Emily Elizabeth

Engaged!

Thu, 26 Oct 2006 16:37:57 Z

Wow, what a birthday! It's hard to believe that this time last year I was starting my first real semester at BYU and just barely dating Marc. Now I am finishing my last couple semesters (I graduate in August), I've lived in Hawaii, and now I'm engaged.

So, I should probably explain the story. I imagine I'll be telling it a lot in the next few days.

I had my 20th birthday on October 24. On October 25, I had a party with all my friends. It was so much fun. I had about 15-20 of my closest friends there. We had pizza and caught up on what was going in everyone's lives. Then Bryce asked if Marc if we were engaged yet. I said no, and that it would probably be awhile befor anything happened.

So, we opened presents and Marc gave a DVD from his parents then siad that I had to close my eyes while he gave me his. When I opened my eyes he was down on one knee. I was not expecting it at all! But, it was really sweet. I fell out of my chair and then he said, "Emily, will you marry me?" I gave an excited, "Sure!" But, he wanted a yes, so I gave that to him later. But Wow! I was so surprised. It was nice becuase everyone who was there was a very important part of our relationship.

Michael Wiltbank talked with me outside by the pool at Campus Plaza until all hours of the night and told me to stop being a girl and go for it.

Bryce Goodwin always wanted the latest on where we were and what was happening. He always seemed to walk in at the worst moments. :")

Jordan Fackrell has been there as a support when things weren't going to so well by supplying Xango juice and GeoCaching.

Carrie Cox was my roommate when I met Marc and can remember all my first impressions and first few months of our relationship.

Markus Cueva and Rachel Fleming started dating around the time that Marc and I did, so it's been really fun to be with them throughout all the good and bad times. They've been helpful with advice and just good old support.

Kami and David Furr just recently got married and taught me a lot about what is really good in a relationship. Kami and I have been friends since we were in elementary, and David is just perfect for her.

Joseph Ovard was Marc's roommate last summer and was really the reason why Marc and I started dating again.

LeAndrew Tirrell, John Lovell and Stephen Bills were Marc's roommates in the summer of 2005 when Marc and I met. LeAndrew was also a very important part of getting us back together this summer.

Jesse Rich is my coworker and a very rational human being. He has a great calming effect on me and made me see reason many times.

Thanks to everyone who helped us get to where we are. You are all amazing! More wedding details will be forthcoming. I am working on designing a website that will have a lot of information on it. Right now the tentative date is either April 20 or May 18. The ring I am currently wearing is a Wal-mart imitation of what I really want. But you are still welcome to come take a look anytime. Later!

Cards vs. Lions

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 15:15:26 Z

Baseball. The all-american sport has reached the final days of glory this season with the World Series. This year it's the St. Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Tigers. (I think most fans are just happy that the Yankees aren't in it this year). And, in true baseball form, there are rumors of cheating. I can't think of a sport in which more players get caught cheating than baseball. So, the question is, do baseball players cheat more than other sports, or are they just dumber and get caught?

Which team is going to take home the win this year? Will it be the Tigers? The Tigers came into the series as the favorite, but have since been a hit and miss. Plus, with the accusations of a cheating pitcher, it could make things messy. Or will it be the Cardinals? They have pitcher Jim Edmond, and of course the ever famous hitter Albert Pujols who has been in the top of the charts for home runs, batting average and runs batted in.

To be honest, I don't really care who wins or even if baseball continues to exist as a sport. I can't believe that someone would actually like a sport that takes 2 hours out of your day to watch about 5 scores. I think only golf rates as a more boring sport to watch. Plus, with a new person accused of cheating every other day? I mean come on.

We all know that the world of football is the only true test of real masculine strength.

Do terrorists deserve fair treatment

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 15:39:33 Z

A quick update. After that not-so-pleasant hiccup, Marc and I are back together. It's going really well.

Okay, so I imagine many of you have heard the recent news that the CIA has secret prisons throughout the world where suspected terrorists were being held. I have heard a lot of mixed reactions. I have pretty extreme political views thus, I respect the views of others greatly. But sometimes people can make me so angry.

I was very upset with the administration and those behind the decision to create detention centers for terror suspects. Don't get me wrong, I am all against terrorism, but I think the way that these dentention centers are being held and operated are extremely dangerous and wrong.

This is a post by William Norman Grigg of the John Birch Society:

The Bush administration is yielding nothing in its campaign to create special military commissions to try those designated terror suspects or "unlawful combatants." Its proposed legislation, if enacted by Congress, would confer legal legitimacy on the same kind of special tribunals the Supreme Court described as unconstitutional in its recent Hamdan v. Rumsfeld decision. Those tribunals would be permitted to employ hearsay evidence, testimony obtained through torture and other dubious methods, withhold evidence from the accused, and other practices long forbidden by the Anglo-Saxon tradition of due process under law.

I will just say, amen! I think one of the things that America should pride itself on is giving a fair and speedy trial. I don't care what the crime is or who the criminal is, as human beings we are entitled to certain rights that man can not and should not take away. Yes, the terrorists did terrible things, but let's give them a fair trial and allow their rights to be respected. Otherwise, we return to the ideals and beliefs that we fought against so long ago.

Ah, it's nice to rant again.

Sleeping in an oven

Tue, 29 Aug 2006 14:45:38 Z

You know, there are few things in life that can prepare you for a fight or breakup with someone you love. In fact, I'm not sure that there is anything that you can do to prepare. Most of what you do is damage control. And wait.

Most of my damage control is done in the form of crouching in a corner of my room and coming out only to choke down something to eat, and make sure I don't stink.

This time I tried a new tactic. Talking about it. And I realized that the worst thing I can do in this sort of situation is live inside my head. It makes the loneliness much worse, and, suprisingly enough, people care about me and want to help me.

So, combined with Nat King Cole, Bryan Adams and all the other singers that can put to music the hole that's in my heart, I think my friends and I will get through this.

I was talking to a friend last night and mentioned that my first impression is to become a crazy stalker ex-girlfriend. In fact, I think that the phrase I used went, "I want to live in his oven just so that when he opens it he can see me and won't forget about me." Maybe an oven is a little extreme, but I think you can see the point. My friends can keep me from doing extremely crazy or stupid things like sleeping in his oven or doorstep.

Well, it's time to work some more. Here's to a week of struggles.

It's all changing

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 19:46:13 Z

So, I suppose I have something to confess. I needed to make sure that things were official before I started telling people this great news. I am officially dating someone.

Most readers probably don't know a lot about Marc. I kind of started blogging after my relationship with Marc ended, right before I went to Hawaii for four months. But, yes, we are dating again.

You know, it's an interesting situation. We dated for five months before and I never thought that we would be dating again. But it's really nice. I know him really well and he's definitely my best friend. We're going to have some hard times, but I think that we can make it through.

I'll write more about it later. Hope the summer is going well for everyone!

Baby names

Tue, 25 Jul 2006 23:27:10 Z

So, my friend Marc and I were talking about baby names the other day. My family is named all traditional names (Emily, Jacob, Sara, Rachel and Samuel). Marc mentioned that he wanted names that weren't outright traditional but weren't so completely out there that they would date his children.

Now I've been thinking a bit about baby names. There are a few names that I've liked. Some I've stuck with and some that I haven't. I really like the name Sparticus. But, obviously, that name opens itself up to a miriad of different nicknames that could be really bad. But, I still like the Roman thing. So, one I've really stuck to is Atticus. I like it because of the heroic lawyer in "To Kill a Mockingbird." I always like to hear about heroic lawyers.

Also, going on the fact that I am a bit nerdy, there are a few names from fiction and television I like. Luke, which is generally pretty traditional, gained a lot more popularity in the 70's with "Star Wars." I really like the name because of that. Also, I like the name Eowyn. I probably won't give a girl the first name of Eowyn, but it will probably be a middle name.

I talked to some people at work about these names today. Atticus got many thumbs down. They said that the kids would come up with some pretty cruel nicknames. But you know, kids will do that anyway, and honestly I don't think there is much to make fun of with Atticus. But, taking into account everyone else that I've talked to, it's split 50/50. Which is fine with me.

It's About Time!

Sat, 08 Jul 2006 18:01:50 Z

I am the queen of blind dates. I think I have been on more blind dates than traditional dates. It's sort of like, "You're a nice guy, he's a nice guy, thus you must be perfect for each other." It's kind of funny, because girls generally set me up with guys that they would never go on dates with, but for some reason, they are acceptable to me.

Well, luckily, this time I wasn't set up by a one of my girlfriends, but by a great guy friend. He's been meaning to set me up with this guy for awhile. So, I told him to give the mystery guy my number and have him call me and let me know when and where we will go on a date. So, the next day mystery man calls. We set up a date and talk for a little bit. He seemed like a really nice guy, and I will admit that I was really excited about it.

So, Friday rolls around. He comes with my friend and they pick me up. We went to eat and then went geocaching. We didn't find many geocaches, but we definitely had a lot of fun. He was pretty easy to talk to with only a few lulls in our conversation throughout the whole night. It was just a really fun date with a really nice guy. So, he dropped me off and I said, "Thanks so much for taking me, I really had a lot of fun. We should do something again sometime." He said, "Definitely, maybe we can go hiking or something. Can I have your number?" I got really confused and said, "Umm...yeah....." And then it clicked in his head and he said, "Oh! I already have your number....right...."

I think the date went pretty well. I had a lot of fun, and some definite potential for a second date. So, I guess we'll see how it goes.

No rest for the weary

Sat, 24 Jun 2006 18:06:54 Z

You know, I think I was crazy for deciding to take spring and summer classes. This news reporting class I just finished about kicked my butt. Now, I am going to take statistics and a research class. Ugh. Well, I keep telling myself it will all be okay in the end.

About my last blog entry. I realized that yes, I have kissed with braces. Actually, my first kiss was when I had braces. Hmmm. Well, that kiss didn't turn out so well. Hopefully future braces kisses will be more enjoyable.

So, I've been having a lot of problems with a particular guy lately. It's like I don't know how to tell him that I can't hang out with him all the time. I've told him a million times that I am not interested. I just think that he needs to branch out and find someone new.

Last night I went to the Manti Pageant with a group of friends. It was a lot of fun. My coworker brought his brother along. Talk about funny! This guy was so random and said the funniest things. I'm hoping that I will get to see him again.

Anyway, I've got to get back home and get doing stuff with my day. TTYL!

Braces and NCMO

Mon, 19 Jun 2006 20:37:35 Z

So, it's finals week again. It's a little intimidating, because I'm really not ready for them yet. But, I guess I don't have much choice, I'll just have to crash on through.

Tomorrow I get braces. I've had braces before, I got them off two years ago. So, I can acutely remember the pain and anguish associated with them. But, I am hoping that this time it will be a lot better. I switched orthodontists, and this guy is supposed to be really good. And, the good thing is I will only have to have my braces on a total of 1 year. I will be all fixed right about the time I graduate and get ready to leave.

Okay, so about the whole braces thing. If you've ever had them, you know what a burden they can be. They get in the way of everything. Eating, breathing, swallowing, talking, and of course, kissing. So, as a joke, I was telling my friends that I needed to "fill my canteen." This is a term used often by missionaries just getting ready to leave. Missionaries are not allowed to have any kind of relationship, including kissing of any type. So, I was saying that I needed to get some NCMO (non-commital make out) before my teeth became to sore I couldn't do anything.

Well, as I was telling my male friends this they were saying things like, "Yeah! That's an awesome idea! I'm in!" Typically male. But, when I said, "Okay, let's go." They just sort of laughed and thought I was joking. So, this my conclusion. They are too chicken.

Ha ha ha. Well, I guess I'm just going to have to wait a year. It will almost guarantee that I have to wait a while before I can get married. Who wants to have braces in their wedding pictures? Seriously?

Stalker

Tue, 06 Jun 2006 03:07:15 Z

Wow, what a week. Luckily, the term is almost over, and thus, my life will get back to normal. I might even have time to blog daily like I used to.

Today's blog is on an experience I had yesterday. This is sort of a sensitive subject, but it has always bothered me, and it's about time that I said something about it.

I was at a friend's house yesterday, and they were talking about the normal stuff, mainly boys. One girl (we'll call her Jill) said that she had been stalked by this guy (we'll call him Jack) that lives just a couple doors down from her. I was a little shocked, because Jack didn't seem like the sort of guy that would stalk someone. So, I asked what he was doing that warranted him being labeled a stalker. She said that when she would be walking to class, Jack would come out of his apartment and sometimes would offer to walk her to class. And, when she would be studying in the library, he would just sometimes show up. I asked if there was anything else. Like, perhaps, did she feel scared or threatened by him? And she said, "No, he seems like a nice enough guy."

This is the problem with our society sometimes. Jack just liked Jill and he was a little sloppy. He is a really great guy, and he would never harm Jill. But, he gets labeled as a stalker. In fact, Jack reminds me of a good friend of mine that had similar blunders when dealing with girls. Now, had Jill liked Jack, the whole thing would be totally different. All of a sudden what was totally creepy would now become very cute and sweet.

I want to clarify, I have never been stalked. I have had something similar to stalking happen, and it was one of the scariest experiences of my life.

When I was 18 my friends and I thought it would be funny to sign up for an LDS dating site. So, I made a profile, and at first it was sort of funny. Well, I was kind of talking to this guy, Matt. At first he seemed like a normal guy. But, the more I talked to him, the more I got a little wary. Then, in one email he made some sort of offensive comments to me. And he took a picture of his computer monitor where he had posted all these pictures of me. He was a bit aggressive about wanting to meet me. So, I stopped responding to his emails.

Well, the next day I was at work. It was about 11 pm. I was one of three cashiers on duty (I worked in a grocery store at the time). Well, my friend, one of the ones that helped me make my profile, she came up almost running to me and said, "You are not going to believe this, but Matt is in the store. He's like two aisles away, and he's been sitting there staring at you for about 20 minutes." My mind started racing and I was trying to figure out how he found out where I was working. Then my stomach sunk when I remembered that I had told him in our first conversation where I worked. So, my friend ran and got a manager and explained the story to him. He was very on the ball, and immediately came to me and told me to pull my till (cash register). I did and then I went straight up to the back room where all the security cameras were. We watched him walk around for awhile, then he went up to one of my coworkers and she paged me. We called her and sort of informed her of the situation. Then my manager went down and talked to him for a minute and then Matt left. Well, sort of. He got in his car and drove over to employee parking and sat in his car for another hour. My manager walked me to my car and followed me home.

That is the closest I have ever gotten. And it scared me to death. I was frightened for about 2 months after that that he would find me at work again when I was working late. I always had someone walk me to my car, but I was always very scared.

Anyway, that's my two cents. In other news, I made the front page of the paper today! Woohoo!

Why Even Bother?

Tue, 30 May 2006 22:34:55 Z

Wow, sometimes I think that my life could be made into a soap opera. Because I have been so busy, I am afraid that at some point I'm just going to evaporate. I decided that I wouldn't explode, because I'm made of like 70% water, so evaporating sounds like it would be more logical.

So, this blog is going to be multi-faceted, but it basically has to do with dating, and how I hate it. Or, in other words, "My love life sucks." If you get a chance you should check out the song lyrics that I posted awhile back. It explains it so perfectly.

Okay, so basically, this is how it goes. You fall in love with someone, they don't return feelings. Such is life. So, you start getting over it. So, I decide to lift the one-year pact and start accepting dates. Next thing you know you have 3 dates for the same weekend with guys you aren't REALLY interested in. But, here is the rational. After getting rejected, I don't want to do the same thing to potentially great guys that ask me out. So, I go to the complete opposite side of the spectrum and start going out with any floozy that asks me out.

And this weekend that totally backfired on me. I was unaware that I came off as a slut or a player. I thought I was just doing a lot of casual dating. But, apparently, that comes off as messing with guys heads. So, this is the new law.

I will only go on a date if I want to. If the date is with someone I am not interested in, then that's too bad. A date is an invitation, not an obligation. Now, if the guy is normal and the date sounds fun, I will have no problem going.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but apparently people like me have a really hard time getting it through our heads, but no longer!

Also, I don't want any more drama. So, if any of you want to confess your undying love to me, please please please wait until the end of the term. Then we can work something out. But, right now I am just trying to not fail my classes.

Okay, second thing. I don't do the friends with benefits thing. I am a person, and I have feelings and morals. So, please, just don't ask. It will make everyone's life easier. If you do ask, you will end up becoming a joke that I tell at parties.

Phew, so there you are. Other than that, my life has been great so far. I've been spending some quality time with my Xbox, and my guitar. However, I still need a lot of practice with both.

Happy

Wed, 17 May 2006 14:24:01 Z

Wow, what a week. I'm still really busy, and I hope that I will have some relief from this routine. But, the plus side of all this lack of time is that I have no time to worry about some of the things going on in my life.

I finally told my mom the news about the break-up. And as I expected, she was pretty upset. But, thankfully it wasn't at me. Ha ha ha. And she did say that I have the capability of getting another really good guy. Woohoo!

Because times have been hard for me lately, I've been the recipient of a lot of sympathy. I was in the newsroom and I was crying. But I couldn't leave because I had to finish the article that I was writing. Well, as I was sitting there trying to get a hold of myself, I felt about 15 pairs of eyes staring at me and wondering what my problem was. My editor came over and started trying to help me with my article, and then he looked up and said, "Emily, you aren't upset about your article are you? Because this is a great article!" And then he looked at me and said, "Oh, this is about a boy, right?" I just nodded. Then I think all the women in the newsroom heard, because they were immediately at my side telling me that things were going to be okay.

I'm not saying that I don't appreciate the sympathy, because I do. It was nice to know that people cared. But, I think the thing is that people don't really understand how I work. Yes, I was very upset. But, it usually only takes me a day or so to get over the really hard emotional part. So, the next day I was happy. And I don't think that the girls in the newsroom really understood how I could be so happy today when I was such a mess yesterday.

And, well, I'm going to make it. I found a song that really explains how I am feeling. when I get a minute, I'll post it on here. It's by Saving Jane, my new favorite band. It's called Happy.

Filling up my empty days with red wine
Wonder what you think of me?
Lying in the grass alone and wasted
Nothing's how it used to be

I wanna be the first to call and tell you
Yesterday I heard the news
I hear you oughtta be congratulated
So I guess that's what I'll do

I'm so happy for you
I could cry
Yeah, I'm so elated
Cross my heart and hope to die
I don't think about you every night
Before I close my eyes
I'm so happy for you baby,
I could cry.

Listen to the sound of my head pounding
Wish that it was make-believe
Praying for the skies to open up and
Wash away your memory

I can walk around with a pretty face on
Even when I'm black and blue
What's the point in telling everybody
I'm not over you?

I'm so happy for you
I could cry
Yeah, I'm so elated
Cross my heart and I hope to die
I don't think about you every night
Before I close my eyes
I'm so happy for you baby,
I could cry.

Cry about the love we used to have
Cry that I won't ever get you back

Filling up my empty days with red wine
Wonder what you think of me?

I'm so happy for you
I could cry
Yeah, I'm so elated
Cross my heart and hope to die
I'm so happy for you
So, so happy for you
I don't think about you every night
Before I close my eyes
I'm so happy for you baby,
I could cry.

And that basically sums it up. My goal for this week is to make it through the week. I have a generous supply of Otter Pops and Peanut Butter Cups, so I'll make it through in fine fashion.

Baseball, Boys and Bolivia

Fri, 12 May 2006 00:45:13 Z

How's that for an alliteration?

Anyway, so, here's the scoop on me. I'm still very busy with school. But, surprisingly enough, I've been having more of a social life here than I did in Hawaii. But, then again, I did know a lot more people in Provo before I left.

I did drop one of my hard classes for Fall, and I signed up for a Sport's Broadcasting class. I'm really excited about it.

Anyway, so I signed up for this class and I got an email from my professor saying that if we wanted some practice before Fall semester starts that there were some baseball and soccer games this summer that we could help out with. So, I emailed him back and said that I would love to help out. Then he called me and told me that there was a baseball game the next day that he needed some extra help with. So, I was up the next morning at 6 and at the baseball stadium at 7 helping out with cameras and all the technical aspects of running a baseball game. They had me help out with statistics. Basically, I looked up the stats of the players so that we could put the correct numbers on the screen. And amazingly enough, it was a blast! I always thought that baseball was a really boring game to watch, but after seeing how everything comes together, I was absolutely enthralled. I have been watching a lot more baseball on TV lately, and I've really started getting into the game.

And, the guys that I gave my number to last week both asked me out on dates. So, I had a date for Friday and Saturday, which I have never had before. It was kind of nice. And I was actually excited to go out. Even though I had that whole one-year dating pact thing.

So, on Friday I get a call from KBYU, the people that do the sports broadcasts for BYU, and they asked if I could help out with the game. I was so excited, and then I remembered that I had a date. I was pretty disappointed that I couldn't help, but I told them that I would help out with the soccer games this summer.

My date went really well. We went bowling, and I really sucked. It's funny, because I am terrible at sports and yet I still play them. Anyway, my date was really nice. He was very courteous and generous. He gave me a whole bag of peanut butter cups to eat. He is also very good at the piano. I liked to watch him play really fast songs because his fingers would just fly across the keys. I wish that I was that good at the piano.

On Saturday I went up Provo canyon. It was also a lot of fun. There was a park just up the street from where we were eating, and I went with my date and talked about a lot of different things. He was also just really nice and gracious.

So, there are some good dating experiences for me. Actually, I realized that if I am a lot more appreciative when I go on dates, they go much better. And I end up having a lot more fun.

My dad got back from Bolivia tonight. He brought back this girl that is going to work in his lab at BYU. She's sleeping in my room tonight while I sleep on the floor. She tried to make me sleep in my room and she would sleep on the couch. But, she had a day full of really long flights, so I told her no way. She's really nice. She doesn't speak much English. But, she told me that if I talk slow and look at her, she can sort of understand what I am saying.

Anyway, it's time for bed. But, I swear I am going to get around to some spaces tomorrow. Buenos Noches!

Just when you're least expecting it...

Sat, 06 May 2006 06:55:26 Z

I've had a really busy couple of weeks since I got back. But, it's like I've told many people since I got here. I love being busy, it keeps me happy and out of trouble.

Something big that has happened is learning that a good friend of mine has been making some not so good choices. I've been trying to help him get his life put back together. It's been a long, difficult road for him, but I think that he is making some very significant progress.

I've started school again, which means that I am doing homework on a constant basis. Here is what a typical day is like for me.

Wake at 6 am. Have a shower, get dressed, eat breakfast and read my scriptures by 7 am. Check email and get everything ready by 7:30. Go to campus and start work at 8 am. Clock out at 10 am and go to newsroom. Stay in the newsroom until 1 when it is time for work again. Work until 5. Start class at 5 until 7:30 pm. Go home and do homework until 10 pm. Eat dinner while studying, then go to bed. notice how there is no time for food or people. Oh well.

Since today was Cinco de Mayo, I decided to get out of the house. So, I heard that there was a party at the apartment complex where I used to live. So, I headed down there. As I was getting out of my car to go to a friend's house, this guy walked past me and stopped. I recognized him from before I left. And honestly, I didn't get a good impression of him. I remember I had just moved into a new apartment, and he came over. I was dating someone at the time, and this other guy wouldn't stop staring at me. he ended up asking my roommate out a couple times. Andyway, he saw me and said, 'You look really familiar. Are you around here a lot?" I said, I used to live here." I couldn't believe that he didn't remember me. But, then again, I had cut my hair and no one hardly remembered me. So, he asked how my life was and what I had been up to. I told him, and then I said that I was going to join the party. At that point I looked over at my friends that were playing some sort of game that involved screaming nonsense. The guy that was being the loudest at the game was none other than my ex-boyfriend, who is also a good friend. This guy that I had been talking to looks at me and said, "They are playing some sort of weird game. that one guy is really loud." I laughed and said, "Yeah, but he's funny." Then I started walking over to the party. this guy, who had previously been walking the other direction turned around and said, "Well, I was going to go over to the pool, but I don't really have other plans." So, he came with me and we all went inside to watch the 3 Amigos. He sat next to me on the couch and I was sort of freaked out. Maybe it's just because of my previous experience with him, but anyway. When I was going out to my car he walked outside with me and said, "So, is it okay if I call you sometime?" I said sure and gave him my number. I hope that he won't call, but oh well. I guess it goes to show that when you least expect something like that to happen, it does.

Anyway, it's late. I'm hoping to get to some more blogs this weekend and leave comments. Since I have been such a terrible blogging buddy as of late. Goodnight!

And she's back!

Wed, 26 Apr 2006 04:42:58 Z

Aloha everyone! I am back in good old Utah, safe and sound. I had a very interesting day today. So, here goes.

My flight left at 11 pm, HST (Hawaiian Standard Time). Which means that it was 3 am MST (Mountain Standard Time). So, I got there in plently of time to get my bags checked and get settled in. Now, I had a lot of bags. I had three bags that I checked in, and a carry-on as well as my laptop case. I had to lug all that around everywhere.

So, I get in line and the man in front of me says, "Wow, you sure have a lot of stuff." And I said, "Well, I've been living here, so my life is in these bags." And he said, "That's so cool! I loved it here, I would love to live here." I said, "Yeah, it was very beautiful. I enjoyed it." Then he said, "So, you are headed home then? Where's home for you?" I said, "Utah." Then came the question, "Are you mormon?" I said, "Yep. I was going to a church school in Hawaii, that's why I was living there." He said, "That's cool. I like the mormons, they are nice people." But, I could see in his eyes that he had a million questions that he wanted to ask me. Unfortunately, he restrained.

Well, then I got on the plane. I was crossing my fingers that the people sitting next to me would be nice, normal people. Luckily, this decent looking older woman sat next to me. Then, this boy sat on the other side of me and promptly fell asleep.

Well, as I started talking to the woman next to me I found out that she lives in Kaneohe. Kaneohe is the next town over from me, so I was excited to talk to her. We talked a lot about Hawaii and about my experiences, it was really nice. And, she gave me some dried apricots to eat while we were flying. And, at the end of the trip, she gave me a lei that her friend made for her and told me to give it to my mom.

Well, I had a layover in Las Vegas. Now, I have nothing against Vegas, per se. I just don't like it. I am slightly allergic to cigarette smoke, and it makes me feel a bit sick. So, the atmosphere feels like it is killing me. And it's a little too busy and loud for me. So, I just tried to sleep through my layover. Because, I got a total of about one hour of sleep from Honolulu to Vegas, and that was scattered sleep. So, I hadn't slept since yesterday morning. In fact, I couldn't even remember what day it was or anything.

Anyway, so I get onto the plane at Vegas and we started going to SLC. I fell fast asleep and woke up about 15 minutes before landing. I looked out my window and saw...brown mountains and desert. But, it looked so BEAUTIFUL! I kept thinking, wow, in 15 minutes I will be home. The lady sitting next to me said, "I take it you are from Salt Lake." I said, "Yeah, and I'll be home soon."

Well, we get off the plane and I practically run out of the jetway and out of the terminal. I figured I would get off the plane, hurry and get my luggage, and my dad would be right there waiting to come get me. Ah, but it was not meant to be. I got my luggage just fine, but my dad was nowhere to be found. Well, I figured I would just wait at the baggage claim. So, I did, for 20 minutes. Then I thought, I'll go wait out on the curb.

Well, I go outside. And the wind was almost knocked out of me, literally. It was FREEZING COLD! Okay, so maybe it was like low 60's. But still! It didn't get that cold in Hawaii in the middle of the night. Then the next thing I realized was that with every breath my lungs were drying up more and more. I couldn't believe how dry the air was, and it was raining outside. So, I get out to the curb just in time to see him drive past. But, take into consideration that I am lugging around about 150 pounds of luggage on my poor 120 pound body. So, I couldn't catch him. I thought, "Maybe he'll come back around." Another 20 minutes pass. So, I thought, "Okay, I am going to lug all this back into baggage claim, and then I am not moving another inch." So, I get into baggage claim and I call my mom. I said, "Mom! Are you sure that dad knows he is supposed to come get me?" Then I look over and see my dad at the payphone. So, I hang up with my mom and go running to meet him. He didn't recognize me until I was right in front of me. I was thinking, "How does he not know who I am?" Then I realized that my hair was a bit of a shocker. But, anyway, I had him help me get my bags into the car. Then my phone started ringing off the hook. I had about 50 people saying, "Emily! You are home, when are we going to hang out?" But, I was so tired all I could say was, "Uh, I'll call you tomorrow."

Well, the ride home was sort of a blur. Then I got home and saw my mom and brother. I got home just in time to see my little brothers and sisters get off the bus. It was so exciting to see them again. And they crawled all over me and asked for presents. Go figure.

But, the funny moment of the night came when we were eating dinner. My mom made Hawaiian haystacks (my favorite), and my little sister had gotten a lot for herself. I said, "Rachel, sheesh, you could feed a third world country with that food." And my little brother piped in and said, "Yeah, and it can feed a third grader too!" (Rachel is in third grade).

I went shopping with my family and had sticker shock all over again. Two dollars for a gallon of milk? Holy cow!

Well, basically I am so happy to be back. I miss Hawaii, but I am just so content to be at home with my family. Who knows, maybe I'll go on another adventure next summer. I am thinking Boston.

Oh! And I have a message.

Dear Pot:

It may come as a shock to you that I don't like telling my parents that I got dumped. One, then it makes things awkward. Two, it makes me look inadequate, and we both know how I feel about that. :") Oh, and three, I don't want them to think badly of you, so I'd rather just not talk about it. Breaking up is very different from getting together. Usually people are excited to talk about getting together, but a little more reluctant to talk about breaking up. Just a thought.

Love,
Kettle (I am copper, btw)

Aloha 'Oe

Mon, 24 Apr 2006 03:11:54 Z

Well, today is my last day in Hawaii. It seems so strange that I will be going home tomorrow. But, I had an awesome day today.

Apparently going away is a big deal in the Polynesian and Asian cultures. We don't know how to say goodbye in America, seriously. In church today they asked everyone who was going away this semester to come to the front of the chapel. They sang the song, "Aloha 'Oe." I'm not sure if any of you are familiar with it, but I'm going to post the words here. Keep in mind that the translation doesn't really do the song justice.

Ha`aheo ka ua i na pali,
Ke nihi a`e la i ka nahele,
E uhai ana paha i ka liko,
Pua ahihi lehua a o uka.

(Chorus)
Aloha `oe, aloha `oe,
E ke onaona noho i ka lipo,
One fond embrace a ho`i a`e au,
Until we meet again.

Proudly sweeps the rain clouded by the cliffs,
As onward it glides through the trees,
It seems to be following the liko,
The ahihi lehua of the vale.

(Chorus)
Farewell to thee, farewell to thee,
Thou charming one who dwells among the bowers.
One fond embrace before I now depart
Until we meet again.

While the entire congregation sang the song, those of us that were leaving were given leis. It was really sweet, and it really made a good impression on me. I'm going to miss a lot of the people here.

So, here is a funny story. I haven't told my mom that I have broken up with my boyfriend yet. I am trying to find the most opportune time to tell her. That probably should have been WHEN it happened. Anyway, I get a text from my cousin yesterday. She was at a family function. She said, "EMILY!! You didn't tell your mom that you and Danny broke up?!" I texted her back and said, "No! You didn't tell her did you?" And she said, "No, but you should know that she is telling the entire family about how you are dating a guy in Virginia." So, now instead of just having to tell my mom, I have to tell my entire extended family. Maybe she can just find out through osmosis.

Any ideas on how I can break the news to her?

Well, it's time to finish packing. I will write again when I get home. Aloha 'Oe!

Finals...ugh

Thu, 20 Apr 2006 04:45:41 Z

So, finals are now upon me, hence the few entries and zero replies. I've been so busy, it's a wonder I have time to eat. But, I do have a couple funny stories, and hopefully I get a chance to go around and visit some spaces today.

Today I had my final for photography. We had to present our final portfolios and explain them. I worked a long time on mine, and I was pretty happy with how it turned out. But, working in all black and white photography is hard sometimes.

So, after I finished with photo, I started walking back home. I was eating some ice cream, and walking with a slight limp because of the blister that formed on the side of my foot earlier. There is this guy in one of my classes that lives just down the street from me. I think his name is Corbin, but I don't really remember. Anyway, he's pretty good-looking, and really nice. So, he was out in his front yard playing with the neighbor kids. He looks up at me and says, "Hi Emily! I like your hairtcut." I was thinking, "Wow! He actually knows my name? And he noticed my haircut? What kind of a man is he?" Well, instead of saying something really smooth like, "Hi! How are you? Are finals going well for you?" I just sort of sit there, and then blurt out "Oh! HI!" along with a mouthful of rocky road ice cream. He just smiled and went back to him game.

Well, I went home and seriously felt like kicking myself. I probably had chocolate all over my face. Well, David's friend, Kevin, is visiting this week. So, as I was walking up our driveway, Kevin pulls up with this blonde chick. They go to get some surfboards out of the shed. The chick nods at me and then gets in the car. Kevin lingers and says, "Emily! How are you?" This time, in order to make up for the mistake earlier I say, "Ah, nothing much, just getting back from school." He says, "Oh, that's awesome. How were finals?" I say, "They were pretty good, I just finished my final in photography..." blah blah blah, and I proceeded to give way too much information about everything. The whole time I am thinking, "Emily! Just shut up! Stop while you still have some dignity!" So, finally I finish and say, "Yep, that's me." He says, "Wow! You are busy. Well, I've got to go...we're going surfing."

Okay, so I am socially inept. Oh well, life goes on. Especially since I have a million more finals this week and next. But, I go home in 5 days! Wow!

What is in that stuff anyway?

Thu, 13 Apr 2006 20:13:23 Z

Okay, so being a transplant from Utah, I am used to desert-like climates. I am not used to the wetness, or the strange and rather large bugs that live in wet climates. So, cockroaches are a very big deal for me. We don't have them in Utah and so I am not used to them at all.

Well, before I lived in Utah, my family was in Arizona. There are cockroaches in Arizona, particularily during the monsoon season. So, one day, I was doing the dishes. I believe that I had just finished and I was washing out the sink. Well, we had no idea that there was a cockroach colony under our sink. So, as I am spraying the sink, up comes this enormous cockroach, out of the drain. Well, I started screaming. (I believe that I was 7 or 8 at the time). Well, I sprayed it down the sink, but more just kept coming out. It was like a terrible horror movie. I finally used the garbage disposal and chopped them up. Well, then when I opened up the cupboard under the sink, there were a million of them.

Thus, I hate cockroaches.

Well, we have our fair share in Hawaii. They only come out at night. And I scream and jump on a table, chair, or a person, depending on what is closest. However, I have just discovered the marvelous invention that is Raid. All I have to do is spray the little bugger and the roach dies within 15 seconds.

This has caused me to wonder, what in the heck do they put in that stuff? Seriously, it takes a lot to kill a roach. But this stuff causes them to curl up on their backs and die. Everytime I use it, I go scrub my hands. Because if it kills a roach, I don't even want to know what it could do to me.

Oh, and after I kill the roach, I have to have someone else throw it away. I can't stand to touch them. Yuck!

How women relate to sandwiches

Wed, 12 Apr 2006 02:01:42 Z

Yeah, I know this one is a bit of a stretch. But, I find my friend Davd's logic so fascinating.

Last night he was trying to teach me how to flirt. Apparently I send all the wrong signals when I am around guys. These signals include, "Stay away from me. I hate men and I have no time for you," and "I am way smarter than you, so don't waste your time," or "I've already made up my mind that you are a jerk, so what's the point?" So, I was learning how to send the right signals, whatever they are.

My roommate Dallyn did this very cheesy impression of how I am supposed to flirt. Apparently I am supposed to bat my eyelashes and say, "So, I heard of this really really great place to eat. I'm trying to find someone to go with me..." I said, "If that's what I have to do in order to get a date you can forget it!"

Then David spouted out the analogy of the sandwich. It goes as follows.

The girls that are eye candy are just that, eye candy. Nothing more. It's like watching a commercial for McDonalds and seeing all the great sandwiches on the screen. So, you think that you want one. But, when you order it all you get is a smashed sandwich that isn't half as good as what you thought it would be. Basically, without substance.

So then I said, "So, do you spend extra money and buy a really nice sandwich?" And he said, "No, I take the time to make my own."

See, if you take the time to make your own sandwich, then you know exactly what is in it and it will taste that much better. Then he says, "So, basically I can make a slut like the ones on TV, but she will only be for me." Nice David, had you up until that point.

Then I said, "Sheesh! Is that all that it is about? Making a slut? Don't you want a relationship where you have an emotional and spiritual connection as well as a physical?!" And he said, "Of course! That's why I am taking the time to make my own sandwich. If I was just after the taste, I'd go buy a cheap one."

So, there you have it. I think I am more like a lunchable than a sandwich. You have to assemble me first.

As you go throughout your day...

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 19:21:12 Z

Keep my brother in your thoughts and prayers.

I got an email from my father this morning saying that my brother is very sick. I knew that he was not feeling well. He had to take the ACT on Saturday and was sick through the whole thing. But, his condition has worsened since Saturday.

They think it is just the flu, but you never know. It's times like these when I really wish that I could be at home with my family. So, keep him in your prayers and hopefully he will start feeling better. Thanks so much!

100 Things to Do

Wed, 05 Jan 2005 00:51:02 Z

Tue, 07 Feb 2006 21:51:30 Z

Favorite Bands/Artists

Tue, 07 Feb 2006 22:01:02 Z

Possible Names...

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 02:13:36 Z

About Me!

Sun, 19 Feb 2006 01:02:58 Z

10 Strangest Google Hits

Mon, 03 Apr 2006 20:17:16 Z

Favorite Songs

Sun, 23 Jan 2005 01:28:15 Z

My Photos!

Thu, 23 Feb 2006 17:23:08 -0800

My Blog Photos

Sat, 11 Mar 2006 16:43:50 -0800

March 18

Sun, 19 Mar 2006 01:31:36 -0700