Our Trip Home!

Our trip home was AMAZING!!

The weather was absolutely perfect.

We even commented a few times on how HOT it was...hot for us is 65 degrees.

We arrived on Thursday afternoon and got lunch at Fentons.

If you are ever in the San Fran/Oakland Area, you MUST try Fentons Ice Cream.

It's delicious. Thomas and I shared a Banana Split and to our surprise we were able to eat every last bite. Yum.

We had dinner with my Parents Thursday night and just hung around.

We were both exhausted, him from the crazy amount of work he did before our trip and me from the normal craziness of my week. We felt like oldies going to bed at 10pm, but we desperately needed it.

Friday morning I had an appointment at 8am...which meant there was no sleeping in for me.

I sat there until 8:45 (the nurse came in and said my doctor was running late...uh ya, you think?!) that's 45 more minutes of sleep I could have had!!

I'm glad I was able to get that all out of the way and have my blood work done right there so that Thomas and I could go enjoy the afternoon!

We took BART to San Fran. Took the Cable Car down to Fisherman's Warf, walked around, explored, took one too many pictures, Spotted the "Bush Man" that entertained Thomas for over an hour, went for a walk along the Bay, and finally took the Cable Car back to downtown, or so we thought. Unfortunately, they weren't working the whole way so we got off in China Town and searched for things Thomas liked while he lived in Korea. We succeeded and found this yummy drink he really likes! It was weird but definitely good.

We also found the Fortune Cookie Factory!

We enjoyed my Mom's famous Corn Beef and Cabbage to end the perfect day!

Saturday we spent the day touring SF with my parents.

We walked along the Golden Gate Bridge (which I had never done)

drove down Lumbar Street, and took, yet again, one too many pictures!

I told Thomas that when we get old we'll have those pictures to remind us of our trip!

We spent the evening with my Aunt Kathy and Cousin Rachel and Rachel's adorable daughter, Natalie.

Sunday we had my Dad's famous Pancakes.

There's something about his touch that he adds to the batter to make them special.

I've tried to make them here in Utah, but I they just don't come out the way my Dad makes them.

We then took Bart back into the City to go see Beach Blanket Babylon, a must see if you're in SF!

It was hilarious, random, and fun!

We had one last meal at Home and packed our bags and called it a night.

Our flight left at 6:30am which meant we were up at 4am.

So much for sleeping in ;)

When we got on the airplane, we both fell fast asleep, even before it could take off and woke up just in time for landing.

It was a shame our trip ended so soon, we felt like we had just gotten there.

It was nonstop, action-packed fun.

I'm so glad my family was able to meet Thomas and visa-versa!

Thomas really enjoyed my parents, which meant a lot, since they mean a lot to me!

My Dad had Thomas doing odds and ends on his Computer all weekend, which they bonded over. It was fun to watch!

Now we are both in day three of reality.

Thomas has a deadline tomorrow so I haven't seen much of him since we got off the plane.

But that's ok, he took four whole days off of work, which was such a shocker!

I'm back in school and my usual work schedule.

Finals are quickly approaching which means I'm gearing up for some stressful times.

Those are always fun ;).

Soon enough it'll be summer and I'll be able to kick back for a few weeks and bask in the sun....wishful thinking!!!

Oh, by the way...I woke up to snow....while I worked it was snowing....while I was in class it was snowing...and as I'm typing this it's...SNOWING!!

It's Almost April! Where is the Sunshine!

I am half tempted to board a flight back to CA to get some Sun, as my Vitamin D levels are low, until Utah decides to break out the sunshine for good!!!

Completely Irrelevant Note....

I was pulling out of my garage this afternoon to head to school, when I looked to the side and realized my passenger side mirror was extremely close to the garage.

Well, I didn't think quickly enough and WHACK when the mirror into the side.

Yep, the glass shattered. But the actual frame of the mirror is perfectly fine, thank goodness. Not even a scratch. Just the class...perfectly crushed.

I couldn't help but feel sorry for myself as it happened, but as I drove down the street I laughed at myself. How stupid. How lame. What a mistake. Oh well!

Mirrors are replaceable, no need to get worked up over it.

But really, what a dork I am.

I called Thomas, after I stopped laughing at myself, and told him I had made a huge mistake and explain the situation to him. He laughed, and told me to take it into Honda to get it looked at.

Honda, happens to be on my way to school so I ran in, they said it'll just cost $30.15 to repair.

Awesome, a lot less costly than I thought it would be.

But still...that's 30 bucks I could put towards my car payments. Grrrr.

We live and learn!

First Motorcycle Ride EVER!!

Ooops...forgot this important detail....

I SWORE on my LIFE that I would NEVER ride a motorcycle EVER!

I think they're dangerous, a waste of life, and plain ol' stupid!!

Probably one of the only things I don't like about Thomas is that he has one...and loves to ride it.

After expressing my hatred of Motorcycles to my Mother the other night, she got me thinking.

"You won't know unless you try it" and of course "you only live once".

I was surprised to hear comments such as those coming from my Mother who, so I thought, was so against motorcycles.

Her final comment was "Just get on the freeway, it's always fun when you can go fast".

Shocked, I was a little delighted to have my Mother's stamp of approval of Thomas' motorcycle and her encouragement to try it...so I did.

It wasn't easy. I was so hesitant to get on the bike.

It was late at night and pretty dang cold, but I got on that bike and we took off.

Not many cars were out, so we went at our own speed which wasn't very fast, but I caught myself telling Thomas to slow down every ten seconds. I am sure I was annoying.

I hate to admit that riding on the back wasn't all that bad.

It wasn't scary.

I didn't die.

We were safe.

We wore helmets (ok, I did).

I might try it again...soon.

I think it would be a ton of fun to ride during the Summer night because it'll be sooo warm!!

I can't sleep because I have so much on my mind, so I thought I'd blog for the second time tonight.

This time last year I was struggling with life, no surprise there.

Wondering what the heck I was going to do with my life after DVC.

I was, also, in and out of doctor's offices wondering what the heck was wrong with me.

I was so sick of being sick.

I was so sick of feeling like I had no place in this world.

I so terribly needed a change.

And it all fell into place when it was supposed too.

I think far too often in my life I try to rush things.

I rushed my High School experience (thank goodness, no regret there).

I rushed living with my parents... (moved out when I was 17)

I rushed growing up.

I rushed being a normal teen without a job, without somewhere to be every morning.

I rushed my life for so long, but since I've moved I've slowed everything down and done everything not on my clock, but on Heavenly Father's clock.

I'm really trying to be a more patient person.

As I look back, I wanted so many other things in life early on, but they just didn't come.

I endured so much to get where I am today, but there was a reason for everything.

I really do need to remind myself, constantly, that things will happen when they're supposed to happen. Timing isn't always perfect, but it all happens for a reason.

I know I struggled the last few months in California for a reason.

I know I left California when I did because it was time.

It was time to move on to bigger and better things.

It was time to have a fresh start and focus on me.

It was time.

I need to remember that it's not my clock I need to be watching.

Everything comes together when it's supposed to, not when you want it to.

California Dreamin'...

....But not for long!
In just twelve short hours I'll be aboard a plane homeward bound.
I am so excited to be going home just to be going home.
I've been going home for funerals, for Holidays, Birthdays, etc...
But now, I'm going home to just have fun and relax!
I am so excited to show Thomas my Home.
Where I spent the first 19 years of my life becoming who I am today.
It's going to be a good weekend!

The Countdown

(I'm not adopted, promised!)

All I have to say is...

9 DAYS!!!

We are going home in Nine Days!!

I think I'm more excited than Thomas (it's a girl thing) but I just can't wait.

I can't wait for him to meet the people that are so important in my life from back Home.

Only

1 more Bio class

1 more Math class

1 more Art class

then it's Spring Break!!

I am going to spend my free evenings going to the gym.

Sleeping.

Studying.

and taking a Break.

And chillin' in California!

It'll be excellent!!

I wish I had more exciting news to report.

But I don't.

Work, School, Work...the usual.

Utah has been blessing me with some warm weather (in the 50s) this week.

My Sunroof has been open, the windows down, the heat off...it's been wonderful.

I can't wait for the summer warmth to hit.

Lukas has been really fussy lately.

It hasn't made for a happy Emily, or a happy Lukas.

He has a one-of-a-kind whine. A distinct whimper. An intense cry.

Oh it's brutal, oh so brutal.

I really hope he's just teething.

Thomas tagged along today (so nice to have "grown up" company) as we went to the Discovery Gateway Museum. Lukas put on a show for Thomas and finally Thomas understands kids are difficult, not always just so super cute. By the end of the two hours Thomas was with us, he was ready for a nap. Try ten hours!

I'm doing a lot better at saying no.

I think I have hit a selfish stage in my life.

I hate to admit it, I really do.
I feel like I am such a giving person and do so much for others and expect nothing in return.

But, for once I'm done focusing on others.

I'm focusing on myself and trying to balance my life without the fluster of other people's lives.

It's been really hard on me to become focused on myself because I care so deeply about each and every person in my life.

I hate to distance myself, but I just had to.

I was so overwhelmed and it just wasn't healthy.

I can say no.

and it's OK!

Tomorrow's Saint Patrick's Day and I wish I was at home to see the green theme I'm sure my Mom has going on.

From green foods to green toilet bowl water, it sure is fun!

I have yet to make it to the gym in the morning.

OK, so I'm NOT a morning person.

I can barely get out of bed for work let alone get out of bed an hour early for the gym!

But, I still go at night, I just think I'd have better days if I went early!

Urgh.

The struggle of my life right now is so dang hard.
I'm having an extremely hard time balancing my time.
Jetting off from one place to another is totally wearing me down.
I have got to find some down time, asap.
I have got to find some time to do what I want/need to do, asap.
I need to find time to explore, to grow and to live life, asap.

Summer...please hurry up.
I need you, now.

Good news:
Tomorrow is Friday.
I get to see lots of Thomas this weekend.
I get to take a nap after the gym Saturday.

Bad News:
I have 8am class Saturday.
I have to sing at Church.
Monday will be here too soon.
I have a ton of art work that I have got to buckle down and draw...ew.

Good news...

Good News Minute

The University of Utah accepted all my "allied" hours which can be applied toward my major...which means I am more than half way done with my major...which means I still have a ton of credits that are open to use for whatever I want!
(I must have 60 credits from the U, but by the time I'm done with my Major, I'll have 30 left to complete)
So...
Looks like I'll be having to double minor!
I'm thinking Criminology and Sociology.

*Allied hours are just basic general courses that go towards your major...which mine all seemed to do, thank goodness for my interest in physcology and sociology back in California, it really payed off!*

Random thoughts

Oh it was so warm and beautiful out today!

It felt as if I were home. In California. Where I so badly want to be right now.

Home.

I often refer to Utah as my home.

And, I guess it sort of is.

After a long day of work and school, I go home.

To eat, shower, and sleep.

But, this isn't the home I'm used to.

The last 20 years of my life are at Home.

In Piedmont, California.

A place I'll always call home.

A safe place that I can run to and hide.

Where all my lasting memories, precious and not so glamorous moments took place.

Home.

The place I find myself wanting to visit.

In 17 days I'll be home.

And it will be sweet.

On another note...

My stomach pain is back.

This time, almost unbearable.

All I could do today to get through the day was to sleep.

It was painful.

I'm looking forward to going to my doctor...at home.

Since, I have no one to call here in Utah when my body just doesn't feel right, I call home.

Where I confide in my Mom for her motherly words of wisdom.

It's peaceful.

It works.

Mothers really DO know everything.

On a side note, in May i'll be taking a CNA course.

This will be extremely different for me.

I've never done anything that doesn't involve kids.

But, I think it's time I broaden my horizon.

Try something new.

I'd love to work in a hospital, learn people's stories, and touch their lives.

Even if it's in the slightest way possible.

It can be done.

I know that not working with Karin and Alex anymore and seeing Lukas and Eliza daily will be so hard. But, I know that Lukas and Eliza will grow to be amazing children, they'll learn and grow so much while they're in preschool. I am so excited to see what little Miss Eliza becomes. I think she'll be a remarkable young girl. And Lukas, Oh boy, he's going to have the girls chasing him for miles. He's going to be on the run. He already is on the crawl, and boy does he move fast. I'm hoping I can still be a part of their lives, and watch them become even brighter children than they are now.

Life is full of changes...and I know it all happens for a reason.

Oh it's Friday!!!

BREAKING NEWS:

I've done it!

It's complete!

I've delcared my major...that I'm actually going to stick with this time...and I'm feeling oh so good about it!

DRUM ROLL......

Human Development and Family Studies

with a minor in....

Criminology

I'm pretty stinking excited about this.

I'll get to work with people and

change people's lives.

Oh, and It's FRIDAY...which means I have every reason to be oh so happy right now.

BUT...to top it off...Thomas registered us for the MUSS student section for the U home football games. This also means I can't take Saturday classes, which will make for an interesting dilemma as August approaches...tough decisions will have to be made, and we all know I suck at making those.

Happy Birthday to my Brother, Jamie!

I can't believe you're already 22!

Hope you're having a wonderful day!

The funk

The weekly funk, oh yes, I am in the weekly funk I seem to find myself in every Monday through Saturday. Why? Because I never stop and breathe. I never sleep. I never sit down and enjoy...sitting. I need to figure out how to balance working full time while going to school full time...because my school dedication is lacking in every area possible.

I also need to learn how to say no.

And learn how to do absolutely nothing on the weekends, except school work.

And learn how to make this funk mess less funky.

I need to declare a major by friday. Crap.

I kept getting all these e-mails that I simply ignored and deleted, until I went into my school acount and noticed an URGENT matter coming across the screen.

Why is EVERYTHING due this week- take home bio and math tests, Art work up the bazoo, and now I have to decide what I'm going to do with the rest of my life.

Spring Break.

Please.

22 days till Home.

To cheer me up, I think?, last night my mom sent me the Barney theme song...a little weird but it made me laugh while I was in the middle of working on the math test that took me 3 hours and it's still not completed.

My mom got an iphone...which is a huge suprise since she doesn't even know how to end a phone call using her last phone. I can tell she's really enjoying it by the mass amounts of texts she sends...pretty soon she'll be sending out more than I do. Oh what would we do without technology?

Where is my sleep!?!?

Lately I haven't been sleeping well.

That's an understatement...AT ALL.

I've been going to bed earlier than usual, waking up in the middle of the night, and can't get back to sleep.

It's awful. I'm more tired than ever. I sit and watch my clock until it rolls around to 6am and then I'm up for the day without a wink of sleep.

Even when I can sleep in till 7 or 8, I'm up at 5am.

I'm exhausted and I just want to sleep through the night.