Office Update

Although there is a mini-blog going under the comments of the last posting, I feel that I still need to add an official post. There have been a lot of topics under consideration. Matt is going to send French fashion pictures, so as soon as I get those, be prepared for "European vs. American Fashion". I am really hoping for pictures of unisex skinny jeans, male chest hair (ewww), and high-fashion high-waisted skirts. There needs to be something said about conversations vs. relationships, but I'm not sure what pictures to add to that posting, so we will have to hold off. I was looking forward to someone being excited about listening to Jonny Lang, but no one was. Maybe as part of my rhythm training, I will add ghetto-tastic music and blog about that...

Until I complete my research, here is the best I can do: The office/gym is finally complete in the basement! Here are a few pics:

The treadmill and stretching space: The desk and gym:

Oh, and so I can fit in with the cool kids, here is a picture of my new school bag: And in case you were wondering, according to the backpack theory, my eternal team is made up of fellow baggers with the possible inclusion of REI backpackers. I feel really good about it.

5 Year Plan

The Quarter-Life Crisis (QLC) is a term applied to the period of life immediately following the major changes of adolescence, usually ranging from the ages of 21-29. It is now recognised by many therapists and professionals in the mental health field. Generally NOT characterized by the purchase of a sports car.

I believe I have survived my own quarter-life crisis - or at least my latest one. I now have a 5 year plan. I am going to become a real estate attorney. (See happy picture of me now that I have figured out what I want to be when I grow up) In my head, lawyers were all trial lawyers so I always put that option out of my head. But as I was sitting in the American Fork court (for no proof of insurance when I was rear-ended), I realized my respect for the law. So, I have officially enrolled at Salt Lake Community College. I know - definately not glamorous. But I spent three years at BYU and sometimes glamour should take second stage to reality. I won't get into debt if I restart at SLCC. The end justifies the means.

The second part of the plan is to turn the basement into my own little apartment (see "before" picture below). It is being finished a little at a time, but I hope to be officially moved down in three weeks or so. Kimball: mom is calling you tomorrow to see what your schedule is for putting in a few walls :) Let's be honest - I am going to be single for a while, so I might as well get comfortable. For some reason that I don't understand, I intimidate people. How 5'4" and 120 pounds could intimidate anyone, I don't know. Any thoughts on the subject would be greatly appreciated.

I apologize to my loyal readers for not updating my blog more. Now that I actually have a plan for my life, I have been anxiously engaged: Peeling wallpaper, playing Tetris with storage boxes, and reading up on The History of American Law. Plus, I believe blogs need pictures and I still have not bought a new camera. Thank you Katie for letting me borrow yours for the 500th time.

Oh, and on a totally unrelated note, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you all to Jonny Lang. I have included some of his songs on my playlist below. New favorite! You may have to scroll to find all the songs. The playlist thing is acting funny. If you would like a copy of my new favorite mix CD, please let me know and I would be happy to share his awesomeness.

Love today! I look forward to your comments on my future life!

6 Months

It is amazing how fast time goes by. It has been exactly 6 months since I got divorced. Although the papers were not signed until a few months later, January 9 was the official separation date. And I feel good. No regrets. No bitterness. Although at times I'm sure I come off as a man-hater, hopefully those moments are few and far between. As I have been contemplating this anniversary, there are a few thought that come to mind. Mostly thank yous.

Let's be honest: I was in pretty bad shape when I got home. I was wearing clothes that didn't fit, I didn't own a pair of earrings, and I don't think I had laughed in about 2 months. See the before picture:
But mom and Katie and Shelli took me shopping, encouraged me to be feminine, and most importantly, showed me how to laugh again. They also played "What Not To Wear" with my closet and threw away bags of junk - most notably the shirt I am wearing in the picture above. For that, I am eternally grateful.

I have to of course thank my dad for letting me live at home for six months, rent free, while I try to figure out what to do next. And for letting me have Bruno in the house. That's really nice.

I have to thank Jessica Peterson for cutting my hair and convincing me that I needed bangs. And although not related to anything, we should probably all thank Jessica for cutting our families hair. Katie's hair looks fantastic and anyone that can put up with the hair of four Bailey's definately deserves a gold medal. It's like the hair of fifteen normal humans.

And for two questions that he posed, I have to thank my friend. The first question was back in October. Speaking of being married to Joe, he asked if I would do it again. I didn't think much of it at the time. But when I was leaving the hospital that fateful night 6 months ago, it was the question that repeated itself over and over in my mind. Because the answer was no, I found the courage to do what I knew needed to be done. The second question posed more recently: What would you do if you knew you could not fail? I am still working on this one. It has caused a quarterlife crisis and now three sleepless nights. I will let you know how it turns out.

An obvious thank you to Katie. Thanks for sharing your friends. Thanks for drafting my eternal team. Thank you for introducing me to the amazing world of reality dance contests on television. And how can I forget Biggest Loser. Apparently losing 200 pounds of stress only equates to 5 pounds in real life. We are getting serious starting tomorrow. I hope B won't mind if there are three of us crammed into your dorm room because I don't know how I am going to function without you.

Wow. Sorry for a really unfunny post. Mom is probably crying. I will try to make up for it next week - it usually takes me that long to think of funny things... Love today!

My Favorite Color

While sitting on the front porch this beautiful Sunday afternoon, I was once again harassed about white being my favorite color. I feel like I have had this discussion a lot lately. White is allowed to be a favorite color. Here are some things the internet has to say about this (once again - what did people do without the internet?):

White suggests goodness, purity, naivete, and innocence. Its elusive nature provides serenity and the essence of perfection. The individual who chooses white as a favorite color seeks excellence and enlightenment in all philosophies. Simplicity, purity and recognition are a constant endeavor. White has strong connotations of youth and purity. If you are an older person, your preference for white could indicate a desire for perfection and impossible ideals, maybe an attempt to recapture lost youth and freshness. It may also symbolize a desire for simplicity or the simple life.

Shyness comes with this color but it is not a true shyness. Waiting patiently for others to notice them before they make their thoughts known, they tend to appear shy but in truth, they are very outspoken. Virginal attitudes abound with these people. They feel pure no matter what they do. The virtue of purity is attributed to them by others as well, whether they deserve this characteristic or not. White personalities feel they are right in their belief structures although they are not sure they want to discuss those beliefs with others. The fact that they know they are right is enough for them. The negative implications of white as your favorite color: It can seem plain, boring, or unimaginative.

I would really like to think of myself as simple and in pursuit of excellence/perfection. That is why I believe white is a) allowed to be my favorite color and b) is the best favorite color choice for me. And it may SEEM that I am plain, boring or unimaginative - but I assure you that this is not the case. Okay, maybe plain... My favorite ice cream flavor is vanilla...

Some facts about the color white:

• The human eye can distinguish over 1000 shades of white
• 2nd most common color of new cars
• Too much bright white can be blinding and cause headaches
• The ancient Greeks wore white to bed to ensure pleasant dreams
• White heat is a state of intense enthusiasm, anger, devotion, or passion
• The ancient Persians believed all gods wore white
• A white flag is the universal symbol for truce

I must address the argument that white is not technically a color - it is a manifestation of all color. This is true. But, if you use this argument, there are only three "pure" colors. It is possible that I am choosing white as a favorite color so I don't have to make an actual decision. It is easier to make a decision that encompasses everything instead of just one thing... maybe that is a post for another day.