Scurr Du Soleil.

Don't worry, there are no pictures to coincide with this post. You've seen just about enough.

2011-11-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

I enjoy my handful of reality shows, but come. On. Who out there is passing around the Kardashian Koolaid? Kim is beautiful, no doubt there, and I’m sure she has wonders for the confidence of curvy women. More importantly, she has shown us common folk that we can be successful, loaded, and famous without any sort of knowledge, talent, prior experience, connections…basically anything save a video camera (although we must pay homage to Paris Hilton for pioneering that gold lined road).

The whole Kardashian clan gets a Mary Poppin’s bag full of cash for appearances, interviews, exclusive photos, etc etc etc, and it’s still not enough to avoid Kim having to pull a publicity stunt. She gets paid for her wedding photos, more interviews, pictures, and an almost free wedding thanks to the caterers clawing for attention and hoping their name is shown on the however-many-hours wedding special? Conveniently, this “heartbreak” leads to even more self-prostituted money. Call me heartless, but I don’t feel bad at all. After all the hoopla, I’d stay married for at least a FEW more months…or at least enough time that people could calculate my marriage in months instead of days. But, that’s just me.

At least if she had attempted this sort of thing with Reggie Bush, it would have been a smidge more believable and wouldn’t warrant people wanting to burn their eyes out with cinnamon Altoids in the checkout isle after seeing Kim’s face there for yet another month. Where’s Britney shaving her head when you need her?

Huh.

2011-10-28T14:45:00.000-07:00

Brian and I have both shared a similar “Where am I?” moment the past couple of weeks.

(Brian during a confusing time when he worked at a lube shop for a few weeks in Feb. and had a work alias--"Carl." Looove him for not being to proud to work ANY job while there are no jobs in construction!)

I can’t speak for Brian, but my moment happened while I was working at the salon. I had a client sitting in my chair, and after a quick consultation, I went clicking away on ankle booties to mix color. I did the usual… glanced through my color inventory, mixed up a (hopefully genius) color concoction, took a swig of Cherry Coke, and went clicking back in. I was just a few foils into a masterpiece when it hit me. “HOW THE (HECK) DID I GET HERE??” Wait… wait. I’m 25? And I’ve been married for two years? I do hair? But I went to school. We’re still paying off school. And when did my hips get so wide? How did this happen? HOW DID I GET HERE?!

I was still sloshing color around in the bowl and pondering this after my client was processing. I was still thinking and almost laughing about how random events and chance decisions lead me to this exact moment. And…it all happened so quickly! Not in any negative way, I mean, I love my life. I LOVE my job and my husband. But… living in Las Vegas and working in a salon was never something I had envisioned even a few years ago, although Ashton the Hairstylist beats the pants off Mrs. Scurr the English teacher in the fun department.

How. Am. I. Here?

Have you done that? I hope this is a common moment of disorientation for 20-somethings.

I figure this will happen again when I have three crying kids, a flat tire on my mini-van and mascara on only one eye. Or when I realized I’ve turned into my mom, whichever comes first.

Pan Am.

2011-10-12T13:14:00.001-07:00

You need to watch my new faaaavorite show.

The 60's clothes, hair, makeup, and traveling give even any Real Housewife a run for her money.

Nine Ten Eleven.

2011-09-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

Not only was 9/10/11 a marathon wedding day, it was also my big birthday this year! After having my crazy, ridiculously fun friends around in Utah to plot some hilarious birthday events in years past, I was anticipating this year being much mellower. You know, a bubble bath and chocolate type of birthday. Brian had to work, and my parents had a wedding to attend. The week of, I felt a little disappointed to not have such close friends around. I flipped through old pictures on my computer instead. Some past birthdays my friends had schemed:

The surprise party with a gorilla stipper/dancer, who came and left in costume and remains anonymous to this day.

Lots of fun birthday dinners

A bag pipe player arriving at my door to play “Happy Birthday,” and then casually walking away. Unfortunately, no picture outside of the vivid memory in my head.

Oatmeal, the hamster.

A tutu party!

Then I realized I was being a self-absorbed, birthday princess of a woman, so I cut it out and fished out a bubble bath bottle from under my sink. And yet, it was never used! Brian sure surprised me!

He was so sweet to me my whole birthday week, even compromising his masculinity to escort me to Fashion’s Night Out.

Then, I was taken back enough to see Natalie walking into my house that I didn’t have much of a reaction…it didn’t process for a minute that Brian surprised me by flying her down for my birthday weekend! What a man. And, thanks to my recent acquisition of designer lipsticks/glosses gifted to me by a fellow stylist (whose husband “would die if she wore them”…score!), I was looking extra sparkly. Natalie+ Chanel lipstick in Super + glitter Dior gloss that doesn’t wear off + Brian= birthday bliss. Natalie and I played all day and met Brian for dinner at Sugar Factory that evening (which we agreed actually didn’t live up to the rave reviews, but still so fun)!

The 5lb Gummy Bear I wanted to send to Janae until I realized how much the shipping cost. Sorry, Janae.

Nat has had an eye infection the last two times she has visited. Documented.

Brian is the sweetest and made my birthday week so special! Thanks for coming down Natty! I have enough years of special birthdays that I will be content to use my bubble bath next year!

And They Dreamed of Being Hairless Cats for Days.

2011-08-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

I came home from the salon the other day to find my sister and her friend with their newly primped puppies...bows, tiaras, hair clips and all. The dogs' expressions reflect their deep appreciation for the ambush makeover.

Zoe and Sweetie were optimistic after realizing there was no hairspray involved, but abandoned all hope after being seen in public.

San Fran & Heterosexual Pride.

2011-08-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

Brian and I enjoyed a little extended weekend jaunt to San Francisco for our 2nd anniversary! I love going out of town for the big day. It’s a honeymoon all over again!

So, it was appropriate and appreciated when a dignified homeless sir yelled out from the street to commend us on our sexual orientation. Heterosexual pride, all the way. Thank you, friend. Another comrade of the streets pointed out Brian's resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger. Hmm. We decided to take that as a compliment along with several flexing pictures.

We indulged in all the tourist activities since neither of us had visited the city. SO FUN. We went to an A’s game, Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghiradelli Square, had a city tour narrated by the funniest tour guide ever, rode bikes across the Golden Gate, ate ate ate, and did some anniversary shopping! We were also fortunate enough to watch a Philippino-American parade we happened to stumble upon.

Disclaimer: I'm no photographer and lack the talent to catch "the" moments, so just trust that it was more fun and special than what was caught on camera. My new camera that is more than 7.4 mega pixels, that is.

Taking self-timer pictures in the hotel lobby...Brian's idea. Just one of the reasons I love him.

Another reason I love him.

For Kim!

Free "happy anniversary" dessert!

Such a clear day!

8 miles across the bridge to Sausilito, where most people would take a ferry back to the city. Did we? Nope. Another 8 miles back to the Wharf, then walked to Lombard, and THEN back to Union Square.

That’s why my face looks like this.

All the states we have lived in, minus New Mexico!

Most of all, I loved (looooooved) getting to spend time with my man! He makes me feel so special. No one warns you about hardly ever seeing each other again once you tie the knot. Sad. We came home on Monday, went right to work that same day, and didn’t see each other awake until Wednesday night. How do you throw kids in the mix?!

When I Grow Up, by Ashton. Not inspired by the PCD song.

2011-08-07T17:40:00.000-07:00

With the big two-five approaching next month, I’ve been doing some soul searching and deep thinking. The main question looming in my mind: how do you know when you have grown up? When you have children? When you check, and double check, and triple check, and re-wet your contacts, and those few hairs really ARE grey? The first time you get Botox? I asked Brian this the other night and he had no answer for me. This could be because he was trying to sleep, but it’s an urgent issue in my mind…something like a slideshow of my life with Britney’s “Not a Girl, Not yet a Woman” in the background. I decided that this milestone was predetermined at a young age when you answered the elementary school question. You know,“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Well, when you get to that career, I guess you have grown up.
But what if you never make it to that career? If you are like me, you changed your mind several times along the way.

My elementary school aspirations, for your enjoyment.
#1.
pic

From the very beginning, I dreamt of being a writer, but it took a turn for the worst in second grade. I decided to showcase this interest when we were individually assigned to write a story, and then put it into a self-made book. Not only were we authors of the book, but we illustrated it as well. I was pretty enthusiastic about the whole project, so I took it very seriously and invested a good amount of time and Chuck E. Cheese stickers. The majority of my illustrations were cut outs from magazines and stickers from my prized sticker collection, but it was a small sacrifice for my masterpiece. From my experience reading The Babysitter’s Club, I was quick to realize I needed an “about the author” page, so I stapled in an extra page adorned with Lisa Frank unicorns and filled it in accordingly with all the details my fans needed to know for my fan club: favorite color was blue, favorite food was spaghetti, inspired to write by my cat. Cool.

So, I turned it in and was HORRIFIED to find out my teacher not only loved it, but she showed it to the principal! Let me clarify one issue. The social ranking of second grade is largely determined on the playground; however, classroom activities can also affect the social standings. A student wants to do well in school, but never wants singled-out attention from the teacher. A safe way to achieve this posh status was to buy an extremely large box of crayons-Crayola, not RoseArt. Unfortunately, only Philip London’s mom bought him the coveted box, so the rest of us were on our own. I was so embarrassed by Mrs. Romero’s praise that I never wanted to write for the rest of the year. I eventually got over the incident, and continued to succeed during the descriptive writing unit in third grade by using uncommon adjectives. And, interestingly enough, I was also witness to Philip London’s sudden demise the next year when he got sick in class. How the tables had turned.

#2.pic

My direction veered slightly to wanting to become a teacher. I insisted Colby play school with me, and being the kind, unsuspecting brother he was, he’d oblige and become prisoner to my pink and white striped bedroom. I’d pull out my box labeled “paraphernalia,” and whip out some worksheets that I’d saved from third grade for such an occasion. He was awarded with “You did it!” stars from my sticker collection, as well as smiley faces, check marks, and stars all over his paper. Colby was not dismissed for recess until he had completed the worksheets with Jellybean and Gingerbread, his mute stuffed bunny peers. He’d go along with it until I got my fix of writing spelling words on my mini chalkboard, or until he’d start screaming to be freed…whichever came first.

#3.

My first haircut client was Barbie’s friend Midge, who regrettably was decapitated in the process. RIP Wedding Party Midge. Baywatch Barbie also received a complimentary service that started with a trim and ended up looking like a Troll/Barbie hybrid. Her head remained intact, only to be later lost during a Free Willy reenactment in the bathtub. This was unfortunate considering Barbie heads could never be replaced without their heads spinning around maniacally on their neck, which is a bone I have to pick with Mattel. Replaceable heads, IS THAT SO HARD? Anyway, RIP Baywatch Barbie.

pic

Colby must have been my muse, because in addition to being my first student, he was also my first LIVE haircut client. I even performed my artistic service free of cost per his silence in the process. I did a nice job generously removing a large chunk of us bowl cut right before a family vacation, just removing some weight and breaking up the strong line. As I ate my grandma’s chicken noodle soup that evening, my mom accused me of the creative hair-do where I thought praise was deserved. At least he still had his head. After the initial devastation of my mom’s disappoint, I blew on my soup nonchalantly and took comfort in knowing true artists never received credit until they were long gone.

Now that I’ve done two of the three “When I Grow Up”s, I guess that’s it. I’ve grown up. Maybe I should have been an astronaut hopeful so my youth could have lasted a little longer. Did you end up in the career you’d dreamt of?

Homage to Shark Week.

2011-08-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

(Jessie and I on a more mellow occasion. Plotting, most likely.)

I'm not exaggerating when I say Discovery Channel's Shark Week is a highly anticipated event in my life. A few pictures from when Jess and I went in a little shark cage when we were in Hawaii in 2006. Some shady guys gave us a snorkel and told us to hop in. Sure.

These guys would jump out of the water to get the fish we'd hung out!

We lived to tell the tale and continued doing other "I probably shouldn't do this" things in Hawaii. And a fun fact from the guys who owned the boat--in Hawaii, the sharks are so used to being thrown leftover seafood from fishers over the years, they are conditioned to follow the sound of boat motors. We got this many sharks with hardly any chum in the water!

And just for Jessie:

THE ONLY other somewhat normal picture. Eating, of course. I'm wearing my "heinous" pants, but our hair was dry and combed.

Will You Be Getting The Ugg Vaccination This Winter?

2011-07-08T20:28:00.001-07:00

But really, I'll probably still be wearing Uggs when I'm 80. The vaccine has come too late to help me. Let's expound on the "mistaking leggings for pants..."

Buena Suerte Elder Scurr!

2011-06-30T15:37:00.001-07:00

I promise I am a fun person. I just lack pictures as proof and can’t blog without them. Or shouldn’t, anyway. When I write aimlessly, I tend to subject you to rants discussing McDonald’s delicacies and my friend getting ran over, and we’ve all had just about enough of that.

But, I’m a mature person and this has a point.

Brian and I have been making the rounds with little two day road trips. Most recently, we went to his family’s house to say, “ADIOS!” to his little brother, Reece. He just left yesterday for a mission in El Salvador. I don’t know how moms do it…it’s so hard to let them go for so many reasons! Whether or not people in El Salvador are accepting of his message, I just hope people are respectful and kind. Please love our brothers and sons while they are away from us for so long! Please please please take care of them!

(This picture would be extra wonderful if I refused to explain it. But, if you ARE wondering why Reece is squished into a Scout shirt with basketball shorts, here: the last picture they took before Brian went on a mission, the poses were reversed and Reece was on his way to Scouts. Now Brian's little brother's got him on height. Oh, and the other one is a "prom pose." Supposedly.)

Have I ever mentioned my in-laws? They’re so fun and we wished we lived closer. Maybe then I’d have ohhhh…two pictures of/with them? Any of them? Is that so hard to do? Anyway, we loved being with everyone for the quick two days we were in Arizona. We were almost roommates with Courtney, Landon, and Grant this summer…almost.

Speaking of family, don’t you love that sense of belonging being with your whole entire family gives you? You know, the kind that makes you feel like you just drank hot chocolate? You’re unconditionally welcomed, you never have to explain yourself, and they know how you are feeling before you even talk. You’re flaws are all out in the open, everyone knows your embarrassing stories, you forgot to wear deodorant, and your family still want to know if you want a Coke or lemonade with your burger. Not only did I get to enjoy that feeling last weekend in Arizona (I wore deodorant), I was also able to go to my cousin Austin’s wedding this weekend (CONGRATULATIONS!), and I loved just being a part of everything. I loved getting to be “a cousin,” and showing up to a reception with more than a dozen other people who I’ve grown up with and know almost as well as my brothers and sister. Mi Amor was there, too (we spoke to each other in English rather than Spanish so others wouldn’t feel excluded from our Spain adventure). I was not Ashton, I didn’t have a last name, I was merely “an England.” And I belonged right there.

I love my families.

Good luck Reece! We are so proud of you!!! I may sound like a fanatical sister in law, or a mom writing a graduation message, but maaan..missions are a lot of work. Brian and I are sincerely proud to have another brother out (and only one more to go)!

Consider this post interactive.

2011-06-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

Good Idea or Bad Idea?

You tell me. These have been topics of several salon conversations with clients, and I’ve been having an exhausting inner debate ever since.

1. Shopping at Forever 21.
2. Letting your kids listen to rap so they can cutely “sing” to Lil Wayne or Flo Rida.
3. Re-enacting getting run over by a car on the anniversary of when you really did get run over by a car.

(Tiffani Meacham. Add her on Facebook to hear how she got ran over. Also, she wears a size 7, if you know what I mean from a few posts ago...)

4. Leaving tags on your clothes, wearing them, then returning them (disregard the dishonest part).
5. Returning ANYTHING to Nordstrom.
6. Buying exotic pets.
7. Buying a house.
8. Renting a house.
9. Spray tans.
10. Laying out.
11. Only getting a few squirts of gas instead of filling your whole tank.
12. Trying new haircuts on your husband.
13. Being friends with Kanye West.
14. Purchasing popcorn at movie theaters.
15. Center hair parts.
16. Spending New Year’s in Time’s Square.
17. Booking Caribbean vacations during the fall because it’s cheaper…because it’s hurricane season.
18. Buying a cubic zirconium instead of a diamond ring.

I'm on the fence about all of the above. Minus #5, although one of my clients has a convincing rebuttal.

I made $10 million in Vegas.

2011-05-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

...says Romney. The other morning, I woke up much earlier than I ever like to volunteer at a Mitt Romney campaigning event. “National Call Day,” to be specific. Let’s be honest…my 8 AM laps around the convention center in pink Sperry’s collecting donation papers probably wasn’t much help. Actually, yes. Yes it was. I helped march those $10 million worth of donation papers (ahem, many candidates don’t raise that much money their whole campaign) up to the financial guys, knowing perfectly well I could be sliced with a massive paper cut at any moment, and since I chanced bloodshed, I like to believe I was essential in the fund raising. Either way, I now have a great new addition to my wardrobe—a giant “Romney: Believe in America” shirt that will be a fashion essential should I become extremely obese by the time next November rolls around (which I wouldn’t rule out). Brian was busy tagging heels at Nordstrom in anticipation for the big sale next week, so he missed out on hearing Romney give a little kick-off speech. I usually LOVE listening to presidential debates and speeches, and not because of the politics, really. I just love a powerful speaker. You can rule the world with eloquent wording. And, hello? Obama’s address to the country after Osama was killed? Patriotism articulated beautifully. Mr. Romney was less attention holding, but I guess the combination of discussing The Economy (it’s now a proper noun since it’s basically a living person, I’ve decided) with a PowerPoint of discouraging numbers makes my brain turn off after about 10 minutes. Maybe it’s an emotional defense mechanism, preventing me from passing out after contemplating my future life working a third job at McDonald’s and stuffing my K-mart purse full of stolen filets of fish just to feed my starving family at home, all after The Economy takes another hit. Okay, that’s not what Mitt said, but that’s what the numbers looked like to me. Still, it was fun to get caught up in the excitement of the campaign AND see my long lost friend Rachel, who was in town for the event!! Unfortunately no picture, because duh. I don’t take pictures unless it’s an international affair or something. Oh, and because my camera was in my purse, tossed in a pile at the entrance. To a convention center. THEY HAD ME LEAVE MY PURSE IN THE FRONT OF A CONVENTION CENTER WITH EVERYONE ELSE’S! And I obliged. Ugh.

Since I’m being so politically active, may I also mention I would be excited if John Huntsman were to run for president? You may have guessed I am not voting for Obama next year, unless he forces The Economy to be best-ies with Public Education, or bedazzle the Statue of Liberty; both of which are equally as unlikely. I won’t bash Obama, because I think he’s a really nice guy, and I agree with him here and there. Among other issues, his over-involvement in college sports and commentating on ESPN was what put me over the edge. Oh, and did the un-jailed rappers who voted for him since he “understands the struggle.” I’m looking at you Maino and Nas. I’d like you to move out of the White House, Obama, but next door to me! You seem to have a fun family and great marriage. You and Brian can make basketball brackets together every March, while Michelle and I go read to young children at elementary schools, because the school districts will probably forgo professional teachers altogether and simply ask for volunteers. I will do this happily, unless the scheduling conflicts with my McDonald’s job, in which case Michelle can go without me and I’ll come back later with filets of fish for all! See, the transition from White House to our neighbor would be easy and fun.

My original title was slightly offensive.

2011-05-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

I want to come out of the closet about an issue I have struggled with my whole life. I’ve tried to change, but I just can’t. It’s not a conscious decision I personally made…I was just born this way. God created me like this. I don’t want anyone to think less of me as an individual, but I can’t hide such a crucial part of my personality anymore.

I don’t see it as an illness, or a personality disorder, or any sort of character flaw. For that reason, I’ve decided to let the world know this about me. I LOVE McDonald’s filet of fish sandwiches. I said it. I’m not hiding in shame anymore. It’s just who I am. No longer will I purchase these tartar sauce covered pieces of heaven exclusively from the drive-through window. No longer will I blatantly lie to friends about liking this sandwich. No longer will I only enjoy it's extra buttery buns quarantined in the back corner of McDonald’s with one special friend who wishes to remain anonymous (but if you want a hint, she wears a size 7). I am a fillet of fish lover and I’m okay with it. I know what you must be thinking. This must come to you as a shock. Please still be my friend.

And just for the record, if you have noticed McDonald’s has a double-decker filet of fish (yeah, it’s new), don’t worry. I won’t eat that. And also for the record, I don't know what this sandwich consists of. Does anyone? I don't know...I just...I just like it...

Spain...or, "No Hablo Espanol, Mi Amor."

2011-05-01T18:25:00.001-07:00

Aside from an impressive amount of hits from Lithuania, does anyone even read this blog? I didn't think I'd post pictures, but I decided I have a personal photo deficit, so I should put some I've actually taken on my blog. Plus, Spain was amazing.

My grandma recently planned a girl’s trip to Spain, and I was lucky enough to be the recipient of one of the golden tickets! She invited my mom, Aunt Kathy, and cousin Chantel (who is one of my favorite people in the world) for their birthdays. You understand why I'm so lucky? Not my birthday. I like to think it's because I'm so fun. We drove and flew around for a week, and stayed in Malaga, BEAUTIFUL Ronda, Gibraltar, Marbella on the Mediterranean Coast, and Madrid. We were disappoint the port to Morocco was closed, but in retrospect, I’m a little relieved after Thursday's event. We stopped by a Picasso museum (he is from Malaga!), saw castles and cathedrals, watched flamenco dancers,and picked tuna off of everything. WHAT'S WITH THE TUNA?!! I love seafood, and I know we are by the coast, but this was like, mashed up, processed can tuna on salads, crepes, sandwiches...and floating in my EGG YOLK. Anyway, we also blew up lots of converters, ate paella & gazpacho, and tried to tan by the Mediterannean. I enjoyed the "real life" nuns. The last one I saw was at Jack in the Box, so this felt more appropriate.

Also worth mentioning: my first experience with Ambien, and my first experience in First Class. Hey, it was an accident, but I thoroughly enjoyed drinking my beverage out of a real glass instead of a plastic cup. And my cheese platter.

One would assume that after 7 years of Spanish classes, I'd be able to converse at LEAST on an elementary level. Nope. So Chantel and I decided to end all of our choppy Spanish words with, "Mi amor," and then people at least went along with our charades. Out of several other European countries I've visited, Spain spoke the least English. Not what I expected! Between a severe language barrier and renting a car in a new country (a car with windshield wipers of doom that never turned off, nonetheless), with all signs in Spanish and directions in kilometers, this adventure had plenty of reality show potential. The possible cover for "Ashton and Chantel take Spain:"

Total toursits.

OR

Almost getting ran over by a dolphin bus at the top of Gibraltar after being chased by a monkey for a granola bar.

INCREDIBLE TRIP!!! We LOVED the time to be silly and catch up. Thanks Grandma! ABUELITA!! See, I knew that one.

Muchos fotos...mi amor.

2011-05-01T17:01:00.001-07:00

Alright, look. This is a ton of pictures. Hopefully someone looks at them, because they have taken a YEAR TO UPLOAD!!! And sadly, viewers are at the mercy of my photography skills. When we asked a stranger to take a picture of us, it was literally JUST the person asking:

Gracias.

So, here is the collection. I have only taken about 8 other pictures the entire 5 months prior to this...maybe we can keep that in mind.

Pretty hotel in Malaga up on the hill!

Our incredible hotel in Marbella. That blue dot behind it= Mediterranean. Makes me wish I was made of money. Euros, to be exact.

My mom and her mom. Do we look alike? Still deciding.

My mom and her book of Spanish phrases. Our favorite word: fuego.

Prom picture. This made everyone else feel awkward.

Are you kidding?! BEAUTIFUL Marbella!!

Public transportation in Espana, I guess.

Lost.

Chan's new purse!

The drive to Ronda. Too bad my photography skills are just as NOT pro as my camera. Trust me, it was gorgeous. Like Napa, with Spanish flair and some goats. If you are not a driver afraid of heights, or a nauseous passenger, it's very enjoyable.

We took a little horse and carriage ride. We ran over this cement post...popped right off.

A really, really, really deep gorge in Ronda. And very possibly the most beautiful place in the world.

Ronda.

Odds are good that I took this because we were all screaming. However, please note that the wipers are not currently in action, which is a good sign.

Being tourists. Glad we could use these stickers so our bus driver could find us when we were late. Pizza Hut was calling our names. Nothing like normal American food after everyyything else had tuna on it.

This would be Gibraltar! I love that it is British.

Lots and lots and lots and lots of monkeys on Gibraltar!

That's Africa!

Beautiful mosque in Gibraltar.

Some lady trying to tell us to get on a bus knew we just didn't get it, so she drew it out. You see the bus resemblance? Kind Spaniards. Don't mind that we were riding this bus around the runway. You know, where the planes taxi and bags fly free? How we got there is a mystery. Good tour, though.

Countdown to Friday!

2011-04-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

Kind of a big deal wedding on...Friday, wahoo! We should take time off work. My excitement is due in part to my mom, who has always been a fan of England's royal family. She was living in London when Diana got married and even camped out for a couple days to ensure a front row view of Diana heading to the church. That was a real time investment for history, Mom.

What a fairytale. I wish I were friends with Kate like I wish I were friends with the Olsen twins.

Hippity Hop

2011-04-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

That was the name of my Easter bunny one year. What a name. I literally got a rabbit. The tiny, grey little puff was so soft and adorable, I couldn’t help constantly cuddling with it. I’d rub her face with mine, tote her round everywhere, and squeeze her to the point of smothering her. This lasted for about an hour until my eyes swelled and I had hives all over. Hippity Hop had to be loved from a distance after my newfound allergies became very apparent.

So, my younger brother took over holding and caring for her. He couldn’t stop touching her, either. But it wasn’t the soft play of a little girl. It was the squishing and prodding of an even littler boy. He’d rub Hippity Hop and his hand would find her face, and he’d touch her beady little eyeball. He’d decided she loved her tummy rubbed like he’d seen our cousins’ dog enjoy, so Hippity Hop spent a lot of time on her back. Eventually my brother found her “belly button”…yeah. Think about that for a minute. He tickled Hippity Hop’s tummy and poked that belly button until he was discovered. No wonder Hippity Hop’s eyes were so huge all the time. My brother was the kind of little guy that would have been mortified and disgusted and probably scarred for life had anyone told him Hippity Hop’s belly button was not, in fact, a belly button, so we just discouraged the belly rubbing all together. “Bunnies really don’t like you to touch their stomachs. Or eyes. Or in their ears. And especially their belly buttons.” We promoted holding Hippity Hop on the shoulder, right-side up, stomach-side down.

After her debut in family pictures with all my cousins (and why I was holding her in family pictures when I was clearly allergic to is beyond me), Hippity Hop met her untimely demise. I was told she ate some bad grass outside. I don’t doubt it was a suicide attempt, and probably not the last attempt many a future Easter bunny will make.

This post was meant to proclaim my love and devotion to Easter candy, but the title gave me flashbacks of bunny “belly buttons.” Just another reason my brother is so great. Anyway, I count down to Easter candy all year long. It’s always yummy, lots of chocolate, pretty colors…ahh. And the mother of it all: Cadbury Eggs. No, not the little kind in the bag. The best BEST BESSSST are the big cream filled eggs the Cadbury Bunny lays on the commercials. My many years of seasonal Cadbury Egg hunting have led me to this little bit of expertise I’d like to share with you.

1.) First of all, you have to buy them the Monday after Easter to stock up. They are on sale, but don’t last for long. Luckily, there is no major holiday grocers are overeager to clear out their shelves for, so they’ll be there for a couple days, but the good stuff is gone quick.

2.) Second, you have to ration them for the rest of the year. You can’t get those all the time, you know. I usually buy a supply so I can eat 2 a month.

3.) Once a few months have gone by, Cadbury Egg’s beautiful cream centers tend to get a little less creamy. This issue can be expected come Halloween, so be prepared to freshen them up. Microwaves are for amateurs. Way too unpredictable. The best way to refresh a stale-ish Egg is to either leave it in the car in the sun (monitored), or in the bathroom while you are taking a steamy bath or shower. Or, just in the shower… I secretly love eating chocolate in the shower. Hehe. The cat came out of the bag after I got married and Brian found chocolate and popsicle wrappers in there. Hehe again.

Another great Easter candy: PEEPS! It’s more for laughs than taste. They aren’t that good, and I usually just eat their heads. Why? Check it out in the store next time you are at the store. It’s HILARIOUS. Misprint Peeps…there are usually just two kinds: Blind Peeps, and Cyclops Peeps. Either their eyes get printed on the side of their head, or, rarer, they get missed with the eye part all together. I LOVE IT. Seeing Cyclops Peeps staring at me from inside their packages cracks me up every time. Although this wasn’t the case when I was younger and would find them waiting for me in an Easter basket: I’d open them, and they’d just sit there in a death row line, all stuck together, staring out of a lone eyeball on the side of their heads. Stop looking at me, Cyclops. So I’d eat their heads.

(Thanks TheArlingtonDirt.com)

Reader Discretion Advised. Particularly if you have photographed your child in a flower basket.

2011-03-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

I originally hopped on my blog to declare a sassy pants little opinion of mine. Yet, I am hesitant. Why?

Karma.

That last post about DeSean really got me good. Here I am preaching about confidence, and WHAM. A kick to the face. In the weeks following that post, I really got rocked to see if I had any confidence at all. I’ll get back to you in a month when I feel I am “numba one” like DeSean again.

But since karma already got me…wait, is it karma? Or is it jinxing myself? Either way, I already took the hit, so I’ll just go ahead and risk offending someone (hey, it’s my blog) and write my original thought. Which has to do with babies. In baskets.

Does anyone else out there think that combination is strange? You know what I’m talking about. Tutu clad newborns strategically placed in baskets and flower pots. Yes, how natural to rock your baby to sleep and lay it gently down in a terra cotta pot aside your favorite flowers on the window sill. Is this what people are trying to capture in these awkward photos? Or maybe these babies’ parents are planning on selling the pictures to the Third Grade Teacher Poster Association. Potted children look great next to the “Never give up!” kittens running on rainbows.

I don’t hate these photographers and their groundbreaking creativity with buckets-o-babies, and some babies are cute no matter what item they just happen to be sleeping in/on. I just find it an interesting trend. The real problem is some of the maternity pictures I have had the severe misfortune of laying my eyes upon. The mother to be can probably get away with blaming on a hormone imbalance, but there is no excuse for those photographers. It’s just embarrassing. I wish I could post my favorite, particularly strange picture, but it’s from a friend of a friends blog. You know how that is. Come over, I’ll show it to you. Until then, check out this great website. The Mother of all awkward pregnancy photos.

This? It's not cute. It's weird. My future babies will be subjected to other types of sparkly, foo-foo, borderline tacky pictures to humiliate them in their later years, but they will not. Be. Potted.

Please notice how legit my blog is.

2011-03-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

Alex over at Plain Jayne Diaries recently had a giveaway for a custom blog header. I didn't win, sadly. Tragically, actually. I really wanted one. BUT I was still able to get a Plain Jayne blog makeover! I love it. Comment on her page if you are interested, too! Alex does headers, whole blogs, and probably other things I can't describe since I'm oblivious to these terms. She was blessed with a functioning technological side of her brain.

Oh, that Brian makes me proud.

2011-03-08T09:49:00.001-08:00

Brian and a job finally found each other. Talk about relief. We're still hoping for a job to put his hard earned degree to use, but until then, he's working at Nordstrom...in SHOES!! Could I have married a more perfect husband?!

(Thanks for help with the application process Melissa!)

I love my husband for so many reasons, but this is the icing on the cake. The cherry on top. The red sole on the shoe. Imagining my man in the middle of this heel and wedge paradise makes me giddy. And let's be honest...wouldn't you love your husband watching shoeicidal women drain their bank accounts and spending WAY more money than you ever would? This is going to make me look great!

Is it safe..?

2011-02-24T21:40:00.000-08:00

Have Steelers fans let the news of their defeat sink in enough refrain from burning cheese heads in their front lawns? Has enough time passed to safely discuss Aaron Rodgers and and his brigade in all their yellow spandex glory?

Yes, I believe so.

Just wanted to mention that I am very, VERY happy with the victors of Super Bowl XLV. It's about time! This Packer triumph took so long, I lost my light up Green Bay hat.

How To Be Like DeSean.

2011-02-15T20:18:00.000-08:00

I've learned to avoid turning New Year's Resolutions into a public spectacle. Especially by posting them for all of cyber world to observe and then roll their eyes in unison. If I posted Resolutions on my blog, they'd be subjected to some major revision by January 5. By revision, I mean editing. Like, deleting.

But after wandering through Borders the other day and seeing all the self-help books, I decided that this year, one of my Resolutions is worth sticking with. I don't want to blow it off. I want to post it up here and remember so that I won't be one of the people perusing the self-help section. It's easier to successfully make a Resolution part of your norm if you have help and friends doing it with you, right?

On the Borders note, there is something that must be mentioned. Has anyone else realized how cupcake books have monopolized the entire cooking section? Cupcakes have become the relentlessly dominating rival of Emeril, and apparently the main book in the diva-gone-domestic's arsenal of faux recipe books. You know, the kind with pictures so cute you just display them rather than cook with them?

ANYWAY. On to my resolution. Okay, this is up close and personal with Ashton now. Maybe I should have considered making my blog private before I posted this. I feel like a fairly normal, ambitious girl. I'm nice, I think. But not to myself. Don't get me wrong, I don't have low self-esteem...I'm just my harshest critic. I'm so fortunate to have such a sweet husband, but many of my close friends don't, and are so hard on themselves. They can't take a compliment, and are anyone's fan but their own. Isn't that sad? It amazes me that some of my gorgeous friends apparently don't see the same thing in the mirror. It bothers me that my smarty-pants friends were always disappointed in their work. Never thin enough, never beautiful enough, never athletic enough, never smart enough...it goes on and on. WHY ARE WE SO SELF-DEPRECIATING?? Is that just the culture of women? Why do we compliment and encourage friends, but we can't do the same for ourselves? Isn't that somewhat hypocritical?

Well, I learned a little lesson that turned my thoughts around this past football season (more on Green Bay's triumphant Super Bowl appearance later). I had plenty of time to reminisce on meeting my role model for this whole "love yourself" soapbox I guess I'm posting. Let's go back to my freshman year winter break. I was in Las Vegas for the Vegas bowl, and my roommate's brother played for BYU. My roommate Amy and I were on the Strip with them along with some players from Cal, who were also playing in the Vegas Bowl that year.

This little guy with a Cal shirt on came up to Amy and I. He'd later become a pro, and if he was attracted to all that glitters, he definitely found the right girl. Freshman Ashton was blinged out with giant fake diamond earrings that dangled to her neck. Odds are pretty good that Freshman Ashton's makeup had some glitter in it, too. Here's the dialogue:

Guy: HEEEEEY whatchyou upta? You gonna hang out with us? How old are you?
Freshman Ashton: Uhhh...18...
Guy: Oh for real? Us to! Come hang out with us! What's your numba?
(and a bunch of things were said in ebonics that I didn't understand. It's not racist...I'm just a white girl)
Well that's cool. It's cool, it's cool. You just watch me tomorrow. I'm numba 1!! I'm numba 1. You watch me.
Freshman Ashton: Aren't you a freshman? You're not red shirting?
Guy: Nooo girl I'm numba 1! Watch me!

So, I did. In between eating churros, I watched that little guy run like I'd never seen a little guy run. That freshman was the entire reason Cal beat BYU. I looked up who this #1 character was on the roster...DeSean Jackson. I watched him his whole career in college, and then I watched his career in the NFL. I continue to watch him on all the highlights on ESPN. Are you kidding me? I should have married the kid.

If I ever ran into him again, I pray that he wouldn't recognize me post-freshman 15. Still, I'd have to let him know that he is my role model for nothing else other than being so confident. I want to be like DeSean. That's my cheesy New Year's Resolution I'm still working on. I want to be so self-confident, feel so unstoppable, and love myself so much that I'd tell a total stranger to watch out for me.

And while it's possible that my little friend may be slightly ego maniacal, I believe it's that attitude of self-worth to the 10000 degree that pushed him as far as he has gone. So, at least for this month, summon the DeSean in you. Google him if you need inspiration. Who are you not to be the more gorgeous, talented person that's ever graced your city? When people compliment you, believe them. When you do something great, acknowledge it. That's my personal resolution that I'd like it issue to my close friends, because it sincerely makes me sad when you don't recognize how talented and gorgeous you are.

let's get yo' hurr did.

2011-02-13T18:48:00.000-08:00

I have quite a bit to say, but I'll save my comments and opinions for future posts. I just wanted to hop on our blog to confirm that we made it to my family's house, and we're enjoying a refreshingly leisurely life during the no home/no school/no money stage of our marriage. So, as I'm lounging around, eating cream puffs and other wonderful things that my should-be-in-half-marathon-shape-since-its-3-weeks-away-body shouldn't be inhaling (so many treasures in my family's pre-stocked freezer), I decided to do something constructive on my Sunday.

This is it.

Brian landed a temporary job, but still on the hunt for a "real" career. I, on the other hand, am enjoying a dream job. Truly! I get to make people feel confident and attractive every day. I'm working at Belle Cheveux Salon in Las Vegas and would LOVE if you came in to visit! Color, cut, extensions...whatever you need. I'm still trying to build up my clientele, so I have plenty of time to fit you in! Give me a call!

Call me Oprah...

2011-01-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

As a joyous result of having TiVo introduced into my life, I watched the "Oprah's Favorite Things" episode(s) for the very first time this year.

(This space intended for the moment of silence those episodes deserved.)

After seeing only the previews of the show, which portray grown men squealing at such a high pitches, the sound bite was apparently edited out. Brian was a little dubious. We were both a little skeptical of Oprah doing something so life altering and unimaginable that people were dropping to the floor and possible speaking in tongues. Before Brian saw the episode, he asked, "Is it really THAT great?"

Yes, we found out. It IS really that great.

I can only imagine that the privelage being on that hallowed episode would feel a lot like walking into Marshall's or Ross and spotting THE designer bag. You know, the one you have been lusting after for years (in my case Marc Jacob's Stam in black or Louis Vuitton's Speedy 25 in azure damier). Ohh yes. I would run up to it in slow motion and snatch it, and the only thing that would come to my mind would be, "SFJKLBYTLQBCFAJKLHDFFDJAKUIWERUYQPWEORE" and everything would be a blur as I ran to the register. Then, the whole store would turn into chocolate, and I'd be so gloriously happy with my good fortune that I'd sashe out, tossing handfuls of glittery happiness out of my new Stam/Speedy like a crazed flower girl in a Ke$ha music video.

Yes, I imagine being on Oprah's episode would feel a lot like that.

And, after watching "Oprah's Fav Things", Brian understood, too.

Since no one I know was on that show (that I know of,anyway...although if they did, they may still be speechless,understandably), I have devised a list of Ashton's Favorite Things. You are welcome. Now you, my blog friends, know what I would have given you for Christmas had I been employed.

The incomplete list of Ashton's Favorite Things, in no particular order:

1. OPI polish in "You Don't Know Jacques!"2. Grocery gift card. Then you can avoid wasting money on boring necessities like flour.LAME.
3. Dior's Skinflash spray foundation
4. A year's supply of Fiji water. I once won this, and it's lasted me 2 years! Woo!
5. Satin sheets & bedding
6. Moroccan Oil
7. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
8. GoodWood's Sweet and Sassy BBQ Sauce
9. Race registration. Whether it's a 5k, 10k, half or full marathon, you'll feel so accomplished when you finish!
10. Forever21 Jeans. Ok, I only have one pair...but SO cheap and SO comfy!
11. A guy who thinks you are still pretty when you can't afford any of these things anymore.

That Oprah. You'll have to let me know your favorite things so I will know what great items to seek out when Oprah isn't there to guide the entire American public next season!

i have no idea what my life will be like past next week. for real.

2010-12-19T15:39:00.000-08:00

At what point does "real life" begin? I thought I'd start this supposed "real life" after high school, then after I graduated college, and again after I got married. I was eager to finish cosmetology school so we could move and begin "real life."

But, uh...what exactly is real life? Was I implying that my life before it was not real? Real life must just be a state of (my) mind, or so anti-climatic I didn't recognize it's beginning.

Anyway, we MOVED from Utah! I thought I'd be more excited, and after 10 addresses in 4 states in the past 9 years, you'd think I'd be used to watching years of memories fade away in the rear view mirror driving away. Still, it made me emotional. Because I never let school get in the way of fun, those were the best years of my life.

Brian is officially DONE with school this month! My little graduate. I'm so proud. Unfortunately, there has never been a worse time to graduate from the Construction Management program. We have plenty of connections in this industry...none of which are working. He's had great internships...with some companies that don't exist anymore. So, back to the drawing board. Brian has a handful of job offers in TX and AZ contingent on how the economy progresses in the next couple months, so in anticipation of "real life," again, we are currently in limbo and living at my family's house in Las Vegas.

I have taken the liberty of searching for back-up jobs for him online and have submitted his resume from companies in California to Dubai. You're welcome, Brian.

Favorite company I've found: Gunby Construction. I'd send a cover letter with my Pokey costume.

We have an idea of where we will end up, but if any of you know of commercial or residential construction going on and want to help Brian get a job sometime SOON, let us know! :)

If you don't hear from us again, just know we got sick of this "bad economy" crap and moved to a Caribbean island, where we are making elaborate sand castles and charging tourists to take pictures with them.

As a general rule, I am not friends with Harry Potter-ers.

2010-11-19T21:43:00.000-08:00

Ok, I lie. I am. But our friendship is estranged during the movie premieres. And please, don’t offer me any of those Harry Potter jellybeans.

I've read some of the books. I even went to a movie or two. I TRIED! I don’t know…fantasy is just not my cup of tea. In fact, I find it disturbing. I cried during the Wizard of Oz when I was forced against my will to participate in a field trip to the play in 5th grade. I hate Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Oompah Loompas could have a cameo in Poe's dark writing, for all I know). I refuse to watch Alice in Wonderland. Narnia? Don’t even ask.

It’s just strange. Strange to the point of scary. Is there a synthesis of the two?
Anyway, I DO love this…and it has to do with Harry Potter. Who knew? My friend Marcella sent this wonderful news story to me. I DIED. Thank you KSL.

ksl.com - Utahns trying to make quidditch catch on

Don’t even act like you are surprised to see this. We all knew it was coming. And a World Cup? Can’t deny that I’d be first in line for tickets. I told Marcella I’d have to get waterproof mascara so my face isn’t dripping like it was the 3rd time I watched this great video.

You think this is a BYOB (bring your own broom) thing? Mine would love a moment of glory, although the likelihood of me impelling someone would probably be dangerously high.

I don't want to grow up and get boring.

2010-11-07T22:32:00.000-08:00

So, I am not letting myself. I thoroughly ADORE dressing up, and now that my "going out" routine has changed significantly since being deprived of a largely shared wardrobe, Natalie's iTunes collection, and some forgotten dance moves, I have to take advantage of every presented opportunity. That is, to both dress up and go out.

Halloween, HELLO...a major convenience.

One such occasion = Witches Night, one of my favorite nights of the year.

Our group is down to 3. Sad.

(Macarena witches. Love it.)

Second occasion = the real deal. Halloween. Naturally, my sweet husband was working that night, so attempting to woo him and actually having a legitimate reason to dress up was out of the question.

Instead, a friend who will remain unnamed and I searched out masked costumed. Masked? Yes, so we could run around wherever anonymously and do anything we wanted without having our identity revealed. Unleashed and unashamed.

Obviously, this girl is my bff for a good reason. The duo was supposed to be Gumby and Pokey, but by the time I ignored my inclination to exercise some maturity and returned to the store, the Gumbies were sold out. 2 Pokies? Sure.

Oh, by the way…my husband got off work early and his parents happened to be in town. I had to explain to the in-laws why their son’s 24 y/o wife couldn’t come to dinner.

I just really love this pic… Brian and his siblings had matching costumes his mom made. Aww.

Talents I Do Not Possess.

2010-10-29T00:29:00.000-07:00

Even with the constant threat of my eyeballs becoming permanently crossed looming over my head, I just can't get off the computer. Seriously, I hope I am not straining my eyes squinting at the screen in my window-less home. This would be the perfect residence for someone allergic to sunlight or in need of a bomb shelter. I've loved my quaint, humble abode...but now we're getting over it.

Still, I had to get on here to inform the public of two very talented friends.

Sarah is now a certified personal trainer. Obviously, she has a bomb body…let’s all try to look like her. She recently posted a question about motives. What motivates me to exercise and eat well, you ask? Uh, thinking of the multitude of bad things I’ve eaten. Going to a school that shared a parking lot with Krispy Kreme. The daily Victoria’s Secret ads in my e-mail. Discovering McDonald’s drinks are only $1 right now and I can pay for it with car change and pocket lint.

Well, that’s what SHOULD motivate me, but it’s making me hungry. It’s never the exercise that’s the problem. It’s the impossibility of passing up wonderfully horrible foods.

So, if you’re like me and lack self control, maybe Sarah can motivate us both. Check her out. If you’re in the Salt Lake/ Holladay area, she will hook. You. Up.

OR, I’ll try to convince her to continue her education somewhere in the um…cosmetic surgery field. Then, if she just can’t waste anymore time struggling to train those of us who insist on shoving fries into our mouths, she can simply offer lip. Win-win situation, and a round of brownie sundaes on me.

Alisha is a favorite ex. As an ex-roommate, I know she has great taste because of the sprinkling of her belongings from her room to the garage (belongings consisting of everything from pants to cans of tuna). Until she moved to Paris, I’d occasionally stop to admire these little golden nuggets (STOP. SIDENOTE: The Golden Nugget in Las Vegas has $1 shrimp cocktails! SO GOOD! Sarah, I need an intervention!). Truly…impeccable style. And impeccable personality. Meet this girl just once, please.

Anyway, luckily for the rest of the world, she’s gone into DESIGNING! She’s got the FIDM connection and started her own wedding dress company specializing in creating one of a kind, custom dresses. It’s online. Not even sketchy. I’ve seen the dresses with my own, uncrossed eyes. BEAUTIFUL! I would’ve insisted she memorized Ines di Santo photos, then slaved away sweatshop style in our basement making my wedding dress HAD I KNOWN SHE POSSESSED THIS TALENT. I mean, I’ve always admired her style…but wow.

Blown away by both girls. World, give them your business.

Bow Chika Bow Wow

2010-10-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

Excuse our absence from the blog world as I felt I should undergo a mental health rehabilitation after I finished hair school in September. It was in the best interest of us all. Taylor Andrews was great, but when being surrounded 60+ younger girls’ escapades 48 hours a week tried my sanity, I pretended to be a reality show contestant. I read magazine headlines now with great empathy for Heidi Montag and Kourtney Kardashian (it’s not their fault they’re lives are jacked). Truly though, I learned the most I felt I could from our instructors and am glad I continued my post-graduate education at cosmetology school. It's definitely no substitute for college or a college social life, but there are few things in this world more gratifying than making someone feel beautiful. Even if it is only for 4-6 weeks.

I’m thrilled to announce I’m back to not so anxious, happy, sane Ashton, so I can initiate communication with the outside world again. Ok, so I wasn't THAT bad, but still. I needed a break from life.

In my absence from cyber world, my old friends kept me entertained in REAL life and we did so many fun things! AND…I finally took pictures!

Backstreet Boys concert with my friends and sweet husband.

Favorite part of the night: eating popcorn we found under someone's chair.

Loved this car we parked next to!

I seriously have the FUNNEST HUSBAND EVER!! I don't care that it's not a word!!!

Dave Matthews...maybe one of Brian's favorite events of the year. I think Dave is boring, but there were 5483780297348502 other people there who thought otherwise. His guitar player bore a strange resemblance to Lil Wayne. If I didn't know he was in jail, I would have paid more attention. Anyway, I loved that Brian loved it, so we enjoyed it.

Cooper’s Run…not really a run, but a little joggy-walk benefitting a preschool. This little guy Cooper had the most disturbingly tragic death, but in memoriam his family just wanted to give back to the community. They did an incredible job and it was truly a touching celebration. Still, my friends and I were teary most of the run.

Even some of Cooper's little preschool classmates participated.

Also, Jackie, Natalie and I ran the Disneyland Half Marathon! INCREDIBLE. Disney was so organized, even with over 12,000 participants. We ran through Disneyland (ALL the characters were there!!), California Adventure, and Angel Stadium. Thanks for letting me steal your pics Natty.

Early enough to not have realized how far down my shirt have fallen. Sorry.
PS Jackie ran this after having a baby...she'd been up since like 2:30 AM, then stayed up til 4:30, ran 13.1 miles, and then went to Disneyland. Yeah...I know.

I'm sure I was in the Port-O-Potty behind them. Truly, running is a total cleanse.

Before I graduated, I was able to assist NAHA nominee Chad Seale at a live photo shoot in Trolley Square. This is 100% his work, of course, but a couple of friends and I loved being able to help make hairpieces and observe the whole makeup, wardrobe, and photography process. I adore the last picture.

The girl overseeing wardrobe had such fun pieces.

Awesome. So happy to be a part of that shoot!

I love love love (um, obsess over?) photo shoots and shows now, whether it’s being involved or part of the audience. It’s a complete fantasy world where extreme is good. High fashion lets your creativity go unreserved, and overindulgence in texture, color, and height is appreciated. Unless you’re into some certain drugs, nowhere else does this magical realm exist.

Oh, not to be overlooked, I beheld with mine own eyes the ugliest dog I have ever seen in my life. Luckily, I had my camera so I could snap a picture and then gawk at it later. Unfortunately, you can’t see much from the picture. Imagine this: Great Dane+Poodle+Pug eyes. Trust me, it was hideous.

Not hideous = Zoe.
My family finally got a puppy after I left the house. I guess the ever-growing hamster/fish graveyard in the backyard got to my Dad after rodent funeral services for both Beyonce (my sister's hamster) and Beyonce 2 (Beyonce's successor). RIP Beyonces.

This little puppy is the baby of our family now. Zoe is a Maltese Shih Tzu mix, and gets to have lots of pictures on my blog considering she's undoubtedly the cutest thing to grace my blog page.

So anyway, now that I'm done with school, I'm spending some time at home and am plotting to take over the world. Brian is done with school in December! Woooooooooo. After visiting Las Vegas and Phoenix the last couple weeks to look for jobs and places to live, I’ve decided Plan A, Plan B, and Plan B2 will all likely fail. I’m continuing with my life’s blueprint on a blank page so that when Brian is graduated, we can hit the ground running. Or at least on our feet.

And hopefully in cute shoes.

Over a year of Mrs. Scurr-dom.

2010-09-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

I've had this cute boy all to myself for over 365 days now. I don't think anyone would disagree that he's one of the cutest guys ever.

But don't agree, either.

I'll avoid getting all mushy, because reading others' love confessions online makes me uncomfortable. And it's weird. If you do it, expect to be abolished from our "entourage" list, and possible Facebook. I WILL say, though, marrying Brian was the most amazing day of my life that I wish I could relive yearly. My family will agree that I couldn't have done better. I've never been happier! He always makes me laugh, not to mention he still loves me even when I spill all over both of us. Like, daily. Footage of the Great Coke Explosion of 2009:

Sorry for exploding the entire thing all over your car en route to a reception. Thanks for still loving me!

Between work and school, we missed the entire summer. Our break consisted of about 5 days when we were VERYYY fortunate to escape real life! Thanks to some help from friends and family, my sweetie of a year and I spent our first anniversary celebrating like we weren't poor in Florida! SOO fun. I always love the a good trip to the East Coast.

We stayed in a little place right in between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. You should seriously consider going there. Close your eyes and picture this: a little beach town, a 2 mile boardwalk full of stores and little shops (and ice cream galore), rows of boutique hotels, palm trees, and surprisingly wonderful water. Ok, now spray your Hawaiian Aloha Febreeze and you'll feel like you came to the beach with us.

Here are Brian and I just lying under the palm trees.

Arguably one of the nastiest pictures of me, but I had to post it to demonstrate the humidity. INSANE. I had this cone for like, oh, a block. It completely melted all over my hand and cascaded off my elbow, which hasn't happened since an incident coming down a McDonald's slide when I was 9 or something.

Fun little bikes!

Our hotel was right on this cute little boardwalk!

Brian surprised me on our anniversary with breakfast in bed and an unexpected call from the spa! Best of all, I just loved having a whole weekend with my husband. With our busy schedules, I don't even see him enough to realize I HAVE a husband. I'm eagerly looking forward to spending more time with him in a few weeks when things slow down. Love you Brian Scurr!

Lots and lots of other things going on (concerts, running, photoshoots, school), but I wanted to write a quick post to show & thank those who helped us out and informed us of some sweet hook ups. Thank you thank you!!

How to Be Poor: Adjusting to Your New Economic Status as a Newlywed

2010-07-31T17:08:00.000-07:00

Most newlyweds are in the same boat, which makes ballin on a budget a little easier. Here are a few money saving suggestions I’ve thought of, but haven’t as of yet applied all of them to my life. Theoretically, they’re brilliant (?), and I’m still contemplating taking my own advice. If you have any, feel free to share. Money-saving suggestions(and if you find any of these shady, it’s because you’re not desperate enough to think of them):

1. Samples, samples, samples. Check out bionic-beauty.com and sign up for all of their freebies. Walmart.com also sends out free samples. I’m completely stocked on feminine hygienic items for a while.

2. Sample, sample, sample. Ok, this I admit to doing. Any major department store hands oodles of make-up samples, so cash in. If you’re like me and have a whole pharmacy of creams and pills stocked in your bathroom in anticipation of just ONE of your myriad of skin issues to manifest its disgusting self, you can’t wear just any makeup, and the kind you can is priceyyy. So, just walk in and get some fo’ FREE. Here, I’ll walk you through the dialogue: “Hi, my friend told me about (brand)’s (line). Could I try it? What color do you think I wear?” Cha-ching. Free samples last for a whole week. Just make sure to rotate malls. Dishonest? Ehh. I dismiss any guilty thoughts fairly effortlessly. I’ve tried so many that I know what I love, and I’m sure I’ll get sucked in when I do have money to spend.

3. Sample! SAMPLE! SAMPLE! Costco. Do I really need to explain? Go on a lunch date and peruse the isles until you are full. FREE.

4. Sample, sa…just kidding. Keep your cup! Enjoy your drink from lunch; McDonalds, if you’re dollar-menu broke, or Subway, if you’re the discerning underprivileged. Then, keep your cup handy to refresh your beverage throughout the day. It’s also probably a good idea to avoid returning for a couple months, just in case any disgruntled minimum wagers discover your genius plan. If they do, develop an accent, use large words, and deny everything.

5. Room service! Well, not quite, but this is just as close as you can get without getting a room. Do a little research and find out which hotels in your area offer a complimentary continental breakfast. Sleep in at home, and then arrive at the hotel in your pajamas (and possibly retainers and glasses for some extra pizzazz). Stroll in and enjoy! I suspect the key to this is confidence. Just make sure you arrive by about 9…after your efforts, you’ll want a decent selection. Plus, if you don’t get there in time to make your own waffle before the omnipresent messy 8-year-old gets into the batter, it’s not even worth going.

5. Supply and demand. Keep your purse fully stocked with “girly things,” like Advil, tampons, whatever. Next time there is a woman in need, let the bartering begin. You could sell tampons to a desperate woman for at least a dollar each, right? Maybe more. There’s money to be made out there, ladies. The black market of feminine hygiene knows no limits.

Ok, I guess we're not THAT poor. We're THRILLED that Brian has a good job right now. Prior to getting "real" jobs, though, sudden panic-induced ideas like these pop into your head around 2:30 AM...which is about the same time you're staring at the back of your (super cute) husband's head like it's an 8 Ball, wondering if you'll ever land a job and comparing estimated benefits packages that might exist at Coldstone and Burger King.

You don't do that? Oh.

Hair Show!

2010-06-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

Hair school status: Passed the 1400 hour mark a little while ago, which just happens to be the national average of state requirements (weird wording, I know). Utah is making me trek along for another 600 hours. Oh, and shout out to Katelyn who will be done in Texas soon!

Ok, so I'm a little late posting. This is from Taylor Andrew's annual hair show in May. We slaved away working on choreography, hair/hair pieces, make-up, finding models, getting sponsors, editing music, and costuming for MONTHS, so I'm not hesitant to brag and post a thousand pictures. "Fairytales" was the general theme of the show, and each group was assigned a segment. Our group had Pirates of the Caribbean. The work was worth it! We had an attendance big enough to make it the largest hair show in Utah.

Our group needed a model last minute, so I was the substitute...I even had to take Model Walking 101 (no, really). It turned out to be SO much fun (but I’m okay with just doing it once). My mom flew up for the event, and my aunts, cousins, and grandma accompanied my sweet husband to the show.

Our whole group (check out our Johnny Depp look-alike):

Here's our model! McKall and I MADE this dress...it was our baby. We were so proud. I mean, her hair and make-up took some effort, but neither of us knew we could sew!

These braids took HOURS.

Toy Story inspired.

This Avatar group had incredible makeup!

INCREDIBLE. I do have to say, although there are times when I think hair school would make a unbeatable reality show, mine has some ridiculous talent. In fact (more bragging, sorry), TWO people from Taylor Andrews are nominated for a NAHA! This is cosmetology's Grammy Awards. To be nominated is unbelievable, and if you win...you're pretty much set in your career. Check this out to see the finalists' work, specifically Chad Seale in the texture and avant garde categories, and Josh Parkin in the student category AMAZING

If you're still reading this, you really are my friend, aren't you? Thanks.

T-minus 560 hours.

i started crying about an hour before his arrival. if his flight had been any later, i would have turned into a total emotional psycho.

2010-06-20T17:21:00.000-07:00

I'm obsessed with In-n-Out. I admit it (number 2, protein style, no onions, side of spread). I've been an over-zealous patron since about 2001. I always had high hopes of this burger deity catering my wedding, but unfortunately, In-n-Out only "caters" in Southern California. Instead, my wedding party met there after the temple ceremony. Anyway, I'm not the only addict in my family. Colby kept a $10 bill in his wallet his ENTIRE mission for the sole purpose of buying a burger when he got home. In-n-Out was a well-deserved first stop on the way home. Who says money can't buy happiness?

I made a trip sans husband the first weekend, but then he made a solo trip to Las Vegas to meet Colby (!) the next. Now we're just waiting for Colby and Reece (Brian's brother) to come up here for school so we can hang out all the time!

Mein Deutsch ist nicht sehr gut.

2010-05-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

So many topics to blog about, but one matter of business trumps them all. My brother comes home from Germany on THURSDAY!!! FINALLY!

(Looks a little chilly.)

Before he left, people insisted the 2 years without him would fly by.

Yeah, right.

These must be the same people who told me that beginning my marriage as a poor student would be the most fun time of my life (being a NEWLYWED, yes; being below poverty level, I could pass on).

Anyway, I'm getting antsy! He's been missing in an awful lot of pictures and memories. I'm ready to have one of my best friends back! And I'm secretly crossing my fingers he has an accent so he can talk like the pigs on Shrek or the guy in the Volkswagen commercials. Come on, at least for a day.

Sehen sie am Donnerstag, Bruder!

We got it from our mamas...

2010-05-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

"A daughter's greatest failure in life is that she'll end up just like her mother; a son's is, he won't."

While I don't necessarily know how accurate the first part of this quote is (I hope I turn into my mom...for the most part!), it's definitely one I've taken to heart. I was living in Hawaii one fantastically tropical Mother's Day, and a woman on a walk overheard me leaving my mom a message. In passing, she rattled off a couple Mother's Day quotes...and that was it. Maybe she'd read one too many Hallmark cards. Still, I've always remembered this one!

I won't get too cheesy, BUT--

Some things we love about Leila: I can talk to her about books! She's the rock of her family. She's smart, competitive, and knows her sports. "You can always hear voice above yelling above everyone else's at sporting events on the video camera." Direct quote from Brian. She's my hero as I can only hope to aspire to this level of sports...interest.

Some things we love about Michelle: Well, that she doesn't know her sports (I like that). She's THE nicest person in the world and always puts in 110% to whatever she's doing. Most amazing party/event planner of all time, best hostess, and unbelievable dessert maker. I could have hundreds vouch for me.

Lucky us :)

Does blogspot even allow this many pictures?

2010-04-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

We recently enjoyed (THOROUGHLY enjoyed, loved, fancied, and all other synonyms describing our delight to be breaking away from "real life") a trip to the East Coast. Virginia/D.C. area is breathtaking, even before Spring has hit the region full throttle. It only rained a day or two, and the rest of the time we loved the ideal sight-seeing weather.

Catching up on the country's history was fascinating. It's amazing how many little details I had overlooked. We had a first-hand look at where the British colonies were first settled, wars were fought and surrendered, and important documents were signed. Yorktown, Jamestown, and Williamsburg contain some of America's richest history. If you've ever been to Europe, you probably agree with me in that our country's recent birth (comparatively) doesn't lend to much history. Except for the East, the United States doesn't have many old buildings dating past the late 1700s, so it was fascinating to see.

Also worth mentioning: I have a knew obsession with Pocahontas. The Disney story is so misleading! Her true story makes me sad.

We visited the nation's capitol and were deeply moved by all of the displays the Holocaust Museum offered. The Smithsonian had SO many museums...I could have spent the whole week there! We saw the Declaration of Independence and other documents. I wonder if all the men that signed knew it would be around for so long, they would have pressed a little harder.

Also loved: saying hi to Obama at the White House, beautiful bike rides, TONS of good food, sleeping in a bigger bed, some shopping, Busch Gardens, being with my family, and even some SWIMMING!

Yeah, yeah, I know. Picture overload. But look, I have to post plenty so that anytime I'm on my blog page, I can look at the pictures and pretend that I'm not in Utah. Kind of like an out of body experience, but not as creepy and probably less painful.

Some pictures, in no particular order:

These gorgeous buildings = our place of residence for a week. Seriously, Virginia is SO pretty.

First of all, our luggage actually arrived. My family's luggage gets lost at least once a year.

Capital Building at night. Gorgeous.

Keaton and Brian in deep contemplation.

WWII Memorial.

You get the point.

Busting out the map in D.C.

Busch Gardens! Greatest amusement park everrr. My 10 year old sister was determined to go on a roller coaster (this place has some CRAZY roller coasters, might I add), so we took her on the first one we came across...which happened to be one of the most intense. Oops. Ask her about it.

Being the incredible basketball player Brian is, we thought he had a pretty good chance of winning a big prize! A Wii, an iPod...

...he won a basketball. Pretty sure he still had the high score of the day though.

Haha I love them.

We LOVED Williamsburg. I remembered it a little differently when I was 10!

No one in my family wears normal colored shoes. It's a genetic thing, I guess.

This tavern we ate at was well worth the wait. We later found out it was haunted...

Where the Declaration was signed...the chair on the end is an original!

A cute little garden in Colonial Williamsburg.

Made some time for a little outlet shopping :)

Even on a cloudy day, it's BEAUTIFUL.

The trenches from the Revolutionary War are still in great shape! SOO cool. SOO green.

A small cannon ball STILL stuck in a building from the Revolution.

A cloudy day on the coast. So pretty. I loved all the lakes and bays everywhere!!

My brother preaching in a church in Colonial Jamestown.

On a replica of a ship arriving with supplies for the colonists in Jamestown.

You guys. Let's go back for Thanksgiving.

Anyway, lots more pictures to post soon, but I'll give everyone a break for a while!

April and it's still snowing. Lovely.

2010-04-06T20:24:00.000-07:00

I love me some blog stalking, but I haven’t actually made a post…sorry. Some highlights of the past couple months:

Grant! Brian’s brother Grant came home from his mission in Chile! We enjoyed being in Arizona with his WHOLE family…and the “whole family” included a few more members than Grant remembered leaving behind! Annnd I can’t resist mentioning the fresh orange juice everyday. Love love love. If we end up in AZ, I insist on having a few orange trees so my in-laws won’t have to watch me sneak out of their backyard with a purse full of oranges on a weekly basis.

Boot camp. Eww. Whatever would possess me to pay to get my butt kicked every morning at 6 is beyond me. I thought it would be a good way to kick-start a workout regimen in preparation for my end of summer event with Natalie, when in all actuality it just made the whole month a blur. I was so tired I don’t even remember most it. Except for the orange juice, of course.

Spring Break! No, no Spring Break for us super devoted and studious hair school students, but I took one with my family. Brian and I enjoyed a whole week away from the real world to visit Virginia/D.C. I could go on and on about the necessity of getting away from “real life,” but I’ll spare you all. Not only was the weather AMAZING, so was the scenery. So beautiful! I would love to live on the East Coast. Check back for pictures someday.

Go Duke. Every year, my friends and I make brackets for March Madness. The friends I’m with on a day-to-day basis have changed from years past, but one thing stayed the same…none of them really know what’s going on in basketball. And that’s why we’re friends. So, we all just guessed whatever teams we wanted and put an OPI nail polish into the pool. I volunteered Brian to score them all for us. Thanks Brian! The winner will let you use the polish of your choice, just one time.

Legally blonde. Natalie and I went to see Legally Blonde on Broadway! Just kidding. (If anyone wants to go to NY though and happens to have a plane for me to fly on for free…I’d be glad to go). We went to see it in Salt Lake when the production made a stop here for a few days. We were so lucky to get tickets! I LOVED having a girls night out!

Hair show. Each year for Taylor Andrew’s annual hair show, they assign a theme, and all 4 schools in the state participate. This year, the theme is fairytales. My group is doing a Pirates of the Caribbean (is that a fairytale…?) theme. The focus is on the hair, but I’m learning just how much goes into a show! From finding the right models to the music to the clothes, there’s a lot to consider besides just the hair. Faatemah from the show "Shear Genius" is hosting…exciting! Our show is in May, so come!

Other than that, Brian and I have just been spending hours upon hours at school! I'm trying to get to 2,000, and he's just trying to get done! I'm eagerly awating the day when we'll have more time to hang out together. Someday...

The Predictable Patrons of the Ladies Dressing Room.

2010-02-22T21:33:00.000-08:00

Although I’ve never worked in retail, I’ve noticed a growing number of the women’s dressing room population falling into one of the below categories:

The Compliment Fisher. It may be safe to say she frequents public dressing room areas when in dire need of a confidence boost. By the dressing room AREA, I mean just that. She’s not confined to the tiny, enclosed personal room. No, she walks down the open area toward the full size mirror at the end, innocently complaining to unassuming strangers. “That dress looks cute on you,” they say. But that’s not enough for the Compliment Fisher. Perhaps she wants to hear that her hair looks smooth and healthy, her skin looks glowing and radiant, her eyes are an incredible color that others only dream of having. This feat is difficult to accomplish considering she’s merely trying on a sale rack shirt, but she’ll stand scowling in the large mirror for full minutes at a time until her subtle eye contact with strangers entices them to praise her.

The “I’m Fat” Girl. Similar to the Compliment Fisher in that she voices her insecurities, but avoids all flaws other than her weight. Because really, no one can even see beyond her fat rolls to notice her too-pale skin. The “I’m Fat” Girl has countless areas on her 92 lb body she really wishes would stop bulging. Her stomach, her cheeks, her arms…sometimes her knees look too big in dresses. She’s tried every diet, she claims, but nothing has helped slim down her thighs. “It’s a shame to have such awful genetics,” she whimpers as she slinks out of the dressing room in jeans I may have only been able to fit in when I was 13.

The Mother/Daughter Duo. Oh yes, a classic. This loving pair’s dressing room visit involves both parties aggressively persuading the other to accept her savvy fashion sense. The daughter never “knows what looks best”, and the mother “just never understands her, like, ever.” Both tend to leave the fitting room empty-handed and exasperated (as is the rest of the dressing room community).

The (ahem) Confused Woman, aka The “Larger” Woman Who Thinks She’s Thin. The easiest fitting room specimen to identify. This particular spandex-suffocated dressing room inhabitant promenades into the room with an armful of clothes that point to her being culprit of robbing her twelve-year-old daughter’s Miley Cyrus wardrobe. The fitting room attendant mentions inconspicuously that she’d be glad to help the thief-in-question find other sizes if needed. Yet, somehow, the hefty woman manages to smash her legs through unyielding denim, and then tucks the rest of herself in enough to button up the top. She can’t exhale without the button threatening to rip off and shatter the mirror in front of her, but that’s manageable. Besides, the little hearts on the back pockets of Juicy Couture’s new jeans look great. No one would ever know she’s 53.

The Agreeable Friend. A common companion in the dressing room. She raves about every shirt, every pair of pants, EVERY frock her friend tries on. Like a loyal dog, she waits in the dressing room for hours to babble on and on, rattling off lists of compliments. “Oh, your eyes look great!” “What a cute skirt! The stretched out look is really in right now.” “No, it’s okay, those jeans don’t even need to button! You look amazing!” Supportive friend or enemy with a dark agenda? An unsolved mystery of the dressing room.

xO.

2010-02-09T17:20:00.000-08:00

V-day had more of a "D-day" ring to it the past few Februarys as I prepared myself to lose my best friends to their significant others for the day, and direct my efforts to avoiding the awkard just-happens-to-be-Valentine's Day-but-let's-hang-out dates. Which was fine, as long as roommates brought me back some chocolate or cookies ("Do you know how many calories are in that?" is an effective line).

Anyway, just wanted to share my favorite passage from POSSIBLY my favorite essay by my UNDOUBTEDLY favorite writer, Mr. Ralph Waldo. Emerson's description of love will forever be unparalled by any stupid movie or Nicholas Sparks book.

Whatever your relationship status, Emerson will speak to you. Promise.

From his essay, "Love."

"I have been told, that in some public discourses of mine my reverence for the intellect has made me unjustly cold to the personal relations. But now I almost shrink at the remembrance of such disparaging words. For persons are love's world, and the coldest philosopher cannot recount the debt of the young soul wandering here in nature to the power of love, without being tempted to unsay, as treasonable to nature, aught derogatory to the social instincts. For, though the celestial rapture falling out of heaven seizes only upon those of tender age, and although a beauty overpowering all analysis or comparison, and putting us quite beside ourselves, we can seldom see after thirty years, yet the remembrance of these visions outlasts all other remembrances, and is a wreath of flowers on the oldest brows. But here is a strange fact; it may seem to many men, in revising their experience, that they have no fairer page in their life's book than the delicious memory of some passages wherein affection contrived to give a witchcraft surpassing the deep attraction of its own truth to a parcel of accidental and trivial circumstances. In looking backward, they may find that several things which were not the charm have more reality to this groping memory than the charm itself which embalmed them. But be our experience in particulars what it may, no man ever forgot the visitations of that power to his heart and brain, which created all things new; which was the dawn in him of music, poetry, and art; which made the face of nature radiant with purple light, the morning and the night varied enchantments; when a single tone of one voice could make the heart bound; when he became all eye when one was present, and all memory when one was gone; when the youth becomes a watcher of windows, and studious of a glove, a veil, a ribbon, or the wheels of a carriage; when no place is too solitary, and none too silent, for him who has richer company and sweeter conversation in his new thoughts, than any old friends, though best and purest, can give him; for the figures, the motions, the words of the beloved object are not like other images written in water, but, as Plutarch said, "enamelled in fire," and make the study of midnight. "

To Clear the Record...

2010-01-25T21:31:00.000-08:00

The previously mentioned "Baby Wood" is referring to Melissa & Chris Wood's child. Not mine (seeing as I don't yet know what I'd like my baby's first outfit to be, it would be completely unpractical).

Thanks for all the texts though! :)

'09 all mine.

2010-01-24T20:45:00.001-08:00

This year, I was a little pensive to see the year come to an end. It could be because I’m slightly unsure on the pronunciation of 2010 (is it twenty-ten or two thousand ten? I can’t decide), but I’m pretty convinced it’s because it was the best year of my life. Everrrr. Recap? Sure.

I rang in 2009 after my sequin-clad self successfully ditched my future husband. Oops. Brian came all the way down to Las Vegas, and after hanging out with him and some guys for a little bit, I insisted on being with my girlfriends instead…which is where I had this great photo op to showcase the side of my face. Also, shout out to the creeper in the back.

And that was the beginning of my storybook year.

Luckily for me, Brian was just as sweet post-ditching, and the rest of 2009 (as well as my life) just fell into place and flew by. I got to be a teacher, graduated college with both a Bachelor’s AND a fiancé, had an exciting job, multiple bridal showers, and married my favorite person in the world. I even have had the opportunity to begin working on a longtime project I'd hoped for…hair school! The year was sprinkled with long talks with old friends, and visits from family I haven’t seen in a while. I got some great in-laws. I was even able to go to both Disneyland AND Disneyworld in the same year! Also not to be overlooked: I ate the best granola I’ve ever had at Bellagio, and the best dessert I’ve ever had at N9ne. Delicacies like that don’t come around every day.

I thought of all these things as I stood with Brian and let the last minutes of 2009 melt away into memory. Past tense. The year 2009 will always be the amber of my mind’s eye, but I will never again get to live it. Isn’t that the case with every year, though? We race through the whole year, trying to scramble through each day, and then it’s over. I learned in 2009 to (try to) make a conscious effort to luxuriate in every minute. Yes, “luxuriate.” (The common “Enjoy each moment!” phrase has a blasé air to it. As any busy person would know, minutes are too important to use a mundane phrase like that.) I counted down each day until I was done teaching, until I graduated, until I got married…why? Those are moments in time I’ll always want to relive. Enjoy the doing. Soon it will be a page in your life’s script, stored away in your mind, only available for reminiscing.

Don’t get me wrong; we’re very much looking forward to the exciting opportunities 2010 will present! Up to this point, we have no idea what jobs we will be applying for, where we will be living, or even how we're going to pay the bills 6 months from now.This will definitely be a year of big decisions and crossroads!
Some things we DO know and are excited for:
Brian graduating

Ashton graduating...if that's the title you give those who have completed 2000 hours of cosmetology school.

Moving out of Utah!!!
Ashton running her first half marathon…at DISNEYLAND!
Brian’s brother coming home from his mission in Chile
Ashton’s brother coming home from his mission in Germany
Going to Virginia/DC area for Spring Break
Taking a summer vacation…TBA.
Our first anniversary!
Both of us finding employment…like, with a salary.
And I’ll be honest…baby Woods will be a highlight of the year, too!

Brr.

2009-11-28T16:26:00.000-08:00

I kept trying to think of a more tactful way of saying this, but I'll just be honest. I hate, HATE the cold. I honestly do. I’m not just saying that because it’s what all people in cold weather feel they should say in order to fit in with the rest of our beach-worshipping society. No, I’m really serious. And I feel I have less of a tolerance for the bitter weather as I get older. Brian and I were both raised in the dry, Southwestern heat (and we mean HEAT), and I’m pretty positive that our bodies were biologically adjusted to accommodate those temperatures. I’m also pretty sure we were destined to never leave them. Hence the new blog name. No allusions to us being in any way acrobatic, just the declaration that we hate the cold. In a nice way.

I came across some of our honeymoon pictures, and it made me wonder why we ever came back. Warm, gorgeous...should have stayed.

Check out this water!!! Unreal. It's like a pool.

Oh, Cayman Islands, how I miss all 12 or so miles of you.

Oh yes, and Brian asked me to address a specific issue: people that choose to take the elevator instead of the stairs when the destination is only one floor away. Well, Brian Scurr. After much contemplation, I realized that there is nothing wrong with that at all. In fact, I am the person that does it. Not all the time, depending on my shoe choice, but most of the time. There is nothing like the thrill of the elevator, Brian. Wondering who will be inside the elevator (an old neighbor? a friend? a celebrity? my grandma? do the current passengers’ combined weights already exceed the maximum capacity?), trying to manipulate the elevator’s speed of arrival in your head, the novelty of pressing the buttons and watching them light up, the excitement and tinge of terror surmising the very real possibility of getting stuck in such a confined space with only the contents of your purse and one bar of battery on your cell phone…yes, I can relate to all your button-pushing peers Husband. Sorry. Maybe you should stop being so practical and stop to enjoy the ride.* :)

*Brian, disregard this statement if you are late to class and somehow have to retake it, causing us a prolonged sentence in Utah. Just take the stairs and push people out of the way.

Seriously, the 5th time i've tried to post this.

2009-11-19T18:46:00.000-08:00

I was recently deemed as being elusive. . .I'm not. Just busy! We've been all over the place lately. Las Vegas, Newport, Disneyland, Park City. . .Disney Princesses on Ice (just had to throw that in)!

Brian is working now! I’m so proud of him for working while already having his plate full with school work. It’s great news, although after I had worked all summer, I WAS enjoying the financial dictatorship I had almost established in our marriage. Maybe I can still commandeer a room in the house.

And finally, I dyed. I’m brunette now. This deed was done prior to hair school so I wouldn’t do anything too crazy. A few pictures to catch you up.

Why do I always have these huge blank spaces I can't get rid of? Seriously.

Just Bringing To Your Attention Something I've Always Questioned.

2009-10-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

Fun Size? Really? I've never thought so. Possibly "Only Big Enough To Get Stuck In Your Teeth Size," but that's actually not fun. How about selling REGUALR size candy bars at Halloween for less...? That would be fun.

UVU, Taylor Andrews...We're Professionals.

2009-09-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

Check out our new married blog! Doesn't it feel different? When you stop by our page, doesn't it just fill your whole screen and whole room with feelings of marital sophistication? Aren't we just maturity personified? I know. Brian’s made a few cameos on my blog, but now he’s the main man. On OUR blog. Welcome to our uber-girly blog, husband. Now we can officially title our blog something like, “How to be poor,” or “What insurance?”

We can also officially title me as a wife! And for the first few weeks, I felt like I was on a reality show. Newlyweds or something. Newlyweds: The Mormon Edition. Like it wasn’t my actual life, because it was (and any Newlyweds: The Mormon Edition viewer would agree) unreasonably perfect. Fun jobs, big city, trips to CA and AZ, an amazing wedding, and a honeymoon so unbelievable that Nick and Jessica would consider reconciliation just to be back on the show.

After a whirlwind summer in Las Vegas, Brian and I are back in Utah now. Even though I’ve been up here over 4 years, it feels completely different here being married instead of in college living with 7 girls. I can’t understand exactly what I had anticipated. I married my favorite person in the world, but perhaps somewhere in the teeny dark corners of my mind that are so small and unvisited that they could only have been created to store math knowledge, I had envisioned the same lifestyle I experienced living with girls.

I guess I just assumed impromptu dance parties to Britney while getting ready for the day was customary in life. Borrowing clothes, being borrowed from, going to the gym and then stopping to get ice cream right after…isn’t that the archetypal college life? Sure, I’d go grocery shopping with my husband and do wifely things, but we’d hold hands and go teetering down the isle in fun shoes. Yeah, that would be great…if he was gay.

But Brian is very not gay, so we don’t do that; thus the need for acclimatization to this new Utah life and a slight feeling of separation anxiety from those friends who have moved and forsaken me in the arctic. I AM excited to begin married life in the arctic though…because it is just for 15 months, right husband? :)

Brian is in school and loving it, and will continue to love it until next December.
Since I received both my Bachelor and M.R.S. degrees this year, I thought I’d also continue on with my education. I have mixed feelings about not teaching high school this year, but am looking forward to a different direction of schooling. In Brian’s words, I’m going to grad school to study hair follicles and chemical alterations. In laymen’s terms, I’m going to hair school while he finishes up.

So begins Utah part deux.

A few pictures...

2009-08-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

Love, Mrs. Scurr.

2009-08-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

Yup, I'm a MRS. now! I have had the time of my life the past month. Brian and I are both sad to be leaving Las Vegas, but VERY excited to start married life in Utah. We're headed back up today, but I thought I would throw some engagement pictures on my blog while I have a minute.

A revamped blog with Brian's debut will be coming soon...

A Complete Idiot's Guide to Being a Trophy Wife

2009-07-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

A compilation of rules as observed by Ashton during her career in the Las Vegas hospitality industry.

“She don’t believe in shooting stars
But she believes in shoes and cars…”
-Kanye.

Avoid sitting too close to your children in public as not to reveal your age. If you must speak to them directly, let the words fly off of your lips with the same sharpness as the needle that has just injected them. Think that sounds harsh? We’re trophy wives, not soccer moms.

Never show signs of emotion, specifically on your face. Trophy wives everywhere look to Victoria Beckham for inspiration. Not only will this poker face keep you mysterious, it will also keep you from getting wrinkles (Botox will help you better achieve this impassiveness).

Although some may interpret this unexpressive attitude as heartlessness, it’s better than being considered sweet. Trophy wives should never like anything sweet, unless it’s Splenda-based. Anything made without this sugar substitute will later be carved off by a surgeon.

In the rare and unfortunate event that this should happen, clothe yourself as little as possible to distract eyes from any healing scars. Make sure that any couture that is absolutely necessary to cover up has at least one giant designer logo, preferably in rhinestones. This is a typical trophy wife defensive maneuver used to blind those that seek proof of plasticity.

[Eyerolling is unprofessional. Good thing I wear sunglasses everyday, just in case I slip.]

Happy Fourth!

2009-07-05T19:06:00.000-07:00

This Fourth of July, I tried to keep each food item on my paper plate safe from the inevitable domination of the salsa. I don’t appreciate my favorite homemade salsa’s disregard for personal space with other food on my plate.

As I barbecued with my family and quickly downed my mildly spicy watermelon before I went to work, I realized how lucky I am. No, blessed. I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude at this time of the year . I was surrounded by family, friends, and had time to relax and contemplate how unbelievably blessed I’ve been.

Some things I’m grateful for this year:

1.Getting engaged!
2. Graduating.
3. Colby’s mission. And Brian’s brother’s mission, too. The boys’ sacrificing their time inspires and motivates me everyday.
4.…and they will be back next Fourth!
5. Brian and I both have good jobs.
6. Las Vegas! And all that it entails (weather, city, family, food, friends, lights).
7. The beach. LOVE IT. I’ll have been able to have gone 3 times by the end of the summer!
8. Good books.
9. My family. Everyone loves their family, but mine seriously leaves me in awe. This includes even my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. I have such great role models.
10. Direction in life. My life has taken a sharp turn in a completely unexpected direction, but I couldn't be happier. Funny how everything falls into place.

I'm Getting Scurr-ed.

2009-06-17T01:25:00.001-07:00

Contrary to any not-so-predominantly-white high school's definition of the term, my getting Scurr-ed has nothing to do with fear. In fact, it's quite the opposite! I can't wait. :]

Some recent developments in the process:

1. My ENTIRE family (well, all the girls) came down for a family bridal shower. They surprised me with a little "Vegas Vacation." For a couple of relaxing days we stayed on the top floor of the Trump Hotel. AMAZING. There was lots of shopping, talking, eating (Mon Ami Gabi AND Maggiano's...mmm...), laughing, massages, and just great "girl" time.

Eating my favorite Red Velvet cupcakes and guessing a number. As it turns out, they all won massages. Haha

Brian with some of the girls :]

We love us some breakfast in bed.

I had SO much fun with all of my cousins and aunts! I loved that they got to know Brian better. I was thrilled to have so much cousin time and was flattered they all came down.

2. We got all of our engagement pictures back, and LOVE them. I was looking forward to having my amazing friend Alex take them ( http://plainjaynephotodesign.blogspot.com/), but conflicting schedules made this just impossible. Luckily, I snagged a photographer who did an incredible job. Unbelievable, really.

I wanted some traditional engagement pictures, but I also wanted something, you know, cool. Something that I'd see and actually LOOK at, not glance over. They say pictures speak a thousand words, but if that's the case, a good chunk of engagements I've seen are pretty monotone. I wanted my pictures to have a distinct voice, and my photographer definitely fulfilled that request! I'll get some up soon...(Leila, I promise)!

Aqua Net Hairspray? Rubber Cement?

2009-06-07T18:34:00.001-07:00

Is a wedding truly so imperative to my life that it could trump even the actual MARRIAGE? At 66 days until my wedding, I have a dress, a temple date, and...a groom. And that's all! But really, that's all I care about. I've decided to downsize a LOT from what I originally planned, so I'm not too concerned.

In other news of my life, I went to church today and didn't pay attention at all. That was due in part to the fact that I ate a leftover cheeseburger right before I realized I was supposed to be fasting and then felt bad, and partly because I sat behind this girl with the most ornately disheveled up-do I have ever seen.

Yet so intriguing.

If Amy Winehouse was LDS, this would be her.

I couldn't stop staring. If I'd had to snap out of her horrific hair-induced trance and peeled my eyes away, my eyeballs probably would have sounded like nails on a chalkboard. My contacts would have fallen out.

So I had to keep staring. I don't even know this girl, and she'll never read my blog, but let me say this more tactfully. It's not that I hated her hair. No, let me rephrase that. It's not that I completely hated her hair. It's just that I was looking for a small animal hidden in it. Was it a gerbil? A small guinea pig? No... her unassuming pet hamster MUST have gotten stuck up there while roaming around on a Sunday morning stroll INSIDE it's hamster ball, because that is the only way this coif could possibly be maintained in such form.

Thank you, anonymous girl, for helping me get through Fast Sunday without thinking once about the cheeseburger I already ate. Good luck to you and your hamster. And maybe next week I can secretly touch your hair to see what it feels like.

Jon & Kate.

2009-05-26T11:28:00.001-07:00

I've never been all that interested in the goings-on of other people's lives. Because of my usual complete disregard for reality TV shows, I'm somewhat ashamed...but this is important. Does anyone watch this?

Sad.

Florida+Graduation>Thoughts and Big Decisions.

2009-05-12T23:14:00.000-07:00

You know when you make indoor s'mores in the microwave, and you just stand there watching the marshmallow get bigger and bigger? That is similar to what my brain feels like right now. I wonder if it will explode.

So instead of spouting off a bunch of bride-to-be/future-to-be mouth-poo, I figure pictures are an adequate compensation for the lack of the former. Consider yourself lucky (for now).

Engaged!!!

2009-04-23T17:07:00.001-07:00

After more than a handful of "Are you being serious?" texts, I decided it's time to give the official public "blog" statement. I am engaged! I know I haven't mentioned Brian before on my blog, but he's just too good to share!!

Anyway, his name is Brian. Brian Scurr. He is from Mesa, AZ, and we met through my friend Morgan (to whom I am forever indebted). She set us up, and it worked!! I was shocked. No really, shocked. And now I’m engaged, and shocked that this boy really likes me!

I know you, my blog friends, and you’re looking for more pictures right now, aren’t you? Sorry, more to come. I know the only reason you will keep reading is to know the good details:

-He proposed by setting up our first date again. His cute sister and Morgan helped him set everything up. I actually was really surprised and got really nervous!

-Brian picked out the ring all by himself. He didn’t love that I made him choose something haha but it is BEAUTIFUL!!! It means so much more to me knowing that it’s truly from HIM.

-We’re getting married August 13 in Las Vegas!!

-I’m graduating May 1 (woo woo), but he still has a year of school left. We’ll be back to Utah for another year of school in the fall.

Annnnd I'm just really, really happy :) Seriously, I've never been so happy!! I'm amazed that I found this boy. I could go on and on...

Ok, and maybe I'm just not girly enough (but I am), but I've never, ever thought about my wedding before. Is that weird? I've never thought about what I wanted it to be like, where it would be, what my bridesmaids would wear, what colors I would use... the only thing I've ever thought about is the cake and my shoes. I have priorities in wedding planning, obviously.

So if anyone has advice for a wedding…I welcome ANY suggestions!

Ode to Caffeine

2009-03-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know it's bad for you. But so is putting on mascara while you're driving. I still do that.

I am finally done with student teaching! I am so happy to be able to sleep again. If you have seen me in the past 3 months and wondered how I am so happy with so little sleep...I'm not. It's the caffeine.

I want to give a shout out to every Diet Coke, Diet Coke with Lime, Cherry Coke, Mountain Dew, Monster, and RockStar (notice the progression of this chronological list) I have chugged in the wee hours of the last 3 months. Without you, I would be nothing. Without you, I would have my name etched into a desk or graffitied in a bathroom stall. Without you, I would have been tardy more than my 12th grade students. You have fully converted me from only drinking water. I love you.

So thank YOU, Coke products and energy drinks, for allowing me to give a beautiful imitation of coherence, awareness, and sanity.

"Responsibility" has consumed my life.

2009-03-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

...so much that I haven't even been able to blog. So until I start procrastinating again, here's a little of whats been going on.

A Day in the Life of a Single Girl.

2009-01-10T13:22:00.001-08:00

In appreciation of the half dozen or so Winter marriages I have been attending over the past few weeks, I wanted to write a little something-something to remind my coupled counterparts about the joys of being single (as suggested by my mom).

Now, don’t get me wrong…I have no problem being single. No bitterness. No animosity towards the aforementioned couples (who make up the large majority of my friends). Just, you know…a way for my friends to reminisce. Let’s start in the morning.

The AM

I wake up to my alarm clock, which is that sort of pretty/ sort of oddly hypnotizing twinkly sound generic to Verizon phones. No husband, but I wake up with other things in my bed, including (but not limited to): pens, books, purses, laundry, friends’ clothes, and occasionally shoes. You may wonder how I don’t notice shoes in my bed; Ugg boots feel deceivingly akin to pillows when it’s dark. They have the tendency to remain camouflaged for days on end.

Then I get up and eat whatever I want. Since I have no other mouths dependent on my cooking (or reheating), I eat anything that I have…which varies from grocery trip to grocery trip, and the long stretch in between. Sometimes I have eggs, or toast. Other times, I eat cookies. Or leftovers. Or a little bit of all of the above.

Then I put on shoes that are probably impractical (but hey, heels double as ice picks in Provo), get used to the new altitude, and step out to conquer the world…or at least get some real groceries.Occasionally, on the way to the grocery story, I get sidetracked. A sale! Costco samples! A nail salon! And you know what I do? I go there instead of the grocery store. Because I can. Because I can spend money on something so stupid, so irresponsible and then go on an involuntary fast til I can get groceries. Because no on depends on me. And, most importantly, because my shoes will be so much better appreciated by my nail polishing cohorts than at the grocery store.

And I feel okay about this, because even though I spent grocery money on a zebra-print ring, I occasionally can rely on a boy for dinner.

The Swanky Evening in Provo

I finish my errands, do homework, go to school, go to the gym, eat, the occasional date (set up by friends’ friends/roommates/brothers/in laws/cousins/mission companion etc). Then I plan on going to sleep, but friends come over or I’ll go to a friend’s. I show them my new manicure/flashy piece of turned-my-finger-green-but-i-love-it jewelry from the day, and then we stay up talking about whatever (probably life goals, financial investments, things like that), and I go to bed way later than planned.

I stumble in, take off my shoes, and adjust to my drastically shortened height. I take out my contacts and blindly feel the way to my bed. I climb into my beloved satin sheets, snuggle up to a pillow that I will later discover is a stowaway Ugg, and consider going to a concert, sleeping at a friend’s in Salt Lake, or snowboarding the next day. Or maybe I’ll just hop on the freeway and take some friends home with me.

Even in their absence, (I’ve heard) boys are great. Congratulations to my newlywed friends and those that are getting married soon! I couldn’t be happier for you.

Christmas Calls from Colby!!

2008-12-15T22:11:00.001-08:00

The day I have been waiting for all year is finally almost here! I always look forward to Christmas, but I haven't been this excited for it since the year I asked for a...retainer (they looked so cool on other third graders). I can't wait for this guy to call home from Germany in 10 days!!!

My Name is NOT Ashley...

2008-11-23T20:27:00.000-08:00

...but I still respond to it. I love the beach, but I'm scared of the ocean. I despise fantasy, but I love the Twilight series. I am cluttered and messy, but super clean (if you can find the floor underneath that pile of clothes, it's vacuumed and the baseboards are dusted). Ohh the paradoxes of life. I've realized just hot prevalent they are in my life as of recent.

I've been looking forward to graduating college for YEARS! Now that it's approaching faster than Max Hall's passes can be intercepted, I'm reevaluating my thought process. Bad things about growing up:

1. They stop making everything sparkly (bedspreads, toothbrushes, etc). I may forever be tacky, but my favorite gaudy items are annoyingly inconvenient to find.

Thank you Etsy.com for helping me continue living the sparkly tackiness that is my youth.

2. Santa...well, you know.

3. Ridiculous expenses. Who wants to spend money on light bulbs and paper towels?

4. For reasons beyond my understanding, it's socially unacceptable to send a boy a "check yes or no" note. I still think it would be much more time efficient, easier, and altogether useful. The cootie shot, maybe less so.

5. Jelly shoes got replaced with other fashionably hideous shoes that make your feet smell, like Uggs.

6. You stop growing UP and you start growing OUT.

7. People expect you to be responsible. This outlandish assumption is comparable only to the coming-of-age ritual in which one gets their driver's license at a specific age. Do you think someone should be allowed to drive just because they're 16? Ha. No way. Do you think someone should have to be responsible just because they graduated? Exactly.

8. Spilled lunch leftovers on your clothes aren't as cute anymore, even though there is still a whopping 47%* chance it will happen to you.

*Raises drastically to 93% when wearing white.

Anyway, about graduating...I'm scared to death! I start the beginning of the end in January, when I will be student teaching at Mountain View High School in Orem!! I'm not sure what grade yet, but hopefully I will hear soon. I'm so excited, but so nervous! Wasn't I just in high school? And do I really want to graduate? Maybe I'll take some art, canoeing, and Latin dance classes to postpone graduation/life in general.

I've always wanted to grow up, but who knew it would come so fast?! Hmm (come to think of it, all signs are pointing to some psychological reasoning behind my recent "tutu" birthday party)...

Is it weird to blog about homework?

2008-11-09T16:48:00.000-08:00

Sundays always make me miss my family at home! This weekend I've been all alone while all my roommates are out of town. I've missed them, but it's been a perfect weekend for some quiet reflection!

I had to read this book for a class a few weeks ago, and I absolutely loved it! I highly recommend it for anyone with a few hours to spare. Not only does it have a great message, It's a quick, easy read with pretty blatant symbolism. Think fables.

I know, I know...I sound so nerdy. But I truly did find this book inspiring. My copy is all marked up and highlighted now because there are so many great lines in it! It made me consider my current situation in my own life.The Alchemist will give you the extra (and usually much needed!) push to follow your dreams, no matter where you are in your life right now.

Read it over Thanksgiving!

Tagged

2008-10-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged a few times, and I'll admit it...I've been ignoring them. Haha Do people really read all of these questions? Anyway, I chose one and did it during class:

FOUR

4 jobs I’ve had:

-lemonade stands…I had a really great career going
-Z’Tejas
-Nuvont…hahaha Katelyn haha that makes me laugh
-Red Rock

4 movies I have watched more than once
-I Am Legend
-Orange County
-Last Holiday
-Shrek 3 (not 1 or 2, just 3)

4 places I’ve lived
-Albuquerque
-Las Vegas
-Hawaii. It was one summer, but still. I had an address.
-Utah

4 TV shows I watch
I’m not a big TV watcher! I don’t think I can make 4…
-John and Kate Plus 8
-In the fall I love Sunday football games as well as Monday night football J
-Fresh Prince!

4 places I’ve been
My family loves to travel…my very favorites:
-London
-Sweden (and Finland have the biggest strawberries everrr!!)
-Estonia
-Belize

4 ppl who text me regularly
-My parents
-Natalie
- Kyle, Jordan, and Eric during class haha
-Roommates

4 of my fav foods
Just 4?!!
-Steak
-Fish
-Sushi…I guess that’s pretty much the same as fish
-Green chili

4 places I would like to visit
-Mediterranean, maybe via cruise J
-Panama. I want to see the locks in the canal
-Paris!
-Estonia again. I know no one goes there, but that’s the coolest place in Europe because nothing really got bombed or ruined from WII. The castles there are different than any other place in Europe. The whole country looks like something from a fairytale.

4 things I’m looking fwd to in the coming year
-Student teaching and GRADUATING!!!
-Girls trip to Las Vegas
-The holidays with my family!
-Moving. I don’t know where, but it will be out of Utah!!!!
I just got really excited thinking about all of that.

4 surprising facts:
- I haaate the feel of cotton balls. I refuse to use them for anything. Ughh. Squishing them gives me the goose bumps.
- I also hate needles. Shots and all other medical uses of needles make me want to throw up. Or pass out, I’m not sure.
-I don’t like chick flicks! Haha Just boy movies. I Am Legend, Batman, John Q, Minority Report, Vantage Point, De Ja Vu, Babylon AD are some favorites.
- Until about high school, I had THE biggest sticker collection. Yes, stickers. Fuzzy, iridescent, scratch and sniff, you name it. I’m talking thousannnds.

4 friends I’m tagging
If you want, cuz I don’t really like tags. Jordan, Candice, Kendyl, Tanya

Happy Halloween!

Ok, so maybe we DO miss Favre...

2008-10-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

Even though they aren't doin so hot...we still love em.

Go Pack Go.

Mon Ami...Mom.

2008-09-29T23:57:00.001-07:00

I got to go home to Las Vegas a couple weeks ago for a quick weekend trip with some close friends! We were there less than 48 hours (Friday night to early Sunday morning...phew!), but it was SO fun.

It was my birthday (-ish. 22 is a big deal, I'm a woman now), so the one day I was there, we had a total girls day-- best thing ever! If you haven't had one in a while, take one. It makes you a new person. Anyway, my mom and sister slept in, got our nails done, and then ate chocolate cake all day. No really, all day.

Later that night we went to one of my favorite restaurants EVER. If you haven't been, you need to go to Mon Ami Gabi in the Paris hotel. It's so cute (and yummy!!)...it's just out on the patio across the street from the Belagio, so you just get to watch the fountains while you eat amazing food.

Taken by a not-so-sober tourist turned family-friendly,artsy photographer. He sat down right in the valet to get this shot. Haha

What made the night even more fun is that my mom and I matched!

They serve you this great bread. I went with a bunch of girlfriends a couple years ago...luckily our server understood our fanatical love of it.

My Tutu 22 Birthday!!

2008-09-14T21:46:00.001-07:00

I can't get rid of that giant space about this. BUT...

I turned 22 on the 10th! Can you believe that? I am so old now. Anyway, for my birthday a bunch of my girlfriends went with me to dinner. We wore tutus because I am "two-two"...get it? Tutu, two two (a boy told me I sound like a choo choo train when I was telling him this). Haha It was SO much fun. Dressing up really never gets old.

We walked into the restaurant and just happened to be sitting in this big banquet room alongside a big group of dad-age men, which made the whole thing even better. They didn't say anything, just looked at us...but they couldn't fool us. That blank stare couldn't mask their barely-restrainable jealousy in wishing they had a tutu too...I mean, also. I DO sound like a train now.

Some pics from the night:

I really loved my whole tutu entourage.

I am SO lucky to have some of the greatest friends in the world. We're at this weird age when we're all trying to figure out life and make big decisions, and it's tough...but I don't know where I would be without so many of them right with me. I also went down to Las Vegas this weekend and was reminded how blessed I am to have such an amazing family. Where would I be without them? I have such incredible people all around me!

Sorry to get mushy, but ever since I turned 22 I have this infinite amount of wisdom. Lots to say when you're old and wise, you know? I should start writing my memoirs.

Wait...what happened to summer?

2008-09-02T18:28:00.000-07:00

That's it? It's over? Sheesh. Well I guess the summer was great, but I'm having a hard time realizing it is pretty much done! It just started...right? I'm now back up in Utah at UVU for my last semester of classes before student teaching. I'm taking 18 credits...a big back-to-school slap in the face if I've ever had one! I'm just trying to smash everything in so I can graduate in April, but the past week I have been questioning my sanity.

I have to say, I am very impressed with UVU now! This summer it changed from Utah Valley State College to Utah Valley UNIVERSITY...prestigious, I know. They made several changes and additions to the school, and it is really nice! I love it! Our new library is basically all glass and overlooks the lake. I know I sound nerdy, but it really is pretty, and with 4 literature classes on my plate, I'm sure I'll be spending plenty of quality time there!

I finally have some pictures to post from when a group of my girlfriends and I went to Disneyland. Sure, it was in April, but hey.

Sweet Sweet Summer Time

2008-07-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

I finally got a job! Yes, I am only home in Las Vegas for about another month, but at least it is some money! And let me tell you...if there ever was a perfect job, this is it. It's close to my home, great pay, fun people, and I'm outside all day so I get little summer tan! The pool I work at:

Pretty!

Up until my recent employment, I spent just about everyday floating around the pool with my sister Alexa (what a life, I know). I usually just lay out while she actually swims, but the other day she hopped on my floaty with my hat while I was in side. Looks like I have taught her well :) I took a picture so I could include it in any "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" reports! Ha Sure it's college, but why can't we still write those types of papers!?

On a side note, a few of my friends got married this past month! Congratulations Mike, Katelyn, and Matt! Even though I sometimes think finding a spouse is nothing short of a miracle, it's so great to see my good friends go through the process.

I'm seriously having the time of my life at home. My family may have to literally drag me back up to Utah to get me to leave!

Viva Las Vegas!

2008-07-13T23:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I have had a blog for about 6 months now...and all I have put on it is my name! Haha Tons of my friends have been moving lately, so I have been using my account to look at all of their pictures! I guess maybe now I will put some up, too!

I am in Las Vegas for the summer, and I am LOVING it. I forgot how much I truly just love Las Vegas. I haven't been home for more than a couple of weeks since I left for college three years ago! It's so nice to just be home and relax for a while...quite a different atmosphere than school! I love coming home for so many reasons. The fridge is somehow always stocked (yet my brothers still ask why there is nothing to eat..?!), and if you forget a bowl or something in the kitchen, it magically disappears. I will spill something, come back to wipe it up, and it's already been cleaned up. Amazing. Thanks Mom, you're a great roommate.