The Logical

XA Photo of the Day

2011-12-30T21:17:00.000-08:00

Grandma & Gramp's House.

November 2010

XA Photo of the Day

2011-12-29T21:06:00.000-08:00

Garage Wall Art

December 2010

Adventures in Babysitting - May 2011

2011-12-28T20:06:00.000-08:00

This is how Jord reminds himself to leave me the car seat.

Loves this.
Ron: Do you have any music for our walk?
Me: Just my ipod and earphones.
Ron: Let's share! I will show you.

It was totes raining.

He just could not get enough of the music.

If I accidentally pulled his earphone out due to my giant stature I got in biiiig trouble.

Big.

Four year old hipster alert.

This guy can run for hours upon hours.

Ro-boat the explorer.

There are no words for how much I love this guy.

So happy I get to be part of his amazing life.

XA Photo of the Day

2011-11-19T23:36:00.000-08:00

Faux Gangsters
April 2011

Yelle - April 2011

2011-11-18T23:26:00.000-08:00

Yacht - April 2011

2011-11-17T23:08:00.000-08:00

Giligal Gardens Adventure Day - April 2011

2011-11-16T20:26:00.000-08:00

We came prepared for our adventure.
So hip.

Giligal Gardens.

So creepy.

Ron was beyond interested in all the weird statues.

XA Photo of the Day.

2011-11-15T20:09:00.000-08:00

Jack.
April 2011.

Easter at the Sterbenz. April 2011.

2011-11-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

Celebrating Easter with friends is my new jam.
So much fun and love.
Thanks for hosting this Lisa.
A party at your house is always a good time.

Family Easter Celebration. April 2011

2011-11-13T19:32:00.000-08:00

Easter breakfast includes cookies.

Cookies make this guy happy.

He shared his cookies with me.

Then these two decided to be joksters.

I was included.

Me: "It's so quiet out here. We need some music. Let's sing."
Brady: "I've got a song."
He then proceeded to sing Civil War by Guns n' Roses.
The entire song.
Best day ever.

Who needs to put candy in Easter eggs when money can be stuffed in them?

Gimpy.

Hunting.Success!

Broken. March 2011

2011-11-12T19:23:00.000-08:00

This is what happens at Kangaroo Zoo when you try to be Mary Lou Retton.

Anne

2011-11-11T19:13:00.000-08:00

You will always be one of my heroes.

I will never forget you, nor our long conversations about life whilst cleaning chandeliers.

Thank you for everything.

I will forever miss you.

XA Photo of the Day

2011-11-10T21:23:00.000-08:00

Sticks.
2011.

General Lee - March 2011

2011-11-09T21:19:00.000-08:00

Book reports are serious now and require a costume.

Arcade Fire - March 2011

2011-11-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

Male Models.

One happy family.

This is what entering heaven looks like.That sneaky Will.

Golden, I would have loved it if you could witness this.

Right up our past alley.

Yeah. I cried my eyeballs out during this show.

Soundtrack to my life.

Amazing.

Then we stopped by a bar from our childhood.

Who knew it was so amazing inside?

Adventure Day - March 2011

2011-11-07T11:07:00.000-08:00

This was the day that started off with coffee and breakfast.

Then it turned into an adventure day that included:

Smith & Edward's.

Dinner at Piper Down...gravy fries to die for.

Bowling that turned into gaming.

A nap/homework for me. Provo for him.

Then a hip hop show.

So much fun can be had in 24 hours.

XA Photo of the Day

2011-11-06T20:07:00.000-08:00

Saints on 7th.

Tony Lake - March 2011

2011-11-05T19:21:00.000-07:00

This was the time Jord played in a band with Tony Lake.

Then David Dondero played.
Likes this.

Lastly.
Franz Nicolay.

Tan's Birthday - March 2011

2011-11-01T20:44:00.000-07:00

This is how we celebrate birthdays.

Yes, this really happened.

It was joke town guys.

Calm down.

Happy belated birthday Tan.

I want to be just like you.

Really.

I feel like we could hang out daily and be best friends.

Porch Day - March 2011

2011-08-22T17:27:00.000-07:00

This was the day I was staying at Nate's house and Matt insisted we have a porch day.
What is a porch day?
Lots of talking and laughing that's what.
We even brought Nate's coffee table out on the lawn.
What?
He was out of town.
We do what we want when Dad is gone.

Matt is trying out to be Michael Douglas.
Uncanny.
Roid rage even joined us for a few moments on the porch.

Thanks to Matt who provided me with one of the best days of spring in 2011.
I am glad you force me to stop working and have fun.
Oh, and I love your brutal honesty.
True friend.

XA Photo of the Day

2011-08-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

March 2011 - OMD

2011-08-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

Tony was so excited when OMD took the stage.

At one point Andy said something like, "I am fifty and I've still got it."
True.

The three of us were as close to the stage as possible for the show.

While these buds stayed in the back.

Who can make a better sad face contest.

Happy.

I love these friends dearly.

XA Photo of the Day

2011-08-16T16:13:00.000-07:00

St. Patrick's Day - March 2011

2011-08-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

On St. Patrick's day these babes invited me over to celebrate.

We did little St. Patrick's Day celebrating, but we did dance, eat a lot of pizza, and turn the night into our own photo shoot.

Dance party U.S.A.

Stacey has boss moves.

What can't she do?

Photo shoot.

I am not sure why loved that book so much, but we did.

What of it.

Or maybe I didn't love it that much.

That is what my face is saying.

Marnie Stern - March 2011

2011-08-12T17:56:00.000-07:00

This is the night we went to see Marnie Stern.

Matching sweaters...check.

Marnie (first name basis) is a guitar virtuoso.
Mesmerizing.
Truly.

Cousin Time - March 2011

2011-08-10T17:31:00.000-07:00

In March my cousin passed through town for exactly 93 minutes.
We picked her up, ate breakfast, reminisced, and caught up on life.
She has grown up into a kick ass chick who is a firefighter and Crossfit instructor.
She will probably kick your ass.
Love you forever Abs and I am so happy I was able to see you.

__________

This is what entertaining Ron at breakfast looks like.
He really does not know what to do with these crazy antics.

XA Photo of the Day

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

Someone has a kool mailbox.
Lucky. Duck.
_______

This post is dedicated to Sam.
Are you happy now?
I brought back the XA Photo of the Day.

Happiness is this little human...

2011-08-06T17:17:00.000-07:00

Dedicated to Moriah.
Proof this blog is not dead.
I would never slice this out of my life.

XA Photo of the Day

2011-05-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

PVU Airport Road
February 2010

March Weekend Getaway

2011-05-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

A few months ago my friends from High School planned a weekend getaway.
It was Rainb's moving away party.
I love these girls more than anything.
There is something about having people in your life that have known you for most of your life.
They know everything.
It is very comforting.

Above Nads was really stressed out that the girls were not crafting pasties perfectly.
Yep.
That is what they were making.

The activity

was all

so funny.

Then we hooked up the Wii and danced our little hearts out.

We ate breakfast at a tasty little cafe with excellent reading material.

One Wii dancing video coming right up.

Untitled from akljf jaklsaf on Vimeo.

Bonus footage.
We originally tried to squeeze into tiny little wetsuits, but that did not work out.
So we opted for the next best thing we could find in the house closet.
I don't think there is anyone that can make me laugh more than Hillary can.
She is amazing.
This all happened whilst sober.
Awesome.

Untitled from akljf jaklsaf on Vimeo.

2011-05-23T22:48:00.000-07:00

This is when Black Mike sent me stickers that have his face on them.
Incredible.
His face went right up on this stop sign.
Practically a celebrity.
I wanted to see how long it would take others that know him to notice it was there.

I had a better picture of this at one point.
Where you could see his face close up.
But.
Of course I sent that one to him.

Thanks Black Mike.

xoxoxoxoxo.

Love,
Stay at home.

This happened this spring...

2011-05-22T22:36:00.000-07:00

Flight instructor/gangster.
Oh Griff.
The laughter never stops around you.
Touch. And. Downs.

Abe Vigoda & Fashawn

2011-05-21T22:17:00.000-07:00

February 25, 2011 Brint Paul & I decided it would be a good idea to see Abe Vigoda.
There were lots of tweens there.
I am pretty sure we were the oldest two in the room.

Fashawn was playing later that night.
I obviously could not miss that.
Jef opened for him.
Amazing.
I didn't really take pictures, except for this one...

...because Dani was on my mind.
The song below will forever be burned into my head with memories of laughter, making faux chicken sandwiches, driving in the cool weather, talking about life together.
I wished she could have seen this song live.
She would have loved it.

Wavves & Best Coast

2011-05-18T16:48:00.000-07:00

February 2011

The Netherfriends. The Neighbors.

2011-05-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

St. Valentine's Day.
2011.

Family Birthday Party

2011-05-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

Two crazy Capricorns.

My Birthday

2011-05-15T19:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is a princess crown.
MOriah does not forget a single detail.

I love my Slap Chop!
Gift love Sam.
Plus, your hand is really good at fake chopping.
Look at that form.

Unexpected attendee.
So happy.

15 years ish of friendship?
Sold.
How can you not love that face?

This is when we came up with our new band name.
Brother Sister Twister.
Yes, we know how awkward it sounds.

Best hair award goes to Mike.

Jock status sucked at first at taking our group foto.

Round two was slightly better.
I love my friends.
I have some really great people in my life.
Thank you to everyone that celebrated with me.

Sometimes People Say Hilarious Things...

2011-05-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

Like this:

3:29pm-Tyler: your life is awesome, you have like a whole posse of cool hipster friends, you guys just like hang around and be ironic with each other

3:30pm-Me: that is a funny view on my life. putting the life comment on twitter.

3:32pm-Tyler: haha you would have a twitter, i'm sure its chalked full of ironies and

3:33pm-Me: it is more like comments from other people, music, and the haps in my life

3:34pm-Tyler: you need a talk show

3:34pm-Me: haha. or just a reality show.

3:39pm-Tyler: ha i mean seriously you are in the throngs of an expansive sub-culture in the US like the people of jersey shore you cool ironic folk could do a show in SLC. Better yet your show could totally be labeled as "ironic" so you're not "selling out" +10 points for using "throngs" in a sentence

3:40pm-Me: plus 10 more points for putting this on my blog.

__________________________________________________________________________________

And this:

"Oh look at me. I date millionaires, people that run the country, and only work one day a week. No big deal." -Nick C. December 2010

____________________________________________________________________________________

Even though both of these conversations were months ago they are still funny.
Thanks guys for the not-so-true view on my life.
You are not the only ones that think this way.

XA Photo of The Day

2011-05-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

Then there was the time we saw Peter Wolf Crier.
Babe town with a dreamy voice?
Sold.

New Year's Eve

2011-05-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

Road Trip Souvenir

2011-05-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

So awesome.

Christmas 2010

2011-04-30T05:48:00.000-07:00

There were not many pictures taken on Christmas.
Probably because none of us really felt like celebrating and my camera was broken thanks to the gallon of Gatorade I spilled on it.
I did get a picture of Mr. Hipster 2010 though.
Awesome.

XA Photo of the Day 2010

2011-04-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

Evergreen Space Museum

Christmas Eve 2010

2011-04-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

Candia made an amazing Christmas Eve dinner.
Guess who cannot use chopsticks?
Yours truly...
but who cares when there are glow sticks around.

I am really not sure where these glow sticks came from, but they turned into endless amounts of Christmas Eve fun.

Ron was over glow sticks and wanted to play Candy Land.

We play Xtreme Candy Land.
I bet Brint Paul is so sad he opted out on this night right about now.
The silly bandz he gave me really came in handy.

XA Photo of the Day - Flight to The Spruce Goose

2011-04-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

This gem was taken on my first roll of film in the XA.
And.
The first time using one of the best cameras I have ever used in my life.
Thanks Sam.

Can we have a photo adventure yet?
The kids don't need you to change their lives anymore.
It is practically summer.

December 2010

2011-04-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

I could not have gotten through the last six months without a few amazing friends and my family. Kathe is one of those friends. The kind of friend that you know will always be in your life.

There was this one night in December '10 when Kathe had me over for dinner, catching up, and Spruce Goose wine. Yep, we bought some fancy aviation wine like good tourist should.

It was just what I needed in the midst of everything that was going on at the time.

We found her Grandparents records and record player.
They had my jams on vinyl.
1940-1950's style jams.

Check out the treasures Kathe gave me.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants cookie jar and train case.
I told Kathe,
"This photo looks very Papa don't preach-ish. At least I got to keep the train case and traveling pants cookie jar...and the baby. Thanks Madonna for paving the way."
This night almost did not get any better.

Until we thought dancing would be a good idea.
I was all sorts of, "Eff you pneumonia and life. Kathe and I are going to try and re-create the Maniac dance from Flashdance."
Cell phone videos documented everything.
Very 2010 of us.
There might have been singing too, but that did not make it on the fancy video phone.
Next time.

The Judds

2011-03-08T13:20:00.000-08:00

I grew up listening to The Judds with my Mom.

When I was in 6th grade ish she took me to see them.

So I took her to see them for Christmas.

We had a blast and I practically forced her to go on an adventure that night.

Dinner, walking around, Trax, new friends, and more.

Not really my Mom's style.

She said, "You are such a city girl. No wonder you want to live in New York."

True Mom.

***

Guess who looked super weird in all of our pictures all night?

Both of us.

We kept laughing and saying, "What is wrong with our faces?"

At least we were in it together.

The Judds.

Still got it.

Dani's Wake

2011-03-07T18:40:00.000-08:00

Many friends.

Some I had not seen in a long time.

So much love.

This is how Phyllis drinks wine fancily.

Nailed it.

Even his hair is fancy.

After everyone left a few of us stayed through the night.

For some reason everyone wore Rohen's mitten to sing.

Why we ended up singing I don't know, but I think it healed hearts just a tiny bit for a few hours.

Serious singing face right there.

Fernanda sings like a champ.
She is also Brazilian.
Guess who did about a billion Brazilian dances all night?
Fernanda and me.
I learned some new moves.
She is rad.
The guy that can play every instrument.

Mags and Arnold went pro at finding lyrics for us.

Probably the second time in my life I wanted an iPhone.

Will sings. Real life.

The wedding guitarist showed us his skills.

The moment Josh fell in love with the mitten.

Someone thought they could put on shoes that were 238497239 sizes to small for him.

Fail.

Yep, the singing was filmed.

Definitely one of my finest nights.

Not embarrassing at all.

Oh wait, I do this stuff all of the time.

You would think I would learn my lesson.

P.S. Sam....I still wear the buttons you made me that night.

I heart them and will accept more.

And.

A button maker.

So glad you and Josh made an appearance that night.

Best friends.

Then We Went to Idaho to Say Goodbye-Part II/Burley

2011-03-06T19:57:00.000-08:00

This is when I complained about how far we had to walk to our hotel room from the elevator.

Five steps.

Jordan could not stop laughing and documented the moment.

Exhaustion guys.

Five steps is a lot when I am tired.

Hungry, hot, or tired is just bad news bears for me.

Brothers. Uncles.
Memory Lane.
So glad we got to see Shane.
I think it has been 15 years since I have seen him.
Wait.
There was that one time he strolled in to the PVU airport like it was no big deal.
I was all sorts of, "Um, aren't you my cousin?"
That was awesome.
Cousins.
Sad. Faces.
We look so good.

Sad face part deux.

My cousins all have about a billion of the cutest kids.

This is how she pulls her sister around.

What of it.

This church still has a real phone in it for emergencies.

I emergency called God, but it was busy.

I bet he was on a party line.

We could not get enough it.

It was like we were from the future, and had never seen such a thing.

We stopped for our favorite road trip treat.

Guess who almost cried when the first gas station did not have them.

Oh, just both of us.

Don't worry, we found a larger than life package.

Success!

Someone tried to eat the entire package in one bite.

On our way home.

Back to reality.

During the trip Kathe sent me a text of a drawing El drew for me.

El has mad artist skills.
It made my day....even if she does think I have red ears.

Then We Went to Idaho to Say Goodbye-Part I/Boise

2011-03-02T19:21:00.000-08:00

Ingenius ways to add oil to the Dodge.

Yes, that is a real drum stick.
This is what happens when I go inside the gas station for five whole minutes.

We took lots of photos in between funerals.

Rad places in this little town.

Gramps

2011-02-10T22:43:00.000-08:00

This post took me a long time too.

Grieving takes a long time guys.

Yes, I had pink hair once.

I was so punk rock back in the day.

****

My Grandfather passed away the day after Dani.

Two funerals in three days is intense.

So is losing losing two best friends within 24 hours.

That was a lot to handle.
It still is.

****

My Grandpa and I became very close over the last few years.

I have fond memories of him as a child, but I have even fonder memories in the last few years.

We would talk on the phone often....about everything.

That guy really liked to challenge me.

We are both pretty stubborn so you can imagine how that went.

Those stubborn moments always ended in laughter.

I loved that.

He let me be me.

The last time I saw him I went on a walk in the crisp Idaho air whilst listening to Local Natives (specifically the song Airplanes, which is about his Grandpa). I knew it was one of the last times I would have such precious moments with him.

I prepared myself.

****

I have so many memories of my Grandfather.

Like:

-When we made pinwheels together (pictured above) and I was trying to convince him to give me the recipe. He would not give it to me, because he already gave it to one grandchild. Obviously you are the favorite Michelle, because you are the keeper of the flame. Jokes, I super sleuthed and got it out of him. Success!

-When he would pass me the butter and push it into my hands like a jokester.

-The rope swing he built for us grandkids. That thing was so fun and we all did some phat tricks off of it.

-Nat Soo Pah adventures.

-Camping adventure. The camper!

-The night we watched The Brady Bunch Bowling special together and both decided that they are all terrible bowlers. "Come on!!!!" would say to the T.V. We also decided we were waaaay better bowlers than those kids.

-Our long talks and his incredible advice.

-When I would call him every couple of weeks and the first thing he would say was, "You never call and you never visit." That always made me laugh because it was false.

-The chalkboard by the phone.

-How he remembered my birthday every year with a card.

-How I didn't know how to talk to him after my Grandma passed away because I was so close to her. We had a great conversation about that.

-How being around him and being in Idaho felt like being home.

-Horseshoe tournaments.

-Backyard baseball.

-The many days we spent discussing his history and life story.

-The day I told him how I felt many years ago when he had his first heart attack. How I couldn't live without him. He had tears in his eyes listening to the story, and he told me that he will always be here and that I can go on without him.

-The continual (maybe a little pushy Gramps!) that I need to find a good man. Maybe he forgot just how independent I am.

-When he told me, "Vegan food is gross!"

-The day I found a shot glass in the cupboard and asked him if he is a closet drinker, to which he replied, "Yes, we have the bishop over and drink with that shot glass." Guess who still cherishes that very shot glass? Yours truly.

-His faith and conviction. Truly beautiful.

-His passion for genealogy.

-Listening to him talk about the crazy lady next door to him in the nursing home that would come in his room and demand he drive her around town.

-The day he told me he was a pilot, and that he soloed in 8 hours...in a taildragger. Amazing. We also talked about my great uncle that broke records flying in 1920 ish. One of my favorite conversations with him.

-The endless amounts of awards that adorned his walls.

-The wooden woodpecker on the fridge that he would make start pecking when I was talking about the struggles my life. He would point to the sign next to it that said something like, "Keep on pecking at life." Wise guy.

-The endless games he would play with us. Spoon, Donkey, Pit, and all the rest.

-The day I was playing the organ for him and he looked at me strangly. I asked him what that look was for, and he told me he had heard better organ playing. Hahahaha. He was right, I was so rusty in my piano and organ skills.

-How he could always make me laugh.

-How I wanted desperately to see him one last time, but getting pneumonia twice in a row halted that idea. I had it in my calendar to be there the weekend he passed away. Even though I could not be there. My heart and love were with you in the last days Gramps. I was honored you asked of me even in the end. I miss you terribly.

-Singing at your funeral with the girls nearly pushed me over the edge. I did it for you Gramps. I knew you would have loved it.

(Thank you to uncle Brent who recognized my near breakdown and told me I was very brave to get up there. Incredible uncle.)

****

So much love for this great man.

Thank you for being an amazing Grandfather for 32 years.

I love you dearly.

Dani. Gammy D. Creative Director. Danimal.

2011-02-10T03:07:00.000-08:00

This post took me a while.

***

The day after Thanksgiving I received a phone call from Jordan that Dani was hit and killed by a drunk driver.

Do. Not. Drink. And. Drive.

All I remember, besides the blinding white light in my brain, was that I cancelled my clients, called my Mom and Nate for advice (thank you), and somehow drove to Jordan's house. The drive that seemed to last 3 hours. The next 15 or so days after that are a complete blur of trying to cope with extreme grief, crying, no sleep, the heart wrenching experience of packing up her room, losing my Gramps, traveling, and funerals. Jordan spoke at her funeral. It was beautiful. I was so proud of him. It was not easy.

God.

Doesn't she look beautiful in the photo above?

I remember the day it was taken like it was yesterday.

Only Dani would wear that incredible get-up to a summer bonfire.

I also love that the photo is classic snapshot of our relationship back in the day.

Despite our ups and downs I will always love her like a sister.

A true sister.

I have only had a couple true sisters in my lifetime.

Kind of a big deal.

***

Dani, remember all of the great times we had?

Like:

1. The time we thought it would be a great idea for me to stop writing my paper after a paragraph and turn it in with a note that said, "Dear Teach, I am in the middle of a lawsuit so this will have to do." This was also the time you proved to me you know Taylor Swift songs by singing them at the top of your lungs while I made fun of the music videos.

2. The days we listened to Psychic City while we made caesar salad and faux chicken sandwiches. We were My Two Mom's in those days.

3. The time we went out on the town until the wee hours. As we rounded the corner to Jordan's house on our bikes one of us said, "Do you think Dad is awake?" And he was sitting on the porch. We laughed so hard and then he made us those delicious vegan grilled cheese sandwiches.

4. The time I told you all about Handsy Tuesday and how ridiculous it was.

5. Endless driving in your truck that always included the windows down (even if it was freezing), the smell of your truck, and a Wendy's stop.

6. The time Nate and I bought you that silly ceramic mad lib decoration and filled it in with fake swearwords like fuzzy cuzzy. I loved that you still had that hanging in your room when we packed everything.

7. The time we came up with a T-shirt launching business with K2-Kev and Mike.

8. The day I was laid off and you came over to Nate's house where I was house sitting and made sure I ate something and then lip synced Strawberry Wine & Travelin' Soldier to cheer me up.

9. How you used to always say that you were in a Mendenhall sandwich, or that the Mendenhall eyes were getting to you.

10. The many times (every month) I went over in minutes because of our endless conversations about life.

11. YTDE texts.

12. Doublemint gum.

13. The time you wrote me an actual check for one billion dollars and you told me it was for Will Smith's greatest hits. Why? To cure the blues. I still have that check.

14. The time you convinced Nate to make us a last minute incredibly delicious steak salad. How did you do that? Then we took shark head pictures and drank coffee out of bowls. Laughing the entire time of course. One of the best nights.

15. How you are one of the few people to make the trek to my house...multiple times.

16. When we went to Modest Mouse with Becca.....life changing. You put your arm right around me when that one song came on and I was losing it as memories drained away.

17. The night someone was dramatic and kicked me out of their house in the middle of the night. You let me stay at Jordan's and made the annoyance wall out of sticky notes just to make us both feel better.

18. The time I texted you about something saucy that happened and it went to you and somehow Twitter. I didn't even deleted it...we just laughed.

19. The many mornings we would sit outside of Reuel's after a night at The W. We would talk and laugh about nothing. We were convinced we needed a reality show. We thought we were that funny.

20. Fighting like sisters.

21. The time you were super excited about me dating and you were very supportive, because as you said, 'you never get excited about anyone.'

22. Listening to the live version of Heartbeats by The Knife over and over on Keith's porch.

23. The cupcake dress.

24. The time we found the girl giving make-up tutorials that kept saying, "if you can last three hours you can last a lifetime."

25. How you thought the saying was "play it by year."

26. The time you ran your bike right into an obvious pole on state street.

27. Sing/dancing to Spice Girls with Tiff.

28. Our amazingly witty text exchanges.

29. The day we got a beer, a pizza, and watched Sex and the City in the middle of the day.

30. Our heart to hearts about anything and everything.

31. Listening passionately to the most random music.

32. The time you had a crush on my brother via cyberspace and you were scared to tell me that you two were going to hang out.

33. You sending me lyrics to Bob Dylan's Lay Lady Lay and Paulo Nutini's Last Request. Worked every single time.

34. How you could understand and empathize about anything...even stuff you had no clue about.

35. How you would always dress me up. It usually started like this: 'You are not wearing that.' Said with love of course. Not getting dressed up was never an option. You always told me I would feel better and beautiful. You were right.

****

Who would have know that one sarcastic exchange at the register at Nordstrom would have turned into all of this.

You will never be forgotten.

You were truly one of the most incredible people I have ever met.

I am so grateful we shared so many precious moments.

Thank you.

I miss you.

You are everywhere.

I wish we were able to discuss our 21/31 issues before you left, but I think we both have an understanding now.

I love you forever.

Au revoir.

Thanksgiving 2010

2011-02-01T22:12:00.000-08:00

Before Thanksgiving dinner we picked up a dryer.

Thanks Stace!

Best friend ever.

This is how my Mom helped.

What?

She is delivering their paper.

That is what she told me anyway, and I laughed really hard.

My Pops and I dealt with the dryer.

One great thing about growing up with only brothers is that there is little baby-ing.

Likes this.

We went to Jordan's new house for dinner.

He chose some sweeeeeet tunes.
Carpenters christmas album?
All-time favorite.
He also made us vegan pumpkin pie.
It is to die for.
This one is such a domestic goddess.

I played trucks with this little one.
Mischievous smile?
I think so.
Love him much?
More than anything.

We did not have napkins so we improvised.

I love it.

Leave it to Josedo to find a creative opportunity in everything. Ron is turning into a gamer.

So 2011 of him.

Seriously.

He means business.

How much do you love this gamer's static hair?

Probably the most.

I could just hug him all the live long day and night.

Family.

Love.

I was so sick I almost didn't make it to Thanksgiving, but I am so glad I did.

This was one of my best Thanksgiving's to date.

It was simple and full of everything it should have been.

Thank you to Josedo for making it happen in your new kick ass house.

Thanks pneumonia steroids for making me unrecognizable, and thanks to Sam for letting me vent about it via text at least a thousand times.

On the way to dinner my parents were talking about their lives pre-kids.

This is rare.

My Dad took a year off when he was 35-36 ish.

To do what?

Play tennis.

Yep. I asked and that was the answer I got.

Awesome.

He came out of his year break early because a company convinced him to.

He is a kick ass businessman if you didn't know.

In demand if you will.

On our drive to Josedo's house my Mom says to my Dad, "Do you remember Susan (her best friend at the time) coming to your house late and knocking on your door late at night when we were dating?"

"Vaguely," my Dad said.

"Susan wanted to know who 'this guy' was that I was dating so she convinced me to tell her where you lived in Provo, you know, at your condo. I made her park really far away because I was so embarrassed. She walked to your apartment and asked for fake directions. She told me you looked healthy because you were eating an apple."

Bwahahahahaha.

An apple.

This really happened and I was in heaven every second.

It was like my parents went back to their giddy, giggly, madly in love stage of dating even though they have been married for forty years or something insane like that.

Spruce Goose Adventure VII

2011-01-31T22:01:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah.
There was a lot of dancing that happened.

Someone with a brilliant memory sent me this hilarious email:

Top ten best things about the Spruce Goose
Well...the first three hours anyhow....
1. Our captain in also a tour guide. A boring as tour guide and an arrogant ship commander. Damn pilots.
2. The 12 year old boy in 28F wearing a Blue Snuggie
3. Guy in 27B who is 3x uber larger than a midget on a midget's shoulders on a midget's shoulders who gets husband on the year award for being in the middle seat next to his little wife. (He is feeding her chocolates though. Bet he is attempting to make her larger because misery loves company.)
4. Props to Fesik the gate agent for accepting a wink as a bribe and giving me a seat instead of that Delta Guy.
5. So glad we missed our first flight, otherwise we would have missed Dominatrix Tiffany and her rants.
6. Props to being single and not married to the guy at our 6 o'clock who reminds us of the positive things of divorcing our previous hopes and dreams of never getting a good lay again. Bahahaha!
7. To Em and her "stockings" that got her a future coffee and 'R' date with the TSA dude.
8. To the canceling of our Orbitz Reservations. Because then we made our next flight due to Murphy's Law. And when we re booked, we saved 89 cents.
9. For playing the same angry birds level for 1.5 hours instead of taking a nap because my 4 year old asked me to pass that level.
10. That we, Katy P. and Kristen B. are so chill that we considered Plan D to be Phoenix for a three-some with Triple G.

Spruce Goose Adventure Part VI

2011-01-27T09:03:00.000-08:00

Later that night we went to an intimate music party.

Told you.

Intimate.

We listened to Mark Radcliffe play his jams.

This lil' guy loved it.

We met new friends.

We had a blast.

One of my best adventures to date with Kathe.

I hope we have about a thousand more.

She is amazing friend.

Oh, and I got all sorts of hip and artsy in Portland.

Driving still sucked on our way home from the intimate music party.

Thank God for that magical little phone and her navigating skills.

I was so sick I was useless.

I also received these texts from American Dave.

I know Canadian Dave had a hand in creating them as well.

Nice work guys.

They made our night because they are just that hilarious.

Our new Portland friends are a hoot.

Spruce Goose Adventure Part V

2011-01-26T08:04:00.000-08:00

The next day we went to the Portland Saturday Market.

It was frigid, raining, and snowing.

Not so great for my round two pneumonia but still fun.

I wanted to buy everything at the market.

I love handcrafted goods.

Check out this guy and his hat.

He looks like he is related to Lance.

Spruce Goose Adventure Part IV

2011-01-25T17:43:00.000-08:00

After the Spruce Goose Museum, we drove around looking for our hotel.

Driving in Portland equals lame.

Then I sang Kathe some Kenny Loggins.

She didn't believe I love him.

She also couldn't believe I thought he was a babe.

This is her, "You think this guy is hot?" face.

We met Kathe's friend to hear him sing.

Except we missed the singing so we just hung out instead.

This is our new friend American Dave...

...and Canadian Dave.

Polly Pocket signed a C.D.

Hipster Hash was served at this restaurant.

Portland is soooo hip.

Spruce Goose Adventure Part III

2011-01-24T12:44:00.000-08:00

After seeing the aviation side of the museum, we went to the space side.

Bet you didn't know there was a space museum too.

Then we had a romantic dinner.

The food was incredible.

I found a mini spoon.

I have a weird fascination with little spoons.

I like to eat dessert with them.

It was so perfect that someone tried to convince me to take it.

I loved it so much I thought about it for .5 seconds.

Don't worry I didn't.

Spruce Goose Adventure Part II

2011-01-22T22:47:00.000-08:00

After a long morning of travel we finally made it to the Spruce Goose.

We had 2 hours before closing time.

Not very much time for this place.

I mean, just look at it.

If you are not an aviation nerd like yours truly you will not care about any of these photos.

The Spruce Goose is so big that it is hardly noticeable when walking in the museum.

You think I am joking, but I am not.

Your eye immediately goes to the tiny planes surrounding it.

At first I thought it was just like being at work.

Um, hello Spruce Goose Museum, I have seen all of these airplanes.

Where the hell is the Spruce Goose? Oh, there you are towering over everything.

Inside the Spruce Goose

Someone can fit into a t-shirt for a 12 year old.

Yep.

This was one of the employees that took a lot of our pictures.

We named him Trent.

Doesn't he look like a Trent? Sure does.

In this photo he was checking the light.

Nice one Trent.

Spruce Goose Adventure Part I

2011-01-20T20:06:00.000-08:00

This is the time in November that Kathe and I decided to take a quick trip to see the Spruce Goose in Oregon.

Only one of the longest standing items on my list of things to do.

There are a lot of pictures and a movie.

Beware.

*****

We were flying standby, which meant we got up at the crack of dawn and waited around a lot.

We couldn't get on the first flight out.

The second flight was questionable.

We almost switched our plans to another adventure destination.

But!

We got on the second flight miraculously.

November Airport 2010

2011-01-19T13:19:00.000-08:00

There was this one day that had a rad sunset.

This was also the day when one of the guys would not stop talking.

I was so sick and wanted to be quiet.

He said, "How mad would your Dad be if you dated a line guy?"
I replied, "I have dated a line guy. A long time ago."

This cured all of talking because he turned into Nancy Drew.

Listing everyone that has ever worked there.

Trying to get the correct time frame.

He had to know who it was, but he will never figure it out.

Now that all of them want to know it is pretty entertaining for me.

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving 2010

2011-01-14T07:18:00.000-08:00

Sam had this great idea to have an intimate dinner party and watch Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving on the tube.

Brilliant.

*****

Bros watching Black Dynamite.

Such a hilarious movie.

Watch it.

In the movie they say such gems as this:

Gloria: [After Black Dynamite kills a would-be assassin in a donut suit] How did you know?

Black Dynamite: Because donuts don't wear alligator shoes.

Oh snap!

Josedo was in love with my salad bowl.

His grimy little mitts almost tried to steal it.
The microwave doubles as a pantry for Sam so his wild kingdom does not get into his food.

MOriah and I might have accidentally let Sausage get into the makeshift pantry.

Oopsie.

We thought it was really funny.

Sam did not.

We got a seriously stern Dad/first grade teacher look.

Oh snap!

Hip wild kingdom coming right up.

Cookie town.

Population two.

Thanks Sam for a great night.

You throw smashing intimate dinner parties.

*****

Post Script.

Yes, I know how behind I am.

Thanksgiving in January? Awes.

I have been avoiding it because I know what comes next.

I make the rules guys.

Brandon Flowers

2010-12-27T19:15:00.000-08:00

In November, two of my oldest friends took me to Brandon Flowers for my birthday.

Love them.

Francis Healy, the lead singer from Travis, was the opener.

We did not see that coming.

Little did my friends know that I happen to love Travis.

Extra best present ever.

His voice is dreamy.

I think this is her Mom face.

She has three kids people.

Still cannot believe it.

Other friends were there too.
Merch receipt. Check.
She is one of the biggest Brandon Flowers/The Killers fan that I know.

Then there was this guy.

The guy with the unruly elbow that kept putting said elbow in my photos.

I said, "Hey new guy. You should try and put your elbow in my pictures more often. I love when you ruin photos of my friends."

We became fast friends and accidentally cut the other guy out of the picture.

Sorry frescort.

****

I bet some of you had to look twice when you saw this picture.

He is not who you think he is....although he is eerily similar in looks.
But!

Not at all the same personality.

Win!

Brandon Flowers.

He is great live.

11 years of marriage.

I love that they are just as in love as they were in high school.

Brandon Flowers sang the 80's hit Bette Davis Eyes.

I loved that.

I can never get enough of the 80's hits.

Thank you for a great night friends.

I love you.

Snail Mail Love

2010-12-26T21:41:00.000-08:00

These were waiting for me in my mailbox when I came home from single Mom town.

I have amazing friends that send me mail.

Impeccable timing Moriah and Sam.

I needed these that day and I loved/love them.

They are proudly displayed.

Not A Single Mom Dot Com

2010-12-25T19:35:00.000-08:00

There was this one week. Or nine days. That I babysat my second cousins.

We did a lot of things and had all sorts of fun:

1. We colored.

My guess is most people reading this found some of my amazing coloring in their mailboxes.

2. Made chocolate milk.
3. I used my Mom face when someone stole my camera like a ninja.

4. Talked to the parents at night.

5. Built forts.

6. Made green smoothies.

She loved them.

Unbelievable.

7. Picked up kids from school.

8. Dressed up.

Or maybe she just found those in my coat pocket, put them on, and yelled, "Hey babysitter! Look at my necklaces."

How could I get mad at that face?

9. Watched the sunset.

10. Tie-dyed shirts.

11. Read books.

12. Ate wooden food.

13. Cleaned up.

It has been years since I was a full-time nanny.

Except for that one day it was great.

You know the day, the one where the kids were crying, the dog rolled in poop, the smoke detector went off and more.

I emailed every friend that was a Mom that day because they equal amazing.

Maybe being a Mom in your thirties is not allowed.

I mean.

I almost cried over a smoke detector going off just as the kids had finally fallen asleep.

Maybe I should go ahead and post that email I wrote. It is pretty funny with lots of swearing.

The email is sure to offend most, almost give you an anxiety attack (Jordan), or it will read like everyday at your own house (Cody).

Oh, and....

Daylight savings and kids do not mix if you are wondering.

*****

I really do love these two kids so much.

I have since watched them again.

They are my buds, but I am not Jesus.

I sometimes lose my patience and cry over smoke-detectors.

That is just how I am now.

Mimicking Birds & Tim Kasher

2010-12-24T21:04:00.000-08:00

This was the night I went to see Mimicking Birds.

We were happy.

He was fake sad.
He carries this shirt around in his man purse.

Mimicking Birds.

Great show.

After Mimicking Birds, I met this guy to go see Tim Kasher.

I. Love. Tim. Kasher.

His solo album is great.

He sings about real life in the most beautiful way.

He always does.

I will always be partial to The Good Life though.

He played some of those songs.

I was happy since I have never seen The Good Life, just Cursive, and they are equally as good.

Tim Kasher is true talent even live.

One of the best shows of the year for me.

After Tim Kasher, Josedo wanted nachos.

We waited for this guy to fix the cheese machine.

He had no faith in the employee's cheese fixing skills.

The end.

Halloween

2010-12-23T10:05:00.000-08:00

Halloween has been awesome the last few years.

This year was no exception.

To think I used to hate Halloween.

What an idiot.

****

Look who won Publishers Clearing House this year.

She deserves it.

First, we went to a house party to see a Misfits cover band, except we missed the band part.

Oopsie.

Someone was late (me) and that mustache was a work of art that took some time.

At least we did not miss these amazing costumes.

Happy.

Second, we went to another random ski house party.

All strangers.

How do we get in these situations?

****

This is when someone asked if we were love partners.

We played the part.

Serious hugging happening in my life.

I don't even look awkward or maybe we are really just secret love partners.

Third, we walked all over the city listening to Oh Sherrie by Steve Perry.

Classic song and so many good memories associated with this song now.

We made our way to Urban...

...to see this band.

Friends were there.

Business.

Fourth, we went to Jackalope.

These two became models while we were there.

Fifth, back to Martha's for homemade food.

Did or did I not tell you she always whips something fancy up to eat?

She might kill me for posting this but this is my favorite picture of the night.

This is what pink curlers do to hair.

Her face...priceless.

So happy to be a winner.

Other people throughout the night were winners too.

Just look:

Horseback Riding Lesson

2010-12-22T22:03:00.001-08:00

Boots and me getting ready for our lesson.

Boots isn't his real name; that is just what I call him.

Look at our cute boots.

Art

2010-12-21T11:39:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time Martha and I went an art show to see our friend's photos.

Sam is brilliant, and has only been in Vice about 2394823948 times.

Talent alert.

Seriously.

*****

This guy was there bossing people around.

I once mentioned that I loved this cover of Vice to Sam and that I could not find it.

One week later he showed up with it.

Best and most giving friend award.

Love this cover.
Framing it.

We were all given pocket blogs at the art show.
Pictures were drawn in mine.

Even fake French looking strangers wanted to draw in the pocket blog.

Photo booth Phun.

P.S. I love that written on the back of the photo booth picture is this:

"To Do: Blog"

Sam equals funny.

Wii Wednesday & Dr. Dog

2010-12-20T20:49:00.000-08:00

Someone brilliant (Sam) decided that Wii Wednesday was a must in October.

That guy is always coming up with good ideas.

Plus, he made us dinner.

How awes is that?

*****

Serious game face and stance.

After Wii wearing ourselves out, we went to see Dr. Dog.

The Morning Benders

2010-12-19T20:34:00.000-08:00

I barely made it to this show in time.

I did my best to hurry.

Supporting one of my best friends came first that night.

Thank you to everyone that gave me a play-by-play so I would not miss it.

So glad I made it.

So good.

They are about to get serious about something.

Someone needed to be cheered up.

The kiss on the cheek obviously worked.

New old friends reunited.

This was when he told me I am intimidating.

My favorite thing to hear.

Halloween Burlesque Show

2010-12-18T22:17:00.000-08:00

The night started out with some coffee for me...at 2200.

Turns out pneumonia makes one tired.

While Rainb and I were talking, aka minding our own business, this guy walked with his game on.

I really did ask him if he had recentally read The Game.

He was using all of the material but he claimed it was his own.

It was entertaining...

and we made some new friends.
Then we went to see Nads burlesque dance her heart out.
She is so brave.

There was a metal band first.

The singer is wearing leggings that look like fancy ripped jeans.

That is just smart and comfortable.

We became friends with this guy.

I kind of forced Rainb to make all sorts of friends.

Buds.

These two came to see Nads dance too.

Always good to see them and their commentary throughout the night was funny.

We found treasures on the floor.

Kathe was able to stay for the entire show since her flight out of town was full.

Awkward photo time.

We watched the performers.

Nads did a great job and he was so proud of her.

Because it is impossible for me to do only one thing in an evening, I then left to go see The Morning Benders play...

Phantogram

2010-12-17T22:11:00.000-08:00

I love Phantogram.

They have tried to perform here several times and it has not worked out.

Finally it did.

They opened with my favorite song.

The show was incredible even if the circumstances surrounding the night were not.

*****

Thanks towering giant on the folding chair for snapping this photo.

It was the best we managed to get but I do not care.

I love imperfect photos.

Imperfect perfection.

Book Town

2010-12-16T21:56:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, on a busy Saturday at the port, a man walked in with a book.

I was told this book was his first attempt at a novel and he wanted us to sell it.

He asked if I knew who he was.

I did not.

He told me he was well known for writing doctrine type books for certain religious people.

I told him if it was some sort of doctrine intertwined into a novel then he could count me out.

He chuckled at that one.

Um...not joking guy.

He promised me it was not like that, and I am always up for trying something new.

This type of book never appeals to me but I was pleasantly surprised.

I mean, an independent spunky woman that is a pilot. And! She is stunt horseback rider for movies?

I will go ahead an be her now.

Well done Mr. Doctrine.

I approve of this in the pilot shop.

Amy....you are about to fall in love with this book. It is right up your Twilight loving alley.

You should ask for a percentage of the sales.

Bed & Breakfast

2010-12-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I stay at Modern-Day Martha's house.

If you ever get the chance...stay there.

1. It is cozy and the cutest house you will ever see.

2. She crafts and will give you something.

3. She yell-talks (it is something) from her room about the events of the night in the most hilarious way. You will be in stitches.

5. She will make you a mid-night snack. This usually begins with, "I don't have much right now." Then she gives you a plate full of gourmet snacks that appear out of thin air. Harry Potter. She can cook or bake anything. Oh, and the meal is always accompanied with a beautiful cloth napkin or something fancy.

6. She will play the hits while yell-talk (that should be a band name) time happens. She still needs some new speakers if you are wondering.

7. In the morning she will make you coffee and make fun of the lame stuff on TV. In stitches again.

8. Then she will help you solve the rubik's cube of life.

9. Positive energy.

10. One of the greatest friends you will ever have.

Art & Music

2010-12-14T00:22:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time in November Modern-Day Martha and I went to hear music and look at photos.

I scored an artsy V.I.P. pass (see below in stolen photo) and met some rad new friends.

Pneumonia

2010-12-13T21:26:00.000-08:00

I dropped Brasil off at the airport at 1235 on a Thursday.

At 1236 I came down will what felt like a slow death.

Instead it was just pneumonia.

*****

One of my best friends was nice enough to bring me medicine, a green smoothie, and soup the day she found out I was sick.

Love her.

She also knew me well enough to know that I would not allow anyone to do anything for me. She basically showed up at my door and barged in like she was the Kool-Aid man.

Excpect she did not say "Oh Yeah."

*****

After a week of death, she also lovingly forced me to go to the doctor.

Thank you for knowing me so well.

Well done out bossing me.

*****

Thank you to the rest of you that offered to help (crosswords and oranges!) or came to visit.

Friend love.

*****

P.S.

Guess what my famous last words were when everyone around me was sick and they were sure I was next?

"I do not get sick...duh."

Last Night

2010-12-12T23:44:00.000-08:00

On Brasil's last night we decided to go dancing.

Brasil and Army Parachute Jumpers

2010-12-11T22:25:00.000-08:00

This really happened.

Such a good hostess right here.

What didn't she get to experience while she was here?

Plus, she looks like such a babe.

This is where you should have found an American to make out with Brasil.

Saving the Planet

2010-12-10T22:15:00.000-08:00

After breakfast I made everyone help clean up at the house.

Such a mean Mom.

I think it is only fair since we all stayed there.

Brasil and I got the job of recycling bottles that had been sitting there for many years.

She thought this was pretty funny.

I can see her rolling her eyes and laughing.

That image is burned into my head forever.

Love it.

I told you it was a long 24 hours.

That is right.

All of this happened in 24 hours.

From the moment we picked up G.S.W. from the airport.

I also lost my camera in these precious 24 hours.

Random Breakfast

2010-12-09T21:24:00.000-08:00

After Caribou I let Brasil go to breakfast at 0200 with strangers.

What?

I was tired.

Oh, and I knew one of the people.

I figured she would be fine.

She was.

*****

Since we parted ways in the middle of the night I did not get to tell her about the random friend we picked up on the way home.

He needed a place to stay and apparently he was an old friend of everyone at the house.

Since there is lots of room in the house there is always a place to sleep (works out great for someone practically homeless).

Imagine Brasil's surprise when she saw a stranger on the couch.

Awesome.

****

In the morning the stranger tried to serenade Brasil.

True.

This guy was entertaining.

Lover of the Sea and Fancy Pants decided to come listen to the serenading.

Good thing a lone crutch was available to help them listen.
Brasil was in the market to hook up with an American.
I think she got it all wrong.

Since the stranger and Brasil found it impossible to whisper at 0800 they woke up the entire house.

That lead to coffee on the porch.

The stranger told us about the band he was starting of only songs from a hymn book.

Brasil did not understand, and since we were laughing, we were told not to encourage him any further.

I wanted to look at the music on his iPad since he was playing the hits all morning.

He gave me a stern talking to about how to be careful and the proper way to hold an iPad.

Seriously?

I think I have got it, but I fake listened while trying not to laugh anyway.

Then we all went to breakfast....

and laughed some more.

You do not want to know.

Mid-breakfast and conversation the stranger pulled out his iPad, found the city Brasil lives in, and pointed to a road.

He said, "Have you ever driven on this road....right....here?"

I do not think we stopped laughing about that for the rest of breakfast.

So....I am barely allowed to hold the iPad but it is okay to use it as a coaster?

I think this was the day that Brasil officially decided we are all crazy.

Or just that I am crazy.

When we were talking about this day later and laughing, she said, "This is just typical day in your life."

It is kind of true.

Caribou

2010-12-08T20:18:00.000-08:00

I was super excited to see Caribou for many months.

This is when two strangers found true love, Tony and I talked business, and Brasil tried to blind herself with her camera.

We were over it before it even started.

Some of us had been awake since 0500.

What is this gem of a picture I found amongst a hundred photos?

Really.

What is happening here?

This is my 'will you please just let me study' face.
Yes.
I secretly study at shows.

Heart wrenching.

Yes, I am posting these pictures.

Right now I am pretending like the last 10 days did not happen until I can process it.

More importantly....handle it.

I love this photo because all of the people pictured I have always considered my siblings...always will.

Little Brother.

Kid Sister.

Brasilian Sister.

Family.

I cannot remember what we thought was so funny in this photo.

We were serious about it though.

Probably serious about dancing funny.

This was the last time.

So glad I have these pictures.

Love.

Just another argument.

No big deal.

But at least G.S.W. and I later made up after his life comments.

We always do.

Yes, those are earplugs.

I am still old.

Caribou!

We are clearly no longer over it once they took the stage.

Look how good I am getting at hugging in 2010.

This was more like a dance move but I am going to still count it as a hug.

They were incredible.