Adventures With...

Leones y Tigres y Osos, ay mi!

2011-11-16T16:28:00.000-08:00

LUNES

Monday we went to Palermo, which is supposed to be a newer 'up and coming' neighborhood in the city of Buenos Aires with lots of restaurants and shopping. We got off the subway there and were standing in the middle of a plaza determining which way to go when an old man just face plants right behind me and starts going into a grand mal seizure. His dentures popped out and his face is bloody from hitting the pavement, and his seizure goes on for about 40 seconds. Fortunately someone near us called 911 (yes, it's the same, i prob wouldve asked something like 'hey, whats the number to 911 here?') and the police were there in like less than a minute. So after that strange event, we went to a garden where I met a bunch of venice's friends, we had a delicious lunch which involved more meat for me, and we did some (window) shopping and then headed home.

Venice's drunk Argentine cousin

MARTES

We went to TEMAIKEN! It's an aquarium, zoo, and botanical gardens all in one, and it was fabulous. We took a charter bus there, it was like an hour away and we got to see the suburbs of the city (quite different from downtown, lots more poverty and a lot more run down), and then we arrived in Escobar where the park is. It was clean and super well laid out and pretty and awesome and we got to see a good portion of it. Nothing was in English so I got to learn a lot of animal names in Spanish, there were lots of great exhibits, I especially loved the sharks swimming above us! We ended the day with walking along Ave Santa Fe and then dinner at a restaurant where there was a Colombia vs. Argentina soccer game going on, and when Messi scored, there was an eruption of cheers as if everyone there had won the lottery. The service was a bit slower than normal as the cook and waiter and everyone in between had their eyes on the game. Don't worry, Argentina won.

Tender wallabee moment

flamingo quarrel

MiERCOLES

We did a tour of the Teatro Col on (yes, I laughed at that name - and yes there's an accent over the second o which i am too lazy to figure out how to do) which is one of the most famous opera houses around. it was super impressive, we got to sit in some of the box seats and watch the pit practice for tonight's performance. We went to Patio Bullrich which is a fancy mall downtown and ate in the foodcourt and did some shopping and got desert- delicious ice cream at Freddo's, and then headed home. Lots of walking : ) But it is needed after all the food I'm eating. Hope all is well in the estados unidos!

(Mozart statue in foyer of teatro colon- vickyj-remember when you'd always wanna watch Amadeus? Also, when you used my oboe paper? )

Los Caballeros y La Casa Rosada

2011-11-12T20:06:00.001-08:00

So, it's late and we just got home, they weren't kidding about people in Buenos Aires being up late, we had to wait 20 minutes to get a table at a pizza place for dinner at midnight, and there was still a line when we left. It's awesome. Anyway, I'm tired so I will briefly summarize today's main events:

We got to tour the Casa Rosada- which is the Pink House and is basically the Argentine version of the White House, and it was awesome.

I chose a good day to wear Argentina colors.

I met Armando. We hit it off, I thought maybe we should start dating.

I caught Armando texting a girl named "Victoria" saying "hey, I'll see you tonight ;)" and I was like omgosh Armando, emoticons? We are so done.

So then, what's the best revenge? Go out with his hotter friend. So this is me and Marco. This photo was taken after we'd been going steady for about 17 seconds. We're prettymuch a match made in la casa rosa.

So me and Marco are really happy, but when I got home late tonight there was Hot Doorman who appeared in his mid twenties and looked fine in his security uniform drinking a pepsi to get through the night shift. Mom tried to set us up saying that I had just drank a pepsi, too. I'm surprised that didn't seal the deal. Don't get me wrong, I haven't given up on Marco completely, but I do have my eye on Hot Doorman. Also, Armando texted, he wants to 'talk' over lunch. Yea right, I think I'll show up there with Marco. Or Hot Doorman.....

Ha llegado

2011-11-11T17:29:00.000-08:00

I've arrived in Argentina. Our flight from LAX to Lima, Peru was long but not too bad. Our flight to Buenos Aires got cancelled because of ashes from the volcano blowing, but four or so hours later we got a flight and landed in Buenos Aires. John, an Irishman raised in England now Argentinian picked us up and took us straight to our apartment which was very nice. He told us lots of great things he loved about the city. The apartment is a studio, but it's nice, the decoration is...well,- this one is for you, Veronica:

I find it tasteful and classic. Our view from the balcony is pretty typical in downtown:

I kinda wish i had binoculars and could recreate that Hitchock movie, minus the wheelchair broken leg or whatever part:

So today, Friday, we went downtown to Galerias Pacificos, a really nice mall and to Florida St where they have lots of shops and vendors. The mall was beautiful inside:

We went to the food court in Galerias Pacificos, and it's not your average food court. It was about brunch time, and I walked up to one place which had a bunch of "value meal combo" options that came with fries and a soda, but they were all cuts of meat. A menu of just steak. I have finally found my place in the world. Ejemplo:

I don't know if you can see it, but it's all just pictures of meat. We sat down there and I ordered steak obviously, it was delicious and super cheap. He asked if I wanted a sideorder, I said no, just gimme the steak:

After, we went to a department store so I could get a flat iron since it is tradition for me to break or fry my flatiron everytime I go to another country, no exception here, but at least now i dont need a converter. I will, however need a converter to use it when i get back to the US. Oh well : )

We took a stroll through Plaza San Martin which is pretty:

And finished the day at a bakery where I got 2 empanadas and some sandwiches de miga and then to the supermarket "Disco" where we got some ñoquis and fresh bread and Brie. I may gain 10 pounds. Tomorrow hopefully we will go to the Casa Rosada where Evita gave her famous speeches from the balcony:

Hasta manana o algo.

Gnarpic

2011-04-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

Nothing says spring like a sunny snowboarding session:

Untitled from Melanie B on Vimeo.

Let's Make A Deal

2011-03-29T22:22:00.001-07:00

One time I went on a gameshow, I met wayne brady, i wore a penguin costume, and i didnt really win anything. but it was pretty memorable none the less, especially from all the random ppl telling me..... i think i saw u on tv in a penguin costume..... If you found yourself wondering the same thing...yes, that was me.

Here's the link, I'm the first contestant:

http://www.cbs.com/daytime/lets_make_a_deal/video/?pid=nlCz3oQJ4f6SLHdACORon5_t50nVz1OX

Speaking of Bieber

2011-02-08T22:45:00.000-08:00

When I get an email that says "star in a music video with justin bieber", I don't just ignore it. I immediately drop everything even if it's almost 11 at night and i have to pack for a flight in the morning. But let me tell you, it was worth it. And not just because it proves Biebs and I make a great couple, also because this is probably the best I have ever danced in my life:

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

And in case you missed the close up:

Who's going to see Never Say Never with me????

America's Next Top Bieber

2011-01-14T17:28:00.000-08:00

So the other day on my first of two slurpee runs for that day, I saw this magazine cover:

I looked at his girlish face and thought, Justin Bieber has an America's Next Top Model face. That blank slate Tyra is always talking about, he is perfect. So, I took it upon myself to pursue my theory and see how Justin Bieber would compare as an ANTM contestant:

Next up, Bieber vs. McKell:

Bieber vs. Samantha

So are you still not convinced? Okay, I put bieber in the lineup, see if you can pick him out:

Think you found him? Cuz I put him in twice. 5th from the left and 2nd from the right.

Ok then, how about this one:

Yeah, it was meant to be. Who's with me in nominating Bieber for the next cycle?

the Christmas Sweater

2010-12-29T18:11:00.001-08:00

Ok, I know -- my last blog post was about my cat, and this blog post is about my cat. This trend is exponentially decreasing my normalcy rating. Whatever. For anyone who thinks that cats don't have personalities, I think you will be proved wrong in this picture where Venice is giving me her scowling look of disapproval after I tried to put a size small Christmas sweater on her. Turns out, they dont really sell cat sweaters, so I had to get a dog sweater. And they listed the breeds of dogs under each size. Why I thought that she'd be the same size as a chihuahua, i don't know, it just goes to show I've never had a dog. My apologies for giving you a muffin top venice, next time when a sweater is supposed to fit from neck to base of tail, I will measure before purchasing.

My Cat may be an Alcoholic

2010-10-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

Around 1:30am last night, I found myself meeting two drunk men on the dark streets of huntington beach to pick up my cat who had found them at a bar and followed them home....

A little after 1 am, a number I didn't recognize tried calling me a couple of times, and then left this voicemail:

Yes, that's right " your cat venice was found at a bar". That bar is not that close to my house, it's about 6 blocks away, and when I called the guy back, he said "Yeah your cat was hanging around the bar, and then she just followed us home", they lived another 5 blocks away from the bar. My little hoodrat...i mean cat.... hangs around bars all hours of the night, follows men home, and then comes back smelling like cigarettes and booze!!! The guys were nice enough to walk her in my direction, I met up with them, pulled venice out of the inebriated young man's jacket which reeked of cigarettes, as did venice, and took her home as she GROWLED at me, like I had an angry teenager that was pissed at me for embarrassing her after being out past curfew....

Maybe she's frustrated with home life because of the possums that hang around our house and try to eat her food :

But my dad and I spent about 16 hours building her a possum-proof, weather-proof, state of the art multi-level cat house with custom carpet, slanted roof for rain control, windows, and high rise feet to keep the bottom dry...

So, I think she has it okay here. I wish I could say it was the first time she got out of hand, but last week a boy named Gavin returned her, and a few months before, someone texted me to tell me she had entered a house party on 12th st. So, if you see this girl hanging around the local bars, please, send her home...

The Juliana Theory

2010-09-05T23:13:00.000-07:00

My favorite band of all time. They broke up about 4 years ago, and they came back one last time for a farewell concert. My very first concert ever was seeing The Juliana Theory at the Troubador in LA with Kari, and now, we got to see them for one last time at the El Rey theater in LA. Here's a little video clip I made with some of the best moments of the show.

Juliana Theory, Final Farewell to Los Angeles from Melanie B on Vimeo.

Kari and I got to meet the band afterward (while Lisa played valet and went and got our car), and they were sooo nice and such an amazing group of people, they stayed after to sign autographs for every single fan and take pictures with them:

Brett, Josh F, Chip, Josh K & Chad.

Some of my favorite memories of playing the drums in my room was with my headphones on and Juliana Theory blaring- especially "If I told you this was killing me" or "Congratulations" or "DTM" or "Top of the World. I think their lyrics are brilliant and the thing I've always loved most about them is that they are even better live than they are on their cd, that's the mark of a truly amazing band.

Thanks for the memories Juliana Theory,

Forever yours,

Melanie.

Let's Get This Summer Started

2010-06-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

So the day after my last final, which was all the way back at the end of May, I started summer with a bang. We went to the Long Beach Aquarium, followed by Disneyland, followed by a Movie (Letters to Juliet, loved it), and then home to hang with Venice who was neglected during finals.

Then, I do that thing, where I stay up late, dont wake up til noon, take a nap at one, do nothing most of the day.

Then, the Walters came and we had LA day which was awesome-- we did Brea Tar Pits & the Lamp posts outside the LACMA, Phillippe's, the Farmer's Market, and Santee Alley. Good times!

And I got to take some pictures of Melissa's baby the adorable little Leena

And then, it was that stay up late thing again.

So now, I am going to publicly post my summer to do list and hopefully some people can help me make this happen before my internship starts on July 6 when ill be working 8am to 7pm.

- WATER PARK (i LOVE waterparks, raging waters/wild rivers/whatever, lets go!!)

- Surf More- Old man's, newport, mondos, and more BEACH TIME

- Roller Boogie Photoshoot (A $cott)

- Dodgers Game - (All you can eat night anyone??)

- LA Day part II - (Morales?)

- Ventura Day (Sarah?)

- San Diego Day

- ZOO- san diego/la?

- Finish all the seasons of Grey's Anatomy (Marty we got this one)

Ok, I'll stop there before I get carried away. Now, it's time to execute this list. I will start by taking a nap and sleep on it.

Oh, but this weekend....trip to the other slightly less awesome half of the state, but with many wonderful people in it. Audj, Tiff, Michelle, Ashlin- I hope to see you all!

Exercise Your Face

2010-04-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

Guys, your face needs a workout too. Don't just spot train those beach muscles this summer...

'no double chin for us!'

Telephone

2010-04-12T11:47:00.001-07:00

Spring break. Spare time finally. Sort of. Now its over, but here is proof that I spent some time not pretending to study/really napping in my room:

OC Cast

2009-12-11T23:49:00.001-08:00

Today I stumbled across this little gem......

You're Welcome.

Meet Venice

2009-12-03T13:10:00.001-08:00

This is the kitten I got. She is not really a kitten anymore cuz I've had her for a couple months now, perhaps a kittween. But she's really cute. My mom is convinced her mother mated with a raccoon. Can't be sure. You should come meet her, she is currently in my garage chasing ping pong balls so she wont jump on my laptop while I write papers. Yay for Venezia.

she's pretty cute

but kind of reallly cross eyed

so, since she probably sees 4 brents in that fishbowl instead of 1, he is probably safe but just in case i took precautionary measures...

And, since she nearly knocked down the Christmas tree and took half the ornaments with her, I think it's time to put this little present from A. Scott to good use....

The Tool Chart

2009-11-04T21:11:00.001-08:00

I cannot take all the credit for this flawless system of determing whether or not boys are date material or not. In one of our multiple senior years of college, Vicky & I (with some help and inspiration from CarrotTop) came up with this brilliant system of [somewhat] objectively determing whether boys were simply worth it or not.

All too often, girls will have blinders on whilst dating and no matter how many times their friends tell them 'he's a tool', she will continue on in a relationship with a boy whom she will later be disgusted by the fact that she even went out with once. Or, maybe she is unsure about the guy and needs to weigh the pros and cons. Well, here is the unbeatable system of determining if you really have found Mr. Right.

And while I personally think this criteria is universal and infallible, some may change the categories of the tool chart to fit their own preferences. Be warned however, trying to change the tool chart criteria while in the relationship often means you've got a case of the blinders, and you're just trying to rationalize. Think about it.

Simply fill out the columns and add up the points, it's that simple.

[These are real examples, actual names have been omitted for privacy and shame prevention]

And a little tool chart guide for you:

20+ = TOOL CITY- what were you thinking!?

12+ = DUMP HIM

6-12 = VAMOS A VER

0-6 = MARRY HIM!

	Mr. A	Mr. B	Mr. C	Mr. D	Mr E	Mr F
Not From CA (3) +2 provo	3			1	3
Uses word "Cali" (3)	3				3	3
Red Head (2-5)			2	5		2
Not Funny (3)	2		3	3		3
Self-Centered (3)	3		3		3	2
Jerk/Ignoring (3)		3	3
Shirtless Pics (3)	2	3			3
Too Forward (3)			3		3	3
Dumb (3)	3.5		3			(scores pending)
Not Sports Fans (2)						2
Too Short (3)		1.5	3
Clingy (3-7)						7
Misc Toolish Bhvr (1-5)	4				3	5
Runing Totals:	19.5	7.5	20	9	18	27

You're Welcome.

{I wonder if PT school will accept this as my Masters Thesis?}

My Los Angeles Dodgers

2009-10-15T23:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Dodgers,

It's okay that we lost the first game, let's hang in there and make it to the world series. I know you can do it. Don't let the Phillies stand in your way once again, we're better than that. Just know, that whatever happens, I'm yours.

Always and Forever,

L. Nugglesworth, Dodger Fan

I love the Dodgers. And California. That is all.

P.S. Andre Ethier: Marry me? thx. xoxo.

Ketchup ((like, catch-up))

2009-09-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, Tippy that was a random 'haven't blogged in forever blog'. So here is my catch up- I went to Italy, I went to New Jersey and New York to visit Veronica, (I actually did sorta blog about those trips here: http://web.mac.com/nugglesworth/Nugg/Blog/Blog.html) we moved to a new house a block closer to the beach and a lot closer to my favorite taco establishment, then I had 6 grueling weeks of summer school, one week off to hit the beach with the family, and now I am back in all day everyday school. Here's a few highlights:

I took this video after having to listen to this for a block on Main Street, why would anyone ever buy their child these flip flops.....?

Went to a Beyonce concert [[she is A-MAZING]]:

Sarah came to visit and I tried working on my portrait taking skills since thus far I seem to only be into photographing landscape:

Hung you with my cousins, and friend...
Spent some time at Disneyland...

I hit the beach with my family...

This is my 6 year old nephew, look out for him in surfing magazines in about 10 years....
We are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of my sister's 4th boy : )

And last, here are the people I spend all day everyday with, CSULB's Physical Therapy Class of 2012...

2 days, 300 Miles

2009-09-16T23:16:00.001-07:00

So my car was low on coolant, naturally I ignored that for a couple days. Well, apparently it was a coolant emergency cuz then my car was smoking when I got to school. Seven hundred dollars and a new radiator later, the Chief is back in action. But, I needed a car to drive to school the two days Chief was out of commission. Well, Sean at Hertz said he wanted to make my day and surprised me with a free car upgrade, he even put the top down for me to peel out of the parking lot in style;

A 2010 Mustang convertible. So I put over 300 miles on it in 2 days. It definitely softened the blow of paying for car repairs. And let me tell you, there is nothing like driving down PCH on a sunny day with the top down. Thank you Sean from Hertz.

Twilight

2009-06-26T23:02:00.000-07:00

If you watched the movie, you'll probably appreciate this...

Finals

2009-05-18T10:57:00.001-07:00

It's finals week. Which means massive amounts of soda, candy & finding anything online to distract myself from what I need to study. Like blogging. Or thinking about where I'm going to be in exactly ONE WEEK:

Yes, I'm actually going to Italy- not the venetian in Vegas. A ten day tour of Italy. Self guided of course. I can't wait.....but maybe I should work on studying for those finals first....

Melissa Morales, MSW

2009-05-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Ever since the first time we met and she expressed her love for my over the top Dodger shoes, I knew it was going to be a true, lasting friendship. THIS GIRL (thumbs pointed at myself) LOVES Melissa Morales! I don't know what I ever did without her. She makes Huntington Beach that much better. And I hope she stays here ...... for a very long time.... like say, more than the summer : ) She is graduating from USC and so this is a tribute you, Melissa! Love you!
[[Photo Stills by the talented anDREa Filio]]

Pierside Pistols

2009-05-03T22:49:00.000-07:00

We are the Pierside Pistols, Huntington Beach's premier powderpuff football team. This Saturday's victim: Palo Alto. All the single ladies of Stanford drove down here for the sole purpose of having some actual competition (apparently San Francisco's team did not provide such). Well, we hope you enjoyed the beach as a consolation prize because final score: Pierside Pistols 13, Palo Alto Bumblebees: 0.

Boo- Yah!

Swine Flu

2009-05-03T21:32:00.000-07:00

I don't believe it's as serious as the media makes it out to be. But either way, I couldn't have picked a better week to feed my teacher's pigs and other farm animals. Especially the 3 sick pigs i had to hand feed separately....

The goats were pretty cool though...

And as for Fish Sticks and Mr. Chips, well I just tried to stay out of their way...

My New Favorite Place

2009-03-06T19:09:00.000-08:00

Ever since I was introduced by my classmate Jess who I came here to study with last week, the Huntington Beach Library and I have been inseparable. It's my new favorite place and I just love it! It's in the middle of Central Park in Huntington which is this crazy huge park with trails and trees and ponds and fountains and botanical gardens and even a couple cafes. The library is really awesome it has huge glass windows so you can overlook the park and the water as you study and it gets tons of light and is spaced out. Oh man, I just love going here to study, it doesn't feel like I'm being locked in cubicle in the basement. And after it closed today, Niko & I went around and took some pictures in the park so I thought I'd share.....

view from the desk....

inside the library

studying essentials...

some pictures from the park around the library....

Happy

2009-02-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have those days where you just can't stop smiling or laughing to yourself for no apparent reason? Those days when it doesn't matter how much you accomplished or what you have to do you are just... happy. Well, I've had a lot of those days lately. I think I can contribute it to a combination of the sunshine and the warmth on my face, the beautiful beach, the palm trees, and most importantly- the amazing people I have around me. I have the privilege to associate with so many wonderful people on a daily basis that I just can't help but keep a smile on my face. The great examples of all the wonderful people at my church who are always so friendly and selfless. Each of my roommates who can always put a smile on my face for a different reason- I appreciate them all. The friends I've made at school make me grateful I chose to go where I did and I couldn't be happier about their friendship and loyalty. My best friends that I have here who are always there for me, to listen to my daily awkward stories and always give me plenty of reasons to smile. So I guess this blog post is just to simply state two things, I am happy and I am grateful for that. So thank you.

And seriously, with a view like this on your drive to and from school everyday, how can you be anything but happy?

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2009-01-03T01:54:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, I know I did. It was great to have the whole family there at home for all of the festivities. I put up a gallery of all the Christmas photos I took here: http://gallery.me.com/nugglesworth

As for New Years, it was fabulous. A bunch of us in the ward got a cabin in Big Bear and it was amazing. Great people and lots of fun and snowboarding in the sunshine was the cherry on top.

As for my resolution this year.....

New Years Resolution: Don't Drink Soda
Day Resolution Broken: January 2nd, 2009
Where Infraction Occurred: 7-11 in Big Bear
Infraction type: Dr. Pepper ... Big Gulp ...32oz.
Witnesses/Accomplices: Arin, Shannon and Andy.

Better luck next year. Happy 2009 everyone!

Farewell To A Friend

2008-12-30T23:19:00.000-08:00

His name is Ludwig (original, I know) and he was like a brother to me. He slept next to me every night for 5 years and then when I came back to visit for the next 5 years he was still there to welcome me home and stay by my side. He let me hit him as much as I wanted for anger management, he was always ready to rock out and party with me whether it was smooth jazz or hard rock, and he never let me down. I won't forget the good old days, Ludwig- our long jam sessions to the Jimmy Eat World and Juliana Theory albums, our Owkin days, or even my Shakira phase, (let's be honest it wasn't just a phase) they hold a special place in my heart. Here's to you Ludwig, may you rest in peace in self storage as mom turns our special jam sesh space into a guest room. Thanks for the memories.

To My Lovely Tippy

2008-12-14T19:07:00.000-08:00

On the birthday of my beloved friend Tiffany Austin, I would like to look back at all the great things that exist because of her and the great memories with her that I hold dear in my heart. So here's a brief list for my dearest Tippy on the day she turns 24:

   (sophomore year in the HFAC)

- Without Tippy the name "Nugg" would not exist, nor this blog for that matter as she is the one who once asked me, do you want your name to be 'lil hooker boot' or 'lil nugg'? I opted for Lil Nugg, and it changed my life. While there are many variations of the nickname Lil Nugg, (she told me I was tender like a little chicken nugget), Tippy will always be the reason I have that name and so, I thank you.
   (Tippy at me and V's graduation dinner)
- Lacrosse just wouldn't have been the same. I was the student trainer for the lacrosse team for a whole year and Tippy went on almost all the trips as her dear husband Joshua was a superstar and captain for the lax team. Those wonderful nights of meeting her in her hotel room, singing gwen stefani in the back of a 12 passenger rapist van, and occasionally even getting to share a bed and then hit up the local nightlife (aka the strip and $5 tables).
   (LAX National Championship in Dallas)

-Sophomore and Jr Year.... Tippy was my roommate for 1.5 of those and without her as my roommate there would be several key things missing in my life. And i mean KEY:
1. She instilled in me a great love for funfetti cake
2. She taught me that potato bugs were real
3. She helped me gain an obsession for RVCA clothing
4. She helped me through my first game of blackjack and all the way to $100 in profit
5. She gave me a blackjack problem because of the above result
6. She taught me how to make delicious fresh salsa, furthering my salsa addiction
7. She reminded me how much I love cream soda
8. She tried to teach me how to save money and possibly slowed my downward spending spiral
9. She taught me that there is never an excuse to wear jean on jean. or gladiator sandals for that matter.

   (Tippy & I in Vegas)
   (Tippy was one of the few ppl to ever agree to ride w/me on my scooter)
   (making salsa)
   roommates at V's wedding

and last,
The fact that Tippy and Josh were possibly going to live near Huntington Beach was one of the deciding factors in my choice of where to go to Grad school and live for the next 3+ years. Unfortunately, Tippy has not yet escaped the state of Utah, but when she does, I'm here waiting for her. And so is the amazing beach weather and south coast plaza and christmas boat parade.

I love you Tippy, thank you for being born!

   Team Sprinklz bowling

(( Sorry if this was poorly written....it's finals week.....))

Saturday Morning

2008-11-23T20:09:00.001-08:00

So it was a Saturday morning and we had all just woken up and were sitting on Lisa's bed discussing our plans for the day when the steepness and awesomeness of my loft stairs was mentioned. I believe Staci said something about a laundry basket and Lisa said, let's do it. Here's what we came up with:

Be sure to turn on the sound for maximum enjoyment- lisa's chicken run noise, slamming bodies, etc.

Yes, injuries were sustained in the filming of this video.

I must say though, I like lisa's description of the events better: http://lisawardlisa.blogspot.com/2008/11/my-mom-did-not-find-this-video-funny-i.html

In other news, life is great. Come visit.

xoxo,
gossip gi...err...melanie.
(yes, I am gossip girl's newest #1 fan)

Cousins

2008-10-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

In addition to the last post, I thought I'd put up this little gem. Cristina, me and Veronica when we were like 1,2 and 3 or something like that. Some things never change- like Veronica's picture perfect smile, me looking shy/akward, and Cristina's pure awesomeness.

clearly, i really dont want to study.

Vicky J

2008-10-06T12:28:00.001-07:00

I will elaborate on this later since I'm supposed to be studying, but in the meantime I would just like to proclaim that i miss my dear best cousin friend Veronica Jean Walters Roberston III. We were roomies from freshman year to our....well super/super super senior years. I want to go to deltay and get tattoos, eat my feelings at lon's, go to walmart and have her write poop on the window while i get pissed my car won't start, avoid countless awkward parties, show up on a friday night to go to the library and realize the entrance is blocked by a school dance, play tony hawk until the early hours of the morning, and spy out of windows at those who actually had social lives. Vicky J, I miss you.....

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Permanence

2008-09-02T00:26:00.001-07:00

Permanence

Yes, it is a word and it finally describes my life. For the past 5 years I have been moving every 4-8 months and that is anything but permanent. Last year I lived in 4 different places in one year. Granted, 3 of those were in the same city, but you know what I mean. I was so tired of moving in and out that I stopped fully moving in. I had unpacked boxes I just shoved under my bed and I stopped bothering to decorate my room. Although, this was mostly because of the time in my apartment with the view of the snowy Wasatch mountains, I had entirely covered the bedroom wall with a years subscription worth of Surfing magazine pages I had ripped out (to remind me there was still an ocean out there). But tragically that night my 6 hours of labor were all undone when I woke up in a sea of magazine pages which had rained all over me during the night. I said to myself, forget it- I’ll be moving out in a couple months anyways.

But something happened yesterday that changed all of this: it was the purchase of a Scotch tape dispenser. There I was in Target knowing I needed more tape as my cheap Western Family brand disposable one had run out, and I looked at all the disposable invisible tape options until suddenly my eyes caught hold of this beauty…..

It looks so simple, but it was the pivotal moment for me in the realizing that I had finally achieved permanence. I thought to myself, it’s time I buy a real tape dispenser, none of this searching through unpacked boxes for a disposable tape dispenser and then borrowing mom’s when I go home, no I need my own, my real, my official…permanent scotch tape dispenser. And now it sits on my desk as a symbol of stability and achievement.

But why did this matter so much? It’s odd to me that this small tape dispenser was what it took to make me realize my permanent and independent situation. Everything I buy, it’s mine and I will have it for a long time to come and it is finally permanent. I’m no longer buying twin sheets for some college dorm room that I won’t use in 2 years or a temporary dresser to fit the ridiculously small apartment rooms I had to live in. No, this is different.
I thought the realization that I was finally moving on and grown up would come upon graduation, or maybe upon moving into my new house. My parents came and redecorated my loft and then I bought a nice chair and tv to complement their hard work and I started feeling a bit more settled.

But even then, it hadn’t quite clicked that this wasn’t temporary and that I was on my own. You’d think the fact that I signed up for my own cell phone plan and pay for it, that I had to choose and pay for my own health insurance plan, that I pay my own rent and utilities, that I paid for my car or even that I do all my own grocery shopping and meal planning (ok that’s a lie let’s be honest I only eat out) would have made me realize this. No, there was a missing piece to the puzzle. And I finally found it, a single scotch tape dispenser that looked at me and said "This is it, welcome to the real world Melanie”.

Really, it did.

Summer Has Flown By

2008-08-24T23:31:00.000-07:00

So in theory, you blog about events and such as they happen but when you're lazy like me, here's how it goes down. I call this the Summer Summary. Or...My Summery:

I worked supervising the Corona Del Mar High School pool for the City of Newport Beach, and this consumed a good majority of my time but when all is said and done it was a pretty good job and there were some fun times:

Fun with our Super Slide

Splash Bash Party:

Surf's Up Movie Night:

Trying to light the BBQ:

Obstacle course:

Me being thrown in pool...

The "Incident"

Next Up- Tiffany and Audrey came to visit me in Huntington Beach!

Yes, we had pizookies 2 nights in a row and had a great day at Knott's Berry Farm:

oh, and i won this...

We had some fun in Hollywood and Av came along:

   Hollywood Boulevard
   This was right after Audrey got hit on in a Quickie Mart
Me awarding Sarah the "Best Student" Award (in hopes it'd inspire her)
   Groman's

And then me and my family took a little vacation to the beach (cuz I just can't get enough beach)

Trenton probably facebooking
Me & Trenton at the beach
My sister Jenn & her boys

Showing off Stratton's muscles

pirate game with Sophia

Matthew!

Jenn's Boys!

Weston's new wetsuit:

Trent is ready to go
Almost perfect picture
Avril came to visit!
Beach Cruisers at Night:

Sophia claimed Sarah as her new best friend:

That's all for now, I'm going to bed!!!

Bleeding Love

2008-06-28T23:03:00.001-07:00

I can't stop watching this dance routine. It is hip hop with emotion and it is amazing. This dance is just: wow. This video just amazes me to no end I like it more and more everytime I watch it. Napoleon and Tabitha are my favorite choreographers this season and Chelsie and Mark are my new favorites in the show. I hope you enjoy it.

OCC School of Sailing & Seamanship

2008-06-11T23:39:00.000-07:00

Today, I signed up for sailing lessons.

Don't worry, I'll start a waiting list for sail boat tours of Newport courtesy of Lil Nugg soon.

The New Place

2008-06-06T16:33:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are some pictures from my new place in Huntington Beach. I reside in the loft on the third floor, which is pretty nice cuz i have a huge sundeck right outside and I get plenty of sunlight. Four blocks to the beach isn't too bad either.

Front of the House

Front Patio
Kitchen/Patio

One of the many random 'bars' in our house

More kitchen
Downstairs living room complete with rock band, flatscreen, and love sac.

Laundryroom, garage, and bathroom are further back there too and dining room is behind where I'm taking the picture from:
Upstairs living room:

Stairs to the third level/my loft:

My loft/room and door to the balcony:

The balcony/sundeck with my new hammock:

My future study zone:

Well that's most of it, it has 3 other bedrooms and 2 other bathrooms and it's prettymuch awesome. I'm loving it so far!

Graduation

2008-06-03T11:31:00.000-07:00

Since it's long past due and I have much more to blog on, I am going to try to catch up quickly and start with graduation. I think the most memorable part of graduation was when we were all lining up to walk into commencement and it started snowing pretty bad and it was super windy. Everyone was like what the crap, it's april, why is it snowing still?? And as I'm wondering the same thing walking in our two single file lines into the marriott center- suddenly, a gust of wind and snow comes and blows my hat off. This was really awesome as we had just turned the corner to go into the building and I had to go running down the sidewalk in-between the two lines of graduates chasing my hat and tassel in my heels.... Fortunately I caught up to it and held on tight the rest of the way in.
Here's some pictures from all the .....fun:

On my way:

Pose with the parents:

The proud family:

Got it! [From the scary dean who I had to fight to approve my double major]

If you don't get this picture you should probably watch OC Season 3, last epsiode again (before she dies)

The "Graduate(s)"

Oh and yellow tassels are for Bachelors of Science and white are for Bachelors of Art, I'm not saying one is better than the other or anything...

Proud Parents

Mamacita y Yo

Snap a Pic with Ashlin:

Then off to the Afterparty (before the hotel lobby)

(Proud Aunt)

I think Cristina was telling the dirty children to stop running barefoot through the peanut dust...

I still love my Utah Tippy
Tippy and my Model Shot (getting ready)

(it didn't really work)
And to end the wonderful night, since Veronica wouldn't do it- I was forced to saddle up (I rode side saddle like a lady) and then the entire restaurant proceeded to yee-haw at me or something of that nature. Oh well, I rule.

New Post

2008-05-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

So a new post is coming soon with pictures from graduation and my new place in huntington when I go home and get the pictures. In the meantime here's a run-down on my recent daily activities:

- Sunbathing
- Surfing (kinda)
- Milkshakes
- Skateboarding to the liquor store for sparkling apple juice
- Not unpacking
- Not being responsible/employed
- Sleeping in until 1
- Disneyland
- Movies
- Tivo
- Hulu
- Eating (healthier)
- Mexican Food
- Farmer's Market
- Ikea trips and furniture assembly
- Bella Terra
- Watching the Lakers win
- Briefly attending parties/ward functions

That about covers it for the past few weeks. Unfortunately/fortunately, I meet with my new boss tomorrow morning at 730 am in Newport to discuss my new job over breakfast. Yes, I'll start working now. Oh and I got a haircut.

Champions!

2008-04-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

First, of all let's acknowledge that our soccer team won the BYU Intramural Soccer Championship:

Razzmatazz- Christie, Steve, Brit, Jenn, Paul, Brian, Tyler, Me

This has been my goal since i've been playing on an intramural soccer team every semester for 4 and a half years so uh.... thank you to Brit and his 4 goals and our sudden death overtime win one week before my graduation. I will treasure my Champion T-shirt forever. In fact, I'm wearing it right now.

Second, I went to the Jimmy Eat World concert and it was amazing:

Between my strange grin and sarah's hair...this is a weird picture, but it had to be documented.

And last, we made tacos on Sunday and had a grand time playing maffia and spoons which culminated with the most epic spoons game of all time. Oh, and I made my famous Zebra brownies!

Other than that, sorry to everyone I have ignored or hadn't had time to hang out with/respond to. Up until Saturday I was studying nonstop for my Athletic Training Licensing exam. And now because of my neglect of other subjects, I have a D in chemistry, I need a C for grad school, and the final is worth 20% of my grade. Needless to say, I need to work my butt off. There's so much to do before/after graduation and I'm looking forward to things slowing down a bit then. My parents come in like 5 days, yikes. Time to get back to chemistry.

By Popular Demand- The Dino Dance

2008-03-23T22:15:00.000-07:00

A Zachasaurus and Aljdon-rex original:

p.s. Happy Easter!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIA HAMM!!

2008-03-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, once again it's that wonderful Saint Patrick's Holiday- or better known to me as Mia Hamm's Birthday!!! She will be turning 36 (she was born March 17th, 1972 in Selma, Alabama- yes I've read her autobiography WAY too many times). So Happy Birthday Mia!

Oh and in case i didn't fill anyone in-- I got accepted to UNLV, CSU Long Beach, and CSU Northridge (where I def don't wanna go due to the live at home factor) and I withdrew my application from CSU Sacramento (sorry to Ashlin and Michelle, I was forced by my mother to do so). So I turned down UNLV on Friday due to the fact that it'll be over twice as much as CSU Long Beach and it's a lot further from home. It was REALLY tough to turn down the potential of being Dr. Melanie Bean, but I felt like Long Beach was a much better choice--- Vegas doesn't have a beach and we all know where I would end up with my blackjack addiction. Plus, if I really want it- I'll go on to get my doctorate after I finish my Masters. CSULB is halfway between my brother in San Diego and my sister and parents in Newbury Park, I'll be living near some of my bestest friends-- except sorry to Sarah who is stuck at BYU for a long time to come-- it's half the price of UNLV, and I get to live in Huntington Beach! Like Kari says, I'll finally have made it back to where I've belonged all along. Nothing puts me in a better mood than sun and surf, so eternal happiness here I come! Except maybe while I'm locked up in the cadaver lab. Eh well.
So here's to Long Beach! Go Beach!

And last, my tribute to Mia Hamm and her Dodgers husband Nomar and his RVCA shirt.

Oh, and Happy St Patrick's Day!!

Las Vegas and UNLV

2008-02-24T22:01:00.000-08:00

So I had an interview this weekend with the UNLV Department of Physical Therapy for the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program I applied to at their school. So, being only 5 or so hours from Provo- I decided to drive down there friday morning and go to my interview and stay the night there on the strip at Excalibur's and Sarah came with me.
Here's a brief summary of the weekends activities in picture format:
Our hotel room and view:

Getting ready to go out and our All You can Eat Buffet Dinner:

Sarah ate too much...

Then we went out around Excalibur...
Sarah made a friend:

Back In the Hotel Room, the view:

Sarah decides what else she can eat...

I was pretty excited about the swords I won:

So was Sarah:

Sarah's Friends:

And finally, some photos of UNLV:

Physical Therapy Department Building:

Student Fitness Center which was pretty sweet inside:

So now it's time to wait and see if I get an interview with Sac State so I can visit there too!!

Romney 2008

2008-02-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

The choice is clear for Republicans. Here are your options:

An experienced attractive LDS politician who has a very sensical view on healthcare and the economy.

A psychopath isolationist who will probably die of old age or crazyness while in the presidency and who just tries to run his campaign over the internet trying to steal the youth's vote with a super cool "Revolution" idea and the fact that he was a doctor about a bajillion years ago.

Or finally, John McCain the crazy war hungry fattykins whose economic and immigration plans are about as clear as mud and who is far too old and unattractive for me to have to look at in the news constantly.

So do the right thing. Vote Mitt Romney.

** On a side note, if you do happen to be a Democrat and you happen to vote for Hillary, I will attack you and all your socialist comrades with a soldering iron.

Mischa and Mexican Food

2008-01-24T15:47:00.000-08:00

So everybody knows I was borderline obsessed with the show The O.C. (and I just say 'borderline' in case somebody who knows I should be doing something better with my time reads this). I heard Mischa Barton was going to be at her movie premier at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City. I wanted to get tickets to the show but the box office opened at 8am and alas, I had a Physics Lab I was required to attend at that same time. So I thought maybe I could go up there early and get on the wait list- but by the time I got Sarah and we made it up to Park City and found parking and took the shuttle to the theater...it was about 45 mins before it started.

So, we decided just to walk around and see if maybe there's still seating or maybe we could see someone in the movie around the theater somewhere. So we get off the shuttle walk up to the front of the theater and we instantly here "Mischa's in that car". So I look up and see Mischa Barton walking right in my direction. I fumble for about 30 seconds to take off my gloves (it was literally 5 degrees there) and find my camera in my snow jacket pocket. I get it out and she is standing right in front of me signing autographs and talking to us fans, and I took this fabulous picture with terrible lighting and her looking down.

So then I hand the camera to Sarah so she can take a picture of Mischa and I, but here's how it turned out ------------>
(yep, nothing. clearly she wasn't planning on me walking to the right and Mischa leaving on the left to go into the theater).

Anyways we stand there for awhile in awe.... realize there's no way we can get into the movie cuz the wait list line was huge... and Sarah just says 'So we saw Mischa....' and I just nod and we both walk back to the shuttle to go back to Main Street and eat. I mean, we accomplished everything we came to do. So we had dinner at a Mexican restaurant on Main St, where of course my dreams came true with an all you can eat salsa bar and fresh guacamole. So we snapped some pictures, walked along the street, and returned home to watch the O.C. and yell "I know herrr" when we she came on. So here's my celebrity star meeting count:

BRETT DETAR (Juliana Theory)
SNOOP DOGG
LUDACRIS
and Mischa Barton!