Miss Amanda

China 2010...and part of Florida

2010-10-30T12:06:00.028-06:00

This past September, I had the most AMAZING opportunity to go to China!!! Some of you may ask, what for? My Grandpa Sharp (mom's father), used to work for CNAC (China National Aviation Corporation). He was the first pilot that flew over the HUMP in China. His flight was during World War II. He was an amazing man! We had a group of 17 and each person in the group had a relative that worked for CNAC too. Some never made it out alive. Lucky for us, we had the privlegde of traveling with a former pilot, Moon Chin (97 years old), that worked for CNAC and with my Grandpa. He traveled all over China with us! I was so impressed that he kept on going, what a trooper! He is an amazing man!

We were headed to China to see what our relatives used to dor for CNAC. There were monuments in place around China to honor those who served. The Government had sponsered almost our whole trip, so we were spoiled!

Our group departed for China Sept 12th from San Francisco and arrived at our first stop, Hong Kong, on Sept 13th. We went on a tour around Hong Kong and Kowloon Islands. Around 7 million people live here, and is made up of 4 Territories (Hong Kong, Kowloon Island, New Territories, and the Outlying Islands). It is beautiful! My mom lived in Hong Kong for some time while her dad worked there. There were a couple others from the group that had also lived in Hong Kong about the same time as my mom. It has changed! My parents and I had the chance to go to the Hong Kong Temple, it was beautiful!

China is very Americanized. The scenery is FANTASTIC and SO BEAUTIFUL!!! I was SO glad I made the decision to go. We visited Hong Kong, Yunnan Province (Kunming province Capitol), Baoshan, Lushui County in the Nujiang Lisu Prefecture (very poor place in China, but MY FAVORITE), Pianma, Dali, Yunnanyi, Nanjing and Shanghai. We travled all over China and to some of the most amazing places.

My favorite part of the trip was in Lushui County, in the Nujiang Lisu Prefecture. This is one of the poorest places in China, but one of the most humble areas. This area is also the prettiest part of China, that I have seen! The Natives were so friendly, giving, and kind. They made sure we were well taken care of (carry our stuff, walk us to the WC (water closet), hold our arm and umbrellas so we wouldn't slip, gave us kleenex and bottled water). We were greeted off of the airplane with HUGE boquets of flowers. We were also given many items made by them...purses, vests, lays of flowers, and stories told of Chinese traditions on a carved mug.

The food was very good and a lot different then the US. We were given huge meals...there very best. Most meals were put on a turn table in the middle of the table and they kept adding more and more food. We had 15 course meals at some places. Some of the crazy food I ate were Bees (delicacy in China and very expensive), Larvae, Jellyfish, and different types of fish. Some had Eal, but I didn't try that one. They drink warm drinks (coke, wine, boiled water, corn (very yummy) and watermelon juice. We had watermelon every meal, SO GOOD, and I miss it! I felt like I ate so much, but when I came home, I lost 7 pounds. There food is cooked very well, not fried, greasy, not much carbs or anything, and not many desserts. They do have dessert, but it is not sweet or rich like ours, but too the Chinese there sweets are too sweet! We tried Mooncakes (very sweet to them), which are a tradition for them during their Mid-Autumn Festival. This took place while we were there...it is a three day holiday which the moon is at its brightest and roundest all year. They eat mooncakes, which is their traditional food. This holiday is one of their most important, where Farmers celebrate the last of the summer harvest. Tons-o-people all over China during the festival!!!

The scenary was AMAZING!!! We took a bus ride over part of the himilayas. We drove on a winding road up 3100 meters (10,170 ft). Every time the bus turned corners, the front corner, which is where I was sitting, would go over the edge, and we could see almost straight down. It is very green and tropical. There were Palm Trees up 10,000 feet. Very light rain showers and many landslides. The farming is all done by hand, and it is beautiful. They call it leveled (tier) farming, and it grows all up the mountainside.

Driving in China is SCARY!!! They don't have rules like we have in the US. Driving is all over the place, really no lanes, and lots of passing! Every time they pass, they honk their horns. Cars are coming every direction and pedestrians don't have the right of way, even in a crosswalk. I was always scared to cross the street, seeing as I could get hit, very easily. Everyone rides electric scooters (sometimes with 4 or 5 passengers on them and babies hanging on the back). They also have bikes and lots of taxis (which are inexpensive to take in China, and highly reccommended).

Overall China was the best trip I have ever been on. We made some amazing friends with Chinese Government Officials, and the Chinese population. The trip was amazing, and very unforgetable. I just LOVED the group we traveled with, they were so fun! We all got along and loved to joke with another.

I hope you enjoy my China pictures as much as I enjoyed being in China!!!

After China, I was home for a couple of days (and got really sick), then headed to Florida for an Advising Conference, for work. Not feeling great at all, I did manage to get a few pictures...and had the chance to go to Universal Studios (Harry Potter World) too.

Glitter Toes and Much Needed Catch Up!

2010-07-29T19:51:00.006-06:00

For my 30th Birthday (YIKES!!!) my sister took me to get glitter toes. I have never heard of them before but LOVED it!!! I highly recommend this to all of you want to get your toes done. Give it a try...and enjoy it as much as I did!!! Don't mind the fine tan lines on my feet...those came from my trip to DC. Here are all of our toes together.

Birthday Dinner #1 with Friends... For my birthday this year, my roommates took me to Texas Roadhouse. I have never been and since the one in Logan is almost a year old, I thought I would try it out. I have never been much of a meat eater, but I tried the pulled pork and it was pretty tasty. I got to experience the Birthday Surprise of this...

Birthday dinner #2 with Friends...went to Maddox with Jen and JJ for my favorite Creamy Chicken Soup, only served on Thursdays. If you haven't tried it, you must! It is TO DIE FOR!!! At least in my opinion.

Birthday dinner #3 with Friends...the world's best that is!!! I have some of the greatest friends from the good ole College days that mean so much to me. Thanks for a great time at yet, our favorite restaurant...Red Robin.

Overall, being 30 is not any different than other ages. I don't feel any older, and others always think I look 23-26! Can't beat that. For those of you who haven't hit the age of 30...when you do, just think of it as 30 Flirty and Still Thriving.

Washington DC...Take Two!

2010-06-01T20:55:00.029-06:00

This is my second time visiting our Nations Capitol. Can I just say I LOVE IT!!! It is SO beautiful and full of History. The first time I visited was in 2007 with my friend Jessica. I decided to go back again, this time to visit different places.

Here are a few of the fun things we did while visiting...

Old Town Alexandria
We walked up and down King Street and window shopped. The side walks were made with red brick. We were able to walk to the Pier and view the Potomac River. They had some cute shops! The weather was a bit chilly and cool! A couple days later, we stopped at two cupcake shops, Alexandria Cupcake and Lavendar Moon. Morgan, Jessica and I bought cupcakes and split them into thirds. What a great way to try them all. Lavendar Moon was to die for!!! It was SO good! The average price was around $3.

The National Mall

What a beautiful place! Lined by the Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Monument, the Washington Monument and our Nations Capitol. In between the Washington Monument and the Capitol the Smithsonian Museums. We stopped by the American History Museum (it was closed in 2007) and saw Julia Child's kitchen, Dorothy's Ruby Slippers, and many of the First Ladies gowns. We also went to the Natural History Museum and walked through an amazing butterfly exhibit. The butterflies were beautiful and some even landed on us. You will never get bored in DC, always something to do...and mostly FREE!!! Our walking average per day was about 10-12 miles.

Gettysburg, PA

We were able to visit Gettysburg. It was AMAZING!!! We started at the Visitor Center Museum, and walked through some exhibits of the war. It continued onto a movie narrated by Morgan Freeman. After the brief documentary of the Cival War, we moved towards the Cyclorama, which was so cool! It was a gorgeous painting that looked almost 3D, it was a compelte circle. The dimensions were 43 ft high and 377 ft in circumference. I tried to get a panaromic portrait of what it looked like. It was an amazing experience. I had chills the whole time.

The grounds of Gettysburg have an aduio tour to explain the many attractions associated with this war. We didn't have enough time, and only stopped at a few monuments and the cemetary. We didn't even scratch a dent and wish that I could go back and do the whole audio tour.

DC Nationals VS. Baltimore Orioles Baseball Game

It was LDS singles night and Jessica was able to get us tickets for the Major Leauge Baseball game. We had a lot of fun, even though the Nationals lost...it was still a great game. When you go to Baseball games, you have to experience the Hot Dogs...that is right, $7 of goodness!!! Afterwards they had fireworks. What a way to start off summer!

Whitehouse Tour

The last time I visited DC, I was able to go on a Capitol Tour. This time, I went on a White House Tour. This tour requires tickets ahead of time. Thanks to Jessica's friend, we were lucky to be able to go. This tour was self guided and started out with many different photos on the wall. We proceeded towards the library, red, green, and blue rooms, the dining area, etc. It took about 40 minutes for me to walk through. We weren't able to take pictures, but if you ever get the chance to go, I would highly recommend it. The experience lives in my mind. On a sidenote...while waiting for a tour of the Washington Monument, Morgan and I were able to see the President's Motorcade go by. It was pretty cool, about 15 motorcycles, lots of black suburbans, black cadilacs (with the USA flag), and many more 15 passengar vans and police cars. There were too many to count, but was fun to watch.

Mt Vernon

I have been wanting to visit Mt Vernon since 2007. Jessica and I were hoping to do this on our last trip, but only made it to the Mt Vernon Metro Stop...this is not the place you want to go. We learned the hard way. Mt Vernon is actually nestled about 20 minutes from DC, next to the Potomac River. It was beautiful. We were able to tour George Washington's Mansion, which also had a blue, and green room. We only had to wait in line for about 40 minutes and it wasn't super hot. After the tour, we went to the Old and New Toombs. The New toomb is where GW is buried today. We also saw the 16 sided barn, beautiful gardens, the waterfront, slavery cabin, as well as the slavery memorial. Mt Vernon is currently owned by the Ladies Association.

Monuments at Night

What a beautiful Experience!!! The monuments at night were amazing! I never thought anything could be so beautiful. The funny thing about visiting is we all ended up wearing green! We were practically a DC tour group!!! If any of you have been to DC, you know what I am talking about. There are millions of tour groups of all ages that visit. They all wear the same color shirt, so they don't get lost. We called our group the Green Beans...or something like that. The group consisted of Morgan, Dallin, Jessica and Myself. We had a lot of fun!

National Cathedral

What a gorgeous building. Very ornate and detailed. They still hold daily services. We barely missed one by an hour. We did a self tour and saw many gorgeous stained glass windows. It was very intricate and beautiful!

Washington DC Temple

This is my second time attending this temple. It is amazing! I love it! Our pictures didn't turn out so well, since it was evening. I am still trying to learn how to use my camera.

I was also able to visit my friend Clint. He was in DC the time before...so it was fun seeing him again.Thanks Jessica for a wonderful trip and letting us invade your home. Your roommates are amazing!!! Thanks Jenny and Crystal for a wonderful visit.

P.S. Sorry for the Red Eye! I am lucky enough just to get this posted. I obviously need to make time for editing too. Enjoy!

Seriously...

2010-04-06T21:06:00.003-06:00

It has been almost ONE YEAR since my last post!!! Not that anything hasn't happened in my life, because it has. I just haven't devoted much time to upating others on my life. As you all know, I am very open and if you come ask me...I will forsure give you all a quick update. I hope none of you have given up on my laziness.

Posting will come very soon...I am heading on a fun trip back east to DC. This will be my second time around and I am way excited to go!!!

I also have a new niece (#2) that was born in January, and she is the cutest thing ever!!! I purchased a new car and found out a couple months after that it was re-called...but I will have you know that it is a wonderful car and absolutely LOVE it!.!.as well as all who have rode in it.

And...it is randomly snowing (April 1st, and April 5th)...a ton! Meaning, at least 4-6 inches. I sure have enjoyed the grass while it lasted. Glad to know that spring is jsut around the corner and the snow hasn't been staying too long. I did however, wake up this morning to Christmas music playing on the radio (Let It Snow)...it through me for a loop! Glad that it is April and not December.

Hope you are all doing well!!!

Memorial Weekend with my Jonny Boy!!!

2009-05-26T23:00:00.008-06:00

These past two weeks I have been really sick and stuck at home. My really good friend (and old co-worker) Jon, decided that we needed to get together and reminisce about the good-ole-days. Jon decided to go to Subway and insisted on me getting my own "footlong" sandwich (because he was ordering his own). I told him there was NO way I could eat one of those things! Those of you who know me know that I can barely eat a 6 incher!!! Apparently I have deprived my body of food for SO long (I have only been able to eat toast and ramen noodles) that I needed to replinish and stock up. Well, since Jon insisted and told me to save the other half for later, I gave in. Well, little did I know...I ate the WHOLE sandwich!!! Jon was rather impressed, as well as myself. I guess my body was telling me that I needed some REAL food! Note to all...this will not be a normal occurance.

I LOVE Logan in the SUMMER!!! We went up Logan Canyon and decided on the ampitheater at the Guinivah-Malibu campground, but alas...there was a wedding going on there! Who wants to get married with campfire smoke all around??? There was lots of it, because of memorial weekend campers!!!

Since the spot Jon wanted was taken we went to the Card Picnic site instead and this is what went down...

Jon being ever so nice and pushing me into the river!

Then we headed to campus and took some photo memories of where it all happened between us...work that is.

Oh, I just LOVE this boy...who couldn't???

It was a great weekend and fun to get out of the house and enjoy the beautiful canyon. We Loganites are lucky to have such a great summer spot!!!

MIA...Catch Up!!!

2009-05-17T17:52:00.007-06:00

So...I have been M.I.A. lately. I hope you can all forgive me! The last two months have flown by so fast. Work has been very busy as I have picked up more responsibilities. I am now advising for the Sociology, Social Work, and Anthropology majors. It has been a fun addition to my recruitment responsibilities.

To catch you all up with what I have been doing...my office at work is in charge of the College Graduation Ceremony so we all were able to help. This year I was the "name reader." I read the names for the students graduating in the Liberal Arts and Multidisciplinary Studies majors. It was fun to be able to march in the Spectrum with the Graduates, read their names and experience the excitement each of the students had. I even got to wear the graduation regalia...It was a great experience and I hope I get to read the names next year too!

EXCITING NEWS!!! I am going to be another AUNT!!! I just found out that my brother Jason and my sister-n-law Sam are pregnant!!! I am really excited for the new baby coming on Christmas Day (that is the due date, but it can change).

My CUTE Gracie just had her 6th birthday on May 16th. I cannot believe that she is already SiX! How time flies! I have no pictures to share of the occasion because I have been really sick, and barely made it to her birthday. This past week has been horrible...I have been fighting an infection for three weeks and it has finally caught up to me. I have been super ill and have had no voice. I went to three doctors appointments this past week and am all drugged up! Those doctors and nurses spare no pain when you don't feel good. They drew my blood so now I have an ugly hole in my arm with bruises all around. I really don't like it when my blood is drawn. Well, more doctors appointments are coming up in the next couple of weeks. I am getting an MRI on Wednesday to see if they can figure out why I keep on getting Vertigo. I really hope it helps and they can find the problem.

On a more fun note, my friend is a pilot and we were able to go flying with him. We flew over to Bear Lake and it was an amazing experience! I have to say that I am jealous of his job...he gets to see the true beauty every day up in the air. Especially now, since it is SO green!!!

Look at the pretty views of Bear Lake...my sister and I were able to fly the plane. It was an interesting experience, but also way fun!

I am also going to be heading to the Oregon Coast this summer, so stay tuned for some fun stories, and beautiful scenery! Summers are the BEST!!!

Spring Break Furlough and Car Wash Adventure

2009-03-13T09:36:00.006-06:00

So this week is USUs Spring Break and I haven't been working. For those of you who don't know, USU is going through some major budget cuts and required all full time employees to take a mandatory furlough with no pay during the week of spring break. Pretty much they shut down the University.

Since I have been unemployed for the week, I have had lots of time on my hands. I have cleanded, done lots of laundry, worked out, traveled to SLC to see my friend Jon in a musical as well as stay with my old roommie Danielle. It has been fun, but I am really looking foward to going back to work and getting into my routine again. It has been about a month since I have been in my routine. The three weeks before spring break I spent traveling the state of Utah recruiting with USU Admissions and visiting all of the Distance Education Centers. During this time, we ate out..drove...slept...recruited...ate aggie icecream...and continued on this cycle for a couple of weeks. Needless to say, I gained five pounds and desperately want to loose it and feel good again! Hence looking forward to getting back into my daily routine. I cannot wait!

Yesterday was a beautiful day, so I decided to take my car to get washed. I had a free wash from my last fill up with gas so I went to the automated one that has the cool blue rollers that I remembered as a kid. It was cool!!! I had a funny thought before I went in, wondering if anyone ever got stuck in the car wash (both doors close upon entering during the winter months). I figured it probably doesn't happen often since the three cars ahead of me made it through just fine. It was now my turn, I drove through my car was washed, then dried, then the equipment shut down and they doors never opened! I was STUCK!!! I was shocked, thinking this just happened to me...it was funny! I grabbed my cell phone (which I also wasn't going to take with me...but had a feeling to) and called my roommate to tell her what just happened and asked if she would find the phone number to the gas station so I could tell them I was stuck in their car wash. She proceeds to tell me that the phone number is not in the phone book, so I told her to go in my room and google it on my computer. As she was getting ready to do it, an employee came in and let me out. It made me wonder if they have a sensor that goes off when someone gets stuck! I thanked the employee, drove off and thought about a quote..."What you think about, you bring about." I learned after this experience to not think about the negative, because you never know when something is going to happen. I have to say, I had a good laugh over it, as well as my friends and family that I told!

Cannot leave a post without a picture. I got my haircut on Tuesday morning. I decided to get rid of my A-line and length and go for a bob with more bangs...I love it! What do you think?

BEFORE: A-line (getting too long for my comfort)!

AFTER: Bob with more bangs!

I-Phone Video

2009-02-15T22:01:00.005-07:00

Just playing around with the I-phone and made a video of myself. Click on the link below.
What to do on Sunday...

Chocolates...YUM!!!!

2009-02-04T20:41:00.009-07:00

Need I say more?

I went with my friend Carmen to Alvey's Chocolate Factory and learned how to make chocolates. I was able to help in the process and mark the tops with "x's." This was no easy process, but they turned out like I was an experienced marker and not a beginner. The good thing about it was if I messed up, I could just erase the top and redo it.

I also got to decorate them with hearts...they look so good, and taste good as well!

Bad at blogging...

2009-01-11T17:18:00.008-07:00

I have to admit I am a terrible blogger!!!...as you all can agree. I haven't had anything exciting to post about! I wish I could be more like all of you. I do enjoy reading everyone's blogs, especially all of my friends that are announcing that they are pregnant. Congrats! Sorry, hopefully my life will get more exciting now that I am not in school.

Over Christmas I was able to go to SUNNY Arizona. I had a great time and enjoyed the nice 70 degree weather. I figured I should be a summer citizen and live in Cache Valley for the summer and Arizona for the winter. I think I am going to try and pull it off. Either way, both places have their plus and minuses. Cache Valley is beautiful! I think I will have to stay just a tad longer. Too bad their are no guys to date here...if you know of any cute ones, send them my way. :o)

Don't blink in this picture...I am in the very bottom corner.

Those of you who know me well, know that I LOVE palm trees and the ocean. Well, I also have a new appreciation, and that is the cactus...I have never seen one before and they are quite interesting. Just don't get too close and touch them!

I went on the trip with my parents and we ate lots of YUMMY Mexican food. I have never really been a fan of the food, because Utah Mexican food is nothing like Arizona Mexican food...c'mon, we need to get some good restaurants here! The picture above is a navajo taco. You have to go to Cameron AZ to eat this yummy dish! The Navajo Nation sure knows how to make good food!

More Photos

2008-12-21T16:31:00.005-07:00

The whole gang from the Christmas lights...they were lots of fun! I also was able to go to Boise to see my brother Jason and his wife Sam...we had a good time and were able to go to the Boise Temple. I was the only one in the picture since it was FREEZING!!! It also starting snowing and was very slick outside so I got a picture really fast, and ran back inside. Again, please ignore the dates, as I promise they were really taken on December 11th and 13th 2008. :0)

Also, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and enjoy the holidays with your family!

Long Time...

2008-12-21T16:07:00.012-07:00

It has been awhile since my last post. Sorry! I have made it through the busiest of times in the last four months. For those of you who didn't know, I was going to school full-time, and working more than full-time. I have been traveling a lot with work and have been all over. In my "spare" time I made two wedding videos and just finished them (I am SO excited they are done). Just this month, I have been to St. George UT, Boise ID, and will be traveling to Arizona the day after Christmas. It is nice to be in places where it is a little warmer than here! I also was able to go to SLC to see the Christmas lights at Temple Square and stop at YUMMY Red Robin for dinner. What good times!!! Here are just a few of the fun pictures of the evening.

Manger Scene

Ligts by the Assembly Hall

Jessica and I (Ignore the date, the picture really was takin this year...)

Kathrin, Jessica, Me, Vickie, and Ben

Cute Girls (Emily, Amie, and Vickie)

Youngest Sibling "Weds" First...

2008-10-27T19:35:00.005-06:00

I wanted to quickly update my blog. My youngest brother Jason got married on October 17th and the weather was "beautiful." The bride (Sam) was even more beautiful! Everything was perfect and fall was in the air. It was great seeing family and friends and I am excited for their future together. Yeah!!! I finally have a sister-in-law, but to me, she is more of a "sister" than an "in-law."

Jason and Sam before the wedding

Bouquet (my old roommate Corinne did the flowers, and she is AMAZING!!!)

Wedding cake at the reception

Fall is officially here...

2008-09-27T22:08:00.003-06:00

I have been dying this month to go up the canyon and see the changing of leaves. My friend Lisa and I went up Logan canyon the other night to see the beauty. It is BEAUTIFUL!!! For those of you who have lived in Logan Utah know what I am talking about. I love the changing of the seasons and the beauty that comes from it!

Spring Hollow Campground (also known as Third Dam)

It was getting a little dark, but you get the "jist" of it.

Story of My Life...

2008-09-14T14:02:00.004-06:00

It has been a couple of weeks since my last post. I have wanted to update you all, but I didn't know what I should write about until today.

These last few weeks have been very busy. I had a gut feeling that I should go back to school. So, three weeks before school started I went and talked with an advisor in the Masters Program of Family and Human Development and asked what I should do to prepare for a Masters. She told me to take 9 credits of pre-reqs, take the MAT and apply to grad school by November 1st. So, here I am working well over 40 hours a week, taking a full-time load of school, and recruiting on top of it. For those of you who don't know, I was promoted to a Recruitment Specialist in my college. I recruit students to the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences with the Admissions office. It is lots of fun, but very time consuming. It has been really hard trying to get back into the homework mode, but I am doing great.

This past weekend, I was able to work Friday night and Saturday to help with Aggie Care night and Family Day on the Quad. We helped children make butterflies, paper masks, and music shakers. It was lots of fun, and after I went to the USU vs. U of U football game, which USU LOST! Imagine that. It was still fun to go to the game though, being surrounded by U fans was great!

This morning I woke up early and didn't feel so great. So, I decided to sleep longer and not go to church. Around 10:00 I felt a little better and decided to shower and go to Sacrament Meeting. I hurried really fast and was ready in 30 minutes (which is really fast for me). I grabbed my sandals and ran out the door to make it on time for Sacrament. I walked in the door with my friend and had to walk in front and around people just to find a seat. I sat next to the Relief Society President and decided to cross my legs when I noticed...I was wearing one brown sandal and one black sandal. Two completely different sandals. I was horribly embarrased and just laughed with my friend about it. After I found out, I wouldn't even wear my sandals at church! When church ended, I didn't know what to do but just sit there. My cute friend walked with me and we cut to the back door and left with no one seeing the shoes I picked.

I never thought I would grab two different pairs of shoes and not even realize that they don't fit the same!!! It was a good laugh, and also cry! I was mortified, and didn't feel good. I think everything started to build up and I lost it. Thank goodness for great friends!

The moral of my story is, even if you are in a hurry, make sure you look at your shoes before you leave the house!

Danielle's Wedding

2008-08-23T09:49:00.009-06:00

My really good friend of 8 years and roommate of 4 years got married on Thursday August 21st. The wedding was beautiful and everything was perfect that day, except for the wind! I don't know why but it was really windy when we were taking pictures. Danielle asked me to make her wedding video and it turned out perfect! Everyone loved it which helped me since it was my first one ever! My brother Jason is getting married in October and I am making his video too. I am actually excited to do it a little different. I should just go into the video making business, though it is very stressful! Danielle and Chris are SO cute together and very lucky to have each other. Congrats you two...I love you both!

My "cute" old roomie Kari and I

The "beautiful" bride Danielle and I

Chris, Danielle, and I trying to control our attire as the wind is blowing...

I like this picture because Gracie stoled my camera and took it...she did a really good job!

All of us together at the Alumni House

Kami's Wedding

2008-08-09T22:32:00.004-06:00

One of my really good friends Kami got married on August 7th. She is SO cute and pretty in her dress! She married a great guy from SLC. His name is Erik and they are SO CUTE together!!! I love celebrating with my friends and being able to catch up with all of them from the good Old Farm days. Here are a few pictures from the wedding.

East Canyon Resort

2008-08-03T19:24:00.004-06:00

This weekend, my friend Amie invited some of her friends to go to East Canyon Resort. Her parents had a timeshare. It was Amie's birthday and she invited us to spend it with her at the condo. We had a great weekend. Watched movies, ate good food, told great stories about when we were kids and made up "creative" games that we thought were SO cool back in the day, shopped at the Outlets in Park City, and rode the Kaboda all over the mountains. It was a great weekend with fun friends. We even ate by a waterfall at a restaurant in Park City. It was "beautiful," but I didn't like eating my food in the dark so much.

Before I left for the weekend, my cute niece Gracie broke her arm and so she wasn't that happy of a camper. She ended up getting surgery and had 3 pins placed in it. I felt horrible! She is a trooper though and has a nice PINK cast on her left arm. She is doing well and is happy! That makes me feel good!

New Friends and the PAST week happenings...

2008-07-25T13:56:00.004-06:00

I know it has been awhile since my last post...but I have been busy. I want you all to meet my new "friend" Jeremy. He is in the USU marching band and is 6'4" tall! Man, that is a WHOLE FOOT taller than me! He has been "hanging out" in my office the past few weeks. He enjoys staring out the window all day watching people...and participating in SOAR (New Student Orientation Advising and Registration). He sure is a popular catch! On the other hand, he has undergone some surgery. He lost his arm and both legs on his way to SOAR. Luckily his friends were able to help him get put back together. He is loads of fun!!!

This past weekend I visited my "cute" friends in SLC. It was Danielle's wedding shower on Thursday in Logan and then Kami's wedding shower on Saturday in SLC. I had lots of fun with all the friends. It was great seeing all of you again! Thanks for a great weekend.

Earlier this week my sister went to Girls Camp and Gracie asked me to come over and stay with her. She wasn't feeling very good, but that didn't stop her from having fun. We made smoothies (YUM!!!). Gracie also told me that my car was dirty and needed to be washed that night. So, we washed my car and my parents out in the front yard. She was so cute that she kept looking at herself in the shiny car and kept saying how clean it was. I didn't have my camera to take pictures, but she drew me a picture of us washing the cars in our swimming suits. It was fun!!! Then we ended our night with a bike ride. OUCH...I forgot what it is like to ride a bike.

Great at 28!!!

2008-06-29T09:43:00.003-06:00

Well, the title sounds funny, but I just turned 28 and feel great! I had such an aweseome birthday...maybe one of the very best because I have such great friends and family. Thank You to all of you that made my "special day" perfect!

It all started out last Sunday, my family did a dinner and dessert and gave me a digital picture frame. I am really excited to put this to use. I just love memories and even more that they all fit on one frame!

Tuesday, June 24th was my BIG day. I went to the dentist and started my birthday off with a 6 month dental cleaning. They gave me extra toothpaste since it was my "special day." It was very thoughtful. Afterwards I connected with my co-workers and we all took a "Mental Health" day off to re-coop and went to get a pedicure and manicure. We had SO much fun, and my fingernails and toenails look AWESOME!!! I met up with my Mom, Dad, and Gracie and they took me out to lunch at Costa Vida...YUM! I continued on with my day with various phone calls, text messages and visits from such GREAT friends!!! I really couldn't ask for any better friends because you all made me feel so good. Later in the evening, my cute friends Lisa and Danielle took me to dinner at the Olive Garden (side note: they don't give you FREE dessert on your birhtday, they charge you $4 or more...so DON'T do it if they ask you!!!). That night my ward got together and we had Fruit Pizza and Homemade Ice Cream. It was DELICOUS!!! I was able to come home and sleep soundly in my NEW pajamas from my roommate. They are SUPER CUTE!!! This was my GREAT at 28 experience...however, the extravaganza is still continuing on...Wednesday all of my friends from Old Farm got together at Red Robin in Layton to celebrate mine and Jill's birthday (she turned 28 on June 26th). It was fun to see all of you! This Wednesday, my friends Kim and Jen will be taking me to Maddox for the celebration...more pictures will follow.

Thanks EVERYONE for a FANTASTIC DAY!!!

Family Vacation

2008-06-21T08:43:00.003-06:00

I just got back from Grand Teton National Park. It was a great trip, however it snowed and rained EVERYDAY!!! It was SO cold and wet that we weren't able to have a camp fire or eat outside without rushing. I almost felt like I was living in a bubble and it would never end. Besides that, we saw some amazing wildlife. We were about 20 feet away from a grizzly and black bear. A fox came right up to us...it was really neat, since I have never seen animals like this before. We also saw a Mama moose and baby, elk, bison, coyote, birds, baby foxes, etc. With beautiful scenery, hikes, animals, and good company, what more could you ask for? I had a great time!

San Diego Pictures

2008-05-26T17:54:00.001-06:00

Some of my favorite pictures!

San Diego May 2008

2008-05-26T17:44:00.003-06:00

Earlier this month, I went to San Diego with Rosie, Gracie, and Morgan. We had a blast!!! Just a quick re-cap of what we did...we went to the San Diego Temple, Seaworld, Coronado Island, Seaport Village, Old Town, San Diego Zoo, La Jolla Cove, and many other places. San Diego is BEAUTIFUL!!! I would recommend this trip to anyone wanting a great vacation.

P.S. My favorite part of the trip was feeding the dolphins at Seaworld, and going to La Jolla Cove (a beautiful beach with Sea Lions and Seals that come close to you).

Stay Tuned...

2008-05-20T23:21:00.002-06:00

As promised, my adventures in San Diego California will appear soon. And possibly Gracie's BIG number 5 birthday bash!!! My cute niece turned 5 on May 16th. Poor Gracie wasn't feeling well, she had strep throat. But as sick as she was, she was a trooper for hanging in there to celebrate the big day!

Cousin Cami's Wedding...May 17, 2008

2008-05-20T23:10:00.005-06:00

Grandpa Slade kissing his "favorite" granddaughter...well, one of the 12 favorite granddaughters.

Little me in between Cousins Tyler and Cory

Cousin Cami

Pretty tulips at the Bountiful Temple

UPDATE...

2008-05-19T14:16:00.002-06:00

Okay, it has been awhile since I have posted stuff, and believe me...I have LOTS to post! I went to update my blog on Sunday, and somehow all of my contact friends got deleted. I want to keep up with all of you, so PLEASE post me your blog address so I can put them back on.

Sorry!!!

Amanda

26 Tidbits about ME...

2008-04-20T22:44:00.003-06:00

Thanks to Corinne who tagged me! This was fun, and made me think. I should be in bed, but haven't felt good for the past 1 1/2 weeks. I went to the doctor twice and was diagnosed with Labrynthitis. In other words it is called Vertigo meaning the dizzyness/spinning of the head. I am on lots of meds that won't let me sleep, but I am extremely tired. Thought I could catch up while I was WIDE awake! Enjoy!

I also got my hair trimmed again, and added more bangs! So boring, but I just HAD to add a "self" portrait of myself all drugged up!

A- attached or single: Very much SINGLE, and loving every minute of it!
B- best friend: everyone! I have TOO many favorites to even pick just one!
C- cake or pie: Cake all the way!
D- day of choice: Depends on the week. I do LOVE a good weekend with great friends and family!
E- essential item: Can I list more than one? Jewelry, lipgloss, toenail polish (RED of course), and my cell phone!
F- favorite color: Did I mention RED? Gotta love my RED kitchen aid mixer and blender!
G- gummy bears or worms: Hmmm, I like the clear (white) gummy bears, or if you eat the worms, you have to bite each color separetly. It is more fun that way!
H- hometown: Smithfield Utah
I- indulgence(s): Peanut butter...I cannot live without it! Peanut Butter Twix's are great! Plus I am currently craving tasty strawberries. They have been really good this year! In the summer, I cannot live without cherry tomatoes, YUM!!!
J- January or July: July all the way!!! Warm weather is SO much better than cold!
K- kids: sure someday! I sure LOVE my little Gracie!
L- life is incomplete without: family, friends, boyfriend (well, someday it won't be)...peanut butter, laughter, and lots of COLD water!
M- marriage date: I haven't decided! I am leaning towards July 17th...what a nice number! Practically anytime when it is WARM!
N- number of siblings: 4 total...2 brothers and 1 sister.
O- oranges or apples: Oranges! I ate about 3-4 clementines PER DAY during the winter months while they were in season, and can I just say YUMMY!
P- phobias or fears: Heights! Nasty rodents, like MICE! I am very petrified of them!
Q- quote(s): Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
R- reason to smile: anything...but usually a CUTE boy talking to me, that is always a great reason to smile!
S- season: SUMMER! I am really getting depressed with the 9 months of winter we are STILL having!
T- tag five: Can I tag more than five? Dalyce, Jamie, Abbey, Bri, Christy, Kelly, Melanie, Stacey, Ellie, and Kasey!
U- unknown fact about me: I HATE milk! Haven't drank it since I was around 8? Occasionly I like Chocolate Milk, but only the Cream O Weber or Western Family Brand...I am pretty picky! I also eat Toast with Peanut Butter and Jelly or Honey on it everyday for breakfast...it is SO good, if I don't eat peanut butter, I get really bad cravings for Peanut Butter Twix's! That is bad!!!
V- vegetarian or oppressor of animal: Not SO much a vegetarian, but I don't really like meat. Very little amounts, and I NEVER crave it or even cook it! I do love a veggie sandwich anyday! YUM!
W- worst habit: Cleaning up after others...I don't have OCD, but I don't like little things lurking on the counter in the kitchen. Everything needs to be spotless and clean. I also de-junk about once a month and throw things out. I just think others can use it more than me.
X- x-rays or ultrasounds: Either. I have had both, as long as it can tell me what is wrong!
Y- your favorite food group: Ice Cream, Peanut Butter, any FRESH fruit in the summer, French Toast, good veggies, etc. Something yummy, but not always healthy! You need to have a mix in life!
Z- zodiac: Cancer.

Afternoon w/ Gracie

2008-04-12T18:08:00.004-06:00

Gracie and I spent the afternoon together. We had a little TOO much fun taking pictures of ourselves. Notice her "colorful" fingers...I just have to laugh!

Evening in SLC

2008-03-30T12:23:00.002-06:00

I was in SLC this past weekend for a Mary Kay Conference. After the conference I met up with some friends for a Bridal Shower for Lisa. Some of us decided to go out for ice cream, it was sure yummy! I just couldn't resist attaching the picture of Melissa posing in her GREEN pants. She looked cute!

Back to Bangs...

2008-03-23T12:00:00.002-06:00

I decided that I wanted a new haircut. My cute roommate Morgan had a great magazine to look through. I found a picture that was bobbed and A-lined around my face and had bangs. Yes, after NOT having bangs for 14 years I decided to try the side look. My cute sister Rosie cut it for me. She did such a GREAT job! It has been two weeks since she cut it, and I am constantly getting compliments on it everyday. I also bought a cute dress, and guess what? It came from Sams Club and was $16. I am quite impressed with my shopping.

Spring Is Here...

2008-03-23T11:49:00.006-06:00

I am SO excited that spring is here! The warmer weather, the birds chirping, flowers coming in. I love the re-birth of everything!!! Yesterday we had an easter egg hunt for Gracie, it was a lot of fun to watch her "hunt" for eggs. I hope you all had a fabulous easter and that you are as excited as I am that spring is actually here. Yipee!!!

Whoops! An Accident...

2008-02-22T22:17:00.004-07:00

Okay, so I was leaving work on Thursday a little after 5:00. I was pulling out of the Aggie Terrace and was waiting for a BIG SUV to turn left. The next thing I noticed, it was backing up into my car. I held down my horn, since I couldn't back up or I would have hit the gate and dinged my car. It surely didn't help because it backed up right into my bumper and scraped the whole thing (or so I thought). When I got an estimate, the damage was over $1100's! It ended up pushing my bumper in, my hood is hanging about an inch off of the bumper, there is a dent right above the headlight, my headlight is broken, and my bumper is all scratched up. I about gave the lady a "heart-attack" when I told her how much the damage would cost her.

Now my car is going to the autobody shop to get a whole new fix-it job. It will take 3-4 days and I will be sent away with a rental car. Wow! Aren't I lucky!!! If I was on the ball, I would have attached a picture...but alas, my batteries were dead in my camera. Maybe you will see it later.

If you have attended Utah State, you will laugh at this. My accident will now be posted in the Police Blotter section of the USU Statesman. I was SO embarrassed when I found out...but the Police Officer and I just laughed about it!

Weddings...

2008-02-22T21:58:00.005-07:00

Well, my friend Brett got "hitched" on Tuesday, February 19th. They had the reception at the America West Heritage Center and boy was it COLD that night! There was a covered wagon that transported us to the actual reception. It was SO fun to see my old roomies Jill and Janae, and my dear sweet friend Kami. I love these girls!!!

On the way back to the parking lot, the covered wagon was SO full of people, so Kami made us all walk back in the COLD...we weren't too excited over that. You can see in one of the pictures that the wagon is leaving us behind as Kami takes our picture. Though it was a bitter cold night...it was great to be with good friends. Afterwards we met at Cafe Sabor for dinner, and then Kami and Janae headed back to SLC.

My New Purchase...

2008-01-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

I have finally updated to the "must have" essentials in life. You probably have already guessed it...I bought a CHI and absolutely love it!!! I just threw away my old ceramic flat iron and upgraded. This new mechanism is a "must have" for all girls or even boys with long hair!!! It is great! My hair takes less time and it doesn't pull, or tug when you are using it. Enough said...the CHI speaks for itself...you need to try it to believe it. But, I am warning you...if you try it, you will want to buy it...so start saving now. :)

My Cute Niece!!!

2008-01-17T21:26:00.001-07:00

Gracie is SO stinkin' cute!!! For Christmas, she gave me this picture on a mouse pad so I can use it at my computer. She is SO smart!!!

Frigid!!!

2008-01-17T21:23:00.001-07:00

If you think you are cold, come to Logan...you might change your mind!

2008-01-17T20:40:00.000-07:00

We had a Stake Ski Night at Beaver Mountain. Some went to Snowboard, Ski, Sled, or play games in the lodge. I opted for the games in the lodge. The temperature was -6 below and when I breathed in, my nose stuck together.

WeLcOmE

2008-01-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog! I am new at this, so it may take a few days for it to come alive!!! Have a happy day.