I don't know why they say Venus and Mars. Mars and Venus at least have something in common; they're planets. It's more like Mars and a bowl of cereal.

**Disclaimer: do not read if you haven't watched Source Code, and don't want the ending spoiled for you.

So... last night I watched Source Code with my parents. That movie con-fused me! It was uber good, but what the heck happened at the end?
Opening Scene:
Jake Gyllenhaal wakes up on a train super confused. Cute Girl sitting across from him: "You give really good advise. I deserve better than him... blah, blah, blah..." Instant thought of viewers: they end up together. He walks around the train super confused, then the train explodes. Jake finds himself in a self-contained tankish thing. He's still confused.
You then find out that he is a pilot that fought in Afghanistan, and he was now supposed to find out who bombed the train. He doesn't want to. All he wants to do is to talk to his dad. They won't let him. They then send him back to the train multiple times. He does everything but find out who blew up the train. He isn't very good at following directions (but is good at looking good).
He finally finds out who bombed the train. They (in real life) find the guy before he can blow up Chicago. Jake's not done yet. He wants to go back for 8 more minutes, and see if he can save everyone on the train (mainly his girlfriend whom he goes on 8 minute dates with). He finally talks Agent Goodwin into letting him do it behind the head hancho's back, but tells him that she's taking him off life support after the 8 minutes are up (oh, by the way, he's mostly dead because of something that happened in Afghanistan).
In 8 minutes Jake defuses the bomb, catches the criminal and handcuffs him to some stairs, calls his dad and tells him he loves him, sends Agent Goodwin an email telling her what's up, and kisses his new girlfriend. He saves the world!
After the 8 minutes are up Agent Goodwin takes him off life support (in real life), but guess what... he's still kissing Cute Girl (in fake life). They get off the train, and live happily ever after.
The next day (in real life), Agent Goodwin gets his email. It's the day the train got bombed again (but the train didn't get bombed), and Jake is still alive on life support. End scene. WTH?!

I asked my brother-in-law about it today. He said, "Nicole, it's a fake movie. It's all fake." I realize this, but I would still like it to make sense in my poor little head.

We should be grateful that we're not Native Americans who got their land stolen in exchange for smallpox infested blankets.

Today I had an overwhelming feeling of appreciation for life and I would entirely ungrateful if I didn't write about it. I went over to Canyon Elementary today to visit some of the girls I taught with last year. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to work with them for my first year of teaching. I am so blessed. Heavenly Father knew that was where I needed to be. I don't know where I would be if it weren't for Jamie, Angie, and Nicole. When I was driving away I noticed some of my students from last year playing football on the field, so I stopped to wave. They saw me and ran over to say hi. I am so grateful for children and the sweet spirit they carry with them. I am so blessed to spend six hours with them everyday. I can't wait to have my own children. Oddly enough, I am grateful for my single years. Don't get me wrong, I want to get married and have a family of my own more than anything, but I'm grateful for the time I have had to get things figured out. I feel as though teaching is going to be a big thing in my life, and I'm grateful that I have some extra time to get it all down. On the way home from the school I was able to witness the gorgeous sunset that took place tonight over Utah Lake. I stopped to take pictures of it. I don't document things enough. I am grateful for nature, and the beauty and peace it subtly brings into my life. I'm also grateful for digital photography, so I can take as many pictures as I want so I can get the perfect one. These are just a few of the things I am grateful for. I am so blessed, far beyond what I deserve. I have a loving family, friends, and Heavenly Father. I'm so grateful for their examples, love, and constant support.

It's repetitive, and redundant! It's repetitive, and redundant! We're certainly entertaining, Mac! Indubitably, Tosh!

So, today I washed my sheets. Having clean sheets always make me incredibly happy. I decided that I would make a list of happy things. Happiness=

• Clean sheets
• Rain on a summer night
• The feeling after a long run
• A shower after a weekend camping trip
• Funny conversations with friends
  
• Reading a good book
• Road trips
• A new outfit
• A first kiss with a guy you like
• Running into a friend you haven't seen in a long time
• Holding a baby
• Reminiscing with friends and family
• Gilmore Girls
• Payday
  
• New shoes
• Basking in the sun
• A clean house
• Freshly painted nails
• Warm brownies or cookies right out of the oven
• Good music

...well, you get the idea. Happiness=simplicity.

Hey...THIS is the pizza from Mystery Tuesday, THAT one is completely fine...

So yesterday I was up in Salt Lake dropping off resumes at elementary schools hoping that it would give me a sliver of a chance in finding a teaching job for next year. On the way to my last destination I past The Pie. I don't know if you have ever had pizza from The Pie, but if you haven't you need to. It is easily one of my favorite pizza joints. I decided that since I was famished from not having lunch, and it was fast approaching 4:3o, that I better stop and get me some food before enduring my long 40 minute drive home. I stopped at The Pie, and ordered me a nice ham pizza. During the wait I ran to 7-Eleven and got me some root beer because what is pizza without root beer?
When I went back to pick up my pizza I lifted (more like hefted) the box off the counter and vigorously thanked the cashier. You have to heft their pizza boxes because they are actually filled with real pizza, not fake pizza like Little Caesars (don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of the Hot 'N Readys, but sometimes nothing beats a real pizza). When I walked back to my car I noticed that they had some convenient tables chillin' where I could easily sit and eat my pizza like a normal person. Did I? I most certainly did NOT. I decided that I would attempt to eat my pizza while I was making my way to the freeway entrance. There are plenty of stoplights, right?
Well this was all well and dandy except I came to find out that this delicious pizza was hot and fresh, which means the cheese was wonderfully messy. I was attempting to eat some pizza at a stoplight, but I was mostly struggling with the cheese. I noticed that the car next to me was lined up perfectly with mine, which meant that the driver had a perfect view of my disabled attempt of enjoying the best pizza ever. I glanced over to see if the driver had noticed my efforts of divulging myself. Sure enough the driver (a really cute guy) was looking over with a look of disbelief. I wanted to roll down my window and offer some, but the light turned green, so I was forced to drive. I got a good laugh out of it, and I was able to enjoy the best pizza I've had in days, weeks, months, years. Trust me, nothing is more classy and attractive than a girl struggling with a piece of pizza at a stoplight. This may or may not be one of the reasons that I don't have a boyfriend. :)

Well, live and learn. Like, now I know not to drink the water in Mexico, which, by the way, somebody should really tell you.

So this last week I had the privledge of going on a cruise to Mexico with my mom, dad, and sister. It's a good thing we went because I was quite bummed about school being over, and losing my 4th graders. I really needed the pick-me-up. Let's just say that it was quite the entertaining trip. I decided that I would reaccount it to you to make up for not posting in such a long time.

Rylee and  I showing off our room.

Day 1(Sunday): We got on the boat around 3:00, and discovered the deck with all the food. Rylee and I were completely shocked over how much food could be around to eat. Little did we know that we would have the buffet restaurant memorized in a matter of days. We didn't have our sea legs yet, so we pretty much spent the day eating, laying out, and zigging and zagging around the boat running into things because we couldn't walk straight.

Our boyfriends for the week.

Day 2 (Monday): Today was a day at sea while we were on our way to Cabo San Lucas. I vowed that I would run every day that we were at sea, so I woke up and ran around the track on the top deck. Let me tell you something, there isn't much to look at when you are running on a track on the top of a cruise ship and you are surrounded by water. Once again we spent the day eating, laying out, and eating. I had now conquered the ice cream machine, and had learned how to make quite the legit ice cream cone.

All ready to go lay out on the top deck.

Day 3 (Tuesday): We arrived at Cabo today. Unfortunately there wasn't a dock large enough for our ship, so we had to ride in tender boats to get to shore. We spent the majority of the morning waiting around for a tender boat so we could go exploring. Once we finally got on shore we were attacked by "tour guides" wanting to take us on a "Glass Bottom Boat" tour. We dodged them and entered a store where we were attacked by salesmen telling us to come look at their stuff because everything has a "really good price." We looked around for awhile, then Rylee decided that she needed to go to the bathroom. We found a bathroom, and let me tell you, you know you are in Mexico when there is a lady outside the bathroom door handing out toilet paper and hand paper towels with a tip jar sitting right next to her.

Hanging out on the tender boat.

After Rylee relieved herself we decided to try our luck with the "Glass Bottom Boat" muchachos. We weren't sure if we should do it because part of the deal is that they leave you on a beach so you can look around, then they come pick you up later. We were worried that we would never get picked back up. Finally we found Carlos, or should I say Carlos found us. My dad asked him how we knew that he would come pick us back up from the beach. Carlos simply explained that if he doesn't then we can complain to the "men in white shirts and black pants with guns" and we get our money back and they confiscate his boat. We decided that was motiviation enough for him to come pick up us poor, sad Americans, so we got it his boat.

Hanging out outside the bathrooms.

We got into the "Bronson Bros," a boat that would be on its last leg if boats had legs. As we were walking into the boat we practically tripped over the "glass bottom" portion of the boat. It was a 1 foot by 3 feet section of glass (apparently that met the requirements of being a glass bottom boat). Carlos then began to hand out life jackets. They were probably the largest size you can possibly get in life jackets, and they stunk like mildew and fish. Carlos explained that we have to wear these otherwise we'll get pulled over and he'll get in trouble. We reluctantly pulled them on and peered out of the top of the opening (seeing as they were so large that they practically covered half of our faces). Hernando, the boat driver, then edged our way out of the millions of boats docked. We inched forward and backward for about 10 minutes, then he was able to get the boat out of its tight spot. Off we went!

Some birds on a rock.

Let me take this time to paint you a picture of Carlos and Hernando: Carlos was probably a few inches shorter than me and many inches wider than me. He had quite the pot belly, and his hair was dyed black and fashioned in a comb over. We wore a pink salmon button up shirt with the top few buttons left undone, so you can see his sexy gray chest hair. His shirt was so tight around his belly that the spaces between the buttons were gapping open to give you a peek show of the marvels beneath. Basically, he was the king of classy. Hernando was this short, small man who didn't speak a lick of English. He was all smiles and really quiet.

Lovers Beach

The first stop was by Lover's Beach. As soon as this cave came into sight Hernando started to go off in Spanish and Carlos started laughing his head off. He turned to us and said, "Oh, maybe I should translate. It doesn't sound as good in English because it doesn't rhyme, but basically what he said, 'Two people walk into that cave, and three come out... 9 months later.'" We all laughed for a few good minutes, and Hernando seemed pretty pleased with himself. Carlos, of course, wanted to put in his two cents, so he said, "That there is the cheapest hotel in Cabo!" Hernando then spouted off a bunch more Spanish, and Carlos practically started rolling on the glass bottom of the boat laughing. He then explained that Hernando took his wife to the cave once, and while they were in the cave his boat floated away. While heading toward the main beach Carlos then started to talk about his family. He said he had a son the was an accountant, a son that was a lawyer, and a son that was a dancer. "I thought he was a fag," he exclaimed.

The cheapest hotel in Cabo

We finally got to the beach where they let us off, but not before Carlos reminded us a million times of when we needed to be back to the shore for him to pick us up. He went off about crazy American boys who drink more than they can handle and forget to show up for him to pick them up. We nodded and said that we would remember, and would be careful not to drink more than we could handle.  Once on shore, we shopped for a bit, ate some tasty tacos, and relaxed on the beach.  Don't you worry, we remembered to get back to the beach for Carlos to pick us up.

A musical family (kind of like the Von Trapps)

Day 4 (Wednesday): Today was another day at Cabo, but we decided just to chill on the ship and enjoy it being mostly empty.  Once again we ate, layed out, and ate some more.  Oh, we also went to a comedy show at night.  That was pretty entertaining.

Towel animals are the best!

Day 5 (Thursday): Another day at sea.  See above for our schedule.

Waiting for Rylee to finish getting ready.

Day 6 (Friday): Today we arrived at Puerto Vallarta.  This is one beautiful city.  It is so green and lush.  We were super excited because we had a shore excursion to go zip-lining through the forest. I thought I would be terrified to zip-line that high up, but the zip-lining was nothing compared to the drivers we had to get us up the mountain. Man, did I think I was going to die that day. The zip-lining was amazing.  We went through trees, over rivers, and through a small canyon.  It was breathtaking (in more ways that one).

On the bus heading up to go zip-lining.

After we were done zip-lining we walked down the mountain a bit, and ate at a restaurant they had up there.  It was really good.  Authentic Mexican food is the best.  After eating, we headed back to the ship so we wouldn't get left.

Hanging out at the restaurant.

Day 7 (Saturday): Today was a day at sea. Already we were headed back to California.  I was so sad to get back to real life.  I have decided that cruises are one of my favorite ways to vacation.  If you haven't gone on one, do it!

Showing off our knock-off Ray Bans that we bought in Cabo.

Raise Your Right Hand and Say, "May Destiny's Child Break Up If I Count These Blueberries"

So I never realized how much of a funk I was put in when I moved. I'm still trying to get myself on a schedule, so I'm setting a goal for this week, and I'm going to see how it goes. I know that it's Monday night, and the week has already started, but cut me some slack. I'm going to leave work by 5:00. I'm going to go running when I get home, start dinner, shower while dinner is cooking, and then enjoy my dinner. Yes, I'm going to start actually cooking myself dinner, with sides and vegetables. I've been so bad since I moved. I blame it mostly on my lack of funding, but I'm going to figure out a way to have my dinner, and my vegetables too. I think if I get myself on a schedule, and I plan out my meals before I go grocery shopping I will be a little more successful. This means that I'm going to have to be less social after school to be able to leave by 5:00, but I'm going to make it work. I really need to get myself out of this funk, and I think this is the key. Wish me luck!

At Some Point in Your Life You're Gonna Have to Decide That Some Guy is Worth Opening the Front Door For

So last night one of my best friends, Chelci, got married. It was a splendid day. I am so happy for her and Jordan. Although I am 24, she is the first of my really good friends to go off and get married on me. I thought it was going to be quite the sad occasion, but I was too busy being excited for her that I forgot to be sad. She was a doll all day and made everyone feel special and so loved even though it was her day. That's just how Chelci is. She's a good friend to everyone. I need to be more like that. More selfless. My best wishes to Chelc and Jord. I love you guys!

Yeah, I'm Not Feeling so Good; My Leg is Haunted.

So apparently my b0dy has decided to hate me lately. Last Thursday my neck and back decided to turn on me, and ache all the stinkin' time. I've been taking Ibuprofen every 4 hours for the last 5 days. On top of that I also decided to get a cold. This started yesterday, and today I have a horrible smoker's voice. The kicker is that my head isn't congested or anything; it's all in my throat. I have to have a water bottle with me at all times to keep the cough attacks down to a minimum. Let's just say it made teaching very interesting today. Here's my story of my worst-case scenario that came true today. Imagine:
You are stuck in your car on your commute home from work. You're about a fourth of the way home when you realize that you've REALLY got to go to the bathroom. You try to tough it out, but you have a cold, so you keep coughing, which makes it hard to control your bladder. You have a water bottle next to you, but every time you drink from it you just have to go more. Then you get stuck behind a cop, so you're forced to go the speed limit. You also hit every red light. Yeah, that happened to me today. It has a happy ending though. I don't have to get my seat cleaned in my car.
Fortunately, my friend gave me some Airborne to help me heal faster. Unfortunately, that stuff is disgusting and I almost threw up trying to get it down. Fortunately, I am going to bed early tonight. Unfortunately, my loud roommate just got home, so it probably won't happen. Fortunately, I have ear plugs. Unfortunately, all night I will be worried that I will not wake up to my alarm because of the ear plugs. Yes, these are the random thoughts that are going through my head right now, which is even more proof that it is time to call it a night.
Goodnight y'all.

Where Have the Anvils Gone?

Today I received a phone call from a friend. At first we were just chatting about life, but then she started talking about some of our mutual friends that she was worried about. She was telling me about some of the decisions they were making, and how they justify their actions. She started explaining how worried she was about them, and how her worry is turning into anger. She was saying that she is starting to think that she shouldn't hangout with them anymore, but it's hard because she's been friends with them for years. I know how she feels because I've dealt with the same urge, but I finally decided that they are better as distant friends. She was asking me what to do. I told her that right now they aren't being the best of friends to her, and they aren't setting a good example for her, so she should probably at least take a break from them. What can you do for friends like that? I mean, you care for them, but they aren't the best of friends right now, and they are so hard-headed and stuck in their ways that they aren't going to change. Most people would say to love them for who they are, but what does that entail? Do you say to them, "Hey, I noticed that you are giving up on yourself, and throwing your life down the drain, but just know that I love you"? How is that helping anyone? I was reading in True to the Faith under "love" and it says, "Love is a feeling of deep devotion, concern, and affection... Our expressions of love for others may include being kind to them, listening to them, mourning with them, comforting them, serving them, praying for them, sharing the gospel with them, and being their friend." This in no way says to stand by and let them do their thing. We need to talk to them in a loving way, listen to them, and if they choose to be angry with something that you say, which they probably will, that is when you pray for them and serve them. Bottom line, you may have to take a break from bad influences, but don't just disappear. Explain things to them. Let them know that you'll be right there for them when they need you, then take a step back. If they know how you feel (even if they didn't like what you had to say) it will at least get them thinking. They'll eventually figure out that you were only doing what you did out of love. Have patience and faith. It'll all come out in the wash.

Oy with the Poodles Already

I'm not much of a swearer. In fact, when a curse word does slip (usually the H word) my friends simply laugh at me, or give me a funny look because it is such a rare event. Today, however, I declare the day as an "Ah, Hell" day. Let's just say nothing has really gone right today. Although it hasn't been a horrible day, it has been one of those days where at the end you can't think of anything else to say except "ah, hell". I even went as far as to drink a Dr. Pepper today. I haven't had caffeine in years. Basically, all I have to say today is that not every day has to be perfect, and things aren't always going to work out the way you expect, but instead of driving yourself mad sometimes you just have to say "ah, hell" and move on.

Bless that Groundhog

I never would have said this a year ago, but I'm LOVING this 40 degree weather. It feels so marvelous outside. I drove to the grocery store with a short sleeve shirt on and my window rolled down. I went running this morning in shorts and a long sleeve shirt. I know that it will snow again soon enough (considering that it snowed yesterday), but I am going to fully enjoy this beautiful weather while I've got it. While I'm sitting here eating my Fun Dip and staring out my window I can't help but be excited for spring. I mean there's March Madness, spring training for baseball, the marriage of my good friends Chelci and Jordan (thumbs up for figuring out the whole dating/engaging/marrying thing), the arrival of my first nephew, and spring break! As much as I love wearing cute coats I am ready to start getting a tan again. I'm quite tired of being ghostly white. Let's just say I am a big fan of the sun.

Running and running and running and running....

So today I decided to be a good girl and go running with my roommate. It was raining outside so we decided to go to the indoor track. I'm normally not a fan of tracks because I get so bored and quit running sooner than I would if I were running outside, but it was better than running in the nasty weather. This running day was actually quite eventful. My roommate had to run 6 miles because she is training for a half marathon, so we were there for an hour. I was proud of myself because I ran the whole hour without stopping. I even tried to time myself to see if I could do a lap in a minute. I was always around 10 seconds short, but I'll get it one of these days. I looked at my shoes when I got home and I realized that I really need some new shoes. The soles of my shoes are completely worn down!
See how the left side is completely worn down. This is when I decided that I really need to invest in some new shoes. Bless the internet and its limitless supplies of wonderment! These are my new dream shoes, and I will own them one of these days:Do you not just love the yellow and green glory?! I just discovered that if you go to Nike's store online you can design your own shoes. It's fantastic!

The Day of Love

First off I wanted to report on my progress on my resolution. I have been a lot more outgoing and social. I even was invited (and went!) to Park City with a group to see the aerial skiing competition. It was a lot of fun. We watched the competition (the jumps were amazing), then we went out to dinner. It was delicious!
I have a confession. I have never had a boyfriend on Valentine's Day, yet I love the day! I don't need a boy to make the day spectacular. I usually busy myself handing out valentines to all of my family and friends. I find it a day to do little acts of kindness for anyone and everyone. This year I'm excited to be teaching on Valentine's Day. It will be so fun to have my students pass out valentines and play games. It will be nice to spend the day with kids that love it, instead of mostly bitter girls and guys my age. My problem is that I'm too independent. I realize that I need to date so that I can eventually get married, but I'm completely content being single (most days). My grandma told me that one day I'll meet a guy that I'll want to be dependent on and that I 'll want to need. I think she's right, and that's why I've never really worried about it.

Resolution

This year I have decided to make one resolution. I contemplated what I have been failing at lately, and I decided that I have been horrible at meeting people since I have moved. My resolution is simply to not be quiet. I want to go out of my comfort zone and meet people. I've been doing pretty good so far, and I've met a lot of fun people. Part of my resolution is that I'm not going to be picky about who I meet. Normally I am only friendly with girls, and guys that are potential dates. I want to be nice and friendly to everyone. I need to set my judgments aside, and just be nice.