Africa in 39 DAYS!!

Well folks, its happening!

I got my internship and I'm off to Africa in January! I thought I'd fill you in on the program and what I'll be doing! First lets start with a class I took this semester. It's called Managing organizations and people. The class was split up into 16 groups of 8-10 people. We were told that if we raised $1,000 for SEED we would be exempt from the final. A few stipulations...we had to help someone or make an impact somehow. This prevented people from just splitting the $1,000 between the group and paying up. We either had to make an impact deeply in a one person or help a lot of people to make an impact on a bigger cause. My group consisted of 3 international students and 6 people from the United States. Our CEO (group leader) came up with the idea of building oral hygiene kits for people that would be visited by the SEED interns. So we moved forward with this idea and contacted dentists to see if they would be willing to donate toothbrushes, toothpastes and floss towards the kits. I spoke with a printing company and had educational instruction cards printed for each kit. Once we collected the supplies we continued our efforts to collect money from local businesses and students. Long story short we collected enough money to get out of the final and raise $1,010 for SEED.

What's SEED?? Let me tell you! SEED stands for Small Enterprise Educational Development. The main focus of the program is the teach business classes in various regions of the world. There are SEED interns in Peru, Uganda and Ghana Africa. When interns are sent to these areas they are told to teach business class through 7 lessons. By the time you are through lesson 3 and 4 you can get a feel for the students in the class and who is in need of financial help with their business. Business plans are discussed and the interns determine if a micro loan is something that would help make their business profitable. If so the interns help finance these loans. The loans range from $100-$1,000. (The money from the group projects goes 100% to these micro loans) This program has the power to change peoples lives. The struggle that this program faces is the fact that many of these people have never even seen this amount of money. They have needs such as food, clothes, medicine, etc. and we have to teach them how to budget their money and foreshadow future expenses. But if the interns can help these people and teach them these concepts than the money that they are loaned can help them grow their business to sustain them for generations to come.

I have been fortunate enough to be accepted to be an intern in the Ghana Africa region.

I am so excited to have this kind of experience. As I have gone through my higher education I have realized that just getting a degree is rapidly not becoming enough to be competitive. Getting good grades is just not enough. Most study abroad programs are so expensive and don't give you the experience that the SEED program offers. Many study abroad programs are a group of 25-30 students and a few professors going around to various companies around the world and learning how they operate and their business structures. This program is great but SEED offers the opportunity to stand on your own and use your own judgement to teach people how to run their businesses. I believe this program will give me experiences of a lifetime that will help me both personally and professionally. I can't WAIT!!

Now many of you know about my dad. I have had several people ask me if I'm still going to Africa since my dad has been diagnosed with 3 types of cancer. My parents still believe that this is an opportunity of a lifetime that can't be passed up. Along with that I have this theory...I believe that if I wasn't supposed to go to Africa for any reason, especially my dad, that I would have a feeling in my gut. And I think that even if I didn't get that memo someone in my family would and tell me that they don't think I should go. So because of this insight I feel that my dad will be okay and he will go through chemo and everything and being the strong man that he is he will make it through. I love him dearly and I will be there for him as much as I possibly can from now until I leave.

I love my family and friends and appreciate all the prayers and thoughts that have been said on our behalf. We are a blessed family.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

INTERNSHIP??

I have exciting news...I am applying for an internship in Africa! I am submitting my application today and hopefully I will at least get an interview to show them what I've got! I would be leaving the second week in January and coming back the first week in April! Just in time for my best friend coming back from England! It would be absolutely amazing! The program is called the SEED program. I am in a class right now that we are in groups each trying to raise one thousand dollars for the program. But they send students to Africa or Peru to teach the local businesses various business classes and give out micro loans. These people who make around 100 USD a year are given a loan for double triple sometimes quadruple that to help kick off their business to a new level to help provide for their future as well as the future of their children. It's an incredible opportunity and I would love to be involved. So everyone...cross your fingers for me!

I think I know why I live in Logan

People complain about the freezing winters of Logan but I will not complain at all anymore! I live on the third and top floor of my apartment building and I am convinced that I could cook an egg on my family room floor! I'm dying for the day that snow falls and coats are put back on. Fall is my favorite season and it's mainly because I love layering all the clothes on. I don't get cold very easily but the heat melts me! Enough about the weather how about a little update from me. Maybe an update in 10 bullets...

1. Summer school is over and I'm coming out with an A- in Business Stats and an A in Business Communication! Yippee!

2. Ash is more than half way done with her mission!!

3. James has returned to Cold Stone and I have been demoted to Assistant Manager/Catering Manager.

4. All major catering events are over!! YEAH BABY!!

5. My poor apartment is in shambles due to the lack of attention it has received from me...the rest of my night is devoted to cleaning....

6. I bought a new net book! I call it my little munchkin it's white with a sky blue case. It's adorable

7. Jill and I will be competing in a Biggest Loser Competition to get back in shape this fall. I'm determined to win

8. I plan on blogging more now that my summer will be slowing down again

9. I had a wonderful birthday thanks to my amazing friends!

10. I am planning on cooking more this summer because its my one and only true love :)

That's all for now! Refer to #8 and we'll blog soon

Blog ya later!

Blog for thirty days then take 60 off!

Apparently this is a new tactic to use. I blogged for a good 30 days then I took 60 off. I guess it'll all pan out in the end. But honestly who is truly interested in what i have to blab about? Blab...blog...I feel like sometimes they are one in the same. But as of lately I have been managing Cold Stone, living on the bloody hot third floor, going to school, and enjoying every minute. I don't have much to talk about but I do have a stats test in approximately 6 hours so I guess I should go get some sleep! :0 (yawn)

Toodles.

Day 26: What do you think about your friends?

What do I think about my friends?


Jill Elyse Johnson is simply amazing.

Bethanie Marie Johnson is one of the most giving people I know.


James Gil Dyer is handsome and a gentleman on all levels.


Preston Howard Catmull is honest and hard-working.

I have a lot of thoughts about my friends. But for now, those are my thoughts.

Ponder that.

Day 25: What would be found in your bag/purse?

I attempted to find a funny picture to put in here about the fact that I don't have anything in my bag/purse because I don't carry a bag/purse. I know I'm pretty boring and it potentially leads to losing my credit cards more often but oh well. Nada, zilch, nothing, pure emptiness are all things you will find in my bag. But if you were talking about my backpack, the closest thing to my bag/purse, I would have chapstick (on a good day), cash (on a better day), pencil and pens, always a treat or two...favorite backpack snack...Ritz crackers and mini M&M's! Well, sounds like a deep topic, I think I've rambled enough about the non-existence of my bag/purse, ha ha.

Zilch.

Day 24: A letter to your parents.

I saw this post a few days ago and have been thinking about what to say. What do you say to the people who you owe everything to? What do you say to the the two people who made you a lot of who you are? I'm not exactly sure what is about to come but here it is:

Dear Mom and Dad,

I am forever indebted to you two. Without you two I wouldn't be where I am today in a very literal and figurative context. I know that we all have our trials personally and together and I know that we have had our rough patches but when I thought about what I was going to say to you two in this letter I had nothing but good things come to my mind. Mom, you taught me how to be a peace maker. You always said that it was something I was blessed with but I think it was very much learned from example of you. You taught me how to use my creativity and never hide my talents. Going a little over the top is our specialty. I believe that when I get married and become a wife and mother I will attribute my good qualities to you. I know that you have prepared me as best as I would allow you to for becoming a wife/mother and even just a Daughter of God. You are an incredible mother. I know I have told you this before but I will just repeat it anyway. Our family has had its trials that would definitely make you doubt your efforts as our mom but I want you to know that you taught us not only how to handle the trials thrown our way but to always remember who we are. You have always taught us to be Christlike through teaching us and through example. Dad, you have always been one of my heroes. You have a quiet temperament but there is much to learn purely by example. I love that you taught me about cars and how to work hard. I feel like you are a large part of the reason I am so "well-rounded" I call it. Mom taught me how to be a homemaker you taught me how to work hard and to get my hand dirty every once in a while. I want you to know that I have always respected how you have remained worthy to hold the Priesthood. You have given me the perfect mold for me to find my husband. I'm guessing he'll be a lot like you. Mom, Dad, I know that I haven't always been the best daughter, but I want you know that I have never stopped loving you two. I may be stubborn (which I get from one of you! potentially a little bit of both of you) but I always am striving to be better. I hope you guys know how much I appreciate your love and caring thoughts. You guys are incredible! Love you!

Lolo

Lauren Shelbey

BBD

Day 23: Something you crave for a lot.

I crave a lot of things:

1. I crave to talk to my Best Friend

2. I crave Oreos, as previously discussed

3. I crave drives

4. I crave a dose of reality

5. I crave adventures

6. I crave conversations

7. I crave alone time

8. I crave work

9. I crave shopping

10. I crave pay day

11. I crave laughter

12. I crave lower gas prices

13. I crave a good nights sleep

14. I crave complete silence

15. I crave a hug

Just to name a few

Day 22: What makes you different from everyone else?

This is my last post to catch me up so maybe it'll be a bit longer than the previous 5 or 6 or whatever. I have had several friends confirm this so I'm not being big headed or boastful... I believe that I am very different from most girls. I have a little me of everything embodied into one person. I love to play sports, I'm very competitive. I love fixing cars, getting my hands dirty and just about any type of work. On the other had I love to scrapbook, sew, watch kids and most of all cook. I feel like I am a very well rounded person with a wide variety of interests and hobbies. I come off as confident which is different than most of people. It doesn't derive from the idea that I know "who I am" but more a matter of I don't care what people think. People say I am very intimidating which for me is a little hard to understand only because I love people and creating conversations with complete strangers. I would say those are a few ways I consider myself different from other people. If you have any ideas as to how you think I'm different please feel free to comment. This post has definitely peeked my interest.

Day 21: A picture of something that makes you happy.

OREOS!! If you were to ever find out I was having a bad day... bring the oreos! Must they be double stuffed? Absolutely. Oreos and a glass of milk should make any human happy. I don't feel I have much to add to that... not mention I'm playing a bit of catch up today... :)

Oreo~

Day 20: Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future.

I honestly don't think I have met my potential prince. I don't think I'm at the point in my life where I'm ready to meet him and I'm sure he isn't either. So right now, no one. But I do believe he is out there somewhere. I will meet him when I'm ready.

"Someday my Prince will come!!" :)

Day 19: Nicknames you have; why do you have them.

BBD: I got this name from my Dad. It doesn't stand for anything its just a nickname. I've had it for as long as I can remember.

D: My brother, Dave's abbreviation for BBD.

Fred Daweena: My Dad (King of nicknames) gave me this one. He has all boys so they were all called Fred but he couldn't call me that so he added some girlish addition to Fred to make it a bit more feminine I suppose.

Lolo: My nephew Jayden has called me this since he could talk. It stuck, and all the other grandkids call me that now. James heard about it and started calling me that and now everyone of my friends call me Lolo. Some of them barely remember my real name most of the time.

I think that's all. If I had a choice I would probably apply my middle name into some nickname only because I like it so much. Shelbey.

Day 18: Plans/dreams/goals you have.

Plans: I plan to live in Logan this summer and have a blast while working my butt off!!

Dreams: I dream often but not too often...

Goals: My goal is survive as manager of Cold Stone while James leaves me.

I know, pretty exciting....

Day 17: Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why.

This one I took from a few different angles...first should I pick someone who is famous? Just to see what it would be like to have that kind of fame and fortune? But lets be honest they don't have true happiness. I would probably be dying to be to reality. So then I came to my conclusion...I would switch lives with one of my closet friends. I would want to see what they struggle with and at the same time see how I act from a different person's perspective. I don't really care which friend it would be but someone who interacts with me frequently would be preferred. So thats all.

Deep.

Ta Ta.

Day 16: Another picture of yourself.

Not the greatest picture of me but I will explain. Mindful of the clock... 2:20am...Jill and Bethanie and I decided to pull a prank on some fellow friends of ours. They have a shopping cart that they treat like gold. They ride it down the hill to visit friends and use it like they would a car. They even chain it to a tree so no one will steal it...oh and did I mention they hide the cart?...anyway...we decide we are going to steal the wheels off of their shopping cart and hold them for ransom until we receive 2 USU shirts. Don't worry one of the girls works on campus and has oodles of access to shirts and they other girl is on the softball team. Money would not be necessary to complete this ransom. So we were up until 2 cutting out letters for our ransom notes. Don't worry we didn't just write one note and call it quits we wrote 4 letters and turned it into a scavenger hunt as well. So this picture depicts just before the ransom took place and I have every tool necessary and potentially a few extras hanging out of every pocket and hand. It went very smoothly and long story short Jill and I have our USU shirts :)

Day 15: Put your iPod on shuffle - First 10 songs that play.

My ipod is dead right now. PTBU. (post to be updated)

Day 14: A picture of you and your family.

This is the Whole fam! I have already introduced you to my wonderful sibilings! Now I will introduce you to my favorite people of all :) Nieces and Nephews

This is Jayden. He is the oldest. Son of Tiffany and Dave. He used to love the movie Cars and loves to come visit me in Logan.

This is Brooklyn. She is daughter of Lane and Sam. She is a girl to the max. She loves dress up and playing with her cousin Kaylie.

This is Kaylie. I call her KK. Daughter of Tiffany and Dave. I'm not sure where I got it but I just call her it. She is just as much of a girl as Brookie. Even at her young age she cares about what she wears.

This is the youngest little man Hudson. Son of Lane and Sam. He just turned one and is starting to walk. He is such a little stud! He has the biggest cutest smile. I love his blue eyes!

Day 13: A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.

I'm a few days behind on my blogging quest but I fully intend on catching up right now...this one was a bit hard. I am not easily offended and when I am I don't usually feel "hurt" by it. I'm not one to hold grudges and whine about peoples words. So I guess point is I don't have "bottled" emotions to share with someone who has recently hurt me. I don't need to talk it out with anyone. Do I get get hurt? Yeah. Do I usually talk to them about it soon? Yeah. Do I really need to continue this post? No. So that's all. Yesterday I watched a video called Amish Grace. It's a Lifetime movie about the Amish girls in Pennsylvania who was shot by the milk man. The movie showed just how forgiving the Amish were to the man and his wife. Again do I need to continue? No.

Forgive everyone.

Day 12: A recent recipe you have tried.

A few months ago James tried this recipe for provolone stuffed meatballs. I used to think I didn't like meatballs but then I tried these ones. They are divine! They have just enough kick to them that they never leave your mouth feeling dissatisfied. Lo and behold I found out he just used a recipe...I thought he made them up...he altered a few things but I have been able to recreate them since and I love them. I've made meatball sandwiches and pasta with meatballs either way they are perfect! So here it goes...

Ingredients

• 1 pound extra lean ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 dash hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®), or to taste
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup skim milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• Provolone Cheese-Cubed-(usually have to have the deli chop you a chunk)
• Red Sauce of choice

Directions

1. Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Place the beef into a mixing bowl, and season with salt, onion, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, hot pepper sauce (add a bit extra red pepper flakes and hot sauce for an added kick), and Worcestershire sauce; mix well. Add the milk, Parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs. Mix until evenly blended, then form into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, (Place a cube of cheese in the center of the meatball, try and get it completely surrounded by meat so the cheese doesn't ooze out) and place onto a baking sheet (If you own a stone...use it!).
3. Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center, 20 to 25 minutes (Check the internal temperature to make sure they are done).

If you decide to make meat ball sandwiches slice your hoagie bun in half and put some butter and garlic salt on it and broil it until just lightly golden then add a few slices of provolone cheese and continue to broil until cheese is melted. Don't over broil the bread before you add the cheese or it'll be burnt by the time the cheese melts. Depending on how much hot sauce and red pepper flakes you add that will be how much kick they will have. I usually make a quart of spghetti sauce and kick those up with some flakes and hot sauce. Super yummy! If you try it let me know what you think!

Bon Appetit!

Day 11: Another picture of you and your friends.

More pictures because apparently that's what followers like to follow...

Here are the girls on our way to a young single adult conference in Bear Lake... really Montpelier but we don't have to explain that because it's common knowledge (sense the sarcasm?) anyway, yep there is me Bethanie, Jilly and Ash. It was a lot of fun we Utahan's learned a lot about what those Idahoans do in their spare time..."I've never been bucked off a horse on purpose...BAREBACK!" Gotta love it :)
The Fab Five on our first day all together, ever! This is the day that I met Jill so we didn't even really know each other but we took pictures as if we were some cute little family. I would approve this message :) oh yeah, and Bethanie doesn't usually do her hair like that...(She told me to say that...)
The girls...or at this point in time...strangers. Good thing we are great friends now or these would just be an awkward previous experience for all of us :)
This was a road trip we took down to St. George. There are a couple of new people who haven't been introduced to my blog yet. There is Me, Schmuck (Erin the very Schmucker), Amber (married now...cool) and of course the beautiful Bethanie :) This was one of the most fun trips I've been on! Thanks for the memories girls!

Day 10: Songs you listen to when you are: happy, sad, bored, hyped, and mad.

I absolutely love music! It's actually surprising I didn't put that on my 15 interesting facts post...then again a love for music isn't too interesting, huh, ok. Well I look forward to all my music posts! So here we go,

-When I'm happy I listen to my latest and greatest song. Right now I love "Rolling in the Deep by ADELE" and "Maybe by Sick Puppies" and "Rhythm of Love by Plain White T's" and probably "What are Words by Chris Medina" those are all on my play list for when I study.

-When I'm sad I listen to "My Wish by Rascal Flatts" (Reminds me of Ash) and "You're not Alone by Saosin" and "I'm trying to be like Jesus on the RM Soundtrack"

-When I'm bored I like to find new artists and test them out. I have a friend who is an artist and I think I'm going to listen to her new CD while I'm bored one of these days. Go Marny!

-When I'm hyped I listen to techno! "All I Ever Wanted by Basshunter" I also like just about anything from Every Avenue the best one is "Chasing the Night and Where were You" and last but not least "Here (In your Arms) by Hellogoodbye" Love them all!

-When I'm mad I go all rock. If you haven't heard of these guys they are great for angry music SKILLET!! They are great I don't think I can pick favorites but if I had to choose I would say "Never Surrender, Awake and Alive, Comatose and Whispers in the Dark" Just to name a few :)

Feel free to look these songs up and tell me what you think! Music does wonders for the soul! I really love how music can alter your mood and make you feel and remember specific events in the past. It's really quite incredible. I think that we don't even know how much of an impact music has on our brains and thoughts. Its very subconscious and a little bizarre.

Rock on!

Day 9: Something you're proud of in the past few days.

This is kind of ironic because I had a slightly awful day yesterday and now today my blog wants me to find out something I'm proud of. What are the chances? Ok, let me think about this.

1. I am proud of my work ethic. If I know how to do one thing on this earth its work. I love the feeling of accomplishment when I get the job done and done efficiently. I love making myself an asset to a company.

2. I am proud of how well I think my math test went. I'll let you know how I really did in a few days.

3. I am proud of my friends. I am proud of each of their accomplishments and the potential they all show in the near future. I was talking to a friend last night about our friends and we both agreed that we all have good things going for us. I'm proud of my choice in friends and the choices they make.

I think three things is plenty to be proud of at this point, I have a super busy day today so that's all you get to hear today.

Goodbye my followers

Day 8: Short term goals for this month and why.

This is a perfect time to have some short term goals. It is coming on 4 weeks left in the semester and I have lots to do so here are my short term goals:

-Do well on my math test (which is in less that 24 hrs, sicky!)

-Do well on my Natural Disasters test (less than 48 hrs, sickier!)

-Write a good 7 page research paper for English

-Arrange where I will be employed this summer and get that squared away

-Spend as much time as I can with my friends before we all go our ways this summer.

That is all I'm going to say for now about that, only because I need to stay realistic and I don't want to feel overwhelmed. Thats all for now folks. You are the weakest link, goodbye.

Day 7: A picture of someone/something that has had the greatest impact on you.

When I moved out and away to college I was lucky enough to have my best friend with me along the way. As you can probably imagine you have a lot to learn when you first get out on your own and Ashley was an amazing example and friend to do this with. We learned how to grocery shop on a budget, how to use a laundry mat, how to cope with being away from family, how to deal with 5 other girls in a squished apartment and much much more. I think the most important way that Ashley had an impact on me was through the Gospel. Ashley has an amazing testimony and was definitely a great example to me as I discovered how I felt about the church on my own. She always kept us going to church no matter how much I didn't feel like going. Without her I don't know exactly where I would be and I love her for it. Thanks Ash!

Ashley left on her mission in October of 2010. This was the first time since we had both moved out that she wasn't going to be my roommate. This was a little scary only because we had done everything together and I hadn't learned how to do things completely on my own. Luckily I was blessed to have a wonderful new roommate, Jill. She is amazing. She was there for me when no one else was. She always keeps a smile on my face. Over the past few months with Jill I have learned many new things about myself and how to treat others. I appreciate all the little things she does for me without even realizing it. Love you Jilly!

These are my siblings. I'm in the middle and then all the boys are my brothers and the other girls are my sister-in-laws. I love each one of them very much, I don't say it enough but I do. As I look back on my past and how I grew up I have my brothers to thank a lot. They were always a blast to be around and taught me so much. (Don't worry parents you have an entire post later) I think about my brothers quite often, probably more than they realize but I always want the best for them and I want them to always remember I love them! The "Dudes" and "Dudette". I am so happy my older brothers found such wonderful wives to marry. I appreciate all they do for my brothers and my cute nieces and nephews. They work so hard and I love them very much!

These are only a few people who have had such an impact on my life. I know there are many more. We are who we are because of the people we chose to be around. I love all my family and friends dearly. Thank you for everything :) Toodles!

Day 6: Favorite super hero and why.

BATMAN!!

I guess I should confess that I pretty much just settled on the coolest one. I didn't follow many super heroes when I was younger. I wasn't much of a girlie girl either. I just followed my brothers around with a basketball in my hand. But Batman is pretty sweet. I like that he is powerful because he initially faced his fears and overcame them. That's all. Adios Amigos.

Day 5: A picture of somewhere you've been

This is me in New York City (duh, the statue of liberty) I went in High School so ignore the braces :) I saw 5 Broadway shows and all the sites to see. It was a blast!

This is Ash and I on top of Mount Timpanogos. We started hiking at midnight and got to the top just before sunrise at 6:00am. It was an incredible site to see! I look a little pale because I got sick on the way down (it was the elevation I think) but that is one place I will never forget :)

As I have already mentioned I recently went to Disneyland. This picture is from December. It rained all day long but we had a great time anyway. I put this one on because if you go to California Adventures now you won't see the letters anymore...they are remodeling it to something super lame! So this is one of the last days these letters saw of tourists.

Day 4: A habit you wish you did not have.

This is a hard one. I'm sure I have many habits that are obnoxious and annoying but can I think of any? Nope. But nonetheless I will answer this question. I even Googled some lists of "bad habits" and came up with lists from people who don't know what a habit is! A habit is an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary, so the woman who likes to lick the beaters after she makes cake needs to be informed that this is not a habit but a merely pleasure and potential addiction :) ok back to my habit...I have a habit of being a night owl. I know this sounds dumb but hear me out. Unlike the lady who licks the beaters I'm a night owl completely subconsciously. I could be the most exhausted person on the planet and I will still find myself staying up until 3:00 am. It gets even worse when I'm home alone. When I have a roommate I generally go to sleep at the same time she does just to force myself to go to sleep. During this past spring break Jill, my roommate, went on a cruise and I didn't get any sleep! Now I'm sure this is curable but I am completely functionable on 5 hours of sleep so I don't see any reason to change my bad habit now. Every few weeks I'll hit a wall and sleep for 12+ hours on a weekend then I'm good for another month or so. So bad habit or not I don't think I'll do much about it at this point. Ta Ta for now :)

Day 3: A picture of you and your friends.

This is my best friend Ashley! She is on a LDS mission in England. I miss her dearly!

This is another one of my best friends, Jilly! She make me laugh daily and does so much for me!

This is what I call the Fab Five, we all live on the same floor and see each other every day! There is James and Bethanie in the back and Preston, Jill and I in the front. Boomshackalacka!

Day 2: The meaning behind your blog name.

I have a good friend who is a wonderful blogger. I was talking to her about what I should name my blog. She asked me the "direction" of my blog, again I don't really have one. But I told her that if i were to have a direction to take my blog it would be a blog around my cooking and reviews of different recipes. Now, I give her credit for coming up with my blog name but I can't guarantee that cooking will be the direction I will actually take. The title (have I mentioned I love it?) has duel meanings in that regard. The phrase "a little bit of this, a little bit of that" used frequently in cooking has been slightly altered for the title of my blog. Eh EH! It's good. I also enjoy the fact that it can be used in other aspects of my blog. For instance, if I decide to post a random thought one day it will just be a little bit of Lolo that day. Maybe a little bit of that. Any who, you get the idea. I love it! Thanks Jaycie!

Day 1: A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.

This picture was taken on my recent trip to Disneyland! In the lobby of the Grand Californian Hotel

15 (potentially) Interesting facts about me: (in no particular order)

1. I'm blunt to the point it gets me in trouble from time to time. My friends usually say that I am awkwardly blunt but that it is refreshing because you always know exactly where you stand with me.

2. I used to be a picky eater. I was contemplating posting something along the lines of "I'd rather eat a cup of worms rather than...(what I thought was the most disgusting food ever) but then I realized I would rather eat just about anything than a cup of worms. In the last few years I have grown to be ok with sushi, asparagus, peppers and even almost enjoy onions. So point and case I'm not as picky as I thought.

3. One thing I have always used as a "unique" trait about myself. I can change my own oil. I know just as much and potentially more than all of my three brothers about cars, thanks to my dad. I love getting my hands dirty and the sense of accomplishment when the car runs again.

4. My roommate gave me this one: I'm a secretly nice person. This sounds stupid to say but I am an extremely independent person and hate to appear vulnerable. This comes off as intimidating to most people. But nonetheless I have the ability to have a soft heart and care for people. In fact once you crack the shell it's hard to get rid of me.

5. I can juggle. When I was in 5th grade I had a teacher...Mrs. Moon...maybe. But she had a set of juggling balls that she would let us practice with and I enjoyed it enough that I bought my own (probably my parents bought them) but I did own my own set and practiced often. In case your wondering I usually only juggle with round objects, I have yet to branched out to knives or anything. My career path has since changed from circus girl :)

6. My deepest passion is cooking. I have a tendency when I'm feeling any emotion strongly to cook. When my best friend recently left for her mission I was very sad as you can imagine and the only thing that would take my mind off of it was cooking. I had a wonderful week of meals as my friends can attest. If I had to only do one thing for the rest of my life it would be cooking.

7. I am the only girl in my family. I have three brothers. Two older than me and one younger. I have two sister-in-laws as well. I actually use this information quite often in my daily life. I have a friend that whenever I start wrestling her she says "three brothers, three brothers". Its really quite funny. Poor brothers, don't even realize how much I blame on them. When I moved away from home and in with 5 other girls I was in for a real reality check. I used the phrase "I grew up with all boys" to explain a lot of my actions and thought processes.

8. Along with growing up with all boys I learned how to work. I have had at least 2 jobs since I've moved away from home. I had 4 at one point. I am a manager at Cold Stone, this will be taking up the bulk of my time this summer. I hate being bored so what do I do? I work.

9. If you know me at all you would probably not guess this one. I have a stuffed animal that I go to sleep with. His name is Mr. George C. Cuddlepants. I got him on my recent trip to Disneyland at Build-A-Bear. My roommate gave him to me. All he wears are little white boxers, some may find that strange but he is a cutie.

10. I love to go on drives. Just like cooking I love to go on drives when I'm feeling any emotion strongly. Usually if I'm driving its because I'm angry. But the drive calms me and allows me to reflect on life a bit.

11. Surprises are one of my favorite things. And no, not receiving surprises but giving them! Recently, I got my roommate a new pair of shoes that she has been wanting since high school. I ordered them online and it felt like it took forever for them to get here! I ended up telling her the day I ordered them that I had a surprise coming for her...didn't help my cause...but it was still very exciting for me.

12. I love going on random adventures. I feel like I should define an adventure in my book. An adventure from Lolo's perspective: anything I do with people I enjoy being around that I was not planning on doing that day. I love doing things spur of the moment even if they are something as simple as going to get an slurpee or driving to the Pepperidge Farm plant to buy a 7 lb bag of goldfish.

13. I love to play basketball. I have been playing basketball since second grade. When I was younger than second grade I was in dance but the second I could get out of dance and in my shorts I was shootin' hoops. It's another one of my passions that I don't give near enough attention to. Note to self: Play basketball this summer. Self: "Noted"

14. I enjoy getting dressed up. Again, I might have to define dressed up in my book. I hate dresses so dresses are not in the realm of dressing up. I love doing my hair and make up and putting on some hot jeans and classy shirt and strutting my stuff. I don't do this very often but I do enjoy doing it. And if you know me this might come to you as a bit of a surprise.

15. Last but not least I love to drink water. I believe water has a very good impact on your health and diet. I could drink water all day. I do believe there are better tasting waters than others. I have gone on a Nikken kick for a while. Lost 5 lbs in one week. I choose water over pop at restaurants not only because of the price but because it just tastes better. I also believe that going from pop to water is the quickest, easiest and simplest way to cut calories out of your diet.

And thats me in 15 random facts. This was harder than I expected it to be so it took two days...oh well...I will do day 2 tomorrow. Chao for now!

During my homework for blogging...

While I was researching the different things I needed to know in order to blog I did come across a list of 30 questions for a 30 day blogging challenge. I think it may be a good kick off to my blog. I may or may not add a post or two in between. Enjoy!

Day 1: A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.
Day 2: The meaning behind your blog name.
Day 3: A picture of you and your friends.
Day 4: A habit you wish you did not have.
Day 5: A picture of somewhere you've been.
Day 6: Favorite super hero and why.
Day 7: A picture of someone/something that has had the greatest impact on you.
Day 8: Short term goals for this month and why.
Day 9: Something you're proud of in the past few days.
Day 10: Songs you listen to when you are: happy, sad, bored, hyped, and mad.
Day 11: Another picture of you and your friends.
Day 12: A recent recipe you have tried.
Day 13: A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.
Day 14: A picture of you and your family.
Day 15: Put your iPod on shuffle - First 10 songs that play.
Day 16: Another picture of yourself.
Day 17: Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why.
Day 18: Plans/dreams/goals you have.
Day 19: Nicknames you have; why do you have them.
Day 20: Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future.
Day 21: A picture of something that makes you happy.
Day 22: What makes you different from everyone else?
Day 23: Something you crave for a lot.
Day 24: A letter to your parents.
Day 25: What would be found in your bag/purse?
Day 26: What do you think about your friends?
Day 27: Who are your roommates?
Day 28: A picture of you last year and now. How have you changed since then?
Day 29: In this past month, what have you learned?
Day 30: Your favorite song.

How do you even begin one of these??

I have been pondering the idea of a blog for quite some time now. It seems like when you move out and start to do things on your own a few things happen.

1. Find an apartment

2. Find a job

3. Organize your school schedule

4. Make new friends

5. Start a blog

I've accomplished the first 4 throughout the past 4 years but I have yet to start a blog. I'm not the kind of person to just blab and blab about myself so I did some homework. Apparently, there is some serious background work involved with blogging. You need a purpose to your blog...I didn't think that mattered...You must organize a list of different post ideas and organize which order you will post them so your blog has direction...ummm ok...then last but not least you must have a cute background...CHECK!...I got one. I've decided that I am not going to organize a direction for my blog. So, should you decide to "follow my blog" whatever that entails...lets ride this random roller-coaster together! Let's blog!