Today, I got paid to sample garlic mashed potatoes.
Do I love my job? Yes.
Do I want to leave? No.
Do I have to leave when I graduate? Yes.
Shoot.
March 5, 2010
March 1, 2010
Budget
I just created my first real budget ever.
I know, I know-you'd think by now I would have learned how to budget. Well, I just found this ridiculous website that helps me create a budget by allotting certain amounts of money to each category; I then tailor that budget to fit my needs (because I really don't need $40/month for fast food). But get this-it tells me how much I've spent in each category and how much I have left for the month! It even uploads my checking and savings accounts. This way, I can easily keep track of what I spend where. I know I'll be surprised by how much I spend at restaurants and things like that, but if I see my money categorized like, I'll be much more likely to keep my spending on restaurants, groceries, and movies to a minimum.
Now, what this means for my social life is that it will definitely plummet due to a lack of funds. But I am determined to keep my spirits high. Here are some crazy alternatives to the typical night out so I can keep my social status and moolah.
1. Borrow a movie from a neighbor. My complex is filled with 48 girls which means endless supplies of chick flicks. What more could a girl ask for?
2. Make your own treats. Who needs to pay for a $3 cupcake when you can buy two cake mixes and frosting for that price?
3. Go to the MOA, HFAC, or Provo Library for a cultured event. All are open and free to the public. Why not?
4. Star gazing. Bundle up with sweaters and socks you already have-no need to look great, you'll be in the dark.
5. Heart attack someone. Brooke and I just recently heart attacked our boss. It was short, simple, and so free.
6. Do a puzzle. If you don't have one, buy one at DI. They're bound to be even better when they're donated.
7. Make a movie or music video. Complete the experience with costumes, make up, music, and a great editing job.
8. Work out. BYU allows its students to use the SFH and RB workout rooms with just a swipe of the ID card. Not only will working out save you money, you're bound to be smokin' hot if you keep it up.
9. Read a book. Libraries are full of hidden treasures...and books too. Take out your own library card (for free, might I add) and read away.
10. Volunteer somewhere. Local places are always looking for people to sort food or clothes, spend time with older folks, hang out with children and teens, or simply wash dishes. Try the Utah County Food Bank, Jamestown Assisted Living, or Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Utah to start.
11. Create a meal using only the ingredients you have in your kitchen-that's all. No bending or breaking the rules. Allrecipes.com has a great tool that allows you to input ingredients you'd like to use and then produces a list of recipes using those ingredients. Make sure to do the dishes after.
12. Do laundry. It's relaxing, smells great, and you'll have a full closet when you're done.
13. International Cinema. I realize I already gave a movie idea, but who doesn't love a good foreign film?
14. Call an old friend. Sure, it may use up minutes, but most phone plans have either unlimited calling or free nights and weekends. Double check your plan before assuming you can talk for hours without any costs.
15. Make play-doh. There are plenty of recipes online, some easier than others, but they're all great. Proceed to make whatever play-doh creation you'd like.
16. Window shopping. Sure, sometimes it's a drag looking at all of those cute tops you can't afford, but window shopping might just give you the motivation to keep saving money so you can actually afford one of those tops.
17. Donate old clothes and toys to a local charity. You'll feel better by the extra space and less guilty for never wearing that sweater your grandmother gave you when you were 15.
18. Clean. It's definitely a stress buster, plus you'll feel accomplished. And you won't be embarrassed to have guests come past the entry.
19. Write letters. These are even better than phone calls-they're tangible. The only cost is the stamp, but the joy the recipient will feel is more than 44 cents worth.
20. Go on a hike or nature walk. It's incredible how much more sense life makes when you're in nature. Plus, you'll be able to feel the presence of God even stronger. Who doesn't want that?
20. Plan your dream vacation. Sure, you definitely don't have the money for this one either, but (once again) it'll give you the motivation to start saving and something to look forward to. And you might just get a good tan in the end.
I know, I know-you'd think by now I would have learned how to budget. Well, I just found this ridiculous website that helps me create a budget by allotting certain amounts of money to each category; I then tailor that budget to fit my needs (because I really don't need $40/month for fast food). But get this-it tells me how much I've spent in each category and how much I have left for the month! It even uploads my checking and savings accounts. This way, I can easily keep track of what I spend where. I know I'll be surprised by how much I spend at restaurants and things like that, but if I see my money categorized like, I'll be much more likely to keep my spending on restaurants, groceries, and movies to a minimum.
Now, what this means for my social life is that it will definitely plummet due to a lack of funds. But I am determined to keep my spirits high. Here are some crazy alternatives to the typical night out so I can keep my social status and moolah.
1. Borrow a movie from a neighbor. My complex is filled with 48 girls which means endless supplies of chick flicks. What more could a girl ask for?
2. Make your own treats. Who needs to pay for a $3 cupcake when you can buy two cake mixes and frosting for that price?
3. Go to the MOA, HFAC, or Provo Library for a cultured event. All are open and free to the public. Why not?
4. Star gazing. Bundle up with sweaters and socks you already have-no need to look great, you'll be in the dark.
5. Heart attack someone. Brooke and I just recently heart attacked our boss. It was short, simple, and so free.
6. Do a puzzle. If you don't have one, buy one at DI. They're bound to be even better when they're donated.
7. Make a movie or music video. Complete the experience with costumes, make up, music, and a great editing job.
8. Work out. BYU allows its students to use the SFH and RB workout rooms with just a swipe of the ID card. Not only will working out save you money, you're bound to be smokin' hot if you keep it up.
9. Read a book. Libraries are full of hidden treasures...and books too. Take out your own library card (for free, might I add) and read away.
10. Volunteer somewhere. Local places are always looking for people to sort food or clothes, spend time with older folks, hang out with children and teens, or simply wash dishes. Try the Utah County Food Bank, Jamestown Assisted Living, or Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Utah to start.
11. Create a meal using only the ingredients you have in your kitchen-that's all. No bending or breaking the rules. Allrecipes.com has a great tool that allows you to input ingredients you'd like to use and then produces a list of recipes using those ingredients. Make sure to do the dishes after.
12. Do laundry. It's relaxing, smells great, and you'll have a full closet when you're done.
13. International Cinema. I realize I already gave a movie idea, but who doesn't love a good foreign film?
14. Call an old friend. Sure, it may use up minutes, but most phone plans have either unlimited calling or free nights and weekends. Double check your plan before assuming you can talk for hours without any costs.
15. Make play-doh. There are plenty of recipes online, some easier than others, but they're all great. Proceed to make whatever play-doh creation you'd like.
16. Window shopping. Sure, sometimes it's a drag looking at all of those cute tops you can't afford, but window shopping might just give you the motivation to keep saving money so you can actually afford one of those tops.
17. Donate old clothes and toys to a local charity. You'll feel better by the extra space and less guilty for never wearing that sweater your grandmother gave you when you were 15.
18. Clean. It's definitely a stress buster, plus you'll feel accomplished. And you won't be embarrassed to have guests come past the entry.
19. Write letters. These are even better than phone calls-they're tangible. The only cost is the stamp, but the joy the recipient will feel is more than 44 cents worth.
20. Go on a hike or nature walk. It's incredible how much more sense life makes when you're in nature. Plus, you'll be able to feel the presence of God even stronger. Who doesn't want that?
20. Plan your dream vacation. Sure, you definitely don't have the money for this one either, but (once again) it'll give you the motivation to start saving and something to look forward to. And you might just get a good tan in the end.
February 25, 2010
Reasons
Last night in the library, while I was supposed to be studying for my Humanities midterm, I started thinking about my dating life. It's been pretty crazy these past few months (?) and I've been able to interact with quite a few incredible people. However, I'm still single. After this thought occurred in my observant little head, this list quickly followed:
Ten Reasons Why I Like Being Single
1. No obligations
2. NCMOs
3. Free time
4. Spontaneity
5. Lack of boredom
6. Don't have to let others in
7. Spend time with different people
8. No risks
9. Independence
10...okay so I can't think of anymore reasons
As I started to look over this list, I realize how lonely I sound. I've always been happy being on my own, and I still am. But I think it's about time that I grow up and accept that I don't want to be on my own forever. So...
Ten Reasons Why Dating is Nice
1. Obligations
2. No more NCMOs
3. Time spent with someone I love
4. Spontaneity
5. Relaxation
6. Let someone in
7. Still meeting new people
8. Risks
9. Knowing someone is there for me
10. Love
One day, I'll actually believe these reasons.
Ten Reasons Why I Like Being Single
1. No obligations
2. NCMOs
3. Free time
4. Spontaneity
5. Lack of boredom
6. Don't have to let others in
7. Spend time with different people
8. No risks
9. Independence
10...okay so I can't think of anymore reasons
As I started to look over this list, I realize how lonely I sound. I've always been happy being on my own, and I still am. But I think it's about time that I grow up and accept that I don't want to be on my own forever. So...
Ten Reasons Why Dating is Nice
1. Obligations
2. No more NCMOs
3. Time spent with someone I love
4. Spontaneity
5. Relaxation
6. Let someone in
7. Still meeting new people
8. Risks
9. Knowing someone is there for me
10. Love
One day, I'll actually believe these reasons.
February 22, 2010
Sanity Pt. 2
Yup, I'm still going insane. But, I've devised a plan to keep insanity to a minimum this week...
Monday-Well, today's almost over, but I do feel very accomplished. I've already taken two midterms today and did...decently. There's always room for improvement. All I have left to do today is research for a group project, complete an individual project, and write a 3-page paper for Doctrine and Covenants. Not too shabby for it being a Monday.
Tuesday-D&C paper is due today, hopefully I'll have it done on time to turn into class, but if not I can turn it in by 10 p.m. to Brother Bott's office. I'll also be meeting with my partner to work on the group project-hopefully I've done sufficient research for that as well. Then comes Humanities. Yay. Review session and much studying will ensue.
Wednesday-Turn in individual project. Spend the rest of the day studying for Humanities midterm.
Thursday-Humanities midterm in the afternoon. The evening will be spent working on my English proposal and more research for my group project. Perhaps I'll have time to work out this day as well.
Friday-Group meeting (again), turn in proposal. Now would be a good time to start eating and sleeping again.
Pretty manageable, right? Prayers, meals, and monetary donations will be accepted.
Monday-Well, today's almost over, but I do feel very accomplished. I've already taken two midterms today and did...decently. There's always room for improvement. All I have left to do today is research for a group project, complete an individual project, and write a 3-page paper for Doctrine and Covenants. Not too shabby for it being a Monday.
Tuesday-D&C paper is due today, hopefully I'll have it done on time to turn into class, but if not I can turn it in by 10 p.m. to Brother Bott's office. I'll also be meeting with my partner to work on the group project-hopefully I've done sufficient research for that as well. Then comes Humanities. Yay. Review session and much studying will ensue.
Wednesday-Turn in individual project. Spend the rest of the day studying for Humanities midterm.
Thursday-Humanities midterm in the afternoon. The evening will be spent working on my English proposal and more research for my group project. Perhaps I'll have time to work out this day as well.
Friday-Group meeting (again), turn in proposal. Now would be a good time to start eating and sleeping again.
Pretty manageable, right? Prayers, meals, and monetary donations will be accepted.
February 16, 2010
Sanity
I'm going insane. Really.
Insane.
Why? I don't know.
Perhaps it is the loads of endless homework that just seems to keep piling up. Perhaps it's my calling in the Relief Society presidency that keeps me busy. Perhaps it's the fact that no matter how many dates I go on, I can never seem completely satisfied, thus shooting down each and every opportunity for a relationship I've ever had. Perhaps it is because my grad school application the U of U is still being looked at and I won't hear back from them until the end of March. Perhaps it is because I still haven't heard back from EFY (not that anyone else has either). Perhaps it's because I'm moving home this summer at age 22. Perhaps it's just the fact that I'm 22.
Perhaps there is no reason behind my insanity.
But it all stops now.
Starting today, I'll no longer be crazy. I'll plan out my evenings better so I have the time to finish my homework instead of cramming it in sneakily at work. I'll be even more involved as a counselor in the Relief Society to better get to know the girls and serve them. I'll give guys a fair chance-that's all they need. I'll be more patient with the U and EFY; they have plenty of applications to go through and who am I to tell them how to do their job? I'll move home this summer and hang out with me mom-we can keep each other company. I'll be okay with being 22, graduating from BYU, and not married. In fact, I'll be happy about it.
If there's one thing I've learned from life, it's all about the attitude. I can choose to accept my circumstances and better them, or I can choose to complain and not do anything about them. If I approach life with an optimistic attitide, no matter what situation I find myself in, I will be happy.
So today, I choose happiness. And I'll keep choosing happiness until my dying day.
Insane.
Why? I don't know.
Perhaps it is the loads of endless homework that just seems to keep piling up. Perhaps it's my calling in the Relief Society presidency that keeps me busy. Perhaps it's the fact that no matter how many dates I go on, I can never seem completely satisfied, thus shooting down each and every opportunity for a relationship I've ever had. Perhaps it is because my grad school application the U of U is still being looked at and I won't hear back from them until the end of March. Perhaps it is because I still haven't heard back from EFY (not that anyone else has either). Perhaps it's because I'm moving home this summer at age 22. Perhaps it's just the fact that I'm 22.
Perhaps there is no reason behind my insanity.
But it all stops now.
Starting today, I'll no longer be crazy. I'll plan out my evenings better so I have the time to finish my homework instead of cramming it in sneakily at work. I'll be even more involved as a counselor in the Relief Society to better get to know the girls and serve them. I'll give guys a fair chance-that's all they need. I'll be more patient with the U and EFY; they have plenty of applications to go through and who am I to tell them how to do their job? I'll move home this summer and hang out with me mom-we can keep each other company. I'll be okay with being 22, graduating from BYU, and not married. In fact, I'll be happy about it.
If there's one thing I've learned from life, it's all about the attitude. I can choose to accept my circumstances and better them, or I can choose to complain and not do anything about them. If I approach life with an optimistic attitide, no matter what situation I find myself in, I will be happy.
So today, I choose happiness. And I'll keep choosing happiness until my dying day.
February 3, 2010
Friends are the Fruit of Life
Yes, I'm copying Tiff's blog and writing a sentence to each of the people in my life who have touched it in a meaningful way. There are many, many people who fit that description so if you don't make the list, I'm sorry in advance.
Chelsea-Yes, I know you're my sister. You're the best sister anyone could ask for! Always there to keep my secrets, to do silly things with (such as put our bra and underwear on the outside of our clothes and then proceed to take pictures), and you think I'm funny. What more could I want?
Brooke-Oh geez, where do I begin?! You are the peanut butter to my jelly, the apple of my eye, the Bahama to my Mama. You are ALWAYS there to count on (except 3 a.m.) and you will always be right by my side doing whatever dumb thing is next on my list. Bring on the SLC!
Tiff-Best roommate ever! How can I ever thank you enough? From our talks about Henry VIII to our McDonald's runs at midnight, you are so much fun! You have to love me and I'm glad it's that way.
Audge-We made it all four years! Go us! Thanks for sticking it out with me! You're a great example of optimism and looking at the bright side of things. You're going to make 'someone' very happy one day...
Camilla aka Cami-Geez, why were we not friends before?! I'm so glad you moved in this semester! I've already learned so much from you, and love you despite you lacking a full set of teeth. And you also think I'm funny. Love you!
Kaitlin-I sure do miss you! Thanks for being the roommate I could always talk to without judgment. I love you for it and always will!
Heather-You're going to be a mom! And a great one at that! Thanks for being the mother figure when you lived with us; you were always someone to rely on and talk to when it was needed most. Sure do love you! Good luck with your little boy!
Siri-Bahaha! We had packed all of our fun into one semester and I loved it! How could I ever forget how clumsy you were in the dark or how you looked at your engagement ring multiple times each night before falling asleep? Good times with a great friend! Love you!
Jess-You're on your mission in Florida, but you know that I love you anyway. Thanks for seeing me through since age 13. I sure am glad! You are such an example of strength and love. I couldn't have asked for a better friend for all those years.
Taylor-Yes, you're my brother so I have to include you. Just kidding. You were my best friend ever since we shared a room as wee ones-that's why I kept that disgusting white bear with the light up red heart. You still are one of my best friends! Thanks for letting me be a dork and appreciating it.
Darin-You always know exactly what to say to make me see how silly I am being, especially in the dating realm. Thanks for being that older brother when mine wasn't around and also being a friend. I always know I can count on you. Good luck in Iowa!
Jordan-We're so getting married at age 25 and it's gonna be great! You sure have mellowed out since your heavy metal days, but I like you just as much. You're a one of a kind friend and I love you for it.
Neal-Well shoot, you've always been 'that' friend, whether you knew it or not. Thanks for being so laid-back and drama-free; it was a nice break from the rest of my life for a few years. You're still one of my best friends and always will be.
Isaac-Bestest friend! How much our friendship has changed and evolved over the past few years from dissing on me in Crump's class to being the only one I can talk to at times. It sure does feel great to have you in my life. You're amazing and thought you should know.
Andrew-EFY was one of the greatest things I've done in my life because of you! We became the best of friends that summer and I sure did learn a lot from you. I hope we can become that good of friends again this summer...we're gonna rock this town!
Jared-You always make me smile. Thanks for always being there to make my laugh and simply listen when I'm down. You are one heck of a guy! Sure do love you!
Joey-We definitely had our ups and downs this past year, but I'm so grateful you've been around. You're always there whenever I need something (no matter how silly it is), and I really do appreciate. You've become one of my best friends.
I think I've covered most of the people I had in mind, and now I've run out of time. There are many more of you out there, whether you know it or not, that have made a huge impact on my life! Thanks and love to all of you!
Chelsea-Yes, I know you're my sister. You're the best sister anyone could ask for! Always there to keep my secrets, to do silly things with (such as put our bra and underwear on the outside of our clothes and then proceed to take pictures), and you think I'm funny. What more could I want?
Brooke-Oh geez, where do I begin?! You are the peanut butter to my jelly, the apple of my eye, the Bahama to my Mama. You are ALWAYS there to count on (except 3 a.m.) and you will always be right by my side doing whatever dumb thing is next on my list. Bring on the SLC!
Tiff-Best roommate ever! How can I ever thank you enough? From our talks about Henry VIII to our McDonald's runs at midnight, you are so much fun! You have to love me and I'm glad it's that way.
Audge-We made it all four years! Go us! Thanks for sticking it out with me! You're a great example of optimism and looking at the bright side of things. You're going to make 'someone' very happy one day...
Camilla aka Cami-Geez, why were we not friends before?! I'm so glad you moved in this semester! I've already learned so much from you, and love you despite you lacking a full set of teeth. And you also think I'm funny. Love you!
Kaitlin-I sure do miss you! Thanks for being the roommate I could always talk to without judgment. I love you for it and always will!
Heather-You're going to be a mom! And a great one at that! Thanks for being the mother figure when you lived with us; you were always someone to rely on and talk to when it was needed most. Sure do love you! Good luck with your little boy!
Siri-Bahaha! We had packed all of our fun into one semester and I loved it! How could I ever forget how clumsy you were in the dark or how you looked at your engagement ring multiple times each night before falling asleep? Good times with a great friend! Love you!
Jess-You're on your mission in Florida, but you know that I love you anyway. Thanks for seeing me through since age 13. I sure am glad! You are such an example of strength and love. I couldn't have asked for a better friend for all those years.
Taylor-Yes, you're my brother so I have to include you. Just kidding. You were my best friend ever since we shared a room as wee ones-that's why I kept that disgusting white bear with the light up red heart. You still are one of my best friends! Thanks for letting me be a dork and appreciating it.
Darin-You always know exactly what to say to make me see how silly I am being, especially in the dating realm. Thanks for being that older brother when mine wasn't around and also being a friend. I always know I can count on you. Good luck in Iowa!
Jordan-We're so getting married at age 25 and it's gonna be great! You sure have mellowed out since your heavy metal days, but I like you just as much. You're a one of a kind friend and I love you for it.
Neal-Well shoot, you've always been 'that' friend, whether you knew it or not. Thanks for being so laid-back and drama-free; it was a nice break from the rest of my life for a few years. You're still one of my best friends and always will be.
Isaac-Bestest friend! How much our friendship has changed and evolved over the past few years from dissing on me in Crump's class to being the only one I can talk to at times. It sure does feel great to have you in my life. You're amazing and thought you should know.
Andrew-EFY was one of the greatest things I've done in my life because of you! We became the best of friends that summer and I sure did learn a lot from you. I hope we can become that good of friends again this summer...we're gonna rock this town!
Jared-You always make me smile. Thanks for always being there to make my laugh and simply listen when I'm down. You are one heck of a guy! Sure do love you!
Joey-We definitely had our ups and downs this past year, but I'm so grateful you've been around. You're always there whenever I need something (no matter how silly it is), and I really do appreciate. You've become one of my best friends.
I think I've covered most of the people I had in mind, and now I've run out of time. There are many more of you out there, whether you know it or not, that have made a huge impact on my life! Thanks and love to all of you!
January 28, 2010
Happy New Thanksmas, Martin Jr.
Tiffany was complaining that I did not update my blog enough. I mean, come on, isn't every six months enough? Really. Anyway, here's a real quick update with a few scattered pictures.
December: Christmas. Finals. Tiff's surgery. Jazz game against Lakers. Picture 7.
For all other events and/or pictoral stories, visit my Facebook page.
September: That's too far back. I don't remember.
Oh yeah, Brooke and I went to The Danger Zone. Picture 1.
October: Halloween? That's all I could think of. That means Haunted Forest. Picture 2. And General Conference, and Kaitlin's wedding. Picture 3.
November: BYU v. U of U game. We won. Free Jazz game. 7th row. Picture 4. Meteor shower. Picture 5. Thanksgiving. Picture 6.
December: Christmas. Finals. Tiff's surgery. Jazz game against Lakers. Picture 7.
January: My 22nd birthday. Birthday dinner. Bumblebee. Picture 8. Re-enacted picture 9. Smart Cookie and Sexy Modest. Picture 10.
For all other events and/or pictoral stories, visit my Facebook page.
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