20110618

God Loves Mormons and He Wants Some More

I've been a tiny bit blue today, largely due, I think, to the chaos in my tiny apartment and lack of anything Natalie-esque on the walls (and the big ugly spider I encountered in my bathroom). Fortunately tonight I am the lucky recipient of text messages from my dear Caitlin. For example: "I'm going to write a resume with my realistic accomplishments in life, like knowledge of every Ludacris guess verse ever and proficiency in awesomeness." Mine include: memorization of all Billy Joel songs, producing great work under pressure, enthusiasm, seriously fantastic procrastination skills, and ability to pick up on other peoples' funks.

Regardless, I want to share the opening to the 2011 Tony Awards with you... in case I already haven't made you watch it in person:


It's been fascinating to watch the disagreements about the intentions of Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the evilness/goodness of the musical, etc, unfold on my friends' Facebook walls. I've largely kept out of them, except to mention how fantastic this song is:


Anyway, back to packing. I'll leave you with this gem of a song written at BYU:



20110615

Graduation+

Hello my long lost blog! Feels like it's been forever. I'm sorry for all you readers that depend upon me for your entertainment! ;-) Last week was finals week AND graduation. On Thursday, my mom and younger sister came to Davis to celebrate with me the challenges and feats of the past two years. I almost can't believe it's been two years... but then, again, I can. It's nice to think back and realize how much I've changed and grown. Anyway, Thursday was commencement. I got to sit next to my favorites Caitlin, Cheryl, and my advisor. Afterwards, my mom, sister, and I met up with Sean for sushi. Twas delicious and, of course, oodles of fun.

Celebration! 
Booking it to the ARC.
The Masters of Science.
Check our sweet sleeves out!
With my mum!
With my little Ali!
Check out my nifty hood!
With Rashelle, Doctor of Philosophy!
On Friday, we had a graduate group celebration. My advisor said very sweet things about me, I received an engraved cowbell, and we enjoyed lunch and photographing with faculty, grad students, and family.

Love my Aggies!
My mom and I!
Caitlin and me. She's the reason I've survived thus far!
Teri and me -- one of my most favorite people ever. Another person who is responsible for my grad school survival.
My advisor, Adrienne, and me!!
My favorite cow school!
On Saturday, my mom, sister, Sean, and I went to San Francisco. The Stein's collection was on display at the SFMOMA, which was fantastic!, and we also went up to Twin Peaks and to the Walt Disney Family Museum. Check out the fab photos:

Giant, modern spiders don't freak us out at all.
Ali and me at SFMOMA.
The views from Twin Peaks!


Walt, Mickey, and me!
On Sunday, we went to Old Sacramento -- checked out a few of the museums and statues, shops, and restaurants. 

Ali and me stage coaching it up!
Watching the Tower Bridge lift!
Pony Express Pride!
Ali and me getting our Rosie on.
Randomly running into my cousin's kids (who reside in Utah)!
My family left on Monday, and I spent the afternoon with Caitlin, running errands and cleaning out closets (we're moving soon!), and spent the evening with Sean watching TV. I ran around campus all day on Tuesday and we had our last lab meeting at a bar in Sacramento. I might be developing a taste of whiskey... good whiskey. Then I spent today in Sacramento. I also went out to the Folsom outlets and got myself a little graduation present. So, the graduation loot:

A few months ago, my mom got me an early graduation present! My sweet iPad. I love it! Thanks, mom!
My Ali and mom gave me Nichola the Narcoleptic puppet!
She's got quite the attitude and finesse. Thanks, Ali and Mom! She's my PhD pal!
Emily and Taylor (and Daphne) gave me some great pink and green towels and the above shower curtain for my ultra retro bathroom in my new apartment! I can't wait to hang it up! Thanks, Em and Taylor!
I got myself this comforter (Marimekko Samovaari!) for a steal for my new, fancy, grown-up queen bed that'll be in my new apartment! :-D
And, finally, a new purse to match my wallet! The lining matches my iPad cover!
And you've reached the end of a possibly record long blog post. All is well in California! Now... it's time to start packing up!

20110606

Happiness is...


  • A plate of gluten-free pasta at a party.
  • An email to a professor with a final paper attached.
  • The exhaustion and relief after a two hour presentation.
  • A cap, gown, and hood sitting on your table.
  • Spending time with someone who makes you laugh harder than you ever had before and makes the world a sunny, carefree place.
A funky tree.
Last night was the always fantastic First Saturday hosted by Katie and Nik. As usual, they prepared delicious food (gluten-free pasta especially for me!) and we had a great time playing what has come to be one of my favorite games, What's Yours Like? I also brought along a guest, one of particular charm and cuteness, for quite selfish reasons... I didn't want to not see him on Saturday night. Well, that and I was pretty sure that he would fit right in with some of the human development associated dudes. It was a very wonderful evening.

Earlier this week, I did my final presentation for my development in adulthood and aging course. I ended up doing my grant proposal on diabetes and various psychological factors (particularly attitudes towards aging and body dissatisfaction). I finished up my paper a few days later... it was quite possibly the best feeling in grad school I've had yet. So nice to have some of the quarter's work behind me! Things are wrapping up and I'm able to think about all the fun I'm going to have this weekend and this summer (sans studying for the preliminary exam)! It's basically a smile festival around here. :-)