I Left My Heart in...

San Francisco! As many of you know, I love San Fran. My family has been going there for years to watch our beloved 49ers, win or lose. Unfortunately, the family wasn't making the trip this year, so instead I recruited a few friends to travel north.
Since I was the only one who had ever been to the city, we had a whole lot to see in just two days! From biking over the Golden Gate bridge to Alcatraz to Union Square, we were exhausted by the end of the trip!
Despite a poor performance by the Niners, we had a great trip! And as always in SF, I ate WAY TOO MUCH!!!!

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Matchmaker, Matchmaker...

As my "dark day" approaches, I am reminiscent of the year that has passed. It is interesting to remember where I was, what I was feeling and what I wanted almost exactly one year ago.

Many things have changed, most obviously my zip code, but most significantly I am more willing to be vulnerable which ironically makes me feel more confident. However, many things remain the same. I love my Cougs and Niners, I love concerts, being with my friends and watching movies or reading a good book. I am sick of dating, not hopeless just tired of asking and answering the same first date questions over and over again. I still want to love someone completely and unselfishly.

Its funny, it isn't a matter of me feeling old, in fact, I am the baby of my friends down here. I am just done talking about the number of people in my family, what I like to do and where I went to school! Am I the only one that feels this way?

In talking with a few friends here, I have come to a conclusion--I would agree to an arranged marriage. It can't be that bad, can it? I have done the dating thing, I have felt completely myself and loved someone completely as I could and it still doesn't work out. I love those who don't love me and can't seem to love those that could love me. I have tried my best up to this point, but I think I might be cursed, so what have I got to lose?

I turn it over to you, my blog audience! Not just for myself, but for a few of my friends as well. I don't think our standards are too high, I want someone to love that is willing to put up with me, someone who loves the Lord and wants a family. Is that so difficult?

If you need visual reference, see below, we are all attractive, fun and successful chicas! Any suggestions? Send them my way, because somehow this feels less pathetic than online dating (it works for some, I know, totally not dissing it just can't do it!)

The Right Place for Me

Just a quick note, today we had stake conference adult session and it was AMAZING!!!! I felt so grateful to be a member of the Church and know the truth of who the Savior is and how well our Father in Heaven knows us. I felt as the whole session was being directed especially at me. So for if no other reason, today I know I am in the right place for me right now, and that feels good.

The Joys that Come from Disney

Most of you know, I HEART Disneyland! I can't really get enough of it! I am now an annual passholder and I love going to the "Happiest Place on Earth"! Some of my favorite moments since moving to the OC have been made at Disneyland. We going on a regular basis (2-3 per month) and I never get tired of it! The trip to D-Land always hits the spot!

But all the fun is not had in the park alone, there is a House of Blues in Downtown Disney! I love concerts and they do throw a good show! Recently, we saw my boyfriend, Joshua Radin! California Screamin' and Joshua Radin--it really is the happiest place on earth!



We even got a little time with Joshua and KS themselves, we were in heaven!!!! Good thing we got in good with his uncle for the introduction!

I Am Still Here...

I along with many others enjoy the art of blog stalking! I love to see what others are doing with their lives and I HEART pictures. Everytime I log on I am excited to see the new posts and adventures of my family and friends. Unfortunately, there are times when I click on the link anticipating that new post and am sorely disappointed to see that it is the same title and picture that I have been looking at for the last month. You know you have all done the same! For my fellow stalkers, I am sorry that I haven't updated lately! I thought about making seperate posts for everything that has occurred but that seemed too intimidating, SO I will make a photographic "highlights" post.

First, I have gained an AMAZING group of friends here in Cali. I have made some great memories with these guys!
Del Mar Races

Wendizzle, Marci and I

Surfing at San Onofre with Marci and Ali

Saying goodbye to my boy Willy!

Ali and Morgan-"the wet look"

Ali and Morgan-"the watermelon look"

Kristin and Morgan

Special of the Day-A Pete Sandwich

A few weeks ago, Ali, Wendy and I ran a half marathon on the Extraterrestrial Highway in Nevada. Yes, its random but it was fun! It started at midnight, people dressed up like aliens, we had to wear headlamps and reflective gear and we LOVED it! My knee wanted to kill me off, but we survived and it was a really cool race! I would love to do it again. When planning for the race we decided to make a weekend of it and stay in Vegas. Kristin came along for the ride and Aaron and Peter couldn't resist the opportunity to paint the town with us as well! It was a fun weekend despite the pitiful amount of sleep!
Highlights of the trip:

1. Cafe Rio(twice)
Ali and Diz

Morgan and Aaron

Peter and Kristin

Pre-race meal at the Rio

Kristin did not run with us-hence the fact that she is NOT in a ridiculously hot outfit like us! :)

2. Dancing in front of the Bellagio



3. Aaron's desperate attempt to be Billy Ray Cyrus



4. Great Company





And of course, THE RACE!!!! Look out! We were H-O-T-T!






There is so much more that I need to touch on as this has been a great and eventful summer! But I have no patience left to add any more photos or stories! I will try to update it more often from now on! My love to all who read this!

Babies, Baptism and Batman

Last weekend, I went home to Utah. The reason for the visit was to watch my adorable Cade Louis Baldwin be baptized. It was a short trip but very much needed. Saturday, we visited the Baldwins and got the update from Carolynn. And I must say she is so adorable when she is pregnant! I was so glad to see those munchkins! I dearly miss them!
Since movies are so expensive here in Cali, I decided to take advantage and see The Dark Knight while in Utah. I must say it was amazing! I was literally speechless after it finished. I want to see it again!
After the movie, we headed to Riverside to help at the annual Mulligan Tournament. It is always fun,(not so much for my dad), and we never fail to be asked about a set up or two or three. Ask Ashlee about the crazy set up brought upon her! Hehe!!!!
While I was in town, I got to see my dear friend, Emily and little Andrew. Luckily for me, it happened to be the weekend of his blessing as well. He is so adorable and already a flirt at 3 months. So Andrew, if I am still single in 21 years, I am yours! I left my phone number in your car seat! :)
The crowning event and the purpose for the visit was the baptism. Cade is such a sweetheart and I am so proud of him. He looked so handsome and old(sad) in his white jumpsuit, and even more handsome in his shirt and tie! The baptism was wonderful and I honestly can't believe he is eight!
After the baptism, we had a BBQ at Corby and Carolynn's. It was fun to see everyone. But most of all, I love being with the kids. I was elated when Andelin wanted to sit on my lap during the baptism, when Bergen wanted to play at the house and nothing can be greater than getting a bear hug from Cadester! I just adore those kids.
Thanks to all my family for a fun weekend! It was good to be home!

"Say What You Need to Say!"

This may surprise you but last night I went to a great concert! I am often looking for concerts to attend because I ADORE it! There is something about good live music that makes me so happy and last night was no exception!
First, the company. I was accompanied by ten gorgeous,intelligent,hilarious ladies. We were definitely an intimidating group out on the prowl! We made the trip to San Diego, singing our hearts out and sharing the crazy stories of the day!
Second, Colbie Caillat. My kindred spirit, I love her music and feel like she is singing about my life! Lame? Maybe, but still true!
Third, John Mayer. I don't particularly find him hot, but he starts jamming on the guitar and I am gone, head over heels! I obviously need someone who is willing to serenade me! He is very talented and I enjoyed every moment. We had a blast singing along, we even got up and did a little groove during my newest favorite, "Say".
All in all the night was wonderful and the company superb!

If You Should Be So Lucky!

Presenting the newlyweds...
Laura and Jason Graham!!!Five years and she is still putting up with me!!!This weekend, I had the privilege of attending the sealing of my dearest friend and kindred spirit, Laura Pugmire Graham(aka Puglet Graham Cracker) to dear old Jason. After a long week in Pittsburgh, it was such a blessing to watch these two declare their desire and commitment to spend eternity together. It has been such a blessing watching and hearing the progression of their relationship since that magical New Year's Eve in Time Square. Although, I am not directly involved in the relationship, I have learned so much from their example. Thanks to Pug and Jason- I love you both! I could not be happier for any two people in the entire world!
As I sat in the Seattle Temple, I watched as the girl that I look up to and strive to be like, got exactly what she deserved, a man who ABSOLUTELY ADORES her! In the ceremony, the sealer shared words that really hit home and I felt the Spirit really teaching me. Pug and I have talked many times about the ins and outs of our relationships, why some things work and why others don't, and we came to the conclusion that is was something simple that we already knew~
It is a decision that has to be made!
I know there are a lot of factors that go into a relationship, but I think a lot of times, we are afraid. We are afraid to love someone and have it hurt, we are afraid to fall in love with someone that maybe isn't what we always thought we wanted, we are afraid to inflict ourselves on someone else... I could go on forever. The truth is you have to decide to love someone and then stick to your decision. I know the Lord will help us to see if our decision is not the most beneficial, but how can we know if we don't make the decision to try?
There are a lot of boys and girls in this world(especially in our culture) that are looking for the fairytale or the trophy, but I think its an excuse.It helps them avoid the responsibilty of making a decision that might be hard. I am guilty of that! Unfortunately, that doesn't get us where we ultimately want to be, with someone who ADORES us, despite the hard times. I walked out of the temple that day with a renewed sense of self! I am an incredible person who is willing to make that decision! I have a high capacity to love and forgive and look for someone who is man enough to do the same! I haven't found it yet, but I am currently taking applications! :) Because as my friend, Peter always says, "They'll be DARN (G-rated version) lucky to have me!"I want to say thanks to my dear friend Pug for being the person I want to be more like, to Jason for loving her as she should be, and to my dear Bostonian friends who allowed me to spend the day with them and share their camera! You are all magnificent!!!