Quicky

I have gone to Oktoberfest twice so far and will be going again on Saturday. Apparently I am so much fun to drink with that I had 3 groups of friends invite me to go. That's probably a great big lie, but I think I will stick to it.

Here are a few pictures from the first time I went.




Obviously we thought we were hilarious. Looking back I can see that drinking did not impair our judgment at all!!!

We go together like PB & J

I ran out of coffee about a week ago. My best friend Karina the Russian instantly recognized that this was going to take it's toll on me and insisted that I wake up 10 minutes earlier so that I could come over to her place, which is only 5 minutes from my apartment, for coffee. Last week I came over twice. She made me eggs with sausage and toast made of hotdog buns one of the mornings.
On Friday we had a movie night and sleepover complete with pajamas and facials. After our second glass of wine she confessed that she had sent her 2 kids to stay with her mom for the weekend not because she needed a break, but because she had no food left in her house. That is a truly sad thing to say, but we find it better to laugh about being broke, you never cry about it. So we raided her kitchen and found some Russian cookies that tasted like Animal Crackers and dipped them in some sort of Russian chocolate hazelnut spread. The very last of her food.
On Sunday I needed to go to the store to pick up a few items and decided that Karina and her kids (which she calls "our kids" as in "Summer, your daughter is out of control can you do something about that" or "Honey your children miss you! Where have you been?") needed food more than I did. I bought them some essentials like bread, peanut butter, milk, corn dogs, juice boxes and some Mickey Mouse shaped cheese (yes I do consider fun shaped food an essential). She was completely floored when I showed up with the food. I told her that I just did it so that when I came over there I would have something to eat. We celebrated the new food by sitting on her porch and having a juice box and fresh peaches. With Karina you celebrate everything. It's part of the reason I love her.
This morning I went over for coffee and my amazing Russian friend had gotten up early enough to get herself and the kids ready then made coffee and a peanut butter and home made jelly sandwich for me to take for lunch and one for breakfast as well. I almost cried right then and there.
In this world there are few things more important than friendship. Although Karina and I have only known each other for a year and a half it feels as if we have known each other forever. It's funny though, so many people do not understand friendship. Both Karina and I have dated men who have accused us of being more than friends. Like the only reason to do something nice for someone else is because you have hidden motives of lust. Idiots. They must not have ever had a best friend. Because if they had, they would know that it's just what friends do. Best friends look out for each other, they tell each other that they love them, they lift each other up when they are down and they make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches just to show how much they care.

I'm thinking about going to LSA meetings

I have an addiction.

I think I need serious help.

It's becoming a problem.

Friends and family have started to worry about me.

They say the first step is admitting you have a problem...

My name is Summer and I am a lipstick-aholic. I have been in denial for a long time but now I have to fess up. Right now, in my purse, there are currently 8 tubes of lipstick and a small case which used to have 6 shades in it but now there are only 2 because I used the rest up. On my desk I keep 2 tubes...well I guess technically 3 because one is two sided. My only justification is that they are not ALL lipsticks. Oh no no no! Most of them are glosses. Some with color, some that are lip plumpers and some that I put on over matte lipsticks to add luster.



Yeah...I know. I need help.

The man up stairs...or maybe downstairs

I like living alone. I like sleeping alone too. Yeah some times I miss having a warm body to snuggle up to but my cat Aurora (kind of) fills that roll. Lately though, it feels as if I have someone sleeping with me. Every night for the past 6 months or so I do my nightly routine. I turn out the lights, lay down, fold myself and the covers together like a piece of origami, Aurora jumps on the bed and makes herself comfortable in one of the origami folds close to my body. I shut my eyes and try to sleep. Then, out of nowhere, I hear it...Snoring...loud earth shaking nasal snores. I'll admit, I am a light sleeper...a VERY light sleeper. Ticking clocks can keep me up, but this is ridiculous! I live in an older, middle level apartment. It's not fancy, but the rent is affordable and it's in a good neighborhood. I can't be 100% sure, but I think it is the man who lives below me, but just to be safe I am purchasing Breath Right strips for all my neighbors and signing the card anonymous. I was going to wait until Christmas, but this is getting out of hand. Do you think Hallmark makes a Happy Day After the 1st Day of Fall card?

Regaining a piece of my sanity

As some of you may or may not know, I love to hike. Up until I started back to school I went hiking almost every Wednesday with a group of hiking friends. I always considered it a way to put my life in balance, to get out in nature and away from the city and the stresses of my life. I have severely missed my hiking time.

Sunday my hiking group went up to Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort. Half of the group took the tram up and hiked down. I was in the half that hiked up and took the tram down. 3 hours of intense up hill, but it was worth it!












Foxy and I almost to the top. I was about to die but couldn't help but smile because, well look at how freaking beautiful it is there! How can you not smile?
This is the view from the tram going down. The leaves were just starting to change and it looked amazing. Breathtaking actually. I'm such a nature girl.

When we got to the bottom Oktoberfest was going on and we all enjoyed some much needed refreshment in the way of German Beers. Foxy and I both got Bratwursts and enjoyed watching people do the chicken dance. It was a great day and I finally felt back to normal again.

College is the best diet ever

Yesterday I tried to pay bills and had a nervous breakdown. I knew things would be tight after my trip to California, but I wasn't expecting not to be able to afford ANYTHING, including my tuition (Damn the California shopping again! And Damn you low self control!!!). So I did what any normal person would do - I panicked. I'm not exaggerating here. I had a full blown melt down for about 10 minutes, then it lessoned to just a nervous breakdown. I had plans to go out with some friends and I called them off because, well...I was having a nervous breakdown. I had also planned to go to the grocery store but decided that store bought food was a luxury item I could do with out. Instead I headed to my parents house because I left my book (Twilight) there. Side note: I am totally obsessed with this book. I am in love with Edwin. I want to take him home and make some vampire babies with him. Holla if you know what I am talking about. So I am getting my book and I am starting to tell my parents how I am starving and can't afford to eat and bless their wonderful charitable Mormon hearts, they let me do my grocery shopping in their kitchen, frezer and cold storage. I left with 2 bags filled with fresh vegis from Dads garden, cans of soup and corn, Diet Coke, frozen mystery soup, frozen sausages and a few other random items. Honestly I was so happy coming home and unpacking my bootie that I decided it was Saturday nightand homework can wait. I stuck a Lean Cousine in the microwave (it required the least amount of cooking effort), popped open a Heineken and read my book for 2 hours. I was the perfect Saturday night in!

While I haven't figured out what to do about financial predicament, I am feeling much better and I know everything is going to work itself out. It just a matter of time and being creative. I finally understand what it means to be a starving college student. My hip bones are poking out like they did when I was in high school, and trust me it is not attractive! But all of this starving and stress is just going to build character, help me get a higher paying job and round me into a better person in the end. Right? RIGHT? Please agree with me because I swear if this whole living on canned soup thing for the next 2 years or more doesn't pay off in the end in some way I will go postal and I am not even kidding! Momma likes to eat! Even though I don't have time for a social life, I am still finding time to go on a few dates, because they feed me and I need to have nourishment in order to draggy my frail body to class!

Because it feels good.

Last Sunday I watched my niece B ALL DAY LONG! Whew! Talk about a new found respect for parents. That little girl wore me out! She is at the age where she repeats everything you say and is super clingy. Luckily little miss B is (almost) completely potty trained too which is nice. I am not one who likes "accidents" so before leaving the house I check to make sure she doesn't need to go.

Aunt Summer: "B, do you need to go potty before leave the house?"

B: "NO!"

Aunt Summer: "Well why are you holding yourself then? Cause it feels good?"

B: "Yeah, it feels good."

Aunt Summer: "Let's don't repeat that to your mother. OK?"

Guess sarcasm is lost on kids. But really, I didn't know whether or not to be proud of her for her honesty or worried that I am corrupting her more and more every time I see her.

Here are a few pictures from the days events.
We started out the day with some coffee. RELAX! It's a single shot not a double.
Next we ran a few errands. Had to make sure she had shades on so she doesn't get any premature wrinkles.
Next we met up with Karina the Russian and her Russian son Dima and took trax downtown to Gateway to let the kids play in the water feature. Notice how she is on my lap clinging to me.
Later we went to grab a bite to eat and the clingy B fell asleep on my lap. Guess I should have gotten her the double shot after all.

What is this feeling I'm feeling?

Urgh! I have a sickening confession to make. It's horrible and some of you might think differently about me after I tell you. I don't know if I should even confess it. In fact it should probably remain my deep dark secret. But then where is the fun in that? Besides we're all friends here right? Me and my good 'ol friend the world wide web. You'll keep my secret right? Right. OK so here it is. I missed a boy. I know! I'm such a sap! Totally disgusted with myself. I have been so good at keeping emotions out of relationships but the tricky little bastards crept in uninvited! Yuck! Don't tell me this is the start of more...feelings! Gross! Who needs those? They only complicate things and make you...well...feel! I can't go around with all these feelings. I mean it will really put a kink in my tough girl man eater image that I have worked so hard to create. Plus confessing that you have feelings or miss someone is also confessing that you like someone and that is like the kiss of death for me because in 2 weeks from now you'll ask how things are going with the guy I was missing and by that point either he or I will have moved on and I'll be all "wait, who are we talking about again?" Don't get me wrong, I don't want that to be that case but if my track record is any indication then well, you know. But the worst part of these icky missing him feelings is that they just kind of hit me. He went out of town and then I'm riding on tracks with Karina the Russian and I turn to her and say "I know this is going to sound strange, but I miss him." and then she starts taunting me singing "you miss a boooy! You miss a boooy! Summer likes a booooooy!"
Stupid feelings. Stupid yucky gross feelings.

Small towns rock

Today I had a photo shoot. Not the type you get paid for...but also not one I had to pay for. We went to several locations around Bear Lake. Along the way we stopped in a little town just before Bear Lake to get some lunch at Gatorz. Please note that Gatorz is NOT a fast food joint.


They do, however, have quilts, seasonal/holiday wreaths, used children books and tape cassettes for sale all at bargain basement prices.


Now, I only know one person who still has the capability to even play a cassette so I picked up their last copy of Bon Jovi and I am going to give it to Karina the Russian to play in her flashy red 1999 Mitsubishi Gallant.

"Whoooo Ohhhh! Livin on a prayer. Take my hand we'll make it I sweeeeaaar!"

Am I the greatest friend ever or what?

How to entertain a 2 year old for 3 hours

Being a non-parent, I am very fortunate to have super cute kids around me so that I don't get the urge to have any of my own. Yesterday I picked up my super adorable niece B from daycare and had to entertain her for a few hours until my sister got off work. B is a cool kid. She REALLY likes me. Probably because I give her candy...and gum...and lipstick. Those are the 3 things she is always asking for, well those and to go to "Summers house? Summers house? Ducks? Feed ducks at Summers house? Kitty. Kitty mean. I want Summers house." But no matter what the reason for her liking me, it makes me feel like a million bucks when I walk through the daycare door and she sees me, screams my name and comes running to give me a huge hug and kiss.

I picked her up and spent the last of my cash buying her Wendy's because she wanted chicken nuggets for dinner although I think she eats more ketchup than food. My client Graywhale was having an event at their store that I needed to stop by and check in on so I had to bring her with me. For me personally, I can spend hours browsing through a record store, but she found it very boring. I told her to pick out a movie so she grabbed the first one that she could reach.
I think it was the best of Will Ferrell DVD. She also picked out some hardcore metal CDs and a gummy that looks like a hamburger. Too cute! Look at what a good influence I have been on her.

After leaving the store I brought her home and loaded her up with otterpops and candy while we gossiped about boys and painted our nails then I taught her how to Twitter. She doesn't quite grasp it yet...but then again up until this week I didn't really either. And yes, that was my plug to all 3 of my readers to let them know they can follow me on twitter.

Tag. I'm it!

My lovely cousin Jen tagged me on her blog. So I am sitting here, starting to answer these questions and I don't know how. Do I just say the first thing to pop into my head or do I really think about it? Like the start of "I want:" for example, I could say a potpie or sleep or I could go a little deeper and say to have my car magically registered and the windshield replaced or I could go even deeper and say I want to travel the world with someone who I am madly in love with and not have any care in the world? Honestly, what do people want to read? Do I divolge a lot of personal information or just be silly? Let's try a combo of both, eh?

Here we go!

I am: a woman
I think: entirely too much. Case and point the above paragraph.
I know: who I am, where I have been, and what I want. Ok that last part was a lie. I only mostly know what I want.
I want: Shoot! I want to get paid to travel the world. I haven't figured out how to do that yet...but that is what I want.
I have: a strong tendency to over analyze things.
I dislike: mushrooms, coconut and rude people.
I miss: butterflies. Not the insect, the feeling.
I fear: growing old.
I feel: tired! I haven't slept well since I got home from Cali. Stupid Foxy keeping me up late!
I hear: my upstairs neighbors stomping around.
I smell: a potpie cooking.
I crave: that potpie!
I cry: at sad movies, TV shows, music, Hallmark commercials, weddings/funerals (basically the same thing), when I am happy, when I am sad...you get the picture.
I usually: tell my cat goodbye whenever I leave the house.
I search: for new ways to better myself.
I wonder: what the future holds.
I regret: nothing. Everything happens for a reason. What hasn't killed me has made me who I am today.
I love: life.
I care: about the environment.
I always: umm...breath?
I worry: too much. I am getting better, but I have always been a bit of a worry wart.
I am not: short.
I remember: a lot of my dreams.
I believe: "in a thing called love. Just listen to the rhythm of my heart."
I sing: either when no one is listening or in the car with my girlfriends at the top of our lungs!
I don't always: keep my house clean. In fact right now it's pretty disheveled.
I argue: with myself.
I write: because I enjoy it.
I win: at the game of breaking hearts.
I lose: at the game of breaking hearts.
I wish: my cat would stop meowing at me! I'll feed you in a minute Aurora!
I listen: to what people say.
I am talented: ... you say so.
I can usually be found: sleeping in my own bed.
I am scared: of scary movies. I do not watch them. Ever.
I need: to find a way to pay tuition this month (darn the beautiful new clothes I bought in Cali!)
I forget: names, birthdays and details.
I am happy: When I am with loved ones. My family and friends are everything to me.

Sorry to do this...and I completely understand if you don't...
I tag Doni, Kel, Helmey, and Sarah

Thanks for the memories Cali

Where to begin and what to say. California blew my mind. We spent most of our time during the first 2 days at Lagoona Beach. I fell in love with the beauty of the beaches, the ocean, the smell and of course the surfers. Can we say YUMMY?!? Our first meal was in Lagoona Beach at a cute restaurant over looking the ocean. It was so beautiful. We both had 2 Coronas...we remembered halfway through the second one that these are not the 3.2 Utah beers we are used to!



So...we decided to play on the beach for a while and sober up! Unfortunately we did not have our suits on (that would have made too much sense) so we didn't really get in the water, which was ok because it was warm, but not hot. I'd guess high 70's.




During the evenings we went out to different fancy shmancy restaurants. We went to one called 21 Oceanfront dressed to kill in sexy black dresses. The "cougars" HATED us! The rich men tried to be sly while they checked us out and the waiters smiled a little too big. To say that we got a lot of attention when we went out is an understatement. Believe me when I tell you I am not saying all of this to brag. Karina and I are 2 6ft tall women. We wear heels and classy sexy clothes. We get noticed when we go out in Utah, but nothing like we did in California. We went out to a few clubs when we were there. The guys were so different. Not necessarily in a good way, they just cared more about how they looked. Apparently the Persians run the club scene in OC. There were literally NO blonds! Maybe 2 blond chicks, but no blond guys. We had fun. We had a lot of fun. I mean we had way more fun than should be allowed!



We got to Newport on a Thursday. When we woke up on Saturday morning, we looked at each other and said the same thing - I miss home! So what did we do on Saturday and Sunday to pass the time? We shopped! I don't think my wallet will recover for quite some time and I am pretty sure I won't be eating for the next month either because I came home literally broke! Strike that. I came home in the hole! But you know what? Its was worth it. I have so many memories from this trip. We agreed going into it to say "yes" to every new experience and those experiences (some good, some bad) are something I will always have.

I'll leave you with this last photo. You can not tell, but we are standing in front of a $95 MILLION Yacht that was for sale. We decided it didn't match our Bentley so we would keep on looking.

I love my mountain people!

While in California, Karina and I spent our first night there hanging out with her x-boyfriend. He is a local of So-Cal and continued to tease us over and over about being from Utah. "I don't know how you mountain people do things in Utah, but in Cali this is how we roll." Blah Blah BS! It ended up being great on going joke throughout our trip. But you know what? I'll take my down to earth mountain people any day of the week! I was so overwhelmed by the OC mentality. Everything is about image, I mean there is nothing but black, silver and white luxury cars on the road and people can be so incredibly fake! By the last day there I was counting the hours, minutes, seconds until I could be home with my big truck driving mountain people! Don't get me wrong, I had a great time and made some incredible memories, but home...ah home sweet home...I missed you!

I'm home friends. Pictures, stories, and thoughts will be posted later.

I love it when things just fall into place!

Sometimes I need to remind myself that it's best to just not stress because things will work themselves out. Today is the perfect example. I was able to get everything done for work that was pressing. I went to class and my professor didn't give us very much homework. I am ahead in my Tuesday night class too. Which means I don't need to stress about studying while on vacation. I just finished packing (and I think I packed enough to stay there for a month! (Kel, if I fall in love with Cali, can I just move in with you?) I'm downloading some music for the trip. I found a ride to and from the airport and someone to feed my kitty! See? Everything just fell into place right in time. It's a beautiful thing!

See you soon! Well I guess I won't "really" be seeing a lot of you soon...but you know what I mean.

Count Down to Cali!

I leave Thursday morning for beautiful sunny California (Newport Beach)! Ask me if I have packed yet...go on...ask. "Summer are you all packed and ready for sunny California?" Of course my answer is NO! I was in class until 8:20 tonight and I have been finishing up my homework for tomorrows class ever since I got home. Tomorrow I have class until 8:30 again so I really won't be packing until about, oh I don't know...10 hours before we leave! Oh and I don't have a ride arranged to the airport yet. Crap! I better get on that instead of blogging. Whose crazy idea was it to stop homework and blog! Oh yeah...mine!