T. BAKES

Love. Lights. Frostbite.

2011-12-20T16:42:00.001-07:00

This year was as always super cold walking around the December nights in Salt Lake City, Utah. This year was a little more special than 2010's temple lights adventure, as I have my now husband to bundle up next to on nights like this. Also, I revealed a year ago this week my feelings for that darling ginger ranga husband of mine. So it's a fun time of the year needless to say reflecting on where you were at a year ago. While walking around with my fantastical mother and two youngest brothers was fun last December. I even remember posting a Mobile Upload on FB of last years Temple Square lights occurrence, in hopes Jared would see and observe what a great big sister I was. Come on, what girl hasn't done stuff like that? Well guess what you judges, it worked! Jared totally saw that pic of my brothers and I and totally fell in love with me! Okay...so that's not how it went at all...but it DID happen. And 2011 temple square lights are more fond in a different way than 2010. Can't wait for Midway cabin adventures with my immediate fam this weekend, it's going to be (matt dorough) EPIC.

Honeymoon pics

2011-12-12T11:17:00.001-07:00

I know I posted these on the FB and instagram. But this is for our children to see...okay? Or the Grammy who may not instagram. I want to go back...

Organize.

2011-11-28T14:53:00.001-07:00

Came across this clever idear as I was surfing through my Pinterest that I tend to do so well. I'm attempting this tonight with the sleek slate gray magnet board from Ikea I have, and I got some adhesive magnets today. Having a real knack for make up artistry, how could this not speak to me?! Wish me luck!

Source: laurathoughts81.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

2011-10-19T15:17:00.002-06:00

One of my very dearest friends left today for the Missionary Training Center to begin her training as a Sister Missionary for the New Jersey-Morristown Mission. I read this quote from Gordon B. Hinckley today shortly after her family and I dropped her off:

"Now you young women are on the threshold of life. You are old enough to have been baptized. You are young enough that the future world of which you dream still lies ahead of you. Each is a child of God. Each of you is a creature of Divinity. You are literally a daughter of the Almighty. There is no limit to your potential. If you will take control of your lives, the future is filled with opportunity and gladness. You cannot afford to waste your talents or your time. Great opportunities lie ahead of you."

I respect my friend Lindsay for doing this exact thing. Rising to her potential, taking chances, being brave and partaking in the great opportunity that has been presented to her. Way to go Linds! See you in 18 months!

Man

2011-10-07T13:12:00.001-06:00

What I love most about him is how manly he is. Look at him all cute bringing in my furnishings for our humble abode.

No shotguns here, just straight lovin: Tiff & Jared' proposal story

2011-09-22T12:21:00.002-06:00

I'm going to give you guys the full Tiffany version how the last few weeks even leading up to my engagement. (WARNING: if you have experienced the Tiffany version of story telling...just know that your butt might get sore from sitting there reading this blog post-no yawns yet!) If you don't feel like reading a book, how about just a mini side story? Those are always good. Sidenote: this story is bassawkwards.

Prologue: So many of you know Jared and I have been dating since last December 2010, if I talk to you regularly you know that I've probably had a crush on Jared for a good while...I mean pretty much I'm the girl who had to convince him to date me in the first place. Note to all ladies: I. AM. THE. EXCEPTION. But I yes, had to spell it out for Jared, to get him to ask me out. I wouldn't advise girls to sit down every crush of hers and tell him all the things you have in common, that you've gotten to know each other the best you can in group settings, and now it might..maybe..may be the time to do something about it...I mean who does that? Just...don't do what I did. Even if it DOES work. I fully believe I am the exception to the rule. And there are several rules when dating. Oh vey. So there I was finally dating him...then leaving the country for a month-like "hey! you better miss me" or i might've pinched him with my toes...which yes, I am guilty of sometimes. Don't ask. Then it was like..oh heyyy I'm back, should we finally make this thing official? Yeah okay cool, I'm your gf, you're my bf. Let's do the Mormon tango, which....isn't that exciting because it doesn't involve horizontal tangoing...(borrriinnnnggg) So then we venture off to San Francisco, our first couples trip together...like ohhh...it IS true love. We get back to reality, Jared and I move him up to SLC. Then of course he makes the bonehead move by moving in with my ex...awesome, thanks Jared! No really thanks! It's okay, it all worked out..and no run ins...thanks goodness. Meanwhile...May we started talking marriage. We were thinking fall...OR OR how cool would it be if we got married on 11-11-11? Oh that'd be rad! What day of the week is that? Friday. Bingo. Bam. Boom. Should we call the temp because you KNOW it's going to be a hot commodity of a date. Well...yes. Please. (I'm not really sure who is who in the conversation, by the way, just go with it). + Sidenote: the backwards planning begins. In June, we get a temple date at the LA temple at 10:30 am in the morn. We skip, hop, clap, and high five each other with our privates...just kidding, we didn't. He tried to convince me though, and I totally said NO. (MOM.DAD. are you listening??!!!) Time passes...well...a lot of time passes...and you know what? Even a little bit more time passes...June...July...August...Oh hey J, remember how I told you that I needed at least 3 months to plan a wedding...would love more time...but you know...Point being, he needed to have the funds for the ring first. That cute guy saved all summer to get me something I'd love. But I did people, I really did TRY to tell him to get something reasonable...like a pop ring. Which is where I was at about 2 weeks ago. Let's just say...I've been semi planning this wedding since June, but as papa would have it...no deposits on any wedding plans is happening until there is a ring on THAT finger. Oh bbboooyyyy. Profusely sweating...patiently...quietly...nakedringfingerly....it eventually happens. Mind you. I thought for sure it would've happened when we were in CA. I was mildly disappointed, I'll be honest, especially with the looming date of the distinct 11-11-11 on the horizon and no deposits down for anything. But you know what? We had the most important part set. Our temple date. Be optimistic. TIFF. Come on! Then of course I have been opening my big fat mouth all summer that we have a date! I'm so excited! Who wouldn't be excited that they're getting married? So I of course told people we had a date set. NOTE TO THE SINGLE GALS: please don't have a date first before your ring. It's kinda...really...sorta miserable. I DON'T recommend it. However, I know it's all working out. But it's just pressure you put on yourself and your dude, which isn't awesome for the relationship.

Okay. So.CA trips rolls around...super fun. Get back..normal work week. Friday. Tiff (Oh. That's me. Talking in 3rd person now) goes and makes some returns to J.Crew, runs into Nordstrom...you know the usual. Jared is meeting up with me after work, but has a mysterious errand he has to run first...that he "can't" tell me about. Not cool bro. Okay...in Tiffany's mind "is it happening? Is he doing it?! No No No. Tiff don't get your hopes up." So we meet up. He tells me he wants to try on suits at Nordstrom to get ideas, but that also at some point we need to go out to his car because he has a "surprise" for me. Wah Oh. I'll be honest...I was kind of wanting to avoid this...because 1. it was WAY to obvious. 2. A mall parking lot?! Heck no! He better not be popping the question in the mall parking lot! Eventually we make our way out to the parking lot, I'm a little nervous. We get to his car, tells me to close my eyes, he opens his door grabs something, tells me to open up my arms and bam! There's a heavy object weighing in my arms. Open my eyes. A big heavy gift bag. He looks at me tells me..."Happy Birthday!" Ummm what? WHAT the WHAT?. Excuse me! But my birthday is not for another month! (thoughts) My reply..."Babe! Thank you! But my birthday isn't for another month! Didn't know you?" He says "I know, but I wanted to surprise you." Oh I'm surprised. He's so cute, because he knows I do love a good surprise, but I hate it at the same time. It's like a game, I love trying to figure out surprises. I know I am completely contradict myself. I open it up, there I see an white Apple symbol a box and copy of my favorite magazine...Real Simple. The apple box houses...an iPad2. The kid got me a freaking iPad! Mind you, I'm stoked! No one has ever gotten me anything this nice before. He told me he was going to sell his that he won through work. It's one of those things I would like to have eventually, but definitely not a need. But here I am excited, but confused. I know I sound kinda bratty here but..Birthday gifts vs. engagement rings, I don't know? what does a girl really what in life that she'll get only ONCE? (I'm telling myself: Self, be grateful! You just got a new iPad! yyyellllooooooooo) But part of me in the moment, kind of wished he did do a tacky proposal in that mall parking lot...no no you'll get your chance, I tell myself. Plus: you just got an iPad! We end up having a wonderful spontaneous date this night. We didn't do anything awesome, other than Pei Wei and going to Nordy's rack. We laughed the whole time at dinner and luckily found his wedding suit and tie for the big day, yeah luck. This nice light gray suit looks so good on him and fit him perfectly well, not super tight not too loose, just fits Jared and that Ranga body of his juuust right.

Saturday rolls around...I surprise him Saturday morning to wake him up, not long after he wakes up he again must go run mysterious errands that I can know nothing about. Part of me though, I'll be honest, showed up just to be snoopy and catch him doing something suspicious. Hey. It's better than the thought entering my mind to follow him on this mysterious errand of his. I know. Girls bez crazy. It's true. I don't even remember the rest of what we did that day, but no proposal happens.

Sunday comes. i find myself getting dolled up more than usual for church, just you know...in case. I mean it's Sunday. I'm getting wind that it will happen this weekend by Linds and Chelsea. They didn't spoil it, but just that was the vibes I was getting. Also, I'm drilling these girls, HARD. I'm getting to the point where I'm trying so hard to fish for stuff it's tough for them to keep their mouths shut. We go to church, Jared up and leaves after sacrament for yet again...another mysterious errand. Awesome. I see him later that night. We watch Friends, the episodes leading up to Monica and Chandler getting engaged. Oh yeah, on purpose. Dropping hints, where I can, alright? He has to go home at 11 pm because he has work the next morning being the grown up that he is. I watch the last episode, Monica proposes to Chandler...it's starting to give me ideas...I cry. They're so happy, I cry because they're happy. I cry because I want to be THAT happy. I mention to my friend Blake and Hillary that I might be depressed now. The weekend happened. NO proposal. What kind of calendar is this Jared guy on?! I go to bed.

Monday. Wake up. Get ready for work for a new week. Get out to my car. There's a card on the driver's side window, labeled Clue #1. I open it, it's a pretty funny card. He writes..."Don't be a TURKEY. Meet me at 7pm at your favorite fast food restaurant in SLC. I may not be there, but ask as TOM dick or Harry for Clue #2. First I smile, because...it's happening! I'm on a scavenger hunt engagement proposal! I'm thinking though...where is my favorite fast food restaurant? Sonic? I get DC's from there fairly often. Del? I mean I'm trying to eat better. But he wouldn't make me drive all the way from Orem to go to Del Taco to get a proposal clue. PS what's what with the fast food restaurants and mall parking lots? You can't scatter roses in those places. Oh. I mean...Okay self, you're getting engaged, BE STOKED. I text him, in my work Monday morning meeting thanking him and trying to get answer. He replies with focus on the capitalized words in your card. I look back at the card. TURKEY TOM. My favorite sandwich from Jimmy John's, a drive thru gourmet sandwich place on 400 So. we often hit up. Bingo. That's where I'm headed at 7. Chelsea is at work with me, we dissect the content of this matter. He's doing it at Jimmy John's?! What the what? Okay, well Clue #3 or #4 better be AWESOME. Just sayin...my snotty self says. Jared texts me around 10:45 am, saying hey be sure not to arrive any sooner than 7. It might not be ready any sooner than this, okay? I'm thinking okay. Mr. Obvious. But I agree to it. Meanwhile I get a frantic phone call from one of my bossman's. His name is Kevin, less like a Boss and more like my older brother I've never had. He might be the funniest human alive. Anyways get a call from Kevin saying, "Tiff! Did he propose yet?!" "no" I reply. Then proceed to tell him about the scavenger hunt I'm about to embark on. He's stoked, changes the subject and says "Tiff, listen. I have a HUGE favor that might require some driving. I need you to go deliver a Home Study Kit to the Smiths up at Sundance. Right now they're at the Foundry Grill, they've been staying there all weekend from the Intensive event and are leaving in 30 minutes to head back to Idaho. But they aren't coming back through Orem, they're cutting through Park City. Is there any pchance you can run one up to them? I'm so sorry. I know I owe you huge, I'm already at the zoo with my family and I totally dropped the ball on this. I will buy you lunch tomorrow I promise! I'm so sorry, I meant to get this to them before they left!" I tell him I can do it. Plus I don't mind, work errands to Sundance? It's like my favorite place in Utah. I go to the office downstairs storage room. But realize it's locked and Anthony (my other bossman has the keys) I'm calling Anthony. He answers after my 3rd phone call to his cell, he's at the fair with his family. But thinks he left his keys in his work briefcase in his car in Sandy. Awesome I'm thinking. Call back Kevin.."Kevin, the keys are missing to the closet to get the kits, what do I do?" He tells me to grab some of our President's books and at least bring those to them. He thinks they asked for some for their friends, and wants them to be acknowledged by even doing that so they know we didn't completely forget about them. I agree to it, frantically grabbing all the books on display around the office, having Chelsea help me. Printing off our client's info to make sure I can at least call him in case I don't find him up there.

I leave, get in my car, and head up the canyon. I'm frantically calling Chelsea and Heidi though, because I realize I only have this guys email, no number. They're not answering. This is so not like them! I'm about to lose service, I know my service will be spotty once I get up there. Text Chels and nothing. Ahh well...I'll do my best I think. I get up there, park, a pile of books in my arms. I walk to hostess stand at Foundry Grill, ask her if I can look around for some work clients I'm supposed to drop something off to them. (I've only seen this couple once, so it should interesting, trying to track down who is who and walking around a restaurant studying each tables faces I'm thinking) The hostess asks me "Oh so you're here for a work client?" I reply "yes" She says "Oh, I think they were expecting you." I'm thinking perfect, this dude saved me so much trouble from having stare down the restaurant. The hostess checks on the client. Walks back to me, tells me that she will walk me back. Perfect. Walk to the back, turn left, she opens the double swinging doors. No smiths. Just Jared. Looking all sneaky sly like he just outsmarted me like Scooby Doo does when he beats the Zombies. He's handsome in that plaid button up, sitting on a chair at a little table, in the private dining area. This little room is off to the side in the back of Foundry Grill with flowers, Martinelli's on ice and a peculiar little white box in his hand. My engagement setting is set. No mall parking lots or fast food joints here. Just in "Bob's Room" as the local Sundance staff calls it, Robert Redford's Private dining area. Part of me is still in frantic work mode, it took me about a minute to realize what was actually happening, even though I've been waiting for this for months, I was somewhat still looking for those Smith's that never appeared to actually be at Sundance that day. But then snap, back to the moment, Jared sets me down in the chair. He is nervous, maybe even shaking a little, looks at me and tells me how pretty I am. Asks me if I'm surprised, then proceeds to tell me he has an important question to ask me. He got down on one knee, opened the ring box, he told me that he loved me that he wanted spend the rest of his life and eternity with me, then the billion dollar question "Will you marry me?" Hoots and hollers, kicks and giggles were had. I hugged him tight around the neck and told him "YES." The ring he got me is so pretty, pave band with halo around the center diamond. The cute guy, proposed with the wedding band too. He was like "yeahhh, it came with another band. so it's like whatever style you want wear it as..." Bless his little heart that he didn't know you're supposed to slip that wedding band on the gal's finger on the wedding day! Very cute. We both were so excited to just sit down and eat a private lunch at Sundance. We could barely eat we were so excited, anxious, happy, relieved. It was nice too because we didn't have cell service up there, so we very much were able to enjoy the moment. Soak it all up. It was so fun, such a good day. He did SO good on throwing me off with that dang fake scavenger hunt and throwing me for a loop in the middle of my work day. He even got my boss in on it, and they don't even know each other! Jared had Kevin just make up story as to why I would need to run up to Sundance for a work errand. It was a beautiful story Kevin, props. I had no the slightest idea.

Hey guys! Guys!!! GUYS!!!! I have a....FIANCEE'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(and he's a good one too-the kind girls would want to find, the kind that daughters hope to find one day)

I'm Engaged!

2011-09-13T16:51:00.001-06:00

Folks, Fools, Ladies, Gents-I am pleased to announce that I got engaged yesterday! September 12th by Mister Jared Knight Beauchamp! Our wedding date will be 11-11-11 in the LA temple. Will follow up with the proposal story shortly! I am so stoked, happy, excited, relieved, nervous, anxious, basically every good feeling.

Pinterest.

2011-08-30T11:05:00.002-06:00

I'm exhausted from pinning all day.

This was probably the worst thing I could have discovered this summer.

Here are my boards so far:
http://pinterest.com/tiffany_baker/

Sometimes this happens

2011-06-21T12:28:00.002-06:00

Ain't it the truth?

Dear Blog

2011-04-26T15:21:00.002-06:00

I've been avoiding you as there is so much to catch up on. It's nothing personal, it's just a load of work I can't do right now. Okay...okay, you want an explanation in a nutshell?
I was in Cambodia for 4 weeks, my brother Josh got married, I flew to CA 3 times in the month of April. First for the wedding, second to throw my best friend from high school's bridal shower, and third just returned last Thursday after being there for a week watching my younger brother's while my parents were living it up in the Caribbean. Now I am back in UT, here to stay put, job searching for anything and everything and trying to move BACK again to the city of salt.

See told you.

Stuck in K.O.R.E.A.

2011-02-22T23:02:00.004-07:00

Our flight from LAX was delayed by one hour, which then caused Chels and I to missed our connecting flight in Seoul, Korea. Awesome.
So now we have been here for the past 24 hours. Hip hip.
The put us up in Hotel June, with towels labeled "Tourist," heated floors, bidet but i keep saying (dubai) toilets. noice

We asked the girl down at the front desk if there was anything fun to do here, and her reply was "No."

So there you have it. That about sums up our stay in Korea. We ventured out for sodas, went to a 7 story TJmaxx meets costco meets wal mart. Also, my staple here has been white rice and ketchup.

We have filtered water and hot water. Thank the heavens.
That's about all a girl could ask for in stranded traveling circumstances.

Eat Tiff Eat.

2011-02-09T23:26:00.004-07:00

Really living up my eating ways as of late. Just soaking up American dishes of all sorts. Miiight start to look like my homie chubbers here at Mickey D's or begin hanging photographs of half-eaten American dishes similar to Liz Lemon in 30 Rock. All I know, is I don't care. Asian curries, noodles, and crickets will be my staple for awhile. So bring on the bacon, the fries, and extra cheese please.

2011-02-03T15:50:00.004-07:00

This is kind of how I feel right now. Real anxious to get to the bodia already. A million little things to do in my mind right now, passports, passport photos, copies of your passport, insurance, shots, first aid kits. You name it. I just want to not be in Provo, Utah anymore waiting for this trip to happen. Just waiting for the days to pass slowly....11 days until I drive to CA. I just want to be playing with kiddos and doing elephant rides already.

A Man's Shower vs. A Woman's Shower

2011-01-27T19:01:00.001-07:00

HOW TO SHOWER LIKE A WOMAN

- Take off clothing and place it in sectioned laundry hamper according to lights and darks.
- Walk to bathroom wearing long dressing gown, covering up any exposed areas if you see husband along the way.
- Look at your womanly physique in the mirror - make mental note to do more sit-ups/leg-lifts, etc.
- Get in the shower. Use face cloth, loofah and pumice stone.
- Wash your hair once with cucumber and sage shampoo with 43 added vitamins.
- Wash hair again. Condition with grapefruit mint conditioner enhanced. - Wash your face with crushed apricot facial scrub for 10 minutes. - Wash entire rest of body with ginger nut and jaffa cake body wash. - Rinse conditioner from hair.
- Shave armpits and legs.
- Turn off shower.
- Squeegee off all wet surfaces in shower; spray mold spots with Tilex. - Get out of shower; dry with towel the size of a small country; wrap hair in super absorbent towel.
- Return to bedroom wearing long dressing gown and towel on head; if you see husband along the way, cover up any exposed areas.

HOW TO SHOWER LIKE A MAN

- Take off clothes while sitting on the edge of the bed and leave them in a pile.
- Walk naked to the bathroom. If you see wife along the way, shake wiener at her making the 'woo-woo' sound.
- Look at your manly physique in the mirror.
- Admire the size of your wiener and scratch your ass.
- Get in the shower. Wash your face. Wash your armpits.
- Blow your nose in your hands and let the water rinse them off.
- Fart and laugh at how loud it sounds in the shower.
- Spend majority of time washing privates and surrounding area.
- Wash your butt, leaving those coarse butt hairs stuck on the soap. - Wash your hair. Make a shampoo Mohawk.
- Rinse off and get out of shower.
- Partially dry off. Fail to notice water on floor because shower curtain was hanging out of tub the whole time.
- Admire wiener size in mirror again.
- Leave shower curtain open, wet mat on floor, light and fan on.
- Return to bedroom with towel around waist.
- If you pass wife, pull off towel, shake wiener at her and make the 'woo-woo' sound again.
- Throw wet towel on bed.

I'd like to credit this from a forwarded email from my dad. therefore, source unknown.

gimmegimme:more.

2011-01-23T15:45:00.002-07:00

found some left over wintaaa pics. and they couldn't go unposted! how would you all live?!

Cute Jam and our mid-day coffee run

dad.
jam.
oh dad. poor guy. was the lead trailblazer at one point during our snow shoe adventure and tipped right over due to thigh high snow

Orange bubble w. dad and brothers

sword of gyrffindor, you in there? (pardon the Harry Potter ref-i'm a real life dork)

opened the garage one morning, and my eyeballs beheld this sight of snow
and dudes being dudes

.:CAMBODIA:.

2011-01-14T12:36:00.006-07:00

Folks upon Folks,

I just booked my flight this last week to go to Cambodia. I will be working in an orphanage 20 minutes outside of Phenom Phen, for a month. I leave February 21st and will return March 20th. My bestie Chelsea got me to go, and I honestly am so excited to see this country, meet these beautiful children, and learn so much from them.

Here are a few pictures of the kids that will be in the orphanage...I can't wait to meet them.

How precious, is she?

This is the little boy of the host family we are staying with.

This is where we are staying. Yes, the decor is AWESOME.

While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt

***DON'T be surprised if I come back with 1 or 2 or 9 of these kids.

Hibernating? Whatever, I'm doing stuff.

2011-01-03T00:57:00.015-07:00

I skipped out on last winter, so I'm kinda sorta making up for lost times. While the average temp here in UT in the day has been varying to 15 degrees. I love them layers, bundling up and anything that might dubbed with the word "cozy." But I find myself snow shoeing, skiing, and enjoy mountains more oft this winter season.

There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you.... In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself. ~Ruth Stout

midnight masquerade to bring in 2011

2011-01-02T23:02:00.009-07:00

My dear friend Heidi threw a New Years eVe party at her darling little house in SLC. Ramona Flowers even made an appearance, and then she turned around and it was a boy. So that was cool. It was brilliantly confettisystemed OUT. I think Maddie, Heidi and I danced our hearts out. Were the first ones dancing and last few standing. 9pm-1am. My bones were achin the following day. Bless her heart and the fab host she is.

So..

2011-01-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

it's the gift that keeps on giving

2010-12-14T14:29:00.005-07:00

:TiffanyLately:

2010-12-12T23:33:00.006-07:00

friends get married.

christmas party going.

.mason.

2010-11-15T12:48:00.001-07:00

went to a mason concert in LA with my bestie Linds in September. Here were the happenings:

constant turning to each other
"what do we say?"
"i really don't know."
"we need to act cool. like nbd. just mason."
"but what do we talk about with mason jennings?"
"love?"
"no, that's gay."
okay, okay, we're next.
"do you have butterflies?"
"uhhh yeah, duh. how did this happen?"

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T16:28:00.001-06:00

of course i would. duh

i don't want to grow up. i just want to be a 'toys R us kid.'

2010-10-08T15:37:00.001-06:00

i have job commitment issues. and location commitment issues. from now on i vow to work on this flaw of mine. growing up is something i've been trying to put off for sometime now.

and we walked..

2010-10-05T10:45:00.018-06:00

my mom and i we're funny see. one year we're like, wanna go to boston? never been. the other year [this year] we're like since boston was so fun, should we go to D.C.? that seems like a fun city. Sure yeah, let's go. And so, we go. For no damn reason other than we just wanted to.

biggest diamond yet.

napolean got his queen this for giving birth to their babe. just a lovely bejeweled crown, "oh hey, thanks babe for the babe."

almost done.

these cute WWII vets at the memorial monument.

red, white, blue. i fit right in. since the locals parade around everyday wearing their country colors. cool. i'm a dorky ameriCAN.

she's an easy one since we both love culture, history, architecture, country, God. Yup.

returned to..

2010-10-05T10:33:00.002-06:00

to pursue my yoga endeavors.

so long newport beach..

2010-10-03T01:52:00.002-06:00

i know. i know. i bez crazy. pretty much 99% of you think i'm nutzo for leaving this dream-like place. i could be back. but this nearby deli/cafe sums up this lovely beach city..

emma stone.

2010-10-02T19:46:00.005-06:00

GIRL CRUSH. new funny girl in town. watched 'the house bunny' and it was suprisingly funny, laughing the whole time. then i see 'easy A' even funnier. seen it twice. now so just please go see this. it's the new 'mean girls' i swear. different humor than 'mean girls' though. no less or more funny though. emma stone is genE-YAS.

ihavea pRoBLeM..

2010-09-27T01:01:00.016-06:00

after San Fransisco i have been eating Sprinkles cupcakes like it's nobody's business. like there is no end in sight. nevermind the fact that when i moved close to one this summer, a layer has formed on my stomach that has never existed before. is it because i'm creepin on age 24? is my body telling me..."hey slow, down you're not 23 anymore." i was with kristine on saturday when i surprised her with a 'treat' yep. brought some to the beach as if they were an ideal beach snack like watermelon. oh no i choose to eat cake & frosting while baskin in the sun and complaining about this layer on my tummy to kristine. so it's got to stop. or i've got to move away from them. Okay, my second suggestion might do. i love sprinkles cupcakes like Liz Lemon in 30 Rock devours 'Sabor de Soledad' or her 'cheesy blasters'incessantly as Jack Donaghy ridicules such habits.

her & i are the same. there are really no differences here. i need a Jack Donaghy in my life. girls are too nice to be like 'oh no honey. you need to put that down.'

GG: chuck b[AD]ass

2010-09-26T23:06:00.009-06:00

"You got me a ticket?"
"We don't need tickets, I'm Chuck Bass."

i love this man.

[Then of course]
"Once men have tasted caviar, it baffles me how they settle for catfish." -Blair

Oh you two. you are so the same. can't wait for you to get back together, because you know they will.

real tales of san fransisco.

2010-09-26T20:40:00.015-06:00

the other weekend i trotted the city of san fransisco with carly and scott crandall. mostly carly though. did LOTS:
we walked the city.
lost our car in a parking stucture.
got stuck in stairwell.
woke up to birds or just yelping squirrels (they live in tree city-Palo Alto-home of Stanford)
discovered "the dish."
on that dishwalk we dodged a tarantula and two attacking squirrels.
went antique shopping.
ate Sprinkles. several times.
saw the brilliantly funny movie "easy A."
went museum going.
saw 'mami wata' exhibit.
got chased out.
ate some mediocre pho.
offended some asians. not on purpose.
stole some salt water taffy, but it was totally allowed.
rode bikes over the golden gate bridge.
discovered sausalito.
began eating redmeat again.
rode a ferry back to the bay.
carly fixed her bangs.
saw a dude balance rocks.
made dinner.
and walked again.
so basically we ate and walked.

these tales are real friends. real.

cheers to carly & scott-a wonderous couple & great hosts.
xo

this one needs explaining: i was trying to show carly that i really did have the same size legs as the stat.

The song below...

2010-09-26T20:37:00.001-06:00

it will get stuck in your head. over and over again. it also made billboard top 100, brilliant.

hide your wife, hide your kids...

2010-08-24T23:26:00.000-06:00

big lights will inspire you...oh new york

2010-06-22T15:41:00.006-06:00

since i've been here in the golden state i have

2010-03-29T20:40:00.006-06:00

1. been shunned from a Chanel Store with my mom for being a poor.
2. became addicted to Sprinkles Cupcakes (Milk Chocolate) flavor thank you very much
3. i've put probs 1000 miles on my car from cummuting all over
4. become accustomed to mother's homecooked meals, 80 degree weather, stable internet.
5. hanging out with my boyfriend Reggie, he has 4 legs a yellow coat and face anyone who's met him could recognize.
6. stung by a bee and had a local reaction.
7. watched a friend of mine get some botox.
8. discovered the Pacific Design Center and the Getty (4 times over)
9. Starbucks? What is Starbucks? It's all about The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf :) I love me some special tea.
10. Sat behind Lake Bell while eating my lunch. NBD. I think she's a total babe.
11. Wasted approximately 20-30 hours in traffic. Downerside.
...
surely there will be more to come

in case you haven't heard...

2010-03-29T20:30:00.002-06:00

I'm in L.A. now on hiatus figuring out L.I.F.E.

No more CALIFORNIA dreamin' on a winters day.

Elizabeth Gilbert: At it again.

2010-02-27T00:17:00.002-07:00

LOST lives on tonight

2010-02-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

my favorite show, the final season.

Kirk & Stace make it-the big 2-5.

2010-01-14T14:19:00.002-07:00

Come celebrate my mom and dad's 25th wedding anniversary january 30th @ 7pm.

I want one.

2010-01-07T00:28:00.001-07:00

I want a dog so bad. have you heard?
Well this pup is my cousins, they found her abandoned in a dog park in CA. She is half dog, half wolf, she is beautiful, gentle, and the softest wittle fing.

monkey fur.

2010-01-06T00:33:00.002-07:00

team jacob.

2009-11-20T12:12:00.001-07:00

yup, saw it. loved it. seein it again today.

how lame am i?

Maya Angelou

2009-11-18T14:28:00.001-07:00

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

-M.A.

Films:Films:Films

2009-11-13T12:57:00.003-07:00

I am overwhelmed with how many movies I want to see that are out or coming out, only to name a few:

-New Mooooooooooooon
-Brothers
-A Christmas Carol (in 3D of course)
-Couples Retreat
-Fantastic Mr. Fox
-Pirate Radio
-Everybody's Fine
-Blind Side
-2012

Quote

2009-11-09T19:17:00.000-07:00

"LIFE IS UNCERTAIN, EAT DESSERT FIRST."

22 years ago today

2009-10-26T11:17:00.002-06:00

...my favorite brother his age was born today. I'm lucky to have a Josh in my life. You all should get one. He's great :)

Who do you have a girl/guy crush on?

2009-10-23T10:25:00.003-06:00

So if you're a guy, who's your guy crush? If you're a girl, who's your girl crush? (Celebrities, friends, etc.)

books:books:books

2009-10-12T00:49:00.003-06:00

over the summer i didn't get as much 'fun' reading in as i wanted. however i did get to real deep soul searching church books however.

before you die please read:
"the continuous atonement" -brad wilcox.
its one of those books you'll read over and over again. it will save your life in sacrament meeting when giving a talk, it has so many awesome quotes, and if you read it a week ago and were to pick it up this week and read it again you wouldn't even remember half the stuff you just read, it's like its new again. he's a great writer. hmmm or it could just be me and my short term memory loss....

"the message" -lance richardsen.
real sad story. i'm not gonna lie. but honestly it changed my life in a lot of ways. gives you a whole new perspective on life. the guy is not much of a writer, a little stiff at times, but his story is unreal. it kind of made me a not afraid to die, some days your just like...wow yeah...this is hard. do i really want to endure another i dunno 60+ years of this??? (i love life, please dont get me wrong) it's just those dayzzzzzz

i want to read:
"amusing ourselves to death"
"autobiography of GBH"
"harry potter 7"
reread "new moon" before the movie comes out.

there are 2 men in my life

2009-10-12T00:33:00.003-06:00

who i adore. Gordan B. Hinckley and Dieter Utchdorf. These men just speak to me. No disrespect to all other wise men of the church. but its like these dudes speak the same language as me. can't explain it. just had touch on it seeing how general conference was last weekend and all.

disclaimer: there are plenty of other men in my life i adore as well. i decided to really emphasize the spiritual figures i adore.

okay, okay to name a few others:
i love hf, kirk baker, pooh bear, jesus, austin k baker, greg e baker, justin timberlake, emmett dorough, josh b baker, my old busser from the happy sumo (who was totally underage, but i had a slight crush on him), greg lordan baker, ken as a kid, peter bjorn, justin bobby, troy mecham, seth cohen, hayden christensen to name a few, no particular order...

xo

Love:me:some:fall

2009-09-24T09:05:00.006-06:00

the air has changed
nights are cool
no more pool
rolling your windows down is acceptable
pumkin spice anything is delectable
i tend to crave a presence of another
but i know better.
so for now treat myself to
muffins
cookies
wish i had more semesters to play hookie.
cozy me up
sweaters
jackets
scarves
while your at it serve me a cup.
mom's cocomotion
always in motion.
Her famous hot cocoa,
will surely make you go loco.
October
November
I remember
How grateful I am for fall
sad i wont be around next year to witness it all.

So Utah, I've thoroughly enjoyed your falls.

.:Living the pure life:.Costa Rica.

2009-09-02T17:15:00.005-06:00

Had 3 weeks off before I began fall semester. Needed to recharge my batteries and look forward to a trip. Costa Rica. First timer, twas a delight.

He Ilegado

2009-08-13T21:09:00.001-06:00

I've arrived in Alejuela, Costa Rica.

Beunos Noche.

-----Roommates Needed----

2009-08-13T00:02:00.003-06:00

So last minute bit. Kelli and I as of yesterday found out that we will not only be needing one roommate but two. So if you or anyone you know is thinking Salt Lake City is pretty tempting these days. Please let me know. It's a last minute thing, I know. But me and kel are a real treat. promise.

email kel at kellinhurst@gmail.com or me at tifbaker@gmail.com.

Email is the best as of tomorrow for me. considering I'm off to costa rica and will be returning on the 24th.

peace out suckaaaaaasss

Movie: The Hurt Locker

2009-08-09T17:24:00.001-06:00

The Hurt Locker is an intense portrayal of elite American soldiers who have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world: disarming bombs in the heat of combat. This is the most realistic current war movie I've seen yet. It's R for it's language and violence, you know war stuff.

First comes love, then comes...

2009-08-06T14:59:00.002-06:00

...yep, you got it. Marriage. Then comes the baby in the baby carriage. I now am finding a majority of my friends are getting married.
Julie is my first friend that has become pregnant, congrats Julie :) While Carly just got married. Amber too. Nichelle, Cayleen. Then before that it was...Alesha, Tori, Courtney, Alex, Jacque, old high school friends, childhood friends, old roommates. 5 of my close girlfriends are in the works of being married in the next year or two. This isn't a blog post of my ripe old age of 22, or being single or being bitter. Please don't get the wrong idea. It's just weird getting older, life changes, you look around you, it's just the age. A mere observation. I found out today that my other high school good friend Caylene just got engaged this week too. I'm thrilled for all of these girls. Please again, don't get me wrong. I'm okay if I end up like Sheri Dew, that could happen, it really could. Would I prefer to be married and have kiddos someday? Yeah I'd prefer that too. Otherwise, life is good, no complaints. It's just me and I'm good with that. My last college years I've had experiences that I would never otherwise have had I gotten hitched early on. I'm entering into a new phase in my life, adulthood. For reals. No no, I'm not completely cut off from my parents yet, I've got a ways to go. I'm getting closer, and it's scary.

500 days of Summer

2009-08-04T12:02:00.006-06:00

Seen alot of movies as of late. This one being the most recent. I love the way it was made, it was a good movie on all levels. Creative, check. Good lines, check. Acting, check. Cinematography, check. Interesting, check. Good message, check. Appealing/relatable, check. Funny, check. Depressing at times, check. Well worth going to see.

Remember that one time...

2009-08-04T11:51:00.008-06:00

...I went to Vegas with Chelsea and Linda and hated it? But still had fun because well, I was with my best friends. We wanted to go because we had always drove through, but never really stayed around and experienced vegas. What does that even mean? Constant partying, club outfits, and drinking by the poolside. Blah. No thanks. It'd be fun if:
1) you've got kids (they love the lights)
2) you've got money to blow on shopping
3) you've got tickets to an awesome show such as Red Piano, Beatles Love, Cirque de Solie, that's about the only shows I'd want to see.
4) you drink alcohol
5) you love old dudes wanting to grind up on you
6) it wasn't in the middle of desert? Who resided that place anyways? Oh yeah, Mormons.
7) all your high school friends didn't love going there so much.
8) if you love to gamble, obvious one, yeah.

I heart dolphins.

2009-06-30T13:46:00.004-06:00

My second favorite animal, dolphins. They are smart creatures and I loved playing with them in the Bahamas. Guess what my first favorite animal is? (Hint: I have pics of them off to the side).

My blog=Wah Wahhh

2009-06-19T21:21:00.000-06:00

I realize my blog is nothing fantastical. I don't exude the humor of Alison Faulkner, the amazingness of Lezlie Wagner, nor the darling factor of Carly Hart. Do you like how I just made up some words there?

But considering I just recently deleted my facebook. I feel like I can't give up all my social networking. People still need to see what I am doing. I love pictures, hence all 12 on my fly fishing post, which to most expert bloggers, might seem a bit excessive.

Blog I will be better to you. I will dazzle you up one day to the point where everyone will "Oohhh and Ahhh.." and perhaps even get advertisers to say "We want YOU! We will pay YOU! to put our ads on your blog."

I know..I know. I'll keep dreamin.

Fly.Fishing.With.Pops.

2009-06-16T12:23:00.000-06:00

Nothing beats a great weekend with my dad. He came up just to spend time with me and take me fly fishing because I've been eager to get into it lately. Every summer I always become inspired to pick up a new hobby or learn something new. Seeing how I needed some Dad time, he was able to come up and be with me. Which of course I was thrilled about. We stayed at Sundance, which was always great. Had a great guide on Friday. Saturday Me and Dad were killin it on our own during Utah's monsoon weather. Twas a delightful time.

Lil Kid.YouTube.Favorites

2009-06-15T22:18:00.000-06:00

"Asian baby sings the Beatles"

"Kid singing My Humps"

"He kicked him in the..."

"Kick the Monsters asK."

"Charlie bit my finger."

"David after the Dentist." this one reminds me of Austin.

Lately my fav. this lil redhead kid, with killer moves..here is 1, 2, 3 and now 4.

Does your family have an awkward pic?

2009-06-02T14:35:00.001-06:00

Check out this blog/website: www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com. It is hilarious.

Soles4Souls

2009-05-11T23:45:00.000-06:00

Okay people here is a great opportunity to score some innovative street walkers while contributing to a great cause...

..Currently my friend Chandler just won a competition in his graphic design class at USC for a project. Their project was chosen, and basically the whole thing was his idea. Somehow he managed to get VANS shoes to donate to them for this charitable event. Everyone is Chandler's group designs a custom slip on vans shoe and they are all going to be auctioned off. Friday is the last day to auction, but right now this very minute they are on ebay being auctioned.

I checked them out. There are a lot of great ones, some so-so ones. But remember you're only paying like $10 more for these vans, what's it to you? 100% of the money raised for this is being donated to Soles4Soles, a charity that donates shoes to third world countries. Pretty awesome right? So at least take a peak! Come on...now...

Here is the link: http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/soles4souls-2009_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ#item3a4e29b94d

Did you know...?

2009-05-05T16:58:00.000-06:00

I went to the Britney Spears concert? Yeah a couple weeks ago, me and the roomies ventured on down to Energy Solutions to see our girl Brit perform. The show was UH-mazing, so so entertaining, thrilling, exciting, yes. So many acrobats, stunts, great dancers and performers. It was obviously (like a cirucus) pretty much a vegas show plus brit's vocals and pop songs. It made miss gymnastics and stunting like it's nobody's business...

2:EXtremes:2

2009-04-16T21:10:00.000-06:00

One pretty and pleasant looking foot accessorized with some good footwear (thanks mom), the other looks like gimp, a retard foot, disabled, oh wait...yes. I am disabled. Oh the two extremes...

The Birth of Spencer

2009-04-12T20:12:00.000-06:00

A very special boy to me. We celebrated his 24th year on friday. Here are some pics...

He looks special ed here too.

Key Lime Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory

His gift, a artpiece done by his sister, got it framed finally.

H-A-N-D-I-C-A-P-P-E-D

2009-04-09T15:07:00.000-06:00

First 2 days, carried only to the bathroom and back. My knight and shining armor.

It's official. I'm handicapped. I had the best experience going down to the DMV to get my pass too.
I arrived during lunch hour too which was a mistake, given that everyone on their lunch hour rushes to the DMV to get errands done during the day. I walk in, no line, go up to the lady to get my ticket to wait in line, she gives it to me. Then to my surprise they immediately call my number to the window (disabled don't have to wait). The nice lady prints me up my pass, tell gives me a receipt for $0, she told me to "frame it because you'll never see that."
Why am I handicapped? You may ask yourself. Over the past few years I've developed a bunion on the right inside part of my big toe. The last few months, it's gotten gradually worse with my insistent need to wear inappropriate shoes for such wide and deteriorating feet. I blame Steve Madden. Unfortunately I suffer from S.F.S.(Small-Foot-Syndrome). So whenever and wherever I buy a pair of shoes, most likely my 5 in women's will fit me length wise, but since I have this condition of width expanding feet. I cannot comfortably fit into my size 5 shoes. The smaller the shoe size the narrower the shoe is. So I pushed my luck and pushed my luck. Til one day it got so painful, I had to see a pediatrist. This is my only option. Bunionectomy surgery. Blah. Here are the reasons to do it now:
A. Better now, while I'm still on my parents insurance.
2. Better now, than wait til mid summer and be in a boot all summer now.
3. Better now, while I'm young and may recover faster.
4. Better now, the longer I wait, the most invasive the surgery will be.
5. Better now, while I'm still single and have no kids.
6. Better now, while my mom can fly out on general conference weekend and kick it with me.
4-6 weeks of not boot camp hell, but boot hell.
Just call me "Gimp."

I fled to Boston

2009-04-08T12:35:00.000-06:00

HEART HAZARDS OF WOEFUL WIVES DEPRESSION TIES MARITAL STRAIN TO CARDIAC RISKS IN WOMEN, NOT MEN

2009-03-15T22:58:00.000-06:00

March 5, 2009 - Women in strained marriages are more likely to feel depressed and suffer high blood pressure, obesity and other signs of "metabolic syndrome," a group of risk factors for heart disease, stroke and diabetes, University of Utah psychologists found.

The same study found men in strained marriages also are more likely to feel depressed, yet - unlike women - do not face an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by five symptoms: hypertension, obesity around the waistline, high blood sugar, high triglycerides and low levels of HDL, which is "good cholesterol."

"We hypothesized that negative aspects of marriages like arguing and being angry would be associated with higher levels of metabolic syndrome," says the study's first author, Nancy Henry, a doctoral student in psychology. "We further anticipated that this relationship would be at least partly due to depressive symptoms."

"In other words, those who reported experiencing more conflict, hostility and disagreement with their spouses would more depressed, which in turn would be associated with a higher risk of heart disease due to metabolic syndrome," she adds.

"We found this was true for wives in this study, but not for husbands," says Henry, who was scheduled to present the findings Thursday, March 5 in Chicago during the American Psychosomatic Society's annual meeting.

"The gender difference is important because heart disease is the number-one killer of women as well as men, and we are still learning a lot about how relationship factors and emotional distress are related to heart disease," she says.
Putting Your Heart into Your Marriage

Does the study suggest women should avoid men to reduce heart disease risks?

"We know they should," jokes Tim Smith, a psychology professor and study co-a2009-02-17uthor who heads a larger University of Utah study of the role of marriage quality in heart disease. The new study is part of the larger effort.

Smith, turning serious, says: "The reason you have to be careful about ‘what does it mean?' is that this study is a simple, preliminary test of what might be unhealthy about relationships for women."

"There is good evidence they [women] should modify some of the things that affect metabolic syndrome - like diet and exercise - but it's a little premature to say they would lower their risk of heart disease if they improved the tone and quality of their marriages - or dumped their husbands," he says.

Other data from the larger study indicate "that a history of divorce is associated with coronary disease," he adds, noting the researchers are pursuing the hypothesis that improving marriage might improve health.

"The immediate implication is that if you are interested in your cardiovascular risk - and we all should be because it is the leading killer for both genders - we should be concerned about not just traditional risk factors [such as blood pressure and cholesterol] but the quality of our emotional and family lives," Smith says.

In addition to possible health benefits, more immediate benefits include "getting along better and enjoying each other more, improving your mood," he says.

Some critics have questioned the concept and clinical usefulness of metabolic syndrome - also known as syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome - and have asserted that it is nothing more than the sum of its parts, namely, a group of five risk factors for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

"It is defined as a syndrome, but there still is controversy in the medical community - what should be included, how the different factors should be measured, whether all the factors hang together as a distinct syndrome or are they just separate things," Henry says.

She says she chose to study metabolic syndrome because there is no question its components are risk factors for cardiovascular disease and because the syndrome was a possible explanation for how "psychosocial risk factors" in marriage are related to cardiovascular disease.

"Strained marriages can increase your risk of heart disease, and that may in part be because strained marriages increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and thus heart disease," Smith says. "The reason strained marriages might be related to metabolic syndrome is that strained marriages can be depressing, and depression is then the link to metabolic syndrome."

Smith says the endocrinology of depression's psychological stress may explain why the five risk factors that comprise metabolic syndrome fit together.

He hypothesizes that perhaps "the hormonal effects of stress are why you are depositing fat [around the waist], why your insulin resistance goes up, why your lipids and blood pressure get out of whack. Part of the reason these things may be clumping together is because they are part of an unhealthy body response to stress."
How the Study Was Performed

Henry and Smith conducted the new study with University of Utah psychologists Jonathan Butner, an associate professor; Bert Uchino, a professor; and Cynthia Berg, a professor and chair of the university's Department of Psychology.

For their wider study, the psychologists used the Dan Jones & Associates polling firm and newspaper ads during 2001-2005 to recruit 276 couples, who were married an average of 20 years and from ages 40 to 70.

Each couple filled out several questionnaires for both the encompassing study and for Henry's study. The questionnaires included 10 scales: three to assess positive aspects of marriage quality, such as mutual support, emotional warmth and friendliness, and confiding in each other; three scales to measure negative aspects of marital quality such as arguments, feelings of hostility and extent of disagreement over various topics such as kids, sex, money and in-laws; and four scales to gauge symptoms of depression (not necessarily full-blown clinical depression).

Each couple also went to a university clinic, where their waists and blood pressure were measured and they were given lab tests for "good" cholesterol, fasting glucose and triglycerides. Together, those data determined if a study participant had metabolic syndrome. They also underwent a screening test designed to exclude any couple that already had cardiovascular disease.

The findings:
• Women who reported more marital strain were more likely to also report depressive symptoms, Henry says.
• "Women who reported more marital strain had more metabolic syndrome symptoms, and that association can be explained by the fact they also reported more depressive symptoms," says Smith.
• "Men in bad marriages also reported more depression, but neither marital strain nor depression was related to their levels of metabolic syndrome," he adds.
"We know from previous research that women are more sensitive and responsive to relationship problems than men," Henry says. "The results of this study suggest those problems could harm their health. Understanding the emotional and relationship health of couples can be an important overall factor in understanding physical health. Improving aspects of intimate relationships might help your emotional and physical well-being."
U of U

So what do you think y'all? I will be posting my opinion here shortly...

Luv Pups

2009-03-10T23:33:00.000-06:00

It's official. I miss Reggie, he is the best. And these days I could use a furry little friend to keep me company and busy. Several friends of mine recently have invested in pups and I'm puppy hungry, I really really really want one. In case you didn't catch that. I'm not a crazy dog person or anything where I love dogs more than humans. But man if you knew Regg, you'd be crazy about him too.

Lezlie

2009-03-04T18:33:00.000-07:00

It's not even her bday. But I just found this pic blog worthy. Mike caught this shot at the perfect moment. I love lezlie, she makes me laugh.

Catch.Up

2009-03-01T18:45:00.001-07:00

So February hasn't been my blog month. Sorry folks. But here is some of what's gone on...

01: Mom flew to town to be with muah over V-day weekend and President's Day weekend. She's the best. I love moms, particularly mine, she's Uh-mazing. Total girls weekend that was well needed.

02: A week ago I went to the open house of the Draper temple. It was lovely and I love knowing I have much to look forward to. I've been to 4 Open houses it goes as following: San Diego Temple, when I was young buck. Bountiful, back in the day too. Newport, fairly more recent. Draper, as of late. It's amazing how much planning and symbolism goes into these projects and we are able to put them up in no time. Wouldn't be cool to go to every single one? Some of those lucky lucky old men...

03: I found out I need Bunion surgery this upcoming month. Will be handicapped and next time you see me you might find an odd shape of a boot attached to my foot.

04: Soul Searching 2009 still in progress

05: Everyone keeps getting puppies. I want one bad, real bad.

06: Got an Ipod touch stolen and a hit and run too. Oh The luck of Tiffany.

I can smell it...

2009-02-01T22:53:00.000-07:00

coming. the Notorious Katie B is comin my way this week.

Booked it

2009-01-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

I did it. I got tickets to the britney spears concert in april. I have extras, takers?

Sundance 09: The Big River Man

2009-01-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

The other night, we got to see the film "The Big River Man,"up in Park City for the festival. It was the midnight showing on Saturday night, the director was there along with a cast member to introduce the film in the beginning. We loved the movie. It's a good one. Ya just gotta see it. It's about a crazy Slovenian man who loves to drink, gamble, and swim. He's overweight and decides that he wants to swim the Amazon River in S. America, and does it. Nuts, huh? It's a documentary, so this is entirely true. It's funny, it was sad, it was inspiring. Humans really are capable of pretty much anything you put your mind to. It just shows how it took a toll on him physically, mentally, emotionally, he risked all these things and was very persistant with reaching this goal. Anyways, then, towards the end they do a Q and A. Spen and I stayed back to learn that Marvin, the swimmer himself! was there in the audience watching the film for the first time himself along with his son who is in most of the film and narrates the movie. The director said they finished the film 2 days prior. Crazy huh? So I got to meet the man who swam the amazon river. I must say not too many people can say that...

I have a secret...

2008-12-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

...so i kinda like Britney Spears. there I said it. Not so much her but her music. I just can't help but want to move to her music most the time. Lyrics...meh. It's just that beat that gets me. I'm a little excited that she's making a come back once again. It's sort of a guilty pleasure of mine. Now that she doesn't look and act like a disaster, it's easier to like her. My motivation behind this post was that I was informed that Britney Spears is coming to Salt Lake in April on the 14th. I might do it. As ridiculous as it is, I mean we all know she's not known for the vocals but her performances. So yeah, I just might do it. Anyone interested???

Whats old is new again

2008-11-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

Saturday night I attended the NKOTB or New Kids On The Block concert, if you're unfamiliar with the abbreviation. Yep, saw NKOTB in all their glory. It was my first boy band concert I'd ever been to. Cheesiest concert EVER. From the outfits, to the rindstones everywhere on Donnie and just all Ed Hardy all over the place. I really can't stomach Ed Hardy stuff! NO boys ever should be caught wearing sparkles and rhindstones, no no no. Though all the boys are aging nicely. THE best part was probably when Jordan came up singing on a platform with a fan blowing his hair while wearing a white button up shirt, but no this wasn't it, he then proceeds to rip open his shirt and leaves it on and open to show off his upper body show while he is singing a solo. OH GOSH. How ridiculous. Pure entertainment though. I did recognize a couple songs. Mind you, I actually didn't have to pay for my ticket to attend. A friend had a handful of tickets and all 6 of us girls had nothing better going on. Why wouldn't we want to see NKOTB? I also realize I was quite young when their glory days were happening, but all I recall from my childhood is Shannon Watson having a NKOTB pillow case and maybe even a bed spread, but for sure the NKOTB barbie dolls. My friend Lez and Nich, were going nuts. Hilarious. "LET'S GET THIS" -Joey I wasn't joking
I love lez's enthusiam

I am grateful

2008-11-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

that I am in Utah right now. For many reasons.

dumb surfer

2008-10-29T12:38:00.000-06:00

Josh showed me this. It was worth posting. I gotta find these kinds of people and be friends with them. Life would be more interesting.

I will not be silenced.

2008-10-27T15:41:00.000-06:00

With November 4th rapidly approaching, things are getting heated in the Golden State of California. I recently was home for a week and got to see the hot topic issue and how it's being talked about all over in my hometown of Valencia. Things are getting heated, let me tell you.

But first let me start off by saying, how is it that those for "No on 8," can be so hateful and incapable of dealing with this issue in such a non-peaceful manner? Now I realize not all of those voting "NO on 8," or those who don't have much of an opinion at all, you are not all this way. Kudos to you. However I do think that those with a different opinion than us "Yes on 8ers" are hateful and non-peaceful in the way they deal with issues. However a majority of whom I've talked to and by personal experiences this was how I am generalizing these people because this is all I know of them. I've yet to have more positive encounters and a healthy "agree to disagree" debate with someone without someone getting heated, calling names and attacking. It's funny how quick those opposed to my opinion want to attack me for putting my opinion out there...how dare I exercise my personal and religious freedoms by being vocal by my deep religious beliefs with marriage.

It's interesting how the church really chooses not to get involved with politics. But obviously the leaders of my church see how this could affect the future than most of us and have taken a stance on it. Along with several other Christian faiths, but everyone LOVES hatin on us Mormons. Geez it's like the good ole days! Funny how a white middle class suburban girl can still be discriminated against in 2008 for her religious beliefs. There's something definitely not right about this picture. Because here's why...every morning people of my church have volunteered their early morning hours to stand on street corners in Valencia during traffic hour and hold up "Yes on 8" signs. My parents participate in this protesting, a clear act of freedom of speech, by doing this each morning. One morning, my mom was holding a sign doing her thing on McBean and Orchard Village by the hospital when a woman driving by stopped at the red light there, rolls down her window and yells at my mom "YOU HATEFUL F---ING BIGOT!!!," and spits on her. Her response? "I'm hateful?" Funny. Don't you think? Here my mom is choosing to stand up for what she believes is right. She is not gay bashing or trash talking on gays, not discriminating, not going out of her way to spit on them for having a different opinion. The act of protesting is NOT hateful. Also, for those who want to label people "Bigots," there is so much you don't know or understand if you are really going to call someone this name.

Another encounter? Apparently my mom's 7 series Beemer had the tires slashed when she came out of our Uncle Brett's house in Saugus. Her tires slashed. The cost? $325 to replace her tire. What is going on here? Is this not an act of hate? By spitting on people and destroying peoples property? Liberals and "Left" thinkers need to re-evaluate how they approach people and their "peaceful" ways. They want peace in the middle east? You want to make the world a better place? Then start at home and look around you with the way you deal with problems. Seriously. This won't accomplish much by trying to silence those who believe firmly what marriage is. So I refuse to be silenced. This is what I believe. My constitutional rights have allowed me to do so. So get used to it damnit.

Look over this article blog: http://www.article6blog.com/2008/10/21/californias-proposition-8-open-season-on-mormons/

22

2008-10-11T18:35:00.000-06:00

This past monday was my 22nd birthday. First off last weekend, I have to say Tara and my mom made sure I had a great night to celebrate just Tara and I. 2 Most wonderful girls in my life. Hands down.(and katie too). But Tura surprised me by taking me up to Stein Eriksen in Deer Valley where we had a wonderful girls night get-away. She had appointments lined up for massages at the spa there, where we enjoyed our spa time, sipping on great tea in the lounge room. Later that night she took me out to dinner on Main Street where we ate and walked around for a bit. Then retired to our cozy beds early, before we knew it we were waking up to breakfast in bed. Raspberry pancakes. Heaven. It was like a dream. Best friends on your birthdays always seem to make it complete.
Meanwhile on my actual birthday Spencer planned a day of just fun filled activities. We ate breakfast at a great little place in Salt Lake I had never been to. Then he took me up to Park City where we did the Alpine Coaster down the mountain. After that we got a bite to eat at a famous little pizzeria in Heber and then from there it was Cascade Springs, where we just walked around a bit and enjoyed the great scenery and I of course enjoyed the great company. Then drove back down the Alpine Loop, which is unreal right now, the colors of fall are vibrant and alive. That canyon is unbelievable. I loved the whole day he planned but more importantly I loved just being with him on my special day. As he'd say "Doi." It really was the perfect fall day. After our day of activities of being out and about, we settled for some pumpkin carving. Adorable right?

Letter to UT

2008-09-26T14:03:00.000-06:00

Dear Utah,

I am ready for fall. I'm ready for rain, cooler weather, and cozy sweaters. Not to be confused with winter but fall. Give me October already.

Much Thanks,

Tiff

Underrated flick

2008-09-23T11:56:00.001-06:00

So over the past weeks period, I have watched the same movie consistently. With Tiny Fey and Amy Poehler "Baby Mama," it's freaking hilarious. It really is a great comedy. When anyone hasn't seen it or wants to watch it I can't turn it down, I really can't turn down the opportunity to watch this movie. Everytime I watch it, I pick up something that I hadn't previously. I told myself I wouldn't watch so many dumb movies, those outrageous comedies that are just ridiculous and I feel dumber for watching them. This isn't one of those, it sounds like another terrible black comedy or something (not like I don't like the blacks) but I'm just saying...that's what it sounds like. And I love Tina Fey, I think she's a brilliantly funny woman. So go find a RedBox asap and watch it. You won't be disappointed. Amy Poehler does make this movie. She's a goody.

And the search continues

2008-09-08T13:59:00.000-06:00

..As I feel to transition to yet another job. Why why why? Because it is true that I am growing up and that I should start thinking about a career and jobs that will ease me into the field of communications that I'd like to go into. I still am teaching yoga at the U which I will continue you to do, but I am to contemplate letting go of this serving job I've held for the last 9 months of my life. I have mixed feelings about serving, some days I like it, some days I hate it. For me at this time in my life as I'm in college, its the perfect situation for making a decent amount. Unless I want to work 40 hours a week!! (Dumb & Dumber) I've had every job you could possibly imagine at this point. Never did I think I'd end up working in a restaurant, which is hard work, not so much hard, just can be physically exhausting. My first job was cleaning my parents business office at the age 12-13, then at 16 I worked at Diane's a swimsuit boutique franchise in southern california. Then off and on working in my Dad's office as an assistant until I reached college. Working at Macy's department store for Clinique as a make up consultant, then onto Verizon as a simple store greeter for $12 an hour (excellent pay for Provo, UT) Then onto Soel, It's Yoga! So yeahhhhh, I've had my fair share of retail and customer service. I for some reason wanted to continue on with the retail working at Bastille, a high end boutique at The Gateway. Now I conclude at the Happy Sumo, serving delicious Americanized sushi all day long while still in school full time. Next project? The Grand America hotel in Salt Lake, working as a Convention Concierge. Stay tuned, as I am supposed to get my call this week about how my interview went.

Back 2 School

2008-09-04T11:56:00.000-06:00

Ohhhhhhh
Back To School
Back To School
To Prove To Dad That I'm Not A Fool
I've Got My, Lunch Packed Up
My Boots Tied Tight
I Hope I Don't Get In A Fight
Ohhhh
Back To School
Back To School
Back To School

Week #2, No fight...yet.

Living like a local for 2 weeks

2008-08-27T20:28:00.000-06:00

Here is the last of my Hawaii trip, I've been back for over a week now...I liked my life there. Complete and total relaxation with the girls. A wise lady named Kay Wagner said "if you have an opinion, have it.." along with "if you don't have a wife, get one.." Simple and to the point. Those Wagners sure know a thing or two.

Our beach everyday.

Today I fell out of the sky

2008-08-13T22:42:00.000-06:00

This last one is not photoshopped!

Tomorrow? Skydiving

2008-08-13T01:32:00.000-06:00

I have only a few days left here in Kailua, so what is a girl to do that would be an unforgettable experience? Skydiving of course. I wanted to go out with a bang! I've always wanted to do it, especially if I am going to do it I want to do it over the beautiful aqua colored Hawaiian ocean. This is one of those things that I would have wanted to check off my "things to do before I die list." I'm really doing it. It's my first time, so obviously I must go tandem. I'd like to eventually fly solo literally, but you must start somewhere..right? Tomorrow when I wake, I'm driving across the island to skydive. Holy Crap. I'm debating to get that video, Katie says it's worth it, I'm nothing but a college student and am pinching pennies to do this thing. Should I?

Week 1 so far

2008-08-09T20:03:00.001-06:00

2008-08-04T18:48:00.001-06:00

So it's the time of summer when I'm due for some relaxation time. Between summer school, short lived trips, work, wearing relationships, moving, lets say I'm making some changes. I had 3 weeks of nothingness between my last final and before fall semester to start. So I partake in a last minute trip to Oahu, Hawaii. Yes, I'm back again with Katie, Carly Hart and Lez Wagner.

We got here Saturday, and let me tell you Lezlie's parents house is a dream! Really, an absolute dream. Just windows doors open all hours of the day, fans going, cool breeze in and out, open deck, the beach in their backyard, a perfect swimming pool between the sand and house. It's been day 3 and we haven't even left Kailua. All we do is ocean, lay on the sand, back to the pool, back to the beach, eat, spa, beach, pool, eat some more. You get the idea, AND her mom has fed like it's nobody's business. The tastiest fruits provided, snacks galore.

Last night her cute dad took us around what he considered "local style" by loading us in the bed of his truck with beach chairs and taking us around to show us some good hiking and snorkling spots. Saw alot of smoothe browns. Perfect eve.

A Lake called Powell

2008-08-01T00:14:00.001-06:00

First time at Powell, psh it was just wild

Newport a few weeks ago

2008-08-01T00:10:00.000-06:00

Singin' in the Rain the play

2008-07-11T11:18:00.001-06:00

Well last night, for Austin's birthday we rounded up our family and some extended family as well to go see the "Singin' in the Rain" the play here in LA. I feel like this was more of a birthday gift for me rather than my newly 7 year old brother. You must know that this is one of my favorite all time films, my ultimate happy movie. I love it, the tap dancing, the lines, the costumes, singing, the old fashion era.
Anyways the play was great, It's a small company theatre and I think the Lina Lamont played was most true to character in the play. The girl who played Kathy Seldin, had a great voice. The prop used for the actual Singin in the Rain scene was brilliant. If you haven't this this all time classic, maybe you don't even like musicals that much, but this one...this one is worth seeing. I promise.

Consistency can be nice

2008-06-25T11:32:00.000-06:00

After my week in New York, I found myself back in California last week helping out my mom while she was in NY with Josh, because my dad has been having some health scares lately and wanted me around. So I flew home last week, and to my great surprise has a nice visitor appear on my doorstep and everything in between, and finally venturing down to San Diego for my last day in CA.
I love being on the go, always doing something, even if it's last minute. But seeing how I've been out of town or gone somewhere every weekend. It can be exhausting, and today I find it nice to be back in Salt Lake just having a consistent schedule and not having to pack up last minute to jet set somewhere. Although I do love jet setting and ir a la travel, just a little consistency can be nice.

Here are the results

2008-06-09T14:41:00.001-06:00

of my weekend in New York with the girls.

The city calls me back again

2008-06-07T10:17:00.000-06:00

So today I find myself in New York on the Upper West side. I'm about to go see a well anticipated flick Sex and the City with my 2 high school best friends, Caylene and Tara. What more appropriate place to see the movie than in THE city? right?

A little place called Aasssspppeeennnnn

2008-06-04T12:36:00.000-06:00

A place where the beer flows like wine. Where beautiful women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano.

fake cigarettes are pretty cool I hear

Guess who's back?

2008-05-14T13:50:00.000-06:00

Nope not shady, yes the spice girls had their reunion tour, now...it's New Kids on the Blocks turn.

revamped and revived

HELL YEAH!

D.C. freaken M.C.

2008-04-26T22:08:00.000-06:00

So I've been east coasting it this week. Flew out with pops for a speech he was giving, and did some historic sites along the way. Yorkstown, Jamestown, Williamsburg, and finally D.C. Monuments galore!

I've finally arrived home in L.A. today, warm warm warm. Tomorrow? Off to Maui :)

Hi, I'm in Virginia

2008-04-23T13:14:00.000-06:00

Barely wrapped up finals yesterday, feels good to be done. Jetset to Richmond, VA.