Taylor Swift = Bella Swan

Enjoy the Goodness.

I'm too old for virtue?

Yesterday I received my Christmas Edition of the Deseret Book Catalog and as I was looking through it of course I found something that I would like to purchase. I continued to look through the catalog and then come back to these rings. I thought it would be fun to buy them all because they are so cheap and just alternate which value I wanted to wear. Sounded good but then I noticed that something was off, so I went through the YW value list and sure enough there are 8 now, not the 7 I grew up with. Clearly virtue is the addition and then I vaguely remembered someone mentioning to me the addition. I then thought why wasn't virtue a value to begin with? Was it because it didn't flow in the theme because I don't think it does...

YOUNG WOMEN THEME
We are daughters of our Heavenly Father,
who loves us, and we love Him.
We will “stand as witnesses of God
at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9)
as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are:
Faith
Divine Nature
Individual Worth
Knowledge
Choice and Accountability
Good Works
Integrity and
Virtue.
We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values,
we will be prepared to strengthen home and family,
make and keep sacred covenants,
receive the ordinances of the temple,
and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.

I think it is a great addition to the Young Women Program but why must things change? Now I want to be involved in Young Womans again so I can go through personal progress and do virtue. Of course when I had personal progress it was a completely different program but that isn't the point. In case you were about to go through the list of possible colors, virtue is the color gold.

There Was A Duncan In My House

I woke up from my nap to the voices and sounds of my 2nd favorite Duncan putting a new toilet in my bathroom. Woot Woot. Now I can flush my toilet without having to hold the handle down and then put it back up so it will stop flushing but to listen for a few minutes to make sure that it stops running and that it didn't get caught and is still swirling. However I do not like the toilet seat. It is not comfortable. But I'll take some uncomfortableness for the relief that I don't have to remind people on how to flush the toilet so it will stop running or check it afterwards to make sure.

Just in case you were wondering...the water filter has been replaced but still no towel rack.

Dang It!

(Picture has nothing to do with this post but Autumn just posted it of her Lil One and it was my bright happy for the day.)

How do you get rid of that feeling after you left the store and realized that you could have gotten a better deal?

Okay so I needed to buy some contact solution and so I printed a coupon off line. I also join the mailing list for my brand which gave me a better coupon. I was hoping to use two of the coupons one being for $1.00 and another for $1.50. Well it didn't work. I could only use one. I mean I can't complain because the TP was on sale for .88 cents for a 4 roll pack, so the coupon practically paid for my 2 packs. However as I was walking out of the store I thought...crap...I should have bought the single bottle of solution instead of the double bottle pack*. Therefore saving a $1.50 on one bottle and then go back and get a second bottle saving another $1.50 with my second coupon. I was tempted to return them and do that. Lesson learned! I guess I will just stalk up on contact solution over the next month or two so the coupons won't go to waste.

*double bottle pack saved me no money over buying two single bottles.

When you least expect it...

In case you were curious the happy thoughts and all didn't really work for me yesterday. The afternoon was the worst by far. The evening was better with some funny moments on TV, cleaning out a bag in my room that was overflowing with things for me to put away and yummy leftovers. I got into bed, not bad as before but worse then earlier. As soon as I got in bed I got a message on my phone and it was my saving grace and I felt so much better after maybe 10 minutes of chatting and just sharing everything that was bothering me. Not having to explain everything and all the background. I just made a list. After a few minutes of chatting I started to fall asleep and the last message I was sent was "to sleep". It was just an unbiased ear not to give me insight or solutions to my problems but to just listen (or read in my case) what was bothering me just so I could get it out of my head. Sometimes that is all a person needs. THANK YOU!

Little Things

Because I am a little tired

Because my neck hurts a little

Because my nose is a little runny

Because my chest hurts a little from the sinus infection

Because my right knee hurts a little do to the bruise of the fall

Because my left knee hurts a little do to the fall

Because my left wrist hurts a little do to a reoccurring pain from high school

Because all my long nails are about to break (it's time)

Because I am bummed I had to cancel the DC trip this Saturday

Because of all the other things that affect me but aren't about me...

...I need some sunshine. Luckily there is sun shining outside of course by the time I get out of work it will be almost gone but I will try to soak some up during lunch. Today is Happy Hump Day. Which means that I will have to make an effort all day to watch, see, read, and listen to happy things.

I went to Youtube to find the video of "Walking on Sunshine/Halo" from Glee but there is only audio. Oh well all the audios are on Youtube so I am listening to them now and trying to ignore the lobby radio of Lite 98...crap I like the Lite 98 song. ("Battlefield" Jordan Sparks) I just noticed yesterday that they are playing the song finally. I'll go back to Glee when the song is over.

For now I will share a picture I saw yesterday.

Think Happy Thoughts!

Vote

Don't forget to vote today!!

VA Governor

VA Lt. Governor

VA Attorney General

Close at 7pm.

Realization of Priorities

This in no way is a complaint or slander on my landlord.

I realized today that the world has its priorities all out of wack. I am just at fault as the next but I have an example of this.

1. 2 months ago my towel rack broke.
2. 2 weeks ago our "time to change the filter" light turned red on our fridge door.
3. 2 days ago our internet stopped working.

Towel Rack - I notified him that it was hanging on for dear life. Finally after a number of weeks I took the one side out of the wall and removed the poles. I was afriad it was going to fall and hit the tile and scare me to death. Towel Rack still not fixed and there is a big whole in my wall.

Water Filter - I am a snob and need at least filtered water. I am sure any day now the water will start tasting funny.

Internet - Now I am on the internet all day, so I don't need it at home. If Tiff didn't have the flu and was home sick she could use the internet while she is at school. Brit doesn't really use the interent that much because she is on break from school. Besides we all have blackberries and so we have a small version of the internet in our purses. I get home the day before last and try the normal unplug, replug, reset trick with the cable modem and router. Nothing....I knew Comcast would need to be called but we thought lets give it another day. Maybe the internet is actually down (happens). Last night come home, still not working. Tiff calls landlord because we can't call Comcast because his names are on the utilities not ours. She left a message and within 2 hours he had come and gone and our internet was fixed.

When did the internet and computers become the first thing to be fixed? Work, school, shopping, research, leisure, expression, learning, financial management and overall time wasting. These are just what I use my computer and/or internet for. Sadly at my job when I have nothing to do I can't exactly pull out a book and read (would rather read the book). Instead I have to look like I am doing something on my computer. It kinda makes me sad!

Here is your moment of zen.

Coupons Coupons Coupons

Don't worry Chelsea I too am trying to venture into the world of saving money and coupons. I have found this woman very helpful but yet I find myself jealous. Just look at her most recent shopping trip.

I have to remind myself that this is not a insta-fix. I was trying to do it all at once. The cooking great new meals, grocery shopping, coupons and a garden. Brain overload = nothing was being accomplished. Baby steps I say.

First Step - learn how to eat out of my house. This step is harder then you think since we almost never ate things cooked at our house growing up. I have done pretty well the past month or two. This also requires actually going to the grocery store which for me is another battle in itself. Then eating everything that I buy instead of it going to waste. Most people don't even need this step.

Second Step - I take a look at any new coupons whether online or in those free mailers. The car coupons are fantastic. I have been using those for a couple of years now and have saved hundreds. It cost me about $70.00 to get all my brakes replaced because of my coupon. Anyways I have a few printed out of possible things purchases. They are in my wallet and so always there. I spent about $10.00 or so at Target Saturday (yes after I fell) and saved $1.50. Can I just say for the record that Neosporin is expensive for a little tube of goo. Almost $4.00 for that little thing but it made me feel better that I had a $1.00 off coupon.

I am sure that I will be in the second step for a while because I want to make sure it is part of my life without me thinking about it. I think the third step will be...hmmmm...probably some new recipes.

Here is your moment of zen.

Ouch Mom It Hurts!

I slide (not sure how) as I was walking into Target. It was a mix of flip-flops and rain. Anyways instead of taking flight or doing the splits (I have done both), my left leg just bent and I took a knee to the ground. Not sure how I didn't fall over just went right down into a cheerleader move. It was bazaar but yet hurt like a you know what when I landed on my knee. Like the trooper that I am I took a moment in the purse section to compose myself and then went forward with my shopping. I knew I had about 30 minutes before my body would really react to what just happened. When I got home I had a tennis ball on my knee. I wanted to vomit. I iced it and spent some time on the couch. The swelling went down and doesn't hurt but my body hurts. I am sure I will have a pretty bruise on my knee but for now I just have aches and pains and I am pretty sure my hips are out of alignment. Such is my life.

Here is your Monday Moment of Zen...

Downtown Parking - SUCKS!!!!

That past few weekends I have had to park downtown around the Coliseum or Convention Center. When I needed to go to the Convention Center the first day I ended up parking in the Marriott Hotel Deck which cost me $8.00 for 3 hours. Then the next day I ended up parking an a little lot for $5.00 the whole day because I paid more attention to the park choices. Last Saturday when I needed to go to the Coliseum I was looking for the best parking for that. I went to the website and clicked on parking and I discovered something wonderful! I am not sure of other places that do this but if the crappy Richmond Coliseum has this map then other places must. For those of you not willing to click on the link it is a map of the streets around the Coliseum complete with park lots/decks and the price of each. So the next time you have a venue to go to and you know you will have to pay for parking, do a little research it could save you money. Not to mention if you park a few blocks away not only will it be cheaper but you won't be stuck in traffic. Fabulous!

Here is your moment of zen...

Blast From The Past

Back in the day when I was happy to go to work and so was everyone that I worked with we saw this video. This was post backstabbers but pre-merger all was bliss. This video was a good laugh for us and I was referred to as the polar bear. In fact every now and again I talk to one of my old co-workers and she references the polar bear. Enjoy!

No More Doctors! No More Doctors!

Seriously I hate going to the doctor and that also includes dentists. Between Tonsillitis, Mouth Ulcers (from the tonsillitis) and the possible H1N1 I was already up to my ears in co-pays and doctors. Then October began and so did the Dermatologist. I went once a week for 3 weeks in a row. I almost didn't go in yesterday but then I remembered there were stitches in my neck and that got me in the door. Again Dr. Love is a pretty fast trip because she is a 2 man operation and so she runs on time. She took the stitches right out and it felt like a little pinch but nothing bad at all. A band aid was put on and she said I didn't have to do anything that it would just finish healing on its own. I don't think like that! Plus I scare from mosquito bites, so I want to make sure it heals and goes away. Last night I took the band aid off to take a look at it without stitches. Yuck. It's not cute. It looks worse than with the stitches. It doesn't look infected and it doesn't hurt unless you push on it, so I'm sure it's fine. I just don't want a scare. I think I might care for it anyways. Maybe some band aid love at night and maybe depending on what I am wearing so it doesn't rub. I was thinking maybe some neosporin too. I was trying to take a picture but I couldn't seem to get a good one, so too bad. No worries I have fun videos for you...










Ah now my day is a little brighter!

Why I Want to Get Married.

I want to get married so I don't have to take care of car stuff anymore. I hate the cleaning and the maintenance (not that I do either like I should). I don't even like getting gas. I want to be able to say "Hey honey go fix my car." I don't care if he knows how to fix them or if he has someone else do it. In saying this I was to share some things I have learned. Now this makes no sense and I am okay with that...I don't like taking my car to a maintenance guy so I tend to fix things myself.

Spark Plugs - would have cost me upwards to $400.00 to replace them. I have a V6 which means I have 6 that need replaced. That picture is about the size of them. They are only a few dollars for each plug at any of your auto parts stores. I looked at ads for ones on sale. I bought the plugs that go with my car which was less then $15.00. Then with some help with my Dad and some hours later they were replaced. The hardest part for us was locating them. Now all spark plugs are located around the engine. With my SUV there were 3 in front of the engine, so easy to do, but we had to figure out what to unhook and unscrew to get to the ones in the back of the engine. Now that we know what we have to do the next time we have to replace them will be easy. All we need is 6 spark plugs, a screwdriver and a socket wrench (luckily my Dad already had one).

Tires, Tires, Tires - I remember the days when my car could get the 4 for $99 sale. Alas I bought an SUV so it is more like 1 for $99 if you are lucky! I had to get them replaced so I did some research. It was between Costco and Pepboys. The price was only a matter of $20 difference, but with Pepboys I would have to wait for my rebate. I went with Costco. The price of tire, sales tax and warranty are included in each purchase of the tire. Here is the best part of this...a little bit ago I found a huge screw in my tire. Yes I was pissed because those tires weren't even a year old. Luckily C$ said "Doesn't your Costco warranty cover that." I hadn't even thought about that. I called them and this is what they said "If we can repair it, it will be free. If we have to replace it we will pay partial cost of the tire depending on how old they are." I took my car in and prayed it was free. Well it just needed a repair and so it was free. Even better as part of my warranty they rotate and balance my tires for free. I had no idea. They didn't tell me that when I bought the tires! Turns out the screw in my tire was a blessing because it made me check out the warranty I had with my tires.

Other little things you can do - replace your own windshield wipers (the auto parts store will help you, if you need it), replace your own air filter (a matter of opening, pulling one out and putting the new one in), replace your own headlights (you are replacing a bulb), also if your battery dies just take it to an autoparts store because they will install if for free. I'm just saying getting your hands dirty a little and doing a little research could save you so much money! If your window breaks or you start to get a crack you can get it replaced for free with your insurance. Check to see if you have coverage and they will come to you and replace it on the spot.

I'll have to take pictures the next time I had to do something on my car.

If I Only Had A Brain

I knew I liked her for some reason!

Funny Little Morning Laugh

"Today, I was singing in my room. I noticed birds were flying around a tree and tweeting happily through my open window. This made me wonder if I'm secretly a Disney princess. That thought disturbed me a little, as I'm a guy."

Weekend of Craziness - I'm pooped!

It was cold, rainy and wet at Agecroft. One rose was fighting the elements.

Highlights

Friday

Pierce's PITT BBQ - Williamsburg, VA

KISS Concert (Opening Act - Buckcherry) - Hampton, VA

Saturday

Agecroft Hall Tour - Richmond, VA

Double T's BBQ - Richmond, VA - Carytown
World of Mirth - Richmond, VA - Carytown

Carytown Cupcakes - Richmond, VA - Carytown

So You Think You Can Dance Tour - Richmond, VA

At least I got to stay in town for Saturday!

My First Time

Oct. 6 - I went to the dermatologist for the first time to get a mole checked. (skin cancer is no joke kids). I went with Dr. Love (seriously) because I got an appointment pretty fast and hello her name is cool. It was decided to remove the mole just to be safe. I was fine with that because I wanted it gone anyways.

Oct. 14 - Return visit to have the mole removed. It was quick and painless. Correction the operation was painless the numbing was pretty crappy. Anyhow she said that I was going to need 1 stitch. However when the time came she needed to do 3 stitches which are my first stitches ever. At one point she said to me..."You're bleeding alot! Not bleeding too death just more then I was expecting." I just laughed and reassured her that I tend to bleed alot.

I have been paranoid about it because I have never had stitches or anything like this. Someone who I will not mention said hers got infected so I have been watching it closely. It hasn't hurt and I haven't had to do anything special to it. This week I go back to get the stitches removed. I was told that was painful by my co-worker of course she said it would start hurting as soon as the numbing wore off. I stop and think what is wrong with you people...stop scaring me.

Here is my proud stitches.

Read and Respond

So random thought. For those of you who don't know just about anyone can go online and get their license to marry someone. I mean it's just a formality anyways because when you sign the marriage license you are married just the same. Anyhow...if you were in the situation where you had to be civilly married would you:

A) Go with Ye Ole Bishop?

B) Have one of your friends go online and get ordained to marry you?

I'm thinking it might be wicked awesome to have a friend do it!?!?!?!

Time Out For Women

Time Out For Women was such a great experience. It was educational, uplifting, tearful and mostly funny! I almost didn't go but my mom really want us to go. I am so glad I did! I will certainly go again.

The coolest part for me was seeing women come together. My Aunt LuAnn came up from North Carolina to attend and spend the weekend with us. We haven't seen her in ages. When my parents moved to North Carolina in the 70's my Aunt was a teenager and she came to live there with them and she never left. While at TOFW my Aunt pulled over a girl from her stake that she thought my mom might know. They put things together and the girl realized that it was our brother Paul that her husband had been looking for. She was so excited. Turns out that they even rented the house that my parents used to live in.

Of course it was such a nice surprise when I saw KD on Friday/Saturday and then KT on Saturday. I didn't know that either of them were making the 3 hour drive from Western VA. It was a family woman bonding weekend for all. It was nice being able to mingle a little and then go back and spend time with our families.

I brought a notebook with every intention on taking notes but I didn't even pull it out of my bag. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it and then on Saturday knowing that KT was feverishly writing I knew I could probably just steal hers. Read KT's notes here. Thanks KT!

The point of this post is if you ever have the opportunity to attend, I would recommend it!

How Cool My Friend Autumn Is

Here are some things about Autumn Lynn Eames Thomas Smith.

Autumn is my favorite season.

Autumn will workout at 10 at night.

Autumn will spend the whole afternoon watching Felicity.

Autumn is open to discover something.

Autumn makes some mean salsa.

Autumn will tell you the truth.

Autumn will continue to fight the same fight with Jon.

Autumn will want to kick your kid but love her own.

Autumn knows what comes after "Jingle Bells..."

Autumn will commit murder to protect you.

Autumn will make you watch TV all night when you have to work the next morning.

Autumn will listen.

Autumn will surprise you.

Autumn will make you do something you don't wanna do.

Autumn has a nice booty.

Autumn will show you her nice booty.

Autumn will sit in the hallway and read for hours.

Autumn will hang your bra in the bathroom while you are showering.

Autumn will then take a picture of that.

Autumn will stop and scream if you chase her up the stairs.

Autumn will teach you something new.

Autumn has sparkly pretty blue eyes.

Autumn surprises herself.

Autumn won't go to the Doctor even after she falls 10 feet while climbing.

Autumn doesn't care what you wear, what you look like and if you showered.

Autumn is honest about who she is.

Autumn will scare the hell out of a guy that she has never even met to protect a friend.

Autumn will punch you in the balls if you sit on her and she has to pee.

Autumn will jump in the hole with you, if you need her.

Autumn will tell you he is a douchbag and then tell him.

Autumn will call you to ask where she put her keys.

Autumn is still perplexed by boobs and why hers are small.

Autumn will giggle with you at church.

Autumn will make fun of you if you cry while giving a prayer.

Autumn sees the truth.

Autumn allowed herself to heal.

Autumn will cry.

Autumn is going to move mountains.

Autumn will wrap a present in a tshirt.

Autumn will trust you and what you say.

Autumn will make you want to strangle her but you don't because it's Autumn.

Autumn is dynamic.

Autumn is brilliant, seriously!

Autumn will watch "Cry Me A River" over and over again.

Autumn is shocking.

Autumn is dedicated to her family.

You thought it was hard to bring a boy home to mom and dad! Try bringing that boy home to meet Autumn.

Autumn laughs.

Autumn is a freak of athletic nature.

Autumn will fall for an april fools joke even when you told her it was a joke before you did it.

Autumn cares.

Autumn likes to cuddle.

Autumn cheat with you in card games.

Autumn will make you a wicked awesome purse.

Autumn will sit on you

Autumn is always Autumn.

Autumn is beautiful.

Autumn will change your life.

PS - Autumn, I know you are totally crying right now! Mwahahahahaha

Writing Assignment Wk 1

Katie has been talking about this blog multiple times a day for a little while now. I would read a little here and there on the mentioned blog but not until today did I decide to participate.



Part of the first assignment is to write a blog post about why you have a blog. I could not remember why I started one. I know that I had signed up for a blogger account about 2 years ago but I don't know why. I know that last year some idea sparked me to actually do something. I went back to the very first blog post that I made and this is how it started...



"So I stole the idea from Autumn to post a new picture that I take everyday to help improve my photo "skills". I also thought that maybe this would be a good place to share new things that I have learned or tried. Work on my talents and skills so I will not lose them."



I am guessing that following Autumn's blog and I believe it was a flicker site refreshed my love of photography. My thought is maybe it would motive me to get back into it. It has motivated a little here and there but not as much as I would like. It has evolved a little to involve my ideas and crazy brain farts about things. Also as a boredom relief from work.



So there you go!

Our Time Together

Last night Liz texted me to see if I had any pictures of her, me and katie. Well I was like sure. She said she wanted pictures of our time together. Does that sounds cryptic to you too? I didn't ask why she wanted them. I just assumed she wanted them for some sort of shrine she was putting in their house next to Tyler's shrine to France*. This morning I was looking through my pictures online. (If I hadn't backed up my pictures online earlier this year I would have lost them all when my computer crashed. Food for thought people!) Anyhow I look through all my folders which is quite alot and I found pictures with Katie, Liz and a combination of me with them or other people. I only have one picture with just the three of us. It's sad because after living together for a year, all the craziness that happened that year, the weddings and showers (on their part) the years after we only managed to get one picture. The only other picture with the three of us is a roommate picture with the fourth roommate. I am notorious for getting pictures from other people but if it is possible that there might be a picture floating around,I would love to have it!

(at jon and libbie's reception)

*Tyler hates France. Liz make sure he reads that for my enjoyment!

iMovie Help

Soooo I have used iMovie for the first time to make a video. I am stuck. I don't know what to do with the video once I am done. I converted it for ipod a few weeks ago but it cut off the sides of the video. Now I want to save it to my computer and then upload to share with you lovely people. I tried twice to upload and it eventually just disappears from the blog screen. Please help Obi Wan!

Why I Can't Be A High School Teacher.

I always say if you want to teach then it should be high school. However last night I realized that I could never be a high school teacher. Why? Because some of those boys are just so cute. You see last night we three P's went to County Band Night. For those of you that know not of which I speak, County Band Night is done every year in Chesterfield County where all the high school marching bands come and play. So 10 bands in size order play one right after the other. It is rather enjoyable. After we walked through the gates and all were hug attacked from Mr. Shaffer (our old band director, who has left Bird to go to the new shiny school Cosby) we started our walk to the bleachers. Almost immediately a James River (pretty sure lower brass but no instrument with him because he was the Drum Major) boy caught my attention, then as we went up into the stands, a Cosby (i didn't see him until later with his drum but I guessed drumline at first sight) boy caught my attention, after Meadowbrook played and sat near us one of those (trumpet) boys caught my attention. It was at that point where I realized I could never be a high school teacher. At least I didn't go up to the cute James River Drum Major and tell him he was my favorite Drum Major out of all the bands. I'm talking to you Lil P! Of course I just googled to find a video or picture. Can you guess which one is my cute Cosby boyfriend?



I also realized that I have a skill or rather a curse - not sure which. I can tell by the look of a band kid which instrument he plays or at least narrow down to woodwind, brass or percussion.

He is totally lower brass - I'm thinking trumpet or tuba.

PS - LC Bird Band way to be rude and warm-up during others performances.

I don't feel guilty because I read too.

This is why I don't have any skills...

MONDAY 8:00-10:00pm and TUESDAY 9:00-10:00pm

Seriously Donnie Osmond is the cutest thing since...well...Donnie Osmond. I wouldn't watch this show if I didn't like the professional dancers but they keep adding new professional dancers that I fall in love with from So You Think You Can Dance.

MONDAY'S 8:00-9:00pm

I wish this show would go away because I just love it so much. I blame those of you that forced me to start watching the DVD's just a short year ago. Seriously though just watch it once even if on mute because them boys are delicious. This is on Season 7 so don't be surprised if you are totally lost. Sadly the fine fellow on the right is not smiling. That is a shame because when he smiles...the sun comes out. Seriously!

MONDAY'S 9:00-10:00pm

New this season. I haven't watched this yet but it is sitting in my DVR waiting for me. T about had a cow she loved it so much.

MONDAY'S 10:00-11:00pm

For those of you that enjoy the cop show/mystery ew someone is dead shows but then dream about them this is your answer. This is on it's second Season and I would have to say my favorite new show from last year. It is funny and someone dies but I don't dream about it. Plus dudeman is such a cutie.

WEDNEDAY'S 8:00-9:00 and THURSDAYS 9:00-10:00pm

This used to be a summer show and now it is in the fall. They are trying to kill me!

WEDNESDAY'S 9:00-10:00pm

GLEE - If you haven't watched it yet, seriously watch it. It is so funny! Not to mention every week we are downloading music from the show.

THURSDAY'S - 9:00-10:00pm

Grey's Anatomy is making a comeback. Last season was iffy and the season before that sucked. This is coming from a girl that owns the first 3 seasons on DVD. We are on week 2 of this season and the show is going back to what made it work. FINALLY.

THURSDAY'S 10:00-11:00pm

Oh the Grey's Anatomy Spin-off. How I love Addison Shepard. Okay so I haven't watched the season premiere yet but I am not ready to let go of these characters just yet.

As if the shows above are not enough we go into the weekend and things that I am attempting not to watch but catch myself watching online.

THE WEEKENDERS

Get over it - It's funny.

Seriously the best thing on cable television.

ONLINE WATCH

Yes a little scandal but it is on primetime so it isn't that bad. However quite funny and true.

NCIS:LA is a spin-off of well NCIS. I enjoy NCIS but again falls into the show that I will dream about all night so I don't watch it regularly. However with Chris O'Connell and LL Cool J I had to give it a try. Me likey!

Yes yes The Hills - I was so dunzo with it at the end of Season 5 with Lauren leaving the show (she was the reason I watched it to begin with). However now that in true Kristin fashion she has jumped into Lauren's show and dangit I like it. She has spiced up the show again. So take the above picture and remove Lauren in the middle in put in Kristin shown below. Seriously I couldn't find any cast pictures for this Season.

Thanks goodness for DVR/TIVO and online shows.

* and yes when Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance ends in December they will be replaced with American Idol in January.

I smelled like Cigarettes, Alcohol and Pot!

In my increasing efforts to do stupid things I decided to attend two concerts in row. First we head to Charlottesville, VA - UVA Scotts Stadium for the U2 concert last Thursday. My concern for the 60,000 people traffic was a waste of anxiety. We were in traffic for maybe 5 minutes coming and going. We were there in plenty of time to pee, get some water, get a free blackberry bag, merchandise and some fries right before it started (i wanted some salt) etc etc...I say this about the concert. Muse was the opening act of which I only knew one song and I really liked them. Their music is already added to the iPod. Then came U2, not to take away from them being good because they were...however if it wasn't for the amazing light show they put on I would have started poking my eyes out. I realized their songs sound alot alike and after they played my favorite I could have left happy. If you haven't seen U2 go see them but I only needed to see them once. Muse on the other hand I would like to see again. Didn't get home until about 1:30 - 2:00am.

Thank goodness I took the full day off on Friday because I felt like crap on a stick when I woke up. It took a good 2 hours to fully wake up. Just in enough time to get ready for Round 2. Thank goodness I didn't have to drive to Virginia Beach because we never would have made it. We got there in plenty of time too so we hit no traffic. However as amphitheaters are increasingly getting on my nerves I have an added complaint. We had lawn seats and we couldn't bring lawn chairs or blankets in. Um excuse me? Oh wait I just realized I didn't tell you what concert this was. It was the Blink 182 "reunion" concert with All-American Rejects (that cancelled), Fall Out Boy and Asher Roth. This is where I ended up smelling like cigarettes, alcohol and pot. You may think okay the pot and cigarette was just from the smoke going through the crowd but how did I smell like alcohol!??! Well my friends that is because when Blink 182 started people started acting like idiots which meant beer started magically flying through the air. I learned a very important lesson that evening...if you so desire to go to a rock concert such as this, BUY A SEAT. General addmissions is not the way to go unless you want to see Whitney get in the middle of a bunch of dumb guys and see her push the one that kept running into her. That was the 2nd best part of the concert! The best part of that night was the encore...see below. Oh and the traffic getting out of there sucked!

In closing I say "not all rock concerts are created equal".

Obligation

So JD decides to tag me on this thing that I have been reading on others blogs.

Here are the rules. List ten Honest things about myself and tag 10 other bloggers who I think are honest in their blogging.

1 - Yesterday I had a headache and didn't want to go to work. I didn't want to call in sick so I called and said my sisters were having car trouble and that I needed to take them to work. Around 9am I still wasn't ready to go into work so I called and said my dad was at my house and wanted me to meet him there and follow him to the service station and then drop him back off. I got into work about 10:15 and I didn't feel bad about it.

2 - I am KT's first follower on her new blog.

3 - I hate my job and am bored with nothing to do therefore I am in more unproductive then I should be. The problem is that I would have to steal or kill someone to get fired, so it makes it easy to be lazy.

4 - I can sing but don't ask me to.

5 - My senior year in high school me and my friend Adam almost applied to VMI.

6 - I hate it when people say I can't do something especially if it is a guy. However that doesn't mean that I will not ask for help IF needed. If I need to move something and all I need is another Poulsen sister then I don't feel like I have to accept help offered by a guy. I'm not trying to prove something. I just don't need him. There is a difference between being stubborn and being self-sufficient.

7 - I look at my checking account at least once a day during the weekdays. Often times it is multiple times a day. I get great satisfaction on checking things off in my check register as they clear. So if I write you a check and you take forever cashing it then I get mental.

8 - If my computer/internet starts going slow where I can do things as fast. Essentially if I have to wait then I get insta-angry. Like right now I wanna punch the computer screen.

9 - I've run out of time to finish this blog because of this stupid computer.

iTune Part Duex

That's right ladies and gentlemen...it's time for another installment of guess that song playing shuffle in G's iTunes library.

"friday night and the lights are low. looking out for a place to go. where they play the right music."

"yesterday was not just another day. my life before. yesterday i saw your smiling face. love walked through my door."

"i am so in love with you. whatever you want to do. is alright with me"

"it's funny how i find myself in love with you. if i could buy my reasoning i'd pay to lose. when half won't do."

"love wondered inside. stronger then you. stronger then i. and now that it has begun. we can not turn back."

"once again we sit in silence. after all is said and done. only emptiness inside us. baby look what we've become."

"do you know that every time you're near. everybody else seems far away. so can you come and make them disappear."

"all covered in mud. the day is done. we work so hard."

"if i could reach the stars. i'd pull one down for you. shining on my heart so you could see the truth."

"right about now. you're about to be possessed."

"got these fellows chasing me. it's about time i hit the streets."

"you can dance. every dance with the guy that gives you the eye. let him hold you tight."

"hop in the car go with me. you don't have to pack everything. don't you wanna feel the breeze. and forget everything baby."

"rebels be rebels since i don't know when."

"i grew up in this little bitty town. never seen you before. you were swaying in the moonlight while the radio played"

RS Represent!

Read the sub-titles!!!

Disney 411 - Planning Da Trip

The biggest help we had when planning the trip was the Disney Vacation Planner. It comes with a DVD and a booklet. Then I went to disneyworld.com and just looked at everything. I believe that every year they update the DVD and booklet to go with that years theme. Always get a current year version and it's free!

https://www.disneyvacations.com/dv/en_US/VacationPlanningDVD/index?sourcecode=11854&referrer=wdw&hdrType=default&vcntype=wdw

Flying vs. Driving - I would fly hello! Just look at what would suit your situation better. We got our plane ticket seperate from the Disney package and it was less then $200.00 with no layover. Plus I have done the ride to Orlando trip in a band bus and it was not pleasant.

Food Plan vs. No Food Plan - FOOD PLAN. Disney food is expensive and the meal plan is awesome. Also there are times during the year that if you stay a certain amount of days that you can get your meal plan for free. We lucked out and got it for free and it saved us easily $600 in food. All the staff knows about the mean plan so if you are confused like we were about how to use it at any of the restaurants or hotel just ask someone. Also it would be a good idea to get a list of all the restaurants that participate. We printed it out online but I am sure the hotel can give you one.

Tickets to the Parks - Get them when you buy your package and then you don't have to worry about them. Saves you money too! You can also get a park hopper that will allow you to go to more then one park in a day.

Food and Water - Disney lets you bring in whatever food and drink you have to all the parks. Of course they check yours bags but I saw people with bags of Doritos. Just something to think about. Just remember it is Florida and therefore hot and humid. DRINK DRINK DRINK WATER.

Key to the World - Which is your room key, your meal plan card, your park tickets and everything all into one. You can even purchase things with it of course paying the bill when you check out of the hotel. The best is your name is printed on it and you get to keep it.

Disney really does deliver what they say. So take advantage of the packages and the free stuff. It really is a great vacation destination.


*I would like to thank those of which gave us some tips - Marisa for the meal plan tip, Jessi for the list of restaurants that are good, Paul for the water tip and the bus driver that suggested Fantasmic.

Disney 411 - Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios formerly MGM Studios is my favorite park in general. I can't figure out why because there are lots of things I like about the others but this one I like extra special. Hmm maybe this is why?

"What time is it? It's summer time. It's our vacation..."

This park I think has the best shows to ride ratio then any of the other parks. I'll just give you the run down

• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular - great show
• Muppet Vision 3-D - who doesn't love The Muppets?
• Star Tours
• Aerosmith's Rockin Roller Coaster - AWESOME
• High School Musical 3 - randomly in the middle of the street (too bad it isn't with Zac)
• Lights Motor Action Stunt Show - Seriously awesome. Hint - there are fans in the bleachers, so pick your seat based off of the fan. Also keep in mind they make people move to the middle, so try to get there so you don't have to move away from your fan breeze.
• Beauty and The Beast Stage Show - Don't worry it isn't the creepy Broadway Beast. It is the cartoon looking Beast.
• Walt Disney's One Mans Dream - little museum and film
• Fantasmic - Only plays on select nights and so worth fitting in.

There are many other things like American Idol Experience, Jedi Training, Little Mermaid Show, The Great Movie Ride etc etc. However there are three things that we need to talk about. First off let's go with the worst thing in all of the Disney and the biggest load of crap.

• Journey into Narnia: Prince Caspian - It isn't anything! You wait in line and then stand in a room that gives you a little diddy on the film and then it leads you into another room that talks about the movie. Seriously if you were going to do a little film thing could we have at least gotten a seat?!?!?!?!

Back to the good things!

• The best meal we had at Disney was at 50's Prime Time Cafe. Not because of the food (even though it was great) but because of the waitress and the atmosphere. The restaurant looks like a 50's house. They have tv's everywhere playing old shows and the wait staff act like your mother. Our waitress was awesome! She made fun of us and tried to get Britni to serve her other table. It was just so much fun! To top it off on our receipt she wrote "Momma Loves You". How could you not!!!
• Lastly my most favorite ride in the entire world and the only reason why I have a hard time in elevators is the TOWER OF TERROR! You have to love a ride that already has you scared before you even get on the ride and I don't mean scared to drop...

Disney 411 - Magic Kingdom

"It's so Magical."

Oh the novelty of the Magic Kingdom. You have to go and if you have kids this is the place for you. However us not being under the age of 10 we knocked the park out pretty fast. The only things we didn't ride were Space Mountain (out of service) and Splash Mountain (thank goodness).

Here are the highlights:

• It is the biggest of the parks and the busiest
• The Haunted Mansion - always a fun time
• Pirates of the Caribean - now enhanced with some of the movie added to it. Does not take away from the orginal ride it just adds a little bit extra.
  
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Peter Pan, Snow White and Winnie the Pooh rides - Good for smaller kids
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Nice coaster
• Jungle Cruise - Very Entertaining
• Tea Cups
  

Don't Throw Up Britni!

• It's a Small World Ride - STAY AWAY!!! THIS IS SATAN'S RIDE. Imagine the song playing over and over again while you are trapped in a boat with animatronic little children dancing around you. "It's a small world after all It's a small world after all...."

• The Hall of President's - 30 min little film with all of the Presidents at the end. One of the coolest things I have seen. Got a little teary eyed.
• Mickey's Philharmonic - 15 min 3-D movie. One of my most favorite things out of all of the parks.
• Show outside of Cinderella's Castle - I assume this is just for this year. It was the only time that we saw Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
  This was our last full day at Disney and it was also the day that Britni and I started getting sick, so we didn't last very long. All in all enjoyable between the coughing, heat, runny nose and sneezing.
  
  
  

Disney 411 - Misc

Just want to give you a list of some other things that is part of the Disney Resort.

Downtown Disney – Has a number of great restaurants, clubs and shopping galore. We may or may not have spent a lot of time in the Christmas Disney store. It also has Disney Quest which is like a dream arcade (so we here) and Cirque du Soleil La Nouba. This is also where you will find Planet Hollywood.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/downtown-disney/

Wide World of Sport

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/wide-world-of-sports/

2 water parks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/blizzard-beach/
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/typhoon-lagoon/

Golf Courses

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/golf/

McDonald’s
Gas Station

Oh and I just posted my thing on Epcot but it is listed on a different date, so it is future down the blog. There is a video with that one!

Underpants

Grand realization...so I have been a Vicky's Secret girl for a number of years now and it was time to get some new "underpants" (in a british accent). I didn't really feel like going to the mall so I went to Wal-mart instead. I would just like to report that I got 12 for $10.50. If I had gone to VS I would have maybe gotten 2 for that price. Amazing how much money we waste on a label and a flashy store. Stop the madness.

Disney 411 - Hotel

I fully fully recommend that you stay on the Disney Resort which consists of all the parks, downtown disney etc etc and a tons of hotel options. We went for the cheaper side of the hotels which was basically just like saying in a nice Days Inn, Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn or your basic run of the mill hotel that doesn't leave you feeling like you need to shower. We stayed at the Disney All-Star Music Resort. Disney has three All-Star Resorts that are the same except they have different themes; sports, music and movies. They have a cafeteria type style place to eat that was open until either 11pm or midnight. It made it easy to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner if we need something quick and easy. There are 2 pools which I can just tell you looked clean and like everyone was having a good time. We didn't actually stop and swim. They also had an arcade which we took advantage of right before we left. Disney had even sent us a free 30 min voucher for the arcade. They also had alot of activities for kids. The first night we got there the big screen was up at the pool and they were playing The Hannah Montana Movie.

Nice Disney Touches

• Everything was themed out. "The Disney Detail" if you will. I am surprised the towels didn't have something Disney on them.

We were in the Broadway section of the hotel. This was the front of it.

• We opted to keep the maids out of our room so instead they would leave us a bag full of new linens, soaps and tp. That was nice. We never had to ask for new towels and the maids never had to come in.
• Express Check-In and Check-Out. We checked in a few days before we even got there so they had everything ready for us right when we got there. We were maybe up at the front desk 5 minutes and that was him answering our questions. With the Check-Out we had our receipt hanging on the door when we woke up the day we left.
• Baggage Claim and Airport Check-In. That's right when we were ready to leave we went up to the main building and they took our luggage and we had already received our BOARDING PASSES that morning. All we had to do was catch our bus to the airport and we went straight to security. That was nice!

We didn't go to any of the other resort hotels but we are maybe going for the next level up. Disney has their resort hotels divided into 3 catergories. Of course the more expense the nicer the hotel. Some of the hotels have the spas and nice restaurants. Some of them have shows and front door access to the parks. Of course you can dine and enjoy other shopping an entertainment at other resorts even if you are staying there. You just look at them all and pick the best that fits your budget.

Disney 411 - Animal Kingdom

"In the jungle the mighty jungle the lion sleeps tonight"

The Animal Kingdom? That's lame.

I protest for it is not.

Our first full day at Disney we went to the Animal Kingdom. We were only there for about 5 hours but we did everything there. It was enjoyable because it is the less busiest park so less people. I would make a suggestion to go there on a really hot day because there are tons of trees and shade. We likea da roller coasters and we were pleasantly satisfied at Animal Kingdom.

We started at one side of the park and just made the loop so we weren't walking back and forth wasting our time and energy. We really didn't know what we were in for. First, we got to Dinoland and we just went into the first building that looked like something. I thought it was going to be like a little museum or a show like thing. Nope it was a ride. Crap dude it was good. We just went and stopped at everything on our way to the main attraction. No not the big tree but the big mountain. That's right Expedition Everest. It was set to be a traditional coaster but it wasn't. We didn't have to wait but maybe 10-15 minutes to ride it but that would have been okay if we had to wait. You see this ride is the perfect example of the awesomeness of Disney. You see instead of waiting in those awful lines staring at the same people with barely any wind or shade instead Disney has you go through different buildings that are air conditioned. All the buildings were decked out in the theme of the ride and so there was tons of stuff to look at. Back to the ride...we liked it and decided to try the "single rider line" for a second go around. That was even shorter. You see Disney files you in and they understand your need to ride with your group of people so they set you up to do that. Also in doing that it leaves open spaces that they fill with people that will ride by themselves. Thus creating the fast single rider line. We couldn't go a third time because we didn't want to over do it.

Moving along a share with you a very important public service announcement.

YOU WILL BE SOAKED.

Most people have been on the rapids rides at theme/amusement parks. They all have them. Mostly you get a little wet at least and sometimes people get it bad. Let me tell you that you will be completely wet on this ride. Thus leading to my whining for the rest of the day. The bright side was I didn't get hot at all because I was WET. This ride starts with water being dumped on you. I'll move on from this.

For the most part the park was a blur after that.

Must Do's

Dinoland

Expedition Everest

The Bug's Life 3-D show

The Safari Ride

The Lion King Show

There are animals everywhere and "cast members" (staff) are around to answer your questions about the animals. However no animal-zoo like smell. Thank goodness.

Travel Tip

I was reading the website that was across my GMAIL called 101 Cookbooks. Anyways I went there to see this Peanut Butter Crispies Treat and somehow ended up in another place on the site. I can't even remember how to get back to the post but it was about eating tips while traveling. It reminded me of something that I learned last year. So I share...

I am always in need of water. Right now at my computer at work I have a thermos cup that keeps it cold and easy to drink and not spill. Also I have a larger water container that holds 26oz. I go back and forth with the thermos cup to and from work so I always have the cold water in the mornings. Then around 9:30 the girls go up to the cafeteria for coffee and they fill up my other container of ice cold water. I can usually drink all of it in my 9 hours at work, so up to 42oz during the day.





Anyways I in need for more travel have picked something up just be being observant. I will of course need water once I have gone through security check and am waiting. I used to just go to Hudson News and get the water (the water fountain didn't cut it). Last year I decided that I needed to not waste my money in the airport. I don't know if I actually tried it but the idea was taking a bottle of water from home. Sorry no can do. Security will make you trash it. Which sadden me.


One time I noticed a girl had a water jug/bottle attached to her backpack and it was empty. She went through security check just fine. Intrigued me. I then saw her later with water in it. The light went on and a DUH set in.


This trip being frugal as I was trying to be. I tested this out. I brought my handy dandy Enterprise water jug that I use at work and put it in my purse. It was glorious. I then filled it up while waiting for the plane and had water on the airplane too (I always get thristy before they serve the snacks and drinks). This also aloud me to get a sprite on the plane to keep the nausea at bay but still have my water.



Ta-Da

Disney 411 - Transportation

So I was going to do this long old blog with all my wonderful insight to Disney World but I realized that I can't do that. I decided to divide it up into smaller posts. So we start with the wheels...

In all my research once we decided on Disney I was looking into renting a car and what not. Turns out you don't need to if you stay on park grounds, which is like unto a city itself.

First off the Disney Magical Express aka a Charter Bus.

This bus takes you straight from the airport to the front of your resort hotel and then the reverse when it is time to go home. Now let me tell you the best part. When you book your vacation package they ask if you are going to be taking this transportation. In the mail weeks before your trip you get a special booklet just for this service. In the package are yellow luggage tags for each traveler. If you put them on your luggage before you check your bags at the airport, Disney will claim the luggage for you and deliver it directly to your hotel room within 3 hours. We were like sure okay. We tested everything we could think of because it just sounded to good to be true.

We put our tags on the bags and gave them to the lovely Jetblue guy in Richmond. We landed in Orlando and after making a pit stop in the restroom headed straight to the Disney Magical Express which is down on the 3rd floor with the rental car people. (BTW - The Orlando Airport is rather large!!) They checked us in and told us which Disney bus we needed to get on and we just sat and chilled. The bus driver was super nice and we even got a little video to pass the about 30 minute drive to our hotel. We got to the hotel, found our room to drop of what we did have with us and we went to get something to eat. We came back maybe an hour later and our luggage was sitting in our rooms!!! It was AWESOME.

Still thinking there was a flaw in the system we decided that we would take advantage of the advance hotel check out and the airport/luggage service going home. More on that later but they took our bags from the hotel and we got on the Disney Magical Express to the airport and went straight to security. When we landed in Richmond our baggage was too.

While you are enjoying your vacation to get from parks to resorts and all around on the property they have a few different options. Most people are aware of the monorail because they show it in their advertising. We didn't use the monorail because we were only going from our resort to the park and back. The monorail goes back and forth to certain resorts right beside the parks like the Grand Floridian and Contemporary Hotel which are right outside the Magic Kingdom. Also per Britni's experience was that it was great when you parkhop. We only did one park a day so we didn't really need the monorail. She gives it two thumbs up. Not actually but she did want to ride it for kicks so that was my conclusion. There is also some water transportation from some of the resorts to the parks. Again didn't really need to ride them so we didn't.

If you do have a car and are parking at the parks there was some things that I noticed that I thought were totally brillant. First of the little train like things from the entrance of the parks to the parking lots. If it is busy and you had to park in Africa don't worry they have created a way to give you a break and get you closer to your car. Also some of the parks have parking much further away. For example if you park at the Magic Kingdom you are riding a ferry to and from the parking lot. Gangsta!

You might be wondering what we actually did ride. Well we rode these handy dandy buses. Which is just like any other bus system you find except it is for Disney only. It is free and clean and pretty regular. We could walk right outside the lobby doors at the hotel and get on whichever bus was taking us to where we wanted to go. They come and go about every 15 minutes. There are some times like when a park just closed that they pack you in like sardines but it is air conditioned so it could be worse. I was also very impressed that they are handicap friendly. I was very impressed with Disney as a whole with that.

So there you have it. We didn't have to rent a car or pay gas. I think it would have been more of a hassle for us if we had to drive. Now you may be thinking I have kids and strollers. Don't you worry about that unless you really want a car to maybe explore outside of Disney. Also if you drove to Orlando I would still us the Disney transportation. Easier, Faster and you don't have to walk a mile to get to your parking spot.

You see this blog was long and it was only on the transportation.

Disney 411 - Epcot

Dang I wish we would have been there longer. We opted to go in later and we should have spent more time there. Epcot was cool! We ate in China and had a really good Chinese Dinner which I am normally not a fan of. We got all the rides before the fireworks started at the end of their ILLUMInation show on the water. B says the show itself is a sight to see but the fireworks where great enough for me. My main tip is to give yourself enough time to discover the different countries and the cool futuristic stuff they have there.

My Favorite Things

The Golf Ball (which really isn't a golf ball but it looks like it). It's a fun little ride through the past, present and future but it is interactive. You actually answer questions and enter in information while you are on the ride. They create the future with you in it.

This is a zoomed in picture of our faces that was taken during the ride. Afterwards they show everyone faces and then point on this huge map where they are from. It was cool.

The best is while on the ride you make a video and after the ride is over you can send it too your email so you can keep it forever. Enjoy!

As cool as that was, by far the best ride I have ever been on in my ENTIRE LIFE is at Epcot. We almost didn't get to it but it ended up being better then expected. It is called Soaring. It is a simulator type ride but I swear to you it felt like we were flying. It was unbelievable!