New Title TBD

Good Things

2012-01-12T21:11:00.001-07:00

It is the twelfth of the month--so of course wonderful things happened today.

This bestie called to say that she and this bestie were booking tickets to come down for the rodeo (and marathon relay) in March. I am ecstatic, and already planning every minute of the visit (Blue Bell factory is on the list, of course).
Little sister called to give me an update on her awesome college life, and was so happy and optimistic I couldn't help but smile big as we talked.
My new watch Kyle got me for Christmas looked fantastic with my work outfit. I am loving it more and more every day. Isn't it lovely?

And there were lots of other wonderful things, but now it's time to snuggle up to a movie. More updates soon.

One Big Year

2011-12-13T00:24:00.001-07:00

Today was my birthday, and what a crazy day it was.

This was my first birthday in 5 years that I wasn't going to be in reading days or finals. I was excited to spend the day working a little and playing a lot. Work turned out to be SO CRAZY. Seriously, the busiest day I've had since I started working 6 months ago. Which explains why I am awake at such a college-student-like hour. What are the odds?

Being married makes birthdays lots of fun (even with all the working). Kyle surprised me with flowers (they make my office look a million times better), piano music, and a point-and-shoot (I've been without one since I lost mine in Houston 2 years ago). We volunteered building bikes for Elves and More here in Houston for a B-Day activity. It was a well organized event. LOTS AND LOTS of bikes for kids. It's a neat program.

But my real reason for posting is to announce that I have REALLY big plans for this year. Today starts the beginning of my 25th year on earth. This 25th year will end on my 25th birthday on 12/12/12. I am telling you all now that on 12/12/12 I am throwing myself a huge birthday bash. I've been waiting for this birthday since, like, 2000.

But to have such a wonderful celebration on 12/12/12 I have to have an AMAZING year leading up to it. I won't go into all the gory details but this past year has been one of unmet (or just un-set) goals, failed expectations (of myself), and all around mediocrity and averageness. But NO MORE. I have a list of 25 goals and high hopes that this coming year is going to be THE BEST EVER.

So, dear friends, thank you for your support on this birthday of mine (and every other day). This truly is going to be a spectacular year.

Loss

2011-09-20T20:23:00.002-06:00

Why is it that when you don't blog you feel like you have dropped off the face of the earth? Every day I tell myself “Just because I didn’t write it down (or snap a picture) doesn’t mean it didn’t happen,” but it never really gives me the comfort I need. I want things written down. I love seeing my life with serifs and spaces.

Recently my family had a tragedy. And by family, I mean Kyle and myself. When I came home from Vienna we bought a notebook (um, yes it was a Moleskine, how did you know?) and we each wrote things about life in it. We wrote about wedding planning, and dreaming, and thinking, and the perfectness that is your own wedding day. And as life went on we wrote about playing house (i.e. being married) and teaching Sunbeams and living in different states. We each wrote different things—different details we noticed—different moments we enjoyed. And I loved that notebook. Every time I wrote something new, I would scan all the pages before it. Always mentioning to Kyle, “I’m so glad we have this.”

And then we moved to Texas.

And somewhere in that transition, I've lost the notebook.

And Kyle does not know this, but it has made me cry so many, many times.

Because the truth is I don’t really blog about the day-to-day, I scribble it on butter yellow pages with Signo .28 pens.

And losing those scribbles make my chest ache and eyes burn.

But I am picking myself up, dusting myself off, and writing some more. I have other notebooks. And I have a blog. And I have a life.

A Tuesday

2011-06-28T22:33:00.002-06:00

Photo from HERE.
Used without permission.

Work starts tomorrow. It feels like the first day of school. I have my outfit all laid out for tomorrow--it took me about an hour to decide. That might make me a weirdo, but whatever.

It has been a strange day. I sat in my apartment by myself with no furniture or anything (Kyle comes in later this week, as does all of our stuff) trying to figure out what I was supposed to do with my last day of "freedom." Turns out, not much.

I washed my car, probably for the first time since I lived in Houston two years ago. Gross, I know, but I don't drive it that much.

I got all geared up to go to the apartment pool, only to discover a sign that read "The pool will be closed Tuesday June 28 for cleaning."

I ate some carrot sticks.

I read the New York Times.

I watched SYTYCD. Is everyone in love with Melanie like I am? She is SUCH A GOOD DANCER. I like Marko too.

I talked to my mom on the telephone.

I switched on the breakers so I had power in my apartment. (After a very long night without power. I am SO dumb. If you are ever ready to blame your power company for not turning on your power, check the boxy thing).

I inflated the blow up bed my awesome friends (and neighbors) lent me (once I had power). It is much more comfortable than the floor.

I emptied my suitcases.

I ate a lot more carrot sticks.

I read a chapter of David Copperfield. It's free on the kindle app, and I definitely recommend it. It's a lengthy one, but I have really been enjoying it.

And I tried on 7 outfits for work.

Then I blogged.

I get discouraged when I use 'I' too much in my blogs (which is all the time) because it makes me feel like I am a) not writing creatively enough, and b) too focused on myself. This post has WAAAAAAY too many. So this blogger will just end with a quote from David Copperfield:

"Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery."

It was true then, and it's true now. Perfect for a girl about to enter the working world.

Wish me luck!

Goodbye Carson City

2011-06-21T16:47:00.002-06:00

Carson City, NV
Photo by JP's iPhone

For the fourth time in nine months I am going through all of my stuff prepping for a move. In the words of my mom, "Yup, that sounds like early marriage."

I don't really mind it, I guess. I have always liked going through things and organizing them. In fact, my dream job (which I am not going to reveal at this time) includes organizing stuff all day. The simple things, right?

Moving to Houston (go ahead and groan and tell me how awful it is, but remember I like it) means saying goodbye to Carson City. Just like Houston, I had low expectations of this place, but Kyle and I have really enjoyed our time here.

We will definitely miss:

Being surrounded by mountains (seriously, all sides).
Kirkwood Ski Resort.
Lake Tahoe.
Living within walking distance of the pool.
Living within walking distance of the library.
Living within walking distance of the park.
Living within walking distance of the grocery store.
Living within walking distance of church.
Perfect temperature. We hardly use the heater or AC.
Being so close to San Francisco (and other California attractions).
Baby cows (oh, I love them!) and quail on our street.
The facility where Kyle works.
Our awesome ward. These guys understand the term "fellowship" like nothing I've ever experienced.
The Reno/Taho airport. No security line. Ever.
The Reno River Festival.
So. Many. Vanity Plates.

We will definitely NOT miss:

Wheel of Fortune slot machines (WHEEL!! OF!! FORTUNE!! Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!!!)
Casinos. Everywhere.
The smokers that live below us.
Our apartment carpet that is hiding stains from a past I don't care to know about.
The high school drop out kids that congregate outside our apartment.
Wind. (Someone should throw up some turbines here--it could power the world).
Weird Nevada drivers.

That is all I can think of for now. But it really has been a good six months (minus the four that I lived in Provo while Kyle lived here). We're excited for a new adventure and a MUCH nicer apartment in Texas.

Whatever Wednesday

2011-06-15T21:21:00.003-06:00

La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Photo by JP

I am intimidated by my own blog.

I think about writing something, and it bullies me into thinking that is a bad idea. Then a long time goes by and it gets harder and harder to write stuff.

Also, being married makes me confused as to what the point of this blog is. Like, it isn't a couples blog (we post about adventures here), but my life isn't just about me anymore. Not that it was before....I just thought it was.

But I'll stop overthinking and just write some stuff. It's Wednesday afterall, aren't I supposed to be 'wordy'? Or is it 'wordless'? I know, how about Whatever Wednesday.

I guess the best way to explain my summer is this--through Saturdays:

April 30: San Juan, Puerto Rico (Research Conference. Very nerdy but VERY awesome.)

May 7: Carson City, NV (Finally reunited with Kyle!)

May 14: Carson City, NV (By this point I'm getting bored because I don't have a car or a job....)

May 21: Provo, UT (High School Reunion--thanks all who attended!! Also, picked up my car.)

May 28: San Francisco, CA (LOOOOVE that city.)

June 4: Costa Rica (Yes, it was incredible. And my sunburn is starting to peel.)

June 11: Denver, CO (Helping Mom-in-Law prep for Bro-in-Law's wedding.)

June 18: Spokane, WA (Attending said wedding. Congrats Eric and Nicole!!)

June 25: Phoenix, AZ (I have a chubby nephew that needs love from me.)

July 2: Houston, TX (Time for this LAZY girl to start a JOB.)

Wow, that looks intense having it all typed out like that. Three countries, six states, two months. After July 2 it calms down until.....the holidays. Not kidding. New job has like zero vacation days.

Because we have been so busy I have been sort avoiding to the fact that I am not living by friends or family anymore-nor will I be for the next several years. But somedays, while sitting in our one bedroom apartment smelling the chain smokers downstairs, I think about it and I get sad.

Miss and love all of you. And don't worry, I still stalk all of your blogs religiously. In fact, I get bored some days so feel free to post more often!!

Salut! (I learned French while in Puerto Rico. Neat, huh?)

Jimmer Angel

2011-05-16T11:32:00.001-06:00

I spent 5 years at BYU and all I got was this:

I know the PROOF makes it difficult to see what is going on, but see the Jimmer sitting on my shoulder? Uh...creepy. I will admit that during commencement (while they were reminding us donate to BYU throughout our careers) I searched through the program for Jimmer's name, because I thought it would be neat. I didn't find it, but luckily I have THIS souvenir instead to remind me that I graduated the same year as the basketball star. Also, my tassle looks like it is blowing in the wind.

But really, graduation was neat. I expected to feel more, hmmm, accomplished, and I dunno, proud. But mostly I was just wondering how much longer the ceremony was going to last and when the United States is going to abolish the lame square caps. I also felt like a nun.

Thank you BYU and my parents for a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Now I get to answer the question so many have asked me the past few years, "What are you planning to do with that."

As of right now, I don't really know.

Buttons and Bookmarks

2011-04-17T20:41:00.003-06:00

Results time is here!! As a reminder, the challenge was to state how many of the following button links you understood:

After much clicking and googling, I have found what they all are.

Top Row:

Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, Digg, Delicious from Yahoo!, Google Bookmark, Mister Wong (what????), Mixxclassic, Netvous

Second Row:

Orkut by Google, Reddit, Diigo (um, weird...), StumbleUpon, Wordpress, Yahoo!, Google Buzz, E-mail a Friend, Plain ol' Bookmark

Crazy huh? I am confused by A LOT of them, even after looking them up. The internet is intense.

Although Kyle put up an intense fight, Jeff Rosenbaugh is our winner (14/18)! I should have expected this with his all-things-technology expertise. Jeff, I will be sending your candy bar (and wedding gift) in the mail shortly.

To the rest of you (and me), a hearty congratulations on your internet illiteracy!

Also, a note. The picture above comes from thepedestrian.org, an online literary journal of sorts. I recommend it (if you are into creative non-fiction--or even if you are not).

Twidiggblogbuzzbook

2011-04-12T17:56:00.003-06:00

I thought this was bad.

Then I saw this.

Can we PLEASE cALm DOOOooown with all of these!? Wow. I am overwhelmed. Also, I am trying to decide if I want to figure out what all those little buttons are. I know--lets have a contest. Without looking any of them up, leave a comment telling how many icons you understand. I am at 8. If there is a clear winner, I will bring you a candy bar. I really will (so nobody cheat). If you live out of state I will mail it to you. (well actually, if you live anywhere besides on BYU campus I will mail it to you).

Meanwhile I will find out what they all mean so we can be a little more informed of all of the possible self-broadcasting mediums.

Procrastination Pays

2011-04-11T16:17:00.001-06:00

Literally.

Like many of my fellow BYU Cougars, I have an unhealthy hatred of BYU parking. Those little green envelopes (except now they don't even use the envelopes) are the fastest way to ruin a perfectly fine day.

I have found several ways to get out of paying tickets.

For the first few (or five) tickets I procrastinated paying them and BYU would just send the bill to my brother (his record was on file for the family car). He assumed they were just something he spaced a while back so he would pay them (thanks Joe).

Then for the bajillion scooter tickets (if the faculty motorcycle lot is empty, I do NOT feel bad parking there) I went and played dumb to the ticket office. "Oh I need a sticker for a scooter? Really? Even in that lot? Ok, I'm so sorry...." The guy and I struck a deal that he would take off all of them except for one, I happily accepted his offer. He did this because he said I didn't have any parking tickets from previous semesters (since they had all gone to Joe).

By this time I was close to the "if you get one more parking ticket you will not be allowed to drive on campus" limit so I played it safe for a year.

Then I got lazy again. By this point I was driving a car registered in my name, so the tickets really did go on my record. I still didn't pay them. I think I thought ignoring it for long enough would make them go away (I have a warped sense of reality).

Luckily, the other day get a call from my Dad. "I drove your car to the law library today and got a ticket. But I'm going to pay it right now so they don't keep you from graduating."

"Unpaid tickets will keep me from graduating?" I asked.

"Oh yeah--how else do you think they enforce everything? They hold something you want."

"Oh. Um, well, I have a bunch."

"What!! Jenny! We live in a bureaucratic world. You have to deal with these things! They will HOLD YOUR DIPLOMA."

"Oh." I sat considering if I should ask if he could pay for all of them while he was there, but decided that was going too far. I'm already overstaying my welcome in my parents house. "I'll take care of them this week."

A few minutes later when he picked me up he told me he had paid for all of them. He wouldn't tell me the total. I can now graduate.*

I will no longer complain when I get in my car and the conservative talk radio is blaring and the hand brake is pulled so tight I have to use two hands to release it. Thanks Dad.

*As long as I pass all of my classes...
...and write that Global and Cultural Awareness Paper...
...and pay all the fines that go along with not turning in the piece of paper that says you live with your parents...
...and refrain from getting any more tickets...

Odd Combination

2011-04-06T22:24:00.002-06:00

Is anyone else really confused when they see the Cowboys vs. Aliens trailer? I laugh out loud every time.

Courtney got booted from The Biggest Loser. Did anyone else cry? I wanted her to win the whole thing. I know most people aren't into that show like I am, but seriously this girl is a CHAMP. She lost over 100 pounds before even getting onto the show, and then lost over 80 after that. She's always happy and is seems incredibly sincere. Of the bajillion seasons I've been following, she has been the most inspirational. (Obviously, since I have never admitted my Loser watching habits before). So yeah, if you watched it, and you were sad like me, and by some freak chance you are reading this, please comment so I know I'm not crazy.

I have my tickets and a room (I'm sharing with a PhD student from Italy, she seems really sweet) for Puerto Rico. I leave the 26th. I have been trying to get through all my data today. I am not as good at MATLAB as I thought I was. Dang it. I should have expected this, remember how much I love programming? Hopefully it all gets done in time, otherwise I will be presenting a big blank poster.

I give a copy of my essay to every person in my creative non-fiction class tomorrow. This is always a stressful experience. 17 drafts to be ripped apart by actual ENGLISH majors. I sweat and have shaky hands when it's my critique day (this is the third round). Related: I got my first rejection letter this week--WOOT WOOT. Only 9 more to go! (I have a goal to get ten rejection letters from different literary journals. The obvious goal, of course, is to be accepted and publish an essay, but counting rejection letters is a lot easier and ensures that I keep submitting). I've really enjoyed my class this semester, and I'm hoping to take more classes in the future.

BIG NEWS: CAPSTONE ENDS IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK. Worst. College. Experience. Ever.

K, obviously this post is going no where. So I'll stop. But really, if you haven't seen that trailer, go watch it. (Oh, and I know he's old but Harrison Ford is still one of my favorites--despite Indian Jones 4--so I will forgive his participation in this movie).

Admiration

2011-03-26T01:18:00.002-06:00

I was so amazed by this that I cried. As days--even weeks--start to drag on the Japanese aren't giving up. They continue to impress the West with stories of self control, sacrifice, and human respect. I'd like to think that in a situation like theirs I would be like them, but I can only hope.

As I read the article I kept thinking about a Youth Conference when I was 15 or 16. For some reason we ended up sleeping in the Independence High School gym. I thought this was the lamest idea ever since IHS was twenty minutes from my house. I was vocal about my discontent. The gym was really hot because we'd held a dance in there (oh, church dances....) that ended 30 minutes before lights out--cotton eyed joe really heats up a room. There was a huge curtain separating the girls from the boys--which prompted yelling back and forth all night. My sleeping pad was 1/4" thick and my shoulder blades felt it. My pillow ended up smelling like a locker room. Surprisingly I don't remember having to get ready for bed in a high school bathroom--but I'm sure I complained about it when I had to. I don't think I went to Youth Conference the next summer.

I can only hope.

Helpy No

2011-02-22T16:22:00.005-07:00

You all know I am a fan of SkyMall. My liking comes from the combination of a few factors: although I will HAPPILY look at anyone else's fashion magazine, I refuse to purchase them myself (unless it is the wedding issue); I can't do anything productive while flying; usually the airline magazine in my pocket has only the hardest Sudoku left. So, SkyMall it is.

I've been flying a lot lately, and so I was very surprised that this amazing invention had not caught my attention until this last Monday:

From the product description:
Optimize travel time with the hands-free way to tote your wheeled luggage--The Helpy is a comfortably fitting shoulder harness that allows you to conveniently pull your wheeled luggage behind you, leaving both your hands free to dial a number, check emails, hold your child's hand, push a stroller and multitask on the go. The sturdy hook design works with most handles on any piece of wheeled luggage. Unisex, in Black only.

I have several pressing concerns:

a) It is called The Helpy.
b) Escalators.
c) That by some freak accident these will pull a Snuggie and become popular, making airports even more hellish than they are now, AND that they will migrate from airports to campuses where those that use roller-backpacks will embrace them.
d) If our hands are available to be on our phones, our eyes will also be on our phone and we won't be looking out for other Helpy users--and we will all be mopping the airport floor with our faces (and by we I mean everyone else, because I swear to never own one).
e) It only comes in Black.

In conclusion, I plead with all of you other SkyMall readers to do what you usually do and DO NOT PURCHASE this item. It is JUST as weird as all of that LOTR and HP fan merchandise.

In other news, the Universe has paid me back. A couple posts ago, I got to the end of writing and discovered that my last half of my Twix was gone, and that I had no memory of eating it. Well, today, in the middle of this post I went to the vending machine (which is DANGEROUSLY close to my desk) to get a Twix. I put in my dollar, pushed 3 and then 0 and looked to the Twix bar. IT WAS STUCK!! I HATE WHEN THAT HAPPENS. I started hitting the machine trying to get it to fall, and then proceded to kick it.

I went to look for the little phone number to call, and then I saw the screen: Credit: $1.00. No way! I pushed 3-0 again. The spiral strained for a second, and then TWO Twixes shot out. TWO! I was so happy.

However, I do apologize to whatever person did get ripped off earlier. I really hate when that happens. The Twix is in my desk if you want it.

Celebrations

2011-02-17T12:43:00.002-07:00

Isn't sunshine wonderful? Especially when it is chasing away the snow. Of course, I know this is only the annual February teaser, so I am trying not to get used to walking around campus without a coat on. I'll just enjoy it while its here.

On another note, last night my parents (remember, I live at home) invited me to join them in a toast (Martinelli's of course) to celebrate their 38th wedding anniversary. I was happy to be a part of it. I'm proud of them, 38 is a lot, and I'm really grateful for their example.

Allow me a few moments to wax sentimental about the Pate family:

38 years
8 kids
13 college degrees (among the entire family, plus 4 in the works)
5 missionaries
4 grandkids
2 vans (one 11 passenger, another 12, they are both gone now)
3 trucks (I think)
1 trampoline
1 dog
10 sets of braces
27 pairs of glasses (that I can remember)
30+ sleeping bags
3 camping trailers
and of course,
1 happy family.

Since I am child #7, I may have missed a few things, but you get the point.

I'm a fan of the whole family concept, I hope you all are as well.

My weekend starts today, I'm flying out to see Kyle (we aren't quite at 38 years, but we're working on it) tonight. Enjoy your President's day!

Book a Flight

2011-02-10T14:12:00.000-07:00

This just in:

Now I just have to finish testing, sort through gallons of data, and make a poster. So excited!

Time to Graduate

2011-02-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

Every so often I see someone I sat next to in one of my classes freshmen year. At one point we knew each other's names, we spoke daily in that English (or Math, or Physics, or Chemistry) class, we might have even worked on homework together, or perhaps a group project. For a couple semesters after the class we would say hello when we ran into one another in the library or somewhere else on campus.

Now we don't say hello.

It isn't because we have forgotten the other person (I still remember names: Brad, Eric, Joe, Lexi, Alex, etc), it's just that those classes were over four years ago. And instead of figuring out how those past four years have been, we just make eye contact and give the look that says in an instant,

"You are still here?? How many years is college taking you? I guess I haven't graduated either......"

And then, in shame, we look at our shoes and just keep walking.

April couldn't come any sooner.

Just Some Stuff

2011-01-31T19:23:00.003-07:00

San Juan, Puerto Rico

It’s my final semester here at BYU, and it is turning out to be pretty good (class wise, not social wise. When your husband lives out of state, weekends are nothing to look forward to.)

Anyway, I feel like giving an update on all the super-fun-fantastic-be-jealous-of-my-life stuff going on right now (well...compared to my weekends).

Research: Today I submitted an abstract to the NCM (Neural Control of Movement) conference in Puerto Rico. My professor (who is the absolute best person to work for) said that there is a pretty high chance it will get accepted and that I will be presenting a poster in April…in Puerto Rico from a hotel right on the beach. Oh Jenny, you say, won’t that be expensive? Well thanks to the ORCA grant that I received last week, and some funds from BYU, its FREE! Yeah, I’m jazzed. So, cross your fingers that the abstract gets accepted.

Capstone: Still hate it. Our team hired an industrial designer to help with some drawings. He’s a good addition.

Swimming 101: AWESOME. Today we had to swim A LOT. And I’m exhausted, but I love that class. Especially since dear Jana-Rob from Wien 2010 is in my class (today when we swam 750 yards…she beat me by 200, but I still am her friend).

Tennis 101: Hasn’t started yet, but I’m excited.

Writing Creative Non-Fiction: Despite the abundance of estrogen, English snobbery, and intimidation, I love this class. I love writing essays, you get to be all artsy introspective.

Intramurals: I have found a way to get an intramural champion t-shirt (which I ruled out as impossible after girls soccer freshman year). It’s called Run For Your Life. All I have to do is run 150 miles before April 13^th (about 15 miles per week). If I do it, I get a t-shirt. Kyle says it’s cheating. Also running related Kyle and I are running in the Red Rock Relay with my sister Betsy and her husband’s family. It should be fun, I don’t think I’ll have to run more than 12 miles total, but I’ve never done a relay before, so I’m excited.

Other: I have signed up for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE). It’s 8 hours long. Kyle and I are taking it together. Aren’t we precious?

I am sad, because before I started writing this I had the second half of my TWIX bar left. Now it is gone, and I don’t even remember eating it. Bother.

Thank you for letting me rant about my kinda-but-not-so-much-kick-a life. Hope you are all doing well.

A New Year

2011-01-03T14:23:00.003-07:00

Another resolution: work on my copyright infringing habits.

I have been such a poor blogger these days. Oh well.

Kyle moved to Nevada this morning for a work rotation. I am still here (in Provo) back at my parents house (yes, you read that one right) until April when I graduate from BYU.

To sum things up, life feels pretty lame right now.

But to cheer up my spirits let's talk about New Year's Resolutions.

1. Graduate.
   (a) Write that paper about Vienna to get my Global & Cultural Awareness Credit.
   (b) Finish the hell that is called Capstone.
   (c) Try not to hate Mechanical Engineering.
2. Run a Marathon.
   (a) Be like every other girl in the mid-twenties, white, married, mormon demographic.
   (b) Make it better than the Halloween Half.
   (c) Techinally train for it this year and run it next January in Houston, since a marathon there in September would literally be the definition of suicide.
3. Be Better at Wife Duty.
   (a) Attempt to cook.
   (b) Try decorating.
   (c) SEND ALL THE THE THANK YOU NOTES I HAVE WRITTEN
4. Be Better at Friend Duty.
   (a) Text back within less than the current standard 3 days.
   (b) Call first.
5. Leave my Comfort Zone.
   (a) Anything outside of the Crabtree or Clyde Building.

K, there are like a lot more things, but they are getting kinda personal, so I'll just leave them to myself.

Happy New Year!!!

No Thanks

2010-11-22T13:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had our first day in our new calling: teaching Sunbeams.

Best. Birth. Control. Ever.

They are cute and everything, but two hours just about did it for me.

Sorry Mom (and Kim), it's going to be a while.

Results

2010-11-09T15:07:00.001-07:00

Several have asked about the results of our last race after my total LACK of preparation....

..........drumroll please........

1st in Age Group

#8 Overall

ISN'T THAT AMAZING!?!?!?!

What, you don't believe me??

Ok fine, those are the results from Kyle's triathlon last weekend (I had no idea he could run so fast, because he always runs slow with me.....cause I am pretty slow). The Halloween Half did not go quite so well.....

And by not quite so well, I mean like not even close to maybe thinking about getting close to going so well.

BUT we finished, and it was fun, and my legs hurt for no less than 5 days afterwards. I'm rejoicing that I can actually go down stairs like a normal person now.

My Bad

2010-10-29T16:58:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow is the Halloween Half Marathon.

Kyle signed us up.

We started training, but kind of gave up on it this week.

I also gave up on any sort of attempt to prepare myself.

In the past 36 hours I have eaten:
-2 slices of Papa Johns pizza dipped in the melted butter
-3.5 donuts: 2 twists, half an original, and 1 Pershing (yeah, the huge one)
-1 heart-attack-in-a-wrapper BYU Bookstore sausage and egg breakfast sandwich

Apparently, I am in denial that tomorrow I am supposed to haul my costumed butt 13 miles down Provo Canyon. Shoot.

Enjoy your Halloween.

Get a Clue

2010-10-07T13:15:00.003-06:00

Being in Engineering, I meet ALL sorts of weird folks. Most of them think they know everything. It's annoying. Overheard yesterday:

Engineer #1: "What paper are you reading?"
Engineer #2: "Financial Times. You read it?"
E1: "No, I don't have time to read the Financial Times (chuckle), in fact I don't even think I have enough money to warrant reading the Financial Times (more light chuckling)."
E2: "Do you know what the solution to that is?"
E1: "A job?"
E2: "Micro-Credit."
E1: "Whats that."
E2: "Loans from $25 to $100. They are changing the world."

Insert GIANT eye roll from me.

Buddy, I know you are the guy loves starting 1 semester NGOs, but a $25-$100 loan to a student in engineering is not going to change his financial situation. I'm all about micro-credit....in Nigeria. Here, in the states, it's called an SBA loan and it has nothing to do with what you are talking about. Please keep your plugs in the appropriate context.

Wow, I'm getting grouchy. I'll try to make the next post a little more upbeat.

Life of a Mrs.

2010-10-01T09:25:00.002-06:00

If you think I am going to write about married life, I'm not. I just couldn't think of anything for a title.

I've given myself 10 minutes to write a quick blog before I go back to studying for philosophy.

Let's talk about CAPSTONE. Capstone is supposed to be a lovely little thing to help you get a job and apply all the concepts you have learned in the past three years (for some of us it is 4 years) and develop an awesome product to help the world. It's 6 credits spread over 2 semesters, so it can't be that bad, right? WRONG. It takes over your life. The real definition of capstone should be: hey how bout you spend every waking minute trying to talk to your team members in Singapore as you try to improve a product that really has been so streamlined and redesigned in the last 25 years that you really have no direction to move anywhere and any idea you come up with will be nowhere near as great as the solution that already exists so you are just going to run in circles until you find something that is maybe, possibly good enough to be even semi-presentable so that you can get a grade in this class and not walk away empty handed, but remember that the sponsor paid $20,000 for you to work on this so you really should try to deliver something that they will actually use, oh and don't forget that we want you to be on campus at 7 so you can listen to lectures on how to use Skype and google docs...hope you weren't busy with like a wedding or moving or anything - have a great year!!

That is my rant.

This blog is titled Life Beyond the Math Lab, which means I should not be talking about school. Dangit. I would talk about something else, but since Kyle is on a "business trip" to Harry Potter Land in Orlando, so I have just been catching up on school all week.

OH.

STORY.

Last night. I'm at my little apartment all by myself and there was this BLARING music. Like, SO loud. I could hear every word. Green Day. Weezer. All-American Rejects. After, you know, 10 songs I couldn't handle it anymore. My head was pounding from the bass. So I went outside to see where it was coming from.

I walk out and realize it is coming from the apartment RIGHT next to mine (we share a wall), and I can now tell that they are playing Rock Band. So, feeling a little gutsy and wanting quiet so I could finally sleep, I knocked on the door (yes, I'm that girl).

"Hey guys. I'm your neighbor. Not that you aren't EXTREMELY talented, but I was wondering if you could turn it down, its kinda loud......(at this point I start feeling like some annoying old lady)...aaaaand also I've been meaning to intoduce myself since we are neighbors and stuff...what are your names?"

"I'm Ryan and this is my buddy Stewart."

"Oh cool. I'm Jenny.......Can I play with you guys?"

"Yeah, haha, sure. Come on in. What do you like to play?"

"Drums."

"Sweet."

So then we played a few songs, and I rocked out on drums and sang backup.

Headache gone.

Have a good weekend.

(Still HATE my blog layout.)

GAH!!!!!!

2010-09-08T13:11:00.000-06:00

2 days folks. Crazy.

I know I haven't commented on life much recently - I have to confess why. I hate this new format of my blog, but I am too indecisive to go through and redesign it. Maybe someday I'll waste time in class and figure it out, but until then no blogging for me.

Hopefully I see you all Friday night in my backyard!

Return

2010-08-04T09:12:00.002-06:00

Hello.

I have returned.

Vienna seems like a dream.

My to do list is a lot longer than I want it to be.

In case you haven't heard, I am getting married in September!!

The problem is, I am TERRIBLE at all things wedding.

I do love buying wedding magazines.

It's time to go running.

Xoxo.

{If this post makes you think of statistics, we should be friends.}

Hiatus

2010-05-04T04:59:00.000-06:00

I am in Vienna. I will be posting all Vienna updates here.

I will resume my pessimistic social commentary at this URL in August.

Let the summer begin!

Yahoo! News

2010-04-26T22:04:00.000-06:00

I'm a big fan of the Yahoo! home page "news" stream. However, sometimes the stories they post are just BEYOND obvious information, making me wonder how that stuff gets space on the internet (but i guess if my blog is allowed to take up internet space, anything should be). For example, when they posted that Ricky Martin was gay. Really? That gets a whole story? Is that even news for ANYONE? Or when they wrote how much plastic surgery some Real Housewives of Atlanta woman had paid for. Again, not news or even the slightest bit interesting. And then there was today. I went to check my e-mail and saw this:

Who is on the board that decides what gets posted? The floppy disk 'era' ended ages ago. I don't even think I have ever used one of those. Oh wait, once, because my teacher didn't want a report on CD, he wanted it on a floppy (old geezer). Anyway, I just found it amusing that someone found this to be an appropriate headline.

I leave to Vienna a week from today. That's pretty exciting. Recently I have started worrying about how INCREDIBLY broke I am going to be when I get back at the end of July. So, if anyone has any ideas of where to work for one month (August), please, let me know. But don't really, I don't want to think about life when I get back yet. Save it for me.

Kudos

2010-04-21T15:19:00.004-06:00

I just had to share. Kyle's Capstone team was recently featured on the KSL 10 o'clock news!! Watch it here.

For their project the team built a prosthetic hand device for a woman that lost her fingers while fighting a life threatening infection called septicemia. The device straps to her arm, and by moving her wrist she can lock the clamp closed around anything she needs. Now she can do everyday things such as drink from cups and bottles with one hand, eat with utensils, and hold books. The team was even able to make the prosthetic in a color of Jeane's choice: pink!

And, the day after the story aired on KSL, I was surprised to see this picture on the BYU homepage:

Kyle (on the right) worked really hard with his team this year, and Jeane seems really happy with what they created. Woot woot for engineering!

Also, this week: Kyle is graduating from BYU (jealous), and I made it through another set of finals without ripping out my hair (well at least not all of it).

Mr. Flanagan

2010-04-06T15:03:00.021-06:00

There is this Daily Universe Editor I have been complaining about all year. And today, in the paper, he wrote this.

So, to take a break from writing my research paper I wrote a Letter to the Editor about him. It turned out to be pretty biting, so I can't send it, but I can post it here. (Please read his article before reading my response, it makes more sense that way).

Letter to the Editor

While I’m sure Spencer Flanagan is a sweet spirit, I must say I am relieved he will be leaving his position as the editor of the Daily Universe’s Arts & Entertainment section. His farewell address confirmed my belief that he is more self-serving and promoting than proper journalism calls for (word search revealed is article said 'I' 31 times). Flanagan’s writing style is so distinct that I could guess an article was written by him 4 times out of 5. While writing style is important, I feel it is out of place in many of the articles he wrote. Sure, bring in some personality when you put on your Mr. Valentine hat (P.S. You don’t know anything about women), but when you are reporting on Wal-Mart and H&M clothing waste, please—just report.

Also, since when do Daily Universe Editors write such long and personal goodbye’s? I was under the impression that Editors are supposed to promote their section, not themselves. While I’m sure Spencer had a great time celebrating every holiday, playing football, and watching YouTube videos, I don’t understand why he decided to take up more space than the actual A&E article of the day to tell us that. Perhaps your complaints of late nights and replying to nasty emails (like this one) would be better served among your other DU friends (who have worked just as hard as you).

I write this in the spirit of healthy argumentation, and hope Spencer’s self-esteem is robust (but since he feels so "proud of the things I have been able to accomplish and I walk away with no regrets," I’m not too worried).

Best of luck, Mr. Flanagan.

Jenny Pate

What do you think? Is it too nasty?

Played

2010-04-04T22:44:00.006-06:00

While I've always thought of April as a female month (January, March, July, September, October, November being the male ones), it seems this year the real April has taken a leave of absence, and found a terrible male substitute.

He caught my interest with thoughts of sunshine, memories of walking without a jacket, and glimpses of green. I gave him my number, convinced he would call within 48 hours. I waited. He called. He asked if we could have lunch, I covered the mouthpiece as I squealed in excitement, of course I would meet him for lunch. I curled my hair, hiked up my hem-line, and slipped into my spring sandals. I want things to be perfect with Mr. April, I want him to stay.

I waited outside the Cafe for him to arrive. As I sat there, blue skies turned to gray, releasing rain and then snow. My blonde curls went flat and mascara smeared. I dealt with the wind chill on my legs convinced he would arrive shortly. When I no longer could feel my toes I accepted defeat; I put on a coat, and went home to a heater.

He called later, apologizing that he had something come up. I believed him, and invited him over. He came. We laughed and talked, like we'd been friends all along, I even let him kiss me. Right as I was ready to change back into a skirt from my sweat pants, his phone buzzed. He glanced at it and left quickly, leaving me on the couch, wondering if he had really come over at all.

He's so much more enticing than my old boyfriend Mr. January, but at least January was consistent. I always knew what to expect with him, maybe I should go back to him. Or... Mr. April could just man up, and take on some responsibility. Stable men are so hard to find these days.

In other words, I'm really sick of the snow.

It's Complicated

2010-03-14T17:08:00.004-06:00

And that is why you shouldn't stay facebook friends with ex-boyfriends.

Update

2010-03-07T22:24:00.001-07:00

So, it looks like I will be posting less frequently.

The reason is, I have to post DAILY to another blog, and by the time I get done with that, I'm pretty much blogged out. When I do have extra motivation to type, I usually write a BYU post.

SO, if you want to see examples of how bad at photography I am, and how excited I am getting to go to Vienna, you can read through this.

Hope everyone is doing well. And don't worry, just because I have less time to post here, doesn't mean I have less time to blog stalk you. Seriously, I promise, I'm reading your blog. Probably on a daily basis.

And by you, I mean everyone.

Growing Pains

2010-02-25T20:37:00.006-07:00

Tyler—in love.
Andrew—engaged.
Dallin—almost dating.
Adam—legit dating.
Jimmy—in a perfect relationship.
Tyler—married.
Jake—married.
Brad—engaged.
Mike—NCMO turned GF.
Jeff—dating (and in love).

When you have a lot of great guy friends, growing up is the pits.

You just can’t keep in touch with guys once they get serious with ladies. It is understandable, but it is just one of those sad things about life. I'm happy for you guys, I honestly am. This is just a complaint against society...I guess.

I need more girl friends.

Olympic Hopes

2010-02-23T20:16:00.010-07:00

I don't think I've ever enjoyed an Olympics quite like this one.

It all started last week when I watched the Men’s Figure Skating Short Program. Evan Lysecek skated to ‘The Firebird’ (a personal favorite) and put on quite show.

A couple days later he shocked everyone (including Vladimir Putin) by winning the gold medal, beating the leading skater Evgeni Plushenko.

Kyle, most likely annoyed, sat quietly by as I glued my eyes to the TV like a Pre-Teen to a Twilight movie. Watching Lysacek's victory fueled my developing crush. I continued to convince myself he wasn’t batting for the pink team like some of his flamboyant (yet talented) competitors.

That night I remarked that he was truly the ‘James Bond of the Ice.’ Thus I was amused to discover later that he had decided to celebrate his victory by purchasing a $300,000 Aston Martin. ( Amused, but disappointed—I’ll blog about that another day.)

I decided to get over his excessive spending and figure out how I could get this champion to date me. He was handling all of Plushenko’s negative comments about not doing a quadruple jump so well; I couldn’t help but continue to be enamored. I wasn’t SUPER serious about the dating thing but a friend at school went to high school with him, and I may or may have not asked him if he would set me up. Unfortunately, I found out the next day that he has a girlfriend already, and she is a lot more talented and awesome than I am. Dang gymnasts. They get everything.

And now what I consider to be the best part: Plushenko, on his website, recently decided to award himself the platinum medal. That’s right folks, “Silver of Salt Lake, Gold of Torino, Platinum of Vancouver.” Creating your own medal? Buddy, you did not skate as well as Lysacek did, and everyone knows it but you. Poor sport.

Anyway, turns out I don’t really want to date a figure skater (and not the McTwist McNasty snowboarder either). I’m happy to sit at the kitchen table and watch as we do homework. Cheering on American athletes and friendly global competition, that’s gold enough for me. Go World.

P.S. Evan…in case things don’t work out with Nastia…801-735…..Kidding.

iReview

2010-01-28T20:50:00.002-07:00

Yesterday, Apple introduced its much anticipated iPad, proving that you can't put 'i' in front of anything to make it sound good (iTampon doesn't work either).

Immature comments aside, as I scrolled through product reviews and forums, watched Steve Jobs' presentation of the product, and contemplated if I coveted one or not, I couldn't help but think that this...

reminded me of this...

which goes along with Grandma's...

and Grandpa's...

Did anyone else feel like that?

I'm an Apple fan as much as the next twenty-something American college student, but I do not like this iFlop. As Steve Jobs presented in front of a seemingly underwhelmed audience he kept talking about the 'space between a laptop and a phone.' Unfortunately, the only space the iPad lands in is awkward.

Where is it supposed to go? A coffee table? My bag? My back pocket (bring back the JNCO jean)? The kitchen counter? I really would love to have one on my nightstand. It would be nice for watching Hulu in bed on Saturday mornings, but do I just tote it around the house all day? On stage, Mr. Jobs made it seem like it was uncomfortable to hold.

So, it isn't easy portable like an iPhone, maybe it has more computer features? Mmmm, not so much. The iPad, like the iPhone, runs only apps from Apple's App Store. No Microsoft Office, no Matlab, no Illustrator. While third parties may develop applications, you must obtain them through Apple. (I will say--it will be interesting to see what broader range of app developers this invites.)

However, some credit where credit is due: 10 hour battery life is IMPRESSIVE! And that isn't 10 hours of 'down time,' that's 10 hours of watching movies and browsing the web time. Wow. I would love to have one of these on an airplane.

Not an iPhone, not a computer, just something in the mess in between. It's a sad response to the Kindle, netbooks, digital photo frames, and Microsoft.

I'm sure this tablet is fun to play with, it just isn't as revolutionary as I think it could have been. The first clue that this rollout was going to be disappointing was when Steve Jobs pointed out that the iPad has a customizable background--before talking about ANYTHING else. Umm....Steve...a cell phone I had in 2004 had that capability...I think we are looking for something bigger.

Relationship Issues

2010-01-20T22:02:00.013-07:00

This came to me in the shower this morning, and I added a few enhancements as I sat through a boring day. Enjoy.

I am really a nice person.
I try hard to be kind.
The problem is this guy I know,
He gets inside my mind.

I need him to get through the day,
Or else I’d throw him out.
He bothers me, this friend of mine,
He makes me scream and shout.

Things will be still, just quiet like,
Then he’ll decide to yell!
I look in shock at his outburst
As he screams on like hell.

I try to gently calm him down
To put him back in line,
But I just end up smacking him.
I’m sure he’ll be just fine.

My beating stops him for a while,
But he’ll return with rage.
We battle on for hours it seems.
He’s bringing on old age.

I don’t have to put up with him,
I could just walk away.
But I am so very comfy here,
It just makes sense to stay.

He’ll calm again and I’ll relax,
I’ll go back to my thoughts.
I should just dump this friend of mine….

…but he’s my alarm clock.

Friday Faves

2010-01-16T09:52:00.003-07:00

Before I begin, a quick update: Harrison (my car) is all fixed!! As much as I love him, he really isn’t worth that much money, so I was surprised the insurance company footed the nearly $3000 bill to get him back into shape. I am very glad they did though, it’s nice to have him back. I hope the deer is happy.

K, recent favorites...

Tunes: John Adams by David McCullough. So it isn’t really a song, but I’m listening to the book on my iPod, so it seemed appropriate. Seriously, this guy was AMAZING. Dedicated, courageous, hard-working, religious, and a family man, I am in constant awe as I learn what an incredible role he played in America’s early development.

TV Show: The Biggest Loser. Every season I can’t peel my eyes away from this show. Like a bad car accident, it’s impossible not to stare in horror at 400 lb people try to make life changes. While it hasn’t yet, I’m sure this season will make me cry. The concept is inspiring in its grotesque-ness. Oh, and I like Jillian, even though she has VERY masculine tendencies.

Major: Mechanical Engineering. It has been one of those crazy days when I actually love my major. I feel like its one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Do not be fooled, however, I’m sure my temperament will change tomorrow.

Movie: Sherlock Holmes. I saw this a week or two ago. LOVED IT. Robert Downy Jr. and Jude Law make a hilarious duo, and a very good looking one too. Go see it.

Non-Faves:

Class: American Heritage. I enjoy history and economics, it’s just annoying to be in this class because there are a lot of little kids who are obviously still terrified at the thought of college, and a little over-anxious in their class preparation. My TA is a pretty funny, relaxed guy, but he wears the UGLIEST pants every week. He tries to dress classy with a white shirt, tie, and sweater every week, but seriously buddy, the pants kill it.

Natural Disaster: Earthquake in Haiti. I’ve watched more news this week than all of last year combined. Natural disasters are crazy, and so is the world we live in. I’m sitting in a warm room with a personal computer, and soon I’ll be heading home to my spacious, heated home with a full refrigerator, while people in Haiti are sleeping in the streets injured and terrified. Some things just don’t compute. Donate here.

Have a good weekend.

Accident #2

2009-12-30T17:34:00.004-07:00

Two years ago today, I was driving East on 300 South, on my way home to meet up with some friends. At the intersection of University and 3rd a car turned left in front of me. I thought the car was cutting it pretty close, I slowed down a bit, but they cleared it alright. I was continuing through the now yellow light when another car turned left, right into me. Even as I rode my horn and slowed down, the driver just made eye contact with me and smashed into my cute car. Turns out the kid was 15 years old, had taken his parents car without their permission, and hadn't even started drivers ed. I was very shaken up, and devastated as I looked at my darling Yellow Beetle and realized it would probably never drive again.

Today I was driving West on 300 South to go work on a few things for my job. The snow had started to melt, and Harrison was handling the roads just fine. Around 300 East I saw a deer crossing the road, surprised and nervous, I hit my brakes as he scampered in front of me. That is so weird I thought, why is a deer on this road.....WHA-BAM, all the sudden my left mirror was broken and my window shattered (but still intact, 'cause of that plastic stuff). Very confused I thought I had hit a boulder or something--if there are deers on 3rd South, why not giant boulders? As I looked in my rearview, however, I saw another deer stand up and scamper (somewhat deliriously) off the road. I guess the deer I missed had a friend. As I drove slowly away, concerned about my window, my door flew open. Quickly I pulled it shut, realizing that it wasn't going to stay shut without me holding it. I turned a corner and got out to inspect the damage. Lets just say, I am angry at the deer. Harrison took a beating. I don't understand how the deer killed my window, my door, and my quarter panel. Are deer really that big? Anyway, I was fine for a while, but then as I drove home wondering how I was going to pay to fix this, and began thinking of all the things I could have done differently not to get in that accident, the tears came. Also, the fact that I was holding my door shut with one hand, shifting with the other, and steering with my knee brought on the waterworks. By the time I got home to show Mother, I was a wreck.

I'm taking it into the shop tomorrow to see what they can do about it. I'll talk to my insurance tomorrow too, I really don't know how they handle deer stuff.

Point is, me, December 30th, and 300 South don't get along. Some other time I will tell you all of my other bad car luck stories. I have an arsenal, believe me.

Thanks.

2009-12-25T17:28:00.003-07:00

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope your holiday was everything you expected it to be and more.

So, remember how I asked Google for a Google Voice account? Yeah, I got one. Sa-weet! I knew their web-crawlers would find my blog. Thanks for the Christmas gift, Google. My return present to you, complete life dependence on your free products and services. I don’t know what I’m going to do once you stop relying on advertising funds and charging for stuff. I just hope the lawsuits you are facing in Europe don’t change your business plan.

In other news, finals week ended. Wow, it was a rough one. Between having a new computer, having a social life, having a job offer, and hating my major, I didn’t really have the best semester academically, and I paid for it this past week. However, as long as I don’t have to re-take anything, I can forget about it.

I just returned from a fantastic weekend in Colorado. Well, it was mostly fantastic. I got in a bit of a snowboarding accident. I consider myself a decent snowboarder. I can’t do rails or half pipes or anything, but I can hold my own. Anyway, Saturday, I was getting pretty confident, going faster and faster, working on getting my snow legs back. Things were fine until a girl cut right in front of me. I can’t blame it entirely on her, she was technically downhill from me, so she had the ‘right of way,’ but she was cutting straight across my run (we were at a merge) and I just didn’t have time to do anything, so WHA-BAM I hit her, going pretty fast. She was wearing a helmet, and my face slammed against it. We both tumbled to the ground and the first thing she said (well after attacking me for running into her) was, ‘I think you broke your nose.’ She said this because I was bleeding all over the place. This freaked me out because my nose is pretty much the only thing I like on my face (my eyes are squinty ugly and dysfunctional, and my teeth were a real pain to straighten out). So I got worked up for a second, thinking of the consequences of this ski day. Luckily, as I started feeling my nose (which HURT), I couldn’t find any pieces of bone wiggling around; the only thing that I could move was plain old cartilage. Next I had to check my front teeth, they were still intact, so I figured I was fine. She continued to chew me out, threatening, “You are SOOO lucky you didn’t hit me in any of my problem areas. I have such bad back problems!” Honey, if you have back problems, what the heck are you doing on the slopes??

Anyway, I got to sport a fat lip, swollen nose, and black eye for the rest of the day. It was pretty intense. I’ve never hit anyone on the mountain before. Luckily, the Smiths were great at making sure I was alright. It was nice to have five people checking to make sure my face was still functioning.

The real point of this post was to be excited about my Google voice account. So, thanks again guys. And again, to the reader, Merry Christmas.

AAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!

2009-12-15T09:23:00.005-07:00

I got accepted to the Vienna Study Abroad this summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Below is my cheesy personal statement. The only part worth reading is bolded.

As a girl in mechanical engineering I believe I bring a different perspective to the typically male dominated field. While I enjoy the technical, I also love developing and maintaining a humanistic view of engineering and product development. This is why I chose to apply to a study abroad program outside of the Fulton School of Technology. I believe that traveling to Vienna, learning German, and working on my travel writing and photography skills will give me a unique exposure to the human and artistic side of the world we live and work in. As I move toward a career in engineering, I know that this perspective will be needed in industry. In today’s global marketplace engineers that understand the technical but can effectively communicate and relate with others are becoming increasingly valuable. Also, having taken three years of German in high school I have always wanted to continue my study of the language. An intense course load has prohibited me from taking a 4-credit language class in the past, but this summer allows me the time to do so. While I am no longer officially in the honors program, I know that this experience will enhance my academic pursuits.

Conversely, my background as an engineering student will make me a valuable participant in this study abroad program. My experience with intense technical coursework will give me a unique insight into industry, architecture, and culture in Vienna. Solving systems of differential equations to determine the stresses in bridge beams, and studying material properties of bricks tends to make sight seeing a different experience. This background will provide a different basis for my travel writings and photographs, as well as my contributions in classes and group discussions. I also know that my outgoing personality can add to the camaraderie of the group. I enjoy making all members of a group feel comfortable with each other and excited to get to know one another. I am happy to embarrass myself if it helps someone else open up. I know that on a trip such as this, the sooner we have a group trust and openness, the more fulfilling our experience can be. We can learn and laugh together as we grow to love the city of Vienna and its beautiful history and culture.

No matter what a student's field is, an understanding of other cultures is important. Studying and appreciating the way that other countries see the world can only solidify your own understanding of your beliefs and values. I know that a summer experience in Vienna and the Alps will be beneficial to my career as an engineer, but also my development as a person. I also hope that my presence on this excursion can help others in their personal and professional growth.

Wisdom

2009-12-13T09:28:00.007-07:00

Considering finals week starts tomorrow, and I have 6 finals to be preparing for, it seems like a premium time to blog. Also, it was my birthday yesterday, and I feel like I need to share my 22 years of wisdom with all of you, all 6 of you. [Photo courtesy of Cake Wrecks--LOVE that blog]

22 Things I’ve Learned:

1: Reality TV isn’t real.
2: First dates are bogus.
3: People matter.
4: Urbanization = Issues.
5: Mountains are therapeutic.
6: College won’t solve all my life problems, most likely graduate school won’t either. Dangit.
7: Musical Theatre is ten times better than Prozac.
8: I have a weird thing for young professors.
9: Wind Energy can be profitable.
10: Decisions should be made hastily, otherwise I won’t make them.
11: Blogging is less addicting than facebook, yet more satisfying.
12: Soda is terrible.
13: Euler was a pretty smart guy.
14: Mothers are legit.
15: Avocados, Creed from The Office, quiet time, David Sedaris, cynicism, and pomegranates are underrated.
16: The Federal Government needs some remodeling.
17: We should stop treating 18 year olds like adults, because no one knows anything when they are that age.
18: Excel is amazing.
19: WOW, Twilight, Top 40, David Letterman, and surfing are overrated.
20: No one can replace a pair of amazing BFFs.
21: My generation is going to have an internet and cell phone addiction issue as we move into the workforce.
22: The restored gospel is for reals.

Don’t I sound so wise? Yeah….I didn’t think so either. Seriously though, as much as I hate growing up into more and more responsibilities, life gets better as birthdays go by. I feel like the more life experience I have, the more I can appreciate this world. It is kind of like taking an Art History class. As you take the class you learn more and more about the sacrifice, pain, and meaning behind a few paintings, and you learn to appreciate all art through the process. As I grow up I get a little taste of difficulties, consequences, and happiness, and I am able to understand what other people are going through, and how amazing their successes, and even failures, are.

Bring it on, twenty-two.

Dear Google...

2009-12-09T08:17:00.003-07:00

...in all your incredibleness can you make it possible to click through google images like I can click through picture albums on facebook? Considering this blogging service is your deal, I figured you might read this. I also know you read my e-mails 'cause I get those annoying LabView advertisements. Google, while I may get incessant e-mails from the Mechanical Engineering department, it doesn't mean I actually care about engineering.

Oh, and I want a Google voice account. Please.

Best Regards,
Jenny Pate

Critical Thinking

2009-12-07T19:02:00.005-07:00

The past few days I have realized there are A LOT of December birthdays. Check your facebook birthday list, there are A LOT more than usual--it's crazy. While you are at it, check who's birthday is on Saturday. Kidding. Anyway, with this new discovery I spent some time thinking about what is going on 9 months before December. I came to two conclusions:

Valentines Day babies come a few weeks late.

Bambi wasn’t kidding about the frisky spring thing.

I just wanted to share. I hope finals week goes well for all of you.

First Friday Fave's--November

2009-11-24T22:02:00.004-07:00

K, so, it isn't really Friday--but BYU thinks it is. I think it is really silly when BYU tries to peg Tuesdays as Fridays. If you eat, sleep, and work on campus, this works out fine, because campus is your world. However, if you have a job outside of BYU, Tuesday isn't actually Friday, and you can't make it to class, or work, or whatever. It's a pain. (Clarification: I actually work on campus, so this adjusted schedule is no problem for me--but I have 1 class on Tuesday and 4 on Friday--so I'm bothered).

K, so, it isn't really the first week of November--but it's my first blog post of the month. So, we'll pretend that 'First Friday Faves' is just referring to the first Friday I get around to writing about my favorites.

K, so, I think I've cleared up my misleading title--let's start.

Tunes: Priscilla Ahn, Dream. My darling friend, and fellow lady mechanical engineering student would play this song on her guitar as we sat and thought about life. I love her. The people in Nicaragua are pretty lucky to have her. i hope they know that.

Person: Corban James Billings--The other day I came home from a lovely day of research paper writing, and my nephew was at my house (always a delight). He informed me that he had left me something in my room. Taped to my wall was a drawing (splashes of red, green, blue and orange) and a note, "Jenny-Red frogs are poison. Love Corban. I love wou." I thought maybe he had just drawn it at the house, and decided to give it to me, but Mom told me he had brought it to the house especially for me. He's 6. Little people are the best.

Class: Fluid Mechanics--Ask me if I have gotten above a 70 on an exam in that class. Ask me. Ahhh....no. Ask me if I can do any of the homework by myself. Ahhh.....no to that one too. Dang it. However, this week my teacher called me surly. I don't know what that means (I do know he used it incorrectly), but I think he was trying to joke around with me, and be sarcastic (professors can try, right?), and I give Dr. Maynes props for that. Also, we had an exam today, Tuesday slash Friday, and it was 90 minutes instead of the usual 50. This means I actually had time to answer all the questions, so that was pretty neat.

Holiday: Thanksgiving--Seriously. I think it is my favorite of all of them. It is the least commercialized major holiday, my sister Abby makes a mean green bean casserole (I'm sorry, I had to use the rhyme), it qualifies for 3 whole days off in the middle of the semester, the main event of the day is eating, there are no awkward gifts and no expectations, you just get to hang out with your family all day, there are more pies than guests, and did I mention there are no expectations. Recipe for a perfect (my favorite) holiday. Plus, I just think the idea of celebrating the harvest and coming together to be happy and grateful is a beautiful thought.

I really hope that you all enjoy your holiday.

K, I have to be a little cheesy: I have been thinking lately how lucky I am to have so many people that have come before me that have worked hard and make sacrifices to create the environment I was able to grow up in. Specifically, my father's parents come to mind. Grandma, Thanksgiving just isn't the same without avoiding your green jello with mayo and carrots, and Grandpa, Grandma just wasn't the same without you. Hope you two enjoy your holiday together.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Genius.

2009-10-28T01:11:00.005-06:00

In case anyone is wondering....

There are very few things that are more frustrating (and embarrassing) than failing an open book, open notes, open internet, TAKE HOME exam. Seriously, if I can't pass one of those, what the hell* am I doing in college?

I heart school.

Luckily, today I was introduced to www.mylifeisaverage.com. I laughed out loud, many, many times reading all the ways that life is just really, really awesome. Try it, you'll like it.

*This is the first time I have posted an almost-swear word on my blog. In my frustrated state I typed it, thinking I would just remove it after the fact. However, as I selected the text, I just couldn't delete it. Heck, hades, or heavens is not going to cut it today. Sorry Mom.

Disappointment

2009-10-24T08:12:00.005-06:00

My quality of life has drastically decreased since Kraft Foods, Inc. decided to stop making this:

This morning I wanted to drink something warm to shake this cold I'm getting. I don't really like hot chocolate in the morning, and we are getting down to our last few grains of Postum, so I had to drink Pero, which is DIS-GUST-ING. After meticulously measuring out just the right amount of milk and sugar into my steaming cup of Pero, it still tasted gross. So, I had no other option but to pour it down the drain and take Tylenol Intense Cold instead. Stupid Kraft.

I just don't understand why they stopped making it. Seriously, I think between me and my Dad, we could have kept the Postum product line profitable.

I am probably just using this as an outlet for all my pent up frustrations about school, but whatever. I am also using this as a way to procrastinate studying. I love blogs.

Premium Podcast

2009-10-17T12:46:00.004-06:00

And this is why I love This American Life.

The link is to last weeks podcast, which was one of two broadcasts discussing the healthcare system. The discussion gives a clear representation of what is going wrong in all sectors of the healthcare system--in an interesting, informative, and entertaining way. Despite the depressing state of the situation, the conversation does highlight what is starting to go right--and that is encouraging. I, for one, am scared (and a little bit clueless) about the healthcare situation, and love to read/watch/listen to anything that contributes to the ongoing discussion (as opposed to just hating on political parties/presidents-past or present).

I recommend listening, and setting up your iTunes to download it weekly.

Thanks Mandi Winterton for recommending the program to me a few months back.

Speaking of Mandi, funny story: One time in Texas, I was sitting by the pool (avoiding the stares of creepy neurosurgeon man) and I decided that my brother Joe should go out with Mandi. So I drafted a well written text message, suggesting that he talk to her. He doesn't like being directly set up (who does?) so I really thought about the message for a long time. After reading, and re-reading, editing, and re-reading, I sent the message. I went back to The World is Flat and waited for a response. When I heard the "WALL-E" noise I checked my phone with anticipation-and this is what I saw:

From: Mandi Winterton
"Wait, what? Jenny I'm confused."

Oh dang it. I hate when I do that.

Anyway, it turns out it was a good thing I sent it to Mandi first, because her life was going well and she didn't need Joe to interrupt things. It was still pretty funny. I laughed out loud, for a while actually (which invited more stares from neurosurgeon).

Ah, good story. Love you Mandi.

Across the Rockies

2009-10-12T20:11:00.014-06:00

I went to Denver this weekend for some school stuff.

We stayed at the Curtis hotel downtown. The clock in my room (that I had all to myself) was a yellow Volkswagen beetle. Every floor had a different theme. A piece of artwork mounted outside my room was a monstrous cutout of the standard Groucho Marx glasses, nose, and mustache. The elevator had something to say at every floor it stopped on. Feel free to peruse their website if you want to explore this curiosity of a hotel. It was pretty funky.

This trip to Denver involved a flight (on one of the smallest airplanes I've ever been on), so of course, I spent the majority of the 70 minutes sipping my cranberry juice with sprite and browsing through my favorite publication: Sky Mall.

The product blurbs are cheesy, the photos are cheesier, and the majority of the products are frivolous, superfluous, and ridiculous. But still, the catalog has this eerie ability to make you think you need things you never knew existed.

A few of my needs:

A composter/compost-maker for the garden that I don't have. Someday.

A 7' by 7' crossword puzzle. I've actually been eyeing this one since I flew to Florida in the 9th grade.

A table top photo studio. I really don't sell anything on eBay/Craigslist. But this one time I needed to take video of a project I did for one of my classes, and I had to make an environment cube to make the video footage look better. A photo studio (with lights) would have solved all my problems.

The brilliant brownie corner pan: Every brownie is an edge brownie. One of the best ideas in the past 100 years (no, not the internet, not cell phones, a brownie corner pan). Genius.

A projector phone. I'm still not quite sure how this one works. I don't really know if it is an actual phone with a little projector function, or if it is just a projector the size of a phone. Either way, it would be pretty sweet to be in a conversation with someone, and just throw up a video clip or photo on the wall to enhance the conversation.

Anyway, beyond Sky Mall and the hotel, the trip was kind of a drag. It snowed the entire time, and both hour long cab drives reeked of carpet cleaner. Yay for business trips.

Oh! I almost forgot, on the flight home, we drove right over Provo, and I PROMISE (not making this up) I found my house! Provo looks great from above. The mountains are SOOOOOO beautiful, especially up in the air. Ah! Such an amazing sight. I want to live by them forever.

Best Years?

2009-10-06T17:23:00.005-06:00

Potions went well today. See below. Too bad I still feel like I'm wasting my youth.

I almost feel bad taking up space on this blog with this stuff, but I would really like this c++ program to be used for something besides a lame grade. If anyone needs to use the Newton-Raphson method to determine the friction factor in the von Karman fluids equation, using a Reynolds number of your choice, this is for you.

#include
#include
#include
using namespace std;

//Function prototypes
double f1(double reynolds, double friction);
double f2(double friction);

int main ()
{
//Open the file that will receive data:
ofstream output;
output.open("lab5.txt");
//Define variables
double reynolds, friction, error, residual, derivative;
int (i);
//Prompt user for Reynolds number, and friction factor guess
cout << "Please enter the Reynolds Number (Re) to be used in the von Karman equation:" << endl;
cin >> reynolds;
cout << "Please enter your initial guess for the friction factor (f):" << endl;
cin >> friction;
//Run the von Karman equation to test:
//cout << f1(reynolds,friction) << "," << f2(friction);
//Use the Newton-Raphson Method to determine the roots of the von Karman equation
//Use a for loop to do multiple iterations
for (i=1; i<21; i++)
{ double frictionnew;
//Assign functions to equations inside the loop
residual=f1(reynolds,friction);
derivative=f2(friction);
//Newton-Raphson
frictionnew=friction-residual/derivative;
//Percent relative error
error=abs((frictionnew-friction)/(frictionnew));
//Reassign friction
friction=frictionnew;
//Print data to screen
cout << "For i=" << i << ", " << "Re=" << reynolds << ", " << "f(f)=" << residual << ", " << "f'(f)=" << derivative << ", " << "f=" << friction << ", " << "e=" << error << endl;
//Print data to file Lab5.txt
output << "lets see if this works" << i << reynolds << residual << derivative << friction << error << "lets see if this works";
//Stipulate iteration on error value
if(error < .00001)
{ break;
}
//Stop iteration if derivative gets too close to zero
if(abs(derivative) < .001)
{break;
cout << "That guess did not work. Please try again." << endl;
}
//Inform user if guess was inefficient
if(i==20&&error > .0001)
{cout << "The estimated friction factor value is not sufficient to estimate a root. Please try again." << endl;
}
}
//Tell user CLEARLY what the solution is
cout << endl;
cout << "The best estimated value for the friction factor is:" << friction << endl;
output.close();
return 0;
}
//Define functions prototyped above
double f1(double reynolds, double friction)
{
double solution1;
solution1=4*log10(reynolds*pow(friction,.5))-0.4-1/(pow(friction,.5));
return solution1;
}
double f2(double friction)
{double solution2;
solution2=2/(friction*log(10))+1/(2*pow(friction,1.5));
return solution2;
}
//Holy cow, that is a loooooong program.

First Friday Fave's

2009-10-02T14:01:00.004-06:00

It seems like I was just writing last week’s list. My life is flying by so quickly. I think this will become just a first Friday of the month thing, favorites aren’t favorites if it includes everything.

Person: Maxwell Scott McKinley—The newest addition to the McKinley family makes me just a little bit baby hungry. How could he not? Props to Jessie & Danny for making it through delivery day, unfortunately, I think life just starts getting harder. Good thing babies are so cute!

Class: Technical Writing—My teacher looks like MacGyver. Class is cancelled every other week. Quizzes are open book, open neighbor, open teacher. The kid that sits in the front row has a story for EVERYTHING, and the teacher just lets him ramble for 20 minutes at a time. Class starts ten minutes late and gets out 10 minutes early. There are no equations involved. Ever.

Tunes: Ingrid Michaelson, You and I—Love her, love this song.

Location: Deer Creek—some BFF’s and I have found this magic cove-esqe area on Deer Creek Reservoir. It is so amazing there. I want it to stay warm forever so I can swim every Saturday.

Have a good weekend. I just got my Fluid Mechanics test back (i'm in class right now), so I'm going to go cry.

Just call me Ron Weasley.

2009-09-29T23:07:00.005-06:00

I almost cried in class today.

(Dallin, don't make fun of me. Actually, just stop reading this.)

I am in a Numerical Methods class, which is basically a crash programming course. At first I sort of enjoyed it; HTML is fun and easy, and even the beginning C++ assignments were enjoyable (in a twisted way). Unfortunately, today, I couldn't figure out how to write an assigned program to save my life. I had the EXACT SAME CODE as other people, but I couldn't get my program (written in Xcode) to read in the file. I scrolled through what seemed like miles of C++ online reference guides and Xcode forums, but nothing was leading me to a solution.

My eyes started to burn. I could say it was from staring at a computer screen for too long, but I am really just a baby and express frustration and stress through tears. In a fit I gave up and left lab before I started really crying in front of my classmates. I have to figure it out sometime before next week, so if anyone has any pointers, let me know.

Later I came home and vented to my dear mother about how crappy lab was today. After listening to my sad tale she replied, "Programming seems like Potions."

BRILLIANT!!! Programming is JUST LIKE POTIONS CLASS!! You could do the exact same thing as the person next to you, but get an entirely different (often dysfunctional) result. This is because the SMALLEST LITTLE ERROR, like not cutting up your root right, mixing up the execution order, or using an old cauldron, can screw up your mixture. Forget a semicolon, define a variable incorrectly, or leave of a curly bracket and you are just left with a pile of gibberish that won't compile. And it TOTALLY sucks if you are sitting next to freaking Hermione Granger and her potion/program works on the very first try and she waltzes out of class with an accurate lab report. And I, being the not-so-bright Ron Weasley, just stare dumbfounded as my cauldron melts into a sopping, acidic mess.

The only thing is, when Ron Weasley's potions don't work out, he can go do magic. All I can do is write a pathetic blog post. I hate being a muggle.

And seriously, if anyone has any experience with reading data from files into the newest version of Xcode, PLEASE HELP ME!

Friday Fave's

2009-09-25T12:30:00.003-06:00

This is a new Life Beyond the Math Lab blog feature. Every Friday, k maybe not every week, and maybe not even on Fridays, I will post my favorite events, music, quotes, or whatever from the past week. It is impossible to pay attention in class on Fridays so it seems like a good idea.

Music: Arcade Fire. You may recognize some of their tunes from the Where the Wild Things Are preview, they've been an iPod favorite for a while now. Again, I'm so incredibly excited for that movie. My 6-year-old nephew already agreed to be my date.

Person: The cashier at the Twilight Zone. One day, I was in some major pain, so I stopped by the Twilight Zone (a mini convenience store inside BYU bookstore) to pick up some Advil. The line was long, so while standing in line I opened the box, unscrewed the lid, punched my thumb through the freshness seal, dumped out a handful of pills, swallowed four, and placed the leftover pills back in the bottle (even though I was SOOO tempted to take four more). I got to the register and handed the cashier the Advil box. She scanned the box and asked, "How are you doing today?" I replied with the standard "I'm doing well, thanks." She looked at the box in her hand, the bottle in my hand, and my pale face, and then asked in a sarcastic, yet sympathetic tone, "Really??" We both laughed.

Class: By process of elimination, Math 290. This is because I can actually do the homework for this class without talking with TA's, stalking the professor, and working in groups of smart boys.

Restaurant: Pasterero. Six mini pork-pinapple tacos and the best horchata in the valley. It's pretty cheap too. I recommend it, and seriously, pay 1.99 for the Horchata, it's A-MA-ZING.

Happy weekend dear readers! I hope you get a chance to enjoy your own favorites (and if you don't have any you can borrow some of mine).

Burn

2009-09-25T11:05:00.002-06:00

I feel like all of my innards have been ripped out of me and draped over hot coals.

Expletive.

Another First

2009-09-23T11:32:00.002-06:00

I uploaded my first real YouTube video today.

I don't normally make videos of fluid mechanics for fun, but I needed extra credit, and this is actually pretty cool. Feel free to watch it if you want.

A few side notes:

School is hard.
Jessie is having a baby REALLY soon, and that is crazy.
I can't wait for Where the Wild Things Are to come out.
I love my computer, love it.

That's all.

Dreams Come True

2009-09-15T22:09:00.008-06:00

I almost started jumping up and down in my chair reading this.

A Harry Potter Theme Park?!?! Really?!?! It's the closest I'm going to get to ever visiting Hogwarts, so I must say, I'm excited.

I'm sure there are people out there that are upset that Universal Studios is making something so commercial and tangible out of the beloved book series. But if someone can make (and profit off of) the movies, someone can make the theme park. I am planning on going. I have no idea when it will be finished, but I am going.

Anyone else interested? If you aren't, read the article and you might change your mind. I wonder if they will let me pay in Galleons.....I'm sure it is going to be at least that much....I'll have to sell my Firebolt.

In the News

2009-09-12T08:26:00.010-06:00

When reading the news today, something ruffled my feathers:

"But because consumers use debit cards far more often than credit cards, a cascade of fees can be set off quickly, often for people who are least able to afford it. Some banks further increase their revenue by manipulating the order of a customer’s transactions in a way that causes more of them to incur overdraft fees."

This is from an article in the NY Times found here. I realize that the Tmes is pretty bent on making banks look bad right now, but honestly? If banks are really doing what is claimed above, that makes me sick. I don't know if any of you have had faced one of these charges, but they are like $30. So a bank could reorganize your charges so you have more charges past your limit and be charged $30 4 or 5 times. That bothers me. I realize that personal finance is an individual responsibility, and as a consumer you should be aware of your financial standing, but we all have times when we think a deposit has gone through and it hasn't.

Sorry for a whiny post, I was just appalled by this. In other news, IKEA is taking on Russia: when opening stores in Mother Russia the furniture giant was approached by power companies and informed that if they wanted to have electricity at their grand opening in Moscow they had to pay a bribe. IKEA abstained and brought in generators. They thought they were pretty clever until they realized that they were paying way too much for the generators because the employee that set up the contract was getting a kick back. Crap. Anyway, IKEA is setting up a case in an attempt to limit this corruption. Of course, some might debate that selling crappy furniture is corrupted.

What a happy world this is.

New Treat

2009-09-07T17:57:00.007-06:00

So, I've been trying to cut back on the calories since I've come back from Texas, because they eat some pretty hefty portions out there. However, there is one thing that is making it difficult to stick to my goal:

In combination with:

If you haven't tried this combination yet, I recommend it. But I would only purchase a 4-pack of Oreos, otherwise you may find yourself with an empty Oreo tray......crap.

On another note: the internet is making it difficult to finish my Math homework. Everything seems to be more important than truth tables right now, including telling the world I have an addiction to Oreos and peanut butter. Agh.

Call Me Irresponsible

2009-09-03T12:49:00.008-06:00

After an 8 month debate, I've finally given in. I couldn't be happier.

I know it's a good decision, because yesterday I bought a netbook (tiny laptop), and I just couldn't get myself to open it. So, I decided it just wasn't the computer for me. Today I made an exchange. I know several friends will be disappointed (namely Dallin, Tyler, Britton), and I'm sorry, but I just couldn't help myself.

It didn't help that I found out today that LaTex and MatLab are going to be my life for the next four months, so I might as well be happy on the computer I'm using them on.

AHHHH! Now I have to starve all semester to pay for it.

Goodbye EMB

2009-08-21T14:24:00.002-06:00

This is my last post published from 800 Bell street. My whole office is at some training so there isn't anyone to go say goodbye to. I'm a little sad to be leaving.

BUT, I'm happy to be going home!!!

Goodbye Houston, Goodbye ExxonMobil.

sEven

2009-08-13T09:49:00.007-06:00

7 is my favorite number.

When I was younger my favorite number was always my age. When I was 5, my favorite number was 5, when I was 6 years old it was 6, etc. However, when I turned 8, I didn't want my new favorite number to be 8, I really liked 7, so I stuck with it. My decision was challenged for a while as I learned that 7 is the most popular favorite/lucky number choice, but I just couldn't change.

The number 7 applies in my life in several different ways. I'm the 7th kid in my family, I have 7 siblings, I am 5'7", college is taking me 7 years (jk-it feels like that though), I grew up on 700 South, and......

I only have 7 more days of work.

HOORAY!!!

For any readers asking I will be home (kellee--love her, even though I missed her half birthday), I will be pulling into Provo on August 25 after driving 1700 miles. I can't wait!

I'm a little bit homesick. This is the longest I've gone without seeing a member of my family, I'm such a baby.

I <3 Tweets!!

2009-08-10T16:48:00.007-06:00

Not really, I've actually never used the service, nor do I understand how it works. However, the micro-blogging site has made life interesting in the following ways:

Everyday Conversation:
"I tweeted"
"Such a funny tweet"
"He twits all the time!!"
"I'm all twittered out."
"Tweet tweet!!"

News Networks and Desperate Companies (i.e. EVERYONE)
"Follow us on Twitter!"
"Seriously, follow us on Twitter."
"Are you following us on Twitter?"
"Are you getting our Tweets?"
"This just posted on Twitter"
"Follow us on Twitter, we need validation that we have a fanbase. Nevermind network rankings, polls, or numbers of viewers: WE WANT TWITTER FOLLOWERS!!!!!!! TWEET, TWEET, TWEET, TWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" (I actually haven't heard this one, but this is the message that is coming across)

Breaking Tweets: World News Twitter Style (Seriously? Could we Puh-LEASE come up with a less fairy sounding name?!?)

Opera:
Opera and twitter: sounds like a joke, right? I'm not lying.

Headlines:
Will one Chicago woman's Tweet cost her $50,000?
Be careful when you Tweet - first Twitter lawsuit hits the courts
Twitter Gets Hacked, Badly.
Let them eat Tweets

I recently heard Twitter described as a group of people sitting in the same room, yelling at eachother. From what I have seen, I think that is a pretty accurate depiction.

I feel like I'm taking too much space on the internet with just my blog and facebook profile. I don't know what could motivate me to micro-blog. Those of you that participate in this activity, feel free to enlighten me on your justification of it.

Pint for a Pint

2009-08-03T17:48:00.014-06:00

This might be a little PG. Sorry Mom.

Today I donated blood. I’m a big fan of donating blood. I think I enjoy it because it is the only cool thing about never leaving the country and never having sex: you get to save lives…..kidding. But seriously, they ask so many ridiculous questions that seem to cover the same topic:

1: Were you in the UK between 1987 and 1996?
2: Have you spent time totaling over 3 years in the UK?
3: In the past 12 months have you traveled to the UK?
4: Did you receive a blood transfusion in the UK?

Questions 5-29: Repeat the above for 6 other countries.

30: Have you ever received drugs, money, or other payment for sex?
31: In the past 12 months have you had sex with someone that uses drugs?
32: If you are male have you ever had sex with another male?
33: In the past 12 months have you been pregnant?
34: Have you had sex with an individual that has had sex with an individual that uses drugs that has had sex with an individual who receives payment for sex?
35: Have you had sex…..ever?

HONESTLY?!? They just need two questions:

1: Have you ever left the country?

No (I would love to though).

2: Have you ever had sex?

No (And while you lift your jaw off the floor: I also don’t drink alcohol or coffee, 10% of my income goes to the LDS church, and I want to have children before I’m 35. Would you like a pass-along card?)

End of the interview; stick me with the needle please.

The other great thing about donating blood is FREE ICE CREAM!!!!!!!!! This isn’t a guarantee every time, but currently the ‘promo’ for donating blood is a pint for a pint. I feel like I’m selling my blood, but I’d do much than that for Blue Bell Ice Cream (see ‘other payment’ in Q30 above).

Not kidding, my roommate and I have gone through 2 gallons (going on 3) throughout the course of the summer. Disgusting, I know, but have you had the stuff? Frozen gold, sold at your local grocer (but not in all states…it’s a Texas thing). Every so often we get it at work (every so often = once a week) for birthdays and various other celebrations, and I have a hard time controlling myself. The weird thing is, I don’t even consider myself a big ice cream fan, especially not Vanilla, but Blue Bell has figured something out.

Anyway, I'm off to redeem my ice cream coupon and enjoy my All-American virginity.

NOTE: As not to discourage individuals from donating blood: you CAN save 3 lives with each blood donation if you are sexually active or travel outside the United States....you just have to read the questions a little more carefully.

Seriously?

2009-07-22T12:23:00.009-06:00

I just threw up in my mouth, thanks to this article:

I promise, I don't just post links on my blog all the time, this week is just an anomoly, but I just don't understand this hyper-mania. I really think it's unhealthy. You can enjoy whatever books or movies you like, but honestly, there is a line somewhere. Unfortunately, tweens and adults alike seem to be crossing it more and more every day (and the media LOVES it).

Maybe, someday, I will write a blog speculating why Twilight has such an obsessive fan base. Until then, I'll just sit back, bewildered.

Woot for Wal-Mart

2009-07-15T16:16:00.005-06:00

My junior year of high school I wrote a "research" paper (psh) about the Wal-Mart corporation. I made it very clear that I did not approve of the company's business methods or morals. Those opinions have stuck with me through my college years, and I still enjoy engaging in the Wal-Mart debate every now and then. However, today I found something that impressed me.

If you are too lazy (or un-interested) in clicking the link above I'll give a brief synopsis: Basically, Wal-Mart is going to begin ranking all of its products based on their impact on the environment--kind of like a food label telling you how "green" the item your purchasing is.

"To make it happen, Wal-Mart is expected to ask its more than 100,000 suppliers to provide details about their supply chains. It will also team up with scholars, environmental and social groups, and other retailers. "

I like this plan for a few reasons:

(a) Manufacturer's will now have a more objective approach for competing for the "green" market. No longer can people just throw buzzwords like 'fresh,' 'organic,' or 'green' on a product with no accountability.

(b) Because there is a rating system, competition for low environmental impact products will increase. For those that skipped out on ECON 101: more competition drives innovation up, and prices down.

(c) Wal-Mart's size is appropriate for this type of undertaking. It will encourage others to follow, and will also ensure the database of product listings is large enough to be effective.

(d) There is no government involvement. I'm ALL about that.

I'm no tree hugger, and I really don't believe that humans can do anything to adjust the temperature of the planet, BUT I do think we have a responsibility to take care of the Earth and we should constantly be improving how we use its space and resources. This approach seems reasonable and effective to me. Of course, sustainability ratings will probably be corruptible like food labels, but we'll see how it turns out!

New Tunes

2009-07-09T15:36:00.006-06:00

Today, at work, I investigated the music of Rilo Kiley. I'd listened to some before, but today I went through two albums. I fell in love. Made my afternoon SOOOO much better.

I am somewhat out of the music scene down here (who am I kidding-I’m never IN the music scene), so I have no idea if they are totally irrelevant now, or if everyone has heard of them, or listens to them constantly and I'm the last to jump on the wagon, but I don't care. They are a party in my ears.

On another note (no pun intended), it is really hot here. Like, really, really, really hot. Stifling. Suffocating. Molesting. The good thing is, I'm constantly freezing so when I walk outside I get a chance to thaw. Unfortunately in 60 seconds I am sufficiently thawed, and I start to sweat. Woot for Texas.

I'm sick of the Michael Jackson mania. For about a week I really enjoyed it. I watched music videos for days, shared dancing memories with co-workers, and hummed 'Thriller' and 'Beat It' constantly. Now his passing is just a cheap, easy, shallow topic for the networks. Nevertheless, R.I.P MJ. Your talent has led to many memorable and enjoyable moments. Jumping on my older sister's bed singing along to the Dangerous album, re-learning 'Thriller' for every Halloween dance, late nights freshman year watching music video anthologies, screaming in laughter at the face transformations in 'Black or White.' Thank you!

A Mayfly in June

2009-06-22T12:22:00.004-06:00

I’m lying in a squeaky cot watching the shadow of a Mayfly spend part of his short life stuck between a tent and a rain cover. I watch his wings flap quickly as he tries to escape. He is obviously eager to break out and complete his life’s purpose.

It isn’t quiet as I sit in bed. The crickets outside are performing a piece inspired by the noises from a London train station and a Mexican Fiesta. These are the same bugs that have been flying at my face and in my ears all night. A few of their comrades met their end by getting shuffled in the deck of cards out on the picnic table. Rummy is more interesting when ants and June bugs try to play. I try to blame my low score on their participation. Bugs make me jumpy.

My muscles in my arms and lower back ache and I grin at the thought of the trouble I’m going to have getting up in the morning. Being pulled behind a boat all day always leaves my body feeling 50 years older than it really is. I end up limping around for a day or two, and my movements are more restricted for a while. I don’t mind the pain though; it’s merely a reminder of a day of playing hard. When I’m really 70 and my body wakes up tired every morning, I hope it is this same kind of ache, a precious souvenir of an enjoyable past.

I forget about my muscles and the bugs and reflect on the events of the day. Images of blackened catfish, deciduous trees, and glassy water flash through my head. I smile at the water fights, wakeboarding face plants, and tubing battles I’ve been a part of all afternoon. I almost giggle thinking about the magic tricks I showed the three adorable little boys, and how we spent hours coloring My Little Pony pictures. Life is always better when little people are around. I’m happy thinking about how simple life seems out here. I’ve had a hours and hours of fun in an old 18 footer with an outboard motor, a broken wakeboard, a few pool floaties, and some old camping chairs. There is no pool bar, no hotel personnel to bring me a clean towel, and definitely no room service. None of that sounds appealing to me right now. I’m happy to be on this cot with a towel and rocket ship pillow for bedding. I think this is called being content.

I’m drawn from my thoughts as I hear my tent-mate texting her boyfriend. The light clicking of her acrylics against the keys remind me of my own dead cell phone underneath my pillow. It doesn’t matter that it’s dead, I hardly get service here anyway. Its incapacity is strangely satisfying. I don’t need to talk to anyone right now. I wouldn’t mind going four days without turning it back on. Unfortunately, I remind myself, I have work on Monday. Eventually I have to head back to the Parking Garage jungle, but until then……

I turn over so the glow from tent-mate’s cell phone doesn’t keep me from sleeping. I close my eyes and finally realize why my father took us eight kids camping every summer, spring break, Labor Day, President’s Day, and Memorial Day growing up. The simplicity is refreshing, and the work involved in preparing, cleaning, and surviving is the rewarding kind of work. It isn’t the kind of work that results in a paycheck, but the kind of work that makes you happy you are a free person with strong hands and an alert mind. I remind myself that tomorrow is Father’s day. Thanks Dad.

My eyes flutter open one last time before I drift off. The Mayfly has finally freed himself from his confines. He is off to enjoy the last few hours of his 24-hour life, off to make the best with what he has. I mumble goodnight to tent-mate and fall asleep anticipating the fun that awaits tomorrow. I have a few more hours, like the Mayfly, to enjoy before I head back to civilization. I have a few more hours of simple, sweet existence. I am happy.

My Kind of Bike

2009-06-19T08:37:00.003-06:00

As you know, I'm a big fan of Craigslist. I found this treasure the other day while shopping for a bike in Houston. I'm still kind of wishing I'd just shelled out the $250--think of the groceries I could haul with this thing! Or possibly a person.....

Simple Pleasure

2009-06-09T10:36:00.005-06:00

Two words: Supply Room.

I seriously underestimated how exciting office supplies can be. I mean, I’ve always loved shopping for school supplies, but I didn’t think that it would carry over to grown up life. The thing is, when you grow up it’s even better, because you go shopping for free!!! You just walk down the hall, and enter the room of endless possibilities. I can get sharpies of EVERY thickness and EVERY color. None of this black and blue ball point pen only, I basically have the whole STAPLES® pen/pencil aisle at my disposal. If you don’t see what you want, Kathy (the file room assistant) will let you order from the STAPLES® catalog. She ordered me a entire set of my favorite pens (OptiFlow). When they arrive she is going to deliver them to my desk. Fantastic. I love Kathy.

There are, of course, other supplies besides pens and pencils. Hi-lighters, notebooks of every shape and size (even the sexy eco-friendly ones), file folders of varying sizes and colors, paperclips of all varieties, post-it note bricks and cubes, presentation folders, engineering graph paper (unfortunately, not the legit kind, just the printed graph paper kind, but still…), tissue boxes, and lots of other stuff. It’s great. Recruiters should definitely place the ‘office supply room’ next to the the ‘health and dental benefits’ slide in the presentations they give at recruiting fairs. I’d base a job decision on stuff like this.

I’m off to a meeting, today my notes are going to be in pink and blue ultra fine point Sharpie®.

UP

2009-06-07T20:13:00.004-06:00

Disney-Pixar has done it again. Simply marvelous. I cried. Spend $8 and go see it.

Ode to Houston

2009-06-01T16:50:00.005-06:00

I LOVE HOUSTON! I really didn’t think I’d be saying those words, but seriously, it is probably one of the most underrated cities in the United States. (Disclaimer, in no way is Houston replacing San Francisco as my favorite city in the US, but it’s just not the armpit I was expecting it to be). It’s funny, because I think everybody has had an experience similar to mine. No one is really excited to move to Houston, they are even a little reluctant to come here, but then you get here and you realize that it is a great place. Let me try to explain why I like it so much:

Discovery Green: BEST PARK EVER. Free yoga lessons on Saturday mornings, a mini donut stand, THE GROVE, Silent Movies to live music on warm summer nights, creative water fountains (often monopolized by a bajillion kids running around in swim suits), picnic areas, dance performances, concerts, a toy boat pond, and more! It has everything you could want from a park. And it’s right in the middle of the city, surrounded by sky scrapers and plenty of parking.

The Texas Medical Center: 40 plus non-profit institutions all focused on the helping people be healthy. Cancer, pregnancy, heart problems, women’s services, you name the problem, and within a few square blocks you will find a solution. Everyone goes to the grocery store, the park, even restaurants, in scrubs and medical attire. Medical school and nursing students ride the train with me every day. I didn’t know it would make such a big difference but this group of medical professionals gives the city a great ‘energy’ (pardon my cheesiness). Also, you can get hit on by a guy at the pool who claims to be a neurosurgeon, and actually believe him!

Parking: There is lots of it. And it isn’t hard to even find it for FREE. For being the 4th largest city in the United States, that is pretty freaking awesome. I would say my parking experience in Houston has been even better than Provo, which is tiny compared to Houston.

My Roommate: She’s actually not from Houston, she’s from a small town about 4 hours away, but she and her fiancé are SOOOOO great, and they are in Houston with me, so they get added to the list.

The Theatre District: Want to see a ballet, an opera, go to the symphony, see a play, a broadway show? It’s all here. I went to see Fiddler on the Roof on Saturday (TOPOL’s farewell tour-he played Tevye in the movie), and it was soooo good, and the theatre (the hobby center) is so beautiful.

Galveston: So….it has beaches with chunky sand and murky water, but it’s a beach, and it is a fun beach, so I’ll take it. Plus, it’s only 45 minutes away, and there is plenty of parking (unlike Newport, Huntington, and the like).

Nice People: I’ve made so many great friends and I’ve only been here a few weeks. The ward is great, my work friends are awesome, and the general population is considerate. I’m a big fan.

To be fair, the crappy things about Houston:

The whole recycling thing hasn’t caught on here.

You have to drive 20 minutes to get anywhere. You can’t go anywhere without getting on a freeway.

There is construction everywhere, all the time.

The roads are GHET-TO. I feel like I need a jeep to make it around safely.

The train is loud, and while I’m so happy to ride it every day, I’m not happy in the mornings when it drives by my apartment every 6 minutes.

But overall, I am really enjoying my time here. Thank you Houston, I’m sorry I doubted you.

By the Numbers

2009-05-22T17:59:00.002-06:00

Hhhaaay. I’m in Texas, in case you haven’t heard. I’ve been through two weeks of work, two happy hours, four free lunches, and 89830 meetings. Just kidding about the meetings, but seriously, people schedule meetings like they are on crack here at ExxonMobil.

Before I write any posts about Houston, or corporate America, or public transportation, I wanted to complain a little bit more about the super long drive down. Please observe the following:

5: Motorcycle gangs I saw

3: Bags of Corn Chips I ate (all ranch flavored)

1: Hotel rooms I stayed in by myself

7: Trees in ALL of west Texas

400: Pages of a book I listened to on tape

357: Semi trucks traveling the same direction as me

2: Cups of soda (lemonade & Sprite)

1793: Miles I drove alone

3: Hours I sat in traffic (cumulative between El Paso, San Antonio, and Houston)

3: Pancakes I ate at IHop sitting at a table by myself

34923804293: Bugs on my windshield. West Texas has some BIG ONES-even in the middle of the day!!!

1: Time by battery died

3: Times I left the headlights on and almost killed my battery again

1: Dead bird I saw smashed on the grill of a truck

7000: Population of Fort Stockton (where I stayed the night)

315,000: White Lines on the freeway (that’s a calculation, not a count)

80: Speed limit all the way through West Texas. Glorious.

26: Hours on the road

1: Piece. Harrison and I made it the whole way!

Overall it was a good experience. It definitely left me a lot of time to think about life and the cosmos. Oh, one more thing-being the genius that I am, I lost my keys my first night in Houston. My mom had to express mail me the set I had at home. Thanks mom!

My roommate and her fiancé are two of the greatest people in Texas, I really lucked out, and lots of folks at work are fun and outgoing, and there are some awesome people at church, so it’s looking like I’m going to have a good time. I’ll keep you posted though-once it gets hot I may be one grumpy bloggger.

Miss you all!!

The Summer Begins...

2009-05-05T10:48:00.009-06:00

I'm officially on my way!

Right now I'm in Phoenix visiting my sister, tomorrow I'll continue on my journey to hot & humid Houston (I think from now on I'll just refer to it as hhH).

The drive has been pretty good so far, I've almost listened to a whole John Grisham novel (A Painted House). My butt hurts and I REEEEAAALLY wish Harrison (my car) had cruise control, but I'm surviving.

I talked to David today. He's my project manager guy. He's from london, and seems pretty cool. He says I'm going to be working on gas and power logistics. Ummmm, ok. So far the only words I have to explain my job are: analyst and logistics. I'm probably going to look a little clueless when I show up to work on monday.

Cool things I found out when talking to David:

I get a security pass-WOOT!!

I'm working on the 35th floor of the UGLIEST building in the world (see above). David says the best thing about the building is when you are inside, you don't have to look at the outside, funny. I kinda feel like a little kid, but I'm just pumped about the 35th floor thing.

I get free lunch on my first day of work.....ALMOST makes up for the humidity.

Anyway, I'm going to go play with my adorable nephew, it sounds like he just woke up from his nap.

NOTE: This summer will probably be a lot more 'journal posting' as opposed to 'opinion posting' and 'making-fun posting' just because I've got to prove to a couple people that moving to hhH to work for the largest corporation in the world (Exxon Mobil) wasn't a bad decision.

Hey fatty! Good luck on your test!

2009-04-21T14:31:00.004-06:00

I wish I could have been in the meeting when the idea of a testing center was conceived.

"Hey I've got an incredibly cruel idea! How about we cram hundreds of miserable people into one room!"

"Oh that sounds excellent, lets make it ONE MILLION DEGREES in there to make sleep deprived students even more miserable!!"

"Oh, ha oh, oh, yes, and lets write 4 hour exams so they have to sit in there ALL FREAKING DAY and envy those playing outside in the sunshine."

"You are a genius! Also, lets make sure we strategically place smelly people throughout the room so that for 4 hours the test taker is gagging while trying to concentrate on binary eutectic phase diagrams."

"Awesome, we are Einsteins, lets get to building this torture chamber. I love my job."

Seriously, the testing center has its benefits and can be super convenient for students and professors alike, but overall the cost-benefit ratio just doesn't cut it.

Today, I found a new reason to hate it.

I've always known the aisles were tiny, but today with the surplus of testing students they seemed to shrink. I walked into the testing room this morning and the only available gray seat was in the middle of a column, middle row. There was an available tan seat on the back row, but those just don't cut it stability or space wise. So I took a deep breath and started towards it. My arms were full of books, I was wearing a skirt, I had a jacket hanging over one arm, and my backback was HUGE-but I HAD to get to that seat. I knocked 2 tests off of other people's desks, hit one kid with my jacket, dropped all my organized Thermo notes (it was an open notes/homework/textbok test, not that it helped my score) and homework, and felt like my rear end was invading everyone's personal space before actually making it to my seat. I was SOOO flustered and I hadn't even LOOKED at my test yet.

Unfortunately, my experience didn't get any better as someone walked down the aisle later knocking all my notes off my desk (just like I had done to someone else earlier). I couldn't blame him, but it still bugged. As my time limit drew to a close, I started to pack up-trying to compress all my belongings to the smallest space possible to make it out of the building. My exit, while more graceful than my entrance, was still awkward and uncomfortable as I sucked in my tummy and tip toed out. I really don't think I'm that large of a person, but the testing center proved otherwise.

Thank you, Heber J. Grant Building for making me feel obese today. I really appreciate it, I'm so excited I get to add on to my already lengthly list of grievances .

I've upgraded to 4 wheels.

2009-04-13T22:40:00.010-06:00

Today I made a big step in my journey to adulthood: I purchased my very own car. I went through all the paperwork myself, my parents didn't even know I was buying it until they saw it parked in front of the house. It felt good to finally make a decision, as I am really bad at those.

So, I just wanted to take the time to introduce ___________ (name is yet to be decided), my recently acquired 2004 Hyundai Accent:

Charcoal gray--my favorite car color.

It's a 2 door coupe with a hatchback, love it!

Manual Transmission: One of my MUST BEs when looking for a car.

FINALLY: A car with a CD Player (and an iPod cable), woot!

It has its fair share of scrapes and dings, and the seats are INCREDIBLY ugly (I don't know why they made a 2004 with 80's style seats--maybe the Koreans are behind a few years), but for some reason I love all its flaws (well except for a few of them). It has very few miles, it was in my price range, and it's got a personality i appreciate (though not as much the beetle :( may it RIP).

Anyway, I apologize for yet another journal-esque post but I just had to celebrate FINALLY making a decision and finding something I will enjoy driving 22 hours to Houston, TX and back. It has been a long arduous process, especially since I don't particularly want a car (the scoot scoot works just fine) but I pretty much have to have one to go anywhere this summer--so I had to find something. However, I think this car and I are going to become very good friends, and will have fun growing up together.

Breakthrough

2009-04-10T02:02:00.003-06:00

Have you ever started exercising regularly and 'hard-corely?'

For a while everything is great. You get stronger everyday, you feel yourself getting skinner, you eat healthier, and you are high off of endorphins constantly. Unfortunately, the success starts to wear off, and you plateau. You still have to work as hard as you were before, otherwise you go back to being lazy and out of shape, but despite working hard you can't seem to get any better. You are constantly tired, annoyed, and discouraged. Going to the gym becomes more and more difficult because you aren't seeing any positive results. At this time in the work out cycle it is very easy to just give up and slide down to lower than where you were before.

I've been on one of those plateaus for a very long time, but not the working out kind, just the life kind. It's been very frustrating, disheartening, and detrimental to my grades. I was having a hard time finding motivation to succeed and try hard. I wasn't really sure what I like about life or myself. I wasn't even just plateuing, I was kinda sliding backward, caring less and less everyday.

Luckily, this week I had a breakthrough.

When working out the breakthrough is an amazing day. You finally remember why you love running, lifting weights, and everything else. You smile as you work out, even laugh at yourself in the mirror. You feel stronger, faster, and more capable. The endorphin rush is more charged than ever before. A new wave of motivation and drive splashes over you, giving you energy to make it to your next goal.

In my breakthrough in 'life' this week I decided the following:

I can turn in projects I am proud of.
I can learn difficult things.
I really, really, really love the gospel.
I can help people be happier
I can be happier
I don't have to hate my major
I like myself
I like my life.
I am not competent at lots of things, but I am competent at some things, and thats good enough, because I can eventually become more competent in more stuff.
I can stay up really, really late, not just to get a good grade, but because I believe in quality
Somehow I'm contributing to this world
The church is true.
There are lots of things I want to improve about myself, and I can.
Moving to Texas is a good idea.
I'm 'seriously so blessed.'

I'm sorry to be so personal, but really, this has been a big week for me. I'm excited about 'working out' again.

Yay for life.

Weekend Entertainment

2009-04-04T18:26:00.005-06:00

I'm looking for a car (a horrible experience, if anyone has any pointers to make it less annoying--please help me) so I have been checking ksl.com, autotrader, and Craigslist fairly often. Today, In frustration I decided to wander out of the car+truck category on Craigslist. I spent the next 60 minutes laughing at many of the items for sale, and the effort being put into selling them.

Seriously, some of the stuff people try to sell--it’s ridiculous! I'm all about the idea that one man's trash is another man's treasure, but really, just post it for free or give it to DI. Are you really going to use that one dollar you are charging for the plastic cup from Disneyland? I know the economy isn't in the greatest shape, but really.....

Anyway, I had a good time laughing at people's attempt to sell junk, and even the attempts to sell legitimate items. I also noticed that Craigslist has a personals section--I've never really thought that people used this medium to get a date, but it looks like I was wrong. Some of the personals made me cry I was laughing so hard--that might classify me as a mean person.

Here are a few of my favorites:

1/4 Karat Wedding Ring--Must sell ASAP
I have a white gold, size 6 wedding ring that I must sell!!! I got divorced and I really need the money from this ring. It was retailed to be around $1700, so this is a steal!!! I WILL NOT SHIP THIS ANYWHERE, AND WILL ONLY ACCEPT CASH IN PERSON!!!
I kind of feel bad for her ex-husband, hopefully it hasn’t been too long since the split.

$1700 ring selling for $1200. Tension Set. 3/4 Carrat Moissanite Diamond, with 2 Alexandrite stones on each side. Had only Two weeks. Need to sell badly. If interested call Wain.
I’m sorry Wain, that stinks she didn’t say yes.

Graphic Design Trade:
In these tough economic times, it's sometimes easier to just trade for things you need. I am a professional graphic designer in the advertising and marketing industry. If you are in need of something designed to look better, I'm your man.
Here's a few things I'm in need of:
1. Brown leather couch and love seat
2. Macbook
3. Dressers for my kid's rooms
4. Flat screen TV
5. Trailer
For wanting an easy trade, those are pretty specific things.

Unlocking the Doctrine and Covenants -- A side by side commentary - $15
Brand new book, never been used, just don't need it. Email Sharon (retail $24.95.)
Apparently Sharon is already an expert on the Doctrine and Covenants.

1/2 size violin - $50
1/2 size violin perfect for 6-8 year old. I bought this for my son, but his grandma bought him a more expensive one so he doesn't need it. The violin plays well and comes with a bow. A great starter instrument without paying a lot.
Thanks Grandma.

Time Magazine back issues - $2
Time magazine issues from July 4, 2005 to August 15, 2005. Buy each for $2 each.
This seller took pictures of each individual magazine to post on the ad. The whole cost- benefit ratio of this set up just puzzles me.

This is NOT your neighbor’s vinyl lettering!! - $3
Tired of the same quotes at each of your neighbor’s houses? Vinyl Lettering and Vinyl Decals is the coolest thing in home decor right now, but everyone seems to have the same quote! Well this is NOT your neighbor’s vinyl!! Our one of a kind designs are sure to give you the look and saying you've been wanting.
I’m not a home owner, but I didn’t know the next “keeping up with the Jones’s” item was vinyl lettering.

Not your grandma's KEYBOARD - $175
This is no wimpy keyboard...this is the REAL thing. I used it in my band a few times and it's amazing. YAMAHA Digital Keyboard with LCD screen and PEDAL. 5 Octaves with two large built in speakers. No stand. Works perfectly! I love it but I'm getting married and need the space. $175 cash only please
Do grandmother’s typically have wimpy keyboards?

need 1 conference ticket for sunday afternoon
we are looking for 1 conference ticket for sunday afternoon. please call.
Apparently these folks aren’t content to freeze outside hoping to find someone with an extra ticket at the conference center. Craigslist is good for everything!

And my ‘Personal’ Favorites:

Lets have a beer and watch the conference - 34 (slc)
That was a title of a 34 year old male seeking female’s post. Yes, he’s talking about general conference. Funny.

seeking American wife - 28
Hello, I am a nice man from China who is seeking a nice American woman for a long term relationship leading to marriage. You have to be loyal, honest and willing to communicate by e-mail firstly. I m6.0' tall and 185 pounds with yellow skin, black hair and black eyes. I am in US, loving to meet someone who I am compatible with and makes my heart smile. If you are looking for the same thing and might be interested in getting to know me, send a message and we can see where it leads. Let’s begin with having a cup of coffee.
I’m so glad this man seeking an American wife is so open about his intentions. Thanks for your honesty! But does she really have to be American?

And this is my favorite post of all, the epitome of a return missionary with a ‘checklist.’

Single LDS RM - 20

I am currently living in Cedar City, but will soon be moving to the Provo/Orem area for school. I will be attending UVU with my major in deaf studies. Dating is a wonderful way of getting to meet new people, but I don't want to have to sit in the institute building for hours a day before I finally get someone interested. So here is a little bit about me. I am 5'8" and weigh about 140 lbs. I'm by no means a movie nut, but I enjoy a good movie from time to time. I like pretty much anything, but "chick flicks" are generally my favorites. A Walk to Remember and Titanic are a couple of my all time favorites. I am a very optimistic person who believes everyone has something to live for, regardless of what experiences your life may have held. I'm not really a sports person. When people were talking about the SuperBowl, I had to ask, "Isn't that the thing that comes between all the funny commercials?" Haha. I also try to maintain a high sence of humor. I believe that's an important factor in helping keep people happy, which is, of course, a good thing.

Now I know that the idea of me being twenty would insinuate that I never served a mission. Well, I did. I served in the New York, New York South mission as one of the American Sign Language missionaries. I was sent home early, however, for medical reasons. It was hard, but we all knew it was the right thing. I have a strong belief in the gospel, but I believe that people are free to make their own decisions and aren't going to have their progression halted for little things. I do not smoke or drink or use vulger language, and if you do please pass by this add. Please, only active, good hearted LDS girls need apply. I hold my religous views as my top priority. I am an extremely emotional person, but don't let it show most of the time. Nights are sometimes a lonely time for me. In a relationship I am completely loyal. I love it when a girl I am with is affectionate, and when I think I have the greatest girl in the world, I'm going to show her off. When a girl isn't affectionate I get really worried that it means disinterest, so if after several dates you aren't willing to hold my hand and hug me in public, be ready for me to assume you aren't interested.

I think that's a fair bit of information. If you want to give me a call or shoot me a text, you are more than welcome. I know it says not to post my number, but I think that is my decision to make. The only time I won't pick up or reply is if I am at work or in the shower, and I will always respond as soon as possible. For the record, that does mean that I will answer my phone at 3 AM, regardless of who is calling. Also, if you feel email would be a better means of communication, you are welcome to. Your picture will earn you the right to mine (Only appropriate pictures, please.) Looking forward to hearing from you!
Ah, that is just classic.

I hope at least someone enjoyed those like I did, I may just be struggling for some entertainment in my life. Enjoy your conference weekend!

I have an addiction.

2009-03-18T23:10:00.003-06:00

Don't worry--I haven't taken up smoking.

Unfortunately, however, I've developed a disgusting, time consuming habit that is taking over my life. It makes me sick, and I wish the Ad Council would start creating TV spots to target people like me and get me out of this sorry state. Maybe someday.

My problem is messages. Text messages, e-mails, wall posts, blog comments, you know...things of this nature. It isn't that I send them frequently and bother my family and friends constantly with useless drivel. I'm too lazy to do that. I am instead CONSTANTLY checking to see if anyone has decided to text/email me. Keep in mind that I really am not a very popular person, and I'm definitely not important enough to receive riveting emails--so it is totally illogical for me to waste time pulling out my phone, or logging into my three (yes, count 'em, 1,2,3) e-mail accounts to see if any human being (or computer) has sent me anything interesting.

I haven't always been this way. I used to leave my phone at home all the time. Sure, it might have been inconvenient, but it really was NBD. But now, if I leave my phone at home I'm a wreck! I have nothing to do before class, during class, or after class. At work I'm restless because I don't have anything to mess with. My butt feels naked without my phone shoved in my back pocket. It's RIDICULOUS!! The same goes for e-mail. I remember a time when I could go 2 or 3 days without logging into anything, and my quality of life was in no way compromised. Now, it's like if I'm away from a computer for more than 2 hours I start getting the shakes. What is the deal!!

Anyway, I'm hoping that this confession is my first step in overcoming this burden. Soon I'm hoping that I can stay away from a computer for more than 8 hours, and leave my phone in my backpack for a full class period, maybe even two.

If I had a patch, I think this would be much easier....

It happens to everyone I guess...

2009-03-11T13:45:00.002-06:00

So, blogs exist for people to complain right? I understand they have millions of other purposes, but my intent today is to complain, whine, gripe, and cry. Just kidding, not cry, I'm not that upset.

So I have this really good friend, we'll call him Jake, and I hope he doesn't read this, but if he does, whatever. So Jake and I became friends a little over a year ago and had all sorts of good times. We shared the same opinions about BYU and its cheesiness, how ridiculous dating is, how neither of us were ready to get married, HOW IT IS CRAZY HOW SHORT ENGAGEMENTS ARE AT BYU, things of this nature. He made these opinions VERY CLEAR, and was sometimes overbearing in his display of them-but we had fun nonetheless. We went on road trips, went snowboarding, worked on homework, ate sushi, you know, all these things that good friends do.

Near the end of January Jake got a girlfriend.

I am now currently sitting next to Jake ring shopping on the internet.

He's getting married the beginning of June.

Lame.

My point is, people say stuff, but then when they get all twitterpated, anything they've said or believed in the past goes out the window. And of course people always throw out the argument "if it's right, it's right," and that may very well be true. I'm just saying, maybe you shouldn't have been as stalwart in your opinions in the first place if you knew you could be so subject to a young lady's influence.

Jake also said he would NEVER EVER sell his white trash Tahoe--he's selling it to buy the ring.

I don't have any mean feelings towards Jake, I just hate when friends get married. Now I have to find a new best friend. Danny-if you are reading this-you may now understand why I'm sometimes grumpy towards you.

So Jake, best of luck with the wedding plans.
P.S. You are a liar.

Note: If I come across as upset or angry, I'm not, it's just a blog post.

I still exist.

2009-02-09T19:41:00.002-07:00

So, I'm not the most active blogger in the world. No surprise. BUT I have been brewing up a few ideas, despite what you few readers think, I do constantly have my blog in the back of my mind, hopefully I can write something decent in the upcoming weeks.

As for right now, I'll procrastinate my Manufacturing homework a little bit longer and jot down a few things.

This $800 billion stimulus thing is crazy. Couldn't it at least be cut in half? I know that there are lots of people out there losing jobs, and the economy is hurting every industry, but couldn't we just tighten our belts and live a little more frugally? I really don't think that its time to build a new visitor center a Mount Timp, or build quaint 36 hole mini golf courses. I do agree with the billions being spent on college education though.

I like my major today.

I went to San Francisco a couple weeks ago. Oh my, I LOVE THAT CITY!! Maybe I'll set my sights on Berkley Law School, I hear their patent law program is decent. The only problem with that situation is I'd get kicked out for a low GPA, because I doubt I could be a responsible person while living there, its too much fun.

I'm reading a few books right now, one of which is The World is Flat. Pretty sure reading that makes me really wonder if I'm going to have a job when I grow up, it's pretty terrifying. However, it has also solidified my disliking of the Walmart Corporation and love of Costco. I'd recommend it as a good non-fiction read.

Last thing, I have this friend, Brittany Olsen, and I sure wish she would move back to Provo. Cedar City doesn't deserve her.

Have a good night folks. Enjoy the second week of February (V-day included).

I hate finals week.

2008-12-18T16:16:00.001-07:00

Um, pretty much all I wanted to say is in the title.

Happy Holidays.

Come on fellas, keep it zipped up.

2008-11-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

Today my math homework was especially difficult, and so, being the cop out student I am, I went to my professor’s office hours to get some help in figuring it out. His office is right next to the men’s restroom on the third floor of the Talmage building, which leads me to today’s blog topic.

Why is it so difficult for men to zip up their pants BEFORE they leave the restroom?

Seriously, at least four guys walked out of the restroom door in the process of getting things taken care of down there. I would be minding my own business, discovering how it was possible for a fundamental set of solutions to be both linearly independent and linearly dependent over the same interval, and some kid would walk out the door right in my line of vision and zip up his pants. I was disgusted, especially when I saw Dr. Tolman do it, and he is like a 50 year old troll.

The thing I don’t understand is that young men really don’t have to take much time in the restroom, so I think they can afford the couple extra milliseconds to make sure their hands are not around their pelvic area when they walk out the door.

I understand the paranoia many men have about having a fly down and things of that nature, but I promise, it is just as easy to check before you walk out the door, than after.

Needless to say, I didn’t really ever get around to understanding my math homework.

I, unlike the economy, am still alive.

2008-11-06T21:08:00.001-07:00

You know, it’s funny, this blog address is proofofpersonality.blogspot.com, and it’s been a month or two since my last post. I’ll let you decide the implications of that.

Speaking of no personality, right now I’m studying in the Crabtree building with a more-than-life-size Kung Fu Panda action figure reading over my shoulder. Someone from BYU helped out a lot with that movie apparently. Props to him, but I kind of wish they would get this panda out of here, it’s huge. (Note: I love the movie Kung Fu Panda, almost as much as Wall-E)

Speaking of overbearing characters, welcome to Obamanation. Many of you know I am not a fan of the man, but it is exciting to see the world cheer for the United States. It seems like everybody hates America these days (including Americans). Why is it so tempting to gloat in a success’s failure?

Speaking of failure, how ‘bout that economy? I’m still appalled at the $700 billion bailout measure. It seems blatantly socialist. However, I guess to have faith in ‘the market’ and all that stuff, you have to keep it alive. It’s debatable as to how we would survive the credit crisis without it. Unfortunately, as I read through excerpts of it, it seems as if there is unnecessary money going places to help incumbents keep positions, these initiatives seem to be legislation parasites.

Speaking of parasites, hmm….I’ve got nothing for that one.

I hope you are all aware that Dell Schanze, the ANNOYING computer geek actually received a few votes to be Utah’s governor this week. I wasn’t expecting him to get more than a couple, but he made it into the thousands! I was crushed when I found out he was running as a libertarian, I have been thinking I’m a libertarian, but I cannot be in the same party as that man.

This blog is bland like eggplant, so I’m going to stop writing. I just had to get a couple thoughts out there.

P.S. A couple notes about my personal life,: one of my sister’s had a baby this morning, another sister is getting married, and I’m almost 21!!!

P.P.S. If you need a theme for a party, I would strongly recommend ‘white trash.’ It is sure to make the evening incredible, and I would also recommend inviting me because I make an excellent knocked up trashy blonde. (Thanks to the Bates for hosting an event that allowed me to discover this).

A note on Susan B.

2008-09-27T18:31:00.002-06:00

I’m really cramped for time these days, so I feel guilty blogging, but it’s been 2 weeks since my last post, so I figured it was ok to stop studying Engineering Dynamics and write some stuff.

I have so many things I could potentially discuss, I’ve got one topic I’ve been itching to get out, but it isn’t perfected yet, so it is going to have to wait another week. So I’ll settle with ‘women power.’

I’ve been mulling over this since I saw that new movie, The Women. It’s that remake of an old 1930’s film, starring Meg Ryan, Debra Messing, Eva Mendes (hate her), and several other famous female actors. I was excited to see it as I enjoyed the old version and the preview looked pretty funny, unfortunately I was disappointed. For those of you thinking of seeing it, I’ll just warn you, there is only one male in the entire movie (including extras).

The gist of the film is the lead, Meg Ryan, discovers her husband is having an affair, and that sucks for her, so she kicks him out, and files for divorce. It’s a messy situation, but luckily she’s got her gal pals to help her through it, even though some of them make the situation even worse. Meg Ryan, through this ordeal, discovers herself as she begins her own fashion line, and starts doing things she wants to do, instead of catering to her family.

So, I’m totally down with women discovering themselves and having lives beyond their homes and fulfilling career dreams. I think that is a very healthy way to live life (as long as there is a balance). However, this movie treated Meg Ryan’s fashion venture under a feminist light, like she had been liberated from a male’s world, when she was still just as much subject to it as before.

This is seen in real life as well. Society commends women that write books, start clothing lines, manage retail franchises, create scrapbooking companies, and make work out movies. These women are out there fulfilling dreams, and succeeding in the work force!! They are attractive, and their success makes them even sexier (mentioned in the movie). Proof that Susan B. Anthony did not work in vain! I commend women in these fields as well. They are creative and business savvy.

However, if a woman succeeds in a man’s field, such as mathematics, engineering, computer science, manufacturing, corporate leadership, or politics, she is often not met with as much encouragement. Often the women in these fields are older (it takes them a while to reach CEO status) and usually less attractive than women in the fashion or writing industry. I have heard on more than one occasion comments about a successful woman’s looks, way before her accomplishments are even considered. A successful man however, could be balding and fat, but no on would say anything about his appearance. This of course is not true of John McCain, could someone please tell him to get some better teeth?

Don’t worry, I’m not a bra burner or anything. I understand that women are the fairer sex, and we are blessed with softer dispositions, gentle faces, and a few extra curves, but just because a girl decides not to go into and industry that flaunts those characteristics, does not make her any less of a woman.

I believe that equality will be achieved when woman are admired for accomplishments in ANY industry, no matter their dress number, cup size, hair length, or height.

For the record, I am not a Hilary Clinton supporter.

Tidbits

2008-09-13T17:58:00.002-06:00

I'm still working on this week's post, but I wanted to say a couple things.

The first one is: GO COUGARS! As much as I love UCLA, and would go there if out of state tuition wasn't so ridiculous, it was refreshing to hear that we shut them out. We (and yes Dallin, I said we....check out his sports post if you are curious why I say that) even made the Yahoo! front page! I won't lie, I wasn't paying much attention to the game, but it still feels good. The victory is even sweeter since UCLA was so arrogant last year.

Another thing, there is this new eating establishment in the basement of Campus Plaza just south of campus, and it is pretty good. They sell those slushy drinks with the tapioca balls and huge straws. They're tasty! They also have 'oriental esque' food for cheap, even kimchee! You should check it out. I really like it, and don't want them to go out of business like everything else that rents that place, thats why I'm shamelessly advertising for them.

I think thats everything. Oh, I'm sick of homework, but differential equations are fascinating!

WARNING: Shallow Post

2008-09-06T19:23:00.001-06:00

I have a confession. I sometimes watch trashy TV. Don’t worry, I’m not talking Jerry Springer or anything like that, I’m talking teen drama shows. I usually give in and watch when I have several other pressing obligations that are much more important than finding out who is sleeping with whom, but I can’t resist. It is so nice to turn off your brain and just veg off of someone else’s fake made up life (yes, that was redundant).

So today, instead of finishing my Differential Equations and Dynamics homework, I went to www.surfthechannel.com (I really wish I’d never heard of this website—it has everything) and watched the newest episodes of Gossip Girl and 90210. These shows are EXACTLY the same, they are just staged on opposite sides of the United States.

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that they are so similar. All teen drama shows are the same. If you are planning on creating one, just make sure it goes something like this: The new kid moves in and shakes everything up. Usually the new kid comes from a lower class home, but is incredibly attractive. The popular girl gets mad and creates more drama. The new kid struggles with his or her old values and the new lifestyle. Since it is a TV show, the plot (or lack thereof) drags on and on until someone gets pregnant or killed (or every character has hooked up with every other character in the cast, girl-girl relationships included). Every actor is ridiculously good looking in his or her own way. The tastier the eye candy, the higher viewer ratings (even if the script writer is a robot). This is also a popular idea for teen movies.
I’m going to start a list: Gossip Girl, 90210, The O.C., Mean Girls, She’s all That, John Tucker Must Die, Ugly Betty (which isn’t so much ‘teen’ but is definitely over the top drama), One Tree Hill, High School Musical, Lizze Mcquire (sort of)….Ok, that is all I can think of, I kind of thought there would be more. Still, it’s disgusting, and the plots are really regurgitated. I’m making a new commitment to watch classier television instead, such as The Office and Arrested Development. I guess I could just stop watching TV altogether, but I can’t quit cold turkey.

Oh, and for the record, I really was planning on commenting on the GOP veep pick, but I’ll wait to express my thoughts on Ms. Palin for another day. I'm not feeling like deep commentary today, probably because I just watched bimbos for an hour or two.

I might as well say this now.

2008-08-28T15:03:00.005-06:00

So, the post this week is a little late. This is due to two reasons. The first is that I’ve started a new project http://stuffbyupeoplelike.blogspot.com. It started as just a single post idea, but then it seemed like it was going to be too much to publish in just one blog, so it got its own domain. The second is I am having serious trouble coming up with an idea for the week. This blog is young and fragile, and I don’t want to write about anything too controversial, as I might lose my one reader (you know who you are). Unfortunately, I am forced to make a stand as this is the only topic in the news this week, so I have to comment.

I guess I’ll stop wasting space and putting this off, here it goes.

I don’t like Barack Obama.

As a young college student ready for a change, I feel like I am betraying my demographic. After all, Barack is the new hip guy. I mean come on, he and his wife ‘bump it’ (a totally non-sexual term, in case you aren’t ‘with it’), how hot is that? He looks good in his advertisements, he’s different than the president we have now, and it would be great to tell my kids I voted for America’s first African-American president. I really wish I could jump on the band wagon. The problem is, he sounds like a socialist, and too often when I hear his plans and policies I find myself wondering if he ever took any sort of economics class, even just one semester in high school.

So today, I am going to explain the things he supports that I do not. I’ll stick mainly to economic factors. Maybe I’ll comment on other points on his ‘Blueprint’ later, but I don’t want to be too much of a hater (unintended rhyme that's too awesome to rephrase). Oh, and everything I comment on comes from his website www.barackobama.com (under the Issues tab, Economy and Fiscal).

On of my biggest complaint with his fiscal plans is how he defines ‘wealthy’ I’ve heard this number vary from $150,000 to $5,000,000 a year. Obama wants to slam this group with taxes to raise up the middle class. I think individuals are better at spending money than the government is, and I would much rather have Kaptial (yes, with a K) pumped into the economy through businesses and R&D teams, than redistributed the way Obama sees fit. I personally think that Americans made it to number 1 because we were able to use our money how we wanted. You didn’t have to be afraid to be at the top. Once you were the biggest, you could get bigger, and no one was sucking your pockets dry (like they would in Europe). Now I know many in my generation don’t agree because for some reason there is this anti-corporation sentiment. But, I really like corporations, who else are we going to get to sponsor Olympians, and spread American style abroad? Also, I would like to remind anti-corporate America that Apple is a corporation, and they are the sweetest company on earth.

While many of his ideas sound like the answers to the dismal statistics we’ve been watching on Wall Street this year, they seem like they might have some serious negative effects in the long run

Obama said that ‘everyone deserves to have a job at a decent wage’ or something along those lines. What if the jobs don’t exist? What if you raise minimum wage so high or are such an advocate of the right to unionize (which he is) that it becomes to expensive for a company to even operate and it has no choice but to shut the doors? What about jobs then? Ever heard of Detroit?

Also, he has a plan to make sure that minimum wage rises with inflation. I’m not a fan of this. This gives companies no room to give raises or incentives. If every worker is automatically making $9 an hour, they can’t afford to encourage more effort by giving raises within the first two weeks of work. Here is an example. When I started my very first job at Cold Stone Creamery (possibly the best job I ever had, maybe because my boyfriend and I would make out in the freezer…try it) I started at $5.50, pretty close to Federal minimum wage of $5.15. To make $5.75 an hour I memorized ice cream flavors and creations, to make $6/hr had to pass off making waffle bowls and running the ice cream machine. Other incentives followed after that. I passed of the memorization my first week of work, and other certifications soon after. The system encouraged working for your dollar, and showing the company you were committed. After minimum wage is over $8/hr I don’t know how excited business owners will be to give raises to punk high school kids up to $9, when they hardly deserve $8.

He’s all about cutting down government spending (because we all know how financially irresponsible the states have been these past 8 years), but on every one of his bullet items he is promising money. His only plan for increasing government revenue is taxing the rich. You already know how I feel about that.

Oh and he wants to expand a company’s paid sick days to 7. How many of us are already taking advantage of the 3 or 4 we have. Why make more mandatory? I think it only creates resentment between the employee and 'the man.'

I really apologize if this sounds like ranting. It’s just so tempting to get wrapped up in the Obama Party, so I had to reassure myself, and one reader, that it isn’t all change and happiness. I also apologize that I haven’t given any reasons to vote for John McCain, as I’m having a hard time liking him myself.

Ok, I've got that off of my chest. Everyone can disagree with and hate me.

The first time is a little awkward.

2008-08-18T16:16:00.000-06:00

Am I doing this because everyone else is? Have I secretly always been curious? Will be any good? Do I make a big deal out of it? How often are you supposed to ? What if I hate it? Everyone says it’s fun and amazing, is that true?

These are all questions about blogging of course. I’ve decided to give it up, and do it. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. It’s just hard to decide the best material for my first time.

I am mostly joining the blogging craze because I need a reason to write. I am a Mechanical Engineering student, and I don’t get to use, let alone write, full sentences very often. Also, along with my major, I sit in windowless rooms, with green paper and dull pencils. I stare at computer screens and textbooks, stretching my brain beyond capacity trying to translate strange equations and symbols. I need some medium that proves to me, and others, that I really do have two functioning halves of a brain.

This will most likely not be a journal-type blog. As stated above, I doubt my life is interesting enough to have its own URL. However, there may occasionally be snippets about my life, and if this bothers you, my apologies. Future postings may include but are not limited to, the following topics:

I enjoy reading, and critiquing the New York Times. I find the articles interesting and often times humorous, so I will most likely post thoughts from my reading.

I hate politics, but I think it’s important to at least attempt to vote and think about what is wrong and right with your country. Sometimes, I may find it necessary to post on public policy (mostly economic policy), and politicians, as I consider it my civic duty.

I like to appreciate the arts: film, theatre, live music, photography, galleries, you know, artsy stuff. I have NO skills in these areas at all, but I LOVE being the person that is there to pay to enjoy them. So, I’ll probably talk about my favorite, and not so favorite, ‘artsy’ experiences.

Beyond that, I don’t know what else is going to come up. Whatever this evolves to, I am confident it will be a nice contrast to engineering computation paper, and Dr. C’s handwritten exams.

I guess the first time isn't that bad.