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...

The Tie That Binds

Family. Friends. Relationships.

What's the common ground?

The Chances Waiting To Be Taken

It is Christmas Eve and I am laying on the bed in my old room at my parents house. The wall are bare; the posters and pictures are gone. If these walls could talk... oh the things they would say. Time is everywhere. Only having been home for a week has reminded me of the seeds I have planted here. Southern California is my place. Los Angeles is my city. Claremont is my town. I'll keep this place in close reach.

Merry Christmas.

Seeing Things Vividly

Where were you during the Rexburg Blackout of 2009?

When the lights go out... It's fair game.

I can barely recall the details of this past week but it was perfect.

Change and I need to work on our relationship... It's a struggle.

Steel Eyes

Styx is the greatest rock band in the world. Listen.

Tommy Shaw. Let's work something out between us.

You're Such A Wonder

Once again, another semester has come and gone. Time has not given me any consideration and I feel that this is all ending prematurely. This has been one for the books; one I could never forget.

Here is a taste:

1. Emily Hale: You have changed me forever. Whoever said it wouldn't work (or isn't working) can not possibly know us well enough. You are the puzzle piece I have been missing. You are the constant in my memories. Having you as my partner in crime has been the greatest blessing. I can't talk about it.
2. Opposition: Try me.
3. Horkleys: Thanks providing the caffeine, peanut butter and Thirsty Thursdays.
4. Ticket to Ride: Best Game Ever! Thank you Emily!
5. My Professors: My mentors and my greatest advocates; my heroes. I have nothing but the utmost respect for the men and women who are building me up to be something better than I am.
6. The Backstreet Boys, Styx, and Michael Jackson: Sing to me.
7. Lupicia: Get well soon.
8. Library: I'm embarrassed by the amount of hours we have spent together. I wouldn't study anywhere else.
9. Rexburg: The setting for all the shenanigans. That's fine!
10. Cafe Rio: Every semester there is a different food addiction. You took this one.
11. My Cheerleaders: The support has been paramount.
12. The Boys: Get over it! You like it when I verbally abuse you.
13. The Girls: Thanks for leaving the BS at home. It was a good one.
14. Forbidden Love: Worth It.

I am convinced that it was some divine intervention which shadowed me through this semester. I have met people who have changed my life. I have learned things that will forever stay in my memory.

BOOM.

Time's a Loaded Gun

My mind has been wandering at a thousand miles per a minute after a conversation I recently had. I shared a piece of information with someone which has only been heard by the ears of one. It had been buried in my mind for years, and now it is completely before me.

Is it harder to keep a secret or to tell it? Depends on the secret I guess.

Everybody has a secret. Right? I once heard if you're hiding something, then you are most likely doing something wrong. Maybe some secrets are meant to be told. I don't plan on ever parting with this secret again. Regardless of this intention, now a part of this world knows...

"Secrets are the things we give to others to keep for us." -E. Hubbard

Just A Great Figure Eight

Every year I make a Christmas Wish List. I usually never show it to anybody. It is usually out of control and I am usually way in over my head... This year is no different.

1. Canon Rebel XS 10.1 Megapixel Camera ($480)
2. A Car - Used ($5000)
3. John Mayer Concert Ticket ($90)
4. GRE Prep Books and Classes ($500)
5. LSAT Prep Books and Classes ($500)
6. Pantages Theatre Season Tickets ($300)
7. Bare Minerals ($60)
8. Kindle ($260)

I believe in Santa. Let's see what happens.

You're Outta Sight, Keep Me Up At Night

Oh I have fallen into the trap of an abusive relationship. My roommate Emily and I have done some extensive research and have come to the conclusion that we are certainly in an abusive relationship. We came upon a website and read the “Signs of an Abusive Relationship.” Here is a list of the signs that corresponds with our situation:

1. Partner is possessive of you. (“I don’t like it when other people talk to you.” –Emily Hale)

2. Isolation from outside friendships. (“Why is it that I only like to hang out with you?” –Eva Padilla)

3. Has a history of bad relationships. (Um… HELLO!)

4. Partner witnessed an abusive parental relationship. (“We’ve got Daddy issues.” –Emily Hale)

5. Your partner “RAGES” (Q: How does Eva handle conflict? A: Her blood boils, she rages, and then is ready to talk about it.)

6. Trouble leaving the relationship. (FRIENDS FOREVER!)

7. Partner constantly keeps track of your time. (What are you doing? Where have you been? What are you doing?)

8. Discourages you from attending work or school. (“Don’t go to class. Let’s go to Café Rio!” –Emily Hale)

9. Displaying weapons and threatening their use. (Do both of us own a knife… yes!)

10. Making your partner afraid by using looks, actions, and gestures. (I have a stink eye and do weird things in my sleep; this scares Emily.)

11.Making physical threats. (Daily.)

12. Calling your partner names like stupid. (“You’re so pretty!” –Eva “You’re STOOPID” – Emily)(“You’re so pretty!”- Emily “Shut up you’re being STOOPID.” –Eva)

13. Playing mind games. (Magical thinking. WHAT!)

14. Interrogating your partner. (Refer to #7)

15.“Checking up” on your partner’s activities and whereabouts. (“When are you going to be home?”-Emily Hale)(“Where the Hale are you?” –Eva)

16. Demanding your partner remains home when you are not with them. (Story of our lives.)

17. Acting like “master of the castle.” (“I always get what I want, or I just change my mind.” –Eva)

Oh sweet mercy! This could be a problem, but we don’t think it is. That’s fine.

Backstreet's Back

I don't care how old I get or where life takes me; I will ALWAYS and forever love the Backstreet Boys. One night this week Emily and I were talking about different concerts that we have been to, and we ended up talking about the Backstreet Boys. I didn't think I could love Emily Hale anymore than I already did... But that all changed! We spent the next few hours singing at the top of our lungs... We will always be Backstreet Kids. N'Sync had NOTHING on my Boys! Let's just be honest. It's all about BSB.

Sadly, my Backstreet Boy CD collection is nowhere to be found. Thank heavens for Amazon and their used CD's I paid $10 for 3 CD'S! BOOOOOM!

I am so sad for kids today. They listen have to listen to Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers... What a shame. My kids will not only inherit beautiful brown features but they will also be lucky enough to inherit my impeccable music collection. They will have a chance to have some real taste.

I Could Be Wholesome

I was on the phone one day with my best pal Bailey, and in response to something she said, I responded saying, " I don't think that's inappropriate." My roommate Britney who was in the kitchen said, "Eva, you don't think ANYTHING is inappropriate."

I must say that Britney and I have EXTREMELY different backgrounds and our stories couldn't be more different. However, we have one very important thing in common, which is the gospel. So I of course took great offense to her comment and said, "Whatever Britney! I think genocide is inappropriate."

I really (not) stretched myself there with that comment, and probably proceeded to offend Britney again and again by the usual words that come out of my mouth. I think it could be argued that I don't filter my thoughts enough or that I don't think before I speak, but in my own defense I maintain that I just call it like it is. And if you can hang, then you can hang. And if you can't, then you can't.

This morning my roommate Emily and I were talking about how it "seems" that every topic we discuss is always something to be joked about. We seem to just make light of everything and turn it into a joke. But we quickly rebuked ourselves and made a list of things that we absolutely do not joke about...

THE LIST:

1. The Doctrines of the Gospel

2. The Temple

3. Abortion

4. The Death or Unfortunate circumstances of our loved ones

5. Mac Users

Keeping it classy.

First Train Home

I got a phone call this week from my best little buddy, Jack Aaron Baker the Hunter. He informed me that he was about to carve pumpkins and that he had an "AWESOME" new Halloween shirt. I miss my partner in crime.

I have been sick all week. I think it would be safe for me to say that it's food poisoning but who knows?! I do anything within my power to avoid going to the doctor and this occasion has not been any different. Maybe in a week or so I'll go. On the rare occasion that I get sick at school, I find myself missing home more than usual. Maybe it's that comfort of knowing that someone will take care of me.... For now I will just attempt to eat saltines and look at pictures of home.

Let the countdown begin: 28 days!

The Good Fight

I'm not ready for this season to end. Let's do this!

You Still Don't Believe

Last night I went and saw the movie, "The Invention of Lying." The setting was in a world where no one can tell a lie. They live in a world much like ours except everyone tells the truth and says what is on their minds about everything. The movie was mediocre at best. I don't recommend it and I will definitely not be the first one in line to buy it, but some credit is in order for a couple of humorous parts.

What if we lived in a world without lies? What if we lived in a world where you could tell anyone what you thought of them because that was the norm? Is honesty the best policy? Is lying always inappropriate?

This could be an ethical debate that could go on forever, but wouldn't it be neat to always speak your mind. I have this book called the "Book of Questions." One of the questions goes along these lines: If all of your closest friends could honestly tell you everything they thought about you, would you want to hear it?

I would say sure. It probably wouldn't be the most enjoyable experience but why not just put it all out on the table. I had another friend answer this question and she said yes to some friends and no to others. She can't handle the truth.....

Can you?

A Change of Scenery

I was in the library today trying to figure out what it is that always brings me here. Is it my homework? Is it the comfort of the low grade office chairs? Is it the eye candy that so abundantly comes in and out? Am I really more focused here than I am elsewhere? I decided that maybe it was time to find a new place to study.

On my way to my Spanish class I stopped in the bathroom of the Smith building and there was a girl diligently studying on the floor of the Women's Restroom. My first thought was disgust by her choice to be studying in the bathroom but then I thought, "Hey if it works, it works." Maybe the sounds of bodily functions and toilets flushing are not my thing. However, low grade office chairs, eye candy and numberless side bar conversations are my thing. It works, so for now, I will stay put.

On a different note, every attempt of blogging in my time has been pathetic. I am on the bandwagon yet again. Take three.