I'm Not Entirely a Slacker

I regret that I haven’t written in the past two months. Sometimes, life is full of moments that can’t be written about. I have had an inordinate amount of those events as of late. They are moments that I feel I am unable to disclose. It’s not that I don’t want to spill the entirety of my thoughts out into the vast reaches of the Internet. Believe me; the thoughts, feelings, and confusion alone would go on for quite a while. I just haven't been able to figure out a way to put anything into words...or if I should even make an attempt. I guess I've realized that some things are better left unsaid.

Believe it or not, I recently celebrated my 25th birthday. Yes, I am a quarter of a century in age. Inconceivable! It’s certainly weird thinking I am now in my mid-twenties. I’ll just have to wait and see what the next 75 years or so bring!

Whoa, do I want to live to be one hundred? Hmmm…something else to ponder about.

Pi-Day/My Day

It started out as Pi-Day but it turned out to be much more… 

Sorry guys, I have this random announcer voice in my brain.  It appears frequently.  I should have written about this a week ago, but I've been quite busy.  The day was indeed Pi-Day or as normal people would call it, March 14, 2009.  I had one of the most amazing and over-whelming days of my life.  I was able to go through the Ogden Temple.  This is a momentous occasion for those in my religion.  Most individuals go through before their mission or before being sealed (married) in the Temple.  I did not go through for either of those reasons.  I went through for myself.  It is one of the best decisions I have ever made even though I had to wait for it. 

Almost four years ago, I turned 21.  I fasted and prayed about going on a mission and it wasn’t right for me at that time but I felt that I had a mission to serve here at home (I believe that mission was my service on the dance team and in the choir).  However, it also felt like the right time to go through the Temple.  I approached my bishop and he dug around to find out if I could.  I was rejected.  He told me that the church leaders wanted the young women to be at least 23 before they went through unless, of course, they were going on a mission or getting married.  At the age of 23, I went back only to be rejected a second time.  I became extremely discouraged.  A year and a half later (this last January), my friend Jewelsp decided to meet with the Bishop in regards to that very topic.  She was given a very encouraging answer.  If it weren’t for her following her own personal prompting, I probably wouldn’t have dared approach my current bishop.  But I did and now I have received some very sacred gifts and blessings.

 I’m very grateful that I was required to wait.  First of all, seven months ago my roommates and I set aside one night a week to do baptisms and in so doing established a place in our lives for the things of the Temple.  And Second, I felt much more ready than I would have four years ago or even seven months ago.  I was open to the things I learned and was prepared for the covenants that I made.  I feel so blessed and very special.  According to my Mom and roommates I act different: more confident, happier, peaceful, and tolerant.  I’m glad because honestly, last year I had the worst attitude.  When this year rolled around, I was determined to change that attitude and I believe it has happened…for the most part.  I still have the feisty and stubborn Annie in me. 

 Anyway, my family and I went to The Sizzler after.  I am so grateful for my fantastic family!  They are the best support system and I’m so glad that we are a forever family!  It would not be heaven without them.  I love you guys! 

In spite of the wonderful events, there was one thing missing: 

Pie.

It's Not What You Think

Last night brought about an event that was a first in the Book of Annie. I went to a bar. I’ll wait…I can almost hear the inevitable gasps. Actually, it wasn’t really a first. When I was in France, I went to a bar and was kicked out for buying a Coke. But last night was the first time I’ve been to an honest to goodness “show your ID or get booted out” bar. The funny thing is that it was my entire families first time also. It made me feel better. Yes, it was a family excursion. It was rather obvious that it was foreign territory by the way our eyes cautiously darted around the room and the way we hesitantly ordered Diet Cokes. But you are probably wondering why we had such an abnormal family night. Allow me to explain.

My brother is the lead singer in a band called Beckond. They are incredible! They had a gig last night at Teazer’s in Ogden and they were selling their first CD for $5; an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. But you have to understand. My family is very supportive of each other and we really just wanted to be there for the guys. We “groupies” try to go to all their shows and have only missed a select few. It was an odd experience, I must say. It’s rather difficult being a single, alcohol-free, LDS woman in a bar. I found myself looking at some of the guys and thinking, “He’s attractive…but wait. He’s in a bar. He’s probably a drinker. Dang-it!” There were a few people there that I know were just supporting the band and not involving themselves in the ubiquitous alcohol. But how is a girl supposed to deduce who is a drinker and who isn’t? That, my friends, is why (even though one of my bosses told me I need to “find someone” and that I should expand my social circle) I don’t go to clubs and bars. Besides the fact that I hate the atmosphere, I don’t drink (never have), don’t smoke, don’t dress skimpily, and am trying to live righteously. Hence, no bars for me!

Funny story: One guy came up to my sister-in-law. He was obviously inebriated. He asked her if she wanted to dance. She couldn’t understand him because it was extremely loud. I heard and tried to tell her what he said. He repeated himself about three times. I finally turned to the guy and said, “Um…she’s married.” You should have seen how fast he vacated the area. When I told my brother (because I thought it was rather humorous), I swear, there was steam coming out of his ears. What can you do? The dude was drunk and Yuni is “smoking hot”! (I was quoting my brother there. But he’s right. She is a gorgeous woman.)

So…I just enjoyed the music. Believe me; Beckond has every chance at making it big! And I think they will! Way to go Rye, Brody, Trent, Jared, and Brad! You guys ROCK! (The funny thing is that I think my brother is the only one that will ever see this. Oh well.)

New Years Excitement

Happy New Year friends! Are you ready for another short post? Well, you should be. I have so much to write about and yet for some reason, I can’t seem to find the words. I’m sure they’re in the dictionary, but they’re evading me. (I know…that was a horrible attempt at a joke.)

In spite of my obvious lack of inspiration, I really just wanted to complain to the world, or rather, my few wonderful readers. I miss my piano! I miss accompanying so much! I wish I had the room for a piano in my new place. It’s amazing how an instrument can become so much a part of who you are as an individual. I literally feel as if I’ve lost an appendage. I play whenever I get the chance, but those opportunities seem few and far between. I know…poor Annie! Feel sorry for me! You should know I’m rolling my eyes right now. I’m finding that I frequently shake my head at myself. But don’t we all?

Apparently this won’t be as short as I anticipated because I just found a word: Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia (The fear of long words). Not only did I feel that this word would touch you to your very core, I felt that I should waste your time by adding it randomly. Mwah ha ha! Yes, well…moving on.

I did want to let you know that my new ward is truly incredible. It fits me and my roommates like the proverbial glove. Most of the ward members are older which is just what we needed. They are genuine, friendly and very welcoming. I couldn’t ask for better people. Also my friends and I have discovered that there are in fact several attractive men. There is one guy in particular that I would love to go on a date with…[wistful, girly sigh]…someday! [Overdramatic Eye Roll] Anyway, I am hoping for the best in that department.

Now is the time to wait and see what life brings and honestly, I don’t mind waiting. Wow, I never thought I’d say that. I’m excited for this New Year! There are thrilling adventures ahead…I can feel it.

I'm Right-Handed

I made an unusual discovery last weekend. After leaving a poorly attended multi-stake dance, some friends and I drove around downtown Ogden to find another dance club. After failing twice, we stopped at Wal-Mart to buy socks. Then we went bowling…in semi-formals. It was an absolute riot! The looks of puzzlement we received were priceless. But it was among my still-dancing friends and the clatter of bowling pins that I made my discovery. I am a left-handed bowler. Fancy that!

16 Random Things

I was tagged on Facebook by Confuzzled to write 16 random things, facts, habits, or goals about myself or just...whatever. Since my blog-writing has left a lot to be desired recently, I decided to post it here as well. Thanks to those of you who left comments on my last post. I agree with you about friends. It’s nice to know others feel the same way. And now, on with the show!

1. I think one of the most unique things about me is the number five. I’m five feet tall. I wear size five shoes (well, five and a half depending on the shoe). My ring size is also a five. That, of course, also depends on which finger you’re referring. There are five people in my immediate family. I frequently count by fives at my job (alright, that’s stretching it a tad, but I couldn’t help myself).

2. I randomly dance around the house or office when I’m alone. Dancing is one of my favorite pastimes and unfortunately I’m not involved in a dance team anymore. It’s not uncommon for my face to turn beet red as someone walks in and catches me mid-waltz, clog, salsa, or other. I break into whatever dance my current mood demands.

3. In addition to what was previously mentioned, I also like to burst into song when I’m alone; especially when I do laundry. I find it therapeutic.

4. I am actually a very shy individual; very introverted; pensive. That is, until I get to know people, then I can break myself out of that shell. Sometimes I force myself to be outgoing, which can be extremely difficult. If I can talk, joke, and just be myself around you…consider yourself privileged. :D Oh, and my friends have disagreed with me about this. They don’t think I’m shy at all. That’s because I’ve developed a mighty fine façade. Bully for Grandma!

5. As I said, I can be very quiet, but when I get myself alone, sometimes I won’t shut up! I talk to myself frequently. Not necessarily to myself (“Hi Andrea! How are you?” “I’m doing well, Andrea! Shucks, it’s been a while!”), but I have imaginary conversations with people. For example, if I’m attracted to a guy, I imagine myself having more of a bold personality and approaching him with witty, delightful conversation. On the other hand, one of my favorite ways to deal with problems is to yell at or have a “frank discussion” with the individual…without them actually being present. It works quite well until I rile myself up even more. Hmmm…probably shouldn’t do that.

6. I’m blessed to be perspicacious and intuitive when it comes to others. If they are wearing a façade, unless it is flawlessly constructed like mine [facetious smirk], I can see through them easily, though I may not make that known to the individual. I can detect a genuine smile versus a fake with little problem. So be careful if you’re going to be artificial with me…I know. Actually, I took a quiz testing smiles from those specific categories and I did an extraordinary job (18 out of 20, if I remember correctly)! Aw yeah!

7. Writing is one of my passions, though I don’t do it as often as I would like. I used to write on my blog frequently and that has significantly decreased as some of you are already aware. It’s a hobby I should renew, if not for pure enjoyment, for my sanity. Not only do I love to write, I love to read!!! 8. Audible mastication is something I find thoroughly irritating. As irritating as chewing is, it’s also just plain disgusting. I try not to pay attention, but inevitably my concentration becomes squarely focused on the irritant.

9. I love working with my hands; building anything. I absolutely love tools. It was interesting what happened on Thanksgiving. My family was playing a game where you pick what choice you think suits a specific player. For example, “if Andrea were a sport, what would she be?” The choices: Basketball, Baseball, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, or Swimming. The other players then choose what they deem most accurate. In my case, the question was actually “What kind of store would Andrea most like working in?” The answers: Big 5 Sporting Goods, Claire’s (Jewelry), Lowe’s Hardware, Tiffany’s, McDonalds, or a Farm. Everyone picked Lowe’s Hardware except my Bro-in-law. He apparently didn’t know that about me.

10. I haven’t purchased any Christmas presents yet. Oops. I’m usually on top of this game, but this year has brought about gargantuan changes in life. Therefore, it kind of slipped my mind.

11. I miss the piano SO much!!!! I only get to play once a week now. It’s as if I’ve lost an appendage. Seriously. I don’t want to lose all of the ability I’ve gained over the past couple years. That is a significant worry for me.

12. Learning is something I love to do…when it’s on my own time. I am not a fan of school. When I am interested in a subject, I research it to death (no pun intended). There’s an interesting story behind that last remark (or bizarre depending on how you look at it). After my Grandpa passed away, I had this odd desire to learn all I could about embalming and cremation. And so I did. It was fascinating and disturbing. However, if it’s for a school project (which I don’t have anymore) I lose all motivation. Weird, huh!

13. I love the TV show “Pushing Daisies”, which I’m currently watching on my IPod. Yes, I’m watching and typing and [shifty eyes] working at the same time.

14. Which brings me to this fact: I can multitask exceedingly well. Fancy that!

15. As well as the written word, I love numbers. I’m over accounts at my work and with the way some of the other employees add…it’s a good thing I know what I’m doing. Their accuracy leaves a lot to be desired. Also, I have always been able to memorize numbers with ease. If my mom ever needed to remember a phone number, she told it to me. I, in essence, became the Uhrey phone book. I can still remember things well, but not as effortlessly as I used to. I guess that shows I’m getting old. Oh well.

16. I love reading blogs. Friends’ blogs are the best because, of course, I love them. However, Mental Floss and Cake Wrecks are two of my absolute favorite. Useless facts and hilarity; how can you go wrong?

Friendship Means. . .

It has been an interesting couple of months. Change has been a frequent visitor. Some of those transitions were welcome and some unwanted. There are so many thoughts and mixed emotions crowding my brain right now. I guess that's the danger of becoming a "blog-slacker". Oops.

One recurring thought has been about friendship. I've noticed that everyone has different definitions of what it means to be a friend. Obviously, I know where I stand on this subject, but I'm interested to see what you, the readers, think. I'd appreciate it if you would share your opinion. I'd also love it if you could share an example (without specifying names) about when or how you knew someone was a true friend to you.

Thank you in advance for your participation. These are my favorite kinds of blogs to write. I hope you will enjoy it also. I'm looking forward to reading your comments!