kari williams.

Thoughts

2011-10-04T13:50:00.001-07:00

As of late:
• They have food network and hgtv in our hotel room in SLC, I see no reason to leave all day while roberts in class.
• I feel like everytime I watch Ina Garten she makes mussels, I really want to try them sometime, I always chicken out, literally.
• I ate the most delicious salad for lunch at Blue Lemon, fresh fast gourmet needs to be more common.
• Since being in Utah I've successfully napped and sleeped EmmaJane sans swing multiple times and I feel like a champion.
• Chocolate covered cinnamon bears from the BYU bookstore make a good breakfast when stuck in a hotel room without food.
• I forgot EmmaJane's nail clippers and it's starting to look like she has a nice french tip manicure going on, but they're really little disguised razor blades.
• I could hang out on temple square all day, especially the Joseph Smith Building, I love a good chandelier.
• I didn't bring enough diapers for miss poopy pants, I swear the mountain air has proven as a laxative for her.
• I really want to eat at the cracker barrel while we're here.
• Robert strained his back BAD, he can't even drive. He gets some sort of sickness on every vacation we've ever been on.
• I'm officially asking for white cooking wine for christmas.
• The other night we were driving back to our friends house where we were staying and EmmaJane woke up and was screaming louder than I've heard in a while so I just drove fast figuring she was hungry, when we get there I go to get her out and her bow is over her eyes, bad mom moment. We now have a no bows in the car rule.

High hopes.

2011-08-08T15:27:00.001-07:00

I don't think anyone should pass judgement on pacifier mothers until they become a human pacifier 8+ times a night...

born.

2011-05-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

(fashion show, fashion show, fashion show at lunch!)

Bringing a child into this world that is being born into the covenant, means more to me than I ever thought it could. I am blessed.

on there being a baby in my body.

2011-05-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

circa 2006.
Remember how I thought I was fat in this picture?? Honey I hadn't seen nothing yet. Ha.

While half of my weight/enlargement is a big ole belly protruding from my body that I couldn't be happier about (really, I knew I'd get fat, that's not what this post is about - entirely), sometimes I stumble across pictures of my without-child self and I can honestly say, I have no recollection as to what it's like to not have a baby in your belly that you are always aware of.
Especially now that she kicks, she squirms, she burrows.
What was it like to be able to run 5 miles, sweat beyond what I thought I could sweat, nearly pass out, eat every 5 hours (instead of 1.5), work on house projects all day long without sofa-sitting breaks every half hour and drink Diet Coke at my leisure?
What was it like?!
It's really a bizarre feeling. Getting my body back to myself (for the most part - minus nursing), is going to be SO strange, I feel like I've been pregnant and have been limiting myself because it's not just ME, for years (and it's only been 7 months).

If there's anything I know, it's that I will forever be happy with my body whilst not pregnant, because man I looked and FELT gooooood. And that will be me at this time next year, but BONUS I'll have a sweet little babe to care for. win win!!

it's like they're an entire generation of cocktail waitresses!

2011-04-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

Oh I could watch this movie everyday and be satisfied.

I watched it last week after I decided to stay home after some rather unpleasant side-effects from my blood glucose level test (passed! woo!), and I keep reliving this scene in my mind among many.

I had me a birthday.

2011-03-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

...and now I'm 26. and 24 weeks pregnant (23 weeks seen above).

Those are my birthday tulips (from Robert) that are dead as of yesterday, I told Robert I needed new ones and he just laughed...

Also that shirt is huge on me (bought that way purposely) so it makes me look way huger than I am, this is what I like to think at least.

Also this picture, and every picture, of me in a yellow tone reaffirms how I do not look good in yellow...but its the color I own most of.

c'est la vie.

sketchy.

2011-02-17T13:08:00.000-08:00

http://sketch.odopod.com/

Valentine's Day 2011

2011-02-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

Do you see the shear glee on my face? Robert played left handed for me because it was Valentine's Day...and I kicked his trash. Also happens to be my highest score ever. Happy Valentine's Day to me!

for the record...

2011-02-11T15:33:00.001-08:00

...I LOVE being pregnant, and all the excitement with having my first little bit.

But...currently I have a migraine, am nauseated, my back is killing me, my arm hurts from the dTAP vaccine I got yesterday, my head feels fuzzy from the dTAP vaccine I got yesterday and I am so tired I could go to sleep right now for the rest of the day - and not regret it.

Why Heavenly Father decided pregnancy has to be so tough on our bodies is beyond me. But I am growing a human being, and that's pretty awesome.

day Twenty-Five.

2011-01-19T13:58:00.000-08:00

day 25: a letter to someone you judged by their first impression

Dear weird man hired by another company that works on the same project as my company:

I knew you were 'off' from the first minute we met.

Dear everyone else:

I called it.

Sincerely,
Me

In pregnancy related news: I hate that I don't know what's going to taste AMAZING until after I've ordered/picked out my food. Often what tastes good is either what Robert ordered and not me or the pasta at the salad bar that I didn't get enough of. c'est la vie.

day Twenty-Four.

2011-01-14T15:13:00.000-08:00

day 24 time to face morph / http://morph.cs.st-andrews.ac.uk//transformer/

This was pretty funny.

Me as an Afro-Caribbean:

Me as I would be painted by Botticelli:

Me as an East-Asian:

In other news I had my first irrational crying session last night due to pregnancy. This time I was crying because I had forgot to tell Robert about the sandwich I brought home for him (and left on the counter so it wasn't good anymore) after him asking me what he should eat for dinner at least 10 times as I laid on the couch miserable. I cried so hard it made me lose my dinner. awesome.

day Twenty-Three.

2010-11-09T15:11:00.000-08:00

day 23 share one of your current favorite tunes

Well I really fell in love with this song/video about a year ago now. But it's still in my top 3 I'd say.

Coeur de Pirate - Ensemble

day Twenty-Two.

2010-11-03T13:08:00.001-07:00

day 22: a photo that makes you happy

Me barely born and my mother #2 of 3 (seester J).

So blessed to have the family that I do.

day Twenty-One.

2010-10-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

day 21: your favorite television program

I guess I already hinted at this but...I mean how could I not? Trevor and I used to wake up early on Summer Days just to catch the full hour of Lucy that would come on before we had to switch over to The Price is Right. I mean really, the woman was a genius.

This is one of my many favorite favorite parts:

day Twenty.

2010-10-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

day 20: a letter to someone that changed your life

Just one someone? How do I choose between all my family members? Well obviously my mom changed my life and continues to change it day-to-day.
And I already wrote a letter to Robert...
So oddly enough this letter is going to Mr. Tremonti, my Middle School band director (I played the clarinet)

Dear Mr. Tremonti,

Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for realizing that every time someone "challenged" me to move up a chair that I was just so gosh awful nervous that my hands wouldn't stay steady and that's why I lost every time. Thank you especially for the time I lost and you decided to add a 10th chair to 1st clarinet, making me the only 7th grader playing 1st clarinet. Because I could hit the notes, and you knew it.
Thank you for lecturing us everyday that life is hard, so be quiet and play.
Thank you for making us watch "The Music Man" at least 3 times a year.
I say thank you for all these things because I'm pretty sure you took a beyond shy 11 year-old girl and helped her see that she is good at things, but mostly that people believe in her.

That lesson definitely changed me for good.

take care,
Kari Williams (Simonsen)

day Nineteen.

2010-10-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

day 19: whatever tickles your fancy

Oh I had a nightmare last night. A nightmare of great nightmarish proportions. It was like I was 8 again, I couldn't sleep and every creek in the house had me repeating "it was just a dream, it was just a dream, it was just a dream."

The only thing keeping me from turning on all the lights in the house, picking up my phone and dialing my momma is that I know she'd have it in for me for calling her at 3am.

You're welcome mom.

I feel the need to explain my dream so that it doesn't haunt me anymore. So here it goes:

I was busy getting lost and then studying (for Robert's test for him) on the LB state campus (but of course it looked nothing like LB state.). The sun was setting and it was so shockingly beautiful that everyone in the area (the library had quickly transformed into an outdoor eating/relaxing area overlooking a lake - naturally) had stopped what they were doing and were taking photos on their phones and most likely posting them on twitter.

Suddenly I'm at my mom's house. Inside and out running frantically searching for her.

Next thing I know I'm on the driveway looking into the opened garage door. There is a man that resembles someone I know, but don't really know. He is searching for something. My mom's garage is a mess (which is SO not my mom's garage) And I ask him where my mom is. He starts rambling saying something about "we need to figure out what to do with it", I scream at him "what happened?!?" as I notice fallen boxes in the corner. He starts explaining that "you shouldn't leave a chainsaw hanging around, someone might fall on it." He's nervous and obviously crazy and soon I realize that under those fallen boxes is my mother, she was gone and this man did it.
So I start to run, not sure where to go as the neighbors I never knew, but one. Sister Kaiser, yes, Sister Kaiser will help me.
Dream ends with me sobbing and running (but not getting anywhere of course) and looking behind me to see that no one is following me.

ick. ick. ick. There is NOTHING worse than having a dream about a dead loved one, let alone your mother.

I looked up on dream interpretation websites what some of it could mean, I thought this was interesting:
Death:
In dreams, death is a metaphor for change and separation.

All I know is it freaked me out, it's been a long time since I've had that strong of an emotion in a dream.

And thankfully Robert was up to riding his bike along side of me on my run this morning. Because I was not about to go outside, in the dark, with dream murderers out there.

Also, I love you mom, you better live until you're at least 100.

day Eighteen.

2010-10-12T15:13:00.001-07:00

day 18: set or share a goal

I've had a goal recently that is especially hard for girls. That is to talk less about others in an unflattering way.

AKA: stop gossiping.

The word gossip alone sends shivers down my spine.

also, you have NO idea how hard this has been today. I may have faltered a bit.

Oh and if you need a lesson on gossip, Lucy never disappoints:

"that is all."

day Seventeen.

2010-10-11T15:00:00.001-07:00

day 17: a photo that makes you sad

How depressing is this? Well let's just post one that makes me NOSTALGIC which in a way is something that often makes people sad:

circa 2006, me and the newly married Fenns in their Corona apt.

See, it doesn't make me sad. just nostalgic to a time in my life where I had really great friends that I could go visit when I needed to escape the craziness that was HB singlehood. I had cute short hair, I was skinnier than I am now. And did I mention I had great friends?

Oh and I was so magically falling in love with Robert and the time which gave life an extra spice.

Not sad...just different and oh so good.

day Sixteen.

2010-10-04T15:37:00.000-07:00

day 16: provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes

Would I call all of these crushes? Meh, maybe. More like, I will always like their music/movies because I don't know them, I just know who they play. And ok, they're nice to look at.

Clockwise:

Ryan Gosling - The Notebook won me over what can I say?

Justin Timberlake - this crush will never die.

Matt Damon - Jason Bourne, I mean really, who doesn't love him in those movies?

Casey Affleck - Ocean's movies won me over, "The Assassination of Jesse James" sealed the deal.

Matthew MacFayden - of course I only put him in there because he plays Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice. duh.

day Fifteen.

2010-10-04T15:11:00.001-07:00

day 15: a letter to someone you wish you could meet

Dear Lucille Ball,

Mostly I was just wondering if you kept any of your wardrobe from the show? Because alot of your outfits are simply to die for.

Oh and thanks for keeping me laughing at the same jokes for about 20 years now.

Love,

Kari

day Fourteen.

2010-09-20T14:09:00.000-07:00

day 14: a song from your childhood

Granted this song came out when I was like 3? I grew up with 2 older sisters and one older brother (*cough*MIKE*cough*) that I'm sure influenced this one...

day Thirteen.

2010-09-15T14:08:00.001-07:00

day 13: whatever tickles your fancy

Today I would like to confess my love for this:

Best $5 impulse buy I've made (ok...maybe not the best, but perrty darn good.)

Not only does it make your lips perfectly light pinky shiny, but it smells amazing.

go get it.

day Twelve.

2010-09-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

day 12: we want to see your teeth today / post a self-portrait

Not a self-portrait, but a portrait of me nonetheless.

I think it awfully clever of those Dodgers folk to put their logo RIGHT over my face...so I couldn't use this photo.

I also think this photo makes us look like real sports fans, and I kinda like it. Maybe that's because we just watched the Blindside, and it gave us fantasies of living in the South and living in a community that revolves around one football team. California is not like that to say the least.

aww shucks.

day Eleven.

2010-09-02T14:15:00.001-07:00

day 11: share your favorite recipe

Just one all-time favorite recipe? How is this possible?

Instead I'm going to post 2 (one dinner, one dessert - of course) recipes that I have recently fallen in love with.

First are these...

Mushroom-and-Swiss Sliders with Spicy Fry Sauce

From the lovely, comfort food making Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman

So these little fancies showed up on my Google Reader a month or so ago and bam, Sunday dinner was planned.

So, run, click and make these ASAP.

My tips/thoughts:

I LOVE spicy things, so globbing on the Spicy Fry Sauce (which contains Cayenne pepper) was a must!
Do yourself a favor and buy King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls for your slider buns. You'll thank me later.
No, I didn't use the wine and yes, they were still delicious.
I am forever going to add heavy cream to my meatloaf, meatballs, hamburgers...you get the idea.

You can print the recipe here.

Now for a dessert, this isn't a recent discovery, but I've been craving them for a while...so they might get made soon.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Here is the recipe I used:
Cupcakes:
1 cup sugar
1 cup real mayonnaise
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups cake flour
1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne
1 cup buttermilk

Frosting:
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
½ to 2 tablespoons of milk*

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two standard muffin tins with cupcake papers.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the sugar and mayonnaise until blended. Add the vanilla and blend.
3. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne. Add dry ingredients to the mayonnaise mixture in 3 batches alternating with the buttermilk.
4. Divide the batter among the prepared pans, filling each cup 2/3 full. Bake for 18 minutes, or until the tops are firm and spring back when lightly touched. Cool in tins for 10 minutes. Remove from tins and place on wire rack to cool completely.
5. When cupcakes are completely cooled, make frosting: In a medium bowl, sift together sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and salt, and beat until combined. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar mixture, and beat until smooth and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add milk as necessary to thin out to desired consistency.

Tips: for the "Dutch Process Cocoa" I used the Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa, worked perfectly.

These cupcakes are perfectly dense and not just a plain boring chocolate.

day Ten.

2010-09-02T14:08:00.001-07:00

day 10: a letter to the person you hate most or caused you a lot of pain

In the words of Cady Herron "I’m trying this new thing… where I don’t talk about people behind their backs"

truth be told I've been trying it my whole life...well since I was 11 (you know, puberty). Girls are vicious and catty, why promote it on my blog?

day Ten is officially skipped.

day Nine.

2010-09-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

day 9: list some of your favorite tumblrs

I had a tumblr once for like one month...and I found it pretty, but slow.
Also, there's lots of dirty things on tumblr.

so I can't support day Nine, sorby.

Day Eight.

2010-09-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

day 8: a photo of you taken recently

this is me using my phone as a mirror.

douche chill.

2010-08-27T14:38:00.001-07:00

day 7: a youtube video you find funny

day six.

2010-08-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

day 6: list of what you ate today

Whole Grain Oatmeal with Cherry flavored Craisins
Handful of Costco Trail Mix
Pink Lady Apple - my current favorite
Salad from Ralph's salad bar - including spinach, carrots, cucumbers, mushrooms, asparagus, peppers, mandarin oranges and roasted chicken. YUM.
Garlic hummus and TJ's baked blue corn tortilla chips
handful of Wheat Thins
like 20 Orange Tic-Tacs (impulse buy)
handful of Chocolate alphabet cookies
1 can of Diet Dr. Pepper

What I wish I was eating? Chocolate covered Peanut Butter Sandwich from Disneyland. yup.

that's it so far...

day five.

2010-08-25T14:37:00.001-07:00

day 5: a letter to your crush

Day Four.

2010-08-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

day 4: a photo of you taken over ten years ago

will my baptism day suffice? we are so cute.

Day Three.

2010-08-16T14:31:00.001-07:00

day 3: your favorite movie

Ok, how do I choose? I have multiple favorites. But if we are defining favorites by I've liked it for 10+ years and can recite the whole movie in my head?

Then the answer would be Clueless.

What else could a 13 year old ask for in a movie? Great Fashion, Witty remarks, Popularity, Cute Boys...the list goes on and on.

And apparently my movie taste hasn't changed in 15 years. sweet.

Here are some things about me completely inspired by this film:

I still have a large movie star crush on Paul Rudd
I tried to (and pretty successfully achieved) bringing this look into style at my middle school:

The one Cher is wearing, spaghetti strap shirt over a white t-shirt.

"Rollin with the Homies" is still one of my favorite hip-hop songs.
I still try to achieve many-a-hair styles as seen in this movie (unsuccessfully)
Everytime I pass Melrose I get excited because that's where Cher took her walk when she realized she's in love with Josh.

Oh, I love this movie.

Day Two.

2010-08-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

I should've warned accordingly that I would not be posting in consecutive days. It's just how I roll.

But I did write down my activities from Wednesday, so enjoy.

Woke up groggy as ever, ignoring signs I’m getting sick, I went for a run.
Boarded train, did my make-up, immediately fell asleep – yes I am that person with their mouth wide open and head back getting in their morning nap.
Work-shmerk.
Seriously reconsidering next Spring.
Ate delicious Trader Joe’s spicy hummus for lunch – seriously addicted.
Left work early to go to the OC FAAAIIIRRR.
Stopped at McDonald’s to avoid an overpriced fair dinner, but save room for an overpriced/overfried fair dessert.
Got in for “free” with back-to-school donations!
Touched many fair animals including but not limited to: baby chicks, baby piggies, baby sheepies, baby goaties. I was in heaven.
Couldn’t take the smell any longer, we shared cheese and ranch Australian fried potatoes (best/worst choice ever!)
Paid $2 to see the huge cow…and man, they weren’t joking.
Got in our free ride – included with the free admission – and picked one so scary even Robert was speechless.
Ate overpriced fried Klondike and Snickers bars
Woke up in the middle of the night with a gigantic stomach ache.

something to talk about.

2010-08-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

I've seen this floating around and thought it would be a fun reason to blog. So here is the list of what's to come:

day 1: introduce yourself
day 2: make a bulleted list of everything that happened in your day
day 3: your favorite movie
day 4: a photo of you taken over ten years ago
day 5: a letter to your crush
day 6: list of what you ate today
day 7: a youtube video you find funny
day 8: a photo of you taken recently
day 9: list some of your favorite tumblrs
day 10: a letter to the person you hate most or caused you a lot of pain
day 11: share your favorite recipe
day 12: we want to see your teeth today / post a self-portrait
day 13: whatever tickles your fancy
day 14: a song from your childhood
day 15: a letter to someone you wish you could meet
day 16: provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes
day 17: a photo that makes you sad
day 18: set or share a goal
day 19: whatever tickles your fancy
day 20: a letter to someone that changed your life
day 21: your favorite television program
day 22: a photo that makes you happy
day 23 share one of your current favorite tunes
day 24 time to face morph / http://morph.cs.st-andrews.ac.uk//transformer/
day 25: a letter to someone you judged by their first impression
day 26: favorite books
day 27: a talent of yours
day 28: favorite places to shop
day 29 provide the hex code of your favorite color /http://www.febooti.com/products/iezoom/online-help/online-color-chart-picker.html
day 30: a letter to the friendliest person you knew for only one day
day 31: whatever tickles your fancy
day 32: a photo you took
day 33: what you’re craving right now
day 34: your favorite quote
day 35: a letter to an ex
day 36: some hobbies of yours
day 37: a song that you like to dance to
day 38: a photo of your parent(s)
day 39: zodiac sign and do you think it fits your personality
day 40: a letter to a deceased person you wish you could talk to
day 41: whatever tickles your fancy
day 42: bad habit(s) you have
day 43: a picture of your favorite place in the world
day 44: something that fascinates you and why
day 45: a letter to yourself a year ago
day 46: photos of personal things in your life (pets, family, house, ect)
day 47: birthday wish list
day 48: a photo of you right now
day 49: hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days
day 50: a letter to your reflection in the mirror

So...

DAY ONE.

My Name is Kari Lynn Williams. Before I was married I would sign my name "K. Simonsen" knowing someday my prince would come and change my last name - I am forever grateful I took advantage of my last name while I had it. I've been married for 1 year, 8 months and 24 days. My husband and I work for the same company. Sometimes this is fun. We live in Tustin and have dreams of buying a home on one of the many beautiful tree-lined streets of North Orange County someday. I wear glasses sometimes. I only paint my toe-nails red these days. I love baking and putting cute treats on cute plates for people to enjoy. And I long deeply for motherhood.

That really is me in a nutshell.

weekends away.

2010-08-05T15:37:00.001-07:00

I'm going to Fresno tomorrow to meet with other gals and in-law boys of the Simonsen heritage to see seester J settled in her new humble abode. I'm so excited for this adventure - especially because we're going to a water park! Fresno + August = Water park.

I do love that Robert and I are at a point in our marriage where we can spend weekends and nights away from each other and call each other and be okay with being alone. But still, lingering somewhere in between the lines is...a jealous, a lonely, and drifting hint of "why am I here...and you...there?"

And I know that lingering will last forever, with this I am happy.

((Ok the jealousy part comes from the fact that he might go see/listen to Weezer perform at this year's US Open in HB. Oh I miss that place.))

reasons why Etsy sometimes drives me crazy...

2010-07-29T15:48:00.001-07:00

They only wanted $15 for this...

I mean...you're joking right?

Spice up YOUR life.

2010-07-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Natalie I can't stop thinking about this movie! Still one of my favorites to this day.

And this is one of my favorite scenes!

"The little gucci dress, the little gucci dress OR the little gucci dress..."

And in case you were wondering Posh is my favorite. Especially when she falls into the lake and screams "This dress is dry clean only!!" ah, gotta love it.

Enjoy.

flamily.

2010-06-28T15:02:00.001-07:00

Seester J, me and brother T

I've been weirdly and oddly homesick lately. I say weirdly and oddly because why did it wait until I was moved away from home for almost 4 years and married? Maybe it's because seester J is moving a little further away - truth be told I think I might miss their old house more than they will, OK probably not, but you get the idea - or maybe it's because I was so sick with that allergic reaction that it had me crazy in the head and I was dreaming all sorts of things from my childhood.

Anyway you look at it, it was so good to be with mi familia on Sunday at brother M's new home! My brother owns a house, I am raging in jealousy (like that! when did things like that happen? I want to own a home? being 25 is rough sometimes...)

In other news: we leave for Finland and Paris in less than 2 weeks! I feel so unprepared! But besides trying to fathom packing for 10 days into one carry-on suitcase (no, I don't really want to talk about it.), what else is there to prepare for right??

Packing tips are welcome.

Like how to fit in one of these gems? I mean, what else are you supposed to wear to Versailles? And you guys thought I was joking...

summah-time to a T.

2010-06-08T10:46:00.000-07:00

"there's not much more I love than waking up early, the crisp summer air on a jog and the doors are open to let the cool air in while we still can, the fans are on, it's really nice out, being awake and showered..."

I can do anything good.

2010-05-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

I know this is pretty viral by now...but really? She's amazing.

Note: I will create children with this kind of self-esteem.

On old companies and ugly patterns.

2010-05-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

really? ...no, seriously??! (From here.)

When going to Joann's to look through sewing patterns with my mom when I was a wee-one I always remember thinking these people are really trying too hard or too little. Nothing was ever as cute as the things at the department stores (as seen in the picture above).

But we'd make it cute, Momma didn't raise no fool. So that's how she taught me, use patterns to know how to make something (i.e. shirt, skirt, wedding dress...), don't make what they're showing you, it's always too ugly.
As exemplified with my wedding dress:

left: Vogue Pattern picture; right: me on my wedding day!

Now, I'll be the first to admit, this is not the best picture of my dress. But you get the idea.

What'd we change?

Sleeves, style and length (are you kidding me with those pointy things at the hands?!)
Neckline and collar. Their's was too structured, I wanted it more whimsical.
Skirt. The pattern was WAY too poofy and long and princess-esque. Not for me.
Waistline. I might regret it in 20 years, but I love a good baby-doll waist line.

Now, I am falling in love with blogs, especially craft ones (favorite finds are here and here). Because they show me how to sew cute things! C'mon Burda, McCalls and yes, even you Vogue.

So thank you Momma, for teaching me how to sew (though I fought you terribly on it) and more importantly, teaching me how to find what I really want at a craft/fabric store (because we know all those companies aren't doing me any favors.)

internet.

2010-04-23T14:45:00.001-07:00

It's funny that I married someone who is never online. And if he is, it's to check the news, weather, housing prices...y'know grown-up stuff.
I on the other hand, have a long relationship with the internet. And by internet I mean the stuff that really matters like facebook (formerly myspace), blogs (formerly livejournals), twitter, etc...

It's true I had my first blog when I was 16 (since been deleted), I created my myspace when I was 18 (since been deleted), I remember first chatting online on AIM when I was about 11 and I've only been on twitter for a little over a year and I already have 546 tweets (is your good notion of me fading? because mine is...ha).

Anyways, these confessions have come about when my husband (being the almost anti-internet person he is) emailed me this news story about U.S. Students Suffering From Internet Addiction

So here's my last confession: I used to have to go to Starbucks or any place that would let me sit for hours and not give me free internet so that I could actually finish my term papers.

There you have it, I guess I'm addicted to the internet. BUT I must say, I do not have an internet capable phone because that my friends, would be the end of me.

4 years ago today...

2010-04-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

...I was, and I quote:

"feeling the joy."

4 years has done alot to me, and to people I know.

But in one-month we will all gather together again to see them married and it will be fun and warm and happy...even if some of us are still without babies. But in a way, that is a blessing. And in a way, we are happy because of it.

And in a way, I miss 2006 sometimes.

and in other ways...I don't.

Time flies.

I'm sorry....

2010-03-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

...I just don't get it.

eat, pray, love.

2010-03-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

I could go on and on about my love for the book I'm reading by Elizabeth Gilbert...and I'm not even halfway done.

for now I'll share this quote:

"...[My guru] says that people universally tend to think that happiness is a stroke of luck, something that will maybe descend upon you like fine weather if you are fortunate enough. But that's not how happiness works. Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it."
— Elizabeth Gilbert

Granted, I have very LITTLE in common with Elizabeth Gilbert (she divorced her husband once realizing she didn't want babies - NOT EVER HAPPENING to me.), I think she approaches the human condition very nicely.
Because even though I've never been divorced and I yearn for the day I have a bouncy-baby of my own on my lap, I think we all need to be reminded how good life is, and what a blessing it is.

If you need something to read, I reccommend it.

Oh, and they're making a movie of it with Julia Roberts coming out this summer.
see it here.

Oh Paris. (par-ee)

2010-03-12T12:32:00.000-08:00

If I go to Paris this summer (big IF) will I offend people if I walk around in clothes like this quoting Baudelaire telling people I'm off to the salon to view Monet's latest work?

Yes? No?

...because I just might.

new favorite song.

2010-03-10T13:53:00.001-08:00

I will dress my babies like this...

2010-03-10T10:10:00.000-08:00

I might have been born in the wrong decade. I remember my dad telling me this when I was about 9...and it still reigns true.

Saturday in the park.

2010-02-23T20:43:00.001-08:00

While Robert takes his PE prep class I decided to start a new tradition with my mom, we are going to visit different touristy attractions around LA, so we started with the LACMA this past Saturday.

It was SO fun for multiple reasons:

I treasure the time I get one on one with my mom, she is so easy to talk to (duh.) and is one of the few people in my life I actually feel like I can keep talking and she really is truly interested! (duh.) - ok I know those are both obvious mom things, but it's really true.
I remembered alot from college! Being an Art History major I was always just cruising through college, especially once I realized I might not do anything with my degree (cue passion for baking). But to my surprise (and I think my mom's too) I remembered alot! And helped her appreciate Modern and Contemporary art that much more . . . well some of it.
I spent an afternoon with my mom, what more could a girl ask for?

So here's some proof of the fun:

A beautiful view from the bcam. on a walk around the museums - the best part of the LACMA is that it has grassy knolls all over and next door is the La Brea Tarpits so you get a peak at that museum too! My mom trying to appreciate the walk through sculpture . . . don't worry mom, I didn't get it either - my professors would be so ashamed.

Next month: The Getty Villa (really excited about that one!)

Amber Day I mean Monroy...

2010-02-09T15:50:00.000-08:00

Reunited with Amber last night (old high school friend, haven't seen her in at least 3 years), met her babies (one of which - Wren - is pictured here). It felt good to see her and see how she's still good ole Amber, aka super bubbly, super funny, super entertaining.

Favorites of the evening: McKinley crying her eyes out in her high chair (cue snot and tears all over her face), Amber's reaction: "Look at this girl, she looks so awesome." and then she continued our conversation...I could've laughed for hours on that one.

So good to see she's still her.

Love you Mrs. Monroy, leave Park City and come home!

reminiscent or needy?

2010-02-06T16:30:00.000-08:00

What I want back...

...my BLOND hair.

...SUMMER time.

...DAYTIME Disney trips.

...taking awesome photos like this whilst at Disney during the day.

...Disney trips with MOFO.

...at least I can control one of them - BLOND hair, I miss you so!

la musique.

2010-01-30T16:15:00.000-08:00

I'm kind of a chameleon when it comes to music. I go through moods on what I like by seasons it seems. But there are a few bands that I have a deep love for and will always let play when their song comes on my ipod while it is on shuffle, and they are:

Modest Mouse
Rilo Kiley
Mason Jennings
Spice Girls

an odd mix but I love them.

the end.

gots me some red hairs.

2010-01-26T14:35:00.000-08:00

Took this photo last week to send to me seesters. (and share with me tweeters).

Favorite reactions thus far to my red hair:

Julie: "What?!?" via text

Erica: "I do." (this made my list because of how matter of fact she was about it, can always depend on her to like a good hair color change.)

Madison: (at random times throughout our double date) "I love it." - thanks babycakes.

Numerous co-workers: "You're a natural red head though right?"

and last but not least, Sister Barnes: "Kari!!! What did you do to your hair?!?!?!?!?!?!"

I like it.

prayers needed.

2010-01-08T14:11:00.000-08:00

Mi grand-mama is in the hospital today awaiting to go under heart by-pass surgery. The doctor's diagnosed her with congested heart failure.
I hate those three words, for they are the three words that took my father's life 14 years ago.

Please pray for the woman I inherited much from. And for her husband who I'm sure, knowing their type of love, is not doing so well either.

Love you grandma.

ready...

2010-01-04T12:56:00.000-08:00

...to go back.

So I felt this aching before, but then Christmas distracted me. Now it's back, and I'm ready to go.

Can't believe it's been a year...

2009-12-29T09:57:00.000-08:00

I've often mentioned to people lately how I feel like my life hasn't stopped moving, very quickly, since October. But when I really think about it, it's more like August...anyways, here's a year in review to help me remember what I did with 2009 and help you understand why I'm crazy lazy.January
January brought lots of lazy time. I was adjusting to being a wife after the holidays. Took Robert to a Laker game for his birthday present. And froze my booty off.

February
February brought romantic dates to the Pantages on wet rainy nights. A Valentine's Days to remember for years to come. Oh, and more freezing.

March
March made me 24. I had a hard time with it, it was strange (I laugh at this now that I soon face twenty-FIVE!). April
April brought another Simonsen. And made me a makeshift wedding planner to boot.

May

Most of what I remember from May was eating at Phillipe's. It was delicious and I've yet to go back, this is especially sad since I work in downtown.

June

June ended rough, to say the least. It was a time to be thankful for husbands with level-heads.

July
July started out rough as well, but was soon remedied with a much needed two-day vacation to Palm Springs. We died in the 112 degree temps, we swam at midnight and laid in the air conditioned cottage, it was perfect.

August

August brought a new car and news of moving to bigger pastures. That's all, told you it got fuzzy.
September

September left me lonely (Robert went to Chicago), resentful (on missing said Chicago trip), fever blistered (after a lovely case of sun-poisoning) and frantically packing for said bigger pastures.

October

October brought a new home, a good home, somewhere we can stay and experience every season in.

November

Oh...November. It brought me my long lost love...Savannah, GA. I feel as though November will always mean good things now that it's my anniversary as well as Thanksgiving time. Best time of year spent in the best place.

And December, well read all about it here.

Good-bye 2009, you brought me joy and tears. Now onto 2010 so I don't have to say "two-thousand and nine, etc." anymore. Here, Here for "twenty-ten!"

favorite quote today.

2009-12-22T14:54:00.000-08:00

In an email:

"This is why people hate Mormons"

Thanks for the laugh Michael Johnson.

christmas in the aiirrrr...

2009-12-22T13:31:00.000-08:00

All time favorite part of "Merry Christmas Charlie Brown" Thumbs up to Charles Schulz for not even trying to be PC, we need more people like him in the entertainment industry.

my brother's an artist.

2009-12-16T12:54:00.000-08:00

Ever since I can remember Trevor has been an artist.

My first memories of his drawings were in Sacrament meeting when the time came when we were finally allowed to scribble all over the program. As we both drew furiously in an attempt to stay awake throughout the meeting (don't judge.) I quickly started noticing his drawings were way better than mine. In my naive mind I thought I could get as good...but it never happened (hence the Art HISTORY major...).
Then 3 or so years ago after a strenuous application process to the Art Center College of Design, I received a call whilst out with some friends that he had gotten in. I was so, so proud of him.

And now, 3 years later, he not only has met and married an equally talented gal, but he has graduated with a degree in Illustration. And seriously? I know his career has really just begun and he will be big and famous soon enough but it's really awesome to have seen this all happen.

That's my little plug for my brother, I love him so much. Congrats Treee-vorr.

Now go here and give him a job!

And go here and give Daniaelle (the wife) a job too!

11 days?!

2009-12-14T09:48:00.000-08:00

So I really I had it all pulled together this holiday season...I had bought 75% of Robert's gifts the day after Thanksgiving and the plans were 50% done for his birthday.
But then I was at church yesterday and our sweet RS presidency insisted on reminding all of us that there were "12 days til Christmas!" To which an immediate feeling of panic came over me. So here is my list of things I would like to get done pre December 22nd (in order for me to actually be able to enjoy my short-lived Christmas break)...

Mop kitchen floor...if you could only see the things splattered on there you'd be convinced I was one of those pack-rat people on the a&e.
Put up curtains.
Put on new duvet cover which was purchase 2 weeks ago now.
bake. bake. bake.
Entertain friends.
bake. bake. bake.
Finish buying presents for Robert's side of the fam.
De-sanitize downstairs bathroom after our over-flowing toilet incident that put poop-water all over everything (including the rug I was going to return - blast.)
clean. clean. clean.
Spend time with my niece/little sister before she moves to Hawaii like a big girl.
Host a birthday party for the nicest/handsomest/gentlest/calmest man I know.
bake. bake. bake. (this time for work peeps.)

I think that's all... I could really be wrong. The key? Do it all with a smile on my face, because it's Chwistmas!

Favorite memory about this time of year: Christmas 2007, Robert and I's first real Christmas together and me realizing that this man LIVES for Christmas especially Disneyland Christmastime. and each year i get to remember it all over again...I love being married to someone who is just as set on having a classic Christmas as me!

Oh Mariah.

2009-12-04T10:56:00.000-08:00

I know she's crazy now. But don't you girls even TRY to tell me that when this video came out you didn't want to be her and have her hair.
In fact, I STILL want to get some cut off shorts, a too short sweatshirt, some rollerblades and skate around a carnival singing this song.

Mariah Carey - Fantasy (Official Music Video) - Click here for more blooper videos

who's in?

she+him

2009-12-03T15:54:00.000-08:00

I've loved M.Ward's work for a while now, and now with Zoey??...oh geez.

makes me want to die laughing.

2009-11-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

This that is. everytime.

home thoughts.

2009-11-21T07:47:00.001-08:00

1. I sit in the biggest mess left by myself for myself pre-vacation.

2. The sight of Paula Deen and/or Ruby makes me almost burst into tears for Savannah.

3. Josh and Kristen are moving in today, that's happy.

4. Robert's out surfing/helping move and being away from him is really weird.

5. I will blog soon about Savannah...all the while wishing I could live last week over and over and over and over and over again.

Pip.

2009-11-04T09:57:00.000-08:00

Reading "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens. Robert's been a Dickens fan for a long time (hence his yearly reading of 'A Christmas Carol') but this is my first crack at the classic. And it's ridiculously good.

"I am indebted for a belief I religiously entertained that they had been born on their backs with their hands in their trousers pockets, and had never taken them out in this state of existence." (on the working class)

"That was a memorable day to me, for it made great changes in me. But, it is the same with any life. Imagine one selected day struck out of it, and think how different its course would have been. Pause you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link of one memorable day."

Would you come with me?

2009-10-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

As I drove to work this morning on soggy streets a couple songs came on.

The first reminded me of being 19/20 years old in Provo, UT. It reminded me of my first boyfriend (yes my first boyfriend was when I was 20, and I'm proud of that), it reminded me of being unconditionally kind because I lived in Utah, and that's what I felt like you should do when you live there.

The next song reminded me of being 21 years old in Huntington Beach, riding my bike (or a borrowed roommate's bike most likely) down soggy beach paths listening to a song that spoke to my heart about a boy I knew I could love if he just gave me a chance, thank goodness he did. But more than that, this second song reminded me of a time when I could go weeks (weeks) without eating dessert, of a time when I would eat so healthy it was weird to some people but so practical to me, of a time when I would go running everyday rain or shine, of a time when I would skip studying for midterms and go to Disneyland instead.

These thoughts flooded my body and I tried to control them so as to not make myself sad and then I tried to think of all the things I have now, because they are the things I wanted then, I just never knew what else would come with them.

Then I read Cjane. If you don't read her blog, you should, you'll want her as your bff.

Anyways, she posted today about being a woman and some advice her neighbor gave her. Granted, her situation is different than mine (i.e. she's with child and has a child and recently went through family trauma) but I feel like it relates nonetheless.

She wrote:

"'There is a point where a girl becomes a woman.' She said. A point where a woman becomes a female warrior. Where her life is no longer a game, it is a genuine battle. Not to survive only, but to survive and be strong.

I think I must be transitioning over the threshold, because I still find myself embarrassed for what I lack. My jokes were funnier, I was clever-er, my ability to keep it all together was intact . . . back then. But now I am in that awkward stage where I am not secure in becoming WOMAN

"I used to be this or that" or "My brain has gone to mush because . . ." because they've had babies, or because they've devoted their lives to other people, or because they've crossed the line of girl to woman, I always think It won't happen to me. Please, don't let it happen to me. But I see now how it happens. Big dreams seem too distracting, physical energy turns into spiritual examination, gray hairs appear. You change, dang it, you just do.

So I've changed. Have I become a woman? Why does that seem to happen as girls get married. I was a 23 year old girl the morning of my wedding day...I look back now and think of all the things I worry about and think about and realize, is this what Women do? I guess so...Or will I not become a woman until I get a baby inside of me? Will that be the transition? ...And I honestly have to say, no. It's happening as I write this, it started happening when I fell in love and knew it was for good and it will keep happening until Robert and I share our 50th anniversary...I don't think it will ever end.

So ok, I'm not as appreciative of this process as Cjane is (I'm getting there alright?!). I am still going to try desperately to get back into my old habits and lose these few pounds I've put on since bc took over my life.

But for now, I simply take comfort in the simple fact that: you change. and might I add, and it's perfectly normal and welcomed.

To read Cjane in all her glory go here:

http://blog.cjanerun.com/

that hill was big and long.

2009-10-08T21:01:00.001-07:00

I'm staying with my mom this week, she had knee surgery and I am on my shift as her in-home nurse. After 19 years of amazing raising, its the least I could do.
I ran the path I used to run when I lived at home. And I almost died. I am SO out of shape. Guess that flat-cushy-beautiful ocean view path in Newport was doing NOTHING for me.
I made meatballs last night and bread pudding tonight all with my mother's guidance from the couch and my food tasted like hers! It was amazing, I really felt like a woman.
It gets down to 38 degrees at night here. I'm in California still right?
I'm watching the Golden Girls and giggling like a little girl, Sophia is me when I'm 70.
Our new apartment is so fun, our new couch is so fun, my huge new kitchen is so fun.
I haven't worked on my crocheting yet...that's bad. But I need blue yarn.
My little niece Nadia is coming tomorrow morning with her mom, I love them both so much.
Robert just reminded me that The Office is on and it's Jim and Pam's wedding...gotta go cry my eyes out.

left-behind feline.

2009-09-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

So there's this apartment in my complex, it's on the first floor right next to the stairs that go up to the tennis courts which lead to the pool, etc. - a path often traveled. This apartment was particularly interesting because of how well they had decorated their quaint little patio with plants, outdoor storage, weird iron wall plaques, etc. Not only this but they had 3 cats and a big golden retriever, all stuffed into one small apartment. It was these animals that I'd always see passing by on my way to the gym, sometimes one cat in particular was out - a orange tabby cat - and it would meow at me sometimes and I'd pat it's head and continue on my way. These cats were free spirits, they did what they wanted.

Then one day I went to the gym and the wall plaques and elaborate storage devices were gone. The family of pets had moved out. My heart sank a little, but rested assured that they had moved onto bigger and better things.
And it was later in this same day that as I was getting out of my car just home from work I noticed a orange tabby cat sitting on those stairs that lead to the gym. The cat looked at me and meowed super loud multiple times. I thought, 'Could it be that this family of pets has left one lonely cat behind because he was out and about and missed the moving process all together??' I walked over to pet it and it sort of shunned away from me. This made me think this was not the same cat I had grown to love all those gym-filled mornings and I continued on my way. I told Robert about my encounter and that I thought I should leave some tuna out or something but he didn't believe it could be the same cat, and the more we talked about it, so did I.

Until within one week I saw that same loud meowing cat about eight times...and soon I started seeing cat food piles hidden in bush corners or at the top of the stairs. It seemed I wasn't the only one who thought this cat was alone and most likely starving. I felt satisfied in other's achievements of sparing some cat food for this left-behind feline.

I hadn't seen the cat in a while until this morning as I was walking to the parking garage. It trotted by me with a dead mouse hanging from it's jaw, the cat looked skinny and ramped, but still friendly somehow. He walked right past me like something out of a movie, like we were the same him and I. And I couldn't help but chuckle to myself and think, good for him.

the end.

falling into fall.

2009-09-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

circa October 2006

Every year around this time (well for the past 2 years...) as the cold weather happens sooner in the day and the shadows cast richer by 3 o'clock I revert back to when this was all new to me. Back to when life as I knew it was changing, and boy I welcomed it with open arms.

I remember blogging less and less and keeping what I said about him vague and mysterious as to hope no one would figure it out. It was something so special and so sacred to me that I just couldn't express my feelings if I tried.

On the 26th of October 2006 I first mentioned him:
"...and if i could make one wish come true right now, it would be for this frustration to end. a pleasant yet aggravating surprise last night, on his little skateboard down the street and then sitting so far away. it's almost like the fact that this would be worth it, that is making me stand across the room. quiet as ever."

It was my first clue as to his interest, but I refused to believe it.

On the 29th of November 2006 I wrote:
"...on friday, we did the unthinkable. with disneyland passes tomorrow there will be more."
It was our first date. It was unthinkable because it actually happened. Little did I know that 2 years later we'd be on our honeymoon at that time.

Finally on the 3rd of January 2007 I wrote:
"...it's real, it's fun, it's genuine, it's slow, and it's just what I needed/wanted. oh, ro-bear."

It was final, my heart had been stolen. I was his forever, and I knew it. Even though the thought of him and I being official boyfriend and girlfriend still freaked him a little(hence us dating for so long).

We were there to stay. and so we stayed and here we are. forever.

So this is fall to me, a time to wear new coats, new boots and old faithful scarfs. Decorate your home in rich pumpkin colors and admire the power of this world in the storms and magnificent clouds. Also, enjoy freezing empty nights at Disneyland with the love. And remembering it was this miracle of fall into winter that brought us together.
Disneyland, December 2006

love you shmoops.

go away.

2009-09-11T13:37:00.001-07:00

So if you see me within the next 5-7 days and I'm covering my mouth and/or you just can't figure out what the heck is all over my lips/chin. They're fever blisters...so cut me some slack.
Apparently fever blisters are often a reaction of sun-poisoning...yeah, turns out me getting sunburned and then coming home and sleeping for 20+ hours, wasn't just me being tired from a day of fun and sun and Dramamine. And I Guess that bright red shiny face that turned into a lizard skin face that turned into a flaky itchy face simply wasn't enough for my body. Now I'm officially a monster that is addicted to Carmex.

Downfalls: It was really hard to eat my tomato-cheese-basil pizza at lunch.
Upfalls: I'll probably be on a strict diet of Yogurtland and Golden Spoon all weekend :)

Weird fact: for the past 3 years in a row, I've gotten cold-sores/fever blisters/whatever you call them around the August/September time of year. I even have one in the pictures of the day we got engaged to prove it.

Done rambling for now.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My memory of 9/11:

I had just returned from early morning seminary. I walked in my front door and my brother, Trevor, shook his head and kept watching the TV. My mom, having heard me walk in the door ran out to me and hugged me and said, "Have you heard? It's just awful..." in that sweet motherly tone she does so well but it was tainted, tainted by fear and concern. It was her tone that assured me that this event was something that would change our lives and history in the United States. We watched together on her bed as my mother sat with a hand over her mouth and a furrowed brow for a good long while. There was nothing else to do or say.

That day I learned two things: 1. The wars that I had only read about in textbooks were still a very real thing; and 2. I could always rely on my mother's instinct in times of trouble. You see, I think everything is an emergency (heck, Robert choked up some water the other day and I nearly fainted) but it's my mother's instinct that has always been right on key. And when I saw her race up to me with that concern in her face (a concern I've seen very few times and good news has never come from it) and voice on the morning of 9/11...my heart sank.

How do you remember 9/11?

yeppers.

2009-08-14T12:10:00.001-07:00

1. Feelin' woozy today...and it's Friday, naturally.

2. My nose has been cold for 4 hours now.

3. Did you ever have friends like mine in 4th grade where during lunch they decided they didn't like you anymore for no rhyme or reason? This feeling has been on my surface of feelings for a couple weeks now...I love you guys, what did I do?

4. Finding adorable plates for my plate wall is proving to be difficult.

5. I cannot wait to move out of our dark-smoke filled-hole in a wall apt into a beautiful ground floor one with lots of windows...c'mon Woodcrest, let us in already!

6. I've already decorated said apartment in my head.

7. Sometimes I stop caring but then I start again, and I hang out with people that care alot-almost too much...and I remember why I stopped caring, and I stop.

8. I like Ina Garten (of Barefoot Contessa) but then again I don't when I realize she's so caught up in her East Hampton bubble.

9. I've created a new dream of a house right on Newport Beach, 51st-54th street to be exact, that way I wouldn't have to freeze if I wanted to see Robert surf.

10. I haven't decided about going back to school yet. And I really need to.

entertaining...

2009-08-05T13:27:00.000-07:00

So for the past few days I've been entertaining the idea of going back to school to get my baking and pastry arts skill certificate. Yes, I know a certificate won't mean much...but I just want to learn! And someday open my very own shop...and when I say someday I mean some really far far off day... :)

Would you guys buy all your anniversary, child's birthday and red hat lady cakes from me?

I need to do something better than this job and just looking forward to having babies isn't going to cut it.

And, naturally I'd eventually compete on a Food Network Challenge and blow Kerry Vincent's mind.

newest favorites.

2009-07-31T12:27:00.000-07:00

This is my new favorite Etsy shop I just discovered:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5840717

Here's a sample of the things you can buy me off of her shop...

and don't forget the earrings...

I'm going to stop drooling and head to Souplantation now...

the weekend, in two-parts.

2009-07-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

Funniest/Funnest about this weekend:

-Receiving this book from Matty D. ------------------------------->

-Reuniting with Heather and Jess squared.

-Buying a little gem that starts with a V and ends with a -ibe. This ones gonna stick, I promise.

Un-funniest about this weekend:

-Getting stuck on the peninsula with the 10,000 other people who went to look at the monsoon-like waves that were crashing into our lil Newport Beach. (funnest was walking to BJs to wait out the traffic)

cont'd...

2009-07-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

1. Hoping I don't have the swine, and that some sun-bathing will cure my fever.
2. Waiting for someone to email you back about a car you really, really want is awful - harassing phone calls are about to begin.
3. So much going on tonight, I have no idea where I'll end up - just hope it's not in bed, alone, all night until Roberto comes home to tell me how amazing the ocean was. Thank you Tahiti.
4. I want to see Topol in his farewell tour of "Fiddler on the Roof" SO bad.
5. Robert and I are slowly becoming theatre snobs.
6. I can't wait to go spend time with the fam at Nadia's 2nd Birthday tomorrow - and am prepared for her to run away and say "nnnn-oh!" as I try to snuggle her last few precious moments of baby-hood.
7. I got paid today - that's lost its magic since I got married.
8. Happy Pioneer Day - I've always wanted to be in Salt Lake on this day, but I at least wish I was participating in a cake walk.
9. Should we push for it and move to Tustin...I would feel more settled and I think I need that.
10. Am I really? I can't believe I said that last night...but all nerves aside, I think I am, I really, really am.

things.

2009-07-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

1. The chicken in my Lean Cuisine is ridiculously dry.
2. Every time I see a bright red car I start to get emotional.
3. I hate every car besides bright red Pontiac Vibes. or a certain dark blue Toyota corolla.
4. I'm wondering about the possibility of Nona (said blue Toyota corolla) took revenge on me for switching to a better, newer car and therefore Nona bewitched said better, newer car in which case it was totalled.
5. #4 leads me to believe I've been watching too much Harry Potter in preparation for watching the new one this weekend.
6. I can barely sit down in excitement for our weekend getaway.
7. I'm going to the circus tomorrow.
8. I dyed my hair this morning and it's not as blond as I wanted.
9. Water parks and my hair don't mix, Robert is in for a big surprise this weekend.
10. Lean Cuisine is gone, I'm going to need some ice cream now.

what's new cupcake?

2009-06-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

The obsession is slowly setting in. How I long for the days to:

1. have a kitchen big enough and 2. have the money to spend on every baking tool I desire. (cakeart.com)

But for now I sit and gasp and drool over Bakerella's skillz...

But mostly, she won me over today with this:

and I think I'll make a variation of these for 4th of July:

She needs to be on a Food Network challenge, I'll be her assistant and we'll kick Bronwyn's bootay! (as outlined in many of my dreams)

Now I'm going to go buy one of her t-shirts.

no pomp or circumstance.

2009-06-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

Remember how I've been telling everyone that I was done with school...well I was done with the schooling part, but the lost transcripts, misunderstood GE's, etc. etc. part? Well I wasn't done with that. So for the past 6 or so months I've been battling with CSULB to give me my friggin' degree already...well as I do once a week I checked my account - this process is always somewhat depressing as it often says "Request Reviewed" because what is to be reviewed people?! But guess what?? This is what it said today:

: Kari Simonsen

- - - - - Degrees Awarded - - - - -
Degree : Bachelor of Arts
Confer Date : 2009-05-29
Plan : Major: Art: Art History

I GRADUATED!!! I officially am a proud owner of a Bachelor of Arts degree!

I got married one month before finishing school so it all kind of got lost in the process, so I just wanted to let everyone know that it's true I'm a college graduate!!!

at what age...

2009-06-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

So as I sat for my self-manicure today I strummed through my nail polish box and came across something I had completely forgotten about...

So I ask you, at what age is it not okay for a girl to wear neon pink nail polish...

Maybe when she starts to get wrinkly's? Check out those crow's feet around my eyes! Also, I've found extra lines around my mouth when I smile...at least they're just smile wrinkly's...for now.

modest weddings, etc.

2009-06-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

Mormon girls have it made these days when it comes to wedding dresses. The possibilities are endless!! Plus with these little lovelies on the market...it makes it that much more pleasant.If I had only stumbled upon these 10 months ago...but I did love my wedding dress...don't get me wrong.

Other things I'm craving a sewing/craft/office room filled with things like this:

What will August hold? (I know what you're thinking...what about JUNE and JULY? -- we all know what that holds--SUMMER greatness, i.e. watermelons, pool/beach times and bike riding to Balboa--DUH.)

-For my mom: a new home! My mother is the proud owner of a humble little mobile home in a 55+ community equipped with a pool and other lovely amenities. same city, just different ward, I'm so excited for this new adventure of hers! Sad to leave our old home (August will be our last big fam dinner there)...but this means so much happiness for her!

For us: New apt? The Mexican Riviera? Who knows?! -- no really, if you do, please fill me in.

dang you achilles.

2009-05-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

So this coming up Memorial Day has me dreaming of the days when I'd run 6 miles like it was nothing...and getting flashbacks of running through Laguna Hills with a sense of accomplishment! But thanks to my achilles issue...this will never happen again. It was a nice thought while it lasted. But the memory of being sore for 3 months straight helps me stick to my 3 mile runs.

BUT this Memorial Day also has me very excited that Summer is HERE. Well, almost. But a BBQ at the bro-in-laws with pool-time and most likely Bob Marley playing in the background can only mean one thing...hello my friend, my summer friend.

often.

2009-05-19T12:26:00.000-07:00

photo cred: Marth Stewart, not me.

I often feel the need to bake just so I can make something beautiful. It's not the actual result I crave--if I crave anything, it's the batter.

Recent accomplishments: sugar cookies with royal icing, white chocolate raspberry cookies, key-lime cupcakes and double chocolate cupcakes.

That's all my gloating for now, I'll learn to document my culinary adventures before they get eaten up someday...
Also, it doesn't hurt to have the most adorable dishes and serverware ever. Always high on my list.

heartbroken.

2009-05-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

So, for as long as I can remember when asked that fateful question of "Whose your favorite actor/actress?" I would say "Tom Hanks"...but now I feel just like I felt when I had a misunderstanding with a best friend and ending up losing that friend in the process (love you mega.)...Tom Hanks has broken my heart.
When news came out about what the show "Big Love" was doing, I followed the path of most of those of my faith and ignored the situation, not fueling the fire.
In this process I was ignorant to the truth behind the show was that Tom Hanks was the executive producer. Not only this but I stumbled upon some hurtful things he said concerning The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in their support of Prop. 8.
One of the worst parts about this heartbreak is I had always heard that he was such a nice guy that was never mean or too snoody...well guess that changed.
I can't even say anymore--I'm honestly hurt, it's so strange. But just to name a few, here are some of my favorite movies, all involving Tom Hanks...

-Toy Story(s)
-You've Got Mail
-That Thing You Do!
-Forrest Gump
-Sleepless in Seattle
-A League of their Own
-The 'Burbs
-Big
-The Money Pit
-Splash

ughhhhh...this is awful.

memories.

2009-05-08T15:23:00.001-07:00

note to self: do not go back to 3 years ago on your blog and read each post as a reminder of: how you've gotten no where with your goals, how you don't talk to the friends you had then that much anymore, how you weren't addicted to TV, how you loved your Moorpark professors 100x better than your Long Beach ones, how Luey has past, how the sun and wind flow through your mother's house on a Spring afternoon and doesn't in your tiny apt., how you'd take adventures to LA and all over just because, how you appreciated sunlight and green grass because you were surrounded by it-unlike this urban jungle.

just don't do it, you'll get sad.

too late.

a few things.

2009-05-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

1. High-waisted skirt(and a skirt everyday this week for that matter), flip-flops, no sweater and 75 degrees before 10am made my day this morning.

2. I actually charged my ipod today, my ipod is about 4 years old-really old in computer years and no longer holds a charge for longer than an hour, therefore it requires me to charge it often, which doesn't often happen.

3. Listening to MY music on the way to work, really brightened my day, it's what's been missing.

4. Today is a happy today, today is Thursday night date night! This used to be a tradition between Robert and I when I worked at Bloomingdale's and would often have to close BOTH Friday and Saturday nights, moving our date night to Thursday. It's nostalgia, it keeps our romance alive.

5. I went to our Stake Women's Conference last night and Sister Kathy Clayton spoke (married to Elder Clayton of the Seventy) and she spoke about the long tradition of women wanting to control things and listed things that we CAN'T control, things we SHOULDN'T control, and things we really DON'T WANT to control. It was really good and eye opening, it's amazing what marriage does to you as a woman. I have this child, who is grown up and won't listen to me, but he shouldn't we need to make decisions together and that is what I'm grateful for, having married someone who is smarter than me.

6. I ate an artichoke last night for dinner while watching Pride & Prejudice, I finished the artichoke but not the movie and cannot wait to indulge myself further in it today.

artist check.

2009-05-01T10:12:00.001-07:00

If you have a chance check out this guy's work. His name is Peter Funch and he 'creates mind-bending images by setting up his camera in one spot, shooting pictures for several days at a time, then using Photoshop to blend the separate photographs in thematic ways.'

love.

there comes a time...

2009-04-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

...in every girl's life that she gets so hair pulling bored that the last 30 minutes before her husband comes home are pain-stakingly awful.
So here's my situation, I work part-time still in my office job, this usually consists of a schedule of something like 10am-2pm. Wonderful, I know. And when I first graduated it was grand, I'd get off at 2pm, do some errands, then get home in time for my early bird husband to get off of his 7am-4pm shift at work in Irvine and come home and we had the entire evening together.
And now he got put on a new project where he commutes to LA everyday (via the Metro and Metrolink trains--also why he has to work in LA, that's where their offices are). Which is totally a blessing in disguise because he's getting more experience and doing really well and his company is thriving.
But here his wife sits. I get home at 2pm (sometimes more like 4pm if I have errands to run) and clean up around the house, watch an episode or two of Jon and Kate plus 8 and by this time it's about 5:30 or 6pm. And this is when I haven't heard from my husband yet to tell me he's on his way home. And this is also about the time that I haven't had interaction with another human being for approx. 4 hours. Which is usually fine, except that this happens everyday--who knew I was such a people person?
I finally hear from him that he's on the 5:40 train...this means he'll be home at 7, this gives me time tables on making dinner and doing anything else I wanted to get done before he comes home and this is probably the best part of my day.
He comes home, we have the rest of the evening together, and those painful hours of him not being home and me being desperate for another person to talk to (I have zero cell service in our apartment) have all vanished...as if it never happened.
Now, I'll be honest, this doesn't happen everyday. Somedays I pick him up at the Anaheim station and we go to Disney all night (well until about 9pm) and somedays I get a surprise and he gets on the 3:30pm train, and somedays we go to the Temple and so he has no choice but to be home by 6pm. And so really...these loathsome days of running errands and sitting at home by myself and having just enough to do that I don't call anyone to bug but then end up with way too much time on my hands...they only happen 2-3 times a week.
And now I know what you're thinking "...get a full-time job!" Well you see, I fell through yet another loop hole with CSULB and have not officially graduated. But after much confusion with transcripts and a trip to Moorpark College I should have that fancy degree by the middle of next month. Until then--as in when I can apply for a full-time or part-time job (substitute teaching anyone?), I am in this routine...and am learning to loathe it, I mean love it.
I do have things to keep me busy but none are as fun as having Robert home with me, and that is just the truth.
I'm sticking to it.

mr. and mrs. mallard.

2009-04-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

who really goes to Disneyland for the rides anymore anyways?

offspring. This really made my day, in the Spring this is what I live for. Little webbed families pawning off of Disneyland goers for leftover french fries.

on marriage. of someone else.

2009-04-25T07:33:00.000-07:00

My brother Trevor is getting married tomorrow with the festivities starting today and it all has me thinking. Where has the time gone? But I know where it went, he went on a mission, I started college, then he started college, etc. etc.

But on the years when we grew up, you know when it really counts, when I was a very insecure 12 year old at a new middle school and he was a insecure 16 year old at a new high school. and even before that, we were always best buds.

I remember my mom letting us--after much begging--to share a room together when i was about 5 years old i think. I would always play GI Joe's with my two brothers, they were so cool.

Then we moved to the valley and summers started with traditions such as me bouncing on him every morning around 9am to watch I Love Lucy because he had a TV in his room. And there was my obsession with Bagel Bites, but any time i'd walk away from them he'd eat all 10 or so up in one bite just to be funny. Most of the time he wasn't even hungry!

And countless afternoons in the pool hunting for toys at the bottom and playing with our fun-noodles.

And time went on and we grew up, I got a little more "hip" and so did he, but things were still the same.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not sad he's getting married, oh never Daniaelle is SO great and fits into our family absolutely perfectly, I'm just having fun looking back at our lives together and realizing this is yet another beginning of something great!

Ok so I'm probably going to ball my eyes out at the wedding. oh well.

what i did over my summer vacation...

2009-04-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

I really want to finish that sentence this fall with a story about an amazing vacation. I keep bugging Robert to take me on a cruise to the Caribbean.
There are SO many options but I'm really liking the 6 or 7-night Western Caribbean cruises that leave from Florida (Ft. Lauderdale or Tampa) and hit these beautiful places:

Stop #1: Labadee -- Royal Caribbean's private island Stop #2: Ochos Rios, Jamaica

Stop #3: George Town, Grand Cayman Stop #4: Cozumel, Mexico

And yes, I am fully prepared to gain 10 lbs of cruise food and use my snorklies again--this time without hyperventilating.

Help me convince Robert, I'm dieing for some fun in the sun before babies, houses, etc. etc. come along.

cough. shrug. cry.

2009-04-15T11:30:00.000-07:00

don't worry, my immune system has failed me once again.

today's goals: thank you cards, avoiding the cold windy weather, laundry, and getting better!!!

if you find me later with tissue stuck up nose and on episode 3,432 of tivo'd Jon and Kate...send in reinforcements.

loves and not-so-loves.

2009-04-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

I have returned from my long weekend in Utah and though a post well-equipped with pictures is soon to be upon us all, I thought I'd quickly list my loves and not-so-loves from my weekend:

loves:

Meeting Ms. Kirsi, one of the sweetest, well-behaved babies I've met.
Finally eating Tucano's and tasting Brazilian cuisine.
The french bakery on State St.
Burger Supreme with gems like Jeris, Suzanna and Chris Carney.
Easter morning drive up Provo canyon.
Playing "Bang" until the wee-hours of the night, also one of my new favorite games.
Attending the baby's blessing. (and getting her handed off to me for about 15 minutes :))
Enjoying way too many Brassfield chocolate chip cookies.
Playing farkle, even though i lost. both times.
The moment Robert and I realized we were home and rolled down the windows to a moist sea-scented breeze. aaahh.

not-so-loves:

The massive stomach ache I had after Tucano's
The not so comfy air mattress.
The one hour it took us to drive the one mile separating us and IN-N-OUT in Vegas due to some serious road construction (it still gives me shivers).
Not having time to see everyone I love up there :(

And just for the record, the weather forecast for this weekend...

PROVO:

NEWPORT:

polish savvy.

2009-04-08T13:29:00.001-07:00

When I was a teenager I remember mixing nail polish colors together trying so hard to get the right color that I couldn't find at any store and then...I discovered OPI and Essie and have never been dissapointed.

Last summer it was my obsession with finding a mustard yellow nail polish color...and thus appeared like something out of the heavens as I was wandering my way through Ulta (spending way to much money already) this little beauty.

It was the color on my nails that following weekend when Robert proposed to me...
And today, once again Essie did not let me down as I once again was at Ulta buying my much need face lotion, etc and as I stepped towards the cash register I found this little devil...
Oh it's so turqouisey and wonderful I can barely wait to get home and paint my nails and toes. seriously. Oh and there was a bluer one just waiting for me...next time.

oh etsy.

2009-04-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

On etsy looking at things like this:

and feeling the urge to create, create, create!!!

It has been far too long since I've painted something beautiful. There was one semester when I painted my heart out and realized I had a gift, not for unique scenes or making my "mark" on the art scene, but for color and lines and creating crisp edges. I got an A in that class and let my teacher keep all my work so she could use it as examples for future students. I didn't want it selfishly for my portfolio, the reasons she wanted it were more satisfying than any dust gathering portfolio I could have owned.

I will admit...Nienie's post helped me by sharing this little gem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhLlnq5yY7k

mosaic me.

2009-03-31T12:32:00.000-07:00

If I were a mosaic I would look like this:

want to make one of your own?
step 1: go to flickr.com
setp 2: in another window open http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/mosaic.php
step 3: choose 4 columns, 3 rows
step 4: answer the following questions in the search bar of flicker. pick your favorite one on the first page and paste it into your mosaic
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One word to describe you.
12. Your nickname.

if only...

2009-03-30T11:10:00.001-07:00

if only it didn't take me until the age of 23 to realize that I want to be a pastry chef.
if only I had realized this 5 years ago
I'd be one, and I'd be making money.
But would my life have turned out this wonderfully?
Probably not.

thus my sub-par job wins out.

-Mrs. Williams.

?

2009-03-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

p.s. Why do all indie-rock art majors travel to Asia at some point in their lives? Is it a fad like smoothie joints and sushi?

I for one do enjoy the occasional indie song and majored in Art History (It's in the art buildings and I probably took more art classes than you ever will, so it counts!---excluding my awesome brother and his artist fiancee) and I have NO DESIRE to enter that continent. ever.

Of course this demise started after completing 3 years of required Asian art classes because the Art dept. was afraid they were to "Western centered" -- Well, I live in the West, and I like it here....bring on the impressionists, modernists, surrealists, renaissance-ists, and even the post-impressionists (I do love you Gaugin). That was 3 years spent worrying about things I fully intended to forget...sorry Prof. Brown.

Reason # 230, 928 that I want to live in the South, part of me feels this would not be a bother. I mean really, who from the South's ideal vacation is to Asia?

I am very conservative today.

lunch breaks.

2009-03-26T14:57:00.001-07:00

My lunch was so strange today, thought I'd share:

11am: kiwi-eaten with spoon
12pm: half of a Luna bar--Dulce de Leche, not my fav. (hence the "half")
1pm: Cherry Diet Pepsi Big Gulp and overpriced vegetables and dip from 7-eleven.
1:30pm: one bite of BBQ Chicken Pizza leftover from client lunch
2pm: Crumpet with Huckleberry jam thanks to a co-worker who recently traveled to Solvang
2:45pm: 4 bites of snickers cheesecake that is determined to make it into Robert's mouth and not mine--also from client lunch.

I'm still hungry.

oh you dreamer!

2009-03-25T11:20:00.001-07:00

Remember that time the dreams wouldn't stop! They just get more vivid every time, and then he said "sometime" instead of "someday" and for some reason this was hope so they became increasingly strong.

What the heck is my rush?

I don't, then I do, I don't.............then I do. but really...I'm not.

new favorites.

2009-03-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

My new favorite place for yesterday is the Newport Walk-In Urgent Care.
Despite the girl behind the front desk who clearly needed a new vocation or a baby so she could quit or somethin, I had to ask her to repeat every word she said as it was muffled out by the blaring "Days of our Lives" in the background.
Nonetheless, I was the only person there! When have you ever heard of not having to wait at least 45 minutes in a walk-in clinic??
So she took me in, weighed me (much to my dismay as I haven't really worked out in a week), and took me into the room. Checked my vitals and asked my symptoms
"No, I'm not allergic to anything, No I'm not on medication..." which she soon realized was a lie as she said, "Could you be pregnant?" Me now realizing my answer to "Are you on any medication?" is "YES." not "NO." like it has been for 23 years...yikes, dodged that one.
Long story short, the doctor was very nice (even had the same last name as one of my college professors whose classes I always loved the best) and was very satisfied to know I don't drink or smoke and have never had an STD. I always get it "in" with the doctors this way, don't you?? They love mormons!

She gave me some antibiotics and a free sample of Nasonex--which is even more perfect for Robert. I haven't taken antibiotics since I had strep throat when I was about 9, it never seemed worth the trouble of going to the doctor and standing in horrendous pharmacy lines while through your delirious-still-sick-wish-you-could-sit-down state you start to convince yourself you need many of the overpriced goodies found in pharmacies such as the "Ped-Egg", when they finally call your name and then can't find your prescription even though you dropped it off 45 minutes earlier and even had time to go grocery shopping in between!! (No this didn't happen to me yesterday, why do you ask?)

Well, I'm feeling better already, I even did the dishes last night.

Side note: First day of Spring my you-know-what, it's the coldest it's been all week! I've been looking forward to this sweet sweet day of March for so long and you give me this Mother Nature! Srrsslllyy???