I'M HERE!!! But not HERE.

I don't write here anymore! Well, I only write here to tell you that I don't write here, I write my thoughts and feelings and activities and post pictures somewhere else.

HERE I AM!!!!!!!!!!

Where Am I? New Blog Address:

snowders.blogspot.com. Go there NOW.HERE IT IS!!

I Love My Life

!!!!I CAN'T WAIT!!!!



1. My internship ends next week and I'm going to California!


2. I get married in 17.5 days!


3. I'm going to Cancun for my honeymoon!


4. I'm marrying the most awesome guy ever!


5. We found a really nice place to live WITH washer and dryer hook ups!


6. I get to see my puppy in 14 days!


7. I have all my wedding announcements done and sent out!


8. I'm having Dewar's Chews as my wedding favor!


9. The Lakers will win another championship next year!


10. I HAVE A PASSPORT!!! (Take THAT, Passport Stealer!)

There's Only 1 Singer Allowed to Chant about the Battlefield of Love

And that is Pat Benatar.

I don't like this new song by Jordin Sparks.

It's Jordin vs. Pat, and Benatar won a long time ago.

CRAP:

Both hands tied behind my back with nothing

Oh no, these times when we climb so fast to fall again

Why we gotta fall for it now

I never meant to start a war

You know I never wanna hurt you

Don't even know what we're fighting for

Why does love always feel like a battlefield, a battlefield, a battlefield?

Kosher:

We are young,

Heartache to heartache we stand.

No promises, no demands

Love is a battlefield.

This Article Makes me REALLY Mad: The Myth About Exercise May be That it Doesn't Work

"The Myth About Exercise May be That it Doesn't Work".. seriously Yahoo! Shine? You're going to promote not exercising to a country that is 2/3rds obese? It's really about healthy eating? I think NOT.

I have gotten to my ideal size two ways in my life: one was through stress (bad) and the other was through exercise and eating mostly healthy (good). But I have always been healthier when I exercise and keep my body in shape. There are so many benefits to exercise besides shaping up and losing weight:

- Reduce the risk of premature death
- Reduce the risk of developing and/or dying from heart disease
- Reduce high blood pressure or the risk of developing high blood pressure
- Reduce high cholesterol or the risk of developing high cholesterol
- Reduce the risk of developing colon cancer and breast cancer
- Reduce the risk of developing diabetes
- Reduce or maintain body weight or body fat
- Build and maintain healthy muscles, bones, and joints
- Reduce depression and anxiety
- Improve psychological well-being
- Enhanced work, recreation, and sport performance (http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwfit/benefits.html)

I am an advocate of exercise and (mostly) healthy eating. Don't listen to these weird studies that don't survey their overall health! They just surveyed the overall weight loss, and found there wasn't a huge difference between those that ate well and those that ate well and worked out with a personal trainer. I guess they forgot that muscle weighs more than fat.

EXERCISE! RUN! SWIM! GET OUT THERE and DO something with your life! You have at least 30 minutes every day to do SOMETHING. Instead of watching TV, go outside for a walk. Don't carry cash or your debit or credit card with you if you know you will be tempted to go eat fast food (if it's a daily habit). Spend your money from fast food on a $30 a month gym pass. I PROMISE you have the money. Go, go, go! You don't have an excuse.

"Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness." ~Edward Stanley

"Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it." ~Plato

No Make up = Happy Face, Happy Bank Account, Happy Fiance

I'm trying this new thing out. Well, it's not really new. I was a lifeguard for 4 years, so I had an excuse during the summers not to wear make up. My face was super tan and healthy looking and make up would have been wasted in the chlorine-infested water of the Provo, UT and Bakersfield, CA public swimming pools. (Which I shouldn't complain about too much because the chemicals in those pools did wonders to clear up my face)

But now, I just don't want to wear make up because I don't want to keep buying new stuff every month. If I only wear it on Sundays for church, it lasts a lot longer. Now, mascara, as a general rule, should be replaced every month. That is okay, since I use the green/pink Maybelline one in Blackest Black and it's only 4 bucks. But I don't want to spend $50-100 every month on face make up.

I think my face is starting to forgive me already from years of MAC make up abuse.

Maybe this will also help me have a healthy wedding-day glow.

P.S. Everyone should put on SPF 45 sunscreen EVERYDAY even if you are outside for just a total of 5 minutes. I got the continuous-spray sunscreen because I like it best. Go spend $7 at Target and save your life. And the lives of your unborn children.

Pre-Wedding Day Meltdown-- In T-Minus 5 seconds...

Weddings are STRESSFUL. S-T-R-E-S-S-F-U-L. Sometimes I wish I could just go to the courthouse. No flowers, no food, no cake, no stress. I guess I shouldn't really be complaining since my aunt and my favorite Diane are planning the reception for me. I got my dress, I got my hair appt, and my trial hair appt, I got my fiance... now I need shoes, a veil, an awesome bakery that isn't too expensive, and who knows what else.

All I think about is that I get to spend a week in paradise following this major stress enhancer. I've never been to Mexico, and Cancun is GORGEOUS. I can't wait!!! Plus, by the time the next 53 days are over, I will be GRADUATED!!! G-R-A-D-U-A-T-E-D!! From COLLEGE.

But then I have to find a grown-up job.

Yuck.

Or do I got back to school for web design? So many choices, so, so many choices...

11 Reasons Why My Summer is Stressful:

11 Reasons Why my Summer is Stressful, or,

11 Reasons Why I can't wait 'til September 5th!

1. I work 10-14 hour days.

2. I have one job to pay the bills.

3. I have my internship go to after the paying-job.

4. I have to work out 5 times a week.

5. My church calling keeps me super busy.

6. I have to plan a wedding.

7. I am making my own invitations.

8. Wedding dresses are ridiculous.

9. Engagement photos are ridiculous.

10. I have to complete one online religion class by the end of August.

11. I don't have time to watch The Bachelorette or So, You Think You Can Dance?

Genetically Engineered Foods and Stuff

I've become somewhat of pescatarian in the past year--- I really only like to eat fish. And fish that is uncooked, as well (Sushi, anyone?). I have major issues with the United States Department of Agriculture and the food company conglomerates that are controlling the marketplace (Sources: Fast Food Nation, The Way We Eat, Documentary: Super Size Me, Documentary: The Future of Food, The Fatland of America)

I have the information available to make a smart decision when it comes to what I eat, yet I still buy my groceries at Albertson's or Smith's, and I still eat out at *gasp* fast food restaurants. And all these stores and restaurants are full of foods that have been genetically modified. U.S. food regulation agencies turn their head the other way for the right price, and so far, there has only been ONE human study of G.E. food effects. These scientists and laboratories are creating seeds that can only grow when certain pesticides are sprayed on them. Ironically, the pesticide industry has bought out the seed industry. So farmers who grow G.E. corn MUST also use the company's pesticide.

I am taking a stand against this evil and corrupt industry. I hereby promise to only eat Organic Consumers Association Organic-Certified products. I will not eat out unless I know the food is organic. I will not eat meat unless I know the farms have grass-fed their animals and let them roam free in a pasture instead of piled on top of each other on a stock farm. Seriously you guys... this is for real! I already know which grocery stores I can shop at. Take a stand with me and vote with your dollar! Don't buy fast food or non-organic products! Your health (and your future/current children's health) is at risk.

P.S. I really don't care if YOU buy organic. So we can still be friends.

P.P.S. I'm not trying to attack any of my friend-moms.

I think eating breakfast makes me hungrier during the day.

I think I'm stuck in a food rut. I have this mental block that prevents me from preparing and eating healthy foods because I think it's too difficult/long/hard/ toilsome/irritating/painful. And I'm too hungry at the time to wait longer than 1 minute to satisfy my famishment. So here comes the fast food, which provides a fleeting moment of tangible ecstasy, only to be followed by hours of internal distress as my organs try to digest the many-times processed "food". And fast food also goes against EVERY moral I hold dear in regards to eating unprocessed foods. So now I'm a hypocrite. That has also gained 8 pounds since January. Gross, gross, gross.

Oh, The Eternal Ravenousness Desires of My Abominable Abdomen. Which is aided by my big breakfast habits, which is SUPPOSED to be healthy! Yes, I know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But it leaves me starving at 10 a.m., starving at 12 p.m.,. starving at 2 p.m., starving at 4 p.m., starving at 6 p.m., and so on. And when I DON'T eat breakfast, I only get hungry at about 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. at night. Which is the lesser of the two evils?

So I'm finally breaking this late night Papa Johns-ish habit by finding easy-to-make healthy recipes that don't take longer than 30 minutes to make (Thank you, Yahoo! Foods). There are bounteous amounts of recipes out there that fit my particular demands. BOTTOM LINE: my (future) kids are NOT going eat Happy Meals three times a week. I refuse. It's fresh chicken or die (... of processed foods and chemicals and toxins)!! (Organic and non-caged chicken ONLY. After all, I'm a member of Omnivores for the Ethical Treatment and Humane Slaughter of Animals, better known as OETHSA).

[organic] Chicken or die!!

[organic] CHICKEN OR DIE!!!!

2 Word/ Phrases that Irk Me

1. "lol". I cannot STAND this. Can't you just say, "That makes me laugh?". Or, "Haha". Or, "Funny!". Or "Hmmm". Or something other than "lol" which reminds me of a lollipop which reminds me not to take you more seriously than a 13 year old on AOL Instant Messenger circa 2000 A.D.

2. Saying or typing "Your" when you mean "You're". This is probably the most used grammatic error in the entire world. I see it all the time on facebook and twitter. Just today, Miley Cyrus tweeted "If your not already my friend then add me!". I was not amused. Get it in your head: YOUR does not = YOU'RE. Use the freaking apostrophe!

Anything I missed?

GLEE: Don't Stop Believin'

I think I just found !!My new favorite show!!, most favorite out of anything I have ever watched in my entire life, inlcuding seasons 1 and 2 of The O.C., seasons 1, 2, and 5 of Desperate Housewives, season 4 of 24, and ANY of my reality TV or crime TV shows.

Its called "Glee". Don't prejudge this based on YOUR prejudices of Glee Club Geeks. Please watch this show. It will leave you feeling happy, ecstatic, elated, on cloud nine, sparkling, sunny, and jubilant. Excellent cast, excellent music, excellent writing... can you really ask for more?



Or, if the video doesn't work, go here.

Day 1 of Life Without Preservatives

Dear World/Blog/Journal/Followers:

It's been less than 24 hours since I have let a trans fat pass through my lips. Wait... I take that back. I went 14 hours without eating anything containing preservatives. However, after a minor mouth incident involving grapefruit and water, I had to eat something that would get the gross grapefruit aftertaste out of my mouth. And what is available at my workplace? Chex Mix Bars. I partook of the forbidden fruit at approximately 4:23 p.m. MST. And now I have a rumbly in my tumbly as my body tries to process the artificially made chemicals found in partially hydrogenated soybean oil.

In conclusion, I will stick to my fruit and veggie and homemade bread and sushi way of life from this hour forward.

xoxo - tracie girl

Am I Doomed to Endless Misery and Woe? (At least for 4 months)

It's only been a week since E left. And already I am BORED out of my FREAKING MIND.

I work from 10-1 and 2-8 every day except Wednesdays when I have the afternoon off. I come home exhausted at night. One job I enjoy-- the other is mindless work I do to pay the bills. My 2 p.m. resolve to hit the gym after work dramatically dwindles to little more than a fleeting thought by 8:00 p.m that sounds hilarious to my now crazed mind. Answering phone calls for 6 hours can do that do a person.

Even the thought of dragging myself to the grocery store sounds worse than the eternal doom of Sisyphus.

Where did all my energy go? Why can't I get up at 6 every morning and go for a 3 mile run? Why can't I cook dinner every night without tiring myself out at merely the thought?

All I want to do when I come home is sit on my bed, have the Lakers/ESPN/House on in the background, and Skype with E, which is slightly better than just a phone call.

Ugh. Any suggestions for getting some semblance of an invidious life?? Can I just move to Texas now??

Swine Flu, Lakers, and Top 3 Un-alive U.S. President's I'd Like to Meet

What is this swine flu? I'm scared! Sort of. I mean, It's just the flu, right? What's the big deal? I haven't read too much about it, 'cuz it's never gonna happen to me. Except E is going to Houston and I am moving to Houston at the end of the summer, and that is where the first person died in the US from Swine Flu!! Maybe we should rethink our location....

I LOVE THE LAKERS! THE LAKERS ARE GOING TO WIN IT ALL!! I HEART KOBE ('s basketball playing skills)!!! (But not like I love you, E). I want a Lakers hat to go with my Kobe jersey and Lakers Reusable Bag.

TOP 3 Un-alive PRESIDENTS I'D LIKE TO MEET:

1. James K. Polk
2. Franklin D. Roosevelt
3. Dwight D. Eisenhower

Reasons why to come later...

The Other Guy in My Life...

This is Eric. He is my fiance who is leaving me in less than 2 weeks to move to Houston to get a job (He graduates Thursday, yay!!!).
What does this mean? Tracie is dateless for the summer... OR IS SHE????

This is William Brian Nolte. The one single guy Eric says I am allowed to be alone with this summer. Eric says he won't even mind if I take his pants off-- (OKAY, people, we're talking poopy diapers here!) Woot Woot. I hope he pays when we go to the movies... or at least refrains from spitting up on me...

Which one is cuter? Which one is cuter? I don't know, I don't know, but I have 4 months to make up my mind!

The Susan Boyle-Wonder

When I first saw the video clip of Susan Boyle, my heart went out to her-- she's 47, unemployed, and has never been kissed. She lives in a small village in Scotland, in the same house she grew up in. And since the death of both her parents, her only house companion is her cat, Pebbles.

Before she started singing, there was an air of superiority from the judges and audience--there was no way this woman had any talent at all--it appeared to be another William Hung media set-up.

She started singing on Britain's Got Talent (my most favorite song from my most favorite musical), I could not believe the voice I was hearing. I watched a modern day fairytale unfold in front of my eyes. I wasn't the only one who was floored---Simon Cowell was too. (See the video here and take a peek at the look on Simon's face and laugh, cry, be amazed, wowed, at her performance.) All 3 judges gave her an enthusiastic "Yes" to go to the next round.

What makes Susan an internet and media phenomenon? There are many people out there who can sing and who can sing well-- thus, Susan Boyle must contain something extra that speaks to the hearts of millions around the world. Susan is special because she's the commoner's heroine. The middle class of Britain cheer for the woman who is one of them-- and finally finding the spotlight at age 47.

Hear her sing on a charity CD released over 10 years ago:



It just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.


And don't worry--she's already gotten plenty of offers for her first kiss--most notably from Talent judge Piers Morgan.

Susan- I'm cheering for you in Utah, and I hope you achieve everything you more than deserve!!

F.I.N.A.L.S.

I don't have a clean, Mormonified acronym for "Finals", and I'm not gonna use the one I know. Needless to say, finals are finally upon us here at BYU and we get to laugh in the faces of our out-of-state peers who still have two months-ish left of school, who were laughing at us just last week during their Spring Break vacays.

This is my LAST full semester (FINALLY!!!) and I cannot be happier. I can't WAIT to get out of Provo. It has brought me the best times and the worst times in my life.

I will not write another Ode to Finals Week. I don't think these lasts tests I take warrant such a loving and thoughtful and time-consuming action from myself.

Yay for me! I graduate as soon as I finish my internship! With the Orem Owlz!

But I just keep thinking...

What will I do without my security blanket of school and PELL grants... how am I going to SURVIVE?? Eeekk!!!!

I think I'm just gonna go hide in my bedroom and watch reruns of Desperate Housewives while eating my Banana Cake with cream cheese frosting...

Don't Worry 'Bout Me, I Got It Covered...

Let's face it, ladies, there are just certain times of the month when one would kill for a brownie (Skinny Brittany) or one might have a hankering for any kind of cake that includes cream cheese frosting (who, me???)...

Yes, guilty as charged. I guess I shouldn't make it quite so obvious by hugging the Booty Filler/Fat Lump Creator.

I shouldn't love it so much, but there's really nothing I can do, and when the hormones are a'raging, I must be a'eatin', or all H-E Double Hockey Sticks breaks loose.

But really, after a grapes and banana Saturday night, I was ready. And thank-you, Easter, and really, any holiday, that allows for the extra sumptousness and trans fatty-ness in my increasingly bland and organic only life.

And I believe tomorrow is Easter Monday (there IS such a holiday!), so I, of course, must celebrate the holiday by eating my homemade banana cake with cream cheese frosting.

Oh crap... what am I going to be like when I'm PREGNANT?? Poor Eric... poor, poor Eric. Start praying for his sanity and safety now.

I'm Dreaming of...

Homemade carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, homemade brownies with homemade frosting, Texas sheet cake, Kentucky Butter Pound Cake, banana cake with cream cheese frosting, heck, even a DING-DONG.

Such are the dreams of those who can no longer keep a size 2 while eating whatever they want (my glory years of high school). Trust me on this one... my booty can balloon an inch with each bite of homemade brownies. Stop growing. Stop it.

And now, I'm off to the gym after a snack of grapes and a banana. *Sigh*

Mascara Ads: This is something I've been thinking about for a while...

I enjoy make up. Really, I do. I have been an avid MAC user since I was twelve, and recently converted over to BareMinerals as well.

But now I must expose them for their LIES:

THESE EYELASHES ARE FAKE.

I am utterly annoyed by every and all mascara ads. Not ONE of these models are wearing their own lashes--- ALL. FAKE. Every time a mascara ad comes on (especially the CoverGirl one with Drew Barrymore) I must change the channel to avoid throwing my TV out my window screaming "LIARS!!!!!" I get so peeved that these advertisers think we will actually believe their client's product has magically transformed the beautiful model's eyelashes into lush, gorgeous works of art.

Just give me an oldie but goodie and I'll be happy:

And, in the end, would we really buy their product if the eyelashes were short and clumpy? No. But let's be honest in our advertising...

Let's Discuss How I Waste My Spare Time: DWTS, American Idol, etc.

DWTS: Holly and Steve gone? !!!STEVE IS GONE!!! I'm not mad at America anymore. Kinda sad Holly is gone, I got somewhat attached to her because I used to watch The Girls Next Door when I lived at Belmont and I liked her on that show. Stereotypical that I watched trashy TV while living at Belmont?? Yes.

American Idol: Megan gone? Ok. She had a unique voice, but that girl could not hold a note on key if it killed her. Whiny voice too. But normal speaking voice...?? I don't get it. Weird. And, I like Anoop, but that could just be because he reminds me of the guy that stars in Slumdog Millionaire, plus I like anything Bollywood: SYTYCD? Bollywood night, Belly Dancing, Yoga, etc.


It's no secret:I fancy crime shows. I savor Law and Order, any one, but SVU is my favorite, followed closely by Criminal Intent. And I relish Criminal Minds and Monk and Psych and now: Castle, which has an interesting twist on the usual crime show mold (Detective works with best-selling crime fiction author with sexual tension between the two while they work on cases together). I know that really, they are all the same, but let me indulge in some good, profligate television in peace! (And really, I'll watch anything on USA: reruns of House, Law and Order, Monk, Psych, Burn Notice...)


And last, but not least, I would like to comment on the fact that I did nothing last Friday except watch the entire first season of Samantha Who? online, and I. LOVE. IT. Christina Applegate has been a fav. of mine since Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead.


Sheesh...and I wonder why I have !!9!! papers to write this weekend...

Cheers and Jeers: Week in Review (New Feature!!... I'm so creative)

Okay people, here is my list of top ten things you should CHEER/JEER about last week (Yes, I semi-stole this from TV Guide.)

1. Jeers to Jon and Kate + 8. IT WAS A TOTAL SCAM. They aren't having marriage troubles... Jon is having identity issues. Get over it, Jon... you just bought a 1.4 million dollar house. I DON'T feel sorry for you.

2. Jeers to President Obama for scheduling a news conference during American Idol. I didn't learn anything new from the O, and I missed out on my Reality-TV Fix (see #7).

3. Cheers to facebook for starting a new "Pick your 5" application. The movies section includes ALL the old Disney Channel Original Movies. Love it.

4. Cheers to me and Brittany for eating (almost) an entire pan of homemade chocolate brownies. YUM YUM YUM.

5. Cheers to LILY ALLEN who is coming to Salt Lake City next month! AND I'M GOING TO THE CONCERT!! You don't understand, you guys... Alright, Still was the album that got me through my "tough times" last year. It's BRILLIANT. She's BRILLIANT. AND she coined my theme for the year: "I'm not a saint, and I'm not a sinner, and everything's cool as long as I'm getting thinner." AND I get to hear her in person. Double Cheers for me.

6. JEERS to America for voting off Denise Richards from DWTS. It HURTS MY EYES to watch Steve Woz dance. HURTS my eyes. I don't think he deserved a 10 or to stay on the show. I have a theory he has some sort of advanced phone-calling system set up so he can win based off of votes alone...

7. CHEERS TO ME, who finally admitted that I am a (classy) Reality TV Junkie. I have to get my fix every week. But only with classy shows like American Idol and Dancing with the Stars and American's Next Top Model. NOT TRASHY SHOWS like Rock of Love, The Hills, The City, The Real World, Celebrity Rehab, etc.

8. CHEERS TO ME... my room has been completely clean this ENTIRE week. First time in my life! (I had to show E that I can be domestic... not to be confused with animal domestication)

9. JEERS to UCLA who lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament... they TOTALLY screwed up my bracket.

10. JEERS to Utah for NOT having spring like weather during the week we officially made it into spring. IT SNOWED last night. Yucky.

Stay tuned for next week's edition of CHEERS & JEERS... (now a Thursday feature, since I get out of school EARLY, and thus start my weekend EARLY)

What the Jon and Kate + 8?????

YOU GUYS. I am SO MAD. CAN YOU TELL? WHEN I AM ANGRY I WRITE IN ALL CAPS.

So one of my fav shows is Jon and Kate + 8. I feel like a member of the family because I get to experience everything with them. And I can't even stand to watch it anymore.

Apparently, they are having marital troubles (I, of course, understand that and my heart goes out to them!!!!!!). But DIVORCE RUMORS?? THEY HAVE EIGHT KIDS!! They need to cancel the show and cancel their speaking assignments and whatever else (Kate is ALWAYS gone these days) and move out of their 1.3 million dollar mansion and move into a modest but nice house and go to therapy and try and work it out for the sake of their kids. At least TRY. And Jon, you can stop going to the bars with the college girls. Grow up. You have eight kids. STOP GOING TO BARS!!

I mean, seriously, what are they going to do? Split the kids 50-50? I feel bad for the KIDS.

SO MAD. STILL MAD. But def. going to watch the season finale Monday night. Can't help it. (And if I change the channel during commercials, then I can say that I don't support the show financially, and screw the advertisers, right?? Right.)

Oh, THAT's how you do it.

Instruction manuals are for wussies.

According to the Book of Tracie on Life, anyway. I don't have time to sit around and actually READ how to do something. I'm pretty sure I'm smart enough to figure it out for myself. (But you should, *DUH*, read the Book of Tracie on Life).

Example A: Brita Pitcher:

Sooooo there's this thing called a filter that goes inside the Brita pitcher. I TRIED and I TRIED and I TRIED and I couldn't get the darn thing to fit inside. I guess I just wasn't strong enough (this WAS before my new found gym addiction where I am now lifting... 12 lbs!!!! On each arm!!!!).
I was SO MAD. I didn't WANT to drink Provo Water anymore... I wanted it filtered! *Starts the "I'm a 3 year old" temper-tantrum and stomps around kitchen*
Well, Fiance E came over and saw the predicament I was in.... took the filter and pitcher from my hand... turned the filter clock-wise so the right grooves in the filter lined up with the right grooves in the pictcher (WHAT?? Are you SERIOUS??), and there I stood, World's Biggest Idiot. Who could now, of course, drink filtered water. (YUM!)

That said, sometimes my own "smarts" take me months to figure something out on a gadget as opposed to reading it in 5 minutes when I first buy the product to save myself years of frustration and gray hairs.

My Camera: Fuji s800:

It's pretty, right?? Well imagine my frustration when I try to use my AWESOME camera for close up shots of my new bling bling on my left hand... and it turns. out. blurry. SO MAD. >:( *frowny face*

I mean, the ring LOOKS pretty and big, but why doesn't it can't one see the fine detail of this gorgeous ring?

Well, leave it to me to NOT open the instruction manual for my camera to see how I can make my picture better. Yes, I am proud to admit, after owning this camera for seven months, I, Tracie L. K*****, figured out ALL BY MYSELF, how to take a nice close up picture with my Fuji s800.

SUCH a difference, right? See the fine detail? Yes, yes, I'm just so smart, I know.

And also, I have an awesome food blender/processor and I've never read the instruction manual for that, and I can (mostly) work it, too.

Some Things I Think About on a Friday Night When my Fiance is Snowboarding and I'm Watching Camp Rock on the Disney Channel

1. Saying "BTW" is longer than actually saying "By The Way". Don't do it.



2. Me and my best friend Brittany are both engaged and so we're slightly wedding obsessed and I love it.



3. My little cousin Nora to the lady at church who commented on her pretty dress: "Yeah, my cousin Tracie has a lot of weddings so I get lots of pretty dresses". (Thanks, Nora. And she's only seven! Where does she come up with this stuff??? Out of the Mouths of Babes, I guess.)



4. I'm not hating "Camp Rock" as much as I thought I would; it actually reminds me of Friday nights in elementary school and junior high when I would watch the Disney Channel Orignal Movies with Sarah, like "Wish Upon a Star" (MY FAV) and "Not Quite Human" (oldie but goodie) and "Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century". I KNOW you watched them too.

5. I'm eagerly awaiting homemade brownies with homemade frosting that Brittany and Fiance Dave are making in the kitchen. My aunt's recipe... and Brittany's making me proud. She used to be incompetent enough to screw up box brownies. She's come so far.

Speaking of the most awesome brownies ever, here's the recipe:

MOST AWESOME BROWNIES EVER:
1 c. butter
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2/3 cocoa powder
1 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder

Melt butter, add sugar, eggs, vanilla. Add cocoa, flour, salt, baking powder. MIX. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Must go to gym after consuming.

FROSTING:
6 tbsp. butter
6 tbsp. cocoa powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbsp. honey
2 cups powdered sugar

Mix together. Wait until brownies have completely cooled before you spread on top. YOU BETTER MAKE THE FROSTING TOO!! Otherwise the brownies just won't be the same.

Now eat, enjoy, then do 2 hours of cardio, 1 hour of weights!! Go, Go!

Buy Some Happiness

Whoever said money can't buy happiness

isn't spending it right.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, may I present Exhibit A:

Here I can find HAPPINESS:

the perfect jacket/shoe/shirt/pair of jeans/makeup item/dress.

No longer will Wish Lists calm my troubled mind and put to sleep the urge I fight every day to find more happiness.

It's that feeling of elation, pure ecstasy when you glance down at your shopping bags, knowing each purchase has added an extra piece of happiness into your life. There is a solid conviction that this is the "IT" item that will complete your wardrobe, never again having to fight the crowds, the young moms with seemingly limitless credit cards... (and limitless children... University Mall, anyone??)

Unfortunately, the moment of bliss is fleeting, fleeing away after the "IT" item has been worn only once.

And so, on to the mall, I must go back, and brave the crowds, searching high and low, to complete my destiny (AKA wardrobe), and to ne'er let down Stacy or Clinton, who I hold in the highest esteem in regards of what to wear... or What Not to Wear. (Laugh now, please).

So, next time they say, "Money can't buy you happiness"...

DON'T LISTEN TO THEM.

Because they obviously have never heard of Nordstrom. Or the Internet, because Nordstrom is online.

Some May Say, Only Fools Rush In.

Soooooooo...

I had the BEST Valentine's Day Ever.

I mean, it really, really, really beat out every other V-Day (especially last year).

Annnnnnnddddddd... something pretty special happened that night with my special someone.

Without further ado...

Yes, that is the World's Prettiest Diamond Ring, and yes, that is my LEFT HAND.

AHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

I'm engaged (!)

(Warning: further reading could cause your head to spin and stomach to hurt with amount of chessiness/mushiness/loveiness.)

I'm engaged, I'm engaged, to the most wonderful guy I have EVER EVER EVER met! I mean, come on, even my 16 year old brother Brad likes him. And that's saying something.

"Why, Tracie, why, are you engaged so soon?" you may ask.

Some reasons are too personal to throw around on a blog like croutons in a salad (That's for you James).

Some reasons I can shout out right here:

He's nice, generous, loving, caring, compassionate, HONEST, hard-working, ambitious, friendly, respectful, awesome, amazing, wonderful... and my best friend.

(Awww... I know).

AND I've known him for three years.

Unless you've lived my life, DON'T JUDGE ME. Because you never have, and never will, know every single detail about me.

So, world, judge me if you want, but I. DON'T. CARE.

I'm the happiest I've ever been in my ENTIRE LIFE.

So be happy for me :)

The End.


I can't help falling in love...

CONTEST: Gold's Gym vs 24 Hour Fitness

Gold's Gym: Waived everything except $2o processing fee.
24 Hour: Wouldn't waive any fee, cost over $150 to sign up.
Gold's Gym: Bigger with more cardio equipment.
24 Hour: 2 stories, everything not crowded into one room.
Gold's Gym: Separate room for women to work out in.
24 Hour: Costs more per month.
Gold's Gym: Costs less per month.
24 Hour: Many places across US to transfer to.
Gold's Gym: Not as many places to transfer to.
24 Hour: See old flames there.
Gold's Gym (on 9th): See WAYYY too many old flames there.
Gold's Gym (Orem): See family members of EX there.
24 Hour: Only ONE place in Utah Valley.
Gold's Gym: 8 places in Utah Valley (off memory)
Gold's Gym: Allowed me and the BF to get on the same contract.
24 Hour: Allowed Britt and her fiance to get on the same contract.
Gold's Gym: Nicer people (totally not objective and has no real basis for evidential support)
Gold's Gym: HD TVs on almost all equipment, and shows LA Lakers games.
24 Hour: I guess they show Lakers games.

WINNER: GOLD'S GYM IN OREM.

See me there nightly at 7 PM. (ish). I'm addicted. I can't stop. I love it. I LOVE IT. I. LOVE. IT.

Top 11 Favorite Saturday-Morning Cartoons (Early 90s)

1. Animaniacs
2. Pinky and the Brain
3. The Angry Beavers
4. Tiny Toons (We're tiny, we're toony, we're all a little looney)
5. Doug
6. Muppet Babies
7. Tailspin
8. Rescue Rangers
9. Duck Tales (Ooo-ooo!)
10. Gummi Bears (Bouncing here and there and everywhere)
11. Superman (The one on the WB 12 years ago)

Am I forgetting anything? (I did NOT like Transformers or He-Man and the Masters of the Universe or GI Joe or Thundercats... those were boy-ish cartoons that my brother James watched and I HATED.)

Let Him Sleep Before He Makes Important Decisions About Our Country!!

He had to attend over 9 balls last night, and by 12 AM Eastern time, they still had 8 left to go.

Do you REALLY think that Pres. O got any sleep last night?

And first on his agenda today is to meet with top military officials, call Israeli, Palestinian, Egyptian, and Jordanian leaders, make decisions about the future of our country.

Sleep-depravity is proven to be worse than being drunk.

So we have a sleep-deprived president, on his first day of the job, calling the leaders across the world, making decisions on how to run this country.

You gotta feel bad for the guy!! He must be ready to drop. I bet he's a little bit grouchy. (I would be if I didn't get any sleep, too!)

Dear Mr President,

Please get a little shut-eye before you talk to the leaders of the most war-torn countries on the planet and make important decisions affecting the future of our country.

Thank you,

Tracie

List-Making Lover-Baby

I get no greater pleasure than to cross off an item (or check off, whichever you prefer) on a list I have made. Lists, lists, lists.... I LOVE making lists! I make "To-Do" lists most every day, and it feels AMAZING.

1. Get up at 7 AM (check)
2. Go to work (check)
3. Go to class (check)
4. Go to the gym (check)
5. Tell mom and dad I'm getting married...again. (KIDDING)

This is just an example of a typical Tracie Day.

I have a Master-List of Thing To Do In My Lifetime, including:

1. Go back to the Lourve in Paris and spend more than 3 hours there because after taking Hum 201 and 202, now I can REALLY appreciate it. (Plus last time, I was wearing really bad shoes and I had been walking all day and my feet were numb and all I wanted to do was sit)
2. Never go blonde again.
3. Own a pair of Jimmy Choos (or 2 or 3 or 4).
4. Do volunteer/charity work in South America.
5. Go cliff-diving in Hawaii.
6. Become a yoga instructor.
7. Go to Italy (or Fiji or Spain or Egypt or Jerusalem or India or Japan or Germany or Antartica or New Zealand or Nassau or Los Cabos)
8. See the Pyramids in Egypt (and find an un-discovered tomb and make millions)
9. Get married to the most amazing man I have ever met and have kids (no more than 4, please, and I'll take 3 girls and 1 boy. I happen to have way more girl names than boy names picked out.)
10. Work for NBA.com (my dream job--- interviewing Phil and the boys after practice to share with the world how the Lakers will conquer their next game).

Alas, I cannot cross off/uncheck any of these items yet... but, I suppose I should stop writing this post and go clean my apartment so I CAN cross off "Clean apartment for Sarah Anderson-Nolte's Baby Shower today".

1. Write new post for blog (check)

(And there's that sweet, sweet feeling of check-it-off satisfaction).

I need a new title? And 10 Things I Hate About SNOW and 2 Things I Love

Bored with "Un-Wedded Bliss". And I'm 99.999999999% sure I'll be needing a new one.

Sooooooooo-----------------------------------

I need to come up with something else.

Any ideas? Let me know!!


10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT THE SNOW:
1. It's white.
2. It's wet.
3. It stays on the ground for a long time.
4. It's slippery.
5. It gets dirty and then it's REALLY ugly.
6. It doesn't stop falling from the sky.
7. It slows down traffic.
8. It forces me to wear the same (but extremely CUTE) black, leather, knee-high boots every day.
9. It forces me to wear big coats to cover up my cute, new winter clothes.
10. It hurts when you fall in/on it.

2 Things I LOVE About the Snow:
1. It looks pretty on the mountains.
2. It gives me a good excuse to cuddle close with someone special.