciated. All the joys of life are so commonly overlooked, it has prompted me to try and notice the incredible and intense beauty that lies all around.