Check Engine

It happens to everyone. Yes, we all must experience car trouble. Whenever I see a “Check Engine” light, I shudder. It reminds me of the first car I ever purchased. It was a Subaru-Isuzu Station wagon and it lasted me a total of one month. The oil and anti-freeze lines crossed and I ended up with a cracked engine block. My warning: Check Engine. However, by the time it came on, it was too late to do anything. Scrap metal was the end result of that first major expense. I learned a ton about cars in the process, so I suppose I should be grateful.

That cursed light came on today in my current vehicle. Having recently changed the oil (Yes, I am very handy to have around. I change my own oil and everything.), I knew that couldn’t be the trouble. I checked the fluid levels. No problems there. My dad recommended taking the car to Auto Zone. They checked it for free. But isn’t it just my luck that the test would come back inconclusive? There were a few “could be” problems, but no definite reason for the warning light to be activated. Now my plans for tonight will consist of fixing the possible issues. Yep, I’ll be changing the fuel filter and one of the oxygen sensors…so exciting. It’s just how I wanted to spend my Saturday evening. (I’m being sarcastic.) Honestly, I enjoy tinkering with my car, but I’m rather tired from working all morning. Gratefully, I have a dad who is very adept at car repair. He’s taught me all I know and said he’d help me tonight. I’ll get some father/daughter bonding time. It's the only benefit of the entire evening. Usually, he tells me what I need to do, and then lets me do it on my own (with his supervision, of course.). I learn hands on, so it's a great way to gain knowledge about cars. It's cheaper too.

Friends, I hope your Saturday is more enjoyable than mine is going to be. Go have fun for me! I’ll be spending the night covering myself in car grease and pondering how much longer it will be until the vehicle self destructs.

How Sweet It Is

Last night, my friend and I went to a play. We had a couple friends who were in the cast and decided to give some support. First of all, I’m not a fan of Community Theater. I judge pretty harshly considering I used to be very involved in theater and have a very critical (sensitive) musical ear. I know that’s horrible of me, but that’s what happens when you have musical parents and a mom that was a drama major. Luckily, my friend and I are the same in this department. We share opinions on musicals and actors and they are usually identical. Last night was no exception. For the most part, they did a pretty good job. There was a fair share of sour notes and over acting, but it was enjoyable.

I don’t know why I’m writing like a critic. I hadn’t planned on writing about the play in and of itself. I wanted to share a personal triumph I experienced. I first learned about the play from a friend (aka: The Jerk who broke my heart a couple years ago. Yes, I suppose we’re still friends…if you can call it that.). I told him I would come and being a woman true to my word, I decided to reserve seats (which some people stole. Stupid seat stealer's and a dash of excellent alliteration! A dash? Oh brother!). I have to share something of my character that I’m sure I’ve disclosed before. When I like a guy, I really like him and I have a difficult time getting over him. It was nigh unto impossible to extinguish my feelings for this particular male. I did, however, accomplish that task as I mentioned in previous blogs. But knowing that I would be seeing him again, I was worried that those feelings would come rushing back as they tend to do in true Annie fashion. I decided to dress attractively. You know how it goes. “Look what you could have had, loser! You missed out on ME!”

When I saw him onstage…boy, he’s changed. I didn’t find him attractive at all. No, the transform wasn’t due to play attire, though the long (fake) ponytail was unappealing. Why do some guys think long hair is attractive? It’s not…to me, anyway. Give me a guy with a short haircut, or give me death! Okay maybe not death, but give me some scissors and I’ll make his hair short. Mwah ha ha! Sorry, I deviated again, back to the story. I couldn’t put my finger on why he appeared so altered but as I looked at him, I thought, ‘I found him attractive?’ After the play ended, we felt obligated to say hello to those involved. We congratulated him on his performance and had some awkward chit chat. It was weird because I didn’t want to see him. I wanted to leave and never have contact with him again. I finally realized that he’s not worth my time. I turned to my friend and said, “I’m ready to go when you are.” She said, “I was waiting for you.” And so we left, both commenting on how awkward it was and laughing that we were waiting for each other to extricate ourselves from an uncomfortable situation.

And this, my friends, is my personal triumph. I am completely, unequivocally over that guy. There was no attraction, no butterflies in his presence like in the past. I was correct in telling you in my blogs that I was over him. I have finally rid myself entirely of his irritating presence in my heart and mind. How sweet it is to be rid of him!

It's Already Been a Long Day

This is going to be short, but I said I was going to participate in this blogathon and I am not a quitter! I'm at work waiting for the delivery guy to bring our order. He's been coming increasingly later over the past few weeks. It's quite annoying. I come early to put it away, and then he doesn't come until we open? Seriously inconvenient. Oh well. What're ya gonna do? I guess, not put the order away any time soon. Then my lovely coworkers like to come in late most of the time (except one other gal. She and I complain to each other regarding our flawless punctuality.). It then takes me twice as long to put the order away, due to the fact that I'm required to assist customers. What's that all about? Helping customers in a job that's primary function focuses on customer service? Silly. Anyway, I'll spend most of my morning grumbling to myself about my coworkers and their lack of alarm clock usage. They're doing better, I suppose. If 15 or 20 minutes is better than 45. Which it is. So...WAY TO GO! The delivery dude is here now. I'm off to conquer the order one customer at a time.

Blog Award

I want to thank Tawni for giving me a blog award! She definitely deserves one, in my opinion! The winner of this award must follow a few rules:

Rules

#1 - You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award, whether for creativity, design, interesting material, and/or also contributes to the blogging community, no matter the language.

#2 - Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

#3 - Each winner has to show the award and put the name and link of the blogger who has given him or her the award.

#4 - The winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of Arte y pico blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.

#5 - The winner must show these rules. So the following 5 are the winners I have chosen, in no particular order:

Yellow Lives

What can I say? He was one of the individuals that inspired me to start a blog. I enjoy his descriptive writing. He's an eloquent writer and very funny! It's fun reading his philisophical thoughts on relationships and life in general.

Confuzzled

I consider her a kindred spirit. I love her sarcastic wit. She is very intelligent and it shows in her writing (as does the fact that she's an English major). She loves literature and has inspired me to read more and challenge myself intellectually.

Janint

I am so impressed with her blog. She writes in spanish and english. This allows all of the family to stay informed (her family from Mexico and those of us in Utah). Her blog is private, so you have to be invited to view it. However, I definitely think she deserves an award.

Lisa

First of all, she's an amazing photographer. I love the pictures she puts on her blog. I like her writing because I can completely relate. She writes it how it is. Also, her layout makes me happy. It's beautiful...just like her! Aw, shucks!

My Mom

I really enjoy her blog. She always says that she's not eloquent, but I think she does a wonderful job! She is so proud of her family and it's evident in her writing. I love the memories she shares, especially when we've experienced them together!

Now it's your turn! Make someone's day (specifically five other people) and give them this award. I suppose this is like one of those chain letters. But I can't promise that you'll find your true love in 5 days or that you'll receive a life changing phone call in 10. I can promise that it makes the recipient feel special...so, why not? Spread the love, people! And thank you for the enjoyment you've brought to myself and others!

“Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?”

“What…is your name?” “Annie.” “What…is your quest?” “To join Janel in her blogathon.” “What…is your favorite color?” “Green. No, blue. AAAAUUUUUUGGGGGHHHHHH!”

Monty Python…classic (with a slight twist, of course.)! My friend Janel decided to start another two week blogathon. I have mixed emotions, especially since I’ve had writers block the past two months. Hopefully, this will help my creative juices start flowing once again. So Janel, I will unite with you in your quest.

“Listen, strange women lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.” “Be quiet!” “You can't expect to wield supreme executive power just because some watery tart threw a sword at you.” “Shut UP!” “I mean, if I went 'round sayin' I was Emperor, just because some moistened bint lobbed a scimitar at me, they'd put me away.”

Just for the record, I have no clue what brought on the Monty Python quotes. However, I am going to post more...just because I can. Besides, they make me laugh.

“On second thought, let's not go to Camelot. It is a silly place.”

FYI: I just received some very exciting news. Three of my friends and I were approved to rent a house. I’M MOVING OUT!! Needless to say, I’m pretty excited. This has been a difficult process…and it’s finally OVER! Oh yeah! I’ll write more about it later. In fact, that’s a good topic for another blog. The ideas are beginning to flow.

“Run away!"

Soul-Sucker

Warning: Readers may not enjoy the contents of this blog. I’m sorry if you are offended, but this is my blog, not yours.

I have learned that when writing doesn’t flow, it must be stopped. Lately, the stream has been dammed and I’ve been at an impasse. A friend once wrote that if writing isn’t fun, then it shouldn’t be done. Truly, I have seen no pleasure in writing. I have been uncharacteristically down hearted; separating myself from friends and family to some extent. I haven’t withdrawn completely (though I’ve been thinking about it). I’m kidding. I won’t allow myself to be a complete recluse. Sadly, the internet is my main form of communication with friends and yet lately I’ve found it increasingly irritating. It literally feels as if it is sucking my soul away. For that reason I’ve stayed off; abandoned my friends, if you will. I have been working on alternate projects at work. They have allowed me to not only separate myself from the soul-sucker, but give my nerves a break from the endless torrent of irritating customers. What is wrong with me? This isn’t normal behavior. I enjoy being happy, not tetchy. Last night, I realized that part of the problem is fickle friends.

I am the first to admit that I have a wonderful group of friends. They are loving, compassionate people who don’t judge me in times such as these (as far as I know). I am so grateful for them and how they are always ready and willing to listen to me rant. Well, now I’m going to rant. I mean, really rant. I repeat my question and follow with an explanation for you and hopefully myself. What is wrong with me? I am thoroughly baffled at the inconsistency of other “friends”. I just don’t understand people who say one thing and act totally different. I can’t figure out how people can treat someone different because they’ve changed or are in a more authoritative position. I’ve been trying to grasp how people can act like your friend in one setting and not know you’re alive in another. Exasperating!

I am so tired of those people who are friends with you because you are in a leadership position. How are you supposed to know if they are friends with you because you are you, or because of your status? It’s almost impossible to figure out until you are no longer in that role. For example, I was President of the show choir my senior year in high school. I learned through bitter experiences who my real friends were; those who stuck up for me when others gossiped behind my back. My vice presidents were (I thought) good friends of mine. I was walking to choir one day when I happened to overhear their gossip session: starring me. It is tough knowing people are trash talking you behind your back, but believe me, it’s ten times more difficult to actually listen to the slander. I don’t know if I should count myself fortunate or ill-fated to have learned their loyalty so quickly.

Over the past year, I have lost a lot of weight. It has been a goal of mine for some time and I admit, I’m very proud of myself. With this change has come an alteration in how some people treat me. There was one girl (that I looked up to and considered a friend) who wouldn’t talk to me for about three years. I’ve never known why, but she was extremely pretentious. I have met some insincere people in my time, but during those few years she ranked in the top ten. In April, we had a dress rehearsal for our spring show. This previously pompous individual came up and threw her arms around me and proceeded to comment on how good I looked. She’s not the only person I’ve had do this. A surprising amount of people in my ward have done the same thing. Okay, so you couldn’t say two words to me when I was fat. Now, we’re best friends? Um…I don’t think so. I don’t need friends like that. I am grateful for those who’ve been consistent in the way they’ve treated me. Short, fat, thin, tall, what does it matter? It’s what’s on the inside that counts; the gooey conglomeration of innards. Speaking of which, my doctor once told me I had a beautiful gall bladder. I’ve decided that if guys could see my silvery-blue organ, they’d be all over me. I do believe that’s why I haven’t pulled it out at parties. There’s only so much of me to go around.

Back to the tirade. There are also those people (which seems to happen more often than not) that only have one form of contact with you. They only stay in touch with you through texting, email, IM, or send messages via popular websites. The internet is truly a wonderful way to stay connected. The issue I have is when you see them in person and nothing happens. Absolutely nothing! They don’t act like you’re there. They don’t make an effort to acknowledge your existence. What the freak is that all about? Am I only good enough to talk to you where others can’t see? Am I that scary in person? I admit, I could bite a person’s leg off, but that’s reserved for special cases. It hurts me to feel like I’m only good enough to talk to via the internet. I think friendship should be more than that. The sad thing is that most of these friends probably don't realize that they are doing this.

Again, I apologize if you are offended by this blog. I am merely frustrated. If indeed you are offended, maybe you should make some changes or talk to me and I'll help you amend those blunders which are most likely unintentional. Usually when I’m insulted by something, it’s because it holds some truth and I recognize things that I need to work on (though I usually hate to admit it.). If you have found humor in this rant, then I am happy to oblige. Now I must get off this soul-sucker before I have nothing left.

Happy Father's Day

I have had no desire to blog as of late. There is an abundant supply of things to write about, but I have unfortunately not been in the “blogging” frame of mind. However, like my friend Confuzzled, I believe in equality. In fact, my parents have consistently exemplified the importance of equality since I can remember. I wrote a blog in honor of my mom on Mother’s Day; hence, I will do the same for my dad.

My dad is an engineer. It is apparent in every way. From his “I Geek Therefore I Am” shirt to his dry (and hilarious) sense of humor, his mannerisms reveal his career choice impeccably. He has always supported me in my extracurricular activities by attending plays and concerts. One of the many things I love about him is that he can make anything. It may take him a while, but he has a stubborn streak that…reminds me of myself. He will work around the clock until he gets it right. For example, when I was little we had a kitten. She lived in the garage. The winter months soon came upon us. It was bitter cold and we were worried about our little feline. So my dad took a Saturday and created a Kitty-Condo. It was a box with blankets and such. Now, you’re probably saying, “Gee, that’s swell. That’s what everyone has.” No, this wasn’t just any box with blankets; it was heated. He had created an electric panel that sat under the insulated box. It wasn’t hot enough to cause a fire, but it did create a safe haven for our furry family member. The only problem, it was the envy of the neighborhood cats. We shooed more cats out of our garage that year than I can remember. He is also one of the most intelligent men I know. Any question I have, he has an answer or knows where to find one. Most of the time, he knows the answer. I am personally grateful for the priesthood that he worthily holds. It is so wonderful to have close access to someone that can give blessings. I have used it many times and he’s there when I really need him. He has a strong testimony of the Savior. He is so knowledgeable about the gospel that it astounds me. I am so grateful for his example and for the love that he’s shown me.

Thank you for everything, Dad. I, also, love you more than life itself!