Thank You, Come Again

It's no secret that I'm a bit of an emotional eater. I'm not ashamed of it; it's just who I am. When I'm stressed/upset/bummed out/alive I tend to eat my feelings. It's not something I worry about because I also work out a billion* times a week and normally make very healthy choices regarding food when not stressed/upset/bummed out/alive.

With that background, it should come as no surprise to you that the last few weeks have been filled with serious food= feelings eating behavior. As I prepared for a certain test, which we will call Voldemort, everyday was packed with stressed/upset/bummed out/ alive moments and I took advantage!

One such emotion packed morning I stopped at 7-11 before hitting up the library. I was going to be hanging out with Voldemort all day and I was going to need a Spice Pumpkin Latte and a chocolate donut to get me through it. Once inside the convenient store I grabbed my purchases, added an oh-so-necessary Dr. Pepper, and piled them on the counter. The store attendant stepped behind the cash register and began to eye my purchases. After a quick survey of the items he looked up at me. Then back down at the food. Up again. And back down. Finally he spoke. His words didn't reflect the normal customer-employee conversation. I was expecting a simple, objective response. Something along the lines of "that will be $3.42, please." Nope. No dice.

"That's A LOT of sugar. Sugar is not good for you. No, not at all."

What?! I was a) mortified; b) shocked; c) ticked; d) stressed/upset/bummed out/alive. No, this isn't a choose your own ending blog--- ALL of these reactions roamed through my mind as I faced my judgment day there in the quickie mart. I laughed, payed my dues, and walked out of the double doors. I had bigger things to face that day than fight a store clerk.

I will say this, however. In reflecting upon this experience I have realized one thing. Sure, loads of sugar at 9:00am may not be good for me. But, dear store clerk, messing with a girl going up against Voldemort? You OBVIOUSLY don't know what's good for YOU.

* Author's note: saying that Okie works out a billion times per week may or may not be an exaggeration...

Really, Facebook? Really?

As a bit of a joke I created, with the help of a friend, a Facebook profile for a Mr. Joe Plumber. The sole purpose of this profile was to a) be hilarious and b) be able to change my "relationship status" to reflect a hook up between Joe the Plumber and myself. Whatever, it's funny. Facebook didn't agree, in fact, here is the email they sent:

Your account was disabled because the name it was registered under was fake. We do not allow users to register with fake names, to impersonate any person or entity, or to falsely state or otherwise misrepresent themselves or their affiliations.

Facebook is built around real world interactions. Operating under an alias detracts from the value of the system as a whole. We take this standard very seriously and take down fake accounts as we become aware of them.

At what point have we declared Facebook, or any other social networking site, to be "built around real world interactions"? Never in my daily life am I notified by a friend that I was "bitten by a Vampire". If someone walking down the street were to randomly "poke" me as they passed I promise you that I would not respond as well as I do when I get "poked" on Facebook. Furthermore, if I were to show up and write on your real life "walls" I think I would actually lose friends, not to mention be arrested for vandalism.

Dear Facebook, Myspace, Blogger, Hi5, etc. etc. etc.: Please remember that you are not reality, you are just replacing reality. Thanks, -- Mrs. Joe the Plumber


** After I posted this blog my good buddy Barbados posted something on her page that just fits perfectly with this post... visit her page to continue the Facebook (mis)reality guided tour... thanks Bob!

Snippet...

Mom: I'm really glad that you took a break from studying to come to dinner

Me: Me too, I really needed to get away from the library. This whole GRE thing is really stressing me out.

Mom: Don't worry, this too shall pass.

Me: Yeah, that's exactly what I'm worried about. This shall pass and kick my ass on it's way by

Mom: Not if you take it out first!

As usual, great advice from the madre.

Now that you're registered to vote...

Confession: I must admit that I have been so caught up in trying to follow the volatile presidential race that I have completely forgotten about all of the other issues facing my own state of Zion. I looked at a sample ballot today and was astounded at all of the issues and races that I don't know about! I didn't even know that Guv Huntsman, Jr. was up for re-election. So, if you're like me, you've probably decided on which ticket you're choosing- McCain/Maverick or Obama/Biden. Now it's time to turn our attention to our local governments.

For the state of Utah there are some important issues and propositions going down, so check it out. THIS WEBSITE helped me to find my new voting location as well as look at a sample ballot. Just enter your info and you're set. The sample ballot has links that tell you about the different propositions as well as the different candidates for Salt Lake County mayor, judges up for re-election, and people running for the board of education.

Also, check out your voting precinct to see if they have the option of early voting... beat the rush!

Hope it helps... let my mess be my message, right?

Sunday Ritual

On my mission we had a code of ethics, or values that we were to live by. One of those values reminded us that preparation is the advantage. I rattled off this value every morning during companionship study, a ritual where two missionaries that form a partnership practice for the days events. Although I rattled it off, I'm not sure I really implemented it. "Preparation is the advantage", blah blah blah.

Last Tuesday I was watching my new favorite time waster, a TV show entitled The Biggest Loser. All political correctness aside, it is my absolute favorite show. The contestants, pairs of families, are busting their butts to get in shape, be healthier, and earn a little cash. I have formed unhealthy TV friendships with these people and faithfully tune in every Tuesday evening to see their personal gains and physical losses. An added bonus of my TV love affair is the weekly advice given by the contestants' trainers. Last week the advice was familiar. Apparently in weight loss, preparation is the advantage.

Call it what you will, but this time I listened. Sib and I spent the evening preparing healthy foods that will be used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the coming week. The goal is to avoid the unhealthy landmines that hunger brings to those who aren't prepared. My past life labeled this as "if ye are prepared ye shall not fear." My new life tells me "if ye are prepared ye shall not eat McDonald's".

We exhausted ourselves preparing the chicken, veggies, brown rice, wheat pasta and fruits. We were so busy preparing ourselves for the week we'd forgotten to eat dinner. We had no choice but to end the healthy food prep session with chocolate donuts.

Nate and Hollie- Newlywed Style

It's been a long, long time coming. Nate and Hollie tied the knot. I don't really know what that expression is supposed to mean, but you get the drift. Sunday's wedding ceremony and celebration were both beautiful and extremely fun. Kudos to the happy couple for throwing such a great party.

I admit I got teary eyed in the ceremony- something about seeing my little brother in his tux waiting for his bride seriously threw me off. If I'm going to own up to the crying I must confess there was swearing also. I wasn't prepared to hear the presentation of "Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Leslie". Swore right out loud after that announcement due to shock. Much to my sisters' enjoyment. (Sorry Grandma...) As Bob Dylan said, "the times they are a' changing."

However, much to my surprise actually, the entire day felt joyous, lighthearted, and just downright fun. I say anytime you can toast to the future, remember the past, avoid catching the boquet, mingle with loved ones and rock out on the dance floor all in one night... well that's a good day indeed.

I'm proud of my brother and excited for him to start this new journey.

As for the next wedding? Well, Austin DID catch the garter... Krys? :)

For those who are interested, here are some pictures from the days events... there are a lot. Enjoy!

Register to Vote

"The tongue hath the power of life and death" -Proverbs

At this point we all know the election is coming. It's on every newspaper front page, every news channel, every SNL skit, and all over YouTube. It's safe to say that we all have an opinion at this point- one way or the other- for who we feel should take the reigns at the end of this term. We have power to express that opinion on Nov 4th by casting a vote. But are you registered? The deadline is THIS WEEKEND!!! If you don't register to vote THIS WEEKEND your voice is taken away; you can't vote in November.

Hit up the post office, the courthouse, the student government offices at your local university, or visit this website to find voter information in your city and state. All you need is your driver's license number, your full name, and your home address.

DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER!!