Farewell to March.

I'm aware I say this every month, but here it comes anyway: March went by so fast!!! I must be getting old.

Sadly, March was pretty uneventful for me. I hope I won't be saying this at the end of April.

In March I:
-Celebrated my two year anniversary with Steve.

-Fed my atrocious Peep addiction.

-Paid off my last traffic ticket. Thought that day would never come.

-Went to my first NCAA basketball tournament.

-Saw the comedian Brian Regan live!

-Found my new favorite antique shop. Now & Again.

-Watched my favorite movie Forrest Gump four times. In one weekend. Holler!

-Rediscovered my love for America's Funniest Home Videos.

Here in Salt Lake, it snowed on the last day of March! What a ironic way to welcome April.




Me with just one of the many loves of my life.

Blowing In The Wind.

Today was a very windy day here in Salt Lake City. Me and the wind are not friends. Despite the weather, I love days like this.







This is how this weather makes me feel:

Which Tire?

Now for a riddle/joke/story/whatever this is for a Tuesday morning.

There were two college boys taking the same college class together. They were both very smart and did exceedingly well in the course. When the final was coming up, they both had A's and decided to celebrate early by taking a road trip the weekend before the final. Well, they were completely hung over and forgot about the final and to even show up to take it. They plotted to tell the professor that when they were on their way to take the final their tire blew out and ask for an exception to take the final late. The professor agreed that they could take it the next day. The next day, the two boy show up and the professor seats them in two different rooms and gives them one question each:

Which tire?

Oh snap!

Western Spaghetti. Mmm.

I saw this short film at the Sundance Film Festival in 2009 and thought it was incredible... mostly because it made me hungry, but hey, what doesn't make me hungry? I was thrilled when I found it on Youtube. I wish I was half as creative as this guy. Enjoy!

Bits Of My Weekend.

Please be advised: Some of these photos may appear as reflection of my ghastly diet. I promise my diet isn't at bad as it seems.




I went crazy with the Peeps... again. I blame Smiths for making them 10/$10.00


Went to Wendover. Ate at McDonald's. Came home.
 






I got to see my sweet Niece, Lola!

...and my adorable nephew, Jackson.

Our couch before Steve comes in contact with it...

And after. Impressive, right? I don't know how he does it.

Sunday Confession.

My confessions for the day/week:

-I ate peeps while showering on Saturday and then Cheeze-Its while drying my hair. Barf.

-Had a nightmare I was dangling from the chair lift at Lagoon and my sisters didn't help me. Now I'm pretty sure I'm riding the chair lift never again. Never as in never ever.

-Unfortunately, I think I am slowly but surely turning into a hypochondriac.

-I have confirmed myself an agoraphobic (fear of large, empty spaces) after many years of speculation. When I saw a large, empty swimming pool and had a minor anxiety attack. When did I turn into such a freak?

-I made a poor attempt at cleaning out my closet. Everything I considered getting rid of, I thought 'I can wear this camping' or 'I can wear this when I'm just laying around'. I finally managed to find ONE shirt worthy of giving away and guess what? I wore it the next day.

Happy Birthday Blog!

Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear, bloggy blog. Happy birthday to you!!

You are one whole month old today. I apologize, I wish I could have more followers for you! Maybe next month...

Say My Name, Say My Name! ...Correctly, Please.

Okay, so I have a pretty uncommon name. Kaleena. Pronounced Kuh-Lee-nuh.

It is rarely pronounced correctly. I get, Kayleen, Colleen, Kaylee, Kale, Karen, Korina, etc. Sadly, I'm not exaggerating any of these mispronunciations . I think since most people have never seen/heard my name before they just see the K and just assume the rest. I used to be really, really, really, REALLY peeved when somebody would say it wrong. But now, I either don't correct them or I say my name is Nikki; it's not worth the hassle of correcting them when they are going to continue to say it wrong yet comment on the uniqueness of it.

I promise this post had a purpose. And it is this: at work today, among all the faxes I receive in a day, one in particular made me happy. Low and behold the sender of this said fax was Kaleena Butler! ANOTHER KALEENA IN THE WORLD? I've never in my entire 20 years of living on Earth have met another Kaleena. After I was done staring at the fax with my face resembling Macaulay Culkin's shocked face from Home Alone, I decided I was going to respond to Kaleena Butler about the struggles and battles she has fought with her name in her lifetime.

Maybe I got a little too excited. But I tend to get excited easily and I think this situation called for this reaction. Unfortunately, it turns out that Kaleena Butler is a man.

JK I'm still waiting for dear Kaleena's response, hopefully it will be waiting for me for a Monday morning surprise.

I have photo evidence:

Am I Twenty Years Old or Eight?

I've been living on my own since May 2009. Ever since, I've felt a sense of 'I'm a big kid now!' and independence. Even when I pay my bills, go grocery shopping, do laundry, etc. I really do feel mature and responsible and it makes me proud. I may or may not have even patted myself on the back once or twice.

Then... On days like today, I find myself eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the morning, a can of Speghettios for lunch with a Capri Sun and snacking on Teddy Grams. Not to mention I wach iCarly religiously. Then I ask myself, am I twenty or eight years old?

I guess my eight year old self will never be a thing of the past.

Wanted: Modivation and/or Productivity.

This weekend I am heading off to San Francisco.

Okay, not really, but I sure wish I was! In my head I have already started packing for the next time I get to go. 

This week has gone by surprisingly fast! Yay. I think it's because I am finally getting good at manipulating the days to make it fly by.

You know those days when you are at work/school, and you realize that from that point on, no matter how hard you try, you know you will no longer be productive for the rest of the day? That was me today. Correction: That was me this whole week.

I blame the beautiful Spring weather. It taunts me from the window while I am trapped in my cave that some might call a 'cubicle'. This happens every year. The outdoors make me anxious to be outside so I have a hard time staying concentrated at work, thus, my lack of productivity.

Cheers to a better work week next week!

I Hate Cats... But I Wanted To Say, Hello.

I caught myself watching this longer than I would like to admit. Enjoy.

hello kitty! by sserrano on WeGIF

Photo Walk.

Copy Cat or Identity Theft? I Can't Decide.

The people and locations of this post are going to remain anonymous. For stalking precautions.

For about two months, one girl in particular has been copying me (hair, accessories, style, etc). I would be fine with this if she didn't make it so noticable!

Example. On St. Patrick's Day, I wore a black shirt with a light green scarf with dark green floral prints on it. Said girl, takes a lunch break and an hour later shows up in... low and behold, a black shirt with a green scarf! ...........????

No big deal, right? Wrong. Two months ago, she came and asked me what the name of my hair color was I tried to think of some weird shade to throw her off... And failed miserably by telling her the exact shade. The next day, she has my hair color and style.

These are just two of the many things that she has done and sadly, these shananagans are still going on to this very day. Trust me, it's a lot more frustrating than it sounds. I guess I should be somewhat flattered but I value my own uniqueness more. Is it wrong of me to think this is the early stages of some kind of identity theft?

If I was more daring than I already am and didn't care if I had a job or not, I would show up naked to send a message.

Top 3 Words That Must Go.

Lately I've been noticing that for some reason certain usage of words have been getting under my skin, for multiple reasons. What bothers me mostly is that people use them either out of context or they use the words out of pure laziness. So what are these words that must go?

1. Random. This word is thrown around all over the place. I feel like people use this word when they are trying to make something more interesting or more crazy then it really is/was. Example: "We were at the bowling alley and it was so fun! We looked at the girl in the lane next to us and we were wearing the same exact shirt, it was so random!" No, that is not random. The word you are looking for is coincidence. I'm not fully against using the word random, just please, please, please, pretty please use it correctly.

2. Literally. Most people literally never use this word correctly. The other day I heard someone say, "he was literally sneezing his brains out." Was he? Was he really sneezing his brains out? Is that possible?

3. .... To be announced.

Mini Stuff and... Things.

I love to collect things. I love to collect things. I also repeat myself a lot for no reason. I'm actually a borderline hoarder because I keep almost everything. And when I say I keep everything, I mean EVERYTHING. This includes stupid/useless things. For instance, dinner receipts, wrapping paper that gifts came in, things that break and can no longer work, etc. But, before you think, ugh! She probably lives in one of those nasty houses with garbage in on and around the furniture who will end up on Hoarders! I usually put these things to good use, like make decorations out of them or sometimes reuse them somehow. Yay planet Earth! I feel like everything has some sort of sentimental value.

What I love to collect most is mini things. They are adorable! These are my top three favorite mini things that I have acquired in my life so far. But, thank goodness, they won't be the last.

My mini flower pots. (secondhand chic)

My mini coke bottle salt and pepper shakers. (now & again antiques)



My mini lotion (a gift) and tobasco sauce (another gift)

The Little Things.

Always remember.



I happen to love this too.

2 Years Ago Today.

Happy 2 year anniversary to me and Steve!

I can't believe it's been two years already. It's gone by so fast but at the same time it seems like it's been a LOT longer than just two years.

Two years ago today, Steve picked me up around 5:45 PM and we headed up to Ensign Peak.It was a windy hike but we made it up in time to watch the sun set. When we got to the very top, there were about four other couples up there cuddling and taking pictures. I remember this made us both feel very awkward and uncomfortable but we laughed and thought it was funny.

After the sun was done setting, we headed down to City Creek Canyon at about 8:30 PM where we were planning to have a camp fire to cook hot dogs and roast marsh mellows. I don't know what I was thinking because to this day I swear they have fire pits down there, but apparently they don't. This resulted in us walking in the dark for about 45 minutes searching for a fire pit. Poor Steve had to haul about 30 lbs of wood. We finally gave up and just made a fire off to the side of the trail by the river. I think this turned out better than if we actually had a fire pit. We cooked the delicious jumbo hot dogs, drank some Mountain Dew, made some S'mores and talked. We stayed down there til about 2:45 AM. I never wanted to leave, even though it was FREEZING cold and the fire was hardly helping. Low and behold, when the time came he actually peed the fire out.You studious gentlemen Steve, you. ;)

To this day, that was the best first date that I have ever been taken on. And I'm grateful that I got to share it with Steve.

Since we both had to work today, we just celebrated by going out to dinner and we already exchanged presents on Saturday since we were both to anxious to wait til today. I also, made him a home made card that I gave him before dinner. He loved it. 

Here is to another year together with Steve.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Sunday Confession.

My confessions for the day:

-I secretly wish my name was Nikki.

-I tell myself and other people that someday I will finally stop picking my split ends. Yeah, right. I will be doing this til I'm 70.

-My heart breaks every time I see a dog walking down the street without a collar or an owner.

-I exaggerate my stories to make them sounds more awesome than they already are.

-I'm not really looking forward to turning 21. I go through the same denial every birthday.

-I ate 3 whole packs of Peeps. With nobody's help. I say this with pride and shame.

-I tell people I go the gym because I'm "getting in shape for summer." I'm really going because I want to be in shape for the Zombie Apocalypse.

-I sometimes tell people I am from out of town.

-I get complimented on my wallet frequently. I tell them it's from Haight Ashbury, San Francisco. It's really from Target. 

Peeps & Blooming Flowers. Yep, It's Spring.

Today is the first day of Spring! Yay. I thought it would never come.

I went to the grocery store last night and good news: they have yummy, yummy Peeps 10/10.00!!

So, I had to take advantage of this sugary deal. And they are making themselves at home in my belly and in my house.

So far, this is a pretty awesome weekend. The weather is absolutely gorgeous and we are just taking it easy. Steve is enjoying his start to Spring Break by watching all the basketball games for March Madness!

Look at these beautiful flowers that are just outside our door! I love them.

Happy Spring!

Greeeeeeen.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I love green.

I think St. Patrick's Day is silly to celebrate unless you are Irish. With this being said and not being Irish, I continue to wear green every year.



I think it's safe to say Spring is officially here! It was another beautiful day where my car windows were down whenever I was driving. There a flowers blossoming outside by our walkway. I can't wait til the cherry blossoms come! 

I think Michael Scott said it best. "Saint Patrick's day is the closest the Irish will get to Christmas."

If you're not wearing green, consider yourself pinched.

thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou

Just like I had hoped, today was 3.216,465,465,135,165,841,897,468 times better than yesterday.

Reasons why my day was awesome:

1. I made dinner that actually worked out! Baked Salmon with lemon pepper and butter with rice pilaf. It was delicious.

2. Work went really well. Even though I got three hours of sleep. Oops.

3. The weather was perfect. Cool breeze with lots of sunshine.

4. I got to see my brand new Niece, Lola. And my Sister, Shandey.

So, all my troubles from yesterday are tossed in the wind and maybe, just maybe, I can get to bed before four AM.

Dress-Up Day.

These two summer dresses of mine are just begging to be worn. I have a hand full of dresses that I could wear, but instead, I reach for the same old pair of jeans, again, again, again, and again! Now that the weather is perfect outside, I don't have an excuse to not wear them. Plus, the colors and patterns on both of these dresses are really easy to accessorize with. That's it, I'm wearing dresses this week!

Mondays Hate Me.

Work+Monday+Daylight Savings+Migraine=SHOOT ME IN THE FACE!!!! I haven't had a day this rough in a loooooooooong time. I think my opening sentence sums it up quite well. Not to mention something else that had me distracted all day. My day was so rough that my eyes kept getting teary; I'm sensitive, but it takes a lot to make me cry. Enough about my rough day, if I didn't enjoy it, I'm sure reading about it isn't that exciting either. ANYWAYS. I had a plan to make a delicious fish dinner tonight. Salmon with butter and lemon baked in the middle for flavor with rice pilaf. But apparently frozen salmon needs to be thawed, (I know; crazy, right?) I don't know how thawing the salmon slipped my mind or why I didn't cross my mind sooner. So my dinner plans were ruined. Now here I sit on my couch, annoyed and bitter while eating chewy Gobstoppers. I don't know what I will do with myself if tomorrow isn't a better day. Pretty please make Tuesday the best day ever.

Remembering When.

One of my favorite past times is reminiscing. The majority of my sentences start with "remember when" It does get annoying and yes, it annoys me as well. I was reminiscing (naturally) on some times me and my friends had in high school. Nothing in particular, just what we did, who we hung out with, music we listened to etc. Then, it got me thinking, I have changed SO much from the time I was seventeen til now. Everything about me is different; My hair, my habits, my style, my preferences, my thoughts, EVERYTHING!! I'm glad I have evolved in the ways that I have. Honestly, I am happy where I am in life so far. The people I hung around in high school weren't that great of people and it doesn't make me that sad to think they are no longer in my life. Yeah, we had some awesome times together and at one point we were best friends but I feel if they were better people, they would still be my best friends. I feel a sense of freedom knowing that negativity is out of my life. As much as I attach myself to people and things, I oddly am a fan of change. Sometimes it can be hard, sometimes it can be for the best, but it is always needed. Especially for me. The more change I go through, the more I learn about myself. Change is a very needed and healthy part of life.

Bipolar Utah?

Utah had beautiful weather all week. Jacket weather. I was driving with my car windows down. I woke up today to an overcast, which is my favorite weather! Then it started to rain (which I still loved). Sadly, the rain turned into a snow storm. Snow in March is unacceptable! But, knowing Utah, it will be gone by tomorrow. Also, it gives me an excuse for me to wear these boots. Also, I have a confession. I have eaten 3 ice cream Drumsticks today. Any other person would feel guilty or ashamed but I feel happy! They are delicious. Maybe I don't need 3 but it sure was worth it!

Thursdays.

Yes!! Thursdays are my favorite day of the entire week. I don't know what it is, I've always been a Thursday lover. This week has gone surprisingly fast! Which, I'm not complaining... because I've been having a rough week. During this long, slow week, I decided I want to become a better cook and be able to cook more dishes/meals than the 6 I rotate between. My goal for next week is to make at least 2-3 new meals. Wish me luck.

Short Weekends, Long Weeks.

Let the vicious cycle begin. Why do weekends never last long enough? I don't mind working but I need more than two days in a weekend!! I'm feeling really burnt out lately and just need some time off and some time to myself. I went up to M Street again today and took some lovely pictures. Hopefully, I will have them up tomorrow. Wish me luck that I will make it through this week... Signed: Working for the weekends.

Arts & Crafts.

Once I get one creative idea, you can't stop me. I keep thinking of more and more things to make. This is a bad thing. Because I start making things that shouldn't be made and that look ridiculous and tacky... and not in the good, fun way. Tonight, I made a cute little picture of Christoper Robbin and Winnie the Pooh (above) and some orange and white stripped paper from Michael's and I put it in a decorative frame ($1.00 HOLLER!) I love it. But! I stopped after that. Things would've gotten pretty bad if I kept going. Happy crafting!

Snowy Mornings and Harmonicas.

Friday morning, I woke up to this beautiful sight outside of our front door. I love the snow. I love how everything becomes peaceful and silent. I also LOVE the way snow looks setting on a tree. However, I do not love that it is March and it snowed this much. Last night, Steve and I went to 'Laughing Stock' over on Main Street. It was hysterical! It was only 11 bucks a ticket. Absolutely worth it! They had a lot of creative skits, we loved it. Laughing Stock is in a little old time theater which made it more fun. Also! After Laughing Stock we stopped at Smith's where I happened to find a harmonica for 3 dollars!! Do I even need to share that I bought it? I'm hoping I can at least learn 1 or 2 or 48 songs on the cute little thing. Cross your fingers that the next post will be me exclaiming that I just learned a song.

M Street.

I'm pretty sure I fell in love with Steve at the park on M Street.

Up in the Avenues (where we now live) there is a cute, little, cozy park on top of a hill that has a beautiful view of the city. This adorable park is on M Street.

2 years ago when we first started dating, we used to go up to M Street almost 3-4 nights a week. We would talk and talk and talk. We would cuddle. We would kiss. We would overlook Salt Lake. It became my most treasured and favorite place in all of Utah.

I was planning on going up there today but the lovely snow decided to show up without an invitation.

Here are my two favorite views from M Street:

Ode to Earrings.

Do you know what I just can't get enough of? Cheese fries. But, that is beside the point! Earrings. I love earrings. Love. Love. Love. Tonight I was organizing my jewelery box and I was going through all my earrings. I have acquired a massive hoard over the years and I can only hope it will continue to grow. Earrings are the one thing I can never have enough of. For some girls, it's purses, others it's shoes. But for me? Earrings baby! Basically all I need is hearty plate of cheese fries (with pepper of course!) and a nice pair of earrings.