Because I'm sleepy but still need to post....

Thanks Stewie...

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Became a Temple Ordinance worker
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2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? No I didn't because I didn't have any NYresolutions to go off of...and No, I won't be making any. I don't like 'em

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? YES! 2 close friends gave birth to two beautiful boys!!

4. Did anyone close to you die? My dear Uncle Walter.

5. What countries did you visit? Mexico

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? My wedding & honeymoon in Tahiti ;)

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Feb.15 and Dec. 20 :)

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Honestly...getting a trippy job, becoming a Sunday school teacher and Temple worker!

9. What was your biggest failure? My freakin' car dying...but I guess that's not really a failure of mine?

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Nope :)

11. What was the best thing you bought? My cell phone...unlimited minutes & txt msgs...LOVE IT!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Pres. Bush, for stepping up to the plate in the most difficult job in the US and Pres. Monson for holding up the mantle of being Prophet, Seer and Revelator amongst such turmoil.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? The freakin' "Santa" who went on a shooting spree killing 9 plus himself.

14. Where did most of your money go? Christmas and lunches.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?Mr. NY at the office Christmas party.
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16. What song will always remind you of 2008? Say by John Mayer

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder?Happier! b) thinner or fatter?I'd like to say "Chubbier", dangit!! c) richer or poorer? Richer, but with the same amount of debt, double dangit!!

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Spent more time at the beach...gettin' a tan!

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Eating out for lunch
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20. How did you spend Christmas? With family!

21. Did you fall in love in 2008? Nope, but it's alright.

22. What was your favorite TV program? Survivor!

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? No, but hate is a strong word.

24. What was the best book you read? "Marley & Me" by John Grogan.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery? Daft Punk.

26. What did you want and get? A job!

27. What did you want and not get? A husband! :)

28. What was your favorite film of this year? Transformers...or was that last year?
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29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? My birthday was awesome!! I made up a Temple shift EARLY that morning with my Aunt (Such an AMAZING experience!), got a Pedi and cooked dinner for my family. I had 28 candles on my cake.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?See above answer to question #6.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Colorful!

32. What kept you sane? Working at the Temple
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33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? SAWYER from Lost!

34. What political issue stirred you the most? Living in California and being a Mormon...hmm, nothing comes to mind.

35. Who did you miss? Friends I don't see on a daily basis.

36. Who was the best new person you met? Wow, I met A LOT of new people...I couldn't pick just one. I'm SO grateful they all came into my life this year.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. Turn your benefits packet in to work on time so that you don't get denied due to your procrastination.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. "Say what you need to say"

Ujima--Day 3 of Kwanzaa

"Ujima" (Collective Work and Responsibility) To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems and to solve them together.

I like Kwanzaa. I've always liked Kwanzaa stamps. I've never truly celebrated it, but I think there are many great points about Kwanzaa. Maybe next year I'll study up on it and truly celebrate it.

I bought my ticket today to the YSA New Year's Eve party! I'm so freakin' excited!! The theme is "Bringin' Sassy Back!". I'm stoked!! All of my friends are going so I know this is gonna rock!! YAAAAAAY!! New outfit, here I come!

Hmmm, I'm not really lookin' forward to going back to work since I've been off since Wednesday. I know it's not long, but man...UGH! work :(. The ONLY upside to work tomorrow is getting to talk to Mr. NY. YAAAAAAAY!! I'm kinda [good] nervous, but nervous nonetheless. Wow, he's so hot!

I went to go see "Four Christmases" and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". "Four" was pretty funny {except for one part that made me EXTREMELY uncomfortable watching it with my teenage nephews}. I love watching Jon Favreau! As for "Button", well, it was LOOOOOOONG!! About 2.5 hours!! I was AMAZED by the make up and artistry of the movie. Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett looked phenomenal, given the fact that they're both 40'sh. The movie was good, just not great. I'm interested in watching "Seven Pounds". I hope that's a lot better than "Button".

Ok, it's late........g'nite.

32.

What Have You Done? To participate, just copy and paste in your own blog, and bold all of the things you have done. It's kind of fun!!
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Pacific Ocean.
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person
101. Learned to play an instrument

Photographed with my heart.

During my lunch break today, I went to Horton Plaza with my family to do some last minute Christmas shopping. I picked up some lil Godiva trinkets for some co-workers and thought about getting a gift for Mr. NY .
I know I like him, but I also know what it feels like being so far away from home and family during the holidays. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, not even my worst enemy. So I went to Gap and got him a shirt. I wasn't sure what to really get the guy since it's not like we work side by side. I figured I'd get him a striped, collard shirt...since that's what he ALWAYS wears. How could I go wrong?
The anticipation and nervousness was building up. I didn't want to do it in front of the whole office [grr-gossip!] and I was afraid he'd freak out by it. So I waited til the very last minute when he and I were the last to leave and my boss was downstairs. I walked over, placed it on the desk next to him and with so much nervousness (aka: out of breath and shakey!) said, "I know we don't know each other that well, but I know what it's like being so far away from home and family." I wish I could have taken a picture of his face. I've never seen someone so thankful. I almost wanted to cry. I just felt so much love and Charity for him and wished he could be home with his famiy. It almost looked like he wanted to cry...he had the CUTEST puppy dog blue eyes. SO STINKIN' ADORABLE!! As I tried to walk away and wish him a Merry Christmas [because I was too nervous to stand there any longer] he asked when he could open it, I said "You could wait or you can open it now, it's up to you, it's yours." Then he replied, "Great! I'll have something to open tomorrow!". I turned back around and asked him if that's all he had for Christmas. He said that his parents/Mom sent him a box on Monday, but he couldn't wait and already opened it. Just then my boss came back with my gift, so I hugged and thanked him, and said good bye. I couldn't leave the office without doing the same to Mr. NY ;). I went up to hug him and MAN! THAT WAS A DANG SWEET HUG!! He didn't let go!! I let go too soon (DANG EHU!!). It was nice...dang, this is a very merry Christmas! I think Christmas is my favorite holiday again.

I just might like working here...

Wow! Last night was insane and SUUUUPPPPPER fun!! I had such a blast!! It was at the Gaslamp Marriott, in Downtown SD. The dinner portion of the party was nice and it was great seeing all of my co-workers outside of the office...away from the stress! Everyone looked FANTASTIC!
Then...
We headed upstairs for the after party at the Altitude Sky Bar. I was more excited for the "sky" part than the "bar" part. It was still fun and I loved the fact that my Shirley Temples were free! :) I was definitely a happy camper!! The view was TERRIFIC! Even though I wasn't looking forward to the looooong elevator ride up or the fact that it was 22 floors up---it was ALLLLL worth it!
There wasn't much dancing upstairs, since it's more of a lounge than a club. It was so fun getting to know everyone and just being out of the office was fun in itself. I even got to talk it up with Mr. NY. WOW!! WWWOOOOOOWWWW!!! We were inches from each other's face as we talked. It was bitterly cold, so it was extremely nice having his arm around me. I liked his nose and his eyes are even MORE beautiful up close. Can I just say, that I would NOT mind waking up to that face for the rest of my life. It's beautiful! And his Pectoral Majors are nice as well. Let's just say that the night ended quite lovely with us giving each other a hug and kiss on the cheek. I have a new found love for work :) :) :) .

I invited my friend PJ & Khany along. It was so fantastic hangin' out with them. Sandra (last photo) is my partner in Dispatch. I love how FREAKIN fabulous I look!! A definite incentive to go to the Gym and become even MORE fabulous lookin'! All I've gotta say is I am DEFINITELY lookin' forward to next Christmas' Knox Party!!

(Here's more photos for your viewing pleasure!)

WOW!

What can I say?! I just got in from my company's Christmas party. Oh my goodness...I'm SO glad I went!! I can't wait til Monday!! Details later..............

Ahhh!! One week left!

It's about 2am Friday morning and I just finished making 3 dozen Spam Musubis. We're having a Christmas luncheon & gift exchange at work today. Jinkies! I just remembered that I still have to wrap my gift! AHHH!!!
I feel like Christmas is passing so quickly!! We haven't even been able to hang our snow flakes in the living room, put up the Christmas lights outside and finish Christmas shopping. I haven't even started putting the names on all 9 of the Christmas stockings! I wish I had one more additional week. I don't even feel like I've been able to enjoy the season, not to mention the real reason for the season. I've had glimpses of it, but to really bask in it...no, not yet. I feel like I haven't seen my family much and I really want to enjoy this Christmas with my nephews and niece. Time flies so quickly, they grow up before you know it! Anyway, I've gotta cut this short because I need to wrap my gift and jump in bed.

Bliss

Need I say more?

MY FRIDAY'S FAVE FIVE..about Ashlee!

Yesterday was one of my good friend's birthday. Since today's "Friday's Fave Five" day, I thought I'd combine the two into a birthday dedication.
My five FAVORITE things about Ashlee....

1. Even though our [missionary] companionship started off really rocky, who would have thunk it to turn into 5 great years of friendship! I'm so happy that we were able to work past our differences and become the best of friends. Ash is truly a magnificent friend in the very essence of the word and anyone would be blessed beyond measure to call her a friend

.2. She is seriously a lot of fun! She goes along with the flow and is really easy going! I loooove the way she's always up for anything crazy, new or exciting! She is fluent in 'Sarcasm', which can be very refreshing sometimes. Oh ooh, just ask her to do her "Father of the Bride" impersonation! LOVE IT!!

3. She has some mad interior designing skills! Seriously!! I think our missionary appartment was the BEST the mission had ever seen! I still turn to her these days to pointers!

4. I admire her for her dedication in working towards a college degree. I think it's very honorable and commendable to be both a college graduate and an RM, as a woman. ((She is seriously quite a catch guys!))

5. The one thing I have always cherished about Ashlee has been her trustworty character. I know that I can always open up to her and know that what I say, stays with just her. Sure, I may sometimes get teased with some of the [random/goofy/retarded] stuff I've told her...but I know that I can be myself and she would never intentionally hurt me. I have sincerely appreciated that quality in Ashlee.

Here's to a tremendously wonderful friend! I hope she's blessed with many many more marvelous birthdays! Happy happy birthday Ashlee!!

I should really be....

Tonight, as I was driving home. I was counting up the hours I was at work today. A few minutes shy of 12 straight hours [there was A LOT to catch up on]. I took about 12 minutes off to eat lunch, but that was about it. I wasn't as tired as I usually am after work, I could have lasted maybe another hour or two. {But didn't want to, since I was the LAST one left in my whole office and floor--no thanks!}. I started to really think about it, then the thought came to mind..."I should be grateful I even have a job!" In which I am! I mean, seriously, with this crazy economy and unemployment soaring....I truly am grateful to have a job. Somedays are better than others, but I know that I am truly learning a lot and being blessed in ways that are helping me grow so much.

Happy Hump Day!

I love you, Natalie Dee. Thank you for your comics.

Hi!

...and welcome to my day.

Wow, what a day. I feel like screaming, crying, smiling, laughing and breathing all at once. My days are NEVER what I could ever imagine. I don't even know how or where to begin.

I feel like screaming because I HATE the fact that I'm still not married. (I know, I know...I'm beating a dead horse!). I just wonder when in the world is it my turn to have my own family?! And a husband I can share my life and all of life's little wonders with.

I feel like crying, well I already am, because I'm just so frustrated with how stagnant my life feels. As well as some other news that a friend shared with me the other day.

I feel like smiling because I got a very unexpected bonus today at work for steppin' up to the plate while my co-worker's been out on her 2 week vacation.

I feel like laughing because I'm so deliriously tired and sometimes there's funny moments that actually happen when one may think that all is lost...especially when your smallish living room is stuffed with 5 couches [unexpectant gift], 1 piano, 1 tiki and a rather large Christmas tree

I feel like breathing because if I don't, I know I'll crack and I'll just lose it.

UGH!!!

Sometimes it's so much easier to just throw in the towel and let the world win. That's not good. But I know, I KNOW, that if I hold out faithful the Lord will bless me.

I can see...

...why some people have their blogs set to private. I'm thinkin' about doing that myself, for a season. There are things that I want read by friends and some things that I don't want read by friends of friends. (ie: those who live in or around Lawai, HI)

"Hilltop and seaside resorts are where you'll live for life"

[Title: That was my Fortune cookie tonight....As long as the resort's in Maui or Tahiti, I'll be PERFECTLY fine :)]
Tomorrow, I get to hang out with my two best friends! I'm so happy!! It's been a while since we've spent sometime together!! I'm really looking forward to it! We're going over to Balboa Park for "December Nights". I hope this will kick start the Christmas spirit in me!

Hmmm....what else. I have so much on my mind. Several Life decisions. I'm truly looking forward to the opportunity to fast and participate in Fast & Testimony Sunday. And with that said...a surge of terror just raced thru me!! I COMPLETELY forgot to change the hymns for this upcoming Sunday!! AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!! I better get crackin' on the organ/piano!!

My co-worker Mamacita is out of town for another week. I can't believe how well I've done covering her spot and staying up to task with all of my work....all while answering the phone at least 60 times a day! WOW! I feel like Heavenly Father's truly blessed me to withstand A LOT this week.