Stranded in Vegas

It's past noon and I'm still in my pajamas...AGAIN. This Christmas vacation has been all about sleeping until I naturally wake up and staying in my pajamas all morning and thensome. Not too shabby. This is partially on purpose and partially because I'm without transportation, so what's the point of getting ready, right?? Right. I'm not complaining. I've been able to go through my boxes of stuff that I'm storing at my parents' house, reminiscing all the while. Journals, yearbooks, photo albums,my CD collection, etc. Good times.And now I'm stranded without transportation once more. Because of the crazy blizzard that happened out in NYC, this is the news I got when I checked my flight status:I had to call JetBlue to rebook and was on hold from 11:30 pm to 1:30 am. Luckily, I'm not in a rush to get back, so a flight back on Sunday will do just fine. I was planning on celebrating my last NYC New Year's Eve, but oh well. I had no set plans, though I was strongly considering Times Square since I probably won't be in New York for next year's. I'm happy to spend New Year's Eve here in Las Vegas, though. Come to think of it, I don't think I've been here for one since I moved away four years ago. Should be a good time.

On a different note, I've got Bieber fever. Totally jk. I really don't. But I couldn't resist when I saw this life-size cutout of him at the movie theater. Doesn't it look kinda real?! Ha.

So This is Christmas

I called "dibs" on this Nativity set of my mom's, but apparently two of my other sisters want it, too.If I have to claim ownership by stealing, I just might. My mom said she almost threw it away! I was the one who asked her to put it out with her many other Nativity sets. It's the best one, in my opinion. Maybe each child will get a piece and each Christmas we'll bring it together again. Wait, no. That's a dangerous plan. I'll just take care of it. No one has to worry.

I made another gingerbread house at my family's party...a big one, this time.
Too bad I never actually eat the candy. The photo below is random, but notice the similarities?

I have two, yes, two, pregnant sisters. I am in the middle of them in age. Yes, it makes me feel a little bit like a slacker. But not envious, no. I'm okay. They're due about one month apart from each other. Kinda crazy, but we've seen this kind of thing in my family before. One year, we had three babies born all within a month or two of each other. It's been 5 or 6 years since a wee babe has graced our family's presence. It's about time. The weather has been rainy consistently since I got here. I swear, the East Coast weather follows me every. single. time. Last month, when I was here for Thanksgiving it was in the 40s. Seriously? Above, you can see a faint rainbow in the sky, with a classic Vegas palm tree in the scene. Last, but not least of this random post, is Sawyer. He's a blond babe. He's the only one I care to take pictures of lately. Love him!

It's a Holly, Jolly Christmas

I went to a few Christmas parties this past weekend and even managed to throw a small one myself! A roommate is moving and we had a goodbye gingerbread house-making party! Except we used graham crackers. I made the frosting and we bought candy and wah-la!


My roof almost caved in, but still! It was fun.

The parties I went to were both on Saturday. The first was the ward party. It was ok. Then I went to the Todd's party (the fam I babysit for). The kids woke up sick, but I played with them anyway. I found myself playing with them while the adults were socializing. I preferred it that way.








Below is from Friday:








I love them so much!!!!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

That may be an understatement for Westerners, like myself.


26 degrees is COLD!!! And this New York City weather couldn't be more unpredictable. At least it's the weekend that gets warmer! I leave Wednesday night for my Christmas break and couldn't be more excited! My excitement is currently being dampened by three finals hanging over my head. I don't know how I'm going to get it all done, but I know it will somehow.

Forgive My Absence

Yeah, I haven't had much extra time on my hands, as of late. I shouldn't even be posting this now. But, ya know, you can only work on a paper you're not sure about for so long. I know I've said this once, and I'll say it again...holy cow, this semester went by fast! This whole year! The whole year and a half!!!! Who am I kidding, time is not ever going to be the same again. I remember the days of being a Jr. High School student when I felt like I had all the time in the world to hang out with my friends (and i did), watch TV (and i did), and do absolutely nothing of importance every single weekend! What the?! Where the?! Man, growing up and becoming responsible is tough. See? here I am, talking like a 16-year old, instead of a soon-to-be 31-year old. For real. I'd like to go back to 1996, please. Thank you.

But instead, I'll just be proud of my accomplishments since then, and gaze upon things that are awesome, like this:I walked out of class on Tuesday night to the sounds of Christmas carolers. I followed their song and was not surprised where I found them gathered. The arch at Washington Square Park (center of NYU campus) is beautiful. I'm sure it has an official name, but I'm too tired to Google it right now. While it's beautiful to behold, I am THRILLED that I only have to see it one more time this year! Only one day of class to go to turn in my final papers. ONE! That's it! Five months from now, I'll be walking across a stage to receive my Master's degree in Social Work. Ha. I don't think I'll feel quite ready for that when it happens, but I'll work on that.

Grateful

I failed to post on Thanksgiving because I was too busy enjoying my many blessings that come in the form of family and friends. As I've become a student of social work, I've never been more thankful of my upbringing and the many relationships in my life. I've been exposed to some less than ideal situations as of late, and as my heart nearly breaks for the people I'm working with, I am reminded constantly to count my many blessings. No life is perfect; no, not even my own (contrary to popular belief). But a lot of trouble and woe can be avoided with some guidance, greater purpose, and willpower.

As President Hinckley used to always say, if we were all a little bit kinder, a little bit more prayerful, a little bit more like Jesus Christ, we would be happier. It's simple, really.

Vegas, Baby!

I'm waiting to board a plan bound for NYC. As usual, Vegas was good to me.


My second night here, I went out to get crazy with the ladies








We loitered in the casino and took a ton of ridiculous pictures of ourselves afterward. Those are to come, as they are on my digital camera.

At Thanksgiving, my bro-in-law who's in the Navy, but is now sporting camos instead of a sailor uniform, showed off his stuff to the little kids.


I wanted in on the action..


Don't I look tough?!! Or more like a nerd. I coaxed him into making one of my family members pass out using a sort
of choke hold move. Haha. It was crazy, but totally safe--he's a professional!

Also, during my stay I came upon some old skool Apple gems


My dad's first iPod! This thing is gigantic.


And my friend's old MacBook


Oh, how times have changed! If you ask me, I'd say Apple is a bunch of overachievers.

And I got to drive and saw mountains. Ah, wide open spaces!!


I didn't take many photos of people. I need to work on that. I spent time with my family and my besties. I saw my grandpa and had a nice visit with him. He gave a prayer before we left and it was so profound and sweet. I love him.

I'll be back for more in two weeks!! Hooray for home and holidays!

All Things New York

Okay, maybe not ALL things, but here's some things I've been capturing lately that scream "NYC".

First,Fall colors from my bedroom window!

Second,Here, pizza gets delivered on bikes. For real.

Third,
Christmas Spectacular!!! Starring, the one and onlyWhat did they do before LCD screens and computers? Seriously??

The showed ended with a LIVE Nativity! There were real camels and sheep on stage! Also, kudos to you, Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, for not changing your show to be "P.C.", ("politically correct"). There was Merry Christmas and Christian goodness all over the place. LOVED it.

Natasha and I also loved ourselves in the awesome Ladies' Lounge, which I'm pretty sure used to be a smoking lounge back in the day.
This room makes me want to be a flapper girl who smokes long cigs.
Saw these ladies afterward. Really, it's not that cold, yet, guys. Really.

It Was Worth It

I meant to post about this a lot sooner, but alas, time keeps slipping away from me. My awesome friends Abby and Travis FINALLY tied the knot about a week ago. Behold, Trabby! Or Abbis!I say "finally", because I can. I have been a witness of this roller coaster ride of love since the VERY START. Abby met Travis when she and I were living as roommates in Salt Lake City, UT. It was out first spring/summer there, in 2007. Well, pretty soon after the summer, they both ended up out in NYC. Funny how I followed about one year later. When I wasn't physically around to witness their romance, with the highs and lows that come with every relationship, I was virtually around via a little thing called email and gchat. Abby and I both had desk jobs that required mindless work, therefore, we were able to spend a good part of our days, for a good length of time, chatting about our woes and wants and likes and dislikes. I looked forward to going to work, because I knew I'd most likely have an email waiting for me from Abby (since NY is two hours ahead of Utah, she got into work before I did and often had stories to tell me--not always related to Travis, mind you). I think it's safe to say, and that she'd agree with me, that in those days of long distance friendship, our friendship grew profoundly. I never guessed that when my off and on/multi-state dwelling roommate (we lived together in Vegas, then Salt Lake City) and dear, dear friend moved across the country, we'd actually grow closer. I've been fighting technology a lot lately, not really enjoying the fact that it's taken away from the more traditional face-to-face time that I so enjoy with people, but I guess I'm forgetting what it did for this friendship. Maybe I need to remember it more often and stop trying to fight and isolate myself from it, but rather, make it work to my advantage.

But back the wedding! It was beautiful and so much fun. I'm so glad they decided to get married here in NYC. I already had to miss several dear friends' weddings this year. I'm so happy I didn't have to miss another! I failed to bring my camera, idiotically, so I stole these from my old roomie (thanks, Alina!;)I love it when a love story has a happy ending, with all the other stuff before it and in between. One main thought ran through my mind that day, and Abby, you know I love you when I say this...There's hope!:)

Let the Sun Shine In

Have I mentioned my room with a view?


Well, it comes with lots of sunlight, too (naturally). And a grown-up bed!


See that shadow on the wall?! Love it. And I love that I can actually spread this long, lanky body of mine out and sleep comfortably. Even though I slept just fine on the twin loft bed in my last apartment (because I sleep like a log once I'm out), I feel I sleep even better when my body is not cramped into a small space.

Hello, Wendy!

It's so good to see a familiar face once and awhile. I can't remember the last time I ate at Wendy's.
And I did some damage, as you can see. Gotta love that chocolate frosty! Three cheers for fast food (on occasion)! I went on a hospital visit at my internship today (got to see a newborn babe, again, and all I can say is to.die.for adorable!) and lunch was right across the street. I know I've mentioned this before, but I am fond of chain stores and restaurants. I told my supervisor that today and she looked at me like I am crazy. Ha. What can I say?? I find comfort in the familiar and I know what to expect and what I like at such places. I also like riding in a car. I rode in the back of a brand new Mazda something-or-other and I got excited at the thought of one day owning a car again. I'm sure I'll change my tune once that day actually comes and all my money goes into a thing that depreciates in value the longer I own it. Oh well. At least I'll get to sing to my heart's desire and come and go as I please when I have a car. There's pros and cons to both private and public transportation, indeed.

This I Will Miss

Dinner, for just a mere $3.25:
at in a hole-in-the-wall pizza place. I was starving. Hunger, fed. Oh, and with a bunch of Italians in the corner:


Also, noticing a movie casting call for one of my favorite books posted in said hole-in-the-wall-pizza place:


There's no place like New York City!