Adventures of a Nerd

Reflecting on 2011

2011-12-28T18:29:00.001-05:00

Wow. What a year this has been. So many amazing memories, I feel like they don't all fit in a year. Alot of things changed too. New friends entered my life,while some others faded out. I watched my sweet nephew turn from a tiny baby to a crazy toddler. I attempted to die my hair with coffee and cranberry juice....a failed experiment.I experienced college for the first time. And I watched friends walk across that stage and receive their diploma. Jess,Julie,Sam,Tyrone, I'm so proud of you all for graduating this year! I experienced the joy of planing a graduation party and having a blast with all my closest friends! I can't thank everyone enough that had a part in planing the party!!!!! Between the variety show and every other aspect of the party from the yummy dessert everyone loved to decorating and music. We couldn't have set it all up so fast without you! I also enjoyed the graduation dinners and parties of fellow graduates,many fun nights celebrating,eating and dancing! On the note of dancing,we took a very fun salsa class and I think I made significant improvement in my dancing during the year. I got to go to New York for the first time and it truly was a trip of a life time!
The summer came with many adventures of its own. Vegan week for the not so faint of heart. Also a fun end to our summer with a Slip N' Slide party. Then the wonderful convention with many friends involved in parts in the drama. Then after that we went to the Keys for a completely awesome vacation. Also September was my first month regular pioneering! Time has really flown since then. Since then we've enjoyed many fun afternoons in service,the privilege of having several in our hall attend the Zone Meeting. We went go-karting just like every year on Halloween. Enjoyed a Josh Groabn concert. Brought out our inner nerds at Freaks and Geeks. Had a blast at bon fires,hayrides,and outdoor parties. The pioneers benefited from several pioneer meetings in December along with the Circuit Assembly as a highlight for everyone. Seeing 3 from our hall get baptized was awesome!

Reflecting on this year was alot of fun. I didn't make a video like I usually do,but if you watch the Summer 2011 video you can see a good chunk of the year in photo montage form.

Thanks for being a part of this year. I'm sure who ever is reading this made me laugh at some point in the year or I shared some crazy memory with. And if not, well then I'm not sure who you are.

Just like every year, I join a group of friends to make a "year list", goals,things that we think might happen,and funny other random things. This year I think I might post it......stay tuned.

The haircut......

2011-12-20T12:10:00.000-05:00

Roku Review......say that one 10 times fast.

2011-11-08T13:06:00.001-05:00

Earlier this week we decided to buy the Roku 2 XS.
There are alot of media center option out there. Apple TV as an example. (Though quite pricy)
The Roku box has a series of 'channel' and 'apps' though which you can connect your Netflix or HuluPlus account. Now if you don't have one (or both) of these accounts you will be severely limited as to how useful this box will be for you. There are other apps that don't require a paid account. Pandora radio being my favorite. This particular model also comes with the game Angry Birds.....which looks amazing on a 42 inch TV.
It has a USB port to view pictures and such through from a flash drive. It also has a Flickr and Picasa app to access your albums on there. It gets the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable and connects to your TV via AV cables or HDMI. Our Wi-Fi router is down the hall and in a room away from the living room and we had to position the box facing the door way to get a good enough signal to download the software update. The box is no bigger than my phone and takes less energy to keep on than a nightlight,hence the fact there's no on/off switch. Overall its a great addition to your TV and perfect if you have Netflix because you don't have cable. It won't replace that computer you were thinking of getting for your TV but it is extremely simple to use and alot of bang for your buck

2011-10-20T16:31:00.000-04:00

I sometime doubt the fact that people actually read this.... maybe I'm just being pessimistic. Or maybe I'm being a realist.
I know many of you probably read this via Buzz. Ah what a beautiful thing Google has created with Buzz.

Just sitting here admiring the blue sky. Slightly dozeing off.....

P.S. : I passed my license test :)

DeLand Music Festival!!

2011-10-18T13:46:00.000-04:00

I love free stuff.....

2011-10-11T17:27:00.001-04:00

I love a good freebie.....
I find alot from sites like http://www.heyitsfree.net/
A few weeks ago I signed up for a free sample pack from Target. I loved the first one I got and was eagerly looking forward to the second one.
Heres what target sent me for free.

This post has alot to do with music

2011-10-02T21:19:00.000-04:00

So first off I'd like to share this is incredible video cover by Boyce Avenue of "Fix You" by Coldplay

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9ETxBHYBAU&hd=1

Second I though I'd post a mini review of Demi Lovato's new album "Unbroken"
I'd been wanting to do this review ever since I listened to the album in full. This was an album I took a risk with by per-ordering before any info was really out about and there were no samples to listen to because I was sure Demi would not disappoint.

1.Lightweight
Very Glee-ish sound that drew me in. Very catchy lyrics and my favorite off the album.
2.Unbroken
The sound of the intro is interesting but once you get past it to the chorus I really like it.
3. Fix A Heart
I love the lyrics of the chorus even though they're not that deep. The verses aren't as likeable as the chorus.
4. Mistake
The first part starts to show a different side of her that is shown more later in the album. Another catchy song.
5.Give Your Heart A Break
Remind of a Coldplay song in the beginning. I like the sound of her voice in this one. I can picture a really cool choreographed dance once you get into the chorus.
6.Skyscraper
This was her first single that came out before album did. I'm kinda sick of it since I kept listening to it waiting for the album to come out but it's still a great track.
7. In Real Life
I haven't given much listen to this because the sound didn't appeal to me that much.
8.My Love Is Like A Star
Very slow opening. A Beyonce sounding song that is a nice and mellow.
9. For The Love Of A Daughter
Strong vocals with a deep message to her dad with alot of raw emotion.
10.Skyscraper (Remix)
Nice change from the original but nothing special.
11. Hold Up
One of these songs that the beginning sounds like a middle of a song. Not catchy to me.
12. Who's That Boy
I laugh at this song because its so not what you'd expect from her. I can't take it seriously.
13. You're My Only Shorty (Feat Iyaz)
Super catchy and a great duet. I really like the way her voice sounds in this one too.
14.Together (Feat Jason Derulo)
Feel good song with once again a catchy beat. Nice addition to have Jason Derulo too.
15. All Night Long (Feat Missy Elliott and Timbaland)
I haven't listened to this one much because it got lost on my computer. Still not a favorite.

SUMMER 2011

2011-10-01T12:27:00.000-04:00

What a summer.

2011-09-23T16:11:00.000-04:00

The date is September 6th (I know its not,but when I started writing this post it was). Summer for some is over,while some (myself included) are still enjoying the last little bit of summer.
So much has happened,changed,occurred...... things to celebrate,things maybe we would rather forget.
At the end of the month I will be posting the "Summer 2011" slideshow.
So far it's quite long,but so many things happened that I had to include!

Instead of making a list of everything that happened,I'll just make sure it's all in the slideshow.

One thing that didn't make it in but I thought was something slightly amusing I did.....
We all threaten to throw our favorite electronic object out a window when its not working. Well I took it literally. My phone (touch screen....who ever invited that is a genius yet at the same time I don't think I like them) has issues....call it a security feature if you will. It will only work with the top left corner being held down by my thumb. Ridiculous I know, and I seem to be the only one able to get it to work. Makes no sense to me. Enough back story....
It stopped working completely on the way home from the Keys. No matter what I did it would not work. So while we made a stop at a collection of shops in Key Largo I rolled down my window and threw the phone out. (Its not working already,whats the worst that could happen?) It hit the rocky parking lot and came up unscathed. So I picked it up...and it still wasn't working. I don't know if this affected it at all but about 10 minutes later it did start to work perfectly fine once again. I wouldn't recommend this unless your phone is tough....or you're desperate or angry. Or all three.

The Keys were awesome! Had a blast snorkeling and hanging out on the boat. So much good food!!! Lobster was deff a highlight ^_^

It's so funny how in Florida we say its "cooling down" when the high is 90. When we reach 80 I'm breaking out my sweaters.

Busy weekend once again :)

November 5th be sure to catch Tom Moore and OTSB at the DeLand Music Festival!!!!

Use tear-free soap next time.......

2011-08-12T17:32:00.005-04:00

As we embrace the summer heat, we can only think of one logical thing to do. And thats have a party.
Not just any party though. A slip n' slide party.

(I tried to embed all the videos and pictures,but its not working so bear with me and use the links)

Like all great things, it had to be tested. Which the guys did.
http://youtu.be/94Rm1hEvj_U

https://picasaweb.google.com/jlhart4/PreSlipNSlideParty?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Then after we worked out the kinks, we partied.

https://picasaweb.google.com/jlhart4/SlipNSlideParty?authuser=0&feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/jlhart4/MasonsSlipNSlidePics?authuser=0&feat=directlink

(Thanks to April for this picture)

What happend to Summer? It melted.

2011-08-02T14:50:00.001-04:00

August.
The time that we all realize,hey...you know what..summer is almost over. And that list of thing we were going to do over summer....it never happened. So we all stay inside our Air Conditioned houses. Cooking up big plans. And for some of you, dreading going back to school.
Ah school.....
I miss buying school supplies. Although I have yet to acutely receive a diploma in the mail (Thanks for 2 months of credit transfer confusion lovely High School!) I did have a graduation party (the best party evaaaa) and I feel kinda done. So whatever. By the time I get the thing I should have another party....

Lots to do between now and October 1st. Receive a diploma being one of those things. Not to mention family coming into town,Convention and the preparation surrounding that. Then a much awaited beach vaca. ( A.K.A. how long will it take for me to get a sun burn because I refuse to wear sunblock.)
Oh and the various concerts that conveniently all happen in September/October.
Do I love Weird Al and my friends going to see him or Il Volo more? (Il Volo and their looks win every time.)

You see,my inspiration for writing a blog post only ever last about 2 paragraphs.
Hence,this post end heres.

(BTW...I still need a job.)

I'm just glad its over....

2011-07-10T16:51:00.001-04:00

Ahhh Vegan week....I loved you but I hated you.

It's finally over. I survived Vegan week....barely.....
It was fun but I do love my cheese. We'll do it again mid-September so if you want to get in on the fun you have another chance!!!!
It did surprise me how many alternatives there are out there. As long as you're not allergic to soy it's pretty easy really. I guess.

Right.....like that was going to happen.

2011-07-04T22:19:00.001-04:00

Yea...I never wrote that blog post about my trip. Pictures say a thousand words and I posted alot of pictures.
I had tons of fun. Did everything a tourist could do. And I can't wait to go back.
End of story.

Anyways....
This week I am taking part in a challenge to go Vegan for one week. I think we have about 8 people in on this challenge and so far it's been good. Should be nice to cook for myself more and eat less processed foods. I hope I feel really good by the end of the week. I love cheese to much to do this longer than a week.

We went to Rebounderz last week. Absolutely insane!! I've never been so exhausted before.
Heres a video of Aaron showing us all up.....

I think I need a few weeks to recover before I go again....and maybe rock climbing is more up my ally. Rock walls are my turf.... not trampolines.

Hopefully I'll get back into this blogging thing..... I'll try and keep you updated on my Vegan week...a.k.a. Lack of animal product week.

I said what?

2011-06-15T22:37:00.000-04:00

Yes,I know.
I fail at this "daily blogging" thing I said I was going to do. Anyways....please forgive me.

All the pictures are on Picasa https://picasaweb.google.com/jlhart4

The more organized stuff with titles and what-not is on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/nerdygrl94/

We just go to our hotel in Connecticut and have a long day tomorrow (once again).
Major post when I get home!!!

NYC we madee ittttt

2011-06-11T16:28:00.000-04:00

Well we're here!!!!
Checked into our room not to long ago but have already done a bunch of stuff before we even checked in!!

Some pictures are on Flickr...more later tonight :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nerdygrl94/

It truley is graduation time....

2011-06-08T20:01:00.000-04:00

Well,the stress of the graduation party is over and we have nothing but the awesome memories kept alive in pictures and videos to relive the night.

Heres some links to some pictures and videos

Grad Party (My pics and other peoples)

We were all quite proud of our dance. And we now all miss the crazy nights of dance practice. Our little dance family no longer has an excuse to hang out Wednesday or Sunday nights.
Unless you want us to dance at your next party..... * hint hint *

Speaking of dance,my favorite show "So You Think You Can Dance" is on so I have to end this post here.

Leaving for NY on Saturday!!! They're will definitely be DAILY updates on this blog so stay tuned!

Sams grad party videos

2011-06-04T11:50:00.000-04:00

Julies Graduation

2011-06-03T10:10:00.000-04:00

Graduation time!!

2011-05-28T11:43:00.000-04:00

With so many friends graduating, there is many graduation ceremonies and partys!
Heres the first two ceremonies.

Jessicas

Samules

Pictures of course here http://www.flickr.com/photos/nerdygrl94/

Time to dust off the blog.....

2011-05-21T16:55:00.000-04:00

It was a sunny Saturday morning.
Hungry me..waiting for my bagel to toast. Then all of the sudden 3 beautiful voices accompanied by 3 beautiful faces appear on my TV.
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Il Volo

http://www.amazon.com/Volo/dp/B004P1JMYA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1306010675&sr=8-1

Just bought the Album....It's still downloading in fact.

You're welcome.

Deal of the Week!

2011-05-17T10:29:00.001-04:00

Yes,I know its been a while since I posted anything :/
But heres a deal for ya!

Get a free one night Blockbuster movie rental when you use the code: MONDAYFUN

Late. Whats new?

2011-05-05T14:56:00.002-04:00

I don't remember if I ever posted this...so here it is.

First steps

2011-04-26T22:18:00.002-04:00

Done! Almost....

2011-04-25T20:54:00.000-04:00

Above is a project I recently finished for school (Click to enlarge)
The theme was "looking through a window",so I decided to make mine on "looking into a window of the past". The people in the pictures are my great-grandparents and my grandparents. It was a fun project for sure. Today was the last day of the semester for me..... very relieved about my overall grade :)
A little more than a month of HS left. Crazy to think about. Excited about celebrating with other friends all graduating this year too. Also extremely excited about going to NY for a graduation trip with family and friends.

Hooray for class of 2011!!
Congrats to everyone graduating!!
As far as people I know of graduating, Julie,Jess,Tyrone,David. Congrats to you all!!

Dangrous? No....

2011-04-17T12:22:00.000-04:00

We've been getting back in the habit of dancing,swing dancing namely.
The swing trick called "around the world" is one of the most popular,and one of scarcest. (As one thats been dropped more than a couple times,I should know.)

Heres a successful attempt of it from a while back.....