It Was Easter

And after speaking to one of the most inspirational people in my life today, I realized a few things.
1. I need to write more
2. I need to sing more
3. I need to photograph more
Thank you for inspiring me, my dear friend. Just watch.. by the end of this week im going to have proof I did all these things. And soon enough they'll all be back in my routine.
I love you.

And happy Easter to all of you. By His wounds we are healed.

Party Cats, David Guetta, & Memories

Dear friends,
I need a dance party, pronto.
Sincerely,
Party Cat
PS- Seeing David Guetta live is my newest goal on my Life To Do List

Question of the blog:
Are you a dance party kind of kid?

In my 6 full days of being home, I have not accomplished these things:

1. Unpack from San Diego (I technically moved home in June)

2. See most of my friends

3. Do any sort of laundry (Luckily I have been living in my bathing suit)

4. Taken a single picture on my camera

5. Washing my hair more than two times

But in those 6 days, I have accomplished these things:

1. Been to the river 4 times

2. Made delicious homemade food (How I have missed the kitchen)

3. Watched a full season of Dexter

4. Googled "How to make your own body wash" over 10 times. I have yet to do anything about it though.

Hey, at least it's a start.

It's summer, I'm going to South Lake Tahoe tomorrow with my favorite group of cousins not related to me, and I don't care if I'm going with a group or alone, but I'm getting sushi tonight and there's nothing you can do about it.

February Came And Went.

February Mood...

Stolen from one of my favorite blogs, No Small Dreams.

Current guilty pleasure: Nicki Minaj and all of her sass-ass music.

Current color: A rich deep caramel. On my clothes, on my skin, and I'm considering dying my hair...

Current playlist:

Current read: I've picked up Watchmen recently.

Current drink: Cranberry juice.

Current food: Fresh, organic, light. Right now all I crave is the Zen Breakfast at The Mission SOMA.

Current favorite show: Community.

Current wish list: A new hot little dress... I've been browsing.

Current needs: Understand the things we're learning in Statistics..

Current triumphs: Working out and seeing results.

Current bane of my existence: Constant headaches.. GWAR.

Current celebrity crush: Anyone with a sweet sounding voice.. I'm all about artists right now.

Current indulgence: Naps & chocolate

Current blessing: Chances to redeem myself.

Current outfit: White tee and running shorts.

Current excitement: Going on dates.

Current mood: Tired, ready for the weekend. I'm going home!

Current link: I absolutely love Sacred Harp music.

Tattoos, Sisters, and Resolutions.

Kelly, getting her Sims tattoo on her birthday

It's been a great couple of days. I am feeling very motivated and happy about the way 2011 is coming along.. Okay so we're 8 days in but nevertheless, I have a positive outlook and that's good enough for me.

Some good news to pass on to you.

1. My blog has been redesigned by my older sister, Moorea. For those of you who don't know Moorea, she is one of my favorite people and biggest sources of inspiration in this world. Her mind is filled with the most wonderful imagination that she draws, designs, and produces for the world to see. Not only is she a blogger, but she redesigns blogs, and she can redesign yours, too! She also has an Etsy shop where she designs and sells wonderful jewelry that I love.. I have a few of her pieces that I wear all the time. So go on over and check out her great sites, and pick up some lovely new jewelry for yourself!

2. I am piling my New Years Resolutions together.. And there is one I am particularly excited about. To give you the general gist of it, I am going through the year weekly. Each new week, a new adventure. But I need YOUR help in putting this list of 50 things to do for 7 days! More on this resolution in my next blog.

Question of the blog:

1. Do you have siblings?

2. What are your new years resolutions?

Leading Ladies

As I spend my evening catching up on my most guilty pleasure shows and eating gluten free cinnamon raisin bread (surprisingly delicious), I though I might post something to hold you over for a few days. My best friend and I will be taking a trip to South Lake Tahoe for new years, and I am terribly excited.

Tonight, as I was driving home from the wake of a wonderful friend, I was discussing the topic of dream wives with an old friend from camp. As he laid down his list, which included Kesha and Joanna Newsom (of which I told him to never put the two in the same sentence again.. Joanna is a goddess), I thought I'd think up my own lesbian lovers list.. Which took about 5 seconds.

1. My definite number one is Mary-Kate Olsen. She is simply divine. I have been in love with MK since I can remember living in America. My sister Moorea and I used to watch the Olsen videos, and Moorea (named Ashley at the time) was always Ashley, and I was MK. And how incredible that in her 24 years on earth she and her sister have created an empire on their names? Her episodes in Weeds, as well as parts in The Wackness and Factory Girl... In conclusion, it's meant to be.

2. Natalie Portman is next in line. Not only is she an amazing actress but she is stunning, and can rap. And she gets triple points for being one of the only women on this earth that can rock a shaved head better than any man. She is beyond fierce. Garden State, Paris Je T'aime, V for Vendetta... You mesmerize me.

3. The third on my list is always up for change, but currently Jessica Zsohr is in the lead. I have a deep dark obsession with Gossip Girl. I admit it. I love it! Primarily for the fashion, and then next up for all the beautiful people that are in love with each other, of which I'd never have a chance at any of them. So I live vicariously through my computer and 72 minute intervals of Megavideo.

Question of the blog:

Fess up ladies and gents, who is your woman/man crush?

Life Lessons

(image via Tumblr)

Life as a wanderer

Guided by freedom

Well traveled, never lost

Long road winding ahead

Hands open to serve always

Arms free, to hold this world

Feet moving one in front of the other

Eyes wide to see the world

Mouth closed, ears ready

Prepared for change

Heart available

Mind present

Receiving

Giving

This Year, Baby

I am shopping for school this fall. I've never done this before, so it's a totally new and fun experience of lists! Of course, Andy thinks my choice of bedding is ridiculous, but I love these. My suite is all wood paneling, so I need something to brighten up the room, you know? I was also thinking of buying material and just covering one of the walls. We'll see. Until then, if you're interested in what my home for the next year will look like, watch this video of Alliant International University tour. If you're just looking for what my suite will look like, jump to 4:54 in the vid. I really enjoy how so many of my friends are interested in my life, and what my plans are in life. Thank you, that is so motivating for me in many aspects of my life, with blogging, photography, starting new adventures, and doing what's best for me. You are all such lovely people, and I thank you for the support.

Question of the blog:

How was your housing the first year you moved away?

AND

Out of the four pieces of bedding above, which would you choose?

You Will Remember

Alexandra is a flower in your hair. She is the tea-stained photo you stare at. She is the bonfire smell that has been woven into your clothes. Alexandra is a spring dress, and a photo to capture it all. She is the frisbee that is thrown in the sky. Alexandra is the long and winding road, and the volume up. Windows down. Heat on. Alexandra is arms crossed in contemplation. Alexandra is the bump on your head, and the sore feet after work. She is the dreams you won't remember. She is the excitement for the days to come.

Question of the blog:
(Insert your name here) IS...

Cupboards Full

(WeHeartIt)

Here's the thing about rainy days.
1. I think going to school should be illegal. Who likes to go to school in the rain?
2. There should always be a complimentary boyfriend/girlfriend to cuddle with.
3. Cupboards should be prepared with Minestrone and Baguettes.
4. Rainy days have the exact same playlist, every rainy day. Be prepared.
5. All human beings should have the day off from dressing nice. Pajamas in public- accepted.

Question of the blog:
What's on your rainy day playlist?

Add That To The List

The Bane Of My Existence List.
Bane: n, A source of persistent annoyance

1. Scantron tests.
2. Hair ties snapping while you are putting your hair up.
3. People scratching their scalps.
4. Drinking orange juice after you have brushed your teeth.
5. Ke$ha.
6. Loose strings on clothing.
7. Women who are verbally abusive to their husbands.
8. Mismatching socks.
9. Markers that lose their ink half way through you what you are using them for.
10. Forwards.
11. Men with fake tans.
12. That one person in your class that talks too much.
13. Untrained dogs.
14. People who do nothing and still get straight A's.
15. Bad grammar.
16. Sneezing.
17. Twitter

Mustard and Catch Up

Hi... Umm. Do you hate me? I'm sorry I've been away so long. I feel like I have abandoned a child or something. I promise I'll do better!
A lot has happened in the past week, so here is a quick recap.
1. I saw How To Train Your Dragon in 3D last night, and it was so amazing. I would definitely call it one of the best children's movies of our time. Also- It could have been called "Cats With Wings" because those dragons are basically felines. Which I'm obsessed with.
2. I got a job with the census, so I'm for realsies going to England. Which is awesome and scary all rolled into one. Work has been weird lately, and I do not like throwing up sushi. SICK.
3. This past week, my family was gone on spring break. In this time I came to the conclusion that Hamilton, our 25 toed cat, is nutso and I can't handle him. I just about punted him because he is so annoying.
4. The weather has been so fickle lately, and it makes me sad that I can't just drive down to the river whenever I want. I hope it is sunny tomorrow, so I can listen to my playlist of river. Dustin, Jordan and I listened to some of the best songs from last summer. Can't wait for river days.

Count Down To Greatness

I have been practicing some new things with my camera today. Here is one of the only photos that turned out. I'm finally getting the hang of the SS-400 flash, white balance, and manual modes.
Today has been exhausting. I have done barely anything and yet I am ready for bed. Maybe that's a good thing, since I am leaving for San Diego at 5 tomorrow morning. But I am so excited for it! So here is my top 5 of great things that are happening this week.

5. It is Spring Break! Whatever that means. I sort of feel like I'm on spring break all the time, but this is cool! This is fun. Spring Break. Yes.
4. I am driving down to San Diego with one of my best friends. I don't get to see Miles very often, so it will be a good chance to catch up with him.
3. In the process of driving down, Miles and I are having a Coheedathon, where we will listen to Coheed and Cambria's albums from beginning to end. I am so excited for one through four. And I can't wait for album number 5 coming on the 13th!
2. On the way home, I am going to drive Miles home to Santa Cruz, and then I will be driving to Walnut Creek to see Stina for a night! I have never visited her at this house before, so it'll be fun seeing how she's living and what her life is like in Walnut Creek!
1. Last but certainly not least, because he's sorta my number one and the reason why I'm going down to San Diego, I get to see Andy!! We are going to have adventures, and make good food, and be wise with our money, and go on a hot date! Basically the usual, being cute and all. I can't wait.

This week is going to be great. Now I am off, to do tons of laundry, pack, clean my room, and eat those delicious cookies Bella just made.

Question of the blog:
What are you doing for your spring break?

Interviewed! Analyzed!

The other day, I went in for a job interview for Valentina's. I'm not looking for a new job (I love working at Sushi Q), just looking for a second place to work so I can save money for my trip.
The interview was so interesting! This is how it went. I sat on the couch, and Ron brought me his lap top. On the screen, there were three columns of words, like rebel, organized, assertive, etc.. And I had to rate each one, 1-5, 1 being that's not me at all, to 5 being very me. After filling that out, he printed my results out and handed me a few pages of my personality according to my answers. It was so crazy how a person can be figured out just by rating a few words on a computer, and how accurate it really is!

Conformist is your strongest characteristic. This means that 60% of your personality is based upon this trait. As a conformist, you enjoy itemizing things, making lists so as to keep proper priorities in mind. You have a sense of fairness and decency, and are angered by things which you feel are otherwise. You have a strong dislike of criticism. You appreciate respect for your position. You like traditional things, and are very conscious of what is "right and wrong". You feel a loyalty and duty to those around you.
Submissive is your secondary characteristic. As a submissive, you enjoy a peaceful mellow environment. You prefer an agreeable atmosphere, without antagonism. You enjoy being given tasks to perform that are within your skill and ability to do. You prefer to act on decisions made by others, not making the decision yourself. (ANDY.)
Trustworthy. You can be counted on to keep your word and to perform honorably.
Cautious. You are careful, wary of anything which might possibly present a danger to your proficiency.
Agreeable. You are eager to work with others, usually willing to follow the plans established by management.
Modest. You are moderate in your habits, without extremes.
Gentle. You do not force your way. You try to deal kindly with others.
Steady. You act in a regular, constant fashion, not swaying between extremes.
Kind. You are of a friendly nature, generous or hospitable. You are warm-hearted.
Factual. You make your decisions based on raw data and available fact. You may make a decision contrary to your gut feeling because the facts say otherwise.

There were four pages of information, and I'm sure you aren't willing to read all of it, nor am I willing to type that all for you. But I think these are the most agreeable things presented on there, and the most interesting.. Unless you find submissive conformists like me intolerable, and uninteresting. In which case you can just ignore this and all my blog posts! Ha.
All in all, I think they really liked me, and that they liked the person I presented myself as, and the personality they surveyed on their lap top. If you're interested in taking the personality test, the website is called DrewSoftware.com.
I hope I got the job!

Question of the blog:
I know how I answered, but I'll ask you a few questions from the personality test!
Answer from a scale 1 (not at all) to 5 (very like you)
- Rebel
- Steady
- Cautious
- Outgoing
- Fluent

And To Dust You Shall Return

(Image via Google)

"Lent, in Christian tradition, is the period of the liturgical year leading up to Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial — for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ." To read more about the Lenten season, read about it on Wikipedia.


What I have given up/added on for Lent:
1. Read bible every day. I should be doing this always, but every day distractions get into my head and my mind goes elsewhere. This is a time for me to get back into the habit of studying and learning more about my faith, and the history behind it.
2. No lattes. Or any cafe drinks besides plain coffee. Incredible, I know. But really, I have a hard time buying a three dollar latte just because it's a little better than a cup of coffee that's half the price. I am not buying lattes, and if I desire caffeine that much, I will just buy a small coffee. I need to work on keeping cash in my wallet, and not spending it on frivolous things.
3. Attend class and Bible Study Fellowship without fail. I know this seems like an easy one, but it is difficult for me. I get tired easily, or I'm not feeling my best, and I start thinking about all the other things I could be doing besides going to a class that I know doesn't take attendance. I have been doing really well attending class, but I know from the past that around this time, I start to get lazy.
4. No talking behind people's backs. I always say to myself, "I don't talk behind people's backs often.." But I, like almost everyone, do all the time. This will be a difficult thing for me to follow through with, so if you ever hear me doing such, call me out. I need your help with this.

Almighty and Everlasting God,
You have given the human race
Jesus Christ our Savior as a model of humility.
He fulfilled Your Will by becoming Man
And giving His life on the Cross.
Help us to bear witness to You
By following His example of suffering
And make us worthy to share in His Resurrection.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son.
Amen.

Question of the blog:
What are you giving up for lent this year?

And I.

Alexandra is Constant Comment tea. She is clothes right out of the dryer. Alexandra is slow shutter speed. The balance on a slackline. Macro. Alexandra is wind on hot days. A piece of paper on a wall. She is memories, stored neatly. She is squinting eyes in the sun. Alexandra is mechanical pencils, never wood. Mediterranean pasta. Creature of habit. Alexandra is your favorite sweatshirt you just can't get rid of. The sore fingers from playing too much guitar. Alexandra is the smoke that fills your lungs with nostalgia. She is the memory of falling and scratching your knee. She is big tears. Alexandra is words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time. She is the long walk in Autumn. She is number 4, number 8. Passion. Warm flannel sheets. Alexandra is the pretty shoes you put on, and the sore feet afterwards. She is the things that make you smile. The question mark at the end of a sentence. Alexandra is the comfort you come home to at the end of the day.

Facts Of Life

5 FACTS FOR TODAY

1. I love my classes this semester. My teachers are inspiring and I am motivated to do well. What a great change of pace. Psychology classes are fun, and I enjoy night classes. The atmosphere of a night class is so different from ones during the day.

2. My desk is ridiculously messy. Priority number one today is to clean it. Signs, scissors, pens, nail polish, hats, goodness gracious. Also, I had a 6-pack of Hansen's soda I bought over the weekend, and am down to two. I am repulsed at how much sugar I have been drinking. But I can't just stop, right? I mean I have two left!

3. My hands are sore from learning chords on my guitar. I am learning two songs right now that I am very excited about. I am so impressed that after only two classes in guitar, I have learned so much. Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see.

4. I love how much better I feel after my Pilates class. It totally kicked my butt today. Let me just tell you, I have no upper body strength. Tomorrow I am going to be so sore! I forgot how much I enjoy phys. ed classes. I think next semester, my friend and I are going to take a dance class together.

5. I am going to San Diego in 8 days. I am excited to see my boyfriend, to hike Torrey Pines, to house sit, go out to fancy Indian food, and for whatever adventures are in store. Also, ocean. And hopefully sun. I am in need of some sun. And I am ready to see Andrew.

Question of the blog:
Gimme your 5 facts for today!

Bratz Dolls, Break Downs, and a Latte

Wow. Umm,... Sorry I haven't posted in days. A year, actually. Happy 2010 everyone, I hope you had a more eventful New Years than I did.


Basically what we did all night. Cry faces, Phantom of the Opera, Champagne, the works.
I have sooo much to blog about, so prepare for the following, plus more!
1. My hives.
2. New Years Resolutions.
3. Slacklining.
4. Christmas, church, photos.

And I've got some more up my sleeve, but I'm not going to give all of my secrets away in one swift blow! Don't be ridiculous.
I am now sitting in my favorite coffee shop in LA, Portfolio. After I drove Moorea's car about 20 feet before it broke down, I am a little shaken up and a bit frustrated to still be in Long Beach when I should be working tonight, and seeing my boyfriend in a few hours. I have plans, but I need to learn how to accept changes in my schedule, and accept them with a happy heart. New Years resolution worthy, me thinks.
I hope you are all doing well, I apologize profusely for the lack of posts. When people are actually home, I have things to do! But so many things I don't have time to blog about the things! What a vicious cycle indeed!

Question of the blog:
I know a few of you can't even remember your new years celebration this year. I ain't judgin! What was your most memorable new years?

Pleasant Surprise!

Look look! New Years Resolutions from this year, and I'm almost all finished!!

1. Learn to be happy alone. - I am doing really well at this. The older I get, the more comfortable I am at being alone. Of course there is always room for improvement, so part check.
2. Get better sleep. Meaning no more staying up past 12:30 on a regular basis. - I go through week phases. This week has been decent? Around 1 am. But some weeks I am asleep by 11:30! Part check.
3. Spend lots of time with the little sister. When I was 13, I always felt very alone. - I've been trying really hard. With both of our busy schedules, I would say this is the best it's been all year. Check.
4. Improve/expand vocabulary. 'Nuff said. - I have been getting better at this. I'm not sure about expanding my vocabulary, but I speak more eloquently than I did in January. Check.
5. If not work at Camp Hammer this summer, at least volunteer for 2 weeks. -I worked at Wolf Mountain! Check!
6. Learn to control my emotions. - I'd say I'm doing much better at this one. Sure I have my girl moments, but I am more capable of controlling emotions and keeping them inside. Unless we're talking about movies.. in which case, that's another story! Check.
7. Stay fit! - I have been active recently, and I'm proud of my eating. And thank goodness for our Wii Fit! Check.

8. Read more books. -I've read quite a few books this year, but I have been slacking the past few months. I started a new one yesterday though, so I will go with a check.

9. Save money for new camera. Nikon D50? D80? - I bought a Nikon D60! It's my lil baby! Check.
10. learn to stand up for myself. Do what is best for me! - Yes! Check.

11. Stop being afraid that people will not like me. I realized that thats just life, and some people will like you and some people wont, and I shouldn't get as offended as I do. - I am so much more confident about myself than I was in January. I believe in myself. With this one, comes many thank yous to a few people who have taught me a lot about myself this year. Thank you! Check.
12. Get lots of more music. - I rocked this one this year. Check.
13. Watch more movies that I have never seen before. - I watched a multitude of movies in the spring, and have been pretty good at keeping up this fall. But all in all, I think this one deserves a check.

Only two I still need to really work on! This was a good year for resolutions.

Question of the blog:
How did your New Years Resolutions of 2009 go?