Confessions of a Brunette on the Internet 33

You know how I have that poll on my blog about what you like best about this blog? I have noticed that I am losing votes. There used to be 45 votes and now there are only 39. What the.... can people take their votes away? How does that work?

Going back to work today was such a nightmare. I mean... its always kind of hard to go back to work after a nice vacation, but I came back today and my co-worker was like.... I'm so glad you are back because your area was a nightmare while you were gone. We now have this project and you need to clean this up and this was a pain, but your back now so I am giving it back to you. Welcome back! ha ha. Great. Thanks.

I think people thought that I was going to get kidnapped or pick pocketed or catch some sort of deadly disease while in India. People... I'm okay. It was fine. Sure, maybe I should have gotten some shots before I left, but I didn't. I never do when going to these poor countries, but I have been fine in the past, so I figured I would be fine this time too. I brushed my teeth with the tap water and everything. I didn't even get sick. I think I have an awesome immune system. My friends were kind enough to let me use their malaria pills. Which I am still taking, so at least I won't get malaria. 

Yesterday was SO long! My last day in India, I was pretty much on the bus all day getting back to Delhi so we could fly back. We had some extra time, so we did one more tour and then went to a hotel for dinner and then we were back at the airport and on the plane by midnight to fly back to the states. I was SO sad to leave. I wanted to stay another week. VK (the tour guide) could tell I was sad. I told him I wasn't ready to go yet.  He told me to stay then. ha ha... if only it were that simple. I had to go back. It was worse going back then going there. It was 15 hours back. I was able to sleep 8 hours again, watched two more movies.... but for some reason, it was still a struggle. Then we finally land in JFK airport and my friends got to leave and go home. I had to get on the air-train to get from Air India to Delta so that I could check back in and go through security and 4 hours (time between flights) was just enough time. Then got on another plane back to SLC which was another 4 hours in a plane. It was crowded and I sat next to a couple that was coughing the whole time, there was not as much leg room and I was just done flying. So it was a long 4 hours. I was SO happy when I got back just so I could go home and relax. I am still adjusting a little bit to the time change. Tonight was the first time that I have seen some of my friends since I got back. It was all worth it though. The trip was amazing and I will be blogging more about it with pictures very soon.  I am so done traveling..... for at least a month.  :o)

I have to say that I really dislike public bathrooms, but using the work bathroom today was awesome. I felt like it was such a high class bathroom. After being in a country where you have to pay to use these bathroom's that smell terrible and most of the time is just a stall with a hole in the ground. It was nasty and most of the time I would just hold it until I got back to the hotel. Call my a wimp if you want. The last day I would complain to VK. I would tell him I couldn't use the bathroom because it smelled too bad, so he would go tell someone that worked there that they need to clean it. The next place I told him I couldn't use it because it was just a hole... so he went and asked if they had an actual toilet.... but it was under construction. He told me next time I came to India that I could use the toilet. ha ha. It was nice that he would take care of things for me. 

We ate at McDonald's in India. It was my first time eating at one out of the country. It was interesting to eat at one there because they don't eat beef there, which means they also don't fly their fries in beef oil. They were less soggy. They served chicken burgers and veggie burgers. I loved the veggie burger. I totally wish they would sell those at McDonald's in the states, because I would buy them when/if I eat there.

I brought 3 books on my trip to read because I was going to have SO much travel time. Guess how much I read on the trip? One chapter out of the Hunger Games. That was it. Good intentions. Just had too much fun with the girls and talking to other people I guess. I read a few more chapters on the plane yesterday to SLC. I really need to get on that. 3 books though? What was I thinking? ha ha.

You know what makes me happy though? When people miss me when I'm gone. Makes me feel like I matter to people.... which feels good. I got a little bit of that, which was nice. Thanks friends.

In other news, Happy 50th Anniversary to the Flintstones!

Photo of the Week 31

Reflection of the Taj Mahal. I'm pretty sure my trip to India is going to be the "Photo's of the Week" for a while. That place is amazing.

Marble

The tour that I took in India not only stopped at famous site seeing destinations, but it also stopped at little shops where we learned about different hand crafts in India and how they are made. After visiting the Taj Mahal (which is made of Marble) we stopped at a shop that made things out of Marble and they showed us how they make the complex designs in the marble.

I obviously had never seen the Taj Mahal up close until now. It always just looked white to me and that is all I knew, but it has the most beautiful color designs on it like these marble pieces you see here. It is seriously beautiful and so complex to make. 

I think almost everyone in our group bought something at this place. It was a little expensive, but where else are you going to get hand crafted marble works of art? Plus... if you got this same thing in the US, the price would be tripled. I bought this beautiful box. I also decided I wanted an elephant, since we were going to be riding one on our trip, they also told me that the elephant means good luck.

When the tour guide (VK) saw that I bought an elephant, he said its good luck, BUT what was even better luck is the Ganesh, which is part elephant part man. This is the God of good luck. He said he has 6 of them and ever since he bought them he has had lots of good luck. He told me I should get one (not necessarily in marble... anything will do. So I bought a small wood one, cause lets be honest, I could use all the good luck I can get. :o) I loved this one in the marble shop though. It was just way too expensive for me. And I have no idea where I would put that thing anyway. 

Anyway... it was beautiful to see, I'm happy now that I have some of my own and knowing how it is done made me appreciate the Taj Mahal and its magnificent beauty that much more. No wonder it is one of the Wonders of the World. 

Hello Seattle

Remember at the very beginning of this month when I posted that I was in Seattle? But then I never told you anything else about it and didn't show you any pictures... and then I went to India and now I am behind? I'm sorry.
I'm trying to catch up now though. I put it off for a while  because I was waiting for pictures from the other girls (and am still waiting) AND because we did SO much in Seattle that it is SO hard to sum up everything we did into one post... but I am going to try, so.... don't be overwhelmed by this post and ALL the many pictures and collages! This is only a fraction of the pictures I took in Seattle... so there will soon be an album on facebook for all your viewing pleasure.

So here we go.....

We went to the temple, which was awesome. I really enjoy visiting the temples wherever I travel.

We of course went to the famous Pikes Market.

Found the Fremont Troll under the bridge.

We got a city pass, which saved us a ton of money and got us to do a ton of different stuff. The city pass included entry into the Seattle Aquarium.

A Seattle tour by boat.

The Pacific Science Center & Experience Music Project.

The Woodland Park Zoo.

And of course, the Space Needle. Which we went at Sunset which was pretty much awesome.

I had been to Seattle before for my good friend Lolly's wedding, but it was a short weekend mostly doing the wedding stuff, so I didn't get to do a lot while I was there, so it was SO fun to go back and see all of Seattle AND go to Canada. My Aunt Sharleen was kind enough to let us stay at her house even though she was gone. Their house is beautiful! It was like staying in a fancy hotel, we woke up to a beautiful view of the Puget Sound every morning. Such an awesome trip. We had great time together. I really enjoy traveling with Lorelie and Jeanna... its all laughter and fun and amazing and fun idea's with them. We have serious conversations too. Thanks for a great trip girlies. Lets do it again soon!

4 Layer Dessert

I LOVE this dessert. When I first heard of it and tried it, it was called "Afternoon Delight"... but I think it is known to most people as "4 Layer Dessert".  It is easy and delicious.

1st Layer:

1- 1/2 sticks melted butter
1 -1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Mix ingredients together and spread on bottom of 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

2nd Layer:

8 oz cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup cool whip

Mix 2nd layer and spread over 1st layer. Chill for 1 hour.

3rd Layer:

2 packages chocolate pudding
3 cups milk

Make pudding, put on top of 2nd layer.

4th Layer:

Top with cool whip
Sprinkle with nuts (optional)

Confessions of a Brunette on the Internet 32

Last weekend, I went with some friends on constitution day to the SLC Tabernacle to listen to Dallin H Oaks speak about the Constitution. It was very interesting to hear him speak about something that was not church related. He is one of my favorite Apostles since my seminary days. It was a great speech, but I was so confused with what to do. I mean, it was at the tabernacle and everyone was dressed up and they opened with a prayer.... but everyone clapped after each musical number and after Elder Oaks spoke and there was no closing prayer. I don't know why it was so weird to me, but it was great. We even dressed in Red, White and Blue for the fireside. :o)

So I had my first long flight. Everyone was giving me different advice about what to do. One of my co-workers kind of told me horror stories about long international flights. Air India however was awesome and I took sleeping pills.... even though some people told me shouldn't and some people told me I should... I got 8 hours of sleep on the plane and even though I lost a day once I got to India, I had no jet lag... which made me happy because we are not going to be here long enough for me to have to recover from that. So far, I am loving India.

This is the first time I have gone to a different country and not backpacked. We are with a tour. We are the youngest one's on the tour except one couple. I figured it would be that way though. I mean... its September so most people would be in school and most people I know when they go to countries like this.... they backpack. Despite that we have some odd people on our tour group with us, at least we have each other. Oh and we found a older Mormon couple... which was cool. They said out of all the tour groups they have done, we were the first Mormon's they have ever had on a tour with them. I don't think a tour is a bad way to go though... especially for a place like India. I think we are saving a lot of money this way AND we are seeing a lot for how little time we are going to be here. Also its nice to have a personal tour guide that can tell you everything and answer questions. I don't know if I would tour all countries this way, but I am not sad about doing India this way. We are staying in nice hotels too.

Even though I have the Internet in my hotels in India, I don't know why I thought I was going to be blogging about my trip every night. First of all, I am sharing my computer with two other girls. Second of all, by the time I am done clearing out my email from not checking constantly all day... and I get on my blog, its REALLY late for me (like now, its like 3 in the morning) and I don't feel like going through and editing all my pictures and deciding which ones to post on my blog and what I am going to write about. So I will have my work cut out for me when I get back. I usually keep a journal though, and I didn't bring one this time because I planned on blogging. So hopefully I don't forget the little details of everyday. P.S. I think I am gaining weight while I am here. Indian food is SO good, and I'm pretty sure its nothing close to healthy.

On Saturday, I looked out the Window and what did I see? Breakfast sitting and waiting for me! I have such nice thoughtful friends. I love nice surprises and when people show me they think about me and show they care about me. :o) Thank you Lorelie and Jeanna!

Ready or Not, Here I Come!

But.... I think I am ready. Don't you?
The longest flight I have ever been on is 5 hours. This one is going to be that... plus 10. We shall see how I do.

Photo of the Week 30

Crazy Subways in New York City. They are kind of fun.

I want to be a part of it, New York New York

Tuesday I few to NYC. It was the shortest NYC trip I have EVER taken. I was only there for 24 hours. It was a great 24 hours though.

After landing at the airport I took a shuttle to Manhattan and then took the Subway to Time Square and met up with my very good friend Patty and her sister in law Megan and we saw Phantom of the Opera. This was my 2nd time seeing this show on NY Broadway and I loved it just as much as the first time I saw it there 4 years ago. It is such a beautiful show, beautiful theater and beautiful music and sets. I just love that show. No wonder it is the longest running show on Broadway.

After the show I went back with Megan to Patty & Sean's house. We took the ferry ti get over there and the weather was perfect and beautiful. Hung out the rest of the night talking and catching up on life and watching Glee.

The next day Patty (her two cute sons) Megan and I went out to lunch and then Patty was sweet enough to take me back to the airport.

What a wonderful 24 hours! Thank you SO much Patty for everything. It was SOOOOOO great to see you. Seriously. Love you lots!

International Talk Like a Pirate Day

Arr Maytey's.... Sunday be international talk like a pirate day! How did I celebrate? My friends and I dressed up like a pirates and went to Pirate island and I changed my facebook language to pirate.  It was awesome. Because pirates are awesome. 

Because of the holiday, pirate island was having fun activities. Such as.... if you dressed up, you got 10 free pirate arcade coins. They also gave everyone a pirate dictionary so everyone could properly talk like a pirate. Apparently they got a better chef too, so.... which means better food. I couldn't decide what to order, nor could Jeanna. So the chef came out to talk to us about what to order. I ended up ordering Alligator! My first time eating it and I liked it. :o)

In while our waiter was not waiting on us... we discovered that he was playing the organ. So... after we saw him play on their AWESOME organ, we wanted to play too. 

Oh, I almost forgot. They had a guy going around making balloon animals! It was awesome. For our table he made a parrot, sword, monkey (mine), sea horse, Alligator and a mermaid! He was amazing. 

All in all, a good time. Happy International talk like a pirate day. I feel like everyone should celebrate it.

Mr Temper

On Monday night I walked over to the park where we were having ward FHE. I walked over with my roommate and BFF neighbor. As we were talking, we decide we are going to go sit down and socialize with more people. Just then, a new girl in the ward says my name, which gets my attention. She is talking to a new guy telling him the few people in the ward that she has met so far... one of them being me. So she introduces me to Mr. Temper. I say hi and make a little small talk... just expecting to say hi and then go sit and socialize as I was planning. This did NOT happen. New girl left and Mr. Temper just keeps talking and talking. Some people you can just tell you click with them and others, you don't. I didn't click with Mr. Temper... so it was starting to get awkward. I was trying to find anyway out of this conversation that I could. Part of the conversation goes as follows...

Mr. Temper - "Tracy, do you like the outdoors?"
Me - "Yes"
Mr. Temper - "Well, do you liked to hike? And when I say hike, I mean hardcore."
Me - "Hike, sometimes. Hardcore? Never."
Mr. Temper - "Oh, because I want to hike all the major peeks in our area.... in ONE day. Its pretty hardcore so I need to find some people that could handle it to do it with me. I mean... one time, I hiked from one side of the Grand Canyon to the other all in one day. This is the kind of hiking I am talking about."
Me - "Well... I'm NOT your girl."
Mr. Temper - "Well... do you know who in the ward is a hardcore hiker?"
Me -  "As much as I would like to say I even know every person's name in the ward... I don't. So I don't really know what all of their talents and hobby's are.  Sorry. What you could do though is send out a ward email, seeing if anyone wants to hike with you and if people do, they will email you back".

Unfortunately the conversation continues. It felt like it was never ending. Somehow it got brought up that I had gone running right before I had come to FHE.

Mr. Temper - "Oh, so you like the run?"
Me - "No, I actually don't like it at all, but I do it because I know its good for me."
Mr. Temper - "I like to run and actually would like to find someone to run with me. Do you know any runners in the ward? They need to be hard core though because they need to be able to keep up with me. So we are talking at least 7 minute miles and running 10 + miles."
Me - "Well, like I said before... I don't know every one's hobbies, but... you could send out a ward email and if people want to run with you, they will email you back."

I am starting to get annoyed at this point. I see my friend walk by that I was supposed to do something with later that night. So I got her attention to see what the plan was, hoping that once I was talking to someone else, Mr. Temper would go away. She said she needed to go to the store and I ASKED her if I could come with her. Is anyone else getting this hint? Well, she didn't because she invited Mr. Temper to come with us and then watch a movie with us after. He of course agrees and comes along and continues to talk to me. My friends of course were not helping me out or catching my hints that I didn't want to be around this guy anymore and kept leaving me a lone with him. AHHHH!!!!!

After we got back from what seemed like a LONG visit to the store, I had bought some grocery's so I was running home to put them away.... also running away from everyone. My friends were talking about some inside joke from the other night when I left. I am booking it to my house with my grocery's and almost to my door when I hear, "So Tracy, are you going to let me in on this inside joke?" WHAT? He followed me home? I told him it was just an inside joke. He follows me inside with his grocery's.

Me - "Aren't you going to go home and put your grocery's away?"
Mr. Temper - "No, I'm okay."
Me - "Umm... but... you have juice that needs to be refrigerated."
Mr. Temper - "Yeah, but I just figured I am going to be spending the rest of my night here, so its okay for it to wait".
Me - "Wait, what? Your spending the rest of the night here? We are going next door because there is a movie going on there."
Mr. Temper - "What? You guys changed the plans?" *starting to get angry*
Me - "Umm... there were never really any set plans. "
Mr. Temper - "Fine, I see how it is. I'm leaving" *starts to go out the door*
Me - "We are just going next door. There are a bunch of people there... anyone can go watch, you can go watch too. It's not that you are not invited, I was just telling you we are not going to be at my house."
Mr. Temper - "No, its fine, I am just going to go home"

He doesn't say another word and then slams the door and storms off to his apartment (wherever that is). I was SO confused. Did that just happen? I have not seen anyone throw a fit like that since Jr. High. Well, at least he was gone now right? It only took a couple of hours.

So I am at the neighbors house, talking to my BFF neighbor and there is a knock on the door. It's Mr. Temper! I almost laughed... after the fit he threw, he still decided to come over. He saw me sitting there...  looked at me (mad look) and then looked away and went downstairs. Same thing when he came back up. I am pretty sure he hates me now even though I didn't do anything. Thank goodness he is not in my ward.... only because he is too old to be in my ward. At the same time, how sad that a 32 year old is acting this way.

Today I was reminded of this situation that happened 5 days ago. Why? Because he sent out an email to the ward that said this:

"I'm new to Deerhaven and looking to get into a running groove. Running 3-4 times per week (12+ miles) would be great, but I need the support of like-bodied people. I'd like to start at 7.5 minute miles and work down from there. Maybe in preparation for a race: 5k, 10k, 1/2 or full marathon? Pace and scheduling are flexible. Just call or swing by if you're interested."


It made me laugh. Even though he hates me, he still took my advice (that is not what made me laugh, his qualifications in order to run with him is what made me laugh). You think he will get any takers? 

Utah Lake

On Tuesday at work, we had ice cream Sunday's for my boss's birthday. On Wednesday we had team activity. Nice week at work right? Our last Activity, we hiked to Stewart Falls. Well, this time we went to Utah lake. Since we are coming up on fall here REAL soon, we thought we would enjoy being outside and on the water in the warm weather. It was a beautiful day. We had a pot luck for lunch. Salad, chips and  salsa, fruit and SALMON BURGERS!!! So good.

One of my coworkers has a boat, so before stuffing my face, we went on a relaxing and fun boat ride around the lake.

Another one of my co-workers has a few kayaks. So after stuffing my face, I went kayaking with the guys.  It was so pretty. During our kayak, there were a TON of ducks that all crossed the river. It was so pretty. It was like that scene in "The Notebook" except they were all different types and colors of ducks instead of all white ducks. Regardless, it was amazing. I so wish I would have had a camera in my kayak so I could take a picture of it.

I really enjoy boating and kayaking and had not done either one yet this summer, so I was very pleased with this activity for work. Plus, I got to play and not work and still get paid. So I never complain about that.  Novell, Where have you been all of my life?

Confessions of a Brunette on the Internet 31

My sister, Kristy, asked me if I would teach a short lesson on photography to her young women's class. I said I would and when I came over to her house, I saw the pictures that I had taken in frames ALL over the house! It made me so excited. I felt like a legit photographer with someone who loved my work. It is a great feeling. :o)

On Sunday, we had regional conference and had to meet at the Marriott Center on BYU Campus. Many stakes were invited, so we knew it would fill up fast. We left at 8:45am to go get a good seat before the meeting started at 10am. Wasn't too excited about that since I only got a few hours of sleep that night. I thought to myself, I would rather watch it on TV or at a stake center. I wouldn't have had to get up so early and I would have had a lot more leg room than what you get in the Marriott. Then the Marriott started filling up... fast. Before the meeting started the ENTIRE Marriott Center was filled with Young Single Adults ages 18-30. I didn't see any empty seats and for those of you who don't know how many seats are in the Marriott Center... I believe there are 22, 700 seats. ALL of them filled. Everyone was talking before the meeting, so it was kind of loud. Then all the sudden everyone stood and the entire center was quite and reverent. Why? Because two apostles of the Lord walked in the room. I had forgotten how powerful that is. And the power of thousands singing praises together. Not to mention that it is an honor and a privilege to be in the presence of Apostles.The entire conference, I looked around me and almost every person had a pen and paper and were taking notes from every speaker. This is not something I experience everyday and I feel like it brings the spirit even more into the meeting. So in the end.... was I glad that I went. Yes. It is like General Conference.... but JUST for the YSA in Provo. That is an amazing opportunity! I should never take it for granted.

At work, there are 8 floors. I work on the 5th floor. Naturally I take the elevator... which I feel is legit. If I worked on the 2nd or 3rd floor, I would mostly likely take the stairs most of the time. I did at my last job. Its not that big of a deal. Especially coming down. The other day I got in the elevator to leave work. I was in the elevator with one other person that had come from a floor above mine. Then we also stopped on the 4th floor, the guy came in and then pressed floor 3 and got out. I wanted to look at him and say REALLY? You can't walk down one flight of stairs? I actually see that all the time. What would people do without elevators? I should probably be taking the stairs even though I am on the 5th floor. Okay... I will start today.

Speaking of exercise, I have been stepping it up a notch. I have not been consistent since I got off my diet. So my friend and I came up with a weekly plan. Monday we jogged 3 miles. I only had to stop twice for a speed walk for only like a block. I was pretty proud of myself because I am out of shape and it felt like death.... but I did it anyway. Then Tuesday I swam laps. For some reason, in my head... swimming seems like it should be easy. I don't know the last time I swam laps. This also felt like death and my arms were sore after. It will get better though right? I ran again yesterday and I think I will run again today and Saturday I think we are going to try and swim, bike & run! I hope I don't die. Did anyone used to hate running and then liked it after a while? If so.... tell me your secret please.

Last weekend I went to see "Eat.Pray.Love" with my good friend Angela. (I wrote about this on another post but then deleted it because I decided I wanted to go into more detail on this post). There were things that I really liked and disliked about that movie. First of all, it was WAY too long. However, I wanted to see it, so I am glad I watched it even though I will probably never watch it again. I like Julia Roberts and I like traveling, so I figured I would like the movie. For those of you who have never read the book or seen the movie, its about a woman who is married, but she wants to travel and her husband does not. She realizes that she has formed to the kind of person that her husband is. She divorces him and decides that she wants to find out who she is an find happiness while she spends 4 months each in Italy, India and Bali. What I loved about the movie is that she traveled to different parts of the world, found out who she was, found happiness and learned some great and important life lessons. I feel like not enough people take advantage of this when they have the opportunity. It is not only an amazing opportunity to see these beautiful places around the world (not the same as seeing it on TV) but you meet many amazing people that you learn a lot from and when you travel to poor countries, you realize how blessed we are to live in our country. It is humbling and you realize what is really important in this life. What I did not like about the movie (besides the length) is that she divorced her husband to do this. Find out who you are BEFORE you get married. Then marry someone that loves you for exactly who YOU are. You should never have to change who you are so that someone else will love you. In the movie, she went from guy to guy forming to whatever the guy wanted. That is not a real relationship. Does this sound familiar? Like Runaway Bride? Yep. So that was pretty much the entire beginning of the movie. After that (her experiences traveling) I liked. She learned to be happy with herself which in return made it so she could be there to serve others, she took time to meditate, find peace, heal from past wounds AND open herself up to be able to love again. I can relate to this 100%.
So here's to meditation, finding out who we are, being at peace and healing from our past and being open to love again, love ourselves and those around us.

Photo of the Week 29

I think big cities are so beautiful. I love it when all the lights in all the buildings start to come on, but its not super dark yet. Best of both.  (That is also the time of day we went up the space needle).

Tea & Crumpets

While in Seattle, we found this cute place next to Pikes Market called "The Crumpet Shop". We were lucky to not only find it, but that it was open. I guess it had super weird hours. I guess that would explain the reason it got crowded while we were there. They made home made crumpets everyday with different toppings. How often do you have the opportunity to have a hot fresh crumpet. Jeanna and I were all over that! I got cream cheese and jam on top of mine. SO GOOD!

I love going into different cafes. My favorite ones are original and cute with their style. Since this was a tea and crumpet place, they had Alice in Wonderland painted on the wall. I thought it was a small but charming little place. I think places like this are my favorite part of exploring new cities. :o) I still want to open up my own one day.... hopefully one day soon. You better believe I would serve hot fresh crumpets too. Just sayin.