East Side!

After many requests I must complete my post for the East Side trip I was able to go on. (ok so only Anna requested it, but you know your all dieing to know how it went.
Let me just explain, I came home to Mountains of case work to do and even now and waiting for an interviewee to call... there may be pauses between the writing (good thing it's a blog huh!)

Day one: Fly into NC, stay in Burlington. Virg's dish washer died as I was flying there and apparently she had a flood. SO I got to see her dear Hubby Juany boy at the airport- not a big deal juan is probably one of my fav peeps, (as long as holly- shout out) We hug and talk and go to bed about 3:30 am NC time. (I'm exhausted!!)

Day two: Virg thinks it's so funny to wake my behind up and go to a Bo sue (sp?) class at her gym. Don't get me wrong... the class rocked, and if I wasn't completely exhausted I probably would not have flipped her off as much as I did (I love you virg)... after forever of being at the gym we stopped by the local TJ max and checked out the sales racks- LOVED IT.
- Virg also stated that he didn't feel comfortable going up to DC. Of course I was disappointed so proceeded to find a rental car... no big deal right? WRONG. Inaugural weekend... there are no cars. I finally found a car like 4 hrs out of DC (who cares) and they didn't take debit cards. SO i didn't get the rental car.
***Dinner that night we had awesome Wings at this southern restaurant where you could chose between 20 flavors and they were awesome!!!***
***We got home from Dinner at 8:00 and we all passed out. Clothes and all. I'm on my bed (which was divine) and john somewhere and holly somewhere else...

Day three: We decided we were going to go up to Virgs papi's house in Virgina (Waynesburo area)... then when it comes down to it... we decide Sunday is better. (Virg had to make quilts for the business)
**Off we go to Chapel Hill: UNC (the law school). At which point I received a tattoo on my face of a tar hill...(UNC pride!) Sherri Dew attending school there and talks about the "Tar Hills" in many of her talks. I LOVE CHAPEL HILL!!! It is so beautiful. After Chapel Hill he headed over to Durham where Duke University is, I really really wanted to see the University Library. The Campus was AMAZING!!! I fell in love! I took pictures, but they are on Virg's camera. I love love love that campus. We returned home and ate some real southern BBQ (amazing). And I passed out again... I really liked sleeping on my vacation.

Day three: Church day! We woke up and got ready for church (virg was pissed she could find the baby's pasafire) But we made it to Sacrament meeting. I looked Hot Sporting my newly found clearance Items. HOT I tell you! After sacrament We got in the car for our 3 hr trip Up to Virg's dads house in Virgina. I stayed at there house after Virgs wedding 7 yrs ago (can you believe its been that long holy, holy) I was as in love with virgina then as I am now. It's so awesome! Virgs family is very welcoming (with a big Turkey dinner- barf); but seriously they are so great it was a very nice Sunday.

Day four: MOnday morning: the best day of the YR: Martin Luther King Jr's Day!!! I slept in, (of course) and then ate some of Virg's granpa's homemade sausage and her dad's biskets and gravy... Yummy yummy. (Kinda like in the mission!!) we got everyone dressed up and headed over to Lexington, and Buena Vista. I LOVE the school Washington Lee, and VMI. They are so cool! There is so much history over there it's insane. We saw President Lee's family crept and went to the museum there. We also stopped by SVU the BYU of the East. It's awesome and beautiful. I love the ball room and main hall, it's a really old finishing school that has allot of history behind it. I was so Fascinated.

After Lexington we headed home where Virgs dad watched the kids and we went to set up a show for virg. (At least talk to the lady who was so nice) She too was a cali native and had fallen in love with the Shanadowa Valley... So we got the show figured out and watched American Idol.
After we got in that night I crashed early again- I had a long day ahead. I think Virg was bummed I like to sleep now.

Day five: Go into Charlottesville Virgina, LOVE IT. We ate Indian and watched the inauguration. I am not going to lie, a little knife was in my tummy I was really wanting to be there. But, the city was awesome, and the University was Amazing. I was Blown away... Seriously seriously love it.

Day six: we drive back to NC from Virg's dad's house. (I hate that his name is "Virg's dad" I don't think parents should be identified by who's parent they are, but I lack an other title.) We stopped and met John for Lunch in Greensborro (Shout out for Jason's Deli) and I said my good bye's to Juan there.
After virg took me to a museum in greensborro where the Sit in happened. 4 college guys who were african american sat on the stools in the restaurant that were reserved for Whites only. I am so fascinated by the civil rights movement. I can't wait for the day when I can focus more time and power on civil rights- until then I guess I'm stuck to museums. it's so motivating to me. I see people like those guys as modern day hero's. Just four guys who had the strength to stand up for what they believed in. I don't even remember there names- but I remember what they did for America and that to me is breath taking.

After the museum it was back to Burlington to fight the suit case/ weight limit. Stuffed everything away, and off to the airport we went. We stopped by the local grocher to pick up some Cheer wine (native soda you can only get in NC, dates back to 1917) and donuts (native to NC also).
I went to check my luggage and I was at 51.5 lbs. The lady said it was ok and hooked me up (or so I thought).
***The flight to Minneapolis was awful*** my music didn't work, and the guy behind me threw up. Every where. I think it was a 6 hr flight. Death to Cheryl.
**the next flight was ok, but I will never fly north west again... North west=CRAPPY.
***I got into the airport at one am (3 am my bodies time) Mike greeted me at the airport... with Dell Taco (the best part of the evening)...
BUT WAIT MY BAGS AREN'T THERE....
So I am livid, (of course no sleep) and the lady can't find my bags in the computer. At this point I am the biggest mean person ever (mike was laughing at me) I sat on a plane that was a full flight and smelt like Barf for HOurs, literally like 3 hours. **the lady smiles and tell me it will be delivered at my door the next day... PS I have work in a matter of hours, and am super stressed about that (my make up is in that bag and cheryl's skin is not getting better with acutane)

So thats my trip... It was great. You can see the common theme (UNIVERSITIES!!!) I came home and am now enrolled in the Ace pre lsat class. This course is hard core and has a really high law school enrollment rate of students (like insanely high). I will be taking classes on Tuesday, Thursday and a practice class on Sat. They expect 3 hrs of study a day for me to make the June Lsat. MY BEHIND IS OFFICIALLY BEING KICKED. I have a study group of law students as well as a mentor, (all included in tuition). This was suck a huge step for me. HUGE. I have always been pointing my self in this direction, but decided when I was back east that it needs to be done.
Before my vacation I was evaluated at work and given a really good evaluation. Basically I have 6 months more of probation, (means after the 6 months I'm pretty much set for a really long time), and promoted.

It made me feel better about taking on a huge thing like Law School prep. It's just a huge thing, and I really needed to feel committed to the cause. I think as a Mormon girl, I needed to get over the whole... you have to get married to be happy, and I think I'm there. I don't know the answer, i just know it feels right and when I think about it with my head I think there is no way in heck I can do it... But it feels right, and I am very motivated, and just like my mission or any other really big thing that has been the best thing for me... I have always felt super shaky about it. So I don't know- I don't know about a year down the road, but in 4 yrs I'll either be 31 with a law degree or with out, and I decide with. (thank you lin's for the words of advice, ir should I say thank you Bro Jolly... they were good... they made my blog)
Thats it my busy little life just got Insane. Like crazy insane. 4 yrs thats all... (Can you tell I'm still working on the mental thing)

Lova ya'll

Sushi party- Vegitarian Roll for Cheryl (seafood is NASTY)
I made my own roll!!! Ps. I LOVE that Hoodie!!!

GRACIE girl! I found this on my phone,

Everytime I told her to smile she'd lean her

head... So funny. How did we ever live with out

this Child?

**Busy week, but fun week. Got another hair cut, it is awesome.

I had a really great sunday at Church in my new ward. everyone is so nice,

and wonderful. I really like my new place.

**we got our TV hooked up. 100 chanels later, I spend way too much time on that couch... mamma's boys is my fav right now. LOVE IT.

Busy, busy!

Nirth carolina here I come...

Pictures likr crazy...

NEW YEARS! it was so fun this year!
drank a red bull and would not stop dancing... I couldn't! I think you can Kinda see that in my eyes. IT WAS SO FUN.

This is mellisa, A friend I've had for a long time!

I think this one is cute... i don't know why... Micah is an ALLSTAR.

this is Halloween spanish ward party. And my girl JULi.

Myah and joe went to sing to older people with me. They were so good! I'm glad I got to share what Christmas is all about for me.

She was so good to them. We had a good time, I'm not going to lie.

Brig and his last game of the season. He wouldn't let me take a pic so i had to sneek...

Seriously?

I just got done working a VERY complicated and LAME case... and needed a break. UG. (vent time) I honestly love my job (it's like my life: family, food, friends, religon all in one buliding) But there are alot of REALLY pathetic People out there who don't need help but try to work the system all they can. Legally, all I can say is I think I came face to face with one of the worse this morning!!!!!!!!!! I deserve a couple minutes to Blog :)

I was checking my Email... I got this from a friend in the office... I can Idendify completely and got a good little chuckle.

None of that Sissy Crap
Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems?
Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship.
You will see no cutesy little smiley faces on this card-
Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.
1. When you are sad --I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in. (oh so true!)
4. When you're scared -- we will high tail it out of here.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining, ya big baby!!!! (I love this one!!!)
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick --Stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.
8. When you fall -- I'll pick you up and dust you off--
After I laugh my butt off!! (a true friend)
9. This is my oath...I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask -- because you are my FRIEND!
Friendship is like peeing your pants,
everyone can see it,
but only you can feel the true warmth.

sO EXCITED!

Excuse me for almost not being able to contain myself... Drum roll please...
I'm going to NOrth Carolina/ DC!!! Right in time to see the president take office and for Martin Luther King Jr. Day!!! Of course the trip isn't until Jan 15th but I'm so excited!!! I think the excitement just may get me through he Christmas season.

I'm going to see one of my Bfffff's (lol), from back in the "before Alaska" days. She was one of those people that instantly told me my butt looked big and then we switched pants to solve the problem. I have been wanting to get out of Utah for some time, and am so excited to finally get out and see my Virgy.

Also, doesn't hurt that I get to be in DC during one of the most exciting times in history. I'm pretty sure I'll also be able to witness the Million Man March... (awesomeness).

Other than that, Just trekking along... My family was all here for thanksgiving and weeks before. Fun. I started Acutane, and will be moving in with roommates asap. (I get the joy of interviewing people to take my spot in my current apt this week). I'm trying to figure out whether to stay in my Current ward, or go to another... decisions.

Work Is crazier than ever. Like seriously crazy. I have a massage planed for every weekend (thank you to amazing benefits), and will be working extra hard at the GyM. (again thank you to awesome benefits). I think everyone could use a little help shaking off the stress of the seasons.

My parents left on Monday morning and I already Miss my mom.

OK so... I'm needing to go somewhere for Christmas. I was thinking of Vegas, or San Diego... some where to get away... Any ideas? I'd love to hear what everyone thinks would be a nice, reasonable get way for the break. I have 4 days vacation time I can use...

Love you all!!

fun

life...

Another day in the life... let me just explain.

Wakey wake off to work, start cup one of hot coco (that's to Lamar my Momita at work I have Stephens mint!!!) I usually get in to the office to find messages from all my friends on my phone. Probably about 5 each morning. Each person on the other side of the message having their own emergencies to which I am the savior... (in their eyes).

After I address the messages and search all the programs working with the cases, I usually need another cup of coco. This time extra Chocolate. With my fresh cup of coco, I am ready to face my case load. I pull up my "alert" page. "Alerts" are the tasks that have to be completed to maintain my cases. They are auto- sent from out computer programs and are the things that have to be completed on my cases. At any time a state work has various pages of alerts, I at this point have 6 pages. These alerts could include anything from Reviews, to new Applications, and minor things like verifications that have been turned in.

Fast forward to lunch... about 1 pm or when ever I can get away from "changing lives." LUNCH. Juli is one of my Closest friends at work. Lunch with Juli is a MUST. She recently got a bag of Tamales and that has been our alimentation the last little while. (love them)

Then back to the office. By this time my shoes are long gone, and I have pulled a chair under my desk to put my feet up and I'm on cup 6 of coco... Don't forget the Im's along the way. Shawn is another of Cher's BFF in the DWS world. We Im like no other. My head Phones, with some great tunes are also necessary to my survival.

About 5:30 rolls around and I'm either finishing up case work, or way too far into case work to be able to leave. Hopefully, I'm heading home for the day with a brief run over to the GYM. (We heart curves.) Every day of the week I have some sort of Church activity going on. LITERALLY EVERY NIGHT. So the rush after the gym, to change and get to the activity, then I get to go home. Usually around 8:30 - 9 at night.

Seriously, that's life. Morning, everything starts all over. The weekend are usually packed with dates, or some sort of social gathering... like non stop. I also have been going to the Chiropractor every other Friday, and getting full body massages. I also have been going to the Dermatologist- I AM STARTING ACUTANE TODAY. I have pledged not to get prego, and done the blood testing... I'm ready to go.

So not that life to busy, of too difficult. Just that there is allot of stuff that needs to be done, it seems like it is ever part of the day I have things pulling at my time. ONE TOP OF EVERYTHING ELSE, I AM DATING!!!! (A tone none the less). Life in Provo has been such an answer to many many prayers.

Busy, and stressed, torn between different things to do all the time, BUT DANG HAPPY. NOT only happy but becoming who I should be. Can't really complain about whats right.