2010 Wrap-up

My New Years Resolution of 2010 was to think more before I spoke. Verdict: mediocre progress.

My New Years Resolution of 2011: No fast food. Just finished my fries from IN-N-OUT! See you in a year.

Highlights of 2010:

January: Living in Claremont aka HEAVEN ON EARTH

February: Went on the best vacation of my life... DENVER. Got to see my best friend on her turf and mine.

March: Almost caught a leprechaun. Bought my own car.

April: Reunited and it felt so good.

May: Styx!

June: Best birthday ever!

July: Mexico with the Bakers! Paradise.

August: Summer in Claremont. It doesn't get better than that!

September: Back to school, back to reality.

October: Celebration of the birth of Emily Rite Hale.

November: Claremont x2

December: Feliz Navidad

Not bad Jerr.

I'm In a Serious Relationship

I'm oh so in love with my new Kindle that the Bakers gave me for Christmas. I have read a book and I'm on my way to finishing another. I must have been in high school the last time I was able to read two books in one week. I'm head over heels! I love it! I love it!!! My Kindle and I have a bright future ahead of us. I look forward to spending a happy and fulfilling time with it.

Book reviews to come!

Need Variety?

Go to Vegas

Happy Christmas to Me

As reported in my last post, I wanted Nike Free Runs for Christmas. Welp, I GOT EM! I was in Salt Lake, I saw them, I tried them on, I loved them, I bought them! They are the sexiest running shoe I've ever seen in my life. I am so enamored by their good looks! I took them out for a run... the first 10 minutes were glorious! I felt like I was running on air and I felt lighter than ever... But then, as mile two and three passed, the tissue in my shins were screaming! UH OUCH. Painful to say the least! But here's the deal... sure they're running shoes and sure they're an expensive purchase. Even though I will never run in them again, I LOVE THEM! I do everything in them but run... I am sexy as ever!

'Tis the Season

Thanksgiving has come and gone and I have played my usual role in the festivities.

Eva's Role:

1. Show up right before we eat

2. Test try all of the food about to be served

3. Eat myself into oblivion

4. Take a nap

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, here comes the season I await with anticipation... CHRISTMAS! There is only one holiday I like more than Christmas... Easter... but I am still full of excitement for the holidays. As per usual, I have made a Christmas wish list. Never, and I mean never, since my teen years began, have I received something on this list... unless I buy it for myself. So here it goes, for your viewing pleasure, the unattainable Christmas list.

In order of righteous desires:

1. Celine Dion Concert Tickets

2. Kindle

3. Nike Free Runs

4. Burberry Scarf and Headband

5. Beatles Rockband for Xbox

6. New cookware

7. GPS--Tom Tom

Happy Holidays!!

Freaking Birds

NEWS FLASH:

Pigeons are breaking into local malls. These rascals are wreaking havoc all over the place. Keep your eyes open.

And be a local hero like this guy!

Get a Whip

Let's talk about the best candy bar known to man... The Reese's Whipps! I ate one for lunch and who's crying about it! The delicious taste of peanut butter mixed with the great nougat texture, topped with chocolate! Let's make a deal... If you buy me one of these, then I'll marry you!

The Power of Logic

After a long absence from blogging, I have the itch.

To explain my absence let me explain my life. School is absolute insanity. This is the hardest semester to date and I am on the razor's edge of a mental breakdown. I am taking Media Law and Ethics, Advanced Theory of International Relations, Logic, Business Law, and Advanced American Foreign Policy. 15 credits. Doesn't seem so bad eh??? DON'T BE DECEIVED.

This is the story of my life!

1. ~A ∴ [(A • B) ⋁ (C • D)] ↔ [(A ⋁ C) • (A ⋁ D)]

2. (A • B) ⋁ (C • D) Assume (CP)

3. ~A Assume (CP)

4. ~A ⋁ ~B 3, Add

5. ~(A • B) 4, DeM

6. C • D 2, 5, DS

7. ~A → (C • D) 3–6, CP

8. ~~A ⋁ (C • D) 7, MI

9. A ⋁ (C • D) 8, DN

10. (A ⋁ C) • (A ⋁ D) 9, Dist

11. [(A • B) ⋁ (C • D)] → [(A ⋁ C) • (A ⋁ D)] 2–10, CP

12. (A ⋁ C) • (A ⋁ D) Assume (CP)

13. A ⋁ (C • D) 12, Dist

14. C • D 13, 1, DS

15. (A • B) ⋁ (C • D) 14, Add

16. [(A ⋁ C) • (A ⋁ D)] → [(A • B) ⋁ (C • D)] 12–15, CP

17. [(A • B) ⋁ (C • D)] → [(A ⋁ C) • (A ⋁ D)] •

[(A ⋁ C) • (A ⋁ D)] → [(A • B) ⋁ (C • D)] 11, 16, Conj

18. [(A • B) ⋁ (C • D)] ↔ [(A ⋁ C) • (A ⋁ D)] 17, ME

Solemn Gratitude

I was given an opportunity to go to Tulum, Mexico because of the immeasurable generosity of my dear friends. I dedicate our band to these fine people.

As Far As I'm Concerned...

The World Cup is over. In four years I'll feel complete again.

My best wishes go to the Netherlands.

I turned 21

21 years of life and what do I have to report... AUDACIOUSNESS!

It was the best birthday to date.

I ate like a champion all day! It started out with some SUPERB waffles, made by lovely Emily! Waffles and a Dr. Pepper... The best sugar rush I've ever had!

The eating continued... A double bacon cheeseburger! GET OVER IT... Worth it!

I am the proud owner of Ticket to Ride Europe! I have the best friends in the world... I'm crying!

I'll Steal Your Kayak

Some dude at Rigby Lake let us use his Kayaks... The photographs that follow make me appear more BA than I really am! I support it..

Obsessed

The Return to the Mile High City

As expected... WORTH IT!

Impulse, anticipation and uncertainty clouded this whole situation but as in all adventures of E squared, success was the end result. It was a weekend away from the norm yet eating like champions, having the greatest time and aiming to please was still the way it went down.

Break it down, kid: (Times may be slightly off... get over it.)

11 am Saturday, May 29: Jump in the car and drive. Ten hours later... Boom! Mile high.

11 pm Saturday, May 29: Dinner at the Keg. I can't talk about it! It was too wonderful, too spectacular, too moving.

1 pm Sunday, May, 30: Wake up, eat breakfast (Pint's of Ben & Jerry's), eat some more and some more (Pei Wei, Coldstone... IT NEVER ENDS)

5:30 pm Sunday, May 30: Arrive at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Try to take it in. Buy shirts. Kansas (whatev).

8 pm Sunday, May 30: STYX! I would like to share the events of the following hour and a half but I can't. It was rock and roll. It was spiritual. It was emotional. It was the best concert I've ever been to. It was mind blowing. It was better than I could have dreamed. It was with my best friend.

9:15 pm Sunday. May 30: The Hunt for Tommy Shaw. Harassment of everyone we came in contact with. Camping out by the tour buses. Peeing behind the bus. Waiting for Tommy.

10:15 pm Sunday, May 30: JAMES YOUNG. Yep, we got a picture with him. Jerk.

10:20 pm Sunday, May 30: Jack-Mormons join in the camp-out for Tommy Shaw. And I quote, "Tommy Shaw is my freebee." (I'm in touch with that sister.)

10:45 pm Sunday, May 30: TOMMY SHAW. Tommy. Tommy. Tommy. Tommy. Tommy.

8:30 am Monday, May 31: Back to Rexburg.

Worth it! Tommy Shaw, I love you. Emily Hale, I love you more.

7 DAYS, 8 HOURS, 58 MINUTES AND 44 SECONDS

I do not care about anything more than the events which are to take place in a week. I can not even describe the anticipation that has paraded my mind for the past four years! Finally, it is time. I lose all sense of identity, patriotism, nationalism and loyalty to the United States when the World Cup starts! Mexico is my team but I also have some serious affinity to Greece, Japan, and probably North Korea, just because I know they are playing for their lives. MEXICO! MEXICO! MEXICO! I will miss classes, shirk all responsibilities, and be negligent in my relationships to see you kick some trash.

Something More

Recently, I read a scholarly article who's thesis focused on phenomena. This article has become a phenomena in itself, in my mind. My incessant thoughts on the subject have brought me to understand a little more about myself. The author of this article explained that a phenomenon is nothing more than interest from the individual. Life, objects, art, actions and words are ordinary until someone see's them as extraordinary. That interest becomes a thirst for further knowledge on whatever it is. Ancient philosophy tells us that it is just perception that is clouded by a notion of mystery. Since reading this, I look at the world a little differently. I don't know everything and there is a mystery about most people and situations I come in contact with.

So, here's the deal. I seriously thought about deleting my blog, and then I read this article. Perhaps my perception will not change the world, or yours, but it is worth documenting. So much of me wants to spend the remainder of my life sitting in an office with a Ph.D on the wall, researching and writing about ancient and modern political theory and be called a scholar. But, that is not my road to take. Instead, I will use this gem of a device and write to a face I can not see.

Here's to blog rejuvenation.

The World Can Read

According to recent financial reports, Apple has become the greatest technology company in the world, surpassing its constant competition with Microsoft. Oh happy day! Apple's total shares come in at about 222 billion and Microsoft came in at about 219 billion. Way to go, Apple.

So here's my plug... DO IT! A PC is just a bad habit. Let go of those foolish traditions of mediocrity and let yourself have the best.

In conclusion... VERIZON: Please get your crap together and get the iPhone on the shelves... I'm dying here!

Conspicuous

Sometimes stating the obvious can be informational for some.

1. White girls can't do nails and white boys can't dance.

2. Once you go MAC you never go back.

3. Miley Cyrus is Jank.

4. Styx is the best rock band of all time.

5. Bump-it's are classy-for-trashy.

I've Folded

If you would have asked me a year ago what I was going to do with my Political Science degree, I would have said, "Well I'm not quite sure but I sure as heck am not going to go to law school." (I'm studying for the LSAT)

If you would have asked me a year ago if I wanted to go out for fro yo or ice cream, I would have said, "Ice cream makes me sick! Let's go to PinkBerry!" (I eat pints of ice cream at a time.)

If you would have asked me a year ago who my best friend was, I would have said, "I can't choose one, people are way too disappointing and friends are replaceable." (E squared)

If you would have asked me a year ago who my favorite band was, I would have said, "I have a serious lady crush on Regina Spektor." (Regina has nothing on Tommy Shaw)

I guess I changed my mind.

Do You Need A Tissue?

Why is everyone crying?

Eat some ice cream!

Yeah, I live with my best friends. Yeah, that's our freezer.

Is eating a pint of ice cream a day really a problem? How about 2? 3? 4? Welp, that's what the gym is for.

And once the ice cream fails to keep you full... Off to the big city (Idaho Falls) for some sushi.

If you're crying... Get over it.

Life's Greatest Accomplishments

Some of my life's greatest feats have come about in the past week or so.

First: Driving straight through from Claremont, California to Rexburg, Idaho.

-I would like to attribute this accomplishment to my sweet stereo system but I would be lying if I said that this was the primary source of my success. It was all because of DAVID SUNFLOWER SEEDS. Thanks to love itself and pure consideration of my life, a dear friend armed me with these bad boys and I hit the road hard and made it in one piece. Kids, driving for 14 hours straight ain't so bad. So Eat. Spit. Be happy.

Second: Illness to the nth degree.
-Not only did I manage to get the stomach flu two days before my expedition to Rexburg... I also managed to get sick as soon as I arrived. For the girl who is surely immune to swine flu and who gets sick (maybe) once every two years, I undertook two illnesses in a weeks time. I made it almost 21 years of life without catching strep throat but it wiggled it's way into my life at the opportune time.

Third: 2 pints in 24 hours.

Boom. Addiction to a specific food is ALWAYS a reality in the world of Eva. I do not consider it an issue. Save it be Dr. Pepper and gum, these addictions usually come and go. Right now, my heart belongs to Ben and Jerry. If you open the freezer in my apartment you will find about 8 pints of B 'n' J sitting, waiting to be devoured. Not all of them are mine and there is an established respect for this ice cream amongst the roommates. The 24 hour period before I went to the doctor to see about my strep throat, I personally ate a pint of "IMAGINE WORLD PEACE" and "PEANUT BUTTER CUP." I'm not crying about it. The irony of it all... After being diagnosed my doctor advised me that the worst thing for my throat is ice cream and encouraged me to give up B 'n' J until I finished my prescription. I lasted 5 days and you can bet your life that as part of my balanced breakfast this morning, I squeezed in several bites of "Karamel Sutra."
WORTH IT.

Fourth: One pair of True Religion Jeans and one pair of Seven's For All Mankind Jeans for $250


-Monday quickly made its way only my "Top 5 E squared Days" list. I refuse to wholly disclose the debauchery that took place Monday afternoon but it was too good to be true. After a long day of walking and shopping I stumbled upon a little boutique, the only one in Idaho Falls, that sells True Religion Jeans. After trying on some 4 pairs, 3 fit perfectly. I knew I did not have the funds to make such a purchase and so began the negotiations... Walked away with $500 worth of jeans for $250. Blessed day!

CRYSTAL PERRY!

Dear Crystal Perry,

Because of our history and for the future of our friendship, I will do whatever you ask of me. I have no doubts in my mind that you will be an extremely rich and successful writer so I want to keep you around for a long, long time! So when you're rich and famous, please buy me a present!

This one is for you:

Four Shows I Watch:
1. The Biggest Loser... It's therapy for me! I cry at least 10 times every episode. GO GREY!
2. Project Runway. LOVE OF MY LIFE!!! Someone once asked me, if I could be any celebrity, which one would I be... HEIDI KLUM!!! HELLO!
3. The Pacific. WATCH IT!
4. The First 48... I don't really ever tell people this (but I will post it on my blog and share it with the world) but all I really want to do with my life is be a homicide detective. It is not going to happen. SO... I will just keep watching EVERY SINGLE EPISODE!

Four Things I'm Passionate About:
1. LIFE
2. Liberty.
3. The Pursuit of Happiness.
4. The Gospel.

Four Phrases I Say A Lot:
1. "Get over it."
2. "That's fine!"
3. "I'm not crying about it."
4. "Can you read?!"

Four Things I've Learned from the Past:
1. Angels are real.
2. Pray!!!!!!!!!!
3. Laughter is the best medicine.

4. Chugging a 2 liter root beer after eating a medium pizza only can result in severe illness.

Four Places I Would Like to Go:
1. London (see you in 2 years!)
2. Greece.
3. Cabo San Lucas
4. Washington D.C.

Four Things I Did Yesterday:
1. Ate 5 bowls of Apple Jacks.
2. Went to Target (Huge shocker)
3. Packed up my stuff (I'm crying... So sad)
4. Talked to my best friend and as a result heard the funniest story I've ever heard!

Four Things I'm Looking Forward to:
1. Eating some cereal today!
2. EMILY HALE!
3. Going to classes.
4. THE WORLD CUP!

Four Things I Love about Winter:
1. Family.
2. Scarfs.
3. Hot Chocolate Bars.
4. 70 degree weather!

Four Things on My Wish List:
1. Celine Dion. (Take that however you want)
2. Plastic Surgery... judge me... I'm not above it.
3. A phenomenal LSAT score.
4. Sugar Daddy.

Love you Crystal!

These Things

The Body Mass Index must be a joke right? From recent research I have found that depending on the source, the body mass index and its measurements and increments change from one chart to another. In my opinion it is a big load of crap. However, I'm sure like many, I have found myself looking at this chart. It is always a kick in the pants because a freaking chart determines what "universal" size you are. Mind you, these charts hardly take into consideration body fat percentage, age, gender, and body type. Shame.

The journey of weight loss is an interesting one. I have found that it is nothing more than changing bad habits into good ones. Many of the feelings and thoughts I have felt in this process are many of the same thoughts and emotions I have felt at different times in my life when I change something about myself that is not working. This case was a little different because my body was working just fine. In fact, I was completely content and confident in myself but I decided to give this whole "dieting" thing a try. The effort has paid off. It has been work but then again there has also been a lot of change, which is ALWAYS and issue for me. But if I am being honest, I feel better. I am grateful that I put so much time and effort into this and the way I feel about body image and food and spirit and everything in the between has changed dramatically.

Aren't we so blessed to have bodies? I will for sure be taking care of mine as best as I can from now on.

What Happened to Patriotism?

The Pacific. An HBO Mini-Series. I can not stop thinking about it. Watching this has reminded me of the tremendous sacrifices made for the security of this great country. Watch it. So worth it.

Retracting the Footsteps

The power of memory. Certainly, a blessing and a curse.

I Dedicate This Post To Emily Hale:

The Chronicles of Emily and Eva: "E" Squared, could not be complete without mentioning that Emily changed my life by introducing me to IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA.

Eternally Grateful.

I Start To Miss You, Baby, Sometimes.

A couple of Sundays ago I went to my parents house and found myself in my old bedroom reminiscing through some things I had left behind. I found some yearbooks with some PRICELESS signings that brought back a flood of memories. I found some cards that had been written to me as far back as six years ago. I found drawings, books and other sentimental items that I have collected over the years. I came upon some CD's that I had made before my last computer crashed (yes it was a PC.) The CD's had thousands of pictures and several videos that I had collected over the past five or so years. I spent HOURS AND HOURS looking through these pictures. This nostalgic moment has brought an array of feelings and thoughts into my head.

Someone once told me that when planning life, plan to be surprised. Isn't that just so true. I would have NEVER imagined that where I am now is where life would have led me. The highs and lows and everything in between have been pieces of the pavement that have built this road which I am traveling.

There are so many people that I miss. I fervently believe that people come into our lives for wise purposes that, at the time, we are not aware of. It may be for a moment, a day, a month, a year, or a lifetime but surely, it is never coincidental. I yearn to still have these relationships, in some way, back in my life. But I guess, that is just not how it works. At least for me.

Every person, every friend, every lover, every acquaintance, every "bestie," every teacher, every enemy, and every mentor was worth it.

I will keep these pictures close and these memories even closer.

I Really See You Upside-Down

"A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Say No To:

CRACK.

HPV.

PC'S.

MIAMI.

LADY GAGA.

The Salt of the Earth

Contrary to what I originally thought, I left the Mile High City with two pictures. This was my favorite one! I love it! Let me tell you about my best friend. She's gorgeous. She's strong. She's brave. She's smart. She's adventurous. She's funny. SHE IS THE ULTIMATE DENVER TOUR GUIDE! I loved being in Denver, Colorado but the company was even more wonderful. It was too good to be true.

My Drug of Choice

Emily.

Going to the Mile High City.

I'll be back when I'm back.

The New Workout Plan

1. Think before you talk.
2. Gym everyday.
3. More patience.
4. Love More.
5. Eat better.
6. Forgive Faster.
7. Treat yourself to something.
8. Work hard.
9. Get more sleep.
10. "Never suppress a generous thought."

A Year Ago Today...

I was brave.

Oh boy. I remember EVERY detail about that day. A January night in California... A Saturday at that. What a beauty. I was dressed and ready for the biggest moment of my life. A responsibility beyond what I could have ever imagined fell into my hands. By choice. A smart choice. I went to confront the most important man in my life with a prayer in my heart and boom. It all happened. Truth was abound and my conscience was at peace. I spent the remainder of the evening with my two favorite people. My angels.

A year later, life is back to normal, if you will. Maybe if that day hadn't occurred... I would be living somewhere else. But oh am I grateful this day occurred. I'm better, stronger and most definitely happier.

Practicing Patience

One of the most beautiful movies I've ever seen came out on DVD today. Due to the request of my favorite human being on the planet, I must refrain from purchasing this sweet piece of movie magic. Bright Star. You're worth the wait.

Ben Whishaw... So are you.

The Look In Those Eyes

The feeling of something coming to an end is a peculiar feeling indeed. It is almost bittersweet in the sense that it feels good to accomplish or finish it but there is that emptiness when all is said and done. I feel that way when I finish a project or finish writing a paper. I feel that way after a semester ends and I surely feel that way when summer ends. I feel that way after finishing a good book or when a great day ends. I feel that way today. This particular "ending" left me thinking, in spite of everything, it was a great ride.

As for a beginning...

After a year and a half of trying to be friends with Jillian... She has finally come around! I love my little Jilly Bean! We're best friends.

As Sweet As A Song

Every once and awhile I find myself thinking about how incredibly fortunate I am. Today was one of those days. I love it all! The good, bad and the ugly. It's a beautiful life.

Keep Them Standing In Line

2009 has come and gone. I could go on forever about the highs and lows and all the in between. Covering the main points would include my pathetic winter, my best two semesters at school, my amazing summer, and so on and so forth. It was a successful year over all but then again what year isn't? I say that if you make it through then it must have been a success. There will always be mishaps and there will always be prosperity. I could surely look back on this year and say it was awful because several setbacks but the good always outweighs the bad. Every single one of my needs has been met. I spend the majority of my time with people whom I adore. Colors that were missing have found their way into my portrait. I have experienced so much joy and comfort, just as I do every single year.

The idea of New Year's resolutions just aggravate me. I feel that if you are going to change something then why is it necessary to wait until the turn of the year to do so. I suspect this is because our human minds can only wrap themselves around linear time and therefore, just as the beginning of everyday, the New Year brings a refreshing start to what is just simply time, which will of course just come and go. Even though I am irked by the idea of New Year's resolutions, I never fail to make them. If I have a job to do you better believe it will be completed and it will be done well. So if there is something of importance that needs to be changed in my life then I do my best. But when it comes to New Year's resolutions mine are all-embracing. For example, 2008: Be more respectful. 2009: Be nicer. So what will it be for the great year of 2010??? Think more before doing and saying. Broad.

The root of my aversion to resolutions is irrefutably connected with my dislike for change. My struggle with change is ongoing and is never easy for me. Maybe, I am too stubborn to want to change my ways. Oh the narcissist that I am...

To be continued...