Ups and Downs

I’ve been in St. George for a total of five days now, despite the fact that I’ve been in Utah for 12. I went up North to Provo a few days after arriving in SG. Pohai came down to visit the weekend I got in and then invited me to go back up with her for a few days. I accepted and had fun visiting w/ her and some other friends. It was so nice to catch up with everyone.

Now I sit at my computer applying for multiple positions for various companies, in attempt of finding a new source of income. It becomes quite tedious sitting here and filling out the same information over and over again. The topic of conversations, with the new people that I have been meeting from church and such, has been what kind of job I’m looking for. At one point I was saying “anything” but really it isn’t anything. I don’t want to be the new hostess of “Dirty Jobs,” or “Super Nanny.” Don’t get me wrong, having my own show would be pretty great but not the occupation that comes w/ it. The reason why I am so “picky” about where I apply to or what kind of jobs I look for is because I don’t want to be stuck at a job that I have no motivation for. If I get a job that I have no interest in, I know from past experience, that I will be miserable. I will go to work and do the minimum of what is expected of me and I will countdown the time I have left for the day. I don’t ever want to put myself in that situation again.

I realize that it seems that I am whining about getting a new job. It is what it is. Job hunting sucks and no one likes it. It’s just one of those things that we need to do every now and then. Whenever the next round of job hunting comes around for me, I reflect on what I’ve accomplished in my past positions and what I hope to accomplish for the upcoming positions. I also think about what I want to do in life. It always ends in the same manner. I get a job in something that I am pretty good at but isn’t necessarily what I want to do. Most people my age have a steady career, their own home and/or mode of transportation, and most often a family w/ multiple children. Compared to the rest, I am very much behind. However, I have recently come to realize that I NEED to stop comparing myself to others. If we were all meant to live the same life, then we would. But that wouldn’t be fun. There would never be anything new to tell people. There wouldn’t be any new adventures that come along. Life would be… boring.

Being at a temporary low point in life allows for a lot of self-evaluation, mainly because the time is there and much of that time is spent alone. Even if life seems to be going in a direction you never planned for, you just gotta go w/ the flow and wait for a detour to get to where you want it to go. No one is gonna start steering for you. Sometimes you need to blaze the trail since it has not yet been formed. Times like these are hard ones but they are usually the best times because you learn so much and grow a lot. Forget about making lemonade w/ the lemons that life throws at you. Figure out a way to make the lemons into grape juice. Just because the world says it’s impossible doesn’t mean that it really is. Be the one to prove them ALL wrong.

On to today’s song. I was listening to my starred songs on Spotify and this one came on. Big Time Rush is a group band that is the result of a Nickelodeon show. Kind of like the whole Hannah Montana thing. Minus the personality disorder. Big Time Rush is the name of the show and the band. And the band puts out music as well as tours the world. This is a great song and is dedicated to all the girls, and any guys- just change the girl words for boy ones, out there that feel they can’t ever measure up. Be strong, be happy, and find the joy in your life!

Cover Girl- Big Time Rush

I don't know why you always get so insecure
I wish you could see what I see when you're looking in the mirror
And why won't you believe me when I say
That to me you get more beautiful, every day

When you're looking at the magazines
And thinking that you'll never measure up
You're wrong

Chorus

Cause you're my cover, cover girl
I think you're a superstar, yeah you are
Why don't you know
Yeah, you're so pretty that it hurts
It's what's underneath your skin
The beauty that shines within
You're the only one that rocks my world
My cover girl
Oh, my cover girl

You walk in rain boots on a perfect summer day
Somehow you always see the dark side, when everything's okay
And you wear baggy clothes that camouflage your shape
Whoa, but you know that I love you, just the way you're made
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/b/big_time_rush/cover_girl.html ]
When you're looking at the magazines
And thinking that you're just not good enough
You're so wrong, baby

Chorus

Got a heart of gold, a perfect original
Wish you would stop being so hard on yourself for a while
And when I see that face
I'd try a thousand ways
I would do anything to make you smile

Cause you're my cover, cover girl
I think you're a superstar, yeah you are
Why don't you know
Yeah, you're so pretty that it hurts
It's what's underneath your skin
The beauty that shines within
You're the only one that rocks my world
My cover girl

Whoa oh, my cover girl
Whoa oh, my cover girl

Boxes, Kids, Degrees, Oh My!

Day 01 – Your favorite song at this time last year

Party Rock Anthem- LMFAO

Last summer had some awesome hits! This one was definitely everywhere I went, especially at home w/ the munchkins. They LOVE that song! J I try to do the dance that they do in the video. Let’s just say… if they were casting for dancers in the video again, I would NOT get a call back. A lot has happened in just a year, two moves w/in the last 13 months (across the country), nanny-ing FOUR kids, holding down three jobs, and getting my AA in elementary education. Wow! Those are some pretty big things for me. There definitely was room for improvement but overall, I’d say it was a great year! I’ll be in five different states tomorrow. Pretty good, for an island girl, eh? J Anyways, here’s to another year of awesomeness and to another new adventure! Be safe, be happy, and find the joy in your life!

Canadian Shows

Day 02 – A song from your childhood

Skinnamarink- Sharon, Lois, & Bram (The Elephant Show)

All this time I thought it was “Skiddamarink” (glass shattering in the background- thank you HIMYM). Anyways, I used to watch this show all the time! I was trying to think of a good “childhood song” and this was the one that came to mind.  Brings back good times. Man, being a kid was pretty fun. I wish I could go back to the days of having NO responsibilities.  Haha! Those definitely WERE the “good ol’ days.”

I am going to be in St. George (give or take) w/ in 48 hours. I am so excited and just ready to be done packing.  Of course I’ll have to unpack everything but I’d much rather unpack than pack. It really makes the whole “new beginning” mindset sink in. I’m still a bit nervous, but I always am when I’m moving. Just the whole idea of being the “new kid” again. Even though I don’t have a job yet, and the one I was planning on is probably gone, I don’t feel as nervous or anxious and I would be typically. This is totally a good thing, thank goodness! See you soon, Utah peeps! Be strong, be happy, and find the joy in your life!

Almost There

Day 05 – A song that you can play on an instrument

Simple Love Song- Anuhea

I actually can play more songs on a few different instruments but this one pretty much came to mind first. I can play the saxophone, ukulele, and a little bit of piano. I am not extremely well-versed in any of them, though. I miss playing the saxophone and wish I still had one. I need to get better at the ukulele and I secretly dream of being a super awesome pianist. Not classical or anything but just one that can play anything and do it by ear. Of course none of this will happen if I don’t practice. It is my biggest down fall. I HATE practicing. I think it’s because I expect to sound awesome, all the time, even if I’ve never played or heard the song (or instrument) before. Plus I don’t like people hearing my mistakes. I know, it’s a bit extreme but it is what it is.

Day 04 – A song that you wish you could play

As Sisters in Zion/ We’ll Bring the World His Truth- Janice & Steven Kapp Perry

I love both songs individually and the fact that they made it into a medley makes me extremely happy! J I don’t think it is a very hard song and I KNOW I could play it, I really just need to sit and practice it. I think my weakness for procrastinating plays a big role in this “anti-practicing” mentality.

Day 03 – A song that makes you feel guilty

Me and Mrs. Jones- Michael Bublé

I really like this song. But the words suggest an affair between Mrs. Jones and not-Mr. Jones. L I think I feel guiltier for Mrs. Jones and her lover, though. I know there was a song that actually made ME feel guilty, for a legit reason but I can’t remember what song it is. Oh well.

Another three boxes down in the last three hours. Obviously I am going to have MORE than the 10 boxes I was anticipating. Taking them down to the post office is not going to be fun. I’ll have to take them in increments seeing that I don’t have a hand truck to take them all at once. Ugh. The joys of moving across the country. I really regret not getting a car now. Although it’s definitely cheaper to fly and send my boxes than to drive to Utah, I just feel like it’d be easier. I’m all for the easy way of doing things. Although, I know I can make things unnecessarily difficult. J St. George, here I come! Be strong, be happy, and find the joy in your life!

Half of a Fortnight

I know, I know! I said I would try to steer clear of double posts and technically this one isn’t a DOUBLE post but a SEPTLE/SEPTUPLET J (?) post. I’ve just been lazy about posting. I was lacking the desire to type. I was just as shocked as you! I actually DO like to type. Just ask Karyn. I like scribing for her when she needs someone w/ access to a computer and to help with homework. J I’ve recently thought about becoming a stenographer, although that would be interesting since they use a short hand kind of machine, or stenotype. Haha, don’t worry. I just googled that as I was typing that last thought. Anyways, here we go, into our sevenfold song list.

Day 12 – A song from your favorite album

Talking to the Moon- Bruno Mars

Day 11 – A song that you listen to when you’re angry

Circle the Drain- Katy Perry

Day 10 – A song that you listen to when you’re happy

Freakum Dress- Beyoncé

Day 09 – A song that you listen to when you’re sad

Turning Tables- Adele

Day 08 – A song that you want to play at your wedding

Love on Top- Beyoncé

Day 07 – A song that you want to play at your funeral

Friends- Na Leo Pilimehana

Day 06 – A song that makes you laugh

Dinosaur- Ke$ha

Time is just flying by “like a G6” J and I have almost four boxes packed. I have three taped up and addressed but the fourth box is one that I need to finish repacking. I’m hoping to take some of my boxes to the post office this weekend and send them out. I’m hoping to leave w/ less than 10 boxes. I think I had some where’s around 10 when I moved last year. Give or take a few. I would have less if I had bigger boxes. This time around my boxes were a bit smaller, in attempt to not have them weigh too much. A method I learned from Karyn. She uses banker boxes because they’re sturdy but also because it keeps you from over packing ONE box, making it too heavy. I’ll try to stay motivated for this last week of the countdown. Be strong, be happy, and find the joy in your life!

What'cha Say?

Day 13 – A song that you wish you heard on the radio

Walk the Dinosaur- Was (Not Was)

Haha! This takes me back to my hanabaddah (basically pre-k to kindergarten) days. How do you even spell that? I remember seeing the video on MTV (again, how I watched so much MTV at such a young age, I do not know) and then years later hearing the song on the Super Mario Bros. movie. More recently, Queen Latifah recorded a version of the song for the soundtrack of “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.” This song is where I got my “boom shaka-laka” catchphrase from. Yep, according to my nephews, I have a catchphrase. I think they said I have two, but I at least know for sure that this is one of them. J However, after watching the video again, while typing this out, I’ve come to realize that it’s not “boom shaka-laka” but rather “boom acka-lacka.” Oh well, too late. I’ve been saying it for a while now. How awesome would it be to hear this song blaring on the radio? SO AWESOME! J I would settle for any other song that was big back then. You know, back when it was truly music. Ha, we won’t get into that.

Um hello! Less than two weeks already?! Holy cow! I went through more stuff today. I shredded a lot of papers that I had for no good reason. I repacked a box that was never fully unpacked. Does that count as packing? Because that’s about the extent of my packing today. It was 104 degrees today so the boys and I swam in our little eight foot wide pool and threw water balloons at each other. J I was NOT about to stay in the house and pretend to pack. It’s times like these that I wish Merlin would come to my house and pack all my stuff into his doctor bag. If only… Be strong, be happy, and find the joy in your life!

Plan B

Day 14 - A song you hear often on the radio

Where Have You Been- Rihanna

She is everywhere! If it’s not this song it’s another one of hers. The air waves have been taken over by Rihanna and Drake. At least they do what they do well and by the looks of their dominating the air waves, very well. J

Today was an interesting holiday. We left in the late morning to go and do something. Busch Gardens was having a deal for those in the military, free admission. Nani printed out the coupons for them to get in for free. On our way out there, mind you it takes about an hour to get out there (w/o traffic), Nani was on hold trying to figure out whether or not the deal included retired military. After about 40 minutes on hold, despite the recording saying it would be a 20 minute wait, she finally spoke to someone saying it was ONLY active duty. We were practically there by that point so we took an earlier exit to get lunch and figure out what we were going to do. No one wanted to spend a lot of money so we needed a new plan. Our friend said that it was on the news for free admission for (active and retired) military so we tried to search where the deal could have been going on. Turns out it was King’s Dominion. This was another hour or so from where we were. We get there, after what seems like a three hour drive (ha, *sings* three hour tour) we arrive at King’s Dominion. Keep in mind that Nani called before leaving McDonald’s to make sure the deal was in fact for active AND retired military. The person said it was for both and their family. We park, after paying $15 for parking and make our way up to the park entrance and ticket lines. Don’t forget about the ridiculously hot weather we’ve been having. They get up to the window and turns out ONLY the sponsor gets in free and the dependents have to pay a discounted price of about $40. Minus Matt, that’s another four tickets to get. No thank you! We made our way back to the car, drove back to the parking booth and asked for a refund since we were there all of five minutes. Turns out the people working the parking booths were just as outraged as we were. They didn’t give us any hassles for a refund and gave us back the money straightaway. What was planned to be a fun and eventful day turned out to be hot and boring four hour car ride. Thankfully, later in the evening we had fun. We went out to dinner at a Cost Vida/ Café Rio wannabe place and then made our way to the ocean front to watch the fireworks. It was definitely hot and muggy but around the time that the fireworks started there was a little breeze that made it all bearable. After the show was done a slightly stronger breeze was coming through cooling us off.

Despite our downs of today we still had some pretty good ups. And we made it through a holiday w/o any fights! Yay! Happy birthday America! Be strong, be happy, and find the joy in your life!

Knock Knock!

Day 15 – A song that you used to love but now hate

Give Me Everything- Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo & Nayer

I really hate having to choose songs that I hate. Ha. I usually just get annoyed w/ a song and then don’t listen to it anymore. It then leaves my memory until I hear it randomly on the radio or from a passing car. But this is one of those songs. I had to scroll through my music library for a bit to find one. This song just got overplayed. Like SUPER overplayed. And it’s one of those songs that have a long chorus that just says the same thing over and over and over… L I love Ne-Yo so found it interesting to get sick of a song he sings.

So the missionaries came over today. It was pretty awkward. I haven’t been going to church regularly so they were coming out to “meet me.” Apparently they came by once while I was back in Hawaii. I felt bad for them because it’s been so ridiculously HOT out here. I couldn’t invite them in because Matt wasn’t home so we sat in the garage. At least they were out of the sun, right? It was awkward because one of them would say or ask something and then I’d answer. Then there’d be a long pause. That continued the entire 15-20 minutes that they were here. I was just waiting for them to tell me to come to church and what not. I’m pretty sure that was the most awkward conversation I’ve had with missionaries. Ever. They even asked me for referrals. Which wasn’t a complete surprise but I told them, how could I invite anyone if I wasn’t being a good example? Not that I was out clubbing every night and getting all kinds of crazy. I just haven’t really thought about sharing with anyone. Despite the awkward visit, it did give me a lot to think about. I know I need to do better. Well, be strong, be happy, and find the joy in your life!

What'd You Call Me?

Day 16- A song that describes you

Big Deal- Anuhea

My first thought was Diva by Beyoncé. J Hehee! I realize that this may put me in a light that shouts, ARROGANT! But truly I am not. This song illustrates how I feel when I see/meet a guy that I’m attracted to. I DO think I’m a “big deal.” I’m not like other girls. I mean, of course I am in most stereotypical ways but at the same time, I’m not. If you wanna go hang out w/ your boys, go for it! In fact, I encourage it. I’ll go hang out w/ my girls, my family, or just chill at home alone. I’m not high maintenance. I like to look good but I don’t require expensive gifts or fancy dates. I’m a practical girl. My family is poor. I understand. In more ways than you might realize. Huh, it’s interesting how this post has turned into some kind of dating profile. J My favorite line is “or start by saying hi, just say my name right…” Haha! It’s true though. I hate when people don’t say my name right. It really isn’t that difficult of a name. I blame my mom. She always told me to correct people when saying my name. It even bugs me when people don’t say someone else’s name right. I’m a stickler when it comes to names, I guess. *sigh*

Anywho, I’m pretty awesome. And maybe one day, a guy- who is equally awesome, will come along and scoop me up. Until then… be strong, be happy, and find the joy in your life!

Unexpected

Day 17 – A song that no one would expect you to love

Beautiful People- Marilyn Manson

I know right?! Haha! J I like this song because of the music and the chorus. Back when I was a BGG (band geek gangster- so named by this guy coming up), in seventh and eighth grade, my cousin married a guy in the military. They lived with us for a while and he became my best friend. Looking back, I feel bad for him because he had this little teenage girl hanging around him all the time. Oh gosh! He was pretty much my counselor. I would talk to him about a lot of things and he would LISTEN. That was a big thing for me at that age. Heck it’s still a big thing now. At that age, it was pretty much just about my family and my middle-child-syndrome issues. J Anyways, so whenever he would drive me around we would listen to this tape (yes, I said tape) with just this song on it. At first I was like, whoa this is a weird song. But then I started to love it. I couldn’t understand the verses for a long time. I only knew what the chorus said. I looked up the lyrics, sometime within the last year and found out what it says. Not what I thought. Huh. This song brings back good times with my cousin’s (now ex) husband. And I think that’s mostly why I like it.

This week has been crazy w/ weather. Severe and thunder storms, tons lighting, high winds, heat advisories and more! Lots of areas and states still w/o power, thankfully we have power. I know it’s gonna be hot in St. George but I think I’ll manage just fine after surviving the weather from this week. J Be strong, be happy, and find the joy in your life.

P.S. I started to weed through my stuff, one step closer to actually packing. J