Learn to Sew

I don't know about you, but my mother sowed a TON of my clothes growing up. Maybe it was just a generation thing but it must have been the thing to do in those days. I was never a fan of homemade clothes when the stuff at the department store was so much cuter. Now-a-days I'm learning to realize how handy a sewing machine really can be. Not only for clothes, but just about anything from curtains and simple mending jobs. The options are endless!

My roommate is a home-ec major with mounds of sowing knowledge. I wanted to start off simple by making pajama bottoms. Sure, I've sown before--year ago though--but never clothes. I needed a refresher and she was up for the challenge. So, one day we went over to my parents house and she showed me the ins and outs. We went to the fabric store to purchase a basic pattern and comfy fabric. Next, we cut out the pattern to fit my size, then hit the machine.

Four hours later, a run to In N Out Burger and some sore shoulders I made this... (Don't you just love the "K" on the top?) Not to shabby for a greeny, eh!?

Where I've been...

I've taken a bit of an unintentional hiatus from my blog. I inspired a handful of people to start up the same thing and here I am, procrastinating the progress of my very own creation. So, to rid you from all the fluffy details, I'll give ya the cliff notes.

You can see my date with The Mormon Bachelor, Rick Buck here. We had a blast together! In fact, a week after I sent in my application I was on my way to LA for our fun-filled date at Knotts Berry Farm. In the end I was not selected for a second date. No need to cry, unbeknownst to me I would meet someone very special in a few short weeks once all the MoBach hype slowed down.

I'd be kidding myself if I wasn't a bit discouraged at the beginning of the year when I had to modify my 30 before 30 list AND consider how I was going to get everything else done. Not to mention the cost involved too! Rather than completely giving up (not my style) I decided to work on those things I knew I could reasonably complete and, well, the other stuff would come in due time.

Now, on to the goo-ood stuff. I've been working on a few projects with family, friends and on my own which I can't wait to post! Stay tuned! However, I've been a bit distracted--for a good reason though! His name is David Mortenson. We met early February through a group of friends. I didn't think too much of him other than he was an attractive, accomplished, all American man. After he tracked me down on Facebook and another weekend group trip we were pretty much inseparable. Who knew! ;) We dated for three months while he lived in Southern Arizona before starting a new job in Kentucky. We've become masters of long distance communication, frequently soar the friendly skies with Southwest Airlines and take advantage of modern technology like Skype and Tango to its fullest. Needless to say, he's been a well worthy distraction, don't you think!?

Apply for the Mormon Bachelor

For the past few months I've been following a blog called, The Mormon Bachelorette. Just like the ABC television show, this blog is full of webisodes, vlogs and detailed stories of the journey to find true Mormon love. One of the finalists, Rick Buck, instantly became one of my favs. Unfortunately for Rick, he was not chosen for the final rose. However, the lucky man who was chosen by the bachelorette have TRULY found true Mormon love together and are engaged to be married in March. No joke...look for yourself!

Now, the roles have reversed and it's time for a Mormon Bachelor to take the stage and who could possibly be selected as the Bachelor, but the one and only Rick Buck. He's pretty much the cats meow!

I couldn't let the opportunity to apply for a date with him pass me by. So here goes nothing! My fabulous friend, Randy Peterson, added all the bells and whistles just in time before the application deadline. Let me know your thoughts!...and wish me luck!!

Crochet a Quilt...or maybe a scarf?

Growing up my mother would always be crocheting something; a quilt, baby blanket, pot holders, and I believe she even made booties! I knew it was my turn to learn this crafty craft and create something to keep me warm during the frigid winters here in Arizona. HA! Here's the pic by pic of how I learned to crochet a scarf.


Apparently, I purchased some of the hardest yarn to learn from. It weirded my mother out, but I figured it out through many trials and errors. Practice makes perfect, right?


My progress after a few rows...

So, in crocheting it's important to make sure you have the same number of stitches along each row. I got a bit carried away and completely lost track. Before long my scarf became a bit narrow. SO hilarious, but it's my first scarf so back off! ;)

Oh well...Let's just say it has personality...

TA-DA...Here's the finished scarf. I LOVE it...flawed and all!




Once I learned from all my mistakes I attempted to make another scarf. This one turned out nearly perfect. Notice the symmetry. Next, I plan to make a really nice quilt with fancy edges. It will take me a while...so I plan to do that over my Christmas break from work. I LOVE crocheting!!

Progress Report: Half Way Point

What's that you ask? How's my progress now that I'm 29 1/2? Well, let me give you a run down AND some bad news--not really, but it's my game so I can change the rules, right? Thought so! :o)

As of TODAY I have successfully completed 11 of the 30 Things to do before I'm 30. YAY!! Here's what I have in the works...

• Bubbles off the top of the Empire State Building: Believe it or not, when I was in NYC in October my friends were gracious enough to tag along as I ventured over to the Empire State Building. We checked the lines and the cost to go up to the top, only 20 bucks. Before I bought my ticket, I had a feeling I should look for bubbles. I was retarded and didn't think I'd have time to make it to the Empire State Building on our quick stop in the City and opted out of packing any myself. A City that NEVER sleeps and has pretty much everything at your disposal doesn't stock blow bubbles at the drug stores, not even at the Halloween stores. I looked in nearly a half dozen stores surrounding the Building. Nothing, Nada. Zilch. So there you have it. I was close but no cigar. Oh, but don't worry! I'll be back to NYC soon with a bottle of bubbles in hand!
• Buy my first Diamond: This one will be my VERY LAST thing to check off the list. Let's face it, a diamond is a girls best friend. Therefore, if I'm still single on my 30th birthday you better believe I plan to buy my first diamond. Not a ring--I'm saving that for Mr. Right. More along the lines of THIS. And, at what better place than from Tiffany & Co on 5th Ave in NYC.
• Take a Cake Decorating Class: This one I just need to schedule and attend. THEN, I need to make a cake. I was waiting for it to get cooler here in AZ so I would be willing to turn on the oven. Now is the perfect time to check this one off the list!
• Complete Temple work for 30 Family Members: I really didn't know how much time this would take, but I'm still up for the challenge. Slowly but surely it's coming along. I have about 12 names I'm currently completing the temple work for and with the assistance of my mother, I'll find more names to do.
• Hot Air Balloon: This one will be a tough one--it's seasonal and pretty pricey. So, I need to start some research to consider my options. I have always been fascinated with hot air balloons. I may be a bit claustrophobic in the basket, but I'm not afraid of heights so much. Anyone have connections?
  
• Attend an iMovie Class and make an iMovie: Here's the thing, I know how to make iMovies. In fact, I've made several. However, I'm an amateur and I know if I were to attend a simple class up the street at the Apple store I could learn so much. I just need to schedule the time. Simple as that! Anyone wanna come with?
• Make a Matching Necklace, Bracelet and Earring: I have the idea in mind and most of the beads. I just need to call a friend to show me the ropes. I'm SO excited to work on this project. Shouldn't be too difficult. Can't wait to show 'em off too!
• Learn to Jump on a Pogo Stick: I have the pogo stick. It's in my kitchen right now. Every once in a while I'll give it a whirl with the hopes I'll stay up, but I can't, YET. All in due time, right?
• Learn to Juggle Three Lemons: I've had a few people at work try to show me and I'm just not that coordinated with my hands, but I'm confident I'll figure it out so I can check this one off the list!
• Learn to Sew: I want to buy a sewing machine of my very own and start busting out some pretty neat stuff. My mother made a TON of my clothes growing up, which to this day I'm still embarrassed about (sorry mommy!). But I'm determined to get over it by making my own hip clothes. Maybe some PJ's that FIT my body type. Yeah, that's what I want to do! Who doesn't love some comfy, lounge around the house PJ's?
• Learn a song on the Piano: I LOVE the piano. I have envied those who can play. I even grew up with an organ in my house but NO ONE knew a thing about playing--Funny! So, all I want to learn is a simple song. Maybe a hymn. NOT Mary had a Little Lamb, and certainly not Bach. Something that I'll be proud of sharing with those around me! Anyone willing to take on the challenge to teach me?
• Make 30 Origami Dove Notes and Give to Friends: I have half of the doves completed. I just need to figure out how I'm going to attach a note and come up with the final list of people I plan to give them to. Hmm...this is clearly a work in progress.
• Price is Right: I want to go to a taping of the Price is Right. BUT, I'm not the biggest fan of the new host. Bob Barker was iconic to the game show industry and Drew Carey is good, but no Bob. I'll have to figure out how I'm going to complete this one.
  
• Reach my Goal Salary: This one is the reason for change. Ya see, my job performance reviews occurred semi-annually, but as of Sept 2010 they switched everyone to annual reviews. Thus slowing down my track of reaching my goal salary. Sure, I'll probably still hit it, but not by the time I'm 30. Maybe 30 1/2. ;) REPLACEMENT needed!!!! SO here it is. I'm applying to be on a "Show" called the Mormon Bachelor. It's a blog where a Mormon Bachelor is accepting applications of girls who are interested in going on a date with him. Yup, he's a hottie! He'll select 20ish girls to go on dates with, then narrow it down from there. The goal is to find true Mormon love. Duh! Who wouldn't want to do it this way, especially with a camera following you around so they can "vlog" about it for the whole world to see! SO fun and I'm going to do it. lol!
  
• Read Twilight Series: Geez! Out of all the things I listed on my 30 Before 30, this one I regret the most. So, here's where I'm changing the rules yet again to my own game. I'm going to scratch this one and REPLACE it with....The three books I recently purchased at Deseret Book. Hope by Russell M. Nelson; Whisperings of the Spirit by Nancy Murphy; and The Promise of Enough by Emily Freeman. I think you all can agree with me that these books will have a more profound impact on my life than a puppy love story about vampires and wolves.
  
• Reupholster Antique Furniture: I haven't done anything about this one. I'm looking forward to it, but I haven't had an eye out for a piece of furniture, nor have I been researching how to do it. I'm sure it'll be a learning process to say the least!
• Session at the San Diego Temple: In July 2010 I was in San Diego for the 4th with my friend, so we decided to do a session. We headed to the temple to find it CLOSED for the holiday! BLASTED! SO close, but it didn't work out. I was beyond bummed. I'll be back to complete this one!
• Use Passport 3 Times: This one will be the most expensive and time consuming. I was in Ireland in October and received my first stamp there. We went into Canada by car, which they don't stamp Passports that way. LAME!! Now I need to plan two international trips in the next 6 months--eeek! My friends and I want to go to Italy in March, but I need another country QUICK!
• Go Whale/Dolphin Watching: March is one of the best times to go whale/dolphin watching in San Diego. So, I'm planning on heading that way in March and maybe hit up the Temple while I'm there. Don't you just love that idea?! I DO!

And there you have it. I'm trying to convince myself that I'm not behind... I've got work to do and the clock is ticking!

PB&J anyone?

Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brothern, ye have done it unto me. Matt 25:40

I just have to giggle when I think of this item on my list--I have no idea where the idea came from but I really liked it, so I went with it! I had to make 30 Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches and feed the homeless. Not too difficult, right? Riiiiight!


I wanted to do it near Thanksgiving. Tis the season to service, show gratitude, charity and love towards those who may be less fortunate. I have been abundantly blessed with a beautiful home, incredible friends and family, and a great career which provides me more than I could ever need. In contrast, those who are less fortunate have to work long and hard to provide a simple meal for their family, or go without. I knew I had to give back! Here's the skinny on how it all went down.



On Monday, November 22nd, 2010, I quickly left work heading for the grocery store to stock up on PB&J. Surprisingly, it look me about an hour to prepare all 30 of the sandwiches! The thought ran through my mind of all the mothers out there who have to do this day in and day out for their kiddos! Oh, how I admire you all!! Anywho, I placed each sandwich in a baggie, loaded them in a grocery bag and swiftly darted for the car. The sun was practically set about this time and so was my anxiety. Certainly I had to give the sandwiches away tonight, but where was I going to go? How was I going to find enough people? The thought of an attractive, young lady driving a nice car in the worn down part of Mesa after dark wasn't the wisest of ideas. With a sincere prayer in my heart I knew I would find a way. I headed West on Broadway Rd in hopes to find someone, anyone. The sun was down and I was beginning to really worry at this point. I didn't want to go home with a bag full of sandwiches. Again, I prayed that the Lord would lead me to His children in need this holiday season. After a few miles I approached a stop light, I looked to my right and saw a sign for Paz de Cristo, a non-profit organization dedicated to feeding the hungry. I've heard so much of this organization but have NEVER known where their location was. I KNEW the Lord heard my prayers! I was startled by the numbers of people in line for food. I asked one of the volunteers if I could pass out some sandwiches and he could not have been more welcoming.



Hesitant, yet full of excitement, I approached men and women of all ages offering my PB&J sandwiches. Some were deeply grateful. Others declined. A few asked for two. One guy wanted to know if it was Peter Pan peanut butter--no I answered, it's Jiffy. He declined! I shrugged my shoulders and moved on. A few people came back to me asking for more to give to their friends. What a humbling experience! Sure it wasn't a warm meal, but PB&J's are the staple of many childhood memories. I knew if there was any way I could help nourish my fellow men, I knew I had accomplished what I set out to do. Tears set into my eyes as I pulled away from Paz de Cristo thinking of all the many blessing I have and how critical it is at this time of season to forget about ourselves and service our brothers and sisters.

Join a Choir

A little known fact about me is how much I LOVE to sing. Music is always playing in my car and it's a rarity if I'm not singing along. I'm pretty shy if people hear me though, regardless if they think I'm any good. So, I felt joining my ward choir would be a good starting point.

Sure, everyone says they have the best ward choir, but I'm serious, The Eden Park YSA ward has the best ward choir EVER. I'd say about half of the ward is a part of it and we could probably rock it with MoTab! Today was the first performance I was able to take part in. We sang a song called, Did They Know.